NEW YORK 

2008

Some Dog Is He

Some Dog Is He

Chapter 1:

You Don't Even "No" Talent

Hi! I'm Jack! I live in the suburban city of Sherrifwood Village in New York City. You might be thinking: "Why is a little puppy talking to me?" Well, I'm here to tell you everything I do in my life.

I live with my owner, Ellie (she's lovely!), in a house two stories high. The architecture and design of this house are stunning examples of modern design. You'll love the spacious living room with large windows that give you a panoramic view of the city. With state-of-the-art appliances and a sleek island counter, the kitchen has everything. The bedrooms are cozy and comfortable, with soft lighting and plush carpets. With marble tiles and jacuzzi bathtubs, the bathrooms are luxurious. There's also a rooftop terrace, a home theater, a gym, and a swimming pool. This house is the perfect place to relax and enjoy life. I also live with my mom and dad (they're dogs, not humans!) Also, I have 6 puppy siblings. They're super special to me, and I don't know what I would do without them. All my siblings have unique talents, so my dad gave them notable names for their abilities, and I will tell you as much as I remember.

Daniel - Mercury (speed)

June - Hygieia (health and exercise)

Suzy - Galene (calm and gentle)

Clark - Fortuna (problem solver)

Mally - Aphrodite (beauty)

Zack - Prometheus (eyesight)

Now you might be thinking, "Why didn't you say your talent?" Now, here's a secret, and make sure not to tell anyone! You see, I don't have a talent. And ever since I was a little pup coming to the real-world after being stuck in the mysterious quantum space of no life, I haven't really knew what I was really made for. It actually makes me pretty sad that I don't have a talent, but I'll show my family!

Chapter 2:

New Rule: Never Bet

It was a quiet night in Sherrifwood. Everyone was sleeping in their houses as dusk started to come. My mom and dad took all of our puppies to bed. Ellie was getting ready for bed too! As we were getting in our kennels, I finally got to ask my parents THE question..."Why don't I have a talent?" My siblings were silent for a second, then my mom finally answered.

"Look here, Jack. You do have a special talent." My mon said gently.

"But I don't even know if it's there! All of my siblings use their talents every day and I'm nothing!" I said back.

"Look, Jack. I didn't have a talent either." my dad said. I was pretty surprised, like, super surprised.

"Everyone doesn't notice their talent in the first place, but if you keep evolving, you find out in no time. Now everyone get to sleep!" Dad said. Ellie came to the living room from upstairs and locked our 

kennels. She uses a special red key with, I think, about three cuts on each side. It also has a Mickey Mouse sticker on the bow (I watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse sometimes on the TV. It's a good show!) It's very important, so she can't lose it. After she locks all the kennels, she puts off the lights and goes upstairs to sleep. 

After everyone sleeps, I wake Suzy. Suzy is very tired after I broke her from her sleep. I think she was dreaming about daffodils dancing in a field of bunnies.

"What happened, bro?" Suzy says wearily.

"Sorry, I woke you from your sleep," I say. "But I need to tell you something."

"Go ahead, man."

"Why don't I have a talent? Is it because I'm not special?"

"No way, Jack!" We then get scared because we almost woke our parents.

"Sorry." Suzy apologizes. "Anyways, it's not because you're not special! Well, you ARE special for a pup. It's just like Dad told you: you must keep moving to find your talent. You might even go on a big journey soon!"

I do trust her. She does have the talent for world peace.

"I know!" I say. "I'll just go outside for a while and come back! That'll show I'm brave! Anyone can be brave, right! That may be my talent!"

"No way! You can't do that! You might get into trouble! What would happen if a car started driving and you got hit!"

Fortunately, I ignored her and ran through the hallway. I went to the doggy door and went to the sidewalk that was right next to the backyard. Then, I pause and wait for a while. Everything is going fine! You might be thinking, "Did you accomplish your mission?" Well, the answer is...NO.

Around 2 minutes, a truck was driving across. I thought it was an ordinary truck driving across, but when I squinted, I found out it wasn't any truck; it was an ANIMAL CONTROL truck!

My mom always told me and my siblings: Never go outside by yourself, or animal control might come. I then calmed down and thought it was just going for another animal. But it then parked at the road close to the sidewalk I was putting my own paws on. A black guy came out with his hat saying, "New York City National Animal Control" came out of the truck. He had a shirt that said "NYC National Animal Control", and he also had a Homer Simpson pin on his shirt (Ellie watches the Simpsons every Sunday!) He had a net and was about to catch me! I ran as fast as I could, but he then caught me with his net! I tried to get out, but then he put me in a metal kennel. He the got into the truck and drove away from the house. My house was now a little dot, and I'm not there anymore. Looks like I have a new talent: being the dumbest dog in NY.

