Munkustrap sat and watched as Quaxo tried to replicate Cori's trick with getting the sparks to circle his paws. Munkus shook his head and chuckled as the area around Quaxo suddenly erupted in glitter.
"Well, at least your magic is pretty," Munkus teased as he looked at the glittering kitten who pouted back at him in return. Munkustrap's ears twitched as he heard footsteps approaching their hiding spot.
"So, what they are saying is correct?" Munkustrap looked around and nodded as Deuteronomy squeezed his way into the cupboard. Quaxo gave a small whimper and scrambled into Munkustrap's lap, hugging him tightly. Munkus wrapped his arms reassuringly around the kitten as Deuteronomy settled down in front of them, looking sadly at the scared kitten.
"It's okay, Quaxo." Deuteronomy cooed softly at the kitten. "You don't need to be afraid." Munkustrap looked up at his father at this, seeing the warmth in his brown eyes.
"You're not going to listen to the others?" Munkus asked quietly. Deuteronomy shook his head.
"No, I know Quaxo isn't dangerous." Deuteronomy smiled weakly. "I've managed to placate the Jellicles for now, by telling them Quaxo's magic will be monitored." Munkustrap nodded in agreement.
"Coricopat and Tantomile have already offered to teach him." Munkustrap responded, catching the leader by surprise. Deuteronomy smiled after a small pause.
"I am sure the twins will be the best teachers for him." Quaxo peeked out at leader.
"I-I promise I'll learn everything I can and o-only use my magic for good!" Quaxo promised. Deuteronomy beamed, opening his arms. Quaxo grinned and quickly bounded over to him for a hug, purring loudly as he nuzzled into Deuteronomy's long fur. Deuteronomy chuckled as he hugged the young kitten.
"I have to admit," He chuckled as he looked around the glittering den. "The sparkles are something I've never heard of before." Deuteronomy laughed once more as he looked at Munkustrap.
"Especially sparkles that like to spread." He grinned, indicating to Munkustrap. Munkustrap glanced down and chuckled when he saw his stomach was glittering slightly.
"It doesn't come off me." Quaxo spoke up suddenly as he wiped at the sparkles on his arm which did not move. Munkustrap frowned as he looked at his young charge, who was focused on trying to get the sparkles off.
"Your paws are still black." Munkus spoke up suddenly. Quaxo glanced at him before looking at his paws and frowning.
"That will be his magic." The three looked around as Coricopat and Tantomile entered the den once more.
"What do you mean?" Munkus asked, curious. Cori smiled as he settled down next to his friend as Tantomile went to examine the glitter.
"When Quaxo's power manifests, its…well, it's showy," Cori chuckled. "It's also powerful, which is why it's manifesting outside of Quaxo's internal self and is changing the colour of his paws, plus creating the sparkles in Quaxo's fur." Quaxo frowned down at his paws.
"So, it isn't permanent?" Deuteronomy questioned. The twins shook their heads.
"No, when Quaxo is at peace and his magic isn't being used, then his paws and fur will go back to normal." Tantomile explained before turning to the tuxedo kitten.
"Now, Quaxo, tell me how you're feeling," She told him gently. Quaxo looked up at her, his purple-green eyes showing his hesitance. She just smiled at him reassuringly.
"It's okay," Tantomile meowed softly. Quaxo sighed.
"I-I'm scared." The kitten admitted, curling in closer to Deuteronomy.
"Scared of what?" Cori pressed gently from where he was sitting beside Munkustrap.
"T-The Jellicles don't like me anymore…a-and I don't want to end up like Macavity and have to leave everyone…" Quaxo sniffled sadly.
"Now, Quaxo, listen closely to me." Cori told him softly, but firmly. "You have cats that care for you very much, and will never let that happen to you, do you understand?" Quaxo gave a small nod.
"We will always be here for you, Quax," Munkustrap spoke up, seeing what Cori and Tantomile were trying to do.
"Okay, Quaxo, I want you to really believe what we told you, we speak only the truth," Tantomile started. "Close your eyes and focus on how that makes you feel." Quaxo did so, breathing in deeply.
Munkustrap smiled as he watched the sparkles disappear from Quaxo's fur and as his paws turned back to white.
