| Rescue Operation |
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| The young queen strolled through the junkyard without a carein the world. She was happy in the yard, but there was always something happening in the yard to remind her that there was something missing in her own life. It wasn't the fact that she wanted a mate, though she knew she would one day. Not having a mate really wasn't what was bothering her. She didn't car, she was happy, so she didn't know if anything was bothering her. She passed by empty dens in between piles of trash. She was in a pass that currently wasn't being used. It was connected to the east path, only after the east path curved towards the north. She wasn't sure why she was there, but assumed she had wanted to explore. Jemima was usually with one of the jellicles, she talked with most of them. For some reason she was roaming the yard alone. Suddenly, she heard a weird clanking noise coming from behind her. She jumped up and instantly looked behind her. Her fur was standing up, her ears peeled backwards, and her tail had grown twice in size. Her eyes surveyed the path and junk behind her. There was nothing there, everything was in their rightful places, nothing had moved. She gripped her chest and felt her heart racing. She was breathing heavily, but smoothed down her fur, and began to walk back towards the east path. However, she began to hear running footsteps coming from behind her. She glanced back with wide frightened eyes, but she didn't see anything. Yet, she could still hear the sounds as they got louder. Though she knew nothing was there and that she was probably imagining things, she was still afraid. She turned on her heel and started walking faster. The noises began to pound in her ear and her feet carried her at a run. She made it to the east path, but the noises had gotten so loud that she couldn't even hear herself think. "Be Quiet! NOO!" She shrieked. **JEMMIE!** The noises had quickly desisted as she looked around not remembering running towards the current place she was now at. She stopped, breathing heavily and then spotted the dark twins on the balcony. They looked worried, so Jemima put a big smile on her face. Coricopat frowned,"Are you okay, Jemima? You didn't hear us when we called to you." "I'm fine," Jemima snapped. The twins eyed her, and her smile faltered. "I'm sorry. I must've woke up on the wrong side of my bed. So I guess I'm cranky." Her smile returned, and she climbed up the junk and onto the balcony. She seated herself comfortably next to Coricopat. The twins kept suspicious eyes on the black-scarlett calico, but decided to change the subject. Tantomile gave Jemima a frown,"How come you are not with your friends?" She shrugged,"I don't know. I wanted to go exploring, but no one was awake yet," She lied. The twins kept frowning even though they attempted to smile. There was an unusual, awkward, and uncomfortable silence. It was still early, but the twins knew everyone, well all of Jemima's friends anyway, were up and had been for quite some time. The soft noises had returned, but Jemmie quickly realized that the twins couldn't hear it. However, the noises seemed different, but she couldn't explain it. Not that she would, the other would probably think that she had gone crazy. It was Coricopat, that had broken the silence, and Jemima was surprised that she could hear him over the rising noise. "That's not it, it's because of your power isn't it? You're feeling as though you don't fit in with the others as well as you thought you did." Tantomile cocked an eyebrow,"Is that what this is all about? Granted your power does make you different from the others...but you still fit in with them." That was when she couldn't hear anything else that was said. All she could hear was her heartbeat thumping loudly in her ears, her loud ragged breathing, and the sounds of others chasing her. She started running for her life, afraid that the would catch up to her. Jemima didn't know what was going on, only that she had to get away. She let out a shrill scream when she felt one of them grab her. "NO!" She shouted, with tears streaming down her face. In a last desperate attempt, she brought her claws out and flung them at her captive. Her tears clouded her sight, so she just flung them wildly. She fell onto her butt, when she finally cut her captive. Whoever said cats always landed on their feet, sure wasn't a cat or correct. She hurriedly got to her feet and rushed away. The cut probably wasn't deep, and didn't but her much time. She was already fatiqued, so being captured was inevitable. She was only post-poning the unavoidable. Still she ran as fast as her feet would take her. However, as Jemima ran she saw her paws pumping at her sides and out in front of her. She looked wide-eyed at the golden paws, before whatever was left of Jemima faded away. Those paws definitely were not hers, but onward she ran. The others were gaining on her, and so was her fear. The dark twins wore a look of horror as they watched Jemima fearfully running away. Coricopat gripped his arm, which Jemima had cut. "Let me see that." "It's not bad," Coricopat stubbornly said. Still, Tantomile gently grabbed his arm to study it. He swallowed hard,"It is already beginning isn't it?" She frowned,"I'm not entirely sure. This might be something different altogether." "You are just going to wait and see what happens aren't you?" "It could be something different. But if it is what we are fearing will eventually happen to her, she'll go after Old Deuteronomy." "We're still going to keep a close watch on her, right?" She nodded,"We promised Old Deuteronomy to keep all the members safe, and that's what we'll do." - - - - Munkustrap was curled on his bed with his triad. The silver tabby was laying in the middle with his arms around Demeter. Alonzo layed on his other side with his arms around Munkustrap. Both Munk and Deme were up, but Alonzo was still sound asleep. Munkustrap was looking at Deme, and she stared back at him. She raised her head to his and kissed him. He deepened it, but the two kept quiet, so they wouldn't wake Alonzo up. Deme pulled back licking her lips,"I'll never get tired of that." "You better not,"He cracked a smile. She rested her headon her elbow as she watched Munkustrap. Beside him Alonzo slept peacefully. His body was pressed up against Munk's back. She smiled at the pair, and Munkustrap looked at her quizzically,"What is it?" "Just looking at both of you. All snuggled close together." He smirked,"Might be a sight, but let me tell you it's hard to move. He really has a good grip on me." She