Disclaimer: Thanks for checking guys, I really appreciate it. That wasn't sarcasm, really. I don't own Cats, but I own Elijah.
A/N: A big thank you to all who have read so far and/or reviewed! You make me feel loved! I figured I've tortured 'Teazer enough, so things will get better and hopefully more interesting in this chappie! (There's fluff! ;))Warning: there is some swearing in this chapter! I didn't rate this story T just for the violence, you know.
Mungojerrie awoke from his cat nap to find Rumpleteazer still sleeping soundly beside him. He listened to her breathing for a few seconds and found that it was much more even and deep than before. "Tha's a good soign. Oi bet tha' worst o' it 'as passed."He smiled to himself as he sat up and laid the back of his paw on her forehead. To his relief, it was much cooler than the last time he checked. Her temperature wasn't back to normal, but it was better.
He turned around and almost had a heart attack when he saw Elijah crouched at the foot of the bed, staring back at him. "'Oly shit, Eloijah! Don' ya know it's rude ta watch a cat whoile 'e's sleepin'? 'Ow long 'ave ya been tha'?"He asked, trying to calm his racing heart.
Elijah frowned in mock-offense as he shifted into a sitting position. "Umm...Actually I've only been here for a few minutes. I just got back from patrol. I would have been here sooner, but a fight broke out, so I had to go and break it up, and then I had to give the jail warden a lesson in punctuality, and...Oh darn, I'm rambling again. Sorry for scaring you."He said apologetically. His eyes darted to 'Teazer as she started to stir.
'Jerrie noticed her movement as well and scooted to the side of the small bed so that his back was against the concrete wall. He looked hopefully down at his sister, waiting.
'Teazer slowly opened her eyes and took a moment to focus them. Like some sort of miracle, her headache was gone, but her mind was still clouded in a thick fog. At least it didn't feel like a cinder block weighing her neck down anymore. She felt warmer, but that was probably because of the blanket she noticed that was covering her. She also didn't feel like she was hot and cold at the same time, and that her shivering was almost non-existent.
She looked around for her brother and saw him sitting next to her, smiling. "'Ey, 'Jer. 'Ow long was Oi out? Oi feel a lot bettah, fo' some reason. Did ya give moi more medicine?"She asked in a hoarse whisper, propping herself up onto her elbows.
'Jerrie shook his head and chuckled as he ruffled 'Teazer's headfur. She jerked her head away, giggling. "Stop it! Ya know Oi 'ate tha'!"She laughed, trying to swat her brother's paw away.
"Tha's exactly whoiy Oi'm doin' it! Ya gave us quoite a scare, ya know! Ya were out fo' tha' whole mornin'. But it's not moi ya ah' lookin' ta thank, it's Eloijah. 'E did prettey much evreythin'. Ta put it simpley, 'e saved ya loife."'Jerrie motioned his head towards Elijah who was still sitting patiently at the foot of the bed, observing them with a tiny smile that looked almost sad.
'Teazer grinned at him as 'Jerrie removed his paw from her headfur. She quickly ran her paws through it to smooth it down. "Thanks, Eloijah. Oi would kiss ya, but Oi'm still sick. So awll Oi can do is thank ya."She giggled again, but it faded as she noticed his sad smile. "Whot's wrong? Ya don' look verey 'appy fo' a cat tha' jus' got thanked."She cocked her head as she slowly sat up. Succeeding, she narrowed her eyes at him, expecting him to answer for his gloominess.
Elijah's head jerked up, like he had just been caught daydreaming. He shook his head a bit, but avoided her eyes. "It's none of your concern."He muttered as if it was automatic. "Damn it! Tell them!"He mentally yelled at himself as he cleared his throat and tried again. "Sorry. Force of habit. It's just that seeing you guys...so pure and innocent-" he stopped as 'Jerrie scoffed at the word "innocent" and 'Teazer lightly slapped his arm as punishment. He continued as soon as 'Jerrie quieted down. "Reminds me of something we're not allowed to show here: love. Not even for family, let alone romantic. There are severe punishments if anyone is caught showing affection beyond friendship. I guess I should have told you that sooner, but I got kind of distracted."He winked at 'Teazer who broke out into a smile.
Her smile disappeared again as she thought of something else. "So Oi'm not allowed ta fool around with moi brothah? Is tha' anythin' else we should know 'bout?"She leaned forward like she was about to hear a juicy secret.
Elijah smirked as he tapped his chin, thinking. "Oh no, you're still allowed to fight with him and whatnot, but just remember to not get caught in public. That's another thing that's not allowed here: fighting. Sure, you'll fight quite a bit on missions, but if I, or anyone else, caught you beating the crap out of someone here, you would pay dearly."He sat back as he thought of more of the basics he should tell them.
