Time to confront the super thief and put Chase's training to the test.

With surprises for both sides.

" So what's the story here Player ?" asked Carmen Sandiego.

The young woman was in a plane, accompanied by Zack, Ivy and Shadowsan. She was aware that Devineaux got out of the hospital, with a certain relief. No one has to be hurt because of her. Plus … she got to admit that she liked to deal with him. Most of the policemen chasing after her only kept silent, or throw insults if not growls. But Chase … he dared to respond to her and it was sarcastic, otherwise fun. He was also one of rare, if not the only one, able to keep up with her. Carmen enjoyed their pursuits, even if it more or less always ended bad for the poor inspector. This feeling when winning over him, of outsmarting, outrunning him flattered her ego. Aaand he was quite handsome to top it all. For all those reasons, Sandiego was always happy when seeing him coming during a heist.

Will he be there too, she wondered while Player was explaining their new caper. They were heading to Spain, where tracks of a huge treasure lost with the ship of Ponce de Leon were discovered. Carmen was heading to a museum supposed to exhibit the logbook of a sailor who navigated with the Conquistador, containing clues about this case. VILE would certainly be at the rendezvous as well. Once the explanations finished, the team offered themselves a bit of relaxation. Carmen stretched a bit, looking at Ivy and Zack beginning some karaoke. She was studying plans of the museum on her computer, without forgetting to check on Shadowsan's patience.

A while later, the plane landed in Spain. The team joined their hotel. Carmen went outside with Shadowsan to visit the place she'll rob during the night. They entered without problem. Sandiego's eyes glowed. All this history, this culture, she'd just love to immerge in it. She followed her former teacher to the room where this famous logbook was exhibited.

" There you are, Carmen Sandiego." thought Chase.

The man got wind like almost everybody of the discover. He knew she'd come, and here she was. Not only that, but with the very man present during his abduction. So she really was responsible for this. He gritted his teeth. She'll pay … he'll make her pay with his own hands. But first, he had to get closer to have a way to retrieve her no matter what. So he approached, hiding among the visitors, and staring from time so she wouldn't feel his insisting glare. He paid attention to showcases that could reflect him. There. He was close enough to catch her scent.

" Oh ? She smells really good. I didn't expect that." he thought, a bit surprised.

That was a delicate scent, sweet and sugary. Anyway, now she wouldn't be able to escape.

" I feel like I'm being watched." wondered Carmen.

Now, who could it be ? VILE or … Devineaux maybe ? Carmen glanced at the showcases around. No familiar faces. She picked up her pocket mirror. No … nothing here too. Exchanging a look with Shadowsan she understood that he shared her feeling. Time to leave then. Hid by someone taller than him, Devineaux looked at her exiting. Now, he'll be sure to welcome her tonight.

" Who do you think detected us ?" asked Carmen, once outside.

" No idea, but he or she was well hidden. Not sure a VILE operative is able to do the same without me to spot it too. I noticed it just a while before it disappear." replied the Japanese.

" Hmmm … don't think it was our French inspector as well. He isn't the sneaking type. ACME perhaps ?"

She'll have to be quite careful tonight, whoever was spying on them. Chase exited the museum as well. He watched her getting away. The man also memorized the scent of the one accompanying her. A question raised in his mind : why abducted him and ask about Sandiego, if he was her accomplice now ? Curious. Devineaux learnt (finally, at last ?) to pay more attention to facts. Oh well, he'll have all the time in the world to discover it once he got her. So he left on his way. Waiting for the night put his patience to the test, however. He couldn't wait to measure up to her again. To see her face when she'll understand how much he changed. He had to be careful to not hysterically laugh when imagining it. Now wasn't the time to be interned. Chase watched with a growing impatience the night arriving. Time. To. MOVE.

Carmen went back to the museum. Player was hacking the cameras, so the same image would be seen : nothing suspicious. She arrived in the courtyard. The young woman walked carefully, when she heard a faint sound. She plunged in a bush. A tall and large silhouette straightened. The newcomer didn't move for a brief instant. Then, Carmen saw it racing straight to her. She had no other choice but to get out : her opponent noticed her, no mistaking about it. But how did he notice her ?

" Haha ! Found you Crimson Ghost !"

Carmen had a smile she tried to hold.

" Inspector Devineaux. It's been a while." she greeted.

" Oh you don't say. And you won't escape me this time." he replied.

He attacked first. Carmen blocked.

" Oh crap ! Looks like he learnt to fight. This will be harder than usual."

