Sorry this one took nearly a week to get up; Christmas is a busy and the only time I've had to write has been at night. That, and I wanted to get this one as good as I could since it's a crucial chapter. I hope you like it.
Macavity takes care of Munk and Alonzo once and for all.
WARNING: Strong language and scenes of violence
A year in the life of the black and white toms
Chapter 11
Fury
There was an enormous amount of commotion in the minutes following the silver tabby's capture. He hit out at empty air as the henchcat assailants that held him dodged his swipes and bids for freedom. His vision was blinded by some strip of cloth brought forward by one of Macavity's guards and the evil cat himself stood laughing as the Jellicle protector was bound by ropes. Munkustrap couldn't see a thing as he felt his ability to move become more and more inhibited. He struggled and did his best to break the ties around his arms and legs but it was no use; Macavity had got him. He panted angrily as he slowly stopped endeavouring to escape and waited for Macavity to do something. The red and black tom looked down at his new prisoner feeling very smug and with evil positively spilling from his eyes. What an achievement to not only have captured the Jellicle protector's mate but also the protector himself within the space of two weeks. He felt a horrible sense of pride build within his heart and the feeling of excitement began to take him over as well. What fun he could have with Munkustrap! He simply didn't know where to begin and told his henchcats to take the silver tabby away until he could think clearly. Macavity turned and headed back to where he was holding Alonzo, this was the perfect opportunity to mess with the patched tom's head some more.
Alonzo was deeply on edge as he waited in silence for his captor hoping he might hear something to let him know what was going on. Since Macavity had left there had been a long silence, then some very faint shouting and what sounded like fighting. He knew his mate was incredibly good at defending himself but how would he fare against Macavity with any number of his henchcats in as strange a place as this? It wasn't long before the red and black tom came back to Alonzo and stood in front of him smiling sickeningly.
"What did you do with him?" asked Alonzo angrily
Macavity turned away from his prize and walked forward a few paces before responding,
"Your dear mate? Oh, I'm sure you'd love to know"
"Tell me!" spat the patched tom
"Are you sure? After all I could have done a great many things. I might have slashed his throat as soon as I laid eyes on him or maybe I invited him in for tea. How would it benefit you to know his condition?" he teased
"I swear, Macavity, if you did anything to him I'll make sure-"
"You'll what, Alonzo?" laughed Macavity as he turned around and approached the tom. He bent down to his level to look into his eyes and smiled even wider. He slapped Alonzo firmly across the face making him let out a small grimace of pain, "What on earth could you possibly do?"
"I give you my word, Macavity. Do not lay a finger on him!"
"Silly kitty" said the evil tom before lurching forward and biting Alonzo on the cheek. The patched tom yelped in pain and struggled to hold in his need to scream. Macavity soon let go and watched as blood began to seep from the punctures left by his teeth. He bent forward to lick at the fluid which made Alonzo want to be sick.
"So sweet" the evil tom whispered, "I wonder if your pathetic mate would like to know that?" he said as he got up to leave. He laughed at the afflicted tom he had bitten as he strode away.
Munkustrap had been carried for an undecipherable distance down what he could only assume were dark, dank passages. It wasn't long before he felt the henchcats holding him turn a corner and throw him onto the cold ground. He then heard the metallic jangling of a chain and felt the cool metal wrap around his bound wrists making any attempt to escape even more superfluous. Once the henchcats had finished they left him lying there in the quiet space with his improvised blindfold still tied over his eyes. He couldn't see the area he had been deposited in but could sense it was disgusting. He would have gone crazy had it not been for the mild scent of his tom hanging in the air; Alonzo's delicate smell – though faint – seemed to hug the bound tabby as he lay and it brought with it a warmth which had been missing in Munk's life for the past two weeks. He silently swore to his mate that somehow he'd save him and began trying to think of how to get out of this prison.
A long time passed before Munk heard the heavy footfalls of the beast that had commanded his imprisonment become louder. Macavity neared and slowly circled his Jellicle prisoner. Munk remained still and listened intently to the evil tom's movements and tried to determine his intentions. The silver tabby had always been good at reading his enemy but his lack of sight certainly presented him with a challenge. If that wasn't enough Macavity was just as good if not better at being invisible to his opponent and enjoyed watching the bound tom on the ground before him try to work out his actions. In utter silence he bent down and loomed over Munk making the tom feel his presence very closely. The tabby didn't know what to do and stayed still so as not to influence the red and black tom. After a long period of waiting it was Macavity who finally spoke,
"Better luck next time, old chap"
The light hearted and friendly tone to Macavity's voice confused Munk and made him realise the tom had become even more deranged and psychotic than the last time they had been together. He decided to vent some of his frustration by taunting the evil tom whist still remaining a gentletom,
"I've always gone by the phrase 'May the better tom win', it's rather a shame that didn't apply today"
Macavity just scoffed at the remark before Munk continued,
"Tell me, Macavity, how's your ear?"
