When the tile to make a choice is here, you have to be ready for it, as it can change your life.
VILE Island
In her now deserted bedroom, Black Sheep sighed. Her heart was heavy with disappointment and bitterness. Today had been the exams results day, where every new recruit was officially declared as an operative of the biggest criminal organisation : VILE. This entity was specialised in theft, on an international scale and always for the rarest and most valuable objects or pokémons. Black Sheep grew up on the island serving as HQ, adopted by none other than the Faculty, the masterminds of VILE. She lived a happy and surprisingly sane childhood given the activity around here. Then, growing up she started to see with more and more desire thieves trained by her adoptive family, then obtaining a pokémon at the end of the formation before being sent all around the world to steal.
VILE recruited orphans, youngsters in trouble, in conflict with society or their family, showing talent for robbery and to integrate them to their teams. Most of them didn't have means or time to dedicate to a pokémon. So the organisation provided them a pokéball as a reward and officialization. VILE was mostly using darkness and poison type. The new operative's first task was to catch his first pokémon on the island. Then, sometime later after training they were sent to their first caper with other operatives.
" I wonder what kind of pokémon Gray got … and the others too."
Black Sheep pleaded to have her own during childhood, as a playmate and kind of pet. However, it was reserved for their operatives. This, and her wish to roam around the world had decided her to enlist in VILE. Everything worked out perfectly at first : the teenager requested an audience to the Faculty, and obtained her acceptation. She met with the year's recruits from the outside, and bonded with them. They trained and learned together, chose their code names and discussed their choice about their future pokémons. They planned to catch more once the first obtained, as VILE allowed them a special authorization to go capture more for themselves. Stealing some or bringing them for the future operatives was also part of their duties.
Black Sheep couldn't decide for one or the other, and couldn't wait to capture her first pokémon. She always imagined her and her pokémon travelling together around the world, becoming the best duo VILE ever saw. She knew she could be the finest thief, and her performances in classes proved it. How could it go wrong, frankly ? The young girl didn't even question it. Alas, it went. She failed one of the exams. It was enough to be flunked out. Oh, the feeling when she saw the red cross near her photo. Black Sheep hid it, but the ground had just collapsed under her feet. No travels, no capers, and no pokémons. How could this be ? The teenager knew where she failed : at Shadowsan's exam, where she was supposed to find a dollar in a pocket, in a limited time.
Black Sheep search every pockets, even the sleeves, in vain. She was convinced the coat was empty. He tricked her. But why ? When she was a child, he was nice to her. However, as she was growing up the Japanese changed. Distant, cold, uncompromising. And the girl wondered why. Was it because of her continued pranks ? Perhaps. Anyway, she went to confront him about the test. Shadowsan was accompanied as always by his Mienshao, his first and favourite pokémon. The teacher reprimanded her harshly. He left to head to his personal room. His two other pokémons were waiting there : Gengar and Cyndaquil, playing chess. Cyndaquil was the second pokémon Shadowsan captured, shortly after bringing Black Sheep on the island. And Gengar … wasn't supposed to be caught. That pokémon had the wonderful idea to play pranks on the little girl years ago.
He kept scaring her at nights, and after little Black Sheep's complained the whole Faculty investigated. Bellum detected a Gengar's presence on the inside. Brunt and Shadowsan decided to intervene. The man was the one who found out the purple pokémon. That one sure as hell didn't expect to be the one frightened. But he got not only the fear of his life when facing Shadowsan, but also the beating of the year thanks to his pokémons. Shadowsan decided to catch him to discipline the pokémon. What would have happened if Coach were the one to find Gengar … was quite efficient to keep him in control. Gengar had the opportunity to meet with the huge woman and her pokémons right after his capture. He hid behind his trainer with a squeak.
Apart from that, Shadowsan was a fair trainer, as the pokémon noticed, and with a better heart than the others. Gengar understood he was foolish to introduce in here, but quite lucky to be owned by Shadowsan, rather than Maelstrom and his deranged mind, Bellum who would have experimented on him, Brunt would have crashed him and Countess Cleo … who would have enslaved him or delivered him to the others.
