Chapter Twenty-one: Johannas and Demon

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Once the water was down, the funeral was held. Joe spent most of it shaking. A brother and a daughter. Both gone within a year.

Peter was feeling empty. Impotent. Jessie had always been his responsibility, and now she was dead.

Bill had lost his little sidekick. The pair had been inseparable as children, and he'd never fully forgiven her for abandoning the Code. Now he was prepared to forgive anything.

Belle didn't know how to feel. She knew this was her aunt whom her family had loved, but she had never known her. She knew she had to get Johannas though. She had to stop him from hurting anyone else.

The Code, no, her Code, demanded it.

–

“IT'S THE MOB!”

“RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!”

Oh come on. Like you DIDN'T expect the Death Valley Mob to start looting the moment the water went down.

“You know, I do like floods. Makes it so much easier to escape gaol for one thing.” Master Revolver walked along the street with a sack of stolen goods. Even though most of the city had been completely submerged, there was still a fair bit of stuff that hadn't been hurt.

“And you do get such nice things for a very reasonable price.” Mobster Marion inspected her new diamond ring, courtesy of her boyfriend.

The pair strutted happily along the road, enjoying the screams of terror and the looting being done by their underlings around them.

“I'm SO glad my family built on the east side. My mansion is fine, I get new things, the city is ours for the taking...oh isn't life wonderful?!” Mobster Marion went into a rapture, making Master Revolver laugh.

“As long as my girl is happy, then so am I.” He took her hands and swung her around into his arms.

“You lying hound.” Mobster Marion batted her eye lashes at him. “Only stealing and hurting others makes you happy.”

“Oh you know me too well.”

“You two are disgusting.”

“Oh poo. What do YOU want Demon?” Mobster Marion glared at the villainous swine.

“Me? I just want to be thanked for my efforts. It was my hard work that triggered this flood in the first place.” Demon smirked.

“Yes, we heard about the poison plan.” Master Revolver narrowed his eyes. “What WAS in that bottle?”

“Blue food colouring.” Demon laughed.

“And you MEANT to cause a widespread flood?” Mobster Marion raised an eyebrow. Demon hesitated. “I thought so. You just got lucky.” Mobster Marion laughed.

“The fact is that without me, you two wouldn't be enjoying yourselves nearly half as much!” Demon fired.

“Because I've never escaped from gaol without your help before.” Master Revolver rolled his eyes.

“Whatever. I see you're not going to show any gratitude.” Demon turned away, angry.

“Bye bye Demon!” Mobster Marion waved as Demon stalked off. Both she and Master Revolver roared with laughter at themselves.

Demon headed down a nearby alleyway, furious. How DARE they mock him?! Hadn't he proven a match for Chuckles and Giggles, not to mention the Knights of the Last Order? Hadn't he destroyed Sapphire?

He was stewing furiously until he came across a sad, pathetic individual slouched against the wall, sobbing loudly.

“What's wrong with YOU?” Demon looked down his nose at the man.

“I killed my girlfriend. I killed my baby.” The man sobbed.

“Oh. That IS a shame.” Demon sat down next the forlorn creature.

“I lost all my dope too.” The man sniffled.

Demon smirked inwardly. This guy could be a good lackey if given the drugs he wanted.

“You haven't had the best time have you?” Demon put an arm around the man. “What's your name?”

“Johannas.” Was the sullen reply.

“Well Johannas, how would you like to come with me? We can get you something to eat, a nice hot shower, and all the drugs you can ask for.” Demon grinned.

“You mean it?” Johanna asked, perking up.

“Of course.” Demon helped the man to his feet. “As long as you promise to help me, you can have whatever you like.”

“Oh THANK YOU!” Johannas hugged him tightly. Demon patted his back gently.

“Now lets get out of this cold alleyway hey?” Demon helped Johannas to walk.

Meanwhile, the Death Valley Mobsters were having their party crashed.

“Hi hi Marion! Hi hi Revolver! You guys been shopping?” Giggles flew around the heads of the two Mobsters.

“None of your business you runt!” Master Revolver tried to swat her away.

“Be nice to my best friend!”

Master Revolver suddenly found himself on the wrong end of the Lions Claw Blade – and Chuckles!

“Watch where you're pointing that thing amateur!” Mobster Marion growled, pulling out her own blade.

Meanwhile, two of their unfortunate lackeys had come face-to-face with Sir Dark and Lady Courage. Sir Hyper was happily taunting a third who had dropped a rather expensive television set, and the rest were being sorted out by the other Knights.

“Do you ALWAYS have to bring your little posse with you?!” Master Revolver glared at the Knights.

“Only when you do.” Replied Giggles.

Demon quickly poked his head out of the alley way and saw the confrontation. Johannas suddenly yelped.

“It's her! She's the one who made me kill my girlfriend!” Johannas cried. Demon raised an eyebrow. Who was this guy kidding? Giggles seemed like the type who would never condone murder.

“I want to kill her too. I want her to pay for what she did.” Johannas growled. Demon grinned.

