Chapter One Hundred and Five: The Pleasantville Riots

 What had happened was this:

After the fight at the big debate, things had been quiet as everyone went their own way. People got into their little groups to complain and commiserate over the events of the evening. Unfortunately, two of these groups ended up at Bills restaurant – two OPPOSING groups.

Bill took as much of the sniping and threats as he could before he threatened to kick them out. That got them even MORE riled up, as most of them knew he was a Masters. The only thing that stopped Bills beating from being worse was the arrival of Sir Lionheart, who chased the offenders out onto the street and summoned Lady Luck to patch Bill up.

The PRO half of that group had then called up reinforcements before heading to Pleasantville First National Bank and throwing eggs at it. Harmless, except for the few PCC citizens that saw the display. THEY went and called THEIR friends and another brawl broke out. Chuckles and Giggles broke THAT up, only to have their watches flashing again as another group, this time both PRO AND PCC were in trouble with the Death Valley Mobsters.

“I KNEW they'd show their faces the moment a chance of trouble broke out!” Giggles groaned as she flew Chuckles to the new hotspot. “I can't believe I got Uncle Bill dragged into this.”

“Don't worry about that now. Bill will survive. He's tough and Lady Luck is brilliant.” Chuckles said as they approached the next battle.

Mobster Marion and Master Revolver were no where to be found. There were a couple of Emerald Mobsters though, as well as two or three regular Mobsters.

At the same time, ANOTHER fight had broken out near the Mall. Sir Lionheart, Lady Courage and Lady Silent had rushed to deal with that one.

“Where are the police when you need them?” Lady Courage groaned as they finally got the warring parties to separate.

“YOU MEAN THE COPS YOU'RE TRYING TO DISCREDIT YOU WITCH?!” Someone yelled as a parting shot.

“Easy Courage, don't rise to the bait.” Sir Lionheart put a hand on Lady Courages arm to stop her from killing someone. Suddenly, his phone went off.

“Hello…Judes? You okay…ANOTHER fight?!” He groaned. Lady Courage and Lady Silent shot each other a Look. “Well, we can't handle it all ourselves…oh, you'll deal with it? Okay, if you say so, but…okay, fine. Love you.” He hung up. “There's another fight outside City Hall now. Let's go.”

The three made their way to City Hall to deal with the new fight.

—

“DINGBAT! I suggest you get out there NOW!” Judith Jofrey stormed into the police station.

“I don't see why.” Wallace Dingbat smirked at her. He returned to watching the television, which was showing the deteriorating situation in Pleasantville.

“Dingbat, your career is on the line here. If you don't get out there NOW I will personally put you up for neglect of duty. Coupled with the other recordings that are out in the public at the moment, and you're looking at a good number of years behind bars.” Judith warned him.

Dingbat glared at her. He got up and cracked his knuckles.

“I'd like to see you try.” He leered at her.

“I'd like to see you try that with witnesses.” Popped up a voice.

“WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!” Dingbat roared, jumping near out of his skin.

Lady Silent smirked.

“It's my superpower.” She informed him. “So Judith, are they ready to help us?”

“I think they are.” Judith grinned.

Dingbat growled in fury. “FINE.” He snapped. “All of you, out and at 'em!”

The police took their time, but they finally made it out of the station.

“Could never stand him.” Judith said. “Hopefully he loses his job after all this.”

“Well, as long as we have you onside he should do.” Lady Silent grinned.

“Anyway, go get your brother and your friend. We're gonna need them.” Judith said. “I'm gonna go get my Emerald Suit.”

“Right.” Lady Silent nodded. “But they're both my brothers.”

Lady Silent grabbed the keys that were sitting on Dingbats desk and rushed to rescue TJ and Sammy.

—

“So things are getting completely out of control!” Lady Silent finished updating Sir Hyper and Sir Dark as they rushed to save the city.

“This is insane. Surely people are too hot and muggy to start riots?!” Sir Hyper followed his sister down a side-street to yet another spotfire.

“You would think…oh come on!” Lady Silent nearly ran face-first into Crusader Daryl!

“Well look who we found!” Daryl smirked at the small Knight.

“We're busy, gotta go!” The three Knights bolted, heading towards the fray.

“Are…you…kidding…me…?” Daryl looked highly offended.

It was a good thing that Lady Silent ignored Daryl, because Wallace Dingbat was at his worst just a few streets away.

“I haven't been rioting! I just ran away from it! I don't want to be a part of it!” A young lady with dark skin was trying to get away from him.

“You were in a riot area, you're under arrest.” Dingbat yanked her by the hair. She stumbled forward, and would have fallen if Sir Dark hadn't gotten involved. He slammed his fist into Dingbats face, relishing the revenge, which made Dingbat release his prey.

“Are you okay?” Sir Hyper helped the woman regain her feet.

“I didn't do anything!” The poor woman was in tears.

“We know. Lady Silent will help you home.” Sir Hyper squeezed her hand. “It's gonna be okay, we're gonna try and clean this up.”

“Th-thank you.” The woman was losing composure. Lady Silent took the woman by the arm and they walked off together. Suddenly, Sir Lionheart came running over with Sidewinder.

“What is going on here?!” He exclaimed as he saw Sir Dark restraining his boss.

“Tried to arrest someone purely on the colour of their skin.” Sir Dark replied.

“Oh for crying out LOUD!” Sir Lionheart looked frustrated beyond relief.

