"You doing okay, with Alonzo gone?" Admetus asked bluntly.
"I try not to think about it." Plato let out a long sigh.
"Well, he'll come back, I'm sure of it."
When Plato's body suddenly tensed, Admetus gazed up. Victor came forward with his arms around George. They were standing right in front of Admetus and Plato. Both George and Plato looked away from each other. He felt his strength weakening, but Admetus' paw on his shoulder relaxed him, considerably. Both Admetus and Victor gave the two uncomfortable toms a small push. George had shivered when he felt Plato's hot breath on his ear.
"Look George..."
George raised his head to look at Plato.
"I'm sorry,"the two had rapidly said in unison.
"What are you sorry for?"
"Well, because I touched you...why are you sorry?"
"For...for all that Macavity put you through. It was..." His breathing grew huskier, and his paw gripped the middle of his chest.
At once, Plato pulled George into a protective embrace. His eye grew wide at the contact, and the pain. When he touched him a month ago, he was too preoccupied to notice it. Quickly, the pain turned into a rush of continuous power rushing through every corner of his body. George must've sensed his fear. He tried to back away from his touch, but Plato held on tighter.
"George, don't apologize. You did nothing wrong. I shouldn't have touched you. I just shouldn't have caused you to expirence what I did."
"No, it wasn't-"
"Okay, you two should stop blaming yourselves. What's done is done..." Admetus had said.
He was standing up and off to the side. Victor was over standing next to Admetus. George nervously agreed with Admetus, but made no move to leave Plato's arms. Victor smiled, obviously coming up with an idea. He made his way to George and forcifully pushed him out of Plato's arms. He shot Victor a quizzical and almost hurtful look, not an angry look.
Victor growled,"Don't think I don't know what you're doing, I'm not stupid. You're getting all the attention, and hogging the spotlight."
Plato had backed away when he saw the look George gave Victor. He kept backing up, until he ran into Admetus.
"That's it,"George forced a snarl, but it was obvious that he was smiling.
He pounced onto Victor biting his ear. George had felt the bite marks on his ear, like he was biting his own ear. Then Victor kicked and punched to get free, and he too, felt the kicking and punching. Though the two were just playing and trying to be normal, it was obvious. It was obvious that the two were just doubling the pain, that they were both in. Yet, they continued to fight, because every bruise, and scratch they received would soon be gone as George's power worked. Admetus had only rolled his eyes. In front of him, Plato was snickering under his breath. Finally, the pulled apart, breathing heavily. Victor shakily got to his feet, using Admetus' strong, and built, arm as leverage. George, though, was still on the ground, violently shaking. He struggled to control his breathing. and his vision waivered. All of that healing had taken a great deal out of George.
"George?"
He squinted his eyes, and carefully shook his head to keep the other's to stay back. He used his two paws to steady his head, and concentrated on breathing straight. After he accomplished that, he worked on his faltering vision. Finally, he weakly stood on his feet.
"Okay, I'm fine now."
Plato let out a breath that he had unknowingly been holding. Victor's paw had squeezed Admetus' arm.
"George, Victor, I don't think you two should fight anymore. Something worse could happen to George."
Both toms bowed their heads, but still nodded in obedience.
Then Victor began to laugh,"But you got to admit the pain was really worth it."
"It really was,"George smiled.
****
Munkustrap was sitting in the back corner with his knees drown up to his chest, and his head buried in his knees. Demeter was on their bed, obviously having a dream. His eyes were shut, but he wasn't asleep, he was very much awake. Demeter had been, and still was attempting to get Munkustrap to stop thinking about Alonzo. It never worked, that's all he could think about. He didn't know when it had happened, but he and Alonzo were very close. he felt closer to Alonzo, then he did to Tugger. There was just something deep down, and he even felt closer to Alonzo than an older brother is supposed to feel. Still, he knew that Alonzo had felt it too, and was very attached to Munkustrap as well. But of course, Alonzo usually denied feeling closer to his brother than he was supposed to feel, but it was still there. Thinking about Alonzo should have depressed him, but he was strangely calm. He imagined Alonzo pressed against his back, whispering to him that everything would be okay. Then he'd feel his strong arms wrapped around his own and Alonzo's distinct purr. Munkustrap had let out a choked laugh, but sounded more like a sob.
"Alonzo..."Demeter had a smile on her face.
Immediately, his good mood faded, and he frowned. His head was up, observing his mate. Now all he could think about was never seeing Alonzo again.
**How can everything be alright??**
He shook his head not really beleiving his made up Alonzo's words.
**No, nothing is ever going to be okay.**
He bit his lower lip, thinking about Alonzo. Only this time he wasn't thinking anything good, only bad things. Every thought he had always ended the same way. At the end, Alonzo was always laying in a puddle of blood, his blood, dead. His eyes went wide at the sight Alonzo would look like, if he were dead. Suddenly, Demeter sat up, breathing hard. She frantically glanced around her den, until she spotted Munkustrap. She seemed to be very happy until she saw him. As if she suddenly remembered that Alonzo was no longer at the tribe.
