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:
After a week filled with writing block, I just managed to get this chapter out. I apologize for things not being as exciting but it is a set-up chapter for the upcoming Spirit Clan arc. All three characters will play a major role in this arc so be prepared.
Chapter 25: Discension
Beck was miserable.
Over time, he would find himself unable to stomach being in school, at home, or anywhere for that matter. Why might you ask? It was simply because his 'secret admirer' was constantly hounding him.
Over the past week or so, he had personal visits from the woman that left him drained, both physically and emotionally.
What made matters worse were the circumstances behind the meetings. In less than a week, he would forget to shave which resulted in him gaining stubble. He also became a lot more skittish when anyone tried to interact with him outside of classes or the play he was involved with. He could use a good night's sleep to bring him some peace; an idea he relished as he leaned against his locker, heavy lids drooping lower with each passing second.
"Hey!" he nearly jumped out of his skin at the soft voice behind him. "Are you okay, Beck?"
Turning around, he took deep breaths to calm his rapidly beating heart.
"Ahrya, what can I do for you?" he sighed heavily.
Giggling, she raised an eyebrow at his question.
"You know, someone might take that out of context."
"I'm sure." he deadpanned. "What's up?"
"Nothing much. I just noticed you seemed distracted about something." she raised her hand in a faux presenting fashion. "Is there something that's bothering you?"
Despite the sincerity of her tone, Beck narrowed his eyes at the girl but, for some reason, looked over his shoulder in hopes that nobody was nearby.
"We both know what's bothering me, Ahrya." he hissed. "We both know who's the cause of my vexation. So, cut the innocent act and tell me what you want."
Just like that, her gaze darkened, Amythist orbs glowing with dark intentions.
"Becky poo... It's no secret what I want. You gave it to me last night, and this morning before school." her voice, a concoction of lust, seduction, and control forced Beck to back away slightly. He wasn't sure why, but his heart was gripped with fear, a feeling he'd come to know all too well around her. "I must say, I'm impressed with your endurance. Four rounds in only a couple of hours?"
"Leave me alone..."
"But what will Travis think?" As he turned to walk away, he found himself unable to take more than a few steps when his name was brought up. "Or Robbie for that matter?"
With a look of pure rage, he stomped back to the spot he previously stood. "Look here you little whore..." he warned through gritted teeth. "I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I can't keep doing this anymore."
Not amused, Ahrya folded her arms. "What are you saying?"
To her surprise, he took one more step so that their faces were mere inches from each other.
"Read my lips." a fire danced brightly behind his eyes, the likes which he hadn't felt in a long time. "I'm done with this AND you. I don't care about what has happened before. I'll tell Robbie and Travis about everything that's been going on, including Trina. This affair, the spying on Liam and Jade, everything and I'll beg for their forgiveness if that's what it takes to clear my conscious of what I've done.
"What are you saying...?"
We. Are. Over!"
Vindication; It was the only word that could accurately describe the feeling engulfing Beck Oliver at this moment.
Though the sexual endeavors had only been for a short period, he was content with sharing everything about that and more with his friends. That's right after they escaped Yerba, Beck had developed a newfound respect for Liam and wanted nothing more than to make things right with him. The smile he possessed only grew as he basked in his inevitable freedom. There was nothing she could do.
Right...?
"But what if I tell them otherwise?" her tone was steady and flat.
Not one to be thrown off, Beck scoffed.
"What could you tell them that I wouldn't? You'd still be feeding into my hand by revealing your actions to them both."
"Not if I tell them you raped me."
Vindication.
What had been his last hope quickly twisted into blight.
"Y-you wouldn't..." he growled, much to her sickening delight.
"Wouldn't I?" her glossy lips curled into a sadistic smile. "With what we've been up to, I have all the evidence in the world against you; your DNA. Did you think I just wanted mindless sex from you?" Ahrya took back her turn, insanity flickering behind her purple crystals. "It was also an insurance policy, sweetheart."
