Hello and welcome to another story written by yours truly and this one is going to be a doozy so, let's just get right into the meat and potatoes of things. First, I was inspired to make this story after finishing up the latest Spiderman game for PS4 (specifically "The City That Never Sleeps DLC) and remembered how much I loved the dynamic between Spiderman and Black Cat. This led to me wanting to make an original superhero story with the Victorious gang.

Secondly, this story is going to be in the "Demons Within" story universe as an alternate universe. Here's the quick rundown, Liam grew up with his mother, Celeste, and sister, Lucille in New Orleans. He knows about his father's passing and history though not everything. This means, he never met Tori, Jade, or any of the others in the aforementioned story. Instead, it's a few years into college where he's already completed one semester and is now transferred to PCA University. (Yes, this may include the cast of Zoey 101, albeit to a minor capacity unless otherwise mentioned).

Lastly, Liam has his original last name, Marshall in this story as he was never raised by his uncle nor takes his last name. This also means that his 'sister'/'cousin' has not been introduced either. Either way, this is the first chapter of "Fangs of Cerberus"


Fang of Cerberus

Arc 1: Freshman Year

Chapter 1: Day One


Hey Guys! So, where I do I begin? Well, I guess the beginning is the best place to start, it seems. My name is Liam. Liam Marshall is my full name. I am a transfer student at PCA University majoring in world history. I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and had been living there for as long as I can remember. I just moved to Malibu after working my way to a scholarship after a couple of years of hard work and applications at my local community college. While this all seems to be nothing more than some bland introduction, but, just know that I'm not just your average guy... Let's just say that, it was this move that awakened my destiny and truly gave me a purpose in life.

Just know this one thing before going any further:

Nothing and no one is what they seem...

But, luckily, neither am I.


"I can't believe I'm late for orientation..."

The irritation poured from the lips of the young African-American male as the midday August sun continued to beat down on his racing form. He pressed onward toward the main hall where his orientation was to be held. It was his first day of the fall semester and he was already opening on a low note. He spared no more than a split second to check his watch before resuming his scouting.

"Fisk Memorial Hall..." he quietly chanted while avoiding and juking past the various students and potential classmates in front of him. "Fisk. Memorial. Hall. Where the hell is... OWW!"

The young man ceased his search when he bumped into someone, finding himself showered with papers. He clutched his head, hoping to shake off the cobwebs but the only thing he succeeded in doing is gaining a headache when what sounded like screeching filled his ear. Gritting his teeth, he flinched hard before finally opening one eye to see the source of the ungodly noise.

"What the hell's your problem?!" a young Hispanic woman fired off while scrambling to gather up the still floating sheets.

"I'm sorry..." he brushed himself off before assisting her as best he could. "I wasn't paying attention since I'm looking for the main hall for orientation."

He handed over the pages only to have the girl snatch them from him.

"Keep going straight, make a left at the science lab and keep heading straight. You can't miss it."

"T-thanks. I really..." he didn't get the chance to finish expressing his gratitude as the young woman brushed past him without another word.

Realizing his error, the young man once again took off in hopes of making it to his destination in time.


"Here you go, Liam, and welcome to PCA University!" the cheerful voice of a young man chimed through the sea of students as he handed him his school badge. "You're located in Woodson Hall dormitory, room 407. It's located on the far east end of the campus near the library. You can't miss it!"

"Thanks."

"No problem. Congratulations on the scholarship too!"

Liam took the badge and keys without delay and headed toward his new home away from home. Coming off of the heels of a rather uneventful orientation where the dean just droned on and on about the glory of the new campus and facilities, he was more than happy to get settled in and unwind for a bit. The trek was rather quiet aside from the random conversations that he'd overhear as he passed by them.

Seeing the different people hugging and squealing led Liam to allow a small smile to adorn his lips but, it would fall as quickly as it came. That cruel reality of he didn't really have any friends in this new city and he was hundreds of miles away from home, from his mother and sister. Either way, he'd do his best to forge his own path in life and make them proud as he embarked on this new journey; there may not be time for friendships when he was on a mission.

He soon found himself staring at what appeared to be an apartment building across the street. It wasn't anything special but he didn't bother criticizing things, especially when he still had to move his things inside before he could even dream of relaxing. He pushed forward and entered the building, marveling at the severe contrast to the facility's modest outer appearance. While it appeared plain to the public eye, it was rather glamorous as he scanned the entire ground floor in awe.

