Chapter Text
There was little room for butterflies at the Agency once they had started making actual progress on the missing persons cases.
Several people had disappeared on the same day. They were people of all kinds of shapes and sizes, with no shared attributes.
The only thing in common was that they had last been seen on a cruise ship. But there were many of them, especially in the waters of Seaside City. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
But then one of the disappeared people had managed to return.
He had been found in a lifeboat late the previous night, but had been too delirious to talk. He wasn't much help, but the signs of struggle on him told more than he could for a while.
Something had been tightened around and ripped off of his wrists and arms several times, and it was too wide and smooth to be regular rope or any kind of wire or string.
After consulting several people, they came to a conclusion. The most likely option was… a ribbon.
A worthwhile possibility because it would fit someone already suspicious very well.
A famous ribbon dance performer - Belladonna the Axolotl.
The Chaotix needed to make a proper plan, do tons of checking and consider all the options to even think about going after her. She was a real threat. Her hands definitely weren’t clean, but she somehow always managed to avoid capture. She knew what she was doing.
Yet all the clues could easily be connected to her. A lot of people had gone missing within a short period of time, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if one or two managed to escape - there’s a fine line between efficiency and being in a hurry, after all. On the other hand, she’s cunning enough to leave a trail on purpose, possibly to trap anyone trying to catch her.
A truly risky one to investigate.
“So, what are we thinking?” Vector leaned his head on his hand.
Espio went through the papers in front of him, presenting the needed note as he talked.
“A lot is still unclear, but the process seems simple; drug some of the people on board, and collect them for who knows what.”
“Anything else?”
“If Belladonna really is a part of this, it’s safe to assume that some people will go missing on the next cruise she performs on.”
“That’s a good start. When does the next one leave?”
Espio flipped through the papers again.
“In three days.”
“We have to be quick, then.”
~
In three days the Chaotix had managed to put together a plan that was fairly simple but stupidly embarrassing, but just might work. Since they didn’t know parts of what was happening, they would also have to be able to improvise.
The boarding started, and the gang got into their roles. Poor Charmy was too young to enter this specific cruise, so he was stuffed amidst Slushie’s luggage.
Vector had the brilliant idea for Espio and Slushie to act as a couple going on vacation, and they couldn’t object too hard because one, that would be suspicious, and two, it was actually a fairly decent plan.
The big man himself put on a proper show. He’d act like a wild and free bachelor, spend the night at the bar and walk around the boat all night acting like he was dead drunk. He’d have to be careful, however, because drinking or eating anything on this boat could be a death sentence. They had packed a little food and water to survive the short trip to Casino Park and back.
Once everyone was ready, they boarded the ship.
Things seemed alright during the daytime. Slushie and Espio took their definitely legal bag to their supposedly shared room - Vector must love his fanfiction tropes - and let Charmy out. They had barely managed enough money to get on board in the first place, so the room was obviously dingy and sad. Well, it’s not like they came here for a real vacation anyway.
“There were no security cameras in the hallway. You can get out some time after us, or just leave through the window. Just make sure you aren’t seen.”
“Got it. You two go enjoy your vacation”, he sneered.
“I’ll stuff you back in that bag.”
“Okay, whatever. Have a terrible time instead, then. Geez.”
Espio facepalmed, clearly regretting everything already.
“Whatever, let’s make sure we’re ready and that everything works before heading out.”
“Aye aye!”
~
Vector spent the day chatting to people, trying his best to seem like a genuine bachelor who definitely didn’t have a possible future sweetheart back home. He had to channel the inner party animal he never really got to be, fishing out water filled alcohol bottles from his coat pockets. The man was acting like he was having the time of his life, but he was terrified of all the things that could go wrong.
Charmy had escaped the dingy room, and was keeping to the higher parts of the ship. It was difficult on a ship that had tons of things to do on the highest deck, but he was tiny, so he found a few good watch spots. He could even see the other three from time to time, and their acting was so ridiculous he nearly revealed himself several times. He could talk to and hear Slushie through the earpiece she had, so he had to listen to them ALL. DAY. LONG.
