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 24: Noble Wolf, Caged Spider
The weekend passed and the students of Hollywood Arts were back for another week of educational and performance advancement. The Monday back was typically what you expected from everyone but once the final bell struck, it was a different story. Anyone who was involved in the plays showed their eagerness to do well whether it was rehearsing musical numbers or the lines themselves.
Andre and Cat were allowed to practice their lines and work on chemistry in Sikowitz's classroom. Combining the fact that they were Simba and Nala, only seemed to make things a bit easier for the two friends. That's right, despite admitting their feelings, both agreed to let things play out naturally rather than jump into a major relationship blindly.
Beck, Ahrya, and Robbie were cast in the production of "West Side Story" as Tony, Maria, and Bernardo respectively. Despite the awkwardness, given the relationship between the latter, Robbie was always reminded that this was a play and that she was all his when the curtains closed.
This left, of course, Jade and Liam.
The two were currently in the music room going over one of the scenes leading to the iconic duet. At the piano was one of the musicians assigned to the production who waited patiently for her cue.
"Uh, you're right. You aren't just some prize to be won." Liam looked and sounded genuinely disappointed." You should be free to make your own choice. Jade looked confused at him."I'll go now." He stepped off of the seat, simulating him walking off the edge of the princess' balcony.
"No!" she cried only to find him looking around as if nothing was wrong.
"What? What?"
Looking amazed, Jade slowly walked to Liam's spot." How-how are you doing that?" Pretending to look over a ledge, she pretended to see the magic carpet her boyfriend would be riding. She silently giggled at the word. 'Boyfriend', she still couldn't get enough of saying that.
They continued running the lines up to the point that held increased symbolism for the lovers.
"Is it safe?" timidity laced her tone.
"Sure. Do you trust me?"
Turning to face him, she saw not a smirk but a look on his face that she read as sincerity. "What?"
"Do you trust me?" he held his hand out to her, a smile that made her melt inside his face.
As she took his hand, she slyly grinned back and the accompanist began playing.
His melodies were only as powerful as his ability to stay in character, both being equally strong traits. Perhaps it was the way that he inserted his true feelings into his performance. Meanwhile, she would find herself meeting his challenge with vigor, pouring her feelings into the music while they danced around the room, careful not to step on the other's feet.
By now Liam and Jade were lost in each other's gazes, a collective grouping of pain, recovery, and now love.
Even as the music died down, the two remained like that for an unknown amount of time, each content to remain there. This sense of peace, which could only be felt with one other person, flowed through them like water down a stream; it was natural. It wasn't until the sounds of someone clearing their voice caught their ears, did they pull apart.
"Sorry about that, Ms. Hennigan." he laughed awkwardly while Jade looked at the ground with arms crossed under her breasts. "We kind of got lost in the moment."
The gray-haired woman simply grinned in both defeat and amazement. "It's alright, dear." she waved it off. "I'm used to seeing this regularly. Now, I believe you have this number down so I'll tell Erwin that you both don't have to come in for more personal rehearsal unless you want to."
Liam nodded while Jade continued to stare at the ground, still embarrassed about what had just occurred.
"Ms. West?" the woman looked on, amused when the girl's head darted up in shock. "While I understand that you may be feeling a bit weird, I assure you, it's perfectly fine to be open about your feelings."
Nodding without so much as a snarky retort, the elder woman fixed her gaze upon a concerned Liam. "I'd like to speak with Jade privately for a moment if you don't mind."
Blinking for a few seconds, he complied but not before giving Jade a quick kiss on her forehead to which she blushed profusely.
With Jade and Ms. Hennigan now alone, the former was ushered to have a seat next to her.
"What did you want to speak about?" a bit of her old self appeared on instinct, though Ms. Hennigan didn't take offense to the tone.
"Jade, how do you feel about him?" she asked soothingly.
"Isn't it obvious? We love each other..." she sized up the teacher in a way that expressed how creeped out she was about having this conversation.
Ms. Hennigan didn't accept that answer and shook her head to indicate that.
