//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Tide of Terror: Scooting // Story: Sly Cooper and the Silver Dust // by Kingdom Harmony //------------------------------// Tide of Terror: Scooting “She’s what?!” Bentley yelled. “Quiet or she’ll hear you,” Sly said. “What’s she even doing here?” “Probably the same as us,” “Uh,” Silver interrupted, “who are you talking about?” “Inspector Carmelita Montoya Fox,” Sly answered. “She’s been chasing us for years. “ “If she’s here, we need to be more prepared,” Bentley said. “We’ll do our reconnaissance tomorrow night. I guess we’ll just relax until then.” “Changing subjects,” Sly said, “you did a really good job getting this room. How’d you do it?” “Oh I just told Raleigh how we recently adopted Silver.” “And that worked?” “Of course. I came here without a reservation on purpose. I knew we needed a balcony and all of the suits had them. I figured that if we came without a reservation all of the normal rooms would be booked and I knew that Raleigh would seize the chance to give us a suit at normal price if given a good enough excuse. If he reports it as being full price it would allow him to smuggle some of his stolen money into his business.” “You planed all that?” “Someone had to.” “Good job Bentley. Okay then let’s take advantage of the room we got and relax. However we should get to bed soon, we have an early day tomorrow.” ----------------------------- Carmelita woke up late and saw Twilight writing something down while Spike was watching something on the computer. “What are you guys doing?” she asked. “Oh,” Twilight said, “I’m writing a checklist of places we need to check.” “Okay, but we really don't need a checklist.” Carmelita said. “Don’t try and stop her,” Spike said. “She makes checklist for everything. I’m just glad she’s not making me do it for a change.” “Okay then,” Carmelita said. “What are you up to?” “I’m doing some research on this… computer?” Spike said. “Well, whatever it’s called, I figure that we might want to check out that live show.” Twilight turned towards Spike in surprise. “Don’t tell me he actually made you interested in his show.” “No of course not. But after doing some research, I found out that he does two live shows a week, both on the same day, and, although he says there’s a continuous story, he keeps it rather formulaic, which he says is to let newcomers watch without worry. At the end of the first show the crew gets separated from their captain, played by Raleigh, only for him to come back during the climax of the second. “Okay, what’s your point?” “My point is that if Raleigh ever wanted to slip away unnoticed, that would be the time.” Carmelita nodded. “Good work Spike, we’ll make sure to check that out.” “How’d you figure all this out?” Twilight asked. “Well,” Spike said, “after you said that you said you sensed something weird on him, I figured it would be best to find out his schedule. He mentioned the live show, and it turns out he records it, sells the episodes. He has them available for free on the hotels computers. So I watched a few episodes.” “You're really getting into this,” Twilight said. “Just doing my part,” Spike said, somewhat embarrassed. “You said you researched his schedule,” Carmelita said. “Did you find out anything else?” “Yeah,” Spike said. “From six to seven in the morning he checks out certain attractions in the amusement park.He signs autographs from ten to ten-thirty at night. On Tuesdays he has his first live show from three to four in the afternoon and his second live show from eight to nine at night. Every other day of the week he spends those time frames rehearsing. He spends the rest of his time around the hotel. The only time he isn’t with the public or the staff is in between live shows. He supposedly is writing scripts and editing footage for live shows, but he is alone.” “Good work again.” “Most of the amusement park is on my list,” Twilight said. “That list might actually come in handy,” Carmelita said. “Spike help her narrow down the spots we need to check.” Spike gave a salute. “On it!” ----------------------------- Sly and the gang woke with a start when the alarm went off. “It’s too early,” Sly said. “You’re kinding right?” Silver asked. “It’s one in the afternoon.” “Well, that’s early for us. So what's the plan Bentley.” “Okay I’ve researched Raleigh’s schedule,” Bentley said. “What you need to know is that he visits certain rides in the morning, host one live show on Tuesday afternoons, another in the evening, and on other days he is rehearsing the show at the same time he hosts the shows. He says he’s available at all other times except the time in between live shows when he writes the script for the next show and edits the show’s footage to release it for the public to buy.” “Okay good job there, what should we do?” Sly asked. “The first thing we need to do is some recognitions. Murray, you should check out the live show. I made some adjustments to your binocucom to fit in with a show’s environment. Make sure to sit in the back and record it. Sly, while Raleigh is busy with the live show, you should get some souvenirs from the shop to disguise yourself. I’ll support you from here.” “What about me?” Silver asked. “Oh, um,” Bentley stumbled, “you should go with Murray. It would be good for you to relax a bit and have some fun while you're here.” Silver looked a bit disappointed but nodded his head. “Okay.” Bentley turned to Sly “One more thing Sly. While you get a disguise for yourself, get one for me and Murray as well.” “Why, Raleigh already saw you?” Sly asked. “Because Carmelita has also seen us.” “Fair point. Consider it done.” ----------------------------- Murray and Silver entered the theater and sat in the far back. Murray took out his binocucom which now had a pole attached so it looked like a pair of