Chapter: VI If I can't Have you, No One Can..

Jake went through the woods, using the mirror to guide him. He was able to find Manx and set him on Phillip, heading back to the village. He was glad the creepling didn't attack him this time, making it easier to find his way back to the main path. Through they woods they went and they came to a ride and Jake slowly saw his house come into view.

He saw the village, yet it felt different. He didn't feel like he was going home. It was like he was leaving a good book and had to face his old life, a life that meant very little to the lean male

He went up the steps with Manx and went into the house, taking the older kat and setting him on the couch. After he did that he place blankets on him and got some food ready. Jake went back and forth, making the dinner and checking on Manx. Soon the older cat stirred and woke.

"J-Jake?" questioned Manx reaching out to the younger kat, wondering if what he saw was real. He felt the lean male's face and brushed it over and over, thinking it was just his mind playing tricks on him. "Tis it really ye, Ah thought Ah would never see ye again."

"Yes, it's me..You're worn out and need rest." said Jake fixing the blankets on the older kat. He placed a paw to Manx's forehead, making sure he wasn't burning up.

"B-but how did ye get away from that mutant?" wondered Manx, curious as to how his son out witted the monster. He sat up and stared into Jake's eyes with wide ones.

"I didn't, he let me go." said Jake with a grin, thinking about Chance's smiling face. It was true, Chance had told him to go to his father, though it was a hard thing for the tough male to do. Jake knew this and it warmed his heart even more.

"That horrible monster?" said Manx with disgust, unable to believe his ears. He had seen the mutant only two time, but that was more then enough for the aging kat.

"No, he's different, changed somehow..Look what I have" said Jake taking and holding his father's paws, taking the rose rattle and passing it to him. Manx with wide eyes saw the familiar object and felt his eyes watering. Jake felt moved and spoke. "He took me there Manx, I know what happened to my mother."

"They ye know why Ah had to leave, Ah needed to protected my son. Ah probably protected ye too much." said Manx wiping a tear from his face. Jake smiled and hugged Manx, glad to be with him against. Manx held Jake close, never wanting to let his son leave again.

Jake wanted to tell Manx about his adventure and how he met the male of his dreams. True Chance was a mutant, but he was kind, and good. The one Jake could picture living out the rest of his days with.

"I have wonder full news, he-" started Jake pulling out of the hug to met his father's gaze.

Before Jake could go on, a knock at the door interrupted him. With a arched brow Jake and Manx shared a confused glance, wondering who could be wanting to see them at this time of night.

Jake heard the knock again and got to his feet, making his way over to the door. He opened the door and saw a creepy old looking kat, who wore a long cloak. The cloaked figure had a weird vibe about him and Jake didn't dare want to let him in, keeping the door partially closed.

"May I help you?" wondered Jake trying to be polite, though he didn't want to let the kat in. He made sure to stand between the male and his house, allowing him no view to the inside of the place.

"Mr. Clawson, we're here to collect your father.." said dark kat, fixing his coat. He held his paws up and tapped his fingers together, smiling evilly in the dim light of Jake's candle.

"Why do you want my father?" questioned Jake wanting to know why and what the kat wanted with his father, knowing it couldn't be good.

"Not to worry Mr. Clawson, we'll take good care of him." said dark kat, waving a paw to a horse drawn carriage, with the word asylum written on the side. There were two kats who stood behind him, one a short male and the other a tall she kat. "Mac, Molly see to it Mr. Manx is given a nice seat in the cart."

"No! I wont let you take him!" said Jake shutting the door, trying to keep them out. He locked it and went to Manx. "We got to get out of here."

He took Manx's paw and drug him to the back door, thinking they could make a quick escape. The front door was being beaten and hit upon, obviously they were trying to kick the door down. Jake open the back door and the two were met by Burke and Murray, who grabbed them.

Jake tried to fight the shorter of the two, while Manx was picked up and taken away. Jake tussled and threw the other to the floor, punching him a few times. Murray Rolled Jake over and went to try and hit him, Jake put up a good fight, thanks to his training with Chance and was able to keep from getting hit. He punched Burke across the muzzle and slammed his knee into the male's crouch area, shoving him aside with ease.

"Put me down, Jake!" shouted Manx being taken down the steps to the cart, doing his best to get away. The older kat kicked and tried to free himself from Burke's grasp, but to no avail. "Let go of me!"

Jake got to his feet, ran through the door way and tried to get down the steps, but was nabbed by Mac and Molly, who held him back. He tried to think of what to do, then he took notice to a familiar face.

Turmoil stood with a small smile on her face, watching what was happening. Jake knew this was her doing, so he went to confront her, ask her to call it off. He stepped on Molly's foot and set his elbow into Mac's face, allowing himself some time to get away and reach Turmoil.

"Turmoil, please..You know Manx isn't out of his mind! Stop them, I beg you." said Jake making his way over to her, hoping to get her help.

"I could straighten zis whole thing out..If you do something for me." said Turmoil with a sly grin, tapping a finger to Jake's nose, making him frown.

"What?" wondered Jake trying to read her face. She rubbed her chin and seemed to think of what she wanted. Jake sighed and already knew, he just hoped he would be wrong.

"If you marry me, tonight..I have a vedding zat is being prepared as ve speak..Take me as your mate." said Turmoil taking his paw and staring lustfully down at him, hoping he would be her's at last. "Promise to be me mine and mine alone..All it vill take are three little vords, and your father vill be let go."

Jake frowned and pulled away, shaking his head a little. He couldn't believe the hoops Turmoil jumped though, all this just to force him to be her husband. It was crazy, it was despicable, then again the Captain was a few apples short of an apple pie.

