OMG! It's been so long guys! I hate that I couldn't update sooner! Dislike how much homework I have gotten and I worked/got distracted during the break. Happy New Year also! Also, I was kinda disappointed with how people read but didn't review the last chapter… please boost my confidence and tell me what you think! I want to know if putting in this effort is worth it for all of you guys, thanks!~ But without further a due, read on and please review at the end!

Chapter 22: Betrayal

"Will you guys please stop looking at me like that?" Alexa grumbled as she drove the van.

"Sorry," Jamie said from the passenger seat. "It's just you had us leave without Chase, and he just helped us out. We're not doing him any favors by leaving so suddenly.

"I suppose he'll be fine. He seems to keep finding us with no problem and he knows our general direction," Ken noted from the back of the van.

"Still, what's going on Alexa?"

Alexa sighed. "I think we both just need some time to ourselves okay. Some of the things he said to me before we left just kinda got me thinking that he needed some time… and I need to get some things sorted in my head too. Besides, this just gives us some time to bond. Just the three of us: the original trio," she grinned.

Jamie giggled, "Alright. Wonder what we'll be able to do in our conditions though…"

"I'm sure after a while, we'll be able to hit the slopes soon," Ken grinned wide.

"Yep," Alexa said focusing on the road. Sorry Chase. But I think you need this time more than I do…

…

"Chase," Ryu shook the raccoon. "Wake up, Chase."

The teen awoke with a start and jumped to his feet, "Ryu? What are you doing here? If they see you—"

"They're gone," he replied bluntly.

"What? Aw, you've got to be kidding me," Chase groaned hitting his forehead.

"Well, they did leave you a note," Ryu stated, holding up a piece of paper which Chase quickly snatched from his hand.

"'Gone on ahead. You can still join us later. Just be sure to rest all the way before riding your bike. I'm sure you'll be able to find us. Alexa.' Hmm, I know you didn't come in here just to give me this. What's going on?"

Ryu sighed, "Father's very adamant and Mother has agreed with him. You have to do something soon or he'll come with the other three and help you complete your mission."

Chase's body immediately became stiff and he began to pace, "How long do I have? Did he plan on telling me this?"

"I think he planned to call you but not to tell you when he's coming. Even I don't know when he's leaving. He rarely ever leaves the compound."

"This isn't good. Not good at all," Chase growled through biting his lip still pacing.

"Calm yourself. You have at least a week to figure things out."

"You still have that cell phone?"

"Yes."

"Then txt me updates every day. I need you to keep me in the loop."

"Of course." Ryu then grabbed Chase's shoulder. "Stop it. You have to remain calm. Either you must finish the job or figure out how to tell her the truth."

Chase let out an exhausted sigh, "Right. You're right. I just have to figure out how."

Then Chase's phone began to ring. Both of them froze as Chase answered, "Hello."

"I'm going to be coming to help you soon. Not exactly sure of the time I'll be coming but this job of yours is taking too long," Father said with a stern tone.

"Sir, I understand your concern but I have everything under control."

"If you did, you'd be done by now."

"But I'm still toying with her," Chase flinched a little when he said that.

"Hmm… Mother does appreciate this game you've made out of this situation. Well, you still have time. Mother's even contemplating if she wants you to bring the Cooper girl to her alive or not."

Chase clenched his fist but his voice stayed even, "I see."

"I believe that is all."

"Then can I talk with Chris?" Ryu gave him a look that said: You're pushing your luck.

"Hmm… Alright."

"Thank you, Father."

After a couple long minutes, "Chase?"

"Hey Chris, how have you been doing?"

"I've been great. Dad told me how he'll help to get you back sooner. I can't wait to see you!" Chase could hear the smile in his brother's voice.

"You too, little guy."

"Hey, brother, how have you been doing with her?"

Chase chuckled, "It's been interesting. She's even saved my life."

"No way! She sounds cool! Will I get to meet her too?"

"Now, I don't know about—"

"Chase, let me remind you of your mission," Father's voice interrupted. "Do not let this game you're playing make you actually fall in love."

