King of Hearts

Chapter 27 – The Second Lesson: The Six Families.

Don Pitch Robotnik's POV, Robotnik compound, New York.

Morning came just as fast as the night ended, and as I made my way to find my parents, I ran directly into one of the guards who greeted me as I walked by.

"Good morning Don Robotnik."

Of course I had to stop and watch him walk off in confusion. The name I was just given isn't usually for me. I'm not used to it at all.

Slowly continuing forward, I found both my mom and dad loading up a car out front.

As they finished packing their bags, my father looked to me with a smile to say.

"Looks who's up. Just who I wanted to see before I get going with your mother on this trip."

My mom hit his arm as he approached me to guide me back inside and to his office.

As we entered, a man waited their for us.

I stopped in front of the desk as he stared at me deeply with respect.

He wore a leisure black dress suit and his face showed age as my father got to him to say.

"Pitch, this is Johan. He's going to teach you everything he taught me when I first started out with this family. I can't think of anyone greater at knowing the knowledge to this business. He's the best."

Johan smiled as my father looked to my approval.

Johan was about my height and his quills were a dry shade of yellow. He examined me closely with a steady set of hazel eyes as I looked to him in confusion on what to say as a hello.

Cutting any chance off Johan replied.

"I'm not the best no matter how much Shadow likes to think I am. I'm just a man of common sense and ideals. And unlike your father Pitch I hope you listen better to what I have to offer you."

My dad chuckled as Johan came to shake my hand.

Gently taking his grip I shook and asked.

"How long are you going to work with me?"

Looking into my eyes Johan replied.

For as long as this family thrives. I've been part of it for the past eighteen years and I plan to stay till ether I die or the family folds. But as long as things go well from here on there should be no threat of that ever happening.

Nodding towards the man, I looked to my dad as he said to me.

"Johan will explain the basics to you first son. Please listen to everything he has to say."

Quickly looking back to Johan I asked.

"When do we get started."

Both him and my dad smiled at my sense of eagerness as the response came from my mother who was now behind me.

"As soon your father decides to come already. We're going to miss our flight."

My dad nodded and quickly approached. As he got before me he took my hand to say.

"This family is yours now son. Take it for what it is and make it your own. And never forget everyone is here for you. Through the best and through the worst. Your mother and I will be gone for a while. Call if you need anything. Beside that I expect you will take the role as Don seriously and make every move after this with proper thought and reconcile. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, okay?" He asked with a smile as I felt him loosen his grip on my hand.

Smiling I replied.

"Yes father."

Bringing me in for a hug he stated.

"I know you will be fine here Pitch. Your a leader."

Nodding with a smile, I retracted to look into his crimson red eyes.

"Your a don. Think like one and act like one and this family will grow, just like you. I love you."

"I love you too dad."

Looking to my mother, I was turned around and thrown into her body.

She squeezed me tight and gave me a kiss on the cheek as my dad looked back to Johan to say.

"Take good care of my boy Johan."

The hedgehog smiled with a single nod as my dad made his way for the door.

"You can count on me Shadow. I won't let you down."

Looking back my dad replied.

"I'm sure you won't."

Gently leaving the office, I refocused back on my mom as she ordered.

"You listen to Johan baby. And remember I'm a phone call away if you need a woman's advice. Many men forget that I was famous."

"Still are Zarra." Stated Johan as I smiled.

Giving me another hug, my mother soon released me to say.

"I love you. Be careful will ya?"

"I promise." I replied with nod as she backed up for the door.

Not letting her eyes off me, I felt the fear she still had for leaving, and as she began to leave I shouted.

"I'll be fine! You can count on it!"

Without another word, my mother left after my father and as the car soon was filled; me and Johan watched as they left the compound. All the family, including Rover, Damien and Lace, all waved them off as I was soon left behind with a new role, and a new life as a Don.

Gently putting his hand on my back Johan urged.

"Let's get back to your new office Pitch. We can began there."

Nodding to his advice, I slowly followed after him and through the rows of guards that covered the hallways.

Each one smiled at me with a nod as I passed, and I began to feel the faith they had in me as their new leader as we soon reached the office.

Johan kindly locked the door behind us as I got in my father's seat behind the desk.

Upon getting used to the new feeling Johan asked.

"Feel good?"

Cracking a smile I replied.

"It's just weird is all. I never pictured this happening."

Nodding Johan replied.

"I can understand. Being a Don is a huge responsibility. Especially at your age."

"How old was my dad when he first became a Don."

Gently taking a seat in front of me Johan replied.

"Same age as you ironically. Brings back some memories. All bad."

I began to lose my smile as Johan went on to say.

"But times were different back then compared to how they are now. We have a chance to think before acting on anything. Which is something I'm not used to with your father's lessons."

