Locked Deep Inside
Slowly, the Silver-Cream Himalayan walked through the yard, her nose wrinkled at the stench in the air. The past few days had been rainy, and though some paths had dried up, the damp moisture was still lingering; as was the smell that came directly after a good downpour. She was nimble enough not to step in any wet areas, without losing her composure. Noilly admitted that living in the dirty yard with all the street cats was challenging at times, but she really did like living in the yard. Still, most nights she does go back home to her humans, though there were times when she'd just be too exhausted to return. With a few more steps, some around some muddy puddles, she reached the infirmary. Noilly hoped the white and orange tiger healer would be present, but Jenny did seem to be all over. Softly knocking on the door, she made her presence known. She heard Jenny's voice coming from inside, and with her approval, Noilly entered.
"Noilly?" Jenny questioned. Coming up to the cream colored Himalayan, Jenny gave her a concerned stare,"You okay? You're not injured are you? If you're coming down with the flu, it's normal. Seems to go around this time of year anyway."
"Oh no." Noilly shook her head. "That is not why I am here. Sorry if I made you think otherwise."
"I see, great." Moving around she started tidying up once more.
The infirmary looked as though it had just recently been busy. And Noilly hated to assume things, but if Jenny spoke the truth, then a group of Jellicles had come down with the flu the past few days.
"I don't mean to sound rude, Noilly. But what are you doing here. Is there something specific you need?"
Noilly nodded politely. "I would once again like to express my deepest apologies for giving Mistoffelees a sedative without asking for your permission."
Jenny chuckled softly,"Noilly, you've been apologizing for it daily since it happened. I've already told you, I understand. It was an emergency. You shouldn't worry yourself about it any further."
With another nod, Noilly took a breath, turned politely to take her leave, but Jenny clearing her throat had her stopping.
"Can I ask you something?"
Noilly turned back around to face the Healer,"Of course."
"I'm curious how you knew which vile contained the sedative. I color code them. Not saying any Jellicles here presently have a problem with drugs, but if they did and came in here while I wasn't here, they wouldn't know which one to take. I guess I color code them for my benefit so that the others know better then to take any drug without my approval."
"A wise decision." Noilly complimented her. "I knew which was the sedative, because my mother, before she passed away, was a nurse of sorts. She liked to help those who couldn't help themselves, despite her living in a luxurious home with humans. She taught me a few things. With her training, I am able to name most of the medicines you have on your shelves."
There was a brief pause, but Noilly watched the corner of Jenny's lips curve into a smile. "I am sometimes overworked in the infirmary, and since you have a basic understanding of medicines. ...What I'm trying to ask, is if you would like to help me out?"
"You are talking about the job a nurse would do, yes?" At the nod, Noilly paused to think it over properly. She did enjoy helping her mother when her mother had first taught her the basics. Politely smiling at Jenny, she spoke. "I would be honored to help you out."
"Great, well, come on. I'll help you with the medicines you don't know, and I'll show you anything else you need help with. Such as administering certain drugs. You hardly need help with bedside manners, so we'll skip over that."
Jenny grinned at Noilly, and Noilly simply nodded her head, smiling softly back at the Healer. Perhaps, she was finally finding her place among the street cats at the yard. This made Noilly feel relieved and happier, she felt like she was finally belonging to a community, instead of being isolated from every cat, because of the huge home that her humans and she resided in.
~^*^~
Stalking down the long dark hallways, the big tom grumbled. He had crossed paths with the young warrior, Otrox. Growltiger shook his head; Macavity had to have a screw loose for promoting the tom. Otrox had picked a fight with him! Normally, Growltiger was above the adolescent need to prove how strong he was by bashing heads with everyone else around him. But the moment Otrox insulted him about being a brittle old tom heading six feet under, that was a challenge Growltiger couldn't back away from. The large, red tiger tom, turned down a corner and entered the first door on the left. It was the medical Ward, or what the other Hexes simply called "The Ward". Well most Hexes, some called it the Pit of Despair; Not only did it have the stench of blood and sickness, but the Ward was Ilarori's terf, and she knew how to make the sick and injured even more miserable. Charna laid on one of the beds, with Rori standing over her.
"Well check again," Charna snapped.
Rori rolled her eyes, catching sight of Growltiger. Seeing the toms cuts and bruises on his face and body, she sighed out,"Genghis again?"
"No the little twerp, Otrox."
"Lay over there, and I'll get to you when I feel like it."
"Am I suppose to be surprised that you're too lazy to actually do your job?"
Rori shrugged, resisting the urge to get angry. "You say lazy and I say uncaring. Bleed out while you wait for me, I could care less. So you can either sit down, wait patiently, and be grateful, or leave."
Charna tapped her fingers on the side of the bed,"Not that your verbal foreplay isn't entertaining. But I want to carry the seed of a demon! It's got to possess me. Check! Check! Check now, or I will cut you to pieces."
"Try you nut! I'll just suck the life from you to heal myself." Rori raised her glittering paw taunting the fiery queen.
Charna slide into a grin,"I like you."
"Excuse me. Demon seed?" Growltiger questioned.
Sighing as though it was obvious, and Growltiger was just plainly stupid, Rori explained,"She wants to have Endrance's baby. And for the fifth time, you're not pregnant."
Rori dragged her feet, grabbing some pills from one of the cabinets overhead. "You have a Luteal Phase Deficiency. This is a progesterone supplement. Take it next time you and...the demon try for a baby. It should help level out your hormone level, to ensure proper conception."
At Charna's look, Rori growled,"Either take the damn pills, and get your demon baby, or leave me alone."
She threw the pills at Charna-who caught them. She was too excited about the possibility of getting pregnant to care about Rori's sudden mood change. The fiery queen snickered something about Demon food-both Rori and Growltiger couldn't hear her well enough- and then left. Rori turned her attention to Growltiger. The tiger was stretched out on the bed, his two paws behind his head. His eyebrow cocked up at her stare.
With her blank expression, she walked around the bed,"Otrox seemed to give you quite a few wounds."
"Sexy right?"
"On a fat old git like you? Hardly." She remarked.
He placed a paw on his chest, and faked a hurt expression. "You wound me." Scoffing he gazed deeply into her eyes,"Unfortunately for you, even the old fat Hexes won't give you the time of day. You'll be all alone wasting away in your own misery."
Ilarori gritted her teeth, granted she could lose her temper quickly, it was always Growltiger who actively sought to get under her skin. "As if you're doing well yourself in the love department. How old are you now? And not only can you not find a queen to be with, the most fun you have is getting beat up by a tom half your age."
"Hey now. I never said he beat me up. If you think I look bad, you should see him."
Rori considered this, and before even beginning to heal up Growltiger's wounds she nodded her head. "I think I will. He's so young, so strong. Sexy."
Growltiger watched the white queen get up without healing him and head for the door. He growled. "Superficial wench."
She turned on her heel, her eyes wide,"Selfish bastard."
His eyes flashed with slight amusement,"What are you going to do about it, you bleeding harpy?"
She could feel anger starting to bubble to the surface. And without even thinking about it, she grabbed the first thing closest to her. It was a medium sized metal bowl that she would sometimes put warm water in for the times she did surgery. She didn't always heal with a touch, sometimes she felt the need to put some of the lower Hexes through pain and suffering. Chucking the bowl at Growltiger, it hit and bounced off the side of his head. He groaned out, gripping the side of his face that was now in pain.
"Get the hell out of my ward!"
Growltiger hissed at her, but he wasn't going to try any more of her patience. He'd save that for when he was properly healed. Before he left though, he yelled out,"Bitch."
"Jackass!"
Once out of the Ward and back into the hallway, he smirked. She is so hot when she is angry, Growltiger thought. The throb of his head though had him wincing and he headed back to his den to tend to his wounds himself.
~^*^~
Without a sound, Mistoffelees walked up to the closest den by the infirmary. Gilbert had been placed there, being kept under mild sedation. The first time he emerged from his unconscious state, had been a train wreck. The confusion overwhelmed him and Coricopat feared if Gilbert underwent too much more strain and confusion, there wouldn't be much of a Gilbert left to save. So they wound up sedating him once again, only waking him for a couple of hours at a time. He had showed a little progress, for which Misto was grateful. They even believed that he was lucid enough to start training him to control his abilities. He slipped into the den and approached Gilbert slowly, not even surprised that Gllenning was standing up behind the young tom.g Gilbert was awake and he only glanced at Misto, only small traces of agitation showing up on his face. However, he did and said nothing before his eyes went back to concentrating on the wall behind Mistoffelees. The black tuxedo gave a look to Gllenning.
"How's he doing?"
Gllenning's ear twitched, his eyes guarding over the small tom like a protective older brother. "Not that great. He seems to be displaying some weird combination of my personality traits and Alonzo's. On occasion he's convinced he has the power to manipulate light. You're power I'm assuming."
Glen only got a nod from Misto.
Misto knew he didn't need to be with Gilbert, truthfully, Coricopat had more experience and a better ability to help Gilbert build up some sort of mental shield in his mind. Still, Misto couldn't help feeling guilty that he hadn't caught the 'signs' to help Gilbert when it would have made a difference. Helping Gilbert now was the least he could do. Coricopat had allowed Misto to try his luck at helping Gilbert create barriers. Though one of the main reasons was because Coricopat had been around when Gilbert came to the first time around, and got some of Coricopat's memories imprinted on his mind. So, that was another reason Coricopat was staying away. Until he could effectively shut others out, no one else besides those whose memories were already inside his head, could go near him.
"Do you really think you can help him?"
"Yes. Glen...Alonzo, he told me Gilbert was lucid today, he...doesn't seem like it."
They both saw Gilbert's body tense, but still, that was the only reaction. Glen nodded his head,"He is, but I think he has a hard time focusing with..." He briefly wagged his paw by the side of his head,"All the noise upstairs."
"Can't...help...Crazy." Gilbert managed to get out.
