"Good morning, Munk."
Again, the silver tabby smiled,"Really? It's afternoon."
Demeter gasped and jumped up,"It is?"
"Yeah, why? What's up?"
Demeter just looked at him,"Nothing, it's nothing. How come you let me sleep so late?"
Munk stood up and shrugged his shoulders,"You just looked so peaceful and beautiful. I decided that I didn't want to wake you."
She smiled and cupped his cheek,"That's sweet."
Smoothly, he shook her paw away and headed for the door.
"Wait, where are you going?"
He glanced back at her. She was standing up next to the colorful blankets. It was a wooded enclosed space. And was a decently big size, considering that only her and him resided there.
"I was headed out to keep watch over the tribe."
Demeter nodded as if just remembering,"Yeah, your sentinel duty."
He chuckled at the way she sounded. "I have to, but I can promise you that I'll see you later."
Closer she came, as she wrapped one arm around his waist and the other behind his neck. He drew in a quick breath, before she sealed his lips in an entrancing kiss. For the longest moment, he lost all train of thought and any trace of himself. All he could focus on was the touch of her warm lips and the circular motion she was making just above his hip.
"You know, Alonzo could take care of the tribe for a little while longer."
Munk swallowed and then tried to clear his throat. Still nothing, no words came out. All he could do was nod his head. A huge smile grew on her face and she jumped into a startled tom. He held her firmly, as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He began to place light feather kisses from her breast up to the dip in her neck.
"Next time..." He said in between kisses,"You see Bomb, thank her for that trick she taught you."
Demeter innocently looked at Munk and smirked. "Don't worry. I will."
****
Tantomile and Coricopat sat on the roof of the car, near the tire, just staring out into the sky. At once, the two glanced down at Cassandra as she approached. She took a minute to calm her racing heart down. Her breathing was heavy from all the running. The twins respected Cassandra's privacey, and never used their powers to see into Cassie's mind, of course they really weren't supposed to without the other jellicles consent. But the twins usually did it anyway. They patiently waited for their friend to tell them. Cassandra quickly jumped onto the trunk of the car. She made a move to jump up beside Coricopat, but Coricopat held out his paw to her.She flirtaciously took his paw and he helped her onto the roof. She smiled a smile of gratitude to Coricopat. Sure, he was quiet, perhaps shy, and mysterious. But he was always quite the gentleman.
Cassie faced the two twins with sad eyes," I can't find my younger sister anywhere."
"Exotica?"
"Yes. I've asked everyone around here. No one has seen her since last ball."
Tantomile pouted,"Just use your power to find her."
Cassie glared her ice-blue eyes at Tantomile,"Don't you think I've tried that already?"
Tantomile shrugged,"Did you come for something?"
Cassandra eyed her, but Coricopat cut in,"You'll have to forgive my sister."
He shyly petted her shoulder. She wrinkled her nose, but nodded in agreement.
"Well I was just hoping, you two could find her for me."
The twins exchanged glances and smiled at each other. "Of course."
They closed their eyes and opened their minds. The two worked in sync as they covered the entire junkyard. Then they traveled to the two abandoned spaces North and South of the yard. The area south of the yard is near the railway station, where Skimble works. And the area north of the yard is by a gorgeous pond. When the search of those areas was unsuccessful, they began a sweep of the city. They desperately searched for Exotica's mind. Cassandra's ears perked forward as she awaited for the twins to answer. After several minutes, the twins blinked their eyes a few times and grinned.
"We''re sorry Cass. Your sister's no where to be found."
"What?"
Again the twins spoke in unison,"We can't find her."
"Well what does that mean? Is she dead? Who killed her?"
"Cassie calm down."
"How can I calm down? This is my baby sister!"
Tantomile smirked,"Yes, and you should be excited." "Or Jealous,"Coricopat added.
Cassandra was confused, and the twins stopped to stare at her priceless face.
Finally Coricopat spoke,"Exotica's powers have really grown. She's surpassed us even."
