When Video Games Come to Life

(12) When Friends Go Missing

Wesley's P.O.V

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I can't believe she'd run off like that! And I never knew Chris would be such a jerk! I didn't even know he'd BE here! I can tell Sonic and his friends are disappointed with Chris' behavior. Even Chuck is being a little disapproving. Claire and I are the most though. I'm currently infuriated with Chris. So me, Claire, Knuckles, and Kirby are in the car looking for Laura, Tails is taking advantage of his flying ability and getting a bird's eye view, and Amy and Sonic are dashing around the streets. If I know Laura, she'll be gone for a while, then randomly show up and say she was stupid; which I can't say she is. If I also know myself, I probably wouldn't be able to handle that either. Actually, I couldn't imagine being in her shoes. I don't want to. So anyway, of course, Chris and Chuck stayed behind with the rest of the Kirby gang, Ray gang, and two cops, while one went to gather some others and help us search. I know she'll feel she's in trouble if she gets caught by one of them, and I'd much rather Claire and I find her, but either way, she needs to be found. I may often feel embarrassed or stupid living with two girls, but I still wouldn't want to lose her. She's like a sister to me. When I found my girlfriend, she almost scared her off, but both of them understood how important they both are to me. I was going to call her and see if she'd help me look, but I personally don't believe Laura would be happy to be found by her. She wouldn't want anyone who doesn't have anything to do with this or her to find her. "Wesley, I'm worried. She wouldn't usually do this kind of thing." I know that I have to stay calm. If no one else will, I have to.

"I know. I'm worried too. But knowing one of her closest friends almost died, and believing it was her fault, then being blamed for it by yet somebody else... I would find it hard not to do the same." Claire just looked back out the window. Knuckles hasn't said anything yet. He's trying to look so tough, like this doesn't concern him, but I know he's worried too. Suddenly a police officer pulled us over. I knew we weren't in trouble; it was one of the ones helping us. So I rolled down my window. He didn't say anything at first. He pulled out something torn and muddy, and at first I was confused. "Well? What is it?" I didn't want to waste time. Then he gave it to me. It was open, and when I looked in it I found random things. Laura's stuff, but only half of it. This is Laura's bag! Claire and I exchanged a glance. Then came the worst part. He handed me a damp cloth.

"I uh... found it at the same place I found her bag..." I didn't need to know anything else. All I knew was that Laura was in trouble. A lot of trouble. That's when Claire officially broke out crying. I can't believe I didn't. I was on the verge.

"Okay, what do we do?" The officer just stared at us. "What do we do?!" I can't believe he'd just stare at us like that!

"Sir, I'm afraid you're just going to have to leave it to us. Maybe you can search some more tomorrow, but for now you and your friends just need to get some sleep." Sleep?! As if! "But offi-" "Go home. We'll take care of this." I didn't wait to hear anymore. I drove off. I couldn't stand to be there for one more second.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>
At home.
Claire's P.O.V.

That's it? My best friend has just been kidnapped, or something, and I'm expected to just sit here?! Wait no, I'm expected to SLEEP! It's ridiculous! We've just walked through the door. The officers that stayed behind left; we met them on the way out. Everybody looked hopeful when we walked in, but when they noticed my tears and Laura's bag, their faces quickly turned to anxiety. "What happened?" Big asked, being the first to break the silence.

"We, uh... She's... Ugh, okay, one of the officers found her bag in this state, with about half of her stuff in it. They also found a damp cloth... with chloroform on it, at the same spot." My words were greeted by a chorus of gasps.

"That can't happen!" Rayman said.

"It can't be true!" Exclaimed Meta Knight, coming out from his hiding spot. Chuck gave Chris a disapproving glare and headed off to talk to Wesley about this situation. Amy and Sonic had just returned, closely followed by Tails. All three of them ignored Chris at the moment, except for Sonic, who said

"She's our friend too, ya know." And stalked off.
So far no sign of the officers.
And no sign of Laura.

This day is a disaster.

A/N Don't worry, she'll be back soon! Thanks for reading! ~Dustpaw.