Chapter 4: The Start of Something New

Oliver was surprised. He never imagined the big, muscular tabby to be scared of anything. However, Chance kept his focus forward as Freya followed them while carrying Jonathan. They just returned to the salvage yard, going up the stairs. If he recalled correctly, the dark green vehicle wasn't there before, though it didn't seem like another customer.

Chance got to the second level first, glancing to the side. Oliver almost felt a whiplash as Chance bolted to the kitchen.

"Mama is coming. She's pissed. Do that adorable stupid face and protect me," Chance whispered to Jake. He got behind Jake, who seemed lost and tried to process what he just heard. He glanced at the two she-kats. "Hi, Cal, and you too, Felina."

Oliver tensed up when the she-kats stopped blinking and smiled at him. The girls waived, and he buried himself into Chance's neck.

"Aw, he's so shy," Callie said, standing up and stroking Oliver's back. "It's nice to meet you, Oliver."

Oliver shivered, though stopped to look at the two girls better. He blinked, recognizing them as the new mayor and lieutenant of the Enforcers. Tram and his associates called them a lot of names, though they also mentioned something about dreaming of a threesome with these ladies. He wonders what a threesome was. Maybe it's a game? He shook his head and looked away as Felina approached him, feeling like she would arrest him.

"You're right. The poor little fellow seems a bit nervous," Felina said, inspecting him. She squinted before shaking her head and smiling. "We're friends of Jake and Chance. What a nice little sweater. Do you pick it out yourself?"

Oliver slowly nodded, touching his new wool sweater with a cartoony dinosaur. It was green-blue, with light brown and coffee patterns in the stomach, where the orange dinosaur looked up at an approaching fiery rock. The sweater was a bit big as it reached his knees. When Freya told him to pick whatever he wanted, he spotted this. Chance made a face when looking at the price, though Freya gave him a quick smack in the back.

Oliver couldn't place Freya somewhere. She scared the hell out of him, being slightly taller than Chance. But that old she-kat would turn around, allowing him to pick what he wanted and then some. Jonathan seemed pleasant, though he reminded him about the incident in the food court. The older kid looked like he wanted to talk to him, though Jonathan kept his distance and helped his grandmother pick out clothes.

"A bit big for him. No?" Jake said, inspecting and touching the sweater.

"Do you have a problem with my grandson's choice?" Freya cut in, settling Jonathan down. She patted the young kit's head before shooting a look.

Jake shook his head, giving a bashful look as he rubbed his head. "No, ma'am. If he picked it, then he picked it."

"Good answer, Jacob," Freya said, getting close and hugging Jake. She lifted the tom with ease into her bear hug. "I'm so happy to have another grandchild."

Jake let out a muffled sound. "Glad to help."

Freya let go, letting Jake to stumble back. She glanced around. "Ah, nice to see you mayor. You too, Felina. How's that grouch of an uncle doing?"

Felina grinned, giving a quick salute. "Still cranky as ever. How's life, Captain?"

"Please, I'm no longer an Enforcer. It's been years," Freya said, giving them a shake. Her demeanor changed, glaring at Chance. "Stop hiding behind Jake, or I'll give you a reason to hide."

Chance gulped, shifting out. "Mama, just don't hit me."

Freya shook her head, getting close before snatching Oliver.

Oliver barely had time to react, feeling the soft fur of Freya. He would have kicked and mewed for her to let him go until she let out a deep purr. The purr and the rumble felt like the sun was basking him in warmth. He found himself purring with Freya, rubbing his head against her.

"There you go, my little one. I'm not here to hurt you," Freya cooed before kneeling. She placed Oliver down and patted his back. "Go play with your new cousin. Grandma and the grown-ups need to have a minute."

Cousin? Grandma? Oliver felt very dizzy by everything, feeling a tug on his paw. Glancing to the side, he saw Jonathan leading him out of the kitchen. He was still unsure, though he felt less combative with Jonathan. But before he could go, he stopped and glanced at the two toms.

Chance and Jake blinked before grinning. They nodded their heads and waved at him to follow Jonathan.