The other two had their work cut out for them, sure. But Espio and Slushie had to seem like a normal couple on a normal vacation, which wasn’t easy - they weren’t a couple nor were they on vacation. Still, for the greater good, they swallowed their nerves and tried their best. Even if it included hand holding or the occasional embrace in the most crowded areas to seem authentic.
Stars, they were going to die on this cruise one way or another.
Despite everything, the day did go by fairly quickly - the ship was huge after all. There was so much to see and do. So many stores, games and foods they’d like to try. They did try a few games, but all foods were a no-go, and the stores were too expensive to breathe in.
There were more important things to watch out for, anyway, especially as the sun started to set.
Belladonna’s show was starting at 8PM, but Slushie and Espio headed towards the area an hour earlier. There was a fancy magpie lady on stage entertaining the audience of mostly elderly people, who were enjoying the evening before getting too tired and going to bed.
That’s when the real game would start.
She was obviously popular, because the seats and tables around the courtyard were starting to fill up. There were all kinds of people, just like the info they had carefully studied before. No groups were specifically chosen. But different types of people?
That was something to keep an eye on.
Vector had joined the show area as well, but he was keeping to the edges. Slushie and Espio were practically in the middle of everything. Charmy was keeping watch from above, whispering things he noticed for Slushie to hear and tell Espio if needed.
Things seemed fine so far. Nothing changed even when Belladonna herself got on stage.
The music was energetic and the crowd were cheering for her wildly, as she jumped, twirled and even dashed through the crowd. A dancer being this popular was a bit odd, sure, but some probably came by just because she was attractive.
Slushie immediately knew she didn’t like her.
She felt childish for the tinge of jealousy she got when she noticed Espio following her movement. She channeled the feeling into the light kick she gave him, mentally reminding him to keep watch instead of being mesmerized by a likely criminal.
….Should she learn some dance moves, too?
No, focus. What did Charmy say?
“There’s some people in bowties coming in. Keep an eye out.”
That made her look around her a little. Servers. Why? There was a restaurant and drink bar right there?
She nudged Espio slightly and nodded towards the person receiving a fancy glass of wine nearby.
“From a lovely lady at table 10”, the server said with a sultry grin. Barely audible to others, but Slushie had sharp ears, and Espio could read lips.
They immediately turned to look at each other.
Suspicious.
“Charmy, write down what kind of people get drinks like that.”
“Roger.”
Belladonna’s dance lasted surprisingly long. She had several songs and a few extra ribbons, and the moves were getting more and more difficult as she performed. She could see why people were coming in to see her now - she was amazing.
But she was clearly poisoning people that had come to see her show.
With Charmy’s help Slushie and Espio had managed to figure out the types they were targeting. Some were obviously drunk already, some sad and lonely and easily picked up by the sudden anonymous advance, some clearly too naive to think there’d be anything suspicious going on.
People who accepted things from strangers. They were also of fairly small and medium builds. Easy to carry and detain.
The severity of the situation was dawning on them. There were people being poisoned all around them. If they didn’t do their job well, they could be goners by sunrise.
Espio whispered to Slushie something she should relay to Charmy. The whispers caused her ear to flick several times without her input.
“Charmy. Where’s Vector?”
“Making a scene at the bar, beating people at pool.”
“Call him when you can, tell him to follow some of the marked people. We’ll do the same. You too.”
The show went on for about an hour in total. It was still only 9PM, so Espio and Slushie decided to stay out and continue their “romantic walk around the decks”. It was especially important to keep watch now, and see what was going to happen.
The romantic walk actually was fairly romantic, both Slushie and Espio had to agree with that, but this wasn’t the time or the place to talk about it. They will talk about it, but not yet.
Collecting the marked people would have been one way of doing things, but the people behind everything could just try again later. They had to be caught.
And so their evening went. Walking in circles, staying at particularly crowded areas and watching over everyone. Nothing was really happening. The marked people were still in the area, some drinking, some playing games, some singing their hearts out via karaoke.
