Carmen starts her retaliation and so is Chase.
Enjoy ^^.
The next day when Carmen reunited with her crew, she stared at their table where they were joyfully having breakfast. They knew the truth. They were all pretending. All using her. How dared they ? Truthfully, they had no other choice. This was certainly the Faculty's orders, and no one disobeyed. Alas for them, Carmen didn't care anymore. So what should she do with them ? For now, she walked until the table. Just like them, she'll be acting. Faking. Then, she'll have her revenge on each one of them. Her thoughts came back to that man she met.
" And what about him ?"
Her …boyfriend. As of now, Carmen had forgotten her feelings for him. That was … certainly something precious, right ? In all likelihood she needn't him as such in her situation. But she'd been robbed of this. On the principle, she disliked that. No one robbed anything from her, not even her feelings. Or there, she'd been stolen a lot.
" I wonder if he's law enforcement. If so, then I can use him."
Would they meet again ? Surely, he went out his way to retrieve her, meaning he still loved her. He wouldn't give up. Let's wait and see then.
On the meantime, Chase was back at Team Red HQ, to report about his meeting with Carmen. He firstly asked Zack about how he was coping after she tried to kill him. More or less good, he was having nightmares about that moment. Devineaux patted him, before talking. He told them that his girlfriend went to find him, the sentences they exchanged. She'd been confused by his knowledge of her, of VILE.
" Hmm this could indeed turn her away from VILE. You're right, it will be easier for us to get her back if she comes on her own volition." agreed Shadowsan.
" I'll continue to track her, to see this unfolding, and maybe persuading her to leave them once again." announced Chase.
" I'll be here in backup, to deal with the operatives." decided the Japanese.
" I'd rather you remain with the young. Not sure Interpol would like your presence."
Chase would inform Chief before all. He'll call later. For now, he had to meet with his partners.
He explained them what he did with Carmen.
" Do you think it'll work ?" asked Julia with concern.
Chase leaned eyes. He could only hope. Anyway, he'll recruit two more persons to be on equals terms with the VILE crew. Zari informed him that the different places they visited in their search for the Scarlet thief had some visits. Two men, apparently investigating on what happened. So VILE was on their back, huh. Chase questioned her about a photo of those people. She sent one to them. He would transmit it to Shadowsan, to check how worry they should be about this. On the meantime, Devineaux informed Fraser about his intentions of recruiting two people from Interpol. The woman failed to see the point of this : she could provide all agents needed. To what Chase simply snorted.
" Not like those. You gave me flames, so I'm just informing you." he replied, above his shoulder.
Chase asked an agent to book him a flight for his birth country. During his trip, he received an e-mail from Shadowsan about the photo he transmitted. According to him, those on their tracks were the Cleaners, erasing all tracks from VILE. Well then, this was the occasion to test his teammates. He landed in France. Heading : Interpol. Chase had a touch of nostalgia seeing this building. He had to admit he missed it sometimes. He walked to the entrance. Instructions had been given to let him pass. He breathed once in here. He liked this atmosphere. There was something more human in here than in ACME. Warm light for example. Normal light. Everything was so rigid in the ACME premises. Even the lighting was. Depressing, in fact.
Devineaux didn't forget the geography of the place. He soon arrived in front of his former superior's office. He knocked.
" Hello Chase, long time no see." greeted a ginger haired man.
" Greetings, Delpierre." replied Chase.
They shook hands, then Delpierre invited him to sit. Sebastian Delpierre, the one who recruited Devineaux and taught him everything in here, along with the two people he was here to request. Delpierre was fifteen years older than Chase. And he was huge : 6.75 feet tall, all in muscles, a real wrestler appearance.
" So, how are you doing ?"
" I'd like to say fine, but I'd be lying. I need help, that's my goal here."
" I know, and I'd say I'm not very surprised to see you turning to us. You're not so fine with this ACME after all." responded Delpierre.
