To Vector, each of the dilapidated back allies seemed the same to him. Rusty fire escapes, overflowing garbage receptacles, and the stench of sewage. Vector checked the image in his phone. The target was unlisted in the police directory and could not be found using any database, all the Chaotix Detective Agency had to go on was a single low resolution image of the individual and his last known residence. To save time the Chaotix had split up in the Central City slums to find their mark's hideout.
As Vector stood in the alleyway, he looked at the back end of nearly identical run down abodes, factories, and workshops, that all towered overhead to varying heights. Vector heard the sound of several feet approaching. He put his phone away and looked up to see three figures blocking his path, and one behind him to prevent escape. Each was a different animal of varying levels of intimidation. A massive Rhino, a Tiger with razor sharp claws, a Raccoon holding a metal baseball bat, and a sparrowhawk with brass knuckles. The Rhino blocked Vector's escape while the other three were approaching Vector from the front, wearing grins of malicious intent.
Vector smiled, "Well what do we have here? I didn't know there was going to be a party. I would have brought my stereo to play some tunes."
The raccoon spat on the ground looking at Vector with disgust and annoyance, "Joke all you want Vector, we're here to collect one way or another. We've been sent by Clutch to get what's owed."
Vector took a single step back, smiling nervously, "Come on boys, I don't want any trouble. Clutch will get his money back, plus interest! I'm a Croc of my word."
The Raccoon raised his metal bat and pointed it at Vector, "That's not good enough, you gave us your word before. Now, you're gonna pay."
Vector raised his hands, "Let's talk this out. Believe it or not, I've been working real hard to pay you guys back, and let's be real fellas, do you really think you can intimidate me with a measly baseball bat and a couple chums?"
"You know Vector," The tiger began, "You have a point there, we might not be able to intimidate you, but your bee bastard is a different story…"
Vector's demeanor changed instantly, his muscular fists clenched, his fight or flight response kicked in as his body was flooded with adrenaline and Noradrenaline, raising his blood pressure and increasing the quantity of oxygen in his lungs, his pain receptors were dulled as he subconsciously tensed his body, readying to act…
"That would be a very bad idea for you fellas." Vector said in a low growl.
The Rhino chose to speak up and clarify the issue, "We're just saying, if you don't pay up, maybe me and the boys here will need to pay a little visit to your little Charmy Bee and take him back with us for a little… chat. Though, we can't promise he won't accidentally get squashed."
Vector was grinding his teeth in anger and fear, "If you so much as touch Charmy, I swear... I will find each and every one of you and break every single bone in your body, so help me, and I will wait till you are conscious to do it. Threaten me all you want, beat me all you want, but if you bring my family into this it will be the last mistake you ever make."
When the Sparrowhawk spoke, it caused Vector's heart to balance on the edge of an abyss, "Well, do you have the money Vector?"
Vector, unable to physically sweat, panted nervously to cool his body, "I… I have twenty."
"Twenty percent?" One of the collectors asked.
"Just... twenty," Vector admitted.
"Dear, oh dear, I'm afraid that just ain't good enough Vector. What should we do about this?" The Raccoon asked as he gently slammed the end of the metal bat into his hand.
"I'm on a job right now. I just need a little more time." Vector pleaded.
"I'm afraid you're out of time, Vector. You've had plenty of time to get the money. So now, you're going to pay the price."
The collectors turned to walk away.
Vector panicked, "Hey, hey! Where do you think you're going!? We're not finished here. Not even close!"
The debt collectors turned and faced him. The Racoon stepped forward. His look of disgust was replaced by a vexed expression. "You know, I can't stand guys like you. It's really pathetic. Boys, let's teach him a lesson... then take his bee bastard as collateral. That should finally motivate him to pay up."
Vector could not believe what he was hearing. His worst nightmare was coming true. He had to stop them. He couldn't let Espio or Charmy suffer for his failing. He refused to let them suffer from his mistakes. Consequences be damned…
"Well boys, let's get to it." Sparrowhawk said.
The Rhino charged Vector, colliding into him, but Vector heard him coming and stood his ground, then pushed back. He slammed an elbow into the Rhino's gut then reached around and violently ripped off his horn before stabbing it into his neck in one swift motion. As the Rhino was shocked and dazed, Vector grabbed him by the arm and head and slammed him head first into a nearby wall. Once, twice, three times for good measure. He then dropped the limp Rhino on the ground.