Chapter 3:

Level: Locked

I wake up. Where am I? I finally remember what happened yesterday. I was caught by animal control! I was in a kennel with a blanket under me with a cute little lion in a forest. There was a food bowl, both for water and food for pets, and a bunch of toys. There was also a chain to keep the kennel from falling, and it was loose. I tried to get out of my kennel, but the kennel wouldn't budge. 

Think, Jack thinks. What else can open a kennel without a key? I thought to myself. 

Then I slump and whine (this is how pups cry). I'll never get out of my kennel! Also, I looked around and found out other animals were locked up. Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and even snakes were kept in the gray metal kennels. Then something caught my eye. It was the key lying on a table next to me! What would bring the key up? Then I look at the chain again.

The chain was loose! I held the chain with my teeth and squeezed it into the holes of the kennel door. I let it drag down the floor. Then I swang it on the table. The key was stuck on the end of the chain, so I brought it back up. After I bring it back up, I use the key to jerry-rig the kennel from inside; then I finally escape! After I escaped, I decided to run away until I thought about the other pets. I felt pretty bad for them. I can't let some poor animals stay while I escape! I found the emergency unlock for unlocking all of the kennels. After all the animals escape, we run outside the door after a guy in a red shirt opens it. Now we are all free! But the shelter finally caught us running! The shelter people saw some pets, but the dogs attacked them. All the animals with owners decided to return home because they knew where to go, thanks to the street signs, and they missed their friends. All the animals without owners chose to live at that dump where all the stray animals live. So that left me. But I didn't know the animal control guy had caught me! So I bit him on the hand, which made him wince and drop me. I ran for my life, running throughout the street. I crossed some roads I didn't know and even encountered scary stuff, including one of those inflatable men. Finally, I found a place

where I could rest my tired paws. I went to a sidewalk near a convenience store and rested there. Going around the city is super scary, and I don't think I will get back home. 

Ever!

Chapter 4:

Urban Utters

Alright, here is a summary of what happened:

1. I get locked up in an animal shelter.

2. I unlock myself and the dogs.

3. Half of us go to our owners, the others to the dump.

4. That leaves me.

I sit there, whining about what to do. Then a mouse pops out of a hole in the dirt. I walk toward the hole.

"Hey there pal," says the mouse. "What are you doing here on the street?"

"I'm trying to find my way home," I say.

The mouse thinks. Then he starts talking again. "You might be in luck!"

"Really?" I say confused.

"Yeah! Name's Zachary."

"Jack. Pleased to meet you."

"Come down here so I can give you a tour of my company?"

Zachary tours me down the hole. Then, I see a lot of mice waking everywhere at the bottom of the hole. It's bigger than I thought. Zachary said that it takes up 15/57 of the Bronx. Yep, that's where the convenience store was. The Bronx! Cool! Anyways, he tours me around. He shows me the place where they keep all the maps. Then the mice use the maps to know how much time it takes to get across a space. Then, Zach led me to his station. He shows me a map, and I tell him I live at Sherrifwood. With the help of Zachary's intelligence, by calculating the distance, he says the time to get from the Bronx to Sherrifwood is - 2 hours. That's not that bad, at least when I think about it. 

"Isn't there any other detour?"

"Nope, for now. This is the only way to get to Sherrifwood!"

"But, my family misses me!"

"Don't worry. Besides this can be your chance to show your inner self! It's just close around Riverwood: the place to show and be yourself."

He's right! If I walk down to Sherrifwood by myself, I'll show everyone that's my talent!

I thank Zach for helping me, and he returns the favor by giving me a spare map and a little pouch to put the map in. I tangle the map around my neck. I get out of the hole, as I start my new adventure: getting home!

Chapter 5:

Don't Try this Jump at Home

I was walking in a park as it was still a long way from my home. That's when I found a kitten hanging from a tree. I was pretty worried about her, and I didn't want her to fall, and besides, animal control might be somewhere! So I climbed up the tree when I remembered - dogs can't climb. But since I was only 6 inches from me to the ground, I didn't get injured. So I had to talk to the cat to see if I could help her.

"Hello up there?" I shout.

"Hi!" the kitty replied.

"What are you doing up there?"

"I saw a squirrel and I wanted to get it, but now I'm stuck on this branch. I can't get off!"

I was scared about the kitty. She could be in serious danger! There's only one thing to do: climmb the tree and rescue the kitty!

