Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Four: Carry on my wayward son, there's no peace with what you have done.

 “Sitting around doing nothing blows.” Charlie sighed, lying on his bed.

“There was nothing we could do anyway. We would have been killed if we had stayed.” Belle pointed out, as she sat at his desk, reading over the news websites on his laptop. 

“Especially with you shooting out chandeliers. I still can't get past that.”

“Just shows you how far even I have fallen.”

“It's kinda refreshing.”

“I bet.”

“Hey you two, want some hot chocolate? We've been cooking and we decided that it was the best way to finish our baking spree.” Izzy poked her head in.

“Sure, we'll never say no to chocolate.” Belle grinned. Izzy dashed off to get two mugs of hot chocolate.

“You know, I'm kinda glad we decided to stay in. It looks like it will rain soon anyway, and we all know how you hate getting your cape wet.” Charlie teased.

“Almost as bad as you and your trench coat.” Belle fired back.

“I can hear them teasing each other, they HAVE to be together!” Lizzy said to her twin downstairs as she ladled the chocolate into mugs.

“Leave it alone. Please. I can't take much more speculation.” Betty poured a decent serve of rum into her hot chocolate before chugging it down.

Lizzy and Izzy looked at each other, worried.

– 

“Okay, okay, okay, the food is coming!” Daniel groaned as Marcus kept wailing. He'd had his nappy changed, now he was hungry and was determined to let the world know about it. 

Daniel meanwhile was frazzled. Not that he doubted his girlfriend could handle herself, but more that he was certain that he had pulled the wrong bottle out of the fridge to be warmed up and was in for a yelling at once Judith got home. The yelling from his son did nothing to quell his fears.

“Okay kiddo, bottoms up!” He got the bottle in the baby's mouth. Suddenly sweet silence as Marcus gobbled down his food like he hadn't been fed in years. “I feel you kiddo, I'm feeling kinda hangry myself.”

He sat down on one of the comfy chairs, watching his son drink for his life. He felt cozy, content and didn't care how much he was getting yelled at anymore. The little man in his arms made everything worth it.

Dingbat had two kids.

Except that annoying little voice. Daniel sighed. He guessed he had to accept that voice in his head, as punishment for murdering another human being. It wasn't fair, especially after all the pain and suffering that Wallace Dingbat had caused and let happen in his reign at the police, but life was never fair.

It had been a few hours now since he'd left City Hall. He wondered how much violence and bloodshed had occurred when suddenly there was a knock at the door.

He looked at Marcus, who was falling asleep over his half-empty bottle. Sighing, Daniel got up and went to the front door.

Standing there was Master Revolver, looking thin and pale.

“Wow mate, you need a protein shake or ten.” Daniel was taken aback by how sick the older man looked.

“Judith's dead. She was killed by a Crusader.” Revolver croaked out.

Daniel's world stopped.

–

“I mean, surely if I invest in Nozz softdrinks that's fine, they're local!” Charlie groaned.

“They're indirectly owned by a known investor of the Crusaders.” Belle didn't even lift her head off his desk.

“You're…” Charlie did some more typing on his laptop “Jupiter Clothing, that's small enough that it shouldn't be a criminal endeavour!”

“Lindsay from Transport, his wife owns it. I'm not sure she knows he's a Trouper.” Belle mumbled, half-asleep.

“Are there ANY local businesses apart from your Uncles restaurant that I can invest in without inadvertently supporting the local crime syndicates?!” Charlie fumed, shaking his laptop.

“You're invested with Restorative Cosmetics though.” Belle pointed out. 

Charlie blanched.

“Troupe owns controlling shares. They're not a local gang y'know.” Belle sighed.

“That just makes way too much sense.” Charlie frowned.

Suddenly Izzy burst into the room. “Dan just dropped Marcus off at Sunnys, Judith was killed!” She yelled.

“Wait what?!” Belle and Charlie shot up, horrified. The Improbability Clause began to niggle at Charlie again. If, and that was a big IF, Dan had killed Dingbat, then would he seek to kill the Crusader that left his son motherless?