“Well then, why don't you go and get her?” Demon suggested casually. “Climb up this stairwell here to get to the roof, and get her from there!”

Johannas grinned and started climbing. He got to the top and leapt at Giggles.

“Oh – NO!” Giggles soared upward trying to shake her attacker off. She threw him back on the roof and landed near him, when she noticed who it was.

Johannas. The man who had murdered her aunt and unborn cousin.

“Get her Johannas!” Demon called from below. Giggles grimaced.

“I thought Demon was all about righting the wrongs of society through force, but now I see he's only after power. Why else would he associate with a murderer?” She glared at Johannas, ready to take him down.

Johannas flew at Giggles in a rage. Giggles went for the Lucky Seven Gun.

A Masters will never willingly take the life of another.

She froze. Johannas began raining down blows on her. She couldn't fight back, her mind had locked up and her body wouldn't move.

“You're a pathetic piece of rubbish and I'm going to make you pay for everything you've done!” Johannas roared. Giggles felt like she was being ripped apart. He threw her to the ground and sneered at her.

Unfortunately for him, he didn't get the chance to finish her. As he was going to stomp her, he too found himself at the wrong end of the Lions Claw Blade.

“Leave my best friend alone.” Chuckles said evenly, but Giggles could hear him seething. Johannas realised he was no match for the swords man, and quickly made his way back to Demons side.

Giggles got up slowly. She noticed that Mobster Marion and Master Revolver had made a getaway.

“They're long gone. But they'll be back.” Chuckles answered her mute question. “And so will he.”

Giggles folded her arms across her legs and sighed. “I'm sorry.” She whispered.

Chuckles knelt down next to her.

“You have nothing to be sorry for buddy. I probably would be the same way with Demon.” He said, gripping her hand. He thought of his grand-father. “You can't beat yourself up. It's too soon after the trauma for you to be able to face him.”

“I wanted to kill him. But I kept thinking of the Code. What's wrong with me?!” Giggles balled up her hands into fists.

“Wasn't the Masters Code originally created to help curb the violent tendencies of the Masters clan?” Chuckles asked. “You're just feeling the echos of some leftover genetics.”

“Leftover genetics.” Giggles sighed. “Brilliant.”

She couldn't escape the feelings no matter how hard she tried.

“Come on, let's head back. You can fly me some of the way.” Chuckles helped her up. He hugged her tightly.

“I won't let you break the Code. I promise you. Just like you wouldn't let me.”

“I know.”

They held each other for a long time, both thinking of the ones they'd lost.

Life wasn't fair.

Chapter Twenty: Happenings In The Hotel

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 It took about a week for the Council to start work on cleaning up the city. The dam was quickly rebuilt, and the water took another week to drain off. Before then people had started to move out to the eastern suburbs which had escaped virtually unscathed.

However, things were happening in the hotel.

Daniel was quiet. Too quiet. He had barely spoken after getting fished out of the water by Sir Hyper, and usually only offered shrugs or grunts in answer to any questions from the other Knights.

“Something's wrong with our fearless leader.” Sunny dragged the Knights into a spare room a few days after the water started receeding.

“I know. But he won't tell us what's wrong.” Petunia sighed sadly.

“He gets like this sometimes guys, you know he'll snap out of it.” TJ tried to cheer them up.

“Yeah, but it's usually only for a couple of hours. He's been like this for over a week now.” Petunia argued.

“I wonder if he's upset about nearly drowning.” Sammy piped up. Tammy nodded.

“Maybe. But he's had plenty of near-death experiences before.” Sunny pointed out.

The five of them looked at each other. Daniel was their leader, their hero, and if there was something wrong with him then it affected the whole Order.

Speaking of the devil, Daniel walked in soon after that.

“Hey guys. Team meeting without me?” He joked, but the joke was hollow.

“About you, actually.” TJ looked at his best friend.

Sunny closed the door and locked it.

“You're going to have to talk to us Dan, something's up and we want to help you.” Petunia said gently.

“I'm fine.” Daniel shifted uncomfortably. “Unlock the door Sunny.”

“Not until you talk to us Sir Lionheart.” Sunny replied, taking her Lady Courage tone.

“There's nothing to talk about.”

“There IS, that's why Sir Dark called us in.” Petunia took her Lady Luck tone. “You've been quiet and moody since the flood!”

“Everyone's been on edge!” Daniel snapped back.

“We've still been talking to each other and helping each other.” Sammy stood up as Sir Hyper. Tammy took her Lady Silent stance beside him.

“You're committing mutiny?!” Daniel looked around horrified. Sir Dark frowned at him.

“NO mate, we want to help you. We need you to be okay. You're our leader and our friend.” He begged of Daniel. “We need you to be Sir Lionheart, we need to follow you!”

“After I nearly got three of you killed?!” Daniel cried. He immediately went silent.

“We're nearly getting ourselves killed all the time. What happened wasn't your fault.” Sir Dark clapped his shoulder.

“I shouldn't have dragged you guys into it.” Daniel flopped down on a couch, tears beginning to form. “I should never have let you guys become Knights.”

