Sly Cooper: Neylas Redemption

[Sephiroth of Light]

Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Sly Cooper series.

Chapter 1: Lifes Intervention

A brilliant explosion of flames ignited the night skies of Paris, France. Following the explosion was a rain of metal. The Cooper gang had done it. In removing her

hate chip the gang had triggered Clock-la's self-destruct feature. Within seconds Clock-la was no more. The parts however were a different story. Despite the

magnitude of the blast the parts were barely phased. A few dings and scratches maybe, but the parts didn't really take any serious damage. Then moments

later Carmelita landed the helicopter she and Sly used to shoot the bird down.

For a few moments they stared at the wreck that was the arch rival of the Cooper family. Then Sly lifted the hate chip that Bentley pulled out of Clock-las

mouth. He and Carmelita stared at the tiny glowing chip wondering how such a small device could keep a monster like Clockwerk alive for so many centuries.

Sly considered throwing the chip into the water along with the rest of Clockwerk s remains, but then some other group would just retrieve the parts, and then

it would happen again. It was a mistake he would never allow to be repeated. So he did what he had to do.

He threw the chip on the ground, raised his foot, and crushed it. Then almost instantaneously the parts started to age, as if time had finally caught up with the

old bird. Then Sly heard a very familiar click. He turned to see Carmelita raise her shock pistol pointing it right at him. Just like the first time upon Clockwerk s

destruction Carmelita was back to bringing Sly and his gang to justice. With Bentley's injuries from retrieving the hate chip and the team van no longer with

them they were in no condition to escape.

So Sly told Carmelita that he would go quietly if she would allow Murray and Bentley to escape. She agreed, Bentley and Murray escaped, and right on schedule

about half of Interpol s forces arrived on the scene. The chief congratulated Carmelita on capturing Sly and asked her to assist in escorting the master thief

back to Interpol.

However despite there being an army of cops, no one noticed a small figure in a top hat and overcoat approach the area of the hate chip remains.

"Rather big fuss over one thief, but if Sly Cooper crushed this chip himself... it must be dangerous." he muttered to himself. Then the figure quickly removed a

small plastic bag from his coat, opened it, and quickly put the shards of the hate chip into it. When it was done he sealed the bag up, and then put it back in his

coat.

"Dr. M I found something that might interest you. I'm en route back to base." said the figure into an ear communicator. Then he exited quickly before anyone

noticed. But it did not end there.

Even though Clock-la was no more, life had other plans for her organic counterpart. A short distance off a pair of siblings watched the scene from the shore line

of the Seine River. It was quiet the entire time. Then the silence was broken by the younger of the two.

"Hey Jacques what's that over there?" asked the young one to her elder brother as she pointed over to the spot she was talking about. Sure enough there

was a motionless lump right on the shore.

"I don't know Annie lets go check it out." said Jacques to his younger sister. They both hurried to the spot and saw that the lump was in fact a person.

To be exact it was a young lynx. Female, lilac colored fur, blue stripes along her back and tail, there appeared to be a small blue gem on her fore head, and she

was wearing a brown sleeveless top, brown shorts, and boots all topped off with a scarlet hood with yellow markings, but the hood was tattered in the back to

reveal long black hair. In fact her entire outfit was tattered, and she looked like she had gone toe to toe with the devil. But besides that she was beautifully

built.

Then Jacques felt for a pulse, and found one.

"She's alive! But she needs medical attention and fast" said Jacques as he picked up the young lynx.

"Brother! Look up!" said Annie as she pointed to a helicopter in the sky. They both looked up in time to see a sleek form in blue jump out of the helicopter and

deployed a blue and white parachute. As he descended a voice boomed from the entrance of the helicopter.

"I'll find you Cooper!" shouted the voice.

"C...C... Cooper." said the barely conscious lynx.

"We better hurry Jacques." said Annie to her brother.

"Right just hang on miss... you're going to be alright." said Jacques to the lynx. Then the siblings continued on their way to get the injured lynx some help.

Despite all the trouble she had caused in her life Captain Neyla was about to get a second chance.

Soon the two siblings arrived at the hospital. Bursting through the door they headed for the receptions desk.

"May I help you...? Whoa!" said the desk clerk.

"We need to see Dr. Elena." said Jacques.

"Jacques... you know your mother is very busy right now... perhaps we can..." started the clerk.

"Please! This lady needs serious medical attention!" interrupted Annie referring to the young tigress in her brothers arms.

"Well can you tell me what exactly happened to her?" asked the clerk.

"We don't know! Just please help us!" said Jacques.

"But I can't just... ah hell. Alright give me a moment." said the clerk as she picked up a phone and paged a number.

"Dr. Elena, I know you're busy right now, but your kids have brought someone in need of immediate medical attention. Yes... uh huh... OK I'll tell them." said the

clerk to the doctor. Then she hung up the phone.

"She told me she's on her way down. In the meantime does she have a name?" asked the clerk.

"We don't know. She was unconscious when we found her. We'll ask her when she wakes up." said Jacques.

"Is someone in need of... oh my Lord!" said Dr. Elena as she entered the lobby.

"Mom!" said Annie as she hugged her mother.

"Where did you find her?" asked Dr. Elena to her son.

"On the shore of the Seine River; There was some sort of explosion there... we think she may have been caught in the blast." said Jacques.

"Hmm..." said the doctor as she looked at the woman in her sons arms. She was injured pretty badly.

"I'll see what I can do. Come on you two." said the doctor to her kids. She had heard the explosion minutes ago so she knew they were telling the truth

Soon they arrived at the doctors' medical station.

"Put her on the bed." said the doctor to her son as she washed her hands. Jacques followed his mothers' orders and carefully placed the young tigress on the

bed.

"Annie switch on the lights please." the doctor told her daughter. She followed her mothers' orders and soon the room was lit up.

"Now I need both of you to go wait outside." said the doctor to her children.

"Yes Ma'am!" said the siblings. They left the room closing the door behind them. Now all they could do was wait and hope for the best.

Over an hour and a half had passed and it was almost 11:00 PM when their mother emerged from the medical station.

"How is she?" asked Jacques.

"She's stable for now. She had suffered trauma to her arms, legs, torso, back, and a few cuts along her head. I couldn't find any traces of shrapnel, and no

internal bleeding. She's really lucky. But I will have to stay during the night to keep an eye on her condition. Would you two like to stay as well?" asked Elena to

her children.

"I'll stay. I want to know a bit more about her when she wakes up." said Jacques.

"If Jacques is staying so will I." said Annie.

"Alright hang on you two." said Elena as she dug in her pockets for her pager. She found it then paged the front desk.

"Desk clerk." said the clerk.

"Could you send up some blankets to my station? My kids are helping me watch the patient." said Elena.

"I'll send them up right away doctor." said the clerk.

"Thank you. Have a good night." said Elena as she hung up and put the pager back in her pocket.

"Now all we have to do is wait." said Elena.

"Thanks for letting us stay mom." said Annie.

"Any time sweetie; now both of you get ready. This is going to be a long night." said Elena.

"Yes mom." said both of her kids.

"Now I need you both to go inside and keep an eye on her. I'm going to see if I can find her some of my old clothes so she doesn't have to wear her tattered

ones. Then I'm going to see if I can find us something to eat. I'll be gone for at least 30 minutes. Call me on my cellphone if her condition changes." said Elena.

"Yes mom." said the siblings. Then their mother left. Then the two siblings went into the medical station. There they saw the woman still unconscious but

breathing normally. Her heart monitor showed her current pulse. If her condition changed they would know. It was quiet for a while. Then the silence was

broken by Annie.

"Do you think she's going to be okay?"Annie asked her brother in a soft voice.

"We put her in the hands possible Annie. Now all we can do is hope and pray for the best."Jacques replied.

"Cooper..." said Annie.

"Huh?" asked a puzzled Jacques.

"That's what she muttered at the shore. I wonder what it meant." said Annie.

"We'll ask her when she wakes up." said Jacques.

"Yeah I guess you're right." said Annie.

Meanwhile back at their safe house.

"He's waking up!" said Sly to Murray as their fallen comrade woke up.

"Oh my head..." said Bentley groggily.

"Bentley! I'm so glad you're okay buddy!" boomed Murray.

"Not so loud Murray. What happened while I was out?" Bentley asked Sly.

"We won. After Clock-la blew up, I crushed the hate chip and the parts disintegrated. Clockwerk is officially gone!" said the thief proudly having relieved his

family from the mechanical nightmare.

"Then I take it Carmelita arrested you?" asked the turtle.

"Yep, and by the way thanks for helping me escape Murray. Knocking out the pilot, and then jamming up the controls? I don't think she saw it coming." chuckled

Sly to the enormous hippo.

