Dark Magi: Dante's Story Book 1

The halls of Avalon academy echo with vigor of both student and educator alike. Their passion reverberates the hallowed grounds. Lady Brigid smiles proudly for her many children. Their hopes, their dreams, their d.e.s.i.r.es, grant her so much motherly joy. She stands still with her arms open wide towards the academy's gates. Her warm embrace greets every new student of whom she welcomes as another son or daughter.

Though, life in the academy isn't always so glamorous. Many a student is forced out of their comfort zone from time to time. The lady goddess occasionally beseeches a new experience to challenge her children. She tests them, both their might and their compassion, their will and their wit. She knows it is for their own good. Still her children will stubbornly fight her. Though this only leads to stagnation, and the stagnant rarely achieve fame. Only those who face the unknown with zeal shall join the heroes of legend. And so, despite opposition, the will of the goddess must be allowed.

It was late in the evening, perhaps around 9 or 10 o'clock. The television's volume on high while the screen displayed a match between two wrestlers. The announcer's voice was drowned out by the enthusiastic shouting of the audience. The room filled with the aroma of soda and junk food, all in the name of celebration.

It was the last match of the night as the announcer entered the ring. He was tall, lanky, and dressed in a bright sand colored suit with a grey tie. He took the mike and began to announce the final competitors. For each wrestler, the camera view switched to their entrances into the ring. With a small posse of guards, each mightier than the last, and accompanied with music, they were greeted by cheering fans. The scene was set for the night's most anticipated event. From the couch back home, they shouted and wooed with anticipation.

"Brian," Haegan nudged. "What time is it?"

Brian took out his phone and lit up the screen.

"9:40." He replied. "Why?"

"Oh shit!" Haegan gasped in surprise. "We gotta go!"

"What's wrong, Haegan?" Enrique chuckled. "Master Olaf pulling on your leash?"

"Hey, no one has Haegan on a leash." Haegan puffed out his c.h.e.s.t.

"Com'mon, Marecu." He nudged another student. "We gotta get going."

Marecu had a lean but muscular build. His facial features were sharp and his hair short waves of blond. He didn't stand up to Haegan in ways of height and body mass, however few ever did.

"Haegan, dude. Just go." He replied. "Let me see the rest of this. Besides, the master said you have to be back by ten, not me."

"No, dude. That's not how this works." Haegan said as he tugged on Marecu's arm. "I brought you so you leave with me."

"No. Just f.u.c.k'n go." Marecu complained as he yanked his arm back. "I'll be back as soon as this match is over."

"No. Sorry, Marecu." Leo commented. "You gotta go."

With a sigh of disappointment, Marecu got to his feet.

"Alright." He gave in. "Just tape it for me, kay?"

Haegan took him by the arm and the two dragged themselves out of the dorm.

"You're welcome for the invitation." Enrique yelled to them. "Can you believe that guy? Can't even say thank you. F.u.c.k'n rude, am I right?"

"Enrique, shut the f.u.c.k up." Leo said as he leaned forward. "I'm trying to watch this."

The match was then interrupted by a loud knock on the door. The three let out a grunt of frustration.

"Haegan, I thought you had to go?" Brain yelled as he got up to the door. "What do you want?"

To his surprise as he opened the door, standing behind it wasn't Haegan. It was Mephose. Mephose stood like a tower, even in comparison to Haegan. His body wrapped in a Japanese Kimono of a rich nightly purple. His back was straight as his feet stood apart. His arms folded behind him like a soldier, with a sword sheathed at his hip. However the strangest part of him were his dragon like features, including the head of an oriental dragon. His neck stretched further than humanly possible with a main of long deep blue hair. His scales were the color of a clear sky in the middle of the night. A long snout protruded from his face with scaly lips. Two whisker like tendrils grew from his large nose and would dance around in the air. Two horns grew from his head, jutting from long blue hair. Each finger and toe upon his scaly appendages ended with a talon. A long scaly tail rested upon the floor from behind, ending with a tuff of his blue hair.

