PoC: Onward to chapter fifteen.
Silver: Hey what's the matter? You feeling okay?
PoC: Sure I'm okay, why do you ask? PenFullofChaos819 doesn't own Sonic.
Silver: I don't know…You just seem kind of sad. Whenever I'm sad, it always helped me when I talked to Blaze about it.
PoC: Thanks, but I'm good for now.
Silver: Oh…okay then…HEY! You know what reeeeeally helps?
PoC: …Don't even think about it.
Silver: Whenever things go wrong, just let it all out in song!
PoC: NO! NO! NO! I'm better now, see? I'm happy! Now keep your trap shut before I toss my lunch all over the floor.
Silver: That's what I like to hear!
PoC: On with the *retches* story…
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Those of the Underground
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Low towns and other subterranean cities had heavy crime and cruelty with a stench to match. Most would think a place of lawlessness would be mean freedom for the vice-ridden souls that dwelled there. Painfully, most that occupied its streets were ever at war with one another. Countless gangs littered the festering zone's streets day in and day out. Survival wasn't even considered for the beggars on the roadside, for none of the residents ever had anything to spare. This was the way of the underground.
Wearing a keen pair of eyes, a certain person made his way over to a small building. Though ripped up and full of holes, the place was relatively fancy in this neighborhood. The fact that it had two stories was considered a novelty around here. The person unveiled himself as he unlocked the door. Checking one last time to ensure he hadn't been followed, the figure went inside, carrying a small envelope with him.
"So I guess it's a deal then?" deep but slimy voice could be heard from within the residence.
"No it's not! I told you last time, I won't do business with a cradle-burning psycho like you!" a second voice snarled.
"Oh I see Vec, playing the noble crook now? You're as low as I am and you know it." the vile voice told the second "I just want us to work together for old time's sake. We once made a great team…didn't we?"
"Clean out your dirt-clogged ears Knuckles! I'm not going to be pressured by mistakes I made some three years ago!" the second voice, obviously Vector's, snapped back.
"Good to see you haven't forgotten, since Charmy can't remember much for himself these days." the person listening heard a heavy crash and grunt, followed by a heartless laugh "Did I strike a soft spot on your belly, or what?"
"I won't say it again, so now my fists are doing the talking." Vector hissed "You want to stick me with those quills of yours? So be it, but you better leave Charmy out of this! I learned what kind of scumbag you were the day we found him!"
"Excuse me for being an ass, but you should ditch the crocodile tears. I know how much the little brat bothers you. Come on, it's not like he's got long to live anyway." Knuckles taunted.
The concealed visitor stealthily rushed up and positioned his hidden blade against Knuckles' back. The echidna chuckled as though he was expecting the uninvited sharp object before it touched.
"Et tu, Espio? Man you guys have all gone marshmallow-y on me, and I'm not talking about the extra weight Vec." in a violent spin, the echidna knocked the two to the ground "Listen you morons, I need a crew. I'm as much a member of the underground as you are, so how about giving this former buddy of yours a helping hand? Or would you rather I do this the hard way?" the fearsome red mobian adjusted his custom spiked gloves for dramatic effect.
Vector flashed a fearless smile at the would-be intimidating foe "You think cuz I don't get into murder and all the junk you do, that I don't know how to fight?" clamping his jaws down on Knuckles' shoulder, Vector drew some blood as he threw the echidna into the front door. Ready to fight back, Knuckles socked the croc's left cheek. Vector used this chance to feign injury, and sweep the echidna's feet out with a tail whip. Espio helped by restraining the bloodthirsty fighter as Vector closed in,
"Your client wants the emeralds? Then go fetch them yourself. You're not getting our help now, or anytime in the future, you hear me?" as the crocodile spoke, tiny wisps of flame puffed out of his terrible maw.
"So, you'd chase gemstones for high-cholesterol doctors, but you won't work with me?" shoving off the chameleon, Knuckles checked his own shoulder "You made me bleed, I'll make sure you do too. Once my client is finished with his business, I'll be coming after you. Oh and don't think that little orphaned honey-sucker will be safe from me either." the two team members let the echidna leave quietly.
Vector, heavy hearted and tired, tossed his large scaly body in the nearest chair. His large hands picked up his favorite headphones and put them on. Espio knew something was wrong, as no rock or rap was blaring through the croc's headphones. The chameleon knew this only happened when the boss was very distressed.
