Drew's POV
The ramp lowered as Jack and I exited the shuttle. Quite frankly, I was nervous as all hell! How would everyone react!? We had worked so hard to be independent, and here I was proposing we take it back! Sure, reunification would be a good thing, and Jack claims things'll be different, but people love to overreact and do crazy shit!
If I'm being honest, I'm surprised of my actions too! Here I was one minute blaming Jack for everything, and now we're brothers again! My mental state and well being is absolutely fucked up right now! My emotions are driving my actions t this point! I need to get that in check somehow. Maybe marriage and expanding my family would make things better..
Oh shit!
What would Jade think of all this!? Would she be pissed at me!? What about Adia and Kenzi!? That would definitely be fun..
But for now, there were bigger fish to fry! Things were changing.. But for better or for worse, I truly don't know yet..
I could see pretty much everyone in Jack's group there. C.G, the kids, Apollo, Carandial, Kennedy, Tyromairon, Anakin. They were all there. I took a deep breath and then sighed.
'Here goes nothing..' I thought as Jack and I approached them.
Jack stopped. "Everyone, we have an announcement to make..." He began, seemingly as nervous as I was.
I noticed everyone seemed a little puzzled. I could tell why. We had been enemies for so long, and now Jack said 'we'.
He was about to say something, before looking to me. I could see it on his face. He wanted permission to actually say it. Out of respect, out of concern, out of… whatever… I nodded, confirming that he could continue.
He turned back. "We have come to an agreement. Dilania and New Edenia are reuniting." He said that last part simply. It seemed like he couldn't think of any other way to say it.
For a second, it looked like the entire world froze. The looks on everyone's faces was one of utter shock.
Carandial was the first to speak, looking to me, then to Jack. "How..." He asked, seemingly at a loss.
Jack sighed, and turned to me. "Like I said, we came to an agreement, for the good of our people." Before anyone could reply, I cut in,
"I never wanted to be King.." Everyone's attention was now on me. "I never wanted any of this bullshit to happen! This all started because I stood up for what I believed was right, and you all did the same! The problem was that we dealt with it wrong. Both sides! And we blew it out of proportion.." I paused as everyone looked at me, their gaze locked on me.
"Parents were separated from their kids.. Countless innocent people died.. Me and Jack both about died.." I shook my head. "It's just terrible.. I don't even wanna live anymore.. That's how bad it's gotten! But you know what? My family keeps me sane! The way things were before: the movie nights, us working together as one, and just us having a good time! That kept me sane as well.." I waited a bit before finishing,
"Hate me if you want.. Even I hate myself, and I probably always will.. I've done horrible things that only a monster would do. But that doesn't mean I'm not sincere.. I want things to change! I want the violence between us to stop! Enough fighting has happened, enough families have been torn apart, and enough blood has been shed! It's time to come together as one.. It's time."
Everyone looked to each other, seemingly too stunned to answer.
Jack turned to me. "I would like to say one thing though."
"Drew, I know what you said before, about Kratos, but...I would like it if you and your family could stay in Dilania. You, every one of you, are welcome in our empire. I consider you my brother, and I will respect your decision, but you're my oldest friend here, and I just want things to return to how they were before..." He stopped.
"Please, just...it wouldn't be the same without you. Whatever you want or need, I will support it, I just want us to be one nation again. One family again." I sighed.
"Things will never be the same.." I softly said. "Everyone hates me.. I wouldn't be surprised if I were assassinated my first week back there. It would be suicide." I then chuckled. "Pretty ironic, if you think about it.."
"No." I turned to see Apollo approach. He looked down. "You are loved and supported by your people, just as Jack is. You forget how the vast majority of our people didn't protest or want to secede. They joined your nation without a second thought. Even after what happened..." Apollo looked away.
"I can't forgive you for giving that order, but I am willing to move on. To try and make amends."
"As am I."
I turned back to Jack. "If anyone tried to hurt you or your family, I would make sure they were brought to justice. Every nation has its share of people who disagree with, even hate the leader, but I know that New Edenia supported you, and most likely always will." He declared.
"I won't stop you, but I want you and your family to remain. Things may not ever be the same, but perhaps, they can be better. We need you here." I stood in silence for a few seconds.
"We will make the announcement. We'll combine both our land as one and deal with however our citizens react. We'll set up a stable government and way of life. Then we'll go from there.." I said, basically saying I would see how things went first.
Jack nodded in understanding. "Very well."
