Part Two: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

After The Jellicle Ball

Chapter Twelve: Good Enough

Hey little girl would you like some candy

your momma said that it's OK

The door is open come on outside

no I can't come out today…

Rumpelteazer was a bit upset. She hated the fact that Macavity had asked her to spy on Demeter and Munkustrap. She hated that he had threatened her brother's life if she didn't, for once she hadn't told Jerrie about this either... she had kept this a secret. If he knew well... he would most likely get angry and go after their Boss. Not a good idea.

Chewing lightly on her lower lip, Teazer made her way through Macavity's lair and towards his office. She found it unmistakably odd that Griddlebone had not greeted her. Or even one of the stinky rats, in fact it made her a bit nervous. Approaching the door to the Hidden Paw's office, Rumpelteazer paused and rapt her paw on the door.

"Come in."

Obeying the seductive voice, Teazer entered quietly and promptly, standing before her boss," You 'old me ta come an tell ya bout anything going on between yer half brother an' Demeter. " The tabby kitten gave a slight gulp," Well... 'Oi was listenin in on a argument she was havin with her sister, an...an... well she said that they almost mated sor." Rumpel waited, sure that Macavity was going to be outraged at this.

For a moment the ginger cat remained very silent and then he began to pace. He was not happy with this news at all. Would Demeter force him to take drastic measures again? Obviously his last attempt had not instilled the fear in her enough, it seemed he needed to do something that would hurt her forever. But what? Could he hurt her... it would be easy to instill the fear in her, renew it so she would never touch another tom again. After all if he couldn't have her willingly why should any other cat get that chance?

Rumpelteazer watched the expressions closely that passed over her master's face. Each one made her highly uneasy... each one made the fur on the back of her neck beneath her collar bristle with fear," Should... 'Oi go?" The tiger tabby tried her best to sound brave, but she knew that Macavity was plotting something terrible to do to her friend... and it would be all her fault.

" You may leave. But tell Griddle I desire her presence." Macavity smiled darkly, he knew what needed to be done.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" Mungo! Mungo!" Rumpelteazer was running faster than she ever had in her life. Something bad was going to happen and soon, she knew it and she knew she had to tell someone. That someone was Mungojerrie.

" Wot? Wot's wrong Teazah?" Her twin brother scooped her up into his arms once she had made it to the grounds of Victoria Grove and tried to steady his trembling and wide-eyed twin.

" 'e's..." She took a gasping breath," 'e's... had me spyin on her--- Demeter. He knows bout Munk gittin close to 'er." She spat out tears clouding her eyes," 'Oi done a bad thin Mungo... 'Oi've sold 'er out to Macavity... Oh Heavyside wot am 'Oi to do?"

" Well..um..." Now he was worried and scared. They obviously had to do the unthinkable... they had to tell the rest of the Jellicles the truth, they had to betray Macavity to save their friend," We 'ave to tell'em Teazah. Do 'ou know wot he was plann?"

Teazer shook her head sadly," Notta a thin' Mungo... not a thin'."

"Bugger to Heavyside..." Mungojerrie mumbled as he headed out towards the junkyard, his sister in tow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombalurina was all excited, she was officially going to be mated to someone soon and if anything tried to stop the event from happening well they wouldn't make it very far. Even Macavity had better not try anything, her own sister was even banned until she could get a hold of herself, which had not set to well with the queen in question but Bomba cared not how much that girl sniffled and pleaded.

" Hiyas Babes. How's tricks?" Rum Tum Tugger gave a quick side long glance at the wavering form in one corner which was his soon-to-be mate's sister and shook his head glancing back to his red queen," Mind if we--"

" I'll leave... I need some fresh air anyhow. " Demeter stood and moved towards the door," Gotta start looking for a place of my own anyhow," Her eyes which had come close to losing their luster of life glanced towards Bombalurina," Don't want to upset happiness for those who can have it." She almost snapped and was gone, hissing slightly as she brushed against Tugger on accident.

