The Tom snarled and raised his claw. He had had enough of this Queen, she had wasted too much of his time. He was about to bring his paw down when something rammed into him, sending him flying back. The Tom rolled over and looked to see who had dared to interfere. He raised an eyebrow and smirked when he saw it was the little runt he had been searching for.

Munkus snarled as he ran out at the Tom, who had his claw raised and ready to bring down. He would not allow him to hurt his aunt, to hurt the Queen who loved him and protected him. Munkus rammed into the Tom's side with his shoulder, throwing all of his weight into it. His ex-master went flying and hit the ground. Munkus stood in front of the still Jennyanydots, protecting her from the Tom as he rolled over, smirking as he saw Munkus standing there.

"Ah, just the runt I was looking for," The Tom purred as he got to his feet. Munkus hardened his glare, baring his fangs.

"You are not welcome here, Walt," Munkus spat, using his name for once and showing him that he was no longer a slave. Walt raised an eyebrow.

"You should know by now the rules," Walt hissed. Munkus just snarled.

"You are not my master!" He yelled. "I'm a free kitten and I have a father!"

"Oh please, that Tom is just waiting for you to be old enough," Walt scoffed. Munkus growled.

"Not all Toms are disgusting like you," Munkus hissed. Walt turned to glare at the kitten, who now came up to his chest.

"Now, brat, you're coming with me." He growled. Munkus shook his head, standing tall, his claws out and glare hardened.

"I'm not going anywhere." Munkus growled. Walt stared at the kitten. There was a time where that kitten would tremble as he walked by, who'd look at the ground and wouldn't make eye-contact.

"You've grown up," Walt smirked, crossing his arms as he stepped forward. Munkus gave a guttural snarl in warning, making Walt pause.

"Yes, you've definitely grown up," Walt said softly, eying the kitten. Munkus hissed, raising his hackles and tail puffing up in anger as he watched Walt eye him up and down, examining him like he was his prey.

"Now, brat…"

"The name is Munkustrap!" Munkus hissed, making Walt pause once again, surprised. Munkus glanced behind him as he heard a pained moan. Walt smirked as he heard it too.

"Yes, the foolish Queen was so intent on protecting you," Walt laughed, grinning as he watched Munkustrap's tail lash angrily. "She should have known you weren't worth the effort,"

"If I wasn't worth the effort, why did you come here looking for me?" Munkus growled, green eyes flashing.

"I couldn't get you off my mind, kitten," Munkus gave a disgusted shudder at that. "You've grown up to be such a beautiful kitten," Munkus snarled at him.

"No thanks to you!" He growled. "You almost killed me!" Walt laughed at that.

"You should have let me taken you,"

"M-Munkus," Munkustrap quickly moved to kneel beside Jenny, keeping his eyes on Walt though and making sure he didn't move. Jenny looked at him, scared.

"Honey, run…d-d-don't l-let him take you!" She breathed before her eyes rolled back once more.

"Silly Queen," Walt snorted. Munkus looked down at the bleeding queen worriedly before he got back to his feet, standing in front of her once more. Walt began to walk towards him and Munkus crouched, snarling dangerously.

"Not one more step!" Munkus warned him as his claws slipped out, hackles rising once more and baring his sharp teeth. Walt actually stopped, shocked. The kitten had never been so hostile before…it was quite unnerving.

"Come now, kitten," Walt cooed.

"Get out of here and never come back!" Munkus hissed.

"Why so hostile?" Walt grinned, winking at the young Tom.

"You broke my brother's ribs, you've hurt my aunty and y-you tried to rape me when I was a kitten, and now you are trying to take me away from my family!" Munkus yelled. "I don't want you anywhere near me or my family!" Walt was surprised at that. The kitten had most certainly grown up, he had matured too. Munkus glared at the Tom.

"One more chance, get out and don't you ever let me or anyone else from this yard see you again!" Munkus growled dangerously.

"Or what?" Walt challenged. Munkus's green eyes flashed dangerously and Walt felt nervous.

Why was this kitten making him feel nervous?!

He was just a kitten for Bast's sake; he couldn't hurt him that much…could he?

"You don't want to find out," Munkus hissed in response. "Now go, while you still have the chance to leave…alive, unharmed and in one piece." Walt's eyes widened in shock at that. Walt forced himself to scoff and roll his eyes.

"You know what, brat, you're not worth the trouble," Walt scoffed before he turned and stalked from the yard, glancing over his shoulder once more, finding Munkus was still glaring at his. Walt kept moving.

The way the kitten held himself and the way he spoke, with his claws out, eyes flashing, Walt just got the feeling that even though he was just a kitten that he could cause some serious harm if someone threatened his family.

Munkus waited until Walt was out of sight before he quickly fell to his knees beside Jenny. He trembled as he saw she was still, her eyes closed.

"Aunty Jenny?" He whimpered, shakily touching her cheek. The older Queen's eyes slowly opened, blinking and finding him.

"O-Oh, honey, w-where is he? Y-You're not hurt are you?" She rasped worriedly. Munkus shook his head.