nodded,"Every morning...he's been sleeping a lot better at night." Munk grinned,"So have you, Deme." She kissed him again, only more gently. "So do you think he's really asleep, or do you think he's pretending?" Munk could hear his steady breathing,"Lon's really asleep this morning." She crawled deeper into Munks arms,"I know you know this, but I love you Munk." "I'll never get tired of hearing it Deme. I love you, too." She smiled,"I'll never get tired of it either." "Deme, I need to ask you now, before I forget." "What is it?" "I've been wanting to have kittens with you for awhile now, but no matter what! You just couldn't get pregnant. I know now it's because we were missing the other part of our souls. Now that we have him, I was wondering if you want kittens...or do you think you're not ready?" She broadly smiled,"I am ready. And I want to have kittens with you, just as much as I want to have kittens with Lon, too." "I wouldn't have it any other way." She sat up, and began to brush her fur down,"I doubt we should try now, unless you want a cranky Lon to wake up in the middle. So...I might as well get up." "I would too..." Munk began, but cracked a smile,"If I could." She giggled,"Are you complaining?" He grinned sheepishly,"No not at all." She stood up to brush her fur down better. Alonzo groaned in his sleep and shifted a little bit. "I think sleeping beauty is waking up,"Munk whispered real low. They gasped when he suddenly jumped to his feet, on total alert,"Did you hear that?" Munkustrap nervously glanced around, hoping Alonzo didn't hear the comment he had just made. "Hear what exactly?" "Shhh..." They froze in place, and didn't utter a single sound, as they strained to hear what Alonzo was hearing. Indeed, footsteps. They all heard footsteps approaching, quick fast paced footsteps. All of a sudden, Jemima came flying through the blanket that covered the entrance of their den. Jemima had been running but stopped to stare at Demeter. Munkustrap stumbled to his feet, the blanket covering him falling to the floor,"Jemima! You can't just barge in-" Alonzo shook his head, and halted Munk from walking forward. "Are you okay, Jemima?" Demeter asked. Jemima kept staring at Demeter, but it looked as though her eyes were glazed over byan invisible force. The triad observed Jemima, her cheeks were wet from crying, and her breathing hadn't slowed down, if anything her breathing had sped up. Jemima sniffled as more tears fell from her eyes. Demeter backed up cautiously at the intense gaze Jemima had a hold on her. Jemima ran to Demeter and wrapped her arms around Demeter's slim waist, crying. "Demii! Demii!" Demeter glanced down at her confused, but wrapped Jemima in her arms. Munk and Alonzo gazed at the two with sad eyes. "Demii, it's mother! She's dead! And now they're after me...it's them!" Munk and Alonzo circled the two to comfort them. Demeter tried her best to calm the calico down. She buried her head deeper into Demeter's chest,"No! Stay away from me." Instantly, Munk and Alonzo backed away from Demeter and Jemima. Demeter, Munkustrap, and Alonzo had no clue what was going on. They jumped when Jemima made a sudden movement. She stood up and back away from Deme. She looked scared witless and was obviously being cautious. Then, Jemima let out a groan and fell to the ground. Munk and Alonzo reacted by catching her in their arms. Jemima covered her face and let out another grown. She figured the dark twins had restrained her, or was comforting her. Since that was the last thing she remembered, being in the company of them. So she did not expect to see Munk, Alonzo, or Deme. Once she saw them she jumped up,"Wha-? Where...How? What...How did I get here?" Munk cleared his throat,"Jemima, why don't you sit down?" She sat down, uneasily, especially when the triad sat down in front of her. Demeter pouted,"So you really don't know or remember what happened?" Jemima shook her head,"No, but my bottom really hurts..." Alonzo waved his paw in the air,"Don't think about that. Jemima, tell us what you do remember." She bit her lip,"You want me to tell you the truth?" Munk nodded,"Yes. Why wouldn't you?" She darted her eyes around,"Everything?" Demeter smiled, and gently petted Jemima's shoulder,"Everything that you can remember." Jemima took a deep breath,"Well I...I don't fit in with the others too well, so I decided to go explore the yard by myself." "Of course you fit in. What gave you that idea to begin with?" In the back of her mind, she could arleady hear the noises starting up again. She reguarded Alonzo with a sad smile,"I overheard my friends talking about me. They said that I was a freak, and called me weird. I even heard them say that they weren't sure about playing with me, since I hangout with the dark twins." "They'll grow out of it,"Munk firmly spoke,"And you are not a freak." "Yes I am. I have these powers...and I don't even know what they do!" "That doesn't make you a freak. Cass, Exotica, the dark twins, they all have powers." "But not like mine! I'm different." "I don't mean to be rude, Jemima, you said you went exploring alone." "You're not rude, lady Demeter..." They had gotten off track, she sighed,"I went exploring the empty abandoned parts of the yard, alone. I had heard a noise, but didn't see anything. So I went about my business, but then I heard it again, but just thought I was being paranoid. I don't remember what happened after that. Just that somehow I was in the east, by the balcony." Jemima cleared her throat and cocked her head. The noises were getting louder but she was trying to fight it now. "Anyway, I climbed up the balcony and sat down and talked to the dark twins for awhile. There was a strong thumping sound in my ears. Next thing I knew, I was in here..." "Jemima, you don't look-" Munk was cut off by a shrill scream coming from Jemima. She was gripping the sides of her head, and continued to scream. She ran for the exit, but Munk and Alonzo had blocked her way. "Please Demii! Help me! You ar the only one I can trust..." "Demii?" Demeter questioned. She then looked up at Jemima confused,"It can't be...Munk, Lon let her go!" Munk shook his head,"I'm sorry, beloved, but I can't do that. Lon, grab her." The two tabbies took hold of Jemima, despite her kicking and screaming. "We'll need your help too, Deme." "Munk?" He struggled against Jemima,"We need to take her to the infirmary." Demeter stood up and held on to Jemima. "Watch your head, Lon,"Munk said as they exited their den. Alonzo snorted,"Yes...because sleeping beauty wouldn't want to damage his head now, would he?" Demeter grinned, but Munk