A NEW DAWN

By Rio

Storyline by Rio and Anna-Karin Larsson

Chapter One - June

Moving around the rusting gate, Khan bent to sweep aside a few shards of a broken bottle that had been carelessly cast aside. Straightening up, he turned to the tribe, taking in their expressions as he spoke. "Well, here we are."

Victor was positively glowing, his hand gripping Cheetera's hand fiercely, his eyes bright. She looked equally delighted. Her head rested against his shoulder and she whispered something to him.

Nicole was looking around with detached interest. Starcatcher, holding Mattie's hands in his, seemed to be somewhat glazed over, as if unable to believe he finally had somewhere to call home. His mate had a radiant expression on her features, moving closer to him.

Fawn was rubbing her hands together, staring up and down at the bus. She moved a little closer to the grey-charcoal tom, touching his arm. Looking from the towering wreck of a bus that stood over them, he glanced at her, almost smiling. "What do you think?" She asked softly.

He looked up again. "Hmm..." He feigned deep thought for a long moment. "It's a freaking double decker bus."

"No." Khan corrected, gazing up at the double-decker ruin. "It's two freaking buses. There's another one on the other side."

Starcatcher chuckled softly, drawing his rainbow mate to him and kissing her softly on the lips. "It's great, Khan." He hugged Mattie closer to him and felt her purr of happiness and pleasure. They were free! They had a home!

"No!" Topper stamped a foot petulantly. "It's all wrong! There have to be three buses! Its a rule! Buses travel in groups of three, no more! No less!" He pouted in the Warlock's direction. "You need another bus."

Khan's lips threatened to rise, a twitch of a smile playing there. "Unfortunately, that is currently beyond my somewhat limited capabilities."

"Uh..." Topper blinked at the well-educated Himalayan. "Huh?"

Nicole grinned at him. "He said he can't get another bus, Tops."

"Then why didn't he just say that?" The grey demanded. Imitating wickedly, he rolled his eyes in mock-annoyance, his merry mood contagious. "'Somewhat limited capabilities...' By Rumpus...you sound like Rumblepurr."

Khan nodded. "My sincerest comiserations for the inadequacy of the arrangement for your exclusive tastes." Topper looked suitably blank. "However, I do believe there will be fitting compensation when I complete the exhibition of our territory."

"Help?" Topper's voice was tiny.

"He's got something cool to show ya." Nicole murmured softly from his other side, winking over at the Himalayan.

"Something cool? What is it?" Khan's brow lifted a fraction. "Tell me." The other brow lifted a little, his head cocking. "Oh, come on!" A tiny smirk curved Khan's lips up. "Please?"

The Himalayan faked a sigh of misery. "But you were so disappointed with the two buses, Topper." He shook his head. "I don't think you'll appreciate the...quaintness of this remarkable object."

"Tell me!"

"We have a..." He paused. Topper looked ready to shriek. Mattie muffled a giggle in her mate's fur, felt a rumble of laughter tickle through him. "No, I can't tell you. You'll be disappointed."

"Khan!"

"But I am only doing this for your benefit, Topper." By now, the two queens on either side of the grey tom were sniggering and Victor and Cheetara were fighting to keep their faces straight. "I would be frightfully ashamed to upset you."

"Upset me? Upset me?" Grabbing the Himalayan by his thick chest fur, Topper gave him a firm shake and wailed. "I'm upset already! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!" He shook the cream tom for emphasis with every screeched. "Tell me!"

Khan blinked stupidly, then broke into a grin. "All right," Straightening up, he carefully pushed Topper's hands from him. "Mind the fur and I might tell you...we have a..." He looked at the queens, who were giggling. "Ladies, I would be most obliged if you would cease your mirth."

"KHAN!"

"Pinkcadillac."

The grey double-blinked. "Wha...?"

"We...erm...we have a Pink Caddilac."

Topper's eyes grew huge. "A Pink caddy? Seriously?" Khan nodded. "Lemme get this straight...they have a flying tire, an oven and an old car with an illegal registration plate...we have two buses and a caddy?" Khan nodded again. "Cool! I think I'm going to love this place!"

Nicole reached over and squeezed his hand fondly. "Strange taste and we still love ya anyway, Caddy." She chuckled. "But how about we let Mister Magicko finish his show before you decide if you like the place."

"I wanna see the caddy!"

Victor smiled faintly. "Khan," He remarked in a reprimanding tone. "You forgot to tell the boy about the tree houses." Topper gaped at him, looking about ready to faint from sheer delight.

"I had my reasons for that, Leader." The Himalayan waved a hand up and down in front of Topper's glazed-over, grinning face. "As you can see, I did not need to employ any abilities..." He flicked his fingers and Topper yelped, an electric spark zapping his nose. "But the Lady Nicole is correct. We must let you find your rooms."