'Jerrie furrowed his brow, confused. "Wait, if ya said no foightin', than whot 'bout this mornin'? Ya beat the crap outta Jake, which is tragic that 'Teaze ovah 'ere missed it, but didn' get caught? Whot's up with tha'?"He asked as he patted 'Teazer's shoulder consolingly. "Ya shouldda seen it, sis'. 'Is punches were so powahful, they made tha' whole column shake, even up 'ere. Get this guy angry, an' it's a one way ticket ta 'ell, trust me."'Jerrie smiled as he reminisced about the fight that morning. 'Teazer just rolled her eyes in response.
Elijah cocked an eyebrow at 'Jerrie's enthusiasm and gave a snort, like he knew something they didn't. "Oh, that rule only applies to henchcats. We higher-ups get to fight to keep ourselves conditioned and to keep you guys in line. That's one of the things I love about being a security officer. I get to fight you guys, but you can't fight me. Unless of course I say it's sparring, then you're allowed to fight me. Umm...there isn't much else about the basics, other than you're not allowed in the rooms of cats around my rank, which are down the hall with all those doors. Unless you have permission, of course. You're also not allowed in the room of the cat that's second-in-command, which is down the hall to the right, just before the jail cells. There's no exception there. I feel like I'm forgetting something, though..."He trailed off as he scratched his headfur, trying to remember.
'Teazer nodded in understanding as she let his words sink in. "Oi see. Whot is evreythin' 'bout these ranks? Oi keep hearin' ya say tha', but 'ow many ah' there realleh?"She asked. She wanted to know everything there was as to how her new job worked.
"Right, ranks...They're really just different roles we get promoted to, but with benefits. At the bottom of the "food chain"," Elijah used air quotes with his fingers, "are the henchcats, which are you guys. Sorry to say, you don't get many perks. You have to have permission to leave the building, blah, blah, blah. I assume you've already heard all that from Casey. You guys do most of Macavity's dirty work on missions and the like. We sometimes make you hunt or scavenge, depending on what we need. Next are the security officers, like me. We mostly just guard the place at night and do patrols during the day. We get our own rooms, and we don't have to get permission for anything, really. The sentries are the third level, and the only reason they out-rank security officers is because they're precious to have around. You've got to have exceptional hearing and sight, and be ready for anything. Enemies usually go for sentries first if they attack, so it's one of the most dangerous jobs in this place. If you're a sentry, you get basically the same perks as a security officer, only you're a little higher up on the food chain. Right under Macavity himself is second-in-command. I can't tell you much, as they've never really told me anything other than where his room is...Anyone in that rank is sworn to secrecy. I don't expect you to remember all this, but it's just good to know for future reference. Anything else?"Elijah asked, looking at 'Teazer.
This time 'Jerrie asked a question. "Whot do ya do fo' fun 'round 'ere? Do we get ta pull pranks on each othah?"He asked as a mischievous grin formed on his face.
The black tom snapped his fingers as he remembered what he had forgotten. "Yes! Thanks, 'Jerrie, I knew I was forgetting something! Do you drink, by any chance?"He asked as he imitated the calico's grin.
'Jerrie laughed like he was joking. "Whot? Ya mean loike...alcohol?"He asked. He didn't think Elijah was serious. He had never touched a bottle of beer or wine in his life. He could never afford one at the local bar, and it was way too hard to steal one with all the security they had at those places. Plus, he didn't think it was worth getting drunk when he had his sister to take care of. It would put her in too much danger.
But Elijah was dead-serious. "Hell yeah, I mean alcohol. Drinking's not permitted inside the hideout, but Macavity never said anything about drinking outside. A few of my cohorts and I go out to the local bar every weekend and drink a few bottles. Best time you'll ever have, my friend. Maybe once you guys complete your first real mission, I'll take you out to celebrate. But enough about drinking. The pranks we pull on each other are hilarious! Around this time last year," Elijah lowered his voice to barely above a whisper as he leaned in like someone might hear him, "I convinced Jake to go into the second-in-command's room, and steal something while he was out on patrol. Jake came out with a freakin' dagger! I figured it was some kind of ceremonial thing, and that the second-in-command doesn't actually use it, so we hid it. Man, when he found out it was gone, we thought we were dead. That tom was like the Devil himself! He made our lives miserable! After a day or so, we couldn't take the fear and suffering anymore, so we tried to put it back. The tom caught us, and well, let's just say that dagger wasn't just for show. I still have the scars from that. But cats still talk about it, even today, so I know it was worth it."He checked over his shoulder to make sure no one was listening. Fortunately, the room was still empty.
