Okay, so last time, Alex was on trial for his crimes. Meanwhile, Yuri has infiltrated BoEMC and learns about a power struggle going on, as well as a plan being orchestrated behind the scenes by Alex's lawyer and Bearl. That lawyer wanted to make sure that Alex wasn't found guilty enough to be sent to death, but Alex just couldn't keep his anger in check, could he? Luckily for Koch and Yuri, the lawyer managed to schedule a visit with Alex. Let's see if it goes better for them than last time.

Keep in mind, this part of the chapter is a bit darker and a bit more violent than the last one. Reader discretion is advised.

Again, I would like to thank DukeyDukeyDoo and Mike The Red Engine for helping me proofread. Now without further ado, on to the next part of this little saga.

Side Chapter 3B: Rodd Steps Down

Later, outside the Royal Woods Detention Center...

[Koch and Yuri arrived at the prison's parking lot in Koch's truck. Upon finding the safest spot, Koch and Yuri got out of the truck in their previous disguises as they tried to find Rosato in the parking lot. Soon enough, they found him waiting just outside the building. Bearl was also there, and he, too, was wearing a disguise.]

Koch: "Psst! Hey you."

Rosato: "Yeah? What do you want?"

[Koch lowered his fake beard to reveal his face to Rosato.]

Koch: "Rosato, it's us. We're in disguise."

[Koch let go of the beard and it snapped back in place, causing the man to wince in pain a little.]

Rosato: "Ah, keeping a low profile, I see?"

Bearl: "Clever idea, you two. Glad I thought of that."

Koch: "So, how did you manage to do it?"

Rosato: "I have my ways, but it'll only be for about 30 minutes or so."

Bearl: "That's right. And since you two are on El Jefe's side, I'm with you as well."

Koch: "Well, there's only one way to find out. Lead the way, Rosato."

[Rosato nodded and led the others into the building.]

Rosato: "Oh, and don't worry. I managed to pull a few strings to get the cameras turned off. So we should be safe until the half-hour's up."

A few minutes later, in Alex's cell...

[Alex was standing in the middle of his cell, punching the air as though he were beating some people up. Just then, a guard came up to the cell and tapped his nightstick on the bars, getting the big man's attention.]

Guard: "Hey, Santiago! If you're done fighting your imaginary friends, you've got visitors."

Alex: "Really? And who would be so bold as to come and visit me on my last legs?"

Guard: "Just come quietly if you want to find out. But, don't try anything stupid. This IS your last day before judgment, you know?"

[Just then, Alex's cell door opened and the guard led the big man to the visitors center. Upon arriving, Alex saw his lawyer on the other side of the window along with three other characters: Two male and one female.]

Guard: "Remember, Santiago: No funny stuff. This may be your last visit."

[And with that, the guard left the room. As soon as the door closed, Alex picked up the phone and began speaking to Rosato.]

Alex: "Hey, thanks for coming on such short notice, Rosato."

[Alex then eyed the unknown characters.]

Alex: "And just...who are these people?"

[Rosato handed the stout man the phone and he spoke into it.]

Bearl: "Howdy, El Jefe. It's your biggest fan."

Alex: "I know who you are, tonto. I was referring to the other two."

[Alex pointed at the third man and the woman.]

Bearl: "Oh..."

[The thinner male rolled his eyes and took the phone from Bearl before whispering into it.]

Koch: "It's me, Koch. The woman with me is Yuri. We came here for advice."

Alex: "Oh really? And what sort of advice do you want?"

Koch: "We want payback on Castleton."

Alex: "So, why are you asking me? That's your own damn problem."

Koch: "Because he was the one who set up that raid back in Fernville."

Bearl: "Yeah!"

Koch: "He's the one that got me fired from the force and left me with a dead end job!"

Bearl: "Yeah!"

Koch: "And need I remind you that he's the one that got you thrown in here?"

Bearl: "Yeah, yeah, yeah!"

[Yuri took the phone from Koch before whispering into it.]

Yuri: "And he's the zasranets who arrested my comrades."

Bearl: "Preach it, sister! I too want to see that Castleton cop get what's comin' to him."

Koch: "And that's why we came to you, Alex. We need your advice on how to get back at Castleton."

Bearl: "I'm in on this too, Jef. 'Cause if that there Castleton fella's the one responsible for this, then I'd do anything to help ya."

Koch: "Please, Al... If you can help us out...maybe we can repay the favor somehow?"

[Alex put his fingers on his temple as he took a moment to think. He wanted to get back at Castleton for putting him in this position as well, but he knew there was more to his agenda than they thought. So, upon hearing Koch and Yuri's problem with Castleton, he decided to show an act of "compassion" and tell them the truth...or more likely, stretch it a bit.]

Alex: "Amigos... I understand your plights... I, too, want to get back at Castleton for everything he's done. But I have reason to believe that Castleton isn't solely responsible for all of this."

Bearl: "He's not?"

Koch: "He's not?"

Yuri: "On net?"

Alex: "Of course not... I believe there is a reason for all this contempt for Castleton...and it lies deeper than the great lakes of our nation."

Koch: "Really? So, what is it?"

Alex: "I'll get to that soon, Koch. But first...let me ask you something. What was the last case you took with Castleton? While I know it eventually led up to where I am now, there was somebody else involved in it. Somebody we didn't expect from the start."

Bearl: "You mean Rodd?"

[Alex pointed at Bearl in response.]

Alex: "Hey! Do me a favor and shut up...okay, Bearl?"

Bearl: "Oh, sorry 'bout that... Do continue, El Jefe."

[Alex looked at Koch again and cleared his throat.]

Alex: "Anyway, I believe there was a certain familia involved in that case. Do you know who that family is?"

[Koch began to think for a few seconds until it crossed his mind.]

Koch: "Well, now that you mention it... That family you're referring to was...the Louds."

Alex: "Ah... I think we're getting somewhere."

[Alex then turned his attention to Yuri.]

Alex: "And what about you, chiquita? From what Rosato told me, you lost a couple of friends while robbing a grocery store. You wouldn't mind telling me what exactly happened, would you?"

[Yuri nodded and took the phone from Koch before speaking into it.]

Yuri: "My comrades and I were doing our best not to get caught, but two leetle keeds caught my friends behind the counter. We tried to nab them both, but this white-haired boy slipped through the cracks. I chased after the boy, but my shoes were no help as he ran back into the store. I could do nothing more but hide where no one can see me. While I remained hidden, I saw the boy running back to my friends with this blonde babushka, most likely his mat. He must have told her everything that's been going on. My comrades tried to take on the babushka, but they were no match for her. That's when that cossack Castleton showed up and took them into custody. All I could do was run as far away as I can...until I came across Kochavich. After staying with him for a few days, Koch had the idea to infiltrate BoEMC to see if we can get in contact with you. Eventually, Rosato found out and interrogated me. Luckily, we managed to talk things out and... That is basically whole story."

Alex: "Ah, si... Rosato informed me about that. Did you get a good description of that, uh...blonde babushka? Just curious..."

[Now, it was Yuri's turn to do some thinking.]

Yuri: "If my memory's correct, she had... Pink shirt, brown pants, black flats...I think."

Alex: "Ah... That fits the description perfectly, Yuri. That woman you saw is the matriarch of the Loud Familia. And as you just implied, that very same puta is the madre of that white-haired sperm she calls her son."

Yuri: "Oh, she is? I think I understand, but...for what reason does this Loud Sem'ya have to do with all this?"

Koch: "Yeah, that's what I want to know. What does all this have to do with the Louds?"

Bearl: "Yeah, Jefe! What's so bad about 'em?"

Alex: "I think it would be best for me to explain everything to you...right at the very beginning."

[Alex then told Koch, Yuri, and Bearl everything that led up to this point, or at least, a watered-down version of everything. Starting with his altercation with Mr. Loud, to his temporary hiding in Canada, to the part where he got arrested in Fernville. As he told them, Koch and Yuri got the impression that it wasn't just Castleton's fault anymore. Even Bearl found out the Louds were responsible for Alex's incarceration...or at least, that's what his hero told him.]

Alex: "As you can see, mi amigos... While Castleton might've put us all into these predicaments, the ones who are TRULY responsible for all this trouble are none other than the Louds. In short, they started this whole mess from the moment I laid eyes on them, and they're the ones you should blame."

Bearl: "Oooooo! A conspiracy!"

Alex: "I said shut it, Bearl!"

Bearl: "Yes, El Jefe. Shuttin' up now."

Koch: "You know, Al... I think you might be onto something. I mean, none of this would've happened if it weren't for those meddling kids. Especially those two teenagers you've mentioned... Bobby and Lori, was it? Anyway, they shouldn't have gotten dirty in the first place!"

Yuri: "Da! And if I had too, I would give every single Loud a piece of my mind...especially that blonde shlyukha for getting my comrades thrown in jail!"

