**You seem to be thinking of Admetus alot, lately.**
**I can't help it. The other's are getting along just fine. They really seem to be fitting in, but Admetus doesn't.**
**I know, Tomie. You are concerned about him, as am I. I wonder why he doesn't fit in...**
Tantomile let out a sigh.
"You know something that I don't."
She eyed him, remaining completely silent.
"Well come on. Out with it."
"Sorry Corie, but my lips are sealed."
The two dark twins sat just aside the entrance to the quads den. They were observing the interaction that the six strays were in. Etcetera and Electra were playing a pouncing game with the tiger twins.
"Oiye, watch it,"Jerrie had warned Electra, after she had bit his tail. She giggled to herself. "If tha's 'ow ya wan ta play. Quick Teaze, grab 'er!"
Automatically, Teazer locked her arms with Electra's.
"Hey stop! Cettie, help me!"
However, breezy and carefree as always, Cettie had wandered off. Jerrie came in for the kill, and mercilessly tickled the rusted tortie. Admetus sat off in the back keeping one eye on the kittens, and the other eye off in the distance; scouting for trouble. Merrily, Cettie danced over to Admetus giggling. "You're not playing? Why?"
He srugged his shoulers, not bother to look at the princess. She looked at him oddly,"Hellloooo?"
She shrugged her shoulders and then headed back to the squealing Leccy.
"Wait."
She jumped around, and smiled brightly,"Why wait? Let's play now!"
She had boldly grabbed onto his arm, and tried to drag him onto his feet. Unfortunately, he was stronger than her and she tripped and fell face first into his lap. Immediately, he bolted up causing Cettie to drop to the ground.
Dramatically, she clutched her head,"Ouchie! Why did you do that?"
He forced a smile remembering she was a bit wacky. "You startled me...sorry."
"Does this mean you'll come and play?"
He frowned and shook his head,"You go play. I'll stay here."
"But playing is fun."
He lightly grazed the side of her face with his thumb. She was still a kitten, and a weird one at that, but she was all too aware of the intimate contact. She knew she had chills running down to the tip of her tail.
"Playing is fun, Cettie, but this is fun for me."
"It is? How?"
"I'm not sure if you'd understand...Go and have fun for the both of us."
She shook her head enthusiastically,"Okay!!"
She ran back to the tiger twins, and tackled Jerrie to the ground.
Electra stopped to catch her breath,"What took you so long?"
"I was long?"
Admetus only shook his head, before looking back in the distance. Perhaps staying there wasn't the best idea. His claws kept coming out and then going back in. On the street, he never looked for a fight and never started one either. But there were so many that he always found himself in one. He really didn't fit in out there, either. He had no street friends, just the fights. Really, fighting seemed to be the only thing he was comfortable with. And just staying couped up in the yard was almost suffocating him.
**Suffocating...** He thought, as he brought one of his paws up to his throat.
"Hey, wow Viccy. She's almost as good as you."
Jemmie shook her head at Sillabub,"No, I'm good at my own style of dancing, but Victoria. Well she's just positively elegant."
"Flattering will get you nowhere, Jemmie."
She snickered,"I'm not flattering you. I'm making an obvious fact."
Mistoffelees had come out of the shadows and joined Sillabub, Victoria, and Jemima.
"Jemmie is it?"
She took in the sight of his stance and appearance,"Whose asking for her?"
"Oh, I'm Mr. Mistoffelees."
"Mistoffelees...well, Hi I'm Jemima."
"She's a pyscho kitty!" Sillabub chimed.
They glanced at her, before they all burst out laughing.
"What? What did I say?"
"That would be pyschic."
"Oh..."
Viccy started again,"But we're not really sure what kind of mystical powers she has."
"Yeah."
Mistoffelees squinted his eyes together,"Do you know Jemima?"
She took a hard glance at Mistoffelees. She didn't know what kind of powers she had, well not entirely. She did know a great deal more, but was sure that no one in the tribe was ready to know yet.
**And you are of course, right, Jemmie.**
She looked over at Tantomile.**Well, I'm glad you back me up.**
**I figured you needed a little reassurance.**
"Jemmie! Are you listening? You must know...why else would you pause?"
Jemima began to protest, but they were interrupted by Tumble, and Pounce.
"Hey you guys."
"This is great, isn't it?"
Jemmie gave Pouncival on the cheek. "You are a lifesaver,"She whispered.
"I-I....w-sh...c-c.."Pouncival stuttered and even began to lose his balance.
"Wow, you flirt a little and the toms just totally lose their sense of selves, don't they?"
Victoria laughed at Pouncival, and agreed with Jemima. Tumblebrutus steadied the smaller tom,"Wow, Bill and Buck are great."
"Maybe we don't feel the same way." Bill snickered,"I'm just kidding. Me and Buck always get you two."
