Post by Munkustrap Etc. on Jun 7, 2007 20:52:49 GMT -5
((Characters: Alonzo, Munkustrap, Tumblebrutus
Thread Summary: Munkustrap goes to talk with Alonzo before the pirates return. They discuss many things, including the pirates, the Monniks, the new kittens, and Munkustrap's past. Alonzo is not terribly upset by Munkustrap's revelation. Then Tumble wakes up.))
Munkustrap rose to his feet, despite massive protesting from Jellylorum (and minor protesting from his injuries). He left Apollinax to nurse from Bomba and brushed off any attempts to help him. “I need to meet with my Protector.” He ruffled the head fur of the older kittens and slipped out of the closet. Now, where was Alonzo?
Alonzo rolled over in his sleep, his head brushing with the hard concrete of the platform. Groaning, he shook himself awake. Next to him was Tumble, still asleep. He nuzzled his brother gently, careful not to wake him. Stretching out black and white legs, he pushed himself to his feet. His golden eyes swept the platform...everything looked normal ...well, as normal as could be for a tribe of cats sleeping at a train station, anyway.
Tumble stirred and murmured something that sounded like “Quaxo…” as he stretched a paw out in his sleep, a faint smile curling his lips. He settled down, though, as Alonzo got up.
Munkustrap limped over to Alonzo when he spotted the tom, walking very stiffly due to his injuries. He cast an inquisitive eye to Tumble – usually, the brothers weren’t so close together. They liked each other, but they were cats. They also liked their space. “Everything all right?” he asked quietly, sitting beside the younger tom and scanning the station himself. He didn’t like not being the Protector.
Alonzo nodded to Munkustrap in greeting. "Everything's fine." He told him. "What about you, 'Straps? Healing well?" His eyes flickered to the grey cat, smiling slightly. It was good to see Munkustrap up.
“Healing slowly,” Munkustrap said, gingerly touching the bandages wrapped around his chest. “At least the kittens didn’t mummify me, though… have you seen what Jemima and Etcetera did to Coricopat and Tantomile?”
Alonzo grinned, nodding. "Yeah. I guess even magic cats succumb to those crazy kittens." He laughed, "And it warns me to be extra-careful not to get any little scratches. I'm actually surprised you haven't been extra-mummified..."
“Jellylorum told Etcetera not to,” Munkustrap said with a small laugh. “I guess she didn’t intervene for the twins.” He sat for a moment, letting things continue on their pleasant way, before he changed the topic to something more serious, the first of two things he wanted to talk to Alonzo about. “What do you think of the pirates?”
Alonzo paused, a frown crossing his face. "Honestly?" His eyebrows rose as he turned to look at Munkustrap. "I'm more than worried...they're...they're kind of big. And not trust-worthy looking." He bit his lip softly. "What exactly did they ask for, in return for their help?"
“A place to spend the rest of the winter,” Munkustrap replied. “I’m worried too. But… if we want to continue as a tribe, we really don’t have much choice.” He gestured to the station with his paw. “This place is nice, but it’s overrun with humans. We can’t stay here more than a few days before they notice our presence and try to chase us out. With new kittens… we need to find a stable home, and quickly. Moving them around in the winter is dangerous, and if the humans got their paws on them…” Munkustrap didn’t want to finish that thought. If the humans found Bomba and her kittens, the family would be separated, probably split up into five different homes, none of which Munkustrap would know about. Some might not even be in this city! “The pirates look rough, but Grumbuskin, at least, was well-mannered.”
Alonzo nodded thoughtfully, placing his head on his paws. "I know...we do need them. It just...they're pirates." He shrugged. "As long as they're acting friendly, I'll try not to worry so much and just concentrate on getting our tribe back where they belong."
Munkustrap nodded. “We keep an eye on them. We don’t let them be alone with kittens or queens. Hopefully, we wind up pleasantly surprised.” He sighed and closed his eyes. After a minute, he looked down at Alonzo. “Will you be joining them when they attack the Monniks?”
