"At some point, they're going to talk about the business in Las Vegas, Issei's been making some moves and it is not hard to notice, he may have fallen off in some ways but it does not mean he isn't planning, aye? We've seen him do all sorts of worth and he has come out a beast..."

Grunting, a man spoke as he scratched his chin as he met the eyes of another, grey and almost lifeless but it stopped when they suddenly came to life, it was like something shocked him as the two walked into a New York clubhouse, enjoying themselves for the moment as a smirk played at their lips. 

"It's all up to the Prez, brother. We don't know the play and if we do, it's not any of my fucking business, ya hear me? The last time someone went against his rules, he was stripped of a patch and almost died, that was just for touching his broad..."

The younger of the two met the older man's eyes then, widening for a moment, clear that he hadn't even known of the story but the older man didn't talk about it again until it was clear the younger one wasn't even going to stop thinking about it. There was a long pause before the man finally sighed and spoke of it...

"Listen, get that look out of your eyes, alright? Marx was doing what was right for the time, he was a rising President in the game, he was also a fucking killer and one that made this life into one of luxury. The feds, they focus on the Mob and Cartels, us, we're below the fuckin' radar and currently, we make more money than those Italian fucks, hear that?"

The younger one didn't even bother to laugh then, simply sitting down at the bar of the clubhouse as a tank-top clad woman passed by them both offering them a few drinks and they got beers in response, the young man had heard many things, Konnor was his name, not a dead man by any means but an elder and still kicking one, in his early twenties when he took hold of the Fallen Angels Motorcycle Club. 

The man had been there during the foundation, a time where he was clearly one of the few that needed to be on top of his game. He had become President with nothing but his steel and the balls of a man who wished to bring the lives of his club up with him. Not to benefit himself, it was a trait that not many other National Presidents shared and it was definitely something that led the F.A.M.C to become one of the biggest clubs on this side of the U.S. 

"Sometimes I do but there's talk of war, a civil one at that, Roman and Leliana, what is that all about?"

The older one grunted, stretching his arms for the moment and giving a glimpse at the patches on his leather jacket and the clear signs were there - [Vice President] - [Angel of War] - [Saint] - [Westside Original] and that was all that showed. The younger one didn't even blink, simply waiting as the man relaxed with a beer in hand. 

"Roman got booted out of England, probably has something to do with the increased presence of our charters over there, along with the fact that some people believe a true Pavanno should lead the organization, a whole bunch of bullshit if you ask me, kid. Money is money, we're all trying to earn it right now."

The kid gave a small smile at that, it was true, most people who joined the Angels were in it for the money at the beginning but slowly, the sense of brotherhood, the moments where potlucks were a true bonding experience, it gave this club a real meaning to family, much more than the other societies gave off. 

"True that, say, aren't we meant to be heading to the fall Productions in like five minutes?"

The V.P gave the kid a risen brow, was the kid smoking some of that marijuana recently? Cause he was sure that if it was the case, he would have been there way before the time was needed to start the shoot. 

"Not us, why what's up?"

The kid shrugged, not even realizing why he had said, he was sure that his pops would have told him the matter of that time. 

"Heh, got confused there Kon Jr? C'mon Prince, let's get the fuck outta here..."

The kid and the old man walked out of the clubhouse, giving the woman a small wink as they left before mounting their bikes. One of them, being the kid, taking a little longer to pull out of the lot as he turned his head, noticing his pop's offices and just who he was entertaining...

Shaking his head, he pulled off following after the old man, barely noticing his pops' glance at him, worrying for him...
 

"Your son, he's become a man in his own right, hm? Your VP seems to take a shine to him...lovely, let us hope the story of Estarossa and Jury does not repeat itself now?"

Konnor leaned back into his chair, taking a drag of the smoke between his lips, his hair was shaved, no longer was it like a mane but shorter and barely touching his shoulders, his lips curled up into a smirk at the brief mention of his fallen brothers. Each of them had a legacy but none like him now, it was built with them in his opinion, none of this would have been suitable without their true support.

