Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
(Yaoi Fan Fiction)

Back-story: Chapter 8

For disclaimer : I do not own Sly Cooper or any of their Characters.

Mercury couldn't shake the feeling of euphoria pouring through him. Was it that smile his doppelganger gave him- was it affecting him this much? Maybe it was that awkward moment, that they ended up being able to laugh about? Mercury just couldn't tell, but he truly felt wholesome in the moment. On top of that Mercury felt like he got a very first understanding, of what actually was going on inside of him. They entered the cafeteria, hoping to get some lunch.

"Hey, look who we have here.", Vernell looked back for a second, a smile on his lips. Mercury followed his finger, pointing at Sly and Amy sitting at a table, just a bit further away. Mercury could see their expressions, immediately able to tell, something is up. Vernell was faster than him, already sitting down next to the pair. They finally noticed them, Sly smiling up at Mercury, if a little bit distracted.

Mercury sat down next to Amy, scooting closer, seeing her being engulfed by her awkwardness. Sly looked over at her, then to Mercury, slightly perplexed. "We saw you guys talking, you looked kind of worried...", Sly scratched his cheek, his eyes wandering to the spaced out Amy. "Yeah- we might have a problem, but Amy would be better at explaining that...", the trio just looked at her in anticipation, Mercury slowly closing his eyes and shaking his head.

Mercury let his head drop to the table, the fox's and raccoon's attention was caught immediately. "I'm so hungry and feel kind of weak, would you mind grabbing me some food? Pretty please?", Mercury looked over at the two of them, a small smile coming across Vernell's lips. "Sure, I'll go-", Vernell started to stand up, but Sly quickly stopped him. "I can go it's fine...", Mercury frowned, coughing slightly.

"Actually- Sam, there was something I really need to ask you- right now. Sit down, please.", Sly could feel a strong cold stare piercing his chest, tingling along his soul. The chill send him back down into his seat, staring back into Mercury's cold eyes. "Thanks, Vern.", the brightest of smiles was presented to the fox, as he once again got up from his seat. A little confused- but chuckling, he started walking to get a tray of lunch for them.

Mercury looked after him for a second, picking him self up from his slouched down position. He immediately started snapping his fingers in front of Amy, somewhat effectively getting her out of the trance. She looked over at Mercury, as he snapped one last time at her. "Amy, we've got bigger problems than crushes right now- would you mind?", Amy's eyes widened, blushing evidently. She looked over at Sly, then back to Mercury.

Sly's eyes went to Mercury, still confused by what was even happening. "Are you really in the position to say that- and how dare you expose me in front of, Sly?", she whispered through her teeth, trying to keep her blushing to a minimum. "I- look, I'm sorry. You both looked very worried and I needed you to snap out of it, like now...", Mercury scratched his cheek, looking into her eyes.

"So do you mind, please- did something bad happen?", he had a lot of things going through his mind and solving this problem might be a nice distraction. He saw Sly's eyes worriedly look over at Amy, her eyes slowly rising to meet Mercury's. "We do have a problem- finding this 'problem' is going to be the biggest problem.", Mercury slowly shook his head, too many problems...

"I can't really tell you or get you involved right now. I'll see- maybe Sly and me can look through all of the past mission reports later so we can-", Mercury's eyes widened slightly, as his hand 'accidentally' knocked the napkins off of the table. "Oh- sorry, dear me.", he ducked down, crouching under the table, Amy's eyes following him in a confused manner.

"Can you help me real quick?", Mercury looked at the mouse, his hand suddenly reaching out, practically dragging her under the table. In one swift motion the mouse was no longer seen, Sly only leaning back slightly. The raccoon wouldn't bother to even try to understand any longer, starting to munch on his lunch.

Amy felt across her forehead, feeling for any bumps. "Ow, you could really try and find a nicer approach next time.", Amy saw him scrambling, gesturing to be slightly more quiet. "Is this some sort of revenge plan for accidentally exposing you in front of Sly?", still rubbing her forehead, she frowned slightly, looking at the stirred up raccoon.

"Wha- how... no...? How does that add up to you? And that was in no way 'accidental'.", Mercury grumbled slightly, she got him there, as his eyes tried to avoid the mouse. "Still, I didn't reveal your secret to your crush directly- you want to read through the reports and show Sly directly that I tried to impress him and more-", Amy looked at the raccoon, almost stumbling over the word carpet. He was all over the place.

