NOTE: THE ISSUE WITH CHAPTER FIVE HAS BEEN RESOLVED AND HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH THE PROPER CHAPTER. SORRY ABOUT THAT.
Carmen surveyed the city before her. Streetlights rays stretched out into the night. Traffic thundered below. Only the brightest of stars broke through the the light pollution of the city of London.
She barely heard Swiftshadow creep up beside her. It had been twenty four hours since she had met Swiftshadow and Carmen was already impressed by some of her skills. The dragon girl had definitely mastered the art of stealth. She would slink inside the shadows, her black scales concealing her presence. Occasionally she would freeze still to observe her surroundings. If Carmen hadn't known that she was around she might've missed the dragons dark form.
"Find anything?" Said Carmen.
"If Neal was here he's long gone by now" Her nostrils flared as she scented the air. Carmen couldn't help but notice the faint scars across her muzzle. There was also a long scar on her chest and a fresh scar on her side. Swiftshadow couldn't have been more than sixteen, the age she was when she started her thief training. A year later that she left VILE to forge her own path. Swiftshadow was already having to fighting powerful enemies with next to no training.
"Any updates Player?" Carmen spoke into her comm-link earrings.
"Sorry Red. The last known police report place his last sighting in that block. I'll try to keep you up to date on an further sightings or break ins,"
"How's the ground crew doing?" Said Carmen. She spotted Zack and Ivy's parked car up the street. Wilson, Jules, and Chase remained at the hotel to translate the tome. Shadow-san was there recovering. His Injuries and the cut on her cheek were proof enough that the forces they faced was real and beyond anything they prepared to handle. Swiftshadow was needed in order to catch The Eel.
"All quiet down hear," Said Ivy.
"Isn't this just like the good ole days, eh, Carm?" Said Zack, "The four of us locating and stopping VILE operatives from stealing ancient artifacts. Except for for you know the dragon and the cursed gem, and the giant alien robots, Heh," He chuckled nervously at the last part.
"Welcome to my life," Swiftshadow said through her comm that Wilson had patched into Carmen's system. "Lets just hope that we don't have to add werewolves to that list,"
"Werewolves? Don't you think that's a bit much Red?" Said Player.
"Considering I'm literally standing next to a magical shape shifting dragon, I'd be willing to gander at the possibilities,"
"I've already had to fight off an entire villages worth of people turned panthers and a herd of cursed deer. Both of which were caused by similar gems. So as long Neal doesn't figure out that feature we should be good,"
Carmen raised a brow. With every other comment Swiftshadow somehow managed to reveal another brushstroke to an already terrifying painting. Carmen glanced at the scars across the dragons muzzle. A pair of long thin lines with a third much shorter starting at the top travelling down and across her lip. Claw marks.
"So how do we avoid the werewolf thing?" Said Ivy.
"If he starts shooting off bright lights don't get hit. Also don't get bitten or scratched by the cursed, otherwise you'll end up one of his werewolf mind slaves."
"Good to know," said Carmen.
"Carmen, this just in. There's a break in at the Tower of London. Three guesses on who. First two don't count." Announced Player.
"On it,"
"Tower of London?" questioned Swiftshadow.
"It's this fortress that houses the crowns, and jewels and other artifacts dating back centuries." Explained Ivy.
"According to legend that if the ravens there ever fled the kingdom and tower would fall," Finished Zack.
"Rav-?" Started Swiftshadow, "Never mind, Just get on and point me in the direction,"
The dragon bent a wing away from a shoulder offering Carmen a seat. "You want me to ride you?"
"Duh. Flyings the fastest way to travel and you don't have to worry about traffic,"
Well this should be interesting Carmen mused. Carmen Sandiego, world's greatest thief and now dragon rider.
"That the place?" Swiftshadow soared over the ancient castle fortress. Thick stone walls surrounded a tall square building. Four tall square towers stood at each corner. A large moat rippled around it. Defiantly a place designed to ward off invading armies. But not winged dragons.
"According to Player, yes," Carmen shifted her weight but not enough to throw her off balance. The woman had quickly picked up the art of dragon riding. Which was get on, stay on, and let the dragon do the flying.
"See any good places to land?"
