Author: Crofton77

Chapter Four: Belles decision

Belle wiped her mouth, her split lip bleeding slightly. Charlie was keeled over next to her, gasping for breath.
“An unwanted bastard and a dork.” Daryl Jones smirked.
His friends laughed. Sunny looked angry. She slapped Belle again.
“Unwanted bastard.” She hissed.
Belle growled. It was after school again, and the Jones siblings were enjoying themselves.
Sunny glared at Belle. Even though they were the same age, Belle was still smaller than Sunny. Daryl, while a bit older than Charlie, was no where near as big nor as strong, so he often called on his posse to help him out.
Belle glared back at Sunny. She noticed that Sunny had a bruise around her left arm.
“What are YOU staring at?” Sunny seemed livid, compared to her brother.
“I don't know what I did to you, but bug off.” Belle snapped.
Charlie got up just in time to block a punch from Daryl. The pair wrestled for a few minutes.
“BELLE! CHARLIE!” The pair heard Betty Begly calling for them.
“Go on, run!” Daryl and his friends laughed. Belles eyes met Sunnys.
“Have you two been fighting with the Jones kids again?” Betty asked as the pair climbed into the back seat of the Beglys Toyota Camry.
“They started it.” Charlie said.
“You really need to find some more friends.” Betty said as they pulled out of the school pick-up zone and drove back towards home.
“Can we stop by Uncle Bills new shop and see how he's doing?” Belle asked. Bill was in the process of opening a restaurant.
“I guess.” Betty said warily.
“All I ask is that you help out!” Bill roared at Peter.
“I'm DREADFULLY sorry if I'm too busy working a job to keep YOU in the lifestyle you're accustomed to!” Peter fired back.
“Hi Daddy. Hi Uncle Bill.” Belle bounced in, kissing her father and Uncle.
“Hey kiddo.” Bill hugged his favourite (only) niece.
“Hi Beauty. How was school?” Peter ruffled her hair.
“We got beat up again.” Charlie walked in, dejected. He put his bag on a table, which instantly fell apart.
“Yeah, that's been happening a lot today.” Peter said sheepishly, looking at the table.
“Because YOU won't pull your weight!”
“I'm too busy earning an income!”
Belle looked around the room. Most of the decorating had been done (80's surf shack), but the furniture was still a mess.
“I don't know what's up with those Jones siblings.” Belle sighed. She went to sit on a chair, thought better of it, and sat on the floor instead. “Why do they continue to pick on us?”
“I'd be looking at their father if I were you.” Betty said.
“Mr. Jones?” Belle and Charlie asked.
“Yup. Anyway, I'm going to go and pick up the twins from music practise, are you coming with me or staying here?” Betty asked.
“I'm staying here.” Belle said.
“I'll come with you Mum.” Charlie got his bag. “Catch ya Belle.”
“See ya Charlie.” Belle waved. She leaned back against the wall. Her thoughts wandered to the news she'd heard about Mobster Marion losing her beloved sword. She then thought of the Lucky Seven Gun. The DVG were furious that it was never recovered. Guilt weighed on her mind – if that gun was found in her possession, not only did it mean her family were in danger, but it was also highly illegal. She'd not only stolen the gun, but had it hidden in the bottom of her wardrobe, not secured safely at all. She was only on her provisional gun licence too – if she was discovered, her father could lose his licence as well.
“Belle! Can you go to the store at the end of the street and get us some nails?” Bill asked, snapping Belle out of her daze.
“You're sending my daughter out alone?!” Peter cried.
“It's neutral territory and still daylight. Not much chance of her getting hurt.” Bill pointed out.
“The DVG and the Mob aren't the only threats out there!” Peter fumed.
“Yeah, but Belle can handle herself. You said so yourself when you let her have that stupid contraption of yours.” Bill snapped.
“There's a difference between flying and having a bad landing and being attacked by idiots who are out for blood!”
Belle shrugged, and headed outside. It was a cool afternoon, and the sun was starting to set in the west. Belle knew where the hardware store was, so she hurried down the road to where it was. She knew it was dangerous, but there was a bit of a thrill to it.
Pleasantville had always had a crime problem, ever since Simon Masters and Louis Begly had dammed up Pleasant Creek and drained Lake Pleasant two hundred years ago. The remains of the Lake still existed, and so did the Creek, which snaked out from the dam to the centre of the city where the Lake formed. Pleasantville really was just a big hole in the ground. A festering hole of crime.
She got to the store with no trouble, and bought two packets of nails. It was when she headed back to the restaurant that things went pear-shaped.
“Hello cutie-pie.” A man stepped out in front of her as she left the hardware store carpark.
“Please leave me alone.” Belle tried to get around him. She felt a hand on her shoulder and knew she was in trouble.
“Why, don't you want to hang out with us?” The other man behind her said. She could almost hear him leering at her.
She sighed, then threw an elbow back into the guy behind her, then punched the guy in front of her and ran. It was fruitless, because three more men were running towards her.
She ducked out of the grasp of one, and weaved into a nearby alley.
Dead end.
“Well, this sucks.” Belle turned around to face her attackers. One of them wore a hooded jacket, and now he threw back the hood.
Belle gasped. Revolver Jr! His fathers mask had been broken down the middle, and now Revolver Jr wore half of it, held in place by elastic around his head. He had long, curly hair that almost looked comical.
“I see you remember me. Do you remember my father?” Revolver Jr asked.
Belle remained silent.
