Monsters & Demons

Rated M

Genre: Drama & Adventure

Summary:

When Tori arrived at Hollywood Arts, she knew 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 13: A Deadly Proposition


With eyes fluttering, Jade let out a silent yawn before shifting in her spot on the... Well, she wasn't sure at first what she was sleeping on. She slowly rotated her body and noticed that she was lying on top of something, or rather someone; a soft and sturdy mattress for her comfort. The few rays of sunlight peeking through the dark clouds helped her ascertain the person's essence.

Dark chocolate skin under dirty orange made her grin softly as the young man beneath her lightly snored. She exhaled in relief when a thought crossed her mind. The night before.

She began to reminisce about the events that led to her current position. The botched escape attempt and capture. Liam was tossed in recluse with her. Her declaration of singleness. The confession and kiss? Everything that happened came rushing back, making her cheeks burn.

Even though Jade despised the current consequence of things, she knew that she'd have to get up at some point.

Speaking of outcomes, a bead of cold sweat ran down Jade's face when she considered the potential fate that awaited them.

Worst case scenario?

The guards returned to escort them back to their respective sides of the prison with an extended sentence for attempting to break out. Despite such a mild ending, there was a faint note of panic that blossomed behind the girl's orbs. Deep down, Jade knew she couldn't handle being separated from Liam. It was bad enough when the others were around, but now?

An anxious expectancy rose in her chest, fueled by the almost endless supply of distress and disappointment.

Those three days alone in this wretched room were enough to take even the strongest of wills down a peg and Jade was no exception.

However, the best-case scenario...?

Was it right to even consider such farfetched ideas? If not, then Jade would gladly rebel against the pessimistic, even if she couldn't find some relief. Familiar ideas, some considered taboo, began to form, bringing the faintest glimmer of hope to the goth.

Those were ideas best saved for later, she mused.

For now, she crept from under the arm of Liam making sure to leave a light kiss on his forehead which made him grin instinctively. It was now noticeable just how exhausted he really was and she nevertheless couldn't fathom the extent of his wounds.

Thinking back to her first kiss with Liam, she was sure that her feelings were genuine.

For once, her mind and heart were on the same page as she relished the warmth that began to rise in her stomach. No matter how much she tried to rationalize a reason for this to remain prohibited, there was always something to justify why it was right.

"I used him..." she whispered, fighting back the sob stuck in her throat. "I hurt him deeply so many times."

But he forgave and accepted you through it all...

"We are best friends..." she lamented to her mind.

Do not best friends make for wonderful lovers? Who better to love you than someone who knows you so intimately?

"I..."

Didn't he reciprocate your feelings last night? Was that kiss not a confirmation?

When the voice in her head finally subsided, it was clear that Jade was just looking for some chance to explore those feelings. Now, she knew for sure that Liam felt the same way to some degree and that made her feel giddy, uncharacteristically giddy.

"God, I'm turning into Cat..." she groaned softly.

"You're not going to dye your hair red are you?"

She turned toward a now yawning Liam stretching. Seeing him like this was adorable to her even despite their surroundings.

"Hell no! I'd rather kiss Vega's ass than do that!" she shuddered dramatically at the notion of doing so. "Most I would do is get red streaks."

"Tempting, but I'd rather something softer."

"I am not wearing pink, Liam..." she flashed a warning glance from beneath her raven hair. When he chuckled at her crack at being threatening, Jade felt a bit comforted by his reaction.

"Maybe aqua would suit you better?"

Jade soon joined in the chorus of laughter but it wouldn't last long when a beam of light shined on the still humor-filled boy. The injuries began to appear so clearly before her, both the old and the fresh. Her chest hitched at the sight of the grotesque bruises and seared lacerations adorning his neck and upper body.

"Something wrong, Jade?"

"Take off your jumpsuit..." she declared, her face unreadable.

