Charmy knocked on a door. After a moment the door was opened and he was greeted by a smiling albeit curious rabbit.
"Hello Charmy, what can I do for you?"
Charmy looked at Mrs. Vanilla's feet, unable to look her in the eyes as he held back tears he feared would flood the room if he did not remain composed. He opened his mouth to speak, but could not find the words to communicate. His mouth simply opened and closed in futility.
"Whatever is the matter, Charmy?" Vanilla said with concern.
Charmy cleared his throat, as he spoke his voice changed octaves as he tried to keep the emotions that were bottled up inside him from pouring out. "I-I really need someone to talk to right now."
"Cream is grounded but she can come down from her room to talk."
"Grounded? Cream is grounded." Charmy started tearing up, "W-what is this world coming to?"
"Oh you poor thing. Come inside. I'll make you some cocoa and a plate of cookies. You can speak to both of us if you'd like."
"T-thank you." Charmy said, his voice wavering.
Cream the Rabbit was called down and both children were given cocoa and some cookies.
"Please Charmy," Vanilla began, "Tell us what is bothering you? My daughter and I are very good listeners and are eager to help.."
Charmy lazilly ate a cookie, his normal energetic self was now lethargic and dispirited.
"Well… where to start. I-"
"I-"
Charmy put his face in his hands as he broke down crying, "I- I- I- don't even know where to begin."
Cream delicately pushed a box of tissues forward towards Charmy's side of the table.
"Please do not feel worried or ashamed. Everything will be okay. We're here to support you." Vanilla said.
"There's no rush Charmy Bee. Whenever you're feeling ready speak to us. Mamma can offer great advice." Cream said.
What should you do when you realize the person you thought you knew, that you looked up to, is no longer that person? That they betrayed everything they stood for?"
"Oh dear. That is quite the question. I suppose we ought to focus on the big picture. Out of curiosity, have you asked this person if they noticed this change in themselves?" Vanilla said.
"Kind of." Charmy said.
"Kind of?" Cream said.
"It was more his, I mean, this person's actions that spoke. Actions speak louder than words, ya know."
"True, but it is possible you did not have the full story-" Vanilla said.
"-No. Absolutely not. We had the full story. We knew what the options were. He, I mean that person chose their path. He chose to betray everything we've stood for. I… I feel like he's died. I don't know who he is anymore." Charmy hid his face with a single gloved hand as he silently sobbed.
Cream was silent, as she held back tears of her own.
Vanilla took a sip from her drink then spoke gently and calmly. "It seems to me that the first step to finding an answer to your question is for you to have a conversation with this person. Once you both have said how you feel and why you believe your position is the correct one, only then you can start to arrive at an understanding that will bring some resolution to your issue. I would recommend patience and grace as you seek out an answer. Going by what you have said, I cannot be certain who you are speaking of but I am sure this person cares deeply about you and wishes the best for you."
Charmy slammed a fist on the table as tears assaulted his eyes. "That's the problem, he only cares about me. No one else."
Charmy started to cry again, he walked over to the sink and put his dish away then began to wash his face using water from the facet, as he wiped his tears away as best he could.
As Vanilla and Cream have charmy space and time to tend to himself, Charmy with sleight of hand took a kitchen knife from the sink and slipped it into his pocket. After drying his face and tears he stood up with renewed determination. "I… I have to go. Thanks for the sweets."
"Are you sure sweetie? You're welcome to stay longer if you wish. It's no problem at all." Vanilla said.
Charmy began to walk to exit the house. His fists clenched. His body tense with resolve.
"You're welcome back anytime sweetie." Vanilla called out."
"Please come over again." Cream shouted.
The front door closed.
…
"Thank you for tuning into Channel 5 news. I'm Karen, here with my co-host Tom. Our top story tonight. A police pursuit broke out early this afternoon in the downtown area. Police are pursuing a fugitive eagle who has so far evaded capture for reckless flying, driving, racing, and public endangerment. Shown here is footage of the first of said suspects with two other individuals in a incredibly unsafe, deathly dangerous, high speed chase with police. The three street racers, one a mere child, tore through the downtown area causing an onslaught of chaos this afternoon, as pedestrians and other drivers, by some miracle, avoided a head on collision as the racers traveled at blink and you miss it speeds."
"That's right Karen, if we look here at helicopter footage of the race-"
"-and we're slowing this down so the folks and home can actually see what's happening.
"That's right Karen, that was how fast these racers were going. In the footage we see an eagle make what can only be described as a jetstream of air which allowed the racers to fly high into the air for a time to overcome roadblocks, traffic, and to create entire new paths only accessible to their hoverboards in order to elude the police. The second bad actor, a small rabbit, no older than six or seven years old, was identified but as she is just a child we are required to keep her identity anonymous, thus, the blurred out face. Lastly, an unidentified hedgehog. Over to you, Karen."
"Now if we look back at the footage of these deadly drifting daredevils, we see three youths were partaking in an extremely dangerous street race when the cops understandably got involved. The Eagle started taunting the cops and racing even more recklessly as he egged on his two fellow racers and law enforcement to, and I quote, "Keep up losers." Who's the last racer, Tom?"
"Thanks Karen, in this clip from various CCTV cameras, we see an adorable little bunny, no younger than my little girl-
"-isn't that something Tom-?"
"- I know, so young yet so fearless. We see in this clip as she is turning a corner a flickly flies in her path and she attempts to dodge it, she succeeds but loses control of her board and is sent flying into a massive water fountain in Central Park. Her two fellow racers end up leaving her behind as she is almost instantly surrounded by literally half our precinct's police force who apparently had nothing better to do."
