Multi

Chapter 5

"So much for sleep," I thought as I jumped down from the tree. Wait...I was really high up in that tree! I let the fear overwhelm me enough to form my platform. The sudden takeoff had me unprepared and fell backwards onto it. At least I didn't fall off. I focused on sending it forward to where the source of the scream was from. I got back on my feet and made myself zoom faster. I could see the smoke over the trees. I went higher and saw a house on fire.

"Oh fuck!" I yelled. As soon as I was close enough to the house, I made the platform disappear and dived into the house. I...I probably should have checked to see if someone is actually in here before I did that. I facepalmed. I am a dumbass. I tucked and rolled as I hit the ground...after crashing through a roof and two floors. I was sure I had a million splinters and cuts that I would have to take care of after I got out of this. Maybe a concussion as well. Just then, I heard bloodcurdling scream. Okay, someone is here. This isn't a complete waste! Yay! That was definitely from above me, so I reformed the platform. I started with the floor right above me. I scanned the area as fast as I could. As I did, I heard the scream once again. It must be right above my head. Throwing logic aside, I crashed through the ceiling. I did a quick turn to see a little girl clutching a teddy bear crying in a corner. I lowered myself to the ground and knelt down on the platform.

"Hey sweetie. What's your name?" I said with a smile.

"Ruby," she said through sobs.

"Ruby, I'm going to get you out of here. I'm going to lift you, okay? Make sure you have a good grip on your teddy bear."

The fire was starting to get more intense. I was fine beyond the bit of smoke making me lightheaded, but I was really worried about Ruby. Some wood was starting to collapse in.

"Oh sh...dang," I said. I have a little kid. I can't cuss. As soon as I had her in my arms, I bent over her and blasted through the roof. I guess that was my limit for pain tolerance because the platform disappeared. I twisted in the air, so Ruby was on top of me, and I slammed into the ground. It knocked all the air out of me. At least it wasn't hot anymore. With great effort, I sat up with Ruby in my arms still. Through my blurry vision, I saw a large group of people around us.

"Back up! Give them some air!" someone yelled. I would like to hug that person.

"Let me through!" a woman's voice yelled. I saw the owner of the voice. She ran forward to us.

"Ruby! Does anyone know CPR?!" she yelled. This must be her mom!

"I do. Give me some space, please," I said. I did not have my breath back yet, but I needed to do this. I began compressions and a minute later, Ruby started coughing.

"Oh thank god," I said. I was using all my willpower (get it?) to not past out. The mother hugged her.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" the mother said. My vision was starting to clear up, and I noticed a news crew. Great. Just what I need. I need to get out of here. I haven't even been gone for a full day. I don't want to get caught at all, but to be caught this early on is just embarrassing. I was not standing. I concentrated everything I had on my platform. The crowd gasped, and I started upwards.

"Wait! What's your name?!" Ruby's mother shouted. Well, I'm not saying my real name obviously.

"I am Multi," I said before flying away. About five minutes later, I regretted it. 'I am Multi.' What a geek. I mean, multiple powers, yeah, sure it makes sense, but I could do so much better. I guess under stress, my creativity was lacking. Maybe if it doesn't take off, everyone will forget, and I'll get a second shot at naming my superhero alter ego. Can I classify myself as a superhero? Mm...I'll think about it. I decided to exam my wounds. I glanced at my arm. It was covered in dry blood. I'm sure underneath that are splinters. I scanned the other arm and my legs. They were just as bad. I can't go to a hospital. I need money to get stuff like food and first aid equipment. What can I do? My first idea was to rob a bank. I like that idea. Maybe I should tell you about my criminal record.

I was walking home one night when I heard whimpering coming from the abandoned garbage dump. I was curious and jumped the fence despite the 'no trespassing' sign. I spent fifteen minutes searching for the source when I found a large group of kids. They were dirty and extremely thin. I could see their ribs. I was hit with sympathy. I got all their names and so begins my life of theft. The first few months were spent making the dump nicer. It was quite a task. We managed to find five mattresses. There were thirty of them, and we couldn't accommodate them all. Those were the first things I stole. They helped me. I was so shocked I didn't get caught. You want to know the first time I caught for was? Stealing a package of water bottles. That was a year after I met them. That was also after all the ATMs I hacked. I somehow never got caught for that. It was for a good cause though. They are great kids. Then again, I was a kid too. Just one who got a better hand dealt. I used to go after school every day and teach them what I learned that day. I gave them less homework than I had myself. I did this for five years, and I still do. I've been able to spring for some luxuries for them lately and get some extra money, so they should be okay for quite a bit. It's too early for me to go close to home. I've also taught them my 'skills' even though they all think I'm the best. What are the odds the one thing I'm good at is crime. I don't usually do any crime beyond what I do for them, but I'm a bit desperate here. I looked at my wounds again. That's going to be a pain in the ass to clean. I should probably start working on that. Suddenly, I was hit with a wave of exhaustion. My eyelids drooped. Well, maybe it can wait until tomorrow...

Yes, a day late and a bit shorter than usual, but you did learn something about Will today. I was thinking about going further with this one, but I thought it best to save it for the next chapter as it'll connect better. Thanks for reading and see you next week!