A/N: Well didn't last chapter set the ball rolling? Oh yes, things will start heating up soon. Thank you to Magical-Marvel-Mr. Mistoffelees for her wonderful ideas that I shall include at one point or other (hopefully this chappie), as well as all my other reviewers and readers! Enjoy!
When Mistoffelees woke up the next morning, he felt like yesterday night was a dream. The events surely resembled something that he thought could only happen in his imagination. Plato getting drunk was something he considered more realistic, but him knocking Plato, who was twice his size, out? That was ridiculous. The thing Misto thought had been most dream-like was Victoria's kiss. Of course it was merely out of gratitude, and it was only on the cheek, but it left him wondering nevertheless. What did it mean? Did she have hidden feelings for him, perhaps?
"Heh, I wish. Vicky's got Plato and there's nothing I can do to change their relationship. I'm not going to break them up because I want Victoria to be with me. I'm not that inconsiderate and heartless…I suppose I'll just have to be content with my imagination for now and the memories of last night." The tuxedoed tom-kit sighed longingly, and then picked his head up as a metallic knock resounded throughout his drain-pipe den. Someone had come to see him. "Could it be…?" He thought hopefully, thinking it was a certain white queen-kit. Misto crawled out of his den with high hopes.
When he emerged out into the sunlight, his soaring hopes came crashing down. His visitor was a queen-kit, but she was orange and black instead of snowy white. It was Electra.
Mistoffelees tried his best to smile politely, but it was a tad disappointed. "Good morning, Electra. How did your night with Tumblebrutus go?" He asked. Misto wasn't particularly interested in her date, but there really wasn't much else to talk about.
Electra frowned at the mention of Tumble. "It went…alright. Tumble was a marvelous dancer, and he was very kind, but…I don't think it's going to work out. He's just not my type, you know?" She responded with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Oh…That's too bad. Etcy told me you really liked him. Why don't you think he's your type? Was there something wrong with him?" The black and white tom-kit pondered aloud. He didn't have an inkling about how queens evaluated toms, or what they were looking for in a tom, but he figured if he could get information about this type of thing straight from the horse's mouth, he was all for it.
"Oh, there's nothing wrong with him at all! He's clever, gentletomly, and gorgeous, but he seemed to have eyes for…another. Bombalurina to be exact. It was only after the party that I discovered he only asked me to dance because he wanted to be close to Bomba. Any tom who uses a queen to get to another queen is just plain rotten, I say. Anyway, I just came by to ask if…umm…You wanted to have lunch with me? I saw what you did to Plato and I thought that maybe you weren't so…creepy after all?" The tortoise-shell queen-kit offered timidly. She smiled nervously at Misto as she shifted from hind paw to hind paw.
Mistoffelees cocked a surprised eyebrow. "It's only when I beat someone up that queens begin to notice me? What a world I live in…" He shook his head mentally, but nevertheless nodded. "Uhh…Sure. Where do you want to go?"
Electra's nervousness disappeared and she beamed at Misto. "Great! I know a clearing where there are lots of mice!" She exclaimed as she took Misto's paw and tugged him along behind her. The black and white tom-kit chuckled to himself as he followed. If this wasn't going to be the highlight of his day, he didn't know what was.
As the pair walked into the center clearing on the way to Electra's hunting grounds, they observed the true aftermath of the party. Bits of food were strewn everywhere, which were quickly being gobbled up by pigeons, and the elaborate buffet table was almost empty. Cats were taking down the light and sound systems, but those who were helping weren't the ones he expected. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were gathering lanterns and wires, and Tugger and his mate Bombalurina were taking down the speakers placed high up on the trash piles.
Misto let go of Electra's paw and the two walked up to 'Jerrie and 'Teazer. He tapped the calico queen's shoulder to get her attention. "Hey Rumpleteazer…Uhh, where is everyone? Why is it only you, 'Jerrie, Tugger, and Bomba helping?"
Mungojerrie smirked as he answered for her sister, "Well, we young'uns threw a pahty, so we 'ave ta clean it up. Plus, Mum told us this would 'elp 'Teazah an' Oi become more 'responsible'…Tuggah an' Bomba ah' 'ere 'cause they didn' 'elp se' up yestahday. Evreyone else eithah 'as a 'angovah o' is still sleepin'."
