Yes, he is back. It was boudn to happen. But what will happen now ?
" You think that Red is what ?" asked Player.
" You heard me, Player. And this is why I kept saying we shouldn't get close to that man ! But did anyone listen ? Nooo. Of course no. I was being paranoid, a heart of stone. And who was right in the end ?" replied Shadowsan.
The former ninja was pacing in his hotel room. He called the hacker after this famous breakfast, when Carmen involuntarily showed her feelings.
" You can't possibly mean you saw that coming, do you ? And I thought you were somehow glad, or at least relieved Chase finally ended up with us."
Shadowsan stopped with a sigh.
" Yes you're right. I'm being dishonest here. I couldn't predict that she would fall in love with him. And yes, he did help us protect her. But now, what is going to happen is what worries me, as it did since the beginning." he admitted.
" I'm sure we'll overcome this. Carmen is a reasonable person, she'll know what she has to do." assured Player.
The Asian didn't reply. He would like to believe in this statement, however he knew that love could be a powerful feeling, able to change someone. To cloud judgement and shut down rationality. This sensation of powerlessness was hard to stand. He could only watch, and assist her maybe. She was an adult now, time for her to experiment things like that. The man had the impression it was yesterday he found her in her house, twenty years ago. Now, she was a woman facing love for a man, for the first time in her life.
Said woman was also in her room, laid on her bed trying to figure this out. Her first course of thinking was denial. It was absurd after all, she was aware of all this case's purpose. But as Shadowsan predicted, her goodness led her to make a mistake. One that could be fatal. So what should she do ? Ask Jules to take him back home ? Ugh, just that ached her heart quite much. Putting him on the side-lines ? Already tried, all failed. Carmen sighed, hands on her face. It seemed there was no choice. Except maybe waiting for his memories to finally come back. What about her own feelings ? The fact that she liked to see his smile, hear his voice, his presence when having nightmares. Carmen closed her eyes. She'd simply have to ignore that, as well as the pain in her heart.
She exited her room, walking to the training room. Of course, he had to be here, chatting joyfully and laughing with the siblings. Sandiego stared at them. Should she remind them about his place among them ? But they were all so happy right now. Carmen walked, waved at them when they noticed her, and chose a machine. The trio left the place. It relieved her a bit. Now, she could focus on her own training. Shadowsan joined later. When the young woman took a break, he approached her.
" So. How are you feeling ?" he asked.
She looked intrigued by this question.
" Huh, fine I guess."
" Hm hm. Nothing special to report ?"
" How about you express what is bugging you ?" proposed Carmen.
" Fine. I remarked that the way you perceived the inspector had quite changed." confessed Shadowsan.
Her eyes widened. He noticed. Of course he did. All of them except the main one.
" And ?"
" And I wanted to know what you intend to do about this." continued the man.
" What are you expecting me to do ? I'll just have to ignore all this. I'm not feeling anything special, don't worry, I got this."
She got up and went back to train with a punching bag. He sighed softly. So she chose denial, huh. Will it work was the question. Next was the matter of the caper. Perfect occasion for the Argentinian to dive into work and forget those disturbing feelings. Since they learned how to fight, they were more efficient and harder for VILE to fight. Those in revenge were still determined to kill. Carmen was trying to be everywhere, too afraid that her teammates would be hurt, still beginners in combat. She riled up the agents, hoping for them to follow her instead of focusing on her precious crew.
And followed her they did. The strong rain outside surprised her a bit, but Carmen ran. Meanwhile inside …
" Is everyone alright ?" asked Shadowsan.
" That depends on what being alright is to you." replied Zack.
They were breathless, got some bruises, but apart from that.
" Hey. Where is Carmen ?" asked Ivy.
" And all the bad guys ?" added Chase.
Indeed, the whole place was empty. They exchanged a worried look. Where did that damn woman go on her own ? They exited too, trying to find her tracks. Ivy and Zack called for her.
" There !" said Chase.
Footprints. Several, but he could recognize Carmen's one. He immediately ran after her. Carmen was luring the operatives away. She entered a forest. It was pitch black, but she didn't have time to ponder about that.
" You're so slow ! Seriously, my dead grandma is faster than that !" she jested.
