Fitting Punishments, Part 2

“Wake up!” Tianzi yelled, slapping Vanessa’s face yet again.

Vanessa stirred, wincing and shying away from Tianzi. The moment she awoke, she felt her body protest. It was still full of pain, throbbing, aching everywhere but her arms, which were numb. She blinked several times, for a moment unsure of why she hurt, but then remembered the previous day. As her bleary eyes cleared, she saw that it was still dark out, sometime before dawn, but her eyes were keen, and she saw Tianzi clearly. “M-mistress Tianzi?” she croaked, throat dry.

“Well, at least you remembered something.” Tianzi’s voice seemed to be somewhat gentler today, but still with a stern edge. “What’s your name?”

“My name? It…my name is Vanessa; my…my…my master said I could keep that name.” Vanessa didn’t bother to try rising on her toes, or protesting; she barely had strength enough to cry anymore. She could barely keep her head up as it was, and had decided sometime in the night to accept that she was no longer a noble, and that she only had one name, and no power whatsoever, no future.

“Good, good; I’m glad that a whipping was all it took to get your head on straight again. Not feeling so superior are we today, hmm? Did you honestly think my master would allow you to get away with such behavior? Did you expect anyone to allow you to act like that?” Tianzi lifted Vanessa’s chin, a curious tilt to her eyebrows. “Did your previous master really spoil you so much for you to fall into a fantasy where you thought you were the leader of that failed rebellion?”

“I…I don’t know…” Her voice cracked, and she was suddenly crying again. Despite the previous night, Vanessa could not simply deny that she had lived before now. She couldn’t accept that it was all fantasy…no, she just couldn’t!

Tianzi’s expression softened, and for the first time since she had first laid eyes on her, Vanessa saw sympathy, and was shocked when Tianzi placed her forehead against Vanessa’s, speaking in a whisper. “We know who you are…master had his suspicions all along, but last night seemed to confirm them, though he is at a loss for how you were changed. His vocal support for the Lord Master during your rebellion seemed to move him into high favor, hence his…reward. It’s not about facts now, it’s about what is believed by the masses, that you were executed. My…our…master has decided that the old you is truly dead, Vanessa, and will not tolerate any sort of defiance from you.”

Tianzi’s hands cupped Vanessa’s cheeks, and her lips pressed against Vanessa’s. Vanessa jerked in shock, embarrassment and confusion overriding everything else she was feeling. Tianzi chuckled, resting her forehead to Vanessa’s again. “Just a sign of affection, Vanessa, that is all. I’m sure I’m not the only one who secretly hoped you would succeed, but really, we didn’t expect you to. It was a good effort, and I, for one, appreciate what you tried to do for us. Listen…you have a friend in me, if you want, but you have to understand, to a cat-slave, loyalty to their masters comes first and foremost. You know that, I’m sure, but I’m telling you again, because I still have to educate you in our ways. I won’t be acting friendly like this again until master is satisfied that you are properly trained. It will take months, perhaps years, but you can adapt, can keep on living. It’s not a bad life, but it’s not wealth and privilege, either. Please, Vanessa, try to adapt, for me, for yourself. You’ve been given a second chance, whether you see it that way or not; don’t waste it.”

Vanessa kept crying, but now it was because of the sincerity of Tianzi’s words, the gentleness of her affectionate touch. Somehow, Vanessa knew that Tianzi was sincere, that her words were from her heart. She couldn’t explain it, but she knew, and her despair was somewhat lessened. Perhaps there was hope. “I’ll try…Tianzi…I’ll try to learn, to live. Thank you…”

Tianzi purred softly, running a hand through Vanessa’s hair, and kissed her again, but just for a moment. “Master is still asleep, but he did wish me to start early on you, but not quite this early. I will be back in a few minutes, Vanessa. Keep an open mind, and know that I only do to you what I must; don’t make me work too hard, okay? And honestly, I won’t be doing anything to you out of spite, only out of duty to master.” With a lingering touch to Vanessa’s cheek, Tianzi disappeared from the barn without a sound, not even a rustle of hay against the floor.

Vanessa sighed, closing her eyes again. She could clearly hear insects buzzing and chirping outside, as well as the calls of birds just waking up, more clearly than she ever had before. She tried to focus her tired mind, attempting to remember what she had learned from Lila, her…now deceased husband’s…slave. She had never owned a cat-slave personally, though she had treated Lila with as much dignity as any other human. Wondering what had become of Lila after their army had been decimated, Vanessa began recalling what she had been told about a cat-slave’s upbringing. At about ten years old, they were taken from home to be trained in everything that made them so desirable as companions; utmost respect for their masters, a mastery of dance and music, and most importantly, their incredible sexual talents.

Vanessa cringed at that thought, hoping that she would never have to experience that last part. Most often, they were trained for at least four years, by teachers owned by several of the highest, most loyal of the nobility, with the High Warlord’s slaves having the greatest demand and fetching the highest prices at auction. Lila hadn’t told her much about the actual training, just a basic description. She had come from one of the lesser noble’s training groups, and apparently, had had a cruel teacher. Had it been Tizani? Or was Tizani trained by the same group? It was difficult to tell ages with cat-slaves, since they aged so much slower than humans. Would she age slowly now as well? Regardless, if she wanted to know, Vanessa would have to ask Tianzi, if she was in the mood for that kind of question.

Before she could get much deeper into her memories, Vanessa heard footsteps approaching, though now it sounded like boots walking on the cobblestone paths. A moment later, she caught Tianzi's scent, as well as that of leather, as well as the distinctive scent of polish. Vanessa shifted uneasily as a sudden fear shivered down her spine. She couldn't explain it, but she knew that she was not going to like what was about to happen.

Once Tianzi reappeared in the open barn door, Vanessa's mouth fell open in disbelief, and her face felt like it was on fire. Tianzi was wearing one of the most revealing and erotic outfits Vanessa had ever seen, something that she could never have imagined Lila ever wearing. Though her hair and collar were unchanged, Tianzi wore only blackened leather elsewhere. She wore a corset around her waist set with silver buckles that pushed up her breasts, which were also uncovered, revealing that each of her nipples were pierced by a slim, golden ring. Her arms were covered in long leather gloves, reaching nearly to her shoulder. The corset ended at her hips, where it had garters running downward beyond her exposed crotch, which allowed Vanessa to see that Tianzi's lower lips were also pierced with similar rings, though slightly bigger. The garters ended at dark thigh-high stockings, which were only sticking up maybe two inches above the nearly as tall black leather boots, which laced all the way up from Tianzi's foot and ended in raised, spiked heels, that Vanessa was certain only a cat-slave could manage to wear and actually walk in. The thought of wearing something at least four inches high on her feet was just mind boggling.

