Our dear thief is about to experience something entirely new : ancients relics have protections. This was written before season 4 and won't follow it.

Thanks to my beta-reader for correcting this. Enjoy ^^

Carmen sighed deeply. She just came back from a meeting with another Carlotta Valdez, for the third time and it still wasn't her mother. She knew it would be hard to find her, but had hope. However, sometimes the Latina was getting the impression that it was an impossible task. This woman was very well hidden. And Carmen's means were quite limited. If only she could launch a wide research. Without knowing her face that wasn't easy too.

" Where are you mother ?"

Would she ever find her one day ? Sandiego was looking through the window of her hotel room. She stretched. Her phone vibrated. Player was calling. She got up and answered.

" How are you feeling Red ?" asked the hacker.

" Like after another failure." sighed Carmen.

" Don't lose hope Red. This is a tall task to find someone with so little clues."

" Isn't it a bit contradictory here, Player ? With VILE getting more and more violent and less time to search, how do you expect me to keep hope exactly ?" replied Carmen.

She fell and sat on her bed, her hands supporting her head. Player had a sympathetic expression she couldn't see. He precisely had news of thefts happening here in Chili. Was it a good time to mention this ? It could change her mind, taking a break from this disappointing search ? Perhaps dealing with something she knew and could master would do her good. The scarlet super thief could also resent him for not telling about this. Player resigned to speak. What would happen would happen. Carmen kept her head low while her friend was reporting the news, not sure how to react. Holidays sounded pretty attractive right now. Carmen shivered. Not that she was particularly cold, at least not outside. Rather, like a void inside of her.

" Carmen ?" called Player, concerned by her silence.

" Am here."

Her voice was dull. Player always knew her to be strong like a rock, that nothing could shake her but he often wondered when she was going to reach her limits. However, that possibility seemed to get closer and closer. Carmen straightened. She announced that she was taking the case, before ending the call. She told Shadowsan that putting her quest aside was her choice, but it sounded kinda like a lie. Was the universe standing up against her to prevent her from succeeding ? She undressed to get to sleep, or a semblance of it.

Later, she gathered a concerned team to take a look about this case of theft. They glanced at her. Carmen seemed as usual, but they were afraid that she just snapped. How to cheer her up was the big question. Meanwhile, Carmen explained what Player pointed out : someone was targeting rich people home and stealing precious pieces of art. They were to unmask that person and stop her. They all nodded : classic mission, nothing new under the sun. Carmen perched herself on a roof during the night, observing a huge mansion through binoculars. After being still for long minutes, Sandiego finally spotted a slim silhouette. A familiar one.

" ?"

Carmen stored her tool and hastened to get inside. She swiftly arrived in a room where various and priceless paintings were exposed. Sandiego stopped an instant. This person … it looked like … she approached in silence. Yes. Yes it was her. But how could she still be doing this ? Wasn't last time enough of a lesson ? She was now behind the burglar.

" Good evening Sonia."

" AAAAAAAAAAAH !" screamed the young Mexican.

Carmen narrowed her eyes under the power of decibels. Recognizing her, Sonia sighed with an intense relief.

" Carmen ! Are you completely insane ? I could've had a heart attack or punch you !" reproached the thief, a hand on her chest.

Screaming during a caper. Carmen thought Sonia more experimented than that.

"And I'm pretty disappointed to note that you're still stealing." replied Sandiego, crossing arms.

" Oh this ? No, not at all in fact I'm doing like you. This painting was stolen by me and bought by one of Martha's clients. So I'm taking it back and returning it." explained Sonia, showing her loot.

Carmen had a smile. Now that was better. However with the yell she just produced they better not hang out here for too long. She wanted to help her fellow thief to complete that heist faster, but the young girl stopped her.

" Don't worry. The house is empty, the owners are somewhere on a cruise." reassured Sonia.

" Perfect ! I like a private atmosphere." made a voice.

The light went on, showing several VILE henchmen.

" I know those ones. They're working with Contreras." said Sonia.

" Exactly. And she wasn't long before understanding that you, the brat that betrayed her, was the one responsible for this mess." continued the one in charge.

Sonia stiffened. They were here to punish her, and retrieved the stolen notebook.

" After all that she did for you, seriously don't you have any gratitude ?"

" All that she did ? You mean making me a thief, a criminal with no future ? If this is it, then no, I have absolutely no gratitude for that kind of woman !" hissed the teen.

