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:


Chapter 4: All Good Things...


Tori Vega let out an ugly yawn while making her way downstairs.

Her nut-brown hair was all over the place as she fought to keep her eyelids from drooping. She eventually managed to arrive in the kitchen only to find none other than her sister, Trina humming to herself. Blinking a few times, Tori's vision became to clear up, and much to her surprise, her elder sister was watching someone singing on her laptop, giving off the impression that she was actually trying to learn. She almost didn't notice the earbuds in Trina's ears before looking over at the clock that read 8:37 am.

Her eyebrow raised as occasionally, she would catch her humming short but coherent sounds. This was getting weird for the younger Vega sister, who tiptoed backward out of the kitchen before breaking into a full-on sprint to her room. In her haste, she nearly mowed down her parents who just happened to step out of their bedroom.

"Whoa there!" her father barely managed to catch her in his arms. "Tori, why on earth are you running like you're being chased by an animal?"

It took a few moments for Tori to catch her breath which only exemplified her parent's looks of worry.

"Trina... Trina..." she managed to sizzle out, resulting in her mother tossing her hands up and her father rolling his eyes for good measure.

"What has your sister done now?" he asked, his voice completely devoid of said concern, replaced by annoyance.

"She's humming..." the two traded looks of bewilderment before returning their attention toward their youngest. "...I mean, I think she's learning to sing..."

Tori would find herself nearly trampled by her parents as they pushed past her to see the truth behind her words.

It was definitely a warning sign if their peace and tranquility were being jeopardized. They all peered around the corner of the small stairwell to find their oldest daughter indeed attempting to learn how to sing. To say that what they saw surprised them would be an understatement as they listened to her repeating notes and somehow hitting them in succession. Tori arrived just to see her mother's jaw nearly hit the floor as her father shook his head in disbelief. As they tried to gather their collective thoughts, the three quickly shuffled back into the hallway just as Trina began to stand up and head over to the refrigerator.

Tori was the only one who dared sneak another peak as her parents silently retreated to their sanctuary of a bedroom.

Meanwhile, Tori Vega had other ideas and then made her way into the living room. She always kept an eye on Trina but would frequently check her laptop screen for clues. Before she knew it, she would find what she was looking for in the form of a paused video. what caught her eye was that the video appeared to be a series of several recordings sent via private messages from none other than her classmate, Travis tuning a guitar in one of the band rooms.

So this is why you're so happy today... she rubbed her chin thoughtfully with a cocky grin.

"Can I help you with something?"

Tori nearly jumped out of her skin only to turn to see a clearly agitated Trina Vega holding a can of cola in her hand.

"God, Trina... You shouldn't sneak up on me like that!" she managed to blurt out while clutching her chest. She could feel her cheeks growing warmer as a thin shade of pink began to form across the bridge of her nose. To be frank, she wasn't sure if it was because she was caught red-handed snooping around or simply because her mind was now on a certain ebony young man. "I mean- what are you up to big, sis?"

Tori watched as her sister's lips curled into a deeper frown, skepticism oozing from her pores at this point. "I WAS checking out some videos on the Slap but now, I'm staring at my sister who doesn't appear to know the meaning of personal space or privacy."

That was all she needed to move as Trina looked to gently push past her, only her way of barging through felt like a playful hip bump. However, before she could inquire any further, Trina was already engrossed in the video once more. Tori, while more than just confused, thought it best not to push the envelope, leaving Trina to her humming.

Eventually, the elder Vega sibling would bid her sister a light-hearted, yet rude goodbye before leaving for the afternoon.

Besides, she had other things on her mind:

A certain dark amber-skinned boy keeps capturing her attention.


The other Vega.

Tori's annoying sister.

Talentless.

Worthless.

Stuck up.

Friendless.

All of those listed above were just the tip of the iceberg of what Trina would hear from her fellow students at Hollywood Arts. Whether it was overhearing murmurs throughout the halls or directly to her face, it was no less painful to endure.

