The Price of Desire

Disclaimer: I do not own Victorious

A/N:

Chapter 9 (Avenged)

"Rise and shine, Trina!" Trina moaned and waved her hand through the air, but that was her mistake, as she soon found herself colliding with the floor. She let out a shout and looked up to see Sikowitz and Christy smirking down at her. She heard the shower running and looked around, Jason wasn't around. She sighed heavily and looked to her best friend. Christy's hair was wet and she smelled fresh and clean. She groaned and rubbed her head.

"Thanks for the wakeup call…" After she rose to her feet she saw her jumpsuit lying on the edge of the bed, the slashes in it had been sewn together. "Someone sewed up my suit?" Christy nodded and grinned brightly.

"One of the maids knew how to sew, so she went ahead and patched it up good as new. Anyway, Jason's taking his shower, I've taken mine, so you're all that's left." Lovely, taking a shower last did not bode well. "After that, we're all heading down to the lobby for the continental breakfast. Then I guess, we're heading out to the school?"

"Yeah, how are things looking outside?"

"The police have already waged their war," Sikowitz commented as he rose from his bed. "There are a lot of gang fights with the police going on, has been like that all night. Pretty sure we won't have to worry too much about being spotted, the attention is on the police, not us."

"Good, then that means the sector leaders may be at their stations." She rubbed her forehead and started her morning stretches. "I barely got any sleep last night, so a hot shower will be good nonetheless." The two agreed and looked towards the door. The shower stopped running. Everyone usually took five to ten minute showers, especially now, it was best to just hurry and move. They had already discussed that yesterday. "You guys go on ahead and have your breakfast, I won't be long." Christy glanced back at her and raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure? We don't mind waiting."

"No, go on ahead. Besides, when I'm done I'll grab some breakfast and eat on the road, there's no point in hanging around too long."

"All right then, we'll see you in a little bit." She smiled and watched as they made their way out. She breathed in and slowly walked around the bed, she moved her hands along her suit and pressed her lips together. She continued to gaze at the places where the maid had sewn the holes back together. The bathroom door opened and she looked up to see Jason walking out. He was wearing a short sleeved black t-shirt and jeans that stopped at his ankles. She gave him a soft smile as he walked up to her.

"Good morning Tri, the others leave?"

"Yeah, they went to get some breakfast. This is probably going to be a long day…"

"We'll need our strength." He turned his gaze to the outfit and ran his fingers along the sutures. "Christy found the maid, the lady did a pretty good job."

"Yeah…" She wanted to thank the woman, but in truth, she couldn't even think about the holes or the sewing job that was done. All she could think about was her fear, the fear that she would soon be an orphan, that she was soon to lose her entire family. Jason looked to her with a sad smile, he knew how it felt to lose family. His father died in some job related accident years ago and his mother was murdered by some gang member a year later, an unrelated gang than the one they were up against now. However, that same thing, was part of what fueled his desire to destroy this gang here.

"Trina. We'll find them, I promise. Christy, my uncle, and even I won't rest until we find your family." So familiar that promise was, the same promise she'd made to the families of Tori's friends. Her lips turned up and her eyes met his for a brief moment.

"Jason, can I ask…how did your mom pass? I remember you saying it was gang related…" She saw his expression tense, then relax. He sat on the side of the bed and she slowly moved beside him. "Sorry if I'm bringing up any painful memories there."

"You're fine. It was back in 2004. My mom was at the local farmer's market, which wasn't in the best neighborhood of course." She nodded and watched him tense up, recalling the memory. He was only about twelve then, so sudden for someone so young. She slowly moved her hand over his, a comforting gesture. He smiled at her and closed his eyes, relaxing his muscles. "Mom had this thing about always trying to buy the healthiest foods, and that farmers market was where they were. She was in the wrong place…"

"What happened?"

"The manager stiffed a member of some group, gang member, and there was this drive by…" His body started to tremble and he moved his free hand to his eyes, rubbing them with his fingers. Trina moved her eyes to the door, imagining his mother, an innocent victim, just as her sister was. She slowly reached around his shoulders and leaned her head onto him.

"It's okay Jason…" He breathed in and lowered his hand, slowly closing it and clenching his jaw.

