A/N: As you've probably figured out by now, I update on a weekly-biweekly basis. Weekends are basically the only time I get to write, so at least now you can predict when another chapter will come! Oh, and for all you Plato-haters out there like me, this chapter should satisfy. Heh, heh, heh…Enjoy!
Mistoffelees slowly emerged from the depths of his unconscious mind and into a painfully aware state. His entire head and one half of his neck throbbed fiercely in time with his pulse, but the vision in his left eye had not returned yet. Misto ran his tongue over his strange-feeling bottom lip and winced as the saliva stung the healing cut there. The tuxedoed tom-kit glanced around at his new surroundings. Alonzo was curled up by the den entrance in a make-shift nest, fast asleep. Skimbleshanks was lightly snoring in the comfortable nest he shared with his mate Jennyanydots, but Jenny was absent from the bed. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were lost in a dream world in their respective nests, smiling contentedly and murmuring things every now and again. Misto shifted his head to gaze about the opposite side of the den from where he lay on his blanket in the middle of the dwelling. His sore neck protested at the movement and he let slip a quiet moan of pain.
Jennyanydots pricked her ears from where she stood at the stove. In the otherwise silent den, this almost inaudible noise was particularly loud. She turned her attention away from whatever she was cooking to the tom-kit who had just woken up.
"I didn't expect you to be awake so soon, Mistoffelees. By the look on your face, you must be feeling terrible. Am I right?" The Gumbie Cat smiled sadly at her patient from across the room. When Misto opened his mouth to speak, she hastily interrupted him before he could get a word out. "Don't worry about talking, dear. It'll put too much strain on your already battered neck. Alonzo told me everything that happened last night. Seems to me like you know how to push Plato's buttons, don't you? You toms never cease to go at each other's throats to show who the stronger male is!" She giggled as the tuxedoed tom-kit's face contorted into as much of a disapproving glower as he could get it.
Jenny smirked as she waved the glare off. "Oh I'm just teasing! Alonzo told me why Plato started the fight. That tom heard and saw everything. I'm glad you want to look out for Victoria, but you just can't go around sticking your nose into other cats' business like that! Munkustrap would have handled the situation and given Plato a stern talking-to in the morning, but now he has the weight of two injured toms on his shoulders." As Misto's expression changed from annoyed to guilty, the yellow and orange tabby queen decided he had had enough scolding. "I know Vicky's your friend. As I said before, it's very sweet of you to be concerned about her like this, but what happened last night was something that only the adults should handle. Attempted rape is taken very seriously here. Plato could get exiled, or at the very least be put on probation. Right now he's recovering in his den. I must say, your brother packs quite the punch. He gave Plato a couple bruised ribs, a black eye, and so many other bruises that his white fur isn't even white anymore! Ah…What are we going to do with you two…?" She trailed off, shaking her head in disappointment. Jenny turned her back again to focus on the stove.
Mistoffelees smiled inwardly at the news about Plato. He couldn't wait to see what Munkustrap would do once he got his paws on the russet and white tom-kit. He wouldn't mind Plato being exiled. It would make Misto's life a whole lot easier, that's for sure. There would be no one to constantly fight with, no one to scare and hurt Victoria, and nobody to compete with over her. Misto's cheerful thoughts about a Plato-free world suddenly came crashing down as the memory of the white queen-kit's ordeal came back to him. He already knew Plato hurt her emotionally, but did he injure her physically? How was she holding up after last night?
The tuxedoed tom-kit cleared his dry throat and queried in a feeble, hoarse voice, "What about…Vicky? …She…o-okay?"
Jennyanydots shushed him from her place in the kitchen. "Mistoffelees, please don't strain yourself! To answer your question, she's a little shaken up, but she's not hurt. She doesn't really want any visitors right now, but once she heard about what happened after she took off, the poor thing couldn't sleep! You made Vicky worry herself sick, you silly tom. You look like you're thirsty. I'll get some tea for you." She said in a motherly tone and grabbed a mug from the fully set table. Pouring tea into it from the steaming kettle by the pot, Jenny quickly brought it over to her patient. Misto winced as the older queen helped him to sit up, but his lips formed into a tiny, content smile as the warm liquid soothed his parched throat. Jenny set the mug down beside him in case he needed more. The tom-kit's stomach suddenly growled with hunger, and Misto averted his eyes sheepishly.
