A/N: Wow. The fact that people are following and adding to their favorites is shocking to me. Hell, I even got a review. Thanks everyone. I am having fun writing this. Now for the next chapter of the adventure.
You would think telling Paige that I hunt down ghosts would make her question my sanity. Nope. Actually it has the opposite effect.
(Flashback)
We are sitting on the bed in the guestroom. Paige is very deep in her thoughts. Her face tells me she is processing everything I told her. I was completely honest with her. Everything from what I do, to why I was there, to knowing her dad, to knowing things about the girls. There was no point to lying to her anymore and having her help me with this is a plus for me.
"You're telling me you hunt down ghosts? Like actually ghosts?" Paige asks me calmly.
"Yes Paige. I hunt down ghosts."
"How do you hunt them down?" I got up from the bed and dragged my suitcase onto the bed. Opening it, I saw her the secret compartment and her eyes widen. "Holy shit. Are those guns? Wait. Gloves and shoes?"
"Yeah. These gloves and shoes are special. Allows you to go hand to hand with ghosts. Normally you can't touch them."
"But ghosts can touch you?" I nod. "Kinda messed up." She picks up the glock and checks out the clip.
"Who taught you to handle a gun?"
Paige smiles. "My dad. Makes sense now. Thought it was odd he was teaching me how to shoot a gun and close quarters combat. These rounds are odd." She looks at the salt bullet.
"These…" I take the bullet and clip from her, reloading back into the gun "are salt bullets. Salt disperses ghosts. Actually can be used to keep them out or trap them in."
"Are there other things out there?"
"Huh. I thought you would be freaked out by all this."
"Answer my question."
"Sure?"
"Like what? Oh shit! Those that mean vampires exist?"
I nod. "Yeah. They do."
"Met one?"
"Actually I know one."
"No way!" Paige leaps to her feet, a weird smile on her face. "No way."
"Way. She's from the UK. Still there the last time I checked."
"So that means…"
"Yes Paige. Vampires, werewolves, demons, angels and a lot of things that go bump in the exist."
She sits down, taking in all the information. "So...what is A?"
"A is an entity. It's pure hatred personified. When someone has so much hatred stored up, A is released."
"Mona's hatred for Alison released this A?"
"Pretty much but that's what bugs me."
"What you mean?"
"Mona forgave the girls right?" Paige nods and I continue. "A should have stopped right then and there. However it seems A has gotten stronger over time. Ever to a point where it was giving orders to Mona then turns on her." I look at Paige and she is deep in thought.
"What if this A isn't Mona's doing? You said it yourself. A should have been done. What if this A is someone's else hatred?"
I thought of that. Been thinking about it for awhile. "That's a valid point."
Paige sighs a bit. "I was afraid you would say that. The girls aren't exactly popular around here. Hell, I even hated them for awhile."
That's true. I read the stories. Every time something went down in Rosewood, the girls was involved somehow. If A was released due to someone's else hatred then we had a long list of people to investigate. I'm deep in my own thoughts when Paige narrows her eyes a bit as if she was deep in her own thoughts as well then leaps off the bed. "Holy shit! I think I know what's going down at that club." Huh? "What was the name of that club again?"
"Terra Mortuis."
Her face scrunchies. "What is that? Latin?"
I nod. "Yes. It's Latin for…"
She puts her hand up. "Land of the Dead. Oh no. No no no no…" She starts to pace. "I thought I was overthinking things. Hearing stuff."
I stand up and place my hands on her shoulders to keep her in place. "What are you talking about Paige? What did you hear?"
"I overheard some girls talking. When they start talking about Emily, I wanted to kill them but something told me to listen to them. Supposedly, there is group...more like an army of sorts that hates Alison and her crew aka the girls. You would think with Alison being dead and the girls pretty much moving on it would have died down. There's a meeting that was suppose to happen at a club called Land of the Dead."
"Terra Mortuis…"
She nods. "Can't be a coincidence. That's gotta be the meeting the girls was talking about."
Paige is right. Seems that whoever call this meeting is leading this army of haters. This leader could be A.
"Alright. Looks like we are going clubbing."
Paige fist pumps in the air. "Hell yeah! We might get A and end this shit!" I smile at her. She was thinking the same thing I was thinking but then I frown. "What Sam? This is a good plan."
"Expect one problem." I point to her, eyeing her up and down.
"No. You can't keep me away from this. Not after all you told me Sam."
I shake my head. " No no. Paige, I mean you walking into that place would be a bad idea."
"What? Why" I can see she is getting worked up but then she stops and thinks about it. "Oh right. I am Emily's girlfriend. I would be spotted a mile away."
I nod. "Exactly. We need a way of getting you into the club without tipping them off." I rub my chin, pacing a bit as I think. Wait...I know. I turn on my heels to face Paige. "What if you don't go in as Paige but as Melissa Hastings?"
