Thieves Ch. 6 Nightmarish Perceptions, and Harsh Realities
#6 of Thieves
Maneki and Luck were originally designed by [Mingchee] and adopted by me.
Story and Sly are mine.
Lots of things can go through one's mind during the night, be they based on reality, or your own perceptions of reality. This chapter takes a peek at the situations of our chars and what they are each going through currently as they deal with the events of the previous day.
REMEMBER COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED BE THEY PRAISE OR (KEEP IT CONSTRUCTIVE PLEASE) CRITICISM)
A light dripping sound echoed around the walls of the dank dungeon. The sound of heavy footsteps moved through at a steady rate passing various instruments of torture and pain. A short row of cells stood before the shadow owning the footsteps and it heading straight for them in a beeline. A light whimpering sound emanated from the first chamber as the shadow stopped in front of it. Dim light flickered off of the walls as the figure produced a big key ring full of keys all shapes and sizes. Selecting the one needed, the figure turned to the door of the cell.
Black ears twitched within the cell as the sound of a set of keys clinking passed under the big wooden door serving as an entrance. The cell itself was pitch black and meant to rob all senses except for hearing and smell. The door swung open slowly, letting in the light of a torch held by a male figure. The light flowed into the room like a wave and washed up over the shivering arctic vixen at the back of the cell. She was nude, her hands bound above her head in shackles bolted to the wall behind her. Her ankles were bound in shackles in the same fashion, her legs spread lightly. There was a blindfold over her eyes, and a black ball gag in her mouth, silencing anything she would say to a light moan or whimper. She whined a little louder as the cold air of the dungeon moved around her, signaling the entrance of another person into the cell. Who was it? Had her master come back to torment and torture her more? The light shining on her also showed the telltale signs of a heavy whipping and rape session. Her shivering made the blood trickling through her fur move a little towards the ground from the cuts and lash marks present all over her. She had been worked over thoroughly before being set in here at the end of the session. The glowing rune on her right wrist she had received the night before had faded a little, but the thing that commanded attention was the new mark on her left wrist; a twin of the older mark. "Jeeze...Amber are you okay?" asked the snow leopard male moving over to the vixen quickly, removing the blindfold from her eyes and the gag from her mouth. She sighed a little at the reassuring touch and pulled in a deep breath when the rubber gag was removed from her maw. "Master Sly?" she whimpered lightly, hopefully. "No Amber. It's me, Mark." he replied. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the low light and she saw his face. "Mark..." she replied softly as he moved to unlocking her wrist shackles. She slumped heavily as she was slowly released, shivering softly as pain racked her small body even now, emanating from the glowing runes on her wrists. "Heavy sessions two nights in a row; Bartholomew must be pissed. he said absently as he finished unlocking her. "Th-Thanks Mark." she said. Mark was the dungeon guard. He was usually the one to release Amber when given the go ahead by Bartholomew, typically a couple hours after the lion had had his fun. "Look at you. You're bleeding. Let's get you to the bath and get you cleaned up." he said seriously as he moved her right arm over his shoulder; helping her stand. "N-No...Please Mark...Take me to my room...first..." she replied, breathing heavily. "What? Why? You need to get cleaned up." he said quickly. "There's something I...Need to get first..." she replied. The snow leopard was confused, but nonetheless agreed; helping her walk down the hall and toward the stairs leading back up into the castle.
