~One on One: Smoke~

Siren was seated at a small but elegant dinner table in the gazebo behind the house. Rose petals were scattered all over it and a lit candle sat in the middle. She stared at the empty seat opposite of her, waiting for her first suitor to come out for their few minutes of alone time. She thought of the five men picked for her; she couldn’t say she wasn’t disappointed with the selection, but then again, what did she expect from a show like this? Absalom was the closest thing to what she was looking for, and yet somehow the farthest thing. She’d just have to make do with what they gave her…

“Never would’ve expected to see you on this show,” a voice interrupted her out of her thoughts. She looked up to find Smoke swaggering toward her with his usual grin. He leaned down to give her a hug and then sat down in his chair. “But I can’t say I’m complaining.”

“Smoke.” She took a moment to give him a more thorough lookover. Less superficial and more for overall presence. Just looking at him, she could tell he thought he was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Arrogance was practically seeping out of his pores—the same way in high school, only amplified. The only thing that could possibly match his arrogance was his brutality. 

“Like what you see?”

“Sadly, no.” 

“No need to lie, Ren. I have a hard time looking away from the mirror myself.”

She rolled her eyes. “Do me a favor and lose the ‘Ren’ and ‘Renata’ bits. Let’s stick to villain names, alright?”

“Come on, don’t be like that. We practically used to date.”

“I think I’d remember losing my mind.” 

“No? What do you call the two of us sneaking out of class, breaking into the principal’s office, planting a bomb in the math teacher’s car, and setting the prom venue on fire?”

“Extra credit assignments—extra credit assignments that I was forcibly partnered with you on.”

“Extra credit or not, we spent quite a bit of time together senior year. We had a connection…we still do.” 

She leaned forward and rested her chin on her hand. “The only connection I see here is your brain and the wax from this candle: a melted mess.”

He snickered and started to say something, but paused and just stared at her instead.

“Is there a reason you’re gawking at me or are you just trying to put me off even more?” 

“Sorry, I’m just imagining my lips against yours.”

“You’re really pathetic, you know that?” 

“What’s wrong with visualizing your future?”

“Not if you were the last man on earth.”

His grin widened, if possible. “You haven’t changed. Still fiery and still hot. You were and always will be the flame that brings out the best of Smoke.” 

“And you will always be the nuisance that just won’t take a hint…or direct order.” She sighed, very much over the conversation. “Now do you have any other fire puns to get off your chest or can we end this?”

“You can end this right now. Just tell all those other scrubs to beat it and the two of us can skip ahead to the honeymoon.” 

She gestured shooting herself in the head. “Don’t get your hopes up. I can pretty much guarantee I won’t choose you.” 

Smoke didn’t look the least bit concerned. “And who will you choose? The loser? The playboy? No, wait, the traitor? Or maybe the psychopath? Trust me, I’m not worried. I’ll have you in these arms soon enough.” With that, he stood up and winked, and then walked off.

~One on One: Wind Rider~

Siren watched Wind Rider walk up the stone path toward the gazebo. While she had no interest in him romantically, she did hold some level of genuine curiosity about him. There weren’t too many hero-turned-villains lingering about. From what she heard in the community, he wasn’t trusted by many and often ousted from places. He had to foresee such a reaction, so why would he subject himself to that? 

“Lady Siren,” he said as he approached and gave her a light hug. He then sat down with ease. “Forgive me for being an echo, because I’m sure you’ve heard it repeatedly, but you look lovely.” 

“Forgiven.” She smirked and then leaned back. “Tell me about yourself, Wind Rider.”

“My life is an open book for you. You need only ask.”

“Since you put it like that, I won’t dance around it. For a villain to switch over to the hero side is uncommon, but a hero to switch over to a villain is virtually unheard of. So tell me, why the change?”

He nodded as if expecting that. “The people of Tarver called me a villain and so I am.” 

“You said your life is an open book and yet you’re being vague.”

“I didn’t mean it to sound vague, I meant it to sound simple.” He explained, “I was a hero. When I no longer wanted to be bound by hero obligations, they tried to force me. I refused. What the people cannot control, they fear. What they fear, they attack. I didn’t seek to be a villain. They made me one.” 

“I see. So what you’re saying is if it weren’t for the people of Tarver labeling you as a villain, you wouldn’t be one?” 

“Correct. I’d be just a regular citizen.” 

“Why are you going along with it?” 

“I’ve been exiled from the public. The name ‘Wind Rider’ is now associated with ‘traitor’. Heroes I once worked with will now attack me on sight. I have no place else to go.” He looked thoughtful. “I’m not exactly welcomed here—and with good reason—but I’ve found that I can do as I please. I actually prefer this life. Sure, there are crimes and murders and things that I was once against morally, but there are also beautiful things.” He smiled at her. “Anything else you’d like to know?”

