The Strength of the Crewmate

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

"I'll admit that you surprised me boy, but don't get cocky." Cyclo smirked. "Go on, show me more of that teenage strength of yours."

Cyclo led off by taking a swing at Rick. Rick caught his attacker's closed fist and squeezed, causing his foe to wince. Still gripping Cyclo's fist, Rick pulled the cyclops behind him and threw him like he was pitching a baseball. Cyclo crashed into a house, becoming buried in wreckage once again. Rick then made a laser gun appear in his hand by thought, and fired multiple blasts until the ruined structure burst into flames.

"Oh my, did he actually beat him?" Jahno asked incredulously.

"It wouldn't surprise me dad." Tamma beamed. "Hugh told me we could count on the Pirate and his crew when I hired them. And it seems like the Pirate's crewmate Rick may have been all we needed today."

"No, it's not over." The Pirate replied with a grim expression that quickly converted into a warm smile. "But you're right Tamma, my comrades can be trusted."

"We absolutely can be." Cerissa added, also smiling at the mayor and his daughter. "The Pirate and I will continue to protect you guys while Rick continues taking it to Cyclo. And you will also be seeing what Essie brings to the fray soon."

Cyclo emerged from the flames initially with a limp, quickly switching to a full run in his return to Rick. He only appeared to suffer minor burns, and his expression was filled with glee.

"Not bad kid, it's been a while since I've actually been hurt a bit." Cyclo grinned. "If you weren't in the way of me collecting what is mine, we could have been good brawling buddies. You may be getting all of your strength from your helmet there, but I can't deny the skill you are showing in utilizing it. Now start the next assault boy. Punch me with everything you've got."

"If you wish." Rick said as he smiled under his helmet. He then hurled his own closed fist at his foe, which was promptly caught. Cyclo grinned viciously as he squeezed his opponent's fist this time, resulting in screams from Rick as he heard and felt the bones in his hand crack.

"I should have known, you were temporarily powered up, most likely by the teenage mage over there." Cyclo declared triumphantly. "Time's up in more ways then one, huh?"

To be continued....