: Chapter 11:
The Heist
Itchy was waiting in the junkyard for Charlie, why was he always late could he do anything on time, or really anything that might help itchy out. He was such a hassle where would he be without Itchy, itchy was already aware of that answer, he saved him from death row. Ever since then he had stood beside him regardless, and Itchy doubted that would change regardless of the trouble he caused, he was his friend. Still he could definitely learn a little responsibility even a little. Itchy was currently waiting to see if there were any responses from Carface regarding the horn's location Charlie's requests at David's show didn't yield anything so it was up to Carface's sources. Itchy didn't trust him but that didn't mean he coudn't be of use. It was weird normally Charlie would be the one planning everything but Charlie didn't care about the mission at all therefore it fell to Itchy to be the one making the plan, it wasn't a job he was comfortable with but if he didn't the job would never get done.
Itchy was sitting down looking over his sources when a messenger stopped by. "Nice to see you, Carface have an answer?" Itchy asked.
"His sources have info not that i know what that info is" The messenger said.
"Don't concern yourself i just needed aid in this moment, thanks for your help" Itchy told him.
The messenger merely departed the junkyard as Itchy took the information Carface sent them, that was it Carface's sources found the horn! They were set now all he needed to do was get Charlie and the others so they can retrieve it then Itchy could get back to heaven.
Itchy moved across the junkyard looking for any sign of Charlie at all he wasn't here again neither was Sasha, so they were out again. Itchy had no idea when it happened but somehow Sasha actually decided she liked Charlie now the two were almost always in each others company even more shocking Charlie's feelings seemed genuine and sincere. That was bad what did Charlie think he was doing they were angels they can't stay here meaning Charlie was just setting himself up to get hurt, seriously did he think anything through? Itchy turned to David who was practicing his magic.
"David have you seen Charlie and Sasha?" Itchy asked.
"They're down by the beach" David answered not even seeming to grasp the romantic meaning behind it, Charlie you idiot.
Itchy moved towards the beach when he heard a voice in his head it was Annabelle, Itchy turned and saw her reflection in a trash can.
"I can't maintain the gates any longer from this point no dog or any other lifeform will be able to get into heaven, we need the horn." Annabelle warned.
"We found it, we'll be able to retrieve it and get it back no later than tomorrow" Itchy said rather pleased with the accomplishment.
"Hurry" Annabelle told him before fading.
Alright time to get the horn and wrap this mission up right here and now but first he needed to get Charlie away from his date, stupid he was beyond stupid how did Charlie think this was going to end, did he honestly think there was an ending to this that didn't end in pain?
Charlie was lying on the beach Sasha beside him, Charlie was on his side staring gently at her while Sasha was on her back gazing at him whenever she could. He gently reached his paw for hers which she accepted their paws slowly grasping each other. Sasha moved to her side allowing herself to be face to face with him. She reached forward and nuzzled him which he returned. Sasha then playfully pushed him down Charlie with a smile fought back they began running down the beach batting sand at each other. Charlie came at Sasha playfully batting her only for Sasha to grab and pull him in the water. They emerged from it their fur soaked. Charlie looked at her with a playful smirk before using his paw to splash some water at her she accepted the challenge and began throwing some at him. They came closer and began wrestling with the other dunking each other they began grappling struggling to hold the other in place when an oncoming wave blasted both right off their feet and washed them ashore. Charlie and Sasha both burst out laughing helping each other up before walking alongside the beach their heads against each other, it was a perfect moment which needed to be broken at the time.
"Let me get this straight I'm trying to find the horn and save Heaven while you're hanging out at the beach, can't give me a little bit of a hand" Itchy said having arrived recently.
"Don't you ever knock" Charlie said clearly annoyed at the interruption.
"Charlie calm down, still Itchy you're comment was a little harsh" Sasha told him.
"Harsh, lady that dog has almost gotten me killed multiple times I've saved his tail just as many times asking for a little of his time is not too much to ask." Itchy said annoyed.