Carmen felt once again proud of her. She had now assimilated that stealing wasn't an acceptable way of living. That it was harming people. Their encounter was a good thing. But it wasn't over yet, as she now had to protect the young woman.

" Very convenient for us. We won't have to hold back then."

Carmen got on guard. Sonia was frightened : fighting wasn't really in her skills. She was agile alright, knew a trick or two but those were professionals, with weapons not to mention their number. She didn't stand a chance against them. Well, if they could catch her that is. Sonia already figured out an exit plan, just in case. Carmen would certainly follow her. She felt a bit reassured : they had a chance of getting away unharmed.

" Sonia, I'll keep them occupied. You get out and find Ivy and Zack. They'll help you." said Carmen in a low voice.

" But what about you ?" worried Sonia.

" I'll be fine."

And she races toward the henchmen. Sonia gulped, feeling bad for leaving her friend facing that all alone. She managed to get out. Player had already reported the news to the Bostonians who arrived quickly to collect the Mexican. But she hurried them to rescue Carmen.

" That won't be necessary, young miss." said Shadowsan.

" Huh ?! But why ? Carmen is facing a bunch of brutes right now, of course she needs help!" protested Sonia showing the house.

" What Shadowsan means, is that she's already done." Translated Ivy with a proud smile.

Turning, Sonia discovered Carmen Sandiego walking peacefully to them, apparently unharmed. Sonia hugged her once close.

" You're fine ! You really scared me tonight !"

" Hahah, thank you for your concern. But I'm used to this. Now, let's get back what you took." smiled Carmen.

" Right !"

Sonia was looking at Carmen with pure admiration. That woman was incredible. If she could be only a tenth of what she was, then Sonia would consider herself lucky. The group left the place. Carmen overwatched Sonia putting the painting at its rightful place.

" I'm really glad you decided to do this Sonia." she said, once this was done.

" Weeeeell, I had a good example." smiled the teen.

Carmen felt flattered. It was such a relief to note that she could help this youngster getting back on the right path, and to have subtracted her to VILE.

" Say Carmen, I have been wondering one thing for a while." resumed Sonia on the way back.

" What is it ?"

" Can I join your group ?"

Carmen lifted her hat, until now leaned on her head.

" Join … me ?"

" Yeah. I said I'm returning everything I've stolen, but alone it's very hard. I almost got caught twice. And no one would believe me : after all, I still stole it in the first place. Plus the ones I'm burglarizing are respectable people, at least in appearances. Their words are worth more than mine. But with you I could do it more easily. So please Carmen !" begged Sonia.

" I … I need to think about it."

For now, she accepted to shelter the teen in her hotel. Sonia jumped on the bed, then quickly changed clothes to sleep. Carmen left her on that, and gathered her crew.

" You should accept to recruit her Carmen." said Shadowsan.

" I wonder about that. VILE is already determined to end me, I don't want her to be in danger." opposed Sandiego.

" But the thing is, she's hunted down by VILE. Hadn't you been here tonight they would have caught her." pointed Ivy.

" Exactly. She's alone, with no support and no one to protect her. She doesn't seem to know how to fight as well as you. If you refuse her, she's done for." added Shadowsan.

" We can't let her down ! Another gifted thief will surely be an asset." intervened Zack.

" I think you're right. I can't abandon her when she needs it the most. So we have a new recruit." announced Carmen.

This important matter solved, everyone dismissed to rest. The next day, Carmen announced the news to Sonia.

" WHOO-HOO !" she exclaimed right in the middle of the restaurant, attracting attention to them.

Realizing, she quickly sat down.

" Oops. Sorry. But thanks a ton Carmen. I won't disappoint you."

" Oh I'm not worried about that." replied Carmen.

Meanwhile, Chase Devineaux and Zari had been summoned by Chief for a reunion with other ACME agents. The boss had been in quite a bad mood for a while, and Chase dreaded something.

" I've gathered you all in here because things are about to change." she began.

The French frowned, and glanced at Zari who did the same. What was going to befall them this time ? Fraser announced that they had to start anew in order to catch Sandiego. After the incident in Sweden, it appeared obvious that everyone in here was in great need of improving their fighting skills and agility. A new planning was distributed to all agents. They had to train hard, and only the most assiduous would remain assigned to this case. And to motivate her troops, Chief promised a high reward. Chase tightened his jaws. This was bad. Really bad for miss Sandiego. The meeting ended here, and the agents were to begin their new training right now.