Master Mephose was known for his strict style of teaching, but was never authoritarian. There was always a serene majesty to this creature, as if he was a messenger of the gods. Of course, he was highly pious to the gods of Shinto. This went especially to the sea god, Ryujin.

"Greetings, Master." Brian honored Mephose with a bow.

Leo and Enrique bowed as well once they caught sign of their teacher.

Mephose's eyes scanned the room. The floor was covered with trash; wrappers of food, over turned snack bowls, empty soda cans discarded. He then noticed the match playing on the television screen.

"I hope this isn't how your dorm looks most of the time when I'm not around." He shrewdly commented.

"Oh no, Master." Brian replied. "We're just celebrating a big wrestling match. We promise to clean up this mess."

"Sporting events are fun." Mephose's draconic lips formed a smile.

A small but awkward moment of silence came about.

"Would you like to come in?" Brian asked, breaking the silence. "You can watch the rest of it with us."

"I thank you for the invitation." Mephose answered. "However, I'm only here to bring you news."

"So what is it?" Brian asked.

The Master's smile grew larger upon his scaly mouth. He stepped to the side and beckoned to his right. Slowly coming was a new student with several traveling bags of clothes and things brought with him.

"This is Dante." Mephose introduced him. "He'll be staying in your dorm."

Brian took a look at this new student. He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a short sleeved black colored shirt. He stood about 5.6, perhaps an inch higher or lower. He appeared a bit chubby, not too much though. His shoulders were broad but the arms they supported seemed a bit scrawny. Held in his arms was a book on magic, clutched like a child would a stuffed animal. A set of head phones was dr.a.p.ed over his neck as the cord reached into his left pants pocket. His face didn't have many masculine features. That's not to say he was unattractive. He was a bit comely, but appeared more boyish and young compared to the rest of them. In fact he even looked younger than they did. His hair was a dark but attractive brown. It was long but never reached further than his neck. He had a tuff of hair combed to the right of his face that curved a bit. The rest was combed away but curled up in the back. He had eyes of blue, like a gentle night sky. Though, the strangest thing about him was that his face appeared expressionless and cold. Brian could swear he was looking at the face of death. The lad's eyes would dart away from his, never truly making contact. This made the lad appear a bit shady. His body was stiff and rigid. Certainly, the boy was strange.

Brian and his friends gave a puzzled look as they saw their new roommate. They wondered if he'd fit in. How would he? They didn't know how to respond to this turn of events.

"Dante has arrived in the academy just this early afternoon and has just finished the full tour." Mephose explained. "I know you will treat him well."

And with that, Mephose closed the door the room. As soon as the door closed, Brian ran back to his seat alongside Leo and Enrique to watch what was left of the match. They cheered loudly as the competitors grappled. Dante, not knowing what to do, found a lone chair where he planted himself and returned to his book. Due to the noise his new roommates were making, he found it hard to concentrate. So he placed the head phones hanging from his shoulder into his ear and searched his phone for something to listen to. His gaze would occasionally divert to the three, longing for their attention. And yet, he did the only thing he thought he could do, wait patiently in hopes that once they're show was over, they'd turn their gaze towards him.

Ten minutes went by as the match was coming to an end. The winner was declared and the crowd cheered. Amongst the three friends, bets were settled and bragging quickly commenced. Brian turned to see Dante at the other side of the room. His nose in a book and his ears plugged with his head phones. He wondered to himself why the lad didn't watch the match with them. Why didn't he join in the fun? Was this kid antisocial?

"Leo, Enrique." Brian got their attention. "Look over there."

The three ceased their boasting and turned to view Dante. There he was, this oddity of a person, sitting alone with his nose in a book. With head phones in his ears, he was cut off from reality. The three of them tried to interpret the situation in their own minds.

"Does he think he's too good for us?" Enrique disclaimed as he felt a bit offended.

"Let him go." Leo commented. "He's not worth it."

"Da f.u.c.k he is!" Enrique exclaimed. "We'll be livin' wit dis motha f.u.c.ker. He needs to be taught a lesson in manners."

Enrique took a step to approach with his fists clenched. Though he was blocked as Brian held his arm out to stop him.

"You defending this jerk?" Enrique asked.

