JPY1C1

Coming Home

Woodward Avenue was the main street in the area. It traveled all the way down to the body of water, called the Detroit River. A ferry was located there to get across to Canada and back again. In the distance, on Woodward Avenue there was a multi-colored fountain. Surrounding the fountain was a well managed junkyard. Off to the side, and behind the fountain was a small shed, occasionally occupied by a human. He was the one who managed the yard and the fountain, though he was not there all the time. A young queen had come from a distance. At first she started at a run, but now that she could see the yard in view she slowed her pace tremendously, almost to a dead halt. She was breathing hard, and she attempted to catch her breath. Her breath came out of her mouth in white wisps of air. December was always a cold month in Michigan. There was white snow leaning against the side of the street. Fortunately for her, it was not a windy day, so it wasn't as cold as it usually was. She wrapped her slim arms around her slim body. It was obvious that she hadn't been treated right. Tired and exhausted she fell down onto her butt, and wrapped her scarlett tail around to the front of her body. She shivered in the cold air and sobbed. Still, she had cried so much over the past few years that she couldn't produce anymore tears. The scarlett calico finally heard footsteps approaching. She wasn't sure if they had found her and were catching up, or if they were still searching. Macavity's Empire was incredibly close to the jellicle junkyard, and she knew this. She had gone around the junkyard all the way to the Detroit River and lost them there. Then she walked up Woodward Avenue back towards the junkyard. The footsteps were frantic, and were heading in different directions, obviously they were still searching for her. She was fragile, weak, and was positive that she wouldn't make it to the junkyard alive. Another glance was made behind her in the shadows. There was a newborn baby, striking red coat, bundled in a heavy blanket, eyes closed and no movement. The adult queen didn't know whether to sigh or growl. She opted to neither, and then struggled to her feet. Finally, she slowly staggered and made her way to the junkyard, alone.
                                                                                                      ****
Old Deuteronomy sat proudly on the tire. Both Munkustrap and Alonzo stood in the square side to side. Alonzo kept looking at the leader of the jellicles with a look of gratitude and envy.
Munk had caught the look with his own look of confusion,"What's up, Alonzo?"
Alonzo reguarded Munkustrap for a second,"Just watching your father. He...has such long fur. He must be very warm..."
Munk smirked, "Heh, Is Alonzo cold?"
He frowned and crossed his arms,"Yes! I have really short fur...least your fur is longer than mine."
Munk rolled his eyes,"Oh come on..I'm sure you are just over exaggerating."
Alonzo growled real low,"Fine, I can prove it."
He held back a shiver as he raised his paw up to Munk. When his paw landed on Munk's shoulder, Munk's eyes went wide. Alonzo wasn't lying, he really was cold. Alonzo's eyes closed at the warmth that Munk was omitting. Before he knew it the black and white short-hair began to purr. Embarassed, Alonzo quickly let go and looked away blushing. Old Deuteronomy eyed the pair with a raised eyebrow. He smiled at his son and slightly nodded his head. Munk cleared his throat as he pulled Alonzo into his arms. Alonzo yelped in surprise, but soon calmed down in the warmth that Munkstrap provided him with. It was then that Munkustrap felt the younger guardian in his arms begin to shiver. He winced at how cold Alonzo was, but he was his best friend and was glad that he was warming Alonzo up. Old Deuteronomy used to find it strange that the two toms were so close, but now he couldn't imagine it any other way. A few moments after Alonzo's shivering died down, Munk felt them resurfacing. At first he was confused since he knew Alonzo wasn't as cold as he was. Then he realized that Alonzo was laughing, not shivering. Munk's body tensed and his brow was lined in confusion. Although, Alonzo could not see Munk's expression, since he buried his head in Munk's shoulder fur, he still felt Munk's body tense.
Alonzo spoke through his chuckles,"I'm so pathetic."
It was a wonder if Munk could actually hear Alonzo, but he did,"How's that?"
Alonzo cuddled closer to Munk then was thought possible. He sighed,"I can stand up and fight the danger's outside the yard for my loved ones and the rest of the jellicle tribe, and not falter. But something so minor as the cold turns me into a crybaby kitten."
Munk smirked at that,"You make a valid point. Hey father, do you think we should demote him from quardian status?"
"Hey!" Alonzo shouted, still in the tabby's arms.
Old Deuteronomy chuckled,"I believe a demotion is in order, but Alonzo...if you can fight off the cold in hand to hand combat. I'd be glad to give you back your quardian status."
Alonzo frowned and shook his head. Both Old Deuteronomy and Munkustrap had the same type of humor and Alonzo just never got it. He wasn't even sure how Munk and him became friends, the two were totally different, though Skimbleshanks always commented that they had more in common than either thought they did. Munk, Alonzo, and Skimble hung out a lot together, seeing as how the three of them were roughly the same age. Munkustrap nudged Alonzo's cheek with his cheek, and then tightened his embrace. As if on cue, Skimbleshanks entered just in time to see that interaction.
"Aye lads! Although ye two make a cute couple. What do ye say 'bout keepin' thae lovin' in thae privacy of yer den?"
Alonzo and Munkustrap jumped up and out of their embrace.
Skimble snickered at the embarassed toms,"Aye, I must've interrupt'd ah precious moment...I've got it, one of ye is pregnant. Lemme guess, it's Alonzo right?"
