Chapter: V Ever Leave

Jake sat by Chance's bed and quoted a book he'd read, remembering it all. Chance lay there and looked over, listening as Jake spoke. Before Jake could finish, Chance said it. Jake placed his paws to his lap as he stared at Chance with wide eyes.

"You know that book?"

"I don't have a nugget for a brain you know."

"Well, no it's not like I thought you were dumb. It's just I didn't see any books in here, so I assumed you didn't have any."

"Boy do I have a surprise for you. Here, help me up and I'll show you something."

Chance threw the covers off his body and sat on the bed, see Jake offered him a paw. Jake pulled with all his might, trying to build up some muscle. Chance was a little unsteady and fell into Jake, sending them tumbling to the floor. Chance pushed himself up off Jake was hovering above him, their eyes meeting for a moment. Jake felt his cheek heat and his heart pound in his chest, never being in such a situation. Chance quickly got up and put his paws under Jake's, lifting him off the ground with ease.

"Yes, now come on, we're burning daylight."

He hobbled down the hall and Jake came out, following him down the stairs to another part of the castle. They were walking when Chance had an idea.

"Oh, first off I'm going to blindfold you. So you don't try to sneak a peak. I know how curious you get with something new."

"Just don't let me run in to any walls."

He wrapped a clothe around Jake's eyes and took his paws in his own larger ones.

"Don't worry, I wont lead you astray."

"Okay, I trust you."

Jake used one paw to feel the space around him, while the other clutch to Chance's paw. Seeing how slow Jake moved, Chance sighed and with one sweep, picked Jake up off the ground. Jake wiggled in Chance's hold, not expecting to be pulled from the ground.

"Hey, what? Chance, you don't have to carry me. You need to give your body time to heal. You don't want to push yourself too hard-"

"-Calm yourself, Razor, I got you."

"Well if this is all some prank I will kick your tail, Chance."

"And you'd probably win, since I'm not up to par."

They, well Chance carrying Jake, walked down the hall, passing a few rooms till they got to the place. Jake stood and heard Chance going into a room, opening what sounded like large curtains. He then felt Chance's paws gently take and lead him into a the room.

"Okay, here we are."

"Will you show me what it is. The suspense is killing me."

"Wouldn't want you dying on me."

Chance took the blindfold off and Jake gasped out loud, unable to believe where he was. It a large room, surrounded by hundred, no thousand of book. Book shelved aliened each wall, ladders were attached to rollers that could go from one side to the other. A staircase wrapped around the room, leading to even more selves and books. Jake walked about and place his paws to his face, feeling moved by the kind gesture. Chance found himself grinning, seeing Jake reaction. Jake took in several breaths and got choked up, tears welling in his eyes as a few ran down his cheek.

"This, is breath taking. I don't know what to say."

"Are you okay, I really hoped you would have liked this room."

"I do. Back at the village there were only ten books to choose from. Seeing this is like being in Valhalla," said Jake, wiping his sleeve across his face.

"It's yours then. All of it. Every book on every self, is yours."

"Mine?"

"This is now your home as much as it is mine."

Jake hugged Chance, taking him by surprise. Chance slowly wrapped his arms around Jake, enjoying the sensation he felt being held.

After Chance gave Jake the library, Jake always had a book by his side. He would read it when he and Chance were sitting by the fire's glow, enjoying someone interested in it. Jake got ready to close the book, placing a marking in to not loose his spot.

"You've stopped?"

"I figured you were tired."

"I don't think I could sleep on such a cliff hanger."

"Very, well."

Jake reopened the book, finding his place and reading once more. Chance settled in his seat, leaning close to Jake. Once they got to a good place to stop, they retired to their rooms. The next morning, after breakfast, they got their coat and left the castle. They strolled outside, seeing Phillip standing near by. Chance went over to try and pat the horse, but Phillip was skittish and stepped away. Chance sighed and Jake went to calm Phillip down, allowing Chance to get near.

Chance place a large paw on the horse and Phillip seemed okay. Jake smiled and walked away, keeping his eyes on Chance. While Chance was busy, Jake made a snow ball and threw it, hitting Chance right on the shoulder. He quickly turned away and acted like he didn't do it, folding his paws behind his back. He whistled, trying to play innocent, humming a soft tune.

