Chapter I The Little Village.
The Castle was cut off from the world, a fog keeping it hidden from those who passed by. There was a dark forest that separated it from the rest of the world. Past it were rolling hills, farm land, and Magakat Village, a sleepily town where nothing too exciting happened.
The folks were happy with their simply lives, waking with a tune to whistle and a skip in their step. There was a pub, bakery, wool mill, and a library, where only one kat visited day to day. For the villagers were to busy to read, spreading their time gossiping or working.
On a small hill, a few yards from the town, sat a single house. It was stone, with blue painted windows and flowers beds along its front. Out from the entrance, a orange auburn tom kat emerged. He wore a plaid kilt, along white stockings and black shoes. He had on white undershirt that hung loosely on his lanky shoulders, a light blue vest framed his lean form. His brown eyes stood out against his fur color and slender face. The kats name was Jake Clawson, short slim, yet smart and quick witted.
He walked down the stone sidewalk, making his way to the village below. His arm swayed, basket going back and forth as a book sat nestled in it. A bird flew by, catching his eyes as it chirped a soft tune. He whistled, hearing it tweet back. As he drew closer to the village, he could smell it many sents through the tiny breeze. The fragrant of flowers, fresh baked bread, along with sea food. Soft music played while he glanced about the beautiful country side that was in full blossom.
Jake:
"Another day, another morning,
It's the same, as yesterday,
It feels I, am caught in a time loop,
Suck in this small town,"
The town Kats open their doors and windows, welcoming the bright sunny day. They walked out of their homes and tended to their stands, or just walked about the hustle and bustle of the stone streets. They burst into song, feeling happy and joyous. While they pranced around, Jake strolled by the happy go lucky folks, who payed him little attention. He saw the local baker offering out freshly baked bread, filling the air with a warm scent. He sighed and sang, with a half grin across his muzzle, seeing the town drunk. The individual smelled of beer and tip his hat to Jake as he stagger on by.
Jake
"Everyone goes 'bout the busy street,
Doing the same repetitive thing,
It never seems to change, I'd like rearrange,
This boring place,"
"Hey, Jake." said a husky looking kat, interrupting Jake's tune.
The forest organized the flowers on a stand, making sure they were presentable to the crowds walking by. Jake strolled over to admire his handy work and take in the many colors and flowers. He watched the florist pluck the dead buds off one of the potted plants, folding his paws over his book.
"Good, and how is your wife?"
"Fine, what are you up to?" asked the florist, picking up a watering can and sprinkling it over the flowers.
"I'm heading to the book store. I read this book about a bean stalk and-"
"That's nice, now if you don't mind I have some work to do, but you have a good day young man," said the florist, pushing the book out of his face.
"Sure, see you later."
He enjoyed sharing his stories with those who would listen, though most just turned away. Especially when they were busy. He shook it off and picked up his book, glancing over it one more time before he'd have to give it back. A pair of males, Burke and Murray leaned their backs to the wall and saw Jake reading his book with a smile, making them lift their brows. They shook their heads, seeing him duck under two kats carrying a long wooden board. The onlookers remarked in song of Jake.
Villagers:
"Take a look at that weirdo book worm, living in a daydream land,
He belongs in no group, keeps to himself,
No wonder Jake hasn't found a mate,
Jake managed not to get injured, ducking to stepping just out of the way of a cart. He drew closer to the library and tucked the book back in the basket. He entered the small store, the tiny bell ringing as he pushed the door inward. Inside, Leiter Greenbox swept the cobwebs from the walls and ceiling. He stood on a wobbly stool that had books under it for better support. He turned, ears perking as he knew exactly who walked in.
"Well, I'll be. If it isn't Jake Clawson, the only book worm in town. What can I help you with today," said Leiter, setting his broom aside and climbing down.
Jake lent him a paw and helped him to the ground, not sure how sturdy the stool was. Leiter leaned on a single book self. "So, what adventurers did you take this time."
"Another world and time, I couldn't put it down and was sad when I finished it. I didn't know if you got anything new? Least I was hoping you got something new."
Jake glanced over the books, trying to spot something different among the titles he knew by heart. There wasn't much of a selection, still he kept coming back. Liter gave a small shrug, taking the books from under the stool and placing them back on the shelves.
"Sorry, nothing new. Help yourself to what ever one you like."
"Okay, I'll take this one," said Jake, pulling out a book that he always loved to read.
"Kats alive! You've read this one five time already, don't you want something else? You borrow it at least once a month. Maybe twice if there's nothing new."
