Chapter Text
Munkustrap liked the night patrol. Sure, it was mostly quiet and there really wasn’t much to do (save for once or twice when an unwanted raccoon tried to move in or humans got too close), but it was the stillness and quiet he liked. The general noise and chaos of the tribe’s day to day activities melted away into the calm nights, leaving nothing but Munkustrap, the moonlight, and his thoughts to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Tonight, however, there was something new. Something disturbed his nightly ritual as he padded along the familiar patrol route, something unfamiliar and foreign. He was at the very edge of the junkyard when he was suddenly aware that he was being followed.
There. The tiniest shuffle of footsteps, hesitant and uncoordinated. Munk whipped his head around just in time to see a flash of white disappear around the corner.
Immediately he ran after it. Whatever it was didn’t look like any raccoon or human, and no one he knew had any business following him without his knowledge. Quickly he rounded the corner to find… nothing.
Munk sniffed the air. It was a feline scent, although not one he knew, and was coming from a raggedy sofa thrown in the junk. Cautiously Munk approached it.
“Hello?” He asked the sofa. “Who’s there?”
The sofa did not reply.
“You can come out, I just want to talk.”
The sofa still did not reply.
“My name is Munkustrap.” Munk flicked his tail back and forth. “I would like to speak with you face to face.”
Slowly a white face peeked out from behind the sofa, surrounded by auburn and black fur. It was a kitten, one that Munk had never seen before, and one that he could only imagine was very lost and alone.
“Hello.” Munk said again, this time much more gentle. “Are you lost? Do you need help?”
The kitten ducked back behind the sofa.
“You don’t have to be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe.” Munk crouched down a little. “I believe you were following me. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
An eye peeked around the corner at him. Munk could have sworn he saw a tiny nod.
“I was on patrol. I walk this path at night to keep an eye on the junkyard. It’s a good thing I do, isn’t it? Otherwise we would not have met.”
Again the white face emerged from around the corner, this time followed by a white paw. It looked like the kitten might be a tabby but it was difficult to see in the moonlight.
“If you come back with me I can find you somewhere comfortable to sleep for the night.” There would be no doubt that Jennyanydots would take this little one in. Knowing her she had already sensed a new kitten approaching and was subconsciously preparing for it.
Another paw revealed itself, this time brown. Fuzzy brown and white shoulders leaned out into view.
“We also have plenty of food. When was the last time you ate?”
The question drove the kitten back. It was quickly becoming apparent that this was not a kitten that wanted to be questioned. No matter. The questions could wait. Munk would never leave a little one alone outside, especially at night.
“How about we find you some dinner and a nice warm bed. I know the perfect place.” Munk turned away from the sofa and stared up at the moon, keeping his arms at his sides and posture relaxed. “Whenever you’re ready.”
It took a couple of minutes before he heard the quiet shuffle of footsteps. His patience was rewarded with a tiny paw sliding into his own. When he looked down he was met with the hopeful, frightened eyes of a tabby tom kitten.
“Let’s go.” Munk took a step to see what would happen. To his relief the kitten walked with him.
It was a silent walk back to the center of the junkyard. The kitten didn’t utter a word, only making quiet huffs of concentration when he had to navigate some trickier paths through the junk. Judging by his size Munk guessed he was an older kitten, still young enough to be a child but definitely old enough to speak complete sentences.
The silence wasn’t unexpected. What was unexpected was how uncoordinated the kitten was. Several times he tripped over his own legs, stumbling over the air and just generally having a difficult time navigating the easy terrain. Someone his age should have been much more sure on his feet. Finally Munk couldn’t watch it any longer.
“Please, let me carry you.” Munk crouched down so he was eye level with his new charge. “I promise you will be safe.”
Immediately the kitten threw his arms around him. It took a minute to arrange the gangly limbs but soon enough Munk was holding him securely and off they went.
“I’m taking you to meet Jennyanydots.” Munk said as they approached the Gumbie Cat’s den. “She’s a wonderful queen who is very experienced in taking care of kittens such as yourself. She has lots of food and plenty of warm, cozy blankets. You’ll be very comfortable there.”
Tiny claws dug into his shoulders, not enough to hurt, but enough to convey discomfort.
“There’s no need to be afraid. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Munk assured him. “Jenny is a very kind and caring-”
The door flew open with a BANG, revealing a disheveled Skimbleshanks making a hasty departure with Jennyanydots right on his heels. Munk barely had time to step aside as Skimble barreled past him into the night.
