(AN: Hey everyone. Don't worry, I haven't gone away anywhere. I spent a while on this chapter because... this is a point where the fic will take a 180. If things are getting tense... you haven't seen anything yet.
Thanks for being patient everyone. And because of your patience, I can continue to deliver you these fics.
And deliver to you this chapter...)
The torches leading towards the office of Regina Ferrum lit up almost like magic. Fire crackled and lit up the dark room as Infinite (holding a briefcase), alongside many guards, walked to the office. His face was stoic, the light from the fire only making his expression more threatening.
Fountains then started up as Infinite passed by them. However, he wasn't in the mood for a light show.
Two more guards stood by the door of the office. Upon seeing Infinite, they turned around and opened the door.
Regina's office was now in clear view. Its expensive interior shined with its clean marble flooring and walls as the reflections of the jackal and her highness, Regina Ferrum and her secretary were clear to anyone in the room.
"Regina," Infinite said.
"Ah, Mr. Infinite. So good of you to come," Regina said, holding out her arms as if she was saying hello to an old friend. "Secretary, prepare us some drinks."
"Right away, ma'am," the Secretary nodded, her blonde hair whooshing as she walked to the exit to fetch drinks for the two.
"Come in, come in... sit down. I'm sure we have a LOT to talk about."
Infinite stepped inside as the doors shut behind him. He walked towards the table, pulling up a chair and sitting in front of the dictator.
"So, I did get your fax and I find what you say to be very... interesting," Regina began.
"Indeed. I almost expected you to not believe me," Infinite replied.
"Oh, Mr. Infinite... you're the man who wants to record your television shows near this land. But we're not here to talk about scenarios. It IS about your little television show after all. Namely one of your employees, right?"
Infinite nodded as he brought his briefcase onto the table. Opening it up, he brought out Vector's employee file.
"It's this man right here."
"Ah, this Vector the Crocodile, eh?" She said. "I've heard about him. The people in Mobotropolis really do like sitting in front of an idiot box watching someone steal treasure from other lands for an hour, don't they?"
"It makes the network money and it's what they want, why bother to complain?"
"If they must. But... surely this man isn't as company breaking as you think he is. For that matter, why are you getting a government involved?"
"I talked about it in my fax. You remember? The episode we filmed in the Dragon Kingdom."
"Ah yes, that. You believe there is life there?"
"And you don't believe it?"
"Look Mr. Infinite, I made sure the soldiers committed mass genocide to those fools. Even IF I had to cover it up as best as I could. All governments bought it up not only for that, but the bribes we put on them. Unfortunately, Dragon citizens who live in different parts of the world try to inform everyone else. I can't deal with them all... but perhaps one more Dragon fool wouldn't hurt. Well, tell me. Who is this person?"
"I can't tell you WHO, but what I can say is this. As you know, the episode planned to be filmed there was about a treasure called the Scarab Jewel Ring. Vector told me it was found in a temple around the southeast corner of the kingdom. You might be familiar with it as many other explorers tried to nab the ring for themselves, only to wash ashore on other parts of the world murdered. Can you think of anyone who fits that description?"
"Well, how would I know? I have the blood of nearly every Dragon citizen on my hands, I couldn't possibly remember each and every one of them. Although... now that you mention it, that ring sounds very familiar. Hm... but where have I heard of it?..."
The Secretary came into the room holding a tray with two wine glasses and a bottle of rosé.
"I have your drinks ma'am," she said, putting one glass by each of the two. She poured the wine into the glasses, and just as she did, Regina's eyes widened.
"I think I know it!" She exclaimed.
"Is something wrong, ma'am?" The Secretary said.
"No no, it's not you. It's our conversation with Mr. Infinite here. But no, listen, I think I know who you're talking about!"
"Who?" The jackal asked.
"I believe the ring you mentioned might be owned by the Shinobi line."
"The what? Shinobi? What the hell is this, some kind of ninja movie?"
"It sounds like it, but no, it's not a movie. They're one of the twelve historic families of the Stormtop and Dragon. That scarab was their family's symbol. Now, as for what this means, I can only infer with what you told me in your fax... that there really IS someone still in the kingdom. Judging from how it was about the ring, I can only infer one thing... they are the only remaining member of the Shinobi line and the sole survivor of the genocide. But how? How did they manage to survive such an event? I made sure everyone didn't survive by the end, even going to the kingdom during the process to make it more uninhabitable. How did he slip through the cracks?!"
