Heal Me

Hey guys! Did you enjoy the last chapter? I am trying to get this done fast so sorry if it seems a bit rushed. Anyways. Thanks to all who reviewed/favorited/followed. I appreciate the support a lot!

Chapter 2: My Different Jellicle Life

I moved on as best I could but my heart throbbed with pain each and every day, and I dreamt of him each and every night. Sometimes they were nightmares, but worse were the dreams where he caressed my face and told me he loved me. Those left me happy and warm, only to wake up and find myself back in the cruel and harsh reality. Days had passed into weeks, and weeks fell into months. My brother and I as well as Jenny grew into fine young adults and I watched the tribe grow around me. Jenny and I had been taught what we needed to know in the art of healing and were now officially the nurses of the tribe, with Dellalora happily retiring from the position she had never wanted, but gained when Stellanacora, Jenny's mother had died in kitting. I found it hard to treat any cat though…Each time I treated and injury and the cat winced, or whimpered, or moaned, I would leap away startled, and fearful of inflicting pain. Jenny knew I could heal, she had seen it before…But even she was at a loss for my behaviour. I didn't understand at the time.

As the months passed we grew. I had been accepted into the tribe as full Jellicle adults at the last ball, which was last week, along with Asparagus, Jenny, a tom called Admetus, and a tom who had joined the tribe a little over a week ago. A young and handsome tom called Skimbleshanks who ran the railway. I knew Jenny had a crush on him. And I was happy for her but my heart ached, for it brought up memories of Aeron. Speaking of said tom, he had changed…Most definitely. He now had an army of followers at his back, and he led them with an iron claw. He had killed so many cats, and committed so many crimes. He had earned the title of the Lightning Fiend of London. Or Lightning Paw. He apparently killed fast, not caring to torture cats. I had heard he had a prison, and kept queens and toms there who he did not want to kill, but needed for someone. I shivered at the thought. I had no idea what had happened to Aeron, nor myself. But he was not the tom I fell in love with…yet my heart knew he was still hidden in there somewhere.

It was one night, the sky was covered in thick ominous storm clouds that the worst tragedy of my life occurred. My mother, Jenko was involved along with Deuts mate Dell, and another queen called Hilli, who was the mother of Demeter, a young queen kit. One day Jacklelinfty, Jenny's father, had led a patrol outside the junkyard to patrol the nearby allies, when he had come across the three of them…All were dead. That day we lay in the clearing with them, unmoving. And on my mothers pelt all I could smell was blood, fear, and Aeron. The tom I loved had killed my mother. I looked around. Hilli was also the adoptive mother of some other kits, Talus, Likia, and Bomba. Though Talus was her adopted kit, he pressed close to his best friends Munkus, and Tugger by Dell's body, while Dell's third kit, Plato stood over them, staring down without a sound. Bomba, Likia, and Demeter were pressed close to their mother/adoptive mother. I sighed, looking away and pressing my face into my mother's beautiful calico and white fur, stained with her own blood. I let out a quiet sob and I felt Jenny lay beside me, and wrap her tail tightly around my flank. I leaned into her and felt Asparagus press closer on the other side of me. My father, Gus stood behind us staring down, tears running down his face. It was heartbreaking. I had seen him cry on stage, but he looked pitiful now. I felt anger build inside me. My heart throbbed with agony. I barely registered that Deut began talking, and didn't look up at him as he did so.

"We…We gather here together to mourn the loss of a few brave and amazing cats….Dellalora, Hillikathaya, and Jenkoloctelle. Dell, Hilli, and Jenko were each their own cats, they were strong, and beautiful, and were each wonderful friends, sisters, mates, daughters and mothers. We will mourn their loss, and we will pray they find peace and happiness in the Heaviside Layer. We will pray that the Everlasting Cat guides their paws safely along their path there, and forever afterwards, and she shall comfort each of these families as they grieve. May Everlasting always watch over our tribe, in the name of the Jellicle Moon we pray. Farewell brave warriors, and may you find peace in your new lives." He rumbled. I had looked up at him finally and saw that tears fell down his face. He looked around once, his gaze meeting mine for a short moment, before he looked down at Dell. Then he lay next to his mate's cold bloody body and closed his eyes, refusing to look at his grieving sons or tribe. I buried my face in my mother's fur once more and did not sleep…For rage was washing through me.