Rubbing his nose indignantly, Topper looped his arms through both Nicole and Fawn's, flashing a wide grin at Fawn. "Okay. I wanna have first dibs on the tree houses or the caddy, 'kay? I'm important, like. I'm the Chronicler."

"And you take priority over the Leader?" Starcatcher cocked his head.

Topper grinned widely. "Naturally!"

One black arm rose slowly until it was parallel to the ground, level with the focused black and white face. "You must be aware of everything at once." The muscular arm swung in a smooth motion motion, replaced with the other muscular appendage.

So we look like we're doing ballet, Sebastian watched the Sentinel with a nod, almost letting a grin escape when the huge black and white made a movement that reminded him of a routine during the Jellicle Ball.

"Now, you try." Stepping back with a bow reminiscent of a Sensai in Japan, Quaxo watched neutrally, as Sebastian repeated the flowing, steady motions perfectly. There was only a flicker on the Sentinel's stoic features when a lilt of music whispered in the air. "I do not believe you are taking this seriously, Sebastian."

The younger black and white glanced at him. After Quaxo, he - Sebastian - was called the most serious and broody person in the yard. "My pardon, Sentinel." He cocked his head slightly, moving alongside Quaxo again.

"Perhaps we should attempt it in unison?" Quaxo's question brooked no refusal, the younger standing a step behind the older Sentinel to follow the correct motions that the superb fighter displayed.

Raising his left arm, the Sentinel, raised his hand to the level of his face, his other arm bent parallel to his broad chest. He glanced at Sebastian, who immediately assumed the position and nodded gravely.

The moment the older tom looked away, though, there was the merry sprightly tune of a waltz shrilling through the air. The junior Sentinel from the Heathrow tribe vainly attempted to look innocent, stopping himself from bouncing on the spot.

"You are in an...unusual mood today?"

Sebastian bit the inside of his lip. How could he tell the Sentinel that he was in the same mood as always? It just was usually unnoticed, what with the lurking and the hiding in shadows and the brooding and whatnot.

"Pardon again, Sentinel." Quaxo started to look away, when the younger Sentinel started to Cha-Cha on the spot, barely moving. The latino rhythm started immediately, drums beating through the air and Quaxo fought down a smile.

There was a long pause, as Sebastian pulled his feet back under his control. The younger of the two massive black and whites loved to dance. Despite his size, he was surprisingly graceful and it was driving his trainer to distraction.

Every time they started a set of defence motions, the tom would find a dance to match it. Every two minutes Quaxo would stop himself, almost caught up in some catchy salsa tune or...

He shuddered. How Sebastian had learned a dance routine to a tune that humans called 'Night Fever', he just did not wish to know.

"If I may, Sentinel..." He nodded. "Why are these moves so important? They don't seem to be anything more than blocking and defence tactics. Are you going to teach me about attack?"

"Please recall what I taught you yesterday, Sebastian." The younger nodded. "To attack, unless seriously provoked, is both foolish and dangerous. Defence is far more important, but if you wish to see how our steps will help you..." He gestured for the younger tom to sit.

Moving to the edge of the car, Sebastian glanced around the quiet yard, noticing several people appear, watching the scene as Quaxo moved calmly to the centre of the open ground. Whatever was about to happen, he could sense the interest and excitement. Unusual.

Straightening to his full height, the huge Sentinel inhaled a long, slow breath, pressing his palms together, level with his sternum. His eyes closed for a moment, a breathless hush settling over the random observers.

What occured next was quite literally breathtaking.

Every slow, careful movement the Sentinel had taught his junior counterpart the day before flowed together in a display of skill and speed. It was incredible to see the black and white blur that was Quaxo punching and kicking, ducking and weaving.

"Try to attack me, Sebastian." His voice was a low growl. The younger took up the generally known attack stance and waited until his senior was within range, but he never even got one hit.

The motions were so fluid, so swift, Sebastian managed a squeak of shock, when he was suddenly flipped onto his belly and pinned down by his elder.

Panting lightly, Quaxo straightened up and pulled Sebastian to his feet. "You see, little brother." He growled. "Defence is by far more important than attack." He paused, drawing a huge breath. "However, I will show you several...killing blows, lest you need them."

Sebastian brushed the dust from his chest, glancing around the yard and praying that he was not about to be used as a punch bag again, as an example. Quaxo seemed to see his apprehension.

"We should find someone so I can properly display the attack stances for you." He gestured to younger tom to follow, prowling off towards one of the sidelines of the yard, just outside the infirmary, where several cats lay in the sun.

Sebastian glanced down with distracted interest. Shadowdancer was not present, but his mate was. Leaning against the side of the tub, her pure white kitten was suckling quietly on her breast.