"Damn. What ruffed her fur?" The maine coon glanced from the door to Bomba with a curious stare.

" Really want to know?" The red queen sighed, her paws coming up to caress the cheeks of her lover," Nevermind that. I know you do." Tiredly she slumped against the larger tom," Your brother, seems he tried to romance her the other day and well... it didn't work out like it should have because as he told me all she saw was Macavity."

Tugger snorted," Well maybe he tried to hard like he does with everything? She'll come around on her own... someday."

Again the scarlet queen gave a sigh," I hope so Tugs. I hope so... for all our sakes."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Watch the yard. Just watch the yard. Don't think about her, you have no chance. No chance at all. She doesn't want you, doesn't love you. All she thinks and worries about is Macavity. Maybe she still loved the fiend. But honestly how could she after all the stuff and evil he had put her through how could she? How could she not love me, Munkustrap thought to himself as the stars of the sky twinkled above him, but in the distance per usual lately storm clouds were rolling in with a threatening manner about them.

"Don't you ever sleep?" Came a sultry tone behind the silver tabby.

" Um...sometimes?" He turned, his blue eyes falling on none other than Bombalurina," Shouldn't you be sleeping? Big day for you tomorrow." He commented, his tone rather proud of both cats' decisions to be serious.

" Yeah... but I can't sleep so figured I'd grace you with my lovely presence." With that Bomba settled herself down next to the large tom," So... how much do you like my sister?"

" I'd die for her." Munkustrap answered quickly and very truthfully," Anything at all I'd do it for her... but I don't want to hurt her. I don't want to make her feel pain or fear." He sighed.

For a moment, Bomba remained silent. She knew fathomed that love could run so deep. Even as much as she was certain that she and Tugger loved each other it was not that deep nor profound. The red cat marveled at such and then finally spoke," You're too good. Really Munkus. You should tell her you love her... don't give up. Honestly Handsome you don't strike me as the sort who does... give up."

He gave a bit of a chuckle and nodded," I would suppose not. But then again we all wear masks at some point don't we Bomba?" He smiled, all to knowingly and resumed looking out over the yard as a crash of thunder sounded in the distance, but close none the less.

The green eyed cat glared a moment at her soon to be brother-in-law," Oh? And just what do you mean by that?" Her glare deepened slowly.

" The fact that for a long time you and my knucklehead of a brother were to stubborn to admit you loved each other enough to settle down." Munkustrap felt a gloating sensation work over him as he was actually ruffling Bombalurina's fur a little. It was rather an amusing task," And don't lie. I know it's true, you both are too much alike."

He had her there, she couldn't deny it at all and with a sheepish and rather disgruntle nod she admitted truth," Yup. Got it in one Sentinel. However stop changing the sub--" A scream? Had she just heard a scream, but from where? And whom?

" I heard it too. Come on, it came from Jelly's." With that the protector of the Jellicles bounded off in said direction.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" She's gone... I just happened to go by her room and... and she wasn't there. And... and..." Jellylorum fell into a sobbing mess, unable to say another word as most of the tribe began to gather either in or around her place. Jemima was gone.

" Blood. Oh Everlasting Cat, there's blood on her blankets." Munkustrap spoke with a hollow voice, he had a very good idea who had done this. but why? Why Jemima... what did she have to do with Demeter and his Half Brother's lusts for the golden queen? However he was sure his question was about to be answered as said queen entered the room, her hazel eyes wide with anger and fright.

" That son of a pollicle! I'll kill him! How dare he! How did he find out!" She was in full hysteria. Her fur wet from the rain that had now begun to fall outside, her eyes wild and her claws unsheathed and ready for action," Someone told him. I bet I know who." Her eyes moved slowly, like a cat on the prowl until they fell on Rumpelteazer," You told him didn't you... didn't you!" As she readied herself to launch forward and attack Teazer, a pair of strong paws came around her own and the silver tabby stepped directly in her way," Let me go Munkustrap. Now! She'll die for this!"

