Author: Crofton77

Chapter Ninety-Seven: What Happened to Sapphire

Written by Crofton77 on . Posted in The Story.

Giggles (of the Belle
variety) was busy lecturing Demon on the long-term goals for the new
University that was being built on the site of the old one. Demon,
meanwhile, was nearly asleep.
“And THAT is
why…mate, seriously!” Belle pulled out the Lucky Seven Gun and
put it to Demons head.
“You're not going to
shoot me, so why should I wake up?” Demon yawned.
Giggles pouted and put
the gun away.
“Your friend Chuckles
however…” Demon smirked. “He'd kill me, wouldn't he? After what
I did to Sapphire?”
Giggles stiffened.
“Sapphire was the
boys grandfather wasn't he? Awful, awful way for a senior citizen to
die…but then, some of them do ask for it.” Demon mused.
Giggles itched to take
out the Lucky Seven Gun and put a few bullets in the Mayor. Knowing
that it would only ruin her chances of making any change however, she
went for the next best thing.
“You want to hear
about my idea for the Pleasantville Public School? The School was
established a hundred and fifteen years ago…”
Demon wished he'd kept
his mouth shut.
—
Sunny had just put
Melody down for a nap and was about to tackle the job classifieds
when Cyclone Belle struck.
“Hey
Belle-Belle…whoa!” Sunny cried as Belle grabbed her by the
shoulders and pulled her into the cupboard under the stairs.
“Belle! What are you
doing?!” Sunny hissed.
“I need to make sure
Charlie doesn't hear us.” Belle told her.
“In a CUPBOARD?!”
Sunny fumed.
“Your father brought
up Sapphire today. He was trying to bait Giggles.” Belle said
flatly.
“Sapphire? What
Sapph…oh no.” Sunny groaned.
“Exactly.” Belle
grimaced. “Charlie's pretty good about his grandfathers death, but
if he was baited like Giggles was then it could get ugly, and it
could cost us everything we've worked for. Charlie would never
forgive himself if he let that happen.”
Sunny exhaled. “What
are we going to do? Charlie won't like us keeping him away from City
Hall, he wants to be a part of this as much as anyone.”
“We need to have a
nice, calm, soothing conversation with him telling him the truth,
while at the same time keeping him from going into a blood rage.”
Belle told her.
—
“Oh this is so cool!
You would not BELIEVE how well the children are responding to the new
changes!” Sammy nearly knocked Daniel and TJ over as they walked to
their hideout at the tip.
“Easy Sam! You're not
ten anymore!” TJ laughed as Daniel picked Sammy up and threw the
younger man over his shoulder. “Although to some people, you might
as well be.”
“So Chuckles and
Giggles have started to make a difference.” Daniel put Sammy down
on the boot of a car.
“It's made teaching
completely different, and today was only the first day!” Sammy
grinned. “The kids were all talking and trying to work with each
other. No tears, no fights, just a lot of learning!”
“Do I hear someone
gushing over the brilliance of Chuckles and Giggles?” The voice of
Charlie floated towards them.
“Yup!” Sammy waved.
“Although it's more Giggles at the moment.”
The group laughed as
Charlie slumped over. The ribbing continued as Belle, Sunny and Tammy
arrived.
“Petunia got caught
at work. She asked us to let you know she'll be home late and not to
wait up.” Tammy told TJ.
TJ frowned.
“Anyway, we have to
talk.” Belle began.
“But first we can
have a bit of chocolate!” Sunny quickly cut in, holding up a large
block of chocolate. Belle frowned at her.
“What is this?” She
hissed at Sunny as the boys tore the block of chocolate apart.
“Gentle.”
Sunny whispered back.
“So
what do we need to talk about?” Charlie said, popping some more
chocolate in his mouth.
“Are
we going to get any of that?” Tammy asked.
“Charlie,
there's no easy way for us to say this.” Sunny said gently.
“Unfortunately, my father has started playing dirty.”
“He
tried to bait me by mentioning Sapphire.” Belle dropped the
bombshell.
“I
BELIEVE IT WAS YOU
WHO SAID THIS HAD TO BE NICE, CALM AND SOOTHING?!” Sunny roared.
“He's had chocolate.” Belle shrugged.
Charlie gulped. It had been years since Charles Howzatt had been
brutally killed by Demon in the final battle between the Death Valley
Gang and the Mobsters of Misneach. Charlie had never forgotten either
of his grandfathers, but there was still a sting to the memory of his
maternal grandfather, who Charlie had been arguing with when he died.
“You're saying I can't go to City Hall because you're afraid I'll
be baited.” Charlie breathed. “I understand.”
“I know you do. You might have a mouth the size of Marions mental
health problems but you're a smart bloke.” Belle hugged her best
friend.
“DO YOU HAVE A SINGLE SHRED OF SENSITIVITY IN YOUR BODY?!” Sunny
nearly pulled her hair out.