" Gengar !" he greeted the man.
" Hello, you two." replied the Japanese.
" Mienshao."
" Hm ? Is it about Black Sheep ?" asked the man, seeing the disapproving attitude of his pokemon.
" Mien !"
" I know I've been harsh and unfair, but it's the only way I've found to protect her. You know that her heart remained pure despite being raised here, and she sure would have refused VILE's main rule : no witness." reminded the teacher.
The three pokémons lowered eyes with an agreed sound. Yes, that could be very bad for her.
" Plus, I can't stand her becoming a criminal. Black Sheep has moral standards, she deserves a better life." added Shadwosan.
" Cyndaquil …" moaned the fire pokémon.
The man sat on his bed with a sigh. Gengar patted him. But what now ? Surely Black Sheep would try again, and what will he do then ? His colleagues might start to be suspicious if he cheated again. They had been surprised enough about her failure, but he managed to convince them of her immaturity. As planned, Countess Cleo heavily supported that opinion. That did the trick.
" Mien, Mienshao mien."
" I don't know what I'll do next year. I can only hope that knowing her, she'll do something about it on her own."
For once, Black Sheep agreed with him. What once felt home had now became prison. One she decided to escape. After he learnt what she tried to do, infiltrating a caper, he facepalmed. That reaction went unnoticed by the Faculty, as it was their thought exactly. However, he had now to participate to her surveyance. He for once, assigned Gengar to that mission, as he had the ability to hide in a shadow. He warned his pokémon to be careful though : she'll probably notice him sooner or later. Gengar stood at attention, then left. Shadowsan exchanged a look with Mienshao and Cyndaquil.
" He'll be spotted."
" Miiieeen !"
" Cyndaaaa !"
Gengar indeed forgot a little detail about himself : the temperature fall when around.
" I knew this would happen. Wait for it my friend, I still have a score to settle with you !" thought Black Sheep.
The teenager never forgot the fright he caused her. Time to get revenge. First, to gather what Gengar would kill for : cookies.
" Hmmm ! Nothing better than cookies to cheer you up !" she claimed, sitting on a bench outside.
Two red eyes popped out : did he hear cookies ? The teenager pretended to search her bag. Gengar slowly lifted out the ground. Coooookiiiiiies ! A pile of delicious biscuits, right here at his range ! Finally this boring surveyance was worthing it. After a glance at the girl, he tended his arm. Yum yuuuum ! He wouldn't really have time to savour them but oh well.
" GOTCHA !"
Gengar startled as Black Sheep brutally turned to him … brandishing two halves of lemon. She pressed them straight to his eyes. The scream that let the pokémon startled the whole campus. Satisfied, Black Sheep watched him flying away shouting all he could. His trainer being a jerk to her she had little to no remorse. She left her bench after collecting her plate of cookies, then found a place behind a hedge. There, Black Sheep grabbed the mobile phone she found years earlier.
"Player ?" she called.
" Hey Black Sheep ! What's up ?" answered a joyful voice.
" Well I got rid of my chaperon. One of them more exactly. And you ?"
" I caught a Pikachu !"
" Oh that's fantastic Player ! It's your first pokémon right ?" smiled Black Sheep.
" Yup ! I decided to follow your advice and get out. My parents were also thrilled I did it."
" I'm glad for you Player. Pokémons are wonderful companions."
" I'm starting to believe it. Plus he's really cute."
" Great. On more serious topic, I plan on getting out of here soon." informed the girl.
" Oh. Do have a plan then ?" questioned Player, serious.
" Yes. I know exactly what to do. They'll lower their guard if they see that I behave. I'll focus on my studies until a precise day. Then, bye bye VILE island."
"Alright. I wish you luck."
" Thank you Player." grinned Black Sheep.