"Now, open your eyes, sweetie." Tantomile smiled. Quaxo did so and grinned when he saw he was no longer glittering and his fur was back to normal.
"How do you feel now?" Cori questioned.
"Safe," Quaxo just answered simply, smiling at them. The twins gave a small nod.
"Your magic was being defensive and was reacting to protect you from your fear," Cori explained. "Defensive is good," He added, seeing the unease on Quaxo's face. "We're pleased that your magic thinks defence rather than attack, which is the problem with some," Cori finished. Quaxo gave a thoughtful nod as he looked back at his paws.
"Now, shall we go back to the clearing and show the others that they were wrong and that there is nothing to be afraid of?" Deuteronomy questioned Quaxo gently. Quaxo hesitated, looking at Munkustrap, afraid.
Munkus just gave him a reassuring smile, offering his paw. Quaxo ambled out of Deuteronomy's lap to go to Munkustrap, taking his paw and wrapping his arms around Munkustrap's middle as Munkus pulled him in for a hug.
"We will be by your side the whole time," Munkus whispered in his ear. "I will never let anyone hurt you." Quaxo purred gently and gave a nod.
"Come on then," Tantomile pressed softly as she got to her feet, Cori following her, before they swiftly left the cupboard, Deuteronomy trailing behind them. Quaxo took Munkustrap's paw nervously before they exited the cupboard together.
As the five approached the clearing, Quaxo began to tremble and sparkles began appearing throughout his fur.
"Remember we are here for you, Quaxo." Tantomile spoke up gently from where she was walking behind the young kitten. Quaxo just bit his lip nervously, looking at Munkustrap, who gave the kitten a reassuring smile.
"I'm right here, Quaxo, no need to be scared." Munkus said softly.
"Deep breath, Quax, you need to relax." Cori murmured. Quaxo did so, taking in a deep breath and trying to feel calm.
"You're doing well, Quaxo." Cori praised him. Quaxo looked down and focused on his fur, giving a small smile when he noticed the sparkles had gone.
"Already you are doing an excellent job at controlling your magic," Tantomile told him proudly.
They walked into the clearing and the Jellicles went silent, staring at the five precariously.
Quaxo gave a small whimper, hugging himself close to Munkustrap's waist. Munkustrap reassuringly wrapped his arm around the kitten's shoulders.
"Jellicles!" Deuteronomy's voice boomed across the clearing. "I have witnessed young Quaxo's magical abilities, I have spoken to our resident mystics, both of whom have offered to take Quaxo under their tutorage, which Quaxo has enthusiastically agreed to." Deuteronomy looked around at the Jellicles.
"Quaxo is not dangerous." Deuteronomy stated firmly, resting his paw on the tuxedo kitten's head. "He just wants to be a normal kitten and has told me that he wants to learn about his magic so he can control it and help the tribe when needed." Deuteronomy smiled at the young kitten, who stared up at him, wide-eyed.
"And I am proud of him for taking this commitment on, so no one is to bully or isolate Quaxo in anyway," Deuteronomy ordered, turning his attention back to the Jellicles. "He is not dangerous and he did not ask to have magic, it isn't something he can choose to have…but at least he's making an effort to control it, and already he is doing rather well in that aspect." Coricopat and Tantomile nodded in agreement at the leader's words.
"Quaxo is part of our family and you are to treat him as such." And with those final words, Deuteronomy turned to Quaxo and Munkus.
"If anyone gives you any trouble, Quaxo, you just need to tell me, okay?" He told Quaxo. Quaxo gave a nod, smiling.
"Thank you." Quaxo purred as he hugged Deuteronomy thankfully.
"Hey, Quaxo?" Quaxo turned and looked at Jemima nervously as she hesitantly walked up.
"H-Hi, Jemima." Quaxo mumbled nervously. Jemima gave a small smile as she walked up to him, taking his paw.
"Wanna play hide and seek?" She asked sweetly. Quaxo grinned and gave a nod, glancing at Munkustrap once more, before he followed Jemima.
Munkustrap gave a laugh as Cori suddenly latched onto his back, grinning at his friend.
