Chapter 32

"We're almost to the first floor Ty, just hang on." Reid whispered softly to the wounded boys in his arms.

Tyler mumbled a few words against his chest as they slowly climbed down the labyrinth of stairs towards the first floor but Reid couldn't understand any of them. He readjusted Tyler's weight against his shoulder as they limped down the last few steps to the ground floor but before they could walk another step a pained groan eased from Tyler's mouth.

"Reid stop."

Reid froze. "What's wrong?"

"My leg..." The younger boy moaned painfully.

The blond did as he was asked and helped ease Tyler down on the last step. Being as gentle as he could, Reid ran his hand down Tyler's leg until he touched a tender area that made the boy cringe. He gently rolled up the leg of Tyler's pants and bit his lip when he saw the younger boy's ankle was black and blue and swelling greatly.

"Fuck, looks like it's broken." Reid sighed and reached for Tyler's hand. "Here, I'll help you heal it."

The moment he touched the younger boy's hand, Tyler startled and pulled it out of Reid's reach. "No. It'll be fine."

"What? Ty it's broken, you can't walk like this. Shit, look at you."

Reid's hand moved from the younger boy's leg to his bruised face, his fingers lightly feeling the boy's split lip. He touched a tender area and Tyler flinched and gave a small groan.

"I'm gonna kill that fucker, I swear." Reid grumbled as he withdrew his hand and slouched back against the stairs near Tyler, his ears kept on alert for any sound of danger.

He hated the fact that they had to stop when they were still too close to Chase but there wasn't much of a choice since Tyler kept refusing to heal his injured leg. Without even realizing it, Reid felt his eyes move back towards the wounded boy, his anger flaring once again when he gazed at the damage Chase had done to him. Tyler was even curling in on himself, something Reid hadn't seen the teen do since he was younger and the sight enraged him even more.

"Come on Ty, we need to leave. We've already been here for too long."

Tyler's head shot up. "What about Pogue?"

"He'll be fine." Reid replied as he looped an arm under Tyler's shoulder and pulled the younger boy upright.

"But he's not strong enough–"

"Pogue can handle Chase." Reid grumbled as he settled Tyler's weight against him evenly. "Besides, there's no fucking way I'm leaving you alone."

Tyler didn't say anything else as he huddled against Reid's chest and the two of them started walking once again. Reid made sure to keep his steps slow, remembering Tyler's leg and his own soreness from being thrown around like a rag doll at Chase's hands.

"Is your car in the garages?"

"I–I think so." Tyler mumbled against his chest. "He brought it back so I thought it was you–"

Reid stared at him and felt a growl bubble in his throat from Tyler's words but he forced it back down. "Hopefully it's still there then."

The blond paused momentarily to push the large double doors open, revealing the chilly and now dark Spencer campus. Dusk was now on the horizon and not wanting to be caught up in the upcoming darkness, Reid led them towards the student garages in search of Tyler's truck.

--

"Pogue?"

Upon hearing his name come from the panting boy lying on the floor in front of him Pogue felt his heart move into his throat.

"Caleb?" His voice was trembling as he cautiously leaned closer to the older boy, refusing to completely believe it wasn't Chase talking to him.

After all, he'd been fooled before...

Caleb blinked again, slower this time and gently raised his head from the floor. His brown eyes moved around the room rapidly, taking in his surroundings. He struggled to pull himself from the floor and Pogue had to fight every single inch of himself in order to keep from reaching out and helping the older teen up. However, all of his self control and restraint vanished the instant those brown eyes turned towards him.

"Where am I?"

Caleb's voice was soft and shaky as the eldest covenant member pushed himself to his knees and this time Pogue couldn't stop himself from reaching out and touching him. His hand acted on its own accord and found it's way towards Caleb's throbbing shoulder.

"You're in Reid and Tyler's room."

Caleb's shoulders coiled tight and he raised his head. "Tyler, jesus is he okay?"

The fear in Caleb's eyes made Pogue's chest tighten painfully. "He's fine, don't worry."

