Thieves United

PARIS, FRANCE: 9:41 PM

Sly was back in his thieving outfit again, and he had just crawled out of his bedroom window so he could climb down the pipe. The team van pulled into the parking lot just as Sly let himself fall to the ground, landing on his feet. He ran to the passenger side, pulled the door open like he had on the first heist a two nights ago, and climbed into the van next to Murray.

"How's it going, guys?" Sly greeted, turning back to smile at Bentley and Penelope, but his face fell when he saw an extra person leaning against the wall, her arms crossed, and her eyes narrowed. She was wearing a kind of skin-tight, black body-suit that zipped up to her neck. A belt with a whole bunch of little pouches was around her waist, kind of just resting on hips. She wore black gloves, made out of the same material as her suit, and her long, beautiful hair was pulled back into a high pony-tail. Sly narrowed his eyes his eyes at the new passenger, who happened to be Merah Ringo.

"What's she doing here?" He asked Bentley.

"I'm here to help," Merah said simply, never moving.

"Well, thanks for the charitable offer, but we don't need it," Sly said, not liking the way this girl was acting.

"Clearly you do," She said, repeating what she had said to Penelope. "Setting off an alarm, Sly? Doesn't seem like a Cooper to do that."

Sly snorted. But surprisingly, he couldn't think of anything to say. Merah gave him a freakishly innocent smile, which made Sly's tail twitch in agitation.

"Look," He said. "We're fine without you, okay?"

"Just start driving, Murray." Bentley said flatly as Merah started to make a snide comment to Sly.

"Right, sure you are," She said, shrugging. "I'm sure you'll do just fine in prison, too."

"Oh, we'll be perfectly fine," Sly said. "Because we won't be going to prison. You, on the other hand, should maybe be a little worried."

Merah scoffed. "I should be worried? Oh-ho! This coming from a guy who's head over heels in love for a damn cop who manages to show up wherever he goes!"

"Look who's talking," Sly said, pointing at her accusingly. "Dragging Robin out to public places like that club last week! Do you realize how much trouble you got him into?"

The two did nothing but argue all the way to the Louvre museum, and until Bentley busted a lung from yelling at them to shut up, they didn't stop.

"Bastard," Merah hissed, crossing her arms over her chest again, and looking away from Sly. Sly glared at her, and slumped in his seat, sinking down so low you couldn't even see the top of his head from behind the seat. He crossed his arms, too, and rested one of his feet on the seat so his knee was raised.

"Stupid snot," Sly muttered.

"Okay!" Bentley yelled. "Look! We're here! Sly! Get into the museum, and let us in!"

Sly was muttering curses to himself about Merah as he kicked open the van door. Now he could see why Penelope didn't like her; Merah was rude, arrogant, she talked back, and acted like she was better than everyone. Sly didn't like this girl at all.

He took his traditional route up the side of the building, like he had two nights ago, and crawled his way through the vents. The vent covering he had busted off to get inside the building had been replaced, and Sly had to whack at it a few times before it popped out. He jumped down and landed on the shiny, waxed, marbled floor and made his way to the same security exit he had let them in through before. He made sure the alarm didn't go off this time when he opened it, and the gang piled in.

Well, almost the whole gang.

"Where's Murray?" Sly asked as he closed the emergency door, glaring at Merah who was there instead of his big, pink friend.

"He's waiting in the van," Penelope said, crossing her arms. "We figured we'd have a faster getaway if he kept the van going."

"Yeah, and I'm stuck with you," Merah added dryly to Sly, throwing him a reproachful look. He just scoffed, and rolled his eyes up to the ceiling.

"Get the security down," Sly told Bentley. "And see if you can get it down longer this time."

"I'll try my best," Bentley replied. "Come on, Penelope."

"Good luck, Sly," Penelope said, completely ignoring Merah. The female raccoon thief didn't mind one bit. If Penelope had a problem with the female raccoon, it was that brainiac ditz's own problem. Merah hadn't done anything to get on bad terms with Penelope.

"Thanks," Sly said, and he ran off in the opposite direction of the turtle and his girlfriend. Merah followed behind him, managing to keep up.

"The Wind Stone is the closest," Merah told Sly as he dodged a whole bunch of motion censers. She did the same with ease as an impressive show of skill, and crossed her arms over her chest when she was done. He just gave her a dirty look.

"The one from China?" Sly asked, pressing on after he just glared at her for a minute. She still ran along side him.

"Yeah," Merah said. Then she skidded to a halt in front of an ancient Chinese exhibit, nearly slipping on the neatly waxed and polished floor. "Right here, right here!"