He turned to the others. "Let's go home. All of us."
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Now the fun could truly begin! Me and Jack had just landed outside New Colossus. We were on New Edenian territory now! As we walked into the city towards the heart of town, the citizens gasped in shock at the sight of Jack.
"What's he doing here!?"
"Is that, Jack!?"
"Why is the King with that traitor!?"
Those are some of the things I heard among the murmurs of the citizens. Just as we reached the heart of town, my family rushed towards me. Jade had her staff in hand, ready to kill.
"What is he doing in our capital!?" She asked with angered confusion. I put my hand on the staff and tried to lower it as I replied,
"Woah, woah Jade! It's okay.. I'll explain everything in a bit." Jade gave a glare towards Jack, before looking back at me and lowering her staff.
"Very well.. But I must say I'm confused." Adia cocked a brow and asked,
"What's Uncle Jack doing here, Dad? I thought you hated him." I sighed.
"I did.. But, well- I'm going to make an announcement here in just a second.. You'll see."
"I hope you know what you're doing, Drew.." Kenzi told me with concern. "You haven't been thinking straight since the incident at the chasm. I just worry about you.." I smiled and out a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I'm fine, Sis.." I said. "I promise."
I noticed Jack looked nervous, looking around at the very mixed reactions of both the crowd and my family. It was understandable, considering he was in the heart of what was, until recently, an enemy capital.
Finally, he sighed. "I am not here to fight. Drew and I have come to an agreement, for the good of our people." Everyone stood silent for a moment, before murmuring among each other, curious as to what that was.
"What agreement!?" A random citizen asked aloud. Everyone voiced their agreement. I sighed and began to speak to everyone.
"Jack and I were having a discussion about the recent protests that have been happening in our capital. I thought he was the one behind it all, but…" I looked at Jack and sighed. "I was wrong.. I falsely accused him because they were our 'enemies'.. It made me realize a lot of things.. Like how this type of bullshit only leads to more conflict!" Most everyone shrugged, and chanted in agreement.
"I also realized that I don't want to be in a high ranking position of power! I'm too young.. I'm too fucked up mentally right now! I don't want to be King!" Everyone gasped in shock.
"What!?" A lot of people simultaneously said. My family looked on with stunned expressions, like they didn't know what to think.
"Yes, it's true.." I said with a sigh. "The time has come for all of us to heal and to recover! And it will never happen if we continue to live apart like this! And especially if I'm King!" Silence reigned.
"Which is why.." I began, looking at Jack, then to my family. "Jack and I have both decided that both of our nations are gonna reunite as one again.. So that we can unite, and so that the conflict can end! So that we can work together!" Everyone gasped. They had very mixed responses. Some were outraged, but others seemed to be interested in the idea. Though I think the majority leaned towards giving the idea a chance, which was good..
To my surprise, my family was smiling, minus Jade. I couldn't really see her expression because she had her mask on. She didn't look pissed though, so that was a good sign! Right?...
"I… was hoping the reunification process could begin today. The sooner the better is what they say." I nervously chuckled. I turned to Jack and asked,
"Would you like to say anything?"
Jack looked to my family, and to the citizens, before nodding.
"Yes." He said. He turned to the crowd.
"I know our history has been rough. I know my past has been checkered. I know you probably all hate me, but I will say this. This agreement is the best chance we all have. And I will not accept the throne," he paused, looking to me.
"Unless the power of the Emperor is heavily reduced. The Emperor shall have the power to enforce laws and treaties, to command the military, convene a council that will rule the empire in his or her name, and appoint officials that will require the confirmation of the Council." He then added.
"And I feel that every member of the council should be elected, as should a president to oversee it. The real power should remain in the council, not with a hereditary monarch."
He turned to me. "And I promise that with every fiber of my being, whatever happens, that I shall defend our nation, its people, and its liberty from this day until my last. We can't be enemies any longer, and I want us to stand as one. Just as King Drew does." I gave a smile and nodded.
"I couldn't agree more.." I turned to the crowd. "As long as you all are protected and live peaceful lives, then that's all that matters. I want to bring up something during the reunification process, but I'll bring it up now as well!" I looked at Jack and said,
"We all know that New Edenia as a nation will not exist much longer.. That is the unfortunate truth.." Everyone looked slightly down, especially Jade. It must've really meant a lot to her.
