Such Sweet Payback
"Need any help?" Came a voice that was all too familiar to her.
Kyrstalle dropped the sack she was carrying, lightly on the ground. "Oh sure. Thank you so much Admetus."
He bent down and lifted the sack over his shoulder. It wasn't exactly heavy, but it was certainly heavier then it looked.
"Thought I'd decorate my place, finally. I found a few things lying around out there along the roads."
"You went out there alone?"
"Yes."
"Well, I'm glad no harm came to you. And it looks like you'll be sticking around here for awhile then...?"
She sweetly smiled at him, feeling some other emotions from him besides what he was showing her. "I feel safe here. This feels like my first real home, so yes. I do intend to stay here." She blushed a bit, realizing that she hadn't really opened up to anyone yet.
Admetus was different. There was something about him, that she felt she could trust. She did feel like she was part of a family with the Jellicles, like she was loved and wanted. It was a wonderful feeling. Her black cheeks had lightened slightly, but it wasn't at all noticeable.
"You are safe here. We take care of our own, and you've become part of the Jellicle community."
Krystalle's cheek color slowly returned to normal as they approached her den. She nodded towards the closest den. "Well this is me."
Motioning him inside, he followed her into the den. It was indeed bare. Though, Admetus was quite interested to see what her place would look like, once she placed up all the trinkets that she had in the sack he was carrying. Setting down the bag, near the entrance.
"Thank you Admetus."
When she began to walk back outside he followed her. "So where are you headed now?"
Her tail swished behind her and she let out a soft sigh. "I'm on my way to the den they've been keeping Gilbert. You guys have done so much for me, and making me feel welcome. I want to help him, if I can. It's the least I could do."
"You don't owe us anything, but I'm sure Gilbert-if he's even Gilbert, would appreciate the help. He certainly needs it."
"Indeed. I have some abilities. He might be able to identify with me. I do think I can help him, if I can get through to him."
"Yeah, that's the question though. Whether or not you'll be able to get through to him." He saw her body sag a little, doubt and sadness looked like it was beginning to weigh her down. So he opted to change the subject. "With you staying, you won't miss the jellicle ball. It's quite an amazing night."
"Oh yes. I'm looking forward to it. I've never attended anything quite like it."
"You going with anyone?"
There was a hesitation in Admetus question that Krystalle heard, and did not expect. "Well, no one has asked me. Who are you going with?"
"Why do you think I already have a date?"
"Well you are a fine gentletom, handsome. Certainly the eldest son of the Jellicle Leader has a date to the ball."
He smiled, chuckling a little under his breath. "No. I have not asked anyone, yet. Though there was a special queen that I was planning on asking."
"So why don't you?"
Admetus, suddenly felt on the spot. Taking in a deep breath. "Krystalle, would you like to be my date, for the ball?"
She stopped, to turn her head and look at him. Seriousness, anxiety, nervousness, and some confidence rolled off of Admetus. Momentarily stunned, she couldn't find any words to use. Finally, a smile found itself onto her lips. "Yes, I'd love to."
"I can't wait till the Jellicle Ball. I will talk to you later, Krys."
"You're leaving, so soon?"
He gently reached his paw out to hers. Once she touched his with her own paw, he brought the back of her paw to his lips and tenderly kissed it. "We have reached the space where Gilbert has been residing for the past few months. You need to go inside and help him, and I need to start my patrol outside the junkyard. I am free after my patrol ends, if you wish to get together then."
The small blushing tint rose back up in her cheeks and she purred softly. "I do. Till then, Admetus."
"Until then, Krystalle."
As soon as Admetus left, Krystalle slipped into the den cautiously. She knew Gilbert was informed that she was arriving, but she still didn't want to startle the young mystic. Upon entering she heard Gilbert speaking with great interest. Her brow creased, hoping the tom wasn't talking to himself. Once she peered into the room Gilbert was sitting in, she saw Glenning standing up behind him with the biggest, goofiest grin on his face. Staring down at Gilbert the tom almost matched Glenn's grin perfectly. It didn't come as a surprise to see Glenning there. Ever since the tom's powers manifested, Glenn had been attached to Gilbert's hip. Glenn's memories, his whole life had been filtered into Gilbert. He was the only one Gilbert gt everything of. According to Exotica. And from Glenn's own reports, Gilbert acted like he had a split personality. For the most part he acted exactly like Glenn, but if he was touched or felt threatened in anyway, the real Gilbert popped out.
Krystalle walked in,"Good morning, Glenn, Gilbert."
"Hey Krystalle."
Gilbert looked back, though said nothing, he did wave awkwardly at her.
"I do not know how much help I can be, but I will try my best. I can not meld my mind with yours, not like Exotica. But I can help you train your power and help you to lock away those extra memories on your own. Think of me more as a guide, alright Gilbert?"
"I understand."
"Krystalle, I know you might like some privacy with Gilbert, but do you mind if I stay? Just in case he lashes out at you, or to help prevent you from threatening him?"
"You have been with him longer then I. You know his behavior more intimately as well. Of course you may stay."
Gllenning took a seat just behind Gilbert, but was careful not to touch the tom. Krystalle pulled a small box up towards the bed and sat down in front of Gilbert. She too refrained herself from touching him. Looking into his face, she concentrated.
*Gilbert. Are you in there, just beyond the layer of Gllenning's persona?*
The tom stiffened, and his eyes clouded over. Instinct took over, rather then him having a sense of control over his gift.
*Do not speak to me like this. Do it again, and I will not just send back a warning.*
Her eyes went wide. "So you are in there."
"Yes."
"Can you control when you come out, or did me speaking into your mind threaten you?"
"What do you think?" He rolled his eyes. "What...exactly are you doing here, and where am I?"
"You've been here for months, Gilbert."
He turned to look behind his shoulder back at Gllenning. Gilbert knew he'd never really talked with him before, but he felt an odd sense that he somehow knew the tom completely. That's when it hit him. Memories. Memories were flying back at him, of a life he hadn't live before, but felt equally real to his own life. He had years of memories, but he knew he wasn't old enough to have lived those extra years. "Get rid of them. Please. I...With them, I don't even know who I am anymore."
"You're already regaining yourself. You're the one who has to learn to block those memories, to lock them away."
"Oh it's that simple?" Gilbert replied sarcastically.
*I don't think anything is.* Krystalle had slipped back into mind speech, like it was second nature to her, and had instantly regretted it. She wasn't sure why he disliked speaking that way, but it had been his desire to speak normally.
His eyes narrowed, and she suddenly felt an onslaught of memories. Dark ones, and lighter ones, but equally lonely. Krystalle gripped her head. "You've either gotten really well at training your powers, or that's one crazy self defensive instinct."
"You might be fine with speaking into other jellicles heads, but I find it a horrible breech of privacy, even if you can't read my thoughts. It's intrusive."
"So...Can anything be done?" Glenning spoke cheerfully to cut through the tension.
Krystalle nodded. "He's already on his way to shutting out your memories Glenn. I can help guide him through the process. But there's a good chance a piece of you will never be purged from his mind. There's a possibility, though he should eventually return to normal, he may have some of your...colorful traits."
Gllenning though smiled at her smile, he still felt a bit concerned that Gilbert would never truly be the same, but it was out of his paws.
~^*^~
Growltiger walked into the Ward, looking around. It was completely empty, which was most unusual. Ilarori would have at least one lowly hench unconscious on one of the beds. She could be a difficult queen sometimes, but she could be persuasive when she had to be. That was half the reason henches still went to the Ward. Out from the back, Ilarori emerged with some supplies. Looked like she was cleaning up, though her soft features hardened and she scowled the moment her eyes spotted the big red tiger in HER Ward.
"What do you want?" She spat out, obviously still ticked off with him.
He smirked. So she had still been thinking about him. He had made an impression after all. "Oh just here to tie your tail into knots." He spoke sarcastically, smirking when she rolled her eyes at him.
"Get out of my Ward."
He walked forward and she bared her teeth. "Now why would I do that?"
She smacked his paw away. "If you think for one second I would ever have any interest in you. Then you're dumber then you look."
"Maybe I'm just crazy. Or optimistic." He grabbed her paw and backed her into a wall.
She was momentarily startled, as her supplies dropped to the floor. She growled before he could press himself up against her. The moment he did make a move to something more suggestive she kneed him hard between his legs. "Don't ever touch me again."
Groaning in pain, he growled out and in retaliation hit the side of her face. She made a noise between a laugh and a startled gasp.
"Oh that's it, you fat bastard."
"Bring it on, slut."
She had jumped onto his back, growling out, but he managed to grab both of her paws before she could actually do any harm to him. She gasped just as he manuevered out of her grasp and pushed her onto the ground. He stood there a look on his face that Ilarori just couldn't describe. Before their tussel could continue, they both heard someone clearing their throat. Growltiger looked behind him and Ilarori looked up to see Endrance standing there. He cocked his head, not smiling or frowning at them. His face was neutral, but there was still an air of superiority that they both felt emanate off of the brown main coon.
"Are you two quite done?" He brushed some of his bangs out from his eyes. "No matter. I won't take long."
Ilarori watched Endrance move about HER ward, and she found herself been helped up by Growltiger. She placed a paw on her hip, still in difficult moody mode. "Excuse me. What do you think you're doing?"
"While you neglect your duties by messing around with Growltiger over there, I'm helping myself."
She blew a puff of hot air out of her mouth. "I am not messing around with that...that...thing."
Growltiger never got the chance to respond, before Ilarori was cutting in again. "You can not just come in and take whatever you want."
"I am Endrance. Of course I can." He started looking through some of the medicines and herbs that Rori had placed on some of the ledges in the back. Grabbing what he was looking for he started to walk out. Leaving Rori fuming and Growltiger shaking his head. That is until he got stopped by Violet. She was quite a beautiful queen. And though she had her crazy moments, like Charna, he found that attractive on her as well. In a way, she reminded him of Charna. Some of the more important Hexes really didn't pay any mind to Violet, but Endrance had heard of her through Macavity and did see some potential in the black and scarlett demoness.