"I know that you did, you fool. You've kept repeating the same points over and over. All I can say is, this is ruining the company, and I'm sure, will make your situation worse. Vector keeps getting distracted by him! I even believe... there might even be a possibility he was over at his home the other day. I don't have proof... but knowing this situation now..."
"This is problematic, isn't it?"
"Yes. Which is why I'm here today. Tell me; what do we do now? If he brings that savage here, it means time and money away from our company, and as I'm sure you know, a voice to out the things your government has done!"
"This is far more complex than I expected. Very well, how about this? We'll start off by playing a game with him."
"A game?"
"Fu fu fu... you'll know soon... In the meantime, all you can do is send threats to that crocodile. If he can just forget about him, then our problems might be solved... will they not?"
MEANWHILE
"This is Dave & Co Law Office..." The bored voice on the line said. "Your number one pick for immigration lawyers... how can we help you today?..."
"Uh hi there. I wish to speak to a lawyer," Vector said, walking around his room.
"You are speaking to one..."
"Oh... I didn't know they sounded as bored as yeh. I mean, yeh ARE the highest rated immigration-based law firm in the country... Eh, whatever, I ain't here to nitpick-"
"Trust me sir, my mom does it all the time..."
"...anyway... I wish to request service."
"Alright then... for who is this case for?"
"It's for a young man in the Dragon Kingdom. First name Espio, last name is unknown."
"Sir... by all due accounts, I'd like to help you, but you know the Dragon Kingdom has gone pure silent. Now, I'm not sure if this is a prank but if it is, I highly implore you hang up-"
"Listen bub, I ain't makin' shit up, and if anythin', I WILL get mah fr- nah, I meant mah lover over here whether yeh like it or not!"
"O-Okay, okay sir! Please, calm down. I'm just a reasonably stressed lawyer like the rest of us. Now, you said this is a Mr. Espio, correct? Since this man does live in another part of the world, we will need to see the man himself in person before we can bring him up to the court. I'll ask you to bring everything and anything you have on him to my law firm perhaps... next Tuesday?"
"Tuesday?! I can't do that! He needs to be off there now!"
"With all due respects sir, that's the earliest I can do."
Vector sighed as he rubbed his temples. Curse having to call lawyers for ANYTHING...
"Ugh, fine..." The crocodile said, admitting defeat.
"Very well uh okay bye," The man said quickly. No doubt, Vector's anger outburst evoked this reaction from the man on the other line. He hung up as the large green reptile groaned, flopping onto bed.
"Can that wimpy sounding guy even get Espio here with me?"
Although, it was the only way he could legally have the chameleon live with him. Hiring an immigration lawyer would take forever, and it would cost a lot, but he was patient. He knew this was for Espio's own good.
But then there was the case of Mr. Infinite, who seemed to know that Espio was staying over. What could he do? It didn't help that he had been talking about taking a secret out of country visit and wasn't letting anyone else sans the executives know where he was going. He was, strangely enough, also in high spirits too in the days leading up to his trip. Vector could only guess where he was going, but as long as it got him away, it was fine by him.
He rolled over, hand softly touching the pillow. Vector couldn't lie; he was anxious. He had no idea what to expect in the future. All he did know was that the pit in his stomach only grew and grew...
THE NEXT DAY
That morning, Vector made it right on time to Travel & Exploration's HQ, coffee in hand. He felt weirdly in a good mood today, hoping that there would be nothing that would ruin his morning.
He took back that comment as soon as he scanned his ID card into the main entrance and saw the executives standing by the elevators.
"Oh, yeh all," Vector said. "Where's Mr. Infinite?"
"Mr. Infinite is set to come back later this morning from his out of country visit. But perhaps we're not too concerned about the CEO. We're concerned about YOU, Vector," Ms. Uma said.
"We've been doing some thinking since our talk at your home, Vector," Ixis said. "Don't think we don't know about your special relationship, or the fact that we know that man was at your home."
Vector froze. His palms began to sweat as it felt like he was going to drop his coffee.
"W-what? What in the holy mother of ass are ya talkin' 'bout?!" He retorted.
"There's no fun euphemisms here, Vector," Geoffrey said. "We believe you're abandoning your work and your future career being around that man."
"What? Ya think I'm wastin' mah time bein' 'round him?!" Vector flailed his arms in anger. "Just cause I'm his friend doesn't mean shit!"
"It means shit when every second of every day you want to spend on that awful kingdom, talking with someone who was meant to die."
"How... how DARE YA SAY THAT YOU BASTARD!"
Now Vector was growling, his hands being balled into fists.
