Author's Notes: Let's finish that breakout we started last time, whaddya say, gang? C:
But first, song list! I'll signpost these in the actual chapter as well, so not to worry
-Café Chaotix - Sonic X
-Commander's Memories - Shadow the Hedgehog
-If What You Say Is True - Shadow the Hedgehog
-Join Us 4 Happy Time (Chao Race) - Sonic Adventure
-Sky Deck Zone 2 - Sonic Adventure
-Ocean Base Act 3 - Sonic Advance 3
-Wings of Vengeance (Speedy's Boss Battle) - Tails Adventure Armada
-Ocean Base (Teckworks Cover) - Sonic Advance 3
-Silent Forest Zone 1 - Sonic Lost World
-Tornado Defense 2nd Battle - Sonic Unleashed
-Surprise - Knuckles' Chaotix
-Android Ending - Shadow the Hedgehog
-Windy Hill Zone 2 - Sonic Lost World
-History - Sonic Battle
With all that out of the way, please enjoy the chapter! :D
Café Chaotix - Sonic X
Commander's Memories - Shadow the Hedgehog
If What You Say Is True - Shadow the Hedgehog
What was he planning?
Vector couldn't figure it out, not even after all the time he'd spent sequestered in the claustrophobic cell he was currently forced to reside in. Firmly locked in place with heavy duty restraints attached to high powered electromagnets, stretching his limbs to their limits. It took a bit of strength just to keep his arms from popping out of their sockets from the force.
A muzzle tightly squeezing his jaws shut, armed with tension sensors to detect any attempt at struggling against the restraints. Once detected, the built in tasers would release several hundred volts to "encourage cooperation", as the GUN stooges put it. They were far more excited than Vector deemed necessary to explain his current situation. And upon Rouge's urging, he was currently doped up on a steady stream of aura suppressants, the patent pending government regulated poison that disrupts the victim's Gaia-given aura.
Meaning, no Fire techniques, no Sound techniques, not even the rudimentary access of his personal "pocket" or a meager Barrier. He was essentially stripped bare of everything, save the Life Energy keeping him... well, alive. And this was considered the humane option by the esteemed federal agents of the lovely government obsessed with making Vector and Espio's life a living hell.
At least Shadow was willing to give them a fair shake, but he's just one cog in the machine. It wasn't enough, it would never be enough. Not with the lengths they've gone to for Vector and his boys. Locked away behind electrified bars in some remote corner of this godforsaken government facility, Vector had ample time to think it all over. Every rotten detail of this whole sorted tale The Chaotix had found themselves wrapped up in.
Not enough to solve the case—not nearly enough, much to his chagrin—but he was well acquainted with the current facts and the reasonable conclusions one could land on based on said facts. Was it a useful exercise at his present juncture? Probably not, what, with the entirety of GUN ready to throw the book at Espio (minus one Special Agent Shadow. Potentially, the jury's still out on him). Regardless, Vector had precious little to do to occupy himself until Rouge summoned him for another round of questioning.
And well, it just made him feel a bit less helpless in this swirling sea of confusion and uncertainty. So for the 700th time, by Vector's estimation, he began from the top:
Espio received a letter written in perfect Japanese about the past never dying from some unknown party. Espio was rattled by this like never before and immediately started becoming... distant. On edge. Paranoid. After a week, Team Dark visited their home with the express purpose of bringing Espio in for questioning. They had received what Shadow described as miles of parchment detailing the many alleged crimes of Espio before he came to the West. A time period that Espio has never mentioned, and no one knew about.
Ninjas are, according to Espio, something of an ancient order of unofficial spies and soldiers. They work under the jurisdiction of a Clan which are recognized by Chun-Nan as sanctioned political factions. That does not mean that everything they do is sanctioned by Chun-Nan, let alone any other countries. Everything to do with ninjas are shady, by nature of course, but since they are by official accounts, anywhere at anytime doing anything, it is easy for someone to claim that a particular ninja did any particular thing at any particular time.
Thus, the current position of the lovely and understanding leadership of GUN, where detaining their suspects' friends like full-on convicts is considered reasonable. In any case, once Team Dark made it clear they intended to bring in Espio for questioning, Vector had to consciously focus his mind on not going down that particularly nasty rabbit hole of betrayal and disrespect to stay on point.
So once Team Dark decided to backstab one of the few real friends they had, Espio attempted to evade capture, intentionally starting an all out brawl between The Chaotix and Team Dark. Espio managed to give Shadow the slip, a feat that still impressed Vector despite knowing pretty much all of Espio's tricks. He beat Shadow in a one-on-one confrontation and escaped both him and Rouge in one go. That was... even after 700 times of stating that fact, he couldn't help but feel a measure of awe towards the chameleon. He really was a force to be reckoned with.
Unfortunately, that didn't help the situation in the slightest. After the fight, Team Dark arrested Charmy and Vector, brought them to this stuffy corporate prison and kept them separated. They were most likely hoping to make Charmy crack and flip on Espio and Vector, but jokes on them. Charmy don't crack. Not unless you know him like Vector and Espio did. Come at him like Rouge no doubt would've, and it'll be like talking to an ADHD addled brick wall. At the risk of tooting his own horn, Vector had managed to crack Shadow before he could rattle Vector's cage.
But then Rouge had to come in and... bring up the one detail Vector had missed. Which doesn't happen often, but when it does, it really bites his butt. The flash bang Espio used to get away from Shadow once and for all. He had it the whole time, but instead of using it in the house, he used a smoke bomb. Which made him vulnerable to Rouge's acute hearing and got him caught, something he literally fought tooth and nail to avoid.
Rouge had her little theory about why; that he cared so much about Charmy and Vector that he wanted to avoid hurting them. Which was a fine conclusion to come to, it was even largely correct, as Vector couldn't help but agree. But he had another, less altruistic wrinkle to add to that pretty picture of hers.
Vector had worked with Espio for years, trained with him, lived with him, helped raise a kid with him. He knew Espio better than anybody else in the world, better than even Charmy knew him. Likewise, Espio knew Vector better than anybody else in the world. He'd deny it if asked directly, but Vector and Espio were best friends, like brothers. All 3 of them were a family who shared practically everything with each other. And Espio has used every weapon in his arsenal on both him and Charmy at least once. Including stun grenades.
So this whole "he cares abut you too much to hurt you" is not the whole story.
Although, yes, Espio would avoid causing him—but especially Charmy—harm wherever possible, it wasn't that he could never bring himself to use a stun grenade in their presence. No, it was simply not what he deemed the best move to make at that time. Because even if he didn't have flash bangs on him at the time, Espio doesn't need any equipment to disappear without a trace.
He's made that abundantly clear to both Charmy and Vector, especially when his birthday came around. They'd work their butts off to surprise him every year and that slippery little stick in the mud would always slip through their fingers at the last second to avoid another loathsome party. It was infuriating, but he was accustomed to making a clean getaway with nothing but his expert stealth skills.
Espio even told him on a few occasions, that he could slow his heartbeat to a crawl on a dime to further mask his presence. When Vector asked him how he managed to learn such a technique, Espio just told him he didn't want to know, which Vector took note of and filed away for later.
All that to say, if Espio wanted to escape Rouge with nothing but a smoke grenade, he could do it. Easily. Which means Espio wanted Rouge to catch him in the house. Espio wanted to throw Team Dark into a panic with the smoke bomb, Espio wanted Rouge to be the only one to catch him, which is why Omega couldn't see through the smoke with all his fancy visions. Espio probably treated the smoke bomb with specific contaminants to blind Omega, forcing Rouge to be the only one who could grab him.
Rouge, of all the Team Dark members, would be the most susceptible to his trash talk and lose her grip from the sheer shock of him coming after Shadow so vindictively. If Shadow caught him, he would only tighten his grip on Espio in response to the ridicule. So it had to be Rouge, so Espio had to give her the golden opportunity to catch him.
Which means, once he slipped from Rouge's faltering hold on him, he'd have already worked Shadow up enough for him to want to throw hands. And he would have done so in such a way that Rouge would allow the fight to take place instead of appealing to Shadow's reason and trying to ground him. No, Espio wanted that fight. Desperately.
And he knew, not "assumed", not "hoped", not "guessed", he knew that Charmy and Vector would have his back and keep the other two members of Team Dark occupied so he could have Shadow all to himself. Those were all the facts, and they were facts as far as Vector was concerned. Maybe to anybody else, some of his reasoning and conclusions would appear to be stretches in logic, but Espio was his brother. He'd studied his fellow reptile meticulously, none of this was guess work to Vector, it was simply elementary.
Now, the most obvious question was paradoxically the simplest and most complex question one could ask... Why? Why did Espio want to fight Shadow so bad? What could he possibly have to gain from that? Well, Vector didn't have this down as assuredly as he did everything else, so he entertained a few possibilities.
One: He wanted to talk to Shadow alone and disguised it as a simple grudge match. Vector hadn't been able to see any part of his fight with Shadow, mainly because he was too busy funneling his frustration of being betrayed by turning Omega into scrap metal. Not his most lucid hour, he could admit that, but nevertheless, he couldn't rule out this possibility because he didn't see the fight play out. He knows how Espio fights, he would be able to tell if the chameleon was serious or just putting on a show.
If this was the truth, then Shadow was putting on airs during his interrogation or he was halfway convinced by Espio during their fight and Vector just finished the job. That would be nice, but the crocodile had to admit he didn't believe Shadow was remotely adept at acting. He was quite straightforward and never felt the need to use subterfuge or even subtlety to accomplish his goals.
If Shadow was on the fence when he spoke to Vector, he was either hiding it impossibly well or Shadow wasn't convinced much at all by Espio's talk. Either way, Vector doubted this was true, but couldn't deny it was plausible enough to warrant consideration.
Two: Espio needed to plant something on Shadow to help him out later down the line. Something like a tracker or a listening device, anything Espio could use to his advantage when it came to his case would be beneficial. The problem is, there was no need to fight Shadow to plant something like that on him. He could've manufactured any number of ways into getting that tracker or listening device on Shadow undetected. Why would fighting him be necessary for something like that?
