Y1C8

The Hunt

George was lounging out on the ledge across from the quad's den; outside. His paws were behind his head as he stared up at the morning sky. It was early morning, so most of the jellicle weren't even up yet. But if they were up, none of them were out and about yet. There was a cool morning breeze, that blew through his fur. He savored the feel and imagined that it was a queen running her paw in his shoulder and head fur. For a moment he had forgotten about his curse, and acted as though he was leading a normal jellicle life. His tail hung loosely over the side of the ledge. This alone time always made him happy, but also somehow would upset him too. It gave him the chance to actually feel something other than the tingling rush of his powers. Up there, he could dream that everything was different, but after awhile he would realize that it was all just a dream, a fantasy, tanting and teasing him. All his hoping and dreaming was just false hope, and he'd come to realize that nothing would be normal. This had always upset him, it was like a hard crash back to reality. He groaned out in frustration, as all though thoughts flooded back into his mind. Down below, a golden queen emerged from her den. She stretched he paws over her head and yawned. Then she proceeded to stretch out her hind legs and feet. Her eyes were still half-open, as she dragged her feet towards the ledge. She grabbed a small pebble in her paw, just underneath the ledge. She tossed it up and it hit a small protion of his tail. "George!"
He slowly peeked his head over the side, down at Sillabub. "It's that time?"
"Well you did say that you wanted to leave early."
"I did, I just didn't think you'd actually get up this early."
She folded her arms,"If you were down here, I'd whack you good."
He almost laughed,"Of course you wouldn't even hurt me...you might get hurt, or rather stung."
"Are we going or not?"
"Relax Sillabub, of course we're going." George got to his feet, and then jumped down next to Sillabub.
She went to hold his paw,but suddenly stopped. She remembered what it felt like when his pwer had entered her body. It had hurt at first, and she was scared of it. She still wanted to hold his paw, to feel a sense of security. However, she didn't, knowing he was still uneasy of physical contact. Just as they were headed to the south entrance, Alonzo arrived.
"Hey, Alonzo."
Sillabub just went behind George and hid. She had an instant crush on the sentinel, and got embarassed everytime he was around. Still, she respected George and faught the urge to touch him.
"Morning George, Sillabub. You two are up early."
"We're on out way to see Old Deuteronomy. He;s expecting her today, and I volunteered to escort her."
"You volunteered?"
"No, but Sillabub requested and asked for me. So I wanted her to be happy."
"Sillabub?" Alonzo tilted his head,"I'm not going to hurt you."
"Don't take it personal, she's just naturally shy."
He put his arm around her, and she buried herself in his warmth.
"So what are you up to, Alonzo?"
"You know, just the normal morning routine. Lucky me, I get the night-shifts now, that usuallt goes into most of the morning, too."
"Look on the bright side....uhmmmm." He took a long pause, trying to think of something.
Alonzo looked at him expectantly, not really seeing a bright side.
George snapped his fingers and smiled,"You get to see all the pretty stars in the sky, at night. They're romantic."
Alonzo snorted,"Does it look like I have a mate..."
"How dense are you? Get a queen that you really like and just lay down and look at the stars, she'll love it. And...if you hit if off, BAM!"
He smacked his paws together,"Before you know it, you two will be mates."
Alonzo thought about it, but them smiled and shrugged his shoulders,"So you're an optimist."
"It comes and goes." He regripped his paw in Sillabub's,"We'll see you later."
"You know it's much faster to Old Deuteronomy's if you take the north entrance."
"Yeah, but Sillabub likes to go around and see Skimble's railroad station."
He smirked,"Well that makes sense." He waved at Sillabub,"Hope you have fun."
George gave her a brotherly push, and the two left out the south entrance. Alonzo gazed about the quad's den and the eight den's around it. He moved swiftly as he looked into all the dens. All the quad's children, minus George and Sillabub, were all serenely sleeping in their dens. Satisfied, the brown tabby headed away from the quad's den. He looked around at the empty square. There was just one more place left to chek, before his sentinel duty was officially over. So he headed down the path next to the upside-down bike. The path lead southwest, toward more empty dens. There was the big food supply in a desolate area, in the southwest. He entered into the food area with a glum look on his face.