He held her paws tightly as she struggled, almost getting free, but at that moment Munk took it as an open chance to full restrain the golden queen in his arms and try to calm her. What was she going on about anyhow? Obviously there was something Demeter hadn't mentioned to him at least, but from the looks on everyone else's faces they all knew," What's going on?" By now the queen in his arms was more of a sobbing mess than Jelly and it hit him," Macavity... he didn't know about Jemima did he..." And now anger began to settle in, how could Demeter have been so stupid?

" No. He didn't... I... figured it would be safer for her, if he didn't." The golden queen spoke calmly despite her current state. She had finally stopped fighting Munkustrap having grown weary in doing so and was now held helplessly in his arms," But he's found out. Someone told him." Her eyes fell on Rumpelteazer who had been now joined by Mungojerrie," Traitors." She hissed at both of them and once again tried to leap forward, but didn't get very far at all.

" Teazer. Mungo. Can I speak with you two alone for a moment." Munkustrap looked down to Demeter and sighed," I'm going to let you go now. But if you try to leave or jump at anyone Tugger and Alonzo will restrain you understand?"

Defeated Demeter nodded as she was let go and sank to the floor with a sob, her eyes locking on the blankets stained with blood. She feared the worse, that her first born, her daughter was dead. Killed by her own Father.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" 'Oi promise Gov'ner I didn't squeal nothin bout Jemma to Mac." Mungojerrie pleaded, his eyes glancing over to Rumpelteazer who was rather quiet," Come on Teazah, tell'im!"

Rumpelteazer stood very still, her eyes wide. What had she done? Why hadn't she told Munkustrap about everything. She looked from her brother to the Sentinel and back again then slowly swallowed," Um.. Jerrie... 'ou don't mind if 'Oi speak to Munkie 'lone do ya?"

Mungojerrie quirked a brow at his sister and then looked from her to the silver tabby and back again," Oll right." He said with a defeated huff and stepped back inside the door of Jelly's place to wait.

"Well?" Munkustrap gave the kitten a curious stare, his paws coming to fold against his chest," You know something don't you Rumpelteazer?"

She stayed very silent for a few moments, working out exactly how to say and tell Munkustrap what she knew. It wasn't going to be easy and she didn't want to get into trouble but... she figured if she didn't tell she'd get into a lot more trouble than if she did. Clearing her throat, Rumpel began her tale with a nervous tone," Well... 'ou know 'ow Jerrie and 'Oi worked fer Mac for a while... weell he threatened me that if 'Oi didn't spy on Deme he'd kill me brother... and uh most likely moi too. But 'Oi know fer a fact 'Oi ain't the only cat he's been usin' ferra spy. He's olso been sendin' Griddle ta spy too." Eyes fell groundward as she awaited the Sentinel to pass his judgment.

He could understand where she was coming from, He knew that she was afraid he'd kick her out of the tribe for such antics. However she is just a kitten and was blackmailed," You do realize the danger you've put not only yourself, Mungojerrie and Demeter in, also effects the entire tribe don't you?"

Meekly Rumpelteazer nodded," Yes sor." Her tone was close to a sob.

" Next time tell me. Or Alonzo, or even Tugger should something like this arise again." Munkustrap commented with an air of leadership.

" Will do gov'ner." Rumpel replied, giving the human boyscout two finger salute.

" Alright. Lets go back inside and get ready to go and rescue Jemima."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slowly her hazel eyes fluttered, and a mew left her lips. Something wasn't right, and the little kitten known as Jemima was quite aware of this. She was not at home, she was not even within the Junkyard. All the sounds and smells she knew were gone, and yet this place smelled familiar somehow.

" Oh good your awake." Purred the voice of GriddleBone towards the kit laying amongst the various colored blankets.

" Where am I? And who are you?" Jemima questioned, finding the white cat before her rather pretty and also familiar.

" You are in Macavity's lair m'dear. And who am I?" Griddle smirked," I am your Auntie Griddlebone."

" My what!"

