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Nothing out of the ordinary ever happened in London.
At least, nothing for the humans.
They strolled around on their two legs, not a care in the world, never noticing anything unusual. To humans, anything that did not involve their own affairs was not worth the attention that they could be spending on other important happenings.
So, there was no one to think it unusual when a maine coon walked down the sidewalk, determination in his gait, with a sleek brown Abyssinian cat on one side, and a brown and white tabby cat on his other side.
“Are you sure there was something going on around the town?” the maine coon asked. Of course, to any humans who bothered to pay attention, all they heard was meowing and chittering back and forth between the trio of cats.
However, his curiosity was now mellowed, as the attacks by his oldest brother, Macavity, were creating an air of danger and unease for the cat population of London, specifically those who lived within the Junkyard.
He wanted nothing more than to remain at home, curled up with his magical mate, his brother and friends tucked away safely in the protection of their home.
Of course, that could not be, and Tugger found himself patrolling the streets of their fair city after hearing rumors of Macavity’s anger lashing out at certain places.
The Abyssinian queen nodded. “Amu felt so much pain and anguish near here that it overwhelmed her.”
Cassandra was one of Tugger’s closest friends, and sister to Amunet, one of the more powerful magical cats within the Junkyard. After joining the Jellicles, Amunet had given birth to little twin psychic kittens, meaning that Cassandra was rarely parted from her older sister’s side.
However, that morning, the two sisters had approached Munkustrap, the Lead Protector discussing with Tugger and Alonzo about protective measures for those who lived outside of the Junkyard’s borders. Amunet had a haunted, terrified look in her eyes, and Cassandra was all but holding her sister up, telling the other Protectors of a cat within the city who was fatally injured.
Munkustrap had sent Tugger, along with Cassandra and Plato, off to investigate with the promise of returning home as soon as things looked as though they would be going south.
“There’s something down there.” Plato said, a soft-spoken, kindhearted tom who was pained at the thought of an innocent cat being harmed. Tugger’s ears twitched as he heard a soft keen coming from an alley a few feet in front of them.
Cassandra’s eyes narrowed slightly. “They’re in there.”
The large main coon picked up his pace, darting quickly between the legs of humans, coming to a frozen stop as he entered the alley. Lying in the shadows was a light grey queen, who was almost completely still, curled up around four little kittens, all speckled different shades of red and grey, and all silent and still.
Tugger felt his very soul grow cold at the sight. Newborn kittens were never so still and quiet unless something was wrong.
And something was very wrong.
“Everlasting Cat.” Tugger whispered.
The queen shifted, and the trio of Jellicles tensed, unsure of what they were dealing with. She looked up with tired, heartbroken blue eyes, and a bitter smile that twisted her pretty features. “Are you here to finish the job?”
Slowly, Tugger moved forward, not wanting to startle the queen more than she already was. “What happened?”
“Macavity.” the queen whispered, and the maine coon flinched at his oldest brother’s name.
“He didn’t want any competition. I said we would leave the city. He wouldn’t have to see them.” She leaned her head down, allowing herself a brief moment to nuzzle her still kittens, letting out a small, broken sound. “My darling babies.”
“They were his kittens.” Tugger said, realization hitting him, and he heard the gasps from Cassandra and Plato as they joined him in the alley. The grey queen nodded. “I’m so sorry. What is your name?”
She glanced back up, and Tugger felt nothing but pain and heartbreak towards the queen, with her gemstone eyes, and the way she wrapped her paws around the still bodies of her kittens,
“Serafina.” She finally said, giving him one last once over. A tired sigh left her aching body before she looked towards the wall of the alley, her eyes falling on an overturned flower box. The look on her face was something Tugger had never seen before. It was as though the flower box the most precious thing in her life. “She survived.”
Slowly, the large tom approached the flower box and nudged it aside, and suddenly, Tugger knew. He could hear the little one’s whimpers beneath it, could see the small body trembling from the cold. Leaning down, Tugger nuzzled the kitten, a deep purr rumbling in his chest, and as the tiny kitten’s whimpers stopped, he had a feeling that he was in exactly the right place.
