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

Chapter 14: Heartsteel vs K/DA

The lights dimmed, and the crowd roared in anticipation. The giant screens flashed the logos of the two bands, and the announcer's voice boomed, "Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for the face-off of the century? K/DA versus Heartsteel!"

K/DA took the stage first, with a dazzling light show and a thumping beat. Akali stepped forward, the spotlight focusing on her as the music began. This was her last chance to get through to Kayn.

Ditching her pre-practiced lyrics Akali started riffing: "Remember the days, we dreamt of the stage. Now we're miles apart, lost in the rage. You think you've moved on, with Heartsteel's song. But deep down I know, something's gone wrong."

The crowd cheered, sensing the personal touch in her lyrics. The beat continued, and Akali's flow grew more intense. "You wear a mask, hide behind fame, but I see the boy, who once called my name. Heartsteel's glitz, and the media's glare. Can't hide the truth, of the pain you bear."

The stage went dark for a moment, then lit up in fiery red as Heartsteel took over. Kayn stepped up, his eyes locked onto Akali's.

"Akali, you think you know my game? But since you left, things ain't the same. I've found my path, my voice, my crew, Don't need your pity, or lectures from you," he sneered, flowing into freestyle of his own.

The beat dropped, and Kayn's voice grew more defiant. "You talk of masks, but what about you? K/DA's glitz, is that really you? You think you're real, but you're just a pawn. In this music game, I'm the real dawn."

Akali, not backing down, jumped back in. "I should've been there, by your side, Answered your texts, not let them slide. I hoped you'd find your way, avoid this hell. But I see now, I failed you as well."

Kayn, voice dripping with sarcasm, replied: "Oh, the savior returns, after her grand tour. Left me in shadows, now acts so pure. I built an empire, you just played the game. Your sudden concern? Just a play for fame."

Akali picked up the beat, not giving up. "Missed your calls, but not the signs. Watched you trade our dreams for Silco's designs. I see the chains, even if they're gold. Time to break free, let the truth be told."

Kayn's defiant posture wavered. The weight of Akali's words, the memories of their shared past, and the pressure of the industry bore down on him.

His voice cracked, and he couldn't find the words to respond. The weight of everything - the industry, their past, Akali's lyrics - it all came crashing down, and for a moment, the confident, defiant Kayn was nowhere to be seen.

The members of Heartsteel looked around, panic evident in their eyes. They tried to salvage the situation, with Sett stepping forward, trying to reassure the audience, "Hey, it's all good, folks. Just a... technical difficulty."

But the audience's attention was on Kayn, who seemed to crumble before their eyes. Yone, always the protective figure, quickly moved forward, wrapping an arm around Kayn and guiding him off the stage.

As they exited, men in sharp suits swiftly surrounded him, leading him towards a waiting limousine. Akali, concern in her eyes, slipped away from K/DA and followed discreetly, determined to find out what was really going on.