Her memory of that one-woman show tanking didn't help her mood either as she fiddled with the combination to her locker. In her mind, she replayed the boos and jeers that echoed in the Black Box theater when she'd begun her opening number; that was only five minutes into the show, mind you.

What was that trainwreck?

I didn't think anything could be worse than that time we had to eat mystery meat... but, that takes the cake.

Who greenlit that hot garbage?

How did she get into this school with no talent?

Those were the kind of comments and reviews she'd read.

Now, her sister was spying on her, probably to have some new topics to complain about to her friends. She despised most of them to her core but managed to keep up appearances so that they were none the wiser. The only one she outright despised was Jade and yet, even she had to admit that the goth had mellowed out lately, even if her catchphrase still stung her heart at times.

No one likes you!

Despite all of that, Trina Vega was indeed smiling today which, predictably, earned her a few wary looks from anyone who happened to pass her by. Each step only made the gesture grow in strength as the brunette was now beaming just as she drove down several streets. Blocks of the city's natives and visitors had a certain pleasantry to them as she turned into the parking lot.

Her heart was now pounding as she tapped the steering wheel as if waiting for something.

That something would come in the form of a familiar 'ping' from her phone, which she wasted little time in checking. Manicured fingers wrapped around the device, twitching slightly in eagerness. Her excitement was rewarded by a message she'd been anticipating.

Hey did you make it?

She replied and awaited the response with a gentle grin.

Alright, I let the guard know. I'll be waiting inside. South entrance.

She pulled off for the location with a light huff. Several minutes passed, consisting of her jamming out to the newest Ke$ha song on the radio until she arrived at her destination. Turning off, she entered a parking garage, flashing an identification card to the guard who smiled widely in response.

"Name?"

"Um... Trina Vega?"

The burly black man scanned his clipboard before pausing for a moment. When he turned back to her, he now sported a warm smile.

"Checks out! Head up to the fifth level and you'll be set," he announced with a tip of his hat. "Enjoy your time, young lady."

With a quick thanks and a few honking horns behind her, Trina pressed on into the multi-level garage.

After several twists and turns later, Trina would find herself on the fifth floor where she was peering out for a place to park.

She managed to find the designated spot where a familiar young man stood leaning against his dark blue Mustang. He twisted his head in her direction, chuckling softly as she settled the vehicle into a parking space next to him while making various goofy faces at him.

"Took you long enough!" the young man pushed off the trunk with a smug grin. "Was finding this place so hard?"

"Shut up!" she giggled, a healthy expression from her soul. "I was running late due to traffic!"

"I offered to pick you up, remember?"

"And deal with my parents asking questions about abruptly leaving with a weird boy they never met, Travis? Pass!"

"They... Think I'm weird?!"

Trina frowned at his hurt only for her lips to drop when she noticed him feigning said pain with his hand holding his chest. The alleged agony on his face made her roll her eyes, leaning against her vehicle until he looked back at her.

"Are you finished?"

"You're not entertained by my acting?"

"If by acting you mean trying too hard to get a reaction? Then yes... I'm entertained."

"Oh, like you can do better?"

This time, Trina didn't retort, instead choosing to bow her head. Her hair draped over her features, eliciting a worried response from her friend. Travis hovered over to her, willing to apologize if required only to regret his decision when she unexpectedly let out a shrill screech paired with her contorting her face to resemble a horror-like monster like that girl from the ring.

"Gahh! What the hell?!" he hopped back, clutching at his chest with widened eyes.

"Baka..." she snorted before approaching him with a hug to calm his nerves. "So, are you finally going to tell me where you're taking me? I'm a little uneasy just standing in a parking garage."

Travis straightened up and bowed his head in understanding.

"Right. Well, I wanted to bring you somewhere that might be different from what you're used to. So..." he held out an arm, thankful when she intertwined hers with his. With each content with the other's presence while making their way to the elevator.

Once inside, they took turns cutting glances at one another until they reached the underground floor. Muffled sounds of Techno music pounded against the metal doors, matching their heartbeats. Travis could tell that his partner was extremely focused now. He beamed inwardly, understanding that the time for talk was over, now, only their actions were needed as he took several deep breaths before relaxing his terra gaze.

