A/N: Don't think last chappie was the kiss for Vicky and Misto. Oh no, the fluff doesn't stop there. This chapter has some violence and mature content. It's Macavity's hideout, don't think I won't include some darker stuff…Anyway, enjoy the chapter and don't forget to leave a review!
Mistoffelees reappeared at the designated meeting place, which was in front of the giant tire. To his dismay, everyone was already waiting for him. Admetus and Tugger gave a start at the small tom-kit's sudden materialization from thin air, but Munkustrap smiled in relief.
"I will never get used to that…" The Maine Coon muttered as his hackles lowered to become flat again. Admetus nodded in silent agreement beside him. Mistoffelees chuckled at their reaction; he tucked that tidbit of information away in his mind in case he wanted to give either tom a scare in the future.
At the amused sound, Munk spoke up. "Good, we're all here. Let's get moving, shall we?" He paused for a moment as he examined Misto's features with more scrutiny. "Mistoffelees, why are your cheeks flushed?" He asked with a hint of concern after a moment passed.
The tuxedoed tom-kit's ochre eyes widened self-consciously. He realized he still had Victoria on the brain and the fact that he had just kissed her didn't help matters much. "Uhh-umm…I-I just ran a b-bit before te-teleporting myself." He uttered almost guiltily.
Munkustrap narrowed his eyes at his nephew for a second before shrugging the reply off. "Well, just save your energy, alright? You'll need it for more than just teleporting." The silver tabby advised gruffly. He strode off to the front of the small group and his comrades followed suite.
Misto sent a mental prayer of thanks up to the Everlasting Cat that his excuse worked and that Munk didn't press any further. As the tom-kit walked beside his second uncle, Tugger inconspicuously nudged him with his elbow. Mistoffelees glanced up questioningly at the much taller tom, and the Maine Coon gave him a wink. Misto didn't quite know what that meant, but he had a feeling it had to do with queens. He hoped his uncle wouldn't tell anyone what he thought he had figured out. The tuxedoed tom-kit shot Tugger a warning glance just to make sure, and his uncle merely smirked in response.
The trip to Macavity's hideout was quiet until Admetus broke the comfortable silence. "So Munkustrap, what are going to do if we find Demeter? How are we going to bust her out without someone noticing us?" He queried. The silver tabby had of course explained the whole plan prior to Misto's arrival, but there still seemed to be a few kinks.
Munk looked over his shoulder at the gray and black-patched tom behind him. He replied confidently, "Once we do find Dem, Mistoffelees will teleport us out of the hideout, and we'll make a run for it."
Admetus nodded, but then continued hesitantly, "I understand that part, but don't you think Demeter will be…how do I put this…unstable? I mean, she's been in that hideout for a month! Don't you think she will have changed for the worse? What if she doesn't recognize us anymore, or what if Macavity has her under his control with magic?"
The silver tabby fell silent. The toms' footsteps on the concrete sidewalk, and the warm, summer wind that whistled about their ears in the now dark street were the only noises to be heard for a few tense minutes. Misto and Tugger winced and gave Admetus disapproving glares, but the gray and black tom remained inquisitive.
Finally their leader answered curtly, "We'll see." The subtle warning and sharp edge to the tabby's usually calm voice indicated that prying any further would be an extremely unwise idea. The remainder of the journey held an uneasy silence until the warehouse that was The Hidden Paw's hideout came into view. Munk stopped walking to scan the daunting building. The brick warehouse was easily two stories high with a narrow catwalk extending a few feet out from the flat roof. Tiny, rectangular windows lined the long side they were facing, which were located right under the catwalk where at least four sentries patrolled. Near the center of the roof a human-sized, metal block rose up that sported a door; the entrance and exit to the roof.
Munkustrap turned around to face Mistoffelees with a stony expression. "Can you get us in from here?" He questioned flatly.
The tuxedoed tom-kit bit his lip. They were a good half-block away, and it was certain that guards would be patrolling on foot in the alleys surrounding the warehouse. If the sentries didn't spot them first, the ground patrol would. Misto reluctantly shook his head. "I'm not strong enough. I can probably do it if we were closer, in one of the allies nearest to the hideout. I'm sorry…"
Tugger placed a comforting paw on his nephew's scrawny shoulder. "Hey, it's alright. I don't mind if we have to get in a couple tiffs. What about you, Addie?" He questioned the patched tom beside him. Admetus shook his head, and Misto noticed a devious glint in his eye that suggested this tom had seen a few fights himself, or even participated in them.
