Monsters & Demons
Rated M
Genre: Drama & Adventure
Summary:
When Tori arrived at Hollywood Arts, she knew that things wouldn't be the same. Little did she know that she and her friends would find themselves wound into more than teenage drama. Jade thought all she had to worry about was her status being threatened. Does Trina finally have a true friend? A trio of newcomers shows up, bringing along more than the gang bargained for. Homework and plays don't sound so bad anymore.
A/N:
I can't believe I'm trying this again, but the rebel in me relishes the challenge of rewriting and improving my old works. Between the stories of 'Demons Within' and 'Tears of a Fallen Angel', I wanted to improve the MANY issues of the story after looking back at things. So, here we go with the latest attempt at fixing this.
For starters, I had two main protagonists in Travis and Liam who were the same person at one point and that was an issue all its own. Then there were the beginnings of the two stories; Jade's connection with Liam in the past and the introduction of Travis and Trina's friendship. So, I'm giving them both separate paths with the gang. Travis and Ahrya are related while Liam is his own person to clear things up.
Hopefully, things work out this time as there's a lot to patch up. Inconsistencies and grammatical errors are aplenty haha...
In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this project!
Chapter 1: Fresh Meet & Greet
The morning traffic at Hollywood Arts was nothing new to Tori and her friends as they made their way towards their respective lockers. Among them, Jade made some snide comments about Tori's date the previous weekend ending disastrously when a spicy tuna ball landed in her hair. Beck and Andre rolled their eyes while Cat mentioned something about her brother eating a glue stick under the impression it was string cheese. Everyone stopped to stare at her with raised eyebrows.
"So, did you know we got some new students?" Tori broke the awkward silence. "This is pretty exciting, right?"
"Yeah. About as exciting as getting a root canal." Jade responded before taking a sip of her coffee.
The Latina simply stared at the brunette trying her hardest to figure out whether Jade West was being sarcastic or truly masochistic. Her answer came in the goth raising her eyebrows seductively which only served to confuse her even more.
"Well, Jade's comment aside, I can't wait to meet some of them. It'll be cool to meet the new blood." Andre chimed in.
"Oh! My brother had to give blood one time. Unfortunately, he wound up being kicked out after he tried to drink it, thinking it was fruit punch."
Beck shook his head and asserted himself into the conversation. "I agree with Andre on this one. We should help the new kids feel at home here."
After a bit more chatter, they all agreed just as the bell began to ring, signaling their first-period classes.
"Alright, so we'll meet at the black box after school, alright?" they muttered something along the lines of an agreement before disappearing to their respective classes.
"So, I would like to welcome you all to Hollywood Arts and hope you all shoot for the stars!" An excited and balding man exclaimed before taking a sip of what appeared to be a coconut. His movements were erratic and borderline outrageous for a man his age, but the new recruits didn't bother to openly address it. "Now, if you happen to have any questions, you can find our school's guidance counselor, Lane's office down the hall from Principal Helen's office on the east wing. Feel free to drop in."
A bored Travis sat next to his sister who was practically stricken with fascination at the weird coconut man. This was the first time she was genuinely excited about something in a long time and it was more than enough to bring a faint smirk to his lips. Her hazel eyes followed the man, who earlier introduced himself as Mr. Sikowitz, like a hawk while he concluded his explanations.
"Lastly, at the end of the month, you'll all be required to participate in the Kickback Showcase. This is your first chance at making an impression on your peers. Your talents and gifts will be on full display and your performance will be added to your first quarterly grade. I'm sure you all will do well."
The man paused for only a moment to savor his coconut before resuming his speech.
"Now, considering this is your first day, you'll all start your classes tomorrow. Feel free to explore the campus, get to know your schedules, find electives that you'd like to be a part of, make some new friends, or whatever." he laughed before walking off stage, leaving them all to figure out exactly what they wanted to do. Ahrya and Travis looked at one another before grabbing their bags and exiting the auditorium.
"I wonder what you'll do big bro." she nudged his ribs earning a grunt in response. "I'm sure you're excited too, huh?"
Travis simply rolled his eyes and scoffed. He ran his fingers through his braided hair, completely missing the pointed glower from his younger sibling.