I climb up the tree and try to get to the city. But I almost tripped from a branch. The bag felll on a bush! Fortunately, my paws were smart enough to notice the danger, so they held onto the branch. I tried to get to the kitty from there, but then I fell from the branch! The good news is, I landed on a baby crib. A mom was next to it holding a baby. I jumped out of it, and the mom and baby were leaving. I got my bag from the bush. The map is in there, so it is super important! "Sorry!" I shouted at the kitty cat. "Don't worry," the kitten said. "I'll just jump from the branch!"  

JUMP?! She can't jump! She might die! But then she does it anyway. I see her pounce from the branch, going through the air like a flying squirrel (I learned that on a nature show.) Then, she lands safely! I was relieved! I run to her and tell her if she's okay. 

"I'm fine!" she says. "Name's Katalin," I asked her if she had an owner. She replies no, but I tell her if she could go on my expedition to find my owner. Then she meows (which I take as a YES!). Then we go on our adventure back to Sherrifwood.

Chapter 6:

The Crew

After saving Katalin from the tree, I felt very proud of myself. Maybe that bravery stuff is my talent. We walk down the street from Apple St. to Carrot Avenue to find my home. On the walk I ask Katalin a question. 

"Katalin?" I ask.

"Yeah?" she says.

"Do...do you have an owner?" I say finally.

"Oh." Katalin replies. "Well, I actually live at this dump near the animal shelter, and most of the dogs actually came back from the animal shelter after being captured by the animal control."

I then remember that a bunch of dogs actually escaped from the animal control to the dump. So I tell her where the dump is. She then says I helped her "regain" her memory for some

reason. Soon, we get to the dump. I am pretty surprised how there are a lot of lost pets. A parrot flies in front of me and Katalin.  

"Rawk! Welcome to the Deadend Car Compactor and Dump! Rawk!" it said. Me and Katalin follow the parrot while he shows us around the place. We see the dogs and cats running around playing with each other. We also see birds flying around and insects decomposing. Then the bird leads us to the car compactor, where no animal should go. Katalin and I run across the dump to the houses where the strays keep their homeland. Then Katalin bumps into three friends: A bird, a grasshopper, and a red squirrel. Then Katalin and the three friends hugged each other. Then Katalin told me this was her crew: the 'Nimals. The blue bird's name is Aura. The grasshopper is Gary. The red squirrel's name is Alex. The grasshopper hopps to me and says, "You're pretty big for a dog like you."

"Thanks!" I say. "How long have you guys been here?"

"We have lived in this dump for around 12 years already."

I tell the 'Nimals about my quest to get back to Sherrifwood to find my owner. So me and the 'Nimals start are quest while I get my bag so we can find our way through the big city.

Chapter 7:

Order in the COURT!

Me and the 'Nimals run down the street looking for Sherrifwood. We have just left the Deadend Car Compactor and Dump as we are on the expedition to get to Sherrifwood. I also told them if I could be a 'Nimal, and they said I have to do only one thing: be brave. But then I reminisce: I don't have a talent. And if I don't have one, I won't be a 'Nimal! But the 'Nimals said just keep trying, and I agreed.

We stopped around a park to take a rest. Then we rested around a tree. This is pretty relaxing. Well it WAS relaxing. That's when we heard a bunch of animals squeaking.

"What's that?" asked Aura.

"Let's go find out." said Gary, as he hopped, and we followed him.

The noise led us to a giant tree, and there was a hole dwelled into it. That when we saw a sign

"The Court Tree". I and the friends were confused, but then we found out that this tree saved the park from being destroyed with a court case from 1976. It turns out that the animals are having a court case themselves! Now, not to be rude and all, but I'm kinda an expert at court cases. I told the friends that there is a court case to be settled, so me and the friends entered the tree where we saw a lot of animals shouting and fighting. The owl on the judge's desk, who was gray and black with a spectacle got his judge hammer (which is called a gavel), slammed in on his wooden desk, and said "Hoo! Order in the court!"

After me and the 'Nimals went through the crowd, I asked one of the court attendees, "What's happening?"

"The court case about invasive species." said the raccoon. "Don't you know?"

"Well, I wasn't invited, so-" I was about to say when he interrupted (rude).

"Never mind about that. A bunch of insects came into this forest and are eating our crops, plants, and the trees. The pest extermnators tried to handle it, but there are too much! So we are doing a court case called Forest Critters v. Insects." 

Then I remembered and thought to myself: Aren't there other invasive species that aren't supposed to be here? (Like I said, I watch a LOT of nature shows.) The owl shushed me and the raccoon's conversation and said, "I know you guys are worried about the invasive problem, so we'll handle it. 'Kay?" She said it in a nice tone, so I agreed with her, but the raccoon was mumbling. Then she brought up the first group: the critters. A duck named Beakly came up to the stage. He was green with a yellow beak and a funny haircut. His ducklings were cheering for him. The littlest one was pretty cute. He came up and read his speech. He began with, "Hello, fellow park lovers. Thank you for being here today. Me and the critters are trying to tell you about the worst harm: invasive species." Everyone is listening.