Mistoffelees' disappointment with himself eased a little with the extra support, but before the toms' enthusiasm could grow he added in a timid voice, "We have to get closer, but keep in mind that the sentries usually have bows and arrows, and the guards carry spears. If even one henchcat sees us coming, it might as well be a score."
Admetus and Tugger instantly lost any motivation to fight and exchanged nervous chuckles. "Oh…well that's just delightful. If we get within firing range we'll either be skewered by spears or riddled with arrows." Admetus pointed out the obvious dilemma with a mirthless laugh. The trio turned to their leader, who had his chin resting on the back of his paw. He was deep in thought trying to form a suitable plan to advance with.
After a few moments passed, the silver tabby raised his head. "What if they didn't see us at all?" He suggested with a twinkle in his eye. Munk was looking directly at Misto, but no one else noticed this hint.
Mistoffelees, Admetus, and Tugger cocked their heads in confusion. They were unsure of how to answer to this slightly cryptic proposition. There was no way they could bypass the ever-present guards and the vigilant sentries without being seen…right?
"Bro, I hate to burst your bubble, but if you haven't noticed, we're up against the best criminals in London. How in Heaviside do you expect us to become invisible and sneak past cats who could kill us on a dime?" The Rum Tum Tugger remarked exasperatedly. Had his older brother finally lost it? Was he so bent on saving his mate that he ceased to think things through logically?
Munk didn't reply verbally, he just continued to gaze at his nephew. Tugger followed the tabby's line of sight, and his face broke out into a wide, knowing smile after a second. The concept gradually dawned on Admetus and he smirked expectantly at the tuxedoed tom-kit as well. The only one left clueless was Misto.
"What are you all staring at?" The black and white tom-kit accused the trio.
"You." Munkustrap explained for the unaware kit, "You can make us invisible so that those henchcats don't see us."
Fear and uncertainty clouded Misto's face as he sputtered, "No way! I-I can't-I don't even kn-know the spell! Plus, I d-d-don't know how long I-I can keep it up!" The excuses proved futile, however. The rest of the toms seemed set on using invisibility to hide them from the view of Macavity's goons.
Munkustrap patted his frazzled nephew on the shoulder. "Of course you can do it! I know you can. Think back to your magic practice; I'm sure you've stumbled across the spell before. It's our only shot at getting in undetected." He said in a soothing, yet motivating tone. Admetus and Tugger smiled reassuringly at Mistoffelees to reinforce Munk's words.
The magical tom-kit's resolve not to perform the spell disintegrated quickly. "Fine, I'll do it. Hold paws with me and I'll try." He sighed, defeated. "But if the spell wears off before we're inside, I'm blaming it on you three!" He growled unconvincingly.
The rest of the group didn't take the warning seriously, and joined paws so they formed a circle. Mistoffelees furrowed his brow and dug through the deepest recesses of his mind for a suitable incantation. This took a few minutes, and the other three toms began to wonder why nothing was happening. Tugger threw Munk an expectant look, but it suddenly transformed into one of surprise as his body tingled. The Maine Coon glanced at Misto and observed his black fur glitter with gold, and his lips move imperceptibly fast as he muttered the spell to himself. Tugger noticed his own black fur begin to glow gold, and the coats of Admetus and Munk as well. Before he knew it, he couldn't see his own body.
"Okay, the spell is done. I don't know how long I can hold out, but I'll terminate the spell once we're inside. Follow my voice, but keep quiet." Misto's tenor voice sounded from Tugger's right. The other three toms instinctively walked after the fading voice of the magical tom as he began to jog ahead. The Maine Coon suddenly felt something bump into his side, and he hissed as he flinched away.
"Sorry…I can't see my own feet…" Came Admetus' sheepish voice from behind. Tugger huffed and sped up his pace to follow his nephew's soft hum.
Once the four adjusted to being invisible, they quieted down and soon the patrolling henchcats came into view. Mistoffelees' short, invisible hackles rose, but he lowered his humming so it was almost inaudible. The other toms had trouble following, but they managed to stay close. They unknowingly passed within three feet of a pair of guards, and Munkustrap's tail accidentally brushed one henchcat's hock as he twitched it from side to side anxiously.