Chapter Ninety-Six: The Butchers Paper

Written by Crofton77 on . Posted in The Story.

It was time for the
Butchers Paper.
“Come ON Belle, we
left butchers paper behind in high school!” Charlie groaned as
Belle lay some sheets on the table, a red marker in her mouth.
“I love butchers
paper.” Sammy already had a marker in his hand.
“You're a teacher!”
Charlie pointed out.
“We use it at work
for brainstorming.” TJ said, reaching out for a marker.
Charlie grumbed and
picked up a blue marker.
“Ow we're gubba geed
do erk totether.” Belle said as she laid out the last piece of
paper.
“Marker still in
mouth Belle-Belle.” Sunny pointed out.
Belle removed the
marker from her mouth. “We're gonna need to work together on this
if we're going to fix things around here.” She started.
“Guys, no offence,
but fixing Pleasantville isn't going to happen overnight.” Daniel
pointed out.
“We KNOW that. We all
remember the protest.” Charlie said bitterly.
“Which is why we're
going to start diverting some of the council money that has
previously been used to prop up crime to create programs that move
children in the direction we want them to go.” Belle said.
“Which is away from
crime.” Charlie added. “We're also going to get the local police
investigated.”
“I just want you guys
to be careful.” Daniel said, marker in hand. “It's not just the
Mob, the Gang, the Crusaders, the Troupe and the Mayor you're up
against.”
“Yeah! There's a lot
of small-time guys who work alone that you guys don't see.” Sammy
piped up.
“And those
small-timers might be tempted to join the big fish if we go too hard
too fast.” Belle sighed. “Argh!”
“Relax buddy. Things
will work out.” Charlie patted his best friend on the back.
“Charlie, we have
limited time. There's a million legal loopholes to get through. We
could be ousted any second from…you know what, never mind, you're
clearly getting ready to use the Improbability Clause again so why do
you need me?” Belle began to sulk.
Everyone laughed, and
the planning started.
“You guys are so much
more in touch with Pleasantville than we are.” Charlie noted as
they filled up the butchers paper.
“Well, you have to
remember that for a long time we came from those lower reaches.”
Petunia pointed out. “We're just lucky we came from families that
were starting to break away.”
“Except poor Dan.”
TJ snickered.
“What's up with Dan's
family?” Belle asked.
Everyone looked
shocked.
“I thought I told you
guys!” Daniel groaned.
“Told us what?”
Sunny asked.
“My Dad was Laker
Barrett. My Mum was his second-in-command.” Daniel told them.
Silence.
“Kinda explains how
they got killed in the Battle of Silent Lake.” Charlie said.
“Yeah. His
grandparents are in two minds about Dan leading the Knights of the
Last Order.” Tammy grinned.
“On one hand they
LOVE that he's sticking it to the Mob and the Death Valley Gangsters,
but on the other hand they really wanted the Silent Lake Gang to live
on through him.” Sammy chuckled.
“Wow. That was a big
reveal.” Belle blinked. “Good on you for going against the flow
though Dan!”
“That's why he's our
leader.” TJ grinned.
“More like because
he's the oldest and always had the most pocket money.” Petunia
replied slyly.
“Whatever! You have
to admit, he has a good pedigree for leadership.” TJ poked her
back.
“Actually, the Silent
Lake Gang always had poor leadership.” Belle began.
“Wow. Just run down
someone's family history right in front of them. Rude!” Charlie
groaned.
You can imagine how
much permanent marker actually got on the butchers paper after that!
—
“Greetings Miss
Masters.” Demon walked past Belles desk.
“Hello Mr. Jones.”
Belle replied.
“I'm sure you're very
thrilled about your friends Chuckles and Giggles having full control
of the city.” Demon said.
“I'm looking forward
to some fresh air and new ideas, but I don't think they'll make too
much of a difference to my day-to-day work. The real risk was always
the…government.” Belle tried to keep herself from giggling.
Demon raised an
eyebrow.
“Ahem. Anyway, I'll
just continue to do my good work.” Belle quickly calmed down.
Demon shook his head
and walked away. Peter walked over to his daughter, looking irate.
“Very professional
there Beauty.” He readied himself to lecture.
“I know…but give me
a break, I'm in a good mood.” Belle grinned.
“Except one huge flaw
in your plan.” Peter hissed. “What is everyone going to think
when they don't see you and Giggles in the same room together?”
Suddenly Giggles flew
in through a window and headed straight for Demons office!
“It's not the first
time Sunny has filled in for me.” Belle shrugged.
“Do I even WANT to
know what other plans you've got in mind?” Peter groaned.
The sound of the Desert
Eagle going off in Demons office made them jump.
“Less violence for
one.” Belle blinked.