“We need to stop him and talk to him. He's not thinking straight. Last thing Marcus needs is his father drinking himself to death.” Belle rushed to the door. 

“ Absolutely.” Charlie agreed, for a very different reason.

They bolted out of the house, nearly knocking over Sunny, who was holding Marcus.

“Where did Dan go?!” Belle yelped.

“I thought he'd come over here!” Sunny yelled back.

“We need to split up and find him before he does something he'll regret.” Charlie said, looking pale.

They quickly got Charlies family and they all headed out - Izzy and Lizzy were going to get Sammy and TJ, Betty headed to Daniel's grandparents place to check there before getting Peter and Thomas, Belle and Charlie headed to Daniel's place and Sunny took Marcus back to her place to look after the children. 

This suited Daniel perfectly. After everyone left, he carefully scaled the back fence where he'd been hiding on the creek bank. He scaled the big tree and forced open Charlies window. Once he was in, he looked under the bed where Charlie kept his weapons.

The Arm Scythes were on top, resting on felt. Daniel tossed these aside, not really caring if he damaged them or not. Under the felt was Charlies grappling hook and daggers, also resting on felt. Daniel shoved these aside too, before he found what he was looking for.

The Lions Claw Blade. Daniel lifted it up. He didn't know how to get the giant blade to his destination without getting spotted, but then he realised he didn't care. He strapped it to his back and left the way he came in.

He jumped back over the fence, then headed to the dock attached to Sunnys place. Sunny never really used the little motorboat that her father left there, and she wouldn't miss it. He jumped in and untied it. Immediately it started drifting in the wrong direction - Daniel needed it to go back up to where the creek met Pleasant Creek. Throwing all caution to the wind, he turned on the motor and shot off.

The creek was peaceful. Daniel began to think about what he was doing as the tiny boat shot towards the city. About why. About the consequences. 

He almost turned back, but then he remembered what Master Revolver had told him about how Judith had been shot point-blank in the head. By a masked Crusader. 

He turned up Pleasant Creek and headed towards Pleasant Lake and the CBD. Nothing mattered now. Marcus was motherless, and nothing would be done about it - in fact, Demon would probably reward the sicko who'd done it. It was time to take matters into his own hands.

But first… the tiny boat had finally reached its destination. Daniel hurried out of the boat and towards City Hall, where Master Revolver was trying to console Mobster Marion.

“He shot her in the head.” Marion wept quietly, cradling her sisters body. “Why did he shoot my baby sister in the head?”

The Haunted Maze Troupe had quickly and wisely backed off after Sidewinder had been shot, and now the Mob were left to count the cost.

“It's time to let her go now Marion, we need to put her to rest now.” Revolver was having no luck with the distraught Mobster. 

It was the scene that Daniel walked into as the rain started falling outside. The sunset was straining to be seen behind the clouds, casting an eerie red light on the scene.

“It's true.”

Marion and Revolver turned to look at Daniel as he choked out the words, looking down at his lovers almost decapitated body. The mother of his son. 

“You didn't bring the boy did you?” Revolver asked, shaken.

“What kind of father do you take me for?!” Daniel snapped. “I'm here to help Marion get vengeance for her sister.”

Marions head shot up. Daniel pulled out the Lions Claw Blade from its scabbard. 

“ARE YOU INSANE?!” Revolver cried. “She'll slaughter every member of the March Hill Crusaders!”

“Well, it was time for another March Hill Massacre anyway.” Daniel quipped. “Like you and your father weren't responsible for your fair share of murder.”

Revolver grit his teeth. “Well, it didn't get us anywhere did it? In the end we became everything my great-grandfather wanted to destroy.”

“Your great-grandfather? What does he have to do with anything?” Daniel rolled his eyes as Marion eyed off the Lions Claw Blade. 

“Lachlan Masters founded the Death Valley Gang to get revenge for the death of his older brother over one hundred years ago.” Revolver sighed.

