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The unofficial continuation of Thieves in Time. |
[Introduction]
Since Sony doesn't seem interested in giving the Sly Cooper series a proper closure, I figured it's up to the fans to do it. Since I have absolutely no experience nor the resources to create an actual video game, this semi interactive fanfiction will have to suffice. Premise is simple; after the events of Thieves in Time, Sly has found himself stranded in the past. Ancient Egypt, to be exact. Meanwhile, in present day, Bentley, Murray and Carmelita try to figure out a way to rescue him. Let's all just have fun, see where things go, and give this series the sendoff it deserves!
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| The name is Cooper. Sly Cooper. As it stands right now, I'm currently wandering a seemingly endless desert, the relentless heat of the sun basically cooking me, as I desperately try to find some water. Or at least some semblance of shade. Anything to get some relief from this heat... How did I get in this mess? Well, that's a long story. The short version is this: I come from a long line of master thieves, spanning generations across history. My ancestors kept all their thieving techniques and secrets in a book called the Thievius Raccoonus. After I had retired from a life of crime, my old friend Bentley shows up, and tells me the book and all my ancestors are disappearing from history! After reuniting with the old gang, and various time travel shenanigans, we found the skunk behind the whole thing. No, really , he was an actual skunk. Anyway, I ended up separated from my friends, and sent backwards through time without them, landing in what looks to be Ancient Egypt. This heat is unbearable. If I don't find water soon...heh, maybe in a few thousand years they'll find my skeleton and put me in a museum. Not sure if that would be ironic, or poetic justice. The worst thing, though, is Carmelita never really forgave me. See, I kinda faked having amnesia when I retired just to be with her. She of course found out, and needless to say, she wasn't happy. I can't take this heat anymore...I feel like I could pass out at any moment. And if I do, I fear I'll never wake up... What, what's that? Is that a figure in the distance, or just a mirage? Is it coming this way? |
| (Hey Johnny - I hope you don't mind if I add in an additional character. Wolfkingdom - I hope that you remember some of the things I said about a certain mouse.) Hello. You probably know me. Then again, maybe you don't. The name is Penelope Beatrice Mouse. I was born and raised in Holland. I am very good with electronics, especially remote controlled technology. When I was sixteen, I started dogfighting in disguise as the Black Barron. I got food at it - became a champion even. I started my own group. Then, I encountered Bentley, who was looking for an RC specialist for something called the Cooper Vault Job, and, well, I more or less challenged him, and the Cooper Gang to beat me at my own game. Well, they managed to do so, and I joined them. After a few smaller jobs, where we picked up a few more experts for the big one, during which I fell for Bentley - that turtle knew how to stimulate my mind, and I could stimulate his, we went to this island, and, well, the Gang and I walked away very wealthy - although Sly decided to pretend to lose his memory, as he wanted something other than gold - he wanted the vixen called Carmelita. In any case, Bentley and I moved in together, and began working together, and, well, things went from there. Now, for the part you don't know about me. You probably heard about how I vanished rather suddenly. That part is true. You probably heard that I had decided to work for La Paradox, make him a time machine, build an mechanical army, and try to destroy the Cooper Gang.... that's only half true - I made the time machine and robot army, and a few other things. But the reason wasn't because of money, or jealousy - it was because my twin sister, Penelope Alana Mouse (let's just say that our parents were expecting one big boy, not two little girls), had been the one to actually join La Paradox, abducted me, impersonated me, and forced me to make those devices..... or else they would kill my beloved Bentley. I was locked in a tall tower in Medieval England. I did what I could to sabotage my work, so that someone like Bentley and the rest could beat things easily. However, they never checked the tower I was in, especially after dealing with my witch of a sister. Thankfully, I managed to enact my own self-rescue - it was interesting making a rather primitive explosive, compared to what I usually did. I wasn't expecting the raccoon knight, Galleth, and, well, it wasn't exactly a "Hi, I'm here to rescue you" look he had on his face, as he tried to chop off my tail and ears - I had to use a wrist shocker I had built for any needed self-defense to zap him, stunning him long enough to actually explain things to him, and clear up the fact that I wasn't the witch he was looking for. He had to admit that it was the worst sort of betrayal one could do, and decided to help me. I needed one thing to make my new and improved time machine work - an item that powered up the moat monster. Problem is, while it seemed that Bentley had taken some pieces from the wreckage of the machine, it had enacted self-repairs, and it swallowed me. Thankfully, I knew how to turn it off for good, and to be honest, I could have done so within a minute, but it seemed that Galleth had a lot of personal interest in trying to defeat it, so I let him have his fun, waited until he hit something that seemed important, and then I pressed the Off Button, as it were. Then I pulled out what I needed, and managed to crawl out, covered in oil and grease. The armored raccoon was pleased with himself. I thanked him for the rescue, took a few baths, and I managed to put my time machine together. We then stashed the robot stuff in the moat cave, where no one would find it. I activated the Time Machine, said Good-Bye to the gallant knight, who wished me well, and I stepped through. I was in mine and Bentley's home, and judging by the laser guns being pointed at me, and Bentley's voice coming from a security system, I had my work cut out for me. If I can convince my beloved turtle to not vaporize me, I swear I'm going to shave my sister's fur off. |
| Shaking in fear, Penelope took a gulp before speaking. "N-Now Bently. Let's not be hasty here-EEP!" Only to be given a warning shot a inch from her feet. "Please! I can explain everything! Just give me a chance! Please Bently!" It took a moment, but the lasers soon deactivated as a speaker blared to life with Bently's voice on the intercom. "You have some nerve coming here after what you did Penelope. You have ten minutes to explain, or Carmelita will arrest you when she arrives." |
| "Bentley, I know you think I betrayed you and the others, but that wasn't really me! It was my twin sister! She impersonated me and forced me to build La Paradox's time machine and those robots!" "Oh, please! If you think I'm going to fall for that pathetic excuse for an alibi, you better have some real good proof to back it up!" Came Bentley's reply. |
| "The giant knight robot had big glass areas on the shoulders and chest that Sly destroyed, right?" Penelope asked. "Oh, and the glass eyes for the moat monster that Carmelita shot out." "That's what I was told happened, by Murrey and Carmelita," said Bentley. "I also checked the robots afterwards, and it was clear that large thick glass domes were used on the shoulders and chest of the knight, and the eyes of the moat monster. Behind them being some rather vulnerable electronics that were damaged." "If I wanted to harm you and the rest, why would I use such obvious weaknesses in my machines?" Penelope asked. "After all, if I knew you were after me, and wanted to seriously harm you in the rest, I wouldn't have made my things as easy to defeat." "Why did you do it?" Bentley. asked. "You could have refused." "She was going to kill you Bentley," said Penelope. "And it wouldn't be quick. Alana might not be the mechanical genius I am, but she could have sabotaged your main wheelchair, forcing you to use a regular one. Then, she was going to 'accidentally' push you down some high stairs, in order to break your neck. If you had made it, she was then going to poison you, slowly. I couldn't bare to envision the thought." "You know, I was wondering why the specs of the various robot guards were so sloppy compared to what I know you can do," said Bentley. "I thought that it was because La Paradox was giving you sub-par material. I should have known that it was actually some subtle self-sabotage. After all, you know that we beat you before, so you would have anticipated us showing up, and thus would make sure that we wouldn't be able to beat you again." "Yeah, and it wasn't easy," said Penelope. "I had to make it look good, and not have things be too easy to be defeated, even by you and the gang." "One moment," said Bentley. There was the sound of some doors opening and closing, and soon, Bentley was in the same room as Penelope. He pressed a button on the wheelchair. "Carmelita will be here in fifteen minutes, maybe less, if I don't keep pressing my own version of a Deadman's switch every thirty seconds or so." Penelope chuckled. "No offence Bentley, but I know you well enough that if someone pressed that button again, it would release a high concentration of your Sleep Gas, knocking out anyone in the same room as you, long enough for not only Carmelita, but also Murray, to show up, and Murray would be here first to remove you away from the sceen, so that only I got found by the police." Bentley grinned. "Correct." He then set up and filled some wine glasses. "Drink?" "Oh, please," said Penelope. "I've seen 'Princess Bride' a few times - you got the sleep stuff in both glasses." Bentley chuckled. "Just being careful." He emptied the glasses down a sink. "Good thing it was grape juice, and not the real stuff." He looked at her. "So, why here?" "It was a place I was familiar with, and I figured that this room would be mostly empty," said Penelope. "To be honest, you're not the first one I had to convince I wasn't a threat." She rubbed her ears, and checked the tip of her tail. "That knight relative of Sly's wasn't easy to calm down, or convince - I had to shock him with a a wrist-shocker I made. Speaking of which." Penelope unclasped the item, and set it upon the table." Bentley picked the device up and looked at it. "Crude, but effective, and fully drained. Wait - it has a time machine on it!" "I only had one shot to use it to get here," said Penelope. "Might come in handy," said Bentley. He looked at her. "I guess you are who you say you are. Why didn't you tell me about your sister?" "Because she was always the Pretty One, who thought that she'd get the Rich Boyfriend with a big house, and, more or less, peaked in high school," said Penelope. "When I told her, and my parents, that not only had I come into a decent amount of money, but gotten myself an equally well-off boyfriend, she lost it, and threw a tantrum, especially after I showed off pictures of our household. After that, well, I didn't want to tell you about her, and then I didn't get a chance to tell you about her when she and that skunk abducted me." "I see," said Bentley. "Explains why you were a little off after you came home from your visit in Holland." |
| Sighing, Penelope started feeling a bit insecure of what she had to ask next. Yet, taking a shaky breathe, she steamed herself. "So, what happens between us?" Bought off-guard by her question, memories of the two of them flooded Bently's mind. Both the good, and bad. Being with Beatrice and Alana. Bently took a shaky breathe before making a choice. "After all that happened, it might be best to start over. Kind of work our way back into a relationship." |
| Penelope smiled. "Okay. I'm fine with that." "For what it's worth, I'm actually glad you came back," Bentley said after a brief pause. "So am I." Penelope said with a slight giggle, giving Bentley a small peck on the cheek. Meanwhile, back with Sly... This heat...I can't take it anymore. The figure in the distance seems to be coming towards me, but it looks like they're miles away still. The last thing I remember is falling face-first into a sand dune, as my vision goes black. |
| When Sly awoke, he found himself in some sort of tent-like structure. He looked around, and saw, looking at him, another raccoon, one wearing what might have been Egyptian styled clothes. They felt, familiar. The raccoon tapped the side of his head, and said something. "What?" Sly asked. The other raccoon, again, tapped the side of his head, and said something. This time, Sly managed to catch what was being said. "Binocucom." Sly looked, and found the object next to him. He then put it on. "You should understand me now," the other raccoon said. "How did you know about the binocucom?" Sly asked. "I took a rest after I brought you into my tent, as you'd been out in the sun a while," the other raccoon said. "While napping, I had a vision of a big, strong, and rather hairy being that called himself...... Bob." "Bob? He talked to you?" Sly asked. "You know this Bob?" the other asked. "Did he have some sort of large bone club or hooked stick?" Sly asked. The other blinked. "Yes, a hooked stick." "What else did he say?" Sly asked. "That the binocucom will help you to understand me, and I understand you," the other said. "He also showed me an image of a raccoon dressed in black and blue that could jump far, one dressed in metal, one that dressed like they might come from a similar area like this, and one with a wide brim on their hat. They also said that all of us, including you, were family." "What's your name?" Sly asked. "Slytunkhamen Cooper." |
| Blinking, Sly did a double take as the name clicked with his own. "Oh man. Slytunkhamen, sir!" Getting to his feet, Sly bowed to his ancestor. "It's a true honor to meet you!" Chuckling, Slytunkhamen helped Sly to his feet, being sure to keep him from being too energetic. "I do not see how It's honorable to meet me, but I'm flattered none the less. But, who might you be?" Blushing, Sly rubbed the back of his neck in embarressment. "Oh, right. My name is Sly Cooper." Upon hearing this name, Slytunkhamen became confused. "Mind explaining yourself?" |
