♕ ȶɦɛ ɖɛʄʟɛƈȶօʀ - 1 ♛

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εxρℓαηαтιση

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A year ago, I wrote a novel.

Not too long ago I came across it in my Google Documents, and decided to give it a read.

It wasn't too bad. The chapters were short, and things could have been more descriptive, but otherwise it was alright.

Here, I've decided to tweak the story a bit to where it's a little more Animal Jam related so I can post it here.

Originally, the novel wasn't Animal Jam based at all. It was about humans living in reality, but now in this version they will be anthropomorphic animals living in Jamaa.

I know I'm going to get some comments such as “This is like Zootopia!” or other things like that, but I assure you this story was not inspired by that movie at all. It was, as stated before, not AJ related or anthropomorphic in the first place.

With that final note, I hope you enjoy.

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warnιng: тнιѕ novel conтaιnѕ ιnтenѕe ѕceneѕ, ѕυcн aѕ мenтιonιng/υѕe oғ weaponѕ, вlacĸмaιl, and мore. read aт yoυr own rιѕĸ.

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”í αlwαчs wíshєd fσr αdvєnturє, вut вч thє tímє í díd í fσrgσt thαt í nєєdєd tσ вє cαrєful σf whαt í wíshєd fσr.”

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♕♖♙ ȶɦɛ ɖɛʄʟɛƈȶօʀ ♟♜♛

α иσνєℓ ωяιттєи ву ѕσи¢ωнιяℓωιи∂101

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ᴘʀᴏʟᴏɢᴜᴇ

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The vice principal flipped through her paperwork slowly, studying each individual sentence in between each paper. She grabbed the page in between her claws and flipped it over, whiskers twitching slightly.

Why do I have to have so much paperwork.. Now and at this time? Everyone at the school will be leaving soon because of how late it is… Maybe I could just bring the papers home and finish them tonight…

She stifled a gasp as the phone rang, the blue fur on the back of her neck spiking up in surprise.

Quickly, she grabbed for the phone.

Who could be calling at this hour?

“Hello?” She spoke.

Silence, nothing was said. She turned to look at the number to who was calling, but no number appeared.

Strange…

“Erm, Hello?” She spoke once more.

“Hello. We would like to inform you to be on the lookout soon.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Watch out. Because something big is about to come to the school, something completely unimaginable.”

“W-what? Who is this?!” She gasped just as the caller hung up.

What could it mean?

She asked herself, but knew just as well what the caller was doing.

Threatening the school.

A shooting threat.

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1: ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴ

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Boredom can strike any of us, including me, of all people…

Bree shook her head, looking around her room.

Brown dresser… white bed… cream-colored walls… tons of flower stickers… wolf dream catcher near the bedpost…

Yeah, her boring old room.

She sighed and her large, dark red fox ears swiveled around as she did so. Crossing her black-furred arms over one another, she stared at the ceiling with an uninterested expression.

School was boring lately, and so was her life at home. Her family basically let her stay at home on school nights, and unfortunately one of those days was this one.

She buried her face in her pillow.

ᴅɪɴɢ.

She shot out of the covers just as her phone made the noise.

Was that a ᴛᴇxᴛ? None of her friends texted her unless if it was an emergency, or there was drama and they needed advice, which was very rarely.

She grabbed her phone from the dresser, turning it on to see a text from an unknown number.

She sighed yet another time and opened the text, tail flicking with annoyance.

Who got the wrong number this time?

υnĸnown:

нello вree!

She smirked. One of her friends trying to prank her, they weren’t going to trick her!

Just for the fun of it, I’ll play along...

вree:

нι. wнo ιѕ тнιѕ?

Watch them respond with a stupid name that they come up with…

υnĸnown:

well, yoυ can’т really ĸnow тнaт qυιтe yeт, вυт ѕoon yoυ wιll! ι’ve нeard yoυ wanт тo вe a deтecтιve aғтer yoυ gradυaтe нιgн ѕcнool, correcт?

Bree groaned. This was typical of her friends, avoiding questions and changing the subject.

вree:

yeaн. wнy do yoυ aѕĸ?

υnĸnown:

well, вecaυѕe ι wanт тo нelp yoυ gaιn eхperιence oғ coυrѕe!

That makes perfect sense…

She thought sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

вree:

нow are yoυ goιng тo do тнaт eхacтly?

υnĸnown:

well, ι’ll gιve yoυ a caѕe.  

вree:

ѕoυndѕ ιnтereѕтιng.  

υnĸnown:

greaт! тнen yoυ’ll love тнιѕ one: a recenт тнreaт нaѕ вeen gιven тo yoυr ѕcнool. yoυr joв ιѕ тo ғιnd oυт wнo eхacтly gave тнe тнreaт and wнy.

вree:

ѕerιoυѕly, gυyѕ? ѕтop pranĸιng мe.

υnĸnown:

a pranĸ? oн no, dear, тнιѕ ιѕn’т a pranĸ. ι’м вeιng ѕerιoυѕ.

вree:

ғιne тнen. prove тo мe тнaт yoυ aren’т мy ғrιendѕ.

υnĸnown:

alrιgнт, alrιgнт. geт on yoυr coмpυтer.

Bree shot out from her bed and grabbed her laptop, setting it on her bed and turning it on. She waited a while for it to load and logged into the device.

вree:

oĸay, ι’м on мy coмpυтer.

υnĸnown:

greaт! jυѕт waтcн тнe coмpυтer ғor a ѕecond.

Watch the computer, really? Her friends wanted her to waste time watching the screen. Hilarious.

She was about to text the number again when a box popped up onto her computer.

🅘’🅜 🅝🅞🅣 🅨🅞🅤🅡 🅕🅡🅘🅔🅝🅓🅢 🅟🅡🅐🅝🅚🅘🅝🅖 🅨🅞🅤. 🅝🅞🅦 🅐🅡🅔 🅨🅞🅤 🅒🅞🅝🅥🅘🅝🅒🅔🅓?

Bree’s eyebrows rose, tail flicking in thought.

So this isn’t exactly the prank she thought it was. A more professional-full-proof prank?

вree:

alrιgнт, ι’ll accepт yoυr cнallenge.

υnĸnown:

eхcellenт! тeхт мe вacĸ wнen yoυ coмpleтe тнe caѕe.

She laughed, setting her phone down on her dresser.

The next day at school she’d have all the time she needed in the morning to yell at her friends about the prank.

Sure, the computer thing did seem odd, but it would simply be impossible if it wasn’t a prank. Nothing interesting ever happened at her school, anyways.

.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.

Bree breathed in the fresh morning air, adjusting her school uniform and spotting her friends from a distance.

Now I can finally mention the prank.

Her friends waved to her as she approached.

“Hey, Bree!” A leopard, named Tess, chirped, her wavy brown tail bouncing as she walked towards Bree.

