Final countdown and chapter. Got another ready, I'll certainly publish it tomorrow.

Carmen and Chase on their way to destroy the Faculty.


During the following days, the ACME Interpol team kept tracking Crackle's team, or any other VILE agent. Carmen was secretly disclosing intel from time to time. During their last caper, El Topo got hit : by both a dart and a bullet. He tried to flee by the ground but Julia zapped him before. Carmen watched his capture with satisfaction. One more down. On the meantime, the Faculty was wondering what was keeping the Cleaners so long. Bellum looked for them. As hard to believe as it was, she searched for their arrestation. And found she did : Boris and Vlad were in jail. This was going worse for VILE. There was nobody now to erase any tracks of their operatives, their missions, witnesses. Their main enemies already knew about them, but luring rivals or more police attention wasn't an option.

This sole law enforcement team was a real problem : their operatives were being severely hurt, to the point their wounds would take forever to heal for the rarest who could escape. Handicap was a possible outcome. The four leaders thought that with Carmen on their side it would be like before. Sure, she managed to reverse the situation a bit, but the organization was still on thin ice. From now on, the thieves will have to be extra careful. They were instructed about their enemies, and tasked to eliminate them if given the chance. They exchanged a look. Words of what happened to some of them spread. Some of the operatives wanted revenge, others feared to be badly wounded. Paper Star volunteered to have a try, followed by Spinkick. No one objected.

Both of them were sent to a fake caper, destined to lure the team in a deadly trap. During their trip, the Japanese girl decided to know her partner more.

" Sooo … did you kill someone already ?' asked Paper Star.

Way to break the ice.

" I used to fight in clandestine combats before being part of VILE. Every hit was allowed so yes. It already happened." replied Spinkick peacefully.

Paper Star chuckled. She then asked what he thought about the rumours concerning their opponents' abilities.

" Pfah ! They just made it up to justify their failure. Like someone can be hurt with simple golf balls." he said with contempt.

" Well, I can wound with paper." objected Paper Star.

Paper could hurt, that was a known thing. But a golf ball … who was even carrying some ? His partner was curious : it was an interesting way of fighting. Just like her, those people were creative. The fight was promising to be interesting, as she was allowed to fully unleash. And she wasn't going to disappoint the Faculty here.

On the meantime, Chase got warned by Carmen. She just told him about an incoming caper. The young woman was … curious about him. She wanted to know his strength, more precisely. In her current state of mind, there was no way she would have picked up a weak male. So if he could survive to Paper Star, to defeat her even … since she had free time, Sandiego secretly went where the trap would be set to assist it. She booked a flight and arrived at the same time as the operatives, she followed at a distance. For once, she wasn't wearing anything red.

" I got them. They had just arrived." informed Julia.

" Perfect. Just as Carmen announced." made Chase.

He went to the balcony, where Lebert was getting acquainted with Zari. He smiled : looked like they weren't indifferent to each other. Zari blushed, and hastened to get back inside. Chase turned to his teammate.

" You know that Delpierre isn't a fan of ACME. Fraternizing with the enemy won't do." he ironized.

" Like I care."

Chase shook his head, amused. Edouard winked at Zari when crossing her look. Julia noticed the color on her face, and froze an instant. Now that was something. She gave Zari a smile. But gossiping had to wait. They were heading to that place were the heist was supposed to be : an art gallery. Full of fake paintings, all built by VILE.


ACME and Interpol team entered the place. Paper Star and Spinkick, already inside, smiled. Carmen was perched on one of the metallic beams. Let the show begin. Sacha scanned the place with special goggles.

" They're here." she whispered.

The operatives showed up, looking arrogant. Spotting Paper Star, Chase widened eyes.

" That one …"

He recognized her. Once Carmen faced her during a caper. Chase had joined since a month at that time. That operative wounded the red thief with her origamis, poor Carmen came back covered with scratches. Chase had come to her help, pointing a gun to Paper Star. Only that made her retreat, allowing Devineaux and Sandiego to escape. Not to mention the time when she took Ivy hostage when he was a cat. ACME arrived later to only find cut ropes on the floor.

" I'll handle her." he decided.

She wounded his Carmen, he had a score to settle.

" I'll back you up just in case." agreed Sacha.

Chase walked toward the operatives.

" Oh ? I remember you. You were part of the Red Team." made Paper Star.

" Good that you remember me. Your voice is still annoying as hell." retorted Devineaux.

Paper Star tightened jaws.

" Then what about you deal with me instead ?" suggested Spinkick.

