"Wnd what the hell are you laughing about?"
Exotica really tried, but just couldn't control her laughing.
"You smeghead! Stop laughing at me...you can be such and arse. BAST!"
"Still have a bit of your sailor talk, don't you?"
"What? Of course not...but you are a jerk."
"Sorry, I've just been watching you for hours now. You acted like I wasn't even in the room."
"It's just. I really have to talk to Macavity, today."
"Let me guess...you have no idea what you are going to say."
"Right. I really don't, could you help me."
"I don't know, you've got to be careful about what you say to him...wouldn't want you to get hurt."
She snorted,"As if you care. You only care about guarding and protecting yourself."
"That's not-"
"And me get hurt. My sylvia did nothing wrong, so she wasn't behaving, what do you expect from a young kitten?"
"Would you have rather had Macavity kill Sylvia? He's dangerous, Gridds. You know if he wanted to, he would kill her."
"You don't think I know that Xottie? I know he would, in a heartbeat."
"If you know that, then do you think it's really a good idea to talk to him?"
"No, it probably isn't, but I'm still going to confront him."
"I'm just concerned about you that's all. I don't want to see you or Sylvia injured...or worse."
"Don't worry so much, hey you think you could at least escort me to his room?"
"Sure thing."
The two queens silently made their way outside and ran into an exhausted tiger tabby.
"What's wrong, Jerrie?" Griddlebone naturally sounded concerned.
"Yeah, you look worse than Gridds does in the morning."
Griddlebone smacked the burmese, while Jerrie cracked a small smile.
" 'Cause everyone is so worri'd 'bout meh back at tha yard. Oi've been stayin' there all day, then slip out 'n come 'ere at night, then go back before they wake up every mornin'!"
"Wow, you've been running around on little sleep for the past month?"
"Very little sleep, Griddlebone."
"It's actually morning, so why are you still here?"
"Oi was hopin' tha boss wouldn' mind, 'n would let meh crash 'ere for ah few days."
"Good luck with that."
"Yeah, but I was headed there to talk to him too, might as well go together."
"Sure."
The three jellicles walked toward Macavity's room, Exotica up front leading them. As they reached the door, Exotica tapped lightly on it.
"Come in."
Silently, the burmese entered, and bowed,"Morning boss...I have two cats here who need to talk to you."
"I see...Come here."
Gracefully, she crossed the room and stood in front of him just as Griddlebone and Mungojerrie entered.
Sweetly, Macavity cupped Exotica's cheek,"Now Xottie, how many more times do I have to tell you, call me Macavity."
She smirked,"It won't happen again sir. I'll be back in a month or two. My dear sister thinks I'm lying dead in an alley. So I've got to make an appearance at the yard."
"See you then, Xottie."
She blushed,"Bye, Maccy."
He lifted an eyebrow,"Maccy?"
"Macavity is a bit long, don't you think?" She giggled as she left the other two to face the napolean of crime.
Mungojerrie was in shock, maybe he was just seeing things, becauseof his lack of sleep, but he was certain that Exotica was flirting with Macavity. A thought crossed his mind.
**Wouldn' Macavity's mate be jealous of tha flirtin'? Did Macavity even 'ave ah mate? Probably not.**
"Look at you. You look awful."
Jerrie immediately looked to the floor," 'Aven' slept much."
"You-"
"Tha's not important. Oi need'd ta ask ya somethin', boss."
"Go on..."
"Alroight, Oi know Oi'm only workin' 'ere part time, for now, but Oi was hopin' Oi could crash 'ere for ah few days ta get rest'd. Oi'll still do mah night shifts, 'n if ya need meh for anythin' else...Oi jus' need ah week ta rest up."
"And you'll do an errand here and there on top of your night shifts?"
"No problem."
"Then, of course, the third door to the left is empty. Stay there for now."
"Thank ya boss." He quickly exited the room to obviously begin his restful sleep.
"Do I even need to ask what you want?"
"I don't know, it depends on what you are thinking."
"This is about Sylvia."
She glanced at his unusually calm face. She nodded,"Yes. I mean..." She began to fumble with her paws, searching for the right words. After much consideration, she lifted her face to meet his. He still wore the calm face, but he was now smiling.
"Sylvia...she means alot to me."
"And..."
"And...and, why did you have to rape her?"
"Griddlebone, Sylvia was out of control. She needed to learn her place. She's much more calm now."
"Calm? She's not calm, she's terrified!"
"Calm...terrified. As long as they know their place."
She turned on her heel to leave, seeing as how angry she was.
"Do you know what I want?"
She took a few breaths to calm herself before turning to face him,"And what would that be Macavity?"
"Well, I've got an offer for you..."
"I'm listening."
"I can guarantee Sylvia wont be harmed, if you will join with me."
"I did join your empire, I'm one of your agents...am I not?"
"You are my agent, but here I was hoping more for a romantic companion every once in awhile..."
"Almost like your mate? I dont think so! You rape my sister and now this? You're just sick!"
"Be careful...follow me, I want you to see something."
