So Chase is training to be able to protect Carmen and to use this new body.


Carmen awoke, and immediately noticed Chase's absence. Was he already up ? She exited the room after opening the window for fresh air. She reached her own and froze on the threshold. Chase was there, laid on the flank, watching videos on her laptop, the extremity of his tail waving in his thought process. What a curious sight.

" Good morning sweetie. You didn't sleep ?" asked Carmen, approaching.

He turned an ear, then stopped the video and started Word.

" I did, but then I didn't feel like sleeping anymore. Thought I could do some research to master this new body of mine." he wrote.

" That's a good idea."

" Though I can't see as well as a human. This is hard."

" Oh. Well sorry, I don't have anything that could help. Now come, I bet you didn't eat." she invited.

" Yep, I'm starving."

Chase let the laptop, he'll certainly return to it later. While Carmen was still asleep, he used those last hours to train : learning to sit, laying, getting up after, walking normally, trotting … seemed obvious, until you completely change body. Down there, Shadowsan and Zack were already eating. They greeted them while Carmen was installing Chase on a chair.

" Don't you think that a bowl for cat would be more practical ?" asked Zack.

" I'm no treating him like a real cat, since his mind is one of a human. How would you react if it happened to you ?" said Carmen, while exiting some food.

" I know, that was just an idea. But are you going to buy him a brush ?"

Carmen glanced at Chase. His fur was indeed messy, could an ordinary brush do the trick ? It was also dirty, she'll bath him after breakfast. She responded that she'll think about it. Ivy joined them some minutes later.

" Chasey, you need to take a bath. I'll go buy some shampoo, okay ?" warned Carmen when he was about to get down.

The cat smelled his fur, before emitting a disgusting sound. Indeed, that would be welcome. Why couldn't he have landed on a well maintained cat ? However, the advantage of borrowing an abandoned cat's body, is that no one would claim him. As it would quite complicate the situation. He nodded to her. Shadowsan saw him waving his paw at him. Chase then went back to the laptop. While Carmen was outside, the Japanese went up. He called for the cat who answered by a mew. Once he found him, Chase wrote a sentence.

" I'm okay for the training. I already began by attempting to master this body. read Shadowsan. Fine, tell me when you're ready."

Chase nodded. Meanwhile, Zack and Ivy were to check if the lab was still here. Chase waited for Carmen in the bathroom. He heard her coming back, and getting up fast. He mewed to signify his location. Once there, Carmen put a brush and the shampoo on furniture, before grabbing her cat. Once in the tub, she tested the water temperature. Chase stiffened as soon as the water touched him. Seeing his tail all stiff horizontally, she lifted an eyebrow.

" Is it too hot ?"

He shook his head.

" Too cold maybe ?"

Nope again.

" It's the water ?"

Nod. Carmen chuckled. There was no other way so he have to endure it. As unpleasant as it was feeling for him, Chase kept his mouth shut, preventing annoyed mews to exit. Carmen added the shampoo, scrubbing him energetically.

" Mrroow ! Wanna tear my fur or what ?"

" Am I going too strong ?" questioned Carmen again.

" Yeah."

She apologized. Time to rinse the feline. Chase watched with disgust all the dirt colouring the water, leaving the tub. That was a well needed bath. Sandiego ended it, he felt like shaking his drenched fur. It quickly became an urge and he yielded.

" Hey !" protested Carmen.

" Meow. Sorry."

She wrapped Chase in a towel, took him out before putting him on a dresser. She rubbed him carefully.

" Hey that's actually nice."

Without him realizing, a purr resonated. Carmen smiled, and plugged an hair dryer. She brushed him before. His fur had a few knots she had to cut. Finally, she dried the cat.

" Maaaaaww !" he commented happily.

" Feeling better I guess."

He nodded. Feeling fresh was great.


The thief's phone vibrated. It was Ivy, with bad news. Carmen activated the loud speakers. Unfortunately, it was as Shadowsan predicted : the lab was destroyed. Carmen and Chase both closed their eyes. Of course. Meaning he'll stay like this for a while. Carmen thanked her teammates.

" I'm so sorry my love. But don't worry : I promised that I'll find a solution, and I will." announced Carmen.

" Moow. I know."