"Well where do we start then?" I wondered as he smiled.

"With the basics as your dad said."

Giving him a confused look. I waited as he then asked.

"Do you know your rival here in New York?"

Nodding I slowly replied.

"His name is Skier right?"

Handing me a set of vanilla folders he got out from his briefcase, he replied.

"That's right. Don Robert Skier."

Giving the first folder a look, I found a picture of the Don inside.

"Don Skier is a lone man. No family left ever since his mother and father both passed away last year. He first was given the head of his family at the age twenty when his dad became too weak. Since then Skier has focused on peace with your father. Now your dad was on top of the game as of up till he handed it all away to the other families, but even before that your dad thought it was best to control New York through means of talking rather then shooting. Don Skier agreed and as of last year they have been good friends. Now as from what Shadow did tell me Pitch, Don Skier can't be trusted anymore. He will be the first to make a move on you."

"What will he do?" I asked in concern as he calmly pointed to the folder.

"His Underboss. He goes by the name of Reaver. To my knowledge up till now I see every chance of Don Skier sending him over to a few of our businesses."

"So he's going to go for all our businesses first, then make a bigger move?" I wondered as he nodded.

"Reaver isn't as bad as some of the other Underbosses to date, but he will be a problem. Don Skier, if I'm correct, after hitting our places of income will use him and a few Caporegimes to attack some of our major ports. Things like our weapon shipments and income trucks. He'll try and cut everything off to our compound. Once we are weak enough he'll move in for the kill."

"So how to we make sure that doesn't happen?" I questioned as he carefully replied.

"Our best action is to go for Reaver when he's off the clock."

"An assassination." I stated as Johan nodded.

"We take out Reaver and Don Skier will have lost the tip to his spear."

"Then what?" I asked liking the idea as he coughed.

As soon as he was done Johan replied.

"Once Reaver is gone, Don Skier will be open to an assault. We send a few of our Caporegimes at his rackets and take out his stream of cash. Once he's hurting and he knows it, he'll make an attempt to seek peace if I know him from what your father told me."

"I think I know where this is going."

"We accept the offer and from there we kill him. His family will disband to ours and we will be back on track here in New York. The businesses, the money, the legal aid, and all the city will be ours once again."

Smiling towards the old man I asked.

"So this is a war, huh?"

"It will be once Don Skier makes his move Pitch. Then we show him and the other families your no slack to be messing with."

Nodding I replied.

"Okay."

Nodding towards me Johan then urged.

"After New York is back in our hands we should be good. But it's not a bad idea to know about the other competition around the business. Turn to the next folder."

Accepting the offer, I placed Don Skier's folder to the side and slowly opened the next to lay my eyes on the next family head.

"Now let me explain something before we get going. All of this is in order. Don Skier is the weakest family in the business. Slowly we will work our way to the top and most dangerous people in the game."

Hearing his words, I examined the man in front of me.

He was a dark red echidna. Looked as about my dad's age. Had a mean smile and a wicked set of eyes. He looked evil in a way.

"After Skier comes Don Brock Verno. Head of the Verno family based in Los Angeles. Don't get his look wrong cause your right to think he is a man of pure evil. Don Verno is full of mystery and most attempts of action from his family are deadly ones. Right now he is in a war with another family we will get to next after this." Stated Johan as I questioned.

"Will we have to deal with him?"

Shaking his head Johan replied.

"Not if we do what your father says and stick to our business here in New York."

Nodding I waited as he went on about Verno.

"Don Verno is a dangerous man Pitch. He kills anyone that is a treat and does not hesitate. As for who carries it out, it would be his Underboss Ross, but Ross is used more as a lawyer then a fighter these days."

Looking to find a picture of the hedgehog, I listened as Johan went on.

"Ross was in the war. He was enlisted a few years back with G.U.N as a combat medic. He got discharged due to an argument with a fellow officer in his unit. After he returned home Don Verno found his file and enlisted him to his family. During the first few years of his service, Ross was used as a hitman. But thanks to Don Verno, Ross was soon placed in a law school to focus on becoming his Consigliere. Since he became a full fledged lawyer as of two years ago, Ross has been Don Verno's go to guy on anything going on within his family. If I had to put it bluntly Pitch, Ross is more dangerous then Don Verno by far."

Nodding, I advanced myself ahead to the next folder to see a smiling image of an average built hedgehog. Light brown fur with a patch of white across the top of his head; leading to the back of his right ear. He had the eyes of every stoner I ever had the pleasure of knowing.

"Right there is the drug lord of the decade. His name is Don Vincent Cora. Young man and very careful even with half a pound of coke up his arm daily. I met him a few times Pitch and let me tell you he's a snake. Man can lie like no one's business. He's extremely unpredictable during times of conflict. That's one of the main reasons Don Verno is having trouble pinning him to the wall."

