One problem solved, another one to go. And surprise for an old aquaintance.
Enjoy ^^.
Carmen was waiting anxiously. She had finally found someone able to heal Chase. To make him reintegrate his true body. Dr Anu Kathri, supposedly as brilliant as Dr Bellum, was now doing some research to accomplish this miracle. Sandiego had talked to her a little after this caper to save her technology. Saira and her had studied then worked together. They were exploring the human mind, its complexity and mysteries. However, their goal wasn't the same. If Kathri wanted to help her fellow man, Bellum's objective was rather submitting them. Using humans for her experiences, as guinea pigs, to satisfy her evil side. Her own greed. Upon understanding her friend's true colours, saw her insane experiments Anu reported her. Saira fled India before getting arrested.
So in a way, knowing what happened to that poor man who had the misfortune to fall between her hands hadn't been such a surprise, in reality. The result was surprising alright, and Anu feared a trap set by her former friend to get revenge. Carmen convinced her otherwise, fortunately, or Kathri would have been robbed of her research. She was working really hard on that case. Carmen on her side, had to continue her mission, Chase still by her side as a cat. He noted how tensed she was, certainly afraid that this fail too. If Anu were to announce she couldn't do anything in the end … Of course, Devineaux was anxious too. Sandiego was keeping him in her arms permanently, so much that the cat rarely touched the ground now.
She was hugging him like a teddy bear. Carmen tried to dissuade him to tag along during her missions. Yeah right, keep talking. And then … and then … Anu called.
" You can transfer his body here, miss Sandiego. Time to move to the final stage."
Kathri already made arrangements with in her own country to welcome Chase. As soon as she hung up, she called Player then her team. They had to hurry. Carmen ran in the hospital. Some minutes later, Chase's body was getting out of the hospital. Soon. Soon he'll be back to normal, soon she'll curl up in his arms. As often when in a hurry, time was way too slow to her liking. Carmen was sat near Chase's body, holding his hand while his "mind", namely the cat, was laid on his belly. They exchanged several stressed looks. When the rest of the team was beginning to fall asleep, the Maine Coon jumped on his girlfriend's lap.
" Mrrr." he made.
She handed him over the tablet.
" It's time for you to sleep as well, my love. Don't worry about me, nothing is going to happen in here."
" I know sweetie. I'm just … really stressed about this. What if it fails ? I want to see you healthy so badly. And I'm sure I'll have nightmares about this." she confided.
Chase rubbed his head against hers.
" I know how you feel, believe me. But you have to have faith, she wouldn't have called us if there wasn't a chance of succeeding, she said it so. Now come, close your eyes, and imagine me by your side again."
The cat put his paw on her eyes, making her chuckle. But she accepted to sleep. As Chase advised, Carmen imagined having him near her. Soon, images of a dream formed. The young woman was in her HQ, laid on a sofa. She could feel Chase's presence behind her. She was leaned against his torso, his arms around her. The siblings passed before them, Ivy pursuing Zack who stole one of her biscuits. Their laugh filled the place, resonating in her heart and warming it.
" See ? Everything is fine now." made Chase's hoarse voice at her ear.
Carmen got up. She walked through the HQ, her boyfriend still hooked on her, like a backpack. In Shadowsan's room, she discovered him taking tea with his older brother. They waved at her.
" Thank you Carmen. I could reconciliate with my brother thanks to you."
Carmen felt another wave of joy invading her heart. Farther, she found Player on her roof. The young man was on a deck chair, eating a hamburger and drumming on his laptop. He greeted her, thanking her for this incredible adventure she allowed him to live with her. Chase made her pivot to him, before leaning for a kiss. Which got interrupted.
" Good you're awake Carmen. We just landed." informed Shadowsan.
Intrigued by her expression, mildly annoyed, Chase put a paw on her arm.
" Why is it always when I'm kissing you in my dreams that I got interrupted ?" she said to his ear.
Chase commented with an amused mew.
A van was waiting for them on the tarmac, ready to carry Chase's body. Half an hour later, Dr Anu Kathri was welcoming them at her lab entrance.
" Welcome, miss Sandiego. Everything has been prepared to cure your boyfriend."
Carmen noticed fatigue on her face. She certainly worked really hard on this. Sandiego thanked her again, but Anu refused her thanks. The lifter brought them in the room were the same machine Bellum used was there. Only Chase was allowed in, both human and mind.
" When will I be able to see him ?" questioned Carmen.
