Welcome to Gaia! ::

Zaku had been pacing in deep thought, a tired but determined look in his eyes. A small glance to the orange dawn peek over with hints of blue that reflected in his eyes as he squinted a little and took a deeper breath. He had been up writing in a journal all night with paragraphs of words, scratched out sentences that were written and rewritten hastily. Eventually, it slowed to a neater crawl before stopping mid-sentence. He couldn't. Taking the journal, he put a hand over his heart and then tossed the journal aside.

Moving over to a tripod and a small camera, he turned it on then moved to sit in the chair it pointed at, his eyes closed. After only a moment, he opened his eyes, staring at the camera, through it and into the audience that he knew would see it.

A serious look in his expression as he began to speak. "I've spent countless hours trying to figure out what I would say, how I would formulate my words, but I'm done with all that. I am only here to speak the truth and not to read to you some outline of news you all already know. To start,... I am obviously alive. In the time I've spent in recovery from what I was exposed to in Haven's hands, I kept my eyes glued to the news as everything unfolded. I listened to the people. Not just metas, but all the races. Enough is enough. The entire purpose of the renegades wasn't meant to breed violence. I started this journey as a naive boy that lost his only parent to the hands of Haven. I wanted peace. I wanted metas not to suffer. And all my group did was give a larger platform for metas and humans to continue ugly acts of violence against each other. I cannot continue to support this, and while I still hope that the humans will see their wrong doing and object to it every step of the way, I am not ignorant not to see that humans have been more than kind enough not to eradicate our entire race in the wake of what Mise Fortuna did. The fall of Criel was absolutely uncalled for, and completely preventable. Mise brought a war to the doorstep of Treterra and we must all take a step back and think about what devastation that would cause on all fronts. Please, think about what it is we are about to do. I, for one, as leader of the renegades, will be toning down our efforts as the meta race as a whole has asked us to do. We will be reliquishing control of Iss'banor and we will no longer be conducting any attacks, we don't want to advocate a war. We only want peace, and we will get it peacefully. I am personally sorry, so incredibly sorry that I had been so blind not to see that as our first solution. I am not perfect, but I am learning to be better with every step I take." his paused and looked down, so tired, but looked up again, continuing.


"As for Mise, I beg that he step down as well in his attacks. To think about what he is doing. See what destruction has been wrought and the increasing number of refugees, displaced families, and loss of loved ones. No one should suffer this. No one. Not any race. If Mise cannot see to reason, the renegades will be forced to protect the will of the meta people and if that be to turn on the mafia and stop Mise, then so be it." he frowned. "We do not want to fight. We want to live. By any means the governments can accept us. We are not perfect, but we can try our best." he bowed his head with a slight exhaustion and took a breath. "I hope you all will understand. We can achieve peace. Together." Zaku got up and moved to the camera and turned it off, ending the recording.

As the video starts, a handsome young man with short black hair with hints of dark blue and pale blue eyes stood facing the camera. He was dressed in the colors of Morrad with the fox symbol embroidered as part of the clothing with blue trimming outlining the eyes. Behind him and to either side were four laptop computers each with nothing more than a background.

One laptop had a burgundy colored owl indicating the city of Midena, another had a purple stag for Norcrest, the third was the blue fox of Morrad, and the final one was a marigold colored butterfly of Belosh.

“For those who do not know me I am Eteri Fox, current heir to Griselda Fox Dictator of Morrad and the one voted to broadcast this message to both the Renegades and the Mafia on behalf of all the city states of Treterra. “he stated seriously as he moved back to the tall table and leaned against it, arms folded and focus on the camera.

“Your messages have been heard and discussed with no small amount of…. *difficulty*” he grimaced faintly and shifted position.

“I will address Mise Fortuna first, we have heard your reasons, your goals, accomplishments and sorrows. We have proof for many, since quite a few auxiliary Mafia and Renegade groups fell to us in the wake of Criel’s destruction. Yet ... “ he started to pace as if thinking.

“Let’s also be truthful and start at the beginning of your group, the attack you instigated was not your first one. People from all around Criel who were vocal in their distrust and anger against metas disappeared, en masse, a few weeks prior to that fateful attack in the park. “ he sighed and shook his head.

“ A new group, the Meta Mafia, appeared publicly after your attack with you at the helm “ he paused in his pacing as he slowly turned to the camera and folded his arms again. “Mafia, it has never been a word synonymous with working with others outside of a *family* and usually one that doubles as a criminal organization.”

