Disclaimer: The show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.

Outgoth the Goth.

Chapter 9 – Staying Alive.

No One's POV

Jade knew she needed for certain, to be on her toes. As she pulled her car out of the driveway, she glanced over to the Olson house and the cop cars still parked in front of it.

She found herself admiring the method used and personally hoped the old bastard, Mr. Olson suffered. He had called the police on Jade no less than 3 times in the last 4 years. Each time it was for music being played too loud. In reality, Jade wasn't playing the music very loud at all.

As per her normal routine, Jade stopped in at Jet brew for coffee. Normally she would have just grabbed the coffee and ran but a line from her, art of war book stuck in her mind.

"What the ancients called a clever fighter is one that not only wins, but excels in winning with ease."

Jade's first instinct was to simply charge into Hollywood arts and strangle the little freak in front of the whole student body.

Jade quickly scoffed at the thought. "With my luck, she'll go all "The Thing" on me and her head will just come off, grow legs and walk away. No. To win at ease, I must be at ease. Not freaked and stressed out. Vigilant, but not all freaky."

So Jade instead, grabbed a cinnamon Danish with her coffee, found a comfortable chair and sat down. It would give her a chance to relax and think. Sitting there she knew she would miss 1st period but, soon realized something else.

"Hey, if I miss 1st period, Wednesday will think I'm in the belly of that snake. It will be fun to waltz in and deflate her balloon. I wonder if it was her pet. I'm guessing it was supposed to return home." Jade shrugged. "Life is full of little tragedies."

So she sat back and kept reading her book. Jade had even thought of looking at other books of military tactics as indeed their lessons could be used in many aspects of life. There were always opponents to be crushed, both on and off the battlefield. The thought of crushing her opponents. appealed to Jade immensely.

She read some more and came across a yet another passage she had underlined on her first pass through the book.

"Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."

To Jade that meant, I must fight her, without fighting her.

"Sneakiness, guile, maybe some mind games. I blew up her car and got nothing. But what could I do."

Her eyes at this moment happened to look out the window to a florist across the street. In the window was a sign.

"Special today: A dozen pink rose's w/teddy bear. $29.99. For that special someone."

"Hardly the give I would give anyone. Soft romantic bullshit." Mused Jade.

Then an idea struck her and Jade smirked. "I'm sure Wednesday, would feel much the same. I have an little idea."

An hour later Jade walked into Hollywood arts, a spring in her step and a smile on her face. As luck would have it, she quickly spotted Tori and Wednesday.

For a moment Wednesdays' eyes bugged out of her head, before the uber Goth composed herself.

Jade walked up, smiled a warm smile, looked at Wednesday and quoted from one of her favorite movies. "That's not happiness to see me is it?

For a moment, Wednesday was at a total loss for words. Tori just looked confused momentarily and then smiled.

"Hi Jade. You missed 1st period."

"Yeah. We had a bit of a commotion this morning in my neighborhood and I stuck around to see what was happening."

"What happened?"

"I'm sure it will be on the news but it seems a giant Burmese python got into my next door neighbor's house and ate him. Poor thing….the snake I mean. It expired right after eating him. Such a lovely creature, I'll bet someone nurtured and loved it dearly. You know if I manage to get a hold of the skin, I can get myself a jacket, handbag and a couple pairs of snakeskin boots. I have a call into the animal control people. They're considering my offer for the skin. I thought it was quite reasonable."

Jade looked to Tori. "How would you like a snakeskin handbag? It's on me."

Tori was too shocked to answer, but Jade expected that.

Looking back to Wednesday, Jade could see the girl's lower lip quivering and single tear running down her face. Jade knew that indeed was Wednesday's pet and the pale girl was heartbroken. The funny part was Jade actually did make an offer for the snake's skin and was really waiting for an answer back from the animal control people.

"Why Wednesday, you appear to be crying. Is something the matter?" Jade replied looking extremely concerned.

"JADE, YOU'RE HIDIOUS!" Screamed Wednesday, before bolting down the hall in tears.

Jade shrugged. "Must be one of those animal rights people. I love animals too, medium rare usually. Tori, Just let me know about the hand bag."

