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 26: Uncomfortable Truths


The gang couldn't believe their eyes at the sights and sounds of the festival. The bright colors captured the eyes of the teens as they observed the various stalls and vendors. Different flags represented the many countries, from Nigeria to Sierra Leone were represented in the Yoruba section of the event. The music was enticing to Andre, captivating the young man into checking out the various instruments with awe unseen for a long time.

Tori and Cat were captivated by the foods ranging from Jollof rice to Tuo Zaafi, each smell making their mouths water. For Jade, she was intrigued by the various spiritual dances and items that adorned the vending booths, her curiosity growing with each step.

"I never knew something like this existed!" Tori gleefully erupted while rushing over to her friends.

Their merriment was met with a chorus of laughter and cheerful offers from the sellers. Even a group of dancers welcomed the three to attend the festivity. Travis would find himself drawn into the ensemble by his girlfriend, protesting in his usual playful manner.

Only Jade remained, not being the type to engage in such folly.

"You're not going to join them?"

"We both know I've got two left feet..." she simpered while watching the others. "Besides, I figured you'd be the first one out there. Between the food and culture of your heritage, one would be alarmed to see you missing out on such an occasion. At least, that's only if one were to ignore the glaring truth of the matter."

"You noticed it too, huh?"

Pools of azure cut through the crowds, scouring all around the happy faces. It only took a moment before Jade noticed the foreboding truth that Liam saw. Condescending glares were aimed at him, silently judging his presence. Travis caught this too as some of the gazes were locked on him while he indulged Tori and the others.

Traitorous Demon.

Bloodthirsty Monster.

Neither could deny the dark aura veiled behind smiles caked on with faux innocence pointed at them. The tension swirled around the two as they continued onward without another word. Jade followed close behind, her mind concerned for the well-being of her closest confidante. While the others viewed this as a beautiful time, Jade knew better.


Within the depths of a towering building nearby, a congregation of elders had assembled. A round table with equally aphotic figures filling each cardinal seat harbored the solemn atmosphere eyes swirling with the subtle glow of various elements. Each chair was filled except for two, hence the reasons for the somber ambiance.

"How much longer must we wait for them?!" a voice shattered the crushing silence. "It's been hours since the festival started and they're still not here?"

"Still yourself, Moniade... Have you no sense of patience?"

The hulking man, known as Moniade, flared his nose at the hooded gentlewoman. His eyes burned a smokey grey as he slammed his palm against the marble table.

"Don't you dare patronize me, Anuoluwa!"

In contrast to the hatred burning in his eyes, the hidden woman remained calm as she removed her hood to reveal two pink pearls locked onto the smoky orbs. The dark amber shade of her skin accentuated the gems and her white hair was tied in the neatest braid that flowed down her back.

What truly stood out was the cheeky grin on her lips; a look that added fuel to the pyre.

"After all these years, I figured you would've added some patience into your repertoire. Perhaps they're hidden underneath all of that mass you love to flaunt on about?"

"You arrogant witch!"

"Moniade..." the man ceased his bickering as another male voice chimed in with a playful glee. "It appears that you neglected charm and respect as well. Pitiful really."

Both members of the bickering party turned to him, his gaze fixed on his perfectly manicured digits.

His face was your typical tan hue with short spiked brown hair. His eyes glowed a sickly pale shade of blue as he beamed smugly. Interestingly, the most notable feature wasn't himself but the two women that flanked him while he leaned back in his seat. Unlike the others, he barely had any wrinkles, giving him a younger look than his peers.

"Mind your business, Ade! I wouldn't expect someone as vain as you to understand our spat... You've always been complacent ever since you were brought into the fold. Provocateur..."

"I can't help that I'd rather enjoy the perks and sweeter things in life," he chuckled loudly, further irritating the pair. "While you two rally behind your traditions, it is imperative that someone does their best to keep up with the times! Besides, Anu was here before you, yet look at how you casually disrespect her with your brutal nature."

Moniade growled but never got the chance to retort as the sounds of footsteps resounded throughout the room, seizing everyone's attention. Each one immediately stood as the identity of the entrants became known.

A tall and dark-skinned man walked inside with a rather confident Ahrya and Robbie by his side. His eyes were calm pools of amethyst a glorious contrast to the greying beard on his face.

Despite his aged appearance, he still held the visual aspect of strength.