****
It was daybreak, as Demeter left the unusually large den that she and Munk shared. Their den was located at the end of the pathway. However, the pathway leads behind the tire, but keeps going to another section of dens, which of course were completely empty. The dens near Munkustrap and Demeter were full, though there were a couple free. The den located on the left was occupied by Alonzo. On occassion she'll wake up in the middle of the night hearing Alonzo crying or whimpering. Munkustrap, too, has been awakened at night, concerned about Alonzo's recent nightmares. But Demeter has noticed that they are happening more frequently. Then of course the den to the right was occupied by the Rum Tum Tugger. Usually, he'd take his one night wonders away from the yard, so he wouldn't keep anyone else awake. There of course, was an empty den next to Alonzo, but the one next to that is where Bombalurina lived. The two other dens beside Tugger were empty. Desperately trying not to make a noise, Demeter enteredinto Alonzo's place. She observed his small round place, but there was no sight of Alonzo.
"Where could he be?" She whispered to herself.
Then instantly, she ran out of his den and down the pathway. The goldenqueen was in such a hurry that she didn't notice her best friend emerge from her den. Her feet dragged her by the tire, but she was light so that she wouldn't be heard. Curiously, he head peeked out from the tire, and thats when she saw him. He was in his own little world, oblivous to the queen staring at him. She situated herself into a comfortable position, where she could watch, but not be seen. He seemed to be dancing, or practicing his dance moves. His tail swayed back and forth creating an unheard beat. Suddenly, once he turned around, she could see his face. To herself, she was outlining the sides of his face and memorizing the determined look in his eyes. Her heart beat had quickened and she had to clutch her chest.
**What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling like this? It's Alonzo...and I love Munkustrap, right?**
When Demeter noticed him looking in the direction of the tire, her body went rigid.
"Your dancing is a bit off." Demeter relaxed at the sound of Bomb's voice. The brown tabby waved her over his shoulder as he left. Demeter was sure he was mumbling a few insults under his breath as well. Quickly, she turned to greet Bomb, but her smile faded just as she laid eyes on her face. Bombalurina sat down just in front of Demeter.
Demeter spoke first,"So.."
"What's up with you Deme?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't play dumb with me, Deme!"
"Okay..okay, I just don't know what's going on."
Well talk to me, maybe I can figure it out."
Demeter nodded, then grew into silence to think about what to say. Finally, she looked into Bomb's eyes,"I can't stop thinking about him. I woke up early this morning, just to talk to him. But he wasn't in his den."
"So you decided to watch him like a love-sick puppy."
"I couldn't take my eyes off of him. The look and shap of his eyes, his pouty lips, the length of his nose..."
"Alright, before you start commenting about his cheek bones, or his hard chest-"
"Mmmm...his chest."
"Whoa! Girl. Is this because of your dream?"
"No. I started to feel a little sick when I was dancing with him at the festival last month."
"Sick...Oh I don't think you were sick. You had the butterflies, didn't you?"
"Huh? Well...I, yes."
"Deme, you're not falling for him are you?"
"I love Munkustrap with all my heart...Alonzo...I'm just not sure. What is wrong with me?"
"Honey, I don't think anything is wrong with you.I've got it."
"What's that?"
"Well, obviously, you realized that you're going to be with Munkustrap the rest of your life, and you are just getting cold feet. You feel that you should be with another tom, just once more."
"Is that what it is?"
"Oh yes, Deme. Of course. Now come on, Munkustrap might get worried not seeing you once he wakes up."
****
The morning sun was up as a young princess walked through the street. Tears streaked down her face as she continued on her path. She was so alone, not to mention she felt as if something bad was about to happen. Thats when she nearly ran into an upside down box. Puzzled, she just stared at it. However, she began to back away when it moved. Or at least when something inside it moved.
"get me outta here!"
"We'll never get out with you running everywhere."
The voices were coming from inside the box. Desperate to have some friends, even if they were puppies, the queen silently thought of a plan. She entered into the alley and her emerald eyes lit up! She gripped the stick in her teeth and headed back towards the box. Gentley, she slid the stick underneath the box. Once the stick was there she put her face near the tiny opening. "Need some help?" She had said as she wiggled he head through the opening. The two inside gasped.
She then lifted her head a bit,"You two should be able to squeeze out of here, now."
Rapidly, one had squeezed by the queen squealing. The other took their time, but was very relieved to get out of the box, too. She got her head out from underneath the box and took in the sight of the two she rescued. Both were young princesses just like her. The one whoe seemed eager to get out of there was a white tabby. The other was a rust colored tortie.
"Thank you so much. Who knows how long we could've been in there!"
"Yeah, yeah, Thanks."
"Oh it was nothing. Just glad i could help."
She suddenly frowned when the two she rescued began walking in the opposite direction. So the queen walked a different way. She didn't get too far when two pairs of footsteps approached.
"Do you think we could travel with you for awhile?"
"Yes!Or course, this'll be so much fun!!"