The next day my mother was buried along with the others and I lay at her grave all day. The next day however my anger had finally boiled over. I leaped to my paws and raced out of the junkyard, anger burning through me. I ran all the way to his warehouse, but as I got there two cats leaped out of the shadows and stood in front of the small jagged hole that was the entrance.

"Who are you and what do you want?!" One demanded. I narrowed my eyes.

"I have come to speak to Aeron." I growled. They looked at one another, then looked me up and down.

"You can't. Nobody is allowed inside." The other snarled. I narrowed my eyes, I was in no mood for this.

"Would you like me to force my way inside?" I asked. The two glanced at one another again before they began cackling mockingly.

"I'd like to see you try." The first one laughed. I shrugged.

"Ok." I growled with a shrug. I caught both off guard as I flew at them. Their eyes widened, and I crashed into the first, flinging him into the steel wall. It was loud and echoed. The other hissed, in anger and launched himself at me. I swooped down beneath his outstretched claws then brought my shoulders up into his belly, flinging him past. Soon enough both lay exhausted and bloody on the ground, and I stood tall and furious, my eyes glaring. I slipped inside and a few cats hissed in surprise and launched at me…I dodged around them and darted up the stairs, running towards Aeron's room. There was a huge brown tabby infront of the door and I halted, staring him down, my tail swinging in agitation. Whatever cats were behind me halted, then retreated quickly at the sight of this cat. He glared down at me, and I glared up with equal fire.

"Step aside." I ordered. He raised one eyebrow and blinked.

"Names Sea-Salt." He grunted. "And I don't move for no one." I narrowed my eyes.

"Then I shall make you." I stated simply. He snorted, but never even finished the sound, for I leaped at him. He staggered sideways a few steps, and I tore my claws into his ears. He hissed in fury and bit my scruff, flinging me off. I nearly hit the wall, but twisted at the last second and pushed off of it with my paws. I hit him full force and he collapsed onto one side. I tore my claws across him over and over again. My speed outmatched his strength. Soon enough he was really wore out. I halted and hit him again, knocking him down again. I smashed his head into the ground. I realized we had landed right in front of the human door to Aeron's room. I used the big unconscious brown tom as a stool and propped myself up, twisting the human knob and swinging open the human door. Aeron was sitting behind a desk, and his eyes widened when he saw me standing on his best guard, who was no unconscious. I slowly stalked down and moved across the room, halting in front of Aeron.

"Who did you kill the day before yesterday?" I asked in a low and menacing growl. His eyes simply observed me with surprise. He had grown, and he was stunningly handsome, save for a few scars and battle wounds on his body. His throat was scarred badly, and I supressed a wince.

"Jelly? What are you doing here?" He asked quietly in a rasping voice. I blinked and remained still, asides from my tail swinging slowly.

"Who did you kill the day before yesterday?" I repeated more forcefully. He blinked and narrowed his eyes.

"A couple trespassing Jellicle's." He replied in a dangerous tone. I blinked, and stared at him.

"Have you forgotten what I am?" I demanded quietly, the calm tone of my voice deadly. He blinked, anger entering his eyes, I did not know why. Perhaps I was wasting his precious time.

"No. But you never trespassed…Until today that is." He snarled. Anger tore through me.

"One of them was my mother!" I roared. At that he flinched, and the anger faded from his eyes…Horror flashed so briefly through his them, I often wondered if had imagined it. He blinked…something had snapped deep inside him…He looked almost lost…

"I…what? How….I…" He blinked up at me. Then his eyes narrowed, but the anger that filled them was feeble. "Sh…she shouldn't have trespassed." I flinched and stared at him for a long time…Hurting him, killing him would do nothing. I had to cut him deep…Break him.