She raised her hands slightly, Amy needed him to slow down to even begin to understand. "What- exactly are you talking about?", Mercury took a deep breath, trying to rewind his thoughts. "You- Sly- look at reports- reports mention me- reports have several xoxo's and hearts around me and Sly- that's what I'm talking about.", every following second he watched Amy's face unwind, slowly loosing itself until- "Bwahahaha- I can't... oh... that hurts-", she bursted out laughing beneath the table, surprising not only Sly, but people from other tables watched over visibly confused.

Amy held her sides from all the laughter, seeing Sly peek at them from the side, sending her even deeper into her laughter. Mercury just started blushing, trying to contain her madness, side-eyeing Sly did not help the process. It- thankfully- did not take too long, before she calmed down, wiping a tear from her eye. "Unh-ha sorry-", she cleared her throat, trying not to burst out again.

Sly returned to his lunch, their table still getting a few funny gazes. She closed her eyes, breathing out momentarily. "I'm good- now that you mention it. What gave you the idea, that I wrote something so weird into the mission reports? I might have in my notes-", she laughed slightly, "-but obviously not in the report. Have you been spying on me-", it was at lightning speed, but Mercury saw something shoot through Amy's mind, making her frown very slightly.

"There might have been someone who has seen the notes- but I made a promise not to tell...", he saw her face continue to lose the smile. The fact her mood changed so drastically kind of scared Mercury, he could quite literally see her thoughts rush through her mind. Amy crept up ever so slowly, her frown growing harsher by the second, staring directly into Mercury's soul.

"You will tell me, right now.", now he wished Amy had a nicer approach to things, trying to distance himself. She just kept going, coming closer and closer. "This is no longer a game, Mercury. I'm talking through no charade or facade, I need you to tell me-", he felt pure fright, practically getting pierced be her gaze. Mercury didn't know what to say, this really didn't feel normal, but his mouth just stayed shut- unable to say anything.

Mercury hesitated, seeing her eyes move in Sly's direction, before she looked back at him. She picked up a bunch of the dropped napkins, finally coming out from under the table. "Hey Sly, did you know? There's this guy who really, really- and I mean really adores you-", Mercury's eyes shot open, seeing her look at him- Amy's gaze back to causing a burning sensation.

He slowly mouthed a 'Don't you dare-', at Amy- her mouth not displaying any smile, like he would've expected. There really was no game, it was his secret against hers. "It's M-", Amy ever so slowly spoke, her eyes linked to Mercury. The raccoon rushed out from under the table, as a tray slapped down in front of them, Mercury shrieked shortly, "Vernell!", all of them were kind of rocked back on the bench surprised. Mercury blurted it out, trying to hold his mouth shut, but it was too late. They all stared at Vernell, "Sorry.", the fox smiled back softly.

"What?!", Amy and Sly blurted out alike, both overcome by a different feeling. Amy's expression grew dark, verily so. Sly grew the widest grin, leaning over slightly to Vernell. "Is it true, you 'adore' me?", Vernell scooted in his seat, looking at Sly slightly confused. "Uhm- I really like what you provided to the last mission, really helped in a pinch.", Vernell chewed down on his food, softly smiling at Sly. "Rawr.", Sly didn't break eye contact, seeing Vernell almost spit out his food.

They both bursted out laughing heavily, catching a few gazes from other tables. Their laughter promised no end, it only slowly calming down to a simple chuckle, as Vernell's eyes found Mercury's. Through his chuckle he gave Mercury a knowing wink, as he returned to his food. He may not have known, but that really hurt, like it pierced his heart. Mercury tried to remain calm, but seeing them smile and joke just like that- about a topic that was really hard to talk about and magnify all the feelings for- it was just... wrecking him inside.

Mercury could tell his lunch time wasn't the only one turning out disastrous. Amy's eyes fixated on Vernell. He could see the gears turning in her mind, Mercury was scared to address or even slightly touch her at his point. Amy's eyes suddenly shot over to Mercury. Her expression turning to a quite tranquil form, like the kind he had not seen from her, yet.

Sly looked at the mouse, seeing her face growing paler each second. "Holy- Amy, are you okay?", the mouse looked around the group, worried eyes looking at her from each side. "Yeah, don't worry. But maybe- maybe... Mercury, can you help me to the medical bay?", she slowly got up from the bench, leaning on Mercury's shoulder. "I'll see you guys later- Sly- Vernell...", she looked at the two closely for a moment, as they walked past the table.