"Invasive insects are non-native species that have been introduced to our park, either accidentally or intentionally and are causing harm to the native plants and animals. They have no natural predators or competitors here, so they can multiply rapidly and spread widely. They can also carry diseases, damage crops, and disrupt ecosystems. We cannot afford to lose our park to these invaders. We need to act now to save our park. That is why I am asking you to join me in supporting the following actions:

- Report any sightings of invasive insects or signs of infestation to the animal authorities.

- Avoid moving firewood, plants, or soil from outside the park or from infested areas

- Support the park's efforts to monitor invasive insects.

- Participate in volunteer activities to help restore the park's native vegetation and wildlife. This may include planting native trees and flowers, removing invasive plants, or creating a habitat for insects and birds.

If we do this, I'm sure we'll be able to stop this problem. Thank you!"

All the critters were cheering, including the ducklings and mom duck, who came in late, but the insects were booing, which started another fight between the jury. The owl was pretty stressed out, so she hit her gavel on the table AGAIN. The animals stopped fighting, and the hit got their attention.

"Now," she started speaking. "Will the insects come up and read their speech?"

The insects came up to read up their speech:

Together, we can defend our park from humans. Together, we can protect our park's diversity and beauty. Together, we can ensure that our park remains a source of life and happiness for us and our offspring. Thank you for your attention and your solidarity."

The insects were cheering, but the animals were booing, which started another fight AGAIN, and the owl, well, you get the idea. The owl said, "Would the jury like to make their choice?" But everyone was pretty serious about the fighting and the gavel, so they didn't say anything. Even my friends didn't want to say anything. But then, Gary the grasshopper said something to me, and it was going to change the forest FOREVER.

Chapter 8: Tough Truck Luck

"Jack," said Gary. "Why don't you go up there and say your justice?" Remember when I said I was an expert at jury duty? Yeah, I'll take that back. 

"Me, talking to a whole jury?" I said. Then every one of the 'Nimals agreed. So I had no choice but to go up there and tell my justice. But you know the butterfly effect? When one little event can cause a bunch of effects? Well, this is what happened. I just said the phrase, "Your honor. Um, I think I find the insects guilty?" Then one of the insects said they are not guilty, but one of the animals said they are, and then there was a big argument! The owl judge said me and my friends should leave or we'll get hurt. So we started running, and that was the end of the case. But there was a pick-up truck that was passing the park so me and the 'Nimals went on the truck, and it looked like everyone was here. But someone was missing - Alex! "Guys!" Alex shouted as he tried to catch to the truck.

Alex tried to get to the truck, but he wasn't that fast to get there. That's when Aura said, "Guys, I found a rope!" So we got the rope and threw it to Alex, who took a very hard grip on it. But now we were on the road with Alex pulling the rope not to fall, like a boat pulling a water skier. Alex had to move out of the way because of all the cars. That's when the truck was going on the HIGHWAY! Now Alex was floating in the wind like a balloon! So I balanced on the rope to get Alex. I was about to fall, and everyone was scared. Even Gary was crying! But I managed to hang on the rope well, sliding up to Alex. But now the car was going downhill on the highway, and I was sliding down! So Aura found out that the truck was carrying party favors, so she got a bouncy house, and it was fine because the guy got two spares. So Aura tried to inflate the balloon, but she couldn't do it. But for some reason, Katalin dared to inflate the bouncy house, and soon enough, the 'Nimals tied the rope on the bouncy house and we took off in the sky! Some people, or I think everyone, pulled down their windows and saw us in the sky. Alex was climbing up the rope, but he FELL! At least he fell into the water.

We pulled down the bouncy house on the river, and the bouncy house managed to get through the river without popping. We threw the rope to Alex, and soon enough, he got onto the bouncy house without getting killed by the sharp chard rocks. Now, we were floating on the river, and it was starting to rain! So the bouncy house popped but was still floating. Then, there was a big waterfall coming towards us, and we started screaming at the top of our lungs!!! The bouncy house fell into the water, and now we were wet, hungry, and had nowhere to go.