Electra giggled and Misto's expression was a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "So…What happened to Plato last night after I beat him up?" He queried.
'Jerrie and 'Teazer laughed knowingly and the latter replied, "Yeah, we saw tha'! Bast, even 'Jerrie can't throw a punch loike tha'! Anyway, Munk told Jelley an' Gus, an' now Pounce, Tumble, an' Plato ah' grounded fo' tha rest o' tha weekend. Oh, but Oi wouldn' advoise ya ta see Munk taday, though…O' Victoria. They're…dealin' with some issues. Jus', if ya see Vicky, be verey sensitive 'round 'er, awlroight?" Her tone turned from cheerful to sorrowful in a matter of seconds, and both older cats averted their gazes.
This subject was obviously uncomfortable for the two siblings, so Misto decided not to pry any further. He and Electra thanked them and continued on their way. When they had reached the small, cluttered clearing, Mistoffelees' curiosity couldn't stay suppressed any longer.
"Electra," He began, "Why can't anyone visit Munkustrap or Victoria today?"
Electra tensed for a second, but then relaxed. She knew Misto couldn't possibly know since he had just arrived two weeks ago. "I'll tell you, but you mustn't mention this to anyone, okay?" She warned, and then resumed her explanation once Misto promised not to tell, "One month ago today, Munkustrap's mate Demeter disappeared during the night. She was Victoria's step-mother and she was a few days pregnant with Munk's first kitten, 'cause you know, Vicky's adopted. We only know where she had gone because Munk found a note on the table the next morning. I'll never forget what was written on it…" She stopped as she started to choke up.
Misto let her calm down for a couple minutes, and them prompted her to go on by placing a reassuring paw on her shoulder.
The tortoise-shell queen-kit smiled falteringly as she continued, "The note said, 'I've come to take back what was rightfully mine.' It was signed by your father, Mistoffelees. I couldn't imagine how hard it was for Munk and Victoria to willingly accept you after the devastating blow Macavity gave them…So today is kind of like a day of mourning for Munk and Vicky. The tribe knows they want to be left alone."
Mistoffelees furrowed his brow at her explanation. He had never heard of a pregnant queen by the name of Demeter coming to the warehouse…Then again, he was usually too scared to go down to the jail cells in his former home. The prisoners there were all either insane or on the verge of death. He didn't want to scar his mind with such horrifying images. "What did this Demeter look like? Maybe I can help get her back? I was born in the hideout, so I know that place like the back of my paw." He offered, but Electra shook her head.
"That's very valiant of you," She answered, "but I don't think it's a good idea. Munk has tried numerous times to rescue her with some other toms, but every time he never got passed the sentries and guards outside. I mean, last time they did that, they barely came home alive! Munk had to stay in Jenny's infirmary for five days because of what those henchcats did to him!"
The tuxedoed tom-kit could relate. He and Alonzo had barely escaped with their lives from Macavity's hideout, and they were somewhat trained. A civilian cat with no fighting experience was lucky to be alive if they got in a fight with any of his father's henchcats. Now that he had been told about this issue, Misto couldn't just stand by and do nothing. His best friend was suffering deeply, and he was determined to end it by getting Demeter back.
"Hey, I'm going to see Munkustrap and Vicky, alright? Sorry to cut lunch short, but I promise to pick this up another time." Misto hastily said, and hurried off towards Munk's den before Electra could protest. When he arrived, he knocked on the wall beside the den entrance. Munkustrap had covered it with a dark green curtain, which he found odd. The silver tabby never closed his den off to anyone during the daytime.
"Come in." The black and white tom-kit heard Victoria call from inside. Misto pushed the curtain aside and padded into the den.
There wasn't much different about it besides the fact that it was considerably darker. A few candle stubs were lit on the table, and Munkustrap and his daughter were sitting at it, staring down at a small photograph. Victoria had tear streaks down her otherwise depressed, white face and sorrow poured off both of them. Munk glanced up to see who had come in, and Misto almost gave a start to his pain-filled, dull eyes.
"Oh, it's you Mistoffelees. Is there something that needs my attention?" The silver tabby assumed his much younger nephew had come to inform him that a problem had arisen in the junkyard.
