Time to solve the last problems, as a family. This is also the last chapter, but another fic is ready.
Enjoy and see you next time.
Shadowsan was leading the Red Team to where he had his fateful mission. However, as Player predicted another house had been built. It was nothing like the one the Japanese knew. Carmen watched this from on the other side of the street. Here, twenty years ago was the house where her parents lived, where she grew up. Where everything toppled. She felt her lover's arm surrounding her waist. She had a faint smile. No one dared to utter a sound, and it was in silence that they went back to their HQ, with a thoughtful Carmen. That one was wondering where to begin her search. Her mother could be anywhere on earth … suddenly the case's enormity hit her. She had no clue apart a fake name, it all happened decades ago, everything burned in her old house … she was confident when she replied to Shadowsan that everyone left tracks. But she also knew that cases where missing people were never found existed.
What if it was one of these ? She swallowed. Devineaux noticed it, so once back he cup her face.
" I know. It seems really complicated. So leave this to me, alright ?" he said.
" But … I must look for her, it's my mother." said Carmen.
" And how do you think other people in the same case do ? You will look for her, but through me."
Carmen sighed. He was right, Interpol has all the means needed for this.
" Okay. I'm counting on you."
" I sure hope so, I'm your man so it's obvious. But let me warn you : it can and certainly will take a long time." added Chase with a smile.
" I'm aware, that's what I feel kinda down." replied Sandiego.
" Don't. We'll find her no matter what." he concluded, kissing on the forehead as usual.
" Hm. It's really good to have a shoulder to lean on."
She embraced him. She just have to keep faith. After that cuddle, Devineaux announced he'll begin the search. Carmen would go for some training meanwhile. Chase closed his bedroom door. That went better than he expected. He opened his computer and took a file. In here, some photos of Dexter Wolf. In reality, Chase already began to look for Carmen's mother a while ago. He already checked some tracks while in Europe, that was why he didn't return to Sandiego as soon as he wanted to. For now, he'll keep it for him. He has begun by looking for more intel about Dexter. That way, if he ever was spotted with a woman he'll know her face. Then, after some modifications with a software to age her he'll sent the portrait to all Interpol. He collected some hair belonging to Carmen on her hair brush, for confirmation with a DNA test.
He opened his mail box. Nothing new. Devineaux took a paper. On it, all places Dexter went during his career with VILE. He could access to it when Carmen fished out files near VILE island. The man asked Player to send him a copy once he would decrypted it all. Devineaux asked as a reward, to treat this case with utmost priority. Given the results about VILE, it was easily granted. Anyway, he dove into this. Quite deeply. He asked everyone to order their own meal, saying he didn't have time. He for his part, just took a sandwich. Same at dinner. So later, when the team went to sleep Carmen headed to Devineaux's room.
" Honey ?" she asked, knocking.
" Hmm ?"
Sandiego entered. There was a lot of papers on his desk, his bed, on the floor.
" You're still working ?"
" Hm hm."
Carmen approached. She saw pictures of her father, photos of places. Chase was agitating a pen while reflecting. The young woman surrounded his neck with her arms, before kissing his neck.
" Don't overdo it, okay ?" she said softly.
" I'm fine." he said absentmindedly.
" Alright. I'll go sleeping."
" 'kay."
She ruffled his hair and left. The next day, Carmen noticed his absence for breakfast. It appeared that mister Devineaux fell asleep in the middle of his sheets. Sandiego shook his shoulders.
" Quoi qu'est-ce qu'il y a ?" he exclaimed, startling.
" It's morning my love." announced Carmen.
" Already ? Yaaaawn."
Chase straightened. He winced : sleeping on a chair wasn't healthy. He got aches. He laboriously got up and headed for breakfast.
During the next days, he continued his search. Most of the time, if not all time, he remained confined in his room, and became quite oblivious of the rest. In touch with colleagues, he got wind of news tracks. Alas, all lead to nothing. He sighed, rubbing his face. Damn, where was this woman.