No, perhaps it was something else he wanted to plant on Shadow. Maybe a scent or something else, to track where he was going. Which of course would bring him to GUN HQ, where Vector could think of a number of things an elite invisible ninja would be able to do in such a place.
However, the security around there was state of the art, Vector need look no further than his current predicament to confirm that fact. And Espio, as sharp as he is with most stuff, is absolutely out of his depth with tech. He once thought the wi-fi modem was a CD player and spent the better part of an hour looking for where to insert the disk on the thing. As hilarious as it was, it illustrated the point, Espio sucks when it comes to high tech stuff like this facility.
How much would he gain from roaming around here for info all by himself? Nah, it didn't make much sense, but it was possible, Vector had to admit. Perhaps Espio didn't need to worry about tech when gathering intel, he could always isolate and intimidate the right people to get what he needed. An incredibly risky and possibly foolhardy choice, but given Espio's recent decline in rationality, Vector couldn't put it past him.
Which brought him to the third possibility: Espio wanted something from Shadow that he couldn't just ask for outright or take easily. Whether that was something immaterial like sympathy, mercy, understanding, advice, something like that or a physical tangible object, that's up for debate.
Personally, Vector was unconvinced he would go to these lengths to ask something of Shadow, because again, Shadow is not known for his subtlety or his sneakiness. He is as a blunt as they come because he's strong enough to not need to beat around any bushes. He probably wasn't raised with subtlety and tact as virtues either.
Which makes the most likely reason behind Espio's actions at the house was to lift something from Shadow without him knowing immediately. Espio used his considerable skill, risked his health, forsook the benefit of the doubt he'd already had, just to get something from Shadow. Something that was, evidently, very valuable, very guarded, that he couldn't more easily acquire from somewhere else. Possibly because he didn't know where else he could get such a special object.
Which means that Shadow, who exclusively carries the bare essentials for himself when he's on the job, had in his personal inventory something that Espio was in need of. Shadow's bare essentials included: a GUN issued ID, Team Dark coms, a federal credit card, the latest handcuffs, though he probably lets Rouge hold them. Some miscellaneous food or drink perhaps.
And... oh yes, one last little thing, nothing too important. A Chaos Emerald.
The one he always has no matter what, just in case he needs to pull his time stopping whammy on somebody. Never know when you'll need a game changing move like that. Especially when you're on the lam. And that was where Vector had been stuck since he woke up in this gulag wearing a municipal disguise. Knowing Espio, Vector could only imagine the plans he had for that powerful gemstone, in light of his current circumstances.
Would he try to clear his name? Use the emerald to strengthen himself should Shadow come looking for it? Would he keep running, using the emerald's power to make evading capture easier? Would he use the emerald to get past certain security measures, find the people behind this entire witch hunt and... force it to go away? Would he get a second emerald and do some time travel shit? Because apparently that's all it takes now...
Vector highly doubted he would do any of that, most of it would come after he makes sure Vector and the kid are alright. As out of character as he'd been these past few days, Espio was still fundamentally who he'd always been. He was his friend, he was his brother, he was a member of The Chaotix Detective Agency. Espio's had a billion chances to leave and he never did. So he sure as hell wouldn't start now. Not when they needed each other the most. No way.
But of course... that was predicated on the idea that Vector knew Espio extremely well and could therefore accurately predict his behavior. Something he couldn't help but grumble lowly at. If there's one thing that this entire situation had illuminated for him under a white hot spotlight... he did not know Espio as well as he thought.
There were still too many loose threads, too many unanswered questions, too many unasked questions. Yet he chose—and it was a choice—Vector chose to believe in his friend. Yeah, he might be guilty of some bad stuff, yeah he might be planning to do something very dangerous and stupid with that emerald. And yeah, he might not know him as well as he thought he did.
But Espio... was still Espio. Nothing could convince him otherwise, nothing. Angels could descend on high right now and tell him "Hey, so, turns out Espio's actually the second coming of Black Doom", and Vector would still challenge that accusation.
So he chose to have faith in the greatest ninja he'd ever known (the only ninja he knew, but still), and trust that wherever he was—whatever he was doing—it was going to lead him back to his family. All the crocodile had to do was wait, as he had been doing since he pieced together what Espio's play was back at the house. Espio would find his way back, no matter how long he would have to wait.
Until then, he couldn't prevent that one deceptively simple question from gnawing at the back of his mind like a leech. What exactly was Espio planning?
As luck would have it, Vector wouldn't have to wait long to receive his answer. After an entire day of being locked in place with nothing but the hum of electromagnets and his own breathing to occupy the silence, he heard a new sound. An awkward, loud yelp from one of the guards just outside his cozy cell. Maybe it wasn't loud, maybe it was just incredibly sudden and so felt loud to him. Either way, Vector was startled out of his thoughts as his eyes shot to the bars, peering into the hallway as a few more sounds rang out.
A thwack from gloved hands connecting solid and painfully into a jaw, a swish followed by a loud smack from a shoe cutting across a face, the resulting grunts and groans of pain from several more impacts Vector couldn't place. Then, two definitive thuds that could only be two full grown bodies plopping to the cold hard ground in a heap.
Vector didn't have much time to ponder what was happening before the cell's bars jerked out of place and slid to the side, opening it up. Immediately, a familiar energetic and high-pitched voice screamed in ear piercing excitement as a blur rushed into his stomach.
Join Us 4 Happy Time (Chao Race) - Sonic Adventure
"VECTORRRRRRRR!" Charmy called out, squeezing his body with all the considerable strength he possessed.
"CHARMY!?" Vector gawked behind clenched teeth, making the sound come out almost unintelligible. Right, muzzle, he thought as he snorted out his frustration.
The kid must've looked up at some point because he quickly said "Oh right!" and yanked the muzzle off of his jaws, finally freeing him to open his mouth again which he immediately set about doing before he responded. Charmy must've used his Electric affinity to absorb the current in the muzzle while he took it off. Smart.
"How'd you get out?" Vector asked with an incredulous tone, while Charmy went back to hugging him.
The rigorous tearing of wires and crackles of electricity stole his attention to the left antigravity restraint, which had suddenly begun to malfunction and shut off, freeing his hand. As his limb jerked back into place, a face materialized just above the broken restraint. A somewhat nostalgic face, if Vector could say that.
"Espio!" he remarked loudly, the corners of his mouth raising into a pleasant smile. He's here. He came all this way despite everything going on... of course he did. This was expected, sure but... he couldn't help the weight being lifted off his shoulders at the sight of his friend. Though, he was looking a little strange, his color was all wrong. In more ways that one. "What's with da look?"
Espio tore the wires out of the other restraint on his hand as he spoke. "Quickly, time is of the essence".
"Ain't gotta tell me twice", Vector said while flexing his newly freed hands and arms before he raised them high above his head. He quickly slammed them down on the restraints still clamped on his feet, and after two solid hits, they were sputtering and sparking like nobody's business, freeing him completely. Man, did it feel good to not have those things pulling him apart.
He patted Charmy on the back as the bee just continued to nuzzle against his chest, a powerful smell emanating off of him. "Why do ya smell like da cabinet under da sink? Did you play around in a janitor's closet when ya were supposed to be sneakin' around?" he questioned, pulling Charmy off of him by his foot while eyeing him.
Charmy shook his head, a grin on his face. "Nuh-uh, this is part of the sneakin' around. It's scent camouflage" he waved his hand in front of him like it was a grand title. Vector quickly got the message.
"Oh... dat's smart" he nodded, impressed. "Way to go, boys" the croc smirked as he looked between his two teammates, one of them returned his look with great big shining eyes before launching into a highlight reel of their journey to reach him. The other didn't acknowledge his praise at all and was focused on being a lookout.
"We will have to run soon" Espio interrupted them as he quickly took out several cans from his "pocket".
"Wait, Espio. Why do ya look so different, is somethin' wrong?" Vector asked as Charmy floated next to him.
"It is of no concern. We have more pressing matters" the chameleon answered back immediately, looping his fingers through each pin of the grenades in his hands, then looked over his shoulder at them, with dark eyes. "Get ready".
Sky Deck Zone 2 - Sonic Adventure
Vector grabbed Charmy's head while covering his ears with his massive fingers. He swiftly lifted his shoulders up to cover his own ears as best he could just before Espio yanked the pins from the grenades and flung them out the open cell door. Smoke billowed out of the grenades and covered the hallway and most of his cell in seconds, eventually blanketing the entire cellblock.
Espio didn't waste any portion of those seconds, for as soon as he threw the smoke grenades out, he began doing a series of complex hand seals at an incredible speed before landing on one. After he did, a haze covered Vector's vision and out of that blurry mass, a dozen clones of The Chaotix faded into existence all around them. Each one a believable copy of the original, down to height, coloration, and once they started moving, gait.
Espio sent the illusions in all directions, running at full speed out of the cloud of smoke, in an effort to confuse the agents and force them to scramble to catch them all. Which meant the entire facility was going to be thrown into a panic, leaving the real Chaotix to take advantage of the chaos and escape. Brilliant plan, he had to give the chameleon his props. When he thinks of a plan, it's somehow a real smart and real gutsy move all at once.
As soon as the last Chaotix clones left, Espio grabbed hold of Vector and Charmy's hands and closed his eyes. Slowly they began to fade from sight until they were completely transparent, a thing that still tripped Vector out if he was being honest. It was one thing for other people to go invisible, but for him to disappear like that was just freaky. He kinda felt like a ghost whenever Espio did this, which wasn't often, he didn't like making other people invisible. But desperate times, desperate measures; and this certainly qualified as "desperate" in the croc's book.
"Ikimashou" Espio whispered as he rushed out of the cell, Vector and Charmy in tow.
{Let's go}
As they sped through the corridors and hallways, alarms blared all around them, hundreds of people running in every direction, orders being barked over the intercom, it was pure havoc. Not that it slowed The Chaotix down at all, Espio was using every surface to avoid contact with the federal agents currently on a wild goose chase, but it was still pretty intense.
The pressure was on, Vector couldn't deny that fact considering he was still suffering from the effects of the aura suppressants. Whatever escape route Espio had planned, he could only hope that it didn't require Vector's affinities. Otherwise, they'd be in boiling hot water. So he couldn't help feeling on edge as Espio led them around a corner and straight towards a vault door. One that was a few seconds away from closing!