"Violet. Is there something you need?"
She admitted that him not afriad of her, or at least not showing it irked her a bit. But she was here for a different purpose then to take on Endrance or to torture him.
"Well..." She curled one of her long fingers into his bushy black vest, giving him her best alluring stare. "I do need help with a small problem."
He gazed at her, without any of his emotions changing, and in his soft calm voice, spoke. "And what would that be?"
"I've gotten bored with some of the random Hexes near my quarters. I was hoping you, with some of your pull would be able to get me someone of a little more importance for me to...interogate." She spoke the last word with a sly smirk on her face.
"Really." Endrance pulled her closer to him and placed two fingers under her chin, forcing her to gaze up into his face. "Do you want to know what I think?"
Violet was glad he took the bait but she expected he'd be harder to seduce. She smiled bring her fingers that were in his vest down and around to stroke his chest. "Hmm?"
"I think you can't handle Charna being known for her craziness while you lurk in the dark. I think you're jealous of her power and you think you can get to her through seducing me into your bed. If you really want to take on Charna, then you're on your own. You can keep trying, but I will not be a pawn in your plans. I'm not that easy."
With that said, he dropped his paw from her chin and walked away. He added in an almost amused voice. "I could have just arranged for you to assist Charna in one of her 'interogations'. That would have been a perfect opportunity for you to take a crack at Charna. But since you didn't ask nicely you'll have to catch her yourself." He chuckled low under his breath as he disappeared around the corner. She stared at his retreating form, her anger bubbling to the surface. He was definitely harder to seduce then she thought. Damn.
Meanwhile, Ilarori was still fuming in her ward. How dare someone take whatever they wanted from her medical ward without her permission. She didn't care if he was Macavity's right hand guy. She was caught by surprise when she was spun around and slammed up against the wall, her two paws trapped by two larger paws holding them above her head. She stared daggers at Growltiger. "You've got some nerve."
He grinned. "You hadn't spoken in several minutes. So it's good to see you back to your old obnoxious self."
She growled. "Excuse me?"
He chuckled, then released her. "Sorry. That I always seem to get under your skin. You're so easy of a target. Plus you're rather hot when you get furious and angry."
She rubbed the wrists of her two paws, still glaring at him. Though there was a backwards sort of compliment in there, if one didn't take offense first. Which she usually did. "You're sick. You know that?" She frowned slightly, her anger still there but was beig replaced by a different emotion. "Now get out of my ward."
Sighing he started to leave, though got an unexpected surprise. There was the soft feel of her lips kissing his cheek. It was a quick peck, but neither one complained. He looked back at her and she huffed. "It won't happen again. Believe it."
He didn't care, he only smiled back at her and then left her alone.
~^*^~
Noilly sat comfortably, hidden behind some heaps of junk. She was still a bit depressed and desperately wanted some solitude. Of course she valued the support both Jennyanydots and Rum Tum Tugger had been offering the past few weeks. However, she felt like she needed to figure out a way to deal with what happened and move on, by herself. Which she hadn't been doing, she openly admitted to herself. Noilly had been going around and pretending that nothing bad had happened on her good days. And on her bad days she'd sit around wallowing in self-pity. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she rested her head against them. A soft barely audilbe sigh escaped her mouth as she tightly curled her fluffy tail around her ankles. She was just having a bad day, that was all. It happened. Didn't really excuse her for jumping up and almost scratching Tantomile across the face, just because Tant had snuck up behind her. She was a very lovely queen and Noilly knew that Tantomile had meant her no harm. A tear slid out of her eye and down her cheek. Then that was it, she couldn't stop the tears from freely falling down. Noilly buried her head behind her knees. Why did it hurt so much? Another presence entered the small area Noilly was hiding in. When she heard her name being called, Noilly's whole body went rigid. It was Jennyanydots, searching for her. No doubt trying to see if she was alright after her incident with Tantomile and to convince her to get a 'check-up'. She remained still, but couldn't stop the soft sobs from escaping her lungs. Jenny's ears flicked to the side and frowned to herself.
"Noilly...I'm alone. I can help."
She had hoped Noilly would be more receptive to her, since she had seen Noilly at her worst. Noilly was very private, however, so she wasn't exactly sure how to comfort her or what to say, or even if she was the right one to be there for Noilly. Jenny had never gone through that, so she couldn't even imagine what was actually going on inside her head. Cautiously, she followed the sounds of sadness. Stepping in between the tall pile of junk she looked down at her. Her heart ached to see her friend that way. Noilly gazed up at Jenny and she didn't know what had come over her. But she did know that it really wasn't Jenny's business.
"What do you want? Leave me alone!" She was angry, not really knowing why, but she just didn't understand.
When she had first joined the jellicles, the others barely knew her name. They didn't care what she did, and now after something so horrible had happened to her everyone suddenly had the right to know it. It wasn't right. They just wouldn't leave her be.
"Look Noilly, you're in pain. I understand that, and if you don't want to talk about it or anything really, that's ok. But I don't think you should be alone right now. I'm not asking you to spill your guts. I know how private and guarded you are. I just want to be here for you. As your friend."
When Noilly didn't yell in retailiation and let silence pass between them, Jenny nodded. She presumed that was her permission and she boldly sat down beside Noilly. There was no flinch, but Noilly's body did visibly tense. Noilly's emotional side wanted to keep her business to herself, but the side she was raised to be- thought it only polite to at least give Jenny an explanation.
"I just don't know who I can even trust anymore."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, I'm sure you've heard what they've been saying about me."
"Who?"
"Most all of the other Jellicles."
"Are you talking about...Panthera, by any chance." That was all she could think of. That somehow Panthera was spreading rumors around the entire junkyard. Probably about what happened to Noilly a month ago, and then other stories involving other jellicles. She could never really bond with Panthera or the group of queens she hung around. Therefore never listened to any rumors. Jenny always went right to the source. When she heard a faint 'yes', Jenny frowned even more. "May I ask what sort of things she has spread around the junkyard?"
"You don't know?" She shook her head. "I am sorry. I should have known you wouldn't. I've studied your ways and your personality for a few months. You're not the type."
Jenny shushed her friend. "Oh please. Don't concern yourself with that. I'm not offended. So am I right, that whatever Panthera has said as gotten you this upset?"
Noilly nodded. Though it was only part of it. The other part was her dreading the scan. She didn't want to get scanned. She feared Jenny would tell her she was pregnant, and she hoped that wasn't the case. "Yes. I don't think she would make it up, but I don't know where she heard these things from."
Jenny watched as her friend sighed, withdrawing even further away. It wasn't like Noilly, and though she understood why, she really hated to see her that way.
With her eyes downcasted she continued. "I've only heard a few different rumors about me. One being that not only did I want that tom mating with me, but I enjoyed it. Two that I made the whole thing up just to steal Tugger away from Cassandra and that I have him whipped to do my bidding. Another one was that I...That after I was raped I learned that I was pregnant and so appalled and disgusted that I plead with you or forced you to kill my unborn baby."
Jenny listened to Noilly struggle to say all that without crying, Jenny's concern for Noilly slowly turned into agitation. She knew Panthera's gossip could sometimes turn vicious and cause misunderstandings. But this was a side of Panthera that Jenny couldn't tolerate. Something needed to be done. Everytime someone addressed the counsel about it. They'd give her a warning, but maintained a defense that a rumor was just a rumor and that no one 'really' believed in them. And that Panthera really wasn't doing any harm.
"Come here Noilly."
She gave a skeptical stare to Jenny, before accepting her paw. Jenny gentley pulled Noilly to her and wrapped her arms around her. "I swear, I will do something about it. I'll address the counsel again. I'll confront Panthera if I have to. I'll do whatever I can to help Noilly. Though I wish I could do something more for you."
She shook her head. "You're already doing so much for me." She wiped away the wetness under her eyes away. Knowing she didn't have to be proper to get Jenny to like her. "I don't think I'd have even made it this far without your kindness and support. You're the first real friend I've ever...had."
Jenny sweetly smiled and hugged her. "We'll always be friends Noilly. And I suspect you're scared of getting examined as well. But I'll be there with you, and Tugger too if you wish it. No matter what happens you can continue on my support."
"Thank you Jenny."
~^*^~
Jemima sat with some of her friends, giggling. The group, though were not gossiping. They were gushing about toms and the upcoming ball. Some of them were even thinking about going with a date. Rumpleteazer was beside Jemima chuckling with Victoria laying down next to her. Electra and Etcetera were across from them with Cagalli practically in Cettie's lap. Sillabub and her sister Susperia were next to them. Exotica also sat with the group. Though she had just turned nineteen, she and Jemima were the two who were chosen to dance the mating dance. Xottie was mainly there to be near Jemima. Since they were both chosen Xottie was interested in getting to know Jemima a little better. They were pretty close in age as well.
"So you're really thinking about asking him to the ball, Vicky? Why?"
The blind queen gave a sour look. "What's the big deal? It's just a date to the ball. The tom you go with doesn't mean you're head over heals in love or physically attracted to them."
"Well that's good. I mean..." Electra sighed,"I don't mean to sound rude. But you're a drop dead gorgeous queen....And Asparagus Jr. Well he's rather plain. Unattractive."
"That's your opinion. Outward beauty has never mattered to me. He's got some issues with his father, but I've spent some time with him the past couple of months. He's got a good heart."
"Have you asked him yet?" Jemima interjected, to keep the group from getting into an argument. It was Vicky's choice who she wanted to ask, no one else's.
"No."
"How come?" Cettie grinned her paws playing with Cagalli's hair.
"What...if he says no?"
"Then he'd be a fool."
The all white queen's head moved towards the alluring voice of Exotica. She had been rather quiet during their whole chat. Her face did flush and she gave a small smile. She took that has a compliment, rather then an attack on Asparagus Jr. It was something in her voice. "And what about you Exotica? You will be dancing during the courtship. Do you have a date? Or are you being brave and hoping one of the toms will find your dance and you irresistible and will get up with you?"
Jemima scoffed,"I'm not brave. I just...don't have any toms I like or male friends that I'm interested in. And no tom has asked me to the ball either."