Curled on a small blanket beside her, a less familiar feline lay, asleep. Black and white - like him - her head was pillowed on Sundancer's thigh, a small patterned kitten drowsily mewling in the crook of her arm.

She was unusually thin and delicate-looking, even for a member of the tribe. Pretty though. Sebastian cocked his head slightly, trying to see her face. All he could make out was the white diamond of fur on her face.

Pulling his attention away, he looked over at Quaxo. The Sentinel was inquiring as to the location of Shadowdancer and Sebastian felt a surge of gleeful pity for the poor black tom cat.

"Come, Sentinel." Quaxo turned to him, after Sunny replied with a laugh and caution not to damage her beloved to much.

Sebastian glanced down at the black and white queen again, wondering where the father of her kitten was. She shouldn't be left on her own without the tom, when she's so tired, he decided firmly.

It was only when he caught Sundancer smiling up at him, a knowing look in her eye, that he turned swiftly and trotted after Quaxo.

"So it is settled?"

Casting a despairing glance in the direction of the Cadillac, the flecks of pink still visible beyond the dumpsters, Topper whimpered. "But we have a Caddy and no one is using it..."

"No one apart from the human infants." Khan reminded him. He was sitting an the bottom of the steps of the bus nearest the gate. The guardian and Chronicler glanced over in frustration at the large pink automobile, clearly wanting the car. "Do you know where the other members of our group have selected for their lairs, Chronicler?"

The grey tom brightened at his title. "Starcatcher and Mattie managed to build a narrow ladder to the roof of the deserted shed with the crates." He gestured to the building that had once been a garage. "There was a broken window in the roof and it seems safe enough inside. They've found some old chests with linen and they'll bring it down once they've made themselves comfortable."

Khan nodded, rubbing his neck pensively. He had hoped someone would accept the shelter provided by the old shack. They did have the buses, that was true, but they seemed more adept to serving as meeting points.

Or at least one of them would. Possibly as an Infirmary and Nursery when the time came too.

The shack was old, but spacious with two large levels. Clearly abandoned, it was dangerous for the hefty humans to lumber around in, but Jellicles knew how to be lightfooted and - despite his size - Starchaser was no exception.

"Vic and Cheetara have placed dibs on the top deck of the Victoria." Topper gestured to the other bus. This one was in slightly better condition, although it did have it's share of grafitti and broken windows. "Vic says they'll keep a space for Seb up there, when he finally decides to join us."

"I'll stick around here." Nicole swung down the staircase behind Khan, dropping onto her haunches beside him. "Hope you don't mind, mister mysticilees." He gave her a faint smile. "I'll take that as a no, I don't mind."

He shook his head. "Of course I don't mind." He squeezed her hand gently. "I didn't want to be the only one out in this heap on my lonesome." He glanced wistfully up at the bus and they did not need to be told who he was thinking of. "Fawn is setting out where the infirmary section will be, is she not?"

Nicole grinned. "This is gonna be the Magic bus." She replied, gesturing for Topper to sit with her. "She's sectioned off one side near the stairs for the infirmary, as if we're gonna need it now. There ain't enough of us."

"That leaves me to do what I like, huh?" Topper practically pounced the red-gold queen, who shrieked and batted at him. "Can I take one of the tree houses?" He nodded to the tree furthest from the bramble bushes that obscured the front of the yard, near the high brick wall at the back.

Apparently, the lot had been intended to be a childrens play area, with old dumpsters cleaned and prepared as climbing objects and rope ladders half-strung between the trees with small house-shaped forts built in their branches.

However, whatever had ceased the construction had lead the yard to - once again - become a dump site. It was very different to the yard of the senior tribe, but it had enough to make them feel at home.

"Are they safe?" Fawn dubiously looked over at the tree houses, carefully picking her way down the staircase.

Topper nodded eagerly. "They were made with some weird, thick wood. All I need to do is block the biggest openings up with wood and things and I'll have a perfect little house." He pointed to his chosen home, the southernmost tree that stood between the wall of a warehouse and the other bus. "It even has a front door!"

"Simple things amusing simple minds, I see." Starcatcher called from across the lot, a smile creeping onto his face. He was helping Mattie down from the crates that they used to reach the window to enter the shed that stood perpendicular to the warehouse.

Topper dignified him with a mature gesture and stuck his tongue out. "Just because you wanna live in an attic."

"It's a building." Mattie replied with a happy grin. Something about the queen seemed to be practically glowing with life, her eyes dancing and a permanent smile plastered on her pretty, colourful features. "Buildings are great things."

"Yeah," Topper nodded wisely. "They're so big and hard and wall-y."

Khan smothered a smile, glancing at Victor. "You are content, Leader?" He asked, receiving a wide grin from the tabby. Cheetara had her arm through the Leader's and looked equally bright.

