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Chapter Text

Prologue
The mass migration to the twin islands set out to establish two separated penal colonies. The motherland's resources had run scarce after years of war and the decision to exile en masse their prison’s population alleviated some strain. Lots were drawn to dictate which of the two remote islands prisoners were sent to: Yggdrasil, or Pandora. There were a dozen transport ships filled with prisoners during this mass exile. As the fleet approached the islands, prisoners - still in shackles - were shoved into rowboats. The prisoners struggled to steer themselves onto shore, however the promise of a new beginning urged them forward. They would have to start from scratch, but hope for a brighter future was tangible.

Chapter 1: The Luminarian
Saparata hoped for a peaceful life. When the fleet shipped him off to Pandora, he accepted his fate without struggle. Sap saw this as an opportunity to finally escape the war, political unrest, and never ending fight that had defined his life prior to exile. The first few months of exile were tough; building shelters and establishing farms took time. But slowly, towns and cities were formed across the two islands. After a long day of tirelessly chopping wood to be used for construction, Saparata settled down by a campfire with the group of former prisoners he’d come to Pandora with. A ragtag group he’d happened to share a rowboat with, about two or three months ago now. As Saparata sidled up to Fluixon, a well dressed (even in their rough situation) dark haired man with a brazen personality, Fluixon passed Saparata a bowl of stew. “Saved you some,” Fluixon drew away from the conversation he was having with the other men around the fire, “though it’s probably cold by now.” Saparata hummed a quiet thank you before digging in eagerly. As he ate, Saparata listened to the group's conversation.

“That’s why he’s been having us stockpile cobblestone. He wants to build a bridge,” the rugged man across from Saparata had a twinge of annoyance in his voice.
“I thought the cobblestone was for fortification?” “I was told it was for the city center..” The confused gossip quieted at Fluixon’s huff, seemingly just as annoyed at this news as the first man.
“Snow’s right. The madman is dead set on bridging to Yggdrasil” His words cause a nervous hush to fall over the crowd. Between the gall to refer to their leader as a madman, and the mention of their mysterious twin island - which has become a troubling subject for residents of Pandora - nobody at the fire knows what to say at Fluix’s statement. It’s obvious Fluixon disagrees with the idea of the bridge. But, more concerning to Saparata, is the cloudy look behind Fluixon’s eyes. The stiffness in his jaw and the way Fluixon curtly returned his attention to his stew gave Saparata the sense that there was more to this than a simple disagreement of building plans. He wondered if he should ask Flux about the bridge privately after dinner, but decided against it. If just the mention of their leader’s plans was enough to so stiffen his mood, Saparata figured he should just leave it be. The crew continued their meals in uneasy silence. Saparata then felt a brusque nudge at his shoulder accompanied by a soft breath at his ear as Fluixon whispered, “let’s go.” Saparata looked up at the man with a narrowed gaze, but Fluixon had already stood from his seat and was headed towards the dormitories. Saparata didn’t quite know what to make of his.. Friend? While the two had spent most of the past few months working together, they hadn’t actually gotten to know each other much. Fluixon’s temperament was volatile. He could be all big smiles and bear hugs one moment, only to become a brooding storm the next. Saparata had witnessed first hand how when angered, it was near impossible to calm Fluixon down. Which was why Saparata was dreading having to tell Flux that he was planning on leaving Luminara: the colony that they - among the others who’d washed up nearby when they were all shipped off here - were founding. But, his time was running out. Saparata knew the longer he stayed here, the harder it would be to leave.

Fluixon was waiting at his bed when Saparata entered the dormitories. It was a temporary building; long and made of roughly chopped logs. Just enough to provide shelter while they set up proper infrastructure. The whistle of wind through the rafters a consequence of the building’s haste craftsmanship. Saparata approached Fluixon who, while staring holes into the packed dirt floor, seemed to be in a lighter mood.
“Thanks for the stew,” Saparata offered. Flux looked up. His expression softened, “I didn’t cook it.”
“Of course you didn’t, it was edible,” Saparata plopped himself next to Fluxon the bed and was met by a teasing shove, “Thanks for saving me some, I mean.”
“I’ll have you know I’m a great cook. Once things settle down around here, I’ll cook you a meal.”
The room was comfortably quiet. From inside the bustle of Luminarians was muffled, as was the lapping of ocean waves on the nearby shore.

“I’m leaving Luminara.”

Fluixon’s gaze sharpened on him, his eyebrows furled. “What?” Flux asked, as if clarifying something he had misheard. With a sigh Saparata elaborated, “I knew from the beginning I wasn’t staying here.” He knew he had to give Fluixon a proper explanation, though he couldn’t entirely explain his need to leave himself. But, Flux deserves at least some justification. “Before Pandora, before prison, I was too involved with the fighting. I meddled in business that I had no right meddling with, and it got me sent here. When I heard the news that the prisons were being emptied into remote penal colonies.. I promised myself I wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of my past life.” Fluixon didn’t say anything to that, but looked at Sap with contemplation. So Saparata continued, “I can’t have roots. I can belong to no one but myself.”

“Your decision is final, then?” Fluixon replied, finally. His voice was steady. Saparata couldn’t gleam any emotion from his words, though the twinge of the corner of his mouth betrayed him. Sap gave a nod. “When do you leave?” Flux asked, and Sap wasn’t sure how to answer. He hadn’t planned a specific day, he just knew he had to leave before he got too comfortable. Settlements across Pandora have become established enough at this point that they could start planning past just survival. Truthfully, Saparata knew that it had to be soon. “Within the next few weeks.” Fluixon clearly wasn’t happy about Saparata’s resolution to being a nomad, but to Sap’s relief he didn’t fight him on it. There wasn’t much else to say after that, so Fluixon left for his bed on the other side of the dormitory.

The next month passed quickly. Saparata discreetly packed his things, not wanting to draw attention to his departure. They didn’t acknowledge after that night, but Saparata could tell his leaving loomed in Fluixon’s mind. It made sense, while they hadn’t known each other long, Fluixon was Saparata’s closest friend on Pandora. The feeling was probably mutual. But Flux was charismatic (despite being quick to anger), Saparata knew he’d build new friendships after he left.

It was his last night in Luminara, Sap had decided, and he looked around the fire that evening at the faces he’d become familiar with over the past few months. They were discussing the bridge again, as had become their usual topic of conversation as of late. The plans had been officially announced, and workers were being delegated to either mining or building. Despite the initial hesitation, most Luminarians had quickly grown excited about the idea of the bridge. Though Fluixon was still against it, he kept quiet about his disagreement. He’d recently been elected second in command, and had become a lot more careful with his words. Luminara was developing into a proper nation fast, which only further fueled Saparata’s anxiousness to begin his travels. He couldn’t get involved with Luminara’s politics. Sap watched Thomas and Snowbird passionately debating whether the rumours of Yggdrasil’s waters being so hot they’d boil you alive were true.
“How can that even be possible? Our scouts reported that the island is covered in a massive tundra.”
“Partially covered. The rest of it is a volcano!”
As scouting missions brought back more information about Yggdrasil, discomfort around its mention had turned to fervent gossip.
Fluixon chimed in, “Either way, it’s completely inhospitable. It won’t be pretty when the Yggdrasians discover the inequality between our islands.” Thomas and Snowbird shook their heads with disgusted expressions, probably imagining a nasty scene of savages attacking their peaceful settlement. Saparata didn’t engage in their dinner conversations much, especially when they - as they often do lately - turn to fearmongering of Yggdrasia. Sap didn’t understand how they could be so sure the people of Yggdrasia would be dangerous, they had no evidence of them being aggressive. In fact, they knew next to nothing about their neighbours across the sea.

Saparata pulled Fluixon aside after they’d finished eating. He hadn’t told anyone else he was leaving. Sap could tell from the way Fluix’s face settled into a dry expression that he knew this was Saparata’s goodbye. “Is it time?” Fluix’s intent gaze felt heavier on him tonight than usual. However, at Sap’s “Yes. I leave tonight.” Fluixon could no longer hold his gaze, and the man’s eyes dropped to a nearby patch of grass. Fluix’s drooped shoulders and hung head created a strange juxtaposition against his pristine new uniform. “This isn’t goodbye forever you know,” Saparata poked Flux’s cheek, hoping to lift his friend’s spirit. Fluixon quickly picked his posture back up at that, the ghost of a smile the only trace of emotion left on his face. “No, it won’t be. And if you run into any trouble, or need anything, you know you have the full support of Luminara. Or at least you have my full support, which is the same in effect.” Saparata thanks him, and promises he’ll find ways to stay in contact. They exchange their farewells, and then Saparata sets off on his journey. Fluixon stays in that clearing for another few minutes, watching as Sap walks away.

Chapter Text

Saparata followed the coast eastward, his days falling into a now familiar routine: In the morning he’d gather and hunt some food to prolong his provisions, then spend the majority of the day hiking, and by night contemplate the unchanging starlit sky. Other settlers were few and far between, but a welcome change of pace when met. Saparata passed through a quaint mountain village after straying inland from the coast. The inhabitants informed Sap of a major city being built further east, giving Saparata a destination for his wandering. And when his typical view of grassy plains and sparse birch forest gave way to paved streets and brick homes, Saparata knew he had arrived at Aperion.

Activity flurried around him as Saparata followed what he assumed was a main road through shops and other buildings. The sudden whoosh of air from a passing train car had him stumble aside and gape at the feat of Aperion’s transport system. The engineering behind the city before him was impressive enough, but that all of this was built within a year - Saparata was in absolute awe. The setting sun and ache of his feet told Sap he should find a place to rest for the night. Ambling through Aperion, Saparata eventually caught sight of a modest two story building marked by a hand carved Inn & Bar sign out front. Perfect.

The crackling of a corner fire, clanking of glasses, and hum of chatter made for a homey atmosphere as Saparata took a seat at the bar.
“Don’t think I’ve seen you around, ” The well dressed man sitting next to Saparata addressed him. Sap paused, thinking the man would continue, but instead he stayed quiet with an uneasy air about him. Saparata noticed the man’s sleeves fell a bit too long over his hands, and his foot tapped restlessly under the bar counter.
“I just arrived at Aperion. I’ve been traveling here from Luminara,” Saparata explained. He introduced his name and held out his hand to the Aperion, who returned the favour. The man, who Saparata learnt was named Lukas, was the second in command of Aperion (though Saparata would never guess from his meek disposition). This piqued Sap’s interest, while he had no interest in involving himself in other nation’s affairs, it wouldn’t hurt to learn about them. But when asked about the happenings of Aperion, Lukas awkwardly looked down into his glass with a shrug,
“This and that. I don’t know. There’s meetings about everything, but Alk says I’m not needed at those.”
“Alk?”
“Alkaline. The president.” No longer looking Saparata’s way, he dejectedly sips his drink. Saps gives a polite hum in response.

Relieving Saparata from the sulking second in command, a boisterous couple of stocky men plop themselves at a nearby table; Miners, Saparata guesses from their dirty pants and flashlight adorned helmets hanging at their waists. The booming timber of their voices make it hard not to listen in on their conversation,
“They weren’t lyin’ about those southern mines. Flush with iron. I’d bet we're mining more iron in a day than they can ship back to Aperion!”
“Aye. And those train guys are using it up quicker than we can mine it..”
“Y’know Ben,” the miner lowers his voice, “we should try smugglin’ a few bits for ourselves ‘morrow's shift.”

Saparata looks over at Lukas, who’s also not so discreetly listening to the miners with a sour expression.
“Aperion has iron mines? That would explain the train system,” Saparata vaguely directs his question at Lukas. Luckily he bites,
“Down south. Whole lower part of Pandora’s uninhabited; lots of iron though.” Before Saparata could ask more, Lukas nudges his emptied glass forward and stands,
“Well, I’m headed home. Best of luck on your travels.” Sap follows suit, asking the bartender for a room. He slips past the two miners, who’d become significantly louder and drunker since they’d first come in, and retreats to his small but serviceable room for the night.

-

Aperion’s fish market is busiest on Sundays. Which Saparata is discovering now as he squeezes through the crowds of Aperion citizens hovering over stalls and admiring the fresh catches. Still living out of the bar & inn, Sap had agreed to run errands for the manager in exchange for room and board. Over the weeks Saparata has become very familiar with Aperion’s markets, delivering meats and grains to the bar & inn. The fish market however, was new territory for Sap. Thankfully, Lukas was free that day and offered to join him.

“Y’know Sap, if you’d rent out my upstairs room you wouldn’t have to keep running these errands.” A cod slipped from Lukas’ basket, and Sap deftly caught and added it to his own pile. Despite their initial awkwardness, the two continued to chat most nights at the bar. Saparata was relieved to find that Lukas was usually a pleasantly upbeat personality. As long as his work wasn’t too frustrating.
“And you know that I’m not hanging around Aperion long enough to rent a place,” Saparata distractedly scanned the market for the shrimp stall, “I became a traveler the day I left Luminara. I belong to no nation, Lukas.”
Lukas huffed, “Wish I could just up and leave.” It was said in a joking manner, but Sap could tell there was some truth to Lukas’ words.
“Why can’t you?” As soon as Saparata asked, he realized it was a stupid question. Lukas’ roots were already too deep here. But, Lukas gave Saparata a genuine answer anyway,
“It doesn’t feel like it most days, but my work here is important. A lot of people look to me for leadership.. ” Lukas looks past Saparata for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, “ It’s a stressful position, I won’t lie. I often question if I’m the right person for this.”
“Why’d you become second in command anyway?” Saparata had been wondering how Lukas ended up in such a high position of power since the day he met him. He seemed so unlike any other leaders he’d met before.
“I’m honestly not too sure myself. I used to just be a guard. Must’ve been good at it because I kept getting promoted.”
Saparata looked at him quizzically, “Isn’t Aperion a democracy?”
“Promoted by the people," Lukas amended. After a pause he continued wistfully, “I was happier when I was just a guard, though.” Their conversation was paused as the two arrived at the shrimp stall, and Saparata picked out the juiciest looking ones. When he joined back with Lukas, the topic was turned back onto Sap.
“So where are you headed next, then? If you’re not staying in Aperion,” Lukas peeked over to judge Sap’s shrimp selection.
“I’ve heard Tricolour is the nearest major city,” At Lukas’ nod of approval Sap tied close his bag of shrimp and set them in his basket with the other fish. He guided the duo out of the market, “It’s probably my next destination. What do you think?”
Lukas hummed, “Queen Jophiel is nice. I can put in a good word for you.” So it was decided.

Chapter Text

The journey from Aperion to Tricolour was much smoother than Saparata’s original trek from Luminara, thanks to the now well treaded merchant paths connecting most major nations of Pandora. Life on the continent was really taking shape. Following the most prominent trail had taken Sap along the coastline south and finally to a spattering of wheat fields and cottages. A quick exchange of pleasantries with the farmers informed Saparata that he had indeed arrived at the kingdom of Tricolour. He heeded the farmers' directions toward the city center, but it soon became redundant as a metropolis of cobbled walls adorned with the nation’s signature red, green, and blue flag. Saparata wandered through the populous streets (even livelier than Aperion!), nudging past pedestrians and narrowly avoiding tripping over darting children. He made vague note of street names as he passed signs. Jophiel Lane. Cyclops Avenue. The architecture here felt distinct from Aperion. Wood instead of brick, natural arches instead of straight lines, and trees. Way more trees. Soon however, the rows of houses gave way to a breathtaking view. Before Saparata stretched what must be a kilometer of stone stairs, leading up to a beautifully ornate - and appropriately adorned in Tricolour colours - castle. With scaffolding still hanging off the side towers, it must have been just completed. Clearly the epicenter of the kingdom, Saparata decided to march forward to the marvel of Tricolour.

“State your business here,” A firm voice with the bored cadence of a secretary stopped Saparata at the castle entrance. He looked up to see the voice came from a knight dressed in a full suit of pristine iron armour with grandiose red, green, and blue feathers stemming from their helmet. Should he have made a meeting?
“Ah, I’m a traveler from abroad. Saparata. I’m just here to visit..” He wasn’t sure how to best articulate his motivations. He was here to admire their architecture? Meet the locals? Run away from the prospect of settling down? But he didn’t have time to worry about his reasoning. As Saparata ruminated over his ‘stated business’ for being at the Tricolour Castle, the knights had begun nervously discussing amongst themselves in hushed tones. Sap’s attention was brought back to the knight at the door when he was addressed in a more commanding tone,
“Traveler Saparata. Please remain here while we alert Queen Jophiel.” … Huh? What had he said to prompt the knights to send for their queen!? Saparata contemplated backing away, but he was now under close inspection from the remaining knights. It only somewhat reassured him that the knights appeared equal parts curious and confused.

“Saparata!” a warm voice enveloped Saparata like a motherly hug, “Oh it is so wonderful to finally meet you, my dear. Come. Walk with me.” Sap was stunned at the presence before him. The woman, who could be none other than Queen Jophiel herself, wore rich blue fabrics and the kindest smile. She had a surprisingly down to earth quality about her, while still maintaining a commanding disposition. She motioned for Saparata to join her, already a few steps down the stairs. He quickly broke from his stupor and walked beside the queen.
“I do apologize for the confusion at the gate. We didn’t know when you’d arrive, my guards were simply instructed to alert me when you did. I couldn’t relay why I was awaiting your arrival however, so alas your welcome wasn’t as warm as I’d hoped.” Jophiel spoke with the polite accent and clear diction of a diplomat.
Saparata, brushing past her apology, tried to formulate his thoughts, “If I may.. Why exactly were you waiting for my arrival?”
“I have a proposal for you. I am hoping you’ll consider it. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let me show you around Tricolour first.”

As they descend from the castle into the streets of homes and businesses, the queen points out landmarks and recounts Tricolour history.
“The kingdom comprises three factions: The scarlet district, the verdant district, and the azure district.” As they make their way through the city, Saparata is intrigued by the casual nods citizens exchange with their queen before continuing on with their business. He would expect the queen mingling amongst the people to stir more of a fanfare, but their presence is treated as completely ordinary by the citizens.
“Each district is responsible for a different sector of Tricolour industry. Mining, Agriculture, and Infrastructure respectively.” Saparata nods along to her explanation, the dominance of those three colours across buildings and uniforms making more sense.

Saparata hadn’t even noticed that they’d made a full lap of the central square until Jophiel paused at the foot of the castle stairs. Her demeanor stiffening ever so slightly,
“Alright, we should move to a more private setting for this next discussion. Please, follow me to my personal gardens.” The queen guides Saparata through the castle gates, down a rather stately hallway (if a hallway can be described as such), and out an ornately decorated stain glass door. The amount of guards diminishes the further into the castle they get, until only one person stands by the stained glass door. They weren’t wearing the knight’s uniform, but instead were dressed in dark red and brown robes. Leather bounded around their hands like fingerless gloves, and a scarf pulled high enough to hide their mouth. The guard acknowledged only Queen Jophiel, as if Saparata wasn’t even there. The two exchanged curt nods, before Jophiel led Sap through the door. The guard remained staunchly at the door.

“My proposal is nothing bad, I promise. Secrecy is, however, of utmost importance concerning international matters.” Jophiel sits gracefully at a wrought iron chair, and reaches for the steaming teapot awaiting them on the matching wrought iron table. She pours two teacups as Saparata joins her at the table. Tall hedges and vines cover most of the cobblestone walls surrounding the garden causing the area to be largely enshrouded by shadows, despite it being the middle of the day. Sap admires the artfully arranged bed of flowers and bushes decorating the space. It is a peaceful place, although its quietness feels a little heavy. Saparata takes the teacup handed to him as Jophiel continues,
“The leaders of the largest nations settled across Pandora have been in correspondence. Establishing trade, agreeing on borders, the usual,” she says with a wave of her hand, “However, the issue of Yggdrasil is proving to be a more delicate matter.” Jophiel is careful with her phrasing, but Saparata senses some frustration behind her words.
“We have agreed on the need for an international assembly to most effectively negotiate next steps. And we need a neutral party to operate as a moderator for such an assembly.” Jophiel is now looking pointedly at Saparata, “You have been recommended by both the second in command of Luminara, Fluxion, and the second in command of Aperion, Lukas. We believe you, Saparata, to be the most qualified person for this job.”

Saparata’s stomach lurches as he tries to steady his shaking hands. He feels as if his body is viscerally rejecting the queen’s proposal. No. Fucking. Way. The entire reason he left Luminara, and again Aperion, was to avoid being dragged into politics. Jophiel quickly chimed in again, setting a hand over his,
“Please know the only reason I’m coming to you with this, is that we really have no other viable candidates,” Jophiel spoke with measured calmness, but her eyebrows were scrunched with worry, “You would be a neutral party, and would only have to mediate conversation. Nothing more.”
“With all due respect, Queen Jophiel, I would really rather have nothing to do with the politics of Pandora. There must be someone else who can moderate,” Saparata hoped the tremble in his voice wasn’t obvious.
“I am afraid your desire to be unaffiliated is precisely the reason why you are the perfect person for this job.” The queen then lowered her voice with a sigh, “Please, I hate to put you in this position, but the meeting date is approaching and we really have no other options.” Saparata isn’t sure if it’s a lapse of judgement from being put on the spot, or sympathy for the earnest queen, but he agrees. He agrees to involve himself - as a neutral party - but involve himself nonetheless, in an international assembly of Pandora’s leaders. And he is terrified.

Chapter Text

“We at the great and mighty Commonwealth are looking forward to a productive conversation.” Even sat, SitzKrieg towered over the three other Commonwealth leaders present at the meeting. The G.I. Joe of a politician would’ve looked out of place at a diplomatic assembly, scarred with the sunken eyes of a man who’s seen many battles, if it weren’t for the array of other eclectic characters around the table.

Alkaline, Aperion’s leader, surprised Saparata the most. From all the stories he had heard from Lukas, Sap would never match this ominous - near mythical presence - as being Aperion’s pragmatic president.
“As you all know, Aperion’s position on the northern coast of Pandora places us in a vulnerable position. Should any group hailing from the island Yggdrasil come to Pandora, for whatever motive, Aperion would likely be the first point of contact,” Alkaline’s voice had a formal quality to it, enhanced by the mystique of it emerging from under his lowly draped hood. Saparata swore he could make out a soft blue glow seeping from under the president’s hood.
“As such, we Aperion would like to propose a Defense Pact. In the event that any nation of Pandora be attacked by any nation of Yggdrasil, all parties at this table would send militaristic aid to the attacked area.” Hums and murmurs fell over the table as assembly members, a mix of leaders and representatives, mulled over the proposition.

“A defense pact is a step in the right direction,” a familiar voice chimed in to Saparata’s left, “However, it will not be enough to protect the good people of Pandora from an invasion by Yggdrasil.”

It had only been, what? A month? Two months? Since he’d last seen his friend. Fluixon looked older. Nothing physically about him was different, par for his straighter posture and harder set jaw. But, Saparata could see the weight of his responsibility to Luminara on the stiffness of his shoulders. The storm of his eyes that Sap had grown to know, was the only crack in Flux’s constrained disposition. Even the strand of hair that would always stubbornly fall over his eyes, was slicked perfectly in place.

“Anyone who has read the reports should be well aware of the threat Yggdrasil poses. Not only do their people covet our abundant resources, but they have consolidated their power.” Fluixon sweeps across the table with an icy scrutinizing regard, his gaze softening when it reaches Saparata but not lingering. Fluixon speaks firmly, “An attack is not a question of if, but when-”
“We don’t know that!”
Sap holds his hand out to address the interruption, “let Fluixon finish.”
“And when Yggdrasil attacks,” Flux continues, “I would hope the leaders of Pandora had the foresight to fight back as a united front.”

“What exactly are you proposing here?” Alkaline speaks up after a beat of silence.
“I am proposing that we either declare war on Yggdrasil and attack them before they have the opportunity to strike first,” multiple barely contained gasps ring out across the table at this suggestion, “Or we at the very least, unify our governing and military power.”

Standing to his feet, Alkaline immediately fires back, “That is an absurd proposal. Aperion refuses to negotiate our sovereignty!”

Joining him in standing Fluixon, now raising his voice, warns, “Aperion will have no sovereignty to negotiate if you refuse to take the threat of Yggdrasil seriously.”

“Is that a threat!?” Alkaline sputters incredulously.

Saparata should probably step in, this is exactly the kind of situation a mediator is for. But, just as Sap opens his mouth to address the two shouting men,
“Enough of this nonsense,” Queen Jophiel effectively silences the table, “We do not know whether Yggdrasil intends to harm us. However, there are preventative measures that can be taken before we seriously entertain the possibility of war. We can show our goodwill through offerings of humanitarian aid. Send Yggdrasil food, and resource-”
“Send them aid? Are you crazy, Jophiel? Anything we give them will be used against us!”
“Fluixon.” Saparata quiets his friend.
Queen Jophiel continues with the sternness of a mother chastising her son, “There is no reason to antagonize Yggdrasil before we are absolutely sure of their intentions.”

The table’s heated discussion continues, quickly jumping back and forth between the different leaders. Each expressing their nation’s unique concerns and reservations around the extent of action required by the threat of Yggdrasil. Eventually, the conversation dies down and Saparata leads the group in a vote on their discussed proposals. In the end, everyone agrees on a defense pact and to provide some humanitarian aid as preventative measures. Only Fluixon votes to unify against Yggdrasil under a wartime emergency protocol.

-

As the world leaders part ways after the meeting, Fluixon pulls Saparata aside. His attitude has cooled completely from the intensity of the assembly, and a grin even tugs at the corner of his mouth.
“Hey stranger, ” Flux’s voice has regained its lightness. Saparata didn’t realize he missed it until now. “You did great today, I was right to recommend you.”
“You dragged me into this, knowing, I wanted nothing to do with politics.” Saparata feigned annoyance. He wasn't actually upset, he did agree to mediate by his own accord. But still, he could tease Flux a bit.
“Hey now, I didn’t force you. Jophiel didn’t force you, did she?” His brows furrowed with worry.
“She didn’t.”
“Good. I’m glad you agreed to come.” Flux relaxed, “Honestly, I don’t think I could’ve kept my cool in there without you holding me back.”
“That was you keeping your cool?”
He chuckles. Around the room a few diplomats eye the two curiously, but no one is within earshot. Fluixon ducks his head and lowers his voice, “How’ve you been?”

Why is he feeling oddly flustered by such an innocuous question?

“Traveling’s been good for me. Seeing the different cities, meeting new people..”
“Do you miss Luminara at all?” Fluixon stare feels heavier.
“Sure, there’s parts of it I miss.” Sap isn’t sure if he’s implying something more with that.

With a satisfied smile, Fluixon steps back and makes a show of stretching his arms out.
“So uh.. I may have fucked up our relationship with Aperion today. So we will definitely need to have a peace meeting about that..” with a hopeful twinge to his voice, “Was today a one time thing, or will I see you again at the next assembly?”

Saparata thought about it. Jophiel was right that he remains completely neutral by moderating. And he had to admit, it was entertaining watching the leaders of Pandora deliberate. Hoping he doesn’t regret it, Sap agrees to remain Pandora’s official mediator, “I’ll be there.”

Fluixon’s smile widens, “Good.”