Chase was also faster. Carmen wasn't so confident now. While fighting, she noticed a silhouette climbing a wall. Damn. VILE was here. She had to end this.

" As much as I'd like to play with you, Devineaux, I'm quite busy." she said.

" Oh already ? What is it, age is reaching you perhaps ?" he retorted.

She raised her eyebrows, trying to vainly hid a smile. Chase didn't lose his habit, and replied back instantly. He realized it, judging by the brief surprise in his eyes. He lectured himself : he wasn't here to play.

" Me ? Oh no I'm in top shape but you in revenge … I don't want you to block your back !"

" And how about I block your wrists huh ?"

" Try it if you can !" she provoked.

" That's planned don't worry. I told you, you can't escape me now nor hide."

He was quite confident about this. More than before. That was suspicious. He rushed to her again. Carmen got ready to welcome him, when suddenly the man stopped with a shout of pain. He plugged his ears at the same time. Carmen looked at him, surprised :

" ? "

Devineaux turned his head to where that awful sound was coming. He saw a feminine silhouette opening a hole with her fingers.

" Who is she ?"

She ? How could he tell from this far, wondered Carmen. But now, she knew who was here.

" I understand now. You were keeping me occupied so your accomplice could steal the logbook !"

" Nope. I have no accomp … aaand off he goes." she sighed, seeing him running inside.

Carmen ran after him. Hey, he was fast. Not only that, but she noticed he was somehow larger. More muscles ? Would explain the strength she felt earlier. Anyway, he was running toward Tigress without pause. Like he knew exactly where she was, climbing with agility.

" Wow." she commented.

Could he be the one watching her earlier ? What the hell happened to him ? Devineaux arrived where Tigress was. But when seeing her … a feeling of fear invaded him. Dangerous. That one, was dangerous.

" ?!"

Tigress noticed him too. Crap, did he got Carmen already ? Chase couldn't move. His body was telling him to avoid fight with that one.

" My, did you come to play with me now ? Well, come here little one." she said, showing her claws.

Chase backed away. Why was that one scary ? He didn't feel that when facing Sandiego. Tigress was about to attack, and he was unable to move. He could only stay here staring at her. Suddenly, he felt weight on his shoulders. Using him as a springboard, Sandiego pirouetted over him and attacked Tigress. Chase went back on earth. His eyes fall on their target. He took advantage of them being busy to take the treasure.

" Give me that you moron !" exclaimed Tigress.

She sent Carmen against a wall and rushed to Devineaux. Thankfully for him, his defensive reflexes took over and he managed to dodged her claws. Turning he sent his opponent a kick in the belly. Tigress fell on her back away from him. Chase fled with the artefact. Tigress roared. Despite the pain, she got up and went after him. Carmen immediately followed. The cop could hear the VILE operative behind him, and … Sandiego. Great. He stuck the book in his shirt. Better have two free hands. He noticed a terrace. He headed to it. He ran to the guard rail, then jumped to a fir behind. Then, he went down gracefully. Tigress followed without hesitation.

" How to get rid of her ?"

Carmen helped him in that. Using her glider, she directly fell on Tigress, who welcomed her with a cat noise. Chase stopped. He didn't understood anything. Normally one wouldn't fight a partner right ? Unless … Seeing her like this remembered him of something. Red fighting green.

" Later. I have to put this into safety." he thought.

Devineaux left. He was near the exit. Stopping again, he checked what was happening. Still fighting. No. It stopped. The man climbed the wire mesh. Tigress arrived out of breath. Where was this damn cop ? She looked around. Hissing again, she left. Chase reappeared, above. He descended, and scanned the area. He heard heart beats. Certainly Carmen, hidden who knows where. There. Player informed Carmen that Chase was looking straight where she was. He could see him from a surveyance camera.

" How can he know where I am ?" she whispered.

" Dunno, but judging by his expression he's certain you're there so don't move."

Devineaux heard that. So she had someone who guided her. Made sense. Now that they were alone he could resume their fight. But he was also aware she was a talented pickpocket. He couldn't risk losing the logbook. Finally, he resolved to leave. He'll bring back the artefact tomorrow.

" He's leaving. Can you follow him Player ?" asked Carmen, showing herself.

" Naturally."

The young hacker connected to all cameras here and there. Except that …

" Damn it !"

" What ?" wondered Carmen.

" Well it seems that your inspector didn't only become good at fighting. He also learnt stealth. I can't see him properly. So send Red Drone."

"Alright."