"Incredibly." He replied, nodding around. "I just wish that May..." He shook himself, looking to Cheetara and receiving the gentle reassuring smile that was growing increasingly familiar from the pretty young queen. "What about you, Khan?"

The Himalayan did not appear to hear him, gazing up at the red brick wall of the old warehouse. Victor cocked a brow, looking up at the wall and seeing nothing. Topper shrugged and looked eagerly over at his house.

"Wanna come and see?" He demanded. "It's really cool!"

Nicole and Fawn both shrugged their assent, while Victor lead Starcatcher, Mattie and Cheetara up into the upper level of the bus past the mystic. He was oblivious, his expression neutral, his blue eyes focused.

"Guess lover boy's thinking of Stareye." Nicole murmured, climbing the half-broken rope ladder that was trailing along the ground, ascending to Topper's house.

Fawn nodded. "Poor guy's got it bad."

"And the great big red wall reminds him of her?" Topper smirked at them. "That's what I call romantic."

Back on the step of the bus, Khan let the growing unease appear in the slightest wrinkle of a frown on his smooth, domed brow. Resting his hands on his knees, he stared up at the wall.

Something about it seemed...odd.

"Khan?" He raised his head slightly at Victor's voice, half-forcing a small smile. "Do you want to tell me what's eating you?"

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean."

Victor squatted down beside him. "Don't lie to me, Khan." He spoke quietly and Khan was pleased to note the faint edge of authority that was creeping into the young leader's voice. "I know something is worrying you. What is it?"

"It's just a feeling, Leader." He distractedly looked to the wall again. "I am not certain what it is...something feels rather..." He spread his gold-cream hands in a shrug. "It feels strange."

Victor's frown matched that of the warlock. "Is it a threat?"

Khan shook his head slowly. "Not necessarily." He replied. "It's...you recall the human words - someone walking over your grave?"

"When they feel uneasy?"

"Exactly. I have that feeling. It may be nothing, but..."

"But it may be something?" Khan nodded again. Victor glanced up at the voices of the others descending the stairs. "Keep me informed, Khan." He murmured, touching the mystic on the shoulder. "Anything of import, report to me."

The Himalayn rose to stand level with the Leader. "Of course." He gave a small bow, then glanced around. "Perhaps we ought to set up the posts for guardians and the magical talismans, before we do anything else, Leader?"

"That sounds good to me." Flashing a grin at Cheetara, Victor touched the tom's hand fondly. "You do what you must and we will arrange the Sentinel and Guardian posts. Sebastian should be joining us soon."

Khan bowed deeply once again, moving away to do what he had to, his small satchel of tokens from Mistoffelees materialising in his hand.

"So you comprehend the necessity for defence over attack." Shadowdancer did not even look over when he heard the voice of the Sentinel approaching. He was on his way to the nursery, to find his mate.

As usual, she was looking after the little black and white queen, both of them nursing kittens born on the same day: his and Sunny's son and Domino's little black, white and gold daughter.

"But if you must attack, it is necessary to do it with speed and cunning." Quaxo's voice was closer. No doubt he was still training the Sentinel of Victor's tribe, the big black and white tom. He - Shadowdancer - had often been called into help Quaxo with traning brought from 'the other side', as the tribe liked to call it.

He was about to glance around to greet them, when he felt a foot connect firmly with the back of his knee. His leg buckled, the force enough to knock him off balance. He almost fell back, when an arm locked around his neck.

"QUA-!" Another hand was cheerfully clapped over his mouth, his eyes wide in surprise. The Sentinel's knee kept his legs pushed away from his, holding the black tom off-balance.

"You see." Sebastian was standing in front of the pair, trying desperately hard not to laugh out loud at poor Shadowdancer's shocked expression. "Speed is of the essense in attack. You must catch them off-guard and silently."

Shadowdancer managed to utter a squeal from behind the large white hand.

"How would you perform the killing blow in this position?" Sebastian clinically examined the position, ignoring the glare from the large black tom cat.

Quaxo shifted one arm, lowering his hand from Shadowdancer's mouth. "This is the neck blow." He replied, gesturing to the position of his hand. "To kill like this, you would not stop in this position..."

"C'mon, Quax...what did I ever do to you? Just cos I'm a black cat..." The hand was replaced over his mouth and Shadowdancer whimpered as the Sentinel shifted his arms slightly, his voice calm.

"Instead of stopping, as soon as you had your arm here..." Sebastian followed the line of the arm. "One swift jerk would or at least should be sufficient for someone of your size to snap the neck of someone of his size." He lifted his forearm and elbow slowly, to show how the attack would work. "Have you understood?"

Sebastian nodded. "Arm round his neck, jerk up hard under his chin and...snap. No more big uglies?" Muffled grumbles came from the former Enforcer, his eyes narrowed in hurt at the black and white. "Oh...pardon, Guardian. I did not mean to suggest that you are..."

