The sound of gunshots had finally stopped echoing through the air. Odin walked down the smoke-filled streets of New York; around him the devastation of the events that had occured over the previous five days was clear to see. The once dragon-filled skyline suddenly felt empty and eerily quiet. The familiar rumble of the beating wings replaced by the hollow whistle of the wind. Similar scenes could be found right across the country, and in some cases far worse. 

I'd like to take a moment to divulge in the events of the last week or so. Some people like to talk, or twist the narrative in order to make themselves look like the victims, while others are simply happy to completely fabricate the truth.

Let me be clear, New York was not looking to pick a fight. We didn't wake up and suddenly feel the need to pull the trigger out of greed or some calculated 'power grab'. New York and our allies in Chicago and Los Angeles struck first because word had reached us that Las Vegas, Detroit and Philadelphia would be attempting the removal of New York. 

This wasn't a complete surprise however, as the strange behaviour of many of the aforementioned cities high ranking mafioso and leaders had caught our attention as early as Monday. Nowhere could they be seen in their respective cities, having fled to the West coast, mainly Las Vegas. 

In this life, waiting to get hit first is a death sentence. You don't sit around waiting for the wolves to break down your door, you go out and hunt them first. When word reached myself and a few others within New York that the attack would be happening Friday morning, we made a choice. We quickly reached out to Don Thalia of Los Angeles and Boss ChaosBringerUnicron of Chicago with the evidence and asked if they would support and assist us. Both leaders agreed without any hesitation and so a plan was quickly put into action. What followed was the events you have all just bore witness to. 

What would be their reasoning for wanting to remove New York? Well it would appear they weren't a fan of dragons. It saddens me that this was the course of action I was forced to take having fought relentlessly alongside the very same people only a few weeks ago, however if grudges cannot be left in the past then we will always defend ourselves and our interests no matter the cost or however daunting the challenge may seem. 

I shall not pretend that this was a walk in the park. This war has been brutal and devastating, and the toll it has taken on the streets is great. We have all lost friends, buried great soldiers and felt the heat every single day. 

To our friends, allies and everyone who helped with this monumental effort: you showed nothing but iron loyalty and backbone from the very first shot. You stood with us in the trenches when the bullets were flying, and that is written in blood. Your debt will never be forgotten. 

To everyone else: you fought courageously for your family and your city. You didn't back down when the heat was turned up and you stood your ground until the very end. For that you have my respect. 

We survived the storm. Now it's time to pour a drink for the fallen, count our blessings, and rebuild. 

And we would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for those meddling kids...

LOCATION: ODIN'S OFFICE

MichaelMyers, sounding terrified: Odin! Odin! Come quickly, Soseki and his allies are going to attack you!!!

Odin, suspicious, hurt and then angry: What?! Why would they do that? We just fought relentlessly together a few weeks ago!!

MichaelMyers scuffs the toe of one shoe into the floor, holds his knife by his side, coy: It's true, Odin. Soseki told me himself!

Odin, controlled rage, grateful: I don't believe this. Those bastards, I'll make them pay. Thank you for telling me this, if there is anything I can do...

MichaelMyers in wheedling voice from beneath mask: Well there is one thing...if it isn't too much trouble?

Odin: Anything, if I can, I will. You want to come over and join us? We'll get your guys safelisted, no problem. I did it myself in the last war, easy enoug- 

MichaelMyers: That doesn't work for me, pal. I'd like to sit on the wrong coast for the whole war. Thumb up my arse, useless. That's my price. 

Odin with cocked eyebrow, surprised: Well, if that's what you want I guess...we'll roll without you. Do you have a list of guys for us not to kill?

MichaelMyers: Nope. 

Odin confused: No? I, er. I'm not really following you? I can safelist your crew, no worries.

MichaelMyers: Kill them, I don't care. As long I can do fuck all and I'm safe, that's all I care about.

Odin: Are you sure? I mean from what I know it wouldn't even be a big deal for us not to kill them. Easier, even. Especially if you tell them you're staying neutral or whatever, then we can probably even use them to help us?

MichaelMyers: Oh no, that's no good. Don't hold back, I insist. Kill them.

Odin shocked: But couldn't you just tell them to stay out instead? 

MichaelMyers: Dead, I said.

Odin: Well, I guess if that's what you want...? Are you sure, aren't you their leader?

MichaelMyers scowling beneath mask unknown to Odin: Thumb. Up. Arse. Doing. Nothing. Wrong. Coast.

Odin disgusted: Fine, whatever.  

"Well, shit, man.
Five days.... Felt like five fucking years at times, you know?

I've seen enough wars now to know everybody's got their own version of how the whole damn thing started, who said what, who was planning what, who looked at somebody the wrong way over a drink... shit, Odin, I don't know, sometimes I wonder how any of us manage to get through a Tuesday. But I know what I saw out there. I saw good people stand their ground when things got ugly, fellas who had every reason to just pack their bags and hit the road, sticking around because their friends were still in the shit. And a hell of a lot of those same guys never made it home. That's the part that sticks with you, man.

Chicago's taken its share of punishment lately. Hell, city oughta start charging admission every time somebody comes over to shoot the place up.
But we're still here, least some of us. Still, man, wouldn't have wanted to be standing alongside anybody else. Even with all the shit that came with it.