| Sly spent the next hour or so explaining everything that had transpired up until this point. "So, you're my distant descendant, you were sent through time from the future and ended up here. Now you're stranded?" "That pretty much sums it up, yeah." Sly said, chuckling with a hint of nervousness. "As strange as your story sounds, I think I actually believe you. So, any idea about how to return to your time?" Slytunkhamen asked. Sly shook his head sadly. "Not a clue. I would hope my friends are searching for me, but as far as I know, they have no idea where or when I even am." |
| Slytunkhamen looked at Sly. "Do you still have the book of thieving? I wrote it to pass it on to my son, and hopefully to his." "The Thievius Raccoonus? That we do," said Sly. "Easily three thousand and three hundred years we've had it." Slytunkhamen chuckled. "Then the solution is simple. I write an entry - Sly one is lost here. It will mean nothing to anyone, unless they know you." "Are you sure about that?" Sly asked. "Bentley's time machine needs an item from the specific time is needed to get to the right time and -" "A piece of parchment of papyrus would be from this time, as would the inking and such," said Slytunkhamen. "We go to my home, I write the entry, and you write something that only you and your friends will understand, and hopefully, you'll only be here a few days longer." "And, what if that doesn't work?" Sly asked. "What if I'm stuck here longer than a few days?" "I had an uncle that went traveling, and never came back," said Slytunkhamen. "You look like you could be his son, or grandson. So, if anyone asks, you are a formally lost cousin." Sly chuckled nervously, as he scratched the back of his head. "An interesting way to put it." He looked at his ancestor. "So, what now?" "Now, we eat, drink, and rest," said Slytunkhamen. "In the morning, we start traveling, and we should be at my home, with my wives and children." "Wives? Children?" Sly asked. "Well, I would of needed to have had them in order for you to exist, correct?" Slytunkhamen asked. "I never got to see my other ancestors' families," said Sly. "Other than Bentley and Murry, and more recently Carmelita, I've never really had one after my parents were murdered." "What happened?" Slytunkhamen asked. "A robotic owl named Clockwerk killed them," said Sly. "He'd been hunting down the family ever since -" he looked up. "Wait - he's alive in this time! We need to-" Slytunkhamen grabbed his descendant's wrist. "Bob showed me a vision of such a creature, and is the reason I have several wives, and many children." Sly raised an eyebrow. "When did you have that vision?" "Had that one when I was younger," said Slytunkhamen. "The one about you - he showed up showing me you a few days ago, saying that you needed help. He told me more while we were resting. I don't tell anyone about my visions, but I believe that my father had similar ones, possibly my uncles. I know that my eldest son has been having the occasional bad night - I think he's been having his own visions." "I wonder if that's why my other ancestors were willing to believe me so quickly, with Bob, and then later ones, telling those of that time that I was there to help them," said Sly. "It would explain why some were easier to believe me, like Rioichi compared to Salim." |
| Chuckling, Slytuntunkhamen handed Sly a plate with some cooked food and a glass of water before sitting down. "Many things have transpured. Yet, one must rest before a long teavel. Sides, it's easier to travel at day then night. Too cold on long journeys. Plus, if this 'Clockwork' is here, he would be young, not... Metal was it?" Sitting, Sly relaxedM, thinking that he would be right before taking a bite of a fried scorpian. "Hm? Say could you share your recipe for this?" |
| Meanwhile in the present, Murray and Carmelita arrived at the hideout. Bentley had to explain the situation in order to keep them from attacking Penelope on the spot. "I've got my eyes on you, mouse." Carmelita warned. "What you say may be true, but if you so much as think of betraying us, I'll personally see to it that you spend the rest of your life in solitary confinement!" |
| "That was my sister that attacked you," said Penelope. "Not me. That being said, you'd have to make sure that I didn't want to escape - Alana lost a bet that I couldn't escape from a quadruple class security cell when we were fifteen. Still, she wasn't a slouch - she got out of a triple class cell." At this, Bentley looked at Carmelita. "What was that cell rated for?" The vixen sighed. "Triple." "Wait, my sister escaped, right?" Penelope asked. Bentley sighed. "I've been getting some strange notes lately." "No wonder you were so jumpy," said Penelope. "Oh, sorry about the jumpy thing." "It's just an expression," said Bentley. "So, where's Sly at?" Penelope asked. "I'm surprised he hasn't shown up yet." "That's where we have another problem," said Bentley. |
| Taking seat, Carmelita took a breathe before telling what they knew so far after defeating La'Paradox. "He disappeared, and don't know where in the world, or even when, he might be. There hasn't even been a change in Sly's family book." Hearing all this, Penelope felt even more down trotted, thinking that it was all her fault. But, suddenly a thought came to her when she looked to her own time traveling watch. "Wait, if what you said is true, could there possibly time particles from theparticles crash site that could, possiblly, give us a lead on his destination?" |
| "Worth a try." Bentley said. |
| "Too bad that the Thievius Raccoonus doesn't have an entry that says, 'Here be Sly', so we could find him that way," said Murray. "That be a danger to the time-space continuum, and we would have noticed if something was off," said Bentley. "Unless what was written doesn't look off," said Penelope. "You know, like a coded message." "Hidden in plain sight perhaps," said Carmelita. She looked at Bentley. "Does that book talk about anyone being extra sly, or perhaps has an entry that seems like it could refer to something we've done?" Back in Egypt, Slytuntunkhamen looked at his descendant. "So, do you have an idea as to what you want written in the book?" A smile came to Sly's lips, as a fond memory came to him. "Oh, I got an idea." In the Present, Bentley's eyes bulge as he looked up from his computer screen. "I think I found something," he said. He pointed at an entry written in Egyptian hieroglyphs. "What does it say?" Murray asked. Bentley spoke. "Under a tiger's eye, and a starry sky A hippo will fly and a vixen will dance With one that is sly." "What does that mean?" Penelope asked. "Only one thing comes to mind," said Carmelita. "The night in Rajan's palace, when I danced with Sly, distracting everyone while Murray took Clockwerk's wings." "That was an interesting night," said Bentley. "Hey, I had to cut the wings from that statue, and then carry them while guards came after me," said Murray. "And my RC Copter skills kept them off you," said Bentley. "I remember the trouble Neyla got me into after that," said Carmelita. "So, are we going to reminice about what happened in the past, or are we going to go to the past to rescue Sly?" Penelope asked. "We might want to get a few guys to protect things here," said Bentley. "And we know some good ones," said Murray. "I can't wait to see the Guru again." |
| Hearing about getting the gang back together made Carmelita wonder just who they were talking about. Yet, looking to Penelope, she motioned for her to follow into a room close by before giving her a concerned look. "Your worried about how the others feel of what your sister put Bently through, right?" Squeezing, Penelope only nodded as a tear came to her eye. "Not only did my sister make it look like I betrayed them, but also broke a sweet turtles heart." Sighing, she looked to the inspector, with self-doubt shown in her eyes. "Now, we maybe friends, but I don't even know if he could trust me again." |
| A half saddened, half worried expression spread across Carmelita's face. "I know what you mean. Me and Sly had a pretty good relationship, until I found out he lied to me and I caught him stealing again." "Have you forgiven him?" Penelope asked. Carmelita looked conflicted. "Honestly, I don't even know. Was our connection real? Our did he fake that too?" Penelope took Carmelita's hand and looked her in the eyes. "I may not have known Sly for all that long, but one thing's for sure: he really does care for you." |
| "Besides, from what I've been informed, he's saved your life multiple times," said Penelope. "Apparently he saved you from this Clockwerk fella you all talk about at this volcano lair, from some corrupt Interpol officer in Prague, and from some gangster assassins in Venice, to say nothing about whatever happened during the whole time travel thing." "What assassins in Venice?" Carmelita asked. "I fought a bunch of thugs, but no one came to kill me specifically." "This Don Octavio fella had hired some guys to kill you while you were on a boat patrol," said Penelope. "Sly and Bentley foiled the attempt, without you noticing." "Well, Sly's had a thing for me for a long time," said Carmelita, with a sigh. "And, if I'm being honest, I've had a thing for him." Penelope smiled. "Well, there might be hope yet." |
| Back in Egypt, Sly and his ancestor rode across the desert atop a camel to Slytunkahmen's hideout. "So, you mentioned you have several wives? Just how did you meet them?" "Funny story, I met nearly all of them all at once. Most of them were part of a particularly nasty nobleman's harem. Accidentally ran into them on a job, and long story short, I helped them escape and they decided to stick around." |
| "And you've had children with them?" Sly asked. "At least one or two with most of them, and some, well, there's plenty of stretches of long, and cold, nights," said Slytunkahmen. "What about you? Any wives or children?" "Well, there is someone that I, deeply, care for," Sly said, with a sigh. "I even tried to give up being a thief for her, but, well... I just felt the need to scratch that itch and..... I don't know what she thinks of me. We didn't get a chance to patch things up before... this." "So, this woman disapproved of you being a thief, I take?" Slytunkahmen asked. "She's an Inspector, part of a group of law enforcement that will track criminals across countries, and she's been chasing me for years," said Sly. "She makes things fun - although, every so often, I've had to save her from those trying to kill her or worse. As it is, this last time, me and her, and my gang, we went all over time in order to save the family - such as Bob and the others you saw in your vision, who are between you and me in terms of family line." "I see," said Slytunkahmen. They soon stopped. "Ah, here we are." Sly looked. There was sheer cliffside. "Um, do we have to climb?" "Nothing of the sort," Slytunkahmen said, getting off the camel. He walked over to a boulder embedded in the cliff face, and shoved it, pushing it to the side. "A little trick passed on down from my father's father's father's father, when they helped build the pyramids." "Let me guess, they robbed them, right?" Sly asked. Slytunkahmen looked at him. "Now son, there are some folks you don't rob out of pure respect, like a good pharaoh." He then grinned. "He robbed them that did, and placed the funerary goods back where they belonged." Sly smiled. "I guess that's good to know. I avoid robbing the innocent, unless I must." |
| As the two Coopers entered and slid the boulder back into place, they soon entered the m a in living area of Slytunkamen's hideout, making Sly gasps at the scene around him. Gold, silver, and gems of all kinds decorated the floors and walls. Paintings that are to be famous in his time hung on the walls. Yet, what really caught his eyes were the beautiful girls of Slytunkamen's harem, as he began yo be reminded of a certain Inspector they spoke of moments ago. |
| Said harem girls comprised of various species besides raccoons. There were cats, jackals and fennec foxes, among others, each alluring in their own way. "Father's home!" Came a voice, before dozens of children ran into the room to greet them, some full raccoons, others a mix of breeds. "Wow, you really weren't kidding." Sly said, "You've certainly been productive." "Who's this, Father?" One of the children asked. Slytunkahmen smiled. "Let's just say he's a distant relative of ours." |
| It was then that Sly felt his binocucom start to shift. He grabbed the wrist of the person that had snuck up behind him. "Mind not grabbing that?" he asked. "My brother made this for me, and I don't know when I'll see him again." The binocicom was restored to it's rightful place. "You're pretty good on noticing me moving it, but you didn't notice me behind you," said a voice. Slytunkahmen turned his head with a sigh. "Slytunkahmen the Second, what have I told you about stealing from guests?" "I was just curious," the voice said. "You going to let me go?" Sly let go, and turned around. He found himself looking at a raccoon male in their later teens, seventeen, maybe eighteen years of age. He then took off and double-checked his binocucom - it was unblemished. Of course, during that time, the voices of the rest reverted to what sounded like babbling gibberish. He placed it back on, translating things back into English for him. Slytunkahmen the Second had been in the middle of speaking something to when his words were translated from Ancient Egyptian into those that Sly knew. Sly looked at him. "What?" "I asked, what does that thing do?" Sly chuckled. "Helps me to understand people better." "Oh, you need an ear horn," the younger raccoon said. "Thought that one needed to be much older before they started losing their hearing." Sly chuckled nervously. "Oh, it does a lot more than improve my hearing," he said. "Still, your method wasn't bad, but next time, make sure to double-check to see if you really need to take something from someone. Although, I will admit, it was an interesting feeling - I've picked more than a few pockets, but never had mine picked before." He then grinned. "Thanks for the lesson - I'll remember it." |
| Hearing a giggle, Sly saw a young snow white furred vixen walk in from a adjacent hallway. Wearing white slip on shoes, white cotton pants, a white tube top, and wearing what Sly thought was a red ruby in her belly button, she slowly walked up behind Slytunkamen the second. "Hello, I am Arabia. I'm young Slytun's wife to be, may I offer you some refreshments?" |
