The streets were running red with blood by this point. Mere days after the slaughtering of at least a third of the mafia population, at least another third had fallen. Somehow, miraculously, there Ronin stood on a street corner, like he had many times before. But today was different. The people he was about to address weren't buying his papers, or listening to his opinion on something, or here for a story about his boyhood. They were here for answers. And it was answers they would get.

He stood there on the corner, his cloak soaked with blood and sweat and even some tears. Hell, as he stood there a tear dropped from his chin and fell at his feet. He raised his eyes out to the people waiting on his words.

"Let us not get it twisted."

He paused for a moment, surveying the crowd. He knew how it must look to those who were not around during the early morning battle.

"I did not 'betray' Kimble. I took absolutely zero pleasure in killing one of the men that made me. I did not 'take down the tyrant' so to speak. I was very close with Kimble. Perhaps not as close as some, and certainly not as close as I am with SpikeS, but Kimble was an integral part of who I am as a leader and a person. This was definitely not revenge for anyone he removed in the past, nor was it taking a stand against him in anyone's honor. My city was directly threatened, and Philadelphia will always come first to me."

"It is true, that paranoia had been running rampant in the days after our removal of niflheim. Incriminating 'logs' came out into the open. Some I was aware of, some I was not. I was aware of Kimble and SpikeS telling them they would be sending me to philly only to die later on. It was all part of our plan to get that little extra gun boost for when we removed them. I had no issues with it. I expected people to spread them around and expect me to freak out, but I did not."

"One man, however did. To be honest, we should have known long ago he would be the cancer that ripped us all apart. In truth, both myself and Kimble were played tonight, and it was a strong play indeed. I must give the man props, for he nearly pulled it off."

He spat on the ground in disgust.

"In the late hours of last night I received a phone call from Don Asylum of New York. He came to me with strong paranoia regarding Kimble and SpikeS. He was afraid that they were about to kill him; obviously the logs had gotten to him. I wasn't surprised, he certainly was well known for his paranoia. He asked me to help him in the removal of Kimble and SpikeS. He told me that they had contacted him earlier in that day, telling him they would be removing Philadelphia. I took it with a grain of salt, and intended to ask my dear friends about it after our discussion had ended. However when I tried to reach Kimble and JackRuby I got a busy signal. As I went to redial and try to reach SpikeS, another call came in. A dear friend had sad news for me."

"He told me that Asylum had contacted New York, and told them that I was about to take them to war. Which I never intended to do, nor did I say that I would. But my dear friend told me that locals were being gathered as we spoke, and that I had about three minutes to do something about it. Knowing that Kimble would be taking the shot on me, I searched him out in a dark alley in the Bronx, and took his life. It was the hardest thing I have had to do to this day. Not long after I was able to contact SpikeS, and when we both realized what had happened, we were devastated. I had roasted our turkey, after being played like a fiddle. We united our cities as one, and removed the rest of the city of New York, other than WiggleButt, who was the only one who remained truly loyal to Kimble."

"Clearly, Kimble and I were both made fools tonight. We had known for weeks, months even, that Asylum was dirty, that he could never be truly trusted. Yet we did what we thought was best: give his line a clean slate. Hope he wouldn't make a power grab at the worst possible time. Yet with some lines around here, things never truly change. He became paranoid, and talkative, causing drama around every turn. It was only a matter of time before he pulled a stunt like this."

"Along for the ride he took his dear friends Sinfest and JesusChristo. I am saddened that they had to die, but they threw their peaches into the wrong basket. I am sure Sinfest and Asylum saw themselves as city heads of a new world order, as they had plotted many moons prior. JesusChristo actually turned sides before the war was over, but died to a protective shot from a family member. This is sad, but perhaps a bit ironic."

"I want to take a moment and honor my fallen comrades of the night: Cato and AudreyParker, among others. But they were two key cogs to philadelphia, and I will miss them both dearly. And also my dear friend Kimble, who I will sorely miss. I know many people saw him as a tyrant and an oppressor who needed to fall, but I was not one of those people. He will always hold a special place in my heart."

