The Awful Battle of the Pekes and What's Possible

by BabyQuaxo

A simple show, a distraction, something silly; how could it lead to something so tragic and terrifying? When the Jellicle Ball goes to shit, Munkustrap can't help but feel guilty and work twice as hard for the people he loves, but a dagger is only affective if you point it away from you.

Chapter 1: The Rehearsal Munkustrap had the night before the Jellicle Ball. While doing all the normal preparations

for the ball, he also decided to put on a show this year. He put the old tale that his father always told to some music. "The Awful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles" was a story he grew up with living with Old Dueturonomy. Of course, Munk loved the great Rumpus cat and all of his heroics, but that was not the main attraction to him, he loved the story of the disorganized fighting and barking the most. The thought of the noise being interrupted by humans sounded amazing.

Munkustrap has spent the last month working with the other cats as they came and went to make sure this show for Old Duet came out purrfectly. He specifically assigned Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer the roles of the lead peke and pollicle since they're loud and disruptive. Admetus was cleverly casted as the great Rumpus cat because he's very silent, but his movement is great and dramatic!

"Alright everyone! Can we run this from the top one more time!" Munk called out with the rest of the cats groaning. Mungo chimed in, "You said that after the last 5 runs!" Munk sighed in exhaustion. "Yeah, I know, but we wouldn't have to do anymore runs if everyone came in on cue! And Mungo, you yourself need to get your lines down. All you do is repeat "bark!" after Teazer. Got it?" Mungo nodded, but Munk knew that meant nothing.

The number ran from the top, but by the time everyone got in the walking circle, some cat in the line tripped, which made the entire line tumble on top of each other like dominos. Luckily, Munkustrap was able to regain himself, taking a deep breath and put a smile on his face. "Despite the last part, that was the best run of it we've done! We're gonna wrap it up for tonight!" The cats rejoiced, letting out sighs and gathering their things. They weren't exactly ready for the ball, but these cats were talented. Munk hoped they'd have the sense to get it right in front of Old Duet.

ran after Munk, very excited, but out of breath. "Hey, Sir Munkustrap?" Munk chuckled at his formality. "The sir is unnecessary, but, I'm listening, Misto." Misto was bouncing with eagerness, flapping his paws and occasionally hitting them together. "I've been really excited to present tomorrow and if I wait until later in the night, I might get too nervous to go. Can I go first, just to get it over with?" Munk took a second to respond. "I'm not sure what the order is going to be, so we'll see?" bounced away, spinning and yipping.

Tugger skipped to catch up to Munk, "Hey bro! Mind if I add my bag pipes to the number? I think it'd get things pretty hype." Munk side-eyed his brother and lazily waved his hand. "I don't think it's that type of number, add it to your song to be picked for jellicle choice." Tugger groaned, "But that's not that type of song! Pekes and Pollicles could really do some good with some lively bagpipes." Munk heard, but he didn't stop or react. His silence was enough to get his tom brother to shut up and turn away.

Munk made sure everyone made it out safe, but didn't go back to his den. He stayed in the area, cleaning and rearranging some of the junk around the square to make it as perfect for the ball as it can be. He was pretty tired, but kept his brain buzzing from the excitement, or was it stress, of the ball. Munk was caught off guard when Demeter made her way through, looking for her mate.

"Munkus, there you are! You come back to the den later each night. I don't like not knowing where you are." Munk smiled softly at his amazing queen, "Just making sure things are

ready for the ball. I'm sure you've heard of the rumored planned attacks by…" Munk looked down, not daring to say his name, especially knowing what his past with Demeter was like. Deme held herself a bit. "Of course, I know I've picked up his scent on the border. The ball would be the best time to pounce, not that any time is a good time for us." Demeter didn't give Munkustrap much of a choice, pulling him out of the square of the junkyard and towards their den, walking with a tension under the almost full moon.

Munk walked over to a hole in his den, staring out as if looking for something, dazed, but focused. "Munk, you should come with me to bed. It's going to be a long day tomorrow." Munk didn't untrain his eyes from the outside. "I'm not all that tired, it'll be fine." Demeter folded on herself taking slow steps toward Munkustrap. "Hun, I'd like you to sleep with me. If not for yourself, then for me. I've been having trouble with it since Macavity's scent reappeared. I really don't feel safe. Please?"

Munk didn't like sleeping even more than being awake. He was tired, he was tired a lot, but sleep was never the option. He'd just lay in bed with his eyes closed, exhausted, but restless, thinking of everything he regrets in his life or the dangers he could be in. If he ever got to sleep, he would have awful night terrors. He hasn't been a victim like Demeter, but he's seen the worst in his brother and the hate he carries with him. It keeps him exhausted, even in his sleep.

Although, if he was able to help, he always would, so he nodded, following his queen to their nest and holding her tight. His love for her kept his heart beating steady, even if his mind began to race. Demeter fell asleep quickly on his chest and Munkustrap held onto that feeling of her heart beat against his. Despite his yelling mind, Munk fell asleep after a couple hours, seeing the sun peak through the window before submitting to slumber.

Chapter 2: The Jellicle Ball

Cats were returning to the junkyard from all over to compete to be the jellicle choice. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, finally seeing all their friends after a year since the last ball. Munkustrap was, of course, greeting all of them at the entrance, knowing the ball couldn't start without him and his opening call. His smile hurt his cheeks as he continued to shake the paws and hug some of his old pals and welcome the new kittens to the ball.

Once the gaggle of cats that were filing in turned to a trickle, Munk moved to the middle of the space and began the ball. He took his time crawling around, getting in the feel of the ball, but also taking in any last sniff of Macavity if he could. He couldn't smell his older brother so stood up to officially start. "Are you blind when you're born?" One by one, the other cats joined and they sang out why they were here. Munk looked out and helped to explain what a Jellicle was to the new kits coming in.

After Victoria, a new kit for that year, did her dance, sung with her and Munk stepped back out to the open. They added more explanations before he slid right into introducing a long contender for the Jellicle choice, Jennyanydots. Misto eccentrically shot up and stretched out, before folding in on himself once he realized this song was not about him. Munk felt his stomach drop, forgetting the conversation he had with Misto amongst the chaos. He'd take note to apologize for that after the ball.

Still, he continued to introduce the old gumbie cat, staying near her for the most part, narrating and adding to her little eccentricities. Munk had her slide between his legs and he caught her when she tripped. She was very spritely for her age and gave a radiance that not even a lot of kittens could achieve.

By the end of the number, Munk met her on the floor, just making sure she was okay when he heard "the" riff. His brother already? At least he will get the kittens excited. The younger ones had a long night ahead of them, so Munk wasn't fond of Tugger enticing them right away, but he knew no matter what his brother couldn't hold back. So, Munk stood back and watched all the kittens squeal for him.

He was pleased once that number was finished, but was soon caught off guard by a familiar scent. Grizabella- she had approached and Munk knew she was not welcomed, that was made very clear by his father. He didn't know what she was capable of, but stood in front of her to stop her from hurting any of his tribe.

That was until she started singing, Munk couldn't help but look away. He saw himself in her eyes, in the story she sang. Mistoffelees and Victoria walked up to her, being held back, not quite reaching her. Munk stared at Cassandra as she wiggled, making fun of the older cat. He twitched his nose and made eye contact, letting her know to chill out before things got bad. After, he turned to Grizabella, looking her in the eye for the first time, but the moment he met her eye, she turned away, stepping forward so the only way she could see him is if she turned around.

Demeter started to sing about her and Munk just stared at her as she hobbled forward, looking back for a second, but immediately regretting it. As he turned around, she was folded over facing the ground. Munk took a step forward, leaning towards her. In this instance, should he be concerned or fearful, sympathetic or alert?

Munk took a few steps forward, thinking of going out to hold the former Jellicle before the rest of the tribe followed and joined him right where he was. He stayed put to protect his tribe, but reached out a paw. If only she'd turn around, she'd know someone was there. Munk just wanted to help. Sure, maybe his dad banished her, but cats can change and all cats are jellicle cats. She deserves a second chance! If she doesn't, then what does that say about his mistakes?

Once she left, he felt his chest puff, keeping his eyes down to not meet any of the kittens. He didn't want to concern them anymore than this song might've. Just then, he heard the brass of Bustopher Jones, making Munk brighten up for his entrance. A sir of this stature shouldn't have to ride the tail of such a glum moment, but no one would be able to command him to stay back.

He noticed in the corner flapping and yipping the way that he did the previous night. Misto has always been very fond of Bustopher. Not only was his uncle overall renowned, but Bustopher was an expert in this history of all things ballet and operatic, Misto engaged to absorb his knowledge. He was the first to walk up to and bow to his uncle.

Munk couldn't just let this be the only formal greeting he gets. It's his job as the Jellicle leader to make everyone feel welcomed and safe, so he took a step out. He didn't want to bow because as the future Jellicle leader, that would be undermining him, so out of ideas, he sollutted the cat.

As he stepped out of the way to let him through, Misto came up from behind him, sliding forward to wack his tail. He panicked and stopped Bustopher, then getting the attention of the other cats to get a seat for him, trying to distract him from Misto's excitement. Once seated, Munk watched in awe, absorbing whatever wisdom he had, soon figuring out it was mostly food related and that he didn't have the kind of appetite for that to be his goal.

He kept things calm until Bustopher fell back and Munk swept in to catch him. Noted for next year, keep a seat with a backing on standby for him. He got in line with the rest of the cats, but once the number finished, the shocks of Macavity took the air. Everything was dark and tense as kittens were gathered and more abled cats whipped out their claws. Instead of fighting, they opted to scurry away until they knew it was safe. They stayed hidden and away from the square, talking attack methods and plans of actions until one of the cats spotted Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer out and about, causing Munk to head back out, knowing he'd have to interrupt the chaos.

By this time, the cats spotted Old Dueteronomy coming from the distance. went to go meet him and help him up to the junkyard as Munk started to introduce his dad to the kittens who may be unaware. "Old Dueteronomy's lived a long time!" Munk would be lying if he didn't mention the overwhelming warmth and safety that came from seeing his father. He has been such a great Jellicle leader and Munk really just wanted to hug onto his side for the rest of his life.

Tugger came back out for the second verse. It was very rare to see Tugger talking about anyone but himself. He was very prideful and self centered, often only talking to Munk in insults and rhetorical remarks, but this feeling was so different. They both loved their dad very much and had only grown closer to him as grown toms, especially after the instance with Macavity. It was nice to have a moment with his brother where he wasn't being sarcastic or overly full of himself. He was just standing there, singing a nice song with his brother, passing on the blood familial love from their selves and creating a love for their leader throughout the entire tribe.

Old Duet was ushered into the square, Munk getting to the front of the cat pack to prevent them from trampling over his dad as he struggled to make his way into the space. Wow, he was just ready to collapse to his knees with happiness. He hasn't had a chance to see him since the last Jellicle ball. Sometimes this made Munk think about how often he'd be able to see his future kits when he took his father's position. The thought of not being able to see his own kin grow up made his stomach twist.

Munk's pack didn't work quite right. All the cats swormed him, trying to tackle him with affection. Munk reached out a paw to help steady his balance, but all Old Duet did was take his paw in Munk's and squeeze it before walking away. It's alright though, he knew his dad was just distracted and didn't think much of it, following behind him to his perch to help him get up on it.

Chapter 3: The Awful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles

Wait! He's done! Finally! Time for The Awful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles! Munk got giddy with joy from the hard work he put into entertaining his dad. He turned away from his dad and gestured to the crowd, urging them to get excited with him and get ready for the performance. The cats scattered like mice, leaving Munk to the center, just as rehearsed, bowing to Old Duet and starting the number.

"Of the awful battle of the pekes and the pollicles-!" Munk made sure to annunciate the way Tugger told him to, spitting out each consistent so his father could hear clearly. "-of joining the fray and they-" He conducted the barking with his hands, hoping the other cats would know when they were supposed to bark, and they did it! They barked correctly! Everything was going to plan!

