Time to relieve the pain, and let the light coming back.

Enjoy ^^

Shadowsan was waiting at the airport. Devineaux should be here faster than they did. After a while of waiting, he finally apperceived him.

" Hello there sensei. It's been a while." greeted Devineaux.

" Hmmm indeed. Good to see you're fine. Come on, someone is really eager to reunite with you." he announced.

" Ah ?"

On their way, Shadowsan explained what happened in a month. Chase was stunned to learn that all the ruckus was caused by Carmen. He went or got informations from the places she visited, but couldn't believe it was her doing. He was saddened to learn it was because of pain and sorrow. Because of him.

" Don't blame yourself. It's our fault, we should have checked before. But the priority was to get in safety before, then watch over Carmen."

" You were doing your job, and blaming someone won't change anything. I'm here now."

" Yes, that's the most important."

Player interrupted the reunion. The mission didn't went according to plan, and now Carmen and Ivy were in trouble.

" Gee ! Can't let that girl alone for five minutes ! Player, guide me to her I'll bring back our red fox." exclaimed Chase.

" That's a good idea Devineaux. Shadowsan, if you would help Zack and Ivy."

" Of course."

He accelerated. Then, they separated at the town entrance. Devineaux went to find a snowmobile. Player explained him what happened while renting the engine.

" She did what ? Wait, tell me you're joking ! Carmen went out in this kind of weather with her jean trousers and her hooded sweat ?!" repeated Chase.

" I'd love it to be a joke. But no it's serious, that's why you have to hurry she'll freeze otherwise."

" The day is well advanced, night is coming. This will complicate the search."

He went on his snowmobile. He also bought a rope, a jerrycan, a powerful lamp and binoculars. The snow began to fell. Chase started the engine.

" Tell me you've find her Player !" asked Devineaux.

" Not really, but I can guide you where I lost the signal. You'll have to search there."

He followed the hacker's indications. The weather got worse, as the wind blew. Chase gulped. Carmen was here all alone in the cold and the dark. He had little time to find her before her condition became critical. But he couldn't go too fast because of the bad sight. Would be pretty dumb to have an accident while she was waiting for him to rescue her.

On her side, Carmen sat at the foot of a tree. She was so cold …

" Chase … my love it seems that without you at my side … I keep failing. I was … almost captured by ACME, which should be anytime soon now. Or maybe … I'll die here. If I can join you … won't be so bad in the end. I miss you … I love you." she said.

But then … what would become of her team ? Didn't she caused them enough worry ? Could she really let VILE won this time ? No. She swore revenge on them. She couldn't die here. Plus, Chase wouldn't want her to give up. To be a coward. He admired her. She made her mind. She would call ACME and get out of here. She'll do what they want. That way, no more problem and no more worry for her family. That's why she grabbed the pen, and triggered it. The Chief appeared.

Meanwhile, Ivy was completing the mission on her own. She managed to break free, and was about to retrieve the device VILE was transporting. In spite of the ice she could achieve her goal. She went out just when Zack and Shadowsan arrived.

" Pfaaaah ! Shadowsan ! Tell me you found Chase !" asked Ivy, getting out of snow.

" Yes, he's on the way to collect Carmen. And you, did you completed the mission ?"

" Look at that !" she said, showing a crystal.

" Perfect. Now let's go." said Shadowsan.

They went on the van. Player announced that Devineaux was close to Sandiego.

That one arrived where the young woman was supposed to be. He looked down from the road.

" Carmen ! Carmen can you hear me ?" he called.

His eyes were searching, trying to pierce the snow and the night. Suddenly, he spotted light. He took his binoculars.

" The ACME boss. Looks like she's speaking to someone."

He could barely see a silhouette with his lamp. Devineaux looked where would he be able to descend. He find a heap of snow. He ran and tied his rope. He let himself slide until the ground. There, he rushed to the hologram. Carmen was here, laid on the snow. Devineaux switched off the pen.

" Sandiego !" he called.

He crouched. Carmen was frozen.

" Carmen ! Carmen wake up !"