"No, I will never marry you, you heartless wench," said Jake clutching his chest and backing away from her as though she were a demon.

Seeing this, caused something to snap in the Captain's mind. She had the perfect scheme, one she hoped would make Jake her's. Now it failed and she was pushed to her limits. Turmoil went on, getting the attention of the other town folk.

"Your father vas going on about some monster, and a castle...You don't call that crazy?" asked Turmoil yelling it loud enough for everyone to hear. If Jake would turn on her, she would turn the town on him. Of course the folks would be on her side, she was an icon, a star, a goddess to them. "He's been trying to find zee castle for zee past eight months."

"There is palace, I'd just come from it.." said Jake shouting to make sure everyone heard his point of view.

"You vords mean nothing. You vould say anything to free your old man." said Turmoil brushing him aside to make her way about. She gestured for Manx to be thrown into the carriage.

"You want proof, I'll give you proof." said Jake racing into the house to grabbing the mirror. He ran back outside and held it up for all to see. "There is a mutant! Show me Chance Furlong!"

The mirror chanced and Chance was seen, good and clear for the town folks to see. They all gasped, but Jake didn't want them to be afraid of his dear good friend. He held his paws up to get their attention, wanting them to hear him out.

"Don't fear him, I know he looks scary and some what intimidate, but he's really kind, sweet, funny and wonderful..He's my friend." said Jake holding the mirror and touching it gently. He saw Chance and wished to be by his side instead of in the village.

Turmoil saw how happy Jake seemed talking about this monster, whom she saw was a male. It made her mad to think Jake would love someone other then her. She had to do something to keep them apart, keep Jake at her side.

"If I didn't know, I'd say you had strong feeling for this-this mutant..This freak of nature, this monster!" spat Turmoil trying to take the mirror from Jake's grip.

"He's no monster, Turmoil. You are!" yelled Jake doing his best to keep the mirror. With a groan, Turmoil punched Jake in the gut, forcing him to let the mirror go. Jake clutched his stomach and dropped to his knees, feeling a sharp pain.

"It's stockholm syndrome that has you feeling this way." said Turmoil standing over Jake, casting him in her shadow.

"First off, you're using the word out of context. Besides no one's done any real study on it, so there for it doesn't apply to this situation. To use it only shows how simple and stupid you are." said Jake pointing out the logic yet again. Turmoil had enough and back handed him across the face, shutting him up.

"He's bewitched, it must be dark magic. If we don't act now, the monster could come here and kill us all. Ve are not safe until zat creature's head is mounted on my wall!" shouted Turmoil gesturing about, making the kats wonder about the mutant.

"Stop, I wont let you hurt him, Turmoil!" said Jake jumping Tumoil to try to take the mirror from her, fighting with all his might. She took him by the wrist and puled him close to her face, speaking a in low tone for only him to hear.

"You would give yourself to that freak over me? You whorish twerp." whispered Turmoil, staring Jake right in the eye, reading he very expressive face.

"I'd sooner be his whore then your husband," replied Jake in a hushed tone, standing his ground. Turmoil tightened her grip on him and drug him over to Mac and Molly, throwing him harshly to the ground.

"Search zeir pockets for weapons, tie zem up and lock zem away till ve get back. You vill be paid vell if they don't escape." said Turmoil to the couple, who grabbed Jake and forced his paws behind his back, getting rope to restrain him. Jake tried to fight back, but with a hit to the gut he was unable to get free, finding himself being pulled over to the cart.

"Captain, don't you think you're taking this a bit too far." said the Lieutenant, watching Jake and Manx being tossed into the carriage. She knew the Captain well, and felt she was no longer the great leader she remembered. "I mean I know,"

"Do you vish to join zem..If not fetch my horse and follow me..That's an order!" said Turmoil staring down the Lieutenant to help her. Manx and Jake hit the wooden surface with a thud and saw the doors being shut. They could see outside the bar windows as Turmoil stood on top and spoke. "As I vas saying..I say ve kill zee mutant!"

"Yeah!" cheered the folk, who stood beside the mighty Captain, thinking the creature could be trouble. Turmoil's cape whipped behind her as she held the mirror up for everyone to see, hearing them applaud her. She grinned and stepped off listening to what the frightened villagers had to say.

We'll cut off its head, It be best if its dead, Else it'll come take us from out beds, He might plunder and pillage, upon our entire village, It time to stand tall my friends, it time to make him fall,

Turmoil walked around as sever panicked kats wondered what could be done, knowing the mutant looked strong and burly. With that Turmoil sang the last, showing they had nothing to fear, if they were the one to attack first.

In the timber thought the fog, we'll cut down a log and use it to break in the castle, Once we're done we'll take all the gold, afterward we're bake a cake to celebrate, That mutant has dark bright red eyes, a sign he is truly evil, He may beg and plead, but we wont give a heed, for he is bad, very bad, Kill the freak,

Turmoil took a torch and flung it in a hay stack, engulfing it in a sea of flames. The other kats cheered for her and went to light their own torches, rousing everyone up in the fast beat tune. She grinned and glanced around as everyone rallied behind her, knowing she was the one to lead them to battle.

Gather what you can, we bringing a battle like, he has never ever seen, It may seem cruel, but he need to know who will rule after this faithful night,

The Lieutenant rode beside Turmoil and gazed at her coldly. She was mad and felt betrayed by the Captain, whom she survived for many years.

I'm filled with fright beyond words, but if I leave, she might light me up, Onward, get your bow and your finest armor, stand tall, here we go,

She sang her part and the villagers finished, lifting their weapons group went about and grabbed weapons and other things to use for the battle. They broke metal pieces off of buildings to use as blunt instruments, gathering what they could for the journey.

