It is a beautiful morning in New York, the summer has finally begun, and the sun shines brightly through a window, and wakes a tired cowboy from his sleep.

Marston is by no means an old man, but he has certainly made the most of his life to rise to his position in New York so quickly. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he heads to the bathroom to prepare himself for a normal days work, before dressing in his usual attire. He adjusts his shirt, waistcoat and trousers to their comfortable positions, before fitting his belt and customised holster he inherited from his father. He is very precise with the fitting of his holster; one of his bodyguards was killed after he had fumbled while drawing his pistol, and he had been obsessive with its placement ever since.

Marston pulls on his boots, places his revolver in its holster, and throws his old duster coat over the top before walking to the front door, placing his hat on his head and exiting the building.

It is a short horse ride to Marston's favourite café, he looks through the large window as he dismounts his horse, and sees the other New York leaders waiting for him inside. He ties his horse to the hitching post, and heads through the door before taking his seat. There is nothing in particular on the agenda this morning, and after a brief chat, the leaders head off to their various establishments and enterprises, to check on business…

Apples rarely visited The Garden of Eden herself.  Though the club made her a good deal of money, she preferred her ladies to remain clothed.  Regardless, in her line of work, sometimes she had to meet in somewhat less than desirable locations.  Tonight she had a meeting with Detective Martin Clasby.  He was in from out of town, and she needed for him to enjoy himself if they were going to keep up their business arrangements on the west coast. 

Tonight she arrived shortly after 8 pm, and was ushered by her men towards a large round VIP table off to the left of the stage.  Detective Clasby, and Keenos were already seated and sipping on cocktails.  Apples surveyed the scene, and chose a seat between the two men that would allow her a good view of the exits and bar area. 

Motioning to a scantily clad woman, Clasby near bellows, “Lemme get this fine woman here a drink!” 

Apples bit the inside of her cheek to avoid grimacing.  Eyes were turning away from the dancers to glance in their direction. Without waiting for an order, the waitress rushes away and returns with two fingers of scotch.  She sets the drink in front of Apples just before Keenos yanks her by the arm, guiding her into his lap.    Without missing a beat, the girl curls her fingers into his hair and begins grinding against him. 

Sipping her drink, Apples exchanged pleasantries with her guest.  He was a short balding man with a full gut.  He drank one after the other, keeping his eyes either glued to the women on stage, or on the bit of skin visible just below the hem of her skirt.  Tiring of him, Apples caught the eye of one of her girls, and motioned for her to take the detective off her hands.  The girl strode over and bent at the waist so that her full bosoms were in the face of the detective.  She whispered something in his ear, took his hand, and led him toward one of the rooms reserved for private dances in the back. 

As they left, 5 men entered the club together.  They were dressed in full suits and moved, without waiting to be seated to a table in the back of the club.  Apples watched them.  The table they chose was near her offices.  She noticed none of the men seemed to be truly watching the show and a couple looked a bit familiar.  A waitress sat on the table, crossing her legs and flirting, trying to earn a few tips.  One of the men passed her something, and shooed her away from the table.  Moments later, the same girl brought a fresh drink to Apples and Keenos.  She pressed a note into Apples hand before moving away.  

Apples nudged Keenos, showing him the note. 

“We need to speak – John Macey”

They both recognized the name as one of the godfather’s enforcers.  Keenos tipped the girl gyrating on his lap, and smacked her ass as she left.  When they were alone, Apples whispered to Keenos, “Send him in to see me.  If everything is fine, I will leave the room first.” 

Once in her office, she checked to be sure that her small pistol was not visible, but was also easily accessible.  A knock came at the room, and Keenos introduced John Macey, and another who John called Ronnie.  Keenos shut the door behind them, and the men took a seat at the desk. 

“Can I offer you a drink?” she asked politely. 

“Let’s cut the bullshit, this isn’t a social call,” John said gruffly.  “This place is starting to cut into our business.  The godfather isn’t impressed that you haven’t offered tribute yet.   I am here for ten large tonight or we are going to have a problem.” 

Apples considered her options.  Wordlessly she stood and walked toward the wall safe.  Blocking their view with her body, she turned the combination and quickly removed a stack of bills from the interior.  She closed the safe and spun the lock but before she could turn around she felt a hand at her waist.  Ronnie was standing there, with an idiotic grin on his face as he leered at her.  She handed him the money and jerked herself away from his hand.  John stood to leave and Apples didn’t stop him.  Ronnie laughed, pinched her ass, and began to make his way out of the office as well.  “Nice doing business, doll,” Ronnie called over his shoulder. 

Gritting her teeth at the disrespect, Apples grabbed her gun, and cocked the safety just as she John opened the door and stepped out of the room without her as an escort.  Keenos took the signal, and shot one round off into John’s forehead.  Enraged Ronnie turned quickly, but Apples already had her gun leveled at his chest.  Before he could make another move she pulled the trigger twice in quick succession.  Leaning over him, she snatched her cash from his fingers.  “I am no one’s doll.”