Victoria reached over Teazer and Jemima took the queen's offered paw. "You're not stupid either. I made sure I had a date, and Plato was more then happy to dance with me, but we weren't all that close. What about Coricopat? You've spent some time with him and Tantomile to learn your gifts. He might be willing to dance it with you."
"I don't know. I don't think he would like being part of the limelight. Besides, didn't Kara ask him to the ball?"
"Kara and Coricopat?" Teazer wrinkled her nose at the thought,"Goive meh a second ta get that image out of mai head."
This had the group giggling once again. Though Susperia spoke with a smile,"Coricopat was too much of a gentleman to say no, and now he's stuck with her."
Sillabub modestly chuckled with paw over her mouth. "So Exotica, do you have a date?"
The chocolate queen smirked slightly,"Yes. Jagger is escorting me to the ball."
Teazer whistled. Though Electra shook her head,"Woah woah. I thought he and Panthera were sleeping together."
"They are." Exotica shrugged. "But we're still together. Sort of. Panthera is just a distraction for him."
"I hope you know what you're doing." Victoria frowned,"I don't want him breaking your heart."
Xottie only smirked wider. "I'll be fine. I'm using him as well. But I wouldn't want anyone else dancing the courtship dance with me next month."
Electra laughed. "You're amazing. I don't think I'd be able to do that. Use a tom for my own reasons without falling for him."
"Who are the rest of you going with?"
They looked to Rumpleteazer, the others not wanting to speak up. The tiger blew a breath of hot air out of her mouth. "Oi'm...going with Quaxo. He asked me last week."
They all grinned, and Jemima nudged Teazer. "What about your sister...does Jennyanydots have a date?"
She rolled her eyes,"You probably see her more then Oi do. You tell me."
Jemima shrugged then looked to Victoria,"Vicky?"
"No idea."
Teazer looked to Electra,"And you?"
She rolled her eyes,"I don't have a date."
Cettie grinned,"You can go with Cagalli and me!" She slung a free arm around Electra's neck.
"Thanks, but no." She removed Cettie's arm.
Susperia looked at the three with an amused smile,"I'll be going with Victor,"
"Really?? He actually asked you?"
"Yes sis. I wouldn't make that up." Susperia rolled her eyes. "And you Sillabub?"
She shook her head,"Ewww! I don't want a date. I might just go with Cettie and Cagalli."
The two princesses cheered at that. "What's going on?" Demeter smiled seeing the two youngest of the group cheering.
Jemima shifted slightly leaving some room for Demeter if she decided to sit down with them. "Hey Sis. We're just talking about who has dates for the ball next month. Nothing special though."
"Miss Demeter." Cagalli said with as much respect as the youngen could muster,"Are you going to the ball with the Great Rumpus?"
She shook her head,"No. Though we did agree to go with others if we could find dates."
Jemima looked at her sister with a suspicious look. She definitely felt a wave of emotion from Demeter. But they saw Silberia walk by with a small box in her two paws. She was walking in the direction of Munkustrap's den and the group hushed their talking. An 'uh oh' was heard and a 'I've got a bad feeling'. They knew Bombalurina was around and she had been acting more possessive of her tom, Munkustrap. If she caught Silberia visiting Munkustrap, well she'd most likely blow up and start a fight. Demeter and Jemima knew this and were hoping beyond hope Bombalurina would return after Silberia left. The rest of the group began to resume their talking, though Jemima could tell Demeter was still distracted. She slowly got up and moved to be closer to her older sister. She guided Demeter a little bit away from the group.
"What's bothering you, Deme?"
"Nothing. Just hope Bombalurina doesn't do anything rash."
Jemima chuckled. "I can sense something false with that. You're either lying to me, or there's something else also bothering you."
"Has anyone ever told you that your gifts can be annoying?"
Jemima put an arm around Demeter. "I'm sure they say it behind my back."
Demeter smiled at that. "It's nothing big. Just...concerned. I know we agreed to go with separate dates, but what if he finds one and I can't. That'd be a little humiliating. I am also worried about the Hexes crashing the ball too. Maybe I shouldn't go next month."
"There's always a possibility that the Hexes will crash the ball, or start some sort of trouble. That has never stopped you or anyone else before."
Demeter nodded her head, but chose to say nothing. Jemima then looked at her. "Are you really scared that Rumpus will find a date and you won't? Or are you hoping he'll be dateless and you'll have a date....or maybe you're secretly hoping he'll ask you to the ball."
"Me hoping he'll ask me? Please. You know we don't have any feelings for each other. Other then respect and the love two friends have towards each other."
Jemima nudged Demeter then tapped her head. "You can't lie to me Deme. You have. You've actually fallen in love with him."
"Shhh!" Demeter warned, looking around for Panthera. The multi-colored calico could smell new gossip from miles away, it was almost enough to start making some of the jellicles paranoid. And if Rumpus were to find out, she wanted it to come from her, not from Panthera or idle gossip from atop the tire.
Jemima nodded, but did whisper one more thing for Demeter, hoping she'd take it to heart. "Well you need to tell him soon, before he does get over his confused emotions and moves on. Don't miss your chance."
Demeter was about to speak, when they all heard a loud crash and an agrivated yell. They tried not to look up, but it was proving to be difficult.
Silberia was practically pushed out of Munkustrap's den. Bombalurina followed behind her, with the box Silberia had just been carrying. She threw the box at Silberia's head,"Don't forget to take your shit with you." Growling, she took a swipe at Silberia, though missed. "Don't ever come around here again. I never want to see you sniffing around my tom, and if I do I will make sure you regret it."
Munkustrap came running out, frazzled,"Bomba. She's just a friend and she was only handing me a gift for welcoming her into the tribe. There's no need for this."
She glared back at Munk for two seconds before her attention was back onto Silberia. "She is just trying to weasel her way into your bed. I can see it in her eyes. You've been pretty chummy with her since she arrived, too Munk. I'm not going to lose you to the likes of her."
Silberia rolled her eyes. "As if you're so special. I have no interest in him. I was trying to return-"
"Shut up, you filthy slut."
Silberia's ears flattened, and Munkustrap grabbed hold of Bombalurina to keep her from attacking Silberia. "That's enough. That was uncalled for. Silberia you'd better leave."
She nodded,"I am sorry for causing any trouble, I was..."
"I know. I'll talk to you later." Munkustrap waited until Silberia left before he let go of Bombalurina. She whipped around with a threatening look on her face.
"Do you trust me?"
"What?"
"If me and Silberia were in a room by ourselves for an afternoon or evening. Do you trust me not to do anything with Silberia?"
Bombalurina looked away. "Yes. But she would do something. I know the type."
"But if you trust me, then you would know I'd push her off and that nothing would happen."
"Something would." Bomba stubbornly said.
Munkustrap frowned,"Then you really don't trust me."
Bombalurina said nothing, but that was enough of an answer for him. "This isn't going to work, if you don't trust me. And it's clear that you don't. Leave. I don't want to see you for a while."
"Are we...breaking up?"
"We just did, yeah."
"Because of that...that whore?"
"Her name is Silberia. And this has nothing to do with her. I can't be with someone who doesn't trust me."
Munkustrap sighed seeing how Bombalurina wasn't going to change overnight. He was upset, sure, because he could see a future with her, but that was when they had first started dating. He couldn't see that anymore. He took a couple steps backward, and then retreated from the area. Bombalurina was left standing there, stunned. She didn't know what to say or do. But all her mind could focus on was how Silberia had ruined her relationship with Munkustrap. It had to be her fault. They hadn't had any trouble until she came to live in the junkyard. Unfortunately, she didn't think her broken heart would convince Old Deuteronomy to ban Silberia from the yard. She felt two paws wrap around her two arms. Demeter and Jemima were on either side of her, trying to comfort their older sister as best they could.
"Come on Bomba. Let's get you back to your den."
~^*^~
Once again, the counsel of elders had disappointed her. Panthera wasn't hurting anyone with her rumors, with her 'words'. Panthera's gossip was not a serious matter and in their eyes never would be. However, her words were doing some extensive damage to Noilly Pratt, and was even spreading around what had happened to Noilly. Obviously not all of it was true, but Noilly was such a private queen, she was upset that Panthera couldn't respect that. Noilly had always done her best to respect the privacy of others. Jennyanydots was so preoccupied that she didn't notice when Rum Tum Tugger walked up to her, talking. A paw waving in front of her face had her freezing. Slowly, she turned her head, and her eyes saw black fur. She continued to look up and saw a golden chest, with leopard spots spreading out into a tan colored vest. His fur was longer and she stopped her thoughts from gushing over his handsomeness.
"I'm so sorry, Tugger. I just came from a meeting with the counsel of elders. Didn't even notice you."
"You didn't notice this sexy body? What's the matter, what happened?"
"Oh, the counsel doesn't believe Panthera's casual slander and lies spread about other jellicles is of dire importance. They're alright with letting her say whatever she wants."
Tugger sighed,"What is this thing you have against Panthera? You've been feuding with her almost as long as she's been a jellicle."
"I don't expect you to understand. No one else does. All I know is that one of my dearest friends has been hurt by the lies Panthera spreads."
"What lies? She exaggerates the truth a lot, but out-right lies? Doesn't sound like her style. And which friend are you talking about?"
"Noilly Pratt."
Tugger did have the faintest trace of a frown on his face,"Can't say I'm surprised. Cassandra did corner Noilly a few weeks back and created a huge scene. It was only natural that all the jellicles who witnessed it would start talking. Really, there are no secrets in this small junkyard. Hey Jenny, don't give me that look. I never said I agree with it, or Panthera's gift of the gab. There's just no stopping that sort of thing. Rumors and talk come with being part of a small community."
Had Jenny been in a more calm and reasonable mood, she might have accepted Rum Tum Tugger's explanation. She would have seen how badly Tugger was trying to put someone else's needs before his own and was also giving it his best shot to console and comfort her. She let out an exasperated sigh,"Oh really? So you're okay with some of the jellicles speaking about how your friend Noilly enjoyed being raped?"