"Breakfast will be ready soon, dear. I'll serve it once my lazy family wakes up!" The yellow and orange tabby queen directed the last phrase in a louder, more obvious voice at the slumbering cats on the opposite side of the den. The only one she succeeded in waking up was Skimble. He yawned and blinked his green eyes open with a tired, affectionate smile. Mungojerrie simply twitched his hind leg in his sleep and Rumpleteazer wrinkled her nose up for a second, but her face resumed its tranquil expression as she rolled over to face the wall. Skimbleshanks crawled out from his nest and stood up to fully stretch himself out. He raised an inquisitive orange eyebrow at the grisly sight of Mistoffelees.
"You didn't get mauled by a Pollicle, did you lad? I fell asleep as soon as I got home from work, so I didn't notice you here." The Scottish tom greeted Misto jokingly as he walked over and pecked his mate on the cheek in a wordless good morning.
Misto rolled his good eye and retorted smugly, "If that Pollicle's name is Plato, then yes. He beat me up after he tried to rape Victoria, but 'Lonzy had his way with him."
At this Skimble appeared genuinely concerned. "Really? Why would Plato do such terrible things? That's unacceptable! How is Victoria? Does Munkustrap know of this?" He exclaimed in a rush of words, partially baffled at the news. Things like these almost never happened in the junkyard, but they were unfortunately becoming more frequent.
"Munk's waiting until Plato wakes up so he can talk to him," Jenny answered for her patient, "and Vicky's not hurt, but she's a tad traumatized."
The orange tabby tom ran his fingers through his headfur as he let a drawn-out puff of air escape his lips. "I hope he's not too hard on the sorry lad. He can be a spitting image of Macavity when he's ticked off, you know. And Victoria…Well that little angel doesn't deserve to be treated like this. It doesn't do her any good to be scared out her wits by someone she trusts." He grumbled as he started to pace the width of the den. Jenny took him gently by the shoulders and steered him over to the table, where the concerned tom reluctantly sat.
"We'll deal with these things when the time comes, love. For now, all we can do is enjoy our breakfast." Skimble's mate purred as she nuzzled the orange tabby comfortingly. Skimble's creased brow gradually became smooth as he returned the loving gesture.
At the mention of breakfast, a sudden commotion erupted from the beds by the wall. 'Jerrie and 'Teazer sat up simultaneously and chorused, "Breakfast!" as they scrambled out of their nests to race each other to the table. This unconsciously choreographed movement only resulted in a tangled mess of calico-coloured limbs as both attempted to outmaneuver the other in the mad dash to the other side of the den. The medley of hisses and growls only added to the noise this pair made as they tried to detangle themselves. It was only when they were free again that 'Jerrie noticed Misto staring at them from his cot on the floor.
The calico tom nudged his sister as she brushed herself off. 'Teazer glanced in the direction 'Jerrie was looking and did a double-take at the sight of the tuxedoed tom-kit. "Whoa! Whot tha 'ell 'appened ta ya?" Rumpleteazer questioned incredulously with more amazement in her voice than concern. Her brother mirrored her bewildered expression with his own.
"Rumpleteazer! Language, please!" Skimble sharply chided his daughter. 'Teazer ducked her head apologetically, but still look inquisitively at Mistoffelees.
Misto shrugged imperceptibly. "Plato beat me up when I told him he didn't...deserve Victoria after he tried to rape her. Alonzo rescued me and then Plato...didn't stand a chance." His non-chalance made up for lack of movement from his shoulders.