Meanwhile, he'll have some training to do. He jumped down and exited. Carmen accompanied him, she'll have a talk with Player about the situation. She grabbed her laptop then went down. Chase arrived in front of Shadowsan's room. He mewed to announce himself. The man went to welcome him. He asked if he was there for training, to what the cat agreed. Well then, why not beginning right now. They headed to the training room. The Maine Coon faced the human, curious about what he had to propose.

" You being a cat, the priority for you will be to learn to dodge. Humans use their feet against animals like you, given your size it could badly injure you. I will attack with a stick first, you will dodge it." announced Shadowsan.

Sounded logical, thought the cat. Shadowsan grabbed a wooden stick. He faced the Maine Coon again. Alright. Let's see what this cat was made off, thought Chase. He approached. Shadowsan didn't move until the very last second. His stick hit the cat right between the ears.

" YOWL ! HEY !"

" You're supposed to dodge." answered calmly his teacher.

" Do that again and I'll bite what makes you a man !"

Chase attacked again. This time, he avoided being hit. The Japanese tempted to hit his paws. That … lead to something resembling a tap dance. He got hit on the shoulders, avoided one on the back, but got swiped and fell again. Carmen arrived on that.

" What are you doing ?" she said, half surprised half worried.

" Training." replied Shadowsan.

Carmen walked to the cat and crouched near him. Chase got up. Carmen rubbed his back. He shook himself, then meowed to indicate he was ready.

" Wait wait wait. Training for what exactly ?" cut Carmen.

Chase turned a jaded look to her.

" I'm training to learn how to eat with giant chopsticks. For what according to you ?"

" I hope you do not intend to follow me during my capers, Chase ? Because it's a big no." said Carmen turning to him.

" And there she goes again ! Please explain her !" he made, pointing respectively both humans.

Shadowsan sighed.

" Carmen, you do realize we can't let him all alone so he'll have to follow us. And don't even think about locking him in your hotel room, unless you want him to depress then resent you for that."

" But !"

She looked at him with worry. Chase explained with pointing him then Shadowsan that what's the training was for, and concluded everything will be fine by raising a paw.

" Oh right. I don't have a thumb anymore, but you got the point."

Carmen hesitated to reply. True he already defended her the day before, but it was a regular man, with no training. Those she'll have to face won't show any mercy, cat or not. Then again, she already missed losing him because of her attitude. He was already feeling bad enough without adding more on it. Chase understood her worries, approached and put his paw on her hand. She smiled softly before taking it in her hands.

" Fine. But you'll have to behave exactly as told, alright ?"

Chase mimicked that he needed to write. Carmen handed her phone over, enlarging the letters. Chase used a claw.

" Deal. But if I judge that you're in danger I will intervene, whether you like it or not."

" Ugh. Deal. So you better train hard."

" Of course. By the way, let a window opened for me during night, please."

Carmen agreed. Chase asked for a break for his natural needs. Shadowsan nodded. The Maine Coon quickly exited the place. Carmen opened the door for him, he thanked her with a mew. Once back, he resumed training with acute attention. This was harder than he thought, especially with a bad sight. His teacher stopped the training when the cat seemed out of breath. Chase bowed to thank him, then went to the kitchen to request some water. His girlfriend had prepared him a bowl in advance. He refreshed himself. Spotting Carmen in the living-room with the siblings, he joined. He jumped on the sofa, and rubbed his head against Sandiego's cheek. She chuckled and fondled him. Settled on her lap, Chase listened what Player was telling. A new caper, happening in Jamaica. They'll leave in three days.

" How was your training sweetie ?" asked Carmen, a hand in his fur once everyone dismissed.

Chase rolled on the back on the couch, meowing in agony.

" I think he's trying to kill me, that way no more naughty man who stole his adoptive daughter's heart." he wrote.

Carmen laughed.

" I'll go see your real body in the hospital before leaving. I'd rather stay with him … it ? But VILE won't allow me to, and I can't afford it. I have to search for Bellum to fix you." she said, laying near him.

His paw caressed her face. She dropped a kiss on his head, he replied with a purr in his mew. After a thoughtful moment, Carmen stood up. She had to prepare for her travel. Chase decided to take a nap. He reached his room and curled on his bed. Just before noon, a series of beeps awoke him. He blinked. It was … Chase jumped out of his bed and mewed loudly. Intrigued, Carmen arrived, discovering his ACME pen beeping in his mouth. The siblings popped their head out of their room too.

" Oh … crap."

What was she supposed to tell Chief ?