" Like daughter like mother, it seems."
The daughter in question looked at him through the mid-opened door. She was touched he was doing all this for her, however, she missed him now. Carmen knocked.
" Not now." replied Chase.
Not now, not now, seemed his new leitmotiv since a few days. So Sandiego opened and entered.
" Chase ?"
" What is it senorita, I'm quite busy."
" That's the point. Listen : I'm touched by what you're doing for me, but we don't see you anymore. I don't see you." she said.
Devineaux stared at her. It was true that they didn't spend much time together lately.
" I miss you, you know. I understand you have lots of work, especially since you told me you were working on another case." she resumed.
Another case ? Oh right, he told this so she wouldn't question him.
" But please, don't forget about me."
Chase sighed. He neglected her.
" You're right. Love I'm sorry. I mustn't privilege work over you."
Carmen smiled. He went to her and embraced her.
" It's just … I feel like I owe it to you. It's thanks to you that I could improve myself, and reuniting you with your mother would make you so happy." he added.
" You don't owe me anything, apart from your unshakeable love. You did most of the job yourself." she reminded.
" You were my motive, whether it was for bad then good reasons." made Chase.
She kissed him briefly.
" Alright, I'll take a break. How about we spend the whole day just you and me ?" he suggested.
" Perfect. Any ideas ?" she asked.
" Not really, let's just spend the day out."
They headed outside hand in hand. They went aimlessly at first, chatting and enjoying the moment. Finally, they reached a park where they laid on the green grass.
" Really ? You fell on your car the first time we met ?" laughed Carmen.
" Like a crepe."
" Oh I'm sorry honey." she smiled.
" About time !" he exclaimed, amused.
Carmen giggled.
" But I think that the best memory is when you finally understood which side I was on." she said.
" Yeah … that's when it really began for both of us. But if someone would've told me that we would end as lovers, I would made it intern." made Devineaux.
" You don't say !"
Chase stretched. That did take an unexpecting turn.
" But I don't regret anything at all." he added tenderly, caressing her face.
" Not even that you still didn't handcuffed me ?" teased Carmen.
" Don't provoke me, young lady. However, I already have the best handcuffs in the world."
" Which are ?"
" Your heart."
" Touché." she granted.
She got closer and placed her head on his shoulder. They remained like this a while. At noon they went on a restaurant. During their afternoon stroll they met a party in a place. Chase looked at Carmen and invited her with a sign of the head. She happily agreed, and followed him. They joined other couples there and danced. They stayed there until evening, where they bought some sandwiches to picnic in the park they left earlier. Carmen thought she's never been so happy. They headed back to HQ in the evening. She shivered because of fresh air. Chase put his jacket on her.
" Thanks my love, but don't catch a cold." she smiled.
" Well, if you end up dressed as a nurse that would worth it." he retorted.
Carmen laughed and nudged him. Once back, Carmen suggested to watch sunset. So they went on the shop hat roof with chairs. Before gaining their respective rooms, Sandiego thanked him for that lovely day. He did the same, before whishing her a good night. The next morning, Carmen woke up first, and went to the kitchen. Chase joined her and kissed her on the cheek.
" You'll continue your work today I suppose ?" demanded the Argentina.
" At least this morning. Then we can spend some time together this afternoon." he replied.
" Hm fine by me."
The rest of the team arrived one by one. Chase spent his morning by checking mails about his search, calling to get news and studying tracks. Then he stopped before noon to cook. The others were glad to see him again. Shadowsan suggested him some training. Devineaux hesitated, he wanted to be with Carmen. However, that one announced she'll do some exercise too. Once in the room, the Japanese asked the French if he still refused to fight with Carmen.
" Hmmm …"
" Let's dot this love. He'll be happy and we'll be tranquil." made Carmen.