"She was standing in the window, in front of the apples. She saw the car, but she…she couldn't do anything." Trina's heart fell to pieces as she imagined his mother, standing in front of that window, bullets spraying into it. She put her hand to her chest and slowly closed her eyes. How could he have known exactly what happened, unless, unless he was there? Her eyes widened and she looked to him with a frown. "The manager survived, but my mom…god…"

"Don't tell me…you were there…"

"She could never leave me home alone, Trina. She never had the heart to do that. I bugged her about buying some apples for some stupid prank at school. If I hadn't done that, then maybe…just maybe…"

"It wasn't your fault, Jason. I promise you, it wasn't your fault. You had no way of knowing what would happen, neither did she."

"Yeah. Sometimes it's just difficult, and then my Uncle's got me training so hard now, it's almost like he expects me to try and avenge her one day. I don't see that happening."

"You never know." She gently squeezed his hand and closed her eyes. "I'm here for you. You guys are here for me, so I'm here for you. We'll get through this together, right?"

"Yeah. Yeah we will." She could sit there all day, as comfortable as his shoulder was, but they had work to do. There was no time to rest, never any time. He understood that concept well. "Trina. Go ahead and take your shower, I'm going to join the others for breakfast…"

"Right. I'll see you guys soon."

"Tri, thanks."

"I should probably say that." She smirked subtly and he let out a low chuckle. Once she released him, he waved at her and started out the door. She took a deep breath and turned her gaze towards the window of the motel room. The sun was shining bright onto the necklace, a reminder that her time was probably limited. Now, it was absolutely vital that she get this job done before she lost the rest of her family.

Sikowitz parked his van in the parking lot of the school, it was desolate and empty, a surprise considering it was February 7th, a school day. The teacher sighed and looked back at the others with eyebrows arched. "To think, I wanted to call up the principal and told him I was unable to come in, looks like that doesn't matter much now." After Michael's warning on the news, surely the city was heeding that rather well. Trina leaned forward and shrugged her shoulders.

"Less problems to worry about then, I'd hate to drag any innocents into this." The thing that was depressing regarding this gang, they were just too damned stupid to take out video cameras. Everything that happened at the Wok Star had been seen, everything that happened at the Vega home had been seen, and now everything that happened at school would likely be seen by the police. Times like these, Trina was thankful that she had technology on her side.

"Something I wonder," Christy remarked while grabbing her sword from the back. "Damian is like…twenty-one or twenty-two, so why the hell is he still in school? I mean, sure he's a gang member, so maybe that's one thing, but it just doesn't seem right…"

"Probably like that because he's the leader of his own sector. It would seem strange for someone who wasn't either a student or teacher to be going to the school every day." The others agreed and left the car. They needed to be careful, needed to be stealthy enough to not attract too much attention. Trina glanced at the sword at Christy's hip and pointed. Her friend shrugged and smirked slightly.

"I learned my lesson last night, I'm carrying this thing with me."

"Good idea."

Once inside, they were surprised to find that the halls were completely empty, they were expecting a few gang members hanging around. They didn't let that bring their guard down, however. There was always a chance for an ambush. If so, they needed to be fully prepared.

They moved through the halls very silently, peeking around every corner to make sure no one was waiting around for them. Eventually they reached the double doors that led down into the basement area, now they would expect villains.

They opened up the doors and slowly descended the stairs, they heard many people talking, then Damian's voice. Apparently this was a meeting, which explained why there were no gang members upstairs. "Okay, the police have arrested Sinjin, as well as the entire Ninja sector. Now might be a good time to elect ourselves a new lieutenant." Trina poked her head around the corner, Damian was talking to a group of about twenty men and women. "I have five of you in mind. So I want you up here, you will fight each other and the last one standing will be my next lieutenant."

"What a bastard," Jason whispered, his eyes narrowed. Trina slowly nodded and clicked her tongue. It was irritating to think that Damian would be so evil to make his own men kill each other for a rank. What kind of system was he running?

They decided to wait as Damian called up his five potential lieutenants. They each started fighting one another, they were using knives against one another. Eventually one man reigned supreme, but he was so blood ridden that he looked ready to curl up and die. Sikowitz lifted his eyebrows and chuckled. "Well. That lessens the number of enemies for a while."

