The Forgotten Cooper

by Vekrote

An evil organization known as The Numbers has plans to locate and 'renovate' a forgotten vault from the Cooper family's past. Sly, however, with the aid of both new and old friends alike undertakes a quest rife with romance, intrigue, and double-cross in an attempt to uncover the truth behind his family's deepest secret, Clockwerk, and The Forgotten Cooper.

8. Family Ties

Chapter 8- Family Ties

The group of 6 walked nonchalantly through a small entrance that led into the main building of the crowded airport. Luc was limping slightly, but was playing off his injuries rather well. Sly had placed his cane into the briefcase that they had gotten their disguises out of so as to not attract any unwanted attention. Making their way quickly through the main foyer, not bothering to check their plane in, they sat down on one of the benches near a set of restrooms.

"My side is killing me," said Luc, stretching out. He slightly lifted up his shirt to reveal a large purple spot on his dark colored side. Sighing, he let his shirt fall back down in a mess.

Sly sat down next to him, gesturing for the rest of the gang to gather around. "I believe I speak for all of us," he said, "when I say that you have earned our trust. You saved all of us back there, and risked your life in the process-"

"I just know how bad things would be if Ambroise got his hands on the key," Luc interrupted. "I will never wrong you or your gang, you have my word. I was just doing the right thing."

"Right thing or not," said Murray, "That was freakin' awesome!"

"I'm getting to be way too old to do this crap," mumbled Luc, stretching once more.

Sly got up and helped Luc to his feet. Making sure he was able to support himself, he addressed the gang above the bustle of the foyer, Luc and all. "We made it to Liverpool, but now we have to get to this relative of mine, which I still can't believe I have… Forget about all that, though. Luc, do you know where this person is?"

The old bat steadied himself and then cleared his throat. "They are at the West Park Apartments, ironically enough on the east side of town. I had arranged for a limo to pick us up, but they aren't going to be here for another hour."

Carmelita stood up and walked over to Sly, who gave her a little smile which she tried to ignore. "We could probably get a couple of cabs to take us there," she said, looking around at all of the gang. "We would have to split up, but we should all be able to make it there around the same time."

"Wonderful idea, Mademoiselle Fox," stated Luc. He took a few unsteady steps towards the exit of the busy airport and then turned back around to face the others. "Well, what are you all waiting for? I'm not getting any younger here."

Sly laughed, shaking his head. "You've got us there. Alright, let's go."

They all walked towards the exit of the airport, trying to attract as little attention as possible. Sly, briefcase in hand, opened the door with a slight tug and allowed the others to exit. Letting go of the brass door handle, he slipped through right before the door shut.

Carmelita quickly made her way to the round drop off zone, and heralded a group of taxis. Walking up to each one of the 3, she told the drivers where they were headed. Making a motion with her head towards the cabs, the others split into groups of 2 and got into the dark colored vans. Murray got with Luc, Penelope got with Bentley, and Sly sat with Carmelita.

Murray and Luc's cab, which was at the front, started off towards the east side of town, followed closely by the others.

Fifteen Minutes Later

The entrance to the apartment complex was blocked by a large metal gate, which opened automatically as the cabs approached. As they passed a large stone sign with 'WEST PARK' carved into it in ornate lettering, Sly spoke up to Carmelita.

"I can't believe this is actually happening," he said softly.

Carmelita turned her head to look at him, her hair making a soft scraping noise on the leather seats of the car. "You have never had a real family, have you?"

"Not since I was 8," he replied. He reached down and readjusted his seatbelt, which was beginning to cut into him uncomfortably. "My mom died when I was 3, so I never got to know her, but I was best friends with my dad…" he trailed off, closing his eyes. This was affecting him more than he thought it would, he thought to himself. He had lived the majority of his life with no real family to speak of. Sure, he had Murray and Bentley, and they were more like family than friends, but they would never be like having the real thing. Carmelita put her hand on his shoulder, breaking him from his trance.

"I guess I can't say what you are feeling right now, but I understand that it must be a lot for you to take in."

Sly looked over at her, and then out the window. "We're here," he said abruptly, trying to hold in what he was really feeling.

The cabs pulled up to the 'E' building of the large complex and let the gang out. Luc pulled out a small grey card and allowed each of the cab drivers to swipe it through a machine inside the cars, paying for the trip. The gang walked over to a tree that was growing out next to the side walk to regroup.

