Hello my lovelies! As promised, I present to you Part 2 of A Starry Eyed Encounter. I've had this one swimming in my head for the longest time but could not put it in writing the way I wanted. I do apologize for the long hold and I do hope this was worth the wait.

I don't own Sly Cooper. That honor belongs to Sanzaru

Read, Review, Enjoy!

(Sly POV)

After cleaning myself from that uncomfortable encounter with Constable Neyla, who clearly has her eyes set on me, I sat down at the table in the main room so Bentley could explain the plan to us.

"Alright boys, we are ready for the next phase. My plan to get at the Clockwerk Wings requires the use of the electronic winch above the ballroom. To get control of the device, I'll need to hack the computers in Rajan's board room. Plus, we'll need an extra strong sawblade to cut the wings off the statue. To make a sawblade that durable, I'll need Sly to steal the jewels off the headdresses of Rajan's prized elephants. And finally, I'll take to the field with my remote-control helicopter and nullify Rajan's surface to air defenses. That should clear things up for the heist." Bentley instructed. We all nodded and got down to business.

"Ok so who goes first?" I asked.

"Seeing as you have 2 jobs Sly, you better go first. I need to make sure my helicopter is ready for my part." Bentley said. I nodded and headed out. Using my binocucom, I saw that one job started in the center of the Palace grounds and the other started on the side of the palace. Choosing the closest one, I made my way to the stables holding the prized elephants. Once I got there and before I could take another step, Bentley called.

"Sly, we need to find a way to get Rajan's prized elephants out of their pen." I took a closer look at the door and saw that it looked real thick and was locked. Thinking, I looked down at the floor and saw a hole under the steps.

"The door looks pretty heavy. Maybe I can crawl under the steps and find an alternate route." I suggested before hanging up. Just like I hoped, the hole led under the stable. However, I didn't know how I was going to get the elephants out. An elephant was stomping around above, causing dust to fall on me and some hit my nose.

"Ah ah…AHCHOO!" I sneezed, scaring some rats nearby. They scurried up above the floor and before long, I heard trumpeting and stomping elephants above me before a loud crash rang in the air.

"Those rats you just scared with your sneeze, just went up and freaked out the prized elephants! They're outside rampaging around the palace right now! Gesundheit, by the way." Bentley exclaimed.

"Great, I'm headed outside now, and thanks." I said while rubbing my nose. I then turned around and crawled back out, where I was welcomed by a freaked-out elephant looking around.

"Wow, he sure looks spooked." I commented.

"A job well done, Sly. Now comes the hard part: I need you to snatch the headdress jewels worn by both elephants. The jewels are firmly embedded, so keep whacking to knock one loose." Bentley instructed. I had to think a little bit for this one.

"I'll need to use the rooftops to get onto the elephants' backs, but it shouldn't be a problem." I said before I got to work. By climbing onto the roof, I was able to land on one elephant's back and whacked a gem loose. The elephant must've felt me because he trumpeted and bucked me off. The elephant started to move faster so I had to catch up with it. Once I landed on its' back, it started swatting at me with its' trunk.

"WHOA!" I exclaimed as I jumped to avoid getting swatted off. Unfortunately, I didn't jump fast enough, so I was hit with the trunk was smacked off the back of the elephant.

"Ok, that one hurt" I groaned out as I picked myself back up and jumped back onto the back of the elephant. I was more focused now and kept on jumping to avoid the trunk and got another jewel off. Once again, I was bucked off and the elephant was moving even faster.

"I thought elephants were scared of mice, not raccoons!" I exclaimed as I made it and got the last jewel off. Suddenly the elephant changed direction and was headed under a bridge. The space was too narrow for the platform to fit through, so I jumped off and the platform was destroyed as the elephant disappeared.

"You got all the jewels off of that elephant, now focus on the other" Bentley exclaimed. I had to improvise with this elephant. It seems to be faster and avoid the rooftops and cross over bridges. Luckily the baskets on the ground were bouncy so I was able to use them to bounce up to the elephants back a few times to get the jewels off the headdress. In no time, I was able to snatch all the jewels before the guard rounded both elephants up and got them back into their pen. I smirked as the meathead didn't even notice the jewels were missing.

"Great job, Sly. With these jewels, I'll be able to make an ultra-strong sawblade for the heist! Now head over to the side of the palace for your next job." Bentley instructed. I made my way across the wall and past the fire pit to a bridge on the side of the palace that led to a drain. Crawling inside, I made it to a large room with tables all over.