"You're welcome Sly! So Bentley can you move your legs?" asked Murray to his injured friend.

"I'm afraid not Murray. When Clock-las beak closed on my legs I was crippled." said Bentley. This was not what Murray wanted to hear.

"Bentley... I'm so sorry. If I had kept that beak open then maybe..." started Murray breaking into tears.

"No one could have known Murray. Please don't blame yourself." said Bentley.

"Yeah Murray you did what you could." said Sly reassuringly.

"Well maybe you're right Sly. I guess I'm still shaken up from losing the team van." said Murray still heartbroken from the loss of his pride and joy.

"You know while we're talking... What happened to Neyla?" Bentley asked Sly.

"I don't know. She might have been killed in the blast." said Sly somewhat unsure.

"Alright what's bugging you Sly?" Bentley asked.

"I just have this feeling we haven't seen the last her." said Sly. If only Sly knew how very right he was.  

[Sephiroth of Light]

Chapter 2: Awakening

Throughout the night, although Neyla was physically sleeping peacefully her dreams however were another story. In her dreams Neyla woke up and found

herself surrounded in darkness.

"Where am I?" Neyla asked herself. Then suddenly the darkness dissipated into various other things.

The first shift took her to Paris for a brief period of time.

"Paris? Why am I here?" Neyla asked herself. Then she spotted something. It was a raccoon tall, deep brown eyes, blue clothing, and holding a cane of wood

and gold.

"Who is he?" Neyla asked herself. Then before she knew it the scenery shifted again.

This time to a ballroom that looked Indian in origin. It was brightly lit, and full of life. Then there was a huge statue with six arms and two extremely large silver

wings. She looked down, and spotted the raccoon again. This time he was wearing a tuxedo and he wasn't alone. He was dancing with a fox. She was a bit

shorter than him, she had blue hair done in a poof sort of style, and she was wearing a blue dress. They had just finished their dance when the crowd

suddenly turned their attention to the statue with the wings nowhere to be seen.

Then the scene shifted again this time to the ruins of a temple. There she saw the raccoon again but he was on the ground apparently hurt. Then she saw a

flash of orange as an incredibly large tiger jumped down with a stick in his hand that held what looked like half of a metal heart. He was about to strike down

the raccoon when a flash of pink knocked him back. It was a hippo. Dressed in a baby blue shirt and scarf with red gloves and mask, he appeared capable of

remarkable strength. He and the tiger battled it out with the hippo emerging victorious. He plucked the metal heart from the tigers' staff. Then he put it in his

pocket. Then a form in a red hood and brown clothing appeared. It was herself.

"Wait. Why am I here?" Neyla asked herself. Then the scene changed again. Now she was outside of what looked like a bank. It looked normal enough. Then

she saw the raccoon again. He was holding a glowing jar of sorts. He reached the chimney of the building then dropped it in. soon the building was overtaken

by what looked like ghosts. Then her other self came out of the building with a combination of fear, surprise, and anger glowing in her eyes. With each change

Neyla was becoming increasingly more and more confused.

Then it shifted yet again. She was flying over a snow covered town with a lot of train rails. She flew to the fastest moving one and saw herself piloting an

orange and white aircraft of sorts. She appeared to be in a dogfight with a familiar looking green helicopter. Then the shift happened again. Now she was in

some sort of hangar, but there was no plane. Just a huge bird that was the same color as the wings and heart she had seen moments ago. Then she saw the

raccoon again only this time his eyes had a look of anger and vengeance within their glare. Then one question went through her mind.

"What does it all mean?" Neyla asked herself again. Then the scenery changed again and she was back in Paris.

Once again she saw the raccoon standing beside two others: the hippo she had seen back in India and a small turtle with a satchel over his shoulders,

wearing a pith hat of sorts (at least I think it was a pith hat.) and wearing glasses. They were staring at something. She turned and there was the bird she

had seen moments ago. It was seriously banged up. Then suddenly the hippo picked up the turtle and hurled him all the way to the beak of the bird. There he

placed two freakishly large bombs on the sides of the beak. When he cleared the way the bombs blew, and the beak opened to reveal what looked like a

hologram of her head. She said something then the turtle entered the mouth and pulled something. Before she could see what it was a flash of light overcame

her then everything went dark.

When she could see again she found herself lying on a soft bed within a white colored room.

"Was I dreaming?" thought Neyla to herself.

"You're awake!" said an unknown voice. Neyla turned her head to the source of the sound. The voice belonged to a mink in white clothing. She was a little tall,

had long charcoal black hair that went as far as her shoulders, her tail also had this color, all rounded off with a pair of sapphire blue eyes that added even

more elegance and beauty to her appearance.

"Where am I?" Neyla asked the woman.

"You're in a hospital in Paris my friend." the woman said.

"Hospital?" questioned Neyla.

"My kids found you unconscious on the shore of the Seine River, heavily injured, and hanging on by a thread." the woman continued.

"I was?" said Neyla.

"Yes. I mean when they brought you here you were extremely banged up. But what I want to know is who did that to you. Do you know who?" asked the

woman. Neyla shook her head.

"You mean you don't know who did it?" asked the woman.

"I can't even remember half of anything other than my name, age, childhood, and that's about it" said Neyla. Then she heard the door open.

"We're back mom!" said another voice.

"Hey kids! Guess who just woke up?" the woman said. Soon quick footsteps approached her bed and ended with the appearance of two other minks. One of

the two was taller than the woman she was talking to. He had short charcoal black hair, quite muscular, with a pair of deep cerulean blue eyes. He was wearing

a grey shirt with black pants. The other was a lot smaller, like her mother she also had long hair, but she had hers in a ponytail and was wearing a grey shirt

like her brother but she wore blue jean shorts.

"It's about time you woke up! You were starting to worry us!" said the boy.

"Who exactly are you three?" asked Neyla.

"Oh! I'm terribly sorry. I have no idea where our manners went. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Dr. Elena. These two are my kids and your rescuers." said Elena.

"My names Jacques." said the boy.

"And I'm Annie. Nice to meet you." said the young mink.

"Nice to meet you all." said Neyla.

"What's your name?" asked Annie.

"My name is Neyla." said Neyla.

"That's a nice name." said Annie.

"Thank you." said Neyla.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" said the doctor as she retrieved a large paper bag.

"What's in there?" asked Neyla.

"When my kids found you, your clothes were all in tatters. So I went home and managed to find an old outfit that might fit you." said the doctor.

"I appreciate it. Could you all step out for a moment so I could get dressed?" asked Neyla.

"Sure. Come on kids." said the doctor. When the trio left the room Neyla got to her feet and examined the room. There were a bunch of blankets on the floor.

"Those kids must of stayed to help their mom." thought Neyla. Then she examined the contents of the bag: white undergarments, beige knee high shorts, size

small (just taking a guess at her shirt size) white shirt, and a pair of brown shoes.

"These will work just fine." Neyla thought to herself. Soon she was dressed. Then she called the trio back in.

"Those clothes look good on you." said Elena truthfully.

"You think so?" asked Neyla. Elena nodded.

"Are you hungry Neyla?" asked Jacques.

"A little bit." said Neyla.

"If you're well enough I know a place close by that makes a mean omelet." said Jacques.

"Sounds good." said Neyla.

"Alright just let me alert the front desk that you're well enough to leave the hospital." said Elena as she took out her pager. After a brief conversation with the

clerk they were free to go.

After they left the hospital Jacques led the group to a local diner.

"I hope there's room. This place is usually packed during breakfast time." said Jacques as they entered the diner. Just as he had said the diner was packed. The

smell of various breakfast items filled the air. They were lucky enough to find a seat. When they were situated a waitress came to take their order.

"I'll have the loaded omelet, with jalapenos, and bacon, with a biscuit on the side, with a cup of coffee with two teaspoons of sugar." said Jacques.

"I'll have the farmers' plate. Eggs scrambled, sub the biscuit with toast, hold the sausage, with a glass of water." said Elena.

"I'll have the pancake plate. Two pancakes, sub the syrup with honey, and a glass of orange juice." said Annie.

"What are you going to order Neyla?" asked Jacques.

"I'll have the bacon and egg croissant, with a glass of water." said Neyla. After finishing their order the waitress told them it would be out soon.

In the meantime they chatted to pass the time. Neyla started it off with a question.

"So how did I end up in the hospital?" Neyla asked.

"Annie and I were just sitting on the shore of the Seine to watch the stars when an explosion erupted nearby. I'm not sure what happened afterwards but a

lot of police were involved..." Started Jacques.

"Then I spotted you nearby. When we got to you, you were barely alive and seriously banged up. Then we took you to the hospital where our mom took care

of you. Then you woke up this morning." said Annie.

