Chapter 25: No More Games

"This is so stressful.", I groaned. Me and Dawkins have been researching for about an hour now. Dawkins didn't seem to be getting tired of this. He was determined to prove his older siblings wrong. Something he said earlier made me wonder.

"You said something about this giant spider thing going on a lot longer than we originally thought?"

His right ear perked up. "Well there's been a conspiracy that goes way back in time around WW2. The theory states that the American government were secretly experimenting on Humans, Anthros, fish, and insects.", He explained.

"What! Why?", I asked in horror.

"That's the thing, Nobody knows for sure. But, the most reasonable explanation was the US government was trying to create monsters of sorts that could use to defend themselves just in case if they were ever dragged into another war.", Dawkins answered.

I never trusted the government to begin with. They've hidden a lot of things from us. I know so and if this theory is true that makes me lose all of my hope for any form government to be truthful to it's people.

"So you're suggesting that this spider may be mutated instead of a whole new breed?", I pondered getting a nod from him. "Then if it was made by americans, Then how in the world did it get over here in London?"

"That's where that abandoned ship comes in.", Dawkins began. "It's only ever been sighted there on the ship. I believe someone shipped it here intentionally, but that fact that I'm not quite sure who brought it here in the first place concerns me."

I gotta tell Dad about this. Maybe he'll be interested too and look into it for me. I pulled out my phone and dialed his number. His phone went straight to voicemail which was odd. He always picks up the phone when I call.

I hung up and decided to call again and I got the same result. "My Dad's not picking up. I'll be Dawkins I'm just gonna head back to my place real quick.", I told him.

The young girl's vision was a blur before becoming clear again. She felt the cold breeze brush against her skin. Her arms were binded behind her. She was stuck in a chair her legs and feet were tied with rope. Where was she?

The room she was in was pitch dark. The only source of light was single lightbulb dangling above her. "Where am I? Where's my daddy?", She asked seemingly nobody.

The screeching of a microphone rang through the room. The high pitched sound temporarily stinging Anna's ears.

"Hello, Anna...", A deep voice greeted through speakers in the room.

This voice didn't seem normal in the slightest. It sounded like someone was using a voice changer to mask their voice so they weren't easily recognizable. "Who are you? Where am I? What did you do to my Dad?"

"Unfortunately I cannot tell you who I am or where you are for the matter, but you're Daddy dearest is with me right now."

"When Aaron finds out Me and Dad are you're in big trouble!", Anna said in a threatening way.

"You're a tough little girl aren't you?, but don't put too much faith in someone you barely know. I've known Aaron a lot longer than you have. That boy is a coward if I've ever known one."

"How do you know him anyway?", Anna interrogated the stragne individual.

"Let's just say...A Mother Never Forgets."

The front door of my house creaked open as I stepped inside. "ANNA! DAD! YOU GUYS IN HERE?", I called throughout the house getting no response of any kind.

I jogged in the kitchen still calling out to them. A strong smell of perfume radiated from the fridge.

A black envelope was pinned to the refrigerator with a magnet. I took it off the fridge and used a kitchen knife to cut it open. I pulled out a white folded paper and decided to read it.

"Hello Aaron, It's been awhile. If you're reading this I know your wondering where your father and sister are. Don't worry It's about time we have our own little family reunion. I'll see you and those mutts tonight to get you next.

-Cruella de Vil

No! No! No! This can't be happening. I left the kitchen and took off upstairs I barged into Dad's bedroom to find it empty. "Dad No!", I cried. I then proceeded to search Anna's room, but it too was empty.

I tucked the envelope in my pocket. I need to get some help and fast.

"Come dude, It'll be ok. We'll find Anna and you're Dad.", Dolly reassuring said she rubbed my back in a comforting way. My face was in my palms as I bawled my eyes out.

"I'll try calling the police.", Dylan said getting off the couch. I can't let him call the police. If anything it'll make the bastards that took Anna and Dad wanna leave before we get the chance to rescue them.

"NO!", I wailed. "We can't bring the cops into this. It'll do nothing, but make it worse. This Cruella De Vil woman is gonna pay."

Delilah and Doug gave me a look of concern after I mentioned her. "Aaron what did you just say?", Delilah asked.

"I said I'm gonna make that Cruella De Vil woman pay."

Imminent fear crept on Delilah and Doug's faces. "She mentioned you guys too. Do you know her?", I asked starting to feel a bit hopeful that we could get a lead on her.

"Unfortunately Yes.", Delilah replied sadly.

"Why's she after you?", I questioned.

"Cruella's been after our family for years. Ever since her defeat by my great grandfather Pongo and great grandmother Perdita she's been after Generation.", Delilah explained. "She wants our fur and to turn us into clothing. She has a knack for killing puppies."

Last time I checked in ancient history when Anthros were still fighting for their rights, killing them was legal and you could get away with it. Things have changed overtime and Anthro's have equal rights just like humans killing one would be the equivalent of killing another human being. The thing that disgusted me the most was the fact she killed puppies, skinned them, and used their fur for clothing.

"That's horrible, but that's illegal now. She can't do that.", I stated in confusion.

"That woman is stuck in the past. She doesn't seem to care that it's illegal now. When she wants something she won't stop until she gets it.", Doug chimed in.

"This means we can't leave the house until were sure she's dealt with, but now that she's after you as well you'll be safe here with us.", Delilah told me in comforting way.

"But Anna and Dad-"

"Aaron we'll get them back bud.", Dolly told me in reassurance.

"Alright.", I nodded. "While I'm here I'll do my best to make sure she doesn't hurt any of you. You all are such an amazing family and I'd hate to see something like that be broken up by such a selfish individual."

My words brought smiles to Doug and Delilah. "Thank you so much Aaron.", Delilah thanked.

"You've all done so much for me the only thing I can do right now is return the favor.", I welcomed.