The scene that greeted Apples as she rushed out of her office was madness.  Men were throwing dollars on tables and running towards the exits, women were screaming.  Clasby, pants fallen down around his ankles ran full speed out of the back room where he was being serviced, and out the door, not even stopping to offer assistance.  Typical.  “Two more,” she thought.  Running towards the table where the men had been sitting, she saw Aruba, who must have arrived while she was in her office.  He was holding tight to a rope around the neck of a struggling Mafioso from the godfather’s family.  The fifth man who had arrived with the crowd was already slumped over the table.

Keenos ran back to her side, gasping to catch his breath after the chase.  “I got him just outside, but these guys weren’t alone.  I bolted the doors.  There are at least 6 more men outside”

“Lancelot should be closest.  I am going to call to get us some assistance here,” Apples advised and ducked back into her office….

All was quiet in the Regiments HQ and Lancelot was finally able to relax in his office alongside his right hand woman Innocence, it had been a busy week and both were enjoying the peace and quiet with a few drinks and a bit of light conversation, the weeks events had taken their toll and both looked visibly tired...

"Well im glad thats all done and over with, that bookies a real pain in the ass! If he didn't earn us so much damn cash i'd wack him in a heartbeat" Lancelot remarked, Innocence shakes her head and giggles "Ah he's harmless enough boss just keen and eager to do well, you're just getting grumpy in your old age he actually reminds me of a younger you!" her giggles turn to laughter, "Haha very funny, you kno..." Lancelot was cut short by the ringing of his telephone, "Hello, hey Apples whats up? what the fuck im on my way hang in there" Slamming the phone down he turns to Innocence "Go get two of our hitters and meet me out front i'll get the car, Apples is in a bit of bother she's pinned down at the strip club by a number of gunmen" with a nod of her head Innocence left the office, checking his gun was fully loaded Lancelot grabbed some extra ammo and made for the car.

As he pulled the car around to the front of the building Innocence was already there along with Galahad and JosephMerlino, the three quickly jumped into the car and sped off as fast as the car could go, with time seemingly against them every second counted as they raced through the streets of New York. It took about 8 minutes to get to the strip club from the HQ normally but with his foot to the floor the whole way Lancelot managed it in 5 minutes, as they approached a bullet ricoched off the bonnet smashing the windscreen, "Guess they know we are here" Lancelot said as he swerved the car at the gunman, stamping on the gas he sent the gunman 10ft in the air then hit the brakes, the four of them jumped out the lefthand side and used the vehicle as cover, shot after shot pinged off of the car as the four tried to work out how many there were and where they were, "Ok i counted 5 anyone see anymore?" Galahad remarked "No that seems to be it out here, there maybe more inside though so watch yourselves" Replied Innocence, two shots echoe from Lancelots and Joseph's guns "Make that 3, nice shot " Lancelot said as he smiled at Joseph "and you boss".

Innocence and Galahad moved to the rear of the car as Joseph and Lancelot drew some fire towards the front of the vehicle, slowly Innocence laid down and edged out slightly rapidly firing off two shots she dropped both targets with ease, Galahad then fired at the remaining gunman who was now trying to run, he didn't get far before Galahads bullet struck the back of his head. The four then approached where the gunmen were lying and put a few more bullets in each one, "WTF! these are the Godfathers boys what the hell is going on?" remarked Innocence "I dont like the look of this we need to get in there and find Apples now" said Lancelot who was now starting to look a bit worried. Galahad and JosephMerlino covered the door as Innocence and Lancelot knocked on the front "Apples you ok? its Lancelot open up" a few seconds later they heard the bolt slide accross then the door opened slowly "Damn you took your time" Keenos said as he peered around the door "We got here as fast as we could mind telling me what that was about, where's Apples is she ok?" replied Lancelot, "we dont know as of yet but Apples is fine she is in her office trying to get hold of Marston, follow me".

Turning to Galahad and Joseph, Lancelot told them to cover the door and shoot anyone that tries to enter.

Manius had been pacing around his study furiously. The fucking Godfather had done it again. Just last week that idiot was taxing him an additional 60% on his shy business and NOW he was sending thugs to Apples strip club.

Manius plucked a cowboy killer from his pack and pressed one to his lips. What was going through his mind was treason, but they all looked up to Marston. He had been running the day to day operations in side of New York City for quite some time now and that fucking loser of a Godfather was screwing about, plucking cash where he willed. Manius was sure he wasn't the only one being robbed blind by the old goat. As if his fucking mansion wasn't big enough. He'd just spend it on more whores most likely, although at his age Manius didn't know how the old man got it up anymore.

He picked up the phone and dialed the number he knew all too well. Moments later BlakeOakfield stepped into the room and awaited orders from his Don.

Manius sat down at his desk and began scribbling on different pieces of parchment. He placed them firmly in separate envelopes and addressed who they were too.

Deliver these.... quickly.

As time passed Manius sat looking out at the window. What he was going to suggest to his comrades in this life of crime was ludicrous, it hadn't been done in centuries. However, he was sure they would be perceptive, and hopefully Marston would take the title. Marston would be twice the leader the old fuck was, and wouldn't hurt their businesses quite as harsh.