Beck's onyx eyes enlarged in incredulity. He was so close to getting away from her that Beck could taste it. How did he not see this coming? His resolve vanished almost as quickly as it came, his head lowering in defeat. There was no doubt about it now...
He lost.
"I do hate seeing so dejected, Beck." she placed a hand on his now shivering shoulder. "I admit that you played this game well, but, you underestimated your opponent. I find that shocking, considering you used to date that witch."
Feeling the urge to kill rising, Beck's hands twitched as he contemplated the notion.
He could accept the consequences. Get expelled and be rid of her? He could start over, make new friends, and never have to endure this hell again. As his gaze rose to see the mocking sweetness of Ahrya, he settled on that.
Her calm demeanor was a plague on him while he slowly raised his shaking hands. He was physically stronger than her so she wouldn't be able to do much to stop him. It wasn't his first choice, but desperation forces people to do crazy things. At this point, his arms were by her shoulders, fingers eager to wrap around her slender neck.
"Hey, guys!"
'No!' he cursed, recognizing that voice.
"Hey, baby!" Ahrya waved. Gone was her evil persona, replaced once more by her cheerfulness. "I thought you had tech class this period?"
"We finished early with the set-up and... what's going on here?" he looked at the frozen form of Beck.
Unable to utter a single word, Beck was swept into a big hug by none other than the bane of his existence. "Sorry baby, I wanted to hug Beck for helping me with the dance number and he was nervous out of respect for our relationship. I told him you wouldn't mind."
Looking at Robbie like a madman, he pulled away from her as if she were on fire. Robbie took a few seconds to analyze the situation and shrugged it off.
"Beck, we've been friends since day one here." he draped an arm over the boy's shoulder. "I know you wouldn't do anything behind my back, but I do appreciate the respect, man."
Thoughts of revealing everything to Robbie crossed his mind, but they were buried no sooner than they appeared.
"Y-yeah, n-no problem. I uh, gotta go... I'm late for English."
Backing away, Beck gave a half-hearted wave at the now, embracing couple, frowning deeply once he turned around and while he didn't see it, he could sense the evil smirk of triumph carved on Ahrya's face.
Good boy...
Several months would pass with little occurring for the group. Robbie and Ahyra would keep their distance from the group whenever Liam and Jade were around. The enmity between the couples was evident, but nothing would come of it as the latter was focused on the upcoming event.
However, with time came a period of maturation for Travis due to several reasons.
During a sleepover with the group, a groggy Tori had descended the stairs attempting futilely to wipe the sleep from her eyes. Peering through heavy lids she managed to make out the forms of her friends, Andre and Cat were snuggled up on the couch while Beck discovered a way to sleep in a comfortable position in one of the chairs.
Stumbling upon the visual of her frenemy, Tori couldn't hide the sweet grin at the way she lay sprawled next to Liam with the goofiest smirk on her face. A little trail of drool had puddled on the boy's shirt, making it harder for Tori to contain herself.
It's almost like she has a heart...! she chortled softly, clasping a palm over her mouth when Jade began to stir. Thankfully, she just turned over, mumbling something ungraspable.
She made her way to the refrigerator, digging inside for something to drink. She managed to get her hands on some orange juice before taking notice of how gloomy it was outside.
Looks like it's going to rain all day...
Scratching her head, Tori took notice of the clock on top of the microwave that read in bright red numbers: 5:17 am. With a look of pure disinterest, she was bent on getting back to sleep while chugging down her beverage. There was no way she was intending on doing anything at this ungodly hour (in her opinion). She took another big gulp, carefully setting her glass in the sink, hoping to not wake up the others.
She then tiptoed past the snoring log only to notice one very important detail.
"Where's Travis?"
Instead of going back to bed, Tori found herself exploring the house.