Vanessa's eyes widened when she noticed that there was a coiled whip in Tianzi's gloved right hand, her head jerking up. “Tianzi, what are you-”

“Silence!” Tianzi commanded, her voice once again cold and angry. The whip flew from her hand and struck at Vanessa like a viper, biting into her stomach. Vanessa cried out, and Tianzi's hand clamped at her jaw, holding her mouth open. Tianzi looked angrier by the moment, even growling threateningly as she glared into Vanessa's eyes, causing her to try to shy away. “Slaves speak only when given permission, and I've not given you permission yet! When you do speak, you do it with respect, and address me as 'mistress!' Even though we are both cat-slaves, you are below me! Master has given me complete dominion over your training, and I will not disappoint him in the least! You will do as I say, without hesitation, without protest, and always, always, with respect. Do you understand?”

Vanessa 's mouth moved, but nothing came out. Her eyes were wide and locked on Tianzi, who had not eased her threatening visage in the least. She could honestly say that she was in shock; she had no idea what was happening. She saw Tianzi's free hand move, and felt fingers on her nipple. Vanessa winced and cried out in pain again as Tianzi pinched and twisted her sensitive flesh.

“I asked you a question! Do you need a lesson in obedience already?”

After another harsh twist, Vanessa finally managed to find her voice, as panicked as it was. “N-no, mistress! Please! Please, I'll obey you! I'll do whatever you say!” Vanessa sagged in relief as Tianzi let go of her nipple, breathing hard. Having never experienced pain in such a way before, Vanessa was quick to relent so that she wouldn't have to experience it again. Somehow, submitting herself had come easier today...she barely felt the blow to her weakened spirit this time.

Tianzi narrowed her eyes, taking hold of Vanessa's other nipple, squeezing it just as hard as she had moments ago. “Don't you think you owe your mistress an apology for making her punish you so soon? Hmm?”

“Yes! Yes, mistress! Please, I didn't mean to- Ah! Please, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” Vanessa had tears in her eyes when Tianzi finally let go. She looked at Tianzi and whimpered. “I'm sorry...I'm sorry...”

“Shut up, you've already apologized, and I don't want to hear your mouth anymore. I'm going to let you down, and you're going to be a good girl and do exactly what I say, aren't you? No backtalk, no complaining. The better you behave the less I'll have to punish you, understood?”

Vanessa nodded weakly, sniffing and blinking at her tears. “Yes...mistress...I understand.” Was this really what the cat-slaves went through to learn to be such good companions?

Tianzi's fingers stroked behind Vanessa's ear, almost affectionately before she went to the crank that held her chains, coiling the whip again before she released the lock and let it spin, sending Vanessa to her knees and then her face on the hay-covered floor.

Relief flooded Vanessa as she once again lowered her arms, though it was several minutes before she could move them. She almost regretted it, however, because as blood flow returned, it felt as though hundreds of needles were piercing her flesh. She winced, but kept quiet under Tianzi's gaze.

Tianzi seemed to be impatient, pacing back and forth in front of Vanessa. Finally, after a couple more minutes, she stomped her foot down in front of Vanessa, bending and snatching up the chain that was attached to the collar at Vanessa's neck. “Okay, that's enough rest for now. Follow me.”

Tianzi pulled on the chain, and Vanessa tried to get to her feet, but was floored again as the sharp point of Tianzi's heel dug into her shoulder and pushed her back down. “No, no, no! You're not allowed to walk yet, you have to go on all fours.”

Though she opened her mouth to protest, Vanessa quickly shut it just as fast, lowering her head. Tianzi's foot left her shoulder, and she slowly got to her hands and knees, blowing a piece of hay from a lock hair that dangled in front of her face. Tianzi tugged the chain again, and Vanessa started moving, awkwardly until she learned just how far she could move in the shackles.

As they exited the barn, she saw the the sun was just rising over the horizon, the sea below it glowing warmly. Tianzi seemed to be leading her on around the manor, across the dew-moist grass instead of the hard stones of the walkway. Vanessa kept her head low, seeing only Tianzi's heels and the tip of her tail. When she heard two men conversing ahead of them, she looked up, spotting two guardsmen walking an early patrol through the shrubs and gardens. No sooner had she looked did she actually meet eyes with one of them, and his wide, black-toothed grin awoke every shred of decency she had. “No!” she cried, unable to keep herself from stopping mid-stride and covering her breasts and between her legs with her hands and hunkering low.

Vanessa heard Tianzi growl as she cowered away from the guards, and felt the sharp jerk on the leash. “What do you think you're doing? Did I tell you to stop? What's this? Are you shy, or just trying to make me angry? You're a pleasure slave! You have no business hiding what you are!” Tianzi cracked the whip just beside of Vanessa's ear. “Move! I won't warn you again!”

Mortified, Vanessa couldn't even make a sound other than a whimper. The guards were still watching; she could feel their eyes on her, could hear them talking about 'the shy little kitty' and how they'd love to teach her a few things. She flinched when the whip lit across her shoulder, and managed to look at Tianzi, though her furious glare was enough to make her shiver. “M-mistress, I-I can't! Th-they're looking at me!”

“That's what they're supposed to do, you stupid little girl! If our master decided to, he could give you to his guardsmen to pass around the barracks!” Vanessa heard the guards voice their approval to the idea before Tianzi continued. “I may have to recommend that to him if you don't get back on all fours and follow me at once! Think about it...all those hungry men, taking turns using your body for all of their sexual desires, doing much more than just looking at you like they are now.
Over and over again they'd have their way with you, day after day once the shift changed. Just imagine it...”

“NO! Please, no!” Vanessa begged, eyes wide with fear, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. Her fear overwhelmed any shyness at that point, and she quickly dropped her hands and went back to her crawling posture. “Please, I'll obey, just don't let that happen to me. Please? Please!”

Tianzi made a smug sound, and tugged the leash, urging Vanessa to follow. “I may yet do it, depending on how you act from here on out.” Tianzi stopped after only a few feet, and to Vanessa's horror, they were now within five feet of the guards. Vanessa's eyes were glued to the ground, and she was trembling. Tianzi spoke in her submissive voice. “M'lords, if I may trouble you, can my silly friend here offer her most sincere apologies for hiding her body from you? She is very sorry for what she did, and wants you to see everything she has to offer.”

Of course, the guards were eager to accept Tianzi's offer, leaving Vanessa shaking even worse, breathing in short gasps. Tianzi's hand grabbed her hair and jerked her backward, bringing her up so that she was sitting on her knees, looking right up at the guards. Tianzi whispered into Vanessa's ear. “Now, if you don't want to make me really angry, you'll put your hands behind your head, arch you back so that your breasts are displayed, and spread your knees to show them your pussy. Do it, or I'll make good on my promise to give you to the guards, and I'll give you a whipping that will make the one last night seem like a warm bath.”

“B-but...I c-c-can't...” Vanessa whined, looking frantically all around here, anywhere but to what stood in front of her.

“Tianzi cracked the whip to her side. “I'll give you till the count of 'three.' One...” She cracked the whip again. “Two...”