Misto only took a couple seconds before he processed exactly what Gilbert was trying to get across. "No! No, you're not crazy Gilbert. Do you hear me? I am going to help you."
He got closer to Gilbert, but at his silent response, he feared his voice was just getting lost in the sea of voices swimming in Gilbert's head. If Gilbert could manage to focus on his voice, just his one voice alone, he didn't think he'd be able to help Gilbert build up defenses. He knelt down in front of Gilbert, but didn't touch him, not knowing if that would make things worse for the scared and confused telepath. He knew if Gilbert became too aggravated at any point during the training session Glen would be there to smooth things over.
"I'm going to start Gilbert. However, I don't have any powers to allow my mind to get into yours. Do you understand, do you hear me?"
There was nothing, and Misto frowned, looking up at Glen again. He gestured for Misto to keep trying.
"Gilbert, I need you to focus on my voice." Raising up his paw, he gently touched Gilberts arm, and the tom made a startled noise. Misto spoke his command once again.
Gilbert heard one strong voice stick out among the crowd. And doing what it commanded, he used what little will power and strength he had left to just concentrate on that one voice. The other voices, the other memories and echoes of cats he's pretty sure he's never met before make it so hard for Gilbert to think. Still, his eyes must have narrowed, because he heard the voice speak once again.
"Good. That's good. Just focus on my voice. The other voices, everything else, is just background noise."
Gilbert slowly nodded his head, and though he tried to imagine that the rest of 'them' was just background noise, he couldn't help but to think it was very loud background noise.
"Good. Now, imagine yourself..." Misto paused, hoping he was saying this right. "Building a solid wall up. Building up between you and the rest of the voices."
He studied Gilbert's face contorting into different faces, before he continued on. "As you build up this wall, the sounds should start to dissipate, do you hear them getting further away?"
Gilbert exhaled deeply,"Yes. I can still hear them, but....it sounds like they're miles away. I can't make out their exact words."
His ice blue eyes searched Misto's and there seemed to be a new sense of hope in the baby blues, Misto would be blind not to see it. Gilbert smiled and placed a paw on Misto's shoulder. "You're voice...I can't hear it. Thank you."
He stood up, albeit stiffly, and started brushing through his head fur. Gllenning cocked his head, slightly amused, as Gilbert was starting to do a morning routine that Glen himself did every morning before 'greeting' the new day. Misto saw the familiarity on Glen's face and his frown deepened. Gilbert only had a thin barrier, blocking out thoughts and memories from others. He would probably be able to handle one more jellicle in the room with them, but anymore and that thin barrier would shatter. With more intensive training and even meditation, Misto was sure Gilbert would be strong enough to block out all of the Jellicles thoughts and their pasts if he was forced into a large room with all of them thrown in, too. However, he was a long way from that. There was one other problem. Despite the barrier Gilbert was now creating around his mind, it didn't change the fact that Gilbert's real personality was somewhere locked away, deep inside. At least, Misto hoped he was still in there somewhere. The real Gilbert wouldn't have openly touched Misto in such a sincere way. As far as Misto could tell, Gilbert had always been leery of physical contact. He never asked, it wasn't his business.
"Gilbert."
He saw Misto staring at him and he shook his head,"I don't think that is my name."
"Do you know what your name is?"
"I...It's Gllenning, but I've always hated that name, so call me Alonzo." He shook is head, confusion starting to cloud his head once more. "Or was it Mistoffelees. No...no it can't be. I clearly remember others calling me Admetus. But...." He gripped his head,"I also remember being called Coricopat."
"Shhh...." Misto reached out to Gilbert, but he looked to Gllenning. "Glen, I need you to find Exotica and bring her here. As much as I want to help him, I do not have the ability to go into his mind and clear out all the excess memories floating around up there. Exotica is able to ..."meld" with his mind. She might be able to sort through the memories that aren't his and lock them away somewhere. Hopefully, that will bring his own consciousness back out from the shadows."
"Hopefully." Glen agreed,"I'll be back in a bit."
As Glen left, Misto felt Gilbert shake. Gilbert tore his eyes up into Misto's face.
"I'm...I'm not going to be okay. I feel like I'm nearly half a dozen jellicles. It's too confusing."
Touching Gilbert's cheek softly, Misto gave him a reassuring stare. "Can you pick out any single memory, or do all your memories of your past seem to blend together?"
"They...It doesn't make sense."
"So they're all mixed up and are just blending together." Misto wasn't really sure what to say to ease Gilbert's obvious worries. He didn't know how to relate to Gilbert, because no one in his generation had had these problems before. This was completely brand new. "Why don't you sit back down? I'll get you some water, okay?"
Gilbert reached behind him and found the blankets, then uncomfortably sat back down, silently suffering in the confines of his chaotic mind as he waited for Mistoffelees and Gllenning to return. Misto was the first to return, holding a small mug of water in his one paw. Gilbert took the offered mug and took a swig, his shaking making some of the water spill into his lap and onto the blankets. He gave a face, and started to apologize, but Misto shook his head, and told him not to worry. Next thing Gilbert knew, was getting a towel thrown at him. He cleaned up, and then moved away from the wet spot on the blankets. He set the mug down onto the floor beside the bed. Finally, Gllenning walked back into the room, followed by Exotica. Gilbert smiled at the exotic beauty, but finally resisted and his smile faded away. He didn't like Exotica that way, he didn't think, so why?
Glen's paw lingered on Exotica's shoulder a little longer then necessary. "So you got those thoughts and memories too, huh Gil?" He chuckled a little bit at that, then winked at Exotica. "I'm trusting you."
She nodded,"I'll do my best, just there's no guarantee this will work. And I've never done...this before. I've connected to one mind before, but from what you've told me, I'll be connected to five or six minds, or thoughts and memories of six minds."
Misto spoke,"Exotica, there is a risk that you could become every bit as confused as Gilbert. If you don't want to do this...no one is forcing you to Exotica. We understand if you choose not to."
"Thank you Mistoffelees, but I wouldn't have walked all this way if I wasn't sincere in helping him." Turning to Gilbert and stepping away from Gllenning, she sat down onto the bed beside Gilbert. "Are you ready?"
He gave a meek reply.
"You're going to have to hold still," Xottie responded as she put her left paw on the side of Gilbert's face.
It was positioned half on his head, but her palm was centered over his temple, and her fingers rested against the back of his head. The others gave her silence watching the happenings between Xottie and Gilbert with hope and fascination. Closing her eyes, Exotica centered her mind, and focused her power as she mentally tried to brace herself for the overwhelming confusion. Exotica knew Gilbert's chaotic mind might take over hers, but she still had to try. Connecting to someone else's mind was always dangerous and unnerving, but this, Gilbert's mind was different. The moment she felt herself being pulled into his mind, she felt a sensation of lifting off into a different world. The first time his mind hit hers, and they merged into one, Exotica momentarily lost her focus and in turn lost herself in the whirlpool of chaos. Whose mind was she in? From the bits of memories floating by she caught glimpses of other jellicles. She saw the perspectives of many different jellicles, that she just could grasp who she was, or what mind she was in. Too many minds. Once she got a more firm 'grip' on her own mind, her own memories, she realized she was in one mind. There were just too many other minds crammed into one. Finally, she recalled that she was connected to Gilbert. She weeded through some thoughts, and came upon a memory that seemed to be confused and jumbled. At one instance, from his perspective, he seemed to be standing before the "elders" of the tribe, and Munkustrap in front of him smiling, and pulling him into a hug. Exotica wasn't sure, but knew it had to be a memory from either Alonzo or Admetus, when each became a Jellicle protector/warrior. Though, knowing Munk's relationship to Alonzo, she guessed it was a fragment of one of Alonzo's memories. In the same memory, it seemed to go to a secluded part of the junkyard, with flashes of light illuminated the area. Light that Exotica finally realized was coming from his paws; so a fragment from Mistoffelees. However, as soon as that was over, it bled into something else. From what Exotica could gather, little Etcetera, barely out of her toddler phase, was in his arms, crying hysterically. He seemed to be do a fine job of comforting the poor dear, and Exotica knew it had to be a memory of Admetus; being Etcetera's oldest brother and all. Working with increased concentration she managed to shift those memories and thoughts into a darker part of Gilbert's mind. Effectively placing them into a 'box' of sorts, and sealing them away. She continued this process a few more times, knowing how long it would take to go through all of them, but every time she did seal another memory away, she felt accomplished. She felt she was making a difference, and was praying to the heavyside that this would work, and help Gilbert be himself, for him to start making a recovery. However, she stumbled onto another memory and right away Exotica could feel a difference, feel that something wasn't quite right.
--- ---
The darkness stretched on, and it took a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. A familiar noise, one that had him shaking in fright, came from the right. Quickly, his head whipped around to the right, and had no time to react. A sharp glass 'bottle' was thrown at and hit the side of his head. Falling down to the ground, his shock momentarily dulled the pain. His eyes stared up into dark hideous green eyes, it was too dark to see him completely, but aside from his demonic eyes, he could see the toms smile. It was curved upwards, and all he could remember thinking before the pain overwhelmed him, was how wicked and evil he looked. He tried to get away from the other tom looming over him, but the pain began to throb. He reached up and felt the warm slick feel of his blood from the wound the hit created. A sickening laugh from the tom above him was heard, and he felt himself start to tear up.
"N-n-nnnno...P-p-pppplease." He whimpered. "Dad, please...stop."
His father walked closer, and he could see his father's long claws coming out of his paws as the tom started to step into the light.
