Tony “The Tiger” Mercado

Tony "The Tiger" Mercado

Tony “The Tiger” Mercado

Tony “The Tiger” Mercado is a lively ex-boxer who now spends his days mentoring youth and training up and coming boxers.  Not afraid to tell it how it is, and not taking any bull, Tony is a well respected member of his community and is known to stand up for what’s right, especially when it comes to youth.  Having grown up in the foster care system himself, he’s made it a point to share close relationships with many outreach organizations and has made it a personal duty to give back to the community and help kids.

Underprivileged children always have a home at his gym, where he’s known to tell stories from his past on a daily basis.  He’s been around and recognizes game when he sees it.  So, many of Tony’s stories are meant to teach street smarts and inform young boxers about the darker side of the business of boxing, which have served many of his students well.  Bobby, a longtime protege of Tony, is a perfect example of such positive influence.

But Tony’s stories are often mixed with a lot of jokes and inappropriate content as well, which the kids tend to love, but doesn’t always sit well with the more straight laced of his peers.  There’s definitely no censoring this fun loving, yet hot blooded, character.  His robust ways may have earned him a reputation for being blunt and not always polite, but they have also aided in giving him the reputation of being a brave, honorable and largely selfless man.  Time has taught him patience and has soothed his temper.  But it definitely hasn’t toned down his hilarious, and often crude, sense of humor!

Ahiga knows this sense of humor all too well.  Tony and Ahiga have been friends since they were teens and came up together in the boxing world.  When Ahiga made the decision to suddenly leave boxing early on in his incredibly successful career, Tony was as shocked as anyone.  It was only Tony, with him being Ahiga’s best friend, and a select few other persons that Ahiga maintained contact with after his departure from the ring.  Tony went on to continue his professional boxing run, having a very fruitful career in any regard, before eventually opening his own gym upon his retirement.

Years later, when Ahiga brought a young boy by the name of Fleet into Tony’s gym, Tony saw not only promise in the boy as a boxer, but also saw an opportunity to bring his friend back into the light.  Ahiga had remained in the shadows since his punching days, choosing not to allow his whereabouts to be known by the masses that might still wonder what had happened to the once phenomenal boxer.   And because of his miraculous feats, as well as his utter disappearance, he is now thought of in the boxing ranks as more of a legend than actual man.

As Tony has continued to help train Fleet, as well as represent him in all of Fleet’s public athletic competition endeavors, he has also continued to have the hope that one day Fleet will be able to bring Ahiga back into the world, allowing all of society to benefit from the unique and powerful mindset Ahiga possesses.  But no matter the outcome of his good friend, Tony’s focus is on doing everything he can to ensure Fleet is ready to beat the current champ, Hanson Hansome Kelly, who is the protege of an old buddy named Henry Page, and who also happens to be managed by one of sleaziest scoundrels in the sport, Cecil Claremont, who has it out for Tony…..boy would Tony love to knock Cecil out.

 

 

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Bobby

Bobby aka Fleet's Corner Man

Bobby

Every great fighter has a great team behind him.  Much of Fleet’s success comes from his neverending support system, from his mom, to his mentor, Ahiga, to his trainer, Tony, to even his neighborhood market owner, Mr. Jenkins.  Bobby is the guy every fighter wants in his corner.  And Fleet is lucky to have him.

Bobby was a pretty good boxer himself, until an injury took his fighting days away from him.  He trained under Tony for years, and had the heart of a champion, although he just didn’t quite have the talent to actually be one.  Still, he understands what it takes to be a champ and gives his all to help up and coming fighters reach their goals.  It was only natural he stayed with Tony after his career ended, helping his former coach with his gym and the training of young fighters.  Fleet was just turning pro around the time of Bobby’s transition from fighter to corner man.  The two had always shared a good relationship.  And Fleet has always been happy to have Bobby in his corner.

When Bobby isn’t helping Tony train his fighters, or doing gym duties, he loves to be a part of the entertainment scene in the city.  He’s done some commercials and it is his second life in entertainment which gave him his first glimpse of a young actress, named Grace Justice, trying to make a name for herself in the Sacramento and Bay Area film and TV societies.  Grace turned her focus to journalism early on in her career, with her catching wind of a stewing rivalry between two local, up and coming amateur boxers in the first year of her employment at one of Sacramento’s newspapers.  The story of the ongoing rivalry between Hanson Hansome Kelly and Fleet Blackwood has been her personal jewel ever since…..and it’s been Bobby’s ongoing opportunity to try to win Grace over.