"Guess you can't judge a book by its cover..." he smirked softly.

"What book are you talking about?"

While surprised, Liam simply turned around to find himself staring at a rather short girl smiling back at him. She stood about 5'0" even with warm brown eyes but, it was her vibrant red hair that really made her stand out to him. On top of that, she possessed an air of innocence that Liam couldn't help but feel at peace around.

"Sorry. Am I in your way?"

"Huh? Oh, no! You're fine..." she grinned softly before noticing his straying visage. "Are you lost?"

"Well, yes and no."

"I don't get it..."

Great, even her voice is adorable... he mentally facepalmed. "I was just getting used to such a pretty awesome place. I haven't even begun to look for my room yet."

To his surprise, the red-haired girl's smile grew larger.

"That's great! We can look for it together!" she gleefully clapped.

Liam wouldn't get a chance to retort as the girl fit her hand perfectly into his own and began leading him up the plush stairs. Rows of steps greeted them until they arrived at the fourth floor of the building, greeted by several students moving in and conversating about Lord knows what. Still, this didn't stop the two as Liam finally managed to regain his composure after having run up the steep flights of stairs.

"Now," the short girl tapped her chin. "Where did you say your room is?"

"I didn't say..." he awkwardly chuckled. "I'm in room 407, though."

"Oops! I guess I should've asked first," she tentatively began to twirl a few of her crimson locks between her fingers. "At least I guessed the floor correctly, right?"

Liam nodded and the two were once again on the hunt for his dorm room. The long hallway was irritating but it soon yielded the fruits of their labor as their destination was on the west end of the floor; literally the last room on their right.

"Finally..." he sighed in relief. "Thanks so much for accompanying me,"

"I'm Caterina Valentine, but you can call me Cat!" she held out her hand to which he accepted.

"Liam Marshall. I really appreciate you helping me find my place. I'm sure you're a long way from your place, so I'm really grateful."

Caterina's face slowly dropped into a soft frown, confusion dancing behind her chocolate-brown eyes.

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, aren't the girl's dormitories on the other end of campus?"

"That's right," she nodded. "but, it's not the only place for the girls, Liam."

"Where else could they go?"

Cat simply turned around and headed toward the door opposite his smiling over her shoulder.

"They never told you that Woodson Hall is co-ed," she flashed a quick wink and giggle before opening the door to her own room. "See you, Liam."


The day quickly turned into dusk and the buzz around PCA university had finally begun to die down. The students and parents were concluding their goodbyes and this was enough to put a smile on a certain brunette's face. After so many hours of having to file paperwork and student records, the curvy Latina was more than eager to arrive home at her apartment to get a small bite to eat and a nice hot bath after a long day.

Her sore feet ached as she left the campus grounds and headed to her apartment nearby.

Unknown to the exhausted young woman, her every move was being monitored by interested eyes as the last remnants of the sun descended behind the horizon. She walked several blocks over to a nearby cafe where she placed a quick order. The inside was cool and comfy as she waited for her usual iced latte and chicken salad croissant, a total contrast from the exceptionally warm weather outside.

Turning her attention to her phone, she didn't notice the young man walk in. She was so wrapped up in her social media scrum, she also failed to notice what was going on outside as her order was called out, drawing her attention from the device. She wasted little time paying for her meal and leaving. As she exited the building, she was greeted with various sounds of catcalling from a small group of young men who looked to be some wannabe gang bangers.

"Hey, sexy!" one of them flicked his tongue at her, much to her disgust. "Looking for a good time, tonight?"

"No thanks..." she scoffed before pressing on.

She'd hoped that her rejection would be the end of things. Sadly, that wouldn't be the case when she turned the corner only to find the boys were in fact following her from a far enough distance so that they wouldn't look too suspicious to anyone passing by. Troubled, the woman instinctively quickened her pace until she turned one more corner. Then, she broke out into a full on sprint with the boys immediately following suit.

Clutching her bag, she began ducking into alleyways and side streets but it seemed that there was no getting away from her pursuers.

Why me?! she cursed in her mind.

All she wanted to do was just go home and relax, yet now, here she was trying to outrun about five or six hoodlums who couldn't just leave well enough alone. She kept running though, despite the pain shooting in her feet until she was met with the worse possible outcome of this dangerous game.

A dead end.

"You've got to be kidding me!" she growled as the footsteps behind her grew louder, signaling the arrival of the group.

"Looks like we finally caught her," one of the boys in the back huffed, clearly winded from the chase.

