Life goes on, Chase keeps adjusting and helping Carmen, while she's looking for a solution.


Chase continued his missions beside Carmen. He followed her during capers, discreetly. When she was busy fighting, he could steal in her place and sneak away, puzzling their opponents upon discovering their target disappeared, although she didn't even touched it. At the same time he resumed his training with Shadowsan, continuing to master this body and developing skills. His muscles were showing in response to that training. Following his girlfriend became easier as he gained stamina and agility.

" Look sweetie, I got what you asked." announced Carmen that morning.

Chase's ears straightened. Carmen showed him a stick, with spikes at the end. The young woman explained that it was a taser. There was a button to push to activate it, and its power could be adjusted according to his jaw pressure. Chase examined it. He simply had to push with his nose or paw, then bit it to measure its power. According to Carmen, it would go from a simple shock to stun mode. The cat tested it. Carmen also prepared a belt where he could store it. Chase mewed his approval. Now, all he had to do was testing it for real since they were having a new caper.

He followed her out, in a backpack for now. Carmen was locating places. She was carefully observing, when Chase discovered a hand right in front of his nose. Who dared to steal his girlfriend ?! The Maine Coon didn't hesitated for long, and ragefully planted his fangs in this foreign hand. A yell later, the pickpocket was running away. The cat had pointed his head out until the eyes.

" Dumbass."

" Good job, Chasey." commented Carmen.

He went back inside. She entered the place, where he simply listened what was going on. It wasn't the kind of things that could interest him. Then again … it reminded him of Julia. The cat sighed. How terrible he'd been to her. To the point that she decided to resign. Plus now he knew how it felt to talk and nobody listened. He still didn't apologize for his behaviour. He didn't even know where she was, so too bad. Right ?

" Aaaah don't look for excuses ! Finding her should be easy with ACME's resources. Aren't you rather afraid of her reaction ?" he scolded himself.

Right, like why should she believed that he changed, how was it to be in her place right now huh, you got what you deserved, I don't want to hear about you or see you of my lifetime. All kind of rude but justified words. It made him thought : how would Julia react if she ever learnt that they were dating ? Probably fainting, or worse trying to dissuade Carmen to stay with him, telling her how he treated his partner and then Carmen would broke up with him, and he'd lose everything, and would be alone again and sad and miserable and that would be justice ….

" Gah. I really need to talk to her one of these days. When I'm human again it will be one of my first things to do."

It was becoming hot in here, he was thirsty. Was Carmen finished ? No, still there. So he sat, tending his muzzle for fresh air. Feeling him moving, Sandiego asked if he was okay. Chase replied by an annoyed sound.

" Almost finish sweetheart. Wait a moment, I'll give you some water."

He mewed in joy. Carmen went in a corner where no one could see her. Putting the backpack down, she exited a bowl from a pocket she filled with water. Chase exited half of his body to reach it.

" Try to not drown this time." commented Carmen.

The cat emitted growls. Drinking with only his tongue wasn't easy, did she think she could do better than him ?

Of course she would. She was so much more gifted than him. Vexed, Chase entered the backpack without thanking her. He turned his back on her once laid. Carmen stared at him.

" Sorry babe, but last time you coughed hard and you worried me." she said.

Ah yes, what a glorious memory to recall him.

" You're doing this on purpose or what ?" he looked at her with angry eyes, above his flank.

Images of that moment surfaced. He lapped too fast, splashing not only the wall and the ground but his face, ending breathing water. She had to tap his back in lack of a better solution. Once he recovered, she dried his face. Sandiego lifted her backpack. She ended touring the place.


Chase was still sulking once back in their hotel room. Carmen sighed, then leaned over him.

" Are you going to pout all day ?" she asked.

" And why not ? Cats are susceptible, I'm a cat I'm allowed to pout."

" Come on Chase. Wouldn't you have said the same if it were me ?" continued Carmen, sitting near him with her tablet to have his response.

" No because I'm delicate." he made with total bad faith.

" Really now ?" commented Carmen.

He turned his head away. She rolled her eyes. That was the man she knew.

" Listen, if I vexed you I'm sorry for that. It is true that there's still things you don't master yet, recalling it to you wasn't very nice of me." she said.

