A/N: Some of the OOCness in this might blow your head off. Just saying.

Forever Until Now

Chapter 5;; Wounded

"I'll stay with you forever. Even when we die and find whatever awaits us in death, I'll follow you. We'll be together."

"What are we going to do about her?" Victoria rested in Plato's arms, feeling perfectly safe with him. A thrill rushed through her as he pulled her a little closer. Yet, she couldn't completely rid herself of worry – not after she'd seen the look on Etcetera's face. Victoria had thought that her jealousy was bad, but the look of pure envy on Etcetera's face scared her.

"Well…" Plato began uneasily. "She is our friend. We have to be careful."

Agitation fluttered in Victoria's stomach. "I bet she hates me now," she said bitterly. "And she is my sister. It feels wrong."

Plato loosened his hold on Victoria for a split second, shocked. She sighed.

"Yes, it's true. No one really talks about it anymore, though. We've always been…different. She pulled away from me before we even really made friends with you toms. It's been forgotten."

"I never would have expected…" He shook his head. "You two are very different. Not just in personality, too…" He ran a paw through Victoria's silky white fur thoughtfully.

"What do you mean?" she asked cautiously, twisting round to gaze into his eyes. He smiled wryly.

"I hope you don't take offense on your sister's behalf if I say this," he murmured, his eyes sparkling faintly with amusement. "But you, Victoria, are the most beautiful queen in the Junkyard. Etcetera couldn't compare." Victoria flushed with pleasure at this. "And I have to say, although Etcetera is nice and a fairly good dancer, you're like an angel next to her. Perfect." He bent to kiss her lightly on the lips, and her heart sped up, just as it always did when he was with her.

"You're…more perfect," she whispered. "Impossibly perfect. You couldn't believe how it feels to look into your eyes." She gazed into them as she spoke, and felt as if she were drowning in heaven. She thought she saw a flicker of regret briefly darken those emerald pools, but she quickly forgot it as he flashed her one of his breathtaking smiles.

"You're wrong. There's no one like you," he breathed, cradling her in his powerful arms. She closed her eyes. I must be dreaming. Bliss like this is impossible. But it was real. He really was holding her, and he really was telling her how beautiful she was.

"Don't ever leave," she murmured, her eyes flashing open. They were beseeching and completely alluring to Plato.

"I won't," he promised, squeezing her paw. "I'll stay beside you for always, Victoria."

"Forever?" she smiled tentatively, leaning into him.

"Of course," he pledged. "I'll stay with you forever. Even when we die and find whatever awaits us in death, I'll follow you. We'll be together."

Victoria sighed blissfully. "Forever."

Victoria returned to the Junkyard alone, still feeling a buzz of elation. There, she ran into Jemima, and the pair gushed about how amazing Plato was. Neither of them noticed Etcetera and Electra watching them from the shadows.

"He is amazing," Victoria sighed. "Completely and utterly amazing. He hasn't just got the looks, he's beautiful inside as well."

"I think you're obsessed," Jemima teased. When Victoria blushed, she added, "He does seem like a lovely guy though, especially around you. You're lucky."

"I know," Victoria replied, a little smugly. "But," she added slyly, "I'm sure Pouncival's pretty amazing too."

Jemima clapped a paw to her mouth. "Vicki! What are you talking about?" The mortification on her face made Victoria giggle.

"I'm talking about that huge crush you have on him, and how he has a huge crush on you," she smirked.

"Don't be stupid," Jemima protested. As they squabbled over whether or not Pouncival had a crush on Jemima, Etcetera stopped listening. Anything unrelated to Victoria and Plato had no interest to her. The strangest passion was burning in her heart, and she couldn't stop thinking about how all she wanted was Plato. Plato holding her, kissing her…

"You see," she told Electra bitterly. "They betrayed me."

Electra's lips formed a hard line. "It isn't right," she said, frustrated. "I don't know what's gotten into them." She frowned disapprovingly at Victoria, who remained oblivious to her friend's displeasure.

"Exactly," Etcetera agreed. "Plato led me on, but I can forgive him if he just admits dating Vicki is a stupid idea and goes out with me instead."

