Blood's Sacrifice

Everyday Chaos (Upon Order)

There was something different. Unbeknownst to the many that were there, yet holding a stark contrast within the air of Freedom Bank that casual, cloudy afternoon. Jack, a brown cat, was missing— but no one had suspected anything given it was supposed to be during the time of his break. He arrived just about two minutes late, and was about to go back to his duties as a bank clerk. However, something changes, and he takes an unexpected turn within the interior of the building, with only the great grey owl stuck-up in white suit and black tie, as the majority of them working there noticing that he was late, and it was his turn to take over from his shift.

The great grey owl, donned in the pristine work outfit (similar to the rest there), kept an eye on the clock, a faint frown creeping upon its avian features. The owl's astute gaze caught the tardy arrival of Jack, the brown cat bank clerk, who had slipped away from his duties during his break. Sensing something amiss, the owl discreetly observed Jack's unexpected detour within the bank's interior, its white feathers prickling in anticipation.

Jack would continue walking within the interior, seemingly unaware of the owl's presence and making a quick turn towards another area of the bank.

Unaware of the watchful gaze of the great grey owl, Jack continued his journey through the bank. With a swift turn, he moved towards another part of the bank. His movements seemed casual, but the owl knew better. Its keen eyes remained focused on the tardy bank clerk, sensing the subtle change in atmosphere.

Down another hallway, the male owl could eventually no longer see him, unless he followed after his co-worker.

As Jack disappeared down another corridor, the great grey owl was momentarily deprived of sight. Sensing something was amiss, the owl made the decision to discreetly follow the cat. Its feathered feet padded silently down the hallway, the owl's keen senses on high alert for any signs of suspicious activity.

When the owl would reach the spot of where Jack was, he would see nothing along the pathway. That is, until something would spring down from above, and suddenly grapple their claws into the owl's throat with no hesitation, giving a quaint, teasing purr while their emerald slitted eyes gazed upon a new prey. "Oh hello~" Jack said, casually. "Please do be quiet. I'm in the middle of something."

With a nonchalant tone, his grip tightening ever so slightly as a warning for the owl to remain silent. "Please... keep it quiet. Let's not disturb the others, shall we?"

As the shapeshifting Jack held him, the owl felt a surge of panic. Its feathers bristled in alarm as it tried to speak but found its voice caught in its throat. The owl's thoughts raced, desperately trying to understand what had just happened. As it looked into the slitted emerald eyes of the shifter cat, it knew this was no ordinary bank clerk, that much was obvious. The owl remained eerily still, listening intently for any sign of what Jack planned next.

"I believe you should now be willing to guide me to where the safe is, no?" Jack purred, smiling quaintly. "Otherwise, it'll be more than your throat I'll dig into, followed by your entrails." He chuckled, "Please, show me to it. I've somehow forgotten, and I need to go there now. When I release your throat, you will remain quiet, or it will be cut clean in a flash." The feline warned, and eventually let their claws off in order for the male owl to breathe.

The great grey owl felt a shiver run down its spine as Jack's words sunk in. With the release of the shapeshifter's claws, it took a few deep breaths before turning to face Jack once more. "O-of course," the owl replied, its voice strained but subdued. "I will... a-ack... lead you to the safe, but please release my throat. I'll keep quiet, don't worry." The owl took a deep breath and began to lead the way towards the bank's vault, its wings stiff and feathers bristling in fear.