Hello readers :D Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Cats. If I did, Jacob Brent would sing more in the movie. I also don't own Numb/Encore by Linkin Park, which inspired the title of this chapter. ;]
A sharp crack echoed through the dim halls of the abandoned shipping warehouse that served its purpose as a lair to the most notorious cat in town.
"You're an ass," Demeter spat, unable to resist. She saw a flash of red before claws raked down her already heaving flank. Her lower lip trembled as she blinked back tears. "You say your own little brother is a monster. What the hell does that make you?" she asked, looking defiantly up into the face of the cat who she thought she had found a companion in years ago.
"You're far too feisty, my dear. I'm afraid I won't have much use for you soon. Despite your persistent resistance, you've become too weak," Macavity leered, grabbing Demeter by the scruff of her neck and tossing her into a corner of the room, where she fell into a small heap. Before leaving, he spat at Demeter, who curled away in disgust.
"One year and eleven days," Demeter whispered, leaning her head against the cool metal wall of the warehouse. Pain ebbed through every limb, and it was nearly impossible to become comfortable while suffering through the aches. 'Take short breaths,' Demeter tried to calm her racing heart, and eventually it slowed to a steady beat.
It could have been the shouting of voices, the light flooding into the room, or the enticing voice repeating her name slowly, coaxing her to wake up, that stirred Demeter from her almost unconscious sleep. It could have been a mixture of all three; but whatever it was, Demeter shrunk back, ears flat against her head, and instinctively lashed out with her claws viciously extended.
As her claws met the figure's cheek, the tom cursed. But instead of striking back, he crouched down and muttered, "Dem, it's me. We need to get out of here now."
Demeter timidly eyed the tom. He was tall, but not yet finished growing, and didn't remind her of anyone she thought she knew. Demeter's eyes slowly became accustomed to the light, and the silver and black tabby tom standing before her seemed mildly familiar. She dared to glance up at his eyes, and was struck with sudden shock. They were a piercing shade of jade with flecks of hazel, and were narrowed in impatient concern. "Munkustrap?" she asked in a hush voice, her mouth suddenly dry as memories of her childhood rapidly returned.
"Let's go, Demeter, Alonzo and the others are trying to buy us time," Munkustrap said, grabbing the frail queen's arm. She twisted away with sudden strength and retreated, staring at Munkustrap with malice. He glared down at her, taking in her matted fur and bloodied body. Her ribs were visible, even from where he was standing, and her once beautiful, glossy coat was coated with layers of dirt, changing it from a golden hue to tinted with brown. Before he could react, a clash of metal-on-metal was heard several rooms away, followed by angry shouting and caterwauls. Munkustrap's attention was brought back to the abused, stubborn queen sitting at his feet. He needed to get her out of here, it was his mission, as the follow-up Protector. Even if it hurt her, he needed to move her.
"You're still the same hotheaded kit who ran off more than a year ago, Demeter," he said quietly, curling his lip at her. Her clouded blue eyes flickered with pain and she opened her mouth to say something, but Munkustrap bent down and grabbed her, throwing her over his shoulder. She screeched and furiously beat her fists against his back as he carried her out of the room.
"I hate you! I've always hated you, you're a terrible excuse for a cat, and I hate you," she sobbed, finally going limp in Munkustrap's arms. He carried her through a hall and past an open room. Sounds of battle could be heard, and Alonzo ran out, breathing heavily. Munkustrap turned to him, stone faced, and Alonzo nodded at Demeter's shaking body. "Get her back to the Tribe, we're almost done here," he said.
Before Demeter knew what was happening, cool air engulfed her, and the ground glided by below as Munkustrap ran as fast as he could. She closed her eyes heavily, exhausted from her fit, and quickly fell into unconsciousness again.
"She's coming around, but don't cr- Bomba, no, Bomba dear, don't!"
"DEMMY!" someone cried, just as Demeter groggily cracked open her eyes. Two furry red arms snaked themselves around her neck and squeezed tightly. "I never thought I'd see you again," the cat said, her voice strikingly familiar. "Bomba, hey," she groaned, managing a shaky smile.
Bombalurina grinned and pulled back, allowing Demeter to see past her and into the den they were sitting in. Demeter supposed it was very late, due to the lack of light streaming in from the doorway to outside, but lanterns scattered around the room made up for it with small flickering flames that cast a pretty orange glow around the room. Tugger sat by the entrance, smiling faintly at her, and he looked exhausted. Demeter looked down at the nest she was curled up in. It was a real cat bed, the kind a housecat would use. A sharp, singsong voice rang out from the opposite corner of the den, causing Demeter's head to thud painfully.
"Bombi, dear, you woke her up! Give the poor dear a bit of rest. Tugger, take Bombalurina to find Skimble and Jelly, they're watching the kittens. Tell them Demeter has finally woken up! I'm going to go throw on a pot of tea, Demeter, just stay warm and comfortable, and call if you need anything." Jenny said, shooing the older tom and queen towards the door and hustling into another room. Bombalurina pouted and Tugger held the door open for her. "Dem, I'll be right back with mom and dad, okay?" she said, stepping outside. Tugger offered Demeter a small smile and wave before starting to walk out himself.
"Tugger, wait! I, um, was wondering, where's Munkustrap?" Demeter asked, throwing off her blanket. Her muscles screamed in protest, and Tugger ran over to help her steady herself into a standing position. "Whoa, Dem, he's okay. Don't hurt yourself, just stay in bed. He's outside the Junkyard, at the field," Tugger said, grasping Demeter's arm.
Demeter glanced outside and then back at Tugger. "Tug... I need to talk to your brother," she said, staring up at the Maine Coon with wide, pleading eyes.
Tugger groaned and rubbed the back of his head. "Fine. But only because you're Bomba's sister. I'll get Jenny, just go," he said, helping her to the door. Demeter turned around and hugged Tugger gently before heading outside. She heard Tugger call to Jenny right as she left the den.
"Jenny? Yeah, I'm going to need an ice pack. What for? Oh, Bomba smacked me again. Yeah, Demeter is fine. No, I wasn't flirting with Cassandra again! She didn't hit me because of that!..." Demeter chuckled to herself as his rumbling voice faded. She limped quickly out to the clearing in the Junkyard and ran for the other side, hoping Munk would still be at the field when she arrived, especially at her staggering pace.
So, did you like it? What didn't you like? Tell me how you feel... in a review. :D