"He will," Electra said firmly. "He'll realize that Vicki is all wrong for him. He probably just likes her for her pretty face, but come on. He can't just forget about you."

"Thanks, 'Lectra. I really appreciate it." Etcetera tried to flash a lovely smile just the way that Victoria did, but it had no effect on Electra. The dark tabby just peered at Victoria and Jemima again.

"Look, Etcy, they're talking about Plato again."

"…that's what he promised me," Victoria affirmed. Promised her what? Etcetera thought, her throat going dry. Heaviside, what did he promise her? And why wasn't I listening? Stupid Etcy!

"Oh wow," Jemima breathed. "I think he really likes you, Vicki!"

Etcetera's fur bristled, and Electra nudged her consolingly. "I wonder what he promised?" Electra whispered, brow knitting.

"I wish I'd just listened," Etcetera hissed, frustrated. She was tingling all over with curiosity. What had he promised her? That they were going to get mated and have itsy-bitsy-wittle kittens? She shuddered just imagining it. No, Plato wasn't like that. It was most likely something small. Something that didn't matter…right?

"And he thinks I'm perfect." Victoria's dreamy voice cut into Etcetera's thoughts. "I know that I'm not even close to perfect, but he's so sweet…he's the perfect one." Well, you're perfect next to me, Etcetera thought sourly. I can't believe that Plato…he's meant to be telling me how pretty I am, not Vicki…she already knows that she's perfect. As for me, I could use a little boost in my ego.

"Don't worry about it," Electra assured Etcetera, interrupting her little pity-party. As she looked up at Electra, she tried to tell herself she was imagining the doubt clouding her bright green eyes. But it was definitely there – Electra, who was Etcetera's only ally, was doubting her own certainty. It only made Etcetera feel lonelier than ever. I can do this alone, she told herself. I have to.

"Nah…Everyone knows that Victoria's perfect. It's no biggie that he's telling her what she already knows, right?" Etcetera asked doubtfully. The question hung unanswered in the air as Electra frowned uncomfortably.

"I don't think she thinks that," she said finally, her voice very quiet. She hesitated then, guilt softening her eyes. "I'm sorry, Etcy…but maybe you're being a tad bit unreasonable."

Deadly silence. Etcetera's eyes narrowed into slits, and Electra raised her paws in defense. "Calm it, Etcy."

Etcetera bared her teeth at her friend. She betrayed me! She doesn't think that Plato belongs with me! She leapt forward and slapped the startled queen across the face. "That's not the truth!" she snarled, keeping her voice low and threatening. "I'm right! Plato belongs to me! And Victoria doesn't deserve him! They're all wrong for each other!" Tears of anger and frustration were forming in her eyes. Etcetera had always been one to cry very easily. Even the slightest upset had her in tears.

Electra lowered her eyes, obviously hurt and confused by her friend's actions. She lifted a paw to her cheek, where the pain from Etcetera's slap still burned. "Etcy…" she murmured. "You're being irrational. Think this through. Only a couple of days ago, you were convinced Tugger was your soulmate. What changed?"

A low snarl ripped up Etcetera's throat, and Electra eyes widened. That couldn't be Etcetera, the sweet, innocent young queen that she'd spoken to only minutes ago. She seemed possessed. "Tugger doesn't matter," she growled, her claws sliding out. She raked her claws across the ground, gouging the earth. "Only Plato matters."

Electra tried to slow her breathing. "Etcy! This isn't you!" she snapped. "I don't know what's come across you, but please, just stop it!" Then, her breath caught in her throat. For the briefest second, the pair had made eye contact. What Electra had seen in her friend's eyes had shocked her. There was a malevolent shadow lurking deep in her once bright blue eyes. She had been right. It wasn't Etcetera. With that, she let out a little gasp and ran.

That's right. Piss off, Etcetera thought, dark satisfaction creeping through her. I don't need you anyway. What was I thinking, asking you to help? You're just like the others…stupid, pointless. All of them are…all of them except Plato.

"That's right, isn't it, darling Etcetera? Build up your fury…you only have love for Plato. Nothing else matters," purred a familiar voice.

"You," Etcetera stated simply, turning to face the source of the voice.

