Since I might have less time, I condiser publishing faster.
So. Is there finally a solution for our cat ? Great thanks to DemonQueen who kindly lent me her VILE operatives.
Carmen was dreaming. She was with her boyfriend she finally managed to cure. They just had picnic in a park, just the two of them. Chase was now tickling her, Carmen vainly struggling, laughing all she could. She passed a hand behind his head, getting him closer for a kiss. As her lips were about to touch his, Chase suddenly vibrated.
" ?!"
That sound awoke Carmen. Disorientated, she couldn't process what was happening. A mew near her interpellated her. She blinked before it all came back to her. She growled, then took her mobile phone that Chase was holding. It was displaying Player's number.
" Yes what is it ?" asked Carmen, a bit aggressively.
Chase tilted his head.
" Huh … sorry to awake you Red." replied Player, taken aback.
The young boy was aware he had woken her up, but it wasn't the first time and she never responded that way. Carmen realized her behaviour.
" Oh, sorry too Player that was uncalled for. I know you'll never awake me if it wasn't important."
" Right. I'm calling you right now because I found something of utmost importance to you."
Carmen stretched. Chase came to her to say good morning, now certain he wouldn't get bitten. The young woman petted him while listening to Player.
" There's a new heist planned by VILE in India. Technology is targeted, but that's not the main thing."
Carmen frowned a brow.
" What is it then ?"
" The one who created it. She's considered as a genius in her field, a brilliant neurologist. And … she had known Dr Bellum." announced Player.
Chase, who was rubbing his head against Carmen's face froze. He exchanged a look with his girlfriend.
" What/Mrah ?"
" Yup. They studied and worked together for some time, until Bellum got nearly arrested for her questionable work and experiences. She managed to run away before getting behind bars. So I was thinking … maybe she could help you cure Chase ?"
Carmen widened eyes. If that woman was as brilliant as Bellum, then there was indeed hope. She had to try. She jumped out of bed, asking Player to book a flight there. He already did it while talking. The young woman updated her team during breakfast.
" That's fantastic Carm' !" exclaimed Zack.
" Yeah, Chase will be back soon !" added Ivy.
" I really hope so." made Carmen, caressing Chase's head.
That one nodded too. They ended breakfast, then got ready for departure. Carmen felt quite nervous. Will this professor believe her ? What if she doesn't and refuses her help ? No, better not think about it right now. Easier said than done, they had several hours of flight … the miss felt a contact on her leg. Chase was here, out of his box. His green eyes were interrogating.
" I'm fine darling. Just thoughtful." she smiled.
" Mmmmh." he commented.
That was a tone indicating he knew what she was thinking. It amused her. Chase hadn't been long at deciphering her emotions. He was like her after all, the type to hide it. But the eyes couldn't lie. That was how he was able to know when she wasn't feeling alright. Not to mention his long experience with stressful situations. The inspector was precisely aware of all the process involved. With this, he managed to convince her to confide, express her fears and doubts, learning to evacuate her stress. At first, Carmen was a bit afraid of his ability to read her. Coming from Shadowsan for example, who raised her and knew her very well, it was logical.
Until he too, explained that he went through the same events as her. Convinced that he knew what he was talking about, Sandiego began to talk. Devineaux reassured her, and little by little he became her confidant, her emotional support. Being a cat didn't stop that, and she was grateful and happy for it.
" There we are. NeuroTech, the lab where Dr Kathri is working." announced Carmen.
The whole team was standing before a huge building.
" How are we supposed to approach that woman ?" asked Ivy.
" I managed to have her timetable. She's like to have a coffee not so far from here." responded Player.
" Well done Player. I'll approach her to warn her and request her help." said Carmen.
" On the meantime we'll study the place. Player, can you obtain a plan of this building ?" made Shadowsan.
" No problem."
Shadowsan announced he'll study that in his hotel room. Carmen looked at her watch. The doc would be out soon. Time to move.
" Good luck Carm." made Ivy.
Zack nodded. Carmen smiled to them, before going with her cat in her arms. She spotted the woman getting out of her workplace. Carmen breathed. It was now or never. She crossed the street then walked to the woman.
