The Devil's Gift/The Bloody Handed

1

I met Dustin and Mike at the end of the block as promised. They were both in their Hellfire shirts. They were both eager and ready to go, so we set off to Eddie's lair to play.

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NOTE: (I am aware it's at the school but I wanted to change it up a little to fit with the story!)
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"You guys are going to have to be patient with me" I laugh.

"No, you seem smart. I feel like you'll catch on quick. Just watch this time and then next time you can play!" Dustin exclaims. He seemed like a happy go lucky sort of kid. Super sweet. On the other hand, I was unsure of what was on Mike's mind. He seemed laid back and reserved. But maybe that's his personality or just none of my business.

Eventually, we showed up to the meeting. It was dark with minimal lighting. There was a board and die on the table. Candles were lit in every corner of the room, drawing in the medieval mood and the dungeons and dragons atmosphere. The flame was flickering on the wall, and I watch them cast shadows and reflect everyone around the table.

In the room stood Eddie, two guys I don't know except one talked to me at lunch, and a little girl who can't be no older than twelve. She looks at me and smiles.

"Hi, I'm Erica. I heard all about you. I'm Lucus' little sister but we was too much of a pansy to participate." Ah, the basketball kid.

"Nice to meet you Erica. You know how to play?" She nods proudly.

"Wow, I wish. I'd love for you to show me the tricks once I start." I smile and she nods in response. I look at Eddie who is intently staring at the table as he talks to Dustin.

"Absolutely not. This is Hellfire Club. Not babysitting club." Eddie snaps his head up looking at Erica. She shoot him an unforgettable glare. Erica stands yo talk and looks Eddie in the eyes and goes off on her Dungeons and Dragons Status.

Everyone takes their place at the table, eyes wide and determined. Indeed, she was Lady AppleJack with that attitude on her. She honestly resembled me in a lot of ways and for her being so young least to say I was shocked. Everyone was silent and Eddie had a bewildered look written on his face. "... so we gonna keep chit chatting or talk like your Mommy's book club?" My attention goes back to the conversation and the silence was thickening.

"Welcome to Hellfire," Eddie says smiling with his hand out.

"The hooded cultists chant... hail lord Vecna. Hail lord Vecna. They remove their hoods. You recognize them from Akbar. But you notice something different.. their skin shriveled. One missing his left arm.. and his left eye!" Eddie stands and puts a hand over his left eye. As I watch the game progress, there was losing from left to right. Rolling certain numbers, monsters, Vecna, blah blah.. it was all so confusing.

"I say we fight.." Dustin says.

"To the death!" Everyone chants as they pound in the table.

I watch the boys as they all stress out as if this was their lives on the line. They huddle in their groups discussing their plans for the game.

"If I may interject gentlemen.. Lady Applejack." He leans over the table. I look at Eddie who opens his arms wide and brings them in, smiling. He glances over at me and cheekily smiles.

"There is no shame in running," his hands lift up gesturing. "Don't try to be heroes." Dustin and Erica look back at him then at each other. "Not tonight." He smiles. They continue to play. "That's. A. Miiissss!" Eddie says bobbing his head and shaking it.

An 11 was rolled and lastly, we had one chance left. Erica rolls the dice and everyone intently stares, praying it's what they need to defeat Vecna. It felt as if time was moving in slow motion.