The look from Paige's face goes from confusion to worry. "Wait a minute. How would I even do that?" She thinks for a second and her eyes widen, backing up from me. "No. Hell no! I am not doing that! Not wearing that mask!"
"If you want to get into that club with me, you will. Plus something tells me that Melissa is a part of the army. You might get in a lot easier than me."
Paige sighs and sits down on the bed. "This a crazy plan."
I sit by her and give her a pat on the shoulder. "Welcome to my world."
(Present time. Sitting inside a motel room, a few blocks from the club)
The plan was simple. Go in, find the leader of this army and if it's A, we try to end it. If not A, then we get information. I look at Paige get ready and she has a game face on. Thanks to Tim, he got extra equipment rushed over, including my japanese katana Gōsutosureiyā. She's loading her glock with salt rounds and picks two extra clips in her back pocket, one salt and the other live. Can't never be too careful. She is also rocking ghost buster gloves and shoes.
"You ready for this Paige?" I hand her the mask. "We can do this. Remember if shit goes sideways, we leave. With or without the information we are looking for. Got it?" Paige looks at me with a stone expression etch into her face. "Paige, promise me." She doesn't move and I grab her by the collar. "Promise me! No heroics. We leave if it gets sideways." She reluctantly nods and I let her go, smoothing out her collar. "Sorry. It's just that I seen good people die because they try to do too much. Last thing I need is your death on my soul or having to explain to Emily why she lost her girlfriend."
Paige's face softens and she sighs. "I just want this to be over. Is it too much to ask that A is actually here and we put an end to its ass tonight?" I shake my head and she sighs again. "Good. Thought it was me." She looks at the mask and breathes out loud. "Alright. Let's do this. Goodbye Paige McCullers….hello Melissa Hastings." She places the mask on her face and the change is instant. Blink and you would miss it. Standing before me was Melissa Hastings. Brown eyes, a bit taller than Paige, hair almost like Spencer's and an air that about her that spelled money and power. "How do I look? Shit is that my voice? I sound like Melissa." I point to a mirror and Paige looks into it, Melissa looking back at her. "How does this even work? Magic?"
"We think it's the same stuff that was used to make Majora's mask?"
Paige's face turns up at that. "Like the video game? Legend of Zelda? Let me guess. Hyrule actually existed?"
"No but that mask does. Be shocked what video games are based off real things."
"Now you are just fucking with me."
I shake my head. "Being honest. Know the game Castlevaina?" She nods. "Well the Belmont clan is real. I tangled with one last year. He was trying to hurt my vampire friend."
"The one from the UK?"
"That's the one."
"Wow." She looks in to the mirror again and feels her face. "This is just...wow. It's her face and" she looks herself up and down, "her body. Nothing is mine. This is nuts. Wait. I don't remember you grabbing this mask at all."
"Well I did at the last minute before we left. Had a feeling it will come in handy just like the Alison and Emily mask."
"Well I still don't like the fact he made a mask of Emily. Remind me to punch him in the face."
I laugh. "Will do but remember...not there to cause trouble."
She nods. "Right. There to get information and hopefully put an end to A." Paige looks herself over once more. "Alright. Let's do this."
(The club)
Oddly enough, getting into the club was easy. The bouncer didn't check my id or search us but when someone else tried, they was checked fully. Weird.
Paige pokes me in the side to break me out my thoughts. "What was that about? We got in easily."
"Agreed. Maybe Melissa has been here before." I don't share my true thoughts.
Paige simply nods. "Maybe so. She is a Hasting after all." We enter the double doors. "Wow...this place is actually pretty damn colorful." The club was lit up with neon lights. We could see the dj's booth. They was playing a song I know. I grab Paige's hand. "What are you doing?"
"We are here early. The meeting doesn't start till nine, plus" I scan the dance floor, bar and everywhere else I can look "I don't see Hector anyway. If this plan is to work, we can't stick out like sore thumbs." I start to sway my hips against Paige.
"Sam!" Paige blushes. "What are you…"
"Like I said...can't stick out. Dance!" I place my hands on her hips and start to sway her. Finally she listens and starts to dance against me. I wrap an arm around her waist, bringing her closer. "Someone is watching us." I turn her so she can get a view of the person and I hear her grasp. "You know them?"
Paige leans in and whisper close to me ear. "Noel Khan. Used to date Aria. Hates the girls. Really doesn't like the Hastings."
"Guess we are on the right track." The song stops and another plays. I jump up and down as I hear the song. It's Break Out Of by Hirata Shihoko and Lotus Juice. " I love this song!" I move away from Paige, head over to the dj booth, grab a mic and suddenly find myself in the middle of the dance floor. I smile as the song lyrics starts and I start to sing.