"Enough bickering, my friends. That's no way to welcome one another, is it?" Silence greeted him, prompting the man to raise a hand that afforded them the chance to be seated once again. "My dear elders. First, I must apologize for my tardiness. Our special guest greeted me and we got lost in the revelry of conversation. But, we are clear to proceed, unless there are any further issues about punctuality."

His voice was tranquil, yet the respect that it commanded was apparent as the others bowed their heads for him. He smiled softly, directing the girl to the vacant seat next to him before taking his place upon the throne before them.

"Very well, first, I regret to inform you that the sisters will not be joining us again for unknown reasons. It is disheartening but, as the Americans say, the show must go on."

"That retched lot need not ever show their face..." Ade giggled, his feet wiggling in tandem with each laugh. "What could we possibly have needed from either of them to be here?"

"Indeed. One comes from the bloodline of a traitor while the other is from a warmongering clan fueled by bloodlust."

Anuoluwa scowled from beneath her hood.

Joined by the others in attendance, it was clear that the view of the absent party was unanimously negative. Even Moniade quietly agreed, his rage now a smoldering flame rather than a wildfire.

However, it seemed that the man and Ahrya didn't share in the sentiment as the latter let out a rambunctious, almost maniacal, laugh. This shut down the sea of murmurs, all eyes watching in horror at the hysterical laughter that continued for a bit longer. They sat, each one frozen until her display was over.

"It appears that wisdom is also lacking from those considered to be the authority of their respective tribes! I guess ignorance IS bliss!"

"What did you say?!"

"How dare you?!"

"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!"

As Moniade stood to his feet, he failed to notice the sudden zip of air nip at his face. As if it were a mosquito, he threatened to approach with ill intent. However, upon the first step, his actions halted, rooting him in place as if by magic. The others watched as his cheek ran with the faintest traces of liquid, a dark violet ooze.

Why... What's going on?! What sorcery is this?!

His eyes shook until they fell upon the curly-haired boy brandishing a bow that was aimed at him. His brown eyes were locked and focused, a killer's intention that spelled nothing short of death for the burly man should he cross the line again.

"Brown button spider venom mixed with nightshade blossom. It's not life-threatening by any means unless one is shot multiple times in a row. With this concoction, I would hypothesize that you'd only need two more doses before you'd drop like a fly. Robbie, dear?"

Reaching down, he drew two more of the bolts, honing them at his heart.

"The first one was a warning, resulting in temporary paralysis. However, that was only from a nick. I could be off with my calculations and inflict a fate worse than death. It's the first time I've had to use it on a human subject."

"Ahrya..." the grinning man warned gleefully from his throne. "We are on a schedule."

"Yes, father."

Father?! Moniade began to panic, his body shuddering upon the understanding of what he'd just done.

He dared to attack the offspring of their leader. Even though he didn't know this, such a crime warranted nothing short of death or torment. As big and strong as he was, there was no denying the pecking order as tears began to form. The eyes of his master burned through him, further amplifying the terror that gripped his heart.

"Moniade?" the massive hulk grunted due to his forced stiffness. "I am a forgiving man and you've been one of my most loyal soldiers. However, I will not stand for such insolence twice. I trust that we have an understanding?"

"Mhmm..." he whimpered, a sight that shocked the other elders.

"Very good. Ahrya?"

"Yes, father."

With a snap of her finger, Robbie lowered his weapon. His eyes never left the brute even as he was ordered to give the man an antidote. He responded by glaring deep into Moniade's eyes, an unholy gleam dancing behind the boy's gaze before shoving the contents of the bottle into his mouth, forcing him to chug for dear life. Nearly choking, the liquid did its job, allowing him to begin moving under his power once more as he clutched his throat for air.

"Now, as for the earlier topic at hand, it would be advantageous for us to have the sisters here with us for this festival. Their presence would be a boon, despite the messy remnants of the past."

Before he could continue, a hand was raised, showing that of a timid Anuoluwa.

"Lord Jibola, I mean no disrespect, but what is so important about those two that warrants their being here?"

Jibola chuckled lightly before ushering a hand to Ahrya once more. Her grin morphed into a straight line before she took a deep breath.

"It is because their sons are here for the tournament."

The room was filled with objections and protests that were soon shut down by the slam of Jibola's staff on the floor. Silence permeated as he stood up, radiating authority with a simple glance.

