Chapter 19

Talks by the Moonlight

Sly opened the door to the limousine, helping Carmelita in before he took his seat and shut the door. The limousine roared to life, and gently pulled away as it headed to the other building that appeared on in the distance. Carmelita looked around the limousine in awe. Sure, Sly didn't have to pay for any of it, but still, it's the thought that counts. Sly sat in silence, his eyes resting on Carmelita. He didn't mean to stare, but she was just so beautiful. He had always said that Carmelita looked her best when she was angry. That was only because he had never seen her like this. She was happy, they were on a date, and she looked drop dead gorgeous.

A few minutes later the limousine pulled up to the darkened building. Sly opened the door, walking around to the other side to open the door for Carmelita. Carmelita stepped out of the luxurious vehicle, and looked up at the strange building. It was a tall tower. It had a spiral stair case in the center that was surrounded on eight sides by long, curved pieces of steel. All of it rose up to support a large, flat, platform at the top. From the ground, Carmelita could see something glowing from the platform, but she could not tell what was there.

Sly shut the door, and then watched as the limousine drove away before turning to Carmelita. He gave her a gentle smile, and then led her to the stairs. As soon as Sly and Carmelita were on the bottom step, the stairs began to move and carry them up to the platform above. Sly did not realize, but Carmelita quickly noticed that she and Sly were standing really close together.

Carmelita had doubts about accepting a date from the roughish raccoon. Even then, what part of her was a cop was screaming at the top of its lungs in protest? Still, the shouts that were so powerful before had become weak, and distant. She could not deny how good it felt to be in Sly's arms. He had done so much for her, and even kept her away from the law when she was accused of aiding him and his gang.

Back then, her cop side had kept her heart, soul, her basic self in strict control. Still, as time passed that control weakened, and her cop side began loosing certain battle. When Sly escaped from the helicopter, she could have easily taken the controls, dove down, and recaptured him. Still, she hadn't. She had just stood at the door, looking down at him as he floated away on the breeze.

Carmelita was pulled from her memories as she and Sly reached the top of the tower. Laid out on the platform was a beautiful, elegant, candle lit dinner. Around the edge of the platform was a guard rail, and on the top of each post was a lantern that glowed gently in the still night.

Sly stepped in front of Carmelita, bowing slightly as he said, "My lady, your dinner awaits."

Carmelita smiled, walking past Sly as she said, "Enough of your charm Ringtail. I have had all I can take."

Sly stood up, following Carmelita to the table before they each took a seat. It was a full steak dinner, set out in the most regal of plates, silverware, and glasses. Carmelita noticed a bottle of Champaign on a small table on the far side of the platform, but it was much smaller then usual. Carmelita couldn't help but see Sly in a new light. He had written the tower, the dinner, and everything else into the book. It must have taken hours of writing and after all that he intended to keep everything in the best tastes. With that thought through Carmelita's head the pair began their dinner, talking nicely as they learned more about each other.

Back in the real world, Blain was walking around in the forest. It was cold out that night, but thanks to his fur Blain felt quite comfortable. He was still amazed how different things look when he was in his feral form. Seeing the world from so high up, and at such a size he could crush most people just by stepping on them to hard. It gave him a different view on things, and one he needed to see once in a while.

As Blain walked, he could hear only his footsteps against the ground. It was silent, and it gave him time to think. For some reason, the only thing he could think about was Rachel. He had spent the day with her, watching as she taught Sly some magic. She was an amazingly talented lioness. He could not deny that, or the fact she was also very beautiful.

Blain shook his head. His father would be turning over in his grave. Rachel was a Leo Blitz. There families were hated enemies, rivals. Still, what did the rivalry mean now that the swords Half-breed and Crossroad had returned, and were in the hands of their rightful owners? Could the rivalry die after so many years? Blain, all of his family was gone. Rachel, however, still had several aunts, uncles, and cousins who rather die then see the war between the families come to an end. What would they say? What would they do if they heard about him?

Blain was suddenly thrusted out of his thoughts by the sound of a stick snapping. He looked back, but saw nothing. Still, as Blain regained a sense for the world around him, he could feel something hanging in the air. There was someone else there. Blain stopped, turning around as he searched the tree line. Suddenly, he felt a burst of cold hit his tail. Blain quickly spun around, and leapt back as he saw who the perpetrator was.