"Yeah, well... I wonder if she's reconsidered our invitation," the apparent leader stepped forward. He was a Caucasian male, roughly about 5'9" with a lanky build that was mostly hidden under his sleeveless black hoodie. Lecherous blue portals undressed the cornered girl which only served to entertain him even more. "So? Are we doing this the easy way or the hard way?"

"If you want my money, then I'm sorry to tell you that I'm broke..." her mahogany orbs narrowed in defiance.

"Money?" he snickered, joined in by a chorus of his peer's laughter. "We don't need your money!"

She visibly gulped, afraid to ask the next question that was itching her throat.

"T-then what do you want from me?"

His lips curled into a disgustingly sinister grin, giving her all she needed to know as he and the others began their approach. Each step made the woman's breath hitch as she shivered under the sudden arrival of cold drops falling from above. It was beginning to rain, and here she was practically exposed to the elements as well as the monsters stalking toward her.

In a last-ditch effort, she rushed through the boys in futile hopes of breaking through and reigniting another chase. It did little to help her though as one of the boys, an Asian male with jet black hair peeking from under his backward facing cap. She tried to kick and scream but found herself unable to do so when a hand clamped over her mouth, preventing her from doing so. To make matters worse, some of the other boys had come over to hold her legs and arms down, making her completely at their mercy.

"Good work, guys," the leader clapped. "I'll be sure to leave enough for you all to enjoy after I'm done with her."

However, in one final act of desperation, the brunette managed to wiggle her right leg loose and kicked him square in the groin, sending him crashing to his knees in pain. This caused the others to double their efforts in restraining her as the wounded male dug in his pocket to brandish a pocket knife. The woman's eyes enlarged coupled with a whimper of sheer terror as the cocky grin had now been replaced with a deep scowl of hatred toward her.

"I'll teach you where your place is, bitch!"

"Is that really how you guys treat a lady?" a deep voice broke through the sounds of shuffling rain, drawing the attention of everyone in the alley. "No wonder you clowns can't get a date."

"Who the hell is this fool?" one of the black boys yelled out.

"I don't know, but he's come to a party that he wasn't invited to. One that I suggest he leave if he knows what's good for him."

The figure stood in the midst of the darkening sky with a confident smirk. "So, what happens if I choose to stay? Do I win a prize?"

Enraged, the leader of the group motioned for his gang to attack. "Yeah. You get these 'party favors'! Kill this son of a bitch!"

Leaving two of their own to keep an eye on the helpless woman, the rest charged down the damp corridor. The lone figure simply scoffed before dodging the first thug, who crashed into some trash cans, effectively removing him from the fight.

The next two took turns throwing a punch at his head only to hit nothing but air. He took a few steps back and spun on his heel to clobber the closest one with a back elbow to the nose that most certainly broke it. He then shifted his momentum to sweep the other male off of his feet, launching him in the air before landing an ax kick to his sternum, removing him from the battle.

Grabbing the girl, the white male order the last two to take care of this mysterious nuisance. "Kill that bastard, NOW!" he roared as the burly cronies charged at once. This time, the young man dropped his weight until they were close enough within grappling range.

He then swiftly lunged past the two overweight boys, clutching their hoods in the process. With their momentum now turned against them, the figure was more than able to slam them on their heads, knocking them out; leaving just one last obstacle.

"Stay back!" he screamed, more out of fear than rage at this point.

"Or else what?"

"I'll kill this skank! DO YOU HEAR ME?!"

This did little to dissuade the figure's resolve as he held out his hand, aiming it in the direction of the two. At that moment, a swirl of orange energy began to form in his palm.

Flanm dife bèt nan bwa*

Without hesitation, the young man shot the energy at the scared boy, knocking the blade from his unsteady hand as the howls of wolves echoed into the dusk. Caught off guard, the hoodlum began to panic as he watched his only means of defense bounce on the concrete behind him with an audible clink. To make matters worse, he turned around just in time to feel the impact of a well-placed knee that landed right in the solar plex.

The air was driven from his lungs as all the color drained from his face leaving an unconscious husk to collapse on the cold wet asphalt. The sickening thud was enough to bring make anyone want to pity the poor soul, had he not been the cause of all of this happening. In the end, the young woman opening her eyes to see the result of the intended assault.

"Are... are they-?"

"Unconscious. I made sure to leave them alive."

She let out a sigh of relief at the knowledge that the boys weren't dead.

She didn't need that filling her mind tonight.