Tugger's frown deepened,"They're saying that? Jellicles...Jellicles we know? That's fucking sick!"
Jenny nodded, her eyes brightening just a tad. Almost sounded like Tugger was on her side, about the issue concerning Panthera. Jennyanydots both wanted and needed support over it. Otherwise she'd never be able to sway the council. "Or what about the rumor that got started about you?"
Tugger scoffed,"You know my reputation. Every once and a while rumors about me spread through the yard. I'm not a stranger to it."
"Well if that's how you feel about it, then forget I mentioned anything."
He eyed her,"I know what you're trying to do."
"I'm not doing anything. You've told me you don't care about rumors, and pay no mind to them. I believe you."
"Fine, tell me out of curiosity."
"The rumor?"
"Heavyside Jenny! If it's something bad, like a tiny..."
"Tiny what?" She playfully prodded, nudging his side.
He huffed,"Small equipment. Just point out the ones who started it so I can prove them wrong."
"Nothing so juvenile, I assure you. Though, they're saying Noilly made the whole thing up to break up your relationship with Cassandra, and that you two are now an item. Noilly also, has you completely whipped. You worship the ground she walks on and you do everything she commands." She gave it a little more flavor, as it was not the lie that Noilly had told her. Not word for word at least.
Tugger's reaction was interesting. It conflicted between confusion, fascination, and anger. Of course, it was a blow to his pride, and ego; so anger won out in the end.
"Me? Whipped? The Tugger cannot be tamed by anyone. This is so ridiculous."
"I know!" It was Jenny's turn to huff, as her legs started moving again. Heading off in any direction; searching for Panthera.
"Jenny, wait." He called walking to catch up to her. "What are you going to do? Where are you even going?"
"I'm going to find Panthera. Do you know where she is?"
Tugger fixed his mane. In the old days, he'd have just given Jenny a full body massage to calm her down. She would always melt into butter against his body. Now though, that would have probably been inappropriate. "Last I heard she was off near Munkus' den, getting the latest scoop."
"Scoop on what?"
"I don't know. Jenny..."
She peered up at him when his voice got soft and serious. "Yes?"
"What are you going to do if you find her? The council voted against your concerns, right? She's pretty much untouchable."
"We'll see."
"Jenny." He grabbed her arm in warning. "I don't want to see you get punished or exiled for something as childish as this."
Sweetly, she placed her free paw atop of his. Her thumb lightly traced over the back of his paw. "I'll be fine...Since when did you start caring about what might happen to me?"
"We might not be together anymore, but you know I care. Always have. You've always been one of my favorites."
"I know Tugger, always."
He let go of her paw and twisted the paw she had been lightly touching to hold in his. He entwined his fingers with hers. Staring into her face, he could feel all of his old wants again.
"I have to do this Tugger. She's one of my best friends. Noilly's never had a friend before. I-"
"You always protect your friends. How could I forget that?" It was that which had lead them to breaking up in the first place.
Her eyes softened,"You're one of my friends too, you know. If you were in trouble, I'd do what I could to help. I just...it's Noilly, Tugger. Please."
"I understand all that Jenny. I'm coming with you though. Make sure you don't do something stupid."
She giggled lightly, and was about to thank Tugger, and inform him that he didn't have to come along. He had nothing to prove. Jenny knew Tugger could be a pwerful ally, and a reliable friend when he wasn't letting his libido run his life. However, her green eyes looked up into his shining blue ones; something had changed just then. She wasn't sure what, but she felt it in the way he was holding her paw, and saw the look he was giving her. The gentle touch f his tail to hers and she shivered at the familiar contact. Although it was not unwelcome and was something she was reluctant to admit she needed, he was keeping her from other important things.
"Tugger-"
"Shhh."
He started to entwine his tail with hers and smiled down at her when she slowly moved her free paw up his chest and into his mane. Pulling her to him, he began to lean down, angling his head. Before their lips touched though, Jenny picked up on a voice in the distance. Hearing Panthera gushing, all her current thoughts were put on hold. This was her chance to confront the multi-colored calico. Drawing away from Tugger, she went off back to the objective at hand. Confront, and attempt to convince Panthera to keep her gossip civil.
Damnit, Panthera. Was all that ran through Tugger's mind before he trailed after Jenny, hoping she wouldn't get herself into trouble.
Jenny turned the corner, Tugger hot on her heels. They both saw Alonzo consoling Munkustrap. Just in front of the two warriors, was Panthera chattering away. From the looks of things Munkustrap was getting annoyed by Panthera. Alonzo looked like he was trying to get through to Panthera on top of calming Munkustrap. Jenny looked at the scene in confusion, as well as noticing a group of queens in the distance. Some of them were part of Panthera's inner circle and some of them weren't. She really didn't want to make a scene in front of so many jellicles, but she wasn't going to stand by if Panthera was aggravating Munkustrap. She couldn't stand by and let Panthera get away with hurting more of her friends.
"Panthera." Jenny spoke, loud enough to get her attention. She succeeded.
She stopped pestering Alonzo and Munk, and skipped over to greet Jennyanydots. "Hey Jenny! You'll never guess what just happened."
Jenny shook her head,"I don't care what happened. Whatever did happen is between the jellicles that it happened to. It's their privacy and their right whether or not they want others to know."
"What?" Panthera was slightly confused. "I think jellicle's should know whenever something happens in this yard. Might turn out to be important."
"That's fine to keep others informed. And gossiping is natural. But there's no need to butt into the personal lives of others and distort it into something juicy to amuse yourself. I'm not going to stand for this any longer."
"Oh you're not going to stand for it?"
"We're." Tugger corrected her, coming up behind Jenny and placing a paw on her shoulder.
She was grateful for the small support. "Yes. We. Panthera, you can do what you love, without hurting others. All I am asking is that we talk this over as adults. All I want from you is to keep your gossip civil, and don't embellish either. That leads to unnecessary pain for those your gossiping about."
"This is stupid. You can't possibly still be angry at me for telling a bunch of jellicles that you were pregnant. That was months ago!"
"That's not what this is about. Panthera, I've heard some disturbing whispers about Noilly that all trace back to you."
"Ohhh." Panthera said, realizing what it was all about, but the determination in her eyes was still there. She wasn't backing down.
"So you'll stop the damaging gab, and stick with the truth? And only spread it when you find out about it, instead of bullying the story or making up a story when they won't tell you their private business?" Jenny knew it wouldn't be that easy, but she had to try.
"No. And I've got to hand it to that uptight snob. Noilly Pratt has you wrapped around her finger as well. Both of you are blind." She tsked,"Doing anything she wants."
Jenny's face was tight, and her lips twitched. They finally went up into a demented smirk. It was all she could do to keep herself from lashing out. "I do this for me. I've been lobbying the council for months to get them to take action. For me, this dates back before Noilly's incident. The things I've heard that aren't true, about my friend was just the last straw."
Panthera didn't move. "You cannot stop me from saying whatever I want. I have the freedom to-"
"Be a bitch?" Tugger threw out, chuckling at the same time Jenny did. Panthera was not amused.
Jenny finally stopped giggling. "You're telling the truth. You do have the right to say whatever you want. But the jellicles you talk about, also have a right to their own privacy, and don't deserve the slander you make up, in a tantrum, when they won't talk to you. You're not a newcomer anymore. You're one of us, and the respect you seek with your gossip and stories, should go both ways. The other jellicles deserve respect."
Munkustrap and Alonzo nodded at the wisdom to her words. They offered Jenny their paws in respect, and she accepted them.
"That means nothing to me. You're nothing. If you ask me, you are the bitch. So answer me something. Is Noilly cheating on you Tugger with your ex? Or is it the other way around?"
She tried to bite her tongue, and she didn't retort back. Jenny didn't stoop to her level to resort to name calling. She felt Tugger's paw on her shoulder tighten and a growl resonate from his throat.
"Maybe she's having sex with the both of you. What a slu-"
Screw it! Jenny thought. She was swift and caught everyone there off guard. All Panthera saw was a flying fist coming at her face. Then a hot sting on the other side of her face. Jenny had used her other open paw to slash some nice cuts into Panthera's cheek. Munkustrap though understood why, and he himself had felt the need to punch Panthera in the face. The only thing that kept him from doing so, was that she was a queen and not much of a fighter. Had she been a tom, he would have already punched Panthera. Seeing Alonzo step in between the two girls, Munkustrap snapped out of his own thoughts. He saw Panthera rushing towards Alonzo, determined to plow through to get at Jenny. Sliding behind her, he grabbed her by the waist and restrained her. Tugger was quick to grab Jenny, who struggled in his arms.
"Jenny, Jenny!" At her struggling, he knew her blind rage was clouding all of her other senses. "Darlin'." He cupped her cheeks forcing her to stare at him. "I know your anger, I feel it too. But it's done, it's over. Let it go. Old Deuteronomy will not tolerate more offenses from you, you know that."
She had gone to protest, and knowing Jenny well enough, he knew she would. He stole a quick kiss from her. It was enough to shut her up, and shocked her enough to where her rage had fled.
"Panthera, we'll take you to the infirmary." Munkustrap spoke,"Though I'm sure you don't want Jenny treating you, and I don't know how willing Noilly will be in treating you. Perhaps talking shit about our only two healers will teach you a lesson to avoid that in the future."
Alonzo cracked a smile at that. And Panthera glared. "We'll inform the leader to the incident as well, don't get your tail in a knot."
They walked off guiding Panthera away from Jenny. Tugger hooked his arm with Jenny's and walked her away from the eyes staring at them in the distance.
"Why? Why'd you kiss me?"
Tugger shrugged,"To get you out of your rage haze. It worked, didn't it?"
"No ulterior motives?"
He laughed,"Just a prelude to asking you to go to the ball with me."
She smirked,"Tugger, we both know that at least one of my punishments for my outburst will be that I won't be able to attend the ball next month."
"So we'll make our own ball."
"I can't ask you to miss the ball on my account and I won't let you anyway."
Tugger grinned at that,"But if you can go to the ball. Go with me?"
Jenny smiled,"I'd love to."
