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:

Hello again and welcome to another chapter of Monsters & Demons!

Keeping things brief, the language/words I use in this chapter is Yoruban and will include the translated meaning so you have to jump in between google and here. Secondly, the lore of the Orisha will be stretched a bit. While the Orisha names are accurate to the best of my abilities, the connection will be story-based only, i.e. fictional.

In truth, it was Aganju and Sango that are directly connected as siblings (or father/son in some interpretations). However, it was already established here so I'm keeping the fictional foundation rather than going back and changing things through the many chapters.


Chapter 21: Take A Hint


The morning came, bringing with it the sound of birds chirping along with the going-ons of the citizens. A fresh breeze blew around the residents of the famed city, cooling their spirits as the sun began its ascent past the horizon. The town was full of life not traditionally what was expected. No sight of the usual jazz musician and costumed dancers typically associated with the town's nightlife.

In their place were your standard citizens; average men, women, and children going about their everyday lives.

The calming air tickled Jade's nose, awakening him in the process.

Intending to stretch, she was surprised to find his motions hampered by something trapping his limb. She begrudgingly opened an eye, greeted by a firm form.

Liam.

That's right, I spent the night. She grinned sheepishly, staring at the senseless boy.

Somehow, he'd grown a bit since their separation. His hair had grown significantly and he now sported traces of hair on his chin. His body had bulked up a little, his muscles clearly defined for her viewing pleasure.

Among other things... Jade mused with a wicked grin.

"It's rude to stare, you know?"

Jade stiffened a bit, hearing the sudden deepness in his voice stirred something within her.

"Since when have you ever known me to be polite? Seems a bit oxymoronic if you ask me."

After sharing a laugh, the two chose to remain where they were, each taking in the visual of the other.

"I missed this, Jade."

"Huh?"

"This. Us. It feels like forever since we just hung out! No drama. No rivalries. Just... Just this."

"Hard to believe Vega's annoying sister was the reason we reunited, right?"

"Stranger things have happened."

Another chorus of laughs filled the backroom before the two were interrupted by a buzzing noise. Jade knew all too well what this meant. With a sinister scowl, she seized the poor device with a force that had Liam wondering if she'd break it.

"This had better be important!"

"Where are you?!" a male voice rang. "Tori and I have been trying to reach you since you ran off last night! Sikowitz was about to send out a search party to find you! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine... I just got caught up with..."

"It's HIM, isn't it?"

Liam watched as Jade froze, her eyes filled with a storm that loomed dangerously. Her naturally porcelain tone grew sickly pale as the truth of her situation wormed itself into her soul. Fear clashed with anger as she fervently chewed her lip. The chills of pleasure were no longer in effect, as she stood there, rooted in place by a pang of guilt, unlike her usual self.

"I don't know what you're talking about..."

"I know that he's in New Orleans; Trina told us everything."

"I...!"

Turning to the culprit, Jade could only watch helplessly as Liam slowly took the phone, hanging it up. While terror oozed through her pores, somehow, his smile overrode it all. His emeralds flashed with a conflagration that soothed her spirit while unnerving her at the same time.

"I guess the cat's out of the bag now."

She bowed her head, a far cry from the Jade he knew. The old Jade would have cursed the unfortunate soul for daring to talk to her like this, but this, a shell of the girl he loved and cherished. Such a hollow display of assertion; How could anyone think that this was alright?

"Jade... What's happened to you?"

The life seemed to drain out of the girl's eyes, a zombified stare greeting Liam's horror. From the way she swayed lightly to her fiddling with her hair, everything was wrong.

"Jade?!"

"I'm sorry..."

"What? Sorry for what?"

"I'm sorry!"

His brows knit together, fighting the slithering chill along his spine. Jade paled as she began whispering to herself, wrapping her arms around herself. Her aura flared weakly, causing Liam to jerk away. A frigid air began to permeate around the girl before she unexpectantly fell over.

Liam didn't hesitate to halt her fall, growling from the intensely burning cold assaulting his limbs. Pins and needles

"Jade! Wake up, please!"

His cry went unheard when Celeste rushed into the room, her ragged breath visible.

"What's going on... here?"

Her answer came in the form of a glistening shower, a beautiful display that resulted from a frenetic storm. Seeing her offspring staring in awe at the unconscious girl, his gaze never shifted from her. Celeste couldn't shake the knowledge that gnawed at her soul, smiling amidst the chaos that had just ensued. Something far beyond the scope of man was afoot, and she was impressed despite the sudden shift in temperature.