Alonzo nodded. "Unless you need me here... it's the least I can do, having been away when the tribe really needed me." He looked down, sighing.
Munkustrap leaned down to nuzzle Alonzo. “Don’t talk like that. As odd as it sounds, I was glad you weren’t in the yard when the Monniks arrived.” He lay down beside his friend, explaining himself. “Did you see how many there were? Easily a hundred, probably more. When Macavity called out the leader, I was certain that I was going to die within the hour. The only really coherent thought I had was that it was good most of the guardians were gone – you would have been massacred, trying to hold them off. By being out of the yard, there was a chance, a slim chance, but a chance nonetheless, that you would be able to free the other Jellicles.” He offered Alonzo a smile. “You gave me hope, which I really needed then.”
Alonzo smiled back, "I'm just glad everyone made it out. Tumble and I were devastated when we saw the Junkyard full on Monniks....if we hadn't found you guys, I don't know what we would have done."
“Probably staged a rescue attempt,” Munkustrap said. “Speaking of which – there is some dissent among the Monniks. Macavity’s sisters found out they were Macavity’s sisters while Macavity was interrogating his prisoners, and they threatened to take over from him. They claim they’ll have the support of the army. Currently, they’ve agreed to follow his rule, so long as he doesn’t try to kill them or any of their family. Perhaps you could use that when attacking. Jokaste and Smokkate, those are the sisters. They’re tortie queens, long haired, beautiful – I don’t think you’d be able to miss them.” That last comment was said with a playful smile in Alonzo’s direction – he may have settled down with Cassandra, but he still had a reputation as a bit of a flirt.
Alonzo cocked an eyebrow, smiling softly. "Maybe, but don't let Cassie hear you say things like that. You know how Queens are ... they'd question your loyalty if you chained yourself to them." He laid his head down, whiskers brushing the ground. "Do you think his sisters will side with us, then? Do they...seem like him?" Alonzo paused, frowning. "I'm surprised he has living siblings...at least ones he knew about. You know the stories..."
“Well, like I said, they only just discovered that they were Macavity’s sisters. That’s probably how they survived – they were ignorant.” Munkustrap frowned, thinking about them. He knew very little about Jokaste, and even less about Smokkate, but… “Mm… from what I’ve seen, if we can find Burelle, they’ll be on our side. They spoke up to keep him from killing her. And currently, they’re holding Deuteronomy – at least, they were last I saw.” He looked over at Alonzo. “Burelle… she’s their mother. And Macavity’s. She claimed Deuteronomy as her son, and the sisters were protecting him. As long as he’s with them, he should be safe.” Deuteronomy was still in the junkyard, and Munkustrap felt horrible for leaving him behind… but he should be safe.
"Macavity's mother?" Alonzo repeated, brow wrinkled. He paused for a second, "But...did you know? Did she know?" He shook his head. A lot of revelations had been made in a very short amount of time, and Alonzo was almost used to it, but to think he had lived with and flirted with Macavity's mother! Macavity's mother...who was supposed to be dead. He took a deep breath and looked at Munkustrap; he had other things to think about. "I'll look for them, then." He said finally. "And Deuteronomy."
“Know what?” Munkustrap asked with a frown. “That she was the mother of Macavity, Jokaste, and Smokkate? I certainly hope she knew… and I did know about the Macavity part.” He looked down at his paws. Really, he should tell Alonzo. He should tell everyone, because now that Macavity knew, Macavity could use it against him. But if Munkustrap told the Jellicles first… well, things could get really ugly, but they’d probably get less ugly than if Macavity sprang Munkustrap’s true identity on them. And Coricopat, Jellylorum, and Bombalurina hadn’t taken it badly when they found out…
Still, years of secrecy kept it from being easy to open his mouth and tell Alonzo the truth about his past. He didn’t even know where Alonzo thought he came from. And now he was going to spring this on him?
"Wow. I can't believe Burelle was so ... well...not evil. It seems odd, how two cats so closely related can be...different, in that way." Alonzo shrugged. "I guess you can't tell a cat by it's relatives, huh?" He smirked softly. "I am much more handsome and charming than my brothers, come to think of it."