Pouncival and Tumblebrutus were glancing at each other,"Did you hear something Pounce?"
"No, not at all Tumble."
The three queens withheld their giggles. Buck and Bill were confused,"Hey you guys."
Tumble and Pounce locked paws,"So Jemia, Viccy, Sillabub, how are you this morning?"
"We're just fine Tumble."
Bill bit his lip and yanked on Bucks arm. He was just as distraught,"Bill, I think they're really angry with us."
"We're sorry..."
At the apology the two white toms burst out lauging. "Ha! We got you two good!"
Tumble smiled and took deep breaths,"We can get you two anytime we want, too."
They exchange glances,"Alright, fine. We're totally even."
The four toms huddled closer together. Sillabub rolled her eyes when they started cheering.
"Toms..."
Mistoffelees grinned at the golden princess,"We all have our moments."
Jemima smiled,"We do. Now come on. Sillabub, it's your turn."
"Yay! I love dancing." The three smiled.
Shyly, Victoria placed her arm around Jemima's shoulder,"Hey, why not you an Mistoffelees dance together?..."
Sillabub's smile faded and she peered over at the black tuxedo cat. He shrugged his shoulders,"It's your choice, Sillabub."
She thought for a few seconds, then nodded her head. He gentley held his paw out and she reached up and took it. The golden queen finally began to giggle in his arms, and he only smiled over at Victoria. Victoria shyly gazed over into his eyes. Jemima kept glancing at Victoria, then back at Mistoffelees, and finally she inwardly smiled. Meanwhile, back inside the quads den, Munk and Deme were patiently waiting. The silver tabby sat in the chair with Demeter curled in his lap. The quad sat opposite of them on the couch. Jelly and Jenny were sitting in the middle with Skimble next to Jelly and Gussie next to Jenny. Jelly rubbed her temples in frustration as Skimble drapped his arm over her. They had been trying to get the back stories of the six strays. Both Pouncival and Tumblebrutus grew up in a human home. They've been together for the whole of their lives, but it is still unclear if they are brother's or not. Then there was Electra and Etcetera. From what they got from Electra, they had both found themselves in the pound. A young girl had opened their cage one day, and the two of them bolted out of there. They had escaped, but were paranoid that they'd wind up back in another pound. So they had hid in a box. Little did they know, that someone had come by and tipped the box over, during one of their naps. The quad and Munkustrap and Demeter all let out long sighs. Jemima and Admetus were the only two that didn't have a backstory. Either they didn't know, couldn't remember, or just didn't want to talk about it. Gussie leaned into Jenny, who copied his movement. Demeter hesitated, but did end up nuzzling the side of Munkustraps neck. "Well, shall we?"
Munk and Deme nodded and the six jellicles exited the den. They were all surprised to find all the stray interacting with the quads children.
"Good morning."
"How are all of you?" They were greeted by the dark twins. Munkustra and Demeter smiled at them in response.
""Ah see ye've taken an interest in thee strays."
They grinned and nodded in unison.
"And?"
"How are they?"
"Sh-, Jelly. One question at a time." Gussie purred lightly.
Tantomile and Coricopat smiled, before Coricopat began to speak,"They're doing just fine. Cettie and Leccy are proving themselves to be a match for your tiger twins. Viccy, Sillabub, and Mistoffelees seem to be pulling off a dance recital for Jemima. And Pouncival and Tumblebrutus are competing with Buck and Bill for funniest pranksters."
The quad smiled at how accepting their children were of the six strays. However, Munkustrap frowned, and Demeter sensed it.
"And what about Admetus?" Munk tried to sound calm.
Coricopat looked to Tantomile sadly. She glanced into the sentinel's eyes,"He's...well he just doesn't seem to fit in. I think he's even starting to feel out of place, and thinks he's better off on the streets."
"No...That's ridiculous...sooner or later Macavity will find him and make his life a living hell."
"What do you intend to do about it? Make him stay and then make someone befriend him?"
"No. Cive me a minute, I'll think of something."
Demeter stroked his arm,"What about George?"
Jelly covered her face with her paws as Gussie held her close to his chest. Jenny was biting her lip and subconsciously gripped Skimble's paw.
"Well?" Demeter looked to the twins for an answer. They had exchanged frowns.
Tantomile cleared her throat,"George? Oh...uh well. To tell the truth, Munkustrap, Demeter he's not doing too well."
She then pointed to the corner near the dressers, far away from the rest of the cats. George sat there with his tail wrapped around his body. He yawned as Victor came up beside him.
"You should be sleeping, if you are that tired."
He peeked his eyes open toward Victor,"I can't."
"Why's that?"
"I feel it. Especially when I lay down to sleep. That is the only thing I can focus on." He yawned again, before rubbing his drowsy eyes.