Just then the Raccoon slammed the metal bat onto Vector's shoulder, Vector fell onto one knee after the first hit but managed to catch the second swing. He pulled the baseball bat and thus the raccoon closer, this confused the Raccoon for a moment as he tried to hold onto the bat not wanting to lose his weapon, panic quickly spread across his face as he was pulled closer to Vector.
Without thought or hesitation, Vector leaned forward, opened his massive jaws, and bit down on the Raccoon's arms, tearing ligaments, and snapping bones like twigs. Vector did not hear any screaming, he couldn't hear anything but the rapid pounding of his heartbeat. He felt something hitting him in the head, neck, and ribs, but it was almost unnoticeable. After a few moments Vector decided to let go and the Raccoon fell to the ground in shock and panic as he laid on his back, crawling away from Vector in equal amounts of terror and pain.
Vector turned his head, and he saw that he was bleeding, the right side of his body had been severely beaten, cut, and bruised. It didn't matter though. Vector looked and saw the Tiger moving around him to reposition, all while trying to use his claws to cut at any exposed soft flesh he could find. Vector stood up and ignored the brass knuckle pouches by the Sparrowhawk. After all, a possible broken bone or five were insignificant when compared to Charmy's and Espio's safety. When the Tiger lashed out with his razor sharp claws, carving through Vector flesh, Vector then used that moment to slam his fist into the face of the Tiger, knocking him to the ground and nearly knocking out the beast, then he knelt over him repeatedly slammed his fist into his face, unknowingly breaking both bones and teeth. The Tiger tried to shield himself but Vector just battered his ribs before going back to the face.
Vector did not feel anything. He felt nothing at all except for the absolute terror of a Father, desperate to protect his children.
Vector stood up, blood dripping down his arm and chest, most of the blood on his arm was not his. three of the four debt collectors layed on the ground, wailing in pain, taking shallow breaths, clutching their wounds, too terrified to even move or look at the monster they had awoken.
Sensing what was coming the Sparrowhawk backed away and begged to be spared. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I get the message. We'll never bother you again. I'll give you all the money we have just please don't hurt me!"
Vector, letting out a guttural growl, ignored his pleas, and slowly marched forward.
"Please… please… I'm sorry! I won't ever so much as look at the Bee. I swear." The Sparrowhawk's back hit a wall right beside a corridor that led further down the alleyway. He turned to run away but Vector grabbed him and slammed him along the wall. When the sparrowhawk looked in Vector's eyes he literally pissed himself.
Vector looked at him. He felt nothing for him, he felt nothing for any of them. They had threatened his family. They could not be allowed to do that. They had to be broken.
"I'm letting you all live." Vector said.
"Yes! Thank you! Thank you!"
"You're going to let everyone in your little organization know that if they threaten my family, I will break them. If they harm my family I will break every bone in their body. Spread the word and tell Clutch he will get his money with interest."
"Yes. Yes. I'll tell him. I'll tell him. Now please let me go. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I won't harm the Bee. I swear. Please..." He begged, terrified, and shaking, as a trail of urine slowly ran down his leg.
The Sparrowhawk waited on baited breath.
"I know you're not going to harm him…" Vector said ominously. "Because I'm going to make sure you can't harm anyone else ever again."
"No! Please! I'm sorry-"
The sounds of screaming were punctuated by bones breaking, as the terrifying sound echoed down the alleyway. The denizens paid it no mind. After all, it was just another day in the gang and mob infested slums.
Of the debt collectors, those that could walk had dragged and carried away their fellow members. Leaving Vector seemingly alone. Vector was finally able to calm down and catch his breath. It was then when he finally came to the realization of what he had done. He had lost all rational control. He felt sick.
"That… was absolutely terrifying." A purple chameleon said as it appeared out of thin air.
"Espio... you weren't supposed to see that."
"Sorry I didn't pitch in and help but it seemed my hunch was right. You werent the one in danger."
"I coulden let them leave as they were, they threatened to harm Charmy. I'm not saying what I did was right. My hand was forced."
"I'm not judging you, but I doubt this will go over well with their leader."
"Yeah."
The purple ninja covered his face with his hand as he thought back on the fight, if it could even be called that, "I'm going to need therapy after watching that." Espio said half jokingly.