Anyway... you mentioned pouring a drink for the fallen. Now that's something I can get behind and the first round's on me, man. Just keep your fucking dragons out of my bowling alley this time, I've only just got the lanes wiped down so just pass that bottle, man.

Anyway, the Dude abides... man. Be nice if the fucking peace could do the same for a while.

Jason pours a glass of vodka on the rocks, mixes it with his stirring stick and raises it up in the air.

"Always remembering the fallen of both sides," he says, taking a moment of silence. "War ain't pretty, but here's to the future and building a legacy."

Unicron stood in the streets of Chicago, surveying the scars left behind by five days of relentless bloodshed. The smoke had begun to clear, but the silence that followed carried a weight of its own. So many familiar faces were gone, so many lives sacrificed. Yet Chicago still stood. He took a long look around before finally speaking.

Five days. Five long days of bloodshed, sacrifice, and determination. Five days that tested the loyalty, courage, and resolve of every man and woman who stood beside us. And when the smoke finally cleared, we were still standing.

But make no mistake, this victory did not belong to Chicago alone. Nor did it belong solely to New York or Los Angeles. It belongs to every single person who answered the call, who stood their ground when the odds seemed impossible, and who refused to abandon their brothers and sisters when the streets ran red.

Without that unity, without those sacrifices, we would not be standing here today.

Odin, you and TNT reached out to Chicago when the storm was approaching, and I am proud that we stood beside you. Your leadership and determination throughout this conflict never wavered. Through five grueling days, you carried the weight of countless decisions, stood firm through every setback, and continued pushing forward when lesser men might have surrendered to exhaustion or doubt. You were there through the darkest hours, helping hold this alliance together when everything we had fought for hung in the balance. The effort, dedication, and sacrifices you made were instrumental in bringing us to this moment. You have my respect, my gratitude, and the friendship of Chicago.

TNT, your contributions to this victory will not be forgotten. From the moment this alliance was formed, you stood at the forefront of the fight, dedicating everything you had to seeing it through. Your leadership, tireless determination, and willingness to shoulder the burden alongside the rest of us helped carry this alliance through its darkest hours. When the odds were against us and the fighting seemed endless, you never faltered. Philadelphia now has a leader who knows firsthand what it takes to stand with his allies, and I have no doubt you will bring that same dedication to your city. You have earned my deepest respect and gratitude, and I wish you nothing but success as you lead Philadelphia into this new chapter. Know that you, and the city of Philadelphia, will always have the friendship and support of Chicago.

Thalia, where do I even begin? You were there from the start, standing shoulder to shoulder with us when the outcome was anything but certain. Your courage, your leadership, and your dedication to this alliance were instrumental in everything we accomplished. You gave everything you had to this fight, including your own life. That sacrifice will never be forgotten. The name Thalia will forever be remembered as one of those who made this victory possible.

Paarthurnax, you too gave your life in pursuit of what we set out to accomplish. Your dedication and the role you played in this war deserve far more than a simple thank you. You stood when it mattered most, ultimately giving your life on the battlefield, and your sacrifice helped ensure that the rest of us would see another sunrise.

Alduin, your strength and unwavering commitment throughout this war helped carry us through some of our most difficult moments. Like Paarthurnax, you gave your life in the pursuit of our victory, making the ultimate sacrifice for those who stood beside you. You and your fellow dragons proved yourselves invaluable allies, and Chicago will not forget it. So many of your brethren fell alongside you, leaving only a precious few to carry on. The skies may be quieter now, but the sacrifices of the dragons who gave their lives will echo through these streets for generations to come.

RoyKhan, when Los Angeles was on the brink of collapse, you stepped forward when others could no longer. You established a home for those who remained, offering shelter and stability when the city needed it most. Without your willingness to take on that responsibility, Los Angeles may very well have fallen entirely. Your actions helped keep an entire city standing, and for that, you have my deepest gratitude and respect.

And to the countless others whose names I have not spoken, do not mistake silence for a lack of gratitude. Every shot fired, every life risked, every moment spent standing beside one another mattered. No single leader, no single family, and no single city could have accomplished this alone.

Unicron paused, his gaze drifting toward the battered buildings lining the streets.

Chicago has endured much. We have buried friends, watched families fall, and witnessed destruction that will take time to repair. But this city has never been defined by how many times it has been brought to its knees. It is defined by how many times it rises again.

To those who stood against us, the war is over. I have no desire to continue fighting battles that have already been settled. You fought for your people, just as we fought for ours. The bloodshed has been more than enough.

But let there be no misunderstanding. Peace is not weakness, and the desire to rebuild should never be mistaken for an inability to defend what we have built.

We have all seen what happens when Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York stand together. I would much rather see that strength used to build a future than bury another generation.

He turned toward TheDude, allowing the faintest hint of a grin to cross his face.

And Dude, after everything Chicago has been through, I think you've earned a few quiet nights at the bowling alley. Though with so few dragons left to trouble your lanes, perhaps you'll finally get some peace and quiet.

Unicron raised his glass.

To the fallen. To those who survived. To the friendships forged in fire and the sacrifices that made this day possible.

Lissa brought her own drink to pour a little out for the fallen on both sides of the war. 

Rest in peace to the fallen.