(A/N): Hello! I don't have a special cover art for this story, so I'm using a old Mighty and Honey picture that artist Perdro Araujo drew for me for commissions. With that being said, the 35th entry of Sonic Tales does have a special cover art made for that upcoming story which is still in progress at this time. I hope you enjoy this Team Chaotix fic in the meantime, these guys are always fun to write.
It was pretty normal over at the Chaotix Headquarters. The team leader Vector the crocodile was in his office counting down the money they had in their vault, making sure they had enough to pay for next month's rent for the building they want to keep living in. He was hoping to save enough to get himself new headphones after having enough for rent and other bills to pay.
Espio was in the same room with Vector, for he was looking at job requests that fit each member of the Chaotix team or jobs they can all do together as a team. He would put them in individual stacks trying to keep things organized.
In the living room of the headquarters were the other members of Team Chaotix having some free time to themselves, seeing that there wasn't any mandatory work at the moment. Charmy the Bee and Ray the Flying Squirrel were playing a game of cards together on the floor, both taunting each other as they kept winning and losing in each game.
On the couch was Mighty the Armadillo alongside Honey the Cat, who he's in a relationship with. Honey, who usually hangs out with her brother Sonic, isn't really officially part of Team Chaotix. She's more like an honorary member to the group having to join them in a case one time and she likes to hang out with them before and after her relationship with Mighty started.
Honey wanted to spend time with Mighty and Team Chaotix since she is grateful that they pair her up with Mighty since that Valentine's Day event. The couple were watching television together as Honey calmly relaxed her head on Mighty's shoulder who was also relaxed at the moment, putting an arm around the feline. Enjoying their peaceful moment together.
As everyone was enjoying their time, the main phone of the building; The only phone to be exact for Vector was too cheap to buy another for the place, started ringing. Ray was about to get up from the floor and answer the phone until Vector suddenly rushed into the room with an anxious look, scaring everyone by his sudden appearance.
The crocodile answered the phone as his face was blushing and let out heavy breathing. "Hello? *breathing* Ah huh *breathing* yup *breathing* Okay *Breathing* Okay sure." He said, with his breathing words before hanging the phone quickly.
Vector turned the room smiling looking at his fellow crew. Happy to see everyone enjoying their time together. Mighty and Honey glanced over at the green crocodile wondering why he was smiling.
"So Vector what's with the happy look?" Mighty asked, curious.
"Guys I got a call from a man who needs our help." Vector said, trying to look professional with his stand.
"What kind of guy?" Charmy asked, looking up at his boss.
"A man with a deep pocket of full money." Vector said, rubbing his hands together at the thought of earning the man's money.
"So what does he want?" Mighty wondered.
"Our client wants us to investigate this museum. Last night someone stole some of their valuable things." Vector explained.
"Sweet! Looks like we're going on a detective case. Can I come? It's been a while since I last joined you guys on one." Honey said, excitedly.
Mighty smiled, "Looks like we are going on our first case together." He joked making the feline giggle.
"Of course! Honey, you may not be a full time member but we can use your skills to help us." Vector said, accepting the cat into the case.
"You're only allowing her because you don't have to pay her." Charmy said, mocking the crocodile.
"Shush you!" Vector pointed at the bee.
Honey just chuckled because she doesn't mind not getting paid from the job. She just wanted to go on a fun adventure with Team Chaotix knowing how wacky and crazy their cases can be sometimes.
"I even have a detective badge you gave me." Honey said, pulling out a badge and smiled at it.
Charmy flew to look at Honey's badge up close. "Hey! How come Honey gets a badge and we don't!?" He complained.
"Well I….um….there was enough for one in our budget." Vector said.
"But she's not even a full time member!" Charmy kept complaining.
"I made a mistake to make Honey's badge first before any of us. We'll get out badges some day." Vector promised.
"So where are we heading to this museum?" Ray wondered.
"It's over at Central City." Vector answered.
Espio soon appeared in the room with a stack of paper. He went to each member of the group and handed them a small stack of papers. "I found some jobs that would be suited for each of us." Espio said, giving away the paper.
"Wow thanks Espio!" Ray thanked the chameleon.
Espio walked over Mighty and Honey to hand over a single piece of paper. "I figure you two would like to go together alone so I found one case suited for just the both of you." He said, calmly.
