Chapter 5: A Dangerous Dream
(Warning the following chapter will feature major character death and trauma views discretion is advised.)
Verosika stood in front of the mirror in her dressing room, her thoughts swirling with a mix of determination and apprehension. The idea of using her fame and influence for something meaningful had been brewing inside her ever since Barbie had returned with the grim details of Loona's past. The images of those abused hellhounds, the horrific tales of exploitation, and the scars that Loona still bore on her tiny, frail body haunted Verosika.
But those same images also fueled a fire within her—a desire to do something more than just sing about love, lust, and heartbreak. She wanted to make a difference, to raise awareness and funds to help those who had no voice.
Verosika's life had been one of excess and indulgence, using her charm and talents to get what she wanted. But now, for the first time, she wanted something different. She wanted to fight for a cause that truly mattered, even if it meant putting herself in danger.
She turned away from the mirror, her heart pounding with both fear and excitement. This concert, this foundation—this was her chance to make a real impact, to use her platform for something that transcended the usual superficiality of Hell's entertainment scene. But she knew that this path would not be without its risks. Hell was a place where the powerful preyed on the weak, and those who dared to challenge the status quo often paid the price.
With a deep breath, she walked out of her dressing room, the decision made. It was time to share her plans with the ones who meant the most to her.
--
Blitzø was sitting on the couch in their shared apartment, absently flipping through channels on the TV. He hadn't noticed Verosika approach until she was right behind him, her presence warm and comforting. Before he could react, she draped her arms around him from behind, pulling him into a soft embrace. His head rested against her chest, the scent of her perfume filling his senses.
"Hey, V," Blitzø murmured, his voice slightly muffled by her chest. "What's up?"
Verosika smiled, her fingers gently running through his messy white hair. "Blitz, I've been thinking," she began, her voice soft yet filled with purpose. "Barbie's been doing so much with her investigation, and it's inspired me. I want to do something too—something big. I'm going to throw a benefit concert and start a foundation to raise awareness about what's happening to hellhounds. I want to use my platform to make a difference, to help hounds like Loona who have suffered so much. Blitzø stiffened slightly at her words, pulling back just enough to look up at her with concern. "A benefit concert? A foundation? V, you know that's dangerous. You'll be putting yourself out there, and in Hell, that's asking for trouble."
Verosika nodded, fully aware of the risks involved. Her eyes, however, were unwavering as she continued. "I know, Blitz. But I can't just stand by and do nothing. Loona's been through so much, and she's not the only one. If I don't do this, who will? This concert, this foundation—it's my way of fighting back against the monsters who hurt her and so many others. I want to give them a voice."
She paused, searching his face for understanding. Blitzø, despite his usual bravado, was visibly shaken. He knew all too well how merciless Hell could be to those who dared to challenge its darker aspects. But there was something in Verosika's eyes—an unwavering resolve, a spark of something pure and righteous—that made him realize she wouldn't be swayed.
As the reality of what she was about to do set in, Verosika reached up to the key around her neck. It was a small, ornate thing, a symbol of her autonomy, something she had always kept close. Now, it had a deeper meaning. She gently took the chain off and looped it around Blitzø's neck, letting it rest against his chest. He stared down at the key, confusion and emotion warring in his eyes.
"This is my heart, Blitz," Verosika said softly, her fingers lingering on the key as if it were a part of her. "And whenever you deem it the right time, it's also my body. But what I'm about to do, it could put a target on my back. Hell doesn't take kindly to those who rock the boat, and if anything happens to me..."
Blitzø felt a lump form in his throat, the weight of the key pressing down on him both physically and emotionally. He knew what she was implying. This wasn't just a declaration of love; it was a farewell, just in case. The thought of losing her, of her falling victim to the very forces she was challenging, sent a spike of fear through him.
"V, don't talk like that," Blitzø whispered, his voice cracking slightly. "You're not going anywhere. We'll do this together, okay? You, me, Barbie—we'll make sure you're safe. I can't—" He stopped, his voice failing him as emotions surged to the surface.
Verosika knelt down beside him, taking his hands in hers. "I'm not planning on going anywhere, Blitz. But I need you to understand how serious this is. I want you to know that you mean the world to me, and I'm so grateful for everything we've built together, especially now with Loona. But I can't ignore what's happening. I have to do this."
Blitzø's grip on her hands tightened, his eyes pleading with her to reconsider, to find a safer way. But he knew, deep down, that there was no talking her out of this. This was who Verosika was—a fierce, passionate soul who would fight for what she believed in, no matter the cost.