Munkustrap 100% stole the show, putting his all into every movement and tick. Everything was perfect… that was until Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer made their ways out on stage. They forgot their choreo for their interaction, as if their movements weren't just what he was describing in the lyrics. Then, Mungo, ONCE AGAIN, barked twice. Munk put his paw to his chest to try to get him to understand, but the next round he just did it again.

Munk wouldn't let that stop the show though! Next, Teazer had to go into a split and wiggle her tail, but instead, she started rubbing up against Munk. Which, for starters he was monogamous and was very uncomfortable with that, but more importantly to Munk, that was NOT the choreo they practiced! He shoved Teazer off of him and continued narrating.

Teazer was supposed to spin across the stage, but instead opted out to crawl between the tom's legs. Again, not comfortable and not the choreo. But he at least trusted Mungo to lead the line correctly- until he couldn't. Mungo ran directly into Munk, doing more circles than they were supposed to. Munk stopped the line, holding Mungo in place to continue his narration.

Just then, just about everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. The two best male dancers of the tribe, Skimble and Misto, came up for their duet, but instead of dancing in the center, they danced right next to Munku, hitting him in the face. When he thought that was bad enough, Tugger whipped out his bagpipe and started playing them, despite Munk's earlier disagreements. He immediately regretted that warm moment they had shared just the song before.

A bunch of cats were tripping over themselves and Tugger was pushing down those who weren't already struggling. Then the fluffed eared dogs came out, everyone getting in their places just in time to bark. Not that that was a good thing, the cats never controlled themselves. They barked loudly and sporadically out of cue and for way too long. If they didn't stop, Munk wouldn't be able to introduce the great Rumpus cat.

Munkustrap yelled at everyone to just shut up and stop! This could still be saved, the best was saved for last. He continued his narration, captivating Old Duet and the cats alike. He stepped up to the entrance area of the Rumpus cat as he flew in from far behind Munk. He just could not catch a break, could he? He did his little duet with the Rumpus cat, repeatedly almost being kicked in the face, the entire number ending with one last quip from Tugger's bagpipe.

Munk was disappointed in himself. How could he let his dad see such a bad version of his work. Munk knew whatever was going on was his fault and he should have done better. Munk looked up to Old Duet as he talked after the show. "Jellicle cats and dogs all must. Pollicle dogs and cats all must. Like undertakers turn to dust."

Munk let his breathing catch in his throat. What in the world does that mean? Of course we live in the dust, we're outside. We're much cleaner than those dirty pollicles though, the great Rumpus cat would know. Not that he had much time to ponder. His mate crashed down, out of breath and shaky. "Macacity!", she cried out as all the cats scattered to hide. All, but Munkustrap.

Nope, Munkustrap stayed out to protect his father. He couldn't run, he couldn't hide. The only choice he had was to stand there and hope he had enough willpower to ward off his brother by himself. Munk looked around as Old Duet felt a shaky power behind his arms. His concern vanished as he saw it was just young Mistoffelees hiding behind him. He gestured for him to join the other kittens and stay safe with Tugger.

Misto moved himself to infront of his dad before seeing Victoria and a couple other kittens come out to touch Old Duet. He immediately welcomes them and starts singing. Munk was confused, but soon joined into the dance, assuming his dad knew they were safe.

Munkustrap didn't have the heart to truly enjoy the activities of the ball after that. He was fearful for all of them, his tribe needed him to stay alert, his mate needed him to stay by her side. She was scared out of her pants after that, now also not being able to fully enjoy what the ball had to offer. Munk couldn't let her get hurt.

His body felt ready, but his mind felt hazed. He wasn't fully there for most of the ball. He only really started to pay attention once he heard the start of Skimbleshanks number. His dad started singing? Munk paid attention to the delight in his eyes. Somehow, nothing got to him. He was just a living ball of light that never felt a droop or gloom, or at least never anything noticeable from the outside. After the train crashed, Munk saw his father trying to join in the fun, so next time they trotted in a circle, Munk took his father by the back and walked him around with the rest of the cats. This plastered a big smile onto his father's face. He got so much from the simple pleasure.

Munk was finally starting to feel better, helping Skimble with his final pose. Nothing could really go wrong with his dad here. He was going to keep them safe as long as he was here. That was until Munk realized he must have jinxed it because the moment he let his guard down…

Chapter 4: Macavity!

Lightning flashed, he felt everyone around him begin to tense and panic. Some ran off, most crowded with other cats. He felt Skimle get down from his pedestal, if he had the time to think, Munk surely would've felt sorry that his amazing number was ruined by this intervention. Victoria came running for Munkustrap, with him gladly letting her hide behind him, slipping between his legs. He was glad his peers felt safe with him, but he was just so scared he couldn't live up to the expectations, especially with his own brother being the threat.

Macavity finally fully revealed himself, Munk responding with his paws in the air, hissing to establish his dominance, not that dominance was anything to a cat like this. Everyone got down to the ground, the elders covering the kits when the next bolt of lightning flashed. Demeter perked up, "Macavity!" Well, yeah, not dip. Munk didn't like thinking so horribly of his beautiful mate, but sometimes it got the better of him.

All the cats on the ground below him were hissing wildly in response to Macavity towering over them all. His pitch black eyes and open fangs awaiting the pounce. Munkustrap kept his stance in protecting his tribe. Yes, his father was powerful, but also old and withering. He couldn't do much just on his own.

Just then, Macavity stretched up his arms, dazing the entire tribe just long enough for his henchmen to swoop in and rope up Old Dueteronomy. No matter how strong any cat was,

nothing natural can defeat magic. Macavity pushed them forward to leave, keeping everyone entranced just long enough to see Old Duet off, breaking the spell.

Munkustrap immediately pounced toward Macavity in an attempt to save his father, but it was far too late, his father was down the road. He kept thinking that he had a chance though, he could keep running after them. He turned to see his beloved Demeter starting to sing about Macavity and figured she'd be okay enough to stay while he went to save his dad. So, Munkustrap kept running, keeping a spark within him at the thought of touching his dad's fur again. His legs were made for missions like this! He felt his dad get closer and closer.

Finally, he reached them! Munkustrap stretched out a shaky paw to let Old Duet know he was there, but his hand went through, waving the image. It's one of Macavity's illusions that faded with distance. He must be back at the junkyard with the rest of the tribe still- and he left them alone with him! Not his dad, no, he must have still been taken away in another direction, but Macavity.

He raced back in the direction of the tribe. It's not just his dad, it's his whole tribe. Why did he assume things would be alright if he left? Going without Old Duet, that's manageable when Munk is around, but the only one left there is Alonzo, third in command. Munk lept towards Demeter as she stopped singing, immediately taking a protective hand on her. Munk moved to the middle of the two queens and caught Macavity in the corner of the junkyard, Munk once again hissing at him.

Everyone continued to stare at Macavity from the upper left of the junkyard until one of the kits meowed. Old Duet was ushered back in by Macavity's henchmen. The younger kits and one or two older ones were all up on him, but Demeter stayed back, hissing and shrieking at him. She ran, scarring the kittens off him, she ran again towards her lover, hoping he got the picture, but this just left Munk confused and hurt. His dad was back! He wanted nothing more than to embrace himself, but his love for his partner was stronger. She was panicking, maybe even being hysterical. Still, that's his girl and she comes first. He reached out a paw to comfort her, but right as he did, Demeter pounced right on top of Old Duet to reveal once again, Macavity intruding on them. He was ready for a fight.

Munkustrap stood protectively in the corner of the more elderly cats as Macavity flung around, scratching him across the face and taking Demeter. Munstrap was not about to see her get cat napped, not again. She was dragged out center by Macavity before Munkustrap swooped up, grabbing her legs and fighting for her with all his might. That's when Alonzo came in and helped swooping her away by her torso. Macavity followed the poor queen until Munkstrap got in his way and squared up for a fight.

Lightning struck as Munk hissed and opened up, Macavity not having any of it and once again slashing him in the face. Munk wasn't knocked off his feet again this time though and stood his ground, taking the moment Macavity thought he was disoriented to slash him right back in the same way. The two circled each other, Munkustrap keeping his eyes glued to his brother the whole time as Macavity started with his back to the cat before finally facing him. Both cats scraped their hind paws before coming in closer to scratch each other's face once more.

Macavity pounced on Munustrap's back to choke him from behind, but Munk flew him off with great force. He was keeping Macavity distracted and protecting everyone he loved. Munkustrap let nothing cross his mind but his goals to end this villainous traitor, nothing at all,

not even the fact that he was fighting his brother. Munk flipped over Macavity, meeting him at his level on this ground, pounding it before standing up. He ran right for Macavity to charge at his exposed chest before he was lifted in the air and flung back, not getting up in time to miss the trampling Macavity did to his body. He was heading right back for Demeter.

This caused Munk to jump right back up, but he was greeted again with another hit to the face, stumbling back, but going for Macavity again. He scratched as hard as could away at his back, but Macavity was doing the same, making it increasingly more difficult. Finally, he was flipped backwards and was knocked out, greeting the darkness on the ground. The sudden warmth he felt spread through him and the gentle paws that met those burnt warm spots.

He didn't wake up until he heard this harsh high pitched sound and noticed the mumbling uproar as everything went dark. He didn't know what happened, but there was a light. He had to find Demeter. He finally met her gaze from across the yard, leaving those caring for his hurt body to meet Demeter in the middle and nuzzle her for safety. She was going to be okay, he knew it. He would let nothing happen to the queen he loved most.

"Macavity's not there." Well, no dip. Ya'll just sang about his magic and then was surprised when he dipped after turning out the lights? "We've got to find Old Deuteronomy." There was a light whisper as Munk went back in for another nuzzle from his mate. Sure, his dad was gone, but he had Demeter and that was enough for the time being. From the dark, he heard his brother. Oh boy. "You ought to ask . The original conjuring cat. There can be no doubt about that."

Munk let a nose exhale leave him in place of laughter. Why was Tugger using right now to simp for his boyfriend? Was he really that devastated about his father leaving that he'd- ignore it and focus on his boyfriend? Maybe it's denial? "Please. Listen to me, and don't scoff. For his inventions are of his own bat. There's no such cat in the metropolis, he holds all the patient monopolies for performing surprising illusions and creating eccentric confusions."

Munkustrap backed up and took Demeter to their perch over where Old Duet used to be. Was Tugger trying to do what he thought he was going to do? Have Misto magic back his father? He hasn't seen much of the tux cat as of late, but last time he did, the poor thing could barely control his lightning. Conjuring someone just seemed too far for him. That's when Misto lowered from the ceiling and lit up the junk yard, no longer dark from the serge Macavity caused, using his lightning to relight the dead areas. This cat had it more under control then he thought.

He watched Misto go to town before spinning around the entire area and revealing his father. Munk sat in shock as his brother sang to their now returned father about his amazing boyfriend. I don't think many in the tribe knew they were dating, but this might be the end to the secret. Tugger was making it far too obvious. Once he realized the rest of the tribe was starting to circle his father, Munk joined in, barely waiting long enough for the rest of the cats to scatter before going in and holding his father. He was glad that Misto was grabbing so much of his attention because he wanted to keep his eyes squeezed to prevent himself from crying.

Munk let the rest of the night slip by him. There was stuff going on with Grizabella, but he didn't need to stay alert, she was quickly sent off to the Heaviside Layer before the night ended. Munk was proud of his kit, Jemima, for being the first of the tribe to recognize Grizabella. Munk took the lovely girl in as a mentee just six months ago. She is strong and has a moral compass of the Everlasting. So, it only made sense that Munk stopped mentoring her and she go work

under the compassionate and intelligent Jennyanydots and her medical den. Macavity never struck twice in the same night and failed to keep Old Duet, so he would wait a while before attacking again. He didn't mind not being as alert as the night lingered off.

Chapter 5: Now is the Quiet

Once Old Dueteronomy was done with his ending speech, the rest of the cats scattered. Some went back to their human's places, some back to their own outdoor dens, but most of the older caretakers and bigger names in the tribe, stayed to reside in their dens within the junkyard. Munkustrap got off of his father's tire and crossed over to Demeter, touching the paws of all of the cats he passed on their way out. He made his way to his partner who is now showing clear signs of weariness. Munkustrap wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders and moved towards the exit. He was careful to stay quiet. If she could use one thing, it's a sense of calm.