****
Silently, Griddlebone followed Macavity through the hallway. The carpet was soft and was a burgandy color. His empire was huge, filled with many nameless cats. Queens of all sorts were there either forced or willing. Many of these queens were made to be prostitutes. But like her and Exotica, some were just there as agents. Of course, Exotica was the exception, she was his eyes into the junkyard. She had been working there long enough to know her way around the building. They stopped, and were faced with three other hallways. Griddlebone, knew which hallway lead to which places. The one to the far left was the enforcers hallway. Those rooms were their rooms which often had one of the prostitutes inhabiting in it as well. At the end of the hall were stairs, leading to the ground floor. The first room you run into from those stairs is the Enforcer's training grounds. Right across from there is the Enforcer's lounge. That is where they go to hang out, celebrate, or just when they want to get some rest and relaxation. The middle hallway is called the healers hall. All the healers rooms were there. And of course at the end of the hallway, are stairs that lead to the ground floor. Once down there, it had rooms for all the prostitutes, instructors, the younger generation, and anyone else. The exit is also fairly close to that stairway. The last hallway holds all of the mystics rooms. At the end, there are stairs that lead far underneath the ground floor to the dungeons. That room seems to be Macavity's favorite, where he gets to torture and kill othere down in that room. Macavity turned down into the enforcers hallway. She noted on how eerily quiet it was, but still followed the ginger tom in silence. It wasn't till they got down the stairs when the silence was broken.
"Where are we going? What do you want me to see?"
"We're almost there." He lead her to the Enforcer's Lounge, and revealed a window. "Look inside," He ordered. She and him both looked inside and saw Lucifer and Lucious sitting down, laughing. Sylvia was with them.
"You know, I can actually tolerate her now."
"Sure Lucifer."
"What?! You don't believe me?"
"I never said that, Luce. I just can't see you or Sylvia getting remotely along with each other."
"Bast, Luke! You never take me seriously."
"You never control your temper, I suppose we're even."
"I'll show you, I mean, We'll show you."
He grabbed ahold of Sylvia's paw and forcifully dragged her into his arms. Tears ran down her face and she tried to get out of his arms.
"See she really likes me."
Lucious laughed at his brother,"Sorry bro, but I just don't believe you." He stomped his foot onto Lucifer's tail, and the black tom immediatley dropped his hold on Sylvia. Desperately, she climbed onto Lucious lap and tightly held on to his chest fur.
"I bet she likes me more." He gentley placed his paw around her shoulder's. She shot her eyes up to his and stared deeply in his face. Sylvia was shocked that a big guy like Lucious could be so gentle. Not only that, but he was an enforcer, though he really didn't act like it around her. She was so into studying him, that she completely lost sight of everyone and everything else. She finally snuggled closer to him, and she could hear his heart begin to beat faster. Again, she looked up to study his face and could have swore he was blushing. His eyes obviously darted around nervously. Sylvia nestled her head deeper into his chest and began to purr. At the sound of her purr, Lucifer stood.
He let ou a harsh growl,"Trust me white princess...you do not want to get on my bad side."
He let out a scream when Sylvia stayed wrapped up in Lucious arms. "That's it! You're going to meet a friend of mine. I'm going to enjoy this!"
Lucious tightened his grip around Sylvia,"Lucifer, don't...I don't think this is a good idea."
"Hmmph...seems like my brother is a little infactuated with her as well, lets change that my friend."
Lucifer was now in the corner of the lounge. Stealthly, his friend moved out in front of Lucifer. He was a tall all black tom. He was very muscular, with long hair. When the two looked into his face, Lucious stomach turned to knots. His face was ready to kill. He was grinning, and his eyes peirced through Sylvia. Wickedly, he licked his lips. The tom looked downright sinister. Lucious stood up in his defensive stance, with Sylvia still curled up in his arms.
"This is my very evil friend, Otrox. Otrox that's Sylvia. Let's turn her out to be one of the best prostitutes of the empire."
"What should I do with the tom?"
"Be creative."
Lucifer and Otrox closed in on Lucious. Lucious bent his head down and his lips brushed passed Sylvia's cheek. She blushed, but was confused. She didn't understand what she was feeling or really what was going on.
"I can't hold them both off...Lady Sylvie."
She smiled slightly at the was he whispered her name. "I'll be fine Lucious. Put me down, trust me."
He did what she had said with a little regret. She eased her way to Otrox,"Here I am."
He smirked,"Apparently, this little slut is willing."
She shrieked when he grabbed ahold of her. Lucious looked baack at the window where Macavity and Griddlebone stood. Griddlebone was horrified and Macavity just leaned closer to her,"You know...those three could be Sylvia's worst nightmare, or her three bodyguards. The choice is yours."
Shakily, Griddlebone grabbed ahold of his arm and wrapped it around her waist.
Macavity nodded to Lucious before speaking to Griddlebone,"Good choice."
Otrox had spread sylvia's legs apart, when Lucious quickly looped his arm underneath her and pulled her to his body. Otrox nearly beat Lucious.
"We're now her bodyguards. Macavity's orders."
The two toms glanced toward the door as it flung open and Macavity with Griddlebone around his waist cam walking in.
Lucifer pushed passed them hissing,"One day, white princess, Griddlebone won't be there to save you."
"And soon after that, neither will Lucious."
"I would die before letting anyone harm you,"Lucious had whispered so low, Macavity couldn't even pick it up. But Sylvia had heard it.
She buried her head wanting to stay like that with him forever.
**What am I thinking? What's wrong with me? He's practically full grown and I'm only a kitten... He's an enforcer, evil, if he had to he'd rap me too!**
"Alright Lucifer, Lucious, Otrox. There's a jellicle on their way to the junkyard. They have a similar power to mine and I want this jellicle dead."