"I don't think he's trying to insult us." Brian answered. "Maybe he's just shy."

"Does it matter?" Leo asked.

"Yes, it does." Answered Brian. "We need to handle this carefully. I don't want this situation to end up in a fight."

"So what do we do?" Enrique asked.

"We talk to him. That's what." Brian explained. "Get to know him a bit."

Silently the three approached Dante. Their shadows covering him as he read, blocking his light. Awkwardly his eyes gazed upwards to see what has interrupted him. He removed one of his head phones and lowered his book.

"Uhm," he stuttered. "Hi?"

"Why didn't you watch the match with us?" Brian asked in curiosity.

"I don't know." The lad replied as he rose from his seat. "I didn't think I was invited."

He made his way away from the three of them and found a spot on the couch.

"Where are you going?" Enrique asked with an attitude.

"Nowhere." Dante answered. "I just felt crowded. That's all."

And so Brian and the others followed, now giving him space.

"What makes you think you weren't invited?" Leo inquired. "You're part of the dorm now, aren't you?"

"I am, but.." Dante stammered again, "I just didn't think I was."

"Why?" Enrique bellowed as he leaned closer to Dante, forcing the lad to feel more uncomfortable.

"Because you didn't say I was." Dante blurted out as he shrunk away as his eyes left Enrique's gaze. "After Mephose left you guys just turned right back to your show. I felt ignored and assumed you wanted to watch it without me. So I just sat down and waited for your show to be over."

"You still could've joined us." Leo commented.

"If I did, I thought that would bother you." Dante replied.

After hearing this, Brian's guess was confirmed. This kid was shy. He tried to imagine how Dante must've felt. The lad was in a new place and made to live with people he didn't know. It must be scary for him, especially when he's questioned over not watching a wrestling match. Brian saw the fear in Dante's eyes as Enrique forced him into the couch. He could tell the situation was not being handled correctly. All they were doing was scaring the new guy.

"Leo, Enrique." Brian called. "I need to talk to you in the kitchen."

"Why do you need us in the kitchen?" Leo asked.

"I just do." Brian commanded. "Now come on."

Brian got up as Enrique and Leo followed.

"What about me?" Dante asked. "Should I come to too?"

"No," Brian answered back. "This is private. Just read your book and listen to some music until we come back."

The three entered a small kitchen area right outside the main room. Brian looked back to see Dante once again reading as his ears were plugged up by head phones.

"I don't like him." Enrique declared with a hostile glare.

"I don't either." Leo agreed. "He's weird."

"I agree he's weird," Brian spoke, "but he's new and seems very nervous."

"Why should he feel nervous?" Enrique chuckled. "We haven't done anything."

"Really?" Brian gave Enrique a glare. "You were scaring him."

"I was not." Replied Enrique with a chuckle.

"I could see how frightened he was by the look in his eyes." Brian scolded. "He felt threatened by you. I could tell."

"He wasn't making eye contact with either of us." Leo explained as he folded his arms. "That seems pretty shady to me. Besides, he didn't need us to ask him to watch the match with us. That's just an excuse. He's obviously hiding something."

"I agree with you about the wrestling match." Brian added. "But I don't think he's hiding anything. He's just scared and perhaps just doesn't know how things work around here."

"Anyway, I say we let the match go and just get to know him." He proposed. "So why don't we go back and try to make him feel more welcome?"

"I don't know." Leo replied with doubt in mind. "I don't think he'll fit in with us or our friends. It was better when it was just the three of us."

"Yeah, why can't we ask Mephose to give him to some other dorm?" Asked Enrique.

"Because you know Mephose's rules." Brian explained. "No one can transfer or have someone transferred to a new dorm unless they are in actual danger."

"So we haze him until Mephose transfers him." Enrique proposed. "That way it'll just be us again."

"Then we'll be in trouble with Mephose." Brian scolded. "We aren't hazing him. We'll just have to find some way to live with him."

"Haegan will eat him up." Leo commented. "You know this kid doesn't stand a chance. Are we supposed to protect him?"

"Haegan knows not to mess with anyone I tell him not to." Replied Brian. "He'll listen to me."

