Thief's Honour

Chapter Four- Damien's Test

Madeleine cursed internally. If he was telling the truth, and he probably was, then she was going to be working for the son of the Devil. No impostor would be stupid enough to pretend to be Damien. She had no choice, but to do whatever he wanted her to. If she refused or failed, she'd be better off dead.

"Steal what?" She asked.

Damien smirked. "All in good time. First, though, you must pass a test. To prove your skill."

"If I fail this test?"

Damien shrugged. "I'll treat it like failing the real heist." He grinned evilly, hinting as to exactly what would happen. "I suggest you do not fail."

She nodded her understanding. Whatever he wanted her for, it would be risky and dangerous. Something that no one from Hell could get caught with. Otherwise, he would've had a demon or ghoul go get it for him.

"What's the test?" She asked.

He handed her a file. "You have three days. Don't disappoint me." He disappeared in a flash of fire that left her coughing up ashes. Demons. Always so dramatic.

Madeleine sighed. She was truly, deeply screwed.

Back in the safety of her apartment, Madeleine patched up the knife wound on her neck, wincing. She'd forgotten how hardcore demons were. She'd have to remember to tone down the sass. Damien didn't seem very tolerant, and Madeleine didn't want to be covered in knife wounds by the end of this. Assuming that Damien would let her go and agree to never meet with her again.

When she was satisfied with the dressing, she went into the living room, and opened the file.

And cursed Damien, whatever it was the real heist was for, and whoever held the thing in their possession.

The test was impossible. Damien wanted her to steal a huge-ass jewel that belonged to the Devil and was in the middle of Hell; guarded by several demons who looked like human weightlifters on serious steroids, who would be nearly impossible to take out. Of course. There was only one way into the room where the jewel was kept- using the word 'room' lightly- and there was nowhere within to hide. She'd have to be unusually lucky to complete it in three weeks, much less three days.

She cursed herself as well, for being so good as to attract a demon's attention. Sighing, she sat down, and started to plan.

First thing: taking out the guards was out of the question. There was no way that she had enough strength and skill to fight them, and win. There were way too many, and would be even more if they managed to raise an alarm before she subdued them, which was likely.

That left stealth. She would have to sneak in, and probably start a distraction that would allow her a few minutes alone with the jewel. Or maybe, she'd get lucky and they would be called for some reason or another.

No, probably not. Always hope for the best, but expect and prepare for the worst. Smoke bombs were always useful, as a contingency plan. Quick distraction, enough time for her to get away.

What would Damien expect her to do with the jewel, once she had it? And what if he double-crossed her and got her busted? Then she'd be in even more trouble.

Madeleine sighed. This was looking worse and worse the longer she thought about it, and in a normal situation she would refuse the job, to hell with the client and whatever they promised her. In this case, had no choice. Maybe-dead if she did it, definitely dead if she didn't. Personally, she chose maybe.

Then she hit another speed bump. How would she even GET to Hell? It's not like there was some sort of door that she could waltz up to and walk right in...

Damien probably knew a way. All demons would. She'd figure that part out later. For now, the most important part would be actually figuring out how to pull this off.

She stayed up for a good two hours, planning, and actually managed to come up with a decent plan. There was a chance it would work. Tomorrow, though, she'd really have to ask Damien how to get to Hell. And out. Alive.