Bully Lord

Part-23

The streetlights cast an orange glow as James walked home, the weight of the detention and the surprise encounter with Mili settling on him.  He savored the thought of the cake waiting for him, a small token of gratitude that warmed his heart.  Suddenly, a figure emerged from a shadowy alleyway, blocking his path.

James' heart skipped a beat. Standing before him was Tony, a lanky boy with a cruel smirk and a shaved head – a member of Lemon's notorious bully gang.  His stomach lurched with a mixture of dread and anger.

"James?" Tony's voice dripped with surprise. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the hospital… or worse?"

James gritted his teeth. The memory of the "accident" and the near-death experience was still raw.  His eyes narrowed, a coldness settling in them that surprised even him.

"It wasn't a dream," James said, his voice low and dangerous. "You really tried to kill me."

Tony's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of unease. He quickly recovered, however, his smile returning, wider and more menacing than before.

"Well, let's just say," Tony began, leaning in close, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper,  "if you even think about mentioning that little 'incident' to the cops, you'll be wishing it was a dream."

He paused, a glint of twisted pride in his eyes. "And besides," he continued, puffing out his chest, "telling the authorities wouldn't do you any good. They wouldn't dare touch me. Not once they find out about Fire Fly."

James' brow furrowed. Fire Fly? What was he talking about?

"Fire Fly," Tony continued, his voice laced with a hint of reverence, "is an exclusive company, an opportunity only a few get. And taking care of… problems… like you, James, well, that's a surefire way to get noticed. Get me a promotion, you might say."

Before James could respond, Tony lunged forward, a vicious punch aimed at his face.

Adrenaline surged through James' veins as Tony lunged.  Everything seemed to slow down.  The world narrowed to the incoming fist, a cruel smirk etched on Tony's face.  In a heartbeat, a memory flickered in James' mind – the way he'd effortlessly dodged Ryan's blows during detention.

Instinct took over.  With a speed that surprised even himself, James dipped his head to the side, the force of Tony's punch whistling past his ear.  His hand, seemingly guided by an unseen force, snapped forward in a blur.  The satisfying "crack" of a connection echoed in the night air as his palm connected with Tony's cheek with the same thunderous impact he'd unleashed on Ryan.

Tony's eyes widened in shock.  A crimson handprint blossomed on his cheek, followed by a sickening bulge as his face contorted in pain.  Before he could even whimper, James struck again.  Another "crack," another sickening thud as Tony's head snapped back and forth with each impact.  

James felt a primal surge of power course through him, each thunderclap fueled by a potent mix of fear and anger.  It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.  But the memory of the last night beating, the malicious glint in Tony's eyes – they fueled his actions.  

He stopped only when Tony crumpled to the ground, a whimper escaping his swollen lips.  James stared at him for a moment, his chest heaving, a strange mix of emotions churning within him.