Letting out a panicked whine, Vanessa picked up the chain between her wrists and lifted it over her head, lacing her hands in her hair. She tried to arch her back like Tianzi wanted, but had to guess at just how to do it, and finally managed to open her knees, spreading them as wide as she could manage so that Tianzi wouldn't say anything. Her eyes she kept closed, too horrified to watch. As their eyes played over her, she felt as though slime was oozing over her body, making her feel absolutely filthy.

“Well, slave? Aren't you going to look at these good men and apologize for being so rude to them?”

Vanessa heard Tianzi step behind her and knew she was readying the whip again. She opened her eyes, looking at each of the guards, shaking so much that the chains were rattling. “I-I'm sorry...I apologize...m-m'lords, for any offense.” She felt light-headed, and knew she was breathing too fast to have enough air. Vanessa knew this was too much for her; she couldn't handle indignity like this, couldn't handle the extreme embarrassment that made her body burn. Strange men looking at her hungrily, and Tianzi ready to whip her from behind...she felt sick to her stomach.

The guards' eyes lingered for what seemed an eternity before the two of them walked away, laughing and discussing how great Vanessa's body looked. Without Tianzi's approval, Vanessa collapsed into the grass, sobs wracking her body as she weakly tried to cover herself again.

“A harsh lesson...perhaps too much for you, but you needed to experience what every one of us has to do every single day of our lives. You are one of us now, so you too must learn to accept being an object.” Tianzi broke her callus demeanor momentarily as she crouched beside Vanessa and stroked her hair, even patting her shoulder. She took hold of the leash and stood again after several minutes, when Vanessa's sobs had died down. “Come now, slave, I've shown you too much leniency. Hurry, now!” Tianzi cracked the whip to emphasize her point.

Wiping her eyes, Vanessa nodded weakly and once again crawled behind Tianzi, her thoughts a jumble. She had known what the cat-slaves had gone through, but to experience what they did first hand...and that was just a small example of the indignities they were forced to endure. How could humanity be so cruel to them? How could the cat-slaves keep accepting such treatment? Could she really survive living as one of them? No, there was no way. She would die as a cat-slave, probably in the barracks being molested by dozens of soldiers...

Tianzi stopped on the stone pathway beside the manor, and Vanessa nearly bumped into her, stopping just short of planting her face in the leather of Tianzi's boots. They were on the far side of the manor now, in a small flower garden. Tianzi took a breath, then sat on one of the stone benches, turning so that she could face Vanessa. “I like the gardens; they're a small getaway from the rigors of life. You can sit if you want to, slave, we're starting another lesson and it may take a while.”

“Thank you...Mistress Tianzi...” Vanessa whispered, still not able to speak louder, though she did manage to sit on the grass, her tail resting in her lap. She blinked when she looked down, still not believing that it was her tail. Yet there it was, swaying back and forth, lifting and lowering at but a thought. She couldn't explain it at all, how she could control it so naturally. Vanessa's eyes widened after a moment, however, as she realized that she had no signs of last night's whipping on her body, not even a slight blemish. She knew that the cat-slaves recovered stamina quickly, but she had never seen such a drastic example. In fact, despite the fact that she hadn't eaten in...well, she wasn't sure, at least a day or two, she just now was starting to feel a slight rumble in her stomach. She felt her ears twitch as Tianzi placed a hand on her head, but was rather surprised when she started rubbing a finger along the edge of her ear. It felt...good...yes, that was rather nice...

“I've been thinking about just how to handle you, slave, given your situation. I feel that we should focus on getting you used to your body first.” Tianzi seemed to have taken on a matter-of-fact, scholarly tone. “We cat-slaves are much more agile and flexible than our masters, and as you've no doubt found out by now, can see, hear, and smell much more keenly than they can. But what you probably didn't know, though I'm sure you're starting to suspect...unless you're too absorbed in what my fingers are doing?”

Vanessa blinked her eyes, wondering how her head had reached Tianzi's lap, and why she had a little bit of drool on her chin. She pulled back quickly, wiping her chin, and saw that Tianzi was grinning. “I...um...I don't...”

“See, that's a normal reaction in some of us, unless we're concentrating on something else; but you seemed pretty taken by a good ear rub. Then again, you've not been one of us very long, so...” Tianzi patted her lap, but Vanessa hesitated, and Tianzi shrugged. “You're choice. As I was saying, what you probably didn't know, was just how different our bodies are from our masters. One reason we make such good pleasure slaves is because of our responsive bodies. That’s actually putting it kind of nicely…truth is, once you get us worked up, we just can’t get enough sex.”

Vanessa had suspicions, but to hear it so casually from Tianzi made her cringe, not to mention blush. Tianzi chuckled, crossing her legs before she continued. “Well, that’s basically it, slave; you’ll hate it at first, but no matter what you think, our bodies are designed to make our masters happy. They can actually have sex with us, or whip us till we’re bleeding, or beat us, or just feed us catnip and watch us enjoy ourselves. Yeah, that last one’s true, absolutely. Why do you think you just started purring like crazy when I rubbed your ears, hmm?”

“I just thought...maybe it was from fatigue. You're serious? It's because of how your...our...bodies are made, not because you're trained for pleasure?”

“Training is part of it, but only a small one. The training teaches us to concentrate on that feeling, so that we can bring out our desire at will, you see. That way, no matter what our masters do to us, we'll respond like it's the most wonderful thing in the world. That's the first thing I've decided you should experience. You're going to love this, slave, no matter how much you protest. Come on, now, stand up and have a seat on the bench here and we'll have your first real lesson.”

Vanessa chewed at her lip, unable to move. She had no idea what Tianzi had in mind, but she knew that there was no way for her to enjoy it. Tianzi stood, tugging the leash. Vanessa shook her head. “No, I don't think I'm ready for that yet...”

“I don't care if you're ready or not, I’ve made up my mind, and you’re going to obey me!” Tianzi snapped, back into her harsh, dominating voice. She hauled on the leash, forcing Vanessa to her feet to keep herself from being choked. “On the bench!”

Tianzi cracked the whip, and a line of fire erupted over Vanessa’s bottom. She cried out and hurried forward, wincing as she sat on the cool stone. She leaned to one side, the pain lessening somewhat, and watched as Tianzi pulled a mid-sized chest from beneath a bench beside the manor's wall, flipping it open. “M-mistress Tianzi…what are you…”

“Whatever I want, and another whipping if you don’t shut up!” she snapped, Vanessa lowered her head and pulled her knees to her chest, picking at the shackles on her ankles, trying to keep her mounting fear from making her tremble too much; her tail was twitching constantly now. Her breath was already quickening, and she felt sweat building on her brow. Just what was Tianzi digging out of that chest? Vanessa jumped again when something landed on the bench.