"Cori!" Munkus laughed, swatting at his friend's nose. Cori just grinned before yelping as Tantomile suddenly tackled him away, laughing. Munkus laughed, shaking his head, as he watched the two play-fight.
Everyone always saw them as mysterious and stoic, they didn't know that the twins' were really playful and cheeky.
Munkus's ear flickered when a deep chuckle brought him out of his thoughts. He turned and saw Deuteronomy watching the twins, amused. Munkus stepped over to stand by his side.
"Hey, Dad, I need to tell you something." Munkus murmured quietly. Deuteronomy looked at Munkustrap, concerned, but nodded.
"Hey, Munku, is everything alright?" Alonzo asked as he walked up. Munkus gave a nod.
"Yeah, everything is fine." Munkus smiled. "I just need to talk to Dad for a moment, will you be alright watching by yourself?" Alonzo raised an eyebrow sceptically.
"Pfft, Munku, what can't I handle?" He grinned. Munkus grinned back, touching paws with him.
"Thanks, Lonz." Munkus laughed. "If there are any issues with Quaxo or anyone, just yell out okay?" Alonzo gave a nod.
"Sure thing." Munkus gave a thankful nod and smile before he and Deuteronomy walked back to his den.
Deuteronomy yawned tiredly as he settled down on the couch once they entered his den.
"What's on your mind, Munkus?" Deuteronomy asked tiredly as he patted the seat next to him. Munkus sat down.
"Nothing, really." Munkus murmured before looking at Deuteronomy. "Macavity came to see me earlier." Deuteronomy's brown eyes widened in surprise.
"What for?" He asked, shocked.
"He came to see me about Quaxo." Munkustrap started to explain. "He felt the ripple Quaxo sent out with his magic." Deuteronomy's brow furrowed in thought.
"Macavity came to investigate and found me with Quaxo…and well, told me a few things." Munkus admitted hesitantly.
"What did he tell you?" Deuteronomy asked, curious.
"He told me that it was his fault that Quaxo had magic,"
"How?" Deuteronomy murmured.
"Macavity is Quaxo's father." Munkustrap admitted. "He put Quaxo under a sleeping spell so Quaxo wouldn't find out anything while he spoke to me." Deuteronomy's eyes were wide with shock and disbelief.
"Macavity is Quaxo's and Victoria's father?!" Deuteronomy asked in disbelief. Munkus gave a nod and told him the story of Macavity's and Nalah's doomed relationship and the cause of Nalah's death.
Deuteronomy sighed sadly when Munkustrap finished his tale.
"My poor boy." Deuteronomy murmured. "Now I know where some of the darkness and pain came from." Munkustrap nodded in agreement.
"I just wish he told me." Deuteronomy continued sadly. "I would have been by his side."
"I think he knew that, Dad." Munkustrap said softly. "But, you know Macavity, he's stubborn." Deuteronomy gave a flicker of a smile at that. Munkus sighed once again.
"Dad, it was Macavity's wish that no one, but us and maybe Tugger, knows about Quaxo's and Victoria's parentage, especially with what just happened." Munkus murmured. Deuteronomy nodded.
"If that is his wish, then I shall honour it." Deuteronomy smiled before he pulled Munkus into a hug.
"Aww, Dad," Munkus laughed.
"I am very proud of you, Munkus, of the actions you took today to protect Quaxo from prejudice." Deuteronomy murmured proudly. Munkus purred softly.
Even to that day, being told that they were proud of him made his heart race happily.
After so many years of abuse, it was nice to feel important and loved.
He couldn't even believe he used to be that kitten, one who was unloved, scared and vulnerable, afraid to look anyone in the eye or speak out of turn.
Now he was the Protector and was a guardian of a special, young kitten, who turned out to be his nephew, and was part of a family who loved him.
Munkus purred and hugged his dad tighter.
He couldn't be happier.
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Hopefully I didn't make you wait too long ;)
Also, with the suggestions of Demeter being Munkustrap's love interest because it's 'canon' …I don't particularly care about canon relationships, I like to mix and match them since in Cats, every production has different relationships etc…so, I'm leaning towards either Cori or Tantomile,
Thanks to those who reviewed!
Please read and review!
Love,
HGP