"It's my favorite. Sword fights, magic, a prince in disguise. It's got everything to keep a kat entertained. What more could someone want out of life."
"Well, take it and keep it why don't you. The Great One knows no one else will read it."
He slapped Jake on the back, giving him a friendly smile. Jake stared at him with wide eyes, unable to believe the librarian was giving it to him.
"Are you sure? I mean, mine to keep?"
"Yes, I'm sure, now go on and enjoy it."
He pushed the book back, letting Jake know it was all his. Jake held it close and looked up with bright eyes.
"It's like a birthday gift!"
"Now go on, don't want to keep you from your story."
Leiter ushered Jake to the door, standing as Jake slowly left. He waved him off and smiled as the joyful Jake skipped off like a little kitten, jumping and leaping with glee.
"Thanks, Mr. Green. Thank you so much."
Jake walked backwards, waving bye to the the librarian. He turned about, hugging the book tightly. A group of guys looked on with disgusted, while Jake became lost in his book, not even noticing a group of girls lovely dresses. He was unaware of the judging eyes that followed him along, not caring what they thought of him. He passed a mother and her three kittens, who gaze up at him with bewilderment.
Villagers:
"There he goes living in a fantasy world,
Holding a dazed expression,
It can't be healthy, it's just not right,
What a jigsaw Jake Clawson,"
Jake:
"Yes, I get swept, far away,
I get lost within, these pages,
I could live in this book, but alas I have to come back, to reality,"
Some males with their girlfriends watched the handsome Jake passed by, unaware of how he caught the eyes of their female companies. It sounded weird, but there was something about seeing a guy in a kilt that really turned the ladies heads.
Group Of Guys:
"Now how could such oddball loser,
Gain the eyes of females,
True his has a nice body, but other then that,
He's a curious one, he sticks out like a sore thumb,
Truly he doesn't belong, Jake Clawson,
Jake passed the local pup, a tall figure stood by the pub window. It was a tall she kat, who wore a hat and long red-ish black cape. It fastened around the front and hung down her back. She wore a pink uniform that hugged her well toned body. She stood along the shadows of a building, eyeing up Jake, who bought some veggies at a stand. A tan furred, brown haired she kat, stood beside the taller one. She checked Jake out as well, glancing over to his lean frame. She turned her attention to the taller of the pair, as she spoke.
"Oh, Lieutenant, look at zat handsome kat. He should be vith me, not strutting about zee town single like he does."
She flipped her blondish brown hair aside and lifted her chin high. Her name was Turmoil, ex Captain of the Enforcers. She served with them since she was sixteen, climbing up the ranks and becoming a legend in the small town. However, when the war ended and time went by, she felt she'd lost her purpose. With that in mind, she knew the next step would be to settle down and start a family. But the male would have to be perfect, and her sights were on Jake.
The Lieutenant wore a blue uniform, glancing from Jake to her friend. The Lieutenant had been by Turmoils's side since she joined the Enforcers, the pair becoming good friends.
"Him, but, Turmoil isn't he a little too small and scrawny for you taste. I thought you'd be after a guy who was tall and burly? I mean, don't you wan't a hunky male on your arm? Some real guy candy to have a trophy husband?"
"Yes, I should. Yet, zat kilt vearing guy von my attention. He's not all skin and bone, look at zose legs, zat firm fit body. I tell you Lieutenant, he's zee one for me, zee most handsome guy in zee village. Don't I deserve zee best of zee best?"
"Yes, of course you do, you should have only-"
Turmoil brushed by the Lieutenant, emerging from the shadow to the light. She hoofed it over to where Jake, following him closely behind. The Lieutenant was hot on Turmoil's heels. All the while, she couldn't help but find Turmoil's plan to be a bad one. Still, she followed her.
Termoil:
"Vhen I laid eyes on zat handsome he kat,
I thought he has to be zee one,
Zee one I vill marry, and hold power over,
'Cause I'm a dominant kind of girl,"
A work crew caught sight of Turmoil and ogled her with longing eyes, finding her to be so beautiful and tough. They were hypnotized and froze where they were, watching her as she passed by.
Crew guys:
"Hey, there she is the beauty of the town,
I swear I'd give my life for her,
I hope she might pass a glance my way,
And or give me a chance to woe her,"
Jake faded into the crowd and Turmoil tried to get through to him, looking over the heads of the town folk to find him. The town kats went about, paying no attention to the pair. The voices of several filled the air as they moved about the square. Jake stepped out of the center of the crowd and threw his paw out. He grabbed hold of a lamp post and spun around it, singing out from the rest.