Chase clenched his fist so hard he nearly cut his hand, "I know sir. She really means nothing to me." He felt his heart sink a little deeper in guilt from the lies he had to spout out of his mouth.

"Let it stay that way." And then the line went dead.

Chase threw his phone against the wall, "I hate this! That man and that woman… I wish they never would've adopted us…"

Ryu put a hand on Chase's shoulder again, "Don't let this get to you. You still have time."

"Hard to believe. I keep imaging Mother would keel over with how old she is, so she'd want this done as soon as possible." Chase sighed. "I'm still having trouble believing who she really is and why she's been trying to execute this plan."

"For now, you should just rest. Your head is jumbled and clouded. Sleep and something will come to you."

"Yeah right," Chase grumbled sitting on the corner of his bed, "but how am I supposed to sleep after what you've told me and that phone call?"

"Well, there is that pressure point technique," Ryu stated thoughtfully.

"No, no, no!" Chase waved his hands wildly with his eyes wide. "I'd rather you didn't do that. It works but I'm usually in so much pain when I wake up. I'll just try to sleep." He pulled the covers over him and he laid his head down.

"Suit yourself." Ryu was about to leave when he turned back to Chase, "Don't worry about it too much. You knew this day would eventually come. Just take it one step at a time and remember your training. It will work out in the end."

"I'll make it that way somehow…"

…

The gang finally reached Brigerbad and they were able to find a cabin on the out skirts of town and rested the rest of the night. The next day they went into town and were in awe of the quaint beauty of the town. They took the next couple of days to go exploring, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, relaxing at the spa, and even going to a water park. But as the days went by, Alexa grew more anxious since Chase still hadn't found them.

Her hair was down and in her concerned eyes as she leaned against the window sill watching the sun go down. "You don't think something happened to him, do you?" she asked Jamie over her shoulder.

"I'm sure he's just taking his time. You shouldn't worry so much," Jamie's voiced reached her by the window.

"It's just I felt like there was something important he had to tell me…" Alexa hit her hands against the window sill, "You know what, let's go do something!" She turned around and saw Jamie all dressed up in a navy blue dress, white shall and shoes with her hair up in a bun.

"Oh, um, actually Ken and I were going to go out to dinner."

"Oh," Alexa's face dropped a little bit.

"Jamie, you ready to go?" Ken called coming into the room. He was also dressed up in a navy blue button up shirt with long sleeves, khaki pants, and dark shoes. "Uh, are you alright, Alexa?"

"Maybe we shouldn't—" Jamie started.

"No. You guys go ahead," Alexa stated, pushing the two toward the door. "I promised myself I would never be the third wheel when you two would finally get together. Please go on. I'll be fine," she said, forcing a bit of a smile.

"Well, alright. If you're sure," Jamie put a hand on Alexa's arm with a smile.

Ken ruffled Alexa's hair, "Don't get into any trouble while we're gone, okay?"

"I'll be good," that gave her a chance to have a natural grin, "Promise. Later, have fun."

"Bye," the two said leaving with their arms linked.

Alexa closed the door behind her with a sigh, "What to do…" she leaned against the door, "I should not feel this out of place." She stood there for awhile and then got frustrated with herself. She grabbed her jacket with the Thievius Raccoonus in the secret pocket and bag filled with her normal gadgets. I am not gonna just sit around, she thought in frustration heading out the door.

She walked through town, seeing her breath in the air. Light snow began to fall on the ground and she stuffed her hands farther into her jacket. It seemed every corner she would turn to see a couple bundled together and her heart would just ache. She finally just sat at the closest bench to stop her body, praying it would stop her racing thoughts. Why hasn't he found us yet? She gave an exhausted sigh, ran her hands through her hair then resting her chin in her hands. She watched people go by for a couple minutes when she stated, "Geez I'm pathetic. I really am head over heels."

"Is that a bad thing?" came a chuckle.

Alexa whipped around and saw Chase behind her with a smile on his face. "Chase!" she gasped as she jumped up and hugged him.