" Because you already have us to deal with." replied Edouard, Zari and Julia at his sides.

Each side gauged the other. Then, after some time Paper Star opened hostilities. Chase replied by shooting at her shurikens. Spinkick charged.

" You're wasting your bullets." mocked Paper Star.

" And you're out of paper, dumbass." retorted Devineaux.

She widened eyes. He aimed at her pockets, that she lost during the fight. She ran to it. Sacha threw her darts, who planted before the pocket bags, preventing the Japanese from reaching it. Sacha made her back away.

" Paper ? Seriously girl, what an amateur." mocked Sacha.

Chase intervened : that one was his. Should he failed or be in difficulties, Sacha would take over. Above them, Carmen's interest was at its peak. She was already satisfied that her "boyfriend" approached first, this denoting courage. Now, how would he stand against Paper Star ? That one seemed pretty confident about her skills, as long as he didn't use his guns. As for Chase, he already trained with Shadowsan before being turned into a cat, and after being back. He never stopped. His opponent didn't budge for a while. After a while, they both attacked.

" Hmm, he's quite good." judged Carmen.

Paper Star wasn't so confident now. She judged fit to call reinforcement. Meanwhile, Spinkick was dealing with Edouard, Zari and Julia. Zari kept up with him, but was starting to be tired. Edouard was helping her as much as he could. The operative managed to send her against a wall, knocking her out.

" Zari !" exclaimed Lebert.

Using his telescopic golf club as stick, he attacked the operative, forcing him to focus on the French. Suddenly, Spinkick broke the club.

" Hm, bad idea lad." commented Edouard.

Edouard exited two clubs from his sleeves. One of them went for the head. But it was only a distraction, as the second club crashed his feet. Spinkick yelled. The other club broke his nose, right when dozen of henchmen invaded the place. Lebert shouted to Julia, who was pulling Zari out of here, to get shelter, all while launching balls in the air. Spinkick received three of them : two on the shoulders, and the last … smashed his teeth, being stuck deeply in his mouth. Enough to obstruct his respiratory tracts. Spinkick tried to spit it out, in vain. The pain in his shoulders, equivalent to one caused by a bullet, wasn't helping at all. The operative could feel the air already lacking.

At this rate, he'll die. He shouted when he felt a tremendous pain on his hands. Lebert made sure he wouldn't be able to use them to extract the ball lodged in his mouth. This done, he turned back to help his teammates. Well, he was about to but it seemed that Chase was perfectly handling the situation. The guns were like shooting in every angle, all around him. It was like he was dancing a ballet. That was his hidden talent, just like golf was Lebert's one and darts Sacha's one. That was their renamed in Interpol. Finally, no VILE employee was standing. Sacha pulled out Paper Star, unconscious. Carmen was impressed : she picked up a strong man. She smiled proudly before leaving. Down there, Zari regained consciousness.

" Argent ?" she moaned.

" Yes it's me. How are you feeling ?"

" I've known better."

" Zari ?"

Lebert approached her. She had a smile she tried to refrain. But she was happy to have his attention. She asked about the operative.

" No need to worry about him anymore." replied Edouard.

Glancing over him, Julia saw Spinkick struggling on the floor, his face blue. He was suffocating. Chase and Sacha barely looked at him. That kinda put Argent ill at ease. Lebert lifted Zari bridal style.

" Miss Argent, did you call both our agencies ?" asked Chase.

" Y-yes. They should be here soon."

" Good job on tracking the operatives at their arrival." praised Devineaux.

Argent had a little smile, as they all walked out. Edouard put Zari down. Julia seemed gloom, and Sacha asked her if she was fine.

" Well, I'm not very useful on this mission. I don't know how to fight. But you guys were truly amazing, I didn't even know inspector Devineaux was so good at shooting." replied Julia.

Cars of ACME were arriving, followed by Interpol ones.

" Aaah that. Well that's our signature. Talk about Devineaux, Lebert or Delcourt and a few will know. But say Dancing Bullets, The Golf Player and Silver Darts and everyone will recognize us." said Sacha.

" That's … your nicknames ?" asked Zari.

Sacha nodded. Looking at Argent again, she resumed.

" You're our technical support Julia. Not everyone can fight on the field, so don't worry too much about this."

" Thanks, miss Delcourt." smiled Julia.

" No problem, and you can call me Sacha."

She joined the men, reporting about the situation. Wow, Delpierre came in person this time. She also met with Chase's new superior. Or rather her hologram, which made her snort : couldn't she do like her colleague and came in the flesh ? Oh well.

