Chase will discover another facet of his personality : a big protective side. Want to know what happened when you mess with a warrior cat ?
Enjoy ^^
Neal the Eel observed his face in a pocket mirror. It was full of scratches, painful scratches. When he got tasked with this mission in China with Lady Dokuso, he didn't expect to be attacked by a cat there. A big cat on top of that. What was the meaning of this ? Did this animal belonged to Sandiego ? Did she train it to attack humans ? A dog would have been more useful. Neal shivered thinking about what could have happened if her new bodyguard happened to be a dog. Anyway, he wouldn't go back there to question that. It was his chance to run away from VILE with his memories intact. So he settled in a fisherman's boat. He'll let the Faculty handle Carmen on their own. Now, he was free and that was all that mattered.
Back in China, the team was evacuating Shadowsan. He had to go to the hospital for healing a broken leg. On the meantime, Carmen had to check for a new facility belonging to VILE's mad scientist. This where Chase got himself in another situation. The Maine Coon was precisely sliding on a tray, on stairs rail guards.
" Geeeeee ! Why is it always meeeee !" he thought, managing to take a turn.
" Get that damn cat !" yelled a guard in Chinese.
The cat escaped on another stairs, keeping running. He had chose to make a diversion to help his team get away, attacking a bunch of guards he spotted approaching. Thanks to this, Sandiego could escape. But now the young woman was worrying for her boyfriend. She had to collect him. Devineaux bounced on a door, opening it. He was close to a parking, maybe he could hide in there. He opened another door. There he was ! Lots of cars who could be hideouts. Alas, the guards cut his path. Chase managed to dodge a first hand, slapped another and slid between legs to escape. He ran again. How long before he become breathless … He went to another floor. The sound of a moto resonated, then he felt lifted and … stuffed inside someone's suit. Chase recognized Carmen's scent and relaxed. He was safe in here.
Really safe. He realized he was stuck against her chest, with his muzzle literally between her boobs. The cat blushed under his fur. Carmen brought him to safety. Once parked in the hospital where Shadowsan was about to exit, she opened her red suit.
" You are such a troublesome boyfriend." she declared.
Leaning her head to him, she noticed that the Maine Coon was purring. Like a real motor. She narrowed eyes.
" AHEM."
He opened his eyes, spotting Carmen's jaded expression. Whaaat ? He was simply getting some rest after that race, all that danger. This was his reward. Before Chase could do anything, he was grabbed by the skin of the neck.
" I can see you retrieve him." made Shadowsan.
" HEY ! I was savouring MY reward ! So get lost sushi face !"
Chase protested with louds and lot of mews. Shadowsan replied by a death glare. The cat shivered, his fur got up.
" Yes I did." said Carmen, taking him back.
Chase stick his tongue out. Shadowsan grumbled. The siblings welcomed the cat as well, he replied by waving a paw. Carmen entered her room to change clothes and rest before dinner.
" Thank you for distracting the guards, Chasey." she said from the bathroom.
" Meow."
He climbed on the bed, when Carmen laid on it. She brushed him a moment, then opened her computer.
" Oh come on ! Let's enjoy a moment together, for once."
Chase pushed her hand from the laptop.
" ?"
He did it again, with a mew indicating his disagreement. Carmen smiled, continuing drumming. The cat caught her wrist with both front paws.
" I said no work this evening." he made with a growling voice.
" Will you let go ? I must find another place to go about you." she said amused.
" Naaaoooo ! Take care of me here instead !"
He licked her hand, tightening his grasp and displaying his expectation, almost defying her to not satisfy it. Carmen bit her lip, hesitating : she wanted Chase to be back as a human fast, she was really missing him. But here he was, requesting her attention and love. She had a tenderized smile, before laying down, her hand strolling on his soft fur. Chase purred again, rubbing against her.