The guard, who happened to be a red and brown-patched tom, started and quickly swung his spear around. Munk just barely managed to duck as he hurried past. The henchcat's face contorted in confusion when he realized no one was behind him.
He turned to his tensed, brown-striped black partner with a hiss. "That wasn't funny, man! You know how antsy I get on dark nights like this!" He accused the tom harshly.
The second henchcat raised his paws to indicate he was innocent. "I didn't do anything! Have those pot joints been screwing with your head again?" When his partner rolled his eyes sarcastically, he fumbled around in a pocket in his weapons belt. He pulled out two cigarettes and a lighter, and handed one of them to his partner. "Here, have a smoke. You're making me nervous." He said as he lit his own cigarette and also his friend's.
Despite having something to calm him, the brown and red tom didn't give up. "I swear something brushed against my leg, though. You don't think these alleys are haunted, do you?" He asked with a note of fear in his voice. He glanced around him once more with wide eyes.
The brown-striped henchcat cuffed him over the head and snapped, "Shut up and take a drag already, you superstitious wimp!" The brown and red tom dropped the subject and obliged. He quieted down once the chemicals he inhaled calmed him. The pair strolled off without another word.
Munkustrap had to cover his mouth with both paws to keep from snickering at the pair of unintelligent goons. He hurried to the wall where Misto's humming was loudest, and he knew he was standing right beside the small tom-kit. Once the familiar scents of Tugger, Munk, and Admetus registered strongly in Misto's nose, he had everyone join paws again. This took a few minutes, given they couldn't see each other, but eventually the three toms confirmed with various inconspicuous noises. Misto was holding paws with who he presumed to be Admetus on his right and Munk on his left, judging by their voices. He began to form the mental image of the jail hall inside his mind, and concentrated as hard as possible on it. It took a lot more energy to transport four cats instead of two, but when he opened his eyes again, the dingy walls of the inside of the hideout surrounded them.
Mistoffelees smiled proudly, but suddenly felt woozy. He swayed dangerously on his feet, and Munkustrap caught him just as he toppled over. He gave the tuxedoed tom-kit a concerned frown, and Misto returned it with unfocused, dull eyes. Munk gazed around for a suitable place where the exhausted kit could recuperate, and helped him to sit by the wall.
"Stay here and rest until we come back, alright? Which way do we go from here?" The silver tabby inquired softly. The corridor they were in had two sharp corners at either end. It was impossible to tell what lay around them.
Misto glanced around for a few moments, and then lifted a shaky paw to point at the corner on his right. "The jail cells should be down that hall…" He advised feebly. Mistoffelees didn't bother to try and protest Munk's order about resting. He could barely lift an arm, let alone walk or fight. If someone found him, which wasn't unlikely at this time of night, he hoped it would be someone who was on his side.
Munkustrap nodded and motioned to Admetus. The gray and black-patched tom immediately rushed over and crouched beside him. "Watch him, and don't let anyone lay a claw on him. If someone comes, holler." Munk commanded seriously. Addie mock-saluted the silver tabby, and sat next to Misto. Munk gave one last worried glance at his nephew before he and his brother slunk down the corridor and rounded the corner. Just like the small tom-kit had said, heavy metal doors with thin slats at eye-level lined both sides of the hall. Each door had a formidable lock on it, but they were designed to open with a key. Not a cat was in sight, but both toms could hear low, agonized moans emanating from behind a locked door every now and then.
"How are we supposed to find Demeter? There must be at least twenty cells here!" Tugger whined as he sniffed the air for said queen's scent. All he could smell was the mustiness of the unclean, concrete floors, and the faint yet pungent stench of raw sewage.
As soon as Tugger finished, his older brother clapped a paw over his mouth urgently. They both pricked their ears and listened. The faint clinking of metal on metal could be heard from around the corner at the far end of the jail hall, as well as footsteps and an abstract, whistled tune. Someone was coming.
"You don't think it's Addie, do you?" The Maine Coon asked nervously when he managed to pry his brother's paw off his mouth.
