Chapter 2

Was it all a dream...? It seemed so real as Mayura woke, the remembrance of what had happened in her dream stayed vividly in her mind. Only one thing was wrong as she stepped out of the room, it wasn't a dream. Sly, Bently(which she learned was a turtle), and Murray(which she learned was a Hippo) all sat talking and laughing—not mentioning that they were outside an intimidating wall that guarded a lavish city within.

" Oh my gosh..." Mouthed the wolf, elephants with guards sitting safely inside little huts atop them, stood watch over the outside. The sky shown signs of sunset, clouds of purple and pink...ready to cover the fortress like city with night." How long was I asleep?"

Sly could make out the astonishment in her voice," About a day or two."

Heat flooded her face," Oh my...w-where exactly are we? It looks so beautiful here."

" India, we're looking for a wealthy spice merchant named Rajan, he's the self made man of the Klaww Gang. If I'm right, he should be holding a ball of sorts to show off the Clockwerk Wings."

Mayura listened as Bently went on, informing Sly and Murray about the mission at hand. Apparently Clockwerk was the Cooper Family's sworn enemy, Sly explained with great detail how he defeated his foe two years ago. Not thinking the great mechanical menace might raise again but thanks to the Klaww Gang the threat was made real.

" By the way," Began the raccoon getting up and walking over to the far side of the cave." I went scouting for you. Found a really good weapon of choice for you—there were no wooden swords but I did manage to find a sturdy rod."

As he tossed it the silver eared wolf caught and studied it, it was a fine quality golden rod, with unique characters etched into it." It's beautiful, did you get it from inside the city?"

" I did, thought you might like something to fight out with incase you needed to."

Eyes a light with gratefulness she nodded," Thank you so much, Sly. You to Bently, Murray. When are we going into the city? I'd like to attend the ball, I've never—"

" We can't just walk straight into the city or else we'd get caught, we're here to steal the Clockwerk—"

Sly held up his hand," It's one of my missions...to get inside, Mayura shouldn't be left out. She can stay there and have a good time, it's the least we could do."

" R-really?" Mayura cried, clasping her hands infront of her chest." I can really go? Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!" With a squeal of utter joy she hugged Sly, Bently, then Murray." I'm so excited!"

When the mission involving the ball finally came Sly appeared at the entrance of the cave with a crafty, yet dashing smile." The Ball awaits you Ms. Mayura."

Taking the hand he offered she smiled brightly and waved to the others, while she and Sly were inside they had their own missions to carry out. Grabbing her about the waist he stealthily made his way across the bridge(which they had lowered), across the roof tops, and landed near the entrance. With a few soft knocks on the large door someone opened a small window, allowing enough room to see whoever it was.

" We're here for the party," Sly said, gesturing at Mayura." We're not too late I hope."

" Tuxedo and dress only," The guard said before shutting the window.

Mayura looked at Sly who was talking to Bently, discussing their new plans, after he finished the raccoon had a smile equally as crafty as when they'd left the hideout." The guest room should have an extra tuxedo for me and something proper for you to wear, as well."

She didn't even need to answer, he saw her reply in her eyes," Where is the guest room?"

" Hang on tight and we'll find out soon enough."

Doing as he instructed the wolf smiled, feeling oddly protected by her thief raccoon. Sure she didn't know him too long but she was strangely attracted to him, he was mysterious and agile. Sly was doing everything he could for her, as were his buddies. The trip across the rooftops led them to the Guest Rooms, they were just as elegant as the outside, Mayura was positive the inside of the palace had to be even more magnificent.

following after the thief she found herself witnessing his skills in battle were just as swift as he were agile. It was amazing and in no time a dress was found for her(after finding one a bit big), and after searching all the rooms all the pieces for Sly's tuxedo were also found.

In separate dressing rooms, of course, they both changed and meet eachother in the hallway. Sly looked so charming in his tuxedo, so much so she felt her face heat up. The dress they'd found was of blue, the color of the ocean—like her eyes. It came a little above her knees, which went well with the boots she had been wearing, that she refused to switch for any pair of high heeled shoes.

" You left your hair down," murmured Sly, holding out his hand so that she could take it." I'm glad, you look breath-takingly stunning."

" Thank you," Smiled Mayura her eyes sparkling." And you're quite handsome, Mr. Cooper."

They arrived back at the entrance with even higher hopes, the man from before peeked out the small opening. Sly politely nodded," We're properly dressed and awaiting entrance into the party."

The guard grunted but opened the door regardless, once inside Sly politely excused himself, he did have a mission to get done. Now that she recalled it had something to do with Constable Neyla and Inspector Carmelita Fox. She wouldn't let it get her down though, she was here and ready to enjoy the evening at such a lavish palace.

Uwaai! Chapter 2 is already over! Who do you think Mayura is going to end up with, I bet you're hoping it's Sly Cooper! I guess you'll just have to wait and find out, neh? If you've stuck around this long I'm so grateful to you! Stay tuned for Chapter 3 is next! YAAAAY!

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