"He's gone.."
Munkustrap nodded in response. He seemed incredibly calm, but his anger, sadness, and panic was already rushing to his surface. She clamped a paw over her mouth, knowing her mistake. She had seen the hurt in his eyes.
"Munk, I'm...I didn't mean...I-Let's talk about something else."
His eyes were focused on the floort, but he did shake his head no.
"Come on Munk. We need to get you out of here and back to normal."
He glared at her, but tried to calm himself.
"I am sorry, beloved," He said through gritted teeth,"but you know things can't...I tried to act normal, I just can't."
He swallowed hard,"You know what happened when I did."
She solemnly nodded her head,"Cettie is fine, by the way. She probably won't even remember it ever happened a month from now."
He gave her a half smile, before frowning again.
"So why don't we go check on Plato and see how he's doing?"
"No."
"No?"
"He's fine, he's got Admetus to help him."
"Yeah, but his brother is gone, and his other two brother's are sulking. Don't you think you should pull yourself together to be there for him."
He started to nod, but then his mind focused on 'his brother is gone'.
He stubbornly stood up,"I can't, sorry Deme."
"But Munk, the poor thing needs-"
He needs...what about me? What about Alonzo?"
"Alonzo, he's a good fighter...he can take care of himself. You, you'll be fine, you only need to learn how to cope."
"Cope? COPE!? I'm not going to cope, I refuse!"
"You're so stubborn."
"I'm stubborn? Let me ask you something Deme. How are you dealing with all of this? What would you do if you found out that Alonzo was in trouble, or worse...dead?"
"I..."Demeter downcasted her eyes, head hung low, as she too, stood up. "I would...I-I don't know."
Munkustrap rolled his paws into fists and let ou a very threatening growl.
"I'm going after him, Deme, and I'm going to bring him back home."
Normally, when he'd say something along those lines, she would fight him on it.
But, she didn't, she looked into his face, and sighed,"Alright, I'm going with you. We should visit with the dark twins, see if they've discovered anything new."
"Really? You're, you're coming with me?
"Of course, I don't act like it, but I'm very worried about him."
"Let's go then." He took her paw in his and the two left their den.
****
Tugger groaned in aggrivation. He opened his eyes, and again let out another groan. A female's arm was causually laid across his chest. She was a mature, russian blue queen. Carefully, Tugger peeled her arm off of his chest and got into a sitting postion. He covered his face with his paws, his shoulders were hunched, and a heavy sigh escaped his lips. Last night was mostly a blur to him, well the past week was mostly a blur. There were many countless cats, and most of them were nameless and faceless to him. He peeked his eyes over at the queen. She was peacefully sleeping in the sheets, in the back room of Tugger's favorite night-club. There were a few other's couples, lying around the room. He thought back, remembering when he had first walked into the night-club. There was the three princesses that he recognized right away. The brown himalayan, Leoni, the white calico, Rikku, and the black tuxedo, Amanda. They were of course still very young, but Tugger knew they'd be very good looking queens, once they got older. The three were twirling, dancing, and spinning. They were obviously having alot of fun as well. Normally, young kittens like them aren't allowed to be in a night-club. Tugger assumed that one of their father's owned it, and that's why they were always there. He had sauntered in the opposite direction of the three princesses. In the mood he had been in over the past month, keeping his distance from the three young kittens would be best. As he walked through the crowd another queen had bumped against him. At first, he didn't notice it, since he was still in a daze. But when he felt one paw wrap around his neck and another making circular motions on his chest he snapped to the reality of the night-club. He really couldn't focus on her face, but he did observe her as being a russian blue queen. He let out a low growl, and he roughly lead her into the back room. Now, he still sat there as he watched the queen in the sheets. She still hadn't budged, and looked completely satisfied. Silently, Tugger got up and headed for the door. He eased out of the door and back into the main room. During the day, the night-club was just a normal pub. In the middle of the room Bustopher Jones and Gus, the theatre cat, were sitting. They were both sipping on their drinks, and catching up with each other's lives. Tugger looked around confused.