'One thing that I'm sure is that you've got a plan to survive this madness of war
The dj starts to rap at the rapping section as I dance
Life's gonna slug you out, it ain't gonna do, so supposed you're on your feet then it's back to solitude'
My hips sway back and forth as I hear the crowd cheer me on. Suddenly I see blonde hair with a black streak in it and rocker look to her join me in the floor. She has striking blue eyes and a very nice smile. Wait...Hanna? What the hell is Hanna Marin doing here? Hanna dances and sings along with me, pulling me close to sing into the mic.
'When you think it's a stupid point though, and it feels just like the same predicament, but this time you give up nothing'
Hanna winks at me and I blush, hoping she doesn't notice.
'BREAK OUT OF THE DARK! Time to take a step up no more cruising along, all well and good'
The dj joins on the floor as he raps.
'BREAK OUT OF THE SHELL! Deep down inside your feel life lagging behind, no need to fear, it's time you BURN THAT DREAD!'
The dj circles us while having that rapping stance you see when rappers are throwing down as we dance. Next thing I know Hanna takes the mic from me
'Make the most out of time we share because when the end comes we're probably gonna go long. go along'
I clap once and sway my hips to the music along with Hanna
'Today might be any other day but I don't wanna waste another day drawn, along'
I clap again both pulling Hanna close to share the mic.
'What it is is never certain, such a strong way to think and turn around that fate, I'm never going to give up.'
Hanna turns sings the next part with such passion and heart.
'BREAK OUT OF YOUR HEAD! Time to take a step up no more cruising along, all well and good
I place a hand on Hanna's hip and sway with her, earning a very big and flirty smile in return.
'BREAK OUT OF YOUR FATE! Deep down inside your feel life lagging behind, no need to fear, it's time you BURN THAT DREAD!'
As me and Hanna dance, the dj is joined by another guy as they go hard on the rapping section of the song. When that section of the song is done, Hanna slows us down and looks me in the eyes and I couldn't look away.
'When you think it's a stupid point though, and it feels just like the same predicament, but this time you give up nothing
Hanna leans in and I couldn't help but lean as well, our lips nearly touching.
'What it is is never certain, such a strong way to think and turnaround that fate, I'm never going to give up.'
Suddenly we pull out and start singing again with the crowd joining in the singing.
'BREAK OUT OF THAT EASE! Please don't let you put up, you ain't gonna last in the storm, for better or worse'
Hanna looks at me and shoots me a wink and I blush hard. Gotta stop that.
'BREAK OUT OF THE DARK! Deep down inside your feel life lagging behind, no need to fear, it's time you BURN THAT DREAD!'
The crowd erupts with applause and we take a bow. Hanna walks over to me with a smile on her face. I won't mind looking at the smile all day.
"Nice moves out there short stuff." Her tone playful.
"Not bad yourself blondie." I shot back just as playful.
She laughs. "Please tell me I can buy my sexy dance partner a drink?" My face turns red and she smirks. "Aww. You're even cuter when you blush."
That makes me blush harder. "Umm...th..than...thanks." Man she is making me nervous.
"You never answer my question short stuff. May I buy you a drink?" I nod fast. "Good. Come on." She grabs my hand and I feel like I been shock. Huh...so it's true. Tim always told me when he met his wife that when they first, he felt like he was shocked. The connection is there. She must have felt it too because she looks at me and blushes a bit.
I smirk and took my chance to pounce. "Looks like I'm not the only cute one when blushing." I give her a wink and her blush turns brighter.
We make it to the bar and sit down on the stools. "What you having short stuff?" she asks with that playful tone.
"I have a name you know."
"I know. I plan on having it in my phone before this night ends."
I blush hard. "Confident aren't we?"
She leans in and whispers into my ear. "Well when I see something I like, I go for it. Why do you think I was out there on the floor with you?" She claps. "Now what do you want to drink?"
I am completely shocked. Hanna...wants me? Sure I'm cute but damn Hanna is beautiful, not to mention sexy as hell. I shake myself out my thoughts. "I'll take a Smirnoff Green Apple and the name is Samantha but call me Sam." I extend my hand out.
"Yo, two green apple smirnoffs!" She yells at the bartender and turns her attention. "Name's Hanna and I think we are past shaking hands. Last time I checked your hand was on my hip." Her tone suggestive. I nod like a simpleton and she laughs sweety. "Good because I been thinking about kissing you for a bit now." She leans in and I lean in, our lips about to touch…
"Hanna!" a voice screams beside us, forcing us to jump away from the other.
"Damn Spence. You sure do know how to cock block." Hanna bites back. The hell? Spencer's here too?
"Keep it in your pants Hanna. We are suppose to be looking for her, not picking up random bar chicks." Spencer spits back. I clench my fists. Who the hell she think she is? Hanna must have picked up my vibe because you was about to go off but sees something.