Alex: "I wish I could help you guys out, I really do. But, as you can see, I am stuck here with no way out except a one-way trip to Death Row. I just know they're gonna find me guilty after that...uncharacteristic display of emotions I showed back on the stand."

Koch: "But Alex... There must be something you can do for us...isn't there?"

[Alex sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as he began to think. Was he was done, looked over at Bearl and Rosato and gave them a nod before looking back at Koch and Yuri.]

Alex: "Hey... Would you mind if I had a word with my associates for a moment? Just to see if we can work something out?"

[Koch and Yuri looked at each other in defeat before lumbering out of the detention center. Alex then turned his attention to Bearl and Rosato.]

Alex: "Okay, boys, give it to me straight. How are things looking at the clubhouse? How many members are they up to now?"

[Bearl took the phone and spoke into it.]

Bearl: "Well, last time I tallied our ranks, they have more guys than gals... Or was it an equal amount? But, as far as I know, there's still a lot of them. Probably about 30 or 40 at the max, give or take. What do you think, Ros?"

[Bearl gave Rosato the phone, and the crooked lawyer spoke into it.]

Rosato: "Personally, I counted 45 to 50. But, like Bearl said, BoEMC still has more men than women. In short, he was at least half-right."

Bearl: "Well, shoot! I'll take that as a compliment."

Alex: "That many, huh? Why, that's almost an army's worth. Dios mio, if I were in charge, I could restore the old gang to glory...and maybe increase their numbers as well."

Bearl: "It would be nice if you were our president, Jefe, but things ain't been goin' so well over at the club. From what I done witnessed, the infighting's been gettin' worse ever since they locked you in there, that and the fact that they're letting women fight among our ranks."

Rosato: "He's right. Both BoEMC and SoEMC are getting closer and closer to ripping each other's throats out. I just know all hell's gonna break loose the second the court finds you guilty, and I don't think Rodd would be too keen on the outcome either. Which means A: Both parties will end up killing each other, or B: Rodd will disband both their operations before things get too out of control. Either way, the shit's gonna hit the fan and there'll be no way of fixing it."

Alex: "That's what you think, Rosato... But, I think...I might have an idea that will fix everything."

[Alex then turned his attention to Bearl.]

Alex: "Bearl Boon, my greatest admirer and fan numero uno, I have a special job for you... One that could make you my right-hand man."

[Bearl let out a deep gasp as his eyes started sparkling before the road captain plastered his face on the window.]

Bearl: "Your right-hand man, El Jefe?"

[Alex felt a little uneasy as he saw Bearl's face on the other side. Rosato then pulled the road captain from the window, allowing Alex to regain his thoughts.]

Alex: "Yes...and it starts by taking that backstabbing punzada, Rodd, out of the equation. And since the most likely choice to take his place is T-Bone, you'll have to get rid of him as well. No need to worry about the vice president since none of the guys are ever going to let her take the mantle. All that matters is getting both Rodd and T-Bone out of the way. Then, once those two bozos are gone, I want you to maintain control of the whole gang until I bust out of here. Make sure you include only those who are still loyal to me, and leave out anyone still kissing up to Rodd and T-Bone's asses or those too busy fighting amongst themselves to give a shit. Speaking of which, how's that Plan B of yours coming along?"

Bearl: "Almost ready, Jefe. Hopefully, I'll have at least 15 followers to pull off this plan. But...I'm not sure if I can take out Rodd and T-Bone by myself. I mean, what if the others were to suspect something? What Burgundy starts squealin' like a pig?"

Alex: "Then, do it in secrecy, Bearl. Simple as that. Find a couple of poor saps to help you while you're at it. Get rid of that traitor, bring his jacket back to BoEMC, and show it to the rest of those chumps as proof that he's gone. And if you can make it look like T-Bone did it, the police will finish the job and he'll be out of our hair as well. And as for Burgundy...I don't know? Keep her locked up or something? Once you gain temporary control of those idiotas, get rid of the ones that are untrustworthy and leave the loyals alive. After that, you are going to use your group to bust me out of here somehow. Once I'm out, I'll take charge of the new club, and once I'm in charge, I'll make you my vice presidente and number two guy of the whole enchilada. How does that sound? Eh?"

[Bearl grinned as he took a moment to think. He was ecstatic to know that he would become Alex Santiago's right-hand man. But as Alex stated, he had to get rid of both Rodd and T-Bone for that to happen. Once they were gone, he had to maintain control of both BoEMC and SoEMC until they bust his idol out of prison. Knowing where his duty lied, Bearl accepted the big man's request.]

Bearl: "I'll do it, El Jefe. In your name and honor, I'll make sure the trio are out before anyone notices. And I think I know a few guys and gals that can help me pull it off."

Alex: "That's a good boy, Bearl. Oh, and one other thing... As you probably know, Rodd has a familia of his own, and if I know one weakness of a man, it's his familia. Are you getting my drift?"

[Bearl thought for a moment before answering Alex's question.]

Bearl: "I think so, Jef. You want me to pass that message onto his family as well?"

Alex: "Mmmmm...something like that. But, I'll leave that to your own imagination."

[Bearl grinned again as he gave Alex a thumbs up.]

Bearl: "I won't let you down, El Jefe. I'll make sure that Rodd and his family are taken care of. And I'll deal with T-Bone as well... That fat bastard won't even know what hit 'im."

Alex: "I know you won't, old friend."

Bearl: "Just one more question though: Where are we gonna find two saps that can help out with the plan?"

[Rosato put his hand over his face while Alex glared at Bearl and spoke to him through gritted teeth.]

Alex: "They're right outside the building, you pendejo!"

Bearl: "Oh, you mean Koch and Yuri? I knew that. No worries, Jef, I'm sure they'll be of great help."

[While Bearl was off in his own little world, Rosato was concerned about Alex's plan. He took the phone from Bearl and spoke into it.]

Rosato: "Uh, boss... I don't wanna put this into question, but are you sure this'll work? I mean, Bearl isn't exactly the brightest tool in this shed."

Alex: "Don't worry about it, Rosato. Bearl's loyal and I have complete faith in him. You just go out there and bring our guests back in. Tell them I'm ready to let them join provided that they follow a few, uh...conditions."

Rosato: "You're gonna let them join our club, ain't ya?"

Alex: "Of course, Rosato... After all those lengthy explanations, it appears that we now have a common enemy, a ton of enemies, to be exact. As long as Koch and Yuri do as I say, they could be very useful for my cause."

Rosato: "Woah, wait, hold on a minute... Your cause?"

Alex: "Yes! And by that, I mean OUR cause, since you're the one who found those two. Now, go bring them back in, will you?"

Rosato: "Whatever you say, boss."

[Rosato put the phone down and turned his attention to Bearl.]

Rosato: "Hold the line, big guy. I'm gonna have a little word with our guests right now."

Bearl: "You got it, Ros-man."

[With Bearl holding the line, Rosato went outside to get Koch and Yuri. It was probably unlikely that anyone else would want to see Alex during his last visit, but Rosato thought he'd take an extra precaution while he was out.]

[Back outside, Koch and Yuri were still wondering what to do. They believed that they have given up on getting advice from Alex despite the fact they worked hard to do so.]

Koch: "Even with Rosato's help, we STILL couldn't get Alex's advice!"

Yuri: "Da. I really want to get my mest on that fool, Castleton!"

Koch: "I know, sweetheart... But, if what Alex said was true, it's the Loud Family who are at fault here."

Yuri: "If it is their fault, I want that white-haired boy as my own little mal'chik-rab!"

[Koch put his hand on Yuri's shoulder as he asked a question.]

Koch: "Uh...Yuri? I don't mean to pry, but what the hell is a...mal-chik-rab, anyway?"

[Yuri put her index finger on Koch's lips and shushed him.]

Yuri: "It is best that you do not know, dollink."

[At that moment, Rosato showed up.]

Rosato: "Alright, you two. The Boss is ready to talk to ya again, and he's got an offer you can't refuse. Now come on in."

[With that, Rosato put one arm around Koch and the other around Yuri before leading them back to the prison's waiting area. Koch took the phone and Alex spoke through the other end.]

Alex: "Ok, Koch, Yuri, after having a talk with my associates...we decided to let you guys join our...private club. But, before that happens...there are a few conditional terms that you must be willing to accept."

Koch: "Alright then... Name them."

Yuri: "Da. We are all ears."

[Alex then excused Bearl and Rosato and the two men left the building.]

Alex: "Numero Uno... You must be willing to break any law to meet your goal."

Koch: "Al, I was fired from my job as detective, so I don't really give a damn about the law anymore. I'm ready for whatever you want me to do."

Yuri: "I, too, agree to this."

Alex: "Numero Dos... You do whatever you are told, no questions asked."

