Chapter 16: Quiet Disappearances

12 December

The sun hung lazily over Devil's Side, casting golden streaks across the streets as the world moved on — blind and buzzing. But he wasn't watching from rooftops today.

Not as Bunnyman.

Just as himself.

Wearing a simple hoodie, a bag slung over his shoulder, he blended in — just another tired face in a crowded city. He hadn't patrolled since early morning, and even then, there were no leads.

No sign of Lady Tape either.

With no leads and no allies, he had to rely on something else: instincts. And his instincts told him to start at home.

Later that evening, he sat at the dining table, watching his sister scribble in her notebook. The light flickered slightly above.

"You good at school?" he asked, tossing an apple her way.

She caught it without looking. "Top five, obviously."

He smiled. "You ever notice anyone not showing up lately?"

She blinked, confused. "Like who?"

"Anyone in your class — or nearby — who just… stopped coming. No goodbye. No explanation."

She set her pen down. "There was a girl in my chemistry lab. First row. Gone since last week. No one's saying anything."

"What's her name?"

"Uh… I think Emily? Yeah. And before that, someone from our history section. Nolan. It's weird. Everyone acts like they never existed."

He leaned back, eyes narrowing. "Do your teachers mention them at all?"

"Nope. I even asked once. Got told to 'focus on the present.' That was the end of that conversation."

His jaw tightened. "Anyone else?"

She hesitated. "Probably. Honestly, it's like... people are scared to talk. Like they're being watched."

That night, he stood at a cracked window, hands in his pockets. Outside, the city lit up in warm hues and cold lies.

He didn't know what game Mr. Crow was playing. But kids were disappearing — and someone had rewired the entire school to stay silent.

No one's screaming. No headlines. No panic.

Just silence.

And silence, in this city, always meant someone powerful was behind it.