Tianzi was beside her again, and on the bench, she saw several coils of hemp rope, each one neatly tied off in small bundles. “Oh, no! You’re not using that on me!” Vanessa was off the bench in a heartbeat. She saw the anger flash in Tianzi’s eyes, immediately regretting what she said. Tianzi jerked the leash hard enough to bring Vanessa painfully to her knees. An iron grip snatched her hair and spared no pain in pushing her face onto the bench. Vanessa screamed when Tianzi’s sharp heel dug into her spine. “I’m sorry! I’m-”

“Oh, no you’re not! You haven’t even begun to feel sorry yet!” Tianzi was furious now, and pressed her heel in even harder, leaving Vanessa squirming and whining. Tianzi looped the leash around the stone seat once, then twice, leaving enough chain for her to thread it under one of the loops, leaving Vanessa little wriggle room, though she could probably get the chain loose with little effort.

No doubt reading Vanessa’s thoughts, Tianzi straddled her and put her weight across Vanessa’s back. “Don’t get any bright ideas, slave. The quieter you are, the less I’m going to punish you when I’ve got you situated.” Tianzi slapped Vanessa’s bottom with one hand while she brought her left arm up, undoing the shackle and letting it fall to the ground before undoing the right one. Both arms she kept crossed on Vanessa’s back, and within moments had one of the rope bundles undone and looped around her wrists.

Vanessa shook her head in protest, a pathetic whine escaping her lips. “Please, please don’t! Mistress Tianzi, please, no!” She gasped when rope was pulled around her arms and torso, across the tops of her breasts, and looped back around the ropes at her wrists. Tianzi took the rope around her torso again, this time beneath her breasts, pulling it to snug it up before tying the ropes off at her wrists. Vanessa was crying again, praying that this wasn’t happening. It was too much; too embarrassing and too degrading!

She felt warm breath on her ear. “You see, it’s not so bad. I’ve not even gotten to the best part yet. Trust me, you can manage to stay like this for hours without too much in the way of pain.” Tianzi picked up another bundle of rope and went back to work, tying it to the existing ropes at Vanessa's wrists before continuing to bind her up.

Vanessa was panting, trembling while Tianzi worked, and blabbered out another plea. “Let me go...please, please, untie me now. I won't disobey anything else you want me to do, Mistress Tianzi, but please, just don't do this...”

Tianzi's booted knee pressed into Vanessa's back, and her hair was jerked, forcing her head up to the limit the collar would allow, but Tianzi pulled harder still. “I like my slaves to be submissive, but you're just whining now. I don't like whiners. But since you didn't know that, I'm giving you one more chance to be a good, quiet little slave before I gag you.”

Vanessa closed her eyes and cried quietly while Tianzi worked with the ropes, encircling her torso. After some time, Tianzi unwrapped the collar chain, and pulled Vanessa up by her hair before turning her around and pushing her down so that she was sitting on the bench. Ropes now went over her shoulders and between her breasts, and crisscrossed all over her stomach and back. She finally opened her eyes to see Tianzi uncoiling another piece of rope. “Mistress-”

“That's it, you're getting the biggest gag I can find.” Tianzi left Vanessa alone for a moment, retrieving something from the chest. As she returned, Vanessa's eyes widened, and she shook her head. Tianzi had a large leather ball, with matching leather straps in her hand, and a furious look on her face. Wordlessly, Tianzi jerked Vanessa's hair backward and forced her jaw open with one hand, stuffing the ball inside her mouth, using her fingers to get it behind Vanessa's teeth. It was already causing her mouth to ache by the time Tianzi had secured it behind her head, as tight as she could make it judging by how much it had hurt.

Vanessa looked at Tianzi desperately, trying to dislodge the ball with her tongue with little effect. Tianzi wasn't watching her, but was busying herself removing the shackles at Vanessa's ankles, immediately looping rope around first her right ankle, then undoing a second bundle and switching to her left. Once she had the ankle wrapped, Tianzi lifted Vanessa's leg so that her knee was bent and her ankle was almost touching her thigh, then looped the rope around her thigh and ankle, pulling it tight so that her ankle and thigh touched before tying it off.

Vanessa moaned, distraught as she looked at her bound leg, moving it back and forth, turning her ankle, anything to get the ropes to go away. Tianzi grabbed her hips and turned her so that she straddled the bench before tying her right leg just like the left. Tianzi stood from her crouch, dusting her hands and smiling at Vanessa, who certainly didn't share her pleasure. “There, we go, finally ready for lesson number 1.”

Vanessa mumbled behind the gag, pulling with her arms, trying to get just a little wiggle room so that she slip free. She had never been bound with rope before, and the stories she had heard about escape seemed to be full of lies; nothing was working to give her any kind of slack at all. The ropes seemed to get tighter around her, moving as she moved, shifting in a different place each time she wiggled. She had closed her legs already, trying to keep some of herself hidden. She knew there were other guardsmen patrolling, and she didn't want them to see her like this. Footsteps on the pathway caused her to scream into the gag, fear of being seen suddenly peaking. She lost her balance and felt herself slipping from the bench.

Before she could fall to the stone and hurt herself, Tianzi put a hand on her shoulder to steady her. “Good morning, Master Raynard,” Tianzi said, back to being submissive and gentle. “Slave Vanessa is ready to start her first lesson.”

Vanessa squirmed to hide herself from Raynard, face burning with embarrassment. Tianzi's hand at her shoulder prevented her from squirming far, however. She froze, mortified, when Raynard stepped in front of her, lifting her chin with his hand. Her eyes darted every direction, but she couldn't find a way out. She felt drool on her chin, and her embarrassment deepened as she looked upon his face. He was dressed only in a dark blue robe, his hair loose about his head. He was looking right into her eyes, but Vanessa couldn't read anything of his emotions.

Raynard let her go and took a seat on the bench directly in front of Vanessa. He looked toward Tianzi and nodded. “Begin the lesson, Tianzi.”

“As you wish, master.” Tianzi straddled the bench behind Vanessa and put her hands on her shoulders, squeezing them lightly as she leaned in close to Vanessa's ears. Her breath blew against her fur, her voice a stern whisper. “Now, slave, we're going to learn how your body responds to my touch. You're terrified right now, and so embarrassed that you just want to crawl into a hole and die; I've been there before, but this is so much better, as you'll learn.”

Vanessa squirmed and shook her head, trying to tell Tianzi not to touch her, but behind the gag, she knew it was hopeless. Tianzi chuckled, her gloved hands sliding down Vanessa's arms, then up her roped stomach. Pausing for just a moment, Tianzi's hands cupped Vanessa's breasts, pulling her backward so that Tianzi's breasts could push into her back. Vanessa went wild, screaming and squealing into the gag as she tried to fight off Tianzi, squirming every which way she could move. With her legs bound, she found little leverage, and though she tried to push Tianzi away with her bound hands, she couldn't do much more than poke into her breasts with her fingers. The only part of her body she could move easily was her tail, but it did little more than rub over Tianzi's stomach and legs.

“Oh, slave, that's going to earn you something special later,” Tianzi purred, after Vanessa had managed to poke one of her nipples. Vanessa winced as Tianzi tightened her grip on her breasts, and squealed in pain as her nipples were pinched. Tianzi rolled Vanessa’s nipples between her fingers while squeezing her mounds, which were also rubbing against the ropes on her chest. Vanessa gasped for air around the gag, but knew that she was not just hot from her struggles; she felt something building inside her that she hadn’t felt in some time, not since the night before she had begun her year-long rebellion when last she had bedded her husband.