She checked the basement but found the gym equipment relatively untouched. She pressed on to the bathroom but there was no trace of the young man. The only places remaining for him to be would be the bedrooms but it didn't make much sense. Her parents' room was a place that he wouldn't tread. She was sure that she would've noticed if he was in her bedroom; the idea doing just enough to heat her cheeks at the thought of certain actions taking place.
"Vega?" she froze firmly in place. "You do know I can see you, right?"
Turning around swiftly, Tori put on the fakest smile she'd ever mustered at that point.
"Hey, Jade!" she didn't want Jade to know about the other letter right now. "Fancy meeting you here!"
A still groggy Jade raised a questionable eyebrow. "Right... Why are you just standing in the middle of the room like a shitty statue?"
"I... Well, you see...!"
"You're wondering where your boyfriend is, aren't you? God, you're like a toddler that made poopy in their diaper."
"Very funny..." Tori rolled her eyes.
"The lug is sitting in your backyard meditating. Liam just went out to join him while you had your head stuck in the fridge."
Tori didn't miss the way the goth's voice sailed off, that undeniable urge of ardor that made her feel uncomfortable. It wasn't disgust that she felt but envy at how subtly Jade displayed her desires since she and Liam became official. She had a longing for something like that, but she would be lying if she said that Travis was anything close to what they had.
Is there something wrong with me?
"Yo! Earth to Vega!"
"What?"
"You spaced out when I asked if you wanted to talk to your boyfriend. I'm going so..."
"I'll join you!"
Jade couldn't help but smirk at how eager she was to see her beau. In contrast, Tori stuck her chin up, waltzing back the goth to the backyard.*
True to Jade's words, both Liam and Travis sat with their backs to the door meditating.
What caught Tori off guard though was the fact that he was shirtless and sweaty. The few rays of sunlight peaking through the overcast only made things a bit more difficult as her eyes trailed up and down his toned body. She never realized how defined his body was despite the bandages that covered the upper left portion of his body.
Grotesque scars.
While Liam had a few of his own, Travis' back was a canvas of horrific markings the likes of which unnerved the girl upon seeing this for the first time. The only thing that genuinely warranted the term ugly on Travis would be the various lacerations and bruises that he received the day prior. She bit her bottom lip, nerves, and desire swirled together within her.
It was one of her closely guarded secrets, one that (thankfully) only Jade managed to pick up on.
Shaking off the effects of lust-fueled ideas, Tori watched closely as the boys took deep breaths, letting their bodies rise and fall at a steady pace. However, something else became apparent the longer she watched. A wave of aura began to radiate from the pair, if only for a moment.
Shades of red and green flowed from the two respectively.
"So you see it too?"
Twisting her head, Tori found Jade watching the two with a plain expression that neither showed her shock nor her excitement.
"I don't understand..."
"You must have some connection with him if you can see what I do. That's their spirit manifesting, in case you were curious."
"I still don't get it, but..."
"Talk to him if you have questions, Vega. He's your boyfriend after all."
Despite her initial reservations, Tori decided that Jade's advice was the best course of action. Even with the intimidating ambiance surrounding him and the nerves weighing each step she took down, she persisted with her goal.
"Um... Travis?" she eked out, cursing herself for not controlling her emotions.
To her surprise, he didn't move from his spot on the grass. Could he be deep in meditation? Was he ignoring her?
"Liam?" she approached him cautiously. "Are you okay?"
At closer proximity, she watched as his chest rose and fell steadily and he truly appeared to be in peace. The soft sounds of snoring caused her eyes to widen in awe. As her lips curled into a soft grin, she gently placed her fingers on his uninjured shoulder and gingerly shook him. Her blush only increased in intensity at the realization that this was her first time touching his bare skin.
Her soul rattled in her chest.
Fingers trembled.
A pair of brown eyes studied him like he was her favorite book. As his eyes fluttered open, those terra pools sparked with serenity while a nearly inaudible moan that she thought was the cutest thing.
Why does he have to be so attractive?
"Hey, Tori!" he yawned. "Did you need something?"
"Oh um... I was just looking for you!"