"Uhm- right. Get well soon, Amy.", she locked eyes with the fox, the smile on his face making her turn away with a slight frown. "What about the reports-", they turned only for a moment, Amy shaking her head at the raccoon. "We've got enough time, we'll talk later.", she turned around with Mercury at her shoulder, stumbling through the cafeteria's doors.

"Ok, let's-", Mercury was quickly surprised, Amy lifting her arm across his head. "We need to talk-", she grabbed him by the hand dragging him through the halls. "Are you okay? Did you just play that whole part?", it seemed she had a clear destination in mind, as she kept on dragging the raccoon. "Yes- we needed to get out of there asap. A little 'improv' was needed.", Amy looked back only shortly, a frown still present on her eyebrow.

"The general has given me order to investigate our little 'problem' and I think- with your help- I've just found the answer.", Mercury was kind of weirded out, the way she was talking in mysteries was not a good sign. Once they reached her safe haven, she slumped him down in a chair close by, as she sat down at her PC.

Her finger tapped on her desk, ever so often Mercury's eyes checked on Amy. She just continued to tap with her finger, it being an almost hypnotizing rhythm. "When I went with the general... he told me I was supposed to keep an eye on you. The people you are around and interact with. I first off took it as in the usual lecture, but now I truly realize what he meant.", she shifted in her seat, turning to view Mercury.

"It was a test. He found us breaking into the cabinets and couldn't be sure anymore. One of us could be a spy.", Mercury frowned at her statement. "He put it to the test, talking to me and giving me this order. I was checking Sly, whether or not there was anything off about him-", she saw his eyes change quickly, Mercury notably concerned.

"Don't worry, I believe he is fine- for now. Who's the other person you recently came into contact with?", Mercury saw he hold her breath slightly, biting her lip. "Vernell... -but Amy there is no way, nothing possibly points to him.", she released her breath, shaking her head at him. "I know- and I wouldn't have believed it myself, if it weren't for you.", Mercury raised an eyebrow, following her eyes.

"Here- take a look at this.", she opened up a graphic of a project titled 'Prototype'. It looked like an exoskeleton, the use not really apparent to Mercury. The design didn't call for any immediate reaction or help to jog his memory, so he waited for the mouse to continue. "It's something I was able to recover from Devistee's data grid. At first glance it just looks any other of his tangled projects, but-", she quickly grabbed something from behind her PC, presenting a skeletal-looking glove to Mercury.

He eyed her warily for a moment, leaning back from her hand. "I had a little fun creating the doctors prototype. It looks like a 'normal' glove, right?", Mercury was shaking his head, but immediately stopped as the coloration of the glove and her hand started changing. "That looks just like- Raz's...", Amy smiled at him knowingly, the glove changing back to normal. "This exoskeleton can absorb and use the lepidoptera's power.", Mercury didn't expect the doctor to be capable of creating something so ingenious.

"Which leads me to our problem. I didn't think of it before- but then I realized we are not dealing with your every day villain. It's easy to forget, but Devistee is a doctor- well... was a doctor and he is smart- crazy certainly, but smart.", her eyes lost a bit of their glow, a rather unpleasant memory running through her mind. She recovered quickly, clearing her throat and raising her eyes at Mercury.

"I'm not sure, if you have been informed yet, but not long before you've been put under our watch we had someone else in our squad-", her lips were slightly shaking, the words obviously not easy to squeeze out. Mercury exhaled slowly, looking over the mouse. "Mickey- I've found-", he stopped, thinking about his words for a moment. He didn't want to drag Amy into his quarrel with Raz, that was something he'd have to solve by himself.

"I was informed by someone- that he- that he died.", her eyes watered slightly, nodding silently at Mercury. Amy's hand wiped away a small tear that formed at her eye, before inhaling deeply. "Well the thing is- he was like you and Raz. The difference however was that we've never seen a lepidoptera, as unique as his. Mickey was able to easily influence others with a single touch. Mere contact would send several thoughts and emotions through your body. Basically you were in his control and you wouldn't even notice.", by the way she pictured it, the dots were easy to connect.

