'As you can begin to notice, I had been focusing a lot on one of my brothers. Since I had spent a lot of time talking about myself and the history of our crime syndicate before the Crystal Sun incident, the time has come for me to tell you more about each of my brothers. We might get back to Caboose in future chapters, so don't worry about him.'
'To begin, allow me to tell you about the oldest of my brother, Murder Revolver-Ocelot Napoleon... or as many call him, Murray.'
'Murray was always the kind of guy who looks like you can trust with anything. That was a quality not found often among mobsters. It was that quality that allow him to be a social pony. While being the smartest was Lars's thing, Murray had a way with words. Combine that with his good looks, his suaveness, and his unbelievably sexy Spurnish accent (yes, I did say that, even a straight stallion like me finds his voice irresistable) and you got a pony who can blend himself into a crowd, talk his way through securities, out of lethal situations, and into every mares' bed. If Anarchy was still alive, he would be proud of his work.'
'However, while Murray is the perfect social chameleon, it is nothing compared to his true talent: true markponyship.'
'It all started with that bird Murray shot from five miles away when one of us said he couldn't hit a faraway tree. Needless to say, while he didn't hit the tree, he certainly hit a moving object that got in the way. Many would argue that it was just dumb luck, but Murray knew he had a way with the crossbow. That is when he began taking up target practice. Like he does with a mare's body, he knew his way around a firearm. If you gave him something that can shoot, he can learn how to use it with finesse, just like that. It didn't take long for him to master the use of his signature weapon. Soon enough, he was pulling off the kinds of shots someponies would consider impossible, and his prowess became near-legendary among the mafia channels.'
'Indeed, if there was anypony I can count on to look after the mafia when I cannot, it would be Murray. He has the appearance of a simple yet suave businesspony, a heart of gold, and the instinct of a cold and vicious predator. It was because of those instincts that Murray was often chosen to act as a bodyguard of sorts for some of our acquaintances. The family knew that he could be counted on to protect our friends. Why, he even once gathered together a band of merceneries to save a bunch of hostages from pirates. That's how much he cares...'
'It is because of Murray's dependability as a bodyguard that our friendship with Roam's mayor Lee Cavallo truly flourished... it all started on a dark winter's night...'
Many years ago...
In the desolate part of Roam, a carriage was making it's way through the snow-covered streets. The carriage was quite important-looking the carriage, bearing the Bitalian flag, and gleaming with an ebony paint job. This was in stark contrast to the part of town it had entered, which boasted dilapidated buildings and dark alleys. The weak lights of the street lamps cast everything in an eerie glow.
It would be inevitable that a carriage like this would be an easy target for criminals and the like... fortunately, there was a criminal looking out for it.
On one of the rooftops of a nearby building, none other than a younger Murray, bundled up in a thick winter coat, was perched, with a long crossbow with a scope equipped, an steaming mug of hot cocoa, and a radio by his side.
"Brr..." He shivered. "It's freakin' cold tonight."
The ham radio began to buzz to life, as the voice of Clyde Napoleon could be heard.
"Murray, are you in place?" Clyde called.
"Yes, pa." Murray nodded, taking up the transceiver. "And I have visual on the carriage... remind me, why I am covering some rich guy's carriage? I didn't think we cared about rich ponies."
"We don't." Clyde explained through the radio. "But this carriage happens to be escorting a rather new asset of ours. It would be in our best interest that our VIP doesn't come to harm."
"A VIP, eh?" Murray raised a brow. "Sounds pretty major. Don't worry dad, you can count on me."
"You don't have to tell me that, son." Clyde replied, the warmth in his voice belying the cold night air.
Then, down on the streets, shadows began to stir around the carriage.
"Hold on." Murray frowned, as he looked into his scope. "I think I got some movement."
"Okay, son... you know what to do." Clyde declared, "Do me proud."
"No problem." Murray smirked.
From out of the shadows emerged a single stallion. He stepped in front of the carriage, causing the ponies pulling it to stop.
"Can we help you, sir?" One of the pullers asked.
"Yes, actually." The stallion smiled. "You can take a nap."
Suddenly, two more stallions came out of nowhere, knocking out the pullers.
"What's going on out there?" The carriage's occupant called, about to open the door. "Why did we stop?"
"Surprise tax collection." One stallion pulled a knife. "Give us everything you've got!"
"Ah!" The occupant slammed the door, locking it.
Undeterred, the thugs started rocking and striking the carriage, trying to get the occupant out.
"We know you're in there!" One of the thugs, a slate-colored brute with an orange mane and indigo eyes, yelled. "Come on out!"
"No!" The voice in the carriage said petulantly, "You can't make me!"
"Come on, pal, we know you got some goods in there!" One of the cohorts, a dark blue stallion with a black mane and green eyes, sneered, "Either you come out, or we are coming in!"
"And we'll bring you out, piece by piece!" A crimson stallion with a gray mane and brown eyes chuckled.
"Please, just leave me alone!" The voice pleaded.
"'Fraid not, pretty boy!" Another thug chortled, as he pulled out a crowbar. "Don't say we didn't warn you!"
As the thug was about to pry the door open with the crowbar, he was suddenly shot in the chest by a bolt.
"Ahhhh!" He screamed as he fell to the ground.
"What the-?" The slate stallion gaped.