“Not particularly.”

“Then may I ask you a question?”

She gestured for him to continue.

“You’re a powerful and popular woman, and yet there’s an air of mystery around you. People know you, but no one knows you. I imagine you set up your persona that way on purpose. To come on a show like this with all these cameras, probing into your personal life seems unlike you. Why are you really here?”

“You assume it’s not for finding love?”

“Someone like you wouldn’t need help finding love.”

She smiled lightly. He was an observant man, which meant she had to be careful around him. Not that she thought he’d pose a problem, but depending on how many puzzle pieces he put together, he could be annoying. She took a moment to debate on how she wanted to answer the question. Finally, she let out a breath and looked away. “My love life has been in a state of shambles for a while now. While I have no problem attracting men, I tend to run away from this level of intimacy. Commitment issues. I was hoping that by being on this show, I’d find a man worth sticking it out for.”

He looked at her for a few seconds longer. She couldn’t tell if he believed her or not, but by his response, she guessed he wouldn’t push it either way. “You’re definitely an interesting one, Lady Siren. I look forward to the rest of our time together on the show.” He stood up then. “And speaking of time, it looks like mine is up. Again, it was a pleasure.” With a bow, he took his leave.

~One on One: Flatline~

Siren couldn’t help but look at Flatline with pity as he hugged her and made his way over to the empty chair. Such a look said an awful lot seeing as she was a villain—she didn’t feel pity for anything. She’d walk past the neglected child and abused puppy without batting an eyelash and yet this sheep with innocent eyes and black wool made her feel sorry for him. He really stood no chance in the world they lived in…

“Lady Siren, did you hear me?”

“Hmm?” She blinked as she came out of her thoughts and saw him looking at her patiently.

“I said, is there anything you want? I could have it delivered to you in a matter of minutes. Just say the word and it’s yours.”

“I’m quite alright.”

“Are you sure? Food, clothes, jewelry, anything?”

She gave him a wry smile. “If your strategy to win is by buying me or impressing me with your wealth, you should know you won’t get far. I had men doing that before I came to the show and they’ll do so after.”

“N-no, it’s just that you’re a queen. I thought you deserved to be treated like one.” 

“I see. So you intend to praise me instead.” She sighed, already bored with his presence. “I guess I shouldn’t expect much else from you.”

He put a hand on the back of his head. “Sorry if things aren’t coming out right. I don’t date much; I’m usually busy with training and tracking heroes.” His expression turned serious suddenly. “Let me just say this: I know what it looks like now, but the world will eventually bow to the name Flatline. And when they do, I want you to be by my side.”

“I hate to play Captain Obvious, but it seems you need to be reminded that you’re not your father or grandfather, and certainly not your great-grandfather. You’re possibly one of the weakest villains in our district; even your healing ability isn’t strong, from what I’ve heard. The only reason people know of your existence is because of your bloodline. How exactly do you plan to take over the world like that?”

He didn’t bat an eyelash. “The same way I plan to win your heart. Perseverance.”

For a moment, she didn’t know whether to be impressed by his confidence or amused by his delusion. Eventually she decided on the latter because he not only thought he had a chance at taking over the world, but also that he had a chance with her. 

She gave him a good once over, looking for anything noteworthy, but coming up naught. She did see something in his eyes—something besides the innocence—but whatever it was wasn’t strong enough to keep her attention. What a pity. 

With another sigh, she leaned back. “I believe our time is up, Flatline.” 

“Oh, okay, right.” He got up and offered a smile as he started away. “I’ll see you later.”

~One on One: Absalom~

The sight of Absalom heading toward her left a sinking feeling in the pit of Siren’s stomach. While his ability to create an evil and stronger twin version of someone was intimidating enough, it was the unknown about him that really did it. Nobody knew what he wanted or what he would do next. There was seemingly no reason for the crimes he committed as he never took money and he never stuck around long enough for the reporters to get his picture. The betrayal of other villains was said to be unprovoked and nobody knew much about him. That level of unpredictability struck fear in the hearts of even the strongest villains.

Her natural reaction was still to get a safe distance away from him, but once again, she maintained a cool disposition. Trying not to give away her discomfort, she simply crossed her leg and offered a light smile as he sat down. “How are you Absalom?” 

“Fine.”

When it didn’t look like he was going to say anything else, she cleared her throat, “So, I’m curious, how did you know what my favorite flower was?”

“I…observed.”

“Not exactly the most settling thought.” She paused. “Should I be flattered or afraid?”

“Both.”

Once again, a silence settled between them. Siren didn’t know what else to say. There was really only one thing she wanted to know from him: just why was he there? 