The queen let out a soft gasp as her daughter was uncovered. “Please, keep her safe.” She shifted to curl closer around her babies. A soft smile spread over her face as Plato approached her, the sweet tom leaning down to press her forehead against the older queen’s with a comforting chirp. “Promise me.”
Tugger approached the queen after lifting the kitten up, and nuzzled her cheek. “I promise, Serafina.” Her face grew peaceful as she smiled up at Tugger, and she lifted her head, giving her daughter a gentle lick across the top of her ears.
A goodbye kiss.
Everlasting, Tugger felt his heart shattering.
Serafina’s eyes slowly slid shut. Still curled around her still kittens, her head fell down on her paws, and her chest stopped moving, her face peaceful and soft.
Cassandra looked at Tugger as Plato against her side, not quite used to the sight of cats meeting their end, whether it be through a fight or through natural causes. “I am guessing we are honoring her wishes?”
“We need to get this little one back to the tribe.” Tugger agreed, not at all liking how violently the little queen was trembling against this mane. “I’ll get Munkus, and we’ll come back for her mother and siblings after we tell him and the others what happened. They’re going to get a proper send-off.” He shifted, lifting the small kitten up by her little scruff, holding her as though she was made of the most priceless china, and the trio left the alley, Cassandra and Plato guiding the way as they made their way back to the Junkyard.
The Jellicles were enjoying a quiet afternoon in the yard, curled together as the kittens played and the adults chatted. Mistoffelees was sitting with Victoria, the two siblings enjoying each other’s company with Munkustrap and Demeter, the black and gold queen holding little Jemima securely in her arms, still not quite comfortable with allowing the curious kitten to explore the main stage area.
Old Deuteronomy sat above them on his tire speaking to Asparagus, Amunet, and Jellylorum, the two queens each holding one of Amunet’s psychic twin kittens in their arms.
Mistoffelees suddenly lifted his head at the change in the air’s scent, and a small smile appeared on his face as he turned to look back behind him at the Jellicle Leader. “They’re back.”
Cassandra and Plato walked in first, a strange emotion in their eyes. Cassandra approached Alonzo, curling into her future mate with a heavy sigh while Plato joined Mistoffelees and Victoria, holding onto the white queen’s paw tightly. Mistoffelees went tense at their appearances, looking past them for his own mate, who he knew would never back down from any danger. He truly hoped Tugger hadn’t gotten himself into any trouble fighting off henchcats.
He relaxed a moment later when Tugger entered the Junkyard, looking perfectly fine and injury free. There was something cradled in his arms, however, something he was holding with the utmost gentleness and protectiveness as he walked past the tumbling kittens to approach his brother and mate.
Munkustrap studied his brother’s serious face. It was not often that Tugger fell so silent and serious, and therefore, when he did, the Jellicles tended to listen to whatever the maine coon had to say. “What did you find?”
Tugger shifted his mane just so, and Mistoffelees looked down to see a tiny kitten held tightly in his mate’s arms, pressed against his heart.
“The pain that Amu felt… it came from a queen named Serafina. She and her kittens… they were killed by Macavity because he didn’t want any competition.“ Tugger’s voice was angry, furious and heated as he spit out the words, but his grip on the kitten remained incredibly gentle. “She managed to hide this little one before he came and found her.”
“Everlasting, no.” Demeter gasped out, causing those gathered to look up at her. The gold queen’s eyes were filled with tears, and her paw was pressed against her mouth.
Munkustrap was at his mate’s side in an instant, holding her arm. “Dem?”
Demeter’s eyes never left the kitten. “She was so kind… we planned to meet back together when we escaped…” A sob escaped her as she held Jemima closer and leaned into Munkustrap.
“She was so excited to meet everyone here, to get to know all of us and be part of the tribe.” Bombalurina finished, her own voice shaking as she clung to her mother, Jennyanydots whispering soothing words to her oldest daughter. “Oh, Sera…”
“We’re going to go back for her and the kittens.” Plato spoke up, voice calm as he looked up from where he had been staring at his and Victoria’s paws. “To bring them back and give them a proper, Jellicle sendoff.”