" Not yet. I'll have to perform health tests on him after that. His body stayed unconscious for a whole month, he'll need time to recover. Not to mention I want to ensure he isn't a threat to you, if you see what I mean." explained Kathri.
Carmen was disappointed of course, but she understood the situation. Who knew what Bellum did to him before Carmen could rescue him. The team was invited to stay in the hotel rented for them, and enjoy the place. Hm. How was she supposed to do that ? Raising eyes to Chase, she found the cat waving at her with a joyful mew. He seemed confident about this. The team left the building.
" So what should we do ?" asked Zack.
" You guys are free to visit the place. I'll just wait for news in my room." replied Carmen.
" Carm." made Ivy.
" You should hang out with us. I'm pretty sure Chase would want you to do so, worrying will get you nowhere." resumed Zack.
" Zack is right. Better occupy your mind, it'll go faster and do you good." intervened Shadowsan.
" But I'm his girlfriend ! Am I not supposed to remain by his side ?" objected Carmen.
" Sure, but you aren't allowed in there. Until Kathri says it's safe then just go for a walk, at least for now. You'll check on Chase later." said Ivy.
Carmen sighed. Well, a little stroll could help indeed. They browsed the city a bit. The thief tried to focus on the sight around her, but her thoughts were all on her boyfriend. After fifteen minutes she gave up. She had to be there, she wanted to be near him. Her team exchanged looks, before nodding. They went back to the lab, where Carmen announced she'll be fine on her own. Staff at the entrance had been warned about her, so they let her pass. Sandiego went to the room where Chase had been brought. She hesitated to knock, not wanting to interrupt something important. So she sat on a chair here. Her thoughts roamed free, from her happy moments with Chase to when he got transformed, then when she started developing feelings for him, his determination to protect her in his cat form, when he comforted her during their partnership.
It sure has been more intense ever since he joined her. Lots of feelings were experimented, dealt with, expressed, feared, distracted her … but she wouldn't want it any other way. Accepting that tornado of emotions had proven difficult, and she resented him for making her feeling all that. Because Carmen had little to zero control on that. She was so used to focus on her mission and nothing else, to hide and control her emotions. So when Devineaux brought other feelings, completely new feelings, not only the romantical ones, Carmen also got lost. How was she supposed to keep that in check ? To be master of herself again ? How to be sure it wouldn't interfere with her job, jeopardizing all of it and putting everyone in danger ?
Sandiego tried to maintain distance with him, all while wanting to get closer at the same time. Thus her weird behaviour and him feeling like a yo-yo between her hands. Until she couldn't deny the evidence. She needed him. His emotional support he brought her, innocently, just wanting to help. Because Chase knew what she could feel, he understood it all. It was easier to confide in him. It made her dependant of that somehow. Plus, they never stopped bantering at each other. She encouraged him, had to refrain him sometimes, and he was there to help her deal with the emotional part, to protect her if needed. About her teammates …oh, Devineaux was so expressive, that it surprised everyone at first. The Bostonians siblings being like that too quickly bonded with him.
Zack looked up to Chase, that one in return keeping an eye on him and acting as a parental figure. Ivy was grateful to that, knowing that someone else was there to relieve her from constant worry for her little brother, that could refrain him even if Carmen had to do the same for him. Chase was more the type to take risks for somebody, and be hurt at his place. The man also had an eye on the young girl, even if she protested about this, saying she could fend for herself. In reality, she was glad to have someone to watch over her as well. Ivy played tough but she liked the attention, seeing the man's attitude as a parental gesture too. About Shadowsan … it was more complicated. Chase knew that Carmen trusted him, but it was out of the question to do that at first.
The Japanese had no precise idea about the French, just considering as a new ally to the team. He couldn't care less about the inspector completely ignoring him. That, until Carmen requested him permanently. That, was surprising. At that moment, Chase and she were already closer and she was crushing on him, unconsciously. It was then that Shadowsan started to observe his interactions with the team more carefully. Especially the ones with Carmen. After each caper, they used to meet in private and Shadowsan always believed it was for debriefing and report. He was wrong. Devineaux was doing what no one else, not even Player, was doing. The Asian began to notice that Carmen was looking better, her eyes clearer, apparently less tired. AND.
Glancing to the French with softer eyes. Blushing. Smiling more.