"Listen,"He attempted to touch the side of George's cheek, but George flinched and dodged Victor's paw.
"George, a month ago, when I touched you. Sure, it took awhile, but we both eventually fell asleep."
George groaned,"So it's my own fault that I can't sleep and why I'm like this...I know that already."
"No! That's not what I meant. You haven't had physical contact since then...am I right?"
"Of course I haven't had any physical contact since then."
"Well then,...maybe that's why you can't sleep."
"No-"
"I think I'm right." Again, he raised his paw to caress George's cheek, but the tom stubbornly backed away.
"George, please don't do that. Let me back in. Don't push everyone away."
George shivered just as Victor brushed his paw against his brother's cheek. A deep purr came from George and he leaned into the much needed contact. He shook away the tears and lunged at Victor. Lovingly, he hled George in his arms. "I'm here George."
"I don't know how much more I can take."
"I'll help you through anything that comes our way."
George looked to him with confused eyes,"Thanks Victor. At least I have you."
He stiffled a yawn and Victor began to lead George to his den,"Alright, sleepy head. Let's go take a nap."
George accepted with little resistance.
Munkustrap nodded,"So he needs to start interacting with the others as well. You say Admetus is going back to the streets, or considering it?"
The twins nodded. Demeter knew her mate was on the right track,"What about something competitive?"
"Like what?"
Demeter shrugged. Then Munk blurted out,"What about a race?"
"A race?"
"Yes."
"I think that's a great idea,"Jelly shouted.
The twins nodded their agreement. But Gussie suddenly jumped up,"Do you know where Admetus is?"
They all looked toward the spot where the silver tom was sitting. Admetus was gone, and the others, except the twins, grew concerned.
"The need to leave the yard is growing inside him, but he is still in the yard. We'd better conduct that race soon."
"Understood Tantomile."
The quad went to inform their children and the strays, while Munk and Deme headed elsewhere to prepare for the big race.
****
Alonzo was curled up on the tire. His paws were planted firmly along the edge of the tire. His tail curled around the front of his left arm. He knew that Munkustrap was doing his rounds and performing all his sentinel duties. But still he couldn't help but be alert. In all truth, Alonzo was the sentinel most of the time. Even when Mun was back on duty, Alonzo could never shake off the sentinel duty. Besides trying to protect the tribe gave him a reason to stay busy. He didn't have to worry about the small things, or finding a mate. Of course, Alonzo wasn't a smooth talker, and just didn't have any luck with the queens. He clenched his teeth tightly together as he observed the yard. He had lost track of Admetus awhile ago. Still, he knew where everyone else was. Plato was lounging in the oven a few feet away from the tire. He had been doing better, but his latest run-in with Chaos put him a few steps backwards. The ginger white tom let out along sigh. Finally, Alonzo unclenched his jaw and peered over at Plato. Obviously, the tom was replaying his worst nightmares over and over, and beating himself up over it. Of course, on the outside he appeared calm and peaceful, and maybe a little angry.
"Plato?" The tom said nothing and did nothing. The only change was a grim frown that formed on his face. He didn't know how to help his brother; he was helpless. He shifted his weight to move towards Plato. However, his ears began to twitch and he stopped himself. His tail unwrapped itself from his arm. Someone was approaching and Alonzo just knew who it was. Happily, Munkustrap walked into the central yard. Next to him, Demeter stood smiling. The instant they appeared, Alonzo groaned. He didn't wish to see them, at least not today, he just wasn't in the mood.
"Alonzo, I'm so glad you're here. We need to talk."
Alonzo inwardly growled, but rapidly placed a smile on his face. Demeter briskly walked over to Plato. Munkustrap gave his brother an odd look-over. He cleared his throat,"Sure Munk, what do you need to talk about?"
Cautiously, Munkustrap stood in front of Alonzo. "Well, How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, why ask?"
"It's just, I woke up to you screaming last night."
"So what..."Alonzo downcasted his eyes, before looking back into Munkustrap's eyes,"It was just a nightmare. Everyone gets them."
"Not like this. You have a nightmare almost every night. Do you...Do you want to talk about it?"
Alonzo glared at him,"What did you really come here to talk about?"
"We've come up with a plan."
"A plan? For what? And what kind of plan?"
"Admetus and George need to interact more. So Deme, the quad, the dark twins, and I have decided to conduct a race."
"Alright, that could work, but why tell me?"
"Demeter and I would love it if you'd help us organize it."
"Sure, I can do that."
Munkustrap suddenly sat down beside Alonzo. He bit his lip thinking over something in his head. He didn't know what was happening inside his brother's head. Still, he wrapped his arms around Alonzo's muscular body. Alonzo didn't hesitate, as he leaned into Munkustraps chest. They sat there just looking out into the distance. Both Demeter and Plato were just watching them, neither daring to interrupt their moment.
