Carmen keeps worrying about Chase, for whom she can't find help. Guiltiness is taking over, can love help them trying to cope ?


Carmen had trouble sleeping. She was imagining her cat, her precious and beloved Chase prisoner of a tiger. He must be so scared now … Sandiego could hear his voice calling her, begging her to come rescue him. She decided to get up. Her foot brought her near the glass surrounding the tiger's paddock. She put a hand on it. He was inside, on the other side of the window and fence. Unreachable. Carmen sighed, then sat on the floor. Knees against her chest, chin on her crossed arms she let her thoughts running free. She was missing Chase's touch terribly. The warmth's of his body, his reassuring arms around her, giving her the sensation she was in a cocoon, safe. His hoarse voice pouring loving words to her ears, sentences of support and comfort. His smiles, how his eyes glowed in her presence, his face enlightening.

Carmen bit her lip at this. It was cold … she shivered. What she would give right now to retrieve him, to have the man back to his self. Tears were incoming. Carmen really needed Chase, her body was aching, longing for him, her heart was painful. She never imagined she'd be that attached to someone. Carmen already thought about romance before, especially when she was thinking about her parents. About their relation. However, she reflected on this as a long-term matter, once VILE down, her mother retrieved and with a more stable life. Dating wasn't supposed to happen so soon. But it did. Carmen had no regrets about dating Devineaux, she was just worrying sick about his safety.

" How could I let this happen ? All of this ?"

Part of her was fearing aftereffects of such transformation. How long before the cat take over his mind ?He'll also need time to recover once back in his real body. Would everything function normally after that ? She sighed again. The urge for one of his hugS invaded her.

" Chase …" she moaned.

Farther in the paddock, the concerned one had managed to fall asleep. His eyes suddenly opened at the exact same time Carmen called him. He looked around, intrigued. What was this sensation he was having ? Chase analysed it. Something had woken him up from his sleep. But he was unable to understand what exactly. The whole place was completely silent, excepted Kali's breathing. After a moment, Chase resolved to be back to sleep. He wondered if Carmen was okay. Let's hope nothing happened to her since he wasn't here to protect her. This thought could keep him awake for the rest of the night. No, he had to believe in her. She was fine, otherwise Shadowsan would have told him. Tomorrow, he'll be reunited with Carmen. Speaking of her, the young woman decided to be back to the sick bay. Moaning all night wasn't going to bring back her boyfriend.

The following morning, she waited impatiently breakfast time for animals. A rifle was prepared to send Kali sleeping a while longer. Carmen felt a bit sorry to take her " baby". That one was washing Chase, who was welcoming this with sighs. With a muzzle blast she turned him on the back, now licking his belly.

" Whoah hey ! Not down here it's private ! Gwargh !"

She peacefully finished, then got up for her breakfast. Chase was recovering from his morning bath. He hoped that Carmen would act now, because he feared the moment Kali would want to feed him. The tigress approached the food, not suspecting a thing. Carmen watched with acute attention. Aim … ready, steady … shot. Kali groaned in surprise. Chase saw her swaggering.

" !"

The tiger finally laid down. The Maine Coon approached with caution. Kali was asleep.

" I'm sorry Kali. But I'm not your cub, as you would have noticed sooner or later. I belong somewhere else, and above else to someone else."

Chase raced toward the exit. It got opened. The silhouette of Carmen appeared. Her face was anxious and impatient. Her face enlightened when she spotted him.

" Chase !" she exclaimed, opening her arms.

" Carmen !" he meowed.

Chase leaped to her, and she received him with intense relief.

" Oh honey, there you are." she whispered at his ear.

The cat mewed with a loud purr, rubbing his head against her face. He even started to lick her, making her giggle. Shadosan thanked the director and his employee on the meantime. Hearing that, Carmen addressed them warm thanks. She then hastened to bring her cat at her their hotel.

" Oh my darling I'm so sorry I couldn't come to your rescue. You must have been terrified in there, I hope you're not mad at me for not coming earlier." she confessed.

" Mrah ?! Who do you take me for ? Of course I'm not mad, I would have been had you tried to face a tiger !" exclaimed Chase, indignant.

Carmen chuckled to this reaction. The tone was enough to understand he was surprised by her words.


Sandiego put Chase on her bed with relief, laying at the same time. He was here again, safe and sound. She took her tablet so they could talk. She apologized one more time.