“Can't speak? I don't blame you. You lost me my father and my family gun. But you did leave me the Death Valley Gang. So I took the mantle of Master Revolver, and now I'm going to get my revenge on you.” Master Revolver grinned.
'At least his father didn't have a thing for exposition.' Belle thought. 'Not to mention his grammar sucks.'
“Still silent? I'll happily make you OWCH!” Master Revolver cried in pain. He'd just been nicked by the Lions Claw Blade.
“Seriously? Do you ever shut up?” The masked vigilante asked, standing in front of Belle.
“YOU!!” Master Revolver cried. “Although I must thank you for getting Marion out of the road.”
Belle saw her chance. She bolted past the men, who were too busy glaring at her rescuer. One tried to grab her, but ended up getting smacked in the face again. She ran back towards the restaurant, the masked vigilante running along the rooftops beside her.
“I wouldn't wander around alone again if I were you!” He warned her. She glared at him before heading inside to her worried father.
Belle was sitting in her room that night, holding the Lucky Seven Gun in her hand. The cartridge in the modified seventh chamber looked old, like it had never been fired. So there was some truth to the legend.
She sighed and looked out of the window towards Charlies room. His light was still on.
“Hey, Charlie!” She called softly.
“Hey Belle.” He climbed out into the tree. She joined him. “I hear you had a close call today.”
“Yeah, Master Revolver wants revenge on me.” Belle sighed, leaning back into the familiar branches. She could hear her family yelling at each other over the television remote.
Charlie frowned. His parents were going over the twins homework inside, he could hear them talking. “With Marion out of the way, he's pretty much got Pleasantville under his control. You could be in trouble.” He said.
“Thanks for that.” Belle glared at him.
“It's the truth.”
Belle groaned. She was REALLY in trouble now.
“You'd better hope he doesn't find the Lucky Seven Gun.” Charlie continued.
Belle buried her head in her hands. “Eh av eet.” She mumbled.
“Excuse me?” Charile asked, not hearing her.
“I have it.” Belle pulled her face away from her hands.
“YOU WHAT?!” Charlie yelped.
“Is everything okay out there?” Betty called up.
“Fine Mum!” Charlie called back. He glared at Belle.
“You are rightly and royally SCREWED! Get rid of it!” He hissed.
“Easier said than done if Revolver is after me.” Belle sighed.
“I'm going to bed, I have ju-jitsu tomorrow.” Charlie kissed his friends cheek. “Don't worry too much about it.”
“Easy for you to say.” Belle sighed as she headed back inside. Charlie bit his lip. Listening to Belle talk about the Lucky Seven Gun made him realise he was in a bit of danger himself habouring the Lions Claw Blade. When Mobster Marion got out of gaol, she'd be after blood.
Belle drew her curtain and sat on her bed again. She was about to go to sleep when something occurred to her.
The masked vigilante, he'd managed to get Mobster Marion arrested. If Belle could somehow get Master Revolver arrested too, she'd be safe for a little while. Enough time to get rid of the Lucky Seven Gun. It'd be dangerous, and she'd have to be disguised, but she was quick and strong. Plus she had an ability that very few other people had…
She opened her wardrobe. In it, she found a red helmet her father had given her that she refused to wear – it had a big yellow star on it which made her cringe, if she was going out on the motorcycle with her father she was wearing her blue one. She set it on the bed and grabbed a red shirt and some red jeans. Thinking to herself, she grabbed a pair of brown leather gloves and a silly little red cape she once used as part of a Little Red Riding Hood costume. Finally, she got out the Backpack. One advantage she would have over the DVG was her ability, however limited, to fly.
She thought to herself some more. Her father had a normal Colt .45, but she wouldn't use that. She'd grab her grandfathers Desert Eagle and use that instead – a bit faster to reload, and used similar ammo to what the Lucky Seven Gun could take.
She bundled all these things up and hid them together with the Gun in the back of the wardrobe. She also grabbed her old steel-capped boots – they would help provide a bit of weight and stability while using the Backpack, which didn't have any controls, but was controlled using body movement. Belle almost had it perfected, but there were still some issues.
She then allowed herself to go to bed. She would get Master Revolver and put him away.
She had to get him before he got her.
Next day was a normal day. Belle and Charlie went to school, got beaten up at lunchtime by the Jones party, and tried to get home as quickly as possible.
Belle went to her room, grabbed the bundle and snuck out of the house. She then ran towards the old tip, keeping an eye out for trouble along the way.
“Hey, where are you going by yourself and in a hurry?”
She was halfway to the tip when she ran into Sir Dark.
“None of your business.” Belle readied herself for a fight.
“It's not safe out here, you should be at home where you at least stand a chance.” Sir Dark warned her.
“I can take care of myself, thank you.” Belle ran off.
Sir Dark shook his head. He then headed back to the city, where he knew he'd be needed.
Belle reached the tip in one piece. She looked around for a bit for a private place to get changed, and she found one – someone had hollowed out a mound of garbage and used some old sheets of metal to form a sort of room.
She changed into her new outfit, and holstered her guns. She looked towards the city. It would take her a while to get there, and the Backpack didn't have enough power to fly there.
She then noticed a bus about to come flying past the tip. Using the Backpack, she jumped up to the top of a well-constructed pile of cars, then floated down to the roof of the bus, landing as quietly as she could.
Pleasantvilles newest hero was coming to town!

