Evil Diva: Dungeons And Devils. Part 2.

I said I was working on it, and I was. Mostly. Hey, I'd just found a place where I can watch W.I.T.C.H. (When I get money, I'm going to buy it so that I'm not reliant on an internet connection.) I wonder what the abridged version would be like?

Anywhoo, Evil Diva. Read the comic at www.evildivacomics.com and then go vote for them at TopWebComics. That's an order. Once you've done that, read this.

The cafeteria at St. Swithern’s was a cacophony of noise, which was not unusual at lunch time. Jene got her food and tried to identify it as she made her way over to Phin’s table.
“I don’t know what animal this meat comes from and I’m quite certain I don’t want to know.” She said, to which silence was her only reply. “Did I miss something?”
“Nothing much, just these two being utter cowards, as usual.” Aaron replied.
“What did you expect us to do? It’s not like we could’ve fought him.” Phin tried to defend himself.
“Why not? It’s better than just running away. Hey, how about this, maybe you could’ve come back later and let us out!”
“But if Kurt had found out he would’ve-”
“Done exactly what he does all the time. You two can keep your heads down all you want, he’ll still make your lives miserable. But I can’t expect you to stand up for your friends, you don’t even stand up for yourselves.” Aaron grabbed his tray of half-eaten food and stormed off.
“Okay, I’m certain I missed something. Phin, what did you do?”
“We didn’t do anything!”
“And that’s what’s wrong. We didn’t do anything when we should’ve.” Cornelius said as he picked up his bag and left.
“Should’ve done what?”
“It’s none of your business.” Phin snapped back as he too stormed off, leaving Jene sitting alone at the table.
“What was that about?” Jene asked herself as she stabbed her mystery meat with her fork.

Aaron’s mood hadn’t improved any by the time he got home. He found his parents sitting in the dining room waiting for him. They did not look too pleased.
“Um, hey. What’s up?”
“Where were you last night?” His mother asked.
“I was at Phin’s, like I said I would be. It just took a lot longer than we thought it would, that’s all. I ended up staying the night.”
“And why didn’t you phone us?”
“Uh, well, Phin’s parents have been having some trouble with the phone company and, uh, they’ve been temporarily cut off.”
“Really? They didn’t mention it when we phoned last night. They didn’t mention you either when we asked them. So, where were you last night?”
Instead of answering Aaron just diverted his gaze.
“You’ve been hanging out with those Demons again haven’t you?”
“And what if I have?”
“Son, we’re worried about you.” His father finally spoke. “Worried that you might be straying from your duties as an Angel. These Demons, they’re a bad influence on you. We’ve been worried for some time, but we’ve trusted you to make the right decisions, but when we spoke to your friend’s parents last night, they mentioned something that we just can’t ignore. They said that you’ve been playing that Dungeons & Devils game.”
“It’s just a game dad, it’s not like it encourages evil or anything.”
“That’s besides the point. What your father’s trying to say is that we think it would be for the best if you weren’t to hang out with Demons anymore.”
“WHAT? But they’re my friends. Just because they’re Demons it doesn’t automatically but them bad.”
“Enough. We’ve made our decision. Now, haven’t you got some studying to do?”
Aaron slammed the door behind him as he stomped upstairs.