Chapter Ninety-Five: Be Careful What You Wish For

Written by Crofton77 on . Posted in The Story.

The golf course sat
about halfway between Pleasantville and Fallsville. It was a
particularly hilly course, one that made Demon rather frustrated at
times.
Not as frustrated as
Giggles was at that particular moment, but close enough.
“Couldn't we have
waited until tomorrow?” Chuckles gasped out as Giggles dragged him
by the collar towards hole 8. “Demon would have been in his office
then!”
“You wanted to do
this, so we're doing this!” Giggles barked.
“This was a bad
idea.” Chuckles whimpered.
“Too late now, MOVE
IT!” Giggles hauled him in front of her and started pushing him.
Meanwhile, Demon was
preparing to putt his way to a nice eagle. The wind was blowing
gently across the green, and there was a gentle slope between him and
the hole. He readied his putter, got himself into position, and
gently eased the ball towards the hole.
It went right past it.
“Wow, a bad Mayor and
a bad golfer.”
Demon tensed up. That
was the voice of Chuckles, which meant Giggles was also here.
“I wouldn't be too
stressed, I want to kill him too.” Giggles said, glaring at
Chuckles.
“Hey, this part of
the plan was YOUR idea.” Chuckles defended himself.
Demon sucked in a deep
breath. He held it for five, then let it go in a long, slow hiss.
“How can I help you
today citizens?” Demon asked politely.
“Wow, pretty calm for
someone who's getting close to par.” Chuckles said.
“Will you shut up for
once and let someone intelligent talk?!” Giggles fumed.
“Sorry!” Chuckles
shut up.
Giggles felt a little
bad for ripping her best friend a new one, but she continued on.
“We're here to collect the bounty.”
Demon looked confused.
“You said that
whomever brought you the Lucky Seven and the Lions Claw would help
you rule Pleasantville.” Giggles was trying to keep her
exasperation and irritation under control.
“I meant for you two
to be dead.” Demon pointed out.
“You didn't expect us
to outsmart you.” Chuckles grinned.
“You seriously think
this is outsmarting me?” Demon chuckled. “I think you're both in
for a very rude shock.”
Chuckles pulled out the
Lions Claw Blade and Giggles pulled out the Lucky Seven Gun,
expecting to be attacked.
“The office is
completely open to you.” Demon continued. “Feel free to make a
few laws if you like, as long as you run them by me. After all, I
need to sign them for them to be valid.”
Giggles was shaking,
and she felt her eye twitching.
“I knew you'd see it
our way.” Chuckles bragged.
“Naturally. I'm sure
I'll see you around.” Demon said with a greasy smile. He walked
over to his ball, and with a light tap of the putter, sent it down
hole 8.
“We're leaving
Chuckles.” Giggles said.
“Catch ya later!”
Chuckles waved as Giggles flew the both of them away back to the tip.
“You remember the
protest, right?” Giggles asked as they soared over the countryside
back to Pleasantville.
“How could I forget
it?” Chuckles shuddered.
“Don't DO that while
I'm flying!” Giggles scolded. “I'm just worried this is the exact
same thing.”
“How can it be? We're
in charge!” Chuckles laughed.
“I guess so.”
Giggles couldn't help but smile.
Until the Backpack cut
out yet again, sending our heroes into a pile of manure.
—
“You're LETTING
CHUCKLES AND GIGGLES RULE PLEASANTVILLE?!” Mobster Marion screeched
in fury.
“Calm down Marion.”
Master Revolver tried to get her to sit down.
“I WILL NOT CALM
DOWN!” Marion slapped him, hard.
They were in Demons
office, and had just discovered that the Mayor had handed the keys to
the city over to the two heroes who made their lives difficult.
“Marion, sit DOWN.”
Revolver grabbed the Mobster and pulled her into a seat. She fumed as
he then turned to address Demon. “You have to admit this looks bad.
Everything we've set to achieve could be undone because you want to
keep to your word.”
“Don't be silly my
dear man. Have a chocolate liqueur.” Demon offered Revolver a tray
of delicious chocolates.
“You're offering me a
chocolate. Are you out of your mind?” Revolver asked, doing his
best to remain calm.
“Of course. I'm
civilized after all.” Demon smiled.
“Of course you are.
That's what's gotten us into this mess.” Revolver grumbled.
Demon chuckled.
“Oh my dear man.”
He grinned. “Haven't you heard the saying that you should be
careful what you wish for, because you just might get it?”
Revolver stiffened, and
took a chocolate.
“Oh dear Chuckles and
Giggles.” Demon turned to look out of the window. “You should
have been very, VERY careful before you made your wish!”

