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 17: Starting Eschewed


With the beginning of a new semester, the days were rather boring in comparison to the events of Yerba. Aside from the initial shock upon the pair's return, Jade and Liam preferred to stay to themselves outside of performances and special events. After the news of the former's break-up with Beck, rumors began to swirl around her connection with her best friend, irritating Liam moreso than flattering.

Beck chose to stay off to himself for a bit while the others maintained their usual composure.

Liam wanted nothing to do with the guy, especially while he was still recovering. The only solace he received was when he looked over to find a startling revelation.

Jade was happy.

Yes, you heard correctly.

The typically sarcastic Jade West was currently humming to herself as she ate her salad. Unknown to him, she was thinking about all the time spent with one another before their inevitable return. Watching movies and relaxing was something that brought legitimate peace to the pair, even if it only lasted a week.

To see her at peace was a pleasant change of pace, though a part of him still felt odd given her usual behavior.

"Take a picture, why don't you?" she announced between bites.

Knowing that he was caught, Liam put his hands up defensively, hoping to keep things peaceful.

"Sorry, Jade! I was just... um..."

"Yeah, well... Maybe you can make it less obvious that you're staring next time? Unless you're unable to fathom my boundless beauty."

Liam noticed the sensual smirk on Jade's face, unsure of whether she should inquire into why this was or just leave things be; her mind was a labyrinth filled with mysteries and a scary destination to be fair. He swiftly turned his attention to his burrito, much to the goth's irritation.

Unfortunately Jade wouldn't have the chance to confront him due to a pair of unwanted guests.

"So, how are the love birds today?"

Jade and Liam watched as Ahrya and Travis took a seat across from them, the former wearing traces of a shit-eating grin.

"Awww! Nothing to say after your grand return? Was breaking up with Beck that traumatic?" Jade continued to stab at her food, her frustration growing by the second. "Are you having second thoughts about that day?"

"No... But I may have a regret or two for not finding a good spot..."

The smugness on Ahrya's features morphed from vanity to perplexity.

"I don't follow."

"I was referring to a good place to hide a body. We wouldn't want the police to find you too quickly right?"

Liam and Travis kept a watchful eye on their respective loved ones while the girls glared daggers at each other. One's best friend and crush being challenged by the other's cherished sibling would never be easy, but they did their best to keep things peaceful.

"Is that a threat?"

"Just a random thought. Take that how you will..."

"Big talk from an unlovable witch."

"Big talk coming from a manipulative shit stain."

Travis bashed a hand on the table, his lips quivering from the anger bubbling up to the surface.

"Watch it, Jade!"

"Calm down, Travis..." Liam calmly added his two cents, still devouring his meal without missing a beat.

The focus shifted upon the two boys, one expressing disinterest while the other holding back the snarl that burned in his throat. The air around them was like fire and ice but Jade and Ahrya knew better. The former recalled Kataleya's words about Liam's flashing gaze and it was on full display now as he gazed at his verbal opponent.

"Excuse me?"

"Your sister was the one who started things," Liam replied casually. "Had you two not come over, Jade and I could've enjoyed our food without this unnecessary drama. If anyone should be held accountable, it's her."

Hitting a sore spot, the air around the boys grew dense, almost suffocating anyone who wasn't strong enough to handle their rivalry. Jade found it difficult to recall that these two once held mutual respect for one another during their shared time in the country of Yerba. Such sentiments were replaced by mutual animosity; a burning hatred surfaced before the two girls.

"Leave my sister out of this, kẹtẹkẹtẹ (ass)!"

"Such an ọmọ (child)... Leave us alone and go throw your tantrum elsewhere."

Jade was confused hearing the foreign terms being spat from the boys. Never before had she ever heard Liam use such a word, let alone with such force. Travis and Ahrya complied with his request, pointing fierce glowers at the boy.

"How long can you protect your àgbere (whore), Aganju..."

Unseen by Jade, Liam's eyes flickered with rage for only a split second, but it was enough to make Travis sport a sneer as he and Ahrya left to rejoin the group. The satisfaction that Jade felt upon their departure was short-lived once she noticed the frozen form of her best friend.

"Liam, what's wrong?"

