Writers comments… The Beginning. Where it all starts. I should say something but nothing comes to mind. Maybe too tired. Let's just get on to the story.
WAIT! Almost forgot. The disclaimer: I do not own the Sly Cooper series, characters etc. but I do like my lynx. (Just to inform you all)
Encounters
The moon over the roofs was only a crescent. Not giving much light due to just starting night. Guests were flowing inside the mansion-like high-rise. Occasionally one of the partiers would stop to say a few words to the raccoon that was standing near the door, exchanging compliments and congratulations about some cases he and his partner had completed.
"Yes…It was all a lucky fluke… No, I'm not alone just waiting for Miss Fox", Sly assured to an elderly cheetah. "Even though I'm admired by your invitation, unfortunately this time I must decline your most generous offer." Just to make sure that vice-president of the city government, who just happened to be one of the supporters of Inspector Barkley, didn't get offended, Sly grinned with his most charming smile.
"Well too bad. It would have been an interesting night with such a handsome young man. I feel assured that Interpol has police like you working in their lists, Officer Cooper."
"Thank you. Have a nice evening Miss Brenvinn"
Sly sighed. Another one. How many old hags had he turned down? Seven? Eight? If Carmelita didn't show up soon, he would have to go inside without her. Sly turned to glance at the huge clock that was on the side of the building. It was already half past eleven. They promised to meet by ten!
Luckily his eyes found Officer Downriver heading his way. The chimpanzee belonged to the few people that hadn't judged Sly by his past. He even had gone as far as defending him in the coffee room when some people had talked about Sly, his criminal past and Interpol.
Sly waved to the old ape. "Hey Carl, how was the day patrol? Any action?"
"Aah. Hello Sylvester." Funny. Many didn't call him by his full name, just Sly or maybe Cooper. They shook hands. "Nothing special, just the same and that is fine to me by the way. I'm not as young as you younglings."
They talked for a few more minutes until Sly saw Carmelita stepping out of a taxi. His jaws dropped. The fox was dressed to a tight dark blue dress. She had trimmed her orange fur and it was shining like morning sun when light hit it. The chimpanzee nudged to Sly's rib with a knowing smile before wishing a good night and walked inside while humming.
"Good evening beautiful. I see you look even more gorgeous than normally." Sly praised.
Carmelita could feel her cheeks becoming hot. Why does he always have to be such a charmer? At least that part of him hadn't changed even from his amnesia.
"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself."
"My. You are flattering me Carmelita. Shall we move inside? It's quite cold standing in here." Sly said while raising an arm. Of course with the invitation was a little spike reminding that the fox was good half an hour late.
Carmelita grinned. She was very aware that she was not on time.
"Yes. Imagine that some people will stand for nearly an hour outside when they could have easily waited inside. Where it's warm." Carmelita said while taking the raccoon's extended arm.
"Touché. Though how could I become cold when just thinking about you makes me hot." Sly replied with smile. Carmelita turned to face the raccoon.
"Just be good, ok? This is a very important party for Interpol and there are many powerful people attending."
"When have I ever failed you?"
Together they stepped inside.
The party was outstanding. Foods and drinks were plenty and one of the most famous bands of all the France were playing. Of course Sly hadn't had much time for them, as he was too busy promoting Interpol. Luckily, Carmelita was with him, but even with the fox by her side, Sly couldn't stand it any longer. He had to take a break. Carm would understand.
The fox on his mind, Sly stepped onto the balcony. The moon was just perfect. Not full moon, which he hated. It illuminated too much.
"Beautiful evening. Ideal for hunting." He heard a deep voice behind him, speaking French with strong dialect. Surprised Sly turned around and saw a young lynx sitting on the railing. The feline was leaning against the wall, eyes focused on the night sky. He had tight pinstripe jacket and dark jeans. Not the most fitting dress code for this kind of party. Also his fur was slightly different from the rare European lynxes Sly sometimes met in Paris. The coloring was closer to the Siberian one. Oddly the accent was not Russian.
"Yes. Just perfect." How had he not sensed him sitting right next to him? Unusual. "I assume you are not working on the force?"
The lynx sneered and glanced directly to Sly. He startled. The feline's golden-brown eyes seemed feverish. His look was too intense, ready to attack. Imperceptibly Sly tensed his every muscle, ready to react. This guy was not a safe company. Sly glanced inside to see if he could back off when necessary. The lynx noticed this and turned his gaze back to the remoteness.
"You don't have to be anxious. It was not my intention to start a fight here tonight."
A silence followed his words. Sly was more than ready to disbelieve his promise.