Tess had been Bree’s friend since the fourth grade, when they met. Now they were almost inseparable.

“Hey, Tess. Did I miss anything interesting? Any exciting news?” Bree asked, hinting the prank.

Tess shook her head and was about to say something before she was cut off by Lia, a panda who was another one of Bree’s friends.

“Yes, but you made it just in time. Has anyone heard about the rumor going around school yet?” Lia asked, brushing her thick, messy black and white fur with a paw.

“Rumor?” Alyssa asked, her blue eyes widening.

“Please, there’s always a rumor. Whether it’s about one teacher dating the other or a rumor about someone, they’re always lies.” Karlie groaned.

“No, but this one’s huge. Rumors say that a shooting threat has been given to our school. It could happen any day now. That’s why they have police coming here soon, to monitor the campus.”

Bree laughed. “Very funny, Lia. I’m not falling for that one.”

It must have been Lia who pranked me...

“It’s no joke, Bree! I’m being serious!” Lia exclaimed.

“Prove it.” Bree smirked.

Gotcha… there’s no way that you can possibl-

“Over there, see? The police officers are here!” Lia pointed off into the distance.

Bree turned, hazel eyes widening.

There really were officers there.

Which could only mean… the threat was real, and she agreed to find out who gave it in the first place.

Whoever gave her the case… they were serious. Her friends didn’t prank her after all.

She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. Bree waited until her friends began to talk again before getting her phone out and taking a peek at the text.

υnĸnown:

do yoυ вelιeve мe now?

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2: ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ

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It would have to be someone no one suspects, someone who is in the same class as me, who knows who I am… and of course someone who is pretty smart, they haven’t been caught quite yet..

It had been a week, and Bree still hadn’t figured out the case. She’d been on the lookout, but nothing interesting seemed to catch her eye.

Her concentration was broken once the bell to end Math rang. She grabbed her things and turned around to see a short, blonde-furred coyote. He looked innocent enough…

Could it be him?

Only one way to find out.

She put on her backpack and followed the coyote through the halls as he wove around the endless crowds. Eventually, Bree followed him outside. That's when a tall, jet-black cheetah stepped up to him. Bree quickly hid behind one of the corners of the building, put down her things, and pretended to go through her bookbag. She listened closely to their conversation, and she could hear very faintly what they were saying.

“Are you sure this is going to work, Jonathan?”

“The threat?” The short coyote, Jonathan, asked.

The cheetah nodded. “Why are we even doing this?”

“Listen, don’t question me. undєrstαnd? This is going as planned, and I won’t let you idiots ruin this for me!” Jonathan scowled.

Bree gasped as the bell rang. It was just her, Jonathan, and the cheetah outside.

She looked towards the door, far from where she was. There was no possible way for her to reach it without them noticing her.

Guess I’ll have to wait for them to leave.

She turned to fix her bookbag on her shoulder, but slipped and dropped it onto the ground on accident. She grabbed her things in a frenzy before they could see her.

“Hear that?” Jonathan asked.

“What?” The cheetah spoke, puzzled.

“We aren’t alone…” Jonathan hissed.

Shoot.

Bree clenched her fist, her heart rate accelerating. She would have to get used to this sneaking thing…

She was about to bolt for the door, but someone, the cheetah, she supposed, grabbed her and pushed her to the side, punching her in her right eye. Bree jumped up quickly, pushed him off of her, and rushed away. Making her way indoors, she slowed as she walked through the hallways.

Well, at least she had an excuse for being late.

.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.

“What did you do?!” Tess exclaimed, examining Bree’s right eye once she got to the lunch table. The nurse gave Bree an ice pack and told her to get back to class, so luckily she wasn’t counted as late.

“I sort of fell.” Bree lied, smirking. She set her bookbag down on the ground next to her seat and sat down.

An odd sensation was sent through her nerves… excitement? Bree laughed under her breath. This case was the most interesting thing that had ever happened to her at this school, and she was enjoying every bit of it.

It was exciting, taking risks to solve the case. Risking even your life to solve it…

One day, I’ll find out who the Unknown texter is.

“You’re so stupid! Look at what you’ve done... “ Tess groaned. Another leopard named Trevor, who was Tess’ boyfriend, showed up at their lunch table, taking a seat. His sleek brown fur ruffled in confusion as he stared at the scene in front of him.

“Woah, what happened to you?” Trevor asked, smirking.

“I don’t know, what does it look like?” Bree responded sarcastically.

Trevor’s eyebrows rose, tail flicking with annoyance.

“Stop it! Don’t make me push you over so you can fall and hurt your other eye too!” Tess warned jokingly, only causing Trevor and Bree to explode with laughter.

Tess sighed. “In all seriousness, though, you need to be more careful, Bree.” She told her.

Bree smiled as she replied. “Yeah, I know.”

I need to work on sneaking around, that’s what I need to do.

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3: ʙʟᴀᴄᴋᴍᴀɪʟ

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Bree tapped on the Unknown caller’s number, sitting down onto her bed. When she got home, her mother questioned her about her eye, just as Tess had, but Bree used the same excuse.

Now, she was finally back in her room, and ready to the Unknown texter.

вree:

wнen ι ғιnd oυт wнo тнe cυlprιт ιѕ, do ι нave тo тell yoυ тнe ғυll naмe or jυѕт тнe ғιrѕт naмe?

She waited patiently, tapping her paws together before Unknown responded.

υnĸnown:

no, ιт can jυѕт вe тнe ғιrѕт naмe ιғ yoυ wanт.

вree:

alrιgнт тнen. jonaтнan тнreaтened тнe ѕcнool.

Bree folded one leg over the other, satisfied with her work. Case number one finished…

υnĸnown:

good, вυт wнy dιd нe тнreaтen тнe ѕcнool? don’т worry, ι’ll gιve yoυ мore тιмe тo ғιgυre тнaт oυт.

Bree’s jaw dropped. She had to figure out whч? Then that meant she had to go face-to-face with Jonathan…

υnĸnown:

нow’ѕ yoυr eye, вy тнe way?

Bree smirked. Perhaps whoever gave her the case in the first place was in one of her classes?

Ears quivering, she typed out her reply and sent it.

вree:

ιт’ѕ ғιne, acтυally ι тнιnĸ ιт’ѕ clearιng υp.

υnĸnown:

тнaт’ѕ greaт. ι нope ιт geтѕ вeттer ѕoon.

Bree laughed. Whoever this person was, they were certainly charming to talk to.

вree:

тнanĸѕ. ι’ll тeхт yoυ тoмorrow нopeғυlly wнen ι ғιgυre oυт wнy jonaтнan dιd ιт.

υnĸnown:

greaт! ι looĸ ғorward тo ιт. ттyl ;)

Bree sighed and placed her phone down.