"You guys find her yet?" a small body appears beside Spencer. Just great...Aria too. Aria looks at me and smiles. "Nice singing and dancing out there. Really enjoyed it." I smile back at her
"Umm hello? I was out there too Aria." Hanna huffs.
"I see you dance and sing all the time Hanna. Never seen her dance and sing before. She is good." I blush and Hanna laughs.
"Careful with this one Aria. She likes to blush. Don't want her turning into an apple."
"Tomato Hanna. Don't want her turning into a tomato." Spencer corrects. "Anyway, we don't have time for this. Have you seen her or not?"
Hanna waves her off. "No I haven't seen Paige." Paige? Why are they looking for Paige. "You know Emily is going to kill you when she finds out you put one of Mona's spy apps on Paige's phone." That's rather sneaky, even more sneaky the fact Emily doesn't know about it.
"Paige just runs off with her houseguest without saying anything. The same houseguest that supposedly got a message from A. We know nothing about this Samantha chick."
Hanna looks at me. "Wait. Your name is Samantha right?" Spencer looks at me with wide eyes. "Do you know Paige?" Hanna asks me causally. Think Sam think. I got it.
"Yes I do. I am the houseguest. I snuck out of her house and must have grabbed her phone by mistake when I was leaving. Sorry ladies. Seems you followed me here, not Paige." Spencer crosses her arms and stares at me through narrow eyes. Thank God for Hanna.
"There Spencer. Sam has the phone. Problem solved. Paige isn't in cahoots with A and Sam is a lovely girl." She places an arm around me, drawing me in to her. "Not to mention rather cute."
Before Spencer can say anything. my phone buzzes. "Excuse me for a sec. This is probably Paige calling me with my phone." Hanna lets me go and I mouth I'll be back to her, earning myself a smile. I get a good distance away so the girls couldn't hear me. "Paige. We got a problem. The girls are here!"
"What?" Paige says in a loud whisper. "They are here? How?"
"Spencer put a spy app on your phone. She seems to think you might be working for A or something."
I can hear her scoff. "That bitch. Nevermind about them. Noel saw me and led me down some stairs. The meeting is happening soon."
"Noel's a part of the army?"
"Seems so and from the looks of it, so am I, well Melissa is. Come to the back of the club, there is a door and head down the stairs. I am waiting at the bottom. Hurry."
"Alright. Let me get rid of the girls. Oh and Paige, turn off your phone. That way she can't track it."
She hangs up and I put my phone away. So, a secret meeting below this place eh? This to get some answers. I make my way back to the girls and Hanna smiles big. "There you are." She hands me my drink but I decline it.
"Sorry Hanna. I gotta go. Paige wasn't too thrilled about me leaving, let alone taking her phone." I show the phone and before I can turn it off, Hanna grabs it and enters her number into it. "Let me walk to you the door." The girls follow me to the club exit. I look at Hanna and rock on the balls of my heels. "Well...I...umm...I" I am cut off by Hanna lips crushing mine. When she pulls away. I see her smirking and other girls with their mouths open.
"What? Come on people. You seriously think I was going to let get away without tasting her lips once?" Hanna smirks, earning a head shake from Aria. "It was nice meeting you Sam. Let's hang out tomorrow unless Paige has killed you." Hanna laughs and blows a kiss to me before walking out.
Aria was next to exit. "It was nice meeting you. Hanna can be a handful but when she likes something…" She smiles and leaves.
Spencer looks at me hard before exiting. I sigh a sigh of relief and head to the back of the club where Paige told me to head. I found the door and descend down the stairs. As I reach the bottom I feel hands grab me and pull me to the side. It's Paige. She took off the Melissa mask. "Where have you been?"
"Getting the girls out of here and why did you take off the mask?"
"No point to it anymore. It got me this far and I felt this mask was trying to stick to me as if it wanted to me stay as Melissa."
"Really? Maybe it was a good idea of removing it."
"Yeah." She looks at me for a bit. "You don't wear lipstick. Why is there lipstick on your lips?"
I blush. "Well...ummm….Hannamighthavekissedme." I say really fast.
"Sam! Hanna kissed you? Hanna, Emily's best friend, Hanna kissed you?" Paige says in a loud whisper.
I shush her. "Yes. Nothing wrong with that. I even got her number."
Paige looks at me before throwing her hands up and starts walking down the hallway. I will deal with you and Spencer later. For now…" she points to the end of the hallway, "I saw people going into the room. The meeting has to be taking place there."
"Well going through the front door would a bad idea." I look up to the vents and smile.
Paige looks up with me. "What?"
I look at her and smile, pointing up to the vent. "Ever wonder what a tv dinner feels like?"
A/N: Chapter two into the books. The name of Sam's katana is Ghost Slayer in English. The song I used is named in the story but I will put it here anyway.
Break out of... - Hirata Shihoko and Lotus Juice
Give it a listen. It's a really good song and the opening to the game, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
Till then