" Mrs Anu Kathri ?" she called.
Dr Kathri lifted eyes to notice a young woman carrying a huge cat.
" Yes ?"
" Please to meet you. My name is Carmen and I need your help." announced Sandiego.
" I see. Unfortunately, I'm very busy, so if you need an appointment please contact my secretary. Now if you'll excuse me."
The professor made a move to leave. This was her only moment of relaxation, thus she disliked being interrupted.
" It's for my boyfriend, he has been a victim of Dr Bellum." hastily said Carmen.
Dr Kathri froze. Then, she stared at Carmen. That name … she hadn't heard of it since 20 years. But she never forgot. She invited the Latina to sit, showing the seat in front of her. Carmen pulled the chair, then sat and settled Chase on her lap.
" How … how do you know her ?" asked Anu.
Carmen chose to be honest. She needed this woman's help, so she had to win her trust first.
" I was … bring to her as a baby. With several other persons she raised me."
" Did she do anything wrong to you ?" immediately asked Kathri.
" No, not during my childhood. But when I realized her and the group's true colours, I decided to leave. Now I'm her sworn enemy, and that's how my boyfriend happened to fall in her hands."
" What happened to him ?"
" It's really hard to believe. Dr Bellum is capable of doing things withs one's mind, things that most of the people believe impossible." warned Carmen.
" Sadly, I'm well-aware of what she's able to. Such a shame and waste when you think about it." replied Anu.
" Well, it was an accident but her machine transferred my boyfriend's mind … in a cat."
Kathri blinked, remaining silent.
" This cat." added Carmen, showing Chase.
" What ?"
" I can prove it to you. He can write, and will tell that himself. Right Chasey ?"
The Maine Coon nodded, which was already uncommon. Carmen pulled her tablet out of her backpack, then set it ready for the cat. Kathri observed with certain surprise the Maine Coon taking a stylus between his pads and beginning to write.
" Please doctor, you have to believe us. What she said is entirely true, and you're my only hope of returning to my real body."
It was impossible. How could this be possible ? Kathri was a genius in her field, same as Saira, but that ! No. That woman was certainly tricking her into obtaining an appointment for a close one, faster than everyone else. Or she was working for a newspaper fond of pranks and scandals.
" You certainly had a long time into training him to do that." concluded Anu.
Those words were heart-breaking for Chase and Carmen. She wasn't believing them. Thus she'll never help them, and he'll remain like that for the rest of his life. But Carmen didn't say her last word. There was NO WAY she would give up. She'll do anything to convince the doctor.
" But in order to achieve that, he had to understand the letters first. Do you really believe, as a specialist, that a cat possess the intelligence for doing that ?"
Touché. Anu had to admit that she had a point.
" No, you're right. No matter what animals can't write. They can understand some words, at some point, but writing is beyond their abilities." she said.
Chase had a huge internal sigh, and in fact so did Carmen. Kathri observed the cat with acute interest now.
" So, his body is still alive ?" she questioned.
" Of course, hospitalized and unconscious because the cat's mind landed in my head. This is also why it's urgent, we don't know how it'll last without damages." wrote Chase.
" Fascinating … he really … he really understood me." huffed Anu.
Chase restrained himself to reply with a jab. Now wasn't the time, his life was at stake. Kathri agreed that they had to hurry. But she'll have to understand how the machine was functioning, perform tests and all. It'll take some time. Carmen wanted to inform her about something else. She mentioned the incoming heist. She assured that she'll be there to prevent it. Kathri frowned.
" No surprise actually. I was working on a machine able to go deeper in the brain than anything else. That device would help to restore connexions, as in the case of amnesia, paralysis, brain injuries or Alzheimer. But in the wrong hands … I don't even want to think about it." revealed Anu.
" They won't touch it, I swear." promised Carmen with that famous determination on her face.
" Then it's a deal : protect my invention, I'll cure your boyfriend."
They shook hands. It was a hopeful Carmen that joined her team. She reported everything she learnt. Everyone was glad that hope was finally permitted for Chase. Now, they had to handle VILE. Player informed that he could manage to grab some intel about Dr Bellum's lab where all begun. It should help Dr Kathri in her research for a similar machine. Carmen opened her mouth to express her gratitude, when Chase meowed several times with a joyful tone.
