Chapter Text
Elements of the periodic table
1st of January 2020, 6:30 AM – Society of Toxic metals
LEAD
An element with fluffy black hair reaching to the middle of his neck was looking out of a huge window. Bright yellow cat-like eyes with dark circles under them (strongly contrasting with his silvery skin, black lips and a tiny black moustache) were observing the well-kept palace garden carefully, eyebrows knitted together in a permanent disappointment. Dressed in black, the only exception being his white gloves, broad lace collar and dark grey breeches, he resembled a Puritan man more than an ancient metal.
Lead has always been an imposing figure – he wasn´t the representative of the Society of Toxic metals for nothing. The head of negotiations. The political manipulator. Witty, cunning, dangerous.
And now excited for another meeting with the delegates of the so-called "General rule"– the monarchy led by Gold and Platinum. Not that Gold cared all that much anymore, he spent his time studying investments so the burden of ruling rests solely on Platinum´s shoulders nowadays. Lead felt a tiny bit of sympathy towards the purple-haired noble because of it. He could strongly relate to him dealing with others´ messes. He did it for Mercury or Arsenic all the time.
His musings came to an abrupt end when his clerks, Cadmium and Cobalt, arrived and bowed. The first of the two – Cadmium– was as loyal as a dog. Also, hard-working, respectful, artistic and kind. Exactly to Lead´s liking.
His attire almost a copy of Lead´s own, but with the exception of orange sleeves and ruff collar of the same hue. The presence of the second clerk, a flamboyant layabout with blue hair covered by a strange hat, wouldn´t be required at all if the petite orange-haired one with black glasses resting on his small nose, holding onto the light blue arm of the other man gracefully, wasn´t blind.
Not that the condition slowed Cadmium down in any way. He knew the palace almost as well as Lead himself, could move without any assistance inside, write documents down on a typewriter and do more work than any other being living in this building – except for his meticulous superior of course.
Cobalt adjusted the star-shaped lens in front of his left eye as he often did if he found the surroundings unpleasant or boring.
"Sir, here is a new letter from our opposition,"
Lead swiftly took it from Cobalt´s hand to open it immediately.
"That must be a joke, " he said annoyed, but unable to suppress a quiet laugh. When you´re thousands of years old there aren´t many things you still find amusing. However, this situation could only be described as comical. His two subordinates noticed the usual frown on his face had disappeared, malicious grin (clearly showing his fangs) settling into its place.
"Platinum wishes to send Silver to our negotiations! Laughable. He also proposes either a continuation of the ongoing tedious debate or a truce. Unexpected to say at least. But giving any sort of political power to that carefree royal idiot? Ridiculous and even more shocking! Silver´s IQ is probably as low as his atomic number – as is the case with all of Gold´s reckless nobles. But it makes my job a lot easier. I suppose that I should officially thank Platinum for that, "
The other two in the room nodded silently.
"Cobalt? Bring me my coat. Cadmium? Inform our dear noble metals about the rejection of the idea of a truce please. Let's see how well they manage,"
Well aware of Platinum´s dwindling resources a smile crept on his face as he turned to face the window once more, gaze fixated on something in the distance. He should visit Mercury, but these two can instead.
1st of January 2020,10 AM – Society of Toxic metals
MERCURY
He studied a page from one of his old alchemy books for some time. His study messy yet blissfully silent. After a while he raised his head in annoyance, hearing someone's footsteps approaching. They sounded uncertain, clumsy even. It definitely wasn't Lead. Unfortunately.
"I hope it's nothing about politics, new toxicity bans or.... please don't tell me Arsenic broke something again," Mercury lamented quietly, now feeling more worried than irritated, laying down what he was reading just a second ago on his huge mahogany desk.
The door to his study flung open with a loud noise, Cadmium and Cobalt walked hurriedly into the room, quickly closing the gate to "his inner peace" (now to be disrupted) behind them.
Cadmium was the first one to bow respectfully, addressing Mercury with all the courage he could muster: "Sir, I apologize greatly for disturbing you. However, we need to deliver a message. It's of the highest political importance,"
"Well...Go on then. If you must," Mercury looked at Lead's clerk with pure and utter displeasure.
Cadmium couldn't really notice the quick changes in Mercury's mood, but Cobalt had seen them many times on his master´s face, knowing what may happen. He started to feel a bit anxious. Mercury was kind-hearted although he had his issues – for example his uncontrollable unpredictable temper. One could never be sure when is this apparently sweet being going to turn into the ultimate destroyer of reality. He scared Cobalt way more than Lead.
After a few awkward seconds of complete quietness Lead´s first clerk finally spoke up again:
"This morning Lead received a letter from the office of the General rule. It contained information about the truce we are rejecting, about future negotiations and a message from the monarchs addressed only to you, sir. Both Platinum and Gold seem to be very displeased by your lack of interest and care when it comes to continuing your correspondence with them so-"
"Bad wording Cadmium. Really bad," Cobalt thought fearfully. His younger friend wasn´t used to talking to Mercury often, which clearly showed.
"That's already enough!" Mercury hissed dangerously, huge green eyes beaming with the purest kind of fury. Just a single mention of these two pathetic excuses of royal elements together with his supposed "lack of care" could drive him crazy in mere seconds.
However, he quickly composed himself, anger disappearing as fast as it came. He gave Cadmium a sad – almost apologetic – look although no apology was made. As a head of this organization it wasn´t his place to be remorseful. Then he turned back to his books and scrolls, not uttering a word - clearly showing a disinterest to continue this conversation.