The door to Amber's room creaked open, and the pair stepped a bit awkwardly in, closing the door behind them. "Is Master asleep?" she asked as she padded forward, letting go of the male and lurching forward on her own toward the small bed. "Yes. He retired to his bedchamber not long ago." replied Mark looking around. Amber reached her bed and threw the pillow heavily against the far wall. Her eyes watered as she stared down at the object she'd come for; a small stone with a light blue rune glowing dimly on it. She picked it up as if it was a precious treasure worth her weight in gold. Mark raised an eyebrow as the stone emitted a brighter glow as she picked it up. He could see a few of her welts and cuts beginning to slowly heal. "That stone. It has a healing rune on it doesn't it?" he asked curiously. "Yes...A gift from Master Sly." she said absently as she held the stone against her chest, as if to draw out the healing magic even faster. "Sly...He really caused a ruckus when he stormed out of here earlier today. Lord Bartholomew has been in a foul mood since." said Mark absently. "Yeah..." replied Amber, trying to keep her mind away from what she experienced a few hours ago at his hand. "Amber...I was thinking...Maybe it was time that you take Lord Bartholomew up on his offer to leave the castle." said the snow leopard. "What? No...I can't do that. I told you what'll happen if I leave the castle. I'll die just like all the others." replied the arctic vixen quickly. "The others left without a problem." said Mark. "Always at night, and their collars were found the morning after." said Amber. "Lord Bartholomew forbade them from removing the collars while on his property. They were found just outside the castle grounds." replied the male. "They were all found still closed and locked. The collars killed them Mark." said Amber, her temper rising a bit. "But how do you know?" he asked. "Master Sly told me." she replied. "And you believe him?" he asked. "He's a rune master. And the only friend I have besides you. I don't have a reason not to trust him." she explained. "But you can't just stay here forever. As strong as you are, Bartholomew is nuts. He is going to kill you eventually either by accident, or on purpose." he said seriously. "I don't know what the future holds for me. I've...never shared this with anyone before, but long ago Master Sly promised to help me in any way he could. This stone is proof that he hasn't forgotten that promise. I have to have faith that he will continue to help, and hope that he can get me out of here someday. It's the only ray of hope I have in life; so I have to hold on to it. What other option do I have?" she replied with a small smile. "Sly...well for your sake I hope he can help. Now come on, let's get you cleaned up. Bartholomew allows you to heal wounds for a certain amount of time with the weak runes in the medical wing. That looks like a strong rune, and he'll notice if you're too healed too quickly." he said as the last of her cuts healed, only leaving her with a few welts. Amber nodded to him and hesitantly moved to pick up the pillow and place the stone back beneath it on the bed. Her eyes grew wide as she groaned suddenly, the pain from the runes on her wrists doubling as soon as she let go. The vixen shuddered and almost doubled over as the higher pain registered again. "Amber!" said Mark quickly moving to catch her. "I-I'm alright. The pain from the runes caught me off guard." she replied as she shakily stood on her own. They turned to leave the room and Mark's uneasy smile faded as he thought back on the last thing's Bartholomew had said to him. "In one hour you can release Amber from the first cell in the dungeon. Make sure she's cleaned up in the bath after. I don't want her looking bad tomorrow. And one more thing; Sly and his...pet...are no longer welcome in this castle. If you spot either of them on the grounds for ANY reason, they are to be killed on sight. Is that understood?" came the lion's voice in his memory. He looked down at Amber as she limped alongside him in pain. It would have crushed her spirit to hear that. He couldn't bring himself to tell her. He really didn't want to see her sad. For now he would just hope that she could bear with the treatment. And try to make things as bearable for her as possible.
***
The dungeon walls vibrated with the echoing sound of stepping feet laden with metal grieves. Guards and maids alike gathered in anticipation of the spectacle they had been invited to witness. Those gathered in attendance murmured to themselves as time ticked away. The clock was going to strike noon soon, and the show would begin.
A moment later and the doors to the dungeon opened. Every head turned to witness the lord of the castle stepping into the room. Sly walked in wearing his pants, vest, hat, and cape, followed quickly on her leash by Maneki. She was wearing the clothes she had been wearing when she first invaded Sly's castle and held a rolled up set of papers in her unbound hands. As he came to a stop next to a set of stocks in the middle of the room; she quickly moved to his side. She seemed completely content with her place as she kneeled softly next to him. Not a word was said as from the other side of the room another door opened, and from it came forth a female feline figure being led roughly by two guards towards the center of the room. She was nude save for the green collar and tail cuff on her neck and tail. Her hands were bound behind her back, and there was a black sack over her head. Low groaning sounds could be heard as she was quickly led over to the stocks and her head placed into the padded middle groove. She bucked in protest as her neck was pressed down harshly; she held down as her hands were released and immediately placed in the other grooves. In a moments time she was locked in the bondage device, helpless.