“That is the last time I fix your vest!” Jenny hollered, brandishing a pair of sharp scissors. “Next time you tear it you go find someone else- Oh hello, Munk, dear, what can I do for you- oh, is that a kitten?”
Munk took a minute to process what he had just witnessed. In his arms the kitten squeaked and hid his face in his shoulder. In the face of an enraged Jenny it was a wise move.
“Yes, Jenny, this is….” Munk realized he never figured out the little one’s name. “This is a new kitten. He needs somewhere to stay tonight. If you are busy, however, I will take him for tonight.”
“No, not at all. Bring him in.” Jenny’s voice instantly dropped to a soothing decibel. “Please mind the spilled tea and sewing basket, Skimble thought it would be better if there was a generous helping of scotch involved, never you mind the fact that sewing while inebriated is a terrible idea.”
“I see.” Munk did not see but navigated the spilled tea and sewing supplies with ease and sat down on the nearest available cushion.
“Now, who is this little one?” Jenny crouched down next to him. “May I see your face?”
The tiniest shake of his head was all the kitten would give her.
“Oh come now, I won’t bite. What’s your name? Where’s your mother?”
Once more the claws sunk into Munk’s fur.
“I found him on the outskirts of the junkyard while I was on patrol.” Munk told her as he rubbed the kitten’s trembling back. “He hasn’t yet told me his name.”
“Well we can’t be going around without a name, can we?” Jenny asked. “My name is Jennyanydots, but you may call me Jenny. What is your name? Surely you’re old enough to tell us at least that.”
Unfortunately the kitten was too large to hide in Munk’s fur but he tried his best, kicking Munk in the ribs and squirming uncomfortably under Jenny’s questioning.
“Jenny, perhaps we can discuss this after dinner?” Munk suggested. “I know it’s late but I’m sure he could use a meal.”
“Of course.” Jenny stood. “I have just the thing.”
As soon as she disappeared into the next room Munk tried to loosen the kitten’s grip around his neck. The kitten settled for sitting in his lap and leaning his head against Munk’s shoulder, nervously kneading at the silver and black chest fur.
“It’s going to be alright. Jenny just wants to help. I’ll be here to help with any questions.” Just how he would help answer Jenny’s questions when he didn’t know anything about the kitten would be a problem for later. “You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to. Take all the time you need.”
The tiniest sigh met Munk’s ears. Munk purred a little and gently rocked him, making sure that he was held comfortably but not keeping him against his will. Little by little the kitten relaxed in his arms.
“Plato.” The name was barely a whisper. The second he said it he hid his face against Munk’s chest.
“Your name.” Munk just barely bit back the question before he could speak it.
“’s.” Plato said into his chest fur.
“Nice to meet you, Plato.” Munk pet the top of his head. “I will let Jenny know so she won’t ask anymore. Thank you for telling me.”
“k.” That was it for Plato’s side of the conversation.
Jenny returned with far too much food for one kitten to consume. It was enough for Plato to emerge from Munk’s arms, eyes huge with wonder.
“Help yourself, sweetheart.” Jenny told him. “No need to wait. You look like you haven’t eaten a good meal in a while.”
She didn’t need to tell him twice. Immediately he went for the nearest dish of milk with gusto.
“His name is Plato.” Munk murmured as Plato dove in. “That’s all he’s said so far. He’s very hesitant to answer questions.”
“I can see that.” Jenny started to clean up the mess left by Skimble. “Oh, I should have had Skimble stick around. He’s good with the quiet ones.”
“Shall I go find him?”
“No, he’ll be halfway back to the station by now. Besides, this is nothing I can’t handle. He’ll warm up soon enough.”
“I trust you’ll make him comfortable.” Munk glanced over at Plato, who was pawing curiously at a piece of salmon. “I hope you don’t mind if he stays with you-”
“Munkustrap, where else would a stray kitten go?” Jenny interrupted. “My home is always open to those in need, you know that.”
“I do. But I have to ask all the same.”
“Then yes, Plato is welcome to stay here. In fact I insist.” Jenny put away the rest of the sewing supplies and turned to her new charge. “Now, Plato.”
Plato’s ears flicked back against his head and he darted behind Munk, peering around the Jellicle Protector with wide eyes.
“Oh, enough of that look. You’re not in trouble.” Jenny smiled at him. “I was about to say that it’s time for bed. It is far past any respectable kitten’s bedtime.”