"Dead?"
"Yes, dead. Do any of you have a problem with that?"
"No sir,"The three enforcers replied.
"Chaos will accompany you three as well. You have your orders, now leave."
They did as well as Macavity and his new mistress, Griddlebone. That left Lucious and Sylvia alone together.
"Are you...Are youu...Aare y-you going to r-"
"Of course not, lady Sylvie. I would never, even if they threatened to kill me if I didn't."
She hugged him tighter, still confused about what was going on . He could sense her confusion and doubt, and he himself was confused.
"I kow I don't look it...but I'm not much older than you. I'm just a teenager...What's going on...do you know?"
She shook her head,"No, but everytime I see you. I want to hug you."
He frowned,"I-I have to go..and kill someone. Don't hug someone like me. I-I'm sorry, lady Sylvie. From here on, I'm just one of your bodyguards."
She sobbed a few times, but clutched his paw with her two,"Don't die out there. Promise you'll come back, unharmed."
He gave her a weak smile,"I'll be fine."
****
Sillabub was bouncing up and down,"Isn't this just great?! I can't believe George has the healing gift."
"Yeah, George...wonder how he's doing"
"Let's not wonder, and go see him."
"But Silla, I'm not sure we're supposed to."
"It'll be just fine, Viccy. Now come on."
The two queens left Victoria's den, and stood in the clearing.
They met with Rumpleteazer,"Hey Teazer, where's Jerrie?"
She pouted,"Oi don' know. 'e 'asn't left tha yard in ah long time...Oi hope 'e's okay."
"Don't worry about him. Jerrie's slick, confident...I bet he's just fine."
"Oi hope you're roight Silla. So where are ya two head'd?"
"We were on our way to see George."
Teazer squealed,"Tha' sounds loike fun."
They headed toward the quads den, but stopped to observe what was in front of them. Both Carbuckety and Bill Bailey were trying to get in.
"Come on Victor!"
"Yeah man. This isn't fair..."
Victor stood guard at the entrance. His arms were folded around his chest as his tail whipped around wickedly.
"Look our parents are busy trying to help George with his control over his gift."
"So we can't go in t see him?"
"I'm afraid not. Listen, you guys can stay out here but just wait a little while. George will be done soon."
"He'll be done?"
"Well, just for today."
A couple oh's and ah's were heard in the crowd. The three queens sighed as they sat down behind Buck and Bill. Inside, Jelly was rubbing the side of George's cheek. He let out a groan of frustration. Jenny sat in between Skimble and Gussie on top of one of the tables. They were right across from George and Jelly.
"I can't do this. I'm hopeless!"
"Sweetie, you're doing just fine. You only need to learn how to focus."
He crossed his arms and let out a low growl.
"None of that! You behave son,"Gussie had said in a stern voice.
Jelly tried again,"If you can focus...you'll be able to feel it. Your gift, rushing through your entire body."
He nodded,"I felt it after I broke my leg..."
"You were focusing on it, then?" Jenny managed to ask, before Jelly could.
"Are you nuts??!! Of course not! I couldn't focus on anything then,"He snarled.
"George!"
His ears flattened, but they could all tell that he was still angry, exhausted, and completely frustrated.
"What does that mean then Jelly?"
"Well Skimble, I'm assuming his gift...it's hard to explain. He can control it, ut in a way he can't."
"Huh?" George was dumbfounded, until he realized sonething,"So I wasted all this time trying to control it. Just to learn that I CAN'T!!??"
"Calm down, sweetie. I'm sure Jelly will explain it to you...to all of us, right?"
"Yes, and in a simple way, so you all will understand."
Jelly sat down next to George and wrapped him in her arms. She whispered gentley in his ear. George drew back with a look of horror. The other three were curious and confused, though remained silent.
"Alright,"George stuttered,"But you better be right."
Jelly nodded and the two butter calico's turned their attention to Gussie, Jenny and Skimble.
"Alright, George does have my healing ability. He inherited it from me, but it is significantly different. He can heal other's that are injured, that's where the control comes in. If he can learn to control it, then he can heal others. But when he himself gets injured...he has no control of what happen's."
"What?"
"Demonstration..."
Hesitantly, George raised his arm and bit his bottom lip. Jelly popped one of her claws out, as her three mates gasped.
"Hold still, George."
George used his other paw to stop his arm from shaking. Rapidly, she cut a decent cut in the side of George's arm. He let out a hiss, and immediately Jenny, Gussie, and Skimble were on their feet.
"Are ye insane, Jelly?"
"This is our son..."
"He agreed to it. Now just watch."
They all stopped to stare at George's arm. He shot his eyes wide open and let out a groan. Slowly, beneath the blood they could see his wound close up. At their silence, Jelly decided to conclude her discovery.
"Apparently, his power recognizes injuries in it's host and works to repair it, even if George attempts to control it or not to. That would be the part of his gift that he cannot control."
They all stared at George and then back at Jelly. None of them knew what to say.
"So le's try this again."
"You want to learn how to control it?"
"Yes, that's why I'm here right."
Jelly smiled and hugged her son. He blew out a breath of hot air, in embarrassment.
"Use me."