The evil tom flinched at the dig and tasted bitter anger. He instantly changed the subject, "I told you I'd have my revenge, didn't I?"
"I'm not sure you did"
"Well I had it anyway, didn't I? I had no idea Alonzo was so enjoyable"
Munk paused before he responded, "Was?"
"Or is. I forget from time to time what I did with him, or is that what I am doing?"
"What have you done to him?" asked Munk struggling not to let his anger show
"Oh, wouldn't you like to know…" said Macavity airily as he rose and turned away
"For Everlasting's sake, Macavity, take this silly blindfold off."
"What do you say?"
"Please" replied Munk reluctantly
Macavity complied and returned to the chained tom on the floor. He propped up the tabby and tore off the strip of cloth covering his eyes. Munk looked up at his captor but not with anger, he employed his usual expression which was mysteriously absent of emotion but all the while showing light speed contemplation below the surface. The expression frustrated Macavity; he relished feeding on other cats' fear but received none of it from the tabby. He wanted so desperately to strike horror into the Jellicle protector and fumed at the difficulty he was presented with. All was not lost, though; he decided to try harder and fortunately for him the ball was still in his court. After all, he still had Alonzo.
He lifted Munk's chin with his finger and looked over the tabby's face. He smiled before speaking, "Tell me, Munkustrap, how is it that you – a cat of such upstanding moral character – came to be mated to a tom like Alonzo – an even bigger whore than that layabout brother of yours?"
"How did you know we were mates?"
"I know everything" said Macavity darkly and with smugness
"Alonzo is not a whore" said Munk without showing the anger Macavity had stirred within him
"I beg to differ. You know he loved it when I fucked him, he practically begged for more"
Munk's eyes widened slightly; he was shocked by Macavity's words, surely he hadn't done anything like that to his mate. "Don't stoop to that level, Macavity, even you aren't so low as to lie about something like that"
"Who's lying?" smirked Macavity
"I swear if you've done anything to him I'll rip you to-"
Munk was interrupted by Macavity laughing hysterically; he was starting to chip away at the walls the tabby had erected in his mind.
"Oh, Munkustrap, you are funny! What on earth could you do? In case you've forgotten I've got you right where I want you and you can't get away. I think if you want the chance to see your slutty mate again then you should try to be nice to me."
Munk stayed silent and waited for the tom to continue. Macavity went on after he felt the tabby silently give in,
"He's got such a lovely body hasn't he? I've never felt anything like it in my life. I would have complemented him on how he's managed to keep himself looking so lovely but it wasn't quite the truth after I had finished with him"
Munk stayed silent.
"He does love to be rutted doesn't he? I'm sure he loves it when you give it to him as hard as you can. I suppose you can't keep up with him most nights, he certainly gave me a work out"
Munk was still silent but positively fuming on the inside,
"In fact he's such a harlot I suppose it's no wonder he can withstand so much pain. I certainly gave him a beating when he first got here but he just took it all in his stride like it happens everyday. I bet you rough him up a bit from time to time, don't you? It's alright, I know how you feel: sometimes you love the cats you own so much you have to discipline them. Tell me, how hard have you beaten him since he's been your property?"
It took every slither of strength Munkustrap had not to scream at his captor.
"Oh, you don't hit him? You really should, you know. Keeps them in check. Unless…you don't love him. Of course! How could I be so stupid? You don't love him at all, do you? You're just keeping him for sex; you've never loved him!"
That was the last straw, Munk couldn't hold in the anger any longer, "Shut up, Macavity! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"
Macavity smiled and laughed sickeningly; he was winning. The red and black tom continued after gripping Munk by the neck and digging his claws in,
"Calm down, pussycat. For your information I haven't actually done a thing to him. That's not to say I won't if you don't keep me happy. Now, will you do what I ask of you?"
"Never, you bastard!" spat the tied down tom. Macavity threw him back to the floor.