He let his head drop. He didn't have to be vexed for that. Devineaux knew perfectly well he would have reacted just like her earlier. He could see Julia crossing her arms in a see ? position. Now way she would listen to his apology if he didn't start to lose that pride of his. Carmen too wouldn't want to remain his girlfriend he didn't improve his temper. The cat wrote words of excuses, his ears down. Sandiego accepted and fondled him. He also thanked her for the water.

They shared affection, before joining the rest of the team for lunch. Later, Chase went out with the siblings for his natural needs, and off they were. He positioned himself near his girlfriend, as per usual. VILE was to operate in a closed room. The Maine Coon felt weird sensations on his pads.

" Mow ?"

" Something wrong Chasey ?" asked Carmen.

" Mrah mrah !" he replied pointing the floor.

" I heard that cats could sense earth quakes incoming. Think that's what he spotted ?" interrogated Ivy.

" This isn't a seismic region. However, we do know about someone who can make the ground shake." said Shadowsan.

" El Topo. Zack, Ivy, grab what he came for. Shadowsan, Chase and I will handle him." said Carmen, throwing a bag.

" On it Carm !" exclaimed Zack.

Some instants later, El Topo's head did emerge from the ground. Chase was on Carmen's shoulder.

" I can do that. Mrrr."

" Hush honey, wait a bit more."

El Topo exited half of the hole. Chase went down, letting Carmen approaching in silence, Shadowsan right behind. El Topo noticed Carmen's shadow on the floor. He swiftly turned, launching his gauntlets. She leaned backward to avoid it. Shadowsan hurried to her rescue. El Topo was facing both of them.

" Hang on mon ami !" made a new voice.

La Chèvre was exiting too, when a mass fell on his head.

" You, stay here !"

Chase bounced twice, forcing La Chèvre to fall in the hole. Carmen and Shadowsan managed to deal with El Topo. Right when the siblings finished their part of the job. Time for everybody to get out. Chase lodged on Carmen's lap once inside the car. She praised him on his intervention.

" Hey ! But we also did a good job, and we hardly get any praise." remarked Zack.

" Mow-how ! Considering you do the easy part each time, then of course !""

" Was that a mocking Devineaux ?" resumed Zack.

Carmen put her hand on her cat's mouth, so he wouldn't resume, before congratulating her crew. Zack smiled again. Chase stretched, before leaning his upper-half on Carmen, his muzzle lodging in her neck. THAT was his reward.

" Hey crew ! I got some intel about Bellum's labs !" intervened Player.

Carmen straightened all of a sudden.

" YEOWL !" commented Chase, falling on the back.

" Gasp ! Oh sorry my love."

" Mrrroooorr." he growled.

The Maine Coon sat, before Player told what he found. Bellum had several labs, one of them being located in Switzerland. Perfect said Carmen, that was their new direction. Maybe they'll find engines similar to the ones that shifted the cat and Chase's bodies. Carmen asked Shadowsan if he had knowledge of such. He replied by knowing some of the labs, but not what was inside. So they had to check every one of them. Sandiego already ordered a flight to that country. Maybe … maybe her boyfriend would be back soon. It would be over, she'd be in his arms again. He'd be fine, and that would matter the most. Chase spotted the hope on her face. He'd love to rejoice, but being rather the pessimistic type, he would wait and see. For now, let's rest in the hotel. The day was almost over, and their flight would be early tomorrow.

Chase laid beside Carmen. For a moment, sleep didn't seem to pay him a visit. He opened his eyes. Sandiego was peacefully asleep. In case of need she let the window opened. He stood up, then climb on the table near it. He passed his head outside. There was a tree down there. He hesitated, looked at Carmen again then jumped on a branch. The landscape was clearly visible. Chase sat, a breeze agitating his fur. He could hear everything … Should he use this time to train again ?

" That would be a wise idea. I have now a weapon, but I must train in order to use others. This taser won't work everytime."

He walked, sat on another branch below until he finally got down. He approached a pile of garbage. There was some vegetal too, probably coming from the garden around. He picked a stick, then he stacked some trash to build a dummy. Now, let's try to fight with that. He had the occasion of observing Shadowsan and Carmen training together with sticks. The cat missed his target, hitting the trash can instead. Damn ! It was harder without hands. He tried, missed again and growled. Chase agitated his stick several times, failing to reach the litter. He meowed loudly in frustration. Then, he lectured himself. Impatience would do no good. He had to do this carefully. No rushing. Taking his weapon again, he waited. Then, with a swift move he touched a can.