Espio didn't miss a beat as he swung Vector around, swiftly wrapped his tail around the crocodile's, and released his hand. Thus, allowing Vector to reach out and keep the doors open long enough for the whole crew to slip in, albeit without their typical grace and poise. But since they had made it through undetected, he wasn't gonna complain.
The vault doors slammed shut with a resolute clack that echoed in the wide empty expanse they found themselves in. Vector recalled seeing these big white sterile rooms on his way to the cells, which thankfully meant they were going the right way.
Before he could get up to his feet again, Espio spoke up. "Be still, the defenses are still active in these corridors" he warned.
Charmy groaned in exasperation, "You have got to be kiddin' me! Haven't we done enough traps and security crap for a lifetime?!"
"There are two countermeasures left that we have not encountered previously. This is the first" Espio explained, an edge to his voice.
Vector looked at their surroundings and noticed all the openings in the plates of the walls and ceiling, with several nozzles jutting out from said openings. Upon closer inspection, the nozzles looked as if they were spinning slowly, along with the oblong rounded receiver connected to it. There's only one reason those things would be designed like that and currently moving like that.
"Judgin' by da cannons along da walls, I'd say we're lookin' at some kinda motion sensor activated cement foam projectiles. One false move and we're gonna get creamed and stuck in place" he explained.
"How do ya know its not gonna be lasers or somethin'?" Charmy challenged.
Vector scoffed, "Cuz dat ain't no laser rifle barrel, look at it" he pointed out of habit, "It's twistin' around like a cement mixer, ergo, cement foam".
"Alright then, Mister Know-It-All, how're we suppose to get past 'em then?" the bee challenged again, no doubt crossing his arms and wearing his trademark mischievous grin.
Espio refocused them, "We will all need to use our Barriers to—"
"Uh, hate to break it to ya, but I can't exactly make a Barrier at da moment" Vector interjected, a shameful inflection in his voice. In all the excitement of the escape, he'd forgotten to tell them.
"What, why?" Charmy asked incredulous.
Vector sighed as he shut his eyes. "They got me on aura suppressants". There was a tense silence for a few seconds before Espio broke it.
"Kuso! I should have foreseen this..." he said bitterly, behind clenched teeth based on the hiss his voice held. "How long?"
{Damn it!}
" 'Bout 4 hours or so" which meant he'd have to wait at least 2 more before he could utilize his aura unrestricted. " 'Fraid all I got to offer for now is muscle and gum" Vector couldn't help but shake his head. He was afraid this would happen.
"Matte... that could work" Espio spoke up, hopeful. "Vector, how much bubble gum do you have?"
{Wait...}
Vector blinked at the question before he answered. "Pretty much a whole pack. Didn't need to use it much in my li'l scrap with rust bucket" Realization dawned on him. "I'm pickin' up what your layin' down, Esp" he finished, as he began clearing his throat to prepare for the ordeal they were about to face.
As Vector gathered his supply of ingested chewing gum, Espio and Charmy prepared themselves to book it. If this was gonna work, they couldn't do anything less than that. Their desperate plan was a gamble, based on an educated guess not actual facts. It amounted to Vector, in leu of Barriers, using giant bubbles to intercept the cement projectiles before they could touch The Chaotix. Sounded easy enough in theory, but in practice there were several variables he was at the mercy of.
For one, there were dozens—if not hundreds—of nozzles lining most of the surfaces in the corridor, each one equipped with a motion sensor that could no doubt detect the slightest movement made. So, in essence, they were all designed to shoot nigh simultaneously at the same individual target. Which meant Vector had to account for 360° of simultaneous gunfire and if one single shot connected with them, it would be over. Leading to variable number 2.
If they got hit, there was no way to know if any of their abilities or equipment would be enough to dissolve or break the cement. All they knew was that this was the Guardian Unit of Nations and they didn't play around when it came to keeping their secrets secure. Very few people could break in here, even less people could break out. They made sure of that before they'd even heard of The Chaotix. So it was safe to say, if they got nailed even slightly, even once, they were done for.
But Vector simply determined that he wasn't gonna let any of that stop him. Nothing that those shady government crackpots could cook up was gonna keep him from getting his boys out of there. No way, no how. If he had to block every shot with his own body, so be it. If he had to carry both of them encased in cement blocks out of this building, so be it. If he had to eat their way out of a mountain of cement, so be it. He was determined to get them all out, find whoever was responsible for turning their lives upside down, and beat that asshole within an inch of his life.
So this? This was nothing.
Ocean Base Act 3 - Sonic Advance 3
"Stay close" he instructed before Charmy hummed in affirmation. With one last purposeful cough, Vector was set. Time to do his part.
He blew as hard as he could, creating a large bubble quickly, which immediately caught the motion sensors and the gambit had officially begun. With his head on a swivel, Vector launched his bubbles out in all directions to block the incoming foam shooting from every conceivable angle. It was quite the task standing still, but having to move as fast as possible to the other side of the room made it even more difficult. One false move, one minor hesitation in his reaction time, one angle left open, and they were toast.
His head whipped around in all directions, blowing and spitting out bubbles like it was his Gaia-given purpose in life, as they rushed to the other door. Predictably, he was not able to properly shield them from every direction, though he certainly gave his all in the attempt. But it didn't matter, because his boys were never ones to leave him shouldering all the responsibility.
As Vector struggled to keep himself and his team guarded, Espio and Charmy kept their focus on each other and dodged the barrage in lock step. Whatever Vector's bubbles couldn't catch, they could dive and flip and hop away from. Vector found himself joining their frantic dance as the determined trio weaved through gallons upon gallons of liquid cement splattering across the entirety of the corridor.
Encroaching behind them was a loose swelling mass of cement foam, true to its nature, foaming up and inflating as it hardened, effectively closing in the walls around them. Which was a fun little surprise 3rd factor Vector didn't account for, thus making him panic even more than he already was. Time was rapidly running out.
Espio and Charmy slammed into the vault doors leading out of the terrifying room in a frenzy, clambering behind Vector, who could finally not worry about watching his back. Just every angle of his front and above them. They shouted over the deafening roar of the shots for him to move in front of the keypad and he wordlessly obeyed.
Vector didn't have time to think about how they'd open said door, he didn't have the mental capacity to focus on what they were doing while he was taking on the entire onslaught himself. He just blocked it all out and focused on actually handling his part. They'd gotten this far, he's sure they had a way. They probably had to make it through a dozen rooms like this one, just to find him, to save him. And he was not about to let their efforts be in vain. Nothing was gonna come and separate them again! He wouldn't let it!
Down to his last few pieces of gum, he felt Espio tug on his tail, pulling him backwards through the vault doors, that refused to stay open long enough for him to make it all the way. Vector roared as he slammed his hands and feet against the speeding steel and forced the colliding pieces away, before he fell to the floor on his back. Just missing the final glob of cement foam that went through the opening in the doors. He immediately rolled out of the way as the vault doors rushed to slam close once more, nearly crushing his tail in the process.
Vector coughed as he struggled to regain his breathing, his heartbeat blaring in his ears as his chest heaved up and down. They made it. They actually made it past the... wow. He shouldn't be shocked, Vector knew they could do it, he just... kinda got lost in the moment for a second. That was too close, in more than one way that was far too close. Was this what they had to go through every time they wanted to move to another room?
Charmy celebrated and cheered him on, but he could barely hear him over his heartbeat throbbing in his ears and his ragged breath drowning Charmy out. Gaia, he missed his headphones. Vector sat up and rose to his feet, using his knees as support, before he realized where they were. It was another sterile white corridor, which meant this was the final countermeasure, right?
Before he could ask Espio, the chameleon yanked him out of the way of something heavy. And loud. It nearly smashed them, if Espio hadn't moved them in time, they'd be Chaotix themed pancakes.
"DA HELL WAS DAT?!" Vector shouted, unable to contain his shock.
"It appears that we are not alone" Espio said as he directed Vector's attention to see what, or rather who just attacked them.
A large, imposing bird Mobian stared them down, wearing a tight red jumpsuit and a matching helmet with a white stripe down the middle. Judging by the guy's look, he appeared to be a bald eagle who knew how to handle himself. That or his jumpsuit was 3 sizes too small to make it seem like he was jacked, but after the sizable dent he just made in reinforced steel doors, Vector was inclined to believe this guy was the real deal.
He lifted his feathered fingers up to the side of his helmet and began to speak, glaring daggers at them all the while. "This is Agent Ed Eagle; suspects sighted in Secure Room D. Agent Rouge was right" Well, dat ain't good. "Requesting immediate back up. Repeat suspects sighted in Secure Room D. I need backup ASAP".
"Hey, Eagle guy!" Charmy spoke up in a friendly, if nervous tone. "Don't suppose we could convince ya to let us off with a warnin' this time, could we?" the boy chuckled weakly as the eagle squinted sharply.
"After what you did to Munch? You're lucky I'm not pecking your eyes out as we speak" he shot back, looking down on them. Who's Munch and what'd they do to him to tick dis guy off so much?
Charmy deflated as he continued his appeal. "Aw c'mon, I left him a little note and everything! Doesn't that count for something?" he asked, arms stretched wide. The bird ignored him as he cracked his knuckles.
"I'd tell you to give up and come along quietly, but truth be told? I want you to resist" he said, smirking devilishly. "Give me an excuse to tear every last one of you scumbags apart".
"Then you leave us no choice" Espio said, raising his hands to prepare for battle, but Vector grabbed Espio's shoulder as he walked in front of him.
"Nah, I got dis one" he slammed his fists together, punctuating the challenge.
The eagle scoffed, flicking his head down to Vector's feet and back up to his face. "What do you plan to do hopped up on suppressants?"
"Relieve some stress" Vector crouched as he assumed his wrestling pose, his teeth slightly bared.
The eagle chuckled low as he backed up a few paces. "And there's my excuse..."