Carmen scanned the area. Guards patrolled the walls and yards, standing resolute at the gates. Swiftshadow spotted a patrol charging into the main building. She could already feel the gems power permeating from within. Dark and foreboding. Neal was here, she was sure of that.
"There," Carmen pointed. Swiftshadow swooped down onto the main buildings roof. Her claws barely made a sound as they made contact on ancient roof. Carmen dismounted and assessed the situation.
"He's here, I can feel it," Said Swiftshadow. Her scales crawled as Malic's darkness festered deep inside the castles heart. "We just need to get to the main floor without being spotted."
"How can you tell?"
"Lets just say I have a sixth sense when it comes to these sort of things,"
Carmen shrugged as she tied her grappling hook to the eave and rappelled down the wall. Swiftshadow dove off the roof wings spread. They landed behind a shrubbery. Swiftshadow silently stalked her way through careful to not snap a twig or disturb the leaf litter. Something she had long since become a pro at.
It wasn't until they found the door that things got tricky. The courtyard was bathed in light, leaving the remaining darkness to hug the corners. Two guards stood on other side. Swiftshadow could not get to the door with out using some illusions.
"Any Ideas?" She hissed.
Carmen's eyes darted around. "Here," She gestured to a nearby window. Carmen pulled out her laser cutter and cut open the latch. The window swung open with a quiet creak that was almost too loud for Swiftshadow's liking. The dragon leapt through and darted for the heart of darkness. Peeking around the corner into the next room she found Neal stuffing a rucksack with all the jewels and finery he could grab. She glimpsed through her spirit vision. His aura was the colour of an algae choked dugout. Already she could see Malic's darkness creeping in, washing out the colour into a dingy grey.
Several guards were incapacitated, held onto the walls with shadows. They could do nothing but watch as the treasure they had sworn to guard were stolen right in front of their eyes. The shadows gaged them and barred the doors making it so no help would come in a timely fashion.
Swiftshadow had to hold herself. Blindly charging in, flames blazing, would no doubt cause him to panic and warp out. She would have no way of tracking him and they would be back to square one. She could almost hear Moon whispering to wait, listen, and observe. The trick was letting Neal think he had the upper hand while getting into position to take the wolf gem. They had to also make this quick.
She and Carmen gave a quick nod before moving in. Swiftshadow wove her magic around herself, creating a thin shell of invisibility. She crept around the edges of the room as Carmen garnered Neal's attention.
"Neal, Surrender and give me the Celtic Wolf,"
"I'd knew you'd show up sooner or later and spoil the fun," He chuckled in a jovial manner, "So where's your dragon friend? Couldn't make it to the party?"
"It's not a party while people are getting hurt," Stated Carmen gesturing to the tied up guards. "So I ask one more time give up the wolf before anyone gets hurt,"
"You mean this little thing?" He dangled the wolf pendant hanging from his neck. "Why don't you come and take it?"
A dark spike erupted at Carmen's feet. She nimbly jumped out of it path. The spike shifted and morphed into a darkling. Its many eyes locked onto the super thief. Swiftshadow passed slowly forward as the creature swiped at Carmen. It narrowly missed Carmen but carved clean grooves into the glass of an exhibit.
Yet Carmen was prepared. A small silver orb appeared in her hand. Clicking its button she tossed it at the darkling. With a wing claw Swiftshadow pressed a button on her saddles shoulder strap darkening her visor. She could see the bright bombs brilliant flash through the blackened visor.
Sharp shrieks filled the air as the visor cleared. The darkling reeled back as its skin smoked. Neal flailed blindly as Swiftshadow made her move. She launched herself, shedding the illusion. She could already see a dark portal start to open near his feet. Claws dug into fabric, tearing Neal away from the portal. Swiftshadow retains a firm grip of the slick suit as she wrestled the man to the ground. She struck the writhing man with bared teeth. Seizing the gem in her fangs she yanked, snapping the chain.
The darkling disintegrated back into nothingness and the shadows holding the guards evaporated. The guards fell and stumbled around as they tried to recover from the Bright bombs blinding effects. Neal blinked franticly as he too was blinded. It wouldn't be long before their vision returned.
"That was easier than expected," Swiftshadow said as she sat her haunches down on Neal. Her fore talons penetrated the chest of Neal slick suit. She was not letting him escape after this whole fiasco.
"Get off," Neal gasped from under her full weight.
