Chapter Text
It was the middle of the night as Tony sat in a car on the outskirts of WWE City, checking his watch for the hundredth time. When he noticed a car pulling in front of him, he paused.
Slowly, he reached into his glove compartment, pulled out his gun, and tucked it into his coat pocket. He waited for the driver to get out first, just in case the person was there to harm him.
After what felt like an eternity, the figure from the other car emerged into the stark, wintry landscape. As the biting cold air grazed Tony's cheeks, he noticed the person standing against the backdrop of their vehicle, their gaze fixed intensely on him.
With purposeful steps, Tony approached, the crunch of snow underfoot echoing in the tense silence, his heart pounding with anticipation as he locked eyes with the figure, the heavy stillness pressing down on him, broken only by the wind's sharp whistle. Minutes felt like hours, heightening the suspense until Tony finally gathered the courage to break the silence.
"Why did you ask me to meet you here?" Tony inquired, glancing around to ensure no one was watching.
"I need to talk to you, and it can't be in front of anyone we know," Ava replied, her voice low and serious.
"What's so important that it can't be repeated or overheard?" Tony asked, remembering the note he had found on his car's windshield, instructing him to meet her at this address at one o'clock in the morning. He couldn't understand why she needed to talk to him.
Tony, I need your help with something.
Whatever it is, take it to Rizzo or your family. I'm not the Don anymore, Tony said as he prepared to get back in his car, when Ava stopped him.
You're the only one I can go with this.
"Is this about your decision to step down as councilwoman?" Tony inquired, his brow furrowing as he glanced at the news coverage that had just aired about Ava's unexpected resignation earlier that day. It left him feeling a mix of surprise and concern. The atmosphere in the restaurant was thick with murmurs, as his staff and some customers exchanged astonished looks; the news had quickly become the focal point of conversation during the bustling dinner service that evening.
If you haven't noticed, the criminal landscape of the NXT district has undergone a significant transformation since your short departure last summer. The once-dominant crime bosses and notorious gangsters have been replaced by new, more aggressive figures flooding in, creating a sense of chaos and threat.
Tony had started to observe unfamiliar faces emerging in the NXT district, while many of the familiar ones had vanished. The newcomers in the criminal underworld exuded an unsettling air, marked by a ruthlessness and a self-serving mentality that left him uneasy. This stark shift in the dynamic of the underbelly of the district made Tony acutely aware that the NXT district's criminal landscape was evolving—and not for the better.
Because of my actions, I rubbed some people the wrong way, which ultimately led me to step down as councilwoman.
That's where I come in. Are you asking me to make someone disappear for you? Tony inquired, getting ready to ask Ava for the person's name.
No, that's not what I need your help with. Tony, I'm not just stepping down as councilwoman; I'm leaving WWE City, and I need your help getting out within the next 24 hours.
"Are you seeking an escape? 24 hours? Ava, I urgently need more details about what's going on."
A month ago, I uncovered a deal that threatened to throw the criminal underworld in the NXT district into disarray. I managed to intervene and stop it, but this put me at odds with several new crime bosses who intended to exploit the deal for their own gain. One of these bosses wants me dead, but he has given me a chance to leave the city.
Why not go to your family? More importantly, why go to your father, given his reputation in the criminal world? Tony asked, fully aware that her family is well-known in the criminal underworld. Ava comes from one of the largest and most dangerous crime families in all of WWE City—a family that every crime boss and gangster fears and tries not to cross."
I indeed have a house arranged for me by my father, located far away from WWE City. However, I can't ask any of my family members to escort me out, as they are all currently dealing with their own situations and need to be here.
"Why not hire a mercenary?" Tony asked, preparing to recommend one he knew and had been around with recently.
That's why I'm hiring you, Tony. I will pay you a large sum of money.
Ava, just because I'm not the Don anymore, doesn't mean I am some mercenary for hire now.
I heard you had gotten people out of the city before?
"Yes, I did, but it was back when I was the don, and I had Stacks, Luca, and Rizzo to assist me," Tony said, reflecting on the past. He recalled that during his time as the Don, he had helped family members and close acquaintances escape the city when they were involved in court cases or other issues. Now, however, he is being asked to get a friend and an acquaintance out of the city all on his own, without the help of his friends or family.
He understood that Ava was in dire need of his help, and over time, she had become more than just a business partner-she was a trusted acquaintance. Tony's loyalty to her was unwavering, especially during this critical moment.
"Twenty-four hours to escape?" Tony muttered under his breath, frustration rising as he realized that a single day was nowhere near enough time to devise a plan.
