| Unexpected Turns |
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| Things really seemed to be going back to normal in the junkyard. Munkustrap and Alonzo switch their sentinel duties on and off. Demeter is back to her cheerful, but slightly skittish self. Both Bomb and Tugger are flirting with all the other jellicles, as well as each other. Exotica had recently visited only to suddenly vanish again. Then there's the quad, they're usually out on their walks or inside loving each other. They've stopped being with their children, expecting Victor and George to keep their children safe. Admetus and Plato have been spending alot of time together. And Admetus is real protective of him and the other five strays he came in with. Rumpleteazer has been learning how to cope without Mungojerrie around, but does get very excited whenever he is around. Then the dark twins who have really kept to themselves, or they would hangout with Cassandra and Exotica; when Exotica was there. Alonzo walked into the clearing, and saw George and Victor watching over the other six siblings. He carefully walked passed them and nodded to Victor and George. "Are your parents up?" George rolled his eyes and looked back towards his siblings. Victor sighed,"Yes, they should be." "Thank you." Alonzo silently slipped into the quads den, into their main room. There was no sign of any of the quad members. He sensed that there were cats in the bedroom. Still, he needed to talk to Jelly, alone. So Alonzo walked into the infirmary, hoping to find Jelly. He looked around the obvious empty infirmary and sighed. **Well, I hope they're not sleeping.** Alonzo made his way back into the main room, just to head into the hallway to their bedroom. Alonzo stopped just outside the bedroom entrance, blushing. He wasn't sure exactly where they were at, postion wise, he figured they were all laying in the bed. However, before he even heard any type of noise, he could smell it, and he knew right a way that the four were loving each other. Alonzo's ears folded backwards as he covered his face. **No, no, no, this is not happening to me!** "Jenny..." "I love you so much,...Gussie." He finally heard words and he slowly backed up. **I need to get out of here...but Jelly.** "I love you, Jelly." "Yeah? You trying to get me pregnant again?" He heard Skimble laugh,""That's up to the everlasting cat, isn't it?" That was the last straw, Alonzo slowly walked back to the mainroom and into the infirmary. He searched around the shelves, where Jelly kept all her medical supplies. He saw all different kinds of medicine's and supplies. He frowned and walked away from the infirmary. **Nope, I'm going to go through with this, just knock,...or clear your throat!** He forced himself back to the entrance of their bedroom. After a moment of preparing, he finally gained the courage to knock on the door, and then cleared his throat. "Not right now, Victor." Came Gussie's response. Alonzo bit his lip, but peeked his head inside. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to speak with you Jelly. Alone, if that's alright." They looked to Jelly than back to Alonzo. If any of them were curious, they never asked questions. She sighed as she unraveled herself from her quad. Alonzo smiled and nodded to the other three out of respect. Jelly lead Alonzo, back into the infirmary. "Yes?" "Good morning to you, too." "Don't get a lip with me, sentinel. I already know why you're here." Alonzo sat himself down onto one of the tables. "Those pills you gave me. They really helped and I just wanted to say thank you." "And?" "And, I was hoping I could get some more, for this next month." Jelly frowned,"Let me check you out first." He laid down, and she stood over him. She brought her paws down, and did a scan of his body. He looked at her once she was finished. "Well you seem to be in good shape. The pills haven't done anything to you yet." "Of course not. I took them as you instructed." "Good," She hesitantly handed him a pouch, with some more pills in it,"Now you musn't take more than one at night. One will be all you need-" "Jelly, we've been over this already. I know." "Then tell me.." He sighed,"One to get me through the night. Two would knock me out for a week. And three puts me in a coma." "Good enough...sometimes, if you take too many, the stuff can seep into your system." "Yeah, yeah, it's sort of like poison. I've got it." "Alonzo!" He sat up and matched her stubborn face. "What?" "You're not taking this seriously." "I am, and I do understand." "Alright, but how much longer will you be taking them? I'm only worried about you, dear." He stood up and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be fine...I wouldn't want to do something to worry you, now would I?" She cocked her head in confusion. "Jelly, I respect you, so this'll be my last visit, at least for the pills." "Promise me..." "I promise." **** "Again!" Chaos commanded. His feline servant obeyed, stabbing the knife into Lucious stomach. He let out a loud grunt, but he admitted to himself that he was getting used to the pain. Of course going numb to the pain was good and bad. Good, because then he wouldn't feel pain. And bad, because then he wouldn't feel, and might go numb to Chaos' mind probes. He had kept his confusing feelings, but feelings none-the-less for Sylvia, away from Chaos. Little Hanz, who was still little, now looked lika a chubby baby, almost a toddler. He was sitting on the table next to Lucious. Lucious was laying down with restraints on his wrists, ankles, and one around his neck. The servant pulled out the knife, and it became a waiting game. Chaos was playing chicken with him, as the blood gushed out of his wound. He