Some days later, they were back at their HQ. Carmen sneaked away to visit Devineaux at the hospital. ACME agents were taking turns to keep an eye on him. She greeted them and entered. Sighing with sadness she approached and kissed him. When was she going to see him back in health, to share a hug and a passionate kiss ? To hear his voice again ? Carmen stayed there one hour before going back home. Chase was perched on the sofa, when he spotted her. He mewed when seeing her sad face.
" Hey Chasey. I just came back from the hospital your body is in."
He tilted his head with a surprised sound.
" Sorry I didn't bring you."
He shook his head. That wasn't the problem. It was making her sad each time. Should he told to not go there until he was healed ? Carmen headed to the gym room. Training would do her some good. Chase entered there, and sat on a weight bench. He contemplated her. Then as she leaned forward, he let a purr escape. Carmen turned to him, surprised. He put a paw on his muzzle with embarrassment, while she put her hands on her hips. Well well well. Should she feel flattered of this reaction ? It was coming from her boyfriend after all, who was announcing that she was pretty. Chase was presently looking around him, hoping she'll go back to her training and not be mad at him. The young woman kept silent and headed for the punch bag. Devineaux breathed in relief.
Then, while she was doing this he couldn't help but thinking that this gorgeous woman was all his. Pride invaded him. He had a fantastic girlfriend. Player interrupted his thoughts. He got intel about a new VILE operation. A meeting apparently, involving gold. That gold had been stolen from a German bank. When Chase heard that Player, who was going back to public school, planned to stay in touch, he snorted. That kid didn't know about teachers. Carmen ended her training, when went back to the first floor. Where Shadowsan was being nursed by the siblings. Devineaux had a mental smirk. Even more when Zack got named to watch over him.
" Mow how how." he laughed before leaving.
That was karma biting him for interrupting the cat getting his reward. Shadowsan grumbled again. Some time later … in Bavaria. On the way, Chase was drooling over a shop of chocolate. There was so many of it, of different forms, size. When he heard Ivy mentioning this, he got thrilled. He turned to his girlfriend he interpellated.
" Sorry my love. But chocolate is poison for cats." she announced.
" MWAH ?"
He looked at the shop window, then Carmen who nodded. Nooooo ! How could the world be so cruel toward his species ? Or him ? The cat slid until the ground with despair. This was so unfair ! Carmen picked him up to catch up with Ivy. The animal remained stunned, belly up.
" Come on sweetie. We have to focus on our mission." reminded Carmen.
He grabbed her phone to answer that.
" My poor heart just got crashed and that's all your compassion ?"
" But it's not my fault that you can't eat chocolate !" objected Carmen.
" Oooooow ! No one loves meeee !"
Carmen sighed. The cat was literally pending in her arms. Ivy looked at her leader carrying her cat like … a carpet ? an old rag ?
" Is he dead ?" she asked.
The cat's head was pending backward, mouth opened.
" Yes."
" No. He simply discovered that cats couldn't eat chocolate as it's toxic for them." explained Sandiego.
" Oh my poor Chase ! I totally support you, I love chocolate and can't imagine being unable to eat it." said Ivy, taking a paw.
Chase tapped her hand as a thank you. Then looking at Carmen, he mewed pointing Ivy.
" See ?"
She looked amused, before stuffing him in her coat, with a kiss on the head. Then time to act. Carmen was observing the place. Down there, Ivy complained about picking Zack's ear coms.
" Oh come on ! It's your brother, and it's not like it was in his ass." he commented on the phone.
Carmen transmitted the message. Ivy rolled eyes. Sometime later, a VILE operative appeared. Chase observed with attention. A password ? Damn. Carmen tried to help. Especially since the real Goldlove was arriving. She freed the cat to go meet her. Chase followed discreetly. So that was her. All of his animal guts rang the alarm. THAT … was a bad person. He shivered. Carmen was too close to her to his liking. His claws got out without him realizing it.
" Oh yeah ? Well try to touch only one of her hair, and I-will-tear-you-apart."
Goldlove left. Chase hurried to join Carmen. Apparently there was trouble. How original. After she managed to pinpoint Ivy, they both headed there. They discovered a facility where gold was hidden under chocolate.
