Chapter Nine: Warehouse Wake-up Call
A/N: In this chapter I'll be introducing two new characters, their role is not major but it is still important. I hope you like them and the idea of their purpose isn't too far-fetched. Let me know what you think and enjoy!
Also, I know it's been an extremely long time since I've updated, but with the start of college things have been more hectic than usual (which I know is something I say a lot but I'm hoping you'll understand and forgive me).
If the names of the new characters are confusing to pronounce, let me know and I'll show in the next chapter how they are meant to sound when spoken.
Demeter woke up groggily on the cold cement floor of a dimly lit room. There was an old and dusty smell and the air was damp. She didn't know where she was or who was with her but she knew she was not alone. She could see the reflecting eyes in the darker parts of the room glimmering in her direction. Not knowing who was watching caused her to tense and stand up instantly, turning around and preparing to take on whatever it was that she assumed was about to attack her. But instead…
"Hey, don't rush around so much!"
"She's right, you might pass out. That was quite a hit you took to the mouth."
"Not to mention the busted ankle. Don't worry, it isn't broken."
Both cats stepped into the light. The first feline who spoke was a gray and white cat, with youthful eyes and a strange yet funny cuteness about her. The second cat, older and somehow wiser, was a brown tabby mix with striking green eyes. Demeter was weary of both new characters slowly approaching her. She couldn't tell if they were being cautious or if they were preparing to jump on her. Noticing this, the wiser cat very gingerly motioned to her partner to stop advancing. "She's frightened…" her head cocked to one side, curious and confused as to Demeter's reaction.
The cat continued talking, but this time to Demeter. "We aren't going to harm you. My name is Illythia. This here is Fillany, my niece. We take shelter here every now and then, without Macavity knowing of course."
Demeter replied timidly. "How do you get in and out of this place without his knowing? Aren't you…afraid?"
"We have powers." Fillany exclaimed proudly, earning her an elbow nudge from her elder Aunt Illythia. Demeter eyed them questioningly.
"It's true; we come from a family of mystical felines. We aren't very powerful, but it's enough to get us in and out of this old warehouse without alerting the guards."
Demeter was intrigued. "You said warehouse?"
"Yes." Illythia confirmed.
"Is it the one on Washington Street?"
"Yes, why?" Fillany jumped in.
"Guards… there are guards here?"
"Yes, yes. Why is this important to you? Why are you here? A cat who looks as pretty and clean as you do surely doesn't make a habit of hanging around filthy places such as these."
"No, I don't… but it's a long story and I'd rather not tell it." Demeter receded to an unoccupied corner of the room and curled up in it, positioning her back towards her two new acquaintances. Illythia put a paw on Fillany's shoulder, signaling her to stay put. She walked over to Demeter's corner and whispered in her ear, "We like long stories. You can trust us."
The maternal and comforting tone of Illythia's voice instilled a sense in Demeter that she truly could trust these new friends. She filled them in, telling both of them her wrenching tale; of her lost relationship with Munkustrap, of being chased and manipulated by Macavity and so on. In return, Illythia told Demeter an equally wrenching story. When Fillany was very little, Illythia's sister and Fillany's mother had been killed and completely devoured by a Pollicle. Illythia became a mother to Fillany and they've been 'roughing it' ever since. She made it clear to Demeter however, that although they lived on the streets, they wouldn't prefer to live anywhere else. For them, the streets are home to them more so than any other kind of home could ever be. They had taken shelter in the Warehouse because of the storm that had passed about two hours ago.
Rain made Demeter think of the wet and marshy mud she had hid in during the chase. She remembered her ankle and she remembered how much trouble she was in. She didn't know why she was here or where Macavity was exactly. She didn't know what he planned to do with her and she didn't know when or if she'd ever see home again as well as those she loved.
Illythia examined Demeter's ankle. "I don't have anything here I can use to bandage your ankle. Other than a few other scrapes and bruises, you're in healthy shape. I'll come by tomorrow and bring you some supplies. In the meantime, stay strong and don't give up hope. I'm sure your family will be searching for you soon if they aren't already." Illythia winked and touched Demeter's chin lightly, making Demeter smile.
"How could they not? You're sweet! I like you." Fillany hugged Demeter tight, reminding her of the kittens in the Junkyard.
"Well I like you too. Be good for your Aunt." Demeter rubbed Fillany's head and thanked Illythia. The two of them vanished right before Demeter's eyes. One of their powers was obviously invisibility, and as soon as they had gone, Demeter felt alone. She was petrified as her mind kept formulating scenarios of what Macavity had in store for her...
A/N: I would say that I will have the new chapter up soon, but every time I do, it takes forever. So this time I will not jinx myself! Anyway, review please!