"So Don Verno and Don Cora are at war then?" I questioned Johan as he nodded.

"Yes. And to everyone's surprise Verno is losing the battle. Cora is very tactful and very dangerous same as everyone in his family. Yet I've been hearing some things about the tides starting to change for the better for Don Verno. I don't know for sure yet, but when I do I'll be sure to inform you."

Nodding to Johan, I then asked.

"Who's his right hand?"

Giving the folder a look from his end he replied.

"Don Cora does not have one. He has not yet given the position of Underboss to any of his men and by wartime he should have had one by now. Yet he chooses not to for some reason. If I had to put a pin on someone though it would be his head Caporegime. He goes by the name of Lucius. Out of everyone in his family Lucius is by far the most stable. I wouldn't be surprised if he is given the rank very soon."

"Are both of these families in LA?" I asked Johan in interest as he nodded.

"Yes. We'll actually, thanks to your dad there are three now."

"Why?" I asked in confusion as he put the next folder in front of my eyes.

"A big time family based out of Boston was given one of your father's compounds located there."

Gently opening up the folder, I gazed my eyes upon a large fox. He was nasty looking. Slick red suit and dark gray fur.

"That man right there is Don Ricardo Morgue. Listen to me when I tell you this Pitch. Don Morgue is not the man to mess with. He's stupid for a fact and he's already got bad blood with your father."

"Why?" I asked now; concerned this man would be my worst enemy.

"A few months ago while you were out in Jersey with your mother. That man stormed this place with a truck load of Capos and soldiers at his back. They almost made it through the gates if it wasn't for Rover and a few loyal men we have out there."

"Why would he do that?" I questioned as Johan shrugged his shoulders.

"For the same reason Don Skier is going to use for you. He wanted to kill your dad. Take out the Robotnik family. That's how this business works. If your a Don, your also a target. A target many want to see dead. Don Skier is going to be the first and Morgue may be next if he feels up to it."

"So wait...if I die...this family ends?" I asked in major fear for myself as Johan put his hands out towards me.

"It's rare that a Don gets attacked. But yes, if you die this family is over."

"What would happen?" I asked in loss of the subject now as he calmly replied.

"All who survived would move on to the nearest family. For example. If Don Skier ended this family today. All of our men and businesses would belong to him. The Robotnik family would never exist after that."

"We would just vanish in history?" I questioned as he slowly nodded.

"Same thing happened before once already. Do you know who the original five families were years ago?" Wondered Johan as I gave it some thought.

"I remember hearing something about Linux and Marxist from my dad."

Nodding Johan replied.

"Pharynx, Ortiz, Linux, Yin, Marxist. They were the five original families to own this country. Each one as different as white and black. Pharynx was the original family your dad grew into. They died out after the Marxist family and Linux family joined forces and destroyed the compound. Your dad was nowhere to be found thank god, cause Marxist was after him as well."

"Why?" I questioned as he gently sat up further in his seat.

"It's a long story and I don't want to be the one to tell you today. I'd rather have your dad tell you when the time is right. Le's just say that your dad made business very difficult for them and he needed to be killed."

Nodding slowly, I continued to listen as Johan went on.

"The Ortiz family was the first to fall and believe it or not your dad was the one to do it." Stated Johan as I widened my eyes slightly.

"He killed Don Ortiz and set the compound ablaze single handily one day after Don Ortiz kidnapped him. Another story your dad should get to tell you. That's was the start to all his problems and mine."

"Why yours?" I asked in curiousness as he replied.

"I was the Consigliere for the family. I was there when he killed Don Ortiz."

In awe I then asked.

"What was he like back then?"

Chuckling Johan replied.

"Young and dumb. But look at him now. He proved all of us wrong."

Gently laughing back under my breath, Johan went on.

"Linux was good man at first. He was honest and very truthful to work with. Until all that shit happened with your dad. He then saw him as only a threat and we went to war after."

"What happened to him?" I asked as he looked right into my eyes.

"Your dad let him go. He quit the business years ago and moved to Columbia with his wife and daughter. No one heard from them since."

Calmly lowering my head Johan switched subjects.

"Yin was your mother's family. She was a goddess don't mistake her for it now but she was. She was deadly and was one of the best Don's in the business. She knew everything from head to tail. But she stopped her leadership and joined up with your dad after the war to make him what this family used to be. The best."

Looking into Johan's eyes, I saw the memories coming to him, but he didn't want to say any more.

"Lastly was Marxist. They were the head family before your...well...I would like to say both your dads but I know that would be a lie."

"What are you talking about?" I asked in concern as Johan looked to me.

