Here it is; the chapter that Sly and company finally getting back to their original mission! But they might not go alone…

Sly Cooper and the Space Thieves

Chapter 17- The Warning

Inside the palace was a hell of a party! Shortly after the battle with Volroth and Dark Wolf, Beowulf had discovered that all his people have returned. Apparently, Volroth put everyone to sleep while king was away. They were all awake now, and enjoying the celebration of the return of his wife, the birth of their son, and the assistance of Sly's team. In the big ball room, everyone was dancing and laughing like there was no tomorrow. Beowulf and Isis were doing a dance similar to the waltz on Earth, while Sly and Carmelita did the tango. Even Little Sly was enjoying himself, watching his parents having the best time of their lives with laughter.

Several hours later, the fun was over and everyone began to head home, knowing that everything will be alright from now on. Sly had decided to contact Bentley and Penelope and told them everything that happened. They took it well. "Sly! I can't believe half the stuff you just told me! It makes sense, yet it's all crazy! What is happening now?" "Beowulf had thrown quite a party to celebrate our victory. We are going to stay for the night and then head back to the ship with those crystals for the main power core. Speaking of the Dragon Thief, how are the repairs going?"

Penelope answered this time. "All the damaged systems are fully operational again. Also, we managed to fix that nasty ripped opening that was formed in the crash. In other words, the Dragon Thief is in ship shape. By the way, what happened to Dark Wolf and that scumbag Volroth?" Sly smirked. "Let's just say that Beowulf has found a few new garden ornaments. I'll contact you guys when we are on our way back, good night." "Good night, Sly." They both said as they cut off their communications. It is time for our team to hit the sack after a long day. They can all sleep peacefully tonight; or at least, most of them…

Beowulf was tossing and turning in his bed, trying to ignore what he was dreaming about. This is what he saw: A huge battle was being fought, with four warriors against a single enemy. Their faces were in shadows, but it was clear that the enemy fighter was big and formidable; the warriors were losing. All of the warriors were down for the count except for one. He tried to attack him head on, but the enemy punched him in the gut, leaving him defenseless. While he was down, the big warrior grabbed the other by his throat and began to choke him to death. The others were watching helplessly as their comrade struggled to free himself. Then the big warrior said to his defeated opponent: "It is over. You have failed to stop me in my quest for ultimate power! Now I will destroy you." He raised his other hand, preparing for the death blow. And just before the punch made contact, the face of the choking warrior was revealed…

"NOOO!" Beowulf had finally woken up from his nightmare with a lot of sweat and breathing hard. 'Or was it a nightmare?' he thought. Isis woke up as well with a scared expression on her face. She turned to her husband with great concern. "Beowulf, are you alright?" The white wolf turned to his beloved wife with a very troubled face. "It was bad dream. I never had a nightmare so intense in my life; it seemed so real…" Isis put her arms around him for comfort. "Do you want to talk about it?" Beowulf nodded, took a deep breath, then he told her what he saw. He paused at the part where he saw the dying warrior's face, knowing it would shock her. Isis waited patiently for him to finish.

He decided to tell her what he saw in the end. "Isis, just before the big warrior's fist made contact, I saw the finished warrior's face. And…" he hesitated for a moment, "it was Sly." Isis put her hands to her mouth, completely shocked by what she had just heard. A moment later, she spoke again. "My darling, that's an awful dream. Why would you have a dream like that?" "I'm not even sure it was just a dream. Maybe it was something more. Maybe… a warning." Isis was surprised at that statement. "A warning?" Beowulf nodded.

"I think it maybe a vision of the future, just like the ones my grandfather used to have. Maybe that dream was telling me that Sly may not survive to return to his home world." Isis looked worried at this. "If it is a warning, what could you do about it? Sly and his friends will leave in the morning to continue their mission." Beowulf then decided something that might change Sly's fate…

About 11:00 am Sly and his team have returned to the Dragon Thief with the crystals they needed, after saying their goodbyes of course. After installing them in the power core, Bentley decided to see if they work. A moment later, all the ship's systems came online. Everyone was excited that their vessel was fully operational again, especially Bentley! "Sly, according to my readings, the Dragon Thief's power core is at full capacity. We can now leave orbit and space travel again!" "Excellent Bentley! Murray," Sly turned to his pilot, "when I give the word, blast this baby out of…"

But before Sly could finish his command, he saw someone outside the ship. It was Beowulf, and he was signaling Sly to come out and talk. "Hold on guys, I'll be right back." A few minutes later he and Beowulf were face to face once more. "Hey your highness, did we forget anything?" The king shook his head. "No Sly, I have come to join you on your mission to retrieve the Manta Heart." Sly stood there with great surprise. "What? You want to come with us? But why?" The white wolf replied with urgency. "It is because I think that you and your friends will soon fight a battle that you may not survive. I am coming to ensure that you will live through it."

"What makes you think something like that will happen?" Sly looked confused about this whole thing. Beowulf continued. "I just have a bad feeling that you may not live to see your home world again. I MUST go with you. Besides, I might be able to help you to with dealing with Jacor." Sly thought about it, and he just might be right. One other thing still concerned him. "What about Isis and your son? They will need you, not to mention the rest of your people." Beowulf nodded in response.

"I have spoken to Isis about my decision. She didn't like it, but in the end she agreed. She can rule in my absence until I return. As for our son, Little Sly will be well taken cared of by her. I have also found the sorcerer that trained Volroth and he agreed to teach my son in the ways of magic. He may be ancient, but he is capable and more than willing to do so. I have told my people I will be gone for a while, and told them not to worry. They will look to Isis for leadership as they had done with me. All I ask now, Sly Cooper, is that you will allow me to accompany you on your mission.

"Also, I owe you for saving my family. Let me pay that debt by helping you in your quest. Besides, if what you said in your note was true, you are going to need all the help you can get." Sly thought hard about this. He made his choice. "Alright, your majesty, you can come with us. Follow me inside and we can blast off." Beowulf thanked him as they both went into the ship. When they both arrived on the bridge, Sly had explained the situation. Everyone was both shocked and surprised that King Beowulf was going with them! In the end, they agreed.

"Beowulf, do mind being joining Panda King with the weapon system controls?" The king nodded as he took his new seat with Panda King. Sly then turned to Murray. "Alright Murray, time to kick this baby off the ground! Hit it!" Murray replied with a salute and activated the main thrusters. He adjusted their positions so that they would hover above the mountain they crashed into. When they were high enough, Murray changed the thrusters back into their normal positions and flew the ship back into space. As they took off, Beowulf looked back at his home planet, hoping to see it again soon. He also hoped that he can prevent what he saw in his nightmare, and help his friends in what maybe the biggest battle of their lives.