Lead´s clerks were not leaving.
"Lead will take care of it all. He will take care of everything. As he's always done," he mumbled.
"And now, please, get out," the whisper contained as much gentleness as possible.
Both obeyed the command straight away, without a single word.
After closing the door to Mercury's study Cadmium seemed very worried: "Cobalt what happens if Lead isn't able to take care of every single thing anymore?"
The blue-skinned element sighed: „It’s fine, don´t worry. That won´t happen, “
Knowing Lead – they were fine.
1st of January 2020, 12 AM – Society of Toxic metals
LEAD
Lead's pace was quick. His steps loudly echoed in the long dark hallway. Every member of the Society of Toxic metals able to hear the easily distinguishable noise caused by the heels of his black shoes knew this wasn't a good sign.
Mercury who was still reading in his study at the time certainly wasn't an exception. Normally he felt happy when Lead decided to visit once in a while. He could talk to him as one talks to an equal, not a servant. Plus, he didn´t receive visitors often. No wonder though…
Even though Mercury himself officially acted as the head of the Society, it was Lead who held all of the political power. Mercury liked it that way, admiring how hard working and precise the older element is. But the certainty that today's encounter won't be too pleasant hung around the room like a fog.
Lead didn't even bother to knock, coming in without anyone announcing his presence first, face frozen in a permanent frown.
"Hello Lead-"
Lead cut him off immediately: "You haven't read any of the reports I've sent to you in these last three weeks, have you? You also disrespected my clerks and decided to cut of the correspondence with the monarchs without my knowledge or council prior to that. Control yourself please," his words were sharp like daggers. Any other element (except for Arsenic to be honest) would be terrified to speak to Mercury in such a manner. Lead knew he had every right to do so though.
"Reports? Whoa--oh yes! Definitely. I've read them. I am not THAT reckless." Mercury laughed nervously. Lead raised an eyebrow, his unpleasant expression not changing in the slightest.
"Oh really? Tell me what you think about our current economic situation then, “
While Mercury was trying to lie less obviously under the unforgiving gaze of his disappointed visitor, Lead was calmly putting his white gloves he wore all the time into one of his pockets. Mercury almost forgot that his companion´s hands were way darker than the rest of his complexion – they were practically pitch black (a sign of halo saturninus). Lead rarely let himself be seen without the gloves covering them but there was no use in trying to hide this in front of his oldest colleague.
Lead finally stopped Mercury´s nonsensical mumbling: "You are a horrible liar sir. And yes, you ARE that reckless. How unfortunate. Alas, that's not the point. I didn't come here to argue – I don't have time for that as you are well aware – and because you haven´t read any of the documents just hear me out please, there is another thing on my mind I wish to tell you. Platinum is actually sending Silver as a negotiator,"
Lead's tone changed a bit: "And I have absolutely no clue why…It puzzles me and I do not like this feeling in the slightest,"
"He isn't much of an opponent. It won't be too hard to get what we want then," Mercury said slowly, glad that the topic of conversation shifted so his friend isn´t blaming him for something anymore. Then after a few seconds of silence he continued: "Silver is an easy target, probably too naive,"
The last sentence was more a question than a statement.
"Hm," was all Lead said in response.
3rd of January 2020, 10 AM – A-association
SODIUM
She gazed at a big banner hanging above a huge red door. "A-association" was written on it with an orange ink in a sloppy handwriting. "It was probably done by Francium," Sodium thought and chuckled. Even the name of their "political party"* seemed funny to her. A-association. So many A's. But what can one expect – alkali metals and alkaline earth metals needed a name for their group – this was all they came up with and managed to agree on.
Sodium happily walked into a huge room with a nice fireplace. The fire had a beautiful color – light purple. Recognizing the shade caused by Rubidium immediately, she decided to read something, knowing that the troublemakers are playing some game near. However, before she could start to think about which book, she's going to pick, one loud cry followed by even louder laughter caught her attention. Rubidium, Radium and Francium were putting their hands into the fire to see how its color changes. Of course. Typical for those three. Accidentally Radium's beard started to burn. It would probably be scary for some noble visitors although this was a norm here. These three just had a tendency to get crazy. Sodium was too soft (of a metal) to just casually put her hand into that fiery pit of hell.
But Rubidium had a sentient hat and Francium together with Radium were both radioactive so she shouldn't be surprised they did this with ease. Quite frankly – she wasn't shocked at all.
While Beryllium ran past her, trying to save Radium's beard, Sodium reached for a booklet carelessly lying on the ground.
"About the beauty of Mohs scale of mineral hardness" -"What even is this book?!?" she frowned.
"Why the hell are we keeping this here? It has to be from the alkaline earth metals' section,"
Suddenly the hysterical laughter emerged again. Caesium decided to jump on Magnesium's back to they can join in the obligatory chaos-making and even Lithium's usually worried expression changed into a grin. Sodium was desperately trying to look sophisticated but completely lost it when Potassium accidentally hit a wall while running away from Francium. The evening was messy, full of yelling, anger, friendship, insults...just as reactive as it could be.
* It´s actually a lot more like a family than anything else since they aren´t invested in politics much, aside from being allies loyal long-term of the General rule
here is a link for the table of the elements that shows their political parties
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-y094nFy1M/
here is a pic of Lead because why not https://www.instagram.com/p/CCQf9AVFbcp/