Author's Note:So, hopefully you guys will find this bit interesting again. We learn a little about Quaxo's past, and toward's the end it really pics up. You'll probably notice that Admetus has been made prominent to the story...yeah, I love him. He's adorable. That's all I'm going to say about this one. Hope you guys enjoy it! Please review :-D It really helps me out to know what you all think about it and what you would like to see happen.


Chapter Nine:

Quaxo's POV

It had now been several days, almost a week actually, since he had brought Victoria to the junk yard. He was happy to say, she seemed to be enjoying it. She had become good friends with Jemima and Rumpleteazer, and while she occasionally grew tired of Electra and Etcetera's games, overall she enjoyed their company as well.

Currently, he sat upon the great tire with Munkustrap, Tugger, and Admetus. Tumblebrutus and Pouncival were there with Plato. They were practicing their airs and graces, flips, and of course, pouncing. They occasionally would begin wrestling, but as Plato was the oldest of the three and by far the largest, he rarely lost unless the two managed to come together to beat him. He turned his attention to across the clearing, where almost all of the queens were dancing. Victoria stood between Jemima and Rumpleteazer, and the rest of the queens were gathered around. They were practicing the dances that they would perform at the Jellicle Ball next month.

He smiled as he watched Victoria. With the exception of perhaps Cassandra, she was easily the most graceful of all the queens. She was amazing to watch. She had superb balance, that few of the other queens did, and a coordination that was unmatched. Yes, Quaxo was very glad that he had brought her here.

He happened to glance back to where majority of the toms were playing, and noticed Plato was watching Victoria as well. Quaxo glared at the red and white cat, knowing full well what was on the tom's mind. He didn't need to be psychic like Coricopat and Tantomile, to see that Plato had also taken a liking to Victoria. Quaxo had noticed the tom watching her a lot over the past few days, and was secretly very glad that Victoria hadn't done very much to encourage him. Yes, she was friendly and polite when he ventured over to speak to her, but she didn't seek out his company. Quaxo, on the other hand, she sought out quite often.

There had been multiple times when she had come to his den in the middle of the night. She had been accustomed to sleeping in a house with sturdy walls and a ceiling and windows to look out of. She had been accustomed to cat food – from a can! Lucky girl, and while they had plenty of mice, birds, and even dry cat food occasionally to go around, she wasn't used to the change. It was a big difference from what her life had been only a few days ago, and while she thoroughly enjoyed her waking hours, it was obvious to Quaxo that she wasn't sleeping well.

And she tried, he knew she did. She never came to his den until only a few hours before dawn, and always complaining about how she hadn't wanted to bother him, but eventually boredom and loneliness won out. He told her every time that she didn't need to be afraid of "bothering" him. He didn't explain that she couldn't possibly be a bother.

"Oh, look who it is!" Munkustrap's words behind him pulled him from his thoughts, and brought him back to the present. He followed the stripped tom's gaze, to see the Rumpus Cat slinking his way across the clearing.

Quaxo tilted his head, "Well, that's odd. He rarely comes here unless there is some sort of news. Where is Old Deuteronomy today?"

Munkustrap shrugged, "With a family of humans across town. I do not expect him to come back until the Jellicle Ball."

Rum Tum Tugger smirked, "Then it must be something to do with Bustopher." Tugger looked to Quaxo, "Have you heard from your Uncle lately?"

Quaxo shook his head, "I confess, I have not. I have been distracted…"

Tugger nodded, "Oh, yes, with my little sister."

Munkustrap had informed Tugger of their new sibling shortly after learning of it himself. From what Quaxo could tell, they were both quite pleased with the information. Munkustrap seemed about to comment on the subject, when Rumpus finally reached them, so instead he nodded a greeting, "Hello Rumpus. Didn't expect to see you, what brings you here today? Business as usual or strictly social?"

The great grey cat tilted his head, and his red eyes seemed to glare at Munkustrap, but then he turned his gaze on Quaxo, and with such speed that it caused our tuxedo tom to jump. The grey tom spoke with his raspy voice that made everyone else nervous, "Your Uncle is visiting with the Palace Cats in a few days, and wishes to introduce you."

