Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron
"Open Your Heart"
Part One: Unfinished Business
By: Storm
Co-authored by: Kari Gilmore

Summary: Jettona has been on the good side of the law for a few weeks now. After a little shove from Katney (and Xavier), she decides to go on vacation and ends up getting snowed in with a stranger she hardly knows. And, Skylar finds herself in a bit of a mess herself, with a handsome knight in shining armor.

Author’s Note:

Hello all. It’s been a really long time since I put any new stories up onto this archive. My old stories under the name Storm T. Furlong are being re-written, after getting several questions and my lack of happiness with how the storyline was playing out. So with Kari Gilmore’s help the whole storyline is being re-written. Xavier (my Jake) is the only guest appearance in this part, and his character in whole has been tuned down a lot. I’ll send the stories in as I get them completed, and I hope the new revisions/revamps go over well with you all.
I personally like the new revamps, since I’ve tried to be more realistic then far fetched.

Now onto the story:

It's been a few weeks since Jettona had joined the SK's side. The blonde she kat sat at the kitchen table reading the paper. She was giving the appearance of it, since she was watching Katney and Jake sitting on the couch in the living room. Katney sensed it and looked over at her. Jettona quickly put her attention back to the news paper.

"Any good news?" Katney asked.

Jettona closed the paper and tossed it to the table, "Not really. The paper I was pretending to read was last Saturday's."

Xavier came in and glanced at Jettona, who in turn glanced back.

"What?" She asked.

"I'm katnapping you," he replied.

"Why may I ask?" Jettona asked.

"Good question," Katney said. "The idea of you katnapping Jettona makes me wonder. She better not come back with multiple tattoos and strange piercings."

Jettona looked at Katney strange, "That's the last thing I feel like getting. No needle is touching 'strange' body parts of mine. Tattoos, maybe later."

Jake laughed as Katney shook her head.

"It's Friday night and you're sitting on your ass in here with these two love birds," Xavier said.

Jettona looked from the couple to Xavier, then to the scenery outside.

"This isn't some attempt for you to get me to date you is it?" Jettona asked raising an eyebrow.

"Do you really think I'd be * that * stupid?" Xavier asked. "You'd roast my ass with a fireball if I tried that. I just think you should come out and see the night life that's all."

Jettona smoothed the end of her ponytail a few times as Xavier came over and helped himself to a can of milk from the fridge. She then looked back at him and he did the 'well?' arm gesture.

"Sure," she said.

"Good," He said. " Even if you said no I was going to drag you out anyways."

Jettona glared at him, "How considerate of you."

He then ruffled her hair and walked towards the bedrooms. She gave a light growl as he passed her.

"Going?" Katney asked.

"Doesn't look like I got much of a choice," Jettona stated.

Chapter One

Jettona settled into the back booth. The bar they ended up in was modeled to look like a Irish pub. The booths reminded Jettona of over stuffed couch cushions. She traced a finger along the carved wood arm rest while she watched Xavier talk to the bartender. Jett took her hair out of the ponytail and began to twist a lock around a finger. Her attention then went to large window to the side of them, where she could see that it had started to rain. Xavier slipped back into the booth across from her and she smiled.

"This place is nice," She said.

"Yeah," Xavier said. "You look like something's bothering you."

Jett blinked, "Nothing's bothering me."

"You lie worse then I do," he replied.

Jett sighed and let her head rest against the high booth back. She then crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"It's about what I did to Jake," She said quietly.

Xavier uncrossed his arms and leaned onto his elbows to get a better look at her.

"You're feeling bad for your actions?" He asked. "Can't believe what you did?"

"You could say that," Jett said mimicking his lean.

"How much do you know about me Jett?" He asked.

"Very little," Jett admitted.

"Well," He said. "I know where your coming from. There was a span of a few years that I was less then angelic."

"You're less then angelic now," She replied.

He shook his head, "I became the perfect example that drugs can make the nicest toms into complete Evil assholes. I'm not proud of what I did, not one bit of it. Slowly I came to terms with what I did."