                                                                                                      ****
Macavity paced up and down the hall just outside his office. Lucifer, Lucious, Otrox, and Rhade stood at attention, off to the side near the wall. Exotica stood in the door-frame of Macavity's office, along with Griddlebone. The dark brown burmese had one arm around the persian's waist. All six just watched Macavity with curious eyes, but the enforcer's remained completely still. Macavity halted and stared directly into Lucifer's eyes. He held his breath under Macavity's intent gaze.
"And what did you do last night?"
Lucifer didn't dare speak, in fact, he didn't breath or move either. Macavity's claws came streaking out right in front of Lucifer's face. "Answer Me!"
"At the night-club."
"With?"
"With Rhade..."
"Doing what?"
"Having fun, boss..."
He growled, as he turned to Lucious. He kept walking and seemed to snarl at Lucious. It was the closest that he'd get to a gratified smile, since Lucious was the only one who bothered showing up for the meeting. Otrox winced when the napolean of crime faced him. It was one of the most embarassing things he had ever done. Otrox had gotten hevaily drunk the night before. He didn't remember everything, but he was sure at some point during the night, he paid Macavity a visit, long passed the meeting time.
"You..."
Otrox swallowed uneasily, and his two ears went backwards. He was actually greatful when one of his regular's left him some pain-relievers, before she left. It had really helped with his hang-over. If looks could kill, Otrox would be laying dead under his glare.
Finally, Macavity spoke through gritted teeth,"I don't know whether to be angry with you, or not..."
Griddlebone grinned and nearly laughed. She had been with Macavity the night before.
**Well, what happened?**
The persian look at her friend, perplexed.
**Just think your thoughts, I'll hear them.**
She nodded. **I was with Macavity last night when it happened.**
**Well?**
There was a sense of impatience in her mind voice.
**Apparently Otrox had gotten really drunk.** She paused to keep from laughing. **We heard a knock on the door, but before Macavity could acknowledge it, Otrox walked, or rather, he stumbled in and fell face first.**
Exotica placed a paw over her smile.
**Anyway, Otrox had barged in, slurring a bunch of words. Macavity and I couldn't understand what he was saying so Macavity got angry with him and began to yell. It was actually funny, because Otrox had fallen onto Macavity saying that Macavity was HOT!!! That had actually shut Macavity up quick!**
"And you Rhade! I am disappointed." The tall ginger cat began his pacing again. "What happened to the plan, the meeting?"
He got into his silent mode and continued pacing again. The enforcer's stood stone still, but the silence was eating away at them. On que, Chaos had walked into the hall and observed the scene. He noticed the obvious tension in the air.
His tail curled up,"Hey Boss."
Macavity halted to look at his chief mystic,"Can this wait?"
"No sir."
"Fine go on..."
"Well, I went over your plan last night."
Macavity folded his arms, he had given Chaos his full attention.
"I think it could work. You just need a few adjustments."
He nodded in agreement. Then Chaos nodded in Griddlebone, and Exotica's direction. The two queens were gazing at each other, giggling.
"What's up with them?"
"I don't know."
                                                                                                      ****
Demeter smiled sheepishly at the warmth surrounding her. Sleepily, she opened one eye and looked up into Munkustrap's face. He was half awake just staring at Demeter. She rubbed her face against Munk's neck, and he let out a satisfied groan. He still couldn't fully wake up though. In fact, Munkustrap was fighting the urge to sleep. He wasn't getting enough sleep, and he knew why. Tugger and Bombalurina had been spending their nights in Tugger's den. And they usually never slept during the night. Being right next to Tugger's den, Munk and Deme heard everything. Then on the other side, was Alonzo's den. Usually, Munk would wake up to his brother screaming. But having Alonzo being the night-shift sentinel, there have been no screams. In a strange twist, not hearing Alonzo's screams, have made Munkustrap sad. Now, he couldn't keep track of Alonzo, before he always knew that Alonzo was always in his den. Now he could never be sure, and that fact has also kept him awake at night. Demeter's warmth was suddenly gone, and at once he woke up. He wasn't even aware that he had drifted back off to sleep, until then. Demeter was no longer laying by his side. She was standing up just looking off into the distance, as if in a trance. He rubbed his eyes and stood up.
"What's wrong, Deme?"
She hadn't budged, and was completely reserved. He came up beside her and cuddled her from behind. She let out an upset sigh, but clasped her paws around his arms.
"Deme?"
"It's nothing, I'm fine."