Quaxo released the black, who rubbed his throat with a wince. "At least warn me when you're going to pull something like that!" He complained bitterly. "I had Pro for training last night. I'm a walking bruise!"

"Poor dear." Quaxo actually smiled down at him and he faked a scowl. "I'm sure Sunny will kiss those bruises better."

That seemed to brighten the Guardian up a fraction, until he found himself bent backwards over the Sentinel's thigh, his feet skittering on the ground. One white hand pressed down on his windpipe and he managed to grunt. "Quaxo!"

The Sentinel chuckled. "Just think of all those bumps and bruises that will have to be kissed better, Shadowdancer."

The black's grumbles dried up almost immediately.

"Now, Sebastian, to perform this manuever..."

Peering around the gate, the Warlock sniffed the air. He was in the human area now, but there did not seem to be any present. The pouch slung on his shoulder swung heavily against his hip as he stepped through the gate, which was ajar.

Several huge dumpsters full of leftover food and refuse stood against one wall. A door was in the same wall, to the right of the gate, a scent of food wafting from the window beside it. So that was where the human children emerged from...

Against the opposite wall, several large, metal cylinders stood. They - too - were filled with rubbish, mainly papers and the like. A large rusting old skip with a wheel missing haphazardly leaned against the wall.

Moving a little closer to the door, his nostrils flared, the delicious scent of succulent, smelling food drifting on the warm air. That meant that there would probably be some scraps of food at the very least.

If he recalled his location right, in comparison to the high street on the far side of the buildings, this was a cafe, or some kind of strange eating location. It was rather interesting to look at too: colourful with stalls and barstools and a large jukebox in the corner of the eating area.

If their eating area looked so unusual, the Warlock pondered, it explained why they had that car that Topper was so obsessed with. Old-fashioned and certainly a rarity. It all seemed to fit together neatly.

He chuckled. Weird humans with weird taste...a weird taste that was shared by one of their junior guardians. If Topper had been human, he would have fitted right in with the humans who worked and lived here.

Still, he couldn't have them disturbing them in the yard.

Reaching into the satchel, he withdrew a small jewel. One day soon, he mused, tilting it in the dim light, he would have it fitted onto his collar, a pretty and powerful decoration that complimented his fur perfectly.

Moving to the gatepost, he placed a hand against the wood and brick, closing his eyes briefly. Yes, this would probably one of the most easily breached areas, along with the front gates - which were already hexed.

For once in his life, he had to thank his father. Because of the years spent training him for his supposed position as Heir, he knew exactly how to judge the strength and weaknesses of an area.

His mystic abilities only served as emphasis.

A stir in his surroundings made his eyes pop open. His eyes scanned around the dim passage. Another Jellicle was near by, an unfamiliar one. Looking down the dark alleyway, he bit his lip.

Where ever it was, it did not seem to be a threat. At least not for now. It was simply sitting, observing something. Something, Khan realised, that was probably him. The sooner he was back inside the yard, the better.

Etching a rune carefully into the wood of the doorway that surrounded the peeling green gate, he whispered an incantation over it, touching his glimmering blue gem to it. The rune glowed bright white for a moment, then faded.

It was done.

Replacing his burr crystal into his satchel, he glanced up at the dumpsters.

Some food for the tribe was the new priority, while the rest of them settled and made themselves comfortable with rags and clothing from the ancient trunks in Starcatcher and Mattie's attic.

Those dumpsters would be perfect supply areas. After everything else had been done and the yard was protected, they would come here and perhaps pick some scraps up for a tribe meal together.

And perhaps, he added as a hopeful afterthought, they might find the Jellicle he could sense nearby.

Edging back through the swing-gate, he did not see the crystalline eyes blinking down at him from above, the brilliant blue-green eyes that had watched his every move with undisguised interest and bewilderment.

"Toss 'em up!" Topper leaned over the edge of the 'balcony' of his house, yelping in indignation when a skillfully-thrown pillow hit him squarely in the face and fell back down to be caught by the giggling Fawn. "Hey!"

The queen did her best to look innocent. "What?"

"You did that on purpose!"

"Obviously." She winked at him and he tried his best to appear annoyed. It did not work and he felt a tickle of pleasure at her mischievous expression. Faking a glare, he extended his hands and waited, catching three pillows in rapid succession.

He heaped them up and slid into his small tree-top house. So far, he had several old blankets from the attic spread on the floor, covering it. He had sheepishly admitted to Mattie that maybe attics weren't such bad things after all.

"Looking good." He swung and almost knocked Fawn backwards out of the tree in his surprise. She managed a squeak of shock and his hands caught her, pulling her back in. "Note to self..." She clung to his arms and he didn't feel the need to complain about it. "Never sneak up on you again."

