Hello my fine readers. It's been quiet lately so I've had time to write up the next level. Here is Part 2 of The Predator Awakes.

I don't own Sly Cooper or any of the known game scenes or Characters, only Regina.

Read, review, enjoy!

(Sly POV)

After Bentley got back to the hideout, he quickly put together another of his presentations.

"I've got some bad news, guys. Rajan has gone into hiding somewhere in the temple. I guess the destruction of his satellite array, and my invasion of his personal space to get the blueprints spooked him. To get his portion of the Clockwerk Heart, we'll need to drive him out into the open. Given Rajan's spice-induced temper, I suggest making him angry. First, we'll destroy the center of his operation, the spice grinder. Sly, Regina contacted me and asked you to meet her by the waterfall. She said she has somethings to discuss with you. Then we'll demolish the dam above the temple in an attempt to flood him out. If that doesn't work, I've made arrangements to exchange one of the temple rubies for some high explosives. Which, if necessary, can be used to flood the whole temple grotto. If my psychological profile is accurate, Rajan should pick up his half of the Clockwerk Heart before making his escape, affectively, bringing him to us." He instructed. Excited at seeing my lady again, I rushed out to the waterfall where she stood waiting.

"Nice to see you again, sweetheart!" I said as soon as I arrived. She turned to me with a sweet smile on her face.

"Likewise Ringtail."

"I hope everything is ok with Carmelita. From what you told me, she must've taken me dancing with you to get the wings pretty hard." I said. She shook her head with a smile.

"Carmelita thinks you are using me to your advantages and no one likes their family messed with." She said. I scratched the back of my head.

"That's true. Listen Regina, how about after all this is over, you and I go out on a night on the town. We'll dance through Bollywood and eat curry all night long." I offered, imagining an actual date with the vixen I'm crazy for standing before me.

"Hmm, I'll keep that in mind. Now for the reason we are here: I've managed to find a secret entrance to half of the Clockwerk Heart. Legally, I can't enter the premises without a warrant. But now, a thief such as yourself…" She began and I finished with a smirk.

"A thief such as I, can go wherever he pleases. I read ya."

"Don't fall behind while I lead you to the entrance. This place is thick with guards and standing still too long could be lethal." She warned.

"I hear that, sweetheart." I said. She ran all over the place, shooting the guards as we came close to them and got rid of any obstacles in our way. Eventually we arrived at a wall in the temple. Regina pushed on the wall and the door opened.

"This is it! Now remember, if push comes to shove, I never showed you this entrance." She said. I smirked, hooked her with my cane and pulled her into my arms.

"And…" I asked, causing her to smile coyly at me.

"And what?"

"Don't you have something else to say? Don't make me kiss it out of you." I threatened playfully. She smirked, then pulled me into her lips. I wrapped my arms tightly around her as she claimed territory to my mouth. She purred as I stroked her tail with my claws and held on to me tightly. She pulled away, leaving me breathless.

"In case that doesn't give you the answer you wanted; I'd love to join you for a date in Bollywood!" She said with a smirk. Dang vixen knew what she was doing!

"That was more than I was asking for, but I'll take a kiss from you over a straight answer any day!" I said. She rolled her eyes with a smile before space jumping away. With a happy sigh, I made my way inside.

At the end of the tunnel, there it was, the Clockwerk Heart, surrounded by guards. I excitedly got Bentley on the phone.

"There it is, Bentley! Just like Regina said." I exclaimed. Bentley looked through the screen to get a view of the area.

"In order to lower the Clockwerk Heart, you'll need access to that control box. But, it's locked down tight." Bentley said. I looked over at the guards and my thieving senses told me they had the keys.

"Oh, I'm sure the guards won't mind if I 'borrow' their keys." I said before hanging up and getting to work. I had to wait until a guard turned to cross on to the platform but had to work quickly before he crossed into the other guard's light, but I was able to get the key. The other guard stayed in position so it was a little tricky. I used the buckets to my advantage and was able to get behind him and steal his key. With both keys in my possession, I rushed over to the control box and unlocked it. As soon as I pulled the lever, the Heart fell and exploded, killing both guards. I rushed over and grabbed the beating menace. Half of the Clockwerk Heart was finally mine!

