Chapter Text
As the morning sun rose, Saparata woke up in excitement. Last night he had received a message from his sister to come visit her kingdom so today he will visit Tricolour and see what the people we're up too. He quickly got dressed–heading down the stairs of the house he saw Flux who looked like he didn't sleep much at all last night.
"Are you alright? You look like you didn't sleep at all." Saparata asked looking at his bestfriend with concern. Flux blinked at him and sighed, " I'm fine, where are you headed?"
"I plan on visiting Tricolour today, Jophiel asked me to come over as she wanted to talk about something and just hang out you know?" Saps answered gleefully. Flux nodded at him–wishing him safe travels as he headed out of the house–out of Luminara to visit The kingdom of Tricolour.
As he traversed the land, he couldn't help but find peace in the islands beauty. The blue skies–the green grass and... "Hello Saps!" Someone yelled out, Saparata yelped–jumping up in suprise. Oh.. it was just Ish.. He quickly recovered from his fright.
"Ish... Don't scare me like that again" Saps said in a disapproving tone, as Ish chuckled at his reaction. "Where ya headed Saps?" Ish asked as he floated on Saps' right side. Saps smiled, "im headed to Tricolour. I just decided to take my time as too enjoy the beauty of the island."
Ish smiled back, "well I have nothing much to do–so I'll come walk with you!" Ish suddenly dropped down and started walking with Saps. Which was... Shocking, the god-like being rarely ever walked on his own two feet–always preferring just floating about the place.
But Saps once again found peace, and started talking with Ish about random stuff–The weather, his plans for this world, his time in Luminara. And right when Saps was about to ask Ish about Yggdrasil they finally arrived.
Tricolour was... Simply put—breathtaking.
It was only day 2 but they already had so much plans laid out for the future–and really it was to be expected. The kingdom was under the rule of Queen Jophiel. Under her leadership the kingdom had 3 regions–the scarlet, azure and verdant regions.
It was a system that promoted inclusivity towards it's people, they could pick what region suited them best and they can thrive alongside people with similar interests as them. If Saps didn't plan on not being involved in any of the nations, he would most definitely live here.
And who wouldn't? This kingdom was beautiful–flourishing lands, peaceful citizens and of course...
"SAPS!!!" Saparata smiled. His older sister.
Jophiel was quick to hug her younger brother, and Saps was quick to hug her back, resting his head on her shoulders. It was a tight and warm hug, the kind that his older sister always used to give to him when they were younger. God, he should really visit his siblings more often.
Jophiel pulled back a little smiling, "oh.. my little brother, I've missed you so much." Saparata giggled into his hand, "i've missed you too Jophy, but I believe you called me for something?" Saparata asked.
Jophiel let out a tsk, "always so quick to get too business. Can't an older sister want to spend some time with her brother first?" She sighed before continuing, " Tho I suppose your right I have some matters to talk with you about. Let us head to my temporary cabin."
Only then did Saps noticed that Ish was gone. Where did he go? Oh well, Saps will see him another day.
Jophiel quickly led Saps into a cabin, it wasn't extravagant or filled with artifacts only the riches king and queens would have. No–it was homely, warm and filled with pictures of the 4 siblings. He smiled warmly–of course, his sister has always been sentimental. Jophiel led him into the living room, as she started to make tea for them too drink as they talked.
Saps couldn't help but wonder why his sister had called him here to begin with–he quickly got his answer.
"Well your probably wondering why you're here, and i'll get straight to the point. At dawn i'm hosting a meeting between all the leaders of Pandora–and I want you to be the mediator." Saps was taken aback, his sister knew that he didn't want anything to do with the island's politics so quickly tried to deny but Jophiel cut him off.
"I know it's a big ask but I think you would be perfect for this role–you've always been a level headed person Saps. And your only there to make sure things don't get out of line." Jophiel said trying to convince him–she was quick to notice that Saps still looked doubtful so she continued.
"And Flux sent me a message last night–also promoting you to be the mediator–please Saps.... Do it for me?" Jophiel asked with desperation in her voice, it was silent for a few moments until Saps sighed.
"Alright..." Jophiel smiled widely and was quick to hug her brother–they stayed at the cabin for a few more moments conversing about what they've been up too and their brothers–wherever they may be right now. But as the minutes ticked Saps excused himself so that he could build a little meeting place for later.
As Saps headed out of Tricolour–searching for a place to build the meeting location he sighed–why had he agreed to this? He didn't want to be involved in any of this. This was going to be bad, what if he accidentally started a war or something? Whatever he had already agreed and there was nothing he could do about it.
He found a place in the middle of the island, it was nice and had trees that shaded the the area so he built a little meeting table–it wasn't anything fancy just a meeting table and some chairs. He doesn't exactly know how many leaders there will be–but he hopes he crafted enough chairs.
