Clashing into each other was like watching two wolves trying to go for each other's throats. Dimitri and Gage contacting each hit they stayed that way for a good five minutes. Before Gage picked him up and slammed him down unto his knee and then tossing his body to the ground. Getting on top of him in an instant still going left right to his face. Dimitri started to attack his sides which he knew were already sore from how Angelo attacked him. He finally took both his legs and pushed Gage a few feet away. Dimitri was insanely strong, fast and lethal. The only thing to wonder was is he stronger than Gage with all the anger that man had put into him over the last few months.
Gage quickly to his feet looking as though he was going to go for his side quickly took his hand and wrapped it around pulling it down so quickly while his back leg pushed him down as his right hand forced his neck back into the ground. Picking him up he threw him. After rolling a few feet Dimitri quickly got up and ran to Gage who was already running to him Dimitri speared Gage into the ground and was going full force on Gage face and sides trying to get in his ribs. Gage caught on quickly before the first blow and was already using his arms to block every hit he had made. Taking his legs he had kicked Dimitri off. Pushing him past him a few feet knocking the wind out of him. When Dimitri got up he realized he had now messed up his rib bruising it badly.
Never had anyone beside Tess and Angelo ever been able to keep up with him. It was starting to get to him. Anger started to over take his emotions. Blind rage was starting to get in the way of thinking clearly. Gage was starting to see a shift in Dimitri which both worked in his favor and maybe even against him. The only real way to get through to him is to get into his head. If its this cloudy now getting fuzzy with rage than what's going to happen to him if I push him further. How could such a big Don, be this skilled be fighting this way. Surly someone who is this smart, who has this much experience would see the faults in this. Gage wasn't going to dwell on a gift horse however he didn't want to win at an unfair advantage.
"Is this all you got in you? Is this a battle with a real Don. Got to say I think I had more of a challenge with Nico." Gage taunted him as they walked circling each other. "If this is as good as you get." Gage laughed a little. "It's no wonder Tess came pursing me. Cuddling up at night with a real man who could at least keep up with her." Gage goading him on. It was clear Dimitri was no longer thinking with a clear head his eyes darkened over. Pure hatred flowing through him in waves anyone in mile radius was feeling come off him in fumes.
"It's a lot of talk coming from you. Do you ever wonder why she decided to go play it safe with someone like you to begin with? Honestly thought she needed a break from being around the crazy men like us who help keep this world in-line. However I think maybe she was just getting lazy. What the hell could be so excited as being with a computer geek anyway." Dimitri laughed to him. "I assure you I'm not just a genius on a computer. Especially when I have someone like that under me begging for a hell of a lot more than nerdy thing you got running through that mind. I pity you though man. You really got my sympathy. You had so many years of her life begging like a dog and she still don't want you. I meet her for a few hours and she taking me home. You bust your ass to get close to her dad who tolerates you. I meet him once and have a permanent spot at his dinner table. You been training your whole life to get as good as her. I not only beat but tie her scores in less then weeks of training. It seems that no matter what you try to do You. Will. Never. Come. Above. Me." Gage told him flatly.
Dimitri struck Gage so quick in the face it made his whole head turn. Jabbing hard as he could in Gage's injured rib. He took one jab to his head. Shoving him back breaking away from him Gage managed to hit Dimitri in the throat while he bent over to try to regain his breath. Gage hit him in the head twice. Falling to the ground Dimitri view was fuzzy. He was a little dizzy until Gage took his right hand and hit him in the face and head so hard Dimitri body bounce on the floor. Dimitri laid there looking lifeless. It was hard to tell if he was even breathing.
Stepping back when the other two Dons came to check on him. He lifted both hands up in surrender and stepped back. It took Carson and Drew a minute but they found the heartbeat strong and steady. However Dimitri was clearly out for the count. Drew looked up to Carson and Gage smiling widely. "The Don Russo is unable to continue. Therefore I give you your winner. Gage Brooks the NEW DON of America by right of winner of the DON TRIALS!!!!" The whole arena went up in a roar of cheers. Looking up he locked eyes with Tessenia. The guys all hollering around her raving in his triumph. Pride surging through her eyes not showing any emotion on her face. Keeping the contact before he turned and walked with Drew off the open area to the back she was left only one thing. 'What have I done.'
Once he was back he was taken straight to one of the many doctors they had on sight Checking him over. "Congratulations. Don Brooks. You are the first man ever to make through all the trials as the Great Alderman's and even beat one in the process no man has ever been able to do that before well except one amazing woman." The doctor said shaking his hand. "I'm no Don yet." "Sure you ain't." The doctor mocked. "I am doctor Carlo Valentez I will be your personal doctor from this point on I have been pointed to you by Angelo himself. Let's get you checked on shall we." The older man told him well into his early 50's. "Oh yeah sure. Does this mean I need to have my original doctor send you everything?" Gage asked confused.