"Easier said then done," Jett said. "I hear you wake up sometimes, screaming."

"Besides the point," he said. "Try by first taking the time to look at your inner self. The real Jettona. Find out what you need to do in order to be at peace."

"Mediation you mean?" Jett asked.

He nodded and she sighed.

"What did you do to 'be at peace'?" She asked.

"I spent four months in Re-Hab and three months living with a tattoo artist," Xavier said.

"So that's why you have so many eh?" Jett asked.

"Yeah, he also did piercings, so what do you expect he'd do when he had too much spare time," Xavier replied.

"Make you into a pin cushion, " She teased.

He chuckled while she smirked, "You could also try a vacation you know."

"A vacation eh?" She asked.

"Yeah," he said. " Somewhere cold. With lots of snow. A little bird told me you love snow."

Jett looked back to the large window that gave a great view of the main street. It had already become dark outside.

"I'm getting a drink," Xavier said getting up. "You want anything?"

"You buyin'?" She asked.

"Wouldn't offer if I wasn't," he said.

"Well, since you put it that way," Jett said. "One of those 'Triple Black' drinks."

He nodded and walked over to the bar. She sighed and relaxed in the booth with her eyes closed. She sat there for a few moments quietly, letting the soft smell of the pub and the cool air soothe her. A little voice in the back of her head urged her to open her eyes. When she did the breath caught up in her throat. Jett got up from the booth and walked over to the large window. There on the side of the street closest to the pub was a brown tom with long black hair. Most of his face was hidden by hair, but something about him made you think 'demi-god'. His clothing looked like he stepped out of the late 70's by his suit jacket. It was a either a very dark blue or black, Jett couldn't quite tell the difference. Underneath he wore a blue t-shirt and jeans.

She blinked then rubbed her eyes, swearing it was a glimmer. She wasn't seeing who she thought she was seeing. Absentmindedly, she put one paw flat against the glass and watched the moisture lightly fog the glass. As she watched her paw the tom did the same, to where his paw was on the other side of hers.

"I'm sorry," She told the tom. "You have no idea how sorry I am."

"I'm not the one you need to apologize to," He said.

"Then who?" Jett asked.

"Them," He replied. "And don't play stupid. You know who I'm talking about."

Jett's eyes started to water and tears slowly went down her cheeks.

"Shadow..." She trailed off.

He gave a soft smile and put his other paw to the glass. She bit her lower lip.

"You know what to do," He said.

She blinked, and when she opened her eyes again he was gone. She then turned to look for Xavier. He was finished up at the bar and was now bringing over two tumbler glasses full of clear liquid and ice. She sat back down at the booth in unison with him.

"You look a little better," Xavier said. "What changed?"

She smiled and took a sip from her drink, "I made peace with one of my demons."

He returned the smile and she reached over and ruffled his semi-short purple hair.

"That's good to hear," he said, still smiling after she took her hand away.

She noticed a dart board next to where the bar was she then smirked.

"Wanna see if you can beat me at darts?" She asked.

"You'll go down in flames," He 'warned'.

Chapter Two

Two Weeks Later:

Jettona smiled to herself as she placed the final touches to her snow kat. She stepped back and put a finger to her chin, trying to figure out what it was missing. It had the carrot nose and blue scarf an even two pieces of coal as eyes. She then snapped her fingers and went to retrieve two branches so she could give it arms. Once she did that she sat down in the snow, kicking at it with her snow boot covered feet. Her pocket began to vibrate and give out a strange tune. She then fell back into the snow as she searched for the source.

She stared at the cell phone, which she recognized as the one Storm bought for her before the trip. She flipped it open and put it to her ear.

"Hey stranger," Katney's voice said on the other end.

"Hey yourself," Jettona said settling down into the snow. "Miss me already?"

"Aye. It's been at least two weeks since you called to let us know the plane didn't crash down with you on it," Katney replied.

"Already?" Jett asked. "It hasn't felt like that long."