This case was about to get real interesting…

.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.

Lia laughed as Bree approached the small group of friends. “Did you really manage to get a black eye yesterday?”

“Yeah,” Bree scoffed, laughing. “You can barely even see it now. I guess it wasn’t too bad.”

Tess sighed. “That’s a relief.”

Bree’s friends began to group together and talk once more. Bree laughed, getting into their conversation, before her eyes focused on something in the background, behind them.

Was that… Jonathan?

She focused on the figure of Jonathan, who was grabbing something out of his bookbag before entering the school gym.

Was that a gun I just saw? Did he just grab a gun?

Bree shook her head to clear her jumbled thoughts, her ears laying flat.

Why would he be going into the gym? The gym is empty every morning… What is he doing in there?

“Bree? What are you looking at?” Alyssa asked.

“O-oh! Sorry. I guess I kinda…”

Bree’s eyes trailed back to the gym door, spotting the same exact cheetah from the day before who punched her. He was looking around for something, it seemed, before he disappeared through the gym doors.

“I gotta go.” Bree said, dropping her things down onto the bench. “Watch my stuff for me, will you?”

“Bree, where are you--” Tess began.

Bree ran towards the gym before her friends could ask any more questions, her red tail trailing out behind her as she bolted off.

Once there, she quietly peeked inside the gym doors.

Silence.

She was well aware of the gaze from her friends burning on her back, but she didn’t have time for that now.

She entered the gym, quietly stepping onto the marble floor, walking through the hall. She made her way to the locker rooms, checking each one of those for anyone. When she saw that the area there was clear, she made her way to the main gym room. She peeked around the corner to see Jonathan and his friend whispering...

“Now!” Jonathan yowled.

Bree jumped back, her fur spiking up in surprise, but was too late. Two other animals from behind grabbed her and pushed her in the middle of the gym floor.

“So you’re the one who followed me yesterday? Hmm… interesting. How’s the black eye?” Jonathan asked.

“Doing fine, thank you.” Bree answered bluntly. “How’s your little gym party going?”

Jonathan snickered. “So, you’re a funny one, eh? Answer this then, why do you keep following me?”

“I’ve been bored, nothing interesting to do. I heard of the threats our school has been getting, so I figured why not find who caused all the uproar?”

Jonathan smiled, turning around. “Well, you did a swell enough job didn’t you?”

“Hopefully. I just have another question that has to be answered; why are you giving the school threats? Care to answer that?” Bree asked, eyebrows rising.

“I'll answer your question later on.. “

Jonathan paused.

“You’re interesting, all right. What do you wanna do when you graduate, be a detective?” Jonathan asked. His friends began laughing hysterically.

Bree’s gaze didn’t waver. “Precisely.”

Jonathan’s friends stopped their laughing.

“Well, there’s one thing all detectives must find out… that all criminals can make threats.” Jonathan showed off a devilish grin, sharp fangs escaping from the corners of his mouth as he did so. “If you tell anyone about me, which includes the authorities, then I’ll tell your friends that you’ve been harassing me. The first one I’ll tell will be Tess, I talk to her a lot in one of my classes. I’ve been telling her that someone’s been sending me threatening texts… I’ll just say that you’ve been doing that.”

Bree scoffed. “Why do you think they’ll believe ʏᴏᴜ?”

“Well, you’ve been acting odd lately, haven’t you? First, the black eye. Tess told me she doesn’t believe your story one bit, and now you’ve rushed off to the gym for no reason.”

Bree clenched her teeth.

How do I know that he has a class with Tess? Can I even trust him, and can I take the risk to ask Tess about him?

“Do we have a deal?” Jonathan held his paw out, waiting for Bree to shake it in agreement.

Bree thought for a moment.

I guess I have no other option.

She stood up, grasped his paw, and shook it.

“Deal.”

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4: ᴛʀɪᴄᴋᴇʀʏ

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Blackmail, huh? That clever, little conniving wretch...

Bree’s thoughts swarmed as she made her way to the lunchroom. Luckily, the bell rang after her confrontation with Jonathan, so she didn’t have to face her friends’ questions… until now.

“Bree, what in Jamaa were you doing?” Tess asked. Trevor was sitting already at the table, and Bree was the last one to arrive.

Bree knew Tess was being serious, from the tone of her voice and the way she cursed using the word “Jamaa.” She thought fast, coming up with a lie to give her.

“Hmm?” Bree hummed.

“ᴛʜɪs ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ. You know what I’m talking about.” Tess asked once more.

“Oh, that? I just thought I saw Isabel go into the gym, and I wanted to see what she was doing.” Bree lied.

The sensation of excitement returned as she smiled, her tail on the ground curling around the chair she was sitting on.

“Oh… well, was she in there?” Tess asked.

Bree shook her head, rubbing the back of her neck. “No, I only accomplished wandering through the gym. It was pretty dark in there.”

“If you say so, Bree…” Tess sighed.

They began a normal conversation, sharing laughs, smiles, and plenty of jokes.

Everything seemed normal, but the thoughts of blackmail still rested in the back of Bree’s mind.

.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.

Weeks ed since the blackmailing incident.

It was lunchtime once again, and Bree had tried to keep the thoughts of blackmail out of her mind at all times, which seemed to work.

After Bree, Tess, and Trevor had finished eating, Tess asked if they wanted to go to the library to help her look for a book she wanted to read. Of course, they agreed. The three of them split in the library to search for the book that Tess was wanting.

Bree looked through the countless shelves of books, slipping in between a table to get to the next shelf.

She paused in her search when she heard a small noise. She turned, and saw a letter lying on the table, face upwards.

She looked around for anyone, but no one was to be found. Cautiously, she picked up the letter and opened it.

mєєt mє σutsídє σf thє líвrαrч.

- j

Bree groaned. What did this little hairball want with her now?

She looked around to see if Trevor or Tess was watching before walking out of the library doors, the letter crumpled in her hands. Jonathan, as said in the letter, was waiting for her when she stepped foot outside of the library.

“What do you want?” Bree asked, eyebrows rising.

“Hi to you too.” Jonathan smiled.

What kinds of tricks does he have up his sleeve? He’s planning something, I can tell...

“Let me ask again,” Bree sighed. “What in Jamaa do you want?”

“Well, I’ve been noticing something. You’re addicted to excitement.” Jonathan smiled yet again. “And I just wanted to tell you that I feel the same way.”

Bree’s eyebrows rose.

What is he getting at?

“I just wanted to make this more exciting for you, is all. Tell your friends the truth about ᴛʜɪs, and I’ll do something even worse.”

Bree was about to ask what he meant by “ᴛʜɪs,” but was interrupted when he grabbed her and…

Oh Mira no, there’s no way...

Jonathan turned and ran before waving to Bree as he disappeared within the crowds on the opposite side of the school.