"And as an answer to your question." The lynx continued. "No, I'm not a cop. But you seem to be. Even though the idea of a raccoon being a police officer seems strange. Normally your kind has a habit of being a little… shady."
"My kind?" Sly snarled but managed to calm himself before continuing. "That might be. I haven't really met many of the other raccoons."
"Hmm. That's true too. Never to judge before witnessing yourself, master says."
"A wise master."
"Jaa a, more like a user of a worn out phrases." The feline said as he stood up. "I wish you the most delightful evening mister…"
"Cooper. Officer Cooper as you already guessed."
"Mister Cooper. May I recommend for carefulness in a night like this. You can never know who is moving in the rooftops, watching."
After saying this, the young mammal nodded and marched inside, disappearing among of the partiers. Thoughtfully Sly fixed his tuxedo. What did the strange lynx had meant by his words? As if enjoying the music, the raccoon turned his head one side to the other and simultaneously he monitored the rooftops. Without a warning regarding a possible watcher, the small movement from opposite building might have gone undetected.
Now that Sly knew where to watch was tracking the figure a lot easier. Steadily advancing the figure headed towards the buildings edge. Small flames erupted in the night and finally Sly knew who was moving in the rooftops. The only question was what did his old partner do in Paris?
Just as he was ready to leave the party to investigate, Sly heard Carmelita's voice behind him. "What are you watching ringtail?"
"Nothing, just enjoying the night." Sly turned and flashed one of his famous smiles. "And now that you are here, I can finally get the full of it."
The music from the inside had quiet down. You could still hear it if you listened carefully but now it was just soft humming in the background. The night breeze was chilly but the warmth from indoors kept the two animals comfortable. His Carmelita looked so gorgeous in her blue dress. It was pity that she rarely dressed up. The night was perfect. The moments like these stopped Sly from telling her partner the truth. How can you really tell your love that everything you have done together have been based on a lie? You can't.
Suddenly Sly felt a chill going down his spine. For some reason he was certain that his old pal was watching them at that moment. Smiling Sly turned his gaze toward the place where he suspected his turtle friend would be and winked.
"Are you ok?" Carmelita asked wondering. "Don't tell me you are still angry about me being late."
"No, of course I'm not mad." Sly answered chuckling. How could he tell her that he just saw an old friend on the rooftop? A friend that he shouldn't even remember. Sly's mind wondered for a moment. Maybe his friend had something important to discuss. Perhaps one of his old gang had been captured or worse.
Sly shook his head and looked to yellow eyes of Carmelita. She watched him back with concerned look on her face.
Sly smirked. "I'm just too astonished by your beauty that I can't concentrate."
Sly could see a blush rising under her orange fur. Not a bad lie on the spot. Well, not a total lie truthfully speaking.
"Ah, shut up Ringtail."
Just when he was about to make another clever comment, the first notes of familiar song started to play. It was gathering for the tango. As Sly turned his head back to Carmelita, he could see same thought glowing in her eyes. He took her hand and pulled her of the balcony. People were either standing beside walls, to make space for the dancers, or preparing to participate.
They found their empty space and took the starting pose. Sly could feel her breathing against his chest. She was breathing fast but so was he. Sly was certain that his heart would pound of his chest. Last time they danced this song, it was in Rajan's ball. But now it was different. Now there were no disguises, no fear of being shot, no mission. Just the two of them and everything was secondary.
Rhythms started to flow and they stepped the beginning. It's was easy. Even a child could do them. The whole idea was that as the song continued the difficulty rose. From the corner of his eyes Sly could see the young lynx dancing with beautiful weasel just few meters apart. Their gazes met. Felines glance was still feverish but now there were concentration for the dance. Sly didn't know why but he nodded to the lynx before returning to Carmelita.
Little by little rhythm started to speed up and steps get more complicated. Some dropped out and it gave more space to others. It was about time to get serious. Suddenly Sly turned and swung Carm so that her curls swept the floor. She was surprised. Normally it was the fox that led. She bit her tongue. Not only had that but the raccoon started to look really stern. She wasn't going to lose this game. Now the predetermined steps stopped and each couple was free to dance as they chose.
As the dance continued they fought for dominance. People started to whisper and point at them. Their steps had turned into violent spins and turns. At some point Sly was almost pushed against one of the pillars, and the fox nearly broke her spine when the raccoon swung her with one wild thrust. Carmelita started to laugh. She was losing the control of the dance. All she could do was to keep up with Sly. And surprisingly she started feel excited.
