In what Jade deemed a long ass time to be conversing out in the open, the crew were now educated and up to date with Victoria who preferred the name Tori. Jade made a mental note to call her by anything other than that, just to mess with her. The crew introduced themselves and then Tori recounted what she could remember, which wasn't very much. She had been kidnapped and experimented on. She had been taken at fifteen and spent three years in the lab before she was put to sleep in the tank. Then came the torturous tests she had undergone in a futile effort to find a cure for the vampire virus. The reason she possessed the traits they witnessed was because the scientists only came close with canine DNA, specifically, a wolf's. She was literally bred to fight the virus, and in turn, it caused her to react in a hostile manner towards the infected. However, the results of the tests weren't exactly what the scientists had been looking for so they shelved her, for lack of a better word. In case their new approach to the problem didn't solve anything they could always fall back on her.
She explained that at one point she had heard that she was one of thirty more like her, but the others were spread out all over the world in similar labs. There was no evidence to any other in this lab even though she said she had seen another. A search of the place turned up nothing. Further questions concerning her life before she was kidnapped turned up nothing. She knew she had a family but that was about it. Whatever they did to her caused her to forget a lot. She knew it caused amnesia because she remembered long black outs and gaps in her memory. In return for her information, the gang told her the year and the status of the virus. She looked concerned when she heard. Jade looked away from her expression, wondering why she even cared. What was she going to do anyway? Was she going to play superhero and save the world with her fellow humans-turned-mutts? Jade scoffed to herself and crossed her arms, beginning to zone out, but the conversation yanked her back in.
"You should come with us!" Cat exclaimed excitedly.
"We could use anyone we can get," Andre added. Beck and Robbie nodded along in agreement.
"Is that why she's with you? From what I heard no vampire could be trusted. What makes her so special?" Tori questioned, voice rigid. Jade ignored her, adamantly looking away.
"Jade has a strong hold on her humanity. I don't think she ever lost it, actually. I recruited her myself. She's here to help in any way she can, just as you'll be," Beck answered. Tori felt that what he said could be trusted so she only nodded but kept a wary eye on the vampire. Everything she was built for went towards the instincts she now had to destroy her enemy. But Jade could be trusted, or so these people said. She would take their word for it, but the second Jade gave her a reason she wouldn't hesitate to tear her to pieces. She knew for sure Jade felt the same way. It was a tenuous cease-fire at best.
"If you say so," Tori replied, eyeing the vampire distrustfully.
"Good, so let's get going," Andre spoke up, yet no one moved. It looked like Tori would be returning with them. Jade knew she couldn't change their minds so she didn't say anything against it. That didn't mean she would accept it amiably either. She was determined to make Tori leave in any way she was able. The tension seemed to keep them in place. Beck was the first to move. He sighed and turned to lead the way out. Both Robbie and Cat looked from wolf hybrid to vampire cautiously before following him. Andre offered Tori a smile and patted her shoulder before walking out too. Tori didn't trust Jade behind her so she waited with a sharp glare for her to go first. Jade realized this and smirked.
"Scared?" she taunted.
"Not even close. I just don't believe you won't try to attack me when my back is turned," Tori replied. Jade's smirk turned devious before she shrugged.
"Hell, I'm not sure I believe myself either," she stated. Tori's eyes narrowed further and Jade met them head on.
"Jade, come on," Beck's irritated voice told her. He was standing at the door, giving her an exasperated look. Jade ignored him, her eyes still on Tori.
"After you, Vega," she said with a sweep of her hand at the exit. Tori faltered but looked at Beck to see him gripping the bridge of his nose tiredly. Her temper simmered down a little. She didn't want to cause problems for her new allies so she began walking towards the exit but stopped to growl at Jade as she passed her.
"If you try anything I won't hesitate to kill you," she threatened.