The butter calico's looked at Gussie, puzzled.
"George,...he might learn how to control his power better, with a live demonstration."
"Oh Gussie..."
"Don't worry so much Jenny, it'll only be a small scratch."
"Come 'ere, Jenny."
She relaxed at the sound of Skimble's voice. Then she melted as he wrapped his arms around her.
Gussie cleared his throat,"Whenever you two are ready."
Jelly looked to George. He stood there in silence, unaware of his parents. Sweat trickled down his face in his intense concentration. He brought out his claws, and Gussie slowly cut his arm.
"Hope you're ready." He was taking deep breaths.
"Gussie, you cut too deep."
"Maybe this is too much for thee lad. Should ave started a bit simpler."
"I'm ready..."George slowly walked to Gussie with his arm outstretched. He could feel the power rushing through his entire body. He lightly touched Gussie's wounded arm. George's body began to tingle and then shake. He gasped in shock and drew his paw back. The butter calico dropped to the floor, gripping his head.
"George you did great!"
"Yeah son, you healed my arm."
Jelly made a move to bring George on his feet. He flung her backwards and got up himself,"Don't touch me!"
Skimble and Jenny pulled away and Gussie had lunged towards the fallen Jelly. The young tom broke down crying and ran out of the infirmary into the main room. He proceeded to pummel through Victor and the rest of his siblings. They yelled after him, but George continued to run away. It was Victor who got his younger siblings under control.
"You five should go play or take a nap. I'll go find out if George is alright."
Normally, they would put up a fight with him, but they knew that Victor had a strong link with George, they none of the other's possessed. Sure, the two were constantly fighting, but they loved each other more than they let on. Smoothly, Victor stepped away from Bill and Buck. He nodded to Sillabub, Victoria, and Rumpleteazer, then ran in the direction he saw George go. He continued to run, but would smell the air, whenever he'd start to lose his scent. He was past the central yard, headed north-west. He queitly entered the corner, smelling the air. This place was easiest to get to by travelling through the pipe in the central yard. This corner was abandoned and is the only true place in the junkyard for a jellicle to have solitude. There were three big boxes, and Victor chose to enter the middle one. The middle box was located on the corner. As victor entered he stubbed his toe and fell flat on his face.
"Get out!" George had immediately responded. Victor let out a groan as he lifted his head. He saw George in a tight ball, tears streaked down his face.
"I can't do that George."
"Please...Don't come near me."
But Victor had already made his way over to George and sat down. He felt a small drop of blood on his lip, and wiped it away. He assumed that he had cut his lip when he fell. He wrapped his arms around George,"Look-"
"NOOOOO!"
But it was too late, the physical connection was already established. And George had felt Victors stubbed toe and cut lip as if it were his own body. Reacting, his power immediately worked to solve the problem, as if the injuries were on George. Victor gasped in shock, when he felt the cut closing. As soon as Victor's body was fully healed, George fell into Victor sobbing harder than ever. He was shocked for a moment, since he, too, could feel the power rushing through his body. Victor shivered a bit at the feeling.
"I can't stop it Victor."
"Maybe you can, if you concentrate."
"No...Jelly told me what my power can do. But she's wrong."
"What do you mean, wrong?"
"She said when I get injured my body will automatically start to heal itself, and that I couldn't control it. Which is true, now that I've awakened it, I can't control it to 'go back to sleep'." He sniffled, then buried his head deeper into Victor's chest. Amazingly, Victor could still hear what he was saying.
"But when someone else is injured, I could control my power to heal them. But she's wrong, that part is uncontrollable, too. I called it forth...I woke it up, and now it will always be there. Anytime that I touch someone else, my power immediately reacts. And if that jellicle is injured, my power will automatically heal them. Sort of like an extension of my body."
Victor was stroking George's back,"But if you could call it forth...with more training, I'm sure you could push it back."
"No. Don't you get it? I'm a freak. It'll be hard for me to make friends, when I can't touch them."
"That's nonsense. You're touching me."
"Can you feel it, my power?"
"Yes."
"The other's will be too afraid to touch me, or I'll be afraid...I'll never get a mate...no queen is ever going to want to touch me."
"Well, if it makes you feel better, I'm never going to get a mate either. I'm all about responsibility...no play. Plus I'm super competitive."
George snorted,"So am I. Another thing queens won't want me for."
"George,...I'm sure we'll both get mates. We've just got to give it time. Some of the older queens don't have mates yet."
"What kind of queen would want a freak like me?"
"Your soul-mate."
"I don't-"
"George, trust me. It'll happen for us one day. And you're not a freak, you have a gift."
"It's not a gift, it's a curse. And I, I just don't want to be a healer anymore."
Victor sighed as George gripped his body tighter. He began to rock George in order to calm him down.
****
Exotica steathly re-entered the yard, and was surprised no one was there to greet her. She walked through the pipe and sauntered into the central yard, the square. Normally, the different jellicles would be playing here, but it was incredibly quiet. Exotica looked around, before sitting down on the tire. She was wondering if they had any new jellicles, or if any of the older jellicles gave birth to new kittens while she was gone. Sha had been gone nearly six monthes, so was positive none of the other's were pregnant last time she was there, but she still wondered if any of them were pregnant now. She heard laughter and knew at once that Munkustrap and Demeter were on their way to the square. And then she snapped her head towards the pathway next to the oven. There her sister emerged. She still looked like the normal Cassandra, but she stood still when she managed to catch a glimpse of Exotica on the tire. Her first reaction was to scream and yell. However, she just stood there her mouth open in surprise. Swiftly, Exotica climbed off the tire and made her way to Cassandra.