"Well maybe it's time to get rid of Alonzo if you're not going to comply" said Macavity rising up to leave. Munk lay panting with hundreds of thoughts flying through his head. He yelled before Macavity disappeared,
"Stop!" After a short pause he continued, "Alright, I'll do what you say." He couldn't believe what he'd just said, he had actually agreed to do whatever Macavity commanded of him. He felt dirty over the obedience and sneered as he saw Macavity turn back. The evil tom in question felt like Christmas had come again after his second prisoner's agreement. For the first time ever he actually had the Jellicle protector wrapped around his little finger and could do absolutely anything. He was so excited he almost skipped as he walked back to the tabby.
"That's very nice of you, Munkustrap, but I think I need to let you know the magnitude of this little situation. First of all you must remember I have your dearest darling Alonzo and I can do anything I want with him; if you behave then maybe I won't hurt him, if you don't I'll torture him to death. Secondly, if you decide to try to be sneaky and escape then I will destroy you. I will rip your head off if you even try to fool me, do you understand?"
Munk had no choice. He lay on the ground panting whilst considering his options. For now he would have to play along so he could have a chance at saving Alonzo.
"Alright, Macavity" he said quietly without looking at the cat
"Sorry, what was that?" replied the evil tom feeling unbelievably powerful
"Alright!" repeated the angry tabby
"Okay then, shall I untie you?"
Munk didn't respond and continued to stare forwards as Macavity began to untie the ropes. As he worked he warned the tabby,
"Remember what I said, Munkustrap, if you try anything I will kill you and Alonzo; slowly and painfully"
Munk took in a deep breath and realised it wouldn't be in his favour to attempt an escape at this point. He needed to bide his time and wait for the right moment - if only he'd known that moment was coming sooner than he thought. Macavity finished unbinding his prisoner and stood waiting for the cat on the ground before him to rise. Munk pushed himself to his knees and waited for the evil tom to do something. He didn't wait long before Macavity extended his claws and swiped him across the face leaving three clean wounds on his left cheek. Munk leant to the side with a paw to his face, when he pulled it away he saw his blood staining the fur on his paw. Every bone in his body told him to jump up and strangle the sick cat but his heart told him not to. Macavity chuckled in his throat and looked pleased,
"That was just a test, well done!"
Munk - without saying a word - attempted to climb to his feet. As he moved his legs he heard a jangling and looked around to realise Macavity had left a chain locked to his leg. Of course, why would Macavity let him run free? He returned his gaze to the red and black tom and waited for the next affliction as the blood from the claw marks began to run down his cheek and dry on his neck.
Macavity spent the next few hours teasing and taunting his captive hoping that in some way he would wear him down to a pulp. Munk remained strong despite the pain and torment he had felt during the previous two weeks and the horrible words Macavity spoke now. He may have been emotionally exhausted but the feeling of his mate nearby gave him strength. He managed to shut out Macavity with warm, uplifting thoughts of Alonzo and he basked in the love that he felt in his heart. It was a wonderful feeling that let him know he and Alonzo could go through anything and still come out on top. He just had to be patient and strong.
After trying so hard to break his prisoner Macavity became frustrated. How had he managed to touch on a nerve earlier but now the same words were having no such effect? Could it actually be that Munkustrap was adapting to his methods of psychological torment? If he were then he would have to step up his game.
He left Munk looking almost dreamy and stalked off in a huff but not before slapping the tabby one more time. If he couldn't crack this tom then he certainly knew of one who was more susceptible.
Through passageways and dark spaces he eventually stumbled back in on Alonzo who jerked to life as the tom arrived. He glared at Macavity which gave the evil cat a sense of relief; he knew he could get a reaction from the black and white tom. As he went in he began his usual routine of silent circling and lustful stares. Over the time he had held Alonzo he had learned what really made the tom feel awkward and preyed on those weaknesses. As Macavity leered Alonzo began spouting gibberish. He was trying to find out what Macavity had done with his tom and was making threats against his captor should he have done anything to harm him. Macavity smiled and simply listened to the patched tom's futility until his voice began to become hoarse and he had to stop. Changing his expression from that of vague apathy to dangerous fury within a split second he flew forward from Alonzo's right side and once again mercilessly sunk his claws into the long-abused tom's body. As he had done during his entire imprisonment Alonzo cried out from the agony. He knew he'd surely be scarred from Macavity's consistent strikes and once again the feeling of ugliness engulfed him. He desperately wanted to know where Munk was but was very anxious to be seen by him. The silver tabby would be absolutely horrified to look upon his mangled body and might not even save him. Again Alonzo felt low – a feeling he had become all too accustomed to.
"Are you quite finished?" growled Macavity
Alonzo sniffled and tried not to let his captor see just how much pain he was causing him. Macavity withdrew his claws and allowed the punctures to bleed freely before carrying on,
"I bet you're wondering what I've been doing to your big, strong tom, aren't you?"
