V & V - Rageous Road to Fame

RIVAL

I stare hard into Roman's eyes before nodding in shame.

I ignore Fred and Orchid's stunned glances, internally thanking Kid Ritz as he rubs his thumb over my hand.

Ven: "Me and my sister Velvet only got signed into MRS. Management after we auditioned... high on troll magic. We used our troll, Floyd, against his will for each performance until he helped us realize how exceptionally wrong it was. He switched to giving us his magic voluntarily, and the high off of it was... almost unfathomable. Our talent grew better each time we were high, yet we felt worse and worse after each high."

I start shaking more than I normally do, my hands trembling as my emotions feel stronger due to what I'm discussing.

Ven: "With Floyd's involvement with his magic in my system, I have to bring up that Dom... did something to me. He... had bit me while at his apartment, and I started noticing my energy problems soon afterwards. Something seriously changed, however, when at my show with him, he gave me a handshake. In an instant, I felt a shift... and I suddenly had all of the talent and overwhelming energy, the urge to perform and sing becoming unbelievably strong. I haven't had to use Floyd since, yet the change didn't happen to Velvet."

Orchid gasps quietly, sounding shocked. I feel Fred's eyes burning into my skull, yet I can't bring myself to look at him. Roman stares into my eyes before he shifts forward and leans on his knee, his chin cupped in his hand as he thinks.

Roman: "By... using a troll for its magic, either with or without its consent, a little bit of it stays within you each time. Judging by how often you've used him, I am guessing it made you stronger at repelling Dom's magic. It saved you, yet also cursed you. Once you become infected, it stays with you forever."

Dixie nods, looking sadly at Cade. A heavy sigh leaves his lips, their smiles gone.

Cade: "I was infected by a Siren Rageon who, very similarly to your situation, used me for his amusement. I, however, did not have the magic of a troll in my bloodstream and was on the brink of death once he was done with me. He dumped me in the woods where..."

Roman: "I found him."

Cade looks at Roman, nodding before continuing.

Cade: "Roman revealed what he was to me. I begged him to save me, yet he didn't want to."

Roman: "I... didn't want to bestow this curse on Cade, yet he convinced me."

Cade: "And I'm indebted to you eternally."

Roman stares seriously at Cade, eventually giving a curt nod.

Roman: "We happened upon Dixie at an underground club; her call was so strong that we had to find her."

Dixie: "I was lost on all this just like you, Veneer. I was infected during an attack that occurred when I was walking home from a gig. I didn't realize something had changed until I began to experience many of your symptoms."

Roman: "We haven't met another Siren Rageon since you. That's why I was so overcome with curiosity. I could sense your call and pinpoint you out of hundreds of others."

I sit silently, unable to come up with anything to say.

Ven: "So... I've been infected by Dom, a Siren. He's made me into one, and I'll live forever as a Siren?"

All of RIVAL nod their heads, their eyes shining bright like mine. Kid Ritz moves his hand around my waist, pulling me closer. He rubs my side, his warm touch comforting.

Ven: "All of this pain, this confusion... to know I have to live with Dom's impact for life."

I feel a tear roll down my cheek, Kid Ritz dropping my hand to wipe it away. He kisses my cheek softly, helping to calm me down.