"Speaking of her injuries, Neyla did you know you're a fast healer?" asked Elena to Neyla.

"What do you mean?" asked Neyla.

"When you arrived you were riddled with injuries. Now you look good as new." said Elena.

"That is strange." said Neyla.

"Do you know who may have hurt you?" asked Annie.

"Like I told your mother I can't remember a lot right now." said Neyla.

"Amnesia." said Elena.

"What?" Neyla asked.

"It means memory loss. Whatever knocked you unconscious packed one heck of a wallop." said Elena.

"Well that stinks." said Neyla sadly.

"But there is a way around it." said Elena.

"How?" asked Neyla.

"When amnesia occurs a person's memories are broken in fragments. Normally it would take years for a person to piece them back together. But if you find

something from your past, for example a picture, a certain object, even people. You can piece together certain memories together (Snap!) like that." said

Jacques.

"Great and I don't even remember any names other than my own." said Neyla.

"Actually you gave us a clue back at the shore." said Jacques.

"I thought I was unconscious?" said a puzzled Neyla.

"You were but then someone shouted "Cooper" and you muttered it before going unconscious again." said Annie.

"Cooper?" asked Neyla. Then she froze. Suddenly her mind was filled with images of the raccoon she had seen in her dreams earlier that day. Could they be

connected?

"Hello Earth to Neyla" said Jacques trying to bring Neyla back to reality.

"Sorry about that" said Neyla.

"Did that help?" asked Annie.

"A little bit." said Neyla

"What did you remember?" asked Jacques.

"A person; a raccoon dressed in blue." said Neyla. This caused both Jacques and Annie to go wide eyed.

"What's wrong?" asked Neyla.

"When we found you, a figure clad in blue clothing jumped from a police copter right before we took you to the hospital." said Jacques.

"What are you getting at?" asked Neyla.

"What Jacques is trying to say is that person may be the person that you just described." said Elena.

"There's a small chance that he might still be in Paris." said Jacques. This made Neyla smile. If she could find that person she might be able to restore her

memories. Then before they could finish their conversation the food had arrived.

Meanwhile on an island several miles away from Paris a new threat was about to brew. The island was home to a scientist named Dr.M. he was known for his

experiments in gene splicing. He even found a new way to connect to his creations through neurological means. He was running tests on his latest creation

when he was interrupted.

"Dr. M." said a voice on the intercom.

"What is it?! Can't you see I'm busy?!" barked Dr. M over the intercom.

"The scout you sent to Paris has just returned." said the voice.

"Well then send him in! I haven't got all day!" shouted Dr. M.

"Yes sir." said the voice as the intercom clicked off. After a few minutes there was a knock at the door.

"Enter." said Dr. M. the door opened to reveal a short figure in a top hat and overcoat.

"It's about time! What the hell took you so long?!" demanded Dr. M to the shaking scout.

"Sorry for the long wait Dr. M, but I believe I found something that might be worth the wait." said the scout as he pulled out the bag he had in his overcoat.

"Well? Let me see it!" barked Dr. M. without hesitation he handed the bag to his master.

"You mean to tell me you disrupted my experiments... just to bring me a broken chip?" asked Dr. M in a calm tone.

"Yes sir." said the scout cautiously. All the guards on the island knew that when Dr.M spoke to them in a calm tone it meant he was either upset, or in a foul

mood and it meant bad news for the fool who made him that way.

"Looks like junk!" shouted Dr. M.

"But sir, Sly Cooper himself destroyed that thing." said the scout. Then Dr.M simmered down a bit.

"Cooper? Well now why would he do that?"Dr. M asked.

"Well actually sir, it didn't belong to him." said the scout.

"What do you mean?" demanded Dr. M.

"Sir those chip fragments are all that's left of Clockwerk." said the scout. Hearing this made his jaw drop.

"Clockwerk you say? Well what do you know that bird finally met his match." said Dr.M. Then he faced the still shaking scout.

"Are you still here? Scram!" he shouted to the scout. Then without another word the scout high tailed it out of there while he still had a life. When he had gone

Dr.M chuckled to himself.

"Well Clockwerk old bird looks like today's your lucky day!" the Doctor said to himself as he stowed the chip fragments in his coat pocket. He now had the

Cooper Clans greatest enemy at his disposal.  

[Sephiroth of Light]

Chapter 4: Breakup and Reunion

Six months after the incident life within the Cooper gang was going great. Bentley was finally mobile again with a new wheel chair and it seemed that the good
times within the gang were finally restored. But unfortunately not all was well. Even though he was told countless times it wasn't his fault Murray still felt

responsible for Bentley's predicament. Over the months that guilt continued to accumulate within his heart, and overtime Murray began to change.

When he was invited to a video game tournament with Sly and Bentley he refused. Murray cooked but not with his usual peppy mood. He also hardly finished

his food in that time frame. These signs began to worry Sly and Bentley. Then one day Murray locked himself in his room. Sly and Bentley tried to talk to him. But

when the door finally opened they saw Murray. But he wasn't wearing his signature outfit, and he was carrying a large bag over his shoulder.

"Murray where are you going with that?" asked Bentley.

"Sly, Bentley I know you've tried your hardest to help me cope with my mistake, but I'm afraid it wasn't enough." said Murray.

"What do you mean?" asked Sly.

"Sly I'm resigning from the gang and leaving here." said Murray. This news came as a major shock to both Sly and Bentley.

"You mean your quitting?" asked Bentley.

"Murray do you know what you're saying?" asked Sly.

"Yes I know what I'm saying and I mean it you guys." said Murray. Then moving past both his friends he started towards the door.

"Please Murray don't do this!" said Bentley.

"I'm sorry old chum but right now my mind is made up." said Murray.

"But Murray..." started Bentley, but Sly stopped him in mid sentence.

"Murray are you really sure you want to do this?" asked Sly. Then stopping Murray turned around, looked at his lifelong friends square in the eye and told them.

"I'm absolutely sure buddy." said Murray with hurt coursing in his voice.

"We're your friends Murray. If this is your decision then we'll support you." said Sly. Murray nodded.

"Good bye my friends." said Murray. Then he turned around and left.

"Sly why did you let him go?!" demanded Bentley.

"He's just lost right now. All he needs right now is to clear his mind and maybe someday he'll come back." said Sly.

"I hope your right." said Bentley.

Then in the evening back at the mink residence Neyla was having dinner with the family. Since her arrival she had been learning how to cook from Elena and

had prepared a fine meal of seared sirloin, green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

"This steak is amazing Neyla!" complimented Jacques.

"I second that. You really cooked it well, and the green beans and potatoes, I'm impressed Neyla!" said Elena.

"Well I did learn from a good teacher." said Neyla.

"Delicious!" said Annie.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it everyone." said Neyla.

"So has everyone finished eating?" asked Elena. Everyone nodded. "Hope you saved room for dessert because tonight's Sundae night!" announced Elena.

Then after the dishes were done and put away they began assembling the ingredients.

"I got the ice cream!" said Annie.

"I got the bowls!" said Jacques.

"I got the whipped cream and spoons!" said Elena.

"And here's the chocolate sauce!" said Neyla. But as she opened the jar she saw to their disappointment that it was empty.

"Well that's not good." said Elena.

"Aw man!" said Annie.

"Don't worry everyone I think the stores still open. I'll head down there and see if I can find another jar." said Neyla.

"But Neyla its dark outside what if someone gets you?" asked Annie with concern.

"Don't worry I'll be careful Annie." said Neyla reassuringly.

"Then be careful." said Elena.

"I will. I'll be back as soon as possible." said Neyla. Then she left.

Meanwhile back at the Cooper hideout their dinner was a little less then joyous. With Murray gone things were really quiet. When Murray ate with them he

always had a joke to tell. That and his boundless well of optimism always brightened up the room. But with him gone it just wasn't the same.

"It's way too quiet." said Bentley.

"I know." said Sly in agreement.

"It was never this quiet." said Bentley.

"Look I'm sure wherever Murray goes he'll be alright Bentley." said Sly.

"I know but what if he never comes back?" asked Bentley.

"That's crazy talk." said Sly.

"I don't know. I mean on top of losing the van and believing my injuries are his fault..." said Bentley.

"Like I said all Murray needs right now is to clear his head." said Sly. Then he got up from the table.

"Where're you going Sly?" Bentley asked.

"I'm going for a walk." said Sly putting on his hat and picking up his cane.

"Be careful." said Bentley.

"Aren't I always?" said Sly. Then he went out onto the roofs and began his daily rounds.

"That'll be $2.50" said the clerk.

"Here you go." said Neyla handing the money to the clerk.

"Thank you and here's your sauce." said the clerk handing the jar of chocolate to Neyla.