"He's gone, and I'm fine, and we need to get you help!" Munkus bit his lip. Jenny struggled to get up, weak from her wounds, before she collapsed back on the ground. She looked up at him, her brown eyes saddened.

"I-I'm sorry, honey," Munkus nuzzled her cheek reassuringly.

"Y-You have nothing to be sorry for, Aunty Jenny," Munkus murmured, trying to think of a plan. He bit his lip once more before gently grabbing Jenny's arm.

"This is going to hurt, sorry," He whispered before pulling her up and pulling her arm over his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her waist, trying to support her. Munkus gave a slight hiss under his breath as he struggled to keep upright. He was still just a young tom-kit, he barely had any strength, but he had to do this, he had to help Jenny!

"C-Come on, A-Aunty Jenny," He breathed. "Just one foot in front of the other," Jenny gave a weak moan as she struggled to move.

"T-That's good," Munku panted as they slowly began to make their way back towards the clearing. "You're doing great, Aunty Jen!"

Munkus struggled towards the clearing; his legs were slowly starting to shake as he struggled to keep going, to keep Jenny upright as she leaned on him more and more as she kept losing blood.

"Dad!" Munkus yelled out. "Uncle Skimble! Any one, help!"

"What's happened?!" Munkus looked to the side as he saw Tirus running towards him.

"S-She was attacked," Munkus managed to get out. Tirus snarled as Skimble and Nathaniel came running around the corner.

"Jenny!" Skimble cried out, running to his mate and taking her from Munkus.

"Nathaniel, help Skimble get Jenny to the infirmary!" Tirus ordered. Nathaniel nodded, helping Skimble pick Jenny up before they both rushed to the infirmary. Munkus collapsed to his knees; the adrenaline that had kept him going through Walt's attack and getting Jenny back to safety had finally disappeared, leaving him feeling weak, shaky and exhausted. The young Tom cried out in pain and shock as his shoulders were painfully grabbed and he was wrenched off the ground. Munkus whimpered in fear as he looked at Tirus, his toes barely skimming the ground, as the furious Tom held him.

"What did you do?!" Tirus snarled.

"Nothing!" Munkus whimpered. "I-It was m-my e-e-ex m-m-master!" Munkus cried out as Tirus shook him.

"Then where is he?!" Tirus snarled, pulling the terrified tom-kit's face close to his own.

"Tirus, release my son, now!" A furious order was issued. Tirus let go of Munkustrap's shoulders, the kitten dropping to the ground and quickly huddling up. Deuteronomy snarled at Tirus, brown eyes furious.

"Get back to watching the yard; I will discuss this with you later!" Deuteronomy hissed. Tirus turned on heel and stalked off. Deuteronomy gently knelt down beside his trembling son.

"Munk?" He asked softly. "Are you hurt?" Munkustrap shook his head, looking up at his dad. Deuteronomy pulled Munkus into his lap, holding him close and comfortingly against his chest. Munkus wrapped his arms around his neck, trying to cuddle in close.

"It's alright, my boy, it's alright," Deuteronomy soothed softly as he rubbed Munkus's back.

"Munk, can you tell me what happened?" Deuteronomy asked gently. Munkus gave a nod against his shoulder.

"I-It was my ex-master again," Munkus murmured. "He came to the yard looking for me and he must've found Jenny," Deuteronomy bit back a snarl.

"I was walking and I heard Aunty Jenny…begging," Munkus clenched his paws tighter, which were entangled in Deuteronomy's fur.

"I just ran towards her and I found him standing over her, a-and she was bleeding," Munkus gave a small sob.

"He was demanding that she told him where I was, b-but she said she'd never tell him, that she'd never let him hurt me again. He threatened her, told her to tell him or h-h-he'd cut her kittens out of her." Munkus shuddered in Deuteronomy's arm, feeling Deuteronomy's grip tighten around him more securely, reassuring him that he was safe.

"I had to do something; he was going to hurt Aunty Jenny if I didn't!" Munkus cried out. "I knew if I ran to get help that he'd hurt her, s-so I ran in and tackled him away,"

"That was very brave of you," Deuteronomy murmured proudly.

"I got really angry when I saw how hurt Aunty Jenny was a-and what he kept saying to me…" Munkus trailed off slightly. "He…he was scared of me." Munkus looked up at Deuteronomy, his green eyes wide. Deuteronomy was looking at him, his expression comforting.

"I-I'm not…I'm not dangerous," Munkus whimpered, remembering what some of the Jellicles had said about him before.

"Oh, no no no, I know you aren't, my boy," Deuteronomy cooed softly. "I know you aren't dangerous at all," Munkus sniffled as he buried his face into Deuteronomy's neck.

"Did…did the Tom leave because you stood up to him?" Deuteronomy asked softly. Munkus nodded against his shoulder.

"I wouldn't let him hurt Aunty Jenny again…or take me," Munkus murmured. Deuteronomy gave a small nod as he gently rubbed Munkustrap's ears.

"Come," Deuteronomy told him softly. "We should get back to the others, I'm sure your brothers will be beside themselves with worry right now," Munku allowed Deuteronomy to help him up. He was so exhausted. He stumbled against Deuteronomy as they started to walk back to the clearing. Deuteronomy looked at him in concern.

