"Alright, so here's the plan. Sly, I need you to sneak into Dimitri's Nightclub and take a couple or pictures for me, there's a vent on the far left side that's completely unguarded that you can sneak in through. Murray and I will work on disabling their communications and security."
Sitting on the sidelines, I intently watched Bentley discuss their current plans on how to get back the Clockwerk Tail Feathers. I really am beginning to wonder why these "Clockwerk Parts" serve so much value to Sly and his friends.
We'd set up a hideout in this abandoned apartment to avoid being caught and drawing suspicion. Thankfully it's been doing us justice so far.
"Sounds like a plan.", Sly smirked adjusting his cap.
"What do I do?", I interjected causing the three to look in my direction. Bentley and Murray turned their gazes towards Sly hoping he'd have an answer for me.
"Listen Pal, I think it's best for you to stay here and keep watch for us. The last thing I want is for you to be caught and something really bad to happen to ya.", Sly explained planting a hand on my shoulder. I huffed and nodded recieving a reassuring smile put of the raccoon.
Sly, Bentley, and Murray carefully snuck out and took of to do whatever tasks they were assigned. I folded my arms and leaned back in my chair, groaning in frustration. I wish there was something I could do while the fellas were out. Then at that moment I noticed Bentley's computer, which from the looks of it was still unlocked.
Out of curiosity I sat at Bentley's desk checking out the computer. It'd been forever since I'd used one of these, ok think man. How does this these work again?
I used the mouse to scroll around and clicked on the internet browser. To my suprise, I clicked on a news article that popped up on the screen and as I guessed right off the bat, it had to do with my disappearance. Thankfully I didn't have to read anything since there was a video that summed up just about everything.
"Hm, interesting.", I muttered.
"I'm Antoine Blanchet and this is breaking news. Last night the unexpected happened, a break in occured at the Musée D'Orsay. And you all at home must be wondering, What item was stolen? The human of course! People are outraged, even it's owner Carmine Thornheart appears to be sending out law enforcement all over France in search of the creature. Be aware of your surroundings, if you do spot the Human please contact local authorities."
Right after the video finished up a loud crash and shrill scream from beyond our hideout. There were a couple of voices that were quite vague when I tried to listen in closely on the what could have possibly caused the sound. I steathily glanced out the nearest window and immediately got an eyeful of what occured.
A leopard cub had been ambushed by a trio of thugs in a closed off alley. I knew it would be a huge risk leave the hideout, I'd be risking everything. But I couldn't just sit idly by and not do anything, I mean what would've happened if Sly didn't help me escape the museum? Who knows what would've happened to me by now. Besides this was a helpless kid being attacked by adults.
I mentally slapped myself knowing I was making a big mistake leaving, but it would be worth it. I made sure to rummaged through the supplies we'd stored in the van hoping to find something that could at least defend myself with. Luckily I found a baseball bat perched underneath Bentley's desk.
After I put it on, I sped off outside and hit a sharp corner stopping on a few feet away from the scene. The poor cub was backed into a corner, fresh tears staining his face. The Mask crooks ganging up on him reminded me when I was left defenseless in that museum, being surrounded by hundreds of strangers against my will. It was enough to make my blood boil.
"Hey! Leave the kid alone!", I shouted angrily, catching the attention of the intimidating thugs.
"The Hell is that thing?", One questioned in shock keeping his distance from me.
"Oh shit, that's the human!", another cried in terror. I could tell they were afraid. Now I'd realized I could easily take advantage of their fear of me. So I put on my most threatening face and puffed up my chest to look bigger.
"Get out of here, NOW!!!", I yelled preparing to swing the bat like a crazy person. I was beginning to believe they were more freaked out about my erratic behavior. It wouldn't take long until they trio was terrified enough that they took off. Once the coast was clear I sighed with relief and checked up on the little guy.
"Hey there, Are you ok?", I said getting into my knees infront of the cub.
The poor kid cowered, shielding himself from me. There was no doubt he probably believed I had intentions of hurting him as well. Not only that, but he's never seem something like me before. I'd be afraid if I were in his position as well. "Please don't hurt me!", He cried.