"Right back at you," Jade responded, face emotionless. Tori slowly turned away and eventually left the room with Beck. Jade tagged along, but at a distance. She never planned to attack Tori, just make her think she would. Jade sometimes played unfair, and cheated every so often, but she wasn't a coward. Only cowards would strike when their opponent's back was turned. So, the group retraced their steps outside with Beck at the head and Jade at the back. The closer they were to the exit, the more Tori seemed to tense. Jade caught her scenting the air. Just as she had been on edge going in, Tori was now on edge going out. The reek of vampire must be stifling to her. Jade wondered just how many more they would have to go through to get back to safety. Tori might even attract more. With that thought Jade sped past the new addition, with minor friction between them, but she didn't let it slow her down. She made it to Beck before he could leave the building.
"Wait," she ordered, shoving him back a little. He opened his mouth to protest but she just silenced him and glanced out. Just as she suspected, there was another group of vampires surrounding them. It wasn't as big but still a concern. Jade could see them scenting the air, searching for the smell she herself reacted strongly to.
"We'll have to cut a path straight through and try to outrun them. This won't be a stroll home like it was getting here. She's like a damn beacon to them," Jade told him. Beck glanced back at Tori who strode over to them.
"What's wrong?" she asked, brows furrowed. Her body was still tense, as was Jade's. It only got worse now that they were closer to each other again.
"Jade was the one who found you because you gave off a scent that was easy to track. The other vampires can smell you too. They were gathered around here when we arrived so we cleared them out, but it looks like more took their place. Wherever we go they'll follow," Beck explained. Tori looked thoughtful a moment before a determined expression covered her features.
"Jade and I can cut us a path. All you'll have to do is gun down any that follow," she suggested. Jade's eyes widened at that and she wasted no time making her dislike for the plan known.
"Who are you to suddenly be making orders? I'm team leader here. Without me you wouldn't even be free from your icy prison so I suggest you leave the planning to me," she snapped.
"Is that so? Well what else did you have in mind, hm? Because I'm sure whatever you think up will be so much better," Tori retorted.
"Watch it dog, or I'll-" Jade snarled, temper bristling along with Tori's.
"You'll what? If I remember correctly, you couldn't put up much of a fight against me," Tori taunted, stepping forward. Jade hissed in offense and advanced on her but Beck stepped between them, a hand pressing at both their shoulders.
"Ok, stop it you two! Jade, we're going with Tori's plan, no exceptions! Now let's go before it gets any later," he demanded. Tori nodded and stepped back but Jade pressed forward.
"Just because you're the god damn prototype to the cure you get total leniency, don't you? You think you can just waltz in and automatically you can be trusted!" Jade snarled, shoving Beck out of the way.
"Jade-" he began to protest, taking a step, but Jade just pushed him again and he fell. Tori growled at her treatment of him.
"What? Jealous?" she prodded with a smile.
"Of you? Hell no! I'm just outraged that you gain utter trust just because of your status while I was treated like a fucking bomb waiting to go off even though I've starved myself and fought hard to gain the trust and respect I have today!" Jade countered, each word lit with fire. She was positively fuming. Tori's smug smirk slowly fell to be replaced with an expression of thoughtful silence.
"So fuck you mutt," she continued, jabbing a finger in Tori's chest before stomping out. The crew stood there at a loss for words. All those years together and they had never seen Jade so full of emotion besides anger. It was present here too but it was also accompanied by hurt, sadness, and frustration. She felt like all she had done was nothing compared to how easily Tori had been accepted. She supposed she shouldn't take it so hard seeing as the humans had learned from her that strangers, and even what they thought to be monsters, could be trusted in certain circumstances. This was one of them. But no matter what she tried to tell herself, her rage prevented her from agreeing to it. She made her way down the uneven steps but froze and growled when a vampire suddenly dropped from above where it had been climbing the building. The force with which it launched itself caused the collision into Jade to be much stronger. She hit the concrete stairs with a cry of pain and struggled to fight off her attacker. As soon as it was slayed she was surrounded by three more.