He gave her a sheepish grin and gestured her in. "Welcome to my humble abode." A pillow hit her and was swiftly followed by two more. She yelped between giggles and watched him try to aim the fourth before cracking up and tossing it into the corner.

"Whatcha gonna do about the windows?" She gestured up at the gaping openings at the higher levels of the little structures walls, determined not to let her attention wander over his body again.

Topper shrugged. "Victor said there was some plywood kicking around. I thought I might board them up from inside and out. After all, Star's got all those tools and if I needed to...maybe Khan could wiggle his fingers and do some hocus pocus..."

"Gotta love a magic kitty." She grinned, fluffing one of the pillows that had landed beside her and heaping it with the others. Topper glanced at her for a long moment, saying nothing. "What? Is my fur a mess or something?"

He gave her a lop-sided grin. "Not yet!"

The tawny healer gave a shriek of protest, laughter and terror as the dark grey guardian pounced on her and promptly started to tickle her, pillows and blankets scudding every which way.

"Can you believe those two?" Victor chuckled, glancing over towards the little tree house, shaking his head.

Nicole rolled her eyes expressively. "Typical Topper." Was all she said, drawing a chuckle from both of her companions.

Cheetara and Nicole were both helping Victor to carry a large, rolled-up woollen rug up the curved stairs of the Victoria bus that was to be the home of Victor, Cheetara and the Sentinel - when he arrived.

Succeeding in hauling the rug over the top of the stairs, Victor steered the two queens around to the spot above the bus entrance. A barrier stood between it and the stairs, hiding them from anyone who may ascend the staircase.

"Will this do?" He asked, as they laid the thick scarlet, blue and yellow rug down on the floor. Cheetara nodded, panting. She had spent several hours tidying up the mess of rubbish that had been left on this bus, cans and glass littering the floor.

"We need to get something to seperate Sebastian's area." She murmured, glancing to the other end of the bus. The black and white tom was a puzzle to her. Something about him seemed to suggest that there was a long, painful story behind his calm, stoic features, but Victor had not told her and she had not wanted to pry.

Victor, however, had insisted the quiet, lurking tom would share the level of their bus. He had always been with him, Victor had said, so Sebastian would remain with him, as before.

Luckily, she liked the big tom, but she didn't really want him sharing their sleeping area. Flushing at how possessive she felt of her tabby - her tabby, she giggled - she knew Victor would not object.

As long as Sebastian was with them, near them and as long as Victor still had his huge best friend and protector, all was well.

The tabby looked down the bus, gnawing his lip thoughtfully. "We have the places where the rails are." He said, pointing to the two hand rails that ran the length of the roof of the bus. "If we can string up some kind of rope, then we could put a curtain up to separate the rooms."

"Need any help with that?" A deep voice murmured.

"Seb!" Victor barrelled over and clapped the newly arrived Sentinel on his huge shoulders. "When did you get here? Didn't hear you come in!"

Sebastian almost smiled. "Just arrived. Khan's toys went crazy. He was just setting one when I walked past and it sparked and shot him in the rear." Victor chuckled. "I won't be here long, though, Vic."

"Oh?"

He nodded. "My training..." He shrugged. "It's taking longer than Quaxo anticipated and the first Queen, Demeter..." He paused for a long moment. "She says I ought to stay, at least for a few days...maybe even a month or so, to be ready."

"Queen Demeter told you that?" Victor echoed.

Sebastian nodded. "I know she's a seer, but why would she 'see' that I have to stay in the yard when I could be defending here? I could learn from Starcatcher."

"Well, Munk respects Queen Demeter's abilities, so I guess we'll have to do the same. Do you want to stay there? You're welcome to join us any time, you know that, but I don't want you there if you don't want to be."

The black and white looked around. "I want this place to be safe." He replied with quiet firmness. "If training is what I need, I will have it. As long as you have enough protection while I'm away, I'll stay with the other tribe until Quaxo stops getting annoyed that I'm a better dancer than he is."

"Oh God, Seb...don't tell me you've been jiving again!" Nicole groaned, burying her face in her hands. Sebastian shrugged helplessly. "No wonder your training is taking longer than he expected."

Cheetara chuckled. "Don't worry, Seb." She patted the large tom's arm. "You set your room up and we'll keep it that way, until you come back to it." She paused for a moment. "Or until Topper tries to steal the pillows...then, I'm afraid we're helpless."

"Thank you, Cheetara." The black and white nodded gratefully. "Leave me the little runt and I'll sort him out."

"Now where have I heard that before?" Nicole glanced wickedly at Victor, whose ears telegraphed embarrassment, recalling the occasion when Sebastian had literally put the smaller tom over his knee and spanked him.

Of course, it had all been Topper's fault, but Nicole was still always happy to giggle over the image of their current leader being spanked by their Sentinel. And she wasn't about to let either of them forget it.

