Demeter woke to several things.
The one that registered first was pain. It felt like a Jellicle was dancing inside her head to Jenny's C.
Next was the dank, cold air. Wherever she was, it was dark, damp and downright disgusting. She withdrew one sodden paw from a pook of muck, grimacing at the pain of movement. Her golden and black fur was matted with something foul-smelling.
The final thing took the form of a tall, thin cat. With ginger fur. The stray that had seemed so nice to her obviously wasn't that nice. Slowly, she stood to face her captor.
'Who-oo-oo...' Her voice wavered along with her legs. Gathering herself with several deep breaths, she tried again.
'Wh-who are you?'
The tom grinned evilly, showing pointed, yellowed teeth. 'I'm sure you've heard of me, darh-ling.' He purred.
'Who!' Demeter's own boldness surprised herself. She had practically shouted.
'Fine. You don't want to play games? Then I'll tell you. Ever heard of the hidden paw?'
Dem began to tremble. No... please no...
'The name's Macavity. The one, the only. Welcome to my place.'
Of course Demeter had heard his name. Every Jellicle had. Some said he used to be a Jellicle, others that he was raised by dogs. Whatever version you heard, one thing remained constant. He was evil. He hated Jellicles... and, recently, there was word that he was after a mate. It seemed 'the word' had been correct.
'Now, my dear. You know my name...' he curved his brow in question. Demeter was silent. Snarling suddenly, he wrapped a terrifyingly strong paw around her throat. 'Your name, my pretty.'
She coughed it out through his grip. He smiled again. Dem wished he wouldn't.
'Demeterrrrrrrrr. How sweet. My dearest Demeterrrrrrr.' She shuddered. Somehow her name seemed so twisted when he spoke it. She cringed.
'Why shy away from your mate, Demeterrrr? Don't you know the Tom is always in charge?'
'My mate?' Confusion addd to her terror.
'Why, certainly. But if you want to make it official...' he trailed off while his sunken-in eyes drank up the welcoming sight of a beautiful queen- a body that could promise so many things. She backed away clumsily.
'No! Never- I won't!'
'Oh, but you will, Demeterrr. You will.'
As the realisation hit home, Demeter felt hopelessly scared. Macavity would be her mate. She couldn't let that happen! She turned to run, but the sudden move made her dizzy. The gloom grew around her- darkness swirled.
Macavity cackled to himself as his queen sank once again to the ground.
He wanted so badly to... no. Not yet. Bide your time. She'll come around. And, if she doesn't...
If she doesn't...
I'll make her.
Tugger swanned around, letting the moonlight catch his new ruff. Bomba couldn't help staring. It really suited him- but he didn't have to have all the limelight. Moonlight.
She strode past him, moving her hips more than was trictly necessary. Twirling her tail in one sleek paw, she turned back to the gawping tom.
'You coming?'
He caught up rather hastily, just staying a little behind Bombalurina. Grinning, she gave her posterior an extra waggle.
'We going to the junkyard?'
'Wherever you want, Bom.' He said suavely.
She led the way, Tugger lagging just enough.
The junkyard was near deserted.
Two young cats played in unison below the truck, their identical dark markings making them almost invisible.
Somewhere there was the sound of purring, which took little time to identify- Plato and Admetus were sleeping, one snuggled in the oven, the other draped across the stovetop.
The only other discernable sound were the far-off sounds of car engines.
The waxing moon was bright.
With one swift leap, Bomba landed on the car boot. Neither of the kittens were spooked. Tugger joined her, trying to get closer. Playfully, she sprang away. This game went on for a while, but was rudely interrupted by Big Brother, and the annoyance of Maturity.
'Tugger?'
The accused rolled his eyes.
'What?' he snapped. Bomba recognised the voice. Older than Tugger, but not yet matured properly. Munkustrap.
'What are you doing up there?' Munku gestured to the old pipe his little brother was perched on.
'Looking for fish. What do you think?'
Bomba giggled and alighted just below the sarcastic tom, feeling his tail flick across her shoulder.
'You should go home.'
'I'm not a kitten, Munk!'
'Father said-'
'What? Oh, Father said, did he?' Bomba could tell the rant was for her benefit. The tom wouldn't look nearly so tough if he let slip he actually respected his father.
'Yes. Father said. You know what he said? Macavity's been seen in the area. Now will you go home?'
To her eternal shame, Bomba let out a squeak of fear. Of course, both toms heard it.
'Ah. That's what you're doing up there.' The tabby's tone was dissaproving. At it's command, Bomba slunk down. 'Bombalurina?' He seemed surprised for a moment, then sighed, shaking his head.
'You should get home, Bomba. Don't you have a little sister to look out for?'
Suddenly Bomba froze. Demeter went out. She began to run.
Within minutes she was home, racing through the catflap to protect Dem. How could she have left her? She made haste towards their basket.
It was empty.