Alonzo's face reddened deeper with growing embarassement; Skimble always made fun of their closeness. Munk glared at the golden tabby with his arms crossed, but his ears. His ears gave Munk away, as they were backwards in embarassment. Skimble continued laughing at the pair, until he noticed the jellicle leader sitting on the tire. Even though Old Deuteronomy enjoyed teasing Alonzo, and occassionally Munkustrap, at the moment he sat there with an unamused look on his face.
Instantly he stopped laughing,"Good morning, Leader."
He bowed and then put a brillant smile on his lips. The leader just shook his head at Skimble. The young golden tabby shrugged his shoulders, knowing that he failed in sucking up to the leader. He joined Alonzo and Munkustrap with a sly smile.
"Ye do know tha' I was just messing around with ye two..."
Munkustrap shrugged,"We know, but still..."
Skimble laughed again as he flung his arm around Alonzo's neck,"Ye two are a riot!" He then glanced at them oddly,"Wait...Did I really interupt something?"
Alonzo groaned,"No Skimble, you didn't. So don't worry about missing out on anything."
Skimble grinned,"Aye, so ye two haven't fess'd up, and become mates yet, 'ave ye?"
Alonzo was no longer embarassed, and had hissed at the tom.
Munk put his paw up and shook his head,"Actually Skimble, I think Alonzo has his eyes on a queen."
Skimble gasped dramatically,"Finally?!?! It took ye long enough. Well, who is she?"
Alonzo frowned," Finally? Say Skimble, when are you going to get a mate?"
Skimble pouted,"Hey now, there's still another tom we're forgettin'." He turned to Munkustrap,"Munkustrap."
The silver tabby growled,"I did have a mate. She left a long time ago after a fight."
Skimble didn't seemed phased by his anger,"So? Then get a new queen to love and stand by your side."
Munk looked to the ground and his ears drouped.
Skimble frowned,"I'm sorry if I offend'd ye."
Alonzo sighed,"It's not that...he still love's her you know?"
"You still love Bombalurina?!" Skimble's jaw dropped.
Munkustrap faught the urge to get angry,"Yes. Though, she hurt me bad. If given the chance, I probably wouldn't take her back."
"Well you might get the chance to reject her,"Tantomile said with obvious distaste in her voice.
"Though I suggest you wait a few monthes before you do that,"Came Coricopat's response, much more calmer than Tantomile's.
The two looked like twins, really they were, but the strange thing was was that they weren't related in any way. They were teenagers and were already nicknamed the dark twins. Both were mysterious and had similar powers, that was beyond any normal jellicle. Still, the two were always talked as though they were one, and they actually had very, VERY different personalities. Munk looked at them funny as they stepped forward. They paused slightly to bow and acknowledge their leader. Then they directed their attention back to the trio of toms, but more so on Munkustrap.
"A jellicle is returning home."
"We have sensed this, however..." Coricopat trailed off. He looked to Old Deuteronomy with pleading eyes,"She's hurting..."
"Is it truly Bombalurina?" Old Deuteronomy asked.
The dark twins nodded their heads,"Her situation...feels bad."
Old Deuteronomy stood up, silently debating what he should do. He nodded,"If it's bad, I'm going to ask Munkus, Alonzo, and Skimble to go out and bring her back safely.-"
"But DAD! It's...It's Bomba-"
"MUNKUSTRAP!"
His ears folded backwards,"Understood leader. Come on Alonzo, Skimble, let's go."
Old Deuteronomy frowned as he watched the three toms leave the yard.
Finally, his attention was turned back to the dark twins,"Tantomile, Coricopat...are the theives in the yard now?"
Tantomile eyed the leader with a frown.
Coricopat kept his blank stare,"Yes they are leader. May I ask why?"
Old Deuteronomy smirked,"You may. Can you get them? I have a special request for them."
                                                                                                      ****
Jellylorum sighed in the arms of her lover and mate, Asparagus Jr.. They shared a den with the ever chatty and gossip queen, Jennyanydots. At the moment, all three were outside watching the kittens. Jenny was crocheting with Jelly, and Gus Jr. had his arms around Jelly. The two mates smiled as Jenny continued to chat away. To them it was an eerie comfort to hear her, to everyone else it was annoyance. They quietly listened and every once in awhile would nod their heads, or would say 'yeah', or 'you don't say', or 'and then what?'. She was talking and ranting about the weird habits of Henry. Henry was the human that occassionally inhabited the shed behind the fountain in the yard. Jelly smiled as she watched her children. She had one son, and two daughters. Victoria and Etcetera were her daughters with Gus Jr. Alonzo was her son, he was born before her and Gus Jr. became mates, and obviously had a different father. If he missed his father or felt left out of their 'family', she didn't know, he never talked about it. Jenny also had a mate, but he had passed away, though she did give him on kitten, a daughter named Electra. She wasn't sure who the parents of the other's were, they were stray's or abandoned. However, she knew that Tumblebrutus and Pouncival were brothers. Plato and Gilbert were brother's, and could possibly be related to Tumble and Pounce, though it was highly unlikely. The other two were Admetus and Victor, though Admetus really wasn't a kitten, but he was good friends with Plato. Both Admetus and Victor were found alone with no parents or siblings. Victor had been abandoned on Skimble's train for a week, before Skimble finally brought him to the junkyard. Then Admetus, he was found beaten, abused, starving, and alone. No one really knew how it happened, who did it to him, but many speculated that it was Macavity. Still beside assumptions and rumors, no on knew anything about his past. Viccy, Cettie, Leccy, Tumble, and Pounce were huddled together whispering and giggling, one could only imagine what they were talking about. Plato and Gilbert were off doing their own thing, swinging, jumping and flipping. It was their way of warming up. Admetus was lounging out near Victor, but really wasn't paying attention to him. He was watching Plato and Gilbert and would cheer them on. Victor sat just to the side of Admetus, but seemed dazed and not exactly there. Victor was a brown tabby tom and was normally shy and quiet, but never to that extent. His breathing was slow and steady and his eyes were open. Admetus was even starting to believe that the tom was sleeping with his eyes open. In fact, Victor was sleeping with his eyes open. In his dream, Victor sat in what he assumed was a forest, and a beautiful forest at that. The wind blew through his fur, and it was quite nippy. There was a creek just ahead of him, as a stream silently flowed through it. It was obviously the beginning of spring in his dream, since the stream hadn't frozen over, and the tree's were still barren.