Quaxo's eyes widened, "Bustopher? Visiting the royal cats? Why would he need me to go?"

Rumpus shrugged, "How should I know? I suppose you are his nephew, and of course you are gifted. Why shouldn't he want to show you off?"

Quaxo nodded, "I suppose."

Rumpus glanced across the field to where Alonzo stood, now talking to Plato. "He has also requested Alonzo come."

Quaxo looked across at Alonzo, and then towards Victoria who had seen the Rumpus Cat come in, and was watching them speak with obvious curiosity. Jemima was apparently explaining to Victoria who Rumpus was, as she seemed to be whispering in the white queen's ear, and Victoria was nodding.

Quaxo gave a sigh, and nodded, "Very well. We'll head out first thing in the morning."

Rumpus shook his head, "No, Bustopher wants you to visit with him for a day before you go, so he wishes you to come tonight."

Quaxo's eyes widened, "Tonight? Why tonight? I'd have to leave in a few hours to get there before nightfall."

Rumpus shrugged, "I didn't come up with the message, Kid, just delivering it."

With that he turned and slinked off, and Quaxo sat glaring. Tugger spoke and Quaxo could almost feel his smirk, "Well, looks like my sister will have to survive for a few days without you, Misto."

Quaxo glared at him and turned to Munkustrap, "You two will keep an eye on her, I'm sure?"

Munkustrap nodded, and hit Tugger's stomach when he scoffed, "Of course we will, Quaxo. Go speak to her and your brother."

Quaxo nodded, and with one last glare at Tugger, retreated from the Great Tire and crossed the clearing to speak with Alonzo. Alonzo and Plato looked up and nodded as he approached. "Alonzo, Bustopher wants us to come visit for a few days. He also wants to introduce us to the Royale Cats."

Alonzo nodded, he was much more social than Quaxo, and would probably enjoy meeting the cats that lived at the Palace. "Great. When do we leave?"

Quaxo nodded, "Well, he wants us there tonight. So soon."

Alonzo nodded, "I should go speak with Cassandra then, and you'll want to speak with Victoria. We can leave after that?"

"Of course."

Alonzo walked to the group of queens and pulled Cassandra off to the side, Quaxo could see them talking, and started to walk towards the rest of the group, but Plato placed a hand on his shoulder, pausing him. "So, you're leaving for a few days?"

Quaxo narrowed his eyes, he had an idea where this was going, even if Plato didn't say anything on the subject. Plato nodded, "Well, I'll watch out for Victoria for you."

It was all he could do to keep from glaring at Plato, "I'd appreciate that. Thank you. Now, I need to tell her I'm leaving."

Plato nodded, and with one last look Quaxo left him and moved towards Victoria, who was watching him with great curiosity on her face. She knew something was coming. He sighed and pulled her gently away from the group. "I have to go away for a few days. A week at most, my uncle wants me to visit."

He watched as her face fell, and it made him want to tell his uncle where he could shove it. But he owed his uncle his life, and wouldn't disobey him. "I'll be back before you know it. And Munkustrap, Tugger, Admetus, and" it pained him to say it, " Plato, will all be around to watch out for you. And you've got Jemima and Teazer to keep you company as well. You won't even know I'm gone."

Victoria looked up at him with those blue eyes, and he knew what she was thinking before she said it, "Oh, I'll definitely know you're gone."

He sighed, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a hug. He couldn't help but smile as he felt her hug him back. "You'll be alright. I'll be back soon."

Victoria pulled away and sighed. "I'll miss you. Be safe."

Quaxo nodded, and leaned down to rub her cheek with his as he saw Alonzo coming towards him, it was time to go. "I will miss you to, my dear, and I will. We'll be back before you know it."

He forced a smile, and watched as she did the same, and then he had to go. He hadn't been more than a handful of hours without her at a time since he'd brought her here. It would be interesting to see how badly he would miss her, and how badly she would miss him in return. He had the sudden daydream of returning in a few days to her running across the clearing and throwing her arms around him. He couldn't help but smile. But then another vision came of her being entertained by Plato and forgetting about him. He narrowed his eyes. No, it would be the first. He was sure of it.