They walked back to their den in silence, being unable to think about anything but Munk's older brother. Macavity had his way of ruining lives. Sometimes Munkustrap wondered if he and Demeter even belonged together. Of course, he loved his mate. She was the most beautiful thing he has ever seen, in body and spirit, but they connected over their past with Macavity and the circumstances they were in. It scared Munk to think about the best thing that ever had happened to him being a product of his murderous brother, nothing but a trauma bond.

By the time they arrived back at the den, Demeter finally spoke up, walking into the entrance of the plastic tub they lived in. "Sorry-" Munk looked down, making out her glowing eyes in the bright rays of the shining rising sun. They were fierce and full of thought. "What are you sorry for?" She took his paw. "For concerning you. I can fight for myself, I know I can. I have before and I can do it now." Munkustrap opened the blanket spread across their nest, sitting down instead of laying in it, patting next to him implying for Demeter to sit down.

"Demeter- I know you can, but that doesn't mean you have to or should. Macavity is a murderer. He is a wizard. He's an evil creature." Munk was holding onto his mate tight as her head rested on his shoulder, but because of how tall Munk was, he had to slouch for Demeter's chin to comfortably find its resting point. "I know you're strong, we all do. We saw you jump onto his back and swish that costume off of him. That takes skill! That takes someone with guts. That cat has already put you through the worst there is to offer. If you hid yourself and protected yourself, no one would blame you, but you helped everybody. That is the mark of a true hero."

Demeter shifted, pulling Munk into the blankets and soft scraps of the nest. "I'm sorry for you too. Not FOR you, but in your place. I don't think it's fair your father has you as the Jellicle protector when our biggest threat is your own brother. That's just cruel." "What's cruel is his actions and what he's doing to innocent cats." Demeter sighed, rolling closer into the stomach and chest of her protector. She couldn't hold onto what was being said much longer over the fuzziness of her head from the lack of sleep. "Yeah- I love you." Munk kissed her softly. "I love you too."

Munkustrap watched as his lover lumbered off into a sound sleep. He was thankful that she was able to return to peace after the return of Macavity to the tribe. Munk knew the horrors she had seen and experienced through him, which made him more fearful of what his dad would have gone through if he was able to stay in captivity long. Munk didn't have the luck Demeter

had. For the majority of the time in bed, he spent it wide eyed, staring at the ceiling, thinking. Thinking of better ways to defend his tribe, ways he has failed to defend them, ways he has failed his brother, wife, and his father.

The sun in the sky made things even more difficult. The nervousness that was felt at the pit of his stomach was pointless since he knew nothing was happening. He knew everyone was asleep from the ball the previous night, he knew Macavity didn't strike during the day because he was better at hiding in the shadows. Munk imagined different cats walking into his den and how he would react to what his brain imagined them saying, just a bunch of fluff to keep himself occupied. By that time, the morning birds stopped chirping, Munkustrap had enough of laying in bed and decided to slink out of his nest, wrapping up his lover tight, and going back out to the area of the Jellicle Ball to start his watch.

The area was well worn from the night before, paw prints and water scattered everywhere they had been. Munk wasn't expecting anyone to be in the area, let alone awake, which is why he had come out to inspect, although he was surprised to find two cats in the corner, curled up in the broken down oven. He noticed by a long black tail first, his white face being the only thing readable from inside the dark oven. There was a bigger tom holding him, Tugger. He was staring off into the sky, Munk couldn't tell if he was asleep or dazed. Taking the risk, Munk approached the oven slowly, so as to not scare Tugger or wake Misto.

"Tugger? Hey, Tug?" Tugger's nose twitched and his eyes blinked a few times, his eyes darting here and there, taking in his current location. There was a part of him that seemed absolutely frantic until he spotted the sleeping cat on his chest, his chest rising up and down noticeably with the puff of fur on his chest. "Heya bro. What's up? You're up a bit early for it being a ball night." Munk looked down at him, somewhere between a smerkish side eye and a genuine look of concern. "I could say the same for yourself, especially since you don't get up before noon on a normal day."

They both let their sides of their mouths fling up with their nostrils as they both did a quick exhale in place of laughter. They both knew why they were up so early. They both knew what they were doing here. They both saw every terror that Macavity had unleashed and the unbearable guilt that followed. Munk looked out, the corner of his eye catching Misto shivering when the breeze picked up, causing the maine coon to hold him closer to his furry chest. "How'd Demeter sleep?" Munk looked back, keeping his eyes trained on the two in the oven. "Better than expected. I think she was already exhausted enough from the ball, attacking Macavity probably took out what she had left in her."

Tugger nodded, petting the cat in his lap. Munk sat down, leaning on the oven, "Why'd you drag Misto out here with you?" "I didn't, he kept me out here!" Munk was expecting that Misto followed Tugger out here. When Tugger got upset, he usually just shut down; eyes glossy, dazed, mumbled answers, needless wandering and restless nights. Munk thought Misto would've followed him out here and convinced Tugger to at least lay down. "I had just calmed him down again after his panic caught up to him about saving Old Duet. Yes, the ball was already over and everything was safe, but sometimes he's just so heroic in the moment that he doesn't panic about it until hours later. It's worrying, but also kinda cute." He caressed the sleeping cat's cheek, pecking it with a kiss. "Once he had calmed down I got restless and

sporadic the way I do from… you know, so he convinced me to come stargazing with him. Under the full moon, it's a delight. Not that we had much time. That ball really did go until daylight."

Tugger had a second way of dealing with his emotions, he was very irrational in angry outbursts. It made things hard when he had such a jumpy partner as Mistoffelees, but Tugger admits that it's an awful thing to do and he's working on it. The only thing that really triggers it anymore IS Macavity. Misto must've been prepared. Tugger reached out his second arm that wasn't under Misto's head and offered for Munk to lean on it in a similar fashion from outside of the oven. They soaked in the warm sun as it rose to mid-day. Munk finally was able to quiet his mind and fall asleep beside Tugger, who also eventually got some rest.

Finally, the two got to sleep. There was still a chill in the air, and whether it was from the actual wind or Macavity, Munkustrap had a hard time placing, but, at least for the time being, he could handle it a bit.

Chapter 6: Going Up Hill

Munkustrap woke back up and it didn't seem like the sun had moved much in the sky. He turned over and both Tugger and Mistoffelees were gone, probably to go sleep in one of their own dens. Munk's body ached and he saw a lot of bruising, probably from the fight the previous night, but at least no one else got hurt. It was embarrassing that he was knocked out like that. Couldn't protect his tribe and failed so hard, he didn't leave a scratch on Macavity, letting him run home free.

Munk stood up, walking himself over to the entrance of the junkyard. He yanked himself up onto the lofty brick gate board and started walking it, patrolling and scanning the area for any sign of Macavity or his hench cats. Even a paw print could be enough to help, but Macavity isn't the hidden paw on accident. He's very good at covering his tracks. Munk thought about, for the first time since he became protector, going to his father for information. Just ask him where the hench cats took him and if they revealed anything of what they would do to him.

He wanted to make sure they had a plan if they chose to cat nap a cat like Misto, and couldn't use magic to get them back. Who could they send out to retrieve them? Munk took a second to think of all the cats with magic in the tribe: Old Duet, Misto, young Jemima- He couldn't forgive himself if anything happened to such a young sweet kit.

Munk went to lick his paw, but he winced in pain as he came to discover how badly it stung. He looked down, his paws slightly shaking, he saw claw marks slashing the middle of his paw pads, slashes identical to the ones that covered his body, the ones he had got from Macavity. Munkustrap now noticed the aching that came from his hind paws. He was trained to stand on his hind legs, it helped him in his job, but that put extra pressure on them that he didn't exactly like.

But, that's just the proof he needed to get back to his job. Macavity is still out there. He was unsuccessful in taking his father and technically didn't win the fight. He was going to come back and it was just a matter of time. It was Munkustrap's job to make sure everyone was safe and that is exactly what he planned to do. All the other cats were taking a well earned, well needed rest after the all-nighter they pulled. It couldn't be any later than noon. Most cats don't wake up until the morning following the ball because of how tiresome it is, so he won't have to worry about talking to any other cat until the following day.

For the rest of the daylight, Munk paced the wall of the junkyard, guarding it with his life. By that night, he had grown tired, but with every small movement or any echoed noise, he'd be flinched awake by the fear that Macavity was coming to hurt his family. Munkustrap examined the texture of the dirt, each small speckle of it, in any hopes of finding track coverings. He kept note of the trees by the junkyard being easy entrances, hiding the villain, but he could still find no evidence of Macavity.

As night crept up on Munkustrap, he only saw the visions of the night before. The junkyard being illuminated by the jellicle moon, the business that washed over the tribe… the aftermath of all the pain. Seeing shadows roll in the dark; passing cars creating stretching silhouettes onto the walls, street lamps buzzing with surrounding flies and moths- every little movement made Munk jump high into the air. He only felt the reality of the situation when his feet landed back on the ground, shaking his bones and clearing his head.

Dazed by the vibrating that rang in his consciousness, it wasn't long until morning made its return. The pitter patter of paws on the dirt below him and the high pitched squeals of the kittens finally energized since the ball made the junkyard feel whole again. Looking down, he saw Jemima walking into the Jennyanydots' medical hut for another day of learning. One day, Munk was going to have a kitten like her and they'd grow up to be a wonder to the tribe, he just had to make sure there was still a tribe there by the time he was able to have kittens.

Munkustrap's ear twitched as a scraping was heard from behind him. He swiftly turned, making a b-line for the edge of the wall. He was ready to pounce at anything ready to hurt him, but instead, it was Tugger. Munk watched in flat lined annoyance as his younger brother pulled himself up onto the edge next to him.

"Ya' know bro, you could've lent a helping paw! It's not easy to climb when I just got my claws done." Rum Tum Tugger looked at Munkustrap with a cheeky smirk, letting his eyes narrow in a knowing coolness. Munk was having none of it; exhausted and on-edge, he turned from his brother and continued his patrol on the wall. He didn't find it helpful to waste a word on Tugger, especially when he would never listen.

"Ugh- come on, bro. You look exhausted. How long have you been up here anyway?" Tugger trotted behind the older cat who still kept his eyes focused on the horizon beyond the junkyard. "He doesn't strike in broad daylight, this should be the time you use to come hang with us!" Munk was getting ever more annoyed, the crease between his eyebrows growing deeper as his chest pushed out in an enlarged breath. Tugger was getting restless. "Come on, you know all of this. It's just Macavity!" Munk snapped, turning his entire body to Tugger, pointing a sharp claw to the younger tom's face. "Just Macavity? JUST Macavity? You mean, just the Macavity that has broken every law? Just the Macavity that stole our father? Just the Macavity who stunned all of us into not moving? The Macavity that catnapped my wife and used her for months, making her lose her sense of self and happiness?"

Munk stopped for a second, non blinking, using his eyes as lasers into Tugger's soul. Tugger stood there speechless, frozen by his brother's sudden outburst. Munk huffed, turning back away from Tugger to keep watch. "Just Macavity… you really are ignorant." Tugger zoomed to catch up to Munk who was already a couple yards from him. "I didn't mean it like that! Macavity has habits and likes things to be perfect. He just attacked. Old Duet went back to his human's village. He has nothing to gain from us."'

Munk refused to meet Tugger's eyes. "He didn't, but he does now. You put your little boyfriend on display. He has the most powerful magic I've seen from a kitten. Now that father is growing weary, young Mistoffelees will be his next target." Tugger tightened. He didn't think much of it, he was just proud of his boyfriend. Is there really a bullseye on his back? But instead of saying anything of value, Tugger adds in, "He's not a kitten, he's a cat!" Munkustrap groans. "He's not a cat yet, he's a growing kitten. He won't be a kitten till his first birthday. He just got all of his adult teeth. I can't let a kit, or anyone for that matter, be swept up by Macavity."