"I hope you're right." Declared Leo as he rolled his eyes.

"So let's just go back there and try again." Brian said.

"Alright." "I guess." The others g.r.o.a.n.e.d.

The three of them re-entered the den where Dante was reading. Dante's eyes looked upward to see the three boys standing over him. He put down his book and removed his head phones.

"Sooo…" He stammered.

"Hey, sorry about before." Brian commented. "I think we got off on the wrong foot before."

The red haired lad smiled as he held out his hand, offering it to Dante. Dante reached forward with his own hand and grasped onto Brian's. Dante's hand was not as big nor did it appear as muscular. However Brian noticed the boy's grip was stronger than he would've guessed. His eyes widened in surprise. After a brief shake, Dante retracted his hand. Brian then turned his gaze back to Dante and once again smiled.

"We're sorry about before." Brian exclaimed. "It's just that in this dorm, we don't require permission to do stuff with each other."

"Anyway, my name's Brian." He introduced himself. "And this is Leo and Enrique."

"Hey." "What's up?" Leo and Enrique greeted in-genuinely.

"Cut the attitude and be friendlier." Brian demanded with a whisper.

"Actually, my full name is Lionel." Leo explained now forcing a friendly smile. "But people call me Leo for short."

"And your name's Dante, right?" Enrique asked as he himself tried to force a smile.

"Yeah, it is." Dante replied. "Dante Flare."

"Great," Leo said, "So who's ready for bed?"

"Sounds good to me." Enrique replied.

"Wait, that's it?" Dante asked with frustration. "What about getting to know each other?"

"It is a bit late." Brian explained. "We can get to know each other later tomorrow."

"But the dorm's a mess." Replied Dante. "Didn't you promise Mephose you'd clean it up?"

"We can do that tomorrow as well." Leo answered.

"Besides, it's not your mess." Enrique added. "If Mephose gets mad, he won't be mad at you. He'll just be mad at us. So relax."

"Come on, Dante." Brian guided. "You'll be bunking with me. We can talk a little if you want."

The door opened as Brian led Dante in.

"Well, here we are." He said. "This is where you'll be staying."

The dorm room was dark for the moment, until Brian switched on a light. It was like any other dorm, sheer familiarity with nothing special. Against the wall closest to the door was a set of bunk beds. The lowest was Brian's, messy and un-made. The one up top was unused and neatly made. Opposite of the beds was a wooden desk with barely anything on it. It was as if the desk was hardly used. Next to the desk was a book shelf. Most of the shelves appeared unused. The few books resting upon them were mere text books required for Brian's various classes. On the wall between the beds and the desk was a single window letting in the hallowed light of the moon. Opposite was a closet and a wardrobe. Though most of Brian's wears were scattered across the floor.

"Make yourself at home." Advised Brian.

Dante carried his bags to the desk as there was much room to use. The lad unzipped one of the bags. A hand reached into it and excavated its contents. Books upon books, a binder of trading cards and decks boxed in plastic containers, and a mini laptop. Brian watched in curiosity as Dante displayed these belongings. It is then a revelation about this stranger hit.

"Dante," He got the lad's attention, "You aren't into sports, are you?"

"Not really." Replied the lad un-interestedly.

Brian approached the desk. He held one of the books into the air. It was titled Ars Goetia. Brian flipped through the pages curiously. Though the contents of this book caught his eye. Peculiar indeed it was.

"Some of these books are on infernal magic." He stated. "As in dark magic."

Dante turned his gaze to Brian. Brian looked into his eyes of midnight. They were cold, and yet gentle, like the light of the moon that shone through the window.

"I know." Dante replied as he plucked the book from Brian's grasp.

"What are you here for?" Asked Brian as he tried to understand this strange new roommate.

"To be a hero." Dante answered, still with no emote.

"And you're studying dark magic to do that?" Brian inquired.

"Most things we call dark we really just don't understand." The oddity of a lad explained. "Or things we're too scared to confront. It doesn't need to be inherently negative, just misperceived by the majority."

Brian was surprised by what Dante had uttered. He fell silent as he searched for a response.

