The Bare Truth: Reign and Roun attempt to convince Malaikins to open talks with the Titans (08/07/2403)

Not wanting to jeoprodise their operations by spooking the Malaikins too early with the presence of a Titan, a clan which the Malaikins and Itamis have had ‘bad-blood’ with for centuries, Roun opted to lead the small team that would escort the Malaikin diplomat and his small entourage to the Rogue Fortress, The Garrison.  The young Itami would have a broad grin the entire way to collect their guest, and an even broader grin on the way back as he anticipated Reigns passionate, but ultimately melodramatic speech which he had planned.  Roun would waste no time securing the area as the Malaikin diplomat arrived, allowing his team to lead the high ranking official into the Garrison before Roun followed suit.  The Malaikin would be lead to one of the many conference rooms in the main facility of the massive complex, where Reign, Jinzo, Roderick and Haezar would be waiting.

Roun and Daito would enter some time after the official, once they were certain that everything was secure.  Daito would make his was over to the rest of the security force, while Roun took his place next to Reign and adjusted his Rogue formal attire.  Now things would switch over to Reign, who actually took on an extremely serious tone, foregoing any jesting and joking that he would be known for as his gaze fixed onto the Malaikin official who already seemed sceptical of the entire thing.

“Good morning.”  Reign started, drawing a respectful head nod from the man whom he was addressed, signalling that he could get on with the negotiation.  “No one else here is more serious than me about the ridding of this "bad-blood" between our clans.”  Reign explained, his tone direly serious.  “I am Reign Titan, son of Regno Titan and heir to the throne of Titan's Call.”  He explained further.  “There is something that you must know about me.  As a Titan, and more importantly the Titan Prince, I never remove my mask.”  Reign explained.  “It is on my honor that this mask remain on my face and not be removed for any...”  He paused now.  “Except for you.  For today...”  He stated as he grabbed the mask now. “...is a very serious one...”  He continued, breaking the mask and for the first time revealing his face to anyone, even his fellow Rogues, actually drawing a look of surprise from the Malaikin representative.

“If you still don't trust me because of my blood...” Reign continued as he removed his breast plate.  “Then I will beg you to put your trust in me because of my personal integrity.” He stated, now removing his shoulder pads and cape, the leave just his regular clothes beneath them.  “I personally do not feel at ease without my armour, but today my worries are for the future of our clans.  I wish for us to move forward, and end this rumored hate that has plagued us."  Reign finished, leaving a silent room.

“Your display is... endearing I must admit.”  The Malaikin representative started.  “And more importantly is the fact that you actually believe what you’re saying.”  He confirmed with his own psychic mastery.  “But this ‘bad-blood’ between our clans is not without merit.  Your speech cannot simply wash away the bloodshed that has resulted from this blood feud that you carry on with the Itamis, the blood brothers of our clan.”  He stated.

It was now that Reign would explain his side, the Titan side, or their history, explaining his people’s firm belief that it was the Itamis who started the war by attacking their people.  Roun would then explain what his father had told him, telling the story which the Malaikin were more familiar with, which depicted the Titans as the aggressors in the original war.

“As you can see, we all have identical stories, the only difference is in the roles taken by the clans.”  Roun explained.  “As an Itami who was not raised hearing these stories, I believe that I possess a more objective view of the situation... and I find it too convenient that these stories are so identical, with just a single detail switched around.”  Roun paused now.

“A simple act of deception by our age old enemies the Titans...”  The Malaikin replied calmly, causing Roun to shake his head.

“Respectfully I have to disagree.”  He replied now.  “It didn’t benefit either clan to launch this surprise attack on the other, and it certainly did not benefit the Titans who were driven from Itam... over what, different hair colour and a different energy type?”  He inquired now, drawing a raise eyebrow from their Malaikin guest.

“You children are truly unaware of the real story aren’t you?”  The man inquired with mild laughter.  “At the time, the Titans did not possess their characteristic red hair... nor did they weild this... what is it?”  He inquired now.

“Dagon?”  Reign suggested.

“Yes, this Dagon which you weild so proudly.”  He explained.  “You were, like your brothers, Itamis.”  He stated, visably shocking Reign now.  “Your ancestors had green hair and dark skin and wielded the same green flames as your enemies, boy.”  The Malaikin informed Reign, causing him to look rather puzzled.  “This long lasting feud of Veranos versus Dagon is nothing more than a feud over the application of a single principle.”  The Malaikin liaison explained.  “This is well known to the elders of your clans, but I am surprised that as princes, you two are oblivious.”  The man sighed now, forcing Jinzo to step in and take over from the speechless princes.

“Well despite their lack of knowledge, I can attest to the fact that the Titan King, Regno, I genuine in his belief that the past stories are actually wrong, and that there is a conspiracy that your clans are not aware of.”  Jinzo stated.

“Yes, I personally saw something that might explain how this war started, but I am not at liberty to say what it is...”  Reign stated, allowing the Malaikin to catch a glimpse of the Itami-Titan hybrid before he pushed the thought out of his mind.  This intrigued the Malaikin representative, but he would have been overstepping his boundaries to attempt to retrieve the memory from Reign’s mind.

“I see...”  Was all he could say before Jinzo finished his statements.

“Whatever the reason why you clans had problems in the future, the fact that these two can get along and work together shows that there is hope for a future alliance between the Titans and the Itamis, despite the past conflicts.  If you are still unsure of what the future holds... then you are clearly not looking at these two that stand in front of you.”  Jinzo finished, before a thought briefly cross his mind.  “Oh, and yes... Reign never takes that stupid mask off, and he does wear that armour everywhere...”  Jinzo added with amused laughter, causing Roun to laugh as well while nodding.

“I cannot say that I believe that these talks will result in the resolution of all of the problems that exist between our clans... but I must say that I am at least intrigued by your words.”  The Malaikin stated.  “I will give my suggestion to our King that he should at least engage in talks with you King Regno.”  The Malaikin continued.  “But the talks must be somewhere safe, I will leave it up to you Rogues to see to this.”  The man stated before he turned to leave.

Roun would knock Reign on the shoulder before taking his security team and preparing to escort their Malaikin representative and his entourage back to their headquarters.

Outcome: The Malaikins have agreed to the meeting with the Titans, however they are still concerned about security.  The Rogue Special Forces will now be left to find a location, organise security and ensure that the meeting goes smoothly.