" What did I do wrong again to deserve this ?" wondered Chase.
He parted with Carmen, to hide and be ready to intervene. For now, Ivy was completing the mission rather correctly. Suddenly, Carmen got spotted. Chase widened eyes when a large man captured her. A growl resonated. He tensed his body, ready to race to deliver her. Then Goldlove arrived too. Alright. They better be ready. The cat was feeling an urge to fight invading him. The blonde woman said the sentence that triggered it : her intention to injure Carmen. The Maine Coon rushed. Carmen dodged a first punch. She could escape. Devineaux then heard Ivy being threatened. What was … this hat ? Since Carmen was safe for now, he decided to help the girl. Leaping, the cat bit Dash Haber's wrist. He dropped the hat. Falling down, the cat hissed to the man.
Dash frowned : why was a cat here ? Anyway, the cat attacked again. He clawed him at the leg. Understanding he had to counterattack, Dash ran to him. Chase took his hat and cut his hand. Then, using it he inflicted several cuts to his legs. Dash kneeled down. Devineaux leaped again and this time, scratched his face.
" My … my face !"
Meanwhile, Carmen was facing Goldlove. Judging that Ivy was safer, Chase headed to his girlfriend. Right on time, because that one finally managed to get her. Her arm around her neck, Goldlove was strangling her. Chase dropped the hat. It was then like his wild animal instinct took over. Rushing like a torrent through his body, filling him with a murder intent. Before he could even analyse this, Chase rushed to that woman. Goldlove spotted that cat with fur all straight coming. Surprised, she didn't react. Chase clawed her right in the nose.
" GWAH !"
Goldlove released Carmen who coughed. Chase passed behind his enemy. Climbing on the rail guard he jumped to her. His forepaws surrounded her neck while he aimed for the jugular vein. He violently bit, before his claws teared the flesh of her neck when he brutally spread his paws. Back on the ground, he scratched the back of her kneels. Chase faced her again, clawing her belly. Leaping once more, he bit her nose which emitted a cracking noise. Opening her eyes, Goldlove sent a backhand when the cat was attacking again. Seeing that coming, he caught her arms between his paws. Devineaux counterattacked by breaking her thumb while his rear legs ploughed her naked arm. He let go of her.
Goldlove watched with astonishment this beast defying her. Hissing, snarling, his mouth full of blood Chase made a few steps to her, daring her to approach. That woman was known for her violence. Inflicting pain was her turf. She had already killed several times. However now … she was the one in pain. Injured. That cat … it was certainly Sandiego's one. And he was trying to kill the villain. Blood was still flowing from her neck. The way he did this to her … it was hard to believe but he went with the intention of ending her. Could a cat kill a human ?
Goldlove wasn't feeling like wanting to discover it. More like calling her bodyguard, Hugo, to deal with that savage beast. Glancing around to found him, she discovered that Ivy dealt with him and he was in a tank of chocolate. It was her mistake. A second later she felt a bite in her throat. Surprised by the move and the pain, Goldlove had a stupid reflex : trying to remove her aggressor. The cat's teeth teared the flesh as he wasn't willing to let go, enlarging her previous wounds and creating a hole.
" Murraaaoooow !" snarled the cat.
She dropped him. Her blood, her own blood was now flowing out of her body. Blood pressure will aggravate it. Goldlove slid to the ground, a hand on her wound. Chase was observing her with supreme indifference. Behind, Carmen was mouth opened, stupefied by this show of violence from his part. He … really intended to kill. Police sirens interrupted the scene. She was about to call him when the cat turned his back on his opponent in a gesture of disdain. Ivy rounded eyes when she noticed Chase's appearance. Her blue eyes went to Goldlove, who was trying to get up. Carmen pulled together. She opened a window and everyone escaped. The trip back was made in silence. Carmen glanced several times at Chase. That one was still covered with blood. She sighed, then wiped his face. Their gaze met. Truthfully, Carmen didn't know what to think of that behaviour.