Once he was dones he packed up all his stuff to tell Jophiel about the location of where the meeting will be held so she could spread the word with the other Leaders.
Somwhere in Luminara
Flux was stressing–Ish, what if he messed this up again? What if he gets demoted again–then he wont be in a position of power and he'll be out of the loop.
He needed to calm down–so he headed to the shore of Luminara–where Saps had lead him last night and was quickly calming down from the amount of questions that flooded his mind. He sat down–as he looked at the vast ocean he was reminded that across from there is a bunch of suffering people.
Struggling because of the shortage of food, thirsty because the water was to hot to drink, scared because of the volcano–and his sister was there. His sister who made harsh decisions just as he did for the betterment of her kingdom. He couldn't wait to see her again.
When she died it had been painful–he was sure. So many people attacking her from every direction. And the moment that her death message appeared in chat the world seem to freeze–well atleast it did for him.
Because his sister was gone–and he was still fighting people off. He couldn't defend her the same way she had defended him when they were younger–but this time maybe he can save his sister so they won't ever have to suffer again. He wonders if Cynikka would've liked Saps if they weren't in the opposite sides of war.
He sighs, finally standing up and going back to Luminara where all of the people have quickly settled in. He spotted his friends in a grassy area with someone new. Oh... It was newkids. The youngest member of the conspiracy. Who died way too young, but of course he had to pretend like he didn't know that. "Who is this?" he asked as the others yelped startled by his sudden appearance.
He almost laughed–if they were in the original world. They would've never been startled by that. Far too aware of everything around them.
"Flux! You scared us... This is Newkids we're helping him settle in." Rotation answered him, but Snowbird looked at him with concern, "Where did you go? When we woke up you weren't there and neither was Saps. Is he with you?" Snowbird asked in a worried voice.
" I just went to the shore to clear my mind–Saps isn't with me, he went to Tricolour apperantly Jophiel asked for him–probably because of the meeting later at dawn." Snowbird frowned in confusion.
"Why would Saps be involved in the meeting later? I recall him saying he didn't wanna be apart of anything political?" Snowbird asked, Flux shrugged and answered "I vouched for him to be the mediator of the meeting–Jophiel agreed and said she'll ask Saps herself."
Snowbird still looked concern but quickly brushed it off in favor of helping Newkids with settling in. Flux started helping until Gotoga suddenly brought up island one.
"I heard they were spreading propaganda in their island, something along the lines of death to island 2." Gotoga said to the others as they were tidying up the place. "Maybe that will be bought up in the meeting.. I mean it's a pretty big issue. What do you think Flux?" Thomas asked him.
Flux thought of it for a second–I mean what could he say? That he had already lived thru this and knew for a fact that the people of Yggdrasil didn't mean any harm. That the moment the people of island one stepped into Pandora they would not be greeted by swords instead by curious faces? But that would make him look suspicious–he had always been protective of what was his and this island was his home.
Until he settled for an answer, "It's definitely concerning... I suppose we should just keep an eye out for them." God he hopes that answer didn't make him look suspicious–his friends nodded hesitantly and they continued tidying up as he excused himself and Thomas so they could get prepared for the meeting in place of 3below.
"You're acting off. Normally whenever anything threatens anything you consider yours–you would consider it an outrage. What's going on Flux?" Thomas asked once they were finally far away from the group. Surely it wouldn't hurt to tell one person right? He needed someone to be by his side throughout all of this and Thomas has always been like a brother to him–screw it.
"It's just that..." He paused his walking, "I'll tell you after the meeting Thomas you deserve to know." He said before continuing walking to the coordinates that Jophiel had sent.
Thomas sighed–his face twisted in concern, "whatever it it Flux, you know we're with you. We're not loyal to Luminara, or 3Below–but too you. Remember that, always." Flux bit his lip and nodded as they continued walking in silence.
Once they arrived they spotted the siblings conversing with each other. Saparata sitting at the foot of the table with Jophiel at his right–the latter quickly spotted them, "Ah! Flux, you've arrived. Your a bit early me and Saps we're just talking with each other." It's true that he and Thomas were early. Very early–but he thought that he should get the Queen of Tricolour's opinion on the Propaganda.
Afterall, she was quiet in the original meeting. Shaking her head in silent disapproval of Flux's views of Yggdrasil. Behind her stood her quiet bodyguard–Seraphim.
He remembers her–the one who killed Queen Jophiel in another lifetime. He'll make sure that won't happen again... Somehow.
"I've come early to ask you if you've seen Yggdrasil's propaganda about our island?" Flux asked. Jophiel nodded claiming that was what she and Saps were talking about prior to his and Thomas's arrival, " I don't believe they mean that tho. I'm sure it comes from a place of.... Hurt. It has only been two days in this new world, but those two days have been cruel to them." She paused pursuing her lips before continuing.