The next day Lyle was still missing from school. Jene jabbed Phin on the arm by way of greeting.
“Ow, what was that for?”
“The sake of it. Now, I’ve been thinking.”
“Don’t strain yourself.”
“Hardy-har-har. I’ve decided that I will join in with that little game of yours. Could be fun. When’s the first meeting?”
“They’re called sessions, and I don’t think we’ll be having any anymore.” Phin said as he slammed his locker door shut.
“Huh? Why not? Is this to do with whatever happened yesterday?”
“Will you just get your big nose out of our business already?” Phin slung his bag over his shoulder and stormed off, ignoring the inquisitorial stares he was getting from the perplexed students around him.
“Fine, have your little hissy fit! If you won’t tell me, I’ll just find someone who will!” Jene yelled after him. After only a small amount of pouting, she spotted exactly who she was hoping for. There was no mistaking that overly spiky hair, it was Aaron. With expert precision, she weaved her way through the throng of students.
“Hey Aaron, what’s up?”
“I’m not allowed to hang out with you anymore. My folks think you‘re a bad influence.”
“What? But we met like, two days ago. Unless I’ve had more of an influence on you than I thought.” Jene replied with a devilish twinkle in her eye.
“WHAT? NO. I mean, not that you’re not cute, ‘cos you are, but not that cute. I mean, uh, I mean I’m an idiot.”
“Haha, I’m just messing with ya. Sweet Jesus you’re funny.”
“It’s not you specifically, it’s Demons in general. All because of what happened on Monday.”
“Okay, I’ll bite, what happened on Monday?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Aaron said dismissively, but Jene wouldn’t take no for an answer. Instead she grabbed him by the collar and began to drag him through the hallway.
“That’s it, you’re coming with me!” Jene said, waving to the very bemused students who were staring. Once she had found the room she had been looking for she shoved him inside and closed the door behind them.
“Y’know, people are going to talk.”
“Yeah well, let them. You’re going to tell me what happened to Lyle on Monday.”
“Did Lyle tell you about the great custard adventure?”
“Um, no?”
“Well unless you tell me what’s been going on with the four of you I’ll give you a repeat demonstration.”
“Fine!” Aaron finally gave in and told her everything that had transpired, from his meeting with Kurt on the front steps up to his parents’ intervention. “Happy now?”
“Of course not. Poor little Lyle, embarrassed in front of queen b***h like that. I think we need to help him out.”
“But what can we do? He’s not even here and my parents have forbade me from going round his house.”
“Oh please, as if I ever listen to what my parents say. Now come on, we’ve got a meeting with queen b***h to arrange.”
Aaron rushed after Jene as she left the empty AV club room. He tried to catch up with her, but she kept dodging him. They reached the entrance hall, only to be blocked by a throng of students.
“What’s going on?” Aaron asked as Jene shoved people out of the way. When they reached the front of the crowd they saw Lyle being stared down by both Kurt and Trent. Lucy and the other girl were standing slightly to the side, grinning evilly.
“Look who decided to finally show up. It’s the little pant-wetter.” Kurt said as he pushed Lyle.
“Leave him alone!” Aaron was surprised at the authoritative tone the voice had shouted in. He was even more surprised to find out that it was his own.
“And here’s your boyfriend, right on cue.” Kurt said, to snickers from the crowd.
“Oh gee, a gay joke, how mature.” Jene said as she stepped forward.
“Who said this was any of your business newby?” Lucy asked as she turned to face Jene.
“I’ve got a bit of a reputation for sticking my nose in, Emo-girl.”
Lucy’s voice quietened to a barely audible whisper, “What did you just call me?”
“You heard me little miss Emo.” Jene said with a grin. Her grin didn’t last long as Lucy punched her square in the face. Jene hit the ground, hard.
“Don’t call me that.” Lucy took a step forward, but found her way barred by Phin and Cornelius.
“Walk away, right now.” Phin said through clenched teeth. Lucy looked around at the crowd and her friends, then at the defiant Demons in front of her.
“Come on guys, let’s leave before any teachers get involved.” She said, before turning and walking away. As the crowd dispersed, Mr. Virgil was revealed to have been standing there all along.
“You five, my office, now.” He said as he turned away. The five friends picked themselves up and followed him as instructed.

They entered Mr. Virgil’s office just as the first bell rang.
“Don’t worry about class, I’ll have a talk to your respective teachers. Now, please explain your actions.”
The friends looked around sheepishly, but none spoke up.
Mr. Virgil sat down in his chair, “Speak up, I don’t have all day.”
The friends all started talking at the same time, but stopped when Mr. Virgil put up his hand.
“One at a time please. Mr. Goode, why don’t you start first?” Mr. Virgil gestured to Aaron, who complied. After a lot of talking and several cups of tea, Mr. Virgil had finally coaxed the full story out of the five youngsters.
“So, if I understand correctly, everything has resolved itself, mostly thanks to the efforts of Miss. Payne here.”
“Yeah, except Aaron can’t play D&D anymore because his parents have banned him from hanging out at Phin’s place.” Jene piped up.
“That, at least, is something I think I can help you with. As you may know, we have several after-school clubs here. I’m sure if I were to put in a request with the Principal we could create one exclusively for the five of you. You’ll need parental permission to join of course, but I’m sure even Mr and Mrs Goode couldn’t object to a Creative Media Club.”