"Hell if I know, Ahrya." his humorless tone was enough to prompt her concern. Before she could inquire further, he opened his mouth to continue. "Remember, I just happened to get into the school purely by pure luck. You're the one who wanted to join this school from the start. I'm just sort of winging it at this point..."
Letting out a pout, she grabbed his arm, causing him to stop dead in his tracks.
When he turned to face her, what he found was a shivering Ahrya.
His eyes widened and he sighed and softened his gaze. Her curly hair somehow masked her features, but there was no doubt that tears threatened to spill out, only being held back once Travis hugged her and began humming. Thankfully the halls were empty as she calmed down. Travis was relieved that they avoided her freaking out while at school.
To say it would be difficult to explain that would be an understatement.
"I'm sorry," he whispered just as their bodies separated.
It was evident that their concern and level of care were off the charts as they were always able to tell what was wrong with the other, even without uttering a single word. Ahrya shook her head and glimpsed at the boy she knew as her big brother.
"I'm... I'm okay, Travis." she took a slow breath to steady herself. "I just hate when you don't believe in yourself."
Travis scratched the back of his neck sheepishly at her confession and felt severely crappy after hearing it. He took a deep breath and nodded at her, showing that he understood. "You're right. I'm just nervous about being here is all. But I promise you, I'm going to give my best here alright?"
Ahrya smiled brightly and held her fist out to him which he responded by bumping his own against hers. They then proceeded to find their respective classes first before searching for their upcoming classes.
"It's going to be a good day," he whispered to himself.
To say that things didn't turn out that way for Travis would be an understatement.
Travis slouched in his seat, a mixture of frustration and adrenaline creating a storm throughout every fiber of his being.
Next to him, Jade West sat with arms and legs crossed. Neither would face each other, let alone speak with one another after the outbreak nearly escalated in the courtyard earlier. Various students passed them by, murmurs and whispers aplenty, and it only served to drag the time to a snail's crawl.
Behind the door to Principal Helen's office, a flustered man continued to prattle on about deviant behavior and endangering the student body. While neither seemed to show any sign of remorse, Jade took a moment to cut her gaze at the guy who dare challenge her dominance. Taking in his profile, she could detect the faint stubble on his defined chin and jawline. With his jacket stripped from him, she could tell that he was well in shape. His dark blue shirt practically hugged his body perfectly, eliciting a slight blush from her.
Get it together, Jade... Who cares if he reminds you of...
Jade's flushed cheeks turned a deeper shade of red while her eyes began to wander haphazardly. That is until her alleged partner-in-crime turned his gaze over to her.
"Can I help you?" she could feel no sentiment in his voice as he simply lifted a curious eyebrow, a flash of annoyance laser-focused.
Although she was taken aback, she regained her composure. Gone was the sense of wonder, replaced only with arrogance and pride.
"You most certainly can," she replied with a mocking tone. "You can help by not breathing."
Even though she felt her words were a bit harsher than she'd like, Jade couldn't allow herself to back down. She wasn't about to let this wannabe tough guy one-up her again. It was petty at this point. Still, she just accepted the 'old habits die hard' motto and pressed.
"Whatever..." he sneered.
"I don't know if your braids are too tight, but there are some ground rules here that you need to know." Jade took a pause to see if he'd give a snarky reply only to find his head propped up on his fist. His expression, at first glance, retained its bored expression but, when she analyzed further, she could detect the hint of... amusement? She mentally shook off the ridiculous idea and chose to resume her lecturing. "Rule number one: I'm at the top of the food chain here. I don't care how big and bad you thought you were at your old school. These hallways all fear me; I'm top dog."
"So, what's rule two?" he yawned, rather abruptly, completely dismissing the steely glower and gnashing teeth.
"Follow that first rule, and the rest will come naturally..."
For the first time since meeting him, she watched his lips curve upwards into a smug grin. This would begin to cause her to finally break her iron grip on her face as her eyes widened once again. He was still thinking this was a game and it was driving her crazy to no end.
She was Jade West!
Everyone who wasn't in her signature circle feared her very presence and yet, this guy wasn't even flinching. The list of those who'd successfully challenge her was indeed short but even they would resign to her will every so often, or so the stories went. This was blatant disregard she was witnessing and it was building her interest in him.
"And, what if it slips my mind?" Travis defiantly crossed his arms.