"Let me think about it. Hmmm…. No," Swiftshadow replied, "Carmen,"
"On it." Carmen pulled out a pair of handcuffs and fastened them securely on The Eel's wrists. Swiftshadow waited until Carmen had a firm grip before stepping off of the criminal. Carmen pushed Neal over to the recovering guards. "I think you know what to do with him,"
The confused guards looked at each other as they grabbed Neal. "I know you…" One of the guards accused.
"And I would like to catch up never," Said Carmen. Swiftshadow got the distinct impression that it was time to disappear.
Police lights danced on the street below. Carmen had found the perfect perch to watch Neal the Eel get marched into a police car. Hopefully this time he actually sees jail time. The cleaners were unlikely to spirit him away without VILE at the helm.
"Well player, another job well done," She said.
"You got the goods?" Said Player.
"Pleh," Swiftshadow spat out the wolf gem into her talons, "Safe and secure,"
"Did you have that in your mouth?"
"What? I left all my pockets in my other form. Maybe I should invest in some saddle bags."
"So what are we going to do with that?"
"What are you going to do with that indeed," A deep smooth rich voice piped in. Carmen pivoted. A dark skinned man in a violet tuxedo standing on the roof peak. Carmen liked. She didn't even hear him approach. A mischievous light glinted in his eyes, yet at the same time dulled by a tired weariness.
"You again." Swiftshadow growled in annoyance, her eyes and crest flashing silver.
"Yes 'tis me. no need to make a fuss, young wolf. I'm just hear to see what you'll do with such a trinket."
"You know him?" Carmen tried to place his accent but was unlike any she'd ever heard.
"Barely. have only had a few brief run ins," Said Swiftshadow.
"I suppose that is fair answer," He mused. "You've have known me for only a short time, but I've been watching you for a long time,"
"Just who are you?" Swiftshadow twitched her tail.
"I think a better question is who are you?" Swiftshadow's mouth hung open for a moment before closing. "Still no answer I see,"
"Are you a part of VILE?" Questioned Carmen.
"Ah, VILE, I remember when they were simply known as The Five. Gunnhild The Gruesome certainly knew how to chuck a battle axe." He chuckled amusedly, like an old man reminiscing on distant memories. "Did have some use in scattering relics to the winds. Unfortunately those relics have a habit of digging themselves out of holes and handing out tragedies like sugar. Or however that saying goes. I've stopped trying to keep up with the idioms after few centuries."
Carmen's mind reeled. The Five lived and died over a millennia ago. This man had talked like had personally met them.
"Well what do you suggest we do with this," Said Swiftshadow.
He smirked, "What do you think you should do?"
Swiftshadow looked at the gem in her talons. "What would happen if all seven are brought together?"
"The end," He said cryptically as he tipped himself over the roofs eaves. Carmen leapt to try and grab him. But he disappeared in a cloud of black feathers. The raven that took his place croaked as it flew on into the night.
Swiftshadow's eyes narrowed. "C'mon, Zack and Ivy are waiting,"
Gray had finally snapped. He was sure of that. He'd finally cracked, went to the looney bin, and quite possibly gone completely mad. The 'voice' inside his head would not stop whispering.
'Why do you keep resisting me? With me you could be almighty, all powerful, be whoever you want,'
"Whatever path I choose, I choose because I chose it. Not because Some imaginary voice forced me into it," He tried to ignore its presence but it filled his mind. Any wall he put up to put some distance was immediately shattered with ease.
'Oh I can assure you I am very much real,'
"Shut up," This had to some form of latent VILE programming. Dr. Bellum had zapped his brain with machine of hers a couple of times. Perhaps she inserted some sort of sleeper program into his brain. It was the only explanation he could come up with.
Which meant there was only one group of people that could help him. ACME would have confiscated Bellum's equipment when they busted VILE. It wouldn't be the first time he had to turn to them for help.
He ducked into his hotel room and fumbled around his pockets. He soon found what he was he was looking for. A pen to any other eyes. It was a in actually a communicator given to him by the Chief of ACME if he ever wished to join their ranks. Now he finally had a reason to use it.
Clicking its button, and tossed it to the floor. It rolled a little before balancing on its point. A blue holographic image appeared before him.
"Calloway, I assume you've come to a decision?" She said.
"No. I'm calling because… I need your help."