" Won't blame you love, I would have had the same reaction."

" It must have been so scary."

" You have no idea. I really believed I was done for."

His fur straightened at the memory of this. Carmen fondled him, the cat replying to this.

" Chase."

He looked at her. Carmen buried her face in his fur.

" How can I protect you ? How can I be sure you won't be in danger again ?"

Chase narrowed his eyes.

" You can't." he thought.

Carmen sighed. The urge for a hug came back. She curled up, imprisoning the cat in her arms.

" I miss you Chasey. Awfully. I want you back, now."

" Oh sure thing honey. This is just my Animagus form. If you could wait just a sec."

Hmph, Chase was trying to remain positive, but he too would like to recover his real body. Suddenly, he felt something dropping on his nose. Bewildered, he looked at Carmen's face. She was crying.

" Sweetheart."

He licked her face. The contact of his rough tongue distracted her from her sorrow. Seeing her stopping sobbing, he went for that ticklish spot on her neck.

" Hey ! Stop that. Chase … mffrrrrrt !"

" There. That's better."

Carmen looked at him with love. She could always count on him to cheer her up.

" Thank you. I also wanted to say sorry for the way I acted with you lately. Truth is that I was mad at myself. I failed you. I … also fear that the cat takes over you. Not to mention your body still unconscious. How long can it last ?" added Carmen.

" Oh I see. I understand you're under quite the pressure. But I believe in you, we'll find a solution, and I'll offer you the best cuddle of your life." wrote Chase.

" I can't wait for that. Now, let's supper alright ?"

Carmen wiped her eyes, then called for the room service. She also informed her team that she'll have meal alone with her boyfriend. She also brushed him while waiting for their diner. The Maine Coon purred all he could, making Carmen smile. Later, she prepared him a plate with what she ordered. The Latina gave him some pieces of food, just like before when they ate together. Chase took a fork and did the same. He had a purr when seeing her smile.

" Keep smiling my love. I need to see that bright sweet face of yours, that's my ray of sunshine in this situation." he wrote on her tablet.

Carmen blushed, mouth opened.

" I … I'll try." she said with a smile, replacing a bang of hair.

" Good."

They finished eating. This done and their wash up as well, Chase switched on the TV.

" Ugh, that sight."

Carmen laid on her belly, looking for a movie through her phone. After consulting her boyfriend she put on one. Chase curled against her, her arm surrounding the cat. Carmen was feeling better. She must keep her determination. The team departed the following day for their HQ. They entered their home with joy. Carmen immediately thought about Chase's human body. She had to see to him. The young woman simply put her luggage in her room. The Maine Coon saw her passing. He understood where she was going. The ACME guards were still here, though they happened to change. They greeted her, and one opened the door for her. Carmen had mixed feelings when laying eyes on him. She was glad and sad. The young woman approached. A loving smile formed, before she caressed his hair and face. Apparently they were taking good care of him, since he was shaved.

She contemplated him for a while. Then, sitting near him she leaned her forehead against his cheek. Feeling him was good. Her hand strolled on his upper half. It appeased her to be back near Devineaux. Carmen enjoyed this contact for a long moment. Then, one kiss before departing. She went back home where an argument welcomed her. Zack was in the living-room, facing a Maine Coon perched on the countertop … a CD on his mouth. Ivy was observing the show, while Shadowsan wasn't on site.

" Carm ! Tell your boyfriend to give me back my game before he damages it !" pleaded Zack, pointing the animal.

Carmen casted a look at Ivy to obtain further details.

" My dear brother had once again one of his bright ideas. Remember the biscuits Chase stored, I mean the ones for humans ?"

" Oh no Zack ! You didn't dare ?" asked Carmen, fists on her hips.

" He absolutely dared !"growled Chase.

" B-but I was starving, and it might just have gone outdated !"

" Your brain is outdated !"

" Zack, how many times do we have to tell you to not steal other's food ?" scolded Carmen.

" I'll go buy a replacement like usual, just tell him to give me back my game, please." replied the young man.

" You should break it Chase. He might finally understand." threw Ivy.

" NO !"

Zack then kneeled before the cat, who turned ears to him. The young man was imploring him to spare his poor defenceless CD game. Someone like Chase couldn't be that mean, he was a brilliant inspector, a secret agent, he had honour and mercy. He was kind and generous, someone Zack would look up to. Admire even. Carmen put a fist on her mouth, holding a laugh. Zack concluded with a pleading smile.