Munk shook his head. "No, Admetus and Misto are behind us. We've got trouble." He said in a low voice, and then paused to think. "Alright, I have a plan that might save us. Just follow my lead and let me do the talking." With that he stepped behind his brother, wound his arms behind his back, and shoved him forward and snarled, "Move it, scum!"
Tugger started marching forward. He glanced over his shoulder and sneered sarcastically, "Ohyeah, let's play good cop, bad cop. Of course I have to be the bad guy, Mr. Jellicle Protector."
The whistling ceased just as an orange head poked around the far corner. The henchcat pursed his lips in intrigue as he saw two toms at the other end of the hall; one obviously held the other captive. He broke into a jog and caught up to them. "What's going on here?" He addressed the leading tom, a silver tabby.
Munk frowned at the orange henchcat. He had a white bib, paws, and his tail was tipped with white, too. "I just caught this tom raping one of the henchcat queens. I thought I'd bring him down to let Macavity teach him a lesson." Munkustrap growled and threw a disgusted glare at Tugger. The Maine Coon hissed quietly in protest, and Munk tightened his grip on his arms.
The orange and white tom's lips curled up into a pompous smirk, like he felt superior to this pair. "Macavity won't do shit. Nobody cares about rape here. This happens like, every freakin' day." His smirk turned into a tight line as he narrowed his eyes at Munkustrap and his brother. "Say, I don't recognize you two. When did you start working here?" He questioned, tapping his chin with his dirty claws.
"Macavity hired us just yesterday. Uhh…P-personally. Yeah, he was so impressed with our reputation that he offered to give us jobs on the spot." Munkustrap explained with only a slight delay. He dared to hope the henchcat would believe him.
After a few tense moments, the enemy tom nodded. "That would make sense…Boss was gone for most of the day yesterday. Well, are you going to release this guy or what? Crimes don't get punished where crime thrives, you know." He said non-chalantly. Munk reluctantly let Tugger go and the Maine Coon rubbed his sore wrists. His brother had a stronger grip than he thought he would.
The orange and white tom was about to continue on his way when Munkustrap queried, "Hey, do you know where I can find a queen named Demeter? She's an old friend of my buddy's here, and he's just dying to see her again, if you know what I mean." He chuckled with a wink.
The henchcat cocked an eyebrow, but then caught on. He smirked knowingly and replied, "Sure…Just don't be too long; other toms want to have their turn, too. We'd have concubines if there was enough room in the barracks, but there isn't so we toms just have to be content with the lovely prisoners we have down here." He turned around and began walking down the hall. The pair was lucky he didn't see Munk's fur bristle with barely contained fury, and Tugger cringe in disgust. They followed the tom as he took the set of keys from his belt and started to swing them around his finger. The carefree whistling resumed.
As the three toms strode further down the jail hall, Munkustrap became increasingly more nervous. What Admetus said earlier about Demeter never left his anxious mind. What kind of state would she be in? He tried not to imagine his beloved mate bruised, scarred, or emaciated, but the images slowly enveloped his mind nonetheless. The orange and white tom halted at one of the metal cell doors and jabbed a rusted key into the lock. A quiet click was heard as the door unlocked.
"The door locks from the outside automatically, so don't lock yourselves in, okay? It's happened before…" The henchcat warned half-seriously. He clipped the keys back on his belt and mock-saluted the pair of toms. Just as he turned around, he suddenly felt a blow to the side of his head and the concrete floor rose up to greet the rest of his body.
Tugger lowered his leg with a satisfied smirk. "And you said I'm not good at combat, bro." He sneered smugly at Munk. The silver tabby shook his head at the unconscious tom sprawled out on the floor in front of them. In truth, Munk had no idea Tugger kept up his fighting skills until now. Both toms turned to the door and the older of the two took a deep breath to prepare himself for what he was about to see. He turned the handle of the metal door and it swung open with a rusty groan. They peered inside, but it was completely dark.
Munkustrap hesitantly stepped into the cell, and Tugger kept watch outside. His night vision quickly adjusted to the darkness, and he could make out a still shape huddled in the corner. Hollow, yellow eyes stared back at him, partially shielded from the light that had entered the tiny space. Munk could see the outline of a queen, but this queen was almost unrecognizable to him.