Without pause, she sent the ball in the air. What do you know, Devineaux became though. That one wasn't long to notice a weird sound. He hid in a shadow of a street. Lifting his head, his sight allowed him to see the drone above, despite the night. Looking around, he grabbed an empty bottle of wine. After what, he climbed a gutter. Once the drone close enough, he hit it as strongly as he could. Red Drone crashed.

" SHIT !" exclaimed Player.

" Now what ?"

" He destroyed the drone ! Darn, I didn't see anything coming ! You better be very cautious Red. This isn't normal." Warned Player.

" Indeed. I wonder what happened to him. Try to find his hotel instead. I'll fetch our artefact there." asked Carmen.

" Are you sure it's a good idea ?"

" Got another one ?" retorted Sandiego.

" Sadly, nope."

Chase finally reached his room. Back leaned to the door, he sighed. He might not have captured Carmen Sandiego, but he kept her from stealing. Wasn't so bad in the end. He opened his eyes. There was things in this case he didn't get. Like why was he afraid of that cat woman but not of Sandiego ? He already had this kind of feeling before, now when was it ? He walked. He put the logbook on the dresser. He'll reflect on this after a good shower. Meanwhile, Carmen arrived on the roof just in front of his window. Hiding behind a chimney, she took her binoculars.

" There. I see the book." announced Carmen.

" And Devineaux ?" questioned Player.

" Here too. And …"

" Yes ?"

And he was undressing. A smile appeared despite her. Chase already took off his tie, and was now opening his shirt.

" Red ?"

" Yeees ! Shut up now, I must focus."

Player frowned. She sounded upset. Carmen looked again. Oh my ! Look at those pectorals ! And the abs ! Unaware of being spied on, Chase stretched. Outside, Carmen bit her lip, still smiling. She didn't know he has such a beautiful body.

" Hey, is it me or did it become hot all of a sudden ?" she thought.

No it's just you. You becoming hot, lady.

" OH BOY."

The pants were now on the ground. Carmen gulped. He was also handsome seen from behind. Her eyes followed the curves of his muscled legs, up to a pair of ripe fruits. The man exited her field of view. She blinked : the evening would not end so bad after all. She tended her hand. Once the grappling hook in place, she landed on the balcony. Carmen crocheted the lock and silently went in. She heard sound of water. Her eyes fell on the clothes on the floor.

" Focus, lady, focus."

She looked for the logbook. There. Carmen walked softly to it. She felt relieved she could take it before VILE. It would certainly contain clues about that lost ship and its content. The thief tended her hand, when she suddenly froze. The sound of shower. It stopped. Turning her head, she just had time to jump in order to avoid Devineaux charging.

" Seriously. You really believed you could steal from me ?" he asked.

" And I still believe I can." she retorted.

" Really. Well let me prove you wrong, right here right now."

" I wouldn't try to fight in this kind of attire, if I was you." she said with a chin gesture.

Devineaux was only covered with a little towel hooked around his kidneys. Without leaving his eyes off her, he tightened his towel. Ready to fight it seemed.

" But before that, enlighten me on something : why were you fighting that girl earlier ?" he asked.

He blinked. She wasn't listening at all.

" Hey !"

Carmen startled.

" First, my eyes are here and second, I asked you a question !" he said, pointing his eyes.

She blushed. She couldn't help but watching little drops descending here and there on his torso.

" I won't answer without my lawyer." she answered, crossing her arms.

" You didn't listen, didn't you."

" Yes I did !" she replied without thinking.

She also perceived a snort in her ear. Player.

" So what did I ask you then ?" made Chase, putting a hand on the dresser and crossing foot.

" …"

He sighed. In other circumstances, he would have felt flattered. Which made him think …

" I feel pretty calm. But when I thought about that other thief … I shivered."

Just imagining Tigress here instead of Sandiego gave him goose bumps. What was the difference between them ? They were both thieves, criminals. He shouldn't be afraid of any of them. Carmen on her side, wondered when to attack. Even if the view was pretty nice, she couldn't stay here all night. She had to act, now. Chase was thinking the same. Enough with the chitchat. She would answer once in jail. Both tensed their body. Arms were lifted. Eyes in the eyes, watching each other reaction. For a moment, only silence reigned in the room. It lasted for eternity, for only a split second no one could tell. Fact remains that they charged at the exact same moment. Moves were exchanged quickly, as well as dodging, blocking. Devineaux made sure to always block the path to what Carmen came in for.

" He's moving quite silently despite the fight." she analysed.

And he didn't let his guard down. Interesting. Carmen resumed her offensive. She became faster, turning around him. He had trouble blocking each hit. The thief backed to the window. There, she showed him the logbook.