"I think they've forgotten about us..." Demeter sighed, but for some reason couldn't take her eyes off of the pair. Something in the back of her mind was nudging her, but she couldn't figure it out.
Plato broke through her thoughts,"So I guess I'm not the only one with problems."
She gave him a sympathetic frown. "I'm sorry Plato. But I wanted to ask you something."
He dropped his paws from his head down to his lap. "Well go on,"He sadly spoke.
"I was hoping you might join the race as well." Plato frowned. "Oh please."
He gave her a forced smile,"Of course, for your sake, Lady Demeter."
Demeter blushed still struggling to get used to the formalities. She leaned against the side of the oven and the two went back to watching the two toms on the tire. Munkustrap still clung tightly to Alonzo and stroked the back of his mane. It took all the strength Alonzo had to not breakdown crying. He took a few deep breaths to relax his entire body.
"I can't stop them."
Munk was distracted playing with Alonzo's fur,"What?"
"My nightmares,"Alonzo growled, angry that the silver tabby wasn't paying attention.
"What do you mean, you can't stop them?"
"I don't know, even when I begin to dream of soemthing good, somehow it turns into a nightmare. And they keep getting worse."
"They're just nightmares. Hey, why don't you sleep with me and Deme tonight. I bet then you wouldn't get any nightmares."
"Oh, no I co-"
"I think you should listen to Munkustrap. We are both worried about you."
He nervously glanced back at Demeter, then back to Munkustrap. "I won't win this arguement, will I?"
"No!" Both Munkustrap and Demeter chimed.
"Fine, I give. Now let's start the race at the south entrance."
"Good, the quads den is near there. So they're already close by there. Munk, where's the finish line going to be?"
He unhooked his arms from Alonzo. "Alright, when they get here, it'll be the halfway mark. We'll have to block off all of these short-cuts...they'll have to take that path towards the east entrance."
Demeter smiled,"Then a sudden left turn, they'll end up going past the north entrance."
"But that's not going to be the finish line. The three huge boxes in the northwest. That'll be the end of the race."
Plato chuckled,"Now you just have to work on covering the openings."
They glared over at Plato,"You know you should probably got to the south entrance. The quads there, and so are all of the contestants."
"Does the winner actually win anything?" The two were stumped and speechless.
Alonzo sat up straighter,"Sure, They'll get the title of fastest male runner, and fastest femal runner. Plus those two will also get a delicious treat as well." They were all looking at him.
Plato smirked,"Alright...I'll go spread the word." He got out of the oven and headed for the quads den.
"Quick thinking." Demeter was smiling at Alonzo. "Yeah, well..."
Munkustrap kissed him gentley on the forhead.
"What was that for?"
He shrugged,"To stop you from gloating."
Alonzo began to laugh as he pushed Munkustrap off of the tire. Munkustrap landed on his butt, laughing too.
****
He ran through the piles of junk, with a force bubbling just under his surface. Nothing seemed to be making sense to him anymore. All he knew was that he had to get out of the yard. If he stayed there any longer her bound to explode. He was crazy to feel as though he'd fit in with any of them. If they found out he had the enforcer blood, they would kick him out anyway. Was abandoning and turning his back on them worse than getting kicked out? He honestly didn't know. What he did know, was that those were his only choices. And he sure was having a difficult time deciding what choice to make. There were only two other things on his mind other than leaving the yard. The one thing most on his mind, was a big black paw wrapped around his neck. The more he thought about it, the more he swore he could feel the paw on his neck, squeezing it. Then of course, the other thing that kept crawling into his mind was the goofy grinned white tabby, Etcetera. He knew that he didn't like her, not mate wise. But she seemed to be the only one making an effort to talk to him. Besides, she had a specail aura about her, everyone liked her. He took another turn, and let out a startled yelp. He stumbled over another queen and they fell to the ground. She let out a grunt.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!!" He stood up, holding out his paw to her. She licked her lips and gentley curved her paw into his. He helped her up, but then quickly glanced away from her.
Slickly, Cassandra moved his head to face her,"You were running too fast. You wouldn't have been able to slow down."
"So what seems to be troubling you?"
Instantly, Admetus and Cassandra looked to Exotica.
"Did you read his mind? You're not allowed to do that without his consent!"
Exotica rolled her eyes at her sister,"Relax Cass, I didn't enter his mind. It's just obvious that something is wrong."
Before either queen could press the subject further, Admetus cut them off.
"I just don't want to talk about it." He gave the two queens another grim look.
Regretably, he turned away from them, and made a move to leave. As he took off, two arms locked with his arms. He was jerked back towards them.
"Look, maybe you don't want to talk about it, and I'm not going to force you either."
"However, Me and Xottie here, don't think you should be alone right now."