Chapter Ninety-Four: Storming the Office

Written by Crofton77 on . Posted in The Story.

“So the Haunted Maze
Troupe has designs on ruling after all.” Chuckles flexed his Arm
Scythes.
The Haunted Maze
Troupers said nothing.
Giggles looked at
Chuckles, who shrugged.
The Haunted Maze
Troupers still said nothing.
“Whatever, we wasted
enough time with OH THAT WAS A KNIFE!” Giggles jumped out of the
way of a knife that was thrown at her by one of the Troupers.
Chuckles immediately went in to defend her, disarming the Troupers
with one sweep of his Arm Scythes.
The Troupers stood
stock still for a minute, before leaving the building.
“I don't get them at
all! What on earth is their issue?!” Giggles groaned as Chuckles
watched them leave, dumbfounded.
“Honestly, I've given
up thinking about it, it's not worth it.” Chuckles walked back to
her.
“Anyone would think
their whole point of existence was just to be annoying!” Giggles
continued as they headed into the main building.
“Well, you'd know all
about that.” Chuckles said slyly.
Giggles didn't see fit
to dignify that with a comment.
They walked through the
lobby and into the main office where Peter Masters was busy
finalising a case file. He looked up, saw his daughter and her best
friend, sat his case file back down, picked up his briefcase and hat
and left the office.
“Thanks for the vote
of confidence!” Giggles yelled after him. “Parents.” She
muttered under her breath.
Just then, Master
Revolver walked out of Demons office. “What are YOU two doing
here?!” He exclaimed.
Chuckles grinned and
got up on a table. Giggles groaned loudly.
“We are here,”
Chuckles began. “We are here because our dear lord Mayor has
decreed that whomever should bring him the Lions Claw Blade and the
Lucky Seven Gun (which we have in our possession) would rule
Pleasantville alongside him!”
“And Chuckles decided
we should be the ones to present him with the aforementioned weapons
and collect the bounty.” Giggles deadpanned.
Master Revolver
blinked. Then he started laughing.
Everyone at their desks
looked bewildered. Chuckles did his best to hold his stare-down at
the laughing Revolver and Giggles once again thought about her life
insurance.
“You're serious?”
Revolver stopped laughing. “You're actually serious?”
“Do we LOOK like
we're joking?” Chuckles folded his arms.
“And I thought
Marions mental health was taking a nosedive.” Revolver shook his
head, trying not to laugh again. “Do you REALISE how dangerous this
is? I mean, not only do you have the Crusaders and the Troupe on your
tail, but this place is swarming, SWARMING with Mobsters and
Gangsters. Even if you get past us, do you REALLY think Demon is
going to want YOU TWO to run this city? You go against everything he
stands for!”
“We'll never know if
we never try!” Chuckles grinned.
“I'm gonna die here.”
Giggles lamented.
Revolve pulled out his
phone and punched a few buttons. Suddenly about half the room got up
out of their desks, each with some sort of weapon.
“GLENDA is a
MOBSTER?!” Giggles gasped. Not Glenda! Glenda made THE best
spongecake in the world! Glenda couldn't be a MOBSTER!
The Mobsters opened
fire as Chuckles and Giggles jumped behind the big counter at the
front of the room.
“Awesome work
Chuckles. Awesome work. Now we're trapped here until they run out of
ammo, after which they'll come here and skewer us. We're vastly
outnumbered, outmatched and dear glob no not the Improbability Clause
again!” Giggles groaned as Chuckles began to formulate a plan.
“We just need to even
up the numbers a bit.” Chuckles mused. He looked at the ceiling.
“That chandelier is
far too small.” Giggles told him.
“There's about ten of
them.” Chuckles pointed out.
Giggles sighed. She
actually LIKED those chandeliers. She fired at one with the Desert
Eagle, and the chandelier crashed to the ground.
The room audibly gasped
a collective gasp.
“That chandelier was
beautiful!” Someone began to sob.
“That was the only
nice thing we actually had in this office!” Someone else sounded
devastated.
“How can I make my
spongecake now knowing there's one less chandelier in the office?”
Glenda lamented.
“Glenda NO!”
Giggles groaned.
“A chandelier? You
guys are seriously that messed up about a CHANDELIER?” Chuckles was
gobsmacked.
“Buddy, look at this
office. There is NOTHING here that brings even the slightest bit of
happiness.” One man sighed.
“What sort of
soul-sucking monsters do we even have running this city?” Chuckles
wondered out aloud.
“It's DEMON, what do
you expect?” Giggles pointed out.
“That's a fair
point.” Chuckles rubbed his chin.
“I mean, it's not
completely broken, maybe we could fix it?” Someone tried to inspect
the fallen ruin.
Giggles rolled her
eyes, before walking past the desks to Demons office. Chuckles
followed her, looking bewildered.
Giggles gently eased
the door open with her foot, before kicking it open and pointing the
Desert Eagle at the empty desk.
“He's behind me isn't
he?” Giggles asked.
“Noooo, but it'd be a
smart move on his part.” Chuckles still stood outside the door.
“He's not in today.”
Master Revolver pointed out. “Today is his golf day.”
Giggles growled. Only
Chuckles standing between her and the door stopped her from going
back out and shooting the rest of the chandeliers down!