would wait till the last possible second, to see if Lucious would talk, before instructing Hanz to heal the enforcer. Chaos pulled up a chair, and sat down next to Lucious face. He stared intently at Lucious, as his face twisted and grunted in pain. His claws came out, looking for something to latch onto. Lucious gritted his teeth, so Chaos wouldn't get the pleasure of his obvious pain. "I'll get you to beg for your life sooner or later." Lucious let out a frustrated growl at Chaos. The silver mystic laughed at Lucious' pathetic struggle. Chaos got control over his laughter,"Well, well Lucious. Something had to happen, something had to change you." He watched as Lucious breathing grew heavy, struggling to stay conscious. "I know you're hiding something." He placed his paw on top of Lucious head, and then closed his eyes. Chaos was now inside Lucious mind. **Now tell me, what you're hiding.** He struggled against the mystic, but he could sense his resolve fading. **So close, come on, tell me.** His mind probing grew very close to his hidden feelings for Sylvia, that the black tom shivered. Whether he was shivering from Chaos' impending discovery over Sylvia, or from the blood loss was a mstery. It could even be from both. Chaos had reached it, but before he could 'open' the hidden part of Lucious mind, Lucious had forcefully pushed him out of his mind. Chaos blinked at Lucious and gave out a scowl. "Hanz!" The chubby Bengal gave a toothy grin, as he grabbed onto Lucious side. He felt his wound heal almost instantly. As soon as his cut healed up, Lucious chest heaved up and down to catch his breath. "I know just what'll work." He intimately caressed Lucious cheek, who growled in fury. Again, Chaos grinned,"This'll have you crying out. Either for me to stop, so you can live, or for me to just kill you. I really don't care which you scream out, as long as I get to hear you beg." "I won't give you the satisfaction." Chaos didn't take his eyes off of Lucious. "Get the clamps, and make it fast." The servant turned away for a second, as he searched for the clamps. Lucious swallowed uneasily. He knew what the clamps were. Every agent, guard, enforcer, mystic, and torturer knew. Even some of those said jellicle's regular prostitutes knew. He assumed even the young Mungojerrie knew by now, too. He had to slow his heartbeat down, since he was already beginning to panic. He closed his eyes, and focused solely on breathing in and out. It was an unusual form of meditation, but he was alot calmer and more alert. That is until he felt a peice of cold metal patched onto his forearm. They had placed another one on his other arm, his chest, his lower stomach, two on each leg, and one on his forehead. He wrestled against his restraints and his breathing intensified, when Chaos and his servant began connecting the wires to the metal patches. Chaos chuckled and the servant followed after,"He's panicking. I love it!" Chaos grabbed ahold of Hanz to get him away from Lucious, and off of the table. "Sir?" "Because he couldn't keep his big mouth shut, give him a high voltage." **This isn't happening! Oh dear Rumpus, this isn't happening.** **Oh, but it is!** Chaos' mind voice was so full of glee, that Lucious winced at how sick and twisted he was. Just then, the servant had turned it on. The electricity was instantly felt throughout his entire body. Because of the high voltage, Lucious entire body had tensed up and was lifted a little bit above the table. There was no way he could have prepared himself for the pain. As soon as the electricity was turned on, his eyes were squinted shut and a loud painfilled scream blasted through the entire dungeon. **I can stop the pain. All you have to do is tell me what you're hiding.** He let out a choked sob, before screaming out in pain again. **Enforcer's aren't supposed to be happy or feel. You're just evil tools, drones for Macavity to play with. but I bet if you go to your happy place...you won't feel as much pain. Yes, let your mind wander!** Just as Lucious thought he was going numb to the pain, it got worse. "You didn't think I'd actually start you on the last level, did you?" This would've been over, before it began." Lucious let out one acognizing scream after another. His eyes were painfully shut tight. And he noticed that it was getting difficult for him to breath. "Another notch." The pain was so intense, that he was positive that it couldn't get any worse. Still, he kept his mind sealed tight, afraid Sylvia might wind up where he is now, if Chaos found out. "ANOTHER! He's going to break, I can feel it." So much pain traveled through his body. Lucious assumed two things might happen: He'd pass out from the extreme pain, or he would end up beggin Chaos for his life. Whether he wanted to keep it, or for it to end, he wasn't sure anymore. "Let's go two more this time." A loud painful yelp escaped his lips. His entire body began to shake from the electricity, and of course the pain that the electricity was causing. He couldn't take it anymore. He could already feel himself on the verge of breaking. It was the first time that he had actually wanted to cry. "STOP!!" Chaos didn't stop but did look up. The white and silver persian, Sylvia, walked into the room right next to Chaos. She took a hard glance at Lucious, then stubbornly looked at Chaos. "I said, stop it." "Excuse me, get out and let me work." "No I have direct order's from Macavity. You are to stop the torture and let him go." "What?!" "Go ahead and take it up with Macavity, but I suggest you stop, before you damage him further." Her heart beat a little faster, from nervousness. But he soon caved and signalled his servant, who turned off the elcetricity. Lucious