Tugger grew irritated and let his worry for his partner take over his cool persona. "If anyone is going to protect Misto, it's going to be me! I won't let anyone lay a paw on him. We spend all of our days with each other! I was literally on my way to his den. You don't need to worry about him, that's my job." Munkustrap didn't know what else to say, so continued to stare as if Tugger wasn't there. Tugger deflated, moving closer to Munk, brushing their paws. "I get you want to protect us, and that's your job, but you don't need to push yourself like this. When's the last time you slept?" Munk turned, facing away from his brother and taking slow steps in his route. "You should know, you were there."

Tugger's eyes shook with a concerned urgency. "Munk, you were only in that spot for an hour. Have you really only slept for an hour since the ball?" Munkustrap shook his head and Tugger tilted his head in confusion, his tail wiggling freely. "I didn't sleep the night before the ball either. I had things to do." Tugger jumped up, all of the air in him circling to his chest causing it to puff out. "So you've slept 30 minutes in 4 days? No, I won't let that slide!" "Hm? And what are you going to do about it? I'm stronger and smarter than you." "Maybe you are, but the moment I tell Jennyanydots and Jellylorum you've been up they'll strap your limbs down to a bed so fast~"

And Munkustrap knew that Rum Tum Tugger was right. He took a deep breath feeling the weight of his body sag as he exhaled out the headache he's been acquiring. "Yeah… I'll be down in a little bit then." Tugger felt the softness of Munk's voice shiver up his spine and ring in his ears. It didn't boom like it did at the ball, it rang out in a tone that could only be achieved high in the mountains. This was how he knew it was about more than just Macavity. The tickling sound left him feeling a gutted sorrow for Munk, but he knew he needed the space so just nodded and scaled down the wall. Munkustrap didn't climb down that night.

Chapter 7: The Representatives of Silence

Munkustrap couldn't feel his body. He floated above it in a shocked and wafted kind of way. He'd see Macavity running across the wall in front of him. His shadow would creep close to him and cut into his stomach, making it gasp and gargle. His ears would ring and he'd be knocked off his feet without so much as a touch, but after he sat, the Macavity in front of him would fade away. Did Macavity even have teleportation? He appeared and disappeared, but not in that manner…

Everything hurt, but he couldn't sleep on the job, he couldn't back away. He was going to hurt the tribe, disappoint his father, and put his love in danger. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if Macavity took his Deme away from him.

That's when he saw another shadow come up from behind him, he turned, backing up from the figure, giving him room to get into a pouncing stance, trying with all of his might to get his vision to focus. The figure put his paws up in a surrendering way, causing Munk's stomach to squeeze. What is Macavity surrendering for? Not that he had much time to think about it, before his legs gave in and he collapsed on the wall where he stood. The figure rushed in, holding his head in the crease of their elbow as another leathery paw petting at his chin. Wait… leather? This couldn't be Macavity, this was Tugger!

The feeling of leather was removed from his face as a bowl was pushed up to his mouth. "Please, just drink for Everlasting's sake-" It was hard for Munk to hear the words being spoken, only the strained panic of the tone, so drink he did. With each gulp, he felt his eyes adjust to the world around him, occasionally moving with the dizziness left, but he felt better. Once the bowl was empty, Tugger helped Munk sit up, placing his weak head onto Tugger's shoulder facing the sunset. He hasn't had much time to admire the beauty that was the world in front of him since he only was able to see it as a danger.

Munk was finally able to register how he felt and all he felt was pain. His head was pounding, eyes heavy and stingy, paws sore and throbbing as his stomach both ached in hunger and swirled with nausea. Above all the pain, he felt a paw on his stomach, heavy and warm, bringing his thoughts back to the person he's sitting with. Tugger has never been affectionate or caring, he was a very "do everything for yourself" kind of guy. Maybe the arch with Grizabella at the ball changed his heart in some way?

The arm wrapped around his side pulled him closer into Tugger. "I'm so happy you're safe-" Munk was hazy and confused. "Of course I'm safe, I wouldn't let anything happen to the tribe." Tugger let out a huffy sigh. "No, not the tribe. You. I thought you were coming down two nights ago! You're lucky I keep a travel bowl on me. There's perks to never going to my den." Munk didn't react, he didn't move. His entire body pulsed with his aching heart, still able to do nothing but stare out into the horizon, looking for this danger that never came.

Tugger looked down. He wanted to be surprised or baffled that his brother wasn't giving him the usually snarky comment back to his antics, but he was just flooded with a raging ocean of concern and regret. His limp body looked deflated, yet swelled. He could see the outline of all of his ribs in hunger and the sunken holes that cradled his puffed eyes were deeper and darker than the Kola borehole. Tugger, instead of petting it, flattened his paw on Munk's chest, leaving a warm compress. He saw Munk's face tighten a little bit as his stomach vibrated violently against Tugger's hand.

"We gotta get you some food, alright?" Munk tried to open his mouth to speak, but the sides of his throat burned and rubbed like sandpaper in his dried out mouth. So instead, he simply shook his head to the immediate reaction of Tugger. Tugger stood up, swiftly grabbing Munk in his arms, keeping one arm under his head and the other arm under his thighs, using his forearms and hands to hold him at his torso. This shouldn't be so easy. Tugger was disgusted by how little he had to strain himself to carry Munkustrap. He felt lighter than his Mistoffelees, who was half Munk's age and half his height.

Tugger's first thought was to bring his brother back to his den where he knew he had his brother's favorite food. But, as much as it pained him to talk to the elders of the junkyard, he knew he had to take him to Jenny and Jelly. They were the ones with the medical and emotional

background to actually be able to help. And for once in his life, a love for his brother so powerful rushed over him like a pooling fall of lava. Hot, burning, but Tugger didn't mind.

Munk didn't have the energy to comprehend what was happening. His head felt heavy as he strained his neck to remain straight. With his overwhelming exhaustion, he leaned his head onto the maine coon's chest, letting the shaken thuds in his head be drowned out by the well conditioned furs of his brother's mane. Being carried made him feel weightless and the rhythm of Tugger's walking shaking his entire body is all Munk needed to finally circum to sleep, now laying lifeless in Tugger's arms.

Tugger was halfway to the medical hut before looking down at his brother, he laid still and quiet. It was so odd seeing him so ragged dolled with how vigilant he always was. This only caused Tugger to scamper, lifting his feet in almost a jog. He needed to see the elders fast before it was too late, if it already wasn't. He held Munk tighter to his chest, giving him whatever warmth he could offer to the husk of a body laid in his arms. He hated the way his ribs moved in his hands as he walked, it was disturbing and gross.

The medical den was just down the way, Tugger closed in his arms, tucking Munk into him and put himself into hyper driver He rushed to the front door, getting ready to pound on it and wait to be let in, but opted out and just opened the door and walked in for himself. Jennyanydots and Jellylorum were both leaned over the counter chattering as both their heads turned when Tugger entered. There was a quick flash of irritants before their eyes grew wide, letting panic and worry stick to them like a fly to a trap. Jenny walked in closer, taking a paw between Munk's shoulder blade and chest, finding his pulse.

"He's still alive, but I don't know for how much longer. Jel, get some fish paste for me and some water. Tugger, Munk probably needs some familiarity. A rock he likes, a stick, his favorite bowl… anything." Tugger had to think for a second. Munk wasn't very attached to much because of his duties as the protector. He often separated himself because he thought it helped him in his duties. But then Tugger's ear flicked. He knew exactly what Munk would want. So he saluted Jenny and went on his way back to their childhood den.

Jenny stayed with Munk near the bed, taking his temperature and keeping his paws warm with a warm cloth as Jelly prepared food and did a quick test on him to make sure nothing serious was going on… besides the already obvious serious stuff going on. Even though Munk clearly needed to sleep, Jenny decided to wake Munk up because food was more important. Getting nutrients in his body would actually help him sleep better. So, without giving it much thought, Jenny shook Munkustrap back and forth, his eyes fluttered like a flickering light, but it was all too sudden. Munkustrap bolted upright, screaming, immediately being swaddled in Jenny's arms. Munk wanted to keep screaming but the sound got caught in his throat with his breath, shallowly, only moving a bit in Munk's panicked state. Jenny just pressed him tight against her as she took deep breaths against his back, letting him feel the rise and fall against him till he was able to mimic her actions.

Munk still felt on edge, but was far too tired to have his body match his brain in the panic, molding to the warm folds of Jenny's torso. Jenny turned him slightly, so his body was upright and his head was up, holding some fish paste up to his mouth. Munk felt he was far too nauseous to eat, his mouth sealing shut in refusal at the smell wafting up to his nostrils, hooking the scent into his brain. His back bent away from the spoon and Jenny felt his hip bone dig into her side. She knew that it'd be hard for him to eat, but she didn't have much of a plan for adults

who wouldn't eat. She was often left with kittens, taking care of them and sitting them while their parents were out doing various tasks. She knew how to do choo choo train with the spoon and tell them the spoon was scared and needed to hide, but none of that would work on a full grown tom like Munkustrap. There was really nothing she could do besides be supportive and factual.

"It's okay, you can take a bite. It's not going to hurt." Munk was still left frozen, too stunned to talk and too sick to want to eat anything despite his hunger. "What's going on, dear? Talk to me." Munk gathered all of his breath to try to speak, using the moisture the water he just drank gave him to use his throat after so many days of going silent. He was finally able to talk, but it was chopping and strained. "No… eat. Sto-mach hurts." Jenny smiled softly in reassurance. "I know, dear. It hurts because you're hungry. You still need to take at least 5 big bites, okay? Don't worry if you throw up or make any sort of mess. Jelly and I will take care of everything. Just take a bite, okay?"

Munk didn't have enough fight in him to reject anything, so he let his jaw fall open and Jenny placed the spoon on his tongue, causing his mouth to naturally bite closed with how cold the spoon was. With Munk's mouth closed, Jenny pulled at the spoon, leaving nothing but the paste in his mouth. Munk's lungs tightened as he prepared to swallow the food in his mouth. The longer it sat, the longer the flavor soaked into his tongue and drowned his head, it made him queasy. Finally, with enough saliva build up in his mouth, he was able to swallow the paste, being able to feel each globby swish as it transferred from his throat to his stomach, landing with a sudden plop.

He went through this the five times he silently promised Jenny. Each time, swallowing got easier as keeping the food down became harder. He felt each bite hit the bottom of his stomach like a bowling ball hitting a bunch of pins, sudden and loud. Even with the difficulties he faced, he still managed to eat and keep it all down, being held onto by Jenny after he skaily took the last bite. "Good boy, I'm so proud of you." The words were followed by a head kiss that put Munk in bliss. He wasn't full by any means, but his stomach wasn't numb anymore, so he could feel his hunger rattle inside him like the chains on a train.

He didn't want to focus on that feeling, the feeling that told him to keep putting the cold spoon in his mouth, the feeling that told him to continue feeling the food track down his pipe, heavy and warm. He decided instead to focus on the paws of Jenny running up and down his back, pushing his fur upward before smoothing it back out again, almost letting that side of the hair that's never felt the air before breath for the first time. Jenny looked down at Munk, seeing that he was no longer fighting to breathe, letting herself lay down below him so he could finally rest.

Munkustrap felt his weight redistribute and thought of himself as one of those dolls with the weighted eyes. As he shifted back, so did his eyes shift closed as he finally got to relieve himself into a much needed slumber. Jenny felt as his body that was scarily too light just moments before got a bit heavier with his drowsiness. Jelly looked over at Jenny under the tall tom. "He really is just a big kitten, isn't he?" Jenny could only sigh, "All cats are. It's that part of every cat we must cherish and keep safe. And if it does end up getting hurt, it's important we treat it with the delicacy it deserves until it's safe to play again." Chapter 8: Of Course Tugger is Distracted (C.W. mentions of rape, burning, torture, and catnapping. If this makes you uncomfortable, this chapter is not integral to the plot. Please skip and keep reading if needed.) (Additionally, the part at the end of the chapter about

Tumblebrutus is exclusively a joke between me and my best friend. It's okay if you don't get it, we barely do.)