“Perhaps you did start out as you said, from poor to rich with a large heart to help not just metas but other races. Yet things never changed, nothing ever improved and you became bitter with the state of things and your bitterness lead to this....”he trailed off and frowned.

“ Or not.” he added quickly and shook his head again, indicating it could have all been a lie. “Though at the end of the day, your reasons do not matter when one single action will color you now and onward. “ his thoughtful look turned stern.

“ The governments of Treterra have been tasked in protecting our people from threats outside our borders and within. By attempting to set up a territory within the city of Criel without their agreement, you were a threat to their sovereignty. There would have been no treaties, no attempts at a peaceful negotiation, only civil war. “ his eyes narrowed. “If that was of any surprise to you, then you are a fool. Just as you were when you felt the need to destroy an entire city because it was out of your hands. You are *no* king and we are no weaklings. “ he motioned to the side.

“Mise Fortuna, our people will never forgive you. No matter the compassion you may have showed before and believe you do now, because there is one thing that the meta Mafia and the Renegades have failed to take into account again and again or, in worst case, have blatantly ignored. “ lowering his hands he moved it to punctuate of words.

“Is that metas are a new species, your oldest is only a 33 year old despite the age you may apparent. What has been happening all this time? Humans and true races have adopted metas since the Metamorphosis school opened and even long after it shut down. There are websites and groups that help each other raise meta children and they are the ones in the background heavily supporting people like Freya and Dahlia, the metas looking for a peaceful way to gain what those parents have always known. “ he took a breath.

“With the destruction of Criel you may have gotten what you wish and are sorry about the loss of life but do you truly understand what you did? You killed families, metas, enemies, allies, and those who had no choice other than to live in a city whose politicians dislike metas for a reason. You attacked the very people you attempted to help find jobs and housing for all these years, you attacked the very families who opened their hearts and took in metas when no one else would. You attacked the heart of your own people because you did not see the larger picture. “ Gloved fingers gently ran through his own hair once before he forcefully lowered it and paced in front of the camera again.

“The names of the one we have been able to find in the rubble will be released with this video online. If you do not trust us, ask Zaku, he used the disguise of one of the fallen when he was captured in SIU. Also do not think I am talking solely to Mise , I am speaking to you as well Zaku. How many bystanders who have never hurt a meta and who might have been protesting were hurt by your attacks on humans? How many were *hurt* because you released the murder squad, a bunch of human hating metas that would happily just kill based on race? Your hands are not clean in this Zaku ... Mise’s hands are just dirtier.” he stopped pacing but his eyes were bright with action.

“As much as we would all like to throw the table as if this was a game, it is not. Every action has consequences. We can not forgive because you have a family Mise or that you lost your parent Zaku, neither of you took that into account when you attacked. Though, I understand you are both just a symptom of something bigger.” he went silent for a moment.

“Normally this is where anyone else in my position would stop and the battle would continue. Except...” he grimaced and seemed to be gathering himself.

“I was chosen because of by own experiences. I have been.. hurt- “ his voice wavered only for a moment and his body tensed. “by a meta who has been betrayed and abandoned, and despite all that, thinks he is trying to do the right thing. My brother Delcard was killed by a Renegade member Andy and my life changed completely.” he looked angry for a moment.

“ Not everything I have experience was bad. I have met metas who have grown to be just like anyone else in Belosh, those that just try to live while suppressed with worry in Norcrest, those kicked out of Aldas because of the action of a certain fraction, survivors from Haven and many more. I travel and I have seen the hope and pain of the people you both say to defend... they do not want to fight. They want to *live*. “He spoke intently to the camera as if trying to get that not just into their minds but into the minds of everyone listening.

“That is why I have supported the Norcrest meta ambassador Dahlia Alphonose’s goals . “ he smiled faintly but it quickly faded. “Though not even metas are immune from violence against their own. She was tortured by the same meta who attacked me but she pushed on, risking her life and that of her family to give a message just as you have both done. Though this is where the similarities end I am afraid. “ he sighed and moved behind the table.

“A little history lesson. Fifty three years ago the Great War ended, that is half a lifetime to humans and nothing to true races. “ he looked troubled. “ Metas were created, lived and grew in these times without the heavy knowledge of what had come before. Humans and true races had just finished a war..both sides wanted peace. We, us humans, offered true races a treaty after a century of killing. We were tired.. we are still tired. “ he sighed softly.