An old saying for their club: "In life or death, an angel's guidance is never gone from the world, nor does it ever stop giving signs."

The old guard had long since died out, the ones remaining now were either limited to roles of financial support or played a role in the Fall Production studios around the country. A sad smile played at the thought of his former fiance's pure shock or perhaps happiness that he had been able to make a true empire out of this business. 

"It won't now tell me, why does the Las Vegas Mob wish to come to me with problems concerning Roman Pavanno? Last I heard, he was of no concern to me, hm?"

Understanding the game was one thing but actively taking a shine to it and deciding that it was for him, Konnor did not like it and neither did he wish to play that kind of role. He was a father now, his club was in the hands of those that could easily give itself a breath of fresh air, should it wish too. 

Yet outside forces wished to tip his hand, money, drugs, woman, and political favours were not new to the ageing President of the F.A.M.C and it was a shame to say he grew used to it with time. There was a time where he knew that this life like this was outlaw, where it was about family and brotherhood, now all the lives were definitely different.

"With his plans known to a few people, we believed that we could get you to contact some of those within your club that may wish to assist him with whatever his plans for the future of the Pavanno business could be. Roman has a lot of ways, being the heir to a dynasty that does not end with him but can begin anew with him if he gets his way, do you understand that, Marx?"

Snorting, Roman was many things but a killer of children, it was barbaric and something that even the deepest of criminals were against such a thing, like those in the honoured society.

"I don't believe I had to do this, today of all things, listen, we're done here, alright? Get on a plane, talk to Issei and tell him that the King wants a talk, if the dragon doesn't wanna chat, you let someone in his organization talk to me, alright!? And the next time, you even bring up a subject like that and I hear about it, fuck the rules, I'll put you in a coffin myself, prick. Now get the fuck out."

The man didn't even try to haggle, knowing that he had pushed his bounds into believing that Roman was such a man, painting like that could be dangerous with this sort of crowd or any of those. 

Barely hearing the door open, Konnor sunk into his chair, the weight of everything just bore down into him and he couldn't;t even believe what he was truly thinking about right now, after so long, this business had a grip on him, peace was never an option but for so long, he had held it back and finally wondered if he was going to live through another war that involved the honoured society.
 

"MIKEY! Look at you, fucking hell, can you see this kid Joe? I remember when he was barely up to my waist, now he's riding one of the prized iron horses, like ya old man, hm?"

Chuckling, Mike hugged his uncle Gerry, the man was in the same club but had always treated him the same. Of course, when it came down to warring, he knew the kid could handle himself and was a man of the brotherhood throughout. It was good to know, not everyone belonged in the original charter of the Angels but here they were, living and breathing, throughout all the bullshit they suffered, it was the stuff of legends. 

"Hey don't treat me like no Aztecas, alright? Only 19!"

Smirking, Gerry brought the kid off of the bike and into the bar which was decorated in plenty of signs that affiliated itself to the Angels organization, this place was a regular hangout and was something that many of the charters in New York stopped at on occasion, nowadays the meetings of the charters were...met with a little more scrutiny, especially those upstate and it left some unfinished business in terms of who led it at terms. 

Of course, it was crushed with ease, Konnor had risen up and changed nothing, the rules set by Michael Pavanno remained and followed, the club was one for all and that is all that mattered in the end, at least to his decree. Not many believed that the same way, it left the clubs with trying to find their own marks in the world and eventually, they fell into the roles of being the backbone of the Fallen Angels MC, in some ways, the closest charters outside of those in New York, the city, charter close. 

"Heh, you got that right, listen, we got a job tonight, was wondering if you wished to come with, a bunch of shipments from the Asians, Himejima clan sent some over. Some good stuff, we're looking to score, we're only escorting for right now, a deal has been set though if you guys are down."