Chapter 9: The Scientists

I woke up from my unconscious and remembered that me and the 'Nimals were floating on the water. I was whimpering because I thought everyone was dead, but it turned out everyone was fine. Nobody was hurt, except Katalin, who had a big scratch, but she managed to not cry hurtfully because she was tough. And I wasn't hurt either! Maybe not being scared is my talent? We were floating on the deflated bouncy house, and there was nowhere here. We managed to land on a rock as the bouncy house got ripped by a rock and flew into the air. We found out that the rock is near shore, so we went on the shore and dried up. We found a big hole in the ground, so we went in there. Aura realized the walls were lined with worms and the little critters living in the hole saw us, so they greeted us. 

"HELLO?!" shouted Gary. "WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?" We told him to be quiet, so he apologised and said, "Sorry. Who are you guys?"

"Who are you speaking to?" said Alex. "They can't talk. They must be doing something important." The critters went back to their work. One of the critters said, "Shhhhhhh! Quiet, please! We're doing our work!" 

"Just what kind of work are you doing?" asked Gary. "Scientist work." said the worm. "We're the American Scientist Organization: ASO." 

"What the heck are scientists?" said Katilin. I told her that scientists research stuff for the world.

"What do you research?" said Katilin.

"Everything!" said all the scientists in the roomful.

"Do you know about the stars, the moon, the water, everything?" said Aura.

"Of course," said a pink worm. "We are not amateurs."

"You must do a lot of traveling," said Alex.

"Some people leave this place to do research." said the worm. "Name's Zory. Let me give you a tour.

All right everyone back to work!" Everyone went back to work, and the worm gave us a tour. She showed us where the research is examined and told us that some scientists leave the place to study the entire world. Then I tell her, how do you do research across the world?

A tiny groan came in. "Tell him, I'm busy!"

"We are all busy!" shouted all of the Scientists. 

"Very well," said Zory. "I'll tell them. There are many ASOs across the nation, so we bring the research across the world by going across the message roads, which help us get to all 48 states." I ask him, "What about Alaska and Hawaii?" It turns out they decode the messages thanks to air megaphones. Very good animal hearers can hear the state message near them, so they can know what is going on. So it turns out ALL 50 STATES have a ASO.

"Our job is to observe and collect data," said Zoro. "We do our job and trust that one day someone will come along who will interpret our information correctly. Besides there are other scientists."

"How many?" I ask.

"About 1 million."

"Are there others in other countries?"

"It's the ASO: The AMERICAN Scientist Organization."

"Oh."

"You can check out the cool stuff deep down there."

"I have to get to Sherrifwood."

"Oh, we can help you with that."

Zoro leads me and my friends to the map area. Zoro then shows us the coordinates from here to Sherrifwood. Turns out we have 17 HOURS to get to Sherrifwood. If it wasn't for that stupid river (sorry about that) We wouldn't be that far from there. But then Zoro had an idea.

She said that if we take a shortcut through the city, we'll get to Sherrifwood in no time. Then she tells us that make sure to always make sure that we should be proud for who we are, and tells us we can change the world if we can. But I tell her that we can't change what the world is: it's good by itself. Then she says OK. Weird, but I guess I can trust that. Now I don't know if this Zoro worm is right, but shortcuts are my key. Me and the 'Nimals get out of the hole and Zoro says good luck. So I say good luck to her too. 

Chapter 10: I Would Trek 500 Miles.

We have been walking for 7 hours straight, along with some sleep, and now we are at Green Point Mountain. 

I and my friends saw a very tall mountain. Aura said, "Let's climb that mountain. Maybe we'll get a view of New York and see how far are we from Riverwood!" I and my friends agreed.

So we've been hiking for like 2 hours and we're barely at the top. That is when me and the friends stopped at a little boat. It was brown and rusty, with wood decaying. I told the 'Nimals that we could use it to get across the pond. So me and the friends got on the canoe and we gently rowed down the stream. Then the boat said, "Is someone sailing me?" Me and the friends were surprised that he could talk, and the boat told us how a little bird told him how to talk to animals (except humans). Then he said we weren't the last visitors for between 40 to 45 years! Me and the animals were sad no one visits this place anymore, so we had a conversation with the canoe.

"Hold on to me," the canoe said.

I replied, "Your wood is falling out!"

The canoe said, "I was made from a tree a long time ago. But they made me at the last minute, because there was a forest fire, and no animals live here anymore. So they had to close down the park."

I whined. It's not fair how no one could use this old canoe. So I said, "We're using you right now."

"Yeah kid, but what's the point? If no one uses me anymore, what can I do to the world?"

"Well, you're nice."

"Well, yeah I guess."

"And you're alive!"

"I was. I am. And I will be."

"I always wondered what happens to wood. Are you dying?"

"I am the beginning and the end."

"What does that mean?"