The two cats had come now to the exit of the junk yard, and he paused for a moment, looking back. Victoria was still watching him, and Cassandra stood beside her. The two tom's waved, and then the two queens waved…and then Alonzo and Quaxo disappeared through the drain pipe, and came out on all fours. They were cats again.

He wondered, as they left the junk yard behind, what would happen while they were away.

Victoria's POV

She watched as her Quaxo walked out of the junk yard and on to whatever adventures awaited him. Once he was gone she sighed and turned back to her new friends. Cassandra also sighed, but placed an arm around her. "Do not worry Victoria, those two go to visit their uncle…semi regularly. They will return."

After those short words the brown queen moved away from Victoria to stand with the other older cats, Bombalurina and Demeter. Jemima and Teazer came up to her, and Jemima hesitated before asking, "Well, do you want to practice dancing some more? It might take your mind off of it."

Victoria glanced back towards the drain pipe once more, but then gave a slow nod. Yes, it wouldn't do to sit around wallowing all the time. She had to keep herself busy. She would be fine.

And so she was, once she began dancing she did get wrapped up in it, and as her friends showed her the steps to the other dances she'd have to learn, she suddenly found that it was indeed getting later and later in the day. Soon it would be dark, and she supposed she should probably be getting back to her den. She didn't know the junk yard well enough to be comfortable traveling it at night yet. She didn't want to get lost. So she bid farewell to her friends, and moved to speak to Munkustrap.

He nodded as she approached, and gave a bow. "Good evening, Victoria, are you heading home for the night?"

She nodded, "I don't feel that I am familiar enough with the area to be comfortable going back and forth at night alone."

Admetus stepped forward, "If you do not wish to quit your friends just yet, I would be happy to escort you to your den later this evening, whenever you wish."

Victoria smiled, "It would not be an inconvenience?"

He smiled, "Of course not. It would be my pleasure. It would give us an opportunity to talk since we have rarely been able to."

Victoria nodded, "Oh, thank you! I appreciate it."

He gave a slight nod before she turned and went to join her friends, who were glad to have her for a while longer. This time she decided she'd rather talk than dance, and as she had rarely been able to "gossip" before, she found she rather enjoyed it. "So, does anyone know who Quaxo and Alonzo's uncle is?"

Teazer and Jemima looked at each other and giggled. "His uncle is Bustopher Jones."

Victoria tilted her head, "Who is that?"

Etcetera piped up now, and bounded over to them, "Bustopher Jones! He's one of the wealthiest cats around, well, except for the Palace Cats of course. He's also remarkably fat."

Electra chuckled at a joke that Victoria didn't get, "He's a twenty-five pounder."

The two kittens erupted into giggles, and Victoria looked to Jemima and Rumpleteazer who were also smirking. She didn't understand it at all, but decided to press on. "So, he is Quaxo's uncle, on his mother's or father's side?"

Jemima and Rumpleteazer looked at each other again, and hesitated, but Jemima finally spoke "Well, it's kind of a long story…but on his mother's side."

"Why is it a long story?"

Teazer smirked, "Well, 'aven't ya eva 'eard of Macavity?"

Jemima shoved the other queens ribs, and Teazer scoffed, "Wha'? she's boun' ta hear it sometime!"

Jemima rolled her eyes but sighed and fell silent, Rumpleteazer moved her shoulders forward in excitement as she asked Victoria again, "Well? 'ave ya?"

Victoria giggled at Teazer's dramatic display, "Not really, the name rings a vague bell, but I'm not sure where I've heard it."

Teazer smirked, "Well, you ought ta know, Macavity is th' mos' evil cat in th' country. He's killed! Peop'l and cat's alike! He's catnapp'd Demet'r once, and no 'ne knows wha' he did ta 'er."

At that Bombalurina stepped in, making Victoria, as well as Jemima and Teazer, jump. "And if you did know you would wish you didn't."

She looked at Victoria, "What Teazer says is close enough to the truth. Macavity is not to be trifled with. He's pure evil, and wouldn't think twice about hurting any of us to get what he wants. You, in particular Victoria, should be on your guard."

This made Victoria's skin crawl, and she was confused, "Me? Why?"

