It was night and Mistoffelees still had yet to be seen. The Rum Tum Tugger continued his pacing. He'd awoken that afternoon and was mildly disappointed to find that the small tom had disappeared. But he'd pushed it aside, figuring that he would show up soon enough. So he'd gone on his way, happy that the weather appeared to be changing for the better.

It had been a pleasant enough day, one filled with his usual antics: teasing Etcetera, bothering Jennyanydots, having his way with a queen (nothing too scandalous today, just a few kisses from Exotica). etc. Despite this though, he'd felt something was missing.

The thunder clouds began to rumble, and the Rum Tum Tugger suddenly grew worried. Is he alright? Is he hurt? Is he mad at me? Did he find a new den? He still couldn't believe he cared this much.

He nearly cried out in relief when Mistoffelees crawled through the opening of the den. He appeared in a daze, and Tugger immediately worried that he might've gotten sick. "Hey Misto, where ya been all day?"

Mistoffelees shook his head, as if waking himself up. "I've um, been busy," he said, rubbing his eyes.

"Are you feeling alright? No offense kit, but you look like a mess."

"I'm fine, I just... I think I need to sleep."

"Go right ahead," Tugger replied, raising his eyebrows.

The black tom crawled to his corner and collapsed in the blankets, immediately losing consciousness. The Rum Tum Tugger sat in the opposite corner and watched the magical tom carefully, refusing to allow himself the luxury of sleep. Something was wrong with Mistoffelees, and Tugger definitely wasn't going to let anything happen.

He felt the energy build up inside him. He saw the looks of terror on those around him. He smiled. "Did you actually think you could kill me?" A blast erupted from within him, knocking those around him off their feet. "Poor, foolish Jellicles," he said.

Bolts of lightning shot from his hands, delivering death blows to whomever they hit. He smiled- this was the fate they all deserved.

Suddenly, he heard a voice, terrifyingly familiar. A figure walked up to him, his features hazy. "There's been a change of plans," it said coldly.

"I'm doing this for you. For us."

"No," the figure continued. "This is all about what you want. What you've always wanted." The shadowed cat looked away and shame filled his voice. "And I helped you."

"You said yourself that secrecy wasn't the way to live."

"Quaxo-"

"No!"

He felt the energy rise within him again. He gathered it in his hands and watched as it struck the shadowy figure. Then he realized in horror what he had done.

"NO!"

"NO!" Mistoffelees cried, sitting up suddenly. As he took in his surroundings, including an exasperated Tugger watching him from across the room, he realized just how familiar the whole scenario felt.

Within moments, the Rum Tum Tugger was by his side. "What happened?"

"It was that dream again," he said, close to hyperventilating.

"Same exact thing?"

"Mostly. There was more this time though. It was- The other person, he was ashamed of something he had done to me. But, I'm not so sure it was me. He called me... something... Quaxy... Quoxe...Quraxo..."

"Quaxo?"

"Yeah, that was it. How did you know?"

"I don't know. It just... sounds right I guess."

"A-Anyway, I was, or Quaxo was, angry and didn't want to leave. And then... I killed him. Just like before."

"Well look, it was just a dream. There's no need to-"

"It was more than a dream Tugger!" Mistoffelees burst out suddenly. "It felt real. I was angry, I was horrified, I was... heartbroken," he ended sadly.

The Rum Tum Tugger pulled the smaller tom into his arms. Mistoffelees buried his face in the maine coon's mane, noting noiselessly how comforting it felt. "Look, I'm here for you," Tugger said. Silence passed between the two toms. "Misto," the larger tom began, "you know how those two psychic freaks apparently have visions sometimes?"

"Yeah."

"Well, maybe this is something like that."

"I guess that's not impossible," Mistoffelees said, looking up at Tugger. "I've seen the future before. It's just... not exactly a common occurrence. And this was different... when I see the future, even if I'm in it, I don't get so emotionally involved. I see it from an outsider's view. But with this... it was like I was there."

Tugger nodded. "Do you think it still could be?"

"I suppose."

"You know, my dad knows a whole lot more about this stuff than I do. Next time he stops by, you should have a chat with him."

"I think I'll do that," Mistoffelees said sleepily. It was quiet again, with only the slight pitter patter of the rain in the background.

The tuxedo tom's breathing grew heavy, and the Rum Tum Tugger realized that his companion had fallen asleep in his arms yet again. He smiled and pulled him close. Not fully understanding why, he gently kissed the small tom on the forehead. Tugger then lay down slowly and joined Mistoffelees in sleep.

"I's got a bit a news for you sir," a very wet Mungojerrie said.

Macavity smiled. "Continue."

"Well," the striped tom began, "Mistoffelees, 'e was talking to them two psychics and they says that e's fightin' some sorta internal battle in 'is 'ead and in 'is 'eart and that they's gonna combine and soon 'e'll be fightin' for 'is soul. And then 'e asks if there's anythin' else 'e ought to know. And they says that 'e's going down some path 'e's taken before and that 'e's gonna die or somethin'."

"Fascinating," Macavity said, honestly intrigued.

"And then Mistoffelees leaves 'em see? So Teazer and I starts to follow. 'e starts talkin' to 'imself. Something about not believin' in somethin'. And then, 'e sees this book right? And 'e starts readin' it and flippin' through pages. Then later 'e stops and just sorta starts thinkin' and them bam!, 'e disappears into the air."

"This book," Macavity began, "describe it."

"It didn't look like nothin' special. Kinda old I guess. We didn't get a real good view; after 'e vanished we went to find you."

"Speaking of which, where is your partner?"

"She ain't 'ere sir. She 'ad some places to be." This was a lie, of course. Rumpleteazer was actually waiting right outside, despite the unfortunate weather conditions. She had adamantly refused to see Macavity. Mungojerrie thought she was being ridiculous, but hadn't tried to hard to convince her to do otherwise.

"Pity," Macavity said. "I do enjoy her company. If I might be so bold to ask, what exactly is the relationship between the two of you?"

Mungojerrie sighed internally. This wasn't a subject he liked to dwell on. "We's just friends sir." Unfortunately, he didn't add.

"I see. Regarding your information, you said Mistoffelees was talking to himself?"

"Yes sir."

"Interesting." The ginger tom appeared deep in thought. "Your information is more valuable than you know," he said suddenly. "Continue with your spying, there are still a few more pieces I need to find."

"If I might ask, what is it exactly you want me to find out?"

"I'm not exactly certain yet," Macavity said. "Just keep giving me whatever you can."

"Can do sir," Mungojerrie said.

Lots of short chapters lately. Bleh. I'll have some nice, long ones coming up soon, I promise.

Read and review as always. And thank you so much!