" You won't be so cocky once we catch you !"
" IF you can catch me that is !" retorted Sandiego.
A branch slapped her in the face. Damn ! She lifted her arms to protect her face, then forked. She avoided a tree. This done, she continued racing. She'll have to get rid of them eventually. Sandiego was thinking about hiding and waiting for them in order to attack them one by one. Yes, that was a good plan. Suddenly, she felt the ground under her feet sinking. Before she could understand, La Femme Rouge fell in a hole.
" OUCH !"
She straightened, her body aching entirely. She heard her pursuers arriving. She took off her coat and hat, then covered herself with the earth around.
" WHOAH !"
An operative barely caught the edge of the hole. His teammates helped it to get up. Another pointed a lamp inside. Carmen closed her eyes and tried to not breathe too loud.
" Damn ! I can't see a thing with all this rain."
" Give up. I don't think she'll be dumb enough to fell in a simple hole."
The light inspected the hole without finding any track. The thief heard them running away. She waited some minutes just to be sure. Then, Sandiego got away from her hideout. Phew ! What a soirée. Now, she'll have to get out of here. Her grapnel had been cut during her previous fights. Carmen groped the walls around her. She began to climb. Alas, the downpour was rendering the earth slippery and loose. It wasn't long before she fell down again.
" Gwah !"
Ooooow the paaaain ! How could her body hurt so much ? Anyway, she had to give it another try.
The rest of her crew arrived at the forest entrance.
" How are we going to find her in there ?" worried Zack.
" We will. Just …" replied Chase.
In all likelihood she certainly ran straight ahead. He managed to distinguish tiny footprints, being washed by the heavy rain. They had to hurry before it washed it all. The man took the head once again. He also looked around him, spotting broken branches. Perfect, they were on a good track. They ran for a moment.
" Oh non." huffed Chase.
Visibly, Carmen began to avoid letting tracks in her flight. He looked frantically around and on the floor. No more tracks. He breathed to call her, before reminding that VILE might still be around. He had to think. Where could she have gone ? Devineaux crouched. He heard the others behind looking carefully around too.
Carmen slipped down one more time. Tiredness was beginning to win over her. Maybe she should rest a bit before trying again. The miss noted water below her.
" Wait. Is it me, or is there more and more water by the minute ?" she asked.
This was bad. It was a hole, if filling with water she could drown in here. Carmen straightened.
" Come on body ! We have to get out of here."
But it was refusing to move, or quite slowly. Damned ! She couldn't end like that. Not only was it stupid, but she still had many things left to do. She pushed her limits. Planting her fingers in the earth, Carmen tried again. Her arms were almost crying in protest, her legs seemed heavy.
" NO !" she exclaimed before falling again.
A sound of water welcomed her. This time, her body gave up. The fights, races, attempts exhausted her. So she remained laid down, unable to move with water raising.
" No … please no. Not yet … who will stop VILE if I perish here ? I haven't found my mother yet." she begged.
The rain was like stings in her face. Her eyelids were heavy. It was cold too. No … she couldn't … somebody help …
" Carmen !"
That voice … a light fell on her face, aggressing her eyes.
" Carmen it's us !"
Ivy. She could distinguish a silhouette coming down on a rope.
" Carmen tu m'entends¹ ?"
" Chase … you found me." she moaned.
Chase immediately lifted her in his arms. Carmen had never been so happy to see him. She surrounded his neck with her arms, feeling his sweet warmth against her. He spotted her coat, and dug it up to wrap her in it.
" You were always able to find me." she added.
The crew lifted them. They got out. Devineaux carried the Argentinian to their car. The rain washed her a bit, however mud remained here and there. Zack opened the door. Chase installed her, then sat near her. Carmen curled against him even once in here. No way she was letting him go. He embraced her. Later, the lights of the hotel woke her a bit. She tightened her grasp, burying her face in his shoulder. Devineaux wanted to put her on her bed and let Ivy take care of her, but Sandiego protested with a whine. He offered an interrogative look to Ivy.
" Let's wait for her to fall asleep, then we'll clean her."