Koch: "I understand."

Yuri: "Ponyal."

Alex: "Numero Tres... You must be ready to handle any task at hand, no matter how high the cost may be."

Koch: "Whatever it takes to get back at that crooked cop Castleton."

Yuri: "And that Loud Sem'ya as well...especially the babushka. I want her to watch as her leetle boy takes it like a man."

Alex: "And finally, Numero Cuatro, and keep in mind that this is the most crucial condition of them all..."

[Alex gave the couple a menacing look through the window. It was so menacing that it could easily break through any penetrable window.]

Alex: "Whatever you do, do not- and I mean don't EVER cross El Jefe. Fool me once, shame on you and me, but fool me twice...and you're going straight to the pits of Hell. Do we understand each other now?"

[Koch suddenly became nervous. If for some reason he and Yuri were to betray Alex, it would certainly mean their heads. But Yuri wasn't afraid, for she was determined to get back at Castleton, no matter the risk. With no other choice, Koch sighed as he made his decision.]

Koch: "Yes...Alex."

Alex: "Yes...who now?"

Koch: "I mean, Yes...El Jefe. We'll do anything you want."

Yuri: "We will not betray you, Commander Jefe."

Alex: "Well then... Rosato will see to it that you are both welcomed into our club. And once that I'm a free man again, we'll see if we can do something about that Castleton problem of yours. Consider us your...problem solvers."

[Koch and Yuri both looked at each other.]

The next night, at the BoEMC Clubhouse...

[Yolantha sat at the bar looking down at her shot glass. The jukebox played West End Girls by the Pet Shop Boys. The woman was also watching the TV in the corner where the trial was being finished. Also at the bar were Burgundy, who sat to the left of Yolantha, T-Bone, sitting next to Burgundy, Bearl, seated to the right of Yolantha, and Darrell, sitting right next to Bearl. Tonight was the final verdict of Alex's trial, and almost everyone had come to see the verdict be given to Alex. Rodd, however, wasn't present to watch the end.]

Burgundy: "This is it, everyone... The moment of truth."

T-Bone: "Yeah, it's been an uncertain few days, but I think tonight will finally pay off."

Bearl: "I do hope they find him innocent."

Darrell: "Amen to that, brother."

[Both Bearl and Darrell tapped their beer mug's together before taking swigs out of them. Burgundy could only give a disappointing glare at the two men. Bearl then turned his attention to Yolantha.]

Bearl: "So. what do you think, Yolantha?"

Yolantha: "Huh? Oh! Honestly...I predict he's gonna get locked away."

Burgundy: "Yeah, well...with all the testimonies given out and that, uh...last minute reaction from Santiago, I can safely say he'll be terminado."

T-Bone: "Only one way to find out, right?"

Darrell: "Will you shut up, T? They're about to give the verdict."

[Everyone watched as the trial was about to reach it's conclusion.]

[Judge Prescott took his seat as did the jury and everyone else. The judge handed a piece of paper over to one of the guards, who then gave it to the jury foreman.]

Prescott: "Has the jury reached a verdict?"

Jury Foreman: "We have, Your Honor."

[The jury foreman looked over the verdict.]

Prescott: "In the matter of the People vs. Alex Santiago on multiple counts of domestic abuse, conspiracy, first-degree child abuse, breaking and entering, first-degree murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, and attempted manslaughter, as well as the additional charge of assault on Assistant D.A. Edward Vyzer, how do you find?"

Jury Foreman: "We find the defendant, Alex Santiago, guilty of all charges."

[The responses inside the bar were mixed. While most of them were glad that Alex was found guilty, a select few others were pretty much upset by it.]

Burgundy: "Aw yeah!"

T-Bone: "WOO-HOO!"

Bearl: "What in tarnation?!"

Darrell: "This is bullshit!"

[Yolantha simply showed no emotion as she watched the screen.]

Prescott: "Alex Santiago, your actions have caused the death of your wife and an officer of the law, and put one of your own children in the hospital. In all my years as judge, I have never seen or heard such a barbaric act of savagery such as this. You have to be a pretty despicable person to do the things you did without batting an eye. Therefore, this court hereby sentences you to death row in two days, where you will remain for the rest of your life. We are adjourned."

[The judge banged his gavel.]

Prescott: "Now, get this monster out of here. I can't even stand to look at his face."

[Security began to escort Alex, but the big man put up quite a struggle.]

Alex: "Hey, get your hands off me!"

[As Alex was dragged off the stand, he started to rant threateningly to everyone in the courtroom in both English and Spanish.]

Alex: "You have all made a big mistake, your LAST big mistake, in fact! You people might find me guilty, but I won't just fade away that easily! ¡Saldré tarde o temprano! Y cuando lo hago, cada uno de ustedes hormigas insignificantes que viven en Royal Woods van a desear que no había follado conmigo! ¡Sus sistemas carcelario de mierda NUNCA sostendrán a Roberto Alejandro Martínez-Millán Luis Santiago, Sr.!"

[Alex managed to finish his tirade just before he was dragged out the doors by the guards.]

[The bartender turned off the TV and sighed.]

Bartender: "It's finally over. I can't believe that asshole's actually going to the row..."

Burgundy: "I can. That lunatic clearly doesn't know when to give up."

[T-Bone chuckled before mumbling to himself.]

T-Bone: "Good riddance, that's what I say."

Burgundy: "And all I can say in advance is...Adios, Ex-Jefe."

[Burgundy finished her remark with a laugh as she patted T-Bone's back, but Bearl looked down into his mug with a look of disappointment.]

Bearl: "I don't think El Jefe would do such horrible things. He's a really great guy."

[At that moment, T-Bone started to lose his patience and his smile turned into a scowl as he looked at Bearl.]

T-Bone: "Yeah, some great guy he was. Need I mention that he left me to fucking walk down a fucking highway to get all the way back here from fucking Canada?"

Burgundy: "Let it go, T!"

T-Bone: "No one wanted to fucking pick me up out on the fucking road and I almost got eaten by a fucking bear! Hardly what I call a great fucking guy!"

[Bearl heard what T-Bone said before getting out of his seat and marching over to the biker.]

Bearl: "No way, Fatso! You better take that back!"

Burgundy: "Enough of this, Bearl!"

T-Bone: "Why don't you suck my balls, you shit-brained redneck?!"

[In response, Bearl spat on T-Bone's sunglasses, prompting the mustachioed biker to punch the mechanic and road captain in the face, knocking him down to the floor and causing his cap to fall off.]

Bearl: "Why you no-good sumbitch!"

[As the two bikers fought, a few more got in on the action, including a few women. Yolanda remained at her stool watching the whole fight take place before her. It was quite clear that there was a rift between those who still admired Alex and those who were glad to see him out of the group. Burgundy got off of her stool before attempting to keep the peace between the two branches, but her words fell upon deaf ears. That was when the sound of a gun going off caused everything to quiet down. Everyone then turned to the front door to see Rodd with his pistol aimed at the ceiling.]

Rodd: "THAT IS FUCKING ENOUGH! ALL OF YOU!"

[Rodd then lowered his gun and walked to the center of the room.]

Rodd: "Now can someone care to explain to me what the FUCK is going on here?! Huh?! You tell me!"

[All the bikers pointed their fingers at Bearl and T-Bone.]

Bearl: "Don't look at me, R-Man. Mr. Bone here doesn't know how to keep his cool."

T-Bone: "Bite me, Bearl! Still being Alex's little ass monkey!"

Bearl: "Says Rodd's little kiss-ass!"

[Rodd banged his fist on one of the tables to stop the argument.]

Rodd: "Listen to me, all of you! We will NOT bring up the subject of Alex Santiago ever again! He was nothing but a liar, a coward, and a selfish asshole, and we're all better off without him. I mean, come on! We're supposed to be a family, and families stick together here, not turn on each other like a bunch of rogue wolves."

Bearl: "Like you're one to talk, Rodd! You didn't even try to help El Jefe! You just stood on that stand and let him get persecuted. And he was part of the family too, weren't he?"

Darrell: "Yeah! And speaking of persecution, allowing women to fight in our ranks?! And you let this cunt steal my rightful place as vice president!"

[Darrell pointed at Burgundy, who flashed her middle finger at her predecessor but kept her mouth shut. But one of the female bikers pointed at Darrell.]

Biker Woman: "You leave Burgundy alone, you bastard!"

Darrell: "Fuck off, bitch!"

Biker Woman: "You fuck off, you bigoted shithead! Burgundy would make a much better leader than you!"

Darrell: "Oh yeah?! Well, I like to see her fucking try it! Now get out of here!"

[The woman turned around with a scoff and walked away while Darrell turned his attention back to Rodd.]

Darrell: "How long will it be until your ego gets all of us killed?!"

Rodd: "And how long are you going to keep running your mouth? Huh?"

