Old Deuteronomy lied in his large den, feeling depressed and consumed by the pitiful anxiety of confusion. The night was shadowed over the Junkyard, and not even the light of the street lamps could brighten the situation. He had brought the wrath of panic among his tribe by bringing a new queen to the Junkyard. Did he regret the decision to bring her here? No, she made everyone curious, but also opened their eyes to the outside world; how cruel it can be, but she was also a symbol of survival. She made it through that miserable nature of life since she was a kit, even before knowing anything about herself. The old tom couldn't blame her for this; with so much being exposed to her at this tender age, it must be hard to accept.

The silence was disrupted by the sound of rushing feet padding into the den. Deuteronomy turned to see a few of his faithful children, Munkustrap, Coricopat, and Tantomile. All three cats stared at their father in pity, knowing the pressure that faced him. Munk stepped forward, followed by the twins walking hesitantly towards the tired old tom. The silver tabby came face-to-face with his father,

"Deuteronomy," he started, "Mungo, Quaxo, and Tumblebrutus were sent north to the park area of the city; Asparagus, Jennyanydots, and Pouncival just left to the east to the pier; Skimbleshanks took Plato, Jemima, and Rumpleteazer to the south to scout the alley-ways; and buildings, and Tugger, Admetus, and Cassandra are patrolling the borders of the Junkyard. Everyone else is here, but there has been no sign of Zelaphelia."

"I see…" the dusty-colored tom retorted, "and why have none been sent to the west?"

Munkustrap looked down uncomfortably. Coricopat stepped in, sitting next to his half-brother, and cleared his throat, "No one wants to go near the abandoned buildings, nor search at the…Warehouse."

Deuteronomy shrugged, "Than don't go to the warehouse; just search near it. Are there any cats that will volunteer?"

Tantomile plopped down next to her twin, and spoke softly, "There are only Kittens and Elders left. None are strong enough to go. Well, Alonzo and Demeter are here as well."

"Hm…" Deuteronomy replied thoughtfully, "Very well then; we will have to separate search parties. Munkustrap, you, Tugger, the twins and Cassandra will go west. Send Demeter and Alonzo in the patrol."

Munkustrap stood up with a concerned look stuck on his face, "Demeter…is very…timid at the moment Deuteronomy…are you sure?"

The Jellicle leader sighed at the thought of his son's mate, "Munkustrap, we are in a difficult situation, and we need every physically able cat to give everything they have. Zelaphelia is family now, and we protect everyone in our family. Demeter will be able to stand patrols for a little while. Now go, quickly."

Munkustrap stepped back, and bowed his head to Deuteronomy, and quickly stalked away. The twins were about to follow their half-brother, but the Jellicle Leader raised his paw, gesturing them to stop, "Wait, Tantomile, Coricopat, I want to know if you have seen anything."

The twins looked at each other, with discomfort on their faces, and then turned back to their father, "We have," Tantomile started. Coricopat continued where his sister left off, "We suspect an attack has taken place."

"We didn't tell anybody," Tantomile continued, "until we could be sure that it was what we thought it was."

"And what was that?" Deuteronomy asked curiously.

Coricopat cleared his throat, "We think maybe an attack from a one of Macavity's henchcats. We are not sure where or when, but the victim was a female…it was possibly Zelaphelia."

"How did it end?"

They paused a moment, "…We don't know yet." The twins confirmed in unison.

"Hmm….Alright then. Thank you. You both may go now, and hurry."

The two cats bowed their heads, and sprinted out of the den. Deuteronomy developed a splitting headache from the past events. What was he to do? The old tom needed all his wisdom to bring the Jellicles back into security and comfort. Now he had all of them searching out for the one female who may change the fate of the tribe forever...

^~*~^

Tugger paced back and forth near the street lamp, hiding behind the luminous glow of light streaming from above, trying to be alone with his thoughts in the silence of the night. Cassandra and Admetus were murmuring to each other, thinking the black and leopard-spotted tom was out of ear-shot, when really every word they said was as obvious as the darkness, but it didn't matter what they said. The only thing the three of them were doing was making sure if Zelaphelia should ever come back to the Junkyard, she is greeted by the patrollers and Deuteronomy was immediately informed.

It wasn't a very important task, which was what Tugger didn't want. Zela was out there, somewhere…and he should be out trying to find her. Patrolling wasn't the most exciting job anyway, and that beautiful queen was all that was on his mind.

Admetus and Cassandra's conversation grew a bit louder, probably thinking that Tugger wasn't listening. Again they underestimate his hearing, "I know he really likes her," whispered Cassandra, "They were found together by the borders of the Junkyard; I'm telling you, he cares about her enough to be here. Why else would he be so immensely concentrated on patrolling? He hates doing it, but he will do what he can for her."

"Well fine then," Admetus started in a hushed tone, "He can think what he wants of her. If he's gonna go all googly-eyed over some prissy traitor, that's his mistake. I, for one, can sense something is wrong, and so can Plato. I swear she has twisted this tribe more than Macavity has. I don't like it. If she'd rather go to her evil parentage, instead of a good tribe that has been selfless to her, well I say, don't let the iron fence hit her on the way out; good riddance too. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, eh?"