"Don't you think about touching us, Vector. If you do, wanna know what'll happen to your livelihood? The same livelihood you also threaten the more you hang around that man?" Coconuts taunted, holding Vector's contract and then taking out a lighter, turning it on.
"Ya wouldn't even dare..." Vector said.
"Oh, I would. You know what to do so my sweet, poor little hand doesn't move this lighter up and burn the whole thing do."
"Over one person?!"
"And what? What is that man to you anyway? Is he your boyfriend or something?!"
"I-…"
Vector stopped himself. Surely, he couldn't just tell.
"Face it, Vector. Accept the truth that you have to forget about that man and accept the reality that this is still your job, and that outside sources will NOT be tolerated. You WILL stay silent, otherwise you can say goodbye to your status as living as the 1%," Ixis said. Vector preferred anything if it meant being with Espio.
But, as his old ex always told him: Tell people what they want to hear.
"F-fine... I'll stop."
Coconuts put out the flame and placed the lighter back into his pocket.
"Good. I'm glad we've come to an agreement," He said. The executives walked off as Vector balled up his fists, shaking in anger.
"Hi there, Vector," An employee said, walking up to him. "I figured we could use some of this material for next week- Um... are you okay?"
"Leave me the hell alone, Mindy," The crocodile murmured, walking away. The fox turned her head.
"Jeez, what's his problem today?"
Vector punched one of the mirrors in the bathroom. Glass shards fell everywhere and stabbed into his hand, but he didn't care. The pain he felt meant nothing compared towards the anger he harbored towards those executives and mainly, Mr. Infinite.
"Damn them... damn them, damn them, damn them!"" Vector yelled, wanting to punch his fist into the mirror more and more. "How DARE they try to control me because it makes them money..."
In the ruins of the damaged mirror, Vector looked up and saw his broken reflection. The reflection, who he hadn't seen like this since before he and Espio began their relationship, spoke.
"You were like this too. You just cared about the money. And now you reprimand them for wanting money?" It said.
"I may be a huge ass hypocrite sayin' that but everything that has to do with Espio showed me not everything in life is money, livin' fancy and bein' narcissistic as hell... It's almost like... like when I started treasure hunting..."
"Continue to believe your hypocrisy. Face it: you exist to make this company money. Not to be your own free person."
"Who the hell are ya, a literal ghost reflection, to tell me how the hell you control mah life!"
Vector, while still in pain, turned on the faucet, washed his bleeding hand under the cool water, and splashed himself with it. Looking up, the evil reflection was gone.
"God this hurts..." He muttered, holding his hand.
THE NEXT DAY
After wrapping up his hand after the incident yesterday, Vector had been wondering what he should do from here. After all, it wouldn't be long before Infinite would try something funny with Espio as a way to "forget about him".
"Bullshit. That ain't workin'!" Vector said. "I really need to call up Rotor quick and warn Espio!"
Finding his pager, the large green reptile was able to send a message to the walrus. Soon, it was time that he headed out. Grabbing his coat, he made his way to his car.
...only to find a sight.
The tires were slashed, and the front mirror was broken.
On the dashboard was a note that said one word: "NO".
"Who... who the FUCK did this?!" Vector fumed in anger. He examined each and every tire. All were slashed.
Next was the mirror and the note... No doubt, he knew who was responsible.
"Now... now they wanna stop me period! I said it before, I say it again! YA WON'T STOP ME!"
"Hey! Keep it down!" One of the neighbors yelled.
Vector wanted to tell them to go fuck themselves but wasn't in the mood to pick a fight. He went back inside, and paged Rotor once again.
"Rotor, it's Vector again. Hey listen... can ya pick me up at mah house? There's an emergency..."
"Wait, so you ACTUALLY believe that your executives are out to get you and your new boyfriend's blood?" Rotor asked as the jet took off from his street. Vector could watch as the neighbor who told him to keep it down looked like he was about to melt.
"Well, yeah. How else are they gonna threaten with burnin' mah contract, smash mah window, and slash mah tires? All while under mah nose?"
"Man, I hate to say it, but I think it might be time to start packing up and finding another network."
"I wish I could, Rotz! I REALLY wish I could! But it seems like I'm bound to Infinite's chains like a damn slave..."
"That's why you need to fight back. You need to announce your resignation from the company."
"And what? Have them mark me fer death because I practically destroyed the company by ending the thing that made them the most money?"
"And what? You're just defending them?!"
"I ain't! I just... it ain't as easy as blockin' someone on social media... Damn, those Travel & Exploration people are like the damn mafia..."