| "Um...Yes, thank you." Sly managed to say. In his mind, he wondered if Arabia was a distant ancestor of Carmelita. Arabia left the room for a moment and returned with a golden chalice full of water. "Thank you," Sly said before downing the drink in a single gulp. "My, you must have been thirsty!" Arabia giggled. "Now then," Slytunkahmen said, "We will be expecting company for our guest. I don't know when they'll arrive exactly, but all of you are to be on your best behavior. Understand?" "Yes, father." Said the children. |
| Meanwhile, in the Present, Penelope was looking at the indicated entry. She looked at Bentley. "Besides referring to a heist you guys did, what made you look at it?" the mouse asked. The turtle, who had been working on an updated version of the time machine, looked at her. "It didn't fit usual Ancient Egyptian forms of poetry, and most of the lines only rhymed in English. If nothing else, Sly can be a bit of a romantic at heart." Murray came over. "Good news - the others are on their way, and should arrive in a couple of days." |
| At this, Carmelita walks into the room. "I got myself approved for a few weeks of P.T.O. for this, as long as I can bring proof back of where I was during said time." Nodding his head, Bently continues to scan, when suddenly his computer managed to find the era Sly was stuck in. "Eureka! I think we found him!" |
| "We have Sly's location. Now we just wait for the rest of the crew to arrive." Bentley said. "So, what do we do until then?" Penelope asked. |
| "A stroll in the garden might be a good idea you you and me," Bentley said, as he looked at Penelope. "We still have a few things to talk about, like Alana." Penelope nodded. "I understand." |
| Yet, before they could go, a explosion is soon heard from outside, along with a explosion that shook the entire building. Getting her footing, Carmelita, shock pistol drawn, looked to Bently. " What was that?" Looking into his security camera's, Gently paled at the scene. "It's Alana, she's attacking! And she's not alone!" |
| The gang couldn't believe what they were seeing! Alongside Alana, were two of their oldest foes, Muggshot and Mz. Ruby! "How did they get out of jail?!" Carmelita exclaimed. "My sister must have sprung them." Penelope said. "I bet she's made a deal with them to help her, too." Alana was piloting a special mech suit as the trio made their way past Bentley's defenses. "They're getting closer!" Murray said worriedly, "Do we stay and fight, or run?" |
| Bentley got onto his computer, and quickly did some typing. "Yeah, that might work," he said. He looked at the others. "I got an idea." "I hope it isn't fighting, because I can't just take Muggshot in hand-to-hand," said Murray. "If you distract him, my shock-pistol can affect him, but Mz. Ruby might use her spells, and there's no telling what Alana might do," said Carmelita. "I think I can hack the robot, especially since it seems to be based off of one of my exoskeleton suits," said Penelope. "Alana isn't as good with tech as I am." "Useful backups to fall back on if my idea doesn't work," said Bentley, as he started rolling his wheelchair. "What is your idea?" Murray asked, as he and the rest followed.. "Muggshot has something we might be able to use to get him to just walk away," said Bentley. "And what's that?" Carmelita asked. "His mother is in the hospital, with brain cancer, stage four," said Bentley. "What else?" Penelope asked. "There's an operation that could save her life, without which, her life expectancy is under a year, but insurance won't cover it, and neither Muggshot's mother, or anyone else in his family, including Muggshot himself, has the money to pay for it," said Bentley. "Wait, are you going to offer to pay for the operation, just to get him to walk away?" Murray asked. "Operation, any current medical bills, therapy, a high end care facility if his family can't look after her, the works," said Bentley, as they got to the vault. He then pinched in the code. "That being said, I think a hundred grand is a good faith token." The vault opened, revealing the loot from the Cooper Vault. "We'll take it out of my share, of course." Down on the grounds, Muggshot found himself at an alcove, with a bench. He looked around, neither Mz. Ruby or the mouse were near. He sat down, with a sigh. The view was nice - it was a shame to destroy it to be honest. He pulled out a folded photograph from a pocket, unfolded it, and looked at the image. A rare smile came to his face. Then, he heard something, and looked up. Mz. Ruby was looking at him. "What is it, Muggzy?" she asked. "You haven't been your usual self." She came over, and sat down. "Do you want to talk about it?" Muggshot frowned, and nodded. He passed over the photo. Mz. Ruby looked at it, and then at Muggshot. "Is this your mother?" Muggshot nodded. "Did something happen to her?" Mz. Ruby asked, passing the photograph back. "Brain cancer, stage four," the bulldog said, folding the photo up, and placing it back into his pocket. "Doctors say that unless she gets this operation, she has less than a year, but insurance won't cover it, my family can't pay out of pocket, and I'm broke." "I'm sorry to hear that," said Mz. Ruby. The alligator was about to say more when Alana showed up in her mechsuit. "What is this, Break Time?" she demanded. "I'm not paying you to sit around." "You should have more respect to those who have been in the business longer than you've been alive, you little pipsqueak," Muggshot said, standing up. "You'd best make sure that your money is good, or I'll see to it that you end up as a roast for Mz. Ruby to enjoy." "Your threats don't scare me, old mutt," said Alana. "Now, get off your tails, and get moving." She walked away. "A mouse roast might be a nice idea if she tries something foolish," Mz. Ruby said, as she stood up. "She's been getting on my nerves," said Muggshot. "I'm this close to walking away... but....." He trailed off. Mz. Ruby chuckled. "Maybe the turtle has something valuable that we can fence to get the money needed for your mom." "Place looks like it has something worth that much alright," said Muggshot. "Still, let's get going." They resumed walking. |
| It was right then a explosion lights up the sky, placing a Cooper insignia to be emblazoned in the sky from a firework. Seeing this, both Muggshot and Ms. Ruby to ready her spells, confusing Alana. "Ugh! What is it now?! It's just a stupid firework!" Growling, Mugshot rolled his eyes, readying his his revolvers. "It's a calling card from a old friend of ours." With a spell ready, Ms. Ruby steadies herself. "Master of flame-fu, explosives expert, he was once a member of our group, the 'Fiendish Five', only to work with the Cooper Gang out of respect for something he did for him. Isn't that right, Panda King?" |
| "Correct." Said the Panda King, his voice coming from hidden speakers. "You three are trespassing." Alana scoffed. "As if that's the worst thing we've ever done. We're criminals, just like you!" "No." Said Panda King, "I am that monster no more. Now I live a life of peace. Still, that does not mean I won't blow you all sky high, unless you leave now." Bentley's voice came over the speakers next. "Muggshot, you don't have to work for Alana. I know about your mother's condition. We can help pay for the surgery that can save her life. All you have to do is walk away." |
| "Prove it," said Muggshot. "Show me the money." "What are you doing?" Alana demanded. "You work for me!" "Shut up you pipsqueak!" Muggshot growled. "All we've got from you is mouth and disrespect. Now, we know Panda King, from way back when. That means something." The bulldog looked around. "Tell us, old friend, what did the Coopers do to make you be chummy with them?" Panda came out from hiding. "They saved my daughter, Jing King. She had been abducted by a warlord, General Tso, who tried to force her to marry him. Cooper saved her. I owed him for that." "And after that?" Mz. Ruby asked. "I got more than enough to retire on," said Panda. "If you want to see a small sample, catch." He then, gently, tossed something at Mz. Ruby. The alligator held out her hand, and caught the object. She looked at it, and her eyes bulged. "What is it?" Muggshot asked. "It's a four-carat ruby, easily worth fifty thousand dollars, possibly more, if it's one of the more valuable grades," said Mz. Ruby "And here's something for you, Muggshot," said Murray, as he came into view, holding a small box. The hippo set the box on a bench, and stepped back. Muggshot walked over, and, while keeping one gun on the hippo, opened the box. Inside was a bunch of gems. "Uh, Mz. Ruby, what's this worth?" The alligator came over, and took a look. "Somewhere between a hundred and two hundred thousand dollars." "Closer to one seventy," said Bentley. "Had to account for the fact that a fence, or pawn broker, would want to make a profit off of anything you offered them. As it is, that ruby you got in your hands, easily one fifty - it's a Pigeon Blood one." "And these won't turn up as stolen, right?" Mz. Ruby asked. "They will not," said Bentley. "Those ones are clean - no blood on them that I could find." "Well, I don't sense any bad juju on them," said Mz. Ruby. "So, we accept these gems, and just walk away?" Muggshot asked. "That's right," said Bentley. "And not only those gems, but your mother's whole treatment plan - surgery, therapy, high-end care/retirement facility - the works." "Yeah, that sounds good to me," said Muggshot. He holstered his guns, and carefully picked up the box. "What are you doing?" Alana asked. "You work for me. I offered you millions." "All you've been offering is mouth," said Muggshot. "This is something I can see, and hold." "He's got a point," said Mz. Ruby. "This is enough for a fresh start even." That was when Alana pressed some buttons, and missile launchers popped out of the mechsuit. "You sure you want to betray me?" |
| Only for them to retract back into the mech-suite before it completely shut down. "Wait! WHAT?!" As Alana frantically tried to solve the problem, her sisters face in a chili form came on her computer screens, giving her the 'No, No, No' finger to her* Giggling, her sister Beatrice steps out of the bushes, holding a laptop. "Nice try sis, but this is where your demands come to a end." |
| With a cry of fury, Alana exited her mech and tackled Penelope, the two of them rolling and wrestling on the ground like a pair of fighting cats. The brawl quickly came to an end when Bentley pulled out his crossbow and fired a sleep dart near them. "Alright, enough squabbling! You've lost, Alana, face it!" It was only then he realized they had a new problem. Penelope and Alana were indeed identical twins. Right down to their outfits! Even he couldn't tell them apart! "Shoot her, Bentley!" Said the mouse on the left. "Don't listen to her! I'm the real Penelope!" Said the one on the right. "Oh man, what do I do!?" Bentley said, nervously aiming his crossbow from one to the other. "Try asking them a question only the real Penelope would know the answer to!" Murray said. "That's..., actually a good solution!" Bentley replied, wondering why he hadn't thought of that. |
| The turtle did some thinking, and chuckled. Sly would get a kick out of what he was about to do. "Okay, Penelopes, I have the perfect solution to the problem," he said. "What was I wearing in the picture I first sent you, and what were you wearing when you sent me yours? Also, when did you fall in love with me?" "Well, you were wearing a very nice outfit, as was I," the one said, with a nervous chuckle. "It was love at first sight." "Are those your final answers?" Bentley asked. "Of course," the first mouse said. Bentley grinned. He fired, the dart hitting the mouse, who collapsed. "Wrong answers. Carmelita - cuff her." "On it," Carmelita said, as she came out behind the mouse, cuffing her hands behind her back. Bentley reloaded his crossbow, and pointed it at the other Penelope. "What's your answers?" The other mouse chuckled nervously as she looked at the crossbow. "I don't know what you were wearing - you had taped your head onto one that had the body of some hunk," they said. "As for me, I too had taped my head onto the body of some model. As for when I fell in love with you, to be honest, I had a crush on Sly, at first. I began to fall in love with you during our time in Blood Bath Bay, when we repeatedly saved each other's lives from Le Fwee and his pirates." Bentley smiled. "Good answers. That being said, let's be sure." That was when the turtle began talking about some very highly technical stuff. The other mouse relaxed, and joined in on the discussion. "Um, what's going on?" Murray asked. "They were talking about energy transference, or something along those lines," said Panda King. "But now, I'm somewhat lost." "I'm having a hard time following, and I know magic," said Mz. Ruby. "I'm a bit lost too." "I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one stumped," said Muggshot. |
| Turning to Mz. Ruby and Muggshot, Panda King held his hand out. "Still, even though it was on bad terms, I am glad to see you two again on kinder terms." Muggshot, not wasting time, not wanting to waste time, shook Panda Kings hand. "Same to you, and Bently, thank you for what your doing for my ma. If you or Cooper need anything, you let me know." Shaking Panda King's hand as well, Mz. Ruby relaxed. "I am glad this ended, but maybe I should use a spell on Alana, to make her less recognizable to her dear sister." |
| "That's actually a good idea," Bentley said. Waving her hands and chanting an incantation, Mz. Ruby cast a spell that changed the unconscious mouse's fur purple, giving her a distinctive look from her sister. The Cooper Gang's former enemies, now potential future allies, bid farewell once more before departing. Alana was locked in a holding cell, with her hands and feet cuffed together for good measure. "Now, let's go find Sly." Bentley said. "But what if my sister wakes up from your dart before we get back?" Penelope said, raising an important point. "If I know her, she'll undoubtedly try to escape. Or worse, steal your inventions, Bentley!" Just think of the harm she could do with your tech!" "Penelope's right, Bentley." Murray said, "One of us should stay behind and keep an eye on Alana." |