He growled,"And what makes you think I need someone?"
Exotica smirked,"That's easy. We can tell by the way you're standing. Plus the hurt, pain, and confusion in your eyes."
He rolled his eyes, but wouldn't look at any of them directly.
Cassandra nudged him,"See, you can't even look us straight in the eye."
If he really wanted to he could look them in the eyes. But he also knew that once he did he would become vulnerable and no one wants that. Both Exotica and Cassandra mirrored each others stance. They were in an 'I'm patient, but I'm attempting to seem impatient' stance. His heistation lasted longer than he imagined it would. Ultimately, he raised his eyes level to there's, but it took all his strength to keep all of his barriers and defenses intact. Of course, when faced with two mind mystics, his barriers didn't help. They saw straight through his defenses and knew he was terribly troubled. He let out a heavy sigh. "Just do it, you have my permission."
"But!" They steernly looked at him at his sudden outburst. "Please don't look at my past."
"Why? What are you hiding?"
He gave Exotica a glare,"I'm not hiding anything. It's just my past, not yours. I'd like to keep it that way."
"Fine,"Exotica said, with a bit of an attitude.
As she crossed her arms in a silly jealous way, Cassandra had closed her eyes. Her arm was still locked with his. All of a sudden, she was overwhelmed with all his distresing thoughts over the past month. Their arms unclasped and she stumbled backwards, grasping her head. He let his guard down long enough to look worried, but quickly replaced it with a calm exterior. She glanced up at him with her paw around her throat. Though she and him knew Lucifer's paw was no longer there, they still felt it. Then his recent thought on the cooky kitten, Etcetera, raced throught her mind. Something nagged at the back of her mind, but she just couldn't figure it out. She quickly regained her composure to give him a sympathetic smile.
**So how's he doing?**
**Well, he's staying in one place, but that won't last long.** Exotica could sense the sad sigh.
**I know**
**So what do you propose to do about it, Tantomile?**
**I'm glad you asked. Munkustrap is holding a race, that might help him socialize. Plus Munk needs you and Cass to help.**
**Sure.I'll tell Cass and uh, oh. Gotta go..**
"Wait, don't leave."
Admetus shrugged his shoulders, already walking away.
"There's a contest, race...Munkustrap wants you to participate."
He stopped, but didn't turn around to face them. Lightly, he shook his head. **No, I have to leave, now!**
He had begun to walk away again, when a voice shouted in his head.
**Don't you dare leave! Just imagine how Cettie would feel if you left.**
**She'd get by just fine.**
**In time perhaps, but you saved her, she has a bit of a hero worship for you.**
**She worships Tugger, just like you Cass, just like every other queen in this tribe.**
**Yes, but you still saved her. And she'd be crushed if you left. So come on, join the race.**
He silently debated, but knew it was a losing battle. "Where and when does it start?"
****
Coricopat glanced over to Tantomile who rubbed her temples. A moment ago she had let out a long sad sigh. He patted her shoulder and she had clamed down considerably. The dark twins were sitting on a high balcony just across from their den. They usually sat there, it was their perch when they watched over the tribe. And today, they had told the sentinel that the balconywould be their post during the race. A sudden change took hold of Coricopat and Tantomile sensed her twin inwardly smile. She peered at his face, but then instantly knew what he was thinking. Down below, the scarlett calico strutted by. Tantomile kept a blank stare, once Bombalurina spotted them. She climbed up the pile with ease and bodly sat next to the dark tom. "Hey, stud."
She caressed the side of his face and smirked at his blush. "Bomby, hey..."
He tried to clear his throat, growing more nervous and embarassed each second. Slowly, her smile began to fade at his nervousness. Tantomile touched the side of Coricopat's leg, and he gained the courage he was seeking. He intwined his paw with hers as it still stroked his heek. Her tail curled in delight, then she returned to her flirty self. Their paw dropped.
"Seems like Munkus has everyone participating in this little race of his."
Tantomile grinned over at Bombalurina,"You too?"
"Yes. He even managed to get tugger to help out."
The three jellicles chuckled at the thought. She rubbed up against Coricopat as she stood to get down.
"I'll see you later, Corie." She had winked before she began to climb down.
****
Tugger stood in the clearing just ouside the quads den. He didn't need to do anthing to gain attention. All he did was walk up to the quads den and immediately a crowd had gathered at his feet. Tumble was standing on his left side, while Pounce was on his right side. Cettie, Leccy, Sillabub, Viccy, Teazer, and Jemmie were swarmed around his feet. He let out a delighted sigh as he caressed Tumble's cheek, then swayed his hips. The queens mewed and squealed. In the background, Bill was swaying his hips in imitation to Tugger. Next to him, Carbuckety smacked Bill's shoulder, then tried to do a better imitation. The two got into a brotherly squabble. Plato was sitting off to the side next to Mungojerrie. The tiger tabby nudged him and Plato flinched.