"Who would want to miss this action?"
"No one Karen, and let me tell you and the audience, while the little girl won't be facing charges being she is a very young child that was under the foul influence of some bad actors, I would not want to be that rabbit. Imagine how mad her Mother and Father must be."
"Grounded for sure, Tom."
"You got that right Karen. Interestingly, we allegedly see a hedgehog circle back right as the cops surround the rabbit. Why do you think hardened street racers would do that Karen?"
"I think it was to make sure she was okay. That was quite a flight she had. Last thing anyone wants is a child getting hurt."
"You know, isn't it weird how some rabbits can fly, while some birds can't?"
"Careful there Tom, you wouldn't want to rustle any feathers. That's a sensitive topic for many birds I know. So tell us Tom, what happened to the Eagle?"
"Well Karen, the Eagle got away and is still wanted for the aforementioned criminal acts. The shadowy hedgehog was unable to be identified. Some people on internet forums have speculated that it was none other than the trusty hero, Sonic the Hedgehog. But seriously, why would he be on a hoverboard? What next? A car?"
"Absolutely unfathomable Tom. Regardless, without evidence of who the Mysterious last racer is, city officials are powerless to bring the alleged hedgehog to justice. He may not have won the competition, but he certainly outraced the law, if only for another day."
"That was beautiful Karen."
"Oh, stop you."
"If anyone has any tips or leads please feel free to contact your local police department."
"Now to Larry the Lion with the Weather forecast-"
-The front door to the Chaotix Detective Agency opened. Vector turned off the Television as Espio and Charmy entered the building.
Vector smiled at Charmy, "Welcome back. How was the library trip? Find any good books?"
Charmy ignored the paternal crocodile as he walked to his room without so much as making eye contact with Vector, slamming his door shut after entering his room.
Vector put his giant hands to the sides of his face as he rubbed his temples, "I don't get it Espio. I don't understand how to help Charmy. After the run in with the mob he changed."
"Don't take it personally, Vector. Charmy is just processing everything that happened. He'll come around."
"Yeah… still… I worry about him."
"Me too. Any luck with the missing persons cases?" Espio said.
"No. None. I know the mob has a hand in this case. I've been trying to get the authorities to raid the mob, but they aren't returning my calls.
Espo cocked an eyebrow. "Think they're afraid of starting a war in the streets?"
"Yeah, I've got half a mind to bust down the door to that mob hideout myself and give them a fistful of my mind." Vector clenched his muscular hands, cracking his knuckles.
"That would be a big mistake." Espio began with a stern and criticizing tone. "One armor piercing bullet to your heart and-"
"I know! I know. I'm not going anywhere. We're a team after all. It's times like this we need to be smart and patient, lest we make a costly mistake. We need to get more evidence then force the system to act, to purge that scum. Shove 'em all behind bars." Vector looked up to Espio, "You get me?"
Espio nodded, "I get you Vector."
"There's… one problem though."
"A problem?" Espio raised an eyebrow.
"Some of the missing people aren't the sort the mob is interested in. We're talkin 401k middle aged male types."
"People disappear for many reasons, Vector. We shouldn't jump to conclusions-"
"A stash of bodies was just found hidden in the sewer. Locked up tight. In pieces."
It was Espios turn to rub his temples. "Chaos."
"..."
"My gut tells me that some of these missing people never once crossed paths with the mob. And that many bodies… that's not your normal street thug. I think we have a mass murderer on our hands. We need to investigate this."
"I know. I know. Your heart is in the right place Vector, and I hate to say it, trust me, I really do, but I must. What about the rent?"
"I'm sure this guy has a bounty on him. If not… he will soon. If we start now maybe we can catch this guy. Keep everyone safe, get some notoriety, maybe even get paid." Vector slammed a hand in his fist for emphasis.
"Makes sense. What did the police say? I assume you talked to them. Were they willing to share information?"
"They talked a big game. Said the situation was under control and to keep our noses in our own business."
"So they're in the dark." Espio said.
"Yeah, most likely. Just like us."
"I don't think Charmy should join us in this next one, Vector. He should stay home. This isn't a mission for kids."
"Heh, look who's calling the kettle black."
"Let's not get petty now, Vector."
"I'm only joking with you. You're both still kids in my eyes. You are right though. Especially with Charmy being in a mood. He needs time to process everything. Poor kid.
"Tomorrow. I'll go see if I can dig up any clues in the sewers the police might have missed. There's always something crawling around down there."
"Good, stay vigilant, if some freak is down there I don't want him giving you the slip. Or worse, him getting the jump on you." Vector said.
"Don't worry. Stealth is my specialty. I'll let you know what I find."
"Thanks, I'm counting on you Espio.
Espio nodded.
"Well, I'm about ready to pass out. I think I'll talk to Charmy then turn in for the night. Thanks a million." Vector said as he patted Espio on the back.
"Anytime Vector."
Vector walked over to Charmy's room, and gently knocked on the door three times.
No answer.
Vector knocked again. "Charmy, it's Vector. Can I come in?"
"Go away." Charmy shouted from the other side of the door.
"Charmy… we really need to talk. Espio and I are worried sick about you."
When Charmy next spoke he sounded as if he was about to burst into tears. "I-I don't want anything to do with you. You're dead to me. Just leave me alone."