Demeter nodded, tears still falling down her cheeks as Tugger leaned down to nuzzle the shifting kitten gently.
“Tugger.” Old Deuteronomy said, his voice quiet. The Jellicles fell silent as the tom looked up at his father. “Let me see her.” Tugger moved slowly, hesitantly approaching his father and handing the kitten up to the Jellicle leader. Old Deuteronomy looked at the little queen, who slowly snuggled against his fur with a small sound, and the old cat smiled slightly.
Munkustrap joined his younger brother at their father’s side. “Macavity will try to take her away if he finds out.” Mistoffelees could see how the two brothers had already become protective over the little queen, and couldn’t help the small, bittersweet smile that appeared on his face. It made sense, of course, since she was their niece. Macavity had taken so much from their family, and the two brothers would be damned if he took anything else.
Mistoffelees shared a look with Demeter, and he saw a flash of fondness in the gold queen’s eyes through her tears.
Amunet stepped forward, handing off little Tantomile to Asparagus. “The little one does have magic, though. It does not have the same feeling as Macavity’s, however. It is closer in feel and power to that of Mistoffelees’ magic.” Tugger sat down beside his father, who chuckled slightly as the kitten immediately turned her sweet face towards the maine coon, as if sensing his presence.
“She needs to be protected from him, then.” Bombalurina said, voice firm, as she moved to stand behind her sister, who fervently nodded in agreement.
“She is innocent, no matter who her father is.” The gold queen added. “She’s Serafina’s daughter, and Serafina was always meant to be one of us. She and her kittens.” Munkustrap looked at Demeter with adoration in his eyes.
Old Deuteronomy nodded, pride clear on his face. “Someone will need to take her in.”
“Tugger and I will.” Mistoffelees stated, stepping forward. Tugger looked at his mate with wide, hopeful eyes, and the magical tom winked at him. “She’s already formed a connection to Tugger, and I can help her with her magic as it starts to manifest when she gets older. Besides, if he was the one who was entrusted with her, it seems only right that she stay with us.” Old Deuteronomy gave the tuxedo cat a warm smile, and he nodded. He handed the kitten to his youngest son, who immediately drew the tiny queen close to his chest as he walked down to where Mistoffelees stood. The two toms looked at the kitten, who was nuzzling into Tugger’s mane, and Mistoffelees leaned down, rubbing his nose against hers, huffing out a laugh as she batted sightlessly at him with her little paw.
Demeter approached Tugger’s other side, her own daughter in her arms, and she cooed at the small queen. “Look, Jem! You have a cousin!” The red and black queen kitten squirmed in her mother’s arms, her eyes opening as she looked over at the other kitten in Tugger’s arms.
“They are going to be heartbreakers.” Bombalurina said fondly.
Munkustrap chuckled as Mistoffelees smiled softly. “They’re going to be troublemakers.” Tugger grinned at his brother, a new brightness in his eyes, and Munkustrap returned his smile. As the discussions of the kitten’s arrival and new living situation died down, and the other Jellicles each departed off to their afternoon activities, Mistoffelees and Tugger walked into their den.
“We need to choose a name for her.” Mistoffelees said as they curled up together on their bed, leaning against his mate as they looked down at their new kitten.
Tugger reached out, and the tiny queen grabbed hold of his paw, squeezing it and making him laugh. “She needs a name that’s perfect for her.” Mistoffelees felt his heart swell at the sight, and he fell in love with his mate just a little bit more.
They had never really discussed having kittens, but Mistoffelees knew how much his mate adored looking after the babies within the Junkyard, and Tugger knew how much his mate enjoyed teaching and telling stories to the littlest ones.
The queen kitten fit perfectly between the two toms, curled into Tugger’s fur contentedly, and Mistoffelees felt his heart swell with so much love that he thought it would burst.
“She’s already got you wrapped around her paw.” He remarked, making Tugger look at him with bright, happy eyes.
“Yeah. She does.”
Misto thought for a moment, and he remembered the story their Precious Girl had told to their friend one wintery afternoon, curled in front of the fire. “What about Hestia? I remember Her discussing that story with her friend. I think it would fit our little queen.” The kitten let out a tiny mew at the sound of the name, making the two toms laugh as they returned their attention to her.