Did he just ᴋɪss me?!

“What did I just ѕєє?” Bree heard a voice from behind. She turned, facing Tess.

You’ve gotta be kidding me.

“So that’s why you haven’t been acting like yourself lately! Why didn’t you tell me about this before?” Tess asked, smiling.

“I guess I didn’t want to mention it.” Bree lied.

That little son of a Phantom...

“You could’ve mentioned it! Ahh, Bree I’m super happy for you!” Tess pulled Bree into a hug.

Tess didn’t notice, but Bree clenched her fists in anger, her thoughts whirling.

This is anything but exciting.

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

5: ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴇᴀᴘᴏɴ

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

Bree sighed.

The other day, Tess wouldn’t stop talking about the kiss, but she didn’t know what the real story was. Bree couldn’t even tell her that.

The exciting sensation never returned to Bree, all that she felt now was hatred for Jonathan.

He’s taking things way too far.

She thought.

“So I heard about the kiss.” Alyssa smirked as soon as she walked up to her friends.

Bree groaned. “You told them?” She asked, her tail twitching in annoyance as she turned to face Tess.

“Of course I did!” Tess chirped in response.

Bree clenched her fists once more. [I]Nothing could be more humiliating.

“Bree!” Someone called from behind.

Except this…

Jonathan smiled, walking up to the group. “Hello, Tess!” He greeted. Tess smiled and waved a bit. “Hello, Jonathan!”

So he really does have a class with Tess…

Bree sat onto the bench and set her bookbag down, trying her best to ignore Jonathan and pretend he wasn’t there, but it didn’t work for long. Jonathan turned towards her and smiled.

“Bree, can I talk to you for a moment?” He asked her, his eyes sparkling.

She sat up, eyebrows rising.

What in Jamaa’s name could you possibly want now?!

Bree followed Jonathan away from the group. Once they were out of earshot, Jonathan stopped her.

“What do you want ɴᴏᴡ?” Bree groaned.

“I wanted to ask you something.” Jonathan straightened himself.

Bree paused for a moment. “What is it, then?” She questioned, intrigued.

“How would you like it if we used your abilities for a… better cause?” Jonathan asked.

Bree was taken aback by this question. “Abilities?”

“Why yes, of course! You’re more intelligent than you seem, I can tell. You completed your case after all.”

Bree stared at him for a moment.

Used my abilities for a “better cause?”

“What do you mean exactly when you say ‘for a better cause?’” Bree asked, frowning.

“Well, me and my colleagues have been working on a professional weapon. I would be extremely happy if you were to help us with the weapon's making.”

Bree thought for a moment before saying anything.

“What are you going to use this weapon for?” She asked, brushing some loose strands of red fur from her hazel eyes.

“We’ll tell you everything about it, but only if you agree to help with it.” Jonathan smiled and held his paw out. “So, what’ll it be?”

Bree paused for a moment, thinking of her options thoroughly before saying anything.

“No.” She slapped his paw away with a swift motion, turning.

Jonathan was silent for a moment.

“You have no idea what you’ve just brought yourself into, girlie.” Jonathan snarled before stomping away.

What have I gotten into?

.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.

Bree sat on her bed as always after school, contemplating the day.

Jonathan wanted me to help him build a weapon. He barely even told me any details, so I have no idea what to expect.. Did he… Threaten me at the end?

Bree rubbed her forehead. This information, coming at her all at once, was overwhelming.

ᴅɪɴɢ.

She grabbed her phone. A new text from Unknown.

Well, at least I get to talk to the Unknown Texter. Maybe this'll clear my mind up a bit.

υnĸnown:

нey, ι've вeen waтcнιng yoυr progreѕѕ laтely, and ι ѕaw wнaт нappened тoday. yoυ мιgнт wanт тo waтcн oυт ғor jonaтнan тoмorrow, нe'ѕ мoѕт lιĸely plannιng ѕoмeтнιng.

Bree stopped for a moment. She never really thought of it that way. She knew that he threatened her, but didn't consider what could happen in the future.

вree:

yeaн, ι never тнoυgнт oғ ιт тнaт way. тнanĸѕ ғor тнe warnιng.

They responded almost instantly, as if their message was typed out beforehand.

υnĸnown:

no proвleм. вe careғυl oυт тнere.

Bree smiled. At least she could trust one person when it came to talking about the case.

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

6: ᴅᴇᴀʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟ

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

Bree looked around for any sign of Jonathan once she got outside the next morning. She had taken her precautions, snatching a small army knife from her brother’s room and hiding it inside her pocket. He wouldn't notice, besides, she needed it more for this day.

She cautiously walked up to her friends.

“Hey.” Lia greeted. “What's with you?”

Bree paused for a moment.

Wait, where's..?

Bree looked up at Lia. “Where's Tess?” She asked.

Lia shrugged. “Alyssa, have you seen Tess this morning?”

Alyssa shook her head in response, ears quivering. “No I haven't, sorry.”

Bree looked around once more.

Is Tess safe?

Something tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to see what it was, but couldn't see anyone there.

Then, she saw the note. A plain slip of paper was strewn across the floor, and Bree knew that it couldn't be anyone else.

Jonathan.

She picked up the note and turned it over so she could read it.

вrєє,

   thє gчm, plєαsє. αsαp.

- j

She looked towards the gym grimly.

He has Tess!

Bree swore under her breath, turning and rushing off towards the gym. She knew her other friends would question her, but she didn't have time for that!

She stopped herself from slamming into the door in anger. She had to stay calm and collected. Jonathan was just trying to mess with her mind.

She cautiously opened the door as quietly as she could, slipping inside. She made her way through the halls, stopping when she reached the point where she was caught last time.

It's too quiet, and I can barely see anything. It's so dark in here..

“Hello, Bree!” A voice echoed into the darkness. Bree jumped back as sudden lights turned on, lighting the room in a blinding white light. Some lights remained off, and Bree couldn't see what was at the sides or the back of the gym.

He's hiding something.

Bree took in a deep breath.

Calm and collected..

“Jonathan.” She said plainly.

“Do you like what I did to the lighting? It looks good for a photo shoot.” Jonathan laughed.

Bree folded her arms. “What in the name of Mira and Zios do you want ɴᴏᴡ?”

Is he hiding Tess back there? Tess, are you okay..?

She took in another breath, trying to calm her nerves.

“Well, you what I asked you yesterday, right?” Jonathan asked, walking up to Bree.

Bree frowned. “Yeah, why would I forget тнαт?”

Jonathan laughed.

“It's funny, you know. The fact that I caught you here last time, and this is where I'll catch you now.”

Suddenly, two of Jonathan’s friends jumped out from the shadows on the side of the gym. Bree dropped her things to the ground, grabbing the hidden army knife in her pocket. She took it out and slashed at one of the guys, causing him to shriek and fall over. The other one tried to take the weapon from her, but she backed away just in time and cut his arm.

