[ WP ] `` What does n't kill me has made a tactical error . ''

I should be dead. But I'm not. There are other thoughts, but these are foremost in my mind as I stumble back to camp. He betrayed me, wounded me. But he did n't kill me. That was a mistake, for now I will destroy him. 
 
 He's taunting me. He can fly, but he leaves tracks. He can vanish into the darkness, but every traveler or village we pass has seen him. He's leading me somewhere. This is a game to him. He wo n't be laughing for long though, and if I'm lucky I'll catch both of them at the same time. To kills at once, and then I will be unopposed. 
 
 Of course, when I find him it's on his terms. He finds it amusing to meet people at their most vulnerable, which for me appears to be while I'm shitting. He stands there, watching me. He knows I've seen him, of course. He just wants to watch my reaction. I'll give him one he wo n't forget for the short time he lives. I suppose I should be grateful he considers himself infallible, otherwise he would n't have left me alive when he betrayed me. Perhaps he's come to finish the job, perhaps he just wants to taunt me some more. Thing is though, I'm smarter than him. I'm not actually shitting. Just need to lure him a bit closer now... 
 
 `` You should have killed me when you had the chance!'' 
 
 He's stood up, no cloak today it seems. So far so good. 
 
 `` And deprive myself of the research opportunities you provide?'' 
 
 Yep, taunting me. He's not coming towards me, but he never backs up. Maybe I can get toward him without him getting suspicious. I bend over, as if forcing something particularly large out, and slide my feet forwards a little. He does n't notice. A few more times, and I'll be close enough. 
 
 `` You would keep living if you had killed me. Now I will kill you.'' 
 
 `` It is the nature of humans to hope. By all means keep doing so, if only to entertain me.'' 
 
 `` You think you're a god, don't-'' 
 
 `` I AM NO GOD!'' 
 
 Did I just get a reaction? I was n't expecting that. He's stepped forward, more than close enough now. Time to put this thing to use. 
 
 **BANG** 
 
 I'll have a bruise on my stomach now, but it was worth it. He falls. Being immune to mental attacks and resistant to lightning and fire is impressive, but not much good against a fast piece of metal. Definitely was worth pressuring that alchemist. I stand, and walk over to where he lies. He's still alive, but pale and clutching his wound. I lean down over him. 
 
 `` You either kill your foe, or keep them under control. Leaving them to their own devices is a tactical error. Not that I mind my enemies making mistakes, though this was the last one you'll ever make.'' 
 
 I bring the device up, towards his head, for the finishing blow. 
 
 `` A tactical error can be a strategic advantage.'' 
 
 He does n't seem afraid, but he must be. An image of power does n't hold up well when you're lying on the ground clutching your stomach. He ca n't have much breath left, and I need to strain to catch his whisper. 
 
 *'' I did n't kill you because I need him to. `` * 
 
 And I am stabbed in the back. 
 
 I lie dying, and they have left. Perhaps I will live, and- pain. So much pain. No more rage, my breathing is slowing. As I die, I hear a man's voice. 
 
 `` This is n't what I wanted'' 
 
 ***** 
 
 Read more of my stories at /r/ghotioninabarrel