Burgundy: "Rodd, please, just forget him and go home."

Darrell: "No! We could've owned all of Detroit by now if you hadn't been so focused on your own bullshit agenda!"

Bearl: "Yeah, D! You show him who's the man!"

Rodd: "Keep talking...I dare you..."

T-Bone: "Cal, don't!"

Darrell: "Face it, big man! I think getting all that pussy into this organization has turned you into one!"

[Upon reaching his boiling point, Rodd grabbed his former right-hand man by the collar of his shirt and slammed him onto the bar with his left arm wrapped around his neck.]

Rodd: "Have you forgotten who you're talking to, you simple-minded son of a bitch?! I am NOT a pussy! I'm the man who turned a bunch of reckless bikers in Downtown Detroit to one of the most organized groups in this whole city! You had the chance to be smart and kept your fucking mouth shut back then, but you just kept running it and paid the price! So, unless you want your own mouth sewn shut, I would suggest shutting it yourself! Got it?!"

[Burgundy and T-Bone pulled Rodd off of Darrell.]

Burgundy: "Rodd, that is enough!"

[Rodd eased up as he looked at Burgundy and T-Bone. He then looked at Darrell, who sat on the floor taking a few deep breaths. As Burgundy and T-Bone let go of Rodd, the biker president looked around him as everyone else gave him stares. Rodd looked down at the floor as he expressed regret for what he just did.]

Rodd: "Fuck this... I'm going home...and I suggest you all do the same if you have any homes or families to care for."

[With that, Rodd went out the door and got on his bike before heading back home. What he failed to notice was that a man was watching from across the street.]

Bearl: "Damn... What a drama queen. Well, I best get back to my humble abode as well, take care."

T-Bone: "You mean that little shack on a rooftop downtown?"

[Bearl just shot one last look of anger before walking over to the front door.]

Bearl: "Personally, I'd call it home sweet home."

[And with that, Bearl walked out of the building. T-Bone simply sighed and shook his head as the mechanic left.]

T-Bone: "What am I gonna do with that idiot?"

Darrell: "Nothing, to be honest. It's Rodd I'm worried about. Anyway, I best head home as well. The less time I spend here, the better."

[Darrell then went out the door while T-Bone glared at him. All that was left were T-Bone, Burgundy, and Yolantha. The vice president turned her attention to the blonde woman.]

Burgundy: "I think you better head back home too, Yo. Hopefully, things will ease up tomorrow."

[Yolantha nodded and went out the door, leaving Burgundy and T-Bone alone. The two higher-ups of the club sat down at one of the tables to get their thoughts together.]

T-Bone: "Well...that could've gone better."

Burgundy: "I know. Did you see the way Rodd reacted towards Darrell?"

T-Bone: "Yeah, I did... He just had to push R's buttons like he was some mindless machine. The whole situation is really starting to get to him."

Burgundy: "This can't keep going on, T-Bone. I think we need to have a serious talk with Rodd about it. If something isn't done soon, there's going to be anarchy."

T-Bone: "I see where you're going with this, B. I just hope that Rodd will hear us out. But what about Darrell?"

Burgundy: "We'll speak with Rodd about what to do with him tomorrow. But if you ask me...I think Darrell has pushed it too far."

T-Bone: "You might you got a point there, Burg... I'll see you tomorrow."

Burgundy: "Yeah... You too, T."

[T-Bone nodded before he and Burgundy got out of their seats. Burgundy walked out the door first before T-Bone followed behind.]

Meanwhile, at the Harburton residence...

[Rodd walked through the front door of his house to be greeted by his wife, a short-haired brunette in her 40s, who stared at her husband with her arms crossed. Janey Harburton was Rodd's old lady when she rode with him and the Brotherhood. However, after bearing a son with Rodd and getting married to him, she decided to leave the gang life and settled down with her son. Rodd tended to be out of the house a lot to tend to his group, but still paid a visit once or twice a week. Now, Janey was expecting another child. Janey then noticed the look on her husband's face that indicated that something was wrong with him.]

Janey: "Hello, Cal... You're home late. Is something the matter?"

[Rodd put his hands on his hips as he looked at his wife.]

Rodd: "Yeah... Got in a little dispute with some of the boys. Ever since Alex went to the slammer, things have been on the rocks in the brotherhood. That and the fact that I'm letting women fight along with us hasn't been very well-liked by a select few members...especially Darrell."

Janey: "Who cares what they think, Calvin? They're just being a bunch of assholes."

[Rodd then walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. Janey leaned over the side and looked at her husband.]

Janey: "Let me guess...Darrell got under your skin?"

[Rodd sighed.]

Rodd: "How could you possibly know?"

Janey: "Marital instinct. But you shouldn't have to let that man get to you. He is nothing but toxic."

[Rodd looked over at his wife.]

Rodd: "I know that... But, all the same, I have a feeling things are gonna fall apart any day now. My reaction towards Darrell certainly didn't help matters."

[Janey sat with Rodd on the couch and took his hand before looking him in the eyes with concern.]

Janey: "Well...don't you think maybe it's time to put all of that behind you? You need to disband the brotherhood before things get too out of hand. You have a family to take care of, you know? I don't want to see you get yourself hurt over this."

[Rodd thought about it for a moment. Perhaps his wife had a point about this whole thing. Things have been escalating following Alex's departure and Rodd's role in his arrest, and it seems that Alex's verdict was the final nail in the coffin.]

Rodd: "You know, Jane...I was thinking about that earlier... And now that you've brought it up, maybe...I'll consider it."

Janey: "I know you'll make the right call, sweetheart."

[Janey then kissed her husband on the cheek.]

Rodd: "Thank you... By the way... You know where Trey is?"

Janey: "He's in his room studying. Kind of a workaholic, if I say."

[Rodd chuckled.]

Rodd: "Just like his old man, am I right?"

[With that, Rodd stood up and kissed his wife's forehead before heading over to his son's room. As soon as he got there, he knocked on the door a few times.]

Rodd: "Trey?"

Trey: "Yes, sir?"

Rodd: "I want to see how my big man's doin'. Is it okay if I come in?"

Trey: "Sure."

[After a few seconds, Rodd heard the lock click, and the door opened to reveal a boy who was around sixteen years of age. The teen was sitting at his desk writing on a sheet of paper. The biker leader walked in and tousled his son's hair.]

Rodd: "Hey, Buddy. How's that project of yours comin' along?"

Trey: "It's about halfway done. Though I don't know if I can finish it by tomorrow."

[Rodd sighed. He was quite relieved to know that his son would live a normal life and get a proper education instead of riding with a bad crowd as his father did. Rodd wasn't really deserving of a family even though his spouse came from that very same gang.]

[In any case, Rodd looked over his son's shoulder and saw that he was studying for history class.]

Trey: "It's a history project about the life of Sam Giancana."

Rodd: "That gangster with CIA connections?"

[Trey nodded at his father in response.]

Rodd: "I see..."

[Rodd stood back up and pinched the bridge of his nose.]

Rodd: If the brotherhood really does falls apart, I guess I'll have to put it all behind me. Maybe Janey's right. We gotta split before it's too late.

[Rodd let go of his nose and looked down at Trey again.]

Rodd: "You think I could help out with your project?"

[Trey poked up and looked up at his father, quite surprised.]

Trey: "Are... Are you sure?"

[Rodd smiled warmly before tousling Trey's hair again.]

Rodd: "Trust me, son. You will not be disappointed."

[Rodd sat on his son's bed and motioned for the teen to join him. Trey gladly accepted and carrying the journal, he sat next to his father on the bed. As they spent the night working on Trey's project, Rodd's decision became quite clear.]

Rodd: I better make my announcement tomorrow night. I just hope everyone will take this decision to heart.

[But as this was going on, a woman on a motorcycle stood near the house, biding her time.]

The next night, at the BoEMC Clubhouse...

[Yolantha and T-Bone were sitting at a table discussing things as Shot in the Dark by Ozzy Osbourne played on the jukebox. Ever since last night's incident following Alex's verdict, rumors have been spreading around concerning Rodd and the future of BoEMC. It was uncertain if the president was going to have everyone drop their flags.]

Yolantha: "So, you think that Rodd is going to disband the gang?"

T-Bone: "I don't know... I mean, it's possible. Look at everything that's happened in the past few weeks. Things haven't been improving since the change, so it's probably best if we all just drop our flags, fill up our hogs, hit the road, and let this place rust away. Because the way I see it, this could be the end of BoEMC and SoEMC altogether."

Yolantha: "So that means I'm out as well?"

T-Bone: "Seems pretty likely. But hey, at least you've had a pretty good run."

Yolantha: "I guess so."

T-Bone: "I mean, I've known Rodd for years and I've supported him through almost everything up to this point, but I think all of this has been taking a toll on him...on ALL of us, in fact, as you had the misfortune to witness. If he wants to formally end both parties, I'll have no problem with that. A lot better than the alternative...if you know what I mean?"

