Munkustrap entered the twins' den, breathing in the smell of incense. He gently placed Quaxo down on a nest, Macavity kneeling down beside the sickly, unconscious Tom. Munkustrap knelt down on the opposite side, gently taking Quaxo's cold paw in his own. Macavity looked up at Munkustrap, unsure.
"So, I just need to give him some of my magic to help him?" Macavity asked. Munkustrap nodded.
"That's what Tobias said," He murmured sadly as he stroked Quaxo's head-fur. "Your magic will give him the strength to unify his two halves," Macavity nodded, his gold eyes glowing slightly. He put his paw on Quaxo's fluffy chest, before it started glowing gold, the glow gently flowing into Quaxo's chest.
Quaxo gave a small moan, his fur glittering madly.
"It's alright, Quax, it's alright," Munkustrap cooed softly to the young Tom.
"M-Munkus," Quaxo managed to force out. Munkustrap smiled, looking at Macavity.
Quaxo already had more energy, enough to be able to talk.
"H-Hurts…so…bad," Munkustrap had to strain to hear the small hiss come out of the sickly Tom-kits mouth.
"I know, buddy, I know," Munkustrap murmured, soothingly stroking his forehead. "But you're going to be okay, we'll make sure of that." Macavity nodded in agreement, softly squeezing Quaxo's paw with his free paw.
"Why…hurt?" Quaxo managed to whimper weakly.
"Your magic personality and your personality are fighting against each other." Munkustrap explained gently. "Once they unite, you'll be healthy once again."
"How…fix?"
"I'm helping you, Quaxo," Macavity spoke up. "I'm giving you some of my energy so you have the strength to unite your sides, but it'll take a while." Quaxo's pale face furrowed at the sound of Macavity's voice.
"Munk, why…he…helping…me?" Quaxo whispered, voice faint. Munkustrap leaned down to reassuringly nuzzle his forehead.
"Because he's the only one who could help you, Quax," Munkustrap told him gently, knowing that the tom-kit would be going through the reasons why Macavity could be the only one who could help.
"Quaxo, you need to stop talking and just rest and focus on unifying your halves," Macavity spoke up. "We'll talk about why I'm the only one who can help you when you're lucid." A soft sigh escaped Quaxo's lips as he went still once more. Munkustrap gently hummed as he comfortingly stroked Quaxo's head-fur, just hoping he was able to help Quaxo to relax so he could unify his halves quicker.
"Munkus," Macavity spoke up hesitantly. Munkustrap looked up at Macavity, finding the ginger Tom was staring at his glowing paws resting on Quaxo's furry chest.
"Yes, Mac?" Munkustrap tilted his head, eyeing off Macavity and trying to read his posture.
"Are you ready to face the back-lash when it finishes getting around that Quaxo and Victoria are my kittens?" Macavity asked slowly, gold eyes slowly lifting up to look at Munkustrap for his reaction. Munkustrap's face softened as he looked at Macavity sadly.
No matter what had happened within the Jellicles, he still cared for his kittens.
"I'll always be by their side to support and defend them." Munkustrap answered truthfully. Munkustrap looked back to Quaxo, stroking his head-fur once more.
"I have a feeling Quaxo will face more scrutiny than Vicky though," Macavity continued. "Because he inherited my magic, the Jellicles may fear that he'll, well, turn out like me," He spat. "A psychotic, emotionless, heartless, murderer,"
"You're not those things, Macavity." Munkustrap murmured, still watching Quaxo's form, noting that the colour changes of his paws and fur seemed to be slowing down. Macavity laughed bitterly.
"Oh, but I am."
"No, you're not." Munkustrap said firmly, finally looking at him. "You may have murdered and you may do bad things, but I know you, you're not evil or emotionless, I mean, look at how you're caring for Quaxo." Macavity looked down at Quaxo once more, gold eyes softening.
"And look at all of the times you protected me, even if it meant you got hurt." Munkustrap continued. Macavity sighed, body sagging as he relaxed.
It went silent as the two toms went back to watching Quaxo, looking for signs he would be alright.
"Thank you, Munkustrap." Macavity said suddenly. Munkustrap glanced up at him, head tilted in confusion. Macavity smiled as he looked back to his son.
"For still seeing me and reminding me that I'm still, well, normal." Macavity murmured. Munkustrap smiled, giving a small nod, before he went back to humming to Quaxo.
Hours slowly ticked by.
Munkustrap breathed a small sigh of relief when he placed his paw on Quaxo's neck, measuring his heart-rate.
"How is he?" Macavity murmured tiredly, beginning to get drained from giving magic energy to Quaxo.
"His heart rate is back to what it should be." Munkustrap replied. "And his fur seems to have stopped changing colour."
"He'll be fine." Macavity sighed, relieved. "Once he wakes up, I'll be gone." Munkustrap frowned, looking at Macavity.