She chatted with for some minutes, discussing about Player's pokémon. Of course, when returning her room she had an argue with Shadowsan. She didn't look at him nor complaint, just waiting for the storm to vanish. The man on his side, was simply acting accordingly to what could be expected from him. In reality, this sudden change of attitude from her was concerning. Was she planning something, or did she really decided to mature to success ? He could only wait and see. And saw he did. Taking advantage of Cookie Booker's yearly visit, the teenager stole a hard drive containing precious and top secret datas and a pokéball. Shadowsan startled when the alarm yelled. What …
By the time he learned what was going on, she was outside. So was it the moment ? Shadowsan ran followed by Mienshao. No need for the others. The girl managed to get on a boat : she started it and got out of reach.
" I passed, you failed."
He sheathed his katana. Black Sheep turned the boat and got away. The man allowed himself a smile and sigh of relief. Now she was safe. Now he was in peace. He heard the rest of the Faculty coming, to note the fact.
" Why didn't you stop her ?" asked Cleo.
" I was too late, and what about you ? Busy manicuring ?" retorted Shadowsan.
" Why did she do this ? Why leaving ?" wondered Brunt, sadness on her face.
" No matter the reason, she stole us something precious. This is very bad." said Maelstrom.
They had to discuss this. Shadowsan might have rejoiced too soon.
On the meantime, Black Sheep had informed her friend Player about her escape. She had now to focus on how to survive out there. She was aware that stealing wasn't acceptable. However, as for now she might have to do this for a while. She decided to start this new life by taking a new name : Carmen Sandiego. She also inspected the boat : there was food and drink for a few days. Player advised her to continue her journey until Spain.
She docked a harbour right when the boat ran out of gas.
" Good that you arrived. What will you do now ?" questioned Player.
" I'd like to find a pokémon. I reckon it will be easier with one : it will protect me, and I can earn money in fights." responded Carmen.
" That's a very good idea. I'll check what kind you can find over there."
Carmen was thrilled to have him : the day she picked out the phone that lead her to meet her first friend was the best thing that happened to her until now. Carmen walked in the streets in awe. She was finally visiting a new place. She was free, free to do and go where she wanted. No more rules. No more secrets or hiding. Sandiego took a deep breath, eyes closed. The air of freedom.
" So ! After some research I found this." intervened Player, startling her.
Carmen looked at her phone. Payer enumerated the pokémons available in the place. She'll also need a pokédex. Carmen thought that she'll have to get rid of her phone : she already disabled the geolocation when she left, but still. As the teenager was walking, she spotted a little red pokémon crossing her path, running as fast as he could. It was chased by two Boltunds. Carmen watched the fox turning at a street corner.
" That pokémon needs help!" she exclaimed.
Sandiego ran where the pokémons went. She found the electric dogs threatening the poor fox, a Thievul. It was cornered against a wall. Carmen picked a bottle and rocks she threw at the dogs.
" Leave it alone !"
The pokémons, stray apparently, growled at her. Alright, so that was it. The young girl took some momentum, jumped on a garbage can then landed near the Thievul.
" Listen I can help you. If you follow my instructions we'll beat them alright ?" she told the pokémon.
That one had an interrogative sound. The Boltunds growled loudly, compelling the Thievul to agree the proposition.
" Alright Thievul ! Use Hone Claws then Quick Attack !"
" Thievul !"
The attack enhanced by the first movement, the pokémon hit his enemies violently, sending them in the air.
" Sucker punch and Night Slash !"
The Boltunds yelped. One of them tried to counterattack with Thunder Fangs, but Carmen ordered her pokémon to dodge and retaliate with Tail Slap. Thievul punched each dogs several times and ended them with Night Slash again. It was over. The electric pokémons retreated yelping in fear. Carmen and the fox leaped in joy. Then, she crouched before Thievul.
" You did wonders. Would you like to be my pokémon ?" she questioned.
" Thieeevuul !"
Carmen exited her pokéball with a grin, enlarged it and threw it to the fox. The ball absorbed it.
" I captured my first pokémon !" she gloated.