She just moaned. Chase opened his coat, and wrapped her against him. He had to get her out of here quickly. So he stuck her in his coat with him, almost breaking the closure. He stepped rapidly to where he came from. Getting up wouldn't be easy. Chase tied the rope around him and Carmen tightly. After that, he began to climb. Carmen woke up, and saw movements.

" Huh ? It smells … like Chase. It's warm. Am I hallucinating ? If that's the case, I want to stay in it."

She grasped his clothes. Chase was slowly climbing, readjusting his burden in permanence. Finally, he arrived up. He crossed the guardrail. Lifting Sandiego he went back to his snowmobile. He folded down the hood on Carmen's head and started. The noise brought back Sandiego to reality.

" What is happening ? Where am I ? Did ACME found me ?"

But that scent … it couldn't be … before she could find an answer, the noise decreased. Other voices, familiars ones.

" Carmen ! Is she okay ?" asked Ivy, getting out.

" She needs to go to hospital immediately !" replied Chase.

" That voice … Chase ?"

She was put inside the van. The snowmobile got tied to the van. Carmen opened her eyes.

" Hey deary ! How are you ?" interrogated Ivy, holding her friend's head on her knees.

" What … Ivy ?"

" Yes it's me. But more important, look who's here !" smiled the girl.

Carmen turned her head, and rounded eyes as much as it was possible in her condition.

" Hola senorita." smiled Devineaux.

Sandiego blinked. He was here ?!

" Chase ? It … it's you ?" she said, trying to straighten.

" Whoah whoah. Easy now." he made, pulling her back.

" You're alive ? But how ?"

" Oh, don't tell me a smart girl like you never heard of bulletproof vest ? I know I'm not the brightest but I'm not that stupid either." smiled Chase.

Carmen lifted her hand and touched his face. It was warm. Tears wet her eyes. The young woman tried to get up again.

" Carmen wait …" he resumed.

" Just take her in your arms, that's what she wants. Plus, it'll warm her." intervened Ivy.

So Chase helped her straightening, lifted her to him, and installed her astride on him. Carmen surrounded his neck with her arms. She breathed that beloved scent she thought she'd never smell again.

" You're here … you're alive, you're not dead… Chase … I'm sorry … so sorry … my fault …" she sobbed.

" Calm down senorita, it's over now. Why do you think it's your fault ?"

" Because … of me … he shot you … couldn't ... help you … I'm sorry … I'm sorry ..."

Devineaux tightened his grasp on her, his hand gently passing on her back.

" Now now senorita. I did this because I wanted to gain time for you to escape. It was for protecting you and that was my decision. You have nothing to blame you. Except maybe your clothing on that mission. Let me tell you that your performance as the Snow Queen was terrible." explained Devineaux.

Carmen had a laugh, Ivy giggled. Sandiego felt finally in peace. All her pain was gone in an instant, leaving only joy and love. She savoured his presence, his warmth, the caress on her back. It was over. The nightmare was over, she was back to light.

" We're almost there, how is she ?" asked Shadowsan, at the front of the car.

" Paradoxically, better than ever." replied Ivy.

" Where are we going ?" asked Carmen.

" To the hospital." responded Chase.

" Wait no, the mission … we have to stop VILE."

" It's alright Carm, I got the crystal." announced Ivy, showing it.

" Huh ? But who did this ?" wondered the Scarlet Lady.

" Why, Carmen Sandiego of course."

" See ? She could have an Oscar." intervened Chase, pointing the girl.

" Pfffrrrrtt ! Ah, it's good to have you back, pal." snorted Ivy.

Carmen smiled and closed her eyes, exhausted. The van stopped. Chase took Carmen in his arms, and they rushed in the hospital. Sandiego opened her eyes. Apperceiving Devineaux she wanted to tend her hand to him, but sleep got her again. When she awoke however, he was there.

" Chase …"

" I'm here senorita. You can rest." he said, putting his hand on her forearm.

" We should bring her back to our HQ. The henchmen will certainly try to retrieve her." said Shadowsan.

" Hmmm, you're certainly right. Although I'd rather have her remain here for care … alright, I'll see what I can do." made Devineaux.

Chase got up and went to find a doctor. Carmen tended her hand.

" Don't worry Carm, he'll be back soon. He won't disappear this time." said Ivy.

" How … did you find him ?" she asked.