Jake:

"It's very strange, and oh so weird,
I see the kind and gentle guy withing,
Chance tried to hide his heart of gold,
I can't believe I didn't give him a fair chance,"

Knowing Jake threw it, Chance leaned down and pushed a large pile of snow between his huge paws, making a big snow ball compared to Jake's tiny one. With a smile he drew it back and sent it forward with great force, smacking Jake in the face, sending him backward into the snow. Chance laughed and pointed at Jake, who lay in the snow. Wondering if he was okay, Chance went over to check on him.

Jake sat up and pushed Chance down, wrestling him into the snow. After their fun, they went to warm up by the fire. Chance set their cloaks aside and went to join Jake, moving close as Jake Read. Chance propped himself by Jake, who leaned into him as he shivering a little.

Chance:

"He takes my hand, and I know,
That he sees under my exterior,
He's not afraid,
I can't believe, I didn't give him a fair chance,"

With the okay from Chance, Jake asked to fix up the ball room. Callie and other cleaning object worked to clear the years of dirt and spider webs away. Jake would help as well, cleaning the large glass doors. He cleaned a good deal away, spotting Chance taking a stroll with Philip. He smiled and felt a warmth toward Chance, enjoying getting to know the guy behind the mask.

Jake:

"Time, is what it took,
Till I got to know the kat, deep down,
Yes, he's no the perfect prince,
Yet I didn't give him a fair chance,"

After a day at work, Jake sat at one end of the long table, while Chance sat at the other, enjoying a nice blow of soup. They would have to yell in order to communicate, becoming annoying at times. At last Chance stood and went to sit beside Jake, wanting to have a softer conversation. From within tn the kitchen, the group looked on with surprise and joy, thinking the spell would be broken any day now.

Callie:
"Oh my gosh,"

Mrs. Abby:
"Great one above,"

Feral:
"I can't believe,"

Felina:
"Course you couldn't Feral,"

All:
"They appear to be getting along now,"
It's a miracle, Give it time, (Give them more time)
A little bit, They didn't give each other a fair chance,"

Feral:
"You're probably right,
They didn't give each other a fair chance,"

All:
"They didn't give each other a fair chance."

"A chance for what? What is this all about? Mom, I don't get it, what's happening between Jake and Chance?"

"You'll get it soon enough."

They went back to their tasks, the pair leaving the table for the library. Jake stood on the ladder and passed books down to Chance, who held a stack in each arm. Jake placed another book on before he climbed down, joining Chance. Jake's tail swept back and forth as he stood by Chance, who set the stacks on the table. They went over which book they should start with first.

"Chance? did you get along with your parents?"

"To my mom, yes. As for my old man, he wasn't like yours. We barely spoke, unless you count screaming at one another in a yelling mach. My parents were in an arranged marriage since they were born, so they didn't exactly grow to love each other. I'm lucky to even be here, as my father would tell me. Mom tried to make thing appear good, when really it was misery.

"I couldn't imagine being in a loveless relationship."

"When mother got sick, dad sent to a hospital, so he wouldn't have to deal with it. I could only visit her when he went. She died there, alone. I hated my father, for never telling me about the note. It said they thought she wouldn't last the night, but he didn't care. I can honestly say I never forgave him, and I never will."

Chance dug his claws into his palms, feeling the painful sensation. Yet, he didn't care, tensing up. He calmed when he felt Jake's paw on his arm, gently rubbing it.

"I'm sorry I asked."

"What do you say we look at a special book today."

"Special?"

"Come on, it's over here."

Chance went to corner of the room, where a single book lay. He picked it up and returned to Jake's side, offering it to him. The book was blue, with gold trim along its side, with metal corners. He opened it and saw light slowly flow out, feeling it was powerful.

"What on earth?"

"It was a gift from the Pastmater. Well, more like another curse. This is a book can truly give you a way to escape. It is another way to see the world, but a mutant such as myself couldn't fit in with other kats. But you could, so it is yours now."