Chase blinked in surprise. What could make him think that ? Delpierre snorted, his hands crossed before his face. Because he knew him, and how Chase functioned. When not happy about a situation, he tended to sabotage his own work. When in a place he didn't choose, he could be a real jerk. Devineaux diverted eyes. He was forcibly recruited by Fraser, and if at first he was proud to be some sort of secret agent, he quickly disliked the place.
" I can reintegrate you at any time, you know. Your former partners are eager to work with you again, so your request had already been granted. We'll just discuss the conditions today." announced Delpierre.
" I'm listening." replied Chase.
" Since you're tracking VILE, we want our piece of the cake, as we say in France. Half of the prisoners you'll make will be ours. Meaning less killing as possible. I understand you're trying to save someone, and I know how angry you must be."
Delpierre already saw what it could produce. So better be safe than sorry.
" You'll report to me directly, then I'll transmit those reports to ACME. I won't accept any complaints from their part about this." continued Delpierre.
" Not sure my current boss would like to be second." warned Chase.
" If she's still smart she will, it wouldn't be in her best interest to cross me, unless she wants a war with Interpol."
" Scary."
In short, Interpol will be on site first. Chase could use any means necessary from Interpol in his mission.
" Well, you know what kind of means we usually did." smiled Case, his face on a fist.
" Aaaah don't mention it ! It's still a pain in the ass to order golf, billiard balls and other darts !"
Chase had a laugh. The interview was over. Time to pick up his teammates. Both were in the rest room. One of them, a blonde woman had an exclamation of joy and jumped a Chase's neck. The other one, a man with dark-haired hair shook Chase's hand before a short hug.
" Chase ! How are you, it's been a while !" exclaimed the man.
" You don't say."
" Hmph ! Don't put too much of a mess you three. See you later." said Delpierre.
Both new partners ready to leave, it was time to go. On the way, Chase explained what he expected from them. So he wanted to bring back his girlfriend, prisoner of an international organisation with no recollection of her real personality. They widened eyes when they knew her name. He was dating an international thief. Wow, talk about irony here. Devineaux exposed the truth about Carmen, supported by some proofs on a tablet. He showed them what would be their first mission, mostly to reconnect. Later, they reunited with Zari and Julia.
"Ladies, this is Edouard Lebert and Sacha Delcourt. They're from Interpol and will assist us in our mission to bring back Carmen. Guys, this is agent Zari and agent Julia Argent." introduced Chase.
Everyone shook hands. Edouard was three years younger than Chase and smaller. Sacha was two years younger than Devineaux, same size as Julia. Both were displaying insurance and tranquillity, but their eyes showed they were people better to not cross. Devineaux explained to this new team what awaited them.
" Hm, agent Devineaux, why is sir Lebert carrying a … golf bag ?" asked Zari.
" Because he uses it, during missions. He had a very personal way of playing golf, and Sacha of playing darts." replied Chase.
Zari and Julia exchanged bewildered glances.
" Euh … what … is that ?" asked Sacha, holding a gas gun by the barrel.
" Gas gun. Regulation weapon of ACME." informed Julia.
Sacha showed incomprehension.
" Don't tell me this is all you're authorized to use in mission ?!" exclaimed the blonde.
" Well yes."
Sacha displayed pity. She then told Chase in French that it was no wonder he called them. The team moved to their next destination, where the Cleaners have been spotted. These were reporting to VILE what they discovered. Order was given to eliminate any ACME agent. Chase ordered his team to dismiss :
" Alright Edouard, you open the ball." said Chase.
" As always." smiled the man.
He straightened. Then, he exited a golf ball from a pocket he sent in the air. Lebert lifted his golf club. After a few seconds, he shot. The ball gushed at very high speed and strength, directly in Boris' phone, completely destroying it. They turned head, to see Lebert waving at them with a smile. Right before he shoot another ball, who dislodged Vlad's cap from his head. The Cleaners exited truncheons and crowbar. Vlad got his sleeve nailed to a wooden box behind by two darts.
" Hiii !" made suavely Sacha.