"Well Sly, I do believe that you should be the one to lead us," said Luc, looking down at his watch. "She is in room number 122, on the second floor; a rather large apartment if my memory serves me."

Sly took a deep breath. "Ok guys, follow me." He gave them all a look over, and then started to walk along the sidewalk towards the stairwell of the 'E' building. His feet made metallic thuds against the metal steps as he made his way up, followed by the gang. Placing his hand against the banister, he pulled himself up onto the second floor. Stopping to allow the rest of the gang to catch up with him, he turned his head and looked to the room at the left. '122' was printed upon the faded bronze number plate that adorned the door.

"This is probably a bigger deal for me than for any of you guys, but are you ready?"

"Time is of the essence, Sly, so whenever you are ready," came Luc's reply. He didn't sound like he was in any sort of a rush, but his voice had a slight sense of urgency to it.

The entire gang was looking at him, ready to follow him through. Turning his attention back to the door, he sighed and then brought his hand up to the doorbell. Stopping his finger a fraction from the button, he flexed his hand and then pushed it forwards. A faint ringing could be heard coming from inside, followed by footsteps. "I'll be right there!" came a feminine voice from somewhere inside. A few seconds later, the metallic click of a deadbolt being undone could be heard, followed by a creak as the old door swung partway open. A female raccoon, about the same age as Sly, peaked around the door. "Hello," she said nervously, eyeing the group in front of her. "Who are you people?"

Sly looked around at his gang, and then back to the raccoon in front of him. "We need your help," he said calmly.

The girl gave him a nervous look. "What for?"

Sly put his hand behind his head and rubbed it nervously. "Well, you are going to be surprised when I say this, but… we are family."

"What? I'm sorry, you must have the wrong person," she said hastily, closing her door.

Luc stepped in front of Sly and knocked on the door firmly. "Claire, please open the door. This is important."

Several seconds of silence passed, and then the door opened up slowly. "How do you know my name?"

"That is not important, we-"

Sly cut him off before he could continue. "You and I are family, Claire…"

"That's not possible, I am an only child and my parents died when I was 4."

"You see," Sly continued. "That's where it gets complicated."

Claire gave them all an odd look, and then opened her door wider. "I guess I should invite you in," she said, gesturing for them to come inside. "It's a little messy, but it should be ok."

"Thanks," said Sly, stepping inside followed by the rest of the gang.

It was a small apartment, true, but it did have its charms. In the living room, where the door led to, there was a small wooden stand against the wall that had an old boxy TV on top of it. Next to the stand was a small book case, every inch of which was filled with books of all shapes and sizes. Walking over to a white couch in the corner, Sly sat down. Claire, who shut the door behind them, walked to the center of the living room, hands akimbo.

"So what's all this about it being complicated?" she asked quickly, her foot beginning to tap.

"First off," Sly replied. "Do you know who I am?" He pointed to his chest.

Claire gave him a long look, and then shrugged. "Nope, you don't look familiar. Now," she continued, "Since we have that out of the way, would you be kind enough to leave?"

"Not just yet," said Sly, the rest of the gang remaining silent. "I am Sly. Sly Cooper. And this," he said, gesturing to each of his gang in turn, "Is Penelope, Bentley, Murray, Carmelita, and Luc."

Penelope gave a nervous wave, and Murray offered one of his trademark grins while the rest stayed motionless and silent.

Claire's eyes grew wide. "You are the Cooper gang?"

"Yes ma'am, the one and only."

Claire took a step back and placed a hand against her face. "How exactly…"

"How are we related?" Said Sly before she could finish.

"…I was going to ask how you found me, but that actually seems like a better place to start now that I think about it…" she replied softly after a second of hesitation.

Sly chuckled gently. "Both are good questions, I guess." He let out a long sigh and then opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it back slightly. "I'm not even fully sure how," he said, turning to face Luc. "I believe this is where you get to show what you know, Mr. Gaud."

Luc stepped forwards, bowing slightly. He cleared his throat before addressing the confused looking pair of raccoons in front of him. "Well, back in the medieval times, a female raccoon named Anette was born as the sister to one of Sly's more well known ancestors; Sir Galleth."