"How do you use it?"

Chance took Jake paw, placing in upon the opened book. When

"Think of the one thing you've always wanted to see. Find it in your minds eye, and feel it in your heart."

When Jake's paw touched the pages light shinned and they were magically whisked away to another land. Through the skies and clouds, till a hill windmill came into view. It was night and the stars shinned brightly in the evening sky. In a windmill, they stood. Jake was quiet and stayed in one spot as Chance walked to the window to see where they were.

"Where did you take us?"

"My old home."

"Which is located?"

"Paris."

"Cool. So, where are you going first. Notre Dame?"

Chance stopped when he saw Jake was in no mood for jokes. Jake looked around the worn out home, seeing cobwebs hang from each corner of the walls. Dust covered the floor, being unclean and abandon. What caught his eye, was a box full of drawing. They were baby pictures of himself, drawn by Manx, who wrote his name in the lower right corner of the page. Jake reached and took the many paper, flipping through them to find ones of his mother.

Jake:

"This was the windmill of my kit-hood,
Where memories and I was born,
In this crumbling dusty space,
Where Manx loved mother,

I was the baby in the picture, so innocent and young,
Now I've grown, yet never known, who she was,
I see my mother, but her fate I can't,
For the windmill of my kit-hood, is dead."

Jake leaned over a cradle, feeling the soft blankets in his paws. Under it, he found a rose rattled. It was the one he had in the picture that was back home, tucked in his mothers arms. He closed his eyes and saw his mother, but he never knew why she died.

"What happened to your mother?"

"That was the one story dad couldn't bring himself to tell. I knew better to ask."

Chance was silent and place a paw on a table and arched brow, spotting something important. He picked up a black mask, studying it and seeing a similar one before.

"A doctors mask. Illness. When mom was sick, a kat came in wearing one of these. He told my dad to keep me away, for the illness was highly contagious."

"No."

Jake placed a paw to his face, seeing the black mask. He heard the echos of panic, and could almost see what happened before they left. The dark room came to life, light filling the home once more. A doctor placed his items into a bag, turning to a younger Manx.

"You must leave, now."

"Is there nothin' ye can do for her?"

"No, the illness is killing her. It incurable, and could be dangerous for you and your son."

Manx rushed to his wife, seeing she was thin couldn't touch her for the sickness could affect him. Helpless, he fell to his knees, trembling as he saw she coughed, weezing once she stopped. She pulled a bloody rag from her mouth, her eyes glass and blood shot. Sweat rolled down her face as she had a high fever, and seemed to go in and out of consciousness. She met his gaze and spoke softly.

"Take my little Jake before it gets him."

"Ah can't leave ye like this. Besides, Jake isn't even me flesh and blood. He needs his mother."

"He doesn't need me as long as he has you. Go, please."

Manx swallowed and went to the cradle where Jake lay, taking him from the comfort of his bead. Jake cried and Manx held the boy close, taking only the painting and leaving the rest behind. He grabbed the cloak and threw it over himself and Jake, pausing as he stood in the doorway. He looked back to his wife, who coughed and struggled to breath.

"Ah love ye, and Ah will take good care of yer son."

"You mean our son."

"Yes, our son."

Manx smiled and shut the door, the light fading. Jake sighed and sat on the bed, unable to believe the news. It was too much for Jake and he broke down, crying softly. Chance leaned down, wrapping an arm around Jake, who burrowed into the embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Jake."

Chance held Jake, stroking him tenderly. Jake slowly got himself together, pushing away to meet Chance's gaze.

"Can we go home?"

"We sure can."

They returned to the and Jake still held the rattle, feeling the small item in his paw. Later that day, they walked down the hall, stopping by the ball room. Jake looked in, showing Chance. He was taken back, ballroom,seeing it restored to its former glory. Jake stared in awe at how beautiful it look, glad to see it finished at last.

"You sure did a good job, Razor."

"Thanks, shame we can't have a ball or something. Seems like a wast to let it alone."

"Well, we could have a dance tonight."

Jake's ears perked up and he turned to Chance with excitement.

"Really? That would be lovely. I could use a pick me up. Plus, I have a few moves."

