'After last chapter's happy ending, you would be forgiven for thinking it was smooth sailing from then on in. And it was, but only for a short while. Our family was about to face a new crisis, one that would change us forever...'
'Before we begin, I'd like to talk a little about our family's relationship with the prime minister, and mayor of our town of Roam, Mr. Lee Cavallo. At a first glance, he's nothing to brag home about: a tan unicorn with auburn mane and brown eyes in a suit with a bow tie Cutie Mark. Came from a family of politicians, his father having been the mayor before him. He made it into office, and eventually proceeded to becoming Eurodeo's prime minster by his forties.'
'However, as does most politicians, he has his problems. But while other politicians may have their occasional scandal, such as the 'waitergate' incident suffered by the Premier of Chineigh, and the unfortunate incident when Baron Broadbeak threw up on the Prench ambassador, Cavallo had many little ones. To my understanding, Cavallo was an adrenaline junkie before he got into politics, and while he has calmed down in his later years, he ended up developing a couple of vices.'
'One vice being that he loves trying out all sorts of substances, whether to get a sensation or deal with his stress. However, things came to a head when witnesses spotted him receiving a shipment containing a rather illegal Minostan substance known as 'Argonuts'. Supposedly, those nuts, when ground up and smoked, induce a euphoric state. Blackmails began pouring in, and if he didn't play ball, they would rat him out and his career would be over. That was when my father and Anarchy came to him with a proposition.'
'The deal was, they would take care of those 'witnesses' and all evidence of the scandal, and in return, Cavallo would give the family free reign over Bitaly, allowing us to pursue any operations that supported our charitable cause. Understandably, Cavallo was not pleased with being faced with another blackmail, but given how he didn't want to ruin his family name and this blackmail didn't involve him dishing out innumerable amount of cash, he caved, and thus, a partnership was born.'
'In this partnership, Cavallo, as he would come to realize, could continue to pursue his vices, and we would be able to help those in need without retaliation. A mutual friendship eventually came to be between us, and things were good. In fact, with Cavallo on our side, we felt a sense of invincibility, that we were untouchable... till one day...'
'It all started one morning, as Cavallo was pursuing yet another one of his vices...'
A show-tune song was playing quietly on a phonograph in the mayor's office, as Cavallo was cutting up lines of chirpy cheese powder, exported from Aerovis, and very illegal.
"Ah, man, I've been waiting all day for this." Cavallo sighed, undoing his tie, as he levitated a straw. He held it to his snout as he lowered his head and began snorting.
"Ah…oh…yes…" Cavallo moaned gleefully.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, snapping him out of his reverie.
"Mr. Cavallo. The commissioner is here to see you." His secretary, Miss Typo, declared.
"Commissioner?!" Cavallo gaped, "Ah, uh, give me a moment!" He quickly swept all the lines of the powder into a bag, deposit the straw in it, and threw the bag into one of his drawers, and quickly adjusted himself and retighten his tie. After taking a deep breath, "Let him in!"
The doors opened, as a dark blue, black maned Earth Pony, wearing a full body trenchcoat, as well as a fedora, came in. He was a bulky stallion, with a frighteningly angular jaw, with a sinister scowl. He had a number of scars on his face, and a cold look in his gray eyes. His Cutie Mark was that of a police badge.
"Police Commissioner Striker Killsquad?" Cavallo gasped. "What a surprise! Who do I owe the pleasure?"
"Forgive the intrusion, your grace." Killsquad declared. "I just transferred back from Luxembuck, and I needed to see you as soon as possible."
"Of course... it really has been a while, hadn't it?" Cavallo give a small smile, "It's been, what? Five, six years since you left for Luxembuck to help out with the Braygias. Roam hadn't been the same since you left."
"So I noticed." Killsquad deadpanned. "I also noticed that in my absence, that the crime-rate has reached an all-time high, and there have been whispers about an underground smuggling network."
"Oh really?" Cavallo seized up, getting a bit nervous, "Well, I admit, things have been sort of up and down since you left, but it's nothing to worry about, really."
"Well, now that I have returned, I had came up with a revolutionary plan..." Killsquad declared.
"...What plan?" Cavallo asked, confused.
"Why to deal with the crimes and corruption in this city, of course!" Killsquad declared, as he pulled out a folder and set it down in front of Cavallo. As Cavallo read through it, he continued talking. "I have put together a strategy that would not only clean up the streets...but it will deal with a very big problem this town has... namely, the mafia."
"The mafia?" Cavallo laughed nervously, as he skimmed through Killsquad's folder. "Oh come now, I doubt they're that much of a threat."
"Really?" Killsquad gasped, as he then threw down more folders, much to Cavallo's shock. "Crossbow running, theft, assault, bribery... I could go on all day. And that's what I've heard about since returning. Yet, despite all this evidence, not many arrests had been made."
"Well, it's not quite that cut-and-dry." Cavallo said nervously. "It takes time to properly examine a crime scene, get all the bits and pieces together. Not to mention a good lawyer is hard to get in this town. And while there are rumors of this alleged 'mafia', we just don't have enough physical evidence to go on."
"You know, I had a feeling you'd say that." Killsquad frowned.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Cavallo asked.
"I mean no offense, your grace, but it seems like you are not all that concerned about this 'mafia'." Killsquad noted. "In fact, someponies might think you're actually allowing them to do whatever they want..."
"W-what?" Cavallo began sweating. "That's ridiculous! Why would I ever consort myself with a bunch of criminals? That's... that's..."
"Then again, I could be wrong." Killsquad cut him off, "Either way, with or without your blessing, I am going to launch an investigation, and anypony I find in connection with the mafia will be persecuted to the full extent of the law... so, are you on board or not?"
"Well, ah..." Cavallo gulped. He was backed into a corner, and he knew it. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give this plan of yours a try…"
"Good choice, sir." Killsquad smirked, as he gathered all the folders, taking the plan folder from Cavallo. "I assure you, by the time I am through, Roam will be crime-free."
"How... lovely." Cavallo murmured.
"I will take my leave now." Killsquad nodded as he made to leave... but then, he glanced at Cavallo smugly, "By the way, your grace, you've got a little 'incriminating evidence' on your snout."
Cavallo glanced at his snout, where a bit of powdered cheese remained, as he then quickly made to rub it off. The commissioner only stifle a chuckle as he left.