No need to tell what it inspired Shadowsan. But then again, comparing her state when he was around and before … he knew better than mingling into this. So he let this relation continue, deepening and blossom. He was secretly grateful to Chase for what he was bringing to his adoptive daughter. When this transformation happened, it was time for the man to repay the inspector. To his surprise, that one accepted his offer in training him. And was he attentive during the lessons. Shadowsan discovered a motivated student, willing to put all of his strength and determination into to this. Teaching to someone wanting to use this for protecting, instead of harming was refreshing and gratifying. Shadowsan felt like redeeming, retrieving honour. Without knowing it, Chase became a pillar for the team.
" Miss Sandiego ?"
Anu's voice startled Carmen.
" What are you doing here ?" asked the woman.
" Oh hum … I felt like I should be here for Chase. How is it going ?"
" Until now, well I suppose. I already carried out the transfer, and we're now waiting for his awakening.
" Can I see him ?"
" Hmph, he's still asleep so there's no difference yet. And as I told you, I want to be sure he won't try to attack you as soon as he lay eyes on you." reminded the Dr.
" I know. Fine, call me when it's okay." sighed Carmen.
She got up then headed back to her hotel room.
Three days later, the thief finally got the call she hoped for. Everyone once again rushed to the lab. Kathri was waiting on the threshold of the room Devineaux was in. The automatic door opened after a move of Anu. Carmen saw him, sat on a bed, still in a hospital gown. He was awake. Tears appeared at her eyes. The man spotted her too, and his face lightens. Sandiego wanted to call him, but emotion cut her. Instead, she ran to him. Chase got up just to receive her in his arms. The siblings sighed in relief. Shadowsan noticed the presence of guards, and appreciated the doctor's prudence.
" Chasey … you're back." articulated Carmen through her tears.
" My angel … yes I'm here again." he said oh so softly.
He wiped her tears as the scientific staff watched his behaviour carefully. Carmen never thought for a split second that he could harm her. Right now, she was savouring his presence, his warmth and love. After a moment, the atmosphere seemed to relax. Carmen was now practically purring as he was whispering her words of love, punctuated by kisses on her neck. Finally. This touch she had been longing for during a month. This feeling of happiness, of relief, they both have been waiting for it.
" What did you do to be sure he was okay ?" asked Shadowsan.
" I showed him several pictures of all of you, pronounced your names, and observed how he responded to it." said Kathri.
" Nothing to report then."
" Nope, apart his obvious love for Carmen and affection for the rest of you. Respect and gratitude for you as well."
Shadowsan allowed himself to smile. Chase was covering Carmen's face with kisses.
" I brought you some clothes." she said.
" Thank you."
" By the way, what happened to the cat ?" questioned Ivy.
" The poor thing got scared and is currently hiding under this furniture." announced Kathri, showing the spot.
Chase crouched. He found the cat looking around with wide eyes. The man smiled.
" Thanks for lending me your body, even unintentionally." he said.
Now, time to be back home. Chase dressed, and they left the lab. He still have some trouble to walk, so Carmen and Shadowsan helped him. It was with intense relief that he arrived in their HQ. All was back to normal, after a month in an animal's body. He noticed he still had some reflexes, as curling up instead of sitting, yawning mouth full opened or stretching like a cat. But it would be over soon. For now, cuddle time with Carmen until dinner. And after in the man's room.
" Carmen, you sure about this ?" asked Chase when she started unbuttoning his shirt.
" Oh hush !" she replied before kissing him again.
The following morning, Carmen awoke first. She stretched a bit and smiled. She had slept wonderfully, in addition of being warm and comfortable here. Sandiego never felt so relaxed. So peaceful. It was like awakening from a bad dream. She dropped kisses on Chase's naked skin, which soon awoke him. He smiled when noticing her kisses on his pectorals.
" What have you done to me ?" she made in a moaning voice.
" Euh … want me to remember or to show you ?"
She laughed.
" No ! No that ! I just don't want to get out of that bed, ever again."
"Aaaah. Well no one forces you." he smiled.
Carmen chuckled. Chase was fondling her waist, kissed her shoulder. She responded by caressing his back. She wanted this moment, this emotion to last to the end of times. Happy and relaxed, like nothing could reach her here. Chase was on the same wavelength. Since when did this happen ? He couldn't really remember. Was it a dream ? Then no one awake him please. The lovers remained that way for a moment, until their bellies decided it was time to get up.
" Urgh !" they complained.
