01 - Bee Calm

The morning sun had just begun to peek through the windows of the pokey, cluttered office of the Team Chaotix Detective Agency. It was a slow morning, the kind where the clock never seemed to change. The beat-up old telephone sat silently on a desk, devoid of its usual constant ringing. Sat just behind the desk was Vector the Crocodile, leant backwards in his chair, his gaze shifting back and forth between the ceiling and the phone, as if trying to will a call into existence.

Charmy Bee, his little wings buzzing with restless energy, zipped around the room aimlessly. "Ugh, I'm so bored!" he groaned, hovering by one of the windows. "Why isn't anything happening today? I wanna do something fun!"

Vector rose lazily from his throne. "It's a dull one, that's for sure." he muttered, ambling his way to the door. "I'll go downtown and see if I can discover any potential cases."

Espio, seated cross-legged on a worn cushion in the corner, spoke quietly with his eyes still closed. "By 'discover potential cases'..." he said dryly, "You mean, 'pester people in the street relentlessly until someone hires us?'"

Vector snapped his fingers and winked smugly. "Exactly. Mark my words boys, we'll have a case before lunch. You can count on old Vex!"

Charmy dashed excitedly towards the crocodile, his eyes full of hope. "Oooh, can I come, Vector? Please!" he exclaimed, hands together in mock prayer.

"Absolutely not!" Vector replied firmly. "You remember what happened last time I let you tag along? I'm still paying that guy's dry-cleaning bill!" He pinched his long nose in frustration. "Really, who the heck wears an $800 tuxedo to a burger joint? Was gonna happen sooner or later..." Vector's voice trailed off as he walked out of the door, leaving a downcast Charmy behind.

The little bee landed on the floor, his shoulders drooping as he let out a frustrated sigh. He turned to look at his other friend, still sat stoically like a statue. "Hey, Espio..." Charmy began, walking slowly towards him. "What do you do for fun?"

Espio opened one eye to acknowledge his young teammate. "I meditate."

Charmy blinked and tilted his head to one side curiously. "Uh, meditate? What's that?"

Espio sighed. "It is a practice of focusing one's mind and finding inner peace. It helps me to stay calm and sharp."

"Oh, the thing you're doing right now? I just thought you liked sleeping a lot. Can I try it?" Charmy asked eagerly.

Espio opened both eyes in genuine surprise, but quickly regained his composure. Charmy's hyperactive nature and limitless energy certainly didn't lend itself well to this kind of discipline. "Charmy..." he hesitated, "In order to meditate, you need to sit still and be very… quiet. Do you think you can do that?"

Charmy nodded with excitement. "Of course I can! I know I can! I'll make ya proud, Espio!"

Espio felt a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Just the thought of Charmy trying to tame his boundless energy in order to impress him gave Espio the last bit of resolve he needed.

"Alright." Espio stood up gracefully and grabbed a cushion from the couch. He placed it next to his and motioned to Charmy. "Sit down, then cross your legs like this," he demonstrated, positioning himself effortlessly. Charmy tried to mimic the position, though his movements were jittery and uncertain. Espio gently adjusted Charmy's posture, guiding his hands and feet to a more comfortable position, before returning back to his cushion. "Now, close your eyes and take a deep breath. It's better if you breathe through your nose first, then exhale through your mouth."

Charmy shut his eyes tightly and took a deep breath. "Like this?"

"Almost. Just... let your eyes relax. Try to breathe in time with me." Espio started to inhale and exhale in a measured way, more deliberately than he would normally, in an effort to help him. "Try not to think about anything. If you do have a thought, hold it for a moment and then let it go."

Charmy fidgeted and rocked a little at first, but did his best to follow Espio's example. After a few moments, Espio slightly opened one eye to check on him. Against all odds, the little bee was actually sat still, eyes closed, and breathing slowly. This was unheard of. Espio couldn't help but allow himself a little smile to witness such a rare moment. The next few moments were tranquil and serene, the only perceivable noise being the gentle tick of the clock.

Just then, the door burst open violently with a deafening bang. Vector stomped into the room, his huge shoes shaking the floor and his hands gripping a large pizza box. "Hey guys! No cases but... guess what I scored for lunch!"

Charmy eyes snapped open, and he flew into the air, spinning and cheering with glee. "PIZZA!" he shouted excitedly, diving towards Vector with wide eyes. "Let me at it! Let me at it!"

Espio stood back up and sighed deeply. He shot a disappointed look towards his friends.

"You okay, Espio?" Vector said, tossing the pizza box casually on the coffee table.

"All is well." Espio responded, his voice slightly wistful. He looked at Charmy, now back to his old self, devouring a slice of pizza almost as big as himself. "Charmy..." he said without thinking.

Charmy turned his head to look at Espio, his mouth full of pizza dough. "Yeah?"

Espio hesitated. "I just wanted to say... well done. I know that was hard for you."

Charmy giggled. "See, Espio? I told you I'd make ya proud!"

Vector looked back and forth between them, looking dumbfounded. "Huh-wha? Charmy? You did something that impressed Espio?"

Charmy nodded enthusiastically. Vector then turned to look at the chameleon. "And Espio... you're... congratulating Charmy?"

Espio nodded once firmly, taking a slice of pizza. Vector stared blankly ahead. "How long was I gone?"

***** END *****