Munkustrap glanced behind them at where Tumble still slept on, curled up against the cold. “I wouldn’t say that in front of them when they’re awake…” he said with a smile. “They might have different opinions.” He rested his chin on his paws. “I’ve actually known Burelle for a long time,” he said quietly, figuring she was as good a place as any to begin revealing the truth.
Alonzo raised his brows in mild surprise, "Really?" He grinned softly. "I should've known. What else are you hiding, eh, 'Straps?" He nudged his friend gently, good-natured.
Munkustrap turned his head to the side so he was looking straight at Alonzo. “I’ve known Burelle for over five years.”
Alonzo's brow furrowed. "You knew her when you were a kitten? Wasn't she a Monnik when you were a kitten?"
“Yes,” Munkustrap said. “But then again, so was I.”
Alonzo was silent for a moment. "Oh." He managed to say, after drawing in a long breath. "Is that where you came from, then?" Alonzo offered a small smile. "Explains your attitude; always hiding under cars when Tugger wasn't around..."
Munkustrap smiled, almost laughed, at the memory of his first meeting with Alonzo. “Yes, that’s where I came from. Tugger and I met when we were kittens, and he… well… he rescued me, in a way.”
Alonzo nodded. "Rescued is an appropriate word." He agreed. "In any way, I'm glad he did. You were meant to be here, with the Jellicles." His lips curled into a smile.
“You’re taking this all very well,” Munkustrap commented lightly. “First, I tell you that Burelle is Macavity’s mother, then I tell you that I’m a Monnik… how well will you take being told that I’m actually Macavity’s brother?”
Alonzo laughed in a way that was not at all humorous. "'Straps...come on..." His brain felt like it was stalled, trying to wrap itself around the thought that Munkustrap, one of his best friends and his leader, could be related to...Macavity. "I-" He paused again, eyes blinking rapidly. "Am I dreaming?" He asked wearily, then drew another breath. "Are you - are you really Macavity's brother?" Alonzo asked tentatively, gently.
Munkustrap nodded. “I was the Ritzkin of the stories,” he said softly. “Until I joined the Jellicles. Tugger didn’t think Ritzkin would be allowed in, so we changed my name and made up some story about my past.”
Alonzo looked down, eyes half-closed. "Were you really as bad as they say? I don't believe that, 'Straps, I don't want to believe that..." He turned his eyes back to Munkustrap. "You're still the same cat I trust with my life. Please don't tell me you were a monster."
Munkustrap shifted his paws and curled his tail around himself. “Well… most of the stories exaggerate things… Burelle’s not dead, for example… and we didn’t start killing until we were six months old… but most of the stories are based in truth.” He glanced away from Alonzo. “I did used to idolize Macavity. Followed him everywhere, did everything he told me to…”
"Oh, 'Straps..." Alonzo's tone was almost disparing. He didn't want to be hearing this. Munkustrap wasn't that cat anymore...he wasn't. "I'm sorry." He said, softly. "I'm sorry that your kittenhood was filled with that..." He shuddered. "But I believe that you're different now." His eyes met Munkustrap's. "And you're still my leader."
Munkustrap closed his eyes and shook his head. “You know, for three years, I’ve kept this secret, and would nearly panic at the thought of anyone finding out. I was so certain everyone would hate me. But so far, everyone I’ve told has had pretty much the same reaction.” He opened his eyes and smiled at Alonzo. “I guess I underestimated all of you. Or I did something right.”
Alonzo placed a paw on Munkustrap's shoulder. "Yes, you've done something right. You've earned our trust. A solid trust." He half-smiled, in a sad sort of way. "But...you know this is going to have to come out eventually. To everyone."
Munkustrap nodded. “Which is why I’m telling you.” He set his head on his paws again. “Macavity himself realized it the other day. Jokaste and Smokkate – I think unintentionally – bargained for my safety as well as Burelle’s when they had Macavity swear not to hurt his family. He threatened to reveal it to the rest of the Jellicles… and I figured things wouldn’t be as bad if I told you myself rather than have him spring that on you.”