“Um.” Plato huddled up against Munk.
“Come along, I have just the spot for you. It’s very comfy and cozy.” Jenny held out her paw encouragingly.
“Go on.” Munk nudged him. “It’s alright.”
Slowly Plato took her paw and allowed himself to be led to a nest of blankets. Jenny purred and did her best to bathe him, although Plato was not very cooperative and eventually hid in the blankets, only his eyes visible in the little cave he made for himself.
“I suppose we can do a thorough check up tomorrow.” Jenny sighed. “Poor thing needs a proper night’s sleep.”
Munk walked over to the blankets and crouched down to peer into the cave. Plato gave him a pitiful look.
"Now you be good for Jenny.” Munk said as kindly as he could. “I promise I will be back to see you first thing in the morning.”
The kitten frowned, eyes widening as he realized that Munk was leaving. Small paws grasped at Munk’s legs as he tried to step away. Jenny stepped in and gently took Plato’s paws into her own.
“Just go, we’ll be fine.” Jenny assured Munk. “He’ll fall asleep as soon as you’re out of sight. Won’t you dear?”
Plato whined but gave in, turning his back on the room and curling up into a tight ball of fur under the blankets. Munk left before he became too tempted to stay for the night. He had his own bed to return to.
Said bed felt wonderful after the night he had. Munk closed his eyes and relaxed as best he could, unable to push Plato’s frightened face from his mind. First thing tomorrow he’d go to Jenny’s and check in on the kitten, just to make sure he was comfortable. Not that he needed to worry, Jenny was a pro when it came to kittens, she always knew how to handle them, even if this particular kitten seemed hesitant to answer any and all of her questions….
Munk froze. Something was in the room with him. No, not just in the room. Something was crawling up onto the bed. Slowly he stretched out a leg, immediately recoiling when he touched an unfamiliar lump in the blankets.
Upon closer inspection his unwanted companion was small and furry. It was Plato, curled up into an awkward ball with his white face scrunched up tight. Somehow the kitten had snuck out of Jenny’s and found his way into Munk’s den.
“Plato.” Munk sighed once his heart rate returned to normal. “You’re supposed to be at Jenny’s.”
One eye opened to stare up at him. How one look could inspire so much pity was beyond him.
“Okay. You can stay here.” Munk sighed. “But just for tonight.”
He settled down on his side. As expected Plato scooted closer and curled up against his chest. After an impromptu grooming session Munk was satisfied that the kitten was properly cleaned and ready for bed.
“Go to sleep.” Munk told his current charge. “I’ll watch over you.”
The next morning it took a minute for Munk to figure out why one leg felt heavier than the other. Blearily he raised his head to take a look. There was the kitten, still asleep with all four limbs latched onto his leg.
It was impossible to move without waking him. With a tiny grumble Plato flopped onto his back and gave Munk his best disgruntled stare. Unfortunately the effect was ruined by how adorable he looked.
“Good morning.” Munk greeted him. “I take it you slept well.”
Plato nodded, yawning and giving Munk a good look at his teeth. Immediately Munk knew that he had been wrong about Plato’s age. He barely had his baby teeth in and was much younger than he looked.
No wonder he wasn’t talkative, he was barely old enough to be walking around, let alone speaking in fully formed sentences. It was a very good thing he had found Plato when he did. Munk didn’t want to consider what would have happened if Plato had been left out all night to fend for himself.
“Come on, we need to take you back to Jenny’s.” Munk picked him up and started to carry him back to the queen’s den. “She’s probably wondering where you are.”
Plato squeaked and squirmed a little before settling down, more out of resignation than comfort. Silently he let Munk carry him back to Jenny’s. As expected Jenny was beside herself with worry, having fallen asleep with Plato comfortably safe in her den and waking to find him missing.
Little did they know that this was going to be a regular occurrence. Over the next few nights Plato found a way to slip out of Jenny’s den and always wound up in Munk’s, evading the Gumbie Cat’s watchful eye with far more dexterity a kitten his age should have possessed. A few times Munk walked Plato back to Jenny’s den only to return to his own bed and wake up the next morning with Plato curled up by his feet.
Tonight was no different. Munk had started the night watch at his usual perch on the tire, enjoying the peace and quiet of the night, when the small padding of footsteps signalled the arrival of Plato.