It was a feral lioness, a wild animal, but she was the same size he was. She also had had amber brown hair that was cut short except for a single, beaded, piece that hung down in front of her face. The long piece of hair hid the long, crescent shaped, scar on the lioness's face.

Blain took a second before he recognized the hair style and scar. As he relaxed his battle stance he said, his voice filled with a strange sense of surprise and wonder, "Rachel, is that you?"

The lioness smiled, stepping forward a bit, "Very perceptive of you Blain. Yes, it is me. Though, I took the precaution of interlacing a reversal spell when I transformed like this."

Blain relaxed, shaking his head as Rachel walked towards him. Now that he saw her as a friend instead of an enemy, Blain couldn't get over how powerful yet graceful Rachel looked in such a form. Like a real lion, there was a certain radiance to her that was only amplified by the snow and the moon light. Blain even caught himself thinking that Rachel was beautiful, but yet again the fact their families were rivals popped into his head to stop that train of thought.

Rachel walked up to Blain, who was standing silent as she said, "Well, are you going to say anything or just stand there all night?"

Blain blinked a few times, regaining his composure, "Pardon, I was just caught off guard that you are like this, in the form of a giant feral lioness. Why would you transform yourself, even if you did interlace a reversal spell?"

Rachel smiled, walking Blain's side and stopping when there heads were next to each other, "Why you ask. Well, because I didn't think it was fair you had to stay outside of the cabin, all by yourself. You had saved me and Sly, and you're getting punished for it."

Blain shook his head, "So, you came here to keep me company, and you transformed so you could make me feel better. Is that correct?"

Rachel leaned in, smiling a bit as she whispered in Blain's ear, "Well, that's not entirely true. I also transformed and came here because I wanted to be with you. It is really beautiful out tonight, perfect for a walk by the moonlight."

Blain froze as he tried to wrap his brain around what Rachel had just said. While Blain was in a small state of shock, Rachel walked past him, flicking her tail so it struck his nose before she got to far away. Blain came back to his senses, turning as he watched Rachel slowly make her way through the forest. Before he knew it, his feet were following behind Rachel, slowly carrying him along till he was walking beside the regal lioness.

Back in the world of the book, Carmelita and Sly were finishing there dinner. The final course had been apple pie ala mode. Sly had heard it was Carmelita's favorite desert, and made sure it would be the best she ever tasted. When they finished their dessert, Sly stood up and walked over to the far side of the platform. There, he touched a small button that was hidden behind the ice bucket that held the Champaign.

The platform quickly began to change, the dirty dishes disappearing as the platform itself grew larger. Another large section grew out of the platform. It was a set of risers that extended several levels high. On those risers several music stands and chair appeared. Hovering above the chair, being held by invisible musicians, were instruments of many different kinds. It was a full orchestra, and a large one at that.

As Carmelita stared in amazement the instruments began to play a slow waltz. The musical notes filled the night air, floating around and adding a whole new level of romance to the already stunning scene. Sly turned back to Carmelita, smiling as he walked over and said, "Now, would you honor this humble thief, Miss Fox? May I have this dance?"

Carmelita smiled, "I told you to cut the charm. Still, how can I say no to such an enticing invitation?"

Carmelita slowly stood up, and offered Sly her hand. Sly took it, and then led Carmelita out to the center of the platform as the orchestra continued to play. Soon, the pair was dancing slowly. It was just as wonderful as the time they shared a dance in Rajan's palace. It was even better, because this time Carmelita knew exactly who she was dancing with. The thieving, charming, and handsome Sly Cooper.

As the night wore on, Sly and Carmelita enjoyed a variety of dances. From a slow waltz, to a fast paced tango, to even a country two step. As the night wore away, and the pair began to grow tired, they decided to share one final dance. The music was slow, but it had an extra something. Sly had written in a microphone that hung in the air, and from it the most beautiful male voice rang out through the night, singing in tune with the Orchestra.