He said nothing.

"Liam?"

His chest heaved with anxious energy before he finally stood up to leave. No response was given as he left a worried Jade behind, his mind plaguing him with conflicting thoughts. It was all because of that damned Travis. Liam knew that guy was trouble but only now did he know why.

That name. he bit his lip, nearly drawing blood—that forbidden name.

He hid among the rafters of the Black Box, taking deep breaths to steady himself. It did little to help as his stomach pulsed with a powerful pounding. His ears could pick up the beating of drums that matched the distress in his gut. War cries joined in with intense vigor as he clutched his hands over ringing ears. The pain he felt was excruciating.

The drums, accompanied by chanting, and the voices of those who preceded him boomed in his head.

Stop it!

Young master!

Go away...

Rise, young prince!

"GO AWAY!"

His roar echoed throughout the empty auditorium, bringing with it a sudden relief. The noise ceased but, Liam was no fool. The damage had been done, evident by the pulsing in his stomach. A spark had been ignited, bringing with it sinister confidence that fetched a twisted snarl. Hearing such a name only released an inner calling, one that could not be ignored for long.

"Dammit, Esu..."


Beck groaned softly, his head pounding.

From what you might ask?

Though his vision was blurry, he could make out that there was someone in his bed next to him. He also realized that while he usually slept with no shirt on, he could feel the feather touch of his covers on his bare skin below the waist.

"What happened last night?" he rubbed his temples lightly, fruitlessly trying to soothe the skull-cracking pain.

A soft yawn dragged his attention to the young woman next to him. Her caramel skin was smooth and her long brown hair was like water cascading on the bed.

"Afternoon, sexy." even her voice was like angels singing. "sleep well?"

Beck grinned like a fool at the question but, froze when he suddenly recognized the voice—staring wide-eyed at the now smiling woman in his bed.

"You? What are you doing in my bed?!" he hissed furiously.

"Awww, you weren't asking that last night, baby." she caressed his rugged face only to have him pull away as if her palm held the flames of hell itself. "What's got you so upset, sweetie? You invited me over, remember?"

She watched in twisted amusement at how deep his grimace went. "We both know that this is not why I called you... It was strictly business."

The girl draped an arm around his shoulders, her fingers dancing up and down his torso in a teasing fashion.

"Well, what's considered business to you," she kissed his cheek, her lips like a poison that paralyzed Beck where he sat. He didn't resist her current advances as she continued to indulge herself with her compliant partner. "was more than enough pleasure for me."

Beck grits his teeth at this, his soul disturbed at the events that transpired the previous night.

"It's bad enough that you're even here, to begin with, but what'll happen if he finds out you're doing this behind his back? They trusted you..."

His words were silenced by a finger placed on his lips and a pair of amethyst eyes capturing his gaze.

"What the others don't know won't hurt anyone, unless you open your mouth."

While her words were sweet and soft in his ears, Beck felt like vomiting. Her words carried a great deal of guilt and shame that made him feel like burying himself twelve feet deep in the ground. By now, he'd still not moved from his spot on the edge of the bed. He could hear the sounds of clothes rustling, the only solace he could find at this point.

Beck knew there was a special place in hell for people like him.

"Well, as much as I'd love to stick around, I have to get back before anybody calls me. I do want you to keep an eye out for Liam and report anything out of the ordinary to me. Understand, love?"

Not waiting for a response, the mysterious woman leaned in and planted her lips roughly against Beck's, not caring if he reciprocated the gesture. With a smug giggle, she ignored the dirty glare he sent in her direction and departed from his RV, making sure to put an extra sway in her hips. As if a spell had been broken, Beck fin himself capable of mobility, choosing to put on his boxers that were sitting at the foot of the bed.

Once those were on, he sighed heavily and fell back on the bed, his eyes glaring at the metallic ceiling. So many thoughts ran through his mind, none of them pleasant as he could swear that he was feeling his soul rot within him.

How did this happen?

When did this start?

What was he going to do?

Should he tell someone?

Who could he tell?

All these questions passed in his brain like a game of pong on the highest speed level but there was one thought that Beck managed to grasp a handle on. It was a declaration that brought both chaos and peace to him as he grinned bitterly.