Suddenly, Cassandra wrapped her arms around Exotica,"Where on earth have you been?"
"What do you mean, where have I been? You know where I've been."
"No, I didn't. How were any of us supposed to know?"
"Well that's easy. You could've just located my mind. You, Coricopat, and Tantomile have that power."
"We tried, you were no where to be found."
"What do you mean? What does that mean?"
"You don't know?" Cassandra smiled and hugged her sister tighter,"You're powers. They've grown...you are practically invisible."
Exotica gasped in shock. "Alright, you better sit down."
Cassandra did, with a confused expression.
"I've been working for Macavity, but I'm a spy."
"What?"
"I ran into Tugger a couple monthes back....I told him all that I knew about Macavity then. He's gotten a few more recruits since then."
"I want you out. Being a spy is a difficult thing. When Macavity finds out you've been leaking information to us, then he'll do things to you that you can't even imagine."
"She's right."
The burmese sisters turned to Plato.
"Oh? A new tom...is he your mate?" Exotica snickered.
Cassandra slightly blushed,"No, he's our new neighbor."
"Hmmm...YOU! You're Macavity's brother. The resemblance is quite stunning."
He let out a low growl,"The only brother's I have are Munkustrap, Tugger,"He nodded to him as the maine-coon entered the central yard.
"And Alonzo."
Exotica frowned,"I'm sorry. I meant no offense." She sighed,"I had heard rumors about what had happened to you. They were obviously true...I'm so sorry. I could've helped, I could've done something."
He shook his head,"If you did, you'd be dead by now."
Munkustrap and Demeter finally decided to stop eavsdropping and they sat down on the tire.
She easily changed the subject,"So what has happened since I've been gone? Any more new jellicles? I see you two have gotten together."
She nodded to Munkustrap and Demeter.
"That's not all, Bomb and Corie are too!"
Exotica was wide-eyed, but chuckled when Demeter corrected him.
"No they're not, Tugger. They are just fooling around and having fun."
"I've obviously missed alot. I want to hear all of it!"
"We might be here awhile if we tell you everything."
They all glanced at Alonzo, who had just come from the quad's den.
He was now frowning,"Jelly's not sure what's wrong. But George took off running. Healing Gussie might have overwhelmed him."
Munkustrap, along with Demeter, frowned,"Is he still in the yard?"
"If Macavity catches wind of this, and he's out of the yard, then George is in danger."
Cassandra gave Plato a reassuring look,"He's in the north-west corner of the yard. He's being held by Victor and it seems like both of the toms are sleeping."
"That's good news."
"Yes, I'll go inform Jelly."
"It's not entirely good."
All of them looked to Exotica, by her sudden comment. Her eyes were closed and they knew she was using her power.
"Since he's sleeping it was harder for me to find his memories. But apparently Jelly was wrong. Now that he's fully awakened his power he cannot control it. Let's pretend Munkustrap got injured. If George touched Munkus, then Munkus would be like an extension of George's body. Munkus would feel the power inside his own body. True he would heal, but it takes alot out of George. I'm just guessing, but if the injury is too big for George's power, it could very well tranfer the injury from that said jellicle to George. And on top of that he believes he is now a freak, and that he'll never have a mate."
"Well of course, he'll find a mate."
"I don't know Munk. Everytime they would touch, the queen would feel the power rushing through her. Most, if not all queens, would be scared to touch him."
Alonzo, Plato, and Tugger stood silent. Sure, they had their own problems, Plato especially, but all three would be able to get any queen they wanted wnehever they were ready. But George was in a stickier spot.
Exotica dropped to her knees,"Wow, never knew it's be that hard to read his mind."
Cassnadra helped her to her feet.
"This should've been said earlier, Exotica." She looked to Munkustrap. "But, Welcome back to the yard."
****
The three queens were walking along the sidewalk. The white tabby was keeping the other two occupied with her nonstop chatter. The other two queens laughed, but the white tabby gripped the tortie's paw, suddenly.
"What was that?"
They all stopped to listen and could hear the sobbing of two toms.
"It's coming from around the corner."
"Let's go check it out."
"Are you sure?"
"They might need help."
The tortie and tabby followed the other queen as they turned the corner. Two white toms, with brown patches were hugging each other crying. A silver and brown tabby tom was beside them, attempting to comfort them.
"I want to go back home!"
"I know you two, but you can't. It looks bad now, but everything is going to be fine."
"What happened?"
They glanced at the three queens in front of them. The oldest stood in front of the other two. A rust tortie and a white tabby were standing behind a black and scarlett calico.
The silver tom lightly touched the white toms before reguarding the three gueens,"I'm sorry you three. I found these two thrown out of their house in a box. I was born an orphan and have been on the streets a long time. When I met them I just had to help them."
"You've been on the streets your whole life...and Macavity hasn't recruited you yet?"