"Then we'll make sure you're protected," Blitzø finally said, his voice firm despite the fear still gnawing at him. "We'll hire extra security, make sure the venue is locked down. And... I'll be there, right beside you, every step of the way."
Verosika's heart swelled with love for him, for his courage and loyalty despite his fears. She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Thank you, Blitz. That means more to me than you know."
They stayed like that for a while, holding each other in the quiet of their shared space. The world outside was chaotic and dangerous, but here, in this moment, they found solace in each other. Verosika's resolve only grew stronger as she thought of the upcoming concert, of the foundation she would build. She had the title for her new song already in mind: "It's a Blue, Blue Moon." A song that would be both a rallying cry and a tribute to those who had suffered in silence for too long.
Verosika's concert would be more than just music; it would be a statement, a defiant stand against the exploitation that had plagued Hell for far too long. She knew the risks, knew that powerful enemies would be watching, but she also knew that this was something she had to do. And with Blitzø, Barbie, and Loona by her side, she believed they could make a difference, no matter how dangerous the road ahead might be.
As the days passed, Verosika threw herself into preparations for the concert, pouring all her energy into writing and rehearsing her new song. She reached out to fellow artists, some of whom were reluctant to get involved, fearing backlash. But others, moved by her passion and the cause she championed, agreed to join her.
The foundation was established, its mission clear: to protect and rehabilitate hellhounds, to raise awareness about the atrocities they faced, and to bring those responsible to justice. Verosika used her connections and influence to secure funding and support, and soon, word began to spread throughout Hell.
The concert was set to take place under the light of a full blue moon, a rare and auspicious event that added a layer of symbolism to the occasion. Verosika could feel the tension building as the date approached. She knew that she was making waves, and that the forces who profited from hellhound exploitation would not take kindly to her actions.
But she refused to back down. With Blitzø, Barbie, and Loona's support, she felt unstoppable. This was her moment, her chance to make a real difference, and she would face whatever came her way with courage and determination.
As the night of the concert arrived, hell's top performers had come from all rings, Blitz, Verosika and Stan Verosika's manager pulling tons of strings. The benefit concert had been a dazzling success, the crowd roaring with excitement as some of Hell's biggest names took the stage to raise awareness for the plight of Hellhounds. The energy in the air was electric, and Verosika couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as she watched the packed audience cheer and sing along with each act. The Weird Sisters had entranced everyone with their ethereal harmonies, Diamond Dog had rocked the stage with his gritty, bluesy voice, Fizzarolli doing a masterful, silly and dramatic clowning and music routine, even the notorious Radio Demon had lent his sinister charm to the cause, twisting the crowd around his finger as an MC. Queen Lilith brought an air of regal elegance, her voice commanding the attention of every soul in the venue. But it was Beelzebub, the Queen Bee herself, ruler of Hellhounds, who had stolen the show with her infectious energy, dancing across the stage with a wild abandon that had everyone on their feet.
Verosika stood backstage, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. She could hear the murmur of the crowd, see the lights shining down on the stage where she would soon perform. She took a deep breath, centering herself, and then turned to Blitzø, who was by her side, holding the key she had given him.
"Are you ready?" Blitzø asked, his voice steady despite the underlying worry.
Verosika nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm ready. Let's do this."
Blitzø squeezed her hand, offering one last look of support before she stepped out onto the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers, the energy electric as Verosika took her place at the microphone. The full blue moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the scene.
As the first notes of her new song began to play, Verosika felt a surge of emotion. This was it—the culmination of everything she had worked for, the beginning of something greater than herself. She sang with all her heart, pouring her soul into the lyrics that spoke of pain, hope, and the fight for justice. The audience was captivated, moved by the raw emotion in her voice and the powerful message of her song.
Title: "It's a Blue, Blue Moon"
Verse 1:
Underneath the midnight sky,
Where the shadows come to play,
There's a howl that breaks the silence,
And it echoes far away.
She's been running through the darkness,
Hiding from the light,
But the scars she wears in silence,
They tell of every fight.
Chorus:
It's a blue, blue moon, oh so rare,
A lonely light that no one shares.
She's a wolf, she's a howl in the night,
Chasing dreams, but losing the fight.
Oh, she's brave, but she's blue,
And she's shining just for you.
A blue, blue moon in a sky full of pain,
But she'll rise again.