He gripped her tighter in his arms, knowing that something was on her mind. A deep resonating purr came from the back of Demeter's throat. Munk smilled at her purr, and he himself began to purr as well. She tensed up and turned in order to face him. At that moment, Munkustrap sensed that he knew what was bugging Demeter; at least partially. It was the same thing that was on his mind. He loved her with all his heart and she loved him just as much, if not more. But there was just something troubling them both, but neither one of them could put their finger's on it. He cupped her face in his paws with a loving look,"Come on, Deme."
She saw the loving look in his eyes and matched the look as well. He then lifted her face to his and their lips crashed together. Their purring ampilfied, and she threw her arms around his neck. He guided her back to their bed, while keeping up with their kiss. He was planning on loving Demeter, the right way. He was going to be very kind, tender, and respectful. Outside, Alonzo paced through the square. Munkustrap wasn't up and out on the tire, yet. He didn't think Demeter or Munkustrap would be happy with him, if he barged in and woke them up. But it did seem important enough, to do just that. So he got onto the tire, and jumped behind it. He looked left and was surprised to see Admetus sitting up on his balcony, looking over the tribe, and probably far off into the distance, too. Alonzo wondered if Admetus missed being on the streets. On the streets, the silver tom got to help others, but here he was only helpful to Plato. Which everyone was greatful for. Then Alonzo looked to the right and Tugger, Bomb, Munk, and Deme were still in their dens, probably sleeping. Steathly, Alonzo turned right, and reached Munk and Deme's den. He ran in after a moment of hesitating.
"Munk, Deme wake up...Uh I mean Munkustrap, Demeter...There's something, OH!" He covered his eyes with his paws.
Munk and Deme were both laying on their bed flushed with embarassment.
"Why does this keep happening to me?"
Munk cleared his throat to find the words to speak,"What do you mean?"
"Uhmmmmm...a month ago I walked in on Gussie, Jenny, Jelly, and Skimble loving each other. And then a few weeks ago, I interrupted Tugger for some advice and caught the Tugger and Bomb show."
They gave him a sypathetic look.
"Oh, that wasn't the worse part, they asked me to join them. And now this, I mean what's next?"
Demeter was still very embarassed, but couldn't help what came out of her mouth next,"Did you?"
"Did I what?" Alonzo was confused.
Munk stopped himself from growling,"Did you join them?"
Alonzo didn't think that that situation could get anymore embarrassing or awkward till then. "Why would you care? And tell me how that is any of your business." He saw both of their sad and sorry looks. "But...If you must know. No, I didn't."
Alonzo had to get out of there, he was blushing with embarassment, he was already aroused, plus he figured Munk and Deme would want some privacey. So immediately he spun around to leave, but wasn't quick enough. Munk had jumped off of the bed and grabbed his arm.
"You...You had something to tell us?"
"Oh right! We;re running low on food, so I think that we should get some jellicle's together, to get some more."
Munk looked to Demeter, then back to Alonzo,"Sure, give us a few minutes, and we'll meet you at the tire."
Alonzo nodded, then ran out of the den at a top speed.
**It had to be them, Didn't it? I couldn't run into Tugger and Bomb, again. No it had to be Munkustrap and Demeter!!**
A paw landed on his shoulder and he let out a moan, before he could stop it.
"You okay, Alonzo?"
He turned to see Admetus, with worried, but alert eyes. Then Admetus realized what was going on, especially after the noises came out of Munk and Deme's den. Alonzo looked down and his ears went back in embarassment.
"I think I need a nap." He shrugged the silver tom's paw off his shoulder. "Munk and Deme..." He shook his head,"Munkustrap, and Demeter will be out soon about an assignment."
Admetus eyed Alonzo, choosing to ignore the tabbies name slip up,"Really?"
"Yes, he'll tell you everything on the tire. So you'll be there?"
"Of course, sentinel." He bowed to Alonzo, but didn't remove his eyes from Alonzo's face. Alonzo then entered his den and Admetus walked back towards the tire.
                                                                                                      ****
Sillabub bounced next to George, while still holding onto his paw. They had spent some time at Skimble's railway station. There were of course human's there. Many of which Skimble works with. They of course recognized Sillabub as Skimble's daughter. So the humans were very kind to the two jellicles. Ever since they left the railway station, Sillabub had been either humming or singing 'Skimbleshanks the railway cat'. George had his free paw over his temples, with an obvious headache. He glanced at his youngest sister with an annoyed expression. The two were north of the junkyard in the city. Another cat had passed them, and gave George an odd expression. He nervously chuckled, but kept cautious eyes on the other cat. That way the two wouldn't come into physical contact. They walked down the walkway, and then turned left at the corner. They walked a few feet, when Sillabub abruptly stopped singing.