winced,"You weren't suppose to hear that." **** The small persian paced about her room witha grim look on her face. She had her tail in her paws as she paced. Every so often, she'd glance down and play with the silver hairs on the tip of her tail. Her and Lucious always had a set time to meet in her room. Normally, the two would just talk, but sometimes he'd be in a good enough mood to play silly little kitten games with her. They would meet every other night, unless he was given a last minute mission to take care of. Still, she knew that Lucious wouldn't come. It had been many months since he had visited her, but she'd always hope that sooner or later he would show up. The only visitors she recieved was Griddlebone and Otrox. Lately, Griddlebone hadn't been visiting her much either, because she's been too preoccupied with Macavity. And she shuddered in fear every time Otrox came to her room. He was very mean to her, and quite abusive too. She had caught wind of a mission earlier, so she knew Otrox wouldn't be visiting her that night. She wasn't sure, but thought the enforcers could still be out. Sylvia pouted as she left her room. She couldn't take it anymore, she had to get out, she was boreed. She walked down the hall in silence. It was night so many of the members were already in their rooms sleeping. The underground was up twenty-four/seven. If she was going to do anything, she'd have to go to the underground. After carefully thinking about it, she turned back around to the door to the underground. The door was right next to her room, and it wasn't a small door either. She tip-toed down the ramp and smiled at the loud commotion. She stepped into the large space, and went wide-eyed at all of the cats romaing around. There were calicos, Siamese, burmese, tabbies, just every type of cat you could think of wre down there. She glanced around at them nervously as several cats passed by her. She caught glimpse of a ginger tail twisted around a white tail. And she had a strong suspiscion that it was Macavity and Griddlebone. In the distance, Macavity walked through the other cats with Griddlebone at his side. They were meeting up with Exotica down in the corner. Sylvia saw the burmese emerge out of the darkness. "Xottie.." Griddlebone greeted her. "It seems lively down here tonight." She grinned at Griddlebone and Macavity,"Aww...it always is Maccy." "I can't argue with that. So we were wondering if there is any change in the junkyard." Exotica frowned,"Not since my last report last month." She eyed Macavity oddly, and he sighed,"I felt a tremor in my power this morning." "No one else has powers equal to yours Macavity." "That's not true, Gridds,"Xottie commented dryly,"She isn't there yet, but one day when her powers mature, she would equal Macavity, but only in power, not strength." "Well?" Macavity asked impatiently. "She has been acting strange, ut by what I can sense she's not using any of her powers. The power is coming from someone else but I can't pinpoint who it is...yet. But it would appear that someone is using their powers and sending them to Jemima, or using Jemima has a host for their power." Griddlebone frowned,"Does this have anything to do with what you sent your enforcers away for?" Macavity smirked,"This is why you are my queen." He thought for a moment, trying to remember her report from last month, and a reason to stay with Exotica just a little longer. "Who was that George character you mentioned last month?" "George, he is the second oldest son of Jellylorum and Asparagus Jr...He's a healer. Actually, he has a similar healing gift to Hanz." "Jellylorum..." Macavity growled, he wasn't fond of the butter calico healer. "Similar...How is his gift different?" "George had the same healing gift as Hanz, George's might be a little more accurate then Hanz, but not as speedy as his. Still, he feels all the power and all the pain that comes with his healing." He nodded grimly,"I'm adding him to the list." "As a target?" Griddlebone curiously asked. "I do admit he'd be a great recruit. All that pain he goes through probably toughens him up. He'll be a lot better then Hanz in the long run...Just watch him closely Xottie. When the time comes I want him. If he refuses...then I won't hesitate to kill him." Xottie forced a smile,"Well that settles that...by the way, we are being spied on." They all glanced around and then spotted Sylvia with her ears folded backwards. "I...I ...I didn't mean to spy. I was just looking for something to do." Macavity glared at the small persian, and at onceshe started to back up. "BOO!" Sylvia leapt into the air at the startling holler. She turned around and was face to face with her attacker. It was a toddler princess, obviously much younger than Sylvia herself. She was a scarlett and silver tabby. Although, the majority of her fur was scarlett. Her tail was a silver and grey striped tail. Still, Sylvia admitted that she'd be really pretty when she grew up. "I sure scared you!" She said with a big smile on her face. Sylvia notcied that her fur was still standing up in fright. "Yeah, I guess you did,"Sylvia cracked a smile. She then looked around at the bleak surroundings,"You're so young...how come you're down here all alone?" She shrugged,"I'm pretending to be a bandit, and scaring everyone I can." Sylvia chuckled, this queen hadn't been changed by the empire's harsh environment yet, and it was refreshing. Sylvia smiled brightly, wanting to keep this young queen protected, now she had something to do, and someone to watch over. "Well that sounds like fun...I'm Sylvia." "My names Joani...but my bandit name is Red Killer! You can be my partner in crime!" Sylvia took Joani's small paw,"I've got a better idea." Macavity, Griddlebone, and Exotica watched the two kittens wander away. "Why does she look so familar...?" Macavity growled. "Who is she?" Griddlebone questioned to Exotica. "Joani..." Exotica spoke lowly, then gave Macavity a stare. Obviously speaking to him by other means. Leaving Griddlebone out of the loop. However, whatever Exotica had said to his mind, it wasn't what Macavity wanted to hear. His grip on Griddlebone had tightened to where it almost hurt. He hissed out. "Why the hell isn't she dead???!!! She's suppose to be dead. I ordered the whole family dead! XOTTIE!" The chocolate burmese quickly jumped to the side, not wanting to get hit. "Tell me why...and tell me who was suppose to have killed her." She straightened, thinking back to when the incident had occured. Her head was back up, and her eyes stared intently at Macavity,"Chaos was suppose to have done it...as for why...I believe