Another thug dashed to the shot stallion, checking his pulse.
"He's dead..." The thug gulped. "I thi-"
The other thug was silenced by a bolt to the bolt. Seconds later, another fell. Then another, another...
"Sniper!" The dark blue one yelled.
"Where is he?" The crimson yelled.
"There!" Another pointed... before getting hit in the head by a bolt coming from the opposite direction.
Soon, with most of their numbers depleted by excellent sniping, the remaining thugs turn tail and ran, keeping their heads low for any future attacks.
"You'll pay for this!" The slate stallion roared to the air. "Just wait and see!"
"Ooh, I'm shaking!" Murray sneered from his perch. "Too bad you can't see me." He then picked up his transceiver, "The threat had been neutralized, pops."
"Excellent." Clyde smirked (though Murray couldn't tell). "You better get down there and make sure our 'friend' is okay."
"On it." Murray nodded as he hung up, downed his cup of now lukewarm cocoa, and made his way down to the carriage.
As he approached the carriage, the occupant of the carriage called out.
"Hello? Is anypony out there? It suddenly got quiet!" The voice yelled.
"Don't you worry, sir." Murray tapped on the door to the carriage, "The others are good and taken care of."
"Oh, thank you!" The occupant of the carriage climbed out. "I thought I was done for!"
"No problem, sir." Murray nodded. "Anything for a VI-" He stopped as soon as he saw the pony coming out. "Wait... Mayor Lee Cavallo?"
It was indeed a young Cavallo, still a little shell-shocked from the experience.
"Um... yes, that's me, Lee Cavallo, mayor for three months..." Cavallo shuddered, "Might I ask who you are?"
"I'm Murray Napoleon." Murray smiled, slinging his crossbow, "Master markspony."
"Napoleon?" Cavallo gaped. "You mean as in Clyde and Anarchy Napoleon?"
"That would be them." Murray nodded. "That's my pa and bro."
"Ah, right, you must be one of the brothers Anarchy told me about." Cavallo sighed in relief.
"Third oldest after my brother Archie and Grim." Murray smirked.
"Well, thanks for the save." Cavallo smiled. "...Although I don't know why you helped me though."
"It's called being a Good Samaritan." Murray shrugged. "That, and pops seem to think you needed me to make sure you got where you need to go safely."
"I see... well, that's two I owe the Napoleon family now." Cavallo sighed, as he sat down on the carriage step. "Not only did I came close to losing everything... I now am indebted to a mob... bet my own dad would be rolling in his grave right now if he heard of this."
"Ah, it ain't that bad." Murray declared. "You're practically a part of their little syndicate. Therefore, you're granted certain 'perks'."
"Such as?" Cavallo asked.
"Well, I hear you have a taste for... exotic substances, shall we say?" Murray smirked. "Not only could we help you acquire them, we can also make sure those tastes are kept out of the public eye."
"You would do that for me?" Cavallo smiled.
"Of course." Murray nodded. "You side with the Napoleons, it's for life. If you need anything, we'll always be there to have your back."
"Over here!" A voice in the distance yelled. "I heard something!"
"Ooh, the cops." Murray frowned. "Gotta go. You gonna be okay?"
"I can manage." Cavallo declared. "And thanks again."
"No problem." Murray shrugged. "Have a good one."
With that, Murray disappeared into the night.
'And after that day, we had kept that promise to Cavallo. Even when he became Prime Minister, he could always count on us to help him out of a jam, while he help us by solving nearly all of our legal problems. It was a mutual friendship that would go on for years... however, that wouldn't last. Especially given how we had to out ourselves for the Crystal Sun incident. Needless to say, it would cause both Murray and May a bit of trouble in...'
Chapter Nineteen: Political Problems
'Despite being scattered, I and my brothers were still a family. We would gather together every so often, and talk about things. Of course, those of us who had settled around Ponyville could do it more often, so I often had Murray, Salt and (whenever he wasn't on the road with Vinyl) Slot over. We would reminisce about old times, have a few laughs, and break out a wine bottle or two, courtesy of Vinny. But one night, we had an unexpected guest...'
One afternoon, the Napoleons brothers who lived in Ponyville were all talking over some drinks.
"Heh, remember the time we brought down the Canter Creeps gang?" Salt chuckled.
"Boy, do I!" Slot snorted. "Salt was like a machine! Poundin' those creeps nonstop..."
"Well, they deserved it." Salt growled. "Crime is one thing, but cheating those poor old folks out of their nest eggs was just plain evil..."
"But we showed 'em, didn't we?" Slot chuckled.
"We sure did." Salt smiled. "The way I hear it, they're still too banged up to do any more scams..."
"Let's move on to more recent matters." Grimoire smiled. "Murray, how's May doing?"
"She's doing great, Grim." Murray smiled. "Being mayor really puts a spring in her step. My gal's doing what she loves... besides me, of course." This prompted a laugh from everypony. "Joke aside, I couldn't be happier for her."
"Good for you." Salt smiled. "A happy wife makes for a happy life."
"Don't I know it." Murray smirked.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Who could that be?" Murray asked.
"I'm not expecting anypony..." Grimoire admitted.
Behind the door was Lee Cavallo, sporting his usual suit, though a bit ragged.
"Cavallo?" Grimoire gaped.
"Afternoon, Grim." Cavallo nodded.