“Oh BUNKUM!” Lady Courage roared angrily. Everyone jumped. “If it wasn't for us you wouldn't even BE Sir Lionheart.”

“You wouldn't be able to be Sir Lionheart if you didn't let us be Knights – no matter what you do we'll follow you anywhere!” Sir Hyper piped up.

“If you're Sir Lionheart, then we're the Knights of the Last Order. We won't let you do it alone!” Lady Courage added.

“You took on the bulk of the danger yourself, like you always do. You didn't do anything wrong, it was just bad luck.” Lady Luck tried.

“You couldn't have saved those people alone. And you couldn't have just left them.” Sir Dark added.

Lady Silent took Daniels hand and squeezed it tightly. She looked up at him with such devotion and loyalty that he couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

“I'm sorry guys.” Sir Lionheart admitted.

“It's okay mate. We all have our moments.” Sir Dark breathed a sigh of relief.

“YAY! Sir Lionheart is okay again!” Sir Hyper jumped up in his usual hyperactive way. Sir Lionheart grinned.

He hadn't realised how much these kids looked up to him.How much they wanted to be like him and copy him. How much they all needed him to be their leader and hero. It was scary really. But not surprising, given that most of them he'd looked after ever since they were little.

–

Things weren't going as well for Chuckles and Giggles however.

“Why did you save him again?” Betty deadpanned as Johannas screamed down the walls. They had forced him into one of the spare rooms and locked him in so he couldn't hurt anyone. His violent episodes were becoming more and more dangerous.

“Because...job description?” Belle tried. “He's technically my uncle and the father of my cousin-to-be?”

“Well, I hope you're happy.” Betty replied shortly. She stalked off, scowling at Jessie who was sitting near the door.

“Thanks Belle. I thought we were done for.” Jessie looked up at her niece, who looked sadly at the door Betty had just stormed through.

“It's no problem. The Code demanded it.” Belle shrugged.

“The stupid Code.” Jessie chuckled. She took another mouthful of hot soup. “I never understood why the family had to have a Code to tell them how to behave like human beings.”

“It's more than that.” Belle argued.

“Really?” Jessie looked at her sceptically.

“You'll never get it.” Belle shook her head and walked out. She headed outside, where Charlie was sitting.

“How's your aunt?” He asked sympathetically.

“Eh.” Was the sullen reply.

Charlie smiled sadly, and put an arm around his best friend. They sat there cuddled up with their heads together, watching the water slowly drain away.

“She seems okay. She's very dead-set against the Code though.” Belle said finally.

“Being against the Code doesn't necessarily make you a bad person.” Charlie reminded her. “Think of your great-Aunt Matilda.”

“Yeah, I know. But Johannas is different. He's so...” Belle didn't want to say “evil”, but that's how she felt.

“I know.” Charlie replied softly.

They continued to look out over the drowned city.

“Do you know where Dad is?” Belle asked. “I haven't seen much of him.”

“He's been busy with the Council. They're thinking of making him Mayor after this.” Charlie grinned.

“It won't happen, he's not corrupt enough.” Belle laughed.

A loud bang was heard from inside, along with screaming.

“Wait, that's not just Johannas...JESSIE!” Belle cried. She and Charlie bolted inside, quickly joined by Peter, Bill, Joe and Thomas.

“He locked it!” Peter groaned as they approached the room where Johannas and Jessie were.

“JO PLEASE!” They heard Jessie scream in terror.

“SHUT UP!” They heard the roar back.

“I'll go and get help.” Thomas said, running down the corridor. Peter and Bill started trying to break the door down, hoping they weren't too late to save their baby sister.

“What the hell did she let him out for?!” Bill slammed as hard as he could against the door. More bloodcurdling screams were heard from inside, along with a sick gurgling noise.

“JESSIE!” Peter screamed, slamming himself against the door in rhythm with his brother.

Belle had to do something. She ran to where her pack was and grabbed the Desert Eagle her grand-father had once weilded. She ran back to where her father and uncle were still trying to get into the cursed room.

“Stand back!” Belle cried, aiming the gun at the lock. She fired, hitting the lock dead on, and Peter kicked the door in.

A bloodied Johannas flew out at him, grabbing him around the throat. Belle acted blindly, kicking Johannas aside, punching his face and pointing the gun directly into his eyes for a split second before recovering herself.

A Masters never willingly takes the life of another.

Johannas grinned.

“Bless the Code.” He sneered before pushing her away and running.

“JESSIE!” Belle heard her grand-father scream in terror. She ran into the room.

Her aunt lay in her fathers arms. Joe was trying to keep her calm, but she kept reaching up to touch his face. Tears dripped from his cheeks to her bloodied chest as she tried to wipe them away, leaving bloody marks on his face.

“I'm...sorry...Papa...” She gurgled through her slit throat before she died.

Joe lowered his head. He gently reached out to her eyes and closed them.

“I'm sorry Dad.” Peter wept, dropping to his knees beside his father. Joe grabbed him and held him tightly. Bill was frozen in place, shaking his head.