Easy enough, for she was so tired she slept quite fast. Chase brought her to the bathroom, where the ginger-haired wet a washcloth and cleaned her face, then arms, while Chase handled her hair. After drying it as best he could, Chase carried her to the bed. He wished Ivy a good night. The young woman undressed her boss, put a pyjama on her then left as well. The following morning, Carmen woke up in her room. She wondered how she had landed here, when it all came back. He found her. A loving smile adorned her face, while her cheeks got coloured. Sandiego got up. She remembered being in his arms. She'll have to thank him, and her team who was of course present. She went down to the restaurant. Apparently, no one was here yet.
" Good morning Carmen. How are you ?"
" Morning Chase. I'm fine, thank you. And you ?" replied Carmen, with a luminous smile.
Chase put his tray in front of her.
" Fine too."
" Also, thank you very much for saving me yesterday."
" Of course ! But thank the others as well !" he smiled, making her blush.
Chase asked if she had been wounded, to what she just answered she had a few bruises. Carmen enjoyed his company, contemplating him as well. Until her family joined as well. They were glad to see her, and she thanked them for their help.
" Player is calling." she announced, picking her vibrating phone.
" You should teach him the word pause." commented Chase.
" Good idea !" approved Zack.
Player greeted the team, before announcing another mission.
" Alright everyone. Let's go." concluded Carmen.
During the flight, Carmen sat quite close to Chase. That one stiffened. He glanced at her. Why was she so close ? And why was his heart pounding all of a sudden ? The man tried to focus on his newspaper. Yesterday evening she was embracing him tight, and didn't want to let go. Her smiles seemed different, as well as the way she was looking at him. Was there a message ? No no, certainly not. A wonderful woman like her, there was no way. Chase put his headphones on, then selected a song on his phone. His voice raised softly.
" Hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again …"
Carmen smiled. That also something else she liked. Who knew he had a beautiful voice?
" Oh I would take your arms alright, when you want."
Ugh, what was this thought again ? Why was he disturbing her like that ? Gee. Carmen wanted to have answers, but was also dreading what she might find. Because she never felt anything of the sort for anybody. No one ever caused her butterflies in her belly, made her blush or her heart pound. As for the missions, Carmen realized during this last heist that she was more worried for Chase in particular.
" Well well well. Look who's here."
Carmen spotted Paper Star. Her bridled eyes focused on one person. The Lady in Red understood it was none other than Devineaux. Fear ran through Sandiego's veins. No. Not him. Better her than him.
" I owe you a new haircut." she said, with a polar voice.
" I must admit I prefer the grilled style, that suits your psycho temper better." intervened Carmen.
Paper Star didn't pay attention to her, which was new. Chase replied by exiting the crackle rods and switched them on. His foot slipped ahead, as he was getting on guards. Carmen offered him a shocked look. Was he insane ? The other teammates were thinking the same. Paper Star smiled with interest.
" Another round ? Go ahead. I'll grill you like a pig." he said.
FFFTTT ! ZZZZZAP ! An origami, a lightening. Paper Star increased her speed, Chase dodged, destroying as much paper as he could. He also aimed for both her head and her feet, compelling his opponent to back away. Sandiego intervened by mowing him down.
" Carmen ! Mais t'es folle ou quoi ?!" exclaimed Chase, straightening.
" Chase stop ! She's too strong for you."
Yeah, so how did he handle her the first time huh ? To what Carmen replied because he got her by surprise. Paper Star arrived, brandishing a sword, behind Carmen, Chase grabbed the woman to protect her, counterattacking at the same time. He rolled when his teammate got up, and aimed for Paper Star's foot.
" GRAH !"
He just scratched her, but it was still a good point. Carmen took over, not wishing to let him continue this struggle. However, Paper Star wasn't done with him. She forced Carmen to retreat. Shadowsan arrived then, while Ivy and Zack were busy stealing. Paper Star had trouble fighting against both her former teacher and Sandiego. Not to mention that unknown man. Maybe she'd have to retreat after all. She sent another rain of origamis to clear the way. She ran. Noticing that Devineaux was isolated, she decided to reach for him one last time. He hid to avoid her origami. Finally arriving near him, Paper Star sent him a powerful kick on the face. He blocked with an arm, but was still sent against a wall he hit hardly.
" Chase !" shouted Carmen, running to him.