"Ma!" the hoarse voice of her son caught her ear. Tears began to flow, freezing before they could descend his face. "Please help! Jade...!"

"...will be fine, dear!"

"But she's hurt! How could you say that?!"

"Calm yourself, Alexandre!" her elevated tone shut down Liam's protest. "Your friend is merely asleep, and your shouting will not wake her. If you want to help, then help her onto the bed upstairs and gather some lavender and rosemary."

Liam did as he was told, lifting the exhausted girl in his arms bridal style. With each step, he felt the stinging diminishing as they neared the bed. He set her down gently, careful to not disturb her abrupt rest. He placed a tender hand on her forehead.

No fever...

Finally, relief washed over the young man as he pivoted to leave. However, his departure was halted when chilly fingers clutched onto his own. Turning back, his heart pounded harder in his chest when he saw Jade begin to stir. Glazed icy blue orbs peered through half-lids. Even in her state, he couldn't deny how beautiful her gaze was.

A gaze that begged that he stay, a request he'd gladly accept.

He didn't think twice before crawling into bed with his best friend; His precious Ayaba.

She instinctively shifted into him, snuggling his chest under the sheets. The warmth of his body soothed her shivering until she slipped into a slumber. Liam followed shortly, letting out an exhaustive yawn that he hadn't realized was his own. As his heavy lids began to droop, he spared a final glance at the now peaceful Jade before leaving her with a token of his feelings.

A single kiss on her forehead.

Their slumber carried on as an annoyed Celeste called out for the boy. However, any semblance of irritation would dissolve once she saw the pair lying together. The sight of the children was enough to bring a wide smile to her gently wrinkled features. Even then, the air around them was a testament to their connection:

Shadows and crystals were dancing in unity; a kaleidoscope of elements that she couldn't deny.

Ojiji ati yinyin; Kini iwọ o mu wa?

"Never a dull moment, my son."


The city was full of life not traditionally what was expected. No sight of the usual jazz musician and costumed dancers typically associated with the town's nightlife. In their place were your standard citizens; average men, women, and children going about their everyday lives.

None of this mattered to an incensed Travis.

All he could think about was the fact that Jade had hung up on him.

That bitch! he growled at the screen of his device. Who does she think she is?! When I see her again, I'm going to...

"Yo! Earth to Travis!"

"What, Andre?"

"I just got a text from Sikowitz. He says hurry up if you want to head over to the paintball course!"

"I don't know," he groaned, swiftly shifting to a more playful tone. "It's only our first official day here. Do you want to get pelted all day?"

Andre gave a dry laugh, coupled with an eye roll before heading toward the door.

"Whatever, man! Just come on and hope that we're on the same team!"

Another half hour passed before Travis made it to the lobby where the others waited, along with a few extra members of the group in Trina and Mercedes. The latter was none too pleased to be spending time with a bunch of teenagers, but if it helped to mend the connection between the sisters, she would stomach it.

"Took you long enough, slowpoke." Tori giggled mischievously.

"Sorry," Travis blushed before leaning in for a quick peck on her cheek. "Better late than never, right?"

"Alright! That's enough of the lovely-doveys!" Sikowitz lept in between the couple. "It's time to channel your inner warriors!"

Cat bounced and giggled as the teacher began to sing like Willy Wonka: Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure annihilation.

The journey for the gang didn't take long as the location was only a few miles from the hotel. While the bus ride was rather quiet given the teen's drowsiness, where they found themselves was enough to incite a myriad of questions.

Several buildings and towers scattered around an open field welcomed them as Sikowitz pulled the vehicle into the parking lot. He ushered his beloved students to a nearby cabin where the seven would enter a world common to others but foreign to them. Stepping inside, Travis found himself the first to be greeted by a young woman who appeared to be only a few years older than him.

"Welcome to Ragin' Cajun's Paintball park!" she smiled brightly. "You lot here for a few rounds?"

"Correct!" Sikowitz spoke up. "We would like to partake in a few rounds of spherical-hued fun! I reserved the place for a few hours."

Everyone stared at the man as he took a long sip of a coconut that he had stashed... somewhere.

"Right. Well, I'll need the names of all the participants and you all can get started after a quick video on the rules of the game."

After a little over five minutes, paired with the mounting excitement and anticipation, it felt like hours. Fortunately, they were thankful that their reserved time didn't begin until the first match commenced.

After checking out the rules and regulations, the group finally got to go to The Armory, a room filled to the brim with the necessary gear and weapons for such a fun and admittedly painful sport. The boys wasted little time in choosing what they felt would be their best choices for what lay ahead. Similarly, the girls, with Mercedes' assistants were decked out in camo vests and jackets that relieved a lot of the sting from the powerful ammunition.

