Fractured Fates & Silent Vows
Rating: T/M for some themes
Summary:
In another timeline, Liam triumphantly returns to his hometown for a fresh start. His time at Hollywood Arts is a whirlwind of success and new friendships. Despite keeping a few secrets, he's on top of the world. But just when he thought everything was going smoothly, an old friend reemerges, hellbent on reigniting the past.
Author's Notes:
Chapter 7: Undefined Red
The midday sun was high up in the sky as the clock passed 12:30 on the alarm clock. Jade West was the first to stir as the warm rays of the sun shined through the makeshift sun/moon roof in Beck's RV. Those infernal rays and blaring radio were a reminder that they had missed half the day, not that she cared; After she met with Tori, sleep was more important.
Irritation washed over her face as she slammed a tightened fist against the poor device numerous times until it finally was silenced. Her azure orbs lit up in victory before crashing her face against her pillow once more. Her bare lips rose into a satisfied grin as unconsciousness began to take hold of her senses once more. She had a fantastic night with her boyfriend that culminated in cuddling and the blessing of slumber. Meanwhile, she spared a peak at her boyfriend, finding him still unconscious and lightly snoring.
How the fuck can you sleep through all of that? She resisted the laugh that teased her throat as he mumbled something about smores before turning over.
Whether or not they always saw eye to eye, the girl couldn't deny that their intimate moments were more than exceptional. It was one of the few things she rarely complained about... Rarely. For the first time in a while, she wasn't fixated on Tori or Liam. With her legs tingling and her head still fuzzy, Jade wouldn't be doing much thinking at the moment.
Unfortunately, such bliss would be short-lived...
"Beck! You there, man?"
The person responsible for abruptly waking her up turned out to be Andre Harris, who seemed out of breath and in a hurry for some reason. Frustration began to build behind her piercing gaze before the goth girl finally sat up on the bed next to her boyfriend, who was fast asleep. Despite her mixed emotions and the irritating knocking outside, Jade had to admit that he looked even more appealing when he was asleep, with his hair all over his face. She reluctantly made her way to the door, putting her admiration on hold for the time being.
To the young boy's surprise, a sudden whip of the force nearly knocked him down as Jade snapped the door open. It was at that moment he'd realized the mistake he just made. Under Jade's eyes were visible dark bags, courtesy of the lack of sleep, and his face was transitioning from brown to beet red, courtesy of her wearing only her black bra and panties.
"What do you want?" she growled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. He took a moment to swallow the lump in his throat but failed to do so while under her icy glare.
"W-well Beck's supposed to come with me to help me out with the details for my costume before tonight," he poked his index fingers together, eyes pointed anywhere but directly at her. "We had to switch since he made his too big and mine was too small for me."
Her face scrunched up as she tried to figure out why Andre was acting the way he was until she looked down at herself, in all of her ivory glory. Joining him in blushing profusely, Jade rushed back inside only to force a groggy Beck out of the door a few moments later. Wiping the slumber from his eyes, Beck finally noticed Jade's reason for doing so.
"Andre? What're you doing here so early?" he yawned rather loudly.
"Early?! You've missed the morning classes as well as our meetup for our costumes!" the musician crossed his arms, his previous apprehension melting away to reveal his incredulous frown. "I've been calling you all morning, but now I see what's kept you so busy..."
Andre made sure to keep his voice low to avoid the wrath of the alleged "reason" but his point was made. This immediately prompted Beck awake who looked over his shoulder at the RV behind him. His face immediately paled when he conceded to the unavoidable deed he had to commit before heading inside. As expected, an argument erupted from the goth, followed by Beck's ineffective pleas for her to understand, bringing up their upcoming reunion.
It was ineffective and only triggered her anger. Andre made it a habit to step as far away from her vicinity to avoid getting caught in Hurricane Jade. This proved to be wise when she kicked the door to the RV open with enough force that he thought it would snap off of its hinges. Thankfully, it didn't but seeing her in such a foul mood spelled trouble down the road.
He didn't have to wait long to see the aftermath as Beck rubbed his cheek, revealing a red spot from when he got hit with something.
"What the hell did she throw at you this time?"
"Nevermind... Let me go shower and I'll be ready, alright?"