Vector's heart broke, his breath hitched for a moment before he could speak. "Charmy, you can't mean that."
The only sound that could be heard was that of soft sobbing.
Vector, dejected, left the hallway so as to give Charmy some time to think and heal. He would try talking to Charmy a different time.
After walking down the hall, Vector took a step toward his bedroom then stopped and turned to a meditating Espio who sat in the living room. "Did you hear all that?"
Espio spoke while still keeping his eyes closed. "No. What happened."
A pained look was frozen across Vector's face. "Listen, Espio. Check on Charmy sometime for me, would ya? I tried to talk to him and… ahem. He… he yelled at me to get out. Said he wants nothing to do with me. That I am dead to him. I… I don't understand."
"No way." Espio said in shock and disbelief as he opened his eyes and focused on Vector.
"Yeah."
"I'll talk to him when he seems ready."
Vector, choked up, attempted to keep up his tough guy persona, but being a gentle giant, he couldn't help but show how he felt… that his heart was breaking. "T-thanks Espio. I can always count on you."
"Of course."
"Goodnight." Vector said weakly.
"Goodnight Vector."
…
After waiting patiently for Vector and Espio to go to bed, Charmy knew his time had come to act. He had made up his mind and knew what he had to do. If Vector wasn't going to do the right thing, he would.
Chamry silently got out of his bed. He snuck into the supply room and grabbed a lockpick multitool set then double checked that the kitchen knife was secure in his pocket. After that, Charmy tip toed out the front door then slowly closed it behind him.
…
Charmy's heart pounded as he flew through the street. What had been a gloomy night had quickly turned into a stormy one as rain began to pour down on the city, soaking Charmy's clothes making it hard for him to fly. Charmy landed at a street corner when the hairs of his fur stood up. He felt like he was being watched and looked around him. The street was eerily empty. Not even a cop car. If it wasn't for a feeling of dread that was building inside him, Charmy would have assumed he was all alone. He knew better. It was too quiet. He felt it in his gut, some long forgotten evolutionary instinct of self preservation, it screamed at him to run or fly far away.
"Charmy."
A hand tightly grabbed Charmy's shoulder causing the bee boy to jump and give out a loud blood curling scream.
"Charmy it's me." Espio said as he attempted to calm the terrified bee that was screaming bloody murder.
"Don't sneak up on me like that!" Charmy shouted, having finally calmed himself.
"Sorry I was just watching you for a little while in case… nevermind."
"In case what? That I mess up and get into trouble?"
"Well, obviously."
"Well, keep watching then. I have a mission to complete."
"Charmy. Whatever you are thinking of doing, don't do it. At least talk to Vector and I before you act rashly. The city is dangerous and filled with bad people running about. We need to stick together to ensure our safety and success."
"No."
Espio was often the dictionary definition of calm and collected. Only Charmy the Bee, like any little brother, was capable of striking at Espios nerves to get him annoyed and angry. "No… no? What do you mean no? Charmy. Don't be stupid. Come home. We'll talk about everything in the morning. Vector and I have everything under control. We'll make sure the bad guys are caught and the day is saved. I understand you've had a traumatic experience, and we're going to get through this together, but right now Vector and I need you to go home and go to bed before you get into trouble."
"I'm tired of being treated like a little kid-"
"-you are a little kid-"
"-Don't interrupt me." Charmy shouted. "Cream isn't treated like this."
"Cream isent crossing paths with murderous mob bosses. Also don't compare yourself to others. You're plenty amazing Charmy. You're an irreplaceable part of our team... of our family. Come home. Please."
"No! I'm not going. I'm sick of sitting around and waiting. You two don't get it. Those people. They're being hurt. Outside and inside. Every. Day. Why can't you two see that they need to be saved now. Not tomorrow. Now. I used to think the world of Vector. He was my dad. I loved him. He would help anyone, no matter how desperate. Even if it cost him money, sweat, or blood. The Vector I know and love always did what was right. Now…"
Charmy began to sniffle.
"Now, he's ignoring people who need help. People who have no one to turn to or count on. People who are literally locked away and being treated like slaves. Like objects. Taken from their families. Sold like cattle. If Vector refuses to help those people… then the Vector I know and love is dead."
"We are aware of their plight-"
"-Oh, really?" Charmy said mockingly, "Thank chaos you know about all those people that are suffering. That makes everything better. Let's just watch the news and sit on our butts. That will really make a difference."
"Charmy, listen to me. Listen to me very closely. The situation is complicated. Vector is in a bit of a compromised position with the mob. He's on their radar. He can't make any moves without them getting tipped off."
"He owes them money."
"... yeah."
"So screw them."
"Charmy."
"Screw. Them. They're bad guys. We don't owe them a… a… a damn thing!"
Espio furrowed his brows, "Charmy, it's not about the money. It's about blood."
"B-blood?"
Espio sighed. "How many bases of operation do you think the mob has?"
"Uh… well." Charmy thought as he rubbed his shoulder awkwardly.
"Several. Now let's assume Vector kicks down the door, assuming he isn't shot with armor piercing ammo and killed, let's say he rescues everyone there. What do you think the mob is going to do next after getting word that Vector compromised their operation?"
Charmy hated this, he felt like a kid being lectured to like… like… like a child!
Charmy looked at the ground, not confident enough to make eye contact with Espio. "I don't know… stop?"
"You know that's not what they would do Charmy. Don't play dumb. You're too smart for that. What they would do is they would find those close to Vector and the mob would either kidnap them, or they would kill them. Do you want Cream to be thrown in a prison and beaten or abused?"