"No need son. Angelo appointed me three days ago. Told me he knew without a doubt you would be the one to take his place and any intelligent man knows you don't bet against Angelo. I already got all your information and history three days ago. Alright breath deep for me." After the few minutes and some quick tests. "Alright kid you got some major bruised ribs close enough to being fractured had they gone through anymore blows. NO concussion which can't be said against Nico. Your leg is severely bruised in places so you may walk with a small limp for a day or three but you are good. None of the cuts are deep. You need rest. You pushed your body through a lot tonight and your lucky to come off as you did. Your ribs will take few days to bounce back from the soreness. Take these if you get any headaches or pain. Call me if anything changes." I will thank you Dr. Valentez." "Please hijo call me Carlo. Deberías estar orgulloso de ti mismo. Trabajaste duro para esto." He said walking away. (You should be proud of yourself. You worked hard for this.)
"I knew you could do it son." He heard Angelo say form behind him turning to the side he could see Tio Eddie and Angelo looking at him with pride. "Got to say it feels good knowing I can retire and know my empire will still be alright." He said with a wink with his hand out. "How you feel kid?" Tio Eddie asked him with pride and a pat on the shoulder. "Sore." Gage laughed. "Worried maybe. I still have to see Tessenia and my ma. Won't she be so thrilled." Gage told them sarcastically as the grown men laughed and rubbed the back of their necks.
"Yeah well you know parents just want what's best for their children. However I think sometimes we forget that we may not always know what is best for them. You need to make your own decisions. Just don't forget that we are still here if and when you need us." Angelo told him with a smile. "Yeah sometimes it gets hard for us because we see you as our babies still and we catch ourself trotting behind you waiting for you to fall. It never gets easier as you grow. We still worry about what's going to be around you when you stumble and fall. One day kid we won't be able to be around to help you up." Tio Eddie told him.
Xavier heart felt heavy thinking of how true those words were especially for his mother. He hated to think of a world where she wasn't in it to nag at him. Nodding his head in agreement. "How are you after tonight Angelo?" Gage asked him. "Well I'm banged up for sure other than that I'm still dancing." He teased. "Nico?" "Well he got a little concussion from one of the air trips you gave him. He has pulled muscle out of his neck so he wont turn to the right easy for a few days. Other than just some scrapes he's fine." Tio Eddie told him. Seems Carlo was right.
"What about the last damn twat?" Gage growled lowly. "That one you truly did a number on. There is swelling in his head they put him in a coma they will take him out in about two days. He slammed so hard on his right rib he needed stitches and it's so banged up it has to be wrapped for a good week or so. He got busted nose. Split lip. Pulled his should out of his socket from one of his air trips and his leg is black and blue so couple days before he can put much pressure on it. Got to say you really had nothing but hatred and anger in that fight the both of you. Could have been so much worse for you had you not been trained by us last few weeks." Angelo pointed his finger to him.
"You have no idea how good of a fighter he really is. Clever too. When his mind isn't so clouded with other things. I never seen him like this before. It was not him at all." Eddie told him. "It almost didn't seem fair after awhile I can't explain it but it was like snapped. I did not finish that fight with the same man that started I can tell you that." Gage told them as they nodded in agreement. The doors busted open and they could hear the loud hoots and hollers of familiar voices.
"You whooped so much ass tonight. No offense Tio." Jaxon said hugging on Gage. AS the other men came up to hug him too. "Seriously man that was so bad ass." Dre' told him happily. "Haven't seen a fight that awesome since Tessa's trials." Hunter added. "I can't believe you man you were totally insane just picking people up like they weighted nothing and chucking them across in the air." Vincent told him his hands on his face as he was lost in awe. "Seriously man you so lucky your mom wasn't here she would have flipped her shit." Ace told him as they all nodded. "I am so proud of you. Congratulations man. You definitely earned this." Axel said hugging him tighter. "So what now?" Gage asked looking at Angelo.
As the other guys looked at him as well. "Well we have a Don ceremony for you. First we will go back out there in that arena and I will hand you over the title tonight. You will have to remain Don of America until you decide if you want to give it up this Saturday at Tessenia coronation. When she becomes the Donna of Dons. The queen who will rule you all. I will remain on a council for you as an advisor with Eddie. But as right now you need to get your second, third and fourth in command. They will be listed tonight. In the next fifteen minutes." Angelo told him.