Then came the main course...

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the woman's voice rang through the loudspeakers. "Since there is an odd number of players, we will start the first round with a random drawing. The one who is left out will be a captain for the next round."

A lone television screen flashed with the recorded names blinking several times. Several pairs of eyes watched closely as the blinking began to slow down until it stopped on the first name.

Team 1: Team Mercedes

The goth let out a devious smirk, more than content that she would be the first one to get in on the action. The process started again, with several names flashing before the next participant was chosen.

Team 2: Team Travis

If the devil had a face at that very moment, the perfect example would've been the near sinister grin growing on Mercedes' face as she grinned like the Cheshire cat at a worried Travis. Visibly gulping, the air of retribution seemed palpable. However, there was no time to feel pity for the guy as the procedure persisted until the teams were filled out.

Team 1 consisted of Andre Harris, and Cat Valentine while Team 2 had Beck Oliver, and Tori, leaving Trina out for the first round. In truth, she didn't mind missing out on the first match as it gave her plenty of time to check out the competition and potential partners. Add on the fact that she would be the captain in the next match, and she was beyond content.

That rule turned out to be a true chess move as Beck's team would find out near the latter portion of their matchup. After surrounding Cat near their base, Andre and Travis came in like a house of fire, using every item they had at their disposal to eliminate Both Beck and Tori in a fierce standoff.

With the celebrations in full swing, neither recalled defeating the team leader.

Such a mistake would prove vital when they each received a sniper shot to the chest that signaled their elimination.

With Cat ultimately surrendering, Mercedes' team sealed their victory, much to Trina's delight as she stood to enter the battle room.

It was time to choose her team.

With Cat choosing to sit this one out, Trina had a tough decision to make, Tori or Mercedes...

It was expected that she would either pick her sister or her lover first, but nobody could predict the person chosen when she pointed to the short-haired boy, her former lover, Travis.

Confusion washed over the group while Andre stuck with Tori to throw a wrench in whatever Trina could be planning. She'd then choose Mercedes, leaving Beck to her opposition.

"Combatants step into the arena and head over to your designated base. You have 3 minutes to prepare yourselves."

With the timer counting, Andre crossed over through the trees with Beck & Tori in tow. Since they were still a little sore from the earlier match, they settled on a slightly more conservative plan, strategizing who would be the flag bearer. Once things were settled, the trio got to work.

The buzzer sounded off and the match had now begun.

Travis and Trina would scour the battleground with Mercedes on sniper duty once again. To the former's shock, his current leader was taking the game seriously. From hiding behind trees to scanning their surroundings, Trina was carrying her weight.

"So..."

"Did you spot anything?" Trina asked with her arm raised steadily.

"No. I... I just wanted to know why you chose me?"

"Whatever you might be wondering, let me clear this up. I picked you because you're pretty good at this game and I'd rather have you as an ally than an enemy. It was strictly strategic, nothing more."

"Seriously? After last night, you still won't acknowledge what happened?" he scoffed, allowing his frustration to take over. He placed a hand on her shoulder only to have her shrug it off fiercely.

"I understand that you'd like answers, but right now, I'm concerned with not getting shot and winning this match! I don't have time to stroke your fragile ego right now. We're sitting ducks and I don't intend on standing around for the others to pick us off. We have a flag to capture."

Stomping off, Trina had hoped that this would be the end of their little spat. Unfortunately, Travis wasn't in the mood to be talked down to.

"You picked me so that Tori and I wouldn't be a team, didn't you?"

"Excuse me?!" she growled at the audacity. "You have some nerve to accuse me of something like that! I would never do something as low-down as sticking it to my sister! I'm happy that she found someone that makes her happy, even if that's debatable at the moment."

"So you are jealous!"

Even with his headgear, Trina could see the smug expression brandishing her ex-lover's face.

"And you're delusional! If I wanted you back I would've taken you with me when I ran off!"

The allies were ready to turn on one another, the powder keg had been lit when both pointed their weapons at the other. Travis was the faster shot but Trina had agility and accuracy.

"I can't believe I gave you my virginity..."

"Likewise!"

Their resolves were fixed, neither willing to falter. Irritation and anger had boiled over, unable to reclaim what had escaped.

All that remained was who would pull the trigger first.


Several hours had passed before Jade would open her eyes. Grogginess still laid claim to her senses, but she had no desire to return to its grasp. Her body, while still sore, felt better than before.

Before the meltdown...