Verosika dances across the stage, her movements fluid yet filled with anguish. Her voice carries the pain and longing in the lyrics as blue moons and wolves begin to appear on the screens behind her. The wolves, their eyes glowing with sadness, seem to reach out to the moon, mirroring Loona's journey. The imagery is powerful, haunting, as Verosika raises her hand toward the sky, tears in her eyes as she sings to the heavens, calling out to be heard.
Verse 2:
She's been beaten down and broken,
Her heart a battlefield,
But there's strength in every shadow,
In the wounds that never healed.
Like a wolf that cries for mercy,
In a world that shows no love,
She's a star in the darkness,
She's the moon that's high above.
Chorus:
It's a blue, blue moon, oh so rare,
A lonely light that no one shares.
She's a wolf, she's a howl in the night,
Chasing dreams, but losing the fight.
Oh, she's brave, but she's blue,
And she's shining just for you.
A blue, blue moon in a sky full of pain,
But she'll rise again.
Bridge:
She's the moon that never fades,
In a world that's lost its way,
And though she's bleeding, she's still leading,
Through the night into the day.
Can't you see the blue moon crying?
Can't you hear her silent plea?
She's a wolf in the night,
And she's fighting to be free.
Chorus (softer):
It's a blue, blue moon, oh so rare,
A lonely light that no one shares.
She's a wolf, she's a howl in the night,
Chasing dreams, but losing the fight.
Oh, she's brave, but she's blue,
And she's shining just for you.
A blue, blue moon in a sky full of pain,
But she'll rise again.
Outro:
So, under the blue moon, lift your eyes,
See the wolf, see the cries.
She's the light, she's the fight,
And she'll rise again tonight.
It's a blue, blue moon, oh so rare,
A lonely light, but she's always there.
She's a blue, blue moon, in a world so cold,
But her story will be told.
As the final notes fade, Verosika stands still on the stage, the blue moons on the screens behind her glowing softly. The wolves, once howling in sorrow, now lift their heads proudly, as if drawing strength from the moon above. Verosika's voice quivers with emotion as she delivers the last line, her tears glistening under the stage lights. The audience is silent, captivated by the raw, emotional journey they've just witnessed, feeling the deep connection between Verosika, Loona, and the haunting beauty of the blue moon.
"It's a Blue, Blue Moon" echoed through the night, a haunting and beautiful melody that resonated with everyone who heard it. It was a call to action, a reminder that even in the darkest of places, there was always a glimmer of hope. And as Verosika sang, she felt the weight of the key around Blitzø's neck—a symbol of the love and trust they shared, and of the uncertain but hopeful future that lay ahead.
The concert was a success, raising awareness and funds for the newly established foundation. But Verosika knew that this was only the beginning. The road ahead would be long and fraught with danger, but she was ready to face it, with Blitzø, Barbie, and Loona by her side.
As the final notes of her song faded into the night, Verosika looked out at the sea of faces, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was her stand, her declaration to Hell and beyond, that she would not be silenced, and that she would fight for those who had no voice.
And as she walked off the stage, Blitzø waiting for her with open arms, she knew that no matter what happened, they would face it together.
Verosika peeked out towards behind the stage curtain, her heart swelling as she saw Blitzø and Loona waiting for her. Blitzø was grinning ear to ear, his usual cocky demeanor softened by the sheer joy of seeing Verosika shine. And Loona, sweet Loona, stood there with tears of happiness in her eyes. It was a moment Verosika had dreamed of—a moment where everything felt perfect, where the family she had always wanted was right in front of her, where she could see how much Loona needed her, loved her.
Her heart skipped a beat, her steps quickening as she began to move toward them, ready to embrace her little family. But just as she was about to run to them, a loud, sharp crack shattered the air.
The world seemed to freeze. The joyous noise of the concert was drowned out by the terrifying silence that followed. Blitzø's smile faded, his eyes widening in horror as Verosika stumbled, her body jerking with each impact. Three shots rang out, each one a cruel punctuation to the nightmare unfolding.
Verosika's hot pink form grew pale, her knees buckling as she collapsed onto the stage floor. The vibrant energy that had filled her just moments before drained away, replaced by a cold, numb sensation spreading through her body. She could feel the warmth of her own essence pooling beneath her, staining the pristine white of her outfit and faux fur coat with inky black.
Loona's scream pierced through the stunned silence, a heart-wrenching cry that echoed off the walls. "MOMMY!" she screamed, rushing to Verosika's side, her small body trembling as she knelt beside the fallen succubus. The word "Mommy" hung in the air, so simple yet so powerful, the very word Verosika had longed to hear from Loona's lips for so long.