" YES !"

He repeated the move. Finally, he could hit each trash. He continued, touching others objects, testing some moves until he got tired. The cat went back in the room. It was the middle of the night. He curled near Carmen. As if she felt his presence, she turned to him and surrounded him with an arm.

" Chase … will save you." she moaned.

" I have no doubt about it, my fox." he thought while licking her.

The following morning, the alarm clock woke them both. They startled, Chase cursing the engine while Carmen reached to switch it off.

" Good morning Chasey." she yawned.

" Mrraaaaw."

The duo went for breakfast before the group left for the airport.


Chase resumed his night in the plane. Carmen interrogated Shadowsan about others labs. The only others he knew were in Himalaya and Japan. Or probably in their new headquarters. Carmen hoped to heal her boyfriend quickly. She glanced at him. He seemed to have adjusted to his situation, and for all she knew wasn't depressing. The plane began to descend. The young woman moved the cat, who emitted an interrogative mew. Back in his cage, he fell asleep again.

When he awoke, they were in a cottage. His cage was opened. Devineaux stretched then exited. Carmen was in a meeting with Player, Shadowan near her. He heard the siblings getting busy in the kitchen. He sat, observing the place. Nice. Quite luxurious. Spotting a window he decided to have a look outside.

" Wow."

Green grass everywhere, mountain in the horizon.

" Chaaaaase ! There's a spider in my room ! Kill it !" called Zack.

" Zack, that's not his role !" lectured Carmen.

" Mew mew. I got this." made the cat.

He jumped down, took a mag on a coffee table he asked Carmen to roll. His roll in the mouth, he went to Zack's room under the surprised look of Carmen.

WHACK !

" OW ! Hey you're supposed to hit the spider not me !"

WHACK !

The Maine Coon added a growl. Ivy arrived on that, adding that he deserved it. Chase wasn't his pet nor his bug killer. Borrowing the magazine she chased the spider outside. Devineaux brought back the mag with his tail up. Meeting with Carmen's look, he winked to her. She smiled to him. One hour later, the group was on its way to this mysterious lab. Chase felt stressed : will it really be the end of his cat life ? He didn't know why, but he had a hunch it would least on the contrary. Zack stopped the car. In front of them, a small chalet.

" Is that really here ?" he asked surprised.

" According to our coordinates yes. Knowing Dr Bellum it's all underground." replied Carmen.

Player confirmed it : this chalet was just a cover. Carmen arrived before the door. An ordinary lock, that she quickly dealt with. Inside, looked like any ordinary place : a couch, some chairs, a table, even a kitchen. Where was the real entry ?

" Makes sense. One would get suspicious to notice that this place is perpetually unoccupied." said Shadowsan.

" According to the map I found, the entry is located in a bedroom." intervened Player.

The whole group headed for the place, then search for it. After some minutes, Ivy moved a dresser. There was a plaque. Carmen approached. She used a USB device to hack it. A door slid up, revealing stairs. Everyone entered, lights switching on in the process. They arrived in a vast room. Computers with huge screens, lots of tools, workbenches with many electronic on it. Carmen ordered to split up, with the instruction of finding engines like the ones who changed Chase. That one followed his girlfriend across a hall. Some rooms contained abandoned projects, testing sites … the cat found that creeping. Suddenly, his ears spotted noise.

" Meow !"

Carmen turned to him. He straightened his hair to signify a potential threat. She turned to the end of the hall, on guards. Shadows appeared on the wall. Then two robots dogs showed. They growled.

" Of course. Couldn't be ordinary dogs." ironized Carmen.

The beasts ran to them. Chase and Carmen ran away. Turning his head Chase spotted from the corner of his eyes that the dogs were after Carmen. Not him.

" Wait. The woman who built this like cats. She certainly didn't want those to hurt a cat." reflected Devineaux.

If this was the case, then he had a chance. Carmen turned in an angle. The dogs followed her. Chase was correct. He grabbed his taser he activated. He had to protect Carmen. That one manage to climb on a cupboard. The dogs tried to reach her, barking and slipping. Sandiego noticed her cat rushing to them. The Maine Coon jumped on one, planting his taser on it. The robot shook, flickered before collapsing. Chase walked on it, his taser on the mouth defying the other dog. That one was staring at the cat as if he couldn't analyse what just happened. Yup, got beating up by a cat. Behind, Shadowsan appeared. Noticing him, the dog robot simply forgot about the cat and raced to the Japanese. That one disappeared behind the door. When the robot gushed, Shadowsan tased him as well.