Yolantha: "Yeah, that's true... But what does Bearl think about this?"

T-Bone: "I have no idea, to be honest. Though I have seen some of the guys and girls huddling up at one point. I have no clue what it's about, but it's been giving me a bad feeling in the pit of my gut."

[Yolantha sighed as he looked down at the table.]

Yolantha: "I see. I'm...going to miss hanging out with you guys...but I guess Rodd's gotta do what needs to be done for everyone's safety."

T-Bone: "Yeah... I don't want it to come to that either, but it's probably for the best."

[Just then, Burgundy came into the room, greeted Yolantha, leaned toward T-Bone's ear, and whispered into it.]

Burgundy: "Rodd wants you to call a meeting. Round up everyone and get them into the meeting hall."

[T-Bone nodded before Burgundy made her way out of the room. T-Bone stood up and whistled to get everyone's attention.]

T-Bone: "Everyone on your feet! The president has an announcement to make!"

[Without hesitation, everyone got out of their seats and followed T-Bone into the meeting hall upstairs. Yolantha stood up and joined the crowd. Once everyone had gathered into the hall, most of the bikers started talking amongst themselves. The air in the room was filled with a mix of confusion, tension, and uncertainty. Finally, Rodd took the stand while Burgundy stood beside him before the president raised his hands to get everyone's attention.]

Rodd: "Brothers and sisters! May I have your attention, please?! I have something I need to say."

[The bikers all stopped talking and turned to look at their president.]

Rodd: "As you all know, I have been guiding you through these hardships for years, but after what happened to Alex...I can see that things haven't been getting any better between any of us. Times have changed in the last three years, some of us have lives back home, families to take care of, and sometimes it's better for things to just fade away so we can all move on. So, it is with a heavy heart that I have come to a final decision. A decision that not only reflects BoEMC or SoEMC, but what we represent as a biker- No...as a family."

[All the bikers, both male and female looked at one another, sharing both looks of uncertainty.]

Rodd: "And that is why, as of tonight, I have decided to-"

[Before Rodd could finish, he heard his cell phone ringing in his pocket. He reached in and pulled the phone out before answering whoever was calling.]

Rodd: "Hello? Who is this? WHAT?! What have you done with them?! How did you get this number?! Where are you?!"

Burgundy: "What's going on, Rodd?"

Rodd: "I'll be there! Just don't hurt them!"

[Rodd hung up his phone and turned to look at Burgundy.]

Rodd: "Sorry, Burgundy, I have to get back home... I've got a family emergency. Can you keep an eye on the others while we're gone? The meeting's on hold for now."

[Bearl started to rush out of the room, but T-Bone started to follow him. Most of the remaining members in the room were speechless.]

[At that moment T-Bone caught up with Rodd while going down the stairs.]

T-Bone: "Let me go with you!"

Rodd: "No! I can't have anyone with me, or they'll hurt my family!"

T-Bone: "You might need help!"

Rodd: "I'll be right back! I promise!"

[With that, Rodd rushed out the front door and got on his motorbike before driving off into the distance.]

[T-Bone was confused as was nearly everyone else upstairs. What could be happening and how does it involve Rodd's family?]

[Just then, Bearl and Yolantha showed up next to T-Bone and Bearl whispered into the sergeant-at-arms' ear.]

Bearl: "You better go after him, T. I've got an eerie feeling that he could be walking into a trap."

T-Bone: "I don't know if I should, Bearl. What about Burgundy?"

Bearl: "She won't know a thing, Boney. Now get goin'! Rodd and his family's lives could be at stake here!"

[T-Bone still wasn't sure about doing so, but Yolantha walked up to him and grabbed his hand.]

Yolantha: "Maybe he's right, T-Baby. In fact, I think I better come with you. Not gonna have you take this one alone, am I?"

[Yolantha put her index finger on T-Bone's lips as she looked directly into his eyes. T-Bone thought for a moment, he hardly knew this woman, but so far, she's been vital to the gang, and she was pretty attractive. Also, he didn't want anything to happen to Rodd in case things started to go south and he probably could use some support. In any case, T-Bone nodded and looked at Bearl.]

T-Bone: "Alright, Yo. We'll be right back, Bearl. Just don't tell the others where we are, okay?"

Bearl: "Yer secret's safe with me, T."

[T-Bone raced outside and got on his bike while Yolantha rode with him. They then went in the direction of Rodd's house since that was where was most likely heading. While this happened, Bearl walked over to the basement door and leaned next to it before pulling his cell phone out of his pants and dialing a number. After two beeps, someone answered.]

"Yeah?"

Bearl: "I think he took the bait. He and "Yolantha" should be coming to the big man's aid."

"Good... I've got Harburton's family right here. All I need now is for the man himself to make his entrance. We'll deal with T-Bone when he comes down as well, so you just get your friends ready for phase one."

Bearl: "Sure thing, chief! I've got the heavy artillery all ready for them as well. You just say the word and we'll take care of the rest."

[Bearl then hung up the phone and went into the basement to gather his allies.]

Later, at the Harburton residence...

[Rodd stopped right in front of his house. The club president got off his bike and ran towards the front door before bursting into the house. The power was cut off and it was eerily quiet. Rodd took out a flashlight and shined it to see in front of him.]

Rodd: "Janey?! Trey?! Is anyone here?!"

[Rodd breathed heavily as he slowly walked around the house. Just then, he heard a noise coming from the basement. Maybe that was them?]

[Rodd walked over to the basement door and slowly opened it. Once inside, he slowly descended down the stairs, step by step. As soon as he reached the bottom, the veteran biker found his wife and son on their knees with tape over their mouths and their hands tied behind their backs. Before Rodd could open his mouth to gasp or say the names of his wife and child, he felt the cold barrel of a shotgun being pointed at the back of his head.]

Man: "Hands where I can see them, scum."

[Rodd slowly put his hands up.]

Rodd: "What do you want from me? Money? Drugs? Territory?"

Man: "I think your presence is enough, you prick. Now, turn around and face me like a man."

[Rodd did so and faced the intruder, who was wearing a blue jumpsuit, black gloves, and a hockey mask over a balaclava to hide his identity. And in his hands was a sawed-off shotgun.]

Rodd: "Who the hell are you?! What do you want with my family?!"

[The man slowly walked between Rodd and his family while keeping his gun aimed at the biker president, who didn't take his eyes off him for a single moment.]

Man: "I don't need to listen to you now. I'm only doing what my boss tells me to do."

Rodd: "Your boss?"

Man: "THE boss! And he told me to pass a message onto you:"

[The man pumped his shotgun as he kept his aim at Rodd.]

Man: "El Jefe sends his regards."

[Rodd's eyes went wide and his legs began to turn numb when he heard what the man just said. But before Rodd had time to react, the masked man pulled the trigger of his gun. With a loud bang, Rodd's body flew back to the wall with a force in one shot while blood flew right in his family's faces. A big bloody hole was made in the biker president's chest as he slowly slid down to the floor dying. All Janey could do was make muffled screams and sobs after seeing her husband murdered in a second by this psycho. Trey also screamed in muffled despair at the sight of his father being killed. The man simply looked down at his hostages before tilting his head to the side. But, before he could do anything, he heard footsteps coming from upstairs and hid in the shadows.]

[At that moment, T-Bone rushed into the house followed by Yolantha. T-Bone entered the basement and was horrified to find the dead body of his president before turning his attention towards the crying hostages. T-Bone was going to ask if they were alright until he heard a voice coming from the shadows.]

"You should've been here sooner."

[The big biker aimed his sawed-off at the perpetrator who walked out of the shadows with his hands in the air. But T-Bone could see a glimpse of a weapon on the man's back.]

Man: "I'd put that gun down if I were you, criminal!"

T-Bone: "Like hell I am! What have you done to Rodd?!"

Man: "What I had to do, Mr. Bone."

T-Bone: "Why don't you just grab your gun and blow my head off right now?"

Man: "You wouldn't understand...but I'm sure your partner would."

T-Bone: "What?"

[However, T-Bone was then hit in the back of the head by the butt of a gun, knocking him out. Yolantha, who held the gun in her hand, looked down at the unconscious biker before speaking to him in a foreign language.]

Yuri: "Spokoynoy nochi, Terrance. It's been quite fun."

[Yuri then turned her attention to the masked man.]

Man: "That's some good acting, Yuri! There might be hope for you yet!"

Yuri: "Spasibo, Kochavich. But what about these two?"

[Yuri pointed at Janey and Trey, who were still crying over Rodd's demise.]

[The masked man looked at the hostages before knocking them out with the butt of his shotgun, much to Yuri's confusion. He then removed his mask to reveal himself to be none other than Koch, who then wiped the sweat off his forehead.]