'Jerrie and 'Teazer covered their mouths with their paws and tried hard to keep from laughing. They eventually calmed down enough so that they could speak again. "Best. Prank. Evah! Oi wish Oi could somethin' loike tha'!"'Teazer said as she broke down into a fit of giggles. She heard her brother's stomach growl with hunger, and she laughed even more.
"Hungry? Come on, I think they're about to serve dinner. I've talked long enough, and I want to introduce you to some of my friends. Are you ok with moving around, 'Teazer?"Elijah looked concernedly at the queen who was still sick. He wouldn't force to go if she didn't want to.
'Teazer calmed down long enough to stop laughing and reply. "Oi'll be awlroight. Oi'm 'ungry, too."She said as she took her blanket off and stretched. She threw it at her brother, who let out a playful hiss and threw it back at her in retaliation. She got caught off guard as the heavy blanket hit her side and made her lose balance. She suddenly felt herself tumbling over the edge of the narrow bed and just managing to hook her claws into the thin metal railing before she fell several meters onto the hard, concrete floor.
Letting out a scream, she struggled to find a foothold on the bed beneath her, but all she could feel was empty air. She knew she was too far from the ladder, and that she was too weak from the fever to hold herself up long enough to move over there. She was stuck.
Elijah immediately sprung into action and practically jumped off the column as 'Jerrie quickly slid down the ladder after him. "'Teazer, I'm right below you. Let go, and I promise I'll catch you."Elijah shouted up to her as 'Jerrie stood a little further behind him, ready to break Elijah's fall if the impact was too great.
"Should Oi trust 'im with moi loife? 'E's saved moi once...Oi can't 'old on much longah. Oi've got ta trust 'im."'Teazer thought as she looked down. Sure enough, the black tom was directly below her, ready and waiting. 'Jerrie was also behind him. "'Ere goes nothin'!"She thought as she felt her paws slip. Her strength finally failed her and she felt cold, empty air rushing up from beneath her to greet her as she fell. She landed on something softer than she expected, and it certainly wasn't the hard, concrete floor. Looking up, she saw a black face smiling back at her.
Elijah had actually caught her. He set her gently down on the floor so she was standing on solid ground again. He stiffened as she hugged him, burying her head in his chest and letting out silent tears of gratitude and fear. He felt himself relax and return the hug while resting his chin on the top of her head. He looked to 'Jerrie for approval, who nodded and stepped back, giving the pair some space.
Elijah felt 'Teazer's body shake with fear-filled sobs as she slowly recovered from the frightening fall she had just experienced. "Shh...It's alright, I gotcha. You're safe now..."He crooned softly in an effort to calm her down. He felt her relax a bit in his arms as she heard his soothing voice. But she was still shaking and whimpering a little, which meant that she wasn't completely back to normal. Elijah decided to try again to comfort her again. He hesitantly began stroking her back gently with one paw as he held her head closer against his chest with the other. He even found himself start to purr as he got into the rhythm of stroking 'Teazer's back.
This surprised him, as he hadn't allowed himself to purr in over a year. He always thought it was a sign of weakness, so he stopped. Now he remembered how nice it felt, and forgot all about that notion. He let his lips form into that tranquil half-smile he had yesterday when he was checking 'Teazer over. Everything felt perfect at that moment.
After about five minutes of this, 'Teazer had completely recovered from her fall. She stopped shaking, and her whimpers had turned into purrs. She pulled away from Elijah and smiled up at him. "Thanks. Oi realleh needed tha'."She said sincerely as she turned her attention from him to 'Jerrie, who was still standing a bit further away from the pair, grinning to himself.
His grin disappeared, however, when his sister locked her now furious eyes onto him. She stalked towards him with her tail lashing. "Mungojerrie, ya idiot!" She yelled at him, using his full name. Rumpleteazer never used his full name unless he was about to get punished, or if she was really angry. Right now, it was both. She threw a sucker punch at his face, and she didn't hold back. 'Jerrie was sent reeling backwards a few feet before he regained his balance. He couldn't retaliate; he knew he deserved to get punished. He rubbed his aching jaw as he saw 'Teazer dusting her fur off, her anger diminished and her revenge complete.
His punishment was over, so he decided it was safe to speak again. "Oi'm very sorreh, sis'...Oi guess Oi underestimated moi strength...But tha' moment you two jus' 'ad was 'eart-meltin'; seriously. Oi could feel tha' connection from awll tha' way ovah 'ere! Amazing, realleh."He smiled as his sister blushed with embarrassment.