...Victor...
Victor snapped his head around looking for the one who called to him. He didn't see anything or even sense anything. He heard it again, this time from being directly behind him. He turned around and saw another brown and white tabby tom. He could see everything except the toms face. However, Victor was sure that it was his brother George. George had been abandoned along with him, so he remembered the sound of his voice, but never what his face looked like. George had always said that he would protect him, but suddenly one day he had vanished from the train and that was the last he ever saw of his brother. George now, just stood there with his paw out, daring Victor to take it.
...Victor, come with me...
He looked at the paw questionably,"W-Where to?"
George had looked behind him, quickly, and Victor heard his breathing grow faster. "Victor, P-Please..." His voice was so close then, and Victor heard the fear in his brother's voice.
George's body shivered,"Please...I-I need you. Help ME!"
Victor was wide-eyed and shooked, but still tried to step forward to help him. As soon as he did, he realized that he could not move.
"G...George, I can't move!!"
"VICTOR!" George had screamed.
All that Victor could do was stand there helplessly and watch. George had fallen to the ground and his body began to convulse. His screams came through as muffled sobs and whimpers. Then he saw blood come out of some fresh wounds and drip out of his mouth.
"NOOOOOOO! GEORGE!" Victor was crying and kept shouting no.
However, he was no longer dreaming, and Admetus was holding him tightly.
"Calm down, Victor."
Victor shook his head and let the tears continue,"I can't!"
Admetus sighed as he stood up, dragging Victor to his feet. "So whose George?" Admetus asked calmly.
He was trying to keep Victor talking to distract him a litlle. Victor gripped Admetus tighter, the sobbing continued.
"I guess that was the wrong question to ask," Admetus muttered to himself.
During the time that he was sleeping, Tugger had strolled into the area to flirt with Viccy, Cettie, and Leccy, and to bother Tumble, and Pounce. The three elders, Jelly, Jenny, and Asparagus Jr., had scolded the leopard tom when he did flirt, but that didn't stop him. He had sat down with them, against the elder's wishes, and had them in an embrace. Yet, when Victor had shouted so suddenly, and then broke down, even Tugger had jumped. They were all looking at Victor, and even Tugger seemed concerned about the brown tabby.
Cettie tugged on his vest,"What's wrong with Victor?"
Tugger looked down to her,"I...I'm not sure."
Cettie's pout grew even sadder,"Will he be okay?"
Tugger then noticed that Leccy, Viccy, Tumble, and Pounce were looking at him. Their faces wee asking the same questions, and expecting answer's. Tugger smirked,"Of course. Victor is going to be just fine."
Admetus stepped out in front of the elder's and tried to ease Victor out of his embrace. As soon as he tried that, Victor unleashed his claws into Admetus and gripped him tighter. Admetus was unprepared and let out a hiss. He had the urge to injure the tom, but fought it. The elder's were glancing at the two full of concern, and of course Jennywas observing very closely for any type of gossip that she could go on. Of course she was concerned about Victor, it was clearly written on her face, but she had her priorities, and gossip was one of the top. After Admetus calmed down, he looked to Jelly and Gus Jr., and tried not to look Jenny in the eyes.
"I think Victor had a bad dream."
Jelly gave out a sigh of relief,"Oh honey, is that all this is about?" She had put her paw on Victor's shoulder for comfort, but immediately drew it back. Victor had crawled deeper into Admetus embrace, inadvertently causing Victor's claws to dig in deeper, too. The silver tom growled as he closed his eyes. He knew Victor meant him no harm, but wondered why the tom wasn't trying to run away from him either. Still, Victor was sending him to his past. Admetus had run from his past, but having Victor's claws digging into him, made him think back to events that happened before entering the junkyard. The elder's must have sensed this, and started to calm the brown tabby down.
"Victor, honey, calm down. It was just a dream."
"B-But w-w-what if i-it w-wasn't?" He cried harder.
Admetus finally began to pet his back, and was surprised to learn that Victor was calming down at his touch.
"I'm sure it was, but Victor, could you tell us the dream?"
"Gussie's right. You might feel better if you tell us."
Victor shook his head,"N-no! I-it...George..He, HE'S IN TROUBLE!!!"