He simply defended her. But couldn't he have done it less fiercely ? This woman tried the same on her alright, however, that her sweet, reassuring, beloved Chase Devineaux could and was willing to kill, it disturbed her. He certainly had to do it at some point during his career though. Carmen had straightened, looking by the window of the cab bringing them to the airport. Ivy was looking at them, unsure of how to act or what to say. Later in the plane, she glanced at the cat who was sleeping. Then, she asked her leader what exactly happened low voice.
" I see. Well it sure is surprising and frightening to see your own boyfriend acting that violently. But Carm, I think he must have gotten very scared for you. And ready to defend you no matter what." said the ginger head.
Carmen leaned eyes. True … seeing her being in grave danger had certainly been a shock for him. In his basket, Chase awoke and turned an ear to them.
" I must say I was wondering if the cat wasn't taking over." made Sandiego.
" If that were the case, he would have rather flee than fight. Cats don't attack humans, not like that. It was really him."
Carmen remained silent.
" Don't let this disturb you. Ask yourself what you, would be ready to do to protect him." added Ivy, seeing her dismay.
That was a good question. Carmen imagined VILE Faculty torturing him. Anger followed. Real anger. She heard Bellum's evil laugh, Maelstrom's sarcastic comments, Brunt and Cleo's satisfied faces. She heard Chase's begging voice. The craving to punch them all. To hurt them. Then, to reassure her boyfriend. She embraced herself. Later, the trio was back in their HQ. Shadowsan spotted Carmen's preoccupied face.
" Did it go wrong ?" he asked Ivy.
" Not really. It was just … surprising."
The Japanese frowned an eyebrow. He rolled to Carmen, and asked again. Carmen hesitated, before finally explaining what Chase did.
" I see. I understand it might have shocked you. Did you talk about it with him ?"
" Not yet. I don't know what to say." admitted Carmen.
" When he got transformed, Chase was desperate if you recall. Certainly because he felt useless. So now he's trying all he can to be of help, and to protect you at all cost."
"Yeah, Ivy said something similar. I think you're right, we should talk about this."
On her way, Carmen mused on what Shadowsan said. It wasn't the first time Chase had a fierce reaction. When she got to that café, he attacked a man who was flirting with her. No that brutally, but still. And he requested her praise for defending her. Carmen opened her door's room. Chase was there, staring through the window. His ears turning indicating that he was aware of her presence. She picked up her tablet to communicate.
" Chase ? I … I'd like to talk about what happened in Bavaria."
No kidding.
She settled the tablet near him.
" What do you want me to say ? She was trying to kill you Carmen. I simply couldn't stay idly by. My claws and my teeth are all I have to protect you, or someone else."
" I know your intentions were good. But do you realize you went as if willing to kill ?"
He stayed silent. What should he say ? Of course he knew. And yes, he intended to kill that woman. And … it wasn't affecting him. Chase had no regrets about that. He swore that he'd do anything to protect Carmen, and this before he became a cat. He had a hunch she wouldn't want to hear that.
" When I saw you like that … it was like my cat instinct awoke. It invaded me, and before I knew it I attacked. I couldn't think about anything else. Fight. Save Carmen."
" Hm hm."
This actually ended their talk. Carmen thought it was an isolated case, where the situation had been dire and compelled him to react that way. Alas, it wouldn't be. During the night, Chase awoke in a startle. He vividly turned his head to Sandiego. She was there, safe and sound. He sighed. He dreamed of that Goldlove woman trying to kill Carmen. He ran to her but was being hold back. He arrived too late, or couldn't join her. He let his head fell on the mattress. Darn. What a nightmare. Chase curled against Carmen. When he awoke the next day, she was already gone. His fur straightened : what if she leaves without him ? What if she's in danger again and he's not here ?! It was a desperate Maine Coon who went down the stairs, raced to the kitchen, hustling a wall all while calling if not shouting for his girlfriend.
