Sama'el drug the barely conscious Kira back to her room by a bruised arm. He tossed her into the room and slammed the door, locking it from the outside. He spit onto the floor out of habit, he couldn't get the taste of her mouth out of his. He walked into the kitchen just as the sun was raising and started to make himself breakfast.
Kira clenched her teeth against the pain that washed over her bruised and battered body. Finding the old torn blanket that was in the room she wrapped herself in it. Her bare and sore skin screaming at her, but it was also a form of comfort, a barrier no matter how thin. Tears ran down her cheeks and wetted the ground where she lay. But she locked her jaw against any sounds. Closing her eyes she let the darkness take her, dreaming of the one thing that had kept her going through the ordeal. Tugger.
Sama'el ate a bit of breakfast before taking a hot shower in the bathroom connecting his and Kira's bedrooms. He had let his hair grow out and it was barely touching his shoulders now.
Kira flinched at the sound of running water. A shower sounded nice normally. To wash off the grime and cleanse her wounds would be amazing, but now it meant he was near. Biting back a whimper she curled into a ball and held the blanket tighter to her.
Sama'el was strong, stronger than any one of the jellicles plus he'll have henchcats and possibly Macavity
Tugger looked up as Gears hopped down from the wall. Mungojerrie caught him just in time and set him onto the ground, "Careful Gears! Ye ain' suppo' te be walkin on det 'ing dis soon!"
Gears had his arm in a thick cast and was using a crutch as he hobbled towards the clearing, "And be stuck at home while everyone else is here?! I think not!" He was damn cheerful for his condition. It was probably the drugs they were pumping into him daily.
Scarlot looked over to Tugger, Mungo and Gears before standing and walking over to them. "Mungo's right, you shouldn't push yourself." She said.
Munkustrap was sitting on the trunk, eyes glazed over as he sat in thought. For the past few days and nights he was hardly getting sleep for he constantly was trying to think of a plan to get Kira back.
Gears waved his crutch as a fake threat to Scarlottin and grumbled, "Oh please! I'm fine!" He hobbled over to the TSE1 and plopped down next to Munkustrap.
"Good te see ye Scarlo'in! I assume de Jell'cles are remainin fer safteh in numbehs righ'?" The calico hadn't been back since he stayed with Gears and was happy to see the junkyard again.
Jemima suddenly popped up next to Munkustrap's leg. Behind her was Mistoffelees. They both seemed to have something on their mind but neither spoke for a while.
"That's right. The ball has been put on hold as well but no one wants to leave until we can finish." She said. "Old D is safely hidden as well. Alonzo, Plato and Jenny are all guarding him at the moment." Munkus blinked, snapping back to reality from his thoughts. Looking down he tilted his head to the side. "What is it Misto, Jemima? Is everything all right?"
"Jemima's ears lowered timidly and she attempted to hide behind Munkustrap's thigh as Misto stepped forward, "We want to help Kira!" Jemima nodded rapidly with only half of her face visible to Munkus.
Gears chuckled, "How could you help? No offense but you're rather small."
Misto put his hands on his hips, "I ottah turn you into a teapot!" His eyes narrowed as he looked the human over once.
Munkus chuckled slightly to himself before reaching down and picking Jemima up to set her on his lap. "We all want to help Kira, but we don't have any plan..." He looked at Misto. "Do we? Unless you two have figured out something."
"The four of us actually." Coricopat said, walking up behind the little tuxedo tom, Tanti at his side. He was still limping slightly, but had recovered mostly from the battle.
Scarlot pushed herself out of the leaning, almost casual posture and looked at them wide eyed. "You've figured something out?" She asked incredulous.
Jemima gave their protector a friendly nuzzle and nodded, "Yup!"
Tantomile cleared her throat and began explaining how they knew that Sama'el and Kira were alone in the human's apartment. They planned to go in as the front line and have a few of the others follow. They could be in and out with Kira in no time if they worked it right.
Gears thought for a moment and shook his head, "But how can Quaxo and Jemima help?"
"That actually might work!" Scarlot said, a smile starting to grow on her lips. Hope was finally starting to spread.
"You're right!" Munkus said, jumping to his feet, still holding the little queenkit so she didn't fall. "They can help Gears, because their both mystical as well!" "Munkustrap is right. They do not have the exact same abilities as us," Cori looked at Tanti, "but they have promise and already can do many things."
Mistoffelees nodded and almost bounced in place with excitement.
Tantomile thought for a moment, "Gears shouldn't come for obvious reasons... And Jemima should be our first concern, until we find Kira of course!"
Mungojerrie agreed and slapped Scarlottin on the back as her smile spread to him, "We could git in an' git ou' befo' 'e evin notices!"