He'd been isolated from the others; alienated them after the Yerba incident. Who else could he turn to?

"I'm dead..."


A visibly irked Jade groaned as she fiddled through her scissor-decorated locker. Her mind was filled with questions, specifically about a certain best friend. Trouble was that every time she tried to confront the boy, he was never around.

Aside from classes, Liam had been almost untraceable.

Jade could never pin that guy down long enough to interrogate him which only served to piss off the goth more and more with each passing day.

She found her books for her afternoon classes and slammed the door, prompting any unfortunate soul to scurry along as quickly as their feet could carry them. She simply rolled her eyes and forged her way towards the Black Box Theatre when suddenly the sound of piano keys playing caught her ears.

She continued until she reached the front door.

It was at the moment, it stopped momentarily just as she placed her hand on the door frame. Her nerves were on edge as she found herself growing more and more suspicious as time seemed to become extrinsic. Once she discovered what was happening, Jade shook the feeling off and entered conveniently as the music started again.

When she entered, she noticed that it was, in fact, the very person she'd been trying to catch playing on the standard grand piano usually hidden behind the secondary curtain. He didn't seem to notice her arrival as he continued playing for a few more moments and took a breath. Jade simply listened, choosing not to jump on the boy just yet.

Fortunately, he hadn't noticed her as he was too engrossed in finishing his secluded performance; the perfect opportunity.

At that moment, she began to live up to her moniker and clapped softly, just loud enough for Liam to bumble the keys and look back with a panicked look etched on his face. He clutched his chest only to exhale sharply once he confirmed who it was.

"Oh, shit..."

"Don't bother running," she'd read his mind, halting his retreat with an evil stare.

"I wasn't planning on it. You're blocking the only way out, ya know?"

"Perhaps," she tapped a finger on her chin about three times playfully, before shrugging. "Counter-point: You've been pretty skilled at avoiding me so I can't let my guard down. Lucky you!"

"If by luck you mean screwed..."

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing... I was just..."

Liam never got to finish his explanation as his statement brought out Jade's darker side. Reaching into her boot, she tossed one of her favorite scissors at the unsuspecting guy. However, instead of evading the attack, the boy instead caught the sheers easily as if it was a piece of paper.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"How the hell did you just...?!" she blinked in awe of his reflexes.

That's when the realization struck them both; Jade had managed to see Liam's true nature, or at least, it was a small fraction. Either way, whatever he was trying to hide could be as she slowly approached him.

"You... You..."

Here we go.

"What's happened to you, Liam?" Jade's voice softened, perplexing the boy. "Between the other day and now, you've been distant and now I find you with insane reflexes? What's going on?"

"It's... It's complicated, Jade..." Liam bowed his head in defeat.

His pity party didn't last long however as a sharp pain whipped his head to the side. Insecurity morphed into a rage as his eyes flickered with a darkness that made Jade tremble... or at least it should have. Despite the evil gaze pointed at her, Jade didn't flinch. She's standing her ground... His mind raced with intrigue at her courage before widening in shock.

Soft lips pressed against his own.

Such gentleness was foreign to the pair while at school and yet, neither would mention it as the fury began to falter inside of Liam. Soon, his arms snaked around her waist, drawing her closer to the well of gratitude as they deepened their gesture. The growls bellowing inside the boy gave way to soft grunts of pleasure, mixing with her own before they parted.

The fuzzy sensations continued their dance as Liam opened his eyes to find her defiance missing. Only a half-lidded gaze and a lopsided grin remained as the two, albeit reluctantly separated.

"Jade... I..."

"How long have we been friends?"

Liam threw his head back slowly, reminiscing about their shared past.

"Far too long to count."

"Exactly! If you think something new will shake that, after what we've been through, then you don't know me well enough. We've survived numerous breakdowns, my dad, exes, and even a death match in a foreign country. You don't have to hide anything from me, Liam!"

Taking in Jade's words, Liam couldn't find a shred of falsehood nor jest in her words. It was true that he'd been hiding something, but even he had to conclude that if anyone was worth revealing information to, it was her.

"Alright..." he smiled, tucking away some of her hair. "But, it might require us to skip class next period..."