The Lieutenant came back and tried to get to the carriage, but Turmoil gabbed her and steered her to where she wanted the shorter female to go. The pair got up on their horses and were in the lead, followed by the villagers, who carried torches and weapons.

We hate what standout, out from the crowd, this creature could be hazardous to us all, To our well being, and existence, to our future, and families, kill the freak,

Through the wood the torches appeared like fireflies against the dark background. They moved through the path and Turmoil held up the mirror, knowing it could lead them to the mutant.

"Show me zee castle." said Turmoil watching the glass change to show a towering gray castle. With a sly grin she tapped her heel into the horse's sides, making him move on.

They went through the wood, and some males chopped down a tree. The cut the limbs off and picked up the truck, taking it to break the doors down. They walked and came through a foggy area, where bat things came out at them.

Turmoil showed no fear and simply cut the creeplling down, showing she was unstoppable on her quest to kill Chance Furlong. With several sweeps of her blade, a line of dead creepling lay on the ground behind her. She wiped the blood off her sword and smiled, knowing nothing could stand in her way.

They came to the large gate and with a few hit from the log, the gates were forced opened, allowing them to enter the garden area. They walked through and Turmoil stopped for a moment turning to the mob.

"Ve found his strong hold, now keep an eye out for danger and be ready!" yelled Turmoil making her horse raise his front hooves off the ground, causing her cape to fly behind her. With a turn she went on, leading them once more.

In the castle Felina and Callie danced, while Mrs. Sinian sat on the windowsill with her son, seeing light rain patter against the window. Steele glanced outside, seeing the water trickle down the glass, sighing a little. He saw a small light coming through the fog and thought it might be Jake.

"I don't think he's coming back.." said Callie sweeping with Felina. The candlestick sighed and said nothing, wanting to forget about the whole thing and just focus on them.

"Mom, it's him! I think Jake's coming back to us." said Steele with joy, hopping up and down, his dish moving up and down with him.

The others jumped up and gazed out the foggy glass, wiping it clear to get a better look. The gates were broken down by a tree log, and they soon realized there wasn't just one torch, but many. By the amount of torches the group assumed they were a mob, coming to try and hurt Chance.

The mob came through the garden area, heading straight for the catstle steps. A she kat lead them and held the mirror in her paw, showing something might have happened to Jake.

"Great one above, they're coming this way!" exclaimed glancing at the others and back to the large group of kats. "And they've got the mirror!"

"We'll take care of them with ease.." said Felina with a smirk, liking the idea of a fighting.

"Indeed I'll let Mr. Furlong know what happening." said Hackle turning and leaving the group, heading down the hall. If a mob were here to harm the master, he wanted the male to be ready.

"As for the rest of us, to the doors." said Faral leading the group downstairs like the commander he use to be. They gathered everyone they could to defend the doors at all cost, knowing it was the only thing standing between them and the army. "Barricade the doors, and hold!"

Jonny came in and saw the tinier object gathering to the doors, watching the bars lock it down. Being a piano, he was bigger and knew he could pose as a threat to the mob.

"Everyone get out of the way, I'll use myself as a block." said Jonny seeing the others standing between him and the door. They scattered like ants as the large piano raced over to the door, jumping up and standing on it.

They brought a fight to us, they'll see how wrong they were, we'll make them pay for all this,

Jonny placed himself upright against the doors, hoping it would be enough to keep the army out. Faral, Felina, Callie and Mrs. Sinian pilled on top with other household items, knowing the extra weight would help.

Keep strong, we're almost thought, soon victory will be ours, it's so close, kill the freak, kill the freak, kill the freak.

Outside the mob raised the log back and with a might shove. Bam! It hit the doors and sent a jolt though the household braced themselves for another blow and wondered how long they would be able to keep it up. With another few blows, a piece of the door was broken and the breakable items back off, seeing the doors shake even more.

"This wont stop them." said Mrs. Sinian looking to the candlestick. Faral with wide eyes looked about, trying to think of what they could do next.

"What are we going to do!" asked Callie floating behind Felina, watching the door slowly fall apart. Felina thought quickly and had an idea, lighting up with glee.

"Everyone let them in, I have a plan!" exclaimed Felina to the others, making her way around to explain the plant.

Chance crouched down and saw the chaos unfold before him, perched high on the towers ledge. He knew they were here for him and felt even worse about life, not know where Jake was. The small hope he had was gone, and all that was left was nothing.

"Mr. Furlong, there is a huge mob outside..They're trying to break the doors down." said Hackle finding Chance at last. "What do we do?"

"Just let them come, it doesn't matter." said Chance running his paw over the book, feeling the flat surface.

With one last hit the door fell apart and hit the ground, allowing them to enter. Turmoil walked in and looked about the darkened palace, raising her touch up to get a better look.

"Aren't you afraid of ghost?" questioned the Lieutenant shaking a bit. She stopped and slowly looked about, thinking the place felt familiar. She had a confused and curious expression, taking and rubbing her head. "I feel like I've been here before..Like in a dream, no, a memory."

"Be quiet..Ve don't vant to give away out position." snapped Turmoil raising her paw to silence everyone around them, for they began to whisper back and forth. She with squinted eyes, glanced about, seeing several objects scattered around the room.

They slowly walked across the hall, hearing only the shuffling and tapping of shoes, along with the crackle of fire. Their shadows moved over the objects and slowly Felina opened an eyes, seeing someone reach for her.

"Now!" yelled Felina lighting up and getting the other to move. All at once chairs, tables, plates, along with other objects came to life and attacked the army of kats. In the panic Turmoil grabbed the Lieutenant and used her like a shield, not knowing what was happening behind her.

Jonny bucked like a mule and set his attackers to the ground or flying through the air. He laughed and moved about, seeing Al bit and growl at the many kats.