"You'd do anything to take Plato away from Victoria," the voice added in a sneer. "Anything."

"I know that," Etcetera growled, raking her claws across the ground again.

"So what are you doing here?" the voice asked, sounding sarcastically concerned. "Go on, do something about it."

Etcetera shook her head, frustrated. "I have to think!" she protested. "I don't know what I can do! What am I meant to do?"

The voice sighed loudly. "Why did I have to get stuck with this?" it muttered. Then, finally, the source of the voice stepped out of the shadows and into plain sight. Any cat but Etcetera would have recoiled in shock, but she just stared expectantly at the tall tom. His fur was ragged with lack of care, his eyes a staggering, fierce yellow. A scowl of annoyance twisted his face. He was lean, and it was clear that he was a strong cat. But his most astonishing feature was the color of his fur – a bright, sinister red. Although the Jellicles knew him, although he was a part of them, they never expected to see him. He generally stayed out of sight, and never spoke a word to any of his so-called 'family'. He was a very rare sight to them.

And his name was Macavity.

"Look, Etcetera. I'm here to help you. I'll do my part, but you're going to have to come up with something. So just do it already," he snarled, pulling her closer to him by her collar. She gulped a little as he shoved her face right up to hers. He was really quite frightening. "And if you don't, then you won't get Plato, will you?" he smirked.

"Y-yes," she whimpered. "Please…let me go." He narrowed his eyes at her, and then, with a contemptuous snort, let her go. She flopped to the ground with a gasp as he turned and stalked away.

For Plato, Etcetera thought bravely.

Victoria watched, intrigued, as Electra raced around the Junkyard, apparently searching for something or someone. She wanted to ask her what was up, but every time she tried to approach the dark tabby queen, she would twist away. Victoria didn't blame her for ignoring her though – she was probably just jealous of her relationship with Plato. She could deal with that.

She hadn't seen Plato himself for quite a while. He'd told her that he was taking a quick walk by himself, which confused her a little. Sure, in the past he'd spent a lot of time by himself, but not that he had Victoria, wouldn't he rather spend time together with her? He's that kind of tom, Victoria chided herself. The strong, silent type. He needs time to himself, because then he'll be that much happier to see me when he gets back. That thought comforted her, and she decided to head into her den to take a quick nap.

In her den, she quickly glanced at the shard of reflective glass she had stuck up. She'd found it at the back of the Junkyard, and it was useful for making sure she looked presentable. I wonder if Plato likes me because of how I look? She ran a paw through her fur, smoothening it and fluffing it where needed. She gazed broodingly into the mirror, and the reflection stared back, mirroring her expression exactly.

"I should've known. You think you're all that, don't you…Vicki?" Victoria spun round, shocked. Etcetera stood in the entrance to Victoria's den, blocking out the sunlight. Her shadow fell over the entire room. That wasn't what frightened her, though. It was the tone of Etcetera's voice, the expression on her face, the way she held herself. She seemed to radiate darkness and hatred – and it was all directed at the white queen sitting before her.

"Etcetera…? What's wrong with you?" Victoria asked in a low voice, fur on end. Etcetera just scowled, her eyes flitting around the den. She picked her way towards her sister as if she was walking across a muddy surface and didn't want to dirty her feet. The grimace on her face screamed disdain at Victoria.

"Nothing's wrong with me, sister," Etcetera said, trying to keep her voice pleasant. She smiled bitterly when Victoria flinched involuntarily at the word 'sister'. But Victoria didn't miss the slight tremor in that statement. She's nervous.

"Yes there is," Victoria argued, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "Why are you pissed at me, Etcetera?" Pissed doesn't even begin to cover it.

"Pissed…at you?" Etcetera staggered in mock astonishment and disbelief. "But no, Victoria! I could never be angry at you! Who could resist that pretty white face of yours?" Her bitter smile twisted into a glare of loathing. Victoria, trying to maintain a calm appearance on the outside, scrutinized Etcetera levelly. This is about Plato…I can't think of anything else. She's jealous, that's it. But I've never seen Etcetera like this, and no matter how different we are, we're sisters. I know that there's no way she'd actually confront me like this normally. So I wonder…what's making her act this way? Because she's really beginning to piss me off as well…

"Shut up," Victoria said finally, her voice deadly. "Just shut up, Etcetera. I know what you want. You're jealous of me, aren't you? You want him…you think you deserve Plato."