"Meh...! Who cares? It's just Geometry!"

He chuckled at Jade's disinterest in the subject and the two began to talk. Liam explained his reasoning for leaving abruptly and how it related to the siblings, leaving no detail out. The goth could tell that some things carried more emotional weight than others but she patiently listened as he went on about his family history and the name he was called by Travis.

"So you're telling me that you three are descendants from some ancient tribe?"

"Tribes..." he deadpanned.

"Right, tribes..." she plopped her head onto her palm.

"Anyway... My family comes from one of the Orisha-led tribes, the Tribe of Aganju. Unfortunately, that tribe was looked down upon after one of my ancestors, my great-great-grandmother chose to marry an outsider leading to us being called the 'Half-blood tribe' and treated as blights. Travis is from the Tribe of Esu, putting on the level of a noble by comparison."

"That's why you two don't get along?"

"Somewhat..." Liam sighed. "But, there's a lot more to it that you should know, Jade. Much more."

Jade bowed her head and listened closely as Liam explained further while she listened closely. The shame that washed over her ally and lover broke her heart but there was also something else that Jade noticed. The resentment that laced his every remark was clear as crystal as if something was clawing its way out; something primal and war-like.

"In the end, Lucille and I were forced to move here when we were young and once she turned 18, my mom was gone. We've been living independently since she's out on her business trips. She occasionally drops off gifts, but it's been years. I guess even she had reservations about her half-blood children."

Only when he finished did Jade finally respond in the form of a desperate embrace.

"You're such a dork..." she growled into his chest. "...but, you're my dork."

"What are you-?"

"I don't care about any of that half-blood bullshit! You could be a fucking demon for all I care!" she suddenly pounced on the boy, forcing him to look at her. "Before any of that, you were Liam! You ARE Liam and nothing else matters to me! As long as I've known you, you've been the best person I could've ever met, and don't you dare try to deny that..."

"Jade..."

"SHUT UP!" she roared from her soul. "I don't care about that self-righteous jerk or that pretentious bitch! So what if they come from some 'pure' lineage? They wish they could be a fraction of the person you are! Call me biased if you want to, but go ask Vega or Cat what they think about you if you don't believe me. All that matters is what you think of yourself. Not those assholes! Not your mom! Not some fucking bloodline! Not even me! You are the only one who has the right to determine your worth. Do I make myself clear?!"

A pair of emeralds just stared at the passionate girl after her declaration.

While many would view Jade as scary in this form, Liam couldn't help but smile.

"Crystal..."

"Good. I wasn't sure if I needed to slap you a few times to drive my point home."

"...and the mood's killed."

Both friends suddenly erupted into laughter, a sight that would've creeped out any outsider. To them, this was normal...

Almost.

Amidst their laughter, Jade could make out something poking underneath her, causing her to twitch slightly. Liam was still caught up in his fit of humor, oblivious to the devious thoughts that began to arrive in Jade's mind. A sensation, unlike anything she'd ever felt before began to take hold of her only to be shaken off. Whatever that feeling was, it wasn't from Jade's consciousness.

Little did she know, someone had witnessed their entire display of affection, eyes filled with unpalatable delight.


Several weeks passed and the gang soon found themselves near one of their favorite times of the year. Throughout the month, they would find themselves checking out spooky decorations or horror-themed events taking place at school. This could only mean one thing: Halloween.

That meant that it was time for Tori's annual Halloween party.

Everyone was talking about it, as Travis would find out as he pressed towards his locker.

You see, unlike the eager and excited masses, he avoided this time of year thanks, in no small part, to an older sister of his crush. He made it a point to omit that from his list of reasons he couldn't attend and Tori never wanted to force him to come in the past. However, this year, things would be different.

After they admitted their feelings, Tori and Travis agreed to take things slow.

His previous behavior with Liam notwithstanding, he managed to keep things civil when Tori was around. For now, he would be content with eating his sushi while the girl continued to pester him about the holiday. Thankfully, his sister was nowhere to be found, affording him a breather from any intense emotions.

"Come on..." Tori lamented. "You can't tell me that you have better plans. It's our first party as a couple!"