Jake:
"I know there has to be more then this,"
Turmoil:
"I know I can make Jake all mine,"
The town folk rushed about and cut Turmoil off, making it even harder for her to get through. She kept her eyes on him, doing her best to reach him while the kats sang the last part of the song.
Villagers:
"There he goes that bizarre orange auburn kat,
He acts quite unusual,
He's outlandish in ways, we can't explain,
He's so very peculiar, he may appear normal,
But we all know the truth, Jake Clawson."
Jake whirled about and they quickly stopped and went about their tasks. He continued reading his book, his eyes darted from left to right, going over one of his favorite part. Turmoil made it passed the group and darted ahead to get Jake's attention, standing a few feet ahead of his path. She ran her paw through her hair and stood tall, hoping he would put his book down and look at her.
"Hello, you look vell groomed and handsome on zis beautiful day."
"Thank you, you appear well too," said Jake, walking on by.
She stood up with a huff and went after him, her cape blowing behind her long legs. "Say, how vould you like to come over to my place tonight."
She lifted the book out of his paws, holding it just out of reach. She placed in behind her back and looked at Jake, tapping his nose with her our as she peered into his face. He took a small step back, putting space between them.
"A male shouldn't be vasting his time reading. He should be vorking hard, have a vife and raise a family."
"Turmoil, may I have my book back."
"Zere are no pictures, or maps. How do you even like such a boring thing?"
"I use my imagination, you should try it."
"Oh, sank you, Jake. You always know how to flatter me. How about ve have dinner tonight?" asked
Turmoil placed her arm around him, forcing him into her grasp. She held him, making Jake roll his eyes. With a sly smile she tried to rub her nose with his, only for Jake swiftly duck under her hold and grabbed the book back. She looked about at the empty space, liking how quick he could move.
"Fast, I like to chase my prey before I get it."
"I'm not your prey, and I'm busy this evening." He tucked the book in his basket and hide it behind his back. "Maybe try hitting up Burke or Murray, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to join you."
"Vhat could you be doing that is more interesting zen being vith me?"
"None of your business. Now if you don't mind, I have an invention I need to tend to before my step father tries to mess with it. Last time he attempted to fix it, he nearly blew the house up. Luckily, I was there to stop him from doing any real damage."
"Vasting time Vith your silly inventions, vhen you could be vith me. Having some real fun."
"My dad is probably within an inch of his life by now, I should be heading out."
"That crazy old man," chuckled the Lieutenant, walking over and only getting the last part of the conversation.
"He's not crazy, just a bit confused at time."
"Get real, he's the clown of this town, everyone knows it. Your old man couldn't fix a machine even if his life depended on it."
Turmoil and the Lieutenant leaned on each other and held a arm over their stomach, giggling loudly and pointing at Jake.
"Don't scoff at my father like that," snapped Jake, making Turmoil stop her laughing.
"Yeah, don't make fun my father in law to be." added Turmoil, bopping the Lieutenant on the head.
"Manx is a genius, a man of great talent."
As if to emphasis the Lieutenant's point, an explosion went off as it broke through the basement windows. Jake gasped and hurried away, leaving them laughing in the background. Turmoil slapped the Lieutenant on the back, knocking her to the ground, still they giggled. They calmed and the Lieutenant wiped a tear from her eye, turning to Turmoil.
"So, moving on then?" asked the Lieutenant, folding her paws behind her back, rocking back and forth on her heels.
"No, he's just playing hard to get. You'll see, he'll be mine soon enough. I always get vhat I vant. No one says no to Turmoil."
The Lieutenant grinned, knowing the Captain was strong willed. That nothing could stop her once she put her mind to something.
"Darn right. But there are others who would go out with you. You have several kats, who would be at your beck and call."
"Indeed, but a true hunter doesn't vaste zeir time on on petty prey," said Turmoil with a smirk on her face. The Lieutenant chuckled and the pair went off back to the village.
Jake made his way to the basement of the small house and threw open the wooden doors, letting the smoke out of the storage space. He went down and saw a kat among the black vapor. The kat wore a plaid kilt, with a leather pouch, along with white socks and black shoes.
"Manx, are you all right? I heard the explosion. What in kats name are you doing? You weren't messing with my inventions again were you?" asked Jake, waving a paw, trying to fan the smoke out of his face.
"Aye lad, Ah was, thought it would make a nice surprise if Ah finished it for ye. Ah hoped to have it done, but somethin' went wrong," said Manx in a strong Irish brogue.