"You know we can't afford therapy, maybe if I was a better Team Leader and not such a flop I wouldn't have us in this mess." Vector said sadly.
Espio removed his hand from his face, crossed his arms, and put on a serious expression, "Vector, if you hadn't taken Charmy and I in, who knows where we would be or what would have become of us. You've done so much for us already. We owe you a debt that can never be repaid."
"No… I've gone and screwed things up again." Vector lowered his head in shame as he punched the wall.
"No you haven't Vector, we're a family. We stick together through thick and thin. We'll get through this together."
"My incompetence and failure has put you all in danger. I… I just want the best for you two."
"We already have the best, Vector." Espio walked over and put his arm around his friend and father figure.
"Stop it, you're gonna make me blush."
Epsio let go of Vector. "We can worry about all this later, Charmy tracked down the target's alleged base. We're just waiting for you and we'll all be ready to go in."
"If Charmy's waiting on us we better get going then."
…
The building and their target had several oddities that made this case stand out from many of the more administrative and investigative work the Chaotix had recently taken. Regarding the house, it was run down like all the others but had a few odd features that set it apart. Firstly, after inspection of the surrounding perimeter of the building, the Chaotix confirmed large quantities of energy were being siphoned off the city's central grid as buried electrical wires feed directly into their target's residence. The second odd occurrence was the presence of hidden cameras all throughout the property. Whoever was inside kept a watchful eye out for visitors. The last oddity was one that Vector had not yet informed his Team of, as it was the most disturbing oddity of them all, and the one Vector was most nervous about.
Charmy Bee fluttered his wings and whispered as he did a silent flip in the air, while trying not to blow their cover. "I am so-so-so excited. It's been so long since we got a really cool case, I bet there's going to be a sinister villain in here who has some evil plot! We'll have to get Sonic and everyone to save the world, it's going to be so cool!"
"Let's hope it's not that exciting Charmy," Espio said, being the occasional voice of reason on Team Chaotix. "If what you say is true chances are the fate of the world will be a task above our paygrade, and we likely won't get paid if that ends up being the case."
"Oh, no. You're right! We need to get paid. No money means no honey!"
"That's right. So let's hope for something a little more traditional and boring." Espio said.
Vector had stood off to the side and avoided facing Charmy. Eventually the energetic, optimistic, and outgoing bee buzzed over, "Vector, what happened to you- IS THAT BLOOD?!"
"Oh, that. Yeah, I got in an accident." Vector said with faux embarrassment as he put a hand behind his head and smiled awkwardly.
"What happened? Did you pick a fight with a blender?"
"I got lost and… fell down a flight of stairs. Isn't that right Espio?" Vector turned to look at Espio, as the latter covered his face."
"...It was quite a gruesome fall." Espio said with some measure of disdain at having to lie.
"Vector you idiot. You walk around all the time! How hard is it to keep your feet grounded." Charmy teased while buzzing around Vector, poking his bruises."
"Oww, stop that Charmy. Let's focus, we've got work to do."
Charmy Bee turned to their resident ninja, "Yeah! Espio focus, we've got work to do!"
Espio rolled his eyes, "Excuse my arrogance. By all means, let's get started."
"About that…" Vector began, he turned to Charmy, "You did good kid in finding this place, and you're more than welcome to come in, but I have to be honest with you. This is mainly going to be a lot of boring paperwork, talking, and more paperwork."
Charmy's smile inverted, his antennae drooped as he slowly fluttered to the ground. "What? I thought this was going to be exciting. I'm so disappointed!"
"Don't worry Charmy, I'm sure we will soon have an exciting case for you to take part in." Espio said, trying to console his friend, partner, and in many ways, his annoying little brother.
Vector glanced over to Espio, glad he had such a sharp teammate who caught on so quickly, "I've got an idea Charmy, it's been a while since you've had a treat. I got a little bit of cash on me. Why don't you buzz over to the ice cream shop and we'll come and get you once our work is finished here."
Charmy's eyes twinkled in delight, "Really?"
"Don't give me time to change my mind." Vector warned as he held out the money for Charmy.
"You're the best Vector!" Charmy did a flip, gave Vector a giant hug, then grabbed the cash. He then flew off buzzing cheerfully. His voice got quieter the further away he traveled as he sang, "Charmy Bee, Charmy Bee, Charmy Bee is getting lots of ice cream! Tee hee!"
