Deuteronomy gently stroked Munkustrap's ears as Munkus shook in Antony's arms.
"It's okay, my boy, you're safe now," He murmured quietly. Munkus just gave a rough sob. Deuteronomy turned to Macavity, finding the tom-kit sitting up, paw on his side and wincing. He knelt beside his eldest son and gently wiped the blood away from his nose.
"M-sorry, Dad," Macavity slurred slightly.
"You did a great job protecting your little brother, I'm proud of you for looking out for him," Deuteronomy just murmured in reply as he examined Macavity's sides, looking for indications of broken ribs. He glanced at Munkustrap, who was cuddled closely to Antony's chest as Antony held him close, cooing gently to him.
"Antony, could you carry Munkus back to the yard, please?" Deuteronomy asked softly. Antony gave a nod.
"Of course, if Skimble would take Zo's paw," Skimble inclined his head and the black-white patched tom-kit quickly took hold of Skimble's paw. The kittens were silent as they huddled around their parents and guardians. Bomba and Demeter huddled to their auntie as they cried. Tantomile was huddled against Skimble's leg as she held onto Trelawney's paw as Cori knelt beside Munkus, squeezing his friend's paw. Alonzo was biting his lap anxiously as he held Skimble's paw. Cassandra had buried herself in Nathaniel's arms, cowering. Tugger was kneeling beside Macavity, holding his brother's paw, and crying softly.
"Come now," Deuteronomy said softly as he scooped Macavity into his arms, the tom-kit giving a small cry of pain as his ribs were jostled.
"Sorry, my boy, I'm so sorry," Deuteronomy murmured as he nuzzled his ears. Macavity just gave him a weak smile in response.
"Tugger, can you grab my tail please?" Tugger did so immediately. The group silently trudged back to the yard, the only sound being Munkustrap's soft sobs.
Jenny gasped as she saw them come back into the yard, quickly waddling over.
"What has happened?" She cried.
"Let's go to your den, Jenny…I need you to look at Macavity and Munkus for any injuries," Deuteronomy just said quietly. Jenny nodded and headed back to her den, Jellylorum following closely. Antony gently set Munkus down on a cushion in the infirmary, the kitten trembling and curling in on himself. Deuteronomy set Macavity down on the examination bed before he went and sat beside Munkus, allowing Jenny to check over Macavity without him being in the way.
"What happened?" Jenny asked, shocked, as she checked Macavity over. Deuteronomy gently rubbed Munkustrap's back, unable to pick the small kitten up and hug him as he was too tightly curled into a ball.
"A Tom…tried to take Munkus," Deuteronomy said hoarsely. "Macavity ran over to help him and was kicked and hit by the Tom," Jenny winced as she gently pressed down on Macavity's side.
"Well, two of your ribs are cracked, but none of them are broken," Jenny told Macavity. "So that's good news, you just need to rest and take an easy until they are healed." Macavity nodded, his gold eyes hadn't left Munkustrap's trembling form though.
"And you just have a few small bruises, and a split lip, but that'll heal in time," Jenny continued. Macavity just gave an impatient nod, wanting to get over to his brother.
"You will stay here on this bed!" Jenny warned him, seeming to read his intentions. Macavity gave a grumble but rested back, watching. Jenny headed over to Munkus, who was sobbing. Jelly took over from Jenny then, bandaging Macavity's middle to try to stabilize his ribs before cleaning the cuts and scratches.
"Are you hurt, my darling?" Jenny asked Munkus gently. Munkus just gave a rough sob.
"I need to check you, sweetie, to make sure that Tom…"
"H-He was m-my t-third master," Munkus hiccupped. Deuteronomy froze from where he'd been rubbing Munkustrap's back soothingly. Jenny gently lifted Munkustrap's head up, so she could look into his eyes. She bit her lip when she saw the tears streaming from his green eyes.
"What did he say to you, sweet-heart?" She whispered, seeing the pain and emptiness in his normally bright and lively green eyes.
"T-That I-I was c-c-c-cuter a-a-and he w-wanted to get re-re-reacquainted…" Munkustrap broke off then, sobbing heavily once more. Jenny bit her lip, looking from the near-hysterical and terrified kitten to Deuteronomy, who gave a sad nod in reply. Jenny stood and walked to a locked box in the corner. She retrieved the key from its hiding spot before she opened the box, which contained sedatives, heavy pain-killers and anaesthesia. Jenny glanced over her shoulder at another loud cry before she filled a needle with a mild sedative. Munkus needed to calm down quickly, in case he had any injury he was aggravating from curling up and sobbing, but she knew it'd be hours before he collapsed from exhaustion or he'd calm down. Jenny locked the box once more before she headed over to the distraught kitten.
"Munk, I need you to listen to me," She murmured softly in his ear. It flickered slightly to show he was listening.
"You're distraught, and it's worrying me," Jenny continued. "I don't know how badly you're hurt and you're so scared…" Jenny broke off.