**It's already morning?**
He even lost track of time, everything just kind of blended together. Hastily, he left and found himself outside. The sun was high in the sky indicating that it was not morning, but late afternoon. He growled out in frustration. He did, however,, continue walking down the street, well walk-way, beside the street. That night club was a decent walk back to the yard, but not ridiculously far. There were of course many different streets and wuite a few humans that Tugger had passed. There had also been a few cats, whether they were normal cats or jellilces, Tugger didn't know or care. But he'd get whistles and a few cat calls everytime he passed one of them. He crossed one oddly wide street, before observing the field out in ront of him. The junkyard was now in plain sight, and he began his walk across the field. As he walked, he finally let his thoughts wander. They settled on Alonzo, a thought which he had been avoiding, ever since he had heard what happened. But as he got closer to the yard, thoughts about Alonzo grew. He wanted to believe that one he got back to the yard, Alonzo would be there to greet him. No matter how hard he tried, he just knew that Alonzo wasn't there. He waltzed into the yard, not feeling very well. The first jellicle that he saw was Bombalurina. She was all alone, seemingly content while cleaning herself. Tugger was extremely greatful that the first he had laid eyes on was a queen. And not one of the kittens, or any of the toms. Of course, being the Tugger, it didn't matter whether it was a queen or tom. A lay was a lay, but he didn't know any tom's in his particular tribe that would be willing to. His mind then wandered to one tom, Admetus. Admetus had grew up on the streets, and therefore had different morals and a different aspect on life. If he lived on the streets he probably learned to take comfort, food and shelter, whereever he could find it. Which Tugger assumed that Admetus would be like him, a lay was a lay, no matter what gender. He stored that thought in the back of his mind to try at another time. He worked his best smile, messed up his curl a bit, and then readjusted his mane. He got closer to her, walking with attitude. Bombalurina knew who was coming towards her, but refused to look up. She continued licking her arms, just as he stopped right in front of her.
"Hey, Bomb."
Still, she didn't look up and worked her way to her shoulders.
He squinted his eyes at her and growled,"What...you can't tell me you're still mad at me for that."
She finally lifted her head to meet his,"What if I am?"
"But that happened so long ago!"
She had started to scream and yell at him, but she didn't. Alonzo had popped in her head and she calmed down her temper. The maine coon had his own problems and she didn't need to add herself as one of them.
She put a flirty smile on her face,"It was a long time ago, wasn't it?" She continued, when she saw him nod his head,"So, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
He forced a fake smile,"So how is Bomb, today?"
"I'm clean..."
He suddenly frowned as he leaned closer. She looked at him confused, thinking that this would lead to problems.
**Just don't get upset, until he leaves.** She kept thinking to herself.
Tugger got even closer, so close that there noses were nearly touching. She felt his warm breath travel down to her neck. She also saw his eyes wandering down her entire body. She was glaring at him, but bit her tongue to keep her temper from flaring. He focused his attention to a small spot on her neck. "You missed a spot."
Before she could utter a witty comment, before she could let her temper take control, before she even knew what was happening, a small gasp tumbled out of her mouth. His tongue was attacking her neck, but then made a trail to her jawline up to the corner of her mouth. His eyes looked into her wide shocked eyes, and he automatically realized what he was doing. He stopped and pulled away, with his head hung low. But before he could move anywhere, Bombalurina had her arms flung around Tugger's neck. He looked up in surprise just to have he lips crashed against his. He roughly gripped her waist, and she wrapped her legs around his own waist. Tugger kept his eyes open as he searched for the nearest den, located near the east entrance. The only sound any of them could hear was the sound of each other's purring.
****
Both Tantomile and Coricopat were near the east entrance. They were sitting on the balcony, like they normally did; especially during emergencies. They had been desperately searching for Alonzo's mind, but he had set up a bunch of barriers and defenses for them to conquer. Still, they had a small break from their search and observed Tugger and Bomb.
**Seems like you don't have to break her heart after all.**
**It wouldn't have broken her heart. She would've been fine, after a few days.**
**Well, how are you doing?**
**I'm fine, Tomie. I'll find the one, one day.**
**I'm sure you will. We all will.**
**They're coming. We should probably find him soon.**
**It's about time they got here.**
Coricopat laughed,**You're right, it is about time.**
The twins opened their minds and their search began again. They found Alonzo's mind, even though they had no idea where he was. And they once again began to breakdown the barrier. It was very exhausting, at least for their minds. They concentrated and worked in sync, like always. Both hoped and prayed that this would be the last barrier, but then again they had been hoping that for the past seventy-two barriers. Who knew a substitute sentinel had so many defenses? Then again, he was one of Old Deuteronomy's sons. All of Old Deuteronomy's sons had very complex minds and it was always hard for the twins to read their minds, even Tugger. Their work became more strainuous, but they only focused and tried harder. Back at the bottom of the balcony, Munkustrap and Demeter stood. A loud, yet pleasurable scream was heard, followed by a rough grunt. Demeter shook her head and began to climb up to the dark twins. Munkutsrap followed after her with a knowing smirk on his face. They made their way onto the balcony, sat beside the pair, and only silently observed them. But when a sharp yelp flowed out of Tantomile's mouth, Demeter had jumped into Munkustrap. Coricopat blinked his eyes and shook his head. The twins took a second to recollect themselves, before turing to acknowlegde Demeter and Munkustrap.
"Tantomile, Coricopat,...I'm assuming that you two already know why we're here."
Coricopat still had a comforting paw around Tantomile,"We do. Sentinel, it seems as though we've discovered where he's hiding."
"But we're not sure how long he;ll stay there."
"We should leave immediately then."