"Whoa, what are you doing here?" Slot asked, "A little far from home, are you?"
"What?" Cavallo said shiftily. "A stallion can't come visit some old acquaintances?"
"Not without letting said acquaintances know first." Grimoire declared.
"And no offense, but you never exactly made social calls back in Bitaly." Salt pointed out.
"That can't be true. I always come by for birthdays, don't I?" Cavallo defended.
"Yeah, but most of the time, it's to ask us of something." Slot frowned, "Come on, man, out with it. Why are you really here?"
"Can I come in and sit down, first?" Cavallo asked.
"Sure." Grimoire nodded. "Right this way."
The brothers led Cavallo into the living room, where he sat on a couch.
"So, what's the deal?" Salt asked.
"Well, I..." Cavallo cringed. "...Okay, you got me... I came to ask you for help... as things are... pretty bad back home."
"How bad is 'pretty bad'?" Murray asked.
"Terrible." Cavallo groaned. "Ever since you guys revealed yourselves as mobsters, I was found out almost instantly. The Bitalian government began a thorough investigation into everything I did over the years. Every drug deal, assassination, backroom deal, under-the-table favors... if it was bad, they know about it. It wasn't before long that those vultures in the media to put together a smear campaign. In my own town, I became a pariah! Unable to walk down the streets without getting yelled at or pelted with a tomato! And you wanna know the worst part?!"
"What?" Salt frowned.
"I was impeached!" Cavallo slammed his hoof into his chair, "Not only did the other officials removed me from office as Prime Minister, I was removed from being Mayor. Period! And there's the fact that a mob burned down my house the other day! Things just went to crap!"
"That's rough, old pal." Grimoire said, genuinely sympathetic.
"Yeah, too bad." Slot added.
"You sure didn't deserve all that mess." Salt admitted.
"Private life aside, you were a decent PM." Murray smiled.
"Which leads me to why I'm here..." Cavallo declared. "You guys always got me out of tight jams before. I was hoping you guys could do it again. Use your connections to patch things up. You know, like you did in the old days."
"Sorry, Cavallo." Salt shook his head. "No dice."
"What?" Cavallo gaped. "But you... but I-"
"Look, things have changed, old timer." Slot declared. "We've mostly retired from the mafia-based stuff."
"And even if we hadn't, our 'connections' aren't what they used to be." Grimoire pointed out. "We probably couldn't help you even if we wanted to."
"Come on, guys!" Cavallo begged. "My career's in shambles! My life is in ruins! You guys gotta give me something, because I have nothing!"
"Maybe you should do what we did" Salt declared. "Take this little shake-up to the status quo as a chance to start anew."
"Good thinking, Salt." Grimoire nodded. "Lee, you should see this as a blessing in disguise. A chance to take your life in a whole new direction."
"What if I don't want to take my life in a new direction?" Cavallo shot back. "What if I liked things the way they were?"
"Jeez, quit whining." Slot snorted. "Our lives changed too, but you don't see the rest of us complaining."
"Seriously?" Cavallo growled. "That's all you have to say? After our long history together, you're all just going to sit back and let my entire life go down the crapper?"
"I'm sorry, Cavallo, but let's be honest here." Murray declared. "We always havin' to bail you out of trouble a lot of times in the past. But this is one thing we can't bail you out of."
"Murray..." Grimoire growled.
"But...but..." Cavallo stammered.
"I'm sorry, Cavallo, truly, but this is just karma." Murray explained coldly. "If you hadn't relied on us so many times to clean up your messes, maybe they wouldn't had reacted as violently as they did. This is proof that on your own... your name means nothing."
Cavallo's face turned into a deep scowl.
"Nothing, am I?" Cavallo spat. "Fine. Then I'll relieve you of the burden of having 'nothing' in your fancy new house! Enjoy your new cozy life!"
Cavallo stormed out of the mansion, slamming the door behind him.
"A little harsh, don't you think?" Salt asked Murray.
"Harsh?" Slot smirked. "It was awesome!"
"He needed to hear it." Murray snorted. "We've been supporting the guy for years. It's time he learned to stand on his own four hooves. It's tough love."
"True, but you didn't have to be so blunt about it." Grimoire admonished him.
"Whatever." Murray shrugged. "Any of that fancy cider left over?"
A couple of days later, Murray joined May in her office. The mayoral mare was prepping herself for the next mayoral election, which wasn't really a difficult task given how nopony had really ran against her since she entered office again (everypony being content with her being mayor), making her re-election a mere formality.
"Hey, beautiful." Murray wrapped his hooves around. "Getting ready for the backbreaking campaign trail?"
"You could say that." May chuckled, placing her hooves on his his.
"If you ask me, they should just pack it in." Murray smirked. "What's the point, if you're running unopposed?"
"I actually quite like the election period." May admitted. "It allows to reconnect with the voters, and remind them of how much I'm willing to do for this town."
"Suit yourself." Murray planted a kiss on her cheek. "If you're happy, I'm happy."
"And I'm happy that you're happy that I'm happy." May nuzzling him.
"Still, I think this calls for a pre-re-election celebration." Murray pulled out a bottle of wine and two glasses from his saddlebags, and poured them some drinks. "To four more years!"
"Hear, hear." May smiled.
