He woke up in his bed with a towel over his eyes again and more people looking over him. “You really need to take care of yourself better,” one inputted. “Passing out twice in a week is a bit excessive isn't it?”
A light laugh escaped his lips, “I guess so, sorry. I just panicked and-”
“We get it, save your strength for now. We’ll bug you more about that later. Luckily you were only out for a day this time.”
“So I've improved a bit then?”
“If you want to see it that way. We only see it as a medical emergency with a powerful child who literally saved everyone from those we were too scared to stand up against for years but did it in less than a month.” Breath. “And he might just die if we don't do enough and we’ll be sent back inside cages like animals… improvement.”
“Oh… right… but soon it might be only a few hours?” There was silence. “Ok, ok!! I get it! I’ll try to watch myself better. But there are times when it’s needed like earlier. If I didn't teleport out of there, I would've been caught myself and my identity would be out there.”
“I could’ve just ran you back, you didn't need to teleport,” The one with super speed from earlier chimed in.
“But the others with you would have been taken as well-”
“And you would’ve saved them again.”
“I-I guess. But-”
“No but’s, they’re right and you know they are,” The first one interjected. “Everyone here knows that your life is the most important thing. We are all thankful for your help and literally saving us from them, but we would all prefer if you didn't harm yourself to do it, right?” The others around gave a round of affirmation while Caleb sighed feeling defeated.
“All right… I’ll try to use my power more sparingly. But I probably won’t need to worry more anyways. I think the only ones who are left are those in blimps or on the other side of the city. Plus it's a lot closer and easier to free people there.” The ones around took a collective breath of relief. “See I’m fine.”
Caleb decided that then would be a good time to sit up slowly and lean against the wall. He was shocked to see just how many people were around him. He knew that he saved many people, but didn't expect them to be looking over him with such care. He sighed and controlled the air to get up and around them feeling claustrophobic. Not trusting his legs, he continued to push himself to go to the balcony so he can feel less stuffy and gather energy from the elements. From there he started his next plan to free everyone. He knew he also had to be quick since the Lab would probably want to replace those he took immediately. He leaned on the railing feeling overwhelmed by just how much he was able to do, but still having too much left.
“Just give me the places and I can run some people out,” Caleb jumped as he wasn't expecting someone to seek him out already. He thought that at least he’d have a few more minutes until then. “Sorry to startle you, you seemed a bit stressed so… I’m offering to help you like you helped me.”
Caleb thought for a few moments before responding, “You can get those on the ground while I get those in the air right?” They nodded while Caleb’s mind started working on a plan. He envisioned the other side of the city and the best course of action before using the air to draw it out for them. “This works for you right?” Before hearing their response he started moving the map and talking more in detail about where to go. He wasn't fully sure about trusting this person he only just met, but was eager to accept any help he could get. Next thing he knew, a few others offered assistance including bringing people back after they were retrieved, even on his side. Before he could process it, there was a full scale operation that would free everyone AND destroy most of the traps previously set. When he could process it, he couldn’t help but laugh. Everything he was working towards was beginning to come together for the first time, but he still feared that everything could go wrong. He pushed the notion aside and gave the order for everyone to start on their respective tasks.
He paused to catch his breath before taking to the skies himself. He allowed himself a moment of pride looking at everyone below working together under the plan he thought of himself. He turned and flew off towards the floating vehicles to free those around him not knowing that someone picked up on him flying while still invisible. Hours passed and they finally returned to the base, breathless and happy. There were cheers and many thanks all around while Caleb snuck away from the celebration. He looked down at his compass telling him to go to the manor on the opposite side of town, directly behind where their headquarters was. He knew that if he was able to infiltrate and position their focus away from where he had taken up, they could be safe for an even longer period of time.
YOU ARE READING
Realm One
Adventure-Don't mind the bad writing- Caleb was born in the body of an adult in the void between realms. From there he learned he was chosen to become the next Favourite of Nature. He practiced his powers there for a while before going to earth as a year old...