With that, Oliver let Jonathan lead him to the living room. Jonathan asked if he wanted to watch TV or try board games. Oliver's curiosity won, and he signaled for the board games. Jonathan shouted for permission from Jake and Chance to go into their room, and they said to go ahead. It took a minute for Jonathan to run and return with a few boxes.

They started a round with a game called 'Mice Hunter.' Jonathan explained the rules and shuffled some cards before handing wooden tokens to symbolize their mice. At first, it was hard to follow along with a resounding defeat.

"It's okay. It took me a while to get used to it. Wanna go another round?" Jonathan said, with a big cheerful smile.

Oliver nodded, liking this. He had never been allowed to play with other kits, which was a new experience. He lost the next few rounds, understanding the game with each loss. Jonathan did ask if he wanted to try another game, but Oliver shook his head.

Then, by the sixth game.

It clicked.

Oliver began winning the next rounds with ease. By the tenth game, Jonathan pouted and crossed his arms.

"No fair. How did you get so good at this so fast?" Jonathan said, pretending to be upset. He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, how about a different game?"

They kept going with the same result. Oliver would be confused and lose the first rounds till it clicked, never losing another game after doing so. Jonathan would groan and whine, though he would bounce back with a laugh despite losses.

It felt great to play with someone. Oliver felt like he was having the best days ever. He would pause, shifting his attention to the grown-ups as they talked with shifting volumes. They spoke about the process, school, doctor visits, and other things. Jonathan would tap him to focus on the game; thus, he would barely understand what they were saying.

"Crud! Another loss," Jonathan shouted, throwing himself back and muttering something. "You win. Are you sure you never played these games?"

Oliver nodded, looking at the mess they made with all the open boxes.

"What time is it?" Jonathan said, springing back up and glancing toward where a clock hung on the wall. He grinned, standing up and tugging Oliver up. "Uncle! The Scaredy Kat special is going to play soon."

The hard footsteps followed, with Chance appearing and sweeping both off their feet. He avoided the mess and tossed the kits onto the couch. Both cried and giggled, watching the grown-up grab the remote and throw himself between them.

"Chance!" Jake growled, appearing at the entrance of the kitchen. "You made a mess in here. Come back and clean it. And…" he stopped, eyes widening at the mess on the floor. "You three kids need to clean up."

"Aw, come on, Uncle Jake. We'll clean up later," Jonathan piped in. "Plus Scaredy Kat."

"Yeah, come on, kitten. We'll clean up later," Chance added. "Plus, Scaredy Kat."

Oliver stayed frozen, wondering if he should clean up the mess, till he felt some small taps from both tabbies. He blinked before scooting forward and pointing at the TV.

Jake's ears folded, and he crossed his arm. "Fine, but all three, you better clean up the second it ends," he said, shaking his head and returning to the kitchen.

Chance turned on the TV, letting a big laugh and pushing both his co-watchers close.

Oliver heard about the show but always missed it and settled with random TV shows. His eyes were on alert with a cartoony opening, and soon, he felt a giggle creep up as Scaredy Kat played. However, he jumped when the two tabbies roared a laugh on each side.

Felina could only smile as he watched the three boys doze off after the show. The new addition seemed to enjoy the show but seemed more interested in the laughter from the two tabbies. A hiss near her reminded her how Chance dropped a mug on the floor earlier, breaking the cup and spilling coffee everywhere.

Jake tapped his toes, probably thinking if he should kick his mate. However, her ex-academy trainer moved in and stopped before the boys. The female tabby crossed her arms and stared at the three before letting a considerable grunt. All three woke up, seeming dazed till they changed it to full alert.

"Chance, clean up your mess in the kitchen. Oliver. Jonathan. Living room. Now," Freya said, smacking her paws together.

With the same speed as he left, Chance hurried toward the kitchen. He blushed as Jake and Callie snickered at him. The kittens nodded their heads so fast, like bobbleheads, rushing toward the mess and putting everything back in the box. Freya kept a close eye on the three of them.

"Impressive as always," Felina mused, knowing Freya could run a tight ship. Then again, if she can keep five kittens in line, handling testosterone fuel toms back in the academy days was cake. The Iron Molly, they called her, still breathing and wrangling unruly kits.

"I'll say. Maybe I can use Freya to scare my annoying pest," Callie joked. She glanced at her wrist and sighed. "Better head in, better prepare the final touches for the charity party."