"Oh god." A sob echoed inside of Caleb's throat as the older boy swallowed. "I–I tried to stop him but I couldn't. All I could do was watch as he hurt him–"

Helplessness attacked Pogue's mind in a strong wave and the empath couldn't help but shutter from the feeling. Caleb's subconscious felt so weak and small to him it was unnerving to think of how much damage was done to the teen.

"It's okay Caleb. He's alright."

Relief had finally settled into Caleb's body from Pogue's words and he exhaled loudly. "Thank god."

Caleb had finally stopped trembling and Pogue could feel the other boy's warmth under his hand. The feeling made his heart flutter and unwanted memories stir inside of him. The last time he'd felt this warmth Caleb was underneath him, naked and writhing in pleasure, calling out his name in that deep throaty voice.

Pogue shamefully shook his head and pulled his hand away a moment later. "Where's Chase?"

Caleb startled at the name of his darker half. "He's– he's still here, I can still feel him."

Pogue felt his anger spike; that son of a bitch was still in there? After all of the strength and power he just used that fucker was still holding the strings and using Caleb as his own puppet? What would it take for that fucker to die? He was drawn out of his thoughts when he heard Caleb gasp loudly and the boy fell forwards and gripped the side of his head tightly.

"No!"

Pogue frowned and dropped to the floor near his friend. "Caleb?"

"He's...he's coming back." Caleb cried as he doubled over on his side. "No."

Dark emotions swirled around Pogue's head and the empath instantly knew they weren't coming from the boy in front of him; he could feel Chase's presence stirring in the back of Caleb's mind and in a panic, Pogue threw his powers back into Caleb's mind.

He could feel Caleb's presence in darkness, it was the only bright light in a sea of crushing darkness and the empath immediately wrapped his own powers around the small light in an effort to protect it. The darkness coiled around him tightly in an effort to fight but it movedback into the dark depths a moment later.

Wariness and exhaustion spread through Caleb's body and with a sigh, the teen went limp. Pogue's arms curled around Caleb's shoulders automatically afterwards, letting the boy huddle against his chest and he tried to lend as much mental power to his friend as he could.

"Thank you." Caleb whispered against him and Pogue felt several spots on his shirt grow wet, signaling the boy shed a few tears.

Pogue nodded slightly and bit his lip. Bad memories were starting to upturn inside of him and it was growing harder to keep them at bay. Caleb felt so good in his arms, just like last time and just like that horrid night, Pogue was having a hard time keeping himself under control.

"He's gonna go after Tyler again, I know he is." Caleb mumbled against his chest and it took Pogue several seconds to realize the older boy was talking.

"What does want with Tyler?"

"Tyler doesn't age the same as the rest of us." Caleb answered softly, his voice growing deeper with wariness. "He wants his power."

Pogue blinked and sighed mentally. Of course, Chase would've had an anterior motive for going after Tyler besides revenge.

"I'll protect him Caleb, don't worry."

"You need to take him somewhere were I won't find him." Caleb whimpered against his chest.

"I will."

Caleb was starting to grow heavier in his arm and his eyes were starting to close. His subconscious was slipping from Pogue's grasp and the empath struggled to keep a hold of it. He knew he could keep Chase in the dark for a few more minutes if he tried but it was growing harder because of Caleb's failing strength. Knowing he'd only have a few moments until Chase came back, Pogue took a deep breath and gathered his wits. He needed some answers and he didn't know when he'd get another chance.

"Caleb what do you know about the Crimson Tome?"

"The what?"

"It's some kind of ritual; I think Chase is trying to do it."

Caleb went stiff against him and shook his head. "I don't know Pogue. I'm sorry."

"Do know where he goes then? He has to hide somewhere; he's been disappearing left and right."

"He keeps going somewhere, I don't really know but it's some kind of weird room. I've only been able to see it a few times." Caleb replied and tightened his fingers against Pogue's shirt.

"What dose it look like?"

Caleb did answer vocally but he raised a trembling hand near Pogue's face. The empath startled slightly, remembering the last time Caleb reached for him that way but his fear was calmed when the appendage remained still. He understood the meaning of the gesture a moment later and gently took Caleb's hand and place it near the side of his head. As he closed his eyes, Pogue felt himself being pulled out of his body and into a dark room lined with old bricks. A set of pillars lay near his right, along with a large stone table and Pogue felt the all too familiar chill run down his back.

