Chapter 2: The Missing Animals hit home
The town slept soundly and it was a quiet dawn until the Broflovski home was interupted with cries of dispair.
A distraught Ike was crying in his rooms. Instinctively his brother Kyle runs in.
"Ike what's wrong ??" Kyle asks his younger brother
"He's gone! He's gone!" Ike sobbed as he points at an empty hamster cage. "Izzy is gone!"
"Oooh shit Izzy got out of his cage? Don't worry Ike I'm sure we'll find him." Kyle hugged Ike as he continued to cry for his lost hamster.
That morning Kyle and Ike were sent to school as usual. Gerald agreed to look around for lost Izzy as the day went on.
"Hey." greeted Stan
"Hey Jew boy what's up with your brother?" Cartman asked strangely Mutt was standing next to the fat ass rather then at Kenny's side. Kenny appearing a bit miffed.
"Oh his hamster is missing probably just got out of his cage." Kyle replied. "Nothing to worry about."
Stan glanced at Mutt with a knowing look - another one lost
"Another one..." Mutt noted. "Seems kind of odd eh?"
"Yep"
"Saay why are you standing next to Cartman and avoiding Kenny?" Kyle asked
"Eh no reason." Mutt lies as he glances over at Kenny who had an obviously irritated expression. "Apparently he missed me last night is all."
Kenny rolled his eyes, arms crossed
Out of nowhere Craig walks up rather distressed which was unusual for his persona. "Have you guys seen Stripe?" He asked "He went missing this morning..."
"His gay ass guniea pig." Cartman groaned
"So.... your pet went missing, too?"
"Apparently so he was gone but his cage was closed!" Craig responded
"Craig, we might be able to help you." responded Stan, "You're not the first victim. We're trying to get as many people as we can together to find this ass who's taking everyone's pets"
"I wanna help too!" Ike shouts
"Sweet, we're finally getting help." Stan said
"Yes we might be able to help find these animals after all!" Mutt let out
John passed by, "Since when do you seven hang out?"
"Ah well more animals are disappearing." Mutt replied
"Really?" John raised an eyebrow, curiosity beginning to peak
"It is who knows whose pets are next?" Mutt asked as the school bell rang for class.
"Think Mr. Garrison'll let us ask the class about it?"
"I don't know we can try if not we'll have to recruit later." Stan said as everyone begins to leave for class. Mutt is about to leave but as soon as the halls were emptied he's stopped by Kenny.
"And what the fuck do you want?" Mutt asked
"You know why I'm upset why didn't you show up last night?" Kenny demanded
"It's no big deal dude do does the sidekick have to show up everynight?" Mutt asked in a sacrastic tone.
Kenny looked almost furious, "No, but he can at least fucking tell me when he's going to ditch!"
"Look I was up fighting a crime just like you were. Not much of a difference though I happened to not be wearing my costume." Mutt replied
"All I'm saying is you could have at least fucking told me you couldn't make it instead of letting me sit there for an hour waiting for you!"
"I was on an imporant mission dude. It's not like I knew I was going to be out that late trying to convince the police to beware of the potential crime going around. " Mutt replied
Kenny crossed his arms, but did not speak
"Well hey you didn't want to help so." Mutt responded
"Maybe you shouldn't waste the police's time since they can barely handle REAL crime already..." Kenny responded
"What do you mean? This is a REAL crime Kenny! Animals are DISAPPEARING and people are missing them! You understand what can happen to an animal that disappears? They could be hit by a car, eaten by a predator, or picked off the street by some scientist to use for research." Mutt replied
"We're talking the Park County Police, Mutt. It takes them years to solve the most fucking obvious murder cases in the world. You really think they could help you with your runaway animals?"
"Right then that's why I'm going to do something about it with the little help I've got." Mutt insisted "Besides I went to Barbrady not Park County.."
"Good luck then." Kenny said grudgingly.