After the cloud cleared out, Manx could be seen. He had gray side burns and brown wig that covered his most likely bald head. He stood to his feet, brushing the dust from his blue coat. He clapped his paws together, removing the soot form them.
"Oh, my Ah tell ya, I don't know what Ah did wrong. One minute everything seemed good, then the next. Boom!"
"Yeah, I should've told you the potential problems and danger it might have if not handled correctly."
Jake put an arm around Manx, taking him out of the storage space. The exited the cellar through and walked around to the front of the house. Jake lead Manx up the steps and into their house, shutting the door behind them. He removed his jacket and hung it on a coat hanger, going to take care of the older kat.
"Here, why don't you sit and work on the music box. After all you know how much the kats over in the next village adore them so."
"Aye, lad, that sounds like a good idea."
"I'll get your supplies for you."
Jake got the tools out for Manx, setting them on the table for him. Manx wasn't incompetent, but sometime got into a project that was way over his head. Clearly, Jake was more of the inventor while Manx was more of the craftsman. Manx tinkered with the tiny music box, removing the gears from it and setting it on the small table. As he worked, Manx brought out his hand made windmill music box.
It was Jake's favorite, for it was a replica of their old home, from when they lived in France. A time he could barely remember, always wondering why they left there in the first place. He shook the thought off and went to the kitchen and rolled up his sleeves, getting ready to throw some lunch together. He browned fish on the stove and steamed the fresh vegetables he bought at the market. He cooked freshly baked bread and fixed a plate full, putting it on a tray to take out out Manx. He went to the living room and heard a familiar tune playing, peering around the corner her found Manx singing a soft song.
Manx:
"How can love, continue?
How can it live forever?
Remembering is the key,
To the past and what was,
Then if we are lucky, the feeling reappears,
I see her face, and wont ever, forget it."
In side the music box, a small scene was laid out. There was Jake's mother, sitting on a chair and holding a kitten in her arms. In front of the mother sat a younger version of Manx, painting this family. Manx stopped his work and glanced from the tiny scene to the life size picture that hung on the wall, recalling the very time and place. When he heard footsteps he cleared his through and wiped a tear away, trying to act busy. Jake entered fully into the living room, remembering only bits and pieces of his childhood. Manx heard the floor boards creek and looked up to see Jake, making eye contact with the younger kat.
"Aye, Jake, ye brought me lunch, thank ye."
Manx set the small tools aside, making room on the couch. He closed the small windmill and set it back in it box, keeping it safely away. Jake handed him a plat and leaned back, eating his own food.
"So, how was town today? Did ye do anything excitin'?"
"No, it was about the same, just like the town. But I got a book."
Jake finished his meal and got up to do the chores around the house. He walked around and gathered up some clothes that lay on the floor, stopping short and turning to Manx.
"Hey, dad? Do you think I'm strange?"
"Ye, me son, strange? Where did ye get an idea like that? We're all different don't ye think?" said Manx, wiping his muzzle with a napkin, adjusting his small glasses. "Who said ye were strange?"
"Everyone, but hey it's simply just small town gossip, nothing more. I mean who cares about their whispering, there raised brows and disapproving glances."
"This be a small town ye know, small minded and backwards in many ways." He stood and went over to Jake, placing a paw upon his shoulder. Manx forced Jake to meet his gaze and went on. "But small also means safe."
Jake pulled away and walked up the stairs, heading to one of the bedrooms. Manx followed him and found the kat making his bed, trying to get off the subject, making Manx wonder even more. Manx sighed and helped him make the bed, smiling warmly. Jake saw his concerned gaze and sighed.
"Boring, is more like it."
Jake was going to the wash room, but stopped and waited for Manx, making sure he made it out okay. The Scottish kat hummed an Irish tune as he went to work. Jake placed the clothes in a basket and went to the wash room, setting them by the tub. He opened the window, letting the light in as he went to work. Once he was was done, he hung them out on the line, letting them flow in the small breeze. After he was done he went to help Manx in the garden, enjoying spending time with the older kat.
That evening Jake went and placed boards on the broken windows, knowing it would work till he had time to get glass made. While he did that, Manx was gathering together a collection of music boxes. He wrapped them in clothe and placed them carefully into a wooden crate. Satisfied they wouldn't break, he glanced up to Jake.
"So, will ye be okay on ye're own while Ah'm gone? Ah'll be gone a few weeks, goin' from town to town."
"I've looked after this place for three years, so far the place is still standing when you get back. I'm more worried about you."