"That's not what I asked. I'm curious about how you feel about that young man and, while it's clear that you both care a tremendous deal for one another, I can tell that you're holding back." Shock and awe covered Jade's face only to be followed by remorse. "I'm not going to pry, but I want to tell you this," she took the pale hand of Jade West, attaining her undivided attention in the process. "I may not know exactly what you've done specifically, but don't carry your old self into something new. Sometimes, you have to lose some things to find everything that you've been searching for."
Speechless was the only word that could describe Jade right now, if only for a moment.
"Wha- What do you know?" she stomped towards the door.
"I know that you're so close to true happiness, but you're also dancing with wolves in an attempt to protect your heart." the teacher, somehow, retained her composure and pointed to the door. Jade felt compelled to turn around and found nothing but sincerity.
"You do?"
"I've watched that young man ever since he was first enrolled here and I know that he is completely in love with you and Ms. Vega. I've also noticed that she's more open around him where you're still hiding something. I've been where you are now but I made the wrong choice." Gone was the 'high and mighty glare from the pale-skinned girl. "I swear I won't press the matter any further but, just allow yourself to be vulnerable or you could wind up where I am now."
Raising an eyebrow, Jade looked at the woman whose warm smile had shattered into a more bitter form.
"Like you? But you're doing what you love to do, aren't you?"
The aging woman wiped her eyes, fighting back a few drops that dared form in the corner of her eyes.
Yes, I am. But I could've been doing this with someone very special to me but," Azure crystals saw the woman again wiping her eyes. "I tried to 'protect' my heart but lost the man who did nothing but love me even when I had nothing much to offer him but myself." her hands shook just slightly, though enough for Jade to notice the grief stemming from her teacher."
"Ms. Hennigan..."
"We dated for a while and things were nice until something came up and I reverted to my untrusting ways. I assumed that every little thing he did was to hurt me or make me feel inferior and I retaliated. For months he put up with me and loved me but, eventually I broke things off with him due to someone from his past resurfacing. I freaked out and told him to get lost and never trusted anyone with my heart again..."
"Wow. I'm sorry." Jade whispered, worry deep in her voice. "Didn't you try and get him back?"
"I did. I found out, about a month or so later, that he moved to New York City shortly after our breakup. I made every attempt to contact him and even thought about taking my life's savings to move out there just to prove to him that I was truly remorseful." Then, her bitter smile dropped into a full-on glower, eyebrows knit tightly together in sorrow. "I found out in the paper that he'd been killed shortly after arriving in the city."
"I-I'm sorry..." it was clear that the woman's testimony had given her something to think about.
No.
There was nothing to think about now.
"Don't be sorry, child." the woman sniffed. "The way I see things, my life is a testament to those like you. If I can help you find or keep happiness, then I feel I can make up for my own mistakes. It's rough dear, but don't give up on something just because it's a little painful. If it's worth it, it won't come easy. If it's easy, then it may not be worth it."
Seeing Jade's face soften, Ms. Hennigan managed to regain her warm smile.
"Now, go on and remember what I said, Princess Jasmine."
Hearing the name of her character, Jade smiled at the teacher, mouthing the words Thank you before stepping out of the room.
To her surprise, she found Liam leaning against the wall near the door, fast asleep. She studied how tranquil he looked and felt her heart steadily beating with serenity.
He looks so adorable. she mused to herself. It would be a shame if...
At that moment, she stopped her thoughts, playing back the words of her concerned teacher.
Don't carry your old self into something new. Sometimes, you have to lose some things to find everything that you've been searching for.
Jade meditated on those words, letting them sink deeper into her soul. As she did this, she heard the soft yawn of her boyfriend.
"Hey, are you okay?"
She just stared at him blankly, the woman's story still fresh in her mind. Thoughts of what would happen if she just dropped Liam entered her senses.
The consequences of breaking his heart again and the possibility of not being able to fix things only stir her anxiety.
All of these things and more floored Jade who now had tears of her fighting for release. On cue, Liam stepped forward to embrace her, but, she put a hand on his chest stopping him from doing so.