Now with her two attackers on the ground, Bree turned back to Jonathan, their eyes meeting.

“Oh, so you've got an army knife? Impressive cutting skills, as well. That could be useful.” Jonathan circled her, smirking.

“But I'm one step ahead of you.”

Suddenly, the lights that were left off from the beginning were lit, and Bree could see countless amounts of Jonathan’s friends surrounding them.

Bree clenched her teeth, looking to the back of the room.

There, was Trevor and Tess, their hands and feet tied to their sides, and what looked like tape covered their mouths. Two of Jonathan’s friends were behind them, both holding guns in their paws, looking ready to shoot at any moment.

“You little blackmailing wretch!” Bree clenched her fists together in anger.

I tried to stay calm, but this is getting ridiculous!

“Yeah, it's a shame. I didn't want to bring Tess’ boyfriend here, but he sort of fought me. So I guess I had to in the end. Oh, well.” Jonathan snickered wickedly.

“Now then, let's finish our little agreement now, shall we? But first, no weapons in my gym, so hand it over.”

Bree scowled as she handed the knife to Jonathan. He turned it over, examined it, then threw it off to the side of the gym.

“Now onto the fun part.” Jonathan showed off his devilish grin.

“Do you want to know why I threatened the school?”

Bree stayed silent, keeping eye with Jonathan.

“It was all because of you, my dear! You see, I have been looking for someone to help with with the making of the weapon for a while now, and when I found out about a certain student who wanted to be a detective, well, I just couldn't resist! I knew I needed to give you a case, but at the same time I also wanted to lead you to me… Now, my plan is a success!” He snickered.

Bree’s eyes widened in shock. “You're- you're the Unknown Texter!”

“Precisely, and I did warn you that I was planning something, you know! My plan has worked out completely. You'll be perfect for my team, we'll get that weapon fixed up in no time!”

“What makes you believe that I'll you?” Bree scowled.

“Because, it's simple; if you don't me, then I'll shoot them.” Jonathan pointed to Bree’s friends.

Bree balled her fists once more, her heart pulsing.

“But think of the opportunities! You and me, colleagues! What fun!” Jonathan smiled. “So, will it be a deal?”

Bree thought for a moment.

“I'll you, вυт only if I get to watch them leave ѕaғely and you promise to never bother my friends or family ever agaιn.”

She scowled, looking up and meeting Tess’ eyes, which were wide from shock.

“Fair enough: but first, for my own safety and my crew’s…”

Someone grabbed Bree’s paws suddenly from behind, pulling them into a tight handcuff. She tried her best to brace herself as she was forced to the ground, slamming onto the gym floor knees-first.

“Alright, get them out of here.” Jonathan snapped his fingers together. Tess and Trevor were both freed on the spot. Tess, once freed, bolted towards Jonathan in anger, but his men held her back.

“You have very clingy friends, you know that?” Jonathan peered at Bree, who was still on her knees.

Bree looked up to meet Tess’ eyes, which were still wide with shock. “Jonathan, you can't do this! I thought we were friends!” Tess hollered as she was being dragged away.

“Yes, we ωєяє friends once, but I'm afraid I've already forgotten who you are.” Jonathan said bluntly, turning his attention back to Bree.

“Welcome to the family, Bree.” He smiled.

Bree kept watching Tess as she was being dragged away along with Trevor, never breaking eye .

Goodbye, Tess.

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

7: ᴋɪᴅɴᴀᴘᴘᴇᴅ

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

“Is this really necessary?” Bree groaned as Jonathan’s friend, the cheetah who had punched her from before, placed a blindfold over her eyes.

Bree was forced to leave her things at the gym. Jonathan brought her to a van in the school parking lot, and Bree, Jonathan, and three of his men were crowded in the back of the van while two of Jonathan's men were ordered to drive. Now, Bree was blindfolded with the handcuffs still on her hands.

“Of course it is! You aren't allowed to see where we are once we get out.” Jonathan chirped cheerfully, just as Bree began to feel the van move.

“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Jonathan. Hey, what's your friend’s name? Y’know, the one who punchєd mє ín thє fαcє?” Bree scowled.

“Oh, his name’s Josh. Yeah, I that day. That reminds me, how is your eye doing?” Jonathan asked.

“Fine, thanks.” Bree thanked him bluntly.

“Y’know, it's pretty hilarious. We've got two geniuses in the school, you and me. Together we’ll be unstoppable!” Jonathan laughed.

“Yep, one sociopath and a detective. Such a gяєαt mix.” Bree said sarcastically.

“How did you enjoy your first case? There's plenty more to come, I assure you.” Jonathan remarked.

Bree stayed silent for a moment before speaking.

Didn't he “hire” me all because of a weapon?

“You said you'd tell me about that weapon after I was working for you. Care to do the explaining?”

Jonathan seemed pleased that she asked. “Oh yes, of course! Me and my crew are working on a specific type of gun. We aren't really working on the gun itself, we’re actually working on obtaining the materials for the bullets. You see, the bullets are like tranquilizer darts, except we want the bullets to be filled with a deadly poison, called Phantom Toxic. We have the gun and the bullets ready to be filled, but we don't have the Toxic; however, recently, we found a toxic dealer from across the world. It’ll cost us, but it will be worth it.”

“What's it for?” Bree asked, shifting in her place uncomfortably.

“Well, we are currently in a “gang war,” as you can call it. A different gang is trying to make the same weapon. We made an agreement on whichever gang could make the weapon first would get to rule over the other.” Jonathan answered.

I hope the other gang wins, then.

“Gяєαт,” Bree sighed under her breath, resting her head on the side of the van.

Silence filled the vehicle, and thoughts of her friends and family reacting to finding her missing filled Bree’s mind. Her thoughts were interrupted when the van came to a sudden stop.

“Whoops! I almost forgot to mention we have to take a quick pit stop.” Jonathan laughed. “Hold on.”

Bree stayed silent, listening closely with her ears twitching frantically as Jonathan and his friends left the van. Minutes ed until she heard shooting. Seconds later, she felt the animals climbing back into the vehicle. “Drive, you idiots!” Jonathan cursed under his breath as he returned to the van, slamming the back of the door closed once they were all in.

“Stop! Where are you taking me? I wanna go home!!” A childlike voice cried.

A kid?!

“Jonathan, you brought a кι∂ here?! What is ωяσng with you?!” Bree yelled.

“It's just business, Bree. Josh, blindfold and cuff him.” Jonathan ordered.

“But why do you need a кι∂?!” Bree asked in disbelief.

“ the “gang war” I told you about? Well, this little guy here is the son of the other gang’s boss.” Jonathan pointed out.

