It took some doing, but after the gang managed to complete a few more tasks, they were ready for the big show. It was now the night of the operation where the gang was to snag the Clockwerk Wings from Rajan's ballroom throne. While Murray was getting into position so that he could saw the wings off using the electronic wench he had gained control of earlier as well as the new saw – thanks to Sly stealing the gems off the elephant's crowns – Bentley was destroying the bridge so that no other guards would be able to get in the way of their escape once they had the wings in their possession. With Bentley currently occupied destroying the bridge to the palace, both Sly and Rai were preparing to wow the crowd once again, distracting Rajan and Carmelita so they could steal the Clockwerk Wings and make their escape. Rai was in her dressing room, getting ready for her last dance, trying to do her makeup and attempting to make herself appear unrecognizable, to Rajan at least. Once her costume was on, she tied that same cloth around her face, but then remembered what Talia had mentioned about her hair before she had stormed off in a fit. Rai sat down at the vanity set and grabbed the nearby curling iron, hastily curling the ends of her hair. When the ends of her hair had a loose curl to them, Rai set the iron down and gathered up all of her hair in her hands. She began to braid the sides of her head before gathering the rest of it into a high ponytail. After wrapping a small lock of her hair around the hair tie and pinning it down, Rai fixed her bangs so that they were framing her face, a bit of the curled fringe on either side as well to give her more of an elegant look. When Rai finally deemed herself as ready, the fox quickly exited the dressing room and head for the dance floor, of which, she was very much dreading.
"Okay, Sly, the bridge is down. I'll warm up the van and get ready with the RC Chopper; good luck." Bentley told Sly through his earpiece once his job was complete.
"What!? The bridge is destroyed!? Take all the manpower you need and look into it!" Rajan growled lowly to his guards, trying to not alert the crowd as he did so.
Rai then swallowed hard, drawing in a breath to try and keep herself calm, though that nightmare still lingered in her mind, so she had a bit of the jitters still. "Just stay calm, Rai, you can do this..." She quietly told herself. "All you have to do is keep Rajan distracted, nothing more, so just get it over with and never look back."
It was then though that Rai heard Sly's voice coming in from her earpiece. "Murray, you in position?" He asked.
"Check!" Murray replied with a thumbs up.
"Rai, you ready?" Sly then asked her.
"As I'll ever be..." She begrudgingly replied.
"Alright then, initiating phase two: I'll distract Carmelita with her dance while you handle Rajan so that Murray can get to the wings."
Sly straightened his tie before taking a deep breath, approaching the orange fox in her slim, black dress. "Miss Fox, I believe you owe me a dance." He greeted.
"About time, I thought you had left." She said, sounding almost bored.
"Just waiting for the perfect moment." Sly replied, holding out his hand so that he could take hers.
Alright, just stay calm... Take a deep breath and try to imagine him as someone else if it'll get you through this dance... Rai silently told herself. At this point, I'll imagine that tiger as anyone, other than himself... Whatever gets me through this job... Just relax and go with the flow... You can do this; just have faith in yourself that you can pull this off, and don't screw this up.
The double doors had then swung open as fog filled the entranceway, just as it had done before, and once the music began, Rai twirled out to the center of the dance floor, ready to get this show on the road. She danced around the crowd, not only noticing Sly eyeing her every so often, but Kisara as well, who had that irritating smirk plastered on her smug face. Rai just brushed the annoying cat off and tried to focus on her dancing, until she heard Rajan give an impatient growl, indicating that was her cue to start distracting him. Drawing in a short breath, Rai began to dance over to the tiger as Murray was slowly being lowered down with the wench Bentley was controlling from inside the van. Once in front of the arrogant tiger, she just planted herself right on his lap, the tiger giving a pleased growl as he took hold of her waist. Rai flinched slightly when she felt his hands grasp onto her waist, but tried to keep her composure, not showing any signs of faltering. Although, in the corner of her eye, Rai managed to spot Sly, who was seemingly drilling holes, but is wasn't at her, mores towards Rajan. The air suddenly felt thick around her as Rai drew in an even shorter breath before forcing herself to start caressing his arms and chest, mentally beating herself for doing so. But even so, even if she hated herself for forcing herself into doing this, Rai just did everything within her power to keep Rajan's eyes focused on her and her alone while Murray was lugging the first wing up, going back in for the second not long after.
"It looks like someone wishes to go back to my chambers later." Rajan growled seductively.
"How lucky I am then." Rai replied, trying to sound excited. "A night with the man of the hour sounds delightful, my lord." She forced out a chuckle, seeming playful.