Liam started to protest, mostly out of embarrassment but found her serious gaze too much to do so. She watched as he removed the top of the one-piece outfit revealing a dingy white t-shirt. She tilted her head eyeing the dried red stains while he pulled it off.

"Turn around."

"Jade, is this really necessary?"

She didn't answer, choosing to darken her glare to reaffirm her stance. There was no time for a debate, not when the guards could arrive at any time.

Again Liam could've said no and ended this but, it was the desperation hidden within her evil look that forced him to comply. Slowly he faced the concrete wall, revealing the black and red marks on his back. At first glance, one would misconstrue them for being caused by whipping but, as Jade inched closer, her horrified eyes knew where they came from. These were too neatly made to be whip marks; somebody skilled with a knife was responsible for carving the boy's back.

Hard black scabs mixed in had to be done with some type of hot iron or a poker. Jade had to fight with everything in her to resist the urge to vomit at the sickening display. This wasn't just some run-of-the-mill torture method, no, whoever was responsible, treated Liam's body as their canvas.

"What did they do to you?" she whispered, too frightened to touch them.

Liam hesitated for a moment as the knot in his stomach quickly rose into his throat. Jade recognized it as his attempt to appear strong but, she could also see her childhood friend ready to break from being marked in such a sinister display.

"They tried to get information about the others out of me but, I refused to tell them. I passed out from the pain and they left me in some metal room until I regained consciousness. After that, I was bound and gagged before having the wounds seared shut." he looked away in shame. "I didn't say anything, but, I should've been stronger. Maybe I would've been put in here sooner?"

"Stop it!" she cried, not caring if anyone else heard her. Liam quickly turned around at her unrestrained outburst.

"Jade?"

"You did the best you could and that's what matters! Nobody with functioning brain cells would blame you for passing out after all of that barbaric nightmare. Plus, there's no guarantee that they would've sent you here afterward! Don't you ever put yourself down like that ever again, do I make myself clear?!"

This wasn't how Jade wanted to spend the earliest part of her morning but, if it was necessary, then she'd do whatever she had to to keep their spirits up. She refused to allow herself or Liam to sink into depression, not while they were still trapped in Yerba.

To emphasize her point, Jade grabbed him by the shoulders, smashing her lips on his own receiving equal vigor; A proverbial transferal of energy. The pained moans flowed through the other as they held one another. Neither would relinquish their hold until they both were satisfied.

"Crystal..."

"Good. Now, you need to get dressed before the guards come."

"...and here I thought you enjoyed the sight of me half-naked..." he teased while pulling the dirty shirt over his head.

It was a good thing he was occupied with that as it meant he'd miss the fire burning her face. She had to admit that his body was desirable, to say the least, but now wasn't the time to indulge lustful fantasies. Well, maybe not completely...

"Maybe I prefer you fully nude?" she smirked as he scoffed at her bluntness. "But, there is one more thing I want to talk about before they come for us."

"Shoot..."

She placed two fingers on her lips, imagining the sparks she felt from the previous night. It was enough to incite something inside of her but, she did her best to resist those urges.

"About last night... I know that we said some things to each other in the heat of passion and... desperation but," she lightly chewed her bottom lip partly to gather the right words that she wanted to say to him. "...Liam, do you mean what you said?"

"Of course! I wouldn't say something that I didn't mean..."

"Even the part when I said that you were mine? You do realize what I meant by that, right?"

"I think so. If what you meant was that you wanted to cross that line with me..." He looked at her nod silently, amused by how open she was right now. It wasn't new, but it was always a wonderful thing to see when she wasn't trying to be tough 24/7. "I can live with being yours but, only if you're mine too. I promised that I wouldn't leave you and I'm sticking to that."

Jade smirked at his boldness; he was the yin to her yang and it was nauseatingly cute.

"Of course, dork." she rolled her eyes playfully. "We're in this together and when we get out of here, I'm going to spend every day possible to prove that, tiger."