"No matter what you have to claim my title tonight. Think fast we gotta to get out there." Angelo told him. "Second." Pointing to Axel. "Third." Pointing to Vincent. "Fourth." Pointing to Ace. "If you guys are up to it?" Gage asked them. "Like I would let you have anyone else." Axel scoffed with amusement. "We are in this now anyway." Vince said shaking his hand. "I just hope we don't fuck up too bad man. We the fresh meat in every way possible." Ace said as he nodded in agreement. "Alright than looks like we need to get out there.
Once they got out to the open arena Gage noticed Tessenia was still lost in thought in her seat as everyone was on their feet cheering. Angelo got them to be seated and calm. "Tonight is a night for the history books. Where someone besides The Beast was able to do the impossible and take me down. Not since the Dark Angel herself has anyone shown or proved such skills and intelligence in these trials and I know you all who saw will agree with me it was well earned. Anyone who has trained with this man next to me knows how well deserved this claim and title is be given to him. For the second time in almost fifty years I have been beaten in every way possible. I have a new successor as Don of America. I could not be more proud of this man than I am tonight." Angelo said making some people gasp in shock.
"This man is not a man from our world. He is not one who has been trained as long as most of you have. He is a man who stepped into this world unknowingly months ago and has taken the training and ran with it. In mere months he has suppressed thousands who have been at this for years. That is something to be proud. He is scientifically the second maybe first not too sure yet smartest man in this room and that is something to be impressed by. So without any further flattery let's get on with this." Angelo told him turning to look him in the eye.
"Gage Brooks you have surpassed with flying colors the Trials of the Dons. No other can question you as you have proved your intelligence by brains, by weapons and combat. You have shown and proved your worth in loyalty. You have shown as how deep your respect can go. You have shown mercy for the innocent. You have righted many of your wrongs with dignity. You have protected the business's and have pulled your weight in legitimate world. Will you swear to keep doing so you move forward as Don of America? Do you swear to keep the innocents protected. To keep fighting for those who can't. Do you swear to keep the government in line when the time gets called on. Will you swear to go to war if need be to protect your Familia to those who seek to bring it or other Don families harm? Do you swear to up hold all the laws, rules and words given to you by The King of Dons or Queen in the next few days. As they are to protect everyone world wide. Do you swear to go only to your King or Queen when issues arise or doubts occur? Do you swear to be loyal to your King or Queen and the Familia here that you rule over until you no longer have breath in your body or until a new successor takes your place?" Angelo asked him with a hand up Gage looked at him.
"I swear Don Angelo." "Do you Axel Brooks, Vincent Damico and Ace Torres. Swear to protect the innocent. To destroy the traitors who tend and seek to do the Familia or you King or Queen Harm? Do you swear to live by the laws and rules of King or Queen to help guide and keep the Don inline. To do the jobs that are requested and demanded of you. DO you swear to help keep the peace in the families and the Familia here at home until your last breath or a successor takes your place?" "I swear." "I swear." "I swear." They said in unison. "My family as King of Dons I give you the new Don of America Gage Brooks. Let him rule long until the sun sets in the East." Angelo told him with a wink. The whole area went up in a roar screams of excitement all around.
Gage looked to see for Tessenia after a few minutes but her chair was empty. His heart stopped for a moment wondering where she could have gone. After a good thirty minutes of getting away from the crowd and saying good bye to his friends and Angelo. He found himself alone in his car driving home. He was a little sad to know he would have to be moving houses soon as he needed one with extra security and office for other things. He wasn't sure where he would be going but there where a few places open right next to Angelo. Best to just go there. His heart was still sore for not seeing Tess in person. Shutting and locking the door he turned on a small lamp with dim lightening to see her on a chair in the kitchen on the counter drinking apple cider bottle still condensation on the bottle.
"Hail to the new Don of America." She told him in a plain voice. "You're here." He all but whispered out in a breath. "Well you had enough people trying to crawl up your ass and congratulate you. Didn't me in the way there for that." She told him putting her drink down as she poured one for him. "You have no idea what you have just signed yourself up for Gage. The life you're about to have. The changes you have to make. The calls and actions you will have to take. Are you honestly ready for that?" She asked him tears starting to fill her eyes threatening to fall. "Yes baby. I am. I am strong enough to do all that I will have to. I meant it when I made that promise tonight. I can do this baby." Running his hand down her face. Wiping her eye as a tear fell down her cheek.