The Rum Tum Tugger was surprised to be receiving such an important job for his brother. It made a bit of sense to him since Munk WAS his brother and would know what would help him feel safe, but also, he was known in the tribe for his irresponsibility. He'd often get distracted, or lose track of himself and his things. And this was no exception. He just got bored very easily and couldn't motivate himself well enough to stay on task. So on the way to his childhood den when he came across his loveable boyfriend, Mistoffelees. How could he not love up on him?

"Hey cutie, ya come here often?" Misto nuzzled into his boyfriend's mane, purring into his collar, causing the maine coon's brain to immediately go fuzzy. "Well, duh, this is my den!" Tugger looked up and low and behold, he was at his boyfriend's den which was nowhere on the way to his childhood one. He must have just wandered here on auto-pilot, though Tugger was elated that this had happened because now he gets to invite his boyfriend along for the ride.

The idea of bringing Mistoffelees to his childhood den was especially exciting since he didn't get much of a chance to show off his boyfriend to his family in much capacity. Besides just a few nights ago at the Jellicle Ball, there weren't any meetings. No family dinners, no events, nothing. Old Deuteronomy was usually too busy to see Tugger much, let alone meet any partners. Munkustrap was always busy with his protection stuff to hang out with Tugger like they did when they were kittens. Then, of course, he would rather subject himself to the wrath of a pollicle than have Misto even go near Macavity. Then, of course his mom-

"It is your den! Just thought you'd be out practicing your ballet. How'd you like to join me on a trip to my childhood den?" Misto glowed with the warmth of a thousand suns radiating from his smile. He nodded his head before running back into his den and back out again with his favorite pop tab. Misto liked carrying a pop tab and messing with it when he was out, it kept him from moving around too much and, in some weird ways, helped him feel safer. Tugger was also glad Misto was coming along so that he could stay focused and on track. Sure, he was on his way, but who knows who could've stopped him and distracted him? Heaven forbid Bombalurina or Etcetera cross his path and who knows if he'd ever get back on course!

The two enjoyed their time together on the road less traveled on. The dirt was less trampled and many piles of trash shaded them from the bright sun. The two weren't even thinking as their paws automatically slid into one another, letting their wrists cross over just enough for their arms to swing comfortably. Their tails ended up following suit and doing the same, gradually twisting together behind them and keeping them connected. Their bodies drew closer, making the two walk just a bit slower. Their hind paws trudged, then dragged, then stopped in their tracks as Tugger leaned himself down, taking Mistoffelees' breath away but connecting their lips. Tugger held the shorter kit by the ribs as Misto stood on his toes, wrapping his arms around Tugger's neck.

The two enveloped themselves into each other, letting the world around them sink. Misto has enjoyed the quiet since he's gotten quite popular from his magical appearance at the Jellicle Ball. Between him and his magic and heroic act and Tugger and his entire vibe of getting the ladies, they never truly got much time together, but here they were. Kissing in the great outdoors

and not another cat in sight to tear them apart. No other cats, sure, but they still had a task at hand, so, despite the sparks that kept them together like magnets, they had to separate.

Tugger moved his paws to Misto's shoulders, pushing him away just enough so they could look each other in the eyes. In the dark covered shadows of their dens, it always looked like Mistoffelees never had an iris to begin with, just a black pupil as if he were a cartoon character. It made it all the more worth it to see him in the broad daylight. His black coated fur shimmered silver, his white face reflected like the great Jellicle moon, whiting out all his features but his eyes that now shone a glistening hazel, giving it a new life that could never truly be fulfilled in the night. "Love, I think we should get going now." Tugger leaned down, giving Misto one last peck before continuing walking, only keeping their paws interlocked.

Misto, as a kit who has been heavily monitored up until recently, hasn't been able to see much of the world, or the junkyard for that matter. Taking a walk down this rarely trotted path with the love of his life was refreshing and gave him a new found sense of trust in his boyfriend as well as a new found freedom. He was scared before leaving the Kitten DayCare, but now he was feeling a lot better. He wasn't done setting up his new den, but maybe he didn't have to finish.

The two made it up to the den, wrecked and abandoned. The front was covered in broken glass and trash as any left over paw prints had been washed away. Tugger felt his stomach drop as he didn't remember living here long as a kit, but what he did remember played over and over in his head. He looked down at Misto who was staring straight at a piece of fur lodged between two boxes building up the house. He crept up to it, slowly while sniffing.

"Careful of the glass, I don't want you getting hurt!" Misto turned his head smiling and nodding at Tugger who was ungracefully tip-toeing through the remains. Misto was naturally better at this from being a dancer! He, in a feather like fashion, floated his way to the wall, getting just close enough to graze the fur with the tips of his toe beans. This stifled a gasp out of him, causing him to stumble and cut his knee on a piece of glass. Tugger no longer stumbled through the glass, but instead bounding through it to get to Misto, getting on his knees next to him and cradling him close to his chest, lifting his lanky leg in his paw so he could better see it.

"Just breathe, I'm going to check for glass in the wound." Tugger redirected his attention to the knee before he could fully soak in the pain that was seeping from Mistoffelees gritted teeth and squinty eyes. He found a small chunk in the knee and quickly plucked it out with his claws before he could regret it. He heard a small squeak, but couldn't bring himself to look, picking him up and carrying him into the den. He laid him on the first nest that he came across and wrapped the knee with some spare bandages from the broken medicine box under the table Munkustrap would use to help him when he scraped his knees playing as a young kit.

"It's Macavity!" Tugger looked shocked, looking around him for any signs of the hidden paw. Misto caught his breath enough from the stinging pain to continue talking to Tugger. "No, I don't know if he's here or not, but that was his fur outside!" Tugger paused looking down at Misto. Moving slowly to him and sitting next to his laying body on the nest. "I forgot just how truly young you are, Macavity left long before you were born." Misto crooked his head slightly. "Left?" Tugger sighed, "Left. He used to be Jellicle, my brother, in fact. It's very rare for a cat not born by magic to have magic such as yourself. Macavity is the first born of Old Deutoronomy. That's why Munkustrap is the first Jellicle leader without magic. He wasn't supposed to be the next Jellicle leader, Macavity was."

Mistoffelees felt out of place. He was a Jellicle all his life! And though short, it felt important to know. Misto grumbled a bit, sitting up while still keeping his injured leg still. "I can't believe someone so evil could be you and Munk's older brother. You two are the kindest cats I've ever met! And Old Deut's first born son? I wouldn't call that the truth for a cup of rice pudding. What made him change?" Tugger took Misto's chin in his paw. "He wanted more power, he wanted to be in-control. He was a very angry kitten, so when he finally was an adult and capable of becoming the next Jellicle leader, Old Deutoronomy refused and he went hay-wire. Dens burned, the sky darkened, many were injured. Luckily, no one died, but Mcavity hasn't been accepted back since."

Misto's stomach curled in sheer anxiety. He felt nervous just knowing that he used to live right where he laid. "I-if you don't mind, can you tell me what Macavity did to gain more power?" Tugger shifted to pet the tuft of fur on the top of Misto's head.

"Well, first, he tried to get rid of Munkustrap. After Macavity found out he was being replaced with Munk, he thought it would just be easier to get rid of the only cat he saw as competition. He didn't want to outright kill him though, so he started off by taking Demeter away. He torched her, strapping her up and using her to pleasure himself. She was burned by him, bit, scratched at, and his demeaning words stung just as bad as any wound. Munkustrap, of course, went after her, and fell right into his trap, almost being killed regardless of Macavity's original plans. Munkustrap made it out of there by the skin of his teeth, lugging an unconscious and bloody Demeter. Macavity's thin ice had broken and he hasn't been welcomed since."

Mistoffelees felt too many feelings to comprehend and knew he wouldn't be able to talk, so he rubbed his head into Tugger's chest and purred to share his condolences as Tugger let a few tears crawl across his face. Though being Tugger, he quickly wiped them off and turned to pet Misto. "Don't tell either of them I told you. You keep zipped!" Misto did the zipper motion with his hand to his mouth, locking the corner of his lips, and throwing away the key.

"Now, I came here for-" Tugger whipped around, going to a scattered nest in the corner of the crated den, picking up a tattered piece of fabric. "This was Munk's baby blanket! He was swaddled in it the day he was born and never stopped sleeping with it until he moved into his new den with Demeter. He might like to hold it when he wakes up." Mistoffelees flipped to his stomach, curling in a ball tight, stretching out his torso, then curling back up again in a fluid motion. Tugger chuckled at the delight of his boyfriend. Nothing was more charming than literally anything he did or said… or even didn't say.

"Ya went nonverbal on me magic mitts?" Misto looked up like an innocent child, holding back his smile as he nodded delicately. Tugger bapped Misto on the forehead before swooping him up in his arms, placing the baby blanket over him. "I'm not having you walk, I don't care that it was just a cut. I want Jenny or Jelly to double check it to make sure there is no glass left in there. Once we make sure you're okay, do you want to go back to my den and cuddle?" Misto's tongue fell out of his mouth slightly as he shook his head, promptly pointing his thumb to himself. "Wanna cuddle in your den?" Misto nodded. "Awe, you being so excited about your own den is so cute! I know you never liked the nursery anyhow."

And with that, Tugger's childhood den faded in the distance behind him as he continued directly on his mission. Something about Mistoffelees and how precious and small he felt to him made him feel more responsible and more capable. He never had an issue with letting himself down or not taking care of himself, because he never cared about himself enough to pay any

mind to his own tasks and duties. But Misto- well, Misto is the love of his life and he would climb every mountain just to be with him. Life was made more worth it.

Misto braided the fluffed out strands of Tugger's mane on the way back to the central part of the junkyard, letting his fingers keep his head distracted as he let the thought of Macavity fade from him. Even as the scary parts eventually sizzled out of his inner voice, one thought remained echoing in his head like a yodeler screaming from the mountain tops. Is his magic strong enough to defeat Macavity? Maybe not even now, but when he grew up and could control it better, even in the next year! If Macavity came back, could he help fight rather than be hidden away with the rest of the kits?

"Ya doing okay there, presto paws?" Tugger left some laughter behind in his question, taking a paw that Misto didn't know he had squeezed onto his ear. Tugger squished the paw back, letting it feel gravity and force. He always knew exactly what Misto needed. Mistoffelees was very prone to shutting down, curling up, gripping his ears in his paws to the point of bleeding, squeezing his eyes shut, rocking back and forth, and occasionally, letting himself hum as loud as possible to try to get himself to come back down to Earth. When this happened as a kit, the adults would scold him for being disrespectful and not behaving. When he did it now, Tugger was always there to calm him down and remind him how to breathe above the raging ocean.

Just seeing Tugger so close, being encased in his arms was enough to make Misto feel like the world couldn't touch him. He nodded his head, letting his lips slip into a goofy smile, as wavy as his tail curled around his lover's arm. Tugger was so encapsulated by the growing pupils of the magician in his arms, he began to pur, promptly startling Misto, who yelped out of his paws. Tugger immediately stopped purring to make sure Misto was secure in his arms again. "Startled ya there, didn't I, sparkles? Sorry about that, you're just too cute!" Misto lifted his paw over his mouth and squished his face into a smile, mimicking a chuckle.

The way sparks fluttered between them, you'd never think of where they were going or where they had come from. The weight of the situation had no touch on their relationship. Their pairing was an innertube to a storming sea. Sure, it might get lost in the waves, but it always stayed afloat and rocked with what was thrown at it. It was this stability that let Mistoffelees get startled, but immediately smile when he usually had to catch his breath. It was this kind of constances that made Tugger more present and capable of keeping his feet tied to the ground and his head in a conversation.