Wings of Vengeance (Speedy's Boss Battle) - Tails Adventure Armada
The familiar flutter of wings and delicate footfalls growing distant clued Vector in that his team was staying on mission, and out of the splash zone. Good. Now he was free to cut loose on this sorry son of a—
The eagle inhaled fast and deep, reeling his head back and puffing his chest out like an inflated balloon. Vector didn't plan on giving him the first move, but the guy was faster than he currently was, on account of his speed being greatly impaired by the suppressants. The eagle turned toward Espio and Charmy who were nearly to the other side of the corridor.
And just like that, Vector was sprinting to get between them and whatever that kooky bird had planned. He was too late, they all got blasted with a tempest force wind blowing them backwards. Charmy howled as he was thrust off course and slammed into the wall nearest him. Espio was stuck to the ground, but he was crouching to the floor, holding on for dear life, neither of them had the strength to stand up against the overwhelming pressure. So it was a good thing they didn't need to.
Vector stomped forward against the high speed wind cutting into him, raising his hands to block his face so he could look ahead and breath again. The eagle, Ed he finally remembered, had the lung capacity of a beluga whale, which wasn't a surprise, eagles were known for their great lung capacity. But this was incredible, the guy had been blowing them back for what had to be a solid 2 minute stretch and he showed no indication of letting up. Vector pressed on, shaking his head off that track and focusing back on the battle.
If Ed was smart, which he seemed to be, then he'd see how close Vector was getting and he'd stop with the birthday candle schtick to try something different. Something Vector would be able to deal with better than this. Sure enough, the oppressive wind stopped as fast as it appeared, freeing Vector to charge at Ed. But the eagle was already in midair and aiming for Espio and Charmy again! Asshole!
Vector shouted their way "Watch out, boys!" just before Ed swooped down and snatched up Espio.
"You're not goin' anywhere" he said as Espio struggled in his talons' grip.
Vector's blood boiled as he leapt to the nearest wall and bounced off to intercept the unsuspecting bird, ramming them both into the opposite wall. Espio managed to slip free as soon as Vector grabbed the eagle's wings and he was currently rushing back to Charmy to get the door open. While Vector kept Ed company, even as he fought to free his arms from Vector's vice grip.
"Your fight's with me, chump" the croc reminded him, before rocking backwards and suplexing him into the floor, forcing the surface to give way on impact.
But Vector didn't let go, instead rolling atop the eagle, crushing him for a moment, rising back to his feet and leaping backwards to perform another suplex. It had enough force to break his grip and sent Ed rebounding away, grunting loudly in pain as he went. Despite the damage however, the eagle scrambled back to his feet, then to the air before Vector could get his hands back on him. Apparently aura suppressants messed with his reflexes and reaction time too, that's neat...
"Fine!" Ed snarled as he flapped his arms. "You want my attention? You got it!" the bird rushed through the air at an alarming speed, almost faster than Vector could follow.
Suddenly, he felt a massive force hit him from behind, launching him forward until he crashed to the ground, sliding for a couple feet. Before he could fully recover, he was hit again, from his left flank. This one sent him hurtling head over foot before he crashed into a wall, followed by another powerful blow to the stomach, forcing him deeper into the small dent he'd already made in the surface.
Vector retched and spat up all the saliva in his body from that, and his remaining gum, his abdomen felt caved in and he struggled to keep his mouth closed as all the air in his lungs seemed to have left instantly. Ed retracted his fist and prepared to send it smashing into Vector's face, but he wasn't out yet.
He powered through the pain and snapped his jaws closed, in time to catch the eagle's punching arm in its entirety. Any thoughts the eagle had were immediately halted as his eyes shot wide open and a horrified screech left his mouth, followed by frantic pulling on his captured arm. Vector didn't bite clean through like he could have, but he definitely drew blood and locked his panicked opponent in place to set up his next attack.
Ed, being of the smarter variety of mook, stopped pulling on his arm and instead lifted his feet up to keep Vector's arms in place while he used his other hand to try prying his jaws open. Unfortunately, he didn't realize just how vulnerable he had made himself in that moment. So Vector took complete advantage of the golden opportunity and lifted his tail up as fast as possible to swat the man's most delicate region.
Ed froze the instant the scaly whip smacked his nethers, a high pitched squawk echoed across the room before every muscle in his body collapsed toward his stinging groin. Vector opened his mouth and allowed his enemy to stagger to his knees, while the crocodile pulled himself free of the wall he was embedded in. Leaving him in the perfect position for Vector to continue his counterattack.
He thrusted his knees forward to clamp onto Ed's head, bent down and grabbed his doubled over torso, then leapt in the air, pulling them both skyward and angling Ed upside down. Vector spun them around like a top and plummeted back down to the floor, Ed's head angled to take the brunt of the force.
"Piledriver!" he roared just before impact, crashing the eagle through the metal plating of the ground and into the cement beneath. He was limp in his arms but Vector still held on, not wanting Ed to recover and keep to the air permanently.
"How's that exit comin'?!" he shouted to his friends
"Nearly there! Just need to find that darn ID card..." Espio replied while pulling random things of similar size and weight out of his inventory.
"How did ya lose it!?" Charmy shouted while waving his arms. "Ya had it when we got Vector, so where could it have—?"
Vector was pulled out of the conversation and towards the ground as familiar ankles wrapped around his neck and flung him forward. His grip on his opponent was lost and he was sprawled across the floor once more, looking up at his now airborne foe.
"I said you're not going anywhere!" he growled as he loomed over Vector, no doubt planning several moves ahead. Vector stared up at him frustrated, before realization dawned on him.
"Forget da ID, jus' force da door open, now!" he instructed, turning to his team. The two looked between each other for a second and began to work.
Ed was circling above Vector now, steadily picking up speed until he appeared as a red blur, the air around him getting more and more suffocating. Within seconds, the rush of swirling air currents had melded into a proper tornado, Vector floating helplessly in the middle of the funnel. But the eagle wasn't satisfied with just that. As Vector remained suspended above the ground, Ed swooped in and slashed him with his razor sharp beak, then hid back inside the twirling vortex.
Vector cried out, but more in surprise than anything. Although it did hurt, this was more troublesome than painful. The eagle continued his hit and run tactic, coming from every angle at random intervals preventing Vector from getting a bead on him. It was like there was more than one of him in there from how often he would stab or slice into him and reappear. Ed even started straight up punching and kicking him just to keep the whole experience fresh. That was nice of him...
The really troublesome part was Vector knew how to stop this, he thought of a dozen ways to end whatever game the agent was playing with him in 3 seconds flat. But they all had to do with his aura techniques: Homing Attack, Fire Breath, Musical Note Blast, Snap Bomb. None of them were an option presently. Even bubble gum stuff was out because he just hurled up the last of it when Ed punched his gut earlier. Which sucked, but there was one other way he could turn the tide, it just required patience.
Eventually, Ed was going to slip up and repeat a pattern enough times for Vector to predict where he would strike next. It was inevitable, there was no way a logical being could be completely and totally random in and of themselves in the midst of battle. There was a method to everyone's madness, a flow that they naturally fell into, and thus a predictable course that could be exploited. So the private eye bided his time, let the bird get cocky and comfortable nailing him, waiting for just the right moment to...
Vector spun around as best he could, arms stretched wide, and clotheslined the eagle with all the strength he could muster. The satisfying crack of Ed's helmet let him know it was over, but hearing the eagle slam into the wall before plopping to the ground was also a nice sound. The funnel quickly dissipated as the wind died down, dropping Vector to the floor. As soon as he touched down he bolted towards the semi-lucid man, hoping to finish this fight.
Vector roared as he hopped just in front of Ed, brought his knees up and shot his feet out, crashing into the eagle's beak with a flawless dropkick that rocked his head back. The rest of his helmet fell away like shattered porcelain, as Vector spun around to land on his feet and swipe his tail across Ed's ankles, spinning him around like a pinwheel. Massive arms swung around and clotheslined the helpless bird again, launching him into the doors Charmy and Espio hadn't opened yet.
The eagle bounced off of the door, rattling it from the sheer force of the impact, just as Vector jumped up to meet him, arms reeled above his head in preparation of a slam dunk. The crocodile swung his fists down on the ricocheting bird, launching him right back into the vault doors, denting them. Vector didn't stop his onslaught and kept bating his opponent into the surface like he was playing racketball. Only his every appendage was the racket and the 6 foot tall bruised and bloodied eagle was the ball.
It really was doing wonders for his pent up aggression, he would have to thank the man after this... ya know, if he wasn't in a coma or anything. Which was starting to look like a distinct possibility.
With all his remaining strength, the powerhouse detective swung his entire torso backwards, his head ghosting just above the floor, then flung himself forward like a freight train, ramming the eagle through the vault doors with a booming crash. The towering slabs of reinforced steel had been buckling with every blow he indirectly dealt them, until they just couldn't hold on anymore.
Espio and Charmy had stopped attempting to open it as soon as they saw a red blur crash into it, essentially frozen on the spot while Vector unleashed his fury on the guy. Now it seemed their efforts were unnecessary, not that Vector minded or could even think about that.
He was still coming down from his rapturous bout of ultra violence and heaving out exhausted breaths while staring at the seemingly unconscious Ed sprawled on the floor in the next room. He hoped he was done, there weren't very many people who could take an absolute pounding like that and keep going. When Vector really got going, he doubted anyone could bounce back immediately.
Not even Big or Knuckles or even Espio, who had to be the most durable guy he knew, aside from himself, of course. Although, he supposed Omega fell into that category too, now that he thought about it. Anyway, Agent Ed Eagle was not on the same level as those guys so surely he had to be done now, right?
Vector dropped to one knee as he kept searching the bird's form for any sign of movement at all, which thankfully never came. He didn't know when Charmy had latched onto his face, but his loud cheering started to filter through the thunderous throbbing of his heartbeat.
Ocean Base (Teckworks Cover) - Sonic Advance 3
"YEAH, BOY! VECTOR'S THE BEST! WE'RE THE BEST! TEAM CHAOTIX FOREVERRRRRR!" the energetic boy bellowed before his eyes flitted to Vector and stopped his cheer. "Oh hey, your tooth's gone!" he said, pointing to Vector's mouth.