"But…"
"You're fine to explain things to him," Macavity murmured. "I don't think having me around will be particularly helpful."
"That's not true, Mac," Munkustrap told him, brows furrowed. Macavity chuckled, looking at Quaxo, who murmured sleepily. He knew it wouldn't be best to stick around afterward. It was going to be hard for Quaxo to hear the truth about his parentage and all of the darkness that came with it. Macavity didn't think he could cope with it either, having to stare at his son in the face and tell him that he was his biological father, the psychopath that murdered two Jellicles and who was now just about to take control of the Hidden Paws.
Macavity looked at his son sadly, knowing that by saving him, he had sentenced him to a life of scrutiny and distrust by the Jellicles.
Macavity bit back a snarl as he thought of his son being hurt by the Jellicles. He knew Victoria would be okay, she didn't have magic, but Quaxo on the other paw would be targeted.
If Quaxo was hurt in any way…well, Macavity knew he'd have to return to show the Jellicles what would happen if they treated his son the same way they treated him.
Macavity withdrew his paws, stopping the magic energy transfer, when Quaxo began writhing, showing signs of waking up.
Macavity quickly rose to his feet, heading towards the den exit.
"Mac!" Munkustrap called, scurrying after him. "Are you sure you won't stay?" Munkustrap questioned as Macavity paused to hear him out. "It might make things easier if he hears you explain things."
"No." Macavity said firmly. "It won't make things easier." Macavity glanced back at Quaxo as he gave a small moan.
"I'm needed at the Hidden Paws." Macavity said abruptly before he swiftly turned on heel and stalked out of the den. "Warn the Jellicles, Munkustrap!" Macavity called back as he turned. "If they so much as harm a hair on Quaxo or Victoria, they will pay!" Munkustrap sighed as Macavity disappeared in a flash of blue light.
"I won't let them," Munkustrap murmured to the air before his attention was caught by another groan.
"Munkus?" Munkustrap smiled as he walked back into the den, kneeling by Quaxo.
"Hey there, buddy, how are you feeling?" Munkustrap asked softly. Quaxo slowly sat up, wrapping his arms around Munkustrap tightly. Munkustrap enclosed the small Tom in his arms, purring, as he nuzzled his ears.
"I was so scared, Munk," Quaxo mumbled. Munkustrap sighed softly, squeezing the Tom gently.
"It's alright, you're okay now…right?" Munkustrap questioned, pulling back slightly to look at the young Tom. Quaxo nodded.
"I-I have two personalities, I guess." Quaxo mumbled. "My magical side has named itself."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, he calls us Mistoffelees when we're in our magic self." Quaxo murmured, eyes down. Munkustrap gently lifted Quaxo's head up, so he could look into the purple-green eyes. He smiled reassuringly. Quaxo gave a weak smile in response.
"Come on, the others will be so relieved to see you're okay!" Munkustrap told him. Quaxo grabbed his paw as he went to get to his feet, shaking his head.
"Not yet." Quaxo murmured, glancing at his lap. "I-I want to talk about Macavity." Munkustrap gave a small sigh and sat back down, looking at his young charge. Quaxo's purple-green eyes slowly lifted from his paws, looking up and meeting Munkustrap's warm emerald green eyes. Quaxo bit his lip.
"W-Why was Macavity the only one who could help me? Why did he help me and give me magic energy?" Quaxo burst out, unable to keep his questions in. Munkustrap gently took his paw.
"The only way your condition could be stabilized and fixed was to have a cat, the one who gave you the magic, help you." Munkustrap explained softly, trying to soften the emotional blow it would have on Quaxo.
"The one who…?" Quaxo trailed off, his eyes widening in disbelief and hurt.
"Macavity is Vicky's and my father, isn't he?" Quaxo croaked. Munkustrap gave a small incline of his head.
"He is."
"But why did he help me?! Why did he leave my mum? Why…why…"
"Shh, easy, Quax, easy." Munkustrap soothed.
"Macavity didn't know you existed until he saw your mother's body being carried through the yard that day we found you." Munkustrap started to explain. "He always watched over you, and there was no way that he would let anything happen to you." Munkustrap sighed sadly. He slowly began to explain how Macavity had met his mother and how she had disappeared, Macavity not knowing what had happened to her until that fateful day, when he had seen her dead body and found out what happened to her, and found out he was a father.
Quaxo was looking down at his paws when Munkustrap had finished.
Munkustrap placed his paw on Quaxo's head, gently ruffling his head-fur.
"We're just glad you'll be okay," Munkustrap told him gently. Quaxo scooted over so he could curl up in Munkustrap's arms. Munkustrap held him close, just relieved that he could still hold his young nephew.
"So, you and Tugger are technically my uncles?" Quaxo murmured. Munkustrap chuckled.
"I suppose we are." Munkustrap answered.