Later on, Liam found himself waiting for Jade in Sikowitz's classroom. After talking to her on the phone, he offered to help her with her outfit, and she quickly agreed. While he didn't mind waiting and having some time to think, his patience was wearing thin after sending several texts and not getting any response.
His foot tapped against the carpet of the stage while his eyes remained fixated on the main door. She was half an hour late and he was seriously contemplating leaving to go home. As far as he knew, she was probably with her boyfriend or just plain forgotten... again.
"Leave it to Jade..." he shook his head with a bitter laugh.
The clock's ticking only aided his descent into delirium. He had begun to lose himself in his world when the sound of the doorknob snapped him out of it.
"It's about time-!" he stood, rubbing his forehead with an exhausted glare pointed at the person entering. However, instead of seeing purple streaks, Liam found himself gazing at familiar brown locks. It was, in fact, Tori Vega. She had jumped slightly with a soft 'eep'. Though he was apologetic at scaring her, one glance at her face told him that it wasn't him having this effect on her. "Are you alright?"
To his amazement, she simply flashed a timid smile before rushing behind him in hopes of concealing herself. Liam wondered who could have the adorable girl in such a frightful state. Wait... Did I just call her adorable?
Before any mental reprimand arrived, a sudden chill in the air gave him a clue as to what was approaching them.
Oh, shit! Not again... he grimaced as a bead of sweat fell down his face. First Trina, now her? What the fuck is going on?
As he gazed at Tori, he couldn't help but discern a stark contrast between the two sisters. Unlike her older sibling, Tori's eyes were filled with irritation, revealing an awareness, as though she could perceive the sinister presence in their midst like him.
"Tori, go hide... Get in the closet!" he whispered harshly.
The girl hesitated, but after catching a glimpse of his determined stare, she acquiesced. Seeing the resolute look in his eyes, she nodded agreement without protest and quickly fled to conceal herself in the nearby closet. This allowed him to concentrate on the impending threat; another demon was close. As the cold air enveloped him, he sensed the familiar presence of a sinister atmosphere closing in around him.
Liam watched as his exhale departed his lips, a physical remnant of his frustrated attempt at steadying his emotions.
The handle jiggled once again before wrenching open the doorway to reveal the form of a subjugated student, some popular guy named Ryder Daniels.
His body was shrouded in a dark aura, and his eyes had an empty, greyish glow. Every step he took resembled that of a demented zombie, with his body twitching as if he had ticks. Stepping into the classroom, a wicked atmosphere seemed to engulf the space, creating a spiritual time loop that isolated the two from the outside world.
"Cut the theatrics" Liam knit his brows, his voice low and menacing.
"What can I say?" A wicked grin stretched across the possessed boy's lips as his head snapped to the side. "I try to make an impression, especially to one as cute as you, dear. The rumors are true..."
With an evident lack of amusement from the jest, green eyes narrowed at the crazy doll in front of him. The vessel was male, but the reply came from a seductive feminine voice that made him sick to his stomach. It was dripping with a seductive appeal. It was exactly like the time he battled the demons that had attacked Trina. If he needed any motivation, it was right in front of him.
"Asmodeus?" he tilted his head.
"Not quite..." the formal voice chirped, fluttering like insects around him. "The one I serve is a royal mere outcast, just like you, young one. I am merely searching for someone who is considered valuable to my queen. If you'd be so kind as to tell me where a little birdy has flown off to, I would greatly appreciate it."
"Sorry, I can't help you..." his lips curled downward, exposing his canine. "Sadly, I haven't seen such a creature. As you can see, it's just us so you can drop the act, spirit. I'm curious as to why you and your kind are targeting the school. Don't you have better places to possess and collect souls?"
"A smart one. Never you mind that dear," she pouted before shedding her temporary physical shell, revealing a full-figured pale-skinned woman. She had pale lilac eyes that glowed with amusement and raven hair that hid her most private areas. Whoever she was, it was evident that she adored this presentation as it gave her the results she craved from males. Even Liam struggled to avert his eyes from her near-nude form. "If you haven't seen the dove fly by, then there's no need to concern yourself further, though... I can tell that she's left her mark on you. I surely hope that you're not harboring her from me. My husband wouldn't take kindly to this, even from those not under his command. I doubt that your kind could withstand the might of hell itself, especially for something so paltry as this."