Mistoffelees shook his head. "No, I came to see you two about one of your problems. I believe I can help you get your mate back." He boldly stated with a brave smile.
An essence of hope flashed across both Munk's and Victoria's countenances, but they quickly became somber once more. The former sighed tiredly and his face broke out into a minute smile. "I'm glad you want to help, but I've tried. Believe me; I've tried to free Demeter. Each time I had a brush with death in the form of arrows, spears, or the odd bullet. We haven't given up hope, but what hope there is, is frail and dying. We don't even know if she's alive or dead…" He said morosely, and squeezed his daughter's paw that she had offered to him.
"Macavity doesn't kill his prisoners." The tuxedoed tom-kit explained grimly, "He lets them die slowly. Demeter is probably still very much alive. I know that hideout like the back of my paw; and I can tell you that only the outside is guarded. The inside barely has a soul in it during the dead of night. If we can get past the guards and sentries outside, then-"
"Enough!" Munkustrap harshly cut him off. At Misto's involuntary flinch, he resumed in a gentler tone, "I appreciate your offer, Mistoffelees, I really do. The problem is we don't have the necessary skills to infiltrate your father's hideout. We can't fight or shoot guns. We don't have swords, sabers, or weapons of any kind. A few Jellicles are defenseless against a whole army of trained murderers. Almost every tom in this junkyard has attempted to free Demeter at one point or other, and now they won't get within three blocks of that place ever again."
The black and white tom-kit crossed his forelegs over his chest. "I understand now that you've attempted to free Demeter with brute force. I don't doubt your skills, Sir, but you've been going about this all wrong. To get in and out of Macavity's hideout, you need stealth, not strength. Take it from someone who's been there. Think of your unborn kitten, Munkustrap. Don't you want it to be safe from the horrors of that warehouse? Don't you want to hold your mate in your arms again and hear her voice?" The tom-kit's tone was as valiant and serious as his stance.
Munkustrap nodded fervently. "Yes, I would want nothing more. But…Who will go with me to give the rescue one more crack? I'm not the spry adolescent I used to be, you know. I need help to do this." He said with determination laced into his sorrowful voice.
"I'll go with you, Daddy." Victoria timidly piped up.
Her father cupped her cheek lovingly. "That's very sweet of you honey, but this is too dangerous. You have to stay here where you'll be safe." At Victoria's pout he added, "I know how you can help, though. Why don't you gather up a welcoming committee? I hear you're excellent at planning these types of things."
Victoria seemed satisfied and her downcast mood instantly lifted to be replaced by a cheerful smile.
"I'll go. I know how to get around the guards, and I'll use magic if I have to. Alonzo might come as well, but it will be harder to convince him. He was the one who had suffered the most out of both of us, after all. Do we need anyone else?" The tuxedoed tom-kit suggested. He figured the fewer cats involved in a stealth mission the better, but it was still good to have an even number if they needed to split up.
Munkustrap thought for a moment. There wasn't a tom that came to mind that hadn't helped him in his various rescue attempts except… "Tugger. We'll ask my younger sibling, The Rum Tum Tugger, if he can help. He's a…layabout, for lack of a better word, but he's quite the reliable tom when he puts his mind to it. Victoria, why don't you and Misto go find him and ask? I'm sure he won't refuse." He offered, and Victoria immediately stood up to go outside. Misto followed suite, but not before giving Munk a reassuring smile. The silver tabby returned it with his less confident one.
It wasn't very hard to find this "Tugger". Victoria pointed him out to Misto as they walked into the center clearing. The large Maine Coon was reclining on the giant tire with a scarlet queen in his arms. The noonday sun shone brightly overhead, illuminating Tugger's rather impressive golden mane and lustrous ebony fur.
"That's my uncle?" Mistoffelees questioned rhetorically. Tugger's size was a tad intimidating, and Misto was dumbfounded that he could ever be related to such a…different tom.
Victoria giggled as they came closer and the Maine Coon gave them an acknowledging nod. The queen beside him smiled slightly in welcome. "Don't forget he's my uncle, too, in a sense. He's really nice to us younger cats." Vicky whispered to her friend.