Shortly afterward, Killsquad arrived at the police station, and spoke with Sergeant Anous.
"Are you serious?" Anous growled. "I'm in charge of handling the good-for-nothing criminals in this town! I need no high and mighty commissioner to do my job!"
"And a wonderful job you've been doing." Killsquad said sarcastically.
"Yes, actually." Anous said smugly. "Since I came on board, less ponies have been bat murdered, and jaywalking is at an all-time low! In fact, I had been teaching the ponies the important of 'Always Silently Shut Your Door In Case of Kleptomaniacs' or in short-"
"I don't care about bat murderers and jaywalkers! From what I've heard, you seem to think the answer to any crime is to shoot the perpetrator with your crossbow... constantly." Killsquad remarked. "Not to mention you have failed to rein in the activities of those mafia slimeballs."
"I beg to differ." Anous sneered. "Why, just today, we picked up one of their crossbow runners."
"A few lackies behind bars means nothing." Killsquad snorted. "You've consistently failed to cut off the root of the problem. The leaders themselves remain at large, despite your best efforts."
"Well, what you want me to do?" Anous frowned, "Those guys are crafty. And anytime I try to pin a guy, they lawyer up and get off scotch free."
"That's why I am here." Killsquad declared, as he shoved a folder into Anous's chest. "In that folder is a protocol I devised called 'Death Squad'." Anous begrudgingly opened the folder and began reading it, as Killsquad cited "The plan is as follows: I pick the best ponies on this force, create a group of ponies that overrides the usual police procedures, then we start busting up every single operation the mafia has running all over the city. We could doing so till we get a lead on their leaders. Once the mafia is finished, all other criminals will be begging to be jailed. It's a perfect plan."
"Perfect?" Anous blanched. "Bull crud! You expect me to support such a stupid, over-the-top, expensive, controversial, and ripping off 'Gangster Squad' kind of plan?"
"I wasn't asking for your permission." Killsquad glared. "In fact, I am not going to let your incompetence go unpunished any longer. Sergeant Anous, you are fired!"
"What?!" Anous spluttered. "You can't do this!"
"I think you'll find I can." Killsquad declared. "Turn in your badge, and get out."
"...Fine." Anous spat, throwing his badge to the floor. "Good luck. You're gonna need it..." He then muttered "You jack-*BLEEP!*"
As Anous stormed out of the precinct, Killsquad grinned smugly.
"Now... it's time to take back the streets..." He declared.
'Foreboding, yes? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Our family's greatest trial was about to begin, in a chapter I call...'
Chapter Four: The Last Days Of Clyde Napoleon
'Police Commissioner Striker Callaghan Killsquad... oh, how I had come to despise such a name. Ponies like Black Knight and Twitch could not compare to him. He was a vicious, manipulative, psychotic stallion who should never have been given a position of authority. Once he set his mind on something, he refused to back down, no matter what. Normally, such determination is to be respected, but on him, it was disturbing. Last we had heard of him, it was back when Anarchy was still alive, and he was sent off to some country to clean the streets there. Things were difficult back then for the family, but when he was gone, things started looking up. But of course, we were all unaware of what he was about to set in motion...'
Grimoire and Sandy were lounging in the living room. Grimoire was reading a book for 'boy names', Sandy a book for 'girl names', and Caboose, for 'Uncle names'.
"How about 'Lucious'"? Grimoire asked.
"Not in this lifetime." Sandy frowned. "Ooh, maybe 'Winifred'."
"Only if we want her to grow up to be a witch." Grimoire snickered.
"Hey, how about having the foal call me 'uncle 'Boosey'?" Caboose smiled.
Grimoire and Sandy looked at each other.
"Absolutely not." They chorused.
"Spoilsports." Caboose pouted.
'After finally sharing a bed together, Sandy and I were going from strength to strength. With a little help from yours truly, she was even starting to get along better with my father and brothers.'
"Grim, can you get me something from the kitchen?" Sandy asked. "The foal's hungry."
"Coming right up, my darling." Grimoire smiled.
On his way to the kitchen, Grimoire passed his father's study.
"Well?" Clyde's voice was heard.
"The test results are in, sir." Another voice announced. "And it's... not good."
Grimoire stopped in his tracks, and started listening. The door was ajar, and inside was the medic who had treated Anarchy before his death. He had gotten old over the years, but ponies still turned to him for medical advice.
"I'm sorry, sir." The doctor announced. "I'm afraid you've developed Prancington's disease. It's the same degenerative disease your father had. It seems to be hereditary."
"...I see." Clyde said bluntly.
"Disease?" Grimoire whispered.
"You may want to examine your options for treatment." The doctor declared. "With the right medication, you may be able to last-"
"No." Clyde said firmly.
"Sir?" The doctor gaped.
"I know what happened to my dad when he went through this." Clyde declared. "That so-called 'treatment' really messed him up. His speech got all slurred, he started forgetting stuff, he was tired all the time... I'm not letting that happen to me. I have a family and an empire to run. The moment I receive that treatment, the other mafia families will be on Bitaly like flies on a carcass... I would rather die than let anypony else claim this land."
"Dad..." Grimoire gasped.
He was about to step in when there was a knock at the door. Putting aside his worries for a moment, he went to answer it. Cavallo turned out to be behind the door.
"Cavallo?" Grimoire frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"Gather the family." Cavallo said breathlessly. "I need to speak to you all, now."
'I didn't like the worried look in Cavallo's eyes. I gathered the others as quick as I could, and we all met in the living room.'
Clyde and his sons stood around Cavallo. Bonnie and Sandy stood to the side.
"What's going on, Cavallo?" Clyde asked.
"Another problem you need us to bail you out of?" Vinny asked.
"What is it this time?" Lars added. "Extortion, scandal..."
"Did somepony get a picture of you in a clown suit?" Caboose inquired.
"I trust you're all familiar with Commissioner Killsquad?" Cavallo asked.
Immediately, everypony's face darkened, much to Sandy's (who was still new to the whole mafia business) confusion.
"Sure" Murray nodded. "That buckhead ruined our gem smuggling plan last month in Hagypt."
"Not to mention our counterfeit bit operation last year in Moscolt." Vinny growled.