| "Perhaps I should stay," said Penelope. "I don't know how Sly would react at the moment if he saw me, especially given the way you all reacted." "I guess I'll stick around, and the others should be here soon," said Panda King. "Pandas weren't exactly common in Egypt anyways, and you three will stand out for being dressed so funny." "He has a point there Bentley," said Murray. "Might want to dress like we fit in." "I'm not wearing another harem outfit," said Carmelita. |
| Chuckling, Bently quickly hid said outfit back in his chairs hidden compartment. "Right. Maybe a priestess?" Huffing, Carmelita only nodded. "Fine. Just don't make it too revealing. Just thinking of wearing that harem outfit with all those stinking gorilla guards eyes on me makes me want to dry heave." Thinking, was a bit confused. "Wait. Then what do we dress up as Bently? Plus, what about your chair? Won't we need to disguise it to fit the era of the timeline?" |
| "I could disguise my chair as a chariot. If Murray doesn't mind being the one to pull it around, seeing as we have no horses." "No problem, pal." "But where are you going to get ancient Egyptian outfits?" Penelope asked. "I've actually been working on a machine I call the Disguiseatron. It can generate any outfit the wearer wants, simply by stepping inside it. Of course, I haven't tested it yet, though. But it should work just fine." Leading them to his newest creation, Bentley typed in some commands on a keyboard and motioned for Carmelita to step inside. Hesitating for a moment, the inspector did so. There was a bright flash from inside the machine, and Carmelita stepped out in an Egyptian priestess outfit, which much to her relief, covered her from head to toe. Murray had a bit of a hard time squeezing into the Disguiseatron, as the opening wasn't designed with someone of his size in mind. Upon exiting the machine, he too was dressed in an Egyptian-style outfit. Bentley went last, and left with his chair transformed into a small chariot, and dressed in a similar outfit to his companions. "Alright, now let's bring Sly back home!" Meanwhile, in Slytunkahmen's hideout... |
| Sly was sitting off to the side, watching the various wives and children doing tasks, and just running around. A slight smile came to his lips. "Something on your mind." Sly turned to see Slytunkahmen sitting next to them. "Just doing some thinking I guess," he said. He looked back at the rest of the family, and saw the younger Slytunkahmen sneak off with Arabia someplace. "I wonder what those two are doing." Slytunkahmen looked back, just in time to see the tips of the young couple's tails vanish. He chuckled. "The same thing many a young couple does out of the eyesight of their parents' eyes," he said. "Hopefully, they will be smart enough to make things official before things become obvious to those that can't see what to look for." Sly's eyes widened. He looked at his ancestor. "Is she?" Slytunkahmen had a grin on his face. "Not yet," he said. "But her father is the Captain of the Guard around here, and whatever else I feel about the matter, that young woman deserves more than running away from an angry bandit warlord's group of guards as a start to their wedded life. You know, something with the official blessing of a priest and all that. Also, I don't want my son to become a eunuch the hard way, and you shouldn't want that to happen, if your reaction to him is any indication." Sly chuckled nervously at this. "Right." "Now, whatever you do, don't tell me which of my grandchildren will be your direct ancestor, or anything else about their lives," said Slytunkahmen. "Regular expectations are bad enough. Predestined ones though, that would ruin the fun of life. People need to be able to choose things freely, or how else would we feel like we accomplished anything?" Sly smiled. "You have a point." Slytunkahmen picked up a pair of gold goblets, and gave one to Sly. "Ever have date wine?" "Can't say that I have," said Sly. "It is rather sweet, like most meads," Slytunkahmen said, as he poured some into Sly's goblet. "It can be rather strong though, just like mead, so, take it slow." "You sound like you know your drinks," Sly said, taking a sip. "Pure water is worth more than the finest Pharaoh's vintage though, so keep that in mind," said Slytunkahmen. "Just like friends. A true blood brother is more than any hired guard. Same with love - that special someone, or someones, are better than any hired night lily." |
| At his ancestor's words, Sly's thoughts turned to Carmelita once again. She was the only special someone for him, and the last time he had seen her, their relationship was on the rocks because of him. He couldn't help but wonder if, wherever she was now, if the Inspector had forgiven him for his lie. Meanwhile, back in present day, Carmelita's thoughts were also turning to Sly. As the gang prepared to activate the time machine, she had to admit she had been increasingly worried about him. She remembered the countless times she'd chased him across the rooftops of various cities, absolutely determined to lock him up no matter how long it took to catch him. Now, here she was actually fearing for his safety. "Hold on, Ringtail. We're coming for you." |
| As Bentley worked on the Time Machine, Penelope realized that she had some unfinished business to take care of. "Hey Panda, I need your help with something," she said, talking to the explosives master. She began walking. "What is it?" Panda asked, following her. "I need something of a witness, or bodyguard, depending on the situation," said Penelope. She stepped into another lab room, one more like a hospital room. "What are you doing?" Panda asked, as the mouse got out an electric razor and some scissors. "Retribution for an 11th grade prank Alana did on me," Penelope said. "We had gone to a beach resort for school, campfire party on the shore, everyone snuck drinks - you know how it goes. Well, I passed out on the beech, well, in one of those chairs laying everywhere. Thing is, our class, there was this poodle and ewe that Alana was best friends with. This poodle liked to clip their fur, and the ewe liked to shave her wool off when it was long. Well, I don't know which of the three did it, but when I woke up, my fur was gone, I got a really bad sunburn, and those three were laughing their tails off when I finally got back to the hotel." "Front or back?" Panda asked. "Both sides," said Penelope. "They took me a few kilometers down to an area few folks went to, shaved me, hung me by my hands to some yardarm on this old sailing ship that had been left to rot, and, well, left. I was there for hours, baking, wondering who did it, like if some crazy local had decided to sacrifice me to some sea god or goddess. A fisherperson coming in for the evening spotted me, and, well, they cut me down." "What about the police?" Panda asked. "Surely someone investigated?" "Let's just say that it was ruled to be a School Prank Gone Wrong, and nothing more, as there was no real signs of assault, beyond my shaved fur, especially with a rumor popping up that I was into BDSM stuff reaching law enforcement's ears," said Penelope. "Still, as I've said, I found them laughing, and I found the shaver that was used, a disposable one, as it had some of my fur, but there was no prints that could be used. After that, things got worse between me and my sister - I only showed up at my folks' place for the holidays after I left home for good because of her." "So, you plan to shave her as a form of revenge," said Panda. "Seems foolish." Penelope chuckled. "I know how long Bentley's sleep darts last," she said. "Alana will be out for three or four more hours. Plenty of time to shave her." "It still seems senseless to enact a petty revenge at the moment," said Panda. "After all, I don't see you leaving her in the sun to cook." "True, but it will hide the fact that her fur in now purple for at least a week," said Penelope. "Then, when it's long enough for her to tell the new color, she will freak out that she'll no longer be able to pull off the Twin Switch ruse." "Ah, now, that makes sense," said Panda. "That, and I plan to lower the temperature in her cell to about 15 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit) ," said Penelope. "Perfectly fine when you have fur, but when you've got bare skin, you can survive, but it is uncomfortable when you prefer something like 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit)." "I see," Panda said. He then gave a slight grin. "Hey, I just made a pun." "Very funny," said Penelope. They soon reached the holding area. Alana was still knocked out, and restrained. "Someone once said that revenge is a dish best served cold," Penelope said, as she got out the scissors, and cut off Alana's clothes, removing them. "What I know is this - this will be fun." She then turned on the razor. "This is for what you did to me on the school trip." Soon enough, Alana was as furless as a newborn mouse pinkie. |
| With Bently, he was busy running calculations of possible spots to time travel so nobody will see them arrive. "Hmm... A old cave that was said to be used as a hideout... There's a oasis not too far from it that nobody uses... That may be our best bet..." |
| With that, the three of them entered the time machine, and Bentley activated the device. With a bright flash, they were soon speeding through the time stream, on their way back to ancient Egypt. When they arrived, just as Bentley said, they seemed to be in an abandoned old hideout, probably once belonging to a group of grave robbers. "Well, we made it here in one piece. Now we just need to find Sly." "The question is, how exactly do we find him?" Murray asked. |
| That was when they heard voices. "What are they saying?" Murray asked, quietly. Bentley looked at him, and Carmelita, and whispered, "Binocucoms. They will translate what they say, and what we say." The three placed said devices into their ears. They heard some lowered voices, from around a bend. "Are you sure no one is here?" a female voice asked. "Shouldn't be, unless one of my siblings decide to play Hider and Seeker up this way," said a male voice. Carmelita pointed at Bentley and Murray, indicating that they should stay still. She then snuck forward, and poked her head around the bend, where she found herself looking at a young male raccoon and an equally young female vixen in a certain position, and they were looking at her. She drew herself back, so that she wasn't looking at them any more. Her eyes were wide for more than one reason. The raccoon had to be a Cooper - she just knew it. "Um, sorry for bothering you two," she said, trying to stay calm. "Um, perhaps you can help me." "With what?" the raccoon asked, cautiously. "I'm looking for a friend of mine, and I think you might know him," Camelita said. "Sly Cooper." "Um, let me and my girlfriend get dressed," the raccoon said. "We can talk then." "That is acceptable," said Carmelita. "Take your time. No rush." |
| After getting dressed, and a bit of a awkward introduction, Slytun and Arabia led the three through a series of tunnels, talking as they walked. "Wait, you the daughter of the guard, and dating the son of the thieve he swore to capture?" Giggling, Arabian looked at the three over her shoulder. "Yes. I know it may seem wrong, but after watching him help the orphans of our city, I fell for him. Like magic in the Arabian Night tales my mom read to me as a young girl." |
| Much to Sly's surprise, as well as that of his friends, when they entered the main chamber of Slytunkamen's home and saw each other, everybody's eyes widened with shock. "Sly!?" "Guys!?" Unable to believe their luck, the group ran over to Sly as he was sitting on a large velvet pillow in the corner. Upon seeing Carmelita, Sly couldn't help but look rather nervous. But to his relief, Carmelita looked like she felt the same. They tried to say something, but ended up saying the same things simultaneously. "About the last time we met, I..." "What I mean is..." "I'm trying to say..." There was a long, awkward pause as the two of them tried to think of the right words. "Carmelita, this is all my fault." Sly finally managed to say. "If I hadn't tried to steal that samurai sword behind your back, you never would have gotten wrapped up in this mess." "It's not your fault, Sly. You had to do what you did to stop your family from being erased from history." "Maybe. But at least we'd still be together." "Who says we aren't?" "So...does that mean you forgive me?" Carmelita grabbed Sly in an embrace and gave him a long kiss full on the lips. "Does that answer your question?" "Excuse me, I hate to break up the reunion, but who are all of you?" Slytunkahmen asked. After a round of introductions, there was a sudden banging sound at the hideout's entrance. Everybody became deathly silent. "Who could that be?" Sly whispered. "Don't know. This location is supposed to be a secret." Slytunkahmen replied. One of the younger children, who didn't know any better, actually went to answer. "No! Don't!" Slytunkahmen called out,but it was too late. Upon opening the entryway, the child was grabbed by a huge avian claw, and snatched away into the air by an enormous bird. Everyone ran out just in time to see the shape of a giant owl flying off into the distance. "Clockwerk..." Sly said, a hint of fear in his voice. |