" Just said partially the truth : he had an accident and is in a hospital." suggested Ivy.

" Guess I have no choice."

Carmen collected the pen, raced outside and clicked once in a desert street.

" Miss Sandiego ? To what do I owe the pleasure ?"asked Fraser, intrigued.

" That's my line Chief." smiled Carmen.

" I called because it's been a while since I have a report from my agent." replied Tamara.

" With good reason I'm afraid, and that's why I'm answering in his place."

Chief raised a brow. Carmen explained that Chase got kidnapped by VILE, wounded during the rescue so he got hospitalized. He was still unconscious as of today.

" That's a terrible new miss Sandiego. Should I send agents to guard him ?"

" Actually yes, please."

That would be a relief for her, knowing that someone was watching over him. Fraser announced she'll send two agents where he was. Carmen indicated which hospital was sheltering Chase.


The conversation ended here. A mew signalled Chase's presence. That one applauded.

" Now come. Let's go to the hospital."

Carmen carried him in her arms, then hid him in a backpack. Chase's body was peacefully asleep. The cat's head popped off the backpack when put on chair.

" So weird."

Carmen kissed him, caressing his head. She missed him. He was fine physically speaking, but she needed him by her side. The cat behind recalled his existence. Right, he was still mentally here nonetheless. She'll have to be satisfied with that for now. Sandiego stayed one hour in the room, contemplating her boyfriend. She heard a knock. A doctor arrived. Chase hid in the backpack. She enquired about this health. Good, maintained unconscious as required. Carmen asked to keep this a secret for now, useless recommendation since it was professionally obligatory. When Carmen left, two ACME agents introduced themselves as sent by Chief to guard Devineaux. She thanked them before leaving. Once back in the HQ and after freeing Chase form her backpack, she continued to prepare her trip and checked on her equipment. Chas for his part, went to find Shadowsan to resume training. This time, he managed to avoid hits better.

The man also gave some advices about aiming for his opponent's legs, even biting a sensitive spot. To what Chase just sticked his tongue out. No way he'll do that. The cat continued, and could give some paw kicks.

" Chasey ? Can you come please ?" called Carmen.

" Meaw !"

The Maine Coon found Carmen upstairs.

" Darling listen. Since we're going to travel and given that you're an animal for now, we'll need to do some extra things. Such as vaccinating you and buying a cage for transport." announced Sandiego.

" Mrah ?" he replied with surprise.

" Well yes, you'll need a passport as well. So I could obtain an appointment for you tomorrow. You'll also have to accompany me to choose a travel box." she explained.

Chase commented with an annoyed tone. Sounds logical but still. He nodded with all the joy in the world. She smiled and caressed him on the head. Later on the day, he decided to join her for the night. Carmen smiled softly and welcomed him in her arms. The following day, Chase was brought to a pet shop to choose his cage. Perched in Carmen's arms, he looked with an indifferent look the merchandise before him.

" I can remain in your arms." he discreetly wrote on her phone.

" You know fully well that they don't allow cats roaming free in a plane nor in airports. I will if I can of course, but we'll take our precautions." replied Carmen.

" Gromph." he emitted.

His girlfriend incited him to have a look and make his choice. The cat lifted his nose, then accepted to try some. He put a paw on one he appreciated. Next was the vet appointment. Inside his new cage, Chase observed all those animals stressing. Wow dogs were so big now. It was his turn when Carmen lifted his cage. He exited it once on the table, sitting on it. The vet got impressed by his calm, as the young woman announced she found him on the streets. She invented a story about her feeding him for weeks before adopting him. Devineaux slightly felt the vaccines sting. While they were doing the paperwork, he returned inside his box.

Finally, time to travel. They arrived in Jamaica after a peaceful trip, where Chase could take a nap on Carmen's lap.

She was carrying him when he awoke, yawning with his mouth wide opened. He was in his cage, as he noticed. He meowed to indicate he was awake. Carmen heard him, then announced they were arriving at their hotel. She freed him once in her room.

" There." she said.

Chase stretched with all his length. Carmen briefed him on their caper while brushing him. VILE was on its way to rob a famous treasure discovered just a few days ago. Chase focused on the brushing rather than her words. It was really pleasant in fact. Like a fondle. Before he even realize it, a purr emerged. Carmen paused an instant, before smiling. She was thrilled to make him happy despite the situation. Her hand replaced the brush on his head. Chase lifted it, then licked her hand.