"You know your father was right. You are weak. A coward. Your acting like a Pollicle. You used to be different, but now you are nothing. Your mother was killed, and it hurt you. Now you have killed my mother, and I know what it feels like. You really never must have cared about me. Otherwise you would not want me to live my life without her. I hope you have a good life, you piece of s**t. Because you will never see me again…That is if you don't kill anymore Jellicle's. If you touch another hair on any of the tribes heads I will personally return and kill you." I snarled. "And you damn well know I can do it." I added. Without another word I turned and walked towards the door. I could feel his anger and hurt like my own. He let out a furious yowl and I heard a whoosh through the air as he threw something. I halted and stood stock still, not moving. A glass hit the wall near me, but not close enough to be of concern. I continued to walk without looking back. I pulled the door closed behind me and walked down the stairs. The hench-cats were gathered around me and I eyed them as I walked slowly and purposefully down the stairs. They blinked with wide eyes and stepped aside. I walked out of the Warehouse and I never went back…I found after that day that I could once more heal as well as Jenny, and I had no issues doing it either…

Many months passed…No Jellicle's reported any trouble with Aeron anymore, but Jenny's father had died in his sleep one night, suspected a broken heart. None of our cats ever died to his claw again actually. But Dell's kit Plato went insane with grief and anger. He left, becoming the notorious Macavity and being banished for attacking Talus. Likia left with the great ginger tom. Talus had left shortly after. A few weeks later I heard that Aeron was dead. I felt sorrow, but hid it well. Jenny had become mated to Skimbleshanks. Munk, Tugger, Alonzo, Bomba, and Deme had become adults, and Munk had taken on the position of Jellicle Protector, as was his birth right. Deut had become old, as had Gus, and Deut lived most of the time in his humans home. My father's mind had slowly slipped away after my mother had died…I took that as his way of forgetting. He was aging fast, and he trembled from Palsy in his paws. My life went on but something was wrong in my head….My brother and I had moved into our own dens long ago, and each night I seemed to be waking, screaming from nightmares. No cat's den was near mine…or so I thought.

One night I woke up, screeching in terror and pain. I gasped and broke down sobbing violently. That was when I felt warmth. I flinched, but a soft voice calmed me.

"Shh…Its ok." A male voice whispered. I blinked, and looked up. The moonlight gently filtered into the den revealed that the black and white tabby known as Admetus had come to me. I clutched his paw that touched my shoulder, and stared up at him in confusion…Then I buried my face in his chest fur and sobbed roughly for what felt like forever. He pulled me closer to him and held me for a long time before I fell asleep…

I slept more peacefully then I had in many months. When I woke early in the morning he was still there, laying behind me on my bed, holding me close to him, and breathing softly in sleep. I felt something stir in my broken heart and blinked, looking over my shoulder at his peaceful white face. I sighed, turning my head back, and wriggled closer to him. He sighed in his sleep and his paw tightened around my stomach, and his tail draped over my legs. I slowly and surely drifted back into sleep, his scent filling me with peace.

I woke again when I felt him stirring…It had to be noon. The air was warm and bright sunlight filtered through the den entrance. I blinked at Admetus as he sat up, looking a little embarrassed. For a moment I simply stared into his eyes. Then I spoke softly.

"Thank you Admetus." I murmured so very softly. He smiled at me.

"It's ok." He replied gently. I smiled back at him, and got up off the bed. He followed and we stretched beside the bed. He shook out his ruffled fur then looked around.

"Well…I should be going." He meowed. I blinked at him then looked at the ground.

"Oh…Um…Are you sure? You could have breakfast with me if you want." I meowed. He looked down at me for a moment then nodded with a smile.

"Sure." He purred…

So Admetus and I cooked breakfast. We chatted companionably throughout the preparations and meal. He was incredibly helpful, and even had a knack for cooking. He fried eggs, and fried mice while I set out two plates and two bowls on the table. I poured cream into two bowls, then went to Adme. I took the finished fried mice and set them out on each plate. He came over a moment later with the eggs and scooped the cheesy mess onto each plate. I smiled and he put the pans in the sink. He sat down and I sat across from him. We ate out mice, talking about the Jellicle ball that was only months away now. Then he left. I cleaned the dishes and then sat down on my bed and leaned back deep in thought though it was not about my third name. I couldn't stop thinking about Admetus…

Each night I had vivid nightmares and each night he came to me and comforted me. I was grateful for his help, and we grew closer and closer. I remembered feeling this once before…It felt good…But I was still scared…Over time I shared with him my story, and he accepted it, and was still there for me. One night a few months after that first night I had woke screaming…He had come to me and lay behind me, comforting me as usual…I was just drifting into sleep when I heard his soft voice murmur in my ear.