So far so good... Let's keep it going... Rai then hopped off of Rajan's lap and danced around the crowd again, causing them to cheer for her brilliant moves, which also gave Sly a small sense of relief, though he knew it wouldn't last long. It was then though that Sly was abruptly drawn back into reality when he leaned Carmelita into a dip, the fox deciding to speak up.
"You seem familiar to me... Are you in law enforcement?" Carmelita questioned curiously.
"I often deal with police while on the job." He replied before they continued their dance.
Well, to be fair, he wasn't technically lying. It was true – Sly did deal with the police, they would just be chasing him, more so Carmelita than anything... Just stray from her questions, Sly, don't let her catch on to who you really are, because soon enough, this is gonna go sideways... Sly silently told himself as he continued his dance with Caremlita, giving her a quick twirl.
So far, everything seemed to be going rather smoothly – Carmelita was entranced by Sly's lovely tango, and Rajan was thoroughly enticed by Rai's provocative movements. However, things were about to go from bad to worse, because when Rai glanced back to make sure Rajan was still keeping his gaze trained on her, her eyes suddenly widened. Rajan was getting ready to turn around so he could bask in the glory of his Clockwerk Wings, and Murray was just in the middle of hulling the second one up. If he turned around now, the whole plan would be ruined and their cover would be blown!
Rai began to panic. Shit! Are you kidding me with this crap right now!? The fox clenched her fist, clenching her teeth together for a moment. Lord, give me strength not to kill myself, for I'm about to do the one thing I never thought I would of my own volition...
In that moment, Rai couldn't think, she had to act, now. She didn't have time to do anything, so without even so much as a glimmer of hesitation, Rai hastily danced over to Rajan and, without a second thought, lifted the cloth over her face, pausing for a split second as a means of mentally preparing herself, before abruptly forcing her lips against Rajan's, slamming her eyes shut. Both Sly and Murray's eyes widened at the shocking sight before them, Rai's lips trembling slightly as she herself was mortified at what she had just done. However, to ensure this wouldn't be happening again, and she knew full well that she would be kicking herself for this later, Rai just bite the bullet and forced her tongue into Rajan's mouth. This caused the tiger to give a lustful growl, roughly grasping onto Rai's hips, which caused her to gasp in surprise. With that, Rai quickly pulled away from the tiger and quickly dropped the cloth back over her face, Rajan smirking he growled in pure delight. Though Rai, still mortified at her own actions, drew in in a breath again as she got close to his face, gently gliding her fingertips along Rajan's jawline as the tiger growled lustfully again.
"Look at me, tiger or you'll miss the show." Rai purred.
Damn it...! I hate myself for doing this, but I... Rai cursed herself.
Sly heard this through the earpiece as he groaned internally, but forced himself to keep a straight face as not to concern Carmelita. Rai on the other hand, still trying to convince herself that she had seriously just kissed Rajan, was trying to keep her composure, making it seem like she wanted more. "How did I end up with such a stunning dancer?" Rajan then asked, leaning in towards her.
"I don't know, how did you?" Rai answered with a question of her own, trying to act coy. "Guess you're just lucky." She chuckled seductively.
The moment Rai spotted Murray finally lug up the second wing, the song was coming to an end, almost thankful that the time was coming. "I do hope to see you again, Ms. Ruby. You truly are a sight to behold, just like someone I used to know. You somewhat remind me of her..."
Rai tensed up a bit. "Is that so? Well, then she must've been one special girl, my lord."
"That she was... Until next time, my precious rose." He said before finally allowing Rai up from his lap as she danced back to the center of the dance floor again.
Remind him of someone...? No, don't tell me... God, for once, I really hope I'm wrong about this...
Rai just shook her head, trying to forget about this whole incident as she twirled back to the center of the dance floor. She then leapt into the air, twirling midair before landing in the splits, her right arm curled under her belly while her left was curled above her head, almost creating a circle. When Sly's song had come to an end as well, he twirled Carmelita before ending with her in a dip, giving her one of his famous smirks. Everyone cheered as Rai slowly got back to her feet, giving a quick bow as a thank you to the audience before slipping through the double doors. As soon as those doors closed, however, Rai immediately slipped away from the other dancers, making her escape to go and wait for Sly once he finished with Carmelita.
"So, tell me, stranger, what's your name?" Carmelita then asked when she was back on her feet.
"Why ruin the moment?" Sly strayed from her question.
"Huh? I...I don't understand..."