Jake danced an Irish jig, hitting Chance with hit hip. Chance was the one who was silent his fur bristling slightly.

"You'd really want to dance with me? Not that I have an issue or anything. Two guys can dance together."

"I'll see you tonight at supper. Be sure to get all dolled up, I think we should dress like royalty if we're to dance in such a elegant place."

Jake took Chance's paw, spinning him and making his way to his. Chance staggered, but kept his balance, watching Jake prance about with glee. With Jake out of sight, Chance blushed and stood there, wondering what he got himself into.

It was night and the group stood as Chance bathed behind a sheet in a large bathtub. His towering silhouette moved as he scrubbed and spoke, waving his paws around.

"I can't believe I said that. He seemed so excited and here I am nervous as heck. This is bad."

"This is the moment of truth!"

"Or it could be the last."

"Hush, Uncle. Now is the night for you to confess you're true feeling for him."

"Feeling?"

"Yes, Chance, the sensation you get when he's near. How it makes your heart flutter," said Callie.

"You care for him don't you?"

"Course I do. It's just, how do I express these feelings? I mean what if he doesn't feel the same way? I'll only look like a bigger fool then I already am."

"I think he cares for you, otherwise he never would have brought you back to us. Look, love, I know it's hard to open up. But this could be you're only chance to break the spell."

"The flower has wilted and lost several of its peddles. You must be brave for your's, and our sake. We're so close to living again, and I'll be able to hold my love, Felina."

Chance sat at a dresser and saw the group behind him, giving him pleading eyes. He watched as they came closer to him, assuring him he could do what had to be done.

"Please Mister Furlong, I wan't to be a real little kitten again."

"If not, life is really gonna suck for you." said Feral.

"Well, we don't know what our fate is," said Callie.

"I would guess we remain like we are. So, if he dose fail, at least we've got each other," said Felina holding Callie close.

"Yes, we'll get through this. Like we do with everything else" said . "For now, let's get out boy ready for his big date."

Chance swallowed and was worried, pressing his brows together. He wondered is Jake was nervous, knowing Jake was only a hallway down.

In his room Jake, with help from Ann, picked out a sharp outfit. He wore a black kilt with silver spirals and circles on it. He had on a white undershirt and blue jacket that added to his lean build. He smoothed his fur back out of his forehead and wore his white socks and black shoes.

"Oh, look at you so handsome, Jake. But there is one thing that's missing."

Ann admired her work, only to raise her arms. From the ceiling came glitter, flowing and creating a lovely vine pattern on Jake's jacket, giving it a wedding cake design. He smiled and looked in the mirror, seeing how sharp he appeared. He never wore such clothes and felt like he was a price going to a grand ball. With a breath he turned and left, waving bye to Ann, who sniffed and smiled. Jake shut the door and straightened his coat, making his way to the staircase. He entered at one end of the staircase while Chance came down the other side.

They stood for a moment, taking in how the other looked. Chance wore black slacks, a green vest and blue jacket with tails. He cleared his throat and made the first move, seeing Jake follow. They met in the middle and Jake didn't think Chance could look so good, feeling his face heat once more. Chance grinned sheepishly and offered Jake his right arm. Jake smiled and took the scaly hand, not noticing it anymore. Romantic music played as they stared into each others eyes, red meeting soft brown. On her cart, sat Mrs. Abby, watching them from a distance.

Mrs. Abby:

"Seconds to minute,
Minutes to hours,
Days become weeks,
Weeks turn months, time flew by,

Doesn't happen over night,
Isn't at first glance, real love takes time, and a little trust,
Seeing with the heart,"

They sat at the table, eating and continuing to talk. They laughed and Jake saw Hackle playing the violin, leaning as he swayed to get them in the mood. Jake smiled and got to his feet, rushing to Chance's side. Chance was surprised when Jake took his paws and pulled him out of the chair, leading him down the hall. They stepped through the doors and into the ballroom, candles lit the room up. Jake turned to face Chance, getting ready to take his larger paws. Chance withdrew, feeling nervous. Jake sensed his distress, raising his paw to cup Chance's face.