"Aw thanks Espio!" Honey said, looking at the flyer.
"Thanks for looking out for us." Mighty smiled and nodded.
"Great work Espio! Unfortunately there's a job we're all gonna do together." Vector said.
"What's the job?" Espio asked, wondering what the case was.
"We're gonna crack down on some criminals, that's what." Honey said, smirking while cracking her knuckles.
Mighty calm down the cat's hunger for a brawl by gently grabbing her hand, making Honey feel comfortable. "What we're gonna do is investigate the crime scene and try to figure out who stole from the art museum." He explained.
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go and take down these low life criminals!" Ray said, excitedly.
"You right Ray! Quick to the Vectormobile!" The crocodile yelled proudly.
Espio facepalm hearing this, "Vector for the last time! We don't have a vehicle!" He yelled, annoyed.
Vector raised an eye at the chameleon, "Oh really?" He said.
The green crocodile walked over to the door leading towards the garage of the building. With a smirk on his face, Vector opens the door and reveals to everyone a large green vehicle that's in the shape of his head. Everyone was both shocked and amazed (but mostly weirded out) at the large green automobile.
"Behold the Vectormobile!" He said proudly.
"Woah how did you get this?" Mighty asked.
"The last job we did to help Honey's friend Candy with the whole Fabric Havoc situation really paid off. It helped me get this beauty." He said, admiring his van.
"Wow Candy really paid you guys good huh?" Honey laughed.
"Wait?! You were able to get a van, but not get us badges?" Charmy questioned the crocodile's choices.
"Hey! I think getting a van was more important! It's better than hitching a ride with some random strangers." Vector shot back.
Vector slides open the side door of his van, "Alright everyone get in! We got a case to solve!" He said, proudly.
"I'm….not going in that." Espio said, not feeling comfortable riding such a van.
"Oh yes you are Epsio!" Vector said, dashing towards Espio. The crocodile picked up Espio in the air. "Get inside car me, Espio!" He said, throwing Espio's body inside the van.
After Espio got inside the van (By force) the rest quickly entered the vehicle. Vector got in the driver seat and turned on the ignition, letting out a loud roar. One that Vector felt proud of hearing.
The crocodile adjusted his rear mirror to see everyone in the back getting comfortable. Ray appeared next to Vector as he wanted to take the shotgun seat and get a better view of the road and give his brother Mighty some space with Honey. Everyone was excited except Espio who was angry and annoyed at what Vector did to him.
As soon as the garage door opened Vector and exited at a high speed almost making the van tip over on the dirt road while making a sharp turn. Vector pumped up the gas heading towards the direction of Central City while blasting up the song "I Get Around" by The Beach Boys, making everyone (except Espio) bob their heads to the song happily.
The gang got to Central City in the matter of minutes taking the shortest route possible. When entering the city, the people there were looking awkwardly at the large green van that was in the shape of Vector's head. Epsio couldn't but feel embarrassed being seen inside the van while the rest of the gang were looking out the window enjoying the view of the city buildings and marketplace.
The van stopped, making its destination parking in front of a big museum. The gang could see a large group of people, cops, and news reporters gathered outside the museum. News reporters were trying to get the inside scoop of the crime scene while police officers were trying their best to keep everyone behind the yellow tape line.
Everyone got off the Vectormobile and made their way towards the building. They pushed their ways into the crowd until they reached where the yellow tape line was at. A police officer stopped them in their tracks preventing them from going any further.
"Halt! No one is allowed to pass the line unless it's official business." The cop said.
Vector smiled, "Luckily for us we are official business." He said, showing off his detective ID.
"We're here to investigate the crime scene." Honey spoke up, showing off her golden detective badge.
"Wow, that's a nice badge young lady." The officer said, looking at Honey's badge while adjusting his sunglasses. "Very well, the six of you may proceed."
The officer lifted up the yellow tape. Honey just turned to look at the gang with a cute smile seeing how impressed the officer was by her badge. Vector couldn't help but be jealous and really wish he made himself a gold badge first. The gang went under the tape and entered the building.
Entering the art museum they were amazed to see such art displays around the place. Containing drawings and paintings of people, places and animals. They also hand sculpted statues much like the ones seen in Ancient Spagonia. The gang noticed that there were empty spots where certain items would be displayed.
