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:

This is going to be a slightly shorter chapter but the action will resume in the next.

I admittedly ran out of ways to properly conclude this chapter, so it's (in my opinion) considered put together to keep things going. Having to separate a single chapter into two parts due to the pacing wasn't the goal, but it needed to be done. For those who've read chapter 12 of Tears of a Fallen Angel, the passage of time was a bit fast near the end.

This time, I'm going to start the second half of that chapter in the next and carry on from there. Also, I'm trying to reduce the number of flashbacks unless they're necessary.

So, that's it for the boring stuff! Enjoy the chapter and I'll see you next time.


Chapter 12: Confessions


"Get in there!"

The rusted door swung open to let in the bright lights from the corridor on a startled girl. She looked out to find herself peering at the silhouettes of three figures, one of who was being dragged by the surrounding two. The body of the one in the middle was flung across the room, landing in a heap. "Play nice!" She heard one of them tease before slamming the door behind them. Finally, he released the air he'd been holding in.

Seconds passed before the girl crept over to him, wrapping her arms around him gingerly. As expected, he tensed up from her gentle touch; signs of his torture showing through his haggard breathing. She did her best to monitor the situation since they were plunged into darkness again. "What did they do to you?"

Liam looked up looked at those two pools gazing back at him with concern and guilt swimming behind them. The emotions lurk within his dull green orbs, coupled with his crooked smile made her heart melt as the moonbeams illuminated a portion of his face. "H-hey. Did they...?"

"Shush..." she cooed. Her hand rested on his back only to jerk away when he hissed sharply. Instead, she shifted herself against the wall allowing him to rest his head on her lap. "Don't worry about me. They didn't touch me..." She rubbed his head, creating a comforting space for him.

Jade watched closely as his body slowly but surely began to calm under her soothing touch. Her fingers intertwined with his locs as her eyes became glazed with hot tears. He didn't utter another word as she caressed his head.

Liam shifted his head to look at her, noticing the tormented expression on her face. What caught his attention though was the look of relief to see him still able to move, if only a little. On cue, she put on a brave smile in hopes of putting his fears to rest.

"Thanks..." his voice was a little gravelly but still discernable.

She simply nodded, unsure of how to properly respond to his gratitude.

Having only a fraction of an idea of what he'd been through previously, Jade couldn't find the right words to respond with. She simply let her actions speak for her by setting her hand gingerly on his bruised cheek. Then she leaned down to his level and kissed his forehead, savoring the reality that he was with heBeforegain.

Before their reunion, he'd been taken somewhere to be punished while she was tossed in the cell on the other side. That was nearly three days ago. It gave her plenty of time to think about what truly mattered to her.

The noteworthy thing was her partner in crime, Liam; his presence truly made the difference during this whole ordeal and she didn't want to lose him again if it could be helped. 72 hours was more than enough time to be without him. She wasn't sure if she could handle it again if he were taken away from her by those animals again.

Hearing him groan softly, Jade shushed him while tracing a thumb over the spot on his forehead. Between being sent to the Maggot's Nest, and now this, it was a marvel how he was still able to smile. To her, this was just a physical manifestation of his powerful soul. He risked his life to protect her and it resulted in many injuries, apparent when he began to stir from the lingering aches.

"Jade, are you...?"

"Easy, tiger. Just try to rest."

Cradling his head, All that mattered was that they were together and safe, at least for now. Still, there was another thing that began to plague Jade after they were brought into captivity once again. This was Jade and Liam's second time being in Yerba prison and it was all thanks to two people.

No, it wasn't Tori.

It wasn't Cat either.

Jade's eyes darkened at the void that surrounded the two as the images of the culprits began to take shape in her mind's eye. Stroking Liam's forehead, she recalled the moment when things went wrong...

When they were betrayed by one of their own.


Three Days Prior


"Get them! Don't let them escape!" one of the guards hollered as they gave chase.

The gang continued to run as they neared the rear hold of a cargo plane that was waiting for them. The pilot, who was a friend of Spencer's, was informed to start the engines once the group was close enough to hop on.

First up was Cat and Andre with the latter carrying the former as they cleared the back door as it started its closing sequence. Tori, Robbie, and Sikowitz rushed on with Ahrya right behind them. This left Beck, Jade, and Liam to pick up the pace. Sadly, as her lungs burned, Jade stumbled over her own feet, narrowly avoiding a painful tumble.

"Jade!" her boyfriend cried out only to see Liam help her up.

Jealousy slithered around his heart but, there was no time for that. The guards were closing in and their only means of escape was nearing the end of the landing strip. He managed to hop on with Liam and Jade a good distance behind.

"We're not going to make it!" Jade lamented only for her friend to grab her hand.

"Don't you give up, Jade!" he yelled. "We're almost there!"