Truthfully, she was putting on a show. May had recently grown dissatisfied with being Mayor, and actually wanted to put her political ways aside. However, she felt she owed it to the voters to not just up and quit. She had hoped that a challenger would arrive, one who could actually dethrone her. But those hopes seemed to have been dashed. She had kept these feelings from Murray, not wanting him to worry.
Just as they were about to touch glasses, they heard a ruckus outside. They peered out the window, seeing a large crowd of ponies.
"What's all this?" May frowned.
"Who knows?" Murray shrugged. "Maybe another of that Pinkie gal's parties. You know how wild they get."
"I don't think it's a party." May declared. "The lack of balloons is a dead giveaway. Maybe we should check this out."
"Guess so." Murray shrugged.
As they went outside, the pair saw ponies carrying signs reading "Change now" and "Way of the future."
"It looks like a political rally." May remarked.
"Seriously?" Murray snorted. "Who'd be dumb enough to run against you?"
As they neared the front of the group, Murray saw a sight that struck him dumb: Cavallo at a podium, in a brand new suit, speaking to the crowd.
"Dear citizens of Ponyville." He announced. "I may be new to this wonderful little town, but new things can be good. The time has come to make a change, and I believe I can be the agent of that change."
"Layin' it on a little thick, aren't you?" Murray said contemptuously.
"I believe you fine folks deserve only the best when it comes to public servants." Cavallo continued. "Sure, my opponent is an excellent mayor, but there's nothing wrong with a new perspective. And I can provide that perspective. I will admit, it may be hard to trust somepony that none of you had ever met before, but I assure you, as my dear old dad used to say 'tomorrow is another day.' And if you choose me to be your new Mayor, I pledge to help make it a good day! Vote Cavallo!"
The crowd cheered for him.
"This can't be real." Murray frowned.
"It seems real to me." May declared, secretly elated to finally have a challenger.
As Cavallo stepped down from the podium, he crossed paths with Murray.
"What did you think of my speech?" He asked. "Too corny?"
"What the buck are you doing here?" Murray growled.
"Running for mayor of course." Cavallo declared.
"But... you can't!" Murray yelled, "In order for someone to run for mayor, they have to had lived here!"
"I do live here now." Cavallo declared. "Moved in a couple of days after visiting the mansion."
"But you were already Mayor of Roam, and Prime Minister of Bitaly!" Murray stated. "And impeached for it!"
"None of which has any bearing here, I think you'll find." Cavallo said smugly.
"But... I.." Murray grasped blindly for another argument. "You can't do this!"
"I think you'll find I can." Cavallo smiled, before turning to May. "May the best pony win, miss Mare, I look forward to a good challenge."
"Best of luck to you." May nodded. "Come on, Murray. Let's get back to the office."
"Be right with you." Murray told her. With a scowl, he rounded on Cavallo. "What do you think you're doing?"
"What you said to do." Cavallo smirked. "I'm beginning anew, with a new place, and a new path... however, I am not ready to give up the life of a mayor. So I am getting back my title by winning this election... and what better way to start then here in the town of the Elements of Harmony?"
"And you just happen to be running against my wife." Murray glared.
"Just sheer concidence." Cavallo nodded.
"Yeah, sure." Murray growled. "A coincidence. You're still gonna get blown out of the water, though. My May's got this in the bag."
"We'll see about that." Cavallo declared.
"Yeah, we will." Murray scowled, before following May back to the office.
"That old coot Cavallo doesn't know what he's getting into." He told May. "You'll flatten him for sure."
"I wouldn't be so sure." May admitted. "He does seem to be quite popular with the voters."
"Not for long." Murray sneered. "The guy's a drug addict, and a total sleaze. He'll be out of favor with the good ponies of Ponyville within days, and you'll be in this office for another four years, you just wait and see."
"Of course, it wouldn't be the end of the world if Cavallo did win." May shrugged. "It would at least mean having more time to spend with you. Maybe even... get to work on a family."
"Uh... yeah... maybe..." Murray said nervously. "But you're going to win, so we won't have to worry about that... In fact, I'm going to do everything I can to get you re-elected!"
May sighed as Murray rushed out of the room. Every time she'd brought up the idea of family, Murray had hastily changed the subject. She was beginning to think he had no interest at all in raising foals with her.
Over the next few days, Murray made it his mission to talk with as many ponies as possible, steering them into agreeing to vote for May. To his dismay, many ponies were ready to cast their votes for Cavallo. Even the likes of Twilight Sparkle had been swayed by him.
"Why would you vote for him?!" Murray yelled. "...With all due respect."
"He has good policies." Twilight admitted. "Besides, I kind of feel sorry for him. Getting removed as Prime Minister of Bitaly... he really had it rough."
"Yeah, yeah, we all feel for him." Murray frowned. "But what about May?"
"She has been a good Mayor." Twilight admitted. "But maybe Cavallo can be an even better one. You never know."
"Well, I do." Murray snarled.
"He did promise to build another library if he got elected." Twilight pointed out. "This town could always use more books."
"Figures." Murray snarled. "The guy's suckin' to folks, promising good stuff in return for votes..."
Murray was right. As he talked to more ponies, it seemed Cavallo had promised things that appealed to them.
"He pledged to lower the tax on imported fabrics." Rarity declared.
"He swore to make more storage houses for mah apples!" Applejack smirked.