"Ah'll be fine don't ye worry. Maybe ye should have some friends over. But don't throw a wild party."
"I don't have many friends. Besides no one around here really gets me."
"What about that Turmoil, she a bony lass. Why if ye shacked up with her, ye'd have the whole town wanting to buy ye inventions. Aye ,Ah've seen how she looks at ye."
"Like a lion ready to strike its prey."
"Ah'm sure there are many guys who would like bein' her prey. She likes ya, maybe give it a chance."
"Yeah right, she's too big for her own britches. I could never see myself with a her."
Jake knew no she cat would be what he wanted. Being gay wasn't something most advertised or made public, not that it was seen as wrong. He never announce it, feeling no one else needed to know. He basically keep it in the closet, until he met the right guy to share it with.
"Jake, Ah'm sorry if what Ah said upset ye. Ah just want ye to be happy, to share life with someone. Ye know, ye mother was the love of my life. Ah would give my life to spend the time we shared again. Oh, how Ah miss her," said Manx, looking to her picture with glassy eyes. He removed his lenses and wiped his eyes, sniffing a little. He took a breath and went on. "Look, when Ah married ye mother, Ah not only promised to love her. But ye as well, for the rest of my life. Ah'm here for ye Jake."
"Manx, can you keep a secret?"
"Of course, what be on ye mind."
"A lot, you should know that," teased Jake.
"Don't Ah. Never know what goin' on inside that mind of yer's."
Jake took a seat on the couch, wanting to let Manx know the truth. Manx got up off the floor and joined Jake on the couch, wondering what he was going to tell him. Jake was uneasy, nervous as he wrung his paws, trying to find the words. He took a few breaths and spoke, meeting Manx's soft gaze.
"I've never told anyone about this, even struggled with it myself. But I've felt this way for a long, long time, since I was a teen. I'm scared to tell you," said Jake, casting his eyes to his feet, not wanting to see Manx's face. "The reason I won't marry Turmoil is, is because I'm not interested in females, not in the way I should. I know that sounds weird, and I know it will change the way you view me. But I can't keep hiding like this. It's too much to keep in. Dad, I'm gay."
There was silence between them, and Jake felt Manx wouldn't approve of the news. Jake kept his eyes down cast and placed his face in his paws, not knowing what else to say or do. He felt his shoulders shake, doing his best to swallow the lump in his throat. When he thought the stillness would never end, he felt a paw take his own, pulling them from his face.
"Jake," started Manx, reaching over and rubbing Jake's back, letting him know it was okay.
"No, I know what you're going to say. You'll say I'm a freak, that I'm horrible for being this way. But I can't help it or fight it. I felt scared to say it out loud. I couldn't bare to the thought of you hating me for being like this."
"No, no, Ah would never say that, or hate ye. Ye be my son, and no matter what, ye will always be my son. Jake, Ah just want you to be happy, and if bein' with a tom kat makes ye happy, then be with one. Ah wont stop ye, and Ah wont judge ye," said Manx, pulling Jake into a hug, holding the teary eyed cat. Manx knew Jake was scared, but wanted him to know he was safe and excepted in this house. "It be all right Jake."
Jake leaned into the embrace, nuzzling his face into Manx's shoulder.
"In fact Ah knew someone, who was so ahead of their time. Kats mocked her, till one day they found themselves wanting to be like her. Ye mother was looked down upon for hooking up with me after ye father walked out on her. It was viewed as wrong for a female to marry another after her mate left," said Manx rubbing Jake's head, speaking in a soft tone.
"Will you tell me what happened to her? Please, I wont to know more about her."
"She was wonderful. She was brave, no fearless. Everything and more. Ah see a little bit of her in ye, me boy. She had soft auburn fur, bright brown eyes, and a beautiful smile. Ah could watch her smile for hours," said Manx, keeping Jake close, stroking his head gently.
"Thanks for listening. All I really wanted was for you to be okay with me being gay."
"Aye, Ah got the small feelin' ye were."
"How? It wasn't obvious, was it? Kats alive! If the village found out, they might do more then make fun of me. They-"
"Calm down lad. It's nothin' ye did, it was simply father's intuition."
"That's good to hear."
He leaned back and placed an arm around the older kat. Manx sat back and the two watched the fire flicker and dance, talking a little more before they went to bed. Jake went into his room and lay in bed, glancing to the stars out the window. The sky was dark and the stars shined like diamond, with a full moon hanging high.
"Great one above, please make sure dad has a safe journey and returns safely home," spoke Jake, closing his eyes and praying to the great creator.