A pang shot through Jade's heart, sending small shockwaves throughout her core.

That moment of weakness, a moment that he induced. Ever since the disappearance, Jade had been dealing with this uncomfortable feeling that would epitomize whenever Travis would become enraged. Whatever it was, it kept her tame throughout their time at school. To say that she despised this sensation would be an understatement as she attempted to stretch, finding it nearly impossible due to something heavy holding her tight.

"You'll find he's a heavy sleeper, dear..." the voice of the older woman, Celeste caught Jade's attention, adding fear to the mix of discomfort. "Relax, child. I'm not too old to know love when I see it. I'm not pleased that he's spent all of this time in bed, but, given what happened to you, I can let things slide this time. You're very lucky."

Jade, having shimmied from under the sleepy Liam's limb, took a long look at the boy. The peace behind his rest was enough to ease some of the stress. She couldn't help but smile, her stomach pulsing with a rare glee reserved for very few.

"With all due respect, luck has nothing to do with this..."

"I see! Perhaps your manifestation wasn't just a trigger response?"

A small frown settled on the girl's face at the woman's choice of words.

"Manifestation?"

"You don't have a clue what you unlocked, do you?"

Jade pressed a palm to her forehead as if to trigger a memory.

"I remember getting a call from my..." she paused, mulling over the correct term to describe the person she ended up with. "This guy was yelling and then, once he mentioned Liam, I... I blacked out."

Celeste rubbed her chin, directing everything that was told to her.

"I take it that this boy you're with takes issue with my son? Why would you be with him if you and Alexandre are supposed to be friends?"

"I... I don't know!"

"Calm down. I didn't mean to upset you..." Celeste placed a hand atop Jade's. "It would seem that whoever this young man is, you've been caught in the crosshares of a feud centuries old. I take it that you truly do not think of him fondly?"

"Is it that obvious?"

The woman laughed at Jade's sarcasm.

"Surely this is the work of a hex, Jade. No doubt, you've been used as a prop to ensure Liam's compliance."

"I guess it makes sense for him to tell you about this, huh?"

"That's correct! He told me about the boy that you're affiliated with and how he's been alluding to some vendetta between them despite never meeting before school. Liam also informed me of the names used in conjunction with the said feud."

"Aganju..."

"Yes. A descendant of Esu and Aganju have encountered one another, for the worst, I fear. But, that's beside the point. Whatever is causing you to experience such an intense manifestation must be of a secondary source, one skilled in curses."

"Travis wasn't the one who put this... curse on me?"

"If he did, he'd be able to strengthen it himself," Celeste let out the wind she'd been internalizing. "Sadly, that is a problem for another day. For now, we must see about that curse and how it triggered your manifestation."

"You keep mentioning that word; What did I manifest?!"

"Just like my son, your soul was sealed and tampered with in a way that was reserved only for those with spiritual potential. What activated was a latent ability that many mortals never get the chance to encounter; powers that many believed to be lost to those in ancient days."

Before Jade could inquire further, Celeste opened her hand allowing a small orb of light to emerge. It slowly swirled around morphing into a ring that both astonished and scared the girl.

"Shall we talk downstairs?"


"You wouldn't dare...!"

"Try me, asshole!"

Two souls with two guns pointed at one another, their gazes locked in defiance. While they were supposed to be teammates, it was clear that the animosity ran deep between them both—two former friends, torn apart by insecurities and shame. Many would fall from such a time apart, yet, it was Trina who revealed her strength through a fit of giggling.

"What's so funny?"

"You've grown up, haven't you?" she lowered her weapon a bit, further perplexing the young man. "You've matured a bit since we last saw each other. I can see why my sister likes you!"

"I... You...! Whatever..."

Even with his face concealed by the mask, Travis' flushed cheeks were evident even without seeing them. He couldn't stop his heart from pounding at the mention of Tori. The waves of truth fueled this uneasy sensation coursing through him.

Trina wouldn't admit it outright, but she was happy for them both. Seeing them the other night was a testament to their need to move on for the better. Travis was loyal and protective, sometimes to a fault. She did find his abrasiveness somewhat irritating, but there was nothing wrong with a quirk or two; after all, she enjoyed it from time to time.

However, there was something that frankly bugged her.

"Travis, you don't need me to say this, but I'm happy that you two are happy together. If there's anyone who would treat my sister right, it's you."

"Uh... Thanks, Trina. We should probably get back to the mission and..."

"That being said, I do have a question."

"While I understand you being with Tori, what's the deal with you and Jade? Last I checked she's not really your type."