Etcetera let out a little snarl of defiance. "Yes, Victoria, that's right! This is about Plato, but that isn't all. I hate you, Victoria. You've always overshadowed me with your beauty and brilliance. Well, guess what? You can't have it all! Plato is mine! We belong together!" Victoria would have felt shocked, if not for the fury that was numbing her entire mind and body. She couldn't think rationally anymore, and Etcetera was in quite a state as well. They both faced each other, fur fluffed out, ears back. Victoria was still beside the mirror, but Etcetera had come quite far into the den. Orange and pink lights cascaded into the den, falling onto Etcetera and illuminating her. It only further defined the rage flaming in her eyes.

Victoria let out a low, mocking laugh. "You think you and Plato belong together? Oh Etcetera, you're cute, but you're naïve. Just grow up. He's promised to stay with me forever. Hear that? Forever. And forever doesn't end anytime soon, I promise you!"

"Wha-what?" Etcetera whispered. "No…that's impossible! He didn't mean it! He didn't mean it!" She threw herself forwards at Victoria, who slid smoothly out of the way with the reflexes of a truly talented dancer.

"He meant it," Victoria snapped coldly. "Now get out. I don't want to see your baby face in my den again."

"No! Don't think I'm just going to give up like that!" Etcetera screamed into Victoria's stony face. "He's mine! MINE!"

"You're so immature," Victoria sniffed disdainfully. "Baby." That was the last straw for Etcetera. Her eyes wild, she flew at her sister, claws outstretched.

"Shut up!" she screeched, just as Victoria easily stepped away again. Etcetera slammed into the wall, making the entire den shake. Picking herself up within seconds, she threw herself at Victoria again.

"Just give up and leave me alone!" Victoria snarled, stepping aside once more.

"Never!" Etcetera screamed, twisting round with impossible speed. Finally, she landed a blow on her opponent, scoring her claws across Victoria's flank. For a second, the pair stood there, Victoria dumbfounded and Etcetera triumphant. And then Victoria began to shake.

"You… scratched… me," she whispered, her voice hoarse. And then she lost the last of her sense and struck out at Etcetera blindingly quickly, still impossibly graceful. She let out a yelp of pain, and cradled her left arm with her right. Blood oozed from the gash that Victoria had inflicted, and it was agony to Etcetera, who had never really felt pain.

"No… no…" she sobbed, rocking back and forth. "It hurts, it hurts…" She sent a pleading look at Victoria, forgetting their argument for a split second. The frosty glare Victoria wore reminded her, and she cringed a little.

"Get out," Victoria spat, lashing out at Etcetera with her foot. Whimpering a little, the hurt queen limped back out, the light of the setting sun still coloring her fur impossible hues of burning orange and soft pink.

Etcetera sat quietly and let Jellylorum fuss over the wound on her leg. She had calmed down, but her hatred for Victoria still throbbed in her heart. Every time the wound stung, the anger only intensified. I'll never forgive her, she vowed. Not as long as I live. She's gone too far. She hated the fact that they were sisters – it only made her feel even more furious. The fact that a sibling could commit so many wrongs to her…it was unbelievable.

"How did this even happen, darling?" Jellylorum fussed as she tenderly pinned a bandage in place.

"Victoria hit me," Etcetera explained, trying to make herself look small and innocent.

"What?"

"We had an argument, and she hit me." Etcetera turned away from her mother and allowed herself a little smirk. See how it feels when Mum comes after you, Vicki.

"But why did you argue?" Jellylorum worried, sitting beside Etcetera.

"Oh, well," Etcetera murmured, lowering her eyes. "Something silly," she lied finally, hunching her shoulders a little to create the image of regret. "I wish we hadn't."

"I'll have to talk to her at once," Jellylorum growled, her eyes flashing. "Don't strain your leg, darling, okay? Take it slow. Bed if you can't!"

Sure, Etcetera thought to herself as her mother left, purpose in her step. I've done my part. It's your turn now… Macavity.