The door opened and Lancelot walked through, motioning for his RHM to wait outside for him. While he was taking a seat, Apples arrived. Hair ruffled, and looking like she had just got done with a fight. Well hopefully it wouldn't be the last one today.

He offered them refreshment, but both denied it. They all knew why they were there, and they waited for the man of the hour patiently.

As a horse drew up outside, Manius chuckled. The man knew how to make a scene. Marston threw his reigns to the door man and slid a $100 bill into his coat pocket. If anything happened to that horse, there would be hell to pay.

As Marston stepped inside, Manius motioned towards the head of the table, as he stood up and began pacing back and forth.

This bullshit has to stop.

First I get taxed 60% on my shy business last week, and NOW the old idiot sends thugs to Apples strip joint? How are we supposed to make a fucking living around these parts anymore?

We have to sit down with the old man, persuade him to STOP this taxation immediately. He hasn't offered protection for ANY of us in years. What's worse, who stopped Detroit from leveling our city? It damn sure wasn't him, IT WAS YOU! Manius pointed to Marston. I'm tired of this bullshit and to be quite honest I'd rather see a bullet in the man's forehead than a sit down.

After the meeting is over Marston departs and heads back to the Outlaws headquarters and calls a meeting with his consigliere to inform him about the meeting that was to take place…

Sammy: I don't like it John, I don't like it at all, I heard the old man is batshit crazy…
Marston: It's strange that we haven't heard a peep from him in months and now I keep hearing from Aoife, that his boys are trying to muscle in on my businesses.
Sammy: He's getting greedy John, you know he was never happy about having to share the city with you, but now he's got more men…
Marston: You think he wants me out?
Sammy: John, look at how fast our families are growing, that would make any rival uncomfortable, it would be suicide if he was to try assassinate you… But like I said, batshit crazy…
Marston: Look what happened to the last hitmen that tried to beat me to the draw… But in any case we need to be careful.
Sammy: What do you need me to do boss?
Marston: First, I want you to send one of our wise guys into the old man's turf, I know some of his bosses are a bit partial to those dancing girls, maybe we can find out a little more about his intentions if someone can get close enough to listen in on their conversations…
Sammy: Not a problem boss, I think I know just the girl for the job, leave it with me. Now what about you? What's your plan?
Marston: I'm gonna go meet the Godfather, I'm gonna tell him we're expanding… If he doesn't like it…

Marston reaches down to his boot, and with a quick flick of the wrist, a knife flies from his hand and takes Sammy's fedora from his head and nails it to the office door.

Sammy: Fffffuuck!!
Marston: I can't go in there with my revolver, it'll turn into a bloodbath the second they hear a gunshot.
Sammy: That's true, but what did you mean about expanding?
Marston: Sammy, you have been my loyal servant since I was first given this opportunity by Jack Pepper…
Sammy: Boss?
Marston: I think it's time I gave you the opportunity you deserve…

Sammy stands up and looks up at his boss, his face red, his eyes watery, his voice no longer functioning. Marston smiles as Sammy pulls back his sleeve, and places his branded hand on the carved crest in the middle of the boss's table.

From outside the door to Marston's office all Seraph can hear is the mumbles of Marston saying some words, and Sammy Garcini repeating them. But when he exits the room, Sammy Garcini is no longer the Consigliere of John Marston, he is a Captain and Don of New York…

After exiting the room, Sammy took a seat on the nearest chair he could find, to try and gather his thoughts. He couldn't believe what he'd just be told, it was beyond his wildest expectations and dreams. After a few minutes, he stood up from the chair, and brushed himself off. There was still work that needed to be done.

He walked a fair way through the Headquarters, passing doors left and right, until he came to where he needed to be. He walked into the door he was stood infront of, right into the middle of the families dormitory. He walked a few steps and walked into one of the rooms, sitting down in the chair and waiting for it's occupant to return.

Minutes soon started passing, and before he knew it, Sammy had been waiting for half an hour. Just when he was about to get up and search, Seraph walked through the door, stopping dead in her tracks when she saw Sammy.

"Seraph! Please, take a seat. We have some business we need to discuss."

Seraph sat down on her bed while Sammy remained in the chair. He smiled at her as the look on her face was one of worry.

"John has given me a very important task, to find someone to be included in an important bit of business we are about to conduct."

Seraph's expression was still one as worry, as she never knew what was coming next. Sammy, this time, looked sternly at her, and began to brief her on her mission.

"We're about to launch an attack on the Godfather. John has now been established in New York for long enough, and he has the right to strive for something more. However, we need someone to infiltrate their workplace, and gather information on what kind of thing we can expect to come up against when we decide to move."

Seraph's jaw had now dropped to the floor.

"Whatever information you find out must be reported back immediately. We need to give ourselves the best possible chance of this going down smoothly, and us coming out on top at the end."

Seraph now nodded to Sammy, as he nodded back. She knew what she had to do and Sammy had every faith in her that she would get the job done. They both stood up, shook hands, and walked out of the dormitories, to the next part of their respective tasks.