"No No No, it's fine. You're ok, I'm not gonna hurt you.", I panicked consoling this kid as best as I could.
"You won't?", He whimpered.
"Of course not. Here, let me help you up."
Holding out my hand, he hesitantly accepted my help and got to his feet. I had so much I wanted to ask him. Poor kid didn't even wanna look me in the face. "What are you doing out here? Where are your parents?", I asked with concern.
"I just wanna go home.", He softly muttered. I'm lucky that there's barely anybody around to see me out in the open like this. The kid jittered still quite shaken by what just happened with those lowlife thugs along with meeting me.
"You want me to take you home? Would that make you feel better?", I spoke getting onto his level.
It took quite awhile to get a response from him until he finally nodded in approval, "Yes, please."
Honestly I was quite glad to be out and about like this, but I still had to be careful. The walk was quite serene and relieving. The silence between me and the leopard cub was unbearable and awkward and I decided that I'd break the ice.
"Um...my name is Ace. What's yours?", I asked.
"My name's Todd.", He greeted as a tiny smile starting to grow on his face.
"How old are you?"
"I just turned seven years old.", Todd stated proudly. He was seven? What was he doing out here all on his own? Who knows what would've happened to Todd if I hadn't come to his rescue.
"Can I ask you something, Ace?"
"Sure."
"What are you?", Todd asked with interest.
"It's complicated, but to keep it short I'm a human.", I replied really not wanting to get into the specifics.
As more time went by the more we got to know each other. Todd told me about his many siblings back at home. Though every time I mentioned about his parents or any caretakers he had, he'd wouldn't answer the question or would completely change the subject. After about fifteen minutes or so Todd yanked on my arm, putting a stop to our little walk.
I noticed we stood infront of a massive red brick building. I read the sign posted right in front of us. Upon reading it carefully, I quickly began to catch onto why Todd was being so dodgy with certain questions I asked him.
Happy Sun's Orphange
"You're an orphan?"
Todd sadly nodded, now it all made sense. But it still didn't explain why he was out here by his lonesome. Especially without someone to watch over someone as young as him. Then suddenly I heard Todd silently sobbing to himself and I could fully get why he'd be in such distress. My paternal side went into overdrive as I went into to comfort the poor kid.
"If it makes you feel better, I can always stop by and visit.", I insisted hoping to bring up his spirit just a little bit.
"Really?", He sniffled.
"Yeah, sure.", I emphasized with a reassuring smile. He wiped away his tears returning the kind smile I gave him. "Now I have to go home, but I'll see ya later ok?"
We said our farewells and I watched from a distance as Todd entered the orphanage. My heart sank realizing that even in a world like this poor innocent children had to live their lives without their parents. Now that I think about it, I count as one of them.
"You're not alone. You've got Sly, Bentley, and Murray. They're your new family now.", I thought. I needed to hurry up and get back to the hideout before someone catches me out here.
I carefully stepped entered the hideout, peeking inside. I wiped away the sweat from my brow when I saw Sly and the others hadn't gotten back yet. I shut the door and plopped down on a couch in exhaustion. I finally managed to get comfortable until I heard...
"Where were you?"
Leaning in the door of the hallway across from me was Sly. He stared at me from the other side of the room as if he was awaiting my arrival. I was at a loss for words to answer what he had asked.
"I promise I'm not upset, I just wanna know where you went. I'd came back and saw you weren't here, so I was worried about you bud.", Sly added sitting next to me.
"There was some kid outside being robbed. I couldn't leave him out there by himself, you know? So I helped him and got him home. I helped him like you helped me.", I explained bring a smile a pride to Sly's face.
He wrapped an arm around my neck giving me a playful noogie. I chortled with glee and my laughing ceased when Sly stopped. "I spoke with Bentley and Murray, it's time you go on your first mission."
"Wait? Really?", I queried in disbelief.
"Of course. Plus, I wanna see what kind of things your capable of. I think you'd make a great thief.", Sly proclaimed in a joking manner.