Nicky's was closed nearly an hour after Pogue and Tyler arrived. Both of them felt less burdened with their destinies when they left the bar laughing and rough housing. They stopped at their respective vehicles that were parked next to one another.
"Thanks," Tyler said, opening the driver's side to his black Hummer.
Pogue grabbed the door and leaned into it. "For what?"
Tyler just looked at him, his lips curved slightly. As Pogue leaned into him he could smell the coke and hamburger on his breath. Tyler bumped into the vehicle when Pogue leaned in closer. Then, Pogue's mouth was pressed against Tyler's. His soft mouth was hard and insistent, he pushed Tyler back against the Hummer. Tyler gripped Pogue's leather jacket pulling him closer.
"Ah, isn't this sweet."
Both boys jumped apart, startled by the intruder. They turned to face someone standing in the shadows a few feet in front of them. Pogue rounded the car door and squinted into the darkness. He felt Tyler move up behind him.
Chase Collins stepped out of the shadows and stood in front of them smiling maliciously.
"What the fuck?" Pogue exclaimed under his breath.
Chase's smile grew. "None of you have any idea what you're capable of! You think that Danvers could get rid of me so easily?"
Tyler felt Pogue tap into their magic. He knew without looking that Pogue's eyes would be black. Tyler grabbed the back of his leather coat.
"Don't," Tyler pleaded so quietly that Pogue barely heard him.
"Come on, Parry. You want to see if you're a match for me now?"
Pogue moved forward and Tyler let go of the back of his jacket. "No one is going to give you their powers."
Chase threw his head back and laughed. "I wanted to send Caleb a message." Chase's eyes flashed and then they were black.
"Sorry, we're not a carrier pigeon service," Pogue growled.
Chase punched the air, and a bolt of energy hit Pogue square in the chest; he flew backwards into the open door of the Hummer, slamming it shut. Tyler narrowly escaped being hit by Pogue. He was on the ground, glaring up at Chase.
"You still haven't ascended? Such a late bloomer." Chase knelt down next to Tyler. "Want a taste?" Chase slid his hand along Tyler's cheek into his hair.
Tyler felt the spell burning on his cheek. It slid into his mouth and down his throat. Then all he could feel was pain. He writhed on the ground, screaming as jolts of energy ripped through his body.
Chase stood and blocked Pogue's first ball of energy, but he wasn't fast enough to block the next one. Chase slammed into Nicky's bar leaving a large dent in the bricks. Chase fell to the ground in a heap.
"Tell me," Chase said, getting to his feet, "do you love him?"
Pogue stomped the ground, shooting another burst of energy at him. Chase raised himself into the air, laughing. He twirled his finger in the air, and Tyler screamed again from behind Pogue.
He didn't turn to look at him, he leapt into the air, letting the magic carrying him. He slammed into Chase and they both collided into the brick wall this time. Pogue started to pound him with his fist, using the magic for extra impact. Chase's lip broke open and he bashed his nose. Chase shot a large energy ball into Pogue's torso, knocking the wind out of him. Pogue fell to the ground in a heap, gasping for air.
"Don't you get it, Parry, you're no match for me. But, you are a way to him."
Pogue peered over at Tyler who was twitching on the ground, still laden with the spell Chase cast. Pogue failed Tyler, he hadn't been able to protect him. If Chase didn't remove the spell soon, Tyler would die.
"I only need one of you though…"
Chase moved to stand between the boys. "Which one shall it be?"
To be continued...