Heritage

At the mention of drinks, Chloe looked sideways at Sariska and bit her lower lip. "I would love to grab a drink with you, Chrys, but I'm the designated driver tonight." Chloe frowned a little. A chance like this only came up once in a blue moon for Chloe. Sariska knew that. Still, Chloe was supposed to be going sober. Aftera severe case of dehydration after drinking nearly got her killed, it was something Sariska wanted to be sure of. As long as she was here, would there be anything to really worry about?

Sariska reached into Chloe's pocket and pulled out the car keys. "Not anymore," Sariska said, jingling the keys. "Knock yourself out, sis. Not literally though."

Chloe's whole face lit up and she beamed a smile. "Star, have I ever mentioned you're the best sister I have?"

"I'm the only sister you have."

"Pfft, details." Chloe took a step closer to Chrys and turned her smile to her. She was acing coy again. "So how about that drink? I'm ready for something spunky, got any favorites?"

{Sariska}

Music: "Alcohol-Fueled Dream"

Spoiler:

Chrys secured two stools at the bar for her and Chloe, while Sicily was at the other end attempting to get Aurora to try a drink. "If you want something real bubbly, you can't go wrong with Pixie Wings," Chrys suggested. "It's really sweet and makes you feel light on your feet. I had a few before I hit the dance floor just now. Wonder Blitz is my personal favorite, though, Sixela even recommends it. Get whatever you feel like, I'll spot you."

The bartender shot his head up at Chrys. "Funny seeing you here tonight," he said in a flat voice.

"You literally saw me come in here like two hours ago, Daven."

"Nah, not was I was talking about. Heard you were at the Ivory Palace last week, and I thought you up and chose a new regular hangout."

"A girl likes to have her options, don'tchaknow? Besides, I frequent like, twelve other places for drinks. Angel Clover just came back up in my rotation."

"Ouch. That hurts. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Maybe the other bartenders would like to know that you've been putting your lips on other glasses."

"Pshhh. Oh, you. I never get tired of your smartassery."

"And you can only get that brand of smartassery here. Don't forget. Anyway, what are you having?"

"Wonder Blitz for me, and get anything my new friend here wants on my bill."

"Gotcha."

"I think Pixie Wings would suit me just fine," Chloe said, nodding once to the bartender. It wasn't her first time in this place, obviously, but she never came to drink. The bartender wouldn't know her, if he did it was only at a glance. Chloe waited for her drink with her chin resting on her hands and a smile on her face.

"Keep an eye on Chloe for me, Chrys?" Sariska requested. "I'm going to make sure Sicily doesn't accidentally get Aurora killed."

"This is a regular haunt of yours?" Chloe repeated to be sure. "I'm surprised I haven't seen you here before. I'm usually hanging around here at least two nights a week, though I hardly have time for the dance floor or a drink as a bodyguard." Official title aside, all she ever did was talk or listen to others talk. "Rich kids tend to avoid dancing, usually."

Chloe took a sip of her drink when it came and hummed a satisfied tune. She pursed her lips to kiss the air. "Mmm, now that is a marvelous drink," she said, smiling at the bartender. "It's wonderful, thank you." Always kind to those who serve.

Sariska on the meanwhile met up with Sicily and Aurora, who was close to trying her first taste of alcohol. "You girls are behaving yourselves, yeah?" She asked. She, of course, didn't mean the question literally. Nightclubs weren't for behaving.

{Sariska}

"Yeah, no problem, Eric's girlfriend," Chrys assured Sariska. Chloe asked if Chrys was a regular, to which the detective laughed. Daven glared at her from the counter. "I've been to like, almost every bar in Yisten. I actually live in Qulver, and there's not many places to get drinks there - unless you're really into having pineapple and coconut mixed into everything. And ha ha, yeah, rich kids would pay others to dance for them if they could. All those bars of gold must be weighing down their legs. Maybe if they took the diamond stick out of their asses, they might actually enjoy themselves."

By the time Sariska made it over to Sicily and Aurora, there were already eight empty shot glasses sitting in front of the intern. Aurora swayed in her stool, looking as though she was about to keel over at any moment.

"Why is the room spinning?" Aurora slurred.

"Nah, it's not the room. You're just drunk," Sicily explained.

"You're drunk."

"Ha, I wish. Speakin' of which - 'Ey, barkeep! Pass me a Tiger Stripes!"

"Sure thing," Daven complied.

"There's a... hic... pink unicorn over there... does anyone see it?"

"In about eight beers, I probably will."

"Miss... Starrrrr... I didn't know... you had a twin. There's... two of everyone."

"Pfft. Star, she is so slammed. It's fucking great."

"Oh my god, girl you have no idea the silly requests they make," Chloe said with a laugh. "A guy I was guarding once asked me to do a handstand for him and gave me a twenty as incentive. I was wearing a dress at the time, mind you. I took the twenty and stared at him with my hand outstretched. He eventually ended up giving me a hundred before I laughed and told him he can go get some stripper to entertain him for that much. The look on his face was absolutely worth it, so I gave him his handstand and kept the hundred."

"But there are a few of them who are quite nice. I just wish some of them would dance with me instead of talk. I think there's a lot to say about a person on the dance floor." Chloe took another drink to wet her throat.

Sariska thinned out her lips trying to contain her laughter. She went to rub Aurora's back. "I'm thinking you've had enough of this for one night." She glanced at the cup and grimaced. Just what did Sicily give her? "While you're at it, can we get a glass of water for her, please?" She called over to Daven.

{Sariska}

"The girl just needs to let her system adjust to it is all," Sicily claimed. "Let her stick a couple of weeks with me and she'll be doing kegstands like a pro." Daven shook his head and poured the glass of water for Aurora.

"You don't seem like you make for a very good friend," he said.

"Well that all depends on your perspective."

