Greetings friends! I truly am on a roll! I got another story for you. I am a little skeptical with this one so I hope you guys like it. The votes are counted and it is Sir Galleth Cooper's turn for love and adventure.
Galleth: Greetings, I am truly in the debt of those that voted for SSF18 to write about me next. I am truly looking forward to what she has in store for me.
SSF18: I got some ideas but I am actually nervous about this one, so just this once, I will accept flames if you want to send them. But I am really excited to see how it goes. I don't own Sly Cooper or any of the known characters from the game.
Enjoy!
Third Party POV
On a moonlit night in Paris, two figures walk down the street, arm in arm. A male black wolf was escorting a female fox back to her house after a night of dinner and dancing. Lauren Mason was coming home from another blind date set up by her friend, Carmelita Fox. She has been trying to play matchmaker for Lauren after she filed a restraining order against her ex, Cyrille Le Paradox.
Cyrille started to court Lauren a month after she, her best friend Sly, and Carmelita escaped Cane Island. It was a lovely romance until suddenly, during a surprise visit, Lauren discovered that Le Paradox was unloading a stash of stolen treasure in his museum. She was caught by Le Paradox himself. And when she tried to leave, Le Paradox grew abusive and started beating her whenever she didn't behave the way he wanted her to. He even threatened to kill everyone she loved if she told anyone about what she discovered. For six months, she acted like a happy girlfriend, but in reality, she was broken inside. Carmelita and Sly noticed the difference in their fun-loving friend and Sly followed Lauren when she was forced to visit Le Paradox, one night. He then discovered the truth about his best friend. She was trapped and could not escape. Sly reported his findings to Carmelita and they both approached Lauren as she was coming home.
(Flashback)
(Carmelita POV)
I could not believe what Sly told me. I always thought that Le Paradox was a gentleman and would treat Lauren with the respect she deserved. But it made sense; whenever Le Paradox called her, she always looked scared.
"What do you think, Carmelita?" Sly asked, pacing. I could tell that he was upset. Sly and Lauren were the best of friends. When I brought Sly back with me, I decided to put the past between myself and Lauren and we became really close. We had so much in common. I feel like I failed her by not noticing something was wrong sooner. Sly and I had to help her, or I fear she will break.
"We have to talk to her, Sly. If she tells the truth, then I will get a restraining order to keep that skunk away from her." I said. Sly nodded and then Lauren stumbled through the door. I gasped and covered my mouth with my paws at the sight of her. Her well-groomed fur was all messed up and a black and blue tint started to seep through her fur in numerous places. She stopped when she saw us and tried to walk away but she collapsed on the ground.
"LAUREN!" Sly shouted as we ran to her and Sly caught her before she landed on the ground. She was unconscious. I ran to get a bowl of hot water and a washrag as Sly carried Lauren to the sofa. I came back and Sly began cleaning the dry blood from Lauren's fur. A few moments later, Lauren started to wake up. Her eyes opened and looked at us with fear.
"It's ok, Lauren. You're safe." I told her. She nodded and tried to get up but Sly pushed her gently back.
"Lauren, we need to talk. But, first, what in the world happened to you?" Sly asked. The fear in her eyes grew before she hid it, but the both of us noticed it.
"It's nothing. I'm fine." She shook her head and looked back down at her lap. Sly and I looked at each other before we each placed a paw on her shoulder.
"We know about what Le Paradox does to you, Lauren." Sly stated. She gasped and looked at the both of us in shock and fear.
"How…" She asked, her voice was shaking.
"Carmelita and I noticed that something was wrong with you, but you wouldn't tell us. So the last time you visited Le Paradox before tonight, I followed you and saw everything. Why didn't you tell us?" Sly asked. Tears started to build in her eyes and I sat down and gathered her in my arms and let her cry on my shoulder as Sly sat down and rubbed her back.
"He said he would hurt everyone that I loved if I told anyone. I tried to leave but I can't!" She said in a tearful voice.
"You should've told us, Lauren. You wouldn't have to suffer anymore. We saw a change in you that we didn't like and we were worried about you. How long has he been abusing you?" I asked when she calmed down.
"6months" She muttered.
"I'm sorry, we didn't hear you." Sly said.
"6 months" She said more clearly. Sly and I gasped and he took Lauren in his arms as she started to cry again. Just knowing how much and how long my BFF has suffered just pisses me off. I stood up and started pounding on the wall.
"THAT DAMN, COWARDLY, SKUNK!" I said, pounding the wall at each syllable.
"Carmelita, calm down. She doesn't need this right now." Sly said as he continues to comfort Lauren. I sighed and walked back to the couch and sat down.
"I am going to Interpol first thing tomorrow and force a restraining order against that stinking weasel. You will never have to see him again." Lauren looked at me with wide eyes. She tried to say something, but I stopped her.
"Don't worry, Lauren. He is not getting anywhere near you or us! I promise! If it were up to me, I would throw that stinking weasel behind bars! But a restraining order will have to do for now." I explained. She smiled tearfully before hugging me tightly and I hugged her back.