"Pfff behold the mighty Mysterion he'll help you unless you're looking for your dog." Mutt groans
Kenny shook his fists, eyes narrow, but finally turned around and stormed off.
Mutt just groaned again as he followed Kenny to class where Stan was waiting for him.
"Dude I told Mr. Garrison we had an announcement to make before class started so we're up now." Stan told him
"Umm ok." Mutt replied as him and Stan made their way to the front and everyone sitting in their desk listening and Mr.Garrison just sat behind his desk.
"Fellow students recently we've noticed a steady rise in the disappearance of animals all over South Park." Mutt started
Garrison graded homework as he sat behind his desk, stamping 'F' on pretty much everything. He was not concerned with the students, just glad he had a few minutes to himself
"In the past two weeks pets are vanishing without a trace and more and more fliers are being posted." Mutt helds up a handful of "Lost Pet" fliers.
"From dogs, cats, birds, snakes, and just last night Ike lost his hamster. " Mutt continued
"That's terrible! Those poor defenseless animals!" Wendy exclaimed
"Awwh gee Ike lost HIS hamsters too??" Butters asked
"You're hamsters are missing too Butters?" Stan asked
"Yes last night when I came home from school they were gone. I searched the entire house for them and nothing." Butters replied with sadness in his voice. "And I got grounded for loosing them,...what a bunch of bs that is.." Butters groaned
"I know how he feels my guniea pig Stripe is missing too!" Craig added
"You see?! This is turning into an epidemic!" Mutt replied
"It's only a matter of time until all of the pets in South Park are gone! I've already gotten my dad watching Sparky!" Stan said
Back at the Marsh home, Randy was reading the paper while Sparky was at his feet trying to get his attention, Randy ignoring him.
"Yes I suggest to all of you who have pets to keep a close eye on them or they could be one of the missing even FISH are disappearing. If your animals do disappear you can come to either me or Stan and we'll help you the best we can and believe me it's more help you'll get then from the cops or your local superhero..." Mutt added
"I dunno, have you guys asked the Coon about it? I'm sure he'd be glad to help." Cartman lied
"Cartman we know you only give a shit about cats so don't even bother." Stan replied
"I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about the Coon."
"I think Bruce Villanch's busy with a movie right now." Kyle noted
"FUCK YOU KAHL!"
"We are looking to recruit if anyone wants to help we can use all the help we can get or if you want to report a missing animal just come to us. There will be a meeting at my house after school." Mutt finished off before him and Stan take their seats.
"Thanks kids. All right now, let's do some Math problems." Garrison said
"AWWH!" Everyone
As the day progresses Mutt and Stan post fliers of the lost pets inbetween classes and during lunch/recess in hopes to make people more aware. And soon the school day was over.
As soon as the bell rang, Stan was shooting out of the doors, desperate to find a solution to the situation.
Mutt was making his way home as fast as he could before he's stopped by Kenny. (another confrontation eh)
"I just need to know are you showing up tonight or not?!" He asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Maybe I will maybe I won't." Mutt replied as he shrugged
"Guess I'm patrolling alone again then."
"You'll be fine you're use to it. Besides I'll be fighting for justice just like you." Mutt responded
"Right." Kenny wasn't in the mood to argue anymore.
"Look if you want to help which I doubt you know where to go." Mutt replied "I have a meeting to set up." He adds before walking off
"...thanks." Kenny said simply, turning and leaving
Mutt arrives at home seeing Stan had yet to stop by. Mutt decided to make use of the time by cleaning up his rooms and checking on his own pets his Malamute Tobias, the two cats Picasso and Magic, and the bunny known as Cotton. Luckily for him Mutt still had all his animals and was making damn sure it staid that way. As he finishes cleaning up and taking care of his pets he heard a knock on the door.
Mutt rushed downstairs and opens the door to find Stan on his porch. "Hi Stan come on in."