"Murray's rotund features prevent him from fitting through the drainpipe, so we'll need you to unlock the vault room from the inside. Regina contacted me and told me that the guards keep the code to the vault room underneath one of their break tables. She also managed to get ahold of the code to the vault in the room. I'll bet there's another set of instructions in there. Either way, once you get in, turn off the lockdown switch so Murray and I can get in." Bentley instructed. I had to take out the guards, then crawl under each table before I found the code.

"Got it Bentley, and I see the vault. Send the code to me." I said as I entered the code, shutting down the laser door.

"Here ya go, pal." He said before I saw the code through my thief mask. The vault open and I read instructions for a rage smack attack.

"Cool, I can use this move to get guards to attack each other and get them off my back! Just got to make sure they don't see me." I said as I threw the switch.

"Sly, we're in. Get up here!" I heard Bentley call out to me. I jumped up to the landing above and ran towards Bentley and Murray.

(Murray POV)

"Thanks for breaking us in, pal. 'The Murray' approves." I said as Sly got to us.

"Let's get down to brass tacks. I need to hack both vault computers to gain access to the electronic winch above the ballroom." Bentley instructed. I scratched my head in confusion.

"So what are me and Sly here for?" I asked.

"Once I get into the system, the guards will be onto us. I need you and Sly to keep those goons off my back!" Bentley exclaimed.

"You and me pal, side by side." Sly smirked in confidence at me.

"'The Murray' knows no fear" I declared. Bentley was right. Just as soon as he touched the computer, the guards came running.

"Let's do it, pal!" Sly shouted. While Sly moved forward, I stayed close to Bentley to protect him from anyone who got past Sly. Bentley kept us updated with the number of barriers he had to hack while moving in between computers. Just as soon as I pummeled one guard, another snuck from behind me and torched Bentley

"YEEEEEOOOW!" Bentley screamed.

"HEY YOU CHUMP! NOBODY TORCHES MY BUDDY!" I growled out before tossing him into the fireplace as payback.

"You ok, Bentley?" I asked as I kept the guards away from him.

"I'm fine. My shell took most of the heat but that still hurt!" Bentley cried out before getting back to work. Sly stayed closer to me this time and we worked together to take out the last of the guards before Bentley exclaimed in victory.

"I'M UNSTOPPABLE! I've got control of the winch. Thanks for the backup, guys."

"No problem, me and the big guy had it covered." Sly said and I nodded.

"Let's get out of here. You two head back to the hideout. I'm ready to do my part. I'll meet you guys there when I'm done." Bentley said, before we left and split up.

(Bentley POV)

Now that the winch was under my control, I just had to take out Rajan's surface to air defenses, which is a jeep that can shoot missiles to take down aerial threats. If I didn't take it out now, then it would hinder the plan I've cooked up for the heist. I made my way over to the guest house and climbed onto the roof and started prepping my remote-control chopper. Then Sly called.

"I'm in position with the RC-Chopper, all systems are go to neutralize Rajan's surface to air defenses. We're going to need clear skies for the heist." I explained to Sly.

"Well, be careful. Chopper parts are not cheap." Sly warned, just as the jeep drove into view, making its' rounds.

"Target sighted!" I said before launching my chopper. I had to drop bombs on the jeep while avoiding the missiles being shot at me.

"Take that!" I shouted as my bombs landed. I got a little overexcited and didn't see the missiles headed my way before it was too late and got hit.

"DRACK! ANGUISH!" I shouted out before concentrating on the job again. That jeep was fast, but not fast enough to beat me. After dodging tons of missiles, the jeep exploded to pieces.

"Nice flying partner! That jeep's out of commission and we'll have clear skies for the heist." Sly complimented. I landed the chopper near me so I can grab it and made my way back to the hideout where Murray and Sly sat waiting on me. I pulled out my computer and began my PowerPoint for Operation: Hippo Drop.

(Sly POV)

"Ok, synchronize your watches, this heist is going to take extreme precision. Here's the plan: I'll start things off by demolishing the palace's main bridge. That should cut off security from the guest house and hopefully distract the guards protecting the Clockwerk Wings. Sly and Regina will finally have their dance to distract the undercover cops and Rajan, while Murray lowers into the ballroom and uses the sawblade I made to cut off the wings from the statue and winch back up for an exit. I will use my RC-Chopper to provide cover while Murray carries the wings to the van. Once he's past the drawbridge, we're home free. Sly, while I'm working on the bridge, this will be your chance to get your 1-1 time with Regina. While you're with her, you need to try and convince her to join us. We'll be able to protect her from the Klaww Gang better if she stays with us." Bentley instructed. I nodded and got changed into my tuxedo, grabbed the earpiece Regina gave me and headed out.

"Regina, you there?" I asked.

"I'm here, Ringtail."

