[Center][h3][color=cf5087]TE[/color][color=f9c714]AM[/color] [color=a4c53a]CHAOTIX[/color][/h3] [u][b]Split at Green Hill[/b][/u][/Center] [hr] A disgruntled Vector had slowed to a halt beneath the tree, not exactly due to a form of exhaustion but because Charmy and Espio had left him so far in the dust that he might as well just let them scout ahead. They'd call back if they found anything, after all. Had to keep up some professionalism and make this look at least a little purposeful, like his boys weren't dysfunctional and instead dedicated to the cause. Maybe telling them about the passes was a bad idea, considering how they darted off, they weren't exactly being precise, which Amy pointed out to them prior. If he could've turned anymore green from them making a joke of themselves in their excitement, he would've. Instead a sigh of uncertainty escaped him, scratching the top of his head as he considered getting back on the move. The girls seemed to finish their conversation, which while time was supposedly of the essence he wasn't doing any better so there was no place to comment. As he began to stomp forward a voice caught the croc off guard: A turn of his head allowed him to see Tails, a welcomed result given their current search, though as great as it was Sonic was nowhere in sight, which was unfortunate. the Fox was somewhat fresh in his mind as Charmy used him in arguments for why they could have 'All sorts of cool gadgets', as he'd put it. What Charmy didn't realize was Vector saved potential favors for dire situations (Not that Tails owed him anything,) And their budget didn't exactly scream 'grappling hooks'. Why did he need one, anyways? He could fly. [color=a4c53a]"Hey there! This anniversary is starting to feel like a reunion,"[/color] He noted as he responded with his greeting. Mina was on the case about their task at hand, ahead of Vector in that regard, which Tails was able to provide ample answers about. He could only imagine that Sonic wouldn't be in one place for long, so Tails' initiative made sense to him. Tails taking to the sky wasn't as much of an issue for Vector, navigating east wasn't difficult. Green Hill wasn't exactly a regular locale he visited, but it was much less exotic to him than most places he'd been. A waterfall for sure wasn't about to be the most difficult thing to spot. Mina's offer upon lowering from the tree wasn't bad, per say, but given the circumstances they were just a little awkward for the crocodile. [color=a4c53a]"Just shows how eager my boys are to get a job done."[/color] Yeah, that'd save a little face. If anyone bought it. Not wanting thoughts to linger on that, he instead pulled out his trusty Sling Rings. Given Vector's own size, especially his massive fists, it only made sense in his mind to use the rings to carry on Mina's offer of a speed boost instead. [color=a4c53a]"That'd be appreciated though! Jus' take one of these, and the speed'll carry over with ease!"[/color] Sounded like some sort of marketing jingle, which the Sling Rings definitely weren't for sale. But their uniqueness made Vector wonder how valuable they were. If anything were to go under with the Agency... [hr] Meanwhile, Charmy and Espio had slowed down somewhat. Or, moreso, switched roles. Now in the air, Espio was dangling by a Sling Ring with an annoyed expression as Charmy flew, scanning the area for any sign of Hedgehog movement. Growing a little tired, or perhaps just cramping from his recent meal, the Bee parked on top of a loop for a moment to scout over the area below, hand above his eyes to block the sun as he squinted. [color=f9c714]"He's bright blue! Oughta stick out in this terrain!"[/color] A snicker escaped him at the idea of getting those passes. Oh, it sounded like fun. Unfortunately in his excitement he'd driven himself forward without much regard, and with a peeved Espio in tow. [color=cf5087]"You made an assumption about trash and brought us out here."[/color] The ninja chimed in, still dealing with Charmy's sting. Charmy didn't lower his hand or even widen his eyes as he turned to look at Espio. [color=f9c714]"Eheheh, just means we're out in the field fastest! Not much to track him by out here, so this is the best we've got!"[/color] Charmy turned to resume his scouting, managing to catch a yellow individual within his view. Wings buzzing with excitement, he exclaimed: [color=f9c714]"Y'see? Look at that! Tails is over there!"[/color] Without a moment's hesitation, the Bee Mobian buzzed off after the fox, eager to find his mark so he sped forward through the air with a few twists and audible [color=f9c714]Vroom![/color]'s. A moment of silence passed, until Espio noticed that Charmy was, in fact, [i]leaving him behind.[/i] He called out the boy's name, but it was already too late. He was long gone. Part frustrated and part speechless from what just happened to him, he crossed his arms and lowered his head in a moment of silent judgement against the Bee's actions, now utterly alone and stranded atop a Green Hill loop. [color=cf5087]"Seeing a live Mina Mongoose performance is worth it,"[/color] He quietly spoke to himself, smallest of smiles on his face. With ease his feet traverses the steep angle of the loop's outer layer, rushing downward until he was met with flat ground, rushing along an old but sturdy enough wooden bridge while keeping an eye in the sky to track Charmy. There wasn't any sense in standing about, especially with those backstage passes on the line. And he wasn't about to let Charmy take all the credit for this, either. Though beyond his knowledge, Tails was already leading everyone else to where they needed to go, anyways. [hr] Back in the sky, Charmy's eccentric self buzzed up to Tails in a very audible manner. [color=f9c714]'Scuse me!"[/color] The bee's words were loud, and he wasn't looking down below, either: A tad oblivious in his excitement, most could assume. [color=f9c714]"Boss has me lookin' for Sonic, ya seen him around here?"[/color] Charmy's childish method of assuming he'd be remembered struck true with his age, though was mostly a spawn of his excitement to follow a trail quick, not realizing his boss and the others were probably within ear shot anyways.