" What ?"

She managed to get her hands on it while turning around him. He rushed to her. Carmen jumped in the void, her glider deployed. The man's hand closed in thin air. Carmen smiled when hearing his shout of frustration. He went back immediately. He dressed as quickly as he could, almost tripped with his trousers. He rushed out of his room, and gushed outside. There, he sniffed the air. He spotted bicycles in free access. Once he got one he followed that feminine scent. Ugh, his head was aching a bit. No matter, he'll handle this once he caught up with Sandiego. That one almost arrived where her team was awaiting her.

" By the way, wanna talk about what happened at Devineaux's ?" asked Player with amusement.

" You mean like when you let me down with his question ?" replied Carmen, a smile in her voice.

" You're the one who told me to shut up if you recall. And you were supposed to focus. I mean on other thing than his body."

Carmen blushed. She dove to land. Shadowsan arrived to welcome her. Carmen showed what she got. She began to narrate her little adventure, well apart that visit earlier, when the Japanese notice someone coming on a bicycle.

" You've been followed ? That's not your style." he said.

" What ?"

Turning, she apperceived Devineaux.

" Again ?" she said.

Zack started the car. Caren frowned : he found her again. The whole team plunged in the car, that the Bostonian started with a squeal. Chase stopped. Not only was he out of breath, but he knew he was no match for a vehicle. One more time the super thief managed to get away.

Carmen sighed in relief. Shadowsan questioned her about that man. She told him everything except the way she stared at him of course.

" You said he could spot Tigress from the courtyard ? That's impossible." said the Japanese.

" I know right. But he clearly said she. It was night, she was in a shadow and only a vague silhouette could be seen. He even heard her cutting the glass to enter. Something happened to him. I bet he heard Red Drone as well before destroying it."

Shadowsan didn't reply. That seemed hard to believe. Carmen relaxed, eyes closed. Okay, playing with the inspector was fun, but now it seemed more serious. Well, winning would be even more rewarding. His image when she went in his room showed before her eyes. A faint smile stretched her lips. Now, how about she begin to decipher that book ? Carmen carefully took it, and opened it with extreme care. The first page introduced the owner of the book : he was twenty five when recruited to be part of Ponce de Leon's crew to the New World. Carmen read the part about how long was the trip. Then, gold mining. It appeared there was a lot that the man kept for himself, without telling anyone. The sailor here discovered it by pure luck. And decided … to take his share.

While she was diving into this story, Chase was fulminating. Fighting wasn't enough. He needed more, he needed … accessories. He took several breaths to calm down. It was alright, he'll find her again. He went back to his hotel room. There, he called Interpol, and one agent in particular. This done, time to sleep. Oh right, his headache. He got up and went for medicine. He hasn't been taking any of it since a while. So he should be fine now. One got in his hand. Plus his body should warn him, like last time. Chase widened eyes, stopping his movement. That was it ! Last time he felt fear like tonight. But … wait. This needed reflection. Chase put the pill on his dresser. Last time, he was scared of this. It represented a mortal danger that his body and brained warned him about.

And tonight … when facing that woman he felt something similar. Not as strong, but he felt like a voice telling to not engage any combat. There was danger. But this was part of his job, he never felt anything like this. Same with the tablet over there.

" Could this be another one of my new abilities ?" he wondered.

He took his phone, and looked for something similar. After a while, he found it. Sensing danger was possible, especially among animals. With their senses they could perceived signs of incoming danger. And he, got his more developed. Associated with intuition he was now able to sense danger.

" So … I guess that when the doctor told me about too much paracetamol I registered it. My brain reacted when understood I was close to overdose. Hmmm … not a satisfying explanation. Even when you read instructions for use, you don't react that way later. Especially that it faded when I got away from the pill."

It was because of this new sense. Same with earlier : he knew of course the danger with the thief, but why not with Carmen Sandiego as well then ? She was technically a threat : she could beat the crap out of him. That's why he decided to learn fighting. He admitted that she was stronger than him. Despite all this, he didn't spotted anything. It could only mean one thing.

" It's hard to admit but … it's because Carmen Sandiego isn't a threat."

Chase Devineaux stood up and paced. No no no, it couldn't be. She was thief, an outlaw, disorder. She has to be a menace. A voice in his head contradicted it : his spider-sense or he didn't know what warned him twice. He couldn't ignore it.

" I have to test it again."

Then, he'll decide what to do. What … if his sense deemed her let's say innocent ?

" I don't know."