Koch: "Not much they can do now. By the time they wake up, it'll be too late to tell their side of the story. That asshole will be on his way to jail before they even get the chance to speak. Now, come on. We've done enough here."

[Yuri then walked over to Rodd's body before removing his jacket and setting it over her shoulder. Once everything was set, she and Koch made their way up the stairs and out of the basement, leaving nothing but T-Bone, Janey, and Trey's unconscious bodies...as well as Rodd's corpse.]

[When T-Bone woke up a little later, he found himself surrounded by police officers who pointed their guns down at him.]

Officer: "Terrance Bonneville, you are under arrest for first-degree murder! Now put your hands up!"

[T-Bone could do nothing but put his hands up before the officers turned around and forced his hands behind his back before cuffing them. As one of the officers called the paramedics, two more dragged T-Bone to his feet before dragging him up the stairs and out of the house.]

T-Bone: "Son of a bitch."

Later, at the clubhouse...

[Burgundy and the rest of the BoEMC and SoEMC members eagerly waited in the main room for Rodd, T-Bone, or Yolantha to return. The music playing on the jukebox was Rebel Yell by Billy Idol. Most of the members of the group chatted amongst themselves as tension was in the air, but Darrell sat at the bar, not caring what was going to happen.]

[Burgundy had her arms crossed as she thought back to that warehouse in Fernville. She was there when she saw that little girl getting shot by her father, and all to protect her friend from getting killed by him. Upon seeing what had transpired, she had the growing urge to turn her gun on Alex and blow his brains out, even if it meant her own life as well. Before she could get the chance, however, the police raided the warehouse and the shooting started on both sides. Burgundy could do nothing else but assist her crew in fending off the law enforcers. Seeing that girl getting shot also triggered a lot of bad memories from her past...memories that she'd rather forget.]

[Burgundy snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the front door slam open. She and the others turned to see Yolantha looking frazzled as she held a blood-spattered jacket in her left arm. Most of the bikers showed either concern or indifference at the sight, but Burgundy marched over to the young woman.]

Burgundy: "Yolantha? What's going on? Where's T-Bone?"

Yolantha: "I had to leave him! I-I-I don't know what happened! As soon as we went into the house, he started acting crazy! I just had to get out of there as fast as possible!"

[Burgundy quickly put her hands on Yolantha's shoulders as she looked straight into her eyes with rising concern.]

Burgundy: "What about Rodd? Is he okay? What about his family?"

[Yolantha went silent for a few seconds before showing the others the jacket in her hands.]

Yolantha: "He...didn't make it... T-Bone shot him in his blind rage."

[Everyone in the group gasped in horror while a tear rolled down Yolantha's left cheek. Burgundy covered her mouth in complete shock.]

Burgundy: "Oh my God..."

[Darrell stood up from his stool and walked over to Yolantha while looking at the jacket.]

Darrell: "Woah! Who'd known that T-Bone had demons in him?"

[Just then, Darrell felt a pair of hands shove him back a foot.]

Female Biker: "Hey, shut your fucking mouth, Darrell! T-Bone just killed the president!"

[One of the male bikers stood between Darrell and the woman as he glared at her.]

Male Biker: "Well, how do I know you girls didn't put him up to it?! He was always so comfortable around you hussies! The new bitch probably had a hand in it as well!"

[The biker pointed at Yolantha, who turned her head away as if she felt hurt.]

Burgundy: "Stop it, you guys! This isn't helping anybody!"

Female Biker: "Oh! Accuse us, will you?!"

Male Biker: "Yeah! Admit it! You just wanted Burgundy to take full control of everybody here so you get rid of Rodd and T-Bone, right?! Well, your little scheme isn't going to work!"

Female Biker: "You men think you know everything, don't you? Well, why don't you fucking try us?!"

Male Biker: "BRING IT, BITCH!"

[Finally, the powder keg went off and everyone started fighting again. Chairs and tables were tossed or knocked around, punches were thrown, glass bottles and mugs were broken, and blood was being drawn. The bartender hid behind the bar to avoid getting hurt in the carnage. The whole group had been reduced to nothing but fighting and Burgundy's attempts at keeping the peace were futile once again. Yolantha managed to make a break for the basement door as the chaos escalated before Darrell got out of the fighting and followed suit.]

Female Biker: "BIGOTS!"

Male Biker: "KARENS!"

Female Biker: "ASSHOLES!"

Male Biker: "WHORES!"

Female Biker: "MANHANDLERS!"

Male Biker: "FEMINASCISTS!"

[This carnage carried on for about two minutes, but it didn't look like the fighting was dying down, it was getting worse, so much so that knives were drawn out on both sides as they started stabbing each other. Some of the fighters even started biting each other's jugulars as well. Bodies started to drop as the fighting raged on. Without Rodd or T-Bone's help, it seems that Burgundy has lost control of everything in the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Exemption. She wanted to run out the door as fast as she could before someone tackled her, but she didn't want to look like a scared little girl. All she could do was raise her voice in a last ditch attempt to calm the situation.]

Burgundy: "Everyone stop! Is anyone listening?! STOP FIGHTING!"

[However, she felt someone's elbow make contact with her jaw, causing her to fall to the floor. The African-American woman could do nothing else but grab her own head like a child awaiting her parent's punishment, hoping that it would all be over soon.]

[Suddenly, guns started going off close by. But it didn't come from any of the brawling members of BoEMC or SoEMC, it came from an entirely different group with around twelve members, armed to the teeth with pistols, Uzis, and sawed-off shotguns. Among the members were Bearl, Darrell, and even Yolantha, much to Burgundy's shock. The small group opened fire as bullets and blood flew all around the room, riddling the walls with both. Bodies were now dropping at a faster rate while a few stray bullets hit the jukebox, damaging it beyond repair and causing the music to warp and then cease. Once the gunfire had died down, all that was in the clubhouse was blood, corpses, and dead silence. Some of the bodies twitched for a bit before finally expiring in the pile. The whole bloodbath was like something straight out of a Tarantino film.]

[One of the only few who was still alive in the pile was Burgundy, who appeared to be crying.]

Bearl: "Sorry, everybody...but there's been a change in management."

[Darrell walked right over to Burgundy while wearing a smirk on his face.]

Darrell: "Well, Miss Burgundy. It looks like your little alliance has failed. You're not a leader...you're just a sad little girl in a woman's body. We have the high ground now, and there you are lying in the dirt!"

[Darrell aimed his sawed-off shotgun at Burgundy with the intent of ending her life right there. Burgundy closed her eyes as she braced for impact, without Rodd or the rest of the BoEMC and SoEMC members, she now felt vulnerable. But, just as Darrell was about to pull the trigger, Yolantha stopped him before speaking in her native accent.]

Yuri: "Wait a minute! Maybe she could still be useful."

Darrell: "Oh, don't tell me you started developing feelings for that woman! Her little plan for peace was nothing but a ruse! And now look at this place...nothing but bloodshed! Rodd is dead because he became a victim of this piece of cuntshit!"

[Bearl put his hand on Darrell's shoulder as he spoke.]

Bearl: "Now, hold on a minute there, Darrell. Maybe Yolantha's got a point. I mean, look at her...she look like she don't got nothing left. Maybe we can...rejuvenate her somehow?"

[Darrell looked over at the rest of the crew, who seemed to nod in agreement or raise their hands. He then looked down at Burgundy, who was waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, Darrell yelled out.]

Darrell: "Motherfuck!"

[Darrell took a few seconds to compose himself before turning his attention to the rest of the group.]

Darrell: "Fine! But she needs to remember who the fuck's in charge! Let's just get out of here before the cops arrive. As far as I'm concerned...all these assholes just killed themselves."

[Darrell then looked over the pile for any more survivors.]

Darrell: "And if there's anyone still breathing in that pile, you'll do the smart thing and join up with us, unless you want to end up like all the others!"

[Only three members, two female and one male, climbed out of the pile and raised their hands, obviously seeing that they had no choice in the matter.]

Darrell: "I thought so. Now let's move out!"

[And with that, the remainders of BoEMC and SoEMC fled the scene with Burgundy in tow. As soon as everyone left, the bartender slowly popped up from behind the bar to see nothing but a pile of dead bodies.]

Bartender: "Oh...Good...God..."

[The bartender covered his mouth with his right hand. Then he got back down on the ground and puked his guts out.]

Later, outside the city...

[After getting clear enough from the law, the separatists found an old house outside the city limits between Detroit and Royal Woods and made it their hideout. The place was also close to a raging river. Once they were inside, they all did a body count to make sure that everyone was present from the escape. At that moment, Burgundy spoke up.]

Burgundy: "Why don't you just kill me already? You've already done so with everyone else!"

Darrell: "Put her in the basement, boys. That bitch can never shut up."