Munkus smiled at Tugger and nodded. "Jemima is our prime concern until we get Kira, even then she still is to be protected. And Gears, you're sitting this one out."
"You're all missing something though. Even if we get Kira out before he notices we know he'll come after her again. What are we going to do about him?" Scarlot asked, her smiled fading to worry. He was a brute of a human, that was for sure.
They all exchanged a look and were quiet for a moment. Tugger slowly turned to look at the group and spoke for the first time since his brief warning to Scarlot, "Leave him to me..."
Gears looked the Maine Coon over once and grumbled, "Mister Emotionally Unstable gets to go but -I- have to sit this one out?!" He crossed his arms the best he could with the cast. "No fair!"
"Mister Emotionally Unstable is going because we couldn't keep him here if we wanted." Scarlot said. Though she kept her eyes on Tugger, taking in that dark look. The Maine Coon was different since knowing Kira. Not just her loss. He had been more calm, toned down. Now he was completely dark and reserved. Rather...Macavity-ish. She held back a shudder. She knew he'd be better once Kira was back.
"You're staying because you're still injured whether you like it or not." Munkus said, looking at Gear's arm and leg to make the point. Looking a the others he nodded. "Okay, so that's our plan. I say we leave when the sun sets."
Gears suddenly became quiet as his gaze fell to the ground, "no... leave at dawn or a bit later. Sama'el is a nocturnal creature... he liked to... operate at night if you know what I mean..."
Mistoffelees who was just barely an adult cocked his head, "No... what do you mean?"
Tantomile caught Misto's gaze and shook her head warningly.
Munkus and Scarlot exchanged a look, both of their ears slowly drooped back. They knew perfectly well what he meant. Munkus looked up at the sun. It was already late evening, about four hours to go until sunset. "We wouldn't have time to leave now. As much as I hate having to wait another night, we have to." Munkus said, though he was mostly just voicing it for his younger brother. Almost a warning. Cori nodded. "Morning it is. Rest up Misto, Jemima." He said, looking at the tuxedo and young queenkit. "You'll need every ounce of strength." Munkus set Jemima down and let her go off.
Mistoffelees hesitated for a moment, about to ask again. He decided it would be a waste of breath and trotted off to his pipe-den.
Gears rubbed his neck with his good hand and sighed, "I'm sorry we've caused you so much trouble... I shouldn't have meddled with your tribe and none of this would have happened..."
"We've already gone through this with Kira, Gears, don't blame yourself." Scarlot said, hopping up beside him. "We want to help." Munkus nodded before laying down, he wasn't going to sleep, but resting and trying to relax was going to be his best bet. Scarlot looked at Tugger. "You should rest too." She stated.
Tugger snorted and got off the trunk to be alone. He hadn't slept for nearly a week, what made her think that he would sleep now?
Gears yawned softly, "Damn! These pills knock me right out... mind if I stay the night? It's a pretty long limping-walk back to my apartment!"
Mungojerrie nodded almost instantly, "Yeh, Teazeh's takin de otheh bed in me den but ye kin stay wi' Rosco! 'E don' bite!"
Scarlot sighed before sliding off the trunk to sit beside Munkus and snuggled into his chest. She had a feeling that the night was going to last a long time. And if it seemed forever to them, she couldn't imagine what the night would be for Kira, let alone the time Sama'el has had her. She sighed.
Munkus stroked her head. "Everything will be fine." He said. She nodded. "Hopefully...Things will go back to normal." She replied.
--
Kira was curled up in the far corner of her room, eyes hollow and dead. She would almost seem so herself if it wasn't for the occasional rise and fall of her shoulders, showing her breathing. Her body had become numb to any sort of wounds or pain that Sama'el left her with. Her eyes were out of tears and her throat dry from barely drinking anything. She was thin from not eating as well.
Sama'el opened the door next to her slowly, making sure she wasn't behind it or anything, "Oh Love! I have dinner!" He waved a bag of Burger King in his direction and was using it like a doggy treat, "Here girl!"
The only movement she made was to shift her head up to see him before closing her eyes and pressing herself further into the corner, the ratted old blanket still wrapped around her tightly. 'It'll be over soon' She kept telling herself.
"Come now Love! You have to eat or you'll whither away to nothing!" He crossed his arms, bag still in hand, "And I happen to love your curves Babe!" His last statement practically dripped with sadistic venom.
She shuddered before finally standing and slowly walking towards him. Her tactics varied. She tried staying as far from him as possible, but that just seemed to worsen the pain inflicted. When she complied, maybe they weren't as bad. It was getting hard to tell in her mind.
He held the bag over his head and pulled her into a deep and rough kiss before offering the dinner again, "Eat slow or it'll all go to your ass!" He patted the to of her head and slammed the door before locking it.
