They could still hear each other despite the din of the midday crowd as the three of them sat in the far corner of the cafeteria. No one turned to look at them. They were, after all, very important people within the Dragon’s Heaven and most everyone knew their faces and the positions they held. Of course, in this place, those positions were set aside. They were just one of the crowd now, a table of three men sharing food, drink and company. They had to line up to get it like everyone else. They had to find a chair like everyone else. They did this every afternoon, when their breaks would allow it. One would contact the other and they would offer remind the third that all work and no play made jack one very dull boy and off he would be whisked to join them for lunch.

The table they sat at was black, a perfect contrast to the white walls and white floors of the cafeteria. The chairs were curved, alternating black and white to keep with the monochrome theme the whole room had. Two small plates remained on the table along with a bowl that contained a bit of fresh salad among three cups of dark coffee. One had been laced with a bit of sugar, cream and a capful of sweet brandy, one with one and a half cubes of sugar and the third was pure black, bitter and strong in both scent and taste. Arabica, the boy-bartender had told the King when he went to get the coffee for his companions, the brew of the day. Both plates and cups were made of delicate white china edged with equally delicate golden lines, the only perk the three got during their meals in this common room.
The King reached over, taking his cup and sipping the dark liquid. He couldn’t help but wonder what the others had thought, seeing him like this here with these two. After all, here he was, the King of Hell sitting with his supposed arch-nemesis the current Jade Emperor. He allowed himself a soft chuckle as he set down his cup. He seemed to be physically the eldest amongst them, his grey eyes showing that the most. There was just a certain warmth to them that gave him a rather fatherly aura which made anyone who took the time to sit and talk to him trust him immediately. His robes were simple for he preferred to save the fancier ones for court and matters of equal importance. They were black and grey cotton lined with white with a silver belt held tight against his lithe body with a red string. His silver hair was long and soft, held back by a strip of red sloth and falling down to his rear. “I find this lunch to be rather stimulating, don’t you..?” he asked, smiling softly as he leaned back, crossing his legs and pressing his fingertips together.
To his left sat the Emperor, in the middle of sipping his drink when he spoke. He took his time, savoring the warm liquid as he swallowed it down. He seemed the youngest of the three, both in a physical and godly sense. He had only assumed the throne a few months ago and had, in the King’s honest opinion, plenty to learn. But he was an eager student after all and a just as eager ruler. His long light purple hair was neatly braided, the end of which was hidden amongst the folds of his pristine white robes. Deep plum eyes looked up at the King, eyes blinking slowly before shutting. A deep sigh escaped the Emperor’s lips as he leaned back. As it seemed, the King needed no verbal answer. The very fact that he was at ease in their company was answer enough.
A slight clink was heard as the Sire reached over to dip the end of his spoon into what remained of the beef stew on his plate. He slipped the stew-tipped end into his mouth, blinking back at his companions as if asking if anything was the matter with what he did. The Sire was the one most accustomed to the modern world, the one who had most taken to their climes and times. He had foregone robes completely, choosing instead a smart button down shirt (light purple to contrast with the dark purple of his hair) with a pair of deep blue jeans and brown leather loafers. Beneath thin rimmed spectacles were his sea green eyes, the brilliant color signature to one of his kind. He smiled, resting his head against his hand as he watched his two companions. Nothing made him happier than just enjoying the company of those he considered his friends.
And of course, these three considered each other friend despite duty, tradition and history telling them otherwise.
The King, the Emperor and the Sire. These were but one of the many names each of them held. It told of their position and what those under their care and protection had called them for it was known that their true names were sacred, much too sacred to be uttered by mortal lips.
“I’m so glad you get along better than your consorts.” He smiled.
The Emperor and King both burst into laughter, the Sire joining in a moment after. The hatred between the Queen and the Goddess was nothing short of legendary. The King allowed himself a chuckle before shaking his head. “Oh we can’t have that. Leave the women to fight off the battlefield.” He said, smiling. The mood amongst them remained casual, one of three men sharing coffee rather than three great kings having a meeting.
“Too much chaos for the Lord Chaos…?” the Emperor asked, leaning back and taking another sip of his coffee. A small smirk came on his lips as the King raised an eyebrow, resting his head on his palm and his elbow on the table as he watched him.
He laughed, shaking his head and chuckling softly as he sighed. It felt good to laugh again and mean it. It had been a while since he had done both these things. In times past, he had been said to have forgotten how to smile. “Mmm… you can say that. Even I like a little peace and quiet.” He replied, once more regaining his composure.
“Who indeed doesn’t?” The Emperor smiled back, sipping at his cup. Silence reigned a moment more as the King turned his attention to their companion.
“Is something on your mind?” he asked, watching him carefully.
The Sire turned his gaze back up to the King, blinking slowly. He turned his attention once more to the window he sat by, lost in the sight of the brilliant gardens beneath. His people had been the reason for such beautiful blossoms, for the pinks and purples of the peonies and the cherry blossoms, the crystal blues of the lake. It was quite a sight to behold and it signified so much. “No… not really,” He replied, setting his mug down. “It’s just that… one just comes to realize how much things have changed around these parts. How the humans live and thrive, how those in the Dragon’s Heaven have managed to come together, that sort of thing.”
A small smile comes to the King’s lips. What the Sire had indeed said was true. The state of the Dragon’s Heaven indeed reflected the state each of its denizens was in. A great peace had come over them and now, one could truly live at ease. The only trouble they had to worry about would be if their consorts’ little spats had gotten out of hand which happened very rarely. “You can see it in its people…” The Emperor sighed, gesturing to the others who sat around them.
They all had their own agenda, the others who lived here. Each had different views, each sided with a different faction, celestial or heretic yet here they were. They dined under the same roof, on the same food, slept under the same sky and worked in the same place. The Sire sighed softly, content with the way things were. He didn’t wish to change anything. This place was just fine. A sudden movement from the King drew his attention and he looked up at him. “My lord…? Is that a tear I see?” he asked, leaning close. The King rubbed his eye once more with his sleeve. “One of joy, old friend… Nothing more.” He replied, smiling back at him.
The Emperor nodded knowingly, taking his now empty mug and his plate as he stood up. He knew the reasons, he knew the cause for the King’s joy. After all, would not one be proud of something that flourishes after one works so hard for it? No other words were needed. “Well then,” he said. “There’s more work to be done and it’s not going to do itself.”
“ Shall I meet the two of you for lunch again tomorrow?” he asked, already knowing the answer that was to come. “Of course.”
“As if we’d want nothing more. “