The hardest part was finding out exactly which of the sleezy strip joints in town was the hangout for the Godfather's higher-ups. The easy part was getting Seraphina a feature slot on that night. Given her previous experience and low-profile in family activity, she was the perfect plant for intelligence gathering. Her only request was that someone from the family be there in case things went badly. For that, Remi Leone had been chosen. He arrived at the club a few minutes before her show was to start and took a seat in a far corner.

Gentlemen, please turn your attention to the center stage for tonights feature act. A little angel from right here in New York, Seraphina.

The show went perfectly, as if she hadn't ever stopped dancing. The stage show, however, wasn't the goal. The whole time, Seraph paid special attention to two men seated right up front. They looked just like the photos she'd been shown- fat, sweaty, and drunk. All it took was a little extra T&A in their direction, and she saw one of the pigs give the stage manager a nod. She was in. When her song was over, she reached into her garter and took the cash she'd gathered and placed it into her sparkly bra before walking off stage. That was the signal to Remi that she was heading for a private room.

"Those kids got no idea what they're walkin' into. They woke the sleeping giant, you know?"

Seraph twirled lightly around the pole in the private room as the group of men talked and downed shots. The more they drank, the looser their tongues became; and the looser their tongues became, the more Seraph realized her family was in trouble. Nevertheless, she remained calm and kept dancing.

"It ain't gonna be nothin'. We know who Marston is bringing with him, and we've got double that lined up to take 'em all out."

"Gonna be a fuckin' ambush- easy as shootin' fish in a god damned barrell. Hey, sugar tits, bring it overe here, huh?"

Seraph rolled her eyes slightly, but sauntered over to him and sat in his lap. He shoved some bills into her top and she stood up to lay down some more moves. She smiled, knowing her one-night contract was over in 10 minutes- and she had not problem taking 10 more minutes worth of cash from these slobs. She already had what she came for.

---

Within 25 minutes of walking out of the club, Remi had Seraphina back at the HQ. She hurried into Ricketts office, still wearing her scant costume and a long coat. She didn't even bother to knock.

Landon, we got trouble. The sit-down is a set-up. They already know who John is bringing to the meeting, and are going to have reinforcements waiting in the wings. They're planning an ambush.

Grinning, Seraph pulls the coat back just a little and pulls a stack of cash out of her garter. She tosses it on his desk and winks.

Tribute. I had a good night. Now, get the hell out of here and keep my family safe, huh?

Ire stands on the corner outside of the Outlaws headquarters casing the streets. She had been put in charge of transportation for the leaders of the city on some secret mission they are on.

"Probably another long night at a speak easy." Ire muttered to herself quietly as she waited for the city heads to emerge. As people began filtering out from the doorway of the headquarters her gaze became more intense. Under normal circumstances this job would be given to a bodyguard but circumstances these days were anything but normal.

Finally the city heads begin to emerge. Manius stepped out followed by Apples, Lancelot, Master Oogway and Marston. Ire signals for the cars to pull up. Three cars that were sitting across the street turn around and pull up to the curb. The city heads load into the cars while Master Oogway quietly informs each driver with their destination. Oogway jumps into the last car along with Ire when she is satisfied that everything is safe and they head off for what is, to Ire, an unknown destination.

The cars pull up to what appears to be an old, huge Mansion. Ire immediately jumps out of the car and directs the bodyguards to form a defensive perimeter around the convoy. The heads of the city step out of the cars. Master Oogway makes his way up the steps to the entrance of the Mansion. The doors open and a group of sharply dressed gangsters step out and walk down to the sidewalk. One of the men walk up and greet Marston.

"Don Marston, it's good to see you. You understand that no one else will be allowed in the room with the Godfather and that you cannot be packing. You can never be too careful."

"Of course. I understand completely" Marston replied with a smile as he took his gun out of his over the shoulder holster and threw it into the back seat of the car he arrive in.

The group including the New York leaders and Master Oogway along with the Godfather's security detail made their way into the lobby of the old Mansion. The Godfather's security detail stopped and told the group to wait until they were summoned. Ire walks in behind the leaders and gives the lobby a good examination. Something doesn't feel right to her.

Suddenly the front doors close and the shades that were drawn on the side by the curtains open up to reveal 5 men with Tommy guns at the ready. Ire jumped into action and pushed Manius and Eve into a corner of the lobby where they would find cover behind a column. She then leapt toward Lancelot tackling to him to the ground as the men opened up with their Tommy guns. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Master Oogway jump on to Marston using his own body to shield Marston from the hail of gunfire.

The situation seemed hopeless when the doors to the Mansion suddenly flew open. Ire looked into the bright light of the day and saw only a silhouette in the doorway. She said a prayer in her head as she prepared to meet her maker.