I understand it's not the best time, but I have most things ready on my end.
"Alright, I'll do it, but I would like to bring someone along to help me. I can't get you out of the city on my own if a crime boss is involved." Tony asked, "Who is looking at Ava?" He waited anxiously for a response, hoping for a positive answer. Eventually, she agreed to his terms and sealed the deal with a handshake.
"Who do you have in mind to bring? It can't be Rizzo, Tony."
"I know it can't be Rizzo; she's the Don. Involving her would put the family at risk of war," Tony replied, fully aware that whoever this crime boss Ava has angered, he can't involve any member of the family, not even Rizzo.
Then who Tony?
I have one person in mind, Tony said, who pulled out his phone to make a call.
Hours later, a few miles outside the NXT district, Tony stands outside a motel called No Way Out, glancing up and down the street before walking back inside. Ava is inside, packing the last of her things into her tote bag.
After talking more, contacting the person Tony has arranged to help, and discussing their plans in detail, they decide to bring Ava to the motel. They plan to get her out of the city early in the evening, just as it gets dark.
"Is he coming, Tony?" Ava asked, putting on her coat.
"He is on his way here," Tony replied, reading a text from the person he reached out to.
When Tony heard a firm knock echoing through the quiet room, he exchanged anxious glances with Ava, their unspoken tension palpable in the air. With a determined stride, Tony approached the door, his heart racing. He deftly unholstered his gun, the cool metal feeling reassuring in his grip. Glancing back at Ava, he raised a finger to his lips—a silent signal for her to remain still and silent. As he cautiously cracked the door open, the dim light from outside spilled into the room, illuminating the space. His breath caught as he peered out, recognizing the person standing on the other side. Relieved yet cautious, he opened the door wider, inviting him inside while remaining on high alert.
"Do you see anyone out in the parking lot?" Tony asked, walking over to the door to take a look before closing it again.
"No, it's empty," Bron said, glancing back at Ava. Her gaze was fixed on him, a knowing look in her eyes that made it clear she was well aware of the tension between him and the vision regarding some of her cousins from a few months ago. The air between them was thick with unspoken words, a mix of past grievances.
"Let's get going on the road Bron said as he watched Ava grab her bags, heading to the door where Tony was. He opens the door, looks up and down the parking lot, before leading Ava out the door, heading over to the car.
I am very grateful for your help in getting Ava out. Tony said, sitting in the driver's seat, driving down the road, while Bron is in the passenger seat. breaking the tension between Bron and Ava.
As Tony called Bron late last night, a wave of anxiety washed over him. Their acquaintance and friendship are still new and were limited at best at the restaurant, and the prospect of asking for help felt daunting. Yet, turning to Rizzo was out of the question; this was a delicate situation that the Don should remain uninvolved in. The crime boss whom Ava had angered could not be one to be trifled with, and there was a very real fear that he might seek retribution against Rizzo and the family for the perceived insult if he didn't keep his promise to Ava.
Bron is undoubtedly the ideal choice for this task. As a skilled mercenary, he has successfully navigated the treacherous underworld on numerous occasions, assisting crime bosses and gangsters in their desperate attempts to escape the city. With a wealth of experience in evading law enforcement, Bron specializes in orchestrating discreet exits for those who are hunted, ensuring their safety from both rival gangs and the authorities determined to lock them away. His expertise lies not just in survival but in the art of vanishing into the shadows, making him the perfect ally for anyone seeking refuge from a merciless world.
I have tackled jobs with demanding deadlines in the past. Rumors suggest that crime bosses and their gangsters are fleeing the neighboring NXT district in search of a new foothold. Some have settled in the bustling neighborhoods of Smackdown Heights, while others have sought refuge in the gritty streets of downtown Raw. A few have chosen the sun-soaked shores of the Summerslam Beach area, and there are even whispers of some migrating to TNA City or entirely new urban landscapes.
Several individuals have recently settled in the vibrant new area of Evolve within the city. Tony recalled that while at his bustling fish market, he often heard rumors and caught glimpses of gangsters who had migrated to this neighborhood. Evolve is strategically situated between the vibrant NXT district and the picturesque Summerslam Beach, creating a unique fusion of urban energy and coastal charm.
As Tony drove out of the city, he and Bron continued their conversation. Just as they were about to enter downtown Raw, they heard a car pull up behind them. Bron glanced at Tony, who was focused on the road.
Bron glances in the rearview mirror, watching a black SUV still following them. They stop at a red light, and both Bron and Tony remain vigilant, keeping an eye on the SUV behind. Tony then turns to the driver's side mirror and notices a car next to him, filled with kids.