Dim light flooded her eyes as the sack was removed from her head next. Luck groaned through the green ball gag between her jaws as she looked around confused. Guards and maids were standing before her and Sly and Maneki were to her right as the two that had brought her here moved to join the crowd. She looked to Maneki quickly for a sign of what was going on, but was shocked when the calico didn't look back at her. "Confused Kitten?" came Sly's familiar male voice next, commanding her attention as she turned to look at him. "These people are all gathered today to witness your punishment." he said to her shock, she gasping quickly at his words. He removed her ball gag next and she took a few heavy breaths in response. "Punishment? But what have I done wrong?" she asked seriously. "You have been spotted sneaking out of the castle at night and sneaking back before sunrise. I thought that I could trust you to have free roam of the castle alone but I can see that I was mistaken." he explained. "What proof do you have that I did?" she asked quickly. "I'll answer your question, but first answer this. Does the name Maxwell ring any bells to you?" he asked next. Luck blinked for a second, but drew back from his question. "N-No. Never heard of anyone by that name." she replied. "I see. How about you Kitty? Do you recognize that name?" he asked Maneki next. "Yes Master. He's a contact Lucky and I used when we were thieves. He had connections to some of the more underground people and things we needed to access and would help us on occasion." she explained. Luck looked over at the calico in shock. Why had she just told him that? "This brings me to my next question. Were you sneaking out to meet with Maxwell to plot an escape?" he asked. "No! I haven't left the castle since I came here." she replied. "Very well. Show her what you found Kitty." he said as he turned away from her. Maneki stood and placed the papers she held in her hand before Luck, who gasped in horror as she realized what they were. "Dated appointment reminders I found in Lucky's room detailing meetings with Maxwell. Maxwell is a very cautious man and will cut ties with a business partner if even one meeting goes awry or is missed. She's been meeting with him at the tavern in Locke to discuss how he can help her escape." explained Maneki. Luck stared at her friend in disbelief. She had just been sold out. "'Neki...Why?...I was going to take you with me..." she said semi-absently. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. "I know Lucky. But I am Master Sly's pet now and so are you, and he has taken good care of us. Yes; we were free before, but we struggled with everything, and lied to everyone to stay alive. We have food, water, and shelter here; three things that were always uncertain when we were on our own. I don't want to go back to that life. If we have to live under his rule to live comfortably, it's a small price to pay." said Maneki seriously. "'Neki..." said Luck, realizing that her friend was now firmly on Sly's side. "Well said Kitty. Now Kitten as for the proof of your guilt, this is not a court of law and therefore physical evidence is not needed. My guards warned me that they had seen you sneaking out. The tracking rune on your collar let me know that you had gone a pretty good distance; so I had my shadow trail you one night. I don't need any more evidence than that to punish you as you left multiple times without permission, but when Maneki found your reminders in your room and brought them to my attention, that sealed it." explained Sly next.
Luck bit her bottom lip nervously. She had been caught, and on top of that sold out by her best friend when she only wanted to free the two of them. She didn't think any kind of punishment he could come up with could make her feel worse, but she knew he was going to try. "Alright. I give. What is my punishment going to be?" she asked solemnly. "I will place a new rune on your collar's tag right now. One known as the 'Rune of Obedience'..." he said to Luck's shock. "...You will then be confined to a cell here in the dungeon, performing the sexual acts I set for my guards for an amount of time that I have deemed necessary for you to learn your lesson." finished the wolfox seriously. A wave of gasps went through the crowd as he finished his sentence.
Everyone in the room had heard of that rune before. It was a rare and special rune; forbidden in a lot of kingdoms. Slavers use them make sure their products do their jobs. The victim remains in control of themselves until specific commands are given. Then the rune takes over the body and forces it to follow the set command until the task is complete. All the while the mind can see what's going on, but can do nothing to stop it. Luck hung her head in defeat. There was nothing she could do to stop him. He took the enchanted quill from his hat and prepared to administer the rune. Luck looked toward Maneki quickly. This was typically the time that the calico would try to help her in some way. But the look Maneki was giving her chilled her to the bone. The stare was cold, as if she was silently telling Luck that she deserved this. Luck shivered in her bonds. She'd never felt so alone. Sly stared into Luck's eyes as he took hold of her collar tag. She stared back, her eyes pleading for mercy before he made the few strokes with his quill, drawing a red rune on the front of the clover tag. "I told you that there were far worse positions to be in. Maybe spending some time in one of these positions will help you see how generous I have been." he said as he finished. Luck's eyes glazed over as the rune activated; the rune awaiting instructions.
