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

Chapter 19- Newly Woven Story

I slumped in my chair and sighed on the airship deck.

"Something wrong sir?" Reginald asked me.

"I don't know." I replied. He sensed I wasn't in the mood to chat so he left to do his work.

As I leaned my head on my hand, I almost fell asleep. I thought I would be more active for this role.

"Thank you." I heard a voice in my head.

"Wha!" I yelped.

"S-Sir?"

"I'm fine. I'm fine. Go back to work."

"Everyone." Hubert announced as he walked into the large control room. Charles, Frank, Lily and Mearui were there doing their own things. Hubert approached Frank and nudged him in the arm.

"I heard you ordered a hunt for the new Toppat leader." Hubert said.

"Yes. I know how much you want to avoid that but it had to be done." Frank comforted Hubert. "I know we are like family to you, but it seems like one of your son's has deviated."

"Alright listen up everyone. I know we are somewhat heartbroken, but we still need to do our jobs. So, let's get to work." Hubert announced.

"Hey.. Sir?" Hubert someone call from behind his office door. He beckoned for them to come in. It was Charles. He came in and closed the door quietly.

"Can I.. talk? I know it might not be in my place to do this but-" Charles asked.

"No no, please, go ahead. I need someone to talk to too."

It was quiet for a few seconds before Charles spoke up again.

"What's gonna happen to Henry if we catch him?"

"Well, he's going to get the death penalty. You know how these things go. I told you about the traitor who betrayed the government in 1989."

"I feel like one myself..." Charles mumbled.

"What do you mean?"

"Because, after hearing you say that I'm hoping Henry is never going to be caught."

"Sigh. Knowing Stickmin, it will be ten times more difficult to catch him than Copperbottom."

"If it were possible, I would like to safely bring him home."

"I think I might have figure out why he turned."

"Why?"

"His soul was angry and frustrated, still being used to the life of a criminal. It made him continue this perilous journey. Even he himself isn't aware of it."

"Maybe..."

Hubert stood up and began pacing about, "When the world needed people like you two the most, sometimes they crumble under the pressure of trying to be perfect. I hope you do not end up like Stickmin. Hearing me say that now must have stiffened you, I can tell. That's just normal human reaction. From experience, I know I shouldn't expect the impossible from you, or Stickmin."

The war is about to begin. Flames have been ignited. I raise my hand despite my kin, very much afraid to face my sins.

As for the ones I love, I can't share every secret. Sometimes we wish to fly beyond the sky, then people shoot down the dove of dreams.

Not every ambition people can benefit, played out like a wonderful little skit. Behind the smile hides intention, of a horrible, painstaking intervention.