Tori, still looking shocked and horribly confused, just nodded.

With that, Jade turned and walked into the bathroom, a triumphant smile on her face. She knew that if Tori went to see why Wednesday was crying, she couldn't possibly tell the truth. She'd have to lie to the Latina.

"Now that was good, no fighting, nothing got blown up and the day's not even over yet."

After an hour, Jade spotted Wednesday in the hallway. While she had composed herself and presumably told Tori some story as to why she was crying, Jade could see a look of utter hate in the Pale girl's eyes.

Jade just grinned and blew Wednesday a kiss. For a moment, Wednesday looked as if she was going to explode. Then she just stormed off.

Lunchtime was a bit different, Wednesday and Tori were eating at a different table. Jade guessed as Wednesday was too steamed to sit at the same was as Tori. But as long as Jade had a good view for what she had planned, she was happy.

At exactly 12:30, halfway through lunch, a delivery person holding a dozen pink roses with a teddy bear walked on the asphalt café.

"Flowers for Miss Tori Vega!" Shouted the man.

"Here!" Said a confused looking, Tori.

From the jealous and hateful glare she got from Wednesday, Jade could tell that she was not pleased at all.

The delivery person walked over and handed the bouquet of Pink roses and teddy bear to the gushing Latina.

"Oooohhh. They're so beautiful. And the teddy bear, it's to die for."

Wednesday on the other hand, couldn't hide her look of utter disgust.

On the other side of the cafeteria, Jade smirked again. "Now for the card."

Tori then looked at the card which read.

To Tori: Beautiful pink roses and a Teddy bear, for my sweet.

From: Wednesday.

and gave Wednesday a big hug. "You shouldn't Wednesday; this is literally the best gift ever. Pink roses, my favorite. Thank you."

Now Wednesday was, angry, disgusted and shocked. It also showed visibly on her face.

Tori then frowned. "What's wrong? You got this for me and now you look like you've never been more disgusted in your life."

Wednesday was normally cool as a cucumber and prided herself on that. The loss of her beloved pet python and failure to eliminate Jade had already severely rattled her. She wanted to explain why she looked that way in her normal calm manner, but her emotions got the best of her.

"I DETEST PINK ROSE'S AND I HATE TEDDY BEARS'S, THEY'RE DIGUSTING AND VILE!" Bellowed Wednesday right in the Latina's face.

Tori huffed in anger and threw the roses and teddy bear right at Wednesday's chest and stormed off without saying another word.

A round of unexpected laughter from several of the students only further humiliated Wednesday. For the second time today she burst into tears and fled. Only this time it was to the parking lot, where she got in her car and sped away.

Jade looked at her bewildered tablemates and casually took a bite of her salad. "Anyone know what that's about? I thought they were quite the happy little couple."

Andre shrugged. "I don't know, Wednesday has been acting very strangely today.

Jade's only regret was that Tori didn't keep her roses and teddy bear as the she rather enjoyed the look of happiness the Latina had on her face. It was a nasty bit of deception, but Jade knew that all's fair in Love and War.

A bit later with Wednesday out of the way for the day, Jade found Tori at her locker after 6th period. She still looked a bit upset.

"Vega! You ok. I couldn't help but see the little scene at lunch."

Tori paused for a moment with a bit of a dubious look. "Why are you so concerned about me all of a sudden?"

"I misjudged you at first and for that I'm sorry. You've been a loyal friend and frankly I haven't. It's never too late to change things."

Tori smiled, "Thank you that means a lot Jade. As far as Wednesday, I just don't know what's up with her. It was such a nice present and all of a sudden she hates it?"

Jade was tempted to go straight for the whole, maybe you're not right for her, argument. However she decided to play it cool and not press her luck.

"Well if she doesn't know what she has, than she's a fool. I've got to get going to class. Later Vega." Jade said quickly before departing.

Out of the corner of her eye, Jade could see a very off balanced looking Latina.

"Perfect!" Jade said quietly.