" Well, we were looking for a way to appease you when Player stumbled upon something strange. You see, there was nothing mentioning his death, nowhere. He checked on it and discovered it's because he was simply alive. He contacted him and asked him to join us in Sweden." explained Zack.

" We were planning to tell you after the mission, to be sure first. He's the one who rescued you earlier." added Ivy.

" So … that was him back then. I thought I was hallucinating."

" Nope. He's here in flesh and blood." said Zack.

" Good. That's all I want."

Chase was back.

" It's okay. I told them she's a witness in an Interpol case and needs protection. I signed a discharge, we can bring her back." he announced.

" Well done. I'll go find a vehicle and contact Player." announced Shadowsan.

" By the way senorita, how you did you end up with an ACME pen ?" wanted to know Devineaux.

" I stumbled upon their agents here. I stole this one from Julia. I asked that they stayed on side-lines, but they tried to capture me. I inhaled their gas while fleeing, and crashed out of town." told Carmen.

" So that was their fault." made Chase with a cold voice.

Later, Chase was carrying Carmen. The next day, she was back in her HQ, in her bed. Player announced another operation of VILE.

" What should we do ?" he asked.

" Do not cut your phone would be a good idea, to begin with." said Devineaux.

" Urgh, we already said we're sorry !" reminded Zack.

" I'll take charge of the mission." announced Shadowsan.

" I'll go with you." resumed Chase.

" No, you should stay here. Carmen would want you around if she wakes up." said Ivy.

" An she sure as hell wouldn't want you to be in danger." added Zack.

" I know. But I have a score to settle with VILE for trying to kill us. Would also be the opportunity to put my training to the test." replied Chase.

" Alright. Let's go." decided the Japanese.

" What ? But …" made Ivy.

The men already left.

" Carmen won't be pleased at all." said Zack.

Ivy sighed. They went to check on Carmen meanwhile. She was still asleep.

" Mnnnn … Chase …" she moaned in her slumber.

Ivy and Zack exchanged embarrassed looks. However, he went back safe and sound with his mentor. The French went to check on Carmen. He pulled a bang away from her face.

" You know, she asked for you when she awoke." informed Ivy.

" And what did you said ?"

" A reunion with your superiors. But seriously Devineaux : you have no idea what she went through within a month. She was desperate. The shadow of herself. The only thing she wanted was you. So please, stay with her."

Chase blushed. He sighed and agreed. Ivy smiled and left the room. He informed his mentor that he would remain near Carmen for this time. That one didn't mind, knowing as everyone where the young woman came from. During the night, Chase went to have a drink. He heard groans coming from the patient's room. He opened the door and entered. He switched on her bedside lamp.

" Carmen. Wake up senorita."

" Gasp !"

Carmen landed in his arms.

" It's okay Sandiego. You're safe here."

" Oh my god Chase ! You have to go to emergencies." she said, getting on her knees.

" Huuuh … and why ?"

" You were shot that's why !" she exclaimed, while examining him.

" Carmen. That was a nightmare. I'm okay." he said.

" A night … pheeeew !"

" You never saw someone getting shot, didn't you ?" he asked.

She shook her head. And it had to be the man she loved.

" I understand it's been a trauma for you. Which makes me think … sorry for all the pain I've caused you." he said, his hand on her face.

" VILE is at fault here. By the way, what happened of the hitman ?"

" Snipes killed him. I called for my old friends while on my way to find you. The local police found me and made the hitman fled. That damn spring rolls face didn't miss me out on either. I had to be healed before. My team tracked the killer during my rest." told Chase.

Well, Carmen did avenge her man after all. She curled against him. His arms surrounded her.

" Hold me tight please." she whispered.

Chase obeyed. Carmen let a sigh escape while closing her eyes, her chin on his shoulder and her hand on his hair.

" That's it, hold me tight ! Hold me tight so I can feel your presence, so I can convince myself that you're truly here. My precious Chase …"

She lifted her face, breathing his scent, savouring his warmth, his muscled body against hers. Devineaux enjoyed that moment too. He really missed her during that month, and she scared him back in Sweden. So that hug was more than welcome for him as well. Carmen felt his nose tickling her neck. She smiled, tilting her head to give him more access. Go ahead sweetheart, I need this. I need your touch, your caresses. Chase gulped. That was tempting. Too tempting. If he ever began here and now… he wouldn't stop. He knew it. So he decided it was wiser to stop here.