"That's it! Half of the Clockwerk Heart. The spice won't be growing around here any time soon." Bentley exclaimed.

"Excellent. I couldn't have done it without Regina!" I said while heading out.

"Yea, most of my intel came from her. Perhaps it's time to add a 4th member to the gang?" Bentley offered.

"Music to my ears pal, but I don't want to make her choose between me and Carmelita. They may not be related but she's family to Regina." I said sadly.

"Yea, you're right." Bentley said. I made it to the water wheel where there was a ledge that led to an opening on the other side. The door led underground to a highly secured area.

"According to Rajan's blueprints, you're near the spice grinding facility. However, the passage is blocked by those laser fences." Bentley warned. I looked around and zoomed in on a TNT dispenser.

"Hmm, it looks like they're using TNT to create these catacombs. Maybe I can borrow some to destroy the fences. You're the demolition expert, how am I supposed to use that stuff?" I asked.

"Oh it's simple, just jump in, walk the barrel over to your target, jump out and get clear of the blast radius. But be careful with floor lasers, the TNT won't work on them." Bentley instructed. I nodded and jumped in the first TNT Barrel when Rajan's voice came on the intercom.

"Attention guards make sure all laser fences are operational to protect the Spice Grinder." He ordered. I smirked at what I'm doing. He's going to get so mad when that grinder is destroyed. I had to walk a few barrels over to multiple laser fences and avoid the spotlights, but I eventually made it to the platform leading to the Spice Grinder.

"I'm within visual range of the Spice Grinder, what's next?" I asked Bentley.

"Rajan won't come out of hiding while spice is being manufactured. If we destroy the grinder, he'll be out of business, and will have no reason to stick around the temple."

"Great, we do the world a favor and Rajan is forced out into the open." I said.

"Start by getting of that TNT down there. It's worth mentioning that the guards won't see you if you stay still inside the barrel." Bentley instructed.

"Nice, an explosive disguise."

"Place the explosives near the grinding wheel and it will be blown to bits" Bentley said.

I hung up and decided to take out the guards first. With them out of the way, jumped in a barrel and made my way up the ramp. The tricky part was avoiding getting spotted by the spotlights. It was difficult but I was able to get the barrel over to the spice grinder and as soon as I jumped out, the barrel exploded and the Spice Grinder was in shambles.

"What's going on down there? Spice production has fallen behind. Wait… IT'S COMPLETELY STOPPED!" Rajan screeched in rage. Oh boy, sounds like Rajan is really fuming. I made my way back out to the temple grounds. Looks like all I have left to do is release a jewel from the temple so we can make the trade Bentley was talking about.

Getting up there was a challenge. I had to climb up the tilting tower and slide and climb on multiple vines to reach the gem.

"We've been contracted to acquire that large ruby for a local crime ring. In exchange for the goods, they've agreed to set us up with a Cherry Bomb 500 for the heist." Bentley instructed, causing my eyes to widen.

"A Cherry Bomb 500?! That's a lot of kick!"

"Trust me, we'll need it. You'll need to whack that ruby with your cane a few times to get it loose."

"I'm on it." Sure enough, the Ruby came loose and fell to the front door of the temple.

"Great Sly. I'll call Murray so he can take the ruby. You should go get some rest at the safe house." I nodded before heading back while Murray and Bentley made the exchange.

(Murray POV)

Now that Sly knocked the Ruby loose, it was my turn to get the ruby to the buyer. As soon as I approached the ruby, Sly called from the safe house.