Player praised her. Now she could participate to official fights. There was a tower dedicated to fights, with each floor corresponding to a level. The higher people could go, the more money they got. This was perfect for Carmen. She needed money and to train her pokémon before starting her plan. The tower was providing rooms to the trainers, those being more comfortable as they were gaining experience. Player guided her. Carmen apperceived the highest tower she ever saw, even in her books. There already was a crowd inside. She queued for ten minutes. The woman at the box office explained her the rules : she could stay as long as wanted, except if she cumulated ten defeats. If so, she'll be expelled and allowed to return a week later. Ten victories were needed to climb one floor. There were also trainers called Floor Masters, equivalent to an arena champion.
They were equally allowed 10 defeats before losing title and lowering a floor. Carmen registered and obtained a map of the place, then a bedroom key card. She arrived at her room. It was small with the bare minimum : a bed, a shower and toilets. Lunches were to be taken in the restaurant. A center was present at each floor to cure or check pokémons after or before a fight. Carmen smiled when laying on her bed. Cheap place for now, but that didn't matter. She was free, had a place to stay, a pokémon to train and fights to win to earn her life a bit. Carmen straightened and grabbed her pokéball. A second later her pokémon was out, waiting for the next.
" You and I need some care now. But first of all … you need a name." she declared.
Carmen crouched before the pokémon, that one tilting his head while she spoke.
" I'll call you Rox. How is that ?"
" Thievul !" approved the fox with a grin.
Carmen happily hugged him then exited her room. According to the map of the place, there was a center for trainers and pokémons well-being. Once there, Carmen showed her key-card. The first visit was free. They both took a bath, got styled, well brushed for Rox, manicured for Carmen, massaged … heaven. The young girl would make sure to come back here. She grabbed a brochure when leaving. She passed before a shop sending accessories for pokémons and pokéballs. She spotted a pretty dark collar with a medal in a pokéball shape. Interesting. She decided to visit her floor. A fight was about to occur, judging by the people arriving. The tower was funded with the fights and all the services proposed. Sandiego reached the room for training, a gymnasium.
Good, let's start training right now. Carmen spent the rest of the day training and getting acquainted with her pokémon. She ended by a visit to the pokémon center, where Rox was examined and vaccinated. Finally, back to her room after dinner. Rox laid on the floor with contentment. Someone was taking care of him now, he'd be feed and cared for. The days fighting for survival seemed over. He had the opportunity to be stronger too. Those Boltunds had a good idea when attacking, in the end. Carmen was exhausted by her escape and quickly switched oof the lights.
The next day, they trained again all morning. Then, Sandiego registered for a first fight. Her opponent was a young adult possessing a Beartic. The trainers waited for the beginning of the combat … and Beartic started with Aqua-jet. Rox had barely time to shield. He counterattacked with Unburden and Quick Attack. Beartic launched Blizzard, Carmen retaliated with Foul Play. She didn't wait and used Assurance and Night Slash. With this, Beartic collapsed. The referee declared Carmen winner.
" I won !" she exclaimed.
Her very first victory. With it came a price of 50€. Not very much, but it was a start. It means she wasn't such a bad trainer. She called Player as soon as she exited the arena. The hacker praised her. Carmen bought the collar for her pokémon, who received it with emotion. He had a trainer, an identity. He was now unique, had someone who loved him. Rox would do his best to satisfy his trainer and progress.
The following day, they were up for two fights. Two more victories for Carmen. She bought her new clothes. They trained for three days, won three more times. Rox learned more attacks. Carmen and he obtained a fourth victory. Things were going well so far. Carmen was relieved to have found a shelter, and a legal way to earn money, with her own pokémon. VILE would never find her here. But she'd feel truly safe once she'd be able to buy herself another smartphone.
" Don't you think you should have another pokémon ? Rox will reach his limits and so will you, especially if you intend to climb floors." advised Player.
" Rox is enough to me. I don't to stay here forever, just enough to win money for my main project." replied Carmen.
" By the way, don't you think it's time to tell me more about this ?"