(The Chamber of Shadows...)

The image faded a second later and Pogue found himself back in the ruined dorm room with Caleb still cradled in his arms. Caleb's eyes were gazing at him sadly and the teen lowered his head when Pogue met his gaze.

"You need to leave, before he comes back."

Pogue shook his head. "No."

"Pogue, please, I don't want him to– I don't to hurt you."

"You won't. I can keep him away Caleb–"

"Then kill me. It's the only way to stop Chase because he won't give up."

Those words cut right into Pogue's heart and he could feel tears starting to form inside his eyes. "I can't Caleb. You know I can't."

"You have too; I don't trust anyone else to do it."

"No."

"Please Pogue.

It took all of Pogue's mental strength to keep from slapping him.

"Caleb no. I'm not going to kill you." Pogue yelled and held the boy closer. "I'll save you."

Tears were forming in Caleb's eyes once again. "You can't."

"Yes I can Caleb. I'll stop him." Pogue said softly and tightened his arms around Caleb's limp shoulders. "I'll redeem myself."

"For what?"

Caleb's question caught him off guard but before Pogue could answer him, there was a soft tug at the empath's subconscious.

Pogue you need to let him go. If Chase wakes up with him out in the open there won't be anything left of Caleb for you to talk too.

William's voice was soft but Pogue could feel the urgency in it so he did what the elder asked. He released his hold on Caleb's presence and it was immediately grabbed by William's and soon faded all together.

Chase is stirring so I suggest you leave quickly. I'll try to buy you some time.

Pogue nodded mentally and set Caleb's now unconscious body on the floor, wincing as the long string of dark emotions that could only belong to Chase ran through his mind. Pogue felt rooted to the spot from all that had just happened and when Caleb's eyes opened a moment later. The warmth was gone from their gaze and the older boy drew himself from Pogue's arms with a groan.

"Oh god, do I even want to know?"

Pogue growled tiredly when he recognized the attitude and got to his feet. "Chase."

"You know, I really wish people would stop saying my name like that. It's starting to bum me out." Caleb snorted as he also rolled to his feet.

Both boys staggered on their feet as exhaustion and injures fully sunk in.

"Goddamn." Caleb groaned and leaned against a nearby wall. "I underestimated you."

Pogue growled once again and felt every single muscle in his body tighten. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kick your sorry ass?"

"Because I'm not an unreasonable guy?" Chase replied with a shrug.

Pogue narrowed his eyes, making the pale blue gems glow in the dim lighting.

"And what the fuck does that mean?"

"It means, Pogue, that unlike the rest of your covenant, I understand your pain."

"Should be easy enough for you since you caused half of it." The empath growled.

"Really, and what did I do? I don't treat you like an undependable child like that old man Gorman does, do I?"

His words hit a very sensitive nerve but Pogue didn't let it show. "Keep talking Chase, it gives me more time to visualize tearing you apart."

The other teen wasn't at all phased by the remark.

"Well your anger almost did the job Pogue, where does something that strong come from?" Chase asked, a dark grin coming to his face.

"I'm looking at it."

"Oh no, it's not strong enough to just be coming from me. Something that dark takes years and years to build up. Trust me, I know the feeling well."

Chase took a small step closer and Pogue instantly took one back.

"You can't tell me you're not tired of being held under Gorman's thick thumb your entire life or of William constantly talking down on you for what happened between yourself and his son?"

His remark hit another nerve and Pogue couldn't stop himself from lashing out. "Shut up, it's your fucking fault that happened."

"I guess it is, it's all my fault that everyone hates you because I granted your one wish." Chase mused out loud, loving the distress he was causing.

"My one– you made me rape him so sick fuck!"

Chase pretended to be looking at his finger nails as he spoke. "Rape huh? I don't recall Caleb telling you to stop, do you?"

"How could he, it was you the whole fucking time?"

"Actually, it wasn't. I gave Caleb free reign at that time."

"Bullshit." Pogue spat.

"Fine, he was aware of what was happing and that it felt good but I still didn't hear anything that sounded like a stop."