"How do you know about Macavity?"
The black calico frowned,"I'm not sure. I don't remember much about my past. Only lonliness and sorrow. Coincedently, I met there two trapped under a box today."
"I don't think its a coincedence that we've met today. I don't mean any offense, but do you work for Macavity?"
She gritted her teeth,"No...I'm not even sure who Macavity is." She gasped,"Oh no!"
they all went rigid when they heard her voice.
"W-what?" The white tabby shook in fright.
Just then three black toms, and a scarlett/silver tom surrounded them.
"Which one is it, Luce?"
Lucifer growled,"How should I know? Kill them all Otrox!"
****
Plato, Alonzo, Tugger, Cassie, and Exotica were swarmed around Munk and Deme. Demeter laughed at Tugger's joke.
"Cassie..." Exotica spoke.
"I know."
"What is is?" Alonzo was the closest to Cassandra and Exotica.
They were all silent, especially when the dark twins emerged out of their den and into the central yard.
"Munkustrap." Coricopat sternly spoke.
Tantomile seemed down,"They are really close now, but they're in trouble. We have got to act now."
"Understood, Tugger, Alonzo you're with me. Let's go."
"Wait."
Munk, Tugger, and Alonzo looked at Plato.
He bit his lip and looked to the ground,"I want to come with you three."
"Plato, I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"You're going to need my help Munk. So I'm coming with you."
"Alright, but we'd better hurry."
"We're going too."
"You two?"
"Yes, they have a mystic with them. So you'll probably need our help, too!"
"Whatever, the more time we waste here, the more likely Demeter's dream will come true." Alonzo yelled, as he ran out of the square.
Munkustrap, Tugger, Plato, Tantomile, and Coricopat left soon after him.
****
Otrox was gaining on the two white toms. Stubbornly, the rust tortie rushed to the smallest white tom,"We can take him."
"Are you crazy? He's huge."
"She's right, we've got to try."
The three jellicles stood up against him. Otrox laughed,"This is humorous." He snarled and cut the older white tom.
The white tabby screamed, as Lucifer grabbed ahold of her,"This'll be fun. I love it when they scream."
"Ya big lug! AHHHHHH-"
He threw her hard against the wall. Swiftly, the silver tom caught her,"How good are you against me?"
He eased her down gentley,"Don't worry princess. I can take him."
She was standing behind him crying. Lucifer made the first move in a fit of rage. He smoothly dodged his punch and then kicked Lucifer hard in his stomach. He grunted but grabbed the silver toms leg and twisted it under. He fell hard on his back. Lucifer then grabbed him and lifted him up by his throat. He let out a hiss and gagged for breath. He inserted his claws into Lucifer's arm and kicked his feet. He helplessly dangled in the air.
"You know maybe I'll kill the princess first...in front of your helpless eyes. Then I'll kill you."
Weakly, he looked to the shivering princess and then growled at Lucifer. Beside them, the black calico stood face to face with Lucious. He bit his lip, but decided to draw out his claws.
"Why? I know, and Sylvia knows this isn't what you really want."
Lucious was surprised."Wha-"
"That's her. She's the one we need to kill."
"Chaos, wait,"Lucious pleaded.
But Chaos had grabbed the calico from behind. She screamed and began to resist him.
"Please..."She sobbed,"Let go of me."
Lucious frowned, but pulled his paw back in order to beat the samll calico. However, a silver tabby had intervined and slashed him across his face. He growled and both Munkustrap and Lucious began their face-off. Tugger saw two white toms standing in front of an injured rust tortie.
Otrox closed in laughing,"The two heroes...you'll be dead soon. Don't delay it any further."
He launched himself at them but Tugger crashed into him.
"Why don't you try you're luck with me, buddy?"
Otrox grunted, as the two toms fell to the ground.
"With pleasure." Otrox had harshly knocked Tugger off of him, then rapidly got to his feet. He jumped onto Tugger's stomach and the maine-coon let out a rough yelp. The silver tom that Lucifer was choking began to lose breath. His grip on Luce's arm loosened abd his arms fell to his sides. The white tabby screamed, when Alonzo dug his claws into Lucifer's back. He dropped his hold on the silver tom and turned to face his opponent. The young princess placed her paws on the silver tom, still crying,"Wake up...stop sleeping and wake up."
"Munk we've got a few injured. Whuuugh.."
Lucifer had gotten a few punches in on Alonzo.
"Alonzo!!!" Munk had yelled. Lucky for him, Lucious always fought fair.
Quickly, Plato slipped behind Munk and Lucious.
"I'll be fine, Munk,"Alonzo had groaned.
Plato stopped and his mouth dropped open.
Chaos chuckled,"So you're still alive..."
Plato shivered when Chaos glared at him. He then smirked as he used his power to make Plato relive his past year.
He fell to the ground, clutching his head. "No! Stop! NOOOOOOO!!! Risty! AHHHH! Please Stop!" He began to cry uncontrollably.
"Stop it. You've already done all the damage you could...leave Plato alone!"
"You're powers seem to be growing...and you're now aware of them."
She began to struggle against Chaos when she saw Plato squinting his eyes and whimpering.
Chaos licked his lips,"I've got it. I'll kill this princess right in front of you. It'll be sort of like Risty."