Part of him didn't want to reflect on that. His brain was still reflecting on that although he decided to drop the topic. He decided to leave right now. He had to retrieve her. That time, he was more curious than in a hurry to catch Carmen. Things were getting interesting. One hour alter he embarked on a plane. He sat, and slowly he fell asleep. Images formed behind his eyelids. Two persons. One grey the other one green. Then the pain. His resistance. The fear. The thing around his skull. Then … a silhouette. Red, on a roof. Then closer. Blur. Carmen Sandiego. She told him she needed to get him out of here. He felt his hands being untied. She freed him. Then black out. Devineaux woke up with a startle. He blinked. He remembered everything. He couldn't for weeks but now …

" She … she was here to save me."

He didn't know how exactly it ended. However once again, he couldn't ignore what his brain just revealed. Maybe he needn't to test his sense of danger. Sandiego … wasn't a menace. What his former partner tried to make him realize was now so obvious he facepalmed. How could he be so stupid ? VILE existed, and La Femme Rouge was their enemy. All added up. She certainly couldn't prove their existence so she decided to defeat them herself. The criminal she fought back in Spain was a VILE agent. He leaned back on his chair. Alright. Now that he understood that, what should he do ?

" Obvious. Be a hound for VILE … and a guardian for her."

That thought made him smile. What a turn of event. Had he be more attentive to details he would have changed his mind earlier. He could have convinced Interpol or ACME to work alongside Carmen instead of trying to arrest her. Anyway, now he made up his mind.

" I have to work a bit more on my senses. The headaches are fading a bit."

The landing got announced. He locked his belt. Once out, Chase called a colleague.

" Salut Noctambule¹."

" Oh hey Chase ! It's been a while ! How are you doing !" replied a feminine voice.

" Fine fine thank you. Listen, I need to see you. There's things I need to obtain."

" Okay. So where are you now ?" asked Noctambule.

" Ha ! Don't tell me you can't figure it out ?"

" Of course I can, but I prefer asking first. Simple courtesy."

Chase indicated her his position. Then, he explained what he'll need.

" I'll go to Interpol for more authorizations. I'll meet you there."

" Alright ! See you later."

Devineaux went back to Paris and to the agency. He met with Delpierre to whom he explained everything.

" I can believe you, but you'll have to bring me proof." he said.

" Naturally. Just allow me to do it my way." replied Chase.

" Alright. You are permitted to do whatever it takes to protect that woman. In exchange, bring me their fur … Hunting Dog."

"With or without them inside ?" retorted Devineaux.

" HA ! As you wish !" laughed Delpierre.

Next, was the visit to Noctambule. She was a girl a bit older than Player, and a little genius. Not only was she gifted with computers, but also for designing all kind of gadgets. He spotted her in her usual lab, underground. Blonde, childish face, with her everlasting headphones on her head. Her hair were mid-long. She noticed his presence in a mirror, and joyfully turned to him. Then, she joined him dancing. Another of her characteristics : always … dancing. He smiled to her.

" Bonjoooouuur ! she exclaimed. I got what you asked for. Did you get the Manitou's permission ?"

" Oui. So show me what you got for me."

Noctambule preceded him to a table with a black box on it. Noctambule showed a gun.

" This one, can shoot bullets to put your target to sleep for half an hour. They're the green ones. The red here, paralyze and simulate death. Golden ones contains a tracer, silvers … are real bullets." she explained, taking it out.

She gave it to Devineaux. He was surprised by its lightness.

" And how can I not mix them up ?" he wondered.

" There's a little light here, which will indicate you what kind of bullet will be shot. A colour for each one : red, green, golden and silver. You can also choose to fill it with one type of bullets. The light will remain the same until the barrel is empty, nor fill with other bullets."

" Aaaah smart ! With a muffler ?" commented Chase.

" Yes. I made the same for a rifle, just in case. You also have various little toys here : ear com of course, a watch containing GPS, a tracer for your tracing bullets, distress signal, hour …" added Noctambule, showing the watch that could emit holograms.

She also gave him a mini crossbow for a wrist, that contained a grappling hook, electrical arrows which can paralyze and generate EMP. Some could also download datas if put in touch with a computer. Those were some amazing gadgets, thought Devineaux. He also got a little computer for his mission, and a car. He thanked the girl warmly. Noctambule would be in touch with him permanently.

" I already located your protégé and booked a flight for you. You're good to go when you want." concluded Noctambule.

" Then I'm leaving."

He ruffled her hair, then left the lab. Now be ready VILE. I sharped my fangs just for you.

Translation :

Salut = Hi

Noctambule = someone who like to stroll during nigth