Charmy had followed some long enough to see which rooms they went in. Unless the perpetrators were going to break in, they were probably safe, so he was given permission to take a small nap break in their room. They’ll wake him up if he’s needed.
Vector’s end saw the most action. He was still hanging around the bar, at least one fake bottle always in hand. He was good at acting drunk.
Some of the marked people had passed out. He had observed them for a while, so he knew they were absolutely blackout drunk, but they were now easy pickings. They could lead the team to the jackpot now. So he stayed in the area, even if the bartenders were starting to tire of him. If he was thrown out, he’d just act as if he had passed out in the hallway.
The little action and constant vigilance was tiring Slushie out. She covered her yawn and leaned more on the railing.
“You can go to the room and sleep, you know. Vector and I are capable, we can handle things.”
“I’m not leaving you. I knew what I was getting myself into when I agreed to come.”
Espio then got up and led her to a nearby couch, sitting down.
“I’ll keep watch, you close your eyes for a bit.”
“But-”
“I’ll wake you if something happens.”
“Well…..if you insist.”
She placed her elbow on the arm rest and rested her head on her hand.
Not very comfortable. She kept fidgeting and trying to make it work.
Espio sighed and moved his arm around her, gently pulling her to his side, letting her lean against him instead.
She yelped, but he didn’t move or say anything, so she tried to get the best of the situation and closed her eyes. Falling asleep for even a moment could help her in the long run.
She did fall into a light sleep after some time, and Espio gently hugged her closer, relishing in her warmth as the cooling night air nipped at him. He rested his head against hers, and looked up. The stars were really beautiful. No wonder she liked them.
~
It was in the wee hours of the night that things started to happen. Espio had momentarily fallen asleep as well, but the sound of a boat in the distance pierced through his dreamy state.
It was time to act.
She shook Slushie awake as well, shushing her in case she forgot where she had fallen asleep. The place was very empty.
“We’ll go and wander around, okay? A bit unsteady, like we’ve been drinking a lot. If someone questions us, we’re drunk and in love, having the time of our lives. Okay?”
She wasn’t fully awake yet.
“’m not drunk, but the others I can do”, she said with a loopy smile.
Espio's eyes flew open at that, and he had to slap himself to get his head back in the game.
“We’re going, ok?”
“Hehe, ok!”
He helped her up, holding her somewhat steady as they started wandering around the deck.
It was really quiet. Nothing was happening.
Until Vector called him on his silly ancient cell phone.
Everyone awake would hear their words, so he was talking in a purposely slurred way, with Espio barely able to understand him.
“‘m in the lowest duck, no, uhh, deck! Deck. I think you’s room was close to here? It’s too tight for me and…. and I think I’m gonna hurl soon. Could ya come ‘n get me? I forgot where my room is and I need… *hurk*.. I need water…”
Vector was surprisingly convincing. Espio tried to reply in kind.
“We’re… we’ll be there. Thanks…”
“Pffft, you’re so bad at acting.”
“Hush. ‘m perfect at it”, he grinned and started heading towards Vector. Things were apparently happening very close to their room.
They could just continue their drunk lovers act there and get very close and personal with the bad guys!
For once getting the cheapest room possible was worth it!
Slushie tapped her earpiece, trying to wake Charmy up. He mumbled something and she whispered to him some warnings as they got closer to their room.
Vector was close by, laying on the floor like an absolute drunkard. Very believable.
“Been here for a while and, *hic*, people jus’ keep passin’ by. It’s making me sick again”, he slurred. He’d been watching them for some time. The operation was in full swing.
“We’re going to our room!” Slushie giggled loopily. “I can get you some water there!”
She and Espio linked arms and started cheerfully heading for their room, right past the ongoing kidnapping operation three rooms over. Slushie was giggling like the world was made of candy and rainbows, and Espio was missing his steps and crashing into her on purpose.
If they weren’t in the middle of a mission, they might have actually thought that this was fun.
They struggled with the key, but soon managed to open it and entered the room. The lights were off, and Charmy was looking out the window. He pointed outside and made room for the two to look as well.
