King of Hearts
Chapter 22 – The Smile of A Demon.
Hash's POV, Robotnik compound, New York, Later that night.
As my car pulled up to the edge of the compound I looked out the tinted window to stare at the large compound. This was my first trip to the Robotnik empire and it was at the least impressive. Matched my own home in size, but lacked some manpower. I wonder if Don Robotnik laid a lot of his men off to Don Skier.
Gently getting out from the car, I fixed my green suit and fedora and began the short walk to the gate.
Only one guard held the front, and as I neared he took notice of my family colors.
We weren't at war, it wasn't like he had a reason to aim at me but he did anyway.
I stopped in my tracks with a smile as he asked.
"What's your business here?"
Gently keeping my hands up and my smile on, I replied.
"I'm here under Don Jeremiah Soul's behalf to speak with Don Robotnik on private matters."
The guard lowered his weapon kindly as I waited for him to let me through.
He had a walkie-talkie, same as many gate guards and I watched as he said to it.
"Rover we got Don Soul's Underboss at the gate seeking an audience with Don Robotnik. How copy?" He asked as I got closer.
The guard stared at me as I smiled wide.
Rover's POV.
Pitch continued his training with me and Lace, and as I went to show him how to set a vest on him I got a ring from my walkie-talkie that got my full attention.
"Rover we got Don Soul's Underboss at the gate seeking an audience with Don Robotnik. How copy?"
Lace and I knew immediately who was here and we both widened eyes as Pitch grew concerned someone was here for him.
Quickly going to my walkie-talkie I replied.
"Hold him there. I'm going in to clear it."
"Yes sir." Replied my man at the gate who was forced to defend against a demon who made himself smile at the gate.
Pitch and Lace followed as I ran inside the compound to find Shadow at his desk looking over some papers.
"Shadow?" I said as I walked in.
Mr. Robotnik looked up in concern as I stated.
"Hash is at the gate wishing to see you."
Shadow's eyes slightly widened as I awaited the command.
"Why?" He questioned as I shook my head.
"Didn't say. Don Soul sent him. It must be important."
"Let him in." Ordered Shadow as I nodded and went back to comm.
"Let him through Danny."
I quickly got back.
"Yes sir. I'll have him brought to the office."
"Copy." I replied as I looked to Shadow who got his eyes to his son who stood tall, but confused.
"Go with Lace son."
Pitch looked to Lace as she took him by the arm and out the room.
As soon as they were gone Shadow ordered.
"Stay with me."
Nodding I replied.
"Yes sir."
Hash's POV.
The guard patted me down for my gun and took it away as we soon made our way to the compound itself.
People stared at me in a dark way as I could only smile and make haste for the entrance.
It may be the color of my suit, or the face I own, but ether way people around the business know me. They know my smile.
As soon as we got inside I glanced around at the beauty it beheld and made my way to the stairs that the guard was leading me up.
As we soon reached the top, the office was directly straight. I smiled as I saw Rover standing by the door staring at me.
He offered me his hand as I got inside.
"Nice to see you again Hash." He stated as I took it kindly and replied.
"Nice to see you too Rover. Been a few months."
Nodding he replied.
"It sure has. Please, take a seat."
Looking back to the desk I eyed on Don Robotnik himself as he stared at me deeply in concern for my business.
As I took my place, it seemed as if he was doing the same thing Soul did to me. Examining me.
Shadow was no fool for his age. You could see it on him. Scars from his past held deep on his skin and his red streaks grew weary from age as I also took notice of his jet black quills. This man was a legend in fact, but legend or no legend he's just a man.
After some more seconds passed without a single word, I started for myself.
"Don Robotnik sir, this is an honor to have a council with you, but I assume your just as concerned with what I have to say."
Getting up straight in his seat he replied.
"Hash I never had the honor myself to have you alone in my presence. I'm sorry you couldn't be there for the meeting, but it was just out of respect for the other Dons and myself."
Nodding I replied.
"I understand sir, and I'm not upset. I had business to attend to any way that day. It would have been near impossible to squeeze that in. I sense you understand yourself sir."
Shadow got in position to reply.
"I do, but what do I have the honor of having you here tonight? Don soul must have a reason if he sent you. And if you do not take offense, sending you isn't mainly saying it's in peace."
Smiling with a small chuckle I replied.
"Believe it or not Don Robotnik I'm here in peace. You and others may see me as a treat, but that does not exclude the fact I can have a civil conversation from time to time."
Nodding Don Robotnik replied.
"I'm sure you can Hash. It's just not a strong suit of yours from what I know about you and your history."
I nodded back and fell silent as he asked again.
"So what is the matter you wish to discuss for your Don?"
Looking back into his crimson red eyes, I replied.
"Don Soul is concerned with your retirement is all. He wishes me to extend the question of who will be taking over your empire once you go on vacation. Where are you going any way if you don't mind me asking?" I wondered as he calmly replied.
"My wife wants to go to Italy for some sight seeing. After that we may be heading to France and Rome. We do not know for sure yet."
I shook my head with an impressive facial expression, and as he went silent I asked.
"You taking the boy with you? How old is he now? Eighteen?" I wondered as he sat up again and nodded.
"Yes. Unfortunately we decided not to extend the trip to him." He stated as I grew curious.
