Hey, everyone! I won't be boring you all with a long introduction but, I will be giving a little insight into the direction of the story moving forward at the end of the chapter. Once again, thank you all so much for the love you've shown this fic thus far and I look forward to giving you all the good stuff after things conclude.

Chapter 10: Silver Linings

Jade and Liam sat in a brightly lit hallway, neither happy with being there. Sitting across from them was an annoyed Lola Martinez and some guy named Vince, the latter glaring daggers at the African-American boy. Liam returned the look as best he could given his current condition. What condition could that be? He was currently holding an ice pack to his swollen left eye. The boy named Vince didn't get off easy himself as he had several bruises on his tanned face as well as a busted lip and nose for his trouble.

How could these two have ended up like this?

The answer was simple really.

"Liam?" he looked up at the disappointed gaze of Ms. Moreau. "Would you and your friend come with me?"

"You're going to let that witch go with him?!" Lola roared only to be silenced by the woman's fierce gaze.

Without a word, both Jade and Liam stood up and followed behind the woman, the former shooting Lola the evilest of looks before disappearing in the room. They took a seat, neither bothering to hide the misery on their faces. While Liam appeared worse for wear, Jade wasn't unscathed either. Her hair was disheveled and there was the faintest hint of a bruise on her cheek from where she'd been slapped by her best friend's ex.

Yep. You heard that right; Liam's EX-girlfriend.

"I've called your parent, Liam. She'll be on her way shortly." the older woman turned her focus to the goth who crossed her legs. "Would you like me to do the same for you young lady?"

"Whatever..." he growled.

"No thanks. I can drive myself home."

"Now, I want you both to explain to me what happened exactly." Cecilia rubbed her tired eyes, clearly none too pleased with having to spend her night investigating a violent incident. "I want the complete truth. Leave no detail out, understood?"

Jade nodded, cutting her eyes at the smoldering rage oozing from her 'partner-in-crime'. It was clear that he was far beyond emotional to the point of fighting tears so, it was up to her to tell their side of the story.

"Well, it started with..."

Flashback (1 Hour Ago)

Jade and Liam left the secret path without being noticed, both laughing and full of life after their heart to heart. For the former, she felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulder. The latter felt more at peace than he'd been in a long time. With them both content with the relaxing ambiance surrounding them, the walk to Jade's truck that much more pleasant.

"I still can't believe that you're on your way to possibly becoming the captain of varsity volleyball! I may just have to stop by for one of your games to see how good you really are. Your match at the beach wasn't exactly impressive." Jade bumped her hip against his playfully.

"Yeah, well... I don't know if I even want to join the varsity squad next year. It's really more of what Lola wants." he admitted tensely. "Honestly, I'm still just figuring out myself while keeping my grades up."

Jade West stopped in her tracks, staring at him with a mix of confusion and irritation forming on her features.

"Do you do everything she tells you?"

"What are you talking about?" Liam looked legitimately puzzled by her question. "My scholarship here is centered around me playing volleyball. What does that have to do with her?"

"You know what I meant, Liam. I get that you're at this school for the sport but, I'm talking about things beyond that." Jade crossed her arms under her ample bosom. "I won't interfere with your relationship but, it seems like you're not even your own person whenever it comes to her. Lola this and Lola that; it's beyond frustrating, especially after today." Sensing that Liam wasn't going to respond just yet, she continued. "When you were at the con earlier, you were free and full of life which was the opposite of who you were at the beach a few weeks ago."

Hearing no lie behind her words, Liam was reminded of his encounter with Tori Vega and how he felt talking with her. Still, there had to be something to justify this behavior. Right? There just had to be.

"I thought we weren't going to talk about our relationships?"

"I just want to know."

"Maybe I'm just willing to sacrifice for the person I love...?" Though he hardened his tone, there was no denying that there was very little conviction behind his rebuttal. It was almost as if he was trying to convince himself more than Jade.