| (Wolfkingdom, I have to chuckle, but the Arabian Nights won't be written for like 2,000 years after Slytunkahmen's time, especially since a certain Salim al-Kupar and his gang are the inspiration behind the 40 Thieves stories. Still, since the stories weren't all written at the same time, there could have been earlier ones, even those that Salim himself could have taken inspiration from.) Bentley got out his computer, and typed something. "A lot less metal, but, it's him." "Do you got an idea?" Murray asked. "I know one thing we can't do, or else we'll mess up the timeline," said Bentley. "So, we can't -" Sly began. "Correct," said Bentley. "That, and I'm getting some rather odd readings off of him, as if he's....." He then pressed his finger to his ear. "Penelope, you reading me?" "Penelope!" Sly exclaimed. "Why are you in contact with her? She tried to-" Carmelita grabbed him. "Long story short, turns out that Bentley's girlfriend has an evil twin who had abducted her, and did the old Twin Switch." "Oh, um, that's rough," Sly said. "Yeah, I thought so to," said Bentley. "Talk to you later." The turtle looked at his friends. "Seems our owlish foe has already taken his bath in the Fountain of Youth. Oh, and Alana is awake, and extra pissed at Penelope." "Alana?" Sly asked. "Penelope's evil twin," said Murray. "Seems Penelope shaved her as part of a petty revenge for a high school situation when Alana had her shaved when she was passed out on a school trip," said Bentley. "She's not happy about being as furless as a pinkie at the moment, especially since Penelope also lowered the temperature a bit." "So, what did you find out?" Sly asked. "Well, in Neutral News, there's nothing written about the kid that Clockwerk just took, so it could be Good in that they live, or Bad in that they die," said Bentley. "In Other News, someone else starts writing in the Thievius Raccoonus after this point in time. Again, this could be Good, or Bad. Also, no obvious alterations, unlike with the La Paradox situation." "So, this could be all part of the timeline, and we can't alter it," said Sly. "No matter how much we want to," said Bentley. He tapped his chair, and grinned. "But, I did expect trouble to show up, and I came prepared." "What do you have in mind?" Sly asked. Bentley got out some items. "Smoke bombs, hallucinogenic gas, voice modulator, black outfit - you're about to be the Cooper of all Coopers, the one that keeps that owl up at night. He won't know it's you until the Krakarov Volcano." "So, I'm the one that will haunt him for the next three thousand years, even as he...." "We can't do the thing we can't do, so we do something else," said Bentley. "Still, we need help to pull it off." Slytunkahmen came over to them. "If you're talking about saving my child, I'm in." "We might be able to get my father to help," said Arabia. "Whatever else he might feel about Slytunkahmen himself, or my boyfriend, he wouldn't want an innocent child to come to harm." |
| Nodding, Sly looked ready to steal. "Okay, Arabia, go tell your pops what happened after Bently tells you his hideout location. After that, we move out to put the spooky on old owl face." As Bently looked through his computer, Slytunkamen was looking with both amazement and wonder. "By the curious wonder of the cat goddess Basset, this is truly a wonder of your time." |
| "Just don't tell anyone about it," Bentley warned. "Not only will they not believe you, but we can't have people from antiquity knowing too much about the future." Slytunkahmen nodded. "Don't worry. I won't say a word to anyone." "Any idea where Clockwerk might have taken your kid?" Sly asked his ancestor. "They flew east, and the only thing in that direction is a cliff face. My guess would be the bird must have a nest there." Slytunkahmen replied. |
| "So, you think we should wait for help, or get started?" Sly asked, looking at Bentley. "I think we should scout the place out at any rate," said Bentley. "That way we can actually plan the rescue." |
| Looking to Slytunkamen, Sly only smirked to him. "So, mind showing me some of your moves?" Chuckling, Slytunkamen turned invisible before standing behind Sly and reappearing, scaring him into the arms of Carmelita. "Of course, if you can keep up with me that is young Cooper." |
| Sly chuckled nervously as Carmelita sat him back on solid ground. "Don't worry, I can keep up." Meanwhile, back in the present... Penelope stood with a satisfied smirk on her face as her now bald sister glared at her from inside a holding cell, shouting curses and insults at her that would make a sailor blush. Panda King chuckled. "Your sister certainly has quite the mouth." "When I get out of here, I'm gonna make you both regret doing this to me!" "Save it, sis. Once Sly and the gang get back, we're handing you over to Carmelita. She'll probably take you in to Interpol afterwords, and you'll most likely end up in some remote prison in the Arctic or something. Which won't be very pleasant, to say the least, given your current condition. And if you think shaving you was bad, wait until your fur grows back. Then you'll be in for yet another surprise!" Alana could only growl and scream in anger, unable to move any farther than the boundary of her cell. |
| It was then that there was a mild alarm. "Looks like Dimitri and the Guru have arrived," Panda King said. "Um, how much do you know about the time-travel stuff that the others did?" Penelope asked. "Ah, I see," the panda said. "Might want to let them know about the whole twin thing." |
| Chuckling nervously, Penelope nodded as she followed Panda King upstairs,leaving her loud cursing, bald sister behind. Upon reaching the top, she immediately ducked as Dimitri tried to shoot her with his harpoon gun. "Stay still crazy lady! You'll pay for Bently's broken heart." Hiding behind a sturdy table, Penelope held her arms up. "Wow! Cool down. That wasn't me, that was my sister, Alana Mouse. Panda King can vouch for me, I promise!" Grabbing Dimitri, Panda had Dimitri lower his weapon. "She speaks true, we have her locked in holding to hand over to police later." |
| After everything was settled and the rest of the gang's allies had arrived, Penelope explained the situation. "The others should arrive at any minute with Sly in tow." Back in the past, night had fallen, and the gang and Slytunkahmen were traversing the desert in the direction Clockwerk had flown off. "So, where exactly are we headed?" Sly asked. "Before we confront the owl, we're meeting Arabia's father. Much like your fox friend, he's been chasing me for years and nearly had me on a few occasions. But I always manage to slip away." "Have you ever teamed up with him before?" "Not really. But I'm hoping he'll agree to help us rescue my son. He'll probably want something in return, though. Namely, me to turn myself in." "And will you?" "If that's what it takes to get his aid. I'll just find a way to escape later, of course. He doesn't know about my invisibility technique, and it's helped me evade him before." Sly chuckled. "Reminds me of the time I left Carmelita shackled to a rail on top of a volcano shortly after we defeated Clockwerk in the future. I think she might still hold a bit of a grudge against me for that." "Indeed, I do." "You love her, and you left her chained in a volcano?" Slytunkahmen asked, half-confused, half-shocked. "She eventually managed to pick the lock on the cuffs and escape. And in my defense, she had agreed to give me a ten-second head start, so she kind of walked into that one." |
| Sly then climbed up a thin rock column, and sat on top of it, perched on his feet. Slytukahmen looked at him. "How are you doing that?" Sly looked at him, grinned, and vanished. Slytukahmen blinked, and looked around. "How?" Sly reappeared on another rock column. He jumped down, and looked at his ancestor. "You taught me how to become invisible." Slytukahmen grinned. "Right - I wrote about it in the book. What about the balancing thing? I'm also guessing that there's a jump aspect to it too, as you were on a column that's more than a mere step away." Sly chuckled. "That would be the Ninja Spire Jump. Rioichi supposedly perfected it, but I know that Galleth and even Salim, could use it, or at least a workaround version of it, despite coming before him." Slytukahmen climbed up the one column, carefully balanced on top of it. "Okay. This part might be easier than I thought." He looked at the other column, and jumped. He landed on top of the other one, and spread out his arms, to get his balance. He chuckled nervously. "This part might be a bit harder." He then climbed down. "Something to work on." "That it is," said Sly, with a grin. "Just don't mention how you learned it." "Of course not," said Slytukahmen. Meanwhile, in the future, Penelope was looking at the screens. Nothing was standing out. Dimitri came over to her. "So, acting as Mission Control. What's happening?" Penelope sighed. "Clockwerk showed up, pre-robot form, but immortal." "I see," said Dimitri. "Anything else?" "Slytukahmen's youngest was taken by him, and there's no news about what happens in the book," Penelope said. "Nothing was written about if the kid, or Slytukahmen, make it, only that there is a new author, Slytukahmen the Second." "What about what's between the lines?" Dimitri suggested. "Does the writer seem happy, or depressed? Do they talk about valuables and such in a happy manner or a strictly business manner? That could give us a clue." "You might be onto something," Penelope said. "Hey, I run a nightclub, and patrons spend more money when they are happy, and less when not," said Dimitri. Penelope chuckled. She began to do some checking. |
| As she was looking, a alarm sounded off. Looking to the camera feeds, Penelope found the area clear, but upon looking inside camera's, she gasped as a metal clawed talon ripped through her sister's cell before grabbing her and disappearing. "Oh no... No, no, no, no!" Seeing the same thing, Dimitri began to worry. "Oh boy... That is do whack on so many levels..." |
| She had no idea how, and she wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't just seen it. But Clockwerk was back in the present day. She'd never actually seen the mechanical monstrosity before, but to hear Sly talk about it, she knew it couldn't be anybody else. As far as Sly knew, they had finished Clockwerk for good after destroying his source of power, the Hate Chip. Could some madman have rebuilt him? Regardless, she had to warn the others. As well as find where the owl had taken her sister. Whatever her crimes, Alana didn't deserve to die. Unknown to Penelope, Clockwerk had different plans for Alana. "Let me go, you stupid metal chicken!" "If I do that, you will fall to your death. Calm yourself, we both have a common enemy. Sly Cooper and his wretched gang. If we work together, we can destroy them once and for all." |
| "And what makes you think that you can trust me to not stab you in the back?" Alana asked. "Because I can kill you easily," said Clockwerk. "However, I have another matter I need someone to help me out with. An annoyance-" "At least I didn't spend three thousand-odd years failing to kill off a family line I wanted dead!" came a female voice, using the same metallic beaks. "And you are?" Alana asked. "I used to be Captain Neyla, of Interpol," said the female voice. "I prefer Clock-La though." "Oh, yeah, I heard of you," said Alana. "You broke legs to the point he can never walk again. By the way, how did you get put back together?" "A mechanically-inclined associate of mine repaired me," said Clockwerk. "Raleigh. Somehow, that frog escaped prison, found the pieces, and repaired us. However, brilliant as he is, he has had trouble separating the feline from me." "That's where you come in," said Neyla. "We need you to create a body for me to inhabit, and it needs to be a good one - I won't move into a pile of rubbish." "I can accommodate that," said Alana. "Granted, most of what I know is based off of my sister's designs, but I should be able to make some modifications. "What do you want your body to have? Rockets? Blades? The ability to fly around?" "That would be a good start," said Neyla. "Still, why have you had trouble killing the Coopers?" Alana asked. "The Coopers tend to have many offspring, and are far from monogamous when it comes to their choice of lovers," said Clockwerk. "By blood, there's easily three thousand Coopers of the original's line alive today, and I had yet to find the one called the Cooper of Coopers, until the day he came for me at the volcano, thought he didn't call himself that." |
| Hearing this, Alana looked around the room he brought her to, seeing it was a old factory that looked recently rebuilt and upgraded. To the side, at one of the tables she saw Raleigh working on a machine. A machine she recognized from schematics she stole. "Okay. I'll help you. Just get me schematics of your body, and I'll get to work." |
| Meanwhile, Sly and the gang had arrived in the city. Arabia's father, who was more dark colored than her, listened to Slytunkahmen's story and seemed to feel a bit of sympathy for his arch-rival. "As much as I despise thieves like yourself, as captain of the guard, I can't just stand by and let an innocent child suffer. Even if their father is a criminal." "So you'll help us, then?" "Yes. I'll even bring some of my best men along. But you'll owe me a favor afterward." "Let me guess, you want me to turn myself in." "Correct." "Alright. If it means my son is safe, I'll do it." |
| The Captain of the Guards looked at Sly and the other members of the gang, to say nothing about Carmelita. "So, what's your story?" he asked. "None of you are from around here - I can tell that much." He looked at Murry. "Whatever else you are, you're the sort that either protects someone with your strength, or beats them, possibly with your fists if those scars are any indication, and you tend to carry the heavier things." Murry chuckled nervously. "You're not wrong there." The Captain then looked at Bentley. "You're the brains of this lot - that much I can tell. You make up the plans, possibly locates who buys and sells things. Maybe even make things that prove useful. I know that sort of person, even if I don't know the exact name to describe them." Bentley looked at Slytunkahmen. "I see that he causes you to run for your money." "That he does," said Slytunkahmen. The Captain looked at Carmelita, glanced up and down, and said, "I'll get to you in a moment." He looked at Sly. "You, you're a Cooper, and are certainly related to that one. That outfit looks suited for those who do their work in the dark, and I can tell that you are no stranger to walking up or down walls. You probably even have some items that help you sneak around and such." Sly looked at Bentley. "He's good at this." "There's something else, but I'll say that after I talk to your false priestess," the Captain said, turning to Carmelita. "You don't walk like a priestess, you don't talk like one, don't act like one, or anything else. You seem to be more of an elite guard of some sort wearing an outfit they really don't want to wear, but you have to wear it to try to get close to whomever you are after. Further more, somehow, you smell like you're related to me." "Common family member, perhaps," Carmelita said, nervously. "And that leads to to one final thing," the Captain said. He pointed at Carmelita and Sly. "Both of you smell like you are somehow related to both me and Slytunkahmen. How in the name of Ra does that happen?" That was when a sound came from Bentley's chair. Instinctively, he pressed a button, and a hologram of Penelope appeared on a wall, dressed like an Ancient Egyptian. "Bentley, I got grave news," she said. "What is it?" Bentley asked. He looked at her. "Um, what's with the outfit." Penelope sighed. "Dimitri's idea." At this, Dimitri popped in, also dressed as an Ancient Egytptian. "Hey turtle-dude! Is Sly there?" "Clockwerk-owl is back again, again!" Dimitri said. "By the way, do you dig the threads? As they say, when in Rome." "Back to Clockwerk," said Carmelita. "What's going on?" "Someone put him back together, again!" Penelope said. "He took my sister!" "That is a problem," said Bentley. "Got good news for your end though," said Dimitri. "Based on how things are written, things seem to go good, as the writer doesn't seem to be sad, writes rather happily about mundane things, and something about an upcoming party of some sort, though, not a funeral, I don't think so anyways." "What's going on?" The Captain demanded. "Are you Gods or something? You talk of things that seem to happen in the future and -" Slytukhamen placed a hand upon his shoulder. "Let's go someplace quieter." They walked over to an alley, and went down it. The raccoon talked quietly. "What!" the Captain exclaimed. "Shhh! Quieter." The two talked in a much lower volume. "What's going on?" Murry asked. "He's telling the Captain what he can about us," said Bentley. "How do you know that?" Sly asked. Bentley pointed to a section on his chair. It showed the two, and what they were, most likely, saying. "Useful when someone is out of reliable hearing range," he said. "Still, why did the Captain ask why both of you were related to both of them?" Then, his eyes widened. "Oh boy! I need a fur sample from you two" "What?" Carmelita and Sly asked, at the same time. They looked at each other, and each plucked a fur strand, giving them to the turtle. "Well, on the plus side, after three thousand years, you probably wouldn't really count as relatives," Bentley said, chuckling nervously, as he did some typing. "Explain?" Sly asked, crossing his arms. "I'm cross-checking something," Bentley said. "And, yep. Slytunkhamen the Third, and his full siblings, were fox-raccoon hybrids, the result of Slytunkhamen the Second and Arabia the daughter of Captain....." He looked up at the guard Captain. "Captain Redfur - leader of the Pharoh's Guard." |
