MISSION 9:
Duos
AN: I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far! This old story never went anywhere years ago, and I restarted to rewrite it this year. I'll probably send a link to the old version in the next chapter. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter as well! - GreyDog
A certain boy sat quietly on the Enforcer's Investigation Unit floor, specifically Winston's cubicle, watching the adults around give him a look as he bobbed his head back and forth. This was his fifth day as their helper for this unit until the end of the week. Ethan was getting annoyed with the stares and being woken up so early. The only positive is that he can remove his stuffy mask, which had been slightly altered, but still irritating to wear.
Chance would drop him off at Enforcer Headquarters, wishing him good luck as if Ethan was being dropped off at school and handed some lunch made by Evelyn. However, it was not a school, but his new responsibility, June was ecstatic with his quick recovery and sent him away to help the Enforcers. Like her usual attitude, June keeps reminding kats and the boy to be ready for anything.
Everyone had different emotions when hearing about Ethan's new job, especially concerning the Enforcers, which everyone despised for various reasons. Whether it be grudges or beliefs that Enforcers could not be trusted, June quickly and happily told them that they needed to accept it and see the benefits of it, which she did not divulge to them at all. The Strays grumbled in acceptance, and some warned Ethan to keep his guard up.
Ethan shook his head, looking around the room, and recalled being pulled to the side by June, telling him to keep his eyes peeled and report anything suspicious to her. So far, nothing major or anything suspicious to write about, but Ethan was still unsure what he had to look for. The boy was confused by her request, but she quickly changed her demeanor and wished him good luck before he could ask what she meant.
Ethan groaned, rubbing his eyes and lazily sitting on the desk chair, waiting for his partner to arrive. He heard movement nearby and looked to see his favorite detective handing him a coffee and donut. Ethan groaned again, sipping the coffee angrily and reaching for the nearby condiments to make it taste better.
"Remind me, why can't we just arrest kats when I show you guys their image at the scene?" Ethan asked, feeling more awake but barely.
"Well, it's simple…." Winston said, leaning on his desk and grabbing his coffee, "There are laws, and you can't just convince a jury with magic. Lawyers will quickly pick apart your explanation and question its validity, regardless if it's truthful."
Ethan pouted, "So?"
Winston laughed, "Yeah…try telling that to a judge. 'So?'….you are riot kit. But hey, we are doing good work regardless. You should be proud."
"I guess…." Ethan blushed, looking away from his partner.
It was slow, but Ethan has managed to help with multiple cases, leading detectives in new directions and allowing them to pick holes in once-strong alibis. It was fun to see once-confident kats get steamrolled with new evidence they found or detectives forcing them to correct their earlier statements. At first, except for three detectives, nobody wanted the kid near them, but as soon as the duo started to make headway on the first two days, kats began asking for assistance. Word of mouth is a powerful thing, and it spreads like wildfire. It was one at first, but then everyone wanted Ethan to help them with their investigation. Captain Softpaw quickly dispersed his subordinates, told everyone not to rely on the kid so heavily, and to submit a request to him so there was some type of order.
Ethan shook his head at remembering that mess, "Hey…you are not bad yourself. How do you come up with those theories, or how do you figure things out in your head?"
"I've…..been very good at understanding patterns and understanding other perspectives since I was young. A bit odd, I know….but growing up, I had this fondness for understanding everyone's actions. Also, I have this guiding voice that always leads me in the right direction," Dante chuckled, wagging his tail and scratching his ear.
Ethan nodded, looking away as he remembered his magical teacher's explanation of everyone's silent talents when Ethan mentioned his danger alarms and Winston's senses. Dante explained that individuals sometimes are blessed with quiet abilities. He used Ethan as an example, who was prone to watching for danger when back at Finford and would follow his 'gut' feeling when sensing something was off. It was similar to people who felt lady luck when gambling or when something happens to someone they love, a voice that guides or warns those blessed. However, Ethan's blessing evolved when he was connected to his magic and more active than silent. Dante mused to Ethan that there was another reason someone could receive it apart from random luck, but he could not recall what it was.
"Detectives Jones and Hills, lovely morning, no?" Winston called out, getting Ethan's attention as they saw the pair passing them.
Hills and Jones stopped, raising an eyebrow at the two oddballs before nodding and waving hello at them. They left and went about their way without much fuzz.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, "Say….I forgot to ask….they seem nicer, no?"
"Well, my late mother told me that if you want someone to like you or change their perception of you….you kill them with kindness to the point of smothering them," Winston gritted his teeth in his smile, sighing and shaking his head. "However, I think the tiger in me just wants to strangle them. Canes are too damn forgiving at times."
"So…..why are they so nice?"
"Our first case together, a bit of milk whisky, and my loveable personality."
"Sure….let's go with that."
Crime in this vast city was everywhere, depending on where kats looked and checked. However, looking too deeply into things would lead citizens to death or disappearance from the public. Curiosity killed the kat. Of course, that did not stop well-trained undercover Enforcers or those looking for trouble. It was the hottest place to hear gossip between criminals and what they had heard others were doing or planning against the city.