Chuckles. Alright, alright, it was time. Some minutes later they joined their teammates in the kitchen. They smiled when seeing happiness on their face. The team reunited later in the living-room, where Player informed them about some discovery in Turkey. He greeted Chase on the way, who thanked him warmly for his help on his recovery. This done, Shadowsan revealed a secret about VILE : a huge treasure hidden somewhere.
" Well then. Back to business." commented Chase.
" I'll go collect the first relic." informed Carmen.
Chase became thoughtful. He couldn't use the technics he possessed as a cat. Meaning, he had to start another training. He wanted to follow Carmen, but what if he was a hindrance now ? No, better train like he did before all this then tag along. So he informed Shadowsan about his intentions.
" Excellent idea." commented the man.
Carmen praised her man for this wisdom. When she left for Turkey, Devineaux met with Shadowsan in the gym room. Lesson of the day : learning to dodge. Like when he was a cat, Shadowsan attacked with a wooden stick.
" It appears you didn't forget about dodging. Just … don't do that again."
Chase had just caught the stick between his teeth and snatched it from the man's hand.
" Sorry. I still have some feline reflexes." said Chase, taking it with his hand.
" That's natural, you used them for quite some time. Now, let's do this again."
They spent the whole morning training. In the afternoon, Sandiego called Chase to inform that she got the first relic.
" How are you feeling, Chasey ?"
" Stupid."
" What ?"
" I'm still acting like a cat from time to time, it's embarrassing. First, I snatched Shadowsan's stick with the mouth, next I almost clawed him … ugh."
Carmen hold back a laugh.
" Don't worry about this, my love. It will fade with time. After all, you had trouble using your cat body remember ?" she said.
" If I could forget about it fast … but let's change subject. You found the relic, right little fox?" replied Chase.
" Yes. Switch on the computer, I'll call Player."
A few minutes later, Shadowsan, Chase and Player were debating about that symbol. There was a compass engraved behind, in runic language. But who could decipher it ?
" I know someone. Expert in all of this." said Chase.
" Really ?" made Carmen.
" Yes. Julia Argent."
Player drummed on his keyboard, finding her in an England university. Chase gulped. She resigned because of him. But now that he had been in her shoes, he had to apologize. Devineaux asked his girlfriend to meet her there. Carmen nodded, then ended the call. The following day, Chase joined Carmen at the airport. During the way to the school, he explained what happened with his former partner, his intention to apologize properly by inviting her to dinner. She deserved it at last. Carmen nodded and agreed.
In her classroom, Julia was teaching her course about ancient Greece. As she was speaking about the Sphinx, she suddenly spotted two familiar faces. If it was only that. It was two faces she never, ever, expected to see calmly side by side. Chase Devineaux and Carmen Sandiego, the first not yelling La Femme Rouge and the other not running and climbing everywhere. Julia stared at the duo, flabbergasted. Chase flashed an embarrassed smile and waved his fingers. As the students started to turn their head to understand what puzzled and shut up their teacher, Argent regained her composure and dismissed the class. The couple exited the room to wait for her in the hall. Chase went to the bathroom meanwhile. Inside her classroom, Julia was slowly assembling papers, her brain still trying to process what she just saw.
That wasn't an hallucination right ? She wasn't dreaming either, right ? Because if so, then it was a really weird dream. Evidently, agent Devineaux changed his mind about Carmen Sandiego. He seemed to be working with her. Was Chief aware of this ? He wasn't wearing his ACME uniform after all. Julia had to admit she was curious as to why were they here, together on top of that. She hadn't be in a hurry to reunite with Devineaux, after the way he treated her. But why was Carmen here ? Only one way to find out. On the other side of the class, Chase was coming back from the toilets. He immediately spotted a student ruffling his hair while looking at Carmen. The latter was staring at the floor. Chase hastened to join her, took her by the waist before glaring at the young man. Getting the message, he left. Chase folded Carmen's hood down, then leaned his head on hers.
" Honey, what are you doing ?" she asked, her back leaned to him.
" What's necessary."
" You mean marking your territory ?" said Carmen, amused.
" Exactly." confirmed Chase.
" Well the place is now empty so I'll be fine."
The man released her. Julia appeared an instant later. She invited them to her office, still aghast to seem them together. She preceded them to open her office then headed for her desk, before pulling her chair.
" So what can I do for … you ?" she asked.
She interrupted herself for a split second when spotting their hands intertwined. Argent displayed quite the surprise.
" Oh this ? made Chase, showing their hands. Well hum, lots of things happened when you resigned. I … began to see things from your point of view and hmm… we're now dating."