Once Charmy was far enough away to not hear, as well as out of sight, Espio turned to Vector, "So what's the real reason you sent Charmy away? Is it that dangerous?"
"It might be. You know I don't like keeping secrets but for charmy's sake I had to keep this on the down low."
"Well, what is it?"
Vector looked at Espio as he spoke, "This mission is from Eggman."
"What? Again? Really Vector-"
"-I know we can't trust him, and he is probably not going to pay us, but that isn't the only reason I took the case."
"What is the reason then? I'm quite curious." Espio said as he raised an eyebrow.
"Eggman informed me that in this house is an, and I quote, an inferior upstart that has been misappropriating my technology, hacking into my Eggnet, and could grow to be a problem if not dealt with. He wants us to do some recon and see if he can be rooted out of hiding, preferably, have him arrested for, I don't know, tax evasion or whatever else we could pin on him."
"Well isn't that the pot calling the kettle black." Espio deadpanned.
"The way I see it Espio, whoever is in this house is either a future ally or a future enemy. Either way, the sooner we meet them and deal with them, the better."
"I fully agree. So what's our plan?"
"We go in…"
"Yes?"
"That's it. That's as far as my plan was developed."
Espio facepalmed, "Vector. That's a terrible plan. Actually, I'm sure that doesn't even qualify as a plan. Your deductive skills and intuition are second to none when it comes to solving a case or riddle but your tactical planning leaves a lot to be desired."
"That's fair. What do you think we should do?" Vector asked earnestly.
Epsio meditated for a moment, then spoke, "We do exactly as you say and confront the mark."
"What? Really? Nothing to add?" Vector asked, flabbergasted.
"What can I say, we know nothing about our target. We don't even know if he is a friend or foe, nor if this is a setup."
"That's true. Well, I'm ready to interrogate this guy. Are you ready to go in?"
Espio made a hand gesture and focused his mind, disappearing from view, only leaves spinning in a gust of wind remained in sight, at least as far as one's sense of sight could detect.
"I'm ready." Espio answered.
The two entered the hideout. Inside the walls had been destroyed to make room for computers and other electronic devices Vector could not even begin to understand. At the end of the room stood a single individual, a white and grey platypus, he wore Brown, red-violet and golden boots, a purple and red-violet tuxedo with a red-violet t-shirt underneath it. Completing his ensemble were grey gloves and stylish orange pince-nez glasses. He was seemingly unarmed.
"It's about time you two entered the building, and yes, my defense systems can detect your friend there so why don't you show yourself and we can have a nice little chat." The mark said.
Espio came out of hiding since his ruse was called out.
"Now that that little detail is taken care of, I presume Doctor Eggman sent you."
Vector decided to play coy with the mark. "I can't say, that would violate the client's confidentiality agreement."
"Spare me your banal excuses! We both know Dr. Eggman sent you. Let's not beat around the bush. Now, he sent you to investigate me, did he not? Oh, why do I even bother asking you? Of course he did. Well, you can go and tell him he's right to worry, the old doctor is part of the old guard as it were. It's time for a new generation of genius to rise and outshine him!"
"So you're an enemy of Eggman then." Vector said with a hint of optimism.
"I am indeed, though not always. In fact, you could say I used to be his biggest fan. Naturally I became disillusioned by his questionable decisions and actions. I mean, really. What sane person blows up half the moon. Do you understand what that did to the tides? How many lives were lost, the loss of GDP to the world's fishing industries? The problem with Eggman is despite his genius he acts with at best half boiled plans. I could go on but I think you get the idea. Now, I'm working not to be his equal, rather, I'm going to surpass him in every way!"
"You're surprisingly forthcoming about yourself and your ambitions." Espio said.
"When you're the greatest genius in the world you tend not to worry about the insignificant worms beneath your feet. After all, what agency do they have to change their fate? The answer? None."
"Who are you exactly?" Vector asked.
"Well, there's no harm in telling you my name. It will soon become a household name after I make my grand debut. You may call me Dr. Starline." The Doctor bowed as he said his name, then returned to his standing position.
"You said you'd be making a big debut, what's that about?" Vector asked.
"Now, now, you don't want to know how the chili gets made, it would spoil the palate, it would be best if we leave that question hanging for now. I know you are detectives but let's leave a bit of suspense and mystery, shall we?"
"If you are so dissatisfied with Eggman, why not work for G.U.N. to stop him? Why resort to becoming an enemy of humanity as you seem to describe?" Espio said.