" Thank you for your help, agent Lebert." made Zari.

" Hmm ? Oh it was a pleasure, Zari. Don't hesitate if you need back up again." smiled the man.

Wagh, this accent was decidedly too cute. Zari already thought the same when she heard Devineaux for the first time. But Lebert had, in her eyes, more charm. She blushed and bit her lip.

" Hey Lebert ! Weren't you forbidden to play with those ?" asked someone, behind him.

A man was holding a golf ball with a clamp.

" The hell did you smoke ?" retorted Edouard.

" I'd say more : the hell are you complaining about ? At least, your corpses don't look like sieves or fishes of which you have to take off darts !" made a woman passing by.

Delpierre approached the trio.

"As expected of you three : only one is alive. Now get lost so we can tidy the place." he made.

" Good evening you lot. Yes, we are safe and sound, how nice of you to ask. No need to praise us as well, we're modest people." answered Sacha.

" Hmmm ! Go home, will you." resumed Delpierre with a smirk.

" Yes daddy !" made Lebert.


Carmen was gloating. The Faculty promoted her as one of them. Those idiots. They were given her access and means to destroy them. And she knew exactly how. They told her about her past, more precisely her father : she had no idea he was faculty as well. And apparently, Shadowsan was responsible for his death. Carmen tensed on this. Was Devineaux aware of this detail ? Or were they lying to her again ? She faked anger. Shortly after, she was on a wharf. It was storming outside. Sandiego was thinking about what she just learnt. Her boyfriend showed her a medallion with a photo of her father. He gave the same name her so called family revealed. This at least was true.

Carmen had no idea Shadwosan and Chase knew each other. So could this man knew about her former teacher's involvement in her father's death ? Coach Brunt joined her. Carmen asked for more about her parents. They didn't know about her mother. When the huge woman asked her to come for a hug, the idea of drowning her in the sea crossed Carmen's mind. Fortunately for Coach, she was too big and too strong for the Latina to handle. Sandiego pretended again. During dinner, she informed Crackle about the recent event by phone. That one sounded impressed and glad for her. Until … she mentioned Shadowsan. Her tone displeased and worried Graham. That was when he realized, he admitted, that this wasn't the Carmen he knew.

He had to do something.

That was how some days later, Devineaux had the surprise to hear he got arrested, and that Chief went to meet him. His superior announced that Graham confirmed what Chase said about this reprogramming thing. So just like for Crackle, they will use the same device to bring Carmen back to her usual self. The Australian suggested to bait her. Chase reflected on this. Couldn't he simply ask for a meeting with her ? But then, Fraser announced him that she was part of the ring leaders. Surely getting on the field would be now more complicated for her. The bait would be the best way to get her out, with revenge as a motive. Chase could still convince her to carry the device long enough for her to recover. The man accepted.

On her side, Carmen decided to act. During the night, she exited her new room. Without the Cleaners on her way, it should be easier. The young woman wasn't careless for all. All senses in alert, as silent as possible she walked the hall. There, Bellum's lab. She hesitated a second, then used a tool to find the code of the door. Once inside, she headed for the computer. Hmph, as expected Bellum was predictable. Since no one would dare to search in her data base, she didn't bother to create a difficult password. So Carmen could enter easily. She browsed the files for an instant … before finding one with her name. It showed her tied to a table, gagged and with a device covering her eyes. She widened eyes. If she still had doubts about what Devineaux told her … She tightened teeth. The carve of destroying the whole base and kill the Faculty in their sleep crossed her mind. No. Calm down. She could do better than that.

They dreaded more than anything to be arrested, right ? Carmen resumed her search. THERE ! All the operatives files, all the organization bank accounts, businesses, links with companies … She smiled evilly. Carmen collected all datas on a USB key. She'll give this to her boyfriend, he'll know what to do. Oh, speaking of bank accounts … she had another idea. Carmen exited the room, after putting the computer on standby. Direction : Maelstrom's office. Carmen checked for any security system. That man wasn't stupid. However, he wasn't as gifted as she was. The thief entered, checked the office one more time, then looked for his safe box.

" Behind books. Classical."

Opening it proved not too hard. And bingo was his name-o, because everything she needed was there. But she didn't touch it. Carmen noted all the codes and passwords. Now, clear the place and back to the computer. Carmen emptied every account she found, to one she created through the phone Chase gave her. No tracks. She also closed each bank accounts. All of this working at night was great. Carmen gave all authorizations needed, all authentication required. Real and total bankrupt this time. Her work finally done, Carmen covered her tracks as best she could. The following day, news of the eye of Vishnu being exposed again reached the Faculty. To Carmen it had already been stolen, so why ? Gunnar cleared his throat. Well, well, well thought Carmen. Typical of the man which lie had been discovered.