" Aunt. Yes, I am you mother's sister, as well as Bombalurina's. Older sister that is. " Griddlebone smiled slowly," My, my how much you look like your Daddy and Momma."

A part of the white cat was beginning to feel sorry for the kitten, she didn't know what Macavity had in store for the child... but he had no heart, even for his own fur and blood. Maybe just this once she could---

" Aah. My child." Macavity smiled softly entering the room, his eyes focused intently upon his unknown daughter," Did you sleep well? "

Jemima stared at the cat which was her Father, instantly fear welled up inside her and she pressed back against the wall, fur standing on end with a hiss," Go away!" Another hiss and she bared her little claws and teeth ready for a fight.

Macavity laughed, the sound empty and it echoed through the room," Such a spirit you have. Just like your Mother's. But I broke her too. Now," He held out his paws to the kitten, motioning for her to come to him," don't you have a hug for your Father?"

"No. I don't. I want to go home!" Tears slowly rolled down the small face, wetting her fur slightly as she pressed more against the wall, her eyes wide with terror looking towards Griddlebone as if to say help me.

" Hellsakes Maccie, she's just a kit. Why don't ya jus' let'er go? can't ya see she's scared?" Griddlebone could not take anymore of this, as she stepped between Father and Daughter, hands on her very curvy curve of her hips.

" You dare to defy me?" The Ginger cat was amused, but he still pressed to stare the queen before him down," Are you going soft on me Griddle?" His tone became a low growl, daring her to stay as she was.

" I ain't gone soft. Jus' I know what it's like to be scared, it ain't much fun dahlin. Surely you can get to Demeter another way?" She was trying, she was risking her neck for her niece," Ya look rough, we could let'er go an go have some fun. You and I Maccie baby." Griddlebone purred, swishing her tail under his nose," Come on, what do ya say?"

Macavity smirked, but his smirk was a dangerous one as he looked from Griddlebone then to Jemima and back," How sweet. You're trying to help your darling niece." With this ending on a sour note for a tone, the Napoleon of Crime took a hold of Griddle's tail and gave it a sharp tug," Now listen here you little whore. You will do as I say and watch the kit, keep her happy. Give her whatever she wants, but," Macavity then slapped the White queen hard across the face with claws extended," DON'T LET HER ESCAPE OR YOUR FUR IS MINE!" With that he left, slamming the door behind him.

Griddlebone flew across the room and hit the wall with a sickening thud. Jemima didn't dare go near her for fear the cat was dead, but upon hearing a grown from the queen, the kitten slowly approached her and gave a tiny lick to her face," Are... are you...you okay?" She asked, shaking in fear.

Slowly Griddlebone rolled onto her back and gave a weak smile," Sure thing kid." Eyes of blue drifted to the door a moment to make sure Macavity wasn't coming back," So, you wanna get outta here Jemi?" If it was the last thing she did, she was going to make sure the kitten got back to her sister safe and sound.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" I'm going! You can't stop me! She's my daughter damn you! Damn all of you!" Demeter struggled fiercely against the arms of both Alonzo and Tugger who were holding her back from accompanying the rescue party of Bombalurina, Mungojerrie, Rumpelteazer and Misto with Munkustrap as the leader (naturally)," Let me go!"

"Sorry girlie. No chance. You heard the Big guy's orders. You're stayin an' we are making sure you're stayin." Tugger remarked, not much liking the idea of staying behind himself, but duty called and he was actually answering for once. Of course though a lot of said answering the call had to do with the evil glare given to him by his queen-to-be, a sign that he had better do as asked.

Demeter watched the group with a cold stare, every inch of her fur standing on end. Let them go, and she would wait and slip out and return to the nightmare she left several months ago. She knew exactly why Macavity had their daughter… and it was to get at her and of course to get her to come back to him. Slowly her eyes softened for a moment as they fell on Munkustrap; she wanted to tell him all he had longed to hear from her, but she knew if she did he would grow suspicious and then her plan would never work and so instead she kept ever silent and watched as the rescue party left, biding her time until Tugger got bored.

End of Chapter Twelve