"Not all television networks are like that, but I can tell that one is built on corruption scandal on top of corruption scandal."
"Pff, tell me 'bout it. I think everyone there is either oblivious to the fact, or they dun wanna admit it to themselves."
"Well either way, Vector... I feel like something bad is going to happen with those guys... I dunno... it might just be my gut feeling, but I don't like how they're going to the extremes with this. I mean, how far could they possibly go?"
"Let's hope it's not far enough."
After the usual jet ride and usual cockpit eject, Vector found himself in the Dragon Kingdom once again. While he was nervous that anyone or anything could be here, his heart fluttered knowing that Espio would be here, and any and all anxieties he had would wash away.
It still was hard to believe that he had someone close to him that he could call, "his boyfriend". Espio went through so much awful stuff in the past few months in his life that he knew he was the best thing to ever come out of all the destruction and death.
But as he continued walking along the familiar paths, something ate him before. He recalled it, the note!
"And I remember Espio's story too, the Stormtop people bein' crazy and genocidal. And that note..."
Vector fished in his pockets but couldn't find it. He swore he recalled it.
"How did it go? Somethin' somethin'... greatest mass extinction or somethin'… Eh, I'm sure I'll remember it once I see him."
Sure enough, the crocodile found the chameleon sitting cross legged on the floor, wiping what appeared to be some kind of instrument. Espio smiled when he noticed Vector, ran up to him, and hugged him.
He really had to remember that he and the fuchsia reptile were affectionate...
Kissing and rubbing his forehead, Vector looked down. "Hey there, Esp. Just came by to make sure ya were okay. What's goin' down?"
He saw Espio run back quickly to get the notebook. Vector smiled, not used to seeing Espio this excited period. It warmed his heart knowing that although he knew the chameleon's trauma and pain wouldn't go away with a relationship, he could at least bring him a glimmer of hope and one more smile onto the world.
Espio came back with the notebook and wrote away. "I found an instrument in my sister's room that the Stormtop people didn't destroy! It feels so special to know I at least have one remaining memento of her."
"Wow, really? Could I see?"
The chameleon took the crocodile's hand as he led him over to the instrument. He could see it was some kind of wind instrument, but one he didn't recognize.
"What's that?" Vector asked.
"A horse shoe ocarina. My sister began playing around the time of... the incident. Perhaps I should learn to play this in her honor..."
"Ya should, babe. Not only will I think yer gonna be good no matter what, but I like to think she's lookin' down on you from heaven and smilin'."
"As much as I'd love to believe so... you know how my feelings are about that. I don't think she's forever stuck in the sky, but... with me regardless of my knowledge of it."
What he said was more beautiful than Vector could ever put it.
"Maybe I can try to find ya some tips online, or or... maybe I could enroll ya in a school back home!"
"I... No."
"Huh? Why not?"
"While I'm very comfortable with you, Vector... I don't think I'm ready for the world outside of your home."
"I... I see... Sorry."
"No need to apologize."
There was a silence from the two until Espio wrote once again.
"You know, you said you were here to check on me. As if... something happened. Did it?"
Vector bit his lip. He didn't want his problems to be Espio's.
…but it DID involve him no matter what.
And so, the crocodile recounted everything to the chameleon. Everything from the threat from the executives, the vandalized car, and the suspicion of being followed. Espio nodded through each word.
"This sounds severe. However, what does this mean for me?"
"This is gonna sound a lil' crazy, Espio... but what if they're after yer blood too?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like, if they try to get someone to kill you. What are you going to do about it?"
"Return the favor. I will not be taken advantage of or outsmarted."
"B-But Espio!"
"Do not but me. I will be fine... my love. Is that how you are supposed to say it?"
Vector snorted reading it. "Heh, yeah. It's a good start, man."
"This is my first relationship. Give me a break…"
"Ha ha, ooh I'll give ya a break! I think no one wants to give us a break, especially with that note I found."
While he wanted to shut his mouth, he finally got to the topic that had him the most intrigued.
"Pardon?"
"Right, right! I was gonna mention! Before we had the talk about yer past, Espio, ya mentioned this was all done by Stormtop, right?"
Espio nodded.
"Well, it just so happens that before ya told me, I happened to come across a note. Now, it was really dirty and hard to read, with a lot of the letters missin. But, I think I came up with an idea for what it means. It mentioned something about 'the greatest extinction of all time', and how there was a name that was most definitely Stormtop. Yeah yeah! I remember now completely! It went like, "This is the greatest mass extinction in Mobius' history... then it was like really hard to read. Now that I think back, I know Stormtop was on there, but they mentioned somethin' 'bout a seein' somethin' full... It was cut off but it started with re."