Charlie felt angry by the way Itchy referred to Sasha but kept himself in control clearly Itchy was angry at him best to find out why.
"What's this about Itch" Charlie asked.
"The horn we found it" Itchy answered.
"You found it where!?" Charlie said shocked.
"Got the location back home we can discuss it there." Itchy said.
Charlie decided he could deal with that after all getting the horn back was critical so they could postpone their day together, though he was annoyed he had a lot planned for Sasha tonight guess it would have to wait. He turned to her waiting for her response she seemed perfectly understanding. Charlie and Sasha began following Itchy back, this was it the first step to finish their mission but what would happen then, it had been two months since they arrived and two weeks since that beautiful moment between him and Sasha and ever since spending even a day without her was difficult, he couldn't imagine having to leave her, then again that wasn't the mission with the horn so long as he kept David where he was and kept his act afloat Charlie could stay indefinitely, which was exactly his plan but first they would have to deal with the horn.
Back at the junkyard Itchy revealed the intel that showed the horns location it wasn't very inspiring of all the places to end up it ended up there, not good how on Earth were they supposed to retrieve it?
"The police station, you're kidding what do you plan to do?" Sasha asked not expecting an answer.
"I don't know can David turn us invisible and intangiable not to mention the horn as well?" Itchy replied.
Charlie was pondering their current issue that wasn't what he expected at all, to get the horn they would have to break into the most secure place in the entire city not to mention potentially deal with every cop there. This would require careful planning on their part but it wasn't impossible Itchy broke him out of prison once they could pull this off.
"Our ghost forms will definitely be of use here with getting past security but not enough, David we're going to need some tricks on your part, Sasha you can't do much with the human security but you can distract the dog security" Charlie said not liking the idea of asking that of her.
"You want me to seduce them, Charlie i don't want to go back to that kind of place" Sasha said.
"I know i don't expect anything of you but if you join this mission that will likely be your part" Charlie clarified.
Sasha merely nodded it didn't mean anything she already found what she sought and it would be brief.
"What of Carface?" Charlie asked.
"He doesn't know what we're after but i doubt he'll sit back we'll have to keep the horn away from him" Itchy replied.
"We can still use him to aid us" Charlie said.
"So we have a plan, then?" David asked.
"Yeah, come here this is what we're going to do?" Charlie said, he then began explaining the full nature of what their plan would be and how they would implement it, it was intriguing and quite intricate but it also required perfect timing, Itchy highly doubted that it would actually work.
"I don't think you could possibly come up with a more insane plan" Itchy stated.
"Any alternatives?" Charlie asked, no one had one guess this plan would have to do, itchy really hoped it didn't get them killed, again with the technicalities regarding their collars could they die, it was a question he really didn't want to put the test and Charlie's plan was so ludicrous it was the perfect candidate to test that question.
Three hours later, Charlie arrived outside the police station waiting for Carface to show up. Charlie began pacing around when he saw a small smoke cloud behind him, perfect he was here.
"So you found your angel, I suppose" Carface said.
"Yeah but it's not an angel in there, it's way more valuable" Charlie said.
"Really and what might that be?" Carface asked.
"Garbriel's horn" Charlie answered bluntly.
The horn it was here so Carface was right Itchy was leading him on using him to discover the horn so why would Charlie decide to tell him about it there was no way Charlie actually trusted him that would be just absurd so why was Charlie telling him this now?
"Yeah i know why tell you simple we get the horn back we go back to heaven I don't want to go back to heaven" Charlie stated.
"So where do i play into this" Carface asked.
"Simple you get the horn make whatever profit you want and every now and again get us a fake lead to keep the mission going that way it doesn't look like it's our fault" Charlie explained.
"And what of Annabelle?" Carface said.
"Currently blocked so we have a deal partner" Charlie said while placing out his paw.
"Deal i'll get my forces in position and we'll get that horn" Carface said.
"Pleasure doing business Carface" Charlie said before turning away.
