After losing the one she loves, Carmen is falling on the dark side.
Enjoy ^^
It took Carmen a whole week to retrieve Paper Star. The police made her and the hitman fled. Sandiego would just love to face the hitman and kill him with her own hands. She didn't have time to see his face. Just that he was wearing a long and dark coat, similar to hers. His face was covered with a scarf. Carmen imagined this moment every second. One day … she'll make him pay. Her friends were worried sick about their leader. She barely slept lately, having nightmares about this tragic incident. In every one of them, she was trying to avoid the tragedy. In one, she was running after Chase, begging to not go there, trying to warn him. But she was too slow. And then, the gunshot. Sometimes she was climbing a wire mesh to join him on the other side, but the mesh just keep growing and growing. So Carmen end up falling. And then, she saw him dying. Another time, she was running in a maze of streets. Chase was calling her, asking her to help him. But Sandiego never managed to reach him on time. And then … gunshot.
All three of her teammates got up in turn to calm her, finding her struggling against her bed, her face covered with tears and sweating, calling Chase. And when she realized he wasn't here anymore, she just cried in her friend's arms. She barely feed as well, and just left the table if someone asked her to eat more. Pronouncing Devineaux's name has been taboo. Carmen asked everyone to cut their phone, so no one could geolocate them. Only Player would connect them, through Carmen's ear device. She knew that VILE was now aware of this new failure, and would still track her. But she was waiting for this. Carmen was surveying her enemy's moves. Paper Star has been sent to steal paintings.
" Okay you filthy little cockroach. Time to settle our score." muttered Carmen.
The young woman moved silently. Paper Star sensed her and sent an origami. Carmen used a wooden stick to sweep it.
" Weeeelll ! Still alive as I can see. That's better, I have a score to settle with you, for Mumbai, Japan and Nice." said Paper Star.
" Then bring it on, whore." retorted Sandiego.
" Where are your manners ? This language doesn't fit a lady."
Paper Star didn't wait. She sent a real rain of origamis to her opponent, who nor dodge them or brush them off. Finally, they went toe to toe. For an instant, no one seemed to have the advantage. However, Carmen unleashed all her rage. She violently hit one of Paper Star's hand with her stick. Then, she hit her the same way in the back.
" Ack !"
Now her face. Paper Star managed to pull herself together and made Carmen's stick flew. No problem, sending her fist in her face was perfect. But first, she had to avoid every origami. Sandiego collected some on the way she just sent back. It allowed her to get closer and punched the Asian. Paper Star realized that her opponent was more violent than before.
" You seem pretty mad, what happened ? Is it because of that man from that day ? The one who died ?" she asked.
" How dare you ?" growled Sandiego.
Paper Star intended to angry Carmen, hoping to push her to commit a fault, however it happened to be a VERY bad idea. As if the Argentina wasn't mad enough, now she rushed to her adversary with even more intent killing. Using origamis to corner Paper Star, Carmen punched her several times without pause. Then, she planted origamis in the girl's hands, nailing her to a wall. Paper Star's scream resonated agreeably to Carmen's ears.
" Do you … intend to kill me Carmen ?" asked Paper Star.
" Exactly."
Looking at her in the eyes, Carmen folded a paper.
" Remember what you said during our first confrontation ? That I was a paper tiger. You of all people, should know how dangerous paper is !" said Carmen, raising her hand.
Paper Star rounded eyes. Looked like it was game over for her. Suddenly, a hand caught Carmen's wrist.
" Shadowsan ? What are you doing release me !"
" No Carmen. I won't let you soil yourself that way."
" Let go of me. She deserves it and you know it !" insisted Carmen, trying to break free.
" I said no. You can stop being a thief, but you can never stop being a murderer. And I'm pretty sure … that Chase wouldn't want you to do this."
Carmen gritted her teeth, pain all over her face.
" I told you … to never said that name in my presence." she reminded, between her teeth.
" If that is what it takes to knock some sense into you, I'll repeat it as many times as needed. I'll stand in your way in memory of him, to preserve you. You already punished her enough."
Carmen shivered. She was obviously struggling with herself. Before her closed eyes were streaming images of Devineaux. Their moments, his jokes, the sound of his voice and his sweet scent. Those were now nothing but memories, because of the girl behind her. And she, was allowed to live ? While someone as good as the man Sandiego loved perished ?
" It's not fair …" breathed Carmen.
" I know. But you can't defile the memory of a man who worked for justice, and who rehabilitated your name." said Shadowsan.
Carmen rounded eyes. Finally, she let the origami fell for her hand. He let her go. Carmen remained still, before running outside.
Shadowsan handled the rest. Paper Star got arrested. Meanwhile, Carmen was running as fast as she could, hustling passers-by. She ran, ran until she was out of breath. There she stopped. After a while she had a yell of frustration before falling on her knees.