"I assume you know about Black, right?" He wondered as I nodded to him.

Giving me a sigh Johan replied.

"Well at the time he was in jail. Shadow bailed him out and they went after Marxist, and in return they wiped them out."

"Shadow never told me this." I stated to him as he nodded.

"I'm sure. He doesn't want remember it is all I can assure you Pitch. It was a rough time back then."

Looking right into Johan's eyes I asked.

"And Linux killed him right?" I asked to be sure as Johan nodded.

"Yes sir." He replied slowly as I looked to last folder in my hands.

Johan knew I didn't want to continue anymore about my real dad and quickly continued the original conversation.

"That last folder is all on the current leading family. Don Jeremiah Soul. Your dad basically gave him the power he now owns and because of that and all the issues between us and the other families, all he gets to do is watch. Now don't let him fool you Pitch. Don Soul is a psychopath. He has a history and only he knows. But from the past I can tell you now never to trust him." Stated Johan as I stared at his picture.

Don Soul was a man that sent fear into my heart just by looking at him. His eyes resembled Shadow's in every bit as his grizzly wolf appearance sent shivers down my spine. His fur alone sent me down a few pegs as all it was, was pure dark blue. Dark as the sky at night.

"He's a friend to your dad so to speak. They haven't ever fought before and your dad and Soul both respect one another very highly. If anything Don Soul is the next Don Hannibal Marxist." Stated Johan as I flipped the page to widened my eyes on a picture of that hedgehog who was here a few days ago.

"That's Hash." I stated as Johan looked confused.

"Yes it is. How do you know him?"

Looking at his profile I replied.

"He came here a few days ago to talk to my dad and to meet me."

Thinking, Johan replied.

"Don Soul must be curious as to who was taking over the family. Sending Hash is a little unorthodox of him but I guess it got the best results ether way."

"What do you know about him?" I asked as Johan sensed my interest.

Slowly leaning in he replied.

"He's a sadist. And if you don't mind he's what your real father was back when he was alive. A pure demon." I glared into Johan's eyes with a slight bit of anger as he went on.

"The things he has done are something no one on earth should ever even dream of doing. He's a walking genocide and he's not afraid of anyone other then Don Soul himself."

"What does he do for the family?" I asked next as Johan quickly replied.

"He does anything to get a raise out of hurting people. Don Soul lets him do what he has to do to get the job he send him on done. Hash is a lunatic and a manic. He may look normal and talk normal, but you get him alone for a second and his skin comes off and the devil comes out. Still...he's not as bad as...?"

As Johan went to say the name a knock came to the door.

In confusion, I asked.

"Who is it!?"

Slowly Johan moved to the door to unlock it, and as it opened one of the guards popped in through the side to say.

"We got a problem boss."

Johan widened his eyes as I immediately grew insanely worried.

"What's wrong soldier?" Asked Johan as he got to letting him in the room.

After shutting the door, the soldier replied.

"One of our patrols just came back from a run and they said they saw some of Don Skier's boys hanging out around the club on fifth street. Damien thinks they're going to make a move soon on the club to start pushing us back."

Johan glanced back at me as I questioned.

"What?"

Getting back to my side he replied.

"All I can do is offer advice Pitch. The final call to action comes from you now."

"So what's your advice?" I then asked as he calmly looked back to our guard to ask.

"Did they say how many?"

Nodding he replied.

"Three maybe four."

Looking back to me Johan then suggested.

"That club is in the middle of the city. Police would kick down the door the minute any violence goes off. Don Skier boys will do everything they can to keep it peaceful to a point. So what I'm thinking is they would go right for the owner. He works at the club till about midnight and goes home where he spends the night alone till work starts up again around nine."

"So they would tail him from the club and shake him down for the business." I stated as Johan smiled.

"Exactly. But if we catch them in the act we can take them down without police getting involved." Stated Johan as I then wondered.

"I can't just send a car full of my own guys to the house. There would be too much trouble."

"So what are you thinking?" Wondered Johan as I looked back to the guard to order.

"Go fetch Damien and two other good guys. I have a plan to stop them dead in their tracks." I stated as the guard nodded and quickly made his way out.

As the door remained opened, Johan said to me calmly.

"We can't afford to mess this up Pitch."

Nodding I replied.

"We won't. Trust me."

Giving me a small smile, I watched as Damien and two other family men made their way into my office.

As Damien approached the desk he asked me.

"What's the plan Don Robotnik?"

Smiling widely I replied.

I will have more chapters up soon. Please review and let me know what you think so far.

By the way I started the squeal to Zone 10 so be sure to check it out and leave me your opinions as always. Thank you guys and gals as always for reading. It means the world to me.

mT Shadow.