"Huh? Oh" he replied between huffs, feeling the open space in his gums with his tongue. He clenched his eyes shut and opened his mouth, forcing the bone to come to the surface. After a second, he felt it reach its full height and ran his tongue along the row of fangs to ensure everything was in order.
"Thanks, would'a looked real goofy if ya hadn't told me" Vector smirked while petting Charmy's head. Charmy chuckled at the mental image and started to respond. But Espio interrupted them.
"Need I remind you that time is of the essence? Quickly now" he shot back as he rushed past the downed eagle and towards the next door. Vector eyed Charmy who made a face at him, a face Vector knew too well.
It was the face he made when he knew he wasn't allowed to say anything in the moment, but was absolutely going to air his grievances later. He did it when they forced him to do chores he didn't like, whenever he wasn't in the mood for training, and when he didn't receive the gifts he wanted for his birthday or the holidays. Something was seriously weighing on him, and it concerned Espio's behavior.
Vector didn't even have time to stop and think about what the dynamic between them even was before they came to get him. How long they had to be stuck to each other in tense and uncomfortable silence, a nightmare for their little man. But he was obviously on edge right now, after they'd finally reunited and were actively working together to get out of here. The responsibility was no longer on him alone to take care of them, they were sharing it equally... Weren't they?
And that's besides the litany of questions that Charmy was no doubt dying to get answers to, he was growing up with Vector after all, but had yet to receive a single serviceable one. Espio was not trying to explain himself, he wasn't trying to make sense of anything, he was laser focused on the mission. And that had to be wearing down the poor kid, Charmy was not one for suspense. And when it came to his friends, neither was Vector. Whatever was going on with him, they were gonna have to immediately get into it as soon as they were clear of GUN.
Vector gave Charmy a determined nod in response to his upset and confused look, which seemed to pacify him. For now at least. The two of them ran over the toppled over vault doors and the unwitting battering ram that assisted them in breaking through, before Vector remembered something and spun on his heel.
"What're you—?" Vector picked up the comatose eagle and snatched out his ID card from his inner pocket. "Ohhhh..." Charmy hummed in realization as Vector caught back up to him and they all resumed their escape.
Espio was in the process of cutting through the wall beneath the keypad as Vector approached it and slapped it on the scanner, drawing the ninja's attention. The keypad blinked green, causing the doors to shudder and shoot open as he smirked at Espio.
"Ya did say time was of the essence. Work smarter, not harder" he winked at the shorter reptile, who completely ignored him and ran through the open doors, yanking Vector along. Charmy shot him a look again, Vector simply nodded in understanding as they rushed forward.
Finally they were out of the white corridors and in the normal hallway of the facility. Espio was already turning them invisible, as they ran, so upon exiting the Secure Rooms as Ed called them, The Chaotix were completely see-through again. They bobbed and weaved past the still scrambling agents, no doubt rushing to get to Ed who asked for backup not too long ago. Too bad, he might've stood a chance if he had all these mooks on his side.
Because everyone was moving away from where they were headed, eventually the slew of agents had died down. There were practically only the slowest of the slow left behind, or the most careful lingering to ensure they didn't miss anything. But Espio had done his due diligence and sent out more Illusion Clones of The Chaotix to draw people away from where they were actually going. Finally, there was nobody around at all, which meant Espio let them go back to the floor and they could all move more naturally again.
Silent Forest Zone 1 - Sonic Lost World
No sooner than that did the chameleon speak up, "She has found us". Vector's stomach sank at the revelation. He didn't need to specify who. The only person who could find them in this place. The woman who made her presence known by shouting his name.
"ESPIO!" Rouge shrieked, to near hypersonic levels, barreling towards them like a bat out of hell (pun not intended, Vector was just really nervous she was onto them).
She hadn't tapped into her Sound aura yet, but that was only because she knew it wouldn't do much of anything to them at that distance. She was rectifying that oversight right now however, so Vector tensed up and started to speak, before Espio cut him off.
"Do not slow down under any circumstances" he could feel Espio's grip tighten around his finger before he continued. "This will be over shortly..."
He wanted to call him crazy, but Espio had already produced several Illusion Clones of himself, all of them scattered beside him, from the floor, up the walls and on the ceiling. A virtual ring of Espios rushed forward in tandem with the real Espio, the clones orbiting around him in a mesmerizing pattern.
He heard the chameleon whisper his next move, "Genzo Bushin: Mangekyo" before launching the Espios at Rouge.
{Illusion Clone: Kaleidoscope}
Rouge raised her hands to her lips, still closing the distance, but instead of her trademark Beauty Shock blasting them all away, a shrill piercing sound cut through the space. One that Vector could barely hear and it was excruciating for him. He could only imagine what Rouge, the person with the greatest sense of hearing he knew of, was currently experiencing. Judging by her eyes squeezing tight, her face contorting in a hideous grimace of shock, her flight path instantly faltering, and her blood curdling scream, she was in complete unbearable agony.
While the woman was careening in indescribable pain, the Espios closed in on her all at once, flying kicks all around, aimed at the helpless bat. Or, so it appeared. Never one to give up so easily, Rouge bit her lip and covered her ears, giving her just enough time to fly through the opening in the clones pattern before they converged on her. Now she was in Espio's direct path, foot swung out to deliver her own pink aura covered flying kick. It would have been a blow of devastating proportions... had it connected with something solid.
Unfortunately, the Espio she was aiming for was an afterimage, nothing more than a mirage. The invisible real Espio, as well as Vector and Charmy who were trailing behind him, had banked left and was currently on the wall rushing past her and his Illusion Clones. Rouge went through the Afterimage like it was vapor, confused and dismayed as a secret invisible Espio Clone grabbed her. Just in time for the converging Illusion Clones to bounce backwards from their flying kicks and re-converge on Rouge.
It was all a feint to get her to fall into this trap, and thanks to that ear bleeding whistle, she couldn't see through it in time.
Rouge could do nothing but scream as the mass of clones hit her all at once, culminating in a dazzling explosion of iridescent light, powerful enough to blow a hole through the ceiling and walls. Vector looked over his shoulder at the stunning display as the light faded and revealed Rouge, unconscious in the middle of a smoldering crater. And that was it, she was done.
One of the most powerful fighters in the world, a renowned spy with skills comparable to Espio's, and one of the most brilliant tactical minds Vector had ever come across... dealt with in a matter of seconds. And none of them even had to break their gait, drop their speed, lose any momentum whatsoever. Espio just swatted her down like a gnat and kept moving without any reaction. How he couldn't have an extreme reaction to what he just did was blowing Vector's mind, anybody else would be freaking the heck out after witnessing that.
Vector felt himself stammering, at an utter loss. "Dat... dat was—"
"Necessary" Espio finished curtly, his grip still tight on Vector's finger. So tight it was ever so slightly starting to hurt. Vector instinctively looked at where he knew Espio's head was, trying to figure out just how far Espio was willing to go for this.
When did he decide to stop taking it easy on their friends? He could've done something else to stop Rouge, surely. Did he have to go for the nuclear option? Was it truly necessary like he claimed? And how long had he been holding onto that whistle anyway? How long was he waiting for the moment he'd need to use it against her? Where'd he even get it from? More questions, still no answers.
Tornado Defense 2nd Battle - Sonic Unleashed
Vector's plagued thoughts came to a screeching halt as did his body, when they came across a weird change in location. The hallways they rushed through were normal municipal building stuff: drywall, cheap tile, some wood panelling here and there for the old school look. But it was standard stuff, nothing to really take note of, especially at the speeds Espio had them traveling at. But just up ahead, Vector found himself doing a double take.
It was as if someone took one of the Secure Rooms and plopped it smack dab in the middle of the normal part of the building. There was no door leading to it, no locks, no keypads, just a straight up cut into the worn carpeting of normalcy, leading to the white plating of sterility. A characteristic of the security heavy, pain-in-the-neck Secure Rooms. Vector audibly groaned along with Charmy as they mentally prepared for what was in store next.
"This is the last internal security measure. Once we are past this, it is essentially a straight shot to the outside world" Espio answered their unasked question (for once). "From there we need do nothing but remain invisible, cross the courtyard, and fly over the gate".
"Okay but, what is it?" Vector blurted out, quirking an eye ridge up at Espio while motioning to the space.
"According to the building schematics, an assortment of gravity generators are imbedded in the ceiling, poised to increase gravity 20 fold on anyone unauthorized to cross this area" he explained with his usual stoicism, as if that wasn't the hugest problem imaginable right now!
"20 fold?!" Vector gawked, flinging his hands at Espio.
"20 FOLD?!" Charmy repeated even louder before scrunching up his face. "Wuzzat mean?" he asked.
"It means ya'd get squashed into paste da second ya cross over!" Vector jabbed his hand towards the white space again, never taking his eyes off of Espio.
Charmy shrunk back to Vector's shoulder. "Eeew... I don't like that".
"But we can get across with your strength, can we not Vector?" Espio asked, with a tone that said he already knew the answer to the question. And a look that told Vector they had no other choice.
Vector sighed deep as he pinched the center of his eye ridges, placing his other hand on his hip. "Yeah, sure, jus'..." he croaked out as he rubbed soothing circles against his tired eyelids. "Jus' stay completely below me, aight?" he said whipping around to eye Charmy directly.
"I mean it! Not an antenna or a toe outta place or you'll get turned to mashed potatoes" he warned as seriously as he could, mashing his hands together tightly to emphasize the danger.
"Don't gotta tell me twice..." Charmy muttered as he reeled back from the squishing hands. Vector let out a small sigh of relief as the boy flew over to Espio and held onto him for dear life.
It was no doubt the hundredth time he had to do it that day, a fact that made Vector's chest ache as he looked down at his boys. Battered, worn out, bleeding slightly, reeking of sweat, cleaning supplies, and anxiety. They had been through the ringer, more than once, if he had to guess. But it was all about to be over now. At least this specific ordeal was drawing to a close.
Vector had re-determined in himself that he needed to take the reins from now on. They'd been through more than enough just to spring him, he'd carry them the rest of the way. It was the least he could do. Regardless of how much his back was gonna be aching when this was over with.
"Ready?" he asked them, raising his brows in concern.
"Ready" Espio answered, laying on his back directly between Vector's feet.