While he stood there confused, the boy found himself being pulled into a deep kiss instead.
He felt a tingle that, before now, had gone unnoticed flowing from her into him. As she cupped his face to deepen it, he could feel her love, her pain, aspirations, and more. He took in her scent, cinnamon, and apples filling his nose. The taste of her lips mirrored that smell as they pushed to levels never thought possible. He could hear the slightest sounds of her sniffling and innocence behind her moans as he pulled her closer but, something was missing:
Lust.
When the need for oxygen arrived, they both pulled away and just watched the other in comfortable silence.
On Liam's face was a shocked expression but, Jade's was unreadable. Normally there was a certain gleam in her eye or a spark that either declared her claim over him or her need for some form of a sexual encounter, outside of actual intercourse.
It was as if he was looking at his girlfriend, it was like staring at a total stranger.
"I don't know what I did to deserve that, but I'm appreciative."
Jade shook her head, furthering his confusion.
"You didn't have to do anything, Liam." she smiled despite the free-flowing tears. "Just don't give up on me, okay?"
Resting her head against his chest, she felt a new wave of warmth and tranquility overtake her when she felt his arms wrap around her frame.
"I promise, Ayaba." his voice, sweet like honey caused her to smile genuinely again.
"I love you, Liam..."
"I love you too, Jade."
With one more kiss, the two made their way to the Asphalt Cafe, neither realizing that they were being watched.
Amethysts glowed fiercely above a wicked smile as ideas began to form in the owner's head. Stepping out from behind the corner, Ahrya snickered at the display, finding things to be rather entertaining. If Liam was so caught up with Jade, then he'd be susceptible to whatever scheme she would cook up.
In her eyes, he was weak and undeserving of being a member of the Orisha clans.
It was her mission to prove that, exploiting his worthlessness through any means necessary. Her brother should be the head of the clans, his warrior blood being the only proof she needed. Liam was from a clan of cowards who hid in the shadows.
The tiger that lurks in the trees cannot compare to the glorious lion that hunts.
She quickly grabbed her phone, summoning the number that would light the fuse for her plot.
"Hello?"
"Dr. Ana?"
"Speaking..."
"Wacha wavu wa buibui uwaburute wasiostahili kwenye shimo."
There was a long pause before Ahrya picked up the sounds of something clicking, possibly a lock.
"What has our dear father Anansi need of? It's not often that I am summoned by one fluent in his tongue."
"I have a potential patient, how soon can you accommodate their needs?"
At the dorms, the boys were busy watching Liam and Travis spar in the boxing ring. While some would attribute their attention to boys loving violence, Andre, Beck, and Robbie were carefully keeping an eye to ensure that things don't escalate. Considering they both were decently skilled in martial arts, they weren't holding too much back.
For now, things appeared to be civil as Liam swung his leg, planting his hand on the mat to sweep his opponent.
Travis saw this coming and checked the kick, twisting it into a spinning kick of his own.
Like a monkey, Liam used his free hand to push off the boy's foot.
Blocked.
Stalemate.
Neither was gaining an advantage over the other, yet their smiles only grew with each attempt. It was like watching a combat chess match, each fighter withholding their best moves while aiming to push the other to expose their tricks.
"Not back, Aganju!"
"Likewise, Esu!"
They both threw a superman from their position, somehow landing with the other's jaw flush. The impact was enough to send them crashing on their butts in pain. Their low growls prompt the others to rush to the ring. The air of malevolence began brewing between them. Such was the way of their 'friendly' rivalry.
"Shit!" Travis hissed.
"Fuck!" Liam followed, rubbing his cheek. "That's some power."
Travis let a pained laugh while massaging his sore spot.
"Same to you. I didn't know your clan had such strength. I'll have to keep an eye out for that next time."
Andre and the others let out a sigh of relief, grateful that they wouldn't have to fight to keep them from tearing one another apart. To do so was a fate the trio wanted nothing to do with physically, each one content with just watching the action play out. Sure, at this point, they were all skilled in some form of martial art, but Liam and Travis seemed to be on another level.
"Can we call it a day now?"