"Good afternoon, Vicky. This must be my nephew, I assume?" Tugger greeted as he extended a paw towards Misto. The small tom-kit shook it tentatively. "Your name's Mistoffelees, correct? I'm the Rum Tum Tugger, but you can just call me Tugger. This here's my lady Bombalurina." The Maine Coon made sure to introduce his mate.
The red queen Bombalurina also reached a paw out to Misto, which he shook. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Call me Bomba." She said with a sultry purr.
Tugger turned his attention to his niece and queried, "So, what can I do for you Vicky? This is something important, right? Not something Etcy made you take part in?" The last time Victoria inconspicuously approached him instead of making a quick greeting like the day before last was when Etcy had forced Victoria to ask Tugger some…awkward questions just so she could find out more indirectly about her object of obsession.
The white queen-kit giggled and shook her head. "No, nothing like that! This time it's super important. Dad is planning another rescue mission for Demeter and he needs your help. We've already got Misto for sure and maybe Alonzo, too." She explained with utmost confidence.
Tugger merely raised an eyebrow. He contemplated this offer for a minute, but his face didn't give away his decision. "I see. I admire Munk for his dedication, I truly do. The thing is, I'm not sure if I want to sacrifice myself for something that's on the verge of being a hopeless cause. I want Demeter back as much as he does, but I have my doubts, ya know? All I'm sayin' is he's failed five times. How do you know the sixth will be the one where we succeed?" The Maine Coon said seriously. Victoria understood his hesitation. He treated Demeter as a sister, but Macavity's hideout was a bit out of his league.
"That's where I come in," Mistoffelees spoke up unexpectedly, "I know that warehouse better than anyone here, same with Alonzo. I can use magic to smuggle us in and out. With me, you won't even have to fight."
This time Bomba added to the conversation. "Oh yes, you're the magician everyone has been talking about! It might not seem obvious, but you're quite the popular tom. Everyone is eager to see you prove yourself. I think this is the perfect opportunity to do so, no?" She commented and licked her paw non-chalantly.
"That's a great idea, Bomba! If we get Mom back, everyone will accept you for the magical tom you are, Misto!" The snowy queen-kit clapped excitedly.
The scarlet queen smirked and purred, "You're very welcome, Vicky. What can I say? I have beauty and brains."
Her mate chuckled and kissed her neck. "You got that right, Bomba." He whispered alluringly in her ear. Bombalurina's smile widened considerably at the sensation, and she trailed her fingers down Tugger's spotted chest.
Misto almost gagged at the sight of the two romantic adults, and brought their attention back to the situation at hand with a noticeable clearing of this throat. "Yes well, I won't get any recognition if you don't come along. Will you do it?" He asked in a no-nonsense voice.
Tugger smirked as he retracted his head from Bomba's neck and turned it towards Misto. "Hmm…Rescue my brother's mate and help my nephew gain status? I'm in. Where do we meet and when?" He confirmed.
Victoria beamed proudly at her uncle as her black and white friend continued, "I don't know yet, but something tells me it is tonight. I'll go convince my brother and then go tell Munk. I'll let you know as soon as I can."
The Maine Coon nodded firmly, but gave a start as he niece hopped up onto the tire to nuzzle him gratefully. "Thank you Uncle Tugger! We're in your debt."
Vicky's uncle laughed cheerfully as he held his niece at arm's length. "Hey, it's no problem. I want to have Demeter back, and I want to see my fourth relative, too. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to give a certain someone a proper good-bye." He released Victoria and wrapped an arm around Bomba's shoulders. Both Misto and Vicky knew where this was going, so they quickly fled in the direction of Alonzo's den.
When the pair arrived, Alonzo and Cassandra were chatting inside the den. Misto stepped inside without knocking, and the two older cats smiled in welcome. The den had changed a little since Misto last saw it. There was now a small, plastic table in the corner and an old wooden bookcase beside it that held plates, silverware, utensils, and some decorative knick-knacks. Misto's old bed had been moved, as well. Instead of sitting in the middle, where Alonzo's bed was, it sat against the wall opposite the bookshelf.
"What brings you here, Mistoffelees?" Cassandra inquired as she rotated her body to face Alonzo's younger brother.