He sighed in disbelief though the smallest of smirks was enough for her to understand that he was amused.
"Well, you found me haha. What's on your mind?"
Where would she begin? With so many questions flooding her mind, it was difficult for Tori to pinpoint a single one to ask. Would she bring up her insecurities about her role in their relationship or was it more appropriate to mention her reservations with his sister? Gazing into his patient eyes, the waves began to surge, lapping at the air around them until they began to take shape.
The lion from before!
Shrouded in scarlet stepped toward Tori, eyes burning intensely at the anxious girl. With each step, the girl's stomach clenched until it towered over her. Surely, this beast was sent to devour her but instead, it would bow its head to nuzzle her before turning back and vanishing into a worried Travis.
What did I just see?
"Earth to Tori?"
Blinking several times, she found herself facing the trio of Liam, Jade, and her boyfriend gazing down upon her.
"Huh?"
"Are you okay? You just fell out of nowhere!"
"Like the klutz you are..."
"Jade?" Liam warned, earning an eye roll for his efforts.
"Oh, yeah... I didn't see you in the house earlier and I got curious about where you were." her eyes darted away. "You know, just making sure you were alright."
"Are you sure? You looked like you needed to talk about something important earlier."
"I..."
Everything inside of her screamed for Tori to tell the truth and bare her soul to the nervous boy. Yet, she couldn't muster the courage to tell him the truth. Her heart ached at the thought of holding onto her issues, but there was one reason for doing so.
He's getting ready for the biggest moment of his life. Why should we worry him further about our pathetic problems?
That voice continued to shout, stabbing Tori with her logic. She felt lower than dirt, her self-esteem nose diving with every passing second.
"I just wanted to make sure that you were okay out here. It looks like it's going to rain soon and I didn't want you getting caught in it."
"Um... Thanks, querida." Travis rubbed the back of his neck.
Jade shook her head and wound up receiving a light glare from her significant other. However, she didn't mean for her gesture to come off as antagonistic genuine unease had been the culprit. To see Tori so dejected, so conflicted, troubled the goth. Having been through similar events herself, the two were practically kindred spirits.
"Well, we should start getting ready," Liam chimed in. "Rain or not, that won't stop the prelims. I'm off to take a shower."
"I'll join you."
"Jade! My parents are right next to the bathroom! There's no way they'll let you do that!"
Expecting a cutting response, Tori was greeted by a straightforward smirk before the girl passed her by. Once again, Jade had surprised the Latina by taking the high road.
"We were talking about Liam's house, Vega. There are some things that we need to pick up before we set out. Try and keep up, slowpoke."
A blush crept up as the couple took their leave. With only Travis keeping her company, Tori couldn't help but sigh heavily at the minor exchange. Warm arms wrapped around her waist, carefully drawing her closer. With her stomach aflutter, she melted into him without a fuss while letting out a light purr that took them both by surprise.
"Sounds like someone needed this..."
"Mmhmm." her lips curled upward.
"All you have to do is ask, and I'll gladly do this and more for you. All you have to do is ask querida."
Tori continued to indulge in the intimate moment, savoring each precious second as if it were oxygen itself. She shivered with delight when his thumb traced circles over her stomach. She didn't mind that her other friends were in the house, tucking her lip between her teeth as her cheeks burned bright and her chest heaved in satisfaction.
Nothing can ruin this...
"Tori!" the familiar tone of her mother rang from inside the Vega homestead. "Trina's on the phone! Where are you?"
"Almost nothing."
She groaned, realizing that either Travis had read her mind or maybe they were in sync. Leaving him behind, Tori wouldn't realize how correct her assumption was as the warrior frowned deeply. Bewildered at the absence of his lover, the young man wouldn't have long to sulk as a vibration drew his attention from such feelings. Once he realized the identity of the caller, he couldn't hide his irritation any longer.
Thankfully, nobody was around to see this.
"What's up?"
"Where have you been?! Robbie and I have been waiting at the bus station for you!"