"Are you sure you're okay, Munkus?" He asked, concerned. Munkus gave a small nod as he rubbed at his eyes.

"Just tired," He mumbled. Deuteronomy smiled before he scooped the kitten up into his arms, holding him close. Munkus yawned as he rested his head against Deuteronomy's shoulder.

"T-Thanks, Dad," He murmured tiredly. Deuteronomy just smiled softly as he headed back to the yard. He could tell, from experience, that Munkus was exhausted and that must've been from the adrenaline that had been running in his veins when he had confronted his abusive ex-master.

"Dad, Dad!" Deuteronomy looked up from Munkustrap's tired face and towards his two elder sons, who were running towards them.

"Dad, is Munku okay?"

"He's not hurt is he?!"

"Hey, hey, calm down," Deuteronomy told them softly as he readjusted Munkus, who blinked and sluggishly opened his eyes. "He's just exhausted," Munkus gave a tired smile to his brothers to reassure them he was okay, before he rested his head back on Deuteronomy's shoulder. Deut started heading towards the infirmary to check on his sister-in-law. He was just about there when there was a heart-broken wail. Moments later, Skimble was pushed out of the doorway by Jellylorum, who looked heartbroken.

Deuteronomy frowned as he watched Skimble slowly sink to his knees outside of the infirmary.

"Mac, Tugger, watch Munkus for me," Deuteronomy told them as he placed the exhausted Tom-kit on the ground with them. Macavity nodded and immediately pulled his youngest brother into his arms, holding him close. Tugger took his paw, looking at him worriedly.

"Munku, are you okay?" Tugger asked, worried, as their father headed over to Skimbleshanks. Munk gave a small nod.

"I-It was my ex-master," Munk mumbled. "He came looking for me…and hurt Jenny," Munkus gave a rough sob at that and Macavity immediately hugged him closer.

"It's alright, Munk, you're safe," Macavity murmured to him. Tugger looked up at Macavity at that. Macavity was just a few weeks off from becoming a Tom, and it was beginning to show as he became more mature. They all looked around at the sound of a loud, ragged sob and saw Skimble falling against Deuteronomy, sobbing into his chest.

Deuteronomy had walked over, kneeling beside his still brother.

"Skimble?" Deuteronomy questioned softly. The ginger Tom barely reacted.

"Skimble, what happened?" Deut continued. "Is Jenny okay?" Skimble's blank face had crumbled then and he gave a loud, ragged sob before he turned and fell against his older brother, sobbing into his chest. Deuteronomy ignored the other Jellicles watching as he wrapped his arms around his sobbing brother, holding him close. Skimble sobbed loudly and brokenly, not caring who heard it or who was watching.

He was in pain…emotional pain.

He just needed his brother now, to tell him everything would be okay even though he knew it wouldn't be.

"Skim?" Deuteronomy asked softly. "What has happened, little brother?" Skimble gave a choked sob.

"Daddy?!" Deuteronomy looked to Trelawney, shaking his head and indicating to her to keep Cori and Tantomile away for the moment. Trelawney nodded, grabbing Cori's and Tanto's paws, before coaxing them over to sit with her as she sat beside Macavity, Munkus and Tugger. Cori immediately went to the crying Munkus, worried and confused about what was going on.

Deuteronomy turned his attention back to Skimble.

"Little brother," Deuteronomy cooed softly. "What has happened?"

"J-Jenny…" Skimble managed to choke out. "T-The b-bastard w-who…w-who attacked her, h-he made her…made her lose the kittens," Skimble started sobbing once more after that, burying his face into Deuteronomy's shoulder.

"Jelly has to perform s-surgery to get them out," Skimble hiccupped. "Jenny's so hurt, Deut!" Skimble began bawling, tears soaking into Deuteronomy's fur. Deuteronomy was shocked, but he quickly pushed that aside to comfort his brother. He glanced around the yard, at the trembling Munkus being comforted and consoled by his brothers, Cori, Tantomile and Trelawney, then to Tirus who was sitting on the rocking chair, glaring at the silver kitten, then to the other parents who had their kittens clutched close or were hugging their mates, before he looked to the infirmary.

Even now, his sensitive hearing was picking up hysterical sobs and soft, reassuring words from inside. Deuteronomy's heart sunk at the sound of another heart-broken wail.

He knew the next few weeks would be trying on everyone, especially Jenny and Skimble as they lost their biological kittens before they had even the chance to live. Cori and Tanto would suffer too, not that Skimble or Jenny would mean them to, but the parents would be suffering the hurt and heartbreak of the miscarriage.

Munkus would suffer too, Deuteronomy noted bitterly, he would blame himself and Tirus had already had a go at him and who knows what others will think…

Deuteronomy sighed as he softly murmured to Skimble, holding his little brother close.

It was going to be a trying few works…and it would take time to heal the heartbreak and pain of the loss of kittens who never had a chance to live.

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Hopefully I didn't make you wait too long!

I've sort of lost my muse at the moment, so the next chapter might be a little while…sorry, just everything is a jumble at the moment.

Thanks to those who reviewed!

Please read and review!

Love HGP