that is a question you should be asking Chaos." Macavity had already headed toward the two big toms who guarded the entrance into the dungeons. - - - - Chaos was in the middle of cleaning up a cell he had just recently tortured someone in, when he sensed Macavity coming. Nothing could have prepared him though, when Macavity used his power to send Chaos flying into the opposite wall. There was still blood on his paws, something he had been cleaning as well. Macavity entered, his eyes sunken in, and his paw outstretched. He twirled his wrist, and Chaos spun, still pressed against the wall by Macavity's invisible power. The silver tom was now facing his boss, and he groaned out. He wasn't scared, not yet, but when Macavity began to push his power into his body, Chaos screamed out. It felt as though a spiked wall was trying to crush his body. He still shuddered and trembled as the power continued to push. Slowly, his one eye opened and he gazed at Macavity, another sickening groan slipping from his mouth. "It's bad enough I have to deal with rookies messing up or disobeying my orders. But you?....I ought to kill you right now!" Chaos coughed, still unsure what he was talking about. "I've...never disobeyed...an order." Macavity's eyes refocused, and his power disappeared. Chaos fell to the ground, but his relief was short lived, when Macavity's claws on his feet swiped at him, and dug in. "Really...How long ago was it, that I asked you to kill that family? Hmm?" He claws dug deeper and he sinisterly grinned when he heard Chaos wheeze. "You'll never believe who we ran into tonight. Young little thing...mostly red." Chaos let out a shuddering breath when Macavity ripped his claws from his skin. "Damnit! Joani..." The kitt just didn't know how to listen to directions. He had told her to stay indoors. He yelped when Macavity grabbed him by the throat, and raised him back up. However, Macavity ended up raising Chaos clear above the ground. The mystic tom's feet kicked out trying to find something, anything solid to stand on. He coughed and gasped for air, but recieved none, as Macavity clutched onto Chaos throat tighter. "Lucky guess...How hard was it to kill her? More importantly. Why the hell didn't you?!" Chaos still choked his mouth opening and closing, but Macavity was holding too tightly for Chaos to respond. Growling, the ginger tom slowly let Chaos drop back down to his feet, cursing the tabby/burmese. A paw was grasping at his throat, as Chaos coughed. "I...Didn't kill...her...because." He coughed some more, this time though searching for an excuse. The truth would only get himself and Joani killed. "I sensed...potential in her...m-mmystic powers..." Macavity raised an eyebrow,"I have mystics....some that I obviously can't count on." "STOP!" Chaos raised his paws in front of him, knowing another attack was coming. "She...hers...they'll be better then mine one day." He yelled out when Macavity gripped his scalp and pulled him back up by his head fur. "Then why all the secracy? Why not simply tell me when after I ordered their deaths?" He was gritting his teeth, but pained grunts still tumbled from his mouth. "I...I..." There was no good reason for the secracy, and Macavity knew it. To surprise you, was definitely not acceptable. Macavity nodded his head,"That's what I thought." He yanked Chaos to his feet then pushed him to a certain contraption. When Chaos eyes went wide, Macavity frowned,"So you remember this...you've remembered too much." Chaos was forced in there, not daring to test his power against Macavity, he'd lose and he didn't want to die and leave Joani by herself. Macavity strapped him into it, securing his chains. "I'll tell you what. I won't kill Joani, since she has powers that are hidden deep in her mind. You'll remember enough to know that Joani will be your responsibility, under your protection, but anything more then that is going to be lost." He smirked, but before he flicked the button to permenantly erase Chaos memories, in a most painful way, he stopped to look back at Chaos. "Oh and Chaos...if I find out you're lying to me. Joani is as good as dead." As soon as he flicked the switch to turn the device on, on the side of the contraption Chaos was in, Chaos let out a loud pain-filled shriek. **** Tumblebrutus walked along the path with his friends. He would kick the small pebbles along the path as they walked. Pouncival had a paw around Cettie and Leccy's shoulders. The three were walking a little ahead of Tumble, and he even observed that Pounce had a small skip in his step. But why shouldn't he? The four weresearching for Tugger. All four of them had become like his personal fans; his groupies. Tugger did have a couple others in his fan group, but they were busy at the moment. "Where do you suppose he his, Leccy?" "I don't know Cettie." The white tabby frowned,"Well why don't you know?" "Because I don't. I don't have those weird pyschic powers to locate him, you know. Why would I even know?" Cettie pouted,"You told me that you know everything." "Ladies, ladies please. No arguing." They smiled at Pounce,"Do you think you are some kind of smallish Tugger?" Pounce looked up at the sky,"I don't know what you're talking about." "Oh sure, Pounce,"Cettie rolled her eyes. Leccy peeled Pounce's paw off of her shoulder and then dropped it,"Don't get any ideas. I'll get my attention from Tugger." Pouncival sighed,"Your loss." He turne his attention to Cettie, who immediately backed away from him. "Oh no! I'm with Leccy on this one." They raced ahead when they heard a sexy meow. Tumble came up to Pounce and put his arm around the small tom. Pounce had his ears pointed back and his tail drooped. "Cheer up Pounce." Pounce eyed him in disbelief. "We're going to see Tugger! And I bet he'll give us advice on the queens. This is Tugger we are talking about." A small smile crossed Pounce's face,"You're right. Tugger is awesome, and, hey I see him!"The group was in the northwest part of the junkyard. The meadow was nearby, and obviously so was Tugger. They didn't know what Tugger was doing before they arrived. He had heard them coming and was instantly his sexy self. Cettie and Leccy ran to him, but stopped just in front of him.Two enormous smiles were found on the quens faces. "It just wouldn't be a good day without you two by my side," He wrapped his arms around their waists. That's when he noticed the two white toms walking up to him. "Tumble, Pounce...did you escort these ladies here safely?" Tumble folded his arms,"Of course we did." The queens stuck their tongues ous, but Leccy spoke,"Maybe, but Pounce was trying some funny