It was now a race against time. Everyone cheered them on as the duo fought past the burning in their lungs drawing closer and closer to their freedom. It was all or nothing when the plane began its ascent forcing the friends to jump. They barely grabbed the edge of the door but, there was a problem. While Liam had plenty of upper body strength due to his athleticism, Jade wasn't as fortunate.

"I'm slipping!"

Jade tried her best to pull herself but found it growing more and more difficult only to feel something hard drilling down on her fingers. The agony was too much to bear, forcing her to release what little hold she had and fall onto the sea of guards. She wouldn't be alone though as the last thing she remembered hearing was her name being roared from the skies above and the fading image of a certain brunette and her boyfriend standing together as the cargo door shut along with her consciousness.

"Get your hands off of her!"

Beck? No... That's not his voice...

Whoever it was, it mattered little as she succumbed to the sweet embrace of forced slumber.

The next thing Jade knew, she would wind up waking up to the bright lights of the infirmary where she was firmly strapped down to the bed before being transferred to another part of the prison.


Those images would forever be etched in her brain as she began to shiver in her rage.

While anyone would be forgiven for believing this was all an accident, Jade knew better. Even with the panic and chaos, she knew better than to entertain such nonsense. The only thing that unnerved her was how easily it crept up on her. The guilty party made her heart shatter but it was the ringmaster that infuriated her.

Those cursed Amethyst eyes danced with glee as she fell from such a dangerous height. Jade never imagined being grateful for the soldiers who hunted them down; without them, she'd probably be a spirit eager to haunt the perpetrators responsible for their plight.

It was their fault that she and Liam were in their situation.

As for her ex-boyfriend, (she'd formally handle that if, no, when they make it back home) she was beyond angry that he didn't bother to help her. It was Liam who'd turn around and try to save her. To make matters worse, she managed to notice that he was next to the true enemy when they pulled the trigger on the proverbial gun.

I am going to kill them.

"Jade?" she snapped out of her murderous thoughts to find Liam staring back at her. Those innocent emeralds pierced her very soul without effort, making her thankful that her blush wasn't visible. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing..." she quickly averted her gaze to anywhere other than the boy resting in her lap.

"Don't lie to me, Jade. You're thinking about what happened again, aren't you?"

She nodded, unable to admit it with her mouth.

It was too painful to know that the boy that she'd given her heart to was nothing but a coward.

As for the young woman, Jade held no qualms about the torture she was willing to subject her to. Even still, she wasn't able to focus on that whenever she found herself gazing at the sweet face of her crush.

"You're right. I'm just so pissed about it all."

"That makes two of us..." she felt his hand touch her cheek, shuddering pleasantly. "Are you sure that she did that on purpose though? Maybe, she was trying to get to us and accidentally stepped on your hand?"

Liam saw her silhouette quivering in response.

"I felt her foot for a good few seconds. If it was an accident, then she would've gotten off at that moment but she kept it there. I saw her fucking stare at me while she did it."

"And Beck?"

Jade swallowed hard at his question.

Sure, one could argue that he just wasn't paying attention which would prove him to be more incompetent but, that still didn't explain something. When she saw the glimpse of the girl, she was able to make out the faint image of him right next to the girl, as if he were watching the entire time. She'd keep silent about that detail... for now.

"It doesn't matter. He kept running while you came back to help." she crossed her arms, showing her resolve to the inquisitive boy. "That's all that matters. That night proved to me that I gave my heart to the wrong guy."

He grinned for the first time since they'd been brought back. "Alright. Then, I won't question your decision."

"Thank you. But, can we talk about something else? This subject is depressing..."

"Fair enough. What did you have in mind?" She heard him chuckle lightly as he tried to put himself in a more seated position.

Normally, she'd take advantage of the ambiguity of his inquiry but, something in her just wasn't up to it. Instead, she sat closer to him in the empty room resting her head on his shoulder. Looking around, there were no beds or even a toilet, unless you counted the hole in the corner to be that. Her mind was filled with so many things that happened to them over the last few months, bringing both good and bad memories alike, and yet, she found herself grinning through all of them.

Little did she know, her best friend was doing the same thing.

"Liam?" she felt him turn his head to give her his attention. "Will we get out of this?"

"Of course... We're going to get through this together."

"Promise?"

"I promise, Jade."

By now, their eyes had adjusted to the darkness well enough to see the other a bit easier. In his eyes, he saw something in Jade that hadn't been seen for a long time: Hope. He counted himself fortunate enough to be one of the few people to ever see her vulnerability openly and that was something he never took for granted.

For Jade, it was like seeing him for the first time all over again only with years of experience under their belt. For her, this was a second chance to know Liam and she wasn't willing to let it slip from her again. Despite their current conditions, there was nobody Jade would rather be with than him. She wouldn't deny herself...