"But how would Devistee have gotten a hold of that power?", Amy shook her head, frowning for a moment. "All he needed was the lepidoptera... and-", her breath stopped for a moment, wiping away another tear. She rubbed her hands together, her gaze slowly lifting again. "I'm sure you remember the disconnector that Devistee had in his hideout?", how could he forget that? Just thinking about it caused a nauseous sensation in his head.

"On one of our missions we were misinformed and simply unprepared for what was to come. Mickey had been captured by Devistee. And just like he had planned with you, Devistee strapped him to a disconnector- ...only...", she sniffed softly, closing her eyes momentarily. "Raz was in a blind fury, crushing the very connection to the whole electricity network. But the damage was done- we were too late.", a hand covered her eyes, as she sniveled softly.

"If he was to have realized this project- and he is in possession of Mickey's lepidoptera... Devistee is able to send as many spies into our compound as he desires...", her words definitely did not express a lot of hope. Mercury's head dropped into his palms, how are they supposed to stop an enemy that could be anyone, when even they themselves wouldn't know?

"We do however, also have a secret they don't know about, yet.", she smiled slightly, scooting slightly closer to Mercury. He slightly cocked his head at her, as she hummed softly. Amy looked down at the glove, as if she was contemplating something. Amy's eyes locked with Mercury's, her gloved hand touching over his bandaged ear. Out of reflex he slightly squinted, trying to duck away, but her touch felt soft and surprisingly it didn't hurt at all. Mercury's own hand moved to hers, feeling over his ear. "What did you-", he was interrupted by a swift finger on his lips, Amy's eyes focused on her glove.

Mercury looked at her eyes for a moment, following her gaze to the hand. She started snapping her fingers, reminding him of that hypnotizing rhythm from before. Mercury was about to ask her what she wanted to show him, as a sudden frown spread across his brows. Amy kept on snapping and snapping, seemingly not slowing down- on the contrary he could barely see her fingers move, but the sound of a snap was indistinguishable...

His eyes slowly moved up, Amy sporting a slow, expanding smile across her lips. When Amy's eyes met his, she couldn't stop herself from taking in the picture. His jaw hanging low, the word perplexed easily coming to her mind. Her hand stopped only to close his jaw, as she slightly lowered her posture to look straight into his eyes, smiling brightly.

"What-", Mercury felt unable to start, continue or even finish any thought crossing his mind. His gaze remained on the mouse, seeing her take the glove off. "It shouldn't be a surprise. You say you've experienced it quite often by now, no?", Amy chuckled, putting the prototype back into a box. "You just- my-", Mercury hastily touched his ear, looking at her, "-then you- yes, but I still didn't expect something like this...", he couldn't describe it, but a mixed feeling of fear, confusion and fascination spread in his mind rapidly.

"If you had given me the chance to finish talking- you know, before storming after Sly, then I could have easily told you. Mercury- nobody just simply bursts and eardrum out of no where- then, barely a day later, it healed to your extend. Your lepidoptera is doing something to your cells- something that is speeding them up.", his hand moved over his ear once more, his eyes still fixated on Amy. "Then how can I make use of that?", Amy slightly bit her lip, scratching her temple.

"That's the hard part- I don't know. I can't tell you.", she pointed over to the glove, "Technology is making it easy, anybody could work it out with those. That's the challenge of it- you have to work it out on your own. The only thing I can tell you- try and get a grasp of your emotions. Emotions, thoughts, memories- they all seem to have a strong impact on the lepidoptera. Back then Raz and Mickey would do these sort of...", she didn't know how to put it, her mind scrambling for the right words.

"You mean some sort of 'meditation ritual'... by any chance?", she smiled, looking back at Mercury. "That's it! That's the one.", slowly but certainly she looked at his expression and started to realize. "It wasn't Raz who has told you about them... he wouldn't have- not yet.", she could take a wild guess, but seeing Mercury's eyes avoid hers so badly- she knew. "Vernell...", something inside Amy clicked, as she kept her eyes on him.

"How do I know, that I'm not a spy? You said it's a simple touch.", he lifted his eyes at her, seeing Amy shake her head. "We've tested that before, it doesn't work to such an extreme on other symbionts. You and Raz are the safest people here right now.", her mind kept working, her eyes squinted at the raccoon. "You're telling me, that you've tried the ritual with Vernell- and it worked?!", her eyes remained focused, Mercury unsure what to think at this point.