" Wow. Thanks Zack, my fur has never been so bright with all that polish. And I'm not mentioning my ass, all clean too."

Zack casted a look at Carmen for support. The Latina swallowed her laughter.

" Alright honey, I think it's enough. Zack will replace your biscuits, so give him back his game."

" Yeah, but how to be sure he understood this time ? "

The cat waved to obtain what needed to write. Carmen lent her phone and the stylus she was always keeping with her. Chase wrote his condition. Zack straightened to read.

" Now look closely, little one. If you ever dare steal food from me again, I'll break all of your CD games and your game console. Is that clear ?"

Zack looked at the Maine Coon, ready to protest at least at the little one part. But he met with angry and icy green eyes. The cat was standing up, holding the phone in his mouth. Zack felt an intimidating and aggressive aura emanating from Chase. In an instant he understood why Carmen's enemies were fearing him. This was not your common pet. That one was a fierce and strong one, one able to fight humans and take them down. A cat not to be trifled with. Therefore, Zack could only nod.

" Mrah. Good." concluded the cat with authority.


Later that day, Carmen got intel about a future heist in Singapore. The young woman decided to go with Ivy and Zack. And them only. Which leave her boyfriend puzzled. Why wasn't he invited ? Chase questioned this.

" We don't need to be at full capacity for that one." explained Carmen.

" Bu-but ! I have to be here to watch over you !" wrote the cat.

Carmen had a loving smile, and crouched to caress his head.

" Thank you my love. But do not worry, I'll be fine."

Chase wasn't convinced at all. Sitting before her, he then displayed a begging face. Remember the Puss in Boots from Shrek ? Well here was his French version.

" Oh no Chasey. Don't look at me that way." made Carmen.

He folded his ears, pushing the cuteness at maximum level.

" No … I said no."

He pawed her leg. Then, he let a begging mew. Carmen closed her eyes. Goddamnit.

" Aaaaw he's so cuuute." made Ivy, hands around her face.

" Chase. Stop that will you." insisted Carmen, rather amused.

" Then take me with you."

He licked her hand. Carmen scratched his chin. Why did he have to be that cute ? But she had to remain firm. At least he'll be safe. The Latina dropped a kiss on his head, before getting up and get her luggage ready. Or she tried to, because Chase complained nonstop all along. He couldn't accept that they would be parted. Thinking about her on her own, what if she got hurt ? Hearing his complains, Ivy said that Chase must be crazy in love with her to worry that much. Carmen leaned eyes on the cat. He mewed again.

" I love you too very much Chasey. I'll be back fast you'll see." she said softly.

Chase shook his head vigorously, his eyes full of worry. No … she couldn't be serious. She couldn't do this ! They were a team, they were a couple he had to be by her side ! As Carmen grabbed her luggage and walked out of her room, Chase acted on an impulse. Nothing new you'd say. He caught his girlfriend's leg and clung on it.

" What the ?! Chase ! Let me go !" protested Carmen, lifting her leg.

" Mow !"

She grabbed the cat, in balance on one leg, gently but firmly dislodging him. The cat then surrounded her arm with his paws.

" …"

Carmen managed to free her arm. Right for Chase to surround her neck with his forepaws while she was about to put him down. She sighed, his head under her chin.

" Are you ready Carm ?" asked Ivy, coming to her.

" Yeah, except that Chase doesn't want to let me go."

Ivy had a smile, then approach to lend a hand. She pulled the cat, who grabbed Carmen's bang of hair.

" Hey !" made Carmen.

" Stay out of this, Ivy !"

Using his rear paws, he brutally pushed Ivy's chest, projecting himself forward … and landing head first in his girlfriend's neckline. Here he was, half in her shirt, the bottom outside. Ivy had a laugh while Carmen was puzzled. Rolling her eyes, she took the cat off.

" I am sorry my love, but you're to stay here and that's final."

Keeping Chase head down, carrying him at arm's length so he wouldn't catch any over part of her Carmen brought him in his room. Chase protested all he could, wriggling around. Sandiego put him on the floor and slammed the door on his muzzle. Of course, Devineaux called her loudly. Carmen and Ivy hurried to leave before he could find a way to escape. She instructed Shadowsan to free the cat when she was at the airport. It was a resentful cat that got out, all growling. How could she ?

" You're okay Chase ?" asked Shadowsan.