Soon as Seraphina had informed him about the ambush awaiting John and the heads of New York City, Landon thanked her for the information and looked at the cash on his desk, "you deserve to keep that, thank you for all your help, Seraphina." He said and checked to make sure his six shooters were loaded, placed them in their holsters and made his way out of his office, as he exited he looked at Seraphina one last time, "incase we don't get to see each other again. It's been a pleasure working with you ma'am." Landon said and nodded before he hurried out of the Outlaws HQ, outside he saw his bodyguard and told him to get in the car and drive as fast as he possibly could without killing them both.

"Where are we heading?" His bodyguard asked, "to the Godfather meeting, and fast." He replied and sat there quietly as the bodyguard drove to the meeting as fast as he could, Landon knew they should have brought him along to the meeting, but then again, they might not have found out that it was all a set-up, he just hoped that he wasn't too late to help his brothers and sisters.

Not long after they had left the HQ, Landon and his bodyguard arrived at the location for the meeting, the car came to a screeching halt near the other cars as Landon opened the passenger door and jumped out, ran to the vehicle that he had seen Marston enter and looked inside. "God dammit, John. Never leave your fucking revolver son." He said to himself and opened the car door, took Marston's pistol from its holster and ran over to the entrance, he knew there was no time to waste and didn't stop, "If they're not one of ours, no one leaves this place alive!" He yelled to his bodyguard as he heard shots being fired, Landon knew at the time that none of his brothers and sisters would be armed, so he kicked in the doors and with the sun at his back and the men armed with tommy guns covering their faces with one hand trying to see who it was that just kicked in the doors, Landon was about to show these bitches why every man out West called him Landon 'Quick Draw' Ricketts.

Before the five armed men could react, Landon fired three shots from Marston's revolver, hitting three of the shooters in the chest, and as the two left standing aimed their tommy guns at him, he jumped to the side into the lobby, keeping his aim true, Landon fired two shots as they returned fire. One of his shots hit the man in the forehead, dropping him in an instance, the second shot hit the last shooter in the throat as hails of bullets hit the wall behind Landon, the man dropped his tommy gun and fell to his knees as he held his hands to his throat, choking to death in his own blood. Landon hit the floor with a smile on his face, he got up quickly and patted himself down to check for any bullet holes, and nodded to Marston with a smile as he threw his revolver to him. "You've got one bullet left, make it count." He said as he unholstered his own six shooters, and looked at Manius as he took cover when more of the Godfather's men arrived at the lobby...

Breaking away with Marston in tow, Oogway leads his boss down the side of the mansion looking for a way in.

Master Oogway: Boss that window looks promising, I will use my staff to break it and we can get in there.
Marston: Where will it bring us in?
Master Oogway: It should bring us in to one of the store rooms, after that it's a couple of corridors to his office.
Marston: Go for it then!

Moving towards the window Master Oogway extends his staff breaking the glass window and moving it about to clear a gap for both him and Marston to climb through.

As Marston steps forward to go through first Oogway puts his hand up.

Master Oogway: Let me go first boss so I can make sure it's clear.
Marston: OK

Leaping up at a speed that would shock most Oogway climbs through the window and finds the store room empty of people. Poking his head back through the window he motions for Marston to come in.

As Marston climbs in Oogway has a quick look through the door to ensure the way is clear, to the left it is empty. To the right, the direction they need to go to get to the godfathers office, Oogway spies four bodyguards stood guarding a door that leads on to the next corridor.

Turning around he spoke to Marston.

Master Oogway: Boss we have four bodyguards left between us and the Godfather, with you only having one bullet we are going to need a diversion…

Marston: What do you suggest?

Master Oogway: Right, there is a room just down the corridor, I am going to burst out of here and head for that room. I hope its fucking empty. That should draw them down after me, give it a couple of minutes then head out after me and the coast will be clear.
Marston: Sounds like a plan, you ready?

Master Oogway: Sure but remember you need to wait a couple of minutes in case they follow me tentatively.

Oogway opened the door and jumped into the corridor. Staring at the guards he advanced up the corridor before grabbing the first door handle and diving inside just as the bullets started to fly down the corridor towards him.

Slamming the door shut behind him he took a quick look around the room, it looked like lounge with sofa's in various places around the room and a writing desk just behind the door that stopped the door opening fully.

Master Oogway manoeuvred himself so that the open door would keep him out of view; this ensured that for anyone to see him they would have to enter the room.

Leaning on his staff he waited for the arrival…

In a time which seemed like an eternity, but in reality was a matter of seconds the door came flying open hitting the desk.

No one entered at first, then slowly a gun barrel came into the view of Oogway.

Releasing a controlled breath just like he always did before combat, Master Oogway prepared himself for combat. Legs shoulder width apart right foot forwards, left foot slightly back, knees slightly bent he was ready to launch himself at the bodyguards.

Attached to the gun was a hand, and then an arm in view, then the top of a head and the gun turned as a face appeared. Like a coiled spring Oogway launched himself from his right foot thrusting his left foot squarely into the nose of the person coming round the door. The crunch of bone cracking from the force of the kick was audible to Oogway and Marston, plus the three remaining bodyguards.

As Oogway brought his left foot to the floor near the open door, he used the momentum generated to slam the door backwards as hard as he could into the bodyguards trying to get through.

