Author's note: Well, here's the final part. I hope you enjoy
"Munkustrap."
Munkustrap knew Old Deuteronomys' voice well enough to stop dead in his tracks once he heard it.
"Sir, I thought you were back at the Vicarage wall," Munkustrap bowed in a gesture of respect for the leader, "What brings you back to the Junkyard?"
"A matter I must discuss with you, immediately."
"Would you like to head to the tire, Sir? You'll be more comfy there."
Munkustrap was concerned for the Jellicle Leader's welfare lately, after all, as second-in-command he knew what was best for the tribe and it certainly flourished under Deuteronomy's watchful eye. But that wasn't just it, for as long as Munkustrap could remember, Deuteronomy had been Jellicle Leader, and Munkustrap was painfully aware of Deuteronomy's age and the frailness that so often came with it.
"No, this won't take long, Munkustrap. Did you enjoy your outing tonight?"
"I…I was not away long, Sir. I left Alonzo in charge of the Junkyard, he is more than capable."
"That is not what I mean, I share your faith in Alonzo's ability and commitment to the tribe, it is yours I wish to question."
Munkustraps' jaw dropped, "What do you mean?"
"I couldn't foresee a problem at first, after all this is your own business and it wasn't affecting your duties as far as I could see. But now, even after what he did last night you still go to him. I can't allow it, Munkustrap."
He knew, Munkustrap wasn't sure how, but Deuteronomy knew all about his relationship with Macavity.
"You don't have to say anything, but I want you to take note of this. By sunset today I expect you to either break it off with him, or resign your position as second-in-command. You have to make a decision for the good of this tribe, and I pray that it is the right one."
The inside of Macavitys' lair was like a maze, many a poor soul had tried to escape only to get lost in its labyrinth-like passageways, but Munkus raced through them, knowing the way off by heart. He had to get to Macavity, and get to him soon. The decision he had to make was spinning in his head; should he abandon his tribe or his lover?
It seemed like forever before Munkustrap saw the heavy door of Macavity's throne room, the very room he had been in only hours earlier. Ignoring the guard stood outside, he pushed against the door.
"See 'ere, you can't go in there," the guard pulled Munkus away from the door, "The Boss 'as important business goin' on and 'e'd 'ave me guts for garters if I let you in."
"His business can wait," Munkus pulled his arm from the guards' grasp and yanked open the door. Macavity was inside talking to a tall, white Persian, a certain Lady Griddlebone.
"Oh, Maccy darlin'. It's your lover," Griddlebone purred, drawing out the word lover, "Well don't just stand in the doorway, Munkus, come and give me a kiss."
Her tone was teasing, as always.
Macavity raised an eyebrow, ignoring Griddlebone, "This had better be good," he murmured.
"It is. Griddlebone, nice to see you, now get out."
"Nice to see your manners have improved, Munkus. Unfortunately, me and Maccy have business to do, so tough luck."
"You heard what he said, Grid. Close the door on your way out, we'll talk later."
Grid flounced out, "Honestly, if I didn't think you were about to get some, Mac, I might be insulted." She said as she pulled the door closed.
"Well, I can't say I condone you bursting in here in my office hours, but I think I like this side of you, all worked up and agitated, very appealing."
"I'm not here to jump your bones, Mac."
"Pity."
"Deuteronomy knows."
Macavity chuckled, "Is that what this is all about? Of course Deuteronomy knows, I could have told you that."
"You told him?!"
"Now, now, I am not the type to kiss and tell. Deuteronomy is simply a good leader. Now I know what you're thinking, but somewhere in me is some respect for the old guy. He can sense the energy of his tribe as a whole, he feels the vibrations and seeks the source of them. Believe me Munkus, this thing between us, it made some pretty big vibrations."
"He says I have to choose, between you and the tribe."
The amusement faded from Macavity's face,
"So you're here to say goodbye then."
"I…I don't know, I haven't decided."
"Oh, dear boy, I beg to differ, you'd made up your mind the second he told you, all this 'indecision' is just for my benefit."
"No. No, it isn't."
"As long as I've known you there is only one thing you have ever wanted, well maybe wanted is too much of a strong word, 'aspired' fits the bill so much better. You aspired to be leader of the Jellicle tribe, it's in your nature, in your blood. You can't convince me that you'd give it up for a criminal."
"Could you?"
"We're not talking about the Jellicle Leadership are we?"
"We're talking about this life, Mac. Your lair, your henchcats, your less than legal activities. Could you give them up, if I asked?"
"This is how I live Munkus, if I asked you to join me and work here could you?"
"No, but…"
"It is exactly the same thing you're asking me, to go against my 'morals', my standards. You can't do it, and neither can I."
"Then, I guess this can't work."
"Doomed from the start if you ask me," Macavity let out a dry laugh, "Now, chin up, dear boy, you've given me enough memories to keep me warm on those chilly nights, and it was fun while it lasted."
"If it's worth anything. I'll miss this."
"Sure you will, do me a favour, get lost. Go back to the Junkyard, settle down with Demeter or someone." Macavity laughed at Munk's disgusted expression, "Yes, I know, not your type. Go on, go now before I change my mind, and keep you prisoner in here. I am tempted to tell you the truth, all those chains in the dungeon," the Hidden Paw grinned wickedly, causing a snort of laughter from Munk, however the silver tabby quickly sobered.
"Next time we meet will probably be to fight each other."
"I can take you."
Munk laughed, "Until next time then."
"Until next time." Mac replied as the door closed.