"You will kneel when told. You will use your mouth to suck or lick when told until your client cums. You will swallow if told. You will spread your legs or knees when told. You will present yourself when told. You will cum when told. You will thank each and every client for using your body when they finish. You will dirty talk occasionally when performing a service. You will participate in oral, vaginal, and anal sex willingly until your client cums. You will use your hands to give handjobs and fingering when told. You will refer to your clients as Sir, or Madam at all times unless it is me. You will refer to me as Master at all times. Any of these commands can be cut short by the client if they need to leave suddenly. You will be happy to be the castle's cum dump for the next month. You will answer questions asked of you. Are all of your instructions clear?" asked Sly seriously. "Yes Master. I will enjoy the treatments my clients grace me with." replied Luck, her eyes still glazed. "Good girl." he said as he unlocked the pillory, freeing the feline. "Kneel right here Kitten. We shall test your punishment now." he said next pointing to an area in front of the pillory. "Yes Master." she replied as she obediently moved to the indicated spot.
Inside her mind Luck was screaming. She couldn't believe this was happening. The crowd watched with anticipation as the feline prepared to service the male, her master. "Kitty, disrobe me." he said toward Maneki now. The calico moved swiftly, removing his cape and vest before he pulled his pants down and revealed his black shaft, already at half mast. "Now then Kitten; start with your hands. Stroke me softly to full hardness." he instructed. "Yes Master." replied Luck as she moved to obey the command. Softly and slowly the feline's hands traveled back and forth along his member, putting on a show for the gathered crowd. A moment passed as the wolfox was brought to full hardness. "Good. Now lick me, tease my cock with your tongue until I tell you to stop." he said next. "With pleasure Master." Luck responded as she stuck out her rough feline tongue, licking up his shaft daintily.
As minutes passed and the oral treatment continued; Luck took occasional glances at Maneki. The cream colored feline's cheeks burned with embarrassment at the situation. She knew that it wasn't just her friend's eyes on her. The eyes of everyone in the room were trained on her and Sly right now. But the thing that stuck out the most was the lustful look in Maneki's eyes right now. She was enjoying the scene before her. Luck noticed that her vision was moving quickly back and forth and turned her attention to the front again, to find herself now sucking off the male in earnest, taking half of his cock in with each forward movement. She hadn't even heard the command, but she knew she didn't need to, the rune had heard it so to speak. She wanted to cry. Was this to be her fate for the next month? Confined to the dungeon; forced to be the plaything of anyone who wanted her?
"M-Master..." came a familiar timid voice next to her. She looked to the corner of her right eye to see Maneki standing next to her now. "Yes Kitty?" asked Sly a bit absently, still enjoying his blowjob. "Since I told you about Lucky's plan and all...I was wondering if I might...maybe..." she trailed off, her cheeks bright red as she fidgeted on her feet. "You'd like a reward?" he asked for her. The calico nodded softly to the male, bringing a slight smirk to his lips. "Your body language tells me you're looking for a specific type of reward. You'd want that right here in front of everyone? In front of your partner?" he asked curiously. "Y-Yes Master...I want it..." she replied, her blush darkening a bit. "Very well. You do deserve it. Turn around and bend forward over the pillory. Lift your tail high, and keep it raised." he instructed. Maneki let out a small squeak of excitement as she did as instructed, bending over the stocks and presenting her rear to him over Luck's head.
Luck couldn't believe what she was seeing and hearing. She looked up to see Sly pull the calico's pants and panties down to her knees, surprised by the amount of wetness gathered on her friend's pussy. "Someone is very wet. Were you enjoying seeing your friend punished Kitty?" asked Sly amused. "Yes Master... I was..." she replied honestly, her hot breaths coming out heavily. There was no doubt in Luck's mind anymore. Maneki belonged to Sly now; both her mind and body. The calico whimpered and gasped when she felt two of the male's fingers glide over her slick folds. "I have an idea how we can really make this a show." he said as he concentrated a little on the crowd, he could hear heavy breaths, soft moans and the sounds of self pleasure in the midst of the crowd. "Kitten, spread your knees. Stroke yourself as you suck me." he instructed. Luck let off a soft moan around the shaft in her mouth as her once idle hands made their way to her crotch. Maneki moaned again herself, Sly beginning to stroke her pussy roughly. A wave of awe went through the crowd as Sly put on this sexual show with his two pets.