Alonzo gathered himself slightly and looked up. Macavity bared his teeth in a vile grin,
"I'm sure you're hoping he'll spring up at any moment and rescue you, aren't you? Well I'm sorry, Alonzo, but that's not at all going to happen"
Alonzo silently thought to himself 'Munk will find a way' as the evil tom spoke. That thought was sent on its way instantly as Macavity dropped heavy, corrosive words with sick joy accompanying them,
"He's dead, Alonzo. Your precious mate Munkustrap is dead"
Every muscle in Alonzo's body tensed as his mind froze. Munkustrap was dead? Had he heard Macavity correctly? Had he actually said his mate – the most important cat in the world – was dead?
"What?" whispered the patched tom blankly
"I killed your mate, Alonzo. I slashed his wrists and let him bleed to death right after I made him admit he didn't love you"
"You're lying!" screamed Alonzo firing up with rage, "I know you're lying! He'd never say that!"
"It's true, you disgusting bitch! He's just a cold, rotting corpse now!" laughed the red and black tom
"Shut up, Macavity! What have you really done with him? Tell me!"
"Tell you? I just did, he's dead!"
"No he's not!"
"Are you in any position to say otherwise?"
"I just know he's not dead. You're lying!"
"Maybe you're right, these things do tend to slip my mind…"
"Just tell me what you've done with him!"
"I think we had sex, you know, I'm not entirely sure. In any case he certainly doesn't love you. As a matter of fact I remember: we did shag and he loved it! He screamed for more and wouldn't let me go; haven't you wondered why I've been gone for so long? I suppose that in bed you're just not good enough for him"
Macavity's mind games were not detectable to Alonzo and he only became more and more distraught as the cat degraded his sensibility – if only he had Munk's strong mind.
"Stop it, Macavity!" shouted Alonzo with a choke of sadness in his voice, "Just stop it!"
"But you know I'm not lying, don't you Alonzo? You know exactly how hideous you look now and how Munkustrap could never love you in this state. He won't want you; you know that" said Macavity with pure evil. Alonzo couldn't respond as a lump caught in his throat. He didn't want to cry over the truth that Macavity spewed but couldn't speak for the risk his words would turn to jelly. Macavity continued,
"There's no use for you anymore, Alonzo. The only reason you were here on this earth was to be a bed slave for some tom. Now that you're all used up there's no need to keep you. If you want I could end it all right now" he said sliding his claws up to the patched tom's throat, "Wouldn't you prefer it this way?"
Alonzo began to shake and tears seeped from his eyes; what was he meant to do? He didn't want to die but Macavity was absolutely right: he was useless. He began to sob as the claws tickled at his skin and Macavity began to laugh loudly as he saw the tom go to pieces. He stepped away and began to exit before leaving Alonzo with a message,
"Think it over, I'll be back for your answer later"
He left Alonzo alone to cry quietly over his ever-stronger resignation to worthlessness. The patched tom's stability was by now hanging by a thread and both Macavity and Alonzo knew it.
The red and black tom left both of the cats alone for a long time – two days in fact. He knew that one of the strongest tools he had was keeping his prisoners waiting as it made their minds play tricks on them and forced them to conclusions. Every few hours he would spy on each of them and watch what they were doing. Munk was not very interesting to Macavity as most of the time he lay on the floor waiting patiently. He was strong and wouldn't allow his captor any further into his head. Alonzo was for more entertaining as he always seemed to be sobbing quietly. Macavity would watch him silently for long periods and bask in the sound which emanated from his prisoner. It was the sound of a crushed soul and a pained plea for help and together they were music to the evil tom's ears. The sick pleasure he took from Alonzo made his heart race and his breathing quicken and he had to stop himself from rushing to the patched to tom to indulge in some torturous playtime. He wanted nothing more than to go up to Alonzo and tear at his flesh but managed to stick to his plan. He had had an idea for how to break Munkustrap since just after the first time he'd left him alone and intended to execute it that night. With ugly anticipation he licked his lips and tore himself away from peeping at the hanging tom who cried gently; he skulked off further into his lair to prepare himself. He was going to have some fun; that was for sure.