"Yeah, that stallion really made a mess of things when he was around. But he's in Maretonia." Clyde frowned.
"Well, I'm afraid he's back." Cavallo sighed. "He came into my office today, ranting about a plan he has to clean house around here. He's putting together some sort of task force meant to wipe you all out!"
"And you just let him?" Salt frowned. "You owe us, Cavallo! Or have you forgotten about that mess with mule callgirl and her blackmailing brother, which we were happy to sweep under the carpet?"
"Honestly, have you no taste in women?" Slot spat.
"I haven't and shut up, Slot, I have needs." Cavallo glared. "Believe me, I don't want this to happen anymore then you do, but Killsquad suspects that I have some kind of link to you. I can't kick up too much of a stink here. I will try my best to deal with this, but you guys are just gonna have to be more careful from now on."
"Yeah, right." Clyde snorted. "We've been running this town for years. The cops shouldn't pose a problem, even with Killsquad at the helm."
"Dad's right." Sonny grinned. "Those flathooves won't be able to touch us!"
"Yeah, we'll crush 'em!" Salt agreed.
"No doubt!" Slot smirked.
"Please, don't make light of this situation, Clyde." Cavallo frowned, "I know Killsquad and he will stop at nothing to destroy you. He-"
Suddenly, there was another knock at the door.
"Oh crud, it's him!" Cavallo leapt out the window, much to their shock, and then peek his head through the window. "I was never here!"
"...But you were here." Caboose frowned.
"Not any more!" Cavallo raced off.
The knocks continued, with some trepidation, Grimoire answered the door. It was indeed Killsquad.
"Good evening." Killsquad smiled. "Mind if I come in?"
"I suppose." Grimoire frowned.
Killsquad entered the study.
"Good evening, Napoleon family." He declared. "I am Commissioner Striker Killsquad."
"And what brings you there, Mr Killsquad?" Clyde asked.
"Oh, just doing the rounds." Killsquad shrugged, "Getting back the lay of the land, you know? It has been over six years since I had been here. Do you remember those days?"
"Yeah…good times." Clyde frowned, "Now what are you doing here? Cause I doubt you are here to reminisce about time long since past.'
"Hmm, to the point, I respect that." Killsquad nodded, "As you may know, my career in law enforcement has been quite successful. The crime rates in the towns I have been posted in have been reduced immensely. I brought down the Braygias, stopped the theft of the Donkey Diamond, and even took out a bunch of terrorist Griffons. However, I had come back to my hometown to finally rid it of these 'mafia' ponies that had been plaguing it from day one..."
"You still haven't told us why you're here, Commissioner." Lars pointed out.
"I was getting to that." Killsquad declared. "You see, I had been hearing some rather... unpleasant rumors about this family, as well as this 'organization' you had been running, Mr. Napoleon." He glanced at Clyde, "Rather incriminating rumors."
"Those rumor are nothing but lies." Clyde frowned. "Stirred up by the rumor mill. My organization has been nothing but charitable since my ancestors. And I am not appreciating what you are insinuating..."
"Of course, my apologies." Killsquad gave a smirk. "Just watch your steps, boys. You wouldn't want anything unpleasant to happen to you. Especially given your health, Clyde..."
"What?" Salt grimaced.
"What's he talking about, dad?" Sonny asked.
"...Clyde?" Bonnie frowned.
"I don't know what you are talking about, Killsquad." Clyde glared, "But I think it is best that you leave now..."
"Of course... I just wouldn't want anything to happen to you or your sons…especially considering what happened 'that night'..."
The Napoleons froze.
"What night?" Caboose asked. "Taco night? Bowling night? Throw me a bone here, guys!"
"...Get out." Clyde snarled. "Get out now! Get off my property before I call my lawyer and sue your flank for harassment!"
"I can see I've overstepped my mark." Killsquad smirked. "And I'm sorry." He walked out of the study. "Have a good night, folks..."
He left the room with an evil smirk on his face.
"That jumped-up little..." Clyde snarled.
"Calm down, dear." Bonnie urged.
"Like we should be worrying about that jerk." Slot smirked.
"Of course not." Lars agreed. "He couldn't stop us before, and I doubt he'll be able to do it now."
"My thoughts exactly." Murray nodded.
"I don't know, guys." Grimoire frowned. "It sounds like he's really serious..."
"And did you see that look in his eye?" Sandy shivered. "Creepy..."
"Let him try and take us down." Clyde sneered. "I give him a week, maybe two, before he gives up and everything will be back to normal."
'Unfortunately, dad couldn't be more wrong. A few days later, the 'Death Squad' protocol had been put into effect, and soon, Killsquad had a team. Now, I am basing these following scenes from key witnesses from that day, but I had to put in some of the pieces.'
"Alright, squad." Killsquad stood in the precinct, debriefing his new team. "Today, we begin a revolution. Today, we wage war on crime itself. Those mafia slimeballs have had it too good for too long. From here on in, we won't rest until they've been brought to justice. With me leading you, defeat is impossible. As of now, I am the law!"
'And with that, came the busting of our operations. Smuggling, bootlegging, robberies, they all came under attack. But the worst part was that he was trying to find out who was in charge by shaking down our members.'
'It started with the gem smuggling we've been hiding in the mail...'
The squad ambushed a trio of couriers, pinning them against a wall.
"What do you want, coppers?" One courier asked.
"What I want is the name of the ponies in charge of this..." Killsquad ripped the package from the couriers' hooves, and tore it open, letting the gems fall to the ground."
"We don't know what you're talkin' about." The second courier remarked. "We run this thing ourselves."
"Really?" Killsquad sneered. "The three of you, running this big operation. Please..."
"It's the truth." The third courier stepped forward.
"Talk!" Killsquad struck him. "Who's in charge?"
"Buck you, pal!" The courier spat in Killsquad's face. "I'm not saying anything!"
"You're right." Killsquad wiped off the spittle. "And you never will again."
Killsquad nodded to one his squad members, who shot the courier in the heart with a bolt.
"Holy buck!" One of the other couriers yelled.
'Then came the attack on our counterfeit clothes operation.'
Killsquad smashed open the door to a shack hiding the operation.
"Don't move!" He yelled.
The workers tried to flee, but most were caught by Killsquad's flunkies.
'And our shipping work at the docks...'
