Victoria jerked awake, a cold sweat developing on her forehead. She sat bolt upright and searched frantically in the dark space of the den she shared with Jemima for any sign of danger, for any sign that the owner of those eyes were here. Seeing nothing she relaxed, falling back into the blankets that were her bed; the one place that she should be safe, but never was. Victoria stretched, flexing her claws and feeling them snag against the material of her bed. She padded out of den quietly so as not to wake Jemima up and into the cold air of the junkyard. Victoria took a deep breath and allowed the sharp, cold air to fill her lungs and clear her head. She headed over to the deep puddle that the Jellicles used to drink from when they were not with their humans. As she drank she tried to remember her dream; it had been very vivid, just like always. But as she tried to grasp the details of the dream they began to slip away, until all that she could remember were those eyes. Those cold, unfeeling eyes.
"Vicky?" came Jemima's voice from behind. Victoria turned to see her friend padding towards her, her eyelids drooping with tiredness.
"Sorry Jem, did I wake you?" asked Victoria quietly, so as not to wake anyone else up.
"Don't worry about it; I like to see the sunrise. I'm too lazy to get myself up." replied Jemima, smiling at Victoria. "Did you dream about him again?"
Victoria nodded mutely, staring at the sky which was gradually becoming lighter. It had been a clear night, not a cloud in the sky, and the sunrise was obviously going to be a beautiful one.
Jemima pressed on, determined to help. "Why don't you go and see Old Deuteronomy? Or the twins? They're supposed to be good with dreams."
Victoria considered this suggestion, wanting to get some help but not wanting to bother Old Deuteronomy with something so insignificant. He was an important tom, and she was sure that he had important matters to deal with, and would surely see a kittens nightmare as an irrelevant interruption in his dealings.
"Yes, I think I might go and see the twins," agreed Victoria. "Will you come with me Jem? They freak me out a bit, especially when they talk in sync and finish each other's sentences."
Jemima nodded, pleased that she had been of some help. "Of course I will. Now, go back to bed, you should get some sleep."
Victoria smiled at the maturity Jemima was showing. She was younger than Victoria and had as much common sense as most of the elders, and much more in some cases.
"Ok. Are you going to come? Or are you going to watch the sunrise?" inquired Victoria.
"I think I'll stay here," answered Jemima, barely stifling a yawn. "Early mornings do me some good occasionally."
Victoria nodded and turned to head back to their den, looking forward to a nap before going to see the twins. She needed all the rest she could get.
Hours later, Victoria was nudged awake by Jemima, who had found Coricopat and Tantomile by the tyre.
"They're waiting for you," she whispered. "I think they're feeling particularly mysterious today, don't expect a straight answer."
Victoria nodded and stood up, yawning widely before stepping out into the junkyard. The day was in full swing now; Cassandra and Bombalurina were sunning themselves on the car, probably fully aware that Alonzo was watching from his usual spot. Etcetera and Electra were stalking some leaves, and Munkustrap was by the gates, watching for any signs of trouble. Turning her attention to the identical cats by the tyre, Victoria grimaced at Jemima and approached the twins, who were sat in silence watching her approach.
Victoria cleared her throat, feeling extremely uncomfortable under their stare.
"H-hello. I was wondering if you could help me. You see I keep getting the same dream, but it's such a vivid dream that I wanted to know if it could be real…or if it has a hidden meaning, or…something." Victoria broke off, waiting for the twins to answer.
After a short silence, Tantomile answered.
"The world of dreams is fascinating and mysterious. The rules of reality tend not to apply there, except for in some cases….what is the dream about?"
Victoria looked at Jemima, who nodded in encouragement.
"Well I'm not sure, but I think that it's a tom. I have a feeling that I've met him before, but I don't know when or where. He scares me." She admitted finally.
Tantomile nodded, considering Victoria's expression.
"Are these dreams paired with any changes in mood? Do your emotions feel more delicate?" chipped in Coricopat.
"Yes!" said Victoria, encouraged by the speed at which they understood. "I snap at everyone for no reason and I get annoyed really easily."
Coricopat looked at Tantomile darkly, as if this was what he had expected. He said something to his sister, but was so quiet that Victoria did not catch it. Tantomile nodded at whatever her brother had said before turning back to Victoria.
"We would like to keep an eye on you for a short while. Please let us know if your dreams develop. Try not to worry for now." added Tantomile, in a rare attempt to be reassuring.
"Thank you." said Victoria gratefully. She backed away from the twins and walked away with Jemima, leaving them to mutter amongst themselves.