Title: Conjuring Pain

Author: Ailendolin

Rating: T (PG-13) … just to be sure.

Disclaimer: I do not own cats and do not make any money with this story. I only own the little plot bunny.

Summary: Being a conjuring cat isn't a gift. Quaxo should know. All magic ever brought him was pain, loss and loneliness. It started ruining his life when he was a kitten. Will his broken spirit be mended when Tugger and Munkustrap stumble upon him?

Word Count: 1042

Warning: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, but mainly Fluff – a lot of it.

Chapter 05: Brave Decision

Munkustrap felt the small kitten beside him shiver. He did not like the idea of putting him under even more stress, but it was important for Quaxo to meet Old Deuteronomy as soon as possible. Although the tabby knew the leader of the Jellicles would most likely welcome Quaxo with open arms into the tribe he could not help feeling a little bit anxious. He smiled slightly as it became clear to him why he was feeling that way: The little tux had already captured his heart. Even after only spending such a short time together it seemed impossible to imagine a life without Quaxo in it.

"Munkustrap."

The silver tabby turned his gaze to the door while Quaxo tried to hide behind him, still tense and shivering slightly. An old grey cat stood in the narrow entrance and almost blocked out the last rays of the sun. He walked in when Munkustrap bowed his head, acknowledging their leader. Tugger appeared a moment later, after making sure that everyone was minding their own business outside.

"Father, thank you for coming inside," Munkustrap said. "I am sorry for the inconvenience."

"It is quite alright, Munkustrap, no harm done," Old Deuteronomy replied. "Mind telling me the reason for this rather unusual meeting though?"

A friendly smile was on the old cat's face which Tugger und Munkustrap took as a good sign.

"He's a bit shy," Munkustrap offered as an explanation.

"He?" Deuteronomy inquired and Munkustrap nodded, standing up. The little kitten hiding behind him was revealed and fearful dark eyes stared up at the strange cat he had not met before. Immediately, he crawled closer to his protector again, seeking solace and burying his face in the silver-striped fur. When he saw the distressed expression on the tux's face, Tugger walked up to his brother and sat down on Quaxo's other side, gently nuzzling his head in a comforting way.

"Oh, I see," Deuteronomy said and smiled knowingly.

"It's okay, Quaxo. This cat is the one I told you about. Remember? The Jellicle leader?" Munkustrap whispered reasurringly. Quaxo kept his head buried in the tabby's fur.

"I take it your name is Quaxo then, little one," Deuteronomy said gently and Quaxo nodded, still afraid and not looking at the old tabby. Tugger took it upon himself to relieve the little cat of the attention.

"Munkustrap found him in the rain yesterday night. He was alone and so he brought him here," he clarified.

"Do you have any idea where his parents could be? We must take him back to them," Old Deuteronomy said, his expression serious.

Munkustrap shook his head and gazed sadly at the wise leader. "His family abandoned him, father. He has nowhere and no one to go back to. Quaxo wasn't wanted anymore."

Silence filled the dishwasher and everyone was surprised when a tiny tearful voice asked timidly, "Will you send me away?"

Old Deuteronomy looked the little cat in the eye and was amazed by the unusual wisdom he saw there. It was obvious that the tux had been through much more than any other kitten in the junkyard. The old cat feared that he would always be a little different from the others.

"No, I will not. You are welcome to stay here, little Quaxo," Deuteronomy finally said and would have laughed out loud at the joyful faces of his two sons had the situation not been that serious.

"Really?" the shy tux asked quietly, not quite believing.

"Really," Old Deuteronomy assured. "Welcome to the Jellicle tribe, Quaxo."

Tugger and Munkustrap hugged the kitten and mouthed a 'thank you' to their father and leader. Both of them were relieved that Quaxo was officially allowed to stay.

"There is another thing I have to talk to you about," Munkustrap began hesitantly after he had released Quaxo of his hug.

"And that would be?"

"I don't want Quaxo to stay with Bomba and the other kittens. I want him to stay with me."
Munkustrap's serious expression took the Jellicle leader a little aback.

"Why?" the old cat asked. "You know that Bomba and Demeter take good care of them. And Jelly and Jenny would most certainly also take him in if you would ask them to."

"Yes, I know that," Munkustrap amended. "But Quaxo is not like the other kittens. He doesn't trust easily and, he already clings to Tugger and me. We have decided, should Quaxo be allowed to stay, that we take it upon ourselves to raise him. He would only freak out if we send him to someone else."

"Well, if that's what he wants, then it's alright with me, I guess." Old Deuteronomy looked inquisitively at the little tux who was currently clinging to Tugger. "Do you want to stay with Munkustrap, Quaxo?" he asked.

Quaxo nodded and Old Deuteronomy looked once more at the faces of Tugger und Munkustrap, both full of expectation. The wise leader sighed. "It is not an easy task you have given yourself, that's for sure. But I see your point and I believe that you will manage. Do not hesitate to ask one of the queens for help, though, if there are problems, and I am sure there will be. Has Quaxo been introduced to the tribe yet?"

Tugger und Munkustrap shook their heads.

"No, we didn't think it would be a good idea," Tugger explained, all the while stroking the midnight black fur of the shaking kitten softly.

"Then he will be introduced to them tomorrow morning," Old Deuteronomy decided. With that said, he stood up and began to walk to the door.

"Thank you, father. For everything," Munkustrap said as he stood up as well to bow in respect.

"You're welcome," Old Deuteronomy said kindly. "I am sure you two will do a good job. You must know I am very proud of you. It is a brave decision to raise a kitten."

One last smile and Old Deuteronomy stepped out into the daylight to be greeted by several curious eyes. But Munkustrap saw nothing of it. He had turned around and was now looking at Quaxo who slowly let go of Tugger.

"Hey, welcome to the tribe, little one," he smiled and enveloped Quaxo in a gentle hug.

TBC