"Woah," he exhaled in surprise trying not to lose his balance. "I wasn't gone that long," he muttered with red coming on his face.

"But," she released him so she could see his eyes, "I thought you had something really important you had to tell me. And what took you so long anyway?"

"I'm sorry. I needed time to think too."

Alexa gave a soft smile, "Well, that is why I did this in the first place. Give us time to think, you know."

"But I thought we were beyond just leaving suddenly with a note," he replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Hehe, I guess not. So, what do you want to do?"

"Honestly, something fun. All of that thinking has worn me down."

"Well then—" Alexa froze and turned her head towards a familiar mumbling. "Oh no. You need to hide."

"Huh?"

"Trust me. Hide now."

Chase slipped away down a dark alley while a koala appeared around the corner with a walking stick. The koala smiled and mumbled something walking over to Alexa.

Alexa smiled, "It's good to see you too, Guru." She hugged him asking, "What are you doing here?"

He released her and mumbled again, Chase in the background having no idea what was being said.

"That's cool. Well, I'm on vacation. It is summer break after all." Guru mumbled again. "They're out eating together. I decided to go on an adventure of my own." Guru looked to her skeptically and mumbled something else. "Me? No. I'm not troubled." He glanced over to the alley quickly and mumbled once more. "What? No—" he interrupted her and she sighed in defeat. "Yes. Chase, you can come out. He knows you're there."

Chase nervously came out and stood next to Alexa whispering, "How did he know that?"

Guru mumbled and Alexa had to stifle a laugh.

"What?"

"Um, he just said 'I maybe old but not deaf, you stalker.' Guru, he is not a stalker, he's my friend. Wow, what a weird conversation to be having."

Chase became flustered from that, turning a little red. "And why can't I understand him?"

"Only people he really trusts can actually understand."

As Guru mumbled again, Alexa heard, "Why do your parents not know that you are out with this boy?"

Alexa grumbled, "You know exactly why."

"Should we not inform them at all?"

"Yes. They really don't need to know. It's not a big deal, so please don't tell them."

Guru gave a chuckle and replied, "Alright."

Alexa sighed, "Thank you."

He then glanced at Chase, giving him an examining look. He motioned for Alexa to come close. She did so and then he whispered something into her ear that made her eyes grow a little wide. But she sighed again, "I'll be fine. Please go be on your way. I promise I won't be out late."

Guru nodded and patted Alexa on the head. He looked to Chase once more and walked off shaking his head.

I don't think that was good… Chase guessed. "What was that about?"

"Heh, heh, damage control?" she replied nervously.

"I realize that. But what did he tell you just now?"

Alexa bit her bottom lip but replied, "He said, 'Be careful. This one has a heart heavy with regret and pain.'"

Chase went stiff. He could read that from me?

"But I think that just shows how you need to go have some fun." She grabbed his hand and began to drag him along. "I have just the thing we can do."

She didn't look back to see the red come across his face. But when he looked to her beautiful smile, he couldn't help but smile happily himself.

Alexa then took him away from the city and into a wooded area, where the light was getting dimmer with only a few lights and the night sky draping the world. Soon they came to a frozen lake with a couple benches scattered around, lit by a lamp and moon light as snow still fell making everything around them sparkle. "Here we are."

"Um, it's pretty Alexa but what are we supposed to be doing here?"

She let go of his hand to go to one of the benches and pulled out two pairs of ice skates. "We're going ice skating, silly."

"Uh, I've never skated before. And where did you—"

"Oh, we went skating here the other day. These are Ken's skates so they should fit you," she stated handing him the skates. She then sat down putting on her skates. "And come on, try something new. It will be fun."

"I don't know…"

"Aw, don't tell me you're afraid of falling." She skated out onto the ice and turned to him. "It's not that bad and I'll be there to help you up."

He sighed, "Fine, I'll give it a shot but you have to teach me." He sat down by the edge of the lake and started to strap on the skates.

She chuckled, "Deal." She skated back and forth waiting and asked, "So, if you've never skated before does that mean you've never learned how to ride a bicycle?"