"I look forward to that," he smirked playfully.

Suddenly they'd wind up interrupted by the banging outside of the rusty steel door. It was clear that whatever was about to happen, the time had come. They both faced the only way in or out as two guards appeared. "Come with us!" A fat and heavily bearded man motioned for the two to step out. Once in the hallway, Liam and Jade were swiftly cuffed and led down the long corridor. "The warden has decided your fate."

Emerald and teal looked on with uncertainty but, said nothing as they followed their 'escorts' to the warden's office.

It only took a few minutes of travel before they arrived at their destination, though neither would be upset if the trip had taken a bit more time.

Jade stared at the disgustingly obese man sitting behind the pristine wooden desk with a visible frown on her face. He smoked a cigar which only made her grimace even more as he blew the retched scented smoke in the air, letting it fill the room. Feeling her stomach churn, she cut her gaze to the stone-faced Liam who didn't so much as flinch.

She wondered where he found the strength to endure this nauseating smell, especially after the last three days of torture he faced upon their return. She'd have to get her answer to that later as the messy male finally put out the damned thing while leaving a trail of saliva between it and his greying beard.

"So, I've been told that you two were the only ones who were brought back to my lovely prison." The warden growled at the teens, firing spit all over the place. He then rose from his plush chair and approached his prisoners, sizing them both up. "On top of that, you refused to aid in our investigation, even lasting three days with our interrogators? Is that correct?"

"Yes..." Liam said curtly.

The fat leader eyed the defiant boy, his black soulless eyes igniting an unspoken war. Rage vs Confidence. The staring contest ensued with neither combatant submitting to the other, drawing a stalemate as the soldiers and Jade watched silently. Even with the man's rancid breath, he couldn't seem to break the will of the much younger male. What came next would surprise everyone in the room.

He erupted in laughter.

"BWAHAHAHA! You have guts!" he slapped Liam in the arm. "I like that fire in you, boy! You have a powerful spirit that is not easily broken!"

The confusion on the guard's face was matched only by Jade's face at the reaction. In truth, the tension seemed thick enough to cause a miniature explosion yet now, everyone was watching the man slap his knee as if he'd been told the funniest joke ever. Regardless, she made sure to keep her guard up for anything that could happen.

"What are you going to do with us?" she politely uttered, careful to watch her tone. Catching his breath, the warden eyed her stern expression. "By now, the others are long gone now so you have no other reason to keep us here. So why don't let us go?"

"While the girl who blinded our beloved chancellor has indeed escaped, there is still the matter involving his precious octopus..." He replied with a sour scowl. "You both were serving a sentence for that crime if I'm not mistaken."

"That's not fair! The person who did that escaped as well," she yelled back only to be grabbed by the men surrounding her.

The overweight man plopped back in his seat, stroking his facial hair while contemplating the girl's words. Sure, she had a valid point as he was informed of the details of the act against his undisputed leader but, they had laws and regulations that made things clear in regards to these types of situations. On the other hand, these rules were mainly for the citizens of Yerba, not American children. Silently, he contemplated every option he could think of while shifting his gaze between the pair of teens standing before him. It seemed that both of them held a powerful flame that fueled them which was admirable, to say the least.

Then, a smile began to tug at his lips.

"Perhaps you're right..." he began, spinning in his seat so that his back was to them. "...it is not fair to punish two people for the sins of another. Even still, we are a country of customs and traditions, many of which are non-negotiable in terms of their purpose. Normally, I would just have you two thrown back in with the population and be done with it but, unlike the chancellor, he was deemed a fair and just man, well, at least by comparison. "But, I think I have what you Americans would call a 'proposition'."

Their eyes narrowed showing their suspicions at whatever the man was driving at.

"What are you 'offering' us?" Liam asked cautiously as the warden abruptly held up a single digit.

"I'm offering you two choices. The first one is that you both go back with the other inmates and serve out the remainder of your sentences in full."