Carface walked away and made his way to a pay phone calling many of his current employees at his new club, the horn was there and now it was time to get it of course Charlie likely had a hidden agenda so he would have to be prepared for that as well, it didn't matter either way he would get Gabriel's horn now. Carface felt a burning feeling in his soul it was red was he listening in if so it didn't matter, Carface's plan was still in motion. He responded to red's message.
"I sense that you have made contact with Charlie what is going on?" Red demanded.
"The horn we found it" Carface answered.
"You've located it and Charlie is working with you to retrieve it" Red said.
"Yeah got his own agenda, making it way too easy for us, we'll have that horn by sunset tonight" Carface said pleased.
"Do not underestimate Charlie he likely has a different motive than believed and is likely planning something, be ready and do not fail me." Red stated before severing their brief connection.
Perfect all was in order and now all Carface needed to do was play his cards perfectly and by the end of the day the horn would be his and even more so his soul would be his own again.
One hour later, Sasha was sitting inside the police station watching the surrounding guard dogs, while David was sitting down a pair of blind shades concealing him as well as a disguise concealing his child like nature he came in reporting on a missing car, Charlie provided the fake ID. Charlie was waiting outside a walkie talkie in hand. Sasha looked around the area finding what appeared to be four guard dogs.
"Hidden princess reporting four guards inside camera's are still working" Sasha said.
"Blind oracle coming in detect half a dozen guards in entrance another half a dozen likely in route to target" David said.
"Roger that, wait for the first signal I'm going in to detect target" Charlie said. Before removing his collar and speaking spiritually to Itchy.
"Tunnel rat reporting approaching water lines" Itchy said.
"Wait for it don't act until i tell you" Charlie stated.
Charlie switched to his next broadcast, "In route to electric grid?" Charlie asked.
"Approaching main grid now, will be in position soon." Carface said.
Charlie smiled he then turned off the radio and removed his collar moving up to the police station and phasing through the door he floated to Sasha and focused creating a slight cold around her, Sasha got up and began moving towards the exit, David noticed her and began leading her out they went outside and retrieved Charlie's radio bringing it back in Sasha then sat back down.
"When nature calls" David said though it was Charlie's voice speaking through the radio to further hide David's age.
With that out of the way Charlie began floating across the police station looking for the lost and found he detected it and moved toward it entering it. The horn was in there Charlie could retrieve it but he couldn't get it out of the cage. He placed his collar back on and radioed Carface.
"In position, for operation sparks" Charlie said.
"You got it this should buy you some time" Carface answered.
Carface moved up to a main power grid he then took off his collar and phased through it he placed his collar back causing his arm to become tangible resulting in sparks going everywhere and the generater partially exploding. The blast was not small it could be seen everywhere and the police would be sent to investigate.
Sasha was still sitting down when she saw many police officers racing to their cars to investigate the recent power outage, "You are clear for operation sightless" Sasha said.
Sasha then approached the four guard dogs making certain to show off her body as much as possible but more importantly to do it subtly. Their reactions were almost instant drooling while others were howling.
"Um excuse me i need your help" Sasha said turning to them.
"What is it mam?" A guard dog asked.
"My Collar was stolen from me by a bulldog in a purple suit it's of great value to me but i can't find him" Sasha said sounding desperate.
"Who would steal from such a lady" Another guard asked.
"We'll find him mam" A third said.
The guard dogs then began pulling on the police officers holding them barking and growling before pulling them up and all but dragging them to the door they tried to hold them but the dogs pulled away and went outside resulting in the officers chasing after them.
"You're opening is clear" Sasha told Charlie before leaving the station herself.
With the guards gone Charlie began moving towards the security room slowly. He opened a few doors leaving them opened but a crack before turning to the security room there was a guard watching the monitors carefully. Charlie removed his collar and floated to it, though he couldn't do anything now touching it as a ghost could short out all camera's which would be too suspicious Sasha gave him his opening in here now Itchy needed to give him his opening to alter the camera's.
Itchy tunneled underground arriving under the main water line of the police station, "In position" Itchy said.
"Proceed" Charlie said.