"…Demeter? Is that you?" The silver tabby asked cautiously. As soon as his voice filled the deathly silence in the dingy cell, a high-pitched mewling pierced the foul-smelling air. The queen's eyes widened and she began to shush something she was holding in her arms. Munk realized with both joy and horror it was a kitten.
The imprisoned queen turned her eyes towards Munk once more and she hissed feebly, "Go away! Can't you see I have a kit to care for? Go bang someone else!"
Munkustrap was slightly taken aback by the queen's hoarse, venomous voice, but he definitely knew it was his mate's. He slowly edged towards Demeter. "Dem it's me, Munkustrap. Tugger and I have come to rescue you." He reassured her quietly.
Demeter's eyes widened once more, but this time in fear. She averted her gaze and stared at the floor. "No, no, no, he's doing it again…You're not real, you're not real…" She muttered to herself after a minute as she rocked the kitten in her arms.
"Dem, what are you talking about? Of course I'm real! Touch my paw…I'm not a dream." The silver tabby reassured his mate as he extended a paw towards her.
He had to cover his ears momentarily as Dem let out a shriek and yelled, "Get out of my head!" She clutched the kit closer and began to sob uncontrollably.
Munkustrap's brow furrowed in confusion. He had no idea was what going on with his mate right now. He stepped back just as Tugger's voice sounded from outside, "Bro, what's taking so long? We don't have all night! Get Dem and let's beat it!"
It took the silver tabby a moment to figure out why Demeter was acting like she was a schizophrenic. It gradually dawned on him that his brother must have either used magic on her or psychologically scarred her so badly that she wasn't the same queen anymore. Munk tried again to convince her. "Dem, I need you to listen to me. Tugger, Admetus, Misto, and I have come to bust you out and take you back home. Please, come with us. Take my paw and I promise you won't have to spend another minute in this hellhole." He said desperately as he reached his paw out once more.
He heard some shuffling and a whimper. Demeter crawled out from the dark depths of her cell and into the lighter area near the door, albeit painfully slowly. Munk suppressed a horrified gasp as his mate's features finally became visible. Her previously gold and ebony fur was disheveled and the gold parts were caked in dirt so that she looked brown and black. It was obvious her kitten was in much better shape. The tiny queen-kit was oddly clean for her horrid surroundings, and Munk could make out distinct black and red patches on the little furry bundle.
"There we go…" The silver tabby coaxed, "That's it…Can you stand?" He asked Demeter as she stopped a few feet away from him. The black and gold queen nodded, and brought her legs under her to squat before using her free paw to help her rise to her feet. She looked frail and plainly malnourished, but she was better off than Munk had imagined her to be. Pink, healing scars, bruises, and dried blood littered her abused body, and her face was gaunt from stress and sleep deprivation. Demeter followed Munk into the light of the corridor and squinted as she stepped out of her cell after days of being shut up in complete darkness. The kit in her arms squirmed and mewed her discomfort at the seemingly blinding light. Her fragile mother cooed and rocked her until she quieted down once more. Demeter glanced up and recoiled at the sight of Tugger, who was waiting impatiently at the door to the cell.
The Maine Coon gaped at his sister-in-law. "Holy Cat, Dem! What in Heaviside happened to you?" He gasped in horror. Munk emitted a throaty growl and Tugger corrected himself. "Oh, sorry…Well, aren't you going to tell us about your kitten? What's the little cutie's name?" He gestured to the kit, who was currently clutching her mother's neck fur for dear life. The sight of other cats scared her as much as it did her mother.
Demeter hesitated for a second and then replied quietly, "She was born last week…She doesn't have a name yet, though…"
Tugger smiled politely and nodded. He glanced both ways down the hall and decided the coast was clear. He began walking back in the direction they had come from. Demeter still refused to take Munk's paw, and followed the two toms as if she were in a daze. After a few steps she inexplicably tensed and hissed as her hackles stood on end.
Munkustrap cocked his head at his mate's strange reaction to what he thought was nothing. "What's the matter, Dem…?" He queried, but answered his own question as a low, malevolent chuckle sounded from behind them. Demeter, who was last in the line of cats, immediately took refuge behind her mate as he and Tugger turned around.
