Chapter One Hundred and Eight: The Inspector

 “Hey Dan.”

Daniel was standing on Pleasant Dam, looking out over the city, when Belle appeared, wearing the Backpack.

“You flew without your Giggles disguise? Risky business.” Daniel frowned at her as she came to stand next to him.

“I have my helmet with me.” Belle replied, pointing back where she'd hung the helmet off the Backpack. “Dad put a hook on for me. Pretty cool, huh?”

“Did he stop the random cut-outs that leave you in the middle of the lake?” Daniel asked as Belle leaned on the railing.

“Nah, I don't think there's anything he can really do about that.” Belle chuckled. “I don't know if you heard about my grand-parents.”

“Vaguely.” Daniel returned to looking out over the city.

“Did you hear about how they're actually members of the Haunted Maze Troupe?”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, so I'm a criminal just like you!” Belle grinned. Daniel tried to grin along, but he felt sick to his stomach. Belle didn't know just how much of a criminal he was. “You look awful mate. Are you okay? The rest of the Knights are worried about you, especially Sammy. You know how much he looks up to you.”

“I'm just tired. I think I'm getting too old to play Sir Lionheart.” Daniel tried to force some humour into his voice, but it made him sound exhausted.

“We're all tired Dan, and I can understand how you'd feel. Leadership is hard as it is, but then throw the weight of expectation from your family to reignite the Silent Lake Gang and the thought that you're not living up to that. Whew. It'd be a lot for anyone to take.” Belle patted his back. “Feel free to share the burden with the rest of us.”

Daniel nearly told her. He nearly told her that he was the reason they'd had such a huge set-back, he almost told her that he was the one who killed Wallace Dingbat. He wanted to tell her how much he enjoyed it, and how right it felt.

He didn't, but boy, did he want to.

“Thanks.” Was all he said.

Belle smiled, and reached for her helmet. Of course, the helmet was right in the middle of her back, making it rather difficult to get a hand on. After struggling for a few seconds, Daniel walked over and grabbed it for her. She grinned at him, put the helmet on, and flew off the side of the dam, flying away from a glorious sunset.

Then the Backpack cut out and she fell into the creek.

--

Dripping wet, Belle made her way back home, stopping at the letterbox to see if there was any mail.

“Junk...junk...bills...another suspension...junk...bills...oh hey a letter for me! Oh, wait, another groveling attempt from my grand-parents, never mind...” Belle sorted through the mail as she walked inside.

“Hi Belle. Did you fall in the lake again?” Lara asked as Belle put the mail on the kitchen counter.

“Fell into the creek after talking to Dan.” Belle grabbed a towel and began to rub her hair.

“How's Dan going?” Lara asked as she poured tomato paste into a bowl.

“He's hanging in there.” Belle replied.

Awkward silence. Belle held the letter from her grand-parents in her hand. Grand-parents who had only really shown up when Belle could have been of use for the Haunted Maze Troupe. Compared to Lara, who hadn't even really needed to be there for Belle, it was a stark contrast.

Maybe it was time to grow up. Especially as Giggles watch was flashing.

“I'm gonna go save the day again. See ya Mum!” Belle grabbed her helmet again and bolted out of the door.

Lara smiled. “Go get 'em Giggles!”

--

Chuckles ducked under a blow from Crusader Daryl, and kicked the spoiled brat away. “I know y'all are upset that the Haunted Maze Troupe beat you to the punch, but c'mon, kidnapping children? Marion and Revolver tried that rubbish and look what happened to them!”

“The Death Valley Mobsters are done in Pleasantville, but that doesn't mean they didn't have SOME good ideas!” Daryl retorted.

The March Hill Crusaders had decided to attack the local primary school, reminding Chuckles and Giggles of their first brush with crime back when they were in their early teens. This time however, there were vigilantes to save the day. Daryl couldn't even get near the front gate!

“Where's Roger? I thought your little boyfriend would be right here with you.” Giggles sat in a nearby tree, her Desert Eagle pointed at Daryl (he's not worth wasting the Lucky Seven Gun on).

“Roger has left the day-to-day operations of the March Hill Crusaders to me.” Daryl replied smugly. “He's heading up projects.”