Felina used her flames to scare back the kats, while Callie brushed dust in their faces, blinding the trespassers. The two females worked together, taking out one after another.

Mrs. Sinian, Steele, along with other glasses, poured hot water on the kats below. The kats down below cried out in pain and ran about, bumping into others, making everything a jumbled mess.

Among the heat of the battle, Turmoil made her way up the right flight of stairs to find the monster, making sure she had her weapon ready.

After Turmoil left, from the other flight of stairs came Ann and other items. Seeing the battle below some of the object jumped down and struck a few kats here and there.

Jonny who was fighting saw a female lift a ax up behind him, watching her as she prepared to strike him. He gasped and backed away, knowing a blow like that would end his life.

"My love!" shouted Ann, seeing her husband in danger. She jumped up and stood close to where the she kat was, standing on the railing. "This time the fat lady is singing! Ohhh!"

Ann dropped down and hit the floor boards with a crash, sending the she kat flying through the air from the force. He husband seeing her felt a jolt of energy and used his keys like bullets, hitting the kats around him.

Meanwhile Jake and Manx sat in the back of the carriage, feeling very trapped. Jake struggled to try and loosen the ropes from his wrists, becoming frustrated and yelling out with rag.

"There no way I'm going to be able to get to Chance and warn him in time..This is all my fault." said Jake hitting his head to the back part, feeling like crap. He wished he would have taken Manx back to the castle instead of the village.

"Easy there, lad. Maybe Ah can reason with the couple outside." said Manx with a smile, thinking he would be able to get them out. He pressed his back to the wood and pushed up, getting to his feet. He went to the bar window and saw Mac and Molly leaning on the cart. The horses were taken with the mob, so they weren't going back to the asylum at least. Manx cleared his throat and looked through the bars at them. "Would ye to be so kind as to let me and me boy go. Ah know Turmoil offered ye a good deal of money. But wont ye help us out."

"Shut up old man..You don't know nothin' about us." said Mac holding a deck of card in his paws, playing poker with his wife. She let her cards down and glanced to the aging kat.

"Yeah, and that boy of yours better get use to being tied up at night. 'Cause I hear Turmoil likes things kinky." said Molly with a laugh, making Mac join her. The pair laughed and all Manx could do was blink a few time before joining Jake in the back.

"Well, Ah tried." said Manx to a wide eyed Jake. "I'm sorry me boy. Guess you're going to be stuck with Turmoil for the rest of your life."

"Oh shoot, and just after I found a guy who actually like me too." said Jake with a sigh, knowing there was no way of escaping. Everyone went with the mob, except for Mac and Molly.

"Yeah, but Ah though he was a savage." said Manx, wondering how his son could care for a mutant. The monster was just that, a monster and evil to the old male.

"Actually, he's nice and really good under all that. He even offered for us to live at the castle with him. There's even this huge library he gave to me, oh father you would have loved it there...Now there's no hope, Turmoil will kill him and come back and marry me. My life is over." said Jake feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was so close to living the life he wanted, and now in one foul swoop it would be gone.

"Will you two please let my friends out?" asked a voice from out side the carriage.

"No way, buzz off fool!" snapped Mac, telling the fist voice off. There was a sound of someone being hit and falling to the ground in pain.

"Hey, no one else beside me pushes my husband around!" yelled Molly throwing a few punches to the unwanted male. With another smack, Molly was set to the ground too.

Jake and Manx looked at one another then to the back of the carriage, hearing someone unlock the doors. When the doors opened they were met with a familiar face.

"Paul!" exclaimed Jake and Manx seeing the smaller male walked over to untie them. He cut them loose and stood with his cane, proud to have helped them.

"Aye, I wondered where you two got too. Manx I've been hunting around the woods for you, after you didn't come back to the path." said Paul hitting his cane to the wood. "By the way Jake, your cane doubles as a weapon, Burke and Murray have left me alone for the past few months."

"That's great Paul, but I have to get going. I need to warn Chance about the mob. I hope I'm not to late." said Jake jumping out of the carriage to fetch Phillip.

Mac and Molly slowly woke up and found themselves locked in the carriage. They got to their feet and went to the bar windows, seeing Manx and Paul standing by. Manx spun the keys around his finger and gave them a sly smile. Out from the side came Jake, ridding Phillip in the direction of the mob. Manx waved and watched as Jake gave him a small nod.

A coat landed on the ground as Jake removed the coat and vest, wearing only his kilt and white under shirt. Mac and Molly with gaped mouths glanced from the fleeing kat to Manx.

"He's very head strong..Do you two have kittens?" asked Manx smiling to the pair. Paul laughed and patted the other kat on the back.

In the great hall the kats were bombarded and attacked by the furniture and other items. Ann set out a stream of clothes that swirled around Murray and Burke, changing their dress wear. The pair stood back and saw they were dressed as she kat, with make up, heels, fancy dresses and of course wigs. Murray screamed, while Burke seemed to like his outfit.

In the hall Felina lit sparks to scare the rest of the kats away, making them flee from the palace in a mad scramble. The kats screamed and left in great numbers, leaving the house hold items to cheer and celebrate their victory.

Jake on Phillip passed the fleeing kats and leaped off, heading in the castle, stopping and looking for someone to hold Phillip. He was in the castle and saw the Lieutenant, making his way over to her.

"Lieutenant, where is Turmoil?" asked Jake handing the she kat Phillip's reins. She pointed to the stair case leading to Chance's room, and with a gasp Jake felt the worst would await him.

Upstairs Turmoil went from room to room, breaking the doors in and trying to find the monster. She aimed her arrow in, thinking he would be awaiting her. After no such luck she came to a spiral staircase, leading up a tall tower. With a smirk she raced up the steps, the echo of her heels hitting along the stone steps sounded off.