The door hit the fourth person coming through, with the door catching him on the side of his head and ricocheting it to catch the other side against the door frame.

With a smooth movement Oogway shot out a kick with his right against the door again trapping the head between the door and the frame cracking the skull against the frame.

With the door now closed it was plain to see the remaining two bodyguards had entered the room and begun fanning out.

Gripping the door handle, Oogway pulled it back open allowing the bodyguard trapped to fall to the floor.

This left just two guards to face at the furthest, he flicked out his staff at the guards weapon disarming him, to the nearest he turned and reversed the motion of the staff aiming it at his head. The guard who had been dropping into a shooting stance noticed the motion and made a fatal mistake, instead of shooting he brought his weapon up to block the swipe in doing so losing grip as the weapon blocked the gun.

Don't get any ideas chaps, if you want out of this room you will have to come through me first!

Dropping into a fighting stance the guards were left with no doubt that it was hand to hand combat and a battle to the death to get out of the room.

With one moving clockwise, the other anti-clockwise they looked to engage Master Oogway from both sides. As they did this Oogway stood still, controlling his breathing, heightening his senses, ensuring his body and mind were as one to unleash the power of his Kung-Fu when they attacked.

The first guard lacked patience and moved in aiming a punch towards the side of the head of Master Oogway. In response to this Oogway stepped back, rotating his head so the punch missed he used the man's momentum to send him across the room towards the other guard. As the other guard moved to avoid his clumsy colleague it allowed Oogway an opening to commence his onslaught. Firing out a hand he caught the guard on the top of the shoulder, following this up with a short kick to the midriff he took the wind out of the guard causing him to double over. This was followed by bringing his knee up to his face, as the guard stood up stunned at the ferocity of the attack Oogway took the opportunity to put the finisher on him, spotting the unguarded chest he shot his hand out stopping just short of hitting him he fired out his fingers in the set routine each finger hitting a nerve on the guards body which left him collapsed on the floor paralysed.

As the guard fell to the floor Oogway heard the crashing of a chandelier, momentarily off distracted the first guard recovered his composure to start attacking Oogway again.

Throwing punch after punch towards Oogway most were deflected with ease, but all this time Oogway was walking backwards, his mind on where Marston was and if his Boss was still safe.

Finally Oogway walked backwards into the wall, the shock of the jolt brought his mind back to the man in front of him. The guards face contorted with anger he threw a punch which Oogway ducked leaving the guard punching the wall. Oogway threw a punch into the unguarded stomach of his foe the force of which pushed the guard backwards. As Oogway advanced the guard threw out his hand, a quick step to the side by Oogway avoided the blow and with his hand he grabbed the little finger of the guards other hand.

Master Oogway: Do you know what this hold is called?
Guard: It's a hold? What do you mean? You only have a grip on my finger you old fool…
Master Oogway: You poor, poor chap, you should have studied Kung-Fu. This is called the Wuxi Finger Hold, it was developed by Master Wuxi in the third dynasty. What always amazes me is something so simple can create such a mess.

With those final words Oogway extended his pinky and…

SKADOOSH!!….

The guard was no more, just an unsightly mess left over the room.

As Oogway regained his breath and recharged his Chi he heard a gunshot and made for the door to find Marston…

As Oogway and Marston fought on the side of the Mansion to gain room, the rest of the New York Upper Structure began to find their bearings. Shots rang out as Oogway defended their fearless leader and Manius knew it was time for action not time wasting. Ricketts joined them and Manius grinned for the man was known for his temper, and they could use all the rage he could muster.

Manius drew his pistol and pointed towards the door. At once Apples was to the left of the double doors and Lancelot to the right. Manius ran and threw his shoulder against the double doors and they immediately fell to his powerful figure. As Lancelot and Apples stepped through guns began firing and blood started flying.

Ire stepped through the opening and immediately found cover. Pulling two pistols from her coat she began firing into the throng of guards that was filling the room.

They worked together like a well oiled machine. As one ran out of ammunition another ducked from cover and began firing. The guards were no match in skill, but in numbers they had em beat.

A slender guard came tumbling through the window and Apples instinctively turned and put a slug directly between the man's eye. Her shot rang true and before he finished falling to the ground she had already turned to face another on coming attacker.

Just as this was happening the door to the left of Lancelot sprang to life and two more hulks loomed with sawed off shotguns, blasting anything in their path. As the rest ducked for cover from the slugs, Lancelot began laughing viciously. His nostrils flared and rage was in his eyes. From behind cover he reached for a violin case that was with him at all times. As it clicked open, Apples, Ire and Manius looked at each other and nodded, knowing what was coming next.

They began ducking in and out of cover to lay down suppressive fire to cover Lancelot while he reached into the violin case and pulled out a Tommy Gun with a drum clip. Just as Manius ran out of bullets and ducked to reload he sprang upwards and started shelling the doors from which the men had come. Both of the guards chests began spurting red liquid and they fell where they stood.