"I'm more than happy to show you the consequences again." she needled. "You might think you're tough, but you're nothing compared to..."
Jade's declaration was interrupted when the door to the Principal's office opened. From the depths of the room emerged Lane, Mr. Sikowitz, and a clearly irritated Helen. With the reputation of the latter, neither said a word, showing that even the Queen and newbie respected the aura of authority.
"Alright, listen up because we're only going to say this once," Helen started, her lips twisted in the most twisted scowl that said: one wrong move and you're history. "I don't know what either of you thought you were ascertaining during that little stunt of yours but it won't be tolerated under my rule."
"Travis, you've managed to get involved in an altercation that could've resulted in injury or even death..." an uneasy Lane began before turning to the goth. "...that's not to say that you are solely to blame. Jade, you have a past of instigating these disputes whenever you're put on the spot. You both have to learn to channel your issues via positive means."
Both looked at one another in an attempt to make sense of his babbling when Helen stepped forward once more.
"Meaning?"
"What this means is that you both will be serving detention, effective immediately." seeing no reaction, the Principal furrowed her brow. "Also, in lieu of removal for using deadly weapons, Sikowitz has spoken on your behalf and suggested you both participate in the showcase as part of your punishment."
"What?!/Are you kidding me?" Jade and Travis both screamed respectively.
A stone-faced Helen nodded and began to head back to her office.
"I suggest that you both find a duet and figure out a schedule for rehearsals. You'll be banned from partaking in any other extracurricular activities until after the Kickback. Lastly, you two are required to attend duel counseling with Lane once a week. Now, head over to your respective classes and report to the Black Box after school."
Without another word, both students would flash one more dirty look before grabbing their bags and heading towards their next class, which coincidentally, they shared. Both men let out a flustered sigh as they could hear Jade's voice echo down the hall as she mentioned 'being followed'.
"This is going to be an interesting rest of the year..." Lane chuckled.
"I dread the day their 'teamwork' disintegrates..." Sikowitz groused, moving on to his classroom, leaving behind an amused guidance counselor.
Tori Vega waited by her locker alongside Andre and Cat who were talking about unicorns and ketchup when Beck Oliver and Robbie Shapiro (w/Rex) arrived from around the corner. She signaled them over only to flash a confused gaze.
"Um... not that I'm complaining, but where's Jade?" the Latina inquired.
While Robbie shrugged, Beck rolled his eyes.
"Apparently, she got caught threatening one of the new students who stood up to her and is supposed to be serving detention. She probably won't be joining us in meeting the others." he rubbed the back of his neck, ignoring the look of terror from Andre, Tori, Robbie, and even Cat.
It was no secret that Beck's girlfriend had a nasty temper, but to know she literally threatened someone's life and more so, that poor soul thought it best to test her in the first place...? This was unheard of...
"Well, I hope that person isn't traumatized too much," Tori mumbled much to Beck's embarrassment.
"To be honest, I hope he learned his lesson..." he retorted. "...he should've known better than that."
This prompted the group (yes even Rex) to look at him as if he'd grown a second head.
It was one thing for Beck to downplay Jade's actions but to blatantly justify actions such as that was a step too far. Unfortunately, before they could press the issue further, Tori's pear pad went off, signaling it was time to head to the theatre. The air of unease would only serve as a stepping stone as they crossed the threshold into the room, nobody really letting Beck's words slip through the cracks.
In his defense, he did mention that he would have a serious talk with his girlfriend, one that he was not looking forward to. Anyone who didn't know Beck that well would be forgiven for missing the tenseness, and veiled frustration, but not the group. Even Cat knew that this conversation was going to be rough as the pair had been fighting a lot more often than not lately.
Hell hath no fury...
That, however, would have to wait as they were met with the various chatter of various new students, including one Ahrya who was actually flashing attention towards one person in particular.
Travis, who was still trying to process the day, had gone looking for his sister so they could head home and work on their homework. He wasn't too thrilled to return to the hell hole he called home but it was the only place he could go given the circumstances.
He managed to find his locker, still expressionless at this point but was halted when he heard what appeared to be various boys laughing.
