"Tainted Reflection" | MDP HORROR FANFICTION

008; Denied Help

[OLLIE'S POV]

I blinked, rose, and moved toward the balcony. The cool air brushed against my skin as I stepped outside, and I paused for a moment, taking in the view. It was quite a drop, wasn't it? The ground seemed to stretch far below, a dizzying expanse of concrete and grass that made my stomach flutter. I contemplated what might occur if I simply ascended there, if I let myself lean over the edge and peer down into the abyss. Would I feel exhilaration or fear? Would the thrill of the height overpower the instinct to retreat? As I stood there, the wind tousling my hair, I admonished myself, absolutely not! I could not bear to compromise Jimmy's sanity. He had been through so much already, and the last thing he needed was to see me teetering on the brink of something so reckless. The thought of his face, twisted in worry or horror, sent a shiver down my spine. I could almost hear his voice, filled with concern, urging me to step back, to think rationally. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the horizon instead of the perilous drop. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over everything, and for a moment, I allowed myself to be captivated by the beauty of it all. But the nagging thought of Jimmy lingered in the back of my mind, a reminder of the fragile state of his emotions. I couldn't let my curiosity lead me to a place where I might lose control, where I might inadvertently push him further into the depths of his own turmoil. With a heavy heart, I stepped back from the edge, retreating into the safety of the room. I knew that my actions had consequences, and I had to be mindful of how they affected those I cared about. As I turned away from the balcony, I resolved to find a way to support Jimmy, to help him navigate his struggles without putting myself in harm's way. After all, it was my responsibility to be a steady presence in his life, not a source of additional chaos. 

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[8 DAYS LATER]

 ⚠️ BLOOD WARNING

Max shoved Duncan against the dumpster, chuckling with a stutter that echoed in the dimly lit alley. The sound was a mix of amusement and something darker, a hint of the thrill he felt in the moment. Duncan collided with the rusted metal, the sharp edges biting into his back as he felt the cold, unforgiving surface press against him. The impact sent a shower of debris cascading down from the dumpster, clattering onto the concrete floor with a cacophony that seemed to amplify the tension in the air. In a swift reaction, fueled by adrenaline and desperation, Duncan seized Max's hand, his fingers curling tightly around the wrist that had just pushed him. With a sudden burst of defiance, he sank his teeth into Max's arm, the sharp pain igniting a fire within him. He could taste the metallic tang of blood as he broke the skin, a primal instinct taking over as he fought back against the overwhelming force that had him pinned. Max, taken aback by the unexpected bite, felt a surge of anger mixed with surprise. With a growl, he forcefully threw Duncan to the ground, the impact reverberating through the alley as Duncan hit the concrete hard. The world around them blurred into a chaotic swirl of shadows and sounds, the distant hum of the city fading into the background as the two boys grappled for control. Duncan's heart raced, each beat echoing in his ears as he scrambled to regain his footing, before stumbling. Max observed Duncan as he faltered onto the concrete, his body hitting the ground with a dull thud that reverberated through the still air. A smirk crept across Max's face, a mix of satisfaction and disdain that danced in his eyes. He relished the moment, feeling a surge of power coursing through him as he approached the fallen figure, each step deliberates and measured. The world around them seemed to blur, the distant sounds of life fading into a muted backdrop, leaving only the two of them in this charged confrontation. With a swift motion, he delivered a sharp kick to Duncan, the impact echoing in the stillness of the surroundings like a thunderclap. The sound was almost musical to Max's ears, a harsh reminder of the dominance he held in this encounter. It was a symphony of control, each note resonating with the thrill of superiority. He watched as Duncan winced, the pain evident on his face, a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability that only fueled Max's exhilaration. Duncan's breath came in ragged gasps, and Max leaned closer, his voice low and taunting. "Is this really all you've got?" he sneered, relishing the way Duncan's eyes flickered with a mix of anger and pain. The vulnerability only made Max feel stronger, more alive, as if he were drawing energy from Duncan's suffering. The world around them faded further into the background, the distant hum of traffic and the rustle of leaves becoming mere whispers. In this moment, it was just the two of them, locked in a tense standoff, the air thick with animosity and the thrill of confrontation. Max's heart raced, not just from the physicality of the encounter, but from the intoxicating rush of power that surged through him. He was the predator, and Duncan was the prey. 
 
Duncan shouted in pain, his mouth stained with blood and his fur disheveled. "Ngh!" was the only sound he could manage as he struggled to rise from the cold concrete beneath him. Each breath felt like a jagged knife in his chest, and the metallic taste of blood lingered on his tongue, a grim reminder of the brutal encounter. His heart raced, pounding against his ribcage as he fought against the dizziness that threatened to pull him under. The world around him was a blur of shadows and harsh lights, but he could still make out the outline of his opponent, a dark figure looming over him, ready to strike again. Duncan's muscles screamed in protest as he pushed himself up, his vision swimming as he tried to focus on the threat before him. Max loomed nearby, poised to deliver another blow, and with one more strike, Duncan risked losing his ability to remain conscious. The tension in the air was palpable as the confrontation reached a critical point. Max's eyes glinted with a predatory gleam, a cruel smile playing on his lips as he savored the moment. Duncan could feel the weight of the impending attack, a heavy dread settling in his stomach. Time seemed to slow as he braced himself, every instinct screaming at him to move, to escape, but his body felt heavy and unresponsive. The echoes of their previous clashes reverberated in his mind, each one a reminder of the stakes at hand. He knew that this was not just a fight for survival; it was a battle for his very identity, a struggle against the darkness that threatened to consume him. The struggle for dominance was evident, with Duncan fighting to regain his footing while Max prepared to assert his advantage. The outcome of this encounter hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of a decisive moment. Duncan's breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed against the concrete, his fingers scraping against the rough surface in a desperate bid for leverage. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, igniting a flicker of determination within him. Max, sensing the shift in the air, tightened his grip, ready to unleash his fury. The two locked eyes, a silent challenge passing between them, each aware that this was more than just a physical confrontation; it was a clash of wills, a test of resilience. As the tension reached its peak, Duncan's mind raced, searching for a way to turn the tide. He knew he had to act.

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[END]

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I'm SLEEPY.