“This is...it can't...Oh Jess.” Bill too fell to his knees and into the embrace of his father.

Belle was angry. She turned to Charlie, but then found she couldn't say anything.

“Go to them.” He whispered.

Belle turned and fled, latching on to her father.

Thomas ran in with a small group of medics. He stopped when he saw the scene.

“I'm too late.” His breath caught in his throat. Jessie had been his little sister too. He turned to his son, who held him.

Belle looked up at her best friend. She couldn't cry.

But she was going to make sure that Johannas was brought to justice.

Chapter Nineteen: DAMN!

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“DAD! DAD! THE DAM IS BREAKING!” Belle cried, running into the house.

“What?!” Peter poked his head out of the bathroom.

“Demon tried to poison the water but instead he's triggered a flood! Get everything together and we need to get out of here! THOMAS! BETTY! FLOOD!” Belle ran over next door.

“Oh no! Quick, get the essentials and let's get to the hotel. The guys there will let me in and we can stay there until the dam gets fixed.” Bill grabbed a bag and started emptying all the cupboards.

“I'll get our stuff organised.” Joe grabbed the bag. “Bill, get to the hotel and let them know what's going on. They're going to be full!”

“Beauty!” Peter called. Belle appeared. “Get your Giggles get up back on and start telling people what's going on.”

“Yes Dad!” Belle put her helmet back on and flew off. Peter meanwhile shot upstairs to grab anything they could use as Joe fought to get Meow into her cat carrier (not even the threat of an imminent drenching would convince her to get into that detested thing!).

Meanwhile, the Knights were having no luck convincing people to leave their homes and head for higher ground. Most of the people in the outer east suburbs would be okay, but anyone living on the west side would be in huge trouble.

“Why doesn't anyone want to listen to us?!” Sir Dark groaned as he got another filthy look from a passerby he was trying to warn.

“I've had a little bit of luck, but not much. Everyone seems content to just bury their heads in the sand!” Lady Luck replied as the rain continued to fall.

“Explains a lot about this city.” Sir Dark looked to the sky.

“We have to keep trying.” Lady Luck pulled him along.

“Sir, please, you have to get out of here, the dam is about to burst!” Sir Lionheart was trying to talk an old man into leaving his home.

“But this has been my home for sixty years son! I can't just abandon it!” The old man cried.

“You'll die if you don't!” Sir Lionheart groaned.

“Says you!”

Giggles flew overhead, shouting as loud as she could.

“THE DAM IS ABOUT TO BURST! PLEASE LEAVE YOUR HOMES AND FIND HIGHER GROUND! THE DAM IS ABOUT TO BURST!”

Sir Hyper and Lady Silent had tried to talk the police into helping, but had nearly gotten arrested for their trouble. They looked up at the sky and saw Giggles trying to raise the alarm.

“Don't bother Giggles. The police are against us. They think we're trying to cause trouble.” Sir Hyper said dejectedly.

“How stupid are these people?!” Giggles facepalmed.

Chuckles ran over with Sir Dark and Lady Luck.

“I've gotten a few people to move, but I doubt many will go until the water starts flowing.” He said. “Your Dad is having a lot more luck though Giggles.”

“Well, he IS a public figure.” Giggles pointed out. “People will listen to him.”

“We're public figures too!” Sir Hyper pouted.

“Yeah, but we're vigilantes. Technically what we're doing is illegal.” Sir Dark patted his back.

Giggles flew up to the top of one of the tallest buildings in the city. She could see everything, including the hotel room where Bill and Joe arguing while Betty was trying to keep Izzy and Lizzy calm and Meow was grooming Woof.

She could also see the dam in the distance...or what was left of it.

“RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! THE DAM HAS BURST!” Someone ran screaming through the city.

Cue mass panic.

“Well, that's just a blow to my ego.” Sir Lionheart deadpanned.

“Come on, we need to find the others!” Lady Courage grabbed his arm and they ran towards the city.

Thousands of people were running into the four tall buildings of Pleasantvilles CBD. The Knights of the Last Order were rushing around like mad to try and catch the stragglers and anyone else who was having trouble.

–

“We gotta get outta here Jo!” Jessie jumped out of the Crummydore, which was refusing to start. Water was starting to rise around them.

“I've got stuff in the back, we can't leave without it!” Johannas roared back angrily.

“Mate, we gotta go before we all drown!” One of his friends begged him.

“WE'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITHOUT THE CAR!” Johannas fumed. “C'mon you useless hunk of junk MOVE!”

“Jo please!” Jessie begged.

Overhead, Giggles was flying around looking for any other stragglers. Sure enough, she noticed her aunt and her friends who were in big trouble.

“Here! Grab on to me before the water gets too high!” Giggles commanded.

“The Backpack?” Jessie looked at Giggles quizzically, but wisely said no more. Struggling, Giggles managed to get Jessie and her two friends out of harms way.

Johannas on the other hand...

“I'm not leaving my stuff here!” He swatted Giggles away.

“You'll drown if you don't!” Giggles tried to pull him out of the car. He swung wildly at her.

“GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!” He roared.

“Oh for the love of...” Giggles groaned as he stumbled back into the car. Pulling out the Lucky Seven Gun, she shot at his foot, barely grazing him.

“You shot me! YOU SHOT ME AND NOW I'M GOING TO DIE!” Johannas screamed, frozen with terror as Giggles lifted him up and flew away, just as a large wave came and pushed the car away.

“You complete and utter pansy.” Giggles shook her head.

–

A small group of people had gotten trapped on the roof of a small building near the hotel, and the water was still rising. Sir Lionheart and Sir Dark were trying to think of a plan to save them.

“Someone could swim out with a ladder or something for them to climb on.” Sir Lionheart suggested.

Sir Hyper was hiding back towards the wall where the water couldn't get him. He squeaked at Sir Lionhearts suggestion.

“Are you insane?! You'll drown!” He cried.

“I'll tie a rope on whomever goes.” Sir Dark assured him.

Lady Silent gave her brother a hug, and went to fetch a ladder. Sir Dark tied a rope firmly around Sir Lionhearts waist, and then tied the other end to himself. Lady Silent then handed one end of the ladder to Sir Lionheart, who eased himself into the uneasy waters.

Sir Hyper couldn't watch. He covered his eyes as Sir Lionheart swam out, holding on to the ladder for dear life.

“It's Sir Lionheart! We're saved!” Someone cried as the Knight made his way with the ladder, which barely made the distance between the two buildings. Lady Silent had her arms stretched out.

“Okay guys, you need to climb the ladder to where Sir Dark and Lady Silent are. They'll get you upstairs where you can have something to eat and dry off.” Sir Lionheart explained, thankful that at least the Beglys and Masters had been sensible enough to bring plenty of food.

“Are you sure it's safe?” Someone else asked.

“It's your only chance, the water is rising too high and this building will be underwater soon!” Sir Lionheart replied.

Slowly, the small crowd of about twenty started to make their way up the ladder. The water was starting to lap at Sir Lionhearts feet.

“Come on, it's okay, we've got you.” Sir Dark tried to be reassuring as he helped the poor people off the ladder.

Finally, the last person was safe, just as the water was up to Sir Lionhearts waist.

Quickly Sir Dark began to pull him back in, with Lady Silent helping with the ladder. Without warning, the ladder lurched in the water, sending both Sir Dark and Lady Silent into the murky depths!

“NO!” Sir Hyper cried as he watched his twin sister disappear before his eyes.

Blind adrenaline took over. He ran after her and dived into the water. Grabbing blindly, he took firm hold of his sister and struggled to the edge of the window.

Lady Silent still had a hold of the ladder, which Sir Dark also gripped tightly. Rain pounded down on the four Knights, who were pretty much doomed.

“Hey you guys are there any more...OH SNAP!” Lady Courage walked into the room, seeing Sir Hyper holding onto the ledge for dear life. She quickly hauled the twins in, followed by Sir Dark. Then the four pulled in Sir Lionheart, who was blue in the face and barely conscious.

“Well done Sir Hyper!” Sir Dark thumped the young boy on the back. “I knew you could conquer your fear if you tried!”

“What an act! Maybe you should hold the Courage mantle!” Lady Courage hugged the boy.

Sir Hyper, for probably the first and only time in his life, was speechless. Then he started crying loudly.

“Poor kid.” Sir Dark ruffled his hair as Lady Silent hugged him tightly.

–

“Stop...STRUGGLING!” Giggles tried to keep Johannas under control. Her uncle was seriously trying her patience!

“You brat! Let me go!” Johannas tried to get away.

“Why did I save you again?” Giggles wondered out aloud. The hotel was in sight, and there was no way she was going back out after this.

The rain had stopped, and the sun was finally peeking out from behind the clouds. The water had stopped rushing thankfully, and most of the citizens of Pleasantville had survived. The whole city was underwater, and it would take weeks to clean it up.

“Look, we're almost there, will you please cooperate?!” Giggles was losing her patience.

Johannas growled and swore quite loudly and obscenely at her. She looked down and saw a small speedboat weaving between the few exposed rooftops.

“GIGGLES! DROP HIM DOWN HERE!” Called a familiar voice. Giggles grinned beneath her helmet. Trust her Dad to go out looking for her!

“No problems!” Giggles swooped down and dropped Johannas next to his two brothers-in-law. She wasn't staying around for the fireworks though!

She soared through the air, enjoying the peace and the thrill of flying. She could feel the weight of her body being held up by the Backpack, defying gravity, as if two strong hands were lifting her up and flying her around.

It felt great. She made her way back to the hotel, when the Backpack gave out again.

“Oh no, hold on! I'm almost there!” She cried as gravity took its toll. She was certain she was going to meet a watery doom, when she felt someone grab her wrist.

“Showing off really isn't getting you anywhere is it?” She heard a familiar smug voice above her.

“Thanks Chuckles.” Giggles looked up at her best friend. He hoisted her up and took off his mask while she took off her helmet.