Rather than receiving an outburst, Travis shook his head, a cloud of uncertainty hovering over him in the process. The two would make their way into the enemy stronghold, preparing themselves for the 'war' ahead. Thoughts of Jade crossed his mind, memories that, while fresh as the day they happened seemed oddly placed. Moments like staying behind at Yerba or the Colorado trip and...

Wait... That doesn't feel right. I made it out with Tori when we all escaped. I've always been around Tori during these events. he surmised, scratching his brain. Why would Jade appear when I have no connection to her? Why was I angry with her before?

"You know, I wonder that myself, Trina..."


Jade and Celeste stood along the balcony, a shady tree protecting them from the heat of the midday sun and the view of those passing by. A pleasant location, one fitting for the removal of a curse that'd plagued the girl's fragile mind and soul. Piece by piece, the fractured recollections would painfully begin to come together, forming a truth that'd been stripped from her.

"I won't trouble you with long-winded details about the laws of magic and spells, but I am willing to answer any questions that you may have."

Such an offer was not lost to Jade as she mulled over the possibilities of inquiries that ran through her mind. Like a highway, many topics sped through the many pathways of her brain until one stood out. It was something that ached ever the more once memories began to reform.

"What do you know about Aganju and Esu...?"

"Mere fairytales of Orishas past, dear. Relics of time, lost to this world as the years flowed on..."

"No..." Jade flinched, halting the process, if only for a few seconds. "I mean Liam and Travis. That night... The last time I saw Liam at school we were attacked and he was forced to leave because of me. Before all of this happened, I remember that he was called Aganju. It made him leave in a barely containable rage that was unlike him. I want to know why... If you're willing to share that information."

"You know more than I gave you credit, Jade."

"I have to if I'm going to remain Liam's Ayaba, right?"

Ayaba?! I must have a word about his loose lips. Celeste mused to herself. "Very well, dear. It's a long story..."

"I have time, ìyá àna. [mother-in-law]"

"Your accent needs some work, ọmọbinrin [daughter], but what I can tell you is that Aganju and Esu were considered brothers in the past, and their people reflected that to the fullest extent. Two warrior tribes, each powerful in their unique ways. Known as the tiger tribe, Aganju's descendants were known for assassinations and information gathering while the Esu's lion tribe were the fiercest warriors among the Yoruban clans, working as mercenaries for hire throughout the continent."

Jade listened to the story, finding each word to be both compelling and soothing. Her mind began to drift to tales of the neighboring tribes and their way of life and survival. Fearless warriors, both defined by their strength and cunning, were nothing like what she'd been taught in her world studies classes.

Makes sense... Liam's the strong silent type while Travis has been the arrogant instigator.

"Unfortunately, the bond between the two would become strained when a warrior from the tiger tribe was accused of courting a member of the invaders. The entire tribe was exiled from the lands of our forefathers and later captured and sold off into bondage. We were given the title of ibaje [corrupted] and descendants of the other Orisha clans treat us as impure..."

"I... I'm sorry."

"But, Liam and Lucille know the truth which is why he became enraged when his clan name was mentioned by the boy, Travis."

Jade jerked away, looking at the fierce determination that brandished the woman's features.

"The truth?"

"Yes. It is a truth that triggered my son, not the fate of our people. The revelation that another clan, one that has no blood connection to us was truly the one our ancestors should've been looking out for. They were a people located in West Africa and were known for illusions and hexes. They were the catalyst for the downfall of many of our brothers and sisters. It's safe to assume that the one responsible has ties to this Travis."

"Wait a minute!" Jade interjected, her curiosity getting the better of her patience. "Would it be possible for a descendant of Esu to have such an ability?"

"Unlikely. While there were spiritually adjusted members of each tribe, such mysticism was a rarity in even the most proficient of their ranks. Even the hex marks are that of people outside of Orisha. This is the work of Anansi's disciples."

"But Travis' sister was the one who put this curse on us in the first place! She shouldn't have been able to if she was truly that guy's sibling unless..."

"If it helps, only full-blooded descendants can tap into his spells and skills to the fullest. Magic this strong should be proof enough that something is off. Either that Travis boy is lying about being a descendant of Esu or..."

"She's been using them both!"

"Guess my future ọmọbinrin had to be intelligent. Now let me finish unless you enjoy the pain."

"Jokes on you," Jade smirked, shifting back to observe the people roaming the streets with a satisfied grin. "Compared to what I've endured these past few months, this is only a tickle."

Celeste broke into a powerful laugh that shook the birds above.

"Well said, jagunjagun [warrior]!"