"They live in a place with a volcano that threatens their island constantly, hot water and i've heard their island only has one tree. How miserable a place like that must be." She finished, looking sadly in the direction of Yggdrasil. Separated from them by a border.
Saps held her hand that was on the table, "We'll have to bring it up with the other leaders–see what they think should be done about this. For now tho let's wait for them, yeah?" Saparata asked as the other nodded. Flux sat at Sap's left with Thomas settling to just standing behind him.
The siblings got into a conversation once again–asking Flux his thoughts from time to time, but he was mostly just looking–for what exactly? If you him, nothing in particular. Just whatever was easy on the eyes.
If you asked Jophiel, Seraphim and Thomas, he was looking at Saps–analyzing the details of his face underneath the thin veil, the soft and constant smile, the beauty marks underneath his eyes, and the overall gentleness of Saps' features.
Jophiel swears she has never seen anyone looked so mesmerized at someone who was just... talking–but Flux has never been subtle about her brother. It's just that Saps is a bit... oblivious, Ish bless her brother.
The representatives of the other nations arrived shortly and once concluded that each nation had arrived he started the meeting, "Alright.. wlecome everyone to the first meeting of the nations of Pandora. Uhm–today we will be adressing the locations of each nations, plans for the upcoming days and of course... Yggdrasil."
The representatives nodded. The ruler of the Cass coalition, CallmeCass began, "perhaps we should start with talking about island one's.... rather horrible opinions of us?" The others again nodded in agreement.
Fluixon should really just keep his mouth shut–perhaps just stay quiet and observe for the whole meeting but he couldn't help himself. The possibility was still there so he hardened his composure and asked, "what do we do if they attack us? If they evade our island and steal our riches like their propaganda says they will?"
AlkalineAlke looked at him raising his eyebrow, " I don't believe they will attack us, their severely undergeared. If anything we should help them out–Ish knows they won't survive in that island for long." Most representatives nodded, god this guy again. He was just asking a what-if. Whatever he needs to remain calm so he can propose unity and not get demoted for it.
"I'm simply asking, for as much as they need our help–there is still a possibility of them attacking us and that's not a risk i'm willing to take." Flux stated in an even tone. Beside him Saps smiled, of course Flux would consider every possibility however unlikely they may be–that's something he has always admired about Fluixon.
".....What do you suggest we do then?" Cass asked Flux hesitantly. It was quiet for a few moments before Flux inhaled and replied, "Our nation, Luminara–plans to build a bridge that will be connected to Yggdrasil. It will be used to send aid to island one. I believe each nations of Pandora should contribute to this. Send them aid, harbour them if they so wish–but I also believe we should unite our island as one, so that we could be prepared incase any attacks happen." Once he finished it was momentarily silent before President Alkaline spoke once more,
"That's utterly ridiculous, I mean the first part is sound–it's a given that we help them in good faith, but I don't think there is a need for us to unite. Yggdrasil already has enough problems as it is. There is no chance that they will attack us. I think you're just trying to get full control over the entirety of Pandora" Ish–this guy wasn't one for an open-mind huh? Good thing he was a few seats away from Flux–he would've strangled him if he was close.
"What are you talking about? Just because they are struggling doesn't mean that there isn't a possibility! And–" Flux was clearly getting irritated, his voice was rising so Saparata quickly interrupted him.
"Alright–alright, that's enough. Every single one of us have differing opinions so we should put it up to a vote!" Everyone nodded, thank Ish for Saps he was really close to exploding like he did in the original timeline, "All in favor of sending aid to Yggdrasil say aye!" Everyone around the table said Aye.
Saps nodded and continued, "everyone in favor of unity between each nation say aye!" Flux was the only one who said aye. What? We're these people stupid?
"It's a stretch to think island one will attack. I don't believe there is a need for an island unity but if there ever is then... We'll just figure it out along the way." Cass stated as the others nodded along. Fine–fine, if that's what they want. Flux will let them have it their way.
"Alright.." He said in a hushed tone. The meeting continued–he remained quiet for almost the entirety of it.
Once Saps declared that everything was settled for the time-being the others started to leave he choose to stay behind and help Saparata clean up the place. After they were done he said his goodbye and started walking back to Luminara–Thomas quick on his trail. But Saps stopped them by holding on their arms.
"Wait! I–it's just that. I wanted to tell you your plan was good uhm and I noticed you only wanted what's best for Pandora and uhh yeah!" Saps said quickly with a light blush on his face. He let go of his and Thomas's arm before continuing, "I plan on building a vacation home and I wanted to ask for you and you teams help if that's alright?"
"......Thank you Saps, of course we'll help you. Anything for a friend. See you soon." Flux said nodding as he and Thomas started walking once more.