" I think he's thanking you, is that right Chasey ?"
" Mweeeaaaah !"
Player smiled. Sandiego now focused on tonight's caper. Player provided a map of the place, displayed by Red Drone as a hologram on a coffee table. The security system was visible too. Carmen announced that Anu would help her get in. Chase, sat on the table, observed with attention the site. There were places where he could circulate discreetly. He usually showed when Carmen needed help.
Once the equipment checked, the team moved. Kathri went to open a backdoor, then froze.
" Wait. That red outfit … you're Carmen Sandiego aren't you ?"
" Yes. But I'm not here for your technology, I just want to prevent others from taking it." she said.
" I'm not sure I can trust an international thief like you." made Anu, sceptical.
Chase heard something. His animal instinct awoke. Someone was definitely here. He gave the alarm with a growl. He spotted flashes of light. Turning, he jumped at Carmen's belly level and pushed her. She huffed and backed away from the shock. A net lifted the siblings, along with the cat and Dr Kathri.
" Humph ! I hoped to win the prize." made a feminine voice.
A woman, older than Sandiego, late twenties, dark-haired showed. Her eyes were as green as Chase's ones, and icy. That face of hers was full of haughtiness and contempt. Her hair were tied in eight braids, with metallic pieces at the end. Her outfit was all black. She approached the net.
" So that's the famous cat, huh." she commented with an English accent.
Chase growled and bared teeth. A sound resonated, a humming. The VILE operative rolled eyes and sighed. A black male appeared on the other side of the room, wriggling like a worm. Devineaux wondered if he had itching powder in his clothes. His dreadlocks were dancing around his head, on the music displayed his ear pods. He was dressed like a street dancer. Chase lifted his head. VILE really was near bankrupt to hire such clowns.
" Beatbox is in da house !" he yelled.
" Will you stop making so much NOISE ?! Are you even aware about the word discretion ?!" scolded the woman.
"Aaaw relax Max ! There's no one here."
He approached a bit more. Then, spotting Carmen on her guards, he widened eyes. He took off his ear pods.
" Are you … Carmen Sandiego ?" he asked.
" Well duh ! The Scarlet Thief, who else is dressed like that ?" made the woman in black.
Beatbox emitted a loud whistle.
" Oh my ! You're abso-lu-te-ly gorgeous ! Heya, I'm Beatbox and the ice cube here is Spidra. Really pleased to meet you, Miss Sandiego." introduced the man, bowing a bit a hand on his chest.
" Can't say the same." retorted Carmen.
" Enough with the chitchat !" decided Spidra.
" Yeah ! Let's get to dance, Carmen. Can I call you Carmen ?" exclaimed Beatbox.
" No."
" I will nonetheless. Come now, my lady in red."
The fight started. Beatbox seemed to know his business : it appeared that he used kung-fu. Contrarily to Spinkick who seemed all show that one was deft. He was good at dodging, even if he was more dancing than anything else. But this dance rendered him supple, agile, hard to hit. Him on revenge, punched her almost every time. Carmen hit a wall. Shadowsan on his side, was dealing with Spidra. That one used her braids as weapon : the spikes of her hair were sharp and Shadowsan suspected them to be poisoned. Plus, she had ropes and nets on her forearms. Not only that, but Spidra projected balls that exploded in a gluing paste.
" Chase, don't you have a knife ?" asked Ivy.
The cat gave it to her before she could finish her sentence. He pushed the meshes as hard as he could, then managed to slip out. He glared at the man who was not only fighting his girlfriend, but courting her. Death wish here. He raced to Beatbox … and violently bit his calf. His shout surprised everyone. Spidra intervened by projecting glue balls. Chase avoided with backward jumps.
" Yuck ! I don't want to think about having one of these touching my fur !"
His intervention allowed Shadowsan and Carmen to be back, turning the tides of the fight. Spotting the cat arriving on him again, Beatbox offered a powerful kick that Chase had barely time to avoid. Instead, he blocked as he could with paws. Carmen saw horrified her boyfriend flying, then rolling on the floor. Where he stayed.
