Henry Stickmin: Secret Criminal (Mr Henry Toppat Book 1)

Chapter 9- Toppat Hunters (Part 2)

"We received a signature!" Lily announced just as I was about to fall asleep in my chair. I was exhausted since I didn't sleep very well last night.

Everyone huddled around the table and faced the big screen, awaiting to see the results. I rubbed my eyes, trying to concentrate. Charles tried to shake me awake to bring me back to my senses.

"Residential area outside Dogobogo Jungle!" Frank announced. Hearing the location, Charles and I sprinted to his helicopter to see that the mechanics were backing away from it after fixing it up and fueling it. This helicopter was like our friend, always there for us even if it was sick or hurt, considering how many times Charles crashed it for his greatest plans.

I straped on my seatbelt and sighed heavily, placing the headphones over my head. To be honest, I was... nervous. The Toppats better have some way to protect themselves. After all, they are under my care now. So many scientists working for them, they should have at least a layer of defence, right?

The blades slowly picked up speed, and we hovered above the air for awhile, before eventually drifting into the air.

"Here we go Henry! Turn on the GPS system for me." Charles asked, keeping his eyes fixed in the sky. Pressing a few buttons on the dashboard, out GPS system was then linked to the one in the control center.

"Phazer, is that right?" Hubert asked the kid focused on the screen in front of him.

"Yeah. What do you want?" Mearui spat rudely.

"You have no right to speak to a higher rank like this. Now, as I was about to say before you rudely interrupted me, are you sure that that id the correct location?" Hubert asked. The kid nodded.

I sulked in my seat as Charles kept his eyes fixed in the sky. I have no idea how much more time will we be spending together. I felt like I have completely lost track of time. People say, 'enjoy it while it lasts'. Nobody taught me how to, but Charles finally did when I met him. The value of a relationship is very hard to measure.

"We're getting close Charles, we should be able to find a spot to land now." Charles heeded my words and landed in a spacious area near the trees. We headed off, grabbing some weapons along the way. Charles handed me something that looked like a blaster.

"Tracking device shooter. Very handy. Come, there should be an area to land somewhere and set up our devices."

By the time we had landed, the sky had already turned dark, but all I could see was just a couple of stars. I wish there were more. It would have been much prettier. Charles took out bags and machines of equipment that specialises in location tracking. All of it was connected back to Frank, Lily and Mearui's computer systems at headquarters.

After setting up, I sat on the ground near the helicopter with its gigantic blades looking over me. Not a single sound could be heard other than the tapping of buttons and screens.

The sky is like my relationship with Charles. Light pollution from the city made it hard for the many stars to shine. My relationship with Charles now is like a sky filled with endless amount of stars. But when I break the news to him and run, the stars will disappear.

Charles sat beside me, smiling.

"How was the dinner last night?" He asked, I sighed.

"It was just.. wonderful." I replied, pulled him closer to me. A simple answer, but it meant much much more.

Savour moments when they are presented to you. Remember all the good times, forget the bad times, and just, enjoy. Life can't last forever, we are all on a ticking clock. When the timer hits zero, take the experiences you enjoyed with you. Wherever you end up in the life after, it doesn't matter, as long as you keep those precious memories by your side.

Hubert Galeforce, I really hope you are reading this. Know that I dated Charles Calvin and it was the best time of my life. I hope to find him again, but I'll have to say goodbye to you.

I noticed Charles started to drift off to sleep as he leaned on my shoulder. He was just so adorable when he sleeps. No point in waking him up now.

For some reason, everything felt natural. Despite the helicopter, the machines and their screens emitting a blue glow, I didn't mind. Charles and I were seated on the bare dirt. This is a moment I savoured and kept in my heart.

Hey Hubert, remember the time when Charles' helicopter crashed? Wasn't it terrible? I should have gone with him. I shouldn't have ended up sleepy and not being able to embark with him.

"Stickmin!" you barged open my door as I laid my head on the table. I awoke with a start.

"Come with me, it's an emergency!"

I sprinted out of my seat and followed close behind you to the loading deck, where a rescue team was ready to leave.

"What happened??" I asked with worry.

You sighed, trying to find ways to tell me the recent events, "Calvin's helicopter let out the emergency signal 10 minutes ago. I'm afraid something must have to him. The signal from the helicopter is getting weaker by the second. He must be found before we completely lose the signal."

I started at the ground with shock, knowing that it was partially my fault for not going with him. Then, my eyes filled with resolve, and volunteered to go with the team to find Charles.

My heart raced as the vehicle kept going over bumpy terrain. I was sweating profusely, begging that Charles would be okay.

"Look! Up there!" The driver shouted, pointing to a trail of smoke, and instantly picked up speed.

I'm sorry, remembering this story hurts me, so I should stop now.

Just as I was about to fall asleep too, the machines made rapid beeping sounds, indicating that it has located the airship. Charles heard the alarms, and awoke from his slumber.

"Charles! Contact headquarters! We got a live one!"