Travis cursed internally at the sudden actualization hitting him. He was supposed to leave early to meet his sister and her boyfriend so they could arrive at the event early.
"Dammit... I'm really sorry, Ahrya. I didn't get much sleep and I'm just waking up."
"Whatever. Just hurry up before our ride leaves!" he heard her bark with a disregarding tone, yet he said nothing at first. "Esu? Are you still there?"
Unbeknownst to the girl, Travis was silently trying to contain himself as the beast within bared its teeth. He managed to push down the dark thoughts clawing inside him, taking several deep breaths before finally acknowledging his sibling.
"About that... I'm not going to make it."
"Excuse me? This is what we've been training for since we were kids! You can't quit on your destiny!"
"I'm not! Dammit...! The tournament is the ultimate goal, Ahrya. I haven't lost sight of that. It's just that..."
"It's her, isn't it?"
"What?"
"Tori! You've been so focused on her that you're hesitating, even now!"
Travis scoffed at the ludicrous accusation.
"That isn't remotely true and you know it!" he countered with a threatening tone. If I was, I would've quit altogether.
"She's a distraction; Anything that tears you away from our victory cannot be tolerated."
"Ahrya..."
"This is exactly what will give that loser an advantage..."
"Ahrya!"
"I will NOT have you giving into weakness, Travis! They must be cut off and eliminated. There is no room for that when it comes to..."
"Shut up..."
The line went silent as the darkness gripped his words, shutting down any further objections. His heart ached, a dull beat that served only to annoy than inflict sorrow upon the boy. This was the spirit of Esu, the ruler of the Lion Clan speaking.
"How dare you...?! Do you know all that I've sacrificed?"
"And yet, you're the one pouting like a petulant child. Your aid has been noted but I suggest you not overstep your boundaries, witch. Anansi's heir is nothing compared to the might of the Lion. Never forget, you need us; Do not make the mistake that it is the other way around."
"I... I...!"
"We will meet you there... Goodbye!"
He didn't bother waiting for a response as he hung up the device. Soon, the force relinquished its grasp, allowing Travis to take over once again. He couldn't believe what he'd just done, but the damage had already been done. Rather than worry about the consequences, he'd return to the living room, finding everyone either asleep or elsewhere.
Spotting Liam & Jade resting once again, Travis found himself intrigued by their bond. From friends to lovers, they always appeared to be the antithesis of Ahrya's outrageous claims.
Weakness... he sneered, sarcasm swirling around humorously in his mind. If he was truly as weak as she said, why did she go to such lengths to keep them separated?
Now you're getting it, child. Esu's voice returned. Does it seem that book has value after all?
It appears that way. The more I read, the less influence I succumb to, right?
It's not a coincidence. I only arrived once you began studying the history and culture of your bloodline. For now, we must continue to grow internally if we are to progress far enough in the battle to come.
Understood. For now though...
Savor the present, boy. See where these bonds take you, but don't get too close to the one you may face. Even the most amicable eyes can hide demons within the abyss.
Travis wanted to contest further but was halted when he felt a hand rest on his back. Such a gentle touch sent a familiar warmth through his body, earning the slightest tremble from him.
"Tori..." he whined playfully to an ensemble of giggles. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"
Hearing his chuckles, Tori slapped his back lightly.
"Come on, you big baby! A big, bad warrior like you; scared of little old me? I don't buy it."
Travis shook his head, trying to match her energy. It seemed to work as she didn't bring up his half-hearted gesticulation. He quickly changed the subject to their need to arrive at the event which prompted a boisterous 'OMG' from the girl, waking the others.
Andre and Cat decided to join the group with eagerness while Beck reluctantly declined the invitation due to 'homework' piling up on him. In truth, he wanted to stay as far away from Travis' sister as possible. Her influence (for lack of a better word) was like a drug and he despised the 'high' that he got whenever she was around.
So, the three couples managed to cram themselves inside Jade's car for their next adventure.