"Have you met anyone intriguing yet?" Katney asked.

"Not yet. I haven't crept into town yet," Jett said. "You should see how beautiful this place is. There's snow all over the place."

"I think you should go and 'creep' into town," Katney said. "Get the makings for a big fancy dinner and invite the first tom you see who kindles your interest.'

"Are you implying I need to get some?" Jett asked.

"Yes," Katney said.

"Brat," Jett replied.

"Jake's just come in, you want to talk to him?" Katney asked.

"Only if he wants to talk to me," Jett said.

The sounds of the phone being passed came to Jett's ear and she rolled a snowball up in her free paw.

"So I heard you're in a little town," Jake said. "Everwood or something?"

She smirked, "Yeah. It's great. No one to bother me, hell, no one knows I'm even up here."

"That'll change," Jake said.

"Jake, have I told you that I'm sorry for what I did to you?" Jett asked.

"Sorta," he said.

"I want to apologize, but it feels weird to do it over the phone," Jett said. "Doesn't have the same effect as in person does."

"There's gonna be plenty of time for that when you come back," Jake said. "Take your time Jettona."

"I know. It's just I don't know when I'd get the chance to say it," Jett replied.

"We have to go and harass Chance. I'll call you back later," Jake said.

"Okay I have to go shopping anyways," Jett said.

Later:

Jett made her way through the canned goods aisle, holding the small basket with one paw. She could hear a few other kats talking in the small store and she tried not to draw too much attention to herself. She looked in her basket, then to a small index card she had put her grocery list on.

"Where the hell is the canned yams?" She asked herself.

She noticed movement in the corner of her eye and looked up. A tall tom with a medium build came into the aisle, pushing a cart. Jett studied him for a moment. He had light brown fur and shaggy dark brown hair. She wasn't sure of his eye color since he wore those strange blue tinted glasses. His jacket looked a lot like hers, with fur on the collar. But Jett's reached to her ankles and his ended mid thigh. She took in a breath then released it.

"Excuse me," She said. "You wouldn't know where the canned yams are would you?"

The tom looked at her then to the shelf, "You're right in front of it."

Jett looked straight in front of her and found a whole row of cans marked 'Canned Yams'. She felt the blush come to her cheeks before she could stop it.

"Oh," She said. "Best place to hide something is right in front of your face."

He smirked, "Not from around here are you?"

"I'm here on vacation," Jett said. "You?"

"I've lived here for a few years now," He said. "I'm Nazo Misuteri."

Jettona raised one eyebrow, "Your last name means 'Mystery' in Japanese."

"Not many make the connection," Nazo replied.

"Uh...." she started to say. " I've learned some Japanese from traveling. I'm Jettona."

"Just Jettona?" He asked.

"Yeah. Just Jettona," She said.

"Well 'Just Jettona'," Nazo said. "I need to finish my shopping. Have a nice day."

"Uh....You too," Jett replied.

She watched him walk away and then she put her attention back to her list. She double checked the can of yams she just put in her basket and then walked on to finish her shopping.

Chapter Three

Meanwhile, in Mega Kat City:

Skylar shivered slightly as the night air blew around her. It was a nice clear night and she figured a walk would clear her head. The park seemed fairly deserted, so she felt a little on edge. A lot of things had been bothering her. And the fear of being alone nipped at her heels. Her gaze was to her feet, watching her feet and the leaves as she walked. Her ears twitched from the sounds of the park and kept the small dagger in her pocket gripped in one paw. No one would think she had one, since both her paws were in her pockets.

She heard someone whistle, and she sped up her walking. She heard the fall of more foot steps come in time with hers. She suddenly stopped walking and the sound of a switchblade made her ears perk up.

"Well lookie what we go here," a voice said.

Skylar turned around and noticed four rather nasty looking toms giving her the stare down. She cleared her throat and started to back away, only to hit one of the park's tall stone fences. Suddenly cornered, she watched the kat with wide eyes.