"Andre's right!" Travis grabbed a nearby towel to wipe the sweat from his face. "I'm supposed to meet with Tori and Ahrya later on."
"Dude, you're dating your sister?!"
Everyone turned toward a chuckling Liam, their eyes filling with horror at such a blatant jab.
No one would blame Travis for wanting to maul the boy at this point for such disrespect, but that never happened. To everyone's shock, he too began laughing at the ill-timed joke. Jaws nearly hit the floor at the confusing display between the two.
"Funny," he crossed his arms. "Nah. I got roped into an interpretive dance project. While I love them both, I'm secretly cringing at the thought of it."
"Wait! You have two left feet though!"
"I know! But, they insisted that I help them so..."
"When is this performance again?" Liam raised a devious brow.
Travis noticed this, unwilling to take the bait.
"No way! You are not invited to this impending trainwreck!" he let out a raucous laugh. "Seeing me dance with my sister is already bad enough; the last thing I need is for you to see me make a fool of myself in the process."
While both boys laughed, Beck and Andre soon joined in on the light-natured comedy. Even some of the other boys who listened converged in the humorous symphony that was Travis' inability to dance. However, one soul only stood there silently.
With fists clenched tight, he couldn't stand the idea of someone disrespecting his beloved Ahrya. Their laughter at her expense was like a million bees stinging him repeatedly. The hellacious heat coursing through his veins was stoked hotter as each second passed. How could they? How dare they?
"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"
The room obliged, focusing on an irate Robbie Shapiro.
"Rob? What the hell is your problem?" Andre reached out to comfort his friend only to have his hand swatted away.
"Shut up, Andre!" he turned his attention to the dark-skinned boy with a rage-filled look in his eyes. "Focus on Cat, and stay out of this!"
The four were surprised at the sudden shift in tone, but Liam and Travis could sense the true nature of this aura. The former recognized it from his training whilst in exile. However, it was the current target of Robbie's fury that had yet to accept this reality.
Ahrya's influence...
He could only stand quietly as Robbie unleashed his wrath upon him, chastising and berating Travis as if he were a mere child. The more Robbie talked, the fewer excuses were open for her. For a moment, he'd recall the words of his estranged mother, particularly her warning about Ahrya and her ways. Was this the girl he spent his life protecting?
Travis' head was filled with so many things that they used to do growing up, their means of survival while under a corrupt and abusive 'guardian', everything seemed to appear in his mind all at once. While he admitted to himself that she was always a bit clingy, he didn't make a fuss considering the conditions. In fact, after meeting Robbie, she began to grow out of that and started opening up.
Maybe you were right...
After all these years, it seemed things hadn't changed.
"Robbie, shut up."
"What?!" the boy snarled, a feral beast threatening to bite the responsible.
"You heard me. While I appreciate you standing up for your girlfriend's honor, you're being a total ass right now."
Robbie Shapiro was not to be slighted as he stomped over to the unphased Liam, jabbing his pointer into his chest.
"You're one to talk!" he roared with sickening pride. "Aren't you dating that monster, Jade?! You must be an expert if you can handle taming that ass, huh? Or is it that you're tapping that ass now?"
The entire time, Liam just watched quietly as Robbie went off on anything or anyone daring enough to test him. He did not attempt to silence the boy, instead letting him spill his guts for all in attendance. The air of hostility only grew though as his calm features hid the abyssal rage that bubbled within. Over and over, Robbie listed off the terrible acts committed by Jade only to receive a stone-faced countenance in return.
Only when he had enough did he finally push past the huffing Robbie, aiming to leave for the showers. A hand wrapped around his wrist, halting his exit.
"Let me go, Rob..." his words were as cold as ice, yet Robbie refused to release his grip.
Pulling away, Liam glared at the boy standing in front of him; eyes burning with fury at the discreet indictment against him. Deep down, he knew that this went beyond a hurtful joke about a guy's lover. This was a form of subjugation, just like Halloween night. Ahrya had her claws sunk into Robbie so deep that he couldn't see that he was acting out of character.
"Not until you apologize for what you said..."