The Maine Coon turned burning eyes to him.

" Does it look like I'm okay ?"

" You have to have faith in Carmen, Chase. I understand you want to protect her, and until now you did wonders. But she isn't hopeless, and as the leader of the group she's to decide who's in and who is not." said Shadowsan.

" I'm her boyfriend, I should always be part of her capers !" he stated in a growl.

Shadowsan shrugged. He'll calm down. Chase jumped on the sofa. His imagination was already working, making him see all kind of bad situations. He shook his head. Shadowsan was right, he had to believe in his girlfriend. But last time there was a woman who almost strangled her ! And before, another one who had Ivy in hostage, rendering Carmen powerless ! And … and … and he just let him fall on the couch with a deep sigh. The Japanese was calmly reading, not caring about a damn. How could he be so calm ?

" I guess that worrying sick won't help or change anything."

He rolled on his back. Now what could he do ?

Carmen was finishing her caper in Singapore. She had to face an unexpected operative. In any case, she was glad that Chase didn't tag along : fighting a robot might have been too much for him. She hurried to leave the place, wanting to be reunited with him. During the flight, she called.

" Hi Shadowsan. Is everything okay at home ?" asked Carmen.

" Let's say that. Your boyfriend is still pouting."

" Where is he ?" asked Carmen with a smile.

Shadowsan turned and called the cat. No response.

" Chasey please, I need to see you. So talk to me."

The Maine Coon sighed. Aaaalright, he missed her too after all. He stretched, then appeared at the screen. Carmen looked relieved to see him. All his anger melted, as he too was relieved to see her safe and sound. He purred while listening to her. She indicated that she sent them what she found there.

" Really honey ? From all the souvenirs you could bring back, you chose a hand ?!" he wrote.

" That one was free, that's why." commented Ivy.

" LOL."

Shadowsan indicated that Bellum possessed a lab in Himalaya. Lab … Carmen and Chase exchanged a look. Maybe that was the one they were looking for. Player called at that moment. With an unexpected new.

" And where is that Rick wak wak ? " asked Chase.

" Reykjavik, my love. It's in Iceland."

Player just had time to plan another flight before being caught. In the following morning, Chase was sitting on the coffee table, observing a piece of a robot. It looked creepy. Oh well, Ivy would analyse this once back. The cat jumped down.


Later when he came back from his stroll, he found the robot hand … climbing upstairs. He froze. That thing was alive ?! And Shadowsan didn't notice ?!

" Impossible that he didn't spot it." thought Chase, running.

The man chose that very moment to throw his book at the hand. They exchanged a look. Chase looked at his flank, where his taser was. Except that since he was home he didn't wear it. He had to find something else. The kitchen. There was knives in there. He raced there, while the hand attacked Shadowsan. The cat jumped at a drawer. Using his rear paws, he pushed to open it. Taking what he wanted, he hastened to be back in the living room, where Shadowsan had blocked an attack with his manga. He kicked it, sending it against a wall. The hand quickly pulled together. Chase had rushed to Shadowsan to whom he gave the knife. As soon as the hand arrived, the Asian stabbed it. It stopped moving.

" Creepy."

" Thank you for the assistance, Chase."

" Meow." commented the cat.

After making sure the hand was now inoffensive, they disposed of it. Chase thought they should keep it for Halloween. It would made a fine decoration.

" Carmen sure have bad taste with gifts." he thought, replacing the knife in the kitchen.

They soon received a call from Carmen. She had failed to free Graham, as he was kidnapped by VILE. She had to take another flight to fetch him in Himalaya now. The siblings were to return home. Chase sighed : he wasn't soon to see her. But maybe she'll find there how to cure him. Oh well, better go for some training.

Two days later, Player had a surprise : finding Carmen sat on a bunch, on the other side of the road. She … really was there, in the flesh. Flashing a smile, Player crossed the road.

" Well, that day really isn't an ordinary day." he greeted.

" Glad to finally see you IRL, Player." replied Carmen.

" Same. So what can I do for you Red ?"

" I wanted to celebrate a bit retrieving the stolen crown. Come on, I'll treat you."

They sat in a snack bar. Carmen asked him about school. The young man was grateful to Zack and Ivy : thanks to their intervention he was coming back home. He stared at his friend. He didn't say it, but he thought she would hurried to back to Chase. That was when he spotted her sad expression.