business." Tugger eyed him, and Pounce rolled his eyes. Tugger chuckled,"It seems like you need some work on getting a queens attention." "Then you'll show us?" They asked together. "Sure thing." "Yeah,"Pounce cheered,"And you'll teach us to be like you!!!" "Woah!" Tugger exclaimed. "I don't know if it's something I can teach. I was born with this gift." Both Tumble and Pounce pouted and showed him big round, and sad doe eyes. Tugger sighed,"Okay, okay...I'll give it a try." "You're just a big softy aren't you?" Cettie cooed. **** Sillabub ran down the southwest path to get to her sister. Victoria was at the food pile collecting some more food for her den. Sillabub had seen George packing up all of his belongings. Today was the official day and she wanted to inform Viccy. There were quite a few empty dens down that path and one large den, that didn't look much like a den to her. She had stopped long enough to look inside the den. Even though she was still young she was sure that it wasn't a den. To her it looked like an emergency infirmary, or possibly a nursery for all the new-born babies. She continued down the path when she finally saw Viccy. Viccy had a small bucket and was kneeling over the food. There were dry meats, a few dead mice, but not many. The jellicles preferred to hunt and eat their mice fresh. There were also slices and chips of different fruits and vegetables. There was a bathtub right next to the food, that was filled with water, supplied by the meadow or rain water. Both Jenny and Jelly would use that water as the basis for there stew. They cooked great stew, it was one of Sillabub's favorites. There was also a broken bathtub behind the quads den. It couldn't be filled all the way since there was a huge crack splitting down the middle of it. But it would be filled with hot water, so when there was a sick or injured patient, Jelly would have the hot water that she needed. Sillabub was still running,"Vi-cuugh!" A paw was clamped around her mouth, and she was lifted into the air. Sillabub struggled within the larger jellicles grasp. "Shh! Sillabub, it's just me." "Mmmm.." "Oh! Sorry,"He removed his paw off of her mouth. "Misto?" She turned around and nodded her head. "Well what are you doing here?" She whipsered. The black tuxedo tom blushed,"I was...nothing, I wasn't doing anything. Just taking a walk." Sillabub nodded, but then it hit her,"No you're not! You were spying on Viccy!" She gasped and her mouth dropped open in surprise,"Ew! You are a bad tom!" "No, no! It's not what you think." Mistoffelees pleaded with her. "Then what is it?" Sillabub crossed her arms. He frowned,"I couldn't help it. Everytime I see her I get this weird feeling in my body. My heart races, my body begins to shake, and I get this nervous tingling feeling in my stomach." Sillabub uncrossed her arms and smiled. Mistoffelees was still watching Victoria,"I think...I'm in love with her." She grinned,"Jemima once told me that you're Viccy's Ch...Chia-mabobber. I think you should go talk to her. Ask her, Misto..." "No, I can't. If she shot me down, I'd just be completely devastated." "Who says that she'll reject you?" "Let's be real, Sillabub. She's the most beautiful queen in this tribe, graceful...perfect. And look at me, it's obvious, I don't have a chance." She stopmed onto the conjourers foot,"Don't say that. You have just as much chance as any tom. And I'm...pretty too." "I didn't mean it like that, Silla. You're pretty, all the queens are. Ummm...what did you mean by...Chia-mabobber?" Sillabub though long and hard,"Oh I can't remember what Jemima said...exactly. But it means soul. You're her soul mate." Mistoffelees eyes darted back to observing Victoria,"Maybe I'll talk to her." Sillabub shook her head,"You will talk to her, and ask her, now. If you don't some other tom will get to her first. And she'll be tired of waiting for you and accept being the other toms. And BOOM!" She smacked her paws together,"You just missed your chance." Victoria had heard something that sounded like 'boom' and raised her head,"Is someone there? Jemima?...Teazer?" Sillabub gave Mistoffelees a little push and he stumbled forward. Victoria gasped,"Mistoffelees, what are you doing here?" Mistoffelees glared back at Sillabub and then gave Victoria a nervous smile. "Well...I, uh,...umm...I just wanted to talk to you." She smiled,"Okay, but would you mind helping me, since you're here?" He was instantly next to the white queen. "So how are you Viccy?" He began to help fill her bucket with food. "I'm just fine Misto, how are you?" "Oh just great." "Are you sure? You seem...I don't know, distracted." "Me? No not at all. Why would I be distracted?" "Come on, tell me what this is really about." "Alright, I can do this, Viccy..." She looked at him expectantly, but he shook his head, continuing to put food in her bucket. Victoria pouted, but then decided to take matters into her own paws. "I think I know what this is about." "You do?" She giggled and nodded,"You've been collecting your favorite foods, instead of mine..." He blushed,"Oh! I suppose you're right about that, but what does that have to do with anything...?" "I have to say it?" She flushed in embarrassment,"You're collecting your favorite foods for you, in...our bucket." He looked at her wide eyed, and was partially shocked. **Did she just say what I think she said? Did she just say 'our'?** He swallowed hard, and went down on his knee,"I'm going to do thi right this time. Viccy, I think you are the most beautiful queen I have ever seen." He concentrated on his power, and in his open paw a dozen beautiful rosses appeared. Viccy gasped and her eyes marveled at the beautiful flowers. She then looked deep into Misto's eyes and smiled. "Viccy,...I'm yours." She took the roses, but didn't remove her eyes from his,"You didn't have to give me flowers. They are very beautiful, but I want you to know that I want you for you and not the gifts you can create or give me." "Are you saying what I think you are saying?" She smiled,"I'm yours, Misto." He jumped up and embraced her. She had dropped her bucket and flowers and flung her arms around his neck. Sillabub was watching in the background. She sighed dreamily, when Misto and Victoria kissed. **** His blankets and a few trinkets were shoved into his bag. George flung the bag over his shoulder and gave a final glance at his den. Finally, he left the den and was immediately greeted by Victor, Admetus, and Plato. Victor put his arm around George, who leaned into the touch. "Look at this, guys,"Victor grinned,"My brother the healer!" Admetus nodded,"He's the perfect tom