He tore his claws from Admetus so suddenly, that Admetus groaned in pain. Victor began pounding his fists on Admetus, but he only held onto Victor tighter.
"Sh...Victor. Who is George?"
Victor was still pounding his fists on Admetus,"George...was...i-is my...brother."
Jenny gasped,"I didn' know you had a brother."
Victor nodded, his tears finally subsiding as well as stopping his pounding on Admetus. "H-he..."
"Just breath Victor...breath,"Jelly said quietly.
He took her advice and was silent a few moments to breath. Once he was much calmer, he spoke,"He was abandoned with me in the train. Since he is older than me, he told me that he'd protect me. So there was one day where he had to leave in search of food and possibly a place to live. But that was it, I never saw him again after that."
"How come you never told us about George?"
Victor ignored Jenny's question and reburied his face in Admetus' chest.
Admetus bit his lip,"I can talk to Munkustrap, see if he can find anything out about a...brown tabby?" Victor nodded his head. "Named George."
"You'd do that for me? Really?" Victor didn't believe him.
Admetus nodded,"Oh yeah, you got it. Now go play...go over to Tugger. He'll cheer you up."
Victor nodded and then headed off towards Tugger. Admetus smirked, he and Gilbert wre pretty close to Munkustrap and had his ear from time to time. They weren't his best friends, that was reserved for Alonzo and Skimbleshanks. Still, Munk still considered Gilbert and Admetus good friends. It was the same with Tugger, his best friends were Mistoffelees and Mungojerrie, but he did consider Plato and Victor good friends and did take time away from the queens to talk and spend time with them. A scared gasp broke through the tom's thoughts. Jelly stood in front of him with her eyes wide open.
He realized what she was looking at. "I'm fine,"he whispered.
Jelly crossed her arms and tapped her foot,"I don't think so. Now come with me, I'll fix you up."
Admetus sighed as he let her drag him into her den, and back into the infirmary.
                                                                                                      ****
The scarlett calico queen, Bombalurina, made her way down the street at an incredibly slow pace. She struggled foot over foot just trying to make it to the junkyard. Her vision had gotten hazy, and she stumbled with every step she took. However, her hearing was still working good enough. She still wasn't closee to the yard, but wasn't too far away either. She fell to the ground breathing hard. Every part of her body felt ready to break and shut down. Tears stung her eyes, at the intense pain coursing through her body. She heard footsteps approaching her, and she would've laughed if she was feeling better.
*Enforcer's, just great. That's just what I need.*
She waited until they got a little closer to make her move. She jumped at them with the last of her strength. Tears were streaming down her face as she hissed at them,"You enforcer scum! I hope you rot in the lowest ba..base...ments!" She collapsed unconscious, but at the last second Alonzo caught her. Munkustrap just stood there in complete shock.
Skimble bit his lip,"What can ah do fer ye?" Seeing as how Munk wasn't moving; he really couldn't. "Do ye need meh tae help ye carry her?"
Alonzo licked his lips as he lifted her into his arms,"No...she's dangerously light. I need you to do a quick patrol of the area and make sure there aren't any enforcer's around. When you come back be cautious, so that no one follows you."
Skimble nodded,"Ah hear ye. Ah won't be long."
As soon as he was gone, Alonzo walked closer to Munk. "Munks, we need to go back to the yard and find Jelly."
Munk didn't budge and had his gaze kept on Bombalurina,"Sh...Sh-sh..She's!" Munk shouted.
Alonzo sighed,"I'm sorry, Munk." He slipped up on his name, but didn't care, he then kicked Munk's side hard and snarled,"MUNK! Come on, we need to go back to the yard!"
Munk was holding his side with his ears flattened, but had enough sense to follow Alonzo back to the yard. They had walked into the entrance closest to Jelly's den. Alonzo and Munk were moving so fast that the other's there didn't even notice them as they entered Jelly's den. Finally, shrieks were heard and Tugger, Jenny, and Gus Jr., had to settle the kittens down. Jelly was leaning over Admetus when Alonzo and Munk enetered.
"Jelly,"Alonzo said more harshly than he intended.
She turned around, her ears back in anger, but then she saw Bombalurina in Alonzo's arms.
She hesitated for a second, before she pointed,"Put her over there. Admetus, if you're up for it, I'll need you over here to be my assistant."
Munk eyed Admetus and saw his chest wrapped up. "A...Admetus?"
"I'm fine,"Admetus walked to Jelly's side and then went wide-eyed as he looked down at Bombalurina. Jelly was to preoccupied determining what was wrong with her. However, Alonzo and Munk caught the look.
"It's her,"Admetus whispered. They all glanced at him curiously, and confused.
"What was that?" Alonzo asked.
Admetus shook his head,"Nothing...it's just she doesn't look too good. Will she be okay, Jelly?"
Jelly sighed and gave each tom a sad look then kept her look on Munk,"It's not good. Heavyside knows when she last ate something. She has been slowly starving to death. She appears to have some broken bones, they healed, but not the right way...I did sense some internal bleeding, but I can stop it. She has many cuts and bruises, but the cut on her leg is infected...she has blood poisoning. And it seems like she just recently gave birth. She probably had a miscarriage or gave birth prematurely. It is highly improbable that her baby survived. From what I can calculate, she gave birth without a healer, I'm surpirsed she got this far without killing over."
