Authors note: Mature for violence and language.
Munkus was far better after the week of rest and planning
Munkus was far better after the week of rest and planning. His and Mungo's stubbornness almost seemed to speed up their healing process. That or they masked it very well. Scarlot had a feeling it was a little of both, though she knew they wouldn't be able to hold them back any longer. "For the love of the Everlasting Cat, be careful, all of you." She said, arms wrapped tightly around Munkus's neck.
Mungojerrie hugged Rumpelteazer close and inhaled her scent deeply. He hated to think it but every time he went outside the territory it was possibly the last tie he could smell her. He kissed his mate softly and turned to Munkustrap, waiting for him to be ready before they started off towards Macavity's den.
Munkus embrace Scarlot. "We'll be careful. And return with both Pouncival and Alonzo." Then they were off. Coricopat and Tantomile the only others with them. It would be best to have smaller numbers. Less likely to be found that way, not to mention less people at risk. Soon they were upon it. He took a deep breath. "Everyone understand the plan? We go in, looking for Alonzo first. Mungo is the only one to touch, talk or deal with Pouncival if he intervenes."
They all nodded near in unison as they advanced towards the den with caution. They couldn't take the same entrance they used before so the next hour or so was spent searching for a new way in. Tantomile was the one who found their way in and they all followed Mungojerrie towards the center of the building.
Munkus followed them; he had given up the fight to stay in the lead a long while ago. He still didn't like it, but he had stopped arguing, knowing it wouldn't matter. He sniffed, searching for any recognizable scent.
Mungojerries nose was working as well but the whole place only smelled like 3 things; Macavity, rot... and Pouncival. The calico turned a corner while he was thinking and found himself in the holding cell area. A shudder ran through him as he remembered what had happened last time he was here.
Tsuki found her way to the baths and sunk into the water across from Pouncival, exhaling deeply. "God I love this room..."
Pouncival opened his eyes slowly, the innocence washing away as his consciousness snapped back. He said nothing, only noted her presence before closing his eyes again and leaning his head back. But he didn't fall asleep. He felt every movement Tsuki's body made as the water slowly shifted around them, listened to her heartbeat and his own.
Tsuki cleaned herself quickly and then fell almost perfectly still as her breathing drew out and evened. She fell asleep quickly, her wings floating on top of the warm water.
Pouncival kept one eye open a slit, watching Tsuki. She had to have known. His first memory was her, still helping him find certain rooms. But why hadn't she told him? Why hadn't she said anything? He sighed inwardly, pushing the thoughts back behind a mental barrier. Though sudden noise kept him from drifting back to sleep quickly. Macavity was yelling at one of his head guards for not being at his post as he walked into the bathing rooms. He slipped into his personal tub and purred softly
On instinct, Pouncival looked up as he heard the yelling orders and saw Macavity enter. He bowed his head slightly before closing them again. But he couldn't relax any longer. With a small sigh he stood and toweled himself off, leaving his fur to stick in random directions. He'd groom later. He wandered aimlessly, trying to figure out something to do, anything to get his mind off of the thoughts once again. He trusted Macavity's words and yet...Perhaps if he talked to the Harlequin again they would cease. So he found himself walking through the halls of the holding cells.
llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
Munkus twitched his tail and laid a calm hand on Mungo's shoulder. He couldn't imagine what it must be like to relive your nightmares over and over. Lifting his nose to the air he caught Alonzo's faint smell and began following it.
Mungojerrie followed after him and gasped when he saw their protector, a still and whimpering heap against the wood of the door, "'Lonzo... I'm so sorry..." He gripped the bars in the door tightly. He knew he wouldn't be able to break the door down.
Munkus, eyes sad grasped the bars. "Alonzo..." He breathed. "Hang on, we're going to get you out of here." He said, looking up and around the cage door. Alonzo moaned slightly and lifted his head.
Pouncival froze, ears swivalling, eyes searching. He'd heard something. Footsteps, faint echoes of voices. Baring his teeth but making no sound he crouched and slunk forward. Peering silently from around a corner in dark shadow he saw who it was. That Tabby And Calico! They had come for their prisoner, the harlequin. There were four, there was no way he could fight them all off. Gritting his teeth he crept back, once out of earshot he broke into a sprint, barking orders as he went. He burst into the bathing rooms
"Jellicles in the holding cells Master!" He said, then looked to Tsuki. "Get the henchrats and make sure they get down there. Six already went." He snarled.
