Chapter Text
At 5:00 in the morning, Astro is awoken by the sound of rapid footsteps pacing the room.
“Vee?” He asks as he steps out of bed. “Why are you up this early? You normally stay in bed with me until 8:00 or something.”
“Sorry Moonpie. Didn’t you hear? I’ve got a gameshow today!” She exclaims, comparing two green bow ties.
“But you always have gameshows? That doesn’t stop you from laying in bed with me.” He asks.
“Yes, well today is different! There’s this fancy filmmaker who wants to observe my show and maybe even make a documentary about me!” She squeals. “Now look, which one is better? This suit or this one?”
“The darker one— and wait, you didn’t bother to tell me earlier?” He questions, following her to the cafeteria.
“Hey don’t blame me! I only found out last night, and when I turned around to tell you, you were already dead asleep!” She laughs, grabbing onto his arm. She buys him a bowl of cereal and hands him a spoon.
“Eat now, you’re going to get hungry later on, and you might not be able to eat because you’ll be watching me.” She smiles as she adjusts his night cap. He chuckles.
For a moment everything seems perfect—she’s with the perfect guy, her career is skyrocketing, and she hasn’t had an anxiety attack in such a long time. What could possibly go wrong?
Later that day, Vee walks into her backstage studio, greeting her participants, Brightney, Razzle & Dazzle, and Boxten. She then turns to her crew and helps them fix stuff like lighting adjustments and props.
She gazes at the hundreds of seats in the audience, marveling in disbelief. She couldn’t believe she came from a traumatized twelve year old to this successful, self-taught, confident twenty-two year old.
Astro stands beside her, holding her hand. He looks at her with love in his eyes.
“You’ve really made it now, huh, Vee? Y’know, they’d be so proud of you.” He says, staring at the empty seats.
She tears up a little, quickly wiping them away. She laughs softly.
“I know.”
The studio doors fly open as the filmmaker enters backstage.
“Mr. Devon! I wasn’t expecting you here so soon—is there anything I could be of assistance with?” Vee asks politely.
“You must be the infamous Ms. Vee Version 1, pleasure meeting you.” He responds, shaking her hand.
“Well the show doesn’t start for at least another thirty minutes, and the gates don’t open for another twenty. But I’m sure we can get you seated right away!” She tells him, escorting him to the front row seat he reserved.
“Well, Ms. Version 1, you’ve got a good attitude. That’s already a unique quality that I like to see in my stars.”
He comments. Vee beams with pride.
“Thank you sir, I’ve always been told that I was a bit lacking in the empathetic trait, but I make up for it in competency!” She laughs, heading backstage for final preparations.
She watches the audience flood into the venue, cameramen setting up their tripods in the aisles for live airing. She has the participants head over to their buzzer booths. Astro wishes her good luck. She gives him a little kiss on the cheek before heading out.
She does amazing, her questions go from easy to hard and the mini challenges are hilarious. She's soaring through the show, engaging with the audience, laughing genuinely with the participants, and having the time of her life. Mr. Devon seems to be enjoying the show, watching as she keeps score while also asking questions.
Vee watches the venue full of people laugh with her, feeling so proud of herself for making it through everything she’s been through and arriving where she is now.
That’s when she sees it. A silhouette of a toon walks across the top aisle, carrying something. Her eyes narrow trying to get a better glimpse of the item when BANG— a terrifying shot rings out.