"Hey dude sorry I had to stop at home to make sure Sparky was ok. I couldn't imagine coming home to find him missing....again." Stan greeted
"That's cool I had to check up on my animals too." Mutt replied as Tobias walks up next to him to see who's at the door. "Stan this is my dog Tobias. Not sure if you two met but yeah." Mutt added
"No, I don't think we have." Stan looked down at Tobias and smiled, "Hey there!" Stan greets the dog with a few pats on the head.
Tobias barks back while wagging his tail. His way of saying "hi".
"Man I couldn't imagine coming home to find your dog missing..." Stan replied
"I know right I'm so used to him always being there when I open the door. " Mutt replied "Which is why we need to find out what's happening to everyones' pets."
"Hi is this Mutt's house?" A soft melodic voice is heard as Wendy arrives at the still open front door.
"Hi Wendy yes it this is the place!" Mutt greets
"Oh good I wasn't sure where you lived. I'm here to help with your cause!" Wendy continued
"Good to see you Wendy." Stan smiled, that dreamy smile reserved for Wendy
"Hey Stan!" Wendy gives her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek.
Stan pukes
"Ugh what a mess!" Mutt said
"Awwh what a sweet doggie!" Wendy patting and hugging a tail wagging Tobias. "And you have cats!" She notes the two cats resting in an arm chair.
"Yep we're definetly animal lovers here. If it were up to me we'd have more." Mutt laughed
"Sorry." Stan said, "Yeah dude, Mutt has more animals than anyone I know... except maybe Dr. Mephesto and that cat lady..."
There was another knock
Mutt opens the door. "Hello?"
"Wow, lots of people are coming." Stan smiled
"Hey dude... uhhh, Kenny isn't here is he?" John said quietly
"No he isn't...." Mutt replied "John! You came to help too!"
"Phew. Yeah, and I brought someone..." he turned, "You can come out now, Kenny's not around, it should be okay."
Kelly walked out.
"Kelly....it's been awhile since I've seen you! How have you been?" Mutt greeted
"I've been good." Kelly said, a bit guarded but still rather friendly.
"Yeah, me and Kelly were talking at Tweek Bros. and she was incredulous about the whole animal thing... and we ran into Craig and Butters outside so yeah."
"Well everyone come on in. Watch the dog and two cats. Anything I can get you guys before we settle in and have our meeting?" Mutt asks as he lets his guests into the living room.
As Mutt closes the door a light knocking is heard and he opens it again. "Oh hi Ike come on we're just getting started."
"Babababa"
Ike bounces in and joins the other guests in the living room.
"Do we have any leads?" Wendy asked
"Not any as of yet we don't even have any suspects or motives." Mutt replied. "But I have a feeling that these animals aren't just running away just for the fact that fish are also disappearing and fish can't walk on dry land. Unless they're snakeheads..."
"Wow your buddy Kenny didn't come to help?" Craig asked
"No unfortunetly he doesn't give a shit about animals in fact sometimes I wonder if Cartman is right about him and his family tossing a few lost dogs and cats into a roasting pot..." Mutt grumbled. "But I digress."
Everyone gave each other a rather shocked glance at Mutt's low insult.
"But yeah anyone know of any particular person or group that would benefit from snatching animals?" Mutt asked
"...what about Eric?" Butters asked, "I mean he's always doin' mean stuff"
At that moment there was a knock on the door.
"Um hold on a minute." Mutt said as he opened the door to find a crying soul at his doorstep. Rather shocked to see who the soul was.
"Have you seen Mr. Kitty? When I came home from school he was gone!" The famliar voice of Cartman asked.
Everyone turned to see who it was
"Dude Cartman?? " Mutt said
Cartman walks in rubbing his eyes. "My cat is missing!"
"Wow I guess it isn't Cartman after all...." Stan noted
"Aww it's ok Cartman. Sit right down we're getting to the bottom of this don't you worry." Mutt said as he sat Cartman down in the armchair noting fat ass must have been distraught as he had half a Coon costume on.