"He said he'd raise the air speed limit." Rainbow declared. "Guy's got my vote!"
"He promised to build an animal sanctuary." Fluttershy said softly.
"He promised more cupcakes!" Pinkie cheered.
"Unbelievable." Murray told May. "That slimeball's got 'em eating out of his hoof! You can't stand for this!"
"For what?" May asked. "Cavallo actually doing what a candidate does?"
"But those 'promises' of his are a load of baloney!" Murray yelled. "He'll never live up to them."
"That remains to be seen." May declared. "And getting all agitated over it won't help anypony. Just try and calm down, okay?"
"...Okay." Murray sighed. "Sorry, hon. I just really want you to win."
"I know." May kissed him. "But it's up to the voters who'll win. We just have to hope they make the right decision."
"Yeah, yeah..." Murray sighed. "They voted for you before, so they'll probably vote for you now, right?"
"Right." May nodded. "Same as always..."
As the campaign trailed on, Murray kept a close eye on Cavallo. Everywhere he went, the former Prime Minister was doing everything he could to endear himself to the voters.
He organised a charity tea party in Sugarcube Corner...
Several ponies were gathered in the store. Pots of tea and various confectionary treats covered every table. The treats were labelled with prices ranging from one to three Bits.
"Please, friends, eat to your hearts' content." Cavallo smiled. "Every Bit you spend today goes toward helping starving orphans in Zebrica!"
"Those poor orphans..." Pinkie sniffed. "...Hey, maybe we could send them some cake!"
"Well, that's... an idea." Cavallo shrugged, put off as all newcomers were by Pinkie's odd behaviour.
Murray looked in on things through a window.
"Charity..." He snorted. "That sleaze has never cared about anything like that before. The only helping he's ever done is helping himself!"
Cavallo went bowling with a bunch of ponies at the bowling alley...
"Okay, I'm a little rusty." He declared, standing by the lane with a bowling shirt and shoes. "But here goes...!"
As Cavallo made his move, Murray watched from over by the refreshment stand.
'This oughta be good for a laugh...' He sneered.
Cavallo flung the ball down the alley. To Murray surprise, it knocked down seven pins.
"Well!" Cavaloo smiled, as the patrons cheered. "Guess I've still got it!"
'I don't believe this.' Murray thought. 'Still got it? The guy's never played a sport in his life!'
Cavallo even performed that old classic: Kissing foals.
"Hello, little fella." He told a random foal. "Let's hope your mommy votes Cavallo."
The foal giggled as Cavallo kissed her on the forehead.
'Oh, come on!' Murray cringed, spying from around a corner. 'I thought foals could sense evil...'
On the other side, Murray couldn't seem to get anypony on his side.
"Vote May R. Mare!" He chanted. "If it ain't broke, why fix it!"
Hardly any pony noticed him, choosing to simple walk around him.
"Seriously?" He frowned. "They eat up Cavallo's half-baked tricks, and they don't even notice me?"
As he walked away, dejected, Murray overheard two ponies talking.
"Yeah, they say Mayor Mare's gonna up and quit." One remarked.
"What, and drop right out of the race?" The other frowned. "That doesn't sound like her..."
"That's what I thought." The first one admitted.
'Now that's crazy.' Murray thought. 'No way May would quit. Whoever said that doesn't know what he's talkin' about...'
At first, Murray put no more thought to the rumor. But as the days passed, he started hearing it more and more. And what was worse, more and more ponies were starting to believe it.
"I can't believe she's just dropping out of the race." Chance-A-Lot scowled. "So much for being a dedicated public servant."
"I always knew she'd abandon us one day." Wind Whistler frowned.
"Okay, that's it." Murray snarled. "I've had enough of this rumor. It's time to cut it off at the source, and I think I know where that source is..."
Murray made a beeline for Cavallo's campaign headquarters, kicking the door open.
"Ah, Murray." Cavallo said nonchalantly. "What can I do for you?"
"How about putting an end to the rumor you've been spreading?" Murray growled.
"Rumor?" Cavallo frowned. "What rumor?"
"The rumor that May's gonna quit!" Murray yelled. "I know you started it!"
"Excuse me?" Cavallo said, outraged.
"Don't try and deny it!" Murray yelled. "This is just your speed!"
Cavallo remained silent.
"Everypony, can you excuse us for a minute?" Cavallo suddenly asked the other ponies in the HQ.
Cavallo's spin doctors and campaign managers all left the room.
"Well?" Murray asked. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I'm afraid you've got the wrong stallion." Cavallo insisted. "I didn't start that rumor."
"Yeah, right!" Murray spat. "Don't give me that, you ungrateful sack of crap!"
"What did you just call me?!" Cavallo snarled.
"You heard me!" Murray yelled. "If it weren't for me and my brothers, you would have been ruined and dead a thousand times over! My dad and big bro got those blackmailers off your back, remember? And have you forgotten what I did for you?!"
"Of course I hadn't." Cavallo glared. "How can I when you keep reminding me over and over?! But you forget that I had more than fulfilled my end of the bargain every time! You think you would had gotten away with half the crap in Bitaly if you hadn't came to me with that offer?"