"And what's the second?" Jade cut in.

"The other choice is that you participate in a special game. If you win, then I will grant you both clemency and set you both free without question."

Even without seeing them, the warden could feel the shocked stares that only served to amuse him. It was such a common thing for him to witness that he didn't even have to see it for him to know what would come next.

First, there was the look of utter surprise.

Next, they would flash a look of contemplation.

Lastly, came the million ruble question.

"Are you serious? How do we know that you're not just playing us?"

The warden's lips curled into a devious grin as he looked out the window, observing the lush jungle outside. Even though the boy's tone was laced heavily with disbelief, there was the smallest hint of intrigue; enough to let him know that they were seriously considering his proposal.

"I told you that we are governed by customs and it is customary to give those like you a chance to gain the freedom that you both so desperately seek. I realize that you are wary of this but, I assure you that I am willing to keep my word should you choose to take part in this little game. Or, you are welcome to go back to your respective sides and hope for the best."

While Jade was still uncertain, Liam weighed out the options presented to them.

Serve time for a pair of crimes that they weren't even involved in, or take a risk playing a game that could give them their freedom. Was it worth it? He turned carefully to his friend and lover, giving her a look that asked for her input about this whole situation. He wasn't willing to agree to something without her agreement. Of course, she nodded and smirked confidently, giving him all he needed to move forward.

"What is this 'special' game?"


The duo sat quietly in the back of the military truck, each surrounded by armed guards. Their minds were filled with so many things as they spared glances at the trail behind them. Liam monitored what little surroundings he could register in his mind while recalling the terms of this 'game' he and Jade had been coaxed into playing. For starters, it was a game of survival. Warden Pahtik informed them that they would be taken to a special checkpoint that would be their starting point and that they were to last three days without getting killed by the other inmates who were chosen to take part in this act of sadism.

Sadly, they weren't told of that last part until after they'd agreed thus, neither were at ease as they realized that they were thrust into a twisted situation, one that they weren't sure they could win.

"We're here!" they heard the driver call out, causing their stomachs to drop.

They were still dressed in their prison garbs at this point and still hadn't showered since their first time in the prison, back when they were with their... well, some of their friends. This realization made Jade's eyes burn with hatred as she recalled the event that put them in this death game in the first place. Had they made it, they both would've been at home getting ready for school or practicing for some upcoming musical. Instead, they were about to enter a new world that would surely change them forever...

...If they survived, that is.


After they were checked in, Liam and Jade were taken to an area where they were finally granted the opportunity to shower. Stepping inside, they both found it devoid of others which truly was a relief.

They were instructed to hurry up and wash before being afforded breakfast. Jade eagerly slipped out of the baggy jumpsuit and placed the garment on a small table where it would remain dry. Grabbing the knob, she turned on the water only to have to suppress the yelp that threatened to shoot out after feeling the icy water kiss her body.

Liam mirrored her actions though he made sure to keep his back to her. He still had some decency when it came to a woman's body and that wasn't going to change anytime soon. He shuddered as the frigid liquid cascaded down his body, alerting him completely as he grabbed a nearby bar of soap. Shivering, the two scrubbed as best they could with the tattered rags to remove the dirt and grime from their bodies.

Once finished, they both rung out the water from their hair and stood behind one of the tables before calling out to the guards who returned swiftly. In their hands were freshly cleaned clothes that resembled military outfits. Green shirts, camo pants, and black boots were traded in for the worn orange outfits, much to the teen's delight. Neither wasted time in putting back on their underwear before putting on the clothes quickly after. Jade couldn't help but notice and admire how good Liam looked while tucking her pants into the boots. Maybe it was just how his muscles looked under the shirt or perhaps it was the look of determination that had her staring at him, but either was a good enough reason for her to pay attention.

No. Now wasn't the time to be fawning over physical appearance.

They both needed to get their heads on the task at hand or else they wouldn't get back home.