Liam flinched slightly but quickly regained his composure. If what she was saying was true, then that would mean that Tori was the one she came for; Had Tori made a deal with the devil?! Such a notion was unbelievable! It was inconceivable. Of all the people in the world, she was the most innocent person he'd ever met. In his eyes, Tori was the closest thing to an angel.
Something in his stomach didn't find this to be true.
"You're lying...!" he snarled and his arm began to glow from the Faustian burn, surprising the woman. "Even if I knew exactly who you were talking about, none of them would make such a deal with the king of hell! If you expect me to believe that he sent you to collect some twisted idea of a bet, you're as unbelievable as the lies spilling from your lips!"
"Whether you believe me or not, I'm not here for a fight" The scantily clad demoness sighed softly, summoning purple flames into the shape of a glamorous gown. "Though, I am impressed that you're just as the whispers state: ferocious yet easy on the eyes. An arm that burns like the flames of hell. I just hope that she appreciates those gems this time around. It would be a shame if you ever became the next target of his ire."
"She? Who are you talking about?"
Liam wouldn't receive a direct answer. With a snap of her fingers, the entity managed to rip the door open in this pocket realm, eager to claim her prize. Imagine their surprise when only the sight of various books in crates was found. She wasn't pleased with this discovery or lack thereof and swiftly twisted her body back to the boy who barely managed to hide his stunned expression behind a stoic mask in the nick of time.
"I see..." she hissed, eyes glowing a sallow amber now. "I'll ask you again, boy. Where is she?"
"I told you before that there was no one else but me here," he casually shrugged at the annoyed spirit. He noticed draconic scales begin to appear on her face and body only to vanish with a deep breath. "I suggest you get that temper of yours checked out. I hear it's not good for the skin."
"Joke all you like, child" She chuckled at his stance. "All you've done is delay the inevitable. If I find out that you had anything to do with this, my skin will be the least of your worries. Yet, I must applaud your courage. Not many are capable of standing up to Lilith and living to tell the tale."
Lilith?!
Before Liam could press the matter, a large puff of smoke swirled around her, shrouding her figure. Soon, even the concavity began to dissipate, leaving only him and the unconscious body of Ryder Daniels behind. Once any trace of the demonic realm was gone, the latter stirred, groaning to himself about 'missing the party', much to Liam's vexation.
"What happened?"
"You passed out..." he replied dismissively. "I was about to call the nurse when you woke up."
The thumping in his head said it all, forcing the wannabe lady's man to stumble out of Sikowitz's classroom. Even still, there was still a more pressing matter to attend to.
For starters, what happened to Tori? He was certain that she hid in the closet behind him and yet she was nowhere to be found. Even more alarming was the fact that he'd not only met the Queen of Hell but he'd just expressed blatant disregard for protocol, but even that wasn't his main concern...
No matter how much Liam tried, he couldn't shake off the words of Lilith.
I just hope that she appreciates those gems.
Such an utterance plagued his core like an itch that wouldn't go away despite his many attempts to scratch it. Still, there was one more thing that made him consider leaving school altogether.
Why does she remind me of someone?
"Sorry, Liam.." an all too familiar voice drew him from his inner thoughts. "...I was busy serving detention for missing morning classes with... What the hell's up with you?" Azure eyes narrowed at her buddy.
"Huh? Nothing, I came in here looking for something, and um... I just... woke up from a nap! I've been exhausted with getting things together for the event and I thought I'd get a wink or two..."
The last thing he wanted to do was bring Tori's name into the dialogue, for multiple reasons. The less drama, the better. If other demons were lurking about, then he wasn't planning on revealing any information that could be used considering the ones potentially hunting her down.
"Funny... That's why I didn't show up earlier!" Jade cut into his ponderings. "Principal Helen nearly ripped me a new one for oversleeping, hence my delay."
"Don't worry about it!" he laughed off the explanation, stepping over to his bag. "I got the necessary supplies to fix those tears you were talking about!"
"Alright, Wolfy, let's get started. I have less than a week to get this outfit together and we still have work to do on the music chemistry on top of a little number to work on for the showcase."