To what Shadowsan just grumbled. Chase finally agreed. They got in position. After gauging each other, they started. Carmen noticed he got really good at this. Holding on against him was now hard. But … it was fun. And judging by his expression he was thinking the same. It was like a cat and mouse game, without bad intentions. Just a game. Carmen was slipping between his fingers, like before. But Chase was faster to react, and almost got her. She had a little laugh. Her eyes were sparkling. His were also glowing with excitation. This time, he decided to incite her to catch him. Carmen smiled and agreed. They were resorting to all of their agility to escape nor catch. Shadowsan raised an eyebrow. He spotted the atmosphere between those two. That … wasn't what he expected.
Chase blocked his girlfriend's fist. He looked at her : pink cheeks due to the efforts, fast breathing that stretched her top, glimmering eyes, her tempting mouth … Carmen on her side, was on the same wave length. His muscles rolling under his now wet shirt, those glowing eyes who seemed to tell her he wanted to devour her, his soft and warm hand on her wrist. The young woman shivered. His fingers were now caressing her skin. His presence was so intense right now. She couldn't see or think about anything else than him.
" Brrrmmm that will all for today, now dismiss both of you !" intervened Shadowsan, separating them.
Back to reality. They backed away, still looking at each other. Alright, enough for today then. They exited the room. On the way to bathrooms they kept silent. But stared at the other when separate.
Later when he went back on his room, Chase discovered a mail. He opened his mouth. Then, he called Player to have an airplane ticket fast.
" Sweetheart, I'll have to leave tomorrow morning." he announced when joining her.
" Oh ? Alright."
She didn't ask more, hoping it will be good news and not false hopes. They enjoyed their time together and with the rest of the family before he leaves, especially with board games.
The following morning, Sandiego opened her boyfriend's door.
" Chase ?" she called.
No one. He was already gone. She pouted a bit. Well, all alone again. She reached the kitchen. Man, it really felt different without him.
Meanwhile, Chase was on a plane heading to Europe. He has to check this new track. But this could be the one. That woman he had in his screen looked like Carmen. However, he tried to not expect too much. Some he went to meet or his colleagues met looked like her too. The pilot announced the landing. He yawned : the night has been short, and he was unable to sleep now. At the airport, he was welcomed by an Interpol agent. Chase asked him about the case. Apparently the man already met the target, and sent a DNA analyse for confirmation.
" When will you get the results ?"
" Within a few days now." replied the agent.
They headed to the hotel. There, Devineaux texted Carmen about his arrival. Now, all he has to do was waiting. Now, what should he do ? Sightseeing ? Without Carmen that would be less interesting. For now, he decided to get some rest. He'll continue his work later. During the afternoon … Chase was on his bed, bored. Nothing new about his investigation.
"Nnnnnh … I miss Caaarmeeen ! But I couldn't take her with me, what if this meeting is pointless ? I don't want to see her disappointed." he thought.
That was also the reason he resisted the need to call her. She'll inevitably ask , and he wouldn't be able to lie. He rolled on the back. Alright, time to change his ideas. His colleague suggested to call him if he ever wanted a tour around. So Devineaux finally agreed. In all, it wasn't so bad, but he really wished that his girlfriend was here. Maybe if the results are positive, or even if not, they'll stroll here. Chase manage to get occupied for the rest of the day. But when back in his room, he felt lonely again. He smiled. He would have never imagined he would get so attached to Carmen Sandiego.
" This bed is cold."
Carmen had less nightmares now, so she happened to sleep in her own room more often. Still. Chase spent three dull days before he got what he hoped : DNA results. He rushed to his colleagues when he called him. That one gave the response immediately.
" Positive. It's her."
Chase hesitated between relief and joy. He demanded to meet the lady.
" Of course, I'll call her."
The woman accepted the meeting. The men reunited wit her in a coffee shop.
" Whoah, now that I see her for real I can find some likeness with Carmen." thought the French.
The presentations made, they got to the heart of the subject. The Interpol agent was translating.
" So you're saying … that my daughter is still alive ?" asked the woman, moved.
" Yes she is. But before that, tell me what you know about Dexter." replied Chase.
