Enemies of Power

Before the Orphanage

I hope it's not confusing. If it is, tell me and I'll try to explain it to you.

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"These children are getting out of control," A little boy heard one of the shop owners tell someone else. He didn't bother looking around to see who was talking. If he moved someone would see him and he didn't want that to happen.

"I agree. Every day I get something stolen from my store," The second man said. "I watch carefully and closely and I guard but still nothing works. I always find things missing."

"We can ask the police to get rid of the children for us," The child hid farther back in the corner trying to become as small as he could.

"That's an excellent idea," The people walked away and the young child couldn't hear any more of what they said. Nobody noticed the youth as he laid down and eventually fell asleep.

He wasn't sure how long he was asleep but he sat up to the sound of children crying. Carefully peeking over the edge of where he lay he saw police officers with the children that were on the streets. Being as quiet as he could the young person laid down and covered himself as much as he could. Luckily he wasn't one of the kids that always ran around. People wouldn't recognize him as they did with some of the others.

"Is this all?" He heard a gruff voice.

"I found another one," The frightened child froze thinking they found him.

"Quick grab him before he gets away," The voices ran towards him.

'Oh no. Nononono,' The minor thought to himself. He was starting to panic and didn't notice the alleyway slowly getting darker. The two police ran towards the alley still chasing one of the young escapees.

Both the escapee and police stopped right before they got to the alley.

"Chief. I've got the child," The boy in the alleyway stopped, he listened to see if they would come any closer.

"Good, bring him with the others," He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He was safe. For now.

Over the course of the next few weeks, he's managed to get around. He would walk during the day across town and take what food he needed at night. As long as he didn't do the same store of any right next to each other he'd be able to continue without being caught.

He has had some close calls as sometimes the employees would work late. Thankfully for him, most of them were nice and gave him something and some just sent him away.

The boy walked along the street. It was getting dark and he was almost to his destination. A small store that sold only fruits and vegetables. He looked in and saw someone cleaning up. There appeared to be no one else in there. The child walked into the store to look around.

"What are you doing here?" He looked cautiously at the employee.

"I..uh...I just..." He couldn't form sentences. They stood there for a moment before the employee started talking again.

"We are closing. So unless you are going to buy something right now then I'll have to ask you to leave." The dirty boy stared at the older guy for a moment before finally giving up and leaving.

"Oh well, I'll just have to find a different one," He mumbled to himself walking away.

The young boy found what he was searching for not too far from his original destination. Another store with the front window missing. It was under construction or remodeling, he didn't know which. And the front had plastic taped up in place of the window. Something easy to take off and put back on. Smiling despite being tired he sat in the alley across the street from his treasure and waited for it to get dark.