Munk looked as though he had been shot, and Alonzo quickly went to him. He wrapped his arms around the tabby, and Munk went limp in his friends arms.
"There's something else, but I just can't figure it out."
"Check her mind at a microscopic level for some sort of mystical device. Usually a tracker or mind-block. In her case, most likely a mind-block, it slowly blocks everything so her whole body will go numb. After a few years of being immobilized...the mind block will cause her heart to fail."
Jelly immediately placed her paw on Bomb's forehead. She looked at a microscopic level like Admetus instructed. After a few moments time, Jelly pulled away with a sharp gasp,"How-How did you know that?"
Admetus frowned,"It doesn't matter. We need to think of a way to get it off of her mind."
Jelly nodded,"I'll think of something, but right now I need to get an IV in her, get some food flowing into her body. Admetus get a wet cloth and start cleaning her wounds. Alonzo, I'm going to need your help, and Munkus, I'm going to need you're help as well."
Alonzo patted Munk's back,"Come on Munkus, if you help, she'll live. Then you two can go back to bickering and arguing alright?"
Munk nodded,"You swear it?"
"I'll bet my life on it. Okay Jelly, what do you need us to do?"
Jelly sighed,"Her right ankle, her left wrist, and all of her finger's on her left paw were broken, and didn't heal right. I need you to reset those bones and then bandage her up."
Munk gasped,"I-I can't do that!"
Alonzo gripped her right ankle,"It's fine, but Munkus I'm going to need you to at least hold her down. She may be unconscious, but her body could still react."
Munk nodded, but winced at the sick crackling sound as Alonzo reset her bones. Skimble rushed in at that moment with Jenny and Gus Jr. scolding him for barging in.
He glared back at them,"Sorry fer bargin' in, Alonzo, but ah did what ye asked. No one followed."
"That's good,"Alonzo said as he reset her wrist. "Now for her finger's,...Munkus get the bandages."
"Skimble,"Jelly said.
Skimble walked up to her,"Yes Jelly? Do ye need something?"
"Yes, I have to operate to stop her internal bleeding, I'll need your help, Admetus?"
He was still cleaning off her injuries,"The IV is in, and I'm almost done cleaning her cuts."
"Good, thoroughly clean her infected one, and then I'll be needing your help with the operation as well. You might want to get a new cloth."
                                                                                                      ****
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer treked through the junkyard, and not very subtlely either. Teazer groaned and tugged on Jerrie's arm so hard that he stopped to look back at her. "Wha' is it, Teazah?"
She pouted,"Oi jus' don' undahstand why we 'ave ta get 'er. Oi mean we don' even know 'er."
Jerrie sighed,"Relax Teazah. Old Deutahronomy asked fah us personally ta do thes job. There's got ta be ah reason why, though the leadah doesn' 'ave ta tell us. Now come oun, Teazah, we're ahlmost there."
Jerrie walked on ahead and Teazer finally followed after him. She kept sighing, but Jerrie ignored her and continued on.
"Do we even know where sh' lives?"
Jerrie nodded,"Oi do. Oi sort of stole 'er brush one time, 'n 'er favahrite collah."
" 'Er favahrite collah?? But sh' still, wears it."
Jerrie blushed,"Well, Oi gave it back ta 'er."
"Why? Since when do we steal stuff jus' ta give it back?"
Jerrie shrugged his shuolder's,"Oi felt bad, sh' was so sad, so Oi gave it back ta 'er."
"Ya stole from 'er...sh' knows, 'n now we are goin' ta confront 'er...Are ya crazah?"
Jerrie stopped just outside the queens den,"Calm down, Teazah. We're 'ere."
Teazer crossed her arms in defiance, but calmed at Jerrie's request.
Jerrie knocked at her den,"Demetah, may we come in?"
Their sensitive ears picked up on a few whimper's, but absolutely no response. "Demetah? 'Ello?!" Teazer shouted.
Jerrie rolled his eyes at his impatient partner in crime,"Demetah, we're comin' in."
He entered with Teazer creeping behind him. As they got farther into her den, they spotted Demeter sleeping. Jerrie looked at her curiously and Teazer still hid behind the tom. Demeter was tossing and turning, with scared whimpers and screams flowing out of her mouth.
Teazer tugged on the back of Jerrie's mane,"Come oun, Jerrah. Oi think we should leave."
Suddenly, Demeter bolted up shrieking, with her claws out. Teazer screamed and cowered in the corner of Demeter's den. Jerrie dodged the golden calico's attacks and then raised his paws in defense,"Oi give,...jus' calm down, Demetah. It's jus' meh, Jerrah."
She was hissing at him, but she did a double-take of the tom in front of her and relaxed. She roughly dragged Jerrie down to her and creid for a mixture of reasons. He was confused at first, since he didn't know what to do, but her finally wrapped his arms around her. She cried in his chest, while Teazer glared at the two in jealousy. Demeter had had another dream, like she normally does. The dark twins beleive her dreams are not actually dreams, but visions of a possible future. Demeter didn't want to believe them, she didn't want to beleive that she had some sort of power like the dark twins. Still, her dream was so real to her, she was beginning to think the dark twins might just be right. She had seen and heard wood planks breaking in half, the sound of clanging metal against metal, and the sound of a loud ringing noise. The whole thing confused her, but the feelings were real enough. During the entire dream she felt such an intense pain and agony, and so much sorrow and sadness. After he crying had stopped, Jerrie brought her face to meet his,"There, there, ya feelin' bettah now?"