Chapter Three: The Lone Hero.

 

Life soon returned to normal after the heroics of Belle and Charlie, give or take a few scandals and developments. First of these was the rise of the vigilante group “The Knights of the Last Order” who held their own against the DVG and the Mob. Second of these occurred several years after the incident, when the private school was shut down due to concerns of corruption (now how could that have happened?) which meant the students were all forwarded into the public school, meaning that it finally got the funding it needed and all the students of Pleasantville were finally able to get the education they deserved. Finally, recently another young vigilante had risen up, however he was nameless.

Anyway…
“Will you kindly NOT spread your rubbish all over the dining table!?” Bill growled angrily at his brother.
“Unlike you, I'm trying to better humanity!” Peter snapped back, trying to gather his papers away from his ruthless younger sibling.
“And who do you expect to feed you while you soldier on?! MOVE THIS CRAP NOW.” Bill fumed, trying to serve dinner.
“Will the pair of you shut your traps?! I'm trying to watch television!” Joe yelled at the pair of them.
“Such a healthy environment for a young lady.” They heard Mr. Jones tut-tutting in his yard.
“CAN IT JONES.” The three yelled angrily. Just then, Belle walked in from her gymnastics class.
“Hi everyone! Smells good Uncle Bill! How are you doing today Pa? Hey Daddy!” She kissed all three men in turn. She noticed her fathers papers.
“Are you still working on that?” She inquired.
“Yes, I am still working on it.” Peter sighed in resignation. “I really don't know how to fix it.”
“It's fine Daddy really. It just takes a little practise to get it right.” Belle replied. At sixteen, Belle had a bit more optimism than her father.
“Belle, last time you used the thing you nearly flew head-first into the ground.” Peter pointed out.
“That's because she was showing off.” Joe piped up.
“Yeah Daddy. The Backpack works fine, you don't need to fine-tune anything.” Belle grinned. The Backpack was Peters first attempt at inventing – a jet-pack which ran on carbon dioxide. Unfortunately it wasn't very efficient, only lasting about ten minutes before the user fell victim to gravity.
“I don't know…maybe…” Peter trailed off.
“Well, if you don't want it, can I please keep it?” Belle asked.
“NO!” He uncle and grandfather cried in horror.
“Sure.” Peter replied. “It's in my room.”
“Are you TRYING to get your daughter killed?!” Bill roared furiously as Belle scurried off to claim her prize.
“Are YOU a parent?” Peter fired back.
“I happen to be one!” Joe retorted.
“Yeah, well you're not Belles father, I am!”
“I raised you two!”
“Yeah, and you screwed up one.”
“You stay out of this you brat!”
“Who are you calling the brat, just because you're the oldest-!”
“I thought I raised you two better than bickering!”
“Obviously not from what I can hear.”
“MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS JONES!”
“Hi Mum! Hi Dad!” Charlie burst into the kitchen that evening. “Hi Lizzy, hi Izzy.”
“Where have you been?! It's late and Belle got home from gymnastics hours ago!” Betty fumed at her son.
“I had to take the long way home to avoid trouble.” Charlie lied, trying to escape to his room.
“Charlie, come down here now.” His father commanded gently. Charlie knew he was in trouble.
“Charlie, you KNOW it's dangerous outside. Especially after dark. Hell, it's probably dangerous in here too, the DVG are known for breaking into homes.” Thomas said evenly. Charlie cowered in fear. He was REALLY in trouble!
“You also have to think of your sisters. You're their big brother, you have to set an example.” Betty stirred the casserole she was cooking.
“Yeah Charlie. We're young and impressionable.” Lizzy said.
“Yeah, we're unable to rationalise and make decisions for ourselves.” Izzy added.
Charlie sneaked them a grin. He could always count on his sisters, they worshipped him.
“Therefore, we've decided as punishment you're not going to the Brisvegas Leos Charity Ball.” Thomas scowled at the twins.
“Whose dog is that howling? It doesn't sound like Woof.” Joe asked as the Masters family settled down to a chicken curry.
The masked crusader was sitting atop a building a few days later. His only weapons were a pair of short daggers, which didn't make him feel too safe but it was all he had. He wore a blue shirt, dark blue jeans and a leather duster, with tough combat boots. To conceal his identity, he wore two blue bandannas, one around his face and the other over his head, almost making him look pirate-like. His tip-less gloves were grey and matched his belt, where his small grappling hook and rope sat.
News had been floating around that a particularly wealthy businessman had been visiting Pleasantville, and was staying in the hotel across the street from where the young man sat. He knew that news like that would draw the Mobsters of Misneach, who were experts at kidnap and extortion. They were certainly better than the Death Valley Gang anyway.
A black limo pulled up in the darkness, and the young man watched the businessman get in. Slowly, the limo pulled away, and the young man followed along the rooftops.
Inside the limo, the businessman was about to relax, when he heard a voice.
“You're in a spot of bother.” He heard someone next to him say.
His head nearly snapped it spun around so fast. Next to him was a beautiful young lady.
“How'd you get in here?!” The businessman sputtered.
“I was hiding under the seat. It's a trick seat you see, something my father had installed before his untimely death a few years ago.” The lady smiled. It was a disconcerting smile, but not nearly as bad as the five-foot blade that sat next to her. “I see you've noticed the Lions Claw Blade. It's been in my family for generations. I'm Marion, of the Mobsters of Misneach.”
“I see. I guess you're after my money?” The businessman tried to regain his composure. Mobster Marion tilted her head slightly.
“You're worth a fair bit more dead than alive, so we hear. Quite the insurance policy on your head.” She tittered.
“I don't understand.” The businessman began to sweat. Mobster Marion pulled forward the seat between them. The businessman gasped when he saw what was in the boot.
His wife and two children were bound and gagged. Mobster Marions voice turned cold.
“You give us every dollar you have, or we kill you and your beneficiaries, meaning your insurance and your assets go to your nephew…who we have under our control.” She commanded.
The businessman gulped. He was in BIG trouble.
He was about to protest, when the limo swerved sharply and crashed into a tree.
“What the-” Mobster Marion grabbed the Lions Claw Blade and opened her door. She was instantly kicked in the head by the masked youth.
“Get your family out of here, I'll handle the Mob.” He handed a knife to the businessman, who began to cut the ropes binding his family.
“Ugh…Grrr!” Mobster Marion shook off the kick, and glared at the youth. “YOU!” She spat. “You're the one who's been making the life of my people difficult!”
“You say that like it's a bad thing.” The youth shrugged. He had to act quick when the Lions Claw Blade was swung angrily at him, locking his daggers together to block the attack.
He rolled backwards, letting the Blade slam down on the ground in front of him, barely missing. Mobster Marion swung again, this time the youth was ready and got out of the way with no problems. Thankfully Mobster Marion wasn't particularly fast, so he was able to block or dodge without too much trouble. Unfortunately she was still faster than him, meaning there was no way he could get in a counter-attack while she held the Lions Claw Blade.
“Damn it!” He hissed as she narrowly missed again, so close he could almost feel the blade against his skin.
“You're in over your head sugar.” Mobster Marion pointed the sword at him. “I am the greatest swords-woman in this country, you don't stand a chance against me.”
She lifted the sword again, and swung at the youth, who dodged again. He rolled out of the way of another swing, and felt the cold hardness of a wall against his back.
He was trapped.
Grinning, Mobster Marion stabbed the sword at his head, embedding it in the wall when he ducked. “You're history, sunshine.” She smirked in triumph. “As soon as – OW!”
The youth looked around in shock. Someone had aimed a rock cleanly at the Mobsters head.
“Sir Lionheart!” The youth cried.
“I aim to please.” Replied Sir Lionheart, who had appeared out of no where.
“Why you – OW!” Mobster Marion cried again, this time having been smacked over the head with a pole.
“Sir Dark! How nice of you to join us! Where's everyone else?” Sir Lionheart asked.
“Lady Luck and Sir Hyper should be here soon. Lady Silent is back at the base fixing her brothers armour.” Sir Dark replied, tripping Mobster Marion up.
“So, you're the Knights of the Last Order.” Mobster Marion snarled. “I've heard of you pests.”
“We've heard of you too, we never thought we'd actually see you doing some legwork though.” Sir Dark replied.
“Insolent.” Mobster Marion growled.
The youth grimaced. Mobster Marion was still rubbing her sore head. Then he noticed the Lions Claw Blade was still next to him. He pulled it out of the wall and held it up to the moonlight.
“HEY! Get your hands off it you little – YIKES!” Mobster Marion rolled out of the way as the youth returned the favours she'd been dishing out all night.
“Nice shot!” Sir Lionheart cheered.
“Give her everything you've got!” Sir Dark laughed.
Suddenly, wails erupted and the darkness exploded in red and blue. “The cops!” Mobster Marion cried angrily. She looked towards the youth, but he was gone.
And he'd taken her sword with him.
“We'll probably catch you later!” Sir Lionheart grinned.
“Much later!” Sir Dark laughed. “See ya after your term!”
The two Knights headed off quickly, bumping into Sir Hyper and Lady Luck a few blocks away.
“We missed everything?!” Sir Hyper cried, swinging his crudely made nun-chucks around.
“It wasn't anything much. That stupid idiot in the leather jacket nearly got himself skewered by Marion.” Sir Dark told them as the group headed back to the tip where their base was hidden.
“Is he okay?” Lady Luck asked, concerned.
“He's fine. He really shouldn't try and take them on alone though. He needs a friend.” Sir Lionheart said.
Just outside of Pleasantville was the garbage tip. It was probably the most well-managed of the councils facilities, although it was quite big. Big enough for someone to hide in easily.
The youth had escaped back here after his escape from the Mob. Breathing heavily, he pulled off his mask as he shakingly held his new prize.
Charlie Begly was now the master of the Lions Claw Blade.