" He told me he was working for an import export society. I was born in this country and grew up here. I spent some time in Argentina because of my work back then. But Dexter agreed to follow me here after we married. My family helped me finding a home. Once our child was born and old enough it was time for us to leave. But …"
Hm, an ordinary history. Dexter of course never told his wife about his criminal life as an international thief, certainly fearing she would leave him.
" An arson … an arson destroyed our home. I lost everything within one single night, just before we moved. It took me forever to recover from that loss. Until now, I would have never imagine that my child survived. But how ?"
Ah, the delicate part. How to tell her that in reality her husband was killed because of his allegiance to a criminal organisation ? And the one sent here to kill him picked up her child ?
" Well, I don't know every detail, but someone witnessed the fire and heard your baby. So he could save her before the firemen arrived." lied Devineaux
" I see. And that man kept her I suppose."
" Yes. Since two bodies were found the authorities assumed they were her parents. No one opposed, and before anyone could he left with her. I met her during one of my missions and we bonded. A lot." continued Chase.
Carmen's mother nodded. Indeed, by the time she learnt what happened it was too late. No more tracks of anyone. Believing her family dead, she left Argentina.
" Would you like to see a photo ?" asked Chase.
" You have one ?"
" Yes. I … hm … I am her … her boyfriend actually." he confessed.
" Oh ! And you're doing this for her how cute !"
Chase blushed. He took out his mobile and presented it to his interlocutor. A tear fell on the screen.
" She's beautiful. She got the eyes of her father."
Devineaux let her contemplate it for a while. After what, he questioned her about a meeting. One hour later, he was back to his room. Time to leave and bring Carmen here. He felt proud of himself. He did it. He retrieved her mother and now, just had to reunite them for good. He took a night flight. It was very early in the morning when he arrived in San Diego. A taxi brought him close to the HQ, he ended up by foot. The team was still asleep, so he reached his room silently. He took a shower then headed to Carmen's room. He slipped in her bed. The young lady turned, putting and arm around him. Chase smiled, kissing her head. He stayed here one hour, savouring her presence, her sweet warmth he missed. Then he decided to prepare breakfast.
" Chase ! Hey pal you're back !" greeted Zack, arriving in the kitchen.
" Hi there Zack. How are you ?" smiled Devineaux.
" Fine. When did you arrive ?"
The Bostonian sat while his friend served him.
" Early in the morning."
Ivy followed, greeting the man happily as well. Then …
" Chase ! My love you're back !" exclaimed Carmen, discovering him.
She ran to him. He closed his arms around her.
" Why didn't you tell me you were arriving, I would have come get you." she resumed.
" Because it was dawn. Now, sit and eat we'll talk later alright ?"
" Fine."
Carmen took her place around the table. Chase greeted Shadowsan while exiting. Half an hour later, Sandiego found her man in the living-room.
" There you are my love. Come, there's something I must tell you." he announced, with a sign of his fingers.
Carmen went to him and sat on his knees, curious.
" Voilà. I have news about my research, concerning your mother." he began.
She rounded eyes.
" News ? Like … you found her ?"
" Yes."
" Oh … oh my. It went … quite fast." she said.
" That's because I began a while ago, before you confessed to me to be precise." revealed Chase.
" What ? Wait. So when you told me you were working on a missing person case, it was in fact for my mother ?" she questioned.
He nodded.
" Why didn't you said anything ? You needn't to hide it from me." wondered Carmen.
" Simply because I didn't want to see your disappointment with each fake track. It can be very difficult to bear." explained Devineaux, his fingers passing on her cheek.
" Gee ! You have to stop thinking I'm made of glass. I'm used to high pressure thanks to my upbringing."
" This time it's different. It touches you very personally. There's no training for that kind of situation." he replied, soft tone.
Carmen sighed. Alright, he just wanted to preserve her. That was touching of him.
" So … where is she ?" wondered the lady.