Liam could only nod in agreement but his mind would continue to playback what had occurred. Surprisingly, it didn't take long to patch up the spots on Jade's dress. She even had time to try it on, loving how it hugged her body just right.
Thankfully, Liam was able to use this as a temporary means of distraction. Afterward, Liam casually declined her offer for a ride, citing that he had one arriving soon. She wouldn't stick around long enough to find out whether this was true or not. Still, he was polite in his rejection to which she shrugged and eventually drove away while he waited. She didn't complain as she headed home. Her mind was occupied with everything that she discussed with her rival and (sometimes) friend.
Seeing him with her... Why do I feel upset when he and Vega are around?
We both the reason why!
Jade ignored the voice, pulling up to her house. Jade entered her rather large home, hearing and seeing no signs of life within the mini manor. On some level, she hated coming home for it was a reminder of everything she hated in life. While her parents and siblings enjoyed the finer things in life, Jade was the antithesis of everything they stood for. Why be a helpless princess when she was a warrior at heart?
"Mom? Dad...?" she called out only to hear dead silence.
Nobody was home...
She kicked off her combat boots and hurried upstairs to her room, making a quick stop at the bathroom along the way. Her room was quite spacious and had a rather unique decor. It paid homage to her favorite villain, the Joker, with the dark purple and green color scheme. Everything from her queen-size bed to the wallpaper and even some stuffed animals matched the darker tones, perfectly reflecting her personality. As she looked around the room, she couldn't help but feel a bit lonely and wished she had insisted more on the offer to give the boy a ride; at least she would have had someone interesting to talk to.
It's not like she liked the guy, there's no way that could be it, but there was something in him that kept her both ruffled and charmed as well. It was no different from their childhood. He was sweet and innocent, but... After seeing him fighting against demons, the visual was thrilling. Her heartbeat hastened when she recalled the intimidation she felt when he arrived to help Trina.
It was enough to make Jade's leg twitch while she bit her lip softly. Her imagination identified the reason for such exhilaration; domination.
If only...
In light of this revelation, Jade moved to switch out of her school clothes, fitted in only her black bra and panties that accentuated her curves perfectly. "Then again, it was interesting to see him flustered."
To have the beast in him be fully unleashed...? Words can't begin to describe it, can it? Better if he were here to explore more of that sweet essence, huh?
"I'm taken," she quietly chanted.
The sound of her phone ringing spared the goth from having to have an inner dialogue. She grabbed the infernal device, her gaze darkening when a familiar face and name flashed on the screen.
"Hello?"
"We have a suspected target..." the voice casually announced. "I'm sending details now. Keep an eye out and do us proud."
I bound myself to you that night,
No matter the shift of the knife,
Through blood and bone,
Flesh and heart,
Death may come,
But we shall not part...
"Yet, I could do nothing as I watched the spell undone before my eyes."
[Hollywood Arts]
The time arrived for Sikowitz's challenge and the group was eager to start. It was simple enough; play out the chosen role without breaking character. And yet, somehow, things took a turn for the worse very fast the last time the gang participated. What started as a sleepover for the class quickly drifted into a monotonous cycle.
For starters, while Andre and Robbie focused on music and tech dressed as an amalgamation of Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie while the latter was a demented Peter Pan, Cat bounced around with her usual antics as a darker version of Rapunzel. When Jade and Beck arrived, it was clear they were going all out as the latter ended up as a tyrannical King Triton, dressed in a regal robe to replace the tail.
While he still wasn't the biggest fan of the holiday, he was grateful that he didn't have to go as Aladdin, for multiple reasons.
Meanwhile, as always, Jade couldn't help but steal the spotlight. Her Grecian gown was a stunning combination of deep charcoal and jet black, while her hair featured vibrant blue highlights that seemed to emit an otherworldly glow reminiscent of the flames of the underworld. With her dark lipstick and amber-colored contacts perfectly complementing the ensemble, she managed to captivate the attention and admiration of everyone around her, including her boyfriend, who happened to be a member of the royal family in that particular territory.
"I guess it's safe to say that the spotlights on us again, huh?"