“Ah, now you’re starting to feel it, aren’t you? Your nipples are getting harder; you like how the rope feels against your flesh? Or maybe, it is the touch of another woman that’s exciting you?” Vanessa shook her head in denial, moaning in desperation as she tried to think of anything but what was happening to her. The more she tried to resist, the hazier her mind became, a fog that she could only describe as pleasure, seeping in. Tianzi’s hands didn’t seem so wrong there now, and the ropes…the ropes were rubbing against her, pinching and chaffing, and yet…yet they felt good…

Vanessa screamed again, dropping her head, shaking it violently trying to fight off the haze. No! She didn’t enjoy this! She couldn’t enjoy this! It was wrong! She wasn’t a cat-slave! “The more you fight it, the harder it’s going to be to resist it, slave…you should try enjoying yourself during your lessons. Here, let me help you some more.” Wishing that Tianzi would just stop, Vanessa felt the woman’s right hand leave her breast and nipple behind, moving downward. She let out a surprised squeal when she felt a touch between her legs, just above her lower lips. No! Not there! She knew her pussy was already excited, but if Tianzi started…

It was too late. Tianzi’s leather-clad fingers slid over her lips, dipping inside them for jus a moment. That was all Vanessa needed, the most lustful, dirty moan she’d ever made escaping behind the gag as her brain was overwhelmed by the pleasure-haze. Her body tensed, and she squirmed again in Tanzi’s grasp, only now, it was not for freedom, but for more feeling. She could feel every last inch of the rope that bound her, especially around her breasts, and how wonderful it felt to have Tianzi mashing her breasts against them. And the fingers at her pussy…Tianzi had only just started sliding one inside after spreading the lips, but Vanessa wanted more. Without even thinking, she rubbed her pussy into Tianzi’s fingers, trying to make them go deeper, moaning as they slid against her special spot.

“She’s finally being honest with us, master. I think there’s hope for her yet.” Tianzi’s words sent a twinge of shame though Vanessa, but she didn’t let it phase her now. All she wanted was to feel more, to make that incredible feeling inside of her grow until she burst. Tianzi’s hand on her breast squeezed and pulled at her nipple, switching back and forth between the pair now, while her fingers slid in and out of her pussy, which Vanessa knew was hot and wet. Then, Tianzi’s fingers squeezed her special spot, and Vanessa cried out in joy, squirming eagerly for more. She could feel it…that wonderful feeling inside of her, it was going to explode into something incredible any moment…

“Stop now, Tianzi. She’s not earned that pleasure yet,” Raynard said, his cool, flat voice piercing Vanessa’s pleasure-haze.

Vanessa shook her head after Tianzi’s fingers stopped moving between her legs, and cried in desperation when she stopped playing with her breasts. NO! Not now! Just a little more and she would’ve…She turned to Tianzi, desire in her eyes, and hope that she would continue.

Shaking her head, Tianzi stood from the bench, resting one arm on Vanessa’s shoulder while licking the fingers that had been pleasuring Vanessa’s pussy. She licked her lips after a moment, purring in satisfaction with a final grin at Vanessa before looking to Raynard. “What is your wish, master?”

He stood then, looking down to Vanessa, who moaned desperately for attention, waving her bound legs back and forth. The haze was beginning to fade already, and she couldn’t let it happen! He frowned at her, and turned his back. “Leave her here, with some help, of course; if she wants it bad enough, she will have to do it herself. And be sure to let the guards know that they can look, but not touch; I think she enjoys being watched. Return to me after you’ve taken care of her.”

Tianzi bowed. “It will be as you say, master.” Raynard walked away, returning from the direction he had come. Tianzi patted Vanessa’s shoulder. “Well, slave, shall I waste no more time?” Vanessa watched Raynard walk away, then quickly turned back to Tianzi, mumbling, pulling at the ropes. Tianzi shook her head as she uncoiled another rope bundle. “As much as I would love to bring you off, it’s just not going to happen, pet.”

Vanessa sagged, blowing out her breath again. Now she was just feeling hot and sweaty, and the ropes were starting to chafe. The pleasure-haze had disappeared completely within moments, leaving her feeling more frustration than shame. Those feelings began changing quickly once Tianzi had the new rope looped around her waist, and Vanessa noticed that she was adjusting a rather large knot along the untied portion of the strands. Tianzi seemed to get the knot where she wanted it, tightening the waist rope before passing the knotted strands between Vanessa’s legs and through her crotch. Vanessa mumbled a protest when Tianzi leaned her up and pulled the rope tight. The knot pressed hard against her special spot, while the other strands went between her lips and then up between her butt cheeks. Vanessa felt Tianzi tying off the rope at her back before she let go, leaving her lying face down on the bench.

“Almost there…don’t struggle too much, now,” Tianzi whispered, a gloved hand sliding across Vanessa’s butt. Vanessa’s legs drooped on the sides of the bench, and as she tested the new rope, she grunted in surprise. As she wiggled, moving her arms, the rope between her legs shifted and pulled, the knot sending a jolt of pleasure through her. She squirmed more, rubbing her nipples over the stone bench. She closed her eyes, letting her body move as it would, feeling that wonderful haze seeping back in…

“You’re learning quickly, it seems, you filthy little whore, but I’m not making it quite that easy on you.” Vanessa barely heard Tianzi, but squealed when she was picked up by her shoulders. Tianzi lifted her from the bench and sat her gently on the grassy ground in front of it, back to the stone. Vanessa worked her arms up and down as Tianzi tied rope around her knees, and then to the bench, which kept her legs open for all to see. Tianzi crouched in front of her, cupping Vanessa’s face with both hands. “I’m sure you’ll manage to get yourself off a few times before the day’s out; you seem to be enjoying yourself immensely, after all. I’ll be sure to let the men come and watch; you enjoy that, don’t you? Being the center of attention, letting everyone see just how dirty you are? Were you like this even before you became one of us? I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Moaning in protest, Vanessa shook her head. She had never been promiscuous! She had been faithful to her husband from the moment they had been married, and even he rarely did anything at all with Lila before they had begun their freedom movement. She pulled at the ropes that were around her knees, finding that she had no slack, and no privacy at all. Tianzi stood, patting Vanessa's head before she sauntered off. Vanessa tried to watch her go, but could only see her for a second before she was out of sight behind some shrubs, the click of her heels fading out within moments.

Alone, Vanessa suddenly became aware of how truly exposed she was. Directly in front of her was an opening in the shrubs and rose bushes that would allow anyone to see her if they walked by, and she could guess that since she could see the top of the main fence there, guardsmen would be passing. She panicked, jerking at the ropes that bound her. She couldn't be here! She couldn't let just anyone see her like this! Sweat beaded on her brow as she tried vainly to close her legs, to hide herself, but she could only manage to move her feet maybe an inch or two, while her knees stayed wide. A light breeze drifted over her from the direction of the sea, making her even more aware of the sweat that was already glistening on her body, and that her nipples were still erect. She closed her eyes and whined into the leather that filled her mouth, squirming, trying to find the knots with her fingers.

