Chapter 26: A Legacy Reborn

Bentley says, "So, Sly, what are you thinking of doing now that we're back in Paris?"

Sly responds with, "Since I'm not expecting Sora's…. delivery for a while, I think I'll go back to where it all began for me."

"Are you going to reflect on everything that's happened in the last few weeks?"

"Pretty much. So many life changing things have happened recently that I'm going to at least attempt to take it all in…"

Bentley responds with, "Deal. See you in a bit? I'm going to prep for the next slideshow. Trying to track down the World Rings has been… more difficult than expected."

"Don't stress yourself out, buddy. Don't forget how obsessed you were with finding a way into Dr. M's fortress…"

"I'm sure things won't get that bad. If they did, you and Murray would know immediately."

Sly nods as he heads out.

SKSKSK

A short walk through Paris later, Sly has arrived at his destination: his old childhood home. One he hasn't visited since age 8. Since Clockwerk and the Fiendish Five stole the Thievius Raccoonus. Since… they killed Sly's dad Connor.

Sly, looking unusually agitated, says, "Where is it? I know Dad left it around here somewhere..."

And then Sly looks at his bed to see the old music box his father used to play for him. Just as Sly gets a tear in his eye from the memory, he reaches out to touch said box, and he is taken aback when it starts glowing... somehow. "What is going on?"

Almost as if the box is answering his question, he hears a voice. One that he subconsciously knows, even if he doesn't realize it.

"Don't cry, new protector of the Anthro Galaxy. Let me put your worries to rest..."

The music box opens and starts playing an old lullaby Connor used to play for his son. Let's call it the "Cooper Melody."

At that moment, Sly feels a sharp pain. A pain coming from... his heart? He drops to his knees as he feels immense pain. But it's pain that he knows will be worth it, as when he looks up, he sees a raccoon that looks just like him. "Dad!?!" Bentley immediately calls after Sly sends him a picture. "It can't be! How?!" "The music box said it would rid me of the the pain in my heart. I have no idea how it was going to do that, but it just happened." "I think it's Soul Prince related..." "Wouldn't surprise me." Sora walks up as Sly breaks down in tears of joy. "You OK Sly?" "…My dead dad just came back to life. Sora, this is Connor Cooper. Everything has changed."

End Chapter