Against his better judgment, he followed the sounds, careful not to alert anyone just in case he had to fight. After cutting a couple of corners, he could see multiple male shadows hovering over another shadow that looked to be kneeling inside a deserted classroom. He slipped inside, concealing himself behind an old damaged cabinet that allowed him to remain just out of sight should anyone enter or exit the room.
"Man, you're as good as they say." One of the boys boasted as he adjusted his pants. "I can see why you've managed to stay in Hollywood Arts all of this time."
'The hell did I just walk into?' he asked himself as another boy smacked the kneeling person. "I'm so glad we got to come here.. Our first day, and already we're getting some good brain from a slut without one." he laughed. Travis continued to watch, despite his churning gut, as the other two remaining boys stroked themselves until they reached their climaxes.
The appalling scene concluded with the figure, which he figured to be a girl, meowing amidst various slaps from the boys. He wanted to do something to help her but his instincts always taught him to wait until he knew for sure what was going on. From the looks of things, while the girl looked bleak, she was still a willing participant in the shameful act.
Thankfully, the four left the room after tossing some money at her and 'thanking' her for a 'good time'...
What transpired next nearly shattered his heart.
"You're almost done..." he heard her mutter. The bitterness in her voice crushed his soul, almost as if she was mocking herself for her plight. "You'll be a star one day..."
Travis listened to her chant her mantra a few more times before stepping out from his hiding place. To his dismay, a piece of the rusted cabinet creaking drew the girl's attention.
Predictably, she froze in her spot with a terror-filled gaze. She wanted to run but found her legs unable to move as if rooted to that spot. She was like a deer in headlights as he walked towards her, unsure of his purpose for being here in the first place. Her heart was basically crashing thunderous blows to her rib cage as he knelt down in front of her. With her face still dripping from her earlier 'activities', shame only seemed to grow in strength within her as he inspected her. Not only that, but she was wearing only a pair of pink panties at the moment; her clothes were tossed aside along the rear portion of the stage.
"It's 25 to touch and 30 for some real action..." she recited absentmindedly.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice exuding genuine concern. "Are you hurt?"
Before she could answer, the stranger handed her his shirt, unknowingly to her delight. Soon, her face was completely devoid of male bodily fluids. She proceeded to cover her breasts with her arms while he grabbed her bra.
He turned away and rushed to get her scattered clothes to allow her some privacy. While he was a guy dealing with hormones and puberty, he wasn't a pervert.
"I just bought this..." she whined. After closer inspection, he noticed her top was torn in several spots and thus unsuitable to wear without something over it. "Story of my life."
"I'm sorry your shirt got torn but here.." the girl turned around to barely miss his jacket from hitting her in the face. Without a second thought, she put the warm attire on and zipped the jacket up, thankful that she didn't have to sneak through the school with an exposed bosom. "Now, I ask again. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." she puffed, eyes crossing down to the floor.
"I don't think so. You were basically raped by those assholes. I hardly consider that just 'fine'." While he tried to come off as angry, his voice betrayed him. He knew all too well what that was. It was abuse, pure and simple. "Plus, those guys were new recruits like me. What the hell was that um..."
"Trina Vega..."
He stopped his yelling after hearing her haggard voice. He let out a sigh of exasperation while helping her off of the stage. He took special notice of how much effort she put into averting her gaze from his own. It was no doubt that she was used to this lifestyle or at least was getting used to acts like that. The reality of this was making his blood boil but he fought the urges to search and kill at least for now.
"I'm Travis. Wanna get out of here? This place reeks of depression."
Trina didn't hesitate and bowed her head in agreement.
After gathering their belongings, Travis led her to the parking lot only to find it completely empty save for his car. He looked around for his sister but was relieved to find a note had been left under his wiper. With a quick read, relief washed over his face as Ahrya was safely at home. Between his cadaverous encounter turned association with Jade and now meeting Trina, he had enough of undesirable shocks for one day.
"Need a lift?"
Trina silently nodded, a ghost of a grin beginning to surface while entering the vehicle.
It was mostly a quiet ride unless his passenger uttered a direction or two. The nerve-racking atmosphere was almost too much to bear until she pointed to a house. He pulled into the driveway and killed the engine. He would find himself startled as Trina's hands found themselves on his belt buckle only for her to feel him swat her hands away.
"What are you doing?" he howled in a mix of uncertainty and irritation lacing his voice.
