"Charmy? Charmy, we can't keep playing this game."
Once again, Espio was on the trail of the little bee toddler who went scram, again. When would he learn? They had been in the middle of the Mobius Forest when this happened. Vector had offered to come along, as a guardian perhaps, but Espio refused. There fore, he could take care of himself. Since when would he need help from the big klutz? Either way, he was going to find Charmy on his own…
All seemed quite…
*Snap*
"Charmy?" Espio turned to some large bushes, watching closely with golden eyes. He remained silent to listen…
He frowned, getting impatient, "Unless you come out young man, we are not-!"
*BANG*
"Shit!" Espio yelped as a dart landed inches from his neck, flying past him. He dashed off in the same direction, changing into invisibility. He forgot about them, the poachers and they were always after talking creatures. He ran faster and faster, over roots and through bushes and branches, not really taking noticed of something rustling beside him on the run.
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
Three more darts had missed within inches of his leg, but he screamed in pain, coming out of his non-existing shield and landed hard to the forest grass-carpet, getting a mouthful of mud. Soon enough, he felt something grab his shoulder and struggled to get away, but his mouth got covered and he suddenly got lifted off the ground.
*BANG* *BANG*
Two more darts had nearly pricked his head if he had remained there much longer. Espio didn't know why he did it but on basic instinct his arms flew around the figure's neck. A sudden load roar filled the trees, shaking everything. Espio cringed and glanced quickly at his… savior…
A familiar green reptile glared with bright-fire orange eyes at the intruding poachers, determined to get their purple lizard.
"Vector?"
Vector just grinned and then sent out another load roar, blowing back the poachers and the ninja-chameleon cringed again at the ear-breaking noise.
"You heard me, buddies!" smirked the crocodile, "You've made a big mistake of going after the wrong lizard!"
After a few minutes as the men left and the woods became finally silent again, Vector leapt down from the tree trunk and waited till Espio finally released his tight grip and landed perfectly on his feet.
"You okay, little buddy?"
Espio turned to him, "I told you, I can take care of myself."
Vector frowned, "You just nearly got shot at a few minutes ago, you can't always depend on yourself, you were going to need my help sooner or later, I just had the thought about it. And besides, I already found Charmy before I had to come to your aid."
Espio thought about it, maybe he had been wrong? Vector was always looking out for his teammates and he felt rather silly about being… helped like that. Getting on one knee, he murmured, "I guess I should thank you, Vector. In any way I can should gratitude…"
"No need for that, Espio…" Vector placed a large hand on the chameleon's shoulder, "I don't need any sort of payment in return, I just like being there for my team mates."
"Right…" he nodded.
Vector looked up, "Now I suggest we get back before Charmy wrecks up the office again."
Espio laughed a little, "Got it."