"Thank you Carm, you are the best friend a girl could have." She said. I smiled at Sly and he took us into a three way hug.
"Don't worry Lauren, I am not going to let anything happen to you!" Sly said. Lauren finally calmed down and we all went to bed after a nice dinner.
(Present)
(Lauren POV)
After Carm forced that restraining order against Le Paradox, I haven't seen him. And yet, he still haunts me. I haven't gotten a good night sleep after Carm and Sly freed me from that abusive skunk, for he haunts my dreams. I am counting on him showing up and hurt me or kill me. I am always afraid to fall asleep.
Except for the past 3 months, after I have a Le Paradox nightmare, I have the most wonderful dream. I am standing in a lush green meadow with the wind blowing through my fur. I see this form standing underneath a willow tree. The sight of him just warms my heart even though I could not see him well. When I approach the figure, I see a male raccoon dressed as a knight in shining armor. He takes off his helmet and kneels before me and kisses my paw. I pull back immediately and he stands to his feet and holds his paw out to me.
"Fear me not, milady! I shall never harm thee." He says in a gently voice. But then I wake up. It has been the same thing for the past three months. When I'm not focused on my fear of Le Paradox, my thoughts are on that knight in my dreams. I wonder if he could possibly set me free and love me, but then I rolled my eyes. Even if he existed, he wouldn't love damaged goods like me. I was interrupted from my thoughts with a clearing of the throat. I turned and faced my date.
"Are you ok, Lauren? You've been quiet and staring into space since we left the restaurant." James Wolf asked. He was a cop from Interpol and apparently, Carm thought he would be a good match for me so she set up a blind date for me. Carm has been trying to match me up with someone since a couple of months after the restraining order went through. I kept on telling her I wasn't ready but she didn't listen. Sly wasn't much help either. He too thought I needed to move on. But in reality, I didn't even try. I mean, who would ever love me. I was abused and left behind. I am damaged goods!
"I am ok, James. I just have a lot running through my head right now." I said as we approached Carmelita's house. He grabbed my paw and kissed it; then I pulled away.
"I had a lovely time, Lauren. I would love to see you again." James said. I sighed sadly.
"I'm sorry James, but I have a lot going on right now and I'm just not ready. I'm sure you'll find a nice woman, but I don't think I'm her." I told him. He sighed and then gave me a soft smile.
"I understand, Lauren. I hope everything gets better for you and I wish you the best." He said before walking off. I sighed again before walking into the house. I turned the lights on the find it empty, Sly and Carmelita must still be out. I was really happy for them, and I hope that I would be that happy one day, though there's a good chance it will never happen. I took a quick shower and slipped into my favorite navy blue silk nightgown that went down to my ankles and slipped into a restless sleep.
(Dream)
I opened my eyes to see that I was outside in a dark alley. I wrapped my arms around my body to try and secure warmth. Suddenly, I hear an airy cackle and I turn around fast, trying to look for the source.
"Sly? Carm? Anyone?" I called out. I heard the cackle get louder as I heard a thud from behind me. I turned around quickly to find a mouse in a jumpsuit with a face mask on his face. My eyes widened and my heart started to race with fear. I definitely recognized him as one of Le Paradox's henchmen. 5 more dropped down in front of me. The closed in on me and I turned around and ran away from them as fast as I could. They shot at me as they chased after me. I had to duck since their aims were at my head. Suddenly something tied my ankles together and I fell face first onto the concrete. Then they started to pile on top of me.
"GET OFF ME!" I shouted. Then they all got off of me as someone approached me. I was so scared, for I knew who it was. And sure enough, a familiar stench went in my nose as I was grabbed by the throat and Le Paradox, himself, entered my view.
"Did you honestly think a restraining order can keep you safe from me, hmm?" He asked and then tightened his grip on my throat. I choked and tried to get his grip off of my throat so I could breathe. But instead he shook me in the air calling my name.
"Lauren. Lauren. Lauren." Everything was fading away as I finally passed out.
(Dream end)
I shot up with a scream! I struggled until I felt some comforting paws stroking my shoulders and back. I caught my breath as Sly and Carmelita tried to calm me.
"Shhh, its ok Lauren. You're safe. It was only a nightmare." Sly whispered soothingly as Carmelita brought in a glass of warm milk like she usually did when I had a nightmare. I took slow sips and I instantly felt the warmth flow through my body.
"Was it Le Paradox again?" Carmelita asked. I nodded as I trembled in Sly's arms.
"His henchmen chased me and then Le Paradox caught me and tried to strangle me. It felt so real!" I said as I cried in Sly's arms and he hushed me.
"It won't happen, Carmelita and I won't allow it! Now just try and get some sleep. You are safe. Nothing will happen." Sly said. I nodded and handed Carm my empty glass and laid back down as Sly and Carmelita left the room. I tossed and turned in my bed until I fell asleep again, wishing my knight and shining armor would come and save me.