"As much as I'd love to accompany you, I have a major assignment due for Mr. Hawkin's music theory class. From what I've heard, it's beyond complicated, and worse, it's worth half of my grade. I can't just flake on this."

"Sounds like a cop-out to me..." Andre muttered in jest until he caught a quick glare from Travis that spelled death for him if he continued. Being good with that subject, the musician was no stranger to reading subtle hints. "I mean, Travis makes a good point!

"I still don't buy it!" Tori pouted.

At this point, it was getting more and more evident by her tone that Travis was sliding on thin ice. Of course, while he was no expert, he was proficient in slipping out of tight situations.

"Tell you what, If something happens where you can guarantee that I can get my music theory homework for Mr. Hawkins out of the way before the party, then I'll go without another word."

"You sure?" her suspicious scowl grew slowly by the second.

"Tori," he placed his hands on her arms. Behind his eyes, she saw nothing but earnestness. "I promise you, olufẹ (beloved)."

Finally, the Latina accepted the bargain though not without a light-hearted pout.

In truth, Travis knew that this assignment would take him at least another week to complete.

Now, with Tori's help, he might complete it by the end of the weekend; just enough time for him to miss the party at the party.

As things settled, Andre sighed in relief just before him looking up to a sight that made him smile brightly.

Hi, guys!" the cheerful Cat waved like a little child.

After the two became a couple, they were practically inseparable unless you counted classes and them having to go home. With the two understanding that the other had another side concealed from everyone, they only managed to draw closer emotionally.

"Hey Cat!" he hugged with a bit more force than expected.

If possible, his skin seemed to brighten a few shades as he smiled brightly. Ever the detective, Tori raised a brow at the affectionate display. To her knowledge, Andre and Cat had been spending a lot of time together both during and after school.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you two were a couple."

Jolting away at the off-handed comment, the pair sat apart, each one trying to come up with a counter. Lady luck happened to smile on them as Beck arrived with a simper.

"You've always had a vivid imagination, Tori!" he took a seat between them, further presenting his point.

This had no bearing on Miss Vega's suspicions as she shifted her gaze to the awkward pair who were now exclusively concentrated on consuming their lunch. Whatever was going on, she wasn't about to let up until she deduced it.

Robbie opened his mouth to add on to the conversation but found himself at a loss for words.

"Relax, Tori. You'll burn a hole through them if you don't let up." Travis chuckled, earning a glare for his troubles.

"Whatever, I know something's going on and I'm going to find out," she cautioned, firing her best attempt at an odious smirk in the duo's direction. "Nothing escapes me."

"Except a proper use of emotions," Liam muttered, before noticing her once again shooting him a sinister glare that said, "we're going to talk later". "Ah, man..."

"A-anyway," Andre chimed in, hoping to change the subject. "You look like you wanted to say something, Cat?"

As if forgetting the last few, pressure-fueled minutes entirely, she nodded and started bouncing on her heels. "Yeah!" she replied excitedly.

"Well?" Robbie rubbed his hands in interest.

"Well what?" she stared at him, blinking in confusion.

"What were you about to tell us, Cat?" Beck rubbed his neck at Cat's antics.

As if a wall had been lifted from her memory, the redhead beamed once again.

"Oh right! I just came from Mr. Hawkins's classroom with some awesome news!"

At that moment, two pairs of eyes zipped in her direction, one filled with intrigue and the other with apprehension. Travis visibly gulped at what could be his fate.

"Really, Cat? Go on..."

"Apparently, Principal Helen has been getting a lot of complaints about how hard the Music Theory homework was so she made him drop the whole assignment!" she bounced up and down with joy. Giggling, she finally noticed the boy who had his head buried in his hands. "Isn't that great, Travis?"

Tori turned, silently eyeing her lover's reactions. He remained perfectly stiff as a board, but his heart was speeding inside of his ribcage.

The only sound he made was frantic mumbling.

"Trust me Cat," Tori spoke up, a sickening glee filling her body. "He couldn't be happier."

Wrapping her arms around him, she tugged him into a hug that saw his face being smashed into her chest. His blank stare spoke volumes, sealing his impending fate.

Travis was going to that party after all.