---- ---- ---
Back to Year One
To Year One Fanart
Kyrstalle dropped the sack she was carrying, lightly on the ground. "Oh sure. Thank you so much Admetus."
He bent down and lifted the sack over his shoulder. It wasn't exactly heavy, but it was certainly heavier then it looked.
"Thought I'd decorate my place, finally. I found a few things lying around out there along the roads."
"You went out there alone?"
"Yes."
"Well, I'm glad no harm came to you. And it looks like you'll be sticking around here for awhile then...?"
She sweetly smiled at him, feeling some other emotions from him besides what he was showing her. "I feel safe here. This feels like my first real home, so yes. I do intend to stay here." She blushed a bit, realizing that she hadn't really opened up to anyone yet.
Admetus was different. There was something about him, that she felt she could trust. She did feel like she was part of a family with the Jellicles, like she was loved and wanted. It was a wonderful feeling. Her black cheeks had lightened slightly, but it wasn't at all noticeable.
"You are safe here. We take care of our own, and you've become part of the Jellicle community."
Krystalle's cheek color slowly returned to normal as they approached her den. She nodded towards the closest den. "Well this is me."
Motioning him inside, he followed her into the den. It was indeed bare. Though, Admetus was quite interested to see what her place would look like, once she placed up all the trinkets that she had in the sack he was carrying. Setting down the bag, near the entrance.
"Thank you Admetus."
When she began to walk back outside he followed her. "So where are you headed now?"
Her tail swished behind her and she let out a soft sigh. "I'm on my way to the den they've been keeping Gilbert. You guys have done so much for me, and making me feel welcome. I want to help him, if I can. It's the least I could do."
"You don't owe us anything, but I'm sure Gilbert-if he's even Gilbert, would appreciate the help. He certainly needs it."
"Indeed. I have some abilities. He might be able to identify with me. I do think I can help him, if I can get through to him."
"Yeah, that's the question though. Whether or not you'll be able to get through to him." He saw her body sag a little, doubt and sadness looked like it was beginning to weigh her down. So he opted to change the subject. "With you staying, you won't miss the jellicle ball. It's quite an amazing night."
"Oh yes. I'm looking forward to it. I've never attended anything quite like it."
"You going with anyone?"
There was a hesitation in Admetus question that Krystalle heard, and did not expect. "Well, no one has asked me. Who are you going with?"
"Why do you think I already have a date?"
"Well you are a fine gentletom, handsome. Certainly the eldest son of the Jellicle Leader has a date to the ball."
He smiled, chuckling a little under his breath. "No. I have not asked anyone, yet. Though there was a special queen that I was planning on asking."
"So why don't you?"
Admetus, suddenly felt on the spot. Taking in a deep breath. "Krystalle, would you like to be my date, for the ball?"
She stopped, to turn her head and look at him. Seriousness, anxiety, nervousness, and some confidence rolled off of Admetus. Momentarily stunned, she couldn't find any words to use. Finally, a smile found itself onto her lips. "Yes, I'd love to."
"I can't wait till the Jellicle Ball. I will talk to you later, Krys."
"You're leaving, so soon?"
He gently reached his paw out to hers. Once she touched his with her own paw, he brought the back of her paw to his lips and tenderly kissed it. "We have reached the space where Gilbert has been residing for the past few months. You need to go inside and help him, and I need to start my patrol outside the junkyard. I am free after my patrol ends, if you wish to get together then."
The small blushing tint rose back up in her cheeks and she purred softly. "I do. Till then, Admetus."
"Until then, Krystalle."
As soon as Admetus left, Krystalle slipped into the den cautiously. She knew Gilbert was informed that she was arriving, but she still didn't want to startle the young mystic. Upon entering she heard Gilbert speaking with great interest. Her brow creased, hoping the tom wasn't talking to himself. Once she peered into the room Gilbert was sitting in, she saw Glenning standing up behind him with the biggest, goofiest grin on his face. Staring down at Gilbert the tom almost matched Glenn's grin perfectly. It didn't come as a surprise to see Glenning there. Ever since the tom's powers manifested, Glenn had been attached to Gilbert's hip. Glenn's memories, his whole life had been filtered into Gilbert. He was the only one Gilbert gt everything of. According to Exotica. And from Glenn's own reports, Gilbert acted like he had a split personality. For the most part he acted exactly like Glenn, but if he was touched or felt threatened in anyway, the real Gilbert popped out.
Krystalle walked in,"Good morning, Glenn, Gilbert."
"Hey Krystalle."
Gilbert looked back, though said nothing, he did wave awkwardly at her.
"I do not know how much help I can be, but I will try my best. I can not meld my mind with yours, not like Exotica. But I can help you train your power and help you to lock away those extra memories on your own. Think of me more as a guide, alright Gilbert?"
"I understand."
"Krystalle, I know you might like some privacy with Gilbert, but do you mind if I stay? Just in case he lashes out at you, or to help prevent you from threatening him?"
"You have been with him longer then I. You know his behavior more intimately as well. Of course you may stay."
Gllenning took a seat just behind Gilbert, but was careful not to touch the tom. Krystalle pulled a small box up towards the bed and sat down in front of Gilbert. She too refrained herself from touching him. Looking into his face, she concentrated.
*Gilbert. Are you in there, just beyond the layer of Gllenning's persona?*
The tom stiffened, and his eyes clouded over. Instinct took over, rather then him having a sense of control over his gift.
*Do not speak to me like this. Do it again, and I will not just send back a warning.*
Her eyes went wide. "So you are in there."
"Yes."
"Can you control when you come out, or did me speaking into your mind threaten you?"
"What do you think?" He rolled his eyes. "What...exactly are you doing here, and where am I?"
"You've been here for months, Gilbert."
He turned to look behind his shoulder back at Gllenning. Gilbert knew he'd never really talked with him before, but he felt an odd sense that he somehow knew the tom completely. That's when it hit him. Memories. Memories were flying back at him, of a life he hadn't live before, but felt equally real to his own life. He had years of memories, but he knew he wasn't old enough to have lived those extra years. "Get rid of them. Please. I...With them, I don't even know who I am anymore."
"You're already regaining yourself. You're the one who has to learn to block those memories, to lock them away."
"Oh it's that simple?" Gilbert replied sarcastically.
*I don't think anything is.* Krystalle had slipped back into mind speech, like it was second nature to her, and had instantly regretted it. She wasn't sure why he disliked speaking that way, but it had been his desire to speak normally.
His eyes narrowed, and she suddenly felt an onslaught of memories. Dark ones, and lighter ones, but equally lonely. Krystalle gripped her head. "You've either gotten really well at training your powers, or that's one crazy self defensive instinct."
"You might be fine with speaking into other jellicles heads, but I find it a horrible breech of privacy, even if you can't read my thoughts. It's intrusive."
"So...Can anything be done?" Glenning spoke cheerfully to cut through the tension.
Krystalle nodded. "He's already on his way to shutting out your memories Glenn. I can help guide him through the process. But there's a good chance a piece of you will never be purged from his mind. There's a possibility, though he should eventually return to normal, he may have some of your...colorful traits."
Gllenning though smiled at her smile, he still felt a bit concerned that Gilbert would never truly be the same, but it was out of his paws.
~^*^~
Growltiger walked into the Ward, looking around. It was completely empty, which was most unusual. Ilarori would have at least one lowly hench unconscious on one of the beds. She could be a difficult queen sometimes, but she could be persuasive when she had to be. That was half the reason henches still went to the Ward. Out from the back, Ilarori emerged with some supplies. Looked like she was cleaning up, though her soft features hardened and she scowled the moment her eyes spotted the big red tiger in HER Ward.
"What do you want?" She spat out, obviously still ticked off with him.
He smirked. So she had still been thinking about him. He had made an impression after all. "Oh just here to tie your tail into knots." He spoke sarcastically, smirking when she rolled her eyes at him.
"Get out of my Ward."
He walked forward and she bared her teeth. "Now why would I do that?"
She smacked his paw away. "If you think for one second I would ever have any interest in you. Then you're dumber then you look."
"Maybe I'm just crazy. Or optimistic." He grabbed her paw and backed her into a wall.
She was momentarily startled, as her supplies dropped to the floor. She growled before he could press himself up against her. The moment he did make a move to something more suggestive she kneed him hard between his legs. "Don't ever touch me again."
Groaning in pain, he growled out and in retaliation hit the side of her face. She made a noise between a laugh and a startled gasp.
"Oh that's it, you fat bastard."
"Bring it on, slut."
She had jumped onto his back, growling out, but he managed to grab both of her paws before she could actually do any harm to him. She gasped just as he manuevered out of her grasp and pushed her onto the ground. He stood there a look on his face that Ilarori just couldn't describe. Before their tussel could continue, they both heard someone clearing their throat. Growltiger looked behind him and Ilarori looked up to see Endrance standing there. He cocked his head, not smiling or frowning at them. His face was neutral, but there was still an air of superiority that they both felt emanate off of the brown main coon.
"Are you two quite done?" He brushed some of his bangs out from his eyes. "No matter. I won't take long."
Ilarori watched Endrance move about HER ward, and she found herself been helped up by Growltiger. She placed a paw on her hip, still in difficult moody mode. "Excuse me. What do you think you're doing?"
"While you neglect your duties by messing around with Growltiger over there, I'm helping myself."
She blew a puff of hot air out of her mouth. "I am not messing around with that...that...thing."
Growltiger never got the chance to respond, before Ilarori was cutting in again. "You can not just come in and take whatever you want."
"I am Endrance. Of course I can." He started looking through some of the medicines and herbs that Rori had placed on some of the ledges in the back. Grabbing what he was looking for he started to walk out. Leaving Rori fuming and Growltiger shaking his head. That is until he got stopped by Violet. She was quite a beautiful queen. And though she had her crazy moments, like Charna, he found that attractive on her as well. In a way, she reminded him of Charna. Some of the more important Hexes really didn't pay any mind to Violet, but Endrance had heard of her through Macavity and did see some potential in the black and scarlett demoness.
"Violet. Is there something you need?"