"I see it, relax," Sly snapped at her. The security for this exhibit was tight; probably because there were so many ancient Chinese artifacts in here, like hand-carved ivory sword handles and ancient war-helmets. Another reason could've been that they boosted up the security when they stole the Earth Stone. Sly watched the lasers that moved up and down, keeping horizontal, blocking the entrance into the exhibit. He was trying to see if he could time his jump properly and get through without tripping an alarm, but Merah suddenly grabbed his shoulder. He must've flinched, or something, when he thought about jumping.

"It's irregular," She observed. "They'd fry you, and we'd all be busted."

Sly glanced back at her, silently thankful that she had stopped him, though he wasn't about to admit that to her. He looked back at the exhibit before him, and managed to see an ivory-carved pedestal with a red silk cushion sitting on top of it and a cube of protective glass surrounding the cushion, much like it had been when he stole the Earth stone. A square-cut emerald was sitting in the middle of the silk pillow.

"Well, at least we won't have to hunt through all of the cases to find the stone," Sly said. Suddenly, the lasers stopped moving, blinked, and then disappeared completely. Sly felt the vibration of the Binocucom against his back, and he reached into his bag to get the device.

"Security is down," Penelope said proudly on the other line. "Bentley says it'll stay down for thirty-five minutes exactly. If you can, try and see if you can get another one of the stones while we're here."

"Saves us a trip," Sly said. "Tell Bentley to keep it up with that security; we'll be down soon."

"You'd think for a famous museum like this, they'd at least have guards patrolling the place," Merah said softly as Sly stashed his Binocucom into his bag. She looked behind her quickly before following him into the ancient Chinese exhibit.

"Don't complain," Sly said, heading right for the Wind Stone. "It just makes our job easier."

"I thought you liked running away from guards and police officers?" Merah shot back. Sly just chuckled softly, amused at her naïve-ness.

"Normally I would, but since I also work as a Constable at Interpol, I'd rather not be recognized," He explained. "Help me lift this glass up."

Together, with great care, Sly and Merah managed to lift the heavy glass cube surrounding the stone on its cushion. Once it was lifted enough, Sly quickly snatched the stone, and dropped it into his bag. Then, they set it down carefully back into place.

"Let's go find the next one," Sly said, and he made to exit the exhibit, but to his horror, he saw a guard coming around the corner. He was carrying a flashlight, and Sly just barely missed the beam of light. Grabbing Merah's arm, he pulled her into the shadows behind a large statue wearing ancient Chinese armor.

"I thought all the guards were supposed to be guarding the blue diamond?" Merah whispered. Sly shrugged. The two raccoon thieves surveyed the guard standing there; he was a large tiger. It would be impossible to try and fight him off… Suddenly, Merah got an idea, and she started to rummage around in Sly's bag.

"Hey," Sly hissed, trying to push her off. "What are you doing?"

"Shut up and hold still," Merah ordered in an undertone, and with a smile of satisfaction, she pulled the emerald from his bag, tossing it up and snatching it right out of the air. Then, crawling out of their hiding spot just enough so she could get a clear view of the guard, Merah pulled back her arm, and threw the emerald, causing it to land with a loud clatter in a corner away from them. The guard heard this, and made his way over to the where the emerald landed to investigate. Sly stared dumbly at where she had thrown the stone, and then he just looked over at her, that same expression of numb shock never leaving his face.

"What are you doing!" Sly whispered in horror, his voice going a little higher than usual. Merah just winked at him, and crept out of the hiding spot silently, sneaking up behind the guard.

Sly saw the guard bend down and pick the stone up off the floor, and he stood up strait, examining the emerald closely. Merah steadily moved closer to him, and before the guard had a chance to turn around and spot her, she used her hand to whack him hard in the crook of his neck. The guard fell to the ground, letting go of the emerald, and before it could hit the floor, Merah snatched it out of the air like she had just a few moments ago as the guard fell unconscious at her feet. She beckoned for Sly to follow her, and together, and rushed to the next exhibit holding another stone.

"How did you do that, anyway?" Sly asked in a whisper as he was dragged into an exhibit about Australia.

"Basic Karate," Merah explained hurriedly, looking through all the displays for the Water Stone. "I've taken so many classes to enhance my skills as a thief. There are so many weak points in the body; that's the one that knocks them out in a second."

"Impressive," Sly said, sounding like he really meant it, crossing his arms as he watched Merah. Then he realized what he just said, and cleared his throat. So she was cocky and annoying and arrogant… she was an excellent thief, he had to give her that much.

"Found it!" Merah exclaimed, though she managed to keep her voice low lest there be any other guards around. Sly hurried over to her, and looked to the glass display case. It was sitting there, on yet another red cushion amongst some other precious pieces of coral and seashells. It was a beautiful oval-cut sapphire, its color changing from dark blue to purple; it depended on what direction light hit it.