As a group of Buffalo unloaded an illegal import of Argonuts, Killsquad and his crew swarmed the pier.
"Well, look what we hooked." Killsquad sneered, as the Buffalo raised their hooves.
'Those Killsquad captured were taken to the precinct, and subjected to the same brutal methods of interrogation. None of them broke, bless their souls. But Killsquad wouldn't give up that easily.'
"Sooner or later, one of these slimeballs will talk." Killsquad remarked, as another interrogation was 'terminated'. "Then we'll have all the evidence we need to bring down those Napoleons."
'As the news got out, things began to get tense around the mansion. All the mafia members were all in a panic...'
A group of subordinates were gathered in the courtyard.
"Clyde, you know we've served you faithfully." A Griffon declared. "But things are getting way too hot around here."
"What are you trying to say?" Clyde asked.
"What do you think?" An Earth Pony frowned. "We're terrified that Killsquad is gonna get us!"
"Calm down." Clyde urged.
"You're not the only one with a family, you know." A Buffalo declared. "If anything happens to me, mine'll be crushed."
"I know." Clyde declared. "Just stay cool..."
"I'm sure you'd get off lighter than me." A Changeling told the Buffalo. "They'd probably just dispense with the interrogation and hit me with some Raid."
"You're exaggerating." Clyde shrugged.
"Is he?" The Griffon growled. "If Killsquad gets a hold of us, we're plucked. We oughta run while we have the chance!"
"Nopony's going ANYWHERE!" Clyde roared. "We're facing Killsquad together! You cowards think you can abandon your fellows? Go ahead. But Killsquad won't be the only stallion you'll have to worry about!"
The agents stepped back, shocked by Clyde's sudden outburst. Clyde took a deep breath.
"Trust me." Clyde declared. "We'll make it through this."
Clyde walked back inside, leaving his shaken agents behind him.
'Even the servants were getting antsy, worried that if Killsquad did find dirt on us that things would come crashing down on them. Some actually quit, and I couldn't blame them... We were all on edge...'
Vinny was walking down the hall when he bumped into Slot.
"Hey, watch where you're going!" Slot yelled.
"Me?!" Vinny snorted. "You're the one who can't get out of the buckin' way!"
Lars rounded the corner, catching them in their argument.
"Of all the petty things to argue about..." He rolled her eyes.
"Butt out, nerd!" Vinny and Slot yelled together.
In the gym, Salt hit his punching bag so hard it split.
"Ah, not again!" He roared. "Dumb weak bags..."
Murray, who was spending most of his time at the firing range, had drawn crude pictures of Killsquad, and hit each one in the head.
"Take that, ya lousy filth!" He roared.
Even Caboose was feeling the pressure. He was a lot less talkative, and had taken to hanging upside down from the ceiling.
"Um, Caboose?" Sonny frowned. "Why are you doing that?"
"So all the worries drip out of me." Caboose declared.
"Is it working?" Sonny asked.
"...No." Caboose sighed.
"Too bad." Sonny shook his head. "I was hoping to try it myself..."
'Our father's condition started to deteriorate...'
Grimoire entered the study, finding Clyde searching for something.
"Dad, what's wrong?" He asked.
"Who took my papers?" Clyde yelled. "Who?!"
"Um, dad... it's right there." Grimoire pointed to the coffee table.
"Oh, right." Clyde frowned. "Can't believe I forgot. Must be the stress of this Killsquad thing."
"Yeah, must be..." Grimoire sighed.
"...It's going to be alright, Grim." Clyde tries to assure him, "Our family's come face to face with worse. And every member here is loyal to the end. He can't kill all of them."
"I know, pa." Grimoire nodded.
"Good... good..." Clyde nodded, as he sat down, rubbing his head, "Oh, I feel so... tired..."
"You just get some rest, dad." Grimoire urged. "You're gonna need it..."
'I had told nopony of what I had overheard. Not Sandy, mom, nopony. I didn't want to put any more worry on them.'
One day, Sandy and Bonnie went out to the market, enjoying a stroll.
"Such a beautiful day." Sandy smiled.
"I know." Bonnie nodded. "Almost makes you forget your worries. Almost..."
"I know the feeling." Sandy sighed. "...I can't stop worrying about that Killsquad fellow. I'm afraid he'll hurt you all. Especially Grim..."
"It's okay, dear." Bonnie smiled. "You've married into one tough family. They can handle whatever Killsquad fiend can throw at them."
"I guess you're right." Sandy sighed.
"Of course I am." Bonnie nodded. "Now, let's get some shopping done."
As they walked through the market, Bonnie stopped to talk with one of the vendors. As Sandy perused a pie cart, her craving getting the better of her, she soon felt a hoof on her shoulder.
"Huh?" Sandy turned, only to be faced with Killsquad. "Oh... it's you."
"Good morning." He said innocently.
"Morning." Sandy nodded.
"Beautiful day." Killsquad continued.
"Sure is." Sandy agreed.
"So…you're Grimm's wife, right?" Killsquad asked.
"Yes, as of two months." Sandy nodded.
"I see... and you two certainly wasted no time in making a foal." Killsquad point out her distended belly, "In fact, it seems like you and him got married around the same time that foal came into existence..."
"Yeah... about that, it's a long story..." Sandy rubbed her head.
"Let's cut the pleasantries." Killsquad said suddenly. "I know who you are, Sandstorm Speck. And I know the Napoleons kidnapped you from the Palomino Canals two months ago. And that you've been held here in this country against your will."
"You... what?" Sandy gasped, shocked by all he said.
"It's a real shame, is what it is." Killsquad sighed. "A lovely young mare like you being locked up like that. A mare like you shouldn't be contained, because you are carrying some criminal's foal..."
"Well, actually..." Sandy frowned.
"But I can help you." Killsquad continued. "I can set you free of your prison. You can give your foal a life free of crime, and a proper upbringing... all I need from you is a testimony that will put your husband and his entire family behind bars. Then I can take you to whenever you wish, and you will never have to hear from them or me again…what do you say?"
Sandy thought about it for a moment. It was indeed a tempting offer. Though things had gotten better for her, she was still technically a prisoner. She was allowed to leave the mansion and the property, it was to be with a member of the family. She didn't mind it, but it was still debilitating. And if what Killsquad said was true, she could possibly still make it to the Caymare Islands, like she dreamed...