" Hoo ! Your tongue is rough !" she chuckled.

He looked at her. Carmen returned a look full of love. He had a mew mixed with a purr. Getting up, he rubbed himself against her. Carmen fondled his back, kissed his head. He licked her cheek, rubbing his head as well. They got interrupted by both their bellies grumbling. The exchanged a look. Time to grab a bite. In the restaurant, Carmen ordered chicken so her cat could eat it with her. Sat on her lap, the Maine Coon ate the pieces she prepared for him. It was yummy, and he didn't forget to thank her with a lick. People around were amused to see a cat. Chase granted them supreme indifference, with total cat-titude.

Next, the caper. They entered the museum, the team splitting up. Sandiego noticed origamis planted in cameras. This was bad. So they sent her huh. Will Paper Star be alone or … Carmen approached a showcase.

" Well well well, we meet again Sandiego." she heard.

" Hmmm … Spinkick is it ?" she replied.

Chase went under a showcase. He had to approach unnoticed and be ready to protect her. While he was walking, he spotted legs arriving. Ivy's one and others he didn't know. Looking, he discovered a girl with bicoloured puns, holding a star under the girl's chin.

" Is that … paper ? Seriously ? How can she hope to intimidate anyone with paper ?" wondered the cat.

Anyway, he had to act. Shadowsan advised to use his environment too.

" Environment… environment…" he mused, while looking around.

His green eyes spotted ropes. Well ! It was an exposition about piracy, after all. Ropes were part of the theme. Chase crawled under the show cases. He heard that Asian girl saying that this time, Sandiego wouldn't be in their way, as they directly used her weak point. Spinkick was put in charge of taking the treasure. Chase also spotted Shadowsan holding Zack back, and obstructing his mouth. The Maine Coon arrived near the wanted place. He lifted his head. He had to climb, something he never did in this body. But he wouldn't back down.

" Come on Devineaux ! Your teammates are counting on you : this a cat body, it is made for climbing !"

Exiting his claws, he jumped as high as he could. The movement lured Shadowsan's attention. He wondered what he intended to do. Surely, the cat climbed. Finally, he reached a spot where he could untie a rope. He was high enough. Looking down, he watched Shadowsan approaching Paper Star, in the hope of surprising her. Alas, she felt his presence and scratched Ivy's throat. She warned the Japanese who stopped. Seizing the rope between his teeth, Chase leaped in the void.

" MEEEEE-HAAAW !"

" What the hell is that sound ?" asked Spinkick.

Before anyone could understand, a shape hit Paper Star straight to her head, making her collapsing and freeing Ivy who ran to Carmen. Chase let go of the rope on the process, landing on his paws.

" Did he just said Yee-haw but cat version ?" asked Zack.

" A … cat ?" made Spinkick.

" Mrrroooow !" growled Chase, baring teeth.


Carmen asked Ivy to ran, while Spinkick burst in laugh, mocking Carmen who was expecting a vulgar kitty cat to defend her.

" Vulgar … cat ?! I'm going to tear him apart !"

With a yell of pure rage Chase charged. His shout interrupted Spinkick. The Maine Coon clawed his leg.

" GWAH !"

The thief immediately counterattacked, to Carmen's horror. No ! It'd kill him ! She saw how powerful this man's hits were. However, Chase who was expecting that dodged by rolling.

" He's fast ! But … not as fast. As. Shadowsan !"

He clawed the back of Spinkick's knee. Slipping between his legs again, he climbed until his head and bit his neck. Devineaux teared a piece of skin. Getting down and away, he spit it. He let the human running to him. Spinkick leaped, tempting to crash him. The cat jumped aside. Then, he too leaped forward and reached for his face this time. Spinkick blocked with his arm. Chase managed to hold on to it, before biting again, as hard as he could. Not willing to let him fight alone, Carmen joined. The cat got far away. He had to help her. Getting an opportunity, he ran and jumped, scratching Spinkick's back in the meantime. Carmen used this distraction to kick him in the belly. Chase turned once on the floor. His girlfriend rolled on the ground, he hissed. She quickly rolled to avoid her opponent's kicks. Chase was about to rush again, when he spotted a little device near him. A taser.

" Mee-how-how-how !"