"No."
"Do you want Mrs. Vanilla to get raped or for me to get a bullet in the head?"
"No." Charmy was on the verge of crying but kept everything bottled up inside. He had to appear strong.
"You know what pains Vector the most? It isn't that he can't help those people, and chaos, does he want to help those poor people. What pains Vector the most is that if he does anything. Anything! To piss off the mob, you know who they are going to come for? Take a guess."
"I… I don't know." Charmy said meekly, fearing the answer.
"You. They're going to come straight for you. Not Cream, not me, not Mrs. Vanilla, they're going to go straight for you. So yes. Vector, though it pains him, will not lift a finger to directly rescue those people until he knows that you are safe and not a target of retaliation."
"In short, as much as Vector loves to help people. He simply loves you more than everyone else in the world combined. That is why Vector is not acting to help those taken by the mob."
Espio paused his speech and glared with fiery eyes at Charmy. "Then, you… you go and rub Vector's face in the dirt. Tear his heart into pieces by telling him he's dead to you. When you can't even fathom how much he loves you. What he would sacrifice to protect you and make you happy."
Charmy started to cry as he collapsed to the ground. "It's not fair. It's not fair. It's just not fair…"
Espio quickly collected himself realizing he had verbally gone a little two hard on Charmy and quickly softened his voice when next he spoke, "Charmy… charmy. Come here." Espio kneeled down and embraced Charmy in a hug, being sure to avoid the boy's razor sharp stinger that was further down his crouched body as he patted his kid brother on the back gently. "There there. Everything will work out in the end. Vector and I love you. Nothing you say or do could ever cause us to stop loving you."
Charmy sniffled then spoke in a shaky voice that teetered on the edge of breaking into tears. "Really?"
"Really."
Charmy wiped his nose with his sleeve. "Espio?"
"Yes Charmy?"
"Do… do you have your smoke bombs on you?"
"Of course. You know I never leave home without them."
"W-what about your tranquilizer kunai?"
"Do you really think I'd leave without being prepared for combat? Especially when a brave bee I know is looking to take on the world." Espio smiled.
"Heh, do you think my stinger will ever be able to paralyze people like your kunai?"
"I don't think so. These bad boys here are custom made to be non-lethal and highly effective." Espio patted the kunai on the left side of his utility belt. "I don't think you produce natural neurotoxins. If you did I doubt that they would be anywhere near as effective as these kunai."
"Oh. I see…" Charmy said as he hugged Espio close. He stared intently at the kunai. "Espio?"
"Yes Charmy?"
"Please don't be mad at me."
"Of course not. Why would I be-"
Espio screamed in pain and shock as he felt a piercing pain in his side.
Charmy pushed Espio away then jumped back to create space between them.
"Charmy. Wh… what did you do?" Espio felt tingling in his extremities, followed by nausea, abdominal cramps, headache, and lastly muscle weakness. He tried to stand up and take a step toward Charmy but he collapsed to the ground as his nervous system began to shut down.
"Vector and you can't help, but I can."
"Charmy… wait. Think… bout this." Espio said as he sat with one arm on his wound, his other hand was holding him up from the ground.
"I've thought plenty. I'm going to rescue those people. I'll use everything you and Vector have taught me. I'll be in and out in a flash."
"Charmy, your emotions have the better of you. You're not thinking this through."
Espio labored to breathe.
"Charmy. Don't do this. I beg you. For your own sake. If you do this… they won't treat you like a kid anymore. They'll put a price on your head."
Charmy grabbed a smoke bomb from Espio's utility belt and put it in his pocket. "I'm done being a kid. I need to grow up someday. Whatever happens… I'll face the consequences like a Man."
"Charmy... don't… go." Espio was suddenly very tired. From the ground Espio stared at Charmy who was standing in front of him. The Chameleon blinked for what seemed to be only a second. Then… Charmy was gone. Espio blinked to clear his vision. He blinked again but his vision stayed blurred. His eyelids felt heavy. Espio drifted off to sleep. His chest slowly rose and fell with each unconscious breath, becoming one with the darkness, once more.
…
Charmy's heart was pounding. After moving Espio somewhere safe and out of the rain, making sure he was still breathing, Charmy focused his attention on his goal.
"Okay Charmy, you just need to sneak into the Mafia base and rescue everyone. If anyone gets in the way…"
Charmy pulled out the kitchen knife from his pocket. He would use it if he needed to, as a last resort. Charmy swallowed nervously then put the knife away.
"Sneak in where?"
Charmy jumped in place out of reflex and fear. He turned around and saw a cute sheep. She was around his age."
"I can't tell you, It's a secret mission to someplace dangerous. I wouldn't want you to get involved and get hurt or become a target of retaliation."
"Wow. You're brave and smart!" The sheep said, praising Charmy. "Maybe… maybe you can help me? My sister was abducted by the mob and the police won't do anything despite my family pleading with them." The sheep grabbed Charmy's hands with her own black gloved hands, "That's where you're going right? To be a hero and help save those kidnapped by the mob? Please. I beg you. Let me join you so we can rescue my sister and all those poor people."
Charmy blushed as she squeezed his hands tighter.
"Uh, s-sure. I could use the help actually. I mean. Heh, stay by my side and everything will be okay."
The sheep had stars in her eyes as she smiled. "Thank you so much. My name is Wooloo."
"Wooloo…" Charmy smiled and stared at her.