" This is a good thing. Carmen Sandiego is indeed a good fighter and very agile, thus she keeps escaping us. Some improvement can't hurt." commented Zari.

" Humph, of course you'd say that, you loyal doggie." thought Devineaux.

Now that he knew the truth about the thief, he couldn't possibly arrest her anymore. But now, with this competition it was another story. The man had been musing on the situation for some time, and wondered what use he could be now. He heard his colleagues talking about the reward. The numbers were quite appealing. Only the most assiduous she said.

" Well then. Now I know what to do. Chief wants to see some will, then I'll show her mine." decided Devineaux while entering the gymnasium.

Combat lessons were the first. He glanced at all the ACME agents here. Let's see who will be the most efficient here. So Chase observed very carefully, listened to this first lesson with acute attention. He had to remain amongst the best to be sure to be allowed to continue chasing her.

" You seem quite determined, agent Devineaux." pointed Zari once this was done.

" Well of course. You heard Chief after all." he said flatly.

But Zari too was on the same wavelength, as he mentioned. For her part, she had some scores to settle with the Lady in Red : for Milan, Venice, and all the times she escaped her. That did not pleased Chase, as he'll have to oppose her eventually. But … in his job he was taught that finding the truth was the most important thing. It was how you solved an investigation. What could make someone guilty or innocent. Should he try to show the truth to Zari ? But how ? Ideally, she had to see Carmen returning an artifact like he did. Perhaps if he talks to La Femme Rouge, or be in the right place at the right moment … was hazardous, but if someone else could be convinced about her innocence, it would surely be an asset.

" Agent Devineaux, come over here."

Fraser just called him. Now what ? Chase turned and obeyed. Chief headed to an interrogation room. Behind a glass, Devineaux spotted a young man he immediately recognized : the one he arrested on a train in Paris. He hid his surprise.

" I surmise you recognized him." began Chief.

" Yes. But why is he here ?"

" Because we spotted him twice with Miss Sandiego. They seemed to know each other. You were right about him : he's certainly connected to her. That's why we'll interrogate him to extract intel from him." Explained Chief.

The indifference on her face, the word employed, "extract", put the inspector ill at ease.

" And why am I here ?" he wanted to know.

" Because I needed confirmation from you. That he was with her when you arrested him. You also found a broken tool in the compartment, right ?"

" Yes, but also traces of a battle. I don't think he's her accomplice, but rather an enemy." tempted Chase.

" Hmmm. Then he could be a VILE operative. He must have valuable intel. I thank you for that."

Chase got the sensation he had made a mistake by trying to defend that man. He asked where the agency found him. Working in an opera she said ?

" Then, why would an operative work there ? Shouldn't they be dispatched all over the world rather than in one single place ?" pointed Devineaux.

" He could be there to prepare the ground for them."

" In an opera ?"

That wasn't making any sense. Inside, an agent entered. Graham looked at the woman who came in, intrigued. She showed him a file with photos inside. Judging by his face, he knew who it was.

" Do you recognize her ?"

" What do you want ? Why am I here ?" questioned Gray.

" You're here because we need your help. This woman is actually an international thief that we're currently trying to capture."

" What ? No you're wrong, she's helping people, I've witnessed it." contradicted Graham.

" Don't get deceived, this thief is a master in deception. Look, those are several places she robbed, I'm sure you heard about it."

Other photos with known places were shown. Graham heard of it all on the TV. In each photo, a silhouette he could identify. So it was true … she lied to him.

" But … that time in New Zealand. A mad person wanted to black out a whole city, and she prevented it." argued Graham.

" Because it was a rival. Now listen : being associated with a thief isn't very good for a respectable career. What would your employer say if he or she was aware of that ? We only require your help, and no one will know."

" I don't know if I can really help you. You see, memories of more than a year of my life are missing. So …"

Chase rounded eyes. Was he an idiot or what ? He just gave them the perfect mean to use him. And it didn't fail : Graham was promised to be helped through hypnosis.

Chase left the place after Chief. He didn't know what his guy would reveal, but he had to warn Sandiego. He waited for another mission on the field. The hardest part would be to separate from Zari. Chief did send them to China, where the scarlet thief had been localized. Apparently, she was there to steal some precious porcelain. The team arrived in front of a museum.

" I'll go left, you go right." ordered Zari.

" Fine. I didn't expect so much. For once it seems that I'm in luck." he answered.