"Fulfill your end?" Murray scoffed. "Please, as if you can repay everything that we ever did for you! You owe me your life! And not just me! Everypony in this family! It was because of us that you even got into office as Prime Minister, and all the drugs and mares and all that illegal crud you got into! And how do you repay us now? By trying to steal my wife's job! You worthless excuse of a pony being! All you do is take and take and take! Heck, I doubt you even were ever fit to be in a position of power!"
"Of course I was." Cavallo shot back. "My dad was Prime Minister, remember? It's in my blood!"
"Yeah, right." Murray snorted. "I heard about your dad. He was a great PM. He could handle his own business, and he didn't need to be bailed out all the time!"
"Don't you-" Cavallo started.
"Not to mention how you utterly botched the Killsquad situation." Murray spat.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cavallo growled.
"You want me to spell it out for you?" Murray sneered. "You sat back and did nothing while that nutjob targeted my family. Maybe if you had half a spine, our dad would still be alive today. Instead, you gave that maniac free reign to do whatever he liked."
"No, I didn't-" Cavallo growled.
"Clyde Napoleon is dead because of you." Murray scowled. "You killed our fath-"
"SHUT UP!"
Murray stopped as he saw fierce anger and what seemed to be tears in Cavallo's eyes.
"...You think I don't know what a horrible pony I was?" Cavallo snarled. "Yes, I was a drug addict. Yes, I abused my powers to suit my needs. And yes, I had used you and your family to take care of my problems a lot more than I should of... is that what you want me to say? To admit how awful of a pony I am?"
"It's a start, yeah." Murray growled.
"But there's something you should know." Cavallo growled. "I'm not that same pony. Me losing everything in Bitaly had made me realize all the bad things I did back then had finally come to bite me in the flank. See this?" He rolled up a sleeve of his jacket, revealing a patch. "This is a drug patch. Ever since I was kicked out of office, I burned, flushed, and destroyed any bit of drugs I had left. I had been clean since then!"
"Oh, and that just magically makes you a better pony?" Murray challenged.
"No." Cavallo admitted. "But I had taken what you guys said about starting anew. Yes, I went into this election just so I suck it to your face. But make no mistakes, my days of relying on you or your brothers are over. When I become mayor, I will do it right. Because believe it or not, I did become a mayor before on my own merits and those promises I made, I will follow through... because that what you guys taught me... to give back to the ponies." And he gave a cold stare. "And as for this rumor about your wife... I had nothing to do with it... but to say the least, it's no rumor..."
"...What?" Murray asked.
"May came to me in the middle of the night." Cavallo declared. "She came to let me know she intended to pull out of the running for mayor."
"She said that?" Murray frowned. "Why would she-?"
"Because she doesn't want to deal with the stress of the job anymore." Cavallo answered. "At least, that's what she told me."
"I... no." Murray scowled. "You're lying. You're lying!"
"My days of lying are over as well." Cavallo frowned, "All I say now is the truth. Don't believe me? Ask your wife."
"Fine, I will!" Murray spat. "Then we'll see who's telling the truth!"
Murray stormed out of the HQ, making a beeline for May's office.
"Where have you been, dear?" May asked.
"I was just over at Cavallo's." Murray declared. "And you would not believe the lie that scum just told me."
"Lie?" May asked.
"He said you came over, and told him you were going to drop out of the election!" Murray snorted. "Can you believe the nerve of that guy? Like you'd ever do that..."
"Well, actually..." May said awkwardly.
"As if you'd ever turn your back on the voters." Murray sneered. "The guy's full of it."
"Murray..." May frowned.
"I knew he was low, but I never thought he'd sink to those depths." Murray snorted. "Slandering his opponent like that. And with a lie like that... Crazy, right?"
"No." May said solemnly. "It's true."
"...Say what?!" Murray gasped. "Why... why would you even...?"
"Because I've had enough." May admitted. "I thought becoming Mayor again would help me recapture my glory days, but gradually, I realized it's not what I wanted. Not anymore."
"I don't believe this." Murray shook his head. "The mare I fell for had integrity. She wasn't a quitter. Why would you throw everything away like that?"
"For us!" May yelled. "Because I want to have a foal!"
"You... you want..." Murray gulped. "No. No way. I'm not ready for that..."
"But I am!" May roared, "Murray, I had dropped hints upon hints that I wanted to start a family with you, but you keep on ignoring them!"
"You know why I keep ignoring them?" Murray asked. "Because I'm not ready to be a father! I'm not ready for the responsibility!"
"Yes, you are!" May shot back. "I've seen you protect others, including me, with every fibre of your being! You'd be a wonderful father."
"There's a difference between protecting somepony and raising them." Murray countered.
"Not a big one." Murray retorted. "Besides, I won't be Mayor forever, which means we'd have to do this sooner or later."
"Then I pick later." Murray said stubbornly.
"And my needs don't count for something?" May asked.
"Of course they do." Murray admitted. "I know you want this, but like I said, I'm just not ready."
"I know you're not." May shot back. "And I'm tired of waiting for you to be ready. I thought me no longer being Mayor would help, but it's obvious you're not ready to grow up!"
"Grow up?" Murray snorted.
"That's right." May declared. "You're too busy playing the big, tough bodyguard to think about raising a family. Not to mention the way you've been acting since Cavallo showed up!"
"Don't even think about taking his side!" Murray yelled. "He's only running for Mayor to spite me!"
"See what I mean?" May said coldly. "Just like a child, you think everything's about you."