Verosika's vision blurred as she looked up at Loona, her tired, pained smile never fading. She weakly reached out a hand, stained black with her own essence, to touch Loona's face. "Yeah, yeah Loony, I'm your mom," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I've wanted to hear you say that for so long, baby."
Tears streamed down Loona's face as she held Verosika's hand to her cheek, her body shaking with sobs. "Please, don't go," Loona begged, her voice breaking. "You can't leave me, not now."
Blitzø, who had been frozen in shock, finally dropped to his knees beside Verosika, his face twisted in despair. He reached out, his hands trembling as he tried to hold her, to somehow keep her with them. "V, V, no," he choked out, his voice filled with a desperation he hadn't felt in years. "Please, V, you can't go like this."
Verosika's breathing was labored, every breath a struggle, but she managed to keep her eyes on Blitzø and Loona, trying to commit their faces to memory. She had been prepared to take risks, to put herself in danger for the sake of what she believed in, but she hadn't expected this. Not now. Not when everything was finally falling into place.
She wanted to say so much more, to tell Blitzø how much she loved him, how he had always been her light in the dark, her anchor. She wanted to tell Loona how proud she was of her, how much she had always loved her like a daughter. But her strength was fading fast, and the words she wanted to say wouldn't come.
Instead, she squeezed Loona's hand weakly, trying to convey everything she felt through that small gesture. "Be strong, baby," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. "I love you… both of you…"
And with those final words, Verosika's eyes fluttered shut, her hand slipping from Loona's grasp. The stage lights that had once shone so brightly on her now dimmed, casting long shadows over her still form.
Loona collapsed onto Verosika's chest, sobbing uncontrollably, while Blitzø could only stare in disbelief, his heart breaking into a thousand pieces as he held the woman he loved in his arms. The concert, once a beacon of hope and joy, had become the stage for their worst nightmare.
As the sounds of sirens filled the air and the crowd began to panic, Blitzø and Loona remained frozen in place, clinging to Verosika, desperate to wake from the nightmare that had shattered their world.
In the chaotic aftermath of Verosika Mayday's tragic death, the media in Hell wasted no time twisting the knife. The flashy, blood-red studio of 666 News glowed ominously as Katey Killjoy, with her trademark devilish smirk, delivered the news with all the subtlety of a cat toying with a mouse.
"I'm Katey Killjoy and here's the news," she began, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Beloved and controversial pop diva, 'Virgin Prude' Verosika Mayday, was shot multiple times on stage at her incredibly pointless benefit concert to raise awareness for filthy, savage Hellhounds. I say serves her right, but whatever. The singer, age 22, was pronounced dead on arrival. Back to you, Tom."
Tom Trench, ever the spineless yes-man, nodded in agreement while adjusting his tie, a feeble attempt at feigning professionalism. "Yeah, real shame," he said, his voice hollow. "She had a great set of knockers, even if she wouldn't put out." He gave a half-hearted shrug, barely masking the leer in his eyes, as if her death was merely an unfortunate hiccup in his daily routine.
The screen cut back to Katey, who chuckled darkly, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Well, Tom, you know how these pop stars are. They think they're invincible, prancing around in their fancy costumes and acting like they're above it all. But reality has a way of catching up with them. And honestly, trying to help Hellhounds? Please, like that was ever going to end well. Some people just don't know when to stay in their lane."
Tom snickered, clearly enjoying the banter. "Right, Katey. I mean, who in their right mind would go out of their way to help those mangy mutts? Especially when they could be using that time to, I don't know, do something that actually matters—like entertain us."
"Exactly!" Katey exclaimed, her voice rising with faux indignation. "But no, Miss Mayday had to go and play the bleeding heart. And look where it got her. Dead on stage, leaving behind a bunch of whiny fans and a worthless charity."
The two anchors exchanged smug looks, reveling in their callous commentary as if Verosika's death was just another spectacle for their amusement. In Hell, after all, tragedy was often met with mockery, and compassion was seen as weakness.
As the news segment continued, images of the benefit concert flashed on the screen—moments of Verosika in mid-performance, surrounded by dazzling lights and elaborate visuals of wolves and moons. The images were starkly contrasted with the aftermath: panicked concertgoers, paramedics arriving too late, and Blitzø and Loona kneeling by Verosika's lifeless body.
But for Katey and Tom, these were just scenes from another story, another ratings grab. They tore into Verosika's legacy, mocking her attempt to change Hell's perception of Hellhounds and laughing at the idea that anyone could care about such "worthless creatures."