Chapter Two: That Fateful Day.

Belle was allowed to keep the kitten, and soon it was as if they'd had Meow their whole lives. She had the bad habit of chasing Woof, much to the amusement of many.

School soon started, and both children were enrolled into the local private school. Unfortunately, the Jones siblings were also enrolled, as were their posse, and soon Belle and Charlie came to dread school. Worst of all, Mr. Jones, their father, was filthy rich and often donated funds to the school, which made the teachers brush a lot of the siblings behaviour under the carpet. Still, Belle and Charlie had each other, and they had their tree, which the Jones siblings found impossible to scale.
The years went on, the arguments between the Masters men continued, the world continued to be envious of Thomas Begly, and the two children grew into young teenagers. Life was pretty routine, until the day that changed everything.
The children were sitting in the school auditorium for the weekly torture session, a.k.a the Friday Assembly. Belle stared at the principal, trying to remain conscious while he waffled on about school uniform policy.
“You're drooling.” Charlie whispered. Belle shook herself.
“How are you awake?” She whispered back, keeping an eye out for the teachers.
“I heard something outside.” He whispered back.
At the age of 13, Charlie was already starting to grow muscular like his father, helped by his karate and ju-jitsu classes. Unlike his father on the other hand, he looked like he was going to get his mothers height. As Peter said, “The boy will be built like a brick out-house!”
Belle, at 12, while not as muscular as Charlie, certainly had an athletic build, thanks to being a gymnast and her father insisting she learn how to use a gun properly. She was also very fast, and still looked like a clone of her father. As Betty said, “That girl is going to knock 'em out all over the place!”
“I think you're just hopeful.” Belle replied, just as a teacher spotted them.
“HEY, you two, want to share with the rest of us?” He snapped, glaring at the pair. Sunny Jones, sitting next to Belle, smirked. She knew there'd be tears.

