Chapter 11: Catch Your Breath

—

Well, last chapter was short. Phase 2, or Preparation, will be at least a little longer. I like to keep the detail to tense scenes, you know, so the Recon and Prep phases should be reliably shorter than the Action and Operation scenes. Just a heads up.

And, uh, another heads up. Those of you who played Sly 2 have probably already guessed what's going down near the end of the party.

Sly Cooper belongs to Sucker Punch, or at least that's what I've been told.

With that out of the way, onwards!

—

"So what's the plan?" Rick asked, looking bored. Ever since they had set up in the small stone shack out in the forest, he had been waiting while Abby helped List infiltrate the… cote-whatever. Party. Yeah, party was easier.

"It's a simple one. But we do need a distraction. In fact… Hehehe. I think I have the perfect idea." Abby replied, sporting a devious smile.

"Well? What is it?"

"List said a rivalry formed on the spot when the good Inspector and the guard in charge met face to face. If he can exploit that, it's sure to cause a scene; maybe even give us an angle for distracting the crowd later, during the final operation."

"What, like getting them into a fight?"

"Sort of. Meanwhile, I need you to help me with making an entrance into the castle. Word is there's a secret underground tunnel, but it's been collapsed for a long time now, and the current owner never got around to renovating it. It gives us a clear entry to the restricted access area within the castle."

"Why do we need a distraction for that?"

"Because it'll keep the guard's attentions elsewhere. Rick, do you really want to sneak around guards who are on full alert?"

"Good point."

"List, do you read me?" Abby asked, speaking now into the comm she had set up between them and their friend.

"…"

"List, respond."

"Sorry. I had to make a quick getaway when I heard the static start up. I hear you."

"Good. Now, is the Chief of the Guard still there?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Convince her to dance with you. Right in the middle of the room."

"…What? Why?!"

"Well, first off, we need a distraction. Secondly, she's supposedly extremely competitive; it should be child's play for you to use that against her. Thirdly, it's sure to cause Inspector Marais some distress to see the woman she just fought dancing with a partner, while she herself is alone. Might give you an angle to get close to her while keeping her from really considering who you are?"

"That's a serious risk."

"Yeah, but it's a necessary one. If we don't do this, we stand a much lesser chance of later success. Especially during the op."

"…You really think I can pull this off."

"You're the one with the Idiot's Guide to Thievery."

"I'll thank you not to besmirch the name of the Thievieus Raccoonus, but I suppose you have a point."

"Just keep the guards distracted. Hell, start a catfight if necessary. The more of them there, the better. I have to take Rick into the restricted area, so we need as much leeway as possible."

"Wait, wait. You're taking Rick along?"

"I need someone with some serious muscle to get this bit done. So, yes."

"…Okay. You got it. I'll see what I can get done down here. Good luck."

"I'll let you know when we're clear. Until then, keep the distractions coming, but keep your cover."

"Probably a problem, but I'll take care of it."

The call disconnected, and Abby nodded to Rick. "Alright. Follow me."

—

As List made his way to the Great Dane Abby had fingered as Chief of the Guard, he took note of the good Inspector standing a ways off, glaring daggers at his current target. With a grin on his face, he emerged from the crowd next to the guardswoman, careful to keep himself just out of sight of the Inspector without seeming suspicious.

"I'd say this was a nice party, but…" he mentioned, causing the slightly older woman to turn her head to look at him.

When he didn't continue, she glared. "If you have something to say, say it." she told him, her voice rough, though List could detect the undertones of curiosity.

"Well, I haven't seen anyone dance well enough to really control the floor. Under other circumstances, that might mean everyone here was skilled. But looking around, I haven't found anyone with more than mediocre ability." he continued, his voice matter-of-fact. He was speaking with a difficult-to-place accent; possibly British, but it wasn't really from anywhere. Easier to avoid recognition that way; it was a disguise trick he had picked up.

"Hmph. Then you weren't paying attention earlier when I was out there." she replied, a slight edge to her gruff voice now.

"Oh, but I was. It's unfortunate, but it has to be said; you weren't all that impressive." he returned, hiding a grin when he saw the fire in her eyes. Before she could say anything, he added, "But then, you were dancing solo… Much more difficult to execute a commanding performance that way."

"Oh, really…?" she growled, though he could see the idea in her head as it took hold. "Then what do you suggest?"

"Seek a partner, perhaps?"

"And who better than the smart-mouthed fox standing next to me, since he's so clearly talented? Of course, there's always the possibility that he's got no talent at all, or is a coward…" she replied, the challenge clear… And exactly what List had been seeking.

"A good question. Are you asking if we should find out?"

"And if I am?"

"Then I accept your invitation."

A look of surprise crossed her face, but she quickly wiped it clean, determination and irritation replacing it as List merely grinned.

"You talk big, but let's see just how well you keep up in action." she replied, walking out onto the dance floor, as List kept step perfectly beside her, pleased at how easy it was to manipulate the Chief of the Guard.

