Demons Within Chapter 3, a victorious fanfic

Demon's Within

Chapter 3: Showcase of the Mortals

During lunch, Ahrya had managed to slip away from her gossiping friends in hopes of enjoying some much needed peace and quiet. Her journey brought her to the normally populated, but surprisingly empty, Black Box theatre. Checking her surroundings, she let out a sigh of relief before making her way to the stage. Over the first month of being at Hollywood Arts, Ahrya had grown rather popular among her peers and, though it was nice to be admired, she was more of the type to savor any moment of solitude she could get. She sat down and tossed her bag behind her without a care as the sounds of nothingness enveloped her senses. She took a few bites of her chicken Caesar salad and closed her eyes as her mind began to wander.

"Face it, you're better off ending it..." Ahrya's eyes shot open at the mysterious voice that echoed within the room. She looked around believing someone had managed to walk in without her knowing but found nobody else. "You're a loser and nobody really likes you..." the now smug voice began to chuckle. This was enough for her set her food to the side before settling on investigating to source of the conversation. "That's not true... Somebody likes me..." another voice, this one more timid and dejected, gave her more incentive. Seeing that obviously nobody was in the front area, Ahrya began her search behind the curtains. She pressed on despite no one being there but the conversation persisted.

"Ha! Sure... I'll give you an A for optimism, but let's face it, you're tolerated at best. Even Cat puts up with you, and she's as dumb as a sack of potatoes. Jade would sooner stab you with her scissors than hang out with you alone. Beck and Andre are clearly around you only because you're in the group and Tori..? She's just friends with you out of pity..."

The two conversing grew louder as Ahrya managed to scan above her to find only one person high up on one of the rafters. He had curly hair and thick rimmed glasses and what appeared to be a ventriloquist dummy. Her first instinct was to just turn around and leave the boy to his devices but became rooted in place when the puppet managed to say something that sent a blood curdling chill down her spine.

"Just save everyone the trouble and kill yourself."

Her eyes locked on to the form of the boy. She watched as he began to stand to his feet, setting the puppet down beforehand. He took off his glasses and took a deep inhale. 'He's going to jump...!' her mind screamed. He then leaned onto the rail as if contemplating his next move when she thought she'd seen what appeared to be a ghost of a smile form on his lips.

"Maybe, you're right..." he said to nobody in particular. "...Why should I burden everyone?"

His face grew dark. His fingers tightened around the cold metal. Tears began to fall freely down his cheek. He knew the truth and what he needed to do.. He could jump right now and possibly break his neck or at least, he could fatally injure himself. His thoughts ran a thousand miles through various questions. Would he be missed? Would anyone care? What did he have to lose? Who would find his soon to be broken body? Then, with a sorrow filled smile, he began to lean forward only to feel a pair of arms wrap around his slender torso.

"Please..." a voice that captivated his senses froze him in place. "Please don't kill yourself..."

He stiffly turned his head to see long raven hair cascading over his shoulders and felt what seemed to be something wet along the nape of his neck. He released his grip on the railing and relaxed his body as best he could. He felt his mysterious savior lift their head up and sigh softly. 'Who is this?' he asked himself.

"Why not..." his voice cracked as he failed miserably at trying to hide the feelings within. "Nobody will miss me... Rex said so himself."

The two shifted their gazes towards the dummy sitting lifeless only a few feet away. 'Rex?'

"You're listening to the words of a puppet?" the soft voice held a challenging tone in it.

The boy turned to her completely, a glimpse of anger flashed in his eyes. "Rex is as real as anyone!" he snapped back only to stop himself after seeing the person behind the voice. Her warm amethyst orbs pierced his very core. Her soft caramel skin and innocent gaze brought along a blush on his face. He knew exactly who she was. "You're Ahrya, aren't you?" his tone softened significantly.

She nodded slowly, hoping not to incite his wrath again. "Yes. My name's Ahrya Patterson and you are?"

"Oh, I'm Robbie Shapiro. No one special..." he extended his hand which she hesitantly accepted. "I've seen you around long enough to know you're quite popular with everyone. You're related to the guy who got into that fight earlier this month with Jade, right?" Now it was Ahrya's turn to blush, this time from embarrassment. She nodded.