Chapter Ninety-Three: Chuckles Great Idea

Written by Crofton77 on . Posted in The Story.

“I can't believe I'm
doing this.” Giggles groaned as she and Chuckles walked up to City
Hall.
“It'll be fun!”
Chuckles replied.
“It's idiotic!”
“It's fine!”
“We're going to get
into HUGE trouble.”
“We're going to cause
huge trouble.”
“I
hate you.”
“You're
my sunshine too.”
Giggles
groaned as they approached the front steps. Sure enough, trouble was
waiting.
“You're
seriously just going to walk up to City Hall when the whole city
knows there's a bounty out on you?!” Crusader Roger laughed. He was
sitting on the steps of City Hall, and looked almost gleeful at the
opportunity in front of him.
“You
call it a bounty, we call it an opportunity.” Chuckles grinned,
unsheathing the Lions Claw Blade.
“YOU
call it an opportunity, I call it I just came along to keep you from
getting killed.” Giggles said.
“Someone
else I know also calls it an opportunity.” Crusader Roger smirked.
“He doesn't really like you at all.”
“That
narrows it down.” Giggles rolled her eyes.
“We
kinda like to annoy people.” Chuckles admitted.
“Obviously.”
Giggles snapped.
“And
we're good at it too!” Chuckles grinned.
“Enough
with the talk, it's time for some payback!”
Both
Chuckles and Giggles dodged out of the way as Daryl “Ruby” Jones
jumped out of some bushes and attacked with a brand-new hand-scythe.
“Crusader
Daryl? Still amazes me how low some people will go with their
recruiting.” Giggles mused.
“That's
the Ruby Crusader to you!” Daryl snarled.
Chuckles
and Giggles looked at each other.
“Nope.”
“Not
gonna happen.”
“You're
Crusader Daryl.”
“I
mean, you can't be Ruby anymore, you don't have the Ruby Suit
anymore.”
“WILL
YOU BOTH JUST SHUT UP FOR ONCE!” Daryl screamed. “JUST SHUT UP
AND DIE ALREADY!”
“Do
you need a hug?” Giggles asked.
“GET
OUT OF MY LIFE!” Daryl swung at her, missing by miles.
“This
really isn't much of a threat.” Chuckles raised his eyebrows. He
then felt a gun to his back. “That is, on the other hand.”
“Didn't
I tell you that this was a bad idea. Didn't I tell you?” Giggles
scolded as Crusader Roger forced Chuckles towards the entrance of
City Hall. “I mean, you've been shot before, surely you would have
learned by now to be more careful!”
“It's
fine, we were going inside anyway!” Chuckles grinned as they headed
inside the building.
“At
the end of a gun?” Giggles quipped drily.
Daryl
grimaced behind their backs. Chuckles and Giggles were HIS prey! HE
was supposed to take them in to his father, to get his spot in the
family back. Giggles noticed this.
“You
okay there Daryl? Looking like a dog who lost his bone.” She said.
“Young
Mister Daryl here is learning how to behave himself.” Crusader
Roger smiled. “Isn't that right?”
“Yes
sir.” Daryl grumbled.
“What
was that?” Roger turned around to look at his underling. Chuckles
took the chance and knocked the gun across the City Hall lobby.
Daryl
attacked Giggles, who flew above him. He tried to grab at her while
Roger and Chuckles fought, Chuckles with the Arm Scythes and Roger
with his dagger.
“You're
pretty good, even without the Dragon Scale.” Chuckles complimented
his foe.
“If
you were smart, you'd be using the Lions Claw.” Roger growled as he
was forced back towards Daryl, who was still jumping and trying to
grab Giggles.
“I
have plans for that.” Chuckles said as he clasped his hands
together, using the Arm Scythes to grab Rogers dagger and force him
back-to-back with Daryl, who was panting.
And
wouldn't you know it, Giggles Backpack cut out. She dropped heavily
on Roger and Daryl, knocking both men down.
“YAY!”
Chuckles cheered as Giggles got up and dusted herself off.
“Give
me one reason, ONE reason, why I shouldn't tell your mother HALF of
what you get up to!” Giggles fumed.
“Hey,
that's below the belt!” Chuckles raised his hands to defend
himself.
“You're
being an idiot!”
“I'm
being creative!”
The
two friends then noticed they were being watched. Three Haunted Maze
Troupers were staring blankly at them.
“Why
is the Haunted Maze Troupe here?” Chuckles asked.
“Because
you'd have to be on drugs to work here sometimes.” Giggles quipped
drily, pulling out the Desert Eagle.