had opened his eyes, but could only see darkness. Due to a mixture of the electricity, and squinting so hard. Still, he knew the voice belonged to Sylvia. They began to unhook the wires and metal clamps from his body. As they did that, Lucious' breathing was very fast, so he desperately tried to control it. By the time his restraints were off, his breathing had returned to normal. He could sort of see, but it was all fuzzy and spots were everywhere. Then he made the mistake of sitting up. Chaos' smile had returned,"Shouldn't have done that." Lucious frowned knowing Chaos was right. He was suddenly dizzy and nauseous, from the instant movement. Before he could utter a warning or lay back down, he threw up over the side of the table. Afterwards, he wouldn't look up, afraid to look at Sylvia, and ashamed that she was seeing him in this state. While he regained his strength, Chaos had pushed his servant out of the room and then contact Macavity through his mind link. Finally, Lucious flung his legs over the side of the table and slowly stood on them. He wobbled a bit, but didn't fall. That's when he looked up and saw a decent image of Sylvia. She had her paw covering her mouth, and she looked almost disgusted, but she was acting. Lucious saw the twinkle of worry in her eyes. "Well don't just stand there, get out. I'm pissed, and I'm taking it out on the next cat I see!" Chaos hissed. Shakily, Lucious walked to the exit, with a nervous Sylvia right behind. Once they were out of earshot, they let go of their breaths. She shivered from fear, and stood closer to him. "Why did you do that for me?...And how did you..." "I couldn't sleep at night, knowing you were down here ... getting...getting tortured..." That's when the big crocidile tears seeped out of her eyes. Lucious was still weak, but used that last of his strength to hoist her up into an embrace. "I-I...I know you want nn-nothing to do with me. But I heard that you were getting tortured, and I got so sad. I couldn't take it." Lucious softly hummed noises in her ear, hoping that it would calm her down. To his surprise, it did. "Lady Sylvie, you shouldn't have worried. I'm a strong guy. I was alright. Now, answer me, how...did you convince Macavity that I was a loyal enforcer?" She buried her head into his chest. "Sylvia?" "You sound worried..." "Well, no...I'm not worried." "Yes you are, youtell me to stay away from you, because you're evil, but that's a lie, isn't it?" Gentley, he sat her down,"Sylvia! Stop avoiding that question!" She sighed sadly,"I only pointed out some other times that you pulled through for him. Then I mentioned that you were trying to recruit the three queens, but knew they wouldn't listen if you three tried to rape them. So basically I told Macavity, that you were going for the sauve approach. And if it weren't for Lucifer and Otrox, he would've had three more editions. Immediately, he sent me to get you." Lucious smiled at her,"Thank you. I guess I owe you." His smile was birghter than ever, dispite the pain he's been through, but it quickly faded. "But I did have to promise him something to insure him that you'll stay loyal..." His stomach tied into knots and he knew that it wasn't from his recent torture. Though he did feel like vomitting again,"What?" Sylvia's eyes began to well up and she glanced away from him,"I promised him that I'd become a regular-" "NO! Sylvia, please, not for the likes of me..." Her crying got louder,"I...that...I'd become a regular...for O-Otrox." Lucious had suddenly felt dizzy again, and could only describe this recent feeling as 'the world was crashing down around him.' He fell to his knees, since he no longer had the strength to stand. He just couldn't bring himself to look at her upset teary-eyed face. She bowed her head, even though he wasn't looking at her and quickly walked away from him. Now left alone, in the darkness of the dungeons, he placed a paw over his face. And his mind replayed all of the events, starting with his first day of torture. **** Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, Electra, and Etcetera were all sitting next to the oven, in the square. Tumble and Pounce were rolling around in front of the princesses. It was harmless fun, but soon Tumblebrutus had rolled out on top of Pouncival. Seeing as he was on top, he had to be the winner. So triumphantly, Tumble put his arms above his head in a traditional 'ta-da' pose. Electra rolled her eyes, but Etcetera didn't even seem to notice. The two toms pouted at the princesses. They got up and walked right in front of them. Pouncival waved his paw in front of Cettie's face, then brought his paw to his face and looked at it strangely. Tumble sat down comfortably next to Electra without a care in the world. She turned to him,"I give youa seven." "A seven? Don't you think the roll was good enough for an eight?" Electra thought a moment,"Fine, you get a six." "A six?! Are-" "I think Cettie's broken." The two bickering jellicles galanced at Pouncival before they burst out laughing. Electra was laughing so hard that she had fallen onto Tumblebrutus. Pounce had been confused before, but now he was even more so. "What's so funny?" Electa and Tumble attempted to control their laughter, but couldn't stop. Finally, Electra pointed towards the trunk of the car. Pounce followed the gaze and the point. Over on the trunk of the car, Tugger was sprawled out. Munkustrap and Demeter were sitting on the tire. They had decided to watch the kittens today, plus they were also waiting for the dark twins and Cass. The five agreed on a meeting, about a few distressing matters. "You think he knows?" Demeter whispered. Munkustrap nodded,"Oh yeah. That's why he's in that pose. To give the young one's over there a little show." He laughed at his brother's antics. **Whatever keeps him happy.