“Lachlan…you mean Damons brother?!” Daniel cried. “He and his best friend Pythias were murdered in the March Hill Massacre!”

“His name was James Masters and yes, he moonlighted as Damon.” Revolver sighed again. “The same way Chuckles and Giggles will go, mark my words.” 

“You know who Chuckles and Giggles are.” Daniel realised.

“Always have. What other family could wield my gun?” Revolver said, voice laced with bitterness.

“Whatever.” Daniel made a mental note to deal with Revolver later. He handed the sword to Marion.

“DON'T I JUST TOLD YOU!” Revolver cried. “Once you've killed you can never go back.”

“Already crossed that bridge mate.” Daniel smirked.

Revolver sighed again. “So be it. I'll stop her my-,”

Suddenly Revolvers head went flying towards Demons office, his body crumpling where he had stood. Daniels eyes widened in horror. What had he DONE? Master Revolver now lay dead as well, and he had done nothing.

He looked towards Marion, and decided to quickly get out of the madwoman's way. 

“Good choice.” Marion hissed at him as she walked out of the building. Daniel watched her leave, horrified and disgusted. He looked over at the body of Master Revolver. A long-lost cousin of Belle, who had never revealed her secret identity, even though he could have easily. 

He then saw Judiths body. He walked over to it and fell next to her.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t save you and I couldn’t save Marion.” He whispered.

Meanwhile, Daryl Jones was sitting in his car, watching as Marion stepped out into the darkening rain, holding the Lions Claw Blade. He saw her talk to one of her lackeys, before gutting that lackey and turning to another, who quickly rushed off to get her limo and drive her to Fallsville.

He lifted his coffee in salute before taking a sip and laughing.

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Three: Disaster at City Hall

 Sir Lionheart and Mobster Marion were fighting tooth and nail. Chuckles rushed in to defend Sir Lionheart, who couldn't keep up with Marions speed, especially using a scythe. Soon all you could hear was the clashing of swords as the two fought with extreme speed and skill.

“Almost sounds like a good beat.” Sir Hyper started tapping his foot along with the rhythm of the clanging swords.

“I can't even.” Giggles groaned.

“Makes two of us.” Sidewinder joined her next to the chandelier. “I am going to KILL him when he gets home.”

“You two really aren't natural blondes?” Giggles asked.

“Not platinum blondes, no. Naturally we're a more darker blonde. Strawberry blonde even.” Sidewinder shrugged. “Marion is sensitive about it, so was Dad and Grandpa.”

Giggles noticed the Mystic Eight Gun sitting on Sidewinders hip. She felt her fingers wanting to try it out.

“Don't even think about it.” Sidewinder told her. “Or I WILL fire you.”

“You're mean.” Giggles pouted.

“How do you think I got this far in life?”

“Mostly nepotism.”

“How rude!”

The battle between Chuckles and Marion was firing up the rest of the Mobsters of Misneach and Haunted Maze Troupers, who had started taking pot shots at each other.

“This is going to turn into a brawl, get ready!” Sir Lionheart had caught his breath and was ready to go again.

“I think not.” Sidewinder held the real Dragon Scale Scythe at his chest. “We came to take back what is ours, and that means bloodshed.”

“But I had paperwork on my desk...” Giggles whined.

“Your own fault. Clean desk policy.” Sidewinder said.

Lady Silent sighed. “REALLY?” 

“Yes, really.” Sidewinder said.

Lady Silent blinked. Her introversion hadn't worked? Sidewinder should have at least been a bit startled!

Giggles glared at Sidewinder and gripped the Lucky Seven Gun tightly as it sat in its holster.

“Giggles DON'T!” Sir Lionheart saw her. All the colour had drained from his face.

Giggles pulled out the Lucky Seven Gun.

“Go ahead. Do it. Just be ready for the consequences.” Sidewinder sneered at her.

“Giggles, THINK ABOUT IT!” Sir Lionheart cried. The Dragon Scale Scythe moved closer to his neck.

