Voices filled the air as I came around.

'Who is she?' The squeaky voice of a kit sounded, only to be shushed by another cat.

'Munkustrap, have you seen her before?' A deep voice spoke.

'No-' Another voice was quickly cut off by one I knew.

'It's that queen who stole our lunch!' The cockney accent of the female cat from before brought my eyes open in shock. My vision was fuzzy for a second before it cleared and I realised I was face to face with a rather handsome, leopard spotted Maine Coon. I ignored how my insides began to feel fluttery to jump back, ignoring the crippling pain in my leg, and hiss, swiping at the Maine Coon while keeping an eye on the silver tabby that was, in turn, watching me as if trying to anticipate any violent movements. I barely spared a glance for the two tabbies from earlier, keeping my attention focused on the two toms.

'Hey now, princess. We're not gonna hurt you.' The Maine Coon gave a charming smile, shaking his mane and reaching forwards as if to touch my shoulder, making me swipe at the stretched out arm. He pulled back as the tabby hissed, moving forward as if to stop any attack I may have made. I locked gazes with the tabby, glaring while keeping my back against a pile of junk so as to avoid any ambush.

'Aconite?' My head whipped round to look at the familiar white and brown figure.

'Tumblebrutus?' He nodded and my posture instantly relaxed as he hurried over to nuzzle into me.

'What are you doing here? What happened to your leg? How did you get so thin?' One question after another came poring out of his mouth.

'Whoa! Slow down.' my eyes widened as I tried to process everything, 'I have been wandering mostly, ever since… you know.' he nodded, ' As for my leg, I was attacked by a Peke then chased by the pack.' I sat and lifted my leg to inspect the wound, ignoring the other cats, 'And unlike you I have not yet found a tribe to live in. I had to hunt for myself. I didn't have the opportunity to get to podgy.' The silver cat stepped forward and crouched in front of me, his head tilted slightly.

'Hello… Aconite, was it?' He glanced to Tumblebrutus who nodded confirmation before turning back to me. 'Will you let me help with your leg?'

'I do not need help!' I hissed, indignant at the very thought that I would ever need help.

'Sure you don't, princess.' The Maine Coon rolled his eyes, moving to stand next to the tabby.

Tumblebrutus moved to whisper into my ear.'Let them fix your leg. I promise you can trust them.' I grimaced at his words, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, ready to lose all my pride.

'Fine.' At this the silver tabby moved forward as if I was a frightened kit, slowly taking my leg and lifting it to look at the wound, letting out a breath at the injury. I gritted my teeth to avoid yowling as the wound was exposed to the movement of air, instead choosing to begin questioning the two toms. 'What are your names?'

'I'm Munkustrap. This is Rum Tum Tugger, my brother.' The tabby said as he further inspected the wound. 'What attacked you?'

'An idiot Peke.' I muttered, moving as he directed to lie back as he lifted the leg further and spoke to his brother.

'Go make yourself useful. Get the poultice from Jennyanydots.' Rum Tum Tugger jumped up a pile of rubbish and out of sight, leaving me with Munkustrap and Tumblebrutus. 'So how do you know Tumblebrutus?' I turned my head to look at the brown and white cat and he nodded slowly.

'I was… employed with him.'

'You were one of Growtiger's?' The question made me wince and I nodded, looking away. An uncomfortable silence followed until Rum Tum Tugger hurried down the rubbish to us, a poultice in his paws.

'I got it.' He gave it to Munkustrap who looked up apologetically.

'This will sting.'