It was no accident me finding you

Someone had a hand in it

Long before we ever knew

Now I just can't believe you're in my life

Heaven's smiling down on me

As I look at you tonight

I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars

He sure knew what he was doing

When he joined these two hearts

I hold everything

When I hold you in my arms

I've got all I'll ever need

Thanks to the keeper of the stars

Soft moonlight on your face oh how you shine

It takes my breath away

Just to look into your eyes

I know I don't deserve a treasure like you

There really are no words

To show my gratitude

So I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars

He sure knew what he was doing

When he joined these two hearts

I hold everything

When I hold you in my arms

I've got all I'll ever need

Thanks to the keeper of the stars

The voice paused for a second, letting the orchestra play an interlude. During that part Sly and Carmelita drew closer. Carmelita rested her arms on Sly's chest as he wrapped his around her frame. Carmelita rested her head on Sly's chest, listening to his heart beat. At that moment, her cop side officially gave up the battle against her heart. As she listened to Sly's heart she realized it sounded just like hers. It was just a normal heartbeat. That meant that under all the mystery, charm, and everything else Sly was just a normal guy.

He had done something, however, that no one had ever managed to do. He stole something Carmelita thought she would give away on day. He had stolen her heart, and after their night together, Carmelita wanted him to keep it. She knew it was safe in his hands. At that time the voice came back in, and finished the song, Sly's own addition to the lyrics ringing out through the night air.

People said we would never mix

As different as night and day

Still, if the chance does exist

That a love can bloom between us

Then I will do what I can

To give my heart to you

So I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars

He sure knew what he was doing

When he joined these two hearts

I hold everything

When I hold you in my arms

I've got all I'll ever need

Thanks to the keeper of the stars

It was no accident me finding you

Someone had a hand in it

Long before we ever knew

Carmelita looked up at Sly, who was had the most beautiful smile she had ever seen on the ringtail's lips. She knew the song. It was one of her favorites. She could also tell that Sly had added a verse. Before either knew it, there faces were leaning closer together. In the gentle caress of fire light, and in the presence of the stars and moon, Sly and Carmelita shared a single kiss. That one kiss marked a turning point in both their lives, but way their lives would change was a question left unanswered.

Back in the real world, Blain and Rachel walked in silence. Blain was still amazed that Rachel had transformed just to spend the evening with him. He looked over at the regal lioness walking beside him, and still couldn't believe of beautiful she looked. Maybe it was just some feral instincts coming to the surface, but in that moment Blain decided to finally bury the hatchet, forget the family rivalry, and just enjoy the evening with Rachel.

Rachel noticed Blain's stare, smiling as she said, "Blain, why are you staring at me?"

Blain blinked a few times before he smiled weakly, "I apologize. I did not mean to stare. I just, well… I just couldn't help myself."

Rachel shook her head, "Oh, are you still blown away by the fact I transformed just to spend the night with you."

"No, I…ummm…well…" Blain paused, struggling with his mouth. He had always spoken so easily. Why was it so difficult now? Why did his mouth refuse to say the simple word that would mean very little if he said it to anyone else?

"Oh come on Blain," Rachel chided with a bit of sarcasm in her voice, "Since when have you been at a loss for words."

Blain bit his tongue a second, shocking his mouth back into working order long enough to say, "I was staring because I am amazed how beautiful you look right now." When Blain finished Rachel had a look of surprise on her face. That surprise was quickly replaced by a light blush as Rachel smiled, looking away from Blain. Blain also turned away, now understanding why his mouth had been so rebellious. He had crossed a line, and he quickly muttered, "I am sorry, I didn't mean to be so bold."

Rachel looked back, a light blush still on her cheeks, "No, it's all right. It has just been a while since I was told something like that. I don't have the best luck with boyfriends."

A bit of surprise flashed across Blain's face, "I have trouble believing that."

The light blush on Rachel's cheeks deepened, "Well, you better become a believer. The last time I had a date was at least three years a go. It was with a handsome giraffe, but it quickly turned sour when he found out I was a mystic. Now a days, magic is a dying art. Some people just see it as a slight of hand while others think it is far too chaotic. Technology can be built with restriction, and anyone can operate any piece of technology after reading the manual. Magic is like an art form, and one that is slowly dying."

Blain nodded his head, "I know, but why did the giraffe guy turn tail and run when you said that you were a sorceress."