On the meantime, Zari, Julia and Chase were dealing with the rest of the staff. Understanding those were from law enforcement, the facility's staff ran. Hidden under boxes, Devineaux shoot each one passing in his field sight in the knees. He was fast at this, and extremely precise, shooting even from the corner of an eye without fail. The man prevented anyone to mingle in his partners' fight, and protected his ACME partners. Zari was struggling with a man trying to stab her. Suddenly, her opponent screamed holding his hand. She zapped him, before looking who rescued her. Lebert. She saw Boris arriving behind, a knife brandished.
Lebert blocked with his club, still smiling. A stick slid from his sleeves. A telescopic club, that hit the nose of his opponent. Edoudard used his other club to crash the Cleaner's foot, while the second violently hit his stomach. Searching for the second Cleaner, she found him nailed to the ground by Sacha. Edouard finished dealing with his adversary, after breaking his ribs and a hand with his golf clubs. Arriving from behind, Chase zapped him.
" Hey.'" protested Lebert.
" No killing, remember ?"
" Okay okay" he sighed.
His clubs turned in his hands before shrinking and being stored in his sleeves. Sacha bounced until them.
" That was easy." she said.
" It was warming up, just to get use to each other again." recalled Chase.
" So I guess the real fun begins now, am I right ?" made Edouard.
" I suppose so."
He called Interpol to inform them about their success. Zari and Julia were thoughtful. Argent picked a ball sent by Lebert : it was a real golf ball. Practically broken due to its impact on a wall. Meaning … he was very strong. This could kill someone, no doubt about it. Sacha used metallic darts, sharp and pointed. Some even have notches, rendering them hard to extract from flesh. Those weapons … were made to kill or maim.
Carmen's team was sent some days later on another caper. So far, the young woman managed to hide her anger. But. She had decided to act. She'll punish each one of them herself. They attentively studied the plan of the site they were to rob. Each received instructions. Now dismiss. La Chèvre was to climb a building and enter by a window. El Topo would create a getaway passage, and take care of goods on the first floor. The others were to enter by doors and other windows. Thanks to her grapnel, Carmen was the first to enter. She arrived close to where La Chèvre was supposed to arrive. Perfect. Exiting a grease can from an inside pocket, she generously applied it on the window's edge.
Fastly and silently, she got away, hiding in the darkness of the room. Jean-Paul arrived an instant later. However, as he put both hands on the edge, he slipped. The man vainly tried to hold on to something. The fall was inevitable. Only Carmen heard him though. After a little smile, she ran where she was supposed to be. The thief quietly stole her share of the loot, then as peacefully joined the others to escape underground.
" Hey, where is La Chèvre ?" asked El Topo.
Crackle looked at Tigress then Carmen who shrugged. Crackle called him. He heard a muffled sound. A sound of … pain. The team rushed outside. La Chèvre was here, laid on the floor unconscious. El Topo gasped and tried to awake him. Crackle looked at the building.
" Looks like he fell."
" Fell ? I didn't know this word could be applied to La Chèvre." made Tigress.
" Indeed, that's not his type, I never saw him even just tripping." added Carmen.
An aggression ? They didn't have time to ponder that. El Topo was now panicking and risking exposing them all. Crackle ordered the departure. Once inside the van that brought them, El Topo pleaded nonstop to go to the hospital. La Chèvre was still unconscious. Crackle exchanged glances with the girls. He had to call the Faculty, this wasn't normal.
" He can't awake you say ?" made Gunnar.
" Yes, it seems really bad."
" Then bring him to this address. It's a private clinic working for us."
Crackle received an e-mail on his watch. The vehicle started right after. Crackle draw as fast as possible. Once there, La Chèvre was taken care of quickly. They all waited for news. After 15 minutes, Sandiego stretched and decided to take some fresh air. Once out, she allowed herself to smile. One down. He must've been seriously wounded. She should be rid of him for a while. Providing he survived the fall. She lifted her head to the starry sky. What was she feeling at the thought that a teammate she studied with was hurt ? That it was her fault ? Actually … nothing. Certainly thanks to Bellum's manipulations. She thought she knew La Chèvre, she thought they were friends. Except that it was all a lie. A lie she probably would've never discovered without that man.