"George! Look it's Old Deuteronomy's home!!"
He nodded and dragged Sillabub up to the huge human door. There was a decent sized kitty door, for Old Deuteronomy when he'd want to get fresh air, and when he would leave to go to the yard at every jellicle ball.
"Should we knock?"
"No Sillabub, we'll just go in." He moved closer to the kitty door, and then slipped in with Sillabub directly behind him. He stealthly crept through the main hall while he looked for the jellicle leader. Sillabub smiled and she, too, crept through the big hall. At the end of the hall, the last door to the right, Old Deuteronomy sat. Sillabub smiled and let go of George's paw. "Old Deuteronomy!"
He turned with a brillant smile, as Sillabub ccame at him at a run. She jumped on him and he wrapped her in his massive arms. George stood in the door-way, his arms folded and a smirk on his face. Old Deuteronomy spotted the butter calico, with a smirk of his own. George was a young teen, but the leader admitted to himself that George would be a very handsome tome once he got older.
"Hello, my dear Sillabub, and George."
"Hi!"Sillabub buried her head in Old Deuteronomy's chest.
George shook his head,"Good morning, Leader." He came forward and bowed.
When he raised up, he saw the jellicle leader's paw stretched towards him. Immediately, George backe away and his ears flattened.
Old Deuteronomy looked at George quizically,"What's wrong, George?"
He gave a half smile, but kept his distance from the leader.
"George has scary healing power."
He winced at Sillabub's description.
"He can't touch another jellicle, of they'll feel pain, and...and then they'll feel all tingiley."
"The tingling feeling is my power. I...I feel it all the time."
The leader gave him a sympathetic smile,"Well George, things happen for a reason. I'm glad we have a new healer."
"I'm not a healer. I don't want to be a healer, you can't make me!"
"Calm down, George. I'm not trying to force you. I only thought you would follow in your mother's footsteps. But you're your own tom, you can do what you will. You shouldn't be afraid of me, or rather any jellicle son."
He shifted his weight, but his ears were still flattened.
"Now Sillabub, how are you my child?"
Sillabub peered into his face with a brillant smile,"George let me stop by Daddy's railway station this morning."
Old Deuteronomy let out a deep bellow.
"Leader?"
He looked to George,"Yes?"
"I came here to escort Sillabub, but also to relay a message."
"Alright, I've been expecting this for awhile. What is it?"
"The dark twins told me to tell you that Macavity's empire is growing." He paused to look at his leader's discomforting face.
Old Deuteronomy covered Sillabub's ears,"Continue..."
"Macavity's empire and the junkyard are being closely watched. But there have been strange activities going on in the empire. Munkustrap, Demeter, Cassandra, and the dark twins believe something might happen at this upcoming ball."
Old Deuteronomy frowned, but nodded his head. "I understand, but we're always vulnerable at the jellicle ball."
George nodded in understanding,"There are also new member's, too. And your son Alonzo..."
Old Deuteronomy jumped at the mention of his son,"Alonzo. What's wrong? Did something happen to him?"
"Oh, Alonzo is fine, but the dark twins and Demter believe he has a gift similar to Demeter."
"Demeter? Is he a seeress?"
"Well they don't think he's a complete seeress, they believe it's different from Demeter's somehow."
Old Deuteronomy didn't know if he should be happy fo rhis son, or if he should feel upset and sorry. In the end, he thought it best to change the subject. He uncovered Sillabub's ears,"So how many new members?"
George stood silent and began to count on his fingers,"Seven."
"Seven...well, I think this year's jellicle ball is going to be fun. Don't you think so, Sillabub?"
She stuck her tongue out, since she had never been to the ball before,"Yes, I can't wait!!"
                                                                                                      ****
Admetus sat up starightly on the tire. He was patiently waiting for Munkustrap and Demeter, who had not shown up yet. The other's had already begun to enter the square. Cassandra was laying very still on top of the oven, and the dark twins were sitting side by side, in the oven. Jemima was laying just in front of the oven and every once in awhile would paw at Coricopat's tail. Bill Bailey, Carbuckety, Mungojerrie, Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, and Mistoffelees were all playing a game near the entrance by the over turned bike. Sure they were playing a game, but they were also trying to impress the princesses laying on the bleachers, watching them. Victoria, Electra, Rumpleteazer, and Etcetera were laying on the bleachers discussing the toms game and them in general. In the opposite corner by the human's bed frame and the path leading to the east entrance, sat the quad. Admetus smiled to himself. **I could definately get used to this.** He watched the other interact with one another.
