Jealousy is bad for you

Walking along the fairly empty floors of the mall, Alaukik and Divya were slowly making their way to the fashion section on the third floor. However, as they walked towards the stores, they received many curious glances from the passing public, who were surprised to see two children walking all alone, with no adults whatsoever. Many a times, one of the people walking by would come up to them and ask,

"Are you lost little guys? Do you want me to help you find your parents?"

To which, Alaukik would answer:

 "There's no need for that kind sir. We're capable of taking care of ourselves."

Or atleast, that's what he did the first few times this happened. After the fourth time, Alaukik decided that enough was enough,

"I didn't expect to stand out so much," he sighed. "I know it's strange to see two 12 year olds walking along the shopping district alone, but since when did people become so nosy? Why can't they just let us move in peace? No matter, let's just keep moving forward," he said as he waved his arm around them. "Now they won't be able to see us. Remember to stay close to me," he told Divya.

Not showing any obvious reaction to his statement, Divya just moved a little closer to Alaukik, although not very close. However, even though she wasn't showing it on her face, inside her mind, she was feeling very excited. After all, she had never had the chance to come to a place like this before. Even before she was captured by Blanche, she had only moved around in places like the city centre, where people might take pity on her and give her some money or food. Remembering those days, she glanced with some empathy at some of the beggars she could see on the road outside the mall, but then looked at Alaukik, who was walking forward without caring for them. She raised her hand a bit, wanting to stop him, but then put it down just as quickly, knowing that it would be useless. 

'What do I expect from him? He is just like everyone else, only caring about what is useful to him and disregarding everything else. He would never give them anything.' 

Letting out a sigh in her mind, she just followed Alaukik again, trying to shift her focus to the various shops surrounding them - which was surprisingly effective, since she had never seen such a sight before. Surrounding her were shops of so many kinds, and so many happy families strolling through the mall. And yet, looking at those smiling children, the only thing Divya felt was envy - pure, unbridled envy. 

'Why? Why do they get to enjoy their lives so happily? Why do they have such a loving family? What did I do wrong!? Why is it that I suffer so much, while they happily live without a care in the world? It's not fair, why me…'

"You might've already heard me say this, but life is never fair. The idea of equality is a lie spread to pacify the masses. You and I both know that first hand. Nobody is born equal in this world. Some are blessed with the gift of magic, while others are relegated to just watch others perform inhuman feats. Even among mages, there are few who truly thrive and live. Most are just enrolled in the army and sent out to battlefields. The unlucky ones are taken in by unofficial organisations, even illegal ones. And since they are mages, they are shunned from normal jobs, after all, they are 'extraordinary people', so it makes sense that they do something extraordinary right?" spoke Alaukik, scoffing. 

"That's why I made that vow to become stronger. Because only the strong can control their fate. Of course, I don't necessarily mean brute strength. Politics, money, connections, it doesn't matter in which area you are strong. If you are strong, then you can control fate, both yours and that of those around you. And if someone stronger than you comes around, then they control your faith. However, if you have the power to literally kill all who come in your path, then that is the best deterrent isn't it? After all, humans fear death just as a rabbit fears a lion," having said all this, Alaukik paused and turned around, facing Divya.

"I could go on and on, but I think you get my point," he finished. And for the first time since they met, Divya finally showed an expression on her face - confusion. Right now, she was feeling incredibly confused about why Alaukik suddenly burst out with a speech. Did he think it was really cool or something?

"You're wondering why I said all that? Well, it was clear from how you were staring at those families that you felt jealous of their lives. And I just didn't want you to drown in that jealousy, after all, I've seen what jealousy can do to people and trust me, it isn't pretty," said Alaukik, as he tilted his head to a 45 degree angle, reminiscing about his past life. 

Hearing this, Divya realised what the speech was about, and just gave a slight nod in return. 

Realising that even after all that effort, Divya didn't show much change in her attitude, Alaukik gave a long, internal sigh and just started to walk forward again. 

"Well, let's move on. The store's quite close now."

And close it was, for after walking for just a minute, the two of them arrived in front of their destination:

"Hello dear! Welcome to Sbznpoe! Where are your parents?" asked an employee standing outside the store, holding a pamphlet in her hands. Sighing once again, Alaukik began to come up with a story that would seem acceptable enough but before he could, Divya stepped out from behind him and held the woman's hand. Surprised at Divya's actions, the employee curiously asked her,

"What happened, child? Do you want something from me?"

Slightly shaking her head, Divya just gave a small smile and then walked back behind Alaukik.

Now, it was Alaukik's turn to be confused:

'What was that for? Why did she suddenly hold the employee's hand? Is it something she likes to do?'

However, before he could think more, the employee suddenly spoke,

"Well, what are you guys waiting for? Quickly, go after your parents! They've already entered, haven't they? You'll get lost if you wait too long~"

Surprised at this turn of events, Alaukik suddenly realised what Divya just did. Not wanting to bet on how long her influence would last, Alaukik quickly entered the shop, with Divya right on his toes.