In a tuna factory, inside one of the private bathrooms, a thuggish-looking silver kat looked at the mirror as he tapped his claws on the sink. For a brief moment, a minor glitch in his image revealed his true identity, Benson Scratch. He was wearing a helmet covering the upper half of his face, his trusty handgun on his side, a sort of wet suit with minor dot points at specific joints, and a small mechanical collar.
Benson winced, turning off the disguise, messing with his collar, and checking on all the points around his body, ensuring nothing would go wrong in the next few hours. He pinched his nose and took a quick breath in and out.
"I'm Colby Sanders. I'm Colby Sanders. Low-ranking officer for the Nikko family, no parents, one friend, and a bit stupid." Benson muttered to himself. He closed his eyes, trying hard to think of something to distract him as he prepared to embody this new look like a shirt.
"Sorry to interrupt, but are you doing okay?" Evelyn chimed in through Benson's earpiece.
Benson's ears flicked, and he pressed on the tip of his left ear, "Just need a moment. Can you please distract me?"
"Sure, Specter. Ethan is getting better at his studies, wouldn't you agree?"
Benson smiled, feeling a bit proud of improving the kid's education. He fiddles with his collar device, an experimental technology designed by Puma-Dyne though utterly different from the original full-body suit. The Stray's relationship with those scientists is a give-and-take in which they would be provided experimental technology and act like test subjects. Of course, their two tech geeks, Jake and Jason, alter it and add additions to the tech.
"It's all on him at the end of the day. I just wish the explosive duo would accept our situation and just help the kit out," Benson mused, messing with a point and checking the connection of his left arm.
"Yeah, that's not going to happen anytime soon….especially with Atom," Evelyn said, a sigh being heard on the other side, "Say, Specter, you never had any reservations about the kit?"
Benson paused, thinking deeply, "When I was called in, maybe. However, it's easy for me to read kats, and Ethan didn't flag me as an untrustworthy kit. Of course, it helped my decision when he warned me and saved those two enforcers. I cleared him and wanted to help him then and there."
"A very straightforward kind of mentality. But maybe that's why….."
"That's why, what?" Benson asked, raising an eyebrow when hearing Evelyn's chuckle.
"Say, has Valkyrie talked to you…like alone?" Evelyn gushed. Anyone could hear her attempting to close in and the sound of her excitement.
"I'm not sure what you are implying, but she did come to me to invite me for a drink. I agreed, and we just talked about things. She did get furious after I called her a 'dear friend,'…. she hasn't talked to me since," Benson explained, hearing a loud thud from the other side and a sigh.
"You have a degree in psychology….and you are this oblivious?" Evelyn criticized.
Benson blinked, feeling like another she-kat was getting mad at him for no reason. He thought about what he had said and shook his head. "I'm….. I'm kind of stuck….what do you mean?"
"Forget it! Also, hold on…."
Benson could hear someone waking up, a dart gun going off, a thud, and Evelyn returning to her chair. The true Colby is taking a nice long nap in a van outside with the doctor, who ensured he stayed down and would be dumped somewhere once they were done. The captive kat will have a bad headache tomorrow and probably wonder why he cannot remember today.
"So…." Benson casually said, not alarmed by what he had heard. Something came to mind. He got severe and gripped the counter, "Are you doing okay? Especially about hearing about Ethan's father."
"Let's just say….if I could ever meet that male, it wouldn't end well," Evelyn said with a dry tone, almost hearing the sound of a killer on the other line. She sighed and tapped something, "I just wish T-Bone had told me sooner and not in the meeting. Then again, I did snap at him when Ethan came to me with a fixed shoulder a few days ago. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten so mad when they brushed it off, and he would have told me then and there."
Benson weakly smiled, checking his leg receptors, "Being mad is understandable. It's what makes us kats. You and T-Bone make an interesting pa-"
"I rather not hear this from you, captain oblivious! The tabby and I are not a thing!" Evelyn snapped.
Benson's ear twitched, and he winced at the yell. 'Yep, I don't get she-kats!' he thought while recovering. He heard a bang at the door, making him swiftly turn his disguise. He monologued with himself and prepared to become another kat.
"Showtime," Benson whispered before casually walking to the door with a sway, "Whut? Can't I shit in piece ya fucking dicks!"
Ethan sat with Winston in Captain Softpaw's office, both waiting as they were told by his secretary to stay there until further notice. They were aiding a case earlier when Winston's radio went off, and Ethan was explicitly requested to return to the building.
As they waited, Winston pulled out Ethan's homework and guided the boy as best he could. June had asked Winston to ensure Ethan was not slacking on his education material and had informed the mix of the boy's issues. Much to Ethan's annoyance, Winston did not mind, happy to help his struggling partner get to where he needed to be.
"Why can't I have a break!" Ethan blurted out, getting annoyed that he had minimal freedom. "This sucks! This…sucks!"
Winston laughed, "This brings back memories. Look, this is-"
Ethan grabbed the text from Winston's paw and threw it toward the door, almost hitting the incoming captains as they ducked at the incoming projectile. Ethan winced, putting his hand together and apologizing quickly when getting Captain Softpaw's stare.