"I was just making an observation is all," he shrugged. "It's just my personal opinion either way. I'd tell you to stop buying drinks, but that's kind of the opposite of what I'm being paid for."

"So we're both terrible people."

"Yeah. I guess so. If it pays the bills, then I'm not really complaining."

"Ugh... it's getting hot in here. Maybe I should... hic... take off my blazer."

"NOW it's a party!"

Chrys listened on to Chloe's anecdote, taking a slow sip of her drink.

"Hey, for a hundred bucks you could get me to do a lot more than a handstand," Chrys mused. "While we're on the topic of dancing, this place and the Cat's Eye Lounge is definitely two of the best joints to let loose."

"What, is dancing forbidden at the Ivory Palace or something?" Daven cut in.

"Nah, the Ivory Palace has a more... cozy feel to it, on the account that there isn't a whole lot of people there at any given time. The staff is really nice, though. I think you'd really hit it off with the bartender over there. You two share the same sense of humor."

"How'd you even find out about that hipster bar, anyway?"

"My cousin is a regular there. She recommended it."

"Naya goes there? Now I feel really betrayed."

"Please. Like we'd ever stop seeing you and your sunny personality."

Chrys turned back to Chloe. "Legend has it, that if you can make Daven laugh, you get seven years of good luck."

"You were the one that came up with that bullshit. Now everyone's spreading it around and telling me the shittiest jokes."

"Well that's how I know it's true! I am one of the most reliable sources in all of Winddrift, after all!"

"Well, just for you, Chrys - ha and fucking ha. There you go; enjoy your seven years. Go buy a fucking lottery ticket or something."

"Isn't he just the best, Chloe?"

Chloe giggled, delighted by Chrys' antics. She made a pitiable face at Daven, "I think you're torturing the poor man. Look, he's all heartbroken." Chloe couldn't help but smile despite herself though. "I've never heard of the Ivory Palace though, maybe I could go over and see what it's all about." Chloe looked at Chrys and made her eyes big. "I'd be thrilled to bits if you were there too."

Sariska sighed as Aurora started taking her blazer off. This was going downhill pretty quickly, in her eyes. The poor girl. "Alright, I think that's definitely enough for tonight," Sariska said. She took Aurora's hand and helped the girl to her feet. She'd carry her if she had to. "Come on, lets get you back to my apartment. Chloe! We're leaving!"

"What? Already?" Chloe's smile immediately vanished. "But...I haven't finished my drink!" She looked at Daven. "Can I get it to go?"

"Let's go, little sister. You can flirt with Chrys later."

"Wha-" Chloe suddenly went red. "Hey, come on! You get to flirt with Eric all the time!" Sariska grabbed her sister's wrist and pulled her away from the bar.

"See you another time, Chrys," Sariska said as she forced Chloe out the door. "You coming Sicily? Still need a place to crash, right?" She'd leave without the girl if not. Otherwise it was on to the apartment for her and the others.

{Sariska}

"Boo. Why you gotta break balls, Star?" Sicily protested. "I still need a place to hang out, though. Hastel doesn't look like it's gonna un-fuck itself anytime soon - not in a day, as far as I know."

"I can't wait to leeeeeave this boat," Aurora garbled. "I don't like boats... and I don't remember ever booking this cruise."

"A cruise actually sounds nice. We should go on one."

"Noooooo..."

"Alright, get her in the car and make sure she's lying on her side... in case, you know, she blows chunks."

Chrys waved at Chloe as Sariska pulled her away.

"Don't worry about it! I gave my number to your sister, so you can get it from her if you ever wanna talk!"

"Wow, I can't believe they're leaving just like that," Daven said dryly.

"Mhm... they look like a busy bunch."

"No, I mean the redhead didn't pay for all the drinks she ordered."

"Ooh."

"Give me your phone," Chloe was already reaching into Sariska's pocket before she could slap her sister's hand away. Chloe hissed when she did, and Sariska pushed her into the car. She ended up tossing Chloe the phone anyway, before she even got in because she knew she wasn't going to win this fight. Sariska helped Aurora into the car and laid her on her side, as Sicily suggested.

"I'd rather not you vomit inside the car, so if you feel it coming let me know and I'll pull over," Sariska said, though she wasn't sure if Aurora was going to understand her in this state.

"Oh my god, Star, normal people use names for their contacts," Chloe groaned.

"What? I remember numbers easier. Do you even realize how many Kenneths I know?"

"Oh, right. There were like ten of them in high school. You dated like three of them." Chloe snickered for a bit but stopped abruptly. "No, wait, that was me. My bad."

"I'll text you her number later." Chloe made a strangled noise Sariska had never heard her make before, but she eventually gave the phone back and crossed her arms. The trip back to the apartment showed no more talking out of the sisters and once they were inside Sariska got busy bringing Aurora in.

"Uh, you're staying here for the night," Sariska said after examining the poor girl. "Sicily, you might as well crash on the couch here. It isn't much, but we have a blanket and a pillow you can use. Chloe, do you have any clothes that will fit Aurora? I don't want her sleeping in her blazer."

"Have you seen her tits? Fat chance of anything I have fitting her. You're the one with the deceptive chest, not me. I strut my stuff wherever I go whether I want to or not." That earned Chloe a raised eyebrow. "Besides that, she'll be fine. Stick her in your bed and let her sleep. I'll let you borrow half my bed tonight in exchange for Chrys's number."

"Alright then." Sariska escorted Aurora to her room and put her to bed. In the morning she'd find out if she needed to clean her sheets or not. Once Aurora was settled, Sariska brought out a pillow and light sheet for Sicily. "There's bottles of water in the fridge if you need it," was all she would say before going to Chloe's room to turn in for the night.

{Intermission Pt. 1/3}

Yisten District - Ivory Palace

Music: Graveyard Shift

Spoiler:

"So did I tell you that I got a new neighbor?"