Misto's lips formed a tight line. It wasn't going to be easy convincing Alonzo to go back to a place he spent seventeen years trying to escape from. "Munkustrap needs us to help rescue his mate and Vicky's step-mom, Demeter. Will you join us? Tugger and I have already signed up along with Munk, but we need four." He cut right to the chase.
The answer was easy for the patched tom. "No" was his vapid, unemotional reply.
"Why?" Misto demanded more than questioned.
Alonzo rolled his eyes like his little brother had asked a stupid question with an obvious answer. "Because, Misto," He growled, "I don't want to go back to that living hell we worked so hard to get out of. If we get caught, Dad will most likely kill us, heirs or not. Risking my ass just to save some queen I don't even know? I don't think so. Go find some other chump who'll risk his tail."
The tuxedoed tom-kit let out a quiet hiss. When he needed Alonzo the most, he backed out? What kind of a brother would do that? "Let me put it this way, then: Demeter is pregnant with Munk's kitten. Do you want that kitten to die at the paws of our father because you were too selfish to try and rescue its mother? Do you want to have that burden on your mind for the rest of your life?" He spat back just as bitterly.
This made Alonzo think for a moment. He was clearly trying to decide whether he should listen to his pride or common sense. Finally he said, "What's in it for me?"
Mistoffelees sighed exasperatedly. "The sense of accomplishment you get from saving two potential lives isn't enough? What could you possibly want from a rescue mission other than those you want to save?" He questioned harshly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Victoria flinch. He ignored her reaction and stared straight at Alonzo.
The black and white tom glared right back at him. With a malevolent, dead-serious tone he uttered, "I want that warehouse burned to the ground and Macavity dead at my feet."
Alonzo's younger brother was taken aback by this murderous request. "I'm afraid that's asking too much. We don't have the firepower or numbers to take on Macavity's entire hideout. All we're doing is saving a queen and returning her to her rightful home here."
Alonzo shrugged and inspected his claws. "Then I guess you don't have my cooperation. Good day, dear brother." He responded and waved Misto and Victoria off with his paw.
Mistoffelees bared his teeth to show his extreme disapproval. "Don't expect me to show you any kindness after this, Alonzo. If we're not successful, I'm blaming you for the death of Demeter and her unborn kitten." The tuxedoed tom-kit warned with a piercing voice. He spun on his heel and stalked out of the den with Vicky not far behind.
It took a lot more asking around, but eventually the young pair came up with a fourth member: Admetus. Admetus was a gray and black-patched tom who was reluctant, but willing, to take on the job. He knew a little bit of combat techniques, and he was very strong. He was around Pounce's age, but he looked older. Misto had immediately taken a liking to him because he was sort of an outcast like himself. Victoria and Mistoffelees headed back to Munk's den to inform him of the group members. The silver tabby was disappointed to hear Alonzo wasn't coming, but he had a feeling the patched tom would decline.
"Alright, I'm glad you two rounded up help. I really appreciate it. Now, we'll meet at sunset tonight to discuss the plan. For now, I want to show you, Misto, who you'll be looking for." Munkustrap explained as he handed Mistoffelees the photograph he had seen earlier.
The photo was yellowed at the edges and looked almost ancient, but he could still make out the cheerful cats in the picture. There were three: a younger-looking silver tabby, a white kitten, and a black and gold queen the same age as the tabby. Misto could easily decipher who was who. The tabby was Munkustrap, the kit was Victoria, and the queen had to be Demeter. In the background was what looked like a den entrance. Upon closer inspection, Misto noticed that the den looked exactly like the front of the one he was in now.
Once the black and white tom-kit had memorized Demeter's appearance, he returned the photo to Munk. The silver tabby smiled sadly at the picture. "This was taken when Demeter, Victoria, and I had first moved into this den. That was ten years ago. Dem would obviously appear much older now, but you should still be able to recognize her. Well, all that's left to do now is cook up a plan. What do you have in mind, Mistoffelees?" Munkustrap became serious and his tone turned business-like.
Misto contemplated a plan he thought would work. He couldn't rely too much on his magic as he wasn't powerful enough yet, but that didn't mean he couldn't use it. "I'll teleport us into the hideout so we won't get caught. If there are any henchcats inside, someone will have to fight them. We free Demeter and I'll teleport us all to safety." He proposed confidently. There were some obvious flaws that Victoria noticed, however.