Wooloo smiled awkwardly and then coughed, "So, what's your name?"
"My name? Oh, my name is Charmy. Charmy Bee!"
"You don't say? Sounds cute."
"Teehee, thanks." Charmy said as he blushed.
"Don't mention it. So, do you have a plan?"
"Oh, well, you see-"
"Good, we can use mine."
"Your plan?"
"We're going to purposefully get captured."
"What?"
"It's the perfect plan, I have a lockpick set hidden to bust us out. We can then pic the locks on the others and sneak out once the coast is clear. Or make a diversion and rush out."
"That… that might actually work."
"Right!" wooloo said cheerfully.
"I'll be counting on you to protect me."
Chamy started to sweat, "Don't worry about it. I'll protect you like I protect honey."
"My hero. I trust you have a weapon of some kind."
"Y-yes. I do." Charmy nervously reaches into his pocket and grabs the kitchen knife and shows it to his new sheep friend.
"Great. Oh, I should probably hold onto it." Wooloo said.
"Huh? Why's that?"
"Well, once we are captured we're going to be searched, right."
"R-right."
"So, let me hide the knife in my hair, it's thick enough to hide both the knife and my lockpick set."
"Won't that hurt." Charmy asked with a look of concern on his face.
"Hmm? No, not at all, it will be like putting a pin in my hair."
This all sounded reasonable to Charmy.
"Sure, he you go."
"Thank you."
Charmy stood staring at Wooloo. Wooloo stood staring awkwardly at Charmy.
"Listen, Charmy…"
"Uh huh?"
"Could you turn around. It's… kind of embarrassing to hide this, and I just met you..."
"Oh, uh, sure. I guess. If it bothers you that much." Charmy spun around.
"Thanks Charmy."
"Let me know when you're done."
"Annnnnnnd done. You can turn around now. So… how do I look?" Wooloo asked.
"Beautiful."
"I meant the knife and pick-set."
"Oh. That's what I meant. They are beautifully hidden."
Wooloo smiled, "Of course. Let's get going then. Ready?"
Charmy focused his mind. He could get lovey dovey later. Right now he had people to save.
"Ready."
…
Get the hell in there!" A mob goon shouted at both Charmy but mostly Wooloo. "You're real lucky my boss is here or trust me. I'd be repaying you ten fold by now, little lost sheep."
"Vincent." A man called toward the guard from another room.
"Just you wait," Vincint the goon whispered, "I'll get prisoner duty one of these days, and when I do we're going to have a whole lot of fun together. Your little bee friend will get to watch."
"Vincint." The head goon shouted as he entered the jailhouse. "I've been shouting at you, did you hear me?"
"No, sorry boss. Didn't hear you, the kids here were making a ruckus."
"Well, get back out front. Your shift isn't over yet."
"Can we punish her?"
"No and you'll live."
"She demanded to see her sister then kicked me in the crotch, hard, after I told her to get lost. Do you have any idea how much that hurts?"
The goon boss rubbed his temples, "Yes, Vincent. As a fellow male I do understand how painful that is. But I also understand no one is guarding the front door… so get your ass back outside!"
"Yes sir. Right away sir."
The goon boss looked at the two children who were locked behind bars in a dark and secluded room. "You two. Sit down. Shut the hell up. We'll sort you out in the morning. A guard will be here in a minute or two to make sure you don't cause any trouble for us. We'll release you in the morning. If you cry, we'll spray you with cold water till you stop." The goon boss walked off. Before he left Charmy and Wooloo alone he turned, "Remember, not a peep."
The door closed behind him.
"..."
"Okay. Let's do this." Charmy said excitedly, so as to hide his fear.
"Turn around real quick." Wooloo asked.
"Let me know when."
"Don't. Look or I'll never forgive you." Wooloo said sternly.
"I won't." Charmy said.
Charmy heard the sound of tiny bits of metal gently clinking together. Then Wooloo spitting. Followed by several loud seconds of metal scraping… something. Lastly he heard a loud click followed by metal groaning and squeaking quietly.
"You can look now."
Charmy opened his eyes to see the prison cell was unlocked with the door wide open.
"Ta da!" Wooloo joyfully whispered.
Charmy smiled. His heart melted as he looked at her eyes… her piercing green eyes. So full of focus and determination.
"Hey!" A guard shouted. "How hard is it to remember to lock the door? I'm gonna have Vincent roasted for this. Okay you two, get back in the cage before I make you get back in the cage."
Charmy charged forward with his stinger at the ready-
-Then was unceremoniously thrown into a wall.
"My head's spinning." Charmy said as he sat up and slowly regained visual focus.
The goon turned to Wooloo. "Now little girl. Get back in the cell or we do this the hard way."
Wooloo pulled out her kitchen knife Charmy had given her.
"S-stay back." Wooloo said as she slowly back away into a corner. "D-don't come any closer."
"A kitchen knife? Really? What are you going to do with that dull thing? Butter my toast?" The goon laughed. "Seriously. Put down the knife or you will regret it little girl."
"Stay… back."
"Okay. Hard way it is." The goon advanced forward but stepped back as Wooloo furiously swiped at the man's hand as he reached for her."
"If you cut me there will be hell to pay…"
"Please… stay back."
The man lunged forward to grab her wrist and hand but was stabbed in the palm with a single thrust from Wooloo's blade.
The goon grunted in pain. "You bitch. You're going to pay for that." The goon charged her.