"Like you can talk." Murray spat. "What about all those voters out there? The ones who believe in you? You're just gonna snub them all, without caring about their feelings?"
"That's not the same." May said sternly. "Those ponies can get along without me."
"Yeah?" Murray yelled. "Well, let's see you get along without me!"
"Meaning?" May growled.
"Meaning I'm not interested in helping a quitter!" Murray roared. "I'm outta here. Give me a call when you start to see sense!"
"And the same to you!" May shot back.
Murray stomped out into the streets of Ponyville. Night had fallen, casting the town in shadow. Having no other option, Murray decided to ask Salt if he could stay for the night. As he made his way there, he spotted Cavallo going in the opposite direction.
"You want the job? You can have it." Murray said spitefully, glaring at Cavallo.
Unbeknownst to Murray, Cavallo was lost in thought. He had genuinely regretted telling Murray about May's decision. He had just been so angry, he had wanted to hurt Murray as he had hurt him.
'You play hardball, get ready to be hurt...' He thought.
Suddenly, Cavallo was ambushed by a trio of Earth Pony stallions, who dragged him into an alley.
'What the...' Murray thought, witnessing the scuffle. 'Looks like trouble. Heh, I should leave him to it. That would be the smart thing to do...'
"What is this?" Cavallo struggled. "Get away from me! I'm a Mayoral candidate, I'll have you know!"
"Oh, we know." The ringleader declared, coming into the light. He was a dull green stallion with a red Mohawk, an eyepatch (his remaining eye a dark yellow). His cronies were a gray stallion with a black mane, and a black stallion with a gray mane (and both had red eyes).
"Oh, buck." Cavallo gulped. He knew those stallions well.
"Remember us, Mr. Cavallo? We were the guys you were supposed to pay to keep silent about your little Argonuts shipment a long time ago?" The ringleader growned.
"Um, I don't think I recall..." Cavallo shook his head.
"Oh, but we do." The black stallion sneered, "Instead of paying us, we ended up getting a visit from those lousy Napoleon mobsters...and boy, we did not appreciate that."
"What do you want?" Cavallo asked, growing a bit nervous, "Why are you all here?!"
"We heard you'd moved to Ponyville, so we decided to look you up." The ringleader smirked. "Doin' pretty well for yourself, aren't ya? Those small-town ponies really like you."
"Well, I always did think of myself as a charismatic, likable fellow..." Cavallo gulped.
"Wonder what would happen if they knew about your past mistakes?" The gray stallion snickered. "Figure it'd only be right to fill 'em in..."
"No...it won't do you any good." Cavallo stood firm, though his legs were shaking a bit, "I had put my past behind me. I have a clean slate now, and I intend to keep it that way!"
"Is that so?" The ringleader sneered. "Well, buddy-boy, if you don't want us causing problems for this little town, you better give us some lee-way to do as we please..."
"No, never!" Cavallo snarled. "I am done being the doormat! You won't threaten or blackmail me again!"
"Ain't like you got much of a choice." The black stallion declared. "You don't have those pesky Napoleons defending you anymore..."
"Wanna bet?"
The thugs turned to see Murray standing before them.
"Murray!" Cavallo smiled.
"Back off, punks." Murray ordered. "That guy isn't exactly my favourite stallion right now, but I'm not about to let you push him around."
"I didn't know there was a Napoleon around here!" The gray stallion gulped.
"Maybe we should beat it." The black stallion suggested.
"Oh, dry up." The ringleader spat. "There's three of us, and one of him. The odds are in our favour."
"Is that what you think?" Murray asked. "Then try your luck."
"Get him!" The ringleader yelled.
The thugs charged Murray. Even without his trusty crossbow, Murray was no slouch in combat. Even so, he was outnumbered.
The gray stallion went down first, courtesy of a roundhouse. Then the black one kicked Murray from behind. As Murray stumbled, the ringleader punched him in the face.
"Not so tough now, are ya?" The thug taunted.
"I'm just getting started." Murray growled.
"Don't you mean 'finished'?" The black one smirked, tackling Murray.
The two struggled as they fell to the ground, exchanging blows. Murray managed to flip them around, ending up on top. Then he punched the black stallion out.
"Two down, one to go." He said breathlessly.
"I won't go down like those chumps!" The ringleader spat, rushing Murray.
It was a brutal clash. Both sides threw punch after punch. One particularly powerful strike knocked Murray down.
"Scratch one Napoleon." The ringleader sneered, preparing to finish it. Just as he swung his hoof, Murray moved out of the way, and he struck the paved street. "Ahhh!"
Murray launched a haymaker, knocking the thug out.
"Yep." He wheezed. "Still got it..."
"Murray, I..." Cavallo started. "I don't know what to..."
"No prob." Murray waved a hoof. "It's all goooo..."
Murray suddenly collapsed.
"Oh, buck!" Cavallo yelped.
When Murray woke up, he was in the hospital. May and Cavallo were by his side.
"You're okay!" May hugged him. "Cavallo told me everything!"
"What... happened to those thugs?" Murray asked.
"I had the local law enforcement pick them up." Cavallo declared. "Then I rushed you over here."
"I was so worried." May sighed.
"I'm sorry, hon." Murray apologized, "I didn't mean to worry you so much."
"...Thank you, Murray." Cavallo sighed, "I guess that's another one I owe you... so much for not having to rely on you again."