"I just want my kitty!" Cartman wailed as a calico cat jumps in his lap. He begins to calm down as he strokes the cat with surprised gentleness. His peers having a rare glance at Cartman being nice to anyone/thing.
"Yeah Picasso will keep you company for a while." Mutt said "Now you see what its like to have your pet go missing."
"Ok so we need new suspects..." Stan commented
"What about those creepy Goth kids?" Craig suggests
"The Goth Kids? What would they do with a bunch of animals?" Wendy asked
"I don't know, maybe sacrifice them to that cult or something?" Craig asked
"Do we even know his name?"
"......ummm no...I remember going to his house though." Mutt replied
"So... we should draw up a list of candidates." Stan took out a piece of paper, "So let's see... the Goths, Cult Leader dude... anyone else?"
"Hey what about the mad scientist on the hill?" Butters asked
"Dr. Mephesto?" John raised an eyebrow, "I don't think-"
"He does experiment on animals, doesn't he?" Craig added
"Yes all the time!" Stan replied
"Add him to the list!" Butters said
Stan added his name
"Put that poor ass Kenny on the list too! I'm just sure he boils poor cats for his supper!" Cartman let out
"Um ok..." Stan adds
"Umm lets not..." Mutt responds "Look I know Kenny his family doesn't cook cats and dogs from the streets."
"Keep it anyway..." Cartman argues
"Moving on anymore suspects?"
"We're not getting very far..." Craig noted
"What about that guy that your aunt bought your evil goldfish from?" Cartman asked Stan
"Oh yeah, that guy!" Stan nodded, writing down 'Weird Pet Shop Owner'
"Well if you guys don't mind I have to meet up with someone..."Cartman looking at his watch. "I'll be sure to keep a look out for the lost animals and thank you for letting me borrow your cat. " He began walking towards the door.
"....I have stuff to do too...but I'll keep in touch. " Butters said as he followed Cartman it almost seemed like a calling.
"...am I the only one who finds that suspicious?" Craig said after they left
"Poor Myserion stuck with those idiots on the street." Stan noted
"Spiderman!" Ike said suddenly for seemingly no reason
At the mention of Mysterion's name Mutt tensed up a bit still thinking how much of a jerk he was. Sure when it came to people Mysterion was more then willing to fight for their cause but if it was a dog who needed help he didn't give a shit.
On the other hand Mutt wondered if Mysterion needed his sidekick. He glanced at the time and feeling a pang of guilt after all he fough so much to be his buddy's sidekick and now that he had it he was acting like an asshole. For a moment he was deep in thought until he heard a yelp coming from his back yard . With no one watching Tobias had gone out the back door to do his business.
"Tobias?!" Mutt asked his heart racing as him and his crew run to the back to fnd it empty. They could hear whimpering and yelling and the slamming of a car door and the engine as the car drove off.
"My dog's been stolen!" Mutt yells as he comes back inside with an expression of rage and worry.
"We need to call the cops!" Craig exclaimed
"No they won't do shit, if we want to save our animals we have to do it ourselves no cop, no Mysterion's going to help us!" Mutt continued as he began walking upstairs.
"Oh my God!" Kelly said
"But then who else do we have??" Wendy asked
"Me." Mutt simply answered as he goes into his room.
"What the fuck did that even mean?" Craig asked
In a few minutes The Dodger walks out of his room. "Everyone else I'd appreciate it if you informed the authorities that if they don't do something about this I will. Those animals need a hero just as much as any human does."
"Dude you're by yourself!" Stan yelled "You know who will have a problem with that..."
"Fuck him he didn't want to help me in the first place! So I'm on my own." Dodger replied as he walks out the door and in minutes disappears into the night.
Stan looked at John and the others. "Dude he can't be out there by himself, we'll have to alert the other superheroes.."
"Superheroes?" Craig asked
"Yes look we have to go you guys alert the police and call it a night. We'll meet again tomorrow at my place since its the weekend." Stan told them
Almost in a panic like expression Stan runs out the door towards his house
"Well, while it was wonderful seeing you guys, apparently I have to go..." John grumbled a bit, "See you all tomorrow."