"Thank you, have a good night." said Neyla to the clerk. Then she exited the store.

"Well that was easy." said Neyla to herself. Then she began her walk home. As she was walking she caught the attention of a few nearby boar guards.

"Well well what do we have here?" said one of the guards to Neyla. This made her stop.

"Excuse me?" asked Neyla.

"Don't you know that these streets can become very dangerous in the dead of night?" continued another guard.

This made Neyla a bit nervous.

"Would you like some 'protection' on your journey ma'am?" said another guard.

"Thanks but no thanks I can take care of myself." said Neyla as she started backing away, only to bump into yet another guard.

"But we insist." the guard said. they were beginning to annoy Neyla. Then before the guard could speak again Neyla gave him a swift kick to his 'dignity'. When

he fell she ran like hell.

"Get her!" squeaked the fallen guard. The other three quickly pursued Neyla. Neyla was running as fast as she could but somehow the guards were starting to

catch up. Then she saw a nearby alley and saw a chance to ditch them. When she reached it she turned as fast as she could and went into the alley. Then

when she saw the guards run past the alley she thought the coast was clear.

Then out of nowhere something grabbed her and caused her to drop the chocolate sauce.

"Got you!" said yet another guard. Then the other three guards entered the alley to join their friend.

"Let go of me you bastards!" said Neyla.

"I don't think so. No one kicks one of us and gets away with it." said the guard that held her captive. Then the other three began their approach. Neyla knew it

was futile but it was her only option left. She had to scream for help.

As Sly continued his rounds he managed to amass a bit of loot pick pocketed from the local ne'er do wells. 12 silver combs, 8 bronze pens, and 6 silver and gold

rings.

"Not a bad haul." said Sly. Then just as he was about to head back to the safe house he heard it.

"HELP!" shouted a voice. Normally Sly would leave things like that to law enforcement but his heart told him otherwise. Running like there was no tomorrow, he

headed for the source of the scream. He stopped at an alley way and looked down to see 4 boar guards and a woman. One of the four was holding the woman

and the other three were about to assault her.

"Not on my watch." said Sly as he jumped down into the alley to face them.

"Hey Pork chops!" Sly shouted t get the guards attention.

They turned around and saw the sleek form of a blue clothed raccoon.

"You talking to us?" said one of the guards.

"Let the lady go or I'll have to teach you some manners." said Sly. The guards just laughed.

"A tiny runt like you is going to teach us manners? Ha!" said one of the guards.

"Then you have no trouble taking me down." said Sly. The guards saw he was being serious.

"Alright then prepare to get crushed raccoon!" said another of the guards. Then all three charged at Sly. Then Sly quickly deployed a smoke bomb. Then when

the guards went into the cloud all you could hear was squealing and blows landing followed by three loud consecutive slams. Then when the smoke cleared the

fourth guard saw all of his comrades knocked out and in a pile before the raccoon.

"You're next." Sly said to the guard. Then without a second thought the guard ran before he suffered the same fate as his comrades leaving the woman

behind.

She appeared passed out.

"You alright miss..." started Sly. Then the moonlight shined down into the alley to reveal the slightly beaten form of Neyla. The very sight of her froze him in his tracks.

"Neyla?!" said Sly. Then Neyla woke up.

"Who... you!" said Neyla.

"I don't know how you got here Neyla but I know how you're getting out!" said Sly as he began to raise his cane for an attack.

"Wait who are you and how do you know my name?" asked Neyla.

"Don't play dumb with me you know who I am... Traitor!" said Sly as he brought down his cane. Neyla narrowly dodged it scared out of her mind trying to figure

out why the raccoon was attacking her.

"Listen calm down please." said Neyla trying to get Sly to cool down, only for him to try and whack her again.

"After everything you pulled I don't think so!" said Sly.

"What on earth are you talking about?" asked Neyla. Then before she could get another question out her neck was pinned to the wall by Sly s cane.

"If you honestly don't remember anything then look at me in the eye say that." said Sly. He was shocked when she did just that. looking Sly square in the eye

green eyes meeting brown her look alone said she was speaking the truth. then removing his cane from Neyla's neck he spoke.

"How'd you survive?" he asked.

"What?" Neyla asked.

"The explosion that happened almost six months ago?" asked Sly.

"No I don't all I remember is one second I'm knocked out then the next thing I know is waking up in a hospital with my memories in a blur." said Neyla. then

Neyla explained to him all that had happened up to that very moment.

"So you expect me to believe you have amnesia and helping out a family of minks that supposedly saved you?" asked Sly.

"That about sums it up." said Neyla.

"After all the stuff you pulled in the past I'm going to have a hard time believing that." said Sly.

"I'll even show you." said Neyla. Sly thought about this for a minute then he came to a decision.

"Alright but no tricks." said Sly.

"Follow me." said Neyla. Then the two headed for Neyla s home.

Within minutes they arrived at the mink residence. Then Neyla knocked on the door. Seconds later the door was answered.

"Who is it...? Neyla!" said the concerned voice of Elena.

"Hey Elena." said Neyla.

"Good Lord! What happened to you? And who is this?" asked Elena.

"I got ambushed by a gang of boars and he saved me." said Neyla. Then she looked at the raccoon. Then she motioned for both of them to come inside. They

went into the living room to talk.

"Thank you for helping Neyla. I'm Elena. May I ask your name?" said Elena.

"Sly Cooper." said Sly.

"Did you say 'Cooper'?" asked Elena.

"It's my last name. Why?" asked Sly.

"When my kids found Neyla they said they heard Neyla mutter that exact name." said Elena.

"Which means?" asked Sly.

"In some cases of amnesia when someone unconsciously mentions a name it's was the last thing they remember, and the day she woke up she gave us your

description." said Elena.

"So you have been looking for me for the past six months?" asked Sly.

"That's correct, but in that time frame Neyla has been a great help to our family." said Elena.

'So Neyla is telling the truth' thought Sly.

"Hey mom what's taking so long?" asked Jacques.

"In a minute Jacques." said Elena. Then Elena looked at Neyla then at Sly then she spoke to Sly again.

"Sly we've done all we could to help Neyla with her amnesia but I think she would be better off with you." said Elena. This caught Sly by surprise. "I know you

are probably surprised by this but if you are a being from Neylas past you may be able to help with her amnesia." said Elena. Sly thought about this for a

moment.

'I hope this doesn't come back to haunt me.' thought Sly. Then he spoke. "You're right. Neyla would you like to come with me?" asked Sly with a barely

noticeable trace of hesitation.

"I don't know Sly. I mean how would the kids feel about this?"Neyla asked. Then Elena spoke to her.

"They'll understand." said Elena. Then Neyla thought for a few moments. Then she came to a decision.

"Elena could you call the kids please?" said Neyla.

"Sure thing, kids come here please." called Elena. Then the kids entered the room.

"What's up...!" said Jacques when he saw the very being he saw over six months ago. "Neyla is that..." asked Jacques.

"I believe so." said Neyla. "Come here kids." said Neyla. The kids got closer to her.

"Neyla are you going away?" asked Jacques with trembling in his voice.

"Yes Jacques." said Neyla with sadness in her voice. Jacques was able to maintain his composure but it was more than Annie could take. "Annie." started Neyla.

Then Annie began to cry on Neylas shoulder.

"Please don't go Neyla!" cried Annie.

"It's alright Annie." said Neyla. This didn't help one bit as Annie's head drooped in sadness. Then Neyla moved Annie back a few steps. Then she got on her

knees so she would be at level with Annie.

"Annie." said Neyla as she gently picked up her head with her hand till blue eyes met green.

"As much as I want to stay here I can't." started Neyla.

"Why?" asked Annie sadness still lingering in her blue eyes.

"Because there's still a lot I don't know about my past and this man may be the only person who can help me through it all." said Neyla. Annie still looked a bit

upset.

"but even though I'm leaving I'll still be with you." said Neyla. Then Annie looked at Neyla again.

"How?" asked Annie.

"Even if I'm not here in person, I'll be with you in here." said Neyla as she pointed to the mink's heart. Then Annie hugged Neyla.

"I'm going to miss you Neyla." said Annie.

"I know." said Neyla.

"Promise you won't forget me?" asked Annie.

"I promise." said Neyla. Then they broke the embrace. Then Neyla got up and looked at Elena.

"Elena I want to thank you again for all the kindness you and your family has shown me." Neyla said.

"We were happy to help and we were glad to have you here." said Elena with a smile.

"I'll wait outside till Neyla has her stuff ready." said Sly as he headed for the door.

"Well do you guys want to help me pack?" Neyla asked.

"I'll be happy to oblige." said Jacques.

"Same here!" said Annie. After about thirty minutes all of Neylas belongings were packed.