She admitted that him not afriad of her, or at least not showing it irked her a bit. But she was here for a different purpose then to take on Endrance or to torture him.
"Well..." She curled one of her long fingers into his bushy black vest, giving him her best alluring stare. "I do need help with a small problem."
He gazed at her, without any of his emotions changing, and in his soft calm voice, spoke. "And what would that be?"
"I've gotten bored with some of the random Hexes near my quarters. I was hoping you, with some of your pull would be able to get me someone of a little more importance for me to...interogate." She spoke the last word with a sly smirk on her face.
"Really." Endrance pulled her closer to him and placed two fingers under her chin, forcing her to gaze up into his face. "Do you want to know what I think?"
Violet was glad he took the bait but she expected he'd be harder to seduce. She smiled bring her fingers that were in his vest down and around to stroke his chest. "Hmm?"
"I think you can't handle Charna being known for her craziness while you lurk in the dark. I think you're jealous of her power and you think you can get to her through seducing me into your bed. If you really want to take on Charna, then you're on your own. You can keep trying, but I will not be a pawn in your plans. I'm not that easy."
With that said, he dropped his paw from her chin and walked away. He added in an almost amused voice. "I could have just arranged for you to assist Charna in one of her 'interogations'. That would have been a perfect opportunity for you to take a crack at Charna. But since you didn't ask nicely you'll have to catch her yourself." He chuckled low under his breath as he disappeared around the corner. She stared at his retreating form, her anger bubbling to the surface. He was definitely harder to seduce then she thought. Damn.
Meanwhile, Ilarori was still fuming in her ward. How dare someone take whatever they wanted from her medical ward without her permission. She didn't care if he was Macavity's right hand guy. She was caught by surprise when she was spun around and slammed up against the wall, her two paws trapped by two larger paws holding them above her head. She stared daggers at Growltiger. "You've got some nerve."
He grinned. "You hadn't spoken in several minutes. So it's good to see you back to your old obnoxious self."
She growled. "Excuse me?"
He chuckled, then released her. "Sorry. That I always seem to get under your skin. You're so easy of a target. Plus you're rather hot when you get furious and angry."
She rubbed the wrists of her two paws, still glaring at him. Though there was a backwards sort of compliment in there, if one didn't take offense first. Which she usually did. "You're sick. You know that?" She frowned slightly, her anger still there but was beig replaced by a different emotion. "Now get out of my ward."
Sighing he started to leave, though got an unexpected surprise. There was the soft feel of her lips kissing his cheek. It was a quick peck, but neither one complained. He looked back at her and she huffed. "It won't happen again. Believe it."
He didn't care, he only smiled back at her and then left her alone.
~^*^~
Noilly sat comfortably, hidden behind some heaps of junk. She was still a bit depressed and desperately wanted some solitude. Of course she valued the support both Jennyanydots and Rum Tum Tugger had been offering the past few weeks. However, she felt like she needed to figure out a way to deal with what happened and move on, by herself. Which she hadn't been doing, she openly admitted to herself. Noilly had been going around and pretending that nothing bad had happened on her good days. And on her bad days she'd sit around wallowing in self-pity. Bringing her knees up to her chest, she rested her head against them. A soft barely audilbe sigh escaped her mouth as she tightly curled her fluffy tail around her ankles. She was just having a bad day, that was all. It happened. Didn't really excuse her for jumping up and almost scratching Tantomile across the face, just because Tant had snuck up behind her. She was a very lovely queen and Noilly knew that Tantomile had meant her no harm. A tear slid out of her eye and down her cheek. Then that was it, she couldn't stop the tears from freely falling down. Noilly buried her head behind her knees. Why did it hurt so much? Another presence entered the small area Noilly was hiding in. When she heard her name being called, Noilly's whole body went rigid. It was Jennyanydots, searching for her. No doubt trying to see if she was alright after her incident with Tantomile and to convince her to get a 'check-up'. She remained still, but couldn't stop the soft sobs from escaping her lungs. Jenny's ears flicked to the side and frowned to herself.
"Noilly...I'm alone. I can help."
She had hoped Noilly would be more receptive to her, since she had seen Noilly at her worst. Noilly was very private, however, so she wasn't exactly sure how to comfort her or what to say, or even if she was the right one to be there for Noilly. Jenny had never gone through that, so she couldn't even imagine what was actually going on inside her head. Cautiously, she followed the sounds of sadness. Stepping in between the tall pile of junk she looked down at her. Her heart ached to see her friend that way. Noilly gazed up at Jenny and she didn't know what had come over her. But she did know that it really wasn't Jenny's business.
"What do you want? Leave me alone!" She was angry, not really knowing why, but she just didn't understand.
When she had first joined the jellicles, the others barely knew her name. They didn't care what she did, and now after something so horrible had happened to her everyone suddenly had the right to know it. It wasn't right. They just wouldn't leave her be.
"Look Noilly, you're in pain. I understand that, and if you don't want to talk about it or anything really, that's ok. But I don't think you should be alone right now. I'm not asking you to spill your guts. I know how private and guarded you are. I just want to be here for you. As your friend."
When Noilly didn't yell in retailiation and let silence pass between them, Jenny nodded. She presumed that was her permission and she boldly sat down beside Noilly. There was no flinch, but Noilly's body did visibly tense. Noilly's emotional side wanted to keep her business to herself, but the side she was raised to be- thought it only polite to at least give Jenny an explanation.
"I just don't know who I can even trust anymore."
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, I'm sure you've heard what they've been saying about me."
"Who?"
"Most all of the other Jellicles."
"Are you talking about...Panthera, by any chance." That was all she could think of. That somehow Panthera was spreading rumors around the entire junkyard. Probably about what happened to Noilly a month ago, and then other stories involving other jellicles. She could never really bond with Panthera or the group of queens she hung around. Therefore never listened to any rumors. Jenny always went right to the source. When she heard a faint 'yes', Jenny frowned even more. "May I ask what sort of things she has spread around the junkyard?"
"You don't know?" She shook her head. "I am sorry. I should have known you wouldn't. I've studied your ways and your personality for a few months. You're not the type."
Jenny shushed her friend. "Oh please. Don't concern yourself with that. I'm not offended. So am I right, that whatever Panthera has said as gotten you this upset?"
Noilly nodded. Though it was only part of it. The other part was her dreading the scan. She didn't want to get scanned. She feared Jenny would tell her she was pregnant, and she hoped that wasn't the case. "Yes. I don't think she would make it up, but I don't know where she heard these things from."
Jenny watched as her friend sighed, withdrawing even further away. It wasn't like Noilly, and though she understood why, she really hated to see her that way.
With her eyes downcasted she continued. "I've only heard a few different rumors about me. One being that not only did I want that tom mating with me, but I enjoyed it. Two that I made the whole thing up just to steal Tugger away from Cassandra and that I have him whipped to do my bidding. Another one was that I...That after I was raped I learned that I was pregnant and so appalled and disgusted that I plead with you or forced you to kill my unborn baby."
Jenny listened to Noilly struggle to say all that without crying, Jenny's concern for Noilly slowly turned into agitation. She knew Panthera's gossip could sometimes turn vicious and cause misunderstandings. But this was a side of Panthera that Jenny couldn't tolerate. Something needed to be done. Everytime someone addressed the counsel about it. They'd give her a warning, but maintained a defense that a rumor was just a rumor and that no one 'really' believed in them. And that Panthera really wasn't doing any harm.
"Come here Noilly."
She gave a skeptical stare to Jenny, before accepting her paw. Jenny gentley pulled Noilly to her and wrapped her arms around her. "I swear, I will do something about it. I'll address the counsel again. I'll confront Panthera if I have to. I'll do whatever I can to help Noilly. Though I wish I could do something more for you."
She shook her head. "You're already doing so much for me." She wiped away the wetness under her eyes away. Knowing she didn't have to be proper to get Jenny to like her. "I don't think I'd have even made it this far without your kindness and support. You're the first real friend I've ever...had."
Jenny sweetly smiled and hugged her. "We'll always be friends Noilly. And I suspect you're scared of getting examined as well. But I'll be there with you, and Tugger too if you wish it. No matter what happens you can continue on my support."
"Thank you Jenny."
~^*^~
Jemima sat with some of her friends, giggling. The group, though were not gossiping. They were gushing about toms and the upcoming ball. Some of them were even thinking about going with a date. Rumpleteazer was beside Jemima chuckling with Victoria laying down next to her. Electra and Etcetera were across from them with Cagalli practically in Cettie's lap. Sillabub and her sister Susperia were next to them. Exotica also sat with the group. Though she had just turned nineteen, she and Jemima were the two who were chosen to dance the mating dance. Xottie was mainly there to be near Jemima. Since they were both chosen Xottie was interested in getting to know Jemima a little better. They were pretty close in age as well.
"So you're really thinking about asking him to the ball, Vicky? Why?"
The blind queen gave a sour look. "What's the big deal? It's just a date to the ball. The tom you go with doesn't mean you're head over heals in love or physically attracted to them."
"Well that's good. I mean..." Electra sighed,"I don't mean to sound rude. But you're a drop dead gorgeous queen....And Asparagus Jr. Well he's rather plain. Unattractive."
"That's your opinion. Outward beauty has never mattered to me. He's got some issues with his father, but I've spent some time with him the past couple of months. He's got a good heart."
"Have you asked him yet?" Jemima interjected, to keep the group from getting into an argument. It was Vicky's choice who she wanted to ask, no one else's.
"No."
"How come?" Cettie grinned her paws playing with Cagalli's hair.
"What...if he says no?"
"Then he'd be a fool."
The all white queen's head moved towards the alluring voice of Exotica. She had been rather quiet during their whole chat. Her face did flush and she gave a small smile. She took that has a compliment, rather then an attack on Asparagus Jr. It was something in her voice. "And what about you Exotica? You will be dancing during the courtship. Do you have a date? Or are you being brave and hoping one of the toms will find your dance and you irresistible and will get up with you?"
Jemima scoffed,"I'm not brave. I just...don't have any toms I like or male friends that I'm interested in. And no tom has asked me to the ball either."