"I love you." He whispered. I smiled, without opening my eyes and snuggled closer to him.

"I love you too." I murmured sleepily. I fell into a peaceful sleep. When the ball came around we were mated before the tribe and he moved into my den…Oh how the time flew. I would always remember Aeron, and my adventurous days as a kit but I had a mate now, and was well respected in the tribe. I was one of their beloved healers. My father moved into my den with Admetus and I, and so we found a bigger den, so we could still have some privacy. But my father was so old and frail…I wondered when he would die…

Gus often murmured as though talking to mother. He looked happy when he was talking to her…I didn't know what the old cat saw, but his condition made me tremble each time he did, and I did not want to lose him. I never fought again, not after that day. Though Munk had found out about my skills, and wanted me to teach the Guardians them. I refused and stuck to healing others. Cats came to me now with more than physical injuries. I as sort of like a ca t therapist for the tribe, and found myself giving advice left and right. Jenny became pregnant, and I was so happy!

Tugger became the biggest flirt in the Junkyard. I scoffed at the queens who fell all over him. But I must admit, the tom was easy on the eyes…Like, really easy…oh Everlasting…Meow!"

"Jelly!" Admetus shouted. Jelly looked at him through innocent eyes.

"What?" She asked in an innocent tone. Quaxo rolled his eyes, wishing she would continue, and not go on about the cat he considered his father.

"Guys." Quaxo groaned. Jelly chuckled a bit, before turning back to the black magician.

"Sorry Misto…Where was I…Oh yes. Things moved on in the yard as they always have and as they always will. But one day something amazing happened, that changed my whole entire life…

I was out on the TSE-1 when I suddenly felt light headed and my stomach ached furiously. I scrambled down and stumbled across the clearing, and into Jenny's den. She came out and blinked at me.

"What's wrong?" She asked, guiding me over to the area where we treated cats. I sat down on the blankets, and looked at her.

"I don't know…My stomach hurts. I feel light-headed." I told her. She blinked, her brow furrowing. Then she jumped and ran her paw over my stomach. I blinked, wondering what she was doing when it suddenly dawned on me. She smiled at me.

"I think you're pregnant." She told me. Her own huge round belly, twitched. I blinked in shock, and then rested my paws on my belly.

"R…Really?" I asked. She nodded with a smile. A huge smile graced my lips and I threw my paws around her. She hugged me back with a snort of amusement, and I ran out quickly to find Admetus.

A couple months passed. Last month Jenny had, had two kittens. Etcetera, and Tumblebrutus, after her brother I guessed. The night I went into labor a she-cat appeared in our den. A beautiful white she-cat with blue eyes. She had a miniature copy of herself with white fur. I recognized this cat. She had been a kitten at the same time as Munkus and the others, but a bit younger. She had left a month or two after Macavity had left.

"Griddlebone? What are you doing here?" I panted. She sighed softly.

"I can't raise this kitten. Please take her. I must go now." Griddlebone vanished before I could make another sound. I pulled stared after Griddlebone before I looked down at the mewling kit and pulled her to my belly. I could hear thunder rumbling out there somewhere in the distance….My labor was long and hard…Harder than it should have been, but I had one beautiful she-kit. I called her Electra. That same night I got another surprise visitor. And I mean surprise.

The Rum Tum Tugger suddenly darted into my den, a tiny scrap of black fur dangling from his jaws. I leaped to my paws startled as he burst in. Tugger sat up, for once blushing with embarrassment. Electra and Victoria had been nursing but woke and wailed. I hushed them gently and Admetus padded up to Tugger and gingerly sniffed the kit.

"What's wrong Tugger?" He asked. Tugger set down the kit and met the elder toms gaze.