She got to her feet and readied herself to fight. Behind her she could hear gunshots and shouts but she couldn't check on the team. She had to stay focused. They took turns attacking, playing with her. She dodged or countered and managed to kill one. The second she had gained some leverage the two remaining rushed her. She fought back to the best of her ability but she spent more time in defense than offence. Slowly they overcame her, one of them sinking their fangs in her shoulder. She screamed and yanked loose but the other pounced to snap at her too. She flung out a fist to crack against its skull but it quickly recovered and jumped at her again. She blocked and the fangs cut into her forearm. She flung the vampire away with a swipe of her arm but the other threw her to the ground. Bloody teeth aimed for her throat, but suddenly, it was gone. Tori was standing over her, canine attributes active. She held the vampire by its neck in her sharp claws. She slammed it with great force into the pavement and then tore the head off. The other vampire Jade was fighting launched at her but she caught it and easily dispatched it too.
"Come on," Tori urged her with a rumble to her voice, holding out a hand to help Jade up. She smacked it away and pushed herself to her feet, a hand pressed to the bloody bite at her shoulder.
"Get going. I'll cover you," she reluctantly stated. Tori dropped her hand with a nod and began sprinting to the group. Jade knocked back some attackers but Tori outright tossed them aside like rag dolls, some hitting buildings. They made it back to the group and Tori signaled for them to follow her. Jade pushed herself to match Tori's speed and directed her to the street they needed. So, without a word, they ended up falling into Tori's plan. They were lucky to outrun most of the hoard before the humans in the group tired out. When they were far enough away they slowed and took down the remaining persistent vampires before stopping completely. Everyone besides Jade and Tori were bent over gasping for air.
"Sit down and rest. We'll keep a look out," Tori told them with a kind smile Jade scowled at.
"See, they can get along. Tori's working with Jade faster than any of us," Andre pointed out to Beck as they all sat down.
"Again with the tag team, Vega? I thought I told you that I call the shots. If anything, you're along for the ride," Jade spat at her. Tori put her hands on her hips and stared down Jade.
"Or maybe not," Beck replied with a heavy sigh.
"Excuse me? Did my last plan not work? No? I may be new here but I have a say just as much as you do. I'm only trying to help," Tori retorted. Jade stomped over to her, their faces inches apart.
"What are you talking about? They're getting along fine," Andre joked with a wave of his hand at the two. Beck shook his head at the disorder, Cat giggled at Andre's antics, and Robbie squeaked in fear when Jade suddenly shoved Tori. The other girl pushed back and then Jade tackled her in return. The group stood, alert, but stayed where they were. They wanted to stop it, but at the same time, they had no choice but to let it continue and hopefully work itself out on its own. It was too dangerous to get between them. They hit the ground throwing punches, but Tori had enough after Jade bit her. She tossed the vampire off and she slammed into a nearby car with the force. It shook and some corroded pieces fell loose. Jade forced herself up but stumbled, giving Tori time to grab her by the neck and slam her back into the car again, holding her there. Jade fought to get free but she couldn't.
"Ok, break it up you guys! Stop it! You're scaring Robbie and making Cat cry!" Beck shouted. He grabbed Tori by the shoulder and tugged on her but she knocked him back with her free hand. He fell over hard. The rough treatment of her only form of family fueled Jade's rage. Tori was already lost to her temper while Jade was still in control of her own. Tori was young and hadn't learned how to stop the primal side of her from lashing out. She obviously hadn't been taught either. Jade had years under her belt, but even that didn't fend Tori off, so she let her fury grow without control for the first time in a long time. She dug her nails deep into Tori's arm and yanked her hand away. Her inhuman agility took her behind Tori where she body tackled her against the car, holding her there with every bit of strength she had.
"Calm down before you stupidly kill the only allies you have," she grumbled roughly in the hybrid's ear. When she wouldn't stop struggling, Jade tightened her hold and tried again.
"You hurt him. You're no better than a vampire," she hissed lowly. Tori froze at that, shocked out of her rampage. Her body sagged and she stopped resisting. Jade waited to make sure she gained back her senses before fully releasing her. She stepped away and yanked Beck back up on his feet. He was still on the ground, too shocked at seeing Jade use words instead of more violence to settle a disagreement.