David began following Sasha grabbing her leash and stopping her he struggled with her before walking her outside.
As David did this he thought he saw two people who looked like his parents but he decided to ignore it.
A young female Police officer was looking at a photo of David that had been presented to her, he was much too young to be living on his own. She looked at the parents in pity in particular the woman looked very regretful.
"Any idea why he ran away, might help with some leads here" She told them.
"Like we said we were having a baby which made David seem very upset when we told him." The father said.
"How long has he been gone?" The officer asked.
"A little over two months now we've tried reporting to others but there's still been no trace, we just want proof he is alright" The mother said.
"There's been a new magician in town that many say is very young who matches that time gap" The officer told them.
The parents heard of this magician and actually were pretty sure it was him but they couldn't reach him at his shows it was too crowded since they didn't know when it was, it didn't have much of a schedule.
"That could be him David always liked magic, but the shows are too crowded we can't get close enough to him and when ever he do he's gone before we can actually reach him." The father told him.
"We'll try to get to the next show and find him wait in the lobby for now we'll have more information." The officer told them.
They left the room trying desperately not to cry before sitting down the mother knew this was her fault she didn't pay enough attention to him in those last few weeks, she was dealing with her own emotional issues she lost a friend and it was pretty close to the anniversary of when she lost another friend, but that didn't give her any excuse, she needed to find David and let him know she did care.
Carface was moving toward the police station he was almost ready to get the horn and had other dogs in position for his get away all he had to do was wait for Charlie to emerge with it. Carface was waiting when he heard a bunch of barking dogs it was the guard dogs and they were heading right for him wait a minute what? They were heading for him and they looked angry. Carface immediately took off running the other dogs in hot pursuit. What was going on they were clearly after him but that would only make sense if Charlie set him up which did make sense except for one thing Charlie didn't want to succeed in his mission he didn't want to leave Earth so why set Carface up when he could ensure that goal?
Itchy reached the water mane and pulled out a small drill and began drilling into the water line causing it to burst. The ruptured waterlines caused sinks all around the police station to burst causing small floods everywhere as for the toilets well it was probably best no one was using them.
The distraction was in place even a camera monitor couldn't ignore the water lines in the entire station breaking, he said he would be off duty for about three minutes and told other officers to beef up their monitoring of the exits and entrances until he returned, he then closed his door and locked it. Charlie placed his collar back on and jumped in the chair he didn't have a lot of time he looked at the monitors and saw the camera to the lost and found area. Charlie hacked into it and played footage from the day before. They would discover it wasn't official soon but not soon enough.
The plan was in motion Charlie would need help now, David and Sasha went back inside. The police station was ordering an evacuation of all public officials while they located the rupture which means the lost and found would be locked this is where david came in. He walked into the police station with Sasha and found the guard holding the keys. He couldn't get close to them but he could get their attention, David let his disguise slip and the officers recognized him.
"That's the missing boy!" One said.
David began running while the officers began chasing him Sasha came in and tripped one of them while David reached behind and grabbed the keys from his pockets, before he could leave an officer grabbed him.
"Give us the keys" He said.
Whatever you say" David said placing out his hands but instead of the keys he had a pair of handcuffs which he used to handcuff the officers together.
"What the?" They said in confusion.
"What is that behind your ear?" David said before reaching behind and grabbing the keys.
"Thank you, thank you you've been a great audience. David said before leaving.
David handed the keys to Sasha while he kept running through the station naturally the officers were more concerned with him than some dog. Sasha arrived and threw Charlie the keys who made his way to the lost and found. The other police officers were still trying to deal with the leak when another happened courtesy of Itchy. The officer watching the monitors looked at the camera's turning to the lost and found area as well as other evidence it was secured for now.
Charlie entered the lost and found unlocking it with the keys, he entered the cage and grabbed the horn time for their escape route.
"Itchy escape route now" Charlie told him.
"Got it" Itchy said while pulling himself out of the tunnel he turned to the parking lot and saw a truck, oh boy this was crazy this was completely crazy.