She at last reached the top and saw a figure crouching near the edge. With a grin she walked over with a bow raised, thinking he might put up a fight. She got closer and saw he was strong and muscular looking, showing he was quite the catch.

"I must say, you are burly fellow. If you veren't so hideous to look at, I vould like you." said Turmoil walking over to get a better look at the mutant.

Chance heard her, by payed her no attention. He simply rubbed his paw over the book, shutting his eyes and sighing.

"My name in Turmoil...Jake set me." said Turmoil wanting to put a good dig into her opponent, especially after he stole Jake's heart from her.

Chance never turned around, and only dug his claws into the stone. Chance couldn't believe it, would Jake really do this too him. He just wasn't able to get a grasp on what had happened and why Jake would do such a thing.

Getting no response out of the larger male made Turmoil mad beyond words. She was doing all she could to break him, hurt him, and all he did was say nothing.

Suddenly Turmoil set an arrow into the back of Chance, sending him forward and over the stone. He dropped the book and tore out the arrow, meeting Turmoil's dark gaze. She gave a kick and sent Chance fall off the side, sliding down the stone, creating sparks as his claws dug into the hard surface.

Turmoil saw this and reached for another bow, only to have none. She whirled about and was met with an angry kilt wearing tom kat. Jake held the arrows in his paw and stepped back when Turmoil tried to take them. Quickly he held them over his knee and snapped them in half, throwing them aside where they tumbled down the stone steps.

"Where is he, Turmoil! What have you done!" demanded Jake glaring darkly at her, showing no fear against the taller female. He was angry and his shoulders rose and fell as he breathed in and out. The smaller male had run the whole length of the castle and was a bit worn out.

Turmoil frowned and groaned, pulling a gun from the inside of her cape. She threw the bow aside and knew it was time to bring the big guns out. She got her bullets and loaded them into the gun, making a face of disgust.

"You vould give yourself to zat deformed monster, vhen I could've given you everything. Vhen ve gat back to zee village, you vill be my husband, and marry me. As for your precious monster, his head vill hang on a vall in our bedroom. Ve vill tell our kittens how I saved your life, and you fell madly in love with me." said Turmoil clicking the gun in place, having it all planed.

"Never!" yelled Jake trying to grab it from her, hitting her with all his might. The pair wrestled with the gun and shot off a round, smoke floating around them. Turmoil was stronger and pulled it way by kicking him in the shin, dropping him to the ground. He groaned and staggered back, clutching her foot, keeping her in one place. She frowned and back handed him, sending Jake to the stone.

"Sorry about that honey, but you need to know who's in charge." said Turmoil watching Jake bleed from her strike. She would have to get him to obey her, and the only way he seemed to learn was by force.

Jake rubbed his sore face and glanced up to see Turmoil leap off the balcony, going after Chance. He reached out and tried to call out to her, only a croak emerged from his muzzle. He coughed up some blood and slowly got to his feet, dashed to the down the steps. He raced down the halls and came to a window, watching as Turmoil went after Chance.

Chance was hanging on for dear life and with all his strength jumped to the closest tower, scrambling to get to safety. His cape blew behind him as the rain fell from the sky. He was able to reach solid grown and struggle to stay up.

Jake came to a window and looked out to see Chance having some trouble climbing. He also saw Turmoil, hot on the strong male's heels.

"No!" shouted Jake over the wind and rain, fearful Chance would fall. He was so worried about Chance and hoped he would be okay. Seeing he was alive, Jake hoped it would stay that way.

He stood and his open shirt blew every so lightly in the breeze.

Chance managed to hang on the towers top and jumped from one to the other. He glanced up and saw the familiar kat, standing and watching him from a window. Chance saw Jake's opened shirt blowing every so lightly in the breeze. Chance's eyes sparked and lit up, seeing Jake had come back. With the hope returned, Chance jumped up and around to met the shorter male's gaze.

"JAKE! You returned!" yelled Chance over the storm, hoping Jake would hear him. He sighed was glad he was okay. Chance cape flew behind his huge form as he held himself up, seeing Jake so close, yet so far.

Turmoil, who stood between the two, saw how they reacted to each other and it made her furious The monster cared for Jake as well, well she would have to fix that. She glanced from Jake to Chance, knowing he was an enemy now.

"I tried to stop them! They wouldn't listen to me!" shouted Jake leaning farther out, wanting Chance to know he did all he could to protect him. He knew the brawny male might assume Jake was the one behind the mob, but this would clear the air, showing Jake would never hurt the one male he really cared about.

"Stay there, I'll come to you!" yelled Chance stepping along the towers bottom, trying not to fall. He was trying to figure out the best way to get to the smaller male, wanting to take him in his arms and hold him close.

Jake flew back and headed down the hall to the next room, hoping to met Chance there. Suddenly the stone beneath him shook and some of the hall crumbled and fell. Jake with all his might ran along the falling stone and jumped, reaching safety. He landed on the ground and pushed himself up, going on.

Chance made it to a flat part of the castle and saw Turmoil following closely after him. The she kat was determined and leaped from area to area, making her way over to him. Quickly Chance dropped down and broke through the window that lead to the armor room, knowing he had to defend himself.

Turmoil was not too far behind and charged after him, feeling her hat fly off. He hair blew about in the wind as the rain ran down her face. She reached the place and swooped down, coming into the armor room.

Chance pulled a sword and shield from the wall and waited for Turmoil, taking in a few breaths. Lightning flashed as the silhouette of a female could be made out. She jumped down and pulled her sword, ready to fight Chance to the death.