He never told her his name. By precaution, she supposed. Her boyfriend. It was still funny and weird to her. But she owed him. Carmen had a pause in her thoughts. What … was it like, to be loved that way ? They certainly had their good moments. The Latina bit her lip. For that to happen, she had to hide it from VILE. Was she still one of them at that time ? If no, then where had she been ? Again, Carmen could only note that he'd been right : she had no recollection of a certain period of her life. No, more than that. Only blur memories when it should've been crystal clear. Anger about that surfaced. She was nothing but a puppet between their hands. The motive was still unsure. What happened for them to decide to do that on her ? Carmen was musing on possible reasons, when she felt a presence. Gray. The doctors gave their verdict.
" It's really bad. He has several broken vertebras, head trauma, and they fear that it affects his sight and his ability to speak. He's lucky to have survived, however in which state …" announced Crackle with a sad voice.
" The poor thing. What do you think VILE will do when learning that ? He might never be able to work with us anymore." answered Carmen, pretending to grieve and be worried.
Gray's face darkened. True … they might want to get rid of him. He was useless now. A tired Tigress exited too. She said that El Topo wanted to stay by La Chèvre's side. Crackle nodded. There was nothing they could for the moment, so he asked them to leave. The girls accepted. Once in her room, Carmen was already thinking about her next move. And on who. Why did she chose Jean-Paul first ? No idea. Maybe because he was the easiest to reach at that time. Anyway, it went better than she imagined. She'll have to be careful, not to act too soon or they'll start to get suspicious. After all, they were supposed to check on her. She'd be suspect n°1. Didn't matter. She had time.
A few days later, the team was already on the move, with less members however. Crackle had alerted the Faculty about La Chèvre's state. He pleaded all he could, arguing that they couldn't know for sure if he'll remain disabled or not. Brunt was pleased with this show of loyalty from the man. This was proof he was definitely one of them, she pointed. Gunnar announced that considering the operative's value, they were willing to wait.
" Humph ! You can't afford to lose agents now. Not when recruiting is so scarce." thought Crackle.
But it was better than nothing, and he humbly thanked for their mercifulness. El Topo was required to continue without his teammate. He leaned head, but nodded. The next caper was a success. They brought back their loot, before being sent on another some days later. It was on this occasion that VILE operatives met with Team ACME. Crackle was busy cutting electricity, when a silhouette interrupted him. Edouard advanced peacefully. Crackle got up, then exited his weapon. As sparkles enlightened his face, he saw the man waving … a golf club ? A sound of crash resonated right after.
" Crikey !" exclaimed Graham, seeing the extremity of his crackle rod destroyed.
Glancing at his opponent, he discovered him ready for another shot. Crackle had just the time to warn his teammates. As he was doing so, Sacha was already nailing El Topo to a wall.
" Yeah, we can see that." replied Carmen.
" I'll deal with her !" exclaimed Tigress.
How convenient, thought Carmen. If that girl could catch Tigress … on the meantime, she had to help El Topo. She took out the darts, then incited him to run away. They crossed path with Crackle. That one was diving behind furniture. A loud sound resonated right after. Edouard arrived.
" Oh. More playmates." he said.
His club slid between his fingers. Crackle gushed at that moment. He grabbed his teammates's wrists, dragging them with him. A golf ball exploded a vase on their way. El Topo got a scratch from a piece of it.
" Freeze !" shouted Zari, gas gun pointed.
" Tch !" hissed Gray.
Bouncing on the walls, they all managed to pass. As Graham tended a hand to a door's clench, it got crashed. A billiard ball this time, which pieces fell.
" Leaving already ?" made Edouard.
" What the hell is that guy ?"' asked El Topo.
Crackle gulped. He had felt the ball graze his arm. Lebert stopped, his club on the ground. Carmen was thinking too. Honestly, if her whole team was captured then the better for her. However, how to be sure she'll be free ?
" Carmen. Your grapnel." said Crackle.
No more hesitation then. She lifted her hand. Only to feel a shock on it.
" Grah !"
