A Cheesy Disappearance

The sun was barely peeking over the skyscrapers of New Mouse City when Geronimo Stilton, a well-dressed mouse with a smart green jacket and sharp glasses, strolled through the bustling market square. Vendors hawked their wares, and the tantalizing aroma of fresh cheese filled the air.

"Geronimo! Over here!" shouted Thea, his sister, who was inspecting a cheese stall. 

"Thea, what's the rush?" Geronimo asked, adjusting his glasses.

"The giant cheese statue—it’s gone!" she exclaimed.

"Gone?" Geronimo's whiskers twitched. "Who would dare take it?"

"That’s what we need to find out," Thea replied.

Their hearts raced as they decided to solve the mystery of the missing cheese statue.

The Cheese Chronicles Begin

Geronimo and Thea made their way through the thronging market, their minds buzzing with questions. Suddenly, they bumped into Bruce Hyena, an old acquaintance known for his bold antics and contagious laughter. Bruce, an anthropomorphic grey hyena in his 30s, stood tall with a scar on his left ear, sporting a vibrant red bandana.

"Bruce, did you hear about the cheese statue?" Thea asked urgently.

Bruce's eyes widened. "I was near it just moments before it vanished! I even took a photo!"

"Can we see it?" Geronimo asked.

Bruce nodded, pulling out his phone. The photo showed the statue, but with an eerie shadow lurking behind it.

"That's our first clue," Thea whispered.