Gus opened the door and saw a young man who looked to be about his age. He was a bit taller than Gus.
The boy wore a blue baseball cap pulled low, but Gus could see blond hair peeking out from underneath.
He had a warm, friendly smile, and he carried himself with confidence and authority that was unique in someone so young.
“Hi, is Gustavo Guzman at home? I’d like to speak to him.”
“That’s me, but nobody calls me Gustavo. I’m Gus. What can I do for you?”
“Okay, got it,” the boy said, “My name is Blake Owr. I’m writing a report for the Calvin Middle School Voice about the Gulp N Go incident, and I wanted to ask you a few questions. May I come in?”
Gus hesitated for a moment. This guy’s story seemed a little suspect, but for some strange reason, Gus felt he could trust him anyway.
“Okay, Blake, come on in.”
Blake stepped into Gus’ living room. Luke stood right where Gus had left him.
This surprised Gus a little. He assumed Gus was the typical shy nerd who would bolt if something unexpected happened, at least act nervous or uncomfortable.
Instead, Luke stood up straight and tall. He raised his eyebrow quizzically, with a bemused smile playing at the corners of his mouth. This day was full of surprises.
“Thanks for taking the time to talk with me, Gus, I appreciate it,” Blake said. By the way, this is Luke. He’s a friend of my family. Is it okay if he stays?”
“Absolutely,” Blake said. Blake extended a hand to Luke, who took it cautiously.
“It’s great to meet you, Luke,” Blake shook his hand and winked slightly. “I think we’ve all got a lot to talk about.”
“Nice to meet you too, sir,” Luke said with a slight crack in his voice.
Gus led them into the living room. Blake sat down on a squishy brown couch, while Gus and Luke sat down on two recliners across from him.
“Okay,” Blake said, “I need to be straight with y’all. I’m not here to write a story, and I don’t have time to stall or try to win y’all over.”
Blake turned to look at Gus. “I heard what happened at the Gulp N Go. You were incredibly brave to fight off all those giant insects by yourself.”
Gus’ eyes bulged when Blake said this. Blake smiled at him and held his hands up in a non-threatening gesture.
“I promise you, I’m not going to get you in any trouble with anyone over this, and I don’t think you’re crazy! I’m just curious where the fire came from.”
The police report said there were scorch marks all over the parking lot of the Gulp N Go, but they weren’t able to determine a source for the fire. You didn’t explain the fire, either (I don’t blame you) but I’d love to know how you did it.”
Gus took a moment to regain his composure. “Okay, Blake, if that is your real name, let’s get one thing straight. I don’t know how you know all that information, but if you want me to tell you anything about what happened the other night, I’m going to need something more than a creepy amount of knowledge and your curiosity.”
“You said you’re not here to write a story. I appreciate you being honest about that, though I didn’t believe you anyway. Why are you here, Blake?”
Blake laughed out loud at this. “Fair enough, Gus, fair enough. You’re right, I haven’t been on the level with you or Luke yet. Let’s change that.”
Blake reached in his pocket and pulled out a tennis ball. While Gus and Luke looked on, Blake tossed the ball up in the air. As it started to come back down, Blake flicked his wrist so fast the boys could barely see it.
The tennis ball thudded into the wall on the far side of the room. It was held there by a jagged, dagger-like object.
Blake waved a hand at them and, as he did so, a similarly deadly-looking spike appeared above his sleeve and then disappeared under the sleeve without a trace.
“I’ve got powers,” Blake said, “That talon throw was just a small taste of what I’m able to do.”
“I’m in Blackway for one reason and one reason only. Something ancient, evil, and powerful is about to wreak havoc on this sleepy town unless I find a way to stop it. I can’t do it on my own though, and I think y’all may be able to help me do that.”
Blake turned in the chair to look at Luke.
“Luke, I just saw you pass through Gus’ wall to come in here. I’ll admit, that’s a new one for me, but very cool. How does that work? Are you able to do that whenever you want?”
Luke pushed his glasses back onto his nose and met Blake’s eyes.
“Well,“ Luke said, “It’s all a bit new to me. What I do know is if I can see a place or imagine it in my mind, I can take myself there. I haven’t tried to take anyone else with me yet, so I’m not sure if I can do that or not.”
“Holy crap!” Blake said, “That’s amazing! What about you, Gus?” Blake turned back towards Gus and waited patiently.
Gus sighed and rubbed his eyes.
“Okay screw it. I can create fire. I don’t know how I’m able to do it or how. Heck, I didn’t even know I could do it until those freaking bugs showed up.”
Gus flicked his wrist and flames shot up and encased his hand like a flaming gauntlet.
“All I know is it felt good, and I want to fight like that again. If you’re here to fight things like that, you can count me in.”
“Me too!” Luke said, “I want in. I’m not sure how I can help yet, but I’m ready to go.”
“Outstanding,” Blake said. “I just need to check one more thing.”
Without warning, Blake produced another talon and threw it directly at Luke’s face before anyone could say or do anything.
Gus gasped and tried to lunge for Luke. Luke’s eyes grew wide for a split second, and then he was gone.
The talon lodged in the center cushion of the recliner Luke was sitting on.
Half a second later, the air shimmered and Luke appeared standing beside Gus as if nothing happened.
He was covered in sweat, but he had a huge smile on his face.
“Whooo!” Luke yelled, “That was awesome!”
“I’ve seen enough,” Blake said. I’ve got one more stop to make, but I’ll be in touch. See y’all soon.”
Blake smiled, waved his hand, and then shot straight into the air and out of sight.