Pogue bit his lip so hard he tasted blood. His anger was tearing away at his insides, trying to claw its way out and wanting to tear into the bastard that stood a few short feet away.

Chase smiled, that was the reaction he was aiming for. "It felt good, didn't it, finally having him in your arms."

"You son of a bitch." The empath hissed softly.

"I can't imagine it wouldn't have from all of the sounds I heard."

Pogue turned his eyes black in anger but Chase remained calm, knowing the boy was in too much distress to cause him any harm. He stayed silent for a few moments, letting his words sink in fully before he spoke again.

"I don't even want to imagine how unfair that must've felt. William had his wife, Caleb had Sarah and Tyler has Reid, but little Pogue is all alone because he desperately wants what he can't have."

"Shut up."

"And people say I'm selfish for only wanting my body back after it was destroyed and I'm sure they say the same thing about you even though all Pogue wants is someone to love him."

"I said, shut up!"

"Am I wrong?"

Pogue roared loudly and kicked a chuck of the ruble that had once been the door to the bathroom with his foot, sending the wood into the wall hard enough to make a hole.

"What the fuck do you want Chase?"

Upon hearing the question he was waiting for, Chase drew himself to his full height. "You know what I want, I want my own body back but the more dire question would be, what does little Pogue want?"

Within the blink of an eye, Chase was across the room and standing face to face with the disgruntled empath.

"Scratch that, I know exactly what it is you want." The older boy mused as he raised a hand to Pogue's face.

Pogue flinched and turned his head away; expecting a blow but none came. Chase smiled from the reaction and lightly trailed a finger down Pogue's cheek.

"I'm not an unreasonable person Pogue. I can give you what you want; all you have to do is help me."

Pogue's teeth continued sinking into his lower lip, making a small trail of blood run from the corner of his lip. "You have nothing that I want."

"I believe I do." Chase purred darkly and leaned close to Pogue's ear. "Help me get my body back, and I'll give you Caleb."

--

"Does it still hurt?"

"Yeah, but not so much at the moment." Tyler said softly as Reid's fingers once again felt the swelling on his leg.

"Fuck Ty, it defiantly feels broken. Can't you heal it?"

Tyler's blue eyes darkened with unease and he shook his head. "No, I– I'm not strong enough to right now."

Reid didn't believe him but decided not to question it further. "Whatever, Gorman can patch you up anyways; can you hang on till then?"

Tyler nodded silently and watched as Reid pulled the seatbelt from the wall of the Hummer's back seat and strapped the belt around the younger boy's torso. The blond wasn't sure the belt would hold properly since Tyler was sitting crossways in the seat because of his leg but it would have to do for the moment; it was a short ride anyway.

With a nod to the younger boy, Reid slid out of the back seat and closed the door behind him and walked the last few steps to the driver's side. He reached for the door handle and was about to pull the black door open when a shadow appeared on the side of the car. Fearing it was Caleb again, Reid turned his eyes back and threw a shred of his power at the first human thing he saw when he turned.

The attack was easily blocked and before Reid could throw another an enraged voice stopped him.

"Jesus Christ Reid, it's me!" Pogue yelled, holding his arm in the air just in case the blond didn't believe him.

"You fucking moron, don't sneak up on me like that. I thought you were him."

"Sorry." Pogue grumbled as he wheeled his bike to the rear of the Hummer and lifted it into the back with his powers. "Let's get out of here."

"Fine by me." Reid grumbled as he climbed into the driver's seat.

Pogue opened the passenger's side and climbed in a short moment later, his eyes immediately moving towards the back seat.

"You alright Ty?"

Tyler nodded silently but didn't say anything as he drew his good knee to his chest and rested his head against it. The sight was unnerving for the empath but before he could look away, the younger boy opened his mouth.

"Is he gone?"

Pogue gazed at the wounded boy sadly and sighed. "Yeah Tyler, he's gone."

--

Hope school went okay for those of you who have it but could everyone please stop bellyaching about it, you're making me feel old. (Cries.)

...Just kidding. That was the Rum and Sprite talking, old family curer-all.

...And does anyone know where I can find some LotR Legeolas/ Sauron slash...Don't ask, just blame my buddy Ylith.