“Are you guys a crime syndicate or a multi-national? Geez!” Giggles rolled her eyes. “You know Roger only put you in charge of ops to try and get you arrested and out of his hair, right?”

Daryl fumed.

“You've got ten men with you, and yet you haven't even managed to get onto the school grounds because of me. Honestly, I don't know why Roger puts up with you.” Chuckles grinned.

“It's because of his Daddy!” Giggles yelled. Both vigilantes laughed.

“You two jerks!” Daryl pouted.

Just then, the police arrived.

“About time.” Giggles groused.

A tall, lean man with sandy hair and a thick moustache stepped out of one of the cars wearing the Inspectors uniform. Giggles sat up straight. She hadn't known that the new Inspector had been announced already!

“Make sure you get the vigilantes too.” The new Inspector said to one of his officers. The officer nodded with a smirk.

“Not gonna happen. Chuckles, we're getting out of here!” Giggles jumped out of the tree and flew over to where Chuckles was. The pair ran away from the cops, who grabbed a car to chase after them.

“A car is no match for me!” Giggles picked up Chuckles and flew him up on top of the nearest building. Sure enough, the police car rolled up to the building and the police got out. Giggles used that time to fly away, much to the anger of the police.

“A new Inspector. He hasn't even had his swearing-in yet!” Giggles said as the pair flew back to the tip.

“We'll have to ask TJ about him.” Chuckles added. He felt a shudder from Giggles. “We're about to get another drenching, aren't we?”

“Yup.” Giggles groaned as the Backpack gave out and the pair plummeted into Pleasant Creek.

“This is embarrassing.” Chuckles helped Giggles out of the muddy creek, both of them dripping wet.

“Well, well, well, we knew we'd find you here!”

Chuckles and Giggles looked up to see Harold and Lady Billard, both in their Haunted Maze Troupe uniforms.

And Lady had a firm grip on young Madeleine Masters!

“REALLY?!” Giggles groaned.

“We happen to know that you're good friends with the Masters family.” Harold smirked. “So you're going to go and get Belle Masters for us, and this brat won't get hurt.”

“Hewwo Chuckles and Giggles!” Madeleine waved.

“Awww! Her pronunciation is improving!” Giggles clapped happily.

“It won't if you don't get Belle!” Lady tapped her foot impatiently.

Giggles looked at Chuckles, and sighed.

“Those are old uniforms, and the knives they have a different from the usual ones. Plus they're not wearing masks.” She told Chuckles.

“All I needed to know.” Chuckles grinned before unsheathing the Lions Claw Blade and swinging it, making both of the Troupers jump back.

“HEY!” Harold cried.

“HEY!” Lady cried as Madeleine was swiped from her by Giggles.

“Too easy. Later!” Chuckles and Giggles ran off with Madeleine, who was laughing.

--

“You're too calm for your own good kiddo!” Belle chided her sister as they sat at the tip, waiting for a lift home.

“I am not!” Madeleine protested. Belle tickled her, and the pair laughed.

“You two are so cute.” Charlie smiled at the pair. Belle smiled back. Madeleine looked at them both expectantly.

“HEY! You two!” They heard Petunia yell. “Hey, what's Maddles doing here?” Petunia walked up and sat down with the friends.

“My 'grand-parents' tried to kidnap her to get Giggles to hand me over.” Belle laughed. Soon, TJ, Sammy and Tammy had joined them.

“Sunny is out at a job interview.” Tammy sounded excited. “And who knows where Dan is.”

“I think he's just under pressure.” Belle said, settling Madeleine on her lap.

Suddenly Sunny burst into the group, tears streaming down her face.

“He actually blackballed me. My own father blackballed me...” She fell to the ground and sobbed.

“Oh Sunny!” Belle and Madeleine rushed to hug Sunny.

“I don't know what to do anymore. I mean, I don't need a job but...” Sunny trailed off.

“You DO need a job Sunny. If you feel you need one, then you do. I'm sure we can find something for you.” Petunia tried to settle her friend down.

“You could be a cop, no experience needed.” TJ said bitterly.

“Oh, right! Speaking of cops, have you seen a new Inspector recently?” Charlie asked as the girls gathered around Sunny.