Munkustrap looked the twins in the eye,"Is...is he alright?"
Coricoapt nodded his head,"Yes, Alonzo is fine."
"But he does seem very confused. Deme, do you think you should go?"
She glared,"What are you saying? Of course I'm going. I'm not afraid of Alonzo!"
"That's not what I meant."
"Well then, what did you you mean?"
"He seemed confused and hurt..."
"He hates himself for what he's done to you." coricopat finished Tantomile's sentence.
Munkustrap had quickly placed a paw around Demeter's waist. He leaned in and gave Demter a light kiss in order to comfort her. She thought it over in her head. The other three gave her a momen'ts peace as she took in the new information.
"So where is he?" Munkustrap asked.
"He's hiding inside an abandoned room. The entrance is in a desolate alleyway, two streets east of Tugger's night club."
Munkustrap smiled and immediately stood up.
However, Demeter stood up with him,"I need to see him, and I want to go with you."
"Alright then, we'd better hurry before he bolts again."
She nodded at him, and the two made their way back to the ground. Tantomile and Coricopat just watched them as they exited out of the east entrance.
Tantomile sighed,"Do you think they know yet?"
Coricopat resisted a smile,"Not a clue."
****
Peacefully, Jenny and Jelly laid just outside the entrance of the den, together. Their tails were twirled together. The two queens were keeping an eye on their two toms, and of course their children. Sillabub was sitting on top of Skimbleshanks shoulder's, laughing. Gussie was close by playing catch with Bill Bailey, Tumblebrutus, and Pouncival. Near Victoria's den sat Cettie, Leccy, Jemmie, and Viccy. The four were chatting away, and every once in awhile they'd start to giggle. Jenny and Jelly could only assume that they were talking about toms, the Rum Tum Tugger in particular. Just beyond Rumpleteazer sat alone. Without her twin, she had been real upset lately. Jenny lightly tapped Jelly, then pointed in Carbuckety's direction. He was laying on his back cleaning his arms. Usually he was hyper, playful, and happy.
"He's unusually calm today, Jenny."
She nodded her head, "It's strange, isn't it?"
"Mommy! Look at me!"
Both Jenny and Jelly snapped their heads up, watching Sillabub and Skimbleshanks. She had her arms stretched out, as if she were flying. Skimble had a tight hold of Sillabub's legs as he began to pick up speed into a light jog. She giggled and closed her eyes.
"Dearest! She'll fall if you're not careful."
"Have faith in us, beloved, she'll be fine."
Jelly rubbed her paw on Jenny's paw,"You worry too much Jenny."
Skimble agreed, until Sillabub squeezed her legs around his neck.
Instantly, he had stopped,"Ay, you're chokin' me, lass."
She had covered her face with her paws. The sweet accent of her father clamed her a bit, and she relaxed her legs.
"Sorry..."She mumbled.
"No worries, lass." He sat her gentley down in between Jenny and Jelly before laying down beside Jenny. He raised one leg and drapped it over both Jenny and Jelly. They laid there in a peaceful silence. The only movement between them, was Sillabub playing their tails. As they laid there, they gazed out by the square. George was laying across Admetus' legs, on top of the tire. Admetus had spoken something and then pointed. Below them Victor and Plato were taking turns dancing. At least that's what it looked like to Jenny, Jelly, and Skimble.
"Who would have thought that they would get along?"
"It makes sense Jelly."
"How so, Skimble?"
"Think about it, Jenny...Those four are socially unstable. Misfits, for ah more impolite term. It works fer 'em."
His two queens sighed and looked back at the four misfits. Skimble was smiling at his youngest daughter.
"Heads up!"
At once, Skimble caught the ball before it hit Sillabub.
Gussie had sprinted to Skimble with his paw out,"Good catch."
Bill Bailey's ears drouped as he stood behind Tumblebrutus and Pouncival. The two white tom snickered,"He did it."
They were pointing at Billie, and Billie blushed with embarassment.
Skimble gave the ball to Gussie,"Ye sure play hard, don't ye?"
Gussie nodded,"It's the only way to play."
"Yeah!" "Your dad is cool, Bill!"
Gussie caressed the side of Skimble's cheek, then scampered back to Billie, Tumble, and Pounce.
"Wlright,"Gussie chimed as he began to throw the ball,"Go long Pounce!"
Quickly, Pounce began to run.His eyes followed the ball as he picked up speed. The ball began it's descend, and Pouncival jumped up and caught it. A bunch of girlish screams started up once he landed. He noticed that he landed in the middle of where the four princesses were sitting. Lucky for them, they had jumped to their feet, before he landed on any of them.
"Hiya, girls!" He said cheerfully. But then he noticed their peirced eyes, and one very pissed of Tortie, with her arms crossed. He quickly and nervously got to his feet and ran back to Tumblebrutus. The four princesses retook their seats with a simultaneous thud.
Cettie observed her angered friend and squealed,"Isn't Tugger the cutest?"