for the job." "I agree. He's like you Addy, he'll be saving lives, too." George rolled his eyes,"You three do realize that I am right here!" "He does need to work on his manners though." Plato laughed,"Right Addy, otherwise he won't have good bedside manners. The patients will be running out of the infirmary!" "Running from it? Don't you mean they'll be chased out by George?" Admetus and Plato started laughing again. Victor did chuckle a bit,"Alright, let's lay off of him for now." George let Victor guide him around Admetus and Plato. Carbucketty jumped up behind Admetus and Plato, roaring. Still easily frightened, Plato had jumped, his heart racing. Admetus turned around to face Buck, unamused,"Buck, you should know better then to sneak up on Plato!" Buck sighed with his ears down,"Sorry Plato...Admetus, are you going to punish me?" He shrugged,"I should, but it's not my place. I'm not your parent." A sly grin came to his face,"Can I ask you something?" Admetus felt a shy paw on his shoulder and he glanced back to acknowledge Plato. Smoothly, he returned his attention to Buck. "I don't see why not." "I'd like to ask you to our all night dance." "I'm honored, yeah, I'd love to go." "Well there's a second part..." "Okay." "I want you to go and enjoy yourself, but I'd like to ask you to also keep it, uhhh, keep it a private party." "You mean stay on alert for party crashers, and if someone tries to enter whose not invited, I have to make sure they don't get in." "Yeah, would you mind doing that?" "Not at all. I think that would be fun." Meanwhile, Victor and George were stopped by Bill Bailey, Rumpleteazer, and Mungojerrie. The tiger twins were practically joined at the hip. Bill had gone in front of George,"Doesn't it feel weird, moving back in with our parents?" "Can yah feel the powah rioght now?" Jerrie asked. "Yehr powah, it 'eals yah whenevah yehr injur'd rioght?" Teazer shyly asked. Bill gasped,"If thats true, can you even die?" George was seemingly overwhelmed and Victor stopped Jerrie from asking another question,"Enough with the questions already. It's time for George's first lesson in healing." All three pouted as George and Victor entered the Quad's den. "Come oun, Teahz." "Where are weh goin', Jehr?" "Tah terrohrioze Bombah!" The tiger twins grinned as they went off in search for their prey. Inside, Jenny sat on her bed in their bedroom. She was watching Gussie and Skimble working. They knew that George was hoping to move back in to the den to become an official healer. He said that he wouldn't cause a problem and would sleep on the couch. However, all four parents didn't agree, they didn't want their son sleeping thre. They wanted him to sleep in a bed, but there really wasn't room in thier bedroom. So Gussie and Skimble had been working for a few days. The two toms even got Victor and George to help them out. They had knocked a decent sized hole in the side of the Quad's bedroom. Together, they added a small hut onto their bedroom. A tore and holey peice of fabric was used to cover the hole, and was meant to be a door to George's small den. It was also used to give George his privacy. "How does this look, beloved?" Jenny observed Skimble and Gussie holding up the peice of fabric,"You need to move it a tad to your left Skimble." Just as the moved it, they heard Jelly talking to George and Victor in the main room. George had tossed his bag onto the couch,"I'm ready to get started." "Aren't you going to unpack first, dear?" George shook his head no. "Mother, George is just really excited to explore his gift-" "Curse,"George corrected. Victor frowned,"Curse...he was hoping to unpack later tonight." Jelly smiled,"That's fine. I've got a lot of theories about your power, but I do not know if any of them are true. We'll get started right away." She took a moment to better her breathing. "Victor, George could you help me?" Victor ran to her side, but George hesitated. "What's the matter, George?" "Honey, I thought you were over your fear of physical contact." "It's not that, mum...Well, my power...Do you think it will try to close up your womb...suffocating your baby?" Jelly nodded,"This was one of the theories I wanted to try out. Your power will go into any jellilces, like an extension of your body. My theory is that your power will either sense I'm pregnant, or it will find the jellicle inside me, and do what it would do to any jellicle. The point is it won't harm your baby sister or brother...in theory." "Do you really want to take that risk?" George challenged. "George, as a healer, I'll know when I'm dialated, to give birth. And I can even balance out my blood and chemicals, but I'll still need help, and was hoping you'd do it. We'll have to take the risk sooner or later." George nodded, then went to Jelly's other side. Both Victor and George helped Jelly out of the chair. She was showing a big bulge and was due next month. "Not to change the subject,"Victor said,"But do you know if it's a girl or boy?" "I don't know, sweetie. Guess you'll have to be surprised right along with the rest of us." She was lead into the infirmary, where George immediately let her go."See, I was right, no harm done." "You were right, no harm...It just felt weird is all." Jelly turned to Victor,"I was hoping to test another theory, but I'll need your help Victor." "Su-" "Before you answer, I should warn you that both you and George are going to get hurt." Victor smiled,"I'll help." George didn't budge, until Jelly gave him a push. "I think there's a way for you to scan another jellicle, without feeling it, and going through all of that pain." "You do?" "Well it's just a theory. Let's try it out. I'm going to cut Victor, and then I want you to put your paws over him, but not on him; near him. I'm not going to show or tell you where I cut him, in fact I'm going to blind-fold you." "What is that going to prove?" "If I am right, you'll know where he was cut." Jelly glanced around before presenting a blindfold to George. He took it from her and placed it over his eyes. All he could see was darkness, but he could hear sounds. "You ready Victor?" Jelly asked. When he heard Victor hiss, he knew that Jelly had already cut him. Then he felt Jelly's pull and knew that she was guiding him to Victor. She then took his paw and put it out in front of him. "Right there, George, now don't move." She stepped away from him and his touch. George stood there a moment, until he realized his power was doing some funky things. He already knew that Victor was cut, but his power was still indicating that the injury was a mild cut. He wasn't sure how, he truthfully