“He's as good as the Inspector, although nothing's official yet.” TJ grumbled. “Andrew Haiter is his name, and he's worse than Dingbat.”

“How so?” Belle asked.

“He's not only racist, but homophobic, transphobic and extremely sexist.” TJ told them. “He's the one who got you suspended that time because you corrected his terminology in court.”

“Oh, THAT guy.” Belle groaned. “What's the chances?”

“High.” TJ said.

The group sat in silence, all of them worried about this new development. Soon, Daniel arrived and they told him the news.

“You're KIDDING! They've hired someone WORSE?!” He groaned after TJ finished explaining.

“Unfortunately because Dingbat was killed instead of being fired -,” TJ started.

“Will you STOP harping on about how terrible it is that Dingbat was killed! It's not like better people haven't died too!” Daniel snapped suddenly. Everyone was taken aback.

“Mate, the whole point is that if he'd been fired instead of killed, there would have been a mandatory investigation by the Higher Government! Demon couldn't hide from that!” TJ exclaimed.

“Well why aren't our lawyer-types trying to lobby for a better inspector?!” Daniel rounded on Belle, trying to funnel some of the pressure onto her.

“I'm just a prosecutor, and Dad is only one Counsellor. He might have Judy on his side, but they're up against it. Not to mention that Judy has to be careful.” Belle pointed out.

“Why are you so touchy for?!” Sunny exclaimed.

“Guys, Dan's probably tired. He's the leader of the Noble Knights of the Last Order remember? It's a big job.” Belle tried to pour oil on the troubled waters.

“Forget it Belle. I'm out.” Daniel stormed off.

“DAN!” Petunia and Tammy tried to run after him. Daniel shot them a Look, and they backed off.

“He's really not in a good place is he?” Belle asked as the two girls returned, dejected.

“No, and I wish he'd talk to us! If we don't know what's wrong, how can we help him?” Tammy kicked a rock.

“He was like this during the flood, remember? Only that time he actually talked to us instead of biting our heads off.” Sammy said quietly. Ever since he was little, Daniel had been there. From the earliest days of school, through to becoming a Knight and everything that came with that, Daniel had been his hero. Even though Sammy was a man now, almost through his teaching degree, he still felt the sting of Daniel slowly turning his back on them.

“I think the leadership is getting to him. Especially as we keep getting kicked in the guts again and again and again.” Belle said. “Maybe lay off him for a bit.”

“We'll try Belle-Belle, but I think this time it might be harder than ever to get things back to normal.” Sunny booped her friend on the nose.

Just then, Lara arrived to pick up her daughters. “Hey everyone. You all look glum. Has Dan been upset again?”

“How'd you guess?” TJ said drily.

“I thought you'd be a bit more panicked. After all, your toddler daughter got kidnapped.” Petunia raised an eyebrow as Lara picked Madeleine up.

“Oh, I knew her sister would protect her, no problem.” Lara smiled. “I have two very, VERY competent daughters, I don't need to worry.”

Belle grinned and got up to hug Lara. “Love you too Mum.”

Everyone had to laugh as the tension was broken. At least ONE relationship was repaired!

Chapter One Hundred and Seven: Harold and Lady

 “And MARION is simply furious at Revolver, because he didn't go out and address the riots personally. SHE thought it would have been a great way to establish that they were THE power couple in Pleasantville.” Judith Jofrey gossiped away. “Only I think Revolver is getting extremely cold feet because he's started referencing the Death Valley Gang and the Mobsters of Misneach again instead of the Death...Valley...Mob...Dan are you listening to me?”

Judith and Daniel were hanging out on Pleasant Dam, looking out over the city as the sun set. Daniel was still feeling touchy about the fact that not only had he committed murder, but the fact that he'd kind of enjoyed it. It had felt empowering to finally strike back, no matter WHAT Chuckles and Giggles said.

But what Sammy and Tammy said...

“Dan?” Judith poked his big bear arm.

“Sorry Judes, I'm just...tired.” Daniel rubbed his face, nearly knocking his spectacles down into the creek below.

“Tired huh?” Judith took his glasses from him to keep them safe. “You look a thousand years old at the moment.”

“I feel it.” Daniel admitted. “It's like I have this big heaviness on my shoulders that I can never put down.”