** Pounce had at once sat next to Cettie and the four just watched Tugger. Just then, he rolled over and stretched his arms over his head. Cettie squealed in delight, at her better veiw of the Rum Tum Tugger. Electra's mouth hung open, and the two white tom's couldn't take their eyes away from him. The four idolized him, but they also had a strange obssession to him. For Electra, Pouncival, and Tumblebrutus, it was immediate. This was probably due to Tugger coming to their rescue against Otrox. Cettie had more of that sort of worship for Admetus. Still it didn't take long for her to notice Tugger's obvious good looks. "We should get him over here." "Oh Pounce. How do you propose to do that?" "I don't know, Leccy!" "Don't get an attitude with me." A whistle from Tumble cut through their arguement. It had also intrigued Tugger enough for him to glance in their direction. "Why are you two fighting?" Pounce crossed his arms, as did Leccy, and the two snapped their head in the opposite directions. He scratched his head in confusion,"You two are just being silly." "Me silly? You're friend started it!" "Me? No you did, Leccy, you always have an attitude." Tumble's ears flattened as the two started speaking all at once, and even began to direct their anger at Tumble. But a loud squealing noise interrupted them. "TUGGER!!" Cettie was on her feet running towards him. He had gotten off of the trunk and was heading towards them. He stood in front of the trio with CEttie bouncing behind his feet. "Hey kitts." Electra, Pouncival, and Tumblebrutus got to their feet as well, meowing. The maine coon pawed at Tumble's ear, before rubbing hi paw through Electra's head fur. Leccy got so flustered, she fell, and Tumble caught her. He caressed Cettie's cheek with his tail, and she, too, fainted. Pounce smiled when Tugger ruffled his fur on his shoulder. However, Pounce's mouth dropped open and he began to drool. Tumble had the same reaction, but had instead dropped Leccy. She immediately grabbed her head, looking fully irritated. Bombalurina had just come into the square and stood off to the side, but in front of them. She had one paw on her hip and the other behind her head. A saucey smile was placed on her face, then she winked at the group. Pounce and Tumble sauntered to her in a trance. She wasn't much for Tugger's style of flirting, but instead gave toms and queens alike a show. There were occassions when she'd become a physical flirt, and today was one of those days. She wiggled her hips and then dragged them closer to her. She had one arm wrapped around Pounce and the other wrapped around Tumble. She was doing a bump and grind with the two, before winking at Tugger. He smirked when she raised her two paws above her head then down in front of her. She motioned him over, and he had sauntered to her in a trance, much like Pounce and Tumble did. He dragged he away from the two,"I'd take the show any day." "Yeah? I'd take the physical." "That can be arranged," He growled in her ear. Alonzo had arrived, just as Tugger carried Bomb off. He rolled his eyesm and hoped to get past Munk and Deme, but they had spotted him and asked him over. As he made his way to the tire, Cettie sat back up. "Leccy, what happpened?" "Miss Bombshell dragged him away." "Bombshell...?" "Think Cettie." She did with a sour face, but it seemed like a light bulb went off in her head. "Are you talking about Bombalurina?" "Yes!" Leccy, Pounce, and Tumble spoke in unison. Back at the tire, the couple gave Alonzo concerned smiles. "Hey Alonzo." He smiled at Munk and then bowed his head to Demeter. "So?" Munk asked. "What?" "Well Alonzo, this whole month, you've been pretty quiet, but last night..." Demeter spoke up,"Tell us the dream. Would you please?" Alonzo shrugged,"Don't worry so much, lady Demeter." She frowned at the name. Munkustrap didn't want to pry, but saw Alonzo's paws behind his back,"What are you hiding?" "Me?" His voice cracked,"Nothing, not a thing." The silver tabby wasn't in the mood to play these games with him. "Show me Alonzo." He hesitatntly brought his pawsout in front of him and handed the pouch to Munkustrap. Demeter kept her eyes on Alonzo, while Munkustrap opened the pouch. "Wha-!? PILLS!!?? Alonzo, explain..." "Munk, would you calm down?" Demeter pleaded. Alonzo had his ears folded backwards in sadness and shame. "Calm down...Alonzo is my brother." Demeter wanted to point out what was wrong with that statement, but thought it'd be better not to. "These...I've seen these pills before in the infirmary...on, on the shelf labeled dangerous. You'd better start explaining." "It was the only way he could get to sleep, without having any dreams or nightmares." They turned and saw Tantomile, Coricopat, and Cassandra walk into the square. They made their way to the tire, and all eyes were on Alonzo. "I promised Jelly that these were going to be the last pills." "But you were planning to go back and steal some, in a month, weren't you?" Alonzo glared at Coricopat,"The though had crossed my mind. But you all know me, I'd never steal from anyone, especially Jelly." "He's got a point, sentinel, and I for one believe him. Besides you can't judge Alonzo for something he hasn't or may never do." "Agreed Cass." "Alright, since we're here.." "Let's start this meeting." Alonzo began to walk past them. Both Munkustrap and Demeter thought differently as they pulled him down to them. Munkustrap had a tight hold of the pouch and Alonzo could hear the anger in his brother's voice,"I'm not done with you, yet." Alonzo obediently sat just below Munkustrap and