A flow of images were passing before his closed eyes. He heard a screeching tire noise.
" Chase ! Chase please talk to me !" exclaimed Carmen, cupping his face.
" Oooow ma tête !" he moaned.
He heard someone calling. Carmen's face appeared in his field of vision.
" La Femme Rouge ?" he said.
Carmen rounded eyes. Chase never called her that way since he lost his memories. She let go of his face.
" What the hell happened to me ?"
He straightened a bit.
" Chase … your memories are back aren't they ?" asked Sandiego.
" Yes they are. All of it." he said, taking back the crackle rods, he switched off.
" Oh, I see. Well … good for you I suppose. In this case … I'll give back your pen."
She kept it in her coat ever since she collected the inspector. He leaned eyes on the tool, then reached for it.
" I … suppose you'll leave now, so here's some money for a taxi. Don't worry about the hotel bill." continued Carmen.
Chase stared at her in silence. He accepted the bank notes. Her face was full of a great sadness, and he wondered if she wasn't about to cry. Unable to look at him, Sandiego quickly stood up and ran away. Chase stood up too. He leaned his head on the pen.
" Well then. Time to go back home I suppose." he said.
He stored it in his pocket, then left. Carmen joined Shadowsan. Ivy and Zack arrived at that time, with their loot.
" Carm'? What's wrong ?" asked Ivy.
" And where is Chase ?" continued Zack.
" He left. His memories are back." announced Carmen.
They displayed surprise.
" Aw man, already ?" commented Zack.
" It's been two months and a half." pointed Shadowsan.
" Anyway, let's get out of here." concluded Carmen.
Surprise left room for sadness. The team got out with the sensation of leaving a part of them behind. Devineaux was nowhere to be seen now. Carmen's throat was tight, and it infuriated her. Why was she feeling like this, it was obvious it would happen so why being so sad ? Why was her heart aching so much ? Stupid, stupid stupid stupid heart ! Stupid useless feelings and stupid her for letting her guard down, for allowing him to be close and … and … honestly she wanted to roar.
Hours later, Chase was back in France. He retrieved his apartment with a weird sensation. He began by opening all windows, then cleaned it. This done, he went to buy some food for the day. Before dinner, he made a call.
" Hello there François. How are you doing ?"
" Wow Chase, is that you ?"
" Himself."
" It's been a while. So how is ACME ?" asked François.
He was one of the rarest in Interpol to know about this organization, for having seen some agents transferred to them without any questions.
" Funny you ask about it. Something happened to me, and I need your help. Against ACME, and since you owe me one ..." announced Devineaux.
" Oh oh ? Now you have my interest. Please, do tell." smiled François.
Chase explained what he had in mind.
" Hmmm, this won't be easy. ACME got much more influence than us. That's why they were able to short circuit us."
" And you never wonder how they were able to do that ? How and by what means did it gain some much power ?" asked Chase.
" Of course I did ! But I could never dig into this. Got short-circuited each time."
" Because you did it the legal way. But I won't."
François widened eyes at the other end of the line. Then, he burst out laughing.
" Hoooo what happened to you ?"
" What happened is that the pétasse, la grognasse, la poufiasse et la salope qui dirige tout ça m'a utilisé comme un vulgaire appât, alors que j'étais devenu amnésique ! She played with me, et je vais lui montrer ce qu'il en coûte ³ !" Growled Chase.
" Eeeeh … how about some subtitles man ?"
Chase explained the whole case to his colleague.
" Ah ouais ⁴! So let me get this straight : you had an accident, where you ended up amnesiac, villains tried to kill you and not only did she not help, but also threw you to be a spy among a band of thieves ?!" summarized François.
" Exactly."
François whistled.
" Olympic bitch level. So, how will you proceed ?"
" Simple : she wanted a spy so she'll have one. I must call Onyx and Bianca. I'll transmit datas and accesses, you'll be able to rummage in all this." developed Chase.
" Hm hm, could work in theory. But you know I won't be able to cover up for you, right ?" warned François.
" I know. My asset is that she thinks me too dumb and too in lack of recognition to dare do this." announced Chase.
" Très bien⁵, I accept the deal."
" Good. There's also something else I'd like to request."