"Mention that again, Nic," Sebastian turned his calm gaze to her. "And you'll get the same treatment." He flexed one huge hand. "And you know I'm not joking."

Nicole winked. "Promises promises, big guy."

All Victor and Cheetara could do was laugh, as Sebastian crossed the floor in a blink and pinned the shrieking red and gold queen over his knee, his large white hand spanking her firmly.

"Happy?"

"Mmm-hmm. You?"

"Perfectly." Starcatcher found his mate's lips in a soft kiss, drawing her into his arms as they sank down onto the low mattress on the floor. "Have I told you how much I love you lately, Mattie?"

Carding her fingers through his mane, she smiled. "Not since we moved from the floor to the mattress." She whispered seductively, brushing her cheek against his with a husky purr.

Lying beside her, his arm trailing lightly over her body, he traced the soft, full curve of her hip. "Then," He murmured, bending to kiss her once again. "I love you on the mattress too."

"I suspected that." She murmured, toying with his ear, her other hand stroking over his broad shoulder. Their lips met again, the queen mewling as he pulled her to him, her arms sliding around his body. "Rumpus, Star..." She broke the kiss, tears of happiness springing to her eyes. "I love you so much."

He, too, had tear-filled eyes, gazing down at her. "Why are you crying, dearest?"

"Same reason as you." She whispered, nuzzling his cheek. "We did it, Star. We're free...we have a home, a place to belong, a tribe..." There was a lingering pause as she found his hand, sliding it down her body, her eyes never leaving his. "All we need to make it complete is a..."

"A family." His voice was shaking and he nodded. Capturing her lips in a fierce kiss, he cradled her to him. A gasp of pleasure escaped her as they joined, her happy tears spilling over as they slowly and tenderly made love.

Sinking down together in the afterglow, the former Enforcer kissed his mate gently, tenderly, brushing her loosened, long fur back from her pretty eyes. "Mattie, beloved, what is it? I-I didn't hurt you...?"

Clinging to him, she was panting and weeping softly as he drew the blanket around them both, her face resting against his chest. "I can't believe it all, Star." She whispered their bodies still intimately joined. He nodded, holding her closer to him. "I dreamed of this so often and now, it's happened..."

Abruptly, her mate was on his back, the colourful queen's mouth finding his again, her chest pressing to his. "Once wasn't enough, eh?" He teasingly ran a hand up her thigh when she pulled back, hands splayed on his shoulders.

"Don't tease me." She growled playfully, her mane wild around her face. Something about the mussed look made her look even more enticing that usual, her curvacious body pressing far to intimately to his.

"Jut checking, lover." He murmured, smiling. His hand ran through her rainbow mane and pulled her mouth to his again, a low purr beginning in him and echoed in her, their bodies responding to one another immediately.

Making gentle love once again, Starcatcher held his little lover close as the twilight descended and sleep captured her. Her glorious colouring caught the faint hues of sunlight peeking though the roof windows and she had never looked more beautiful than she did at that moment.

"If this is what freedom does to people," He half-yawned, half-murmured, drawing the blanket around them again, cuddling her closer. "We have to get it more often."

"Take care of yourself, Vic."

"And you, Seb." Clasping on another's hands, the two toms were standing at the gateway, the Sentinel about to return to the other yard. "I'd hate to find that Quaxo decided to use you as a punchbag."

The black and white's eyes smiled. "Well, at least I would be useful to him." He replied with a low buzz that the Leader interpreted as a chuckle.

"And stop putting yourself down so much." Cheetara added.

"And don't spank a queen." Nicole added, with an aggravated glare and a pointed rub to her indignant rear. "It just ain't gentlemanly."

Sebastian would have winked at her. "Whoever said anything about me being a gentleman must have been as crazy as you, Nic." He remarked, turning to shake Topper's hands firmly. "And, kid, you better have a yard left when I come back. I do still want the sentinel role."

"Don't you trust me?" Topper feigned hurt.

Sebastian just looked at him. "Do I have to dignify that with an answer?"

The grey guardian failed in his attempt to look hurt. "Right. I'm going to be very depressed now. Who'll be the lucky lady to comfort me?" Fawn and Nicole both grinned at him, but neither moved. "Oh, come on...just one of you? Please?"

"And on that note," Sebastian bowed to both Khan and the couple who had just appeared from behind the dumpsters. "I will be on my way. I'll be back as soon as I feel I am ready."

Standing at the gateway in cat form, the little tribe watched the large black and white pad off down the alleyway, until he was out of sight. There was a long silence. Then, it was broken, as most expected, by Topper.

"Right. He's gone. I'm hungry. Let's eat."

Making his way quickly through the fairly quiet streets, grateful that most normal humans were safe in their houses, Sebastian ran steadily on towards the home of the first tribe, wondering briefly why he had not told Victor.