opera binoculars and waited of the show to start. As the curtains rose he lifted the binocucom to his eyes and watched. On the stage was a full sized pirate ship, with Raleigh at the helm, and some fake waves. “Ahoy maties,” Raleigh said as a group of people poured out of the ship. “Today be the day we find Blackheart's treasure.” “You say that before every expedition,” said his first mate, played by Sara. “Aye, and one day it be true. Blackheart has stolen from innocent people long enough. Soon we will liberate his treasure and, after taking a small fee, we will return it to those in need. Are ye with me?!” “Aye aye captain!” the crew said as one. “Then let’s set sail!” Raleigh shouted. ----------------------------- Sly walked up to the souvenir shop only to be met with a metal gate. There was a sign on the gate that read, Closed for show. Will reopen at 4:15 PM. Sly took out his binocucom and looked at the sign. “Bentley, we might have an issue,” he said. Bentley’s face popped up on the binocucom’s inner screen. “I can see that,” he said. “I knew that most of the staff helped out with the show, but I thought that the gift shop would say open.” “Maybe they’re onto us.” “Don’t even joke about that. Anyway, we can’t wait to four-fifteen to get the disguises. You need to start scouting out the amusement park by then.” “The I guess we’ll have to do this the old fashioned way.” “Okay, pulling up the building specs now. Looks like the air vents connect to most of the building. They’re fairly small but with your skills and flexibility I’m sure you can fit. I’ll mark the nearest entrance on you binocucom.” Sly turned around to find the holo maker. “Thanks pal. I’ll be back in a flash.” He put the binocucom away and headed toward the air vent. Before he opened it up he looked around to make sure no one was looking and put Bentley on his earpiece. “The place is petty empty here.” “Raleigh’s live show is very popular. It makes sense not many people are around. But it won’t stay that way forever so you better make this quick,” Bentley said as sly opened the air vent, crawled inside, and reclosed it from the inside. “Please, it’s a gift shop. I could do this in my sleep.” “Okay, take your next right.” “So how’s play going?” “All things considered, pretty well. Raleigh spared no expense on the effects, that’s for sure.” “You think Silver is enjoying it?” “Hard to say. He is very afraid of Raleigh, but this is quite entertaining. I’ll have you look at it before the second show. Oh, your exit is on your left. Sly opened the air vent and dropped to the floor before quickly grabbing what he needed. “No calling card this time. We don’t want them knowing we were here. “Got ya,” Sly said before climbing back into the air vent and closing it behind him. ----------------------------- Murray watched as the play went on. Much of the time was spent sailing and character building but soon the crew announced that they reached shore. The curtains closed and one minute later they reopened to a jungle setting. Murray thought it was impressive that they were able to change sets so quickly. However there was another thing impressive about the set. As the crew pretended to walk forwards, the tall grass, positioned in front of the crew, and trees, positioned behind them, moved across the stage. "We are almost there," Raleigh said. "The treasure is right past these trees." At that moment a bunch of trees passed over the the stage in front of the crew. "Here it is." Raleigh pointed at the ground in front of him. Sara took out a shovel and said, "This better not be another trap." Right before before she could start to dig a large group jumped out from behind the trees in the back. "Haha," one of the new people said. "You've fallen right into my trap." "Oh come on!" Sara shouted. "Blackheart," Raleigh said slowly. "This be new trick and a low blow, even for you." "You've been standing in in my way for too long Raleigh," the actor playing Blackheart said. "I've decided that it was time to remove you personally." Raleigh’s crew drew their swords, except Raleigh, who took out a weird looking flintlock pistol. “Ye can try! But by the time I be through with you, the location of your treasure be ours!” Raleigh said as the two crews started to clash swords. The sword work was very impressive but the focus stayed on Raleigh and Blackheart. “One more thing,” Blackheart said. “Stop speaking like that. No one’s impressed.” “I know not what ye mean,” Raleigh said as he aimed his pistol and fired. Blackheart blocked what most have been a fake bullet with his sword and charged forwards. “No matter, you’ll stop when you’re dead!” he said and slashed at Raleigh. Raleigh jumped over the attack, landed behind Blackheart, and aimed his pistol once more. “You rely too much on your technology. It will be your downfall!” Blackheart spun around and slashed at Raleigh before he could shoot. Raleigh jumped back behind the tree line and fell through the floor. “Captain!” Sara shouted. Blackheart laughed. “It seems you missed the cliff behind the trees! So much for being the smartest pirate!” Sara charged at Blackheart and swung her sword downward. Blackheart blocked the blow. “You’re too weak!” he said and pushed Sara’s sword back, knocking Sara back in the process. Blackheart slashed at Sara and she jumped back to avoid the strike. “Darn it!” Sara said. “Everyone we have to regroup! Fall back!” “You think I’m just going to let you leave?!” Sara drew a pistol similar to Raleigh’s and loaded it. “You won’t have a choice!” she said and fired the pistol. Blackheart blocked the bullet with his sword and said, “Have you learned nothing from your captain!” However, on closer inspection, the audience could see that the bullet stuck to the sword. “Checkmate,” Sara said and pushed a button on her pistol. The bullet