“Dad really should have embezzled that money when he had the chance. Look at this mess.” Belle sighed, looking out over the ruined city.

“Maybe it's better this way. The Council might actually learn something.” Charlie pointed out.

“I hope so.” Belle said. “I don't see how this can get any worse.”

Famous last words Belle. Famous last words.

Chapter Eighteen: Dam

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Several weeks passed, bringing summer and the end of the year upon Pleasantville. Belle had easily passed all of her subjects, and was ready for her final year of high school.

“I do love summer. If it's not hot days off to the beach or at the creek, it's the rainy days watching the lightening and listening to the thunder.” She sat in the tree one day watching the rain hit the creek.

“Budge over, I'm getting wet.” Charlie shoved her gently, trying to get under the thick cover of the leaves and the tarp that had been erected many years ago. “So, any idea what you're going to do after school?”

“I want to get a start at the new University that opened up last year and study law. They're going to let me in next year even though I'll only be in year twelve.” Belle replied smugly.

“You're kidding me!” Charlie grinned. “Good for you Belle!”

Belle grinned back. Charlie couldn't help but be proud of his best friend, even though she was blessed with genius she was still hard-working. She had earned this opportunity, and he knew she'd make the most of it.

“What about you Charlie?” Belle asked.

“I'm finishing year twelve and then heading into the family business. Dad wants me to do an apprenticeship as a metal worker.” Charlie replied. “I can't wait to learn all of the little family secrets and expand the family empire.”

“Expand?” Belle asked.

“Dad's been mainly concerned with building supplies and the like. I want to start servicing the rural towns around the area, I know a lot of farmers head this way to stock up on things and I'd like to be leading the way in this particular market.” Charlie began talking very seriously, which made Belle giggle a little.

“You're certainly starting to sound grown-up Charlie! Maybe you should do some marketing at the university with me?” She suddenly had an idea.

“Yeah! We can go to uni together!” Charlie jumped up, knocking down the tarp and drenching the pair of them.

“You complete and utter idiot.” Belle deadpanned.

–

Demons latest trick had been trying to poison the city water supply (and on a Saturday too!). That particular plan had ended when he and four of his goons had nearly drowned in Lake Pleasant, requiring Giggles to rescue them.

“That was pretty stupid don't you think?” Giggles asked as she flew Demon back to dry land.

“Shut up. My dignity is already in tatters, there's no need to rub it in.” Demon glowered.

“Given you're a murdering narcissist, maybe you need taking down a few pegs.” Giggles tossed him unkindly onto the bank.

“You're very blunt. But I'm afraid my plan hasn't been entirely unsuccessful.” Demon picked himself up out of the mud. “The glass jar in which the poison resides is still out there somewhere on the banks of Pleasant Creek.”

“You WHAT?!” Giggles was furious.

“Happy searching cherub!” Demon bowed before letting off another one of his smoke bombs.

“DARN you Demon!” Giggles flew above the big smoke cloud, hoping to see where Demon had escaped to. Unfortunately, she couldn't find him.

She flew back to where Sir Hyper, Lady Courage and Chuckles were watching the action.

“The vial of poison is still out there near the creek. All it takes is some wild animal to get a hold of it and there could be serious trouble.” Giggles told them.

“I'll get Lady Silent on to it. She can find anything in Pleasantville!” Sir Hyper grabbed out his phone.

“You start looking by air, Lady Courage and I will check out the ground level.” Chuckles told Giggles.

“Right.” Giggles nodded. “Someone better get the others too.”

“I'll take care of it.” Lady Courage pushed the face of her watch in.

“First one to find it gets a chocolate bar off the others!” Chuckles ran off.

“No way!” Giggles flew after him.

The group of heroes combed the banks for a few hours, trying to find the poison. As much as Sir Hyper begged, the local police force were no help (usually the case on a Saturday).

“Where could it be?!” Sir Lionheart surfaced after swimming around trying to find the vial.

“It could be anywhere. Hopefully still sealed.” Lady Luck was wading on the other bank. “Of course, the current is so fast.”

“That's how Demon got swept away.” Sir Lionheart prepared to dive in again.

“Get in the water Sammy.” Sir Dark frowned at Sir Hyper, who was refusing to get into the water.

“No.”

“Mate-,”

“NO.”

“We need your help!”

“NO!”

“Sam-,”

“NO NO NO!”

Giggles meanwhile was continuing her flight up the creek, stopping every so often for a brief recharge so she didn't go flying into the creek a la Demon. She wondered to herself what on earth possessed him to try and poison the city water supply – surely he couldn't be that embittered by whatever had happened between him and the Pleasantville City Council that the deaths of many of its citizens was worth it?

The rain that had let off for most of the day suddenly came back with a vengeance. Giggles cursed under her breath – their task had just gotten harder.

Her watch beeped. She took a quick look at it.

“Meeting up at the dam.” Was the message from Sir Dark.

Shrugging, Giggles gave up and soared towards the dam. She managed to get there just as the others arrived.

The dam was in a dire state. It wouldn't take much longer for it to fall apart. Then Giggles saw it.