Trina nearly recoiled but remained in her seat.
"I'm thanking you for the ride home," she said as if it was the most normal thing in the world. "Isn't this what you want?"
"What? No!" Travis' eyes began to bug out at the question. "In what world is this a 'thank you?!'"
"Come on. You're telling me that you just gave me a ride home just to be nice?! I'm not buying it.." she snapped back. "Let me guess. Do you want your blowjob later down the road? Is that it? Or maybe you'd like to share me like those cunts back at school?! Just tell me the truth!"
Hot tears burned down Trina's cheek as her emotions finally overtook her. The anguish and disgust that one only possesses toward themself began to pour out like a waterfall. Her cries of anger only amplified the faux rage that'd been festering deep in the girl's core. It was a feeling that Travis knew all too well. His outrage quickly turned to grief as he placed a hand on the sobbing girl's shoulder only to have it fiercely brushed off.
"Trina..."
"I don't need your pity!" she spat with reddened eyes. "I know you only see me like everyone else: A slut who'll do anything to be relevant in that school! I do what I have to do in order to survive... Save your sympathy for someone else, okay?"
Brown eyes stared into the night sky, lost in a sea of woe. She couldn't care less if this boy saw her crying; He'd seen her in worse shape so why should it matter? As she continued to cry, warmth soon enveloped her body. Looking up, she noticed her vision was blocked by the form of Travis who was...
Was he hugging her?
He held her in his embrace until her sobs turned to random sniffles.
He didn't release the hug until he was sure that she was better. By this point, the sun had completely disappeared behind the hills of Hollywood. Only the stars above lit the night sky as the two strangers awaited the next move. Trina would observe as he drew out a sheet of paper and scribbled something on it.
"Sorry, Trina, but I don't want anything from you... Especially nothing sexually," he passed the note to her, much to her confusion. "If you need someone to talk to, I'll be happy to listen."
"Why are you doing all of this for me?" she asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
He sighed, flashing a small smile.
"Call it an act of goodwill... from a friend?"
She smiled weakly and pulled her phone from her purse. She quickly registered his number and called it, watching as he did the same. They even exchanged TheSlap names so they could message one another as well. With a yawn that even Liam had to admit was adorable to him, Trina opened the door and thanked him for the ride. He eyed her as she headed to the door but was a bit confused when she returned and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
He didn't get a chance to say anything as she waved goodbye and soon, disappeared inside the house. After seeing she was inside safe, he started the car and pulled out of the driveway, heading to his own home.
It was a weird day, to say the least, but after nearly having his life threatened, getting detention with a cute goth girl, who may or may not hate him, he actually made a friend, although after dubious introductions. He hadn't meant to snoop around but in the end, he was glad he did. Hopefully, he could be a good friend to Trina Vega.
Turning on the radio, he jammed out to some old-school love song as he neared his home.
Back at the Vega residence, Trina had just stepped out of the shower completely clean and refreshed after a long and soothing bath. It was much needed after the day she was having. She didn't want to think about it but found it necessary in order to remember the only positive of her day.
"Liam..." she fawned quietly as she dressed in her favorite Hello Kitty T-shirt and Pajama pants.
There was only one thing to do as she grabbed her phone and saw she had a few notifications. The first one was about a few status updates from creepers like Sinjin but one stuck out to her.
[METALIQFANG_15]
{Weird day but glad to have met a cute friend.}
She fanned herself at how someone actually called her cute without there being a condition to it. She wasted no time in liking the status and then wrote one of her own before logging off. She removed the notifications pertaining to private messages, all of which were for soliciting sexual deeds from her. She rolled her eyes only to stop at a text message. She opened it to find a picture of two teddy bears hugging. Underneath it, were the words. Goodnight Trina :)
"It's nice to have someone who I can actually have as a respectable contact." she giggled.
She sent a reply to him and then prepared for bed. Unfortunately, her plans had to be put on hold as another message popped up resulting in her smile fading.
[Mad Dog]
Hope you satisfied your new customers. Lining up more soon.
This was enough for Trina Vega to curl up into a ball and weep silently until she fell unconscious.
This potential friendship was going to be a challenge for her but she knew she had to make it work.
Little did Trina know, she wasn't the only one dealing with problems that night.