He opened his red eyes to look at the calico, and began to cry even harder. Before Chaos did anything, the dark twins emerged from behind Plato.
"Let her go, Chaos."
"She can't harm you or Macavity."
"I will kill her, if it's the last thing I do."
The dark twins eyes grew smaller,"If that's the way you want it."
Tantomile, Coricopat, and Chaos began a mystical war. Munkustrap and Lucious were both breathing heavy, but Lucious didn't take advantage of Munkustraps fatigue. The silver tabby peered at Lucious, who helped him to his feet.
Once he was standing, Munkustrap had gasped,"I've never met an enforcer like you."
Luciouswanted to go back with them and ask for sanctuary, but the thought of Sylvia being in the empire alone earased sanctuary from his mind. Munkustrap could feel his feelings and could tell what he wanted. He put his paw out to him, hoping Lucious would accept. Lucious paw began to rise, but he soon turned his head to the side and growled. Lucifer was on the ground, unconscious. Alonzo made a move to cut him, but had instead penetrated Lucious back.
"Alonzo!" Munk had warned, too late.
Back with Plato, Chaos had screamed and melted to the ground.
"Plato," The twins spoke,"Come on get up."
"What did you do?"
"We beat him in his mind. He just got a little overwhelmed."
"He'll be fine in a few hours."
Plato continued to shake and cry.
"Plato, snap out of it!"
"Tomie, I think he's still reliving that hell."
The black calico began to chew her lower lip,"Let me try."
They stepped aside as she knelt down in front of Plato.
"Nooo! Don't-Don't touch me."
"Plato, you've got to believe in me...you have to trust me."
He opened his eyes and slightly flinched when she raised her paw to his face. Still, he let her place her paw over his eyes. Inside, he heard a familiar voice calling his name, pulling him towards the light. The paw lifted off his face and she was the first thing he saw.
"You..."
She was a bit confused.
Plato shakily stood up,"You were the one that helped me and lead me to the yard a month ago. Or at least your power did."
She smiled, but turned and eased Chaos onto her back.
Lucious had taken hold of Lucifer," Otrox, get Chaos we're going back to the empire."
"I don't think so,"he was holding Tugger by his mane, ready to break his neck.
"I am the second ranking enforcer, and when my brother is out, I am in charge. Now if you have a problem with that take it up with Macavity!" He was hissing out his anger.
Unwillingly, Otrox dropped his hold on Tugger and went to the black calico. She handed Chaos to Otrox, and the four left.
"That stupid second enforcer! I could've been killed,"Tugger complained.
"That sutpid enforcer saved your life,"Munk had sternly said.
Alonzo went to the white tabby, and sliver tom on the ground.
She was still crying and shook the tom,"I tried, really, but he won't wake up!"
"Don't cry..." He bent down, then pinched his nose. Alonzo blew some air into the toms mouth a few times. Afterwards, he began to pumphis chest. Suddenly, he began to choke and dizzily sat up.
"Thought we might've lost you."
"He's awake! You're awake...I. Thanks."
"Of course." He tried to stand, and Alonzo helped steady the tom. The white toms were still huddled in front of the rust tortie. The black calico held her paw to her, and she gladly took it. Immediately, the white tabby saw her two friends and went on the otherside of the calico.
Munkustrap stood in front of them,"Do you have names?"
The white tabby twisted her face in confusion,"Uhh...Etcetera, er Cettie. Yeah, Cettie's better."
"I'm Electra,"The rust tortie coughed.
"And you're the one we've been expecting...What is your name?"
The black calico rubbed a paw through her head fur,"I remember being called Jemima once. Hmmm...my name's Jemima."
The two white toms jumped in front of them.
The smallest one was holding onto the older one,"I'm Pouncival."
"Tumblebrutus..."
Munkustrap then looked to Alonzo, who was supporting the silver tom.
The silver tom gripped his head,"My name is Admetus."
"I'm Munkustrap. These are my brothers Alonzo, Rum Tum Tugger, and Plato."
"And we're the dark twins, I'm Coricopat."
"I'm Tantomile. Munkustrap we could still be in danger, we should get them back to the yard as soon as possible."
"Agreed. Alonzo, Electra, Pouncival, Tumblebrutus, and Tugger are injured. You'll take them to the infirmary as soon as we get back?"
"You know I will. Admetus should probably get checked over as well."
He nodded,"You'll need to get examined too, Lon."
"No Munk, I'll be fine."
"Lon, don't argue with me. Please get examined."
"I will, just don't worry so much."
They began to walk back, but Plato sensed that Jemima was a little off-balanced. Silently, she collapsed, but Plato had caught her without wincing at the contact. He was extremely sad.
"Don't be alarmed,"Coricopat coaxed,"She's had a long day, it was a bit overwhelming for her."
"Munk, Jemmie should get checked too."
Munk smiled at the nickname Plato had given her and nodded his agreement.
**Hello, there.**
**You're a telepath.**
**Sort of. Admetus, right?**
**Yes...**
**You have enforcer blood.**
He looked at her a bit shocked. **My father was a silver enforcer.**
Tantomile grinned and nodded. **Well don't fret. Your secret is safe with me.**
**FIN
-Illustrations for Year One, by Extwo