"'Jerrie, shut up before someone hears you! Remember what I told you about? How about we go get some food now that we're all calmed down?"Elijah's voice cracked a bit as he headed toward the door without waiting for a response. Truth was, he needed an excuse to hide his own embarrassment. He thanked the Everlasting Cat for his black fur so that 'Teazer couldn't see him blush as calico pair shrugged and followed, eager to finally see what the cafeteria was like.
As the pair walked down the hall with Elijah, the sounds and smells of the cafeteria intensified as they got closer. Once they actually stepped into the room, 'Teazer noticed it was much larger than what she thought before when she only got a passing glance. She didn't have time to take it all in, though, as her brother pulled her along to avoid getting left behind by Elijah. They walked to the head of the room, where various pots of delicious-smelling food were sitting behind short, glass barriers. Along the way, the pair noticed curious looks being thrown at them by some of the toms. They ignored them and kept walking.
When they finally got to their destination, Elijah motioned for them to take a bowl and spoon from stacks on a small table near the food, as he took one of each himself. He looked over his shoulder at the pair as he ladled some steaming-hot stew into his bowl. "Pigeon stew's on the menu today. Ever had it?"He asked as 'Jerrie and 'Teazer shook their heads no. He smirked as he waited for them to get their food. "You'll like it. C'mon, I see some of my friends. I'll introduce you to them."He explained as he led them to a near-by table where about six average-looking toms sat, talking and laughing. They waved him over and greeted him heartily as he, 'Jerrie, and 'Teazer sat down with them.
A red and white tom spoke up. "Hey, Elijah! We haven't seen you all day! What have ya been up to with these rookies?" He asked as he motioned his head toward the calicos who were eating their meal.
Elijah shrugged in response. "Showing them the basics. Guys, this is Rumpleteazer," he motioned his paw to 'Teazer, "and that's Mungojerrie. I expect you guys to treat them both fairly and make them feel at home."He said as 'Jerrie and 'Teazer waved in greeting.
A brown and black-striped tom cocked an eyebrow at them. "You guys aren't twins, are you? You look pretty much the damn same to me!"He shouted over the noise of the other cats.
'Jerrie shook his head no as one of the taller toms leaned in. "Elijah, we expect you told them the dagger story. No cat should ever be deprived of that legend. If you say to me that you didn't tell them yet, I will personally-"His rant got cut off as the black tom cuffed him across his temple.
"Of course I told them, Axel! Why the hell wouldn't I?"Elijah asked as his friends nodded in approval. Axel quickly recovered as he quickly shot another question at him.
"We heard what happened with Jake today. Is it true? Did you really break his jaw? I heard he had to go to the Healer and get his jaw reset, but you know how quickly rumors can spread around here. I want to hear it from you."Axel smirked at his friend, expecting the honest truth.
Elijah put his hands up in surrender. "Ok, I admit I got a little riled up this morning when he was talking about 'Teazer like she was some sort of disease. You know how I get when someone insults a queen-"He was interrupted when a dark gray tom scoffed and laughed.
"You're such a queen's tom..."He muttered as the red and white tom beside him ribbed him and told him to shut up. The dark gray tom quieted down and ducked his head.
Elijah cleared his throat and continued. "Anyway, I gave him a good few punches for that, and I'm pretty sure I broke his nose. Not so sure about his jaw, though. He had a bloody nose by the time I was finished with him. That should teach the damn bastard not to mess with me when it comes to queens."He finished as his friends leaned forward with interest.
'Jerrie felt like he should chip in. After all, he was as much of a witness as Elijah was. "Ya shoulda seen 'im, goiys! Oi was on top o' tha' bed column, and Oi felt tha' bed shake even from up tha'! Scray thin', Oi'm tellin ya."He said as the other toms turned their heads toward him.
They smiled and nodded like they shared the same feeling. Seeing Elijah take his anger out on another cat never failed to give anyone a fright. "We've all seen it, at one time or another. Makes for a good show if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. Do you guys plan to go to the bar tomorrow? We're all going at sundown. Did Elijah tell you where his favourite bar is?"The brown and black-stripped tom asked.
The calico pair shook their heads and the other toms mock-gasped and narrowed their eyes at Elijah, who remained emotionless. "In my defense, I planned to take them once they completed their first mission. But I guess taking them for an initiation drink or two won't hurt."He looked to 'Jerrie and 'Teazer, who nodded their heads excitedly.
"That makes nine of us then. You're going to love the Red Sapphire. Queens, good music, and the best whiskey in the city. We're going to break a few hearts tomorrow, boys! Maybe we'll even get to see a bar fight, if we're lucky!"Axel hooted as his friends cheered and gathered up their empty bowls. They placed them on top of a garbage can and made their way out of the cafeteria. Elijah, 'Jerrie, and 'Teazer stayed sitting.