Demeter with his ears flat on his head. "Munk and I wished to speak with you three about......M-Macavity." Cassandra uncertainly sat down by Demeter with her paw out, and Deme took it with a small smile. "We know why we're here Lady Demeter, "Coricopat said out of respect. "We just want to make sure you're up to this." "Don't worry about my beloved." "Yes, I have Munk to get me through this meeting. So let's continue." "Well the biggest issue and problem that we need to discuss is the fact that Macavity's empire is growing." "The empire has always been big." "Yes, but a majority of the empire has been filled with nameless cats." "However, many nameless cats are now making name's for themselves." "So should we feel threatened?" "Maybe not completely, but we should raise the threat level a little bit." "Good idea, Cass." "We'll be staying on the lookout for any potential danger. So the tribe is in good paws." "We trust you dark twins." "Should Old Deuteronomy be informed?" "I think it is dire." "Indeed, now the jellicle ball is coming up. How safe are we?" "You worry too much. There's always a chance that something will happen at the ball." "But it's a chance every jellicle will take." Munk and Deme nodded, then looked down at Alonzo. He shivered under their eyes, and his body kept shaking. "Alonzo, what was your dream about?" **** "You don't get many visitor's, do you?" "No, just Plato." "What about George and Victor?" "They've been too busy watching their siblings." She nodded her head, in agreement. "Well, I must say Admetus, this is a great den. It's comfy, and cozy." He snickered at the black-scarlett princess. Jemima was spread out, laying on her stomach. She was on a mini-matress that Admetus has come to call his 'lounger'. "You do love that lounger." She giggled, but sat up straighter,"How come you chose a den surrounded by empty dens? It's so queit." "That way I can do stuff to you, and no one would ever hear." She cracked a small smile, fully aware that he was covering something up. In all fairness, Jemima was roughly the same age as Victoria, and was offered to dance the courtship after Victoria. But she politely declined Munkustrap and Demeter's offer. She really didn't like any toms that way, and wasn't ready to settle down. Now she knew another tom would dance it with her, so that wasn't the problem. She just wasn't fully comfortable with the whole idea, and just knew that it was meant to be this way. Where Victoria was to dance the courtship alone, with no other queens. Still there was nothing wrong with a little flirting. She gracefully stood up, well as gracefully as she could. She dragged her paw down her neck, brushed it lightly over her breast, and then down to her stomach. She placed it on her hip and peered into Admetus' face. Her movements were slow but sexy. And once she was standing right in front of him, his breathing grew heavy. She licked her lips, noticing Admetus eyeing her tongue,"So, you want to?" His eyes nearly popped out of his head, when she grabbed him. Gentley, she threw him down onto the lounger. If he had white fur, anyone would be able to tell that he was blushing from head to toe. Her flirty grin disappeared immediately, and she playfully pounced onto him. He let out a startled sigh and a startled yelp, at the same time. They playfully rolled on the lounger, untill the two fell to the ground with a loud thud. But of course the thud was drowned out by the sound of their laughter. "I,"Admetus took a breath to stop laughing,"I thought you were serious for a moment there." She pawed at his ear, and looked him deep in the eyes,"Guess you'll never really know." Bodly, he grabbed her paw in his and looked deep into her eyes. "How come you're not going to gance at the courtship?" "How come you got a den in the most desolate area's in the yard?" The two were staring at each other stubbornly. Neither were going to back down. "I just like the silence, alright?" "I still think you're hiding something from me, but I guess I'll let it slide." "Hiding some...you have some kind of mystical powers don't you?" "Yeah." "Are they like the dark twins? Or more like Cass and Exotica?" "It's not like any of them." "Then what's it like-Whoa! Wait, I answered your question...so why did you refuse the courtship dance?" "I, okay, I'ts Viccy's spotlight, she's the one whose supposed to dance at the ball. Just her, that's jsut how it's supposed to be." "And?" "Do you have special power's too?" "No, but I can tell you're hiding something from me." "Then consider us even." "Fine..." He pulled her up to him,"What do you say to a walk?" She smiled,"I'd like that." Together the two left his den, out into the morning air. It was a bit nippy out, and Admetus had seen Jemima shiver a bit from the breeze. Fluidly, he bundled her up in his arms. She gave him a gratified smile and then the two walked down the path. They passed many empty dens, and they could even see Munkustrap and Demeter's den in the far distance. Voices were heard close by, so both Admetus and Jemima ducked down near the tire, in order to eavsdrop and not be seen. "Well," Stated Munkustrap,"The biggest issue and problem we need to discuss is the fact that Macavity's Empire is growing." "The empire has always been big,"Cassandra sighed. "Yes, but a majority of the empire has been filled with nameless cats,"Tantomile countered. Cassandra had glared and Tantomile challenged her with a look of her own. Those two queens always seem to be arguing or bickering, though no one really knows why. Still, Coricopat always broke up their challenges. He cut in their looks,"However, many nameless cats are now making names for themselves." Munkustrap ignored the obvious tension,"So