--- ---
At that moment, Exotica felt a heaviness on her chest, before the world inside their joining minds was abruptly severed. It happened so suddenly, that she was caught off guard. She never saw who it was, but she knew it was a tom, or more importantly, his father abusing Gilbert. It HAD to be one of Gilbert's memories. She and all the other jellicles really, didn't know much about Gilbert's past; only that he had lived on the streets for a little while and only became a jellicle because he was starving, slipped into the junkyard and stole some of their food. Old Deuteronomy, naturally, took pity on the young tom, gave him more food and offered him a place to stay. Other then that, Gilbert clammed up about his past. Now Exotica knew why, and she actually felt guilty that she knew something about Gilbert that he obviously didn't want anyone else knowing about. She felt like she had violated him somehow. Her thoughts ended briefly, because the next thing she knew, she was knocked to the ground. Gilbert stood over her, an angry look in his eyes.
"How dare you! That is personal. You..." He hissed, his claws already out, ready for anything. "Why would you make me RELIVE that?"
Gllenning was already rushing to Gilbert, grabbing him from behind. Startled, and influenced by the fresh memory, Gilbert lashed out and swung his claws at Glen. Glen felt the sting where the claws got him, but he didn't let up on his hold around Gilbert.
"Let go of me. Bastard!"
"That ain't happening, mate."
"Stop." Exotica warned, being supported by Mistoffelees. "Just let him go."
Glen gave her one look, but let go of Gilbert. The young cream colored tom rushed to the corner of the room, and sunk to the floor. He covered up his face, his body shivering slightly. With Misto and Glenning's help, Exotica stood up on her feet. She gave both toms a small smile, but that vanished the moment her eyes landed on Gilbert. Her eyes softened a little bit, and though it wasn't how she planned it, Gilbert's originally personality had resurfaced. She just hoped the tom wasn't too traumatized, otherwise he'd never recover. Still, it wasn't a good experience for her either. The memory she had seen, well she could swear she still felt the cut on her own head.
"I'm....I'm so sorry Gilbert. I didn't mean for it to happen." She sighed,"I know you probably don't believe me. But I truly am sorry."
Unfortunately, Gilbert really only heard "Sorry" and somehow it sounded a lot like "Pity."
~^*^~
Tantomile moved freely through the yard, every once in a while doing cartwheels. She giggled, bouncing in place after every cartwheel she did. Coming out of one of her flips, she grimaced slightly before giggling some more. The tip of her tail had landed in a muddy puddle. Carefully, she rubbed what little she could out of the tip of her tail. She'd have to wash it more thoroughly later. However, she was not done, and there was a high chance she'd end up falling in the mud more then a few times more. Stretching her leg out and wiggling her toes she took in a deep breath. Her arms reached above her head and she slid down into the splits. Hearing a cat call and a whistle, her head snapped to the side. Jagger, Tumblebrutus and Adonis were over in the corner. They were mainly conversing with themselves, but apparently were watching her, at least a little bit. Her ears bent back in slight embarrassment, but she gave a small smile. Getting out of the splits and back onto her feet, she debated doing more or going somewhere more private. There was a difference between performing and showing off. Waving slightly at the trio, she decided to find a place more suitable for her to practice. Perhaps she'd search out Coricopat. He didn't do much acrobatics, but he did lifts so well. A soft murmur caught her attention. She was not going to investigate, but hearing a male groan, made her freeze. She'd definitely heard that groan from somewhere, and she almost ignored it. As if ignoring it would make it not true. Turning around, she noticed Tumble, Jagger, and Adonis giving her sympathetic expressions, but not one of them would look her in the eyes. Finally, her eyes traveled to the other corner, and she saw Cassandra's back pressed up against the front side of Tugger. He had his arms around her waist, and was kissing the back of her neck. Tantomile bit her bottom lip, her eyes glued to them. She wasn't fooling herself when she first started dating Tugger. It was a fling, she knew that when it all started. Guess she just thought Tugger would have had the decency to break it off first before going on to his next queen. Then he had looked up and saw her staring at the two of them, and he actually smirked at her before he and Cassandra walked away to find some privacy. If she didn't feel absolutely horrible before, she surely did now. He knew he was cheating on her, and seemed so smug about it. Jagger hit his older brother on the shoulder.
"Ouch." He gave Jagger a look,"And just what was that for?"
"Don't be daft, Don."
Tumble cracked a small smile.
Jagger shook his mane, shaking his head. Adonis had flirted with a few queens since they joined the tribe, but sometimes his brother moved too slowly. "Depressed queen. Comfort her a little, maybe you'll get laid."
He snorted,"Is that all you think about, Jagger?"
"Pretty much."
Adonis nodded his head. He was going to go for it. Not necessarily in the way that Jagger implied. Tantomile was an attractive queen and so lively. She didn't deserve to be left in the lurch like that. He'd be content if he could just give some comfort to Tantomile. He wasn't expecting anything sexual or romantic. He cautiously moved to the skinny acrobatic queen.
"Tantomile..."
She was still staring at a pair of cats that just weren't there anymore. Hearing her name called for a third or maybe it was the fourth time, she tensely turned her head in the direction of where Adonis was standing.
"...Hi..."
Adonis wasn't sure how to respond to Tantomile's shy and distant greeting. It wasn't like her, at all. He was determined to change that. Carefully, he raised up his paw and placed it gently on her shoulder. There was a moment of tense silence, but she finally relaxed at his touch.
"Do you need anything? Anything to help...or someone to talk to?"
She eyed him for a second, glad he hadn't asked the age old question, 'how are you doing'. Because after just seeing Tugger with Cassandra, 'how are you doing' was just a really pointless question to ask.
With a stiff upper lip she shook her head,"Please...Just leave me alone. I don't want to be bothered. Especially not from a tom."
She knew Jagger and Adonis often hung together, spotting new queens to be with or flirt with. That was the last thing she needed right now. A sleazy tom, who was flirtatious like Tugger, trying to score with her, because she was vulnerable. Easy.
Adonis tilted his head to the side, giving her a small smile,"I think you're mistaking me for my brother. As much time as we spend together, I can understand why others get the impression that we're the same. I just came over to see if you needed anything, but if you'd rather be bothered by a queen..." He paused, before speaking,"I could see about a sex change."
Tantomile gapped at him. "You'd probably be an ugly queen."
Slowly, oh so slowly, Tantomile began to smile, and Adonis responded with his own smile. That was much better. The silly acrobatic queen was so much more brighter with that smile. That pout, just wasn't her.
"I could make an exception. For you." Tantomile finally accepted his company and comfort.
Adonis still smiled and gestured for them to go somewhere, particularly away from Jagger and Tumblebrutus. He knew Tumble enough that the brown and white tom wouldn't eavesdrop, however Jagger would. Adonis respected Tantomile too much to stay somewhere where his nosy brother would listen in. Besides, he suspected if they stayed there, Tantomile might never open up to him. And it was always better when you had someone to talk to, to lean on. Tantomile though gave him a look and he realized she probably thought he was trying to get her someone private to take advantage of her, or something along those lines.
"Oh...No, Just thought you'd be more comfortable away from my nosy brother."
"Right."
Adonis led Tantomile away, giving one look over to Tumble and Jagger; Jagger who gave him a thumbs up and a wink. He sighed, smiling back, though he loved his younger brother dearly, not everything had to end with sex.
As soon as Adonis left with Tantomile, Jagger gave Tumble a smirk. Tumble didn't assume Adonis had suddenly got the queen. It was possible for two cats of opposite genders to be friends, and only friends.
"I'll bet you ten days of chores that Don gets lucky."
Tumble studied Jagger's cocky expression, still not able to understand how Jagger turned out the way he did. All he had heard of their past, was that their parents had been killed in some sort of accident. After that, Adonis had to care for himself and Jagger on the streets. Tumble just didn't get how that sort of life created such a cocky, flirtatious, and in Tumble's opinion, obnoxious tom. Tumble definitely considered himself friends with Adonis, but he still wasn't sure how he felt about Jagger, yet.
Shrugging Tumble spoke,"Depends on what you mean by; getting lucky."
"Nothing short of sex, you know?"
Tumble's ears flattened,"Tantomile just found out Tugger was cheating on her, and got dumped at the same time. I highly doubt she's going to just jump into bed with the next tom who is nice to her."
"She's a vulnerable, upset queen. One who needs to feel safe and loved. Of course, she'll hop into bed with him. So you going to take that bet?"
"Well what's the time frame? Do you mean Adonis will get lucky tonight? Or by this weekend...?"
"By tonight." Jagger rolled his eyes, almost sure Tumble wouldn't take the bet. If he didn't, he wasn't sure he'd really ever find hanging around Tumble fun.
"Alright, deal."
The two toms shook on it, Jagger simply smirked at Tumble. Tumble was silent for a while, and though Jagger didn't mind silent pauses, occasionally, this particular quietness didn't end. With a pointed stare, Jagger watched the brown patched tom.
"If you're thinking about backing out of the bet, well it's too late now."
"Hmmm? Oh no, it's not that." During his pause, the tip of his tail curled and his body posture transformed into nothing short of embarrassment.
"Was wondering," He finally stated. "I mean, I heard about your encounter with Exotica, so I know you're not...but is Adonis-"
"What? Come on spill it out." Jagger teased, aware of what Tumble was hinting at.
"Is he a virgin?"
The tall maine coon shrugged,"No. Why do you ask? It's not like you're a virgin..." Jagger didn't know why he expected otherwise, but he didn't hear an immediate response and he only shook his head,"You are a virgin."
Tumble hid his eyes, his teeth chewing on his bottom lip nervously. "Well?" Tumble asked, then added,"You're going to laugh, so you might as well do that already."
Jagger shook his head again,"At least tell me you've gotten to second base..." Another pause, so he inquired further,"But you've kissed a queen...right?"
"No," Came his uncomfortable reply.
"GEEZ! And I practically threw Adonis at Tantomile. You needed her more then he did."
Tumble, had he not been so uncomfortable, would have reminded Jagger that Adonis didn't need Tantomile, it was the other way around-Tantomile needed someone.
"We're going to fix your problem."
Tumble gave him a suspicious stare. He didn't want to lose his virginity with some queen he barely knew and barely liked, just so he could lose it. Tumble wanted a queen he loved, he believed that would make the experience that much more satisfying. "How?"