Even without knowing what to expect, Travis could see the excitement beginning to surface behind his buddy's eyes.

Soon, their patience would be rewarded as the elevator doors split open, allowing the full brunt of the music to flood the tiny space they occupied. Accompanied by the various screams of the crowd, Travis and Trina entered with a purpose, hope unknowingly being the source of their thoughts. The only thing on their minds was winning. Their path led them to a small area where multiple chairs sat in a circle, their gazes soon noticing the headsets resting in the seats.

"Wait... You don't mean..." she frowned slightly only to beam brilliantly like a child in a candy shop. "You didn't...!"

"Welcome to ESP-Con, Trina. Hope you like it..."

"I've always wanted to come here!" Trina leaped into his arms, embracing him as tight as she could. Her smile was on full display now, a far cry from when they first met. "But, I thought you needed badges to get in...?"

Travis brandished two of the trinkets that would grant them access to the extravaganzas.

"One step ahead of you!" he chuckled as she grabbed the lanyard.

"I begged my family to take me when I was younger but..."

"But...?"

"They were always too busy and Tori wasn't interested in video games and anime like I was. I eventually gave it all up once I started at Hollywood Arts and adopted the Glammerella persona."

The disappointment reared its ugly head again as Travis noticed Trina sadly staring at her convention badge. After only a month of getting to know the girl, he could now feel her emotions as if they were his own. The heaviness of constant neglect and disdain from others left a bitter taste in his mouth, threatening to suffocate him. To his dismay, thoughts of regret began to surface though he forced them down as he took a few deep breaths to banish the chaotic energy.

Such was the way of an empath.

"Well, I'm glad I could be the first one to experience this moment with you, Trina," he forced out, trying to hide the impact that her dour emotions had on him. "What's the first thing you want to do?"

Ultimately looking back at her friend (few would understand how much that meant to her), Trina grinned and took him by the hand, leading him to a classic Mortal Kombat arcade game. If it wasn't obvious before, she was going to enjoy this time to the fullest.

While Travis was no slouch, Trina was on another level having shaken off the ring rust after the first round. Unlike at school, she had no expectations thrust upon her and nobody to prove herself to. Not Tori. Not her parents. Especially not Jade West. All that mattered was that she was out to have fun and savor every second of peace that came from one of her hidden passions.

For once, all the responsibilities were forgotten as Trina basked in this strange feeling that surged through her soul.

Freedom.


After a full afternoon of gaming and fun, Trina returned to the Vega homestead with a cheerful attitude. Bliss and joy embodied her presence as she gently danced and cleaned up the house voluntarily. Even the stares from her sister and her friends couldn't ruin her mood as she jammed out to a Ke$ha song while wiping the kitchen counters.

"I can't believe Trina's being responsible." Mr. Vega was the one to break the silence. "I thought we'd sooner see the moon crash into the sea before Trina ever picked up a broom of her own free will."

"It's weird alright." His wife chimed in next. "I don't know whether to feel proud or terrified. It's like she's a different person."

Despite knowing the truth, Tori didn't want to mess up the aura of peacefulness by mentioning to her dad that a guy was the reason for her sudden change. In a way, she was happy that her elder sister was being normal for once. Ever since she came to Hollywood Arts, she was either being a pain in everyone's neck or disappearing without explanation. Neither of those things had happened since the month of the showcase and the younger Vega was content with that.

It was then that a ghost of a smile had crept upon her face.

Maybe that Travis guy was more than just attractive.

Her introspections were interrupted when a clamorous boom alarmed her, chaperoned by an all too acquainted voice.

"Tori?!" she groaned while approaching the front door for fear that Jade would kick down the front door. The rest of the family, along with Cat, decided to cease their pondering of a still dancing Trina to acknowledge the more potentially threatening young woman. Opening the door, Tori found herself brushed to the side by the goth who simply plopped on the now dusted couch.

