The Gangs of Royalty Grievous Afflictions

By Aaron S Hager

Tensions are high in the city of Royalty as the gangs attempt to pick up the pieces left by the Lyone family. Different factions arise, each with their own vision of what an ideal society looks like. Unresolved conflicts fill the streets. Harmony dissolves and betrayal runs rampant. New threats emerge. As Seraph is tasked with hunting down the i

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron S Hager
• Release date: Dec 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9798986193236

Book preview

The Gangs of Royalty

Grievous Afflictions

AARON S. HAGER

Copyright © 2022 Aaron S. Hager

All rights reserved

ISBN:

DEDICATION

For my beloved, Christine.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Glory to God above all else. Thank you, Christine, for helping me every step of the way with this series. It’s because of you that I even try my hand at writing. Thank you, Lucius, for being a good boy for Mommy while Daddy works. Thanks to all my friends and family. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Rachel. Thanks always to the Golden Embers and to the Five Rings. And a very special thanks to Thomas. Your help, support, and encouragement have made this whole process so much easier to endure. Still loving my Gangs of Royalty Tervis Tumbler!

The Gangs of Royalty series is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to actual events, locations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

PROLOGUE

All right, gentlemen, I’m going to skip the roll call for this session, seeing as everyone is here, Armand Martinelli projected his voice. He looked around the large table within the Inner Circle chambers. Each of the gang leaders that made up the Royalty City Council stared back silently as he continued speaking, it’s only been a few months since justice was served to Lucien Lyone and we took back control of our city. Things are moving in a positive direction, but slowly—and that’s okay!

Ghost cleared his throat and picked up from where Armand had left off. It’s going to take some time before this city gets back on its feet. Everything changed very fast, so we have to be on top of it, reassuring the people, especially civilians, that these changes are for the better.

Exactly, Armand continued, and just because the remaining Lyones are currently locked up in Dragon’s Lair doesn’t mean that they’re not still making moves.

They’re currently going through a power struggle within the prison as we speak, added Shen, leader of the Golden Dragons.

"Power struggle? What do you mean?" Terrace, president of the Cut-Throats motorcycle gang, sought clarification.

"When Lucien was killed, his vice commander, Segundo, assumed control of the Lyone family, but Lucien’s brother, Giovanni, believes that he should be leader because he carries the Lyone name. Nothing’s gotten physical yet, but some of my contacts inside confirmed that it’s only a matter of time before something breaks out between them."

That could be good or bad, mused Kai, leader of the Shadows.

Yes, Armand agreed. Shen, please keep the Council updated on this as much as you’re able to.

Shen nodded as he breathed out a cloud of cigarette smoke.

Can you remind me why we’re still even allowing the Lyone dogs to live? Padraeg, head of the McDroogin family, spoke out, his cheeks burning a slight red.

I have to admit, the temptation is certainly there for many of us, Armand swallowed and looked around at the rest of the Council members once more.

Terrace frowned and shook his head. As much as I want all of them to pay for the hand they played during Lucien’s reign, we shouldn’t stoop down to their level.

Agreed. Ghost nodded firmly.

The room grew silent for a moment before Padraeg spoke again. Any updates on who may have attacked Seraph?

We’re still working on finding a lead. Everything is coming back cold at the moment, but we’re on top of it. We’re just thankful that he recovered well. We’ve got him and Lazarus on the streets looking into a few things right now, Ghost informed the concerned grandfather.

What about Black Lotus? Kai suggested.

It’s hard to say, Ghost answered. They just suddenly stopped coming at us, and there hasn’t been any trace of them since. I suppose it’s a possibility, but we can’t be too sure.

I’m betting that it was Blackjack. He seems to have a strange interest in Seraph, Terrace interjected.

That’s more or less what we’re leaning toward, as well.

Yes, if there is anyone who we suspect, it would be Blackjack, Armand agreed. That is why we still have an APB on him and the Jackals…and anyone else who we find out may be conspiring with him.

We’ve had our soldiers keepin’ an eye out for ‘em, O’Connor, who stood behind where Padraeg sat, assured the Council.