Belle stammered. "Uhhh…"

What would have happened next no one could say, because there was a loud bang, and the room was stormed by men in balaclavas and wielding machine guns.
“Oh no. The DVG!” Sunny groaned. “DVG” stood for Death Valley Gang, a thuggish organisation that specialised in robbery and drugs. The thugs quickly knocked out the teachers and one of them held up the principal, while the others kept their guns pointed at the children.
“Masked Revolver!” Sunny shuddered again. Masked Revolver was the leader of the DVG, and a superior marksman. His modified Colt.45 was special, in that instead of six chambers, it had a “lucky number seven” chamber as well. It was said that he never had to use the seventh chamber, as he could destroy any opposition in 6 bullets. The only people who had seen the face behind his black and red mask were dead…yeah, you get the picture. He's a real bad guy.
Masked Revolver only stood by the door however – it was the boy who was holding up the principal who seemed to be running the show.
“Pick up the phone, and call the Head of the School Board. NOW.” The boy commanded. He followed the principal to the phone that was on the wall near the stage, his gun pointed at the older mans back the entire time.
Belle was terrified. She gripped Charlies hand tightly. Were they doing to die?
“Nawww, how cute is this? The Dumb Valley Gang are holding up a SCHOOL!” They heard someone gloating.
“Rack off Marcus you clown!” Masked Revolver snapped at the new intruder. Mobster Marcus with his long, flowing hair was sitting on one of the skylights, peering in at the action.
“Oh great, not the Mob too.” Sunny was really starting to get on Belles nerves. Everyone knew who the Mob were – the Mobsters of Misneach were lead by Mobster Marcus, a proficient swordsman whose five-foot blade was just as feared as the Lucky Seven Gun that Masked Revolver held. It was rumoured that if you dared blink in front of him you'd find your head gone before you opened your eyes again.
Rumours in Pleasantville have a habit of being far fetched.
“My my, such temper! Such petty thuggery.” Mobster Marcus chuckled. “Well, while you play with the kiddies, we're going to go and play with the big boys. Around about now, the Pleasantville National should be overrun with my men.”
“We'll see who's gloating after your men have been shot down by security, whereas I'll escape with a decent ransom from parents who are scared for their little babies.” Masked Revolver grinned.
Mobster Marcus smirked and left.
Charlie looked at Belle. Who had disappeared.
“Belle? Why are you under your seat?” Charlie quickly ducked under the chairs with her.
“They got distracted. So I hid.” Belle replied.
“YO, TJ, over here!” Daniel called to his friend.
“CATCH!” TJ bombed the football in Daniels general direction. Daniel grinned and was about to grab it, when little Sammy leapt up on his back and took a speccy.
“Sam!” Daniel laughed, chasing the boy around. He quickly handpassed the ball to his twin sister, Tammy, who kicked it to her best friend Petunia.
“Come on guys, you know I can't play football!” Petunia groaned. Poor Petunia was rather on the overweight side, and much preferred reading about medicine and practising to be a nurse than roughing around with her friends.
“Yes you can 'Tunia, you just got to get up and run!” TJ thumped her back.
“Thanks, Theodore.” Petunia shoved the ball back into TJs stomach.
Daniel sighed. He was the oldest at 14, with short brown hair, thick glasses and bright blue eyes. TJ was next at 12, a pale kid with dark black hair who liked to dress in a Gothic style. Petunia was 11, with long red hair, freckles and green eyes. Finally there were the 10-year-olds Tammy and Sammy, with jet black hair and dark skin. The five were inseparable, and were some of the few students who attended the run-down public school.
DON'T call me Theodore!” TJ snapped, snatching the football away.
Naw, don't fight guys!” Sammy whined.
Yeah, how about we all go and get some ice-cream? I still have my pocket money.” Daniel suggested.
I love ice-cream!” Petunia cried.
I can't complain about that!” TJ grinned.
Ice-cream! Dan, you're the greatest!” Sammy hugged his hero.
Tammy smiled and clapped. A car accident when she was little had robbed her of her voice, but she was highly intelligent.
Remember, we need to stick together, even if it's daytime there are some Gangsters and Mobsters around.” Daniel reminded them of the ever-present crime threat.
Actually, I haven't seen any of them around today. Must be bank-robbing day.” Petunia piped up.
The five made their way along the street, when they saw why the coast was clear.
They're holding up a school? How low can they go?” TJ fumed. He looked towards the small police force gathered at the front of the school. “Why isn't the whole force here?!”
A loud explosion came from the city.
I'd say because the Mob robbing a bank.” Daniel pointed out.
TJ glowered. His father was an officer in the police force, and TJ thought the world of him. Alas, unfortunately the senior constable was a man called Wallace Dingbat who was completely useless.
I can't believe it. The DVG will more than likely get away with this because that MORON is in charge!” Petunia looked at the school building. Parents were starting to crowd around the school, all of them in various stages of fury and fear.
My little girl is in there! I have to save her! Let me GO!” Peter Masters was trying to pry himself free of Bill and Joe, who had him pinned down.
Mate, you can't do anything, if you get killed what will she do?” Bill tried to calm his older brother down.
She's my little girl!” Peter cried.
Joe looked towards the building and growled. “We have to wait.”
