It's time for chapter 2 of the epic story. This is one of my favorite chapters since it features my favorite cop, Carmelita, in it. It's sad that she couldn't be in the story more than she is, since she has provided me (and Sly for that matter) with hours of entertainment. Of course, this is also the chapter where Sly shows his chivalrous side and wins the heart of the girl. Enjoy!

(Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you that I don't own Sly Cooper or any related licenses. So pretty much the only thing I own is this story and the original characters in it. Please do not reproduce or reuse anything from my story without permission. Thanks!)

Chapter 2: The Long Night

Ayase Terada ran through the streets of New York with a certain Carmelita Fox on her tail. She had been hot on Ayase's trail since their first meeting two months ago. Carmelita was convinced that Ayase was in cahoots with Cooper and would be able to find him through her. Shit! Nowhere else to go! Ayase thought when she found herself in front of a brick wall.

Carmelita stopped nearby pointing her weapon. She demanded, "Where is he?"

"I don't know! And for the last time . . . I WORK ALONE!" Ayase screamed.

Carmelita, of course, didn't believe her. She was so certain that she would find Sly through Ayase that she refused to Ayase alone. After all, for the last two months Ayase had appeared either just before or just after he did. There was no other conclusion that could reached.

"You will tell me where he is right now!" Carmelita ordered.

"Or what? You'll arrest me? I'd hate to ruin your little threat here but I have suffered far worse fates than that . . ." She narrowed her eyes the continued, "If you want to throw me in jail then just don't sit there! . . . Shoot!" She cracked her whip at her as she charged. Surprised, Carmelita hesitate which gave Ayase her chance to escape. Carmelita cursed herself for missing her chance to bag this criminal.

Ayase cursed herself. Her leg was badly injured in the last encounter with that crazy fox. The cop was close to the truth yet she seemed to completely miss her true purpose. Maybe her emotions were hampering her ability to think. If she could only see what was really going on, then maybe . . . No! If think that way, I'll never get the job done. There is no room for regret, no time to hesitate . . . And yet that's exactly what I am doing . . . She thought as she approached an old house in a rundown part of New York City. In front a sign read, "Second Home Orphanage." She carried bags of food, clothing, and toys to give the children who lived there.

The moment she reached the door it flew open as a herd of munchkins toppled her. They squealed, "Ayase!"

Ayase laughed as she said, "Hello! It's nice to see you all again. But can you please get off of me now?"

They immediately got up and began to check out the contents of her bags. Ayase stopped them, "Stop that! You'll all get something just be patient!" Ayase went inside and closed the door.

An hour later, Ayase left the orphanage headed to an unknown destination. Sly Cooper stood in the shadows watching her. For about a month now he had been following her since they figured out that she was following him. She had always given him the slip before he could catch up with her. Now after two months he had finally caught up with her. He didn't have a clue what she was up to but he was going to find out.

Sly followed Ayase as she walked through the neighborhood. Sly noticed a slight limp that she seemed to be trying to hide from the people in the community. What happened to her leg? Sly thought as they passed.

She eventually stopped near an abandoned industrial district. She asked, "Are you going to follow me all day?"

Sly came out from the car which he was hiding behind. He answered, "It depends."

"On what?"

"On you telling me why you are following me."

Ayase looked down, "I wish I could but I can't risk it."

Sly said, "Risk what? What are you hiding?"

Ayase looked at him, "I can't tell you, if I did I could never do my job. And then . . ."

"What?"

"Heads will roll . . ." She paused, "Sly, I'm sorry but I can't allow that to happen . . ."

"What? What the hell does this person have over ya?"

She looked away, "Sly . . . For your own sake, you'd better stay away from me for your own good. Please!" Ayase attempted to run away but fell down after only a few steps. Sly raced over then attempted to help her up. She brushed him off. Somehow, she managed to crawl back up despite the fact leg that she was so clearly reeling in pain. Finally, she answered Sly concerned look with, "It's my leg. It was injured last night while I was running from that crazy girlfriend of yours. She really is obsessed with you, y'know."

Sly laughed, "I know." She attempted to walk again but she fell again. Sly caught her again then put her arm around his shoulder. He told her, "Come on I'll help you." Ayase tried to protest but Sly ignored it. "You can barely walk let alone run from Carmelita if she finds you."

Ayase knew that Sly was telling the truth. She had already pushed her leg too hard today after that incident with that mad woman. Every step she took today was agony and was made worse by trying to hide it. Now she could barely walk and she was forced to allow Sly to help her. Still, She could not understand why he was helping her. She was threat to him so why was he helping? She whispered, "Why are . . ."