"Yes, Liam's my big brother... But that doesn't matter right now. Why were you about to take your life?"

Robbie averted his eyes to the floor of the scaffold, shuffling his left foot. "I don't know..." he began only to find Ahrya glaring at him with concern rather than anger. "It's complicated, alright? I just don't know how to explain it okay?" she watched as his body language gave him away. He was like an open book at this point, just waiting for someone to notice and explore his pages.

"Your... friend over there said something about you being a burden. Let's start there..." she pointed her thumb over at Rex's form.

Robbie, who was beyond embarrassed at this point, shook his head. "But lunch will be over soon and it's a long story. I doubt you'd want to hear it..."

"I have free period next hour." she smirked softly, her hands firmly planted on her hips. "Try me, Mr. Shapiro."

Checking his watch, Robbie remembered that he had the next period free as well after switching his afternoon class with another tech student for the day. He shrugged in defeat, knowing there was nothing logically he could do to get out of it. "Okay, well... let's get down from here first and I'll tell you. I'm sure you wouldn't want me picking up any bad ideas." he joked only to find Ahrya genuinely giggling. 'She actually thought that was funny?'

"Okay, Robbie." her dazzling smile was all he needed as confirmation while the two made their way down the flight of stairs. As they conversed, it never once dawned on Robbie Shapiro that he had left Rex behind. It seemed, at least for the time being, that he didn't care. His interactions with a cute girl, albeit awkward at times, was enough to sustain him.

Later on that afternoon, Trina was exchanging her afternoon books for the one's she'd need for homework during the weekend when she felt several ominous presences behind her. She knew what it meant, as an inaudible sigh passed her lips. She'd hoped that they would've given her a break considering the festivities for tonight but it seemed fate wasn't on her side. She rolled her eyes and turned to see three of the boys who she had the 'pleasure' of meeting a few weeks prior.

"Hey there." A blond haired boy spoke up, a smug grin adorning his thin lips. "You remember us, right?" he and his friends were delighted when she nodded. He himself found himself growing more and more turned on by the dominance they held over her. He dug his pockets, pulling out a one hundred dollar bill. His buddies did the same, passing the bills to the blond leader. "I believe this should be enough for a repeat performance."

Trina could only stare in disbelief and worry at the sight. She was trapped between a rock and a hard place, no pun intended. She could've declined the offer but that meant facing the wrath of her main contact, 'Big Daddy' who was looking forward to a big payday. Without anywhere to go, she hesitantly began to reach for the money. Every fiber of her body screamed for her to push past them and run. This wasn't right and she knew it. Somehow, some words she'd heard before resonated from her memories:

"I'm sorry, but you don't owe me anything."

"I'm not here to get anything from you, Trina.."

"Well, since it was my first day, I was hoping I'd just made a friend."

Mere inches away from the thing currently holding her captive, Trina suddenly found her arm drop back to her side. This was surprising, and infuriating to her supposed clients. The blond boy slammed his hand against the lockers next to her, causing her to flinch. She could see the ill intent behind his navy blue eyes as fear swirled within her stomach. She was no stranger to being handled roughly for resisting a clients advances, whether verbally or physically. She had experienced being slapped around, choked, and even being spat on for declining an offer... She shut her eyes, praying that whatever consequences were about to befall her would at least be quick.

"Trina? Is that you?" a familiar voice pulled her from her dark reality. As she opened her eyes, she found not only herself, but the three boys facing a seemingly clueless Liam Patterson. "I've been looking for you all day!" he waved and chuckled warmly. She noticed that the three would begin to slink away slowly before completely disappearing down the hallway. It was evident that they wanted no part of him for whatever reason and it allowed Trina to finally relax. Liam approached her, his smirk only disappearing after a few moments of silence. "Are you alright?"

He was rewarded with a tight hug from the girl, her fingers clutching his grey hoodie as if her life depended on it. He responded by wrapping his arms around her as she sobbed silently. They remained that way for a while, only a small handful of students noticing their 'display of affection' between the two. Trina and Liam would part after a few more minutes. Liam simply looked at her smiling yet still 'clueless' as to what was going on.