She ran forward and jumped, swing her sword. Chance blocked it and hit her with his shield, sending her rolling across the floor. Turmoil got up and grabbed a spear from the wall and aimed it to the burly male, lunging forward. Chance took a step back and just barely missed being slashed across the chest. Turmoil spun about and kept trying to strike the mutant.

The pair were both skilled with many weapons and fought. Turmoil tried to jump over Chance, but he grabbed her cape and swung her into the wall. She along with some weapons fell to the ground. After a loud clanging of metal hitting the floor, all seemed quiet.

Turmoil was dead and leaned up, pushing her hair out of her face with a growl. She picked up the weapons on the floor an threw them at Chance, pushing herself to her limit. Chance dodged them and didn't see Turmoil running at him. She tackled him and sent the two flying back out the window, tumbling down the stone.

She pinned him and punched him repeatedly, giving it all she had. Chance pushed her off and spun out and away from her. Turmoil got ready to go, but felt her cape get caught on a statue. Unable to free it, she removed it and went after Chance, pulling a stone mallet off the wall. With it in paw she followed Chance back to the area they were before, close to where Jake was. She wanted Jake to see her kill the monster, thinking it would be the ultimate reveage for Jake straying from her.

"Vere you in love vith him, you really thought he'd vant you, vhen he had someone like me.." said Turmoil,walking over trying to find the beast, who hid in the shadow. She though she saw him and went to hit him with all her might, knocking something to the ground. When lightning flashed it was revealed to be a gargoyle. "Jake is mine!"

Chance shot out and leapt up, kicking Turmoil in the gut with his knee, knocking her to the ground. Turmoil sent her heal to his groin and threw him off herself. The she kat pulled a knife and went to stab Chance. The two seemed to dace about, as Chance tried to keep from being hit.

Jake came to Chance's bed room and ran to the balcony, seeing the pair fight. Chance was sent to the ground and Turmoil went to stab him through the chest. Jake leaned out and couldn't bare to let Turmoil kill Chance. Still the pair were too far for Jake to get to, so he leaned out and yelled.

"No! Turmoil, Stop! Please don't kill him!" shouted Jake hoping to halt her attack, watching with wide fear filled eyes. The rain and wind blew, but his voice echoed though the air..

Hearing and seeing Jake, Chance found the strength to fight back. He stopped her paws and pushed back, keeping the digger at arms length. Turmoil was taken back as Chance stood tall, pushing her paw high over head. With his right he reached and grabbed her by the neck, lifting her over the edge. The wind and rain fell, as a strike of lightning lit up the sky behind them.

Turmoil held her paws to Jake's scaly paw, keeping herself from chocking. She dangled and kicked, but was unable to break free. She figured she wouldn't be able to get loose, so she grovelled.

"Spare me please I beg of you! Don't hurt me! I'll do anything, anything!" begged Turmoil holding tightly to Chance's think arm, hoping to not fall. She wasn't one to give up, so she used her innocent little girl acted. Hopefully the monster would take the bait.

Chance stared at her with dark eyes, showing no sign of doing as she asked. Slowly his face melted and he brought the she kat back in, keeping her at eye level. He wasn't one for killing and only wanted to scare her, it seemed to do the trick.

"Get the cuss out of my castle you sniveling coward.." hissed Chance in her face, watcher her fearful expression. He set her down and watched as she scrambled to get away, taking off down a stone platform to get away. Seeing this Chance yelled, making sure she got the message. "Go, get out of here!"

Chance smirked and turned the balcony, seeing Jake smiling back at him. He saw there was a few feet between them and figured he could make the jump. He took a few steps back and eyed up his target.

"Don't it's too far!" yelled Jake fearful that Chance wouldn't make it and fall to his death. The burly kat didn't listen and flew forward, leaping through the air. He clung to the windowsill and dangled a bit, feeling his cape whip behind him.

Jake leaned over and took Chance's paw, helping the kat up to the rail. Chance saw Jake's bright face and ginned, running his large paw up beside Jake's face, cupping his cheek. The pair gazed tenderly into each others eyes, happy to be together once more. Chance slowly leaned forward and was ready to share a kiss with the male he longed to be with. Jake was so caught up in the moment, that the world seem to vanish, until reality came back with a vengeance.

Bam! A gun shot rang out though the air and Chance's fell on the thick rail, while half his body body still hung out. Jake gasped and looked back to see Turmoil reloading her gun.

"Turmoil, no! Please, don't!" yelled Jake trying to pull Chance in before another shot rang out and hit him again. Chance grimaced and gripped the railing tightly as the pain shot through his body. He managed to be pulled in, but not before another shot hit him. He felt Jake's paws on his side and feared the smaller male might get hit in the gun fire.

"Get back Jake, don't let her hit you!" said Chance pushing him back, wanting him to be safe. Without his support Chance fell forward and hit the ground, unable to move. Jake gasped and looked up to met the crazy she kat's eyes.

"If I can't have you, no one vill!" shouted Turmoil as a shot a lightning flew in the background behind her. She smiled and took aim, knowing this time she would deliver the final blow and blast his brains out. With Jake safely out of the way, she could kill the monster right in front of him.

Her finger was on the trigger, smiling evilly. Suddenly the ground shook and the stone she stood on broke in half. Unable to flee the bottom gave out and dropped, bring Turmoil down with it.

"AAhhhhh!" echoed Turmoil's voice as she made her way to the ground, filling the night with noise. A cracking sound arose before all was still.

Jake watched as Turmoil fell to her death, not feeling bad that she was gone. He went to Chance's side and flipped him over to his back, seeing if he was still alive. Chance cough a little as a pool of blood collected under his body.