Sly said as they slowly headed towards the old factory, "I can't just leave you like this now can I?" Her face blushed a dark shade of violet. Finally, they made it inside the building where he lowered her down to the floor gently. He pulled up her pant leg to check the wound. Her skin was red and blistered under her fur. As he touched her skin it turned white. She winced in pain, "Ow!"

Sly pulled his hand away, he told her, "It's not too bad but you are going to have to stay off it for a few days."

The image of Sly being by her side for the week or so terrified Ayase. She was already starting to fall in love with him which would only get worse if she stayed near him. Even now she was beginning to doubt that she could steal it already. She decided that she would have to escape as soon as possible. She tried to stand but was stopped but was stopped by Sly. She insisted, "I can't be laid up here for a week or more! I have a job to do!"

Sly looked at her funny, he said, "What? Chase after me? Well, I'll make your job easier – I am not leaving you like this. So relax won't ya?" He waited for her relax a bit, "I'll be back shortly." He ordered as he left, "You'd just stay put."

Before she had a chance to respond he was gone. Sunset was approaching then the crazy fox would be out looking for her. She was pretty safe in here particularly since Sly was around watching over her. She thought, Wait a minute! Sly is watching over me? What the hell am I talking about? I'm supposed to take his inheritance so why I am I allowing him to protect me? If I get too close I'll never be able to take it . . . then . . . No! I can't think about that! This has to be done and there is no if, thens, or buts about it. She tried to get up again but quickly stopped as the pain arced through her leg. She thought, Well, maybe I'll stay a while. . .

Hours later Ayase woke up to find Sly's shirt draped around her. Night had fallen sometime while she was sleeping. She looked for any sign of Sly Cooper but she could find none. Despite his disappearance she knew he was somewhere nearby guarding her. She brought the shirt to her nose then sniffed. His scent surrounded her like a security blanket. It's strange, I want him to come back. I want him near me . . . She thought.

She asked the air, "What do I do? Someone please tell me!"

A shirtless Sly Cooper ran through the night. Sly wore some pants he liberated from someone's clothesline. Hot on his tail was, the lovely but oh so obsessed, Inspector Carmelita Fox. He was leading her away from the injured Ayase. So far, Carmelita hadn't noticed this so everything was going well.

Bentley chimed in on the Bonicam, "I don't know why you are doing this Sly. The girl even said you should stay away."

"I know but I can't just leave her like that."

"It's always the pretty ones . . ."

A voice from behind him declared, "Sly Cooper I've finally got you." Carmelita stood on a ledge directly behind Sly while pointing her friend the shock pistol at him.

Sly turned around to face her. He teased, "I like what you did to your face."

Carmelita touched the welts that adorned her face and neck. She chewed, "I'm so glad that you think this is so funny, Raccoon. I'll make sure you get an identical set."

Sly laughed, "Thanks but I'll pass."

Carmelita screamed, "Raccoon!" She fired as Sly jumped from the rooftop and onto a platform below.

Sly teased her as he avoided Carmelita's attacks, "You know you should really have that looked at. It might leave scars."

"Make jokes as long as you like Raccoon. Soon you'll be making them with your cell mates."

"Prison isn't really my style besides I'd miss your lovely face every night."

She blushed but quickly recovered, "So, what's with your new fashion statement? Running around with no shirt . . . I didn't think you were that kind of person."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, I'm sure they will love that in jail . . ."

"Would they?"

"Oh yes. Why don't I take you there?"

Sly found a quick escape route. He smiled, "Maybe some other time. Chow!" He disappeared through a hole in the wall.

Carmelita growled as she realized this night was busted. "I'll get you Ring-tail! Just you wait!" She yelled just before she left.

Sly returned to where he left Ayase as dawn broke. She was still asleep. She must have slept the entire night. He thought as he sat down by her side. As he watched her sleep, he couldn't help notice how angelic she looked. This is going to be a long week . . . He thought.

She woke up a few minutes later. She said, "Sly, thank you."

He blushed, "It's no big deal."

Ayase looked down at the shirt, "Still you didn't need to do this." She picked up the shirt and gave it back to him, "Here. I don't need it anymore."

Sly put the shirt back on. He was desperate to change the subject, "So hows your leg?"

She looked at her leg, "A little better but it will still be a while before I can walk on it. Then we can go our separate ways." As she said that there was a part of her that screamed, No! Don't let him get away! Grab him and don't let go!

Sly nodded, "Alright." He paused then said, "Why don't you get some rest? I'll be back shortly with some food." He got up then left.

Well, this is it for this installment of Demons of Heaven and Earth. I would really love to see what you think, so please review this story! Thanks.