"Trina, what's going on? Not that I don't appreciate the hug, but why were you crying?"

She wiped her eyes and smiled brightly while shaking her head. "Nothing, I was just happy that you still think of me as a friend."

He crossed his arms, though his smile remained. "Of course! I wouldn't make that up, silly." he let out a rare but much needed laugh. "Remember, you're my very first real friend here and that means a lot to me." he then began to walk down the hall, chuckling as she shut her locker, rushing off to catch up with him. As the two trekked on, she gave him a playful side hug as a way to say 'Thank you.' which he reciprocated gladly. Unknown to her however, was the glare he flashed, an image of the three boys surrounding her earlier burned in his brain. She didn't know that he was indeed looking for her but when he did, he'd seen the interaction in its entirety. When it came to the point that Trina might have been harmed for resisting them, he made his appearance as a way to protect her. The blond boy, who he knew to be some rich spoiled brat named Josh and his two goons, were becoming bullies simply because they had money. He always despised people like them, who thought they could do anything they wanted so long as their bank accounts were full. It boiled his blood that they literally were about to use their wealthy status to abuse those who may not have as much as them. He continued on, pushing the thought of the trio into the back of his mind, filling his head with the pleasant thoughts of the Showcase and his upcoming performance.

'You're my friend, Trina.'

As the night blanketed the sky, students began to file into the quad. Some would find themselves ordering food from the Grub Truck while others interacted with anticipation for what they would see. Tori, Andre, and the others except Jade and Robbie, the latter who was finishing up with the set-up on stage, all met up together next to a ridiculously large cheese fountain. Cat giggled and bounced at the sight, much to the amusement of her friends. Beck was uncharacteristically silent for the most part as they all discussed the possible talents they could witness. In his mind, he was just waiting for his girlfriend's forced performance, anything else, he considered inconsequential though the others would notice that he would appear distracted at times.

Their inquiries would have to wait as Mr. Sikowitz and Principal Helen walked onto the stage.

"Welcome students to this years, New Recruit Showcase!" a delighted Helen grinned from ear to ear. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers before dying down, allowing her to speak once more. "Tonight, you'll have the pleasure of getting to see your newest classmates, along with some familiar faces, in their most natural element as they perform for not only a grade, but your votes." The kids looked at one another confusingly. "That's right. Tonight, you all will cast your votes on who had the best performance with the top three earning guaranteed scholarships to the newest addition to our beloved school, Hollywood Arts Gardens. A few blocks from here, the gardens are a collection of dorms/apartments that will become available to students starting next month. Whoever wins tonight will earn a full paid stay for the duration of their time here in school. Now without further ado, Mr. Sikowitz, let's get this show on the road!"

Tori and the other's watched as Sikowitz introduced the first few groups, including Josh and his friends who gave a below average rendition of Michael Jackson's "Bad" which earned them a rather generous amount of applause. Considering nobody before them had fared any better, they seemed to be a shoe in for those scholarships. Andre and Tori clapped solely out of pity. Cat would only gaze in confusion while Beck just yawned out of sheet boredom. It wasn't until Sikowitz reappeared that their interest would be piqued.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce our next act. Give a warm welcome to Ahrya and Robbie Shapiro!"

"What?!" The gang, minus Cat bellowed in complete jaw dropping shock.

Sure enough, Robbie walked on stage, clearly nervous alongside Ahrya, who looked like she would rather be anywhere but up there. Beck face palmed in disbelief. Andre was still wonking out. Tori raised an eyebrow as curiosity got the better of her initial judgement. They watched as instead of Rex being in Robbie's hand, a guitar was firmly between his trembling fingers. This immediately brought questions that would eventually be asked sooner or later but for the time being, they watched as their friend began to strum a few chords signalling the beginning of the song.

Ahrya turned to look at the boy who simply smiled softly and continued playing slowly. The music alone was enough to captivate the audience as they too were astonished to see Robbie not only puppet-less, but adept at playing the instrument. He closed his eyes as he finished his introduction, giving a slightly trembling Ahrya her cue. She looked to her right, her brother on the other side, offstage giving her a thumbs up and a warm smirk that said, 'You got this!'.