"I can't believe you came back?.." said Chance in a weak voice, finding it hard to move. He took a few short breaths and struggled to keep it together. He lay and looked up into Jake's brown eyes, seeing them become glassy.

"Of course, I'll never leave you again...This is all my fault, I shouldn't have brought Manx back here in the first place..." said Jake hugging Chance close to his chest, feeling the male's warmth.

Chance was moved and with all the strength he could muster, reached up to touch Jake's face. He met his gaze and wanted to stay by the smaller male forever, but his wounds told him otherwise.

"Guess I'm the one leaving this time..Perhaps it's better this, now you can truly be free to see the world, and all its wonders.." said Chance swallowing and gasping a bit for air.

"That's just it I don't want to do any of that without you.." said Jake stroking Chance's face, feeling his soft fur between his fingers. Chance gave him a small smile, and keep a tight hold on his paw.

"Jake, listen to me..You gave me the greatest gift in all the land..You showed me that love exist, and that even someone like me could indeed be happy, so thank you..Thank you for being someone I could truly love, I will always love you.." said Chance trying to stay by him as long as he could, knowing every second counted.

Jake felt tears stream down his face and he placed paw over Chance's larger one. Jake smiled and he heard Chance's breathing slowly stop. He watched with teary eyes as Chance's paw fell limply to the side, and his red eyes shut. Jake felt for a pulse, but found none, realizing Chance was gone.

"No, no..Don't leave me..Please come back..." said Jake clutching Chance's paw, hoping he would wake ad wasn't dead. He lowered his head and let tears fall like rain down his face, laying his head on Chance's chest. He didn't yell or wail, he simply cried and clung to the lifeless body, mourning the loss of his friend. On the stone table in the glass vase, the last peddle fall, sealing the fate of everyone.

Down at the front of the stairs stood the gang, jumping with joy for their victory. The were still celebrating until something seemed off and out of place. Felina held Callie and spun her about, hearing the other female giggle.

"We did it, Callie, we beat them!" said Felina with joy, until Callie became still like a statue. Frozen in her hold Felina didn't know what happened and shook the other. "Callie Callie speak to me..Oh, , what happened to her?"

Faral stood by and watched as Felina was frantic to know what became of her wife. Faral only cast his eyes down, assuming the spell wasn't broken and that their fate would be worse then they thought.

On the stair way stood Ann and Jonny, who stood face to face. They felt the change, but it was heartbreaking to know they only had a few seconds left to be together.

"Oh, Jonny, you were so brake..Goodbye, my love." said Ann before her doors shut and she remained still, becoming just a lifeless wardrobe. Seeing this Jonny panicked shaking a little.

"Ann, don't leave, ahh.." said Jonny as he felt his keys stop moving. The piano stopped as silence took over. Out from the castle came Al, who jumped on the piano, not knowing why he didn't say anything. The stool went to Ann, thinking she would say something. With a whimper Al became stiff and fell over, completing the set of three.

Faral and Felina watched with pain as one after one, their friends..No there family froze from the curse. Coming out on her cart came Mrs. Sinian, huffing with worry.

"Have you seen Steele, he wondered off..I can't find him, where is my little boy." said Mrs. Sinian puffing steam out her spout one last time, before her face froze and faded away, leaving only a tea and Felina shook their head with sadness, not know when they would freeze.

"Mama! Mom!" yelled Steele leaping to his mother, only to fly through the air and fall to the stone. His bottom shattered into pieces on the stone before he was scooped up by Hackle. Hackle set the cup beside his mother and stood, feeling himself freeze.

All that was left were Faral and Felina. The two looked at each other and didn't know what to say. It was hard to think they were so close, and now it would be over.

"Felina, it was an honor working with you by my side.." said Faral saluting her one last time, before his arms went to his sides and stuck. His face chanced to a regular clock and he was no longer with the candlestick.

"No, the honor was all mine.." said Felina spinning and becoming still. He light flickered out and all the items in the castle froze. Many panicked, but tried to say their good byes. Some never even got to say what they wanted before the curse took its hold on them. All the was left was a silent dark castle.

The Lieutenant stood and watched with glassy eyes as several said heartfelt good byes. Once the talking stopped, she slumped down and sniffed.

Manx and Paul arrived and went to find the Jake to see how things went. Judging by the frozen items outside thing didn't look good. The two older kats went in and the Lieutenant point the direction to go in. The aging kats made their way down the hall and came to a bed chamber. Slowly Manx opened the door and stepped in, looking for his son. Seeing Jake crying over the monster, Manx and Paul, stopped, giving the male some space.

"Oh, Paul we be too late.." said Manx feeling bad for his son, wiping a tear from his eye. He slowly approached Jake and placed a paw on his shoulder, thinking they should leave.

"Come on, Jake..Let's go home.." said Manx softly and kindly. Jake pushed his paw aside and clung to Chance, curling in to a tighter ball.

"No, I love him." said Jake wanting to stay by the male he grew to love. True he wasn't handsome, but he was good and beautiful on the inside. "I just need some time alone.."

"Manx, why don't you go get the horse ready, I'll stay with the boy." said Paul patting Manx on the back. Manx nodded and walked away, taking once last glace at his heartbroken son.

Manx knew that Jake wouldn't be happy when they went back, and felt terrible for him. The boy had found someone, yet fate chose to take him away, just like Jake's mother. Manx sighed and left down the hall, wondering what they were going to do after this.

With Manx gone, Paul smiled and walked over to where Jake was. Only instead of joining him, he pulled a golden watch out from the inside of his cloak. He held it up to the plant and light emerged from it, making the dead flower come back t life. The peddles lifted and the glass turned to light. The light went to Chance and surrounded him.