There was a smaller boat right next to the ship. It seemed like people were loading it through the ship’s lowest deck windows.
Those were the unconscious bodies of the marked people.
They needed to act.
“Can you take care of this side with Vector? Charmy and I could go take over the little one through the window”, Espio whispered, trying to think fast.
“Can you even fit your head through it?” Slushie giggled.
“I will. Probably.”
“Won’t they notice you?”
“I’ll turn invisible. Charmy will probably be fine if we fly fast enough.”
“Please be careful.”
“You too.”
They shared a hushed “Team Chaotix!” and the boys started working on the window. Slushie got back into her role and wobbled back to Vector.
“I… I forgot the bottle…. But I bet that room has some!”
Vector nodded, understanding what she meant.
Time for a confrontation.
Vector and Slushie keep up with their drunken personas, and knock on the door. They can hear annoyed mumbling from the other side. The person opened the door just a little and peeked out.
“Hello!! D’you have water for us?”
“I’m feelin’ so sick I’m gonna..-”
“Please go somewhere else.”
Before the guy managed to close the door, Slushie’s foot was blocking it, and Vector’s fist was in his cheek, sending him flying.
They opened the door fully and entered the room.
Belladonna and several of her apparent lackeys. The servers from the show.
Vector slammed the door shut behind him and cracked his knuckles.
“Nice to meet’cha. Not.”
Vector started throwing more fists, and Slushie went for their legs, sweeping them out underneath them.
Some managed to dodge, and Slushie received a good few kicks herself. She started kicking blindly up at her attackers, hoping for some of them to hit their targets. Some did, and she could soon get to a more offensive position. A heel kick here, a back kick there, she was merely repeating what Espio had taught her. The final roundhouse kick sent the last one flying against the wall, and though the sight of the person not moving made her feel guilty immediately, she had to keep moving.
Meanwhile Vector had ripped the blanket off the bed and jumped at Belladonna with it as a makeshift net of sorts. She cartwheeled out of the way and grabbed her ribbon, easily capturing Vector’s legs with it.
“Such brute force. Far from elegant, you know.”
“I ain’t tryna be elegant, lady!”
“Hm, your loss.”
She pulled hard, and he would have lost his footing if not for his giant tail. He was standing, but not steady. She tried again.
Slushie reached out for the tight ribbon between them and pulled at it. Yeah, the sudden pull from the side made Vector finally lose his balance, but Belladonna lost hers, too.
“You little-”
“Watch what you say, mean words aren’t very elegant!” Slushie tempted, buying time for Vector to untie himself. She tugged at the ribbon again, giving Vector more fabric to work with.
“Unhand the ribbon, filthy girl.”
“Um, it’s still stuck on-”
The second Vector was free, Belladonna twirled the ribbon stick, and Slushie lost her grip of it. She became the target instead, the ribbon wrapping around her wrists in the air, mid-gesture.
“Why are you doing this? You’re such a good dancer!”
Slushie pulled backwards slowly, using her strength instead of sudden movements. She was stronger than Belladonna.
“Dancing nets you little in the long run, girl.”
“So what does poisoning innocents net you?”
“You’re but a child, you wouldn’t understand.”
Vector stepped between them and took a hold of the ribbon. He started tugging at it as if he was playing tug-of-war. Belladonna’s pupils shrunk the closer he got to her.
“You’re the one who doesn’t understand, lady. Poisoning innocents nets you prison time!”
He tugged Slushie closer and started wrapping the ribbon around the seething woman. Slushie was slowly able to untangle her wrists as well, and neatly tied the end of the ribbon. Vector picked her up, placing her and the servers on the bed.
Most of the marked must be on the boat already, because only two were in the room. They seemed to be alive, but in deep sleep.
Slushie peeked out the window. Charmy noticed her sudden white movement and flashed a flashlight towards the ship. It seemed like they were successful as well.
“They did it”, she grinned and sat down on the sofa to see what Vector was going to do.
“So, dancer lady. We’re watching you until you’re properly escorted out. What’s the deal?”