Anyway, Sandiego stood up and left the place. She had a wicked smile. As expected of them, they didn't oppose her. Perfect. Now she could act, and destroy them once and for all. She'll decide who will be part of her team this time.

During the night, Chase was waiting in a car with Julia. He listened her lecture about the huge jewel serving as a bait. This time, it wasn't boring. Devineaux got used to listen this kind of things while teaming with Carmen.

"Are you okay ?" asked Julia.

" Worried. This is our only chance to get my girlfriend back." he said.

" It will work. She's already trusting you, since she's informing us just like now. You'll be together again tonight." replied Julia.

Chase had a smile. Suddenly, it was the alert. Carmen had been spotted. Devineaux gulped, then started the car. He hurried to enter where she was. Chase asked Julia to stay hidden, just in case.

" Well good evening, dear." welcomed Carmen.

" Hello as well, little fox." responded Chase.

They walked toward each other. Sandiego announced she had something for him, before giving him the USB key. Chase smiled to her, sincerely this time.

" Come with me Carmen. You need to recover." he said.

Carmen leaned eyes. True … this wasn't her. Although she was feeling okay she was living a lie. It had to stop. This was at this very moment that Crackle slipped behind her and put the device on her head. Surprised, Carmen was about to struggle.

" Stay still !" exclaimed Chase.

She looked at him.

" Stay still Carmen. It won't hurt you."

Crackle was taken aback as his teammate obeyed. Carmen groaned under the effect of the helmet. Several images were passing behind her closed eyes.

" Please come back." begged Crackle.

Carmen saw her and Shadowsan exchanging places this fateful night. She saw herself escaping the island, then meeting Zack and Ivy, some capers, her fights against VILE operatives. Carmen slipped on the floor. Then … she saw Chase. The night she rescued him, and when she welcomed him in her team. When they were dating. Their laughs, cuddles, kisses, comfort, it all came back. Tears descended on her cheeks. Carmen took off the device. Lifting her head, she discovered Chase, surrounded by Shadowsan and Julia.

" Carmen ?" called Chase.

" I'm fine, Chasey."

He smiled in relief. It was really her. Carmen touched her head. It was aching, and she felt a bit confused. Someone walked to her. Shadowsan crouched, and gave her a little matryoshka doll. The missing one. Carmen collected it, tears flowing again. Crackle chose this moment to disappear. She'll be fine now.


" Well ! Is this really you this time, miss Sandiego ?"

Chief made some steps. Carmen stood up.

" Yes. I remember it all now." replied Carmen.

" And do you remember where VILE HQ is ?"

" Oh. I … gave something to Chase. The location is on it, sweetie." announced Carmen.

" Oh, perfect." made that one.

" Sweetie. Wait. You two are … dating ?" asked Chief, pointing both of them.

" Yes." said Devineaux.

" Ooooh. So that's why you requested him specifically." smiled Fraser.

Carmen had a smile too. Chief announced that she'll prepare her troops.

" No need. Chérie, where is it ?" questioned Devineaux.

Carmen got intrigued, but answered.

" What are you up to Devineaux ?" interrogated Tamara.

" We have a deal, and it's not over yet. I'll let you all the operatives, but the ring leaders are mine. Shadowsan, I called Dr Anu Kathri so she could check on Carmen. Mind taking her there?"

" I will."

" My love, I'll reunite with you once this is really over. So please, wait a bit more alright ?" he added on a tender voice.

" I will, but …"

" See you."

Carmen tended a hand. She understood he wanted her to be checked, who knew what Saira truly did. So she followed Shadowsan without resistance. Outside …

" Sacha, Edouard. Let's go." called Chase.

" Where are you going ?" asked Zari, seeing the man exiting her car.

" Playing golf, pretty Zari, playing golf. Just … I hope we can meet again after that." answered Lebert, leaned at the window.

Zari blushed again.

" Then you should hurry."

Bellum was running in the castle, which was quite uncommon for her. Her colleagues saw her arriving in the meeting room out of breath.

" Dr Bellum. You seemed to have … run. Is there a problem ?" asked Gunnar.

" You bet there is ! Huff, huff. I just received a call from Cookie Booker. Huff. All our bank accounts ! Emptied, and closed !" shouted Bellum.