"Love? Is that what you're calling it?" she scoffed, raising an unconvinced eyebrow. "Is it love when you know everything about her yet she knows so little about you? Seriously, she spent little to no time with you during the whole festival! She wasn't around when you disappeared nor when you performed. In fact, none of us had seen her until she just randomly showed up when it was time to leave! Even before that, she seemed like she had you wrapped around her finger."

"That's not true..."

"Oh yeah?" she mockingly cleared her throat. "Spicy tuna and chicken salad with a honey glaze and extra pecans? Oops, did I forget no cherry tomatoes?"

"Oh! You wanna play that game?" Now it was Liam's turn to clear his throat. "Mmm... Beck! I love you too, Beck..."

He capped off his performance with dramatic kissing and slurping noises.

It was a low blow. However, the blush on Jade's face made it hard to resist the urge to burst into a giggle, albeit one of shame. Liam joined in, feeling his own embarrassment from the truth behind his own attitude with Lola surfacing.

"Sorry." he chewed his lip nervously. "I went too far."

"So did I... I just never knew that you had it in you to be vicious though."

"Only when I need to be. I guess we're both a little challenged when it comes to choosing partners, huh?"

Jade smirked, feeling glad that they could have small spats like this without succumbing to their old ways. If not for their growth, Jade would've stormed off in a fit of anger while Liam would've just internalized how he felt, essentially suffering in silence. Now, they were just two teens taking jabs at one another. She took exception to his last comment and was about to comment about only how it was only his judgment when she spotted someone in the distance.

Seeing how they hadn't been spotted, she yanked Liam behind some trees. When he attempted to protest, she clapped a hand over his mouth, trying her best to make out the identity of those make out the identity of the two individuals approaching their direction. Remembering the curfew rules, she didn't want to get Liam in trouble if it could be helped.

"That movie was great," a male voice boomed. "I still can't believe the killer was the guy's very own sister!"

"I know! I was shocked at her motive though..." a high and all too familiar voice caught the duo's attention. "She was in love with him so she targeted any woman who would fall for her brother? I never would've guessed! I was so scared that I had my eyes closed for most of the movie."

Lola?

Jade watched Liam's eyes widen in shock at the sound of his girlfriend. Even Jade herself was surprised to see the brunette all bubbly around another guy. Exchanging glances with her friend, Jade didn't want to jump to conclusions. It wasn't until she saw the only conclusive form of evidence shown as the guy pulled her into his arms before leaning in and stealing a kiss from her to which she graciously reciprocated.

"No problem, babe. That's what I'm here for." he kissed her once more, this time unknowingly in view of a now hurt Liam. Hot tears hit the back of Jade's pale hand as he began to shake, rage and anguish boiling inside of her closest ally. "It's a wonder how your 'boyfriend' could leave you alone. It's an even bigger mystery how you're still with him."

To further Jade's questioning glare, Lola would actually look remorseful at the boy's statement.

"It's not like I wanted things like this. I just like you too." she shrugged unconvincingly. "Plus, he's a teddy bear while you're a wild beast. Why not have the best of both worlds for now?"

"So, you're just going to string us both along? Why not make a choice, Lola?"

"It's not stringing you two along. I'm just protecting my investment."

"INVESTMENT?!" The forbidden couple jumped at the sudden mysterious voice, but it was Lola who'd know legitimate fear when it was revealed who it belonged to. A practically snarling Jade was sizing her up, like a wolf eyeing its next meal, she ready to devour the poor girl's soul. If hell had formed on the physical plane, Jade would be the perfect host right now. "That's what Liam is to you?! Your meal ticket?!"

"J-Jade? What're you doing here? Visitors aren't allowed on campus after hours!"

"Oh! That's the least of your problems!" she spat, stalked a few steps closer.

The clueless boy immediately pulled Lola behind himself, daring the unknown girl to try anything.

"I suggest you leave right now... Security doesn't take kindly to trespassers and neither do I."

Jade instantly reached in her boot, pulling out her favorite pair of scissors.

"That's not a good idea, pretty boy. A coward like you wouldn't dare touch me..."

"And why not?" he replied arrogantly. "Who's going to stop me if I do?"