"Wha' does he 'ave tha' we don'?"
He shrugged his shoulders,"We're just teens...you'll find someone. And it'll be alot more satisfying then what Tugger goes through."
Jerrie stretched out his arms and placed a paw on Plato's shoulder. Plato winced and inched away from Jerrie's touch without the tiger tabby realizing it.
"So ya ready fer this race?"
Plato shook his head,"Not really."
"Well then, star' stretchin'! Oh, Oi'll even stretch wi'h ya!"
Plato gave Jerrie an odd look,"I'm all stretched out, just not totally into this race."
Jerrie nodded and sat closer to the obviously uncomfortable tom. Jerrie really hadn't heard the details, so in all truth he didn't know any better. The quad member's were so busy with perporations that they couldn't scold Tugger for his actions. Mistoffelees watched as Tugger touched all the queens in a flirtacious way. He also saw Victoria mew loudly for him, and he felt his stomach twist into knots.
"So this is how you babysit the kittens."
Tugger and the others looked behind them and saw Admetus standing there.
Tugger snorted,"Please, you wish that you could be like me." He wiggled his hip some and girly meows followed.
Admetus crossed his arms and smirked,"I don't want to be you, I'm me. You're a lover, and I'm a fighter."
Still, the silver tom swayed his hips a shimmied his torso. The others lightly giggled at Admetus, but Etcetera grazed her tail along Tugger's leg. She ran towards Admetus and wrapped around his legs. Tugger raised an eyebrow, when Etcetera rubbed her cheek against Admetus' leg. He started to snicker, but felt the purr in the back of his throat beginning to emerge. Quickly, he clamped his paws over his mouth to stop it.
"You okay over there?" They chuckled at Tugger's remark, but Admetus had glared. A groan flew out of George's mouth, and immediately all eyes were on him and Victor. George unsteadily backed up, but Victor got behind him blocking his path.
"George,..."
He stared at Tugger who had started walking towards him.
"I can't...too many."
The maine coon readjusted his mane, growling,"Of course you can. No one is scared of you!"
The butter calico tom's ears flattened, and Tugger raised his paw to touch George. Once he made contact a sharp pain entered his body, but soon his whole body tingled with power surging through every inch of his body. He pulled away with a gasp and a groan. George's eyes went wide, and tears started to form behind them. One of Tugger's paws wrapped into a fist, but the other was drapped around George's shoulder. There was no hesitation, but George could still sense Tuggers fear. Of course, getting attention from the Tugger made him feel a little more important. BothTugger and Victor lead George towards the rest of the mob of jellicles. Skimble, Jenny and Jelly raced out in opposite directions. Gussie cleared his throat to get all of their attention,"The race is about to start. So if you'd all follow Tugger to the south entrance, he'll start you off."
Mungojerrie jumped up, draggin Plato to his feet. They marched towards the south entrance and Gussie stayed in the clearing. Shortly afterwards, the jellicle lined up just inside the south entrance. Tugger sauntered in front of all the jellicles and gained a few whistles. As soon as he made it across all of them he gave the signal to start the race. and they were all off. There were sixteen participating in the race. The quads eight children, the six strays, Plato and Mistoffelees. They were all well matched and seemed to be pacing themselves. The jellicles rounded the corner and entered into the clearing outside the quads den. Gussie was sitting just under the dressers, smiling. As soon as the other's began running towards him, he pointed to the pathway in front of him. Inside the pathway they encountered Skimbleshanks blocking a narrow pathway that lead to ALOT of dens.
"Ah better not hear of any of ye cheatin!" He had yelled after them.
Mistoffelees suddenly had a mischievous grin on his face. The magic traveled through his body and he knew exactly what he was about to do. He knew h'ed be disqualifyed, but he really needed the practice. So he raised his paws over his head and he disappeared, leaving only a small trail of magic sparks behind him. At the finish line, Munkustrap stood with Demeter a few feet away, so they'd know exactly who would win. The two gave an awkward look when they heard a frightened yell.
"Wha-?"Munkustrap had uttered. All Demeter did was look up.
He, too, glanced upwards and saw the tuxedo cat falling. Quickly, he had leapt off of the box with his arms outstretched. Mistoffelees landed safely in the tabby's arms.
"Misto?" The black cat looked at Demeter a little embarassed.
"I guess I need a little more practice."
"You are of course aware that you cheated, right?"
"Yes sentinel. But I reall wanted to get better with my magic." He gave a weak smile, and Munk sat him down.
"You're right, you need more practice. Well come on, you can sit next to me."
He got up and followed Munkustrap to the box.