Jagger grinned, perhaps...Tumblebrutus wasn't so bad after all, virginity excluded. "I'm glad you asked."
Glancing around, he spotted two queens. He had to pause to think of their names; when they finally came to him, Electra and Etcetera. They were still a bit young, but he was pretty sure the younger one, the white tabby, was going to be coming of 'age' at the jellicle ball in a few months. He raised his eyebrow, but Tumble shook his head. Sure, he should have seen that coming; of course Tumble wouldn't want to get intimate with an underaged queen. Even if they were about to be of age in a few months. Sometimes the rules those jellicles placed upon the tribe were ridiculous. Again his eyes looked around, he saw a small group of queens that had just walked into the area, but they were even younger then Cettie and Leccy. It was Sillabub, Susperia, Cagalli, and Pouncival. Finally, he spotted Vimala chatting up a storm with Panthera. They were just walking through, and if Jagger hadn't whistled and waved them over, they probably would have kept going.
Vimala and Panthera joined the two toms, and Vimala smiled at Jagger. He might have been younger, but he was still gorgeous. He smirked at Vimala, but Panthera caught his attention.
She took in a deep breath,"Oh my gosh! Jagger called me...us over! This is so..." She trailed off to squeal a little bit. Vimala gave the two a weird look, and giggled. Had she known Panthera was absolutely ga-ga over Jagger, she would have prepared herself. She almost felt like she was watching Cettie and Tugger; almost.
Jagger was never all that fond of Panthera, he found her kind of annoying, but she was hot! So that was always a plus, besides, she seemed to be obsessed with him; he'd always wanted a bunch of queen fans fawning over him, like they did with Tugger. Seemed he had his first one. Vimala on the other hand, she didn't fault Panthera for being crazy for Jagger. He was handsome and he really made Vimala swoon herself sometimes. Still, she wasn't rude, and she turned towards Tumblebrutus.
She smiled,"Hello Tumble."
There was a nervous look sent toward Jagger who winked at him and silently urged him to go for it.
"So...you still planning on leaving tomorrow?"
Vimala laughed,"No...I think I'll stay for this jellicle bash that everyone seems so hyped about, then I'll be leaving."
Feeling a little more comfortable, he smiled back. "It's called the Jellicle Ball. And I'm glad you're staying for it. You'll have so much fun."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me. I must say I really am looking forward to it."
"Are you going with anyone? Most jellicles like to go with a date, or a friend, or they end up finding a date at the ball."
"I hadn't thought about it." Her emerald eyes looked to the sky, while she thought it over. "Probably not. No one has asked me. I guess I could always see if any of my friends want to go with me."
Tumble didn't realize his back foot was digging into the ground nervously. "I don't have a date either. We could...Maybe..."
Vimala couldn't resist a smile from breaking out across her face. "Why Tumblebrutus. Are you asking me out on a date? Or is this strictly a friends only sort of date?"
He swallowed,"A date; a real one..." Seeing her eyes flick towards Jagger briefly, any confidence he had gained left him instantly. She probably didn't want to go with him. Why would she, when there was so many more appealing toms left around to choose from?
She didn't understand his sudden sad mood, but looped her arm through his. "I think that would be fun. Jagger, Tumble and I are going to get to know each other better. Have fun with Gabby there."
He smirked, happy to give Tumble a nudge in the right direction. As they left, he felt a queen bouncing beside him, her tail curling around his leg, and mewling noises; to grab his attention. Before she even had the chance to start rambling on about how awesome he was, and how great it was to be touching him, he grabbed the back of her head and kissed her-quite thoroughly.
Once he pulled away, her eyelids slowly opened and a one syllable word came out of her mouth,"Wow."
Jagger grinned, now this was a Panthera that he could enjoy. Making up his mind, he tapped her on the nose, and began to strut away. "Well come on then."
~^*^~
Strolling through the pathways of the yard, Rumpleteazer began to make her way back to the den she shared with her best friend, Mungojerrie. She was on her way back from Quaxo's. The black and white tuxedo tom and her were getting closer. He was a good friend, and Teazer wasn't going to lie, she found him attractive- inwardly and outwardly. The two had simply played a few games together, nothing terribly interesting, just a bit of fun. Teazer observed the trash littered around her feet and up ahead she spotted a rather large beige block. That block stood on the corner of the path she was currently walking on and the path that lead to her and Jerrie's den. Currently, the block was a solid color. However, when other jellicles stumble upon paint cans with wet paint still inside, the younger jellicles get to go nuts; painting whatever they want to on the block. The streak of colors of images and doodles would remain on the block for a while, before one of the adults would wash them off. Teazer turned down her path, walking back to see Jerrie. She didn't have to walk far before she spotted someone with Jerrie, in the distance.
-- -- --
Mungojerrie smirked at the tall, lean, tan siamese tom. "Oi'm good fah it."
Genghis thinly shaped tail swayed down, making a thunk on the ground. "This isn't some game, Mungojerrie. Macavity needs that shipment of goods by next week."
The thief shrugged his shoulders,"Jus' relax. E'll get wha' 'e needs by the toime 'e needs it. Oi won't beh late."
Genghis nodded, slightly bowing his head at the tiger.
"Don't do tha'!" Jerrie frowned.
He may be a child of Macavity, but Macavity wouldn't officially acknowledge him as a legitimate son. And because he wasn't, he didn't deserve any sort of special treatment or respect, from any of the Hexes. Besides none of the jellicles, not the leader- not even his best friend Teazer- knew his biological father was Macavity.
"Noiw leave. If someone finds ya 'ere, then they'll know Oi work fah Macaviteh."
Genghis sneered, but still nodded his head. Maybe it wasn't official, but Genghis still gave his respect to Jerrie, because he was a son of Macavity. The only one that Macavity still had contact with; all others Macavity had were sent away or killed, or had died somehow. He slipped away and headed out of the tiny opening that Jerrie had created in order to get out quieter to steal from humans. Hearing a snap of a tiny twig, Jerrie swirled behind him, seeing Teazer there. She gave him a cheeky smile, that he returned.
"So who was tha'?"
He spoke,"Oh 'im? Jus' an alley cat. Sometoimes 'e give meh good locations that Oi can steal from."
"Not out of the goodness of 'is 'eart..."
"Hardleh. 'E gets twenteh percent of all the trinkets Oi steal. Or should Oi say, that weh steal."
Teazer paused for only a second. She recalled getting punished the last time she went out with Jerrie to steal things. Of course, that was because they stole from other jellicles. This time...this time would be different, they'd be going out of the yard and stealing goods. She grinned, her eyes lighting up. "Realleh?"
"Yah, Teaze...Wha' do yah say?"
"Oi say...When do weh leave?"
Mungojerrie gripped Teazer's paw in his, but the two tiger tabbies heard a ruffling noise and both spoke out, asking who was there. A silence followed after their question, one that was sharp and cut through their ears. The moment didn't last long, thankfully, and a thin white queen finally emerged from the grass; her hazy silver eyes looking vaguely in the direction of the tiger tabbies. Victoria stood still for a moment, before clicking the tip of her tongue against the roof of her mouth. By the sound, the low echo of it, bouncing off of Teazer and Jerrie, Victoria had a better understanding of where they were standing, and walked up to be in front of them.
"Hiya, Vickeh." Jerrie joyfully spoke.
She nodded her head, but turned to Teazer,"I am sorry, Mungojerrie. My...intention was not to snoop. But Teazer, you shouldn't go out with him."
"Why? Oi've done it many toimes before."
Jerrie frowned, but Victoria continued. He sighed dropping Teazer's paw. "He's going out to steal objects and different goods to bring to Macavity. I think, I'm sorry Teazer but I think Mungojerrie is working for Macavity."
"No. No, 'e would 'ave told meh first if 'e was."
She bit her lip and frowned,"I know what I heard, Teazer."
Turning, expecting to see Jerrie denying it, his silent guilty look gave her an uneasy feeling. Sure, Jerrie snapped his head to her and shook his head.
"Teaze, you're not goin' tah believe 'er over meh, are yah?"
That split second of a guilty look though, was not something she could ignore. "Do yah? Do yah work fah 'im Jerr? An' don't goive meh aneh excuses. Oi want tah know the truth."
"Yes." Jerrie stated.
"Oh." Teazer wasn't really sure how to respond to that.
Victoria couldn't see facial expressions, but she had heard the tone in Teazer's voice. It was full of disappointment and something else lingering in the air. It made Victoria think that maybe she could work for Macavity, and Victoria loved Teazer too much to watch her walk away from life in the junkyard to serve that monster.
"Please...Rumpleteazer, you're my friend." She reached out, but didn't touch Teazer, giving Teazer the option of accepting her offered paw. "I don't want to lose you. Please don't go and work for him. I have nothing against you Jerrie, and I'm sure you have your reasons, but don't drag Teazer into this. If she decides to work for Macavity, Teazer may never be able to stop working for Macavity. She could get involved in horrible and violent things."
Teazer took Victoria's offered paw, rubbing it gently. "Hush. Oi'm not goin' anywhere, Vickeh. Oi...Oi do want tah beh close with Jerrie, but Oi don't think Oi can work fah Macavity." She turned to Jerrie,"Oi'm sorreh."
He shrugged,"No mattah. Weh can still go out on the town 'n steal from the 'umans."
She was shaking her head,"Yah lied tah meh...When all those rumors popped up 'bout yah workin' fah Macaviteh. Yah swore tah meh they weren' true. Yah lied. You're still mah best friend Jerr, but Oi think Oi need some time alone."
Jerrie, was shocked to say the least. He knew one day the tribe might find out he worked for Macavity, at least on the side, but he hadn't counted on Teazer taking it the way she did. Though it was true, he did lie to her, so how could she not feel betrayed? Or feel as though he didn't trust her enough with his secret. "Oi...Where will yah go, n where will yah sleep?"