[Two of the separatists dragged Burgundy down into the basement. They came back up a few minutes later.]

Bearl: "Okay, everyone, I know we may be down a few members... Well, okay, maybe a bunch. But tonight, we have two new members joining our clan. So, please give a big welcome to Matthew Kochner and Yuri Petrovsky."

[The rest of the rebels clapped for Yuri, who had just been accepted as a new member of the gang. But, Koch wasn't with her.]

Bearl: "Unfortunately, Koch couldn't make it as he is discussing things with an associate of ours in the city. But, don't worry about it, we'll see him tomorrow. And since Burgundy needs some time to...chill out, I'm putting Yuri in charge of the gals."

Yuri: "Bol'shove tebe spasibo, Bearl."

Bearl: "I don't know what that means...but, Boy shovel and Spaghetti-Os to you too, Yuri."

[Yuri just rolled her eyes in annoyance.]

Yuri: This man's an idiot.

[Darrell then clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention.]

Darrell: "Alright, everyone! What do you say we get some shuteye? We've got a busy day tomorrow."

[The rest of the crew nodded in agreement before going to their makeshift beds upstairs.]

The next day, at the Royal Woods Detention Center...dusk...

[It was the middle of Valentine's Day, the sun was setting in the west, and Alex was being loaded onto a bus along with four other inmates. They were going to be transported to Death Row for their crimes against humanity such as fraud, murder, rape, etc.. When all the inmates were on board, they took their seats.]

[Alex sat in one of the benches on the right side of the bus and looked over at the other inmates. His ankles were shackled along with the inmates sitting in front and behind him, while the shackles had a chain connecting them.]

[The first inmate sitting in front of him was a bald fifty-some-year-old Caucasian who appeared to be a skinhead, as evidenced by a tattoo of a certain hateful symbol on his left forearm. Alex made a disgusted face upon seeing the racist features on the guy.]

Alex: Great... Out of all the seats on this bus, I have to sit behind a racist joder...

[The inmate sitting on the bench behind him was an African-American who looked to be in his early to mid-twenties. He also seemed to show remorse for whatever crime he did to get him sent to his fate as evidenced by how his head was drooped over.]

[The inmate sitting on the bench across from Alex was slightly overweight and had a rugged brown beard and square-rimmed glasses. By the look of this guy, he appeared to be some kind of predator.]

[The last one sat at the very end of the bus just looking out the window. Nobody knows what this man had done to end up where he is, but he appeared to be a loner. He never wanted to make conversation with anyone or even speak.]

[The guards riding with the inmates consist of a Caucasian woman in her late 30s who was a little on the pudgy side, and a younger man who appeared to be of Arab descent.]

[Alex was looking out the window. He was still thinking about the Louds and how he could get back at them. He was also thinking about Castleton, the one responsible for putting him where he was to begin with.]

Alex: Castleton... You've done well in putting me here...but you've made plenty of enemies on the way. I'll make sure you pay for all that you've done. And once I'm free, I will see to it that you and those Louds, especially that puta and that white-haired hermano of hers, will suffer...grande momento.

[Once everything was all set, the bus drove out of the yard and started making its journey to Death Row.]

Meanwhile, at the hideout...

[The BoEMC and SoEMC remnants were discussing things upstairs. They had found the perfect spot to ambush the bus that Alex was being transported on, courtesy of Rosato, who had connections to one of the prison guards.]

Darrell: "Alright, boys...and girls. We're all gathered here because we're going to put phase two of our plan into effect."

Bearl: "Now, wait a minute there... Who died and made you head honcho? Certainly not El Jefe, that's for sure."

Darrell: "It just so happens that I am the brains of this organization, just like in the golden days of BoEMC. So, just keep quiet for a moment, will ya?"

Bearl: "Whatever you say, boss man... But, El Jefe IS gonna make me his number two guy, you know what I'm sayin'?"

[Darrell rolled his eyes before resuming his speech.]

Darrell: "As I was saying... This is where the bus is going to pass."

[Darrell pointed to a part of the map that was labelling an ambush point.]

Darrell: "And this right here is where the ambush is going to take place. We're going to set up road spikes on the path ahead so the bus will crash when it runs over them."

Bearl: "But, how can we tell when the bus is gonna get here?"

Darrell: "You'll have a good vantage point from up on that hill, B.B.."

[Darrell pointed to the part of the map where the hill was located.]

Darrell: "You are going to be our lookout. You'll be keeping an eye out for that bus when it comes. And once you see it, give the signal, and me and my boys will go down the hill and lay those spikes across the road. We'll take care of the bus once it's stopped."

Bearl: "Okay, but what if the bus stops before the spikes?"

Darrell: "That's where you and Yuri come in. When that bus goes by, you and your crew start going after it. Yuri and her girls will use the van to assist you in chasing the bus down. It'll keep the guards distracted long enough until it reaches the point of no return. Once that bus is immobile, we'll ensure that El Jefe heads back with us to the rendezvous point alive, if not unscathed. Did everybody get all that?"

[Everyone nodded in response.]

Darrell: "Good. Now let's get geared up, because that bus will be coming in about a half-hour from now."

[As the other members left the room to prepare for phase two, Darrell and Bearl looked over at Yuri.]

Bearl: "So...any word from the Koch-man?"

Yuri: "He's still with Rosato settling some...legal issues. They should be on their way to rendezvous as soon as possible."

Bearl: "What about Burgundy? How's she doin'?"

Yuri: "She is...doing well, for the most part. She was still pretty mad when I last saw her, so she had to be...restrained for safety reasons."

Bearl: "Atta girl, Yuri! That's usin' the ol' Russian Rhapsody!"

Darrell: "Well, you best go down there and check on her...just to make sure she complies. And don't take too long, because we'll be heading out in a matter of minutes."

[Yuri nodded and went down the stairs to the basement door. Once she was in the basement, she shut the door behind her and turned on the light before slowly descending down the stairs. As soon as she reached the bottom, she looked at Burgundy, who was on her knees with her hands tied behind a wooden support beam and duct tape covering her mouth as blood trickled down her nose and over the tape. Her shirt was also ripped open, exposing the front of her body, which had bruises all over. It appears that she had been beaten up by a few members of Bearl's gang the previous night. The red-haired woman crouched down before ripping the tape off of the older woman, causing her to wince in pain.]

Burgundy: "Fuckin-"

Yuri: "Are you feeling comfortable, comrade?"

[Burgundy glared up at the woman she once considered a friend.]

Burgundy: "You two-faced bitch! I stood up for you, and you sold us out! How could you deceive us like that, Yolantha?! If that's even your real name!"

Yuri: "Do not struggle so much, Burgundy. You will only tire yourself out. Once we bust Alex out of that bus, he is going to lead this group to greatness."

Burgundy: "Listen...you can't do this... That man tried to kill a little boy! He almost killed his own daughter! He fucking murdered his wife! If you free him, he'll come after that boy's whole family and God knows how many other people!"

[Yuri seemed unmoved by Burgundy's warning and simply turned to look at her face.]

Yuri: "Do I look like I give a damn? What I want is payback on that babushka for what she did to my friends. And when I am done with her and the whole sem'ya, I am going to make her son my little mal'chik-rab when I get my hands on him. That means Slave Boy where I come from."

[Burgundy let out a disgusted scoff.]

Burgundy: "Oh sure! Add pedophilia to your list of crimes while you're at it! I don't know who you really are and I don't give a shit, but do you have any idea what will happen if that murder is let loose?! Do you?!"

Yuri: "Say what you want...but your girls don't respect you anymore... They listen to Yuri Petrovsky now... NOBODY respects you... Not even... How do you say..."

[Yuri leaned towards Burgundy's face before whispering into her ear.]

Yuri: "Your old high school friend?"

[In a fit of rage, Burgundy responded by headbutting Yuri's face, causing the Russian woman to fall on her butt.]

Burgundy: "How dare you bring her up, you fucking hussy?! You have no right!"

[Yuri sat up and rubbed her forehead before smirking at Burgundy.]

Yuri: "Oooooooooh! Temper, temper, temper! Did I just hit a nerve?"

[Yuri stood back up.]

Yuri: "Maybe soon, you'll understand why we did what we had to do. When our fearless leader returns, he will unite us all under new name and lead us to glorious victory! You see, he's got big plans for this cossack Castleton...and that cossack had a hand in everyone's misery. We'll be ready to catch him when the time comes, and there is nothing that he, you, nor anyone else can do to stop it!"

Burgundy: "You are fucking blind, you know that?! There is no telling what that madman will do if you bust him out! He could bring death and destruction to everyone in Royal Woods! The streets could be riddled with blood! Innocent children could get caught in the chaos! You are bringing the downfall of BaSoEMC!"

[Yuri simply put the duct tape back over Burgundy's mouth.]