Ricketts stood and is if by instinct Manius didn't even look, paying close attention to the door from which they had come. The guards were getting smarter, coming in had multiple locations and now was the time for trust. He had to trust the man sitting next to himself behind the over turned table to watch his back, and in return he had to watch his. It was an age old tale, one that was never forgotten among the gunmen here today.

As Ricketts pistol sprang to life, Manius began shooting into the doorway and two more fell to his gun. Turning he saw Ricketts was facing much tougher odds, but then a guard was on top of Apples, both had run out of ammunition and it had turned to hand to hand combat. But, then as if by magic Apples had a razor in her hand and slit the man's throat with delicate ease.

Ricketts yelled for a reload and again, Lancelot stood with his Tommy gun and began spraying and praying while laughing viciously. There was hatred in his eyes now, a cold blooded hatred that wanted every last one of these mother fuckers dead. As Lancelot crouched to reload his drum, Ire stood and was immediately firing in two directions at once, left to right and more guards fell.

The blood began to creep everywhere, in every crack, in every cranny, blood fell. Blood coated the floor, for there were what seemed like hundreds dead at their feet. The guards stopped coming and as they all began to stand and check to ensure that each other were alright everything seemed calm for a blink of an eye.

Marston ducks his head round the corner to see the door to the Godfather's office. Patrolling the hallway in front of the double door is a bodyguard so big, that it would probably take several shots or several men to down him. He considers the weapons he has available to him then spots the weakness he is looking for…

Marston jumps out from behind his cover and throws a knife down the corridor. The huge bodyguard spins round and large grin spreads across his fat square head as he sees the knife miss him, and sail skyward. He raises his shotgun towards his empty handed opponent, before exploding into pink mist as a great falling chandelier lands on his head.

Marston walks down the corridor and sidles past the gore that remains of the bodyguard, to approach the doors. He takes a firm grip of the handles and takes a deep breath before swinging the doors open. Inside, the godfather stands waiting in front of his desk. Marston throws open his duster coat, exposing the grip of the famous revolver that had ended so many lives, then the stare down begins. His stare does not falter, he does not blink, his focus unbreakable...

A drop of sweat drips down the godfather's head... Marston remains calm.

The old man's hands shake... Marston remains still.

His eyes glance down to locate his pistol... Marston knows exactly where his is.

The godfather looks down as his hand finds the grip of his pistol... Marston's head does not move, his hand finds his pistol in the same place it always is. He does not rush his shot, his arm is locked out and steady, his aim true… His shot is released...

The old man looks up, but he does not see his foe in front of him, just blurs, flashes, memories... Then everything goes blank, and his lifeless body slumps to the floor...

Apples stood, panting from the excursion.  She looked slowly around the room, the constriction in the pit of her stomach relaxing slowly as she realized that her comrades were still alive.  She bent and wiped the blood from her blade onto the suit of the man who had come too close. 

As she raised back up, the calm was broken by the sound of another gunshot in the room to her left.  For just a moment, everyone looked at one another.  Fearing the worst, Apples raised her hand to bid the others pause.  She moved cautiously towards the door where the shot had fired.  Once at the door she crouched and collected the firearm that she had hidden at her ankle.  Raising the weapon, she pushed open the door… ready to shoot the old man herself if Marston had failed. 

The first thing she noticed was the body, face down, blood pooling underneath him.  Before she could stop herself a yelp of joy escaped her lips.  John lived.  She waved for the others to join her and they all filed into the room just in time to see Marston amble behind the old man’s desk, and sit in the godfather’s chair.

Akasha sighed as she looked at the clock on the wall in the Outlaws head quarters bar. It had been uncommonly quiet that evening as she sat sipping her glass of wine. Usually, well before now she would have seen Don Marston come in and have a glass of whiskey with a few in the family or even Apples, Manius or Lancelot come to visit but tonight something seemed off as she hadn't noticed a single person come in.

Slipping behind the bar, she grabbed the bottle of wine and popped the cork open and watched as she poured the deep red liquid into her glass. Plopping the bottle on the bar, she sighed a bit at the solitude of the bar before placing the glass to her lips.

"Akasha!" Akasha nearly dropped her glass on the floor as she spun around to the voice she heard. Standing there holding a telegram VictorWard nearly climbed over the tables in the bar to get to her faster. Akasha found herself almost laughing, as he clamored over a chair he had tipped over.

"Victor.. what in the world..?" She took a sip of her wine as she watched him trying to stand the chair back up.

"Here look!" Victor flung the piece of paper in Akasha's face, and she found herself nearly going cross eyed trying to read it.

"Damn it Victor!" She finally snatched the paper from his grasp so she could properly read it.

Looking up from the paper, her eyes grew wide as the biggest smile crept upon her lips.

"Victor here!" She tossed him the keys to the truck. "Hurry get as much beer that the truck will hold. Seems we are in need of a celebration." She watched as Victor grasped the keys and shook his head in agreement. She knew that he would know to gather a few friends and get more then just her little truck could hold.

Watching him him scurry out the door she took in a deep breath, as she sprang into action.