"Darkness takes us out of our comfort zone and exposes us to the unknown." The lad continued. "It challenges the way we think and perceive and forces us to adapt to new changes. We begin to understand what we once were afraid of which helps to promote growth. My goal is to protect those who are out casted, and I can't do that if I do not embrace the unknown."

Profound, truly profound! Brian was amazed at the cleverness of the lad, but also frightened. Never had he interacted with someone such as this individual. Yet now he is to live with him. Brian did not know whether to admire Dante for his intelligence or be suspicious of him for what he seems to know. How was he to co-exist with this entity? Was he to believe the lad was even human?

"How old are you?" Brian asked with suspicion in his voice.

"Nineteen." The lad answered.

"No way!" Brian was surprised. "That's one year older than me. You look at least sixteen."

"No, I'm nineteen." Dante spoke with anger in his voice.

The gentleness in his eyes sparked with fury like the fires of war.

"Okay, I'm sorry." Replied Brian as he took a step back. "I didn't mean to offend you."

"Anyway, let's get some sleep." He advised. "It's late and we both have a class in the morning."

"Is that what he said?" Asked Leo in a whisper.

"Are you serious?" Added Enrique. "Is he practicing dark magic?"

"Spirits can be divided between three basic groups." The teacher said as he wrote upon the board. "Celestial, Sylvan, and Infernal; each pertaining to a different aspect of the universe."

"I told you this kid's shady." Declared Leo with a hushed voice as to not arouse the teacher's suspicion.

"I still disagree." Brian argued. "He told me upfront what he was using it for."

"And you believed him?" Enrique countered.

"Enrique's right." Leo added. "We don't really know him at all."

"You guys are being really paranoid." Brian commented. "Yes, Dante's a bit different from us, but that doesn't mean he's dangerous."

"Look, Brian." Enrique began. "It's nice that you're protecting that Dante kid, but facts are he's probably consorting with evil spirits. He'll probably make us human sacrifices."

"You guys are just being judgmental." Brian scolded. "I can't believe you."

"Brian!" Called the teacher.

"Y-yes, sir." Brian responded.

"Perhaps you can explain the roles all three base groups of spirits play within the cosmos." The teacher demanded with a stern voice.

"Right." Brian acknowledged. "Well…uh…Sylvan spirits protect nature."

"And…umm…" He stuttered, "Celestial spirits protect us from Infernal spirits which are evil."

"Wrong." The teacher called.

The class began to chuckle at Brian's expense.

"Perhaps if you spent more time studying and less time gossiping about other students," scolded the teacher, "I wouldn't have to embarrass you."

Enrique chuckled at Brian's humiliation.

"And Enrique." the teacher turned his scrutinizing attention.

"Uh, yes sir?" Enrique gasped.

"That goes for you and Leo." Said the teacher. "Stop your talking and pay attention."

Time passed. After class, Brian found himself at the door to Master Mephose's office. He rose his fist to knock. He hesitated as he wondered if the master wanted to be bothered about this. However, he swallowed his fear and knocked three times upon the door. The knob twisted and the door creaked open. There before Brian was the master. Wearing his kimono. His draconic lips formed a smile as his serpentine eyes looked down upon his student.

"Come in." The master invited as he stepped aside.

Brian walked in. The office walls were covered in Japanese paintings, each depicting famous heroes, gods, and monsters. There was a large space where a small table sat low to the floor. Four meditating pillows were placed at each direction of the table. A large wooden desk stood at the far end of the room. Two scrolls hung on the wall behind it, each with Japanese inscriptions relating to traditional invocations. The smell of incense filled the room alongside Japanese flute music. Mephose took a seat at the northern end of the table and gestured for Brian to rest at the southern end. Brian awkwardly accepted to sit upon the pillow.

"What seems to be troubling you?" The master asked.

"The guys and I are having issues with that kid, Dante." Brian proclaimed as he took note of his surroundings.

"For what reasons?" Asked the Master.

"Well, last night after you left, he didn't watch the wrestling match with us." The student began to explain. "He was just sitting alone and reading a book. When we asked why he didn't want to watch, he said he didn't think he was allowed."