“Oh NO! The vial of poison! It's been stuck into one of the cracks in the dam!” Giggles dived down to where the blue bottle was sticking out.

“Drat! There's no way we can get that out without bringing the dam down!” Chuckles groaned.

“There has to be SOME way of doing it!” Sir Hyper looked at the bottle, which was just above his head.

Lady Silent shoved past him holding a toolbox. She tugged at Lady Luck and Lady Courage, motioning them to help. She set down the toolbox and pulled out a pair of pliers. She motioned for Lady Luck to stand on one side and Lady Courage on the other, both of them holding the fragile rocks either side of the vial.

Carefully as the rain beat down on them, Lady Silent worked on getting that vial loose. It took about ten minutes, but finally she managed to pry it free.

“Well done Lady Silent!” Sir Dark cheered as the others celebrated. Giggles turned cartwheels in the air while Chuckles punched the air.

Lady Silent smiled proudly as she put the vial away into her bag.

“I bet that was Demons plan, to try and make us trigger a flood!” Sir Hyper growled.

“But we won and he lost!” Lady Courage thumped his back, making him cough.

“We'd better get away from here before something goes wrong.” Giggles said. She swooped down and landed next to Chuckles.

“I think we earned a hot chocolate.” Chuckles said, wiping the rain out of his eyes.

“And a hot shower.” Sir Dark shivered.

“I reckon we should have a movie night. It's the weather for it!” Sir Lionheart proposed.

This suggestion was met with cheers, and the group headed off.

Then they heard the creaking.

“What was that?” Sir Dark asked.

One of the rocks near where the vial had sat had popped out, spewing water out.

“Oh no...RUN FOR IT!” Sir Lionheart cried as more rocks began to pop out.

The group bolted back towards the city, hoping that they would make it in time.

Pleasant Creek and Lake Pleasant were about to return to their former glory.

Chapter Seventeen: Our Sister Jessie

http://gincdmon.tumblr.com/

Once again we find our heroes at Pleasantville Dam, happily fishing.

“This dam has stood the test of time for two hundred years. My fore-father built it with his best friend, Louis.” Joe looked proudly at the feature. “However I don't think it will last too much longer.”

“Do they have a plan to fix it?” Sunny asked, rubbing some more suncream onto her arms.

Joe scoffed. Peter shook his head.

“Of course not. I've only been petitioning for it for the past three years.” He scowled as Belle hauled in another large fish.

“You know that they're corrupt in the Council Daddy, why don't you just take the money from the coffers and do it yourself?” She asked innocently.

“What, and be as bad as those I'm trying to prosecute? No thank you!” Peter admonished her.

“It was just a suggestion. Considering how much damage would be done if the dam DID burst, I think it's a good one.” Belle replied haughtily.

“You're having another good idea before me?!” Charlie yelped. “What on earth is going on?!”

It took Thomas, Daniel, TJ, Peter, Joe and Sunny to stop Belle from strangling her best friend with the fishing line.

–

Belle was still stewing later that afternoon. Charlie didn't help the situation any and insisted on needling her when he could. The others had gone home for the evening, and the pair were in their tree waiting for Bill and Betty to finish making dinner.

“Next you'll be able to use the-,” Charlie taunted, but silenced when he saw the look on Belles face. “You're hilarious when you're mad, you know that right?”

“You're a pain Charlie. Why do I hang out with you again?” Belle frowned at him.

“Because I know too much.” Charlie teased, pinching her cheek affectionately.

“Like Mr. Wuzzy-Fuzzles?” Belle smirked.

Charlie shut up after that.

Belle enjoyed her little victory. She looked out towards the road, noticing a beat-up old Crummydore mounting the curb.

“Visitors?” She said quizzically.

Inside, Peter had also noticed the Crummydore. He'd just finished giving Bill a piece of his mind when he noticed who was driving it.

“Get Beauty inside. NOW.” He commanded his brother.

“You do it yourself!” Bill snapped.

“Bill, NOW.” Peter gave him a Look. Bill stepped back.

“Okay, whatever. BELLE! GET INSIDE NOW!” Bill yelled as he headed up the stairs.

“What's up?” Joe asked.

“Jessie and Johannas.” Peter replied.

Joe froze.

“BELLE! NOW! NO ARGUMENTS!” Bill roared as he entered her room.

“But-,”

“NOW!” Bill reached through the window and grabbed her. Charlie followed her inside.

“Close the windows and stay put!” Bill warned. He'd just noticed the car too – and he knew what it meant.

“Uncle Bill-,”

“Belle, trust me on this. Do as you're told.” Bill growled. That instantly silenced Belle, who was now a little scared.

Unlike her older brothers, Jessie looked like her mother, only with her fathers dark hair instead of the blond hair the boys shared with their mother. She was tall and thin with dark circles under her blue eyes.