"How do I even know that it worked? I mean I saw myself- like a doppelganger, couldn't that just be Devistee toying with me?", her eyes opened widely, her breathing becoming more frequent. "Vernell told me to show him memories- I don't know how to explain it, but it felt like I was getting to know a new part of me- does that even make sense?", Amy turned away softly mumbling, her hand silencing most of her words.

"Amy?", he raised his eye brow, waiting for any recognition of the mouse. Amy turned back to him, nodding. "I- yes, that's basically it. I'm surprised you got so far on your first try.", there is no possible way it could have worked... just what is going on... Amy kept viewing over Mercury, her mind rushing for answers. "I'm sorry, but we'll get back to the meditation rituals some other time, okay? Raz can help you with those more than I can.", she gave the best attempt of a smile, trying to hide a slow building frown on her brows.

"Then what about Vernell- and the doctor? You said we could use my power- the secret-", she quickly shook her head. "That could be dangerous, you're not trained enough to use it, yet. It was an idea. I'll come up with something else...", she tried to hide it behind a smile, her lips slightly twitching. "Listen, I'll think of something- as soon as I got a solution to our problem, I'll come get you, deal?", she extended her hand, Mercury hesitantly grabbing and shaking it- the two of them locking eyes momentarily.

After he got up from his seat, he couldn't help but simply wander around. As he left, a feeling of incompletion was dreading over him. Maybe he should have told her something else. He knows that he is still new to it- that he has much to learn, but the way she said all of that- with what felt like a side note of apathy didn't help the case. Before he knew it, Mercury kept stumbling down the hallway, his mind lost in his thoughts.

The day seemed to go by flying and it almost felt like a dream- an incomprehensible dream... Mercury's fists bumped into the sides of his head, trying to numb out some thoughts. With a cleared mind, his eyes set him on a certain direction. It wasn't his most desired choice, but he had to start somewhere... he needed answers...

Slowly he approached an office building, the double doors seemed to be unmanned- so a slow and careful push was all he needed to open them. Mercury set foot into the building, his eyes looking at the several desks and utensils placed on them. In a bit of a distance he heard the noise of a slam- a stamp maybe. His eyes saw the person at the end of the room sitting in their chair- undoubtedly having noticed his appearance.

The doberman placed down his stamp, his hand signing Mercury over to his desk. With a soft breath and a sigh he went over, standing opposite of the general. No one spoke a word, the pause of silence granting him a good chance to look over the general clearly. Ephilus' eyes looked tired- his expression giving Mercury a small feeling of worry and a hint of doubt. His hand presented Mercury a chair, inviting him to sit close to the general.

"I'm guessing your visit is not of the simple, 'How have you been doing?', nature?", the general chuckled softly. Mercury sat down his eyes trailing over the ground. "I realize- I know... you want answers.", the doberman's hands rested on the table, pondering over his words. With his mouth agape, Mercury slightly shook his head. "I just want to know who I am- what I am. Who were my parents?", the general breathed softly, turning towards the seated raccoon.

"Believe me, I want to tell you- tell you and answer everything that you want to know. But the enemy in front of us, the one we face altogether- this is not the right time. I can't do this, not yet. I made a promise to your parents.", he got out of his seat, kneeling down in front of the raccoon- looking straight into his eyes.

"I promised I wouldn't let you go unprepared, without vision, guidance, a clear minded and kind consciousness. They wanted only the best for you and what kind of friend would I be, if I disregard their last wish?", the general took his hands, holding them tightly. "I, too, want only the best for you...", Mercury pulled his hands away. "Then why did you tear me away from my friends? The ones I called family all these years? I'd hardly call that handling out of love for me or their last wish-", he nearly barked at the doberman, avoiding the general's eyes completely.

Again there was a pause, the silence burning into Mercury. So he indeed doesn't have an answer for that. After a deep breath his eyes returned to Mercury. "I promise you, I'll tell you everything you need to know, once I can see, that you're ready.", Mercury was about to object- he wanted to know now. The general quickly continued however. "-but... in the mean time, something that could speed up that process, might already be in your possession?", Mercury locked eyes with him momentarily, almost feeling awkward about how dumbfounded he must've looked in that moment.