"But," I caught everyone's' attention back. "I suggest that we rename the capital of our reunified nation, 'Edenia'! In honor of both this kingdom, and Jade's homeland.." Jade perked up at that. I couldn't see her expression, but I'm willing to bet that she was pretty happy with that suggestion. The crowd seemed to be okay with that idea! I then turned to Jack.
"I know it's nothing official yet, because none of the future council are here to voice their opinion. But it would really mean a lot to Jade.. And to me. I'm not saying to agree with me, you make your own decision.. I'm just saying some support would be nice." I whispered to Jack.
Jack nodded. "Very well." I nodded with a slight grin in thanks.
"Well then.. Shall we begin?" I asked.
He nodded.
"We need a constitution. We should immediately begin drafting one."
He turned. "And I would like us to officially unite our nations. Now. We can discuss the specifics later." I nodded and said,
"Let's get started then.."
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Jack's POV
I signed the document. It was the official article of unification. When Drew signed this, it would officially unite our two nations.
I handed him the pen. "You're sure?" I asked.
I wanted him to be absolutely certain he was sure of this. His only response was a grin and him writing his signature down. It was official!
I smiled a bit.
"And this..." I pulled out a paper. "Should be our flag."
It consisted of three stripes, each occupying a third of the banner, arranged horizontally, with the emblem of New Edenia on it. It was a symbol of our unification. "What do you think?" I asked.
"I love it." He replied with a smile. "It symbolizes both nations pretty well."
I nodded. "The campaign for the election begins tomorrow. I wonder who will be on the council." Drew shrugged.
"Your guess is as good as mine.." He said, curious himself.
I nodded. "I was thinking that your family and mine could have dinner tonight, to celebrate this reunification?" He appeared to be a bit hesitant and nervous, but he nodded.
"I… think that'd be nice." He said. "I just hope all goes well.."
I nodded. I looked down. "I just hope our people can get along." Drew sighed and replied,
"That's what I hope more than anything."
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Drew's POV
I returned home and saw that there was no one there. I cocked a brow in confusion.
'Strange..' I thought. I walked upstairs to where me and Jade's bedroom was, in an attempt to see if the house was truly empty. When I opened the door, I saw Jade inside, sitting on the bed.
"Oh, there you are.." I said with a chuckle. "Where are Kenzi and Adia?"
"Out.." She said with a smirk as she stood up, almost… seductively!?
Oh fuck… I've seen too many movies to not know where this goes.. Even still, I stood there with a shocked expression and began,
"I-" I was cut off by Jade pulling me into a kiss, which took me completely off guard! I didn't fight it though, and I got into the moment. We fell on top of the bed, with me on top of her.
Oh my fuck! Was this really about to happen!? Why was this happening!? I'm not complaining obviously, but still! With a smirk, Jade said,
"I want to bear your child.. I want to… start a family.." I merely looked with love and lust in my eyes. I looked with my mouth agape and eyes widened,
"A-Are you sure about this, Jade?.." I nervously asked. Jade smirked and seductively said,
"Don't hold back.."
I didn't do anything but comply. It was time! Shutting the door behind us, we started to-
Oh you all get the fucking idea! We fucked like rabbits okay!?
Anyways, moving on..
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After our…
After that, Jade, myself, as well as Kenzi and Adia were getting ready to go to the restaurant. Jade and I seemed much… closer after that for sure. It seemed to be a bonding moment for us.
When Adia and Kenzi returned earlier, I gathered the whole family together and told them about Jack's request to have dinner with his family. And to my surprise yet again, they had no problem with it! Jade was the one I worried the most about, but she seemed to be right on board with it.
Well, that wasn't too difficult I suppose.. I can't say I've been to this particular restaurant, but I've heard good things about it. It wasn't as low tier as McDonald's, but it wasn't like a fancy ass French restaurant either! It was kind of in between, which was fine by me!
"Are y'all ready for this?" I asked the three of them.
"Yeah." Adia said with a smile. "I can't wait to see my brother again! It's been so long.."
"Same here." Kenzi added. "As much as Kylie and I have argued before, I still see that she's a sweet girl.. They're all great people when they want to be." I nodded in agreement.
"I can't say I trust Jack.." Jade began. "But I'm always willing to give him and his people another chance to redeem themselves.. I saw Jane and Alexander and just thought that they were the most adorable little children I've ever seen! It's one of the
I noticed that they all seemed more happy than usual. Like they were kids on Christmas morning or something.
Jack turned to us, grinning ear to ear.
"Hey!" He said happily. "Glad you could all make it!"'
"Same here.." I said with a smile as me and my family sat down. "What all do they serve at this place?"