She started to give up on anything coming from this initial meeting with him, but then an idea popped in her head. She could use her powers. She had three songs: one to put people to sleep, one to make people fight, and one to make people enamored. The effects lasted a few hours unless she purposely broke them out of it. But she’d been working on another song lately—one to make a person tell the truth. However, it wasn’t perfected; the effects only lasted a minute tops and she couldn’t control what they told the truth about. 

Taking a chance, she let out a melodic tune with the word ‘truth’ attached to it. At first, Absalom just stared at her, but then he started to speak.

“I don’t like Bad Djinn. I can’t swim. I came from Lockport. I used to put firecrackers in turtle’s shells for fun. I know why you’re here. I think we’re similar. I want—” Very suddenly, he closed his mouth.

He looked a bit jarred by what happened, and then narrowed his eyes at her. Siren uncrossed her legs and had the word ‘sleep’ on her tongue, prepared to get away should he decide to attack her for what she’d done. 

“If you ever do that again,” he said, standing up. “I will kill you.” 

He glowered at her as if to confirm his threat. The feeling of fear washed over her like a wave and her body tensed. His words reverberated in her ears as she watched him turn and stalk off. 

~One on One: Bad Djinn~

Siren was still a bit shaken after Absalom left, but with a deep breath, she managed to pull herself together. Just in time for Bad Djinn to arrive. She enjoyed watching the man walk toward her. While all the men were attractive, Bad Djinn was more of her type. There was something about a man with dreads and tattoos. It was a shame such looks were wasted on a man like that.

“Siren.” He walked over to her with open arms, waiting for her to stand. She debated about giving him a full hug at first, but stood up and did so. A hug meant very little in the grand scheme of things. Most touches didn’t mean much to her—like beauty, it was just another tool used to get what she wanted. Perhaps, a more fun tool. 

His touch lingered as they parted and he smiled. “You’re truly a beautiful woman.”

“So I’ve been told.” She flashed him a fake smile. “Have a seat, Djinn.”

He obliged her. “So…”

She looked at him expectantly.

“Are you excited to be here?”

“Sure.”

“What are you looking for in a man?”

“Let’s see…someone tall, someone handsome, someone confident…” She watched as he put his shoulders back, stuck his chest out, and grinned. “And someone who’s interested in more than just adding me to their scoreboard.”

“Is that why you think I’m here?” He shook his head. “I know I don’t have the best track record, but I’m a different man now. Only an idiot would think of trying to do that to you. You’re worth more than just one night.”

“Honeyed words I’m sure were spoken to other women.”

He smirked and for a moment, he just looked her over. She watched his gaze scan over her and eventually rest at her eyes. “If you could wish for anything right now, what would you wish for?”

“Is this the route you go to woo your women?”

“Indulge me.”

She let out a sigh. “I would wish for a mango tea.”

He snapped his fingers and a mango tea appeared in his hands. He smiled and held it out to her. 

She didn’t take it but just stared at him. “Your wishes come with a price.”

“True, but I’m a reasonable man. A mango tea for a kiss. Something to quench your thirst and something to quench mine.”

“Cute.” She smirked. “But it’ll take a lot more than a drink to get me to kiss lying lips.” 

He set the drink on the table. “All I’m asking for is a chance to redeem myself. I’d hate for my past mistakes to be the thing that keeps us apart.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not going to be the only thing.”

Djinn let out a light laugh then, and the same cheeky smile from before appeared on his face. Then he said something in a tongue she wasn’t familiar with. The closest she could compare it to was Arabic, though it was still different. He stood up and turned to go. “Until tomorrow, Siren.”

xXx

“This was a great first episode, Siren! We were at an all-time high in viewers today—all the villains in our district were tuning in.” 

Siren smiled at the producer, a balding man with an English accent that went by Mr. X. He sat on the chair behind the desk with a cup of tea in hand and a pleased look on his face. She’d never met him before she came to the show, and she found him to be interesting. He was a tier two with seemingly no fear or reverence of higher tiers. On top of that, he appeared to be a genuinely nice person; nothing about him said he was a villain. If this were outside of the show, she’d probably try to figure out what his game was.

“Glad to hear it.”

“Not as glad as me.” He took a sip from his cup and then set it back down. “Are you sure you don’t want anything to drink?”

“I’m fine. Mostly curious why you requested to see me.” 

“It’s nothing bad, love. Just a few things I need to go over with you before the next recording.” 

“I’m listening.”

“How do I start?” He sat back with a thoughtful look and folded his hands. “Our normal viewers are used to…fireworks…and that was the one thing lacking today.”

“Fireworks?”

