Iocaste was roaming around the streets, searching for something decent to eat. He had been told to wear a nice tuxedo (god knows it is hard to find one comfortable enough when you are as big as him), and he even thought about bringing a nice hat, but he was not told exactly when the party was supposed to start. And he was increasingly hungry. While in his peregrinations to search for a possible new source of food, he finally stumbled across something worthy of his interest. A new butcher had just settled in town, and it seemed the perfect time to call for taxes.

He was walking towards the shop when a sweating gangster stopped right before him after what seemed to be a long run. Clearly not in the mood, he impatiently waited for the mobster to get his breath back. Finally, he started to express himself:

Sir! Sir! They’re waiting for you! You should hurry, we have been searching for you for quite some time already! You’re not easy to find despite… well… you know...

Iocaste grumbled at the idea of giving up *so* close from the shop, but duties are duties. He turned back and headed towards DeadlySpikeS’ party, completely ignoring that indelicate gangster.

After Spike’s speeches, he decided to say some words. He climbed up to the little improvised stage and he cleared his throat. He was not really used to public speeches, he would admit it without any problem, but for once, he was really happy to be able to talk in front of the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, I will try to keep it short since the buffet at the other side of the street seems to be waiting to be honored.

He took a look at the buffet and his stomach growled as a sign of impatience.

However, before the party starts, I have some things to express. First of all, the finest men of our world have gathered today primarily to celebrate the success of a man I trust, respect and appreciate more than any others, DeadlySpikeS, better known under the name of SpikeSpiegel. I will therefore start this little speech by thanking this inspiring man, who being faithful to his reputation, is apparently already emptying a bottle of fine alcoholic beverage.

He made a discrete sign towards the aforementioned person, then carried on.

I am also pleased to announce that, following his set up as the Godfather of the South Side district, the fine man needed someone to take the lead of the remaining of his members, and it seems he was crazy enough to choose… me as you have already heard. I will therefore establish my own headquarters as Spike’s underboss in South Side under the family name of “The Lion’s Den – Czylharz Division”. I know it has been used by a legendary man named TheDean previously – my ancestor was even along side with him – but his son said he did not see any problem with it. After all, I am a lion, both by state and by lineage.

He took some seconds to appreciate the moment. He smiled for himself, and continued his speech.

I also feel the need to express my gratitude to every member of the Suburbs, and in a more general way, Chicago. JakeLuciano, and all the others, did a fantastic work in securing and further building what, thanks to their great work, we can surely call home today. We may leave our beloved district, but be assured that every single of you will be more than welcomed in our new place and that we will carry on with the same spirit that made this day possible.

Finally, I cannot conclude this speech without expressing my deepest appreciation to every member who has fallen in the recent war. The path to success is often marked out by the bodies of our friends and enemies who, fighting for their ideal as we did, did not have our luck to still be present today. May their soul rest in peace and their children accomplish what was left unachieved by their ancestors.

On that note, I will leave the… wooden box – some traditions seem to last longer than I expected – and let the party begin.

He then proceeded to literally jump out of the stage, waiting for Spike to start the party.

As soon as Spike made the sign, he ran towards the buffet, tackled WhereAmI in a dirty way to make him fall and reach the buffet first, and started to feast.

JakeLuciano smiles to himself

"You have grown from a cub to a lion, congratulations my friend" 

Absolute pets Iocaste

Congratualtions you little lion you I know you will do well now grow your den like I know you will wish you all the best my friend

Absolute tosses Iocaste some bacon before walking off

WhereAmI slowly stands up with an expression of the greatest disgust on his face...

"Was I just tackled by a lion in a sexual way?"

Confused and waiting for a reaction, he sees no one noticing turns to the lion feasting and kicks it squarely in the balls from behind and then begins to storm off. Before making his exit he turns and yells,

"Congratulations you stupid Frenchie, next time just tell me you want first dibs at the buffet."

Congrats bud, this has been a long time comin. But Its well deserved, and hard earned!

Will from now on pay tribute in Bacon form.

Drools.

Fine, do that then ! Bacon is happiness ! 

Primus drives to the nearest store and buys as many carrots as he can, then he hurries home to Iocaste.

He knocks on the door and as soon as Iocaste opens, Primus hugs him.

"I heard the good news, I brought the carrots, let us celebrate this day"

To be continued...

Tucked away in the shadows, Condemned listens to the speech. Swigging his flask as Iocaste speaks.

He stepped forward after the speech was complete

Congratulations, Boss! Thats right, Im taggin along for the ride! Lets make the South Side proud.

Well Iocaste you have finally gone and done it now. You have choose to give me some sort of responsibly. With that I wish you the very best luck in all you have coming. 

JackRyan montions to one of his bodyguards. The bodyguard walks around the corner with a plate of bacon. 

That is for you my friend. 

 

congrats little lion man, much desereved, and a long time coming. Good luck old friend.

well deserved my friend...its time! Take pride Rock!!!! :)

congratulation you deserve it well, i will try not to snatch any bacon in the fridge now and will just stay with my cookies

Husky try to imitate the lions Roar!

Meowrrrrrrrr!!!

>.< still can't get it

A great day for the Burbs and South Side, Congrats and good luck

iocaste I am so excited for you! You've been so valuable as a member and a friend and deserve this so much. I know you will lead with the same passion and love for this thing of ours that you show on a daily basis. Congratulations my lion!

Good luck on the new adventure.

Sure you will be a great leader to you new crew

stops by and hands Io a lunch box.

Here you are, hun, box of cookies, a steak, med-rare, and a bottle of wine. Congrats on the crew ^.^

Tucson comes by with a nice bottle of whiskey and a box of cigars

The last time your line was authed it showed so much promise yet was cut short by a tragic accident. I cannot wait to watch you put that name to shame and become a great leader!

Congrats!

​bip can't help but shed a tear as she listens to the lion.

Who am I gonna hunt puppies with now? 

Congratulations though my friend!

Looks at bip "i could help hunt puppies" ?? 

My bacon lover! 

It's great to see you get this opportunity and a brilliant choice from Spike himself..  

All the best my friend and congratulations