Carmen Sandiego Oneshots

CarmIvy: Constantly Falling, Part I

Sorry if I didn't post in a while; I was busy.

Takes place across The Need For Speed Caper and The Crackle Goes Kiwi Caper, another ending if the rest of season 2 didn't happen

This is based on one of the old ideas I drafted last time.

Actually this feels way off from what I drafted previously but eh I'm going along with this idea

This ended up longer than I thought it would be

CARMEN'S POV

FRIDAY, 25 DECEMBER 2020

Xoxo-Carmen Sandiego in your area-Xoxo

Dear diary,

I can't remember when the last time I woke up without a pounding headache and bloodshot eyes was ever since I began trying to foil V.I.L.E's plans with my trusty comrades Zack, Ivy and recently, Shadowsan. I can't tell if it's because I've been feeling sick lately or if it's just due to the overwork faced by being Carmen Sandiego, an heroine that is being chased by A.C.M.E. because I'm their clue to stopping V.I.L.E once and for all. So they're always trying to pin me down.

"Red, V.I.L.E's on the move in Dubai." I almost cry hearing that. But being Carmen Sandiego, I just slap my disguise on and go.

But Dubai also brings up... that.

"My circus, my monkeys. We managed just fine before you joined and will continue to manage. WITHOUT A HEADQUARTERS!!"

"Do you realize you jeopardized the entire mission?! When are you going to stop behaving like amateurs?!"

"Sorry, Carm,"

"So let's hear what's so wicked ridiculous. What was possibly worth risking your necks and mine and giving V.I.L.E a chance to win? Go on, I'm listening!"

"Eh... it's nothing..."

I try not to cry during the whole ride to and at the racing pit and at the Carmen Brand Outerwear building. Perhaps I am a bit like Shadowsan; using anger to conceal emotions that I can't let show.

But every time I see them, I can't help but constantly wonder if I was too harsh on them. I mean, they've done so much for me and I haven't done anything for them.

I can't even seem to concentrate on the caper I was supposed to pull off with Gray. In the end, Doctor Saira Bellum managed to cause a huge blackout in Auckland—hospitals, research laboratories, houses, hotels, shelters for the homeless, orphanages, schools, elderly care, restaurants, veterinary clinics, shops... It's a disaster, and it's all my fault. I can't stop blaming myself. At least I'm thanking whoever's out there that V.I.L.E hasn't planned any capers for this entire week. I really need to destress from everything that's happened lately. It's just so hard to accept. I can still remember myself sobbing in Gray's arms the whole way back to Zack and Ivy's white van, and there, they were both tryin to console me, Player also doing the same through a phone call.

It just so happens that it's Christmas today, and back in San Diego life is as it always is, except that it isn't.

Yes, I know I'm contradicting myself.

Zack and Ivy are outside making snow angels outside in the backyard (actually they're grass angels since there's no snow), Shadowsan is doing ninja training (tons and tons of meditation and stealth practice, (I found a sea of origami cranes in his bedroom earlier, probably enough for a senbazuru and grant him one wish), and I'm just trying to get over everything that's happened since Dubai and in Sydney. I have more nightmares, one for every night, and needless to say, my sleep quality hasn't been great.