After several minutes, Vanessa sagged, blowing out her breath. She could just barely reach one of the knots she had been able to find, but was barely able to scratch a fingernail against it, let alone attempt to untie it. With her shoulders resting against the bench, she could let her head back and look up to the light blue sky, and the wispy clouds that moved in from the ocean. It was almost peaceful, but with ever breath, Vanessa was reminded of her situation, the ropes pinching at her skin, constricting around her chest.

Swallowing some drool that had pooled in her mouth, Vanessa, for reasons she couldn't understand, started moving her arms, and the rope between her legs. She closed her eyes, twisting her shoulders so that the ropes around her breasts would pull at her flesh. At first she felt nothing but frustration and shame, but then, when she thought she heard men's voices nearby, a chill went over her, and she felt it. There, right where it had been when Tianzi had touched her...that wonderful, warming, pleasing haze seeping back into her brain.

Focused on that feeling, Vanessa kept wiggling, kept struggling, welcoming that warmth like a starving person craved a meal. The knot between her lips rubbed against her pleasure spot just right, and she moaned like a whore. Within a few moments she had found the best way to move herself to get just the kind of stimulation she wanted, what she needed, and started moving faster.

With her heartbeat pounding louder in her ears and her thoughts, though she couldn't understand why, on Tianzi and her wonderful fingers, Vanessa didn't hear the men approach her until one of them spoke aloud. “Well well! Look at that! They said she was a real piece of work, and they weren't kiddin'! Hell, I even like the color of her hair.”

Vanessa screamed, cringing, trying to imagine a way to bury herself with just her tail. She opened her eyes, seeing four of the guardsmen staring at her with hungry, lecherous looks. She saw that each of them had a bulge between their legs. She shook her head and screamed out again, trying to pull away, but then her eyes looked over them again, and she felt something she couldn't explain. To be looked at like they were looking at her was degrading, shameful, and wrong, but...but she suddenly couldn't look away. Her body seemed to tingle everywhere as she felt their dirty looks on her, and her body craved more.

Moaning again, long and low, Vanessa worked her crotch up and down against the ropes while her bound hands worked the ropes deeper into her. The eyes watching her only made her hotter, and she felt the pleasure-haze surge within her. She sucked hard at the gag, moaning and panting for more, doing everything but begging for the men to come to her. One of them took a step forward, the one who had first spoke, causing Vanessa to cry out in joy.

His friend quickly put a restraining arm out, however. “Now be careful, James. You know what the orders were, man. No touching her, otherwise you loose your dick as well as your job. It's not worth it for whore like that who ain't even trained right. Think about Subaru down in town, man; she's always at the whorehouse and knows more than this one does for sure.”

The one that had moved forward, James, looked frustrated, and even balled his fists. “Damn it! But I love purple! Just look at her! I could do that one all day and night for a week! Ah, damn it, damn it, damn it!” He got a wild look in his eyes then, and Vanessa knew that she was going to enjoy having him touch her. Without warning, he raised his fist and brought it down between his legs. He grunted in pain, doubling over and turning red for a moment, but then blew out his breath and stood straight again. His fellow guardsmen seemed not to think this was unusual. “Okay, I'm fine now...let's hurry up and get back to our posts then...”

Vanessa cried out as they started to leave, James the only one who lingered, waving to her with a dirty grin on his face before he hurried off. No! She had wanted him on her! She wanted them watching her while she brought herself off! She fought the ropes desperately, calling out incoherently behind the gag, hoping they would come back. She felt the overwhelming sense of pleasure fading quickly, without warning, her desire gone. It was one of the worst feelings she had experienced, a hundred times worse than when Tianzi had stopped.

With a mournful cry, Vanessa sagged against the bench, sobbing. Her body was sweaty and the ropes were chaffing, she felt the moisture between her legs, but the rope that split her pussy was more annoying now than pleasurable. She couldn't believe it; she just couldn't understand how she could have been so close to experiencing something so incredible, only to have it disappear in the blink of an eye, leaving her with such a sense of longing and loss. Would it always be like that now that she was one of the cat-slaves? Would she ever have the chance to feel what it was like to actually let those lusty desires come to a head within her? Would Tianzi or Raynard allow it?

As the hours passed, and the morning steadily grew warmer and more humid, heading into midday, Vanessa was more frustrated and desperate than she had ever been. Several more of the guards had stopped by to watch her, James returning at least three more times, and each time she had tried to submit herself to her desire. Her body had responded just the same while she was being watched, and her imagination had taken her to places she had never dreamed of; but, no matter how hard she tried, the men would leave before she could finish, and her desire would fade, leaving her either angry, sad, or just incredibly confused.

Though her body was unsatisfied, sticky, and sore, Vanessa managed to doze off as midday wore on, though the growing clouds over the ocean made her wonder if they would be leaving her outside for the storm. Her light nap ended when she heard a familiar clicking of heels on stone, and sure enough, Tianzi was returning, still wearing the same outfit she had wore before, though she scent of stewed beef and freshly baked bread still lingered on her, making Vanessa's stomach rumble.

Tianzi took a seat on the bench next to her, grinning down at her almost cruelly. “Well, well, well...how are we doing, slave? You're looking rather haggard...didn't you find what you were needing? Or, couldn't you do it without me touching you?” Vanessa blushed, shaking her head, causing Tianzi to laugh, and to run a gloved hand through Vanessa's sweaty hair, flicking her ear just enough to spark a small burst of pleasure. “Do you have an idea now of what it's like to be one of us? Just imagine how it feels to be like this all the time...craving pleasure with every fiber of your being, but being unable to do so without permission. It's not completely your fault that you couldn't find pleasure today; it's because I am in control of you, and I wouldn't allow you to.”

Vanessa looked up, uncomprehending. Tianzi patted her head again. “It's like this, slave...there is something of a mystical bond between a slave and her master, at least, that's how we've come to understand it. Whether you know it or not, you've accepted me as your mistress, and Master Raynard as your master. You cannot find the release you seek without us wanting you to. It's a strange thing, but something you will learn to accept in time.” Tianzi's hands went to the back of Vanessa's head, and the straps on the gag fell away.

Once Tianzi had removed the gag, Vanessa winced, her jaw aching after finally being able to move again. She cleared her throat, and spoke. “Mistress...do you mean that...no matter what...I can't ever make myself reach a climax? I have to have you or our master to do it for me?”

“Almost. Until we allow you to, you can't, but once we've decided that you have been trained well enough, you might find it possible...depending on how good a slave you are. I know, it doesn't make much sense, but...Anyway, if you beg for it, perhaps I will allow you a moment of pleasure?” Tianzi purred suggestively, rubbing her fingers on Vanessa's ears again.