" I couldn't do it … I'm sorry … Chase … I couldn't avenge you. Goddamn it I'm so weak !" she exclaimed, punching the floor.
Some tears fell on her hand. She crossed her arms around her. Oh how nice it would be if Devineaux could embrace her now. What would she give to feel his warmth, scent his natural perfume, hear his voice telling her it was fine, he was here… but only coldness was here, with sorrow. Why aren't you here anymore ? We were supposed to be partners. You were supposed to remain by my side. How could you do this to me ? I need you. Please, come back. Don't be dead. Again with those thoughts. Everytime sorrow overwhelmed her, those words turned in circle in Carmen's mind. Behind her, Ivy and Zack retrieved her thanks to Player.
" Carmen !" they called.
She didn't respond.
" Carm, are you okay what happened ?" insisted Ivy, placing her hands on her shoulders.
" I couldn't do it. I couldn't kill Paper Star … I failed." she mumbled.
They exchanged glances. That was good new contrarily to what she thought.
" Come on. We'll treat you to a good warm chocolate." suggested Zack.
They helped her getting up. Later, Shadowsan joined at the coffee.
" Paper Star got arrested. Interpol went to collect her. I told them to keep a close eye on her." he announced.
" She should've died." replied Carmen with a low voice.
The young woman was leaning her head against a window. Shadowsan asked to be in front of her.
" Carmen. Even if you slaughter VILE in full, that won't appease you. It will only left void."
" I don't care about myself. But he … he deserved justice." she said without looking at him.
" And that's precisely what you did. Vengeance isn't the solution at all. It's not justice."
Carmen just sighed. She was just back to this state of sadness which became daily, when she wasn't full of hate. A waiter brought them drinks and pastries. Carmen glanced at her mug and picked up a croissant, she drenched in the chocolate.
" Just like Chase used to do." thought Ivy.
She sighed discreetly. If only there was a way to turn back the hands of time. Or to cure her friend from this sorrow. Alas, the best option would be Chase still alive. That surely would bring her back to life.
" Why did you faced that killer alone ? Couldn't you think about what Carmen would feel in case of your death ? Seriously, you disappointed me there, pal."
Carmen ended her croissant. The warmth and taste of the chocolate did her good.
" I wonder if he would have liked this croissant."
Her throat tightened thinking he couldn't taste it anymore. All because of VILE. Fire of hate went back in her eyes. It rushed through her body again.
" Player. What's VILE's next move ?" she asked.
The others looked at each other. When would it stop ? This has become something they didn't like. Of course, they too were sad and wanted to avenge their friend, however seeing how Carmen was they wanted to give up. They didn't even had time to mourn. Carmen stood up, went to pay the bill and left. Ivy moaned and let her head fell on the table.
" Hey Shadowsan, what can we do for her ?" asked Zack.
" I'm afraid that I do not possess a miracle solution. I even doubt there is one." replied the Japanese sadly.
" To be honest, I want to stop all this. It's been only a week, but I have enough of seeing her that way." confessed Ivy.
" Alas, it won't cease anytime soon. Come on, let's catch up with her."
They joined with the Woman in Red who was waiting impatiently. Finally, they left Italy. Carmen has the feeling she was also leaving Chase. Uuurgh, her heart ached so much. Now, she had to focus on her hunt. Since she wasn't able to kill, she would dedicate all of her energy to destroy VILE. They thought she caused them damages she'll show them it was nothing. Nothing at all. They believed they were evil, she'll show them real evilness.
That was how within the month Carmen attacked violently each VILE facility. It has nothing in common with before : employees were gravely wounded, merchandises destroyed and Carmen went even as far as to make facilities exploded. Her teammates had more and more trouble to dissuade her. She simply didn't listen. Knowing about the cleaning crew she dealt with them as well : one fell into the comas, other got hospitalized. She became soon known as the Red Devil. The whole organization was afraid of her. When her path crossed Tigress's one, she tried to strangle her. She managed to break free. When she looked at her opponent, she shivered before all that hate coming from her.
" Seems like you finally decided to join the darkness." she said.
" Yes, I am the darkness that will engulf you all. Want to see what it truly looks like ?" replied Carmen, showing a dagger.
Tigress gulped. She was serious. What the hell happened to her ? That Carmen was different than usual. More frightening.
" Carmen you can't be serious ! You can't kill !" exclaimed Player.
" Silence."
The young hacker put his hands on his head. He had never felt so powerless. He watched all this at a distance, has been as shocked at the others when facing Devineaux's death. He tried to support Sandiego and comfort her as much as he could, despite her aggressivity. He felt relieved when she decided to not kill Paper Star, although she was more guilty than Tigress. However, a relapse was happening. Did destroying everything on her path showed her what she was capable of ? That killing was possible and easy should she give it a try ? Panicked, Player called for Shadowsan. That one rushed. Meanwhile, Player tempted to gain time by distracting Carmen. His yells indeed destabilized her. She already wounded Tigress with several cuts. Shadowsan manage to reach her in time again. He disarmed her. Tigress escaped.