Perhaps it was the disbelief he was still feeling.

Someone needed him in the yard.

Someone needed him.

No matter how many times he repeated those words to himself, he couldn't help feeling incredulous.

It sounded too strange, but Demeter had taken him aside and told him that he had a purpose in their yard and according to everyone he had asked, it was very rare for the gold tabby to be wrong.

Why anyone would need him, he could not imagine. True, he had been Sentinel, but something in Demeter's expression said this was a need of a different kind. Not a need for his physical strength.

A need for him.

That was the thing that made him nervous about going back to the yard. He had tried to explain to Demeter. He had tried to tell her no, it was impossible, it must have been a different black and white tom she had seen.

She had been adamant. He had to stay. He had a purpose.

But then, when he had asked what, she had blinked and gaped at him, before asking where she was and what was happening. He had been unable to learn anything more and now, he was on his way back.

Maybe, he mused, it was curiousity. Morbid curiousity.

Whatever it was, Demeter had seen right and now, he would be stuck in the yard until that someone needed him enough to find him. He exhaled a panting breath. The sooner the better.

"Smells good." Starcatcher hoisted Mattie up onto the top of the dumpster beside him, the others waiting down below. Khan was prowling after a rat, his eyes glittering gleefully as it tried to flee.

"What is there?" Topper was bouncing on his toes, eagerly trying to see what they had found in the garbage. A half-eaten burger dropped down and was caught by him. "Whoa! We're living outside a burger bar! Cool!"

"You'll get fat." Fawn teasingly poked him in the ribs and he looked indignant. "Hey, I don't want you losing your looks anymore than the next queen."

"Flattery'll get you everywhere." He winked and handed her the burger.

"Found anything remotely edible?" Khan seemed to have forgotten about his rat hunt momentarily, gazing beyond the dumpster for a long moment. His blue eyes flicked up to Starcatcher, who tossed a barely-touched piece of steak to the mystic. "Well," He sighed, pretending to be disappointed and dusting the steak with Topper's tail. "I suppose this will suffice."

Nicole chuckled. "This is too weird." She drawled, catching a handful of meat tossed to her by Mattie. "We have a Misto who looks like Mac but talks like Rumble...and probably eats like Topper."

"Hey!" Topper yelled around a mouthful of burger.

"Sad but true, sweetie." She winked at him, moving away from him to sit on the step to nibble on her meat.

Khan glanced at her with a tired smile. "I don't know whether to be flattered or offended, Nicole." He remarked, turning his attention to his meat. "Perhaps, as soon as we all have sufficient to eat, we should return to the meeting point?"

Victor cast a wary glance at the mystic. "Is it important for us to go there, Khan?"

"I think it would be better for us to gather somewhere secure, Leader." He had told the young tabby about the presence he had felt there earlier in the day and now, blue eyes drifted inplicitly towards the dumpster, through which Starcatcher and Mattie were scavenging.

Cheetara was placing lumps and scraps of food into a small bucket she had found inside the yard, probably a child's that had been dropped and abandoned. "Well, we don't want to be around when the humans show up, do we?" She added.

"They'll probably throw a bucket of water over us." Topper grumbled, recalling a similar incident all too well. He snatched a sausage from Nicole and grinned widely, darting through the half-open gate.

She glared after him. "Vic, you're gonna have to do something about him."

"Don't look at me." The Leader grinned over at her. "I'm not here to discipline kitten-wannabes. I just have to stand around and look pretty when Munk comes to visit."

Fawn and Khan had both started after Topper. Mattie and Starcatcher were climbing down from the large dumpster, laden down with fresh food, some half-eaten, some barely touched.

Nicole pouted at Victor. "It's not fair." She remarked. "I don't even have Sebastian here to spank him for me anymore." She rose to her feet gracefully, frowning at what sounded like a sigh from nearby.

"Never mind, Nicci." He chuckled, laying a hand against her back and steering her towards the gateway. "I'm sure you'll come up with something cunning to revenge yourself on him with."

The pair of felines paused briefly at the gate, the red queen picking up several more scraps that had been dropped by the former Enforcer and his mate.

Neither of them saw the blue-green eyes peering out from behind the dumpster, fixed on the stunning queen. She drifted through the gate, followed by the tabby who glanced around warily before moving after her.

As the gate swung shut, the feline emerged from the shadows, a small smirk creeping onto his features. "Well, hello laydees!" He drawled, shaking his fur out with a motion that could only be described as Tugger-ish.

The image of a red-gold queen was burned into his mind and the tom swung around, sauntering off and humming a tune to himself.

"Blessa mah soul whats a-wrong with me? I'm itchin' like a man in a fuzzy tree. My friends say I'm actin' queer as a bug...I'm in love, Ooh! I'm all shook up, uh-huh-huh..."