The general's eyes trailed around, his hand scratching his chin for a moment. "A lot of our story lies within our name, wouldn't you agree? While I do not advocate it, you might want to revisit your 'memories' for it? Maybe without getting Falconer involved this time?", Mercury's eyes slowly aligned with the general's, perplexed at his suggestion. Ephilus raised his hand, pointing towards the door.

"Now, if you don't mind, I think we both have a lot to work on. We'll talk again.", with slight confusion and the general's warm smile Mercury was on his way. The raccoon turned one last time, half way to the door. "Sir-", the general's eyes raised to the raccoon. "You can call me Seth, if you want.", Mercury gulped slightly, his mind caught by a very peculiar and far fetched thought.

"I am not a Cooper, right? That's not why you cut me off the group, right?", the doberman looked stunned for a second. After a moment he erupted in a loud laughter, echoing all through the room. "I really have to get back to work, if you would?", with that Mercury turned to the door, exiting the office building. The raccoon quickly closed the door behind him, pressing himself against it with a bright blush.

That was neither a yes- or a no... But it wouldn't make sense, if he knew his parents then, why wouldn't they have gotten Sly also? And Sly never mentioned anything regarding a brother... or a cousin- or whatever. They aren't related- they can't be. He just kept shaking his head, throwing out any funny ideas. And yet... just stop... just please stop thinking of that possibility...

Mercury set himself straight, noticing the darkening clouds over him. Under slightly windy conditions he made his way back to their quarters. He'd have to face one more obstacle in his way- otherwise he wouldn't be able to shut a single eye tonight. Soft droplets of rain crept closer to him, some landing on his face. Crossing through the darkened hallways he saw a silhouette of someone carrying another person.

His nosiness got the better of him, as he moved through the hallway, wanting to spot what was going on. On the other side however, there was no one to be seen. Checking left and right, there was absolutely no one. Before allowing his mind to boggle over it, the weather picked up- the rain gushing down in higher quantity.

Mercury quickly traversed the rest of the way, taking a few deep breaths before opening the door to their squads room. The raccoon was surprised to find it empty, neither Amy nor Raz anywhere to be seen. His mind blanked out, checking the entire room for anyone's presence. After being unable to find anyone his mind rushed to formulate, how exactly he would confront Raz on what happened that afternoon... there had to be a way to explain.

With a heavy head he slammed down on his bed, his eyes checking over the other's beds. By the way the covers were planted on it, Raz must have left in a hurry. As he looked over to Amy's bed he spotted a small piece of paper. Mercury contemplated for a long moment, whether he should get involved in something new, yet again. His eyes turned to the ceiling momentarily, looking back at the other's bed. A deep sigh left his lips. Goddamnit...

As soon as he picked up the paper, his heart started racing just slightly. 'Raz, I'm sorry. I can't explain it, but I've got this feeling- we've missed something. He's still with us. I have to go- alone.', ominous... who is she talking about? What is it she has to do? And why by herself? With the note in hand he opened the door, checking outside for any sign of the two. The weather only got worse, a small storm building up just above.

"Raz?! Amy?!", holding a hand in front of him he kept close to the wall, the gust of wind quickly soaking him with rain drops. With thunder roaring above he kept on going. His search took him all the way to the training fields, spotting someone standing out in the open, getting soaked by the rain. Mercury stashed away the letter, walking closer- it was Raz.

The wolf stood in the open, his head looking at the clouds, catching all the rain drops. His head lowered however, tipped off by the sound of approaching foot steps. With a gaze devoid of emotion his eyes lowered to Mercury. The raccoon stopped a few steps away, looking up at Raz. The wolf simply started walking, going past the raccoon- not a single word spoken.

Mercury felt a lot of emotions rushing through him in that moment. He subdued them however, turning his head to speak to Raz. "Talk to me, Raz. What happened to Amy?", the wolf stopped in his tracks, Mercury seeing him squeeze his hands into fists. "Go snoop around a little bit by yourself, you seem to be good at getting involved in other people's affairs.", he started walking again, intending to leave the raccoon in the dark.

Something in the raccoon took over, a moment of omnipotence clearing his mind, as he clenched his fists and started walking after the wolf. "Stop running away! You didn't even give me a chance to explain anything. Talk to me, Raz!", he ended up stopping, straightening himself, as he turned to Mercury. "What is there to talk about exactly? That you can't control it? Your thieving instincts took over and you just had to steal something- anything?", Raz walked closer, step by step. Each step his condescending tone got deeper and his eyes wilder.