Everything rode on their ability to endure whatever they had to for the next three days.

72 Hours.

Jade's mind took her to the dark crevices of her mind as she finished tying the laces of her boots.

"Are you ready?"

She turned to find her best friend with a stone face. That familiar glow, astonishing yet haunting, flashed from his intense glower. It was almost as if Liam could become unhinged any second, given the right incentive. Behind his eyes, there were no emotions to be found. If this was rage or even sorrow, Jade could handle that with no problem. But, this cold detachment in his gaze made her body shudder anxiously. It was something completely foreign to her and she didn't like it one bit.

But, could she really blame him? Where they were about to go, maybe this was the right thing to do... Still, the coldness in his voice made her tremble a little when he inquired about her preparedness.

"Jade?"

"Y-yeah..." she whispered, unable to look him directly in the eye. "I'm ready."

It just wasn't the same; the way he said her name.

Normally, hearing him call to her would incite a joyful feeling inside of her.

Sadly, this time it only stoked fear in Jade's heart as he headed for the only way in or out. Then she heard him call her name again, only in a more familiar way. She felt that well-known touch as she was wrapped in his arms once more. She recognized this person and his scent. She felt the impulse to break down but she didn't; she couldn't afford to right now.

She took one of his hands and intertwined their fingers, inhaling deeply.

"We're going to get through this..." He whispered in her ear.

She raised her head, noticing the boy she grew up with again.

"How can you be sure? For all we know, we could die before the first day passes..."

He gave her a confident smile. "Because we're both warriors, Jade. Everything we've been through, we fought through and we survived."

She couldn't help but smirk a little at his response, but, it was clear that she was still greatly worried about what was to come.

"But, Liam..."

He silenced her by pressing his lips on hers gently, feeding her his energy as he held her tighter in his arms.

It was brief, but it was enough to get his point across. She simply moaned softly before they pulled away, processing the transferal of energy. His promise. His fire. Everything he wanted to say was explained in that one gesture for now.

"Come on. We need to hurry up and get some food..."


After breakfast, the pair were taken to what appeared to be a weapon's shed outside. Once there, they were greeted by the other 'players' who all stared at them as if they were raw meat and they were starving hyenas. Instinctively, they both glared back in an attempt to not be seen as easy prey. It did little to intimidate but it seemed to be enough to declare their intentions to survive.

"This way..." the guard ordered, taking them to another shelter nearby where a lone bag sat on a table.

Under it, Jade and Liam spotted various knives, bows and arrows, and more.

To say that they were uncomfortable with the importance was an understatement as they eyed one another. Despite their inhibition, they knew there was no room for weakness if they were to make it out of this with their lives. Jade swiftly grabbed as many knives as she could, hiding them in multiple areas of her clothes in a similar way to how she kept her scissors.

Liam grabbed a couple of knives himself but grabbed a quiver and bow as well.

It was then that he noticed something that went relatively unseen behind the many piles of weapons. There were small orbs that looked weird to him. Showing them to a nearby guard, he gained confirmation that they were mini-bombs. It was also mentioned that while all of the weapon shelters carried these, they were hidden in plain sight since most of the participants wouldn't normally engage in strategic actions anyway. That was all the two needed to hear as they discreetly stuffed their pockets and bag with as many of the spheres as they could carry.

"Attention, warriors!" The voice of none other than the warden himself on a megaphone grabbed their attention followed by the blaring sound of a horn. Both teens noticed that he was standing on a grand podium while surrounded by the armed guards on both sides. "In the next few minutes, you will be put in the jungle and left to fend for yourselves. Before that, I am here to give the rules for this special game!" He pompously proclaimed, letting out a hearty laugh that echoed throughout.

More news? Liam rolled his eyes.