Victoria reached over Teazer and Jemima took the queen's offered paw. "You're not stupid either. I made sure I had a date, and Plato was more then happy to dance with me, but we weren't all that close. What about Coricopat? You've spent some time with him and Tantomile to learn your gifts. He might be willing to dance it with you."
"I don't know. I don't think he would like being part of the limelight. Besides, didn't Kara ask him to the ball?"
"Kara and Coricopat?" Teazer wrinkled her nose at the thought,"Goive meh a second ta get that image out of mai head."
This had the group giggling once again. Though Susperia spoke with a smile,"Coricopat was too much of a gentleman to say no, and now he's stuck with her."
Sillabub modestly chuckled with paw over her mouth. "So Exotica, do you have a date?"
The chocolate queen smirked slightly,"Yes. Jagger is escorting me to the ball."
Teazer whistled. Though Electra shook her head,"Woah woah. I thought he and Panthera were sleeping together."
"They are." Exotica shrugged. "But we're still together. Sort of. Panthera is just a distraction for him."
"I hope you know what you're doing." Victoria frowned,"I don't want him breaking your heart."
Xottie only smirked wider. "I'll be fine. I'm using him as well. But I wouldn't want anyone else dancing the courtship dance with me next month."
Electra laughed. "You're amazing. I don't think I'd be able to do that. Use a tom for my own reasons without falling for him."
"Who are the rest of you going with?"
They looked to Rumpleteazer, the others not wanting to speak up. The tiger blew a breath of hot air out of her mouth. "Oi'm...going with Quaxo. He asked me last week."
They all grinned, and Jemima nudged Teazer. "What about your sister...does Jennyanydots have a date?"
She rolled her eyes,"You probably see her more then Oi do. You tell me."
Jemima shrugged then looked to Victoria,"Vicky?"
"No idea."
Teazer looked to Electra,"And you?"
She rolled her eyes,"I don't have a date."
Cettie grinned,"You can go with Cagalli and me!" She slung a free arm around Electra's neck.
"Thanks, but no." She removed Cettie's arm.
Susperia looked at the three with an amused smile,"I'll be going with Victor,"
"Really?? He actually asked you?"
"Yes sis. I wouldn't make that up." Susperia rolled her eyes. "And you Sillabub?"
She shook her head,"Ewww! I don't want a date. I might just go with Cettie and Cagalli."
The two princesses cheered at that. "What's going on?" Demeter smiled seeing the two youngest of the group cheering.
Jemima shifted slightly leaving some room for Demeter if she decided to sit down with them. "Hey Sis. We're just talking about who has dates for the ball next month. Nothing special though."
"Miss Demeter." Cagalli said with as much respect as the youngen could muster,"Are you going to the ball with the Great Rumpus?"
She shook her head,"No. Though we did agree to go with others if we could find dates."
Jemima looked at her sister with a suspicious look. She definitely felt a wave of emotion from Demeter. But they saw Silberia walk by with a small box in her two paws. She was walking in the direction of Munkustrap's den and the group hushed their talking. An 'uh oh' was heard and a 'I've got a bad feeling'. They knew Bombalurina was around and she had been acting more possessive of her tom, Munkustrap. If she caught Silberia visiting Munkustrap, well she'd most likely blow up and start a fight. Demeter and Jemima knew this and were hoping beyond hope Bombalurina would return after Silberia left. The rest of the group began to resume their talking, though Jemima could tell Demeter was still distracted. She slowly got up and moved to be closer to her older sister. She guided Demeter a little bit away from the group.
"What's bothering you, Deme?"
"Nothing. Just hope Bombalurina doesn't do anything rash."
Jemima chuckled. "I can sense something false with that. You're either lying to me, or there's something else also bothering you."
"Has anyone ever told you that your gifts can be annoying?"
Jemima put an arm around Demeter. "I'm sure they say it behind my back."
Demeter smiled at that. "It's nothing big. Just...concerned. I know we agreed to go with separate dates, but what if he finds one and I can't. That'd be a little humiliating. I am also worried about the Hexes crashing the ball too. Maybe I shouldn't go next month."
"There's always a possibility that the Hexes will crash the ball, or start some sort of trouble. That has never stopped you or anyone else before."
Demeter nodded her head, but chose to say nothing. Jemima then looked at her. "Are you really scared that Rumpus will find a date and you won't? Or are you hoping he'll be dateless and you'll have a date....or maybe you're secretly hoping he'll ask you to the ball."
"Me hoping he'll ask me? Please. You know we don't have any feelings for each other. Other then respect and the love two friends have towards each other."
Jemima nudged Demeter then tapped her head. "You can't lie to me Deme. You have. You've actually fallen in love with him."
"Shhh!" Demeter warned, looking around for Panthera. The multi-colored calico could smell new gossip from miles away, it was almost enough to start making some of the jellicles paranoid. And if Rumpus were to find out, she wanted it to come from her, not from Panthera or idle gossip from atop the tire.
Jemima nodded, but did whisper one more thing for Demeter, hoping she'd take it to heart. "Well you need to tell him soon, before he does get over his confused emotions and moves on. Don't miss your chance."
Demeter was about to speak, when they all heard a loud crash and an agrivated yell. They tried not to look up, but it was proving to be difficult.
Silberia was practically pushed out of Munkustrap's den. Bombalurina followed behind her, with the box Silberia had just been carrying. She threw the box at Silberia's head,"Don't forget to take your shit with you." Growling, she took a swipe at Silberia, though missed. "Don't ever come around here again. I never want to see you sniffing around my tom, and if I do I will make sure you regret it."
Munkustrap came running out, frazzled,"Bomba. She's just a friend and she was only handing me a gift for welcoming her into the tribe. There's no need for this."
She glared back at Munk for two seconds before her attention was back onto Silberia. "She is just trying to weasel her way into your bed. I can see it in her eyes. You've been pretty chummy with her since she arrived, too Munk. I'm not going to lose you to the likes of her."
Silberia rolled her eyes. "As if you're so special. I have no interest in him. I was trying to return-"
"Shut up, you filthy slut."
Silberia's ears flattened, and Munkustrap grabbed hold of Bombalurina to keep her from attacking Silberia. "That's enough. That was uncalled for. Silberia you'd better leave."
She nodded,"I am sorry for causing any trouble, I was..."
"I know. I'll talk to you later." Munkustrap waited until Silberia left before he let go of Bombalurina. She whipped around with a threatening look on her face.
"Do you trust me?"
"What?"
"If me and Silberia were in a room by ourselves for an afternoon or evening. Do you trust me not to do anything with Silberia?"
Bombalurina looked away. "Yes. But she would do something. I know the type."
"But if you trust me, then you would know I'd push her off and that nothing would happen."
"Something would." Bomba stubbornly said.
Munkustrap frowned,"Then you really don't trust me."
Bombalurina said nothing, but that was enough of an answer for him. "This isn't going to work, if you don't trust me. And it's clear that you don't. Leave. I don't want to see you for a while."
"Are we...breaking up?"
"We just did, yeah."
"Because of that...that whore?"
"Her name is Silberia. And this has nothing to do with her. I can't be with someone who doesn't trust me."
Munkustrap sighed seeing how Bombalurina wasn't going to change overnight. He was upset, sure, because he could see a future with her, but that was when they had first started dating. He couldn't see that anymore. He took a couple steps backward, and then retreated from the area. Bombalurina was left standing there, stunned. She didn't know what to say or do. But all her mind could focus on was how Silberia had ruined her relationship with Munkustrap. It had to be her fault. They hadn't had any trouble until she came to live in the junkyard. Unfortunately, she didn't think her broken heart would convince Old Deuteronomy to ban Silberia from the yard. She felt two paws wrap around her two arms. Demeter and Jemima were on either side of her, trying to comfort their older sister as best they could.
"Come on Bomba. Let's get you back to your den."
~^*^~
Once again, the counsel of elders had disappointed her. Panthera wasn't hurting anyone with her rumors, with her 'words'. Panthera's gossip was not a serious matter and in their eyes never would be. However, her words were doing some extensive damage to Noilly Pratt, and was even spreading around what had happened to Noilly. Obviously not all of it was true, but Noilly was such a private queen, she was upset that Panthera couldn't respect that. Noilly had always done her best to respect the privacy of others. Jennyanydots was so preoccupied that she didn't notice when Rum Tum Tugger walked up to her, talking. A paw waving in front of her face had her freezing. Slowly, she turned her head, and her eyes saw black fur. She continued to look up and saw a golden chest, with leopard spots spreading out into a tan colored vest. His fur was longer and she stopped her thoughts from gushing over his handsomeness.
"I'm so sorry, Tugger. I just came from a meeting with the counsel of elders. Didn't even notice you."
"You didn't notice this sexy body? What's the matter, what happened?"
"Oh, the counsel doesn't believe Panthera's casual slander and lies spread about other jellicles is of dire importance. They're alright with letting her say whatever she wants."
Tugger sighed,"What is this thing you have against Panthera? You've been feuding with her almost as long as she's been a jellicle."
"I don't expect you to understand. No one else does. All I know is that one of my dearest friends has been hurt by the lies Panthera spreads."
"What lies? She exaggerates the truth a lot, but out-right lies? Doesn't sound like her style. And which friend are you talking about?"
"Noilly Pratt."
Tugger did have the faintest trace of a frown on his face,"Can't say I'm surprised. Cassandra did corner Noilly a few weeks back and created a huge scene. It was only natural that all the jellicles who witnessed it would start talking. Really, there are no secrets in this small junkyard. Hey Jenny, don't give me that look. I never said I agree with it, or Panthera's gift of the gab. There's just no stopping that sort of thing. Rumors and talk come with being part of a small community."
Had Jenny been in a more calm and reasonable mood, she might have accepted Rum Tum Tugger's explanation. She would have seen how badly Tugger was trying to put someone else's needs before his own and was also giving it his best shot to console and comfort her. She let out an exasperated sigh,"Oh really? So you're okay with some of the jellicles speaking about how your friend Noilly enjoyed being raped?"