"If you have to ask that question then there is no hope of you ever understanding the answer." Dr. Starline declared, "I will not be a mere cog in a machine like you plebeians. No. I'm the world's greatest genius and someday I'll lead the world to the next stage in evolution!"
"So what? You want to become a dictator? A Technocrat? Are you serious?"
"Imbeciles like yourselfs would never understand the magnificence of my abilities nor the marvel of my ambitions. Suffice to say, I prefer the term… benevolent autocrat."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that, with that admission of intent I'm totally comfortable making a citizen's arrest and letting you have a nice long chat with G.U.N. I'm sure they'll have some questions about your little base of operations here."
"Oh, you're welcome to try." Dr. Starline said with a grin.
The three stood there, waiting to see who would make the first move. Dr, Starline simply stood still, with a smug expression on his face. After a few tension-filled moments Espio threw a kunei at the doctor which passed right through him. His image flickered then solidified once more. Starline simply laughed maniacally.
"You fools, did you really think I didn't know you were coming? That Eggman was onto me? I suppose I can't be too hard on you. You won't be alive for much longer-"
Vector's eyes shot open in realization.
"-Espio!" Vector ran towards Espio at full speed, picked the Chameleon up, and slammed them into the side of the house, breaking through the wall, at that moment the house exploded.
…
Vector and Espio laid flat on the ground, covered in debris, they groaned as they came to.
"It's a good thing you're so hard headed." Espio said half jokingly.
"Yeah? It's a good thing you're such a lightweight and are easy to throw around."
"I guess we're both pretty lucky."
They stood up and dusted themselves off.
"We better hurry and head back to charmy. Time is money after all and I don't want him getting sick on ice cream." Vector said.
"Sure, I'll send an anonymous tip to G.U.N. later informing them of Dr. Starline. I'm not sure if it will be of any use but it never hurts to share intelligence."
"That's the spirit. Now let's get going, oh, and Espio?"
"Yeah Boss?"
Vector rubbed his bruised arm awkwardly, "Thanks for being there for me. I don't know what I'd do without you guys." Vector didn't give Espio a chance to respond as with that said, he ran ahead.
Espio smiled, a brief blush appearing on his cheeks, "Hmph, idiot." A second later he composed himself and sprinted to catch up to and be with the people he cared for the most. His family.
…
"First! My superior ability has been demonstrated once again." Espio bragged. A sly grin on his face.
"Yeah yeah, you're faster than me. Big surprise there." Vector said while panting. "I'm not made for running."
The duo entered the ice cream shop and greeted the store owner.
"Where's Charmy?" Espio asked Vector.
Vector looked around the shop, he too did not see any sign of Charmy. "He's probably in the restroom." Vector turned to the Ice cream shop owner. "Hey pal, did you see a Bee in here by chance?"
The store owner furrowed his brow in thought, "Can't say I have, I've been here for a few hours. How long would he have been here?"
"Are you sure? You should have seen him!" Vector asked, as he started to panic.
"I'm sorry pal, I haven't seen your Bee friend. I hope everything works out." He then turned to help another customer.
Vector's mind raced as he silently questioned himself, "How could I have been so stupid? I never should have let Charmy out of my sight-"
"-Are you looking for a Bee? A friend of mine saw one not too long ago." A voice said.
Vector turned toward the voice. Seated at a table next to the window was a human male in a three piece black suit and a fedora resting on the table. He was eating a triple scoop of mint chocolate ice cream casually.
Vector walked over with Epsio right behind him. "Where is he?" Vector asked through gritted teeth.
"Relax Vector, take a seat. We wouldn't want to make a scene in public like the one we had earlier today, now would we? I promise you, your friend is being well cared for. Man, this is some damn good ice cream. I can see why it's popular with the kids." The man took another bite then smiled at Vector.
Vector took a seat and gripped the table. The metal started to warp and bend as Vector used every fiber of his being not to do something he would regret. Espio stood beside Victor, glaring at the man.
"I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me. What I meant to say was, Clutch has requested an audience with you. He has graced our local headquarters with his presence, a meeting with him is an honor you cannot refuse." He took another bite of his ice cream and chewed, then swallowed. "Come on, I have a ride ready that can take us there. I'll take this to go." The man said as he raised his ice cream to punctuate his point. "Oh, also Clutch only wants to speak with you Vector, so if you want to see your friend again your ninja pal will need to make like a banana and split. You know how these kinds of meetings go."