"What?" she questioned him, a brow raised and arms crossed. Beck just smiled knowingly and Jade scoffed.
"Whatever. I could've just let her waste you all, but I didn't. I don't hate you guys. I tolerate you," she explained. Beck only stared at her longer and eventually a small smile graced Jade's face. She punched his arm lightly but was back on guard when Tori turned to lean her back against the car. She took one look at Jade's protective stance in front of Beck, and by extension the others, and hung her head.
"I'm sorry. I just got so angry and…I couldn't stop it," she apologized.
"You've gained no points from me. In fact, you're in the negative. But I'm pretty sure you managed at least a point with everyone else for getting a hold of yourself," Jade stated disapprovingly.
"It's true. You didn't mean to get angry and you stopped. That's what's important," Cat spoke up with an encouraging smile. The smile was infectious, and soon, Tori was smiling too.
"I guess so. But I really am sorry. If Jade hadn't-" Tori began only for said vampire to cut in.
"Yeah, you're sorry. We know. You're welcome for stopping you from becoming a killer. Now can we get going? We're sitting ducks out here," Jade demanded.
"She's right. Let's go," Beck said with a nod.
"Finally," Jade muttered as she strode away in the direction they needed to go. With her in the lead Tori fell to the back. She figured one of them should be on each end of the traveling humans so that they remained protected. On the way back they encountered a few more vampires than they had when they headed out but it wasn't as bad as Jade thought. They reached Sanctuary just in time. Everyone else may have had all the time in the world but Jade didn't. The first rays of the morning sun were only a few hours away at most. She stopped at the hidden slab of concrete and waited for the group to gather with her arms crossed and a hip cocked.
"What are you waiting for?" Robbie wondered. Jade glanced at Tori who looked up when she felt Jade's icy stare on her.
"Get she-wolf to do it for you. I'm running low and she's perfectly capable," she replied. Tori stepped forward while Jade kicked away some of the dirt to show the crack in the ground. Tori dug her fingers in and hauled the chunk out of the way. The humans dropped in first and then Jade followed them. Tori jumped in, landing gracefully but bumping into Jade in the dim light.
"Watch it, Vega," she snapped, shoving Tori away automatically. She stumbled back and caught herself on the crumbling wall. She frowned and dusted off her hands then replaced the cover. Darkness blinded her, and suddenly, she was panicking. With the bright light and smoke of a torch in such a small passage it was less than ideal. They could use flashlights while Jade closed her eyes but she refused and pointed out that it was a waste of power. Normally, Jade was the one to lead them through, like a human train connected by holding each other's hands. Tori was not told this so naturally she felt lost until a cold hand touched hers. She flinched way but the slender fingers quickly gripped her by the wrist.
"It's just me, relax. I'm giving you Cat's hand so that you're connected with us when I lead you through," Jade's voice informed her. Jade directed her hand to Cat's smaller hand and they held on.
"You can see?" Tori asked her, a bit of awe in her tone.
"'Course I can. I see you can't," she replied, smug. Tori just rolled her eyes, not bothering to explain that she could probably see if she used her abilities, and received a flick on the nose.
"Ow!" she gasped, rubbing at it with her free hand.
"What was that for?" she wondered.
"I can see you rolling your eyes at me, dingus," Jade explained. If Tori wasn't mistaken, she could detect a hint of amusement in the vampire's tone now. Jade was indeed having fun teasing Tori now that she had the upper hand. She made her way to the front with a smirk on her face. She grabbed Beck's hand and tugged a little, her signal to start moving. She called out the turns so that Tori could match the hand tug signal that went with it. Jade was so close to letting her figure it out on her own but she knew she would have to hear Beck nag at her about it so she decided not to. When she reached the end she called out a stop and released Beck's hand. She moved to push aside the manhole then climbed out. The small amount of light prompted Beck forward again. Only when each of them were standing under the hole did they let go of the other's hand until Tori was the last to climb out. As much as Jade was hoping it would happen, Tori was not accosted by the guards. She only received a cursory glance but nothing more.