should we feel threatened?" "Maybe not completely, but we should raise the threat level a little bit." Demeter patted Cassandra's paw,"Good idea, Cass." The twins spoke in unison,"We'll be staying on the lookout for any potential danger. So the tribe is in good paws." "We trust you dark twins,"Demeter spoke. Munk had nodded his agreement, but a thought entered his mind,"Should Old Deuteronomy be informed?" "I think it's dire," Tantomile had answered. Jemima glanced to Admetus as the group talked about Macavity. He looked nervous, but Jemima still couldn't put her finger on it. Munkustrap had finally cut through her thoughts,"Indeed, now the jellicle ball is coming up. How safe are we?" Tantomile folded her arms,"You worry too much. There is always a chance that something will happen at the ball." "But it's a chance that every jellicle is willing to take,"Coricopat countered. Instantly, Admetus watched the princes in his arms. "What are you doing?" He whispered. "I know when I'm needed, and I know what I am doing." He stubbornly followed her into the square just as Munkustrap asked,"Alonzo, what was your dream about?" Jemima watched Alonzo grip his head, and his body shake. "Alonzo..." "I-" He immediately stood up and began to back away from the group. Sweetly, Jemima placed her paw onto Alonzo's arm. His attention snapped in her direction. She gave him a genuine smile, and lovingly stroked her paw up and down his arm. She twirled a finger in his shoulder fur,"Come here." He dropped to the ground, along with her, and laid his head and he had wrapped his arms around her thin waist. Admetus had gone to Cettie, Leccy, Tumble, and Pounce. Munk, Deme, Cass, Tantomile, and Coricopat remained silent as they just observed the two. Alonzo began to cry in her lap. As soon as he did that, Jemima started humming and rocked him back and forth. "Shh...Alonzo, everything is alright. I won't hurt you, you can tell me,"She coaxed. A few tears ran down her face, just listening to him cry. After a few minutes of crying and sobbing, humming, rocking, and coaxing Alonzo began to calm down. "I saw her. I watched her, and I couldn't do anything about." "Who Alonzo, what happened?" She purred. "Deme....Demeter. I, she killed Munkustrap." Demeter clamped a paw over her mouth. She had suddenly felt sick and she inched away from Munk's comforting touch. "I couldn't s-stop her. She ran out of the yard and I chased her. But when I got out of the yard, Deme...Demeter...she was DEAD, too! As soon as that happened, I-I fell into emptiness. It was AWFUL!!!" His sobbing returned, and Jemima started back up with her humming. "When you go to sleep tonight. Don't think about the nightmares, or what will happen in the future." She nodded her head at his dumbfounded look. "Your nightmares will stop if you let it happen naturally." Munk, Deme, and Cass were staring at Jemima, completely surprised. Even the dark twins were a little surprised. Even the dark twins were a little surprised. She found out that Alonzo needed to be coaxed to reveal his nightmares and dreams. "If you do nothing, the dream will not come true." Jemima stated. **Do you think she knows too?** **She has to, just look at her.** **She's right though, if all three just stop worrying, everything will just fall into place, and his dream won't come true.** Tantomile concurred with her brother. **** A young, but tall and muscular tom emerged from his flat. He had broad shoulders. He was a white tom with jagged black markings down both of his sides, his arms, legs, and his face. He never knew his parents, but rumour had it that his father was or used to be an enforcer for Macavity. Whether it ws true or not, the tom was still cautious. He knew if it was true, he could get recruited to join Macavity's empire. He took in a big breath of the afternoon air. It had been a long time since he had been outside. He remembered the last time he was outside. He was out playing with his nieghbour buddy, Charley. A group of other cats had cornered them and began to bully them. Of course, they had thought that he was an enforcer, and Chraley had to have been his mystic partner. He was so appalled that he refused to leave his home after that incident. He did head towards Charley's house, until he realized Charley had moved away a few monthes ago. He gave a long sigh and got back to his walk. **Today's going to be a long day.** **** Queitly, Victoria made her way to George and Victor. George was lounging against Victor, with a scowl on his face. And Victor had reverted back to his responsible self. He was intently watching the other's, fully alert. She nodded a greeting to both George and Victor. "I've finished, so may I go play now?" Victor barely gave her a second glance,"Yes you may." "Have fun,"George added. She courtsied an then gracefully made her way out of the clearing, away fromt he quad's den. "Where is she going, George?" "She's doing her own thing, Victor, she's old enough, just ease up." "Sorry, George." "Don't apologize, I know what's wrong. Our parents are putting both of us through a lot of stress." "That's not fair, Goerge." He shrugged,"They love each other, but they've got young children. I mean look at Sillabub, she's in that toddler-kitten transition phase. Our parents need to be here for their younger kitts." "Yeah, once they're all teenagers like us, then they can leave them alone, since they'd really be old enough to take care of themselves." "See, there ya go, bu no! We have to supervise while they attempt to get pregnant again..." "Wow, can you imagine another little Sillabub running around?" "If I try hard enough." He gave George a 'come on be serious' look. "Alright, no, I really can't." "Yeah, me