“Marion used to talk like that sometimes, when we were younger. Like there was this big, heavy shroud around her that she could never escape.” Judith said quietly.

“Yeah, it's a shroud alright.” Daniel sighed. “A shroud named Sir Lionheart.”

--

Alas for Harold and Lady Billard, Belle had been kidnapped very recently and thus was being more careful than usual about people trying to grab her. So they went for the next best thing and accosted her while she was having lunch at her uncles restaurant.

“I still feel so bad that you got beat up.” Belle said as she ate her steak sandwich.

“Relax. It's not the worst beating I've ever had. Besides, no new scars!” Bill pointed to the scar on his eye, the one that looked very similar to the one his brother and father had.

“You know, I know Dad got his in a fight with Harold and his other one in a fight with Johannes, but I've never known how you got yours.” Belle mentioned, dipping one of her beer battered chips into the delicious garlic aioli her uncle made.

“Rush hour is going to start soon, gotta go!” Bill made himself scarce, not really wanting to go into the finer details of being chased out a window and falling two storeys into a rosebush. Pro tip: Make sure they're not married.

Belle blinked, before shrugging and returning to her steak sandwich (thick, freshly baked slices of wholemeal bread, slightly melted cheese, thick slabs of tomato, lashings of lettuce and aioli, a good chunk of beetroot and a good, thick, medium-rare slab of steak, served with beer-battered chips) and opening a book of law history (it's Belle, you knew a book was going to appear at some point). She started reading happily about the final arrest of Crewmate Liam of the Hidden Fear Crew and how that broke the Crew up permanently when her maternal grandparents chose that moment to walk in. At first, she didn't notice them (again, it's BELLE), even when they sat at the table with her. After a minute of awkward silence, Belle went to take another bite of her steak sandwich, which is when she noticed the pair.

“HEY!” She shot up, equal parts miffed and scared. “Go away, I'm trying to enjoy my lunch!”

“And we're trying to get to know our grand-daughter.” Lady replied.

“I don't WANT to get to know you! Now go away!” Belle snapped, sitting back down.

“Belle, you have no choice. You have a bloodline in you that you need to listen to.” Harold said.

“Yes actually, I DO have a choice. Now GO AWAY!” Belle snapped again.

“Belle, you DON'T. The fact is, if you don't listen to us, our lives are at risk!” Harold pleaded.

“You can't have my kidneys.” Belle said flatly.

“It's not your organs Belle, it's your life we need. We need you to join the Haunted Maze Troupe for the Billard Clan.” Lady told her.

Belle froze for two seconds. Her grand-parents were Troupers?!

“Absolutely NOT.” She snapped. “NOW GO AWAY. Also, I'm calling Chuckles and Giggles.”

“Belle, if you don't join the Troupe they'll kill us for not sending tribute. All the Clans have to give one family member per year, and since your mother was our only child, and you're HER only child, it has to be you.” Lady protested. “They relaxed the rules while we were in hiding, but now it's time for you to claim your birthright!”

“MY birthright is tearing down the Troupe, the Mob, the Crusaders, the Gang, and anyone else who wants to ruin Pleasantville.” Belle snapped. “I'm not joining the Troupe because I'm going to destroy the Troupe!”

“Belle NO!” Harold pleaded. “We put so much WORK into the Troupe! We've made riches you could never imagine, and you wouldn't have to give up your work as a lawyer, not since Demon took over the Council!”

“I will destroy the Troupe, and I'll see you two arrested. NOW. GO. AWAY.” Belle stomped her feet this time, her temper well and truly roused at this point.

“If you won't come willingly, then we'll take you by force!” Harold screamed.

“What's going on out here?!” Bill rushed out as Lady and Harold grabbed Belle, who wasn't having a bar of it. She ripped at her grand-mothers hair and kicked out at her grand-father, who were forced to back off.

“Who taught YOU to fight dirty!?” Lady scolded.

“Belle was taught to defend herself, and I certainly have no problem dishing out pain to those who put their hands on her.” Bill stepped between Belle and the two Troupers.

Harold and Lady backed off. Bill had his fathers size, and looked very imposing to the elderly pair.

“You will pay for this. Both of you! This petty cafe will be destroyed!” Lady screeched as she and Harold walked out.