Macavity himself stood a few feet in front of them with a crooked, eerily pleasant grin. His unkempt ginger fur gave off an almost non-existent luster, and his acid yellow eyes held something akin to bemusement. "I must say, this is your best attempt yet, brother. I knew I felt some sort of familiar presence around here, but I never would have thought it would be you! Did I not break enough bones last time you tried to rescue your bitch?" He questioned sarcastically and laughed once more at Munk's more than irritated snarl. The silver tabby stood protectively in front of Demeter and Tugger was crouched, ready to pounce, beside him.
The ginger tom inspected his unsightly, long claws as he turned his attention to Demeter. He bored his piercing eyes into her, and the abused queen couldn't resist his magic. Macavity placed a hypnosis spell on her, and waved her over. The black and gold queen pushed herself away from Munk and made to walk over to her "master", but her mate held her back with both paws.
While Munkustrap was attempting to keep his entranced mate from returning to The Hidden Paw, Tugger saw his chance. He lunged at Macavity's throat and succeeded in distracting him long enough to break his spell on Demeter, but it didn't last long. As the Maine Coon and Macavity wrestled on the floor, the ginger tom kicked his attacker off with more strength than Tugger thought was possible for a cat. Tugger was sent flying into the wall, and collapsed on the concrete with a pained moan.
"Hm. Kitten's play." Macavity grunted as he dusted himself off. He turned his attention to Munkustrap once more and threw a bolt of blue magic at him. Munk made no move to avoid it, as he was still protecting Demeter, and the bolt hit him square in the chest. The silver tabby dropped onto all-fours, groaning and trembling with evident agony.
That just left Demeter. Macavity effortlessly kicked Munkustrap out of his way like an aluminum can, and grabbed his prize by the waist. "Now with those nuisances taken care of, let's get you back to your proper cell, shall we?" The ginger tom purred in his sleazy voice. Demeter whimpered in fear as she attempted to free herself from her captor's grip, but he merely tightened it.
As Macavity turned around, he growled as he felt a sharp jolt to his back. He whipped his head around to face whoever had annoyed him, while pushing Demeter away like she was as light as a ragdoll. The terrified queen was caught by her mate before she could hit the ground. They both looked up and saw a small tuxedoed tom-kit facing off against The Hidden Paw. Misto's paws were smoking and he looked like he had trouble breathing. He leaned against Admetus, who supported him from behind.
Macavity laughed at his son with what almost appeared to be relief. "I thought something bad was going to happen, but it's just my miserable runt of a son! I see your powers have improved a mite since we last saw each other. No matter, I'll just dispose of you like I did your uncles." He shrugged as he prepared another bolt of magic in his paws, this time larger than the first. He threw the bolt at Misto, who blocked it with what seemed to be a magical shield. The impact still sent him backwards a few steps, however.
The ginger tom sent bolt after bolt of magic at his son, determined to wear his already exhausted from down enough so he could defeat him. Admetus was quickly thrown backwards on the floor, but Mistoffelees just continued to block the attacks. It ended up with both Conjurers panting heavily. Misto threw his own bolt of yellow magic at his father, but Macavity deflected it with his paw. With a snarl, Macavity charged his son at break-neck speed to try and finish him off, but the small tom-kit somehow held his ground against his father and locked paws with him, instead of being bowled over. The ginger tom's eyes widened in disbelief, but he refused to give up. He pushed Misto back further, and the strain was evident on the weary tom-kit's face.
Blue magic and yellow magic sparked around father and son as neither refused to yield to the other. After a few unbearable moments, Mistoffelees drew on his last reserves of energy to produce a blinding explosion, which sent both toms to the ground. When the smoke cleared, Macavity appeared to be unconscious and Misto was motionless. Munk and Tugger, now somewhat recovered from their own blows dealt by Macavity, hurried over to the tuxedoed tom-kit.
Munkustrap knelt down beside Misto just as his brother and Admetus did as well. Demeter hung back, but watched with concerned eyes. The silver tabby shook his nephew's shoulder urgently. "Misto, wake up! You've beaten your father!" He exclaimed with a hint of desperation and relief.
The tom-kit didn't respond.
Munk put his fingers to Misto's neck to locate a pulse, but it barely registered underneath the pads of his fingers. He put his ear to the tuxedoed kit's chest, and his heartbeat was faint and faltering. "Shit, Misto's gonna die if we don't do something!" He hissed in alarm.