couldn't explain it. Also, his power was focusing mostly above his right knee."Above his right knee,"George whispered. His blindfold was removed by Jelly, who was smiling. "You got it right,"Victor exclaimed. George smirked as he placed his paw on top of the cut. Both toms winced as his power healed Victors leg. "This is a big break-through for you, George!" Jelly said proudly. Victor knew this was more of a mother-son moment,"I'll wait out there." "Hey Victor." He looked to George, while he walked away,"What is it?" "Thanks." As soon as Victor left, Jelly embraced her son. "JELLY!!!" Jelly had jumped out of her embrace and had immediately prepared a table. "I might need your help, George. Consider it your first real day on the job." George swallowed hard, but nodded his approval. Soon, Munkustrap, Demeter, and Alonzo had run in, holding a hysterical Jemima. "Jelly we need your help." Jemima hissed at Munkustrap and began to struggle again. "What's wrong with her?" George asked. Demeter looked worried,"You're not going to hurt her are you?" Jelly shook her head,"Put her down here." Jemima turned to Alonzo,"Please! I'm beggin you, don't hurt me, just please, let me go." "I can't do that, Jemima." "Jemima?...NOOO! Don't touch me!" She knocked the pills out of Jelly's paw. She looked to George,"Looks like we'll have to do it the other way. You three better restrain her. George get the needle." "What are you going to do?" Jelly gave Munk a hopeful look,"Don't you worry. We are just going to sedate her." She screamed in pain, when George touched her. He pinched her arm and then gave her the shot. Just moments later, she had fallen unconscious. "What is going on?" "I don't know Lon. Do you suppose her powers are maturing? Jelly?" "It's possible Munkustrap." "Powers? I thought she had control of them." "She does George, but-" "It's not that." They all looked to Demeter. Demeter frowned,"It's hard to explain, but that was Jaina...my sister." "What? How...It's Jemima..What are you talking about...your sister...you have a sister?" "My sister. She's the only one whose ever called me Demii. She was left in our mothers care, while I was sent with our father...in the empire. If our mother died like she said, then it would make sense, that the enforcers are after her." "Why is that?" "She gets preminitions like I do, only she gets them while she's awake. I've heard that she can project her preminitions in a last desperate attempt for help, to another mystic. This usually only works if the mystic who she projects her premenition to is mystically weakened or vulnerable." "So Jemima's vulnerable? That could be bad..." "We can worry about that later, we need to go find Jaina and rescue her. Let's go Lon, we've got work to do." **** Munkustrap, Alonzo, Tugger, Admetus, Plato, Victor, and Tumblebrutus raced down the darkened street. The sun had already set, as they headed toward the empires territory. With any luck they would find the enforcers chasing Jaina. It was a preminition that Jemima recieved earlier that morning. And Exotica did inform the dark twins that there was a mission going on in the empire, something to do with the enforcers. So the knew that what Jemima had seen earlier was happening at that very moment. They also assumed that they could track where the enforcers had gone from their tracks near the empire. Victor was the fastest runner in the tribe, so he was supposed to run ahead of them to keep an eye on the enforcers. They needed a younger and smaller tom with them and amazingly Tumblebrutus volunteered. Once they got to the enforcers, Tumblebrutus was suppose to swoop in and take Jaina to safety. Obviously, Munkustrap, Alonzo, Tugger and Admetus were there to hold off the enforcers; to fight them. That left only Plato, without a job. Lately, Plato has been spending a lot of his time with Admetus, and will do everything with him. He had made such a fuss that Munkustrap commanded him to go with them, and for Admetus to keep him safe "Look, Munk," Alonzo was squatting down, sniffing the ground,"They've definitely been through here." "How long ago?" Alonzo shrugged his shoulders,"I can't tell." "What time is it, exactly?" Admetus whispered. They glanced at him, clearly unaware of the time. Tumblebrutus sighed,"I'd say it's roughly 9:40...Give or take a few minutes." Admetus thanked Tumble,"Enforcers always start their night patrols or their night missions at the same time, 9:30. They've got a bit of a lead on us, but if Victor races ahead, he should reach them. This is terrible, but you'll have to delay them, slow them down. If you can, we'll be able to get there and save Jaina." "Sounds like a good plan,"Plato smiled. Alonzo nodded,"We're going to follow his plan. Are you prepared Victor?" The tom was very nervous,"As I'll ever be. Just don't take too long. Otherwise, you'll have to rescue me, too." He chuckled to release some of the tension. After getting Admetus' word, Victor ran off carefully following the enforcer's trail. Munk eyed the silver guardian carefully,"How did you know all of that? About the enforcers, I mean." Admetus gazed at Munk,"When you've lived your whole life on the streets you pick up things...overhear things, and learn things." "Oh is that it..." "Yes, what are you implying?" "Can we argue later? Our beloved is back at the yard. She's worried about her sister, and about the safety of us...her mates." "Sorry Admetus...Lon you're right, besides Victor would hate it if he had to become a damsel in distress, too." - - - - It had been awhile, but when he heard a shrill scream, Victor knew he had caught up to them. While he was running, he was developing a way to delay them. So far he hadn't come up with anything. Now that he was actually there, he figured that he would just wing it. He ran into an alley so he might be able to cut them off. They still had a bit of a lead on him, so he wasn't sure how efficent his short-cut would be. As he ran through the alley, he could hear the screams and cries of a kitten. He frowned, but his sorrow for the kitten gave him enough strength to run faster. After he jumped out of the alley he saw the enforcers just in front of him. Winging it, Victor whistled,"Yo enforcer jerks." Otrox was the first one to turn around, his focus turned to anger. "Yeah, you tubby!" Otrox growled as he looked down at his lean, hard physique. The other enforcers turned around and Jaina was being held by a black and white enforcer. She was uncontrolably crying, and appeared to have given up. "Put the kitten down!" The enforcers began to laugh,"Why? Because you said so?" He nodded,"That and uhh...I'll fight you for her." "Fight?" Otrox chuckled,"That's amusing, but you can't fight all of us at once. You can't even fight us one by one." Victor growled,"Well you don't know! Come on, try me!" Lucifer nudged Otrox,"Better show him what you're made of Otrox." The tall tom walked forward grinning at Vitcoer. Vitor swallowed down a lump in his throat and his eyes went wide. **Anytime now guys...you can come help me out now...