"Help me lift the case," Merah said to Sly, and they each went to one side. Merah counted to three, and they lifted the glass. It was heavier this time, as it wasn't just a small little box, but a huge rectangular prism. Because Sly was stronger than Merah, he let her grab the stone; it was in the middle of the display case, so Merah, slowly letting her end go, ran to snatch it, and then helped Sly put the glass case back.

"Good work," Sly said to Merah who had just dropped the sapphire in his bag. She flashed him a beautiful smile in response. Suddenly, Sly's Binocucom started to vibrate, and he pulled it out of his bag.

"Sly!" Penelope cried in alarm once the raccoon thief held it up to his eyes. "Get out of there! The security is going to come back on any time now!"

"What?" Sly asked in alarm. "What happened to our thirty-five minutes?"

"It's already been twenty-five," Penelope said. "Bentley's doing all he can to keep it shut down. You and Merah better get down here, quick!"

"We're on our way, Penelope," Sly said. "Just hang tight."

He stuffed his Binocucom back into his bag, and then dragged Merah along with him by the arm. "C'mon, we gotta go."

"Right behind you," Merah said.

They ran past the guard Merah had knocked out, and she saw with alarm that he was already starting to wake up. She must've not hit him hard enough. She quickly dashed back to the guard, keeping behind him, and gave him another good whack in the crook of his neck again. Catching up to him, she gave Sly a shove to tell him to speed up, and they booked it down a flight of stairs to the emergency exit door. Bentley and Penelope were hurrying to meet up with them, too.

"Get out, get out, get out!" Merah yelled at the other three, and once they were all outside, she slammed it shut, running full-speed after the others to get to the van. Not realizing that they were working with perfect cooperation, the two raccoon thieves helped Bentley and his wheelchair into the back of the van after Penelope before pilling in themselves in. They slammed the doors closed, and Murray sped the car off down the road.

After a minute, Sly started to laugh. Really hard. Merah just gave him a confused look as he fell back onto the floor, still laughing. Then the male raccoon thief cheered.

"What a blast!" He shouted. "When are we acting next, Bentley?"

"You're… you're enjoying yourself?" Bentley asked, not expecting this reaction. Well, he had expected it, but not so soon. Sly rolled over onto his stomach so he wasn't looking at the turtle upside-down. He grinned.

"Are you kidding?" He asked. "I've never felt more energetic in so long! Jeez, I've missed this life. We'd better steal that last stone soon, Bentley; some cop from America is coming on Monday, and I think he's on a case for that weird, destructive blue diamond."

"What did you say?" Merah demanded suddenly. Sly looked at her curiously.

"Some cop from America's coming on Monday?" He repeated questioningly. Merah's blue eyes grew huge.

"What's his name?" She asked loudly.

"Inspector Westwood…" Sly said slowly, sitting up. "Why?"

"Do you know if he has a partner?" Merah continued, ignoring Sly's question.

"Uh…" Sly thought back to when J.R. and Westwood were talking at the club he and Carmelita had been at. They were talking about someone who J.R. didn't trust, and who Westwood seemed to care about. "Yeah, actually, I think he does. Her name was…. Taylor, I think?"

"Murray, stop the van!" Merah ordered.

"Why?" Sly asked again.

"I have to… go see a friend," She said hurriedly, pushing the van doors open. "Look, call me when you're going on your next heist, okay? I'll help out again. I'll see you guys later!"

And after slamming the door behind her, Merah Ringo was gone. Sly looked at Bentley, who just shrugged.

"I take it she knew these people," Bentley said.

"Yeah…" Sly said slowly. "I guess she did…"

Robin was lounged back on his sofa in his apartment. He was watching TV, boredly flicking through the channels. It was really late, maybe one in the morning, or something, but he couldn't sleep. The conversation he had had with Sly a few days ago about Merah was on his mind. He was still thinking about quitting his job so he could be with her. Would it be worth it? Giving up all he had just for her? He loved her enough to do it, but would it be worth it?

A tap at the window caught his attention, and he sat up strait, looking over at it. Someone was outside there, wanting him to open the window. But his apartment was on the fifth story of the building; who could have climbed up that high? Robin got up, curiosity getting the better of him, and he opened the window. The person jumped in, and he was immediately greeted with a kiss. A smile formed on his lips as he wrapped his arms around her small frame.

'Merah,' Robin thought fondly. 'I should have known.'

"What are you doing here?" Robin asked Merah softly after she had pulled away from him. He looked into her eyes, and saw they were filled with distress and panic.

"Why didn't you tell me Westwood was coming to Paris?" She asked. Robin smiled at her reassuringly.

"What does it matter?" He asked, leaning into his her kiss again, but she stopped him by pushing him back slightly with her hand.

"Robin, it matters a lot," She said. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't think Westwood would worry you," Robin said curiously.