****
The rest of the runners had just entered the central yard, or the square. There were barracades on all of the pathways. Both Cassandra and Exotica sat on the tire, embracing. It didn't take long for them to realize that their was one path open and soon they scampered in that direction. Carbuckety and Bill Bailey kept glaring at each other. They were racing with each other not really with anyone else. Those two really looked up to Victor and George. So they've become pretty competitive with each other, as well. However, they love each other, and show it. Mungojerrie was up ahead and his eyes focused on Electra just in front of him. He licked his lips then bit her tail.
"Hey, what's your problem?" She growled.
"Now we're even." She smiled at him, with a touch of an attitude.
**Well, it looks like George and Victor are ahead of the rest.**
**Looks like Munkus' plan is working.**
Coricopat smiled. **Yeah, George seems almost like his normal self.**
Tantomile matched his smile and they observed the other's below them.
**Jenny.**
Jennyanydots was standing by the path next to the eastern entrance, across from the twins, on the ground. She looked towards them.
**Your son, George, is becoming you're headstrong, competitive son again.**
She groaned, but was very happy about that. **Jelly will be so relieved.**
They made a quick turn and began to head north. Skillfully, Tumblebrutus and Pouncival cut off Bill Bailey, and Carbuckety.
"Let's show them whose better, Bill!"
The two brown toms pounced onto the two white toms and the four rolled to a stop. They snickered and Bill and Buck immediately got up and began to run again.
Tumble groaned,"Pounce, you're sitting on me!"
The race continued as Sillabub passed by another section of dens, being blocked by Bombalurina.
"There sure are alot of dens."
Victoria passed her sister,"You keep looking at the scenary and you'll fall behind."
"Oh no! I want that yummy food."
Jemima had giggled at the youngest jellicle, before running passed Victoria and then Rumpleteazer,"See you queens later."
Teazer tried to get back in front of her but she couldn't. She peered over at Jerrie,"Can Oi bit 'er tail, too, Jerrie?"
Jemima looked back long enough to glare,"Don't even think about it Teazer."
The jellicle had reached the northeast corner of the yard and Jelly sat there knitting.
With one of her needles, she pointed west,"Almost there."
Victor and George started running faster trying to be the best. Everytime Victor ran faster, George not only matched his speed, but would run faster. Then of course, Victor would go faster.
"Keep going! Till you reach the three boxes in the northwest." Alonzo had shouted. He was laying down in the north entrance. Plato, Admetus, and Etcetera were just behind Victor and George. Plato really didn't care about the race, but was a natural runner. He had to be to outrun and lose those enforcers. Then Admetus and Cettie were running neck and neck. Every once in awhile Admetus would glance at Cettie, but she didn't seem to notice. He slowed his pace a little bit as they reached the finish line. Cettie squealed in delight as she got passed Demeter, at the finish line. After a few moments, the last ones crossed the line, they were Tumble, Pounce, and Sillabub.
"Congradulation!" Demeter had said.
Munk nodded,"Victor, you're the fastest male runner, and Etcetera-" She was giving him a sour face. "Cettie, you're the fastest female runner."
"I am?"
"Yes, you are,"Electra put her arm around the white tabby. She giggled. "And you get a delicious treat."
"Why?" They looked to the tortie, all wondering how she put up with Cettie.
"Because you won." She said calmly.
"Won what?"
"A yummy treat, now just eat it and enjoy it."
The tabby looked at her a bit confused.
"I saw that."
Admetus turned, and was faced with Plato,"Saw what?"
"You. You slowed down and let Cettie win."
The silver tom shrugged his shoulders,"She would've been the fastest female runner anyway. It wouldn't have mattered what I did."
"I guess not." ..."You're a cheater!" Admetus and Plato got cut off by George's voice.
George tackled Victor to the ground, as if he didn't just race and wasn't out of breath. Victor struggled, then used the last of his strength to roll so he'd be on top. The two toms let out growls, when George used his feet to throw Victor off of him. Both George and Victor got to their feet racing towards each other. To all the others they were fighting, but to them it was as if he never had the healing power, it was normal. Still, Admetus had quickly pulled Victor to his body, and Plato grabbed George from behind.
"That's enough."
"Admetus is right.This is normal for you two, but you shouldn't be fighting right now." Munkustrap paused, when he saw the look on George's face.
He let out a shrill scream,"NOOOO! Stop touching me! Get your PAWS OFF OF ME!!!"
Plato's eyes were wide, but immediately let go off him. George shivered, but instantly ran off.
Victor began to struggle,"George wait."
Admetus sighed as he let Victor go. He ran after George, and they all looked to Munkustrap. "What was that all about?" Plato asked.
It was one of his first times where he willingly touched someone else, but they were afraid of his touch. Demeter was now sitting next to Munkustrap, and Mistoffelees was on his other side.