Tugger rubbed her cheek gently with his paw, a soft, featherlight touch. “I think she likes it.” He leaned down to nuzzle the kitten’s cheek. “Alright then. Hestia.” The newly named Hestia squirmed, and her eyes slowly began to open.
Mistoffelees gasped softly, and Tugger grinned, smoothing Hestia’s fur as her eyes opened to reveal one bright blue eye, and one warm brown eye. They were already filled with curiosity as Hestia looked around, and the two toms watched her, amused at the slightly bleary gaze. Mistoffelees took Hestia from Tugger, wrapping her up in his arms as she gazed up at him. He looked at his mate, his voice soft. “You realize that we’re dads now, right?”
Tugger’s eyes went wide for a moment, making Misto laugh before he leaned in, nuzzling the larger tom lovingly.
“We’re not letting any toms near her until her fourth Ball.” The maine coon said firmly. “Same goes for Jemima. No toms are coming near either of them.” Misto laughed harder, and Hestia began to giggle, her magical father’s laughter infectious. Tugger’s face lit up at their laughter and he wrapped his arms around them both, pulling them close.
“Daddy?” Hestia asked, her voice soft as she looked up from the box of bobbles Jenny had given her. Collecting little shiny things had become the newest of Hestia’s obsessions, and the small family’s den had quickly become overtaken by the trinkets she found and was given by other cats.
Tugger immediately looked towards his daughter, grinning. “Yes, little kitten?” Mistoffelees watched the interaction with a warm smile.
Their lives had certainly changed over the past year, both toms learning how exactly to take care of a kitten. Hestia had grown into a curious, adorable, soft-spoke kitten who thrived off of her fathers’ attention, and who adored her family with all her heart.
She was the greatest thing to ever happen to Tugger and Mistoffelees, and they loved their daughter so much that it hurt.
The grey and red kitten’s mismatched eyes peered up at the maine coon, matching his curiosity. “I want to ask you a question, and you have to promise not to get mad at me.”
“I’d never get mad at your questions, Hettie!” Tugger gasped dramatically, leaping onto the bed and making Hestia giggle as she bounced amongst the blankets. “What’s on your mind, kitten?”
“Well, I was talking to Jemmy yesterday, and we noticed something. She has a mama, Pounce and Tumble have two mamas, Cettie and Ellie have a mama, and Cori and Tanto have two mamas, and that made us think.” The little queen said slowly. Tugger and Mistoffelees looked at one another, their eyes wide. They had hoped not to have the conversation of where Hestia had come from for many years, until she was old enough to understand. “Why don’t you and Uncle Straps have a mama?”
Tugger’s head snapped back towards his daughter, his eyes wide. He was not expecting that question. “What?”
Hestia’s voice became quieter, and she played with the blanket’s frayed edge. “Why don’t you and Uncle Straps have a mama?” Mistoffelees sat on his daughter’s other side, looking at Tugger encouragingly as the large tom took a deep breath.
“We don’t have a mama because she left when I was very little, a little older than you are now.” he explained slowly, trying to figure out how to tell his daughter in a way she would understand.
Hestia frowned. “Why’d she leave?”
Tugger smiled sadly. “I’m not too sure, kitten. That’s something I’ve always wanted to ask her.” For his daughter’s sake, he tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice. Mistoffelees reached around Hestia to place a paw on top of Tugger’s.
Looking back at their daughter, the two noticed that Hestia had tears in her eyes for her father’s sake, eyes big and confused.
“But she had you, and Uncle Straps, and Grandad! Why would anyone want to leave you three?” she asked, voice trembling. Tugger felt his heart swell with affection for his kitten, and he pulled Hestia into his lap, hugging her tightly. Mistoffelees moved closer, leaning against his mate comfortingly, and Tugger gave him a small, thankful smile.
“All I know is that she wanted to be famous. She promised she would visit, but she never did. And that hurt us.” Tugger told Hestia. He lifted her chin, looking her in the eye. “But when she left, your grandad made sure that Uncle Straps and I always knew how important family was. We were never alone, because we had the tribe, and they were our family.”