Mixed announcements of jealousy for all positions were exchanged as the spectacle continued. Sly moved to licking Maneki's pussy, she gripping the pillory tightly, her legs shaking in pleasure. Each new moan and gasp inducing lash of his tongue filled her with more tantalizing pleasure and was quickly building her towards orgasm. Luck's moans came as a result of her fingering herself as she continued with her blowjob task, wondering just how much longer the wolfox could hold out. A few moments later and all three parties were ready to blow. "M-Master...I-I'm, so c-close...May I P-Please Cum?" asked Maneki shakily. Sly smirked at her blushing question. "Very well. Both of you; cum for your master." he instructed as he moved to focus on Maneki's clit. The moans of both felines intertwined loudly in the room as the orgasmic waves struck them. Maneki was the first to climax, she holding on to the pillory with all her strength as she cried out and shuddered where she stood, trying to concentrate on staying on her feet. Luck's moans were muffled by Sly's cock, but the small puddle forming beneath her was evident of a self and rune inflicted orgasm. Maneki breathed heavily after the rush began to subside. "Th...Thank you Master..." she breathed softly as Sly turned his attention to Luck again.
Sly looked down at Luck, telling her silently that it was time to finish what he'd started. "Take me in as deeply as you can and swallow my load. Don't let a single drop escape." he ordered seriously. Luck nodded as she complied, taking his cock in almost till it hung down her throat as his climax hit. His shaft pulsed in her mouth, shooting spurts of his seed down her throat forcefully as she obediently swallowed it. "You pig..." she thought to herself as she witnessed the pleasured look on his face. He thrust a couple of times as the last of his seed was drained from him before withdrawing from her mouth. "Thank you for using my mouth for your pleasure Master. I hope you enjoyed it." said the feline automatically. Scattered applause spread through the room as the show ended, a few low moans of climax moving through the crowd as well.
Luck's head hung immediately after, she taking deep breaths. She looked up slowly and was horrified at the sight of Sly staring down at her; Maneki holding his arm right next to him lovingly. Her head was leaning on his shoulder; the leash attached to her collar in his hand. The look in both of their eyes held a mix of smugness and pity. It told her that she was alone in her crusade against being here, and if she didn't conform and accept the position as pet, that her life would be a very uncomfortable one. "I hope I have made myself clear Kitten. But you can let me know if I have in a month's time." said Sly seriously. Luck's eyes shrank at the implications of his words. Her punishment had only now just begun.
"I am glad that you all enjoyed the show. Now I hope you will all help in facilitating her punishment by actually taking part. She will be happy to service any and all comers for the next month. Isn't that right Kitten?" he asked with a smirk. "Yes Master. Please everyone come use me as you see fit. One, two or five at a time; I will satisfy you all." replied Luck happily. The feline screamed in her mind as the words left her mouth, she seeing the crowd beginning to move towards her. She looked to Sly and Maneki as they began to move toward the exit, leaving her alone with her torment. Another scream tore from her mental throat as hands descended on her, pushing and pulling her into the first sexual position of the countless she was sure to experience.
***
Luck awoke with a start, breathing heavily as she gripped the covers of the bed. She was sweating heavily and she looked around quickly, unsure if her nightmare was real or not. Tears stained her eyes lightly, her cheeks wet as well. She put her hands over her face, as if trying to block out the memory of what she'd just experienced. "I-It was just a dream...Calm down..." she told herself as she wiped away the tears and turned to see a stone sitting on the nightstand next to the bed. On it was a dimly glowing blue rune with a note next to it. She picked up the note and eyed it curiously.
"Good morning Kitten. I hope your punishment yesterday has calmed you a bit and helped you see things clearer. I know that you are not happy with your current position, but it is reality. Simply put; you will have to accept it in time, or you will not be very happy here. The rock next to this note has a healing rune I've set on it. Just hold it and concentrate on the rune for the healing magic to take effect. Your body is undoubtedly sore from your punishment and from being bound for so long. The heist I mentioned last night will take place tonight, so I suggest healing, and then getting as much rest as you can. I'll need you at peak performance tonight. Alice; my head maid will bring you lunch around mid-day." read the note. Luck stared distrustfully at the stone. Only now did she realize how sore her body was. Her joints, her jaw, her pussy, and her ass all cried dully in pain.