“He's a ᴄʜɪʟᴅ, Jonathan. You're not supposed to expose children to this sort of thing!” Bree continued on.

“Fine then, if you care about him so much, then I'll leave you with the kid once we get to where we're going.” Jonathan groaned.

Bree listened closely as the kid began to cry. He was placed beside her once he was cuffed and blindfolded.

Once again, silence filled the van, except this time all you could hear was the crying of the little kid.

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

8: ʙʀʏᴄᴇ

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

The van came to a sudden halt. The boy had ceased his crying now, and the drive was finally over. Bree was grabbed and guided into some sort of building, and many different sounds could be heard from all around.

She was stopped at a specific room, where she was thrown to the ground.

“Pushy, much?” Bree groaned. Her blindfold and cuffs were removed by Josh as soon as she was thrown down.

Bree looked around to see a white room with silver carpets. A television was located to one side of the room, and a bookshelf filled with books was on the other. Piles of bean bags were stacked across the room and a plain white bed was near the opposite side.

Suddenly, the little kid was thrown into the room with Bree. Josh uncuffed and took the kid’s blindfold, leaving and locking the door behind him.

“Hey, you alright?” Bree asked, finally able to get a good look of him.

The small goat looked badly shaken. His black coat was ragged, small yellow horns pointing out on the back of his head, and his green eyes were widened in fright. He was wearing what looked like a wrinkled school uniform.

He shook his head.

“I want to go home.” He whimpered.

“I know, me too, kid.” Bree sighed. “What's your name?”

“Bryce.” He said. “What's yours?” He asked curiously.

Good, talking about something else will get his mind off of everything so he’ll calm down.

“My name’s Bree. How old are you, Bryce?”

Bryce thought for a moment. “Five.” He answered.

“Why'd you take a while to answer?” Bree asked.

“My daddy says that I shouldn't tell my real age to strangers, so I was thinking about it, but you seem different than the other people.” Bryce said.

“He must be an excellent father, then.” Bree smiled.

“He is! He's the best daddy in the whole world! Sometimes, he takes me out to the town and we go around and meet new people.” Bryce said excitedly.

Bree laughed. “That sounds wonderful. What's your mother like?”

“I.. I don't .” Bryce frowned. “Daddy says that mommy left us when I was born. I don't understand why she would leave…”

His mother is dead?

Bree frowned, feeling sympathetic for the child.

The poor thing..

“How did you get here?” Bryce asked curiously.

“I came here from my school. Jonathan took me here.” Bree answered.

“Me too!” Bryce exclaimed. “We were on the playground, and they came out of nowhere and scooped me up and took me away..”

Silence filled the room. Bryce turned to the television behind them, gasping. “TV!” His eyes lit with excitement.

“Is there a remote?” Bree asked. Bryce shrugged, looking around the room. “Let's look and see.”

The two searched all around for the remote, but no remote was to be found. Bryce continued to look while Bree examined the TV, finding an arrange of buttons on the side and pressing one. The TV lit up, loaded, and turned on to the news channel.

“Yay!! You did it!!!” Bryce exclaimed. Bree smiled, sitting next to the child in the beanbags.

Time ed, and Bree was getting tired. The news reporters kept going on and on with the stories, while Bryce was glued to the screen. Bree was about to fall asleep when Bryce nudged her.

“Hey, isn't that you?”

Bree looked up towards the television, gasping as she saw a picture of herself on the screen. She listened closely to what the reporters were saying.

“...Bree was last seen at her school at 6:45 in the morning when she disappeared. Two of her friends have been taken in for questioning when they both said they knew of her whereabouts. More information will be posted soon, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated.”

Tess.. Trevor… How can you explain when there's barely anything to say? You guys don't even know what's been going on..

“They're going to find us!” Bryce’s eyes lit. “The police are super smart, they'll find us soon!”

I wish I could share the same thoughts, kid.

“Hey,” a voice called. The two turned their heads towards the door, where Josh was standing. “It's time for dinner. Jonathan says to bring the kid with you.”

Bree took Bryce’s hoof in her paw, following Josh outside of the room, leaving the television on.

How long have we been here? I wonder what time it is..

Dark hallways of silence greeted them as they followed Josh.

We haven't been here for long, which means I was in the van even longer. Meaning only that we’re far from my school.

Josh stopped them once they were in a massive room with jet black walls. Tables upon tables filled the room, and many people were scurrying about, getting to their seats.

Josh looked around before leading them to a table at the way back of the room, where Jonathan and three others were sitting. Josh sat down beside Jonathan, while Jonathan motioned for Bree to sit beside him. Bree pulled up a chair for Bryce, waiting until he was settled before sitting down herself, beside Jonathan.

“So, how's it been going? Are you ready to get into something exciting yet; because tomorrow you're going on an adventure.” Jonathan smiled.

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Bree asked, eyeing Jonathan with disgust.

“Well, as I mentioned before, we need money for the Toxic. We don't have money trees growing here, Bree.” Jonathan laughed.

Bree looked at Bryce, who looked shaken up again.

He doesn't like it when Jonathan laughs.

She looked around the room.

Everyone here is either in their teens or is in their twenties, by their looks.

“What's with the young workers?” Bree asked.

Jonathan seemed puzzled with her question at first, but soon realized. “Oh, you mean everyone here? I've been collecting only the best students from schools across the world. Most of them are misunderstood or their schools dropped them out, and they needed help. So I offered it to them.”

Bree looked around the room once more, seeing things from a different perspective.

“My efforts to help others actually reached the ears of different gangs from across the world. I've been picking up stray gangs without a leader and have been taking care of them myself. Our main goal now is to become the only gang in Jamaa, the gang above all others. But that other gang is strong too, and we need them gone before we can be named the ultimate.” Jonathan frowned. “That's why we need your help. We're trying to crack a code for a bank, but it's been difficult, even for my best animals on the job. The animal who owns the bank set the to the safe as a personal thing. We’ve hacked into his family tree, and none of the family names are working. That's why we want you to help the team tomorrow who is working on cracking the code.”

Bree’s eyebrows rose.

Cracking a bank code, eh?

Food was brought to them, and Bree looked at Bryce, making eye . She nodded to him to tell him it was okay to eat, grabbing his hoof and squeezing it to comfort him.

We’re going to be here for a while.

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

9: ᴛʜᴇ sᴀғᴇ ᴄᴏᴅᴇ

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

After they were done eating, Bryce grabbed onto Bree’s paw once more as Josh led them back to the room where they came. Suddenly, Josh stopped Bree from going inside the room with Bryce.

“Say bye to the kid, you'll be sleeping in your own room.” Josh said.

Bryce ran up to Bree in shock, hugging her. “No! I don't wanna be left alone in this room!” He cried.

Josh looked up at them in thought before leaving the room unexpectedly, closing and locking the door. Bryce wouldn't let go of Bree as he began to cry. “I don't like being alone.”