“And then you met Papa?” Hestia asked, sniffling slightly. Mistoffelees smiled widely at his daughter as Tugger chuckled.
“And then I met Papa.” He replied, nuzzling her cheek. “And everything got so much better for me after that. And now we have you, so I don’t hurt anymore.”
Hestia snuggled close to Tugger, her arms wrapped around his middle as she snuggled into his mane. “Do you hate her?”
Tugger closed his eyes briefly, resting his chin on top of his daughter’s head. “I don’t think I could hate her. Even though she hurt me, Uncle Straps, and Grandad, and we still hurt every day, she’s still my mama.”
Hestia glanced at Mistoffelees. “Are you mad at her, Papa?”
Mistoffelees reached over, placing his paw against her cheek lovingly. “I’m hurt for your daddy and your uncle, Etta. I’m a little mad at her, but all I care about is how happy your dad is.” Hestia leaned against her papa’s touch, and Tugger kissed her head.
“And you two make me so very, very happy.” The maine coon said gently, and Hestia giggled as Tugger wrapped his arms around Mistoffelees and pulled them both close, falling backwards in a heap with his mate and daughter on top of him, warm, happy laughter filling the den.
Hestia hadn’t meant to eavesdrop.
She had been playing with Jemima, Tumblebrutus, and Pouncival, and she had gone to hide next to her grandfather’s den, knowing the perfect alcove where her friends would never be able to find her.
As she hid, Hestia heard her uncle’s voice coming from the den. He didn’t sound very happy, which made Hestia frown. Her Uncle Straps was as brave as her daddy and papa, and he was always happy around her and Jemima. So, she scooched closer to her granddad’s den, ears flicking towards the opening.
“Has she been asking questions?”
“No. She’s never really suspected anything.” Tugger’s voice came after Munkustrap’s, and Hestia beamed, moving closer. Her daddy’s voice was one of her favorite sounds in the world, so she didn’t mind listening to him more.
“Do you think you’re ever going to tell Hestia?” That was Demeter. She sounded worried, which made Hestia frown. What was her aunt worried about? Demeter was probably Hestia’s most favorite person after her fathers and Tumblebrutus, so hearing her speaking with a wobbly voice made the kitten curl in on herself.
She didn’t like how all the adults were talking.
Mistoffelees let out a small sigh. “I don’t know, Dem. We’re probably going to wait until she’s old enough.”
“I just want to make sure it’s the two of you she hears it from and not anyone else, especially not him.” Munkustrap said, and Hestia was surprised to hear both her fathers growl at her uncle’s words. They never made angry sounds like that, ever. “I’m not saying that would happen, but it’s just a precaution, Tugs.”
“Macavity’s not getting anywhere near her. The day he tells her she’s his daughter is a day that will never come.” Tugger snapped, and Hestia froze.
She knew about Macavity.
The name whispered by other adult Jellicles, a cautionary tale for the young kittens. The Mystery Cat had hurt Demeter and Bombalurina, as well as the other young cats, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, former henchcats of his. While he hadn’t attacked in a while, Hestia knew that her uncle and fathers and the other Protectors were always on alert
Then, her father’s words sank in.
“The day he tells her she’s his daughter is a day that will never come.”
Hestia slowly backed away from the den, a tornado of emotions swirling within her. She ran away, racing towards her own home, ignoring the shouts and surprised calls of her name from her cousin and friends.
She was his daughter?
Did everyone know?
Did her fathers only take her in to keep her magic contained?
Tugger and Mistoffelees walked out of Old Deuteronomy’s den, the former rubbing his face tiredly, and both were startled as Jemima raced towards them.
“Uncle Tugs! Uncle Misto!” she cried, nearly running straight into Mistoffelees.
The magical tom steadied the kitten paws on her shoulders as he looked at her with worry. “What’s wrong, Jem?”
Jemima’s golden eyes were filled with frightened tears. “Something’s wrong with Hettie!"
Tugger tensed, kneeling down beside his niece. “What do you mean?”