" In Italy. I asked Interpol to treat this with utmost priority, as a reward for your help against VILE. They looked for every record about your father, and if anyone was with him. Using a software to age her, we could have a better portrait. Then, cameras here and there refined the search." detailed Devineaux.
Carmen remained silent, just to assimilate all this. It was done, her boyfriend found her. She could see her … her mother.
" Wanna see a photo ? I asked in case."
Sandiego nodded. Chase presented his phone. Carmen took it like a precious artefact. Her mother, her family …
" Are you sure … it's her ?"
" Totally. I collected some of your hair to make DNA analyses, in order to confirm."
" You're stealing from me now ? I'll have to punish you." she teased.
" Yeah right. I'd like to see you doing that, miss cuddle addict." he retorted.
" Grmph !"
Anyway, he already talked to her. Apparently, she knew nothing about her husband previous life. Chase explained to his girlfriend what he told about how did she survived the arson. Carmen nodded to that. She considered that possibility.
" What's her name ?"
" Helena Ferrucci. But that's her marital name. Before being wed it was Romano. Your father took this name, apparently."
" Romano. So that's my real family name." muttered Carmen.
" I prefer Sandiego personally. Now listen, she is ready to meet you. She said she'll take two weeks of holidays for that. I got her number to arrange the meeting." announced Chase.
Carmen nodded again, gulping. That was fast, but she wouldn't want it other way. Devineaux asked to get up. Taking back his phone he dialled Helena's number. Five minutes later, it was planned. It was a nervous Carmen that went to shower and planned this journey. She announced the new to the rest of the team later. All were happy for her. Sandiego nervously waited for the day of departure. Chase was accompanying her. He tried to calm her down, knowing it would have little effect until they arrive. Carmen tempted to keep her cool as well. She never felt that nervous since she confessed to her boyfriend. Minutes before the meeting were somehow a blur for her. They agreed to meet on a park. Sandiego looked everywhere. Chase touched her shoulder and pointed a lady.
She has the same hair as her daughter, her skin was as matt as hers. Carmen stiffened. Here she was. Chase gently pushed her to Helena. Finally, face to face.
" It's you … my daughter." she breathed.
" M-mother ?"
They embraced and shed some tears. Chase backed a bit away, leaving them space.
" You have your father's eyes. My, what a splendid young lady you became." said Helena.
Carmen smiled. They sat on a bench to discuss. Helena told her story to her daughter. Now, she was married and had two other children, two teen boys. Her family was aware she lost a child before, and that was actually alive. Carmen said she was raised by the one who saved her, which was part true.
" I was hoping to meet him today, to thank him for taking care of you." made Helena.
" He's the shy type. But we'll make the request to him." intervened Chase, leaned on the bench near Sandiego.
" Oh, well yes please."
Carmen smiled to him.
" By the way, what name did he gave you ?" wondered Helena.
" Carmen Sandiego."
" Ah ! That's a funny coincidence, Carmen is the second name I chose for you. Your father picked up Juanita as first." smiled Helena.
They chattered until noon, learning to know each other. They continued during a meal in a restaurant.
" Do you want to stay alone with her ? I can come fetch you next week." suggested Chase, while they were visiting the town.
" No. I want you to stay with me. And … I have to reward you for your work." replied the girl, almost purring the last words.
He had a broad smile and blushed.
" You know, I'm glad she decided to call you Carmen as well. I'm too used to call you that way." he added.
" A good thing indeed, I also like that first name." she smiled.
Helena turned, waiting for them.
" Then let's go, my precious Carmen Sandiego." he concluded mid voice.
Carmen pressed against him. They spent two agreeable weeks visiting and for Carmen, getting to know her mother. She hugged her at the airport, quite moved to say goodbye. Chase immediately embraced her to comfort.
Once back, the rest of the team listened to Sandiego telling how it went. They were all happy for her.
"Hmm guys, sorry to interrupt, but Interpol just reported me about a thief they believed tied to VILE." announced Chase.
" Oh ? I thought I'd never hear that name again." commented Zack.