“B-beg? I don't, I mean I-”

“Well, it's your decision, if you really don't want it, then that's fine by me.” Tianzi stood, leaving Vanessa staring in disbelief. She hadn't even given her a chance to try! It wasn't her fault she didn't know how to beg for something! “I'm going to take you back to the barn; a storm is blowing in, and you shouldn't be left out in it. And you're starting to stink, so I think it's about time for a bath.”

Vanessa waited patiently while Tianzi untied her, though she could only frown when the shackles were replaced. Tianzi had her stand while she collected the ropes and gag, piling them on top of the chest. Vanessa worked her limbs, not realizing just how stiff she had been. When she looked over her body, she saw the deep indentions of the rope on her skin. Her fingers traced over the marks on her stomach and legs, then on her breasts. She had never felt her body tingling like was now, all over the places she had been tied, like little fingers trying to tickle her...

“You're feeling all tingly aren't you? Your body is experiencing sensations you could never have imagined before, and I think you're enjoying them. Something tells me you'll be just fine before long.” Tianzi took hold of the collar chain and led Vanessa toward the barn, though Vanessa was busy trying to disprove Tianzi's statement. There was no way that she was getting used to such humiliation already...was there? No, it simply wasn't possible...or maybe it was...She was so confused, still hoping against hope that she was in a terrible dream.

Back in the barn, Tianzi took her to a short, wooden stool in the back, which sat over a cleared section of stone floor with a hole in the center. Once seated, Tianzi padlocked the shackles on Vanessa's ankles to a ring in the floor, and pointed to a water pump and bucket, and a fresh bar of soap. “Clean yourself off while I go find you something to eat.”

Vanessa looked to the pump first, then the bucket, and watched as Tianzi left. The lock on her shackles left her little room to spare, but she was able to fill the bucket without too much trouble, and went back to the stool. The water looked clean, but was cold to the touch. Grimacing, and wondering what Tianzi would do to her if she hadn't bathed herself. Vanessa took a deep breath and dumped the bucket over her head. She could have screamed when the cold gush fell over her, but she held it in, actually feeling rather refreshed once she was dripping wet in the humid, warm air.

She had to refill the bucket a few times, but had herself as clean as she could manage by the time Tianzi returned, and was dumping the last bucket over herself to clear the last of the soap. Tianzi sat a tray on another stool to move over to Vanessa, who could have drooled once the smell of stew, vegetables and bread hit her nose.

“Put your tongue back in your mouth,” Tianzi said playfully, unlocking the padlock and tossing it aside. She pointed to a small table in the corner. “There should be a towel and a brush there for you try off and comb your hair. When you've finished, come to me and we'll see about feeding you.”

Vanessa nodded. “Yes, Mistress Tianzi.” Once she was at the table, Vanessa found the towel, worn and old, but clean, an worn brush, and even a mirror. She tried herself first, getting beneath the shackles and collar as best she could manage, taking special care to clear the water from her tail fur, and took her time with her hair. It seemed odd, combing through the purple strands, but they were certainly her own now. After perhaps a hundred strokes with the brush, something she had always done, she replaced it on the table and left the wet towel hanging off the edge before she went back to Tianzi, who was sitting in the chair Raynard had sat in the night before, the covered tray on a stool next to her.

Tianzi looked angry, and if the riding crop she was tapping against her palm was any indication, Vanessa was not going to like what was about to happen. She suddenly sat up in the chair, riding crop held to Vanessa's throat like a sword. “It's about time you finished! How dare you keep your mistress waiting?! On your knees, now!”

Jumping at the sharp tone, Vanessa instantly fell to her knees in front of Tianzi. “I'm sorry, I didn't know that-”

“Shut up! It occurred to me that you haven't been properly reeducated on how to beg, so, I think it's time for another lesson. Do you really want to eat today, slave?”

Swallowing in her suddenly dry throat, Vanessa nodded. “Yes, mistress.”

Tianzi's anger cooled, just a bit, as she sat back, and crossed her legs. “Tell me, slave, what is it that you want?”

“I want to eat, mistress.” Vanessa yelped as the crop fell on her shoulder.

“No! You have to ask me for it! It's not about what you want, but about what I am willing to give you! You're a slave, so speak like one, act like one. Try again.”

Vanessa hesitated, biting her lip, then tried again. “Um...please, mistress...I'm hungry, and-” The crop slapped against her other shoulder.

Tianzi growled. “Don't sound so whiny. You should be proud, overjoyed to be asking me for something. Remember, it's not about your pleasure, but mine! Again!”

At a loss, Vanessa felt her heartbeat increasing as she tried to think of just what Tianzi wanted to see. She tried to remember back to her meetings with other nobles, how their cat-slaves had acted. Why couldn't she remember? She couldn't focus her thoughts, they were going everywhere. A sharp slap of leather against her breast jolted her back to reality, her hands covering herself defensively as she yelped again.

“What are you waiting for? Or don't you want your meal?”

Vanessa's eyes were wide, her hands going to Tianzi's booted feet, and her heart was pounding. “No, please, mistress! Please, don't take it away! Please allow me to eat something! Please, mistress!”

Tianzi smiled, though Vanessa saw her tail twitch. “Better, but not good enough. Perhaps you should try showing me how much you appreciate my kindness by licking my boots?”

“What?” Vanessa knew that she was in trouble the moment the word slipped from her mouth. Tianzi rose from the chair in a heartbeat, fire in her eyes. Vanessa cringed, shaking with fear. Snatching the collar chain, Tianzi pulled her forward, then pushed a heeled foot into Vanessa's back, forcing her face to the hay-covered floor.

“How dare you backtalk me?! You ungrateful little worm!” Vanessa squealed when Tianzi struck the crop against her ass, much harder this time, several times in a row, all the while grinding her heel right into her spine.

Vanessa screamed, fresh tears in her eyes. “I'm sorry, Mistress! I didn't know better! Please, forgive me!”

Tianzi landed another handful of strikes against Vanessa's bottom, then pressed harder against her back. “If you're so sorry, then why aren't you licking my boots to make up for it?”

Vanessa thought that it was because Tianzi was currently grinding her boots into her back, but then she shifted, a boot settling in front of Vanessa. Swallowing her disgust and fear, Vanessa's hands grabbed at the dark leather, and her lips soon followed. She kissed over Tianzi's toes, and soon had her tongue following the contour of the boot. After a few moments, Tianzi lifted her other foot from Vanessa's back, and settled back into the chair. Vanessa scooted back up to her knees, holding Tianzi's foot in her hands still, licking along the sides of her foot, and then up along the laces. The taste of leather in her mouth was overwhelming, and her face was burning with shame, but it hurt less than her backside did at the moment.

Once Vanessa had thoroughly covered most of the boot, Tianzi shifted her legs, placing the unlicked boot before Vanessa. Under a very watchful and cold stare, Vanessa kissed the boot and proceeded to lick it just as she had the other one. She kept her eyes closed for the most part, not wanting to see what she was doing, and after an apparent eternity, Tianzi placed both of her feet on the floor and lifted Vanessa's chin with the end of the riding crop.