"You know the masses can't get enough of us..." Jade chuckled, every step she took exuding confidence. "...The vengeful god of the seas and the newest goddess of the dead, what better roles for us?"
"If you say so..."
Beck's laidback humor gained him a cross-glance from the girl, but she refused to press the matter. A part of this was because they'd just made up about an hour before the event. The other reason? Her mind raced to find her best friend, finding no sign of him anywhere. It was like this for almost an hour and a half, sending tiny jolts through Jade's neck whenever she tried to spot him. As she went about the evening, eating and conversing with others (i.e. Beck mostly), her eyes were always scouting for a sign of her cherished friend.
After another few minutes passed, Jade noticed the door opening once again. Elated, she relished the image of a wild-looking Liam looking around in wonder at the adornments of the room, but, she soon saw that he wasn't alone. Behind him stood her rival, Tori.
As I recall, Megara was anticipating Tori to be clad in a drab fur-lined hooded cloak but was surprised to see her sporting an entirely different ensemble. Tori was wearing a striking scarlet bandeau top, revealing her toned stomach, paired with matching pants. She also had a simple crown adorned with a faux ruby at the center, and her hair was elegantly braided, enhancing her subtle yet perfect makeup.
Meanwhile, Liam sported a dark brown half-cut jacket with black fur lining the hood and shoulder area, which accentuated his muscular torso. He also wore matching pants and lightweight shoes. It was notable that he too wore makeup on — Liam with a mark signifying his role as the former king, contrasting Tori's regal and glamorous aura, wearing simulated cuts and bruises on her face.
"Introducing our final souls, the marks of betrayal, the scourge of kings and gods alike, Kovu of the Outlands & The Queen Sultan of Arabia, Princess Jasmine!"
The doors to the auditorium closed and the students resumed their congregation. Sikowitz took his exit but not before mentioning that there would be a party game coming. Participation was voluntary, but the murmurs amongst the teens told him all he needed to know. For the time being, this afforded everyone to enjoy the festivities, including Beck who was impressed with how the pair masked their normally gentle personas with a veiled ferocity. However, the one who cared the most found herself rooted on stage as she watched the scene unfold.
What a deliciously fiendish aura that boy carries... Jade nodded mindlessly at her inner thoughts as she noticed the wraps around his left arm; The cursed limb. How would it feel to have him ruin us and...?
THE FUCK?!
Oh, don't act like an angel now! I'm simply reciting what you're too afraid to say aloud! I wonder, is the hardware as durable as that body?
While Jade wanted nothing more than to silence the invisible voice, she couldn't deny the purr that slipped past her throat, eyes secretly undressing Liam, sparkling with deviance the likes she hadn't felt in a while; Forbidden fruit. The most delicious of nourishment always seemed to be the ones that were out of reach, sealed away by a proverbial barrier, tempting without actually doing anything and yet, coaxing every part of those who sought its unfathomable flavor.
Liam was that fruit and Jade couldn't help but let some part of her envision this scenario happening, having him all to herself, sneaking around with their friends none the wiser. Their eyes adjusted to the dark room tasked with concealing their sin from the world. It was a fantasy that made her knees buckle and her heart tremble, though, it was also something that even the goth wouldn't dare do...
Or...
Perhaps, rather, it was something she couldn't do. Seeing Tori snake her arms around his managed to distort the illusion the goth had conjured, leaving a void in her chest that needed to be filled.
I'm with Beck! I'm spoken for.
"Hey! Are you thirsty? You seem a little off..."
Jade shook her head, pushing the disturbing thoughts aside. Just as she regained her composure, a concerned Beck handed her a cup. Without hesitation, she drank the red punch in one go. It turned out to be a mistake, as soon her vision began to blur, and she felt dizzy and disoriented.
"Wha... What was...? Who spiked...?" she started to slur, staring at the cup swirling around in her hand. "Dammit..."
Others followed suit, Robbie and Andre letting out an audible yawn through the speakers. Out of her eyes, Jade leaned against the stage with Beck following suit with a drowsy sigh. From the corner of her eye, a fading image of the pair fighting to stay awake was the last she would see before darkness claimed her mind. No one was safe from the effects of the spiked punch nor the shadows emerging from the ground.