"Well that's everything." said Elena.

"Not quite." said Annie.

"What do you mean?" asked Neyla.

"Wait here." said Annie then she dashed off. A few moments later she returned with a small box in her hand.

"What is in the box Annie?" Neyla asked.

"See for yourself." Annie said as she handed it to Neyla. Neyla opened the box to find a scarlet sash with a pattern of golden hearts lining

the edges.

"When we found you that was around you head like a hood." said Annie.

"But since it was tattered we considered tossing it but Annie had the idea to fix it up." said Jacques.

"It's beautiful. Thank you Annie." said Neyla.

"Consider it a farewell gift, and whenever you put it on you can think of us." said Elena. Neyla smiled as she tied the sash around her waist.

"Time for me to go." said Neyla. When they reached the door they said their good bye.

"Good bye everyone." said Neyla. "Good bye Neyla." said Elena. They had one final group hug then Neyla left.

"You ready?" Sly asked outside.

"Yes I am." Neyla said.

"Now fair warning there's someone at my place who won't be too happy to see you." said Sly.

"Thanks for the heads up." said Neyla.

"Shall we?" asked Sly.

"Lead the way." said Neyla. Then the two headed for the hideout.

When they arrived at the hideout Bentley was anything but happy.

"Sly! Are you nuts?!" said Bentley. When Bentley saw Neyla with Sly he was furious. Before their argument began Sly told Neyla to go get situated in another

room.

"Well I couldn't just leave her there." said Sly.

"But even so have you forgotten what she did?" Bentley asked. Then Sly saw exactly where his friends rage was coming from.

"Bentley she can't even remember that day." said Sly.

"Yeah but I do and because of her we were separated for weeks!" said Bentley.

"That is true but think if that was Murray or me with amnesia what would you do?" Sly asked. This got Bentley right in the heart.

"Bentley she may have done some terrible things to us in the past but even so I think it's fair that we give her a chance." said Sly.

"Then what happens when she gets her memories back? She'll turn on us like she did back in India!" said Bentley.

"Don't be so sure Bentley." said Sly.

"Why not Sly? Give me one good reason." asked Bentley.

"When I met up with the people that cared for her she was far from the old Neyla. I think the good may outweigh her bad." said Sly.

"Still give me one good reason why she should stay here." said Bentley.

"She may be able to help us." said Sly.

"What?" Bentley asked.

"I think she could help us out as a member of the gang." said Sly. Bentley s jaw dropped.

"You can't be serious." said Bentley.

"With Murray gone we're going to need the extra help." said Sly. Bentley thought about this and he knew that Sly was being serious.

"Fine I'll give her a chance." said Bentley.

"That's all I'm asking." said Sly.

"But if she so much as shows any signs of her former self she out of here." said Bentley.

"Something tells me we won't have to worry about that." said Sly.  

[Sephiroth of Light]

Chapter 5: Evil Reborn

While Neyla was settling in her new environment, a new threat was about to come into being for the Cooper gang. Back at his laboratory Dr. M was on the

verge of completing his latest experiment. Soon after the discovery of the lynx hair from Clockwerks remains he assembled a team of his 8 top bio engineers to

begin work on a clone.

Dr. M himself was at the helm of the project to ensure it ran smoothly without problems or complications. The project lasted over six months with the clone

entering a new stage at the beginning of each month. According to his team of scientists the clone was coming along perfectly in terms of health. In physical

appearance the subject showed no signs of abnormalities whatsoever.

It was now nearing the end of the sixth month and the subject was currently in its adult stage. So far the project was going smoothly. But Dr.M knew to stay

alert especially since the project was entering its final stages. Even if the project was flawless it could still go wrong at the last minute. If that happened he

would have to move fast. But for the most part things were going well. Now it was late at night and he was up to his eyeballs in anticipation.

"Men give me a status report." said Dr. M.

"All is normal Doctor." said one of the scientists.

"Vitals?" he persisted.

"Heart rate, pulse and breathing patterns are normal." said another.

"Good good." Dr.M said. He was being unusually calm.

"Everything alright sir?" asked another.

"Of course why wouldn't I be?" the doctor replied. They just left it at that then silence.

"How much longer till she's ready?" Dr. M asked.

"She should be ready by this coming Sunday sir." the scientists said.

"Excellent." the doctor said. Then he walked up to the chamber at the center of the room. In it was the clone he had been waiting for over six months to

complete. Like most clones she was floating in the fetal position legs and arms carefully covering her private parts and she appeared to be asleep, her black

hair floating in the fluid. Dr.M placed his hand on the glass.

"Excellent indeed." said Dr.M as he watched his creation sleep. Then he went back to overseeing the project.

Meanwhile in another part of the island even though they were dismissed as useless Dr.M kept Clockwerks remains heavily guarded for further study.

"Of all the things Dr.M has us guard this has to be the most ridiculous!" said one of the guards.

"I know right? I mean it's not like these fragments are going anywhere." replied another. If they paid closer attention to the fragments they would have noticed

a shadow moving away from the chip fragments. Within seconds it had separated itself from the chip fragments.

In leaving it the fragments had begun to grey. Then the shadow silhouetted itself on a wall then began to move. It quickly moved along the walls and ceilings

headed off. As it moved the shadow grew in shape before long it looked like an owl with piercing red eyes. Then it found its target. A door labeled Cloning

Room. Slipping under the door the shadow moved in. Unnoticed it quickly found its target and moved swiftly. At the cloning chamber the shadow made contact

then vanished.

As Dr.M continued overseeing the project he felt something strange close by. He traced the feeling to where it was strongest; near the cloning chamber. He

moved in for a closer look then he saw it. Barely noticeable in the green fluid he saw a shadow with red eyes unite itself with his creation. After it vanished he

heard a voice.

"Arise from your sleep my servant." Then in the next instant the clones' eyes opened.

"What the hell?!" shouted Dr. M.

"Sir the subject is stirring!" said one of the scientists.

"Tell me something I don't know!" shouted Dr.M. Then alarms began to go off. "What's going on?!" demanded Dr.M.

"We don't know sir! Everything is going on the fritz!" said another of the scientists. Then before long the power was cut and everything was dark.

"What happened?!" demanded Dr.M.

"Must of been a power surge sir! Emergency power should kick in a few seconds!" said another of the scientists. Then they heard a pounding sound.

"Did you hear that?" asked another of the scientists. Emergency lights had begun to flicker as they tried to come to life. As they flickered the pounding grew

steadier.

"It's coming from the chamber!" said Dr.M. Then the pounding ceased.

"It stopped." said another of the scientists. Then it all went black again. The next sound they heard was the breaking of glass followed by the sound of fluid

flowing.

"The subject's loose!" shouted Dr.M. Then after a few more seconds, the emergency lights came on, shining an ominous red in the room.

In the center of the room the chamber was in pieces and the subject nowhere to be found.

"Where'd she go?" asked the scientists scared to the point of wetting their pants.

"The room is sealed she can't go far. Now find her you nitwits!" barked Dr.M. In fear they scattered. Then the lights began to flicker again. "Note to self: fire the

current electrics engineer." he said to himself.

Then he heard a thud. He looked around, but couldn't find the source. Then he heard another. He turned and saw it

was one of the scientists with a massive slash in his back.

"Help us!" shouted two more of the team. Dr.M turned in time to see both cut down by a lilac figure. Then in the next second it was gone. Then he heard two

more thuds followed up with a crack, and turned to see two more cut down and a third with a broken neck.

"Please I beg of you don't..." was all Dr.M heard before he heard a stabbing sound, then silence. Then the lights finally returned to normal as white flood lights

filled the room to reveal the carnage.

All of the bio engineers were slaughtered each by some sort of bladed weapon. Despite this Dr.M was calm.

"Interesting" he said. Then he counted the bodies. "7? Where's the 8th?" he wondered. Then he heard a thud behind him. He turned around and there stood

his experiment wearing a lab coat to cover herself and the body of the last scientist on the ground next to her.

"If you wanted to impress me you could have spared the blood bath." Dr. M said.

"You're next..." the clone said. Then both of her hands began to twitch and immediately each finger had a claw at the tip, her black hair seemed to rise slightly

and her green eyes turned a menacing red.

"Interesting." thought Dr.M.

Then the clone charged at Dr.M but missed him by an inch.

"That's quite enough my dear." said Dr.M as he pushed a button on his personal communicator. Then a jolt of electricity shot from the outlet on his head making

contact with the lynx. This was enough to knock her down. The jolt had enough of a charge to temporarily immobilize the clone. Then Dr.M approached her and

took out a needle from his own coat.

"Do you really think poison can kill me?" the clone said. Then Dr.M put the needle in the clones arm.

"Not poison just a sedative." Dr. M said.