Chapter Ninety-Two: Delicious

Written by Crofton77 on . Posted in The Story.

“Oi, Jacobs.”
TJ was sat at his desk
at work, when suddenly he was surrounded by Officer Wallace Dingbat
and three officers.
“How can I help,
boss?” TJ asked.
“Well Jacobs, I think
you can be very, very helpful indeed.” Dingbat sat on the edge of
the desk, making it groan ominously. “You see, a little birdie tells
me that you might know a thing or two about the Knights of the Last
Order.
TJ did his best to look
surprised. Inside, he was seething. He knew this was probably payback
from Richard Dickson.
“Don't give me that
look Jacobs. You're the one who gave them to Dickson.” Dingbat
sneered. TJ groaned inwardly. Damn! “Mayor Jones is giving us a lot
of heat to get the Knights under control. If you know where they are,
and you're holding out on us, then we have a little bit of a
problem.”
TJ stood up. “Sir, if
I really knew anything about the Knights, don't you think I would be
the first to talk? I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Oooh, he's playing
the Daddy card.” Dingbat chortled. The other officers laughed.
“Well Jacobs, if you really don't know anything, maybe you can help
us another way.”
“And?” TJ was
starting to get irritated.
“Your friends. The
Masters.” Dingbat leered.
TJ might have looked
calm, but inside he was piping hot. He was being backed into a corner
and he didn't like it.
“Mayor Jones wants
them out of City Hall. You're going to give us the evidence to do
that.” Dingbat told him.
“And if there is no
evidence?” TJ snapped.
“Find some.”
Dingbat got up off the table, his eyes laughing in victory. He and
the other officers went back to work.
—
“You're not the only
one who's been recommended to dob us in.” Belle assured TJ after
work that day.
“Yeah, today at work
we had a big staff presentation about doing the right thing and
speaking up if you think anything is wrong.” Petunia scoffed.
“You too? We had one
at the school today.” Sammy told the group as they walked into
Bills restaurant. “Spent the entire day listening to kids dobbing
on each other for the stupidest of things.”
“Maybe I should give
the same talk to my staff.” Charlie mused as they sat down.
“You? Lecture?”
Belle teased. Charlie cuffed her, sending her sprawling to the
ground.
“I see you two have
as strong a friendship as ever.” Bill walked out of the kitchen
just in time to see his niece flying to the ground.
“BFFs.” Belle
groaned as she got up.
“So, what are we all
having today?” Bill asked, pad ready.
“What's the newest
dish?” Daniel asked.
“Thai Basil Fish.”
Bill replied.
The group thought for a
moment.
“Chips.” Was the
consensus.
“You lot…” Bill
grumbled as he went back to the kitchen to get their meal.
“So, anyone see the
latest from the Brisvegas Leos?” Charlie poured himself and Belle
some water, raising a few eyebrows.
“I give it another
week before Matthew Boss is gone from the coaching job. Peter Kanga
has been sniffing around.” Sammy replied.
“No way, he's off to
the Sportsbourne Devils.” Sunny shook her head. “No way would the
Leos dump Boss.”
The bell on the
restaurant door tingled. No one really noticed who walked in, except
Belle, who went exceptionally pale.
“Good evening Mr.
Masters.” Mayor Jones said in his slick, deep, oily voice.
Sunny heard that voice
and hugged Melody close to her. Jones turned to look at her.
“It would be nice to
sit with my daughter and her friends tonight.” He said.
Bill clutched his pad.
“Very well. Let me get you a seat.”
Jones smiled pleasantly
as Bill got his seat for him. Bill looked apologetically at Sunny,
who sighed.
“What do you want?”
She asked her father accusingly.
“Now, now. Is that
any way to speak to your father?” Mr. Jones looked down his nose at
his daughter.
“It is when you're a
crap parent.” Sunny muttered.
Jones pretended he
hadn't heard. “I just want to reconnect with my daughter, get to