"Hey, Jade. Make yourself at home... Shall I bring you a drink? Perhaps fluff you a pillow?"

"Save it..." she huffed at Tori's sarcasm without a care in the world. "Beck pissed me off again and..."

It was then that Jade noticed the bane of her existence, and raised an eyebrow. While normally disgusted by the obnoxious elder Vega, intrigue took the place of such a feeling. The older girl was so enraptured with a song playing through the headphones that she hadn't even noticed that Jade had entered her home. It was almost like she was here in only the physical sense.

"Jade?"

"What's with your weird sister? She seems... Weirder than usual."

"I'm still trying to figure things out myself. One day she was being secretive and annoying and now, she's actually acting like a decent human being." Tori huffed while plopping herself next to her rival. "Ever since she started listening to that new guy at school on the Slap, she's been like this. Humming, learning to sing, etc."

This was all Jade needed to hear to snap herself out of her thoughts just as Trina disappeared towards her bedroom without a care in the world.

"Wait! Did you say that she suddenly started acting differently after meeting some guy? You wouldn't be referring to Liam, would you?"

"No..." Tori gawked, though she caught the nuanced sigh of relief. "I was talking about Travis! She's been watching his videos lately. I think they're friends or something..."

Jade snorted at the idea, much to Tori's derision.

"As if anyone would be friends with your sister!"

"It's not THAT farfetched, is it?" Tori pointed a raised brow at the now cautious goth.

"What are you getting at, Vega?"

"Didn't you just presume that I was referring to Liam just now? Is it so otherworldly to think that it's possible?"

"As if!" Jade chocked. "There's no way that Liam would ever consider your sister in such a way! He's full of talent and she's full of IT!"

"AHA!" Jade jumped at the burst of energy when Tori pointed a digit at her, that infernal look of satisfaction chiseled on her features. "I knew that you had ties to Liam!"

"What? What makes you think that?!"

"Since when does the great and fearsome Jade West know so much about a new student when they appear out of nowhere? It all makes sense now!" Her musing was seriously creeping the goth and entertaining Cat but Tori was on a roll. "You weren't waiting for Sikowitz to talk about a play. You were waiting to see if Liam was going to pass his audition!"

"You... You have no proof!"

"Then explain when you got on stage to perform with him at the showcase!"

"I... I... Dammit!"

"She got you there, Jade," Cat giggled only to receive a dark glower. "Sorry."

"Fine. You got me, Vega. We know each other from way back, are you satisfied?"

"Almost."


Liam's heart began to beat faster as he was led to the front door of the Vega residence by his best friend.

If it wasn't clear that he was nervous about being around a bunch of people he didn't know, he would find a way to stress that notion. Given that Jade didn't stay too far away from the Vega's, she opted for them to walk so that she could just enjoy the company before being annoyed by everyone.

"Jade, are you sure that this is such a good idea?" he asked, looking around the neighborhood nervously.

"Not really... But, I think it would be good if you stopped being a hermit and interact with real humans." she poked his side, earning one in retaliation.

"But, that's what I have you for!" he protested, much to Jade's hidden delight. "I just have a bad feeling is all..."

"That's just nerves. You'll be fine once you open up and get to know the others. Then, you'll see how annoying everyone is and then, you'll forget all about it. Besides, you'll be with me most of the time, so stop whining and let's get this over with."

"I can't believe I'm missing work..." he joked, rolling his eyes.

"Keep it up, tiger! You may enjoy yourself," she elbowed his side.

Hopefully not too much... her inner desire chimed in.

The duo arrived shortly after their debate, neither truly wanting to be here but neither willing to back out either. Jade banged her fist onto the polished wood door several times before a disgruntled girl with olive skin threw it open.

"Seriously Jade?!" she huffed, her brunette hair somehow staying in good shape despite her wild arrival. "Couldn't you just knock on the door like a normal person?"

"Gotta make an entrance, Vega..." she bit the air seductively.