Her friend was surprised when she captured him in a hug, even more so that she avoided the day's old injuries on his back. He immediately wrapped her in his arms and rubbed her back. Once again, she felt his steady heartbeat and smiled widely. It was soothing to her as she tightened her arms around his waist. She didn't want to let him go for fear that he'd somehow float away or outright disappear if she did.

Do it...! Jade's eyes shot open at the brash voice in her head. This is your chance!

Putting a little space between them, Jade once again found herself lost in those gems. Her cheeks grew hot as her inner voice continued to berate her tentative behavior.

"Something wrong?" his voice made her feel even more nervous.

So help me God! If you don't devour him, I will kick... er... my ass!

"Jade?"

DO IT!

The demand wasn't without merit. Jade had been battling with feelings toward her best friend for a long time, culminating at that damn dance. Even then, her resolve to maintain her relationship won out. That didn't mean the fire had burned out. Now, Jade had a perfect opportunity; ridding herself of the boy she once loved through thick and thin.

Jade took her hand and caressed his cheek, soon cupping his face gingerly. Her pools shined with apprehension.

What if he rejected her?

Was she willing to cross this line?

She wasn't even sure if he thought of her in that manner anymore!

Was it worth the risk of losing the last person she trusted without restrictions?

What if you gain much more?

"What?" she blinked several times, breaking her daze.

"I was asking if you were okay? You spaced out..."

Realizing her hands were still resting on his cheeks, Jade smiled softly.

No matter what, she was at a point of no return and she was going to take that leap whether someone caught her or she fell flat on her face. She softly pulled him down and captured his lips with her own. It wasn't the most ideal of settings but it didn't matter as she heard his muffled words quickly turn into soft moans.

Liam couldn't feel anything but passion outpour throughout him.

He couldn't believe it! Jade was kissing him. His childhood friend was kissing him!

Shocked at first, it didn't take long for him to reciprocate the gesture.

He held Jade firmly as he deepened the kiss, feeling her relax against him without hesitation.

Maybe it was desperation? Perhaps it was the fear of them never getting out of this hell hole? Maybe it was Maybelline? All that mattered now was that her lips were on his, injecting him with her passion and energy.

When they finally separated, neither was able to look at the other at first. It was still new and a little weird considering their relationship. It was clear that this was a gamble and it was one worth taking in Jade's eyes. Meanwhile, Liam smiled before settling them both on the floor, careful to watch his still stinging back. Now, it was his turn to comfort Jade who looked uncertain about what to do now.

There was nothing wrong with what happened, right?; he kissed her right back. She felt his desire flow into her which made her legs feel weak at the mere thought of something so special. She hadn't felt that before, not even with... him. But, she was sure that something was contributing to her insecurities.

"Sorry..." she said.

"For what?"

"Nothing..."

Wanting to comfort her, Liam leaned forward and took the initiative.

It was just for a moment, but it was enough to subside her negative feelings for the time being. It was a good thing that they weren't standing anymore or else she'd surely drop from the lack of feeling in her legs. She felt her lips tingling as she looked at him. Jade couldn't tear her eyes from him nor did she want to. It was as if she'd found herself ensnared yet, she didn't yearn for freedom.

Jade ironically found that in the boy cradling her, like a perfectly fitted glove.

She shifted from her spot under him and straddled him, flashing a predatory gaze at him before claiming his mouth once more.

This time there was no hesitation on either side. Jade felt his tongue orally wrestle with hers with neither willing to concede defeat to the other. She refrained from probing her tongue in his mouth but lightly nipped his lip with her teeth. Liam felt no lust despite their position, only a sense of understanding as they communicated without words.

Again, the need for air robbed them of their attempted conquests.

It mattered little; Jade was more than happy to have finally made her intentions known.

"Liam?"

"Yes, Jade?"

"I... I..."

"Me too."

Staring at him, Jade smiled warmly at his subtle confession. It didn't make things official yet, but, it was a step in the right direction. There was no doubt about how they both felt and it didn't ruin their friendship. If anything, it strengthened it. She kissed his temple before settling herself on his chest, once again feeling herself being lulled by his heartbeat.

"You're mine, Liam Marshall. I'm never letting you go again..."

He kissed her temple, earning a low giggle in response.

"If you mean that, then I gladly accept whatever comes with you, Jade."

"Are you sure?"

"I've waited this long... What's a little more time?"

"We'll get through this?"

"We will together."

That was their first night together in Yerba. Sure, it wasn't the best place to confess emotions, but, would they have done otherwise?

It's possible, but one that neither could fathom happening anytime soon. For now, they would enjoy every moment together in this horrible place, patiently awaiting a chance to escape and return home. They both needed to rest if they were to be prepared for what awaited them.


On the plane, the gang did their best to rest as their transport reached 35,000 ft. It was bittersweet as Tori sat near the rear, trying to process all that had happened. Guilt and worry filled her heart, worming through every crevice of her body. After hearing about a layover in New York and then Michigan, the girl sunk in her seat, wishing that it would swallow her whole.