“Awww...is the poor little girl feeling sad and humiliated? If you think you'll only have to worship my boots once, you're mistaken. Now, tell me, slave, what do you want?”

Taking a breath, Vanessa eased down and planted a kiss on each of Tianzi's boots, right over her toes, and kept her head low. “Please, Mistress Tianzi...if it would...if it would please you...may I please have something to eat?” For good measure, Vanessa kissed her boots again, then sat back on her knees, looking hopefully to Tianzi. Inside, she felt horrible, shamed and humiliated, but somehow, in a way she couldn't explain, she knew that it felt...right.

Tianzi rubbed a finger under her chin, weighing Vanessa's performance. Finally she smirked. “I suppose I'll give you something, slave. You are just learning after all, but I must say, that your latest attempt was not bad. Crawl over into that stall there, and I will feed you, slave.”

Vanessa bowed her head. “Thank you, mistress.” Vanessa dropped to her hands again, and crawled into the fenced section of the barn Tianzi had pointed to, frowning when she saw the metal ring sticking through the chain in the center of the stall. Tianzi followed her in only a moment later, placing the covered tray on the ground in front of Vanessa, who came to rest on her knees.

Tianzi looped the collar chain through the metal ring set into the floor, and used another, larger padlock to secure it there. She crouched before Vanessa, patting her head. “Enjoy dinner, slave. There is a chamber pot here should you need it. Once you've eaten, I would suggest resting up; we have much more to learn tomorrow.”

Vanessa winced at the thought of more lessons, but nodded. “Thank you for the advice, Mistress.” Tianzi grinned, rubbing Vanessa's ear for a moment before she stood and left the stall, closing the wooden gate and latching it behind her before she left the barn. Vanessa sighed heavily, nearly becoming overwhelmed with a wave of sorrow that welled up inside of her. A few deep breaths later, she had calmed herself enough to uncover the food tray, and immediately felt her mouth water, her stomach growl. It was a bowl of stew, filled with pieces of meat and vegetables, with a dinner roll on the side, and a cup of water. Everything was cold, the roll shriveled, but at this point, Vanessa didn't care; she was starving.

With no utensils, Vanessa had to use her hands and the roll to scrape the stew into her mouth, but with her growling stomach, it was only a minor inconvenience at this point. She greedily ate every last bit she could scrape from the bowl, and licked her fingers over and over again until she could taste no more stew there. The cup of water was gone seconds later, leaving her with a mostly full feeling, though she could certainly have eaten more.

By this time, Vanessa could hear raindrops hitting against the thatch roof, with increasing frequency and force. Vanessa stood to look out the barn door, finding that the chain barely gave her enough room to stand up straight, let alone walk around. Instead, she went back to her hands and knees, and could just reach the stall wall this way. Outside, it had gotten much darker, and the wind was actually blowing in gusts, sometimes sending rain two or three feet into the barn.

The stall itself was filled with hay, quite a bit piled in one corner, and the banged up chamber pot Tianzi had promised her. Otherwise, she only had the food tray, bowl and cup, which she placed back on the tray and covered, pushing toward the gate. Vanessa gathered up some of the hay and piled it up, lying herself down into it. It was rough, and a far cry from a real bed, but thankfully, she wasn't chained up by her wrists this time.

Though the wind was blowing harder, and thunder rumbled ever closer, Vanessa closed her eyes and tried to make the best of it. Her spirit was at an all-time low now, her hopes of an honorable death long gone, and even though it had just been two days, she was already feeling broken. She had not imagined herself so weak of will before, but after that first whipping, after the humiliation she had suffered from being tied up and placed on display...how could she survive? What hope did she have? A cat-slave now, and, if she was truly, completely transformed, that could mean she may live two more centuries or more, suffering at the hands of countless cruel humans who saw her as a toy to please them. There was no way she could manage to stay alive, or at least no way to keep her sanity. She couldn't handle anymore degradation, she just couldn't!

As Vanessa lay upon the hay pile, rolling over, her thoughts a complete mess, her mind seemed to fixate upon her lesson earlier that day, on how she had found excitement from being watched by the guards. She should have been completely and utterly shamed, wishing it only to stop, wishing to be able to dig a hole for herself to hide in. But, she had actually enjoyed them watching her squirm in the rope prison. There was no sense in denying it now; her body had gotten aroused, and she had wanted them inside of her. It was a realization that scared her now, though she hadn't understood it when it had first happened.

She hugged her arms around herself and pulled her knees to her chest, the air turning rather cool very quickly. Vanessa tried to think of anything else as she lay there, but her thoughts were constantly going back to the hungry eyes gazing at her bound flesh, at the erections each of the men had not tried to hide. And that one, James, who had come back so many times, leering at her, saying how much he wished he could have her. The thought, while initially repulsive, soon sparked a seed of desire within her, and almost without regret, Vanessa began to massage her nipples with her fingers, breath quickening.

With her mind focusing on men watching her, looking upon her with hunger and desire, Vanessa let her hand slip between her legs, fingers rubbing over her lower lips. The pleasure-haze began to creep into her again, and she moaned softly. Vanessa couldn't understand why she did what she did; in all of her life, she had never touched herself in such a way, nor had she ever felt any kind of desire from having a man look at her. Even with her husband, she had felt embarrassed each time they had done it, at least a little. Now...now she thought of a group of men, tying her up like Tianzi had, and using her for their pleasure, each one inside of her, pounding hard...

She cried out, her fingers plunging deeper inside and rolling her nipple. Vanessa was burning up again, panting for air, and she wanted more. The fingers between her lips rubbed her special spot quickly, sending waves of pleasure through her body, feeding the haze, forcing her to the point of no return. It was incredible...she was almost there...she could feel it, that wonderful climax building inside her again. Vanessa cried out joyfully, working her fingers faster, craving the release, wanting nothing more than to feel so good!

Suddenly the haze disappeared, blown away by an unseen force, like smoke getting blown away by a strong wind. “No! No no no!” she whined, rolling onto her back, trying to catch her breath. She had been so close! James was in her head, pounding himself into her from behind, and she had been happy, and then...all gone, like she had never even started her fantasy. “Why? Why couldn't I...”

Vanessa broke into tears, rolling to her side again. She looked at the hand that had been between her legs, glistening with her own wetness, smelling strongly of her sex-scent. Could Tianzi had been serious? If she and Raynard had not wanted Vanessa to have pleasure, was it really true that she couldn't bring herself to climax? She had to have their permission to have any kind of happiness in her life now? Sadness and shame overwhelmed her, and Vanessa screamed, sobbing loudly into the hay. Nothing was her own now; everything she was belonged to someone else, and there was nothing she could do to change it, nothing at all...Her anguished cries rivaled the fury of the storm that blew outside, ending only just before the storm finally blew itself out later that evening, when she had finally fallen into a fitful, nightmarish sleep.