"The wings! What happened to the Clockwerk Wings!?" Rajan then exclaimed.
"What!? How!? Who could've...? Whuh? Cooper...!" Carmelita turned to see the wings gone before she felt something in her hair. She reached up and grabbed the object to see a red rose and Sly's calling card.
Sly bursted through the double doors onto the balcony, only to find Rai leaned against the railing, her back towards him. After messing up his slicked back hair, Sly slowly began to approach Rai, extending his hand out to try and touch her shoulder, until-
"Disgusting..." She said sickeningly.
"Wha?" Sly questioned, confused.
"I'm disgusting..." Rai clarified, her voice breaking ever so slightly.
"What do you mean by that?" Sly asked.
Rai turned to face him, and he could clearly see the distraught in her unwelcomed expression. "You saw what I did to him, I know you did, so don't try to pretend like it didn't happen." She stated firmly.
Sly sighed, placing his hands against Rai's arms. "I'm not saying that I didn't see what happen, because let's be honest, I'm pretty sure everyone saw what happened, but you're beating yourself up over this one little thing."
"Because it was disgusting!" Rai snapped, clenching her fist. "I can still taste it in my mouth, on my tongue; it just makes me sick!"
"Hey, look at me." Sly said, gently raising Rai's chin so that their gazes met. "I understand how you feel, but it's alright. You did what you had to in the heat of the moment, and once we get outta here, you can guzzle an entire bottle of mouthwash if you want. But for now, listen to me when I say that you are in no way, shape, of form disgusting, alright?"
Rai stared at this cunning raccoon for what felt like an eternity before her eyes finally softened, sighing. "Alright, I understand."
Sly grinned. "Good, but if it'll make it better, I could, maybe..." Sly leaned in toward Rai a bit, that look of temptation gleaming in his eyes.
For that split second, Rai was almost in consent, willing to let this sly raccoon steal a single kiss from those tainted lips of hers. Rai's eyes flicked down at Sly's lips, biting down on her bottom lip for a moment before she, even just the slightest bit, began to lean upwards, wanting to accept that kiss which was full of nothing but sin, until—
Bang!
"Freeze, Sly Cooper and Scarlet Rose!" A set of rhinos had bursted through the double doors, both Sly and Rai turning to see the guards as their moment together was abruptly cut short.
Sly just let out an amused chuckle as he turned to Rai again. "And that's our cue for a getaway." The raccoon smirked as he snuck his arm around Rai's waist before whipping out his cane, leaping from the balcony as he hooked his cane onto the cable and slid down the zip line at top speed.
Once at the bottom, the two quickly jumped into the van, slamming the back doors shut as Murray stepped on the gas. "Punch it!" He shouted excitedly as they sped off.
"To Bollywood." Sly then said, his gaze never leaving Rai's with that signature smirk still plastered on that ever so smug face of his.
Rai let out a soft chuckle before leaning toward Sly, lightly pecking his cheek. "To Bollywood..." She repeated, returning his smirk.
Once the gang had made it to Bollywood, Bentley had hacked into the system to get them three rooms; one for Rai, the other for himself and Sly, and the last one for Murray. However, Sly just decided he was going to sleep in Rai's room with her, not that she really cared either way. That night though, when it was well past maybe one or two in the morning, Sly and Rai were having a little chat, both still in their costumes since they hadn't changed yet. They were seated at one of the tables in the room, Rai leaning back in the chair with her legs crossed and Sly seated with his feet propped up on the table, as he usually did in his causal sitting position.
"Well, I must say, for a fox, you sure can move, Rai." Sly commented.
"You're quite good yourself, Cooper." Rai retorted.
"Well, I have lived in Paris for several years, so it should be no surprise that I know how to dance."
"Really now?" Rai gave a small smirk. "Then you should know that during my stay here in India, I came across such an activity myself, so it should also be of no surprise that I know how to belly dance; one of the things I decided to learn during my run-ins with the Klaww Gang." She said. "However..."
Sly's eyes flicked over to Rai, a questioning look on his face. "However...what?" He asked, curious.
"I may have seen you dance, but—"
Before Rai could even finish her sentence, she saw Sly immediately get up from his chair and walk over to her, holding out his hand. "I thought you'd never ask." He said cunningly. "Ahem... May I have this dance, m'lady?" Rai chuckled softly before uncrossing her legs and taking his hand, the raccoon helping the fox to her feet.
"You may, good sir." She played along before chuckling again, Sly also giving a small chuckle himself before he grabbed a remote and pressed a button, soft music beginning to play as the two started their slow dance.