"Oh?"

"Yep. Apparently, Daniel moved out, and some new guy settled in on the very same day."

"A new guy, huh? What's he like?"

"Dunno. Haven't really talked to him that much, yet. He's kinda cute, though."

"My, my, are things picking up in this chapter of the book of Mia?"

"Pfft. If my life were a book, it'd be a shitty novella you'd find in one of those bargain bins at the grocery store. And since I've worked at a grocery store, I seen my fair share of shitty novellas."

"If it makes you feel any better, I'd buy it."

"Ha. You'd be the character in the story that's the overly agreeable and supportive generic best friend."

"So I'm nothing more than a character stereotype to you? Mia, I take exception to that."

"What, we don't like jokes now?"

"Oh please, you know I consider your humor to be a part of your whimsical charm. Why, if your wit was any drier it'd be like... nevermind."

"Yeah, well, you'll be the first to know if anything interesting happens with this guy."

"I'll be the first to know if anything interesting happens anywhere. Anyway, this overly agreeable and supportive generic best friend has taken enough of your time and has work in the morning. You have another customer incoming, anyhow. Oh and before I forget... your tip for the drinks tonight."

"Welcome back, penis dollar."

"Quite. Well, I'll be seeing you, Mia."

"Later, Naya."

"..."

"Welcome to the Ivory Palace, what can I get you?"

"Whiskey. Give me the whole bottle."

"Err... sure. You look like you've had a rough night... or week."

"Huh... what tipped you off?"

"Nobody ever really orders a whole bottle of whiskey... plus the bandages on your arm."

"Yeah. I suppose. I also lost a close friend. Can I get my whiskey now?"

"Yeah, sorry."

"..."

"Wow, you downed that like nothing. Does that take practice or just-"

"Is a man named Raul here?"

"Yeah, he's the owner."

"Can you get him for me?"

"...Okay. Hey Raul! Someone here needs to see you!"

{Intermission Pt. 2/3}

Winddrift City - Duple Corp (Rooftop)

Music: Distance

Spoiler:

"I thought I'd find you here."

"Alexis."

"You missed meeting the new incarnate today."

"Do I look like I give a damn?"

"Is that... a rhetorical question? You tend to have the same look on your face for your limited range of emotions."

"You just come here to harp on me being antisocial, or is there something important I need to know?"

"...No. My sincerest apologies if I came off as overbearing. You have my word that it was not my intent."

"So why are you here, then?"

"I may not be here to criticize you on your standoffish demeanor, however it is something that I would like to address."

"Get on with it, then."

"Well to start, may I ask why you're here?"

"Dunno. Being here just helps me think, I guess."

"What is it that you think about?"

"Just things about the past."

"I see. Exactly one year ago on this day, I recall you disappearing off for the entire day, only to wind up here in this very spot. I merely assumed you were shirking your duties at first, but seeing you here again precisely one year later has made me curious."

"Today would have been my brother's birthday."

"'Would have?' So then..."

"Yeah."

"My condolences, Zeto. I too know the pain of losing someone very dear."

"So is that all?"

"No. In fact, it's this sort of situation that has brought me here. I must admit, I am quite concerned for you. Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, you are part of our collective efforts in working towards Mr. Halkius' goals. This alone is enough for me to consider you a trusted companion."

"That's an interesting way of seeing it."

"I can tell there is a lot of suffering that torments you beyond your aloof guise, and it pains me to see a companion of mine in such a state. When our numbers were fewer, you were a bit more talkative with me. Just a little, but I noticed the difference. Have you come to dislike us, Zeto?"

"Dislike? I wouldn't say that."

"If I were to recall correctly, I used to be the one to solicit your many grievances. Granted, most were about Eva, but I enjoyed lending a sympathetic ear nonetheless. It was always refreshing to see your outspoken perspective. As time passed, you spoke less, and seem to have started going out of your way to avoid the rest of us. I know it may not be easy to place your trust in someone, but for what it's worth, I promise I will always be around and willing to sit down and talk with you."


"..."

"That's all I wanted to say. I'll leave you alone now."

"...Hey, 'Lex?"

"Mhm?"

"...Thanks."

"Of course, Zeto."

{Intermission Pt. 3/3}

Winddrift City - Duple Corp (Remote Somatology Lab C)

Music: Face Of Death

Spoiler:

One of Duple Corporation's research facilities is built on a small isle not too far from the Qulver District. An armed squadron of enforcers employed by Duple Corp has been deployed outside the doors. The leader contacts Halkius via electronic communicator.

"We're here, sir. Waiting on your command to move out."

"Good. You may proceed. As a reminder, your objective is to terminate the experiment and destroy any records you find."

"As for the scientists?"

"You have my permission to execute them."

"Understood. Move out, men!"

The squadron kicks open the doors to infiltrate the building, cutting off the power and sprinting down the corridors in formation. Many computers are destroyed and workers are shot to death, with the bloodbath and destruction leading up to the final doors of the facility. The doors are cut open and the squadron storms in weapons blazing, gunning down all of the remaining scientists. At the end of room is a closed, metal machine hooked up to lab's backup power supply. Its enormous structure is embedded into the wall and towers over everything else in the room. A single table is placed in front of the machine with a single sword lying on its surface.

"Objective found. Halkius says we just need to shut off the power to terminate the experiment."

One of the surviving scientists, bloodied and on the brink of death crawls over and grabs the squad leader's leg.

"Is that... what Halkius told you? You idiots... don't do it... you'll only wake her."

His words go unheeded as he is finished off by another bullet, and one of the enforcers places a shaped charge on the generator. The charge is detonated with a resounding explosion, and the machine begins to whir and hiss. The front compartment of the machine is flung off with tremendous force, and a lone woman emerges from the steam.

Spoiler:

"The experiment is still alive! I repeat the experiment is still alive! Kill it!"

