Hey, everyone! So, this is my first attempt at a Victorious fanfiction. I'm used to writing crime stories for the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew fanfiction, but I'm going to try my very best to add some humorous parts to this story. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the first chapter. Good or bad, I'd love to know what you think.

Disclaimer: The only thing I own is the plot.

Hollywood Arts at its finest.

Several students gathered in the main entrance with their instruments; their music traveled throughout the school. While some students continued on to their class, others lingered a little longer as they admired the music. It was a cheerful environment for students and staff alike.

The school was completely unrecognizable compared to how it had been only a few weeks before, when a very talented student disappeared, and her friends became involved in the biggest betrayal of their lives.

"Trina, come on already. We're going to be late."

"Alright, alright, I'm coming. Chill out, Tori."

It was a cold, December evening on a Saturday night. Beck had announced the day before that everyone was invited to his party, which he was having apparently just because he could. Jade, of course, made it a point to send a complete death glare at Tori. Tori had, of course, ignored it, and was now dressed in a casual black evening dress with pumps and a diamond earrings to top the outfit off. Her dark hair was curled and fell loosely at her shoulders. There was no denying it: she looked drop-dead gorgeous.

Trina finally came downstairs wearing the shortest dress Tori had ever seen, accompanied by her new Fuzzini boots. Tori rolled her eyes.

"Is that really appropriate?" she asked.

"Um, yeah. You know I can't go out in public without my Fuzzini boots. They –"

"Not the boots; the dress."

"What? Is it too long? Too formal?"

"Too short," Tori replied dryly. "It barely goes past your butt."

Trina placed her hands firmly on her hips. "Since when did you become my mother?"

"Just – just come on. We're going to be late."

The party was already going strong when they arrived. They had barely walked through the door before they heard someone squeal. "Tori!"

Tori turned just in time to see Cat running up to her. She was almost knocked over by the impact of her hug. "You made it!" Cat exclaimed.

"Hey, Cat. Yeah, we're here. How's it going?"

"Great! I'm so excited for Beck to open his present."

"You...do know this isn't a birthday party, right?"

"I know."

"So what did you get him?"

"Lemons."

Tori raised her eyebrows. "Lemons?"

"Mm-hm. That way he can make lemonade whenever he wants to. See?" she held out two lemons, each wrapped in bright yellow wrapping paper.

"You didn't even put them in a box or bag? You just wrapped the lemons?" Tori asked.

"When I was little, we used to shake our presents to guess what was in them before we opened them. We did that every year, until last year I got a Precious Moments figurine." Her expression turned sad.

"I'm sorry, Cat."

"That's okay. This way Beck won't have to guess what his presents are by shaking the box; it'll save him the trouble.

"That's very…ingenious, Cat."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean it's a great gift. I think he'll love it." Tori looked around. "Let's see who else is already here."

They pushed their way through the crowded room. In one corner of the room sat Robby and Rex; they were obviously deeply involved in another argument. Sinjin was standing guard at the main entrance, stopping every guest and trying to sell them some questionable gum. They took the long way around to the DJ table, where Andre was playing the part of DJ. "Hey, Tori. Lil Red. What's up?"

"The usual," Tori replied.

"Trina made you late again?" Tori nodded. "That figures."

"Are you DJ all night?"

"Yeah. Beck couldn't find anyone else to do it, so I agreed."

"Do you think you could maybe steal a dance or two?"

Andre smiled. "You're on." He picked up his microphone. "Sinjin! You're up."

"All right!" Sinjin rushed up to the DJ station and nearly pushed Andre out of the way in his excitement. Before Andre could stop him, Sinjin changed the CD. A moment later, Disco music filled the air.

"Kill the Disco!" Jade shouted instantly.

"You can't kill Disco!" Sinjin replied.

"It's you or the Disco, Sinjin. Make your choice!"

Tori shook her head. Andre took her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor.

She danced like never before, completely letting herself relax. It wasn't until the song had ended that she realized they were the only couple on the dance floor. Everyone else stood around them, watching. They applauded afterward. Tori blushed and Andre grinned.

"And you thought you didn't have talent," he said.

She opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off my her sister's outcry. "Tori Vega!"

The crowd turned and quickly moved away, unwilling to become a victim of Trina's ridiculous outbursts.

Tori groaned. Trina was storming toward her as fast as she could in high-heeled boots. "What now, Trina? I'm in the middle of –"

"I left my Gucci purse in the car."

"And that matters to me why?"

"I need it. How am I supposed to show myself off if I don't have my new, super expensive purse with me?"

"Then go get it."

"Tori, you know I can't leave. I am a popular girl. What if someone important comes? I've got to be here." She placed the keys in Tori's hand. "Be a doll and go get it for me, will you?"

Tori groaned but said, "Fine." She turned to Andre. "I'll be right back, alright?"

"Do you want me to go with you?" Andre asked.

Tori shook her head. "I'll be fine. I'll be back in a second." She headed toward the door but was stopped by Sinjin, who had turned off the music and left his position at the DJ station. He was once again stopping every guest at the door.

"Tori, have I got the deal for you. I –"

"Sinjin, I'll be right back, alright? I have to get something for Trina. I'll buy something from you then, I promise." He looked disappointed, but nodded and backed away - right into Jade. He jumped back.

"Where's the music?" Jade demanded.

"I -"

"Do something about it or I will! And you will regret it."

Tori sighed. The air had gotten colder, and the sky had gone pitch black. The wind blew roughly, causing the tree branches above to sway. Lightning lit the evening sky, followed by a loud clap of thunder. A storm was coming in quickly; she knew she had to hurry.

The car was almost a block away from Beck's party due to the lack of parking space. The street lights above offered little light. She considered turning back and telling Trina too bad, she would have to go a night without her beloved purse. But something made her keep going.

By the time she reached the car, it was pouring rain. She got in the back seat quickly and shut the door.

The purse wasn't on either of the back seats, nor was it under them. It wasn't in the front, either. Then, she remembered something Trina had said earlier. Something about security issues. They had stopped at a gas station before the party, and Trina had been worried about her purse. She hadn't wanted to take it in with the fear of someone mugging her, yet she didn't want to leave it in the car, just in case someone stole their car. "I'll put it in the trunk," she had said. "There's a secret compartment there. If someone steals the car, they'll never think to look for money in the trunk."

Tori groaned and got out of the car. She opened the trunk and lifted up the small compartment on the floor. There lay Trina's purse.

"The things I do for you," she muttered. She grabbed the purse and slammed the door shut. Before she could turn to leave, however, someone's hand slowly snaked past her shoulder. Instinctively, she froze. She immediately realized it was the wrong thing to do. Just as the hand clasped tightly over her mouth, Tori lashed out, kicking backward. Her high heel made contact with the person, and he groaned in pain. He recovered quickly, however, and grabbed one of her wrists. He twisted her arm behind her back and began to drag her. Suddenly, something her father had told her years ago rang clearly in her mind. "Never let them take you to point B. Chances are, you won't be coming back."

The thought of this sent a new rush of adrenaline through her. She continued to fight, kicking and thrashing out as hard as she could. But nothing she did could have possibly saved her from what happened next.

She felt a tiny prick as something sharp pierced her skin. Her skin immediately began to burn; the pain became unbearable. It was short lasting, however, as a moment later, she felt herself falling, faster and faster, before strong arms caught her.

She gave in to the darkness and fell into a deep sleep.