This world will never be what I expected, and if I don't belong, who would've guessed it?

I will not leave alone, everything that I owned to make you feel like it's not too late...

Then, the sound of drums bounced along the night sky as Robbie began to play harder. His fingers were as if they had a mind of their own as he struck the necessary chords to accentuate the passion exuding from the young woman.

Even if I say "It'll be alright!", still I hear you say you "want to end your life."

Now and again we try to just stay alive.

Maybe we'll turn it all around because it's not too late. It's never too late.

The bundle of emotions emanating from the duo were enough to get the crowd going. Pulling out their cell phones, they waved them like lighters showing full support and equally so, their approval thus far of what they were listening to. Ahrya and Robbie knew it was time to step it up. They had to keep up the momentum as the latter rose from his seat and began to rock out with the girl.

The world we knew won't come back

The time we've lost can't get back

The life we had wont be ours agaaaaaaaiiiiiiiin...

Robbie's use of the guitar brought the mood down once more, if only for a moment before while Ahrya serenaded the crowd. In that time, she stole a quick glance at the boy to see her partner was indeed enjoying himself. For her, it had taken a lot of convincing but she now knew it was worth the effort as Amethyst orbs met again with Hazel. Instead of torture, she saw strength behind his eyes and was more than happy to find it taking residency within the boy.

Even if I say, "It'll be alright", still I hear you say, you want to "end your life."

Now and again we try to just stay alive

Maybe we'll turn it all around because it's not too late. It's never too late.

It's never too late!

It's not too late. It's never too late...

Tori and the other's watched as their normally awkward friend was now a mere stranger to them as he began to softly strum the strings until the song's conclusion. Immediately, the students roared and whooped at the two for a fantastic performance. Robbie blushed at all the cheers but quickly forgot about as he soon found himself wrapped in the arms of one Ahrya Patterson who then kissed him square on the cheek.

"You did great." she whispered ever so gently in his ear.

The two would separate just as Sikowitz made his way back on stage.

"It looks like business has picked up!" he gave a hearty laugh before pulling out a small card. "Alright, let's keep this train rolling. Up next we have..." he scanned the contents for a moment before finding the desired names. "...Jade West & Liam Patterson!"

The students all gasped at the revealing of the names, the memory of the two nearly killing each other earlier in the month not yet faded from their memories. The murmurs began to collect among one another, much to Beck's annoyance. He didn't like the idea of Jade not being around as she normally would throughout the month but even HE didn't know that the two were partnered up. To the best of his knowledge, she only told him that she had to perform for the showcase as punishment so imagine his surprise seeing her alongside the guy who wouldn't back down. This was his first time actually getting a clear image of who Liam was and it irked his brain knowing that there was something about the boy that seemed to be... familiar.

A normally confident Jade West appeared to be a little on edge while Liam was trying his best to focus on putting on a good performance. Considering they were following a stellar performance put on by his sister and her new friend, he felt he had to really give 110% in order to make a good impression. The audience remained silent as a grand piano was brought in. Liam bit his lip as he sat before the majestic instrument. Jade had to force her gaze away from the glare Beck sent her way before nodding her head to begin.

A delicate note. That's all that was needed as everyone's attention turned to the bad boy playing the heavenly keys. The combination of ebony and ivory were in perfect synchronization as the melodic sounds enveloped the quad with peaceful bliss. Jade used this to her advantage and exhaled the negative feelings. Azure crystals gazed into the crowd as her lips parted, her voice meshing well with the stunning music behind her.

When you walk away You don't hear me say, "Please, oh baby, don't go."

Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight It's hard to let it go

Before everyone could give her their undivided attention, Liam continued onward, the divine notes giving way for his own voice. He took a breath as his mind blocked out everything except Jade's voice.

The daily things that keep us all busy Are confusing me

That's when you came to me and said,

Jade kept the game of 'Hot Potato' going as she picked right back up where he left off. The crowds captivation was everything to them. This was more than just singing to the two. This was a matter of holding your audience and keeping their interest despite a slow methodical pace. Up to this point, it was unheard of in Hollywood Arts, but here they were accomplishing the feet.

Wish I could prove I love you, But does that mean I have to walk on water?"