"Now that the fight has been decided…" Damian's eyes drifted to the side and narrowed, his face twisted with wrath as his lips curved into a very sly grin. "I think we should introduce ourselves to our guests." Trina's eyes widened as Damian turned towards the stairs. His gang members turned to them and the group groaned, how did he know they were even there? "You thought I wouldn't notice the doors opening? Come down here, let's have a little chat, I'd love to speak with the woman who sent Sinjin away."

"Flattered." Trina slowly walked down the steps, Jason and the others followed carefully behind her. Damian held his hand up for his members to remain at ease, he'd give the cue to attack. She didn't realize Damian would have known about what happened, but chances were it was obvious to him. After all, Sinjin being sent to the Vega house to take her out, then being arrested from the home? Damian moved towards her and held his smirk.

"I think a gorgeous woman such as yourself…" Jason cleared his throat and Trina curved the corner of her lip up. "Would be a great addition to our gang. Perhaps even a better Lieutenant, especially if you took out Sinjin."

"I don't know that I can consider that offer, Damian. You're just not my type." She playfully flipped her hair over her shoulder and heard Jason stifle a laugh. "I prefer my men to be not on drugs and not part of an evil group that threatens my family."

"Ah yes…about that…" He rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes. "You see, the Assassins have promised not to do anymore harm to your family and friends until you hand over the chip. Once you hand over the chip, we'll hand over the hostages."

"And then what, kill us all?"

"Well, if you want to put it like that…maybe we don't have to deal like that, maybe I can convince them to release everyone regardless, but you'd have to do something for me." Trina raised an eyebrow as his eyes scanned her body. He licked his lips and she shuddered inwardly. She noticed Jason tapping his foot on the ground, his eyes were locked onto Damian and were filled with rage. He looked ready to snap the guy's neck in two.

"And what would you have me do, Damian? What would it take to bring my family home?" Jason looked at her and his lips parted briefly.

"You're joking, dealing with the enemy?"

"Hold it Jason." She took a step forward and closed her hands tight. "What do you suggest?"

"Well, I might just be convinced if you gave me a little…attention." What he was suggesting, there was no way in hell she'd ever consider it. "Hold on one moment." Damian turned his attention to Sikowitz and Jason, his lip curled into a smirk. "The teacher? Then that man beside him, seems familiar…" He tapped his chin and grinned widely. "Oh yeah, the old gang I was a part of…I was new to that gang then." Trina froze and Jason continued glaring at him. "I was the one who checked the farmer's market after the drive by."

"What?" Trina turned her gaze over her shoulder, growling vehemently. Was this a mental attack? Was he trying to get into their minds or something?

"Yeah, I remember the kid, bawling over his mother's body bullet ripped, blood ridden body." Jason twitched and his muscles started to flare up as the blood in him boiled. "The manager ran out, so I had to go after him, I always thought I should have killed you." Trina snapped at him, hissing darkly as Damian took a slight step back, laughing once.

"You asshole, you'd better shut your mouth before I shut it for you!" The other gang members nearby reached over and grabbed her arms so she couldn't strike him. She grunted and looked back. "You got to the count of ten to take your hands off me." Damian smirked and looked to Jason, pointing at Trina.

"Is this your woman or something?" Trina raised an eyebrow and Christy quickly placed her hand to the handle of her sword. Sikowitz tapped his walking stick on the ground and Jason started shaking with anger. "Maybe not, maybe so, maybe you got a thing for her, she seems to care about you." He narrowed his eyes and whipped a switchblade from his pocket, then stretched his arm out, putting the blade to her neck. She despised being in this situation, and the moment she got free from these people, they were dead. "I'll think of your face and laugh as I ram her, then slice her body to bits."

"Excuse me?" Trina felt her anger spike and she quickly turned her gaze to Jason. "Okay, that's it, I'm done talking. Jason, remember what I said earlier about avenging your mother one day?" He met her gaze and slowly nodded his head. She curled her lip into a smirk and tilted her head. "This disgusting bastard is all yours."

"Huh?" He looked over just as Jason charged and tackled him to the ground. One gang member ran towards Trina to attack her, but she kicked her legs upwards and out, slamming them into the gang member's chest. Christy charged forward, slashing her blade outwards and slashed the man to Trina's right in the back. The man fell to the floor and Trina swung her now free hand into the other man's throat, knocking him to the ground.

