Disclaimer: I do own two pet cats and two pet dogs, not to mention Elijah, but I don't actually own Cats. Weird, eh?
A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers and readers! You guys give me the inspiration to write! I'm happy to say that there will be much fewer delays from now on, so updates will be more frequent. Provided school doesn't get too crazy...anyway, enjoy! This chappie's dedicated to Kristen-Kai-Lundy, who did a concept pic of Elijah for me. Thanks a million!
Elijah stealthily snuck into the hideout, using the emergency exit he was thrown out of not long ago. The henchcats followed and assembled around him in the jail hall, waiting for orders.
He shot a disappointed look at them; he was still miffed that they made such stupid mistakes. "You're all dismissed. Don't let this happen again."He warned them and headed off down the hall towards Macavity's office. He didn't bother saluting them, as he didn't think they deserved it.
He reached his boss' office and knocked softly on the door. A gruff "enter" was heard from inside, and he pushed the door open and stepped into the office. He didn't like being in here. Not because of its shabby appearance, from its old, rickety desk in the middle that was always strewn with yellowed papers, to the musty smell from who-knows-what in the corner. The peeling, faded dark gray paint on the walls didn't add a nice touch, either. He didn't like it because of the ginger tom that sat at the desk, staring at him with those acid yellow eyes. The intimidating and dominant aura around him didn't make Elijah anymore comfortable.
"Report. What did you find of interest? How is my older brother doing these days?"Macavity drawled in his sleazy tone. He smirked as he inspected his claws.
Elijah gave the tiniest shudder; the sight of those claws always sent a cold shiver down his spine, and Macavity knew it. Coming back to his senses, he cleared his throat. "The field behind the junkyard could be a very good ambush point. Apparently it's very spacious, but it's most likely cut off by a fence. They use it as a hunting ground. I found out that discarded metal and unstable trash piles are a huge hazard. I think we can use the kittens as ransom, but they'd most likely be guarded by adults."He finished, expecting a positive remark.
Macavity remained silent. His indifferent expression didn't give anything away. He put his paw down and glanced at Elijah. "That's it? You didn't find out anything else? What of their security? Numbers? Skill? You've given me very little to work with, Elijah. I'm disappointed."He said in a flat tone.
"What? Disappointed? I almost got discovered as a spy because of that! Hmm...Did he say security?"Elijah thought as he collected himself. He tried again, this time hoping to get a better comment. "Sir, their security isn't good. Nothing like yours. They let me and the henchcats go without a hitch, and they were very polite about the whole thing. They were too trusting...It was almost unsettling. Your former prisoners weren't scared or anything. They talked to me like I was their friend. Which I am, but-"He got cut off as Macavity suddenly rose from his chair and grabbed his neck in one swift movement. He lifted him up a couple inches off the ground with one arm.
A surprised Elijah struggled to get free, but he knew he couldn't win. Macavity locked his eyes on him, and the scar on his neck suddenly felt like it was on fire. He tried to scream in agony, but no sound came out of his mouth.
"Friend? You do not make friends. You do not trust anyone. I thought you understood that. Next time you see our prisoners, show no mercy. Those Jellicles have made you soft. It's my turn to toughen you up."Macavity hissed as he let go. Elijah collapsed in a heap on the hardwood floor, gasping for air. He lay still as the pain ebbed away. He knew if he moved too much, it would more than likely come back.
Macavity sat back down in his chair and his face was stone-cold once more, like nothing had happened. He resumed the conversation in his usual low, smooth tone. "My brother was always known for being too nice. He probably felt like you weren't much of a threat, with your injuries, and with so many good words from your...friends."He spat the word out like it was poison, and then continued. "But you're right, his security is nothing compared to mine. It's still an obstacle, though. Do not be fooled, they were just testing you; observing what we are capable of when I'm not leading you. Some of them may trust you, but I know he doesn't. Next time he won't be so nice. We won't either."He finished, and looked at Elijah's shaking form in front of him.
He rose again and nudged him with his foot. Elijah recoiled from him, but didn't get far. Macavity smirked. "I'll explain the rest of my plan tomorrow. I'll send for you again, when you're more attentive."He nudged him again and Elijah raced out of the office, faster than an injured cat should.
Misto ran the whole exchange over with Victoria once again. "It doesn't make sense, Vic. Why was Munk so nice to the henchcats? He's usually not that passive when it comes to intruders. I understand with Elijah, but...He shouldn't have been that polite."He looked at Victoria, who was sitting across from him on an old crate. They were near the Great Tire, and the sun was low in the sky.
Victoria rested a paw on her chin, thinking. She remained silent for a few moments before replying. "Maybe he was just testing their obedience to Elijah. As you could probably tell, they couldn't think for themselves very well. If Elijah was really bad, he would have made them fight and try to kidnap us again, or something. But he didn't. He said to do the exact opposite. Maybe that's why Munk treated the henchcats so nicely: because he knew Elijah wouldn't try anything bad. Because he knew Elijah wasn't bad."She looked at Misto for his opinion.
Misto slowly nodded, taking her words in. "You're right about the obedience. Munk probably knew he wouldn't do anything, or couldn't do anything, so he was just testing their loyalty. He was testing Elijah. But Elijah being good? He's Macavity's second-in-command! He has to be anything but good! His nice personality is just so out of place in the hideout. I know it's his nature, but it seems kind of strange to me."Misto explained in a quieter tone.
Victoria cocked her head at him in confusion. "What are you talking about, Misto? Elijah's just naturally nice, he said so himself. He might stand out from the other toms we works with, but that's the key to his success: being different. He leads the henchcats with Macavity in his own way, mixed with Macavity's way. And it works."She smiled, remembering how safe she felt when Elijah was guarding them back at the hideout.