"When wood dies, it gets decomposed for new life. Like fungi, and raccoons, and even snakes. We make new life possible. We give nutritiens to the decomposers for the trees that create us. But when we've done our work, we are called away. Our decayed bodies create new nutrients for the animals and fungi to survive. Some of them help feed the Leaders."

"The Leaders?"

"They are the leaders of the forest and are the last remaining living things here. I can take you to them if you want."

"Okay. And also we're going on a trip to Riverwood."

"Okay."

The canoe takes us to shore, but then it starts raining. Fortunaley, we land at shore and

we get off the boat. "Please, it's time for me to go." says the canoe.

"But what about you?" I say. "You can't stay here!"

"I'm supposed the disintegrate. I will help give nutrients to all animals, and on and on."

"Bye-bye."

"Bye, uh, who are you?"

"Jack. Gary is the grasshopper, Katilin is the cat, Aura is the bird, and Alex is the squirrel."

"Bye, everybody." 

So when me and my friends were walking to the home of the Leaders, the canoe decayed on the shore. Hope he can help everybody.

We meet the Leaders near a tree.

"Hello?" says Gary.

The three mushrooms look towards us. "Hello," they say.

We tell them about how to get to Riverwood, and they say we're only 5 hours away. Now that's GOOD because I don't want to spend 3 days sleeping on the highway. So me and my friends start our journey. But that's when Gary gets kidnapped by a bird! We try to get it, but the bird goes into a faraway tree! That's when me and my friends know, it's another trip from Riverwood.

Chapter 11: Bird Cafe

We follow the bird into a tree, but that's when we find out that there's a whole bird cafe in here. And it's not just birds. Other forest animals too. Turtles, raccoons, and squirrels, any forest animal you can think of, it's in here.

That's when we find the bird taking Gary upstairs to the tree. So we follow him.

After a long trek up the stairs, we find a whole prison of small little creatures. There were little bugs and leaves everywhere. There was trash in cells too for omnivores. Then we found Gary while walking across the long hallway. Whoever built this was a genius! We tried to unlock his cell, but it was no use. Then Gary told us that in order to open it, you needed a key. So we were walking down the stairs, disappointed, when we heard a waiter talking to a customer. "Hello!' said the waiter. "What would you like at the Forest Cafe?"

"I would like a new dish please."

That is when me and the 'Nimals were surprised. Gary was the new dish! I was whining because now he was going to be eaten! So Aura had an idea. We were going to break in the cafe!

Aura and Alex were going to distract the security guards by putting them on a wild goose chase (For the biggest grasshopper ever escaping. Yes, it's real), while me and Katalin would get the keys and help Gary escape! So after Aura and Alex made the security guards get distracted, me and Katalin went to get the key (which was a jerry-rigged paper clip) and unlock Gary. After we unlocked him, Gary hugged us! But I think he hugged too soon, because by the time we were about to take ourselves to freedom, I was wondering, "We should let the other

ones escape!" I told the friends my idea, and they agreed. We pressed the emergency unlock button, and all the insects praised us because we helped them escape! But by the time we were about to get free, the security guards caught us! That is when we remembered: we only sent the guards guarding GARY'S aisle, not all of the aisles. So we were running for our lives. The guards were chasing us. Aura and Alex found us, so they followed us.

By the time we got to the eatery, the insects and little critters trampled the entire diner! All the animals were escaping! But that is not all. By the time we got out, there was a THUNDERSTORM! The trampling animals ran fast, so we jumped on them, while Aura was holding Gary. I was scared of thunderstorms! When I was with Ellie in a thunderstorm, she would sing me a song to let go of my fears:

Raindrops fall, the sky turns gray,
Thunder rumbles far away,
Lightning flashes, bright and bold,
Nature’s story, fierce and cold.

Winds do howl, the trees do sway,
Puddles form, we splash and play,
Stormy skies, a wild display,
Through the storm, we’ll find our way.

For some reason, after thinking of it, I felt brave. SPLASH! What was that? Water? 

The critters were going through wet puddles, and the insects and critters that could fly turned left towards a...CHASM! The gap was verry big. Katalin jumped off, and Aura carried Alex and Gary. But the instects were starting to fly. I was slipping off, but I gripped very hard to the insects. However, they were flying upward, causing me to fall through the chasm! My friends were worried and wanted to see if I was okay. But I fell far and far down...into a rushing river.

Chapter 12: The Wild Ride

In my honest opinion, this is much better than other rushing rivers in storms. I watched as thunder started striking far and far. I thought it was going to be fine-until lighting ACTUALLY struck A TREE. It sliced it in half like a lumberjack would do. The top half fell, so I grabbed onto it. I saw remains of wood that looked like...the canoe! The river must be connected to Green Point Mountain. The water was rushing very, very, very hard. Though I couldn't see the shore well, I did see my friends on the top of the cliff running to me shouting, "Jack! Jack, wait up!" 