" Are you two okay ?" he asked showing.

" Yes, but that was close." replied Carmen, Chase in her arms.

She called Zack and Ivy to ensure that they were safe.

" Not reaallyyyy !" yelled Ivy.

Hearing that, the humans ran to them. Chase rather be down, this was shaking a lot. The siblings finally appeared, pursued by robots smaller than humans. Devineaux escaped from Carmen's arms right at that moment. His hair straightened when he realized what was happening.

" This is the lab of tedious things here !"

All this people ran for it. The robots launched nets and electric threads that captured Ivy, Shadowan and Carmen. Zack and Chase were still escaping. They entered a room which Zack slammed the door, and locked. Chase spotted air vent, that he signalled to Zack. The guards behind the door were hitting it. Zack moved a piece of furniture. This done, he hastened to climb alongside the cat, and opened the air vent. They slid into it. Devineaux managed to grab the grill to close it, just when the robots invaded the place. Both silently moved.

" Do you think they got the others ?" asked Zack on the way.

" Mrrr. Possible, meaning it's up to us to rescue them."

Which wouldn't be easy. First, they had to find them unnoticed then free them. Not to mention taking the guards down. They continued to advance, Zack still blabbering behind. Chase silenced him with his tail on his mouth. For a moment, he kept silent. They arrived above a room full of tools. Chase pushed the vent, then got down. Here, they should find what could be used as weapons.

Meanwhile, the robots were contacting their creators. Carmen was reaching for her laser in order to cut this neat. Bellum appeared in a virtual screen. She looked surprised.

" Well, what do we have here ?" she said.

The scientist wondered why Carmen Sandiego entered her lab : there was nothing to steal for a thief like her.

" It's a pleasant surprise to see you all tied up. But rest assured, that won't last."

Meaning the Cleaners would be on their way quite fast. The communication stopped. Carmen managed to cut her net. The robots reacted immediately. Sandiego tased one. She jumped backward to avoid another. There were four of them. Her taser might not be enough for all of them. But she had to try. They ran to her. A first got out of order when she pirouetted above it. When the three remaining were about to counterattack, the air vent opened. A ball of fur gushed and landed on a guard, planting a screwdriver on its eyes. Zack hit another one violently on the head with a metallic bar, allowing Carmen to finish the last one.

" Good job you two ! she praised.

Shadowsan and Ivy were released.


" We should leave this place." said Ivy.

Carmen wasn't thrilled to leave yet. She had found nothing to cure Chase. But VILE was on its way, they couldn't stay here anymore. The team hurried to regain the surface, and leave the chalet. On the way, Player charted a flight so they would leave fast. Back in the hotel Chase dived in his box, Carmen grabbed it and then off they were. In the plane, Carmen was thoughtful. She had to be more vigilant next time. She might have missed an opportunity to save her boyfriend by being stupidly defeated by robots. She should've known better … the Latina felt a contact on her hand. Chase had put his pawn on it. He mewed a question. Carmen lent him her tablet.

" Let me guess : thinking it's your fault ?"

She smiled briefly. He was beginning to know her well.

" Love, that's alright. I personally didn't believe it would be done that fast."

" Really ? Aren't you in a hurry to be back in your real body ?" wondered Carmen.

" Of course yes, but I also had a hunch this situation would last. With my legendary luck, it's not surprising."

" Anyway, because I wasn't fast enough to defeat those machines we got spotted. Hope she won't understand soon why I was there."

" I could say the same about myself. I failed to protect you."

" No you didn't, you saved me in the end." she said softly, fondling his head.

Devineaux licked her hand. Carmen felt better. She'll have to prepare weapons specifically for robots. Her cat curled on her lap. Shadowsan glanced at them. Even in this form, Chase did all he could for cheering up Carmen. The man was also satisfied to note that he followed his advice and trained. He had a hunch he was still training. Shadowsan had been reluctant to the fact that she wanted a boyfriend. Certainly for selfish reasons. But he saw her struggling about this, he saw how radiant she was with him around, all the emotional support he brought her. Like she was in need of affection and had been in denial until now. Finally, the young woman was happy, so he was accepting it. Carmen embraced the cat. That one ended by purring. Some instant later, she noticed that his soft purr was destressing her. One failure didn't mean that all hope was lost. Maybe sending Red Drone would be more prudent next time.