Unsure of how to handle the situation, Espio cleared his throat and said "Vector…what-"
"I KNOW I KNOW! What was I thinking turning down work when we really need it, right? Bad enough that I botched our last job, but this too?" now running both hands across his smooth head, Vector continued "I just couldn't work for such a messed up guy like that."
"Vector…" Espio tried again "I wasn't going to chew you out, but about Charmy, I know you-"
Don't really like the kid? Maybe not, but it's my bad he ended up like his is now; a mentally off boy running errands and committing crimes for his caretaker." Vector gave his head a good smack against his desk "But he doesn't deserve this life. I wish we had a ton of money so we could leave this pit, and get the good life. And maybe even, I don't know, find the kid some real parents."
Espio didn't have anything to say after all. He knew his ninjitsu was top-form, but that didn't do much for cheering someone up. It might've been strange, but in all the years Vector and he had worked together, they'd never really gotten along. Yet after all their arguments and brawls, he still felt the older croc was a better person than he appeared to be. An example of this was his team policy of never accepting a job that involved killing or taking advantage of anyone too weak to defend themselves. While this made them unpopular in both the crime world and the upper world, it was the reason Espio had stayed by his side.
"Vector…" a small voice said "Why are you sitting like that? Are you sad?
The big crocodile spun his chair in the bee's direction "I'm just fine you little twerp. Who asked you anyway?"
Surprisingly, the bee shone with the largest grin an eight-year old could have "Yay! Vector's mad and grumpy again! I like that better than sad!" the hyper bee flew in and gave his green boss a big hug.
"H-Hey you little! I ought to…ugh! Espio! I could use a little help over here, if you don't mind!" Vector flailed in the death grip of the unstable, but good-hearted child.
"You really want my help?" the ninja revealed several of his deadliest weapons, and his sinister smile to boot.
The grouchy leader well understood that little message "Okay Charmy that's enough. Go back to your room now, before I get really grumpy." he presented his own subtle warning.
"Alrighty! Good to see you uncle Espio!" the bee flew up and prepared to leave, but momentarily changed his mind "Hey and mister boss man?"
"What is it pipsqueak?" Vector spoke almost endearingly until he felt a sudden pain in his left arm "OUCH! What the heck?"
"Nyaaahahahaha! I like Vector and flowers. So I…sting them BOTH!" the disturbed bee erupted with laughter, as he flew back to his room.
"Why I should take that little brat and-and…"
"You can't hate him boss." Espio laughed reservedly "He adds a bit of relief to our misfit band."
Vector repositioned his rump for comfort "I wouldn't call that tick 'relief', but your opinion I guess. Now, what have ya been carrying this whole time?"
The chameleon held out the envelope tentatively, and so revealed to have been holding two not one "Messages for you Vector, but think you shouldn't bother."
The croc swiped them out of his stealthy friend's grasp "Just lay it on me, I know what this one's all about." he carefully clawed the seal off and took out the contents "Yep, what did I tell ya? It's those cut too high gang thugs we call landlords asking for their 'fee' again."
"What are we going to do, boss? We're already a week behind, and Charmy couldn't last a day on the streets." though firm in keeping his cool, Espio did realize the bleakness of their situation.
"Hell Espio, we wouldn't last a day on these streets! No, there's got to be a way to get the money." the croc opened up a dingy file cabinet containing information on potential clients "Most of these are old jobs, or mafia affairs. What happened to the good old days when you could hold a rich punk up for some easy cash? What's with all these political killings and poor man robberies?"
"I don't want to say it Vector, but Knuckles' client is offering an extremely generous amount." he said woefully "Maybe we should reconsider-"
"Bite your stretchy tongue, before I cut it off ninja-boy! I'm not working for a nameless monster who likes kidnapping women for a living! I'd sooner eat my tail in starvation, rather than work for a corrupt prick like that Maasawd character!"
"He doesn't kidnap women for a living." Espio corrected "He's using her to get Tails to give him the Chaos Emeralds."
Vector stopped what he was doing and said "It that why the fox-boy took our emerald; so he could hand it over to that creepy lunatic?"
Shaking his head, Espio picked up the other envelope "No. If my records are correct, the kidnapping didn't take place until after Miles stole our emerald."