Espio looked over to Vector and slightly tilted his head inquisitively, silently asking if he should follow. Vector thought about the possibility, then decided better of it.
"Espio, do as he says, I'll go get our Bee boy back."
The man smiled, put on his fedora then got up from the table. "Vector, please follow me."
Vector had gone outside only to be greeted by a car rolling up, the Man opened the door for Vector. "After you."
After riding in the car for some time, Vector finally arrived at the Mobs not so secret hideout where he was brought before their leader, the Opossum Clutch.
Clutch the Opossum was a tall light green and dark green furred opossum, whose skin was of a pale peach color, with white eyes and wearing black mascara. He wore a black waistcoat that enveloped his body and was made of some unknown fur, beneath that, he wore a dark gray and gray coat with a gold tie, white and yellow bucket hat, white and gold sneakers, and lastly, a white tuxedo jacket. Completing his image was that his fourth tooth from the middle of his face on the left had been replaced with pure gold that was visible when he grinned.
He was seated in a throne that sat upon a stage, thus elevating himself above all who would speak with him. On the thrones left armrest sat a single small handbell. Behind his throne was a curtain. Two guards armed with automatic rifles stood vigilant and on guard at the far ends of the room, they diligently watched Vector for any sudden or suspicious movements. Next to Clutch's throne was a large steel chain bolted into the floor that, if followed, led to behind the stage's curtain.
Vector stood silently as he waited.
"Leave us." Clutch said as he motioned for his guards to leave. After they left Clutch spoke directly to Vector, "Don't mistake this for any semblance of trust. I don't consider you a threat, and you're welcome to test me if you think you can beat me in a fight. That is, so long as you can stomach the consequences of failure."
Vector swallowed, "I'm not in any position to do so."
Clutch grinned mischievously, "I know damn well you're not. You caused quite the ruckus earlier today. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Vector swallowed nervously, "They threatened my family, that was crossing a line, and I acted in their defense. Though, I'll admit I may have gone overboard and for that I am truly sorry." Vector bowed his head, ready to do anything to ensure no harm came to Charmy, if he had to grovel and beg, then that is what he would do.
"Apology… accepted." Clutch said.
Vector lifted his head up in shock.
"Surprised? They were weak. In their greed for making their quota, they pushed their luck, and paid the price. Rest assured, those failures have been… dealt with."
"Dealt with?"
"Killed. Eliminated. Removed from the earth. It's survival of the fittest, it's the natural state of all life. Do you disagree? Regardless, I was very impressed by you. That was a level of violence few can manage. I'm not just talking about psychopaths, I mean, a level of violence few are physically capable of unleashing."
"It… it was not my proudest moment." Vector admitted.
"Oh, on the contrary, that's why you're here today. G.U.N. has a very interesting file on you and what you've been up to. Despite their idealist postering, most people speak the universal language, even if it means committing a felony. It turns out most people's loyalty and values are only pocket deep. Though, I'm sure you're more familiar with the idiom, everyone has a price."
"I've heard of it."
"So, what's your price Vector?"
"My… price?"
"Yes, to come and work for me."
"I don't think that is possible."
"Vector, I like you. You're a five percent kind of guy. Me? I'm a one percenter. We're not so different, you and I. You see, the world has gotten soft. It's forgotten that we're all, yes, even the humans, we've all forgotten that we're all a bunch of animals struggling to survive. To breed. To satisfy our basest natural desires. It's only natural we organize ourselves into systems of hierarchy to determine who will be the haves and the have nots. Like I said, I like you Vector, someone threatens your family. You break their arms so they can't lay a finger against those you care about. Someone threatens to pay your kid a visit? You bash their face in until they can't even think straight. It's a beautiful thing to behold. The raw uncontrolled violence!" Clutch was standing out of his chair, clenching his hands together, panting heavily. He then composed himself and resumed sitting on his throne.
"It's like I said," Clutch continued, "You're a five percent kind of guy. You live by your own rules, if someone has a problem with that, you fix the problem. If you joined my team, you could go far. So very far. With your brute strength and deductive reasoning, you would do very well. You'd never want for anything ever again. Your family would of course have our blessing and will have not just the safety of our affiliation but the respect and boons that members of our family provides. How does that sound?"
