Author's Note: Finally! Ok, for all you Espio fans out there, watch out!
Author's Note(From Chapter 2): The Beast can shrink and enlarge itself. The one Tails fought was it's smallest. The one Knux fought was the largest.
Chapter 3: Help
"Hello?"
I didn't answer. What was I thinking? They wouldn't help me! The last time I saw them was the time with Metal Sonic, and we didn't even say one word to each other.
"This is Chaotix, is anyone there?"
They owed my nothing! I was the one who left Chaotix. Why in the world would they want to help me?
"Hello!"
"Who is it?" That was Espio speaking, I think.
"I don't know!"
"Just hang up!"
"Wait!" I could have slapped myself. One more second and I would have been home free! One more second and Vector would have hung up and I would never have to bother Team Chaotix ever again. Just one more. . .
"HELLO! Listen! We are tired of all the prank calls, got it? Next time, I'm calling the cops, then we'll see whose laughing!" I could tell Vector wasn't too happy about my silence.
"Vector, wait. It's me."
"Knuckles!" He asked in utter surprise.
"KNUCKLES! What's that jerk want?" That was Espio again. I wondered briefly where Charmy was, then I remembered they didn't let the bee answer the phone.
"Has much as I hate it, I agree with Espio, not the jerk part, but really, what do you want?" Vector asked. I heard Espio snort. I could almost imagine Vector giving him one of his looks that could kill.
"Help," I muttered simply.
"Knuckles, are you in some kind of trouble?"
"Kind of," I answered softly, feeling my pride dying. "It's a long story."
"Well, come on over! I'm sure Espio can't wait to see you and you can tell us all about it!" I heard, once again, an angry snort from the chamaeleon. "Ignore him," Vector said, "Come on! I'll have something for ya!"
"You don't have to do that," I answered. "Besides, you have proven that crocs can't cook worth squat!"
"Just shut up and get over here!" Vector snarled and hung up.
I shrugged. I was actually surprised that Vector would allow me into his home, especially after leaving the team and all. With a grunt, I started the painful journey to the Team Chaotix Detective Agency.
I knocked hesitantly on the door. Espio answered. Just my rotten luck. He opened the door and slammed it right in my face.
"ESPIO!" I yelled, wanting to punch his face out. A few seconds later, Vector opened the door.
"I'm so sorry, Knuckles, Espio's. . . .Holy Cow, what happened to you!"
I shrugged. My back still hurt and my arm was killing me. "Like I said, long story."
Vector nodded and ushered me inside. Espio glared at me and sat down in Charmy's locker. Charmy was sleeping on the shelf of the locker. Espio banged on it and the bee woke with a start. He rolled out and hit the floor. "What did ya do that for?" He asked. Espio shrugged and closed his eyes. Charmy looked over at Vector and he just smiled. I shook my head. Why were they helping me again?
"Alright, Knux, tell us why you are here," Vector said. Espio made a point that he was leaning against the back of the locker.
I took a deep breath and told them everything, leaving out the part with the cards. I figured they weren't interested that I was ungrateful for a gift. Besides, it would just give Espio more reason to verbally attack me. His tongue was as sharp as it was long. I told them about the Beast and how I had fought it. When I got to part where I told them how I lost, Espio laughed. Vector and I shot him a burning glance. He narrowed his eyes at us, but didn't say anything else. "So, will you help me?" I asked when I had finished the story.
Before Vector could utter a word, Espio stood up and declared, quite frankly, "NO!"
"What?" Vector and I said at the same time.
"I refuse to help him!"
"Espio, you, me, kitchen, NOW!"
Vector and Espio disappeared into the kitchen. Charmy was staring at me. I smiled and shrugged. He waved. I sighed and went to stand quietly by the kitchen door.
"Espio, why not? You saw what condition he's in. He needs help! Sonic and Tails aren't going to be much use to him!"
"Vector, no! Why should we? He left us, not the other way around! We owe him nothing!" (My words exactly, I thought)
"Well, maybe we could show a bit of kindness, Ninja-Dude!"
"Ok, now we are starting the name calling! Let me get Charmy in here and we can really have a party!
"Espio!"
"NO! I'd rather help Fang with our assassination, then help the likes of that red Echidna!" A pause. "Knuckles, get away from that door!"
I jumped. With another sigh, I walked in. "I guess you don't want to help me," I muttered. Somewhere inside of me, my pride lifted a bit. "I'll do it myself."
"Don't be silly! Espio is being a jerk! Of course we'll help you!" Vector said. The glance he gave Espio shut the ninja's mouth before he could retort.
There was a knock on the door. "I'll get it!" Espio yelled, jumping at the first chance to get away from me.
"Don't worry. Espio is a kind heart."
"I'm only helping because once that thing is done with Knuckles, it's coming after us!" Espio called from the front door.
Vector had to laugh. "Seriously, we'll help you! Even if Espio is being a jerk! Besides, we are always willing to help. Now, about our payment. . ."
I didn't have time to answer. Before I could open my mouth, we heard Espio from the door.
"NO WAY! Vector!"