The pair of calicos exchanged shudders at the information. 'Jerrie pursed his lips as he thought for a moment. "Did ya foind out whoiy Plato wonted ta mate with Vickey? Whot Oi mean is…Was it flat out sexual assault o' did it jus' end up loike tha'? Did Plato wont ta 'urt 'er?" He asked, choosing his words carefully.
A tense silence came over the den as Mistoffelees took his time to answer. Before he could speak, 'Teazer broke the silence by turning to her brother and saying, "Whoiy tha's tha most mature thin' ya've said awll week, 'Jer." She mock-sniffled and added, "Oi think Oi'm losin' moiy pahtnah in croime! Ya're growin' up too fast, 'Jerrie!" She broke down mock-sobbing on her brother's shoulder.
'Jerrie batted his sister over the ears and shushed her like his mother would. 'Teazer quickly dropped the fake drama and became serious once more. Her focus returned to Misto as he replied slowly, "Plato…assumed that Vicky…wanted sex. She didn't, and when he tried…Vicky rejected him. Plato stopped and backed off before…he could mate with her, but…damage was already done." His words were slurred because of his lip, but everyone understood him without much difficulty.
"So Vicky's a wreck and Plato's going to get his neck wrung by Munkustrap? I believe it is time to initiate phase two of our plan, little brother." Alonzo meowed from his nest by the den entrance. Everyone gave a small start at the new voice; they didn't even know Alonzo had been eavesdropping while he supposedly slept.
Misto cocked his head in confusion at the older patched tom. Alonzo smirked and stretched as he elucidated, "Remember what we talked about after that henchcat attacked Vicky? If Plato's out of the picture then Victoria is all yours. That is, if you haven't given up on her already."
The small tom-kit's face brightened as the realization dawned on his mind. After a few seconds it darkened as he mumbled, "What if Vicky…still wants Plato?"
Alonzo chuckled bemusedly like he knew better than his little brother. "I'd be very surprised if she goes back to him. That would be a completely stupid move on her part." He snorted sarcastically.
"I dunno…Vicky can be really forgiving…too much for her own good." Mistoffelees murmured sadly. His older brother shrugged and pricked his ears as he heard hissing and angry voices erupt from a den nearby. Munkustrap's was clearly one of them. The other was recognized as Rum Tum Tugger's.
Misto got up to follow the voices, eager to see his rival get what he deserved, but 'Jerrie held him back and looked to his mother for approval. Jenny shook her head and the calico tom let go. Mistoffelees gave Jenny a tiny smile as he followed his brother out of the den. The warm morning sunshine and lilting birdsongs greeted the pair as they stepped outside.
Indeed Munkustrap and his younger brother were striding purposefully down the path in the direction of Jellylorum's den, but Demeter was also trailing behind. Jemima wasn't with her, and Misto assumed she was with Victoria. The two adult toms were obviously angry about something. Munk was shaking with fury and Tugger's ears were pinned against his head. Demeter's countenance was compassionate, as if she understood her mate's anger. The trio stopped and stared at Alonzo and Misto for a moment.
"First my niece and now my nephew. Plato must be punished." Tugger stated as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
At this Alonzo became excited. His face lit up as he inquired, "What are you going to do to Plato? Beat him? Banish him? Chuck him in the Thames at high tide?"
"Those don't seem like bad suggestions at the moment, Alonzo." Tugger rubbed his paws together and grinned sinisterly. Munk ribbed the Maine Coon to show his disapproval, and Tugger whined in disappointment.
Munkustrap thought seriously about what kind of punishment Plato should receive. "No…We will not continue the cycle of violence with more violence. It may have worked for our insane brother, but that's not how we deal with things here anymore. No, we will punish Plato by depriving him of the cat he loves: Victoria. I can't let my daughter encounter anymore danger by being with him. Plato went too far last night and we can't turn a blind eye to this any longer." He concluded gravely. The somber words were music to Misto's ears. Victoria really could be with him now!
Tugger let out a growl as he ground his fist against his palm. "That senseless jerk was lucky he didn't mate with Victoria. If he did, I would have torn him to shreds. I have a good mind to do just that for traumatizing her like he did." He hissed between clenched teeth.
