"Tainted Reflection" | MDP HORROR FANFICTION

004; This Hurts

Duncan quietly sobbed; his frustration evident as he observed Ollie swiftly enter the alleyway. The dim light cast long shadows on the brick walls, and the distant sounds of the bustling city faded into a muffled hum. Duncan's heart raced, a mix of anger and despair swirling within him. He felt a burning desire for retribution, determined to seek revenge, he sprinted in pursuit, his footsteps echoing off the damp pavement. Each stride was fueled by a potent cocktail of emotions—betrayal, hurt, and a fierce determination to reclaim his dignity. But as he rounded the corner, he realized with a sinking feeling that Ollie had already skillfully evaded capture. The alleyway was empty, the only evidence of Ollie's presence a faint echo of laughter that seemed to mock Duncan's efforts. Duncan paused, his breath coming in ragged gasps, frustration boiling over as he slammed his fist against the cold, unforgiving wall. He could feel the heat of humiliation creeping up his neck, and the tears that had threatened to spill earlier now flowed freely down his cheeks. How could Ollie have slipped away so easily? It was as if he had vanished into thin air, leaving Duncan alone with his swirling thoughts and unresolved feelings. As he wiped his tears with the back of his hand, a new resolve began to form within him. He wouldn't let this moment define him. He would find Ollie again, and when he did, he would be ready. The chase was far from over; it had only just begun. With a deep breath, Duncan pushed himself off the wall, steeling his mind for the pursuit ahead; he would become the hunter.

Ollie exhaled with difficulty upon hearing footsteps while seated beside Jimmy near a dumpster, his eyes barely blinking. The dim light of the streetlamp cast eerie shadows around them, heightening the tension in the air. His expression was nearly lifeless, a stark contrast to the frantic beating of his heart, as he gripped Jimmy tightly, his knuckles white with anxiety. "We must leave this place," he urged, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with urgency. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their situation. The footsteps grew louder, echoing off the cold, hard surfaces of the alleyway, and Ollie's mind raced with thoughts of what might happen if they were discovered. He could feel the chill of the night creeping into his bones, but it was the fear that truly paralyzed him. Memories of their earlier encounters flashed through his mind—narrow escapes, close calls, and the ever-present threat that loomed over them. He glanced at Jimmy, whose wide eyes mirrored his own terror, and he knew they had to act quickly. "Come on," Ollie urged, his voice firmer now, as he pulled Jimmy to his feet. The two of them crouched low, their breaths shallow and quick, as they peered around the edge of the dumpster. The alley was dark and foreboding, but the footsteps were unmistakable—someone was coming, and they had to get out before it was too late. With a final glance at Jimmy, Ollie steeled himself. "On three," he whispered, counting down in his head. They had to move, to escape the clutches of whatever danger lurked in the shadows. The world outside felt like a distant memory, but survival was all that mattered now.

Duncan approached the two boys with a mischievous grin, clearly intent on confronting Ollie and Jimmy. His eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and determination, as if he had concocted a plan that was both daring and playful. He moved nearer, his footsteps light but purposeful, the grass crunching softly beneath his sneakers. "Come here!" he commanded, his voice carrying a tone that was both authoritative and teasing. The words hung in the air; a challenge wrapped in an invitation. Ollie and Jimmy exchanged glances, their expressions a blend of curiosity and apprehension. They knew Duncan well enough to understand that he was up to something, and the thrill of the unknown tugged at their adventurous spirits. As Duncan closed the distance, he gestured animatedly, his hands slicing through the air as if to emphasize the importance of his next words. "I've got a game in mind, and you two are going to love it!" he declared, his grin widening. The promise of excitement danced in the air, and despite their initial hesitation, Ollie and Jimmy felt the pull of Duncan's enthusiasm. With a shared look of intrigue, they stepped forward, drawn into Duncan's orbit. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow around them, and the world seemed to fade away as they prepared to dive into whatever escapade Duncan had in store. Little did they know, this moment would lead them further into Duncan's grasp. 

He grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye, winking at both of them as he first took hold of Ollie's hand and then Jimmy's. The warmth of his smile seemed to mask the underlying tension in the air, a deceptive facade that belied his true intentions. Duncan's expression remained cheerful, almost jovial, as he twisted Ollie's hand with a sudden, sharp motion. The playful demeanor he had just moments ago evaporated, replaced by a cold determination that sent a shiver down Jimmy's spine. Ollie's eyes widened in shock, the initial surprise quickly morphing into pain as Duncan forcefully pressed him down into the ground. The weight of Duncan's grip was unyielding, a stark contrast to the lighthearted banter that had filled the space just seconds before. This action was not playful; it was clearly meant to inflict harm on Ollie, a calculated move that revealed the darker side of Duncan's character. The laughter that had echoed moments ago faded into an uncomfortable silence; the atmosphere thick with tension. Jimmy's heart raced as he watched, torn between the instinct to intervene and the fear of what Duncan might do next. Ollie's face contorted in agony, his breath hitching as he struggled against the pressure. It was a brutal reminder that beneath the surface of camaraderie, there lurked the potential for cruelty, and Duncan was all too willing to exploit it. As Ollie's body pressed against the unforgiving ground, the reality of the situation settled in. This was no longer a game; it was a display of power, a demonstration of dominance that left no room for doubt about Duncan's intentions. The cheerful grin that had once seemed so inviting now felt like a mask, hiding the true nature of a person willing to cross lines that should never be crossed. Jimmy shouted, "Duncan, cease your actions; you are hurting him!" as Duncan forced Ollie deeper into the ground, contorting his arm until a loud pop was heard, indicating it had broken. The sound echoed in the tense air, a sickening reminder of the violence unfolding before them. Ollie's face twisted in agony, his eyes wide with shock and pain, as he struggled against Duncan's relentless grip. Duncan, fueled by a surge of anger, seemed oblivious to the cries of protest around him. His muscles tensed, and his jaw clenched as he applied more pressure, determined to assert his dominance. The ground beneath them was hard and unyielding, and Ollie's body pressed against it, the weight of Duncan's aggression pinning him down like a heavy stone. "Stop! Please!" Jimmy's voice cracked, desperation lacing his words. He took a step forward, his heart racing as he felt the urgency of the moment. He could see the fear in Ollie's eyes, a silent plea for help that ignited a fire within him. With every ounce of courage, Jimmy shouted again, "Duncan, this isn't you! Let him go!" He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, urging him to intervene, to do something before it was too late. 

But Duncan's expression was cold, his focus unwavering. "Stay out of this, Jimmy," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "This is between me and him." Ollie's breath came in ragged gasps, each one a struggle as he fought against the pain radiating from his broken arm. Tears of frustration and fear welled in his eyes, blurring his vision. He wanted to scream, to beg for mercy, but the words caught in his throat, choked by the weight of his predicament. In that moment, time seemed to stretch, the world around them fading into a blur as the confrontation escalated. Jimmy's heart raced as he weighed his options, knowing he had to act quickly. He couldn't stand by and watch his friend suffer any longer. With a sudden burst of determination, he lunged forward, ready to confront Duncan head-on. "You need to stop this now!" he shouted, his voice ringing with authority. "You're going too far!" 

The atmosphere was charged with tension, a palpable energy that seemed to hang in the air like a thick fog, wrapping around everyone present. Duncan felt it pressing down on him, causing him to momentarily hesitate, his heart racing as he turned to confront Jimmy. The weight of the moment bore down on him, and he could feel his grip weakening, fingers slipping as uncertainty gnawed at his resolve. "Release me!" Ollie shouted, his voice cutting through the thick silence like a knife. He struggled against Duncan's hold, attempting to shove him away with his uninjured hand, desperation fueling his movements. The urgency in his tone was unmistakable, a plea for freedom that echoed in the charged atmosphere. Duncan's mind raced, torn between the instinct to protect and the urge to break free from the suffocating tension. He could feel the weight of Ollie's gaze, a mixture of fear and determination that urged him to act. But the conflict within him raged on, a storm of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. Jimmy stood nearby, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his posture suggested he was ready for anything. The air between them crackled with unspoken challenges, each man waiting for the other to make a move. As Ollie's voice echoed in the charged atmosphere, Duncan felt the last remnants of his hesitation slip away. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. The moment had arrived, and there was no turning back. 

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author's note
                            Again! Hi POORBULLY NATION ^_^