He let out a long exhale as he crouched on all fours, hovering directly above his teammates and raised his face forward. "Okay, here goes nothin'..."
As soon as he poked his snout past the threshold, there was a loud electronic beep followed by a reddening of the lights and a supreme increase of pressure. His face nearly slammed into the floor, he had to strain with all his might just to keep his head upright, a struggle that didn't go unnoticed.
"Vector, you okay?" Charmy asked in a panic, his eyes shot open, already starting to tear up. The crocodile gritted his teeth and forced himself to flash the boy a smile.
"Jus' peachy, kiddo" he answered back through gritted teeth. "Stay right beneath me, okay? We're gonna go nice and slow" he assured in a tense voice, hoping his shaking wasn't too noticeable right then.
Charmy studied his face for a bit before nodding slightly. "Okay..." he whispered back, folding his lips in his mouth. He was nervous but focused, that's all Vector could hope for right then.
With that, the trio inched forward under the oppressive weight bearing down on him. As cutting edge as GUN was, they didn't actually have the ability to turn gravity up on people, like he thought. It wasn't so much the gravitational forces of the planet increased thanks to the gravity generators, more like they shot out a continuous stream of invisible force that would crush their victims below. It was nondescript pressure, not actual gravity, and it was pushing down on top of them, not pulling them down from beneath.
Therefore, it was easy to work around it, in theory. Get a big strong oaf to act as a mobile awning and crawl under him to block the pressure and make it to the other side. Simple... in theory.
In practice, it was intensely harrowing to be beneath such a heavy weight and have to hold it up completely as you slowly crawled along the ground like a 2 ton toddler. Knowing that one slip up, one instant of weakness or faltering, and you'd end up crushing your friends was another layer of pressure to add to the heaping pile.
Vector was certain if he wasn't on aura suppressants, if he hadn't just sprinted what felt like 20 miles, fought against one of the most hard hitting birds he'd ever come across, and sprinted yet another 20 miles, he'd be much more comfortable with this situation. But he was running on fumes, what, with all that they'd just went through, plus the constant strain his limbs were under thanks to the accommodations in his cell.
Oh, and he couldn't forget the fact that he'd just gone 5-ish rounds with the strongest robot in the world earlier that day and was still aching from that monster's jabs and rockets. It had been nonstop pain, pressure, and nerves all day long and he was rapidly approaching his limit. A prolonged push up with what felt like an entire mountain range on his back was the last thing he needed at the moment. Yet, in spite of it all, he persisted.
It wasn't even a question of if he could do it, he was going to do it. He couldn't afford to fail now, especially right now. If he gave in for one iota of a second, he would be smushing his boys into Chaotix flavored jelly, the ultra smooth variety. And that was not about to happen, not after everything they had to do to even get here. Vector forced his trembling hands and feet forward, pulling the weight of the world along with him, as he slowly shuffled across the floor.
It was getting impossible to keep his head up, so he let it hang, drooping just in front of Espio and Charmy's heads, catching their attention. They looked up at him, worry etched on their faces, as Vector huffed out an exhausted breath in the hopes of gaining a second or third wind. He might even be on his fourth wind, he had lost count a bit ago.
The straining crocodile flashed a toothy grin towards them, hoping it put their minds at ease, but more than likely showing them just how difficult this really was for him. He forced out an awkward, but jovial laugh and just kept moving.
"Everything's fine... we're gonna make it..." Vector groaned out, mainly to them but partially to himself. "This ain't... even... haaaaaard..." he strained, pain clear in his voice as he felt his veins bulging to the surface. Blood rushed to his head as his joints ached, his muscles screaming for relief as he noticed his hands going deeper into the floor, creating palm sized dents.
He quickly flicked his eyes back to Charmy, his face a ball of stress and fear, but Vector quickly slapped on his grin again and chuckled.
"They don't make floors... like they used to... 'ey pal?" he joked, hoping to mask his depleting reserves of energy.
He was nearly tapped out and he was confident he'd pop at least one blood vessel before they made it out of here.
But onward he pressed.
The friction from his hands and knees rubbing against the floor was giving him a serious burn, he'd probably worn down the layers of scales significantly.
But onward he pressed.
He felt his shoulders on the verge of buckling, which made his heart thump against his ribcage so hard, he could'a swore Charmy could see it hammering away.
But onward he pressed.
He felt like throwing up, rolling over and dying, the pain was getting unbearable.
But onward he pressed.
He didn't even know how far he'd gone, how much was still left to go, or how long he was taking to get through this. All he could say was not far enough, too much to go, and this was taking way too long.
But onward he pressed.
He didn't stop, he didn't slow down, he didn't falter. He just kept going, focusing on putting one inch behind him with each movement. Checking to make sure Charmy and Espio were completely covered from head to toe by his body. Trying to let out an occasional laugh or joke to set their minds at ease as best he could, and just get them away from here as soon as he possibly could.
The only thing that kept him going was the sight of the two people he cared about more than himself looking back at him. They gave him the strength to keep going when everything inside him demanded he stop. They gave him the hope that they all really could get through this. They made him realize that compared to the pain of losing them again, he'd take a nap under these blasted gravity generators. Vector wouldn't let anything separate him from his boys again, never again.
As soon as they were outta there, he'd make Espio explain what was going on, they'd make a plan, and they'd go curb stomp whoever was really behind all this. They messed with the wrong detectives and Vector couldn't wait to demonstrate just how badly they screwed up with extreme prejudice. It was a done deal, a sure thing, he just had to make it through this last little bit.
He just had to keep crawling.
Just keep on crawling.
Keep on...
Crawling...
Keeeeeep...
ooooon...
craaaaaaawl...
iiiiiiiing...
"Vector, Vector!" Charmy yelled out, causing his eyes to snap open. "We're through! We made it! You did it!" he announced, with a grin on his face and tears in his eyes.
What? Vector breathed, as he took in his current surroundings.
He was halfway through the white room, halfway on the carpet of the other side. Espio must have waited for the instant Vector managed to bridge the gap between the open space of the Secure Room and the blessedly normal hallway connected to it and slipped out while Vector was zoned out.
Charmy and Espio were pulling his arms now, as Vector went limp and thudded against the floor roughly. It was a bit of a task, but the two remaining Chaotix managed to get their boss across the rest of the way. Vector felt his sweat dampening the carpet fibers beneath him, his breath was coming out in undignified wheezes and coughs, his mouth hung wide open as drool dribbled to the floor beneath him.
He couldn't have cared less. He did it. They made it across. They were practically home free now. That's all that mattered. Everything else was just white noise he could filter out.
As his team hoisted his arms onto their shoulders and prepared to march forward, Vector looked up at Espio's face. He was facing Vector as best he could and giving his back reassuring pats.
"Great job, Vector. I knew we could count on you" he said, smiling for the first time since he'd seen him, his eyes returned to their normal white sclera and golden irises. Without exaggeration, that made everything he'd experienced today worth it.
Surprise - Knuckles' Chaotix
Before they could get anywhere however, a loud roar of engines came into focus. A very familiar set of engines, attached to the last thing Vector needed to see right now. There, in the distance, was the absolute unit that was hellbent on keeping The Chaotix, but specifically Vector, from escaping. That imposing and way too eager hunk of junk came speeding directly at them, shouting his usual diatribe.
"DECLARATION: VECTOR THE CROCODILE WILL RESUME HIS BATTLE TO THE DEATH AT THIS PRESENT JUNCTURE! YOUR COMPLIANCE IS UNNECESSARY!" Omega announced for all in a 3 block radius to hear as he raised his hands ready to grapple Vector head on. Vector could only groan in equal parts pain, irritation, and exhaustion.
"Wuh-oh" Charmy said, eyes wide as he froze on the spot. "How'd he find us?!"
"Ko, take Vector and—"
"Naaaaah..." croaked out with a raspy voice. "I got dis" he said weakly while rising to his shaky feet.
Espio looked up at him, brows knitted. "Vector, are you certain that—?"
"You got an anti-killer robot whistle in your pocket I don't know about?" the croc retorted before Espio could finish his thought, causing him to stare at Vector blankly.
The chameleon remained silent as he hung his head a bit, Vector hummed confidently as he rolled his shoulders to loosen the muscles.
"Then stand back. It'll be over quick, trust me" he sighed, stomping forward and fighting the urge to just faceplant back to the floor with each step.
If Omega could smile, he definitely would've been right then, as he barreled towards Vector, who had managed to break into a light run before the robot was in melee distance. "RESUMING BATTLE, PREPARE TO BE DESTROYED!"
Vector roared through the scratchy dryness hanging in his throat as Omega's eyes seemed to shine. He was looking forward to this, no doubt.
Too bad he'd have to keep waiting.
The two locked hands with a devastating clash of bone against metal, only for Vector to use Omega's impressive momentum against him and pull him forwards. The robot whirred some confused noises as Vector leaned back, lifted his legs up and dropped to the floor, tossing the metallic colossus overhead and into the vacant gravity generator space. Omega, upside down and airborne, stared blankly at Vector who watched with bated breath as the robot crossed the threshold and the white lights shifted to red.
"Does not comp—" Omega started, utterly confused, before the gravity generators forced him down, denting the floor upon impact. His head was the first thing to slam down, shutting his headpiece inside his torso before flopping on his back with a loud crash.
Vector huffed out drained breaths as he closed his eyes and lamented the loss of his stamina all over again. Sorry tin-can, no time to play today. "Okay... now we can go" Vector wheezed in total exhaustion, as Charmy and Espio rushed to his side.
They slung his limp arms over their shoulders once more and hurried away as Omega continuously repeated "error" and "does not compute" over and over again. Vector would've felt sorry for him if he had the luxury to do that. Omega was no doubt going through some kinda existential crisis from being had and denied a satisfying conclusion to their 1-v-1, twice. Meh, he'd get over it.
The trio actually managed to pick up some speed as Vector slowly regained his bearings while getting dragged along by his friends. Still, as Espio said, they were done with security measures. All that was left was finding the nearest exit, making their way across the front lawn, and letting Charmy fly them home free. So Vector felt it was okay to let them do some of the heavy lifting, just for a minute until he got the feeling back in his... everything.