"What don't they serve?" Kylie asked. "Look at all the stuff on the menu!" I grinned and said,
"Hmm, that Ribeye steak sure looks fucking go-" I was cut off by Kenzi thumping me in the ear.
"Ow! What-" I began.
"Watch your mouth." She told me, though she had a small smirk on her face.
"Oh, so you're enjoying this, huh?" I asked with a smirk of my own. I shook my head, looking back down at the menu. "Siblings.." I muttered sarcastically.
"Yeah!" Alexander laughed, only to be elbowed by Jane.
"Jackass!" The girl laughed.
Everyone gawked.
I saw Jack glare at Kylie. "I thought I told you not to teach them those words?"
Kylie just smiled sheepishly. Then she grinned. "I can't help it if I talk like Uncle Drew, okay!"
"Yes.." Jade began. "Well, Uncle Drew is a bad influence.." She sarcastically teased, smirking at me.
"Oh, ha ha." I sarcastically said. I swear to God the joking was unreal today!
"We do have some good news though." C.G began. We all cocked a brow, even some on Jack's side of the family.
"What would that be?" Adia curiously asked.
"Well...I'm pregnant again." She said with a smile. We all smiled warmly.
"Wow, really? That's awesome you guys! Congratulations!" Kenzi said. I smirked and joked,
"Damn. Slow down you guys.. I can't hardly keep up anymore!" Jade smirked and said,
"You sure didn't slow down any earlier.." I gasped and held an expression of shock and embarrassment.
"Jade!" I said with embarrassment. I was cut off by a smirking Jack.
"So...boy? Girl? Both? I need details!" Kenzi and Adia were smiling too. They appeared to be happy for us. Almost too happy.
'Oh Lord..' I thought. I know how Kenzi got about this kinda stuff, but I was scared to think that Adia was the same way! Kenzi was bad enough..
I sighed and replied anyways, with a slight grin,
"Don't know yet.. We haven't checked. I'm not sure if an Edenian's pregnancy is any different than a human's, but-"
"It is.." Jade confirmed. "Edenians are only pregnant for around 2 months. We reproduce quickly, yet almost never die.. You humans.. It's a strange science. 9 months? That's too long.." She chuckled.
Jack grinned. "Well, congratulations! I hope the new kids are good friends." I then said with a chuckle,
"Hey, fingers crossed, right?" I looked at Jade and joked, "And lucky me still has to get married soon." Jade merely rolled her eyes. I looked at Jack and his family and said,
"We're having the ceremony in a few days. I know it's short notice, and that we still have lots to do, but it'd mean a lot if y'all came!"
"We'd love to!" Kovu declared.
C.G nodded. "Indeed we would. Congratulations!"
"Thanks, everyone." Jade said with a smile. Kenzi and Adia were giddy! They held expressions of excitement and looked as if they could barely contain themselves.
I shook my head with a grin. I never would understand why females were so amused by relationships and weddings and whatnot.. Oh well. All I cared about right now was my steak! Where was the waiter in this place anyways?
After the waiter finally took our orders, we continued our conversation.
"Come to think of it, C.G and I haven't actually gotten married either..."
"Don't blame ya.." I muttered below a whisper as a joke, only to be elbowed by Jade this time.
"Ow. I was just kidding, Baby! Seriously." She merely rolled her eyes with a small grin.
I should probably learn to keep certain jokes to myself.. Getting elbowed didn't exactly feel too good, especially when it's Jade doing it!
"You two ever thought about it?" Kenzi asked them.
Jack and C.G looked to each other. "Actually, not until now." Jack mused. I chuckled and said,
"It's a pretty big commitment." I looked at Jade with loving eyes. "But it's worth it in my opinion to show how much you love someone.." She smiled and we both gave each other a quick kiss.
Jack nodded.
However, something seemed to be troubling him. He seemed a little, distant. I cocked a brow and looked at him with confusion, as did the rest of my family.
"What's up, Jack? Something wrong?" I asked him.
He didn't respond. Then, he put his hand to his forehead, as if in pain.
He winced a bit, before finally taking a deep breath. "It's...it's nothing." He finally said.
"Sorry." He added sheepishly. Still, I could tell he wasn't himself at that moment. For the rest of the dinner, he didn't speak much. He just brooded. I sure knew how that felt.. So I understood it.
As we all left, I pulled him aside, and asked,
"I don't even know why I'm about to do this.. I know how annoying as fuck it can be when you're like this, but.." I paused. "What's going on, dude? You haven't said much all through dinner."