I see…well then there's no excuse for him tanking our last job! We'd have the money we need right now if it wasn't for that sneaky, cunning little geek!" the croc leaned on his elbows to reach lower files as he ranted.
"Well if not Maasawd then how about offering our services to the other side of the coin? Miles could actually use our help right now." Espio suggested, while finally opening the unattended second envelope.
This time Vector bashed his head hard on a previously opened drawer "Yeah…great idea, you stupid palette-shifting lizard! Has all that ninja training taught you jack sh-tuff about logic? Oh sure, let's just shake hands with that cocky whelp that doomed us to the streets without a second thought! Don't me wrong, I don't really hate the guy, but I can't stand someone who gets a kick out of ruining us every chance he gets."
"True, but he…!" a gasp was given in place of the chameleon's short-lived sentence. Having read the second letter, all he could do was stand paralyzed in an upright position.
Seeing his partner's face, the green leader groaned "Now what? A death threat? A collections agent? No, better yet; a personal visit from G.U.N, right? Screw it, just tell me it's a blank check, and really blow my mind!" the bitter reptile joked.
"You may not be far off, boss…" Espio barely spoke, as he remained fixated on the folded piece of paper.
"No way…G.U.N is coming for us?" Vector perspired at the idea.
"V-Vector…" Espio said shakily "This is addressed to you…" he handed of over the small letter. Vector grabbed it and put on his rarely seen reading glasses.
To the leader of the chaotic trio,
I know you hate formalities, but bear with me this one time. Vector, I apologize for all the trouble I've caused you and your mercenary group. I know you call yourself dangerous and heartless, but I know that you are not really cut out for the underground life. I know you steal to survive and I can't imagine the hardship you've faced in your lifetime. If you haven't fallen asleep reading this, then I hope you accept my payment. Don't think of this as me taking pity on you, but rather consider this compensation for the info you provided for Sonic, Amethyst, and me regarding Rouge. Once we have saved Rouge, you will be receiving further payment from me personally. Whether you accept it or not, is your choice. I trust your judgment.
-Miles 'Tails' Prower.
P.S. Espio, in case Vector didn't give you my message, here it is: I accept your challenge whenever, and wherever you please. But try to not make it in front of Amethyst. You know, in case I end up losing painfully. In any case, good luck to the three of you.
"What is…this? Is this a messed up joke or something?" Vector saw the small check printed out to their secret account specifically "That…dirty little-! How did he get into our account? B-But this amount is…"
"More than double what Robotnik offered." Espio finished for him "I can't see us having debt problems now." recalling the letter's contents he put in "And considering we'll now be paid again without lifting a finger, I'd say we can cash in on that extended leave you've always dreamed of."
Vector turned his back to the chameleon, while still holding the check in one hand and the letter in the other. Espio listened carefully. Although too faint at first, he could hear a steadily growing growl in the larger reptile's throat. The slow, but steady sound suddenly burst out of the croc's mouth in form of a shout.
"WHO DOES THAT PUNK THINK HE IS? Giving us money for a job is one thing, but paying us for work we didn't do is enough to make me want to twist his scrawny neck!"
"Why does it matter?" the ninja shrugged "If he wants to pay, let him. I think we've earned it."
"Do we look like a charity to you? I'll show that stupid fox not to take me for a fool again! The Uber band of…uhh…No wait! Vector's Mercenary Band of Uber…um…no, that's not right. Dang it all! What's our name again?" the crocodile stomped in rage.
Snatching the letter, Espio said "Hmm…well. Miles called us the 'chaotic trio' so…"
"No! No! NO! I won't have that nerdy brat paying us and naming us all in one day! Now, now wait let me think…" Vector scratched his scaly chin "Espio! In two words, describe our team perfectly; two words that absolutely fit our lifestyle!"
"Random and pointless." Espio waited with crossed arms.
"Stop screwing around! Where's your proof? When am I ever random?" the croc had to ask.
"Better question is not; when are you not random?" Espio returned.
"Give me some words so this plot can advance already!"
"Fine…How about confusing and strategic?"
"What do you mean? Confusing and strategic?" Vector struggled to understand "That makes no sense at all!"
"Exactly. We sometimes do things that make no sense, but there is always a method behind our madness. Despite what some may say about us, we always take our jobs with a plan in mind. Maybe not a well thought out one, but a plan none the less." Espio reasoned.
