For the next week the cats mourned the death of four cats. Jellylorum, one of whom had hundreds of kittens, Jennyanydots, who had healed anyone who got sick, Bustopher Jones, who made everyone laugh, and the unborn kitten, one who no doubt would have been a blessing to any tribe. Yet, they also welcomed new life.
Bombalurina smiled as Tugger threw their daughter, Tinsel, up in the air. Only a young child such as her three wouldn't know there was a war about to start. Jumper and Skit pounced on a mouse that crept up behind their father. The kittens had just opened their eyes and were into everything. But both parents took pride in all of their kittens.
Demeter was crushed, she didn't do anything. Apollo nuzzled her trying to comfort his mother. Munkustrap shooed him away and placed his mate in his lap. She didn't notice anything going on around her, all she could think about was that Jenny, Jelly, and Bustopher had died and she couldn't stop it. With a sigh Munku lifted her off his lap and told Apollo to watch her. He had some hunting to do.
Apollo stared after his father. What had happened to make him leave mom? With a sigh Apollo turned back to his weeping mother. She was his duty at the moment, then he would find out what his father was up to.
Misto stared at his paws. Victoria had left hours ago, saying she was going out. Nothing mattered anymore, he had killed his idol, the person he looked up to. That was it, he needed a walk.
Victoria nuzzled Plato's head; it was always nice to be with him. He excited her, brought her to new heights. She didn't care what Misto thought. A gasp drew her gaze to the door, Mistoffelees stood staring at her and Plato. The two cats were locked in an intimate embrace. Misto's hurt and bewildered look made her feel ashamed, but that was before she saw a queen's face peeking over his shoulder. "You're having an affair to!" she screamed. Sadly Misto pulled the tiny queen out from behind him.
"This is Tinsel, my niece," Mistoffelees said. All the blood drained from Victoria's body.
Plato watched as Victoria's face turned white, then red, "Go have an affair then!"
"No," Misto whispered.
"What?" Victoria gasped.
"Come on, let's finish this back at home," Misto said and dragged her off. When they were almost out of earshot Misto yelled, "Hey Plato! Will you take Tinsel home?" Slowly Plato nodded. "Thanks!" Plato looked down at the little queen.
"Hi!" Tinsel said.
"What are you doing?" Victoria whimpered. "You're pulling my arm off!" she tried to yank her arm out of his grip, but his paw tightened. The look Misto gave her when he turned around to glare at her chilled Victoria to the bone.
"Shut up and walk!" Misto hissed. This time, Victoria didn't argue.
Smack! The noise filled the shelter of the box. Etcetera stared in horror at the cat who just weeks ago had become her mate. "Shut up!" Tumblebrutus yelled as she whimpered. Slap! He hit her again.
"No! Stop! Please stop!" Etcetera's cries filled the air around her box. But no one was around to hear her.
Munkustrap eyed the rodent and pounced; he knew immediately that he had the mouse. This was the ninth mouse he caught; it was his only way to relieve stress. A movement to his left caught his eye. He pounced. Number ten.
Cassandra watched as Munku attacked mouse after mouse. This was the tom for her, she could feel it in her bones. A nagging voice in her head was saying that he had a mate. 'please,' she thought dismissing the voice, 'would he really ignore me for some little twit like Demeter?' even though she ignored the screaming voice, Cassandra knew that Munkustrap was in love with his mate, and she couldn't change the facts.
"What's wrong kitten? Did I hurt you?" Tumblebrutus' leering voice filled Etcetera's ears. "Why do you cry? Would little old me, hurt you?" When Etcy whimpered he hit her…hard.
"Oh…Please stop…" Etcetera cried out, "Please stop!" Tumblebrutus hit her again.
All was quiet that late night. Soon all would be sleeping, but two were moving. No one was awake when Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer crept in.