"Some cats may react badly, but that can't be helped. They'll come to realize you're still the cat they love, the cat they trust." Alonzo replied softly. "You're right to tell them yourself, though...if Macavity told them...they'd feel betrayed. I know it would be like a slap in the face, to me."
Munkustrap sighed. “I’m not looking forward to telling Deuteronomy. All the rest, I could face, but if Deuteronomy is disappointed…” He shook his head. If Deuteronomy looked at him with those wise eyes, disappointed in Munkustrap’s lack of honesty… Munkustrap wouldn’t be able to bear it. Deuteronomy was the one cat whose opinion meant more than anyone else’s. If Munkustrap lost that…
"Deuteronomy, if anyone, would understand." Alonzo placed a comforting paw on Munkustrap's shoulder. "You're...almost like a son to him."
“Which means I have that much farther to fall,” Munkustrap murmured.
Alonzo stayed silent, gently laying his head against Munkustrap's for a moment.
Munkustrap nuzzled Alonzo. “I do appreciate your support,” he said. “Having you by my side has made a lot of things much easier.”
Well, that's what I'm here for." Alonzo flashed a grin. "That and looking handsome, of course..."
Munkustrap rolled his eyes and lightly shoved Alonzo’s shoulder. “Honestly, you or Tugger, I don’t know who’s worse!”
Alonzo laughed, "Me? Worse than Tugger?"
“He had a year’s head-start,” Munkustrap pointed out. “Though you did be nice and settle down with one queen already – how is Cassandra, by the way?”
"Beautiful and feisty as always." Alonzo grinned, settling into a lazy position as the sun washed over them.
“That’s good,” Munkustrap said. “I’m glad she wasn’t too badly hurt by the Monniks.”
"Me too." Alonzo replied, "I was about to explode with worry..." He shook his head. "Oh, queens, what they can do to you...speaking of which, how is Bomba and the little ones?"
“Bomba is fine,” Munkustrap said. “The kittens…” He smiled. “Are beautiful. The queens are all doing well, and Burelle’s kittens are doing well too. Apollinax…” He sighed. “Apollinax hates me. Tantomile says he thinks I’m evil.”
"Evil?" Alonzo repeated, eyebrows raised. "Why would a kitten only a few days old think something like that?"
Munkustrap flicked his tail in mild distress. “Coricopat thinks it’s because of my relation to Macavity. Apollinax seems to be able to sense magic. He really likes the twins. I… I used to be a magic cat, like Macavity… but he stole it. Coricopat thinks that’s why Apollinax is upset whenever I’m near.”
Alonzo frowned. "I'm sure he'll realize you're not bad. It'll come with age....just give him time to get to know you."
“I hope so.” Munkustrap shook his head and turned back to Alonzo. “So, what about you? Anything interesting been happening lately?”
"Besides the whole Monnik-takeover bit? No, not at all." Alonzo sighed good-naturedly.
“That’s good, I suppose,” Munkustrap said. “Nothing interesting, besides the Monnik-takeover bit, means nothing bad. Usually.”
Behind them, Tumble yawned, starting to wake up.
Alonzo glanced behind them at his brother, and frowned. Nothing bad for me, anyway. He looked away from Munkustrap, trying not to show it on his face... after all, it wasn't his fault Quaxo loved him...
“Alonzo…?” Munkustrap nudged Alonzo, wondering why the patched tom was suddenly looking away.
Tumble blinked at the pair and offered them a tired smile. “Morning,” he mumbled, before stretching.
"Hey, Tumble." Alonzo greeted. "Have a good rest?"
Tumble shrugged. “Good dreams,” he said. He yawned again. “What are you two talking about?”
“The pirates,” Munkustrap said. “The state of the Jellicles. Tugger’s here; Etcetera’s going crazy. So is Pouncival. They’re trying to outdo each other to impress him.” Tumble was another cat he was dreading explaining his past to – Tumble looked up to him, especially after Simbol died.