" What ?!" exclaimed Cleo, standing up.

" This is impossible ! Who could have done that ?" added Maelstrom.

" I have a little red idea. But shouldn't it be impossible ?" made Brunt.

" Indeed. How and why would Carmen do that ?" continued Gunnar.

" And what should we do ? We are completely ruined !" exclaimed Cleo.

A henchman arrived at that moment. Since the Cleaners were jailed, the Faculty promoted some people to handle the castle and their needs. Apparently, three persons were entering the place.

" Only three ?" commented Brunt, intrigued.

" Deal with them ! We have more important business to attend to, but capture them and interrogate them." ordered Gunnar.

The employee disappeared. Far from the Faculty ears, several cries of pain and gunshot resonated. Chase and his team were methodically eliminating everyone on their path. The Faculty members were arguing about what to do. Cleo was panicking : she has never been out of money. The idea of poverty was a total nightmare for her. Bellum and Brunt tried to calm her down, while Gunnar tried to think among this ruckus. That all their money was gone didn't mean they couldn't make other, as long as they had companies for selling their goods. This would be hard, but not desperate. Here he was, when sounds of pains began to reach them. What the … Bellum turned her head. Just to see Chase arriving and pointing his gun to her. She got head shot before being able to move.

Edouard and Sacha accelerated their pace. Once in front of the Faculty, they shot again. A billiard ball was sent to Brunt who caught it. But she couldn't catch the golf ball that destroyed a knee. Another billiard ball crashed her head, as she was collapsing. Sacha sent a dart right between Cleo's eyes. Gunnar was trying to flee, but was shot in the nape by Devineaux.

" Now it's over." he declared.

They wouldn't never threaten or hurt Carmen ever again. He called Delpierre for cleaning.

" Gee Chase ! Do you take me for your cleaning man ?!"

" Absolutely. You're doing it so well."

Edouard and Sacha snorted.

" You brat !"

" Go back to your girl Chase, I'll wait here for Delpierre." announced Sacha.

" And I'll do the report. There's something I'd like to ask him." said Lebert.

" Thanks guys, and thanks for your help." smiled Chase.

" Thanks to you as well, it had been fun to work together again." replied Sacha.

Chase hastened to get out. He returned to San Diego where Carmen was also back, after a careful check from Dr Kathri. The siblings were hugging her, glad to see her as usual. Chase arrived the following day.

" My love !" exclaimed Carmen.

She ran to him, and he received her with immense joy.

" Carmen, my little fox. My angel you're back."

" All thanks to you." she made low voice.

Chase tightened her more. They settled on a sofa after a hungered kiss. Carmen asked him what was the situation.

" Your mission is finally over. ACME will track all the remaining operatives, along with Interpol." he said.

" And … what have you done to the Faculty ?" she questioned.

" They won't be a threat."

Nothing more. Carmen had an idea of what it means. Shadowsan entered the living-room. He was carrying a file he deposited on the coffee table. This contained everything about Carmen's past. The Latina straightened. What she had been looking for … finally.


Some days later, in Argentina.

" So you're saying that your former partner in Interpol is now working for ACME, because he had a crush on one of their agents ?" summarized Carmen.

Chase and she were heading to an orphanage.

" Yes. They're working on it for all I know. Getting more acquainted with the other, testing the job for Edouard. Chief wasn't really eager to let him use his … method, but she finally accepted it, as Delpierre made it clear it was useless to dissuade him. Plus, it has good results." precised Chase.

" One thing's for sure : I'll never look at golf players the same way." intervened Player.

" You don't say. Ah, here we are." said Devineaux.

They stopped. The orphanage where Carmen's mother was. The latter gulped. Chase caught her by the waist.

" Nervous ?" he asked, his face against her cheek.

" You have no idea. I don't even know what to say, what if … what if she rejects me ? Or doesn't like me ?"

" Don't worry Red, you're not alone on this. This time, we know you're knocking at the right door." comforted Player.

" Yes, instead of getting in by the window, this is huge progress." added Devineaux.

" Oh darling ! This isn't funny." complained Carmen.

" Sorry. But Player is right, it'll be okay. Why would she reject you, she created this orphanage in the hope of finding you. She had been waiting for 20 years. We'll be by your side, no matter what." he made, rubbing her back.

Carmen smiled and kissed him. They resumed their walk, crossed the street then arrived before the door. Carmen took a breath, before knocking.

Translation =

Chérie = sweetie, honey, darling