Mungojerrie inhaled deeply and jerked around, "I smell 'im.. 'e was jist 'ere!" Mungo turned to Munkustrap and gulped, "We're in trouble if we don' git outta 'ere soon!" Macavity snarled and jumped from the tub, he shook dry and charged towards the henchrats training area. He ordered them all to the holding cells and followed after them. He'd kill them this time!
"Right." Munkus tried the door, but this time it was locked. 'Great,' he thought. But then a gargling screech met his ears as they were suddenly set upon by six henchrats.
Kamewati had snuck in during Mungojerrie's outburst. He had been hiding out on the outskirts of the Jellicle territory and followed them when he saw them heading towards Macavity's den.
Pouncival raced after Macavity, claws out to catch any henchrat that was falling behind to make sure it moved faster. He turned a corner and took a short cut, wanting to get there before his Master, make sure the ones he sent before hand were there.
Munkus whipped around dealing a kick to the largest ones head. Its head snapped around, an audible snap echoing and it fell back onto another. "Everyone, stay close!" He called above the battle. Coricopat and Tantomile took out three others as Munkus took out another. That left one more, but he knew there was more to come. And something far worse.
Pouncival rounded the last corner and saw the henchrats on the ground. 'Incompetent fools' He thought to himself, eyes dark with fury. Racing forward he leapt at the Tabby Macavity had fought before, landing on his back, claws sinking deep.
Mungojerrie grabbed Pouncival without thinking and pulled him close like he used to when the kit cried. He didn't care how hurt he got as long as he made sure no one else had to hurt him. "Don' move... please... Jist let us git 'Lonzo and we'll go..." Macavity was a bit behind, his incompetent minions were slower than fuck and he snarled as he was forced to a brisk jog behind them.
Pouncival snarled and twisted, trying to slash at Mungo's face. However, being so close to Mungo's multicolored face shocked his conciousness. He let out a cry of pain and clasped his hands to his head. What was happening to him?! The pain led into another frenzy of attacks, slashing up the calico's strong arms.
Kamewati crushed the last henchrats skull and sniffed the air deeply, "He'll be here in 30 seconds... we must hurry if we wish to leave intact..." Kamewati moved to the door and motioned for Munkustrap to help him break the door down.
Munkustrap looked around. He had forgotten about Kame. How stupid of them to not ask for the forest cats help. He nodded and went over to help, with only a small worried look at Mungo and Pouncival. However he stuck to the plan. Coricopat and Tantomile did the same, standing on either side of the two toms working on the door.
Mungojerrie just tightened his grip and nuzzled into the top of the tomkit's headfur like he had done the night Plato had died, "Shhhh... Dancin bears... pain'ed wings. thin's I almos' remembah..." Mungojerrie hissed as his arms started to bleed badly but he continued, "an' a song... someone sings. Once upon a Decembah..." Kamewati, with Munkustraps help, forced the door open and Coricopat pulled the Halequin out of his cell. The protector was covered in old blood and his eyes seemed empty. He was too weak to stand or move so the twins had to take care of him.
Pouncival let out an agonized yowl and covered his ears, claws twitching and digging into his scalp. "What...Are you doing to me?!" He growled and writhed. The song. It was a lullaby. Their lullaby. He shook his head violently and twisted, now in a desperate attempt for freedom. Kicking and twisting he tried to get free. All the while claws over his ears. Munkus knelt by Alonzo before Cori and Tanti picked him up to carry him off. "You two get him out of here. We'll be right behind you." He glanced back at Mungo as the twins disappeared. "Mungo we have to go!"
Mungojerrie didn't hear him, his voice was low but all the Jellicle's could hear him as he sang. He snuggled against the thrashing kitten and ignored the pain as he pulled him tighter, "Someone 'olds me safe an' warm... 'orses dance through a silvah storm. Figurahs dancin gracefullee 'cross me memory..."
"Let go of me!" He snarled, thrashing. His coat was now stained with both his own and Mungo's blood. Making it slick to hold onto. With a final growl he wrenched himself around and thrust whatever weight he could manage against the calico, trying to topple them over.
Macavity arrived with an enraged snarl. He couldn't get ahead of the henchrats or he would be an easy target. He simply stood there as a wave of 6 of them encircled the remaining two Jellicles and Pouncival.