“Not surprised.” Sidewinder reached down and checked something on Dingbats chest. “HA! He left the body cam on! We've got him!”

Dingbat swore loudly. His career was gone.

“Nice work!” Sir Dark grinned. “Come on, we have a city to save!”

Sidewinder headed to City Hall, while Sir Dark and Sir Hyper bolted to see what was happening.

“It doesn't matter. They won't fire me.” Dingbat chuckled as Sir Lionheart made to leave too.

“You're so cocky.” Sir Lionheart snapped. “Honestly, it's about time someone punched you out.”

“You'll get yours. Once I tell Jones how you attacked me, we'll have the Federal Police here in a heartbeat. You're little band of misfits won't be able to stop us.” Dingbat chuckled.

“You seem so sure Demon will save you instead of throwing you under the bus.” Sir Lionheart knew he shouldn't be giving this loser the time of day, but he was tired and hot and angry at everything.

“How do you think Jones got in in the first place?” Dingbat outright laughed. “I was his head man when he first set foot onto Pleasantville as Demon. I too was sick and tired of you brats messing up my city, and I was able to get him weapons and men. Managed to fix up the election too.”

Sir Lionheart felt the blood drain from his face. THIS man was responsible for the hell they found themselves in. Suddenly the blood rushed back to his face. He gripped the replica Scythe and lifted it above his head. Dingbat had only a moment to register fear before the Scythe went through his chest, destroying the body cam as well.

Dingbat spluttered for a few seconds, before his life was snuffed out.

Sir Lionheart gasped. He had killed.

—

Chuckles and Giggles had barely sorted out the problem with the Mobsters when six Haunted Maze Troupers appeared. Giggles was exhausted and feeling sick after absorbing so much Emerald Power, and Chuckles wasn't much better off. It had been an exhausting night.

“Maybe if we just stay still they'll leave us alone.” Chuckles panted.

“Not likely.” Giggles groaned as the Troupers surrounded them.

“They won't do anything without my command. Not anymore.”

Giggles froze as Chuckles turned around. Demon walked towards them, wearing his dragon mask.

“So you're working with the Haunted Maze Troupe now.” Giggles staggered to her feet. “Explains how they got into the sports centre.”

“Well, I couldn't let THAT run without a hitch. Unfortunately the people of Pleasantville are getting ideas, I couldn't let you further poison my well.” Demon grinned. “And it worked.”

“You sent Daryl to try and work with them a few months ago when the p…the government was here.” Giggles swallowed back an immature giggle.

“Yes, well, the boy was useless in that regard.” Demon looked momentarily annoyed. “Thankfully I had another trick up my sleeve.”

“I'm sure you're going to elaborate.” Giggles tried to goad him on, trying to buy some time for them to collect themselves.

“Of course I am.” Demon gloated. “I'm sure you remember the man who murdered one of your beloved Masters.”

Giggles froze.

“The Haunted Maze Troupe had been inactive for a long time, but Johannes was trying to get the band back together so to speak. Poor bastard, he was so coked out of his mind he had no way to get his birthright back on track.” Demon chuckled. “Thankfully, after he blew himself up, I had all of his stuff. Once I put the pieces together, it was easy to assume control of the Troupe.”

Giggles felt sick, but this time it wasn't the Emerald Power.

Chuckles felt angry, and was starting to see red.

“Awww, Chuckles, what's the matter? Are you upset with me?” Demon smirked.

“You're disgusting. You use people and discard them like garbage when you're done. Even your own children.” Chuckles snapped.

“I GAVE MY CHILDREN EVERYTHING AND THEY TURNED ON ME.” Demon roared. “My useless son and the unwanted bastard.”

Chuckles smirked to himself. Demon was sensitive too it seemed.

“At least they're both still alive and I never let my family get killed.” Demon returned fire.

Chuckles seethed and rushed forward with the Lions Claw Blade. He lifted the Blade and was about to finish Demon forever when a bullet grazed his hand.

The Lions Claw Blade clanged to the ground. Chuckles stepped back, unsteady on his feet. That allowed Giggles to soar past and give Demon a good punch in the face.

“I'm sorry I shot you buddy, but I couldn't let you. You couldn't hear me.” Giggles checked her friends hand. There was a bit of blood, but nothing serious.

“I want to kill him.” Chuckles growled. “I want to kill him and just STOP everything!”

“You know that won't work.” Giggles reminded him. “That being said, I do recommend pettiness.”

Demon had gotten back to his feet and was now glaring at Giggles.

“Like so.” Giggles approached Demon and slammed her foot down on his, grinding it and causing Demon to yelp in pain. “It's not much but it definitely helps.”

“Really.” Chuckles snapped. He walked over and slammed his foot into Demons other foot. “Hey, you're right!” He had to admit as Demon howled again.

“What are we going to do about them?” Giggles asked, reminding Chuckles that they were surrounded.

“Honestly, I'm exhausted. I don't think there's much more happening tonight, so I suggest going home for a shower and a sleep.” Chuckles replied, suddenly feeling the tiredness very acutely.

“Agreed. I think everything has calmed down.” Giggles sighed. “We'll see you next time you commit a crime!”

“WAIT! GET THEM!” Demon roared as Giggles carried Chuckles up into the sky. The two heroes dodged the storm of knives that was aimed at them before heading straight back to the tip to regroup with the rest of the team.

“ARGH!!!!!!!!”

With the customary drenching in Lake Pleasant along the way.