"Russell.. Listen to me and listen well. I know damn good and well all of you hired muscle talk and know each other. Go talk to your friends I need all you guys to close this street off now. Were taking a party to the streets!" She watched as her body guard nodded and then hurriedly walked off to do as she asked.

"Where to start for me?" Akasha stopped for a moment wondering what all it was she needed to remember.

"Lost as usual?" Akasha was startled at the voice of the man as she looked up and smiled at Sammygarcini, Bill Williamson and Gideon.

"Me lost? Never?" She shrugged a bit as she watched the three guys grasp a few tables and start to move them outside.

"We got the message from Victor as he was running out the front door. Figured you could use some help." Akasha nodded vigerously, as she was sure she wouldn't have been able to move the tables all by herself.

A few hours later, Akasha smiled seeing the tables set out, and then excitedly waved to Victor as he pulls up we several trucks of liquor and beer. Seeing him get out of the truck, she caught the keys her threw at her and grinned with excitement as she watched Manius, Apples, Lancelot and all their hands get out of a car that had just arrived, and then last but not least the new Godfather of New York Marston.

Looking down the streets that had been blocked off by the body guards she couldn't help but grasp a drink herself and hold it up to Godfather Marston as she watched the street swell with all those wishing him well.

BlakeOakfield wonders into the heart of the celebrations and steals a drink from Akasha

Erm, thanks for the generosity Akasha!

Turning and looking to Marston, he raises his glass and gives a nod

My father started working with you over in Los Angeles a couple of months ago almost, how different the times were back then! He was shot by Carlo-Maldini at the time of the war with his city.

Shortly afterwards, I joined up to serve under you before we made our way over to New York. Leading us through some difficult situations, you have always come out on top and furthered your city. Along the way we have lost some good people including your most trusted friend and underboss, Kurtz. As difficult as this was for you and the entire city to deal with you have shown us the way and grown the city to what we have today, a truly epic display of leadership and wisdom.

I see your new official status of Godfather as nothing less than you deserve with the effort you put in to keeping everything running as smoothly as possible. I'm sure you will continue to shine as you have done before and take us to even greater achievements.

BlakeOakfield raises his glass once more and smiles at his Godfather

Congratulations Marston, thoroughly well deserved!

Keenos runs in shortly after all of the commotion.

"The building is now clear and secure. I have instructed the bodyguards to walk the grounds for security. They are under instructions not to let anyone in that they do not recognise."

He turns around to Marston, who has Apples, Lancelot and the rest of the New York leaders behind him

"Well done Sir. You deserve this great honour and New York will only build from strength to strength from this point forward." Keenos then turns to Apples "Any chance of the keys to The Garden of Eden? I have some unfinished business!"

tony approaches Marston his dear Godfather and friend and hugs him

I am extremely proud to see this honor achieved. You are living the dream we mafioso start out with when we first enter this life. Ecstatic doesn't even begin to explain how honored I am to see you achieve this goal.

Outlaws till the end! Salute!

tony tosses back a shot glass and wanders back off

Wiping sweat from his brow from all the work he was made to do with cleaning up "the mess" Sinfest definitely is ready to celebrate and goes to the bathroom to clean up real quick. Sinfest emerges clean and refreshed looking. Sinfest then spots Innocence and Lancelot with Marston and decides now is his chance to congratulate the godfather on his victory and to the new family leader coming to the streets of new york. 

"Congratulations Godfather Marston sir. My mother would of loved to seen this and I hope to do her proud in your city sir."

Getting a drink from a passing waiter Sinfest raises his glass to toast the godfather. Afterwards Sinfest mingles and notices SammyGarcini and heads over to talk to him as well.

"Hello Don SammyGarcini Congratulations I hear are in order for you as well Cheers Don SammyGarcini and may your reign be long lived and fruitful!"

Raising his glass again Sinfest finishes his drink while also noticing his watch. Sinfest excuses himself by saying,

"Excuse me sir you know how it is business never sleeps."

And with that Sinfest grabs his coat and hat and says goodbye to everyone on the way out before dashing off into the night again.

dooogle approaches the New York Godfather with a slick grin and a sealed envelope. 

Congratulations on a well deserved and well earned position Godfather Marston. My time here in New York has nothing less than great, and you're at fault for that. Under your banner, we've grown to be such a prosperous city. Each day you and the leaders you have chosen continue to groom guide the mafiaso that populate this great Outlaw family. 

dooogle slips the envelope into the coat pocket of Marston as he embraces him in a hug.

Congratulations again. I look forward to working under you as you continue to grow our legacy. 

Bjorn steadily walks through the crowd of people giving congrats, and toasting Godfather Marston. Carrying a large wooden crate with a red seal on the top.

"This isn't something that happens everyday, therefor I dipped into my private stock of scotch."

Opening the crate with a crowbar, careful not to break any of the valuable contents. Then he passes out glasses one to Sammy, Lancelot, Manius, Apples and finally his Godfather. Pouring them each a drink he then proclaims

"To the wonderful city of New York, her inhabitants, and to our Godfather."