| Hearing this, Sly and Carmelita only stared at Bently as he read the results. Jaws slacked, eyes wide from the revelation, and many a question running through there minds of how it could be possible the bloodline could withstand the test of time itself. Snapping his fingers in front of there faces, Murry got no reaction from the two. "Yup, there completely anywhere from here." |
| Alana was already working on Neyla's new body. "How long will this take?" Neyla asked impatiently. "There's a lot of mechanical and technical stuff in a job like this," Alana replied as she began welding the outer shell of the body frame. "I can do it, but it's going to take time." "Do try to hurry," Clockwerk said. "The sooner this usurping feline and I are separated, the better." "If you want a job done right, you can't rush it," Alana said. "Just have patience. If you can wait thousands of years for the death of the Cooper family, you can wait while I finish up this project." |
| That was when a smell entered Alana's nose. The mouse sighed. "Hello, El Jefe." The Cuban Siberian tiger entered the room, with a lit cigar. "Hello, Penelope, or do you prefer Alana now?" "Why are you here?" Alana asked. "Heard that you were locked up in a no-smoking facility, having to make them things." "Funny thing about cigars," said El Jefe. "Set enough of them on fire, and the smoke is hard to see through, unless you are low to the ground. Thought that I'd run into you, sooner or later, but I figured that having someone like Raleigh would be useful, and since he knew where the Clockwerk pieces were, and how to fix them, restoring them back to life was no-brainer." "You do realize that they are in charge now," said Alana. "Hard to believe that you would want someone else to lead." "There's two important things about orders," said El Jefe. "Know when to give them, and know when to accept them. I can run a small operation, but sometimes it pays to have someone higher than you calling the shots. Besides, I'd heard that you'd been planning to betray La Paradox - I wouldn't want you in charge, or any place other than where someone can keep an eye on you." "Did you find what I told you to find?" Clockwerk asked. "Took some digging, some of it literally, but, I did," said El Jefe. He pulled out some papers, and set them on the table. "Kyle Reeves. Mother was Sarah Reeves, a waitress in a city where Conner Cooper committed several robberies. They had a relationship between them that resulted in this fella, but Connor fled a few months before Kyle was born, due to the police getting too close to him." "Good to know," said Clockwerk. "Where is he now?" "Marine base in San Diego, where he is a Drill Sargent, training the new recruits," said El Jefe. "He's seen more than a bit of action, got a Purple Heart, two Bronzr Stars, a Silver one, and a few others." There was a scoff. "It's not like he's a General." "Tsao, the only reason you have that title, is because you gave it to yourself," said El Jefe. "Just be glad you have something we need, or you would still be locked up." "One could say the same about you," the rooster said, coming into the room. They looked at the robotic owl. "I found the spell needed to make sure that Neyla can be removed from Clockwerk's body, safely, so long as a suitable vessel is available." "It had better work," said Neyla. "I don't like sharing." "Neither do I," said Clockwerk. |
| Back in Ancient Egypt, Sly and Carmelita finally snapped out of their waking coma. "So, the two of us have been...related all this time?" Sly managed to say. "Well, only very distantly," Bentley replied. "It's not like you're brother and sister or something." The raccoon and fox looked at each other in stunned silence. "When this is all done with, I think we'll have some major decisions to make," Sly said. Carmelita nodded. "We can worry about that when we get to it. For now, we need to focus on the task at hand." |
| "Yes, although I do hope that we get back home soon," said Bentley. "I just got some interesting information that might be of use to us, concerning you." "What's that?" Sly asked. "Sly, you're not an only child." Bentley said. "You have an older half-brother, as the result of relationship between your father and a waitress when he was in Texas, a few years before he met your mother. Kyle Reeves, Marine Drill Sargent in San Diego. Excellent record. I have the feeling he's just become a target for the Modern Clockwerk." "I don't know if I should be happy, or scared," said Sly. "I mean, I never knew, or suspected, that I had a sibling." "Well, something tells me he's about to find out," said Bentley. ***Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego*** Sergeant Kyle Reeves had dismissed the recruits he was in charge of for the night. He walked into the Officer's Mess Hall, and poured himself a cup of black coffee. "What do you think?" another sergeant asked. "A promising bunch at any rate," Kyle said. "What do you think, Sam?" "Let's hope that the exceptional ones are good enough for the realities of combat," Sam said, standing up. He walked over, and handed an envelope to Kyle. "This came in the mail for you. Some genetics/ancestery lab?" "Eh, been trying to find out who my father is," said Kyle. "Mother never spoke of him, and I've always wondered why." He opened the envelope. He read the letter, and blinked. He reread, and reread it, again. "Let me guess, you're about to inherit a million dollars?" Sam asked, as he poured his own cup of black coffee. "I wouldn't want it anyways." Kyle passed the letter to Sam. Sam picked it up, and read it. He reread it, again, and grinned. "Explains a few things." "Just because I'm good at sneaking around, and confiscating things, and certain other things, doesn't mean that I am anything like that thief," said Kyle. "Thieves - you got a brother," said Sam. He grinned. "Heard about him. Quite the reputation." He walked over to a computer, and pulled up some files. "He's a troublemaker, just like you are. Motor pool wants to know how you did it." "That was never proven, and you know it," said Kyle. "Colonel says that you 'borrowed' his car, and that he knows that it was you," said Sam. "Says his daughter is covering for you." "She's quite the woman," said Kyle. He snuck a look at a picture under his hat, of him with a vixen with a cross-coated fur pattern. "You're not the only one with a thing for foxes," said Sam. He pointed at a photo on the computer. Kyle, reluctantly, came over and looked. "That his girlfriend?" "Carmelita Montoya Fox, of Interpol," said Sam. "Seems that they have a long running history. She was even accused of being part of his gang by one officer, before evidence proved her innocence, and that she'd been framed, and, ironically, it was Sly that proved it. Still, there seems to be reports where he has saved her life, many times." "Well, maybe I might want to have a talk with her, if she's available for a chat," said Kyle. He took another sip of his coffee. "Did they change the filter on this thing?" "Still tastes like dirt to me," said Sam, as he took his own sip. |
| It was then the wind picked up as a time portal opened up, making Kyle and Sam stand at the ready as a tiger walked in. "My oh my, you really do look like your stupid half-brother." Pulling there tasers out, they took aim as the tiger drew two blades. Looking him over, Kyle could tell he mentioned business. "Freeze! Your in restricted area of the U.S. Armed Forces!" Keeping his eyes peeled, Sam began to feel like he knew him from somewhere. "Drop the weapons or will open fire!" |
| Kyle and Sam's vision suddenly went black as they both took a hit to the head from behind, as another portal opened behind them, and Tsao conked them both with his shield. "Well, that was too easy." El Jefe said, sheathing his blades and lighting another cigar."Yes. It was." Tsao nodded, looking down at their unconscious target and his friend. "What should we do with the spare?" "If we leave him here, he'll alert the other guards when he wakes up." El Jefe said. "Better take him with us, just to be safe." Picking up the two drill instructors, the villains stepped through the portal as it closed behind them, instantly reappearing back in Clockwerk's lair. "Mission accomplished." El Jefe said. "Excellent. Tie and gag the raccoon. Then make sure they stay in a secure area until the ritual is prepared." Said Clockwerk. "What of the other one?" Tsao asked, "We don't really need him." "Dispose of him," Neyla ordered. "No point in loose ends." |
| Sam, however, groaned, as he awoke, still held by El Jefe. "You'd better think again on that one," he said. "US Marines never give up when someone captures our own. We bring our people home. Keep us alive, you might be allowed to live. Kill us, and they will bury you." The robotic owl lowered its head to face him. "Do you think that you can defeat me?" Clockwerk asked. "No one can defeat me." Sam grinned. "That's not what I've heard," the wolf said. "You've been beaten by my friend's half-brother, twice." "I think I'll throw you from the highest peak," said Neyla. Sam chuckled. "Talk about a split personality," he said. "Besides, you all have been so busy focusing on me, you all missed something." "And what would that be?" Raleigh asked. "Why is the chicken holding a tied and gagged mouse?" Sam asked, with a wide grin. Tsao, who had been holding Kyle by his uniform collar, looked down, to find that he was holding the collar of a bound and gagged Alana, who was very upset. He set the mouse down, annoyed at this. "How did he do that?" "I've been trying to figure that out ever since we both went to the same training camp as recruits," said Sam, his eyes becoming deadly serious. "Now I know part of the reason. He's got that Cooper blood in him, and thus inherited a few tricks as a result. But, more than that though, he's a Marine, which makes him even more dangerous to you." |
| "He's right you know, plus this looks important." Upon hearing his voice, everyone turned, surprised to see Kyle holding El Jefe's swords over the three hate chips and android body. "Let him go, or these get damaged. Permenantly." |
| The villains quickly complied, releasing Sam who went to stand by his comrade. "Now, what's going on here?" Kyle demanded. |
| Sam looked at their would-be abductors. "Well, I think I have some ideas. The frog is one of the ones that killed your father - that much I know, and your brother defeated him." Raleigh glared at him. "The chicken, some warlord your brother defeated." "You speak as if I mean nothing," said General Tsao, as the rooster sneered at him. "The tiger is a mercenary that your brother defeated." "Seriously - I'm much more than that!" El Jefe exclaimed, focusing on him. "The mouse - interesting story involving weapon's manufacturing, was the ex-lover of your brother's partner, said partner besting her when she tried to kill him." "I was never Bentley's lover," said Alana, the mouse staring daggers at him. "That's my stupid short-sighted twin sister." Sam raised an eyebrow. "Interesting," he said. "Might want to let that fox at Interpol know, unless she has already found out about it." He then looked at Clockwerk/Neyla. "The robot owl is Clockwerk - he's the one in charge of the group that killed your father. However, there's another one in there - a tigress named Neyla I reckon. Disgraced Interpol officer, trid to frame that vixen I told you about." "You are dangerously close to getting your head ripped off," said Clockwerk, as he looked at the wolf. "I have to agree," said Neyla. Sam grinned. "And you all just missed something again." The criminals looked towards where Kyle was, and saw him holding a grenade, the safety pin pulled. "Well, Big Bird, I doubt that this will kill you, but I'm sure that it will mess things up for your associates, and you plans," the raccoon said. "Now, back away." The group stepped back. "Reminds of that time we'd been shot down and had to hold off a dozen enemies with nothing but an e-tool and a knife, after our ammo was spent," said Kyle. "I still have nightmares from that," said Sam. "We walking out?" "You go first," said Kyle. Sam stepped to the entrance, and started running. Kyle grinned, as he stepped towards the entrance. "I didn't want anything to do with my brother after finding out what he is," he said. "I could care less about the whole Cooper name. I'm a Marine - the Corps is my family! You messed with my family!" He threw the grenade, and ran. The grenade went off, and much to everyone's surprise, filled the room with colored smoke, causing all but Clockwerk-Neyla to start coughing. Kyle ran, until he was grabbed, and dragged into a crevice. He found himself looking at Sam. "Tell me you did something beyond popping some smoke?" the wolf asked. Kyle pulled out the computer chips. "Figured that these were too valuable for them to keep." He set them on a boulder, grabbed a heavy rock, and smashed them. "I also messed up a few things on that smaller robot - they might be able to fix it, but I doubt it will work without a cpu or whatever." "If we make it back, I'm putting you in for a medal," said Sam. "Heck no, I'm putting you in for one," said Kyle. The two laughed. "Well, let's see if we can find a longer-term shelter," said Sam. "I don't fancy camping if we don't have to." "I don't blame you," said Kyle. That was when they saw the metal bird flying. "Well, this will be fun," said Kyle. "I remember evading a helicopter for three days," said Sam. "You?" "I remember it well," said Kyle. "You'd think that these fellas would do their research." "Yep," said Sam. "Too arrogant." Kyle nodded. "Let's keep that lesson in mind, before we too fall to arrogance." |