The tom who Skylar figured was the leader stepped forward and took strands of her hair into his paw and sniffed them. Skylar then remembered the knife in her pocket and tried to pull it out. The dagger was caught in a rip of her pocket.

"Now we don't want you to go and run off before you show us a little love," the leader purred in her ear.

"Dream on!" Skylar exclaimed, spitting in his face for good measure.

He then grabbed her face with one large hand and made her lips pucker out.

"I think I might just teach you some manners," he said.

Skylar cursed her luck and wished she had brought some other means to defend herself. The training her mother suggested kicked in, but when she went to knee the tom in the groin he only flinched and put the blade to her neck. He put the point to the hollow of her neck and pressed down. She tried to scream, but his paw held it back.

"HEY Asshole!" a voice yelled.

Skylar blinked at the sudden appearance of a black motorcycle with its strange tom driver. The tom sped down the walkway and whipped the bike around, knocking two of the thugs onto their backs. The tom's face was hidden underneath a black helmet that had a strange bat design spray painted on it. All you could see was a long thick braid of black hair.

"And, who the hell do you think you are?" the leader asked, looking at the stranger.

Skylar took his distraction as a good moment to use the one trick her father taught her. She rammed her fists into the tom's stomach and he let go, choking for air. The two fallen toms recovered and took out their weapons of choice. One had a logging chain, and the other had some sort of short baseball bat. Skylar extended her claws as the one with the short baseball bat came her way. In a flurry of punches and kicks the tom was down, and this time for the count.

Her eyes went to the tom who had ridden in on the black motorcycle, who, while she was busy, had launched himself onto kat gang leader. The leader sent the strange tom to the ground, knocking off his helmet. Most of his hair was black, except for a large streak of white where his bangs were. His fur was a pale grey/off white color, and he had light green eyes. He had a slim shape to him, but had enough definition to him that you knew he was a lot stronger then he looked.

"Tryin' to save your whore, Pretty boy?" the leader sneered.

Skylar grabbed the fallen tom's bat and swung it at the tom armed with the logging chain. The bat collided with his windpipe, sending him to the ground, coughing and gagging for air.

"First, the name’s Axel!" the tom yelled. "And, second, she isn't a whore!"

Right in front of her eyes Skylar noticed Axel's paws glow with bright red and orange light. Flames then erupted from them, and he flung the balled mass of flames at the leader, who in return screamed and got hit in the chest by it. He landed onto his back with the front of his chest smoking, but still breathing. The last thug took one look at Axel and bolted in the opposite direction.

Skylar felt a trickle going down her neck and put a paw to the source. Her fingers came back with blood. Axel came towards her, paws raised to show he meant no harm.

"Gonna be alright?" he asked.

"I will be," Skylar replied.

He fished around in one of his cargo pants pockets and produced a handkerchief. He then gave it to her and she tied it around her neck tight enough to slow down the bleeding, but not tight enough to affect her breathing. She then picked up his helmet and handed it to him.

"Next time try to bring some pepper spray," he replied, starting to walk past her. "Oh, and nice moves."

"Nice fireball attack," Skylar returned.

He looked back at her and flashed a smile she returned with one of her own. He then walked back up to her and bowed.

"I'm sorry my manners must have run away from me. I'm Axel," he said after bowing.

"Skylar," she said. "Thanks for that rescue."

He then gently took one of her paws into his own two and kissed it in a sweet gesture. She bit her lower lip and took her paw away once he released it.

"You're welcome. It annoys me that some kats in this world can't find some better use of their time," he said.

"I know what you mean," Skylar said, trying her best not to become a giggling school girl at the sight of him.

Somehow, Axel knew this, "Relax, Skylar. Everyone can look school girlish sometimes... Usually they giggle uncontrollably at my voice."

He then offered his arm to her, "Can I interest you into walking with me?"

Skylar took a last look at the toms who had attacked her, who didn't look like they'd move any time soon.

"Sure," she said, taking the offered arm.

They began to walk the well worn side walk of the park.

"So, you from around here?" he asked, making conversation.