Demeter looked at him with big sad eyes,"A...a little. Thank you."
She glanced around and saw Teazer in the corner. She gapsed,"Did I ...Did I hurt her?"
Jerrie shook his head,"No, ya onlah scared 'er ah bit."
She nodded solemnly, before pulling away from him quickly. "Oh gosh! I-I got you all wet."
Jerrie looked down at his chest with a quirked eyebrow,"Tha'? Don' worrah 'bout it. Are ya okay?"
She nodded her head again,"Just a bad dream is all...wait." She had just realized it,"Why are you two in my den?"
Teazer looked around nervously,"See Jerrah, we shouldn' 'ave come 'ere."
"Teazah please...we were sent 'ere by Old Deutahronomy."
She swallowed hard and regripped his paw,"Why?"
Teazer shrugged, just as Jerrie looked Demeter straight in the eyes,"Oi...Okay, uhh..'e told us ta tell ya tha' ah jellicah is comin' 'ome...Some one ya love."
She gasped,"It can't be...my sister, Bombalurina?"
Jerrie nodded,"Oi think so, but..."
Teazer went next to Jerrie giving Demter a sympathetic expression,"The dark twins told us tha' sh' moight be in bad shape. So we were suppos'd ta warn ya."
Jerrie noticed her worried face,"They 'ave full confidence tha' Jellah will take care of 'er, so there's nothin' ta worrah 'bout."
Demeter scanned his face,"You promise?"
He nodded,"Oi promise."
"Alright, I trust you."
Jerrie gave her a confused look,"Well le's go. We'll run inta 'er at the square in ah coupah hours."
Demeter agreed and let the two theives escort her out of her den.
                                                                                                      ****
Alonzo was holding Munk's paw as they watched Bomba. Skimble, though it was totally inappropriate, kept poking fun at the two toms. His light hearted mood was actually very comforting to the jellicle's in the room. It had been a couple hours since Jelly had finished Bomba's operation. Admetus was sitting beside bomba with mixed emotions on his face.
Jelly turned to Admetus,"Admetus come here. Let me check your wounds and change your bandages."
"No, I'm not as important as Bombalurina..."
Jelly shook her head sadly,"I can't do anymore for her...the rest is up to her. Now you...you're cuts were deep, I need to just check it."
The tom gave Jelly a stubborn stare and didn't back down when Jelly gave him one of her own. A small moan escaped Bomba's lips and every jellicle there gave out a sigh of relief. Jelly retook her seat next to her, and absent-mindedly petted the queens paw. Bomb tensed up at the contact, but instantly recognized the voice.
"Just relax now, dear, you're among friends. You'll make a full recovery in a few monthes."
Bomba frowned,"I can't feel any pain..."
"Jelly pumped ye full of pain-killer's, lass."
Bomba noticed Skimble's accent filled voice and inwardly smiled. Gradually, her eyes opened, and she took in the sight of Jelly, Skimble, Alonzo, and Munk. She noted the two holding paws, and decided to try to lighten the mood.
"Well there's a sight I've never seen." She smirked,"When did you two stop being friends and become lovers?"
Munk angrily stood up and left without saying a word. Alonzo bowed in the general direction of Jelly and Bomba,"I am glad that you are alive and..well, Munkus is too." He then left, yelling,"Please, Munk...Munkus wait up."
Bomba snickered, being right on the money,"What did I tell you...lovers."
Her ears flicked a bit, and it was then that she was alerted so another jellicle presence. She wished it to be Demeter, she so wanted to see her sister, but by the breathing, she could tell it was a tom. Slowly, she tilted her head to look at him, and was shocked.
"YOU!" Tears began to well in her eyes and he quickly held her upper body in his arms.
She buried her head in his chest saying something, but none could tell what it was.
Jelly sighed,"So I take it you two have already met..."
Bomba gripped his arm with her good paw, tighter, and nodded her head. She thought back to the time she had first met him.
                                                                                             *~FLASHBACK~*
Bombalurina had been lucky so far. She had nowhere left to go after leaving the yard, so she found shelter with Macavity's Empire. Ever since she began to live under his 'care', she had considered herself lucky. She hadn't had any bad encounters with Macavity, and she didn't have any bad encounter's with his enforcer's either. She worked her way through the toms getting anything she could and it was a good life. Perhaps not the best, but she was happy doing what she loved. She did love flirting and having her way with the enforcer's and some of the other toms the most, but it was always on her terms. They never complained, since she did her job well, but then one night her luck had completely changed. she had run into a young enforcer in training, one very pissed off enforcer in training. Macavity was planning to make him the fifth ranking enforcer, and was already given his enforcer name; Beezlebub. He apparently had pissed off Macavity, he was a very out of control tom, so he had gotten a beating from none other than Macavity himself. So Beezlebub later went out in search of someone to take his anger out on, and Bomba was the first queen he saw.
He growled at her as he grabbed her arm,"You'll do just fine."
"NO! Get your filthy paws off of me!"
He smelt the fear on her and smirked,"Now is that any way to treat your date for the night?"
"N-No, I don't want this...screw you!" She spat in his face.