"And now," Katey concluded with a wicked grin, "we're left with the question: Who's next? Who's the next bleeding heart who'll bite the dust trying to play savior in a world where only the strong survive? Stay tuned, folks, because in Hell, there's always another show, another victim, and another fall from grace."
The camera zoomed out as the two anchors continued their cruel banter, their voices fading into the background as the studio lights dimmed. But the impact of their words lingered, a testament to the twisted reality of Hell, where even the noblest acts were met with scorn and derision.
And as the world moved on, Blitzø and Loona were left to grapple with their grief, mourning the loss of the woman who had dared to love them, dared to change Hell, and dared to believe that even in a place as dark as this, there was still hope for something better.
The new segment flickered off, leaving the room in a deafening silence that seemed to press down on Blitzø like a physical weight. He could still hear Katey Killjoy's cruel mocking laugh echoing in his mind, could still see the smug, dismissive look in Tom Trench's eyes as they reduced Verosika's life to a bad joke. An anger he never felt before surged through him, but it was quickly drowned out by crushing despair.
Loona was huddled next to him on the couch, the tiny Hellhounds eyes red and swollen from hours of crying. She hadn't let go of Verosika's white faux fur coat, now stained with dark, inky blood. She clutched it to her chest like a lifeline, her small body shaking with each ragged breath.
Blitzø reached out to touch her shoulder, his hand trembling. He wanted to say something, anything to comfort her, but the words stuck in his throat. What could he possibly say? How could he make sense of some so senseless?
"She…..she didn't deserve this," Loona choked out, her tiny voice barely above a whisper. "She……..she was trying to help…." Loona sobbing once more.
"I know, Loony," Blitzø replied, his voice still hoarse. "I know."
He pulled her into a tight embrace. The woman who had brought light into his dark, twisted world, who had given him a family and a sense of purpose, was gone, and she wasn't coming back.
Blitzø's mind raced, replaying the events of the concert over and over. The look of pure joy on Verosika's face as she ran towards them, the way her smile had lit up the entire stage. Then, the gunshots, the way time seemed to slow down as her body crumpled to the ground, her life slipping away in an instant. The blood……so much blood!
He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of anger bubbling up inside him once again. Someone had done this. Someone had taken her from them, and he was going to find out who!
Loona pulled back slightly, looking up at him with wide, tear filled eyes. "But……what about the foundation? What about what mom was trying to do?"
Blitzø felt his heart clench at the word "mom" Verosika had wanted so badly to hear Loona call her that, and she finally had……but it was too late.
"We're not letting it die with her!" Blitzø said firmly, wiping away Loona's tears with his thumb. "We're going to keep it going. We're going to make sure everyone knows what she was trying to do. And we're going to make sure those bastards that hurt you, hurt her, get what's coming to them."
Loona nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. "I want to help." she said, her voice still shaky, but growing stronger. "I wanna make sure she didn't die for nothing dad."
Blitzø pulled her into another tight hug, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow."we'll do it together Loony. All of us. For V!"
As they sat there, holding each other, a steely resolve began to take root in Blitzø's heart. He wasn't going to let Verosika's death be in vain. He would carry on her mission, no matter what it took. And he would make sure her legacy lived on, even if it meant going against the darkest forces Hell had to offer to do it!
Elsewhere in Hell, Barbie Wire was already hard at work. She had been in the crowd working security, just out of sight when the shots rang out, her heart sinking as she saw Verosika fall. But Barbie was nothing if not a woman of action. She'd wasted no time slipping away, her mind racing as she ran in hot pursuit, her mind immediately turning to one thing she knew how to do best: find the people responsible and make them pay!
She stole a motorcycle and chased after them using all her cyclist skill and acrobatic badassery driving on walls, jumping onto cars, but in the end the pulled out a rocket launcher and fired at her, while she dodged it she had lost them, but she would not take this lying down.
Barbie calling on several contacts tracked down the source of the rifle used in the assassination, a black market arms dealer known for supplying high profile hits in the Pride Ring. She'd paid him a visit, her usual seductive charmed laced with a venomous edge as she pried information out of him, leaving his naked, battered and bloodied body in a crumpled heap by the time she was done.
Now, as she stood in a shadowy alleyway sharpening a knife. Her phone tightly clutched in her other hand, she dialed the one number she knew could help. The line clicked, a smooth, familiar static filled voice answered.
"Barbie Wire. To what do I owe the pleasure my dear?"
"Alastor," Barbie said, her voice cold and calculated. "I need a favor!"
To be continued…….