Good. The more participation we have, the better, said Armand, taking a moment to glance at his notes, which sat in a neat stack in front of him. Just one more order of business before we adjourn this meeting. The Bishop Brotherhood.

Terrace pressed his lips together tightly and nodded. Yeah, we’ve definitely noticed a lot of activity going down on the darker side of Bishop Street. I’m not so worried, though. Ezra and Judge made a pact before the big showdown with the Lyones.

Yes…between the Bishops and Cut-Throats. What about the rest of us? Armand inquired.

Good point…I’ll have Edge make contact and feel them out. If there’s anything concerning, I’ll let you know personally.

Very good. We know that Ezra was pretty distraught after his brother was killed. We just need to make sure his head’s on straight.

Two slight knocks on the chamber door caused everyone’s head to turn at once. The door opened and one of the Arch Angels stepped through, briskly walking over towards Armand. The Arch Angel spoke quietly next to his ear, causing the Arch Angels’ leader to raise a single eyebrow as he made eye contact with his underling and then turned his attention back to the other leaders. Apparently, there is a guest from Sengo who insists that we give him an audience right now.

Confused looks appeared on each of the four leaders’ faces, although eventually everyone’s gaze fell upon Shen and Tuan, who were also of Sengoan descent.

One of your guys? Ghost asked with concern.

It better not be. Shen spoke through clenched teeth.

Armand shrugged and then looked back at his man. Search him again, and send him in.

The Arch Angel nodded and went back to the door.

This better be damned important to be disturbin’ our meetin’ like this. Padraeg scowled at the doorway.

Take it easy, old man. Sengoans are all about formality and etiquette. Terrace jested with the old Kaelish man.

Shen narrowed his eyes at Terrace.

The door opened once more, and a sharply dressed Sengoan man, who could not have been older than thirty, entered. He bowed respectfully to the room before looking to Armand and bowing even lower.

My apologies for interrupting your meeting, he said with a distinct Sengoan accent. I am Sho Matsumora. I have traveled from my home to your city for refuge, but also for help.

Shen and Tuan glanced wide-eyed at each other, but remained silent.

And why did Royalty seem like the place for you to find refuge? Armand narrowed his eyes at the man, suspiciously.

Because it is said that everyone in your city is a warrior. I need an army of warriors to take back my homeland. Otherwise, it is lost forever.

This some kinda joke? Brutus folded his arms over his chest and looked at the others in the room.

Who the hell is this guy? O’Connor raised an eyebrow.

Can you elaborate, please? Ghost’s voice rose above the hushed tones and caused the room to fall silent.

"A man—no, a demon—called Syn and his horde, the Chaotik, attacked my land and completely conquered my people. We resisted as best we could, but we could not stand against them. Some of my family and I managed to escape to search for warriors who would be willing to return with us and help us reclaim our home. There would be great rewards for anyone who chooses to fight with us."

Shen looked as if the wind had been knocked out of him. "They took over the entire country?"

Sho met Shen’s eyes for a moment and gave a single nod. Yes. I would not be here if that were not the case. That is why I need help. There is also more incentive for you to consider helping me. The Chaotik are not content with simply conquering our land. They have already ravaged the entire eastern hemisphere. I am surprised you have not yet heard of them.

Armand and Ghost looked at each other, but both shook their heads. We’ve had a lot going on these past few years. We’ve got enough to deal with in this city of ours to keep us busy without the rest of the world’s problems, Ghost clarified.

I understand; however, you will not be able to ignore the world’s problems for much longer. The Chaotik will come here eventually. They not only conquer; they slaughter! They force everyone to submit and commit atrocities. Killing thousands of innocent people for no reason. Forcing people to fight to the death. Turning sons against fathers, brother against brother. There is no end to his brutality. He doesn’t want our lands. He feeds on the souls of people.

Armand had to control himself so as not to laugh at this. He shook his head and looked down to try to gain composure before speaking. I’ll tell you what, Sho. The Council will discuss this threat and determine what we will do, but this will not be a quick matter. It’s going to require more than one meeting to figure out what our next steps will be. In the meantime, I believe I speak for everyone when I say that you are welcome in our city, and if you need anything—perhaps a place to stay or maybe a loan—while you settle down here, then please don’t hesitate to ask.