"Ah…..my bad," Ethan said, noticing the female captain, who picked up the text and firmly handed it back to him.
"You drop this," she said. She was a sizeable light grey and white Maine Coon and just a foot shorter than Captain Softpaw. "I'm Captain Monty, do not litter in this building. You hear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ethan whispered, feeling her death stare and firm grip on his shoulder.
"Good. It's a pleasure to meet Captain Softpaw's helper and his kit," Captain Monty acknowledge them, "I'll be brief. I have asked for assistance after hearing about your abilities. We have a situation with a kitnapping and need assistance finding them before time runs out. The ransom was paid, but the kitnappers never brought them back and are asking for more by the end of the day or else."
Ethan grinned, grateful to have the opportunity to be a hero and not do boring homework. Without hesitation, Ethan jumped off his chair and pointed at himself, "Alright, we are in!"
In the middle of the desert, on private property owned by a once wealthy individual that was now dead, Jason waited patiently near a cave's entrance. Their original mission took a turn, leading them to explore the once-private area and finally figure out why kats have been missing. Another thing that plagues this city is mutated monsters, whether by kats dumping chemicals, someone testing new formulas, or just an idiot with too much time.
Jason wore his mission suit – body armor, an atomic logo patch on his back, grey and white color schemes, a large tool belt with different gadgets, and a helmet covering his upper face. He fiddles with his new favorite weapon, a customized missile launcher that can shoot various things depending on what ammo he loads up. He grinned as he thanked Jake mentally, whose creative mind was more significant than Jason and aided him in further developing Jason's arsenal.
"That genius keeps on delivering," Jason said, rubbing his weapon and musing to himself a name. "Hmmm…Big Bertha or Yellow Jacket. Hmmm?"
Jason also looked at the two Sandkat nearby and giddily got excited at the boundless potential. Jake, and with the assistance of Jason, have been recreating all the Swat Kats gear – alternating or expanding on things. Sandkat had Enforcer's colors with the Strays logo on the side, extra compartments, and the ability to change to more appropriate street wheels.
"Atom, do you copy?" Tina growled over his headset, followed by laser shots, "You better be ready for me!"
Jason rolled his eyes, returning his attention to the cave and pointing his weapon at the entrance, "Sounds like someone is regretting going solo."
"In your dreams, just dealing with some disgusting bugs! Nothing a fly swatter can't handle!"
"Did you at least place my bombs around the nest?" Jason asked, yawning and casually looking at the remote mansion some distance away.
"Ah, you don't trust me. Gah! Eat this, you fucking ants!" Tina shouted. The sound of gunfire and lasers could be heard, plus awful sounds from the ants echoing from the cave.
"I still can't believe kats keep messing around with chemicals," Jason sighed, recalling that Tina had found that rich kat's dead carcass with his staff. He gripped his gun, his eye twitched, and he gritted his teeth. "We could have avoided this if that dumbass didn't feel the need to grow his ant farm. He got what he deserved, but his staff and all those kats…."
There was silence on the other end. Jason snapped his attention back to the cave, quickly snapping his helmet's visor, which changed until it was set to the location setting, as his eyes darted around for his partner. He grimaced when he noticed a blimp, and it remained still, not moving any meters toward him. He was about to step forward until he saw the blimp bolting toward him.
"Atom, start the sequence now!" Tina called out, her figure finally appearing within the cave's entrance. Behind her, a couple of deformed ants were after her, as big as the Turbo Kat and two heads bobbing back and forth.
Jason did not blink, swiftly changing his visors view for aim assist mode, pulling a customized switch from his belt of utilities, and pressing the button in Tina's direction.
The loud sound of thunder and rumbling could be heard, starting from below and quickly approaching the cave's entrance—enough explosives to decimate an entire building and powerful enough to leave no traces behind.
Jason pulled his bazooka and aimed at the entrance, waiting until Tina could get out of the way. When she was cleared, ducking to the side, he pressed the trigger, quickly launching a missile toward the incoming ants. The rocket made contact with one of the ants, and with a big flash, a wave blast occurred, brushing Jason's fur as he used his weapon to stay steady. The ants were obliterated, the cave collapsed, and the entrance was soon sealed shut. Dust clouds surrounded the area.
"Shit!" Jason shouted, waving at the air and coughing as the dust surrounded him.
After a moment, the dust settled, and Jason scanned the area. He noticed his partner was not around, and his heart beat fast. Quickly dropping his weapon and heading toward where Tina was last spotted. He cursed when he noticed the bomb was too powerful as rocks had fallen in the direction she went.
"VALKYRIE!" Jason shouted, looking around the rocks and swiftly jumping towards the biggest one to look around. He looked around like a madman and was about to touch his visor for assistance when a loud boom was heard nearby. He looked to see one of the rocks being pushed back with force, almost hitting him as he ducked to the side. When cleared, Jason saw a powerful glowing shield from where it came from, and it quickly retracted to reveal Tina.