"Umm oook ...."Craig said
"See you then." Wendy said, confused by the whole thing.
As his two fellow heroes ran home to don their costume Dodger had already made his way near downtown South Park via rooftop. Scouring the area for any signs of the car that took his dog hostage.
"I knew this wasn't a normal case of animals running off!" Dodger says to himself
Stan quickly snuck into his room, taking off his jacket and putting on his belt and goggles, and with a bit more work completed his transformation. "Toolshed!" he said, activating the drill for a second before hopping out the window. He looked both ways and went into the hallway, "Hey Sparky." he said, smiling and petting his dog, glad to see Sparky was okay. "Don't leave the house, okay boy?"
Sparky licked Stan's face, "Good boy!" Toolshed smiled, "I'll be home soon, I promise." he nodded as he hugged Sparky and hopped out the window.
Dodger continued his search rushing from one roof top to the next. Combing the alleyways and main streets and any corner he could think of to no avail. It was hard searching for one car in entire town and with a car that bastard could have driven anywhere.
John entered his house, yawning as he entered his room and put on his Know-it-all costume, hood down and mask in his pocket, identity fairly public as he went to the kitchen and stopped for a drink of water nonchalantly.
Eventually the search wore Dodger down. He had been moving at rushing running pace and he quickly began to tire he sighed ever so dispaired as he sits on a rooftop in the lone moonlight. Hesitantly he had to give up his search there was no way of finding his dog tonight.
After a few moments, Know-it-all seemed to just sit, "All right, all right." he got up, put his mask on, pulled his hood up and ran out, looking both ways to see Toolshed.
"Dude, there you are! What took you?Dodger's probably half way on the other side of town by now!" Toolshed added
"I doubt it. He never covers much ground without Mysterion leading." KIA said
"I don't know this time he was bolting." Toolshed replied
"...let's just go find him"
Dodger just sat on his rooftop alone , as far as he was concerned, as he stared into the darkness of the night sky. His mind at a standstill lost.
"Hello Dodger." came a voice from behind.
"Oh hi big M." Dodger replied with a tone of sadness not even turning around to see who was behind him, not that it was hard for him to tell who the voice belonged to.
"Something wrong?"
"It's nothing.....least nothing that would matter to you." Dodger sighed believing that Mysterion just wouldn't care.
Mysterion sighed, "Tell me what's wrong"
"My dog was stolen." Dodger replied not even looking back at the great hero.
Kenny's voice came, "What?"
"I just caught Tobias being snatched from my backyard. Before I knew it he was thrown into a car and it sped off." Dodger told him.
"Holy shit!" Kenny said, eyes wide, "I mean, um, holy shit!" Mysterion's voice returned, "He was actually TAKEN?"
"Yes right from his home. Now do you believe me ?" Dodger replied
Mysterion turned, "...you wouldn't lie about this sort of thing..." he said quietly, "But... it's just... kind of unbelievable, you know? Who would be doing this? Why?"
"We don't know we have a list but I didn't even catch what the person looked like it happened so quick. "
"...look Mutt, I'll help but... I need a little time to think about this, you know?"
Dodger just sighed as he pulled out the list him and the others had made of any suspects. Under the dim street light he scans it wondering if the person that drove off with his dog was one they had named.
The names on the list the Goth kids, the Cult Leader, Dr.Mephesto, Kenny(thanks to Cartman), and the guy who owned the Indian Burial Pet Store. Was there somebody missing from their wanted list.
"...why the fuck am I on here?"
"That was Cartman's doing. I told Stan to erase it but he didn't listen." Dodger replied
"...fucking Stan..." Mysterion mumbled, "All right, when do you guys meet next? I'll come."
"Tomorrow we're meeting at Stan's house. I'm not sure how much time we have though." Dodger sighed "Animals are often the victims of cruel, sick crimes."