Quickly, Mike met the eyes of Orkon, the V.P shrugged, not knowing what that was about but not knowing enough to simply rule it out and simply left it up to the kid. If the club was getting paid, it could be a good deal, plus it could lead to more work and that is something he always spent time looking for. Most days, it was spent with Gerry or Joe riding his Iron Horse around the city, never having been on a deal before unless ordered by his pops or Orkon. 

"What's the deal in place? What type of cargo I mean?"

Smiling, Gerry leaned forward, offering Mike a smoke which he declined as he opted for an Oreo instead, eating with ease as he looked straight ahead, winking at one of the women that passed by as they made a show of swaying their hips on the way out as they passed the angels. 

Of course, Gerry had quietened with practised ease as he lit up the smoke, barely giving the women another glance, he knew their motives and of course, if he wished, he would have engaged them and given them a little bit of a high. Only he was trying to give himself a moment with the kid, recently, he was noticing things and the kid was in need of this type of thing. 

"Heroin, it's being brought over by the fucking clans and they want protection, they promised a good 25% of the shipment and that's plenty of cash for the club, especially if we turn that into surplus and keep 7& or 9& to ourselves as a cut and give the Prez a little something on the side. I know the rules, drugs are a bit of a taboo subject but the money to be made is pretty decent, I'm willing to go along with it..."

Trading a look with Gerry and Joe, the men didn't seem to be that fazed by what they could be doing, there was no urgent need for his own money, Mike knew that but it was the possibility of having something for himself. It would give him something away from the club, of course, with the cut to his pops, it would all even out in time. 

The benefits and then there were risks involved, turning his head as he motioned for a glass of bourbon from the bartender, she got it with ease, pouring it for him as he gave her an easygoing smile. 

"Who's with us for the job? At least, a solid 5 guys are what I would want for the job, otherwise, it is definitely something that might go wrong, at least with a few guys, we might minimalize any losses on the part of the club, causing a larger backlash if there would be any..."

The kid was smart, that was a thought going through both the heads of Joseph and Gerry, both knowing that it would have just been the three of them, not something that would have gone over smoothly. Someone needed to cover the front and back, of course, the last person would drive ahead in a Van, a convoy of sorts and would give them the maximum amount of protection. 

"I'm telling you, this kid is going to go places. Probably will be the next king of Angels."

Shaking his head, Mike pushed Gerry off of the stool, which only caused him to stand to his feet, hugging the kid. 

"I'm in though, I'll be back here when the job needs doing, for now, I got to get home, speak to the family, you know?"

Joe and Gerry sent the kid on his way, both glancing at him and only now noticing how he seemed to look like his own person. Konnor hadn't had time for that in a while, of course, it left a strained relationship between the two, one hat was mending by the day and was slowly getting better as they both understood one another slowly...

Looking back at one another, the two brothers nodded for right now, heading over to entertain the women with grins plastered on their lips. The two barely paid any mind to the roar of the Iron Horse that left the bar soon after...
 

Resting as he glanced up at the brownstones of Brooklyn, he found himself smirking, this is where his namesake had spent much of his time entertaining some of his other wiles, it was one of the things that the club hadn't exactly paid any mind too, Mike at the time, had his business with Oppai Inc and it didn't interfere with theirs and so they left him be. 

It had been weird for Konnor at the very least, Michael knew he was named for a guilty reason, one being that Konnor had never forgiven himself for placing his friends inside and one of them dying due to that response. He wished to save the club and so he did, with whatever he could and it proved to be that kind of business, one that Michael at the time, did not mind. 

"Are you going to come in or continue staring up at us!?"

Shaking his head, he could see his sister, already she was being the annoying little brat that he had grown up with. Sliding off of the bike, he walked up and into the complex, glad enough that his mother and family were on the second floor as he put in the key and entered...

"Mikey! You're home, already!?"

Looking down he met the eyes of his youngest brother, Dominik, he gave the little kid a smile and picked him up with a roar as he placed him back down on the couch with a gentle slam as he ticked him soon after causing the kid to giggle. 