Peter sunk to his knees and put his scarred face in his hands. Two scars adorned his face, one across his eye and the other across his nose. Both were earned defending Belle. His father had three scars, one across his eye, one across his nose and the other across his lips. Bill got the one across his eye while climbing out of a womans window trying to escape her husband.
Yeah…
Daniel and the others walked away from the scene. None of them felt like ice-cream any more.
I wish we could do something.” Petunia said.
Anything!” Sammy kicked at a stone, missing and stubbing his toe. “OW!”
Daniel looked back towards the building.
Maybe we can sneak in around the back, get the Gangsters attention, and maybe then the police can come in and save everyone?” He suggested. “Nah, too dangerous.”
Yeah.” Everyone agreed.
So they went and did it anyway.
Belle was thinking. It was the family fault, her father told her, they were cursed to be forever thinking. It was a symptom of rather high IQs.
Anything yet?” Charlie poked her.
No.” Belle snapped. The DVG hadn't noticed the two children out of hundreds missing thankfully. The two remained hidden behind some old stage props while the Gangsters kept an eye on the kids, waiting for their ransom.
If they got distracted again, we could sneak up behind them and take them out.” Charlie said. “Then everyone else could escape and we'd be heroes.”
Charlie, there are at LEAST ten of them out there! There is no way on Earth we stand a chance.” Belle pointed out. “You're only thirteen, and I'm younger still.”
I have the Improbability Clause on my side though.” Charlie said. The Improbability Clause was the term the Begly family used to describe their often sheer dumb luck, usually after a Masters had pooh-poohed their plans.
You're kidding me.” Belle facepalmed. “And would you mind telling me where this distraction is coming from?”
Suddenly there was a loud banging on the windows. Someone was throwing rocks at the South wall!
TAKE THAT YOU GANGSTER SCUM!” Daniel called out from underneath the bucket on his head, obscuring his face.
Leave us kids alone!” TJ threw rocks behind his hockey mask.
You're mean and cruel!” Petunia called from behind her surgical mask.
Sammy and Tammy just threw rocks as hard as they could, both wearing handkerchiefs over their faces.
Get 'em you Mighty Knights of the Last Order!” TJ cried, hitting the DVG boy who was running the show squarely between the eyes.
You were saying?” Charlie grinned at Belle. “They've left one of their guns over there, you can shoot them!”
You might have the Improbability Clause, but you know that the Masters Code says I'm not allowed to kill!” Belle hissed back. The Masters Code was five rules that every Masters lived by – no killing, always respect your elders, always wear something nice, never hold back and believe.
Yeah, but the Code says to never hold back too, you can still take their legs out!” Charlie pointed out.
Oh dear…CHARLIE!!!!” Belle hissed as Charlie rushed out to attack. She followed him, grabbing the gun he mentioned and firing wildly.
What the-?” Masked Revolver cried as he ducked underneath a barrage of bullets, only to have a rock fly through the window and smack him on the head.
It's working!” Sammy cried.
Sir Dark, get the door!” Daniel commanded, looking at TJ.
Sir Dark? As you command, Sir Lionheart! Sir Hyper, follow me!” TJ grinned at Daniel and beckoned for Sammy to follow him. Together, the pair managed to get one of the doors open.
A barrage of kids streamed out of the room to their relieved parents.
Watch out!” Petunia knocked Tammy aside as one of the Gangsters fired. “That was close Lady Silent!”
Thank goodness for you Lady Luck!” Daniel helped the both of them up. “Knights retreat!”
Meanwhile, Belle and Charlie were trapped, taking on Masked Revolver and the boy, who turned out to be Masked Revolvers son. The other Gangsters, sensing defeat, had bolted, most being apprehended by the police outside.
Charlie was making short work of Revolver Jr, the other man having run out of ammo. Belle meanwhile was in trouble. Masked Revolver had pulled out the Lucky Seven Gun, and had already fired two bullets.
You have Stormtrooper Syndrome or something?” Belle asked.
Not cool Belle! We're Trekkies here!” Charlie snapped.
Yeah!” Revolver Jr. looked annoyed.
My apologies.” Belle bowed her head, before taking off with Masked Revolver in pursuit. Charlie was about to follow, when his foot was grabbed by Revolver Jr.
Belle foolishly climbed up the ladder above the stage, before realising she'd sold herself into a dead end. She looked at Masked Revolver, terrified.
Masked Revolver was having difficulty himself, he couldn't properly balance on the narrow walkways. He steadied himself to fire at Belle.
It's over now brat!” He grinned. He fired, just as Belle dropped, hanging onto the beam for dear life. The bullet unfortunately hit one of the supports that held the beam up, dropping it about a foot causing Masked Revolver to fall.
He landed head first into the stage, killing him instantly.
NO!” Revolver Jr. cried, running towards his father. “Where is it?!” He quickly searched the body, pulling off the broken mask. “Where is it!?”
The police quickly swooped in. Belle carefully climbed back down to the ground, when she noticed something shining under one of the curtains.
The Lucky Seven Gun. Without thinking, she shoved it into the pocket of her skirt.
She ran over to where Charlie was answering Officer Dingbats questions. It was mostly rubbish, Dingbat was clearly incompetent.
Belle!”
Charlie!”
The two children were swamped by their parents, who proceeded to fuss over them.
It's not fair Dad! How come Charlie and his family get the ability to completely circumvent logic, but all we get is a silly code of ethics?!” Belle complained as the group made their way back home.
You're still young yet little one. One day, you'll come to appreciate the Masters Code.” Joe patted her head.