“When metas appeared, they were at first a curiosity.. then a danger once their powers were awakened. But once the rouge among you, meta.. malice.. mane got out of control it finally colored you the enemy. “ his hands closed into a fist.

“We rushed to learn about you in an attempt to fight you and during that rush things happened.. the normal things that went unchecked during the war, greed and immorality most of all. “ he paused for another moment and sighed.

“We learned that to fight fire we had to use fire, that we had to work to keep up to fight the Renegades so as you both revved up your attacked we also pushed for more defense. *In any way possible*. “ he said seriously.

“At one point we offered the olive branch and it was used to stab us in the face. You remember Parley, right Zaku? “ he asked looking annoyed and shook his head. “ The entire reason for this video though is for one thing.. we will hold the olive branch out again and we expect a different answer because Zaku finally told us what we had felt for a long time. We are *all* tired of this. “

“You have not won and this is not giving in to your demands. This is a compromise. Both of you and your groups will be hunted and pay for the crimes that have been done. That is not negotiable. “ he spoke intently.

“The treaty is that the Renegade Leader Zaku Shiori, who has shown the most interest in following their people’s will, be the one in charged to prevent attacks from rouge metas and stop groups like the Mafia from rising up.” He motioned to the screen of all the laptops.

“Morrad , Midena, Belosh, Norcrest are in agreement . We also demanded that the groups cease all hostilities against theses cities and their leaders. Should these conditions be broken then metas will be stripped of their rights and nothing will stop the impending war. “ he warned.

“We are charging Zaku Shiori with this agreement, not who ever currently leads the Renegades or who might in the future lead the Renegades. Zaku has shown the desire to see this through and the foresight to understand his actions and the understanding that we are not pawns. “ there was a slight narrowing of his eyes.

“ The group, SIU, has been reactivated and will be given free reign through all four cities to investigate rouge metas or breaks in the treaty. A sizable budget and will handle any ...questions or information Zaku wishes to pass in a neutral area. Zaku, you are tasked basically to help your kind and ours keep these cities safe and stay alive from our retribution...yes all of that is correct. On top of that, we want Andy and Mise to pay for their crimes and the Mafia disbanded. “ the human was deadly serious now. “Should you both agree or wish to make some mild adjustments then contact me directly. You will then be given a location on where to meet, though I wish you both to keep in mind the consequences should there by any ..trouble” he warned.

“Remember this is for the good of metas, humans and true races. While I can not speak for the other cities, other than the ones mention here. I can speak of my own hopes, as someone who is getting married soon and hoping to raise a family ... I hope that my children will come to see a peaceful world where we are not afraid of each other. “ With that he nodded faintly and the video ended.

from: SakuraTree@metamail.com
to:IDontGiveAFox@Morrad.gov
date: 2-xx-xxxx
subject: Re: Re: Treaty
cc: MFortuna@MetaMafia.org

Dear Mr. Fox,

After reviewing both your broadcast and Mr. Fortuna’s email, I want to present a cooperation among the three entities that seek a platform of peace in which to adequately operate.

First, I would like to accept the position presented as speaker for the people, they have been receptive to the idea, and I will continue to uphold the voices of metas as they see fit for me to do so.

Which leads me to my second point, something that the meta people spoke out to me about and a surprising amount of true races, was the call for Andy’s arrest. There has been overwhelming outcry in Issbanor over this issue and they wish to elect her back into power in an effort to protect her and I fear that Issbanor will consider war over her capture. As it is in our best efforts to prevent the violence that leads to war, I would like you to reconsider calling for her retribution. I understand that she has taken something very important from you as a family member, but might I suggest you utilize this to your advantage in that she will owe you a grand debt of favor instead.

As for my third point, I do have inclinations toward Mise’s offer. I think it is a better alternative to utilize mafia as an organization for those in need than to disband, with Mise left at the helm as the best figure to lead them. I would hope to see their war initiative defunded as he mentioned and would like to offer a revision to the inheritance of funds to the daughters of Mise Fortuna. On good faith, I think the money should be given to Belosh, the most neutral party in this situation and frozen in a bank account until the daughters come of age. And in the event there is suspect of foul play where war initiative would be considered by either Mise or his daughters, they have a proper call to order with myself to decide the best course of action. I will put forth all efforts to maintain the peace outlined in the treaty and make sure that peaceful outreach be attempted first and foremost before war is decided. In the end, I would like to have it in place that there be a cosign to release the account. I will serve as that to make sure that all efforts were maintained. If this is acceptable to both parties, Mr. Fox and Mr. Fortuna, then I will take supervision of meta mafia to ensure it stays in the best efforts of the people and within regulation of peace so it will not be considered a “rogue organization”. With that, I will take responsibility for Mise’s actions. I want to extend him a second chance at atonement now knowing what has come to fruition.