"If you need a place to sleep for a few days...or weeks, however long you need, the girls and I would make room in our den, so you can bunk with us."
Teazer gave Victoria a smile, knowing the queen couldn't see it. "Oi moight take yah up on yer offer, but Oi moight try Quaxo first. 'E's been real noice tah meh lately. 'E might let me bunk with 'im and 'is brothers fah a while."
--- ---
Back To Year One
To Year One Fanart
"Noilly?" Jenny questioned. Coming up to the cream colored Himalayan, Jenny gave her a concerned stare,"You okay? You're not injured are you? If you're coming down with the flu, it's normal. Seems to go around this time of year anyway."
"Oh no." Noilly shook her head. "That is not why I am here. Sorry if I made you think otherwise."
"I see, great." Moving around she started tidying up once more.
The infirmary looked as though it had just recently been busy. And Noilly hated to assume things, but if Jenny spoke the truth, then a group of Jellicles had come down with the flu the past few days.
"I don't mean to sound rude, Noilly. But what are you doing here. Is there something specific you need?"
Noilly nodded politely. "I would once again like to express my deepest apologies for giving Mistoffelees a sedative without asking for your permission."
Jenny chuckled softly,"Noilly, you've been apologizing for it daily since it happened. I've already told you, I understand. It was an emergency. You shouldn't worry yourself about it any further."
With another nod, Noilly took a breath, turned politely to take her leave, but Jenny clearing her throat had her stopping.
"Can I ask you something?"
Noilly turned back around to face the Healer,"Of course."
"I'm curious how you knew which vile contained the sedative. I color code them. Not saying any Jellicles here presently have a problem with drugs, but if they did and came in here while I wasn't here, they wouldn't know which one to take. I guess I color code them for my benefit so that the others know better then to take any drug without my approval."
"A wise decision." Noilly complimented her. "I knew which was the sedative, because my mother, before she passed away, was a nurse of sorts. She liked to help those who couldn't help themselves, despite her living in a luxurious home with humans. She taught me a few things. With her training, I am able to name most of the medicines you have on your shelves."
There was a brief pause, but Noilly watched the corner of Jenny's lips curve into a smile. "I am sometimes overworked in the infirmary, and since you have a basic understanding of medicines. ...What I'm trying to ask, is if you would like to help me out?"
"You are talking about the job a nurse would do, yes?" At the nod, Noilly paused to think it over properly. She did enjoy helping her mother when her mother had first taught her the basics. Politely smiling at Jenny, she spoke. "I would be honored to help you out."
"Great, well, come on. I'll help you with the medicines you don't know, and I'll show you anything else you need help with. Such as administering certain drugs. You hardly need help with bedside manners, so we'll skip over that."
Jenny grinned at Noilly, and Noilly simply nodded her head, smiling softly back at the Healer. Perhaps, she was finally finding her place among the street cats at the yard. This made Noilly feel relieved and happier, she felt like she was finally belonging to a community, instead of being isolated from every cat, because of the huge home that her humans and she resided in.
~^*^~
Stalking down the long dark hallways, the big tom grumbled. He had crossed paths with the young warrior, Otrox. Growltiger shook his head; Macavity had to have a screw loose for promoting the tom. Otrox had picked a fight with him! Normally, Growltiger was above the adolescent need to prove how strong he was by bashing heads with everyone else around him. But the moment Otrox insulted him about being a brittle old tom heading six feet under, that was a challenge Growltiger couldn't back away from. The large, red tiger tom, turned down a corner and entered the first door on the left. It was the medical Ward, or what the other Hexes simply called "The Ward". Well most Hexes, some called it the Pit of Despair; Not only did it have the stench of blood and sickness, but the Ward was Ilarori's terf, and she knew how to make the sick and injured even more miserable. Charna laid on one of the beds, with Rori standing over her.
"Well check again," Charna snapped.
Rori rolled her eyes, catching sight of Growltiger. Seeing the toms cuts and bruises on his face and body, she sighed out,"Genghis again?"
"No the little twerp, Otrox."
"Lay over there, and I'll get to you when I feel like it."
"Am I suppose to be surprised that you're too lazy to actually do your job?"
Rori shrugged, resisting the urge to get angry. "You say lazy and I say uncaring. Bleed out while you wait for me, I could care less. So you can either sit down, wait patiently, and be grateful, or leave."
Charna tapped her fingers on the side of the bed,"Not that your verbal foreplay isn't entertaining. But I want to carry the seed of a demon! It's got to possess me. Check! Check! Check now, or I will cut you to pieces."
"Try you nut! I'll just suck the life from you to heal myself." Rori raised her glittering paw taunting the fiery queen.
Charna slide into a grin,"I like you."
"Excuse me. Demon seed?" Growltiger questioned.
Sighing as though it was obvious, and Growltiger was just plainly stupid, Rori explained,"She wants to have Endrance's baby. And for the fifth time, you're not pregnant."
Rori dragged her feet, grabbing some pills from one of the cabinets overhead. "You have a Luteal Phase Deficiency. This is a progesterone supplement. Take it next time you and...the demon try for a baby. It should help level out your hormone level, to ensure proper conception."
At Charna's look, Rori growled,"Either take the damn pills, and get your demon baby, or leave me alone."
She threw the pills at Charna-who caught them. She was too excited about the possibility of getting pregnant to care about Rori's sudden mood change. The fiery queen snickered something about Demon food-both Rori and Growltiger couldn't hear her well enough- and then left. Rori turned her attention to Growltiger. The tiger was stretched out on the bed, his two paws behind his head. His eyebrow cocked up at her stare.
With her blank expression, she walked around the bed,"Otrox seemed to give you quite a few wounds."
"Sexy right?"
"On a fat old git like you? Hardly." She remarked.
He placed a paw on his chest, and faked a hurt expression. "You wound me." Scoffing he gazed deeply into her eyes,"Unfortunately for you, even the old fat Hexes won't give you the time of day. You'll be all alone wasting away in your own misery."
Ilarori gritted her teeth, granted she could lose her temper quickly, it was always Growltiger who actively sought to get under her skin. "As if you're doing well yourself in the love department. How old are you now? And not only can you not find a queen to be with, the most fun you have is getting beat up by a tom half your age."
"Hey now. I never said he beat me up. If you think I look bad, you should see him."
Rori considered this, and before even beginning to heal up Growltiger's wounds she nodded her head. "I think I will. He's so young, so strong. Sexy."
Growltiger watched the white queen get up without healing him and head for the door. He growled. "Superficial wench."
She turned on her heel, her eyes wide,"Selfish bastard."
His eyes flashed with slight amusement,"What are you going to do about it, you bleeding harpy?"
She could feel anger starting to bubble to the surface. And without even thinking about it, she grabbed the first thing closest to her. It was a medium sized metal bowl that she would sometimes put warm water in for the times she did surgery. She didn't always heal with a touch, sometimes she felt the need to put some of the lower Hexes through pain and suffering. Chucking the bowl at Growltiger, it hit and bounced off the side of his head. He groaned out, gripping the side of his face that was now in pain.
"Get the hell out of my ward!"
Growltiger hissed at her, but he wasn't going to try any more of her patience. He'd save that for when he was properly healed. Before he left though, he yelled out,"Bitch."
"Jackass!"
Once out of the Ward and back into the hallway, he smirked. She is so hot when she is angry, Growltiger thought. The throb of his head though had him wincing and he headed back to his den to tend to his wounds himself.
~^*^~
Without a sound, Mistoffelees walked up to the closest den by the infirmary. Gilbert had been placed there, being kept under mild sedation. The first time he emerged from his unconscious state, had been a train wreck. The confusion overwhelmed him and Coricopat feared if Gilbert underwent too much more strain and confusion, there wouldn't be much of a Gilbert left to save. So they wound up sedating him once again, only waking him for a couple of hours at a time. He had showed a little progress, for which Misto was grateful. They even believed that he was lucid enough to start training him to control his abilities. He slipped into the den and approached Gilbert slowly, not even surprised that Gllenning was standing up behind the young tom.g Gilbert was awake and he only glanced at Misto, only small traces of agitation showing up on his face. However, he did and said nothing before his eyes went back to concentrating on the wall behind Mistoffelees. The black tuxedo gave a look to Gllenning.
"How's he doing?"
Gllenning's ear twitched, his eyes guarding over the small tom like a protective older brother. "Not that great. He seems to be displaying some weird combination of my personality traits and Alonzo's. On occasion he's convinced he has the power to manipulate light. You're power I'm assuming."
Glen only got a nod from Misto.
Misto knew he didn't need to be with Gilbert, truthfully, Coricopat had more experience and a better ability to help Gilbert build up some sort of mental shield in his mind. Still, Misto couldn't help feeling guilty that he hadn't caught the 'signs' to help Gilbert when it would have made a difference. Helping Gilbert now was the least he could do. Coricopat had allowed Misto to try his luck at helping Gilbert create barriers. Though one of the main reasons was because Coricopat had been around when Gilbert came to the first time around, and got some of Coricopat's memories imprinted on his mind. So, that was another reason Coricopat was staying away. Until he could effectively shut others out, no one else besides those whose memories were already inside his head, could go near him.
"Do you really think you can help him?"
"Yes. Glen...Alonzo, he told me Gilbert was lucid today, he...doesn't seem like it."
They both saw Gilbert's body tense, but still, that was the only reaction. Glen nodded his head,"He is, but I think he has a hard time focusing with..." He briefly wagged his paw by the side of his head,"All the noise upstairs."
"Can't...help...Crazy." Gilbert managed to get out.
Misto only took a couple seconds before he processed exactly what Gilbert was trying to get across. "No! No, you're not crazy Gilbert. Do you hear me? I am going to help you."