"What the hell...?"
Liam's brain pounded inside his skull as he winced from his spot on the cold floor. He couldn't stay like this for long when he realized the circumstances. Despite his lungs burning, he pressed onward, cutting around a corner only to run into a dead end. His head ached, teasing him with the threat of an exploding migraine, yet this wasn't the worst feeling he experienced.
Every path he took resulted in him reaching another dead end, further frustrating him.
This was a precursor. That familiar searing pain returned the longer he stewed in his growing irritation at the unfortunate reality. Whatever was happening, Liam knew that spirits were involved as the presence of supernatural forces swirled around him. Even worse, his friends were also in danger.
Andre. Cat. Robbie. Beck. Tori. Jade.
To his astonishment, each person he thought about caused a shift in the area. It was almost as if he was changing the landscape by focusing on a different person. While he was grateful for this actualization, that didn't stop his head from spinning, courtesy of the rapid shifting.
I'm going to be sick... Liam bemoaned before his surroundings began to pivot again. Thankfully, the place soon halted, bringing a sense of calm to his head and stomach. The reason for this diversion was the image of a certain goth. "I hope Jade's okay. What am I saying? She has Beck to protect her, right?"
Being careful not to let his thoughts get out of hand, Liam did his best to focus on someone else in hopes of turning things in a more favorable direction. As he hoped, The halls shifted again, forging a new path. He continued to concentrate, wandering through the corridors hoping to find his companion. His search led him to a part of the school he hadn't noticed before, a garden maze where a heartbreaking sight greeted him.
"Tori!"
Here she was surrounded by four snarling mutated dogs that looked to be rottweilers and pit bulls once. She wanted to run but found that her legs wouldn't move as if buried in concrete. They never left their respective spots, but that was only due to the leashes that kept them chained to the outer gates that kept her trapped inside with these beasts. She was trembling as the animals snarled and strained to reach her, only breaking the chains of horror when she heard him call out to her.
"Liam?" she weakly gasped when a smoky talon lifted her chin. "Is anyone there? Ahh... Help!"
Whatever spirit was doing this, it drank in her terror like water while materializing before him. Liam had felt this presence before as the smoke gave way to a feminine figure—Raven hair. Confident grin. Seductive eyes pointed at him, spelling destruction for the teen if he wasn't strong enough in spirit.
"Let her go!" he growled at the woman who stared him down with intrigue. "Do you hear me?!"
"Your threats mean nothing to me. I suggest you leave before you share this girl's fate, boy."
Tori could do nothing but whimper under the phantom's grip, incapable of moving so much as an inch away. Her throat pounded as her mind rushed to figure out what was happening to no avail. One minute she was enjoying her time at the party with her friends. Having to be rescued by her neighbor and crush was not on the list. How did she end up in this fiasco?
"Get. Away. From her..." Emerald eyes flickered a bright red. "I won't say it again."
"Very well."
The wraith noticed the shift in his gaze and released its hold on the girl. However, the soul-chilling smirk it gave as it stepped away unnerved the boy. It wasn't enough to stop him from rushing to Tori's side. His chest heaved while she buried her face into his chest, her cries mixing with the rabid barking mere feet away.
"What... What's happening?"
"It's okay," he whispered, gently rubbing her back. "I won't let anything hurt you."
"Are you certain you can keep that promise?"
Before either of them could react, the timer beeped and started counting down. Liam, sensing the impending danger, grabbed the girl's hand and dashed through the courtyard as fast as he could, hoping to retrace his steps and make it back inside the school. Their trek only served to confuse them as pathways shifted like a labyrinth.
More twists and turns commenced until the pair began to get their bearings, noticing the school building getting larger as they progressed. The barking and snarling got closer as each second passed and Liam had to make a snappy decision, halting abruptly at a fork in the road while a winded Tori stared at him questionably.
"Keep going, Tori!" he wheezed, waving her off. "Take the left path. I'll catch up!"
"This isn't the time for jokes, Liam!"
"I'm not joking. If I can lead them away from you, then I can rest easy knowing that you're safe. The left path should take you back inside and..."