The entire squadron opens fire on the woman, who just stands completely unfazed and unharmed by the barrage of bullets. The woman picks up the sheathed sword that has been sitting on the table in front of the machine.

"It's not working! Frag out!"

They toss their grenades and take cover, and after the chain of explosions goes off, ready their guns again. The woman darts forth from the smoke and begins eviscerating the squadron one by one before they can even react. The others continue firing off in vain, screaming as their executioner personally meets with each one of them - the gunflare flashing about and revealing her cold eyes with every spark. With the last one dead, the woman walks over to the leader's corpse and finds the communicator on his person. It produces static momentarily before Halkius' voice is heard.

"Hello, Victoria. It's good to hear that you're finally awake."

Music: Nobody's Morning

Spoiler:

Today was the big day, both for Sariska and Daniel. For Sariska, the greatly anticipated Battle of the Bands would be her chance to make her mark on the city. For Daniel, he would begin the first official day of working under Duple Corp. The morning sun would cast its rays through the windows of Caleb's manor, reflecting off the glorious painting that was affixed to the wall. The beam of light from Sam's asscheeks would then trickle onto Daniel's eyes and wake him. The painting was the first thing to greet him this morning, and somehow... it looked even bigger for some reason.

All of a sudden, the window's screens shut away the light of day, and the door to the room opened. Briarworth strolled in, carrying a metal plate of fruit and pancakes. He sat the plate next to Daniel on the nightstand, and poured syrup onto the pancakes.

"Pardon the window," the butler said. "But Master Caleb is the only one of us that can withstand the sun's light. He has instructed me to inform you that after breakfast, you may meet him outside by the limousine. He shall take you to your employer. I shall be taking my leave now." He bowed forth and then faded away into thin air, allowing Daniel to eat in peace.

Sariska would find that Aurora didn't make a mess of her bed, fortunately enough. Though the intern was still suffering from the aftermath of her alcoholic excursion. Her usually neat and well-kept hair was now disheveled beyond its original shape. As she walked down the hall into the living room, she would find Sicily already awake on the couch watching the television. The drummer of the band was eating from a bag of chips she kept in her purse and making a mess of crumbs all over the couch. Sicily turned her head when she heard Aurora walking in.

"Mornin' sunshine."

"Not so loud... my head..."

"Baby's first hangover! Yaaaaaaaay!" Sicily clapped.

"What day is today?"

"Battle of the Bands day. The one we practiced only one day for and have literally no chance of winning."

"Why am I in Miss Star's apartment?"

"'Cause you passed out last night from taking like eight shots of Cobra Venom. My bad, I shoulda started you with somethin' weaker."

"What are you doing?"

"Nothin' really. Just chillin'. Watchin' some news. Hastel hasn't cooled down a bit, it looks like. Also the city actually sold the WCPD to Duple Corp and now the entire gang war is in their hands. They appointed some guy named Austin Glastondale as the new Chief-of-Police as their first move."

"Ugh... when will my head go back to normal?"

"Just drink some water and go back to bed."

Sariska was doing her morning pull-ups in the hallway, watching the news with Sicily. She was frowning the whole way though. Things weren't really adding up here. Chloe came in from her room a bit later and saw Sicily sitting on the couch, making a mess of it with chips, of all things. "Seriously? We let you borrow the couch and you decide it's okay to get crumbs all over it? Talk about inconsiderate."

Sariska dropped and pulled the bar off the frame. "Oh lighten up, Chloe," she said. "We were gonna clean the thing tomorrow anyway. What's a little extra dirt? Besides, Sicily is going to need a place to stay that isn't in Hastel. We'll get her out of your hair eventually." Sariska then went to help Aurora, the poor girl. She got her some water and sent her back to bed. There was still plenty of time before they had to leave for the battle.

"I suppose." Chloe paused, looking at the television. "Wait, did you say Glastondale? I know that asshole!" She was visibly mad now, glaring at the man's smug face. "He's the one walking the streets at night preying on women. Slimy jerk thinks he can walk all over them just because they have to use their bodies to survive."

"Duple Corp are those guys who've been slowly eating up all the other businesses 'round town," Sariska mentioned, flipping through her phone to find more information. "Something's not right here. What kind of company announces buying out the police force? Do they want Hastel to get worse than it is now?"

"I can't imagine anyone at the WCPD taking this well."

Sariska quickly compiled a text to Eric. "Hey, heard the news. Glastondale sounds like a real piece of work. My sister has a few choice words for him. Everything okay?" Sariska sent it and then readdressed the others. "I'm not sure what's going on, but I smell trouble brewing. Hastel might not be the only district going up in flames soon."

Daniel was in the Cat's Eye, the hedonistic music pounding through the establishment to entertain its patron, business as usual. He couldn't quite remember why he had traveled there that night, but it didn't really matter in the end. he was just trying to have fun. A few drinks had been put down, making Daniel a tad tipsy, but a lot looser in the process. Pretty oblivious to his surroundings, he was dancing on the floor with a few others, not having a care in the world. Suddenly, he almost slipped up. Looking towards the offending foot, there was a slip of paper. Daniel bent down and picked it up, examining it. There was just a small note to look for a woman and a Beastfolke. His eyes widened as he reeled backward.

On the rooftop of Glotech, he stared directly into Freya's cold eyes. Her whip drawn, she didn't even say a word. "Freya?" Daniel backed up while Freya slowly advanced towards him.

"You made your choice, Daniel."

Daniel continued backing up, hitting the edge of the rooftop. He shook his head at Freya, who reared her whip at the ready. With a flourish, Freya cracked her whip at Daniel, causing him to move backwards...

...over the edge of the rooftop. His organs plummeted downward as he could feel no end to his fall. It didn't take him very long to approach the pavement on the surface.