The song was closing to an end. The final notes started play and they were the only ones dancing. Others have stopped long time ago to see how everything would end. But neither Sly nor Carmelita realized this. Both of them were already out of breath but continued with pure adrenalin alone. As the last moment came, Sly clapped his feet on the ground, and with one smooth lift, he tossed the fox high in the air. Just as she landed, Sly pressed his leg behind Carm's knees and pushed. The crow sighed as they were sure to fall down. But miraculously, Sly kept them from falling with just one foot. People applauded, some even whistled. Many hadn't seen such a passionate dance ever in their life.
Carmelita could feel his breath hot to her chest. She wouldn't dare to move. Extremely slowly Sly lifted both of them up, enjoying the fox's untamed smell with every centimeter he could. Finally his eyes met hers and…
At the same time Sly could feel somebody poking his shoulder. Annoyed by the intruder Sly turned his head and saw Inspector Barkley puffing his all so famous cigar with a bland look on his face. Sly could feel his heart skip a beat.
Carmelita saw as well who had interrupted their moment and quickly pulled herself off the raccoon.
"This is…" Carmelita started but the badger cut her off by saying:
"My. That was an extraordinary. Rarely have I seen two people dancing so in harmony. To make it even more unbelievable the two are partners under my jurisdiction."
"Chief…"Sly tried to speak but he too was interrupted.
"Shut up, Cooper. I'm trying to make a point here. Unfortunately, now is not the time so let's leave that for later." The badger took a deep breath from the cigar. "There is an empty patrol tonight because Janet twisted her ankle and Bork is taking his so called 'sick-Friday' again."
"And you want us to do it?"
"That's right. I know you are enjoying the party and I don't take it to the heart if you refuse."
"No." Carmelita said quickly. "We'd be glad to take it."
Sly sighed. "Of course chief. We are happy to help."
"Good. The shift starts at twelve, so you better hurry."
Sly watched the streets flowing by, not really paying attention to changing scenario. Some kind of rock was playing on the radio. Night had been quiet, only few mischiefs and one robbery. Luckily it was almost time for their break. As always Carmelita had been tireless. After a week with her, Sly had realized how the fox could keep up with their gang so well. She didn't require any sleep! Or that how it felt.
Just when Sly was about to ask about having some lunch, the police radio started to crackle: "Patrol 441… Patrol 441… possible fight on Flood Street Seven."
Carmelita smiled to Sly. "I guess this night won't be boring after all." Then she took the radiophone and asked further information from the station.
Apparently some old lady had heard a loud shouting and some crashing noises. And because that neighborhood was in the downtown, where lots of gangs hang around at night, it was something to take seriously.
"So", Sly asked playfully as they were driving to the scene, "wanna take a bet? I say 3 to 4 bad guys sleeping on the ground and the smarter half is already gone."
"Can't you be more serious? It could be something severe." Carmelita replied sharply. Why that raccoon always had to be so frisky? In these last couple of weeks there had been strange events where groups of people had been found unconscious. Most of them didn't remember anything specific about how it had happened. Few of the victims recall darkness just before losing it. Some had loops in their memory while other suffered minor brain damage. And since there were no leads it was starting to become a nuisance to Interpol.
Sly noticed that Carm was in deep thought. She looked so adorable when she was trying to figure something out. Before he had had to look from a distance but now she was right next to him.
Only minutes later they reached their destination. Carmelita checked her shock pistol. Sly never really liked guns and although he carried one similar to the one Carm used, he preferred to use his nightstick.
According to the navigator the Flood Street was a small alley that leads to an old warehouse. So with wariness they walked from doorway to doorway, checking all the dark corners. Right where the street ended Carmelita noticed a person lying on the ground. They rushed over to the middle-aged dog.
"He seems unharmed but better be safe than sorry." Carmelita said as she called her radio and asked for an ambulance to arrive, along with some back-up.
A loud pang echoed. Someone was firing inside the warehouse. They ran hastily over the yard.
Carmelita cursed quietly. All of the ground floors doorways and windows had been sealed by wooden planks. Gunshots had stopped. The only sound came from their furious breathing. Strangely Sly felt his heart skip a beat. His lovely fox seemed even more stunning than normally. Maybe it was the thrill of the hunt.
"We're busting in, Sly." Carmelita said as she lifted her shock pistol, ripping Sly from his trail of thoughts. He quickly stopped her.
"We haven't heard anything for a while. It might be best to go in carefully." He took a break: "I might be able to find a way in by myself, for I'm much more agile."
Carmelita almost started to argue but Sly had a point. "Alright. But be careful, Ringtail." She said quietly: "And if you need any help, just call by the radio, and I'll be sure to save your back."
Sly smiled and answered. "Of course, when have we ever been reckless?"
"I don't even know where to begin."