"Thank you!" She looked over and saw Sikowitz in a mid squat form with his stick gripped in his two hands. As the gang members surrounded him, he proceeded to skillfully swing the stick around, smacking them in their chest, their legs, their heads, and generally wherever he found a sensitive vital part of their body.

Jason stared down Damian's now bloody face, his fists were clenched and his teeth were shown in a vicious snarl. Damian tilted his head and spun his blade among his fingers. "Aw did I strike a sore spot? You don't like being reminded of mommy? Maybe I'll let you join her, just as I'll let Trina join her little sister."

"You shut up!" Damian tilted his head back and laughed. Sikowitz glanced over and shouted out to Jason. Jason had been slashed during the first minute of the fight, along the arms and the chest. This was beginning to turn into one big mess.

"Do not let him provoke you! That is all part of the enemy's plan. To provoke, it shows a weak spot. You cannot fight blinded with anger, only with a clear mind."

"Clear mind, Uncle? Really?"

"Remember, she was my brother's wife. I have reason to be angry as well, but I am focused." He whipped his stick around, striking another gang member in the neck. "Instead of clouding your mind with thoughts of rage, focus on your opponent, focus all your anger, keep it from becoming your weakness, and turn it into your strength!"

"Turn them into my strength?" He stared at Damian, who was sneering and continuing to twirl that switchblade in his hand. He slowly closed his eyes and recalled the vicious attack that killed his mother. His face twitched and he slowly moved in an upright standing position. "Mom…" As he listened to the battle all around him, he fought to tune them out.

What were they fighting for? Tori, Cat, Jade. The friends were somewhere, possibly frightened, they had no reason for being there. He slowly opened his eyes and stared at Damian. That man held his blade at Trina's neck. She could handle herself, but that move right there, was destined to be his last.

Jason kept his focus on the man and moved into fighting stance. He lowered into a squat with his right leg in front and his left leg behind. Like a mountain, immovable. He jerked his arms out and bent them upright, closing his hands in front of his face. No openings. Focus. Watch your opponent, who is he? What is his status?

Thug. With a knife.

Damian was nothing. Jason could easily disarm him. All he was, was a thug with a very messy way of fighting. He was open everywhere, not very trained in the fine art of fighting. He hadn't gone through the years of training that his uncle put him through. No. Damian was weaker. He wasn't to be underestimated, but the lack of righteousness made him weak.

Damian mocked him, laughed at him. "Look at you, posing. You expect me to be intimidated by that?"

"Intimidated? No." He cracked his neck to the side and narrowed his eyes. "Frightened? Not at all. You cannot move me, and I will take you down."

"What?" He let out a loud guffaw and grinned widely. "Oh it is going to be so much fun running you through! Damian lunged for him, stretching his arm out to slash. Thinking fast, Jason moved his right arm out, grabbed Damian's wrist, and spun him into a wall. "Fuck!"

"I told you…" Damian rose once more and charged towards him. Jason quickly centered his body and jumped into the air, kicking his right leg out into Damian's jaw. The man scrambled backwards and shot him a murderous glare. "You can't beat me, you're weaker than I am."

"Fuck you!" Damian swiped his nose and once more ran for Jason. "You're pissing me off!"

"This one's for my mother." He lowered himself and rose up, delivering a powerful uppercut to the man's jaw. With a painful yell, Damian practically flew backwards, crashing into the ground. He threw his knife into the air upon impact and slowly opened his eyes as it started falling. Jason turned his back to Damian and closed his eyes just as the knife slashed into his chest. Damian's body jerked and his arms slammed against the floor.

Trina looked over as the last few gang members were knocked to the ground. Blood littered the area, mostly due to Christy's sword. She tried to avoid killing any gang members, but one or two may not have survived. Trina's eyes moved from the bloody pool forming around Damian's body and drifted to Jason. She slowly moved to him and put her hand to his shoulder. "Jason…" He looked up to her and smiled sadly.

"You probably want to leave a note for the Chief…I need some air." She lowered her arm and watched as he moved towards the stairs. Her heart sank as she turned her gaze towards Damian's body one final time. At least, no one couldn't say he didn't have it coming.

Well, a lot learned here, let me know your thoughts.