Empathy [Josh Dun - Twenty One Pilots]

TWENTY

"I'll ask you this one more time, Ethan. Where is Mark?"

Tyler was now kneeling down in front of the boy who was still, for some reason, refusing to speak. He shook his head, muttering a soft "I don't know" through gritted teeth, and Tyler sighed. He should have known he would have to use force to get the words out of his mouth; his thoughts weren't enough for him. Josh and Debby had to hear the thruth, even though this might mean Tyler would have to put their friendship at stake.

Josh and Debby's friendship meant a lot to Tyler, and he wished he didn't have to risk it. But he had made a commitment. When he had discovered the extent of his powers, Tyler had committed himself to the Truth. He had received this Gift for something that was bigger than himself, and sadly bigger than his relationships with other people would ever be. He had to trust what was up there, and as sad as he was knowing he would probably lose both of his friends after tonight, Tyler was convinced he had to continue. This was his Purpose. 

Slowly, he rose to his feet and took a few steps back. He turned around just a little bit, so he was able to keep an eye on Ethan as he was speaking to his friends. "Josh, Debby," he whispered, "maybe you should leave and wait outside. I can handle this on my own."

Already, though, the two friends were shaking their heads vigorously. "We're not leaving you," Debby said strongly, trying to hide the fact that her voice was shaking. Tyler noticed that she was holding Josh's hand so tight her knuckles were going white. He had to hold a smile.

"You're not doing this alone, Ty," Josh spoke, holding his best friend's gaze. The boy still wasn't sure exactly what was going to happen, but he knew he would trust Tyler with his life, and he was ready to support him in anyway he could. 

Tyler didn't want them to witness this, but at the same time he was grateful he had friends around for the first time in forever. He would cherish this friendship as long as it would last, and tonight was no exception. He closed his eyes for a second, gathering his strength and courage. "Fine," he nodded, "but I would advise you to stay in the corner over there. I wouldn't want to hurt you."

Josh felt Debby's hand tighten around his, and he looked down at her. She looked as nervous as he felt. Josh wasn't sure what Tyler meant by that. Had he been asked earlier, Josh would have said he was certain Tyler couldn't hurt a fly, let alone his own friends. But the events he had just witnessed were making him think that, when the chips are down, Tyler would do anything in his power to help. Including, maybe, the worst. That thought alone was unsettling enough. Yet, Josh still trusted him. So he nodded without opposing any resistance and led Debby towards the far left corner of the room.

Tyler patiently waited for them to reach it, then turned towards Ethan, still on the floor, his back against the shattered wall. "Are you sure you still don't want to tell me the truth?" he asked, kneeling back down again so their eyes were at the same level.

"I have nothing to tell you," Ethan spat, and Tyler sighed again. A few meters away, Josh could feel that this was it. Ethan's words were the last straw. He could feel the anger burn his insides, and could barely imagine what that must feel like for Tyler. But he didn't have time to think much longer, as Tyler's hands were now outstretched in front of him again. 

In a swift movement, Ethan was thrown violently against the opposite wall, cement breaking down in tiny specks on his head, spreading dust everywhere. Tyler stood back up, quickly erasing the distance between them. His face was straight, his brows knit together. There was no doubt in Josh's mind now: Tyler was doing this with his own hands, with the sole power of his mind. That was scary, but also a little bit exciting. 

"Tell me about Cincinnati," Tyler spoke loudly. "What were you doing there with Mark?"

Ethan looked up, visibly shaken, but his pride seemed to have the upper hand, still. "I'm not telling you anything, you FREAK!"