Carmen kept silent an instant. Player had always been here for her, supporting her in difficult times, the very first contact with the outside world which pushed her to take control of her destiny. And her very first friend.
" Yes, you deserve to know the entire truth."
Carmen explained him how she was found as a baby in Argentina, brought to an island sheltering a secret organisation. How she lived there, what she learnt … then this fateful day when she found that phone. Then, when he called her. The courses she attended to, until that failure that precipitated things. The mission infiltration, the truth about VILE. He knew the rest.
" Wow. That's not common. So Black Sheep really was your name." commented Player.
" Exactly. A name from the past."
A name she didn't know if she should forget, or accept it as a part of her. This wasn't her real identity, it was linked to a life full of lies. But Carmen Sandiego wasn't close to truth either, she was still a thief living in obscurity, on the edge of society. But at least she chose it, she could choose what to do, what path to take. Who will she be.
" I'm sorry Player, but it's dinner time here."
" Alright, have a nice meal and see you tomorrow." grinned the hacker.
" See you tomorrow Player, and take care." she replied softly.
" You too."
Carmen got up from her bed. Rox straightened his head from his basket, then followed her at her invitation. They headed to the restaurant. Meals were of a good price in here, so everyone could access one. The more floors one could climb, the ore refined food was proposed. But it was still good for her level. Six more victories and she could go higher with more money to earn. Days passed, punctuated with training and fighting. The duo knew their first defeat against a combat type pokémon. Oh well, a defeat was bound to happen one of these days. Carmen would just have to persevere. However, her pokémon wasn't taking this with philosophy. He lost, meaning he disappointed his trainer. She saved him, gave him all he needed and more, and he failed her.
Carmen was musing on a strategy to win next time, when she suddenly noticed that Rox didn't touch a single crumb of his meal. Strange, that was the very first time he didn't eat.
" Rox ? What's wrong deary ?" she questioned.
Rox stood silent, his head low and ears down. Damn, was he ill ? She grabbed her phone.
" Player ? Hello, am I disturbing you ?"
" Not at all, I just finished lunch. How are you ?" smiled the young one.
" Fine, but something seems to be wrong with Rox. He isn't eating at all. Do you have any idea ? You have a pokémon since longer than me." explained Carmen.
" Can I have a look at him ?"
Carmen engaged the video conversation. Player leaned on his screen, before chuckling.
" Oooh that looks disappointment to me. Did you lost a battle today ?"
" Yes. So you're telling me he's feeling down because of that ?" wondered Sandiego.
Player agree, before narrating a little anecdote : a few days ago he went to buy new games with neighbours. Alas, only one copy of the one he desired, as well as one of his neighbour, was left. They decided to solve this with a pokémon battle. The winner would got the game. Player lost.
" I really wanted that game, and my Pikachu felt it was his fault. He was gloom all day. So must be Rox : you saved him and took care of him, he must feel guilty for failing you. I had to reassure Pikachu and it was all good again. Of course you can bring him to the pokémon center to be sure." precised Player.
" No I think you're right. Roxy ?"
The Thievul barely lifted eyes. So that was it. Carmen went to sit near him.
" Oh Roxy ! It's no big deal if we lost, I knew this could happen, don't worry I'm not mad at you. Not at all. We're not invincible after all. I could bear a defeat or two."
" Thiev ?"
" Yeah, don't let it bother you too much. Just keep training and have faith, I still believe in you."
Rox looked at her. His trainer was smiling and petting him. She still trusted him, and wouldn't resent him or worse, abandon him. The fox threw himself in her arms with a loud cry expressing his relief and gratitude. Carmen received her pokémon with a laugh and embraced him. Her finders ran across his fur, reassuring, loving. Now that this problem was solved, his stomach reminded him that it was still waiting to be filled. Rox wolfed in his plate, reassuring Carmen on the way. She thanked Player for his help, before peacefully ending her meal.
Little anecdote : Rox is the french name for Tod in The fox and the Hound.