“She wouldn't, would she?” Lady Silent asked her brother.

“I don't know, you know how she gets about paperwork.” Sir Hyper pointed out.

Giggles hesitated...then shot the new chandelier, destroying it..

“That...was not what I was expecting...” Sir Lionheart scratched the back of his head.

“You...you DIDN'T!” Sidewinder wailed.

All the violence in the office stopped. Even Marion and Chuckles stopped, looking confused.

Then the sobs started.

“You REALLY want to take over this?” Chuckles asked as the office workers mourned, rather loudly.

“I really need an EAP or something, the fact that my employees are doing this is embarrassing.” Marion sighed.

“If you didn't MISTREAT them and gave them FULFILLING WORK this wouldn't be an issue!” Giggles screamed.

That got everyone laughing again.

Then the police arrived.

“Are we leaving?” Sidewinder asked Marion.

Marion smirked. “Nope.”

Giggles looked at Chuckles, who looked pale.

“You lot should probably leave. A bunch of vigilantes isn't going to achieve much.” Sidewinder shoved Sir Lionheart away. “This is now between us and the Troupe.”

“Mobsters! To me!” Marion called. 

Chuckles looked at Giggles, who was trembling. He then looked towards Demons office. Giggles realised what he was up to and nearly fainted.

“We have to do it.” He said, walking over to her.

“I know.” Giggles sighed. “Let's just make it quick.”

Chuckles nodded. As the cops began to force their way in and the Knights of the Last Order escaped, Chuckles and Giggles rushed to rescue the Mayor and get him home safely.

“I can't believe we're doing this.” Giggles shoved Demon towards his car.

“YOU can't?! I'm tempted to put in a lotto ticket for tonight, that's how shocked I am!” Demon unlocked the car and got in.

“We didn't do it for you, we did it for Pleasantville.” Chuckles warned him.

“Oh, of course.” Demon sneered. He drove off, leaving Chuckles and Giggles feeling exhausted.

“Why does it feel like we're constantly going one step forward, two steps backwards?” Chuckles asked.

“Because we are.” Giggles replied. “The whole system is geared towards keeping the status quo in check, and in order to fix it we need to play by its rules. It's impossible.”

“You know what ISN'T impossible though? A burrito at your Uncles restaurant.” Chuckles said.

“I hate burritos. Seafood pasta here I come!” Giggles felt better already.

They headed back to the tip as City Hall burned.

“By the way, what IS it with the chandeliers?”

“Well, most of the office drops some hard drugs before work anyway, but it's mostly that we all hate our jobs with a passion like no other. The chandeliers are a nice distraction.”

“That is pathetic.”

“Your face is pathetic!”

–

Daryl smiled as he saw his father drive off with Chuckles and Giggles. That would have been quite a blow to Demons ego! 

Meanwhile the battle raged inside and outside. The building was going to need repairs after this whole mess. Daryl watched from his car across the street, waiting for the lull in proceedings that he knew would come. 

In the meantime he wondered where Master Revolver was. Surely the leader of the Death Valley Gang would want his finger in this pie? Or were the rumours true that he'd lost his nerve? Anyway, he was another factor that Daryl knew he had to take into consideration.

He looked outside again. Now the factions were taking up defensive positions against each other, rather than outright fighting. Good. It meant the time was close. Daryl fixed up his mask and got out of the car (that he had “borrowed” from Crusader Roger). 

He marched to the battleground, no one paying attention to him. He walked around to the back entrance. His father hadn't taken his key off him – big mistake. He quietly and gently eased the door open. He slowly peeked in, his hand on the handgun in his belt in case there was a guard. There wasn't. He slipped in, keeping the door open behind him for a quick escape. He quickly and quietly made his way to his fathers office to hide – everyone had seen Chuckles and Giggles evacuate the Mayor, so no one would expect anyone to be in the office.

Now it was time to watch and wait. After seeing if his fathers liquor cabinet key was still in its hiding place. Yes, it was! Perfect!