"Murray, use your stomp attack to pick up the Ruby. Despite it's size, that rock is really fragile. Bentley will go along and plant cushions along the way. Use them or this job is a bust. Now head out to our rendezvous near the waterfall." He instructed. I nodded and then stomped to pick up the ruby. There were some obstacles in my way so Bentley inflated cushions so I could throw the ruby on there and get over the obstacles. Some of the guards came poking around so after I put the ruby down, I put my fists to work. In no time, I threw the ruby onto a cushion near the waterfall, where a cloaked figure jumped down and grabbed the ruby. Must've been the buyer.

"This ruby is near flawless! I'll recommend to my superiors that we purchase it. Take it to our buyer and complete the contract." He/she instructed before jumping out of sight.

I picked up the Ruby again and followed Bentley. There were more guards along the way this time so I had to protect the ruby. It was a little tricky but I managed to get the ruby around the wall to the buyer. He picked up the ruby and examined it.

"I must say, the Cooper Gang certainly lives up to it's reputation. This is a true Indian Treasure. We will honor the bargain by providing a Cherry Bomb 500 at the time the turtle requested." He said while stashing the ruby away in his cloak before slipping away.

"That should do it. You head back and get some rest. I'll do my part then be back later with the next plan." Bentley said. Come to think of it, I was a little tired. Yawning, I headed back to the safe house for a quick power nap.

(Bentley POV)

Now that we've got the Cherry Bomb 500, I can now destroy the dam. Since tigers hate water, if destroy the dam, the temple will be filled with the runoff. I headed over to the delivery truck and stole the helicopter Rajan ordered for aerial defense. It was an auto pilot attack chopper so all I had to do was jump in and use the gun and the chopper would handle the steering. As soon as I fired it up, Rajan's voice rang throughout the temple.

"ALL FORCES DEFEND THE TEMPLE DAM! A BALE OF SPICE TO THE GUNSHIP THAT BRINGS DOWN THE AGRESSOR!" He ordered while offering a spice reward.

"Stay sharp pal, you're about to come under attack!" Sly warned. While firing at the dam, I also had to take down all the copters that shot at me and shoot the missiles they fire at me. If a chopper got close enough, they constantly fire at me. So I had to make sure to take them out before firing at the dam. It was really dicey but I managed to get the job done. Success rang in my ear as I saw the dam crumble.

"Nice shooting Bentley, hope Rajan knows how to swim." Sly exclaimed as the grotto flooded slowly. Sadly it wasn't enough. Suddenly, I heard a crash above me.

"Whoa! A piece of the dam struck the chopper! It's going down!" I shouted as the chopper crashed into a spire and I fell out.

"OOH! OOW! AH! OOF! OOOH!" I groaned out as I reached the ground. Collecting myself, I made it back to the safehouse already with the plan thought out.

(Sly POV)

Bentley limped back into the safe house. I was worried about that crash I heard earlier but he brushed it off saying he was ok and began his presentation.

"Partial flooding didn't work, so it's time to go the distance: Blowing up the temple's elephant mouth should turn the grotto into a swimming hole. I'll cover Murray from the air while he pries open the mouth. After he's opened it, Sly will make his way with the Cherry Bomb 500 into the throat, then get to high ground as fast as you can. Rajan is sure to show up and be extra angry. Jump him, snag the Clockwerk Heart, and we're out of here!" Bentley instructed. We all nodded and then headed out.

(Murray POV)

My part was first. I had to meet up with Bentley, so I made my way to the tower where he waited for me.

"Alright, I'll set up shop and provide covering fire, while you try to pry open the Elephant's mouth for Sly." Bentley instructed while climbing up to the chopper he used before.

"Check!" I said before I made my way across the grounds to the mouth lever. It was really heavy so it took a lot of my strength. Thankfully for Bentley covering me so I didn't get blown up by the bombs Rajan was dropping on me, I was able to get the mouth open quickly.

(Bentley POV)

As soon as Murray began to open the mouth my eyes shot to the skies.

"GADZOOKS! Rajan is raining down a bunch of hunter seeker bombs on Murray! I need to shoot them all and not let one hit him or he won't be able to get the mouth open. The bombs were coming from everywhere. There were some close calls where the bomb landed on the ground and started rolling towards Murray, but I got them all before they could blow him up.