Tantomile had given him a very strange look, but it quickly disappeared. Victor and Plato arrived from the path next to the bleachers. At once, Admetus saw Victoria take her eyes off the toms game and focused on Plato. Admetus didn't see any of the queens looking at Victor, but did catch Cettie staring at him from time to time. He wanted to believe she was grinning for him, but he had heard Bomb and Tugger come from behind him. The two jellicles were screaming at each other, that even the toms stopped playing their game to observe the quarrel. Both Bomb and Tugger had walked down off of the tire and faced off.
"Is that how you really feel?"
"Of course it is!" They matched each other's growl.
Tugger was really angry with the scarlett queen,"Fine!"
He marched over to Cettie, Leccy, Viccy, and Teazer. He gave Jemmie a wink on his way. And though the queen was flattered she didn't move from her spot by the twins. Bomb smoothed down her fur and made her way to the toms. On her way she flirtaciously grabbed ahold of Plato, whose ears went back, but only for a moment. She kept her one paw in his, but still flirted with the other toms. The main toms that she kept touching were Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, Mungojerrie, and Plato. Tugger was very comfortable with one arm hooked around Cettie, the other around Teazer, Viccy curled in his lap, and of course Leccy leaning against his back.
**We are so over!!** Bomb was glaring at Tugger.
He, however, kept staring at the silver tom on the tire. He had thought of Admetus once before.
**Now let's see if I was right.**
"Sorry ladies, but I have something to discuss with Admetus." He got up and heard their sorrow filled sighs.
Not wanting a displeased princess he turned around with a smug smile across his lips. He gave attention to all four princesses starting with Cettie, then Leccy. Victoria was last, before he turned around and headed towards Admetus. The silver tom kept his eyes on the other's, until Tugger stood right in front of him.
"Tugger..."
"Admetus." Instantly, Tugger grabbed him, and Admetus put his paws on Tugger's arms ready to attack, if he needed to.
"I need to talk with you." He dragged Admetus back towards his den, to talk more privately.
"What do you need?"Admetus harshly asked.
He wasn't too thrilled with the way Tugger got his attention. Tugger hadn't been with a tom in a while, but he was sure the rough approach still worked. So he roughly dragged Admetus to his body, with one leg in between his two legs. The silver tom gazed at the maine coon, completely startled.
"So Addy, you're from the streets, right?"
He frowned,"D-Don't call me that."
"What, Addy?"
Admetus tried to get away, but Tugger's grip was very tight,"Yes."
Tugger shook his head, not wanting to get off subject,"Answer the question, Admetus."
He nodded,"I learned to fight there. I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I have to."
Tugger grinned, but shook his head once more,"That's not what I meant." He moved his leg ever so suddenly and then roughly kissed Admetus on his mouth. Admetus let out a startled yelp, giving Tugger the perfect opportunity to shove his tongue into Admetus' mouth. Admetus' eyes went wide, as he stared into Tugger's observant eyes. Finally, Admetus' strength seemed to return and he pushed Tugger off of him.
"D-Dont..."
Tugger, who now seemed to have his answer, grew smugger. Admetus was breathing heavily, he knew that Admetus was aroused, and even though Admetus was trying to hide it, Tugger could see the lust in his eyes.
Tugger narrowed his eyes and leaned closer to him,"Don't? Are you sure about that?"
Admetus tried to say yes, tried to nod, hed desperately tried to get away, but instead his arms had gripped Tugger's waist tightly, startling both himself and Tugger. After his initial surprise, Tugger pulled Admetus as close to his body as he could get him,"Let's go somewhere more private."
