*Prologue: Orphan*

The police care drove down the morning streets. A dog in a uniform is driving while an 8 year old raccoon sat in a passenger seat quietly. The poor child was in tears. He was traumatized by last night's events.

Young Sly Cooper was reading a book called the Thievius Raccoonus his father gave him after the child was turned 8. Sly was fascinated by the book. He read every story after story that the Cooper Ancestors wrote many years ago. Sly couldn't wait to try out the tricks when he gets older. His father wanted to teach him everything. How to steal from other thieves, and use the cane to open the Cooper Vault. But, something went wrong. Very wrong.
Sly hears the front door open by force. He rush downstairs with a book and see his parents scream in alarm. Sly couldn't see who broke in the house, but the house shook. He doesn't know what was going on, but he felt his mother drag him to the closet for safety causing him to drop the Thievius Raccoonus. After being shoved in the closet, Sly peeks through the crack of the door to see his father trying to fight off someone. Sly's mother was crying for her husband. But cut off when she was thrown away by a wing. Sly watched in horror when he sees his father being lift up by sharp talons. The male raccoon cried out in agony when the talons were pressed against his chest. He was dropped down to the floor. Sly's tears start to form, but he couldn't make a sound. A strange intruder picked up the Thievius Raccoonus with its talons, and flew away through the rooftop that is now destroyed. The young raccoon had no idea what this creature is. All he knew is that it killed his family and took the book. Sly looked down at his father's body and cry over him. It didn't take long for the police to arrive.

The young raccoon heard a cop clear his throat, snapping him out of the memory.

"You can sleep if you want. I'll wake you when we're there." The dog said.

"How can I sleep?" Sly asked, looking out the window. "My parents are dead. Why did it have to happen?"

"Son, I wish I knew who did it, but we have no clue. We are going to hunt down the murderer. Trust me." The dog said, hoping to cheer up the boy, but failed. Sly wiped his eyes to dry the tears. "People will take good care of you, Sly. You'll make some new friends who are like you. I'm sure you'll have a home." The dog said.

"I don't want a new family. I want mom and dad." Sly said in a crack voice. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at the cop.

"I'm sorry, son." He said. "But, we need you safe from someone who killed your parents. Believe me, this is a best way." Sly didn't say anything. He turns away from him and try to get some sleep on the way to the orphanage the police send him to.

XX

After an hour of driving, they finally arrived at Happy Camper Orphanage. The gates are open for the car to get in. Sly woke up to see the building with a bell. There is a old owl with glasses that owns a place standing in front of the building. The cop and the young raccoon got out and see the owl approach them.

"Hello, officer. So glad you two made it here safe and sound."

"Of course, Ms. Puffin." The dog said with a nod. He looked down at Sly who grabbed his belongings out of the car. "This is Sly. He's...uh...a Cooper."

"A Cooper, you say?" Ms. Puffin said, raising a brow. "Well, I will keep a close eye on this one. He hasn't learn how to steal, right?" Sly didn't speak to her when she and the cop talk about last night's events. After learning about the raccoon's parents' terrible fate, the owl looked at Sly. "I'm very sorry, little one. You are safe here. In time, you will have a good home. In a meantime, you will have some friends who will accompany you." She told him. The dog patted Sly's head.

"Good luck, Sly. I'll be seeing you." He said. Sly nodded and watch the dog climb in the car and drove off. Now, Sly was taken inside the building as Ms. Puffin brought his belongings inside.

Ms. Puffin walked in the room where a young hippo and turtle stayed in with Sly. The owl told the two boys that Sly will be the new roommate of theirs. Ms. Puffin told Sly to unpack his things and get ready for breakfast in 30 minutes. After she left, Sly walked over to the spare bed and lay down in silent. The hippo walked over, bringing his hands behind his back.

"Uh, hey. I'm Murray." He spoke. Sly faces him. "Your name's Sly, right? Oh, that over there is Bentley. He's one of the smartest guys around." The young turtle gave the raccoon a small wave. The turtle wears glasses, and held a book. Sly can see why he's smart. "So, uh, glad to have a new roommate. The last kid got a new home. Hope he's doing well after a month." Murray said. Sly sat up, wiping his eyes.

"How long have you two stayed here?" He asked.

"For two years." Bentley spoke. "It ain't easy being an orphan."

"But staying here isn't so bad." Murray said, trying to cheer up the raccoon. "Since you're new, we'll let you eat with us. I can tell we'll get along fine." Sly felt like smiling at the hippo. Murray didn't seem to care if he stays in the orphanage. Sly wondered what their story is of how they end up here in the first place. Maybe he'll ask later.

"I think so too." Sly said. He began to feel comfortable around these kids. The three chat with each other, getting to know one another.

XX

After a long day, Sly and his new friends never get separated. Though, Murray was the one who could protect Sly and Bentley since he's bigger than anyone. Some kids know who Sly is because of his family name. They're not sure if it's a good idea to mess with a little raccoon. Bentley looked over at a new orphan.

"So, you're a Cooper? I've heard about your dad. His name is Conner, right?"

"His name was Conner." Sly corrected the turtle. "Yes, I'm a Cooper myself. Now that my mom and dad are..." He trailed off when he sees his family killed by an unknown intruder. Bentley started to feel bad for asking.

"Sorry. You don't have to talk about it. I just want to know about the Coopers." He said, looking away. He's about to pick up his book, but Sly stopped him by speaking.

"No. It's...fine." Sly said. "Well, I'd bring the book of the Thievius Raccoonus, but...it was stolen."

"What's the Thievius Raccoonus?" Murray asked, lying on his bed. Sly told his friends about the book. From beginning to end. Bentley and Murray were fascinated by this story. Sly can see excitement and interest in their eyes, and it makes him happy. After telling the tales of the Cooper Ancestors, Ms. Puffin walked in their room, telling them it's lights out. The boys let out a groan. After the owl shuts the door, the boys were about to get ready for bed.

"Well, see you guys in a morning!" Murray said, settling in. Bentley got his flashlight out and sat on his bed to keep reading a book. Sly climbed on his bed and look up at the ceiling. This day wasn't so bad. But this is just a beginning.

*Author's Note: Yep, I am writing a novel version of Sly Cooper. But, there will be some changes. Don't worry, it will be almost the same as the first game, but there will be some things from the second game. Keep a lookout for this sneaky tale!*