Moments like this, it was what he and his father had missed, of course, it was not the same as it had been when he was younger and not in the know of what his father did for a living, it was different now and definitely had him grinning at the very least. He was a protector, just in another way, at least, it was the way it looked in some view. 

"Oh look at his, the so-called Angel of the house, little brother, get off of there, mom just finished cleaning you know?"

Raising a brow, he looked around, only now noticing that his mother was definitely cooking for the family. With a grin, he dashed into the kitchen and purposefully bumped shoulders with his sister, causing her to roll her eyes and flip him off. 

"Momma! You didn't want to invite your favourite child home for some of your famous cooking?"

There was a gleam in his eyes, one of hope in actuality. Yet it died as e met the eyes of his mother, barely concealed disgust as her eyes settled on the leather jacket he wore, almost wishing it burnt off of him and left the ashes in the air to be swept away. 

He shook his head, turning away from her and nodding his head as he walked out of the kitchen in awkward silence, already hearing the yelling whispers between mother and daughter as he left and walked into his room, locking the door soon after as he slid off his leather jacket, leaving it on the chair and pulling out a brown box from underneath his bed. 

Opening it up, he collected his things, a wad of cash, a piece, and another wad of cash. He already had his first gun on him but you never had enough, with a grin, he pushed the box back underneath his bed. 

Shrugging back on the leather jacket, he walked back out into the hallway. Noticing his sister sitting there with Dominik, both smiled at him and he nodded his head to them before kneeling down and hugging his sister, discreetly placing the first wad of cash in her hand before nodding his head with a smile. 

"You take care of her, alright? I don't want to come back and see this place all messy, I'll try to be home more often as well, but you know how work is. Either way, call me if you need me."

His sister nodded sadly as she kissed his cheek and he kissed her forehead, the two were partners in this, they had to take care of their family, in whichever capacity they could and that meant that the so-called blood money Mike earned went to his family, paying the bills and making sure that went to enjoyment for them, even if he didn't take part. 

After that, Mike left his family, for now, deciding that business at the clubhouse would have been better than this, at least, in his honest opinion. 
 

"So the business with Vegas is heating up? Did they come here asking for assistance with Roman? Seems a bit out of left field, want me to put out some feelers? See what gets brought up?"

Softly shaking his head, Konnor knew that he wouldn't do anything but give some of Roman's people to muster and easily place themselves a little bit deeper with Issei, who was currently, the only connect and a very powerful one who was linked to the head of the Yakuza, who currently, the Fallen Angels did business with, according to Gerry... 

"Leave it be, a problem like those lot will sort themselves out, what I am worried about is Issei, the man has been through a lot and is the only one I see being able to handle the type of work that might be coming up soon enough, aye?"

Konnor was right in that regard, a lot of people had heard the business with Eto and how it had gone for Issei, the man losing an eye and coming back to run a few businesses and place himself back on the map, it wasn't something the F.A.M.C especially a leader like Konnor, who was always on top of his game, he needed to be. 

Lighting a smoke, Konnor wondered if Esta had ever dealt with this type of shit, they had decided a rebellion at some point was in order, of course, that gone over so well that it left a lot up to thought and now here they were, a lot of that time was a blur for Konnor, he only remembered Jury and Esta, a lot of the other people involved either died or had been of no use being found out and soon killed, it was the way of the world and how it rolled. 

"Gotcha, what about this job that Mike is going on, you want something for that, Gerry already spoke about cutting you, he wants to toss the majority into MC surplus, there's also the business with Mike taking control, with ease. For all the doubts you had, your son is a natural-born leader for many of the men here, even the older ones, he's proven to plenty that he is his own man and votes with his own interests but for those of the club as well."

 Konnor hummed, he knew that the situation with his wife was one that he didn't truly recognize but right now it was one he needed to either see would bring his club glory and that of the surrounding characters, including the remaining Philly charters who had managed to stay up after so much bloodshed, it was a testament to the city of brotherly love, one thing always kept it going and it was a true believer of the brotherhood they shared. 