"What if you run into Macavity? What about the other prisoners? What if you're not strong enough to teleport that many cats, Misto? We can't lose you!" The white queen-kit spoke up in a worried tone.
The tuxedoed tom-kit placed a comforting paw on Victoria's shoulder. "I'll store as much magic as I can between now and sunset, okay? That way I'll have enough to teleport all four of us and Demeter, too. I don't think we'll have the time or energy to save anyone else except Demeter…I want to save them, too. It's just too much of a gamble. But if we encounter my father…" He trailed off, unable to think of a solution.
"I'll take him on. I have a bone to pick with that deranged sibling of mine." Munkustrap finished for Misto in a determined voice.
Misto nodded and focused his attention on Victoria again. "See? We have an answer to all of your worries, Vicky!"
The white queen-kit bit her lip and wrapped her arms around her mid-section self-consciously. "Okay, but come home safely, both of you. I couldn't live with myself if one of you got hurt." She mumbled timidly.
Mistoffelees smiled as he took her paw. "We promise. For now, you're going to help me store magic." He said as he led Victoria out of the den and over to the center clearing to inform Tugger and Admetus of the plan. Then they headed to their usual clearing they used for magic practice.
Victoria sat by a trash pile while she watched her friend meditate. Cori and Tanto had taught him how during the week, and they claimed it was a superior way to store magic. Victoria pondered about everything that had happened while Misto had been here. He had made a great friend, he had stood up for her, and he had saved her from a drunken Plato. Before she knew it, the sun was sinking behind London's skyline, bathing everything in orange.
Upon thinking of Plato's name, a feeling of dread settled in Vicky's mind. His brothers had offered him alcohol, but he was the one who had made the choice to get drunk. Uncertainty and doubts about her tomfriend had been seeded in the back of her head ever since. She wanted to be with Plato, but he had his obvious faults.
"No one is perfect, though. We'll work through this and come out better." The white queen-kit convinced herself. The memory of Plato's kiss had particularly stood out from all the others of last night. That was her first kiss, and it was horrible, unromantic, and ruined. She would have to live with that forever. Victoria couldn't help but feel angry tears start to brim her eyes. How could Plato do that to her? It wasn't fair!
The white queen-kit sniffled and tried to hold back her tears. She didn't want Misto to worry. Unfortunately, the waterworks were unrelenting and the tuxedoed tom-kit noticed as Victoria began to cry unexpectedly.
Misto hurriedly crawled up to her and asked innocently, "What's the matter?"
Victoria frowned through her tears and explained, "I was just thinking…You know how Plato kissed me last night? That was my first kiss, and he ruined it…" Her sniffles transformed into sobs that racked her shoulders.
Mistoffelees' brow creased, and he thought for a moment. Then he reached his paw out to gently wipe Victoria's tears away with his thumb. She glanced up into his ochre eyes questioningly, but before she could say anything, he leaned in and captured her lips with his in a tentative, soft kiss.
Victoria started with shock, but she quickly relaxed as she felt warm, comforting wisps wrap around her distressed mind, not unlike a hug. She felt at ease, mind and body enveloped in momentary bliss. Misto let his lips linger against hers for a second longer before he pulled away. The soothing wisps disappeared as well, but the white queen-kit didn't feel upset anymore. Victoria stared at Mistoffelees speechlessly, and the black and white tom-kit appeared just as bewildered as her, if not more so.
Misto was the first to break the stunned silence that had blanketed them. "That was your first kiss. Don't you ever forget it." He finished with a cocky smirk. Then he stepped backwards and vanished in a cloud of white smoke, leaving Victoria alone in the fading twilight.
Victoria leaned back against the trash pile with a drawn-out sigh. She didn't know what to think. Plato was in love with her and now, without a doubt, so was Mistoffelees. The perplexed queen-kit fingered her lips unconsciously as if to reassure herself that this wasn't some spell cast by the magical tom-kit, and that he had in fact kissed her. She smiled as the pleasurable memory came back to her, and she felt as if Misto's lips were still there. Her dilemma between both toms came back to her and she groaned with frustration. Her heart was telling her to choose Misto, but her mind knew she couldn't let Plato go.
"What's a queen to do?" She pondered, but her mind couldn't come up with an answer.