Jack sighed. "I… I'm scared. He was speaking to me. He was threatening me, my family, all of us… Palpatine said that there 'will be no escape'. That our world will burn. That our people will be destroyed for their insolence..." I looked at Jack with an unfazed expression and shook my head.
"Palpatine ain't gonna do shit! With all of us together, we're a force to be reckoned with. If he was smart, he'd stay the fuck away.."
Jack looked at me. "That wasn't what scared me..." I cocked a brow.
"Then what?" I asked. "You're being pretty vague here.."
"He said he'd take Kylie for himself when the war was over. He needed an apprentice, and an empress, and, one day, an heir..." Jack said, looking physically sick.
He looked at me. "He threatened my daughter. And if I can't protect her or my other kids, as well as my unborn child..." I cut him off.
"I won't let that happen! You, won't let that happen.. None of us will! That I can assure you.. I can't speak for anyone else, but if he tried to lay a finger on Kylie or any one of those kids, I wouldn't hold back.. Sure, I may not be much of a fighter, but as you know I am crazy!" I chuckled.
"And believe it or not, I'm very mentally strong as well! He'll be playing checkers, and I'll be playing chess; He'll make one or two moves, but I'll always be 6 moves ahead of him! I swear on my life I won't let anything happen.." I promised.
Jack looked at me, before smiling a bit. "Thank you, Drew. It's just scary when someone threatens your child. I...I know you understand that...After Zillum..." He stopped, before looking down.
"Yes.." I said, not really wanting to talk about it. "We all know what that fucker has done.. He threatened Adia to me directly! He did it so he could escape after I renounced our alliance! He convinced me to turn on you, and to give the order to kill those innocent people! He's a scumfuck who deserves to die just like Palpatine! I will have my revenge on him one day.. You'd best believe that.."
He nodded. "I do know one thing, that when we stand united like this, we can and will defeat anyone who threatens us."
"You're right.." I said. With a sigh, I continued. "Though, whether or not I stay here in the newly reformed Dilania is still a mystery even to me.. I promised John and my Mom that I'd do them and my country proud by serving as a Marine! But unfortunately I never got that chance.. With Kratos and his Spartan Army, it's basically the same thing! Only way more traditional, and way tougher.. You can't show any weakness there, but that's why they're some tough motherfuckers! I've always wanted to be a soldier.. Just a soldier.. And if I earn a higher rank, then that's great!" I shook my head and finished,
"I just hate it when things are handed to me, Jack! That's not how I was raised! I was poor for most of my life, and had to earn what I got.. I just can't accept such major things for so little effort.. It's not who I am.."
Jack sighed, and nodded. "I know you may disagree with this, but you have earned your place here. And...I would like to make you an offer. If you stay here, I would like to create an equivalent to the Marines, a rapid moving, extremely deadly force designed to punch a hole in enemy lines that the Army itself could exploit, as well as to fight in the most dangerous missions and be the initial scouting and skirmishing force. And...I'd like you to lead the first Battalion of these forces, twenty men under your command, but you get to serve in combat itself, not on a chair on a Star Destroyer. We need good men like you. There is no one I would trust more with this duty. Regardless if you're my brother and best friend, you still deserve to be a part of that battalion, and the best of the best." I sighed and shook my head.
"I haven't earned anything.." I sadly said. "No, not shit! And even if I have, I don't want to command anyone! I haven't earned that privilege either! I'm not any good at it on top of that; I make rash decisions and would just screw us all over! That's not something I deserve.. I didn't know what the hell I was doing before, and I certainly don't now! I've barely even served in battle. I have several times, but that's about it; not enough to be a commander." I looked Jack in the eye with a pause. "You're not listening, Jack.. I don't want, nor deserve any of that.. I don't, I just don't!"
Jack looked at me with an unreadable expression. "I understand. I disagree with much of what you said, but I understand." He looked to his side. "Whatever you wish, I won't stop you. Just know that you don't give yourself enough credit. I wish though that you'd take up this last offer...You would be a soldier, a good one, but you would be just a soldier, not an officer or commander, just a really good soldier." I chuckled.