Then, from just beside them, they heard a quick sneeze. There, in a nearby pile of trash, was Tumblebrutus. When the cutest pair in all of the junkyard thought they were alone, there always ended up being another kitten trying to "make it work" with them. Majority of the time, it was the youngest tom in the tribe, Tumblebrutus. He loved rolling around, but lusted hard for Mistoffelees. It was the true definition of a parasocial relationship. All Tugger did was turn towards him and stare. Mistoffelees, who felt extremely uncomfortable by this cat's repeated efforts, hid his face in Tugger's neck, facing away from the kitten.

Tumble, still keeping a smug look on his face, inches towards the pair. "H-hello! I saw you two were having quite a good time and maybe-" Tumble got close enough just to barely graze his paw on Tugger's knee before being absolutely decked in the face with Tugger's hind paw. "I'll let you think when you have a singular brain cell in your head to do so." Misto couldn't

help but let out a chuckle against his lover, despite being in distress. Tumble, not being bright enough to have any redeeming ideas, scurried on his way.

"Are you okay there, Misty? I'm sorry weirdos are jealous of us." Mistoffelees, still not having the mental space to talk, put up a weak thumbs up, with a forced all teeth smile. "I'll take that as a "getting there", love." Tugger comforted his partner, peppering kisses along his neck as they continued the last leg of their journey. "No one is allowed to touch you… that's me. I'm no one."

Soon enough, the two approached back to the medical den. Tugger readjusted Misto, not knowing if he'd be allowed to get medical attention in this time of crisis. The two took this last moment of silence to stare at eachother and tell a million stories with their eyes. Tales of an unspoken dancer finding a voice in the one he loved and a rambunctious rough-houser who found his calm and understanding in his beloved. Tugger, reaching his paw to the door handle, leaned in for a kiss. Misto, awaiting this action, didn't hesitate to reach his paws up and pull in Tugger.

They stood for a few minutes, enveloped in each other's warmth until they heard a panicked gasp from the inside. The two swiftly pulled apart from the other's firm grasp, and with a deep breath, opened the door, not ready for whatever awaited on the other side.

Chapter 9: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Jellylorum quietly continues to move medicines around and pack her bag, letting Jenny's

words bounce around her head with conviction. As much as she felt she needed to stay and help Munkustrap, she knew she couldn't. Since the Jellicle Ball, Demeter has been in panic mode, refusing to leave the den, struggling to sleep, and since Munk went on his own fear induced power bender, it was Jellylorum's job to take care of Demeter. She wasn't much trouble, in fact, Jelly mostly just felt bad for the poor girl. All of this and her boyfriend couldn't even come home to her. But, as much as Jelly wanted to be, she couldn't be upset at Munkustrap either. He was just as broken by the hidden paw. The difference came in the way they dealt with it.

"Should I tell Demeter about Munkustrap?" Jelly said, heading towards the den's entrance. "If she's in the right headspace to handle it, I'd say go for it. She's an adult, she deserves to know what's going on." Jelly nodded, slinging her travel pack over her shoulder and heading out the door. She was hit with the sun shining up from the East like a slap to the face, eyes immediately squinting at the rays. The medical den wasn't far from Munk's and Demeter's since both were integral to the tribe. Knocking, though the polite thing to do, usually startled Demeter too much, so Jelly and her worked on a system to let her know that she was safe. She'd walk up to the window and pur against it. Enough of a rumble to get her attention, but not to frighten her.

This method of asking to be let in is especially important because of how Demeter might feel. It was less about startling her and more about how Jelly didn't know how she'd find Demeter. Sometimes, she was right as rain, but other times she was found in the middle of her own mind, in the corner of her den, trying to fight off a villain that wasn't there, but was put in front of her by her own mind. Jelly would enter differently depending on how Demeter was doing when she came to the window.

"Hi Jelly!" She turned, heading to the door and walking in it, letting it close gently behind her. "Hey Deme, how are you feeling today?" Demeter was up facing a counter, working on some concoction in a pot. "I'm feeling great! The medicine you gave me is really working wonders. I like not feeling like I'm constantly a target for murder!" Jelly giggled, leaning on the counter next to her. "That's good, that's how it should be." Silence fell over the two as Jelly let her smile fade from her last comment. "Ya know, Deme, I have some good news and some bad news. Are you comfortable enough to hear it?"

Demeter stopped what she was doing, her smile that was directed to the bubbled pot below her now turned to a line as she lifted her head to look at Jelly. "I have to give the bad news first though, then the good news can be a light afterwards." Jelly's mouth flatlined with her eyebrows. "The bad news doesn't make sense without the good news, so I kinda need to tell you that first." Demeter raised her eyebrow, placing a hand on her hip, indicating for Jelly to continue. "Munkustrap is back and safe in the medical den. Tugger finally was able to find him and get him to come down." Demeter tripped on her own breath. "Jellylorum! That's wonderful! It's been nearly a week. Is he not coming home?"

Jelly let that question ring out as she took a deep swallow, trying to get a hold of herself enough to prepare for however Demeter is going to react. "That's the bad news. He's not well. He deprived himself of food, water, and sleep since the ball-" Demeter cut Jelly off. "He didn't eat or sleep the night before the ball either-!" Jelly's eyes went wide as she rolled them, letting her annoyance slip through his face. "At least you know the type of man he is." Demeter stopped stirring at the pot, pulling her paw up to her mouth to nibble on her claws.

"How's he looking? On the verge of death or just showcasing his stupidity?" Jelly lifted her paw up, gently gripping the paw at Demeter's mouth and pulling it down, holding it in her own and letting her paw pad stroke her fur gently. "He was just barely holding it together, but he'll be just fine. It took him a lot of strength just to eat, then he fell asleep right after. I reckon that once he has the energy to keep his eyes open and his back straight, he'll be hungrier than a horse! We'll return him to the den when he's ready. I'm unsure of how long that will take though. If we send him out too soon, he may not be prepared and just try to work himself to death again."

Demeter nodded, she has been working through her own stuff after her PTSD was reactivated by the Macavity attack, but she's been doing a lot better compared to a week ago. "I'm just glad he's in good paws." Jelly took her other paw in her other hand, the two now facing each other, holding their paws affectionately. "If you'd like to visit him, you're always welcome to swing by the med den." Demeter stumbled back, her tail being crushed between her and the counter. "I can't go out there, I could get taken-" Jelly simply walked back up to her and held her tightly in her arms. "Nothing is going to get you. If you ever want to visit, I'd even be happy walking you there, just to stretch your legs. I promise we'll keep you safe."

Demeter, for sure, felt safer in the reach of Jelly, but knew she was no match to the physical and magical feat that was Macavity. No amount of Jellylorum being with her on a walk would make her feel safer to go out, but being in her arms in the kitchen sure did ease her thoughts. There had to be something she could do. It was pretty selfish of her to not go out to support her dying husband just because she was scared. Then again, she had a reason to be scared. Some people called her thoughts delusional, some said she was just thinking too

unrealistically, the things she brought up wouldn't happen; but they have. What would stop them from happening again?

Jelly pulled apart from the embrace between her and Demeter, wrapping her paws around her elbows. "Anything you need at all and you know either I or Jennyanydots will be here for you, I'm sure Bombalurina would be also if we asked, or any cat for that matter! Say the word and we'll be there for you." Demeter took a deep breath. "Thank you, that means a lot. Does Munkustrap need anything?" Jelly set down her medical bag on the table, going through its contents. "Realistically, he should be sleeping right now and Tugger went out to get things for him also. We should be okay, lovely. I know you love him, but try not to worry too much. I promise you he's okay, just a bit lacking in the common sense department."

That made Demeter giggle. "He's always thrown himself at things he couldn't handle. That's just the Munkustrap way." Jelly sighs in exacerbation. "Oh, tell me about it! When he was a kitten, he always took things too far. We told the kits to go play, he'd bounce a ball up and down in the same spot. He wouldn't interact with others or take any breaks. When we asked him about it all he said was "You told us to play, not talk with others. I am playing." So when we gave him instructions, we had to make them very detailed to give him any sort of freedom."

Demeter lashed out into a full fitted laugh now, the burdens of the last week feeling like nothing on her weighted shoulders. "He still needs that kind of instruction. Maybe when he was given the job of Jellicle leader, there should've been some fine print saying he could do other things." Jelly nudged her in a joking manner. "Ain't that the truth." The two fell into a comfortable silence, Jelly pulling out a container from her medical bag as Demeter put a lid on the pot of weird liquid. Jelly peered over, seeing the odd purplish color. "Whatcha got in there?" Demeter moved the lidded pot to sit next to the doorway. "It was supposed to be a cleaning solution, but it didn't come out the way I'd hoped. Figured if I'm going to be inside all this time, I could clean the place. It'd give me something to do, keep me from going stir crazy." Demeter looked at the bottle Jelly put onto the counter. "And what do YOU have there?"

Jelly turned to face Demeter completely, making sure she was paying attention. "This is a type of medication that can help you. If it works right, it'll help your brain give you a better balance of the chemicals it needs to operate and function properly." Demeter kept a cold stare on Jellylorum. "And you just think that I'm going to let medicine have control over my brain?" Jelly took a deep breath.

"Well, it's not exactly like that, it's more of an aid, like how when you scrape your knee, you use a bandage."

"And you think my brain needs a bandage? For crying out loud, I was almost carried off by a dude who used me as his personal punching bag. I think I have every reason to be scared or hurt."

"Yes you do, and I'm not saying you don't. But, what I am saying is that fear shouldn't be in control of you. You shouldn't be waking up with nightmares every night, you should feel safe enough to eat a meal by yourself, and you should feel safe to walk outside of your own house."

"All of those things were MADE dangerous for me by Macavity and you just think I should take some shitty pill to not feel fear? So I forget what it's like to want to protect myself? That man is dangerous and I'm lucky to be alive- wait, no. Scratch that. I'm unlucky to be alive because now I have to live with myself everyday. A me who lost my virginity to some horny scumbag. A me who can't eat without thinking it was drugged to make me more susceptible to

manipulation. A me who can't sleep because, heaven forbid, I can't even escape the pain in my sleep! And yes, a me who can't walk outside because that is where the danger lives. I'm not stupid. I know Macavity could come into my house, but I'm smart enough to know I'm safer here than what I am out there."

Demeter stormed back, almost shielding herself with her arm, her eyes staring into Jellylorum like she was trying to shoot bullets with her pupils. The room grew hot and heavy, Jelly keeping her distance, knowing taking any step forward would give Demeter a reason to believe she was in danger.

"I understand that. What you are feeling and thinking is completely justified and valid. The choice to take the medicine is, at the end of the day, up to you. You should feel comfortable with your treatment. Though, I feel the need to elaborate. This isn't here to take away your self preservation, it's to make your fear less crippling and more liveable. Instead of needing to climb a rickety ladder, you have a set of stairs. Still a lot of work, but a lot safer. Regardless, I promise to you that you are safe and are not being forced to do anything."

Demeter back up onto her nest, legs curled in, the primal instinct in her eyes faded as Jelly talked to her. She knew she was being ridiculous, suppose that's what the medicine was for; stopping reactions from being that reactive. As much as she hated that she needed them, she couldn't deny that they'd help. Closing her eyes, Demeter took a few deep breaths and started to get up. Her knees felt heavy and strained under the weight of her shaking torso. To center herself, she squeezed her paws together in front of her. She was going to do this.

"Jelly- sorry." Was all she could muster to say as she went into her companion for a hug. Jelly took the embrace openly and petted the younger queen on the back. "There's nothing to be sorry for, I'm here for you." Demeter deflated and heaved in the queen's arms as if she were going to cry, but has cried so much in the past week and has grown so exhausted, she could only huff out the air already in her lungs. Demeter, after a few moments, lifted her head and picked up the bottle.

"I'll do what's best, Jel. Thank you for your help. I know it'll take some time, but I have to get better." Jelly's smile radiated with such warmth that melted any left over cold doubt in Demeter's mind. "It's not a race, hun." Demeter's eyebrows raised. "It has to happen sometime soon if I want to have kittens and be a good mom to them." Jelly belly laughed, playfully whacking Demeter on the shoulder. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

And with that, Demeter stared at the bottle, letting her damp paw pads take hold of the tightened lid, twisting it with light force. Immediately, a chalked air wafted into the room. Demeter took a whiff and recognized the smell as the smell of any ordinary pill that Jenny had filling her med room. Any typical medicine. It was a clawing stench that reminded her of how big of a step this is while also being familiar and comforting enough to cancel itself out.