David slid under the officers and made his way to the doors there was little doubt the others were on their way, he saw Sasha who gestured him to follow her they all arrived in the lost and found.
"Any escape plan?" Sasha asked.
"Wait for it" Charlie said.
They then heard something tumbling down the drive way Charlie gently stepped to the side turning david and Sasha as well as a car came smashing through the wall though only partially.
"All aboard" Charlie said as they opened the door and climbed into the car they jumped to the backseat and used it to jump out. Charlie, Sasha and David saw Itchy in a truck and made their way towards it.
"I'll drive" Charlie said.
They then pulled the truck out of the driveway speeding down the highway bumping into many things along the way. The police cars were pursuing they didn't know what they stole and probably didn't care the ruckus they caused not to mention having the missing kid was reason enough to chase them relentlessly. Charlie steered the truck which skidded all along the road police cars in hot pursuit. Itchy clung to his seat for dear life. The truck began speeding down a hill bouncing up and down as it tumbled.
"I take back what i said you can come up with a plan even more insane!" Itchy said.
Carface was still running from the dogs chasing him when he saw a truck rather unstealthly trying to escape a bunch of police cars. Charlie how dare he try and make a fool of him but it didn't matter Carface's price was in there now he would claim it. Carface jumped towards the truck missing it and tumbling over he then saw the police cars following it. Carface jumped on one car before jumping to the next and the next finally he was right in front of the truck.
Charlie saw Carface closing in on them good he had them following the guards trail specifically for this purporse, time for the get away plan. Charlie placed the car neutral and let it tumble down a hill toward a pond.
"Memory lane itch?" Charlie asked him.
"Yep i officially remember how much of a lunatic you are!" Itchy shouted.
Itchy looked and saw their truck about to crash into a pond he immediately started to panic and scream, Charlie grabbed him removing his collar and Ichy's before having them phase through the door while their collars came out the window they then landed on the ground. Carface threw the door open expecting to confront Charlie instead it was empty the horn wasn't here, Charlie conned him! Carface then saw the truck heading for a pond it crashed into the water and sent Carface crashing into the window which he remained smashed into while the truck slowly sank the police cars surrounding it.
Charlie and Itchy were walking away from the site heading for the junkyard. They made their way to it only to find Sasha and David waiting for them Sasha was carrying the horn Charlie raced towards her grasping it they then nuzzled as the horn fell to the ground Itchy picked it up smiling, they did it, once again they pulled it off. He always did no matter how much Itchy doubted him or wasn't certain about his choice no matter how much it seemed like Charlie would let him down, the truth was he never did, when Charlie asked Itchy that question Itchy dreaded the answer yet looking at it he always pulled through in the end. Charlie no matter how long it took would never let him down in the end, he was his friend and itchy was foolish to ever doubt him.
"I don't know why i keep doubting you, you always come through in the end" Itchy told him smiling.
"Some lessons require sessions to understand" Charlie said with a bit of a smirk.
They shook each others paw both smiling at the other. Itchy turned to Sasha and shook her paw as well.
"You did great for once Charlie's girl didn't drive me crazy" Itchy told her.
David chuckled at that before hugging all three of them, which Itchy admitted felt comforting truly comforting. He picked up the horn and began moving to an area to keep it safe until Annabelle was ready.
"We did it Charlie we're done, we fulfilled our mission." Itchy said softly happy at the prospect that very soon he could return to Heaven.
Charlie heard Itchy's words and felt like something stabbed him he felt his world dying before his eyes, his hopes and dreams burning to ashes right before his eyes. Charlie felt like he was dying inside when Itchy said that. If they were done then they would be going back to Heaven and Charlie would have to leave Sasha, and David. He would lose the things that mattered most to him, what gave his life true purporse and meaning. He would be empty again, no that wasn't acceptable he couldn't go back to being that not when he finally found what was missing in his life what was always missing. He couldn't go back to heaven, he couldn't finish the mission the price was too high, he wouldn't lose them, he wouldn't lose her!