know my grand-daughter. Is there anything wrong with that?”
Just as Sunny was about
to tell him everything wrong with that, Mobster Marion and Master
Revolver walked in.
Belle shared a Look
with Charlie. Jones frowned, but continued to talk.
“It would be nice to
talk to my employees too. Miss Masters and Mr. Jacobs.” He smiled
politely.
“Nothing like work on
your personal time.” TJ muttered.
“Nonsense! This is
just a friendly dinner together!” Jones beamed at them all, making
them all want to vomit and giving Sunny severe violent urges.
“I think it would be
nice to sit with the Mayor and his friends, don't you?” Master
Revolver asked Marion as Bill arranged their seating.
“Hmm? Of course.”
Marion seemed distracted and twitchy. Daniel noticed. Her mental
health was definitely on the decline!
Jones flinched slightly
as the pair sat down, but maintained his impossible smile. “It's
nice to see you both.” He said.
“Nice to see you
too.” Revolver said roughly, not meaning it at all. Belle and
Charlie gripped each others hands. There was definitely tension
between Demon and Master Revolver!
“Even though you
should be in gaol.” Jones growled under his breath.
“Shoulda, woulda,
coulda. There's nothing you can do about it, unless you want more
blood and secrets spilled.” Revolver shot a glare at the Mayor.
“So much for a
friendly dinner.” Petunia groaned.
Then, JUST to add more
fuel to the fire, Crusader Roger walked in with three of his
henchmen…one of them being none other than the former Ruby Warrior
Daryl Jones!
“Okay, which one of
you walked under a ladder with a black cat while smashing a mirror?!”
Sunny glared accusingly at her friends as the new group came and sat
down at the table.
“As much as I don't
like sharing a table with murderers and snitches, I believe I shall.”
Roger sat down next to Belle, who nearly backhanded him furiously.
“You liar! Everyone
knows it was you pretending to be my father that got
the…government…involved.” She tried not to giggle.
“Oh?” Roger looked
down his nose at the young Masters. “And your proof is?”
“We went to Brisvegas
and saw the communication for ourselves. It came from the town of
Fallsville. You know, where March Hill is?” Charlie narrowed his
eyes at Roger.
Revolver, Marion and
Jones all turned to stare at Roger. He brushed it off.
“Very clever.” He
admitted.
“So we wasted our
time going after the Masters brat after all.” Revolver grumbled.
“I'M SITTING RIGHT
HERE!” Belle yelled.
“Please Miss Masters,
this is a fine dining establishment…although it looks otherwise.”
Jones frowned at the décor of the restaurant. Charlie had to
restrain Belle from retorting.
“Forget it Gangster,
you've lost Pleasantville.” Roger gloated.
“I wouldn't be so
sure after the last stunt you pulled that nearly cost me!” Jones
fired.
Roger growled. Darn it!
“I'm not entirely
happy with anyone at this table.” Jones continued. “You're all
either vying for power or keeping secrets.”
“Pleasantville was
built on secrets.” Marion said, making everyone jump. “Secrets
all over the place. One day all the secrets will come undone.”
“Sooner rather than
later I hope.” Charlie said.
“If wishes were
trees, the trees would fall down.” Revolver said. Belle eyed him
warily.
“The fact is, I have
no reason to work with any of you.” Jones continued.
“Except that most of
us know too much.” Roger smirked.
“That may be the
case, however I think I could deal with that.” Jones said. “If I
had the right people behind me.”
Belle winced in pain as
Charlie squeezed her hand tightly.
“Whomever can bring
me the Lions Claw Blade and the Lucky Seven Gun will help me rule
Pleasantville.” Jones declared.
Thankfully everyone at
the table looked shocked, so Belle and Charlie didn't look too out of
place with their looks of terror.
“Oh hey look, the
Haunted Maze Troupe are here.” Sammy pointed to a window, where two
Troupers were peering in. Because of course they were.