emitted an electric blue light and Blackheart began to spaz out while his crew watched in shock. “Now!” Sara shouted and she lead Raleigh’s crew off stage. Blackheart’s crew continued watching as Blackheart fell to the ground. He got onto one knee and looked at his crew. “What are you waiting for? Get them!” he yelled. His crew began to run in the direction of Raleigh’s crew when a few small explosions went off, covering the stage in smoke. “I can’t see,” one of Blackhearts man said. A gust of air blew the smoke off stage to a confused crew. “Sorry sir they escaped,” Blackheart got off the ground and grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt. “Then find them,” he growled, “or else. The curtains fell and a voice projected over the intercom. “To be continued in tonight’s show. Please come back and witness the epic conclusion,” it said. “Well that’s all for now,” Murray said as he put away his binocucom and turned on his earpiece. “What now?” “Sly is about to scoot out the amusement park,” Bentley said through the earpiece, “so why don’t you and Silver go there to and enjoy yourselves, after you come back and pick up your disguises.” “Sounds good.” ----------------------------- Sly took out his binocucom and looked around. On the side of it’s screen he saw a list of three rides he was supposed to take pictures of. “This could be take awhile,” Sly said. “Why?” Bentley asked. “There are only three rides to check out.” “Because they’re on opposite sides of the park.” “I have a plan to speed things up. The ferris wheel is up first. Go there, take a picture, and get on. From the top you can see the whole park.” Sly walked over to the ferris wheel and snapped a picture. “Okay.” “It seems to be completely normal. Maybe he just rides it for the view of the park. Get on and see what you can get.” “Got ya.” Sly got on and when he was at the top of the ride the power turned off. “That’s odd. The amount of power going to this ride far exceeds what is necessary.” “So I take it you’re responsible for this lovely view.” “Oh, yes, I cut the power to the ferris wheel, that should buy you enough time to take the remaining pictures and any others you think we may need.” “Got it.” Sly took took out his binocucom again and looked over to a small roller coaster in the distance before taking a picture of it. “It seems odd that he would only ride one of the roller coasters on each inspection. What’s weirder though is the fact that it’s always that one. We have to find out what makes it special.” Sly then took a picture of a building housing a 3D pirate adventure ride. “We’re not gonna find anything special there now, but Raleigh checks that out every morning. Maybe there’s something different about than. Either that or this is made as a red herring to throw people like us off. That’s it for now. If there are any other pictures you want to take, do it quickly before they get the power back on.” Sly looked around and saw something at the base of the ferris wheel. “Well hello there,” he said as he zoomed Carmelita into focus and snapped a picture. “Beautiful as ever I see.” “You were right, she is here. Good news, she seems to be undercover. As long as we say out of her way, she won’t hunt us down. But who’s that with her? See if you can get me a better pic of them.” Sly moved the binocucom’s view over to Carmelita’s companions, one pony with both wings and a horn, and one small dragon, and took a picture. “This is bad, I can’t find any ponies in Interpol's database. These two are complete wild cards. Not to mention the weird stuff I’ve read about unicorns. They’re supposed to be really powerful, and she has wings too. I’ve never read anything like this. We need to be careful around her.” The ride’s power came back on and Sly put his binocucom away. “Well that’s all for now. Why don’t you meet up with Silver and Murray and have some fun. After that we catch the next live show and call it a day. ----------------------------- Sly sat down with Murray and Silver to see the second half of the live show and saw that Silver was much more relaxed than when they first arrived. He took out his binocucom which Bentley gave the same modification that he made to Murray’s, and waited for the curtains to rise. Once the show started Sly lifted up his binocucom and watched. The curtains rose onto a jungle set and Raleigh’s crew, minus Raleigh. “Okay we escaped,” Sara said. “Now we need to find the captain.” “But Sara,” one of crew members said, “the captain’s… he’s… he fell off that cliff.” “Captain Raleigh survived worse. I refuse to believe he’s dead unless I see it with with my own eyes.” “But…” “But nothing. Until we find Raleigh I am in charge and I say we search.” “Aye,” the crew said unenthusiastically. So the crew traveled through the the jungle so some time before getting ambushed by Blackheart’s crew. “You should have left the island while you had the chance. Now you all will die!” Blackheart said and his crew attacked. The fight raged on for some time before Blackheart knocked Sara to the ground. “Die!” he moved in to make the finishing strike. “Hands off me first mate!” Raleigh’s voice echoed through the room. “Captain!” Sara exclaimed. “Impossible,” Blackheart said. Raleigh came swinging in on a rope painted to look like a vine and kicked Blackheart away from Sara. “That’s one hell of an entrance,” Bentley said over the binocucom. “And there’s something off about that hat. It should have fallen off after a stunt like that but there it is still attached to his head. Well that’s all I need. When the plays over, meet me back at the safehouse and we’ll come up with a plan.” “Sounds good,” Sly whispered as not to disrupt the show. “But we’re paying for the room legally, you don’t need to call it the safehouse.” “Old habits die hard my friend.” To Be Continued...