"You want to say, 'I'm so sorry, it won't ever happen again!' and all is good? Do you think this is how things work? Is that what integrity and trust are to you? Simple words? All is done when saying sorry?", the wolf let out an unsettling chuckle, Mercury undoubtedly frightened by his approach. "I'm sorry about Mickey- and I'm sorry for what it looked like, but I didn't snoop around your stuff. I've got enough problems on my mind already-", Raz shook his head, getting closer ever so slowly.

"Right... so they really are just words... -and your problems? The general finding out about your friends? Your affection for Sly? The whole deal with your parents? Your lack of control regarding the lepidoptera? Oh don't worry I'm filled in-", Mercury held his breath for a moment, only able to stare in silence at the wolf. "And don't you use his name any longer. You're scared of losing Sly? Well just look what you did to Amy-", the wolf spread his arms, staring down the raccoon.

"What are you talking about...?", he could barely produce the sentence at an audible level, his eyes locking on the wolf. "Oh- didn't get to that part before I interrupted? Amy was the one devastated the most, when we couldn't save him. She kept coming up with theories how Mickey, her step-brother, could possibly still be alive. To this day she has not given up on that thought. And now you inspired another crazy idea in her.", Mercury went numb, looking up at the wolf now standing in front of him- his mouth agape.

Raz slightly lowered himself, looking into his eyes. "Oh- didn't know that yet, huh? Yeah, step-brother. Now she is out there- risking her life for the tiniest piece of hope- the one that you inspired? Do you want to say sorry for that, too?", Mercury's head lowered to the ground, unable to face the wolf's words any longer. Raz waved his arms, unable to contain himself, as he turned away from the raccoon.

"Well, you wanted to talk? What do you have to say now? You're so covered in your own problems that you disregard others and only worry about yourself? You're sorry, that you're killing off the last of what 'I' am allowed to call friends and family? Hm? Please, go ahead. Enlighten me.", the sarcasm was off the charts. It was almost comical, if it didn't involve such tragedy.

"Let me help you-", the raccoon almost stumbled over his words, blurting them out in hopes of any reconciliation. "No-", the wolf shook his head, starting to walk away. "No, I think you've helped enough already. Just get whatever you came here for in the first place and go. I will no longer stop you.", Mercury couldn't see his face, but just by the tone he could tell he was fuming, a dark frown on his brows.

There are moments in life in which you are given a choice. The easy one- or the hard one. Mercury closed his eyes, breathing in and exhaling loudly. A frown spread across his brows, as he started walking after Raz one last time. "Stop. Raz... I've made mistakes- and I am really, truly sorry for them. I worry about Amy- and I worry about you. Let me help.", the wolf turned angrily, his hands clenching back into fists.

"You can't help me- you can't even help yourself.", the raccoon gritted his teeth, glaring at Raz angrily. "If there's one thing I hate, then it is when other people underestimate me. I can- and I am already doing a good enough job of that myself. Both Amy and you think I can't handle myself in a fight against the doctor- let me prove you wrong.", his knuckles cracked, as he raised his hands against Raz.

The wolf straightened his back for a moment, his expression growing soft, before it returned to the former grim nature. Just as he did, the wolf raised his arms for combat. "I'm not going to show any mercy. You want to talk. You want to help. Be ready for that responsibility.", Mercury locked eyes with Raz, breathing in deeply.

There was a moment of tranquility, only the droplets of rain filling in the sound around them. As a loud roar of thunder broke the silence, Raz dashed forward, his punch aiming straight at Mercury's face. He dodged it effectively to the side, winding up his fists to counter, but Raz was furious in his approach, barely giving him a chance to attack.

He was a monster in that moment. A complete brute, like Mercury hadn't seen of him before. Not slowing down, not letting him get space. He really wasn't going to show any mercy. Mercury kept on evading every hit he threw at him- continuously stepping further and further back. Just one tiny moment of carelessness and one of his feet slightly lost his footing on the wet ground. He did his best to dodge- and was barely grazed by Raz's fist, sending him spinning back.

It only grazed him, but it felt like he almost dislocated his shoulder. He looked at the wolf with a slightly pained gaze. The two paused, Raz taking in the reward of his work. Mercury breathed heavily, holding his shoulder tight with one hand. The aching would soon enough stop, as he kept staring down the wolf. "To think that Mickey died- because of you...", the wolf grit his teeth, baring them all at Mercury.