When we are older you'll understand It's enough when I say so

And maybe some things are that simple.

What came next shocked even Jade. Naturally, Liam would take the chorus and push them into the pure duet.

Donna tokidattezutto futaride

Donna tokidatte

Soba ni irukara

Kimi to iu hikari ga watashi wo mitsukeru

Mayonakani

The crowd went nuts as they both began to initiate harmony. Jade would get on him about singing in another language later. For now, she wouldn't be satisfied until they were completely in the clear. Liam would reassert himself as he laid out an exquisite mixture of emotion and grace. This was to be expected though as Tori, Andre and Cat continued watching closely. Beck though was not impressed as he kept a stone expression.

Hold me

Whatever lies beyond this morning Is a little later on

Terebi keshite watashi nokoto dake wo

Miteiteyo

Jade took that moment to wrap up. Each note delicate and angelic with her resolve. This was a new side of her that, until now, Beck and Liam, the latter to a much lesser extent, had witnessed. She literally poured out her soul, lacing each word with a passion that the students had never thought possible before this very night.

Hold me

Whatever lies beyond this morning Is a little later on

Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all

Nothing's like before...

As the last notes were played, Jade and Liam would find themselves watching one another. They literally were feeding off of the other's natural energy throughout the song. It hadn't even dawn on the two that they were now, somehow, mere inches from each other. Azure and Emerald would remain locked, only the sounds of cheers and chants of 'Excellent' and 'Encore' snapped them from the musical trance. This only served to infuriate Beck Oliver, though he did a decent job in hiding it. He saw the whole thing as Jade was making her way off of the stage and through the crowd until she was standing before him. Liam simply walked over to where his sister and Robbie stood as the school's favorite teacher announced the next performance. During that time, while seeing Jade huddled under some guy he assumed to be her boyfriend, his mind quickly shifted to a more important question. "Where's Trina?"

He wanted to go find her but knew he needed to remain until the end; his first friend never leaving his mind though...

Eventually, the end of the Showcase had finally arrived and many of the students were done with casting their votes on who they thought to be the best three performers of the night. Seeing how high the stakes were, it didn't take long for the nerves to pile up inside everyone's bellies. At this point, Liam had gotten to know Robbie Shapiro and his connection to his sister. The two seemed to hit it off and quickly became friends after giving the latter the "Rules for being around my sister" talk.

Principal Helen and Mr. Sikowitz both stood proudly with all the contestants behind them.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thanks to our wonderful tech crew," everyone looked over to find Sinjin Van Cleef waving awkwardly. "we now have all the votes tallied. Starting with third place..." There was a quick drum roll. "Kali Sheppard for her rendition of "Long Walk" by Jill Scott!" everyone applauded the girl. She was a full figured Indian girl with a soulful voice. Considering she was a solo act, it wasn't surprising to see her place third but nonetheless, there was no doubt that she'd earned her residency at the newly formed Hollywood Arts Garden dorms. Jade, who had decided to stay with Beck, watch intently to see if Liam would place at all. This didn't go unnoticed by her long-term boyfriend but he chose not to make anything of it. "In second place," Sikowitz pulled the card from its envelope, handing it to the eager Principal. "Liam and Jade West for their version of "Simple and Clean by Utada Hikaru!"

This brought a sigh of relief to the goth. Although, initially she hated the guys guts, she developed a newfound respect for him after the many weeks of rehearsals, therapy sessions with Lane, and just plain seeing him in classes. It wasn't like she wanted to date the guy, but she didn't consider him among the short list of those she could actually consider a friend. So imagine her surprise when she was called onto the stage to receive a scholarship to the dormitory as well. She looked at her music partner who simply shrugged as if to say: 'Who knew?'

As Liam, Jade and Kali were handed their respective awards, the former swallowed hard knowing that there was a good chance that his sister would be left without an award. That wouldn't sit well with him but he knew this was out of his hands. He could always decline the offer and stay home, driving to and from school if she didn't get in but shook that thought out. 'She'll win... there's no doubt.'