"What's wrong? Is it me?"

"No. I haven't dance in a long time, I don't want to step on your feet."

Jake grinned and took Chance's paw, placing it to his waist. Chance chuckled nervously, feeling Jake stand so close in his hold.

"Don't worry, you'll do fine. I'm a great dancer, so guess it's my turn to lead." joked Jake, standing tall and pulling Chance closer. "I won't let you fall."

Chance nodded and they began to move to the music, slowly pulling apart and coming close again. It was magical how easy it was for Chance to get comfortable with Jake, starting to take the lead. To the side, setting on his top of Johnny, were Feral, Felina and Callie. Johnny played away while Mrs. Abby sang, watching the couple dance on the large circular area.

Mrs. Abby:

"Can someone change?
Or do they evolve,
Not by force, but by love,
Into their better selves.
Jake was uncertain,
Chance was unwilling,
When they opened up,
That's when they found ground,
Finding they'd been wrong,"

"I can't believe you didn't think you were good." said Jake, staring at Chance,.

"Well I having a great partner" said Chance, making Jake blush. "Which makes it easier."

Chance lifted Jake and spun him around, seeing the candles reflect off the windows, creating a light filled backdrop. Much to Chance's surprise and awe, Jake stared down at him and smiled, tapping his nose to his own larger one. He looked out of the corner of his eye, spotting the gang. Felina and Callie waved to Chance, while Feral gave him a thumbs up. Chance set Jake down, feeling him burrow onto his chest.

Mrs. Abby:

"Blossoms bloom to flowers,
Grass grows in spring,
Hope will thrive , in the darkest times,
Seeing with the heart,
So very different,
Yet similar,
Seeing with the heart."

The music slowed and Chance twirled Jake out, before spinning him back in. They stopped and stood chest to chest, gazing into each others eyes. When the song came to an end, they went to get some fresh air. The group smiled and left, giving them some alone time. Out through the glass doors they went, paw and paw. They stood on a balcony with the gardens out in front of them, in full bloom.

"So, your dad taught you to dance?"

"Yes, I stepped on his toes several times too."

"Jake, do you miss the village. I mean, a part from family, did you leave anyone else. Maybe, someone special?"

"No, there was no one. Well, there was Turmoil."

"Oh, did you like her?" asked Chance, gripping the stone for some odd reason. "I mean if you did I-"

"-Creator no, it's a very one sided relationship. She's beautiful, any 'normal' guy would be luck to have her follow them. Want them."

"What do you mean? You're normal as far as I'm concerned."

"I'm not actually, least not in the way you think."

Chance pulled Jake close, placing his paws to lift Jake's face.

"Jake, we're friend. Nothing you say will change that. I know you're withholding your true feelings."

"I-I'm not interested in girls. Because I like guys. No in, we're bros, but in that I like them, like them." Jake took a stepped back.

"Jake, there's no shame in that. I'm actually a admirer of both males and females. It was another reason my father fought with me. Beside, no offence, I figured you were gay. Not that it showed, I just have a sensor for that."

"I never told anyone that. Well, dad, but not to anyone else."

"Jake, do you like it here with me. I mean, are you truly happy?"

"Yes, it's the first place that ever felt as close to home as what I imagined" said Jake, his bright smile fading as he turned, thinking of the someone he still cared for.

"Is something bothering you?"

"It's my dad, I'm worried about him. I wish there was a way for me to know if he's okay, I miss him so much."

"I have a way for you to see him."

"Really! The book, yeah, we could use it to visit him."

"Yes, and I have an idea, one I think you will like. Why not have him come here, to stay. You'd be away from the village, he'd be well taken care of. It's an open offer."

"You mean it? My father could live here?"

"Yes."

Jake flung himself into Chance's arms, hugging him tightly.

"Right, I'll let you see him first."

Chance led them back in, going to his bedchamber. They stood by the table with the flower on it, Chance handing Jake the mirror.

"This will show you anything, anything your heart desires."

"I wish to see my father, please."