"What credit? There is no credit as far as I'm concerned.. No matter how much I improve, no matter what I do for others at this point.. I'll always be the monster that ordered to killed those people.. The monster who let his own brother die to his bastard father! The monster who still wants to just rid everyone of what I am.. Brandon fucked with my head! He got to me mentally! I'm too far gone! I doubt I'll ever be the same.." I walked closer towards him and finished,
"You best believe that I'm excited I have a child on the way! That I'm getting married.. That I have my family being reunited again and recovering from the past.. And I swear that I will do all I can for Jade and that kid! Adia and Kenzi too! But.. one day, when the time is right.. Probably when I'm a middle aged or old man being on the tail end of his life.." I stared Jack in the eye and coldly said, "I'm gonna fucking kill the monster that's been haunting me for all these years! The one that's hurt so many people! I'm gonna end it all and no one else will get hurt! But for now, I have things that must be done.. I have people that need what good of me is still left.."
Jack sighed. "Drew...You're not an evil person. You've had shit far worse than what I've gone through happen to you. You didn't deserve any of the bullshit that happened. And I don't consider you evil. I consider you a flawed, but still genuinely good person. Through all that's happened, you have cared about your family. .I don't blame you for what you feel, but I will always be here for you. I consider you family. And I will always stick by you!" There was silence. For several seconds, nothing was uttered..
I finally looked to Jack and said,
"We should go home.." I avoided responding entirely. He just didn't know.. He didn't know that I had already decided on it long ago.. "It's getting late.."
Jack looked at me, before he turned and walked off.
He said nothing else. But it didn't bother me none.. I just followed suit and went to find my family. We had a big day tomorrow! The council would be decided then. The fun thing about that is that anybody can be nominated.
That'll be interesting..
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Jack's POV
The nominations for the election occurred two days. It seemed that people from both Dilania and New Edenia were being nominated. On my side, you had Kennedy and Apollo, on Drew's side you had Mufasa and Caesarius.
Then there was the acceptance or rejection of the nomination. Finally, there were the debates. We decided that four members of the council was most necessary. Soon, a distinct, regional divide became apparent. New Edenian and Dilanian became political parties in a way.
The once New Edenian residents saw things more conservatively. They were very cautious about warfare, but would do it if they had to. They were more about focusing on their citizens and their problems than worrying about others as much. They disagreed with a lot of my views, and probably still hold my rash and harsh actions against me.. They absolutely despised an absolute Emperor. They wanted to be involved and have a say in their nation's matters, just as Drew did during his reign.
On the opposite end was, according to many New Edenians, the idealistic and expansionist Imperial Party. Combining the ideals of many of that galaxy's strongest governments, this party was considered by some to be patriotic, militaristic, socially egalitarian, and with surprising loyalty to a single Emperor.
Then, there was a third party, the Federalists. The Federalists, led by Apollo, wanted to reform Dilania, or Chimaera as it was now known, into a constitutional monarchy, with much more power given to the provinces, a downsized military, and a more pragmatic approach to foreign affairs.
This put the three sides at odds, especially on the Emperor front. The New Edenians were very particular and loyal to their beliefs! They saw the Imperial Party's followers as blind, and the Federalists as spineless. They wanted a strong military, just not constant warfare. They wanted a ruler, just not an absolute ruler who made all the decisions. They just wanted a say!
The Imperial Party viewed the New Edenians as too traditional, and the Federalists as too cautious. They believed the Empire, and the Emperor were the best hope for the world. They saw New Edenia's lack of loyalty and more conservative views as unrealistic, and the Federalists as to political.
The Federalist Party, on the other hand, viewed the Imperial Party as far to hawkish and nationalistic, blind to the realities of the world, and New Edenians as selfish, unwilling to participate in collective efforts unless they gained something.
Kennedy led the Imperial Party, Apollo the Federalist Party, and Caesarius the New Edenian Party.
Then, when the election finally came, it showed the division. Kennedy won his position as President by an extremely narrow margin: a mere 0.2%. Caesarius came in a close second, with Apollo coming in third.
Needless to say, the Edenians and Federalists were not happy with the results, especially the Edenains.. They didn't do anything crazy, but they were clearly not pleased. Everyone but the Imperialists were in a state of upset and anger.
This was shown in the subsequent elections of the three Chancellors. Mufasa, Athan Apostila, and Tereyn Aeresius(the first and last being Edenians and the second being a Federalist) were elected the next day, and though Kennedy's two votes on most matters meant that he could in theory veto one of the other chancellors, he lacked a tie-breaking vote.
I was honestly a little against the idea of political parties, but I wouldn't stop them. Still, I kind of agreed with what Washington said, that it could divide us into enemy camps.
Only time would tell...