Unconsciously she reached for the stone. The rune glowed brighter as she touched it. She gasped and recoiled back; unsure at first, but she quickly realized that the pain in her wrist had lessened a little since the touch. She took a deep breath and decided to take a chance. The feline picked the stone up cautiously, still holding it away from her body. The rune glowed brightly as it began to go to work. Luck gasped lightly as she felt this. It felt as if a warm current of water was flowing around her body; beginning to soothe her aches and pains. She held it close to her body as the healing magic flowed into her. Closing her eyes as she thought on what she's seen since she came here. Sly wasn't like he was in her nightmare; her expectations. At least he hadn't shown her anything that should make her suspect him to be that way. Maneki has vouched for him as well. She was going to have to keep these things in mind to have any hope of staying out of trouble; of forcing herself to be as Sly wanted her.
***
The chirping of birds accompanied a gentle breeze as it blew into the open window of the large bedchamber; rustling the curtains softly. The air flow circled the room and ran over the face fur of the calico female sleeping lightly in the king sized bed. Her pink nose twitched as her small whiskers were kissed by the soft motion. Opening one eye as usual to survey her surroundings she expected to be greeted by silence; no sign of the male to whom the chamber she slept in belonged, but this was not the case this morning. "Ah!...Ah!" the sounds of short breaths tickled her erect ears as her eyes opened wide in shock. "Master..." came the sweet pleasured moan of the feline occupying the other side of the bed with the male. Maneki shut her eyes quickly, but not before getting a full view of the scene. Alice; the lynx she'd seen last night before dinner, and presumably Sly's head maid was in the bed only wearing the stockings and choker of her uniform. She sat on her knees, straddling the male's waist facing him. Sly was nude, holding her hips as she bounced herself lightly on his body; impaling herself repeatedly on his black shaft. "Not so loud Alice. This bed is enchanted against vibrations and motion transfer, but she can still hear you." chided the male. Alice put a hand over her mouth quickly in response. "I-I'm sorry Master...Your cock just...It feels so good." she replied in a sensual whisper that brought a bright blush to Maneki's face under her clenched eyes. Moments passed as the pair continued their fun. The soft moans and groans registering in the calico's hearing coaxed her to open her eyes every few minutes. It was impossible for her to ignore what was happening right next to her. She caught glimpses of Sly fondling Alice, a deep blush on the lynx's face. Alice leaned in close and allowed him to nip and lick her erect nipples, responding with passionate whimpers and moans. Her breathing was short and hot, panting her exertion and pleasure. It was easy to tell that she was getting close. "Enjoying yourself Alice?" he asked, groaning a bit himself at the pleasure flowing through him. The lynx said nothing, but bit her bottom lip as she nodded to him softly. "Shall I take over from here?" he asked. "Yes...Please Master...I'm close...Make me cum..." she begged. His strong hands grasped her hips tighter, pulling her down and holding her down until she stopped trying to move her own hips. She whimpered a little, pressing against his chest as he rocked her a bit on his fully hilted shaft back and forth, teasing her further. She gasped when in a quick fluid motion he lifted her and pulled her back onto his body accompanying an upward thrust from him. Alice bit her lip harder to keep from screaming as he began to repeat the motion, pumping a rhythm into her and pushing her closer to climax with every thrust. Light slapping sounds accompanied gasping pants as the motions continued for a minute longer before a low growl emanated from the wolfox, he announcing the arrival of his own climax. Alice faced the ceiling in a soundless scream, climaxing hard as she felt his seed shooting into her awaiting body in spurts. The pink rune on her choker glowed brightly as it did its job, making sure that her body would reject the sperm and not allow her to get pregnant. She relaxed and lay down over the panting wolfox, their pants mingling as she shivered in pleasure. Alice took a glance over to Maneki and was surprised to see her eyes clenched shut, a light blush visible through her fur. She was awake. The lynx smirked a little to herself as a thought came to mind.