"What? Why would you..." demanded the clone.

"I shall tell you later but until then sweet dreams Neyla." said Dr.M.

"How did you..." the clone began, but then the sedative took effect and she was out. Then Dr.M took his communicator.

"Guard control get Richards on the line I need clean up in the cloning chamber also have someone prepare a bed in the medical ward restraints required." the

mad Doctor spoke.

"10-4 Dr.M." said the operator. Then Dr.M hung up. Then he looked at the clone again and he smiled. The Cooper Gangs greatest adversary had been reborn.

Back in Paris Neyla was heading down the hall of the hideout to find a room. The first two she suspected belonged to Bentley and Sly. Another she saw

appeared to be a type of workshop. At the end of the hall she saw a shelf holding various items. The item that seemed to dominate it was a large cookie jar.

Right next to the jar was a photo with a sign that read: "First Heist". She approached it to get a closer look at it.

"Is everything alright Neyla?" asked a voice. The voice startled Neyla and her hand accidentally sent the jar flying. She waited for the impending "Crash!" but it

didn't come.

"I've heard of being caught with your hand in the cookie jar but this is ridiculous." said the voice again. Neyla turned around to see Sly with the jar covering his

left hand.

"I'm sorry I was just looking at it and you startled me" said Neyla as she helped Sly remove the jar from his hand.

"It's OK Neyla." said Sly as he returned the jar to its spot on the shelf. As he put the jar on the shelf the photo fell.

"Ah nuts… Could you get that Neyla?" asked Sly. Neyla retrieved the photo and got a closer look at it. It was a photo of a trio in front of an orphanage. At the

left was a young turtle with a bow tie, at the right was a hippo and at the center of the group was a young raccoon wearing blue clothes, a blue cap that look

too big for him and holding a very familiar cane.

"Is this you?" Neyla asked Sly as she handed the photo to him. Sly looked at the photo and sighed.

"Yes. That's me." replied Sly. Then he took the photo and placed it back on the shelf.

"Who was that hippo next to you?" Neyla asked.

"His name's Murray. He was our teams' strongest member. Almost nothing could stop him." Sly replied trying to keep his composure.

"Where is he?" Neyla asked.

Sly replied "He left for his own reasons. But he'll be back someday."

Then Neyla noticed a tear roll down Slys' cheek. Then she gave Sly a hug. Sly was almost surprised, but he returned the embrace.

"Don't worry Sly whatever Murrays' going through I'm sure he'll come back." Neyla said to Sly. Then the pair broke the embrace.

"Mind if I show you to your room Neyla?" Sly asked her. Neyla saw his gesture was sincere and genuine.

"I would like that very much Sly." Neyla replied.

In a few minutes Sly led Neyla to a door at the end of the hall.

"Here we are." Sly said as he opened the door for Neyla.

"Thank you, you're such a gentleman." Neyla replied as she entered the room. When she did she saw the room to be a bit bigger than the others, and was

arrayed with posters, weights and various other items. There was a closet next to the large bed. She opened it to find it empty except for a small wooden box.

She put down her belongings and picked up the box to examine it.

"What's this Sly?" Neyla asked. Sly looked her direction and saw the box.

"Open it and find out." Sly replied. She was puzzled at this answer, but she opened it. When she looked inside she saw a dark red mask with a pair of dark red

gloves carefully folded side by side. At the center of the box a hippo insignia was embossed in the wood.

When she got a closer look at the symbol, something sparked in her mind. She had seen these items before.

"These belonged to Murray didn't they?" Neyla asked. Sly nodded.

"It's was part of his signature outfit. Bentley thought it would be nice to keep them safe in case Murray comes back." Sly said. Then Neyla closed the box and

carefully placed it back in the closet.

"I'll make sure his room doesn't change too much." Neyla said.

With a smile he replied "I would appreciate that. I'll leave you alone to get situated." Then he turned and left the room.

When he left Neyla sat on the edge of the bed for a few moment to gather her thoughts. She had been through a lot in the past months. Now she was with

the one person who could restore her memories. But deep down she wasn't sure if she wanted to remember. The way Sly reacted to her in their first meeting

gave testament to that. Not to mention the obvious resentment the turtle had towards her.

"What did I do to cause such resentment?" Neyla wondered. Then she remembered the turtles' wheelchair.

"Was I responsible for his condition?" she asked herself again. There were so many questions flying around in her mind. But she had a long night and decided

to handle the questions in the morning. Turning off the light she crashed on the bed and slept.  

[Sephiroth of Light]

Chapter 6: The Next Day

"Neyla…" At the sound of her name Neylas eyes flew open. She had no idea where she was, all she did know was that it was very hot. Ash and soot filled the

air. It appeared to be some form of cave.

"What is this place?" Neyla wondered.

"Neyla…" she heard her name being called but could not find the source.

"Over here." she heard once more and this time from behind. She turned around and saw the shadow of an owl with yellow eyes.

"Hello." Neyla said nervously. The owl was unphased. There was something dark about this shadow.(No pun intended).

"Do you know where I am?" Neyla asked. This time the shadow answered.

"Hell." The shadow replied. Then it moved from the wall to the floor. From the floor the shadow materialized into an upright form. This freaked Neyla out a bit.

"I have been waiting a long time to see you again Neyla." The shadow spoke again. Its eyes turned from yellow to red every time it spoke.

Neyla turned and started running towards the mouth of the cave.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The shadow said. She wanted to get away from the shadow. But when she came to the cave entrance she saw what the

shadow meant. Several feet below the entrance was a massive pool of molten lava. She began to turn away from the entrance, and found herself facing the

shadow again.

"That was rude of you." he spoke as he grabbed Neylas left wrist and pulled her away from the entrance and closer to him. Soon they were face to face,

green eyes meeting yellow.

"Who are you and how do you know my name?" Neyla asked.

"All in due time Neyla, all in due time." He replied. Then using his free hand he produced a lone talon.

Upon seeing the talon Neyla began to cry.

"Save your tears, I'm not going to kill you." the shadow said. This puzzled Neyla. Then the shadow positioned the point of the talon on Neylas left shoulder.

Then he gently pressed it. Suddenly she felt a burning sensation along her arm and flinched.

"Don't move. I'll be finished in a moment." the shadow said. Neyla was baring her teeth and holding back tears. Then the pain stopped.

"Finished" the shadow said. Then he tossed Neyla aside. Neyla got up and examined her arm. It was glowing with the mark left by the talon.

"What is this?" Neyla demanded.

"Like I said all in due time…" The shadow said. "But until then… Be gone!" said the shadow as he charged at Neyla. Then everything went black.

"No!" Neyla said. She looked around and saw she was back at the hideout.

"Was that a dream?" Neyla asked herself. It had felt so real to her. Then she looked at the time.

"5:00? Well I might as well get ready for today." Neyla said to herself. Then she headed to the bathroom to wash up. When she arrived she felt a sharp pain on

her left arm.

"What the… where did this come from?" Neyla thought. Then it hit her.

"It couldn't be." She thought as she removed her shirt. Then terrified at what she saw. On her left shoulder was the mark the shadow had left on her in the

dream. She was freaking out.

"How is this possible?" Neyla wondered. Then before long the mark vanished and the pain subsided.

"It's gone!" Neyla thought. Then she shook her head.

"It's all in my head." Neyla thought. Then she resumed taking a shower.

After she showered and dressed she decided to make breakfast. She looked in the fridge and found all sorts of foods. She located a carton of eggs, a pack of

bacon, and a package of tortillas.

"Tacos it is then." Neyla said to herself. Then she began breakfast. Before long the hideout was filled with aroma of breakfast.

"You're up early." Neyla heard. She turned and saw Sly in his night clothes with a nightcap on his head.

"I figured if I was going to be here I may as well make myself useful." Neyla replied. Sly nodded.

"It will be ready soon." Neyla said. Once again Sly nodded and went to get dressed. Then after a whole hour the tacos were ready.

"That should do it." Neyla thought as she looked at the six foil wrapped cylinders.

"Is breakfast ready?" Sly said as he entered the room.

"Yes it is. Where is your friend?" Neyla asked.

"Bentley? He is probably still sleeping." Sly replied.

"Which one is his room?" Neyla asked as she put two tacos on a plate.

"A couple doors down from your room. But I don't think you should…" Sly began. But Neyla proceeded to his room anyway. Then she knocked on the door. No

response.

"Bentley are you awake?" Neyla asked politely.

"Go away." Bentley replied. Neyla figured he was still upset with her.

"Well whenever you're ready I made some breakfast." Neyla replied. No response.

"Bentley did you hear…" Neyla began. Then the door opened to reveal the turtle in his wheelchair.