But then she thought of the family. Despite all their flaws, she couldn't bear to wish harm upon any of them. All her life, she had been without a family, and for the first time, she finally got one. It was through a rather odd method, but this family actually cared about her, some moreso than others, but they care all the same. Then, there was Grimiore... she loved him, and he loved her... and she refused to have her foal grow up without a father, just like she had. And given what she heard regarding Killsquad's activities, prison doesn't seem like an option to him.
"Well?" Killsquad asked.
"My answer is no." Sandy declared.
"What?" Killsquad gaped. "How could you want to stay with those crooks?"
"They may be crooks, but they're good ponies, deep down." Sandy declared. "And Grimoire is my husband and the father of my foal. I won't betray him or his family…my family." She then turned away. "Now if you'll excuse me..."
Suddenly, Killsquad pull her back, and brought her face to his.
"You listen here, you little harlot." Killsquad growled. "I am going to bring that family down one way or another. I don't need your help to bring them down but I highly suggest you decide what side you want to be on when the hammer comes down on them. Because pregnant or not, you will be tried to the full extent, just like the rest, and you can kiss your filthy hybrid foal good-bye!"
"Killsquad, let go, you're hurting me..." Sandy muttered.
"Good." Killsquad glared. "'Cause you will be feeling that pain when I bring down your entire family. And trust me, it is going to ill in comparison when I-"
"That's quite enough!"
Bonnie instantly stepped in between Sandy and Killsquad, rounding on the stallion.
"Harassing a pregnant mare, Commissioner?" Bonnie intervened. "I thought that you of all ponies would be above such barbaric notions."
"Now, now, I was just asking some questions, is all..." Killsquad explained.
"Well, she is not answering any of them!" Bonnie snarled. "Unless you want to speak to our attorney, I would advise that you kindly buck off! Okay, Commissioner?"
"Okay." Killsquad smirked, backing away. "I've said my piece." He gave a sly sneer at Sandy. "You just remember what I said, dear. It won't be long before the hammer comes down..."
With that, Killsquad left.
"The nerves of that stallion." Bonnie growled, as she then glanced sympathetically at Sandy. "Are you alright, dear?"
"Can we... please go home?" Sandy quivered, shell-shocked by what Killsquad said. "I want to go home..."
"Of course, dear." Bonnie lead her out of the market.
'That afternoon, I and the brothers returned home after trying to do damage control on our crippled operations.'
The Napoleon stallions came into the mansion, all dishevelled and stressed out.
"Oh, bloody 'ell. I don't know how one guy could be so much trouble for us." Salt groaned.
"No kidding." Murray sighed. "Thirty safe houses hit in one week."
"Did you see the fancy curtains in safe house #23?" Caboose asked. "Swanky..."
"Yeah." Slot agreed sarcastically. "Too bad the windows had been broken... by Killsquad!"
"Now I know how a maid feels." Vinny quipped. "So much cleaning up to do..."
"Stand firm, boys." Clyde declared. "There'll a lot more to clean up before this is over."
As the Napoleons entered the living room, Grimoire saw Bonnie trying to comfort a distraught Sandy.
"Sandy?" Grimoire frowned. "What's wrong?"
"It's that commissioner." Bonnie frowned. "He approached her while my back was turned and said some awful things…"
"H-he said he was going to take us all down..." Sandy sniffed, clutching her stomach. "And he was going to do something to our foal..."
"He did what?" Grimoire gasped.
"He tried to get me to rat out on you." Sandy declared. "And when I refused, he... he..." She then broke down, "Oh, Grim, I'm so scared! I don't want to lose our foal! I don't want to lose anypony!"
"Sandy..." Grimoire murmured, as he hugged her. "I can't believe he would do such a thing..."
"That buckin' rat!" Murray spat.
"Filth!" Salt roared.
"Odiferus barbarian!" Lars yelled
"He's gone too far this time!" Slot growled.
"He's gonna pay!" Sonny snarled.
"Big time!" Vinny added.
"Yeah, nopony threatens Sandy!" Caboose yelled. "Not unless she wants 'em to!"
"Well, that just about does it." Clyde growled. "That bucker's finally crossed the line. Come on, boys. It's time to settle this once and for all."
"Oh, yeah!" Salt cheered.
"We're with ya, pop!" Slot grinned.
"You can count me in." Murray nodded.
"And me." Sonny added.
"Ditto." Vinny grinned.
"It's not even a question." Lars declared.
"Nopony threatens my wife and foal." Grimoire declared, feeling a rather deep anger within. "And I will be damned if I let Killsquad get away with this."
"That's the family stallion's spirit, son." Clyde smirked, "No more being pushed around by the law."
"Yeah!" The brothers cheered, as they made to leave.
"Wait for me, guys!" Caboose rushed forward. "I want to kick butt too!"
"Not you, Caboose." Clyde stopped him with a hoof. "You stay here and protect Sandy and your mother and make sure you get them out of here if something happens."
"Something?" Caboose asked. "Like what?"
"... I'd rather not say." Clyde frowned.
"Seriously, like what?" Caboose asked again, very confused.
"Grim, do you have to go?" Sandy whimpered, "I... I don't..."
"I know you don't, Sandy..." Grimm sighed, nuzzling her. "But I have a duty as a husband to do this. I swore to you I wouldn't let anything happen to you and our foal, and I mean it."
"Oh, why do you have to be wonderful?" Sandy nuzzled him.
"Easy." Grimoire nuzzled her back. "With you to come back to, it all come so naturally."
"Be safe out there." Bonnie kissed Clyde. "Love you."
"Love you too." Clyde smiled. "Forever and ever..."
"Let's move out." Clyde told the others.
"Maybe we should call in some back-up from our remaining members." Grimoire suggested.
"Not this time." Clyde declared. "Killsquad threatened our family, and now this family is going to take care of him…once and for all."
Later, at the precinct, Killsquad was given an anonymous tip.
"Weapon smuggling at the south side docks..." He smirked. "Mount up, boys. It's game time!"
The 'Death Squad' made their way to the warehouse listed on the tip.
"Freeze!" Killsquad pulled open the door.
The warehouse was empty.
"What the-?" One of the squad members frowned. "Where are all the crooks?"