Carmen had the marvellous idea to open the kitchen's door right when Devineaux arrived. She heard him meowing with despair and interrupted to investigate. Sandiego heard a thud !, and gasped.
" Chase ! Are you alright ?" she exclaimed, crouching near the cat.
Thank god that one developed his reflexes. He was thus able to turn so only his side would hit the door instead of the face. He shook himself. Apparently he was okay, and most of all relieved to notice she was still here. Chase leaned on her knee before rubbing his head against hers.
" Good morning too Chasey."
" So what was all the ruckus ?" asked Zack.
" I think that Chase believed he was too late." replied Carmen, putting him on a chair.
Ivy leaned to him.
" By the way, I didn't thank you for saving me last time."
" Miah." he made with a nod.
After breakfast, the whole crew left for another heist. Chase was surveying Carmen with utmost vigilance. When she had to deal with an operative, he had a flash before racing. Just like in Bavaria, he attacked ferociously. And same during the next caper, then the following one … Devineaux didn't even think twice. Anyone who dared to simply approach her with bad intentions met the cat. Carmen lectured him each time. He never listened.
" What do you mean you got attacked by a cat ?!" exclaimed Coach Brunt.
" Look at our faces !" exclaimed La Chèvre.
He was indeed full of scratches.
" Not only that, but he also have a taser. Flytrap received a shock in her nape, and she's having difficulty to move properly now. " added El Topo.
" And that cat is with Carmen Sandiego ?" asked Gunnar.
" Yes. Each time." replied La Chèvre.
The word had spread among operatives. Several of them went back injured. Even Paper Star had her share.
" What does it look like ?" wondered Bellum.
" First, he's huge. Brown fur, green eyes." responded El Topo.
She frowned. That sounded like … that Maine Coon she fed in her lab in the USA ? What happened that night came back to her. That man attached to an experimental table, the lever she pulled. She could hear a mew now. Should she investigate ? But she had her robot to attend to before. The call got cut. Thoughtful, Bellum returned to her business.
Meanwhile, Carmen was on another caper in Morocco. She sighed with some nostalgia. This was the first country she saw outside VILE island. Chase looked at her, curious. He mewed.
" I'm fine Chasey. This is just a special place for me. You see, Morocco and more especially Casablanca is the very first place I saw out of VILE HQ." she explained while caressing his head.
I see.
Carmen moved. Time to check the place she was supposed to rob. Her cat followed, attentive to anyone getting close to her, ready to give a warning. Some time later, she was ready to go when she noticed that Chase hadn't come back from his stroll. Carmen then opened her door window, calling for the cat. Silence. Weird, that wasn't his style to be away from her. Nor to remain silent. Carmen called him again, when she heard strange mews. Chase ran to her with an annoyed voice. Right behind him appeared another cat, all white. Judging by the silhouette, a female certainly.
" What's this Chase ? Flirting behind my back ?" ironized Carmen.
" Are you crazy ? Just explain to her that I'm not interested. She kept following me." replied the cat, pointing his admirer with a paw.
The white she-cat rubbed with no care in the world against him.
" Oh for the love of …"
The Maine Coon growled.
" Come on, leave now shoo !" made Carmen, crouching.
" FSSHHH !" hissed the cat.
Carmen took back her hand. Wow. Seemed like she really had a rival here.
" Wonderful !" thought Chase.
What should he do ? He couldn't be mean against her, the poor thing.
" Sooo what do we do now ?" asked Carmen.
" HUH ?! How am I supposed to know, I came here for your help !"
As the white cat was rubbing against him again, Chase decided to be more specific. He took a deep breath before shouting as loud as he could, his fur all up.
GET LOST !
The white cat stepped aside, visibly confused about this reaction. What, was he insensitive to her charm ? How come ? She mewed a question, lifting a paw and tempting to approach again.
" Non mais je rêve ou quoi* ? Should I throw her over the balcony for her to get it ?!"
