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EVERWINTER
Episode 4

Episode 4

Midir locked eyes with the new arrival, a detectable tension brewing in the air. It was evident that Midir harbored no positive feelings for the man who had just joined the conversation.

"...You may," Midir begrudgingly allowed.

Taking a seat right beside Ivory, the newcomer's smirk betrayed a sense of confidence, even as Midir continued to glare at him.

"So what brought Lorin V. Daystar, the Heir to the Daystar Industry, to our table? And alone nonetheless."

"I figured it'd be better for me to deal with this personally, so I came alone. At first, my purpose for being here was to try and recruit Helios to oppose Fenris, but it seems you've beaten me to it. Who are you?"

"So you're aware of what Fenris is up to?" Midir dodged the question.

"I am the son of the former World President. After his assassination, Indra took the throne. I have both my father's and Daystar blood flowing within me. Both the Daystar family and the world should belong to me, yet that child playing God doesn't know his place. As for what Fenris is up to, have any of you heard of the Madness Coliseum?"

"I've heard of it," Zero replied. "It's a coliseum where people have a free-for-all till there's one man left. It's an event Fenris hosts every summer."

Helios suddenly leans forward, not being able to ignore what Lorin had just spat out of his mouth.

"Son of the former World President…and half Daystar? Wait hold on-- You, heir to Daystar Industry? What makes you a side branch worthy enough to lead the main families company."

Helios stands up looking down at a seated Lorin, already annoyed by his arrogance.

"How come I've never heard of you? Why should you deserve something that I should get? I'm my father's eldest.."

Helios begins to unsheathe is katana trying to prove a point before Apollo of all people steps in between the two.

Apollo, who Helios forgot was even there, shakes his head disapprovingly as he shoves Helios out the way and interjects himself between the pair.

"...Lorin V. Daystar, I know of you."

Helios stares back at Apollo who somehow knows of someone he didn't even know existed.

"You also have beef with Fenris, I'm assuming he got your father killed or something?" Apollo obviously asks.

Lorin lets out a small giggle as he tilts his head in amusement, surprised that Helios wasn't informed of anything.

"Your father didn't even think it was worth telling you? That's so sad. Well if you're going to act like a child, I'll put in your terms. There is no your turn on the console. It's mine now. And you…"

Lorin turns to Apollo, recognizing him almost immediately.

"...Are you lost?"

Kronos can't handle the group already starting drama over some fucking bimbo who just appeared so he tries to go back onto topic. "Yeah. I remember the coliseum. Used to train there every now and then when I was still with Fenris. It's an underground arena people can fight in for money, or bet on the participants. The skill and level of the people ranged but it always ended with someone at least crippled temporarily."

"I recognize you. Good to have you join my side."

Lorin turned back to Midir to continue the conversation.

"Fortuna is what you all were chattering about earlier, right? Their next project is related to the coliseum, but I don't know much. Due to his greed for more fame, Fenris wouldn't bother hiding any of antics so it was easy to figure out. But…"

Lorin pulls out some sort of technological device, opening it to show a holographic scroll on the readings of detectable mana near the coliseum.

"Every fight that occurs in the coliseum, it’s barely noticeable but the amount of mana continues to rise even when it should vary depending on who's inside. Knowing Fenris, that dangerously high amount of mana could very well belong to--"

"Charlie Virtue," Midir finishes.

"Are you surprised? I am knowledgeable of this project myself. The coliseum is involved in a project revolving Charlie Virtue, and it appears they can't be relocated."

An excited grin marks itself on Akihiro's face, already getting distracted from the main objective at the thought of battling multiple underground fighters.

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"So that's where we’re headed first."

"Aren't you forgetting something, Aki?” Ivory daggers her eyes toward Lorin, unsure on whether to trust him or not. Midir was the first source of information they all got, and they had already agreed to join his side. He was hesitant to show his hand, proving he was trustworthy. But it feels like Lorin is trying to persuade them.

"Midir… why is it that you look at him that way?"

Midir sighs, wondering if it was even worth it to explain as he already knows how this meeting will end.

"Let's just say, Lorin is--"

"--after the same goal Fenris is," Lorin cuts off, as if revenge for being cut off earlier.

"To rule over the entire planet. Indra rules the world through delusions. And now, we're unsure if that waste-for-space is working with Fenris or not. His stunts for control are a waste of time and money, and I'd rather tell the truth to the people because it's easier and more cost-efficient. A little fear will control the minds of the common people. There's no reason to waste money on them."

Lorin reaches out his hand to Midir, waiting for him to accept his proposal of his help.

"In exchange for Indra's seat, I'll lend you not my help, but some of my assets at Avalon Arsenal, a building owned and run by yours truly which produces and storages military equipment. In example, Heirlooms. Now, don't keep me waiting for your answer."