"Right here."
The Napoleons emerged from behind some crates.
"Well, well." Killsquad smirked. "Look like we struck gold, boys. Instead of the lackeys, we get the head honchos..."
"You didn't really give us much choice." Murray glared, "What with putting the kibosh on all our operations. Not to mention killing our agents."
"Just what I was hoping for." Killsquad smirked, "You are all under arrest for crossbow running, theft, assault, bribery, forgery, counterfeit, kidnapping, and general criminal activities. And soon, so will that old broad and that little mare of yours..."
"Oh, I don't think so." Clyde sneered. "For you see, we're the ones who sent you that tip."
"You don't say..." Killsquad nodded. "You had called us here, so you could turn yourselves in."
"Quite the contrary." Clyde spat. "We called you out here so we could kill you."
Using magic, Clyde closed and locked the gate.
"Just so you know, there's an anti-teleportation spell on this building." He added.
"What is this, Clyde?" Killsquad frowned. "Why the sudden hostility?"
"Simple, you pig." Clyde snarled. "It is one thing to threaten me or the empire, but it is an entirely different thing to threaten a poor pregnant mare that had nothing to do this whole stallionhunt!"
"Oh, she had something to do the moment she consorted herself with your son." Killsquad sneered, prompting a growl from Grimm, "And what's this about killing me? Isn't killing innocent ponies 'against' your code or something?"
"You lost the right to use that card the moment you began murdering our men." Clyde seethed, as he glared at his followers. "All of you. We are ending this right here, right now."
"Ooh, so scary." Killsquad mock-quivered. "You actually expect me to believe that any of you has the gall to kill a cop-"
Suddenly, a crossbow bolt embedded itself in one of the squad members' head, bringing him down.
"What the buck?!" A squad member screamed.
Everypony glanced at Slot, who was the one who fired the shot.
"Oh..." Slot murmured. "I'm sorry, I thought we were going to kill them now... my bad..."
"You *BLEEP!*..." Killsquad snarled. "Forget bringing them in. We'll say they resisted arrest! They're going down for good!"
"Wouldn't have it any other way!" Clyde roared.
The Napoleons dived back behind the crates, while the squad took aim, and an epic shoot-out began. The squad was good, but the Napoleons were better.
Murray scored some impressive headshots, while Sonny ignited his bolts, setting alight one of the squad.
"Ahhh!" The squad member screamed, jumping out of the window.
Lars, using some quick calculations, angled his shot so the bolt bounced off certain obstacles, and struck a squaddie in the back of the head.
Salt managed to affix a miniature boxing glove to his bolt, while Slot used a switchblade, ensuring nasty surprises for the targets.
"Eat it, scum!" Slot spat, as his blade-bolt embedded itself in a squaddie's neck.
With the squad members falling one by one, it seemed like things were going their way. Until...
"Keep it up, guys!" Grimm encouraged. "We've almost got- Ah!"
Grimoire suddenly took a bolt to the stomach.
"How do you like that, Napoleon?!" Killsquad growled.
"Grimoire!" Clyde gaped.
"No!" Murray yelled.
"Get him to cover!" Lars instructed.
Half the brothers provided cover fire, while the other half dragged Grimoire behind a larger pile of crates. Salt, who had underwent some basic medical training (in order to be a more effective fighter), looked Grimoire over.
"It doesn't look good." He declared, binding the wound with a torn piece of his suit.
"I'll be fine." Grimoire winced. "Just give me a moment..." He struggled to get up, only to gasp in pain. "GAH!"
"Grim, you've got to stay down." Vinny murmured.
"Never." Grimoire groaned. "I'm the eldest brother, aren't I? I'm in this to the bitter end! Besides, we've almost won!"
Clyde glanced at Grimoire, worrying about his well-being.
"This fight isn't over..." Clyde peeked past the crates, appraising the situation. "There's only three of them left. Boys, take Grim and get out of here."
"What?" Murray gasped. "Dad, we're not leaving you!"
"No way!" Slot agreed.
"Forget it!" Vinny growled.
"Not in a million years!" Sonny added.
"We're in this together, pop." Salt declared.
"You said it yourself." Grimoire said firmly, clutching his wound. "The family is going to take care of Killsquad."
"I changed my mind." Clyde shot back. "And I'm still the don, and your father, which means you do as I say!"
"But dad!" Grimiore tried to argue.
"Grim, you need medical help and fast! You got a wife and a foal on the way that needs you, and I can't let you or the others get hurt anymore!" Clyde explained.
"It ain't up to you!" Vinny declared.
"We're not just running away!" Slot added.
"Dad, we're staying here!" Lars declared.
"No." Clyde's horn lit up. "You're not."
The brothers all started to glow. Grimoire realized what was happening.
"Dad, do-" He said, before vanishing.
"Goodbye, boys." Clyde sighed. "...I love you all..."
The brothers reappeared in a field, almost a mile away.
"-N't!" Grimoire finished.
"He teleported us!" Murray gasped.
"How?" Sonny asked. "What about that anti-teleporting spell!"
"Dad was the one who cast it." Lars pointed. "Which meant he could also disable it."
"We have to go back!" Salt yelled. "We can't let him fight alone."
"Yes, he needs us!" Grimiore struggled to his hooves. "We need to get back there."
"But Pa probably already set the field back up." Lars muttered.
"Then we'll walk!" Grimoire spat.
'But what about your injuries, Grimoire?" Vinny frowned.
"I'll live!" Grimm growled, "We just need to get back there!"
"Yeah, come on!" Slot yelled, just as anxious to get back to the warehouse, "He can't hold out forever.
Back in the warehouse, Clyde charged out from behind the crates. He took out one of the squad using the element of surprise. The second fired back, but he zigzagged past, and took him out too. He set his sights on Killsquad, who leapt behind a crate.
"You're going down, Napoleon!" Killsquad yelled. "Your reign of terror ends here!"
"Terror?" Clyde frowned. "Everything I've done has been for the greater good of Bitaly!"
"Don't even bother." Killsquad spat. "You're the villain of this story, and I'm taking you out!"
"Not today!" Clyde fired.
Killsquad ducked, but not fast enough. There was the unmistakeable sound of bolt meeting flesh, and a cry of pain.
"Goodnight, Commisioner." Clyde snorted.