The sound of a slap cracked through the night sky, shocking both teens. Liam just stood there in astonishment at what she'd just done. Tori was equally caught off guard but maintained the attitude she was aiming for, her scowl leaving no room for debate. Even the distant barking couldn't shake her at this moment.
"No! I'm not letting you sacrifice yourself again!" she huffed at him with a fire he hadn't seen since Jade. "You're a sweet guy and, this may not be the time, but I couldn't live with myself if you got hurt because of me... You might not understand what I'm talking about, but I think I can feel a deep-rooted misery. I can't have you being reckless."
"Tori. I..."
"We can talk about this later, only when you're comfortable. If we get out of this, we can..."
"WHEN we get out of this?"
"Right..." she giggled/sighed. "But first, we need to get out of here!"
Liam considered her words and nodded and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. With the danger fast approaching, they needed to figure out a plan if they were going to survive. Eventually, after some quick convincing, the friends agreed to a scheme that required Tori to trust him and promise him that she'd stick to the conditions.
"Run..."
This time, Tori did what she was told, spinning on the ball of her foot and rushing away. She couldn't wrap her mind around why she was going along with this but she couldn't afford to consider the worst outcomes. All she wanted to do was see Liam safe again. While running into several dead ends, she managed to hear the sound of two of the dogs howling out in despair then a long silence. She dropped to her knees when another roar ripped through the air.
This time, it didn't sound anything like the previous two.
She wanted to believe that he was alright, but that sound, that horrific howl was nothing like anything she'd ever heard before. He promised to return. Her heart hung on the words he uttered; I wouldn't forgive myself. He forsook his well-being to protect her. Such a noble act made her chest swell while wandering through another pathway.
That whimsical splendor didn't last long when her ears picked up the sounds of growling.
As she turned around, two dogs emerged from around the corner with blood dripping from their canines. Their eyes were a rose red like demons. She knew what had happened.
She didn't want to believe, but the proof that stood before her could only prove her trepidations. The first of the two jumped at her, missing her by inches and crashing into a wooden bench. Thinking quickly, Tori capitalized on this and grasped one of the broken planks, plunging the point into its head over and over again. She didn't care that its blackened plasma sprayed all over her, the adrenaline had begun to take hold.
"ARGGGH!" she let out a war cry, pouring her righteous fury into the remaining beast like a woman possessed. The dog backed a few inches away before resuming its lunging stance. "You want some of this too?!"
The two locked eyes. Neither of them relented from the task they set out to do. Slaughter the other. For one it was for the sadistic act of food while for the other, survival.
She took a battle stance awaiting the next move. Then just as quickly as she blinked, the animal lunged at her. She knew that her reaction would be too slow and waited for the finishing blow that would end it all. What she noticed was not to her expectations.
There lay the dog in front of her, deceased.
What happened...? she shook at the sight of the creature, its maw split in two by an obscure force. Looking up she found the source of her defense.
Liam stood before her, but she quickly took in the obvious difference from before. His left hand held the other half of the beast's jaw, glowing with searing veins on torched skin that stopped just under his jaw. His eyes were hard and narrowed pools of liquid abyss with blood staining his visage and adding to the intensity of his fatigued gaze. A mysterious aura evaporated from his form, leaving a distorted image of his normal self. She stared at him with a sense of marvel and anxiety. He stood there with focus and torment in his eyes.
Liam knew that look... it wasn't something he would deny. Repulsion. Rejection would heed this sentiment shortly.
"Hey..." he waved his damaged arm awkwardly. "Sorry, it took me longer than I expected!"
Tori was wise to his attempt at deflecting from the evidence before her and she wasn't falling for it. Her stare was firmly on the grotesque visage.
"You... I can't believe you're..."
"A monster? Demon?" he casually dropped the ghoulish bone in hopes of bracing for the inevitable renunciation.
After a moment's pause, Tori gradually approached him, her expression indistinct making his heart fall. Liam couldn't bear to look her in the eye, but her hand, that warm hand drew his gaze back to her. As they stared into one another's eyes, Liam's eyes grew heavy while the strength behind hers began to fade, replaced by tears and weakness as they fell to the ground in each other's arms.