| Chuckling, Sam picked a couple of microchips off himself and Kyle. "In that case, wanna have some fun with the boneheads?" Smirking, Kyle plucked the chips from his hand and set them on a moving drone that was passing by them. "Oh, you really have to ask?" |
| In the past, the still organic Clockwerk sat in a nest built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Valley of the Kings. The poor young raccoon he had kidnapped was quivering and crying in fear. "Stop your incessant bawling." Clockwerk snapped. "You weren't my target. But I'm sure your father is on his way now to attempt a rescue." "Good!" The small raccoon said, "When he gets here, you're gonna regret taking me!" Clockwerk chuckled, a deep, malicious sound without mirth. "When he gets here, I'm going to destroy him. As for you, I have not decided. Perhaps I'll drop you into the valley. Or bury you alive in the desert." |
| The young raccoon looked at the large owl. "My dad's going to kick your feathered tail." A cruel chuckle came from the owl's beak. "I do not think so," the owl said. "You see, I killed your grandfather, and his father before him, his father before him, his father before him, and so many more, their names lost to the sands of time. Your father will fall to me as well." "Why would you do that?" The young raccoon asked. "I was told by a shaman that a raccoon of the Cooper line would end me," the owl said. "I'm not going to let that happen." Present Day "And I certainly won't let it happen now," Clockwerk muttered. "The Cooper of Coopers shall fall to my talons." "Are you sure you want this one?" Neyla said, sarcastically. "He's just a bastard anyways. Sly's the one that defeated us." "He's a Cooper by blood," said Clockwerk. "All are dangerous - too dangerous to allow to live. Any signs?" "I think we got something, and a complication," said Alana. "What's that?" Clockwerk asked. "We aren't the only one with tricks up their sleeves." Someplace Nearby Penelope looked at her flight planal. "I'm so glad I put a chip in Alana's ear," she said. "Everyone comfy?" The rest of the gang were sitting in the back of the plane. "I hope you can land this thing," said Panda King. "I think we should have gotten extra backup," said Dimitri. At this, Muggshot stuck his head out from behind his seat. "Listen up, disco lizard, Mz. Ruby, and I, along with Panda King, know how Clockwerk works. We might be able to stop him." "So, what's she up to?" Penelope asked. "She's been in the lavatory a while." "It's labratory," came Mz. Ruby's voice from a closed room. "Just contacting some folks that might help from beyond the afterlife." Muggshot looked at the others. "I don't know, and I don't wanna know." |
| Coming into view, Penelope safely landed the plane in a abandoned airfield before parking it in a shed and shutting the plane down. "Okay, were good." Just as she opened the plane, Sam and Kyle held freshly carved spears to her. "Um... Hi...? You wouldn't happen to know where I can find ... Alana... Mouse...? |
| "She wouldn't be your sister, would she?" Sam asked, and Penelope nodded. "Yeah, I kinda figured." He and Kyle lowered their weapons. "You look just like her, but with more fur." "Who are you?" Kyle asked. Penelope explained everything that led them to this point, and Kyle gave a sigh of frustration. "Even in death, my no-good father's family shenanigans come to haunt me." "Father?" Penelope said, confused. "You mean you're..., Sly never mentioned he had a brother." "Half-brother." Kyle corrected her. "He probably doesn't even know I exist. As far as I'm concerned, we aren't related at all." |
| "Juba dadu," said the Guru, as the koala came into view, hobbling along with his stick by his side. "That's actually a good idea," said Dimitri, the lizard following after him. "Have him see his brother through our eyes." Then, he chuckled nervously. "Although, to be fair, most of us don't exactly have flattering memories of him." "And others carry a greater guilt," said Panda King, as he walked out, followed by Muggshot, and Mz. Ruby. "What are you talking about?" Kyle asked. The the three former Fiendish Five members looked at each other, before looking back at Kyle. "We are three of the people who killed your father, Conner Cooper," said Panda King. "You seem to have encountered at least one, if not both of the others, given that Raleigh is one of a handful of folks smart enough to put Clockwerk back together." "That frog always was good with inventing things," said Mz. Ruby. "Lousy in an actual fight though. Although, I'm not one to say much there." "Speak for yourself," said Muggshot. "Although Conner, whatever else I might say about him, I will say this - he fought like hell to protect something more precious than money." "And what was that?" Kyle asked. "He fought to protect your brother," said Panda King. "Although, at the time, the three of us were more interested in the Thievius Raccoonus, this book that would make those that read it the greatest thieves of all time. Clockwerk had killed Conner's wife, I wish I could remember her name, and well, as Muggshot said, he fought like hell. The three of us didn't know about Sly until he showed up on our doorsteps, took out our minions, stole the pages of the book, and then beat the three of us." "Quite the spirit in both of them," said Mz. Ruby. "And yours ain't too different. A little more disciplined, but you got that vibe. I can tell that you're a Cooper, even if you try to deny it to yourself." That was when there was a sound. "Uh oh!" Dimitri exclaimed. "There's metal owl inbound." "Tell us that thing is packing some heat besides what Panda brought," said Muggshot. "Got a 50-cal machinegun in the tail, and some interceptors for anything behind us," said Penelope. "Bentley does like to be prepared for anything." "And if they get in front?" Sam asked, as everyone scrambled aboard the plane. "Nose gun, wing guns, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and I wouldn't be too surprised if - well, looks like he packed those in too," Penelope said, as she went through the plane's armaments on the computer, stopping at the diagrams for a couple of extra large explosives. "Are those bunker busters?" Kyle asked. "Close enough to do the job," said Penelope. "I guess Bentley made these to break into Kane Island, if his initial plan didn't work." "So, we using them?" Sam asked. "I'd rather avoid killing my sister, if possible," said Penelope. "Although, I will understand if we have to." |
| "Everybody hang on!" Penelope said as she prepped the plane for takeoff. As the aircraft rose and they were airborne, Penelope readied herself for a long dogfight. Her mind couldn't help but flashback to her days as the Black Baron, and the tournament she would host. I hope my piloting skills haven't rusted too much since then, she thought. Back in the past, Sly and the gang, as well as then guard captain and a handful of his best guards made it to the base of the cliff where Clockwerk was holding Slytunkahmen's son . "Remember Sly," Bentley said "Clockwerk cannot know your identity until the volcano incident. So don't let him spot you." "Don't worry." Sly said, "We've beat this monster twice before. We can do it again no problem." "So what's the plan, exactly?" Carmelita asked. |
| "Time for some reconnaissance first," said Bentley. He got out a flying camera, and let it start its flight, showing the footage on the cliff wall. "Amazing," said Slytunkhamen. "Being able to see things without being there." "And criminals just have access to this magic?" Captain Redfur asked. "Law Enforcement uses it too," said Carmelita. "It's something of a competition, an arms race really." "That it is," said Bentley. "Personally, I would prefer a flatter surface to so this on. Sly - see those rocks jutting out?" "I see them," said Sly. "Mind climbing and help us see if they are part of the wall, or if they are on the surface." "Those are on the top, not on the wall," said Slytunkhamen the Second. "I've climbed the cliff before." He looked at the footage. "I know the area well enough. I tend to do some thinking out here on occasion." "Good, because you just became the most important thief here," said Bently. He looked at the older Slytunkhamen. "You're the decoy - you show up there. Get that owl to chase you. Captain Redfur - you will be hiding behind those rocks. Once Slytunkhamen runs past, with the owl chasing him, you and your guards loose arrows at the owl - you won't be able to kill him, but he might leave if he feels that the fight isn't worth it, especially since Slytunkhamen the Second will have snatched the kid by them." He looked at the younger thief. "This is the most important heist you'll ever be a part of - more than even those that will make you well known in the future, by both criminals and law enforcement. You're rescuing your sibling, and that's more important than anything you can steal. Especially since....." Bentley did some typing. "Oh boy - yeah, very important! You gotta rescue them." "How important?" Carmelita asked. "You're going to laugh, but based on what I'm following, 70 percent of security systems in the past hundred and fifty years, for us, have someone of their line involved in making them, somehow. Trip lasers, security cameras, and so many more. More importantly, they just made what could be the next thing in military and law enforcement, maybe even life in general," said Bentley. "A way to upload ones' memory into a robot body." "That sounds awesome," said Murray. "Um, what if you're already a robot though?" "Then your memory can be transferred into another robot body," said Bentley. "Sorry about interupting your chat about metal golems, but what are you going to be doing?" Captain Redfur asked. "We're Plan B in case that owl figures out that Slytunkhamen is a decoy, and comes back for the kid," said Bantley. "Sly - Paraglider, smoke bombs, and Murry's muscles are all needed for Plan B, which is a whole lot of smoke that you land in, between the owl and the kid, after Murray throws you while you've got the paraglider attached to you. When that owl asks who you are, you are to tell him that you are the Cooper of Coopers, the Greatest Thief of all, and that, one day, you be there to defeat him. Also, I need to adjust you binocucom a bit." "What for?" Sly asked, passing it over. Bentley adjusted a few things. He passed it back. "Crank the volume on Max, and it will emit a frequency that will instil a fear response in most birds of prey sorts. Even an immortal will flee at it." Sly placed it back on. "Good to know." |
| "Alright everybody, get into position. Time to give this old owl a surprise he'll never forget." Sly said. As the gang and their allies did so, Carmelita gave Sly a kiss on the cheek. "For luck. Just in case." |
| Carmelita then looked at Bentley. "So, what's my role?" she asked. "You are Plan C," said Bentley. "In the event that Clockwerk realizes something's wrong before the kid is rescued, and Sly's not in position, you use that Shock Pistol to blast that owl, and you say that you're the Cooper of Coopers. After all, you've helped to defeat that owl twice." "I know that I stomped that Hate Chip," said Carmelita. "Still, I have to wonder, when does he become metal? Because I swear I saw him a few times during our time-traveling adventures, at a distance, and I swear he was already covered in metal." "Are you sure?" Bentley asked. "The first time was when I was tied up in that carriage in the Old West, and later when we were in the Ice Age, and a few other times as we jumped back and forth to get those various hidden trinkets La Paradox and his crew hid, and he was metal all the time," said Carmelita. "Makes me wonder." "So, back in the Ice Age, Clockwerk was metal, yet here, he's organic," said Bentley. "Makes me scared." "What do you think is going on?" Carmelita asked. "I don't know," said Bentley. "I just hope that the security inventor is alright." In the Modern Day, the original Cooper was floating. As a primitive caveperson, a living "Bob" Cooper would have issues understanding what he was seeing. However, 12,000 odd years as a ghost had given him plenty of time to educate himself as he watched over his descendants, trying to help them out when he could. The hardest part was when Clockwerk attacked his family - as a ghost, he could do nothing to stop the killing, especially those of the ones he'd fought alongside of. He had cheered Sly rather loudly, as did the rest of the family, when Clockwerk had been beaten the first time. "Ain't no sign of the fella," Tennessee Kid said, as he walked over to him, coming out of a room full of weapons. "No one of our line here." "Trust me, he's here," said Bob. "I sense a relative to be here, but, not one of our direct ancestry," Rioichi said, as he came out of what was a design room. There was a loud scream as Salim came into the room, as if escaping from an office. "How could anyone keep snakes as pets? Why not something soft and fluffy, like a rabbit?" "At least it ain't scorpions or tarantulas," said Tennessee Kid. "I just found someone, and it looks like he's crafting some interesting armor," Galleth said. "I know he's related to us, but he's not of our line." "He's not of Slytunkhamen the Second's line, like the rest of you are," said Bob. "He's of one of the younger offspring of the original one, and therefore, he's of my line. Now, let's see if we can warn him." The five ghosts were in the labratory, where they saw a female raccoon hard at work, busy making a special robot. "Alright, let's see if this one will work," she said. "Too bad this thing doesn't make one talk to ghosts." "Too bad," said Bob. "After all, Maple Barrel's of my line, and a distant cousin to the rest of you." That was when the female raccoon froze, and looked at the robot. "Don't tell me that you're picking up a radio signal." "Did she just hear you?" Tennessee Kid asked. Maple jumped then. "Now I know I heard something." Bob then slid his hand into the speaker system. There was a feedback sound and then, nothing. "Um, can you hear us?" Maple's eyes widened. "Someone's hacking my system - that's the only explanation." "Your line about ghosts is the correct one, Maple-cousin," said Rioichi. "Rest assured, we are here to help you." "How?" Maple asked. "I want to know that too," said Salim. "Maybe the armor will be of use," said Galleth. "We'll see," said Bob. |