"I'm doing what is best for you at the moment, sweet-heart…please don't hate me because of this." Munkus turned his head slightly, his green eyes meeting hers. Munkus gave a sob and nodded.
"Small sting, sweetie," She murmured before sticking the needle into his arm and pushing the plunger.
Within minutes, Munkus was out.
Deuteronomy sat on the tyre, watching the moon follow its path across the night sky.
"Deuteronomy?" Deuteronomy never took his eyes off the moon.
"Antony," He murmured. The black, brown and white Tom sat beside him, looking at him worriedly.
"How iz Macavity and Munkus?" He asked.
"Macavity has a couple of cracked ribs plus bruises," Deuteronomy murmured. "Munkus had to be sedated," Antony winced.
"But ze little one is okay?" He inquired. Deuteronomy gave a small incline of his head.
"A couple of bruises and scratches," Deuteronomy sighed. "But it is his mental state that worries me,"
"He iz strong," Antony reassured him. "Plus ze little one has you, Macavity, Tugger and his friends to help him through it," Deuteronomy finally looked at him, surprised.
"Just months ago, Antony, you were demanding that he be thrown from the yard," Deuteronomy said, surprised. "But today…today, you were protecting him and soothing him," Antony winced, before giving a regretful nod.
"Yes," He murmured regretfully. "I regret zat choice to request he be thrown from ze yard…and I looked after him today, as he is part of ze tribe, and he is just a kitten," Antony looked at Deuteronomy and smiled. "He is a wonderful addition to the Jellicles, he has much potential," Deuteronomy gave a small smile.
"You see it too?" Antony smiled and gave a nod.
"Though I am not sure what he'll become and achieve…I know it'll be great," Antony murmured.
"Dad!" Deuteronomy looked around to see Tugger running toward him. He opened his arms just in time to have Tugger leap into them.
"Goodnight, Deuteronomy," Antony murmured.
"Goodnight, Antony," Deuteronomy smiled. "And thank you…for looking after Munkus," Antony inclined his head before heading back to his den, to his son. Deuteronomy held Tugger close as the kitten hugged him tightly.
"Dad, is Mac and Munkus gonna be alright?" Tugger asked, voice muffled as he had buried his face in his dad's neck.
"I hope so, Tugs, I dearly hope so," He just murmured sadly.
Jenny sat in the infirmary, watching her nephews with sad eyes. Skimble settled down beside her.
"Why don't you go get some rest, dear?" Skimble suggest softly. "I can watch over these two." Jenny gave a shake of her head.
"No," She murmured. "I can't leave them…and besides, I haven't been sleeping all that well lately with this," Jenny smiled as she indicated to her swollen stomach.
"Our little ones have been very active lately," Skimble grinned as he looked down at her stomach, placing his paws on the swell.
"Well, well, me little ones," Skimble murmured. "Are you gonna be a handful?" Jenny gave a small laugh at that.
They were both so excited at the idea of having their very own kittens and being parents for the first time.
They were parents already to Cori and Tanto, and they did adore those kittens as if they were their own, but having their own kittens would be something amazing.
"Where are Cori and Tanto?" Jenny asked quietly. Skimble glanced over his shoulder and towards the kittens' room, where it was silent.
"Sleeping," Skimble smiled. "They were exhausted after today…" Skimble trailed off, his eyes coming back to rest sadly on his nephews. Macavity was sprawled out on his stomach, mouth agape as he slept soundly. Munkus was curled up, paws resting against his eyes.
There was a small whimper and a groan from the small silver kitten. Jenny went to move but Skimble rested a paw on her shoulder, smiling.
"I've got it," He murmured before he quietly moved over to the bed Munkus was lying on. Skimble sat beside the bed and watched as the kitten stirred, the sedative finally wearing off. The kitten whimpered as his green eyes slowly opened, fearfully taking in his surroundings groggily. Skimble gently took his paw.
"Easy, Munkus," He soothed the young kitten. Munkustrap blinked, the fear disappearing, as he looked to Skimble.
"S-Skimble," Munkus murmured. Skimble smiled, gently rubbing Munkus's ears.
"It's alright, my lad, you're safe and well," Skimble reassured him. "Your dad had to go to look after Tugger, but you and Macavity are safe here," Munkus gave a small nod, a tired smile making its way onto his face.
"Thank you, Skimble," Skimble smiled as Munkus gave his paw a small squeeze.
"Any time, my lad," Skimble nuzzled Munkus softly. Munkus purred tiredly.
"Go to sleep," Skimble hushed his nephew, pulling the blanket up snugly around his shoulders. "Jenny and I will be here, watching over you both,"
"N-Night, Skimble," Munkus yawned, eyes fluttering shut. Skimble waited until the grip on his paw had slackened before he gently pulled his paw away, moving back to sit beside Jenny.