Thread Summary: Munkustrap goes to talk with Alonzo before the pirates return. They discuss many things, including the pirates, the Monniks, the new kittens, and Munkustrap's past. Alonzo is not terribly upset by Munkustrap's revelation. Then Tumble wakes up.))
Munkustrap rose to his feet, despite massive protesting from Jellylorum (and minor protesting from his injuries). He left Apollinax to nurse from Bomba and brushed off any attempts to help him. “I need to meet with my Protector.” He ruffled the head fur of the older kittens and slipped out of the closet. Now, where was Alonzo?
Alonzo rolled over in his sleep, his head brushing with the hard concrete of the platform. Groaning, he shook himself awake. Next to him was Tumble, still asleep. He nuzzled his brother gently, careful not to wake him. Stretching out black and white legs, he pushed himself to his feet. His golden eyes swept the platform...everything looked normal ...well, as normal as could be for a tribe of cats sleeping at a train station, anyway.
Tumble stirred and murmured something that sounded like “Quaxo…” as he stretched a paw out in his sleep, a faint smile curling his lips. He settled down, though, as Alonzo got up.
Munkustrap limped over to Alonzo when he spotted the tom, walking very stiffly due to his injuries. He cast an inquisitive eye to Tumble – usually, the brothers weren’t so close together. They liked each other, but they were cats. They also liked their space. “Everything all right?” he asked quietly, sitting beside the younger tom and scanning the station himself. He didn’t like not being the Protector.
Alonzo nodded to Munkustrap in greeting. "Everything's fine." He told him. "What about you, 'Straps? Healing well?" His eyes flickered to the grey cat, smiling slightly. It was good to see Munkustrap up.
“Healing slowly,” Munkustrap said, gingerly touching the bandages wrapped around his chest. “At least the kittens didn’t mummify me, though… have you seen what Jemima and Etcetera did to Coricopat and Tantomile?”
Alonzo grinned, nodding. "Yeah. I guess even magic cats succumb to those crazy kittens." He laughed, "And it warns me to be extra-careful not to get any little scratches. I'm actually surprised you haven't been extra-mummified..."
“Jellylorum told Etcetera not to,” Munkustrap said with a small laugh. “I guess she didn’t intervene for the twins.” He sat for a moment, letting things continue on their pleasant way, before he changed the topic to something more serious, the first of two things he wanted to talk to Alonzo about. “What do you think of the pirates?”
Alonzo paused, a frown crossing his face. "Honestly?" His eyebrows rose as he turned to look at Munkustrap. "I'm more than worried...they're...they're kind of big. And not trust-worthy looking." He bit his lip softly. "What exactly did they ask for, in return for their help?"
“A place to spend the rest of the winter,” Munkustrap replied. “I’m worried too. But… if we want to continue as a tribe, we really don’t have much choice.” He gestured to the station with his paw. “This place is nice, but it’s overrun with humans. We can’t stay here more than a few days before they notice our presence and try to chase us out. With new kittens… we need to find a stable home, and quickly. Moving them around in the winter is dangerous, and if the humans got their paws on them…” Munkustrap didn’t want to finish that thought. If the humans found Bomba and her kittens, the family would be separated, probably split up into five different homes, none of which Munkustrap would know about. Some might not even be in this city! “The pirates look rough, but Grumbuskin, at least, was well-mannered.”
Alonzo nodded thoughtfully, placing his head on his paws. "I know...we do need them. It just...they're pirates." He shrugged. "As long as they're acting friendly, I'll try not to worry so much and just concentrate on getting our tribe back where they belong."
Munkustrap nodded. “We keep an eye on them. We don’t let them be alone with kittens or queens. Hopefully, we wind up pleasantly surprised.” He sighed and closed his eyes. After a minute, he looked down at Alonzo. “Will you be joining them when they attack the Monniks?”
Alonzo nodded. "Unless you need me here... it's the least I can do, having been away when the tribe really needed me." He looked down, sighing.