Now, where could she be ? He wandered for a while, observing attentively the place. According to the plan of the museum he grabbed at the entrance, what she aimed for wasn't far from his position. He should see her anytime now. While progressing, Chase thought that museums at night got a scary side. Usually, this kind of place was rather boring for him. However in this angle … voices close to him lured his attention. There she was, charging the porcelains. With what seemed to be a new team member. Devineaux was about to abandon all precautions to walk toward the women, when Zari barged in.

" Crap."

He evaluated what kind of path she'd take. Knowing her, it would be by air. So he rushed upstairs. Zari warned him about her escape.

" I know ! On it !"

The man managed to block their way.

" Visit is already finished ?" he greeted, lifting his glasses.

Carmen stared at him. They met once again. Damn, why did his new attire suit him so well ? He was already handsome, but now … Sandiego felt something familiar, butterflies in her belly, and her cheeks heating. Just like when she saw him during that wrestling match. So. The big question. Did he or didn't he understand ? He saw her entrusting him her loot in Venice. Carmen really wished he would be on her side. However, as much as she liked their encounters, time wasn't on their side.

" Really Devineaux, not a good time !" she said.

He parodied her by repeating this at the exact same time with an exaggerated and acute tone. This reaction surprised Carmen.

" Oh so sorry you don't have a second to spare to your fans, Beyoncé." he retorted.

Sonia chuckled, Carmen snorted. Man, she really missed this. Her eyes glowed.

" Seriously, when is even a good time to you huh ? But I'm not here to arrest you this time, I'm here to warn you." resumed Chase.

" Warn me ?"

" Yes. ACME is getting fiercer, we're all undergoing training so you better be extra careful. Second, they're interrogating the young man that you fought in that train in Paris, the night we met. Remember him ?"

Oh hell yes Carmen guessed who it was. Graham. So he had been taken into custody by ACME. Those were worrisome news.

" What does ACME intend to do with him ?" asked Sandiego.

" No idea. Ah, it seems that our time is over. Now run."

Chase pretended to catch her. Carmen and Sonia dodged him before getting away, with an inspector running after them.

" Who's that cute guy ?" asked Sonia.

" An old acquaintance. Though he seems to have finally understood I wasn't really a villain. Which is good, because now he's turning into an ally." replied Carmen with a large smile.

But she was worried about Graham. What could she do for him ? What would he do ? ACME would certainly turn him against her. What if his memories from VILE came back ? Her team intervened to block the ACME agents' way, allowing her one more time to run away. They too, escaped. Carmen glanced above her shoulder. Devineaux had a little smile seeing her escaping. Carmen turned her head before smiling too. He was on her side. And he smiled at her. That made her blush and smile larger. Carmen felt like bouncing, and even giggling in joy. But no. She cleared her throat. She had to remain in control. Come on. Even with a huge smile.

" Damn it !" growled Zari.

Chase suggested continuing. He had to appear more determined than ever to fool everyone. Zari accepted, and they resumed their pursuit taking another road. They ran into the streets, avoiding passers-by as best they could. With all those people, Carmen could blend in with no problem.

" She needs to get away fast, so she probably already left the city or is at its border." said Chase.

" Indeed. Let's check every train station."

Zari took out a tablet. After a few minutes while they continued to walk, Sandiego was spotted near an airport. The duo hastened to get there. Chase hoped they would be too late. For now, there was nothing more he could do. But knowing the girl, there were good chances that she would give them the slip again. Zari did her best to contain her impatience. She literally gushed out of the car once arrived. Chase parked the car, before running after her. Devineaux caught up with her. Zari was observing a strange scene from behind a plane. Carmen was struggling against VILE operatives.

" Why is she fighting those people ?" asked Zari, taken aback.

" Well, if I had to guess I'd say those are from VILE."

" But ! Isn't she one of them ?" asked Zari, looking at him.

" It doesn't seem so." resumed Devineaux.

" I don't understand."

Chase seized the opportunity. If Zari could be on his side, if he could recruit her in his new goal it was now or never. Just like him, his teammate needed to see for herself to believe. There was no other way.

" Zari, imagine if you had to fight a colleague. For what reason would it be ?"

" For treason. Because … he'd be a traitor." she said.

" Exactly. I too can't fathom any other reason. VILE is fighting Sandiego right under our eyes. It can only mean that she isn't in cahoots with that organization. We might be completely wrong about her." pointed Chase, showing the scene.

" She's still a criminal though." insisted Zari.