With the tips of her claws, she pinched the middles of the rounded tablet, lifting it out of the bottle, some of the dust on the sides of the container drifting onto the surface of her fur. She felt a sneeze tickle the edge of her nose, but it never made it to the surface. Then, to stop herself from stopping herself, Demeter hastily placed the tablet on her tongue, swigged some water, and swallowed it. No space for overthinking it.

"Good job, I'm proud of you!" Jellylorum petted the top of Demeter's head, putting away all her stuff into her bag. "I better get going though, I'm sure your boyfriend is being a bit needy right now and Jenny probably needs the extra paws." Demeter nodded in understanding. She

did wish to go see him, but understood that it was going to take some time. She had a better chance of waiting till he came back to the den than her going to visit him. So with that, Jelly slung the bag back over her shoulder, planting a kiss on Demeter's forehead, and heading out the door.

Chapter 10: It's Either Blazing Hot or Freezing Cold Munkustrap had been asleep for a little bit at this point and Jennyanydots couldn't help

but feel younger, holding that grown Jellicle leader like she used to when he was just a newborn kitten. Some things never change, like the way his tails love to wrap itself around his legs while he's sleeping or the nobby way his face relaxes with his eyebrows raised. But, other things do change. Munk's back now featured claw marks left by Macaity in the fight from the Jellicle Ball, his paw pads were burned and the fur around them were frayed.

Then, there was the way he breathed. No matter how long he'd been asleep for, he still breathes like he's anticipating to be jumped, or he's the one about to do the jumping. Something so insecure and sudden rose and fell with his visible rib cage. Like a boat rocking on the controlled waves of a wave pool at an indoor water park. A sense of danger in a controlled space.

Jenny continued her efforts to be a comfort to him, petting him along his arms and back, chin and head, behind the ears and the occasional tummy scratch. All while she did, she felt the light fluffiness of his fur and how it was periodically interrupted by a chunk of fur that felt crusty and stiff, being covered by blood or dried dirt. The skin beneath his fur started as smooth and untouched until she ran her paw pads against wounds and scrapes, claw marks and burns that even while asleep, Munkustrap winced at.

It got to a point where Jennyanydots, as hard as she tried, couldn't remain just laying down. For her age, she was very spritely, so she got right to work with the cleaning of her den; dusting the top shelves before sweeping the grounds. A gust of wind blew in while she was sweeping a big pile of dirt flew right over and onto Munkustrap. Jenny wanted to wait until he woke up to clean him, but now that he was extra dirty because of the draft, she couldn't reasonably wait any longer.

Jenny crawled herself back onto the bed, hovering over the grown tom, reaching her head to his shoulder and licking it gently. Her face tensed as her tongue picked up on all the dirt and grime. It utterly disgusted her, but fed into her sympathy for the cat who was so scared about the state of the tribe, he didn't even stop once to lick himself. Jenny had her work cut out for her with this one. She kept going at that shoulder, but then the taste of dust just wouldn't leave the fur. She bent down, licking faster and harder than any cat should (don't take that out of context, or do. It'd be funny.) with a growing concern as the reality of the situation sunk back into her stomach, only getting glimpses of it through his fur and refusal to eat.

Soon, Jenny must have been licking him too hard because the nest rocked with each of her movements and Munkustrap was stifled awake as Jenny lost her balance, the weight in her arms slipping as she fell on top of Munkustrap. Munkustrap was screaming from underneath Jennyanydots, he was thrashing and squirming so much, Jenny couldn't regain any stability to sit herself back up. Just then, Rum Tum Tugger and rush through the door. Mistoffelees uses his magic to levitate Jenny into the air as Tugger swooped in, holding Munkustrap tight in his arms.

Misto let's Jenny go softly on the rug in the middle of the den. "Thank you, dear." Misto replies with an affectionate bow. Tugger remains holding his brother as tight as he could, wrapping his upper body in his baby blanket, making sure his arms feel weight. Tugger shushes Munkustrap, rocking him back and forth. "You're safe, no one is going to hurt you. No one is hurting me. No one is hurting the tribe. You're safe. Don't worry about anything. I love you." Munkustrap was finding it hard to catch his breath. He felt tied to the ground, but that also meant he couldn't swim to the surface. He was tied down to the bottom of his ocean of pain and panic. His hyperventilating, paired with his hunger that was never truly cured, made him nauseous all over again.

Munkustrap was finally able to get noise to come up through his throat, but instead of words like he had intended, they spurred out of him sporadic staccato whimpers and hums. A vocal kind of panting. Tugger just wanted him to breathe, so he held him close. He knew he was tough, but any person with a heart would break seeing their brother in shambles, so hurt, so filled with fear and uncertainty. Munkustrap was always there for him, there would never be a doubt that Tugger could return the favor.

Mistoffelees followed Jennyanydots to the counter, preparing a small meal of chicken soup. Jenny used a water bowl that she usually let the kittens use to practice drinking from a bowl and not a bottle to make sure there wasn't enough food to intimidate the tom. This was a lot more than 5 bites, or 5 swallows since it's a liquid, but it's enough to fill his stomach without being too much right out of the gate.

Tugger kept his hold on his brother, doing his best to ground him. "Come on, I got you. You're safe. Breath with me." Tugger took a very loud and slow inhale, holding it, then loudly and slowly dragging out an exhale. He did this a couple times with Munkustrap eventually following suit. In a couple minutes time, Munkustrap was following along with Tugger's breathing. When they both inhaled, their stomachs would press into each other and with each exhale, they felt each other's hot breath on their necks and chests.

Once Tugger was sure Munk had caught his breath, he loosened his grip, pushing Munk up to look him in the eyes. They sat, just looking into each other's eyes for just a moment before Munkustrap was overcome with his burden again and sobbed. Tugger took him back into a hug, but was happy it wasn't panic or anxiety. It was just utter defeat. Exhaustion. Munk was no longer defending himself, he knew he was safe and felt safe enough to let it all out.

His love for his brother, happiness in safety, the undefinable tiredness seeping through his veins, the anger he felt at Macavity… and himself, the regret, the pain that nothing could be changed and he'll have to live with all of this for the rest of his life. It was all too much and it had to go somewhere, so it all fell out through his cries of mercy and flooded sobs. Tugger took it all, running his claws gently up and down Munk's back in support and comfort. He didn't dare say a word, letting his brother feel what he was feeling and think what he was thinking, no matter what it was.

"I'm sorry~" Munkustrap squeezed out of him, muffled by Tugger's fur. "Don't worry about it, there's nothing to be sorry about. Do what you need to do, doll." Munk used his paws to grip Tugger's mane and ground himself, not needing to be grounded by Tugger this time, but instead, beside him. He sat up, using the back of his paw to wipe his eyes and nose, sniffling with vigor. "I'm stupid." Tugger moved Munk's paw to wipe Munk's face himself. "You're not stupid, silly, you're Munkustrap." This finally garnered a recognizable eye roll from his older

brother. That one characterized movement gave Tugger the reassurance he needed that things were leveling out.

"But also, you needed to cry eventually. It's just what you needed, so you did it." Munkustrap nodded, his breath returning with a tired exhale. Jenny, standing at the edge of the nest, handed Tugger the bowl of soup. It was clear to her that Tugger was going to have a much better time with him than she ever could and there was no use taking this time away from them. If it wasn't for poor Mistoffelees falling asleep while the soup was being cooked, she would've left. Though, she knew better than to leave this situation with an unattended Mistoffelees.

"Wanna have a snack with me?" Munkustrap nodded, both getting in a sitting position at the side of the nest, legs dangling off now as if sitting like a human in a chair. "You want a spoon, or are you going to lick up the soup?" Munkustrap took the bowl, taking the unspoken third option of him drinking the soup up like a human finishing the milk after a bowl of cereal. He'd open his mouth and unleash his tongue with any piece of chicken that appeared in the flow, but for the most part, kept his tongue in his mouth and drank away at the steamy broth.

Jenny was super happy that Tugger was able to get him to eat, and with such ease too! There was no hesitation or fear, just a grown tom going for a bowl of soup. Munkustrap grew sleepy again, the warm soup finally making his stomach feel heavy and full. He didn't want to sleep, though. He had only been up a little bit, not even an hour. There was no way he could be this tired so fast. He wouldn't let himself. He wanted Tugger to stay with him, he wanted to stay with Tugger.

Tugger took back the empty bowl, planning to keep it in his arms, but Jenny swooped in to take the dirty dish from him. With both of his paws now free, he made his move, resecuring Munk's baby blanket around him. "Why is this on me? Where'd you even get it from?" Tugger playfully bapped the top of Munk's forehead. "It's on you so you're warm and I got it from ur mom." Which, wasn't a lie, just an ill timed joke regardless. Munk, in his current emotional shambles and grogginess, his eyes widened as his voice came to a whisper. "Mom?"

It was at this moment Tugger knew that he had done fucked up. Whoever their mom was, she either left or kept herself a secret since Tugger had been born. He had no knowledge of the queen and was now frozen and incapable. Munkustrap gripped the blanket around his shoulders and looked up at Tugger with the wonderment and cluelessness of a kitten. "Where's mama?" Jenny, sensing the tension radiating off of Tugger, swooped in, petting Munk's head. "I'm right here, deary. It's alright."

Munk shivered, his ears twitching at the sensation of the petting. "You're not my mama. Where is she? Why hasn't she come to see me?" Munkustrap was dazed, staring off into space, voice raising in pitch as he fiddled with the corner of his blanket, flicking it in an anxious motion. Tugger and Jenny made frantic eye contact. Tugger was looking to Jenny for how to answer since he didn't know who in Everlasting Munk's mom could be.

Jenny, for the life of her, didn't know how to answer. She couldn't remember which of Old Deutoronomy's 99 wives could've been his mother. All of Old Deut's mates left the junkyard and the tribe after mating with him out of respect, which is why they only received three kittens from all those marriages. Then, the obvious answer hit Jenny like a truck.

"I know I'm not your mom, but I love you very much and I love making sure you're safe and healthy. I can promise you that you are safe." Tugger went back to hugging Munkustrap, his arms wrapping him gently, one paw holding his head and scratching it, the other resting on his

back and petting it as well. Jelly joined in, scratching at the top of his spine. "See, I even know your favorite spot to get scratches." Munk started purring, still using his paws to fidget with the corner of his blankie.

Munk knew he was acting childish, but he couldn't help himself. He felt confused and hazy, like he didn't fit properly into his own body. He just felt so small and helpless, purring into Jenny and Tugger's touch like it was all he needed in the moment. He hated all of this, but knew well enough to know he needed it at the same time. He needed to be held, he needed to be cared for, he needed to feel helpless so he could finally accept help. It provided him comfort, helped him feel less guilty about not being the perfect protector. Though, what he did feel guilty about worrying his loved ones.

As he was curled up in Tugger's arms, he imagined himself as a kit again. Being small enough to hold in the palms of adult paws. His inability to walk on his own paws because his torso was too heavy for his legs. Getting cooed at and loved on. No responsibilities. Because really, at the end of the day, having not a care in the world is all that this was about. It didn't matter what happened or how he was treated, it was the ability to let go and sleep. Sleeping soundly with a rhythm pumping from his lungs like there weren't a million arrows pointing at him the moment he let his guard down; because there wasn't.

But in the end, he was overcome by shame for acting like he had no sense and talking like he had just learned how to, so he gradually sat back down, eyes off in the distance somewhere. Jenny and Tugger, who were all up on him, leaned back away from him as he rose, surprised to see him shift so suddenly. Munkustrap knew he had to take some responsibility for himself. Making sure he had what he needed should be the first step in getting better, right?