Munkustrap leaned down to nuzzle Alonzo. “Don’t talk like that. As odd as it sounds, I was glad you weren’t in the yard when the Monniks arrived.” He lay down beside his friend, explaining himself. “Did you see how many there were? Easily a hundred, probably more. When Macavity called out the leader, I was certain that I was going to die within the hour. The only really coherent thought I had was that it was good most of the guardians were gone – you would have been massacred, trying to hold them off. By being out of the yard, there was a chance, a slim chance, but a chance nonetheless, that you would be able to free the other Jellicles.” He offered Alonzo a smile. “You gave me hope, which I really needed then.”
Alonzo smiled back, "I'm just glad everyone made it out. Tumble and I were devastated when we saw the Junkyard full on Monniks....if we hadn't found you guys, I don't know what we would have done."
“Probably staged a rescue attempt,” Munkustrap said. “Speaking of which – there is some dissent among the Monniks. Macavity’s sisters found out they were Macavity’s sisters while Macavity was interrogating his prisoners, and they threatened to take over from him. They claim they’ll have the support of the army. Currently, they’ve agreed to follow his rule, so long as he doesn’t try to kill them or any of their family. Perhaps you could use that when attacking. Jokaste and Smokkate, those are the sisters. They’re tortie queens, long haired, beautiful – I don’t think you’d be able to miss them.” That last comment was said with a playful smile in Alonzo’s direction – he may have settled down with Cassandra, but he still had a reputation as a bit of a flirt.
Alonzo cocked an eyebrow, smiling softly. "Maybe, but don't let Cassie hear you say things like that. You know how Queens are ... they'd question your loyalty if you chained yourself to them." He laid his head down, whiskers brushing the ground. "Do you think his sisters will side with us, then? Do they...seem like him?" Alonzo paused, frowning. "I'm surprised he has living siblings...at least ones he knew about. You know the stories..."
“Well, like I said, they only just discovered that they were Macavity’s sisters. That’s probably how they survived – they were ignorant.” Munkustrap frowned, thinking about them. He knew very little about Jokaste, and even less about Smokkate, but… “Mm… from what I’ve seen, if we can find Burelle, they’ll be on our side. They spoke up to keep him from killing her. And currently, they’re holding Deuteronomy – at least, they were last I saw.” He looked over at Alonzo. “Burelle… she’s their mother. And Macavity’s. She claimed Deuteronomy as her son, and the sisters were protecting him. As long as he’s with them, he should be safe.” Deuteronomy was still in the junkyard, and Munkustrap felt horrible for leaving him behind… but he should be safe.
"Macavity's mother?" Alonzo repeated, brow wrinkled. He paused for a second, "But...did you know? Did she know?" He shook his head. A lot of revelations had been made in a very short amount of time, and Alonzo was almost used to it, but to think he had lived with and flirted with Macavity's mother! Macavity's mother...who was supposed to be dead. He took a deep breath and looked at Munkustrap; he had other things to think about. "I'll look for them, then." He said finally. "And Deuteronomy."
“Know what?” Munkustrap asked with a frown. “That she was the mother of Macavity, Jokaste, and Smokkate? I certainly hope she knew… and I did know about the Macavity part.” He looked down at his paws. Really, he should tell Alonzo. He should tell everyone, because now that Macavity knew, Macavity could use it against him. But if Munkustrap told the Jellicles first… well, things could get really ugly, but they’d probably get less ugly than if Macavity sprang Munkustrap’s true identity on them. And Coricopat, Jellylorum, and Bombalurina hadn’t taken it badly when they found out…
Still, years of secrecy kept it from being easy to open his mouth and tell Alonzo the truth about his past. He didn’t even know where Alonzo thought he came from. And now he was going to spring this on him?
"Wow. I can't believe Burelle was so ... well...not evil. It seems odd, how two cats so closely related can be...different, in that way." Alonzo shrugged. "I guess you can't tell a cat by it's relatives, huh?" He smirked softly. "I am much more handsome and charming than my brothers, come to think of it."