Chapter Ninety-One: The Tempest Starts

Written by Crofton77 on . Posted in The Story.

“NO.” Giggles
smacked the hand of the Haunted Maze Trouper who was trying to sell a
young man some drug of some description in Pleasantville Park.
“But I NEED it!”
The man begged.
“What you need is a
cold shower and some help. Call this lady, she's brilliant at peer
support.” Giggles handed the man Tammys business card. “Imagine
the savings you can make!”
“Saving for what?”
The man said bitterly.
“Getting out of
Pleasantville for one.” Giggles pointed out.
The man blinked, and
with a scowl he walked away.
Giggles turned to the
Trouper that was now staring blankly at her from behind the purple
baby mask.
“You know what you're
doing is naughty.” She scolded.
The Trouper moved their
head to the side.
“Don't give me that
look.” She continued.
Then the Trouper pulled
out the knife (we all knew that was coming) and took a swing at
Giggles, who dodged easily.
“RUDE!” Giggles
frowned. “Hey, Chuckles, stabby things are your side of the
family!”
“Right on!”
Chuckles jumped down from the tree he was sitting in. “I'm not
going to even need the Lions Claw for this!”
“Chuckles, hollow
knife with drugs in it, remember?”Giggles groaned.
Chuckles grinned. He
flew at the Trouper, using an Arm Scythe to knock the knife from
their hand. He then used a well-aimed kick to knock them to the
ground.
“Winning!” Chuckles
waved to Giggles, who facepalmed.
Then a gunshot rang
out, and the Trouper was dead. Chuckles and Giggles froze.
“Revolver?”
Chuckles called out tentatively. Silence.
Giggles walked over to
Chuckles, both the Lucky Seven Gun and the Desert Eagle drawn.
Suddenly the quiet area of the park in the sunset seemed very, VERY
spooky.
“It's started, hasn't
it?” Chuckles gulped.
“We need to get out
of here.” Giggles said.
Then the sirens and
lights appeared.
—
“I can't believe
this.” Peter groaned.
“Believe it. Chuckles
and Giggles should think themselves lucky they're not in gaol for
murder.” Judith Jofrey replied.
They were sitting in
Judiths office. It was the day after Chuckles and Giggles escaped
arrest for the death of the Haunted Maze Trouper.
“Especially as the
whole plan was that they got arrested and out of the way.” Judith
continued. “Revolver and Marion want a clear path to take out the
Crusaders and the Troup.”
“Can't you talk to
your sister and get her to see that turning Pleansantville into a
warzone is a bad idea?” Peter asked.
“Her mental state has
been going downhill since Dad died. I don't think anyone can reason
with her anymore.” Judith sighed. “She won't listen to Revolver,
she won't listen to Jones and she won't listen to me. Especially now
I'm dating Daniel.”
“Oh?” Peter raised
an eyebrow.
“She's worried if I
have an heir before her, I'll steal the Misneach assets.” Judith
told him. “Which is stupid, because Dan and I haven't been together
all that long.”

Peter was about to
reply when they heard gunfire outside. They walked to the window.
“Roger NO!” Giggles
cried, shoving Master Revolver out of the way of a gunshot.
“Get out of my way
brats or I'll kill you too!” Crusader Roger aimed again to take out
Master Revolver. “This dog needs to PAY for what he did!”
“We don't necessarily
disagree, we just think there MIGHT be better ways about it!”
Chuckles fought to keep Mobster Marion from entering the fray.
“GET. OUT. OF. MY.
WAY!” Marion roared, bringing her sword down on Chuckles.
“Will you calm your
farm already?!” Chuckles blocked her with the Lions Claw Blade.
“Well…this is a bit
obvious.” Peter folded his arms and watched everything unfold.
“I want to know where
the Haunted Maze Troupe is in all of this.” Judith narrowed her
eyes.
“You REALLY think
they care about the death of one of their own?” Peter asked.
“I don't think they
CARE, I just think they might want to make a statement so they're not
seen as weak.” Judith replied. “The illusion of power is
important here. That's why Roger set you up. He couldn't be seen as
weak after Mark was killed.”
“But this attack
doesn't make sense.” Peter looked back down. “He's left himself
wide open.”
Suddenly there was an
explosion to the east. Judith looked horrified.
“That BASTARD!” She
cried.
“Aah. He was
distracting Marion and Revolver so he could blow up the Misneach
Manor.” Peter said. “It looks like there's going to be
consequences for everyone.”
Chuckles and Giggles
looked at each other as Marion and Revolver ran to their limo to
check the damage to their manor.
The tempest had
started.

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