"Hey Jen, if you don't mind, I'm actually still hungry. Can we eat something?" Jennyanydots lit up, eyes wide and stomach sucked in. "Of course, dear." She then scurried off to the kitchen to whip up his favorite. Tugger, on the other hand, just started to wrap his head around what was happening, getting a chance to comprehend his and his brother's actions and not just acting on instinct. Did his brother really feel so small? Was this just a temporary thing since Munk's body was put through too much this past week? Tugger wanted to know how to protect his brother, but was scared to know the answer in case he had been feeling like this for years and he just never batted an eye.

Still, he couldn't show it on his face, the concern that flushed him out like the reflection of light on a piece of plastic. Tugger put on his usual smirk and turned to his brother who now seemed more awake and aware. "So, bro, having trouble breathing? It shows, cause your face is turning PURR-ple!" Munk looked over at him, not with the energy he usually has when he's annoyed like eye rolls and such, but of just exhaustion, defeat. Tugger didn't know what to talk about that wouldn't upset him and puns was really the only thing he had planned. Just wanting his brother to know he was there for him, he placed a paw on his knee, giving him a toothed grin when Munk looked up from the touch.

Munkustrap couldn't help but lift his lips a little at the goofy grin his brother put on display. The two of them had weird ways of showing it, but they did love each other. Jenny, greeting them two with her own beaming, handed each of them a plate of oatmeal and broccoli. Munkustrap would tear this apart as a kitten and it was hardly any different now. The way he gobbled up everything on his plate, you wouldn't suspect he struggled eating just earlier that day. Tugger wasn't too fond of the texture of hot mush, but forced himself to eat it not only

because he wanted to be a gracious guest to Jenny, but to keep his brother going. If Tugger didn't touch his plate, it might make Munk feel guilty.

Either way, both boys finished their plates just fine with extras being made for Jenny herself to eat as well as Mistoffelees when he wakes up. Munk was finally starting to feel like himself. He felt every muscle in his body bounce with new found energy. He was finally awake. Munk knew that it would take a while to process everything, but for now he didn't feel like a shell of a cat and that's about as good as it was going to get for now, so he was pretty happy about that.

Jenny, seeing life, spring behind Munk's eyes, brought out some chopped watermelon as a treat. This was also something that Munkustrap loved as a kit. When he first was able to eat it, he'd suck out all the juice and then roll the solid skin like part on his tongue. As he got older, he still enjoyed it as a snack between his training sessions. He carried a lot of tension, one of the more surprising places being his tongue as well as his jaw. When he got the chance to eat watermelon, his jaw finally learned to let go and his tongue fell flat vertebrae by vertebrae. This beautifully needed moment was not an exception.

Munkustrap hummed in radiance eating his favorite snack. He knew Jennyanydots knew how much he liked them and that this was probably a scheme of some kind, but he didn't care. He let the watermelon overtake his body, the juices soaking into his fur and spreading across his lips. The liquid was sticky and dried out his mouth just a bit, but it was never a big deal when he put another one in, rehydrating his mouth all over again.

Munkustrap was overridden with jubilation, exultation making every bone in his body vibrate as his muscles finally caved in fully indulgent pleasure. "Sometimes in life-" Munkustrap thought to himself. "All you need is some watermelon, and everything will be okay." Munkustrap purred and hummed in his excitement, taking delicate bites and monstrous bites; any type of bite you could think of! Tugger, who hasn't touched a single watermelon slice, opted out to just stare at Munk, sliding off the slices from his plate to Munk's.

Tugger was trapped in some world between horrified and utter shock and awe. After all of these years, after the past week of seeing him so stone cold, the thing that brought him out of his funk was FUCKING WATERMELON?!

Luckily, because Munkustrap seemed a lot more awake and relaxed, Tugger finally thought the fog had cleared enough for him to start making some jokes again. "Damn, is that how you eat your girl Deme out?" Jenny held her paw over her mouth to stop herself from yelping as Tugger burst into fits of boisterous laughter, but Munk didn't find it funny at all. In fact, he now felt everything in his body tense back up, eyes wide, and he gulped what he had left in his mouth.

"Demeter?" He quickly stood up, rinsing the plate off in a hurry. "Where's Demeter? Is she okay? Does Macavity have her?" Jenny gripped his shoulders from behind at the sink. "She's at your den, she is more than okay. Jellylorum is over there with her right now. They're both well." Munk panted a bit, leaning down and lapping up some of the water from the faucet to unsticky his throat. "No, she's not okay till I see it, I'm going to go get her!" With that, Munk sprung from Jenny's grasp, leaping towards the door and slamming it in a haste, causing Mistoffelees to jolt from his slumber.

Jenny instantaneously grabbed her emergency bag and left out the door. Tugger, being the magnificent boyfriend that he was, swooped up Mistoffelees, comforting him and catching

him up on what happened as he raced to catch up with his brother. Their paw prints were too fast and nimble to even create a dent in the ground below them, but were breezy enough to cause big pools of dust to cloud their trail.

Munk hurried his feet, zooming as swiftly as he could. On his way, he flew past a content Jellylorum. She immediately grew concerned at his manic pace. "Sweets, are you okay? Where are you going in such a hurry?" She couldn't make out anything but a crescendoed, "Demeter" echoing through the appliances of the junkyard. Jelly quickly pivoted, sprinting after Munkustrap as well. Demeter got frightened by so much as a knock on the door. If Munkustrap came home screaming and out of breath, forcefully flinging the door open and heading straight to her, who knows how much that would freak the poor queen out.

Chapter 11: The War is Over, Nobody Won

Jenny saw Jelly running in the distance, shouting at her to get her attention. Jelly puts a paw up in recognition, but does not stop or even look back. They're in this chase together and they now have each other's backs. So Rum Tum Tugger and Mistoffelees were trying to keep up with Jennyanydots who was now attempting to catch up to Jellylorum who was b-lining towards Munkustrap before he reached Demeter.

Munkustrap couldn't think about much else but his lover. How could he be so selfish and foolish? His amazing girlfriend, the person he fought for, not being safe because of his stupid actions? He could've just gone home and stayed home after the Jellicle Ball, but no. He had to wonder and feel the need to be the hero. What's the point of even being a hero if the person you love isn't there to enjoy the safety with you.

Munk reached the den, stopping with great force before doing his special patterned knock on the door. Demeter never liked knocking, so they came up with a special rhythmic pattern so she knew it was him. "Wait, Munkustrap?" He opened the door with the delicacy of decorating a cake, closing it gently behind him and approaching Demeter who was sitting up and ready to climb out of bed. After he confirmed she registered he was there, he sprung up on her, licking her with affections and kissing her passionately. Their noses booped and their ears twitched away from each other when they grazed as they nuzzled.

The group chasing after Munkustrap finally caught up, weary and out of breath. Jelly went to the window, too winded to look much, but got the okay to come in, so she let herself in. As she entered, Jenny right behind her, they caught the pair wrapped up in each other in pure joy. Munk, also catching his breath in between kisses, was just tying himself up with his mate, practically becoming one being. The two took a second before breaking a part, sitting up and looking at the group that accumulated in front of them.

Jelly was baffled, "How did Munkustrap know to use the window?" Munk's eyebrows tilted heavily while Demeter laughed. "He doesn't use the window, he just uses the door." Munkustrap was now reaching for his loves shoulder, mouth thinning to a line. "Why would I ever get in through the window?" The group laughed, explaining to him the situation and why Jelly was so concerned for him showing up here.

"Oh, so you thought I didn't know my mate enough to know that she wouldn't like someone intruding on her? I feel like most people wouldn't like that, but I know especially Deme needs to feel safe. We have our ways. Like I said, I am her mate after all." The two older queens

stood in silence, ashamed at their assumptions. Munk sighed, "It's okay though, I'm glad you were here to look out for her… and me for that matter." Jenny nodded softly as Jelly's smile lifted her ears. "Of course. We love you both and we're just glad you're safe."

Munkustrap looked over at Tugger and Mistoffelees who were now by the door of the den, with Tugger leaning on the frame, letting Misto down, holding his lover's paw. He was oh so glad Tugger was gay, Munk knew too well that that tom cat could not handle kittens. At the very least, he was the one cat who truly understood Mistoffelees, and frankly, he saw that being enough for his brother.

Jenny looked at the two in their nest all intertwined with each other and thought back to her own youth, tripping on her own breath. "Well, let's give these two some space, I'm sure they have some catching up to do." Tugger and Mistoffelees, who were by the door, waved their byes followed by the two queens. With the entrance to their den now being closed, after a week of pain, Munkustrap finally found true rest in his queen.

"I'm so happy to be home with you." Demeter glimmered, slicking back the fur on the top of Munk's head and letting her leg hug Munk's torso. "I'm glad to see you safe and healthy." Munk jumped up, eyes a light. "I'm so sorry I left you by yourself, I should tell you what's been going on-" Demeter cut off Munkustrap, sitting up with him and kissing him mid sentence. "No need, hun. Jelly's been keeping me up to speed on everything."

Munk looked down, confused with twinges of hurt. "I mean, like, before I went to the medical den yesterday." Demeter grazed her paw pads over the knuckles of Munk's paws. "Yep, she told me about your heroic guarding." Munk shook his head like he was trying to jumble the words he's just heard. "But the only cat who came to see me was Tugger?" Demeter chuckled, "Firstly, the older cats kept an eye on you from afar to make sure you were safe. Tugger, of course, wanted to help you, so regularly reported back to Jelly in case something like what happened yesterday happened. Jellylorum is the one that told it all to me. Tugger wanted to tell me himself, but I didn't want him in the den."

Munkustrap bit his lip. "Guess I'm glad the tribe looks out for me." Demeter jokingly booped Munk's nose. "Needing love and care doesn't make you any less of a great leader, Munky. You needed help and that's okay, everyone does." Munk let out a breathy laugh, his stomach jiggling dramatically for how little sound came out of his mouth.

"Yeah, I'm so messed up-" Demeter once again leaned in for a kiss, this time it lasted longer than the first short peck. Their tongues met, grazing each other, running over their sharp front teeth before Demeter pushed Munk away to look him in the eyes.

"You're not messed up, you're messed with. Being messed up implies that there's something wrong with the core of who you are, but there isn't. Imagine if someone made a fresh batch of cookies; the recipe followed to a point, baked in a warm oven, decorated with care. But then, when the person baking them turns away, a child comes and sprinkles hot flakes onto them, making them practically inedible.

You're not messed up because you weren't born with these thoughts or fears, you were never the person to keep yourself away from me. Macavity came and took your comfort from you. He took your safety. Him just getting into the ball was a way of realizing that he could do that anytime he wants and ruin everything. I'm not saying this to scare you. I'm saying this because by Macavity taking away your foundations and safety nets, he sprinkled on the hot

flakes of doubt and fear and burden onto you. You'll always be my favorite cookie, even if you're a little spicy now."

Munkustrap sat and thought for a minute. First about the words themselves, how he felt less like a mistake because of them, and then he thought about his amazing partner. Demeter didn't usually have a great way with words, but that was just too beautiful. "Yeah,,, you're right. You can't win at cards if you were shuffled a shitty hand. That's very smart of you. Thank you." Demeter blurted out an exacerbated laugh. "Don't thank me, thank Jennyanydots for that one! You think I could have thought that up myself? Love, that's what I'm told. I am the literal queen of being messed up, but according to Jenny, the spool of thread in my skull just got tangled."

Munk smiled, bringing his queen in for a hug, letting the rest of the air that filled his torso collapse into the body now pressed up against him. "If your thread is tangled, I'll just have to sit there and unknot it, won't I?" They felt their whiskers brushing against each other as they leaned in for a kiss. Munkustrap was very happy to be back in his lover's arms. He was also elated that he was able to be fully here and provide for her however she'd need. As much as he knew she cared, he didn't want Demeter seeing him in such a hurt and helpless state.

Even so, they got to revel in each other. The fact they were alive, the fact they were safe. Nothing was better. It remained peaceful for the rest of the night, Munkustrap and Demeter tangling on the bed in passionate kisses, before falling asleep against one another. The nest was full and warm again, sunken in with love. Sometimes you really only need help to show your worst self what is truly possible.