The other's began to laugh, but agreed, and even Leccy's lips began to twitch.
She finally spread a smile on her face,"I wish he was here right now."
Rumpleteazer was still sitting beyond them and she rolled her eyes. Jemima glanced back at Rumpleteazer as she walked away, out of sight. She frowned, but when Carbuckety started walking after her, Jemmie smiled again. She watched as he, too, vanished. She thought her power was trying to tell her something, but then a paw landed on her arm. She jumped and spun around.
Victoria drew back her paw,"Are you okay?"
Jemmie smiled,"Yes, I'm fine, Viccy."
Meanwhile, at the south entrance, Rumpleteazer was pacing. She was debating whether or not to leave and look for Jerrie. Of course she wouldn't leave, she knew no good would come of it. Finally, she stopped and her ears flattened out of sadness. She was silly, but she hoped that Jerrie would walk into the yard any minute and scold her for not being goofy. It was a silly thought and false hope, but it did keep her mind preoccupied for a few seconds. Her eyes gazed into the distanced as she searched for her twin. There was nothing, just an empty space followed by more dens. Behind the dens was a small strip of dirt. Following west on the strip of sirt would lead to the railway station, where Skimbleshanks obviuously works.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!" Teazer shrieked, when another jellicle had pounced on her.
They were both on the ground. Teazer whipped around see Carbuckety on top of her.
She bared her teeth,"Buck! Get your stripp'd butt off of meh!"
He quickly obeyed her, but couldn't help it, as giggles flew out of his mouth. His tail flailed about as he rolled about on the ground.
"Ya thin' this is funny Buck?" She continued to watch him," 'Ey! Stop laughin'!"
Frantically, he got to his feet and grew silent. Her foot began to tap in impatience.
"Why are ya 'ere?" Teazer asked.
She had never been that close to him. Really, Mungojerrie, Victoria, and Sillabub were the only siblings she was closest to.
"I thought that you-"
"Ya thought? Buck, ya neva thin'."
"Teazer, you're lonely without Jerrie. So we should, uhhh....talk, you know....girly stuff."
"Why don' ya jus' leave? Go away!!!"
"But Teazer-"
"Don' but Teaza me."
His ears went backwards for a moment. Yet somehow he gained enough courage.
"I'm not leaving."
"Wha'? Yes, ya-"
Carbuckety had slid his paw in hers and twirled her to him. "I know what'll cheer you up."
She blinked her eyes at him, clearly confused.
He smiled breifly down at her,"Come on."
He dragged her out of the yard and headed for the city. "So what's the best place to steal from?"
****
MAcavity was pacing about in his office. He had been angry since his enforcer's failed him. The others avoided their boss, but when they had to face him the never mentioned the failed mission. Mungojerrie was in the room alone with Macavity, nervously watching his boss. Since Macavity was starting to like Mungojerrie, it was Mungojerrie that had to explain everything to Macavity. The jellicles names as Jemima, and how she began to realize she had powers. He told Macavity that the yard had known ahead of time, and showed up with reinforcements. The fact that there were five other jellicle cats with Jemima at the time. He gave Macavity the names of the other jellicles: Admetus, Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, Electra, and Etcetera. Macavity stopped and looked at Jerrie,"Admetus?"
Jerrie nodded his head,"Yes, 'e's a brown 'n Silva tabby. Why? Wha' is it, boss?"
Macavity started back up with his pacing,"Nothing, just a hunch."
He frowned and Mungojerrie decided to change the subject,"So, boss, Oi ran inta Plato, awhile ago."
Macavity was instantly staring Jerrie in his face,"What did you say?"
Jerrie shuddered, but could tell that Macavity was using every once of strength to keep his voice down.
"Plato....ya brotha',"Jerrie whispered.
"Can't be...He's still alive?"
"Yes,"Jerrie squeaked.
"How???!!! He should be dead by now!" Macavity was shouting now. Macavity grabbed Jerrie by the shoulder's and hissed at him.
"Boss,...if it makes ya feel betta..." He had Macavity's attention, and continued,"Plato's very...uh, flinchy. 'E isn' doin' too well wi'h physical contact. Plus Oi imgaine 'e's still sufferein'emotional 'n mental damage."
Macavity girnned, letting go of Jerrie. "Can Oi speak freely 'bout Plato, sir?"
Macavity nodded, mentally preparing himself. Just in case he had to take Jerrie to the dungeons.
"Keepin' Plato alive, seems ta meh, loike ah much worse punishment then jus' killin' 'im. Very good work, ...sir."
"I like you Jerrie."
"He'd better, I recruited you."
They turned and saw Exotica emerge from the shadows. She certainly was getting better with her powers. The two toms smiled at the burmese as she walked closer to them. "Nice conversational skills by the way."
"Thankya, Xottie. Though, Oi don' really know wha' ya mean."
Exotica giggled to herself.