"NO!" Daniel gasped and bolted up into the morning sunlight. In front of him was what would have been a glorious oil on canvas if its subject matter weren't of Sam's asshole. The window streamed in sunlight that foretold a day like any other. He took a look at his surroundings and wondered where he was for a moment before remembering all that had transpired the previous day. Right... That all happened.

Suddenly, the light was blotted out of the room. Startled, Daniel backed as far away into the headboard as he could before Briarworth made himself known. "Oh, it's you, Briarworth." Daniel heaved a sigh of relief and eased his tension, watching as the butler prepared his breakfast in bed. This life really was too good for him; hopefully he would be able to live on his own again soon enough. Briarworth informed Daniel that he would be able to head to work as soon as he was finished eating. "Thank you, sir." he said as the butler vanished into thin air.

Without too much more delay, Daniel passively checked his phone for any Exanet updates that he may have missed while he was dealing with yesterday's promotion while he ate the heavily syruped pancakes.

>Browse Exanet

{Daniel}

Winddrift Gazette

WCPD Now Owned by Duple Corp:

Eternal Dream Online Launch Flops:

UFO Spotting Reported in Xacshire:

---

{Sariska}

It only took a few minutes for Eric to send a return text.

"So far, everything's fine on my end. Just to be safe, it's best not to talk about him in public. If word gets around that someone's badmouthing him, then they're sure as shootin' gonna end up meeting him one way or another. I'm actually more worried about what might happen if he and Sarge start buttin' heads. I know it ain't gonna be pretty if it goes down."

Meanwhile, Sicily continued to stuff her face with chips until the buzzer on Sariska's door announced that she had a guest. "I'll get it!" she said, rising from the couch to answer the door. The guest was revealed to be a man dressed in a suit and tie, and looked too cheery to be natural.

"Hello!" he greeted in a tone to match his perturbing smile. "I'm going door to door to tell people about Duple Corp, and all the wonderful things it can offer you! Would you like a pamphlet?"

"No," Sicily replied, slamming the door in his face. The man could be heard walking over to the next apartment door and trying his luck with the resident living there.

"Hello! I'm going door to door to tell people about Duple Corp, and all the wonderful things it can offer you! Would you like a pamphlet?"

Sicily plopped back onto the couch and covered herself back up with the blanket to resume her morning.

"Don't worry about it Star, it was just some jackass trying to sell some shit, Iunno."

"Don't worry about it, Sicily," Sariska said. "I've got no interest in Duple Corp anyway."

"Oh, damn it Jeremy," Chloe said. She had her eyes locked onto her phone and started tapping a moment later. She threw out her hand when she was finished typing. "Jermy just texted saying he can't go to the concert today."

"Jermy?"

Chloe half sighed, half groaned. "He's got some dumb meeting with his dad's board of directors. Something about being bought out by Duple Corp. I have an extra ticket now, the hell am I supposed to do with it? Ask Karla?" Chloe scrunched up her face and stuck out her tongue.

"...Jermy?" Sariska shook her head. "Why don't you just ask out Chrys?"

Chloe hesitated. "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?!" She ran to her room, giggling the whole way while Sariska just laughed and shook her head again. She slipped into her jacket and rolled her shoulders.

"I'm going out for a run. Try not to make too big of a mess."

Daniel scrolled through the various articles in the Gazette, only mildly interested in Duple Corp's acquisition of the city's police force. What reason could Lionel have for buying the police of all things? Daniel mused as he finished his breakfast, leaving the silver and china on the nightstand. Then again, it's not really my business what he does with his money. After all, he's one of the most powerful people in the city, perhaps even more than that. He could probably buy out the government and no one would bat an eye.

Thinking less about the articles he read and more of what his first official day with Duple Corp would be like, Daniel got dressed and navigated (terribly) through the maze that was Caleb's mansion to the courtyard that the two had originally arrived at the day prior. As Briarworth had promised, Caleb was standing outside the limo, waiting for Daniel to arrive. Sheepishly, Daniel looked between the vampire and the limo, trying not to throw up everything he just ate. "Sorry to make you wait, Caleb. I'm ready." He moved to one of the rear passenger doors and reached for the handle.

{Daniel}

Caleb opened the door and made sure Daniel was seated. When the limo was started, Caleb seemed to have reverted to his old mannerisms, going about his casual way of speaking. "Wonderful weather we're having today," he broke the ice. "As good as Winddrift weather gets, anyway." He nudged his glasses upward as he took a quick look at Daniel through the mirror. "You don't look so well again, Daniel. I've noticed that this is a recurring issue with you. Do you get motion-sickness easily? Or perhaps... are you nervous about meeting with Mr. Halkius again?"

He let out a gentle, quick laugh.

"I suppose being a well-acclaimed trillionaire does cause one's reputation to precede them... but I assure you, Mr. Halkius is a considerate man with no bias towards those of lesser social standings."

Along the way back to the corporate headquarters, the limousine was halted at a lone stoplight with no other vehicles in sight. Approaching from around the corner were a group of youths dressed in similar jackets, each with the same snake-like design on their backs. They strutted around carelessly, until they spotted the limousine.

Music: Enter the Dragon Boas

Spoiler:

"Ayy, 'sup, rich fuck?" one of them called, driving his foot into the side of the car. Another one of the thugs unzipped his pants and pressed his bare dick up the window on Daniel's side.

"WUS GOOD, NIGGA?!" the thug with the exposed scrotum screamed. He laughed as he dragged his balls up and down on the glass for Daniel to see.

"Y'all rich faggots think you ball hard jusscuzz you got a limo? Y'all ain't shit!" jeered another member of the gang.

From the look of his face, Caleb appeared to be greatly unamused. He reached over to the stick shift of the limo and placed it in park, turning back to Daniel for a brief second.

"It appears some stragglers from Hastel have made their way into the other districts... Stay here, Daniel. I will return momentarily."