Wooloo stabbed and swiped her blade in the air several times as the goon got closer. Then-
"UUGGGGGGGGGG." The goon grabbed his throat and fell backward.
"W-what happened. What have you done?" Charmy screamed.
"He… he was going to hurt me. I had to defend myself."
The goon was gurgling as droplets of blood fell from his mouth onto the ground. The sound of air sucking and blowing was heard coming from the goons chest as blood and blood bubbles splattered out of the puncture wound not unlike that of bubbles created from air blown into a milkshake.
"Oh no. Oh no. He's hurt real bad." Charmy rushed over to the guard. "You're going to be okay. I'm going to help you. I'm F.A.S.T. certified. You're going to be okay. I'm not going to let you die."
Charmy tore off a piece of his shirt. Then tore off a second piece then started packing his chest wound. "Wooloo find tape or something we can use to create an airtight seal-"
"-Hold onto your neck. Hold onto your neck." Charmy shouted. "Wooloo, I need you to apply pressure to his neck to stop the blood loss. Oh Chaos. His carotid artery was cut. Wooloo."
Charmy grimaced as he tried to keep his hand on the man's neck and chest wound.
"..."
"Wooloo! I need you."
"Let him die."
Charmy did a double take. "Wh- what?"
"Let him die." Wooloo said nonchalantly. "Remember why we are here and who these people are. They are criminals, murderers, thieves, some, I assume are rapists. It's time to grow up, Charmy. Some people don't deserve to live in this world with the rest of us. He is going to die. Let him. It's the only way we can proceed to save my sister and the others."
Charmy could not believe what he was hearing.
"Quite joking and find me something to make an airtight seal with. A person can die from severe blood loss in less than 5 minutes."
"Trust me. I know and I mean it. Let him die. Some people don't deserve to live."
"No. No. We can save him… WE CAN SAVE HIM IF YOU"LL JUST GIVE ME A HAND!"
Wooloo ran forward and covered Charmy's mouth with her hand.
"Shut. Up. The last thing we need are more guards coming here. What do you think will happen should they find him? Find out what we did? What do you think they will do?"
Tears streamed down Charmy's face. "W-we can save him. We can…"
The room was dead silent.
"It's done Charmy. Let's move on. We don't have time for a funeral."
Charmy was frozen in place. In his peripheral vision he could have sworn he saw Wooloo grinning ear to ear. His head must still be recovering from physical and emotional trauma. He checked the man's pulse. Nothing. Charmy felt nothing at all. He heard nothing but white noise as he attempted to come to terms with the reality he currently found himself in.
"Charmy, charmy, come here." Wooloo gently pulled Charmy away and had him take a seat in a chair. "Here's what we'll do. I'll cover him up with a blanket then I will make sure the coast is clear. Wait here. Okay? We're going to get through this together. Allright? Charmy?"
Charmy felt… dead. He felt nothing. Some corner of his mind realized he was in shock, little good that would do him. He saw Wooloo's mouth moving but all he heard was the unfathomably loud beating of his own heart. He looked at the man now covered by a blanket.
Charmy broke.
Wolloo shoved a rag into his mouth and said something with a glare plastered on her face, then she left the room, closing the heavy metal door behind her.
It didn't matter.
Minutes or hours passed. Charmy was not sure.
Then Wooloo was back and took the rag out of his mouth and said something.
Wooloo spoke again.
Wooloo glared at Charmy.
Wooloo started to slap him in the face.
"Ow. Ow. Ow. Stop it."
"Then answer me! We need to get moving!"
"Did you find them?"
Wooloo grinned. "I did."
…
Wooloo opened a door that Charmy recognized. It was the door that leads to the room he had been held captive in when he was being held as a bargaining chip. Vector had saved him.
The room that had dozens of people in cages. Begging and crying to be saved.
The room was pitch black.
The only sound Charmy heard was the sound of electricity humming through the overhead lights.
"Where is everyone?" Charmy said as his instincts screamed for him to run as far away from Wooloo and the room as he could.
"Sleeping. Come on Charmy. We need to hurry before someone comes along." Wooloo said as she stepped inside."
Charmy stepped backward.
"Charmy? Don't you want to save them? Save my sister? Be a hero?" Wooloo said.
"You… you never told me your sister's name. Not once."
"Charmy, does that really matter now? Her name is… Vicuña."
Charmy stepped backward.
Step by step he got further away from Wooloo and the room.
"C-Charmy. You're hurting my feelings. We can save everyone."
Charmy stopped walking. The gears of his brain were spinning. His perception of time seemed to freeze. Several things were not adding up. Then Charmy realized the final piece of the puzzle. Wooloo's gloves were gray.
"Wooloo, what happened to your black gloves." Charmy slowly stepped backward as he looked around his surroundings for a weapon, a shield, or anything that could be improvised as such.
Wooloo inhaled deeply, held her breath, clenched her fists together rhythmically, then exhaled.
"I should give you credit. Very few people figure me out. You don't know who I am but I see it in your eyes. You know what I am. Deep down. You can feel it in your bones can't you? Telling you to run."
Wooloo began to slowly step forward.
"You're an impressive kid. Annoying as hell… but impressive."
Charmy's heart was pounding. He could not find anything to use to defend himself. That's when he remembered. He did have one thing he could use…
""I like you. You've been…" Wooloo spun her wrist around as she searched for the word. "Fun! So in the interest of fun I am going to do you a favor."
Charmy's heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest.
Wooloo reached behind her… "I'm going to give you a head start."