" Look what you did she escaped !" yelled Carmen.
" Carmen. Despite all the affection I have for you, if you don't calm down right now I'll slap you."
" Pfah !"
Carmen just passed next him. Shadowsan shook his head. They left the place. Player sighed in relief. That was close. But what will happen next time ? Would Shadowsan be able to stop her before the irreparable ?
" This can't goes on anymore. But I fear that even if we all let her down, she would continue alone. Plus, we can't abandon her in her worse moments. What can we do ?" wondered Player.
He had to find a solution. But what could he do actually ? His hacking skills were of no use here. He felt he had to discuss it with the others.
In her hotel room, Ivy paced under the hacker's eyes. Player told her what happened.
" I share you concern Player, and I want the same thing as you. This isn't the Carmen we know and all loved. This is … an evil version of her. Before, she gave money to charities but not anymore. She was doing a lot of good. That one only wants blood." she said.
" I know right. She sank into despair, and the only person who could get her out of it is dead. Shadowsan seems the only ones she still listens to. But for how long ? Maybe we should all confront her, express our worry for her." suggested Player.
" I already tried. But maybe you're right, we never did it together. We should try it."
Player strummed on his laptop. After a moment of silence while Ivy was reflecting, the hacker straighten.
" This is weird." he said.
" What ?" asked Ivy.
" Well I was looking for … I need to dig into this. You on your side, talk to Carmen will you."
" Alright, I'll go see my brother and Shadowsan before we leave for Sweden."
Ivy went to find the concerned ones. Carmen was on the corridor. She said she was ready to leave and won't wait.
" Wait, we need to talk."
" We'll talk later. VILE won't wait for our chitchat."
" But Carmen !"
" I'll wait in the hall. If you're not there in five minutes I'll go."
Ivy grumbled. Her brother and Shadowsan appeared. Zack gave her her luggage. On the way, Ivy talked about this idea of confronting Carmen together. They approved of it, even if wouldn't be easy. In order to avoid the Argentina to leave, Shadowsan proposed to do it once in the plane. They nodded. Sandiego laid on the sofa in the jet. Zack switched on the computer so Player can attend too.
" Carmen." began Ivy.
" Hmm ?"
" It's more than about time we discuss this, as a family."
Carmen sighed.
" It's about your behaviour. We understand your heart is broken and that you're suffering a lot, however we do not approve your actions."
" That doesn't matter. I will destroy VILE even if you don't approve." she repeated.
" Oh no you won't !" exclaimed Ivy.
" What ? You're saying I should let them get away with their crime ?" asked Carmen, straightening.
" Don't make us say what we didn't say. But you're worrying us. You tried to kill someone today. I thought you understood what it meant. No going back." reminded Shadowsan.
" We all miss our friend Carmen. We want VILE to pay but not that way. Not your way." intervened Player.
" Not if it means killing." added Zack.
" And we're missing you as well Carm. This isn't you at all. We want our Carmen back, we love you, we're here for you. We're going through this together." said Ivy.
" But … they deserve all this ... I want them to have the fear of their life, to know that their end is near and that they won't hurt anyone ever again." said Carmen.
" We're aware of this. It will come but before you must come back to your senses. What would he say if he could see you ?" continued Player.
" Which makes me think." resumed Ivy.
She took a mirror and went to Carmen.
" Look. Look what you look like. Do you like what you're seeing ?"
Carmen startled when discovering her reflection. She was pale, face tired and grieved by sorrow. Her eyes were red and dull. Ivy was right this wasn't her. Sandiego looked away.
" I know … deep down I know. But it's just … it's just … I miss him so much I can't stand it anymore !" she cried.
" It's okay Carm. Don't worry, we're here. The pain will fade, I promise you." said Ivy, embracing her.
" I'm sorry … I know I'm wrong …" sobbed Sandiego.
" Shhh. It's not too late."
" I'm tired. So tired of it all. So tired of being in pain."
" It will be over one day Carm." made Zack, coming too.
He embraced her as well. They let her cry, and express her pain. Finally, Carmen fell asleep exhausted by emotions.
" Let's hope she really understood this time." said Shadowsan.
" We can only hope indeed." replied Ivy.
" By the way, there might be something." announced Player.
" Something good I hope." said Zack.
" Could be. You see, I was looking for a solution about Carmen, and I distractedly tapped Chase's name on the net. And guess what ? I found nothing … about his death."
That intrigued them.
" What do you mean by nothing ? He was shot by a professional killer so he must be dead." said Zack.
" Not necessarily. I was looking into this while you were embarking. I found his file, with his profession, his career and all but nothing concerning his funerals. No date of death, no death certificate, no passage to the morgue. Like he didn't die."