Then, with the night fully enveloping the sky above, one lone street light flickered on just above them, allowing her to see who her savior was. While he was no Superman, she could tell that he was well built under his own leather jacket and hoodie combo. With the hood pulled over his head, there wasn't much for her to tell any identifiable traits of his outside of a pair of duel colored eyes, amethyst on the left and emerald on the right as his face was covered by a large scarf that kept everything else covered. He was wearing standard grey jeans tucked into black combat boots, completing his look.

"Thank you for saving me..."

"It's no problem. Just helping someone in need." While she couldn't see it, there was just the slightest hint of a smile peeking from under the sanguine scarf. "The police should be here any moment. Do you need an escort home?"

Lost in her thoughts for a moment, the woman blinked several times to find herself staring at his level gaze.

"Sorry... Um, no. I can find my way back, thanks."

"Are you sure?"

"I said I'm fine!" she snapped only to instantly regret her outburst; this was never more evident as she glared softly at a forming puddle under her feet. "I'm really sorry. I'm just still shaken but, I'll be alright getting home."

He didn't seem to take offense to her outcry though as he made his way past her. "Alright. Please be safe and hurry out of this rain as soon as you can."

"..." What more could she say without sounding like a helpless child? It wasn't every day that she was saved by a hero so it's not like she had practice or anything. Even still, she finally gathered up the courage to thank him once more only to find that she was now all alone aside from the still knocked out forms of her assailants. Where did he-?

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the chime of her cell phone. She rushed over grabbing her purse and digging through the various items until she found the lit device. Checking it, she noticed a familiar icon pop up, signaling that she had a call.

"Hello?"

"Trina? Are you at home?" the voice on the other side sounded frantic. "I've been trying to reach you but couldn't get through so I was worried and stopped by."

"Oh... sorry, I um... I was tied up with something serious and just got outside before getting caught in the rain. I'm only a few blocks away though, so give me a few minutes and I'll be there."

In a matter of seconds, Trina sprinted past the bodies of her former pursuers and headed home just as the rain began to cease its downpour.

Meanwhile, on a nearby rooftop, the lone figure had remained nearby just in case anything else happened. Thankfully, nothing else came from this incident aside from the local cops arriving to take the young adults to jail.

"Mission complete, I guess."

He then stood up and began to make his way home, pulling down his hood and scarf in the process to reveal his face. No sooner did he do that, his own phone began to vibrate in his pocket, leading to him answering without hesitation.

"Hello?"

"Liam..." the sing-song tone of a woman made him stop dead in his tracks. "Why haven't you been picking up your phone?"

Sighing, he then swallowed the lump in his throat before calming his nerves.

"I was just busy, that's all..."

"Oh really?" the strong Cajun accent caused a bead of sweat to fall down his brow. "Busy doing what, exactly?"

"It's none of your business," he hissed.

"Liam Alexandre Marshall. You'd better treat your sister with some respect. Do you hear me?"

"M-mama?!"

"Mhmm... now, what is so important that you couldn't call and let us know how everything turned out?" her no-nonsense tone making his resolve crumble with ease. "You're not doing something foolish, are you?"

"No ma. I was just exhausted after orientation and moving in, that's all. I'm sorry I hadn't called but, I promise that you've got nothing to worry about."

The long pause between them was enough to make Liam's stomach twist and turn as he awaited the next words from either his mother or sister.

"Alright, sweetie. Just promise me that you'll be careful over there, alright?"

"Yes, ma... I promise."

"And no using your powers in public, little brother!"

"Whatever, Lucille..." he rolled his eyes. "I love you both. Bye."

"Love you too!"

He then hung up and rushed back to the dorms, his mind filled with everything that'd occurred on just his first day in Malibu. From being late to orientation to meeting a cute redhead, it was a pleasant day overall. Then came the dual times he'd run into that girl, once on campus and now in the alley. There was only one thought that filled his mind as he hopped from one roof to the next.

"What are the odds that it'd be her?"


If you made it this far, then let me say thank you for giving this chapter a read. It took a bit of studying and patience to finish but I believe (and hope) that it's a solid enough foundation to continue moving forward with. This was going to be a short story but, who knows how it's going to turn out. I doubt that it'll be as long as "Demons Within" but it'll have enough content for a solid read. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy and feel free to leave your thoughts in the review section and I'll be updating really soon.

Translation(s):

*flanm dife bèt nan bwa: Wolf Flame (Haitian-Creole)