"Alright, still alive and kicking!" Tina laughed, swiftly flipping herself to be on her feet. She wore her own gear with similar colors but lighter armor, a laser rifle behind her, two laser pistols at her side, a minimal tool belt, her variant glovatrix - a shield for offense and defense - and half an upper mask with metal feathers on her sides.
Jason jumped towards her, almost running at her, when he quickly halted, slowing down and pretending as if nothing had happened. He grinned and waved at his battle sister, which he would deny saying out loud or to her. He went for a high five, which Tina responded to, and then gut-punched him with a grin.
"Got ya!" Tina laughed, dodging Jason's swing in retaliation, "That was a close one, right Atom?"
Jason was still recovering from the sneak attack, "Yeah….. though, can you not hit me every time we high-five?"
"Need you to be alert at all times. Not my fault you're too slow!" Tina laughed, heading toward where they had left the Sandkats. Her ears perked when she heard helicopters approaching, "Speaking of slow….It seems that Enforcers finally decided to show up…. a bit too late for the cavalry!"
"What's new? They wanted to go about the right way with warrants and shit. But hey….at least we get to do the fun part and not worry about the cleanup," Jason laughed, imagining their annoyance and utter disgust for them.
Tina nodded in agreement before remembering something. She stopped and turned to face her partner. "Say….how's sleeping with June's subordinate?"
Jason stopped laughing, mouth dropping, and quickly looked away from Tina's gaze. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
"C'mon, Atom, Specter has a better poker face than you. You two blew it when your stupid mouth said that shit to Grim. I saw you briefly touching him. It now makes sense why you smell like his favorite cologne. Jeez, how hard did you fall for our little secretary?"
"Shut up and mind your own damn business. Or if you want to play this little game…." Jason paused, quickly thinking, "Do you want to tell me what happened between you and Specter?"
Tina's tail frazzled, gritting her teeth and kicking the sand angrily, "Stupid four eyes! Gah! Alright, you made your point…but let me tell you one thing."
Jason glared at her, moving around but nodding to hear her out.
"He's not like us, Atom. He can wake up one day and decide to go back with the Enforcers. We are stuck with the Strays till June lets us go, or we die," Tina challenged, grabbing Jason's arm and tugging him. "Look, I'm not one for this sappy stuff, but you are….my…..my best friend who had my back when they fucked us over. So….just be cautious with that one."
The tom eyed his partner, eyes softening and hardening, trying hard to make up his mind on things. He shook Tina's arm and walked away, "Look….I just….want something for myself. We….I lost everything and just...want something. You…"
Jason stopped and turned back to look at Tina. "You need to stop questioning everything and start living…..starting with YOU asking that dumbass out."
Tina winced, dropping her usual uncompromising attitude and crossing her arms. She sighed and went to his side, touching his shoulder. "Let's just pretend this conversation didn't happen. How does that sound?"
"Fine."
Standing around on the side of the street, Winston and Ethan watched as the investigators took pictures of the shadowy suspect before he put on the mask. A panther with a scar under his eyes. It was something, but it would take too long to dig up information about this individual in this expansive city. All thanks to a lighter that this panther dropped at the scene of the kitnapping. The victims were two fraternal twins, snow leopards, and their father was a very important businesskat in project development. The twins were nabbed when their chauffeur was driving them. They were ambushed, and the chauffeur was killed when attempting to protect the kits.
"I guess this city has a kitnapping problem," Ethan muttered, letting go of his projection and taking a bite of Evelyn's bar. Ethan made a sound and shivered at the taste, "Yep….not getting used to that awful taste!"
Winston eyed the boy and ruffled Ethan's hair, "We'll start again later but let me get some real food in us. I think there's a good restaurant nearby. Craving anything specific?"
"Not really, just get me whatever," Ethan replied, sitting at a nearby stony bench, looking disappointed at how the investigation was going. "I wish this could go faster."
"Hey, patience is a virtue. We will find those kits in time, but trying to force things isn't going to help. I'll be right back!" Winston said, waving his hand and heading away from the investigation area.
Ethan rolled his eyes, shaking his head at patience and wanting to find those kits soon. However, he's stuck with his limited powers and needs a break so he does not strain himself. The Enforcers were using him as another camera, trying to see if they could find any information that would lead them to the kitnappers. Ethan eyed the Enforcers around him as they briefly looked at him.
The unit he was working for was the Hostage Negotiation Unit, kats that specialize in dealing with issues with kats holding others captive. They would deal with any situation ranging from minor holdups to VIP cases like this one to international captives. It would have been a simple day for these kats, putting a tracker on the money, following them, and swiftly dispatching them. However, it appears criminals are adapting to them, as they quickly find and disable the tracker. Not only that, it appears they were getting assistance from the underground world to disappear completely.
Ethan sighed, heading aimlessly toward the mobile control room where kats were reviewing footage of the kitnapping and any nearby cameras that could help with the investigation. Ethan poked his head and watched someone reverse the footage and rewatch the scene. Before he can go inside, he hears a growl and sees one of the adults prevent him from entering, shooing him away and closing the door.