"Whether we like it or not, it doesn't change the fact that the sons of Aganju and Esu are here! My daughter has been keeping tabs on the two since they entered school. As for the matriarchs, rest assured If there's anyone who could afford us proper information so that we can move appropriately. For now, we have much to discuss."


As the day pressed on, Andre and Cat were still enjoying themselves with the various stalls and games of the festival. Without a care in the world, neither had paid notice to the true ambiance surrounding them. Even Tori, ever the vigilant one hadn't figured out yet the weight that rested on the boy's shoulders.

Only a certain goth knew what was going on as she watched her partner wrap his hands. His emerald eyes hardened with each wrap of the tape, his mind laser-focused on the task at hand. While Travis and Tori were in a separate room, Liam and Jade were in the waiting room awaiting the announcement of the first matches. Unfortunately, he would be first in line.

Round 1... One step closer to finishing this nightmare.

His mind was so caught up that he hadn't noticed Jade's presence until he felt her touch on his cheek. Blinking away the haze, he found the worrying glare aimed at his soul, piercing his defenses.

"Hey! What's going on in that noggin of yours? You've been extremely quiet ever since we arrived."

"It's nothing," he lied through a wide smile. "It's just nerves getting to me. After all of the training and issues, I guess I'm anxious to get through this!"

As if on cue, Liam mentally braced for the impending smack. It was their usual schtick and they both knew the script to the letter.

Liam lies to hide his fear.

Jade slaps some sense into him.

They argue and fire one another up for the upcoming challenge.

They kiss.

Repeat.

However, Jade appeared to forget her lines as she knelt in front of him. A gentle haze coated her eyes, misty portals bearing the pain of her woes toward the boy. He shuddered lightly when, instead of the searing impact, her palm was cool, a silken caress on his cheek. Involuntarily, he closed his eyes to savor this unforeseen outcome before recalling what brought it on in the first place.

"Jade, I..."

"You don't have to be this..." she whispered, casting her gaze down. The pain of those few words cut deep as he felt her body shiver. "I know you're strong, Liam. You've always had to be but... but... I don't like this! I HATE seeing you suffering like this. Why do you try to shoulder the weight of the world on your own?"

Liam remained silent. His mind couldn't recite the usual lines they'd rehearsed together countless times before. His brain would simply shut down as the pressure began to eat away at him. Jade knew more than she was letting on and he was powerless to cease the pain that it was causing her.

Guilt and shame were his only allies right now, leaving him with discomfiting stillness.

What are you waiting for?!

The innermost part of Liam's senses shrieked at him in the form of a high-pitch ringing.

I can't...

"How much do you know, Jade?"

"What?"

"We both know that you're not one to be oblivious about things," he put on the best smile he could muster amidst the agony that haunted him. "With Ahrya lurking around, I bet you did some research on this festival, didn't you?"

Jade wiped the few droplets, barely eking out a giggle at his assumption.

"Close..."

"Hmmm?"

"I ran across something back at Vega's place," she admitted. "Although, I did try to find something out about this whole get-together. Sadly, it's as much of a mystery as this is the first year it's been hosted in L.A. However, I found this book in Travis' bag, and it... I don't know exactly if I read it right, but I found something that I think explains your past."

"Are you serious?!" Liam blinked in shock. He would scold her for invading people's privacy, but he was more interested in learning what Jade had found out. "What exactly did you find?"

"Would Liam Marshall come to the ring for the preliminaries? The others are waiting for you."

Disappointment.

That was the sensation that washed over Jade's features but it would soon bow down to awe when a single digit lifted her chin. Azure and emerald locked onto each other before another grin greeted her. This time, there was nothing to hide as he leaned in, leaving a peck on her forehead and a wink for her troubles.

"Hold onto that thought! I want to hear all about it when I get back, my dragon!"

Jade could only force her smile as Liam was pulled to the main floor, leaving her awkwardly waving until he was out of sight. She knew that things were awkward in this unknown environment, but the message was clear between them. They were going to build their relationship in such a way and this event was going to be the starting foundation.

She knew better than to pick a fight with others without knowing what she was up against. Even though she knew that she was disliked by the local attendees, she wouldn't make a scene, not when Liam was trying to establish something here.

For now, she'd tolerate the dirty looks and whispers behind her back, for his sake.