"Beck, your father is still out on patrol. He wanted me to give you some new supplies and ask that you take them to storage," one guard stated. Beck nodded and Jade walked over to pick up the bag. She set it down in front of Robbie.
"Mind taking that? I should find cover before I fry," she said, voice giving away nothing even though internally she was already laughing at what was to come.
"Sure thing," Robbie accepted, bending over to grip the bag. He pulled and then yelped, letting go to hold his back.
"I think I pulled something," he whined.
"Man up Rob!"
"Geez Robbie, it barely weighs anything," Jade chided, a smirk curling her lips. Tori was shocked at the sudden addition of a new voice and wondered where it came from but ignored it in favor of calling Jade out on her trick.
"Jade, what the hell? You knew that was way heavier than it looked," she scolded, rushing over to pick up the supplies. Jade's mood evaporated and she readied a comeback, one that would further demean Robbie, but she didn't get to. The words lost their way out with the flex of Tori's body when she lifted the bag. Cat's perceptive eyes caught Jade staring and she smiled.
"Thank you, Tori. Cat can show you where it is. There should be some extra clothes you can wear so that you're more comfortable. Take Robbie with you since you'll be passing the hospital on the way," Beck requested.
"Ooh! I know what would look so good on you!" Cat shouted, running off. Tori smiled and followed her at a pace that allowed Robbie to catch up.
"So, what was that voice I heard?" she asked him.
"That was Rex, my AI," he replied.
"And aren't you a fine addition."
"It can't see me, right?" Tori asked, ignoring the comment. Robbie blushed and shushed the device on his wrist before answering.
"No, just hear you," he replied.
"Those things exist now?" she marveled.
"Yep," Robbie responded with a nod. As they walked away their conversation went with them. Jade watched them go and then caught Beck's eyes. She hastily left before he could reprimand her. She hated when he did that; like she was some kid. She took to wandering a little despite the time. Once an hour passed she headed for her apartment complex. When she got inside she paused at the sight of Tori relaxing on the couch.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded. Tori sat up straight.
"Hey, Jade. Everyone agreed that I should stay with you since Cat's already sharing and you're the only other girl on the team," she explained, fiddling with her fingers. She had been so straightforward, bold, and assertive before that Jade wondered what made her so reserved now. If she had indeed been spliced with a canine than it was reasonable to assume that territories affected her. This was Jade's home, therefore she had to respect it, as well as Jade. Regardless of that, Jade wanted nothing to do with her.
"There's a shit load of other girls here! Go have a sleepover with them!" she countered, striding towards her room. Tori jumped to her feet to follow.
"But Jade, I'm a stranger to them. They'll feel uncomfortable or maybe even threatened. Can I please just stay here? You have another room," Tori pleaded. Jade stopped halfway down the hall and spun on Tori who skid to a stop and took a hasty step back.
"I feel uncomfortable and threatened by you. This is my home and I don't want you here," Jade spat.
"Please, Jade," Tori tried again, utterly defenseless and begging. Jade liked begging. It was a weakness of hers. She let Tori beg a while more before replying.
"Fine, but don't go anywhere near my room. I don't want your wet dog reek where I spend most my time," Jade allowed. Tori instantly became happy.
"Thanks," she mumbled. Jade just pointed at the spare room's door. Tori moved to go but stopped when she realized she would have to pass Jade who didn't plan on moving. She stood there like an intimidating statue, black and white eyes on Tori who tried to go past but felt like she would get attacked if she did. She whined her slight distress which made Jade smirk.
"It might actually be fun to have you around," she remarked, thinking of the entertainment she could have at Tori's expense. The hybrid quickly sped past the ominous vampire and disappeared in the offered room, closing the door behind her. Jade slowly walked to her own room and fell back on her bed. Maybe Tori could prove useful after all.