The water was getting deeper and deeper, and the river was getting wider. The log was picking up speed, bouncing and bucking wildly. I struggled mightily to hold on to hold on to the log. It crashed through rocks, as the water started getting violent.

I got dunked into the water, but came back up. But there was another problem. The security guards were catching me for hostage. I had to grip harder and harder. However, there was a pretty small typhoon in the river. If you are a human, and were standing on it, I bet you would only break a bone in your foot, I guess. However, in a pet's perspective, it is VERY harmful. The little "typhoon" struck me and some of the security guards, and I went flying down.

Chapter 13: The Lost Scientist

I wake up.

Where am I?

I soon find out I am in a deep hole. I walk out of it. I look left and right. The water is gone for some reason. I wondered, Where are my friends? I looked everywhere, and called all their names, but they didn't come. I started whining. What if they are...dead?

Then, a little voice says, "Hey, could you quiet down? I can't work."

I looked in the dirt. It was a little worm. I told him, "Who are you?"

He then said, "I'm a Scientist, duh? Ugh, my name is Michael."

I then tell him, "Is there any chance you work for the ASO?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

I was then glad. He could tell me how to get home! But before that, I told him, "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in an ASO facility?"

"I should! But I kept making wrong predictions about everything. Then, I said that insects should live in forests because I think they are cool. But that created a very heated argument!" Oh, HE caused the court case!

I tell him, "So are you fired?"

"Unfortunately, yes... I had to leave ASO so then I couldn't cause trouble. But the main reason is because I keep making one prediction that nobody trusts: that a worm named Zory is trying to end the world."

"I know her. She gave us a tour!"

"Well, she is evil. You see, there is this thing called The Righter."

"The Righter?"

Then, he tells me a predicted story.

Chapter 14: The Righter

Once upon a time, there was a worm named Zory. Zory found a magical object called the Righter, 

which could predict the future perfectly. At first, Zory used it to help her friends in the garden. But soon, she wanted more power.

Zory started using the Righter to control the garden. She scared the birds away and took food from the ants. The garden creatures were afraid of her.

But the more Zory used the Righter for herself, the weaker she became. The garden creatures noticed and decided to work together. They took the Righter away from Zory, and her powers disappeared.

They kept it inside a deep chamber inside, but Zory was smart enough to break inside the room. SHe now secretly predicts and creates magical disastrous prediction as revenge, and if anyone needs help, if you give her your information, she will bring bad luck to you AND your friends.

I can't believe this. It's MY fault all of this happened. Now all my friends are gone and there is nothing I can do. But the lost scientist had an idea. He told me to get my friends just so then he could

help us get safe. Then, we must go back to the ASO where Zory is, and we must share the prediction and save the world before it's too late.

I tell Michael to get to the New York ASO near Green Point Mountain, and go undercover. I also tell him don't tell the prediction UNTIL me and my friends get there. By the time it's time to go, he tells me there is a 89% chance my friends are in New York City. I tell him to get to the ASO while I get to the Big Apple City, and soon enough, it's time for my solo adventure to begin.

Chapter 15: The Forest

As I trotted along through the forest, I saw the flowers and chased butterflies. Then I got a little lost, so I try to solve the problem by sniffing my way out. Woah, that was...pretty cool, right? Then I could feel a little breeze coming frooom...the west! The distant scents ride the wind towards me. Is the scent of smell my talent? I think so! I could smell butterflies. I didn't even know butterflies had a scent! I could use my nose to know how far I am from them. Then my nose starting sniffing...food! No, wait, they are just roses. So, it looks like sniffing isn't my talent. But it's still cool! My nose led the way, guiding me through the forest. I could smell the fresh pine trees, the earthy scent of the soil, and the sweet aroma of wildflowers. Every sniff brought a new discovery, and I felt like a true explorer. Then I end up walking into a den. 

"Who is that?" says a deep voice.

"Um, I am Jack." I introduce. "Am I in your den?"

"Keep your voice down by the way. You'll wake my brothers. And trust me, they are vicious."

"Are you, a bear?"

The bear comes out of the shadows, and he actually looks pretty nice.

"You-you aren't afraid of me? Wow..." he said in a nice tone. "Everyone has always been afraid of me: birds, squirrels, small insects, humans with hair, humans without hair, big bear, little bear. Everyone. Except you."

"I don't hate you! Name's Jack."

"Hi Jack. I am Jasper."

"Nice to me-" CRASH! A bunch of animal bones fell down. "Oops..."