Another evening came and Munkustrap sat cross-legged on the floor of his prison. He kept his mind busy thinking about the Jellicles and how he would really have to step up his guard when he got back. He knew he had been slacking recently and felt some evaluation of his priorities was in order. He also thought about Billy and how he would need to keep looking for the kitten's mother once this ordeal had ended. He smiled as he thought about the tiny tom and wondered how any queen could ever abandon him. Surely he had just wandered off one day and his poor mother was probably trying to find him. It would be sad to see him go, after all he was such a lovely little thing or so he had appeared in his short time with the Jellicles. Munk hadn't been able to pay him much attention since he'd found him due to Alonzo having gone missing but knew he was a good kitten. He smiled wider as he thought about how if he ever had a son he'd love him to be like Billy. The kitten was a blank slate and with Munk's help he could surely be moulded into the perfect tom as he grew older; that and Old Deuteronomy would be very proud of him if he could achieve such a thing. When they got out of there maybe he and Alonzo could talk about starting a family. They could adopt a kit and raise him or her as their own and be a proper little family. But of course: why stop at one kitten? How about two or three or four?
Munk chuckled to himself quietly as he played these thoughts through in his mind. One might have thought he'd be intensely on edge due to his situation however strangely enough he was quite content. He knew the reason: it was because he knew Alonzo was alive. He had been so worried when he had vanished but at least now he knew his tom was nearby and safe as well. Macavity had said he hadn't done anything to Alonzo and even though he may have been lying Munk found it easier to assume – at least for now – that he was telling the truth. To start wondering if Alonzo had been hurt or was in danger was a worry that he didn't need circulating in his mind and so he concentrated on pleasant thoughts. If there was nothing he could do but wait then why not wait comfortably?
From this point of view maybe it was better he didn't know the truth at that moment; he would find it all out soon enough anyway.
After having been gone for a very long time Macavity slunk into where he was holding Munk with an incredibly sly look on his face. Munk watched him carefully as he moved in front of the silver tabby.
"Good evening, Munkustrap"
"Good evening"
"How have you been?"
"Perfectly pleasant. Yourself?"
"Just as fine. Have you been up to much?"
"No, not really. This chain is rather restricting"
"Yes, I imagine it is" replied Macavity approaching the tom and lifting him up by the scruff of his neck. Munk felt incredibly uncomfortable but took the action in his stride. "Why do you think I haven't done anything to you yet, Munkustrap?" asked the red and black tom dangerously
"You must be afraid of me, after all you know I could destroy you in an instant"
Macavity gripped Munk's skin tighter, "Is that so? I'm sure you've heard some of the things I've done to those who annoy me, haven't you?"
Munk teased his captor, "Do you take them out to dinner and have a good old heart to heart?"
Macavity threw the tabby down and kicked him. Munk stifled a moan of pain and struggled to force his diaphragm to start working again; it had been a while since he was last winded and he remembered exactly why it wasn't a feeling one could grow partial to. The evil tom bent down, gripped the tabby's head and spoke firmly,
"Let me tell you a little story, Munkustrap. A little while before I stole that stupid Alonzo of yours I had a beautiful queen as my pet; she was incredibly pretty I'm sure you would have agreed. Anyway, this queen – her name was Georgina I believe - behaved herself rather well and did exactly what I wanted but do you know what I did when I got bored with her? I killed her. I drove my claws deep into her neck and ripped right through it. Now, you'll remember I said she behaved herself. If I did that to her then don't underestimate what I'll do to you if you don't do as I say"
Munk bit his lip; could the queen have been Billy's mother? What did Macavity say her name was? Ah yes: Georgina. Munk's heart sank and he suddenly felt a coldness within him. Everybody knew that a name never belongs to more than one cat so it must have been Billy's mother that Macavity had kidnapped and murdered. How on earth was he going to tell the little kitten he had no family left?
The silver tabby's train of thought was interrupted as he saw a group of henchcats pour into the room. Macavity stepped away from him and allowed his minions to drag the chained tom to his paws. One of them disconnected the metal binding and they frogmarched Munk out of the space and into the darkness. He was dragged along numerous passages and around countless corners and eventually saw a soft but cold light up ahead. Macavity followed closely behind and let his low, evil laughing echo around his lair. Before Munk could fully understand what was going on the henchcats tightened their grip and pulled him into this new space. Munk looked at them with frustration as he entered and didn't see what was in front of him before he started speaking,
"Alright, Macavity, what are you-" he stopped himself. As he turned his head and looked forward he saw a truly atrocious sight and a feeling of fear mixed with anger and horror quickly filled him. His body began to loose strength and his knees wanted to buckle as he looked upon the awful form in front of him. It was an image from his worst nightmare and something he had never hoped to see through all the days of his life. There, in front of him hung his mate from chains attached to the ceiling. His body was limp and lifeless and covered with dried blood which was also splattered on the walls and pooled on the ground beneath him. Alonzo's body was covered in gashes and scars and his once pristine beauty was unnervingly missing. Munk gawped at his mate and couldn't tell if he was alive or dead. His heart seemed to stop beating as he stared at the tom in shock whilst hoping by the mercy of the Everlasting Cat that Macavity hadn't killed him.