"So Xottie, tell me, how did my...How did Plato survive?"
Xottie raised her brow in deep thought,"I still don't understand how he got to the yard, but Munkustrap, Alonzo, and Tugger rushed him to Jelly once he collapsed in the yard."
Macavity gazed at her,"So Jelly saved him?"
"For the most part, but Alonzo helped out quite a bit, as well."
Macavity looked at her confused,"Bast, I forgot he has our blood type. Add him..."
"Huh?"
They both looked to Mungojerrie.
Macavity flexed his arms out in front of him,"After Plato is good and dead, Alonzo will be next."
Exotica smirked at the two toms.
"So Xottie, can you tell me where Alonzo is right now? Or what he's doing?"
Obiedently, Xottie closed her eyes and began her search. After what seemed like ages, she located him. He was holding his knees, rocking back and forth. The brown tabby was sitting in the back corner of an abandoned room. She couldn't figure it out, but then immediately Exotica recognized where Alonzo was. It was the mystical training grounds, but was only open during the summer. It never got terribly cold in the city. Usualy just a chilly breeze during the winter's. Though the nights were fairly cold. Still, there were some radical winters, when it would get so cold, that it would snow once or twice. It was February, and this winter was not one of them, at best it was a little nippy. The tom was so distraught and confused that Exotica had to suddenly shutdown her mind. Macavity eyed her and Mungojerrie only raised an eyebrow. Exotica knew how close Alonzo was to the empire and knew Macavity would just kill him now; face it, he was easy prey.
"Well?"
"Alonzo, is sitting on the tire at his post, as usual, Maccy."
Macavity placed an arm around her,"Has he found....a mate?"
"No."
"And what of the others?"
Exotica knew what he meant. But Mungojerrie was surprised to learn that he had relatives in the yard, besides Plato.
"Tugger should be obvious, though, he and Bombalurina seem to be getting closer."
Macavity kept a blank stare, but signalled her to continue.
"Munkustrap and Demeter are together. And I doubt Plato will get a mate, not anytime soon."
Macavity thought over what she had said. He wanted to laugh, since his two half-brothers were with queens he had already violated, even Plato. Risty had been beaten, abused, and violated by him, before being handed over to other nameless cats, that is until Plato came along.
"And what of the Old Gramps?"
Mungojerrie was observing Exotica. He noticed an unusual glint in her eyes and concluded that she was using her power without actually closing her eyes and concentrating.
"He's peacefully sleeping with his human at the moment."
Macavity nodded and started to say something more when they heard a knock on the door. "Come in."
Hesitantly, the door creaked open and Griddlebone stepped forward. She looked at the trio, before clearing her throat.
"Hey,...hansome,"She said with a little regret. She bravely stepped forward and looked him in the eyes.
He sweetly placed an arm around her. She gave him a quick kiss, then pulled away.
"Ummm..."
Exotica and Mungojerrie looked away in complete uncomfortable silence.
Griddlebon began again,"Can, May I go see Sylvia?"
Macavity grinned,"You are my mistress, so why can't you see princess Sylvia?"
She bit her lip,"Thank you."
He nodded as he let go of her,"Mungojerrie, escort Griddlebone to Sylvia's room, would you?"
"No problem, boss. Roight this way Lady Griddlebone."
He lead Griddlebone to the door and Exotica followed.
"Hold it, Xottie." She turned around. "I'm not finished with you yet." He closed the door behind Jerrie and Griddlebone, then locked it.
The two headed down the hallway, and kept going down the middle once they reached the fork.
"Ya're lookin' very pretty today, Lady Griddlebone."
"Stop with the flattering, and drop the formalities, Jerrie."
"Not ah big fan of Lady Griddlebone, ay Gridds?"
They walked down the stairs, and she glared. He had been spending more time with Exotica, and picked up on her nickname for her. On ground level, they began to walk past several rooms. Finally, they reached the four-way, the hallway they were in, one just ahead of them, one to their left, and one to their right. The one to the left lead straight to the exit/entrance. The one to the right connected to another hall, where you could reach the enforcer's lounge and their training grounds. The two kept walking straight. Many rooms were passed and even though there was alot of noise, the two found themselves in a very uncomfortable silence. Still, they had reached the end of the hall. Sylvia's room was the last door, but wasn't on the left or right, just straight ahead. To the right were two huge doors. One of them lead to a square or courtyard, outside. The other was went underground, to a whole underground system, or community, with many other rooms, considering how big the empire is, but is also where the really sick things take place. There's easy access to dungeons, well two huge toms, guard the entrance. Plus there is a tunnel that leads up into the mystics training room, two or three blocks away.
"Hope ya enjoy ya visit, Gridds,"Jerrie said, while opening the door.
Sylvia was laying on a bunch of blankets in the middle of the floor. When she heard the door open she bolted up, smiling. She was expecting Lucious, but did find it strange. Since Lucious always knocked before entering her room.
"Sylvia, how are you doing?"