Chase finished getting his skates on and looked up to her, "Yeah. I never really got the chance."

She skated up to him with a smile, "Then I can teach you that too. It will be fun."

He gave a small smile, I hope that can happen. "I would like that."

"Maybe I could teach your brother too," she held out her hand for him.

He laughed, "I think he would love that." He took her hand and as they skated out he was struggling to find any sort of balance.

Alexa giggled trying to go a decent pace for him, "Just calm down. I have you so just find your balance."

"I feel like that's what you've been doing a lot lately."

"Hmm?"

"You're holding me up and helping me find my balance, like with how to deal with my father and help my brother. I really do appreciate it."

"We've been over this already," she laughed looking up from their skates. "You're a part of this gang now so we'll help you out. We care about you."

"Yes, but I love how much you care," he squeezed her hands a little tighter and looked straight into her eyes.

Alexa's face went red and she looked back down to their skates to clear her throat. "Oh, look. See, you're skating so well now that you've relaxed."

"Huh?" he then looked down and noticed how he was skating in time with Alexa. "Ha, I guess I just copied your motions."

"Then let's see how you do when I let go," she replied.

"Wait—" but it was too late. Alexa had let go of his hands and he was extremely off balance again. He soon reached the other side of the lake unable to stop so he skated on, face first into a big pile of snow.

Alexa skated over to him trying not to laugh, "Are you okay?"

Chase turned himself around in the white powder, snow clumping on to his cloths and face. That's when Alexa let out a small laugh and he gave an evil grin, "Well, at least I know how to get you back."

"Eh?" Then Chase threw a snow ball right into her face. She wiped the snow from her face looking at the laughing raccoon. "You're gonna pay for that." And she began to chase him through the snow.

Both of them were laughing and smiling as they ran around throwing snow at each other. Eventually, they fell in the snow next to each other, panting and looking up to the stars in silence.

"Hey, Chase," Alexa asked when she finally caught her breath.

"Hmm?"

"Why was your heart so heavy?"

He closed his eyes and sighed, "I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do about my father."

"Is it really that hard?"

"Well, I can't make it simple. That man really is unreasonable."

"Hmm…" Alexa then sat up and started messing with her jacket, "I have an idea."

"I would love to hear it." He then felt a thud on his chest. "Eh?" he opened his eyes to see the Thievius Raccoonus in front of his face. "A-Alexa—"

"I'm just letting you borrow it," she interrupted as she went to go put her shoes back on. "I'm coming with you to meet this father of yours and get this settled. This is what he wants right?"

He shot up and followed her over to his shoes, "Well, yeah, I mean—"

"Then why are you stressing?"

"Because I—I, uh…" I can't have this, not now. He tried to quickly get his shoes on and focus on something to say.

"What?"

I don't deserve this kindness. That's it! "Because I didn't earn it," the words spilled out of his mouth.

Alexa busted out laughing, "Seriously?"

He stood up and shoved the book back into her hands replying before she could say anything else, "Seriously."

She got to her feet and held the book out to him, "Come on, you're a part of the gang now. You have earned it."

"No, I haven't."

"Please, Chase. This is what I can do to help you, aside from going somewhere and kicking some butt. What else could I do to make you see that?"

He paused for thought before replying, "Fight me for it."

"Wha—"

"You heard me. If I can beat you, I can take the book. And if you beat me, you keep holding on to it."

"Alright." She pushed up her sleeves and stuffed the Thievius Raccoonus in her jacket pocket. "No holding back then," she stated putting her fists up.

"Wouldn't have it any other way," he grinned standing there. "Ladies first."

Then the two started their scuffle, both laying and blocking hits but not wavering. This happened for about ten minutes before Alexa was able to knock Chase onto the ground.

"Had enough?" she panted, standing over him ready to do a finishing move.

But Chase swept his legs under hers. She fell to the ground and he jumped on top of her, "Not quite."

Alexa tried to wiggle out but Chase's weight was too much for her, "You cheater!"