" No !" she exclaimed in a desperate tone.
Sandiego slipped near BeatBox and ran to him. However, Spidra cut her path short with her glue balls. Carmen fell on the ground, two other balls nailed her arms on the ground. Chase opened his eyes. Wow, that was one fly that he took. He crossed eyes with Carmen. Spidra walked to her. The cat's body was aching everywhere. Shadowsan came to the rescue. Beatbox intercepted him. Their punches were fast. However, despite the Asian's experience, Beatbox sent him hit a wall. His partner completed the job by gluing him to be wall. Sandiego was pulling on her arms, in order to break free. Chase rolled on his belly.
" Hahahahaha ! I captured the great Carmen Sandiego ! Me ! Oh the Faculty will grant me the biggest honour !" laughed Spidra.
" Hey hey ! Don't forget you weren't alone on that." reminded Beatbox.
They crouched near Carmen.
" Yeah right."
" Oh don't worry, I don't care about a seat at their table, I'll let you that. She … will be enough. I'll claim her for me." resumed BeatBox, taking her chin.
Chase widened eyes, while a growl ascended his throat. His eyes caught sight of Shadowsan. He heard his words.
When facing a stronger opponent, be smarter than it.
Chase got up. That furious torrent he felt when his love was in great danger flowed again. His claws got out. The fire was burning. Carve for blood, their blood. He walked. Their pain. The cat trotted. Their fear of him. He ran. Without letting any warning sound, he raced to them. Chase leaped between the operatives, clawing Spidra's face.
" ARGH !"
Then, jumping on a machine he lifted his tail. Chase shook his bottom in a provocative way.
Nuh nununuh nuh !
Carmen bit her lips to not snort, while Beatbox blinked. The audacity of this beast. Shadowsan had a smirk, understanding the animal's intention.
" I'm going to tear his fur !" roared Spidra.
She passed above Carmen, running after the cat. Chase ran, leading the thief away. Automatic doors opened when he landed in front of it. Spidra kept up, all growling. She tempted to capture him with her glue balls. Chase bounced on walls, dodged thanks to his hearing and glancing behind. He leaped again, using machines and furniture to get higher. On the ceiling were several metallic beams, intersecting which resulted for them in quite the parkour.
" She's holding on !" he thought.
Spidra launched one of her ropes, which caught the cat's rear paw. He fell with a groan. She pulled the rope.
" You want me to come ? Fine !"
Quickly getting up, he raced to her. Spidra launched a glue ball. Chase bounced on a beam then continued. He wrapped the rope tightly around the woman's legs, before pulling as hard he could. Spidra fell hard on her face. Chase freed his paw. Spotting a cable, he raced to it and snatched it. Spidra straightened a bit. That damn cat broke her nose ! Chase was behind and above her. She felt a weigh on her back, a second before Devineaux applied the cable on her neck. She could only emitted a weird sound, like ha gih gih gah gah.
Beatbox was sat on the ground, still near Carmen. Ivy had almost finished cutting the net. Being stuck all against each other rendered her movements really difficult and restrained. Plus that net was solid. Beatbox approached his fingers to Carmen's bang of hair. She almost bit him.
" Whoah there ! Wild are we ?"
" You have no idea." she warned.
He snorted. Carmen had a breath. Where was her Chase ? Was he fine ? If only she could get rid of that damn glue. Suddenly, a mew resonated. Carmen smiled when noticing her boyfriend. That one was sat on a desk, with a phone on the mouth. Beatbox checked his own.
" Hey dat's mine !" he exclaimed.
Chase tightened his jaws, cracking the screen. All while looking at the villain straight in the eyes. Beatbox almost choked. He jumped on his feet and rushed. Chase leaded away just like with Spidra.
" Chase …" huffed Carmen.
" Fear not Carmen. It seems that I taught him well." made Shadowsan.
In all modesty. A thud resonated. The siblings and Kathri were finally free. Ivy hurried to Carmen, beginning to cut the glue. Meanwhile, Beatbox arrived in an experimental room where robots were being constructed and tested.
" Where is da damn cat ?"