He got closer to Gilbert, but at his silent response, he feared his voice was just getting lost in the sea of voices swimming in Gilbert's head. If Gilbert could manage to focus on his voice, just his one voice alone, he didn't think he'd be able to help Gilbert build up defenses. He knelt down in front of Gilbert, but didn't touch him, not knowing if that would make things worse for the scared and confused telepath. He knew if Gilbert became too aggravated at any point during the training session Glen would be there to smooth things over.
"I'm going to start Gilbert. However, I don't have any powers to allow my mind to get into yours. Do you understand, do you hear me?"
There was nothing, and Misto frowned, looking up at Glen again. He gestured for Misto to keep trying.
"Gilbert, I need you to focus on my voice." Raising up his paw, he gently touched Gilberts arm, and the tom made a startled noise. Misto spoke his command once again.
Gilbert heard one strong voice stick out among the crowd. And doing what it commanded, he used what little will power and strength he had left to just concentrate on that one voice. The other voices, the other memories and echoes of cats he's pretty sure he's never met before make it so hard for Gilbert to think. Still, his eyes must have narrowed, because he heard the voice speak once again.
"Good. That's good. Just focus on my voice. The other voices, everything else, is just background noise."
Gilbert slowly nodded his head, and though he tried to imagine that the rest of 'them' was just background noise, he couldn't help but to think it was very loud background noise.
"Good. Now, imagine yourself..." Misto paused, hoping he was saying this right. "Building a solid wall up. Building up between you and the rest of the voices."
He studied Gilbert's face contorting into different faces, before he continued on. "As you build up this wall, the sounds should start to dissipate, do you hear them getting further away?"
Gilbert exhaled deeply,"Yes. I can still hear them, but....it sounds like they're miles away. I can't make out their exact words."
His ice blue eyes searched Misto's and there seemed to be a new sense of hope in the baby blues, Misto would be blind not to see it. Gilbert smiled and placed a paw on Misto's shoulder. "You're voice...I can't hear it. Thank you."
He stood up, albeit stiffly, and started brushing through his head fur. Gllenning cocked his head, slightly amused, as Gilbert was starting to do a morning routine that Glen himself did every morning before 'greeting' the new day. Misto saw the familiarity on Glen's face and his frown deepened. Gilbert only had a thin barrier, blocking out thoughts and memories from others. He would probably be able to handle one more jellicle in the room with them, but anymore and that thin barrier would shatter. With more intensive training and even meditation, Misto was sure Gilbert would be strong enough to block out all of the Jellicles thoughts and their pasts if he was forced into a large room with all of them thrown in, too. However, he was a long way from that. There was one other problem. Despite the barrier Gilbert was now creating around his mind, it didn't change the fact that Gilbert's real personality was somewhere locked away, deep inside. At least, Misto hoped he was still in there somewhere. The real Gilbert wouldn't have openly touched Misto in such a sincere way. As far as Misto could tell, Gilbert had always been leery of physical contact. He never asked, it wasn't his business.
"Gilbert."
He saw Misto staring at him and he shook his head,"I don't think that is my name."
"Do you know what your name is?"
"I...It's Gllenning, but I've always hated that name, so call me Alonzo." He shook is head, confusion starting to cloud his head once more. "Or was it Mistoffelees. No...no it can't be. I clearly remember others calling me Admetus. But...." He gripped his head,"I also remember being called Coricopat."
"Shhh...." Misto reached out to Gilbert, but he looked to Gllenning. "Glen, I need you to find Exotica and bring her here. As much as I want to help him, I do not have the ability to go into his mind and clear out all the excess memories floating around up there. Exotica is able to ..."meld" with his mind. She might be able to sort through the memories that aren't his and lock them away somewhere. Hopefully, that will bring his own consciousness back out from the shadows."
"Hopefully." Glen agreed,"I'll be back in a bit."
As Glen left, Misto felt Gilbert shake. Gilbert tore his eyes up into Misto's face.
"I'm...I'm not going to be okay. I feel like I'm nearly half a dozen jellicles. It's too confusing."
Touching Gilbert's cheek softly, Misto gave him a reassuring stare. "Can you pick out any single memory, or do all your memories of your past seem to blend together?"
"They...It doesn't make sense."
"So they're all mixed up and are just blending together." Misto wasn't really sure what to say to ease Gilbert's obvious worries. He didn't know how to relate to Gilbert, because no one in his generation had had these problems before. This was completely brand new. "Why don't you sit back down? I'll get you some water, okay?"
Gilbert reached behind him and found the blankets, then uncomfortably sat back down, silently suffering in the confines of his chaotic mind as he waited for Mistoffelees and Gllenning to return. Misto was the first to return, holding a small mug of water in his one paw. Gilbert took the offered mug and took a swig, his shaking making some of the water spill into his lap and onto the blankets. He gave a face, and started to apologize, but Misto shook his head, and told him not to worry. Next thing Gilbert knew, was getting a towel thrown at him. He cleaned up, and then moved away from the wet spot on the blankets. He set the mug down onto the floor beside the bed. Finally, Gllenning walked back into the room, followed by Exotica. Gilbert smiled at the exotic beauty, but finally resisted and his smile faded away. He didn't like Exotica that way, he didn't think, so why?
Glen's paw lingered on Exotica's shoulder a little longer then necessary. "So you got those thoughts and memories too, huh Gil?" He chuckled a little bit at that, then winked at Exotica. "I'm trusting you."
She nodded,"I'll do my best, just there's no guarantee this will work. And I've never done...this before. I've connected to one mind before, but from what you've told me, I'll be connected to five or six minds, or thoughts and memories of six minds."
Misto spoke,"Exotica, there is a risk that you could become every bit as confused as Gilbert. If you don't want to do this...no one is forcing you to Exotica. We understand if you choose not to."
"Thank you Mistoffelees, but I wouldn't have walked all this way if I wasn't sincere in helping him." Turning to Gilbert and stepping away from Gllenning, she sat down onto the bed beside Gilbert. "Are you ready?"
He gave a meek reply.
"You're going to have to hold still," Xottie responded as she put her left paw on the side of Gilbert's face.
It was positioned half on his head, but her palm was centered over his temple, and her fingers rested against the back of his head. The others gave her silence watching the happenings between Xottie and Gilbert with hope and fascination. Closing her eyes, Exotica centered her mind, and focused her power as she mentally tried to brace herself for the overwhelming confusion. Exotica knew Gilbert's chaotic mind might take over hers, but she still had to try. Connecting to someone else's mind was always dangerous and unnerving, but this, Gilbert's mind was different. The moment she felt herself being pulled into his mind, she felt a sensation of lifting off into a different world. The first time his mind hit hers, and they merged into one, Exotica momentarily lost her focus and in turn lost herself in the whirlpool of chaos. Whose mind was she in? From the bits of memories floating by she caught glimpses of other jellicles. She saw the perspectives of many different jellicles, that she just could grasp who she was, or what mind she was in. Too many minds. Once she got a more firm 'grip' on her own mind, her own memories, she realized she was in one mind. There were just too many other minds crammed into one. Finally, she recalled that she was connected to Gilbert. She weeded through some thoughts, and came upon a memory that seemed to be confused and jumbled. At one instance, from his perspective, he seemed to be standing before the "elders" of the tribe, and Munkustrap in front of him smiling, and pulling him into a hug. Exotica wasn't sure, but knew it had to be a memory from either Alonzo or Admetus, when each became a Jellicle protector/warrior. Though, knowing Munk's relationship to Alonzo, she guessed it was a fragment of one of Alonzo's memories. In the same memory, it seemed to go to a secluded part of the junkyard, with flashes of light illuminated the area. Light that Exotica finally realized was coming from his paws; so a fragment from Mistoffelees. However, as soon as that was over, it bled into something else. From what Exotica could gather, little Etcetera, barely out of her toddler phase, was in his arms, crying hysterically. He seemed to be do a fine job of comforting the poor dear, and Exotica knew it had to be a memory of Admetus; being Etcetera's oldest brother and all. Working with increased concentration she managed to shift those memories and thoughts into a darker part of Gilbert's mind. Effectively placing them into a 'box' of sorts, and sealing them away. She continued this process a few more times, knowing how long it would take to go through all of them, but every time she did seal another memory away, she felt accomplished. She felt she was making a difference, and was praying to the heavyside that this would work, and help Gilbert be himself, for him to start making a recovery. However, she stumbled onto another memory and right away Exotica could feel a difference, feel that something wasn't quite right.
--- ---
The darkness stretched on, and it took a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. A familiar noise, one that had him shaking in fright, came from the right. Quickly, his head whipped around to the right, and had no time to react. A sharp glass 'bottle' was thrown at and hit the side of his head. Falling down to the ground, his shock momentarily dulled the pain. His eyes stared up into dark hideous green eyes, it was too dark to see him completely, but aside from his demonic eyes, he could see the toms smile. It was curved upwards, and all he could remember thinking before the pain overwhelmed him, was how wicked and evil he looked. He tried to get away from the other tom looming over him, but the pain began to throb. He reached up and felt the warm slick feel of his blood from the wound the hit created. A sickening laugh from the tom above him was heard, and he felt himself start to tear up.
"N-n-nnnno...P-p-pppplease." He whimpered. "Dad, please...stop."
His father walked closer, and he could see his father's long claws coming out of his paws as the tom started to step into the light.
--- ---
At that moment, Exotica felt a heaviness on her chest, before the world inside their joining minds was abruptly severed. It happened so suddenly, that she was caught off guard. She never saw who it was, but she knew it was a tom, or more importantly, his father abusing Gilbert. It HAD to be one of Gilbert's memories. She and all the other jellicles really, didn't know much about Gilbert's past; only that he had lived on the streets for a little while and only became a jellicle because he was starving, slipped into the junkyard and stole some of their food. Old Deuteronomy, naturally, took pity on the young tom, gave him more food and offered him a place to stay. Other then that, Gilbert clammed up about his past. Now Exotica knew why, and she actually felt guilty that she knew something about Gilbert that he obviously didn't want anyone else knowing about. She felt like she had violated him somehow. Her thoughts ended briefly, because the next thing she knew, she was knocked to the ground. Gilbert stood over her, an angry look in his eyes.