Mephose nodded his head.

"I mean, that's silly." Continued Brian. "He lives with us now. He doesn't need our approval to watch the match with us."

"Is that all?" The master asked.

"No, there's a bit more." Brian replied. "When I showed him our room, I asked him if he's into sports and he said no. However, what really has me worried is that he has tons of books on Infernal magic; Dark magic. Earlier today, Enrique, Leo and I were talking about that. They both think he's dangerous. I was trying to convince them he's harmless, but I'm just as scared as they are. Last night we just thought he was this weird and awkward kid and were worried he wouldn't fit in. Now I'm worried for my own safety."

Mephose's claw grasped a cup of tea as steam spiraled up from the container. He lifted it to his lips as they puckered. He took a long slow sip.

"What do you think we should do?" Brian pleaded. "We're really scared."

The dragon man removed the cup from his lips.

"Are you scared because he's different?" He asked.

"Uh.." The student stammered. "Yeah."

"So if something's different from you," Mephose began, "if it doesn't conform to your idea of what's normal, it must be dangerous and evil."

"I didn't say that." Brian claimed.

"You did, actually." Proclaimed the master. "Just not directly."

"I guess." Brian surrendered. "But this kid, it's like he's from another world."

"I was born in East Tokyo, Japan." Explained Mephose. "However, my race does not come from this world. Draken are native to Vanehiem, and yet I never set foot there until I was a few years older than you. Should you be afraid of me?"

"No." Said Brian. "But you're my master."

"That's right. I hold a position of authority in this academy." Mephose replied. "I have a responsibility to see to your education and advancement. Your future and growth are in my hands. You had no other option than to trust me."

"But he's practicing dark magic." Argued Brian.

"Did he tell you why?" The master asked.

"Well," Brian stammered, "He did. He said he wanted to protect outcasts."

"Is that not noble?" Mephose questioned.

"I suppose it is," the student replied, "But I don't know him. So, I don't know if he's telling the truth."

Mephose took another sip of his tea.

"Would you like to know about Dante's past?" He asked. "Would that help?"

"Yeah, I suppose." Answered Brian.

"When Dante was fourteen," Mephose began to spin the tale, "He was attacked by ogres. The lad was on a camping trip with his scout troop. He saw a dragon fly overhead and ran off to look for it. A band of ogres cornered the other people in the camp and held them hostage before wrecking the site. When Dante returned, the ogre leader threatened to kill the hostages if Dante didn't agree to fight him. The ogre beat him half to death before boasting. Dante claimed something came over him. He blacked out and the next thing he sees and hears when he regained conscience was the ogre wrapped in flames as he called for retreat. His father and brother said he was possessed by the devil and breathed fire on the ogre, scaring him and his band away."

"Wow!" Brian exclaimed as he heard the story.

"Dante then developed a passion for studying magic." The master continued. "However, his peers were not so accepting. He moved through three different schools. In each he was the subject of physical, emotional, and institutional abuse. When we found him, he was studying Infernal magic. Dante said it made him see things differently, putting both the world and human nature in perspective. It opened his eyes to things that challenged him to understand, and in meeting those challenges the world made more sense. He claimed it could get people to better understand each other as well as themselves. I spoke to him and was amazed by his insight and passion. So, I invited him to the academy."

Brian was surprised to hear this story.

"Dante had to grow up differently than you." Explained Mephose. "Even before the ogres attacked him, he had a hard time fitting in. In middle school, he basically kept to himself. In high school he was inspired to join the social world, but was ridiculed by his peers just for trying. Dante didn't have friends exposed to new things like you and your dorm mates have, and had to search for his own way through life. He's really bright, but is too afraid to apply himself. Dante doesn't know how to communicate or relate to his peers."

"How could he not know how to do that stuff?" Asked Brian. "They should be very basic things."

"Some people just don't." Replied mephose. "That's just how they are."

"So why put him in our dorm?" Brian argued. "What are we supposed to do with him?"

"Help him." Mephose smiled. "Get him to come out of his shell, both socially and as a magician."

"But why us?" The student asked.