"Now, where was I?" Skimble asked thoughtfully. "Ah, yes, I remember now," Jenny laughed softly as Skimble placed his paws on either side of her pregnant stomach, leaning down so his nose was almost touching the swell.
"Now, my little imps," Skimble murmured to his unborn kittens. "You need to let your mummy sleep," Jenny gave a small laugh as she ran her paw through Skimble's head fur.
"She has been carrying you around, and I know ya getting impatient in there, but it's only two more weeks and then ya can come out!" Skimble chuckled as he nuzzled into Jenny's stomach. Jenny leaned down, kissing Skimble's forehead. Skimble sat up and pulled Jenny into his arms, holding her close and purring.
"Jen, we're gonna have our own kittens!" Skimble grinned excitedly. "We're gonna give Cori and Tanti little siblings!" Jenny smiled as she rested against her mate.
"I'm so glad we have Cori and Tanti," Jenny murmured as she rubbed her stomach. "I think having them around when we have the new ones will be wonderful, I think they'll be a great help." Skimble nodded in agreement, looking towards Cori and Tanto's room.
"They are wonderful kittens," Skimble murmured as Jenny settled down against him, relaxing. She looked back to her nephews, both fast asleep. Her brown eyes then settled on Munkustrap, who looked more peaceful than he did before.
"Do you think that Tom will come back for him?" Jenny asked Skimble quietly, worried. Skimble gave a shake of his head.
"Nah, don't think he will, love," Skimble murmured. "Shoulda heard Deut after we got Munkus away from him." Jenny looked up at him.
"Oh?"
"Threatened to kill the Tom if he went near Mac or Munkus or any of us again," Skimble muttered, shaking his head. "I've never heard Deut so…violent before,"
"He's very protective of his boys, especially after Lilly passed, and since he rescued Munkus…"
"I know, trust me, I don't blame my brother, I wouldn't even have given that Tom a warning," Skimble murmured. Jenny smiled, rubbing his ears.
The weeks went by and Munkus calmed down once again, though he was occasionally twitchy when it came to loud noises. He felt safe in the yard, he knew he was cared for and loved here and that his dad did his best to protect him and keep him safe.
He never expected his third master to come to the yard looking for him though.
Munkus had been walking around the yard, just needing some time alone to think. He paused by a cracked mirror and looked into it, examining himself.
He had changed in the months he had been in the yard. He had grown taller, was about chest height on Deuteronomy now. His silver and black-striped fur was bright, full and smooth; he was a healthy weight and was even starting to tone up slightly through the dance lessons he was having with the other kittens. Munkus smiled at that. He actually wasn't as bad as he thought he'd be when it came to dancing, sure he wasn't as graceful as others…but he wasn't an embarrassment at least. Munkus focused back on his reflection. His green eyes weren't drawn and emotionless as they once were, they were bright and happy. All of his scars had faded and were hidden by his thick fur.
Munkus turned and smiled before he began walking again. Being a Jellicle had been the best thing in his life. He had been freed, he had gained friends, he felt safe for once in his life and he had found his family. Munkus was about to head back to the main clearing, and back to his brothers, when he heard a yelp. He frowned, ears twitching as he tried to follow it. There was a loud sob.
"P-Please," Munkus's ears pricked up as his eyes widened in horror.
Jenny.
Munkus quickly headed towards her sobs, not thinking of any danger that may be present. He peered out from behind a cupboard and froze when he saw the sight before him.
Jenny was on the ground, trying to hide her pregnant stomach, and was covered in blood and bruises as she cried and pleaded weakly to the dirty grey Tom pacing agitatedly in front of her.
"Where is he?!" The Tom snarled, kicking her once more.
"I-I won't tell you!" Jenny gasped, tears falling from her eyes. "I won't…I won't let you harm my nephew!"
"He's a slave!" Munkus gave a whimper as he saw his ex-master's angry yellow eyes. Jenny shook her head.
"H-He may have been once," She breathed. "But he's not anymore…and I will never let you lay a paw on him again!" The Tom turned to her, snarling furiously.
"I'll give you one more chance," He spat, his claws slipping out dangerously. "You either tell me where I can find the runt…or I'll cut those kittens out from inside of you and take them instead!" Jenny gave a ragged cry as she curled up, trying to protect her unborn kittens. Munkus was frozen in place, not sure what to do.
Did he run for help which could lead to Jenny losing her unborn kittens and possibly dying?
Or did he try fight off his ex-master and try to help Jenny even though he could possibly be taken away from the Jellicles and made a slave once more?
Munkus eyes widened when he saw the Tom move towards Jenny, claws raised.
What could he do?!
CCCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCC CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Hopefully I haven't made you guys wait too long for this update!
I've just been a bit busy and restless, and I just haven't had the motivation to write…plus I've been a bit distracted by a few things ;)
Hopefully next chapter won't be too far away…
Thanks to those who reviewed
Please read and review!
Love HGP