As expected, Wednesday was not seen for the rest of the day. Rather proud of her two little victories, she perfectly well to fully expect a counter attack. Underneath it all, she still was nervous and paranoid about the next attempt. One would have to be inhuman not to feel in such a way. But Jade the consummate actress, showed none of that.

Before returning home she stopped at the library and picked up two other books of military tactics that were supposedly good. On War by Carl Von Clausewitz and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's book on Infantry Tactics. Supposedly General George Patton was a fan of the Rommel book and kept a copy at his bedside. She had no idea if they'd be of any use, but considering someone was trying to kill her, she needed all the help she could get. Of course it all seemed terribly absurd to the Goth.

"I'm reading military tactics, how revolting." Jade groaned as she checked the books out.

Sitting at home later she knew she needed Intelligence plain and simple. Part of her wanted this to be done so she could get back to caring only about horror movies.

Jade could have gone to her friends for information, but for their safety decided not to involve them in any fashion. So she went the normal social media route for dirt.

Much to her disappointment she found Wednesday seemed to shun all the normal social media sites. A short while later she got a knock at the door.

Opening it, she found a note taped to her door.

Jade,

Want to get Wednesday, meet me at the 5th floor of the parking structure on 17th and Elm at 10:30 tonight.

X

Jade just laughed, "An obvious trap, but what the hey. I'll probably get attacked by ninja's or something." Still Jade had odd feeling she should go.

A few hour later Jade was standing on the 5th floor of the now deserted parking structure, waiting for something to happen. However her contact didn't show and by 11 PM Jade was growing visibly annoyed.

"You Jade?" Said a male voice from somewhere in the shadow's.

"No dumbshit, I'm Anna of Green Gables, who do you think the fuck I am. You're late."

From behind her she could hear some noise to see a figure step out from behind a support pillar. Though the light was dim, Jade could see the figure was that of a short fat male, with little hair. He seemed to be wearing a pair of shorts and a grey and black shirt. The voice sounded like that of a teenager. Lastly, Jade noticed he was carrying a road closed sign.

"I've never seen someone rattle Wednesday so much. She was beside herself with grief today after hearing of the loss of her beloved Petunia. Not to mention you got her in major hot water with Tori."

"Petunia?"

"Her snake. Wednesday raised it from the time it hatched. It was supposed to eat you and return."

Jade put her hands on her hips. "It ate a mean old man else died. Is there a point to any of this?"

"I rather enjoyed watching her sob hysterically. Besides I hated that snake. It kept eating my test subje….well never mind. Your unwillingness to die and Wednesday's resulting frustration from it, I find rather amusing."

"I'm so glad you're enjoying the show." Said Jade, her words dripping with sarcasm. "Again is there a point to this?"

"I want to help you."

"How?"

"She's planning something Friday night at the Hollywood Art's high Dance. Something for you of course. I'm not sure what. But you can get back at her?"

"How?"

"She has two weaknesses"

"Now you have my attention. What are they?"

"She utterly hates Disco music. She can't even remotely tolerate to hear The Bee Gee's.. It's her version of kryptonite. Plus if you dump glitter on her, she'll go into hysterics. Both combined will have a rather nasty effect on her. I'm sure you'll manage to avoid whatever she has planned by yourself, but wouldn't you like a chance to really strike back."

"Are you fucking kidding? Disco music and glitter. How could that effect any…." Jade started to say, before realizing the mysterious person in shorts was gone."

To Jade it all seemed horribly absurd, but so would a 19 foot man eating python as well and she had seen that thing with her own eyes.

Jade on her way home, found herself deciding to go with it.

"I can pull at the party and if it doesn't work, than no big deal. The rest of the school, will probably freaking love it."

Jade spent the next two days getting ready for her little bit of revenge. Wednesday was there and at first things seemed to be cool between Tori and Wednesday. Jade just acted her normal self and largely ignored Wednesday Addams.

Jade knew that Tori would not miss the dance for anything in the world and knew that if Wednesday wanted to get back in Tori's good graces the easiest way to do it was to go to the dance with Tori."

Sure enough just as the dance started, Jade spotted Wednesday and Tori walking in the dance, which was being held in the asphalt café. She knew that something was coming for her and decided to get in the first blow.