"Let me be clear on one thing. I don't know what sort of game you're playing or how you convinced Sly to bring you here. But I don't buy your "amnesia" act for

even a second. If I catch you doing something that endangers Sly in any way you'll have me to answer to. Do you understand?" Bentley said. Neyla was hurt,

but she nodded anyway.

"I'll be at the table soon. Remember I have my eyes on you." Bentley said. Then he closed the door. Fifteen minutes later Bentley joined them at the table and

they began to eat.

"These are pretty good Neyla. What did you put in them?" Sly asked.

"Just a little bit of salt and pepper." Neyla replied. Then she looked at Bentley.

"What do you think Bentley?" Neyla asked. Bentley was silent for a moment.

"They're alright I suppose." Bentley replied. Neyla just simply nodded.

"Eat plenty Neyla. We have a long day ahead of us." Sly said.

"What did you have in mind?" Neyla asked.

"If you're going to be with us, I'm going to have to train you first." Sly said. Bentley nearly choked.

"What?" Bentley demanded.

"Not a whole lot just a basic skill set." Sly said. Bentley knew arguing with Sly was pointless so he resumed eating.

"Where are we going?" Neyla asked.

"First off we need to figure out an outfit for you. Your street clothes are fine, but in the field it's wise to keep your identity secret." Sly said.

"But how exactly would we do that?" Neyla asked.

"There's this thing we use called . It's where we sell our loot and purchase new equipment. They also offer to create an outfit for its customers." Sly

replied.

"So you need my measurements?" Neyla asked.

"Yes once we get that out of the way, we can send your request to and they'll have your outfit here by the end of the week." Sly said. Neyla nodded

and the trio finished eating.

"RING!" the alarm clock started only to be ended with a shock blast. Inspector Fox was not happy. Over six months had passed and still no word on where Sly

or his gang was. She was starting to wonder if something had happened. But she had enough on her mind. So she simply headed to the shower to get

cleaned up, dressed in her signature outfit, and was about to fix some breakfast. Then her phone went off.

"This had better be good." Carmelita thought as she approached the device.

"Listen up you I am in no mood for…" she began. Then the caller interrupted her.

"In no mood for what?!" the caller replied. Carmelita recognized the voice.

"Oh! It's you chief. Sorry about that. I…" she started.

"Never mind that just get to my office." replied the chief.

"Sure just let me get some…" she started again.

"NOW!" the chief replied.

Then he hung up. As Carmelita put down the phone she felt worse than before. Ever since she failed to bring Sly into custody the chief had been really sore

with her.

"Who would have thought one raccoon could bring me such grief." Carmelita thought. Then there was the failed capture of the former captain Neyla. The search

for her body was unfruitful. Carmelita had told the chief that Neyla was likely dead or in another part of the planet, but he was unconvinced. She clenched her

fists at the thought of the traitorous tigress. She had wreaked more havoc on her life than all of her encounters with Sly put together.

She vowed that if she ever found Neyla, that she would make her pay. But she would not let such thoughts cloud her mind. She composed herself then headed

out to HQ.

"Where are we going Sly?" Neyla asked.

"Somewhere…" Sly replied.

"Was the blindfold necessary?" Neyla asked. After breakfast Sly asked Neyla to blindfold herself before they left the table.

"For this particular place… yes." Sly replied. She felt nervous as Sly guided her to their destination. Then they stopped.

"We're here." Sly said. Then she heard the click of a lock. Then they were moving again.

"You can take off your blindfold." Sly said. She did so and saw a dark room.

"Where are we?" Neyla asked.

"Hold on." Sly said. Then she heard another click and then the room filled with light. Neyla was amazed at what she saw.

In the room there were display cases lined with various objects. One contained a ring of twenty eight elegantly designed keys; another held a box containing

various coins, and so on.

"The cases you see contain various mementos from past heists. But the main part is right over there." Sly said as he pointed to the center of the room.

Neyla looked and saw a stand holding a book bearing the Cooper gang logo.

"Neyla… the book you see before you is known as the Thievious Raccoonus." Sly said.

"What's in it?" Neyla asked.

"This book holds the stories and feats of the entire Cooper Clan, my families' heritage." Sly replied.

"So you're a thief?" Neyla asked.

"From a long line of master thieves" Sly replied.

"Can I see it?" Neyla asked. Sly nodded.

"Just be careful with it." Sly said.

Neyla did so and opened the book. The very first page she landed on was Slytunkhamen Cooper II.

"This was written in Ancient Egypt." Neyla said with awe.

"My family has some deep roots." Sly said. She turned a few pages when she came across a diagram showing Slytunkhamen becoming invisible.

"What's this?" Neyla asked.

"In addition to their tales this book also contains records of their signature moves and techniques." Sly said.

"But wait… if you are a thief wouldn't that make you a criminal?" Neyla asked.

"If I were your average thief yes, but as a master thief I rip off other thieves." Sly replied.

"I think I sort of understand." Neyla said. Then she got a closer look at Slytunkhamens picture. In the background there was the shadow of an owl. Neylas

eyes went wide and she nearly dropped the book.

"Are you alright Neyla?" Sly asked. Then she shook it off.

"Y… Yeah I'm alright Sly." Neyla replied.

"What happened?" Sly asked.

"Sorry I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed." Neyla answered. Sly raised an eyebrow.

"Seriously I'm alright." Neyla answered again. Sly nodded.

"So how can this book help me create an outfit for myself?" Neyla asked.

"Let me show you." Sly said. Neyla handed him the book and Sly looked through it until he found what he was looking for.

"Here it is." Sly said. Then he handed the book back to Neyla. She looked and saw the picture of a ninja.

"Who is this?" Neyla asked.

"That is Rioichi Cooper." Sly said.

"He is your Japanese ancestor?" Neyla asked. Sly nodded.

"That's neat and all but how is this going to help me?" Neyla asked again.

"Before you design your outfit you need a template first. The template for Rioichi's outfit is specifically for streamlined stealth, and finesse." Sly said.

Neyla thought about it for a moment.

"I think this could work." Neyla said. Then Sly nodded.

"Now all we need is your measurements." Sly said. Then they closed the book and put it back on the stand. Then Sly pulled out the blindfold again.

"You have got to be kidding me." Neyla answered. But she offered no resistance and put the blindfold on. Then Sly lead her out of the chamber.

Meanwhile back at Interpol H.Q. Inspector Fox stood outside of the chiefs' office gathering her thoughts. The last time she was in there, was during her

debriefing of the Clock-la incident, which was not at all pleasant.

Flashback:

"He did what?!" shouted the chief.

"Sly Cooper escaped Chief." Carmelita said with defeat in her voice.

"You're telling me that he was with you on a helicopter, in chains, and you did not consider keeping your gun on him?!" replied the chief.

"His gang had left, he came quietly, and I had no idea he would escape." Carmelita replied. The chief kept glaring at her.

"You think I let him escape on purpose?" Carmelita asked.

"You were in that helicopter with him for at least three hours, care to explain?" demanded the chief.

"He and I were just passing the time with a conversation! How was I supposed to know the pilot was knocked out and the controls were jammed?" Carmelita

replied. Then she looked down with defeat. Then the chief rose from his chair.

"Calm down Ms. Fox." said the chief. Then Carmelita picked her head up.

"You know Cooper much better than any agent I have on the force, we'll catch him eventually. I know you have been through a lot recently." said the chief.

"For now you did a great job tonight, and we can all rest easily with Clockwerk in the eternal junk heap. That in itself is a victory even if that thief helped you

out." said the chief. Then Carmelita calmed down.

"For right now just go home and rest." said the chief. Carmelita nodded and headed towards the door.

"Ms. Fox." said the chief. Carmelita stopped and turned towards her boss.

"Yes sir?" she asked.

"I think you're going to need this back." said the chief as he handed something to her. She took it and saw it was her badge. "See you in the morning,

Inspector Fox." said the chief. Then they parted ways.(|)

After her flashback Carmelita mustered her courage and knocked on the door.

"Come in." said the chief. She entered and saw her boss in his chair with a file on his desk.

"You wanted to see me chief?" she asked as she closed the door.

"Yes." the chief responded then motioned her to take a seat. She did then he spoke again.

"It's been a good while since we last spoke in here." the chief said.

"Yes it has." Carmelita replied.

"And according to your submitted reports there have been no Cooper gang activity over the past six months?" asked the chief.

"That is correct." Carmelita responded slightly nervous.

"Well after viewing the reports and reviewing your work I've decided to give you an assignment." said the chief as he slid the file to Carmelita. She took it and

saw it labeled: "Venice, Italy".

"What am I looking at chief?" Carmelita asked.

"My friends in Italy have reported that mob activity has taken a strange turn." said the chief. Then Carmelita opened the file.