| Reaching for a large crescent wrench, Maple began to slowly move close. "Who are you? Why are you speaking to me? Wait, am I dreaming? Maybe I should of laid off those fried onions from lunch..." Sighing, Bob made a screeching noise with the speaker, getting her attention again. "Trust me, this is no dream. We need your assistance." |
| "What do you want?" Maple asked hesitantly. |
| "To help you to perfect your device," said Bob. "Problem is, there's someone who might try hunting you down." "What for?" Maple asked. "Is some criminal upset at me or my family for foiling their plans to break into places?" "That's one way of putting it," said Tennessee Kid. "What do you know of a family of thieves known as the Coopers?" Rioichi asked. "Are you saying that they are after me?" Maple asked. "The Coopers aren't after you," said Galleth. "But rather, someone who wants their bloodline dead is after you." "But, I'm not a Cooper," said Maple. "Am I?" "You are of a cousin branch of the more famous line," said Salim. "You have the Cooper blood in you, even if you don't identify as a Cooper." "But, I'm not a thief," said Maple. "I work to prevent thieves from stealing." "That detail won't stop the one after you," said Bob. "They are after all living Coopers, no matter the connection to the first one that faced them. They want the Cooper of Coopers." "And, who is the Cooper of Coopers?" Maple asked. "That, my descendant, is the right question," said Bob. |
| Meanwhile, Sly and everyone else were finally ready to put their plan into action. "Everybody in position?" Bentley asked over his intercom. After everyone confirmed they were ready, the plan was a go. |
| Slytunkhamen climbed the cliff. He saw the nest, and the owl - Clockwerk or whatever his name was at the moment. He then saw his youngest. The child was scared, and so was he, to the point he'd temporarily forgotten the young raccoon's name, and even gender. Then, he remembered - she was named Tiye, which would mean The Beloved One in English, not that he would know that. It was also a pet name for Nefertari, her more formal name. "I'm coming for you, my Tiye," he said. "I'll get you." He noticed that Captain Redfur and his men were in position. He also noticed that his oldest was waiting. "Make sure you save your sister," he said, softly. He then climbed up. "Hello, you overgrown bag of feathers." The owl looked at him. "Cooper." "That is my family's name," Slytunkhamen said. "So, you took my daughter, for what purpose?" "To lure you here, to kill you," the owl said. Slytunkhamen looked at him, his eyes narrowing. "I know you - you killed my father." "Yes," the owl said. "And his father, and his father, and his father, and so many more." "And you will indeed kill me, and many more of my family, until, one day, one of my line will indeed defeat you," Slytunkhamen said. "The Cooper of Coopers." "How do you know this?" the owl asked. Slytunkhamen grinned. "I was given a vision," he said. "That vision also tells me that while my thieving will be over after today, I'll still be alive for a while yet. Now, let's see if you are wise enough to outsmart me." He then started running. |
| Chuckling, the owl looked to his right, seeing a shadow of himself nodding to him. "Alright Slytunkamen, let's do this." It was then, the owl lunged to Slytunkamen, only to bite empty air as he dodged and turned invisible. |
| "What the?" "What's wrong, you overgrown vulture? Can't attack what you can't see?" While Clockwerk was distracted, Slytunkahmen's oldest son snuck over to rescue their sibling. "Shhh." He whispered, "You're safe now. Just keep quiet." Clockwerk, however, would not be bested so easily. Flapping his great wings, he stirred up a torrent of sand, exposing Slytunkahmen's position as his outline was revealed. "Aha! There you are, you wretched rodent!" Clockwerk managed to pin Slytunkahmen to the ground beneath his talons. "Give your ancestors my regards." He said, preparing to deal the finishing blow. |
| "But, first -" the owl grasped Slytunkahmen's leg, and snapped it, causing the raccoon to scream in agony. The owl chuckled. "Did you think that I'd just rip your head off? That would be too quick." Then, something hit the owl, causing him to roar in pain, as well as get off of the raccoon. He looked back, and saw a cloud of smoke. He saw a figure in it. "Who are you?" "I am the Cooper of Coopers," said a strange disjointed voice, and could have been male or female. "I am the one who will defeat you." That was when the owl heard a sound, one that filled him with fear. He quickly flew away. The dust and smoke soon faded. Sly watched the black dot that was the owl fade into the distance. He walked over to his ancestor, just as the others came into view. "Father," the younger Slytunkahmen exclaimed, as he saw the older thief. "I'm alright," the older one said. "Your sister? "Tiye's fine, and with the turtle," the younger one said. "Your leg though." "A small price," the older one said. "Looks like my climbing days are done." "I'd say more than that," Captain Redfur said, as he came over and knelt down to the thief. "No more thieving for you." Slytunkahmen grinned, and held up a coin pouch. "I respectfully disagree." The fox checked his belt, and grinned as he looked at the empty part on it. "At least this will encourage you to spend time with the grandchildren, once your son and my daughter get around to having them. Now, let's see about getting you down from here." "Might be able to help out with that part," said Sly. "I just hope that you don't scream as loud as Tennessee did, or does, or will." "Let's try to stabilize his leg before you become the inspiration behind one of those Ancient Alien conspiracy theories," said Carmelita. "With all we've dealt with, I wouldn't be surprised if they were indeed real," said Sly, as he looked his ancestor over. "What do you think Bentley?" "No scientific proof has been found that aliens exist," said Bentley. "And no proof has been found that they don't, but that's not what I was talking about," said Sly. "Slytunkahmen's leg - got an idea there?" "Dislocated hip, femur, tibia, and fibula are broken - he's not going to be doing any climbing for a while," said Bentley. "On the plus side, the breaks aren't compounded, so we should be able to splint the leg, but we'll need to do a bit more to use the Paraglider to get him off." "Good, cause I see no other real way down," said Sly. |
| After all was said and done, the team managed to get Slytunkahmen back to the bottom of the cliff with the paraglider. Captain Redfur and company were waiting for them. "So, I take it your child is safe?" "Yes. My son was able to get them while the bird was distracted." "Good. Now, you know what you must do." Slytunkahmen sighed. Sly was about to argue, but his ancestor stopped him. "No, don't. He helped us, and I gave my word. I will turn myself in, as promised." The captain ordered his men to carry Slytunkahmen back to the city and into a cell. As he was led away , Slytunkahmen gave his descendant a knowing wink. Something told Sly he wouldn't be locked up for very long, even with his busted leg. "So, now what?" Sly asked. "Well, we found you and aided you ancestor as needed. I'd say our mission is complete." Bentley said. "Looks like we can head home." Sly sighed with relief. "Yeah. Home sounds good right about now." He turned to Carmelita. "When we get back to the present, we'll have a lot of things to discuss." The vixen chuckled. "No kidding." |
| Sly then looked back at his ancestor. "One moment." He ran over to him. He looked at the guards. "A quick word with him." "Make it quick," said Redfur. Sly looked at his ancestor. "You will write what I told you, exactly?" "I will," the elder Cooper said. "Makes no sense though. "Under a tiger's eye/ and a starry sky/ A hippo will fly/ and a vixen will dance/ With one that is sly - It doesn't really fit the usual sort of poetry." "It will, in a while, in the right language, and for the right people," said Sly. He looked back at his friends. The older thief chuckled. "Good friends are hard to find. "Treasure them." "I will," said Sly. "Have a good life," said Slytunkahmen. "You as well," said Sly. "He'll be back for me, I know that much," said Slytunkahmen. "Still, I plan to make the best of it, whatever I have left, and I hope that, whatever else will happen, so will the rest of my family, including you. Now, live your life." Sly nodded. "I will." |
| Sly and the gang made their way back to his ancestor's hideout, and informed his family of what had happened. Knowing their father and husband, none of them seemed too worried. They knew he would eventually find his way back to them. As they entered the time machine, Sly and Carmelita looked at each other. "I''m looking forward to a good rest after all this." Sly said, and Carmelita nodded. "Me too. Seems like it's been ages since this whole mess started." "Technically, considering all the time periods we've been to, it has." Unbeknownst to the gang, there was still more chaos to contend with in the present day. Penelope found herself locked in a aerial dogfight against Clockwerk and Neyla. She managed to avoid their attacks, but most of her weapons were deflected by Clockwerk's metallic outer shell. Her passengers, meanwhile, were hanging onto whatever they could for dear life as they looped and barrel rolled through the air. "This is why I was always afraid of flying!" Dimitri said, turning from purple to a deep, sickly green. "Don't you dare puke on me!" Muggshot warned, though he himself looked rather ill as well. |
| At the same time, Bob perked up his ears, and looked into the distance. He looked at Maple. "Listen, there's someone you must contact, right now." "Who?" Maple asked. "The one known as Bentley, and let him know that Penelope and the others are in danger," said Bob. "How do you know this?" Maple asked. Bob chuckled. "We're not the only Cooper ghosts trying to help out." Penelope was pushing the plane hard. "Come on," she muttered. "Hold together." There was a jolt of lighting, that hit the plane, and hit her, causing her to scream. She lost consciousness. "Penelope!" Demetri called, as he came for her. "You okay." He tapped the sides of her face. "Mouse? Wake up? You know we can't fly without you." Penelope groaned as she awoke. "My head hurts." "That would give anyone a headache," said a voice. Penelope's eyes widened. She saw a set of ghostly arms and hands trying to control the plane. She jumped out of her seat, and saw what looked to be a WW1 pilot in it, one that looked familiar. "I can't control this thing for long," they said. "I'm the only one with flying experience, and I barely understand this thing's controls." Penelope, reluctantly sat back into the seat, grabbed the controls, and resumed flying. "There you go," the ghost said. "Now to make sure that this thing still flies." They then left the seat, sinking into the floor. Penelope looked around, and saw more ghostly figures, all of which felt very familiar. Then, it hit her. "I think this plane is haunted by most of the Cooper Clan ghosts." "Told you I was getting some help," said Miz Ruby. "Looks like you got the Sight." There was a more modern-looking raccoon staring at the alligator, with the arms crossed. They also glanced at Muggshot and Panda King. Penelope gasped as she recognized him - Conner Cooper, Sly's father. "How?" Penelope asked. "Complicated," said Miz. Ruby. "However, get enough ghosts together, and they can affect electronics in either a good way or a bad way, depending upon the ghost's motives. Also, they can make this thing hold together longer than normal." "How am I seeing them?" Penelope asked. "Getting electrocuted and almost dying helps awaken the Sight in some," said Miz. Ruby. "Still, best see a doctor if we can, just in case of heart arrhythmia." |
| Back at the hideout, Sly and company had just arrived from the past. "So good to finally be home." Sly sighed with relief. "We can't relax just yet, pal." Bentley said. "Penelope and the others are still dealing with Clockwerk!" "How are we going to help them?" Murray asked, "They've taken your plane, and we have no other flying vehicles!" "I might be able to take control of the plane from here remotely. I just hope the plane is still in one piece." |
| That was when Bentley got a voicechat request. "Interesting," he said. "Who?" He ran a check. "Very interesting." He accepted it. "I can't believe I'm dong this," a voice said, as a female racoon came into view, adjusting things on her end. "I could get fired." She sat down. "Hello." "Hello, Maple Barrel," said Bentley. "I've heard of you, and seen plenty of your work. I have a hard time getting past it." "I guess that's some kind of praise," said Maple. "Listen, this is kinda strange, but someone called Bob Cooper told me to get a hold of you guys, something about a family connection between me and the one called Sly Cooper, who is a well-known thief." "It's a distant one, one that shouldn't be too much of an issue, depending upon how an officer of the law spins this line of communication to your bosses," said Bentley. "One could call it a Consulting Situation. I've heard about your new robotic system, how one could use it to revolutionize a number of things, least of which being life and death." |
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