Principal Helen proceeded to call out two groups, the first being Josh and his cronies. The second was indeed his sister, Ahrya and Robbie, who gladly stepped forward. Helen explained how both performances had an even number of votes and it would come down to a single vote that she held in her hand. Everyone's eyes and ears were focused on the lone piece of paper that held the fate of two groups within it. As the suspense continued to build, Helen opened up the crinkled paper and held her breath. The look on her face would've suggested the unlikely had occurred but in a twist of fate, she pointed to the crowd.

"Students of Hollywood Arts, your winner of the Showcase is... Ahrya Patterson and Robbie Shapiro!"

Everyone, save for Josh and his crew, roared out their cheers and adoration for the duo who hugged each other in response. Robbie was beaming from ear to ear at the idea that not only had he overcome a dark moment in his life, but he accomplished something that he previously thought impossible. He watched as Helen and Sikowitz handed them their prize, two gold medals and individual scholarships to the dormitories. During all of this, Josh stormed off in a fit of fury tailed closely by his two friends which didn't go unnoticed by Liam. He managed to whisper something in the principles ear, which she happily nodded in agreement before slipping away into the crowd.

A suspicious Liam did his best to shadow the three boys but lost them in the dark hallways on the south end of the school building. Keeping on his guard, he kept his head on a swivel while slowly making his way towards the gymnasium. Entering inside, he found that it too was completely devoid of bodies. This didn't dissuade him from pressing forward though. He checked behind the bleachers just in case one or more of them were hiding from him. After the two incidents between them and Trina Vega, the first creating a sour feeling deep in his core, he figured he check the locker rooms. Slowly opening the door, he found his hypothesis to be correct as he heard their irritating voices from within the boy's room.

"It seems you don't learn your lesson, do you?" the main voice was clearly the rich snob, Josh.

Liam crept inside making sure to remain hidden while pulling out his cell phone. Hitting the record button he angled the device to where it was just out of the boy's line of sight. What he witnessed was enough to make his skin crawl. Once again Trina was being sexually abused by the trio who decided to wash the bitter taste of defeat by indulging in forced acts. He needed to get enough footage so that he could end this once and for all but what happened next sent him into a state of pure rage.

"Hey, Josh. Let's fuck her good this time!" a medium skinned boy spoke up after slapping his member against her face.

She tried to shake her head no, but a swift slap to the face from the leader forced her to 'comply' to his demands. Liam could see her eyes were, once again, full of tears as she was subjected to his heinous act. 'Consequences be damned...' he thought as he rushed into the shower area. Before they could react, Josh was sent careening into the cold metal wall, effectively stunning him for the time being. Once of his stooges, a dark skinned boy by the name Darren, attempted to tackle Liam. Unfortunately for him, his target simply sidestepped and landed a solid roundhouse kick as he turned around, breaking his nose in the process. With one confirmed to be down for the count, Liam felt a sharp pain in his shoulder as the other boy had stabbed him with a pocket knife.

"Bet you won't challenge us again, loser!" he taunted. As expected, Liam dropped down to one knee but instead of crying the boy was surprised to find him chuckling despite the pain. "What the..?"

The boy began to feel a wave of terror shroud him as Liam simply stood to his feet and clutched the knife buried in his back. With one good tug, the blade was removed leaving behind a trail of dark red liquid behind. Liam turned around, his left eye exuding a tight of violet mixed with his natural green tint, and grinned at the now petrified boy. In only a moment, his assailant rushed to leave only to run smack dab into the shower walls, knocking himself in the process. This left only Liam and an awakening Josh. The blond hair snob surveyed his surroundings, one goon knocked out with a broken nose, the other he watched knock himself out whilst attempting to run away, and a pair of eerily glowing eyes fixated on his prone form.

Liam took a step closer and relished the sight of his foe cowering before him. He didn't care if he lost his scholarship at that point, all that mattered was that he was about to exact his revenge on what he considered a piece of trash. He would make Josh pay for what he and his accomplices committed. He grinned, sharp canines on either side, enough to make the boy shit his pants. His very presence carried the weight of hell itself as he squatted in front of the boy.

"Are you afraid?" his voice was unrecognizable, almost as if possessed. "Are you afraid to die?"

Josh nodded vigorously. He was like a bobble head doll with how his head shifted from up to down. He whimpered as his head was lifted up by Liam tugging his yellow locks.