"…Plato didn't mean to hurt Vicky…He just got carried away. I saw…whole thing." Misto softly spoke up.
The fury from Munk's and Tugger's faces diminished slightly. "That's what Victoria kept telling us. Is it true that he stopped when she asked him to?" Munk asked in a stern voice.
Mistoffelees tapped his fingers against his thigh for a moment. When he had formulated an answer he replied, "Yes and no. The first time she said no, he…convinced her to say yes. The second time she said no, he backed off. Did Vicky lose her trust in Plato…?"
This time Demeter responded. She stepped out from behind her mate with a solemn expression. "My daughter is afraid of him, but she doesn't want to let him go because of the bond she shares with him. Victoria doesn't know what to do. We're afraid that once we severe the relationship between them, Vicky will rebel and see Plato behind our backs. But this is the best thing for her, no matter how much she despises the idea. That's why we've decided that you, Mistoffelees, will watch her when we can't and help her recover for a few weeks. She trusts you, and she's much more comfortable around you than Plato. Are you up to the task?" The black and gold queen explained, much to the inner elation of the tuxedoed tom-kit.
"Yes! Of course!" Misto answered, albeit more eagerly than intended. Munkustrap raised a questioning eyebrow and the small tom-kit hastily corrected himself, "I mean-it would be my honour to protect Victoria."
Munk accepted this answer and nodded his head in agreement. "Thank you for clearing some things up about the situation, Misto. That will not stop me from giving Plato an earful, however. That tom needs some sense knocked into him about how actions have consequences."
Alonzo casually inspected his claws and asked as the trio of adults turned to continue on their way, "Can Misto and I watch? We're both really eager to see Plato get his just desserts."
The silver tabby exchanged glances with Tugger and then shrugged. "As immoral as this may sound, you may. Just don't let Plato see you." Munkustrap confirmed. Alonzo gently high-fived his little brother and the pair joined the group of older cats.
As they neared Jelly's den, Munk directed Misto and Alonzo to crouch by the den entrance, out of sight of anyone inside. Then the silver tabby wordlessly ordered his mate and brother to stay outside by holding a paw up. He stepped inside the den unannounced, and Jellylorum, Asparagus, and Plato glanced up from their respective places inside the den. Plato was lying in his nest looking sorrier than ever, Jelly was cooking breakfast at the stove, and Asparagus was reading a discarded magazine at the family's small table.
"You've come to talk to our son, am I correct? We've already given him a good scolding, but we'd like to hear what you've come up with." Asparagus said flatly from the table.
Munk nodded and turned to Plato, whose ears drooped immediately. The tom-kit averted his gaze in shame. "I assume you know why I'm here, Plato?" The silver tabby inquired in a calm, steady voice.
Plato's reaction was one of surprise. He thought Munk would crack down on him like his parents had. "I-I tried to m-mate with your daughter?" He replied hesitantly. His voice was soft and humble in the presence of the Jellicle Protector.
"Yes," Munkustrap continued, "and I have been given the details by Alonzo." Plato winced at the mention of the black and white-patched tom, but Munk resumed speaking. "I have to ask, what was going through your head that made you think it was alright to mate underage? Did you think Victoria was going to let you take her innocence away from her that easily?" His tone became a little harsher and the words clearly stung Plato because he ducked his head even further.
"In my defense, Sir, I didn't want to pressure Victoria into having sex with me, it's just-we confessed our love to each other last night and I thought that there wouldn't be a problem, seeing as we're going to be mates anyway." The russet and white tom-kit explained sincerely. He didn't dare look Munk in the eye.
The silver tabby's lips formed a tight line. "Did the notion that she might not have been ready even cross your mind at all?" He inquired, still with a sharp voice.
"N-No…I was just…listening to what my body was telling me and not hers. I truly do apologize for the damage I've caused your family." Plato said feebly, dipping his head as much as he could in respect to the adult tom.