Admetus bit his lip and let Tugger drag him away. He had done things like this all the time living on the street. It was sad, but most cats he ran into that were kind enough to give him food, a place to sleep for the night, usually expected sex as payment. Though it wasn't right, or the perfect way to live it left both himself and that said cat satisfied. Most of the time it was a queen, but on rare occassions he would be with toms, it really didn't matter to him. However, all his life on the streets he never imagined himself to be in the presence of Tugger, becoming his 'somewhat' friend, and definately never dreamed of sharing a bed with Tugger. He moaned at the thought and then heard Tugger growl in anticipation. Admetus's eyes dialated, he knew he was in for a wild ride, but Admetus knew quite a few moves, courtisy of street life, and planned to rock his world as well. Suddenly, Tugger threw him and he landed on something very soft. Tugger licked his lips as he loomed over Admetus. He crawled on top of Admetus, who at that moment realized he was in Tugger's den laying on Tugger's bed. That was the last thing on his mind, before his mind became too intoxicated in the moment. Across the way, Alonzo peacefully slept. He was curled up in a corner of his bed, bundled up in all the sheets. He had one arm layed causually over his head. However, when he heard some noises, he peeked one eye open. He was still pretty much asleep, but he knew it was coming from Tugger's den. Alonzo lazily searched for his pillow and buried his head under it, once he found it. Still , he could hear Tugger, even with the pillow desperately plastered against his ears. Angrily, he threw the pillow against the far wall, followed by an agrivated yell. His tail got all poofy, and he left his den. His paws were rolled into fists, and his face contorted into a grimace.
He barged into Tugger's den growling,"Look Tugger, Bomb, I haven't slept all-"
He was no longer angry, but did find trouble finding words to speak.
Tugger nipped at Admetus' ear, and he let out a groan. Tugger smirked,"Well you going to stand there watching...or are you going to join in the fun, Lonzo?"
Alonzo went beat red, and his eyes went wide. Finally, affter a few moments of watching, he yelled to no one in particular,"Rumpus! Why? Why does this keep happening to me? What did I ever do to you?"
Both Admetus and Tugger chuckled as Alonzo left.
                                                                                                      ****
After Tugger and Admetus left, the four princesses were now bored. Bombalurina was still the main show with the toms. It was as if they had completely forgot about the four princesses they had wanted to impress. Still, the four princesses watched the toms fuss over the scarlett queen. They were enjoying it and hating it, too, until Teazer tapped Victoria on her shoulder.
"What is it Teazer?"
"The Jellahcle Bahll is comin' up soon."
"You're right."
"So?"Electra asked.
"What?"
"Do ya 'ave ah tom in mind, for the dance? Or are ya lettin' some tom ya don' know claim ya?"
Victoria frowned,"Well, I've never thought about it that way."
Electra folded her arms,"You should start thinking, Viccy. It'll be here before you know it."
"Oi bet Oi know who sh's got 'er eyes oun."
"Who?"
Victoria gave them a stern look,"I'm right here...just ask me."
Electra glanced at her for a moment, then turned her attention back to Teazer,"So who is it?"
Victoria sighed as she watched them.
Teazer giggled,"Plato, of course."
All three gasped, but Electra was still smiling,"I knew it."
Cettie who wasn't paying attention, cut in,"Where did Admetus go?"
The sudden subject change, threw the other three off-guard.
"Why Cettie? Do you need to speak with him?"
She looked at Victoria oddly,"No."
"Then why?"
"Why what?"
Victoria's ears went backwards, and she looked to Electra,"How do you do it, Leccy?"
She shrugged her shoulders,"I don't..."
Cettie only looked at them with soft eyes. She really didn't know what they were discussing, but it obviously didn't concern her. So she turned away, and watched the tire closely. Teazer, and Victoria were still gazing at Electra. Electra had to be one of the most impatient jellicles of the entire tribe. And to get along with Etcetera, you had to be pretty patient. So how those two became and remained best friends was a complete mystery.
"Victoria, can we speak with you?"
She saw her two mothers, Jellylorum and Jennyanydots. "Sure."
She got up and followed them back to her two fathers. Gussie patted her shoulder, then Skimble hugged her in his arms. The four were aware of the growing attraction that she had for Plato. Jenny sat on one side of Skimble wher her paw on Viccy's shoulder. On the otherside of Skimble, Gussie sat with his paw on Viccy's other shoulder. Jellylorum stood up in front of them.
"Viccy, your courtship dance is coming up, and we'd like to talk to you about that."
Victoria gave a half-smile,"Okay."
"Are you nervous?"
"No father Gussie. I'm actually very excited."
"Well that answers my question."
Viccy smiled to Jenny. Skimble tightened his grip around his daughter,"Viccy, Do you...Are you prepared?"
"Oh yeah, sure. It's just a dance daddy."
Jelly's tail swayed,"What he means is, what do you think will happen during your courtship dance?"
"I...I'll dance, and a tom will dance it with me."
"Who are you hoping for, sweetie?" Jenny had asked.
