Weeks of discussion followed—Maya, Kiko, and a rotating cast of young creatures debating the future.
"It's like a philosophy seminar that never ends," Maya complained to Glad. "Every question leads to three more."
"That's how change works. Slowly."
Finally, they reached a proposal.
The "Dumaguete Accord for Young Creatures" would establish:
Mainstream integration programs for those who wanted to live primarily in human spaces
Creature-specific spaces for those who needed community
Hybrid options for everyone in between
Regular forums where young creatures could voice concerns directly to the council
"This isn't what either side wanted," Kiko admitted at the signing ceremony. "But maybe that means it's what we needed."
Maya nodded. "Compromise isn't surrender. It's growth."
Glad watched from the audience, pride swelling.
The next generation was figuring it out.
Just like she'd hoped.