"That's the last of them. How are you coming with that mouth, Murray?"

"I'M WORKING ON IT!"

(Sly POV)

Murray gave me the all clear after he was able to open the mouth. My destination was on the other side of the grotto and I only had one Cherry Bomb 500. So I had to be real careful and take the long way around undetected. I stayed still when a flashlight shined on me or when I sensed a guard was nearby. After getting a little lost here and there, I finally made it to the mouth. I walked the barrel to the back of the throat, jumped out and Murray and I scrammed out of there as the TNT exploded, causing the elephant to burst and the grotto flooded quickly. Rajan made his way out of his hiding spot with the Clockwerk Heart, froze in shock and jumped to the top of the temple. He was shaking in rage as he growled out.

"BLACK CLOUDS AND THUNDERBOLTS! My Spice Temple, RUINED! I WILL NO LONGER HIDE WHILE YOU VILLAINS DESTROY MY HARD WON EMPIRE! THIS PLACE IS MINE! HERE I AM KING! COME FACE ME COOPER! WITH CLOCKWERK'S BLACK HEART I WILL SHOW YOU TRUE POWER! YOU ARE NOTHING! COME FACE THE MIGHTY LORD RAJAN, LORD OF THESE HILLS!" He growled out.

"Man, when we try to tick someone off, we really get the job done." I said. Suddenly a gorgeous blue-eyed vixen landed in front of me. Alongside her, was Constable Neyla.

"You do seem to have a knack for it, Ringtail." Regina said crossing her arms.

"Captain Fox and Constable Neyla, slumming it with the thieves again?" I asked sarcastically.

"That man is an illegal spice trader, he should be brought to justice!" Neyla snapped while pointing at the angry tiger.

"All I'm after is the Clockwerk part. You two help me take him down, then the bust is yours."

"We'll lead you up there and we'll all attack at the same time. Don't fall behind and be careful Sly. That heart is very powerful." Regina ordered as she and Neyla jumped up there and started spire jumping towards Rajan. I quickly followed them and saw that Regina was landing on points while avoiding Rajan's attack. He was using the heart to harness lightning and firing it at the girls. Following them, I had to avoid the attacks but landed beside Regina.

"NEYLA, NOW!" I shouted. Except she just smirked and did nothing, causing Regina to gasp.

"Sorry!" She said before running off.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" I said.

"SLY NOOOOOO!" Regina shouted and pushed her way in front of me. Suddenly, Rajan used his attack on us and struck the both of us to the bottom of the grotto. Unfortunately, it looked like Regina took the worst of it.

(Murray POV)

I froze in fear as Sly and Regina got struck by lightning and landed in the grotto.

"SLY, REGINA! I'M COMING BUDDY!" I called out before jumping down to rescue my friends. It looked like Sly was ok, but he was holding an unconscious Regina in his arms. Before I could rush over there, an electric fence turned on and I was blocked by Rajan.

"This is it? This is the Cooper Gang I've heard so much about and feared these long hours?" He asked. I growled and clenched my fists tightly.

"The Murray will renew your fear!" I shouted.

"Who is "The Murray"? All I see is a fat, pathetic, WEAKLING!" He taunted. Now that got me mad!

"I may be big, and not as smart as the others. But one thing I'm not, is WEAK!" I growled out before going to battle. He used his staff to swat at me and then smash down on the water. I had to avoid him while punching him. After a while I managed to punch him into the fence, shocking him. He then jumped on a lily pad and used the Clockwerk Heart to electrify the water. I had to stay on a pad and out of the water when that happened.

"DEFEND YOUR LORD" Rajan ordered. Suddenly many of his puny guards joined the fight. I had to fight them off at the same time as avoiding Rajan's attacks. In a little time, I finally managed to knock Rajan unconscious. I snagged the Clockwerk Heart and stuffed it in my shirt. The electric fence shut down and I finally ran over to Sly and Regina who finally started to regain consciousness.