Caleb exited the car and stood to meet the apparent leader of the group. The gangster made sure to make himself look as tough as he could in front of his friends... by making sure his entire body was in random motion at all times - flailing his arms in idiotic poses. Without warning, Caleb's nails sprang out and delivered one quick swipe at the thug's face, ripping it clean off. The body collapsed to the ground lifeless, causing the cohorts to panic and flee the scene. Caleb returned to the driver's seat, wiping away the blood with a handkerchief, then continuing with the drive.

"His blood isn't even worth drinking," he scoffed. Caleb glanced back at the mirror and smiled. "As I was saying. You have nothing to fear from Mr. Halkius. In fact, he has the entire world to give - personally, you should be excited. We're getting closer now."

A few minutes down the road later, the two arrived back at the front of the Duple Corp building. The door was opened for Daniel and he was lead through the main reception area and into the corporate elevator, which took them to the top floor. Ryang stood by the door to the meeting room, presumably waiting for Daniel to show. She gave him a smile and nodded.

"Good to see you again, Daniel. Halkius and the others are waiting for you."
---

{Sariska}

Unfortunately for Chloe, Chrys would respond in a return text saying that she wouldn't be able to make the event due to her work. She would promise to make it up to her, however. As Sariska went on her run around the apartment, she would catch a group of taggers, spray-painting onto the side of a apartment building. Since the words of it weren't "Vergil's Pop Filter," they were most likely a gang marking new territory. The group was dressed in green jackets over white tank tops and jeans, each one carrying chains by their belts. They took quick notice of Sariska passing by.

Music: Jade Adder Empire

Spoiler:

One of them gave Sariska a quick up and down in her morning clothes and stepped forward.

"Daaaaaaaayum, gurl. Where you goin'?"

The group began fanning out, making a half-circle. They all watched Sariska with suggestive expressions, chuckles and hoots heard amongst the gang.

"You wanna play with the Jade Adders, baby girl?" another one of them called out.

"Naw, boi. I saw'er first. Y'all can have her when I'm finished though."

"Nigga, hush. Ain'tch'all ever learn to treat bitches? Gotta be smooth-like. Ay, baby girl. Wassoname?"

Sariska hit her stride with barely any effort. Hr muscles felt loose and light and she was barely breaking a sweat, so she upped her speed a little. She turned a corner and saw some guys blocking her way, spray painting an apartment building. She stopped and put a hand on her hip. A gang? Was Hastel burning so much it started leaking? Sariska wasn't invisible forever though, and they eventually left only one way out for her. They smelled like shit.

"You boys lost?" she said, pushing her hip out, taunting. "Hastel is that way, and judging from your faces, I'd say they're missing their doormats." This was time taken away from her run and she was already starting to lose her stride. Getting in a tussle with a bunch of pricks wasn't in her agenda today though, so once she was done talking she backed up and went to run around them.

Daniel took a seat when Caleb opened the door, not used to being coddled like a very important person. He reckoned he likely wouldn't ever get used to this sort of thing since he was brought up in a lower middle class setting and was still trying to work on paying off his student loans. The value of the "gift" that Caleb had given Daniel would likely make the cost of his loans a mere fraction of a percentage for the money that he would get by selling it... not that he could manage to do such a thing. If he didn't care for it, who else would? Gross.

Caleb made a comment about the weather being particularly not bad today. "Yeah, I agree. I don't mind a bit of sun every now and then, since I don't get to be outside during very much of the day too often. It's like I'm a vampire or some-" He realized what he was saying a bit too late. "Oh." He had been a bit too relaxed and slipped up. Embarrassed, he looked out of the window and away from Caleb's gaze.

Caleb asked why Daniel looked so unwell. Daniel didn't really think he felt too bad, though he supposed he was usually of a less than sunny disposition most of the time. The vampire suggested that perhaps Daniel was nervous about his first day working directly with Lionel. "I guess so. It's not every day - or well, any day, really - that you get to work with someone so rich and powerful. It really makes me think twice about everything I've done to get to where I am today."

The two stopped at a single stoplight on their way to the corporate building, when all of a sudden, a band of thugs approached the limousine in broad daylight. One of them in particular seemed to have a bit more swagger than the others came right up, pushed his foot into Daniel's door, and unzipped his pants to press his manhood in all its glory on the window for him to see. "Oh my god! What are you doing?!" He slid away from the window and looked between it and Caleb, unsure of what he could do to get this guy off of the car. The guy likely caused more damages to the vehicle than Daniel had in his possession, which meant if he were responsible for paying them off...

Caleb seemed remotely unphased, though, telling him to stay in the limo while he dealt with the problem. Cleanly exiting, Daniel could only watch as Caleb moved towards the pack of thugs, only the leader that had moments before had confidently approached the car and defaced it was showing any sort of retaliation in the form of strange gestures every now and again. Daniel was struck with fear as Caleb simply swiped at the leader with claws outstretched, and his life immediately ended.

The irrational fear that had been present with him this whole time made itself manifest with renewed force, immobilizing Daniel and leaving him to simply stare forward with a deadpan expression, leaving the rest of the ride in silence. He absolutely did not want to be anywhere near this vampire, and the fear he had for his life was tantamount; it was more than anything he could even think about.

The ride that Daniel had to share with Caleb to the corporate building could not have ended soon enough, though he was still having to be with Caleb. The vampire opened the door for him again, and he stepped out, silent. He was led through the entrance of the reception area and moved to the elevator, heading to the top floor. The dread didn't leave him as he made his way to the top; if anything it only got worse as that scene kept replaying in his head... He killed that guy so easily, as if it took no effort at all...