That was the closest thing to a laugh. He ran to it. He found how to activate it. Carefully grabbing it in his mouth, he searched for the humans. Spinkick had tackled Carmen against a wall, his arm strangling her. Carmen struggled, preparing to hit him on the nose when … he brutally yelled straight at her face, almost deafening her, or maybe suffocating her with his breath who knows, his scream going crescendo before he fainted.

" COUGH ! What …"

Her sapphire eyes met with Chase, sat on the floor with her taser in his mouth. Wait. Where did he aimed exactly ? For him to scream that way …

" Did you … just tased … his masculine attributes ?" wondered Carmen.

Chase put the taser down, before nodding and trying to smile, which was simply showing teeth. Zack and Ivy commented with a sync ouch ! Shadowsan had finished tying Paper Star with a rope, and secured the treasure. Carmen picked up her taser.

" Well ! I see that you mustn't be underestimated, my cat." she said, scratching Chase's chin.

" Of course ! Told you !"

They joined with the rest of their team. Shadowsan gave the cat a nod of approval. He nodded back. Zack also praised the Maine Coon, saying he had been wicked awesome to knock out Paper Star then for defeating Spinkick. The team was back in their hotel for some rest. Chase went straight to curl against Carmen, rubbing bis face against her and purring like a motor. Carmen smiled, hugging the cat. His soft purr de-stressed her. Apparently Shadowsan's training was bearing fruits, which was a good thing of course, but she was still reluctant to let him fight alongside her. One bad kick and he could be severely hurt or worse. And then, what would become of him if he died ? Where would his mind go this time ? She might never be able to heal him if such thing were to happen. Seeing her thoughtful face, Chase lured her attention. She could see the interrogation in his eyes.

Hm, was it even a point to voice this to him ? He was so stubborn. Carmen understood his position about being useful to the team, but couldn't he try to understand hers a little ?

" I'm fine Chase. Just … preoccupied. About you of course."

He tilted his head. She switched on her tablet so he could express.

" What's in your mind, mon ange ?"

" Your safety."

He had an annoyed sound.

" Please, try to understand. What if this body is severely hurt or if you die while in it ? How will you reintegrate your real one ?" she resumed.

The cat diverted eyes. True … he could be lost forever. Unable to return to his true self, a cat prisoner in a human body … it was frightening. Great, to think he was so proud of his victory earlier. He believed that Carmen would be relieved knowing he was able to defeat an opponent way bigger than him. Maybe, he shouldn't be overconfident. He already trained with her when human, and she always told him to pick his battles, to acknowledge when someone was stronger. The problem was that technically, everyone was stronger than him now. Even Zack could win over him.

" I do understand, but what else can I do ? Pitying myself, letting you or anybody else get hurt, and do nothing ?" he wrote.

" We wouldn't resent you if you choose to stay on the side-lines. It's not like you're refusing to help, we all know that." replied Carmen.

Chase opened his mouth. Then, after an instant he wrote :

" Staying on the side-lines … I can't. It's beyond my strength, I HATE being useless ! I don't want to wait in here wondering if you're okay, if no one is hurt, and thinking that if it ever go wrong then I should've been here. I thank you for your concern, but you're asking me too much. What would you do if it were you ?"

" You're not useless Chasey, even if you're not participating. You're here for me, caring for me and trying to cheer me up. That's very important too." reassured Carmen, dropping a kiss on his head.

He closed his eyes.

" I want to be by your side Carmen. No matter what or who. I'll do as you want during capers, but I won't stay cloistered in a room. I'll end up crazy."

She sighed with a smile, hugging him again.

" You know, maybe you could give my own taser. With this I should be okay." he then suggested.

" Hmmm … that's a good idea in fact. Perhaps some kind of crackle rod. Alright babe, I'll work on it. Now, time to sleep. You have a bowl of water over there, by the way."

" Thanks, and good night, my little fox..."

" Good night my love."

Carmen settled under the blanket, while the cat remained on it. He curled near the young woman's face, yawned then closed his eyes. An instant later, he opened them. Hey … was that her scent that was wrapping him right now ? Wow, that was intense. Certainly because he could smell better now. He liked it. Chase approached his nose, all while breathing. Carmen frowned. There was something inspecting her neck. She giggled.

" Chase ! May I know why you're tickling me ?"

" Mrrrr ? That tickles ? Interesting."

" Hey stop that ! I'm trying to get some sleep." she chuckled.

" But you're smelling so good."

She repelled his head. He had a disappointing sound. Okay ! He will sleep now.