"What Corie is trying to say is that Exotica can now block any type of power and is virtually impossible to find."
So you're saying my sister is invisible?"
"In a way, yes." Then Tantomile added,"But why she feels she has to hide, or what she is hiding might be trouble."
Cassandra's eyes grew wide, but Coricopat spoke quickly to reassure the burmese,"However, I'm sure she's fine. Exotica can take care of herself. And she'll eventually come back. She's not like Grizabella."
"Thanks so much Corie! Bye Tantomile."
Satisfied, and more at ease, Cassandra sleekly jumped off of the car in one fluid motion. Once Cassandra was out of sight, Coricopat turned to Tantomile. "You felt it, didn't you?"
The queen smiled,"Yes, the power is close now."
****
Jennyanydots was humming while she cleaned up the den. She couldn't wait for her mates to come back from their walk. She was fluffing the blankets of Jelly's side of their bed when Bill Bailey, and Carbuckety stumbled in.
"Mom! Billie stepped on my tail!"
Bill Bailey glared, but quickly pouted when he saw Jenny's face,"Only because Buck bit my ear!"
Gus Jr. entered with Jelly wrapped around him,"Are these two disturbing you Jenny?"
Jelly smiled,"What seems to be the trouble?"
Jenny shook her head,"You know our boys."
The two toms blushed. Gus Jr. patted his two sons lightly on the butt,"You two get in there and help your mother, you hear?"
"Yes dad,"They spoke sadly.
"Has anyone seen Skimble?" Jenny asked. Gus Jr. squeezed Jelly's paw before leaving her side. He walked through the narrow 'hallway' into their bedroom. Gus Jr. began to help Jenny fluff the bed, "He got stuck playing with Victor, Victoria, George, and Sillabub."
"Why can't we play too?!?"
"Yeah, me and Billie should be playing too!"
"You two weren't playing nice, that's why Gussie sent you inside."
The two sighed and grabbed another blanket in their paws. Jelly was now in the bedrrom helping, too. With all five working, the bed was done, fixed, and ready. Jenny stroked a paw through Bill and Buck's fur,"Alright, you two have served your time. You can go play with Skimble."
"Yeah!" "Let's go Buck!"
Jelly quickly jumped into Gussie's arms as the two toms jetted out of there. Jenny rubbed up against Gussie's back. He smiled with his two queens and slowly layed them down onto the bed with him. Jelly kissed and nuzzled one side of his neck, while Jenny kissed and nuzzled the other side. Gussie wiggled his way into a more comfortable position. He had his arms wrapped around Jenny and Jelly. All three cats were purring, only Jelly cut the scene,"Gussie, Jenny..."
"Yes Jelly?"
She smiled,"You two make very beautiful kitten."
Jenny leaned over Gussie and kissed Jelly lightly on the lips,"Thank you, but you and Gussie make beautiful kittens, too."
"I love you two so much," Gussie leaned into Jelly for a tender kiss and then pulled away to give Jenny a nice tender kiss, too.
" 'Ey, ye three aren't forgettin' 'bout me, are ye?"
The trio gazed up at Skimbleshanks, who had just entered. Gussie smiled and the two queens opened their arms to him.
"Of course not, we all love you too,"Commented Gussie. Skimble laid down wrapping his arms around Jelly and Jenny, too. He opened his paws to grasp Gussie's arms. Gussie felt the strong paws on his arms and the two males leaned in for a loving kiss. Then they pulled away and all four just lay there. No words were spoken, there was no need. All four were life-time lovers and life-time mates.
"With you gone, whose entertaining the kittens?"
Skimble looked to Jenny,"Victor told me he'd take care of everythin', so that we could 'ave some alone time."
They all chuckled with delight. "Well, Victor is the oldest."
"And looks just like you Gussie."
He wrapped his tail tightly around Jenny's tail and smiled when she blushed,"But George looks just like you Jelly."