Clyde glanced around the room, seeing nothing but dead bodies all around him. With a satisfied smirk, the Clydesdale stallion made his way to the door. The Prancington's disease was really taking it's toll on him. His vision was starting to blur, and he could barely keep his balance.
Suddenly, just as he reached for the door, a bolt struck him in the back.
"Gah... ah..." Clyde fell to the ground, bleeding profusely from his wound.
Killsquad emerged from behind the crate, removing a bolt from his side, growling a bit in pain. He walked over to Clyde, and rolled him over on his back.
"Oh, what a shame this is." Killsquad spat out some blood. "Your own flesh and blood... left you to die, all by your lonesome."
Clyde chuckled a bit, before coughing up a bit of blood.
"You know what they say... live to see another day... besides, they did most of the work already." He rasped, as he smirked. "Let's see you try to ruin my empire now, with just one of you..."
"I can always get more stallions." Killsquad sneered.
"Really?" Clyde coughed. "...You think that once they hear how you let a dozen ponies get killed trying to take one family down, they'll be eager to volunteer?"
"...You think you and your 'family' are so clever..." Killsquad leaned in. "But mark my words, Clyde... one pony or a hundred, I will bring your entire empire down... and every single one of your sons will burn for their crimes... especially your eldest and his wife... once I tell Intercolt what happened here... it'll be all over for them..."
"Huh..." Clyde let out a weak breath. "Too bad... you won't be alive to tell them."
"Oh, and how you figure that?" Killsquad smirked. "I'm still kicking, and you're drowning in your own blood."
"...It seems that way..." Clyde admitted.
"That Prancingson's disease really took it's toll on you." Killsquad snickered. He then glanced around. "Well, it's about time I leave this place."
"Wait." Clyde yelled, prompting Killsquad to stop. "I just have something for you... before you go..." He held up a clenched hoof. "Give me your hoof."
"What kind of trick is this?" Killsquad frowned.
"Just take it." Clyde growled.
"Very well." Killsquad let out a heavy sigh.
Killsquad held out his hoof. Clyde clutched it with both of his, giving him something.
"See you in hell, motherbucker." Clyde declared.
With that, Clyde let out one last weak sigh, as his eyes glossed over and his body grew limp…within seconds, Clyde was no more…
"Hmm, pity..." Killsquad gave him a small nod, as he looked in the hoof... only to find a pin.
"W-what..." The stallion gaped in shock, as he then pulled open Clyde's jacket and vest... only to reveal a bunch of grenades...
"...Buck."
Meanwhile, the brothers were running back to the warehouse.
"If we hurry, there might still be time before-" Grimoire declared.
KABOOOOM!!
The entire warehouse exploded, blowing the brothers back. As the brothers struggled to their hooves, they glanced upon the scene with horror…
"Oh, no." Grimoire spluttered. "No, no..."
"Dad..." Murray sniffed.
"He's gone..." Salt groaned.
"Inconceivable." Lars shook his head in disbelief.
"His goose has been... cooked." Sonny buried his head in his hooves, breaking into tears.
"This is not happening..." Vinny refused to believe his eyes. "This is not happening..."
"NO!" Slot screamed, as he ran towards the flame, "DAD!"
"Slot, no!" Salt grabbed him.
"LET ME GO!" Slot cried, "DAD'S STILL IN THERE!"
"Slot... he's gone... Dad is gone..." Grimoire whispered.
"NO! BUCK YOU! HE'S NOT DEAD!" Slot roared, as he continued yelling. "DAD! DAD! PLEASE!" However his screams soon turn into sobs, as tears burst from his eyes, "Dad! No! Faust, no..."
The brothers just stood there, mourning the loss of their father as the flames raged on.
'Victory was ours, but at a terrible price. Our father, the great Clyde Napoleon, was gone. Somehow, I felt that my father knew he was going to die in that warehouse. That's probably why he had a vest full of grenades... however it didn't make things any easier on us... or Mom...'
The brothers trudged home, helping the hurt Grimoire get inside.
"Grim!" Sandy rushed to him. "You're hurt!"
"It's okay, Sandy." Grimoire winced.
"Well?" Bonnie asked. "Did you deal with Killsquad?"
"Yeah." Murray nodded. "He's done."
"Way to go, bros!" Caboose cheered.
"But..." Salt started.
"But what?" Bonnie asked. "...Where's your father?"
"Yeah, about that..." Slot sighed.
"He's..." Lars stuttered. "He's..."
"He's gone..." Sonny finished.
"But at least he took that slime Killsquad with him." Vinny added.
"No, it can't be..." Bonnie started to cry. "Not my Clyde!"
"Oh, Bonnie..." Sandy tried to sooth her. "I'm so sorry."
"Dad's... dead?" Caboose burst into tears. "Nooooo!" He ran over to Grimoire, crying into his chest.
"I know, Caboose..." Grimoire sniffed. "I know..."
The brothers continued their mourning, the loss of Clyde weighing heavily upon them.
'It felt like mere months ago that we lost Anarchy because of one monster, but when we lost our father because of another one, the pain was just beyond words. It wasn't till the next morning that we were able to actually start getting the funeral arranged. Mother ended up doing most of the work, despite our insistence to have her rest, but she powered on through. With a little help from Cavallo, we managed to put together cover stories for both him and Killsquad. As far as the world knew, Clyde Napoleon died when his new airship crashed, while Killsquad and his goons were killed after sparking a gas explosion in an old warehouse (by accident of course).'
The funeral of Clyde Napoleon was quite an affair. Friends and allies from all over came to pay their respects.
"I'm so sorry for your loss." Wizel the Changeling told the family. "Clyde was a noble soul."
"He saw ponies for what they were on the inside." Shady the Thestral remarked. "He gave me a job when nopony else would."
"May his flight to the next world be swift, and smooth." A Griffon by the name of Tiberius declared.
"Before we begin, I would like to play this recording." The minister, an old friend of the family, activated a phonograph. "Clyde had given me orders to play it when he had passed. According to what I heard, this was recorded last week... let's have a listen..."
The record started spinning, and Clyde's voice started speaking.