An unamused Tori was about to retort when she finally noticed the young man standing a foot behind Jade. His mahogany skin was accentuated by his bright green eyes. His long locs were tied in a ponytail, though a few of them managed to drape over his broad shoulders. He wore a forest green t-shirt that showed off his body well along with a simple pair of jeans and black converses.

"...let us in?"

"Huh?" Tori gently shook her head.

"Are you going to let us in, Tori or are you going to just stand there looking like an idiot?"

"Right! Um... Come on in!" she ushered the two inside, trying her best not to embarrass herself further.

The living room was nearly packed with several students, no doubt from Hollywood Arts which made Liam swallow hard. Jade noticed this and slipped her hand into his, pulling his attention from the 'chaos' around them. It worked as he found himself concentrating on the ghost of a smile on her lips before they separated palms. This, however, didn't go unnoticed by Tori who took in the subtlety of the pair's actions, even amongst the crowd.

She was careful not to give herself away as she approached them.

"So, we're having a karaoke contest in the garage and there's plenty of dancing going on here. Food's out back and... I don't believe I caught your name."

Sensing where things were going, Jade stepped in between the two with a warning glare.

"His name's Liam, and he's here with me. Or did you forget that already?"

Not one to back down, Tori diverted her gaze to the goth, contesting her eminence with the intent of getting to the bottom of things.

"I'm pretty sure that I asked... Liam, was it?" he nodded cautiously, keeping an eye on the state of his now irritable friend. "I think he's able to answer for himself unless he's a mute. You're not mute, are you?"

To both of the girl's shock, Liam let out an emphatic laugh.

"No, I'm not mute. I'm just new to the scene so I like to keep to myself until I'm comfortable."

Both Tori and Jade watched as the boy smiled, showing off his white teeth that shined brightly. He was indeed handsome in both of their eyes but, only one of them truly knew him intimately to the point where that physical attraction carried a deeper meaning. On the other hand, Tori herself was far from unattractive and always carried an aura of approachability that quickly became a thorn in Jade's side.

Either way, Jade knew that this was bound to happen sooner or later, and this was at least better than the two running into one another randomly at school where she couldn't keep an eye on Liam as much as she'd like.

What the...? I'm really getting overprotective of him now.

"So, how do you and Jade know each other?" Jade wanted to jump in but, resisted the urge to do so; she did have an image to uphold.

"Jade and I used to go to school together when we were little. It's been a while but we've remained friends after all of these years."

Ambiguous... I like that. Jade grinned triumphantly. I've taught him well!

The conversation persisted with Tori asking questions only for Liam to politely counter with expertly broad answers that didn't tell too much of his history with Jade. He was an introvert, for the most part, being reserved was a trait he'd developed over the years. From where he was from to his ties with Jade, she'd only succeed in getting basic answers that left her with more questions, creating a vicious cycle. Eventually, Tori was forced to leave to handle a small incident in the backyard but promised to connect with him before the party concluded.

Jade watched as her rival faded into the ocean of students before finally exhaling.

"And I thought I was tense..." she heard her friend chuckle in jest.

"Was I that obvious?" she mumbled.

"I could practically feel your wild energy pouring out. You should know that I don't just give out information to total strangers no matter how cute they are."

Jade simply nodded at the logic behind his words, ceasing her motion upon noticing a certain detail.

"So, you think Vega's cute?" Her voice was tranquil, yet hinted at the thin ice he was on.

Liam remained silent as he debated with himself whether to answer that question- and risk putting himself in the frying pan- or simply play dumb and risk jumping into the fire. If there was anything he knew about Jade West, it was that no answer was a safe answer. Thankfully, while still under the evergrowing perilous glare of his buddy, Liam found a way out in the form of the snack table.

"I-I'm going to get us some punch!" he announced, rushing off toward the kitchen area where some of the cups were placed.

Jade looked on in amusement, giggling quietly before scouting the area. It was true that she wanted to introduce Liam to some people such as Andre and Cat, but mostly it was to get him some exposure to the students he would be seeing regularly. She knew that if he managed to get comfortable around this many people in one place, then he'd have little to no problem fitting in and finding his niche in school. Yeah, she predicted that he'd come into contact with Tori at some point, it is her house after all, but, she preferred for that to happen where she could monitor the situation rather than have it happen abruptly like when she met...