Chapter One: The Friends Meet

Traffic was stopped along the highway, choked and congested. Much like the occupants of the Hyundai Elantra near exit 34.

“That was DISGUSTING Belle!” The driver of the silver Elantra, Peter, rolled down the window choking from the stench. His brother, Bill and their father, Joe, were doing the same.
“Sorry Daddy.” Belle rolled her eyes, staring blankly out the window. Her eyes were blank for a six-year-old, and her father was worried about her. So worried that he was moving her away from the city of Brisvegas and relocating her to the town where he'd grown up – Pleasantville.
A young boy walked into a two-storey house some distance away in Pleasantville. He was upset. A few days ago he'd been told that his friend who lived in the house next door had to move as the owner of the house was coming back. It was the fourth friend he'd had in that house, it seemed no family wanted to stay there.
“Charlie! Go and check on your sisters for me please.” His mother, Betty, was elbow-deep in pastry. The boy, Charlie, trudged upstairs to check on his twin sisters, Isabelle and Elizabeth (or as they will be known, Izzy and Lizzy).
“Oh my – GROSS!” Charlie bolted out of the room. One or both of his baby sisters had dirtied their nappies.
Betty sighed, set the pastry aside, washed her hands and went upstairs to tend to her daughters. For a long time no matter how disgusting his sisters were, Charlie had been willing to help with anything. Since the neighbours had moved (again) he'd been distant – too distant for a seven-year-old.
The Masters family and their now stinky Elantra pulled up to the house in Pleasantville. There still wasn't a fence between it and the house to the East of it – instead there was a very large eucalypt which bridged between the bedrooms and the ends of the houses. Peter wondered if his old friend was still in that house.
He knelt down to Belles height and pointed to the bedroom whose window opened up to the tree. “That's your new room – where your Aunt Jessie used to sleep.” His eyes darkened as he thought of the sister who had walked out on them a long time ago.
“You mean the little bitch who was so up herself she didn't think we were good enough?” Belle asked innocently.
That sister.
“Yeah…please don't use that sort of language again.” Peter ushered her towards the house, making a mental note to smack his younger brother senseless – who says that sort of thing in front of a six-year-old?!
Belle walked inside the house. It was very open-plan, with the entrance opening out into the loungeroom, which was framed with the open kitchen at the back and the dining room next to it. Off the dining room looked to be a bathroom of sorts, and next to it was a bedroom, where Joe was unpacking boxes. Right in front of his door was the stairs, so Belle climbed up them. Upstairs was another bathroom, and at one end was two bedrooms and at the other there was only one. Belle headed towards the bedroom at the East end and found herself in a tiny room, barely big enough to hold a queen-sized bed and a desk. At one end of the room was a HUGE wardrobe though, so it made up for the fact it was narrow.
“Watch out, coming through!” Bill called. Belle skipped out of the way against the wardrobe as her uncle brought in a huge queen-sized double bed. “Er…I guess you can climb on over the end, right kiddo?” He looked at where the bed was going.
“I guess.” Belle nodded. “At least I won't be able to fall out of bed.”
Her father then brought in her desk, which he set up with a mirror opposite the window that looked out onto the big tree. Next to the desk was her big set of drawers, and finally there was about five boxes of clothes and toys that needed to be sorted out.
Charlie was lying on his bed. His room was big and square, with a desk, toybox and a huge poster of Jackson Blue, the courageous Captain of the Brisvegas Leos. He heard something coming from the house next door, and looked up and through the window to see a little girl with bright yellow hair and brown eyes putting papers into a chest of drawers. He watched her for a few minutes, before heading downstairs.
“Mum, Dad, the new neighbours are here!” He said as Betty Begly was busy playing with the twins.
“Are they?” Thomas, Charlies father, perked up from his newspaper. “Well, let's go and say hello and see if we can give them a hand.”
“I can't take these two over, they'll just get in the way. Take Charlie and the dog with you.” Betty said. Thomas looked at Charlie, shrugged back.
“Woof!” Charlie called. “We're going over next door!”
A large Beagle bolted through the loungeroom and skidded to a halt next to Charlie. He barked loudly.
“What are we going to do with you Woof?” Thomas shook his head.
The three went over to the other house, and knocked on the door.
“Tom?” Peter answered the door.
“Pete?” Thomas replied
The pair glared at each other, before laughing and hugging.
“You're weird Dad.” Charlie muttered.
“It's good to see you mate, I haven't seen you since Belle was born!” Thomas said.
“Well, you'll be happy to know I finished my law degree in Brisvegas.” Peter grinned.
“So you ARE a blood-sucking scumbag after all!” Thomas laughed.
Charlie let the men talk. They walked inside and sad down at the table.
“You'll have to meet my daughter, Belle.” Peter smiled.
“Is that the girl I saw?” Charlie asked.
“Yup.” Peter grinned. “Hey Beauty, someone's here to meet you!”
“So, did Jill come back?” Thomas asked. Peter shook his head.
“I'd rather not talk about it, especially in front of Belle.” He replied. “How about you?”
“Guess.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No way!”
“Yes way.”
“Another child?!"

"Twins"

"Nice work! Who'd have thought old Tom Begly would be shackin' up with old Booty Betty?" Peter laughed