either." "But that won't stop them from trying to have another kitt." "What about you?" "What about me?" "Well let's pretend we get mates in hte future. How many kitts would you want?" "None." "None? That can't be true." "Did you see me hesitate?" "But why?" "Isn't it obvious...There's no way that I would give my curse to my child." "Well it was just hypothetical anyway." "And what about you?" "As many as my mate wanted...course I'd be happy with just one." In the distance, Bill Bailey sighed,"Man, I'm so bored!" He along with his other siblings were cleaning their dens, and cleaning up around outside their dens. HE picked up a peice of food off the ground. As he moved to eat it, Mungojerrie slapped the back of his paw, and the fruit dropped. "Wouldn' wan ya eatin' rott'n food now." Bill growled," Why would you care, anyway? You're never around!" His ears folded backwards, but a paw on his arm, brought up his spirits. " 'Ey Teazah" "Oi'm wih ya Jer. We can take 'im." "No, Teazah." She pouted only for a second, before sticking her tongue out at Billie. His face turned red, from the anger he was trying to push down. But when the two tiger's walked away from him, he had suddenly hissed. Jerrie turned around with scowl on his face. He marched to Bill and the two just stood there, teeth baring, eyes peirced, and their fur standing up. Teazer was looking on in the background, unsure of what her two brothers were going to do. She didn't think the two would actually fight, but Jerrie had been acting differently, so it wouldn't have surprised her. George nudged Victorand the two stood up, but stayed at a distance. They didn't want to alarm their younger brother, but if the two did fight, they'd be close enough to break it up. Teazer covered her mouth when some dirt and garbage was casually tossed onto Mungojerrie, and Bill Bailey. Inextricably, they snarled at Carbuckety. "I found-uh hey...why are you looking at me like that?" It became apparent to George and Victor right away. Jerrie and Bill were mad and instead of fighting with each other, they were going to take it out on Carbuckety. Victor and George raced to them, just as they pounced onto Buck. Teazer's eyes were wide as she watched the fight. The fight left Sillabub, the youngest of the tribe, totally unsupervised. She was looking at the top of her den with her head cocked to one side. She had never been up there, and didn't know what it looked like, and her curiousity just kept growing. She nodded knowing that the top of her den was probably dirty. So she gripped onto the side, then jumped up onto the can beside her den. She started to lose her balanceand quickly jumped off of the can onto the roof of her den. He jump was a bit faltered and she didn't make it. She had her two paws on the roof, with her claws painfully dug in the wood. Her hind legs struggled to get her all the way up, but she only got far enough to peek up head over the top. When she felt her claws begin to weaken, she cried out and then screamed. The group looked up just to hear and see her fall. Victor had covered Teazer's ears just as George cursed,"Skat!" George ran to the fallen princess, but did not touch her. She was laying motionless, but was crying nonstop. Victor reassured Teazer, and then sternly sent the three toms to their dens,"I'll go get mom. She'll be able to heal her." George nodded and Teazer sat down next to George. Concerned for Sillabub, Victor had rushed into the main room. Jenny was curled up with Skimble, on the chair. Jelly was laying down with Gussie on the couch. "Mom!" Both Jenny and Jelly hesitantly looked up, Not now Victor." "But-" "Victor dear, we're busy. Check back later tonight." He growled under his breath as he left the den. Meanwhile, George grew more and more impatient. He never exactly got along with Sillabub, but watching her in all that pain was breaking his heart. He could heal her with just one touch. But touching her would put him through a lot of pain. She had looked at George through her tear stained face. Slowly, he raised his paw, but something inside him, still kept him from touching Sillabub. He was hesitating, but he knew that he couldn't think about it too long. Victor angrily stepped out of the quad's den, just as George and Sillabub screamed. "George!!" As much as it hurt, and even if he wanted to, George kept his hold on Sillabub. He gritted his teeth to keep from screaming again. Rumpleteazer was distraught, as she watched the two, but Victor had come behind her and embraced her. Bill, Buck, and Jerrie were peeking out of their dens to see what was happening. His power was going slower, since her injury was more severe than just a cut, but it was working faster than George thought it would. Afterwards, when the pain was all gone, Sillabub jumped into George's arms and cried. "Everything's fine now, Sillabub." "George is right, you're fine now." She didn't move, but sobbed into his chest. He stroked a paw through her mane, and the other stroked her back. He then looked to Victor with a goofy grin,"I definately can't imagine another Sillabub." **** Lucifer, Otrox, and Lucious were out patrolling the closest area to the empire. Lucious was still a little unbalanced, but hid it well. However, he was still dazed and hadn't spoken a word since talking to Sylvia earlier. Lucifer glared at Otrox and then gave him a little push. The long-haired tom cleared his throat,"Lucious...So you really thought we could've recruited those three, being sauve and cool?" He looked at them with a confused expression. All he did was nod his head, then looked away from him. He couldn't bare to look at the tom who would get Sylvia, whenever he wanted. Lucifer and Otrox were looking at