A dagger was brought forward. A dagger, Charmy realized, which was drenched in blood.
"That's your cue to buzz away, little bee..." Wooloo continued walking forward.
Charmy internally screamed at himself to run or fly away but he was petrified with fear. His legs wouldn't move.
Wooloo stopped in front of Charmy. His eyes were no longer green, rather, they were white with black sclera.
Wooloo leaned forward and whispered. "That's your cue to run."
Charmy stepped backward then tripped as he fell to the ground, Charmy clammered to his feet then began running as he heard a blood curling laugh emanate from behind him as it echoed down the halls.
Charmy flew as fast as he could through the labyrinth-like base.
Then he found the body of a guard.
Then another.
Then a third.
A fourth.
Charmy heard nothing. He felt his throat go hoarse from screaming. He wondered if anyone could hear him.
After a minute. Charmy had lost count of the bodies he had found. He started hyperventilating which slowed his oxygen intake. The flapping of his wings slowed and he fell to the ground. He searched a nearby body, blood staining his gloves a dark crimson red. A look of surprise and horror was frozen on the poor soul's face.
"Please have something. Please. Please. Please…" Charmy silently pleaded and begged.
Nothing. No weapons.
Charmy looked behind himself and saw Wooloo grinning ear to ear as she got closer and closer.
Step by step.
A dagger spinning effortlessly in her hand.
Then she stopped and looked down another hallway. Her face scowled into nothingness.
"Are you going to show yourself or should I kill the kid first? It's your call."
"Ah-"
Wooloo threw a dagger toward the source of the voice.
"How rude. I was going to say, Ah, the negotiator. Evidently you're not a very good one. I'll just hold onto this knife for a while. You don't mind, do you?"
Charmy recognized that voice. "Espio!"
"You… you caught my blade?" Wooloo said in shock.
"You did throw it at me. Do you expect me to smile and-"
Wooloo threw several knives and daggers at the Chameleon.
"Not one for conversation. I can respect that." Espio deflected the knives with his kunai. "Oh, and Charmy, you are so grounded after this."
"I know. I'm so sorry!" Charmy said.
Espio dodged and blocked a flurry of knife attacks.
"Never apologize for doing what you believe to be right."
Several daggers fell to the floor in front of and around Espio the Chameleon.
"Now, it's my turn."
"Hah. Bring it!" Wooloo said.
Espio performed ninjitsu. Then… disappeared.
"Hey, that's cheating." Wooloo looked and listening intently. "Nothing seen nor heard…"
Wooloo looked right and left then she stared at the ceiling and noticed the light fixture slightly swaying.
Wooloo stabbed at the ceiling and was rewarded with a small rain of blood that covered her grinning face, as well as a beautiful scream.
"What an idiot. You think so little of me." Wooloo said as she turned the knife in Espio's flesh.
Espio grunted. "You're skilled but not very bright."
Wooloo glared at Espio. "I'm going to take my time playing with you."
"About that. Thanks for waking my body up. I really needed an adrenaline rush."
Suddenly a tornado of wind and leaves appeared out of nowhere sending Wooloo flying backwards.
"Screw this." Wooloo's body transformed and four purple tentacles reached into the creature's pockets. In the next second "Wooloo" had six knives at the ready.
Espio screamed down the hall to Charmy. "Charmy. He's a shapeshifter. Don't trust anything I say. Run. Charmy run!"
…
Charmy ran and ran but could not find the exit, well, one that wasn't locked from the inside. If only he had a key.
The lockpick set. Charmy remembered.
It was taken by the guards. If he could find it he could pick the lock and escape.
"Think Charmy, think, if you were a despicable criminal working the night shift, where would you put a lock pick set? Think. Charmy Bee, think." Charmy shut his eyes as he thought.
Charmy's eyes shot open. "The room."
As he ran, Charmy could hear a fierce battle breaking out between Espio and the shapeshifter.
…
"Admit it. You love the thrill of battle. You're like me. This is when you're most alive." The shapeshifter said as he made three strikes towards Espio.
"I'm nothing like you."
Espio blocked three strikes with his kunai then ran along the wall to dodge another knife his opponent threw.
"I'm impressed. Most people would be dead by now. You though, you're a threat to me if I don't keep my guard up. I have to actually try to kill you."
"Thank you, I think." Espio said.
"So when are you going to actually fight me and quit pussyfooting away from your little bee brat? If I get bored I'm liable to go look for some new fun. If you don't get serious I can pay dear little Charmy Bee a visit. On second thought, what's the rush? After I kill you I can always pay him a visit at school, or your funeral, or in his room in the middle of the night…" The shapeshifter grinned as he spun a knife in his left hand then tossed it to his right.
"You leave Charmy out of this."
"Oh… I get it now."
"Get what?" Espio said.
"You don't think you can beat me."
"Hmph. Arrogant much?"
"No, no, know I am right. If you thought you could beat me. You would be much more aggressive. Yet you keep playing defense and leading me away from your friend."
"Interesting theory. Why not find out if it's true?" Espio raised his kunai.
The shapeshifter smiled, "I'm just not feeling the energy. The drive. So. Let me give you some personalized motivation… if you don't kill me right here. Right now. I am going to kill everyone you love-"
"-Like hell you are!" Espio dashed forward and threw several ninja stars at the Octopus shapeshifter.
The shapeshifter laughed as he raised his six knives, one in each hand and tentacle. He unleashed a flurry of strikes at Espio who dodged or blocked all of them, then the chameleon jumped into the air and over his foe and unleashed his own flurry of kunai and ninja stars.