"How dare you! That is personal. You..." He hissed, his claws already out, ready for anything. "Why would you make me RELIVE that?"
Gllenning was already rushing to Gilbert, grabbing him from behind. Startled, and influenced by the fresh memory, Gilbert lashed out and swung his claws at Glen. Glen felt the sting where the claws got him, but he didn't let up on his hold around Gilbert.
"Let go of me. Bastard!"
"That ain't happening, mate."
"Stop." Exotica warned, being supported by Mistoffelees. "Just let him go."
Glen gave her one look, but let go of Gilbert. The young cream colored tom rushed to the corner of the room, and sunk to the floor. He covered up his face, his body shivering slightly. With Misto and Glenning's help, Exotica stood up on her feet. She gave both toms a small smile, but that vanished the moment her eyes landed on Gilbert. Her eyes softened a little bit, and though it wasn't how she planned it, Gilbert's originally personality had resurfaced. She just hoped the tom wasn't too traumatized, otherwise he'd never recover. Still, it wasn't a good experience for her either. The memory she had seen, well she could swear she still felt the cut on her own head.
"I'm....I'm so sorry Gilbert. I didn't mean for it to happen." She sighed,"I know you probably don't believe me. But I truly am sorry."
Unfortunately, Gilbert really only heard "Sorry" and somehow it sounded a lot like "Pity."
~^*^~
Tantomile moved freely through the yard, every once in a while doing cartwheels. She giggled, bouncing in place after every cartwheel she did. Coming out of one of her flips, she grimaced slightly before giggling some more. The tip of her tail had landed in a muddy puddle. Carefully, she rubbed what little she could out of the tip of her tail. She'd have to wash it more thoroughly later. However, she was not done, and there was a high chance she'd end up falling in the mud more then a few times more. Stretching her leg out and wiggling her toes she took in a deep breath. Her arms reached above her head and she slid down into the splits. Hearing a cat call and a whistle, her head snapped to the side. Jagger, Tumblebrutus and Adonis were over in the corner. They were mainly conversing with themselves, but apparently were watching her, at least a little bit. Her ears bent back in slight embarrassment, but she gave a small smile. Getting out of the splits and back onto her feet, she debated doing more or going somewhere more private. There was a difference between performing and showing off. Waving slightly at the trio, she decided to find a place more suitable for her to practice. Perhaps she'd search out Coricopat. He didn't do much acrobatics, but he did lifts so well. A soft murmur caught her attention. She was not going to investigate, but hearing a male groan, made her freeze. She'd definitely heard that groan from somewhere, and she almost ignored it. As if ignoring it would make it not true. Turning around, she noticed Tumble, Jagger, and Adonis giving her sympathetic expressions, but not one of them would look her in the eyes. Finally, her eyes traveled to the other corner, and she saw Cassandra's back pressed up against the front side of Tugger. He had his arms around her waist, and was kissing the back of her neck. Tantomile bit her bottom lip, her eyes glued to them. She wasn't fooling herself when she first started dating Tugger. It was a fling, she knew that when it all started. Guess she just thought Tugger would have had the decency to break it off first before going on to his next queen. Then he had looked up and saw her staring at the two of them, and he actually smirked at her before he and Cassandra walked away to find some privacy. If she didn't feel absolutely horrible before, she surely did now. He knew he was cheating on her, and seemed so smug about it. Jagger hit his older brother on the shoulder.
"Ouch." He gave Jagger a look,"And just what was that for?"
"Don't be daft, Don."
Tumble cracked a small smile.
Jagger shook his mane, shaking his head. Adonis had flirted with a few queens since they joined the tribe, but sometimes his brother moved too slowly. "Depressed queen. Comfort her a little, maybe you'll get laid."
He snorted,"Is that all you think about, Jagger?"
"Pretty much."
Adonis nodded his head. He was going to go for it. Not necessarily in the way that Jagger implied. Tantomile was an attractive queen and so lively. She didn't deserve to be left in the lurch like that. He'd be content if he could just give some comfort to Tantomile. He wasn't expecting anything sexual or romantic. He cautiously moved to the skinny acrobatic queen.
"Tantomile..."
She was still staring at a pair of cats that just weren't there anymore. Hearing her name called for a third or maybe it was the fourth time, she tensely turned her head in the direction of where Adonis was standing.
"...Hi..."
Adonis wasn't sure how to respond to Tantomile's shy and distant greeting. It wasn't like her, at all. He was determined to change that. Carefully, he raised up his paw and placed it gently on her shoulder. There was a moment of tense silence, but she finally relaxed at his touch.
"Do you need anything? Anything to help...or someone to talk to?"
She eyed him for a second, glad he hadn't asked the age old question, 'how are you doing'. Because after just seeing Tugger with Cassandra, 'how are you doing' was just a really pointless question to ask.
With a stiff upper lip she shook her head,"Please...Just leave me alone. I don't want to be bothered. Especially not from a tom."
She knew Jagger and Adonis often hung together, spotting new queens to be with or flirt with. That was the last thing she needed right now. A sleazy tom, who was flirtatious like Tugger, trying to score with her, because she was vulnerable. Easy.
Adonis tilted his head to the side, giving her a small smile,"I think you're mistaking me for my brother. As much time as we spend together, I can understand why others get the impression that we're the same. I just came over to see if you needed anything, but if you'd rather be bothered by a queen..." He paused, before speaking,"I could see about a sex change."
Tantomile gapped at him. "You'd probably be an ugly queen."
Slowly, oh so slowly, Tantomile began to smile, and Adonis responded with his own smile. That was much better. The silly acrobatic queen was so much more brighter with that smile. That pout, just wasn't her.
"I could make an exception. For you." Tantomile finally accepted his company and comfort.
Adonis still smiled and gestured for them to go somewhere, particularly away from Jagger and Tumblebrutus. He knew Tumble enough that the brown and white tom wouldn't eavesdrop, however Jagger would. Adonis respected Tantomile too much to stay somewhere where his nosy brother would listen in. Besides, he suspected if they stayed there, Tantomile might never open up to him. And it was always better when you had someone to talk to, to lean on. Tantomile though gave him a look and he realized she probably thought he was trying to get her someone private to take advantage of her, or something along those lines.
"Oh...No, Just thought you'd be more comfortable away from my nosy brother."
"Right."
Adonis led Tantomile away, giving one look over to Tumble and Jagger; Jagger who gave him a thumbs up and a wink. He sighed, smiling back, though he loved his younger brother dearly, not everything had to end with sex.
As soon as Adonis left with Tantomile, Jagger gave Tumble a smirk. Tumble didn't assume Adonis had suddenly got the queen. It was possible for two cats of opposite genders to be friends, and only friends.
"I'll bet you ten days of chores that Don gets lucky."
Tumble studied Jagger's cocky expression, still not able to understand how Jagger turned out the way he did. All he had heard of their past, was that their parents had been killed in some sort of accident. After that, Adonis had to care for himself and Jagger on the streets. Tumble just didn't get how that sort of life created such a cocky, flirtatious, and in Tumble's opinion, obnoxious tom. Tumble definitely considered himself friends with Adonis, but he still wasn't sure how he felt about Jagger, yet.
Shrugging Tumble spoke,"Depends on what you mean by; getting lucky."
"Nothing short of sex, you know?"
Tumble's ears flattened,"Tantomile just found out Tugger was cheating on her, and got dumped at the same time. I highly doubt she's going to just jump into bed with the next tom who is nice to her."
"She's a vulnerable, upset queen. One who needs to feel safe and loved. Of course, she'll hop into bed with him. So you going to take that bet?"
"Well what's the time frame? Do you mean Adonis will get lucky tonight? Or by this weekend...?"
"By tonight." Jagger rolled his eyes, almost sure Tumble wouldn't take the bet. If he didn't, he wasn't sure he'd really ever find hanging around Tumble fun.
"Alright, deal."
The two toms shook on it, Jagger simply smirked at Tumble. Tumble was silent for a while, and though Jagger didn't mind silent pauses, occasionally, this particular quietness didn't end. With a pointed stare, Jagger watched the brown patched tom.
"If you're thinking about backing out of the bet, well it's too late now."
"Hmmm? Oh no, it's not that." During his pause, the tip of his tail curled and his body posture transformed into nothing short of embarrassment.
"Was wondering," He finally stated. "I mean, I heard about your encounter with Exotica, so I know you're not...but is Adonis-"
"What? Come on spill it out." Jagger teased, aware of what Tumble was hinting at.
"Is he a virgin?"
The tall maine coon shrugged,"No. Why do you ask? It's not like you're a virgin..." Jagger didn't know why he expected otherwise, but he didn't hear an immediate response and he only shook his head,"You are a virgin."
Tumble hid his eyes, his teeth chewing on his bottom lip nervously. "Well?" Tumble asked, then added,"You're going to laugh, so you might as well do that already."
Jagger shook his head again,"At least tell me you've gotten to second base..." Another pause, so he inquired further,"But you've kissed a queen...right?"
"No," Came his uncomfortable reply.
"GEEZ! And I practically threw Adonis at Tantomile. You needed her more then he did."
Tumble, had he not been so uncomfortable, would have reminded Jagger that Adonis didn't need Tantomile, it was the other way around-Tantomile needed someone.
"We're going to fix your problem."
Tumble gave him a suspicious stare. He didn't want to lose his virginity with some queen he barely knew and barely liked, just so he could lose it. Tumble wanted a queen he loved, he believed that would make the experience that much more satisfying. "How?"
Jagger grinned, perhaps...Tumblebrutus wasn't so bad after all, virginity excluded. "I'm glad you asked."