Ethan scoffed, kicking a nearby trash can and walking away. This was the usual treatment for him. The Enforcers had him at arm's length and would only seek him when they needed something. Apart from that, Ethan must remain clear and not get in the way of them as they work on things. Curiosity, disgust, anger, and fear are what he can sense with the Enforcers around him.
Putting his hands in the pockets of his sweater, Ethan went to a nearby tree or a projection of one. Its cherry leaves fall and return to their original spot. Ethan mused to himself how technologically advanced this society was but how it seemed like their style was stuck in the 90s. There was such a focus on creating better technology that other aspects lagged behind, apparent in their pop culture, clothing, and other non-essential items.
Ethan began to tap his foot, his impatience seeping out as he wanted to do something instead of being on standby. "It's not like they are doing anything special. Just playing an image over and over again. I can reverse things too, like them and this tree and…."
Ethan paused, remembering he never went backward with his Shadow Resonance, always forward and with enough detail to see clear images. Dante had told him that if it was too easy, the magic would be weaker but would work and be less strain on him. His other mentor came to mind. Jake told him he should experiment with his tools like Shadow Gateway's instant transfer and storage.
"Hmm…experiment with Shadow Resonance. Reverse the image, lower the output, and…."
Ethan hit the palm of his hand with his other hand, thinking about something and realizing he could do something. He did not need a clear image but just a follow a blob of the shadow and follow it in reverse. Ethan looked around for Winston before realizing he was still getting food for them.
"Should I wait?" Ethan muttered, looking at a nearby clock.
They were reaching the last hour before they had to pay up again. Ethan's eyes drifted to the Enforcers, but part of him shook his head and watched one give him a disgusting look. Apart from Winston and some Enforcers, he did not trust or feel inclined to ask for help from these kats. 'They don't want me around,' Ethan thought, looking back to the clock.
Ethan recalled Mia being held by her parents, and he wondered if these twins hoped to be back with their parents already. Ethan stood silently before looking around with determination.
"Better than doing nothing."
Ethan looked around and began planning his escape, transportation, and defense weapon. Guards were set up everywhere and would turn him back around if they saw him trying to leave without Winston. There was a bathroom nearby, and he could use it to go, appearing outside the investigation area with his Shadow Gateway. On foot would take too long, so he needed a ride, so the city's taxi would be an excellent method of transportation. Money was no issue for him as there were enough kats to pickpocket from. Finally, he needed a weapon since he was forbidden to take his cards after the fiery mess and the lack of need for them in his role to help with investigations.
"What can I…." Ethan stopped when noticing some Enforcer cars nearby, a devilish grin appeared, and his final piece of the puzzle was complete. "Alright!"
Back at the base, Jake and Chance were fixing the Turbo Kat, with minimal talking, grunts, or hisses to indicate the other kat to move. It was really awkward between the two as they went to break and ate a plain old sandwich, away from each other and trying not to get in each other's way. They would glance at each other at times, wondering about things, but quickly look away as their burning anger towards each other lingered like the sun.
Chance pinched his nose in frustration, wondering if they would be alright once the Turbo Kat was operational. It was something he kept thinking about when he got out of prison. It further did not help that their interaction with each other has not been civil. The Turbo Kat needs a duo for it to work a hundred percent. It could spell disaster for them if they question each other every second and get distracted.
Jake was watching the tabby with a nearby reflection, seeing his ex-partner's frustration and glances at him. He rumbled in his throat, wondering if the tabby was thinking about fighting him again, not realizing he was thinking about the same thing Chance was thinking. He needed a pilot to be the gunner, and Chance needed a gunner so he could be the pilot. It was that simple, and that complicated their dilemma.
"Say…" Chance was the first to say, which caused the younger tom's ear to perk up and glance at the tabby. Chance took a swing of his beer before continuing, "How are things going with Ethan's training?"
Jake blinked, expecting something else. However, this was a middle ground that he could somewhat freely talk to Chance about. Jake clicked his tongue and scratched his neck to formulate a response to a simple question. "He's getting better."
"That's….good to hear."
"Yeah," Jake drawled, dropping his sandwich on his plate, "How's physical training going with him?"
Chance winced and groaned as he recalled his training with Ethan, "He's a bit weaker than kats his age. Can't climb for shit. Ain't flexible and is a bit rigid. He's good at running though I wouldn't call him an expert. I'm just…..worried about how Tina will train him next week."
"Especially with that mouth of his," Jake added, which got a laugh from Chance. He glared at the tabby, "However, it looks like someone has been training his insults... walking handjob? Seriously?"
Feeling proud, Chance smirked, "Hey, I just laid the groundwork, and he's coming up with the insults. So THAT'S why he came running that day? Give the kit a break…..four twenty-three….milkshake….backpack….he just needed a win after…."
Jake saw Chance's eyes harden like a light switch, but a killer look appeared instead of light. The tabby threw his beer bottle with force, shattering the bottle against a wall. The tabby began pacing himself, kicking a can out of his way as he tried to calm himself. Jake knew about the Furlong's temper well. Jake would have minded his business, but Chance was close to the jet.
"Hey!" Jake growled, getting the tabby to glare at him with such animosity, "Don't break anything important, stupid."