Yet Konnor knew, the strained relationship his wife had with his firstborn, it was something he wished to end, his wife did not need to do so, giving Joe a small smile, he would think about this, he truly would, was his son meant to be in this life after all?
 

Sitting around the clubhouse, hours later, he was comfortable, playing some pool and noticing that some brothers from other charters were enjoying themselves, having some burgers, it was not exactly a celebration but whenever something came up or one of them was in town, the grill was out and some things could be had, booze and burgers being one of them. 

Of course, Mike mostly kept himself, even during these moments, he wasn't one for the whole love shite with his brotherhood but they all knew he would put his neck out on the line for them, with a small smile, he bowed his head and turned his head to look at Gerry and Joe, they were both talking in the corner, something seemed to have popped up for them. 

"Michael..."

Turning his head, he met the eyes of his pops, strange that he was calling for him, he nodded and head over, crossing his arms as the two stood opposite one another. Of course, it was odd, he had inherited his looks from his father, actually, a lot of things, especially down to the damning love of Oreos, it was fun, of course, sometimes. 

He didn't exactly mind but he didn't care for it either, it was a little bit of both on occasion, sliding into the stool, his pops sliding him a beer as the two sat in a comfortable silent away from everyone as they were the only ones at the bar for right now. It was nice for them. 

"I want you to be careful on this job, alright? I know I don't show it but I care for you, kid. Your brothers here, they care for you and so does your mom, don't speak, your sister called. I'm grateful that you decided to use some of the cash here to help them out, it's nice but I take care of that, alright? You focus on being a teenager right now, enjoy yourself..."

Taking a swig of the beer, he had to shake his head with a sad smile, giving his pops one in return, his pops weren't trying to be insulting and so he kept quiet for now. He didn't have the luxury to just be a teenager, it was something he had lost a while ago now and yet he wouldn't go back for anything. 
 

Hours later and the party was still going on, of course, Mikey had taken a nap in his spare room within the clubhouse, a knock on the door sounded him awake as he groaned, checking that he had his guns on him. He yelled at the door that he would be a minute, getting himself ready as he stood to his feet, dressing himself up in a white tee and a ballistic vest, it was needed and with a groan, he finally put on his leather jacket, adorned with the great angelic wings of his club...

Sighing, he opened the door, seeing Gerry and Joe, all there waiting for him and he could see that they too had geared up. They tossed him a duffel bag which he slung over his shoulder, walking behind them as he locked his door and knocked on it twice, out of habit before he noticed the grins on his fellow brother's faces...

"My mother said it was good luck..."

Scoffing, Gerry laughed as he walked ahead while Joe slung an arm around and the three walked out to the law, all noticed by Konnor who nodded his head, already knowing that they would return, they had to at the very least, it was in nature of a Marx to survive.

Turning his mind away from, he walked towards his brothers from Rochester and spoke to them about some upcoming casino plans they had in mind, it was certainly going to be one heck of a night for him, he knew that much.
 

The wind blowing through his hair, Mike was enjoying the ride, barely noticing that he had a smile on his lips and that the ride was always the best part of the journey for him, it wasn't the boatloads of money that he would be making, this is what he truly wished for and the way it would get back to him, it brought him truly and needed peace for the moment, away from family drama, from the drama with his father, from thoughts of his own. 

An Iron horse and himself, he felt connected with it and that is all that mattered to him at the very least. A moment where the trials and tribulations of the life he found himself in would call to him like no other. His option was to embrace the peace, instead of dwelling on things that would not bring him comfort, he focused on his own peace right now.

Noticing his brothers, he turned in as well, deciding that this was the moment, peace could and would be had, that is all that got him, a level of enjoyment, a peaceful enjoyment, the drive there, it brought him a true and never-ending desire of more. A bike and the open road, a pure desire to see the countryside maybe, he didn't know where rides took him, he just wished to ride and that was it. 