"Then heed my warnings... Leave Trina Vega alone. Am I clear?" he nodded once again, only slower given his position. "If I catch you or any of your affiliates harassing her again, I'll break you in ways that'll leave you begging for death."

Josh shivered, a mixture of the cold air on his still half nude body and the fear that had now occupied his very soul. He watched as Liam began to leave only to stop and help a now mostly covered Trina to her feet. How was it that he could still move as if nothing had happened when he was stabbed in the back? He received his answer in the form of said injury being no where in sight. Only the remained of blood were left behind but the wound itself wasn't there. The only conclusion he could fathom as the two exited the room was simple. This was no mere man but some kind of demon...

A demon that he wanted no part of ever again.

The two sat in Liam's 1996 Chevy Impala for nearly half an hour while some country musician sang something about his pain feeling like ripping off a band-aid. Neither looked at the other, just stared at the road before them. He weaved through traffic, going no where in particular. The silence between the two only gave room to more tension as both were unsure of what to say to the other. Finally, Trina chose to break the tension.

"Thanks again.." she managed to eke out. "I don't know how I can repay your kindness."

Liam looked over at her, sadness clouded his features. He didn't know what to say to her after what he witnessed not too long before. He knew that she was traumatized by the ordeal but he also knew that she shouldn't retain the pain and suffering either.

"There's no need to pay me back, Trina. We're friends... That's what we do." he assured her. "But if you really want to make things up to me, then do this..."

Her face twisted as a grimace formed on her lips. "What's that?"

"Promise me that after tonight, you're willing to start over with a clean slate. No more of these boys doing that to you. No more sex meet ups, okay?"

"I can't do that!" she yelled back, mostly in horror.

"Why not?" She didn't say anything. Trina just merely looked out the window, her only solace being the many buildings they passed by. "Trina, if you're afraid to tell me because of what I'll think-"

"I don't want you to get hurt." she retorted though her tone remained gentle. "You already know too much."

Soon, she found the vehicle stopping at a park. He handed her his leather jacket then stepped out. She put it on and was grateful as the slightly chilly wind nipped at any part of her that was exposed. They made their way to the swings where they sat and just enjoyed the peace and tranquility surrounding them. It seemed to be enough as Trina started to swing while Liam watched in amusement. She continued on until she grew tired of the act.

"Listen, I've been through hell and back for the people I care about." his face was unreadable to her, mystery overtaking his all possibilities of expressions. "I care about you, and just like tonight, I'll kick anybody's ass to ensure your safety. But I can't help you if you don't trust me."

She gazed into his eyes, seeing the truth behind his words. She watched as he was attacked by the boys earlier and even stabbed for her sake. If that didn't prove anything to her, what else would? With a labored sigh, she flashed a sad smile his way before making her way in front of him.

"I um-" she averted her gaze from his own. I'm a prostitute..." she shut her eyes instantly, awaiting the moment where any and all judgement would come down like the mighty hammer of Thor. To her astonishment, she opened her eyes to see him still sitting on the swing, a look of anticipation firmly on his face now. He motioned for her to continue, much to her disdain. "I've been working for a man simply known as 'Big Daddy' who sets me up with clients at the school since I'm not 18 years old yet. I met him while heading to an audition for a show where he said he would guarantee I would get into the limited casting call, if I paid him back the entrance fee with interest." She began to twiddle her thumbs as the pink tint of shame coated her face. "Well, I got into the audition thinking I'll be chosen and pay him back with the money I made from the show only to be rejected. Once he found out, he told me of another way I could pay him back. From that day forward, I became one of his sluts. He did allow me the decency of only being tricked by boys my age and in my school so not to arouse suspicion but to be honest, I began to hate myself more and more until giving oral sex became as normal as eating or breathing. The only thing that I can say I've never done is vaginal sex. He allowed me to save that until my eighteenth birthday..."

Liam stood to his feet and wrapping Trina in his arms, held her quivering frame to his own. This was taking a toll on her and he could literally see the cracks growing larger within her. He shushed her, telling her she didn't need to continue but, he was shocked to feel her push away and shake her head.