They soon met up with the owner of the museum as he was done talking with the police. The owner smiled when he saw Team Chaotix and walked towards them a with big friendly smile.
"Ahhh Team Chaotix, it's a pleasure to meet you all." The owner said, offering a handshake to Vector.
"Nice to meet ya as well." Vector said, shaking the man's hand.
"I'm sure you already know why I called you here." The owner said, standing up straight like a gentleman.
"Yes but can you give us more details on what happened?" Vector asked.
"I'll be happy to, please will all of you follow me this way." The owner said, with Team Chaotix following him.
"Last night some of the most valuable things were taken from this museum in an instant." The owner said.
"Did anyone catch a glimpse of what the criminal looks like?" Espio asked.
"Unfortunately no,our security guards weren't able to identify the criminal. They were knocked out before they could see who took our things away." The owner said.
"What about security cameras? Surely they got something on footage." Mighty spoke.
"We don't have any footage of the criminal either. They somehow manage to corrupt out our security footage of them." The owner said, sadly.
"Darn, this criminal sounds like a real expert." Ray said, rubbing his chin.
"I think it's time we investigate. Maybe we can get a clue on who did this." The purple Chamaeleon suggested.
Everyone nodded as they scattered around the building for evidence. The owner of the museum is really hoping that Team Chaotix will use their detective skills to find the culprit.
Epsio and Vector were looking around for any possible way the criminal could have broken in. They checked for any broken window, busted door knobs, and the roof of the building.
Mighty and Honey were looking at where the stolen items were taken. They looked for pieces of evidence like a fingerprint, footmarks, or a piece of hair the criminal left behind.
Ray and Charmy were asking more questions from the security guards hoping to get more details like the time of the heist started and what they were doing before they got knocked out.
It seems nearly impossible to find any evidence for the criminal without a trace. The gang quickly groups back up as they huddled together as they wanted to discuss.
"Any luck on your guys' end?" Vector asked.
"Not a single trace." Honey said.
"Security guards aren't helping much either. We just know the heist may have started around 1 am." Ray answered.
"Who can do such a thing in such a matter of minutes? It's just impossible!" Charmy said, flying around in frustration.
The more Vector thought about how the criminal left no evidence behind, an idea came to him. "Guys I know who did it."
The gang were shocked to hear Vector. Really?" Espio said, surprised.
"There's only one person I know who could have done all this without a trace." Vector said, proudly slamming his fist in his palm.
"Who is it?" Ray wondered, tilting his head.
"We're about to find out!" The crocodile said, leaving the building with a smirk. They enter back into the Vectormobile as they hit the road to seek the true culprit
At Club Rouge
A building that the famous lady thief, Rouge the Bat owns as Club Rouge was filled with tons of people today. People just spend time with their friends, people playing the slot machines, and people having their own private party in a private room.
Rouge the Bat was at the counter alongside her robot friend E-123 Omega who were serving drinks to the customers. The female bat smiled seeing how Omega was putting on a show, how he stirred and shook drinks before serving them to the customers.
Shadow was present as he was drinking a few soda cans while reading the newspaper, looking to see any big events that he might find interesting before going back to play games of pool with customers who wanted to beat his undefeated streak.
Team Dark as they are known from Sonic and his friends. The group is just enjoying their usual routine. Rouge was just happy to see everyone close together, for Shadow usually spends time in his room or going out on his own to train his skills.
It was fine and good until the entrance door of Club Rouge slammed open. It was so loud that everyone looked at the entrance wondering who was coming in. It was none other than Vector and the rest of Team Chaotix coming in. Vector had this smirk on his face while the rest of the gang were confused on why they were at Club Rouge.
Rouge looked at the group with an odd look but she smiled. "Why? If it isn't Team Chaotix! What can I do for you guys?" She said, smiling while getting some empty bottles ready.
Vector slapped his hands on the table counter making Rouge jump a bit in the air for she wasn't expecting it. "Okay Rouge, spill it." He said, looking down at the bat.
Rouge was confused but shrugged her shoulders as she got a bottle of apple cider. "Well okay then, I'm spilling it." She said, filling up the empty bottles with apple cider and serving it to the crocodile.
"No! Not like that!" Vector yelled angrily at bat. "I want you to confess!"
"Confess? Sorry Vector dear, I'm afraid you're just not my type." Rouge said, teased with a fake flirtatious look.