“I'm not particularly worried.” Bill shrugged.

Just as Harold and Lady left, Charlie walked in.

“Saw your maternal grannies outside swearing up a storm. I'm guessing you told them where to stick it?” He asked as he made a beeline for Belles steak sandwich.

“They're Haunted Maze Troupers, so yeah.” Belle tripped him up before he could reach the sandwich, and immediately began to shovel it and her chips down as fast as possible.

“Steak sandwich?” Bill asked as Charlie eyed the sandwich off hungrily.

--

“This is so trippy. Dan is a descendant of the Silent Lake Gang, and now Belle has Haunted Maze Troupe blood in her.” Sunny said as the Noble Knights of the Last Order had a meeting at the tip – minus their leader.

“I know. Speaking of Dan, is anyone else worried about him?” Sammy asked.

“A little. He's been off since the riots.” TJ mused. “I think the whole Dingbat thing is getting to him.”

“I don't know why, unless he feels guilty that we pretty much left Dingbat to die.” Tammy sighed. “It's all so confusing.”

“I have to go to the stupid funeral. It's going to be disgusting, all about how wonderful he was when in fact he SHOULD be in gaol rotting away. It's not FAIR!” TJ snapped. “Now Chuckles and Giggles look even worse because they're the ones who released the audio of Dingbat being a dick, and people are talking about how someone could have heard it and decided to deal with Dingbat themselves.”

“Dingbat dying has had a LOT of bad consequences. I mean, I can kinda understand why someone did it, but still I'd love to get my hands on them and show them just how much damage they've done.” Tammy kicked a small rock that went skipping along the ground.

“Well, what's done is done.” Petunia stood up. “We need to think about what's going to happen next.”

“We can't really do that without Dan here.” Sunny pointed out. “Also, shouldn't Belle and Charlie be here?”

“Chuckles and Giggles are busy at the moment, and I have no idea where Dan is.” Petunia said.

“Chuckles and Giggles are busy?” Sunny asked.

At that particular moment, Chuckles and Giggles were busy chasing Harold and Lady out of town.

“You stay away from the Masters family you, you...YOUS!” Giggles flew after her grand-parents, shouting loudly.

“Leave us alone!” Lady sobbed as she ran towards her car.

“Wait for me!!!!!!” Chuckles could be heard in the distance, having been left behind.

“JUMP IN LADY!” Harold tried to reach over and open the passenger side door without crashing the car. Giggles swooped again as Lady made it into the car and the pair drove off.

“YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE LAST OF THIS!” Harold roared.

“Hopefully Chuckles and Giggles will attend our next meeting.” Tammy said after Petunia had finished explaining what the heroes were up to.

“And hopefully we'll be able to get Dan back.” Sammy said.

Chapter One Hundred and Six: What Comes Out in the Wash

“Let us never have a night like last night again. Ever.” Charlie nursed his sore muscles as the group sat under the tree in the Masters/Begly yard.

“I'm just glad we got Dingbat under control. Wonder how he's enjoying our old cell?” Sammy grinned at TJ. Both of them had received “pardons” that morning from Judith Jofrey, and were both relishing their freedom.

Daniel said nothing. He was lying in the grass looking at the leaves of the tree.

“Anyway, I think that's cleared the air a bit. Both the PRO and the PCC will be going quiet for a bit until at least the election.” Belle rested against Charlie with her book unopened on her lap. “With Dingbat going on trial soon it will mean there'll have to be an investigation into the police force and THAT should lead to some good solid change.”

“And THAT will hopefully weaken the Jones administrations stranglehold on the city.” Charlie leaned back against the tree with a sigh. Tammy and Sammy shot each other a Look, Sunny rolled her eyes, TJ quickly started pulling up blades of grass and Petunia hid a smile. Would Chuckles and Giggles EVER admit their feeling for each other? They looked so cute cuddled up together!

“Sweet, sweet victory.” Belle mumbled as she started to doze off.

Peters car pulled up to the drive, and a few of the faces on the lawn looked hopefully at it, thinking their might be some cold drinks within. Instead, a very upset Peter got out and walked straight to the group.

“Guys...real bad news...” He looked shaken. “Dingbat was murdered last night.”