His body ached as they rested on the ground bleeding from his left arm, the nasty ooze stinging more than the wounds they escaped from. The only soothing effect came courtesy of the cold asphalt below. Liam didn't care though, his only priority was Tori's safety. He allowed her to weep as long as she needed to. He rubbed her back, gently shushing her while she poured out every ounce of the terror gripping her.
"You're hurt..." she whimpered, trembling fingers flinching near the damaged limb. Liam didn't allow her to touch the skin for fear of an unfavorable outcome. "Liam? What did... What happened to you?"
"Shhh... Just rest. I won't let anything hurt you..."
"How do you do it?" A black translucent mist began to draw closer to them, yet neither dared to move as it took the shape that was none too familiar to Liam. He stared into the woman's eyes, one knee propping the shielded girl from her.
"Huh?"
The figure turned her attention to his neck as if confirming some prognostication. Liam took in a deep breath, feeling his left side start to convulse at her company. A slow snarl tugged at the corner of his lips. Amused at his pitiful attempts to ward her off, she knelt before the teens.
"How long have you fought to contain this?" she reached for the boy's arm only to have him jolt away. "How long have you hidden the pain with a smile? The weight of betrayal and loss clings to you like a leech."
"You... You know nothing about me!"
"Dear child, I know all the demons and gods by name. I am the only one who knows what and who you truly are." Sensing his worry, she smiled warmly, like a mother gazing at her newborn child. "One whose heart holds the light of angels and the soul of demons. A forbidden offspring sought by many yet cursed by one of the most infectious metaphysical afflictions. No one has survived such a vexation and yet..."
Liam eyed the woman as she abruptly turned to walk away.
"Wait! I need to... Argh!"
"Save your strength! I've changed my mind about the girl if that's what you're worried about... Besides, your mission isn't over. There's another who requires your protection and I doubt that you'll be able to save her unless you preserve your strength. I'm far more interested in how that narrative turns out."
"Someone else?" he blinked as his brain tried to make sense of her omen. "Who are you? Why should I believe you? Demons like you are... ugh... You're probably trying to trick me."
"Sweet child, not every story is true, and sometimes the things that were perceived as wicked become things that set us free. I care little for your trust, nor do I require it. Just know that after tonight, nothing will be the same for you and everyone connected to you will be affected. I have no qualms with you, boy, but you'll find out that even an angel can set the world ablaze if given the right incentive. Try not to disappoint..."
Before he could inquire further, the same black mist that heralded her arrival swallowed her form, leaving nothing behind. Liam did his best to pick himself up but surrendered when Tori slipped his good arm over her shoulder. By the time he realized that she was holding his corrupted limb, nothing happened. There was no spread of the infectious entity within only a gentle peace.
She aided him to the school in a silent respite that neither was willing to break. Only when they entered the building did Tori finally release some type of noise.
"Do you think it'll be best to leave?"
"Probably," he leaned against the lockers, flexing his sore hand and chuckling bitterly. "I'd like to go with you, but whoever that was made it clear that someone else needs my help."
"Will you be alright?"
"I'll manage. What's important is that you get home, Tori."
"No way! I'm not leaving you behind to deal with things by yourself!" she protested, jabbing his good arm. "Did you forget about what we just went through?"
Whether Liam liked it or not, Tori made a valid point. He was letting his emotions towards her cloud his judgment. Possessing a savior complex wasn't going to do them any good right now. What they needed was teamwork.
"Alright! While I go and search for this other person, can you keep an eye on the others? I have a bad feeling things will only get worse if we stick together. Don't forget that weird woman from before."
"Fine. But you owe me an explanation when this is over."
"It's a date..." he smiled back at her.
Tori responded by placing her lips on his cheek. His face grew hot as he watched her rush back to the Black Box theater. He was taken aback when she suddenly vanished as his mind pivoted to the target; There was no doubt about whom that woman spoke of and this only strengthened his resolve. Whoever she was, Liam was certain that she wasn't the culprit for all that's happened.
The true offender was waiting for him, and he was sure that she was with him.
After another glance, Liam turned to find the missing form of his long-time friend, unaware that there was another body missing in the room. His mind was locked in on the looming danger that awaited him. Entering the halls, Liam turned his attention to the one he needed to find. He didn't even bother to wait for the shifting to end, taking a step forward with determination guiding him.