Vector growls seeing that Rouge was toying with him. He looked to see everyone in Team Chaotix chortling while Espio was nodding in shame. The crocodile kept his cool as he took a deep breath before looking straight into the bat's blue eyes.
"Rouge I know it was you! You were the only one who broke into the art museum last night and stole their finest art away." Vector said, finger pointing at the bat.
Everyone in the building gasps hearing this. Even Team Chaotix were surprised and stunned by Vector's conclusion. Rouge just frowned and folded her arms as she tapped her foot, looking at the green crocodile with disapproval.
"What?" She said, feeling really annoyed.
Charmy flew up next to Vector, "How do you know Rouge did it?" Said the young bee.
"Come on guys it's obvious! Who else can steal from a big building and not leave a trace. Rouge is known to steal, remember? Valuable things." Vector stated.
"So you're accusing Rouge based on her history as a thief?" Espio said.
"Yeah, besides her club is in the same city as the museum. It would make sense since she stole from the museum and came back here. Hoping no one would notice!" Vector said, looking back at the bat.
"As much I appreciate the thought of being the culprit of stealing. I'm afraid I'm the innocent one here." Rogue said, pouring down more drinks.
"You're not?" Ray spoke.
"Of course not! I would never steal from an art museum. I'm a jewel thief not some boring old thief who likes art? Like what I'm gonna do with the art work anyways? I can't display them or sell them. Though I have been getting the itch to do some thieving again for a while." Rouge laughed.
"That's right, Rouge is more into jewelry." Honey said, thinking more about Rouge's history.
"I don't think I've ever seen Rouge steal anything besides jewelry." Said Mighty.
"Exactly! Brilliant diamonds and shining pearls is what I seek! Oh just the thought of holding and seeing them is just enough to make me smile forever." Rouge blushed, thinking about jewelry.
"Well Vector there goes your lead. Looks like we're at another dead end it seems." Espio said, looking disappointed.
"Yeah all we have left is this cool gum wrapper I found on the floor of the museum." Charmy said, pulling out a small piece of paper.
The gang were surprised to see the paper had some words printed on it. Vector quickly snatched the paper from the young bee's hand and gave an angry look.
"Why didn't you show this to us back in the museum? You could've saved us all the trouble coming here?" Vector yelled.
"Hey! I didn't think it was that important! I just thought it was trash someone left behind." Charmy stated.
"So Vector what do the words say on that small piece of paper?" Mighty asked.
"Let's see here." Vector said, trying to unfold and straight the paper to get a better read on it before reading it out.
We're going to capture all of your valuable treasures! Here we go, you gang of clowns!
Everyone's eyes widened after Vector read the note. Even Rouge was taken surprised by the bold statement left in the note.
"The note says "we" in it." Honey said.
"Meaning there's more than one criminal in the job." Espio.
"That's just gonna make things more difficult." Ray said.
"Mind if I take a look at that note." Rouge asked.
Vector gave the bat the piece of paper as she examined it carefully. Rouge noticed a small symbol on the left corner of the paper. Her eyes widened the more she looked at the symbol that looked like a pair of sunglasses and the way the note was made.
"It can't be, is it?" She thought to herself.
While Vector was scolding the young bee for keeping such important evidence from the crime scene. The others were trying to figure out who the real criminals behind it all were.
"Oh…my…GOSH!" Rouge squeals like a fangirl.
Everyone looked at Rouge's sudden behavior as she had a blush and big happy look on her. "What's up?" Vector said.
"I can't believe it! It's actually them! It's been so long since I last heard of them!" Rouge said, still blushing.
"Who are they?" Honey asked.
Rouge slammed her hands on the counter. "The criminals you guys are going after are known as The Bonanza Bros!" She said, excitedly.
"The Bonanza Bros?" Everyone said.
Rouge nodded her head happily, "Yeah they are a duo of thieves! Their level of thievery is like no other!" She said, hyping them up.
"You seem to know a lot about them?" Espio said.
"Yeah I do! It's because of them that inspired me to become a thief." Rouge stated.
"Woah really!? These guys pushed into the thief's life?" Ray said, surprised.
"Ahhh I remember when I first saw them years ago back in the 90's. It was at a place called Badville. It was infamously filled with crime and corruption from the officials. The Bonanza Bros came in and showed the world how corrupt the city was by stealing the most valuable things in 12 different places in the city" Rouge said, remembering the events.