 

 

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E Bud & Rootie-too

E Bud and Rootie-too

E Bud and Rootie-too

Black Leavz has seen to it that the Dark Oaks run thick with quality soldiers.  But with such an immense gang network he needs to also have trusted leaders he can rely on to ensure operations run smoothly.  There are various levels of leaders withing the Dark Oaks ranks, with the title of oak general being the top of the totem pole, right below Black Leavz himself, the Grand Oak.  The Dark Oaks generals report directly to their leader supreme.

In addition to his oak generals, Black Leavz also knows he should always have dependable men at his side to help him take care of the nitty gritty…..so comes in his right hand and left hand men.  Each of these men hold a rank on their own.  Each has a specific purpose.

 

E Bud

E Bud, Oak General of Battle and Black Leavz’s Right Branch

Black Leavz’s right hand man, or right branch, E Bud, is a cold mutha…”SHUT YO MOUTH!”  Known as Black Leavz’s hardened muscle, E Bud is the Oak General of Battle.  It is his job to ensure the street muscle game of the Dark Oaks is on point.  He is entrusted to train the Dark Oaks in the many ways of street combat, with and without weapons.  He also is the highest voice when it comes to enlisting new Dark Oaks members with valuable skill sets involving combat.  E Bud also serves as Black Leavz’s personal body guard, protecting his leader nearly at all times.  When E Bud has no other choice but to attend other duties away from his Grand Oak he always makes sure Black Leavz is left well guarded with his most trusted soldiers, such as the dependable SloGrow.

Many of the Dark Oaks consider E Bud as Black Leavz’s true successor, the true number 2 in charge.  But, as there are many other oak generals, this isn’t fact, for Black Leavz has many prospects to take his place if the day comes for his departure as the Grand Oak.  And the last thing on Black Leavz’s mind is the relinquishing of his power.  In death do they part.

Lucky for Black Leavz, E Bud is his most loyal soldier, having been raised as a Dark Oak from the time he was seven.  Nevertheless, some say the reason Black Leavz keeps him so close is because he fears the potential of his Oak General of Battle.  But these are whispers in the night.  If anyone were to openly let Black Leavz or E Bud catch wind of this theory they would be handled…..severely.

 

Rootie-too

Rootie-too, Cedar Captain of Entertainment and Black Leavz’s Left Branch

Black Leavz’s left branch is a more interesting choice, and demonstrates the Grand Oak’s often odd ways.  Rootie-too is the type that can’t keep his mouth shut.  He’s a joker, a clown.  And many of the Dark Oaks have a hard time respecting him when respect is such an honored element to the Dark Oaks’ code.  So, why then has Black Leavz made Rootie-too his left hand man?

The way Black Leavz sees it, there should always be an example of what not to be.  There should always be someone by his side that makes him look good in comparison, just as there should always be someone by his side that demonstrates the success of his leadership, as with E Bud.  Rootie-too is Black Leavz’s outlet to show his power to his Dark Oaks.  It’s like he is Black Leavz’s punching bag, his way to take out frustration.

“Do this Rootie-too.  Do that Rootie-too.  Mutha Fucka, shut the fuck up!”  This is what it is to be Rootie-too.  But why does he take it?  Why does Rootie-too serve when he is often made the fool?  Simple answer….opportunity.

Despite the lack of respect he might get from his position, he has more respect than he would without it.  He knows he has the chance to make something of himself.  He knows Black Leavz must see something in him.  And he does.

There is more purpose to Rootie-too for Black Leavz than simply being his court jester.  He also recognizes the loyalty in his left branch.  He sees his sturdy spirit and undying determination to make something more of himself.  After all, not everyone can get clowned on as much as Rootie-too and still keep their head up and keep pushing forward.  There is promise in him.  He just needs to learn how to control that mouth of his!