Tugger's frown deepened,"They're saying that? Jellicles...Jellicles we know? That's fucking sick!"
Jenny nodded, her eyes brightening just a tad. Almost sounded like Tugger was on her side, about the issue concerning Panthera. Jennyanydots both wanted and needed support over it. Otherwise she'd never be able to sway the council. "Or what about the rumor that got started about you?"
Tugger scoffed,"You know my reputation. Every once and a while rumors about me spread through the yard. I'm not a stranger to it."
"Well if that's how you feel about it, then forget I mentioned anything."
He eyed her,"I know what you're trying to do."
"I'm not doing anything. You've told me you don't care about rumors, and pay no mind to them. I believe you."
"Fine, tell me out of curiosity."
"The rumor?"
"Heavyside Jenny! If it's something bad, like a tiny..."
"Tiny what?" She playfully prodded, nudging his side.
He huffed,"Small equipment. Just point out the ones who started it so I can prove them wrong."
"Nothing so juvenile, I assure you. Though, they're saying Noilly made the whole thing up to break up your relationship with Cassandra, and that you two are now an item. Noilly also, has you completely whipped. You worship the ground she walks on and you do everything she commands." She gave it a little more flavor, as it was not the lie that Noilly had told her. Not word for word at least.
Tugger's reaction was interesting. It conflicted between confusion, fascination, and anger. Of course, it was a blow to his pride, and ego; so anger won out in the end.
"Me? Whipped? The Tugger cannot be tamed by anyone. This is so ridiculous."
"I know!" It was Jenny's turn to huff, as her legs started moving again. Heading off in any direction; searching for Panthera.
"Jenny, wait." He called walking to catch up to her. "What are you going to do? Where are you even going?"
"I'm going to find Panthera. Do you know where she is?"
Tugger fixed his mane. In the old days, he'd have just given Jenny a full body massage to calm her down. She would always melt into butter against his body. Now though, that would have probably been inappropriate. "Last I heard she was off near Munkus' den, getting the latest scoop."
"Scoop on what?"
"I don't know. Jenny..."
She peered up at him when his voice got soft and serious. "Yes?"
"What are you going to do if you find her? The council voted against your concerns, right? She's pretty much untouchable."
"We'll see."
"Jenny." He grabbed her arm in warning. "I don't want to see you get punished or exiled for something as childish as this."
Sweetly, she placed her free paw atop of his. Her thumb lightly traced over the back of his paw. "I'll be fine...Since when did you start caring about what might happen to me?"
"We might not be together anymore, but you know I care. Always have. You've always been one of my favorites."
"I know Tugger, always."
He let go of her paw and twisted the paw she had been lightly touching to hold in his. He entwined his fingers with hers. Staring into her face, he could feel all of his old wants again.
"I have to do this Tugger. She's one of my best friends. Noilly's never had a friend before. I-"
"You always protect your friends. How could I forget that?" It was that which had lead them to breaking up in the first place.
Her eyes softened,"You're one of my friends too, you know. If you were in trouble, I'd do what I could to help. I just...it's Noilly, Tugger. Please."
"I understand all that Jenny. I'm coming with you though. Make sure you don't do something stupid."
She giggled lightly, and was about to thank Tugger, and inform him that he didn't have to come along. He had nothing to prove. Jenny knew Tugger could be a pwerful ally, and a reliable friend when he wasn't letting his libido run his life. However, her green eyes looked up into his shining blue ones; something had changed just then. She wasn't sure what, but she felt it in the way he was holding her paw, and saw the look he was giving her. The gentle touch f his tail to hers and she shivered at the familiar contact. Although it was not unwelcome and was something she was reluctant to admit she needed, he was keeping her from other important things.
"Tugger-"
"Shhh."
He started to entwine his tail with hers and smiled down at her when she slowly moved her free paw up his chest and into his mane. Pulling her to him, he began to lean down, angling his head. Before their lips touched though, Jenny picked up on a voice in the distance. Hearing Panthera gushing, all her current thoughts were put on hold. This was her chance to confront the multi-colored calico. Drawing away from Tugger, she went off back to the objective at hand. Confront, and attempt to convince Panthera to keep her gossip civil.
Damnit, Panthera. Was all that ran through Tugger's mind before he trailed after Jenny, hoping she wouldn't get herself into trouble.
Jenny turned the corner, Tugger hot on her heels. They both saw Alonzo consoling Munkustrap. Just in front of the two warriors, was Panthera chattering away. From the looks of things Munkustrap was getting annoyed by Panthera. Alonzo looked like he was trying to get through to Panthera on top of calming Munkustrap. Jenny looked at the scene in confusion, as well as noticing a group of queens in the distance. Some of them were part of Panthera's inner circle and some of them weren't. She really didn't want to make a scene in front of so many jellicles, but she wasn't going to stand by if Panthera was aggravating Munkustrap. She couldn't stand by and let Panthera get away with hurting more of her friends.
"Panthera." Jenny spoke, loud enough to get her attention. She succeeded.
She stopped pestering Alonzo and Munk, and skipped over to greet Jennyanydots. "Hey Jenny! You'll never guess what just happened."
Jenny shook her head,"I don't care what happened. Whatever did happen is between the jellicles that it happened to. It's their privacy and their right whether or not they want others to know."
"What?" Panthera was slightly confused. "I think jellicle's should know whenever something happens in this yard. Might turn out to be important."
"That's fine to keep others informed. And gossiping is natural. But there's no need to butt into the personal lives of others and distort it into something juicy to amuse yourself. I'm not going to stand for this any longer."
"Oh you're not going to stand for it?"
"We're." Tugger corrected her, coming up behind Jenny and placing a paw on her shoulder.
She was grateful for the small support. "Yes. We. Panthera, you can do what you love, without hurting others. All I am asking is that we talk this over as adults. All I want from you is to keep your gossip civil, and don't embellish either. That leads to unnecessary pain for those your gossiping about."
"This is stupid. You can't possibly still be angry at me for telling a bunch of jellicles that you were pregnant. That was months ago!"
"That's not what this is about. Panthera, I've heard some disturbing whispers about Noilly that all trace back to you."
"Ohhh." Panthera said, realizing what it was all about, but the determination in her eyes was still there. She wasn't backing down.
"So you'll stop the damaging gab, and stick with the truth? And only spread it when you find out about it, instead of bullying the story or making up a story when they won't tell you their private business?" Jenny knew it wouldn't be that easy, but she had to try.
"No. And I've got to hand it to that uptight snob. Noilly Pratt has you wrapped around her finger as well. Both of you are blind." She tsked,"Doing anything she wants."
Jenny's face was tight, and her lips twitched. They finally went up into a demented smirk. It was all she could do to keep herself from lashing out. "I do this for me. I've been lobbying the council for months to get them to take action. For me, this dates back before Noilly's incident. The things I've heard that aren't true, about my friend was just the last straw."
Panthera didn't move. "You cannot stop me from saying whatever I want. I have the freedom to-"
"Be a bitch?" Tugger threw out, chuckling at the same time Jenny did. Panthera was not amused.
Jenny finally stopped giggling. "You're telling the truth. You do have the right to say whatever you want. But the jellicles you talk about, also have a right to their own privacy, and don't deserve the slander you make up, in a tantrum, when they won't talk to you. You're not a newcomer anymore. You're one of us, and the respect you seek with your gossip and stories, should go both ways. The other jellicles deserve respect."
Munkustrap and Alonzo nodded at the wisdom to her words. They offered Jenny their paws in respect, and she accepted them.
"That means nothing to me. You're nothing. If you ask me, you are the bitch. So answer me something. Is Noilly cheating on you Tugger with your ex? Or is it the other way around?"
She tried to bite her tongue, and she didn't retort back. Jenny didn't stoop to her level to resort to name calling. She felt Tugger's paw on her shoulder tighten and a growl resonate from his throat.
"Maybe she's having sex with the both of you. What a slu-"
Screw it! Jenny thought. She was swift and caught everyone there off guard. All Panthera saw was a flying fist coming at her face. Then a hot sting on the other side of her face. Jenny had used her other open paw to slash some nice cuts into Panthera's cheek. Munkustrap though understood why, and he himself had felt the need to punch Panthera in the face. The only thing that kept him from doing so, was that she was a queen and not much of a fighter. Had she been a tom, he would have already punched Panthera. Seeing Alonzo step in between the two girls, Munkustrap snapped out of his own thoughts. He saw Panthera rushing towards Alonzo, determined to plow through to get at Jenny. Sliding behind her, he grabbed her by the waist and restrained her. Tugger was quick to grab Jenny, who struggled in his arms.
"Jenny, Jenny!" At her struggling, he knew her blind rage was clouding all of her other senses. "Darlin'." He cupped her cheeks forcing her to stare at him. "I know your anger, I feel it too. But it's done, it's over. Let it go. Old Deuteronomy will not tolerate more offenses from you, you know that."
She had gone to protest, and knowing Jenny well enough, he knew she would. He stole a quick kiss from her. It was enough to shut her up, and shocked her enough to where her rage had fled.
"Panthera, we'll take you to the infirmary." Munkustrap spoke,"Though I'm sure you don't want Jenny treating you, and I don't know how willing Noilly will be in treating you. Perhaps talking shit about our only two healers will teach you a lesson to avoid that in the future."
Alonzo cracked a smile at that. And Panthera glared. "We'll inform the leader to the incident as well, don't get your tail in a knot."
They walked off guiding Panthera away from Jenny. Tugger hooked his arm with Jenny's and walked her away from the eyes staring at them in the distance.
"Why? Why'd you kiss me?"
Tugger shrugged,"To get you out of your rage haze. It worked, didn't it?"
"No ulterior motives?"
He laughed,"Just a prelude to asking you to go to the ball with me."
She smirked,"Tugger, we both know that at least one of my punishments for my outburst will be that I won't be able to attend the ball next month."
"So we'll make our own ball."
"I can't ask you to miss the ball on my account and I won't let you anyway."
Tugger grinned at that,"But if you can go to the ball. Go with me?"
Jenny smiled,"I'd love to."
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