" Well with an international organization, there's still things left to do. Some are still connected to them and in the nature."
" So what's the story here ?" asked Carmen.
" There's an exposition about ancient Japan that will occur next week, in this country. Interpol ask us to check on it."
Japan … Shadowsan leaned eyes. He was somehow hoping to never set foot over there. Looked like destiny wasn't done with him yet. Carmen glanced at him. He just had a little sigh. The young girl went to him later during the day.
" You know … you're not compelled to come with us this time." she said.
" I told you I'll follow you to the end of the line. I won't flee this time either." replied the old man.
" The thing is, we already reached the end of the line. So if you don't feel like joining I can understand."
" I will be fine, don't worry."
Carmen just nodded then. After that, she went to inform her boyfriend about this particular mission.
" Ah. I had no idea. I hope he'll be fine."
"Me too. We'll see."
The next week saw them arriving in Japan. Interpol awaited them there, to lead them to the exhibition park. On the way, the local agent give Devineaux a file. Carmen took a photo with her phone to sent it to Player. That one looked in the files found next to VILE island. The hacker confirmed the tie with the former organization. Carmen thanked him. Now, they could act. Once in the part, Ivy used Red Drone to map the place.
" He's here." made Shadowsan.
Sandiego and Devineaux turned their head. Hideo was farther, supervising a part of the incoming exposition. Shadowsan decided to ignore his brother, and focused on the list of employees and exhibitors.
" This is really sad. I still wonder which is worst between not knowing your family or be rejected by it. Luckily for me, now I know mine at least." commented Carmen, crossing arms.
" The second one. When you don't know it there's still hope, but once you're banished from your family … it's way more complicated." replied Chase.
" I suppose you're right. I'd really like to help him."
" Hmm, then begin by supporting him. I'll handle his brother." continued Chase.
" Fine, good luck."
She kissed him before joining Shadowsan. Devineaux approached Hideo and introduced himself :
" I'd like to talk to you about a personal matter. I'm your brother's family."
" I'm afraid you must be mistaken. I have no brother." replied Hideo.
" Hm. And is the consciousness fine ?" dared Devineaux.
" What ?"
" I'm an Interpol inspector, actually. I saw kids like your brother getting lost, choosing the wrong path more often than you can imagine. And their family always wonder the same things : what did I do wrong ? Was I too strict, or not enough ? Should I have been more present, or was I too invasive ? Should we have talked more ?" precised Chase, planting his eyes on his interlocutor's one.
" …"
Hideo leaned eyes. He … wondered that as well. Wondered what could he have done to avoid his little brother going on the path of darkness. Had he been too strict ?
" I don't see how this your problem. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
" Sorry but no can do. I have a debt toward your brother, I'd like to repay him, I believe you can understand that. Please, allow me to do it." insisted Chase.
" A debt ? How in hell could you owe him anything ? He, who can only bring dishonour ?" said Hideo, with disdain.
" You attach too much importance to honour. There's some people in your country that believe they have honour, but they're nothing but criminals. Honour doesn't bring courage, generosity, nor loyalty. There's things more important than this. Your brother taught me a lot, and helped me change. He also raised a remarkable young lady, and is now working with me to fight an international criminal organization. I don't know what it takes for you to get that he redeemed himself."
After an instant, Chase added that if by chance he wanted to talk with him, he was there. He could also act as a mediator if needed.
" Just … don't spit your bitterness to him. He's already aware of it and enough ashamed that way." concluded Chase.
The man decided to let him reflect on this. He made three steps before Hideo called him :
" What kind of role does he have in this family of yours ?"
" He's the grumpy grandpa. But that's how we love him." made Chase with a huge smile.
Hideo then had a weird sound.
" Wow, was that a laugh ?"
A laugh tried to be hold back. Chase went back to his team and family to continue their mission. Carmen came to him, an interrogating expression on her face.
" We'll see what will happen. We can't force him, I just hope I didn't make more harm than good." said the French.