"Bite me, Shapiro!"
In a moment, a blur whizzed into the air connecting flush to Liam's nose. Before he could process what happened, Robbie threw another punch, this time straight into his mouth, landing on the jawline.
"That's for Ahrya, you son of a bitch!"
"Ndugu! That is enough!" Travis shouted, seemingly breaking the spiritual hold on Robbie.
What little control he had left shattered as his vision finally held substance. Robbie had been seeing red this whole time up to this point and now, only now did he realize the extent of his rage. Andre did his best to contain Liam's bloody nose with a nearby towel while Beck had been holding him back.
Shivering and breathing haggardly, Robbie Shapiro had snapped and didn't even know why.
"I... I didn't mean...!"
"Yes you did, Rob!" Andre announced with a concerned glower. "You can't just fly off the handle like that!"
Rather than discern remorse, the nerd would choose to embrace this feeling with a twisted grin.
"I mean... I... He... he deserved it!"
"Good for you..."
Everyone shifted their gaze now to Liam who now sported a large bruise on his face. The trickles of blood soon morphed into a flow and yet, Liam stood as if nothing had happened while it dripped onto his shirt. The others were surprised to see this, but Travis couldn't help but smirk at his competition.
"There's more where that came from, jerk!"
"Yet, you're still pissed?" Liam's lips dropped into a straight line. "After that, you still have a grudge against me? Go seek therapy, man."
With that said, Liam took his leave, Andre and Beck following him to the infirmary. By now, most of the boys had left, allowing Travis and Robbie to have some privacy. Shock and perplexity adorned the latter's face while the former was unreadable.
"Robbie. What's gotten into you?"
"I... I don't know!" he admitted, trying to gain some solace in his actions. "You heard him talking about her! Why didn't you do anything?!"
"I thought you were defending the honor of my sister? Or maybe, you had another motive and you're just using this as an excuse to do what you couldn't do before?" Despite the excruciating pain swirling around him, he relished the prospect of whatever could happen from that point on. "If I didn't know any better, I'd wager that you enjoyed that a lot more than you let on."
"You don't know me!" his arm swiping the air, almost trying to sever the conversation.
Travis' demonic gaze only hardened.
"And you know Jade? You mean to tell me, that after these few years, you know everything there is to know about her? You spew your self-righteous dribble and you don't even know why you're doing it. But I do! Don't forget I dated her too, alongside Tori."
"I know and I'm still baffled as to why you did that! She threatened your life on your first day of school! She terrorized the student body before Tori enrolled! She's mean, vengeful, spiteful, vain..."
"So, what's your point?"
"My point?!" The lanky teen threw his hands up. "Why on earth would you even entertain someone like her? She's ruthless, possessive, spoiled!"
"Again, what is your point?" Travis crossed his arms, unphased by the tantrum being spouted at him.
The look in his eyes told Robbie all that he needed to know:
Choose your next words wisely.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he continued.
"Ahrya was right, she's an insensitive little witch who's known only for hurting those around her. Even Beck could only take so much hence the many times they've broken up. She's nothing more than a monster who is incapable of anything other than pain. Eventually, you'll see that too."
Out of breath, Robbie stormed off, leaving a disappointed Travis alone in the room. Everything was so confusing since he returned from their trip and yet, he was somewhat glad for that.
Before, he would've taken Robbie's side without hesitation, but today was the day his soul broke down what was happening. Little by little, he would find more faults in his sister's way of doing things, conniving and manipulative actions conducted for her gain and nothing more. Even his past hatred of Liam, while not completely put out, had dulled significantly since his return to school.
Now, it was a healthy competition between them, even when he found out that he and Jade were now a couple. He felt no ill-will toward either of them that night, even when Ahrya poked the embers.
All of this was so confusing and yet, Travis was enjoying the journey of rediscovery, a path that only he could walk.
For a warrior walks with honor...
Such an idea brought a bitter smile to his face as he took a seat to rest his legs and his brain. With a grunt, he threw his head back and chuckled darkly into the room, daring himself to condemn the fates for his lot in life.