Rachel chuckled a bit, "He said he didn't believe in magic, that it was a thing for fairy tales and fantasy. When I tried to convince him, even performing a little magic in front of him, he just wouldn't budge. He then told me I was a nut, and left the restaurant without another word. I even had to pay for both of our dinners."

"That is terrible. You would think he would at least have the common courtesy to finish the night off."

Rachel smiled, "Well, don't get to worked up about it. I don't think it would have worked out anyway. He was far too tall. My head reached his belly button, and he had to bend over to get in through a garage door."

Blain stifled a laugh, a toothy grin crossing his face, "In other words, it would have been quite a stretch to make the relationship work. That his was highly unlikely you would settle down with him."

Rachel shook her head, trying to control her own laughter, "You mean he and I wouldn't ever be able to see eye to eye." Blain nodded his head, laughing as Rachel continued the game of word play. Soon, both Blain and Rachel's laughter could be heard through out the forest, their joy coming at the expense of the giraffe whose name Rachel couldn't even remember.

As their laughter began to subside, Blain smiled and said, "You know, I didn't think it was possible but you look even better when you're smiling."

Rachel shook her head, waving off Blain's compliment, "Now you stop it. You seem to forget I have this ghastly crescent shaped scar on the side of my face. I am far from what you would call beautiful, even when I am laughing. I appreciate the compliment, but I can only take so many white lies."

"You insult me Rachel. I have not lied, and would not lie to you on such a subject. You are beautiful, and that scar does nothing but add to your beauty. It makes you unique, like a rare tropical flower. It is hidden away from the world in general, and only a few can gaze upon its unmatched splendor and magnificence."

Rachel blushed, smiling sweetly as she said, "You…you really mean that."

Blain nodded his head, "Again I say, I have not and would not lie to you, especially about your beauty."

Rachel blush began to deepen, and looked away from Blain as she tried to regain her composure. She then looked back at Blain and said, "You are a mystery Blain Shadow Walker. Our families are rivals, and though you may be the last of your clan I am certainly not the last of mine. I have many aunts, uncles, and cousins who would kill you on the spot if they found out you were a Shadow Walker. Why don't you act like them? Why have you lowered your guard, and let the rivalry wither in your own heart?"

Blain shrugged, "I could ask you the came question, but for myself I can't really say why. I just see it this way. This rivalry was started over Half-breed and Crossroad. Now, both swords have returned and have been returned to the rightful owners no less. Cut a plant from its roots, and it will eventually wither. All it takes is time. We forget about the rivalry quickly because we are just the leaves on the plant, the first things to die when it is taken from its life giving soil. The older parts, the stems and trunk, take longer to die, but even they must eventually let their hatred disappear."

Rachel smiled, "I must admit Blain that was very poetic."

Blain chuckled, "What, after saying so many spells and incantation that rhyme. I am lucky I don't speak in poetic verse all the time."

Rachel nodded her head, "You have got a point." Rachel and Blain then began to make their way back to the cabin. When they returned, they could see Sly walking around inside the cabin. He had a content smile on his face, and was dressed in a last few pieces of what looked like a tuxedo. Blain and Rachel glanced at each other, silently agreeing that Sly must have had a good time with Carmelita. Then, Blain gently bid Rachel good night and walked into the large igloo that had served as his bed for the last couple nights.

Rachel watched Blain disappear inside the igloo, and then the scar on her face began to glow. She gently changed back to normal, but her eyes were still fixed on Blain's igloo. With a smile on her face, Rachel disappeared inside the cabin a second. She came back out of the cabin carrying all the blankets off her bed and a pillow in her arms. She walked over to the igloo. Rachel set the blankets down on a log outside the igloo. Blain, who had yet to fall asleep, slowly came out of the igloo, a strange look in his eyes.

Rachel looked up at him, smiling as she said, "Up for a sleepover."

Blain blinked a few times, but chuckled as he nodded his head. He slowly went back into the igloo, lying down as Rachel carried her stuff in. Blain had curled up against the back wall of the igloo, his hands resting on his paws. Rachel spread out her blankets next to Blain's head, and laid down as she said, "Good night Blain."

Blain smiled, bowing his head a bit, "Yes, and may you also enjoy a night of good sleep and pleasant dreams."

Rachel blushed, Blain's eloquent words sent a shiver down her spine. She then laid down, turning her back to Blain as they both drifted off to sleep.