"That's if I provide value and don't get my face caved in, you mean." Vector said.
Clutch smiled, "Naturally…"
"I'm not interested."
Clutched frowned. He ground his teeth together, "That's a shame. That's a damn shame. And here I thought you were a smart guy."
"A man has to have his priorities."
"Oh, I'm sure. It's just a shame some of them are asinine." Clutch said.
"I'm going to pay you back, with interest." Vector said.
"I know you will." Clutch said matter of fact, "To that point, I have a proposition for you. A deal, should it be of interest to you."
"I'm listening."
"Are you aware of the existence of Chao?"
"I've heard of them." Vector said.
Clutch glared at Vector, "Don't insult me with half truths. We both know you're well acquainted with Chao, but we'll get to that in a bit. As I was saying, most people don't know about Chao. Since the so-called god of destruction destroyed Station Square, the Chao have become the cutting edge of research. They even have a major research center in this very city. The point I'm getting at is that the Chao are an organism unlike any other. Yet, they are an organism like any other and can still be bred and trained under the right circumstances and with the right… motivation. The Federation is keeping its lips sealed and the Chao secret. A missed opportunity. If encouraged to propagate, they could easily become a cash cow worth trillions. Think about it, Chao as pets, racing, fighting. The market would be insatiable. You'd have to be an idiot not to see it.
"What does any of that have to do with me?" Vector said.
Clutch grinned, "I want you to get a Chao for me. I only need one more. Do this for me and your entire debt and all interest will be erased."
"I wouldn't know where or how to even go about getting one." Vector said as he looked away from Clutch, avoiding eye contact.
"I'm getting real damn sick of your lies. You know damn well where you can get one." Clutch said while snarling.
Vector clenched his teeth and stood, silently staring at Clutch.
"I'll repeat myself one final time. We've done our homework on you and your friends, Vector. You don't think we know about that hot piece of bunny ass you want to smash? Do you think we don't know about her daughter Cream, and her red tie Chao that she has snuck home in her backpack to have family dinners with? We know all this and more. Now, all you would have to do is have Cream and her Chao follow you to a prearranged location where my boys will jump the two of you, we'll rough you up a bit, make it look like an assault, bada boom bada bing, we get the Chao. You get to go and be debt free. Not a bad deal, huh?" Clutch waited to hear Vector's response.
"I'm not interested. I'll pay the debt the old fashioned way."
Clutch was not pleased to hear that, "That's too bad."
Clutch rang the hand bell. The chain by his feet started moving. From behind the curtain, out walked a prepubescent bunny in a skintight leather outfit. She was holding a tray that held a wine bottle, a wine glass, and some fresh fruit. As she drew closer Vector saw that the chain was bolted to the ground next to Clutches throne connected to a collar that the young girl wore. The young bunny wore a neutral expression. Not showing any feeling nor any emotion. Vector looked at her with pity, she could not have been much older than Cream The Rabbit.
Clutch snapped his fingers and the Rabbit began to pour Clutch a drink. "You see Vector, I'm a one percent kind of guy, unlike you. The difference between us is this." He leaned forward as he swirled a glass of wine, "I always get what I want." Clutch took a sip of wine then put it back on the tray.
Vector had nothing to say, what could be said? He simply stood there, glaring at Clutch.
"What's with the look? Oh, that's right. You're that chaotic good type aren't you?" He moved his hand over and groped the ass of the bunny. She stood there silent and unmoving. "You know, she looks a lot like Cream doesn't she." He drags the back of his other hand gently across her flat chest. Clutch turned from looking at the child, then faced Vector with an inquisitive look, "Perhaps they could be friends?"
Vector had heard and seen enough, he stomped heavily over toward Clutch, intent on destroying him-
"-Ah ah ah! Let's not make any more foolish choices today." Clutch said as he raised a massive hand cannon he had grabbed from inside a massive fur coat he wore and pointed it at Vector. "We're not done talking just yet, we still have business to conclude, remember?"
Vector clenched his fists, glaring at Clutch. "Then go on."
"Like I said," Clutch began, "I always get what I want." He grabbed the petite child's head and pulled her closer, he wrapped his other hand under her jaw, then while looking Vector right in the eyes, licked the child from the bottom of her cheek all the way up to her forehead. Her emotionless state fractured as she couldn't keep herself from recoiling in fear and disgust, her body shaking, her eyes watering as they stared at Vector, silently begging him to help her. To save her from the hell she found herself in.