"Indeed... I'll join you guys tomorrow, promise...do you hear two kids yelling at each other?" Mysterion asked
"Oh yeah probably Toolshed and Know It All." Dodger responded as he glances down from their vantage point to see two figures in the streets.
"Damn it we lost him I knew it!" Toolshed replied. "Mysterion's going to have all three of our hides!"
Suddenly a shadow swooped down, landing in front of them, "I'm not taking anyone's hide, guys."
"Mysterion! Did you see Dodger he went running after his stolen dog. But as he was thrown into a car I doubt it he could catch up with the bastard." Toolshed said
"Oh yeah, Dodger's right up there... I... I don't think I taught him how to swoop down yet, did I?"
"I don't know but it looks like he might attempt it." Toolshed watches as Dodger hesitantly looks back down at them looking as if he were about to follow the actions of his master but instead opts to slide down a drain pipe.
"Clever, Dodger." Mysterion smiled a bit, proud of how his training had molded Dodger.
"So... okay, we're all together now. What now?" Know It All asked
"I don't know I...oh great he found us.." Dodger replied as a larger shadow appeared
"Aha! You found him the eater of lost cats and dogs!" Coon came in closer getting in to Mysterion's face. "GIVE ME BACK MY CAT!!"
"I don't have your cat, fatass!" Mysterion said, "If I wanted to steal animals for my food, I could do a hell of a lot better than an underfed hermaphrodite cat!"
"There he is!" Another voice could be heard as Professor Chaos came into view following the leads of the Coon. "Mysterion I know I'm the bad guy but please don't make a stew out of my minions!" He pleaded
"Professor Chaos, I am not trying to eat anyone's pets. The Coon's just trying to toss the blame on to me when he knows damn well it's impossible for me to be stealing animals"
"Why is it impossible? The theif needs to be stealthy and quick on his feet and know who has a pet and who doesn't..." Coon responded
" Except I don't have a car."
"A....car?" Coon asked
"Tell him, Dodger, Toolshed."
"Yes after you left I caught someone stealing my dog and driving off with him in their car." Dodger replied
Mysterion glared
"So...he drove a truck once!" Coon replied
"With me at the wheel...not exactly full on driving..." Toolshed noted
"Exactly"
"Fine..I'm watching you you poor ass.I know you hate animals and I wouldn't put it pass you to snatch a puppy and throw it in a pot!" Coon continued
"Aww gee Mysterion you wouldn't really roast a puppy would you?" Professor Chaos asked ever the gulliable one.
"Of course not." Mysterion replied, "My family knows where to go if we need meat."
"Yeah the pet store..." Coon let in
"Shut the fuck up you fat piece of shit!"
"You know what? Screw you guys, I'm going home." Mysterion hopped on to a fire escape and quickly climbed away.
"Ugggh Cartman can you stop accusing Kenny of snatching lost animals off the streets for his meat already? I can tell it makes him very upset." Dodger groaned
"How do you know he doesn't ??" Coon asks
"Cause I'm at his house almost everyday of the week never once did I see them cook a puppy or a cat! So fuck off!" Dodger starting to get angry himself after all this was his best friend Cartman was accusing of such a horrible act.
"Yeah dude, lay off him a little. At least he's going to help us now." Toolshed said
"Not if Cartman keeps acting like a douchebag towards him..." Dodger notes
"Fine fine fine! But don't come crying to me when you find your dog on his plate." Coon retorts as he leaves
"I guess I'll go home then too." Professor Chaos leaves
"...douchebags." Know-it-all said
"Well we can't do anything else tonight unfortunetly." Dodger tells them. "We'll have to wait until tomorrow to do anything further."
"Awwh. We'll let's have a good meeting then I guess." Know-it-all said
"Yeah, let's hope we make some more progress."
With little else they can do the heroes depart for the night. Vowing to meet the next day to find whoeever was stealing the neighoborhood pets.
(continuing)