"Hey, Jade."

Him.

"Beck?" she cursed the want in her tone; courtesy of her lack of preparedness. "What are you doing here?"

"I was invited by Andre," he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

I'm going to kill that boy... she took a mental note for later. "Okay, well I'm busy so I'll see you whenever."

"Jade, wait." His tone was even, but she could pick up the faint traces of desperation behind those two words. It was enough to make Jade pause her departure, the first mistake made. "Look, I know I was a jerk last week when I came to see you but, I just want a chance to talk."

"And why would I do that?" she scowled at her ex-boyfriend, not willing to show weakness to the boy who broke her heart only a few weeks prior.

Beck remained quiet for a moment, letting the sounds of the music distract him from the awkwardness he was feeling at that moment. Under Jade's glare, he could feel the weight of the world crushing him like a black hole; the pressure forcing him to sweat a little. He realized shortly after that night that he was being petty and while it was clear that he was justified in the way he felt that night, he could've handled things better. So, what could he say now?

"Hey, Jade?" he overheard some guy's voice pierce the air, inciting something within himself that many thought could never possibly exist.

Jealousy.

Who was this guy calling out to his Jade without a care in the world? Was he her new boyfriend? He watched the unknown guy maneuver his way through the crowd and along with it, his window for talking with Jade. He caught her before she could turn around completely, flashing a longing look before wandering into the herd of students.

Staring at the spot where Beck was just standing, Jade felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. She pulled out the device, finding that she now had a text message. While there was no name associated with the number, she recognized it instantly.

Meet me upstairs in 10 minutes and I'll leave you alone after that.

She didn't have time to process things when a familiar touch sent a shiver down her spine. Of course, she was greeted by the sight of Liam who had a goofy grin on his lips. Talk about a stroke of bad luck.

Not now, Jade... she mentally chastised as her wandering gaze finally rested on two red cups. She swiftly took one of the drinks and chugged down the cool liquid, tasting cherry soda as it stung her throat. Surprisingly, it was a relief from her stinging mental for the moment.

"Sorry I took so long... I was stopped by some girl named Trina who wouldn't let me past. She kept thinking I was that Travis guy," Jade knew who he was referring to and it only made her stomach feel worse as she contemplated what to say next. "I didn't realize you were that thirsty, though. I can get you another one if you'd like me to."

Strike #1:

Distancing oneself

"Um... Yeah. Sure." she averted her gaze, still trying to figure out what to do. "I'll meet you in the backyard, okay?"

Thankfully, her little slip-up went unnoticed by Liam who appeared to be starting to warm up to his environment. If ever there was a positive out of all of this, it was that her friend was breaking out of his shell. Unfortunately, that fuzzy feeling was short-lived as she mentally hardened her gaze, knowing what was about to be done.

With a glance back at her smiling companion, Jade hardened her icy gaze in preparation for what was to come.

Strike #2

Reverting back to one's old ways

She found herself in the midst of an inverted scenario of that fateful night; she was waiting for Beck to open the door that night only to find that he wasn't going to. It was the night that led her back into Liam's life with the intention of staying there full-time.

Now?

Jade found herself with the same opportunity to do to him what he did to her. Standing across from the bathroom, there was only one thing that would justify the idiotic decision. She could just ignore the message and go back to her initial goal and yet, her heart was enchanting her with a single idea:

Closure.

Turn around!

You know better than this!

It's a trap!

Even with her brain screaming for her to avoid this, the prospect of closure was the instigator as she turned the knob, finding Beck standing there with a weakened smirk on his face. He was looking handsome as usual but, that wouldn't be enough to persuade her of what she desired.

At least that's what she kept telling herself.

But, such reality was a vindictive mistress as Jade would find herself taking the swing that would decide the outcome of this game. She was a big-time player and big-time players understood their role in big-game situations:

Home run or Strike #3