Immediately she retreated to her corner, looking in the bag and maybe eating two fries before throwing the bag under her bed with the rest of the rejected food and spilt beverages. Hugging her knee's close, she sank into her safe haven: Memories.
Sama'el plopped down in his large armchair and turned on the television. It was midnight when he came for her. Upon finding the food under the bed he beat her worse than any other time that week. He drug her back into her room at about 5 am, when the sun just started to rise.
--
Mungojerrie disentangled himself from Rumple's grip and went to wake up Munkustrap, "It's time Munky!"
Munkus stood and stretched as Scarlot did the same. With a nod they rounded everyone up.
Cori and Tanti came to meet them at the fence with Misto and Jemima close behind.
--
Kira lay in a pained and bleeding heap, keeping her teeth clenched against any cries, though whimpers did escape her throat. Oh if only she could end it. But...Tugger...Crawling back into her corner she curled up and allowed the exhausted sleep take over.
Mungojerrie took Jemima onto his back so she wouldn't fall behind. Once everyone was ready they took off at a slow run, pacing themselves and reaching the human's apartment in under 20 minutes.
Mistoffelees and Jemima stood on either side of the mystic twins as they used a bit of magic to pass through the door into the building.
Munkus and Scarlot followed closely, along with Tugger. Both keeping a sharp eye on him, hoping he didn't go off into a fit of rage and blow their cover. They crept along, silent as ever, trying to find Kira's scent.
Cori and Tanti went first with Misto and Jemima on either side, hands up and at the ready in case their powers were needed.
Mungojerrie shuddered slightly as they passed through the door of Sama'el's apartment. He hated the feeling he was getting.
Tugger snorted softly and motioned to the sleeping form in front of the television, "Go find Kira..." He whispered and waited for them to leave.
Misto and Tanti made it to the end of the hall and went stock still. They sensed a Pollicle, "Get ready..."
Munkustrap and Scarlot froze, Munkus with only a hesitant look over his shoulder at Tugger's back.
Cori stood still as well, waiting. Whatever pollicle Sama'el had they had to deal with it quickly before it made any noise to wake up the sleeping human.
Mistoffelees's tail thrashed silently. It was the only outward sign that he was nervous. The tuxedo tom's ears perked to take in every sound as they took one more cautioned step forward.
In front of Kira's dog lay a giant Pitbull mix. It seemed much too large to be a pure breed and its lower canines were so big they stuck out over his upper lip.
Mungojerrie snorted and shook his head, "He hated Pollicles. "Kill it!" He whispered just loud enough for the rest of the Jellciles to hear as his ears pinned back.
Cori and Tanti didn't even look at each other as their fingers intertwined together in one hand and held out the other. Eyes narrowing ever so slightly, the dog only had time to feel an odd sensation, hardly opening its eyes until it was launched down the hall and through the wall. Though they couldn't see, it continued its course until it was a number of blocks away. Dropping their hands they nodded to Munkus and Mungo to go ahead to Kira's room. Any type of bloodshed or death they were trying to keep from Jemima's young and pure mind.
Munkus nodded and looked at Mungo briefly before rushing past the mystic cats and to the door. Twisting the doorknob once to know it was locked he twisted again, a second time and much harder trying to break the lock but it was much stronger.
Cori looked at Misto and nodded.
Kira hear movements outside her door and whimpered. Far to exhausted and in pain to move after that nights beating and rape. She had barely enough to crawl to the corner where she lay curled with the blood stained blanket.
Misto put his hands in front of him and the lock clicked softly and the door opened without a sound. He smiled widely up at Tantomile who had taught him this trick only a few days ago.
The mystic queen only gave him a curt nod before closing her eyes, "It is safe"
Mungojerrie followed Munkustrap in quietly, keeping to the shadows.
Cori, Tanti, Misto and Jemima stood outside keeping watch and waiting for Tugger.
Kira opened her eyes just enough to peer over her arm at the dark figures coming closer to her. Curling in even tighter with the blanket she just repeated the same thing again: it'll be over soon. Then she can rest.
Munkus looked around for her, then stopped when he saw the bundle in the corner between the bed and the wall. "Kira...?" He whispered.
Mungojerrie noticed that she drew away from and felt hurt by this. He thought quickly and shifted into his small calico form and nuzzled into her knee. He forced a deep pur that rumbled his chest and mewed softly.
Mistoffelees glanced up and down the hall before he looked at Jemima. He stared at her for a moment before suddenly smiling and giving a thumbs up. He blinked slowly at her as if silently reassuring the queenkit.
Tugger stood before the sleeping mountain of a human and had to force himself to not snarl viciously. His claws and fangs alike were bared as he approached the sleeping form.