"Oh, come on, Cal, the party isn't till the first day of next year," Felina reasoned, getting a head shake.

"Don't you have a couple of rounds these last days of the week? Especially today," Callie reminded.

Felina frowned, nodding her head and sighing. She needed to cover this week to rest up and enjoy the holiday week. She got close and whispered. "Yeah, plus that particular tom's death is causing a stir. We hope the gang doesn't act up or whoever did the deed doesn't make another surprise for the morning."

"I hope so," Callie said, picking up her coat and putting it on. "Jake and Chance, we will be heading out now."

"Need me to walk you two to your car?" Jake said, breaking off his stare from Chance.

"Such a gentlekat. Not necessary, though," Callie said, waiving her hand. She grabbed Felina's hand. "Plus, I've got my security here."

Felina grinned, kissing Callie and waving at the older toms. They stopped briefly to say goodbye to the kits and Freya, with the latter saying she expects them someday next week. They both agree and bid their farewell.

As they returned outside, Felina paused and stared at the garage.

"Something wrong?" Callie said.

"Huh?"

"You have that face. You know when you go all detective mode on us," Callie explained, looking in the same direction. "Something up?"

"It's… nothing."

"Doesn't sound like nothing."

Felina shook her head, tapping the car's roof. "I don't know babe. Is it weird that I get the sense the kit was scared of me?"

Callie turned back to her, looking amused. "Oh, come on. Enforcers and kits usually have the relationship of the latter ducking their heads."

"I know that. However, this felt different, almost like when a criminal tenses up. I'm not in uniform, and Oliver already knew who I was."

Callie grinned. "Oh, come on, Felina. Your face is pretty well known."

Felina would agree with that, though she was sure something was up. "Babe, a six-year-old, barely cares about the news and is more concerned about when the next episode of Scaredy Kat is on."

Callie stopped smiling, getting a bit serious. "So, why do you think Oliver is scared of you?"

"That's the problem. I don't know. If I'm wrong, I don't want to step on Oliver's or the boys' tail. I'll just keep my whiskers up," Felina said, feeling gross for suspecting Chance and Jake's new kitten. However, her Enforcer side is sounding the alarm that something is up. "I want to be wrong."

"Even if you are right. Then it just means Oliver needs our protection," Callie corrected, shaking her head. "I just hope it isn't a big thing if it is."

Felina nodded, entering the car with Callie. She laid back, keeping her eyes on the mirror, watching the salvage yard get smaller with every passing moment.

She had to be wrong this time.

Jake smiled, watching Oliver sleeping with Jonathan on the couch. He thanked Chance's little nephew for being patient with their spry kitten. Jake blinked. He paused before he grinned, wishing things would go as planned so he could officially keep their new son. With Chance by his side, he knew they could do it.

"Such a nice little fellow," Freya whispered by his side. "You two are going to have your hands full next year. Give me a call if you need help. These old bones need something to do."

Chance snorted, crossing his arms. "Mama, you can't avoid Pops this way. The poor tom married you, and he's trying to get you to relax."

Freya huffed, blushing and looking away. "I love my new husband. But sometimes, our definition of a good time differs. Well, at least he's good in the shack."

Chance spit his milk and coughed. "Mama! Don't put that image in my head."

Jake agreed, not wanting the image of Pop Perkins riding Freya every night. It was rather humorous when the sweet old stand owner told Chance he'd take care of his mother at the wedding. It sounded dirtier than Pops meant to say, but they knew he meant well. However, when she heard that, Freya's eyes lit up with a fire. Jake could now understand where Chance's sex drive came from.

"Hush now. It's perfectly healthy for two grown-ups…" Freya didn't finish as Chance headed for the stairs.

"I'll wait for the pizza downstairs," Chance muttered.

"My boy is such a baby sometimes," Freya giggled, poking Jake with her elbow. "You got two kittens to worry about now."

Jake chuckled, nodding his head. "Hey, at least I've gotten experience with the first one. I'm just… worried I'll fail somewhere. I want to give Oliver a good childhood."

Freya smiled. "Believe me, that's how every new parent feels like. Chance's father and I were scared out of our minds when we had him and Richard. All you can do is try and see what works and what doesn't. Sometimes you wonder if you did your best and still worry when they become adults."