Chance clenched his fist but cooled down as he knew what Jake was referring to, "Do you think I'm that stupid to break this baby?"
"No, though, I rather not buff out a dent because you are flinging things around. So cool your jet and just go to the corner," Jake warned, putting his paw out and telling Chance to go a different direction.
Chance glared at Jake but agreed silently, heading towards an area away from the jet and into an open space, away from anything he could throw. Looking to the ceiling above, he growled and slowly drew his claws back, crossing his arms and counting out numbers to calm down.
After feeling cool enough, Chance turned around and headed toward Jake, making the smaller tom tense up and prepare for a swing.
"Can I ask you a favor?" Chance muttered, stopping a few feet away and putting a paw up to indicate he would not attack.
Jake slowly nodded his head.
"Can you ease up on the kit? Look….apart from me. He spends a good time around you. Don't tell him I told you, but he talks about you and is starting to enjoy your help with his magic," Chance said, recalling how Ethan started to bother Jake each day with questions and guidance, much to Jake's annoyance and regret on agreeing to help him.
Jake raised an eyebrow, "I don't recall owing you anything. I swear….if it is not you that I'm dealing with, then it's your annoying shadow. Crud, since when do you care about anyone but yourself?"
The smaller tom shook his head, going around the tabby and heading to work on the jet. Their break was over, and he wanted to finish this jet. He stopped, sighing when a terrible memory struck him, and he looked at the floor. Hearing a fraction of Ethan's past struck him, and it bothered him as well, though he would be damn to reveal that to anyone.
"It's not like I had a choice on becoming his teacher," Jake said, ignoring the tabby, who turned to look at him with a surprised look. "I had already made up my mind a while ago. Besides, I can't let an idiot influence him. One Furlong is good enough."
Chance scowled, "Aw….seems like someone is getting soft too."
"Choke on a hairball, let's finish this jet, you big oaf!"
Somewhere in one of the city's suburban areas, getting late in the afternoon, a masked individual made his way toward a secluded home. It was Ethan, and he was messing with his stuffy mask in annoyance before clicking on the doorbell. He waited a bit before ringing the doorbell repeatedly till a very annoyed panther finally opened the door with a bat, eyeing above till he noticed the small figure below.
The panther blinked in confusion but glared at this unwanted guest with infuriation though curious on seeing a masked individual, "What the fuck you want, kit?"
"Don't mind me. Going to use your bathroom," Ethan said, ignoring the kat and entering the house uninvited. When entering and saw the side living room, he quickly noticed the other individuals in the house. They were dumbstruck as the kit waved at them, heading towards the stairs.
Ethan felt a tug from his neckerchief, getting pulled back as he spun around and faced the panther.
"Who the fuck invited you?" the panther spat, "Get the fuck out!"
"Say…..do you happen to know a couple of twins that were kitnapped?" Ethan said, putting his hand in the pockets of his sweater, taking a few steps back, and sitting down. "They said a couple of kats took them but never returned them even though the parents paid the ransom."
The panther's eyes widened, tensing up, making him weary of the kid. His eyes quickly glanced at his partners, who also heard the kid, and one of them looked outside, returning with a shaking head. He laughed, putting his bat facing down and leaning on it as he looked at the kid.
"Huh? You know, you just caught my interest. Why the question?"
Ethan strokes the chin of his mask, realizing something and pulling a bag with a lighter. He dangled it and threw it at the panther, who swiftly caught it.
"You are the dumbass that dropped this!" Ethan said, putting his hand back in his pocket and muttering a chant quietly.
Now the panther was correct to assume something, staring at his favorite lighter he dropped when nabbing the twins. He snapped his fingers for his subordinates to close in and ensure their guest did not leave the house. He was about to say something when Ethan put one finger out.
"One question, are they upstairs….." Ethan paused, slowly pointing toward the basement, which got a slight reaction from the panther, "Perfect! Then all that's left is this….CATCH!"
Ethan pulled on something in his sweater, revealing a couple of flash-bangs and the rings he had already pulled, and tossed the devices around the area. Ethan chanted his exit and drifted back into his Shadow Gateway. The panther was dumbfounded and winced as he tried desperately to kick the flash bag away from him.
BANG!
It was loud and a flash of light, effectively getting everyone in the room. The panther growled in annoyance, feeling the ring in his ear and struggling to head to the basement. He regained his vision after a few seconds, but his body was wobbling as he tried to open the door. He stumbled around and reached the bottom level only to see his captors had been set free and led inside a strange portal. Ethan waved at him.
"Bye-bye now. Oh, say hi to the Enforcers for me."
The panther snarled, attempting to pounce on Ethan, but the boy quickly left. The panther slammed the floor and was about to tell his crew that they needed to go when a familiar sound was heard.
Just like the flashbang, the sound of Enforcers breaking in was heard, and they quickly swarmed the house, effectively arresting and capturing the disoriented criminals. They quickly realized which home Ethan hit as the mirrors were busted, and citizens were poking their heads to wonder what was that earlier commotion. However, all the adults looked around for someone with a scowl and eyes darting for their little 'helper.'