He wiped the saliva off of his cheek and slapped her across her face,"You bitch! You're going to regret that...I'm going to enjoy making you scream!"
Bomba, though normally was a strong queen; mentally and physically; was very scared by then. She struggled in his grasp, but found herself slammed up against a wall.
"Get your paws...off of her,"came a ragged breathy response.
"If you know what's good for you, you'll walk away, NOW!"
"I guess...that's my problem...I don't know...what's good for me."
Bomba was released and she fell to the ground. Beezlebub grabbed Bomba's savior roughly by the arm. She looked up and saw him, he was a grey and brown tabby tom, his stripes were for the most part brown. He looked as though he had been previously abused and beaten, in fact, he looked as though the dark cat was following in his shadow, ready and waiting for the tom's last breath. Beezlebub twisted the toms arm behind his back, and the tom yelped in pain.
"Admetus...you worthless pathetic excuse for a tom...you know toms really aren't my thing, but I'll make an exception for you, if Macavity favor's you so much, it must be worth it. This is going to be fun." He then looked down to Bomba,"I wouldn't move if I were you. You'll regret it, just sit back and enjoy the show."
He threw Admetus' frontside up against the wall. Admetus screamed out in pain as Beezlebub slammed him up against the wall. Despite his wounds and the pain, Beezlebub knew all the right places to touch, grab, and caress. Admetus groaned out in pleasure, pain, sadness, and shame. Beezlebub bit the back of Admetus' neck, and then threw him onto the ground. Bomba just watched in horror, but no matter what she did she just didn't have the strength to move. Beezlebub still had a firm grasp of Admetus' right paw, as he yanked the top back up to him. The long-haired tom interlaced his finger's with Admetus' other paw. He groaned when he noticed tears streamed fown Admetus' face,"Stop crying! It's not like you're new to this treatment."
Admetus choked out a sob, and another yell, not able to take anymore beating. With one final yelp and scream, Beezlebub released Admetus. The grey-brown tom dropped to the ground, but his head was yanked back by a black paw. "Don't think for a second that I'm done with you." His head snapped back at Bomba with cold eyes,"Where do you think you are going? You move and I will kill you, I don't give a damn if Macavity likes keeping you around."
He let Admetus' head drop painfully on the ground and then Admetus screamed when he was attacked by a bunch of claws penetrating his body. Beezlebub giggled while he cut up Admetus, he was fully enjoying himself as if it was all a game to him. Bombalurina had her fair share of expirence with enforcer's, and though some were just like him, and a few even more demented than the one she was looking at, most didn't seem to enjoy it as much as he was. There was just something different about him, and it frightened Bomba down to the deepest part of her soul. Once Beezlebub was done cutting him up, he stood up and began kicking him. Bombalurina had to cover her ears at the loud painful noises Admetus was making. Hearing it and watching it was starting to make her physically sick. Beezlebub jumped a few times on the toms stomach and stepped onto the toms neck. Admetus gripped Beezlebubs foot as he struggled to breath. The long-haired tom laughed at Admetus' pathetic squirming form. He finally released him, still laughing. He dried his happy tears,"You really know how to do it for me. I really did have fun. Now that my work here is done, I'll be on my way." He left the two alone.
Admetus curled up in a ball and glanced away from the scarlett queen. He was in pain and sad, and as strange as it sounded after what had just happened, he didn't want the queen to see him cry. However, when he heard her begin to cry, he rapidly dried his tears, turned around and focused his attention on her.
"You...you..you."She finally gave into her crying, high pitched wailing sounds included,"You saved me...you d-d-d-didn't have t-to..I-" All other words were lost by her sobs, and her body wracked violently. He shakily made his way to her, ignoring his own pain.
He tried to downplay his situation,"You know...I'm fine."
She just cried harder,"N..no"
He frowned,"As long as you...don't mind a little blood."
She caught on, but was too upset to respond. He took that as a good ahead sign, and bundled her into his arms, and let her cry deep into the night. Like Beezlebub said, he wasn't new to the treatment, so he had to learn how to cope with it, even if he still felt humiliation, shame, and pain. He was the first and only cat in the empire that Bombalurina ended up trusting. Everything changed for her after that, since every tom, enforcer or not, tried to have his way with her instead of doing things by her terms. Admetus tried to be there, and did protect her from them many times. Though seeing as how he was a personal favorite of Macavity himself, he couldn't save her in all the instances. And then one day, she had heard the news, and her hope temporarily crashed down around her.
                                                                                                  *~END~*
She was still crying in his arms, but slowly calmed down, since he was rubbing her back.
"Th...th...Th-they told mme...you were dead!"
He frowned,"The way they left me...it's no wonder they thought I was dead." He shook his head, not wanting to relive the memory,"It doesn't matter anymore. I'm alive right here, right now. We shouldn't dwell on the past."
Jelly sadly shook her head,"It's a miracle that he made it to the yard when he did...it's a miracle that he even recovered at all. It doesn't make sense...in reality he should've been dead long before he crawled into the junkyard."
The grey tom stiffened, and Bomba gasped. "Well thank you Jelly for that recap....but you're not really helping the situation any."
Jelly crossed her arms,"Now is that any way treat your elder?"
"Not tae mention, thae ladae who saved ye from almost certain death."
Before he could respond, Bomba did for him,"Can't you two see how difficult this conversation is for him...for us?"
