"Their car just pulled up to the front. Places everyone. Sosa hit the lights." said Diogenis.

This moment had been a long time coming. Freeman had been in position for quite some time but he bid his time. Something about respect for the old man running Pasadena; Diogenis never fully understood his reasoning but in the end, it didn't matter. Freeman declared the time ripe and set off sometime after midnight with only a single bodyguard by his side. This sudden decision didn't give Diogenis much time to prepare so when Freeman pulled into the parking lot just moments after Diogenis ushered in the last guest he gave a sigh of relief. The lights were off, everyone was in place, and Freeman was just a few feet from the door.

"Why the fuck is it so dark?" said the man entering the room as he flipped the switch.

"What the hell? Where's Freeman?" asked Diogenis.

"Shit. Did something happen?" said Retter.

"What? No. After it was done he told me to go ahead and that he was going for a walk in the park." said Freeman's bodyguard.

"Only Freeman would try to miss his own surprise party. I'll go get him. ObiWanKenobi, start the music. ReaganNorden, go tell the servers to get to work." said Diogenis as he reached for his keys.

It didn't take long for Freeman to be found. Every time he needed to think or wanted some alone time he would always go to the same park, sit on the same bench, and do the same thing which was nothing. It was his own world.

"How did it go? There was no blood on your bodyguard and I don't see any on you now." said Diogenis as he approached the bench.

"It went well. The old man realized it was time and he only asked one thing of me. To avoid unnecessary bloodshed." said Freeman.

"Do you think his people will accept it." asked Diogenis.

"Do not worry. They will kneel." said Freeman.

"Then I don't get it. If it went well why are you here? Why are you sitting alone surrounded by darkness when you can be with your family surrounded by those celebrating your accomplishment?" questioned Diogenis.

Freeman turned to face Diogenis and contemplated what was just said before nodding. Both men rose from their seat and set off on the short walk back to the HQ.

"So, who's back there?" asked Freeman.

"Mostly LA. The other cities had some representatives in town and I figured why not be a gracious host." said Diogenis.

"Not too many people though right?" said Freeman.

"No, I know how you don't like big parties." said Diogenis as he chuckled.

"Well, we're here. Let's do this." said Freeman.

"You ready, Godfather?" asked Diogenis.

Freeman stepped towards the music and took a deep breath before opening the door to applause and congratulations.

It had been a while since BumbleBee had taken a flight out to west coast. BumbleBee enjoyed the beers, the beaches and the babes out west, but he was more of a East Coast type. He enjoyed his cold weather, the brutal snow, the boots life as they say. It was a New York thing perhaps, its because of his preference for the weather that kept him in New York, not to mention the business of course. The celebrations in Las Vegas had BumbleBee out on the west coast already, when he heard a knock on his door at the hotel. It was one of his bodyguards. Bee got up and opened the door to see what the guard was trying to relay. BumbleBee opened the door and peeked outside. "Sir, we have a letter for you from Diogenis, the delivery boy said something about a party in LA tomorrow. Bee took the letter from the guard and retreated to his bed. He kicked up his legs and started to open the letter. Once he opened the letter, he read it with a smile on his face. The contents of the letter foreshawdoed a party in LA that took a long time coming. Feeling too lazy to pack his belongings, Bee yelled the name of his trusted side kick. Tony! Tony! He came running in.

Can you pack up all the belongings and make sure all the bags are packed please. Seems like were going to be extending our West coast trip. Get the cars ready, we rolling out to LA tonight. I wouldn't want to miss a West Coast style party.

Not long after the bags were packed, Bee along with his entourage made his way out West. He was determined to get to this party on time. His last some appearances were out of character for him. He was a man that liked to be at the right place at the right time. Being tardy was not one of his things. The cars rolled up to Freeman HQ. There was a bit of buzz surrounding the place. BumbleBee jumped out the car and walked up the steps to get inside the HQ. He saw some of the leadership in LA hanging around. He shook hands with TM and Boogie- before he gave @Menerva a hug. 

So Where is Freeman? Or Diogenis? 

Menerva pointed to the back of the HQ where, you could see some preparations being done. Bee walked back there to catch up with Diogenis. Once he was a little further back, he could hear Dio giving instructions to the men to get the place set for the party. He was getting the liquors in order and the whole nine yards. He walks up behind Diogenis and taps his back, before Dio turns around and they embrace in some brotherly love. Then they shake hands and sit-down for a conversation. 

So this is finally going to happen? Its about Damn time! Its almost like Freeman is finally getting his Freedom to become the big man in Pasadena. Diogenis and Bee both have a couple of laughs as they have a few words. A half hour or so later, TM comes looking for Dio. "Hey, its time. I think you need to go find Freeman". Thats when Dio got up, shook Bee's hands "Ill see you in a little bit my friend" and took off to get Freeman. Once Diogenis took off from the party a sense of excitement started to take root in the building. This place was getting ready to blow upon Freemans entrance. Bee grabbed himself a drink and started mingling with the attendees at the party, awaiting Freeman's arrival. 

Qahnaarin was sitting in his study in his Chicago compound, drawing up a business plan for a possible new venture in Chicago. It had been one of those unbearably long days that just seemed to go on and on. He could really use a drink or two, and some outside company. But work had to take priority these days.

His assistant knocked on the door and came in. "Telegram from Los Angeles, Sir. Freeman plans to challenge the godfather."

"No shit? It's about damn time too, the old fart." Happy for an excuse to get out of the office, he rushed out the doors and down the garage, where his private driver was waiting. "Airport, Frost." He said to the old albino man who drove him around. Suddenly he remembered a story he had read in grandpa Sithis' journal about Freeman's father, Ishmael. He had famously ran from the godfather in the middle of the battle, claiming afterward that he was 'High as hell.'

"You'd better step on it, too." Not wanting Freeman to make the same mistake his old man had, Qahnaarin rushed to the airport to get a plane to LA.

***

Upon arriving at the LA party Qahnaarin realized it was already over, and that Freeman had had no issues with the godfather. He also realized that he was rather late to the party.

"Apologies for my tardiness, Godfather." He said. "But boy, am I glad to see you here. It's been a long time coming and I can't tell you how proud I am, and how proud I'm sure your ancestors would be of you here today. Los Angeles is lucky to have a man of your caliber running Pasadena. Congratulations, old friend."

The many travels around this fine country found TM aching to go home. It had been a good while since he actually spent a night in the city of angels, the hustle and bustle of maintaining his businesses always keeping the Don on the move. Whatever place required his attention most he would rush too, recent events keeping him in Las Vegas, but not even the most lucrative deal could keep him from celebrating the ascension of Don Freeman into Godfather Freeman. Upon his arrival back into the city he can already see people celebrating, from the downtown district all the way to Pasadena where the real celebration was kicking off. Bumping elbows with all his friends in and out of the city who were fortunate enough to attend such festivities. Smile on his face as he makes his way through the crowd Boogie- following in tow. Bumping into Bumblebee he greets the man warmly before peering through the vast amounts of people just to spot the new Godfather. Stealing a glass of champagne off of a tray that’s wandering by him, taking s few sips he continues to make his way over to Godfather Freeman, letting the others ahead of them say their words of kindness and admiration before he begins to speak his own.

“Godfather Freeman, how the city had been waiting to utter those words. I offer you my congratulations, and my admiration for your continued successes. Pasadena has indeed shined brighter since your arrival, and I am confident with your ascension to such a prestigious rank the district will continue to flourish along with our fine city. I raise this glass in your honour sir, with all respects. Salute”

I sat alone up on the hill underneath that giant sign that meant so much to me. I sat there with a new bottle of tequila in my hand. Through the days ahead I'd think about all of the times that had past. It was an important time for Freeman, long gone were our days spent in New York under Godfather Chair Insomnia. Everywhere I went I thought about where I had been, taking a long drink after pulling the cork from the tequila. 

Since he had taken his time to get there I figured it would only be right that I took my time to show up to the party. I had received the invitation from Diogenis and I am certain there were plenty of people there excited to celebrate Freemans newly found title. It meant a lot to me to have him as a Godfather in the nearest district to downtown. We had spent a lot of time working closely and it felt like everything was finally paying off. I spent some more time sitting there taking a few more drinks from the bottle when I was surprised by a visitor. It was Hope_ my right hand, she slowly walked up not to startle me and took a seat next to me. She picked up the bottle that sat next to me and put it up to her nose. With a shrug she took a swig from the bottle and set it back down next to me.

"I think it's time we get to the party people have already come and gone. Diogenis told me you'd be up here, he asked for you to come down, but not before the bottle was empty.", she said laughing slightly noticing the bottle still half full. 

I raised an eyebrow to the words coming from Hope_. Of course Diogenis would ask that of me, he remembered the long walk we'd taken up there and probably didn't wanna take it again. I shrugged and started to drink away, drinking the bottle down as much as I could but there was still plenty left. I popped the cork back on and set it next to the other empties we'd left there from past journeys. I looked at Hope_ and smiled at her knowing I was about to be above my legal limit in no time.

"We will come back for that bottle one of these days, that's a good one there.", I said pointing at the bottle. 

Hope_ knew my warning signs and dragged me down the hill and into her car that was waiting for us. After a moderately long drive we showed up in Pasadena where everyone was at. The drive had given me some time to sober up so I was going to be able to drink all over again as soon as I got there. Getting out of the car I saw Charsi outside the front of the place with a drink in her hand talking to Marie_Lucania. Seeing them both as we first got there was exciting to me, it was an obvious sign of the good times ahead. Giving them an embrace and handshake I tried not to interrupt there deep conversation. 

I held the door for Hope_ as we entered inside seeing people like BummbleBee from New York and Qahnaarin from Chicago present. It was a clear sign I was with good company for this celebration. Noticing TM standing there with a glass of champagne in his hand I took it upon myself to grab a glass myself and join him. I walked over and gave him a big hug trying to spill my drink in the process. There was no animosity in the air at the moment everything was good. I had been playing a bunch of practical jokes on him and he had been a good sport about all of it.

After a brief conversation TM I'd finally caught sight of Freeman, he was back in the corner at a table in the dark with Diogenis. Walking to the bar I got a glass of whiskey on the rocks and made my way over in there direction. Both men stood from the table and shook hands with me as I walked over. We all raised our glasses in celebration of our newly crowned Godfather. After taking a drink we all took our seats at the table. 

"I figured fashionably late with the dress code for this celebration. I almost missed it celebrating all of our time we've had together up on that damn hill. I left another bottle of tequila up there so you know what that means. We are gonna end up having to trick some dumb sucker into coming back up there with us to drink it. I'm proud of every thing you've done and will do here in Los Angeles. It means a lot to me to see you wearing the title of Godfather it's been a long time coming. All jokes aside I'd be hard pressed to share this city with anyone else I appreciate you."