"What in the world?" Carmelita exclaimed as she viewed the contents. The the majority of Venetian water was polluted with tar.

"Why would they do this?" she asked herself. Then she turned the page. There she saw a picture of lion in a hat and white mask.

"Who is this?" she asked.

"Our prime suspect local mob boss Don Octavio." the chief responded.

"Mob boss? Sounds like a musician than anything else." Carmelita joked.

"Close. Octavio was a former Opera singer. He lost his career to a rising interest in modern music. Evidently he was invited to join the mob some time

afterward." the chief said.

Carmelita looked at the picture again, then back at the chief.

"What are you asking of me?" Carmelita asked.

"I need you to head out to Venice and investigate." the chief replied.

"Alone?" Carmelita asked.

"Of course not. According to our sources Octavios gang is in control of most of Venice's criminal firepower. So I'll be sending a team of mercenaries to accompany

you during the investigation." the chief responded. Carmelita was unsure of what to say.

"Carmelita, you're the best I have, if anyone can solve this it's you." the chief replied. After another minute Carmelita responded.

"I'll do it, just keep me in touch in case Cooper decides to act up again." Carmelita said.

"Done. Oh and one more thing. Do you remember Dmitri Lousteau?" the chief asked.

"Who can forget that tasteless lizard?" Carmelita replied.

"He's apparently was arrested in Italy for and I quote "disturbing the peace with tasteless dancing."Since he was paroled by Interpol he is in our jurisdiction.

While you're there you will be keeping an eye on him as well." said the chief.

"Alright." Carmelita said.

"Good luck, Inspector, your flight leaves tomorrow." the chief said.

"Yes sir." Carmelita replied. Then they parted ways.  

[Sephiroth of Light]

Hello again everyone! If you're reading this then you guessed it. It's Chapter 7! As you know I already got the ball rolling for the gangs mission to romantic

Venice, Italy. But for now lets see what we have in store for you today! Read on and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Sly Cooper.

Chapter 7: A new mission

"What happened?" Thought the tigress finally awakened from the sedative. "Where am I?" She asked herself.

"Good you're finally awake." said a strange voice. She turned her head and saw the primate she met before.

"You!" said the tigress wanting to grip his throat but for some reason she couldn't move. She looked down and saw that both of her wrists and ankles were

that she was wearing a hospital type gown.

"Don't even try it. Those restraints are made of reinforced titanium. Not even you can break them." said the man. Then she calmed down a bit.

"Now then I believe a proper introduction is in order. My name is Dr. M I am the scientist who brought you back." said Dr.M. The tigress was confused.

"Back? From where?" the tigress asked.

"According to what I know about you so far, from the brink of death." Dr.M said.

"Death?! How did I… wait I remember." said the tigress with a scowl.

"That blasted Cooper gang did me in didn't they?!" demanded the tigress. Dr. M nodded. This infuriated but at the same time confused the young clone.

"How did my body survive?" asked the clone.

"That my dear is a story for another time." said Dr. M. Then he reached for his communicator. The clone saw this and braced herself remembering the last time he used

the device. She heard a click but instead of electricity coursing through her body, she felt something release. Then she looked up and saw that her restraints were

unlocked.

"You released me?" asked the tigress as she rubbed her wrists.

"Yes. Now if you're in a more civilized mood would you like to join me for lunch?" Dr. M replied. The tigress was very confused.

'First he sedates me, now he's treating me to a meal?' was the thought she was having. But her stomach was growling with hunger. Then in response to the doctors

question she nodded her head.

"Very well. I shall wait for you downstairs." said Dr. M. Then he opened the door and left so the clone could ready herself. Outside one of the doctors men was

standing with his jaw dropped.

"Dr. M are you sure it's wise to let her loose?" the guard asked.

"Now Jefferies, why do you look so worried?" asked Dr. M.

"Nothing its just the fact that she killed 8 men and…" Jefferies started, but a glare from Dr. M silenced him.

"Now if you'll please excuse me I'm late for lunch." Dr. M replied and was about to continue on his way.

"Uh sir one more thing." said Jefferies. Dr. M stopped and turned around.

"What now Jefferies?" asked Dr. M.

"I have todays report from the Cooper Vault." said Jefferies. This got the doctors attention.

"It's about time. What did they say?" Dr. M asked. But Jefferies was hesitant.

"What's the matter cat got your tongue?" Dr. M asked. Still nothing and Jefferies was starting to sweat.

"Well out with it Jefferies!" demanded Dr. M. Then Jefferies finally gave up.

"It was another failed attempt Dr. M." answered Jefferies. Then he prepared himself for the worst.

Dr. M thought for a few moments before he spoke.

"Calm down Jefferies it's alright." said Dr.M. Then Jefferies loosened up and was confused.

"Really Dr. M?" asked Jefferies.

"In fact I need you to make a phone call for me." said Dr. M as he retrieved a piece of paper and a pen from his coat pocket. He wrote on it then handed it to Jefferies.

"Who is this?" Jefferies asked.

"An ally of mine, come and find me when you reach him." Dr. M said.

Jefferies just did as he was told and left. Then Dr. M headed down to the dining room to ready lunch for him and his creation. Soon the clone came down to the table.

"There you are my dear. Your lunch is over there." said Dr. M pointing to the silver dish with a cover over it. She went to the dish, and uncovered it to find a steak dinner.

"You're not going to eat?" the clone asked suspiciously.

"I already ate my dear." Dr. M said. Then the clone sat down, and ate the first bite cautiously. When she tasted it she went at it.

"You were hungrier than I thought." Dr. M said.

When she finished eating they talked.

"How do you know my name?" the clone asked.

"When my men found your body in Paris, I did some research. I must say I'm impressed. First serving as a partner to one of Interpols finest, then made a Captain then

made a traitor, to hijacking Clockwerks body." Dr. M said.

"That's some research." the clone said.

"Anyway according to what I learned you alongside Cooper are on Interpols most wanted list." Dr. M continued.

"Figures." the clone said.

"But I can offer you shelter here." Dr. M said.

"Really?" the clone asked.

"And I can provide you with new equipment that you can use to crush Cooper." Dr. M said.

"Now you caught my attention." The clone said. Just as they were about to continue Jefferies came with a phone in hand.

"Dr.M…" he said.

"We shall continue this another time my dear. There is another matter I must attend to. Jefferies could you please escort her to the room we prepared?" Dr. M said as

he got up and left.

"Yes Dr. M." Jeffries said as he escorted the young tigress to her room.

"Cooper will regret the day he crossed paths with me." the clone thought as she was walking to her room.

Meanwhile back at the Cooper hideout Sly and Neyla just finished training for the day.

"Who knew learning your techniques would be so difficult." Neyla said exhausted.

"Well you just need to work on your focus a bit." Sly said.

"Sly! There you are." Bentley said. He had a letter in his hand.

"Bentley what's up?" Sly asked.

"This was at our doorstep today." said Bentley handing Sly the letter. It was addressed to him. Sly opened it and found a letter. The letter read:

Dear Sly,

You probably don't know me but I knew your father. In fact we used to work together like your gang is now. I was upset to hear about his death. But overtime I heard

about your deeds and I believe it's time to leave your mark. If you wish to know more here is where you can find me tonight.

Signed

Harold McSweeney

At the bottom of the letter was a location and a cell number. McSweeney was in prison.

"Are you okay Sly?" Neyla asked.

"Neyla I need to take care of something tonight so you guys will have to start dinner without me tonight." Sly said.

"What's up?" Bentley asked. But Sly was already out the door. Then he read the letter.

He was gone for most of the night. When he came back it was close to midnight.

"How did it go?" Bentley asked. Neyla was already in her room fast asleep.

"It went well. Bentley did you know there was a Cooper Vault?" Sly said.

"No. Why?" Bentley asked.

"According to McSweeney the Cooper Vault is where all of my family's fortune is stored." Sly said as he looked for a map. When he found one he placed it on the table,

looked for a location, then taking a pencil marked an area on the map.

"That's close to the middle of nowhere, an ideal location to hide loot of that magnitude." Bentley said.

"Bentley, if we get there now it would be our biggest score yet." Sly said in awe.

"I know. But for now get some rest. Tomorrow we'll talk about it." Bentley said. Sly gives him a thumbs up then heads to bed. Before he heads to his room he heads to

Neylas room to check on her. When he enters he sees the young tigress fast asleep.

"Good night Neyla." Sly whispered. Then he left the room.

Another chapter is done! Sorry if it came out bad it was personally not one of my better chapters. Read and keep those Reviews coming. Anyway It may be a

while before I post again. I start college in a couple of weeks, but I will keep a journal handy. Till then hoped you enjoyed it and I'll see you guys later!