A short time later the dance was in full swing with Jade watching from the DJ booth., The students danced to the sound of Modern techno music under flashing lights. As Jade expected, Wednesday just stood off to the side and frowned, while Tori danced with Cat.

"How are you going to get her on the dance floor Jade? She hardly seems the type." Asked Sinjin who was the DJ.

Jade turned to move out of the DJ booth, with a smile. "I know one thing that will bring Wednesday every time."

Jade then made her way across the dance floor to where Tori and Cat were dancing. Before Tori could see, Jade made a motion for Cat to beat it.

A moment later Tori turned her head to see she was dancing with Jade.

"Hi Vega. Mind if I dance with you?"

Tori smiled and said. "Sure."

Like clockwork, Jade spotted Wednesday making a beeline for them right on the center of the dance floor.

"I want to dance with Tori. You can go now!" Barked, a very unhappy looking Wednesday.

Jade stepped back, grinned and made a subtle gesture to Sinjin. "Be my guest."

At that moment, Sinjin stopped the song that was playing and announced. "Here's a special song, an oldie but a goodie, dedicated to our very own Wednesday Addams. Enjoy."

A moment later the opening notes of the Bee Gee's song, Staying Alive began to play over the speakers all-round the dance floor.

Wednesday quickly looked at the smiling Jade in horror as the other students just began to dance, Tori included.

Jade didn't believe anything would really happen, but soon enough Wednesday's face began to distort as she was in great pain.

A second later 5 confetti cannon's all around the dance floor went off, filling the air with flying multi colored confetti.

As the green, blue and pink confetti covered Wednesday Addams, she now only looked in pain but actually started to shake. She quickly shot Jade an accusing look that said.

"YOU TRICKED ME, CURSE YOU JADE WEST!"

"Are you alright, Wednesday." Said Tori as soon as she noticed Wednesday's distress. "Oh my god your face is swelling up."

Jade backed off as Wednesday began to shake, convulse, foam at the mouth and swell up like a balloon. As Sikowitz and Lane ran to Wednesday's aid, Jade couldn't help but make a few celebratory disco dance moves, including the classic John Travolta pose, arm up in the air.

She stopped when upon noticing, Tori shot her a nasty look. Tori then walked up to Jade and slapped her in the face.

"It's not funny Jade!"

A few minutes later as Wednesday, along with Tori who had come along, had been loaded into an ambulance and taken away. She stayed a while at the dance, talking with Cat and pondering her victory. If Wednesday had planned something, it never happened as she was too busy convulsing to pull it off.

She had won, but again Tori felt sympathy for Wednesday so her victory was bittersweet at best. The rest of the weekend went quietly for Jade. She spent her time catching up on her studies and relaxing. Best of all, there were no attempts on her life. She had heard that Wednesday was still in the hospital, when she arrived at school Monday morning.

In the back of her mind, she could only ponder what counter move Wednesday would pull.

It was Monday night, Jade's parents would be back on Wednesday and she had grabbed a pizza after hanging at Cat's house after school.

It was dark when she arrived home and as she walked up to her door, she suddenly had this terrible feeling of danger. Backing away from the door, she became aware of what sounded like the sound of a very angry dog.

Then, much to her disbelief Jade saw the creature come around the corner of the house. It was a massive dog about 4 feet high at the shoulder. The thing was as black as night with a mouth full or razor white teeth and eyes that literally glowed red, with the fires of hell. It reminded Jade a lot of a picture, in her one of her mythology books.

That picture was that of a hell hound.

Hell hound or not, it was there, it was pissed off and snarling in a most evil manner at Jade. She then happened to wonder if she somehow had been tricked into pulling the stunt at the dance. Maybe her "benefactor" knew it would cause such a extreme retalation. Jade quickly realized she was much better off playing mind games. Either way, she could hardly believe what was standing only few yards away.

"You got to be fucking kidding!"

The quote that Jade quotes: "That's not happiness to see me is it? - is from the 1998 movie A Perfect Murder with Gwyneth Paltrow and Michael Douglas.

The two quotes from "The Art of War" are indeed from that book.