Munkustrap nodded, acknowledging the tom-kit's apology. "I'm not the only one you have to say sorry to. You also fought with Mistoffelees, I heard. Care to explain why?" His voice was once again collected, but rigid.
Plato let a hiss escape his lips as he frowned. His pinned his ears flat against his skull in irritation instead of fear. "Mistoffelees deemed me unworthy of Victoria. He said I just wanted her for her body, which isn't true. I love her for more than her body. The nerve of that pipsqueak! He doesn't understand what Victoria and I share! That's why I fought him; to knock some sense into him that Tory's mine and he can't change that, no matter what problems we face." He uttered contemptibly.
"Well, Misto might not be able to change that, but I can. You didn't think you'd get off the hook that easily, did you? Because of your actions and…impatience, I forbid you from having a romantic relationship with my daughter. If I do see you engaging in any amorous activity with her whatsoever, you will have a choice of either being put under den arrest or banishment. I will not risk a repeat of last night or something worse."Munk said authoritatively.
Despite his severely bruised jaw, the young red and white tom gaped at Munkustrap in disapproval. He began impudently, "What? I won't-"
"-No exceptions. You may still be friends with Victoria, but nothing more. You will either obey this order or risk the consequences. Is that clear, Plato?" The silver tabby's tone took on a clipped, military-like essence. When Plato merely nodded half-heartedly in response he demanded again, "Is that clear, Plato?"
Plato glanced up with hard, sorrowful eyes and muttered with great reluctance, "Yes, Sir." With his fate sealed, he hung his head while letting out a heavy sigh. Munkustrap bowed his head politely to Jelly and Gus before leaving the den.
The group of cats waiting outside smiled their silent approval as they walked back in the direction of Munk's den. When they were out of earshot of Plato's family, Tugger patted Munk heartily on the shoulder. "I'd say you handled that quite nicely, big bro. Plato shouldn't be coming anywhere near Vicky now." He chuckled smugly.
The silver tabby wasn't as pleased with himself as his brother was, however. He rubbed a paw down his face and sighed. "Vicky's going to hate me when I tell her. I don't want to see her cry…It breaks my heart when she's sad. She's going to be depressed for a while, I know it." Munk managed a tiny smile when Demeter held his paw in hers and squeezed it encouragingly.
"It's for the best, remember? Victoria won't be angry at you forever. Plus, she might find someone new." The black and gold queen reassured her mate and gave Misto an inconspicuous wink. The tuxedoed tom-kit smirked a little to himself.
Munk nodded; just glad his mate had voluntarily held his paw. He didn't notice the exchange between Dem and Misto at all. "Thank you, Demeter. We'll help Vicky through this together." He smiled genuinely at Dem, who returned it.
Before the group knew it, they were at the Jellicle Protector's den. Everyone naturally dispersed, save for Misto. He wanted to stick around in case Victoria needed someone her age to vent to. Munk accepted Misto's presence, but told him to wait outside. The silver tabby took a deep breath to collect himself and then padded inside the den with his mate right behind.
Victoria was busy teaching Jemima how to chase a ball of old yarn when their parents walked in. By the serious looks on their faces, she knew something was wrong. "How's Plato…?" The white queen-kit asked as she scooped her little sister up and handed her back to her mother.
"Plato's not hurt too badly. He's actually who we wanted to talk to you about. You might want to sit down for this, honey." Munk said, motioning to the table. Victoria hesitantly obliged and the family sat down. When everyone was settled, the silver tabby resumed, "I had a talk with Plato and he's really sorry about what happened. I understand he didn't want to hurt you, but last night was too close for comfort. You know how hard it is for me to see one of my family in that much distress."
The ivory queen-kit nodded slowly. She didn't like where this was going. "So…what kind of punishment did you give him? Please don't say it was anything too harsh!" Vicky clasped her paws together with a pleading voice.
Munk set his jaw as he replied carefully, "This actually involves you both. I don't want to risk the chance of Plato doing something worse to you, so I'm forbidding you from dating him."