When the light turns green, Tony is driving on, looking up at the review mirror, seeing that the car that was behind them is gone. Both of them, including Ava, let out a breath of relief.
Where does the car go? Ava asked Tony.
It turned to the left, Tony said, eyes still on the road. driving right into downtown Raw and hoping they won't run into traffic.
They were wrong; they had run into rush-hour traffic a few minutes later, leaving them sitting in one of the busiest parts of downtown Raw. Once again, it was quiet as Tony, Bron, and Ava hadn't said a word to one another. After the quietness had gotten to Ava, she turned to Bron. Tony kept his eyes on the cars as he listened to Ava and Bron talk.
You were the talk of the last city council meeting I attended, Bron.
What do you mean?
You know what I mean, you and Adam Pearce. The encounter you had a few weeks ago.
Encounter what Ava is talking about with Adam Pearce, the councilman of Downtown Raw? Tony thought as he continued listening.
It vision business, and that is all I'm going to say.
Pearce is not letting what happened between the two of you go.
Tony noticed the furrowed brow and anxious expression etched on Bron's face, a clear sign of distress. Something unsettling had transpired between him and Adam Pearce. In that moment of palpable tension, Ava leaned in, her voice low and serious, offering Bron a warning that hung in the air like a charged storm cloud.
Tony refrained from asking, sensing that the matter was personal and not his place to pry. He figured if Bron felt the need to share, he would find a way to broach the subject, yet for now, silence hung between them, unyielding and heavy, as Bron chose not to reveal what weighed on his mind.
After two frustrating hours trapped in the relentless rush-hour traffic, they finally found themselves halfway out of the bustling WWE City. Just as relief began to wash over them, a sleek black car with ominous tinted windows emerged from behind, shadowing their vehicle. Sensing the shift in the air, Tony quickly instructed Ava to take cover and remain calm. His heart raced as he reached into the glove compartment, retrieving the cold metal of the gun he had kept hidden away, ready to confront whatever threat loomed behind them.
As he navigates the dimly lit road, Tony steals a glance in the rearview mirror, only to find the black SUV has vanished from sight. An unsettling feeling settles in his stomach, whispering that this won't be the last encounter with that ominous vehicle.
Later that evening, they navigated an isolated road that snaked through the darkness outside WWE City, making their way toward the WWE Old Country, where the private airport lay hidden among the trees. Suddenly, a black SUV surged into view, racing alongside them on the driver’s side where Tony was seated. With a soft hiss, the window on the passenger side rolled down, revealing a man clad in a black ski mask, his expression obscured but his intent unmistakable as he aimed a gun out the window, targeting Tony with chilling precision.
Heart pounding, Tony instinctively prepared to draw his own weapon when, in an instant, he witnessed a bullet strike the masked man squarely in the face, the impact exploding in a spray of crimson. Almost simultaneously, another shot rang out, this one hitting the driver directly in the head, the violent collision causing the SUV to careen out of control. Barely avoiding the chaos, Tony slammed on the accelerator, his pulse racing as he watched the black SUV veer off the road, crash into a ditch, and erupt into flames, illuminating the night sky with a fierce orange glow.
As the car came to a halt, Tony turned to face Bron, who was gripping a sleek gun fitted with a silencer, its metal glinting ominously in the fading light. A wave of realization washed over Tony as he connected the dots—Bron had been the one to take down the masked gangsters in the SUV, each shot echoing like thunder in his mind. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of their unspoken truth hanging heavily between them.
"Pull over to the next gas station," Tony Bron instructed, glancing at Tony for a brief moment before his gaze returned to the road. The quiet hum of the engine filled the tense silence as the landscape outside blurred by, punctuated only by the occasional flicker of neon signs in the distance.
Tony eased the car to a stop at the next gas station, the familiar sound of gravel crunching under the tires signaling their arrival. He stepped out and offered Ava a hand, who was shifting impatiently, her need for the restroom evident. As they walked toward the dimly lit building, Bron remained behind, a vigilant sentinel in the driver’s seat, eyes scanning the surrounding area to ensure their vehicle's safety. After a quick break, the pair returned, and Bron slid into the driver’s seat, ready to take his turn on the wheel, the engine humming softly as he prepared to continue their journey.
Did anyone pull up? Tony asked, getting into the car and buckling his seatbelt.
No, it's been quiet," Bron said, starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot.
The drive to the private airport was smooth and uneventful, the landscape blurring by as anticipation filled the air. They arrived just in time to see the plane gracefully touch down on the runway. Ava turned to Bron, a grateful smile lighting up her face as she thanked him for his help. Then, with a heavy heart, she approached Tony to say goodbye. As he realized that Ava was leaving WWE City and might not come back, a wave of emotion washed over him, making the moment feel even more poignant.
Goodbye, Tony! I assure you that you and Bron will have your money in hand as soon as I get everything organized. I truly appreciate your trust and support during this process!
The crime boss who wants you gone—who is he? Tony asked. Remember that Ava hadn't told him his name.
The crime boss is someone you know very well; he is the one who almost killed you at your poker house last summer.
“Alessandro?” Tony whispered, his voice barely above a murmur, as if he feared the very name could shatter the silence around them.
Yes, he was the one who was upset after I stopped the deal from going through.
"Hold on a second! How did you find out what went down at the poker house? And tell me, Ava, do you have any idea where Alessandro is right now?"
"No, it was his men who stormed into my office, veiled threats hanging in the air like a thick fog. They recounted the tale of the last crime boss who dared to challenge their leader, a chilling story of how he plummeted over the top of a stair railing and crashed onto the sharp edge of a poker table below. The weight of their words sank in, and I realized with a jolt that they were speaking about you. Tony, I swear, I haven’t uttered a word to anyone."
"Good, I want to keep it that way." Tony said, "Who doesn't want it to come out?" What happened to him at the poker house isn’t something he finds embarrassing; he doesn’t want the family to know, fearing they might think that's the reason he is no longer the Don.
The plane is fully fueled and ready for boarding, Bron said as he walked over to them.
Well, this is it then. You know, Tony, mercenary or not, you should be one. Ava is grabbing her bags and walking out to the runway where the plane is.
Tony watched from the window as his father, the crime boss Dwayne Johnson, better known as "The Rock" and the Final Boss of the criminal underworld, stepped off the plane. He greeted Ava and then stepped back inside the aircraft, with Ava following closely behind him.
Both Tony and Bron observed as the plane's door closed and it took off into the late-night sky, illuminated by the full moon.
Seeing that it was too late to drive all the way back to WWE City, Tony and Bron decided to check into the Roadblock Motel. They both registered for a room with two beds. After showering and changing into their pajamas, they went to bed.
It was quiet; all Tony could hear was the sound of the owls outside. He tried to fall asleep but couldn’t shake off thoughts about the rat that had almost killed him at the poker house last summer. What should he do with this information?
"I think you should take Ava's advice.
“Ava's advice?” Tony asked, turning to Bron, who was lying in the bed next to him.
“Yeah, for becoming a mercenary.”
“A mercenary?” Tony replied, contemplating the idea. “Who would hire a former don turned mercenary?”
Ava had, “You did well tonight, getting her out of WWE City safely.”
“With your help,” Tony pointed out, thinking about how Bron took down the masked gangsters in the SUV. He was quick and agile, avoiding any hits.
“Still, you would make an excellent mercenary, Tony.”
You think so? Tony asked, looking at Bron, only seeing the shadow of his face in the dim light.
How about this: Join me on a mercenary job and experience it firsthand—you won’t regret it!
I think about it, Tony said, looking at Bron. Both closed their eyes and nodded.
As Tony gazes up at the airplane’s ceiling, his thoughts drift to Ava and the harrowing journey that brought her safely away from WWE City. Now, seated beside her father on the plane, she feels a profound sense of longing for the former young councilwoman, whom he fondly considers a friend. Memories of their shared moments flood his mind, intensifying the ache of her now absence. It isn't just him who feels this void; the entire NXT District will be wrestling with the change. The familiar landscape of their community and criminal underworld may never be the same again.
Two weeks later
In his bed, Tony lay propped up, his eyes glued to the television as the news anchor reported Robert Stone's appointment as the temporary councilman for the NXT District. A chill ran down his spine as he absorbed the ramifications of the announcement; he could now instantly see that the criminal underworld would spiral into chaos with Stone at the helm. The NXT District criminal underworld, fraught with tension and intrigue, held its breath as a storm began to brew in the shadows.
A few days ago, while all this was happening, Tony discovered a package on the restaurant's office desk. Inside were two black gym bags containing money and a note addressed to Tony. The note stated it was from Ava and said one bag was for Bron and the other was for him, expressing her gratitude once again.
Tony calls Bron, who arrives at the restaurant as he's closing up. Bron packs away his money and stays to talk with Tony for a while before heading home for the night.
Tony continues to watch the news, thinking about Ava and hoping she is alright wherever she may be.
.
.