Sly crinkled his brow, and then interrupted Luc. "Wait, Anette was Galleth's sister? I remember him mentioning someone else in his section of the book, but he never made clear who it was."

"Yes, Sly, Anette was Galleth's younger sister by about a year. Now, where was I… oh yes. Anette, several years down, the line realized that it wasn't fair for Galleth to get trained and accepted into the thieving section of the cooper clan and her not, so she abandoned her family and struck out on her own to thieve as she pleased. Still bound by a sense of honor, she followed the same guidelines as the more, official I guess I should say, part of the clan. Four years later, she became with child and gave birth to a boy. Guilt ridden by leaving her family, she couldn't bring herself to start one of her own, so she left the boy on the doorstep of one of the shop owners of the time." He glanced around the room, making sure everyone was still listening, lest he have to repeat himself. He placed his hands behind his back, tucking his wings neatly at his sides. "The bloodlines remain clear, but names have been lost to the annals of time. Long story short, everybody, Sly is a descendant of Galleth and lovely Miss Claire here is a descendant of Anette, both of whom had the same parents."

Sly turned back to look at an even more confused looking Claire. He offered her a soft smile, but she didn't seem to notice. "Sooo… yeah," he said slowly. "That's how we're related…"

Claire shook her head, and then stood up. "I think it's safe to assume that you guys came here for a reason," she said, addressing the group in front of her. She made a quick motion with her hands. "Well, what is it?"

"Other than offering a family reunion to the two of you?" replied Luc, a smile on his grizzled features. "It's a matter of saving the world, as a matter of fact."

Claire sighed. "Of course… Guess you guys should make yourselves at home. This is an older apartment, so it's a bit bigger than your average 3 bedroom, still," she continued, looking around, "Two of you will have to sleep in the living room here, while the rest of you pair up."

"Me and Luc here will sleep in livin' room!" Said a happy Murray, flopping down on the couch. Claire couldn't resist a quick giggle at his antics. Murray looked at Luc, a huge smile on his face. "You ok with that, buddy?"

Luc gave a small smile, and then stretched out his side before walking over to Murray. "I'm ok with sleeping in here for the night, as long as no one else wishes to that is?"

Everyone else in the room shook their heads, causing Luc to shrug. "Guess we're in here tonight, Murray."

Claire began to walk towards a hallway on the right side of the room, beckoning for the rest of the gang to follow. "Here, I'll show you 4 where you'll be sleeping," she said, flipping on a switch on the wall that caused the hallway to fill with light. The group of 4 behind her followed with little hesitation.

"I would like to be the first one to say thanks, Claire," said Sly, walking faster so that he could catch up with her, only having to stop abruptly to avoid bumping into her as she stopped to open a door. "You barely know us, but you already trust us enough to let us stay here for a while.

Claire pushed the door at the side of the hallway in, revealing a rather spacious bedroom. "I don't like the fact that a bunch of thieves are in my house," she said, giving them all a nervous glare, "but if what the bat said is true, about us being related, then I don't really have a choice."

"I don't like the idea of a bunch of thieves myself," chimed Carmelita. "I'm in here because I don't have much of a choice, so I guess we are in the same boat."

Claire nodded, now noticing the badge that Carmelita displayed on her collar. Turning her attention back to the room, she continued on. "This is the master bedroom, but I never use it; too big for my tastes. I use it mainly as a guest room, so you guys, at least 2 of you anyway, are in luck."

"You go ahead, Sly. That room doesn't look very, well, wheelchair friendly," said Bentley, patting the armrest of his chair.

Penelope walked up behind him and patted him on the shoulder. "Yeah Sly, go ahead. Bentley and I will take the next one."

Claire stepped inside, putting her hands on her hips and facing away from the gang. "Bit of a mess, but it should work."

Sly stepped inside as Claire exited, placing the briefcase that he was still carrying on the top of the king size bed that was up against the wall. Sitting down at a small desk next to the bed, he flipped on an antique brass lamp, illuminating the desktop.

"Guess I'm in here too," came the slightly grumpy voice of Carmelita from the front of the room. She pushed aside the briefcase and then slumped onto the bed, a frumpy expression on her face. "I'm still getting used to all of this, ok? So don't expect anything crazy from me when we both get in this bed."