Such a minor inconvenience was merely a symptom of the larger problem:

Jade and Liam were now stuck in Yerba without a way back.

Her plan was for every one of them to return home, safe and sound. So, how did this go awry?

Tori Vega pondered this while staring at the moonlit clouds that floated by without care; oh, how she longed to join them in their innocence. Unfortunately, she would have to settle on the victory they acquired. Andre and Cat slept next to each other, listening to the former's pearpod while dozing off. While nothing came of their interactions in Yerba, it was clear that the seeds were sown for something to blossom. Beck shared a row with Robbie and Ahrya, the latter keeping conversation with the former.

Then there was Travis.

Her crush remained firmly in his seat next to her, doing his best to not aggravate the injuries sustained earlier. Like Liam was to Jade, Tori had become protective of the boy, not allowing him out of her sight for fear that he'd just disappear. Along with the damaged flesh, Travis had managed to get a little patched up, considering his wounds re-opening weren't necessarily deep. His ribs were indeed cracked but he would manage until he got to go home.

"That was a crazy trip, wasn't it?"

"A little too crazy, if you ask me." he joked.

Giggling softly, Tori soon found herself frowning in perplexity. "Travis, can I ask you something?"

"You shouldn't feel guilty about what happened to them. It was out of our control. Nobody could have predicted that Jade and Liam would end up being recaptured while we tried to escape. Sikowitz promised to get some kind of help for them once we touch down."

"No... I mean, yes, I hope that they're alright, but..." Tori slumped in her seat with a frustrated pout. "...It's nothing. Forget I bothered."

While still skeptical, Liam nodded as he struggled to sit up.

"Please tell me, Tori. What's on your mind?"

Taking a deep breath, Tori mulled over her first question. He'd waited patiently as he watched her struggle internally.

"I'm afraid to say it, okay?" her voice sounded brittle. "I don't want you to hate me..."

"Tori, why would I hate you?"

He laid his palm around her fingertips, giving them a gentle squeeze.

Tori glanced at his gentle gaze, a few drops of shame pooling in the corner of her now wandering eyes. While she appreciated his attempts to make this moment easier for her, it was only succeeding in making things far harder. She was at a loss for words.

Her mind was racing, matching the speed of her heart. Memories of his first performance replayed in her head. Then others passed through her thoughts: various performances he did for extra credit, acts of kindness towards others, their various meet-ups and rehearsals, all came to mind but there was one that solidified her resolve.

The day she first met him formally i.e. the day he saved her from Daniel, her ex-boyfriend. It was the day they nearly shared a kiss before being interrupted. She took her free hand, placing it gently on his cheek. She waited for him to say something, perhaps a word of protest, but none came.

Lidded eyes slowly closed as Tori continued to close the distance between them. Soft lips grazed him as she allowed her hand to cup the back of his head. For Travis, this was a completely new sensation building inside of him. This was much more than a simple answer; a confession of long-repressed feelings that, up to this point had remained dormant.

Soon, the need for air became too much and they parted, neither wanting to speak at the moment, instead choosing to savor it. The sparks flickering inside them told them all they needed to know, and yet, there was one question that allowed guilt to resurface.

"I'm sorry..." she lowered her eyes, missing the confused gaze.

"Sorry for what?"

"I feel like what we're doing is... wrong!"

"Wrong how?"

"You and my sister... I saw how you two clicked and how happy you were together. You took her out to places that she enjoyed. She began to study your videos to develop her talents rather than being a gank all the time. Heck, she began doing chores before everything that happened. How could I harbor feelings for the guy she was interested in?"

Travis could see the mask of conflict, her lip quivering as she sat there in silence. She thought to speak but in a surprising move, let out a relieved sigh instead. She didn't worry about the botched escape or even her alleged shame for finding the boy attractive. Of course, releasing such a revelation caused her to momentarily forget her reason for doing so.

"So, you're saying that you've been attracted to me this whole time?"

"I guess you can say that..." she eked out, cheeks flushed with red.

"Then we have much to discuss when we get back."

"Wait, what?"

"Sure, Trina and I have history," he yawned, battling to keep his eyes open at this point. "Unfortunately, she chose to leave. It hurt a lot but, after a lot of thinking, I accepted that we were only meant to be friends. So... If I were to date someone else, I'm allowed to."

"Travis..."

"And if that person happened to be you, then I'm not opposed to that."

Tori began twiddling her hair, ready to pop the big question. However, when she turned to the boy, his eyes were firmly shut. A lopsided grin adorned his lips, a feature that she found adorable. He had no clue how much she appreciated him nor how far her attraction went for him. Normally, such an act would annoy her, and yet, Tori recalled what he mentioned earlier:

We do have a lot to discuss...