"It truly is a shame that your new pets don't realize how good they have it now with you as their master. I've been a maid all my life and I've never had a Master as nice and caring as you." said the lynx female a few minutes later, still panting her exertion as she dismounted the male. "Thank you for the praise Alice." said Sly still panting a bit himself. "So what are your plans for today Master?" asked Alice once her breathing had slowed to a normal rate. "In a few hours Maneki will accompany me to Locke village. There is a bit of preparation left to be done before tonight." said Sly. "Why? What's happening tonight Master?" asked the lynx curiously. "I've decided to move up Operation Gemstone." replied Sly seriously. "Time for that already? I know you wanted to do it soon, but already? Why now?" asked Alice as she began to put her uniform back on. "We had a bit of an...event at Bartholomew's castle yesterday. I doubt I'm welcome there anymore and I want to get it before he can suspect me of plotting against him." replied Sly. Maneki's ears twitched silently as she listened to the conversation. "What's the plan then?" asked the female seriously. "Maneki and Luck are going to sneak into his castle tonight and replace the gem with an identical one I'm going to have the jewel crafter in Locke cut for me today. If all goes as planned, he won't have any idea the real one is missing at all." said Sly. "I see. Is there any way I can help?" asked Alice. "Unfortunately there isn't. This entire plan hinges on Maneki and Luck. This could be the only chance to do this. I just hope I'm not putting the cart before the horse here. I hadn't counted on having to do it so quickly. I think I can trust Maneki to do this. I can tell that she's beginning to see me as less of a monster, and may even be starting to enjoy her position here. The potential problem is Luck. Though she's slowly conforming due to fear of being punished again, she's still rebellious of her position. Maneki doesn't want to see her punished again and may be able to keep her on track. I just hope that they can and will pull this off." said Sly semi absently. Maneki lay her ears back a bit as she heard his words. Whatever his reasons, it was really important to him to get this gem.
"I understand Master. I shall pray for the mission's success. Aside from this morning's...session; is there anything else you would like this morning?" asked Alice as she finished dressing herself. "Me? As I recall it was you who begged for this morning's session Alice." replied the wolfox with a smirk. "Yes...Well...You've been giving your undivided attention to your pets recently...and well...I thought you might like...(Sigh)...Thank you for obliging my selfish request Master..." stammered Alice embarrassed. Maneki blushed a little darker herself hearing that sentence. It seemed that those living here in Sly's castle really like or respect him as well. "Take lunch to Luck at noon today. She is in guestroom three. Maneki and I will be out for most of the day. Luck will likely be asleep for most of the day." ordered Sly. "That's why you had her sleep in your chambers instead of a guestroom isn't it?" asked the lynx curiously. "Yes. I want her to accompany me today, and she will receive a much higher quality of sleep in my bed than in one of the guestrooms and won't need to sleep as long." answered the male. "You're very considerate Master. Hopefully your pets will see this soon, and be more thankful for the kindness you've shown them thus far." said the lynx with a smile, taking a quick glance at the calico on the bed feigning sleep. "If there is nothing else I shall take my leave then." said Alice expectantly. "Ready the items we are bringing into town, and have the carriage brought around in three hours. Have one of the maids bring a set of clothes for Maneki; something that will hide her identity." instructed Sly. "Very well. Have a good day in town Master." she replied with a bow as she took her leave. Sly silently stood and moved to the window. He took a pear from a nearby tray and took a bite of the juicy fruit as he looked out into the distance. He could see Locke Village from here in the dim light of the rising sun. "We have a lot to do today." he said softly, thinking over his list of things to do.
Maneki tried to go back to sleep. But with all she had just heard she was finding it very difficult to do so. Even on a bed as soft as this one she could only think about the conversation she'd overheard between her master and his head maid. Many questions swam through her head. Why was this gemstone so important? Why were they going into Locke Village? And most important; why did he really capture her and Luck? Whatever the answers, she had a feeling that she wouldn't have to wait long to find out the answers. She sighed softly to herself as she resolved to not think on these things for a little while, and just enjoy the rest while she can.
REMEMBER COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED BE THEY PRAISE OR (KEEP IT CONSTRUCTIVE PLEASE) CRITICISM)