06.06: Salem Center

DANNY ADENIRAN
Danny was impressed with how easily Tom had disposed of the quartet of bullies. They came past him as he walked down the alley, they muttered and cursed Lucas and his unknown saviour. Swearing revenge as they were buoyed up by their returning bravado.
“Hey dumasses,” Danny said brightly to their backs. “My guess is that the guy who beat you up told you to back off.”
“Who the fuck are you?” one of them snarled.
“I am round two, if you don’t keep a civil tongue in your head.” He bunched a fist. “Or think of this as good cop bad cop… No. Think of this as bad cop, worse cop.”
Two of the guys, presumably the underlings wanting to impress the top dog, or the girl, sized up to Danny.
“Really?” he asked. “Do you really think that’s a good idea?” His pose shifted a little, it was a basic combat pose but looked threatening. Danny had had one unarmed combat lesson but he already knew how to look menacing.
Most students were happy enough to stay in grey shirts but a few of them wanted more training, so that they could look out for and protect their fellow mutants. He knew Tom had earned his Red Level by completing the combat training course.
Right now there was a pause as the thugs considered their next move.
Danny added emphasis to make sure they didn’t act upon their impulse towards stupidity. “Go on. I dare you.”
They backed off and mumbled what were probably obscenities, ensuring Danny could not hear them.
Once they were out of range Danny jogged on following the route he had seen Danny heading to. Sure enough the lanky frame of his friend was ahead of them. He called out so as not to spook Tom’s smaller companion.