"Plato, you have deep scars, some still visible right. Remember telling me that some days you can still feel....uh the calws and the pain?"
Plato gasped and put a paw over his mouth,"Oh Rumpus...don't tell me."
"I'm so sorry Plato. He must've felt it, too. You'll probably still feel that pain, but George's healing has erased all of your visible scars."
The ginger white tom began to shiver. "How could I do that to George?"
"It wasn't your fault." He didn't notice until that moment, that Admetus was embracing him. And that Admetus' paw was stroking his back. Plato didn't flinch or back away, he was surprised when he leaned into his touch.
"Alright, shows over. Go back to your dens."
Munkustrap smiled, even though Admetus didn't have any real authority. It didn't even surprise him, when all the jellicles obeyed him. The quad's children had already started heading back to their dens by the quads den. Mistoffelees bowed as he headed to the north entrance to head back to his human's house. Cettie, Leccy, and Jemmie all hasd their own dens near Cassandra, Exotica, and Plato's dens. Pounce and Tumble shared a den in the east path next to the dark twins den. Admetus, he lived in the pathway opposite of Munk's den. He lived in the last one, surrounded by empty dens. Admetus started to let go of Plato, but as he did, Plato lifted his arms and wrapped them tightly around Admetus. Munkustrap noticed Demeter's sympathetic stare and nuzzled her neck. She mewed in pleasure, completely caught off-guard. Admetus regripped Plato in his arms and began to pet his fur again. He looked up at Admetus and his long mane covered up some of his face.
"Please...I, I don't want to be alone tonight."
Admetus tucked Plato's ginger mane behind his face and smiled,"Alright a sleep-over it is then."
Both Admetus and Munkustrap bowed their heads as the two pairs walked off in different directions.
****
Alonzo walked leisurely through the yard. He was in a very good mood, considering the way he's been feeling recently. He almost had the urge to whistle, almost. Or course, as soon as he entered the square, his good mood dropped and a heavy panic seeped in. He was on his way to Munkustrap and Demeter's den, since it was already night-fall. But as soon as he saw Munkustrap laying on that tire, he just knew something was wrong. Rapidly, he jolted to the tire. As he got closer tears rolled down his eyes. Munkustrap was drenched in his own blood.
"Al-"Munk weezed.
"Don't I'll get Jelly, and I'll warn the dark twins. Sh...Sh...You'll be okay."
Weakly, Munkustrap took hold of Alonzo's arm and Alonzo pulled him to his chest.
"You...She.."
"Munk, please, let me get-"
No...Deme, her...dreams. It w-was hor-rible."
"Did, did she do this to you?" Alonzo croaked.
Munk looked away,"You, h...have...to go a-after her. S-She's-" He took a jagged breath,"She's...in tr..troub..le.."
Munkustrap went limp in Alonzo's arms and he held on tighter to Munkustrap, crying. His sobbing grew harder, but he made up his mind, to go find Demeter. He dropped his hold on Munkustrap and raced out of the yard. Almost immediatley after he stepped out of the yard he heard a crazed scream. He headed to the south in the direction of the screm. But soon he had heard an agonizing and painful screech. His legs picked up speed to save Munkustraps beloved. As soon as he got there he saw two unknown figures kill Demeter.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"He screamed in a fit of rage and sadness. "You killed HER!"
One of the figure's reached out to him, but his claws slashed across its face. The other figure grabbed him from behind, and he began to scream and cry as he struggled to get free.
"Sh! Alonzo! Alonzo, stop. It's me, Munkustrap."
At once, the night air, and Demeter's dead body vanished. Alonzo realized he was in Munk and Deme's den.
"It was just a nightmare."
Alonzo stopped struggling and his breathing grew more heavy. Munkustrap rubbed his head against the back of Alonzo's head, trying to calm him down. His body was still shaking violently. "Alonzo..." Munkustrap began to purr, and the sound of his purr, eased Alonzo, calming him down. He wiped away his tears, but immediately his body tensed. He looked at his paws, and saw fresh blood. Munkustrap held on tighter when Alonzo looked to the side at Demeter. She was standing there worried for Alonzo. She was holding the side of her face, but Alonzo saw the blood trickle down underneath. "No..."He breathed.
"Alonzo stop."
"Yeah, it wasn'-"
"NOO! Let go of me!!" He elbowed Munk's stomach and dashed out of their den.
"Wait, Alonzo." Both of them ran out of their den and saw Alonzo head to the north entrance, and out of the yard.
"Skat!" Munkustrap hissed, but curved his arms around Demeter's body. She realaxed in his arms,"Munk..."
He looked down at her,"Yes, beloved?"
"That, well, that wasn't just a nightmare."
He frowned, knowing all the times he woke up to Demeter acting the same way. He swallowed hard,"I know."
****FIN
-Illustrations of Year One, By Extwo