"Being a magician and joining The Shadows means having to step out of your comfort zone and facing the unknown." The master answered. "It means helping those in need. If you're too spooked just because he's studying a sort of magic you don't understand, then you won't be chosen to join. In fact, perhaps he's there to help you learn that very lesson."

"So does anything I told you make you feel at eased?" Asked Mephose as he smiled. "Will you take it to heart?"

"It does." Answered Brian as he smiled back. "Thank you."

"No problem." The Draken replied. "Come back any time you need help."

Brian rose to his feet.

"See you later." He said as he made his way to the door.

"Oh, And Brian." Mephose said. "I hope that dorm is cleaned up."

The door opened as Brian entered the threshold of his dormitory. Through the trip back from the master's office, the student's mind was filled with his words. Mephose was placing a responsibility on his shoulders, one that appeared heavy. How was Brian to get Dante to come out of his shell? Mephose told the tale of the lad's past, though Brian thought little about it.

As he returned to the dorm, the room resounded with the volume of the television. There on the couch was Enrique and Leo. Their hands clutching game controllers as the television screen portrayed a fighting game. Their bodies jerked and swayed as their fingers mashed the buttons. The noise of the game was accompanied by their own enthusiastic taunting of each other and shouting. Surrounding them was the mess from the night before. Empty bottles lying on the floor, potato ch.i.p.s scattered about, crumbling into smaller bits when stepped on.

"Guys." Brian called out for their attention.

The game paused as the two turned to him.

"You met with Mephose?" Leo asked.

"Yeah, I did." Answered Brian.

"What did he say?" Enrique inquired.

"He said we need to help Dante come out of his shell." Brian replied, leaving behind the major details.

"What?" Enrique shrugged. "Are you serious?"

"What about the whole dark magic sort of thing?" requested Leo.

"I'm actually going to go talk about that with him." Brian replied as he set his baggage down. "Where is Dante? Did he come back?"

"Yeah, he's in your room." Leo told him.

"He came in and stormed off." Enrique added. "Didn't say a thing as to why. Hell, he didn't even acknowledge us. F.u.c.k'n asshole, right?"

Brian sighed as he walked to the door to the room he and Dante now shared. He twisted the nob and opened in. Dante was at the desk with the laptop in front of him. Upon the screen, Brian could see a game being played.

"Hey," he called, "Dante."

Dante turned away from the screen. However, he only looked in Brian's direction.

"Yeah?" He responded.

"You know you could go play with Leo and Enrique." Brian invited.

"No thanks." Replied Dante with a slightly aggressive tone. "I'd rather be alone."

"Are you okay?" Asked Brian as he could tell something was bothering him. "You seem to be in a bad mood."

"I said I'd like to be alone." Dante uttered as he turned back to his game.

Leo and Enrique heard commotion come from Brian and Dante's room. Suddenly the door burst open as Brian walked out dragging Dante by the arm.

"Let go." Dante commanded as he struggled to pull himself from Brian's brute strength.

"No, this is happening." Brian denied. "Come on, guys. I need you over here. So pause the game."

"What's going on?" Leo asked as he and Enrique followed.

"Dante's in a bad mood." Said Brian as the lad continued to get free. "And he's not willing to say what's up with him."

"So he'll either tell us what's bothering him or he's going to be playing with you two." He continued.

"Alright." "Sounds fair." The others agreed.

"So Dante, what will it be?" Asked Brian as he let go of Dante's arm.

"I'm going back to the room." The lad said with a glare.

He made his way back to the door but halted as Leo stepped in to block access, folding his arms.

"Guys," Dante sighed, "It's not a big deal."

"Dante, you live with us now." Leo proclaimed. "So you need to trust us."

"Don't make it weird." Enrique added.

Dante looked around the room, glaring at each of his roommates.

"You can tell us now and be done with it," Brian explained, "Or you can chill with us until you decide to talk."

"We got all night." Leo commented.

"Mephose will be mad if you don't clean up the mess you made last night." The lad pointed out.

"Oh we'll clean it." Replied Enrique. "But you'll be cleaning it too if you don't tell us what's bothering you."

"So what's it gonna be?" Asked Leo.