"Why not?"
Looking directly into my eyes he replied.
"He has business to attend to here while I'm gone."
Gently I looked to Rover then back at Don Robotnik as things were adding up.
"Should I assume your boy is taking control of the family when you leave Mr. Robotnik?"
Shadow remained silent and stared into my eyes with such power. I thought he was trying to kill me from the inside.
After some time he replied.
"Yes. My son Pitch is going to become Don of the Robotnik family once I leave with my wife Zarra."
Both Don Robotnik and I continued to stare at one another as I grew very intrigued by the boy.
"Don Robotnik if you don't mind me speaking my mind, your son knows nothing about the business we find ourselves in. How can you assume he will take good care of your empire once you part ways?"
Getting up close on the desk Don Robotnik replied.
"I don't assume anything Hash. I know. My son may be young. He may not fully understand the business yet, but in time he will and I know he will be a great Don for my family. You should too."
Nodding I replied.
"I never meant offense Mr. Robotnik sir. I'm just concerned your family may be at risk to others like Don Skier once you leave your boy to fend for himself is all."
Gently getting back in his seat Don Robotnik replied.
"I'm aware of Skier I assure you Hash. He will not be an issue to my boy, I promise."
I nodded and scratched my nose as he went on to say.
"I know it will be hard for my boy, but I have full confidence in him and his abilities as a leader. He will exceed all exceptions in time. I'm sure by the time that happens however you and your family will know it as well."
Don Robotnik held his stance towards me as I slowly replied.
"I'm sure he will."
As I went silent Don Robotnik then asked.
"Is there anything else Hash?"
Looking back into his eyes I wondered.
"May I see the lad?"
Don Robotnik took his care to think of the answer and in time replied.
"Yes, of course. Rover?"
"Yes Mr. Robotnik sir?" He replied as I looked towards the door.
"Go fend for Pitch and bring him here."
Nodding, Rover made his way out to seek this kid known as Pitch.
In time he came back with a decent looking sport. He was a pure black hedgehog with dark brown eyes. I smiled widely as he looked into mine with concern. I can sense he was scared of me. Kid has no idea who he's seeing before him.
"Son, this man is the Underboss to Don Jeremiah Soul. He wished to extend his greeting to you."
Pitch grew a slight bit calmer as I got up to approach him.
Don Pitch Robotnik's POV.
This man was intense. His smile was sinister and his body was beyond threatening. His pure white quills blinded me along with his fierce hazel eyes.
He offered his hand as I slowly managed to find mine to take it.
His grip was tight and rough as he spook.
"It's on honor to meet you Pitch."
Rover stared at me in concern as I replied.
"Who are you?"
Smiling wide he replied.
"My name is Hash. I'm the right hand you could say to the Soul family. I work exclusively for Don Jeremiah Soul himself. I'm sure he would like to meet you at some point."
My father quickly replied.
"Johan will be setting up a meeting soon after my departure for the other families to have a meet and greet. You must wait till then Hash."
The large hedgehog just continued to smile at me as he calmly replied.
"It will be worth the wait Mr. Robotnik, I assure you."
With a shake in my hand I released his and watched as he looked back to my father.
"Don Robotnik sir, I'm again honored to have this meeting with you and your son. I shall be going now."
Gently stepping by me, the hedgehog made it to the door before my father shouted.
"Hash!"
He looked back to my father in confusion as he stood up from his desk to approach.
Offering his hand, I watched with Rover as they slowly began to shake one another.
"Be careful out there."
Hash unleashed a wicked smile as he chuckled and replied.
"You Dons are all the same."
My father released him after that statement, and we all watched as he made his way out with Danny who waited kindly for the hedgehog to pass by.
As soon as he was gone from the compound Rover asked.
"Are your hands burning?"
Shadow smiled as I questioned.
"Why would they?"
Rover gently wrapped his arm around me as he explained.
"Cause you just shook the devil's hand."
I grew scared and confused as my father stated.
"Hash is nothing more then a demon son. His hands and smile are the death of plenty of people before him. Don Soul took him in eight years ago after his family was killed. Ever since, he has been a fucked up man. He murders for the pleasure. A sadist if you may describe him bluntly. He fears none and respects only his family. If anything can be said to you Pitch...keep him as far away from you as possible. The last thing you want is him coming after you and your men. Because he does not stop till your all dead."
I grew afraid as my father finished.
"Don Soul is a man to be feared and never underestimated. He does not fear a single man and he will kill a threat himself if need be. Him and Hash are a demonic force to be reckoned with that not even god can stop. Don't ever pursue them. They will not hesitate to hurt you. Do you understand me son?" Asked my father in a serious tone as I nodded.
"Yes father."
Giving me a small smile he looked to Rover.
"Go continue your lessons Rover."
"Yes sir." He replied as I was urged out by his arm.
With Rover holding my side, I followed him back outside where we found Hash making his way out the gate.
As the guard got him out, I widened my eyes as he turned to stare at me.
Rover saw the man and looked down to me as Hash threw the sharpest smile. My body stiffened as he slowly walked his way off.
Rover sensed my fear and quickly urged.
"Come on pitch."
With a shake in my step, I turned to Rover's side and continued to follow him back towards my training.