Bombalurina smirked, "Well, you are of a particular interest to Quaxo, and Quaxo is of a particular interest to Macavity."

Victoria's eyes widened, she was a particular interest to Quaxo? That sounded like a good thing. "Why is Macavity interested in Quaxo?"

Bomba laughed, "Well that's easy, Quaxo is Macavity's son."

"Really?"

The red queen nodded, "Yes. You see, Quaxo's mother, Bustopher's late sister, after having Alonzo with her mate, was catnapped and held captive by Macavity, and Quaxo was the result."

Victoria gasped, and Bombalurina continued, "But one night, a few short months after Quaxo was gone, she tried to escape. She didn't want her son growing up with Macavity as his father, how would he turn out? So she tried to leave. When Macavity learned of this, he was very angry, and killed her in a blind rage. Quaxo was just able to escape, and his uncle took him in and basically raised him as his own."

Victoria stared into space as she listened to Bombalurina. What a horrible story! She didn't want to ever meet this Macavity. "So, what's his interest now in Quaxo?"

Bomba shrugged, "Well, Quaxo has inherited Macavity's abilities, and – dare I say it? – is better than Macavity himself when it comes to magic. Macavity has tried many times to get Quaxo to go with him. But Quaxo is far too good a cat and flatly refuses, as he should. So Macavity is angry with him and wants nothing more than to make him miserable. A very simple way to do that, my dear, would be to get rid of you."

Victoria gasped, and Demeter walked in at the end of the story. "Bombalurina! Don't fill the girls' heads with fear."

Bombalurina rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, "I'm only warning Victoria. She has a right to know."

Demeter nodded, "Yes, she does, but it was not your story to tell! You should have left it to Quaxo to tell her in his own time."

Bomba looked almost ashamed for the first time, but it only lasted a second. "Eh, with Quaxo gone, now would be a good time for him to try something, if he were going to. It's a good bet he already knows she's here."

Demeter hissed at her sister, "Bombalurina. Stop making the girls nervous for no reason."

Bombalurina shrugged and strutted off. Victoria, however, was certainly nervous. But Demeter sighed and put an arm around her, "Do not be afraid, Victoria. Macavity would be stupid to attack us here, even with Quaxo gone. You are well protected. Quaxo would not have left you here if he didn't think so."

Victoria nodded, but still wasn't very confident in that. Had he even thought about that? She wasn't sure he would have. "I think I'm going to go to my den…it's getting late."

Demeter hesitated, and Victoria thought she was going to speak again, but instead she nodded, and removed her arm from Victoria's shoulders.

Victoria nodded farewell to her friends and, wishing she had just gone to bed when she'd originally decided to, headed back to Admetus. "Admetus, is your offer to escort me to my den still available?"

The brown cat looked down from his conversation with Munkustrap and smiled. "Of course, are you ready now?"

Victoria nodded, "If it wouldn't be a trouble. I do not wish to interrupt your conversation."

Munkustrap smiled, "The conversation can wait."

Admetus smiled and climbed down from the tire, and offered her his arm. "Let us be off."

Once they were out of the Great Clearing, Admetus spoke, "I expected you to take longer with your friends, you still left quite early."

Victoria nodded, "Yes, I had planned to take more time, but they started talking about Macavity and it made me nervous to get home."

"Ah. I see. Well rest assured you are quite safe here. There is always someone roaming the junk yard at night, keeping watch for him. Tonight, I believe it is Plato. I take over tomorrow night."

Victoria smiled as they reached her pile of tires. It really wasn't that far from the clearing at all. "Thank you for escorting me Admetus. I appreciate it."

He nodded, "Anytime, sister. I'm happy to do it. If you like, I'll come meet you in the morning."

Victoria nodded, "I would like that, thank you."

With that she entered through the small gap in the tires, and listened as Admetus walked off.

Then she was alone. She sat on her bed, staring around at the walls. It was so quiet. It was spookily quiet. She didn't like it. She longed for Quaxo to be around, so she could go talk to him, but somehow knowing that her usual escape from the silence wasn't available, made her all that much more uncomfortable.

Eventually she lay down and tried to sleep. She didn't know how long she lay there, but after a while she grew so bored she couldn't take it anymore. "If I just go for a walk, yes, that will calm me. Then I'll be able to sleep."