She'd move only if she were sure that what she wanted was there. Safer and faster. However, there was still another problem : how to use those machines. She couldn't afford a mistake. What if Chase's mind got transferred in a bug this time ? Or lost in the process ? Nor she'll have to capture Bellum, nor she'll have to find someone able to use her engines. Since she was Faculty she wasn't the type to go on field.

" I'll have to lure her, but how ? Unless she plans to visit one of her labs … again, when ?"

Also, how long the doctors would be able to maintain Chase's body unconscious without damages ? Carmen didn't even know how much time she had. Her eyes fell on him, as he was laying on her. How long could he stay in a cat's body ? She sighed softly. Unavailable answers.

For now, he was doing great in this. He helped her stealing objects while she distracted operatives, defended her or her teammates. Plus, she'll have to continue her main mission in addition to search for labs. This sounded like a tall task. But Carmen wouldn't give up. She swore that she'll save him, and if she had to go to hell for that then she would.

Meanwhile, Saira got the report that Carmen and co were already gone when the Cleaners arrived. Apart from damaged robots nothing was stolen. Saira wasn't surprised to hear that the thief managed to escape, as expected from her. But what was her reason for coming there ? Was it a coincidence ? Bellum didn't intend to use that place for now, how was Sandiego even aware of it ? Curious. Should she report to the Faculty ? For what, she had no idea what was going on here. But keeping an eye on her other labs would be a wise choice. Saira checked on their system. Everything fine, security system on top. Anyway, she had work to do. The Cleaners had to bring her Neal the Eel and Roundabout. Got some memory wiping to do. Bellum went to her lab part, where she had to prepare the machine.

Back in the plane, Chase noticed Carmen's face. He pawed her neck. She met his eyes, he let a mrrr sound. Carmen smiled to him. The cat wasn't dupe, and went for her sensitive spot. The young woman shivered before chuckling.

" Stop stop stop stoooop ! Chase !"

He had a look to ensure she was feeling better, and indeed stopped. Chase stretched. This trip in plane was lasting forever. Carmen laid too, resolving to take some rest like the rest of her team. The Maine Coon grabbed a book to pass time. Turning the pages was a pain, but at least he was occupied. Some hours later, the plane landed. Chase was back in his cage until their arrived at their HQ. Everyone dismissed. Arriving in his room, Devineaux spotted his reflection in a mirror. He approached, sat and contemplated himself. His thoughts flowed for a moment.

Overall, he was doing well. He learnt how to fight in this body, he was more agile and confident about how to use this form. He was missing his real shape of course, however he felt better than some days ago. He'd be back to normal, he trusted his girlfriend for that. The cat got up and exited the room. Time for some training.

He decided to learn to throw objects, with paws or mouth. He was passing near Carmen's computer, switched on in case Player would wall. Right when he hacker's face appeared.

" Hey Chase ! Is everybody around, I got a new caper." he announced.

The cat stared at the screen. Stretching a paw he closed the computer.

" Get a life Goddamnit !"

" Chase !" he heard.

" Mraaah." grumbled the cat.

Carmen opened the computer again, facing a jaded Player.

" Thank you Red. As I was saying, I have news from VILE."

" I'll call the rest of the gang."

While she was doing this, Devineaux was staring at Player. Couldn't he let them some rest before calling again ? The cat stretched his tongue.

" Red … your cat is mocking me."

Chase closed the computer again.

" You snitch !"

" Chase ! Will you stop that pretty please ?!" lectured Carmen.

The siblings sniggered.

" It doesn't please me."

" Is it okay now ? Can I speak ?" asked Player.

Chase shook his head. Carmen kept him in her arms to prevent further interruption. Player announced a mission planned in China. Lots of gold were at stake. Carmen accepted the mission. Player was already charting a flight. Stretching, Devineaux closed the computer and then unplugged it.

" Mah." he commented with satisfaction.

" Are you for real ?" made Carmen.

His ears leaned. He knew it wasn't Player's fault, so far they were getting along but this time he really wished to have some holidays. Oh well.