" You told me in Venice that details matter. During the Vermeer paintings case, announcements were made that they had been returned, all of them. This was stated by experts, people who can recognize a fake from an original. In Milan, the gowns were also put into safety. As you saw yourself. Can we really ignore that ? I was taught that the truth was crucial in our job. What if stealing before VILE was her actual goal ? Don't you think otherwise would be denial ?" pleaded Chase.

Zari could only admit he had a point there. It was happening in front of her. She too, wondered after the cases he just cited. Saying no would be plain stupid. Or Zari wasn't that stupid or stubborn, nor was she blind. She looked again.

" Oh crap. Looks like she lost." noted Zari.

VILE was tying her, and charging her in a plane.

" They're capturing her … I think you're right Devineaux." admitted Zari.

" We can't have that, now can we ?" made Chase.

" Indeed. Got a plan ?"

" Let's infiltrate the plane. I know how to pilot, just in case."

They moved. The agents approached the plane and silently got inside. They heard the operatives throwing Sandiego in a box, right under in the luggage storage. They hid behind the cargo.

" There ! That's usually for animals, but since you're Black Sheep it suits you." mocked one.

The plane started, the door behind closed. The agents took out their gas gun. Zari grabbed a smoke grenade. Sandiego gulped. Not only was she tied, but in a wooden box. She felt the plane leaving the ground. This time, no one would come rescue her. She shivered imagining what awaited her in VILE HQ. Torture certainly. Bellum would reprogram her to be an operative. And her team ? What would become of them ? Shadowsan would be sentenced to death. And they might order her to do it. Ivy, Zack and Sonia … Sonia could be recruited too. Probably the siblings as well.

No, she couldn't let that happen. Carmen tried to undo the rope around her wrists. It was beginning to scratch her skin. Then, she froze.

" Is it me, or is the plane making a U-turn ?"

As she was wondering about this, a cracking noise startled her. Her box had been opened. She felt something falling onto her. The plane was now landing. She … was rescued ? Carmen positioned herself to get up. She took a look. No one was here. What had been dropped for her ? A knife in its scabbard. Carmen reached for it. Unsheathing it proved hard with tied hands. Once free, she carefully got out. What the hell just happened ? It wasn't her teammates, they would have stayed here. The plane was empty. No more VILE operatives, and the back door was wide opened. Only the porcelains remained. Carmen glanced outside. No soul. Well then, she had no clue about the situation, but still had some goods to return. Unbeknown to the thief, Chase and Zari were still here, observing her discharging the stolen goods. She called for Zack. All of her crew arrived to pick her up, showing an emotional moment.

" This … why is she …" asked Zari.

She had just witnessed Carmen depositing the porcelains to a police station. Chase spotted Shadowsan helping her. So he was on her side ? And … not stealing too ? Weird.

" Hm ?" made Devineaux.

He waited for her to elaborate. He wanted Zari to understand by herself, to frankly admit what was happening, that the ACME was wrong.

" You don't seem so surprised by what we're seeing." noted Zari, turning her head vividly to him.

Agh, sharp of course. There was no use in denial. So Devineaux let a smile forming, then shook his head.

" When … was it in Venice, when you said you didn't do it alone ?" questioned his teammate.

It could only be at this moment. He had been too determined to capture her before to be this stoic now. New nod.

" Why didn't you say anything ?"

" Would you have believed me ? You're just like me Zari, you need to see it. Then here you go. So now, the big question : what is Carmen Sandiego to you ?"

Zari leaned eyes, musing. It was part of his plan, it seemed. He probably waited for an opportunity like this. She looked jaded, then sighed.

" Ok I get it. She isn't the criminal I thought she was. She seems rather innocent." admitted Zari.

Insert * Samba di Janeiro* music right here. Chase smiled nicely. Good. Now she was certainly on his side.

" And now what ?" asked Zari.

" Now, we'll deliver those operatives to Chief. That should soothe her for a moment. Then, I suggest helping Sandiego from the shadow, just like now."

Zari started the car. They had fresh meat to deliver to their leonine boss.

" So you don't know who helped you ?" asked Ivy.

" Nope." said Carmen.

" Well you got some luck here Red. On another topic, VILE is already up to something." announced Player.

" Which is ?" asked Sandiego.

" An important discovery happened on an island called Isle of Man. It is famous for being one of the numerous places for the mysterious Avalon. According to the news, the grave of a powerful Celtic chief had been discovered. Rumours are spreading it could be King Arthur's grave."

Carmen rounded eyes. Just that. Alright then, time to go.