Ryang was standing outside the door to the meeting room when Daniel arrived at the top floor, as if she had been waiting for him to arrive. She greeted him, and her words soothed him, relieving some of his tension that had been building up over the course of the morning. "Likewise, Ryang." He smiled back and nodded to her. He approached the door to the meeting room. "I hope I haven't been keeping everyone waiting too long... Caleb and I encountered some... traffic." Daniel shuddered as he recalled what he was unfortunate enough to witness. "What's on the agenda today?" Daniel asked, trying to change the subject and think happy thoughts.

{Daniel}

"I'll allow you to get to your business then," Caleb uttered, already making himself scarce. Ryang opened the door to allow Daniel through.

"Mr. Halkius shall address our current tasks, and the rest of us are waiting inside."

Music: "Elements Aligned"

Spoiler:

The meeting room was the same as it was the last time Daniel here to sign his contract. The team Daniel had his brief introduction with was seated at the the long table, with one empty seat available after Ryang had taken her spot. The empty chair was next to a man Daniel had never seen before, but was presumably the one that the others had mentioned was missing the other day. Out of all the people in the room, he looked like the least interested in being here. A man with no sense of humor. He sat with arms folded, not even glancing once in Daniel's direction to acknowledge him. Next to him was Eva, curling a lock of her hair around her finger. Following Eva was the idol Sixela, sitting patiently for the meeting to begin. Cornelius and Demetrius were after her, with Demetrius fixating a permanent glare at Cornelius while the latter remained aloof. Ryang sat next to Demetrius, and at the other end of the table was Halkius himself.

"So good of you to join us again, Daniel," the boss greeted. "I trust Caleb has been nothing but hospitable?"

"'Ey, it's the new guy! Donny or somethin'..." Cornelius blurted.

"It's Daniel. Halkius literally just said his name," Sixela corrected.

"Right, I knew that."

"Honestly, Cornelius. What drives you to be so awful?"

"I'm a specialist. It's the best kind of person to be."

"So you say."

"It's like the saying goes: 'I fear not the man that's jerked off a thousand dicks, but rather the man that's jerked off the same dick a thousand times.'"

"Vous êtes vraiment un connard, j'espère que tu te rends compte de ça."

"No clue what you said, but thank you."

"Va te faire foutre."

"That's enough. I have brought you all here today to help Daniel become more acquainted with our operations. Daniel, this may come as a shock to you, but we have scouted you out because you possess an innate connection to the 'Children of the Stars.' It's an old story, forgotten by many - but I can assure you that is more than a mere fairy tale. The people you see here before you are inheritors of special bloodlines that connect all the way to the pure elements themselves. Ryang of the Air, Demetrius of the Earth, Cornelius of Ice, Sixela of Lightning, Eva of the Light, and Zeto of the Darkness. We have proven that you, Daniel, bear a connection to water. The drug test administered by your previous company was our way of testing matches for those that are an incarnate of the elements... and you tested positively. If you need further evidence, then anyone here can demonstrate their power for you. Sixela, if you would?"

The idol rose from her seat and held her hand up high. Electricity began to crackle and spark from her hand, filling the entire room with a flash. She had perfect control of it - the wave of lightning moving with her hand as she swayed it about. With a clench of her fist, the lightning made a loud crash and dissipated into thin air. Sixela then sat back down.

"Of course, to awaken this ability, there is a certain... procedure that must be followed. This is why we are here. Daniel, you will be prepared and trained to awaken your power. Afterwards, we will seek the last incarnate; the incarnate of fire. Do you have any questions so far?"
---

{Sariska}

A wave of amused "oohs" went through the gang as Sariska insulted them. As it was, there were eight of the thugs. One of them cracked his knuckles and spat on the concrete. "Ohh, looks like we got ourselves a real bad bitch, here," he sneered. "I don't care if you a ho, we'll still beatcho ass if you fuck wit' us. We 'bout to teach you some respeck." The gang closed in Sariska, but as one threw a punch, a snagging sound snapped and there was suddenly a whip coiled around his fist.

"Does it seriously take all of you to fight one girl?"

Everyone turned to see the other end of the whip, finding a woman clad in a single-piece leather suit. She narrowed her eyes and bared her teeth.

"Shameful."

The gang turned on her, charging at mysterious woman but was met wish swift lashes across their bodies. The woman brandished her whip with incredible speed, making sure not a single thug would even make it to her. The whip found its way around the leader of the gang's neck, and the woman pressed her foot into his back to apply additional leverage. The man struggled and struggled, but would quickly find his own face slowly turning into the color of a plum.

"I don't ever want to see the likes of you here ever again, got it?" the woman demanded with authority. "Now you boys run along before you make an even bigger embarrassment of yourselves." The thugs fled, shouting out curses and swearing payback while the woman ignored their empty threats. She looked over to Sariska.

"Are you alright?'

Sariska was ready for the fight. One threw a punch at her, wide and obvious but the throw stopped before Sariska could even bother to dodge it. Their attention went to another girl in an odd getup. The whip was an interesting touch, she certainly wasn't police. The whole gang turned around and charged her - big mistake. Sariska grabbed one by the cuff of his shirt and threw him over her shoulder. She wasn't about to let this girl have all the fun.

He slammed up against the building and crumpled. Sariska squatted down a few feet from him and glared, listening to the whip crack behind her. The guy was out cold, but alive. The other members of the gang soon fled. Sariska laughed a little when the girl asked if she was alright.

"You don't know who I am, do you?" Sariska said. She spoke lightly, she didn't know who this woman was either but would be thrilled to find out. "It's alright though, not many people do know me. I'm Sariska Eternal. Needed or not, thanks for the help. I think there's been a leak in Hastel ever since the place went up in flames. Antagonizing gangs isn't really a hobby of mine, but I guess there's no helping that now. Not that Duple Corp is helping the situation either." Sariska sighed and scratched her head. "I ought to get back to my run. See you around?"