Outside, Winston waited with a couple of Enforcers. His tail flicked around, eyes darting for his partner to appear, and his arms crossed as he was holding back the tiger in him. Earlier, Winston was surprised and worried when returning to the original scene, and Ethan was not around. He panicked and quickly attempted to call Ethan's communicator with his own that June provided to them. Ethan casually told him where he was and informed Winston that he had found the kidnapper's hideout, much to the surprise of everyone listening to the call. Winston quickly ordered Ethan to stay put, which Ethan disobeyed, as apparent in the scene before him.
Winston's ear flicked when hearing the sound of wind behind him, and he looked in that direction.
Ethan's gateway appeared outside the house on the opposite side of the street, which was empty a few seconds ago and now was covered by Enforcer cars. Ethan was the first to exit his gateway and reached inside to guide the twins out. He knelt down, closing the portal and summoning another above him, dropping a few snacks on his hand.
"Ta-da!" Ethan said, handing the two small kittens some sweets, "Hope it wasn't too scary for you guys. How about we eat some candy and let the adults deal with all the mess behind us!"
The twins were weary of Ethan initially but quickly were beaming with curiosity, sitting on the curb with their hero.
"Who are you?" the male kitten asked, looking at the masked individual with a red neckerchief. His little fist clenched as his beaming eyes started at Ethan as if he was a comic book hero.
"Yes, tell us!" the female kitten chimed in, more restrained than her brother but very thankful to have been rescued.
Ethan laughed, prepared to say it before it struck him that he had made a fatal error. He planned everything out but just realized he still does not have a codename. He smacked his head and blushed away from his new fans.
"Uh…I'm still working on that," Ethan said, getting a disappointed look from the twins. He waved his hand and pointed at his chest, "JUST know that I'm a hero….someone that will protect this city's citizens when needed!"
The twins were a bit deflated by Ethan's fumble but shook it away, giggling at their savior and opening the snacks they were given. Ethan looked around to see the adults coming out with the kidnappers, all-seeing Ethan with the kits.
Ethan heard a big cough that made him wince, and he slowly turned to see his partner eyeing him with annoyance. Winston tapped his foot and waited for Ethan to say something.
"Mission accomplish?" Ethan sheepishly said. "Ah…..sorry?"
Winston groaned, shaking his head and signaling someone to take the twins away. He watched the twins wave at Ethan and thank him for the sweets as they were led to a nearby ambulance to be checked on.
Ethan waved at them, slowly moving away until he felt a firm paw holding him in place.
"You know you are going to get reprimanded, right?" Winston said, giving Ethan a stern look before leading them toward his car. "Plus, I get this feeling I'm going to get yelled at as well."
Reckless.
Insubordinate.
Thief.
Stupid.
Ethan sighed as he sat in the lobby of the investigation floor, waiting for his guardian to pick him up. His ears rang as he recovered from the chew-out he received from everyone in this department. Ethan pissed off Winston, Captain Softpaw, Captain Monty, and the ones he stole their wallets and flashbangs. Ethan frowned when recalling Winston getting yelled at by Captain Softpaw because he casually let the boy by himself and that next time to have a tighter leash on him.
"You still mad?" Ethan asked Winston, who was a few feet away from him, looking out the window as it got dark. He got a glare that made him look down, avoiding the mix's piercing fury.
Winston let out a breath, massaging his temple before sitting near Ethan. "I've decided to let this one slide. Don't do that again, you hear?"
"Look….I saved those kits. I'm sorry for going solo, but I'm not apologizing for doing things my way," Ethan argued, getting a groan from the adult.
"Okay, hero, let's review what happened today. What if something happened and things didn't go your way? What was your backup plan?"
"It worked, so why does it matter?"
Winston rubbed his chin, holding back his annoyance but wanting to get his information to the stubborn kid. "Let's say they were more ruthless and had a gun aimed at you instead of a bat. They could have shot you quickly. Let's say you went downstairs, and there was someone standing guard. Can you effectively take them down and not risk hurting the hostage?"
"I would figure it out."
"NO…you-" Winston stopped, seeing kats watching them and glaring at them. He sighed and counted to himself to calm down. "Luck was on your side today, but it can't always protect you. You need to think smart and always think about the possible what-ifs. There's always going to be someone more intelligent or crafty than you. They have backup plans and different methods of achieving their goals. Also…."
"Also, what?"
"There's going to be moral dilemmas that you had to yet to face. It's not always good guys versus bad guys, you know?"
Ethan blinked in confusion, not comprehending what Winston was trying to say, but felt it was another lesson. Ethan crossed his arms and looked away, "Whatever."
Winston's eyes hardened. His tiger side was getting the best of him, and he was ready to give the kid another reprimand till he heard footsteps coming their way. Winston saw a masked Chance, and he sighed.
"Just….think about it," Winston said, nodding hello to Chance before heading back to finish his report. "Were partners…..no?"
The sound of disappointment in his voice made Ethan flinch, making the boy look at the mix with worry as he saw the mix leaving. He attempted to say something, but nothing came out, and he rubbed his arm as he kept his eyes on Winston. Ethan sighed as Winston left his view and wondered if he had gone too far, but his stubbornness kept him from admitting fault. He felt a gentle paw on his shoulder, making him look at his guardian, who had this look that was both firm and gentle.
