Walking Dollar Bills

Chapter 34: Heroes in their Hearts at Last

Despite it being a Monday morning, the citizens of the Benevolent district crowd the desert streets of the fourth ring. While the citizens are not at their jobs, they are still working. They diligently race from store to store with towers of supplies rising over their heads. Non-perishable food items, spare clothes, ammunition, and other goods move from shelves to the center of the fourth ring where the Freedom Flyer sits. A group of Nationalist stand around the vehicle and receive the supplies from the citizens.

Richie watches the scene from the steps of a store parallel to the center of the fourth ring. His face is in better shape. The bruises are fading and his natural pigment is close to returning to his cheeks.

"It's great to see you out in public again," says Amara taking a seat next to him, "The town is relieved to know that you are alright."

Richie lowers his eyes and focuses on the tiny grains of sand beneath him,

"You're really embarking on this mission, ma'am" says Richie in a soft tone.

"I have to. One, I'm a Nationalist. Two, I owe it to Zala," replies Amara.

"I'm unfamiliar with that name."

Amara realizes that she has never told Richie about Zala. Even more, she realizes that her relationship with Richie has grown beyond that of mere business partners. Richie was willing to sacrifice his life for the Nationalist. He is the reason the community is supporting the Nationalist on their journey to the second ring, free of charge. Amara steals a glance at Richie, who still buries his face away from her.

"She's someone very important to me. Unfortunately, I lost her. I left her with an Apothecary and Dictator Beneficence sent a cannibal to attack a small town. The Apothecary happened to be nearby. The least I can do is finish the job we started. That way her loss isn't in vain" says Amara.

Richie finally lifts his head and looks into Amara's eyes,

"I thought burning my sanguine pamphlet would be like burning the last few treasures my parents left me, but I was wrong. I feel closer to them than ever before. I think it's because my act of defiance towards the dictator was worth more to them than any precious jewel. Even though I have had the responsibilities of an adult for so long, I didn't truly grow up until that moment."

The clanging of gold bands ring in the air as Richie rubs his wrists and continues,

"I thought I wanted the dictatorship to end so that I could amass as much wealth as possible, but I don't know anymore. Amara, you and the Nationalist made me realize that there are things in this world worth more than money."

"Like freedom," says Amara.

Richie nods his head in agreement.

"Well, don't get ahead of yourself. You're still only ten years old!" teases Amara, "You have a lot of growing left to do."

The chatter of a small crowd begins to build as more citizens and Nationalist step into the center of the fourth ring. Amara and Richie gaze at the growing crowd. Suddenly, Richie stands and exhales,

"Good luck. You Nationalist are insane for planning to drive into the first ring. Even with all the information I have received from the black markets, there is still so much mystery surrounding anything past the fourth ring."

"So, you won't be coming along?" asks Amara.

Richie points to his bruised face and smiles,

"I'm not a fighter, madam. I'm a merchant."

A gust of wind whirls around the two and Richie's expression shifts to a more serious tone.

"I don't know if this will be useful, but listen. I hear there's an underground prison built underneath the first ring. That's where Dictator Beneficence keeps his dissenters. Zala was the name of your friend, right? Maybe she's not dead. Maybe she's just locked up" says Richie.