Yuri: "On the contrary, my good friend...BoEMC was dead from very moment you stepped in...and so is SoEMC. Once everything is finished, I will be sipping on fine wine in Swiss Alps."

[Yuri then pulled out a music player out of her pocket before putting it on a stool.]

Yuri: "By the way... Good music is quite scarce in my country. Have you ever heard of Kino?"

[As if on cue, Yuri selected a song by Kino on the small device before she began dancing to the beat.]

Yuri: "I used to listen to their songs when I was a little girl. Out of all of them though, I think this one is my favorite."

[The music filled the whole basement as she began to sing the lyrics in Russian. Just then, the woman took a knife out of her other pocket as she danced, all the while Burgundy watched with rising anxiety. Once Yuri was finished singing the first verse, she slashed her knife across Burgundy's stomach, leaving a bleeding cut. Burgundy let out a muffled scream from the pain. Yuri then slashed her knife again, this time across the right side of Burgundy's chest. The former vice president let out another pained and muffled scream as Yuri smiled in response before singing the second verse. Blood trickled down both cuts on Burgundy's body and Yuri kept on dancing whilst shaking her hips and waving the knife around.]

[After the second verse was finished, Yuri did a spin and threw the knife at Burgundy as it hit the support beam, taking a small chunk of hair off her. Yuri straddled over to the knife and yanked it out of the wood before stabbing it into Burgundy's left forearm, causing her to scream again.]

[As soon as the third verse started, Yuri kicked Burgundy across the face, resulting in a black eye. The Russian woman then kicked Burgundy's chest with her right foot several times until she was exhausted.]

[Once the song was over, Yuri looked over Burgundy and saw the cuts and bruises all over her body. All the woman could do was smile with intrigue while Burgundy showed no weakness towards her.]

Yuri: "Ah, strong woman, I see? Well, since you've shown such strength, I think I owe you a little honesty."

[Yuri crouched down and yanked the knife out of Burgundy's forearm before standing back up. Burgundy let out a muffled groan as the sharp object was pulled out of her.]

Yuri: "You see, that ditzy girl that society sees me as...is nothing more than ruse. What you just went through is how I REALLY act, how I REALLY think, what I REALLY am. You see, my mat knew about my problem and would give me medicine just to keep me under control. I still tend to use that medicine to this day, but sometimes...I need a little break from it once in a while. But all the same, she kept forcing me to take meds just to keep me under her spell. She just wanted me to act like a robot, somebody that I am not. A complete shell of who I really am. Well...you know what I did once I turned 18?"

[Burgundy simply looked at Yuri as the Russian woman waved the knife in front of her face.]

Yuri: "I sold her on the black market for thousands of dollars. I never saw her since that day, but she was weak little woman who did nothing but hold me back for years. And those two associates of mine were just the same. They knew about my problem, but they only wanted to keep acting like that ditzy girl everyone sees me as. They could just rot in their cells for all I care. Anyway, I think I've have had enough fun for the night. I have a mission to complete."

[Yuri put the knife down on the table, turned around, and walked over to the stairs to catch up with the others.]

Yuri: "Oh, and if you decide to change your views, we'll come back for you."

[Once Yuri reached the top of the stairs, she called down to Burgundy.]

Yuri: "Dasvidaniya for now, Burgundy... Hope you don't get too cold down there."

[And with that, Yuri turned off the light and shut the door, leaving Burgundy alone with her thoughts. The woman could hear the sounds of motorcycle engines revving before they slowly faded away. All she could think about was everything that led up to this.]

[She started to remember everything that happened long ago, before she left her old life back in Royal Woods. Being a part of that small gang that wanted to hold a young rich boy ransom to make some quick cash. And when one of the girls started to get physical with the boy, Burgundy blacked out. When she came to, she found herself on the ground with blood on her hands and all three members of the group dead with multiple stab wounds. The boy somehow managed to flee the scene, but Burgundy couldn't live with what she did...no matter how bad those girls were. She would be locked away if everyone found out about what she did. Before she left town, she had to say goodbye to her best friend...but she never explained why. Sometimes, she wondered what would've happened if she just told her why she needed to leave. Would she have been understanding? Or would she just shun her?]

[In any case, she left her home, her friends, and her family behind. Her time on the run didn't last very long as she was arrested by the N.Y.P.D. while hiding out in New York City and taken back to Michigan to serve her sentence, which was 30 years for three counts of murder...which would've been 40 if it hadn't been for the wealthy family of that young boy defending her. Since she was still 17 at the time, she needed to spend the first few years at a juvenile detention center before getting transferred to a woman's correctional facility.]

[Burgundy hoped for the day when she could return to Royal Woods and apologize to her best friend for everything that has happened. But with the situation she's now in, she knew that it wasn't a good time. She just had to find out what exactly Bearl, Darrell, and Yuri were planning all this time.]

Burgundy: I am not gonna let them get away with this. I'll just have to play by their rules until the time is right. And when that time comes, I'll bust every damn one of these motherfuckers wide open.

[Tears leaked from Burgundy's eyes as she thought back to her best friend.]

Burgundy: I just hope I can finally go back home after this... I really want to make things right with her.

20 minutes later...

[Bearl, Darrell, and the remaining bikers had just gotten themselves positioned on two hills. All they had to do was wait for El Jefe's prison bus to pass by.]

Darrell: "All right, listen up, boys...and girls! I'm gonna go over this one more time just to be sure. When that bus approaches, Bearl will give the signal and we'll strike the target. Then, we go in that bus, grab El Jefe, and make a break for it before the cops arrive. Short and simple. Anybody get it?"

[The bikers agreed. Darrell then radioed Bearl on his walkie-talkie. The road captain sat on his bike on top of another hill with his group, looking down at the road through a pair of binoculars. Just then, he heard a voice come out of his walkie-talkie.]

Darrell: "Yo, Bearl! Do you see it yet?"

[Bearl grabbed the walkie and spoke into it.]

Bearl: "No! Not yet, Darrell! It's pretty dark out here. Makes me wish I had night-vision gogs."

Darrell: "Well, let me know when you do. And for God's sake, don't fall asleep on the job!"

Bearl: "Alright already, Mr. Grumpy! Sheesh!"

[Back on the other hill, Darrell turned to his group.]

Darrell: "All of you get on your bikes and start revving on my signal."

[And with that, the bikers all got on their rides as Darrell tuned the frequency on his walkie before speaking through it.]

Darrell: "How are things on your end, Yuri?"

Yuri: "They're doing well, Darrell. Van is ready for pursuit. You just say the word and we're ready."

Darrell: "Okay, when you see Bearl's crew going after the bus, that'll be your cue. You just stay with them and make sure that bus keeps going. Understand?"

Yuri: "Da. Will comply. Yuri out."

[Darrell looked over at Bearl's hill and waited.]

[Just then, Bearl saw the bus heading towards their location. He then called Darrell on his radio.]

Bearl: "Hey, Darrell! El Jefe's bus is heading our way right now!"

Darrell: "Ok, Bearl! Me and my boys will be ready to set up those spikes! Meanwhile, you and the team go after that bus as soon as it passes you! Yuri and the others will join you soon enough! It's time to free our savior!"

Bearl: "Ten-four, my good man! We'll help bust him out!"

[Bearl put down his walkie and signaled to his group to start their engines.]

Bearl: "Get ready, boys! We start the assault in twenty seconds... On your mark..."

[The bikers turned on their engines and revved their motors, eagerly waiting for Bearl's word, but the road captain kept biding his time as the bus continued down the road.]

Bearl: El Jefe's gonna be so proud. Oooooh! I can't wait to see the look on that Castleton's face when he learns that we busted out our new leader!

A/N: Okay, so as it turns out, this side arc has been extended to three parts. Don't you worry, I promise you that the next part will be the last one before the climax starts.

But anyway, it seems that things have finally reached a breaking point at BoEMC, causing some irreversible damage to the entire group as a whole. So now, a new, yet small group has emerged from the ashes with the intent on breaking Alex out. How will their plan go? And where are Koch and Rosato? Stay tuned.

boygenius2020: They probably did.

MoreABoutThomas: Alex would obviously be found guilty, but not even the verdict could keep him restrained.

wollyworld: Again, this is just the beginning.

Ellis97: Not much longer. I promise you.

Gamelover41592: Indeed there is.

DarthWill3: Probably, but don't expect Alex to change his plea to guilty.

Mike The Red Engine: Thanks.

Batdude365: Maybe...maybe not.

Master Fan Reader: There's no doubt that Alex will get justice.

angrybirds123456: Unlikely. This story's still grounded.

Guest: Whether Alex's past history is true or not will be left to interpretation. But even if he DID have a horrible childhood, it does not excuse his actions. Also, I'm not sure if he has plans for anyone else other than the Louds and his former children...or could he?