"I need you to put a good face on this whole project," the turtle said. "You have the uncanny ability of explaining complex concepts to the moron- I mean our investors."
"You've really got to get over your elitist attitude, Bentley," the swan said. "Just because you've got a high IQ doesn't make you better than the average person."
"First Sly, now you. Everyone wants to lecture me," Bentley complained. "Don't I have the right to be proud of my superior intellect?"
"Why yes you do," said Oliver. "All I'm saying is tone it down a little."
"Whatever," Bentley said. "We should be able to take this baby a full decade into the past. You've done some good work, friend." He set down his wrench and closed the cover of the machine.
"Why thank you."
"We'll be able to go back 10,000 years in no time!" Bentley said.
Sly Cooper was hiding behind a massive statue in an ornate mansion just outside of his friend Bentley's hometown. He had heard rumors that the archvillain Arpeggio had somehow survived his encounter with Clock-La, but he didn't believe it-until now, that is. He was listening in on the bird's discussions with his associates. Apparently he had plans to steal his friends time machine, even though the device wasn't finished yet.
"I shall steal that accursed turtle's time machine, go back and make sure that my original master plan goes off without any interference for that Neyla or the troublesome raccoon and his friends" Arpeggio said to one of his minions, a rhino.
"I see," said his associate. "The machine only goes back five years, yet that's plenty of time to make up for your mistake."
"Yes," the bird said. "Now, let us head to my planning room and go over the security blueprints for the laboratory. Tomorrow shall be a day of victory!"
Sly had to do something to stop this plan, but what? Carmelita was along for the trip, as the two of them were doing a routine arrest in the area, so he couldn't contact Bentley without blowing his whole "amnesia" cover. Time was pretty short, so he had to figure out something. A guard had noticed him hiding behind the statue, but he was able to quickly dash out an open window without being noticed.
Todd and Penelope had arrived at a small, quiet, charming cafe downtown. Todd got out of the car and opened the door for Penelope. He then took her hand and led her toward the restaurant.
"You're such a gentleman," Penelope said. "Has anyone ever told you that?"
"Why, no," said Todd. "In fact, most people avoid me."
"What?" she said. "But you're so nice and friendly."
They entered the restaurant and were seated by the hostess. They both ordered and then awaited for their food to arrive. "So, nobody around here likes you?" Penelope asked.
"Not really," said Todd. "I'm not sure why."
"I haven't been able to make many friends since I moved here," said Penelope. "But I'm glad I met you."
Todd smiled. "I'm glad I met you too."
Their food was soon brought and they both began to eat.
"This is such a nice place," said Penelope.
"Why thanks," Todd said. "I knew you would like it." He took a drink from his glass.
"So, Penelope," he then said. "I've been wondering, how did you manage to convince the entire aviation community that you were a middle-aged British man?"
"Nobody's really asked me before," said Penelope. "I took a few acting classes at the local community college."
"And that was enough to fool everyone?"
"Apparently," the mouse said. They continued eating.
"You know," Todd said. "You should consider going into movies. You've certainly got the looks for it." He gently stroked her cheek.
She blushed slightly. "You're so sweet..." She reached across the table and kissed his beak.
"I love you so much," the turtle said, finishing off his meal.
Her eyes widened with surprise. "But we just met. You hardly know me..."
"But you're the nicest, sweetest and prettiest girl I've ever met," Todd said. "And the only person in this town who doesn't hate me."
"I really like you too, Todd," she said. "You're so kind and so caring. I think we should see each other more."
"Really?" he asked, looking at the check.
"Yes" Penelope finished up her food as well.
"Penelope," Todd said. "Would you like to spend the night with me? I'm all alone at that little house of mine..."
"Uhh..." she said. This was all happening so fast. And if Bentley ever found out... Oh well. Spending the night at Todd's would be much better than spending another night alone sleeping on the couch at the apartment. "Sure, Todd. I'd love to spend the night at your house."
"Thank you." He smiled and got up. Penelope got up as well. He took her paw and they walked to the counter together to pay. He quickly paid and the two walked out hand in hand. He politely opened his car door for her and she got in. He climbed in himself and they headed back to his house.
"It seems there is one fatal flaw in Mr. Bentley's security system," Arpeggio said as he and his associates looked over a blueprint spread out in his office. "It seems he has placed security lasers throughout his facility, except over this one vent." He pointed to a spot on the blueprint. "This vent leads directly into his laboratory and is right next to the time machine! I'll just climb up onto the roof, drop down through the vent, enter the time machine, and victory shall be mine!"
"What do you need us for, then?" one of his thugs asked.
"You will distract the turtle and his assistant long enough for me to enter the machine," said the villain.
"Oh."
"Well, what if that Cooper shows up?" another one of his gang said.
"That's highly unlikely," the bird said. "He has started a whole new life, and he thinks I'm long since dead and gone. But if he does show up, you should be able to take care of him. Now, it's getting late, gentlemen. We will meet back up here bright and early tomorrow morning. Good evening." He and his associates exited the room.
Unbeknownst to Arpeggio and his crew, Sly had planted a microphone on one of his guys before leaving and had heard every word he had said. It seemed there was an opening in Bentley's security system, but how was he going to correct it? It looked like he was going to require the help of an old friend...
"What are you doing, Cooper?" Carmelita said, entering the room. "We've got a suspect to grab!"
"OK... Sorry..." He quickly hid his listening equipment and then left with Fox.
Todd and Penelope had arrived back at Todd's house. Penelope couldn't believe that the two had spent the entire day together. He unlocked the door, turned on the lights and they stepped into the house. "I've really enjoyed our day together," Penelope said.
"Me too," said Todd. He then yawned. "I'm so tired..."
"We better get to sleep then," she said.
"OK," the turtle said. "You can sleep out here on the sofa bed ... or in my room with me."
"I think I'll sleep in with you," she said. "I know that turtles can get awfully cold at night."
"You want to keep me warm tonight?" Todd asked. "That's so thoughtful."
Penelope smiled and took his paw and together they walked into his bedroom. He turned on the light as they stepped inside. Todd's bed was large and comfortable looking. Penelope sat down at the foot of the bed. Todd slipped his shoes off and set them aside.
Penelope sat and watched as Todd undressed. He was such an attractive young creature, and so nice and polite, yet it seemed a little wrong to be abandoning Bentley for him. Oh well, it served Bentley right. If all he cared about was that machine, then perhaps he deserved to be alone.
Todd then removed his glasses, giving her a better look at his warm, friendly yellow eyes. He set them on the night stand and climbed under the covers. Penelope then slipped out of her clothing and got into bed next to Todd, holding him close. "Good night, Penelope," he said, smiling.
"Good night, sweetie." She gently kissed his forehead and the two of them soon fell asleep.