"Yeah," Skylar replied. "You?"

"I was left on a doorstep here. I'm guessing my birth mother didn't have the means to raise me," Axel said.

"That's too bad," she said.

"Things happen I guess," Axel said. "But, nothin' beats having so many Fatherly and Motherly figures in your life. Bikers are good for that."

Skylar blinked, "Raised by bikers?"

He looked a little nervous, "Yeah. They're great to me. I just discovered the whole fireball thing two years ago. Just got the hang of it."

"I think it's pretty cool," she replied.

He then gave a nervous smile, "I found out who my birth mother was earlier this year. And, it actually worried me a little bit."

"Was she bad or something?"

"Well.... She.... she was. I found out that she kept on having run ins with the Swat Kats."

He then patted her paw with his own, "But, it’s no matter."

"Really?" Skylar asked.

"Yeah. I mean how crazy is it to find out that your mother's name is Jettona?" he asked.

Now that statement made Skylar stop in her tracks, "Jettona?"

"Yeah, what's wrong?" he asked.

"My parents have a friend named Jettona," she said. "Probably not the same she-kat."

"Probably," Axel said. "So, do you always go on walks by yourself at night?"

"If I did, I would have probably stopped after what happened earlier," she said.

They made it to where his cycle had skidded to, and he glanced at it for a moment.

"Say, ever been on a motorcycle ride?" he asked.

"Not really," she said.

"Would you like me to drive you home?" he asked.

"Sure," she said. "If it isn't out of the way."

He gave a smile, "It's not."

"Alright," she replied.

He then gave her a dark blue helmet and climbed onto the cycle and she climbed on behind him.

"This is one nice bike," she said.

"Thanks," he said. "Better hold on tight. I don't go slow."

"Neither does my uncle," she said.

"Will they kill you or me for you showing up on a cycle?" he asked.

"I doubt it," Skylar replied.

He then revved it up, and she made sure her arms were tight enough around his waist. He then sped off, surely leaving black marks on the sidewalk. He darted around cars to and fro, making Skylar cringe at the near misses. The fast speed was slowed down then finally stopped at a red light.

"Where do you live?" Axel asked.

"Salvage Yard," Skylar replied.

"Wait....Jake & Chance's Salvage Yard?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said. "My dad and his friend own it."

He turned back to look at her, "So, you're telling me you're a Clawson?"

"Uh-huh," Skylar said.

"Wait a minute...." He started to ask something as the light had turned green.

Skylar tried to hear what he asked, but the sounds of car horns and engines drowned him out. He then sped off again. Once they made it to the yard he took off his helmet and looked at her strangely for a moment. She in turn slipped off the cycle and took off the borrowed helmet.

"You're telling me that a twenty eight year old tom has a nineteen year old daughter?" Axel asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a long story," Skylar said.

"I think Jake's gonna bombard you with questions cause I can see him watching us through the window there," Axel said, nodding to the window.

Skylar turned around to look and noticed Xavier at the window. She waved at him and he returned it.

"Try to keep yourself out of trouble, Sky," he said, pulling his helmet back on.

"Thanks again," she replied.

"No problem," he said. "Keep the helmet."

"Oh, thanks," she said.

He smiled under the helmet, "Take care, pretty one."

He then sped off and Sky blinked, then fanned herself.

"What a hunk," she purred to herself.

She turned around to walk back in and noticed Xavier behind her. He gave her that classic 'Now where have you been?' Jake look.

"Had a nice walk?" he asked.

"Mmm hmm," Skylar said.

She glanced down at the dark blue helmet in her paws and made her way back inside.

"Your mood has surely brightened since this morning," Xavier said as he followed her inside.

Sky closed the door behind them. X sat back down on the couch and she sat down next to him.

"Hey, Uncle X," she said.

"Yeah?" he asked.

"You remember Jettona talking about her son?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said. "What about it?"

"I just met him," she replied.

Xavier glanced over at her, "The tom on the bike?"

"Yeah. I'm sure of it; his name is Axel," Skylar said. "Where is she anyways?"