" Alright, you still need to rest, so go back to sleep, Little Red Robbing Hood." he said, getting up.

Carmen opened her eyes, feeling the nice warm and touch getting away. Talk about cold shower here.

" Ohm but …"

" Yes ?"

She turned eyes. She wanted him to stay here with her, but didn't dare to ask.

" Good night, and thank you." she smiled.

" Good night Carmen."

She rounded eyes. He called her by her name. That made her blush a bit. Sandiego laid on her bed with a broad smile. One hour later … one hour and a half … still no sleeping. After two hours she decided to get up. Silently and with difficulties due to her state, she reached Chase's room. She tended her hand to the handle before stopping.

" He'll think you're a child. But … every time I close my eyes, I saw him falling. I hear this gunshot."

Her hand made the decision. She entered carefully. He was sound asleep, she could hear it. Her little lamp helped her getting around his bed. Carmen hesitated once more, then slowly pulled the blanket. She cautiously laid beside him. It was full of his scent. Ten minutes later, she was sleeping. When morning arrived, Devineaux woke up with a weight on his chest. Quite surprised, he switched on his bedside lamp. That awoke his guest, a certain young lady lying on him.

" Mmnnnh … what time is it ?" groaned Carmen.

" As far as I'm concerned it's more : what are you doing in my bed senorita ?" replied Chase.

" I couldn't sleep. I know I should have asked you before, sorry about that. It's just … each time I close my eyes I see that terrible moment." she said, rubbing her eyes.

" I see. About the hour, it's seven o'clock. Up to you to get up now or later." he said, switching off.

Aaaaah. So he would allow her to stay here with him. How tempting. But wouldn't she abuse of his hospitality ? For now, she wasn't able to move. Her body was like naaaah let's stay, it's warm and comfy in here. While the brain was come on, don't bother him any longer. You came here uninvited, let him sleep now. Not to mention the heart. The worse of all. It was yelling a huge staaaaayyyyy ! Curl against him, kiss the man and confess !

" No. No way I'll do that now." she thought.

Fighting against herself, Carmen ended unable to decide … and went back to sleep. When she opened her eyes it was nine o'clock. And Devineaux was already up. That's why she decided to get up as well. She opened the window, then left carefully. Chase arrived right after. Seeing his room empty he went to the young woman's one.

" Senorita ? You're awake ?" he called.

" Yes ! You can come in."

He opened the door.

" Here's your breakfast." he announced, deposing a tray.

" Aaaaw thank you so much ! That's so nice of you." she exclaimed, thrilled.

" You're welcome. I'll let you eat, still have some work from Interpol to do." he announced.

" Alright !"

Ivy arrived at this moment and jumped on the bed with enthusiast.

" Isn't he caring ?" she said.

" Totally." smiled Carmen.

" How are you feeling ?"

" Physically, a bit better. Morally … so relieved my pain is over. So glad to be able to see him like before." replied Carmen, bringing her mug to her mouth.

" You don't say. And when are you going to confess ?" asked Ivy.

Carmen's chocolate went down the wrong way. Ivy giggled.

" I … I don't know."

" Seriously ? But you'll do it right ?" continued Ivy, laid on the flank.

" I wonder about that. Is it really a good idea ? I mean after what happened … I don't want him to be in danger anymore." revealed Carmen.

Ivy stared at her.

" You mean … you're thinking about firing Chase or something ?"

" Not exactly. More like putting him on the side-lines." she said.

" You can't do this to him, Carmen. He wouldn't understand, especially after all that he did for you." objected Ivy.

" I'm aware of all this Ivy. But try to understand me : I believed I have lost him for good. I won't stand it a second time."

Ivy leaned eyes. She was right of course. But this idea displeased her, as she mentioned. Carmen asked her friend to keep it for her. Ivy nodded. She let her friend rest for the rest of the day. From time to time Chase went to check on her. He noticed she was still having an agitated sleep. Meaning she'll surely pay him a visit one of these nights. He was right, Carmen arrived two nights later.