Chase observed him walking cautiously. He spotted that place while returning to his team. This will do. Beatbox passed near Devineaux who almost laughed. He pushed a joystick with a paw. A robotic hand activated. SLAM !
" IIIYAAAAH !"
Putting his hands on his bottom Beatbox jumped aside. Did he just … got spanked by that thing ?! Chase put his paws on his muzzle. Now, not a good time to laugh. The operative saw two hands lifting, then getting in a fighting position. Seriously ? No way, he'll beat the crap out that cat and nothing else ! Where was the control station ? As he tried to get away, a hand grabbed his collar before the second one slapped him. Chase continued attacking, forcing the man to defend himself. Beatbox hold on, and was about to break one robotic arm. Chase showed teeth in a devilish smile, which on a cat was frightening. He swiftly activated a third arm, that grabbed Beatbox's attributes. That one froze.
" Let's pull and turn !"
A huge yell startled the team, informing them about their teammate's location. Chase for his part, was walking, or rather dancing.
Be bop a lula she is my baby ! Be bop a lula don't you dare touch her !
Beatbox was whining on the floor, curled up.
" I'll… kill ya. Bastard." he said when the cat passed.
That one glared at him. Then, he made a U-turn and got back at the control station. Two hands caught the operative's ankles and lifted Beatbox without caring about his pain. The third hand grabbed a cable, before being positioned above the spread legs. The man saw with horror the electricity sparkling.
WHAT DID YOU SAY ?
" No no no you won ! You won ! You're the strongest cat in the world ! Please !"
The third hand lifted twice.
And ?!
" Hum … Oh ! I'll never threat Carmen Sandiego ever again, I swear !"
A thumb appeared. Chase dropped him, occasioning a new groan of pain. From the door, everyone had watched it.
" That's my boyfriend !" proudly declared Carmen, an arm leaned on the door frame.
" Well, if I still have any doubts about your story, now they're all clear." commented Dr Kathri.
No cat in the world would've been able to do that. Chase rushed to Carmen while Shadowsan entered to collect the villain. Sandiego kissed him strongly on the face, making the cat purr.
" Can you walk ?" asked Shadowsan to Beatbox.
" Hell no … yo."
" What did he do to you to prevent that ? I don't see any injuries."
" He … twisted my balls."
Shadowsan lifted his eyebrows.
" I am not undoing this." he declared, raising hands.
Kathri called the police and maybe a medical unit. She asked where was the second villain. Chase tended a paw. Carmen put him down so he could lead them to her. Once there, he lifted his head. Spidra was still up here, unconscious.
" Okay. I'll clear all my appointments for the week at least, and start to study your case. I'll call you as soon as I have results." announced Anu.
" Thanks you very much for your help." said Carmen.
" No, thank you for yours."
The team and the doc parted here. It had been a good night, another heist completed but above all, Chase could be cured. It was a relieved couple that entered their room.
" I got really scared when you got hit. Perhaps I should take you to a vet, just in case." said Carmen.
" Mowow. I'm fine." he objected, shaking his head.
" No, I'll bring you to one. We won't take any risks when we're so close to heal you."
Chase emitted an annoyed comment, while she was grabbing his travel box. Carmen asked Player to find her a vet for Chase, no matter the price. As dawn was near, she'd be first according to the hacker. Sandiego hurried to bring her cat to a vet. Chase underwent different exams with annoyance. He managed to lessen the shock with his powerful paws, so no harm. Even if they were killing him right now. The vet administered a pain killer sting, and some medicine.
" Is it over now ?"
Carmen collected him with a kiss. The cat waved his tail, eager to return home. Or the airport. Coming back home they were indeed. The young miss went to see Chase's body in the hospital. She informed the doctor who was taking care of him that she was about to find a cure. He'll certainly need to be transferred in India, where she consulted a specialist. So far away surprised the doctor, but he agreed. She went back to her HQ. Now, she'll have to wait for Dr Kathri's call. Carmen had high hopes for her research. The woman was her last hope in fact. She tried to not stress too much about it. Chase was also anxious, and excited : he'll be back to normal soon. Right ? He and Carmen exchanged a glance, to notice they were both stressed. They chuckled, before comforting the other one.