Her boyfriend Johannas was just as thin, with a shaved head, numerous tattoos, brown eyes and a leering smile. He stank of alcohol and he hid his red eyes behind a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Jessie had left the Masters family before Belle was born. She couldn't stand the Masters Code nor the Improbability Clause, and thought both were old and antiquated (and in the case of the Improbability Clause, completely fictional). The fight that she'd had with Joe the night before she left was much, much worse than the petty squabbles between Joe and his sons, and it had left Joe in tears. That night Peter and Bill turned on their sister and refused to acknowledge her as their relation. It had killed Peter inside to do it, as he had been raised to believe his number one priority was to protect his siblings at all costs.

Seeing her now, he realised that she had never changed. Even as children, she'd been the odd one out. She'd never fully embraced the family Code, or the friendship with the Beglys for that matter. There was nothing anyone could have done.

“What does she want?” Bill growled after he got back downstairs.

“I don't know, but she better not think that Johannas is coming inside.” Peter said firmly. Last time Jessie had come back with Johannas, he'd tried to molest Belle in her sleep. Peter had caught him before he even got close though, and had earned himself his second scar in the process. Belle thankfully had no idea what the ensuing fight had been about, assuming that the argument had just been the stock standard one that was always going on.

The three went outside to meet the unwelcome pair. Belle peeked underneath her curtain, then quickly closed it again. Johannas scared her.

“Are you okay?” Charlie asked.

“Jessie and Johannas.” Belle replied. Charlie hugged her. He had a quick look outside too, and saw the three Masters men standing outside. Thomas was outside too, pretending to weed his petunias.

Jessie got out of the car, and walked towards her family. Johannas leaned back against the car, smirking. Two of his friends were sitting in the car, big, hulking men who oozed trouble.

“Jessie.” Peter frowned.

“Peter. Bill. Dad.” Jessie glared back.

“What are you after?” Peter asked unkindly.

“What, I'm not allowed to come and see my family after so long?” Jessie bit back.

“Considering what happened last time, I think I have the right to be wary.” Peter said, glaring at Johannas, who chuckled.

“Get out of it Peter, he didn't hurt her.” Jessie snapped.

“Only because I stopped him.” Was the cold reply.

The two siblings glared at each other.

“Aren't you going to say anything Dad?” Jessie turned to her father.

“I've said all I ever have to say to you Jess.” Joe said sadly. “You won't listen to me.”

“All you ever talk about is that stupid Code.” Jessie fired.

“It's our family Code! YOUR code!” Bill protested. “You're one of us!”

“Apparently not any more.” Jessie glared at him. “You're right Jo, I don't know why I came back.”

“I told you they wouldn't have a bar of it.” Johannas sneered. “They don't care about you.”

“Unfortunately that happens when you get your heart broken.” Peter snarled.

“You can't even let it go for the sake of your own niece or nephew? Pathetic.” Johannas got up off the car and walked towards Peter. Bill and Joe flinched as he stood right in front of the oldest Masters son.

“You're pregnant Jessie?” Peter asked, looking down his nose at Johannas.

“Yes. I am. I came to you for help and instead I'm being thrown out.” Jessie rounded on him.

“We'll help. Just keep Johannas away from us.” Peter said.

“Johannas is the father. If you help me, you help him.” Jessie bit back.

“Then we have nothing to discuss.” Peter finished the conversation.

“I'm your sister.” Jessie began to tear up.

“And you hurt my brother and my father. Your little boyfriend tried to hurt my daughter. I think I know whose side I'm on.” Peter looked at his baby sister. Pregnant with the fools child. He pitied her a little.

Two tears leaked from Jessies eyes. Johannas fumed.

“You made her cry you bastard!” He roared at Peter.

“She made us cry.” Peter replied.

Johannas swung violently at Peter, who dodged. With one hand to the chest, he sent Johannas flying to the ground.

Thomas roared with laughter. Johannas had landed in a muddy puddle, and his pants were now stained brown. Peters expression hadn't changed.

His two friends suddenly leaped out of the car and headed towards the three Masters. That's when Thomas got up and came over.

“I'll handle these two.” He smirked. Peter groaned.

“They're younger, stronger and faster than you.” He said. “You're going to get thumped.”

“Heh. Improbability time.” Thomas replied.

The two thugs rushed at him. One went to punch Thomas, and ended up getting his fist caught. Thomas threw him aside easily. The other tried to grab him around the throat from behind. Thomas merely leaned back, causing the thug to slip on the wet grass. He went down, Thomas landing heavily on top of him.

“And done.” Thomas got up, proud of himself.

“Come on Jo, let's go.” Jessie pulled Johannas up as his friends rushed back to the car. He swatted her away angrily.

“Get your hands off me bitch!” He shoved her aside and stalked back to the car.

Jessie took one last look at her brothers and father. Peter, the way she'd always remembered him, with his neat short hair and short build. Bill and Joe, both tall and solid with long hair, the only difference between them being the number of scars and Bills blond hair against Joes dark hair. With one last glare, she jumped in the car and the group drove off.

Thomas grinned and got up.

“Did you see that? How good was I Ow!” Thomas bragged as Peter smacked him upside the head.

“My ONE moment of badassery. ONE moment, and you RUINED it!” Peter fumed.

Sometimes it's hard to be a Masters.