Carmen chuckled. But they had to solve this problem fast : she had a caper planned and couldn't afford another cat with her. Inside, Carmen heard her teammates asking for her. Chase lifted his head. Fantastic, now everybody will mock him. Sandiego indicated she'll be there soon. She then turned to Chase, telling him to stay put. Running inside of her room, Carmen entered the bathroom. She fetched here a bottle of water. Finally coming back, Chase understood her plan and stepped aside. Carmen watered the white cat. That one mewed in shock, but finally retreated.
" Sorry girl, but that one is mine and I won't share him." commented Carmen.
Chase sighed mentally in relief, entering after Sandiego. The Maine Coon commented the case with an angered and questioning tone.
" Well sweetie, no surprise in here : you've always been attractive after all." smiled Carmen, grabbing her hat.
The cat looked at her. Always ? Did she mean she always found him handsome ? He followed her as she crossed her door, musing on that part. Since when was she thinking him attractive ? Since their first meeting or later ? As the caper went on, he couldn't focus until he heard a sarcastic voice. Leaning over his perch, he spotted a … a … what was that ? A fetishist ? Whoever or whatever this person was, was a danger for Carmen. Chase hastened to appear. Tigress spotted the famous cat above her. He was casting a disdainful glare at her. Usually she was found of cats, as they happened to be her main company during her youth.
" So that's your bodyguard huh ? Pfahaha, how pitiful did you become." she mocked.
The cat bared teeth with a growl.
So you're the one pretending to be a cat. Well let's see if you're a match against me.
Chase gracefully jumped and landed before Carmen. That one shivered. With her claws she could severely hurt him. Kill him even. She wanted to call him back.
" Since I'm feeling in a good mood today, I'll allow you to take your cat back." announced Tigress.
" You heard her my cat ? Come back here." called Carmen.
No.
Chase growled to Tigress instead, who grimaced. Too bad, she didn't want to hurt a cat. But he was getting in her way … different story. Carmen insisted.
No way. No one will hurt you ever again under my watch.
Tigress sighed. Oh well. Yowling too, she raced to the Latina. Chase seized this opportunity to inflict her a hit in her stomach. Tigress huffed under the shock.
I am your opponent !
Fine. If he so insisted … plus that would surely hurt Carmen to see her cat being injured. That one wanted to prevent that confrontation. She was sure that it would end badly for her boyfriend. However they didn't let her time : both snarled and hissed, running toward each other. Tigress began with a kick. Devineaux had long learnt how to avoid them since it was the most obvious thing his adversaries would try. Thus he fell on the side and slipped under her. Then braking, he stood up and clawed a calf.
" Grah !"
Tigress turned, trying to kick the cat again. The Maine Coon was too fast : he even bit her. Carmen went in backup, absolutely not willing to let Chase fight alone. The latter used the red thief as a stepping stone to reach Tigress. The operative had no other choice than to back away, receiving both claws, punches, and bites. The duo was about to win when suddenly Tigress managed to grab Chase by the skin of the neck.
" Ow !"
" Heheheh !" she laughed, rising a hand.
Her claws exited. Carmen displayed horror. She would never arrived on time.
Think you got me ? Count on that !
Carmen used her grappling hook. At the same time, Chase lifted his rear legs. The hook caught Tigress's wrist. The cat made his paws go over his head as in a somersault. The gravity did the rest as he bent his opponent's wrist. Tigress whined in pain, compelled to release him. Carmen smiled seeing him out of danger.
" Mrrooooow !"
Seemed like the cat wasn't done with her yet. Hissing and yelling all he could he ferociously attacked Tigress. Carmen tried to keep balance while the operative was undergoing the cat's offensive. Finally she managed to take back her tool. Chase let go, pursuing a defeated Tigress who ran away shocked.
" And spread the word : anyone who want to hurt Carmen will have me to deal with !" meowed Chase.
That one turned his back with contempt before coming to Sandiego, who welcomed him with warmth.
Translation =
Non mais je rêve ou quoi = am I dreaming or what