Sly chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it, cheri. If you want, I'll sleep on the floor." Smiling, he reached down and seemingly produced a book from thin air. Placing it on the desk, he brushed dust off of its cover. Thievius Raccoonus gleamed dimly, yet proudly from the front of it. Flipping it open, he thumbed through the ancient pages, quickly scanning each one. "Galleth mentioned someone else in his entries, but he never really told who they were. I had just denounced it as another Cooper story lost to the ages until just now." Tapping the page that he had stopped on once, he leaned in closer. "Here, he says 'She has been trying to gain entry for quite some time now, and has threatened to leave permanently'. That's just randomly thrown into his entry; nothing else is there at all. At least it lends a bit of credibility to the story," he continued.

Carmelita yawned, and then sat up on the bed. Looking over, she noticed an alarm clock perched over to the side of the bed. "Holy crap, is that clock right?" she said, pointing to it as Sly turned around to look.

Sly looked out the window, confirming that it was indeed ten o'clock in the evening. "Guess so," he said, carefully closing the book in front of him. He spun his chair to the side and then levered himself up, and began to walk towards the bed before taking a flying leap into it, coming down with a thud and sending dust everywhere. Laughing, he rolled over to be greeted by a disgusted looking Carmelita. He shook his head, still laughing silently.

"Really, Cooper?" she said, using her hand to fan away the dust cloud that he had launched into the air.

"Sorry," he said, sitting up. "Just got carried away."

Carmelita slipped her boots off, and then stood back up. Still dressed in the outfit that Sly had given her back in Paris, she decided it would be better to slip into something more suited for sleeping. Making her way towards a large dresser in the corner of the room, she opened the creaky door and looked inside. Lucky for her, a blue nightgown with lace edging around the base was hung neatly from the rack inside. Taking it off of its hanger, she folded the soft garment over her arm and walked back to the bed. "I would really like it if you didn't watch me while I change, cooper," she said bluntly, reaching up to unbutton her blouse.

"You don't have to tell me twice," responded sly coolly, turning his back to the vixen on the opposite side of the bed. "Sorry if I was a little quick with that kiss back in Paris, I know things have been a little sketchy between us the last few months."

Carmelita carefully lifted her shirt over her head and discarded it in a heap in a corner of a room. Reaching down, she undid the buttons on her slacks and slid out of them, tossing them next to the shirt. "Sketchy might not be the best way to describe it," she responded. "Sorry if I was a little quick to want to sleep in the same bed as you."

Sly chuckled. "No arguments from me on that, lovely."

Carmelita snorted. Sly always used this flirty mood with her, no matter what the occasion. Reaching behind her, she undid the clasp on her bra and slid it down over her arms. Glancing quickly over her shoulder to make sure that Sly was still turned around, she grabbed the nightgown and slipped it on, being careful not to wrinkle the delicate fabric. Much to her surprise, it fit her almost perfectly. She brushed down a few raised spots on her fur, and then walked back to the bed. "Ok, I'm done."

Sly turned around, and winked, surprised at how good she managed to look in a simple nightgown. Loose as it may have been, it still flattered her figure exceptionally well. Her tail twitched impatiently, indicating that Sly had been looking for too long. Taking the hint, he decided to joke around. "What would you say if I said that I snuck a few peeks?"

Carmelita gave him a horrified look, her eyes widening. "You didn't!"

Sly chuckled, and pulled back the sheets of the bed. "Just kidding, calm down. I respect you too much for that, Carm. Although, you are rocking that gown rather nicely."

Carmelita walked over to the bed ignoring that last comment he had made, her cheeks still slightly red. "Good, because if you had actually looked, I would have beaten you senseless." Even though she was blushing, her voice has hard enough to make Sly realize that she was telling the truth.

Sly climbed into bed, not bothering to change his clothes as the ones he was in were rather comfortable. Lying down, he enjoyed the cool feel of the sheets. Carmelita climbed in next to him, keeping her distance. "Sly?" she asked, shifting around trying to get comfortable in the unfamiliar bed.

Sly turned around to face her, his head on his pillow. "Yeah?"

"What you said back in Paris, about wanting to love me, was… was all of that true?" Her voice was quiet.

"Every single word," he responded, closing his eyes. "If you are willing to give me another chance to prove myself to you, I will."