Honey couldn't help frown a bit. "Why is everything from the 90's making a comeback just now? First Toejam and Earl and now these Bonanza Bros!? What's next?!" She questioned.
"I was there when they pulled their final heist. I was just a young bat at the time. I'll never forget seeing them for the first time seeing them escape in their blimp." The bat said, savoring that piece of memory in her head.
"Blimp huh? They must have used that to escape from their recent job." Espio said, thinking to himself.
"They must have left this note on purpose. The Bonanza Bros love a good challenge to test their skills out against the law. I wish I could do a collaboration heists with them. Learn from the masters themselves." Rouge said, daydreaming happily.
"Sounds like these guys must really know what to do if Rouge is praising them so much." Said Ray, getting the idea these aren't ordinary level thieves
"Can you give us descriptions on what they might look like?" Epsio asked, politely.
Rouge raised an eye, "Why would I? These are my role models that you guys plan to take in." She said, coldly.
Vector then pulled out a stack of cash. Cash he would bring to get information from others if there's no option to get it freely. "Will this change your mind?" He said, smirking.
Rouge frowned and sighed, seeing the stack of cash being held in front of her. "You're just lucky I like cash just as you Vector." She said, taking the bribe.
"Now give us the details Ms. Rouge." Vector said, calmly.
"Alright but just bear with me. The last time I saw them I was just a small cute bat." Rouge warning the crocodile.
Rouge closed her eyes and tried her best to collect her memories. "Their names are Robo and Mobo, Robo is the older brother for he's the tallest one and wears a red shirt while his younger brother is a shorter guy wearing a blue shirt. Both are bald headed guys and wear sunglasses." She said, trying to remember the details.
Espio was nodding and he wrote down the description on a small notebook he had with him. "They don't sound too complicated, look wise that is." He said.
"Now we gotta find out where they are planning to rob next." Mighty said, thinking.
Rouge smiled hearing the armadillo. "Well surely I can help you guys with that as well. At the right price of course." She teased.
Vector sigh and pulled out another stack of cash, he hoped that the first stack of cash was able to get every information from the bat. Rouge happily took the cash from Vector's hand with a grin. Once receiving it, the female bat took out a map of Central City and laid it flat on the table.
"You just happen to have a map of the city?" Honey questioned.
"Like I said, I've been getting the itch to steal again. I have maps of places I plan to steal from when the time comes." Rouge answered.
Everyone looked down at the map, "Alright the Bonanza Bros first robbed the art museum. Knowing their history back at Badville, the next few possible places they might rob are here." Rouge explained.
She carefully pointed at three spots on the map. One area looked like a place where luxury cruise ships would dock. The second a large bank building containing the city's money. The third place was filled with what seems to be large mansions belonging to wealthy families.
"My best bet is they are planning to rob the bank next. Seeing how they can easily take down the security. Guess they want to hit the easier places first before robbing the hard places." Rouge said, smiling at the idea.
"Rouge, mind if I can use a phone. I need to call the bank and let them know we need to save them from an upcoming burglary." Espio said, giving his best manner to the bat.
"No problem!" She said, pulling up a telephone from underneath the counter.
As Espio was dialing the number of the bank. Vector made a bold look at his peers. "Looks like coming here wasn't a waste after all. We got the information we need to chase down these Bonanza guys." He said.
"More like pure luck." Charmy rolled his eyes.
"We're good to go, we need to head there now before it's too late." Epsio said, giving a thumbs up after hanging up the phone.
Everyone nodded at the chameleon as they started walking towards the door. An anxious look appeared on Rouge's face as she reached out a hand towards the detective group.
"Wait!" She called out.
"What's the matter?" Mighty spoke up.
The female bat smiled and blush shyly at the floor as she twiddled her thumbs. "Before you guys possibly catch and arrest the Bonanzas Bros. Do you guys mind if you bring them here so I can talk with them?" She asked, shyly.
Everyone in Team Chaotix just frowned and rolled their eyes at the bat's fangirl love for two famous criminals and continued walking their way out of the building.
"Oh come on! When does a thief ever get to meet their heroes!" She complained, seeing the group of detectives leave her establishment.
End of chapter 1