Sho bowed low once more before speaking. My family will not be a burden to you. We brought enough supplies with us to establish ourselves here for a little while. I am grateful for your offer, and in return, however I might be of service, please let me know. He reached into his suit jacket and produced a business card, which he placed on the table near Armand.

Armand picked up the card and studied the M logo on the front, surrounded by Sengoan characters. Very good. Sho, it has been a pleasure. We will conclude our meeting here in a couple of minutes, and then I will have one of my people contact you to keep you informed of the status of your request. Welcome to Royalty.

Sho looked around at each of the leaders and bowed quickly before turning and exiting the room, closing the door behind him.

What in the world? Terrace asked, looking around.

I have no idea. Ghost shook his head.

I’ll have some of my men look into this to see if his story has any weight, Armand assured everyone. He then turned his attention to Shen. You got anything for us on this guy?

Shen and Tuan met each other’s eyes once more before Shen answered, If that is the Sho Matsumora who we know of, then we just met the crowned prince of Sengo.

* * *

"Well, like I said, from my experience with him, I haven’t seen him do anything that warrants him being labeled as guilty of anything," insisted Seraph, as he, Lazarus, and Midnight passed through the front doors of the Black Diamond gambling den, owned by the Diamond Cutters. Colorful flashing lights from the various slot machines illuminated the space. There were various card game tables, with different members of the Diamond Cutters dealing. Black Diamond was one of the only places in Royalty where one could go to gamble without having to suspect the house was ripping them off. Dex made sure that he always ran a reputable business.

Yeah, except for the fact that he murdered Jin Yamato, or maybe you forgot about that? Lazarus challenged his friend.

I wasn’t there. I can only say what I see and what I know. Maybe he’s a mastermind and lies so good that it would make the average person doubt his guilt. That doesn’t necessarily mean that he doesn’t deserve a fair trial, at the very least.

"Fair trial? What are you even talking about, man? If it looks like a dog and barks like a dog, then…"

Seraph recounted the lessons he had learned from the Royal Priests in terms of the old systems of justice and realized that Lazarus would more than likely be totally ignorant of these concepts. "I mean, he should have a chance to defend himself. Anyway, Zero was there with me. He saw everything that I saw, since you can’t take my word for it."

Lazarus stopped and shot a concerned look at Seraph. That’s not what I’m saying, bro. I’m just worried, is all. Armand mentioned before that he thought Blackjack might have tricked you into turning against us. That’s his specialty, after all.

Have you even spoken to Zero after everything went down?

"I mean, he and Edge were at the party afterwards. He’s been pretty committed to the White Crows since, just like Edge and the Cut-Throats. I would like to hear his side of things as soon as we all get the chance to get together and talk, if that’s worth anything."

It’s worth a lot.

Just stay focused. Look who it is, Lazarus mumbled to Seraph, lightly slapping his friend’s arm with the back of his hand.

Gentlemen! What brings you to my neck of the woods? Dex Wallace greeted them with a large grin spread across his face as he squeezed between two adjacent slot machines and hurried over to greet the Arch Angels. He took Lazarus’s hand in his, pulled him close, and whispered in his ear, Come with me.

Lazarus nodded and looked back at Midnight. Stay back, and keep an eye out.

Got it, Midnight said. He turned and found a spot to post up, while Lazarus and Seraph followed Dex toward the back of the casino.

Dex led the two to a door where he knocked twice swiftly and stepped back. There was an awkward silence as the three waited for a moment before the door slowly opened, and a well-dressed, handsome man, who looked to only be a few years older than Seraph and Lazarus, approached them with a slightly annoyed look on his face. Kyson, this is Lazarus and Seraph of the Arch Angels.

Lazarus smiled and offered a hand to Kyson, who looked down at it briefly but did not accept the handshake. Lazarus chuckled awkwardly and slowly pull his hand away as Seraph narrowed his eyes at the Diamond Cutters’ leader.

I’m in the middle of a high-stakes game. Make it quick, Kyson huffed as a few Diamond Cutters joined them, standing quietly behind Seraph and Lazarus.

"Make it quick? It’s you who needs to do the talking. Apparently, you have a lead on Blackjack?" Seraph cut straight to the chase.