'Teazer cocked her head at Elijah. "Queens? Break a few 'earts? Whot's tha' supposed ta mean?"She asked, completely confused. Even 'Jerrie was as clueless as she was.
Elijah sipped his stew silently, biding his time. It was almost like he was afraid to reply. After some prompting from 'Jerrie, he gave in. He glanced over both shoulders like he did earlier to make sure no one was listening. He leaned in and spoke in a low whisper so only 'Jerrie and 'Teazer could hear. "When my buddies and I go out, we like to check out the local dating scene...which is where the queens come in. If we get drunk, and we usually do, things could easily heat up, if you know what I mean. The queens around here are bad, just like the toms...In more than one way. I don't know if I should expose you, 'Teazer, to that so soon, especially since you're still sick. We're also notorious for being players. I've had my fair share of queenfriends, let me tell you. I don't think I've ever kept one for longer than a week before dumping her and breaking her heart. I've become desensitized to their crying and sadness, though. It doesn't hurt as much as it used to."He glanced at the two calico cats in front of him to gauge their reactions.
'Teazer looked appalled while her brother high-fived Elijah from across the table, snickering. "Tha's impressive! Maybe ya could teach moi a few pick-up lines so Oi can get some action moiself?"He yelped as his sister hit his arm. "Whot was tha' fo'?"He asked, shooting her a glare.
"Fo' bein' a jerk in front o' ya sistah! Ya don' think Oi'm scared o' goin' now? Whot'll 'appen ta moi, bein' a queen?"'Teazer returned the glare as 'Jerrie backed down.
He shook his head and slung an arm across her shoulders. "'Teazah, 'Teazah, 'Teazah... Ya know Oi'll protect ya from those nasty toms! Don' worreh!"He chuckled as she tossed his arm off.
She wasn't convinced. "Oh, yeah? An' whot if ya get drunk yaself? Then whot, 'Jer?"She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest on irritation.
Elijah decided he had to step in before this turned into a full-blown fight in public. "Ok, both of you stop it. I'll be the responsible one here and make sure I won't get drunk tomorrow night so I can be a back-up for 'Jerrie if he does decide to get tipsy. Happy?"He smirked as 'Teazer nodded and 'Jerrie rolled his eyes.
With the conversation over, the trio picked up their empty bowls and set them on the garbage can like the toms had before them. They could tell it was getting late, as only a select few cats were still hanging around, getting ready for cleaning duty. Instead of leading them to the right, back to the henchcats' sleeping area, he led them to the left and down the hall where the higher-ups slept.
'Jerrie and 'Teazer had already figured out where they were going: Elijah's room. They stopped just a few doors shy of the end of the hall. Elijah turned the brass doorknob and ushered them inside. He flicked a switch and the two light bulbs dangling from the ceiling blinked to life, casting light all around the room. 'Jerrie and 'Teazer took in the room before sitting on Elijah's thin mattress that was held up by a sturdy, wooden bed frame. The room was covered in brick, just like the hall outside, but it looked cozier. A half-shattered mirror was propped up against the far wall on a chewed up ebony desk than looked like it would fall apart if touched.
Elijah sat on a simple chair of the same material. "Home, sweet home. Come here if you ever need anything after you guys are on your own, or if you just want to talk. Just remember the room number: 27. How do you like it?"He asked, motioning his arms to the whole room.
'Teazer giggled. "Oi think it's quoite cozy. Much bettah than where 'Jer an' Oi sleep. An' quoietah."She said as she let out a yawn.
"You're tired. Let's go back to the barracks, shall we?"Elijah asked as he stood up. He got confused looks from both of his calico friends.
"Your sleeping area. That's what we call it, the barracks. Quite fitting, actually. Let's go."Elijah said as he opened the door. 'Jerrie and 'Teazer nodded and followed him back to the "barracks". Once they got there, he bid them goodnight as they climbed the ladder up to their respective beds. Elijah picked up the blanket that had fallen off of 'Teazer's bed earlier and tossed it back up to her. Even though she did a good job of hiding it, he knew she was still sick, and that she needed the blanket, regardless of her protests.
He then made his way to the front of the room like last night while the remaining toms hurried to their beds. Once he saw that they were all in bed, he cleared his throat. "Lights out, everyone! Get to sleep! I don't want to hear a word out of anyone!"He boomed as he shut off the lights. When everything was dark, he pushed one of the heavy metal doors open and headed off to his own room to go to sleep himself.