"No seriously, how'd Omega find us? Nobody knew where we were going except Rouge" Charmy asked in a serious tone.
"Most likely she rushed to intercept us herself, but informed him to meet her en route. We just so happened to get past her faster than Omega could catch up to her" Espio explained thankfully, so Vector could focus exclusively on breathing and remaining conscious.
"Ohhhhh... huh" Charmy shrugged as he went back to looking where he was going. "I guess it's good you brought that whistle with you then" he said, in a way that seemed innocent to anyone who didn't know Charmy. Vector flicked his eyes to Espio, watching him from his peripheral.
"Yes..." he answered plainly, clearing his throat ever so slightly. "Quite fortuitous" he added more resolute. Definitely more there than he was telling. But it could wait, they were nearly out.
The trio moved along as swiftly as they could, rounding a corner that was sure to be their last turn on their way to free—.
Android Ending - Shadow the Hedgehog
The Chaotix stopped in their tracks immediately, their collective jaws hit the floor at the same time, their eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. Charmy was so shocked he accidentally let Vector's arm slip from his shoulders jostling him back to life. He stretched his arms out and crouched down in front of Charmy as best he could, while Espio followed his lead and popped his wrist blades out.
"Oh crap!" Charmy squealed, and Vector couldn't tell if it was from excitement or fear, possibly both.
"Great, this'll be fun" Vector said dryly with a huff. He was so not prepared to deal with him, of all people.
Shadow the Hedgehog stood before them, a wall even stronger and higher than any they'd tore down or climbed over that day. His crimson eyes pierced through them, like he'd see any and all moves coming before The Chaotix could even whip them out good. The black hedgehog wore a fierce scowl, hampered by the rudimentary first aid applied to his face, a gift from his earlier encounter with Espio. And a reminder that he would no longer be going easy on him, and by extension, The Chaotix.
The atmosphere intensified the longer he stood there eyeing Espio up and down, Vector could've swore he saw Shadow's fur stand on end and crackles of electricity jolting in the air. This was going to be a no holds barred total slobber knocker the likes of which they'd only seen Shadow get into with Sonic himself. It was gonna be brutal, grueling, and if they were lucky, they'd last longer than 30 seconds. Personally, Vector didn't like their odds on that front.
Was Shadow here to take that emerald back by force? Had whatever good faith Vector managed to buy back been thrown out the window due to this prison break? He'd understand if that was the case, Shadow wasn't the forgiving type and he definitely wasn't the trusting type either. But if that was the case, why wasn't he attacking? Or saying anything?
And then, he moved, causing The Chaotix to practically jump out of their skin. Shadow began raising his hands, still dirty from his battle with Espio, bloodstains littered across them as they watched with bated breath. It took everything in Vector not to take off running, away from or towards Shadow, he wasn't positive yet. But his body was setting off alarms that his mind was desperate to heed. The only thing that stopped him from moving, was the speed at which Shadow raised his hands.
It wasn't like he was preparing to get into his fighting stance, it wasn't like he was preparing to attack them with some energy blast. It wasn't even like he was about to point at them and threaten them to stand down or he'd put them down. He was raising his hands like... he was waiting to see them.
Like, casually waiting to see them. As in, not overtly hostile at all. Which didn't make any sense.
Before Vector could piece together what was going on in his spiky little head, Shadow moved his arms to fold across his chest and raised his brows, softening his scowl. But just barely.
He opened his mouth and spoke in that coarse tone of voice he was famous for. "What time is it?"
Vector blinked and looked between his teammates who shared his same blank expression.
"Huh?" Charmy managed as he turned his attention back to Shadow.
The hedgehog tilted his head and jabbed his thumb behind him, pointing to a mounted clock they hadn't noticed before. And who could blame them? A basic bargain bin analog clock was not the highlight of this encounter, it wasn't even a blip on the radar.
Vector curiously eyed the clock and noticed the time, his brow quirking up in confusion as he spoke. "12:47, why?" he immediately challenged, albeit warily.
Shadow sighed slowly as he closed his eyes and holstered his hand back into the crux of his arm.
"Because Special Agent Shadow the Hedgehog's schedule clearly shows he takes a coffee break everyday from 12:40 to 1:10 am. He usually teleports across the street to get his coffee because GUN's is notorious for tasting like fossil fuel".
What?
"Since the surveillance system for this area was conveniently offline during the time, nor were there any eye witnesses in this hallway, there's no record of him being here during this breakout", the hedgehog explained succinctly, causing Vector's eyes to shoot wide open again.
Nooo... he can't be.
"It appears that Espio the Chameleon's legendary stealth skills live up to the hype. He planned everything down to the finest detail and kept to his timetable to take advantage of the most minor gaps in security. As expected of an expert ninja assassin" Shadow finished, peeking his eyes back open to look at Espio again. The fire in his eyes simmered down to embers.
Was he serious? Vector didn't know Shadow to joke about things like this, so he had to be serious. But... he couldn't be serious right now. Could he?
"... I don't get it" Charmy finally spoke up, squinting harder and scrunching up his nose.
"Will you jus' c'mon!?" Vector barked out, not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth and grabbed Charmy to carefully shuffle past Shadow, who hadn't taken his eyes off of Espio yet. Creepy, but so long as he didn't make a move, Vector could work with that.
Once Vector and Charmy were a dozen paces away, Espio began to walk past him, sheathing his blades. He took calm strides, not to fast not too slow, very casual and careful as he passed Shadow, his eyes never leaving the hedgehog's form, not for a second. Looking for one twitch, one hint that Shadow wasn't in as generous a mood as he seemed. But the hedgehog just watched Espio go, eyes trained on him just as Espio's were trained on Shadow. The two simply maintained a tense staring contest as Espio moved.
As soon as Espio got behind Shadow, the hedgehog spoke, causing Espio to falter in his gait just enough for Vector to notice. Shadow was quiet, and true to form, spoke quickly and cryptically. If it were just Charmy here, no one but Espio would know what he said. Which was naturally what Shadow intended. But Vector had good enough hearing to make out the secret whispers the black hedgehog didn't intend for him to hear.
"I suggest you get all your affairs in order before I catch you" he emphasized before turning his head forward again. "There won't be a second chance..." Shadow warned before teleporting away in a flash of blue light. And if Vector wasn't imagining it, he sounded as if he was... worried.
Espio quickly ran up to his teammates and grabbed them by the hand. "Quickly, we're nearly outside" he instructed before yanking them forward. Vector elected to pretend he didn't notice the exchange and merely nodded before breaking into a full sprint to keep up.
It's true Vector expected Shadow to not totally be on GUN's side concerning Espio, but this was a bit overwhelming to see. At the crocodile's urging, Shadow went to look at the supposed evidence against Espio for himself and that was much earlier in the day. It was the middle of the night, so he had all day to look into it. What did he find that could change his mind so strongly, yet not bring up his findings to anyone?
Vector wanted to slap himself for thinking Shadow didn't have a subtle bone in his body as well, that exchange was incredibly interesting! Guess he must've learned a thing or two from his buddy Rouge, which was probably how he knew where to find The Chaotix. Either Rouge, Omega or both contacted him to try and intercept them, not knowing that he planned to let them go anyway.
But again, why was he keeping what he discovered in the scrolls to himself? Neither Rouge nor Omega were on the same page with him when it came to The Chaotix. Rouge was on the warpath, trying her damnedest to recapture them all and grill Espio. She had a bone to pick with him for sure, evident by the way she screeched his name as soon as she laid eyes on him. Omega was always willing to assist Rouge with her GUN objectives, plus he was insanely excited for a rematch with Vector, so he definitely wasn't on board with Shadow. So... what gives?
And perhaps the strangest detail Vector caught immediately was the fact that Shadow let Espio keep the emerald. His precious, incredibly useful, maybe even rich in sentimental value Chaos Emerald was in the hands of a dangerous fugitive that just got done whupping his behind. He didn't even bring up the fact that he knew he had it, he just let Espio go without mentioning it once! Why on Gaia's green Mobius would he do that?! Just...!
Just what was Shadow planning...? Vector couldn't help but wonder, even as the distance between him and the exit drew nearer.
Windy Hill Zone 2 - Sonic Lost World
Sure enough, they only ran for a minute or two before they made it to a set of blast doors with little windows, a tale tell sign that they were blocking off the outside world. On the other side was fresh air, green grass, brown dirt, and best of all: freedom. As they ran towards the thick blast doors, Espio called out to them, louder than he'd been all day.
"Rocket Accel!" Oh ho ho, this was gonna be good.
"Got it!" Vector and Charmy agreed and shifted into position, all while Espio got into his Spin Ball form, all of them maintaining momentum.
Vector held his hand out as Charmy put his feet in his large palm, then Espio angled himself directly in front of Charmy's waiting hands. The two of them slowed down slightly as Vector pulled them back and quickly shot them forward with all his remaining strength.
Just as his arm reached its maximum forward motion, Charmy pushed off of his palm, rocketing forward with Espio in his arms. The kid spun around quick and flung Espio the rest of the way, adding his own Kinetic Energy to Espio's until the chameleon was covered in a bright yellow aura of blazing energy. The Rocket Accel was flawless.
Espio smashed into the blast doors with a deafening crash, an explosion blew past Vector and Charmy as smoke emanated from the point of impact. The metal definitely gave way judging from the sound it gave off. Vector wasn't sure if it was enough to burst through completely, but it was certainly a good start.
Espio backflipped out of the smoke cloud and landed next to Vector, then swiftly brought up his hand to perform a hand seal.
"Haaa!" he shouted, causing another explosion to detonate against the blast doors, this one more fiery than the last. He must have planted some explosives on it to weaken it more. Too bad Vector was still incapable of using his Fire aura, because he could'a been the one to blow it up.
Before the smoke cleared, Vector ran forward, determined to peel the metal open far enough to get them through. Massive jaws snapped open and clamped into the damaged surface, pulling and gnashing as much as possible to rip the last barrier standing in their way apart. It took a few good chomps, but with some effort, Vector managed to open up a hole in the blast doors that could fit his burly figure through.