Tears exploded from Munk's eyes as he saw Alonzo stir from his treacherous slumber and shift uncomfortably in his chains. The patched tom didn't look up as he came into consciousness and simply hung where he was waiting for anything to happen. Munk couldn't speak; he simply couldn't form words due to his amazement. His breathing was rocky as he continued to stare at his mate and take in the horrible sight of what Macavity had done. It was then that utter fury sprung to life within him. He spun his head towards the sick, twisted tom that stood nearby and spat words with sheer hatred and outrage,
"You said you hadn't done anything to him! You lied!"
Macavity brushed off the accusation and stared at the hanging tom, "Yes, I did."
"I'll kill you! I swear I'll kill you!" screamed Munk as he struggled violently against the henchcats who held him where he was. He desperately wanted to break free from their iron-like grip and tear his captor apart. He had never wanted to kill a cat before but this atrocity he had committed upon Alonzo made him snap.
The fire in Munk's heart suddenly died as he heard a mouse-like, crackly voice,
"Munk?"
The tabby's eyes shot back to Alonzo and he painfully whispered back to him,
"I'm here, darling"
Alonzo slowly lifted his head up to look at his mate with sore, red eyes and smiled weakly as he looked at him. He had trouble speaking as he felt absolutely terrible but managed a few simple things,
"I knew you'd find me"
Munk felt a great sadness within him as he watched his hurt tom struggle to speak through obvious agony,
"I'd never stop looking. You're everything to me, Alonzo"
Alonzo tried to smile wider before his head fell forward and he groaned in pain. He was happy to have been found but his humiliation due to his appearance with like a knife stabbing at him. He had never wanted Munk to see him like that and he felt truly disgusting.
The tabby didn't know what was wrong but it looked as if his tom was dying. He needed to do something to help him and once again started struggling to get away from the henchcats. He tried and tried but the toms wouldn't budge and only made Munk more frustrated. He cried out as he pulled and pushed but nothing worked; Macavity silently watched him struggle and grinned as he made desperate attempts for freedom.
The display went on for a little while longer before the evil tom decided it was time to begin his awful plan and then began to walk towards Munk. The silver tabby looked up at him in time to see Macavity's fist fly at his face. The paw made contact with his cheek and the protector's head flew violently to the side. He was instantly silenced as Macavity's paw made contact and his mind became dizzy. Munk felt sick as he tried to pull himself together and breathed heavily as he slumped in the henchcats' hold. Sounds seemed to echo and his vision was made fuzzy; Macavity had certainly packed quite a punch. The red and black attacker waited patiently for the tom he had hit to compose himself before bending down to his level and looking into his eyes. Munk was still a bit woozy but stared straight back at his attacker and spoke groggily,
"Let him go, Macavity"
The evil tom smiled and shook his head before replying,
"Ah, Munkustrap; you always were such an idiot. I'm afraid neither of you are going anywhere ever again" he said as he rubbed the tabby's bruised cheek making him wince. "You know, I've always been able to do whatever I wanted and no one could ever stop me. That is everything but destroy your little tribe, I could never quite crack that one. You know the reason though, don't you? It's always been because you got in the way. Whenever I try to hurt the Jellicles you're always there to defend them to the death; big brave Munkustrap always comes to the rescue, doesn't he? Well I hate you, Munkustrap. I despise you right down to your fucking core! I've always hoped I might be able to break you one day and I'm glad to say that day has come. Now here's what's going to happen: I'm going to have some fun with your hideous mate one last time and then I'm going to kill him right in front of you. Afterwards I'm going to rip you to pieces making sure you feel every last drop of agony I can make you feel. And why am I doing all this? Because I want you to suffer! I want you to feel absolutely awful, after all it's what you deserve for getting in my way all those years! Then, when I'm finished I'm going to kill your tribe one by one and I think I'll start with that doddery old bastard father of yours"
Macavity rose from his crouched position and walked away leaving Munk reeling in the henchcats' paws. That was a lot of information to take in and sheer panic began to rack his entire body. He yelled back at his captor as the tom circled his mate in contemplation,
"I'll never let you do this! I'll kill you first! Let me go, you bastards! Let me go!"