“A lot of sparks between you and the guys—big laughs, long chats, meaningful snogs, alone time, and so on. Of course, these things happen as the show progresses, but it usually starts the first episode. We can get by today, you being a tier four and all, but we’re going to need you to be a lot more…sparky.” He took another sip from his cup before continuing, “Take Smoke, for instance. The banter between you two is great—no need to change that—but let’s stay away from phrases like ‘I guarantee I won’t choose you’ and ‘not if you were the last man on the planet’. The bloke can be a tad much, so I get it, but the audience still wants to believe he has a chance. The same goes for all the guys. Even if they don’t stand a chance, make the audience believe they do. You understand?”

“I do. You want me to fawn over these men for the sake of the audience.”

“That’s one way to put it. Another way is ‘act like you actually want to be here’.”

She paused. She knew her tongue was sharp and that she wasn’t the most inviting, but she didn’t realize how bad it came off. She blamed the show partly—with that selection of men, what did they expect? However, she was on a mission and that included laying it on thick. She’d have to improve her acting skills moving forward. 

She nodded. “That won’t be a problem.”

His smile returned and he gave her a thumbs up. “I knew you’d understand. You’re awesome, love. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know. We’ll make sure to get it for you.”

Quite tired of hearing that, she flashed a fake smile at him. “Right now all I need is some sleep so if you’ll excuse me.” 

“Right. I imagine you’re absolutely knackered, so you can go.” She stood up and started to leave, but then he stopped her. “Oh and one more thing. I don’t know if Dastard or Nightmare told you, but we’re doing a new thing this season. Every night, the viewers get to text in and pick a man for you to have breakfast with.” 

She internally groaned at losing the mornings to herself but kept a poker face. “Sounds fun.”

“Have a good night, Siren.”

xXx

As Siren headed out of Mr. X’s office and down the hall, she was surprised to find Bad Djinn turning the corner. He was on the phone and from the words she could pick up, it was something of a business proposal. He smiled at the sight of her, and slowed down, but didn’t stop walking. As he got close, he snapped his fingers and the mango tea from earlier appeared in his hand. Pulling the phone away from his ear and covering the mouthpiece, he said, “The offer is still good.”

Her first instinct was to take the tea and toss it in the trash, but with her previous conversation with the producer still on her mind, she gave a flirty smile instead. “Ask me again tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll be thirsty then.”

Djinn nodded with a grin and snapped his fingers again, making the drink disappear. He then put the phone back to his ear and continued his conversation. She made her way out of the building to where the limousine was out front waiting to take her back to the house.

The ride was slow and boring. She spent most of the time on her phone, scrolling through social media. She wasn’t surprised to find it blowing up with screenshots, pictures, comments and likes. Maskbook. Evilgram. Snaptrap. And her preferred app, The VL (Villain Lounge). People were singing her praises everywhere.

CaptainSkull: <3 Lady Siren was gorgeous today!

PoisonPrincess: I’m torn between Smoke and Wind Rider!

LethalLynx: “A mango tea for a kiss. Something to quench your thirst and something to quench mine.” So are we not gonna talk about that line???

MentalMercenary: Bruh. I thought Absalom was about to snap her neck. #thankbadnessforsecondchances

CrazyClawz: Am I the only one rooting for Flatline? I’m a sucker for the underdogs.

She couldn’t help but smile at being the number one thing trending. Things were going as planned.

For kicks, she looked at the other things in top news. Mercury Mask was pregnant after a scandalous affair with a hero. The city of Tarver was currently in a state of panic after an up and coming villain succeeded in kidnapping the Mayor’s son. And there was an interview with the tier four villain, Tornado Thrower about his proposal to a tier one villain. 

She hesitated at that last one, but then clicked on a short clip of the video.

“That proposal was amazing, Tornado Thrower. Causing an earthquake to spell it out on the ground while simultaneously destroying a town—true romance! So, tell us about your fiance. Most people have never even heard of her, her being a tier one villain and all.”

“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Inside and out. She has the brain of a mastermind and the heart of a precinct full of corrupt cops. I’ve been a tier four for a while now, but nothing has made me happier than having her in my life. It’s real love. I’d even be willing to retire from the crime life to start a family. And I know people are stuck on the fact that she’s a tier one, but trust me, her tier doesn’t reflect her actual ability. After all, nobody else could steal my heart.” 

Siren clicked off the video. For a moment, her heart actually felt heavy as if she had a weight in her chest. A weight of pure sorrow. She closed her eyes in pain, but when she reopened them, they were filled with anger. Her hands involuntarily balled into fists and her fingernails dug into her palm so hard that it pierced skin. Still, she only stopped squeezing when her car door suddenly opened. 

The limo driver extended a hand to her. “Ms. Siren, we’ve arrived.”

She blinked, surprised and took a moment to recover before taking his hand. “Thank you.”

He glanced at the small red stains on his glove and then at her hands. “Are you alright, ma’am?”

“Fine.”

He looked at her a bit longer before nodding, wishing her a goodnight and getting back in the limo. Quite finished for the evening, Siren quickly made her way to her room.