"Then it must have been Stomtop's main desire to see full reunification."
"But how can they do that when everyone here is DEAD?!"
"They don't want peace talks. Naturally, what comes after that?"
"Reunification by force?"
Espio nodded.
"But... but how? They murder everyone here and they clean up and now it's theirs? Look at this place! The cleanup effort seems like it'll take years! And besides, what the hell are they gonna do with not just this place, the graves of yer family, but every single fucking body here!"
"Cremate them."
"Whew boy, then I think this place might just be the next place for a filming site. I can imagine it now: Shitty ghost hunting show tries to prove the paranormal exist here, film dead bodies, and yet their little kid audience loves and defends them makin' terrible jokes 'bout it."
"Sounds like something like that happened in your world."
"Kids will defend anything they love, that's what I've learned. Even mah show too."
"Well, I'll defend you. Both literally and figuratively."
"Aw, yer such a sweetheart, even fer yer first relationship. See! Yer gettin' it now!"
Espio's scales turned a lighter shade of fuschia.
"I dun think I can stay 'round fer too long. I should be gettin' out of here, but I'm glad to see yer doin' okay. Just... dun die on me."
"Same here. I'd be torn if you were killed."
"Touche."
Vector brought in Espio for a close cuddle, the chameleon feeling like nothing in the world could touch either one of them.
What they didn't notice was the man in the Stormtop hat, hiding in the trees with a camera.
"Is that you, Mr... err, Vector?"
"Yeah, that's right. Hey listen, I wanna ask ya a favor. It's 'bout mah client."
"Are you perhaps cancelling-"
"No no, I ain't. Listen, do ya happen to have a cell phone that can receive videos? I need to make a video to Mr. Espio 'bout what I'm doin'. He doesn't know yet that I'm callin' ya 'bout takin' him here."
"And why doesn't he?"
"I uh... haven't bothered to tell him?"
There was silence on the other end of the line. Vector messed with his shirt collar.
"You are aware that's a dumb thing to do, right Mr. Vector?"
The crocodile sighed. "Yeah, it is. Listen, it ain't 'bout that. Just... lemme send mah message to ya and send it to him."
"By all accounts, does he have a cell phone?"
"Uhh..."
Now that he thought about it... did he? Espio mentioned he was allowed to have modern technology, and while there were cell phone towers in the kingdom, the chameleon made no mention of owning a cell phone. Not to mention, he was certain the region had a different network provider.
"I couldn't tell ya man."
"Then I can't do it unless..."
"Ya deliver it in person?"
"Mr. Vector, I'm an immigration lawyer, not an explorer. I know about the rumors of that place, and it's not safe at all!"
"Look, if ya do come across him, just yell Vector, and explain Vector is the reason yer here, okay? Then give him the message and leave. Do ya have anywhere to take a plane or a boat to?"
"Well, a friend of mine does own a helicopter... I suppose I could ask him. Although Mr. Vector... this little request will not come cheap."
"I know, I know. Tell ya what, I'll pay ya triple of what I already owe ya. Do we make that a deal?"
"...fine. Just film your video and send it to me. Once I get it, I'll try to get there as fast as possible. Good night."
"Night."
Vector hung up as he looked around in his bedroom, wondering where he should film. He figured that his office would be the best place to film his message. Getting out of the bedroom, he made his way to his office, sat down at his chair, put his phone on a stand, got his camera application ready, and cleared his throat.
Then, he hit play.
"Hey there, Espio. It's me, Vector. Ya know? Yer boyfriend. Heh heh, just a lil' humor there. Hey, listen... there's somethin' important I need ya to hear. So listen as hard as ya can, okay? I've been talking with the immigration lawyer ya see in front of yeh in regards to lettin' ya live here as a legal citizen. I know, I know what ya said about denyin' my request but... I realized with all the shit goin' down... I dun think the kingdom is safe for yeh anymore. Of course, things aren't safe with me either, but my bosses better get used to the fact that yer gonna be here. Of course, once yer here we'll just be like any couple. Heck, honestly I dun see why they have their panties in a twist. I spend mah free time with yeh, but that's cause yer never around to do... well anythin'!"
Vector paused.