Two bears started running out of the cave. These cubs were big and strong, with thick, shaggy fur and sharp claws. Their eyes were wide and wild, and they sniffed the air hungrily, searching for food. The first cub had a dark brown coat and a fierce look on its face. It growled softly, showing its sharp teeth. The second 

cub was slightly smaller but just as intimidating, with a lighter brown fur and a determined expression. Both cubs looked like they hadn’t eaten in a while, and their stomachs growled loudly.

"Run." said Jasper.

"What?" I questioned.

"Run, now!" He picked me with his jaw and we ran through the forest, with the bears chasing us.

We have been running for five minutes, it looks like it is 12am, and we end up on the edge of the road. We hear police sirens coming from the distance. The bear cubs come up to us, ready to eat me. A truck comes up to us. There is a green blanket on the back trunk. Jasper carries me and we jump on the trunk. The bear cubs went in front of the truck and try to stop the truck to have a

a moment to chop me up into their early breakfast. The truck swirves left, causing me to almost fall. The bear cubs ran back into the forest, disappointed. But then came another problem: sometimes, me, my family, and Ellie will watch a show about cops trying to catch criminals. The chased cars would turn hard on the left and right, and the truck ride felt like it was doing the same thing. The police are chasing the truck. And there was another simplified answer because there was a big dang gold brick covered under the blanket. 

We zoomed past tall trees, busy critters, and lots of stars. The truck then veered off the road and headed back into the forest. Trees whizzed by as we raced through the woods. Suddenly, I saw a big chasm ahead. My heart pounded as the truck sped towards it. With a mighty leap, the truck soared over the chasm and landed safely on the other side. It was the most thrilling moment of my life!

But then, the truck lost control and crashed into a tree. The impact was strong, and we were all shaken up. I then heard the driver say, "Dang it! If I get one more ticket, I'll be driving a golf cart!" The driver quickly jumped out of the truck and started running away from the police. He shouted, "You'll never catch me, po-po!" Jasper and I watched as the police chased after the driver.

Chapter 16: Compulsive Lovers

"That. Was. AWESOME!" I shout so loud, an animal could hear.

"Shush, you idiot." he says.

"Sorry, whoever you are." I apologize. "Welp, time to get to the city."

"Um, I think you meant the DEN." said Jasper.

I say with a nervous chuckle. "Um, no, we are going to the CITY. I have to find my 'Nimals."

"'Nimals?"

"Um, they are, my friend group!" Okay, I lied a little, but we still have to save the world!

"We're so far away from the city. Let's go sleep somewhere. We've been driving for hours!" Jasper recommends.

"It hasn't been hours."

"In bear time it has! Don't you convert all time in order to be reminded of how short and precious life is?"

"No, that's weird."

"Ugh. Anyways,  why don't you just show yourself to these critters! They might help you find your way to your destination!"

"But they are sleeping!"

"Ah, but there are also nocturnal animals."

"But nocturnal animals have work to do. We all have work to do! We eat, sleep, move, all part of life!"

"Does your family work?"

"Well, my owner does work as a veterinarian, so I guess that counts."

"What is a ve-tari-no-ruan?"

"They give help to animals that might need help, and also give check-ups to see how they are doing."

"How come I don't have one?"

"Listen, I would love to play 20 Questions, but I have to go."

I walk into the forest until Jasper tells me, "What's 20 Questions?"

I turn towards to him. "Listen. There is like, 24 hours until the world gets destroyed, so I have to go."

"Wait. The world is going to explode!?" exclaims Japser.

"It won't...hopefully. A worm named Zory is using an ancient artifact called The Righter, and it can make precise predictions. If me and my friends don't stop her...the world will get destroyed."

"Who needs friends when you can join forces with humans?"

Bad idea. All humans are potential hazards--that's what they taught us in school. Rugrats, braggy teens, compulsive lovers. 

"They all want to distract me from Ellie, my owner. She needs me."

I leave, until Jasper picks me up.

"What are you doing?"

"Helping you."

I smile as me and Jasper run to the exit of the forest, and into the city.

Chapter 17: The City

After a long, long, LOOOONG trip to the city, we made it! The buildings were gray and white, reaching up to the clouds. We saw a poster to promote the new WALL•E movie on a building. We saw people of different cultures walking up and down the street. American, African, French, Japanese, Columbian (which is Ellie's race), and more I can't even name.

And things got even better. Jasper was about to crush on a grasshopper, when I found out it was Gary! He and the 'Nimals came to welcome me. I also introduced them to Jasper. It turns out that the reason they were in the city was because the river reached to a park IN the city. So win, win for us!

"It's nice to say hi to everyone, but we don't have time!" I say.

"Why is that?" says Aura.