The silver tabby thrashed and pulled at his restrainers with renewed strength and made it very hard for them to keep hold of him. The henchcats did all they could to hold on but it was incredibly difficult. Munk was strong and a fair match for all of them.
Alonzo stared at the ground in a stupor. This was it; he was going to die now. There was nothing he could do and there was no way for him to escape. He heard his mate scream desperately but knew there was nothing more to be done. He looked up gradually and locked eyes with the tabby. The two stared at each other in horror as the evil tom stopped pacing behind Alonzo. The patched tom let his head go forward again as he couldn't bear to see his mate look upon his ugly body. Macavity started to pick at Alonzo with his claws making the patched tom whimper and yelp as he felt the tom begin the murder he had promised. He felt warm blood run through his fur again and began to shake as the thought of impending death filled his mind. It wasn't dying that scared him the most though, it was that he would never get to see Munkustrap again and the very thought destroyed him on the inside. He wanted to say something but simply couldn't think of the words as his shame filled him up and Macavity kept tearing at his flesh.
Munkustrap found it excruciatingly painful to look at the disgusting display and jerked around as he tried to escape. He had to stop Macavity before he fatally wounded Alonzo but he was being kept at bay by the strong henchcats. He tried to swipe at them with his claws but his arms were restrained and couldn't move far enough to make contact with them. He kept yelling and screaming for Macavity to stop as the evil tom gave up his mutilation and stood behind his mate, then lifting the patched tom's tail. Munkustrap screamed louder,
"Macavity, no! Don't you dare!"
The evil tom smiled and laughed maniacally as he prepared to penetrate Alonzo in front of Munkustrap. The black and white cat shivered in fear as he felt his fate come closer. This would surely crush the patched tom from the sheer mortification of being raped right in front of his mate. Munk surely wouldn't be able to bear it either and would certainly be defeated before the red and black tom killed him too. Macavity said a few words before beginning the wicked act,
"This is for my ear and everything else you've done, Munkustrap"
Time seemed to slow down and the world seemed to become silent as the silver tabby stared at the spectacle. Macavity was just about to force himself inside of Alonzo and the look of terror in his mate's eyes was heartbreaking. Out of nowhere the silver tom was filled with an incredible surge of energy and he ripped his restrained limbs from the henchcats' grasps. In a split second he shot forward like a bolt of lightning and sunk his claws into Macavity's torso. The evil tom didn't have time to process what had happened before was torn away from the patched tom and thrown to the floor in a daze. In a flash Munkustrap was on top of him and slashing at his body. Alonzo couldn't see the two toms but saw drops blood fly through the air from behind him and spatter on the wall in front. He heard the horrible sound of claws ripping through skin and the shocked blabbering of Macavity echo in the air. Munkustrap – filled with blinding fury and hatred – sunk his razor-sharp claws into Macavity's head and pulled him forward. The last thing Macavity saw was the cold, dirty ground as Munkustrap smashed his face against it. The silver tabby kept crashing his captor's head against the floor until he stopped moving and blood ran copiously from his mangled face. With one final impact a sickening crack emanated from the evil tom's head and he lay still without breathing.
The henchcats – having seen their master destroyed – didn't wait to be dealt with. They scarpered instantly leaving the two remaining toms to the silence of the lair. Munkustrap stared down at the cat he had just killed and lifted his paws into view. They were stained a deep crimson and his jaw dropped open as the realisation of what he had just done sunk in. His stomach lurched as the thought of the murder he had just committed filled his mind and it took all his strength not to vomit. As he watched the pool of Macavity's blood grow larger he began to shake and fell to the floor in amazement. He had just killed a cat; how could he have done this?
"Munk?" called Alonzo quietly. Munkustrap gave him no answer as he stayed in his daze. The patched tom tried again when he received no answer only this time with a hint of nervousness in his voice,
"Munk? Are you there?"
The tabby turned his face to Alonzo who still hung by a chain. Without thinking he jumped to his paws and ran to his mate. He stepped in front of him and cradled his worried face with his blood-soaked paws. Munk's breathing was shaky and tears slid slowly from his eyes as he stared in shock at his mate. His mind was completely blank; he simply didn't know what to do. All he knew was that Alonzo was safe again.
A few seconds went by as Alonzo took in his mate's appearance. The tabby looked terrible and was covered in blood although thankfully none of it seemed to be coming from him. The patched tom forced his muscles to comply with his mind and propped himself up as best as he could.
"Munk, are you okay?" he whispered.