"No. This is very fair," he laughed. Then he looked her in the eye and realized how close he was to her and Alexa began to realize the same. Chase quickly got off her and she dragged herself about of foot away from him and sat up.

Alexa's face was beet red as she cleared her throat, "We'll call that a tie…"

"Yeah, that's sounds fair," Chase stated, running a hand through his hair embarrassed.

She pulled out the Thievius Raccoonus and handed it to him, "Since we didn't say so earlier, in event of a tie, you'll get to take, well, borrow the book."

Chase helped Alexa to her feet and hesitated taking the book. But once he had it in his hands, he felt a sense of relief. "I'll protect it with my life," and he put it away into his jacket.

She smiled, "I would accept nothing less."

He then hugged her tightly whispering, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," and she embraced him back. After a while, she escaped his grasp and took his hand, "Come on. Let's go back to the cabin. Jamie and Ken should be back by now."

But Chase stayed put, "Alexa… there's something I need to tell you."

"Yes?"

"I—" but then Alexa's binoc-u-com began to ring.

"Sorry, something must be up." She pulled it out, quickly saying, "What's up, Jamie?"

"Alexa, Gru is in town and we see him talking with the police, probably trying to get your parents here, right now."

"Oh no, I ran into him earlier and he saw Chase. Dang it, he told me he wouldn't try and call them…"

"What? You have to be kidding me," Jamie scoffed.

"Calm down. Look, we'll take the night to pack then we'll head north in the morning and figure out our next move then."

"Alright… that should work," Jamie replied with her voice a little more even, "By the time your parents and the gang get here, we'll be long gone if I've done my math right. So, we'll see the two of you soon?"

"Yeah, later," and she put her binoc-u-com back into her bag. "I'm sorry Chase but we need to go help Jamie and Ken. Is there a way that we could talk tomorrow?"

"I honestly don't know. This is something that probably shouldn't wait—"

That's when Alexa kissed him on the cheek. "It will be fine. Don't worry so much. It doesn't look good on you," and she began to walk away.

Chase stood there stunned, his face turning red. But he smiled, feeling warmth fill his heart as he went after her. "So you think I look good?"

Alexa laughed turning pink as she shoved Chase in the shoulder, and then they walked over to the cabin with linked arms.

After a couple of hours, the gang had gotten the cabin all packed and ready to go. The rest of the gang turned in for the night except for Chase, who sat on the roof staring at the Thievius Raccoonus in his hands. He sighed, "Why does she have to be so sweet…" His cell phone ring and he went stiff. Oh no. He picked up his phone, "Hello?"

"I really hope you told her, or you have a plan," Ryu said with urgency.

"Depends, what's the news?"

"He's coming now."

Chase began to hear his heart beat in his ears. "How long do I have?"

"Not long. I'm stalling to call you right now, but we're getting extremely close."

"What's he using to track us?"

"That tracker you put in the Thievius Raccoonus."

"What? But it's encrypted. How did he—"

"Forget that," Ryu snapped. "What are you going to do?"

Chase looked at the book, "I have an idea. Hopefully I won't see you soon."

"Good luck."

Chase hung up and pulled out the tracker in the cover of the Thievius Raccoonus. He then climbed down and went inside the cabin up to Alexa's room quietly. He grabbed a piece of paper with a pen and began to quickly jot down as much as he could. Something's come up. I'll meet you up North. Please wait for me. I'll explain everything there. Chase

He then put the note and Thievius Raccoonus on Alexa's bedside table. He looked to her bed and saw Alexa completely covered by blankets and sheets. He was about to pull them away so to see her face but he stopped himself. No, keep moving. That will only make this harder. And he walked out.

After a couple of steps taken outside, he turned around and looked to the cabin. "I hope I'll see you again," he said with a sad smile.

"Who are you talking to?"

Chase froze. Spinning on his heels, he turned to see Alexa behind him. "W-What are you doing out here?"