"Let go of me!" He snarled, thrashing. His coat was now stained with both his own and Mungo's blood. Making it slick to hold onto. With a final growl he wrenched himself around and thrust whatever weight he could manage against the calico, trying to topple them over.
Munkustrap snarled at the henchrats. "Mungo..." He said warningly. He didn't want to intervene, not knowing if what Mungo was doing was working or not. But he didn't want to risk sending it backwards if it was helping.
Mungojerrie whimpered as he was slammed into his back on the floor. He held the tomkit tighter. never hurting him but tight enough so he couldn't get free. "Far away.. long ago. Glowin dim ash an embah... thin's me 'eart used te know...thin's it yearn te remembah" His facial fur was matted with new tears as he held Pouncival. three henchrats advanced on Munkustrap. the other three waited for Pouncival to be free of Mungojerie's grip until they attacked.
Munkus stood with his arms out, claws ready and back to Kamewati. He snarled, teeth bared. "Why do you hide behind your rats Macavity? Especially while your pupil struggles?" He hated using Pouncival as a tool. But if it worked...It could go either way. It could work to their advantages in a couple different ways, either getting Macavity to come forward, or him saying something that might make Pouncy go back with them. Or it could just make Macavity angry.
Pouncival struggled. Clawing, biting, kicking, hitting. But nothing was working. His physical strength and well trained stamina were failing. He was tiring himself out, not to mention not thinking straight. His mind hurt, making him try to escape even harder. "Filthy Jellicle!" He snarled, but it was lower, his voice cracking from overuse of yelling and screaming. "Stop!" His hands were clutched over his ears again. "Master..." His voice a whisper. "Make it stop..."
"please... Pouncy... come back te me..." Mungojerrie was growing weak physically and emotionally as he plead for his tomkit to return, Macavity snarled and called back his henchrats as he launched himself at the tabby.
"I'll kill you! You fuckin Jellicle Slime!" He screamed. Munkustrap hadn't expected a response that quickly but he met it full force. Arms wrapping around the ginger's, claws digging into fur and flesh. He snarled and kicked at the ground, sending them both into a rolling mass.
Pouncival was panting, becoming quieter. His eyes were still tightly shut, blood caked claws still clasped over his ears. "Stop...Please...Mungo...Stop." He murmered, a cry building up. For that moment, he felt so helpless, so weak. Like a kitten...like who he had been. Pictures flashed before his closed eyes. The calico who held onto him, another tomkit with markings similar to himself only opposite. Others...Yet names didn't come forth with them. Only one resounded.
"Mungo..." He curled up into a tight ball, waiting, wishing the agony within his head would cease, hoping the calico or tabby would finish him off quickly. Anything to end it.
Mungojerrie stroked out his head fur and muttered softly. He couldn't let go of Pouncival even if he wanted to. He knew Munkustrap would say something if he ended up needing him. Pouncivals' entire frame shook violently. His clenched jaw twitched, as did his claws. Muscles seized up, he didn't know if he could move. Though who was to say he wanted to?
"Please...Just kill me." He whimpered.
Macavity slammed the tabby against the floor and jumped back, getting to his feet. He circled the Jellicle and snarled, "I want to see you bleed to death little brother!"
"Finally agree on something." Munkus snarled in response, circling. "We each want to see the other dead!" He bared his teeth, waiting for opening or attack.
Mungojerrie crooned softly and rocked him back and forth, "Don' fight it tomkit... let de mem'ries come" he kissed the top of Pouncival's head and waited. He would wait all day if that's what it took.
Munkus got the opening he was waiting for, as soon as Macavity glanced Pouncival's way he leapt, slashing with his claws and baring his teeth. "Now look who's losing it? Your ward is falling, coming back to us." He snarled.
Macavity allowed himself to glance at his ward and a fierce snarl escaped his throat. He had raised the perfect fighting machine and now that fucking no good calico was singing him better! And little kisses and hugs! It was enough to make him sick. Suddenly the yowls of the henchrats rang out as Kamewati jumped from the ceiling. He took three out as he fell and hissed low at the others, daring them to attack him
Pouncy shook his head and weakly struggled again, futilely pushing against Mungo's arms. He wished for the numb feeling of before. If this was how it was before, he didn't want it. He didn't want this pain. He didn't want...
"Just let de mem'ries come…" Mungo whispered again.