Jake nodded. However, their conversation brought some curiosity. He licked his lips and asked. "Speaking of which, how's Richard doing?"

Freya froze, staying silent before returning to where the boys were sleeping. She clutched her heart and smiled. "He's a proud, stubborn tom. Sometimes, I wished that was something my boys didn't get from me. Richard is set on becoming a judge and spending as much time as possible in court. His wife… goes about life like how she runs her department. They love their kit, but sometimes it hurts to see how lonely Jonathan is, even when he's with his parents. The other Furlongs are either too old or young."

Freya stopped, wiping her eyes. She let out a tremendous exhale. "So, call me a bad kat if you want for having a part of me wanting you two to succeed in keeping Oliver for Jonathan's sake."

"You're not terrible—just a concerned grandmother," Jake quickly said. He grabbed her paw and patted it. The big tabby seemed so frail. "Plus, I don't believe you are just doing this for Jonathan. You openly called Oliver, who you just met, your grandson without a second thought. You are one unique and open-hearted she-kat I've enjoyed knowing these past few years."

Freya let out a sad chuckle, sniffing and putting a paw on her face. She took a breath before nodding and letting go. A big grin appeared on her face. "Thank you, dear. I'm glad my boy has such a kind-hearted tom at his side. You three will be alright. All of you are Furlongs in my eyes."

Jake smiled, watching Freya excuse herself and heading toward their bathroom. He loved Freya like a mother, wishing his mother could be like her.

"Boys! Pizza is here," Chance shouted, making the kits jerk up and blink. The tabby made it up, carrying two boxes and whistling for the kids to move it. "Hey, where's Ma?"

"Oh, she needed to use the bathroom," Jake said. He clapped his hands. "Come on, boys, it's time to eat some pizza."

"Yay, pizza," Jonathan shouted, raising his fist. He glanced at his side.

Oliver tilted his head before understanding what Jonathan was waiting for. He timidly copied Jonathan.

Jonathan grinned. "Pizza!"

Chance grunted as he inspected the Turbo Kat. Dark Kat did a number on the jet, but there is nothing they can't fix. He was glad they weren't going to the next year without the Turbo Kat. The last time they had their baby blown up was when all the omegas worked together. Luckily, Dark Kat's hubris screwed him and saved their tail.

"Hmm… we should start thinking about plans when we get a call into action," Jake shouted, fixing some internal wires and using an electric zapper.

"Hmm. Like what? A baby monitor or something?" Chance asked, checking the wing.

"Already ahead of you," Jake said, jumping out of the bomb bay and strolling to the computer. He clicked on several buttons, showing live footage of the salvage yard from different angles, inside and out. He stopped one of the feeds to Oliver's room, where the kitten silently slept. "But I meant more like the common problems. What if we can't pick him up from school or have to go somewhere during the day?"

Chance paused, thinking about it. They cannot ask the girls as both are usually in the middle when the omegas attack the city. So, who do they call that they can trust? He thought about Professor Hackle, which would mean revealing their identity to the professor. They trusted that old wiz, but they weren't sure if they were at the secret identity reveal level yet. So who could they…

"Absolutely not," Chance shouted, knowing where his mate was going with this. "My mother shouldn't get involved with this. Listen, Jake, we'll figure something out."

Jake sighed, coming back and leaning on the rail. "Chance. She's the only one we can trust. It's not like we have a long list or one."

Chance shook his head, feeling annoyed. "Jake, we need to find another solution."

"There isn't one."

Chance growled, wanting to throw something at the wall. "Then we'll make one."

Jake rubbed his face before heading towards him. "Chance, please. At a certain point, it crossed your mind when we did this. Just look," he said, getting around and touching Chance's shoulder. "Look at the screen. It's no longer us. We have a kitten to worry about now. A kitten, Chance. We can't think about us but Oliver now. Which means…"

"Doing what's best for Oliver. Crud, I just wished you could find some solution with that big brain of yours," Chance muttered, looking at his son. He always wanted a boy so he could play ball or do things like his old man did when he was very young. "Four days left. Then it's Holiday week, then we go to another year. Hmm… it's going to be a busy year."