The plants rustled behind the gothic girl, showing the last sight either the boy or Lola wanted to find. An oddly quiet Liam stepped from his hiding place, dark thoughts swimming behind those Emerald eyes, each one more sinister than the last. His scowl deepened as he observed the terrified gazes of woman who'd betrayed him and the unfortunate mortal she dragged into this.

"Vince..." the baritone in his tone shook even Jade to her core as he was devoid of all emotions at this point.

"You know him?"

"Second Captain of the PCA JV Volleyball team and my rival for the Captain of the varsity squad? Yeah. I know him..."

The air around the four was so thick you could cut it with a knife. The boy, now known as Vince, was wrestling with the fear of not only getting caught with another man's girl but was also troubled by the evil glare directed at him. Jade couldn't keep her own heated stare from the girl who just broke her best friend (and crush's) heart. For Liam, he was pondering the best way to hide a body while trying to keep his rage contained.

Lola was eerily mute as she continued to hide behind her date.

"Why?" Everyone looked at Liam who'd grown tired of the silence. "Why him, Lola? What would make you think that this was a good idea?"

"..."

"Answer me!" he growled, seething magma oozing from his mouth now.

"She doesn't have to speak to the likes of you!" Vince argued only to receive a punch for his efforts.

Staggered, Vince responded with a shot of his own, narrowly missing as Liam had ducked a split second before the attack could connect. Liam then tackled the boy to the ground, finding himself rolling and scrapping. Left. Right. The two would take anything they could at that point until they were separated. In that instance, Vince took a cheap shot, nailing an irate Liam square in the eye twice while he was being restrained by campus security.

While this went on, Jade found herself caught off guard when Lola grabbed and wrestled with her while screaming things about how she ruined her life. Thankfully, Jade had dropped her scissors when she was attacked thus preventing any major damage to the shrieking chick. It took two more members of security to break them apart before escorting the four to the dean's office.

Back in the present, Jade had finished her explanation of the situation, leaving out the parts involving Liam's use of the old dorm grounds. Ms. Moreau studied the pair during the entire story, checking for any contradictions or any actions that would support that only to find none. Judging by the sincerity in Jade's voice combined with Liam's lack of reaction, there appeared to be no reason for the two to lie. Still, there was the matter of the fight, justifiable as it may have been.

Little did either of them know, Cecilia Moreau had been keeping close tabs on the young man ever since she was told about him back at Northridge. It was one of the reasons she was even called to discuss this manner with him (and by extension, Jade) personally, rather than have the dean himself crack down on them.

"Based on what you're telling me, I can see why Liam would react in the manner he did. Unfortunately, this situation is much more serious than previously thought. While you were clearly not supposed to be on campus after hours, I could get the higher-ups to let that slide considering you were leaving. A simple 'we lost track of time' should be a good excuse. However, the real problem lies in both of your actions. The campus has zero tolerance for fights on campus and you both clearly violated that."

Liam just wanted the ground to swallow him whole at this point. He wasn't an idiot; it was beyond clear what direction this was headed and it was not going to be an outcome he'd enjoy. In one night, he went from being on top of the world to feeling lower than dirt. He'd never felt so... well so humiliated in all of his life. The shame etched on his face shone like a neon sign in Las Vegas for all to witness.

Jade couldn't help but feel guilty for her involvement in the situation but found herself quietly assured by the weakest of smirks from the boy.

"I'll try to talk about disciplinary actions since it is your first offense but..."

Unfortunately, Cecilia halted her statement when a dark-skinned woman entered the door with a frantic look in her eyes. Without hesitation, she saw the swollen orbital and rushed over to the two teens, wrapping them both in a tight hug, as any loving mother would. This was surprising to Jade as she wasn't expecting this to happen for her. For Liam, the woman's own flesh and blood, it made sense. However, she didn't think she was deserving of such an affectionate gesture.

"What happened?! Are you two injured anywhere else?"

"Aside from his swollen eye, I think we're alright, Ms. Marshall."

"Jade's right. I think we'll manage, Ma."