Julia fell on her chair with a poof noise. DATING ?! THEM ?! Chase shrugged with embarrassment. Carmen judged fit to change topic. Releasing Chase's hand, she showed her discovery, while explaining its origin and purpose. Argent welcomed the change of subject, still shocked by the new. She examined the piece with interest. It was Viking, no doubt about it. The brunette accepted the deciphering mission. Carmen thanked her. Before she left, Devineaux asked for a word with Julia.
" Listen. I know … I've been a complete jerk to you, so I'd like to apologize properly. Would you accept that I treat you to a lunch ?" he said.
Well, he recognized it. His offer was tempting, it was mature from his part, appropriated, plus she was also curious to know how it happened between him and Carmen. So she agreed, planning a date. Chase was relieved she accepted, then greeted her before leaving. Julia sighed once the door closed. Wow. That was strange. Her eyes fell on the artifact Sandiego gave her. She smiled before this piece of History. Let's get to work. Outside, Chase warned Carmen that he had now to be back at the ACME, just the time for him to inform his boss about his recovery, or approaching, then he'll come back to her.
" Yes, I knew you had to. I'll continue the search for the relics, then you'll join me as soon as possible." answered Carmen.
" I'll certainly have some paperwork to do, I'll call when I'm ready."
" Fine. I love you."
" I love you too." he replied, their forehead touching.
They parted at the airport. Some days later, Chase went to find Julia for their lunch. He was nervous about it, and was reflecting about what to say. He knocked at her door. Silence. Weird, he was punctual and so was the brunette. The office was empty. Even more weird. He entered. The phone rang. He got a bit surprised to hear his girlfriend's voice. Why wasn't she calling Argent on her mobile phone ?
" Honey ?" made Carmen.
" Hi mon ange. Though I'm glad to hear your voice resonating at my ears again, why are you calling Julia on that line ?"
He heard her snort.
" Why are you answering her phone ?"
" Because she's not here."
" Oh ? But weren't you supposed to have lunch with her ?" continued Sandiego.
" Precisely, and she isn't the type to … oh merde."
" What ?"
" I think she's in trouble. There's no other explanation as to why she wouldn't warn me before leaving." guessed Chase.
" You must be right. Listen, we'll handle this, but no Chief at all, alright ?" made Carmen.
" Where can I find you ?"
" Pyramids of Gizeh."
Egypt then. Chase hung and prepared for a flight. Later, he reunited with Carmen, not far from the famous triangles. She welcomed him with a kiss, then gave him binoculars for him to evaluate the situation. He was right, Julia got kidnapped.
" Grooowl ! Oh not again, when is it going to stop ?!" exclaimed Devineaux, a hand on his mouth.
" Hahahah ! Though I'd like to hear you purr." commented Carmen.
" Then make me." he retorted, giving her binoculars back.
" Only if you behave."
They began to walk. Inside of a pyramid, Chase got tasked with distracting Tigress while Carmen would rescue Julia. This done, the man alerted Chief about their discovery. He whistled before the huge treasure in here, while freeing his former partner. That one thanked him. Chase took Carmen by the waist.
" It's really strange seeing you two like this." commented Julia.
" Well we just learnt to know each other, that's all." replied Devineaux, a finger caressing his girlfriend's cheek.
She returned a look full of love. The trio got out. Policemen were invading the place. Carmen announced she'll wait in her hotel room. Chase suggested breakfast to Julia, after all this. That one nodded. Journalists arrived shortly. The French gave the brunette all the credit she deserved for the discovery of the century. A gesture she truly appreciated. Half an hour later, Argent was listening to his story with Carmen Sandiego, how he finally discovered the truth, then decided to help her before joining her team. Chase skipped the part where he shifted body with a cat. Not sure she'd believe that. In the end, he sincerely apologized for his attitude. Considering he stepped aside earlier when he wouldn't have before, that he went to her rescue then offered her breakfast to complete his sorry, Julia decided it was enough to forgive him.
She smiled when noticing Chase looking relieved. Apparently, this had been weighing him. Another good point, revealing he had really changed. And perhaps miss Sandiego had a good influence on him.
" By the way, is Chief aware you're dating the Crimson Shadow ?" wondered Julia.
" No. This is private. Plus she's collaborating with ACME which is enough."
" Alright."
They parted here. Chase went to find Carmen, to leave the country hand in hand.