" Still having nightmares, senorita ?" he asked in a sleepy voice, when feeling her curling up against him.

She froze.

" If you don't want me here I'll leave." she said.

" No it's okay. I won't complain about having a beautiful woman in my bed."

Carmen smiled, and put her head on his shoulder. Her smile got larger when his arm surrounded her. Now that was heaven, she thought. That's how a routine settled : Carmen waited for everyone to fell asleep before going elsewhere. After a while of this diet, Chase entered the fitness room. Sandiego was here, punching all she could a bag. Chase immobilized the bag.

" You should take it easy, you know. You're still convalescent." he reminded her.

" I'm fine Chase. I need the exercise."

" Being fine doesn't mean you've fully recovered. So slow down okay ?" he contradicted.

" I appreciate your concern but I'm a big girl. I know how to take care of myself." said Carmen.

She left the place accompanied by Devineaux. Player was there, and was surprised to see her up. Shadowsan was on a mission. Carmen surprised everyone by announcing she'll go on a mission.

" Are you nuts ? No way, you stay here I'll go." intervened Chase.

" Huh, I don't think so. I'm feeling good so I can be back on the field."

" It's too early and you know it. I can handle that type of mission, I already did this when you were recovering." he said.

" What ? You mean you went on a mission after we came back here ?" she questioned.

" Yes, with Shadowsan. But I'm sure I can do this alone now."

Carmen was angry. How could they let him do this after what happened ? Shadowsan knew what the girl felt during this hellish month. How could he ?

" Sorry Chase. But last time I checked I was still in charge here. So if I want to go on a mission, I'll go and that's final." she said.

" What does it takes for you to understand ? Got any idea what I … what we all felt when we found you unconscious on the snow ?" exclaimed Chase.

" That's why I'll just do recognition. I'm not stupid you know." she said.

" After being in Sweden clothed as in summer ? Allow me to doubt it. You could have died that time, and you still need some rest." he insisted.

" Listen Devineaux ! If you're not happy with how it works here you can leave." she said getting up.

Everyone opened its mouth. Carmen realized what she said, and leaned eyes.

" Alright Sandiego, I'll leave if that's what you want." he replied harshly.

He left the living-room. Carmen let her fall on the sofa, guilty.

" That was rude Carmen. Chase only wants you to be safe, like all of us." said Player.

" I know. I didn't want to say that." she said, low voice.

There was a silence before Player continued his explanations. Carmen decided to leave nonetheless. Chase was absent during the whole day, which saddened her. The Red Team flew off for Botswana at the end of the day.

" Say is it true ? Did Chase really went on a mission while I was recovering ?" asked Carmen.

" Yes." answered Ivy.

" And you let him go ?!" she exclaimed angrily.

" Well it's not like we could prevent him. But Ivy later persuaded him to stay to watch over you." informed Zack.

" Well here are the instructions for him : do not inform him about any incoming mission. That goes for you as well Player." said Carmen.

" Huh ? But why ?" asked the latter along with Zack.

" Isn't it obvious ? For his safety."

Player gulped. Ooops. The she wouldn't like what would happen there. Carmen switched on her phone, and noticed Chase's calling from a month ago.

" Oh myyyy gooood !" she moaned.

" What ?" asked Zack.

" I have calls from Devineaux from last month. If I had checked I would have known he was alive." she said.

" Yep, we noticed it too. But the hitman was tracking us, we couldn't risk being spotted." reminded Ivy.

" But still. Gosh, looks like he was right : I can be stupid."

Once in Botswana, Carmen began her mission : mapping a diamond mine. She was watching through the Red Drone the course of the plan, when she got spotted. Tigress. That was when Carmen realized that Chase wasn't completely wrong : she wasn't in a good shape yet. Tigress was about to call for someone Sandiego feared to meet again. When … WHACK ! The VILE agent fell knocked out.

" Chase ? What are you doing here ?" interrogated Carmen.

He didn't respond right away, and she could see disappointment on his face.

" Looks like you don't care about worrying your so-called allies, right ?"

He turned his back on her, took Tigress by an ankle and dragged her. Carmen got up and tended her hand to him, in vain.