François listened. He paused a while, then announced he had to refer to someone higher. The talk ended here. Chase made another call. A joyful, young voice answered.
" Hi there, Onyx."
" So, what's bringing you today ?" asked Onyx.
" I'd like a service from you. Where can we meet ?" replied Devineaux.
" Well, I'll come. My favourite bar. When ?"
" As soon as you can. And call your sister."
" Deal."
Now, all his pawns were in preparation, ready to move. Meanwhile on the Red side, Carmen was reflecting on this case, on a beach in Portugal. Ivy met her there, inquiring about how she was. Sandiego was again refusing to talk and most of all, admit what happened to her. She went back, then fell on her bed.
" Red." said Player, in her ear com.
Nothing.
" I'm worried about you."
" I'm okay. It's just … it's just …"
She grasped the blanket, tightening her jaw.
" It hurts, Player, it really hurts. Why does it hurt like that ?" she moaned.
The young hacker sighed.
" Because that's how feelings are. Especially that one."
Carmen curled, a tear rolled on a cheek. She missed him, and would give anything to be hugged by Chase. But when they'd cross roads again, it would be as enemies. Carmen sobbed a little. She thanked Player for his support, and cut her device.
" How dared you inspector … how dared you steal my heart ?"
Elsewhere, the siblings were discussing the situation.
" I feel bad for Carmen. Is there something that we can do ?" asked Zack.
" Afraid not. Had she considered him as a friend at best she wouldn't feel so down right now. But … as you noticed it went beyond that. She fell in love with him, and it might be an impossible one." replied Ivy.
" Gee ! I can't believe this ! Why would he attack us after what we did for him ? He'd be one hell of a bastard otherwise !" exclaimed Zack.
" Because that's his job. Maybe he won't have any choice." supposed Ivy.
" We always have the choice."
She leaned eyes. If only it was so simple.
Three days later, Chase arrived in a bar where a 22 years old man was waiting. His hair and eyes were as dark as his nickname indicated. He smiled at Devineaux and waved. They greeted, then the inspector ordered a drink. Onyx was already sipping one.
" When is Bianca supposed to arrive ?" asked Chase.
" My sister will be here in two minutes, according to the latest news."
They waited. Bianca made her appearance. As dark-haired as her brother, her eyes were brown. Same size as Carmen, pretty face, three years younger than Devineaux.
" Hey old friend !" she smiled, giving Chase a slap on the back.
" Bianca. Good to see you." he smiled.
Once everyone settled and drinks ordered, Devineaux explained what he expected from them.
" Hmm … what you ask is nothing less than a war." pointed Bianca.
" If that's what it takes."
" He says like he's ordering a pizza." joked Onyx.
" Chase isn't wrong in his resentment. I already saw several colleagues disappearing day overnight, cases where I worked on being classified without explanation, and I'm not the only one. People in Interpol are growling against that ACME. So if there's a war, I'm in and I won't be the only one." revealed Bianca.
" Perfect. Then if you could rally those grumpy to my cause. What about you Onyx ? Think this in your capacity ?" wondered Chase.
" Are you kidding me ? This is the challenge I've been waiting for ! But to whom am I supposed to transfer those intel ?" smiled Onyx.
" I often heard Carmen Sandiego talking to a certain Player. A hacker just like you. He said one day something like White hat hacker at the rescue."
" White Hat ? So he's one of mine. I should be able to get in touch with him, then."
" Very well. Bianca, I need to record the meeting I'll have with my boss. Can you get me a micro or something ?" continued Chase.
" No problem. I can make it look like a button of a sleeve."
Chase told her he'll send a photo. First pawns, first move.
Translation :
Carmen tu m'entends¹ = Carmen can you hear me ?
Carmen ! Mais t'es folle ou quoi : Carmen ! Are you crazy or what ?
Oooow ma tête = Ooooow my head
What happened is that the pétasse, la grognasse, la poufiasse et la salope qui dirige tout ça m'a utilisé comme un vulgaire appât, alors que j'étais devenu amnésique ! She played with me, et je vais lui montrer ce qu'il en coûte = the whore, the bitch etc who rules all this used me like a vulgar bait, although I was amnesiac ... I'll show her what it cost.