Her hair was wet and she was in a long sleeve shirt and jeans with a towel around her neck. She chuckled, "I was just at the springs. Figured I go down there one last time before we left and—"

But Chase didn't hear the rest. His heart beat shot up into his ears as he began to scan the surroundings. Before Alexa could ask him what he was doing out here, he grabbed her hand and began to drag her back to the cabin, "Get inside."

"What?"

"Alexa, please don't argue and get inside."

She could hear the urgency in his voice and nodded, "Alright."

She ran ahead of him but Chase heard something in the air and called, "Wait!" he then snatched a dart from the air that was about to hit Alexa and then through it back to where it came from.

A cry of "Whoa!" came from the trees.

"What was that?" Alexa questioned.

"It's too late," Chase whispered mortified.

Then from the trees a monkey walked out, "Hey Chase, I know Ryu trained you well but that nearly hit me."

"Ryu?" Alexa questioned, "So he's your teacher?"

"Yes," Ryu said stepping out of the trees behind them, "along with the others here." And then a stag and tiger appeared out of the woods, blocking any escape.

"Uh, Chase, what's going on?"

"You seem to ask a lot of questions, little girl," a voice from the thicket stated. Chase's body stiffened up as he looked down to the ground in defeat. Then a middle aged raccoon stepped out into the moon light grinning from ear to ear. "You may want to stop asking Chase any questions now because there's nothing he can do for you now. After all, this is where you get betrayed."

Alexa's eyes went wide with shock as she tried to process what's going on. "No… Chase it's not true, right?" But he kept looking down at the ground. She clenched her fists. Anger began to take over her emotions but tears flowed down her face. "You, you—" then she went into attack Chase but she got shot with a dart just before she reached Chase. The liquid entered her blood stream, quickly paralyzing her body. Chase caught her just before she could hit the ground. She looked him in the eyes, crying, "No. Please no. It's a lie."

Chase leaned in and whispered, "I'm sorry." And she passed out as the products of the dart made its course through her veins.

"That was close," the monkey stated putting up his darts. "She looked like she was going to kill you."

"That what happens when someone feels betrayed, Zhi," explained the tiger with a straight face.

Chase's heart shank even more but he gave a half hearted chuckle, "Nero's right. And it wasn't even that hard to trick her at all. The heart is always easy to confuse."

The stag cleared her throat feeling uncomfortable with that coming out of Chase's mouth, "Well, I'll take her back for you."

"I can take her," Chase said with a hint of defensiveness.

"No. Iris will take her. Ryu, Nero, Zhi, check the cabin. Take the other two members and the Thievius Raccoonus as well." the older raccoon ordered.

"Yes sir," the four said as they went off to do their commands, leaving the two raccoons alone.

"Hello, Father. This was a surprise," Chase said with a straight face as Father approached him, trying to bury the urge to punch the other raccoon in the face.

Father chuckled, "I called you before coming but I can understand how you wouldn't expect me this soon. I don't go out very often."

"Yes. I did expect more time."

Father's face then went to one of frustration, "Well I'm sorry I had to end your little game sooner but we really wanted to get this under way. I'm sure Mother will much appreciate how you've manipulated this girl."

"I'm sure," Chase replied with a hint of bitterness.

"Come now. Why look so sullen? You finally get to go home and see your brother for the first time in years." He then put a hand on Chase's shoulder, "Unless, there's something you'd like to say…"

"Nothing at all, sir."

"Good boy, then let's go home."

OMG! I left you with a most horrible cliffhanger :/ I am such a meanie… I'm sorry but good news is that I have the last two chapters in mind and I will post them together. It's really exciting and sad at the same time cuz it's going to be over soon D: and still debating on the sequel. I kinda wanted to see what they're going to do with the new Sly Cooper game before starting it but I have a feeling that it won't be very good ^^; but I could be wrong (and I'm kinda hoping I am). Again, PLEASE REVIEW! I appreciate it SO much when I get reviews and so more would get me more motivated to write more ;) so yeah, HAPPY NEW YEAR again and hope it's an awesome one for all of you and thanks for sticking with this story! :) (so many emotes… I blame txting…)