"Westwood doesn't," She said. "But his partner does."

"Since when does Westwood have a partner?" The fox asked in alarm.

"Since Mishelle went missing," Merah said, a hint of anger creeping into her smooth voice. Robin exhaled deeply, knowing exactly who she was talking about.

"She's coming here?" He asked. "With him?"

"It looks that way," She answered. Robin shook his head slightly.

"Honestly, my darling, if I knew she was coming with him, I would have told you," He said quietly. "I don't want you to get arrested any more than you do. I would have told you to run the moment I heard she was on her way."

"She's coming Monday," Merah said. "I have to get it before she does."

"I know," Robin replied.

"Can you do me a favor?" the raccoon asked softly. "Keep her from leaving the office when she comes. It'll give me a chance to get it."

"Consider it done," The fox whispered in reply, and he tilted up Merah's chin to kiss her lightly. He heard her give a soft, contented sigh as she relaxed into his embrace. He moved his mouth to her ear, and whispered, "I love you, Merah…" before he pressed his lips against her neck. He wanted to calm her, to banish the fear she was feeling. He felt her arms encircle his waist as she let her head rest against his shoulder.

"I love you, too, Robin…" He heard her whisper faintly.

The next morning at the office, Sly plopped down into his chair, and smacked his head down on the desk. It hurt, but he was too tired to move.

"Ow…" He muttered flatly. Then he yawned. Carmelita watched him curiously.

"Why are you so tired lately?" She asked. Sly groaned, and looked at her weakly.

"I haven't been able to sleep very well," He said, rubbing his eyes. It was sort of the truth; with all the excitement from his heists, Sly would go home feeling energized, so he never slept, and then when it came time to go to work, he'd be tired from getting no sleep.

"Any particular reason?" Carmelita asked. Sly shrugged.

"I don't know." He said, slumping back in his chair. "I just get a lot of energy at night, so I guess I get too wired to sleep."

"Understandable," Carmelita said, and Sly gave a silent sigh of relief. She hadn't figured anything out yet… that was good…

Hopefully, it would stay that way until they got the last stone and that blue diamond…

Robin woke up in his bed the next morning, and yawned, shielding his eyes from the sun that was pouring in through the window. He just laid there for a minute, and then felt something warm tickle his neck. Looking next to him, he saw Merah who was cuddled close to his body and curled up in the covers. She appeared to still be to sound asleep. Smiling slightly, Robin kissed her nose lightly. This made her groan, and she pulled the covers up over her mouth. Robin chuckled softly. He knew she was awake.

"It's morning," He softly to her, kissing her forehead. "And I have to go to work."

"On a Saturday?" She mumbled groggily.

"Six days a week, my love," Robin said. "Six thirty to eight."

"Eight?" Merah asked, opening her eyes finally. She squinted against the sunlight.

"Yeah," The fox replied, and he climbed out of bed. "Eight. Unless nothing goes on around the office. I don't exactly have much to do right now because I haven't tried to catch you in a while."

Merah smiled, still snuggled under the covers. "I'm already caught."

"Nice try," Robin said, pulling on a pair of jeans over his boxers. "But I still have to go to work."

"You'll keep your promise, right?" Merah asked, propping herself up on her elbow.

"Keep her busy while you go and steal what you need?" The fox asked, pulling on a white t-shirt. "I said last night, consider it done."

"Be careful, though," The raccoon warned. "She'll kill you if she gets the chance."

"I'll be careful," Robin said, and he gave Merah a quick kiss. "I'll see you at eight."

"See you…" Merah said softly as Robin grabbed his keys, pulled on his trench-coat, and left for work.

Much to Sly's surprise, it took the police at least a whole day to figure out the two stones he and the gang had stolen were missing. It was all over the news on Sunday, and now there was a rumor about a jewel thief. But… didn't all thieves steal jewels?

Bentley figured it was best to lay low for a while, but Sly disagreed; he still thought this Westwood guy was on the case for that blue diamond, and if they needed to steal it, he wanted to do it now.

"It's too risky," Bentley said on the other line of the phone. Sly was pacing around his living room restlessly. "The security on the whole museum will be impossible to break. They'll be guards on every level, motion-censers on the floor. We'll have to wait until it calms down."

"Didn't you say there was another thief who wanted to steal the Blue Diamond?" Sly asked, plopping down onto his couch. "What if they get it before we do?"

"Let's just hope it doesn't come to that," Bentley said. "We'll call you when we think the time is right for a heist. Just lay low, Sly."

"Alright," Sly said.

"Promise me!"

"I promise, I promise!" Sly said, laughing a bit. Yeah, this was just like old times…

A/N: Hmm… questions arise… Ask me what they are in reviews, I just might answer them. XD

Hope you liked. R&R!