Lazarus’s eyes widened at Seraph’s usual lack of tact, which never seemed to get old.

I don’t have a lead on anybody. There is, however, a chance that one of my people might know something, Kyson answered with a blank stare.

"For someone who’s in a hurry, you sure are beating around the bush. Are you gonna tell us what we came here for? Because now you are wasting our time." Seraph felt his patience running thin.

Well then. Kyson blinked and then looked at Dex, who gave him a nervous smile.

Seraph… Dex started. "As you know, the Diamond Cutters are in the business of trading information. Imagine if we just told you a piece of valuable information for nothing? Then we’d have to do the same for everyone who came seeking the town’s latest gossip. We were hoping for a little more incentive on your part."

Seraph removed a billfold from inside his suit jacket and pulled out a stack of neatly folded crown bills, which he began counting out, careful to flash the hundreds.

Dex raised his hands and shook his head. Oh, no, no! Please, we don’t require any money. He stifled a chuckle.

Well, what, then? Seraph leaned forward with raised eyebrows, causing Kyson’s guards to shift.

The Royalty City Council seems to be lacking in membership. Surely, the fate of this city cannot be determined by just five gangs alone when there are five times more than that, at the very least, Kyson answered.

You want DC to have a spot on the Council? Lazarus clarified.

That is correct.

I can’t guarantee anything, but I will definitely run it by Armand, Lazarus offered.

Excellent! Then we will continue this conversation once you have an answer for me. Thank you very much, gentlemen. Kyson smiled and started to turn back toward the room he had come from.

Wait! Seraph stepped forward.

The Diamond Cutters, who stood nearby, all became tense and stepped between the two Arch Angels and their leader.

Easy, Seraph, Lazarus warned under his breath, placing his hand on his shoulder. He then addressed Kyson. We’ll do our best to get Armand to let you on the Council, but we need that information. Isn’t there an alternative in the meantime?

At that moment, Midnight approached them, walking past the Diamond Cutter guards toward Lazarus. Yo, we got a problem, boss.

Kyson paused and shook his head. Unfortunately, not, he said right before a commotion broke out in the main area of the gambling den.

Everyone turned their attention to the three hooded figures wearing royal blue and armed with swords, pushing over the slot machines and causing the patrons of the Black Diamond to flee. Kyson and Dex looked at each other before drawing pistols from inside their suit jackets. They raised their guns at the hooded attackers as the other Diamond Cutters followed suit. Together, they began to advance on them as they prepared to fire on the unknown assailants. At the same time, the rest of Lazarus’s squad of Arch Angels entered the den, guns drawn.

Lazarus made eye contact with Seraph for a brief moment before taking a step back as he ordered his men to Stay out of it.

Any particular reason you want to give as to why you’re trying to ruin my business? Kyson shouted at the three vandals, wiping a bead of sweat from the side of his head with a handkerchief.

At this point, the three hooded men were completely surrounded by the Diamond Cutters. None of them answered, but instead drew their swords and put their backs to each other, preparing to engage Kyson’s men.

Keep one of them alive for questioning. Kill the other two! ordered Kyson, who stayed back with Dex. They lowered their pistols while their men advanced on the three with swords of their own.

To Kyson and Dex’s dismay, within seconds, the three unknown figures had cut every single one of the Diamond Cutters down with ease. The two leaders raised their pistols and fired wildly in the direction of the three, who swiftly took cover behind overturned slot machines. Both Kyson and Dex fired until they had emptied their magazines. As they started to reload, Dex called for backup, but the three assailants had already fled out the Black Diamond’s front door right past Lazarus’s men, who at this point had lowered their guns and become content to spectate.

A group of Diamond Cutters funneled in through the back door, all heavily armed, and scattered throughout the gambling den, looking for any traces of their hooded attackers.

They got away! Find them and bring them to me! Kyson cried out, pointing toward the front door with his reloaded pistol. He took a deep breath and turned to Seraph and Lazarus. You want an alternative? If you bring me those three, I’ll give you whatever information you want!

Lazarus looked at Seraph once more, smirked, and then nodded at Kyson. Deal!