The room fell silent.

"Tick tock." Said Brian.

"Alright, fine!" Dante surrendered as he took a seat on the couch.

The other three sat around him.

"Earlier in the cafeteria, I saw this group of other guys and I wanted to sit with them." The lad began to tell. "I thought about what you guys said last night about asking for permission. So I just found an empty spot and joined them. Unfortunately, they turned to me and told me I'm invading their group. Then this big guy threatened me if I didn't leave."

"Was this guy named Haegan?" Leo asked.

"Yeah." Dante replied.

"Shit!" Leo shouted. "I told you this would happen, Brian."

"What do you mean?" Dante asked.

"Haegan isn't someone you want to be around." Leo explained to Dante. "Just avoid him."

"Yeah, and the whole asking for permission thing," Enrique began, "That's only with us. But with anyone else you need to ask to join them."

"At least until you get to know them." Brian added. "But Haegan's just a jerk. Why is that bothering you?"

"It was just…" Dante paused, "Just really embarrassing."

"Don't you have any friends back home?" Leo asked.

"No." Dante replied.

"A girl friend?" Enrique inquired.

Dante shook his head.

"Oh shit." Leo exclaimed.

The others briefly laughed.

"What?" Dante responded.

"You really don't know how things work around here?" Asked Enrique. "Do you?"

"I haven't even been here for two days." Dante answered.

"Well let me give you some advice." Enrique began. "Here in Avalon Academy, if you want to get people's attention, you need to get laid."

"Wait, why?" Asked Dante.

"Because guys like girls." Leo explained. "You need to get the girls' attention if you want to be popular."

"I don't understand." Exclaimed Dante as he tried to make sense of their "Advice." "This is a school for witchblooded. Shouldn't people here be attracted to skill and knowledge?"

"Yeah, that would be ideal." Replied Brian. "But, it's not reality."

"But this academy trains heroes." Dante argued.

"That don't mean shit." Replied Enrique.

"So do you guys have girl friends?" Asked Dante.

"F.u.c.k no!" Leo chuckled. "We're bachelors. We can get any woman we want. We don't need to be tied down."

"That's because we got Brian, here." Enrique added as he pointed to Brian. "This f.u.c.ker smooth. The ladies love him."

Brian laughed at the praise.

"Just stick with me, kid." Brian advised. "Pretty soon you'll be one of us."

"So how do you get their attention?" Asked Dante.

"Come on, Dante." Chuckled Enrique. "You gotta know that much."

"I really don't." The lad expressed.

"Damn!" Leo expressed. "Every guy should know dat."

"Ya gotta go up and tell'em what it is." Enrique replied. "Be like "Yo girl, What yo name and numbah?"

Leo and Brian started to laugh.

"You know what I mean?" He asked.

"Uh.." Dante shook his head. "Not at all."

"I usually just turn on the ol' Carribean charm." Leo commented with a chuckle.

"You just need to approach them with confidence." Brian explained to Dante. "Just be yourself."

"What if they reject me?" Asked Dante.

"Then go meet someone else." Adviced Brian. "Never take a rejection too seriously. It doesn't reflect on to you. Though when in doubt, just mention you're friends with me. Girls will certainly pay attention to you then."

"Yeah, you're one of us now." Added Leo.

Dante took a minute to think about this advice. It seemed shallow, superficial, and completely one-dimensional. Something told him to ignore it. However, he remembered his humiliation from earlier. The shame cut deep like a knife. He looked at the others; Brian, Leo, and Enrique. Then he looked at himself. The trio appeared to be what every boy wants to be. He, though, was not. Perhaps, they knew what they were talking about. Perhaps if he follows them, he'll be cool like them. So, despite his better judgement, he accepted the temptation of their so-called advice. He accepted the shallowness to it, and decided he shall be like them.

"So, what should I do?" He questioned.

"Just chill with us, Dude." Answered Brian. "Relax, you'll have fun."

"Yeah, you're one of us now." Added Leo.

Brian held out his hand.

"Alright." Dante accepted.

The lad extended his own and grasped onto it. With a firm grip, a deal was struck.