Sandiego widened eyes. Her hooking grapnel … destroyed. That bastard was precise : the ball only touched her tool. So she only felt the shock. Lebert had already a ball prepared in his hand before she could react, and was ready to send another one. Or billiard ones, that would explode their knees. Sandiego reacted again : she sent vials of smoke. They escaped that way.
" You let them go ?" wondered Zari.
" Yes. I can't risk harming Carmen, with all that smoke remember ?"
He then leaned to her.
" Hmm ? Oh you seem to have beautiful eyes, that's a shame to hide them behind glasses."
Zari blushed. Sacha arrived right in time to change topic. She was dragging Tigress. The girl had darts planted in her knees. At least, she wouldn't escape. Farther, Crackle, El Topo and Carman had to split up again, thanks to Devineaux's bullet this time. Carmen hid behind a wall. Wow, those guys were serious business. Hearing footsteps, she glanced.
" You." she said recognizing Chase.
" Hello there, little fox." greeted the French.
She exited her hideout. Chase stopped. He addressed her an affectionate smile, to what Carmen couldn't help but smile too.
" How about you tell me your name this time ?" she asked.
" Only if you behave."
She smiled again, amused.
" Anyway, I have good taste. You sure look more manly than the men I hang out with."
" Flattered. Does that mean you believe me ?" wondered Chase.
" Yes."
He felt great joy at that. He wanted nothing more than hugging and kissing her. But as she was now, he had to remain careful. He couldn't afford to pressure her. She had to trust him for him to bring her back.
" I … found the courage to check about your proof, on me. It appears that everything you said is true. I have blank memory, blur recollections." continued Carmen, crossing arms.
" And what are you going to do ?" inquired Devineaux.
" Destroy them of course. And I'll need you on that."
" You don't need to ask. Begin by disclosing intel about capers, so we can intervene fast. Discreetly, I trust your skills for that." suggested Chase.
" My thoughts exactly. But how am I supposed to get in touch with you then ?" wondered Sandiego.
He brandished a phone. A unique mobile phone, just for this occasion. She'll just have to use a password to identify herself.
" Such as ?"
" Little fox." he smiled.
She raised a brow, but didn't respond. Hm, sounded nice. Sounded … familiar. The meeting ended here. Carmen disappeared.
" Agent Devineaux ?" called Julia.
He turned to her.
" Did you find miss Sandiego ?"
" Yes. Gave her a special number, she'll be informing us. How are the others doing ?"
" We have a prisoner." announced Argent.
" Good."
Chase had a last look to where Carmen disappeared. Now that the adrenaline was low, he was feeling like missing a part of him again. He was waiting fervently for the moment she'll be herself again. When he could hold her in his arms. He followed Julia to see that prisoner of them. Tigress was ranting all she could. Sacha took out another weapon : a long metallic stick. Contempt with indifference on her face, she simply touched one of the darts still planted in her flesh. The operative shouted.
" One more sound, and I'll destroy your knees." warned Sacha, face and tone absolutely icy.
Julia frowned. Those new teammates were prone to violence. Tigress registered the warning, and shut up.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team managed to escape. They now had to report to the Faculty about what happened. This was worse and worse : first La Chèvre, now Tigress … Crackle sighed. He had to do it. Carmen could too, but she couldn't care anymore. So if he wanted to have the bad role, then so be it. Crackled dialled the number. As usual, Gunnar was the first to answer. The Australian told him what happened. The three of them could see the sparkle of anger in his eyes. Carmen scoffed internally : so ? how does that feel ?
" This is a rather annoying new, mister Crackle. I do not need to remind you that we cannot lose any operative anymore." replied Gunnar.
" Yes of course, we're aware of this. It's just that … those guys. They're ready to hurt badly, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were to kill someone." warned Graham.
" I see. Are you a least coming back with something ?" asked Cleo.
Crackle shook his head.
" Hmm. Onto another topic, Carmen dear. We need to see you in person so come at the address we'll send you." announced Maelstrom.
" Oh ?" made the red thief.
The Faculty nodded. Carmen agreed, and the call ended here. Crackle sighed in relief. It went better than he thought.