–

 

Timothy Masters, better known as Master Revolver, sat at the end of the bed in the dark bedroom. He knew that he was pretty much alone in the building, the Mobsters of Misneach had gone off to support their beloved (if insane) mistress Mobster Marion. 

And they WERE Mobsters, every single one of them. All of them had forsaken the Death Valley Gang (which was a stupid name anyway. What was his great-grandfather THINKING when he named his vehicle for revenge). Now not even the Death Valley Mobsters remained. Had that been her plan all along? 

Revolver sighed. It was over. Instead of revenge they'd just become what they had been fighting against. Just like Damon and Pythias would have turned into if they had lived, and what Chuckles and Giggles would turn into as well. You couldn't fight the system without becoming part of it, and once you became part of it, well then it was very hard to get out.

He weighed the gun in his hand. It was heavy and solid. In his other hand was a glass of port. He finished the port in one quick gulp, then flicked the safety off the gun in his hand. It should have been the Lucky Seven Gun, but that was long gone now. He pointed the muzzle at his left temple. 

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Snipes, the servant, had his phone and would sir like to take a call?

Revolver sighed again, and pressed the phone to his ear. It was just a lackey letting him know that disaster had stuck and that Mistress Marion was going mad. Would sir please come to assist?

“Can I get you another drink sir?” Snipes asked after Revolver had hung up the call.

Revolver responded by shooting him in the head. 

-- 

The disaster in question?

The Haunted Maze Troupe had circled the building, putting the Mobsters of Misneach at a disadvantage. The Emerald Mobsters were equalled by the drugged up weapons of the Troupe, and were now in trouble.

“Damn, where are the backups?!” Mobster Marion hissed as she sliced another Trouper in two. 

“I wouldn't be surprised if the Crusaders were involved.” Sidewinder replied, firing out of a window. 

Daryl, who was listening in from his hiding place, grinned. The rest of the Crusaders were actually out terrorizing Fallsville, so the lost Mobsters had no excuse.

“Hang on, I see them!” One of the Mobsters called. “They're breaking through now!”

“Excellent!” Sidewinder grinned. She continued to provide cover fire for the Mobsters who were slowly getting through the Troupers, who were now confused and starting to lose the battle.

“Once they get here we'll go out for a full offensive. Back away from that window, let the flunkies do their job.” Marion called her sister back. All of the Troupers in the building had been slaughtered. There was time for a breather before starting the battle again, this time from a stronger position.

Daryl pulled out his gun and turned off the safety. 

“Hopefully we'll be finished here soon. Marcus will be going to bed in a few hours.” Sidewinder stretched her arms above her head. “I like being there for bedtime.”

“Don't babies sleep all the time anyway?” Marion asked, pulling a whetstone out of her pocket and running it along her sword. If she only had the Lions Claw Blade, she wouldn't have to worry about sharpening it...

“He's starting to be more curious about the world, so he's not sleeping as much. I swear he wants to get his hands on anything he can!” Sidewinder grinned with pride. “Of course most of the time he throws it away and then gets upset because he doesn't have it anymore. Just like his aunt.”

“Sod off before I skewer you.” Marion glared at her sister. They laughed. No matter what happened between them, they would always be sisters.

The pair were standing at the back of the main part of the building, while the rest of their Mobsters were around the perimetre making sure the reinforcements could get through. No Mobsters were close enough to protect them.

Daryl couldn't have planned it better. He shot out of his fathers office and tore towards Sidewinder!

Sidewinder saw him and grimaced. Random Crusaders?! She threw a pair of Emerald Daggers at him...and they just shattered against him!

“JUDY NO!” Marion cried, rushing to protect her sister. 

Daryl laughed. It was too late.

The bullet went right between Sidewinders eyes. Judith Jofrey died instantly.

“Roger WILL be pleased!” Daryl laughed behind his mask. He got out of there via the back door as the Mobster reinforcements arrived.

And that's when Mobster Marion lost the last of her sanity.