Espio stopped Charmy from flying through by grabbing onto his foot and performing some more hand seals. The damage they'd done to the blast doors seemed to evaporate into thin air, replaced with the very convincing image of a totally pristine version of said doors.
"Now we go" he said, grabbing their hands and forcing them to fade away from sight.
With agile speed and grace, The Chaotix slipped out of the hole they made and into the wide open space outside.
It took everything in Vector not to hoop and holler for victory, he was surprised Charmy wasn't currently doing it to be honest. After being cooped up in that stuffy place for the better part of the day and night, he was extremely grateful to breathe in fresh air again. It's the little things you take for granted when you're locked up, he realized with a start. The coolness of the breeze, the rustling of the grass and the leaves in the distance, the smells of nature. It felt so good. And it felt so right.
He actually had to tear his attention from the sheer bliss washing over him to focus back on the mission. Though it felt like a waste of time, considering just how effectively Espio had predicted this part of the escape would go. Which made sense, if he was ensuring practically everyone was running around inside the facility to catch the many Illusion Clone Chaotix, then why would they waste time outside?
Though, to GUN's credit, they were trying to keep at least a cursory eye on the outside of the compound. But it only amounted to a couple of big bad armored trucks, a couple dozen faceless soldiers with assault rifles, a small platoon of Gun Wing Beetle units, Gun Hunters, and even one or two Rhino Cannon units. Those were a surprise, you really don't see those around much these days.
Either way, it didn't make a difference. With Espio's invisibility and illusion techniques, none of them were even aware that The Chaotix had left the building. Let alone was slipping through their perimeter and currently making their way to the outer gate.
The trio didn't even need to communicate to know when to shift into Fly Formation, Charmy just moved and the two reptiles curled their tails together and moved to their position. Charmy effortlessly flew them above the gate and its sensors, while Espio and Vector hung beneath him, swaying in the wind until Charmy landed a few yards from the gate. They stayed in Fly Formation until they made it to the surrounding brush connected to the compound, some hundred plus yards away from the gate.
Finally, when they were all sure the coast was clear and the sirens had faded to a low hum, The Chaotix stopped to celebrate.
"WE DID IT!" Charmy shouted at the top of his lungs and pumped his fists in the air, simply because he could. Vector mimicked his smaller companions energetic yelling, despite his exhaustion hitting him harder than he'd like to admit.
"WAS IT EVER IN DOUBT!?" he roared to the heavens, causing Charmy to shake his head rigorously.
"THE CHAOTIX ARE THE BEST TEAM THERE IS!" Charmy screamed while leaning against Vector's shoulder, causing him to laugh a little.
"NOW LISTEN TO US SCREAM AND SHOOOOOUT!" Vector bellowed, cupping his hand against his jaw, waving his head to and fro to emphasize his delight.
"WOOOOOOO!" Charmy hollered along with him, before divulging into mirthful laughter. Vector grabbed him and hugged him tight to his face.
"YEAH-HAHAHAHA! WE'RE DA BEST DAT EVER WAS!" he belted out, almost as loud as his Musical Note Blast attack. But of course the suppressants were still blocking him from that, so he was just that hype to finally be out of there.
As the two of them laughed and celebrated, Vector taking a second to tell Charmy he was very proud of him for making it through a whole stealth mission without blowing their cover once, Espio approached them, halting their excitement for just a moment.
"That was spectacular. Everyone performed their roles excellently. Mission accomplished" he said smirking a warm little smile. Instantly, Vector reached out with his other arm and brought Espio in on the impromptu group hug.
He ignored how Espio stiffened at the sensation, he ignored how he averted his gaze away from them. He pretended not to notice Espio squirming to get free faster than normal. He didn't want to ruin the moment, it was such a wonderful moment, Vector just wanted to bask in it for a few precious seconds longer. Before everything would get serious again. He just wanted to stay in this gift of a moment just a little more.
But evidently Espio didn't feel the same, as he finally got free of Vector's hold and cleared his throat to gain their attention back on him.
"Now, to business" he stated matter of factly, confusing Vector and Charmy into deflating their laughter. "I am sure you are wondering why I broke you out of GUN Headquarters, yes?" he offered.
Vector nodded suspiciously. "Kind of..."
"Well I just wanted to ask you both something privately, without any prying eyes or ears on us" Espio explained without really explaining, folding his hands together calmly.
"Uh, okay. What's up?" Charmy ventured, unsure of where this was going. Vector was just as lost as the kid this time.
History - Sonic Battle
"I wanted to ask about your interrogations. What kind of questions did they ask you?"
Both of them blinked. Words failed them for a solid 5 seconds.
"You... wanna talk about da interrogations?" Vector asked incredulous. "Now?"
"Yes" was Espio's nonplussed reply.
Vector struggled to come up with the right words for a moment, his grip on Charmy loosened. "Espio, I feel like there's a lotta more important stuff we need to go over right now".
"I am sure that you do," the chameleon said, a chuckle hanging on his words that just made Vector more uncomfortable. "but right now I need to know what they asked you. What they already know. What they wish to know" Espio emphasized, deadly serious.
Vector found himself reeling as he worked his mouth awkwardly. "They... they didn't ask us anything special. Jus' wanted to know where you were, what you were plannin'... " Vector paused, then squared his shoulders. "Why ya took Shadow's emerald and ran".
Espio maintained eye contact, unfazed. "And what did you tell them?"
Vector's brows furrowed tightly as he tilted his head at the implication. "Whaddya mean 'what'd I tell them'?"
"Just what I asked. What did you tell them about me?" Espio stated more clearly, making Vector feel insulted.
"Espio... do you honestly think I'd tell anybody anything about you if ya didn't want me to? What kinda guy do ya take me for?" he asked, not bothering to hide the hurt he felt. After the long day he'd just suffered through and this uncalled for line of questioning, it was an impossible task.
Espio held his chin in thought before nodding to Vector. Vector's eye twitched and his nostrils began to flare.
"And you, Charmy?" Espio turned to look at the boy, his tone even. "What did you tell them?" Charmy waited a beat, shot a worried glance to Vector as his brows furrowed in confusion.
"I... I told Rouge you weren't a bad guy and you didn't abandon us like she was tryin' to say..." he said in an uncharacteristically small voice. "I told her even if I did know somethin', I'd never tell her, cuz... cuz I believe in you", he finished with a light shrug and a small nervous smile.
Espio raised his brows slightly. "That is all?" he asked, like he was surprised! Nuts to this!
"Da hell you mean, 'that's all'?!" Vector shouted, heat rising in his throat. "Ya think da kid's turned on ya now?! What is da matter wit you!?" he challenged, baring his fangs.
But Espio remained unmoved. "I did not say that I suspected him of treachery," he looked between the two of them as he continued. "You are both absolutely certain you did not tell them anything they could use?" he asked again.
"Use for WHAT, Espio?!" Vector yelled even louder, flinging his hands down in rage. "We don't have a clue what you're plannin'! You didn't tell us anything for us to tell anybody else! You've been runnin' around like a loose cannon all damn day and you're sittin' here askin' us these stupid ass questions like it's'all good?!" he barked out, motioning between Espio and himself on his last point.
"What even is dis, what're you doin' right now?!" he shouted, clenching his fists to his side as he stared down Espio who had the nerve to look offended! He's the one who just told his best friends the only reason he sprung them was to check if they ratted on him!
Espio blinked before crossing his arms. "I assumed you would realize the purpose of this yourself, but I am merely evaluating which steps I should take next".
"Great!" Vector yelled, gesturing with his arms. "I love next steps! Let's hear 'em, buddy!" he said flinging his hand up and eyeing the chameleon expectantly.
"I..." Espio held his mouth open, then slowly closed his eyes and shook his head. "Do not believe that will not be necessary..."
Vector shook his head, as if to physically jostle the nonsense from his brain, then stared at Charmy, bewildered. The two shared a completely baffled look with each other, because of course Charmy wasn't following this crap either. Nobody on Mobius could follow this crap.
"Did you get a concussion or somethin'? Da hell is wrong wit you right now?" Vector asked seriously concerned.
Espio raised an eye ridge as he turned away. "I am perfectly healthy".
"Ya don't sound like it!" Vector shot back, raising his shoulders and flexing his head, at his wits end.
"This is how I normally sound" Espio clarified, awkwardly looking to the side before resting his eyes back on Vector.
"No, it's not! Espio, jus'...!" Vector huffed out an exasperated breath and put his hand on his forehead, steadying himself. "Jus' tell us what's goin' on wit you. We ain't gonna judge, we jus' wanna help, man" Vector beckoned, lifting his hand from his head and offering it to Espio.
Charmy flew to Vector's side, a sad smile on his face. "Yeah, we're your friends, Espio. You can tell us anything, pinky swear" he offered his pinky to Espio, with all the sincerity in the world.
Espio looked between them for a long moment, an uncomfortable expression on his face, before folding his arms and turning his back to them. "Then listen closely:"
And it was at that exact moment that Vector wished he hadn't listened at all.
"Thank you for providing me the cover I needed to elude the authorities for all these years. With this rescue mission complete, consider that debt repaid" Espio explained as he hung his head a bit. "This concludes our association..." he added, resolute. A sense of finality in his tone.
Vector stared at the smaller boy's back in horror as Charmy croaked out one last question. "Espio... wh-what..." he couldn't help but stammer, this was all too much. "What're you talkin' about?"
Espio remained silent for a moment, his fists clenching so tight the fabric of his gloves squeaked quietly, their breaths stayed hitched in their throats for what seemed like an eternity. Then he looked over his shoulder and pinned them with eyes as black and deep as the night sky. He opened his mouth and slipped the coldest, sharpest knife possible into their hearts.
"I hereby tender my resignation. As of now, I am no longer a member of The Chaotix Detective Agency..."
Author's Notes: There I go ruinin' the good vibes again XD All notes for this chapter will be in the Charmy Nonsense Important Info doc very soon. So watch for that ;)
The Chaotix are no more?! Why?! How?! But most importantly, what will Charmy and Vector do in response? What can they do? And just what is Shadow up to, letting our heroes leave scot free like that? Espio, what is your freakin' deal, man? These answers and more questions will be revealed next time! Thanks for reading, I'll see ya next chapter C: