He was a brute of a man. One you wouldn't want to meet in, or out of the life. Not on a bad day, or even a good one t that. He had that kind of presence about him. But if you were of the crowd, one of the types to mix in with the hard-nosed, hard working nefarious classed citizens, you wouldn't mind the massive scar that ran from his right eyebrow down to the top of his lip.

It was intimidating, sure. Maybe even for Adonis, who took a seat across from him. It was a rather quiet and empty bar. The booth held the character of many a prior encounter. Blood had been spilled here, more than once. The surface was a fading red on account of the scrubbing of cleaning cloth and products. Positioned in front of Adonis' host, lay a handgun.

Joe nodded as he took his seat. It wasn't often he'd be called to such a place. He didn't do what he grew up doing as much these days. He'd learned from an early age that fists were the real weapons. The real character builders, that brick by brick, slog by slog, put your name on the face of the opponent. Bare knuckles was where he'd begun. On the streets of New York. And now here he was, under-carding the first major event to hit Purgatory Gym.

It was kind of fitting. He was right hand to the leader, who held the spotlight in the main event. Both wanting to show their worth. Both, fighting for something more than just what the raising of their hand would bring. Victory was one thing. But that admiration, that respect from peers, it was something you couldn't quantify. Joe, wanted that more than anything. Which is why he was here, shuffling in the seat as he unbuttoned his jacket.

"You know why you're here, I take it." The low toned, raspy voice started.

"You know what this is about. It's about more than money. It's about the opportunity to be more than you ever could. It's about what most want, but never find. It's about making yourself into more than a punching bag. It's about you, choosing your own destiny, before the bell even rings."

Joe didn't nod. But, he listened. He let the man speak. He had his own ambitions among all the glitz, glamour and phat stacks. The man had a way with words, he'd give him that. But beyond that, all he was doing was chewing his ear. But he listened and continued to as the offer was finally made.

"You do as we say. You do what we say. And you get paid. It's quite simple, really. You follow our instructions. You give up your ego. Your pride. And you assume the role."

Joe squinted at the last bit. Assume the role. He'd made his bones. Etched his name into the minds the country over. And all against the grain. To toe the line, just wasn't within him. But, he listened. And just as he took a breath, letting the information bounce around in his cranium, he heard a familiar voice behind him, accompanying footsteps.

"So, you in, or not?" The offer came quite bluntly and as the man placed his hand onto the handgun.

"Fuck it. I'm in." Joe responded, before pushing the seat out and standing. He buttoned up his jacket and turned to leave.

As he passed the many empty seats, he also came across a familiar face. It was the man entering as the offer was just being made. And now, they were trading places, and just as Joe was leaving. Adonis flashed Tyki_Mikk a grin as the two almost rubbed shoulders, before Joe pushed the door open and exited.

There was a knock on his HQ door, a fresh faced delivery boy who had been hired to get a note across town. After being collected by one of his members, it was then brought up and handed over to Tyki Mikk in his office. He had been expecting an invitation but something about this felt a little odd. After having many personal dealings with JackMezzo and the Philly organisations, he knew the level of professionalism and standards which they adhered to and this note was certainly of a lower quality.

Upon opening it, he saw that it had been handwritten and contained a few basic writing errors. This immediately made him question the source but as expected, it was to do with his upcoming bout in his rematch with Phillys own, Adonis. Never a man to turn down a meeting request, he grabbed his coat and let a few of his crew knew that he had to venture out to attend to some business today.

As he arrived in town, he checked the address again, eventually finding his way to the named street. The location was a small bar, one that looked like it had seen it's own fair share of brawls and action. His usual tight security had been given the day off today but Solar, his most trusted and loyal guard, insisted on accompanying him. "Just wait outside Solar and blend in. You know the drill." Tyki said to him.

Opening the large entrance doors and entering, he looked around, quickly noticing the man who had sent the note as an eye gesture and hand motion from a huge man, one of those thug types, was offered in his direction.

Placing his hand on his hat, he began to walk towards the table but it was at this moment he saw Adonis brush past him, Tyki pulling down subtly on his hat to acknowledge him as a smile appeared on his face. That was the only contact needed, no additional words were shared between the two men.

Sitting down, he allowed the man to begin speaking.

"We saw what you did last time out Tyki. We know how your handle your business in Seattle but this is Philly and around here, we control the action, you follow?"

Tyki sat, expressionless as the man continued.

"If there is money involved, we want a piece of the action. If we tell you to drop, you drop. If we tell you that the 1st round is yours, it's yours, capisce?"

Tyki leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he interlocked his fingers and listened more, using one finger to tip up his hat so that he could make eye contact with the man sat before him.

"What's in it for a Seattle leader? That's what you're thinking right? Well let me tell you Mr. Mikk. Riches, more riches than you would earn from fighting with your fists that's for sure. Plus, you will earn a little 'credit' with my boss too."

With a gentle smile, Tyki offered up his own words in return.

"So where do I sign for these riches? I do love these little meetings and small excursions away from Seattle. I will admit, it's not often I get to venture out for reasons other than family business so you have my attention."

The thug pulled out a small envelope containing a wad of cash, along with some instructions.

"Consider this a down payment. You follow what's said on that paper, follow it exactly, then we will handle the rest, along with your payment and some extra fame to go with it. The boss will be happy to know you are in Mr. Mikk."

Tyki reached out and took the envelope, nodding to the man with the same subtle smile. As he turned and made his way to the door, he once again wore the smirk that he had previously done when initially acknowledging Adonis. As the glare of the day hit him upon leaving, he smiled to Solar who was patiently waiting. "This should be interesting Solar. Seems like some other groups wish to partake in the Race Street events."