Munkustrap glanced behind them at where Tumble still slept on, curled up against the cold. “I wouldn’t say that in front of them when they’re awake…” he said with a smile. “They might have different opinions.” He rested his chin on his paws. “I’ve actually known Burelle for a long time,” he said quietly, figuring she was as good a place as any to begin revealing the truth.
Alonzo raised his brows in mild surprise, "Really?" He grinned softly. "I should've known. What else are you hiding, eh, 'Straps?" He nudged his friend gently, good-natured.
Munkustrap turned his head to the side so he was looking straight at Alonzo. “I’ve known Burelle for over five years.”
Alonzo's brow furrowed. "You knew her when you were a kitten? Wasn't she a Monnik when you were a kitten?"
“Yes,” Munkustrap said. “But then again, so was I.”
Alonzo was silent for a moment. "Oh." He managed to say, after drawing in a long breath. "Is that where you came from, then?" Alonzo offered a small smile. "Explains your attitude; always hiding under cars when Tugger wasn't around..."
Munkustrap smiled, almost laughed, at the memory of his first meeting with Alonzo. “Yes, that’s where I came from. Tugger and I met when we were kittens, and he… well… he rescued me, in a way.”
Alonzo nodded. "Rescued is an appropriate word." He agreed. "In any way, I'm glad he did. You were meant to be here, with the Jellicles." His lips curled into a smile.
“You’re taking this all very well,” Munkustrap commented lightly. “First, I tell you that Burelle is Macavity’s mother, then I tell you that I’m a Monnik… how well will you take being told that I’m actually Macavity’s brother?”
Alonzo laughed in a way that was not at all humorous. "'Straps...come on..." His brain felt like it was stalled, trying to wrap itself around the thought that Munkustrap, one of his best friends and his leader, could be related to...Macavity. "I-" He paused again, eyes blinking rapidly. "Am I dreaming?" He asked wearily, then drew another breath. "Are you - are you really Macavity's brother?" Alonzo asked tentatively, gently.
Munkustrap nodded. “I was the Ritzkin of the stories,” he said softly. “Until I joined the Jellicles. Tugger didn’t think Ritzkin would be allowed in, so we changed my name and made up some story about my past.”
Alonzo looked down, eyes half-closed. "Were you really as bad as they say? I don't believe that, 'Straps, I don't want to believe that..." He turned his eyes back to Munkustrap. "You're still the same cat I trust with my life. Please don't tell me you were a monster."
Munkustrap shifted his paws and curled his tail around himself. “Well… most of the stories exaggerate things… Burelle’s not dead, for example… and we didn’t start killing until we were six months old… but most of the stories are based in truth.” He glanced away from Alonzo. “I did used to idolize Macavity. Followed him everywhere, did everything he told me to…”
"Oh, 'Straps..." Alonzo's tone was almost disparing. He didn't want to be hearing this. Munkustrap wasn't that cat anymore...he wasn't. "I'm sorry." He said, softly. "I'm sorry that your kittenhood was filled with that..." He shuddered. "But I believe that you're different now." His eyes met Munkustrap's. "And you're still my leader."
Munkustrap closed his eyes and shook his head. “You know, for three years, I’ve kept this secret, and would nearly panic at the thought of anyone finding out. I was so certain everyone would hate me. But so far, everyone I’ve told has had pretty much the same reaction.” He opened his eyes and smiled at Alonzo. “I guess I underestimated all of you. Or I did something right.”
Alonzo placed a paw on Munkustrap's shoulder. "Yes, you've done something right. You've earned our trust. A solid trust." He half-smiled, in a sad sort of way. "But...you know this is going to have to come out eventually. To everyone."
Munkustrap nodded. “Which is why I’m telling you.” He set his head on his paws again. “Macavity himself realized it the other day. Jokaste and Smokkate – I think unintentionally – bargained for my safety as well as Burelle’s when they had Macavity swear not to hurt his family. He threatened to reveal it to the rest of the Jellicles… and I figured things wouldn’t be as bad if I told you myself rather than have him spring that on you.”