Glancing around, he spotted two queens. He had to pause to think of their names; when they finally came to him, Electra and Etcetera. They were still a bit young, but he was pretty sure the younger one, the white tabby, was going to be coming of 'age' at the jellicle ball in a few months. He raised his eyebrow, but Tumble shook his head. Sure, he should have seen that coming; of course Tumble wouldn't want to get intimate with an underaged queen. Even if they were about to be of age in a few months. Sometimes the rules those jellicles placed upon the tribe were ridiculous. Again his eyes looked around, he saw a small group of queens that had just walked into the area, but they were even younger then Cettie and Leccy. It was Sillabub, Susperia, Cagalli, and Pouncival. Finally, he spotted Vimala chatting up a storm with Panthera. They were just walking through, and if Jagger hadn't whistled and waved them over, they probably would have kept going.
Vimala and Panthera joined the two toms, and Vimala smiled at Jagger. He might have been younger, but he was still gorgeous. He smirked at Vimala, but Panthera caught his attention.
She took in a deep breath,"Oh my gosh! Jagger called me...us over! This is so..." She trailed off to squeal a little bit. Vimala gave the two a weird look, and giggled. Had she known Panthera was absolutely ga-ga over Jagger, she would have prepared herself. She almost felt like she was watching Cettie and Tugger; almost.
Jagger was never all that fond of Panthera, he found her kind of annoying, but she was hot! So that was always a plus, besides, she seemed to be obsessed with him; he'd always wanted a bunch of queen fans fawning over him, like they did with Tugger. Seemed he had his first one. Vimala on the other hand, she didn't fault Panthera for being crazy for Jagger. He was handsome and he really made Vimala swoon herself sometimes. Still, she wasn't rude, and she turned towards Tumblebrutus.
She smiled,"Hello Tumble."
There was a nervous look sent toward Jagger who winked at him and silently urged him to go for it.
"So...you still planning on leaving tomorrow?"
Vimala laughed,"No...I think I'll stay for this jellicle bash that everyone seems so hyped about, then I'll be leaving."
Feeling a little more comfortable, he smiled back. "It's called the Jellicle Ball. And I'm glad you're staying for it. You'll have so much fun."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me. I must say I really am looking forward to it."
"Are you going with anyone? Most jellicles like to go with a date, or a friend, or they end up finding a date at the ball."
"I hadn't thought about it." Her emerald eyes looked to the sky, while she thought it over. "Probably not. No one has asked me. I guess I could always see if any of my friends want to go with me."
Tumble didn't realize his back foot was digging into the ground nervously. "I don't have a date either. We could...Maybe..."
Vimala couldn't resist a smile from breaking out across her face. "Why Tumblebrutus. Are you asking me out on a date? Or is this strictly a friends only sort of date?"
He swallowed,"A date; a real one..." Seeing her eyes flick towards Jagger briefly, any confidence he had gained left him instantly. She probably didn't want to go with him. Why would she, when there was so many more appealing toms left around to choose from?
She didn't understand his sudden sad mood, but looped her arm through his. "I think that would be fun. Jagger, Tumble and I are going to get to know each other better. Have fun with Gabby there."
He smirked, happy to give Tumble a nudge in the right direction. As they left, he felt a queen bouncing beside him, her tail curling around his leg, and mewling noises; to grab his attention. Before she even had the chance to start rambling on about how awesome he was, and how great it was to be touching him, he grabbed the back of her head and kissed her-quite thoroughly.
Once he pulled away, her eyelids slowly opened and a one syllable word came out of her mouth,"Wow."
Jagger grinned, now this was a Panthera that he could enjoy. Making up his mind, he tapped her on the nose, and began to strut away. "Well come on then."
~^*^~
Strolling through the pathways of the yard, Rumpleteazer began to make her way back to the den she shared with her best friend, Mungojerrie. She was on her way back from Quaxo's. The black and white tuxedo tom and her were getting closer. He was a good friend, and Teazer wasn't going to lie, she found him attractive- inwardly and outwardly. The two had simply played a few games together, nothing terribly interesting, just a bit of fun. Teazer observed the trash littered around her feet and up ahead she spotted a rather large beige block. That block stood on the corner of the path she was currently walking on and the path that lead to her and Jerrie's den. Currently, the block was a solid color. However, when other jellicles stumble upon paint cans with wet paint still inside, the younger jellicles get to go nuts; painting whatever they want to on the block. The streak of colors of images and doodles would remain on the block for a while, before one of the adults would wash them off. Teazer turned down her path, walking back to see Jerrie. She didn't have to walk far before she spotted someone with Jerrie, in the distance.
-- -- --
Mungojerrie smirked at the tall, lean, tan siamese tom. "Oi'm good fah it."
Genghis thinly shaped tail swayed down, making a thunk on the ground. "This isn't some game, Mungojerrie. Macavity needs that shipment of goods by next week."
The thief shrugged his shoulders,"Jus' relax. E'll get wha' 'e needs by the toime 'e needs it. Oi won't beh late."
Genghis nodded, slightly bowing his head at the tiger.
"Don't do tha'!" Jerrie frowned.
He may be a child of Macavity, but Macavity wouldn't officially acknowledge him as a legitimate son. And because he wasn't, he didn't deserve any sort of special treatment or respect, from any of the Hexes. Besides none of the jellicles, not the leader- not even his best friend Teazer- knew his biological father was Macavity.
"Noiw leave. If someone finds ya 'ere, then they'll know Oi work fah Macaviteh."
Genghis sneered, but still nodded his head. Maybe it wasn't official, but Genghis still gave his respect to Jerrie, because he was a son of Macavity. The only one that Macavity still had contact with; all others Macavity had were sent away or killed, or had died somehow. He slipped away and headed out of the tiny opening that Jerrie had created in order to get out quieter to steal from humans. Hearing a snap of a tiny twig, Jerrie swirled behind him, seeing Teazer there. She gave him a cheeky smile, that he returned.
"So who was tha'?"
He spoke,"Oh 'im? Jus' an alley cat. Sometoimes 'e give meh good locations that Oi can steal from."
"Not out of the goodness of 'is 'eart..."
"Hardleh. 'E gets twenteh percent of all the trinkets Oi steal. Or should Oi say, that weh steal."
Teazer paused for only a second. She recalled getting punished the last time she went out with Jerrie to steal things. Of course, that was because they stole from other jellicles. This time...this time would be different, they'd be going out of the yard and stealing goods. She grinned, her eyes lighting up. "Realleh?"
"Yah, Teaze...Wha' do yah say?"
"Oi say...When do weh leave?"
Mungojerrie gripped Teazer's paw in his, but the two tiger tabbies heard a ruffling noise and both spoke out, asking who was there. A silence followed after their question, one that was sharp and cut through their ears. The moment didn't last long, thankfully, and a thin white queen finally emerged from the grass; her hazy silver eyes looking vaguely in the direction of the tiger tabbies. Victoria stood still for a moment, before clicking the tip of her tongue against the roof of her mouth. By the sound, the low echo of it, bouncing off of Teazer and Jerrie, Victoria had a better understanding of where they were standing, and walked up to be in front of them.
"Hiya, Vickeh." Jerrie joyfully spoke.
She nodded her head, but turned to Teazer,"I am sorry, Mungojerrie. My...intention was not to snoop. But Teazer, you shouldn't go out with him."
"Why? Oi've done it many toimes before."
Jerrie frowned, but Victoria continued. He sighed dropping Teazer's paw. "He's going out to steal objects and different goods to bring to Macavity. I think, I'm sorry Teazer but I think Mungojerrie is working for Macavity."
"No. No, 'e would 'ave told meh first if 'e was."
She bit her lip and frowned,"I know what I heard, Teazer."
Turning, expecting to see Jerrie denying it, his silent guilty look gave her an uneasy feeling. Sure, Jerrie snapped his head to her and shook his head.
"Teaze, you're not goin' tah believe 'er over meh, are yah?"
That split second of a guilty look though, was not something she could ignore. "Do yah? Do yah work fah 'im Jerr? An' don't goive meh aneh excuses. Oi want tah know the truth."
"Yes." Jerrie stated.
"Oh." Teazer wasn't really sure how to respond to that.
Victoria couldn't see facial expressions, but she had heard the tone in Teazer's voice. It was full of disappointment and something else lingering in the air. It made Victoria think that maybe she could work for Macavity, and Victoria loved Teazer too much to watch her walk away from life in the junkyard to serve that monster.
"Please...Rumpleteazer, you're my friend." She reached out, but didn't touch Teazer, giving Teazer the option of accepting her offered paw. "I don't want to lose you. Please don't go and work for him. I have nothing against you Jerrie, and I'm sure you have your reasons, but don't drag Teazer into this. If she decides to work for Macavity, Teazer may never be able to stop working for Macavity. She could get involved in horrible and violent things."
Teazer took Victoria's offered paw, rubbing it gently. "Hush. Oi'm not goin' anywhere, Vickeh. Oi...Oi do want tah beh close with Jerrie, but Oi don't think Oi can work fah Macavity." She turned to Jerrie,"Oi'm sorreh."
He shrugged,"No mattah. Weh can still go out on the town 'n steal from the 'umans."
She was shaking her head,"Yah lied tah meh...When all those rumors popped up 'bout yah workin' fah Macaviteh. Yah swore tah meh they weren' true. Yah lied. You're still mah best friend Jerr, but Oi think Oi need some time alone."
Jerrie, was shocked to say the least. He knew one day the tribe might find out he worked for Macavity, at least on the side, but he hadn't counted on Teazer taking it the way she did. Though it was true, he did lie to her, so how could she not feel betrayed? Or feel as though he didn't trust her enough with his secret. "Oi...Where will yah go, n where will yah sleep?"
"If you need a place to sleep for a few days...or weeks, however long you need, the girls and I would make room in our den, so you can bunk with us."
Teazer gave Victoria a smile, knowing the queen couldn't see it. "Oi moight take yah up on yer offer, but Oi moight try Quaxo first. 'E's been real noice tah meh lately. 'E might let me bunk with 'im and 'is brothers fah a while."
--- ---
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