Viccy bit her lip,"Well, I was sort of hoping for...umm...Plato."
The quad shook their head's simultaneously. "That's what we really wanted to discuss with you."
"We don't think you should dance it with him."
"Wait, what?!"
"You should definately speak with Plato about this whole thing."
"No. I'm sorry, but that would just be uncomfortable."
"Now, sweetie, don't get upset. It's just that we think Plato's not really ready for something like that, yet."
Viccy frowned, knowing full well her parents were right.
                                                                                                      ****
Munkustrap and Demeter stood outside their den, hugging. They had taken a nap, to fully rest up. He kissed the side of her head, just as Admetus stumbled out of Tugger's den. The two looked at him, perplexed. He looked dazed and slightly flushed.
"Admetus?"
He instantly bowed out of respect and to hide his embarassment. "Lady Demeter,...Sentinel."
He pointed to Tugger's den with a smirk,"Tugger was teaching me how to get a queen's attention," He lied.
Demeter smiled and nodded her head. Munk still wasn't convinced,"So he did this out of the kindness of his heart...?"
Admetus took a hard look at Munkustrap,"Yes. He also taught me some moves. You want to see?"
The siver tabby pulled his golden calico queen into his arms,"I have some moves of my own. But I also have my beloved."
She gave him a loving stare, which he returned. Admetus stared, uncomfortably at the two. "Well, sorry to interrupt your moment, but Alonzo informed meof an assignment? He told me to meet you two at the tire."
"Oh yeah."
"Where's Alonzo? Is he not meeting us there?"
Admetus gave a half-smile,"Sorry Lady Demeter, Sentinel, but Alonzo's had a long night. I think he's in his den sleeping."
Demeter frowned, and was already headed to Alonzo's den.
Yet, Munk had gripped her paw, and stopped her,"Dearest, if Alonzo is sleeping...I think we should let him rest."
She gave him a sour face, but in the end she concurred with him. Admetus sauntered ahead of them and re-entered the square, sitting on the tire. Viccy was being consoled by her four parents. The three princesses, Teazer, Leccy, and Cettie were sitting on the bleachers still, giggling. Then there was Bomb, who was sitting down. Plato was standing behind her, leaning against the oven. Bill Bailey and Pouncival were curled up beside her two sides. The other's were either standing up or sitting down near her. Mistoffelees was out in front of the group, preforming his little magic act. The group was very pleased with the tuxedo tom's ability, even if he didn't get it completely right. Also, the three princesses were enjoying his show, and would applaud him. In the oven, the dark twins still sat, but they both swayed their tails. They were inticing Jemima, daring her, to go after them. She only stared up at the sky as if she was in he own little world. Cassandra was still in her pose and looked almost like a stone statue.
**Things seem to be coming together for our two sentinels.**
**Yes, but not just them, Tomie, things are coming together for some of the other jellicles as well.**
**I agree, you Cassie?**
**of course, the missing peices are close to being dug up.**
**There are a couple of peices that I'm not so sure about.**
**I know exactly what you are talking about, Corie. But let's get Jemima's opinion.**
Jemima was laying down peacefully listening to their mental conversation, but at the mention of her name, she sat up straight and looked at the twins.
**I know who you are speaking of. And I'm one of the jellicles that you three are not sure about.**
She gave them a half-smile, but closed down her mind, layed back down, and stared back at the sky. Back on the tire, Admetus sat comfortably. Munkustrap and Demeter had walked up behind him, and the two sat next to him.
"Alright jellicles,...Admetus. Alonzo has informed us that it's time to get some more food."
For the most part Munk and Deme had the tribe's attention. The silver tabby patted Admetus' arm.
"You know, I think Alonzo was very smart to put you in charge of this operation."
"Really? Does this mean I get to choose who come with me?"
Munk chuckled, so Deme took over,"No sweeite, but you will be in charge of all of these said jellicle's and their safety."
He nodded. Then Munk continued,"Victor, Carbuckety, Bill Bailey, and Rumpleteazer will be going with you."
Again, he nodded, as the four jellicles made their way to the tire.
"The field to the east is good for mice, and smaller rodent's. Heading north is a great place, too, and there are also great human and pet stores to raid, Teazer. But do not go near Macavity Empire, and stay away from the west part of the city."
Admetus got off the tire reassuring Munk, Deme and the rest of the tribe,"Let the hunt begin!"

**FIN

-Year One Illustrations By Extwo