Skimble twirled his tail around Jelly's,"We 'ave thee two prettiest daughter's."
Jenny nodded in their direction,"And can you beleive it? Viccy's going to be dancing at this year's ball."
Gussie laid his chin onto Jelly's neck,"She'll do just fine, she's such a great dancer."
Jelly began to purr,"Do you two know where the twins are?"
Skimble stuck his tongue out, but Jenny shook her head. She didn't understand why her two offspring were so defiant.
"I imagin they're getting into trouble."
"Don't get too upset. Mungojerrie, and Rumpleteazer are only kittens."
"Well, technically they're not kittens anymore, but still act like they are."
Skimble purred in her ear, sending chills down her spine. "Come 'ere."
Skimble still had a tight hold of Jelly's tail and kissed Jenny. Gussie leaned into Jelly to kiss her, while his and Jenny's tail were still intwined. The four cats really began to lean into it, when two others entered the room.
"Daddy!" Sillabub whined.
Skimble pulled awayfrom Jenn and the group. "Yes honey?"
The golden queen let go of Victor and ran into Skimble's arms. He looked up at Victor,"What happened?"
The young tom swayed as he talked,"We were all playing a harmless game of tag, but George wasn't exactly playing by the rules."
Sillabub ran back to Victor and cried in his arms. He held her close and hoisted her up.
"George kept pulling on her tail."
Jelly too raised up,"Oh honey, you'll be alright."
"We should punish George, though."
Jenny rubbed a paw down Gussie's cheek,"We will."
Victor raised Sillabubs chin up to meet his eyes,"You want to go play with you sister, now?"
Sillabub nodded, while Victor wiped away her tears.
"Alright, lets go see Victoria."
He sat her down, and Jelly patted the top of her daughters head,"Alright honey. I'll see you later."
She smiled,"Bye, mommy."
Skimble gripped onto Jelly's paw,"Victor, ye know what ta do."
The tom scooted Sillabub out of the room, and then left himself. Jenny and Gussie raised up and embraced Jelly and Skimble from behind. Jelly and Skimble still held paws, as Gussie and Jenny locked tails.
"Now where were we?" Jenny purred.
Skimble grinned in her arms. Gussie leaned Jelly's head back, but before he could kiss her, Victor entered with George.
"Ye 'ave lousy timing, lad."
He smiled,"Just lucky I guess." Again, Victor took his leave.
"You wanted to speak with me?"
Gussie shook his head firmly,"No we don't want to speak with you."
Jelly squeezed Gussie's paw extra tightly and he winced,"Son, you did a terrible thing to Sillabub."
George rolled his eyes,"That's what this is about?"
The quad nodded their answer.
"Aw man, She's such a baby!"
"Of course she is, lad, she's thee youngest." Ye ought ta be more considerate."
George folded his arms,"I should be more considerate? You four should stop messing around long enough to actually be with you're children!"
Jenny frowned,"George, you still did a terrible thing to your sister. So you need to go to your room and stay there."
"Fine,"George said calmly. He stomped his way out of the den and headed toward his own den, close by the quad's den. Jenny looked to Jelly and Gussie,"He's so headstrong and stubborn. Where does he get it?"
Gus and Jelly laughed,"Certainly not from us."
"What if George is right?"
The three looked to Skimble and frowned.
****
Alonzo stretched out on the tire, yawning. He straightened up and looked out at the tribe. The quad's den was in the distance and he could see their eight children outside playing. Of course, the tiger twins were hiding above the other six. Tantomile walked up by the brown tabby and sat down right behind him, on the tire. As for Coricopat, he still lay on top of the car.
**Ugh, I hate when Munkustrap leaves me in charge of the Tribe.** The tabby gazed about the yard, with a stern look on his face. He sniffed the air for any potential danger.
**Don't lie to yourself. You love being in charge of the tribe.**
Alonzo cocked an eybrow at Tantomile, then smiled. "You do know you're wrong, but you do have a point."