She hesitated at the exit of her tires. The story she'd been told about Macavity once more entered her mind, and she thought for a moment that perhaps she shouldn't risk it. The night would not last forever, and then she could be with the others again. She nodded and turned back to her bed. But the sight of it made her sick, so she turned back. Just to the clearing and back. That couldn't hurt anyone. Plato was out watching for Macavity, surely it was safe enough. So she stepped out.

Everything was different in the darkness. This, of course, was not the first time she had ventured out. But those times she had always been going to visit Quaxo. She knew the way there like the back of her hand. And although she had meant to go to the Great Clearing, she found herself standing outside of Quaxo's drain pipe. How would he feel about her going in there when he wasn't home? Would he mind? Or would he be glad that even in his absence it gave her comfort? She shrugged. She didn't care. She missed him, and this was the only way she knew how not to. So she cautiously entered through the drain pipe.

As it always did, the den lit up as she entered. She assumed it was some magical spell he had put on the place, and she smiled as she walked over to his bed. She lay down on it, and smiled as she nuzzled her cheek against the pillow. It smelled like him, and she was comforted. She felt safe, and in no time at all, she had fallen asleep.

She woke just before daybreak, and stretched. Then she realized she needed to get back to her own den. Admetus would be coming to get her before too long, and it wouldn't do for her not to be there. So she stood and made her way out of Quaxo's den.

She was maybe half way home, when a new voice that she hadn't heard before spoke. It was icy, and cold, and made her skin crawl. "Well, hello there. Who are you?"

The voice came from behind her, and she turned slowly. She didn't recognize the cat, but she could tell from his looks that he wasn't one to socialize with. He was a ginger cat, but he was an ugly one. He was huge, and his hair was wild. She took a few steps away, and he smirked, "I'll only ask you once more little girl, who are you?"

She gulped, "Victoria."

The smirk that appeared on his face put even George to shame. "Magnificent. Just the cat I've been looking for. Perhaps you have heard of me? I am Macavity."

Victoria gasped and tried to back away, but suddenly there was another cat behind her. She didn't get a good look at this one, but the voice was vaguely familiar when he spoke, "Shhh," he hissed at her. "Don't fight it. I don't want to hurt you."

Uh huh, sure you don't, Victoria thought as she tried to struggle, but it was no use. There was now a cat on either side of her, and there was no way she could see to escape. She had almost lost all hope when she remembered that Plato was supposedly out somewhere, watching for danger. She glanced at Macavity, who was still several feet away, and decided it was worth the risk. If they were going to hurt her, they would do it regardless of how well she complied. So she screamed. She screamed at the top of her lungs, and continued to do so until Macavity closed the gap and hit her hard on the head. She slumped against the two cats holding her, and fell into darkness.


Chapter Ten Preview:

"There!" Munkustrap couldn't help but smile as he saw a busted out window near the ground. It probably went down into the basement. Sure enough, a tough looking Siamese came crawling out of it and moved towards the street. They had found the main entrance. "That's how they get in and out."

Admetus nodded beside him. "Yes, but that's not how we should get in."

Munkustrap looked at him and lifted an eyebrow. Admetus pointed up to the second story of the library. "There is a small window that is open up there. That tree leads right up to it. They are probably keeping a good eye on the main entrance, I doubt they are terribly worried about the second floor."

Munkustrap nodded. "Ah, yes, you are probably right. Sneak attack from the inside, it might just work."

He gave Admetus a pat on the back. "Good job. Let's get back to the junk yard so we can gather a group and make a plan. Maybe Coricopat and Tantomile will have an idea of when Quaxo will return."

It didn't take them too long to get back, and when they did they were greeted by the twins, who looked relatively upset. "We have talked with Quaxo again. There is a bus headed here, but it doesn't leave until later this afternoon. We highly doubt he'll be able to get here before early morning."

Munkustrap sighed. "Well, we can't wait for him. There is no telling what Macavity is doing to the poor girl, and I'm quite sure Quaxo would rather we get her out if we can."

Admetus nodded beside him, "I'll go get the guys, and we can start planning."