“Isn't that a good thing?” Daniel asked as the others looked at Peter in horror.

“NO it's not!” Tammy cried. “Especially if he was killed after we tied him up!”

“Did they at least get his body-cam?” Belle asked. Daniel went slightly pale.

“No, which makes it even worse. It was destroyed in the murder.” Peter told them.

“This gets worse and worse.” Charlie groaned.

“Now he's going to get a heroes funeral, and WE are going to look like the bad guys for leaving him defenceless.” Tammy started to cry.

“There goes our trial and the resulting investigation into the police force.” Sammy had to hold back tears himself. “Nothing is going to change.”

“They're going to need a new Investigator though won't they? Surely we can put TJ into the position.” Daniel suggested.

“I don't have enough experience nor the qualifications yet.” TJ looked ropeable. “I can't believe Dingbat has avoided justice! I wouldn't be surprised if he found a way to kill himself to avoid all of the crap that was going to flow his way.”

“Or if Demon killed him to keep him from getting in the way.” Charlie suggested. “It wouldn't surprise me how our Mayor likes to play chess with peoples lives.”

“Don't you guys think you're over-reacting?” Daniel tried.

“Dan, you're our LEADER! You should know better than anyone how much this is going to set us back!” Sunny cried.

“Geez, it's almost like you guys are LOOKING for problems now!” Daniel shot back. “Why can't you just take the positives when you see them?!”

He stormed off, angry.

“Do you think the pressure is getting to him?” Petunia asked after they'd watched Daniel walk away, all of them shocked.

“Something is.” Belle frowned.

--

Later on Belle was cleaning up after lunch and thinking fondly of her bed, a good book and her air-conditioned room. Conversation had been a bit stilted again during the meal, as Belle was still sore at Lara. It was made worse by the fact that Lara tried to see the positive of Dingbats death. As far as Belle was concerned, a huge opportunity to destabilise Demon had been lost, and she was pretty upset about it.

She had just finished washing up the last pan when there was a rapping at the door. Belle sighed and answered it.

She screamed.

“Beauty what the...WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Peter poked his head out of the downstairs bedroom.

At the door were the parents of Belle's long-dead mother.

--

“They have NO right to be here.”

“I mean, after everything they did to you, they think they can just show up?!”

“I know! I just feel sick.”

Charlie was sitting on Belles window sill. Neither of them were impressed with Belles grandparents.

“I mean, neither of them even bothered to show up until my mother died, and they tried to kidnap me!” Belle ranted. “I'm glad Dad told them to bug off.”

“I want to know why they're only showing up NOW after sixteen, nearly seventeen years.” Charlie wondered. “There has to be something.”

“Probably the restraining order finally broke or something. I don't know, Dad handled all of that. I was just an innocent six year old who got caught up in a bunch of stuff that messed me up.” Belle slumped against the wall.

“And then you met me.” Charlie pointed out.

“And my fate was sealed. Doom for all eternity!” Belle poked her tongue out at him. “You know, I don't even remember having friends before I met you. All the kids of Brisvegas just seemed to be fleeting.

“Well, your Dad did say that you didn't spend much time in school there, because Joe took care of you.” Charlie said. “No wonder you didn't make any lasting friendships.”

“Wish I had though, we could use some outside interference that isn't the Presidents Entrusted National Intelligence Service. I'm still miffed they pulled a fast one on us to get the Ruby Suit back.” Belle sulked.

“Anyway, don't change the subject. What are we going to do about them? I don't think they're just going to give up, even if your Dad did scream every obscenity known to man at them.” Charlie asked.

“I don't know. Why me?” Belle whimpered.

--

Harold Billard, the father of Jill Billard and grandfather of Belle Masters, was nursing a beer as his wife Lady wiped her nose of powder.

“How was it?” He asked.

“I've had better.” She admitted. “What are we going to do about Belle? She HAS to fill her place, otherwise we're in big trouble.”

“I'm sure if we talk to her she'll understand. The Haunted Maze Troupe has its ways.” Harold sipped the beer.

“Her father keeps getting in the way. Never liked the jerk.” Lady leaned back in her chair.

“There ARE ways of getting her to listen to us.” Harold smiled.

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.