They looked at each other mouth opened.
" You mean … he survived ? Chase Devineaux is alive ?" exclaimed Ivy.
" Shhhht not so loud, you'll wake Carmen." said Player.
" But we must wake her up ! She'll be so happy, this is the end of our problem !" contradicted Ivy.
" Not before I have confirmation of this. I don't want to give her false hope okay ? I still didn't check in Interpol datas, and mostly I want to contact him. Because he still didn't do it and maybe it's because there's a problem. Alright ?"
" You're right. Count on us Player. But I really hope you're right."
" Me too. Fine, I'll contact you as soon as possible."
Player left. Ivy fell on her chair. If the hacker was right that would be marvellous. Player taped frantically on his laptop. He read several files, and began a research on another screen. Cameras from France.
" Come on … let me be right about … Oh my god."
He blinked, before a huge smiled appeared.
" YES ! WOOOOOOOOH !"
Player turned on his chair. Then, he grabbed his phone. His fingers tapped his desk while waiting.
" Allô ?"
" Chase ?"
" Is that you Player ?"
The said Player exploded Devineaux's ear. It was like he was in the middle of a party. Devineaux tried to catch his attention.
" PLAYER !"
" Yes sorry ! Oh man you have no idea how glad I am to hear you ! It's fantastic !" exclaimed Player.
He almost cried.
" I would kiss you if you were there." resumed Player.
" Thanks, but you're not my type. And what's fantastic to me is the time you took to call me. Seriously, it's been a month I'm looking for you guys ! I lost your number, called each one of the others but no one responded ! What the hell is wrong this time ?!" reproached Devineaux.
The only reply he got was an aaaaaawwww ! What kind of answer was that ? Unless Player liked reproaches ?
" Don't answer, I think I know."
" No no, it's just … I'm so happy you're alive that I don't mind you scolding me ! We all thought you were dead, you have no idea what we've been through. But not now. Where are you ?" replied Player.
" In Paris. I hope everyone is fine ?"
" More or less. Listen, Carmen really needs you. So jump in a plane, I send you in Sweden."
" What foolishness did she do again ?" sighed Chase.
" You'll know once there. Now go."
Meanwhile, Carmen woke up. They were almost there. Now, how she should handle this ? She was still angry, but she didn't want to worry her family. So she guessed she just has to be back to her old self. That wouldn't be easy, but she has to try. Sandiego breathed to calm. The plane landed. They went to an hotel. Apart from Carmen, they waited impatiently news from Player.
" Oh lord." said Carmen.
" What is it ?" asked Ivy.
" I think I saw someone from ACME. Now this isn't the time." informed Carmen.
" Then let's not hang around here." made Shadowsan.
They quickly went to put their stuff in their room.
" What is Player waiting ? We must know if Devineaux is alive and tell Carmen, before she let her anger controls her again." said Ivy.
" You're aware we switched off everything right ? How is he supposed to contact us exactly ?" replied Zack later.
" Oooh craaap ! You're right." resumed Ivy, facepalm.
Player was waiting for Devineaux to arrive in Sweden. Meanwhile, Carmen called him to help her on her mission.
" There's something I want to tell you before." he said.
" Not now Player. ACME is here. I must lose them before and I need to focus." said Carmen.
She called Ivy and gave her her red coat and hat. She explained what she expected from her. Shadowsan was to check on VILE operatives.
" Come on quickly !" she said.
" We're right behind you Carm !" said Zack.
" Player ? Can you hear me ?" asked Ivy.
" Loud and clear. And I found him. Chase is alive he's coming." announced the hacker.
" WAAAAHOOOO !" exclaimed Ivy, jumping.
" I know. Let's get over with this mission and tell Carmen."
" Right !"
Ivy was overexcited by the new. And so relieved as well. But she had to focus, lives were at stake here. So she did her best to act like Carmen. However, when Zack contacted her she told him. He had the same reaction.
" Inform Shadowsan so he could pick him up."
" Yes !"
The Japanese rounded eyes when he learnt. But he agreed to collect the man. Carmen on her side, was approaching Julia. This was hard. Because she reminded her of Chase. She could almost see him beside Argent. Carmen bit her lip. She stopped near a wall. Come on stupid heart, leave me alone ! Just this time. There's lives at stake. Sandiego resumed her walk, and put a hand on Julia's shoulder.
" Oh my gosh miss Sandiego, are you alright ?" she asked, seeing her face.
" No I'm not. And I'm even less alright with you guys around."
Julia followed her in a building. What was happening to the young woman ? She looked like an old carpet. Carmen didn't let her time to ask, and explained her goal here. Their meeting didn't turned out well. ACME barged in, compelling Carmen to flee. On her side, Ivy got spotted as well. The mission took a turn for the worst.