** Otrox smirked as he punched Victor in his face. He stumbled back, but lashed out in fury. It ws no use, he knew, Otrox was just so much bigger than him. Otrox kneed him hard in his stomach. He coughed and wheezed as he melted to the ground. "Pathetic...You're not even worth my time." Victor weakly stood up, praying that the others were there, or nearly there. "I'm not through with you yet." "Hey Otrox, it looks like he wants a real beating, not your warning shots!" Otrox nodded toward Lucifer. Victor went wide-eyed wondering what his real fighting was like. "Don't wonder...you're about to find out,"He whispered to himself. Otrox had heard him and knew what it was in referance to, and grinned at the tom. Quicker then Victor's reflexes, Otrox had slashed Victor's face, and then flipped over him. He twisted his leg under Victor's legs and the brown tabby fell to the ground on his back. He had only blinked, when Otrox was suddenly standing over him. He tried to move, but it was too late. Otrox had stomped his foot down into Victor's gut. A loud agonizing yelp escaped Victors lips. Jaina looked at him with sad eyes. "Victor! We're here to save you." "Great..." Otrox rolled his eyes,"The calvary has arrived." Tugger had reached Victor first, and helped him to his feet. Otrox grinned at the leopard tom,"Ah how nice to see you again. How's that pretty little neck of yours?" Victor had run to the side, to rest and let the others work. Tugger had cracked his knuckles and hissed,"I'm so going to enjoy this." Otrox's grin grew thinner,"So am I." Lucifer hollered,"Alright, looks like round two with the jellicles. Let's have fun with this and Rhade, don't lose sight of Jaina." Alonzo rushed forward towards Rhade,"You'll lose sight of Jaina, I guarantee you." "Don't hurt her Lon." "Relax Munk, not a scratch, I swear." Lucifer chuckled,"It's nice to see you again." Admetus smirked,"You too. I heard Alonzo beat you up pretty badly." He growled and took the first punch. Just like last time, Admetus dodged it,"You still have an off the wall temper." He hissed, but noticed Lucious was hanging back a little. "What are you doing, Luke? FIGHT!!" Lucious winced, but stepped forward. Munk had sensed his hesitation,"You don't have to do this." Lucious thought back to Sylvia and what they would do to her if he switched sides. Still, he felt a peice of himself die everytime he did something bad. He slashed the side of Munk's face,"Yes, I do." Plato was on the other side of Alonzo. "I can't fight a queen." Siberia frowned,"Why not? Are you scared? Or do you think I am weak?" He just barely dodged her attack. They were in a big face off, Admetus with Lucifer, Munkustrap and Lucious, Rum Tum Tugger against Otrox, Alonzo fighting Rhade, and Plato holding his own against Siberia. Rhade still had his arm aroundJaina, while fighting Alonzo. Both toms were holding back, because of Jaina. Finally, Alonzo kicked an open spot on Rhade's chest and Jaina fell to the ground. She stood still in shock when she felt a paw clamp over her mouth. She was taken into the nearest alley. "Shhh...you have to be quiet, Jaina. Demii sent us." He turned her around to face him, and he removed his paw. "Demii?" She spoke softly. He nodded and began to walk away,"I'm going to take you to her. You'll be safe there, we've got to be quick about it." "Who are you?" "My names Tumblebrutus." Jaina gave him a grim look. She was an orange calico, with a white bib, and black markings. She had orange sleeves, and gold paws. "But what about them?" "They'll be fine. There distracting them long enough for us to get you to safety,"A voice up ahead said. Victor emerged,"I'm Victor. Now we'd better hurry." Back on the battlefield, they all were holding ther own. Until Admetus spotted Plato get knocked down. Admetus gasped giving Lucifer the chance to grab him. The black tom had a tight grip around Admetus' throat, then lifted him into the air. "Kind of feels like Deja Vu." Admetus coughed,"No, I don't...see any scared princesses, do you?" He growled, and looked around,"Jaina is gone." The five enforcers flared up in anger and gained up on the jellicles. "Retreat!" Munk hollered. Tugger growled at Otrox, but left with the rest. They slowed their pace when they were sure that the enforcers weren't following them. They met up with Victor, Tumble, and Jaina. "Are you alright, Jaina?" Munk and Alonzo asked together. She looked at them, but crawled deeper into Tumb;e's grasp. "She's okay, just scared." "We'd better get back. We don't want to worry Deme anymore then we have to." - - - - Rhade sighed as he looked over at Siberia. She only returned his look with one of her own stubborn looks. Both Otrox and Lucifer were pounding their fists into the side of the nearest wall. The two were angry, but also scared of what Macavity would do to them since they had failed. Lucious frowned at what he was about to do, as he left the others alone. "Where's he going?" Rhade asked. Lucifer punched the wall harder with a scowl on his face,"Probably to go join them. Did you see him? He didn't even press one advantage." "I do not agree with you. The jellicles went in that direction, your brother left through that way." Lucifer sighed,"We should go get him...find out what he's up to." The four left after Lucious. However, they didn't get that far when they caught up to him. He was standing over som junk and trash with his head down. Before anyone could utter a word, he turned around with a great big smile on his face. "So, what do you think?" In his arms was a small kitten about the same age as Jaina. She had a white face with a black patch over her right eye. The kittn was a white, black, and orange calico. Her eyes were a hazy silver color, marking her as a blind princess. "She's blind,"Otrox complained. "But she's beautiful,"Siberia commented. "Oh, you're one of those queens that just can't wait to get pregnant." "Can it, Rhade!" Siberia yelled. Lucifer frowned,"How is this going to help us from Macavity's wrath. We failed." Lucious nodded,"Yes in bringing Jaina to him." He glanced at the yawning kitten,"Trust me, Luce, she'll make Macavity very happy." ***FIN -Year Two Artwork done by Extwo -Go back to Year Two |