"Give them hell, tiger..."


Tori and the others watched intently as the final participant entered the ring; Liam Marshall. Seeing him dressed in an open-chested sleeveless hoodie, he looked every bit like a modern-day warrior. He took his place next to Travis for clear reasons while the announcer went over the opening ceremony dribble. Neither cared much for pageantry but their ears perked up when the preliminaries were brought up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Orisha council is happy to announce that, with over 70 combatants representing their respective clans, we are starting things off with a battle royal to little down the numbers! Participants will be required to eliminate their competition until only 16 remain."

The arena grew silent upon hearing this with only a few hushed protests slithering through every few seconds. The trio, soon joined by Jade, were equally shocked to hear this news as it could spell the end of their friend's journey before it ever began.

"From 70 to 16? That doesn't sound fair at all!" Andre shook his head.

"No doubt, they're doing this because of Liam and Travis."

All eyes fell on the goth as she casually ate her popcorn with looks of confusion directed at her ludicrous accusation.

"Come on, Jade!" Tori interjected. "Do you expect us to believe that an entire council would change an entire martial arts format just to mess with our friends? That's a bit wild, even from you."

If only you knew what I do, Vega...

"Yeah, well... I'm sure you're right, Tori. I mean, it's not like Liam and Travis come from a line of warriors that have been shunned for generations by the others since the clans separated, living with the shame of a tarnished legacy that wasn't even close to being their fault. I'm also certain that they haven't been receiving the dirtiest looks since we arrived either. It's all just a part of my imagination."

Tori turned to object but found herself met with a daring glare from Jade. Such a challenge proved too much for Tori to handle as she immediately turned back to find the large assembly was already amassing into smaller groups.

"Divide and conquer..." Jade whispered, her throat drying up at the unfortunate revelation unfolding before her. "Targeting the new meat."

True to her analysis, Travis and Liam stood back to back, surrounded. Trapped inside a ring of sinister glares from their opponents, azure eyes watched closely at the scene, her heart pounding into her throat. This was unfair, even in a battle royale contest.

...and yet...

Neither of the boys appeared to be shaken by this display, standing upright in the face of danger. Jade pondered if their posturing was a bluff, but the glimpse of their aura would ease her woes. The mark of the tiger and lion radiated intensely, opening Jade's perspective.

Soon, the horn blared throughout the arena to start the contest and yet, the groups were hesitant. To everyone's shock, none of the other combatants seemed eager to attack despite their advantage.

They're afraid!


Liam and Travis stared down at their opponents, neither flinching in the face of danger. To some extent, they both understood why this was happening. The eyes filled with trepidation blended with prejudice would perfectly encapsulate the landscape of their battleground.

"Looks like we're the guests of honor, Aganju..." Liam cut his gaze behind him. "...Almost like they're inviting us to dance."

"Don't lose focus, Esu! I won't let you live this down if you get kicked out this early."

The hallowed tone did little to ruin Travis' mood, his face twitching with menacing glee. Opposite him, Liam became more focused, eyes flaring with darkness on his unreadable features.

"Come on! Do you think they could take us out?"

His answer came when a lone soul finally rushed to attack Travis. His fist was caught effortlessly by the taller boy before receiving a knee to his stomach. The unfortunate fighter slumped onto his knees, unconscious from a single blow. Liam watched closely, keeping an eye on his temporary ally.

Such power...

"Stay focused!"

Travis' warning forced Liam to notice another two participants charging at him, flanking both sides.

Their eyes were illuminated with a fiery amber that symbolized their determination to end things as quickly as possible. Liam could feel the heat from their passion to win causing the hair on his arm to stand on end. Sensing something was amiss, he extended his arms to block the incoming assault only to have them disappear. They would emerge before him, ready to launch their true aggression with confident grins.

Too confident...

Their deceptive approach was rendered futile when their fists hit nothing but his palms.

A strong grip tightened around them, cracking bones and imposing winces and whimpers from the duo. His eyes held no guilt for the discomfort he was inflicting on them, watching blankly as they feebly clutched at his hands. His grip never relented until he heard a crack coupled with a sickening shriek that filled the entire room. Only then did he release his hold, his victim sniveling at their mangled hands.

"Not bad..."

Liam turned to see a twisted grin, a sight most familiar to his soul.