As Espio landed, the shapeshifter charged him, espio was on the back foot as he just barely dodged strike after strike. He expertly deflected and parried a half dozen strikes in quick sequence then kicked the octopus in the face.
Espio grinned as he panted. He brought out a second kunai and twirled it in his left hand.
The shapeshifter laughed as he wiped away blood from his nose. "I knew you were enjoying this. The thrill of fighting to the death. Your life must be so boring. It must be so hard to live such a mundane life when fights like these are when you truly feel alive. How do you ever live with yourself?"
"Easy. Dangos."
"What the hell is a Dango-" The shapeshifting octopus fell to the ground on his knees as his side was punctured by a kunai. Blood splashed onto the ground as a burst of air and leaves dissipated into nothingness.
Espio stood where he was moments ago.
"You let your guard down. I'll admit it, you are a much better fighter than I, but fights seldom ever go to the better fighter. Patience. Discipline. Intelligence. This is what determines-"
"-Save your damn lecture." The shapeshifter ripped the kunai out from his body and threw it on the ground as he ignored the pain and the blue blood that oozed out from his wound. "I should have killed you when I had the chance earlier. That's fine though. You and your friend are not leaving this place alive and I'm going to make you watch the life drain from Charmy's eyes. Then I'll kill you. Very slowly. Delicately. Like a Mother strangling her unwanted child."
…
Charmy stared into the darkness of the room.
It was suddenly very quiet.
The fighting had stopped.
"I have to be brave." Charmy said to himself.
He flipped the light switch on.
Whatever innocence Charmy Bee had left vanished when he gazed into the room.
Into the cages of the dead.
Charmy's legs were like lead. He walked forward. Seeing dozens of people who had their lives stolen from them. Then he found her…
The friend he had made.
He gently closed her eyes. Charmy didn't cry. He did not have the strength for tears. Maybe later he would…
Then a voice brought his attention back to the world of the living.
"Charmy. Charmy help me. Please. I need first aid. I'm hurt real bad."
"E-Espio?"
Espio was covered in knives and even a couple kunai.
"I managed a draw. That freak retreated to treat his wounds. I need you to render first aid to me."
"How do I know you are you?"
"Oh, right. You have a crush on Cream, don't you?"
"No I don't."
"You don't?"
"No. We're just good friends."
"Are you gay?"
"What?"
"Charmy, it's okay if you are gay. There is nothing wrong with it. Everyone deserves to love and be loved."
"I'm not gay, I just don't have a crush on Cream. Why is this such a shock to you?"
"Okay. I'm sorry. So, do you trust me now?"
"N-no. Of course not. Espio could have been tortured for information. Or you could have been spying on us earlier when we were talking."
"Charmy. You can trust me."
"No. I can't. I really can't. I'm sorry."
"Charmy. I might die if I don't get help from you. We couldn't save these poor people but you can still save my life. Please. Be a hero. I'm begging you."
"I'm sorry Espio. But I have to believe in you. That means I have to treat you like an enemy. The real Espio would understand."
"I understand Charmy. I understand."
Espio slowly nodded his head.
"I Understand how much I want to flay you alive."
Charmy Bee threw his smoke bomb on the ground filling the room with purple smoke, then he flew into the air dodging knives and kunai that were ripped from "Espios" body and hurled in Charmy's direction. Droplets of blue blood fell onto the ground with each knife pulled. Charmy coughed from the smoke as he felt around the table. He then grabbed his lockpick set that had been lazilly left on the table by the guards. Charmy then flew out the room and down the halls as fast as he could. As he flew away he heard enraged shouting behind him.
"You are dead. Dead. I will skin you alive. When you least expect it I will be there to bring you to a painful end. Do you hear me? Do you hear me, Charmy Bee?"
Charmy flew and flew until the voice could no longer be heard, only to be replaced by a faint voice and pained grunting in the distance.
"Espio? Espio!" Charmy screamed.
Charmy followed the voice and saw Espio covered in knives, cuts, and puncture wounds.
"It's not as bad as it looks."
"S- shit Espio." Charmy said.
"Heh, that's another day of being grounded."
'S-sorry. Can you walk?"
"Hmmm, let me consult with the knives in my legs once I am done laying down here. What do you think, Charmy?"
"Jeez. Sorry, just asking. Will you be okay or do you need a patch up?"
"I should be fine. Thank you Charmy."
Espio held out his hands and Charmy grabbed ahold of them, then flew both of them to safety after picking the lock to the exit.
…
"So… I know this was a very traumatizing experience for you but any information you could provide would be of great importance and could potentially save countless lives."
Charmy nodded to the police officer.
"He… he said he was going to skin me alive."
The two officers in the police questioning room looked at one another in shock, then back to the small Bee seated in front of them.
"We're not going to let that happen Charmy. We have the best cops in the country here. You can bet on that."
"Can… can I go home now?"
"Yes… we'll call a car to take you home. Do you want a soda or candy or anything to eat while we wait?"
"I'm not hungry." Charmy said.
…
Charmy got out of the cop car. Espio was still talking to the police so only Vector was home.
"The kid had a really rough day. Multiple confirmed 10-54's. If there is anything we can do, give us a call. Well, goodnight." The cop got in his car and left.
"..."
"Charmy." Vector said softly. Lovingly.
Charmy broke down crying and ran into Vector's arms.
He was finally home.