"What, you going to chew me out too?" Ethan demanded, though his fire burned out, and he looked at the floor, "Can…..we just go home? Please?"
Chance watched the boy put his head against his body, feeling conflicted, wondering if he should say something, but seeing the boy like this hurt him. He sighed, scratching his neck and instinctively patting the kid's head. His eyes did catch Enforcers looking at them, seeing how much they despise him when recognizing him. The old blood knew Chance too well, and they will inform the newest force members not to end up like him. He sent death stares to them and fought himself from confronting them.
"Did you eat already?" Chance asked.
"No, I skipped lunch," Ethan said.
"Alright, let's get some burgers. Celebrating another great day of pissing off the Enforcers!" Chance announced loud enough for anyone to hear them. He leads his little troublemaker towards the elevators, "C'mon, lil' bud."
Unaware to the duo, someone was taking a picture of Ethan with their hidden device and tracking the boy since day one with the Investigation Unit. His mission was done, and he could breathe easily as the criminals with a leash on him will be satisfied with this report. Of course….. the money was good.
Ethan's image and a small report were received and delivered like clockwork to the Beast Belly's Information Bank. However, this bank only offers info to those that pay a heavy price. Nothing is free in this underground city. Information is a hefty fee, which a specific crime family has specialized in getting and has certain Enforcers in their payroll. Its resources are plentiful for whoever wants its service, and they do not discriminate on who wants it.
The mini-city sells many things – weapons, info, vehicles, stolen blueprints, and anything a criminal's wet dream can think of. Everything has a price!
Criminals around the city and outside get a notification that reads 'New Player,' 'Alien,' 'New Enforcer Tool,' 'Magic,' and 'No Bounty.' The reveal price is about two million dollars. Kats would have ignored it due to a lack of bounty. However, the tags of this locked file were too interesting to pass up, and a good amount already clicked on paying the fee.
At Megakat Rehabilitation Center, Ryder was reading the newspaper out loud to a sleeping older she-kat, who seemed to be smiling despite her eyes being closed. He sometimes paused and asked for her opinion only to get silence back. Ryder would appear to smile, but his grip on the paper would shake, and there was evidence of a small tear.
"Tough crowd….huh, ma?" Ryder said, putting the paper down before checking that the fresh flowers had enough water. He stood up and gently kissed his mother's forehead, "I wish River could get over it and just come see you. He refuses to admit it with that bonehead attitude of his, but he wants to see you desperately. Don't blame him, ma, just too fragile to see you like this."
Ryder gave one last look at his mother, Katherine Rouge, similar look to them but with long grey hair.
Ryder closed the door behind him, walking toward where the elevators were and seeing one about to close. He called for someone to hold the door, and a big brown paw halted the gates from closing. Ryder quickened his pace and went inside, thanking the tall kat and going to the side of the elevator. He would have been freaked out if he was a novice criminal, but Ryder was too smooth to indicate that he was a no-good kat to Commander Feral. 'Well, this is a surprise,' Ryder internally thought, glancing and smiling at Feral.
Feral nodded, not acknowledging his elevator mate as he was too deep in thought. He seemed out of it and desperately tried to hold his anguish at bay.
Ryder would have kept to himself, but curiosity was killing him, "Friend or family?"
Feral blinked, snapping out of his thoughts and looking at the kat at his side. He would have told the tom to mind his business, but he needed to talk to someone after running across his brother. He sighed, "Family."
"Ah, same here. A mother in a coma for me."
Feral's ears perked, nodding to Ryder, "A niece for me."
"That's a shame to hear. How long?"
"About five years ago. I just wish…."
"She would wake up? I know the feeling all too well. But we can't give up hope, right?" Ryder said, giving a soft smile to Feral.
Feral smiled back to Ryder, exiting the elevator first and leaving towards the lobby. "I hope your mother wakes up."
"I hope the same for you," Ryder said, following the tom and watching him head toward the exit.
Ryder recalled the news of Dark Kat attacking the city and the heroic deed of Felina Feral thwarting him. Not much was known of what happened to Felina, except she was hurt, but the media did not divulge or pester Feral about it. He grimaced at the thought of Dark Kat. No matter where you go, the phantom pain of this city's loss and injuries lingered for anyone affected by that omega. Of course, the other prominent figures were there, but Dark Kat had the most significant total damage.
The devil of the underground.
Ryder shook his head, he was a criminal too, but he had morals on far he would go. However, goodness does not pay his bills and cannot maintain an honest job. He prayed his mother never saw him or his twin like this or dealing with that monster.
"Sorry to anyone that gets in my way," Ryder whispered, heading towards the back of the hospital, "No hard feelings, just part of the job."
Ryder's personal communication device let out a chime. He swiftly pulled it out and looked at the new file given to everyone. It was interesting, but he would not waste money on this and reason to himself that he would not need this. He and his brother would probably never run into this new thing.
They strike in two days.