" You did what you could, and it was very nice of you to try." replied his girlfriend softly.
He smiled to her. Now, back to their mission. They had to spot the thief. With everyone busy time just flew. Their target arrived during the exposition. Carmen mingled in the crowd with her usual attire. That was enough to lure the thief. As expected, he wanted to make her pay for VILE's fall. So she headed to where her team was awaiting. Shadowsan and Chase just had to caught him.
" So I guess our time here is over." commented Carmen.
" Seems so. Well then, time to leave I suppose." sighed Chase.
As they faced Shadowsan to exit, that one displayed a shocked face.
" What ?" said the couple.
Turning, they noticed Hideo. That one approached, a bit timid.
" Hello, Suhara. I was wondering … if you're free now … maybe we could talk a bit ?" he said.
Shadowsan remained mouth opened, so Carmen had to nudge him. The Japanese nodded and agreed. Chase and Carmen smiled to each other. The brothers exited and walked a bit outside in silence.
" I must say … I'm quite surprised you decided to speak to me. May I know what decided you ?" began Shadowsan.
" The French man who's accompanying you. Said he was from your family. I must admit that I was quite taken aback when he said that. I never imagined you of all people would have a family. I even believed it was a joke at first. But … I saw the expression when he talked about you. There was affection, and even pride in his words. An Interpol inspector was proud of you. It surprised me even more. He also said out loud what I was thinking in my inner self. I know … I failed to raise you properly."
" You didn't ! I'm the one who's at fault here. I made the wrong choices, not you. I listened to my pride rather than common sense. Hideo I am so sorry. I wish I could show it rather than say it." contradicted Shadowsan.
" You did somehow. I'm aware you helped caught a thief. You did change." admitted Hideo.
Shadowsan had a little smile. They continued strolling for a while. Later, he went to find the others. He spotted Chase and went straight to him. The latter feared for a second that his meeting turned wrong. But … Shadowsan kneeled before him, his forehead almost touching the floor.
" You have my eternal gratitude." he said.
Chase blushed in embarrassment.
" So it went well I take it ?" questioned Carmen.
Shadowsan got up.
" We just talked a bit. There's still a long way ahead of us, but it's more than I hoped for. And I owe it to you, Chase."
" Don't mention it. You taught me how to be more useful to Carmen, so now we're even." replied Chase, lifting a hand.
" We are indeed. You chose an excellent man Carmen. Take utmost care of him." added Shadowsan with a smile.
" Oh don't worry. Hell yes I will." she said, surrounding his waist.
" One last thing. Next time you dare to say I'm a grumpy grandpa, I'll make you sushi."
Everyone laughed.
" As long as only Carmen eats me, I'll be fine. That way, we'll be one forever. But if you were to taste … I'll be sure to give you hell." retorted Devineaux.
" Ew !" commented Carmen.
" Hmph ! Somehow I expected that kind of answer."
" Hey, if Shadowsan is the grandpa, what are we ?" asked Zack.
" Easy enough, intervened Player. Carmen and Chase are the mom and dad, you two are the kids."
" And what about you Player ?" asked Carmen, amused.
" The deranged cousin." replied Chase making the others laughing.
" Hey !"
" Well, you did say you liked to be in a dark cave. Not very normal if you ask me."
" You ... pray that I never get out of it !" falsely threatened Player.
" No need, the sun will burn you like a vampire. I'm perfectly safe." retorted Chase.
" Alright everybody. Let's go back home." concluded Carmen.
Later, at the HQ … Chase found his girlfriend on the roof, admiring the setting sun. He closed his arms around her, and kissed her neck.
" So, how does it feel to have a home and a family ?" he asked.
" Good. It's even better than I expected. We still have some VILE henchmen to catch, but it's no big deal compared to before." she said.
" Sure. The biggest part is done. I learned that all the VILE bosses were now jailed for the rest of their lives, with high surveyance." announced Chase.
" Perfect. Let's now enjoy every moment together."
" My thoughts exactly."