The doting mother still wasn't convinced but, there would be time for that later. For now, she had to remember that she was called to PCA for a reason. One more stare at the duo, she stood to her feet to face whoever was in charge. What she wasn't expecting to see was someone so recognizable that it made her skin crawl. The matching eyes, the similar features, and practically the same scowl left no doubt to either woman.

"It's nice to see you, Celeste."

"I wish I could say the same, Cecilia..." The air in the room grew oddly colder as the pair glared at the other, a visual battle of dominance ensuing unbeknownst to the teens. "Liam, take Jade and wait outside."

"But, ma!"

"Now, Alexandre!"

Middle name. That was enough to shut down any further protest as the two left quickly, leaving the two women to discuss the incident and only Lord knows what else.

A half hour passed by like mere seconds yet, Jade felt the urge to fall asleep growing increasingly stronger with every blink. She fought the notion of doing so considering that she wasn't the only one there. By now, Lola and Vince had been dismissed with stern warnings from the dean himself pertaining to what had occurred, which left her and Liam in the halls alone to ponder her fate.

To be honest, she was expecting something along the lines of Liam being given the same treatment; the worst outcome being that she would be banned from the campus. Her heart crashed into her chest as the idea of her best friend being severely punished rooted itself in her mind. She wasn't sure if she could bear the thought of him getting worse than those she now considered to be disgusting excuses for human beings.

Still, she wasn't one to blindly believe in things.

"You okay?" she snapped out of her thoughts. "Jade, are you alright?"

"Oh... Y-Yeah, I'm fine..."

"You don't have to lie to me. I can tell that you're thinking about what's going to happen to me," he put on the best smile but, that fell through as Jade shook her head. "Jade, it'll be alright..."

"You don't know that!" she countered, jerking softly once she realized how loud she was. "How can you be so calm during all of this? What if they kick you out?"

Seeing her distress, Liam did what came to his mind. Standing to his feet, he stretched and yawned (that last part involuntarily). Next, he motioned for Jade to do the same to which she questionably obliged. Once on her feet, he opened his arms, an invitation they both knew she couldn't resist. They just remained there, neither wanting to think about the cruel reality that potentially awaited them.

"No matter what, I'm not going to cry about whatever decision they make. In all honesty, I'm past nervous at this point but, I refuse to let that fear control me. Between this and the uncontrollable rage, I felt after seeing her with that douche, I don't like losing control like that. So, I'll accept whatever happens and move forward from there. If they kick me out, then I'll look for other opportunities to advance my life."

They rocked back and forth, settling on the neutral aura surrounding them.

"I hate how mature you can be at times, you know that?" she giggled before poking him in the chest. "But, I want you to know that no matter what, you're not going to deal with this alone. I promised you that I was going to continue to rebuild this... us... and Jade West keeps her promises."

"Noted," he chuckled at her playful attempt at being scary.

"Liam Marshall?" The two turned to find his mother, Ms. Moreau, and the Dean all standing outside of the office. "After much debate, we've come to a decision. Unfortunately, the young lady will be asked to leave as this is a private matter."

Not liking where this was going, Liam opened his mouth to protest only to be stopped by Jade herself who gave him a look that said 'I'll be fine'. Conflicted and a little upset, he sighed in resignation before releasing his hold on the smaller girl. She smiled a sad smile, leaning in to kiss his cheek as a thank you and whispering something that lit a fire in his spirit.

"Take no prisoners, Tiger."

Jade turned to leave, bidding farewell to Ms. Marshall on her way out. With her gone, Liam inhaled deeply, preparing himself for whatever the consequences would be.

Take no prisoners... he mentally chanted.

Several days passed by with no word from Liam or Ms. Marshall, making Jade West very antsy and irritable. Even her standard morning coffee and insults to Robbie, Tori, and Rex didn't lift her mood. Hell, even the occasional kiss from Beck Oliver did little to help. By now, she was sitting in her mid-morning class, Sikowitz's acting class in the Black Box theater with a bored and spaced out expression on her face.

"-West?"

What's happened to him?

"Ms. West?"