Munk nodded his head gently and gasped for air as he regained some clear thought. His eyes flicked upwards and he threw his paws to the chain. After a few moments of fiddling Alonzo's arms flopped down to his sides and screamed with cramps. The patched tom was wobbly on his legs and began to topple to the floor before Munk caught him and laid him down gently. The tabby released his mate's legs as well and then scampered up his body to pull the patched tom into the tightest, most desperate hug he had ever given. He shook as he clung to his tom but Alonzo didn't hug him back; he just didn't feel he deserved Munkustrap anymore. They huddled on the floor of the awful jail and cried in relief to have each other back. Munk covered his mate's face in kisses as he embraced him and let his tears mix with Alonzo's as they dripped onto his cheeks. Alonzo eventually managed to put his paws on Munk's body but simply couldn't return the feeling of happiness that flowed from his mate. He wanted to be happy but didn't at all feel he deserved to be. They stayed together for what seemed like an age before filling each other with enough courage to part.
Once again Alonzo looked upon his mate and gasped at the amount of blood on his fur. He looked down and noticed how some of it had soaked into his coat as well and rubbed at one of the red patched with his fingers. The patched tom looked around and let out a small yelp of fear as he saw Macavity's cold, dead and now glazed eyes stare back at him. He may have been dead but there was still evil in him and he haunted Alonzo even now. He recoiled with fright into Munk's fur regardless of the blood and the tabby rubbed his back gently as he shivered. Alonzo felt torn; he needed his mate more than ever but didn't feel right being cradled by him at that moment. For Munk a sense of relief filled him and his heart sang as he held his mate once more.
"Oh, Alonzo" he whispered as he smiled widely. His mind was telling him to feel wretched after having killed a cat but his heart drowned out the nagging. He was overjoyed to have Alonzo back and he didn't want anyone to take their moment away.
It was, however, quickly snatched from them. Alonzo made a few babbling sounds and Munk leant back to tilt his mate's head up to look at him. What he saw was Alonzo looking very dizzy and it wasn't long before the tom went limp in his arms.
"Alonzo? Alonzo, please!" begged Munk as he gently shook the tom to try and rouse him. It was no use as his tom remained unconscious but mercifully still breathed. Without a second thought Munk scooped the patched tom into his arms and took off running. He darted through the darkness and soon broke out of the lair in a panic. He began running as fast as his legs would carry him in the direction of the junkyard and all the while tried to reassure his mate.
"Hang on, Alonzo! Everything's going to be alright! You're safe now; I've got you!"
In the midnight darkness Jenny watched the kittens play in the middle of the clearing. She was wracked with worry and fiddled with her paws nervously. Munk been had been missing for days now and she feared for the safety of the Jellicles. If their protector had gone then what hope was there if they were attacked. Skimble had tried to reassure her that everything would be fine but she couldn't accept that. Munkustrap was the only one strong enough to keep them safe but he was gone and she didn't have a clue where he was.
Her thoughts were hijacked as she noticed the kittens freeze as they looked towards the junkyard entrance. She puzzled at what they were looking at and turned her head to see what they had seen. The queen elated as she saw the protector rocketing towards them and jumped up to greet him as he came near. Her happiness was dashed as he approached and she made out his appearance while noticing whom he was holding. The silver tabby was stained a horrible, rusty red and in his arms lay the wrecked body of Alonzo. She heard the desperate panting of the protector as he ran in and she stared flabbergasted at the sight of the stricken tom he held. The tabby looked at her and gasping for air said her name,
"Jenny…"
The tabby queen didn't wait for him to continue as she rushed forward and looked closely at the limp Alonzo. Her lip began to quiver as she took in the sight of his lacerations and scars and was completely lost for words. In her silence she beckoned to Tugger who had just emerged from his den with Bomba and was beginning to take in the scene. The maned tom trotted over nervously and put his paw to his mouth as he made out the details of what Jenny had summoned him for.
"Take Alonzo to my den, Tugger" said Jenny quietly. The tom didn't move as he continued to gaze in shock.
"Now!" shouted the queen snapping him out of his daze. Bomba rushed over and helped Tugger take the injured tom from Munk's arms before carrying him to the queen's den. Jenny gripped Munk's outstretched arms and looked him in the eye as she spoke,
"Everlasting Cat! What happened?" she asked frantically
Munk watched as his tom was taken away and felt dizziness creep in. The world seemed to start spinning and he clutched onto Jenny for support. The last thing he felt was his entire body impacting the ground as blackness took over his mind and unconsciousness washed over him.
Oh no! They're free but Alonzo's not at all well! We've got a long way to go before he'll be right again.
Thank you for reading, please let me know what you think.