"No, I'm almost done." she announced despite her very being telling her to stop. "The man I'm indebted to warned me that someone would be in the school watching me and reporting my earnings to him. I don't know who he or she is, but I've been too afraid to defy him. He said he would kill me if he didn't get his money and I've been trapped ever since!"

"Well listen, you don't have to worry about that happening." he looked at her as if she were a delicate flower. "We'll get through this together, alright?"

Trina was astounded at his confidence despite the severity of her circumstances. Here she was spilling out the heavy consequences of her actions and yet, here Liam was giving her a thumbs up and smooth smile. It was more than enough to illicit a sincere laugh from her. It felt for them both to actual unwind with one another. Soon though, the effects of the night would catch up to them as Trina let out a yawn, followed close behind by one from Liam. It was getting really late so they opted to retreat to the car. The ride home completely contradicted the atmosphere set earlier as they exchanged jokes and stories of their lives in school before Hollywood Arts until they once again found themselves at the Vega residence. This time, Liam would walk Trina to her front door, which she was truly grateful and flattered.

"Thanks so much again for helping me." her body rocked as she barely suppressed a full out smile. "I don't know anyone who would've gone to the lengths you did. Are you sure you don't need to treat that nasty wound?" the look of concern on her face caused him to laugh softly.

"I'm fine, Trina. Besides it doesn't even hurt at all." he then dug in his pocket for something, handing a folded piece of paper to her.

"What's this?" she asked; curiosity seemed to be akin to them both this night as she started to unfold it.

"Nope. Open when you get inside alright?" this earned him a playful pout which he found simply adorable. "Now, go on inside. We still have homework to complete."

"Would you mind coming over tomorrow for some 'study time'?" she sensually teased while leaning against the door frame.

Now it was Liam's turn to blush as Trina nearly burst into a fit of laughter herself. The only thing that halted said attempt was that her parents were fast asleep.

"Trina, we both know I would but... I can't this weekend. My weekend will be spent cleaning up and sorting stuff. My sister and I have to pack up and get ready to move into the new dorms by Monday. But I can definitely come over and hang with you after next week. Sound good?"

His answer came in the form of a kiss on the cheek which he couldn't respond to since Trina expertly made her way inside her house before he could react. His hand touched his cheek, feeling the electricity from their contact as he strolled over to his car. She peaked out from her bedroom window to see him pull off into the night. once he was out of sight, she finally began to unfold the note he gave her. To her surprise is simply read:

Please fill out this form to accept your all expense paid voucher

This voucher is approved for one Trina Vega to be admitted as a resident of Hollywood Arts Gardens Dormitory. You are offered this voucher based on the referral of Liam Patterson. If you choose to accept this invitation, you will be granted unlimited access to the dorms many amenities including free meals, furnishings, various entertainment, and more. Please turn in this form to Principal Helen within seven days.

Trina's eyes welled up with tears at what she read. Not only did Liam save her physically, but was already following through on his word to keep her protected. She immediately signed the forms necessary before changing into her pajamas. Placing her phone on the charger, she turned off the lights and proceeded to let the sandman take over. This night however, was a bit different than most as she began to dream not of fancy clothes and super stardom, but of a simple life where she was at peace. Her heart was aflutter with glee knowing that at the center of this dream, stood her knight in shining armor, Liam.

Okay... so I'm extremely tired after writing this (it's currently 5:30 am) so I'll just give you the cliff notes.

As stated before Trina was being pimped out by someone but it's now revealed that there are two culprits involved.

Since Robbie really hadn't played a major roll in much of my pasts fictions, I decided to give me a much larger role.

The concept of having a dorm setting will hopefully be important down the road for the story.

Jade and Beck's relationship is clearly not as perfect as they let on though I decided to give a reverse view than what was portrayed in the show.

Andre, Tori, and Cat will be relevant as well so no worries.

No definite pairings yet.

And finally, thank you all for your love and support of this and many other stories I've written or am currently writing. I hope you all enjoy this rather long chapter. It's actually the longest chapter I've ever written for any fiction on this site. Goodnight/Morning and keep those constructive criticisms coming too. They always help me to improve and strengthen my resolve to keep pushing for quicker updates.