"Some cats may react badly, but that can't be helped. They'll come to realize you're still the cat they love, the cat they trust." Alonzo replied softly. "You're right to tell them yourself, though...if Macavity told them...they'd feel betrayed. I know it would be like a slap in the face, to me."
Munkustrap sighed. “I’m not looking forward to telling Deuteronomy. All the rest, I could face, but if Deuteronomy is disappointed…” He shook his head. If Deuteronomy looked at him with those wise eyes, disappointed in Munkustrap’s lack of honesty… Munkustrap wouldn’t be able to bear it. Deuteronomy was the one cat whose opinion meant more than anyone else’s. If Munkustrap lost that…
"Deuteronomy, if anyone, would understand." Alonzo placed a comforting paw on Munkustrap's shoulder. "You're...almost like a son to him."
“Which means I have that much farther to fall,” Munkustrap murmured.
Alonzo stayed silent, gently laying his head against Munkustrap's for a moment.
Munkustrap nuzzled Alonzo. “I do appreciate your support,” he said. “Having you by my side has made a lot of things much easier.”
Well, that's what I'm here for." Alonzo flashed a grin. "That and looking handsome, of course..."
Munkustrap rolled his eyes and lightly shoved Alonzo’s shoulder. “Honestly, you or Tugger, I don’t know who’s worse!”
Alonzo laughed, "Me? Worse than Tugger?"
“He had a year’s head-start,” Munkustrap pointed out. “Though you did be nice and settle down with one queen already – how is Cassandra, by the way?”
"Beautiful and feisty as always." Alonzo grinned, settling into a lazy position as the sun washed over them.
“That’s good,” Munkustrap said. “I’m glad she wasn’t too badly hurt by the Monniks.”
"Me too." Alonzo replied, "I was about to explode with worry..." He shook his head. "Oh, queens, what they can do to you...speaking of which, how is Bomba and the little ones?"
“Bomba is fine,” Munkustrap said. “The kittens…” He smiled. “Are beautiful. The queens are all doing well, and Burelle’s kittens are doing well too. Apollinax…” He sighed. “Apollinax hates me. Tantomile says he thinks I’m evil.”
"Evil?" Alonzo repeated, eyebrows raised. "Why would a kitten only a few days old think something like that?"
Munkustrap flicked his tail in mild distress. “Coricopat thinks it’s because of my relation to Macavity. Apollinax seems to be able to sense magic. He really likes the twins. I… I used to be a magic cat, like Macavity… but he stole it. Coricopat thinks that’s why Apollinax is upset whenever I’m near.”
Alonzo frowned. "I'm sure he'll realize you're not bad. It'll come with age....just give him time to get to know you."
“I hope so.” Munkustrap shook his head and turned back to Alonzo. “So, what about you? Anything interesting been happening lately?”
"Besides the whole Monnik-takeover bit? No, not at all." Alonzo sighed good-naturedly.
“That’s good, I suppose,” Munkustrap said. “Nothing interesting, besides the Monnik-takeover bit, means nothing bad. Usually.”
Behind them, Tumble yawned, starting to wake up.
Alonzo glanced behind them at his brother, and frowned. Nothing bad for me, anyway. He looked away from Munkustrap, trying not to show it on his face... after all, it wasn't his fault Quaxo loved him...
“Alonzo…?” Munkustrap nudged Alonzo, wondering why the patched tom was suddenly looking away.
Tumble blinked at the pair and offered them a tired smile. “Morning,” he mumbled, before stretching.
"Hey, Tumble." Alonzo greeted. "Have a good rest?"
Tumble shrugged. “Good dreams,” he said. He yawned again. “What are you two talking about?”
“The pirates,” Munkustrap said. “The state of the Jellicles. Tugger’s here; Etcetera’s going crazy. So is Pouncival. They’re trying to outdo each other to impress him.” Tumble was another cat he was dreading explaining his past to – Tumble looked up to him, especially after Simbol died.