Tantomile gazed at him with confusion.
"Don't even try to get in my mind."
Though, Alonzo sounded very threatening, it was too late. Tantomile had already entered and exited his mind. Her eyes went wide and she nodded her head,"I see what's bugging you."
Alonzo glared at Tantomile,"What did I just say?"
The twin frowned,"Your warning was tad late."
Alonzo slouched,"Sorry, Munkustrap's just been leaving me in charge alot lately, so I'm extra stressed. That's all."
She shook her head,"Right, so the fact that Munk has a mate, and you don't, has no effect to this situation..."
Alonzo aloswly nodded his head,"None what-so-ever. I'm happy without a mate. I don't need a queen, a hot queen, to be happy."
Tantomile opened her mouth to speak, when the scarlett queen stepped forward,"Did I hear someone mention a hot queen?"
Alonzo snapped his attention toward the pipe, which Bombalurina just crawled out of. "Hey Bomb."
She looked at Tantomile and then around the square. "I see Munkus is putting you in charge of his sentinel duties, again."
Alonzo licked his lips and worked his best smile,"Well, you know Munkus. I mean, Munk."
Bomb smirked and swayed her hips a bit,"You want to help a queen out?"
Swiftly, Alonzo was off the tire standing next to her. She curved her paw around his waist and gentley pressed it against his butt. He blushed and cleared his throat,"So what do you need help with?"
Bomb smiled and leaned in closer to him,"Well you see, Lonzy, its been awhile since I've been with a tom and I'm oh so lonely."
The brown tabby blinked a few times. Once he realized what she was implying, his mouth dropped open in surprise. Hastiely, Bomb claimed his mouth, spreading it open a little wider. Intimately, she grazed his tongue with hers, then relished in hi moan. Alonzo began to close his eyes and gripped her in his arms. However, the eyes, lips, and body of another queen made him stop. He shook his mouth off of hers and stepped backwards. Her eyes were open immediately.
"I'm sorry Bomb. But I can't."
"You're rejecting me??!!"
Alonzo looked to the ground.
"You won't get another chance, Alonzo."
He looked her in the eyes,"I'm sorry."
She gritted her teeth and let out a low growl.
**Bomby, calm down.** She glared up at Coricopat.
**Bomby, come here. I know what you need, and I can help you.**
She softened her fur down and cocked an eyebrow,"Are you hitting on me?"
Smoothly, Coricopat jumped down and winked at her. Seductively, she wrapped her paw in his,"Wll it worked."
The two wandered off to get some privacey. Alonzo slumped back on the tire.
"Wow, what's wrong with you? You just rejected the most beautiful queen in this tribe."
He shrugged his shoulders,"I just need to stay alert and keep a close watch on this tribe."
Tantomile rubbed up against him,"You are just as good a sentinel as Munkustrap."
"Thank you, Tantomile."
She got off the tire to leave,"And one more thing...your secret is safe with me."
She winked at the stunned tom, and walked away.
****
Victoria gracefully pulled her younger sister towards her. Sillabub swirled underneath her sisters outstretched arm. The younger ballerina had huge potential, but Victoria would always be more graceful.
"That's great Sillabub!" Victor commented. The white queen smiled and Sillabub chuckled.
"Always so protective, aren't you?"Mistoffelees chimed.
"I suppose."
"Why? I mean get out and have some fun. Stop being so responsible."
"Cut it out Misto," Sillabub whined.
Victor smiled,"I do have fun, but I love all my younger brothers and sisters alot."
Sillabub stuck her tongue out at the tuxedo cat, then held her paw out. Victoria glanced away from Mistoffelees.
Victor took Sillabubs paw," You know, sucking up to the queens siblings and parents might swing in your favor."
Mistoffelees went wide eyed, and was completely speechless.
"Oh and Mistoffelees, Jerrie and Teazer are about to jump you."
Quickly, he looked up and sure enough, Jerrie and Teazer were sitting on a ledge.