Daniel went into the meeting room and saw mostly the same people that he had the day prior. There was a new addition, but the black-haired man seemed like there were a million other things that would be better than sitting in this room. Daniel was of a different opinion. He was intimidated by being in the penthouse of what was most likely the most powerful building in the world. He was delighted to be a part of this meeting, though frightened at the same time. The fact that everyone was gathered together was unnerving in and of itself, though everyone else there seemed to not really think the same way.

Lionel introduced the meeting asking Daniel how Caleb's hospitality was. "Caleb's been very kind to me. Too kind, at times." Daniel chuckled as he took a seat between the man he had never seen before and Ryang. He felt a similar vibe to Caleb, though this man didn't look anywhere near as imposing at first glance. Cornelius and Sixela had an exchange that Daniel yawned through. His sleep wasn't very peaceful last night and he didn't feel very rested.

That was when things truly became ... interesting. Lionel told him that he bore a connection to some "Children of the Stars". "W-what?" The whole random drug test wasn't just that. His mind flashed back to the email the mysterious person sent him, warning him not to partake of it. It had never occurred to him that there would be something ulterior that was attached. Lionel explained that he had a connection to the element water, and as he explained what each of the others at the table were connected to, Daniel's eyes got wider and wider.

No way... This can't be real... Caleb, Ryang, Mishka... They were all right? Daniel was shaking his head in disbelief as Lionel asked Sixela to demonstrate for the group. The idol stood and splayed her hand, lightning bursting forth from nothing. She controlled the wave of energy perfectly, dismissing it with a flash after a brief moment. Daniel was washed over with disbelief as she sat back down at her place at the table. But I've never been able to do that! I've never felt any different from anyone else, at least, I think I haven't. Water doesn't do that for me, it never has... and I've never felt anything special from any water I've been around.

Daniel's mouth hung open as Lionel then explained that he was not yet awakened, and there would be a "procedure" he would follow to come out of this dormant state he was apparently in. He just saw something happen that he thought was impossible, and looking back around the table, it was likely that each of these people could likely do something similar with their element. He closed his mouth and held his head down. They were all right. Besides, what did he know? Lionel had more money than anyone else in the world, and money bought knowledge. He probably knew Daniel better than Daniel himself, and if he was able to say with confidence that he was somehow like all these other people, then there was no use in trying to resist any longer. He had to accept what was being offered to him. Freya's words came back to mind.

You've made your choice.

Daniel looked back at Lionel with a deadpan expression. He indeed had made his choice. Why not just go with the flow? "No. What would you have me do, Mr. President?"

{Daniel}

"Ryang, Demetrius, and Cornelius will be the ones to prepare you for what is to come, Daniel," Halkius explained. "They shall train you for combat. Once your power is unlocked, I want you to personally seek out the missing incarnate. The incarnate of fire."

"Understood, Mr. Halkius," Ryang obliged. "I will ensure that Daniel will be ready to meet his 'Bloodline Spirit.'"

"You can't be bloody serious!" complained Demetrius. "Bad enough I gotta look at that bloody knobhead Cornelius, but now you want me to babysit this tosser? I don't like it!"

"This is for all of our best interests, Demetrius," Halkius went on. "If you wish to continue using the facilities of the company, then you must."

"Fine! But I want double the 'target dummies' when I'm done!"

"That can be arranged."

"So how's this going to work?" Cornelius brought up.

"You will take turns sharing your expertise on anything that will help Daniel prepare for his awakening. I will leave it in the hands of you three to decide what order that shall be. Who wishes to be the first?"

"Not it."

"Not it."

"I have no qualms with taking the lead."

"Very well. The four of you are dismissed so that you may begin. Sixela, you may leave to take care of your upcoming matters as well."

Ryang, Demetrius, Cornelius, and Sixela rose from their seats and Ryang placed her hand on Daniel's shoulder to signal him to follow. They all headed for the elevator outside the room, which surprisingly had ample room for all of them, even with Demetrius' large stature.

"Are you certain you want those three train him?" Eva asked Halkius, her head resting against her hand in boredom.

"Do you have any objections with my decision, Eva?"

"No objections, just concerns. The fat oaf Demetrius is probably going to try and eat him at some point, and Cornelius is most likely going to teach him wrong on purpose or teach him something useless. I do have confidence in my fellow woman Ryang to be competent, however she is still the least experienced out of all of us. Personally, I could whip that poor excuse for a human being into shape. I can make him at least passable."

"I second that motion, Halkius," Zeto added. "Let her train the newcomer, and allow me to finish my business alone."

"I appreciate the input from the both of you, however it is best that I have you two remain on your current tasks."

"So close."

"How typically male of you, Zeto. You've been trying to avoid my help this entire time. When will you realize that you need me for this?"

"I need you like a snake needs shoes."

"Speaking of the last task that was assigned to you both, have either of you found any leads regarding the sabotage attempt?"

"It's none of the Hastel gangs, I can assure you that much."

"None of the rival corporations prior to the mass takeover either."

"I see. Well, I'll have to redouble our security measures for now then. I trust the two of you will report to me if you find anything?"

"As always."

"If I find anything. And if I'm around."

"I suppose that's as good an answer that I'll ever get from you, Zeto. Very well. You two are dismissed."
---

{Sariska}

"Wait," the woman called out to stop Sariska. "You're Sariska Eternal? Mishka spoke about you. You know Mishka, right?" Her eyes now carried the look that one would have when there was a great burden hanging over them. "I'm Freya. Mishka has been looking after me ever since I was little. Well... he used to. The thing is... Mishka... he's... he's..." Freya was choking from her tears as she attempted to muster the strength to finish the thought.

"He's... gone. I just thought you should know."

Freya's head hung in grief, facing the cold concrete with her arm trembling. "We ran into trouble and... and I don't even know if he's still alive. I'm sorry. I couldn't do anything."