"That kiss certainly told me how you felt about me," she said, trying to keep her smile from messing with her voice.

Sly opened up his eyes again, looking into hers. She laughed, which earned her a confused look from him.

"The last time you looked at me like that, Ringtail, things began to escalate," she said, closing her eyes.

"Again with the pet names," he responded, maneuvering his tail over to Carmelita. "I guess it does fit me," he said, before beginning to tickle her midriff with the tip of his tail.

Carmelita batted it away playfully. "Quit it, Cooper!"

Sly shook his head in silent mirth, and brought his tickling assault to a close. He reached over and patted her on the shoulder. "Hold on, I have something for you."

Carmelita gave him a confused look as he got out of bed, walking around to the opposite side of the room where the briefcase he had brought in ended up. "What are-" but Sly shushed her before she could finish.

"Will you give me a second chance to prove to you that I am telling the truth?" he said as he leaned down and opened the small latch on the briefcase with a click. Rummaging around inside of it, he picked up a small cloth bundle, and took something out of it. He hid it behind him before Carmelita could get a good look at it, much to her dismay.

"Like I said back in Paris," replied Carmelita, now standing up next to the bed. "It will take a long time for me to fully trust you again, but I am willing to give you another chance. Now," she continued, sounding slightly annoyed. "What are you doing?"

"Something I have been wanting to do for a long time." He stood up from the briefcase, turning to face Carmelita. Keeping his hands behind him and out of sight, he walked over to a confused looking Ms Fox. Standing only a couple of feet in front of her, he placed one leg behind him and got down on one knee. Carmelita had a puzzled look on her face, but her eyes grew wide when she realized what it was exactly that Sly was doing. "Oh no…" she said.

"Oh, yes," replied Sly with a smile. It wasn't until she looked down at him that she realized that something was different.

"You aren't wearing your mask," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice. She had never seen him like this before. Even when he was a constable at Interpol, he wore it, saying that he just didn't feel complete without it for some reason. As she looked closer at him, she saw that the fur around his eyes was only a slightly darker shade than that of which around it. It wasn't as dark as the rings on his tail, mind you, but it wasn't as light as they gray that made up the majority of his fur.

"I wanted there to be as little as possible between for this moment," he replied. Drawing a small box from behind his back, he held it aloft between them.

It was an ornately carved wooden box; mahogany with teak inlays on the edges. The initials TWC were carved into the bottom left hand corner of it. The wood was worn from age, but it still shone just as brightly as the day it was carved.

Placing his right hand on top of the box, he looked Carmelita directly in the eyes. "I love you; three simple words with an all but simple meaning. I promise to be forever by your side," he continued, not once breaking his gaze from hers. "No matter the hardship, and no matter what may arise in the future."

Carmelita was blushing uncontrollably, but she couldn't look away. "I, I don't know what to say…" She felt her heartbeat quicken. "I, I mean you, I mean-"

"Shhh…" voiced Sly, shaking his head with a smile. "You really are cute when you're like this." Pausing a moment to allow Carmelita's blushing to subside, he took a deep breath. "Carmelita Montoya Fox," he said, opening the box with a smooth motion of his hand, revealing a gleaming golden band that swirled up to support a single flawless diamond. "Will you marry me?"

Carmelita looked at him, and then to the ring, and then back to him. Her eyes rolled back in to her head, and then she collapsed onto the floor with a thud.

Roughly ten minutes later

Carmelita groaned and then sat up. When she looked around, she noticed that she was still in the master bedroom, and to be more specific, tucked into the bed.

"Sleeping beauty finally awakens!" exclaimed Sly, walking over to her happily. Carmelita groaned yet again and flopped back down into the bed, throwing the sheets over her so as to cover her head.

"This is just too much for one week," she said, her voice muffled by the sheets.

Sly climbed into bed next to her. "What do you mean by that?"

"Being blamed for the Interpol thing, getting dragged into some world saving crap, almost getting killed by your flying, and now this," she replied quickly, pulling the sheets down and revealing her face. "It's been a big couple of days."

"I can agree with you on that," said Sly with a sort of half smile. "It's like I said before, though. It may be under some very weird circumstances, but I'm still glad that I get to be with you."