My last point, as more of a topic, is my acceptance to attend a church session with Mise and Eteri, should he agree, as we should all become insightful of our new brothers. With that, I will wish you both a good evening.


Signed,
Zaku Shiori

from: MFortuna@MetaMafia.org
to:IDontGiveAFoxAndOneFingerSalute@Morrad.gov
date: 2-xx-xxxx
subject: Re:Re:Re:Re --
cc: SakuraTreeInAshes@metamail.com

Dear Mr. Fox.

You are a very trying man. You preach for peace and yet openly admit this negotiation that you started is merely a farce. I do find myself questioning your motives and the authenticity of your statements. Afterall every proposed solution you have offered would leave metas as a race relying on your good graces for peace with no solid offers for it lasting and significantly disadvantaged should a war start. I do have to wonder if perhaps that is the real goal of this, to bind if not destroy several meta head figures - so when you start a war against us, you will be able to quickly and efficiently eliminate us, before we are able to destroy you in kind.

You say Belosh must be one of the three cities to vote for war as if that solves the problem forthright - even without war being declared metas lose in this negotiation. “Conditional Rights” aren’t worth the text they’re typed on, and when questioned in court I am expected to believe a meta will be treated fairly? When a man murders a meta I am expected the police to go after the guilty party? What happens when what happened to my daughter happens again? Mr. Fox. Do you expect me to believe that extra judicial action, that my mafia, would not be required? No. The reality of the situation is the rights of metas will be drawn into question - and without conviction and resolve to treat metas as equal they will waiver and innocents will suffer.

This is compounded by you, once again, accusing me of crimes baselessly and wishing I would turn myself over to you for “real justice.” You do not know what real justice is. You can rest assured knowing you will be represented and treated fairly in whatever situation you find yourself in. You do not need to worry about a single bigot ending your life, or the lives of your loved ones, and for the government forces to do nothing about it. You do not need to try to negotiate with a man who clearly resents you for your own kinds protection, because you are protected already. You take justice for granted. It is as apparent as your dashing good looks.

Worse yet you will bind my hands and prevent me from obtaining justice for my kind.

The fact I have agreed to work with you at all, despite this, is proof I am here in good faith in a genuine effort to stop the oncoming war. Given our negotiations have been entirely on what we as metas can give as opposed to what you as humans should provide to pacify us, you should reconsider the tone you’ve decided to take since you are giving no real concessions while we offer up everything we have worked for.

The rest of your statements I would address with content from my previous email and I do not feel compelled to repeat myself, however there is one particular note I feel I must address.
I do not wish for help with my daughters, your kind have more then shown me what compassion I would receive. There is no need for the manipulation of the contract because it is written in plain writing for all to see. If they are killed before they can inherit my assets, there will be a war. It is merely written there as protection to dissuade you and yours from putting further attempts on their lives. I have shown my resolve to protect my daughters, you have no need to call that into question.

With that understood I will get in contact with Zaku and prepare to freeze my assets allocated to the Mafia for the foreseeable future, if you want details about that I will relay them to you so you may observe, but not interact with, the accounts in question. I expect to hear how the cities of Morrad, Norcrest and Midena plan to expand their social services. I do not have any current operations in Belosh because, frankly, they were not needed there. The string of meta-related kidnappings in Belosh were concerning, however, I had not had time to investigate.

The church I currently attend is First Faith National Retributionists
At 6th Avenue, just outside of Sanctuary.

If we are planning on discussing anything, however, I would ask we save it for after service. There is a Waffle House nearby that would be accomodating. We would be attending a church after all and we would not be the only ones in service. I will gladly offer to buy everyone who attends the lunch of their choice in recompense for this demand.

“Remain silent while in church. It is not proper for you to speak, as you should be submissive in the house of Gaia as her servant.” - 1 Hellenist 14:34.

- Mise Alexander Fortuna
くコ:彡

[Moved to discord Chat: rp 5 Sacred Whispers ]