Jerrie slapped his younger sister, playfully,"You gave us away with all your laughing."
"Me? You're the big mouth! You kept shushing me...you were the one that gave us away."
Mistoffelees shook his head, laughing to himself. Victoria, too, was laughing, but more at her siblings then with Mistoffelees.
"Viccy."
Victoria cocked her head, unsure if she should talk to him or not. However a headsup from Victor gave her the edge.
"Yeah, hey, Misto."
Mistoffelees had seen Victors movement and was so greatful to the tom for giving him another chance.
"Well you, I. Uh...Okay, Viccy, I just wanted to say that you are as beautiful as this flower..."
She looked at his empty, yet opened paw confused. He concentrated very hard and pictured a dozen beautiful roses. Except, once he looked down at his paw, a half of dozen dead roses lay in it.
Victoria crossed her arms,"Is this a joke?"
He began to sweat,"No, no it's not."
"What? So I look dead?"
"No, that's not what I mean."
Victoria shook her head and walked away,"Why don't you leave me alone for awhile..."
Mistoffelees yelled after her,"They weren't supposed to be dead..They were supposed to be alive. Alive!"
Slowly, Victor came over to him with Sillabub slung on his back. He gripped the tuxedo cats shoulder,"I'm sorry, man."
Mistoffelees shrugged,"I-I.."
Sillabub tightened her grip around Victor's neck and frowned.
"You'll recover Misto. She does like you."
Mistoffelees shook his head at Victor,"No, I tried the cool approach. I tried to flatter her..."
"Maybe you should try the considerate approach,"Rumpleteazer yelled down to Mistoffelees.
Mungojerrie frowned,"No, you should definately do 'it's all for her' thing."
Victor shook his head and tightened his grip on Mistoffelees shoulder.
"You two should be queit. Now Mistoffelees, listen to me."
"Why? You've never been in love or even had a relationship..."
Sillabub chuckled a bit, causing Victor to raise his eyebrow up at her.
"Trust me Mistoffelees, to get Victoria liking you again, all you have to do is be yourself."
He began to disagree, but the look in Victor's eyes made him rethink that.
"It's that simple, huh?"
Sillabub spoke before Victor had the chance to,"Look out!"
Suddenly, Bill Bailey and Carbuckety had crashed in Mistoffelees legs. He let out a small grunt and fell to the ground as well.
"Bill, ... Buck."
Bill Bailey quickly got to his feet, but Carbuckety tripped over his tail trying to scramble to his feet. They heard laughing above, coming from the tiger twins. Teazer snorted,"You're so funny Buck."
Victor grabbed ahold of Buck and helped him to his feet.
"Thanks Victor."
"Yeah, Yeah. Now help out Misto."
****
Demeter and Munkstrap were back on their bed. The two cats were heaving for air. The silver tabby placed a paw through his matted sweaty fur. He smiled at the shivering form of Demeter. She gave one look to him and returned his smile. After gaining some more air, Munkstrap situated himself into a sitting position. "Wow, I think I'll go thank Bomb, myself."
Demeter covered up her chuckles and crawled closer to him,"You know, Alonzo loves being in charge of the tribe..."
Munk had a feeling of where this was going, but could only focus on her face.
"Why don't we just stay in here for the rest of the day and the night. There's plenty more tricks that I know."
She cocked her head and winked at him.
He felt a blush rise to his face,"I had a feeling you'd say that. And I can live with that. Alonzo will be fine."
He pounced on a startled, but delirious queen. He pulled her into a huge embrace and licked the side of her cheek.
"I'm yours, Deme."
She glanced at him, her mouth dropped in surprise. All she did was lick his cheek.
"An I'm yours, Munk."
**FIN
-The ** are thoughts by any jellicle. Blue ** are the thoughts of Coricopat, and Red ** are the thoughts of Tantomile. This will be the same in all the chapters.(But only when they are thinking)
-Year One Illustrations by Extwo