Jake saw his reflection on the clear glass, before it glowed, lighting up his face. He made out the figure and saw it was his father, walking in the wood. He didn't look too good, slumping to the ground, unable to go anymore. Seeing this, Jake gasped.

"Oh, no. He's in trouble and he's all alone."

"T-then you must go to him."

"What? You mean, I'm able to leave?"

"Go on and hurry. He needs you by his side."

Chance's gaze fell to the floor, unable to meet Jake's eyes. Jake stepped held out the mirror for Chance to take back. Chance pushed it back into Jake's paws.

"No, you keep it. That way if you chose to stay in the village. You'll always have a way to look back and remember me."

Chance reached out and ran his paw down Jake's face, feeling the soft fur in his palm. Jake leaned into it, rubbing his own paw over Chance's, feeling tears well in his eyes.

"Thank you for understanding how much he needs me."

With a small nod, Jake took off, leaving Chance alone. As he dashed out, Feral entered, seeing how things were going. He saw Jake rush by, leaving in a hurry down the hall. With a shrug, Feral coughed into his hand, letting his presence be known. The others came out, excited to hear what Chance had to say.

"Well, Chance, I would say things are going swimmingly. Right like clock work, if I do say so myself. Now, did you share your feelings with him?"

Chance saw their bright faces, feeling guilty over what he'd done. He looked off into the distance, placing his paw to the small table.

"I told him he could bring his father to live here. I told him he was free to go and get him. Weather he come back, I left the choice up to him, and he left."

They all gasped, unable to believe what he said.

"But, what if he doesn't come back!" exclaimed Callie.

"This was your only chance, now he's gone," added Feral.

"Well, he could still come back." said Hackle. "We must remain hopeful."

"He's not coming back. We all know that, stop trying to fool yourselves any farther." said Feral.

"Feral, don't say such cruel thing about Jake. He was a fine trustworthy male." said Mrs. Abby.

"But Mr. Furlong, why? Why did you let him go?"

"Because I love him," whispered Chance, placing a paw to his chest.

"That's is then! The spell should be broken!"

"Afraid love doesn't work that way. Jake must love Chance in return."

"Well, so much for true love prevailing." said Feral.

"Whether he does or doesn't come back. I'm sorry I could do the same for all of you."

They glanced from one another, then to the back of the towering male.

"No matter what happens. As long as we're together in this cluster cuss, we'll be okay." said Felina.

Chance saw another peddle fell, leaving only three left. The ground shook and he heard another area of the castle fall, a loud rumbling sound echoed through the halls and rooms.

"We only have a little bit of time left I'm afraid. Spend it well, for I can't promise what will happen after the last pebble falls."

The group lowered their head and made off, wanting to spend their last time happy and together. Chance stood there, thinking that maybe Jake wouldn't come back. He made his way back into his bed room and took a seat on the bed, reaching over to the a book that sat on his night stand. He picked it up and held it close, running his paw over the cover.

Chance:

"I though my skin was thick,
That no one could get to me,
I told myself I was better off alone,
What a great lie,

I'll never forget the way,
He made me feel and brought me joy,
I allowed Jake to break my cold heart,
To bring out the love,

I shell never ever loose him,
Though he goes far from me,
He still affects me, brings me comfort,
In this sad goodbye,

Remaining it my stone castle,
I'll rot little by little,
I tell myself he might be back,
And say he'll never, ever leave,"

A single tear rolled down his cheek, feeling a pain in his chest. He swallowed and stood, carrying the book with him. He looked out to the garden area and saw Jake making his way to the stable to get Phillip. With a small smile, Chance left his room and dashed down the halls, making his way up a spiral staircase.

Chance:

"I fight against myself,
In a never ending battle,
He gave me strength to beat the darkness,
To bring out the light,

I shell never ever loose him,
Though his oh so far away,
His love and kindness, shell live,
On within me,
Remaining in my stone castle,
Rotting little by little,
I tell myself he might be back,
To stay his life with me,
Imagining what could've been,
If he never ever, left."

He reached the towers peek and stood, over looking the whole place. He went to the balcony, seeing Jake on Phillip. The horse galloped through the garden area, heading to the wall and double gates. They passed through and went into the fog, leaving for good.