"Would you believe Colorado?" he asked.

"For how much longer?" Skylar asked.

"Good question," X replied. "Jett's gonna have a heart attack when she hears this."

Chapter Four

Jettona yawned as she stretched her arms high above her head. She had nothing against the peace and quiet of her cabin. But, she did miss the sounds of the kittens practicing their songs in the living room. The stillness made her think of her life and how it had seemed to amount to nothing compared to her sister Tigera's. Tigera had a husband who loved her and would be there for her even when they were sleeping. She cringed, remembering her actions from when Tigera was in High School. Her jealously made her do some things she wasn't proud of.

Like give up her son to kats she knew would raise him to be good. Probably one of the few decisions she made then that didn't involve herself gaining something from it. It hurt her beyond words to give him up. She put up a barrier so no one could see her pain, but Tigera always knew.

She kept up with the biker couple who she gave Axel to. He grew up without a hitch, not an ounce of Satan tendencies to him. At least til two years ago, when his paws started to glow with fire.

A knock on her front door sent Jettona back to reality. She slipped out of bed and padded her way to the living room, eyebrow raised. One paw started to glow and pop with fire as she neared the door.

"Who's there?" she asked.

"It's Nazo," the voice said. "We met earlier today at the market."

"What, did you follow me here?" she asked.

"No. My SUV conked out on me a few miles back. You're the only one who answered the door. Please let me in; it's damn cold out," he said.

Jettona let the fire slowly fade away as she opened the door. A large gust of wind brought in snow flakes alongside Nazo Misuteri, who wore a much heavier coat this time. She then closed and locked the door behind him.

"Looks pretty nasty out there," Jett said.

"Try walking in it," he replied.

"I'll get you something hot to drink," she replied.

She walked towards the kitchen as Nazo looked around her living room.

"Nice place you got here," he replied.

"It's not much," Jett said busying herself with instant coco. "But, it's a great place to escape the big city."

She glanced back to see him walk into the kitchen. He then leaned up against the counter almost too close to her.

"There's something other worldly about you that I just can't place," he said.

She gave him a tall cup of coco then went to her fridge, searching for leftovers.

"I'm from the south, way down south," she said. "I just came out to these parts a few weeks ago."

He nodded and took a sip of the coco.

"Do you have someone you need to call?" she asked. "Wife perhaps so she won't freak out that you're not home?"

"I'm not married," Nazo said. "I'm not exactly the marrying type."

"Neither am I," Jett said.

He studied her for a few moments, and she rubbed the back of her neck. He then looked into the living room again as she put a container of leftovers into the microwave.

"Now I remember," Nazo said. "I had studied mythology last year...."

Jettona waited for the startling 'you're a villain!' line and a threat of calling the Enforcers.

"You're a daughter of Satan, aren't you?" he asked.

She took in a short breath then looked out the window, "Yes. Go ahead and call the Enforcers."

"And, why the hell would I do a thing like that?" he asked.

"Because that's what I expect a kat to do when they discover who I am," Jett said.

"Give me some credit here," Nazo said. "Sounds like you have problems trusting kats."

"That's me alright," Jett replied.

She noticed the microwave timer had shut off, and she took the leftovers out and gave it to Nazo with a fork.

"I'm not the best cook in the world," she said. "But, it's food."

As he began to eat, Jett went over to the kitchen window and looked out into her front porch.

"It's really coming down out there," she commented. "Is there usually this much snow fall?"

"Yes," he said. "One thing Everwood is known for is its snowfall."

"I should have thought about that before showing up here," Jettona said.

He shrugged, "Your microwave bites."

She leaned close to him and put one paw above the container. Her paw became distorted slightly by invisible flames. She then removed her paw, and he took another bite.

"Perfect," he said.

Jett made herself busy by checking the scenery outside. Snow had piled up high enough to cover the first four inches of two bottom squares of the window.

"Looks like you're gonna be here for awhile," she said.