Kira winced and shrank back further, but the dark form above her had become part of the shadows in her mind. It wasn't approaching her. "Hey little kitty." She mumbled, her voice barely a whisper and hoarse.
Munkus stood very still, hoping whatever Mungo had in mind would work.
Mungojerrie was so small in his cat form that he leapt into her lap and licked her nose without putting much pressure on her wounds at all. He mewed softly towards the entrance for Tantomile, who knew his meows well.
The mystic queen's ears swiveled to hear Mungojerrie's call. She turned abruptly, changing into her silver and black feline form and trotting gracefully over to the human.
Weakly Kira scratched behind Mungo's ear, though again she winced at the movement of something coming close. Upon seeing it another cat she exhaled slowly and rested her head against the wall. She was tired, so tired. By the time Sama'el came for her again these comforts, these illusions, would be gone. She knew it. Sleep sounded nice though. A retreat. Seeing Mungo and Tanti were both in the room Munkus slowly backed out, listening for any sort of sound and heading back to see how Tugger was doing.
Tantomile nuzzled into the girl's knee and a wave of relief washed over Kira. When it passed she could notice that some of the pain and bruises went with it. The mystic queen's ear twitched as she took on a bit of the girl's pain momentarily before it passed through her and left her system.
Mungojerrie nuzzled softly into Kira and tried to be as comforting as possible.
Dont worry Kira! Tantomile will take good care of you! Mistoffelees' voice wrapped comfortingly around Kira's mind as he spoke to her through telepathy.
Tugger sat atop the large grey armchair. It was overstuffed now and seemed more of a deep scarlet in the televisions light
A sigh escaped Kira's lips as the relief set in and some of the pain went away. Hearing another voice however startled her a little. She hadn't moved besides the little shifting of her head and hand, and didn't have plans to either. The danger was still outside to her.
Munkus stepped over to the chair, the thick smell of blood seeping into his nose. Tugger had prevailed now it was time for him to work in a different way. "Tugger, Kira wont let any of us get near her unless we're cats...Perhaps you can get her out of there." He said, voice still low because of instinct.
The very tip of Tugger's tail twitched as he listened. With a deep sigh he pivoted from his position and leapt to the floor. Mid-jump he shifted into his humanoid form and walked down the hall. The air around him seemed frigid as if all compassion was drained.
Mungojerrie jerked with Kira did but soon relaxed and curled into a tiny ball against her. His deep purrs seemed to warm her as he nuzzled into her side.
Misto's ears went out to the sides and he scurried out of Tugger's way as the Maine Coon passed.
Tugger's eyes softened as he saw Kira. He inhaled deeply and nearly flinched as the scent of fear and blood smashed into his conscious mind. He lowered himself next to her and waited, "Kira... Love?"
Munkus stepped out of his brothers way quickly, looking at the chair once more before following and standing to the doorway to wait. Now all they had to worry about was either a random person coming to this apartment or Macavity showing up, and he doubted both.
Kira shuddered and flinched away from the dark figure. But then, the voice seemed to trigger something. There was the same term of endearment that Sama'el used, 'Love', but it wasn't a sneer. It held actual feeling. "T-Tugger?" Her voice squeaked.
The Maine Coon smiled softly as he tried quickly to rub the blood from his paws onto the carpet beneath him. Once he was sure he got most of it off he drew closer to Kira and nuzzled her cheek like he always had. "I'm so sorry Kira..."
Mungojerrie looked up and saw him. The tiny calico exchanged a look with Tantomile and both cats trotted away from the couple.
Her breathing quickened and she winced, but it wasn't nearly as bad as before. There was a long moment of silence before she, hesitantly, leaned against him, then collapsed into her fears and relief. "I knew you'd come to get me." She whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks, her entire being shaking. "But...But I didn't want..." Shaking her head, she couldn't speak anymore.
Tugger pulled her into his lap and leaned heavily on the wall behind him, "shhh it's ok..." He lovingly stroked out her hair and hummed their lullaby.
Misto peeked into the room and then sighed, "I'm lad it turned out alright after all!" He smiled and ruffled Jemima's headfur.
Munkus nodded and looking into the room as well. "Come on, everything is fine now. Mungo, you stay behind just in case, the rest of you let's go home." He said, turning to leave, Cori and Tanti close behind.
Kira curled up against his chest, blanket still wrapped around her tightly, but she seemed to be calming down, besides the tears. Everything was just a delayed reaction to the ordeal, her barrier finally being pulled down. Now, she just wanted to sleep. Soon, she finally fell into a deep sleep.
Tugger pulled her close and stood. He cradled her against his chest as he left the room and exchanged a glance with Mungojerrie, who had shifted back and was waiting but the fireescape, "Let's go..." He forced himself not to look back at the human in the armchair as he exited through the window and the three of them headed back tot he junkyard.