"I did this to. This is all my fault. You had this happy normal family and I came along and just. He shoved his lips to hers cutting her off. "If I just would have let you be you would still have a normal life. I did this too. I took this from you. Now you're going to be a monster like me." She choked out with another tear falling down. Never has she cried more than she has meeting Gage. "The only life I want to be having is one with you in it. You didn't take anything from baby. You given me life. I wasn't breathing until you came along. Tessa my angel I need you." Gage took both her hands holding to his heart with one hand and wiping her tears with another.
"I made this choice. You did not take it from me. Everyone and then some has given me chance after chance to walk away from this. A life without waking up to you by side isn't worth living for. This is a good thing. Baby we are going to change the world. We are going to help so many people. Yeah I may have to do things I wouldn't have thought I would have to but you know what if it's the right thing to do I have no problem doing. I will lose no sleep at night knowing it was the right things to do and I have you in my arms every night. I can do this. We can do this. We got this baby. Believe in us the way I know you love me and you'll see everything is going to be ok."
"I will never resent you Tessenia. I will never blame you for anything that will come out of this. This is what I want. I want you. I want a life and family with you. You need your family you build over the years. All of this is apart of you. Your family a part of you. I want this all of it because its all apart of the Tessenia I love. You have no idea what mountains I'm willing to make move just for you to be with me. Just to know your safe and happy. The walls I would climb the bridges I'd jump from all for you baby. Just say the word. Just don't ever ask me to walk away from you." Gage asked her eyes glossy and red. Seeing her like this hurt him.
"You are sure about this?" "Yes. I just went through a few days of mental and physical hell to prove that didn't I?" He chuckled to her making her laugh lightly with him. "Guess you did." "I seem to remember a certain angel making a promise that if I could prove I can be in her world. A certain Angel would take me back." Gage said wrapping his arms around her waist puling her to him. "Really? See I think you are mistaken." "How so?" Gage was confused looking down to her rubbing his nose lightly against hers. "You made that promise to a Donna. As far as I know there is none yet." Gage heart skipped.
"You promised as future Donna." He added with a smirk. "Well that maybe but the deal was as Donna I agree. I'm not a Donna yet." She shrugged. "Are you playing with or are you serious?" Gage asked nervously. Looking into his eyes for a moment longer. "I can't forgive myself for bringing this unto you." She said tears again threatening to spill. "Your mother will never forgive me. For doing this to you. No matter how many times we go over this in her heart and mind I will always be the girl who took her son from a safe world and put him back to a world of killers and other monsters. No matter the reason of why we will always be killers. Can you honestly be ok with that? With your family on the fence of who you are now Don Brooks?" She asked by his formal title.
It was weird hearing it from her. "I am ok with it. My family understands. They were apart of most of this before I even knew about you." "Yes Gage and they worked their whole life getting you away from this just to become the damn leader. I mean have you thought how much that must hurt them?" "Baby." He said taking her hands again. "My parents will understand. What's done is done. I am ok with my choices and they will be to. They will respect them because they love me no matter what. I know how hard this must be on you and all the gears turning in your head. Trust me when I say as long as we give them grand babies everything will be ok." Gage said making both of them laugh.
"You are ok with knowing your first born will have to take my place should we have a child and the second one to take yours? You are ok with this life for them?" She asked him. "If our kids pass their training they will get this life. Which I have no doubt they will. Our kids will make this world better because they will learn from us and be better in every way. They will have a whole village to guide them. Tess baby I swear everything will be ok. Please trust me." "Fine I trust you… a little bit." "Will you take me back? Can we please be us again. Please tell me your only mine again baby please." Gage was ready to get on his knees to beg.
"Yes you are my boyfriend again." She said kissing him deeply. His heart jumped in happiness and sadness. He didn't want to just be her boyfriend anymore. He remembered when he walked away from her when she gave him back the ring when he would be ready to give it to her again. He would fix this problem soon. Kissing him deeply. She took him into the shower and washed him up and he tried to wash her as good as he could move being still sore. Helping him dress as he tucked them both into his bed thinking of everything the future has to offer them he finally got peaceful night sleep with his whole world in his arms.
Sitting in a room with a couple of other Dons. He looked up as one spoke. "He actually did it. The low fucking Civilian has beaten the great Angelo. What does this mean for the plan now?" One asked in anger. "This changes nothing." He sat up straight and spoke easily. "The plan is still going forward. This changes nothing for me. I will still get to the future Donna. We can't do anything until she is announced and properly crowned as Queen. The ball is still in play and no one can do anything about it. No one has a clue of any of this. Otherwise we'd all be dead by now." He laughed off. Trust me well get her. She has no idea of the storm ahead of her." "What if she refuse to participate her role?" Another asked him in doubt. "She will. She doesn't have any other choice." He smirked into his drink.