Once they were a good distance away from Saps, Thomas chuckled, " Man, you two really need to get it together." What? "What is that even supposed to mean?" Flux asked in an offended tone.
"Im just saying! 'anything for a friend?' yeah your really not trying to be subtle at all are you?" Thomas said obviously finding humour in Flux's expression. " Whatever you're thinking–stop it. I meant just that anything for Saps. Who is a friend." Thomas held his hands up chuckling as they continued to walk in silence.
Once they arrived back in Luminara, Thomas headed home but he went straight to President 3Belowzero's house to update him of what had occur in the meeting. He walked nervously towards the President's house–if he gets demoted again, his task of bringing a 'happy ending' into this world would be a lot more difficult.
He stood outside rhe house and knocked. Once 3below opened the door and let him in– he started informing 3Below of what had occur, 3Below looked shock and scolded him for almost losing his temper with the President of Aperion. 3Below sighed and let him off with a warning–claiming he needed to control his temper better.
Thank Ish he didn't get demoted. He stepped outside the presidents house and started walking towards his. As he opened the door he spotted the others in the kitchen–they looked at him but there was a new face–well not really. It was Seraphim. Why was she here?
"Flux, this is Seraphim the bodyguard of Jophiel. She wanted to talk to you so we just let her inside." Snowbird informed him. He know that but oh well, "Nice to meet you. I mean no offense by why are you here?" Flux asked. Surely Seraphim doesn't plan on betraying Jophiel again.
"I wanted to say.. I agree with you and your plan of uniting the nations of Pandora. I came here to ask if you have any plans to further suggest your ideas into the other nations. Or have you just given up on that?" Seraphim asked.
"I– well I wanted to enforce that unity, but I don't think it's gonna work." Flux answered but a few moments later an idea came to his head, "Perhaps you should join us? You can still be Queen Jophiel's bodyguard–but what if we make a pact. We can be this Pandora's defenders. We can make preparations if Yggdrasil does choose to attack." Flux stated, Seraphim looked at him and.....
Nodded, "That's a good plan, perhaps I can make some secret bunkers in Tricolour incase of any attack.... I'll be back tomorrow to help you. This island isn't gonna defend itself encase of an attack." Seraphim stood up, "I'll head out now, my queen is probably waiting for me. I wish you luck Mr. Flux."
She headed out and closed the door with a soft click. The room was silent before Rotation spoke, "So... Pandora's defenders? Not that there's anything wrong with it just.... A little straight forward no?" The others nodded.
"We're not calling ourselves that–let's call it....The conspiracy" Flux said hesitantly–not sure if the name should be the same. Before the others started expressing their agreement with the name of there team–Snowbird claiming that it sounded ominous–the others laughing in agreement.
And one by one they started heading into their respective rooms, and just when Flux was about to head up the stairs to get some rest–Thomas stopped him, "You said earlier that you would tell me what's going on? So go on." Right... He had forgotten about that he looked around, before exiting the house with Thomas on his trail.
They headed to the shore–he's been coming here a lot lately. He looked around again. He wasn't sure if no one was supposed to no about this–Ish never told him, but he needed someone else to know and who better than the one he thinks of as a brother.
He sat down and so did Thomas, "Im gonna sound crazy when I say this but...." He started explaining about the original timeline–of how they betrayed Saparata in the very vacation house they helped him build, of how Seraphim who was at their house just a hours ago had killed Jophiel, of how Thomas had bribed the judge at Saps' trial and he returned home with a hardened expresssion but the guilt was still evident on his face, of how Yggdrasil didn't attack and Snowbird needed to excuse himself–all the guilt finally catching up to him, of how the others had died–of how he had died and was given another chance by Ish himself.
Thru it all Thomas looked at him with concern and once he finished–Thomas hugged him. He was momentarily shocked before hugging his friend back. Right–that was probably a lot to process...
".... Thomas? I know it sounds ridiculous but you have to believe me. I need your help okay? I need to make things right. So that you and the others can be happy–so I can see my sister again not in the midst of war but just at peace.... And so that Saps' is happy. I've once chosen a thousand instead of him and I–.... I can't do that again. If you had seen the look on his face you wouldn't be able to stop the guilt from flooding in aswe–" Thomas quickly stopped him by hugging him tighter and soothing his back. When had he started crying?
"It's fine Flux. I believe you okay? You've always wanted what's best. We'll make it right–we'll make sure that everyone is safe and Saps will be happy... You two will be happy together. I promise–as long as you let me help, okay?" Thomas said pulling back from their embrace to hold out his pinky finger.
It was stupid. The Thomas of the original timeline would've found it ridiculous aswell but it was reassurance that he needed. So he crossed it with his own pinky finger in a hurry–and hugged Thomas once more.
As Thomas held him, he thinks he will be alright– he thinks everything will be fine. And he promises–never again will Saps look so tired.