"You owe me nothing." Murray smiled, "I saved your flank because it was the right thing to do, not for just stupid debt. Besides, you got me to the hospital, didn't you?"
"Yeah... but still, you should know that I always appreciated all the things you did for me back in Bitaly." Cavallo admitted, "You guys always had my back... and I guess I took you for granted."
"I guess it goes both ways for us." Murray frowned. "We did leave you hanging when you needed our help, and I shouldn't had say those things about you..."
And I shouldn't have told you about May." Cavallo sighed. "It was a low blow... even for me."
"Let's just let bygones be bygones, okay?" Murray suggested, extending his hoof.
"Gladly." Cavallo took his hoof, and they shook on their agreement.
"And May? I'm sorry I yelled at you." Murray admitted. "If you want to bow out of the race, it's fine with me."
"Thank you, darling." May kissed him. "I should have told you about how I felt a while ago."
"And I should have taken it a little better." Murray sighed. "Boy, I was really raging, wasn't I?"
"It probably wasn't all your fault." Cavallo admitted. "It seems I picked a bad time to intrude on things. It really didn't help your temper, my being here..."
"Eh, water under the bridge." Murray shrugged. "Guess you'll running unopposed, huh?"
"True." Cavallo nodded. "I promise you'll be leaving this town in good hooves, May. I won't make the same mistakes I made before. That's a promise, from one politician to another."
"And a good politician always keeps his promises." May smiled.
"And you? You're one of the best." Murray admitted. "Warts and all. You've got my vote."
"Thanks, old pal." Cavallo smiled.
A couple of days later, May called a press conference. Murray had ensured his brothers were in attendance, not wanting them to miss it. Twilight was also here, having been informed beforehoof of what was about to happen.
"Citizens of Ponyville, it is with a heavy heart that I hereby announce that I am dropping out of the race for Mayor." She announced.
The crowd went nuts. All kinds of questions and shocked reactions filled the air.
"She's dropping out?" Salt asked.
"Didn't see that coming." Slot remarked.
"Did you know about this?" Grimoire asked Murray.
"Sure did." Murray nodded proudly.
"Madam Mayor, what prompted this decision?" Featherweight asked. "While there have been rumors swirling around recently, this reporter did not think they were true."
"I'm afraid they were." May admitted. "While I have enjoyed my time as Mayor, I believe the time has come for me to focus more on my... private life, shall we say? But I have faith in my worthy opponent, Mr Lee Cavallo, to lead Ponyville in my stead."
Cavallo approached the stage, accompanied by cheers from his followers.
"Thank you, May." He declared. "You are leaving this town in good hooves."
"Of that, I have no doubt." May smiled. "Good luck."
As May left the stage, Twilight approached Cavallo.
"Are you ready to be sworn in?" She asked.
"I am, your highness." Cavallo nodded.
"Then let's begin." Twilight smiled.
As the swearing-in commenced, the brothers voiced their reactions.
"Well, this brings back memories." Grimoire admitted.
"Oh, yeah." Slot grinned. "Looks like a piece of home has found its way to us."
"Having Cavallo around could come in useful." Salt admitted. "Sure, we're retired, but you never know when you might need a friend in high places."
"So true." Grimoire nodded. "What about you, Murray? How do you feel about all this?"
"I couldn't be happier." Murray chuckled, as he embraced May.
"You mean it, Murray?" May asked.
"Of course I do." Murray nodded. "Mayor or not, you're still the mare I love."
"Oh..." May sighed.
The two kissed each other deeply.
By that point, the swearing-in was done.
"Fillies and gentlecolts, I present to you your new Mayor: Lee Cavallo!" Twilight announced.
The crowd cheered as Cavallo waved humbly.
"Way to go, C!" Slot called.
"Congrats!" Salt added.
"Just like old times..." Grimoire smiled.
Murray and May didn't say a word, their lips still locked together.
Shortly after, Murray and May paid Cavallo a visit in his office.
"I'm going to miss this old office." May declared. "Take good care of it... and Ponyville, Mr Cavallo."
"You can count on me." Cavallo nodded.
"Looks like I'll have to get a new job." Murray mused.
"Not necessarily." Cavallo pointed out. "As Mayor, I'm going to need a bodyguard. I doubt those thugs would be the last of ponies who would want a piece of me...and from what I've seen, you more than fit the bill. What do you say?"
"I would be honored, sir." Murray smiled. "But could you try and dial down on the hours? May and I have some... work of our own to attend to."
"We certainly do." May chuckled. "A little project that we've left hanging for far too long..."
"Say no more." Cavallo chuckled. "Best of luck to you both."
"Thanks, old pal." Murray grinned. "And good luck with being Mayor."
"Small town like this?" Cavallo asked. "How hard could it be?"
"You'd be surprised..." May smirked knowingly.
'And that is the chapter of how our old friend became Ponyville's new mayor. So far, Cavallo's done a pretty good job of things and he never once asked us to do any dirty work for him. He really turned himself around and showed no sign of turning back. In the meantime, Murray and May have been busy trying for a foal of their own. Nothing so far, except Murray constantly having to put ice packs on his groin (May is really determined, he said), but it's early days yet. Perhaps by the time this memoir is complete, they'll have succeeded. Hooves crossed...but for now, let's move on to my next brother...'