Home: CS Fanfic//Book One

Chapter 5- Tables Turned

hey guys, im so SO SORRY for not updating in like three or four days, I got caught up in an anxiety attack inducing amount of homework.

anyway, let us get back to the angsty action!

XD

"Shadowsan, you ready?" Player's voice whispered from a tiny speaker hidden by the folds of the man's robes.

"Yes." He narrowed his eyes and watched the VILE operatives wearily. They stood about 25 feet below him, two figures hidden by the shadows.

"Hey," the boy started quietly. "did Carmen say anything... strange to you before you all arrived?"

Shadowsan blinked. "She did."

"What was it?"

"She made me swear that if there was even the slightest chance that I might be captured, I would run."

Player sighed heavily. "She made Zack and Ivy promise the same thing."

The ninja frowned. "That make it sound like she expects for there to be trouble."

"And like... maybe she doesn't expect to make it out."

Shadowsan tensed. "Player, call it off. This is too-"

He was cut off by the sound of a body hitting the ground. When he looked down, one of the VILE operatives was laying unconscious while the second fought with a young woman in a red coat.

Shadowsan almost yelled out to Carmen to get away from there, but he couldn't give away his position. So far, there was no sign of any more VILE, but that didn't mean they weren't there.

His grip tightened around the hilt of his new sword.

Promise or no, he wasn't leaving her here.

For a small second, Carmen felt confident in her abilities; she was doing good in this fight, and maybe -just maybe- she wouldn't have to drag her friends into something dangerous.

But that was one moment.

And in the next, people were pouring into the museum, some holding weapons and others chanting in unison, "World of hurt! World of hurt! World of hurt!"

It was a bit overboard to say the least, but it shot desperate panic into Carmen's nerves.

She lurched forward, aiming her grappling hook at a ledge some 25 feet above her, where she knew Shadowsan was watching the scene tensely. A flash of metal glinted in the corner of her eye, and it distracted her as she shot. The hook clattered to the ground, deemed useless as a VILE operative scooped it up gleefully.

Meanwhile, Carmen ducked and rolled across the ground, barley avoiding a dagger that would have stabbed into her skull. Panting, she glanced around. Where was the nearest escape route? If she just get past all of these people-

Her thoughts were cut off by a shrill whistle piercing the night. Voices instantly died as Coach Brunt moved to stand a few feet in front of Carmen, who stood, eyes wide. The woman laughed, a cruel smile twisting its way over her mouth.

"Well if it isn't Carmen Sandiego. Hello again, Lambkins." She gestured a hand at someone. Six operatives stepped forward, two holding Zack, two holding Ivy, and two carrying a box between them. "I'll make this short. I know that Shadowsan is here too, but he wouldn't dare attack when your life is on the line."

As if on cue, three guns were suddenly at her head, chest, and back.

Carmen gulped, terror and anger creeping into her head as Zack and Ivy stared at her fearfully. She blinked at them, hoping to comfort the siblings.

They only blinked back, looking apologetic, their eyes shifting from her face to the guns and back.

Coach Brunt continued. "I know that you care for all of them, and that is why I'm more than happy to cut you a deal. Either come willingly and we let your friends go, or we'll take you by force, kill them, and blow this entire building up." She gestured at the black box, which must have held a bomb.

To Carmen's surprise, the answer was already on the tip of her tongue.

Shadowsan froze when Carmen opened her mouth to speak. Would she say no?

"I'll come with you."

His eyebrows shot up, teeth grinding. That was not what he had expected.

"No!" Ivy suddenly screamed and threw herself forward, thrashing against her captors in a desperate attempt to reach he friend. Operatives were instantly upon her, pushing her back. "Carmen, please! You can't-" A gag was thrust into Ivy's mouth, then Zack's.

Shadowsan readied himself to leap down, but a look from Carmen gave him pause.

She was staring at him with desperation, a message flickering within her expression.

Take this chance. Get them out, keep them out. Go.

He shook his head slightly. he wouldn't leave her, not again.

Carmen's eyes filled with sorrow, shocking him.

You promised me, Shadowsan.

The ninja squeezed his eyes shut, but her face wouldn't disappear.

This wasn't just about the Bostonian siblings, or promises. Carmen didn't want to lose anyone, but she also didn't want to lose anything. If VILE did destroy the Louvre, she would never forgive herself-or Shadowsan for allowing it to happen.

He looked at her again, and nodded sadly.

She blinked, relieved. Thank you.

"I'll come with you." She repeated, addressing VILE. "Let them go."

"Oh we will, Lambkins." Brunt nodded to one of the operatives holding Carmen at gun-point, and he slammed the butt of his gun down on Carmen's head. Ivy gave a muffled scream as the super thief's hat fell from her head, it's owner collapsing to the tiled floor in an unconscious heap-her body making a dull thump that resonated dismally through the room.

ha ha BOOM!

as always, let me know what you think, and please alert me to any spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Have a DOPE day yalls!