So, in a way, Rootie-too also serves as Black Leavz’s personal experiment.  He aims to make something great out of this comedian, further exemplifying his greatness as a leader.  Black Leavz’s strategic mind is only rivaled by his creativity.  For only someone with such creativity sees the strategy of giving someone such as Rootie-too a prominent position.  He knows his left branch would never get to where he is without an open hand out to get him there, as he has given him.  And he also knows Rootie-too will continue to be one of his most loyal subjects, pushing himself to excel beyond the expectations of his peers, because of it.

As it is now, Rootie-too holds the rank of cedar captain.  His full title is Cedar Captain of Entertainment.  He sees to the social activity side of the Dark Oaks.  Many might consider this to be an unneeded role in the gang.  But Black Leavz understands how important it is to keep his family happy.  A happy family equals a loyal family.  So, Rootie-too makes sure everyone is well taken care of by way of social events, technology, human entertainment and other more alcoholic and medicinal based activities.

 

E Bud and Rootie-too

E Bud and Rootie-too

It’s like ying and yang with E Bud and Rootie-too.  But through these two men Black Leavz knows he has security and a tighter grip on his empire.  By having them by his side, along with the divisions they see over, he demonstrates his intelligence and control.  And he gains further respect and power.

If Fleet ever comes face to face with Black Leavz he better be certain he’ll be meeting E Bud and Rootie-too as well.

 

 

The Dark Oaks

The Dark Oaks

The Dark Oaks

One of the most feared gangs in the city, the Dark Oaks are notorious thieves, thugs and gangsters bent on strengthening and maintaining their control over the streets.  Any unfortunate soul that happens to wander into their turf better be ready to do two things; give up any belongings and pray they are able to walk away.

Black Leavz, the eccentric leader of the Dark Oaks, has made it his mission to usher in a new age for his “empire”.  He only recruits the best for his Dark Oaks.  He rewards intelligence and bravery.  And he insists upon respect among his gang members to bring a sort of unity and bond.  It might seem strange for people outside of gang life to understand, but for Black Leavz and his Dark Oaks, their environment is very family like in nature….even if it is a very rough and gritty family.

Many of the Dark Oaks members come from broken families or had rough upbringings.  Many are orphans and outcasts made to feel less than nothing throughout their lives.  It might sound weird, but Black Leavz is viewed as a father by many of his disciples, due to him taking them in and giving them purpose, giving them a home.  Aside from him being a very intimidating and in control leader, this is a big reason why the Dark Oaks follow Black Leavz.  They appreciate what he and his higher ups have done for them.  As much as his Dark Oaks soldiers fear him, they also respect him.

The Dark Oaks are Dark Oaks by choice.  Black Leavz forces no one into his gang; a very wise tactic indeed, as it gives the illusion of free will.  But once a Dark Oak there are very strict requirements that each member must adhere to in order to maintain their status as part of the family.   One such requirement is having a certain level of education.  This is why Black Leavz sees to it that all younger members of his gang finish school if possible.  For those members too old or unable to go back to an organized grade school setting, he has set up tutors to come in for daily lessons.  The most promising Dark Oaks members actually are pushed to attend college courses.  In fact, there are several members that have infiltrated well respected universities.

But it isn’t just education that separates the Dark Oaks from your average street gang.  Black Leavz holds many levels of eccentricity and uncharacteristic nature as a gang leader.  And his peculiar ways have rubbed off on his people, especially his psychological games.  Laughter is often abundant within the Dark Oaks ranks.  Many victims of their crimes have made reports of being made to feel as though what was happening was all just a joke, not taking it serious until it was too late.  Do not be mistaken, for this is exactly the intent of the Dark Oaks.  Their laughs and amusing calls hold more distraction and mental confusion than sincerity.

It isn’t the goal of the Grand Oak to have a common bunch of criminals under his wing.  Black Leavz has visions of grandeur.  He values the street game, the lifestyle.  But he knows too the power in knowledge, the necessity of incorporating the other side of the tracks into his world.  And one day he sees the Dark Oaks controlling not only the city streets, but the city itself, from the capitol to the the underground.  From the depths his empire will spread.

Indeed, the Dark Oaks are no stupid bunch, mixing brawn and intimidation tactics with intelligent schemes, techniques and structure.  If Fleet was to run into this crew of advanced thuggery will he have the smarts to get past them?  How can he earn their respect?  One thing is for certain, he wouldn’t be able to fight them all, not at least in the physical sense….