“I’m not telling you anything.”
“Being cooperative can lessen your sentence or, eh, whatever. What do you get out of this?”
“I’m only helping them, and getting a reward once I’ve done my part. There’s nothing wrong with that!”
“Nothing wrong with poisoning innocents, huh? At least tell us what you gave ‘em.”
“Don’t look at me like I’m a murderer. It’s nightshade, atropa belladonna. Just enough to make them easy to deal with. Not enough to cause actual damage or death. Who do you take me for?”
“Someone who's still doing illegal things. Were you gonna ship them off somewhere?”
“I might have already said too much. Betraying him will only make things worse. He will find me if I do that. He will. Don’t make me tell you. Please.”
Whoever this “he” was must be an absolute lunatic. People didn’t like Eggman, but they didn’t talk about him like that. They’d find out who he was some other way. Hopefully.
They would, later down the line, and the missing people would all be there, in more or less stable condition. It will just take a long time and a lot of effort to get there. But, in a nutshell, this particular scientist needed people to test. The true masterpieces, the superior versions, could only ever be reached by breaking a few eggs. This time the eggs just happened to be people. And that was something Starline was willing to do.
~
Aside from the open ending, the case was marked solved for now. The Chaotix weren’t completely satisfied, but glad they were one step closer to the answer.
After all that it was definitely time for them to relax. They were hoping for a reward, a luxury suite and everything that came with it, but had to do with the dingy room they paid for. They were allowed to use the room that the bad guys had used, but it didn’t feel very inviting.
So, when everyone returned to the room after the stop at Casino Park, dead tired, they didn’t even care. Vector slumped onto the couch, and Slushie, Charmy and Espio shared the bed. They hadn’t gotten much sleep, so sleeping arrangements were the smallest of their problems.
Vector did get what he wanted, though - there was only one bed.
They did cuddle all night, but Espio thought best to save her from the mental gymnastics of waking up in his arms.
Even if he really wanted to see that.
~
When Slushie finally woke up, the room was empty. She bolted out of bed, confused. In her half-awoken panic it took her a moment to notice the note on the door.
“Vector and Charmy went to do their own thing. I’ll be waiting at the end of the hallway.”
Waiting? For me??
Her mind was quickly filling with all kinds of questions and possibilities, so she decided to just go and see what it was about. Nervous, of course, but excited to spend some time with the guy she liked. She freshened herself up, did a quick once over in the mirror, and headed out.
She could see his silhouette leaning against the railing, back towards her. She speedwalked to join his side, and he turned to face her.
“Morning, sleepyhead.”
“I have no idea what time it is, actually. But yeah, morning.”
“We still have some time before we reach Seaside City. Would you like to go for a proper walk around the ship?”
“If we can catch some breakfast on the way”, she laughed. “Have you eaten yet?”
“No, I was waiting for you.”
“Aww. Someone’s being a real gentleman today. What’s up?”
“I wanted to do things properly, and relax a little.”
“Sounds good!”
She was about to get a move on, but Espio asked her to wait.
He swallowed hard, and reached his hand out for her.
Her eyes brightened immediately, and she took his hand with both of hers.
The two started another of their romantic walks around the ship, but this time it wasn’t just an act. They were nervous the previous times because it was an act, and everything was uncertain. But this time?
They felt at ease.
They reached a cafe, and Espio bought them cups of tea and the breakfast items they wished. They sat down at a similar bench they did the previous evening.
Both had tender smiles on their faces as they ate, neither feeling like they had to break the silence. The words would come when they did. No need to force them.
“You know, I never told you what the CCS was”, Espio started.
“A bit sudden, but go ahead. What is it?”
“The Cootie Control Squad. They wanted to control where the cute couples were being cute so they didn’t have to look at them, basically.”
“WHAT.”
“Yup. That’s why they kept tackling you and turned the lights off on us that one time.”
“WHAT.”
“I was just as shocked back then. They told me that one time at Vanilla’s.”