"What the fuck comes next?"
"Jade?" her tone matched her gaze. "Are you okay?"
Pulling her focus from the task at hand, Jade sized up Tori as if she were a total stranger. "Yeah, why do you ask?"
"You're smiling..." she flatly pointed out. "You never smile; smirk, maybe but smile? Never..."
Though she hated to admit it, Tori did make a good point.
"Okay, well maybe it's time for a change?"
Her attempt at a rotten retort failed due to her lack of conviction. The reality of that little slip-up in her demeanor was made clear when she noticed Tori's face shift from uncertainty to understanding to complete shock. If it wasn't obvious before, it was now, thanks to the look on Jade's face.
"You didn't..." she pointed, eyes bigger than golf balls. "Did you?"
"Of course not, Vega. I was just messing with you and it obviously worked."
Tori could only blush in embarrassment at Jade's childish prank. It was one thing to be picked on by her but being on the receiving end of her laughing at you? One couldn't help but feel lower.
"It's not as funny as you think, Jade!"
"It's not as funny as you think, Jade!" the goth spoke in an old-timey southern accent much to the Latina's chagrin. "Even though I was the one meddling with your personal life, you can't just treat me like boobity-boo!"
"I don't talk like that!"
"Whatever. Serves you right for prying into someone's relationship. Shouldn't you be more focused on Travis; I mean, he is your boyfriend."
As much as Tori hated to admit it, Jade was right on both accounts. Wondering if she and Liam had sex caused her to consider her partnership with her boyfriend, personally, their intimacy. Where did they stand on romance and... other things? He was attractive to her. What would come from her desire to push the envelope?
Did she even want to cross that line?
"The last thing I'd like to talk about is my brother in compromising positions with Tori," a familiar voice chimed in. "Have you no propriety?"
Both girls groaned at the arrival of Ahrya, her vanity on full display as she approached.
"I prefer to keep it reserved for those deserving of such a privilege. Unfortunately, you didn't make that list."
"Be careful, Jade. I heard the pound has been on the hunt for savage beasts lately. You wouldn't want to get snatched up and locked away, would you?"
Ready to snap, Jade found that opportunity snatched away when Tori stepped in between the pair.
"Can we help you, Madame President?"
Yes, Ahrya had climbed the ranks and achieved the coveted (at least in her eyes) position of Student Body President, further adding to her reign of arrogance. It was enough to make Tori feel nauseous as she thought back to her older sister's past habit.
Even Trina wasn't this bad...
"I was actually looking for you to discuss that Travis will be unavailable after our recital. He's going to be busy with an upcoming family emergency. You understand, right?"
"Is that what Travis said? I'd like to hear him tell me himself, to be honest."
"Last I checked, my brother, is hard at work training for the big event. He has little time for distractions."
"You wouldn't happen to be talking about the Roho Amka festival coming up, would you?"
Immediately, any semblance of pride flushed from Ahrya's face. In its place remained anger and hatred aimed at the goth who wagged her eyebrows just to drive the point home.
"What's a Roho Amka?" Tori turned to her frenemy.
"I'm glad you asked, Tori!" Jade piped up with her overdramatic cheerful persona. "Translated, it means Spirit Awaken and it's an event where cultures come together and engage with one another through their sacred connections. What Miss President is referring to is that Travis is involved in a tournament to determine the next head of the Orisha tribes. Liam shared this with me as he too is participating."
Of course, it would be him! Ahrya's violet orbs blazed with agitation.
"So... This family thing?"
"Is a load of garbage as anyone interested can join so long as they're invited. I'm definitely going."
This was her way out!
Ahrya shook her head in faux grief, adding a groan for good measure.
"Unfortunately, Travis hasn't been able to do much. With rehearsals, training, and practice, he's been swamped for any extra time. Sorry, Tori. I wish there was more that I could do."
Just then, a pair of voices could be heard laughing and going on about techniques and strategies. Turning the corner, it was revealed to be Travis and Liam, and neither of them was at the other's throats. However, neither was unscathed as Liam had his nose bandaged up while Travis had a soft pad taped to his cheek.
"The hell happened to you two?"
"Ayaba!"
"Don't you 'Ayaba' me, tiger!" Jade marched to her uneasy boyfriend, playfully jabbing his chest. "You let your guard down again, didn't you? I swear you're so reckless, Liam! You can't keep getting hurt like this!"
"I know... I need to stay sharp for the fights, right?"
"Wrong!"
"Wrong?"
Jade cut a glance behind her, silently making her point. Thankfully, Liam picked up on this and smiled, taking her hand. Leaning in, he whispered something in her ear that calmed any vexation she might've had. Whatever it was, the three were grateful to avoid another explosion of emotions from her.
Of course, Liam was careful to avoid mentioning the one responsible, for conspicuous reasons.
"Anyway, is it broken?"
"Nope! Just some minor swelling that'll go down in a week."
"Fine."
"Fine?"
"Fine!" she giggled, jamming an elbow into his ribs. Turning back to the others, their twisted faces spoke volumes and Jade only wanted peace. "What?"
"Nothing..." Travis spoke up. "Liam and I were um... just looking for you two, especially Tori."
"Me? Why me?"
Now it was Travis' turn to be in the hot seat as he fumbled his words like a babbling baby. Tori found it adorable while Jade and Liam rolled their eyes, differing in their logic. Meanwhile, a certain sibling felt her eye twitch as she took deep breaths to maintain what little composure she had left.
"I wanted to um..."
No...
"...I know I've been busy lately since we got back but..."
No. No. No. NO!
"I wanted to invite you to this event called..."
"Roho Amka?"
Travis blinked several times before bowing his head.
"Yeah! How did you know?"
"We were just talking about it!" Tori smiled brilliantly, her perfect cheekbones making him blush profusely. "I'd love to go and support you, Travis."
"Alright then! It's a date!" he replied with an equally wide grin, eyes lighting up.
After sharing some details, Jade and Liam joined the couple to discuss planning things out. This left a volatile Ahrya to watch in excruciating silence as the foursome left her behind. Thoughts in her head began to manifest into actual voices that screamed their disapproval.
How dare she?!
Who does she think she is?!
That bitch!
"It's... fine."
That's all Ahrya would say as she took another deep inhale to steady her nerves, her mind raging on with objections to Tori's presence being added to things.
Of course, it was abundantly clear that Ahrya and Jade had discourse between them, but what was less known was Ahrya's hatred of Tori Vega. Unlike Trina, Tori was a serious threat to the girl both publically and personally. Her image was that of the goody-two-shoes and many loved that about her. But that wasn't the reason for her hatred.
No.
The very reason for such withheld hostility could be narrowed down to one person:
Travis.
Ahrya's brother was precious to her, sometimes to a fault. She would do anything to protect her beloved...sibling. She flinched at the unexpected thought, choosing to occupy her time by stuffing books in her locker.
She's going to take him away from you! The voice bellowed again.
Tori's not good enough for him..." she answered the unseen figure.
Is that why you added Jade to their relationship? Remember that? Pausing, Ahrya couldn't shake off the smugness that oozed around her. Does that sound like someone confident in such a blatant lie? You couldn't even keep that together, could you?
"You test my patience, spirit!" she growled.
And you test the limits of your power, brat. I allowed you to come this far and now, given you everything you could have asked for to achieve your goals and this little girl is a threat?! Hell, at least targeting the goth held a purpose considering she's allied with Aganju's heir. But this?
"What are you implying, Baron?"
I'm not implying anything. I'm CALLING it for what it is!
"And that would be?"
Hehe... I can tell when you've had enough, child. I hope that green-eyed monster loosens its grip on you soon enough."
A few seconds passed before silence once again took over. The sinister presence had gone, if only temporarily. Either way, Ahrya would be grateful, had it not been for the lingering words of the invisible force. Such mocking implications were a blight, yet the truth was enough to rattle her even after leaving the school grounds.
Jealousy.
"Such foolishness! I have no need for something like that. Why would feel that way about what's already mine?"