“I'd rather you not call her by her old nickname in front of Charlie.” Thomas turned slightly pink, but still grinned. “I told you she loved me.”
Just to inform our readers: Thomas Begly is 170cm (still taller than Peter!), rather solid and was balding by the age of twenty. Betty Begly ne Howsat, even after three children, is 180cms, with a gorgeous figure and long red hair.
Just then, Belle walked in shyly. Peter frowned slightly. The last year or so had changed Belle from a very outgoing, sarcastic and loud child to a shy, meek one.
“Hi.” She said.
“Hello there!” Thomas smiled kindly. “Say hello Charlie.”
“Hello Charlie.” Charlie smirked as his father.
“Little…”
“Why do you two go outside and play?” Peter suggested.
“I'm still tidying my room.” Belle replied.
Charlie looked at his father in shock.
“You can finish that off later Beauty, off you go to play with your new friend.” Peter ushered the pair and Woof outside into the joint backyard. The Masters family and the Begly family had been friends for centuries, and the two homes had been built together so the two families could maintain their friendships. The two children made their way outside, where they proceeded to eye each other warily.
“You'd better be as cool as my other friends.” Charlie warned.
“Eh.” Belle sat down and started ripping up grass. Woof sat next to her and sniffed her ear. She waved him off.
“What's wrong with you?”
“Nothing.”
“Why don't you want to play?” Charlie frowned.
“No reason.”
“You're weird!”
“I guess.”
“My Mum says that you should always strive to make new friends.” Charlie tried.
“Mums suck!” Belle suddenly bit.
“Do not!”
“Do too!”
“Do not!”
“Do too!”
Charlie swung a fist at Belle, who dodged easily. Enraged, Charlie tried again, and missed again.
“You're a slow-poke!” Belle teased. She swung her leg to try and trip the boy up, but his leg was too solid and he was too strong. He went to grab her but she dodged again. Woof started barking loudly at the pair, trying to get between them.
“Hey, what's going on here?!” Bill ran outside. “Belle, why are you fighting with this kid?!”
“She said my Mum sucks!” Charlie cried.
“All Mums suck!”
“Do not!”
“Do too!”
“PETER! YOUR OFFSPRING IS FIGHTING WITH THE NEIGHBOURS!” Bill cried.
“Just shout it over the neighbourhood why don't you, you numbskull?!” Peter fumed, running outside.
“Well if YOU would get your act together as a parent-,”
“If YOU had any idea how to BE a parent-,”
“GENTLEMEN!” Joe growled from the kitchen. Thomas, who had run out with Peter, laughed.
“I see some things never change.” He chuckled. “I'll see you guys later.”
He took Charlie and Woof away.
“Charlie, Belle had a really hard time with her Mum. She doesn't know any better.” He said as the pair walked inside.
“But Dad-,”
“Charlie, if Mum decided she didn't love you anymore and left you to die on someones doorstep, wouldn't you think she sucked?” Thomas asked.
“Well, yeah. Is that what Belles Mum did?” Charlie asked.
Meanwhile, Peter was talking to Belle.
“Belle, just because your Mum sucked doesn't mean everyones Mum sucks. I reckon you'll find Charlies Mum is really cool.” Peter said to Belle.
“But Dad-,”
“Belle, Charlies Mum takes care of him. She loves him a lot and would never leave him.” Peter told her.
“She wouldn't?” Belle asked.
Belle was back in her room, putting the last of her clothes into the giant wardrobe, with its several hanging racks and shelves along the inside. It was almost a walk-in, except it was much smaller.
She could hear her father, grandfather and uncle fighting in the kitchen about dinner. They could never agree on anything, and were always having arguments. However, Belle knew that if someone tried to hurt her or any one of them, the fighting would instantly stop and the three would become an unstoppable team.
Her family was cool like that.
“Hey, Belle!” She heard Charlie calling from his bedroom.
“Hi.” She replied. She grabbed her chair and sat down at the window.
“I'm sorry about before.” Charlie offered.
“I'm sorry too.” Belle replied. “Can we be friends?”
“Sure!” Charlie replied. He slowly eased himself out of his window and into the tree between them.
“Is it safe?” Belle asked.
“Of course it is!” Charlie climbed across it.
“Oh look, it's monkey boy! And he has a little girlfriend too!” They heard a snide voice from below.
“Daryl Jones!” Charlie groaned.
“Daryl Jones?” Belle asked. “He looks mean.”
“He called you a monkey!” Another snide voice.
“And his little sister Sunny.” Charlie told Belle.
Belle looked down at the Jones siblings. Both had jet-black hair, and both were skinny with fair skin, compared to the suntanned look of Belle and Charlie. The two siblings had icy blue eyes and freckles, and almost looked like twins. There was a small scratch on Sunnys face, otherwise the pair were immaculate.
“You two are mean.” Belle pointed out.
“Yeah, and?” Daryl replied.
“You shouldn't be!” Belle snapped.
“Well too bad. I can so I will.” Daryl smirked.
Charlie snarled at him.
“Stop looking like a twit Begly and get down here so I can thump ya.” Daryl called out.
“NO.” Charlie replied.
Daryls smirk faltered.
“Oh look, a kitten!” Sunny squealed.
Daryl turned around. A little calico-coloured kitten, looking dirty and underfed, was struggling to get out of a drain. Daryl smirked again. He grabbed the kitten out of the drain and put his fingers around its neck.
“Well then, I guess I'm going to have hurt this kitten inste-ARGH!” Daryl cried as Belle rushed over and bit him – hard! He dropped the kitten, which looked confused.
“That was too mean Daryl!” Sunny cried as Belle scooped it up. She turned on Belle. “But you didn't have to bite him!”
She aimed a kick at Belle, catching her in the stomach. Belle groaned and rolled over, trying to protect the kitten.
“Leave Belle alone!” Charlie jumped out of the tree and stood beside his new friend. Daryl smirked at the pair of them, when suddenly a voice called out.
“CHARLIE! DINNER! BRING BELLE WITH YOU!” Betty summoned the children. “Oh, it's YOU two.” She looked down her nose at the Jones children.
“Smell you losers later.” Daryl walked away, taking Sunny with him. Betty looked at Belle and Charlie.
“Are you two okay?” She asked.
“Yeah.” Belle got up, holding the kitten. It meowed.
“Oh the little thing! Get up and bring it inside, we'll get some warm milk into it.” Betty helped Belle to her feet.
Belle smiled at Charlie, who smiled back.
And from that day forth, the pair were the best of friends.

© 2021 Kezzstar24