"No, that's not my point. Sure, he's nice and all, but he just seems too nice. And relaxed. He was practically our prisoner, yet his demeanor was completely relaxed. It was unnatural. It's like he was acting, or something. Remember how he was asking us all those questions about the junkyard? He seemed like he was choosing his words carefully, like he wanted a specific answer. I could see it in his eyes. He was thinking a lot before each question, and he didn't sound like he was trying to make casual conversation. His body may have been relaxed, but his eyes and tone weren't. Didn't you notice that?"By this time Misto had stood up and was pacing, wringing his paws. Vicky shook her head in disapproval.
She stood up and hugged him tightly, resting her head on his chest. Misto didn't hesitate to return the hug, but he was still tense. Vicky looked up at him and smiled. "You're doing it again, Misto. You're over-thinking things and getting paranoid. You need to relax. Elijah's a nice cat, and he was just curious about the junkyard, that's all. He hasn't been in one, so you can't blame him for asking questions, thinking he's out to get something from us. It's unfair."She nuzzled his neck as she felt his arms around her relax.
Misto sighed and broke their embrace. "Thanks, Vic. I needed that. You're right, I am getting paranoid again. I guess I just don't trust cats as easily as you do."He smiled at her and sat back down.
Victoria did the same and resumed their conversation. "So now that we have that out of our fur, what do you think of Rumpleteazer and Elijah? She hinted that she...liked him, but I want to know if 'Jerrie told you anything."Victoria whispered, as if someone might hear her. Misto knew she loved gossiping about crushes, and it rubbed off on him pretty quickly. Now he loved gossiping just as much as she did.
He shook his head while a mischievous grin formed on his face. "'Jerrie didn't tell me anything. What did 'Teazer say? When did she tell you?"He asked, leaning forward with interest.
His queenfriend giggled with excitement; she was loving this. "She told me when you were in Jenny's den, the night we came back. We were waiting for our turns, and she asked me if I knew him. Once I said his name, she went into this weird trance...She said that even though she hasn't seen Elijah in years, she's still head-over-heels for him! I think it's the same thing with Elijah."She gave him an uncertain glance. She didn't want to go making up stories about someone she knew so little about, but she was pretty sure she was telling the truth.
Misto furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "Wow, 'Teazer must really like him if she was that into it. She must have taken a short walk down memory lane there! Wait, how do you know it's the same deal with Elijah? Did he tell you so himself back in the hideout while I was still out?"He leaned back, cocking his head.
Victoria chuckled, but shook her head. "No, he didn't tell me he even knew 'Teazer. I could tell by the look in his eyes when we went to visit him that first time, while 'Jerrie and 'Teazer left. He had this look of longing in his eyes, just for a second. But it was enough to tell me he still had feelings for her."She had a twinge of sadness in her voice, but it was fleeting. Her face suddenly lit up as she thought of something. She sighed dreamily, getting Misto's full attention.
"What? You're making that face again, you know, the one you make whenever you're thinking of something romantic? What's on your mind?"Misto asked, all ears.
"Oh, nothing really. I'm just thinking about how lucky 'Teazer is to have a bad boy as a tomfriend. One who can be both kind and mysterious. It must be so exhilarating..."She trailed off and sighed again.
Misto drew back, frowning. "Oh, and I'm not? Come on, Vic, I can make magic! How much more mysterious could I get?"He exclaimed, throwing his paws up in the air. He tone was laced with the tiniest bit of jealousy, but his queenfriend had no problem picking it out.
Victoria laughed, a little happy that her tomfriend was jealous. "No, no, I didn't mean it like that! I'm just saying that Elijah has a reputation for crime, which makes him a bad boy, but he's also sweet and sensitive. Queens love that! That's the perfect combination that queens like 'Teazer want. That's why I think she's so lucky. Don't get me wrong, though. You have the perfect combination of being kind and brave. That's what I need."She finished, hoping she'd avoided making him take offence.
Her tomfriend remained silent, thinking about what she said. A malicious grin slowly spread across his face. "Well if you find bad boys so exhilarating, then maybe I should be more of one?"He asked while yellow sparks started to dance around his paws.
Victoria's eyes widened, and her face grew horrified. "You wouldn't! I swear Misto, if you come near me with those paws, you'll pay!"She threatened while she stood up and started to back away slowly.
Misto cocked an eyebrow while he stood up as well. "Try me."He purred as he advanced towards her. When he was about half a foot away from her, he stopped. Victoria stopped as well. She shut her eyes tightly and they both waited. Slowly, the fur on her paws started to prickle, as they were the closest to Misto's electrified paws. Then, in a matter of seconds, every hair on Victoria's body stood on end; it was every queen's worst nightmare: frizzy fur.
She stood there with her mouth gaping open. She stared at Misto, flabbergasted. Misto put his paws down and smirked. A few moments for silence passed, and he couldn't stand it any longer. He doubled over in laughter as Victoria came to her senses and frantically tried to smooth her fur.
"Misto, you're terrible! You're going to pay for this!"Victoria screeched as she unsheathed her claws and stepped towards him.
Misto calmed himself enough to stop laughing, and looked at her in triumph. "Ha! So you finally admit it! I am a bad boy!"He exclaimed as he started running.
Victoria hissed and gave chase. "You ruined my fur! Get back here and take your punishment like a tom!"She screamed as she chased him through the junkyard. Misto's laughter and Victoria's empty threats filled the air for a good twenty minutes until Munkustrap finally stepped in and made them stop.