“If Jenny finds you out here she’s going to have a conniption.” Munk muttered. Yet he did not immediately march Plato back to her den. Clearly no matter what they did Plato would eventually wind up finding Munk.
Plato sat down on the ground and stared up at him, too short to easily jump up onto the tire but clearly wanting to join him. His white face glowed in the moonlight.
“Well, Plato, why don’t you sit with me a while and help me keep watch. I could use the help.” Munk sighed and helped Plato up on the tire to sit next to him. “Let me know if you see anything unusual.”
Plato nodded and immediately stared up at the moon. Together they sat in silence until they were joined by another cat.
“’s that?” Plato pointed at the new arrival.
“That’s Alonzo.” Munk told him. “He’s going to take over the watch for the rest of the night.”
“I see you have a new apprentice.” Alonzo shook his head as he stood at the base of the tire. “At the very least you could have replaced me with someone taller.”
“This is Plato. Plato, this is Alonzo.” Munk kept an arm around Plato as tiny claws dug into his leg.
“Where’d you come from?” Alonzo leaned forward to sniff him. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.”
Plato squeaked and hid his face in Munk’s side.
“Best not to ask.” Munk murmured. “Plato, it’s alright. Alonzo’s just curious.”
No response.
“Well, we’re off to a good start.” Alonzo raised a brow. “I assume Jenny knows about the new kitten?”
“Yes. Plato’s supposed to be in her care but… well, he’s staying with me for tonight.” As soon as he said it he knew it was going to be more than a couple of nights. The look Alonzo was giving him confirmed it.
“Just tonight?”
“We’re working on feeling more comfortable with Jenny.” Munk said as Plato turned to look at Alonzo again.
“Ah.” Alonzo made a big show of looking around the clearing before leaning in closer to Plato and speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, sometimes I’m afraid of Jenny too, but she’s really very nice.”
“Spot.” Plato pointed at Alonzo’s head, then turned his own head to show off the white spot on the back of his head.
“What? Oh, yes, I suppose we do have similar spots.” Alonzo granted him a smile. “We’re practically twins.”
Plato chirped and reached for him. Begrudgingly Alonzo picked him up, wincing as Plato tried to get comfortable and kicked him on the ribs with his gangly limbs.
“How old are you? You sure you’re a kitten? Because I think you’re big enough to be a Jellicle Protector.” Both Alonzo and Munk knew it was an exaggeration, of course he could handle the weight, but Plato immediately wiggled free and tumbled out of his arms. “Hold on, where are you going?”
With surprising speed Plato scrambled off out of sight. Munk took off after him, signalling for Alonzo to stay behind and keep watch as originally intended. It didn’t take long for Munk to track Plato down and find him hiding inside a rusty pipe.
“Plato, you don’t have to hide.” Munk couldn’t fit into the pipe so he sat down near the entrance.
“’m too big.” It was the longest sentence Plato had said to him.
“You’re not. Alonzo was just joking.” Munk told him. “He doesn’t think you’re too big.”
“Am. ’s why… ’s why’m here.” Plato hid his face in his knees. “‘Only… only small kits go home’. ’m too big.”
Plato’s words were clearly remembered from someone else’s sentiments. A pang went through Munk’s heart at the thought of Plato being cast aside because he wasn’t a tiny bundle of fur. Sure, he was larger than the average kitten, and perhaps a little awkward, but that didn’t mean he didn’t deserve a home.
“Plato, you might not be in a human home, but you can have a home here.” Munk thoughtfully looked up at the moon. “You know, I bet you’re going to grow up and be very big and strong. Maybe even strong enough to be Jellicle Protector someday.”
“Huh?"
"Jellicle Protector. Like myself. Someone who uses their strength to take care of everyone in the tribe and makes sure that no one gets hurt. That could be you someday.”
A brief shuffling and Plato emerged from the pipe. “Me?”
“Yes. I think you can do it.” Munk reached out to him.
“Huh.” Plato allowed himself to be picked up again, this time settling quickly into Munk’s arms.
“Now let’s go find Alonzo and let him know you’re okay.” Munk nuzzled Plato’s head. “And you can help me keep watch for a while before we go to bed.”
“‘k.” Plato was asleep before they made it back to the tire, purring happily for the first time since he had been brought to the junkyard.
After a quick conversation with Alonzo Munk sat back up on the tire and held Plato in his arms, rocking the kitten back and forth and humming a lullaby. Whatever the next day brought they would face together.