Jelly nodded apolegetically,"We're sorry, Bomba. Aren't we Skimble?"
He quickly nodded,"We sure are."
Admetus gave Bomba the best smile he could muster, under the circumstances,"Oh and tell the nosey buddies outside your den that they can come in."
Jelly gasped as Gus Jr., and Jenny entered slowly. "Gussie! Shame on you! Jenny sure is a bad example on you, isn't she?"
He blushed,"No, I was just wondering what was going on...I don't gossip."
Jenny gasped dramaticaly,"And I do?"
"Yes!" Every jellicle present in the den said in unison.
She shrugged her shoulders,"At least I keep the yard interesting and up to date with all the hot buzz."
Gussie rolled his eyes,"Anyway, Bomba whenever you are ready. The leader would like to speak with you."
She nodded her head and looked to Admetus,"Will you...Will you help me?"
"Of course,"He smiled.
He helped her off of the bed and onto her feet, being extra careful with her right foot. She leaned on him, counting on his support and strength. However, it was then that she realized what she looked like,"Oh my gosh! I look horrible!"
"No,"Admetus said sternly,"You look beautiful."
She smirked,"Trying to hit on me? Or trying to make me feel better?"
He gave her a cheeky grin,"Both."
"Thank you."
                                                                                                      ****
Admetus was practically carrying Bombalurina into the square and down in front of the tire, to face Old Deuteronomy. Munkustrap sat next to Old Deuteronomy on one side and Tugger sat on the other side. Alonzo was next to Munk and Skimble was sitting beside him. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were sitting together next to Tugger. Mistoffelees sat in between the dark twins and the dark exotic cousins, Cassandra and Exotica. The four elder's, Gus, his son Gus Jr., Jellylorum, and Jennyanydots sat on the roof of the car. Victoria, Etcetera, Electra, Tumblebrutus, and Pouncival sat huddled together. Plato and Gilbert sat just next to them with Victor between them. He was still shooken upfrom earlier so the two brother's were still comforting him. Demeter was sitting in the over, and Skimble was the closest jellicle to her. Bomba went wide-eyed, the whole tribe was there, every single one of them. She then realized that her appearance had interrupted their winter solstice celebration.
*Do not worry about Winter Solstice. Most of us are just relieved to see you alive.* Coricopat's mind voice carried to every jellicle's ears.
Bomba nodded uneasily, and then focused her attention on the jellicle leader. She gave him a half smile, but really was terrified. This was a tom that she at one time called 'father', when she was mated to Munkustrap. "Hello leader."
"Bombalurina,"He nodded. "Your sudden appearance after several years has certainly caused some rift in the tribe."
"Rift? Is that what you're calling it now..I'd call it suspisicon."
"Tugger, quiet!"
"Yes...leader."
He looked down at Admetus and Bombalurina,"Would you care to tell us what's happened since you've been gone?"
Bomba frowned,"I'd rather not."
"You must tell your story, dear. That way I can make a fair judgement."
She swallowed, but nodded,"I left, because I felt no longer needed or wanted here, but since I had nowhere to go, I went to Macavity's Empire. It was decent for awhile, until the toms thought they could start abusing and taking advantage of me."
She closed her eyes, and Admetus tightened his hold on her,"But one cat stood up to them for me, and we became friends. My new friend had even told me how and when the best time to escape was, but then Macavity killed him..."
Admetus wiped away the tears that were running down her face.
"I was beaten, abused, raped, and tortured, until I finally made my escape to come back to the yard. If you don't want me...that's fine, I'm just greatful for your hopitatility,...and your healing."
Jelly smirked and nodded at the scarlett calico.
"Who among you will stand by her judgement?"
"I will,"Admetus said firmly.
"I will, too,"Demeter came up to stand by her sister.
"Demeter?"
Demeter smiled back at Bomba,"You're still my sister, and I love you."
Victoria also walked up beside the injured queen,"Count me in, leader."
She was shy, but was definitely old enough to know what was happening.
Jelly gasped,"Viccy, you come back right now."
She frowned,"I am sorry mother, but this is the right thing to do."
Old Deuteronomy cleared his throat,"Cassandra?"
Exotica lightly touched Cassandra's side as she went to Bomba. "I am just going to make sure you are telling the truth and it won't hurt."
After she nodded, Cassandra put her paw on Bomba's head and saw Bomba's past in the empire. She saw everything, even the memories with Admetus. She pulled away with a sad look in Admetus' direction,"It's true."
He sighed and looked to Munk,"It's really up to you, son."
Bomba lowered her head, but didn't expect what happened next.
"I want her to stay."
"Then it's settled, welcom home, Bomba."
Demeter jumped up into her sister and Admetus' arms. She was overjoyed and hugged the two closely, but was still careful not to worsen the pain Bomba was in.
"Thank you!...You are the best present I could've ever gotten for Winter Solstice."

***FIN

-*...in this blondish color* is Tantomile's mind voice

-*...in Blue * is Coricopat's mind voice

- George will have his own way of speaking(You'll understand in later chapters) His speech will be in Cyan. <<Like that.

- Flashbacks, and end of flashbacks are pretty straight forward, but just in case, ~*FLASHBACK*~ (Is the start of the flashback) ~*END*~ (Is the end of the flashback, not the end of the chapter)

-Illustrations for Year One, by...?(Coming soon)