Carmelita adopted a look of deep thought, and then without warning rolled over on top of Sly, straddling him. Pinning both of his arms down to the bed, she leaned down and placed her muzzle next to his, only a short distance apart. "My answer, is yes," she said with a devilish grin. "I will marry you, Cooper." She tilted her head to the side and leaned down further, planting her lips on his. For several seconds, they meshed together in harmony. Sly pulled his arms free, and pulled Carmelita closer to him, pressing their bodies flush together. Several moments passed, and then Sly broke free of the kiss. Carmelita looked at him, "I've got you now, Ringtail…" she said in a sultry voice.

"I don't know what to say," he said smiling before planting another kiss on her lips.

"Some things, words just can't say," she replied before running her fingers through his hair. Leaning down once again on top of him, she kissed him on the tip of the nose.

Smiling, Sly leaned over to the nightstand and picked up the antique ring box that he had set there a few minutes prior. Opening it gently, he gingerly lifted the swirling ring out of its velvet home, and held it aloft between. Sly picked up Carmelita's left hand, which she was resting on his chest, and extended her hand. Taking the ring, he placed it gently on her left ring finger and pushed it down, settling it in place. Placing his hand behind hers, he brought it up, and kissed the ring that was now seated on her finger.

Carmelita's heart was racing. Never in her life had she been as happy as she was at this very moment. The love of her life, Sly Cooper, had just promised with this ring that he would be with her forever. As much as she didn't want to let herself trust him, as much as he had hurt her in the past, none of that mattered now. She leaned down and placed her muzzle on his neck, nibbling gently. Moving her head down, she kissed down the length of his neck and his collar. Bringing her hands forwards, she began to pry open the buttons that held his shirt in place, slowly working her way down until his chest was exposed. Kissing his soft, yet toned belly once, she looked up at him, smiling.

"Let's not let this get out of hand, now," chided Sly playfully.

"Some things are better left until marriage, yes?" She responded, still with a smile gracing her features. Her eyes met his, and began roving around where his mask normally lay. Her smile intensified for a second, and then cooled down again.

Sly wrapped both of his hands around her waist and drew her back down, their lips meeting once more. Deepening the kiss, their tongues began a dance together, and their lips began to move with more force.

Carmelita, without breaking the kiss, guided Sly's hands down to the bottom fringe of her nightgown. She took his fingers and wrapped them around the edge, pulling it up a fraction. Sly understood what she wanted him to do, and began to lift the gown upwards. Carmelita sat up on top of him and raised her arms, guiding the garment over her head as Sly lifted it off. Discarding the gown carelessly over the side of the bed, Sly drunk in every detail of his love's figure. From her deep chocolate eyes, down the soft edges of her face and the curves of her thin, graceful neck. Down past her shoulders and across her bare chest, along her thin waist, and down to her curvaceous hips. Sly sat up and placed a kiss on her collarbone, lingering for a moment. Slowly, he began to place kisses down her breast bone. Gently Pushing Carmelita down, he got on top of her and began to nuzzle her stomach. Moving down ever further, into dangerous territory, he placed his hands at the top of her undergarments and began to pull them down, but stopped after an inch.

"If I ever start to make you feel uncomfortable, Carm, let me know," said Sly, looking up with a caring smile on his muzzle. "I only aim to please."

Carmelita let out a sigh of contentment. "You are doing a lot of pleasing right now, Cooper." She heard Sly chuckle as he redirected his attention a little lower down. She leaned her head back, and felt a chill run through her as Sly rid her of her undergarments. She felt his warm breath, and let out a long sigh, her eyes rolling into the back of her head as he made contact…

A/N-

Finally posted a new chapter! :DDDD I hope the extended length of this one kind of makes up for the fact that it has been over 2 weeks since I last posted… So, what did you guys think? I spent a LONG time trying to keep that whole scene between Sly and Carmelita from sounding corny and overdone, but it still sounds a little that way to me anyhow. Sly's long lost relative, Claire, seems fairly nice, no? I mean, if a bunch of international criminals came to your house and said that you were related, how would you react? I apologize in advance if the next chapter takes a while to come out, I have a lot of stuff to do, so The Forgotten Cooper is going to be set on the back burner for a while. On an unrelated note, SLY COOPER: THIEVES IN TIME! OHMAHGAWD! Ahem… who else is excited about it?