Jake saw this and sat back, wondering what was happening. With wide eyes he got back and watched as Chance was surrounded by light. It moved about and he transformed. Jake looked over and saw Paul, who's cloak and changed to blue. The light and peddles slowly faded and sent Chance back on the ground where he lay for a few moment.

Jake stepped forward, but drew back when the kat before him stood. The male was blond and had three dark brown stripes across his back. The lager blond tabby looked at his left and right paw, and turned to Jake with a smile.

"Jake, it's me Chance." said Chance walking over to take Jake's paws. Chance didn't know how it happened, but he was glad to be back to normal.

"Chance, is it really you?" wondered Jake reaching out to touch his right face, not use to it be unscaly. He felt it and gazed into blue eyes instead of red. The fur felt the same, and his build looked about normal, still Jake wasn't use to it. "But how, you were dead."

"That's the beauty of magic..Speaking of which." said Chance realizing the Pastmaster was standing beside him. "What are you doing here?"

"Chance don't, he's a friend of mine." said Jake taking and holding Chance's fist back from striking the smaller kat. Chance stopped and folded his thick arms over his chest, pouting a little. Jake, with a raised brow spoke. "Paul, you're the Pastmaster..I don't understand?"

"Yeah, why did you change me? You not only ruined my life, but many of my friend with your stupid curse." said Chance, wanting to know why the Pastmaster would do such a thing.

"You were very lost, Mr. Furlong..You weren't complete and needed to find yourself. I see you are no longer a boy, but a kind hearted man..As for you Jake, I told you the truth..Kat kind can be cruel and sometimes need to be taught a lesson. I met you and knew you would be the perfect guy to whip Chance here into shape. You were able to look past the monster and see the man within, something several wouldn't be able to do." said the Pastmaster, smiling to Jake, who was taken back.

"You know ahead of time I would be the one to break the spell.." questioned Jake with a side ways glance, still trying to keep up.

"Yup, and now you two can live a good life together." said the Pastmaster walking over and putting their paws together.

"But someones dead because of you." said Chance frowning and pulling his paw away from the Pastmaster.

"Well, really does it matter..I mean wouldn't the world be a so much better place if all the mean and crule kat were killed off." said the Pastmaster slapping both their backs.

"What!" exclaimed Jake and Chance in unison, unable to believe what they were hearing. Was the Pastmaster even a good guy.

"You see kats need to learn the power of their choices, a symbol to show them just how horrible and awful they can be, you two are that symbol." said the Pastmaster. "I honestly have no other explanation, sometimes it's just fun to be a jerk for no reason what so ever."

The two with wide eyes watched as the Pastmaster gave an evil chuckle, killing a butterfly that fluttered by. The two glanced from one another and Jake had an idea.

"Does this mean we can have that magic book?" asked Jake with excitement, hoping he would leave it in their care.

"Oh, heck no, I'm taking it with me..Well have a good life." said the Pastmaster making the book appear and flying away. The two went to the balcony and wathced as the Pastmaster left in a cloud of dust and magic.

"Well, that happened." said Chance with a shrug. He waved it off and took Jake's paw. "The offer still stand Jake, will you stay here with me?"

"Yes, I would love to." said Jake throwing his arms around Chance and nuzzling into him. Chance slowly pulled him away and leaned in, giving Jake the kiss he always wanted. Jake stood on his toes to reach Chance, and the two shared a kiss. The kiss sealed the deal and the stone flew up and back in place.

Outside the light washed over the dark gray castle, showing it to be white with red towers. The light swept over the frozen object and Ann opened her door, letting streams of clothe out. The clothe flew around Jonny as a shadow of a she kat showed. Once the clothe fell the couple with their dog huddled together, glad to alive. They felt one another, able to feel the softness of the other's fur.

"Oh, my love." said Ann hugging her husband. He smiled and hardly had any teeth, from when he lost the piano keys.

Hackle came to life and felt his chest and arms, unable to believe what had happend. The older kat glanced about and saw Faral change back to his old self. The tall commander fixed his hair and saw light beside him.

Like magic, Felina was back to her regular form. She stood and grinned to her Uncial, waving a finger to him.

"What did I tell you Uncial, we beat the clock." laughed Felina walking over and hitting his arm. The older kat sighed and rolled his eyes to the shorter female, knowing she would rub it in his face. Felina was about to go on, when feathers flew up from where Callie was. Quickly Felina went over and took Callie's paw, that emerged from the pile of feathers. Felina pulled her out and was half crying. "Oh, Callie my love."

"Felina, you were right..I love you." said Callie taking and kiss Felina. The two pulled apart and smoke floated from Felina's head. Callie patted it out and went to hug her love once more.

Over to the side, Mrs. Sinian's cart started rolling away. Faral reached and grabbed it, but not before the pot and cup went flying through the air. The two changed and Mrs. Sinian landed on the tray, sliding down with her son on her lap. They came to a stop and Mrs. Siana was surprised to see her son back to normal.

"Steele, you're a little boy again..Oh, I missed you so much." said Mrs. Sinian hugging and kissing her son over and over. He laughed and nuzzled into her, happy she was okay.

Manx, the Lieutenant along with many others came out. Manx watched as the she cat went to Faral.

"Ulysses? Is that you?" wondered the Lieutenant studying the tall male. He with a smile ran to her and picked her up, happy to see his wife again.

"I've missed you so much." said Faral holding her close. Everyone was happy and stood about chatting away. Then out of the door came Chance, holding Jake's paw. Seeing him Faral, along with his wife went over to greet him. "Oh, my King."

"It good to see you old friend." said Chance taking his paw and bringing him into a hug. Faral was taken back by the kind gesture, but smiled none the less. He let Faral go and went to Jake, picking up off the ground and spinning him. "I say we celebrate!"