I hope he's alright...

"Jade!"

"WHAT?!" she screeched, scaring half of the class with her sudden outburst, including her favorite teacher.

"I would um... appreciate it if you would pay attention to the announcement I was about to make."

"Whatever..." she muttered, curling under her boyfriend.

"Ahem. Anywho, I've just been informed of two important details that will change the landscape of our beloved school." Seeing the collective confused on his student's faces, he pressed on. "The first is that Hollywood will have a new Principal beginning next semester and as her first order of business is for all students to reaudition to keep their spots in the school. Secondly, apparently, we have been granted access to a nearby property where the former Cherry Grove apartment complex is being converted into a dormitory that will be named the Hollywood Arts Gardens. Any students who stay far away from the school are eligible for admission to the dorms."

Well, that was a colossal waste of time... Jade rolled her eyes.

"Now, for our first exercise will be..." the coconut loving, hobo dressing teacher was cut off by a knock on the main doors, drawing him and his pupil's attention. They were met with the figure of a stout African-American woman who held an unimpressed and no-nonsense look on her face as she scanned the surrounding theater. Behind her stood a few teens who mirrored her actions, only with awe dancing in their eyes. "Ah! Principal Helen! To what do we owe this pleasure?"

"Morning, Erwin. I'm just here to inform you of some of the new recruits who've already passed their auditions. They'll be given a prelude to the upcoming semester so that they'll be caught up with our curriculum, understood?" she rolled her eyes when Sikowitz saluted her as if he was a military veteran. "Carry on."

"Right! If the pups would be so kind as to introduce themselves, that would be stupendous."

The balding man signaled for the recruits to come over to the stage where one by one, they gave a brief introduction. While it wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, one person sparked immediate interest from not only Jade but a certain brown haired girl. That's right. Tori Vega while paying attention to her potential classmates happened to scan the lineup only to find herself staring at a pair of admittedly beautiful green eyes, even though one of them was slightly closed for an unknown reason. Meanwhile, Jade felt time cease to move as she too noticed the amiable face of the very object of her thoughts.

Interestingly, neither realized that the other had noticed him at the same time. What was surprising was that he hadn't completely noticed their presence but, that would come in due time. In the meantime, questions and ideas were forming in both girl's minds as they did the best they could to maintain their composure but, it was more than clear to them that he was here at Hollywood Arts and it seemed that he was now one of their newest students.

Liam... Jade simply smirked.

So, this is the final chapter of the PCA arc. Yes, it was rather short but, it ties into the prelude arc as a build for the real content. Since this was based on my other fic, Demons Within, there was a method to the madness here. In that story (which I recommend checking out) the prelude arc would be Trina and Liam attempting to form a relationship only for the former to run away due to her past and her desire to keep Liam from getting involved. This led to Jade and Tori becoming the main love interests. Moving forward, there is an incident with an antagonist named Thoran who holds a book of illusions that warped reality for the gang.

This story, while tied to Demons Within, is an alternate universe where the events are completely rearranged or never happened entirely. Here, Trina never got involved with Liam but rather, Jade and Liam were childhood friends. Liam then went to Northridge while Jade went to Hollywood Arts and their paths deviated apart aside from whenever Jade needed his support. These events are what leads to the story thus far. Now, Liam has become a student at H.A. (Which will be explained) and many of the events of Demons Within will play out in a similar fashion such as Yerba aside from more depth to these arcs and plenty of content.

Finally, I want to address a review pertaining to smut. Yes, there will be lemons aplenty as we progress but, you must be patient as I'm building to this. Of course, this means that the content rating will probably be classified as M for future content and themes. With Lola out of the picture, Liam is officially single and this will make for some interesting interactions going forward. For now, be on the lookout for the next chapter of this saga. More than likely, I'll either throw in a filler chapter next or dive straight into the next big arc and it will be much longer than the last two.

There will be a poll on my profile pertaining to what you all want to see in the next chapter so feel free to vote on that and I'll post the results at the beginning of the next chapter.

For now, thank you all for your support and as always, I'll be updating soon.