"Kimble's last wish was that I out Asylum for the scumbag that he was. I do not wish to do that too much, as I think his actions speak much louder than my words ever could. I will end this little speech with words that will disappoint many of you, no doubt. I will not be shooting SpikeS, the 'snake.' He has always held my life in high regard, and I hold his in the same light."

"We are simply playing chess. He is a knight, and I am a rook. He travels in at an L, encircling our target. And I straight, headfirst into the battle. This world itself is our King, and we will not let it be toppled and checkmated through paranoia and bullshit. Today we were simply the white pieces on the board, and moved first."

"Rest in peace to all who have fallen tonight, on both sides. Your contributions and efforts did not go unappreciated."

And with that, he raised his hood over his head and turned on his heel, walking briskly into the Philadelphia night.

Beloved Cato, fallen Don of Bigwood-Longdong; prince among men. Rest well.

Everyone else is forgettable. Especially Money-B.

"Like Chess. Make sure you keep all the pieces."

MissNiki took a moment to let Godfather Ronin's words sink in. She knew her mother had died because of the betrayal of one man. She hoped that that despicable, less that honorable man was dead. She would read her mother's journals, and try to walk in her footsteps in honor of her mother.

Stitches listened to the words uttered with a solemn expression. It was hard to believe that chaos that had unfolded due to one man. Regardless, he vowed to himself that he would do his best to walk in a straight line, that he and his brother would honor their father's footsteps.

Athena listened to the talk of Ronin, standing next to MissNiki, her old friends daughter. Athena had sworn to herself that she would look after all the children of those who had died. If she was still there, no matter how long it would be, she would take care of those who needed her. As she listened, Athena noticed she had gotten it wrong, he was a good guy, not someone she thought that had started it. Once Ronin had finished speaking and left, her hand went to MissNiki's shoulder, her blue green eyes looking down at her. "You will do just fine.. cmon, let's grab somethin to eat." she said as she walked away, taking MissNiki with her.

Well thank you for informing the masses. Anychance we'll be hearing an explanation behind the CH and LV removal?

Ezekiel walks out to the streets to listen to his Godfather. He sees a few respectful gangsters giving their thanks for his Godfather's honesty. Ezekiel can't help but think as to why anyone would want to come out and attempt to destroy the truth. Other than being a hungry troll...

"Fydora, in all of my bloodline's time here I have to admit this is the most truthful and honest speech I've ever heard. If Godfather Ronin is a tool for protecting his district and city, then you clearly don't know what it means to be a Godfather or a leader even. I hope you take some time and do the research on those two things."

To be Honest here that was the best post war speech I have ever heard. Thank you for explaining what truly happened I am sorry for everyone losses in the past 24 hours. It is hard to lose friends and allies. We must take opportunities like this to not only grieve but also to forge ahead so that we may have a better tomorrow. We must learn from past to ensure a golden tomorrow.

I will reply to this more later, but I affirm the truth in this speech. 

Bella leaned against a wall listening while Ronin talked, and when he finished she said, "At least someone came out here and spoke the truth instead of covering up details and giving vague descriptions and reasons that make no sense at all. Thank you, Ronin, for doing what you had to do to protect your family, your city and your allies. Thank you for giving the masses the truth instead of hogwash. Rest in peace to all the fallen, and we all know they won't be forgotten."

I do agree that this is one of the best explanations for a war that I have ever heard out on these streets. Last nights events were sad; to see that the person who shared those logs accomplished exactly what they wanted, chaos. To see that Asylum fed into it, instead of trying to talk things out rationally, leading to the death of Kimble. One person was able to stir up more trouble than they should have been allowed to and that's a shame. 

I look forward to seeing how things evolve over the upcoming days and weeks. Our world has taken some heavy losses and now it's time to see who emerges from the ashes of what's been left behind to lead the empty cities to new beginnings. 

@ Ezekiel obviously some people thought i made a great leader or they wouldn't of put their lives on the line for me. Also you don't have a clue what I am even talking about. I am sure Ronin knows exactly what I am talking about and that's all that really matters. Before you go disrespecting someone maybe you should figure out all the facts behind someone's reasoning. I am not mad I am dead I had an amazing run I am mad that someone acts like your friend and even congratulated me on my auth when they had the plans to wipe my city but yeah I don't need to explain myself to someone I have never even heard of let alone thinks they know what's what. By the way you have some brown stuff on your nose.