—

"Alright, we're here. Rick, you still have that thing I gave you?"

"You mean the big thick sheet? Yeah."

"It's a tarp, Rick. Waterproof, extremely resilient as far as cloth goes, and surprisingly good at putting out fires."

"…I get the feeling you mentioned that last thing for a reason."

"You are correct. Rick, I'm going to pump this bush full of incendiaries with my BB gun. Your job is to block the light coming from the bush."

"In-cen-di-whats?"

"Firestarters."

"Oh."

"Once the bush is gone, put out the fire. If my calculations are right - and they are - there will be a trap door under it. Once we're through, you can start digging - there's gonna be a lot of rock in the tunnel, and we need to get through as quickly as we can."

"I may be Mighty, but somehow I feel that a tunnel full of stone will take a while to dig out by myself."

"Don't worry. We're close to the castle, and I have a couple of silent explosive rounds on hand. The real problem will be the rocks busting - we don't have a way to make that quiet. If there's a guard too close, we'll be caught pretty quickly…"

"Never fear! List is probably already well underway with his distraction!"

"Which is exactly why we have to work fast. If he runs out of distraction before we run out of tunnel, we're dead in the water."

"Then what are we waiting for?!"

"Good point. Take a step back and keep the tarp handy - you need to toss it over the fire almost instantly."

With that, Abby took aim, and pulled the trigger several times. Rounds shot into the bush, snagging in the tangled mess of branches, and ignited just as the tarp fell onto the top of the plant.

"Good timing. Okay, give it a moment, then pull the tarp all the way down." she nodded, as the flames quickly consumed the bush. It wasn't long before both of them were dropping into the tunnel, and as Abby lit up a powerful flashlight, they both surveyed the work ahead of them.

"You ready?" Abby asked, cocking her BB and reloading with the appropriate rounds.

"I'm pumped up!"

"Then let's get to digging."

—

Step, step, turn, step, spin. The moves were like clockwork for the graceful hybrid, though he felt his partner struggling to keep to the beat as the music played. Though she had taken the lead quite forcefully, he knew Elizabeth was having a hard time keeping up.

They were about halfway through a shared tango, and while he knew there was no positive emotion behind the moves they both made, the simple tune that was playing was one he found relaxing, keeping his mind off of the attention they were getting.

Feeling the ground tremble just ever so slightly, he suppressed a smirk. The guards were all watching; news had spread, and quite a few had abandoned their postings to see their chief perform.

List, however, could tell that the presence of her subordinates was the cause of a great deal of pressure for the canine he was dancing with, and it wasn't helping her concentration in the least.

"Having a little trouble?" he asked quietly, still keeping time.

"No. Shut up." she growled, keeping quiet as well.

"I could take the lead if it would calm your nerves." the thief offered.

"No. Shut up." the guard repeated, growing more agitated.

This time, he complied, taking a little solace in the fact that any keen eye could quickly tell why the dance was going so well. It was definitely not his first choice of situation, but the dance itself kept him happy enough.

He had been taught to dance as a child, as a help to infiltration missions like these, and the tango was one of the few he had become quite thoroughly skilled in. Something about the beat of the music just kept him on point… But it wasn't half so fun without a similarly skillful partner.

Ah well. If all went as planned, he'd see if the Inspector had the skills his current partner lacked.

He hoped that his friends would be done soon… The dance was nearly over.

—

"One last punch, Rick!"

The rock wall finally shattered, creating a clear path along the tunnel. Just in time, too - Abby could hear the song coming to an end in the distance. They'd have to be quick, or they'd be caught.

"Up through the trapdoor. Hurry, we don't have much time."

As they both emerged, Abby counted the seconds. The two of them hurried through the halls, headed for a very specific room.

Abby was relieved to find it unlocked, and the two of them simply walked in.

Into a room full of dangerous chemicals and high explosives.

"Perfect. Rick, the other thing I gave you, please."

The bear quickly pulled out a small, boxy device. Abby searched the room, then set it against a wall under a table, difficult to spot and surrounded by so much dust that she doubted it'd be looked at.

"Our insurance policy." she explained, as Rick looked on curiously. "This is only a small bomb - it's the best I could cobble together - but it's more than enough to set off a chain reaction that will completely destroy this lab, and maybe a good deal more of the building. If the heist goes south, I can set this off remotely to give us a distraction."

"That's good thinking! But why did you need me to come along to set a bomb?" Rick asked, looking confused again.

"I needed you to open the tunnel and to carry the bomb. And to break down the door, if it was locked. Happily, we seem to have a clear path back. Run!"

Both jackal and bear took off at a full sprint, headed for the trapdoor. Abby grimaced - the music was gone. They had, at best, a few seconds before guards started returning to their posts.

Rick reached the tunnel first. Flinging the trapdoor open, he let Abby drop into it a millisecond later before following her down, breathing a sigh of relief.