"It's time to make a move for the wings, but first we need to talk. Meet me outside on the balcony." I told her. I heard her sigh softly before she answered.

"I'll see you there." She said before she hung up. I got a little worried. She sounded nervous. I wonder what's wrong. Shaking my head, I made it to the palace and there she was standing under the moonlight looking like an angel.

"Did I tell you how breathtaking you look in that dress?" I asked as I approached her. She chuckled a little and turned towards me.

"Not recently but thank you. And you look very handsome in my father's tux. The color really brings out your eyes." She complimented as she brushed the front of the tux, causing my eyes to widen.

"This was your father's tux? If I had known, I wouldn't have taken it. I'll give it back to you, I promise, I…" I rambled before she put 2 fingers on my lips to shut me up.

"It's fine, Sly. You needed a tux and I had one for you. I wouldn't have told Bentley if I didn't want you to use it." She said. Causing me to smile, pulled her fingers away and kissed her hand. We then turned facing away from the palace and looked out into the distance with my arm around her waist.

"I know you have some questions for me." She said after a moment of silence. I sighed and scratched the back of my head.

"So what made you become a cop?" I asked.

"After the Fiendish 5 wiped out our families, I had no idea who I was. I don't know how to explain it, but that thieving instinct was still there, just clawing to the surface in my mind. When I was a teen, I began stealing from bullies and criminals. One day, Carmelita caught me. She was just starting out within Interpol and had a high reputation. She made a deal with me: If I joined her in Interpol and stopped stealing, she wouldn't throw me in jail. I took the deal and worked my way up in Interpol. And so, I became Captain Regina Fox. Carmelita may be my sister, but she's clearly ashamed of my past and that's why she's trying to keep me restricted, so no one knows she's related to a criminal. She's keeping my identity hidden. And when I got my memories back, I started resenting her. She changed me into something I not and it's making me feel like a prisoner in my own skin." She finished with a growl before taking a deep breath to calm herself. I took her in my arms and combed my fingers through her hair, making her purr in contentment.

"You shouldn't be concealing who you are, Regina. Listen, come with me and the gang. You can drop the pretense and be who you are. And we can be who we were meant to be: The Ultimate Thieving Couple." I offered.

"I can't Sly. Carmelita may be doing wrong by me, but she's still my sister. The only family I have left. Plus, if I do, she'll use me to get to you. Plus, I need Interpol's resources to get at the Klaww Gang, and you need someone you can trust on the inside." She concluded. I sighed; she made a valid point.

"Just promise me you'll be careful. While staking out the ballroom, I saw Rajan, Jean Bison, and Arpeggio pay close attention to you. I'm afraid they know who you are and what you can do." I warned her. She nodded and then snuggled into my chest.

"I've really missed you, Sly." She purred out. I smiled softly at her before bringing her soft lips to mine. She continued to purr as our tails intertwined. We were so lost in each other that we didn't see a flash of light and a purple tigress walking away with an evil smirk. Nothing could've ruined this moment, well except for my annoying best friend. A loud explosion caused us to jump apart as we saw the bridge to the Guesthouse collapse.

"Sly, I've just blown up the bridge. You better make your way inside with Regina. Murray should be in position by now. And next time, PLEASE put yourself on mute!" He exclaimed, causing a cute giggle to fall from Regina's mouth and a lovely red blush to appear on her cheeks.

"Sorry pal. I'll ring in with Murray and get ready for phase 2." I said. I then hung up and then offered my arm to Regina like the gentleman she deserves.

"Shall we, Ms. Vulpez" I asked.

"We shall, Mr. Cooper" She purred out taking my elbow and I escorted her to the ballroom only to see Rajan ordering the guards.

"What?! The bridge is out? Take all the manpower you need and look into it!" He growled out before returning to his throne. We smirked at each other before I called Murray.

"You in position, Murray?"

"Check and tell Regina I said hi and that she looks great." Murray said. I whispered it back to her in her ear and she whispered back.

"She says hi back and thank you. Anyway, it looks like Bentley's little distraction did the trick. Initiate phase 2: Regina and I will keep Rajan, Carmelita and the crowd distracted while you handle the heavy lifting." I said before escorting her over to the center of the ballroom.

"Wait here" I told her before going over to the band and requested the perfect song for us. The leader nodded and then they began to play. As soon as the music began, the lights turned down and I started walking towards Regina with a come-hither smile and curled my finger at her, telling her to come here. She smiled and began walking towards me, synchronized with the music and we began the most beautiful dance in existence. It was like we practiced it for years.