With experienced pace Sly tiptoed his way around the warehouse. He had to find someplace to get inside. None of the windows was open but that wasn't a problem as long as you didn't play by the rules. Soon he discovered glass shards on the ground and noticed that one of the second floor windows was broken. With years of practice Sly jumped using garbage can as a step and pulled himself up to the windowsill. Carefully he crept himself indoors.
Inside was shady, only a dim light illuminated the room. He had to get to Carmelita and help her inside somehow. After a while walking in the dark Sly heard a crash. It had come near. Slowly he merged into the shadows, listening carefully. Footsteps and another crash.
Cautiously Sly peeked inside the room he had heard the sounds. One shadowy figure, maybe a mammal, was standing middle of a room. Most of the room's furniture's were wrecked.
"You dared to shoot me! A little rat like you should know better than that." The voice growled. Something about the accent sounded familiar to Sly. Slowly the figure lifted something up from the floor that looked like a person. "Now, you piece of shit, are going to apologize, and maybe I'll take you to cops."
Sly was not sure what the situation was about, but the time to act was now that before somebody got killed.
"Freeze!" Sly yelled, holding his shock pistol. The figure stirred and dropped the small mouse to floor. Then he turned slowly and said: "There is no need for that Constable Cooper"
Sly was confused. "How do you know my…"
Suddenly the stranger dashed towards him. He could only nearly avoid the huge swing that knock his pistol right from his hands. Sly jumped backwards and pulled his nightstick from its holster ready defend himself. There was no need for that thought. The stranger ran past him. Sly followed. They sprinted through empty rooms and corridors. As they were running in the huge hall full of junk, Carmelita appeared out of blue and tackled the stranger.
Lightning fast the mammal pushed himself free from Carmelita's grip. Now there were two against one. For a heartbeat they all just stood there, looking each other. Moonlight shone through the windows, illuminating the felines burning eyes, and for the first time Sly could see that the stranger was the young lynx from the evening's party.
"Fine. If you wanna do this the hard way." The hissing feline said as he took two wooden sticks from his side. Then the fight began.
Carmelita was fighting barehanded and while Sly had his nightstick, the lynx kept blocking their strikes. Actually the only one who took hits was Carmelita, for every time she did something, a quick block hit her limbs. They were pressing on but clearly losing the fight. A rather cocky smirk appeared in their opponents face.
'He's not even been serious with us!' Sly finally realized. He could have counterattacked us several times but didn't. Right there, for the first time in the force Sly Cooper really missed his family cane. And because Carmelita was here he couldn't use his heritage skills.
"You see now. You cannot win this fight." The feline said between the breaths. "Stop now and walk away."
"Arrogant bastard!" Carmelita hissed, doing a high roundhouse kick, as their opponent was blocking Sly's swing. The lynx realized he could do nothing to prevent the hit and raised his hand to shield his face. With a powerful thump, the kick connected to his arm. The force pushed the stick right from his left hand, maybe damaging his biceps, and by instinct the lynx swung his right hand with full strength.
The only thing Carmelita saw was a movement from the corner of her eyes and then her mind exploded to pain. After that the world darkened.
Sly could merely watch as his lovely fox collapsed to the floor.
Matias felt a moment of joy for the successful strike but immediately cursed in his head. It wasn't his intention to hurt her too badly. Hopefully she would by okay. He stepped back a few steps. Why couldn't they have just given up and leave?
Sly felt rage rising within him. The feline had hurt her Carmelita. He would pay for that. Oh yes, he would pay dearly. With fury burning deep inside him, Sly attacked while slowing down the world around him.
Matias blocked and they began a new dance of power. Only now something was different. The raccoon wasn't faster or stronger but somehow he could block every single strike and attack almost like he could see his counter movements before they even begin. And without his other arm fully working he had a full time fighting his opponent.
Sly fought fiercely, holding nothing back. He could see his opponent's movement's way ahead but still had to use all his speed to counter them. If only he had his cane…
A kick connected to Sly's side but he soon managed hit the lynx face with backhand. Either one wasn't going to back down a one step. Sly could feel the air burning in his lungs as their battle continued. It was exhausting to fight while concentrating on his abilities. He had to make a move. A risky one.
'I can't go much longer,' Mat thought. 'Darn, didn't want to use this here. Not before I find IT.'
A huge boom shocked them from their feet. Splinters of wood whooped over them. Bright blue and red lights illuminated the hall. "Police!" and "freeze!" shouts echoed. Their back-up arrived, Sly understood. He gazed back to the lynx but he wasn't there! Where had he gone? The lights ruined his night vision. Too many shadows.
Sly let a curse out. The feline had gotten away.
So boys and girls, what do you think? It was a MURDER trying to describe the dance and the fight. Did I succeed? Was it enjoyable? Let me know so can improve and gain more inspiration.