"Munk, I'm scared." Quaxo admitted a few moments later.
"Why? What's wrong?" Munkustrap asked worriedly. Quaxo fidgeted nervously in his arms.
"W-When the others find out that Macavity is mine and Vicky's dad, t-they already don't trust me cause of my magic, what will happen when they find out that I'm his son." Quaxo rambled. Munkustrap just rubbed his back comfortingly.
"I won't let them do anything to you, you're still the same sweet Quaxo you've always been," Munkustrap reassured him. "Old Deuteronomy will not allow anything to happen to his first Grandson either," Quaxo gave a weak smile at that.
"Okay, now we definitely need to get back to the infirmary so Jenny can check you over or else we're in big trouble," Munkustrap chuckled as he got to his feet, grabbing the blue blanket and wrapping it around Quaxo's trembling frame.
"Munk, I'm alright." Quaxo murmured, looking around Coricopat and Tantomile's den, eyeing off the different coloured silks and posters that hang off the dark walls.
"You're still a little weak, Quax, and the night air has a bit of a chill to it." Munkustrap explained gently, lifting the young Tom into his arms. Quaxo just sighed, snuggling close to Munkustrap despite his early protest. Munkustrap hugged the young Tom close to his chest, relief flooding over him as he felt the steady rise and fall of Quaxo's chest, reassuring him that he would be okay.
Quaxo felt the slight quiver of Munkustrap's arms as his friend, brother, (well, uncle) and protector held him close.
"Munku?" Quaxo murmured, head tilting, his half-closed purple-green eyes examining his silver face carefully. He noticed the weariness lining Munkustrap's young face, the dark, worried bags under his eyes.
"I'm just glad you're okay, Quax, I was so worried I was going to lose you." Munkustrap admitted as he exited the den, breathing in the cool night air. Quaxo turned his eyes up to look at the clear night sky, looking at the stars.
"I'm never gonna leave you, Munkus," Quaxo promised finally, wrapping his arms around Munkustrap's neck and cuddling in close. "I promise."
Munkustrap walked back to the infirmary, quickly walking past the Jellicles who murmured and looked at them as Munkus walked past, Quaxo held close in his arms.
Munkustrap suddenly felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as he glanced at the Jellicle who murmured, Quaxo pressing his face against Munkustrap's chest.
He knew that somehow the Jellicles had already found out.
"Oh, sweet-heart!" Jenny gasped, rushing over, as Munkustrap entered the warm, lit den. Jenny stroked Quaxo's head, tears clouding her eyes. Quaxo turned his head, looking up at her with tired purple-green eyes.
"Hi, Jenny," Quaxo murmured. Jenny smiled before she went back into her Gumbie cat mode.
"Get him back on the bed, Munkus, so I can check over him!" She rushed. Munkustrap smiled, walking over to the wooden framed bed and placing Quaxo onto the soft, plush mattress. Jenny came over and started checking him over, seeming relieved as she did so. Tugger walked in from the other room, a grin breaking out on his face when he saw Quaxo lying awake on the bed.
"Hey there, short-stuff," Tugger grinned as he sat beside the bed. Jenny finished her check over and pulled the thick blue blanket up to Quaxo's chest, tucking him in.
Tugger grabbed onto Quaxo's paw, squeezing gently. Quaxo turned his tired eyes to look at him.
"How are you feeling, Sparkles?" Tugger asked, his brown eyes concerned. Quaxo gave a small nod.
"I'm alright," Quaxo murmured, turning his eyes to Munkustrap. Tugger caught the movement and sighed sadly.
"So, I guess you told him?" Tugger asked Munkustrap, making Quaxo look at him.
"So, you knew too?" Quaxo mumbled. Tugger gave him a sad smile.
"Of course, buddy," Tugger replied softly. "But I didn't care," Quaxo just closed his eyes. Tugger leaned over, nudging Quaxo's chin with his paw. Quaxo opened his eyes, turning his head to look at Tugger.
"It'll take a while to get used to that news, Quax, but don't shut us out, we're all here for you." Tugger murmured, glancing to Munkus who nodded in agreement. Quaxo nodded, curling up and closing his eyes.
"Let him get his rest, dears," Jenny suggested as Munkustrap went to talk to him. Munkustrap sighed, looking at Quaxo worriedly.
"Where are the others?" Munkustrap questioned suddenly, noticing Cori, Tantomile, Tobias and Jemima weren't there.
"In the other room," Jenny explained. "It was the only room that had the moonlight coming through there," Munkustrap gave a confused nod, before looking back to Quaxo, reaching over and pulling the blanket up over Quaxo's shoulder, tucking him in snuggly.
He just hoped Quaxo would be okay.
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Hope I didn't make you wait too long!
Next update might be a while, I'm going away for a bit this month with no access to a computer or the internet…sorry!
Thanks to those who reviewed!
Please read and review!
Love,
HGP