Burned Out [Completed]

Execute Plan A

I have to admit, Mart's plan was pretty good. I guess all of those medieval knight books he read gave him an eye for strategy.

The plan was that I get Nick to come into the hallway while Mart stayed hidden behind the door waiting to jump him. It wasn't much, but Martin said it was best to keep things sweet and simple.

We left for my place, Mart riding double on my bike. When we got to the house, Martin climbed the stairs in front of me and hid where the door would open. He gave me a tiny nod and I stepped up to my door. Steeling myself, I rapped my knuckles on the wood.

Barely two seconds passed before the door swung wide to reveal Nick's wolfish leer. "You came," he smiled wider, sounding pleased.

"No surprise there," I snarled. "You threatened my mother!"

"Don't be like that. This was the only way you'd agree to meet me again." Nick stepped closer, crossing into the hallway.

I moved back a few paces as well to give Martin room to make his move. Nick gave a little pout like he thought I was moving away from him because I was scared and stepped even further into the hall.

This is going to be good, I thought.

Nick opened his mouth, probably about to start on a new dramatic monologue, but Martin took his chance, flinging himself out from behind the door and tackling Nick, taking him down in a bear hug.

I lept back so Martin would have space to pin Nick down, but that was proving to be harder than Mart could handle.

Nick thrashed and flailed under Martin, striking him several times on his temple with balled fists. Martin tried valiantly to hold Nick down, but Nick gave a huge heave and tossed my friend off, knocking me over in the process. I scrambled backwards as Martin struggled to get up. He didn't get very far.

Nick threw himself on top of Martin and started wailing on him with a look of furious determination crossing his pale face. Poor Martin was totally unprepared for this merciless assault.

"Stop!" I screamed, moving forward to push Nick away from Martin. Nick glanced up long enough to thrust me away, then continued beating Martin.

Some unfamiliar instinct took over and I raised my hands with my palms facing out. "GET OFF OF HIM!" I yelled.

Something welled up inside me, seeming to originate from my stomach and then flow out through my open hands. There was a flash of blinding light and a rush of heat. Nick was thrown from Martin and skidded several feet down the hall before finally coming to a stop. The front of his shirt was smoldering.

I had no time to wonder at what I had just done. Nick was already propping himself up with one arm and looking at me with a pained but hungry expression.

I grabbed Martin's arm and pulled him to his feet. "Come on," I hissed at him, "we have to get out of here."

Martin nodded and managed to find his feet. Together we stumbled down the stairs and out into the sunlight.

"My bike," I pointed to the side of the apartment building.

Martin limped alongside me, using me as a crutch. I hurriedly picked up my bike. After I swung onto the seat, Martin climbed onto the pegs, his arms resting on my shoulders.

"Hold on," I said before forcing the bike into motion. Once we were halfway down the block I looked back to see Nick leaning against the door frame. His gaze locked onto mine but I turned away again and focused on the road ahead.

....

"Where are we going?" Martin asked after a few minutes of directionless riding.