They might've danced for minutes, or maybe hours; no one was really paying attention as they just stared into each other's eyes. "You know, I honestly never thought I'd find myself in a situation like this." Rai commented, laying her head against Sly's chest.
"Honestly, neither did I. I'm just surprised you even agreed to stay with us on this adventure in the first place." Sly said, almost trying to play it off as a sort of joke.
Rai exhaled through her nose, almost sighing. "Well, sooner or later, I knew I would have to come to terms with my past and face the Klaww Gang again despite the feelings I had. I mean, let's be honest here, I can't just keep running, because eventually, I would've run into them anyway... Honestly, it's better to just get it out of the way now and avoid anymore trauma while I still can..."
"Yeah, I can kinda see where you're coming from, since I went through a similar experience about two years ago." Sly said.
Rai pulled back a bit to gaze at Sly again. "You mean with the Fiendish Five, right?" She asked. "I remember you mentioning something about them before."
Sly nodded. "Yeah... Unfortunately, when they found me and my family, they killed both of my parents when I was eight years old, tearing up my family book, and leaving me an orphan, but it was there that I met Bentley and Murray, so it wasn't all bad, I guess."
Rai stared at the raccoon for a moment before lowering her gaze. "How do you always manage to look on the brighter side of things?"
Sly shrugged a bit. "I dunno. I guess...I just never wanted to let my past hold me back, but I guess having met the guys really helped out a lot through the years." Sly glanced down at Rai, who still had her head down, his eyes softening. "I can only assume that you've never had such good fortune in that aspect, right?"
Rai shook her head. "I thought I did, with Kisara, but all that ended with was me getting stabbed in the back, far too literally I might add..." She said with a hint of bitterness in her voice. "I've just...never had any luck finding friends like the ones you have..."
"Hey..." Sly cooed, gently lifting Rai's chin so their eyes met again. "I know you've never had it easy, but it doesn't have to stay that way. It's like I said, you don't have to face the world alone, because you have people that are behind you now – Bentley, Murray, and myself. That's why we're here, you know, trying to stop the Klaww Gang."
"All so you can finally get rid of Clockwerk once and for all..." Rai said unconvincingly.
"I didn't know about your past with the Klaww Gang before I had started this." Sly reasoned. "But, now that I am aware, I'm asking you to put your faith in us, because no matter what happens, we always stick up for each other, and that includes you too, Rai."
Rai's eyes widened for a moment before turning her head away a bit. Damn it... She cursed herself. I want to, but... Rai clenched her teeth together, fighting the urge to bite her bottom lip. I just don't know... How can I be sure that he won't turn on me just like—
It was then that Rai's train of thought was cut short when she felt Sly lifting her chin again, forcing their gazes to meet once more, only this time, he was mere inches away from her face to the point that she could feel Sly's warm breath brushing up against her fur. "Just what do I have to do to convince you that I'm not going to turn on you, Rai, that I want to be here for you?" He questioned in a low, husky tone.
Rai swallowed the lump in her throat, her lips trembling. "Erase my past..." She replied quietly. "Burn it all to ash until the memories no longer remain and can't taunt me anymore..."
Sly tensed up, closing his eyes for a moment before pressing his forehead to Rai's. "I wish I could, but all I can do is try to help you forgive and forget it all..." He replied.
"Yeah, well, if you knew the truth, you would probably change your tone..." Rai said, seeming frustrated.
"And you know I can't help you unless you tell me, Rai; I'm not a mind reader."
Rai quickly pushed Sly away, turning her back to him as she wrapped her arms around herself, shaking her head. "I can't tell you that..." She stated, her voice trembling slightly.
Sly gently placed his hands against Rai's arms, causing her to tense up as he leaned over her left shoulder. "And why can't you? I've already said that I would never judge you, no matter what."
"I know, but..." Rai gripped onto her arms tighter. "...it's the reason I've been waking up screaming at night, because of what was done to me..."
"And I can't help you overcome that fear you have if I don't know what it is. I'm not trying to pry, but at the very least, I want to try and help you if I can, Rai..." Sly tried to reason with her.
The fox tensed up again, biting her bottom lip. "It's just...Rajan, he..." Rai drew in a shaky breath, closing her eyes, almost to try and make it easier to say. "...h-he..."
"...He, what?" Sly cautiously pressed on.
Rai's who body was stiff, digging her claws into her arms just at the sheer terror she felt deep down. However, after drawing in one last shaky breath, she exhaled. "Rajan, he...he raped me..."