" Well actually … I needed to reconnect with my friend from school. Because … I failed. I failed to save Graham and more importantly … I failed Chase again. I had to destroy the lab, and I couldn't bring back Bellum to force her to heal him. I had a golden opportunity and I ruined it ! How am I going to be able look at him in the eyes now ?!"

Some tears ran down her cheeks.

" But Carmen it wasn't your fault ! You were being pursued by a robot ! You can't do everything at once. You had to be safe first. I'm sure he'll understand that if you tell him the whole story." reminded Player.

" I should have planned this more carefully. I'm sure I could have bring her back : you could have caused a black out to occupy the staff, send a signal to jam communication with that robot …"

" Not sure I would have been able to, in such a short time and not being connected. You were there to save a friend, Red. You couldn't risk jeopardizing his life." objected Player.

" Maybe … but Chase is waiting for me to come back with good news. I haven't good news. He will still be trapped in a cat's body. I miss him Player … so much it hurts." moaned Carmen.

She sobbed in her hands. Player didn't know what to do more to comfort her.

" Red … don't give up. You will bring him back."

" How ? The only one who can do that is practically unreachable. If only I knew where they were hiding, I would fetch Bellum right now."

Carmen wiped her eyes. This situation seemed hopeless.

" You have to keep fighting, until you take them down. I know you miss your boyfriend, but if you give up now, you'll lose him for good." insisted Player.

" You're right Player. Deep inside I know it. It's just …" continued Carmen.

" You simply needed to evacuate, it's normal don't worry about it. Now let's finish this snack and go back to Chase. Don't stress about his reaction."

Carmen nodded, and thanked Player for his support. She wasn't really hungry, but made an effort not wanting to waste food. Plus, she hadn't eat since hours so it was welcome. They parted some minutes later, Player wishing her good luck. The next day, Sandiego came back during the night. She made no sound while gaining her room, not ready to face Chase yet. However, she had the surprise to find him in her bed, as she switched on the light. The cat startled at first, before leaping to her. Carmen had no choice but to welcome him in her arms. However, she stood silent as Chase expressed his joy to have her back. This lack of reaction soon intrigued the cat, who lifted his head to her. Meeting with his eyes caused guilt to invade her.

" Chase I …"

Carmen couldn't confess her failure. Not again. Chase put a paw on her cheek. She bit her lip. Then, she put him back on her bed. Sitting on the edge, she kept her back turned to him.

" Carmen ?" he called.

She had to tell him. He certainly noticed it anyway, otherwise she would have tell him right away she was successful.

" I'm so sorry my love. I …"

Silence.

" I failed to bring Bellum here. I failed again !" she finally admitted.

Chase moved and sat on her lap. He licked her face. She straightened in a startle.

" How can you cuddle me ? You're still in there because of me. You should be mad, you should resent me and avoid me." she said.

Chase narrowed eyes, before softly slapping her nose.

" Happy now ?"

Carmen blinked. The cat grabbed the tablet.

"Carmen, your attitude is nearly offending. Would you be mad at me if our situations were reversed ? If no, then why should I be mad ? You really thought I wouldn't understand ? The only thought on my mind during your absence was your well-being. Your safety. Nothing else. Seriously, what kind of man do you think I am ? Huh ?"

" But …"

Carmen reported what she told Player, with much more details.

" So you see. I could have ended this now." she concluded.

" Carmen, what do you expect from me ? A scold ? Reproaches ? A slap ? "

" N-no. Just … I don't think I deserve your affection right now."

Chase opened his mouth. His heart ached. How could she say that ? He saw the guilt on her face. He had to shake her, visibly.

" So you don't want me to support you ? Of course you need my love right now ! I am your boyfriend no matter the shape I'm in, and thus I'm supposed to support you in difficult times and situations ! Or do you believe me not able to or worthy of it ?! "

When looking at the cat, Carmen saw him. Chase's face. This determined expression of him. Tears fell again.

" Of course you are worthy. You've always been supportive to me ever since you understood who I really was. You comforted me like no one else. I also fell in love with you because of that. I just want you back and happy." she breathed.

" Same here, you stubborn brat ! "

" Hey !" she smiled.

" Now come, time for you to sleep."

Carmen dressed in pajamas. When she got under the blanket, Chase pulled it until her face, then curled under, against her.

" Good night Chasey. I love you."

He replied by a purring sound and a lick on her hand.