(Dream 2)
I woke up to find myself in a meadow, lit up by the moon with the wind dancing through the grass and my fur. I looked up and saw the full moon was surround by a billion stars. I have never seen anything so beautiful. My admiration ended at the sound of a familiar and gentle voice.
"Lauren" I heard a masculine voice whisper. Just the sound of his voice just wrapped me in a blanket of security and warmth. I rubbed my paws on my arms as I tried to find the owner of the voice.
"Over here, Lauren" The voice whispered again. Once more, under a willow tree was my knight in shining armor. Instead of approaching slowly, I ran to him and he welcomed me with open arms and spun me around.
"How I wish you were real." I whispered. He let me down on my feet and kept my paws in his.
"How can you tell I am not?" He asked. Tears began to fill my eyes as the truth hit me again. He brushed the tears away with his thumbs as he waited for my answer.
"Because, how could anyone love me? I am damaged and used." I said looking down at the ground, unable to bear the look of disappointment on his face. But then, he lifted my chin up gently and made me look in his eyes. Instead of disappointment, I saw love and cherishment in them.
"I highly doubt that you are damaged, milady. Whatever you went through, has made you a strong woman that any man would be proud to have on their arm. I know that I would be proud to have you by my side, Lauren." He finished by whispering in my ear. I gasped and grew weak in the knees. I would've fallen if he didn't hold me up. All of a sudden, soft music started to play in the air. The knight smiled, stepped back and offered his paw.
"Will you do me the honor of dancing with me, my fair maiden?" He asked. I smiled and took his paw. He pulled me close and waltzed me around the meadow. I could not remove my eyes from his. The moonlight reflected beautifully off his armor, but his eyes shined brighter in the moonlight. The way he held me and gazed at me, made me feel like my heart could soar. I felt free and loved. Two things I have longed to feel for so long. Our dance slowed down to a gentle sway and I asked the question that has been plaguing my mind.
"Who are you, my knight in shining armor?" I asked quietly. He only sighed and stroked my cheek.
"Alas, I fear I cannot tell you at the present time, my dear. But soon, we shall meet. For that, I am certain." He said sadly. I sighed. I understood clearly.
"How? How do you know that we shall meet outside this wonderful dream?" I asked. He smiled at me.
"I know not how or when, but I feel in my heart that we shall meet. And when we do, I shall never let you go." He said, before leaning in slowly. I leaned forward slightly and my lips met his in a gentle kiss. He cupped the back of my head with his paw and held my waist with the other as I placed both of my paws on his chest that was not covered with armor. The kiss made me want to melt in a puddle at his feet and I wished it lasted forever. But unfortunately, breathing was demanded and we pulled away. We placed our foreheads against each other and he cupped my cheek with both of his paws.
"I must say farewell for now, milady." He said as he started to fade away. I shook my head in sadness.
"Why must everything good end for me like this?" I asked as tears began to fill my eyes again. He took me in his arms again.
"Fear not, milady, I shall see you again. And soon, we shall meet officially. That is a promise I make to you." He said as he brushed away my tears. I nodded. He kissed my forehead and then he faded away completely.
"Fare thee well, milady, til we meet again." He said as he disappeared.
(Dream end)
(Lauren POV)
I woke up only to find myself back in my bedroom in Carm's house. I sighed as I wiped the tears from my eyes. The dreams of my knight are so amazing and I am praying in my heart that he is real and that I would meet him one day. Something told me that I would. But would he be as wonderful as he is in my dreams? And would he truly love me if he ever learned the truth? I honestly did not know. I feel like I have given up on love, but this handsome knight is starting to change my mind. I put on my matching silk robe and went onto the balcony. The moon and stars looked just like the way it did in the meadow. I smiled at the moon.
"Goodnight, my knight in shining armor. Whoever and wherever you are, I hope we meet soon." I silently prayed before turning around and going back to bed and sleeping peacefully for the first time in months.
(Galleth's POV)
I woke up from my precious dream. I have been having dreams about a beautiful lady fox for the past fortnights and I never want them to end. She is definitely in fear of falling in love and though she may be just a dream, I could not help but love her. I can certainly feel that she is not just a dream. She is indeed a fair maiden and someday I shall meet her, and when I do, I will show her what love is truly about and never let her go. I crept by my fellow men as they slept in their barracks and went outside our sleeping quarters. The sky was glorious tonight, just like the way the meadow was in my dream when I danced with the fair maiden. I looked up and smiled, but suddenly, I heard a very familiar and feminine voice.
"Goodnight, my knight in shining armor. Whoever and wherever you are, I hope we meet soon." She said. I smiled knowing it was my beloved. I just know that we shall meet. I went back to my barracks and fell asleep with a smile on my face.
Indeed we shall, my fair maiden Lauren, indeed we shall
There you have it guys! I really hope you guys liked this chapter. I am really looking forward to this story and I hope you are too.
I am about to start going back to work in the office so it may take longer for me to post but I will when I can.
Til' next time, Fare thee well