“Ah, makes sense, I guess. You were a bit off after your ‘stern talking-to’ with them.”
“I did give them a talking-to! They just gave one back.”
“Huh.”
“Yeah. Absolute menaces.”
“Pfft, true. But why bring that up now of all times?”
“To.. um, help broach the subject.”
Slushie felt the atmosphere becoming more serious, and turned to face him.
“It’s been a long time since the light incident.”
“Yeah, months, I think?”
“I’ve liked you at least since then, but I think it’s been even longer.”
“Aww! I’ve-”
Screeching halt.
“....What did you just say??”
“That I’ve liked you for a long time. Even before the light incident. Maybe ever since seeing you carry the chipmunk girl like the coolest fireman in existence. Point being, I really like you, Slushie.”
“Oh.”
His words were finally reaching her. She quickly went from white to bright pink.
“I..um… I had a bad experience with this one sleazebag when I was younger, which made me… afraid to go through something like it again. So I tried to keep the feelings down for as long as I could, so I wouldn’t get ahead of myself again.”
Espio shuffled closer and tentatively placed his hand on hers.
“But you showed me that I could feel those feelings again, and not have to suffer for it. Thank you for being kind to me. I’m thankful for many things, really.”
She turned her hand around so they could properly hold them.
“And, yeah, I really like you too. Have for a long time as well.”
The words were left to hang in the air for a moment.
“Does this mean I’m your girlfriend now?”
“I hope it does”, he smiled, earning a bark of laughter from her.
~
And so on and so forth, the two lived happily ever after.
They continued beating bad guys together, Espio becoming the lead detective after Vector became a family man. Slushie cried at Vector and Vanilla’s wedding, but so did everyone else.
A new mostly-rabbit joined the family when Jam was born. He would become a musical guy, just like his father. A bit airheaded, but a good guy through and through.
Rollie and Cream officially joined the Chaotix after Vector stepped down. Espio and Slushie had their hands full, but the team spirit was still the same.
Also, after growing up a bit, Charmy and Rollie ended up catching feelings for each other. No one else was surprised, but they had never even thought about the possibility.
Still, they were cute together. Rollie grew up to be panda sized, so Charmy was in safe hands. They were still going to be a wild package for years to come.
Espio and Slushie got married on a beautiful spring day, both in love with the cherry blossoms they got in every picture. Slushie had a baby pink dress, and Espio was clad in white. She was so nervous she had to make a cheat sheet for the vows. She cried a lot that day. Espio may have shed a tear or two as well.
Later down the line Slushie gave birth to a beautiful girl. She was able to change colors from birth, often reflecting what she was feeling, so many referred to her as the “mood ring baby”. They named her Aurora, both after the aurora borealis Slushie used to love back home, and for the gentle way her colors shifted on her soft and shiny fur.
Aurora was an easy child and a relatively easy birth, so they decided to have another.
The second one was… different. The little guy started causing trouble from day one - he was born invisible. He had definitely earned the name Sly. He beat every other kid in hide and seek, and kept his parents’ senses sharp. He was an affectionate and sweet child despite all the shenanigans he loved to cause.
The two would grow up to be a part of the true second generation of team Chaotix with Cas, and occasionally Jam, too. Aurora was a calm and sweet girl, yet calculating and sneaky behind the gentle eyes. She became the brains of the team. Sly was following in his father’s footsteps, Espio training him in the way of the ninja. He was mischievous and arrogant - like his father - but had the skills and wit to back it up.
Their family earned one last member when they took in a young sea turtle boy named Cas they found by the coast. Espio was taken in as a child as well, so he couldn’t ignore the little orphan kid. He was a good boy, and got along well with his older siblings. The only problem was that he preferred pirates over ninjas, which bothered Espio to everyone’s amusement. He was also the most affectionate of the bunch, even if he wasn’t the most comfortable hug buddy with his tough shell. He was the heart of the team.
~
Despite everything they had gone through, Slushie was still the gentle, kind and patient arctic fox, and Espio was still the capable and confident but dorky chameleon.
And, many years later, they were still in love with each other.