The banquet hall stretched in elegant proportions, its coral-stone walls adorned with tapestries depicting the history of Ushirika—the great migration, the unification, the long vigil. Massive chandeliers of wrought iron and sea-glass cast warm pools of golden light across the single long table that dominated the center of the room. The table was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its surface polished to a mirror shine, its edges carved with geometric patterns that told stories in a language older than the World Government.
The air smelled of roasted meat, fresh bread, and the sweet fragrance of exotic spices. Servers moved with practiced grace, their footsteps silent on the stone floor as they arranged the final details of the feast. Crystal goblets caught the light, and silverware gleamed with the promise of a meal that would be remembered.
Marya stood near the head of the table, her leather jacket draped over the back of her chair, her golden eyes fixed on the wine in her hand. She took a slow sip, her gaze tracking the room. Her raven hair cascaded down her back, and her posture was relaxed but tense—a person outside of their natural environment.
Galit stood beside her, his long neck bent in that characteristic S-curve, his emerald eyes scanning the room with tactical assessment. He spoke in a low murmur. "We were told the sky island that fell is called Tikibara."
General Nyx Parn nodded, his black panther form a monument of controlled power. His voice was low, measured. "Yes. We have set up temporary accommodations for them."
Galit's brow furrowed. "Have there been any plans made for a long-term solution?"
General Tora Afar shook her head, her massive water buffalo frame shifting with the motion. Her voice was flat. "No. Our king has been in talks with their Beretitenti—that is what they call their leader—all day."
Charlie Leonard Wooley cleared his throat, his pith helmet still firmly on his head, his round wire-framed glasses sliding down his nose. "If I may change the subject?"
Marya smirked, her golden eyes gleaming with dry humor. She took another sip of her wine, her gaze fixed on the eager scholar.
Charlie continued, his voice rising with his new obsession. "General Tora Afar, would it be possible for us to return to the Quiloa Ruins?"
Nyx's brow furrowed, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion. "The Quiloa Ruins?"
Charlie nodded, his voice rising. "Yes. The shattered Poneglyph. I would like to examine it further."
Nyx and Tora exchanged a look, their silent communication carrying the weight of shared experience. Tora's voice was flat. "What are you hoping to find?"
Charlie's voice was bright with certainty. "The location of a specific item of interest."
Tora looked to Nyx, and he shrugged. Tora's voice was warm with approval. "I am sure something can be arranged."
Charlie nodded, with breathless gratitude. "That would be most appreciated."
---
Iris Pometheia's laugh boomed across the hall, her massive hippo frame shaking with the force of her amusement. She stood with Jannali, her third eye closed but pulsing faintly with lavender light, her large brown eyes fixed on Vesta with warmth of a woman.
Vesta's hands and arms waved dramatically through the air, her rainbow hair sparkling with each animated gesture. Her voice rose with the passion of a performer who had found her stage. "And then I will sing them my favorite song just as the fireworks go off!"
She paused, her hands on her hips, her eyes distant as if she was watching the scene unfold before her. "It will be epic."
Jannali's voice was flat, "Bloody hell, mate. We don't even have fireworks."
Iris chuckled with warmth. "I can see it too. I know you will find them in time."
Jannali's replied with resignation. "Don't encourage her, mate. Don't go putting ideas in her head. She will light up the island for a second time."
Vesta spun around, clapping her hands together with enthusiasm. "Light up the island? That's a great idea!"
Jannali groaned.
Iris turned her attention to Jannali. "You found what you were looking for?"
Jannali's head snapped around, her brown eyes sharp with sudden focus. The corner of her mouth quirks upward. "Nah, yeah, mate." She turned her full attention to Iris, her voice dropping to a murmur. "Fancy seeing another third eye in this neck of the woods."
Iris chuckled. "Well, all of the races used to come here hundreds of years ago. I am just one of their descendants."
Jannali's responded with a sharp edge. "Didja see us comin then?"
Iris's voice was flat, "Of course I did."
Vesta interrupted with bright confusion. "Oh, so can you see like Jannali does?"
Iris chuckled. "No, not all of us awaken the same way. Her abilities are not like mine."
Vesta turned to Jannali, her expression one of beaming confusion. "Really?"
Jannali's reply was flat. "Nah, yeah, mate. My third eye messes with people's heads. But I am still figuring it out."
Iris patted her on the back, her voice warm. "You will." She smiled and winked. "I have seen it."
---
Eliane leaned over the banquet table, her blue eyes wide with wonder as she studied the array of fancy dishes and glassware. Her silver hair was tied back, and a smudge of flour still marked her cheek from earlier preparations. Her voice was bright with enthusiasm, never losing her sense of wonder. "Look at how pretty it is!"
Sanza stood beside her, his hands on his hips, his chest puffed out with confidence, a boy who had been raised in luxury. Thumb pointing at his chest, "We eat like this all the time in my homeland."
He paused, his brow furrowing.
Eliane's head cocked, with concern. "What is it?"
Sanza shook his head, dropping to a whisper. "My homeland is..."
Their heads snapped up when Ember randomly announced, "Boom!"
Jelly bounced beside her, his translucent blue body wobbling with each motion. "Bloop! Big boom!"
Then both Ember and Jelly became distracted by a random smell, their heads swiveling in unison as of caught in a trance.
Sanza's stomach growled.
Eliane giggled, bright with warmth. "You must be really hungry."
Sanza became defensive, his voice rising with indignation. "Of course I am! I was with big sis when she cut through that island and—"
Eliane and Sanza both turned and rushed after Ember and Jelly when they saw them starting to wander toward the source of the smell.
Eliane whispered, her voice sharp with urgency. "Oh no!"
Sanza agreed. "We better stop them..."
---
Aurélie, Bianca, Bō-Zak, and Kaburo huddled together at their end of the table, their voices low and private. They sipped their drinks with casual ease.
Bianca flicked her wrist. "So, like, how far along is she? Are you, like, hoping it will be a girl or a boy?"
Kaburo took a breath. "I will be content with healthy. I don't really care if it is a boy or a girl."
Aurélie's voice was soft. "And Amaretto? How is she doing with the pregnancy?"
Kaburo's replied. "She is fairing. She complains about her back and feet."
Bō-Zak's asked, "You know what you are naming this kid?"
Kaburo' replied, "Whatever Amaretto decides is fine."
Bō-Zak clapped him on the shoulder with the approval. "That's a good man. But don't you want a say?"
---
Atlas intercepted Ember and Jelly at the door just as a capybara Mink announced, his voice ringing through the hall. "The Royal Family has arrived! Please, take your seats!"
Atlas looked at Ember and the kids, his blue eyes soft. "Come on. You don't want to miss out on all the fun."
Ember's face twisted, "Fun?"
Jelly bounced. "Snacks!"
Atlas grabbed him by the collar, "This way."
Sanza and Eliane rushed up, grabbing Ember by the hands. "Come on! We have to find our seats!"
Ember pouted as she was pulled away, her mismatched eyes fixed on the retreating smell.
---
Everyone stood by their chairs as the massive doors swung open. King Volt Ostara entered first, his silver-grey fur gleaming, his hazel eyes scanning the room. Queen Amaris Ostara walked beside him, her spotted kodkod coat dark with maternal dignity. Gaon Tote followed, his lean frame wrapped in white, his weathered face etched with the lines of a man who had carried the weight of a dying world. Prince Nadir Ostara bounded in behind them, his blue-gold eyes blazing with excitement. Princess Vihaan Ostara brought up the rear, her pale blue eyes wide with shy curiosity.
As soon as Prince Nadir saw Atlas, he lit up. His small frame darted across the room, his voice carrying the breathless enthusiasm of a child who had found a new hero.
Atlas stiffened as the young prince bounded toward him. Then he followed the prince's gaze—which landed on Sanza.
Sanza stood oblivious as Nadir slowed down and took the empty seat between him and Atlas. They stood blinking at each other for a long moment.
Jelly broke the silence, his voice bright with enthusiasm. "Bloop! New friend!"
Nadir spoke with breathless curiosity. "Are you a pirate too?"
Sanza's head tilted, with careful consideration. Then he beamed, pointing a thumb at his chest. "I am going to be the next supreme command—"
His voice trailed off.
Nadir stood confused, his brow furrowing. "Supreme what?"
---
When Princess Vihaan saw Vesta, she beamed. Her small frame darted across the room with the shy enthusiasm of a child who had found a kindred spirit.
She rounded the corner of the table, but when she saw Eliane, she paused. Her pale blue eyes went wide, and she started to back away.
Vesta peeked out, waving with the enthusiasm of a performer who had found her audience. "Hi, Princess! Come sit with us! We have an empty seat!"
Eliane beamed, her voice bright and warmth. "Yeah! Come sit with us!"
Princess Vihaan looked to her mother. Queen Amaris nodded with encouragement.
Vihaan grabbed her tail and slowly, shyly, walked over to them.
Eliane's voice was bright. "I love your tail! It's so pretty!"
Vihaan blushed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."
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