CHAPTER ONE

Just know that if you roll with us, then you Bishop now. All that Disciple mess is done with. Y’all started as Bishops, and you gon’ end as Bishops. Ezra stood in front of some of the last few remaining Pawn Road Disciples, survivors of the massacre that had happened a year ago after Vincent Lyone’s plot to have the gangs kill each other.

That’s right. You might still reside in Pawn, but you Bishop now. Don’t get it twisted, reiterated Darnell, Ezra’s right-hand man.

The group of ex-Disciples nodded silently aside from one, Jonquavius, who spoke up. We got it, mayne. Disciples been finished after the rest of those suckas joined up with them Lyone boys. We Bishops now.

Good. And believe me, this doesn’t just end with Pawn. Castle Road is also on the map. Maybe even the Hustlers. For too long, these Sar-gangs have been running Royalty. It’s time to get a little pigmentation into the leadership of this city, Ezra revealed to the ex-Disciple.

That’s what I’m talkin’ about, dawg! Jonquavius grinned as his crew nodded in agreement.

Us Amakorans are gon’ unite under the Bishop banner. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we just gonna take out the gangs with mostly lighter complexions. I intend to keep my word to the Cut-Throats unless they decide to ally with the enemy. All I’m sayin’ is that we got a different perspective that I believe can really switch things up in this city for better, explained Ezra, to everyone’s approval.

A lower-ranking Bishop entered the house, which had previously belonged to Turrell, and approached the Bishops’ leader.

Your Cut-Throat dude is here, he told him.

A’ight, tell him I’ll be out in a minute, Ezra instructed the Bishop, who nodded and headed back outside the house. We gonna wrap this up for now. Jonquavius, I put you in charge of this crew for a reason. I like you, dawg, and I know you can hold it down in Pawn. Keep an eye on them Shadows, ‘cause Kai is in Armand’s pocket. Deep. If they move, I wanna know.

You got it, boss. We’ll be in touch, Jonquavius replied. The two clasped hands and embraced for a moment before he and the ex-Disciples exited the house, with Ezra following behind them.

Edge! Been a minute, baby. How you been? Ezra smirked as he and Edge clasped hands.

Oh, you know—never a dull moment. What’s good with you? Looks like you haven’t had any problems bringing back the Bishops. Edge grinned, nodding his head toward the new Bishops, who were getting into their vehicles lined up by the road.

I’m a man of my word. Ezra smiled and offered a cigarette to Edge, who took one before he lit one up for himself.

"That’s actually why I’m here. You’ve been kind of…distant, lately. The City Council is a little concerned. I just wanted to make sure we’re still good."

Ezra raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "We’re good, my man. I gave my word to Judge."

That, I have no doubt about. But what about the other gangs?

Look, bruh. If the other gangs feel like the Bishops is distant, it’s because they’ve made us distant. I don’t recall the Bishops ever receiving an invite to the City Council.

To be fair, the Bishops hadn’t really been reestablished when the Council was formed, Edge pointed out.

We established now.

Edge held his breath for a moment and nodded slowly. From what I understand, the plan is to slowly get each of the major gangs on the Council. Everyone keeps saying that it’s a process. I’m sure you’ll get your invitation in no time.

"Major gangs? And who determines who’s a major gang and who ain’t?" Ezra’s gaze pierced Edge.

That’s a fair point. I’m not sure, bro. The whole city is barely staying together, but without the proper structure, there’s a chance that everything could fall apart. I think everyone is just trying to play it safe until they have a clear plan as to how to keep things under control.

It seems like all the other gangs care about is control. Why not just let people live and do they thing?

Edge thought about Ezra’s proposition for a moment before shaking his head. There’s gotta be some order, man. Otherwise, there’s just chaos. Imagine what this city would be like without checks and balances. There has to be some sort of structure, right?

Ezra shrugged and shook his head. I dunno, man. Let’s just say that I’ve got certain trust issues with certain gangs.

Edge puffed his cigarette and remained silent.

Ezra sighed, a cloud of smoke escaping before he spoke. "I’m gonna be honest with you, lil’ bro—things is gonna have to get worse before they get better. I like you and the Cut-Throats.