"I'm gettin' off topic again, aren't I? Look, if anythin' does happen, just... please survive. Survive while me and the immigration lawyer and the government gets everythin' taken care of. And trust me, everythin' will be alright. If it isn't... well... at least we tried. At least I tried to take ya out of danger, but... but it won't happen. Because we're both gonna pull through with this, I know it. So Espio, I leave ya with these words. When the time comes, just act. Because before ya know it, we're both gonna be under the same roof."
The crocodile smiled.
"God I love ya so much, ya don't even know. Good night, and sweet dreams, lil' reptile..."
He ended the video there, turned around in his chair, and turned on his computer. Then, plugging in his phone to the computer, he sent the video to his desktop, found the email address of his immigration lawyer, and sent the video to him.
Five minutes later, Mr. Dave responded, telling him that he got the video and that he'll be looking for a date to come over to the kingdom.
The large green reptile grinned. His job here was done for now. Now all Dave had to do was deliver the message to Espio, come back, and let the others take care of official paperwork and having to help them with other documents.
Vector got up from his chair, in a happier mood than ever before. Leaving his office, he made his way to the bedroom, falling onto his bed and taking his small pillow. He pictured what it would be like if it were Espio he was holding onto instead of a pillow. He could picture Espio's soft and silent snores, his chest rising up and down.
"God, I can be a real sap sometimes," Vector thought to himself. He rolled over, grabbed the remote from the nightstand, turned on the TV, and slowly fell asleep to the sounds of a police show.
Days passed by.
Days, turned into weeks, and finally, weeks turned into one month.
One month without a word from Dave.
This had only made Vector more nervous about his situation. On the one-month anniversary since their call, Vector had his cup of coffee, but still wondering when he was to get an answer from Dave.
"M-Maybe Dave just forgot to call me 'bout this and he's doin' everythin' else on the sideline. Y-Yeah... that's it!"
But no matter how many times Vector tried to convince himself that was the case, he knew it wasn't true, because Dave never answered his phone since.
And then, it happened.
One ring from his doorbell and the sound of a speeding car.
"Who the heck is here at this time?" Vector said to himself, putting down his mug of coffee and heading to the front door. He looked through the peephole to find... nothing. Only a yellow envelope sitting by the doormat.
"Should I even open this?"
Vector slowly opened the door, peeked his head out, looked side to side, and crouched down. He sniffed the package, making sure there was nothing like a bomb in it.
"Can't say I smell anythin'…" The crocodile mused. He began to feel around the package. "Nor feel anythin' either. What the heck is this?"
Bringing it inside, Vector went over to the counter and pulled out a pair of scissors. Cutting it opened, he prayed it wasn't some kind of letter bomb regardless of his check. Sure enough it wasn't. All that was in the package was a paper folded in two. Vector opened it, and when he did... there were three polaroid pictures in the paper.
Confused, Vector flipped them around...
And felt his heart stop.
On the pictures was a man, a blue nutria... with various slashes over his body, with one last fatal one on the neck.
"No... this can't be..."
Vector quickly ran to the laptop on his table, opening it up and quickly typing his password. He opened up an online browser and looked up Dave & Co. Law Office. Opening up the official website, he went to the about section.
"ABOUT DAVE NOVICÉ"
Then, Vector saw his picture. A nerdy looking... blue... nutria...
"No... no..." The crocodile said, wanting to collapse. He selected Dave's name and did a search.
He looked at the photos of Dave online, and... the photos... of his death.
They were the same person.
Vector stepped back, crashing into his wall. He felt like passing out as everything became blurry and his body began to tingle. He didn't know what to do. Should he call the police?
"Y-yeah! I'm gonna-"
He stopped...
Would the police believe him that it was the executives that was involved? And for that matter... who's to say Infinite wouldn't bribe them?
"Damn them... damn them to HELL!" Vector crushed the polaroids with his fists, breathing heavily. It was then that he noticed a message written on the back.
"We warned you. Let's keep this our secret so no one can get hurt, okay?"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Vector slammed his fist through the glass panels of the door to his backyard. "Those bastards! Is there no end to how far they can go?!"
The crocodile slumped to the ground, feeling defeated. He knew only one thing he could do:
Confront Infinite himself, and quit.
MEANWHILE
Espio hid in the trees of the Dragon Kingdom, watching the Stormtop soldiers run around in circles.
"Head this way! Sol saw him pass through the trees!" One said as the others followed suite.
"Damn assassins..." The chameleon thought.
Despite running away from certain death, he knew he had to take them all out.
After all, remembering the message the strange lawyer gave him, Vector was waiting for him...
And he wasn't going to let him down.