Sighing, he revved the engine and nodding, taking one hand off of the bike, giving Gerry a little smirk as he turned himself following after Joe, the man was leading the formation and that is all that mattered, Swearing to himself as Joe pulled into a garage, he noticed the big trucks and the label on the side, an Italian trucking company? Well then, this wasn't suspicious, giving Gerry a look, all of them waited on their bikes, not wanting to get too comfortable. 

"Jimmy! You ready, we have the convoy ready, two in the back and two up front, one in a van follows upfront, any problems?"

Jimmy looked past Gerry and noticed Mike, Joe, and the two others, each who could barely care any more than what else was needed for the job to go forward. Giving themselves a small window, both Joe and Mike revved their engines, causing Gerry to smirk as Jimmy jumped in place before nodding his consent that he was ready...

Finally, they were going to be on the road and this was one more step to being over, thank fuck....
 

Arriving at the meetup had been easy. the Asian clans had waited and been patient, of course, it seemed no rep of their side had arrived, except for a while later, in a blacked-out car, and they stepped in a business suit with a beaming smile. 

Her hair as black as the midnight and for a moment, Mike had felt like he had seen her in a dream and the red hue that came upon his cheeks had to be something he was a dream of course, yet it never stopped that smile that quirked at his lips as he looked at her friends. 

"Mister Jimmy Trapani, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Akeno Himejima, I believe this is the product you were hoping for, hm?"

Giving each of the bikers a look, Akeno stopped when she got to Mike, sending him a smile before settling on Joseph and the two shared a long hard look before she turned back to Jimmy looking at him with a beaming smile still. 

"Yes, here is your money, ten million dollars, plus five million as a tribute to you and your cause in Kuoh, may the great dragon bless you."

Jimmy had clearly decided that he was going to be long term partners with the Himejima clan as the two shook hands and Akeno's smile stopped there, her eyes almost cold as she replied in kind to Jimmy. 

"Buona Fortuna, Trapani."

And like that, bang, the world swam as Jimmy's body slumped to the ground and curled up on itself as blood pooled around his body. Mike looked down, before looking up and seeing the blood-covered head of the Himejima clan, taking out a handkerchief and wiping the blood from her face with a satisfied grin. 

"Remember, Issei would like to have a conversation with Konnor and soon. Gentlemen, do not forget, you've joined an odd side in the upcoming hostilities...."

She was crazy, of that, Mike was as sure as the fucking day he was born, narrowing his eyes he watched as she drove off and he turned to face Gerry, who wasn't even looking at him but glaring right at Joseph....
 

"WHAT THE FUCK JOE!? That was my deal and you're going to tell me, with that cold look in your eyes like a fucking unfeeling bitch that Konnor gave the okay, hm!?"

Joe met the eyes of the brothers, all of them very confused, it was them left with bags of heroin and a possible loose connection with the Italians, those being the Pavanno clan back in England, who were going to be more than pissed. 

The blowback would be serious, especially with what way the true Irish supporters landed with the deal, of course, it was going to be more than a little bit different with this business. 

"Konnor gave Issei a shout, one that told him the matters of England were to stay the fuck out of the U.S and that includes the Pavanno clan, I'm sorry but that is what happened, I am just as out of the loop as all of you but when she said Buona Fortuna to Jimmy, that was go for me to pull the trigger..."

Sighing, all five of the brothers looked down at the dead body of a Pavanno soldier, one who was no doubt a simple coin in the fountain of many others but it would be the first body, Jimmy Trapani.

"Fuck....if we know anything, this ain't going to be slow and easy..."

Chuckling, Mikey grabbed one of the duffel bags of heroin, slinging it over his back as he went back to sitting on his bike, lifting up a smoke as he did so. 

Glancing off to the side, he saw a wolf in the bushes, growling at him and he simply stared for that moment before lighting up his smoke, taking a puff and glancing back at the body, turning the engine on his bike and revving....

His first war? It was definitely going to be bloody...