“Shh, it's fine.” Bree tried to calm him as Josh returned to the room.

“Jonathan says if you can crack the safe code tonight, then you can stay with the kid.” Josh said.

Bree looked at Bryce, smiling as she grabbed both his hooves in her own paws. “Listen. I'm going to go and crack this safe code, and I might be gone for a while, but while I am gone I want you to watch the news for me. That way, when I get back, you can tell me all about the news stories.”

Bryce looked at the television for a second, which was still on. “Okay. I won't stop watching until you get back, though!” Bryce replied.

“Then it's a deal.” Bree laughed.

Josh guided Bree out of the room once more, leading her to a dark room where two others were sitting at computers. Rows and rows of computers were on each side of the walls, each one turned on and ready to be logged in.

I wonder if they've been seen before here. They would have to bring all these computers and other things out of here and move them to somewhere else if the police knew they were here.

Bree sat down at one of the computers that Josh had logged in for her. He sat at a chair next to her, and once the computer loaded he pointed to a file at the bottom right corner of the screen labeled “JL.” Bree clicked on the file and it opened up to show many different documents.

“Jamie Love, he's the bank owner who set the code. We’ve hacked into his personal family tree, his school history, and even his work history. He isn't married, has no children of course. We tried every name in the family tree and it doesn't work.” Josh said.

Bree looked through the documents, clicking on the one titled “Family Tree.” Many names were scattered throughout the screen, and Bree looked at the name beside Jamie’s.

“Have you tried researching the names?” Bree asked.

Josh shook his head. “No, we didn't think it would work and thought it would be a waste of time.”

Bree groaned. “Well then, that's your problem.”

She went online and typed in “Francis Love,” Jamie’s brother’s name on the Internet. A blog page showed up with the name Francis L.

“Bingo.” Bree smiled, clicking on the blog link. Once the page loaded, she looked through many different old posts, not finding anything in particular, until she came across the most recent post, which was posted a month ago.

мα∂ιѕσи вℓυє. ѕσσи тσ вє мα∂ιѕσи ℓσνє. яєѕт ιи ρєα¢є, му ∂αяℓιиg. ι ωιℓℓ αℓωαуѕ ℓσνє уσυ.

“Hmm.” Bree searched “Madison Blue” into the search bar, and a news page showed titled “Tragic Accident.” Bree clicked on the page.

mαdísσn вluє wαs suppσsєd tσ вє mαrrчíng frαncís lσvє α fєw dαчs αftєr hís вírthdαч. whílє hєlpíng jαmíє lσvє, frαncís’ вrσthєr, dєcσrαtє thє hσusє fσr frαncís’ surprísє pαrtч, mαdísσn trαgícαllч fєll frσm thє rσσf αs shє wαs hєlpíng jαmíє hαng α вαnnєr. shє wαs tαkєn ín tσ thє hσspítαl wíth α вrσkєn nєck, вut ít wαs αlrєαdч tσσ lαtє fσr hєr tσ survívє.

“How long ago did he set the code?” Bree asked.

Josh eyed her. “About a week ago.”

Bree smiled. “The code is “Madison,” simple. Jamie couldn't forgive himself for his sister-in-law’s death, since he blames himself, so he made the code her name to what he did every time he entered in the code. Her name isn't in the family tree either, because she died before she could be considered part of the family.” She folded her arms, satisfied with her work.

“Let's just test that theory.” Josh turned to the computer, going to a security screen that said “ Required.” He entered in the code, and the screen changed as it read “Welcome, Jamie.” Josh stared in awe as many different security camera screens showed up, along with the tab titled “Safe Management.”

“There you have it. Can I go back to the kid, now?” Bree asked, yawning.

Josh nodded, blinking twice. He guided her back to the room and locked the door as he ran out.

Bree smiled as she walked up to Bryce, who was fast asleep in the white bed. The television was still on.

“You tried so hard to stay up, but you just couldn't.” Bree smiled, pulling the covers over him. She walked over to the television and shut it off, walking back over to Bryce and sitting on the edge of the bed.

The door opened up, and Jonathan was standing there with a red blanket in his hands.

“Excellent job with cracking the code. I wasn't surprised when I heard you got it done.” He grinned, holding out the blanket. “I thought you might need this.”

Bree walked up to him, taking the blanket from his hands.

“Thanks.” She said blankly, looking back towards Bryce. She jumped back and pushed Jonathan away as he kissed her on the cheek.

“Just because I'm here now doesn't mean you get to do ᴛʜᴀᴛ.” Bree scowled, wiping her cheek off with a hand.

I wasted my first kiss on you, you sliver of fur.

Jonathan snickered. “Hey, you'll get used to it eventually. Goodnight.” He closed and locked the door.

Bree clenched her fists.

You're not going to mess with my mind, Jonathan. I'm going to get out of here, along with Bryce. Somehow, I'll do it. If I was able to crack the code, then I'm able to escape this Phantom Land of a place.

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

10: ʀᴏʙʙᴇʀʏ

♕·.·´¯`·.· ♛ ·.·´¯`·.·♕

Bree woke earlier than Bryce. She turned on the television, watching the news for any updates on her disappearance, and to her surprise a particular update was shown.

“..an update on Bree’s disappearance. Police have been given the information that Bree was taken by an extremely dangerous criminal named Jonathan Twist, a young coyote around the age of fifteen diagnosed with small mental disabilities. He escaped the research asylum years ago, and is now the leader of a supposed gang. No evidence has been found quite yet, except police believe that information will be found on Bree’s cell phone, which was found on the crime scene. They also believe that the disappearance of Bryce Sandra, a five year old, is connected to Bree’s disappearance as well, having occurred not long after Bree went missing. More information will be posted soon.”

Bree’s eyes widened.

Jonathan escaped from an asylum?! What in Jamaa?!

I knew that he was crazy, but now I know he is LITERALLY insane.

She groaned.

At least the police have gotten somewhere with their investigation.

Bryce mumbled in his sleep, tossing and turning. Bree looked over at him.

He looks like he's having a nightmare. I should probably wake him up.

Bree walked over to Bryce, patting his back.

“You alright there, buddy?” She asked.

Bryce groaned. His eyes slowly opened up, and he yawned.

“Hey, you're back!” Bryce grinned, hugging Bree.

“Yeah, I'm back. The news channel just came on, and they're close to finding us.” Bree smiled.

Bryce gasped. “Awesome! Then I can finally go home!!”

Bree laughed as the door opened. It was Josh.

“Bree, Jonathan wants you.” He said.

“I'll be right back, Bryce. I'm not sure when I'll be back, but keep watching the news for me, okay?” Bree said as Bryce nodded.

Bree followed Josh through the halls until he stopped her, getting out a blindfold and handcuffs.