I found a love for me
Oh darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine

This moment was so perfect, and I couldn't help myself as she spun out and I pulled into my arms, and spun her around. She squealed and then smiled at me as I put her down to continue our waltz. Smoke covered the ground and it looked like we were dancing on clouds in the night sky. Our eyes were locked on each other and not once did they leave the other.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

Once the 2nd chorus began, I pulled her close and sung the lyrics to her. I felt her tremble in my arms, but an intense wave of love washed over me like a flood as I continued to waltz her around the room, singing to her how I felt and made sure she knew just how much I loved her. I got a little concerned when I saw Carmelita narrow her eyes at us, well at Regina. I hope she doesn't suspect anything. As for Rajan, he was so transfixed by the passion and love displayed during our dance, that he didn't even notice Murray removing the wings off the statue and raise himself up.

We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight

As the song drew to a close, we finished it slow dancing and then me dipping Regina and brought my face so close to hers' it looked like we ended the dance with a kiss. We just stared into each other's eyes, breathing heavily that we didn't hear the loud applause. I stood her up just as Carmelita stormed up to us.

"Alright Stranger, who are you? And Regina, what in the world was that?!" She growled out. I glared at her as Regina stared to the ground sheepishly.

"Why must you ruin the moment?" I snapped at her, causing her to look in confusion between me and her sister. Regina did the same to keep up the image.

"What? I don't understand?" Regina asked as she stepped back. Suddenly Rajan stood from his chair.

"The wings! WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CLOCKWERK WINGS?!" he shouted. That queued my exit.

(Regina POV)

As soon as Rajan cried out in rage, Sly made his exit. Now it was my turn. I turned toward the statue and saw that the wings were indeed gone.

"WHAT?! HOW?! WHO COULD'VE…"? I shouted before Carmelita yanked a rose and some of my hair out. The rose had a card with it.

"What?! COOPER!" Carmelita growled out, glared at me, and stomped on the rose before pulling out her badge.

"ALRIGHT! HANDS UP! EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH RAJAN IS UNDER ARREST!" She shouted and we got to work making all the arrests as all the innocent guests left the ballroom. Once all the arrests were made, Carmelita stormed over to me and just glared at me. I avoided her gaze and just stared sadly at the pulverized rose at my feet. She grabbed my chin painfully and forced me to look into her furious brown eyes.

"You better explain things now, Regina!" She growled out. I glared back at her and smacked her paw away, causing her back away in shock. I've never hit her before, but she's never hurt me before. Ever since Russia, she's been treating me like a criminal on probation, instead of a sister.

"I've got nothing to explain. I'm in shock like you are. But that doesn't mean you can put your hands on me!" I snapped at her. She glared harder at me and snatched my badge and shock pistol out of my hands, making me gasp.

"I'm pulling you off this case! Stay out of my way! And I'm warning you, Regina Fox, if I find that you have been in league with Cooper, I will throw you in jail along with him!" She growled out before stomping away. I was frozen as angry tears fell down my face. I shook my head in shame of Carmelita's behavior and slipped away to find Sly in Bollywood.

(Sly POV)

After getting away with the Clockwerk Wings, we decided to take a break in Bollywood. I pulled some strings to get Murray on the set of an Indian Musical. We were having a great time before I felt a pang of sadness crash into my heart like a truck and I heard Bentley shout.

"Sly, look!" He exclaimed as he pointed out. I followed the direction and gasped as I saw Regina stumbling towards us. Her eyes were red and puffy, so I knew she's been crying. I rushed over to her before she collapsed in my arms and sobbed her heart out. I didn't say anything, just held her as she cried. The gang rushed over to us and Bentley tried to soothe her by rubbing her back along with me. It must've worked because before long, her breathing slowed, and I looked down and saw that she fell asleep in my arms. She still had tears running down her face, but she still looked as beautiful as ever. Bentley went over to the van and made a pallet to lay her on and we all got in. I stayed with her in the back as we all drove off with one goal: Find Rajan.

How was that for a twist?! I had this all written out before and was planning to post it, but my computer crashed, and I lost it. Glad I did though. This is better than what I had before, and I hope you enjoyed it. I must review "The Predator Awakens" before I get to writing but I'm hoping to get started on it soon. Work and life has gotten crazy. I appreciate the fact you all love my writing, but I must ask you to be patient for me. I've had some people PM me to hurry and get the next part out and that really stresses me out. Please do not PM me and please be patient. I will get to it when I have time.

The song that Sly and Regina danced to was "Perfect" By Ed Sheeran (one of my favorites).

And the dance was based on this youtube video: BAILE DE BODA ED SHEERAN - PERFECT (ACORTADO) - YouTube

Until next time,

SSF-18