Heartsteel: The Price of Fame (A League of Legends story)

Chapter 2: The Price of Fame

The glitz and glamour of Ionia's music scene had never been more alive. Billboards showcased the latest hits, and among them was the unmistakable logo of K/DA. Akali, with her signature purple hair and stylish snapback hat, was the face of this new sensation. With her bandmates, Kaisa, Evelynn, and Ahri, they were the talk of the town. Their songs played in every club, every radio station. But behind the glamour, a storm was brewing.

One evening, after a particularly gruelling rehearsal, Akali and her bandmates were relaxing at an upscale bar, celebrating their latest chart-topping hit. Their hit song "POP/STARS" blared from every corner, with the music video playing on loop on the giant screens overlooking the lounge.

As the night wore on, a group of older musicians approached them, offering congratulations and sharing tales of their own time in the spotlight.

One of them, a former rockstar with a weathered face and tattoos fading with age, leaned in close to Akali. "Enjoy it while it lasts, kid," he whispered, his voice raspy. "The industry... it chews you up and spits you out."

Akali frowned, taking a sip of her drink. "What do you mean?"

He chuckled bitterly. "The record deals, the money, the fame... it's all a trap. They'll give you everything you've ever dreamed of, make you feel on top of the world. And then, when you're not looking, they'll pull the rug out from under you."

Akali's heart raced as she listened to more stories from other musicians. Tales of crippling debts, of being forced to change their music style, of losing their identity to the whims of the industry.

That night, as she returned to her lavish apartment, Akali felt a pang of guilt. She looked around at the expensive furniture, the designer clothes, and the shiny new motorcycle parked in the living room. All bought with the money from the record deal. A deal that was beginning to feel more like a noose around her neck.

Admittedly, Akali often found herself lost in the whirlwind of interviews, photoshoots, and performances. It hardly gave her time to think or question the motives of the record company that was supplying the band with money.

In the rare moments of quiet, Akali would check her messages and see her phone light up with a familiar name: Kayn. His texts ranged from playful teases about K/DA's latest track to sharing snippets of his own music. But as the days went by, his messages took on a more desperate tone.

"Hey, did you listen to my latest track? What did you think?"

"Akali, we're performing at a local club tonight. You should come."

"You've changed. Ever since K/DA, you've forgotten your old friends."

Akali would read each message, her heart heavy with guilt. She wanted to reply, to bridge the growing gap between them, but the demands of her career and the dark truths she had uncovered about the industry made it difficult to reply. What could she even say?