"I found him out alone on the streets. I see your kits have been born." Tugger nodded to me. I smiled proudly.

"Electra and Victoria." I meowed proudly, tilting my head at him.

"Very nice. This little fellow is… well, he needs milk. I guess he was born this night as well." He meowed. He stared at the tiny black kit. I saw something different in Tugger's eyes that night, and my heart melted.

"I will feed him." I meowed softly. Adme looked at me strangely but moved aside. Tugger lifted the kit and carried it to me. I nudged it close to my belly and it began to nurse next to the other kits. It was a tiny tuxedo kit. He had brilliant green eyes, and was very gently and small compared to the other two.

"Thanks Jelly. Munk has said that the kit will live with us." Tugger said. I nodded still gazing at the tiny kit, whom was less than half the size of my own kits. He suckled greedily but gently. Tugger waited patiently near their den entrance and Adme sat next to him. They both gazed out into the rain. Tugger looked distant and oddly, worried. I watched them carefully, wondering what the maned cat was thinking, and why he looked the way he did.

"Got a heart in there Tugger?" Adme asked teasingly. Tugger shot him a look.

"I just…Why would someone leave a kit out in the rain to die?" He asked Adme.

"I don't know." Adme replied softly with a shrug. Tugger was silent for a very long time. I watched his eyes, but eventually broke the silence when I felt the kit pull away from me.

"He is done. You can take him home Tugger." I meowed.

"Thanks Jelly." He meowed. None of his usual charm or arrogance seethed into his words. His voice was unusually quiet and subdued. It surprised me frankly.

Tugger lifted the kit gently and nodding to myself and Adme he turned and vanished into the rainy night. I watched him vanish into the darkness then glanced at my mate with a shrug. I sighed heavily, meeting his gaze.

"We have far too many cats and kits with bad back stories." I murmured. He nodded silently in agreement. We both were one of those with bad back stories. But we had each other for comfort. Some had no one. Aeron didn't…But he didn't want anyone either. I sighed and fell into an uneasy sleep.

The kits grew, as they always do, and I watched them carefully. When the girls were a few months old I discovered I was pregnant again, and despite my happiness I felt like ripping Admetus's ears off, knowing all the sickness and pain to come would surpass something as minor as a torn ear. But I never did. I bared it and had Pouncival another couple of months later…We discovered the black kit, Mistoffelees or Quaxo, was the son of Likia and Macavity. The ball was in a few days, and I wondered what would happen, I knew something would. Nothing had happened for so long it was long past due, and everyone knew he found it entertaining to attack on the most sacred night of the year for a Jellicle. I wondered what he would do this year, and what power was surrounding the strange black kit I had helped raise. The night before the ball was dark, and I could smell something strange…But I could not figure out what it was…

Brit: Hi guys! I hope you liked this one!

Quaxo: Is there another chapter?

Brit: Of course fur-ball! I'm not mean enough to end the entire story on a cliffie!

Quaxo: So you admit your mean?

Brit: What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be preparing for the ball?

Quaxo: No! This is a story about Jelly's life remember? This happens WAY after I *SPOILER, SPOILER, SPOILER* and *SPOILER, SPOILER, SPOILER, SPOILER!* in Quaxo's Secret Tale.

Brit: GAH! You just gave away like the entire story! You no good….little piece of….graaa! *Runs towards him*

Quaxo: *holds up a sparkling paw and points at it with the other* Hey. Remember this little thing called magic? Yeah.

Brit: *Halts quickly, and takes a step back* Ok! Ok! No need to be hasty! We all good here….errrmm….care to do the honors?

Quaxo: *Bows* It would be my pleasure. Dear readers of Britt's fanfictions, fans of CATS, fans of ME, and fellow Jellicle's. I welcome you warmly to this page, and with the greatest respect and the highest reverence, and humbly ask you to….

Brit: Get on with it BUSTOPHER!

Quaxo: *Snorts in offence* I am not my uncle! PLEASE REVIEW! *Stomps off angrily.

Brit: *Runs after him* Wait! Quaxo! Misto! Whoever you are! Come back! I didn't mean it!

*Both gone*