Tumblebrutus appeared beside Jemima, worry on the young tom’s face. “We were playing and she went to hide over here, but a few minutes later she just went running back to your den!”
“Oh no.” Mistoffelees whispered, grabbing onto Tugger’s arm. “She heard us, Tugs.”
Tugger’s face went pale as he looked at the trio of worried kittens in front of him. “You three stay here, we’ll find Hestia.”
The two cats raced towards their den, worry and panic filling them.
“Kitten? Kitten, are you in here?” Tugger called, bursting into the den. There was a moment of silence before Hestia poked her head out of her room, arms wrapped around her stomach and eyes big and sad as she looked at her fathers.
“I didn’t mean to listen to you.” She whispered, voice barely audible.
“Oh, Essie.” Mistoffelees exclaimed, rushing forward and pulling her into his arms, hugging her as tightly as possible and nuzzling her cheek.
Tugger knelt down beside his mate and daughter, putting a paw against the kitten’s cheek, letting out a small sigh as she nuzzled against him. “What questions do you have, kitten?”
“Is he really my father?” Hestia asked quietly, and Mistoffelees picked her up in his arms, holding her close as they walked to Tugger and Mistoffelees’ room.
Like they had their first evening together, Hestia was settled between her fathers, cuddled up against Tugger’s mane as Mistoffelees gently ran his paws over her fur.
Tugger took a deep breath. “He is.” Hestia’s eyes widened at the confirmation, and Mistoffelees tightened his arms around his family. “I was out with Cassie and Plato when I heard you.” The maine coon thought back to the moment he had first found his daughter, a bittersweet memory. “I went into an alley, and I saw a queen laying there, almost completely still. Her name was Serafina, and she was the prettiest queen I’ve ever seen. She was your mama, and she was curled around four little kittens. Your siblings.” Hestia listened to Tugger with wide eyes, pressing closer to Mistoffelees, who hugged her comfortingly. “Macavity had attacked her and her kittens, and he hurt all of them. But not you. Your mama hid you away before he found her, and she asked me to keep you safe.” Tugger leaned in close, pressing his forehead against Hestia’s with a deep, gentle purr. “As soon as I saw you, tucked under the flower box she had hidden you beneath, I knew I’d never let anything bad happen to you. And when I brought you back here, we knew you had to be protected, because you were special.”
Mistoffelees smiled down at Hestia, gently turning her face up so that their eyes met. “You’re our kitten, Hestia. You’re our family. Macavity does not matter in the grand scheme of things. We’re your fathers, and that’s all that matters.” Hestia nodded, tears in her eyes, and the two toms sandwiched her between them, hugging her tightly as she clung to them, sobbing great, gasping cries as they whispered comforting words to her.
Tugger peppered her face with gentle kisses, wiping her tears away with his paws. “We love you, kitten. More than anything in the world.” He tucked her head beneath his mane, pressing her against his heart like he had so long ago. “Nothing is ever, ever going to change that.”
“I love you and Papa too, Daddy.” Hestia replied, voice shaking as her sobs ceased and she basked in the warmth of her fathers’ love.
A firm resolve built within her that day, a flicker of strength and pride that would grow into a bright, raging fire as she grew older. The blood that ran in her veins didn’t only connect her to Macavity. Her red fur didn’t only signify her as Macavity’s daughter. Her amber eye wasn’t a glimpse into the magic that had corrupted Macavity’s mind.
She was Munkustrap and Tugger’s niece by blood, the beloved granddaughter of Old Deuteronomy.
Her red fur matched with Jemima’s, a fact that they cherished once Jemima’s own parentage was revealed to her later on in life.
Her amber eye matched Tugger’s, twinkling brightly with mischief and curiosity identical to her daddy’s.
Her magic was just like her papa’s, soft and beautiful, yet with an edge that was only shown when her family was in danger.
And that was what mattered to Hestia.
The Jellicles who raised her, the ones who cared for her and protected her. They were her family. They were her fathers, the ones she trusted more than anything.
She was her fathers’ daughter, and Hestia was determined to never allow anyone to ever tell her otherwise.