"I bet so," Jake said, pressing himself close and purring. "Who knows what will happen? We will be a family once we finish the rounds with the social worker. It's going to be a battle next year."

"Wish we could pick that tom or molly," Chance muttered, hoping they get lucky. He shook his head. It didn't make sense to worry about till next year. "So… Clawson-Furlong?"

Jake gripped his side and glared. "Furlong-Clawson."

"Oliver Clawson-Furlong sounds better."

Jake let go, putting his hands on his side. "Oh, no. This is one thing I disagree with you."

Chance gritted his teeth, turning and looking down at his mate. He crossed his arms. "And what makes you think that I'll swing your way?"

"Right back at you," Jake said, growling and getting close.

Chance snorted, wondering how they should resolve this stalemate. He scratched his head, seeing Jake stay silent and look down. How do they usually solve issues like this?

Chance and Jake snapped their fingers and pointed up. "I got it!"

Both froze, chuckling for a moment before getting serious. Of course, there was only one way to solve things like this. Plus, they had till they could officially adopt Oliver.

It's going to be a fun year.

James Shorthair hoped he could see another year as he kept a firm lookout for trouble. Darkness and the smell of cigars covered him and the rest of the tough-looking kats. When someone brought up what happened to Tram, everyone remained silent as the primary heads tapped their fingers on the wooden roundtable. His boss, a golden white tiger with a distinct golden tooth, rubbed his gray chin and coughed. Mafia boss of the Golden Circle, Hector Timber.

"I assure you," Hector said with his hoarse voice. He lifted his paw and looked around with a calm look. "My family had nothing to do with your kit, Nikko. I can only offer my condolences."

"You can shove your condolences, you old fart. I swear if I find out that you…" a young-suited snow leopard said before an older one stopped him. Unlike Tram, this one was fit and wild in the eyes. Benjamin Nikko is the next head in line.

Joko Nikko, the older one, was Benjamin's grandfather. The snow leopard had marks on his left side due to past battles and only one good eye. He led his grandson back to his chair, never breaking eye contact with Hector. "Sorry for the young ones' outburst. However, you must understand this is a difficult time for us."

James wished he could smirk at Joko, though he held it to avoid the wrath of all these thugs. He could hear the last screams vividly when someone couldn't keep their tongue. That's not something he would like to repeat or experience.

Hector smiled. "Understandable. Trust me, I want to know what happened as well. I have some of my kats looking into it."

"I appreciate it. However, we would like to handle it ourselves," Joko said.

"Please. Better we clear the air before… someone jumps to a conclusion," Hector said, glancing at Benjamin.

Benjamin growled, fur ruffling and appearing ready to say something till he winced. He glanced at his shoulder where his grandfather had him.

"Could be nothing serious. Probably Tram sticking his cock in the wrong hole. My grandnephew… was a piece of shit and fat," Joko said, patting his grandson's shoulder. He shrugged his shoulders and gave a dark smile. "The little shit always wanted to make it big. Get rich quicker than any kat. He was never satisfied with what he got or was given. I can remember one holiday where the little shit expected more when he was yay big."

Joko exhaled, standing up and fixing his suit. His smile turned cold, glancing at every kat from the other family. "However, now I have to bury what remains of him and face my sister tomorrow. He was my family, my blood, and my little shit. I hope you are telling the truth, Hector. Someone is going to die, whether it be today, tomorrow, or next year. Someone will die."

The Nikko clan moved in unison, leaving the Hector's kats on alert until they finally left. Hector's smile turned venomous, and he slammed his meaty paw on the table. He hissed and rubbed the temple of his nose before reaching for a cigar and lighting it.

"Someone tell me that they have some clue of what's going on," Hector muttered, leaning back and staring at the ceiling.

James stayed silent, watching some of Hector's scouts reporting they had found nothing. They kept talking about some kat named Deacon and his girl Torie. At the current moment, those two were their only lead and were currently hiding somewhere in this vast city. Another tom told Hector they should talk to Tram's flings and see if they know something.

James made a mental note of everything, planning to inform his contact about the situation. This could be bad, as gang warfare always leads to civilian casualties. James wished to avoid that, but for now, he would play by ear and wait for further instructions.