"You always this talkative?" he asked, raising a eyebrow. "Or afraid of silence?"

"It's hard to explain," Jett said. "I haven't been the most social shekat, so small talk isn't one of my best skills."

He gave a half shrug, "Happens to everyone."

Chapter Five

Jett yawned as she watched Nazo stretch. His back was to her since he had been working on getting the fire going again.

"I could give it a boost you know," she said.

"That would be cheating," Nazo said. "I like to think I can remember how to start a fire."

She watched his attempt go fruitless again. She sat down next to him and watched the logs and coal in the fire place. She made a small fire ball in her partially closed paws and let it drift to the still sparkling coal and wood. He watched as it landed onto the wood and the fire roared to life, giving the room a slight orange glow. Jettona eased back again and admired her handy work. Nazo removed his coat and she took it from him. She got up and hung it on her coat tree.

"How does it look outside?" he asked.

She opened the heavy drapes of the biggest window of the room. She then gestured to the white wall that greeted her there.

"There's your answer," she replied.

Nazo winced, "Guess we're gonna be stuck here for awhile."

"Good thing I went grocery shopping earlier today," she mused.

She sat down on the rug and exhaled. They remained there for a few minutes, the only sound coming from the crackling fire and their breathing.

“You’re talking my ear off,” he said.

She softly smiled, “I know. Should be a crime.”

“So, why aren’t you the marrying type?” he asked.

Jett played with the ragged bottom hem of her sweat pants. She had snipped off the gathered cuff and left the rough edge. She disliked the feeling of tightness around her ankles.

“Marriage isn’t something that is spoken fondly of in my family. Though there has been some who have married,” she said.

“You ever see yourself married with kittens?” he asked.

She glanced at him, “Have you even been watching TV these last few years? I was a villain for a better part of my life. I don’t see anyone wanting to marry me. Besides…. I already have a son.”

“What’s his name?” Nazo asked.

“Axel,” she said softly. “He’s nineteen. I haven’t seen him for years it feels like.”

She felt like her eyes were about to burst with tears until she blinked them away.

“What about you?” she asked.

He gave a slight chuckle, “I’ve been told I’m too wild to wed. I think everykat wants to settle down someday with someone they love. Spend the rest of their existence loving someone. Then loving their kittens.”

“I asked about you, not everykat,” she said.

“I want all those thing someday,” he said, staring into the fire. “I had loved someone a long time ago, and she slipped out of my fingers. Feels like I’ve been searching for her for centuries.”

She glanced at the clock, realizing it was past the normal time she would settle down to sleep.

“This’s probably the latest I’ve stayed up in the last few weeks,” she said.

“Oh?” he asked.

“Yeah it’s around one am, and, usually, I’m in bed by ten-thirty pm,” she said.

“For an ex-villain I’d expect you to be up until the wee hours of the morning,” he said.

She snorted, “You’re hilarious you know that?”

“So I’ve been told,” he said.

She rubbed the back of her neck; she was becoming very tired.

“Um, I don’t know if the couch is very comfortable,” she said.

“It isn’t,” he said. “I have one just like it at my cabin. It’s like sleeping on an old foam mattress.”

She became nervous, in spite of knowing that before she became mortal, she was able to get the toms eating out of her paw by now.

As she chewed her bottom lip, she glanced at him, “I could share my bed with you. I have electric blankets and an unusually high body temp. A cold kat’s best friend.”

He looked to be thinking about this.

“Of course, you’ll have your own set of blankets and I’d have my own too,” she said.

“I can agree with that,” he said.

She got up and stretched, “This way, if you’re ready to call it a night.”

“Not yet,” he said.

“Well,” she said. “It’s the last door in on the right side of the hallway. Don’t worry about waking me. I sleep like the dead I’ve heard.”

The angle she was looking at him reminded Jettona of somekat she couldn’t quite remember. She shook off the thought and made her way back to her bedroom.

“Sweet dreams,” Nazo called back to her.

Jettona found herself glancing back at him before closing the bedroom door.

End of Part One