A weak, strained cough made itself known from behind the group. All four cats turned their heads to see that Macavity was standing up with a great effort. He rubbed his sore chest, and spat a few times before smirking triumphantly at his son. "Not bad…for a rookie…" He commented as he reached his paw out. It began to glow blue once more. Munk blocked his nephew from Macavity like he did for Demeter and growled a warning.
The ginger tom persisted, and his eyes held no intent for harm. A light green trail of magic extended from his fingertips and floated past Munkustrap. It surrounded Misto and settled on his limp body. The magic absorbed into his fur and it radiated with green for a moment before returning to its original colour. The tuxedoed tom-kit gasped once for air and his ochre eyes blinked open.
"The guards will not trouble you as you make your way out." Macavity said flatly and vanished without a trace.
The small tom-kit sat up and rubbed his head. "Why…why didn't Dad kill me?" He murmured as he coughed a few times. Macavity had revived him, but he hadn't given him much energy. Mistoffelees was little stronger than when he had teleported into the hideout.
Munkustrap shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe he didn't have the heart to kill his own flesh and blood…? Perhaps he still harbours a tiny shred of love for you?"
Mistoffelees wanted to laugh out loud at that remark, but he only managed an amused giggle. His brow furrowed as he asked, "How are we going to get out of here? I'm clearly not strong enough to teleport all of us."
Tugger answered for him. "Macavity told us the guards wouldn't harm us…Can we trust his words?" He queried with a serious expression.
A silence fell upon the group as they contemplated this statement. To everyone's surprise, Demeter broke it after a minute. "Yes…In the past month, I've become very in tune with his…motives. He speaks sincerely." She confirmed softly.
The other toms hesitated to accept her response. Eventually, Munkustrap nodded in agreement. "Alright then. If you're sure, then let's get going." He stated as he stood up. The other toms did the same, but Misto had to lean heavily on Tugger to support himself. The group made their way to the door and stepped out into the pleasant summer night.
The henchcats outside didn't give the group of escapees much more than a fleeting glance. The Jellicles navigated their way out of the maze of alleys and onto the sidewalk of the main street. They turned south and began the ten-block trek back to the junkyard. Admetus led the group this time while Munk walked next to his mate and Tugger piggy-backed his nephew, as he could barely stand. There was no sense in forcing the poor thing to walk ten blocks. Misto quickly fell asleep and used his uncle's fluffy mane as a pillow.
As they strode along, Munkustrap couldn't take his eyes off his daughter. She was the most beautiful thing to him, as well as her mother. "I can't believe she's actually mine…" He mumbled mostly to himself, but Demeter heard him.
The black and gold queen cracked a small smile, and nodded. "Your brother sped up the development of the kit, to 'get it out of the way' as he put it. So I gave birth in less than half the time. She still needs a name, you know." Her smile widened imperceptibly and she relinquished her hold on the queen-kit to settle her in her mate's arms.
The tiny kitten looked up at her father with pure, blue eyes. She mewled softly and grabbed her father's finger as he stroked her head with it. Munkustrap chuckled quietly as his daughter gave a great yawn and closed her eyes to go to sleep. This was no surprise; the half-moon above indicated it was getting close to midnight.
"She's so innocent, and that little white bib of hers reminds me of a dove's feathers." The silver tabby commented as he studied the sleeping kitten. Indeed, her chest sported a white patch, much like Misto. Munk's eyes lit up as an idea came to mind. "I remember when my father used to teach me about all the different religions that humans made, and that cats subsequently picked up as well. He even taught me a few words in Hebrew just for the heck of it once…I remember one of them was Jemima, the Hebrew word for 'dove'. Our kit is pure and untainted by my brother's actions. What do you think of the name 'Jemima'?" He asked his mate.
Demeter smiled in full as she took her kitten back. "I think that name is perfect. What do you think, honey?" She questioned the sleeping kit in her arms. Jemima nuzzled herself closer to her mother's chest as if she agreed, too. The rest of the trip was spent in comfortable silence and soon the chain-link fence of the Jellicle Junkyard came into view. Once everyone was safely inside, Tugger woke Misto up and helped him walk back to his den while Demeter, Jemima, and Munkustrap strolled back to theirs. Admetus returned to his den to get some well-deserved rest as well.