"You ok, buddy?" I asked. He nodded.

"I'm fine, thanks to this angel." He said. I help him stand Regina up as she held her head in pain and leaned up against Sly for support. Suddenly I heard a voice which unknowingly was our temporary doom.

"Happy Day"

(Neyla POV)

Now was the time to act. When I escaped Rajan and abandoned Cooper, I called the Contessa and Carmelita so we could ambush the gang. As we arrived, I smirked when I saw the hippo, Regina and Cooper in the pit with nowhere to go.

"Happy Day!" I cried out in fake joy.

"What, Neyla?! Throw down a ladder, Regina is hurt real bad. CAN YOU HEAR ME? I SAID REGINA'S HURT!" Murray cried out. I smirked even more when I saw Regina holding her head in pain and leaning up against Cooper for support. Contessa and Carmelita arrived behind me, right on time. Carmelita gasped and then started growling and glaring down at her own sister.

"There they are Contessa! Rajan and the Cooper Gang all incapacitated, just like I promised." I gloated. The Contessa gleamed at me with pride.

"Excellent police work, Constable Neyla. Captain Fox never managed to capture the Cooper gang, yet you managed to capture them in a few short weeks." She complimented me. Regina glared the best she could up at me, with her condition, it wasn't very good.

"Well I never…" She growled out.

"Please, accept your defeat with dignity Captain" Contessa interrupted. Now was my chance.

"Actually Contessa, there's a reason as to why Regina never captured Sly Cooper. She's been in league with him THE WHOLE TIME!" I finished with a smirk. Carmelita then turned her glare to me.

"LIAR! PROVE IT!" She demanded. Looks like I'll have to pull out the big guns.

"This here is a photo of Regina dancing with Cooper on the night the Clockwerk Wings were stolen." I said showing off one of my many pictures.

"But she didn't know she was dancing with Cooper! She told me herself!" She snapped in outrage. I swear, she is so stubborn. I then walked over to her and shoved all of my evidence into her chest.

"What about these then?" I said with a smirk. I knew that she was looking at all the times I caught Regina and Cooper together. Her eyes widened as the photos fell to her feet. She then slowly turned towards the captured criminals.

"Regina, tell me this isn't true." She shakily requested. When Regina didn't answer, her fear turned to rage.

"TELL ME REGINA!" She shouted. Regina only closed her eyes and bowed her head in defeat. Carmelita shook her head in disgust and stormed away.

"I suppose this answers all the questions. Men, place Captain Fox under arrest!" The Contessa ordered. The guards grabbed the Hippo, Cooper and Regina out of the hole and chained them up. Regina growled before trying to charge at me with the guards holding her back.

"I'LL GET YOU NEYLA! DON'T THINK I WON'T!" She snapped, causing me to chuckle.

"It's sad when a cop falls from the light." The Contessa said with fake sympathy.

"Yes, indeed." I said as the Cooper Gang and Regina were escorted away to prison.

(Bentley POV)

I froze in my hiding spot as my friends were led away.

I can't believe it! That double-crossing, cockney LIAR!" I cried out.

Though statistically improbable, I had to face the facts. Neyla had betrayed us, my teammates were captured, and I was all alone. While intellectually inferior, Sly and Murray have always been a rich source of sociological interest. The long walk out of the jungle gave me time to reflect. And with each passing step, my sense of isolation grew. Shockingly, my comrades' absence had an emotional effect on me. This was it, this was the real test of friendship. Upon reaching the van, my resolve was hardened. I had to save my friends and Regina. But first things first, I had to learn how to drive a stick shift. That was a challenge, but after some hands-on self-training it was a cinch. Now it was up to me to rescue my friends wherever they are.

There you have it! The Predator Awakes is now complete. It's starting to get real dicey with work so I might not be able to write for some time. All I ask is that you be patient with me and I'll get it out as fast as I can.

Til Next Time.

SSF18