“Rᴇᴀʟʟʏ?” Bree groaned as Josh placed them on her.

He led her, blindfolded and cuffed, through the many halls of the building until he stopped her.

“You can sit down now,” Josh remarked.

Bree sat down, listening closely to her surroundings. She heard faint voices from a distance, coming closer. Someone was walking towards them.

“Get them into the van.” Jonathan’s voice ordered.

She heard footsteps, then someone placing something beside her. Whoever it was left in a flash.

“Good morning, Bree!” Jonathan greeted. “How did you sleep?”

“Terribly, thanks.” Bree frowned. “Where are you taking me this time?”

“Oh, we're gonna have fun today, Bree, just you wait! the safe you unlocked yesterday? Well, we’re going to “borrow” from it soon.” Jonathan snickered. “I figured you would want to come along.”

“Yet you still decide to blindfold and cuff me.” Bree groaned.

“Yeah, sorry about that, but it's for safety measures, I assure you.” He replied.

Silence. Bree felt movement, then silence once more as the van began to move.

“What time is it?” Bree asked.

“Hm.. It's currently four in the morning. A few hours before the bank opens, so we won't have much trouble.” Jonathan replied.

Bree groaned once more.

Why must he bring me for this? Why couldn't he just leave me with Bryce?

Time ed, and Bree thought she was about to fall asleep out of sheer boredom before Jonathan began talking again.

“Alright, we’re almost at destination. Do you copy?” He asked.

“Yessir. We’re all set. Ready to act upon order.” A voice replied.

Are they using walkie-talkies? You've gotta be kidding me.

Bree bit her upper lip to keep herself from laughing.

Walkie-talkies seem a little kiddish, don't you think Jonathan? Yet again, you are a kid yourself, so who am I to judge?

“We’re about to drive into the parking lot. Turn off the security and make sure it isn't noticeable.” Jonathan ordered.

“Security is offline.” The voice answered.

“Alrighty then. You two, go to the opposite side of the building, near the back window.” Jonathan ordered. “Josh, take her cuffs and blindfold off.”

Bree felt movement around the van. As soon as her blindfold was off, Bree looked around at her surroundings, seeing a massive white building with many different sized windows outside of the van.

Is this the bank? Much larger than I thought it would be.

“Bree, do you know how to use a gun?” Jonathan asked, handing her a pistol.

“No Jonathan, I totally don't know how to pull a trigger and watch something explode.” Bree answered sarcastically.

“Alright then, I'll take the gun with me.” Jonathan put the gun into his pocket.

Nice job with taking my sarcasm seriously.

Bree rolled her eyes as Jonathan turned to Josh. “We’ll enter from the front and make our way to the safe. Josh, grab the bags.”

Josh swiftly grasped as many cream-colored-bags as he could, nodding his head once he was done. The three headed towards the bank door.

“Open the front door.” Jonathan ordered into the walkie-talkie. Seconds later, a clicking noise was heard, and Jonathan opened the doors to the bank.

Many different white sofas lay on each corner of the bank, along with many counters where people could write and sign checks. There was a large elevator near the side of the main counter.

“Why are you bringing me with you to do this, exactly?” Bree asked as they walked throughout the open bank.

“Well, I figured you needed experience.” Jonathan said plainly, running up to the elevator. Once they were inside of the elevator, Jonathan turned to the keypad and pressed “Floor 3.” A red screen popped up on the elevator’s television, which read “access required.”

“Put in the code to the elevator.” Jonathan ordered into the talkie. Seconds later, the elevator’s screen returned to normal, and its doors closed. They began to feel the elevator move.

Minutes ed, and the elevator doors opened. They walked into a plain white hallway, two windows located on both sides, and a massive door blocking their way into the next room.

“Unlock the safe.” Jonathan ordered once more.

“Safe unlocked.” A voice answered from the talkie.

Josh handed the cream-colored bags to Bree as he walked over to help Jonathan open the heavy metal door. A loud creaking noise was heard as the door opened to show hundreds of piles of cash inside, each pile individually folded neatly and tucked away into its rightful place.

“Hand us some of the bags,” Jonathan ordered to Bree. “Josh, open the windows in the hall and make sure the others know we’re at the safe. Bree, you and me will begin filling the bags while Josh is opening the windows.”

Bree handed them some bags and began filling her own bag up with piles and piles of cash. After her bag was full, Josh took the bag, tied it, and threw it out of the window for the others to catch and put into the van.

Time ed. All of the bags were full, and Jonathan was finishing his last bag when a loud noise sounded.

The alarm!

“What's going on?!” Jonathan yelled into the talkie.

A shaky voice responded. “I-I'm sorry, sir! I believe Jamie knew what we were planning, and he changed the code or- or something! Oh shoot, the security cameras are turning on again! You guys need to go, ᑎOᗯ!”

They were at their feet in an instant, and Jonathan turned back to the windows.

“Josh, do you think we can fit through there?” Jonathan asked. Josh looked at one of the windows for a moment before nodding.

“You aren't really expecting me to fall out of a three story building from a window, are you?” Bree asked, stunned.

Jonathan shook his head. “Oh heavens no, you can't be dying here.”

Josh took out a rope from his pocket, tying it to the lock in the window. He tested it to make sure it was secure before grabbing hold of it, opening the window, and sliding down to the floor below.

“I'll be right behind you,” Jonathan said, motioning for Bree to take hold of the rope.

She grabbed the rope in her hands, and, taking in a deep breath, plunged down to the ground below while also using the side of the building for . Once she was down, Jonathan followed quickly behind.

“Let's move!” Jonathan cried. They ran towards the van, but were stopped when a pig, seeming to be in his late forties, blocked them from the van.

“Stop!” He yelled. “I won't allow you to steal from му bank!”

Jamie Love, the owner of the bank.

He pulled out a pistol from his pocket.

Jonathan and Jamie locked eyes.

“Hah. Nice try, buddy,” Jonathan sneered. “But I don't think we’re getting caught today.”

Swiftly, Jonathan pulled out his own pistol and fired. Jamie fell to the ground, cursing and groaning in pain. Bree’s eyes widened in shock.

“Move it!” Jonathan ordered. Quickly, they jumped into the van just as it began to move. Bree was cuffed and blindfolded once more as soon as the van began moving.

Jonathan swore under his breath after a while. “The security cameras turned on! For Mira’s sake, we’re going to have to move locations ᗩGᗩIᑎ!”

“ᗩGᗩIᑎ?! What did you do last time?!” Bree asked, still stunned from their escape.

“Let's just say the police found us after someone told them all about our last location.” Jonathan snarled.

Bree could sense the uncomfort throughout the van. Jonathan was seething with anger, and his workers were afraid of him.

What have you done in the past to make them so afraid of you?

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cσntínuєd

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