"Hmm…What's another word for 'confusing'? I just don't like the ring to that. 'Strategic'? No, no I'd say 'tactical' is a better fit, but I can't decide." Vector complained.
"Not to copy Miles, but the word 'chaotic' does fit us." Espio pressured "And if you like 'tactical' so much, put two and two together and you get 'tactical chaos' or 'chaotic tactics'."
"Two and two together you say? Hmm…I've got it!" pointing to the sky in triumph, the croc announced "From this day forward we shall be known as Vector's Team of Tactichaos, or VTT for short!"
The smaller cold-blooded creature made a disgusted face "That's absolutely…"
"Brilliant! I know, I know. That is why I'm our leader!" sitting down hastily, the croc powered up his computer "Now all we have to do is cash his baby, and we're out of here!"
"Wait a second Vector. What about our landlords?" Espio reminded "Once they see all the credits you have, they'll gouge us for sure."
"You think I plan on paying those chumps?" the croc rolled his eyes "Au contraire, my blade-throwing camaraderie. Once I've cashed this in, we're leaving for our next job!"
"Next job huh?" the dark ninja smiled at his weapons "Paying Miles a visit are we?"
"Something much better than that!" Vector uttered a low laugh "Just you wait Miles. We'll get that next check out of you…fair and square."
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End of Chapter Fifteen
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Certainly different, this one. Yes this was centered on the 'new' Chaotix, but there is, of course, a reason for this. We'll be back to Sonic and Tails by next chapter. And no this not a filler chapter, as I said there is a reason for it. Fair warning, I'm not sure this chapter is very mistake free, so I apologize if you see a few rough edges this time :\
DanceDream: Better than that, Maria is no minor character. She will quite important at this story's first major climax. Good to know I'm not overdoing it with Amethyst. She's my first main OC and I'm being extra cautious with her (I hope to use her in a future story, if all goes well). Song comment, I love that theme! Sonic Colors is, as that annoying announcer would say, AMAZING (hopefully you get the reference ;) )! P.S. I wish you not luck, but the best of luck (corny? so sue me XD)! P.S. Thanks for your concern, but hey, life gives everybody hard time. Nothing I can't handle. Still, I'm glad you asked :)
Ghostkid33: As one of my late night reviewers, I hope the not-so-bad delay affects you the least! I can confirm that Shadow is present in this world (many have already guessed it out of me XD). I wish I had a little bro like Tails, but I've got my nephew so I'm happy (the kid loves Sonic and Tails too :) ).
Serenity: Tails + loaded gun = Childhood corruption XD. The only thing that could be worse is if Cream started toting a flamethrower or some nonsense! Thanks for being patient with me :D.
Infamousplot: I pulled her age right off the Sonic Wiki I'm ashamed to say. I normally give all-new features to my characters, but hey, you can't win 'em all. Still, glad you like her! I prefer her to stay innocent and pure (even though that's a pretty mainstream idea, nothing else fits). This chapter may seem filler, but I can verify its importance. So I hope you'll excuse whatever odd or distasteful features you might encounter here (though I hope there aren't too many if any). As you can see, if someone doesn't review, then their name isn't present on the following chapter (mainly because I don't have anything to say without a response). No matter though, I'm sure we understand why :(.
KoTwz10z: A late review for a late chapter, it's only fair right? I'm glad Maria is having the effect I was hoping for (confirming Shadow, that is). As I said to another reviewer several chapters ago, Tails is still Tails. He's just a little more grow-up and more confident, and more suspicious, and kinda gun-crazy…wait WHAT? XD. Ame has, more or less, taken Amy's role yes (hence the similarity in pronunciation and origin of the shortened Ame and Amy). However, this world's Amy has a role yet to be fulfilled (not an entirely trivial one either).
Kindra Mckleen: Late, but still on time (sort of). Tails has a bit of a temper in this world, but I wouldn't trust the big doctor either :P. The other Shadow would be happy to see Maria, but maybe Sonic can tell him about her (the unseen other Sonic that is).
Sierra Zanimalini14: I think I already pm'd you most of what I had to say (much like infamous, a few page scrolls up)! But as one of my reviewers I will still leave a short note at the end of my fic for you :). Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I have a chapter of yours to read and review. Well, you'll hear from me then I guess! Thanks again for reviewing!
Until next time.