Their mother had died while giving birth to Sylvia, regretablly in the empire. So, Sylvia has always lived and belonged to the empire. However, Griddlebone was much older than she was. And she treated Sylvia more like her daughter than her sister.
"Hey sissy...hey Jerrie."
Jerrie gave them a big old smile, before deciding to leave them alone.
"Jerrie, uh, do you know where Lu...the enforcers might be?"
"Why would you want to know that?" Griddlebone practically screamed.
"Just curious."
"Don't get involved with the likes of them. No, I forbid it, I don't even want to see you talking to any of them."
She looked to Jerrie.
"Roight, Oi beleive they are out in the coity. Macavity wasn' in the mood ta see 'em, so they're jus' relaxin' 'n...ya know, sightseein'."
She started to laugh and he took that as his signal to leave. "You can't forbid me!"
"I can too!"
"No you can't. You're not my mother!!!"
"That's not fair, Sylvia."
"No, it's not. Besides, Macavity won't be too fond of me not speaking with the enforcers."
"But mayb I can work something out?"
"No, I already have a feeling that I'll be one of the enforcer's sluts, when I come of age, anyway."
"Look, Sylvia-"
"You know I'm right."
Griddlebon let out a long defeated sigh. Her little sister still sat in the blankets, but had looked away. Lovingly, Griddlebone laid down in the blankets and wrapped Sylvia in her arms.
"Things will somehow work out for you."
She glanced at Griddlebone with disbeleiving eyes and pain that a princess like her should never go through.
"It's probably too late for me, Sylvia, but things will workout for you, I feel it."
She kissed the young princess on the forhead, then tightened her grasp around her.
****
The room was dark and silent. He had thought the silence would get to him, but so many things were screaming in his head, that he didn't even notice the silence. He vaguely remembered his dream, but he's had so many new and much more frightening dreams since then. But of course he'd never forget the look on her face. It haunted him even when he was awake. He covered his face hoping to get rid of it. He just wanted it to end. The nightmares, his guilt, the haunting images, his thoughts, just everything. He had never thought of death or suicide before. He always thought that he was better and stronger than that. But he didn't know any other way to stop his nightmares. Some of them were so real, that he was sure that it had happened He was so caught up in his thoughts, otherwise he would've sensed the intruders. Finally, he made up his mind of what to do, but refused to get up.
"There he is,"Demeter whispered. They got closer to him, but not too close.
Then Munkustrap spoke up,"Alonzo." Silence was the response, So he raised his voice just a little,"Alonzo!"
The brown tabby tensed up at his voice, but managed to shake his head. He still didn't look up though.
"Alonzo, please, look at me." He went to touch him, but Demeter stopped him.
Sweetly, he reassured Demeter, and then stepped towards ALonzo. He eased his way to him and curved his arms around Alonzo. Alonzo inhaled a sharp gasp at the contact. "Everything's going to be alright."
His body relaxed a little bit, but for some reason he still believed his mind was making up the Munkustrap holding him.
Demeter bravely stepped forward,"Alonzo, we want you back at the yard."
Instantly, his head was up and he saw Demeter and Munkustrap. Then he saw a faint scar on Demeter's cheek and his eyes went wide.
"No, I can't."
"But why? We want, we need...I want you to come back."
"Yes Alonzo, it'll be much better there."
"You don't get it, anywhere I am, I get those nightmares..."
"There's something we need to tell you."
"Your nightmares, Alonzo, well there's more to them. You know how I have dreams that are sometimes about a possible future."
Alonzo only looked at her, still full of guilt.
"Well, me and the twins think you have something really similar."
"My...It might come true?!" He suddenly gripped ahold of Munkustrap.
The silver tabby bared his teeth, when Alonzo's claws entered into his arms.
"If you tell us about it, we might be able to figure it out. That way it won't come true."
He remained silent. His brother broke the silence,"So, will you come back with us?"
He got up slowly, but lowered his head, when he was faced with Demeter. "I can't."
"But I want you to come back with us."
"After what I did to you?"
She didn't think it over. All she did was raise his chin to meet hers, and then quickly smashed her lips on his. He looked at her with shocked eyes. However, when the shock wore off he attempted to push her off of him, but she wouldn't let him. Panic began to rise in him, until he felt Munkustrap pressed against his back. When he felt a blush rise to his face, he pondered if this was still his dream, or was it actually real. That's when he realized that Demeter was pressed against his frontside and Munkustrap was pressed against his backside. He let out a moan, then broke the kiss. Demeter frowned, seeing as how his eyes still seemed blank, even if his body was telling a different story.
"I...Is this real?"
He let out a startled yelp when Munkustrap lightly bit the back of his neck with his paws tightly holding onto Alonzo's waist. Alonzo's eyes rolled up as he breathed heavily. "I...I guess tha'...That's a yes. Wow!" He took a second to calm his breathing,"I suppose I needed a jolt back to reality. Thank you."
