Birds chirped loudly, ushering in the dawn light as day broke. A bobcat lay asleep on a branch high in a tree. Its ears twitch softly as a rustling noise catches it’s attention, it slowly opening its eyes and looking toward the ground, staring at the two figures walking through the forest below it. “Master…Why did we have to come all the way out here so early?” asked Maneki, yawning tiredly. “Don’t worry Kitty. We’re almost there.” said Sly ahead of her. Sly had woken Maneki up a couple of hours before dawn and had herded her into a car he’d rented. A little while of driving later and they were at the foot of a mountain, and he’d shocked her when he said they were about to climb it. Now they were nearing the peak. “Well, here we are Kitty.” said Sly as they reached a clearing almost at the peak of the mountain. Maneki looked around confused. There were trees blocking every direction. “We’re where Master? There’s nothing here.” she replied confused. “Not nothing. This is the most beautiful place on this mountain.” said the wolfox smiling at her. Maneki tried not to say anything to that statement. She was still confused as to why she had to hike up this mountain at the crack of dawn. “Do you remember when I told you about my parents?” asked Sly facing Maneki. The calico feline nodded her head yes to his question. “Do you believe me?” he asked next. “Um...Of course Master.” she replied hesitantly. “You don’t have to lie Kitty. I know I haven’t given any evidence to my claim.” he said taking his hat and shirt off now. “Well it’s a little farfetched Master, but you’ve never given me a reason not to trust your word. And with all I’ve seen since you adopted me, I believe you.” she replied. “How would you like to see some evidence?” he asked with a smile. “What?” she asked confused before suddenly his fur began to change before her eyes. Maneki stared in awe as his fur colors inverted, his gray fur turning white, and the white fur turning gray. Hair grew from his head into and tied itself off into a long braid behind him, at the same time the lightning shaped patterns on his back began to glow before brilliant white wings grew from them. Two new lightning patterns appeared on his shoulders as he completed his change. “Well Kitty, what do you think?” he asked, smiling at the jaw-dropped expression she held on her face. “I…I…Wow…” she said softly, unsure of what to say. “Do you believe me now?” he asked with a smirk. Maneki nodded her head softly. “Come over here.” he said holding his hand out for her. Maneki took a couple steps toward the wolfox and her heart skipped a beat as their hands touched. She gasped as she is pulled close to him, and sighs as she feels herself in his embrace. “Are you ready for your present?” he asked softly. “Present?” she asked surprised. “Yep. Put your arms around my neck and hold on tight.” he said as he shifted his arms and held her under her knees and her back. “Wait. What are you doing?” she asked alarmed as he squatted, his wings flared. “Here we go.” he said. “You’re kidding aren’t you Masteeeeerr!” said Maneki frightened before feeling him leaping into the air, his wings giving a strong beat and hurling them skyward.

Maneki screamed at the top of her lungs, her eyes closed as they ascended quickly. Sly laughed heartily, his wings beating repeatedly, pushing them higher with each stroke. Maneki held onto him as tightly as she could, half not wanting to believe what was happening. After a horrifying ten seconds, she felt the rush subside, but kept her face buried in Sly’s chest. “It’s okay Kitty. Open your eyes and look around.” came Sly’s gentle voice. Maneki’s ears twitched as she heard his comforting tone. She felt the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze blowing over them as she slowly opened her eyes and beheld the most beautiful scene she’d ever laid eyes on. The morning sun was just barely reaching over the horizon, bathing the mountain and surrounding valleys in beautiful light. “Oh Master…It’s beautiful.” she said almost absently as she looked around amazed. “I told you didn’t I? I’m sorry I frightened you, but you should know by now that I wouldn’t do anything that would cause you harm Kitty.” he said with that same gentle voice. “I know Master. I’m sorry I screamed. I was just startled.” said Maneki still taking in the view. “I definitely wanted to bring you out here to show you this. It seemed like a fitting birthday present for you.” said Sly smiling. “Birthday present?” she said looking up at him surprised. “That’s right. It’s May 20th. Your birthday.” he said smiling down at her. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes as she looked at him.

“What are you doing Sly?” asked Luck walking into Sly’s room and seeing him reading through file folders. “Trying to find Maneki’s birthday. I’m looking for her file. You wouldn’t happen to know it would you?” asked Sly curiously. “Not really. She tells me a different date every year. So I just go along with it and humor her. Whatever she’s trying to hide must be serious.” said Luck. “Here it is. May 20th, and oh…” started Sly before stopping suddenly. “What’s up?” asked Luck curiously. “It says here that her parents both died in a car accident on her birthday.” said Sly seriously. “Maneki and I were both brought to the adoption agency the same day. I remember now. She was wearing a party hat that day.” said Luck recalling. “Hmm…” said Sly, crossing his arms in thought. “I don’t know what you’re planning Sly, but be careful. This is obviously a very serious subject for her.” said Luck seriously.

“I know what happened to your parents on your 12th birthday. And I'm sorry. I can tell it’s haunted you for a long time. But I also want to remind you that you are never alone. You have Luck, Sakura, Pearl, Penny, and most of all, me. It’s a brand new day Kitty.” said Sly comfortingly. As she looked up at him one last thing caught her attention. Glinting in the sunlight just above his head was a halo. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she hugged him closer and tighter. “Thank you Master…This is the best birthday present I’ve ever received.” she said truthfully. “I’m glad.” replied the wolfox hugging her closer to his body as well. As minutes passed, Maneki slowly stoped crying, and just held onto Sly tightly. "How are you feeling Kitty?" he asked seriously. “I'm fine Master. Can we stay up here a little while longer?” asked Maneki turning to look at the skyline again. “We can stay up here as long as you’d like. “Happy Birthday Kitty…Maneki…” whispered Sly, his wing-beats slow, keeping them hovering in the same place.


This pic has been on my mind for months, and I knew exactly who I wanted to commission for it too. I just had to wait til I could afford it and she was open. I am honored to have a pic drawn by her. It turned out even more amazingly beautiful than I thought it would.

Maneki Originally Designed by:  mingchee

Art by:  kubikitsune

Sly is mine.