They had gone unnoticed. But would their little 'present' manage the same?

—

List's keen ears picked out a familiar footstep approaching as he straightened up properly, the dance having ended mere moments before. He gave no indication of this as a throat was cleared behind him.

"You again." Elizabeth sighed, looking irritated already.

"Indeed. I have to admit, I was impressed…"

"Ha!"

"…By your friend here. I don't believe we've met."

"Who can say for certain?" List asked, turning to face the Interpol officer with a smile, still disguising his voice. This was the stress-test, but although a flicker of confusion was evident in her eyes, he could tell that the good Inspector was unaware of his identity.

"True. You're quite skilled."

"He could barely keep up." interjected the guardswoman, looking irritated.

"Oh, please. I was watching. If anyone was having trouble out there, it was you." Alayna remarked, cold venom in her voice, before turning back to the disguised thief. "Where did you learn to dance like that?"

"Bits and pieces from all over. My parents get most of the blame, though… Why do you ask?" List inquired, shrugging carelessly with that same smile on his face.

"It was impressive, plain and simple. You must practice very often."

"Unfortunately, I never really get the chance. So few are well acquainted with the art…"

"Is that so? I happen to know a thing or two."

"Unless I'm mistaken, that's an offer to dance?"

"And if it is?"

"Then I must sadly ask for a postponement. I have business to tend to here. If you're still here later, though…?"

"If I am still here when you come looking, I'll consider it."

"And what more could I ask for? Now, however, I must take my leave. A good night to you, Miss…?"

"Marais. Alayna Marais."

"Then I hope to see you again, Miss Marais."

As List walked away, his smile widened, happy with both how well his disguise had worked out and how well the encounter had gone. A dance with the Inspector… Dangerous, but that was what he lived for. Tapping his earpiece, he spoke quietly into the comm again.

—

"…So, let me see if I've got this straight. We're still not ready for Phase 3, because you need access to the security system before we can get down to the real meat of all this, but you planted a bomb in the bad guy's lab?" List asked, sounding impressed.

"Yes."

"That's… That's actually really clever. I'll see what I can do about climbing up to the chandelier and getting you into the terminal up there."

"List, wait! You can't just climb up, remember? Somebody is bound to spot you!"

"Relax. I'll slip into the back area, find a way upstairs, and use the upper balcony to access it. Nobody will be the wiser."

"…Right. Right, I knew that."

"I'm sure you did." List chuckled, before quietly easing a key out of one of the guards' pocket. "I'll let you know when I'm there."

Quickly unlocking a door, he cursed his disguise as he snuck through and into the restricted zone. Without his cane, he wasn't nearly as good in a fight, and while he was more than acrobatic enough to make his way up to the security terminal on the chandelier ("Who the hell puts one up there, anyway?"), he would have to avoid being caught on the way.

This wasn't so much a challenge as it was annoying for the skilled sneak, but it was very annoying.

"Well, no time like the present…" he mumbled, before sitting down and relaxing. It was a difficult trick to pull off, but without his cane he felt it was best to call on the Shadow Power technique.

Even skilled as he was, he hadn't quite mastered it yet. But with his mind at ease, he was ready to call on his Shadow Power at a moment's notice. Vanishing from sight, he began to walk through the halls, taking his time so as not to require too much concentration.

Though he had to contend with a few close calls, the Cooper Clan's most stealthy technique did the trick perfectly, and it wasn't long before List reached the upper balcony. Decloaking, he crouched, then launched himself across the open air in a blur of motion, landing in a roll on the topside of the chandelier.

"Abby, I'm on the chandelier. I see the terminal… Plugging you in now." he reported, fishing the USB out of his pocket and plugging it into a relevant port on the computer.

"Understood. I'll be dodging bullets for a while, but I'll let you know once I'm at the bottom of this rabbit hole."

"I'll leave you to your Matrix references, then, and find my way back down to the party. And don't worry, I'll avoid Inspector Alayna for now."

"That's all I ask. I know we can use a distraction during the op. Just give me a little time to crunch this data. Abby out."

"Later, then."

—

As Abby finally cracked the last firewall, she grinned. "That's what you get for messing with The One." she chuckled, before her blood ran cold at the sight of the information she had extracted from the security terminal.

"This guy really is crazy…" she whispered. "We've got to stop him."

—

Well, what an exciting cliffhanger. Matrix references and blood-chilling data. Truly it is a work of art to last a lifetime.

Or not. You know, whichever.

What exactly is the information Abby has uncovered? And how will it affect their plans to rob this crazy old bat blind? Find out next time, in Chapter 12: Toxic Behavior!

Review if you've something to say, preferably to me but hey I'm good at keeping secrets. Fave if you've liked this story so far. Follow if you want to see what's up with that cliffhanger.

KeyFire, headed down the rabbit hole. See ya!