Midir remained silent, not knowing much about Lorin's goal. There was still much to find out of how his mind truly operated, but alas, the decision has to be a vote. Midir turns to the others, waiting for their answer.

Helios is prideful in his own ability being one of the Daystars who struggled with his light powers at birth and being neglected by his own father due to not having the same potential as his siblings until Arya came along and trained him.

The fact that his own father placed someone out of the main family as the heir to Daystar Industry is absurd…and even worse, he has a bigger ego than himself.

Helios doesn't want to believe that his old man could be apart of Fortuna but why does he care? His own father refused to do anything with him after becoming World President, even though Arya claims that Indra is proud of Helios. Is it even true or was it a lie to protect her husband?

Helios glances at his group once more taking in everyone's current mood: Apollo doesn’t seem to be fazed by Lorin's statement…more like he seems to be interested. As he glances to his rival, Akihiro seems to be more intrigued with a fighting underground tournament more than anything with his own mother advising him not to trust the Daystar.

Helios glances to the other side where the others stand: Zero already seems to show interest towards Lorin due to tournament aswell, Selene & Eris are quietly exchanging whispers between each other…something is definitely going on between them and then Kronos. To be frank, Helios doesn't care about the little child in the mix but he's now apart of the squad and would protect his little ass if something happened before finally turning to Lorin.

"I'll be damned if I lose what's mine to a second fiddle to the main family."

"Of all the lousy--" Selene walks over to Helios dragging him back from Lorin before he creates a bigger scene with spectators whispering and pointing at the two of them, already embarrassed that her own brother won't stop picking fights even after graduation.

"Stop picking fights Sol, besides we need all the help we can get!"

"Even if it means sucking up King of the Assholes over there."

Selene glares daggers at Apollo's input with Helios mumbling in agreement with his statement, she turns to Eris who seems to be watching the whole ordeal leaning against Zero.

"Come on Aimi, please help me out here."

Eris looks at Helios, Apollo then Lorin and finally landing her gaze on Selene. She pats Zero's back before shrugging.

"I say let these two fight it out. To be perfectly clear, I couldn't care less about the dick measuring contest going on between these two. I just want Fenris."

Midir sighed, rising from his chair and began to step away.

"Wait," Ivory called out, confused about Midir suddenly deciding to leave. "Where are you going?"

"To the arsenal. If Helios can't manage to work together just because of something as small as this, I might as well go by myself. Running an industry involves science and finances, delving deeply into the city's economy. Helios, on the other hand, seems to only think about fighting to prove his worth."

Lorin chuckled, turning to Helios after Midir's comment. It seemed Lorin's expectations were tossed as he had expected Helios to be knowledgeable about, well, anything if he planned to be the heir.

"That makes sense now. No wonder why Indra won't hand him the industry; he wouldn’t know what to do with it the moment he got it."

Lorin gracefully rises to his feet and begins to head out aswell, turning towards everyone else a final time to lead them towards the arsenal.

"You coming?"

Ivory personally had no interest in the family fued, and obviously Lorin offered more help than anyone at the table. She did not hesitate to follow his lead as all she wanted was Fenris' head.

Akihiro glanced towards Helios, to see his expression. Lorin had offered his help, and Helios had begun to throw a tantrum over a position he had no knowledge of actually holding. They now had access to everything Lorin had, which was much more than what they had expected from Arienne. But Akihiro, a man of strength, believed that power decided everything. Nothing else mattered to him, except he didn't see emotional strength anywhere around Helios. Was he after the Daystar Industry, Fenris, or just anything he could get his hands on?

Just what are you fighting for, Helios?

Akihiro turned his back against the Titan Sun as he also began to follow Lorin's path.

"Come on, Eris."

"You're calling your girlfriend to come along?" Ivory snickered, trying to tease him about the two looking close. Obviously they weren't dating but everyone played like they were.

"Yes, I am. She brings better company than you do." Akihiro fired back, which actually seemed to affect Ivory but he didn't care.

Eris shoulder-passes Helios whispering something that only he can hear as Selene & Apollo walk ahead of her.

"Whatever you're doing, I'd recommend to save it for Fenris. I know you're frustrated with your father and Lorin triggered that."

She locks eyes looking at his golden eyes, even though shems probably the coldest person she can feel the warmth radiating off him…even when he'a in a shitty mood he's still a sun.

"Forget him and come along. You're our best ranged fighter and with Luna you two can combine your moves."

Helios rolls his eyes as he was tempted to leave the group and have them face Fenris alone while he sorted out issues with his father but he decides to go with them. He follows closely behind Eris and the others as he stops turning to look at Zero before waving him over to follow along.