"What do you mean?", the raccoon looked quite surprised at his exclamation. The wolf kept staring him down angrily. "Devistee's target that day was you. After multiple attempts to get you, which we prevented, the doctor opted for plan B. Mickey gave his life for you. My friend traded his life for yours. And now there's another friend at risk because of you.", he shook his head, readying his fists once more.

Mercury recuperated enough, to do the same, the two standing a few meters apart. What followed was another onslaught of Raz, barrage after barrage of punches. Full force and muscle behind each and every one of them. Not only that, emotions, too. Mercury could tell, rain drops weren't the only thing flowing down Raz's face in their fight. With gritted teeth Raz kept his punches coming in an overwhelming onslaught, his eyes watering and red.

Mercury could feel it, they weren't in direct contact, but he could feel what was flowing through the wolf. There it was again- that feeling... the feeling of omnipotence. It was nice, like his whole body was in his control. He felt the sensation tingling in his entire body, from his fingertips to his very ears. Mercury kept dodging Raz's punches, feeling them slightly slowing down... or his reflexes speeding up. He wanted to prove him- no help him. Make him realize he has no intention to be his enemy or just another wrongdoer.

Mercury felt the sensation through his body, as he easily maneuvered around Raz, the wolf looking around, having lost sight of him. A quick punch to his side caught back his attention. "I'm really sorry, Raz. I don't need you to believe it. It's enough when I feel that burden. I'll help you. I'll take responsibility. And if you still want to get rid of me afterwards- I won't stop you.", Mercury dealt another quick blow to his other side, easily evading his punches by now.

"How can you say that so easily? Why do you care?!", Raz's tears didn't stop, his gritting stopped but he still bared his fangs. Mercury's own eyes started to tear up, trailing over the wolf. A small smile slowly widening on his lips. Mercury slowed down again, returning to normal speeds ever so slowly. Raz aligned with him, seeing the raccoon jump at him with a raised fist.

Raz felt his muscles slightly soften up, the raccoon and him trading those punches, each knocking them back on the ground. Mercury felt his insides tingle, that was a rough punch. Raz landed on his back, his chin feeling slightly sore after that one. They laid there in silence, the rain drops hitting them allover.

Raz raised his head slightly, looking over at the raccoon, a smile still present on his lips- even if it looked a little painful. "You weren't kidding- that punch was- ow...", Mercury chuckled through his pain, trying to raise his head, but failing to do so. Raz remained silent for a moment, taking in the rain and thunder. "Why- why do you care?", at this point his voice was soft, almost painfully so.

Mercury smiled at the sky, feeling the rain lose its density. "I really started to enjoy my time here. It was hard and strict, I won't deny, but also helpful and fun. I was impressed at how much I've changed by just being with you guys. They way I handle my problems, the way I think of solutions. Just in general... I started to like being a part of this squad...", Mercury suddenly shined brightly, a smile on his lips.

Raz looked over at the raccoon, unable to believe his ears. "At one point... I even wanted to impress you- but I see how that turned out... in that moment I destroyed that trust. It hurts- I hope we can work on rebuilding that...", the wolf slowly sat up, seeing Mercury's smile fade, as he closed his eyes. "Hey! Hey...!", he rushed over to the raccoon, checking his vitals. Thankfully he was just unconscious. Raz's eyes roamed allover the raccoon, as he shook his head.

The wolf picked him up, slouching him over his shoulder. He carried him through the halls, coming to another squad's door. Raz knocked, hoping to find someone still awake. A hawk drowsily opened up, blinking a few times, before beginning to squint his eyes at him. "What do you want? And why are you carrying him?", the wolf didn't bother to answer his questions, as he stumbled through and placed him on a bed. "He just needs to rest.", Mason looked at Raz dumbfounded. "So why are you bringing him here? Why not carry him into your squads room?", Raz threw him an angry glare, Mason slightly raising his hands.

"Alright, alright. I get it, no questions. Goodnight.", Mason waved goodbye at the wolf, as he left their room. Mason looked over Mercury, there were a lot of questions- but he was too tired to ask. The hawk waited for a bit, starting to hear the raccoon snore softly, before he got back to bed himself. Mason did however ponder over one question for that night- just where did the rest of his squad go?

End of Chapter twenty one.