"Don't forget," he replied coldly. "We have a score to settle, correct?"

"That we do. But first, Let's clear the hyenas from our territory, shall we?"

Taking a moment to compose himself, Liam cracked a smirk of his own.

"Very well, Esu. Don't go losing before we meet."

On cue, the others let out a war cry, each one boldly proclaiming their intentions to harm the boys.


As the battlefield filled with competitors, the vigilant eyes of the elders were wide with shock and awe at the display before them. One by one, their hearts pounded in anxiety as the eliminations began piling up. The massive flame would soon dwindle until it was nothing more than flickering embers.

"Such ferocity!" Anuoluwa placed a hand over her mouth.

"Monsters. Demon!" another elder shuddered at the sight he was witnessing.

"It appears the Orishas have gifted us with the prodigal sons. A breath of fresh air for us to savor and behold."

"Are you mad?!" Anuoluwa screeched, her eyes flaring with rage and disgust. "How could you allow the spawns of those two to even enter our sacred contest?! Aganju and Esu...!"

"Those boys are exactly the sharpening stones that can usher in a new era."

The group turned to the man with incredulous looks. Each one's disbelief threatened to overshadow the others, much to his delight. Ahrya and Robbie mirrored his expression, wickedness veiled only by the satisfaction they all felt as it seemed there was more to this statement than mere amusement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may we have your attention, please?"


All eyes returned to the battlefield where only 70 hopefuls once stood, each one proud to represent their tribe and customs.

Now, only eight remained...

Among them?

The visual of Liam and Travis stood amongst their six potential opponents. Bodies, limp or squirming in agony, lay in bunches as the scent of blood filled the room. Cat buried her face into Andre's chest while Tori and Jade could only look on in shock at what they'd witnessed.

Thankfully, nobody was pronounced dead, but...

Is this any better?

Such a thought would only be compounded by the contrasting expressions on the boy's face as the announcer named the official entrants.

Tori watched with conflict washing over her face at the image of her boyfriend standing there with pride at his deed. Only, it wasn't arrogance that he was brandishing and it appeared that she was the only one who knew this truth. This was a sickening glee, one that was akin to Travis' ancestor. Esu's cursed bloodlust had finally been given room to manifest and it wanted more.

"How could they be happy with taking part in this... this barbarism?"

You have no clue, Andre... Tori softly scoffed.

She wasn't afraid, her mind recalling the day they first met. The way he silently relished hurting her ex for daring to strike her was not lost to her, thus any semblance of fear had been removed long ago.

Only worry remained.

Meanwhile, unlike Travis, Jade noticed her own partner wearing the sanguine drops on his face with a hardening gaze. Upon the big screen, she noticed the sinister entity lurking behind his blank eyes, slowly clawing its way into the world of mortals. A tear began to stir in her left eye, her body shivering for an unknown reason. Her stomach stirred, a cauldron of emotions swirling as those emeralds flickered with something else.

The fires of hell.

Those fierce eyes were nothing compared to the aura of death that radiated around him like spectral armor. Jade had felt this presence many times before. Stranding him at the party for Beck. Causing him to nearly freeze to death and lose his memory for a time. Battling for their lives in Yerba.

None of those events could compare to the weight Jade was feeling and only a quick glance and a tiny smile managed to ease her spirit.

A temporary reprieve that would lead to a more private conversation sooner or later.

"The brackets will be posted tomorrow morning and the first round will begin in the evening. Thank you to all who participated and enjoy the festivities."

Daring to tear her gaze from the scene of the eight leaving the arena, Jade turned to find Tori mirroring her movements. Ice and earth stared at one another for what felt like ages, neither willing to deny the truth while their friends left to get some air.

The truth was that they were dating a monster and a demon.

Such a revelation should've been enough for Tori and Jade to second guess their choice of romantic partners but all that mattered was their resolves. Each one silently vowed to support their respective significant others. Somehow, they understood the two and without a single word, left to do just that.

Jade's smirk.

Tori's frown.

Both were indicative of the surreal position they found themselves in. Normally, they would've agreed with the idea of breaking away from two individuals bearing such terrifying potential; to stick around would be insanity.

To the one bringing this logic, they would only end up with their jaws on the floor. They wouldn't know that the other was thinking the same thing, but it mattered little as their minds conjured the same thing.

Why would I leave when I love this side of him? He WILL win!