Demeter seemed a little down,"So are you coming home with us?"
"Yes,"Alonzo smiled.
Munkustrap clamped a free paw down on Alonzo's shoulder,"I'm glad you're back with the living."
Alonzo rolled his eyes, nodded, but suddenly felt embarassed. Seeing as how they were still pressed against his body.
"Will...Will I still get them?"
Demeter gave him a small smile,"Yes, but not all of them are bad. You'll get through it, especially with all your worrying brother's to help you."
They all let out nervous chuckles,"Let's get out of here."
****
Lucious, Lucifer, and Otrox walked down the path. They were near the night club, but of course, being in the middle of the day it was just a harmless pub. All three had been working together now for two and a half months. And Lucious and Otrox still didn't get along. Otrox was insubordinate, didn't tolerate rules, and was cold and ruthless. He probably killed more cats than Lucious and Lucifer combined and he is younger than them.
"Might as well grab some ale before heading back to the empire."
The black toms looked back at Lucious, but did end up agreeing with him. As they walked closer, Otrox suddenly whistled. Three young queens sat just outside the entrance.
"You can't be serious, they're just kittens,...toddlers."
Otrox winked at them, before growling at Lucious,"You're always running to Sylvia's room, late at night. They're roughly the same age."
"Roughly..."Lucious muttered.
He looked him up and down,"What the hell is wrong with your brother, Luce?"
Lucifer rolled his eyes,"Like I would know."
The brown himalayan nudged her two friends,"Look at those three."
"Leoni, they're enforcers..."
"Look Rikku, we need to talk to new cats, you know, broaden our horizon's."
She got up and left the other two.
"Amanda?"
She shrugged her shoulder's and followed after Leoni. Rikku finally stood up and ran to catch up to them. Lucious stood behind Lucifer and Otrox.
"So who do you like, Luce?"
The three princesses came up to them. "Hey you three, I'm Leoni,"She smirked.
"You'd be a perfect edition to Macavity's empire,"Otrox spoke up.
"Excuse me?"
"This is Lucifer, Lucious. I'm Otrox. Just think about what I said."
Leoni gave him a wink, but walked next to Lucifer.
"Amanda..."
"R...rikku,"She shyly said.
Otrox looked to the tuxedo princess," I like you, a little shy, but confident."
"Thank you..." She was sure that was a compliment.
Normally, Rikku was too shy to even talk to another princess her age, unless Leoni and Amanda were talking to her as well. So she had no idea why she boldly stepped up to Lucious. He backed away slowly, and mouthed 'no'. That's when Otrox grabbed Amanda roughly. She let out a shrill scream, and Rikku cowered. Otrox made a move to grab her as well, but Lucious stepped out in front of her. She grabbed ahold of his leg, peeking her head out. Lucifer had already spread Leoni's legs open. He joined with her and she cried out.
"Put her down Otrox."
Amanda looked up at him through her tear stained face. Otrox joined her from behind and moaned when she screamed.
"Otrox!!"
"What's wrong with you? No, I don't think you're a real enforcer..."
Lucious braced himself as Otrox deeply cut the side of his face. Otrox still had ahold of Amanda, as he thrusted back into her. Lucious cut Otrox arm and caught Amanda, when his hold on her dropped. She was crying harshly, but he put her behind him. Rikku hugged Amanda to her, comfortable with Lucious. They trusted him, like Sylvia did, and he just didn't understand why. A harsh grunt flowed out of Lucifer's mouth, as he pulled out of Leoni. Both Otrox and Lucifer cam at him from both sides. He hissed once he felt their claws penetrated his body. He dropped to the ground, but still made sure they couldn't get to the two that he was protecting.
"What's going on out here?" A fat black tom had said. Other toms had come out with him and would back him up if they had to.
"Let's go, Otrox."
"But what about Lucious?"
"Macavity will deal with him later." The two ran out of there.
Bustopher Jones came forwards along with Gus.
"DADDY!" Amanda screamed, and ran into Bustopher Jones arms.
Leoni was still laying down, she hadn't moved, except her body did shiver.
Gus lifted her in his arms,"Leoni...she's hurt Bustopher."
Rikku was still by Luciousside. He let out a groan and attempted to sit up. With his free paw, Bustopher Jones grabbed Lucious by his throat.
"You sick demented smeg! What did you do to my little girl?"
Lucious coghed, and some blood came up.
"Uncle Bustopher, don't...he protected Mandy and me."
He let go, and Lucious nearly fell back down. Still, he turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Gus had asked.
Lucious' shoulders hunched forward,"Back to the empire."
His feet dragged back in the direction of the empire. He felt on the verge of fainting, since he was so dizzy.
"If you go back, Macavity will probably torture you, or kill you."
Lucious winced, but not at the physical pain that he was going back to. "I know."
"Then why go back?"
He turned to look at them,"Sylvia."
****FIN
-Year One Illustrations by Extwo