Well you see Fydora, that is where you are totally, 100% wrong my child. 

I did not have plans to remove your city. Not once did I ever even consider it. Hell, how could I, with just myself and Cato able to do any real damage, against the biggest city in our world? I would have had to have asked SpikeS for help, and honestly, I wouldn't expect him not to talk me down, just as I would have done had he approached me about New York. Our goal was to prosper as a "big three." 

I implore you to seek out the kin of the fallen Kimbleturkey, and they themselves will read the truth to you from his journal.

It had taken a while for Anna to feel like she could face the streets. She was dressed in head to toe black, the deepest shdaes of mourning, her eyes still red and the tear tracks still visible on her face. She listened to Godfather @Ronins words carefully, words that she had already heard, but words that she still needed to hear out in the open.

The previous evening, she'd barely been asleep an hour when the shot that killed Godfather Kimble had been fired. The carnage that she had woken up to had deeply hurt her heart and she'd spent much of the day in a mixture of shock and disbelief, unable to truly think straight.

As the day had matured, however, Anna had spoken to several close friends and some of the children of the deceased, and her understanding had grown. There was no need for action and indeed, nobody to take action against. The man responsible for the death of Godfather Kimble was dead, his corpse already cold. There was nothing she could do, except mourn.

Through her sleep, and as she sought understanding, she'd been well cared for by the people of Detroit. The city had taken the time to try to protect her, even going to the lengths of having somebody fire a shot through her downstairs window to try to convince would be attackers that she was already deceased. Knowing that, and grateful for it, Anna had taken refuge in the city and was ready to speak.

"The deaths of Godfather Kimble, Don JackRuby and the rest last night are a true tragedy. It makes me sick to my stomach to think of what caused it; the petty paranoia, the self involved and self indulgent attitude, the hot headedness of a man who stuck a knife into the back of the one who spoke out for him most fiercely and protected him most closesly.

I cannot blame Godfather Ronin, Godfather SpikeS, or the people of Philadelphia or Detroit for the loss that New York suffered last night. Who amongst us would have done any different when confronted with such compelling evidence that the lives of those closest to us are under threat?

Godfather Ronin has given a wonderful and difficult speech, given the circumstances of what happened last night - events that are diffiult to understand just by the mere words.

Godfather Kimble was, quite simply, one of the best. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life on these shores, and I shall ensure that my children and my childrens children and their children after them never forget that fact. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again.

I only hope now that the families of those who followed under Godfather Kimble in New York can ensure that his cities legacy is not bitching, crying and flinging toys helplessly out of the pram in response. He was better than that and so was New York."

Connor approaches the crowd that was forming and sees the son of a man speaking recklessly to anyone who will listen and specifically targeting two of his friends with some ridiculous claims. As he listens he smiles because it makes absolutely no sense.

Fydora, hello. You say Ronin knows exactly what you are talking about, yet all you said was that he was a tool. So Ronin knows he is a tool, I don't see how this makes any sense, you haven't really brought up anything specific, just some vague claim - that Ronin is a tool. You also said you aren't one to come to the streets and bitch when your father has died. I think I speak for the general population when I say, that is exactly what you seem to be doing..

Connor pauses and takes a breath before continuing.

You have also mentioned that Ronin intended to wipe out NY, as if he were planning it. We all clearly just heard in his speech that this was a spur of the moment decision, one he had to make due to some snake's deceit and manipulation, in order to protect his city and his allies. I do not understand at all where the whole idea of a plan came from.. I can personally attest to the fact that there was no plan, at all, none. The very unfortunate events that transpired last night happened very quickly and without notice.

Connor checks his nose for any brown, as he knows that will be the only retort this young man can muster. Nope, none there, seems to be just blunt truth spilling from this face today.

Allonsy sitting on the corner reading an article about how Bladedfates was murdered and knowing he stood for the right thing...Allonsy took up the mantel of rebel fighter to fight against the enemies of his once friends Honesty and Jekyll as well as Thrall.