the silent tom. They didn't look too happy, and Otrox tail started to angrily sway. Lucious didn't mind if things got violent, but then he noticed something in the distance. His head snapped up in the direction of what was moving. "Your brother really is weird." Lucifer began to nod, but Lucious cut them off," No look over there. What do you make of that?" They followed his gaze. All three were staring at a black and white tom. Otrox shrugged his shoulders, but Lucifer grinned. "He's not my tyoe,"Otrox mocked Lucious. However, Lucifer hit him on the arm,"He looks like an enforcer...He must have enforcer blood." He chuckled a bit,"Let's bring him in." "That's usually why we patrol the border's." Lucifer growled at his brother,"Don't get smart with me!" "Temper, temper,"Lucious tsked. The twins began to shout and yell, but Otrox rolled his eyes. He stubbornly snuck up on the black and white tom. Then casually, he tapped him lightly on the shoulder. Quickly, he whipped his head around just in time to see a big black fist ramming into his face. The tom fell into Otrox arms with a grunt. The evil grin crossed his face once gain. The tom was situated in his arms, before he walked back to the black twins. Lucious and Lucifer were still arguing, but got interrupted by a cleared throat. "If you still want to argue that's fine. But I'm headed back to Macavity." They growled at each other, but had follwed Otrox back to the empire. Back at the empire, Macavity was lounging in the enforcer's lounge. Griddlebone was at his side half asleep. Still, Sylvia was out in front of them dancing. Macavity hada blank face, but for the most part seemed to be enjoying himself. She raised her paws above her head and swayed to the soft beat of music playing in the background. The music was so soft and slow, Griddlebone was falling asleep to it on Macavity's shoulder. Sylvia was still petrified of Macavity, so she did anything that he said. Just as she twirled around Lucifer, Lucious, and Otrox came in. Otrox was carrying a black and white tom, and Lucifer had brought in a bucket of water. "Does he look familar boss?" Macavity glanced at the tom as Otrox set him down. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about the tom was indeed, familar. Lucifer had splashed the water onto the tom, and he bolted up, coughing. After some fits of coughing, the tom looked up and saw Macavity. "Uh oh..." Macavity instantly laughed and his three enforcers joined in. "What's your name?" Macavity poke, once he had stopped laughing. "Rhade." A glare was thrown his way, and the ginger tom suddenly stood. Griddlebone fell into his chair, fully awake and alert, and ever so slightly peeved. "Now I know you...you're father worked for me. Your jagged black markings. I should've guessed." Rhade was still uncertain, and chose to stay seated on the floor. "So Rhade, how does it feel to be my newest enforcer?" His head was already shaking, before he actually spoke. "Now Rhade, before you say or do something stupid, I'd like you to meet two of my favorites." Rhade watched as an eerie shadow appeared beside Macavity. The shadow was just a big blob, but turned into an outline of a cat. But then that faded fast, and a red and silver tom stood there. "This is Chaos, and.." he pointed to the darkened corner,"That is Exotica, or Xottie." Rhade looked at the corner confused, until he saw a pair of cat eyes, followed by a slender female burmese. She walked up beside Macavity as well. Chaos had a smile on his face, a creepy one, but Xottie, he couldn't make out her face. "Together these two could do some damage, possibly hurt someone." "We could Maccy..." "How about Charley?" Chaos mused. Rhade had stood up almost instantly,"I'm glad that I get to work for you. And an Enforcer, wow...They're popular." "That's the spirit." **** Mistoffelees smiled birghtly, extremely proud of himself. He had been practicing his powers. Now he hadn't mastered his power, not even close, but he was getting better at it. He had teleported from his house and made it two blocks away from the yard. His landing was still a bit off. He recently entered the east entrance to the junkyard. Diligently, he searched for Victoria. Many minutes had passed, and he finally caught a faint scent that he identified as her. He had his bright smile and even his walk was happier. But as soon as he caught sight of a ginger mane, everything changed. His shoulder's were down, his tail drouped between his legs, and his ears were flattened. Plato was chsing Victoria around outside of his den. Victoria screamed in delight when Plato pounced onto her back. She twisted a bit and the two jellicles rolled, and kept rolling. Their rolling halted when they ran into another den. Right when they stopped, Voctoria had looked directly into his eyes. He gave her a nervous smirk. She returned it, before she lightly pushed him away. He had tensed up a bit, but saw her get up and run away from him. He gave her a few moments head-start, before he too, got up and began to chase her again. The two were totally oblivousto the tuxedo tom staring at them. Mistoffelees was frowning as he watching the pair. He wanted to pounce onto Plato, bit his ears, and just run him off and out of the yard. **Why, Why am I feeling this way? Plato, he's a great tom. I've never felt this way before.** He was breathing a little heavier. Magical sparks formed on the bottom of his paws, as he tried to gain control of his emotions. He plopped down on to his butt, with his eyes downcasted, just thinking about them. **FIN -Since Chaos is a pretty power mystic, whenever he speaks with his 'mind' voice, it'll be like this **.......** Okay? Okay. -Year One Illustrations, by Extwo |