Once Victoria got over her momentary shock, tears pricked her sapphire eyes. "No Dad, please! Plato and I love each other! He didn't mean for it to go that far, honest! Please don't separate us!" She begged as sobs wracked her body.
"My decision is final, Victoria. You can still be friends with him, but nothing more. It's for your own good, honey. I never want to see you in as much pain as you were in last night ever again." The silver tabby said with much difficulty.
When she had managed to control her tears sufficiently, the white queen-kit chocked out, "For how long?"
Munk tapped his chin, thinking. He would gladly prolong the punishment until his daughter found someone who could control himself. "I'll make you a deal. If you can find someone who won't hurt you, I might revise the punishment. If you can't, consider Plato off-limits in terms of a tomfriend until you're eighteen and able to take care of yourself." He concluded sternly.
"That's not fair! I don't want anyone else other than Plato!" Victoria whined in protest. If she had been outside, she would have seen Misto wince as his heart sank like a stone in water.
"Then I'm afraid you're going to have to wait. In the meantime, perhaps Plato will learn how to control his emotions and treat queens with respect. Don't think I don't see how he behaves around you, Victoria. This separation between you two will be beneficial to you both." Munkustrap didn't give in to his daughter's pleas like he normally would. Despite being extremely unhappy about the punishment, Victoria accepted the terms and left the den. On her way out, she ran into Mistoffelees.
The tuxedoed tom-kit gave his best friend a concerned look. "I was there when Munk doled out the punishment to Plato. If it's any consolation, he's not excited about it either. Do you want to talk about it…?" He offered tentatively. Misto hated to see Vicky cry as much as her father did and he wanted to help in any way he could.
Victoria nodded and the pair went to a quiet clearing. When they sat down opposite each other, the white queen-kit blurted out her disapproval of her father's decision. "I can't believe my Dad! Why can't he just forgive Plato and move on? I have! We've been together for so long only to have it all add up to nothing because of one slip-up! That's so unfair!" She ranted, her sadness replaced by anger.
"Vicky, it wasn't just one slip-up. Plato's been treating you worse and worse as every day passes by. He's insulted you in front of your friends, he's hit you, and now he almost raped you! Do you even see what he's doing to you, and me, too? Why do you keep going back to him?" Misto demanded, a little more vehemently than intended.
The white queen-kit folded her forelegs over her chest and stood up. Misto stood up as well. With an irritated glare Victoria replied, "He didn't mean to do those things to me, but he seems to have a problem with you. Plato's a good tom who wouldn't hurt me on purpose. This will blow over and once my Dad sees that Plato is good enough for me, he'll lift the punishment and we'll be together again."
Mistoffelees let out a quiet, angry hiss at his friend's words. "How can you be so naïve, Vicky? Don't you get it? Plato will keep testing his limits to see how much he can get away with without someone noticing him. He's manipulating you for his own personal gratification, and he's lying through his teeth to your father! Plato tried to say he won't do something like this again, but chances are he will. He doesn't love you, Victoria! He only lusts for you!" He fiercely admitted what he knew was the truth, but judging by Victoria's offended expression it was obvious she thought otherwise.
"How can you possibly know how Plato and I feel about each other, huh? You can't because you've never had a queen love you, and you probably never will! Let me tell you something, Mistoffelees: When you love someone, you forgive them and help them work through their problems. You don't throw away your relationship like trash. I love Plato and I'm going to stick with him through thick and thin!" Victoria growled with barely contained fury. She had never been so insulted in all her life. The fuming queen-kit spun around as she made to storm out of the clearing, but stopped as her friend's voice sounded from behind her.
"If your idea of love constitutes being abused and degraded by your partner, then I'd rather remain single for the rest of my life. If what you and Plato share is really love, I want none of it." The tuxedoed tom-kit spat contemptibly to Victoria's turned back. The result was one that he expected, but it tore at his heart nevertheless. Vicky broke down into sobs again and ran off, leaving Mistoffelees alone in the small clearing. Little did he know that this was only the beginning of the ordeals he would have to watch his best friend suffer through.