"Rule number one: The goal is to survive the perils of the jungle and potentially one another for three days. Rule number two: There are special items that will grant the holders automatic freedom. The catch is that there are only two of those artifacts which means that only two teams will be granted automatic clemency. If you find one of these artifacts, then you'll have to either bring it back here or be spotted by one of our prestigious soldiers to win. The final rule is simple: While the two teams that claim an artifact will be granted their freedom, the remaining teams will have to fight to the death to be the last one standing."

"No..." Liam turned to the now visibly unwell goth who looked like she was about to vomit the oatmeal she forced down earlier.

He shifted closer to his confidante, keeping her propped up against his form. It was bad enough to find out that they were coerced into playing what was essentially a death game, but if he allowed Jade to pass out from the mere mention of it? That was painting a target on one's back.

"Breathe, Jade." he coached low enough to only be heard by her.

"I wish you all the best of luck! May Ashura smile on you and let the games begin!" the fat sadist announced before leaving with his 'entourage' closely in tow.

By a quick count, Liam could make out eight teams, sixteen men and women including him and Jade. That meant that aside from the elements, wildlife, and the competition, there was a good chance of being picked off if they weren't careful.

They needed a plan.

Turning to a still and stunned Jade West, he shook her lightly to get her attention on him and off of the cruel reality of things. In truth, she looked as if she was going to hyperventilate at any minute and that was going to make things even more difficult if he didn't nip this now.

"Jade? Listen to me..." he calmly stated. "I have an idea that could help us get out of this without any bloodshed on our end. I need you to focus though."

"They want us... to..."

"I know, but don't worry about that!" She looked at him with a terror-filled gaze but managed to scrape up enough willpower to nod. "Now, listen closely. When we get into this jungle, the first thing we're going to have to do is find some form of shelter that is well hidden from what's in that jungle as well as these guys. If nothing else, we'll have a good base to stay alive if we don't find those artifacts. Secondly, we'll have these bombs to distract the enemy should we find ourselves spotted. Always keep some on you at all times, understand?"

"Okay..." she breathed. "So, we just wait things out?"

"Well, that's the backup plan. The main objective is to get at least one of those artifacts and get the hell back here. If we can make and set some traps, that'll help up in the long run and most of all, don't lose our nerves. We can't afford to hesitate if we find ourselves to be a target."

"What if we're forced to... you know?"

Liam knew where this was going but he could only sigh in frustration.

"We'll cross that bridge if we have to."

While Jade didn't like that answer, she understood. Still, she'd hoped that it never came down to it.

She took a breath and thought back on what happened so far, never expecting things to turn out this way. One moment she was confessing her feelings to Liam and now, here she was about to embark on a real-life 'Call of Duty' mission only there was no respawn. It was all or nothing and the stakes couldn't be any higher.

"Combatants, follow the nearest guards! They will escort you to your designated starting location!"

They grabbed the supply bag and followed the same soldier that informed them about the bombs. He was a burly and heavily tattooed man with a traditional buzz cut with a little scruff on his chin. He let them in the vehicle and drove them to a bullet-riddled beach where he then revealed their starting point.

"If you're going to survive, then leave your souls on this shore. Otherwise, we'll be getting the call that you've been eliminated."

His tone was gruff as expected from a trained creature of warfare but, there was also the most minuscule amount of caring in his words. Liam and Jade thanked him as they hopped out of the truck. Each step drew them closer to their unknown fate. Either they'd succeed or they would perish trying. Remembering the man's advice, the duo stopped just short of the jungle and looked at one another. Of course, they'd share another long kiss before resting their foreheads on one another's.

"If we make it out..."

"WHEN we make it out..." she corrected.

"Right. When we make it out of this, we'll pick up where we left off at this spot."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise," he chuckled softly.

"Then, as your future girlfriend, I don't give you permission to die." she poked his chest emphatically. "Got it?"

"Yes Ma'am!" he saluted, managing to get the tiniest of giggles from Jade. "The same goes for you."

With that said, they pulled apart and took in the fresh Yerba air.

This monstrous game had officially begun...