"Hello, family... If you're listening to this recording, I must assume that I am dead." The voice declared. "Don't weep, everypony. If I went out the way I think I have, then it's all good. I'm sure all of you had heard the rumors about me dying…and they were all true. According to the doctors, the Prancingson's disease would have killed me within months. I apologize for not telling any of you…but I did not wanted to be treated differently or like glass. And I didn't want anypony to try to overthrow me before my time was up. In the end, I am glad that I went out the way I did. Much better than my father did..."
"You were a fine stallion, Clyde." Wizel declared.
"The best." Shady said solemnly.
"There were never be another like you." Cavallo remarked.
"To my beautiful wife Bonnie, I'm sorry we couldn't get to grow old together. But we had a really good run, and I will always be thankful for the love you had given me and the sons you had blessed me with... I love you, Bonnie.."
"I love you too, Clyde." Bonnie wept. "Forever and ever..."
"To Murray, you keep on being a straight shooter and remember all I taught you about courting a mare..."
"Good times..." Murray nodded wistfully.
"Salt, I know a tough stallion like you will be okay. You just keep on truckin', you hear?"
"You know it, pop..." Salt choked back the tears.
"Vinny, I'm gonna miss tasting those concoctions you made, as well as your poor attempts at humor."
"The old guy never could take a joke..." Vinny quipped half-heartedly.
"That goes for you on your baking, Sonny. I only wished I could have shared my aquilegia soup with you before I died."
"I promise I'll recreate the recipe someday, dad." Sonny pledged.
"Lars, don't ever take that big brain of yours for granted."
"Affirmative." Lars whispered.
"Slot, you keep on going, and don't take any guff from nopony. No matter what."
"No worries, pop..." Slot cried.
"Caboose, my sweet youngest son, you are the most incredibly unique pony I've ever known. Don't you ever change, not for anypony."
"You got it, dad." Caboose squeaked.
"And to Sandy, I'm sorry I haven't been a better father-in-law to you, and doubly sorry that I'll never see my grandfoal. But I want you to know that my Grim is a lucky stallion, to have a mare as sweet and kind as you as his wife and a mother to his foal..."
"I never knew you cared...." Sandy sniffed. "You'd've been a great grandfather."
"And to my oldest son, Grim... I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye for the longest time, and there were times that I pushed you to the point where you almost left us, but didn't because of circumstances none of us could control. But you've made me proud over the years. Which is why I am officially passing on the mantle of don to you. It will all be up to you to carry on the legacy..."
"I won't let you down, dad." Grimoire said proudly.
"Good luck, my son... and to all our friends and comrades, those who had stuck it out for this family from the beginning to the bitter end, I give you a fond farewell and will see you on the other side. Goodbye, everypony..."
Soon, the sounds of a somber piano followed Clyde's words, as a song began to play.
All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
There wasn't a dry eye in the house as Clyde's casket, containing all that was left of him after the explosion, was driven into the furnace (Clyde having requested to be cremated).
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head, I wanna drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow
Soon, everypony began giving their condolences to the family, Cavallo being one of them.
"I'm so sorry." He told Bonnie. "If I had just-"
"Don't blame yourself." Bonnie told him. "Clyde chose his path, and he chose how to end it. And I know he was glad to call you a friend."
"Thank you." Cavallo sniffed. "...I'm really going to miss that old don..."
"We all will." Bonnie sighed.
And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world, mad world
That evening, the Napoleons spread Clyde's ashes across the estate, as per his request.
"In a way, this means Clyde will always be with us." Bonnie said solemnly.
"Then how come it doesn't feel like it?" Caboose sniffed.
"I know it hurts, Caboose." Grimoire comforted his brother. "But trust me. It will get better."
"Really?" Caboose asked.
"Really." Grimoire nodded.
Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
The next day, Grimoire was officially "sworn in" as the new don.
"Grimoire Napoleon." Bonnie declared, acting as the overseer. "Do you swear to uphold the honor and code of this family, and do everything in your power to support and provide not just us, but our many agents?"
"I do." Grimoire nodded.
"Then by the power vested in me, I thereby dub you don of the Napoleon family." Bonnie declared.
"Congrats, Grim!" Murray cheered.
"Who the don?" Salt jabbed Grimoire in the shoulder.
"Superlative!" Lars grinned.
"You're cookin' now!" Sonny added.
"I'm behind ya all the way, Grim!" Vinny smiled.
"We all are!" Slot agreed.
"Way to go, Grim!" Caboose smiled. "I mean... Mr. Grim, sir!"
"Don Grim." Sandy kissed Grim on the cheek. "I've got to admit, it's got a nice ring to it."
"Well, son, now that you're don, what are you going to do next?" Bonnie asked.
"I think I have an idea..." Grimoire mused.
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me
A few days later, Sergeant Anous was packing up his stuff (since he hadn't had the chance to get it with Killsquad at the precinct). Grimoire entered the precinct.
"Sergeant Anous." He declared.
"Not anymore." Anous sighed. "I was fired."
"I am sorry to hear that…but what if I were to tell you I could get you your job back?" Grimoire offered.
"You can do that?" Anous frowned, "No bull-*BLEEP!*"
"Oh, I have connections." Grimoire declared. "But there's something I need from you in return."
"Which is?" Anous asked.
"You will consider the Napoleon family 'off-limits'." Grimoire said sternly. "If you, or anypony in this precinct ever harm, or threaten to harm anypony in my family ever again, I will do unto all of them what my father did unto Killsquad. And that's no bull-crud."
"O-okay." Anous gulped. While he had heard the official story of Killsquad's fate, he had also heard whispers regarding what really happened. He always knew that the Napoleon family was off, and the main reason he never really went after them was the fact that they scared him. "You got yourself a deal."
"Glad to hear it." Grimoire smiled. "I'll talk with Mr. Cavallo, and you should your job back by tomorrow, and you will be back to stopping jaywalkers and bat murderers."
Grimoire left the precinct, with the shell-shocked Anous panting heavily.
"And I thought Killsquad was scary..." Anous remarked.
And I find it kinda funny
I find it kinda sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very mad world, mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world
'And that, dear friends, is the story of I became the don of the Napoleon crime family. The loss of our father was a harsh blow to us all, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the family was reborn under my leadership. I had trouble getting a grip on things at first, but I soon got the hang of it (due in no small part to my father's teachings). I like to think I've made dad proud. Maybe when I'm on the other side, I'll ask him...'