Clutch let go of the girl and turned to grin sadistically at Vector, "Your blood must be boiling. The way you're glaring at me. I bet you'd love nothing more than to come up here and tear me limb from limb."
"You're a monster." Vector said matter of fact.
"No, I'm an animal, the same as you." Clutch countered.
"I'm nothing like you." Vector growled.
"We all have our demons, some are just better at hiding them than others. On a different topic," Clutch said, looking at the prepubescent bunny who had since disassociated from the situation. Clutch raised his hand and twirled his finger around indicating for the girl to spin slowly. "I bet when Vanilla was a child she looked just like my showpiece here. Do you think Vanilla looked just like this when she was a child?"
Vector ground his teeth together and glared at Clutch.
"Vector," Clutch chided, "I'm asking you because you're so well acquainted with her..."
Vector just stood there in silence, feeling powerless, unable to do anything but glare at the monster in front of him.
"Maybe I could get Cream to join us. We could undress them both and compare the two."
Vector had heard enough, consequences be damned, he began to rush over to permanently end the conversation with Clutch, forever. Then Vector stopped dead in his tracks as the handcannon was turned and put against the poor child's head.
"Don't confuse my infatuation with her to be the same as her having any value to me. She doesn't. She is a worthless piece of meat and is easily replaced. By all means, take another step Vector, I'll blow her head open then do the same to you." After Clutch felt that Vector had gotten the message he sat back down. The child was doing her best not to cry but couldn't help but sob quietly. This did not please Clutch. "Shhhhh, no need to cry," He said as he stroked her head, "You know what will happen if you cry…"
The child immediately reverted back to her dissociative mental state, "That's a good girl." Clutch cooed as he rubbed his hand across her back and squeezed her slender rump.
"Clutch, you better watch yourself." Vector threatened, using every ounce of willpower not to walk over and tear him limb from limb.
"What a rude thing to say, especially when I have been so accommodating."
"You've been anything but accommodating." Vector said.
Clutch thought for a moment, then grinned, "You know what? You're right. I haven't been accommodating toward you." He grabbed the girl roughly by the ears and pulling them backward, and with his other hand pushed forward above her tailbone causing her head to lean back and her chest and waist to be thrust forward, with the skin tight clothing, it left nothing to the imagination. As this occurred, she dropped her tray and it and the items it held clattered to the ground, the glass shattering on impact. Clutch put his head right next to the child's as she struggled and mewled in vain. "Care for a taste? If you close your eyes you can pretend she's Vanilla."
"Screw you, you sick freak." Vector spit the words out, laced with verbal acid.
"No?" Clutch began as he then hurled the girl onto the ground, "Then take your Bee bastard and get the hell off my territory, next time you don't pay up you won't find me such a generous host."
Clutch clapped his hands and soon Charmy was brought out, he was absolutely terrified, so much so that he couldn't even fly and had to be continuously pushed forward by the guards.
As Vector turned to leave holding Charmy's hand in his, Clutch called out toward Vector prompting him to look back toward Clutch, "Oh, and Victor, you have a great many friends, cause me any trouble, or fail to pay back your loans, and you and the Bee won't be the only ones who suffer, if you couldn't tell, I have a thing for Rabbits. I sincerely hope you continue to be gainfully underemployed. Any of your friends would make a wonderful addition to my collection. Now get the hell out of my sight."
After they were taken away from the base, and released, Vector was finally able to console Charmy.
"Charmy…"
Charmy Bee burst into tears, crying his heart out, Vector immediately hugged him, holding him tight as Charmy cried into his shoulder.
After several minutes Charmy was able to barely talk, "I was so scared!"
Vector's heart broke, "I'll never let that happen to you. No matter what happens I will always come and rescue you.
Charmy continued sobbing, "There were so many others… So. Many."
"Espio and I will always be there to protect you, you have nothing to fear." Vector said, praying his words were true.
Charmy began crying with renewed vigor, "Vector, w-w-we're going to rescue them, right?"
Vector continued to hold onto, embrace, and hug Charmy.
"..." Vector could say nothing.
"Vector, please. Please tell me we're going to help them. Vector… please!"
Tears began to fall onto Charmy's head.
"Please…" Charmy begged.
Vector hugged Charmy tighter.