That got a small giggle from Cassandra, but Tugger couldn't take anymore of this taunting. He swished around and faced the two snorting felines with an expression of annoyance and frustration worn on his face, "All right Admetus, just shut up for awhile, you piece of rat bile! You don't know anything, and Cassie, stop acting like such a love-sick puppy! We've got enough of those around here."

"Yeah," Admetus retorted, "Including you."

That got a snort from both the Siamese female and the tabby tom, but Tugger wasn't amused, "I said shut-up you moron! Can't you get that into your thick skull?"

"Oh lighten-up Tugger," Cassandra said, "Addy and I were just poking fun, that's all. My gosh, you have been extremely high-strung since Zela disappeared. What's your problem?"

"My problem is annoying queens who can't mind their own damn business, Cassandra!" the angered tom hissed.

Cassandra was silent and looked slightly insulted. She probably had never seen him blow his top like that before. She was right; he had been high-strung; all night he'd been like this.

Tugger sighed, "Cassie, I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to explode at you, it's just…Zela is still family, and don't you think that you should honor that?"

The Siamese queen stared at him with pity and forgiveness, "Yeah, I'm sorry too; for poking fun at you, that is."

"Eh, don't worry 'bout it, what are siblings for anyway?"

"Oh, that's just sooo precious," This came from the sarcastic Admetus, "While your at it, just slam me into the street lamp post, and then throw me in the middle of the road while a car is coming, why don't you?"

"Do you want to test me on that?" The Curious Cat asked rhetorically.

"C'mon Tugger," Cassandra started, brushing up next to her half-brother, "take it easy on the kid."

"Whatever Cassie," Tugger replied, glaring at Admetus, "I don't need to take this-"

Before the black and leopard tom could finish a shout from over the fence called out, "Hey! Tugger," The Curious Cat looked up to see his older brother, Munkustrap with Alonzo and the twins.

"What is it?" Rum Tum Tugger asked.

"Deuteronomy wants you, me, Cassandra, and the twins to go west to search for Zela." The silver tabby tom answered.

Yes, Tugger thought, finally! But then the curious cat remembered something "Isn't that near the Warehouse?" he asked nervously.

"Yes," Munkustrap replied, rolling back his eyes, impatiently, "But he wants us to leave now."

"But who will stand patrols?" Cassandra asked.

"Lonzo is going to get Demeter, and they're going to take over for you and Tugger."

The leopard-spotted tom looked down to sort out his thoughts. On the one hand, Macavity was an evil torturer with a twisted mind and a maniacal manner, but on the other hand, Zela needed him. The only way to get her back was to search that Warehouse, and from what Tugger had heard, no one was having luck finding her scent anywhere else. He quickly gained-up the courage in his chest, and looked up at his brother.

"Okay Munkustrap," Tugger started, "Lead the way."

With that, the silver and black tom leaped next to his brother's side, followed by the twins, then Alonzo. Together, the leopard tom, the striped twins, the Siamese queen, and the Jellicle protector wandered through the darkness, in the direction of where the sunset had taken place, in hopes to find the young queen before morning arose to another threat, whatever it may be, and left what remained of the patrol scouts to watch the four of them on their way to the most mysterious place in the city…

^~*~^

Macavity brought Zela through the short, dark hallway, which leaked out light from the end. Since it was such a small tunnel to the end, the mystified queen could already see what was in the next room: It look like the main lounge of this place. There were busy cats scrambling around, going room-to-room. All were probably male, and what was odder is that most were black or black and white, but once she had entered through the hallway, all of them paused and glared at her, like she was some sort of enemy-cat.

Macavity noticed the eyes of his henchcats on his daughter, which was what caused them to pause, "As you were!" he spat. They all glanced at their master, and quickly scrambled back to where they were going, their eyes still burning on Zelaphelia. She cringed back trying to stay near her father's security.

The red tom noticed this as well, "Don't worry my dear; they won't attack; you are under the protection of the alpha-cat. I brought them all here, and they obey my every command, in exchange for shelter."

"…Where is…'here?'"

"'here,'" Macavity started, "is called the Warehouse. A long time ago, I found this place, and made it in my image. I came with several followers that are still here today."

Then, a black tom came up to Macavity, his eyes on his master, not paying any mind to Zelaphelia. The golden-red queen thought he was unusually familiar, "Macavity," the male started, "The queens have requested you and your, um…daughter to come to their den."

"What?" the red tom asked furiously, "How did they find out she was here? I never told them!"

The black cat shrugged, "I dunno. Don't ask me. Rumors spread quickly."

"Too often and too quickly," Macavity snarled, "and just make sure you remember your place, Barnabas! You keep your mouth quiet and stop being so cocky; remember whom your superiors are."

Zela was struck by the name her father spat at. Barnabas…Macavity had spoken of him. He said Barnabas was the one who brought her to the Warehouse. She thought. He must've been the one who knocked her unconscious, then dragged her here by the scruff of her fur. Of course! It must have been. The furious queen's ears went flat and the back of her coat spiked-up, in the realization of her captor. That was when the cat called Barnabas sensed the tension in the queen, as he glanced at her angered faced. He narrowed his eyes at her, but quickly shook-off his glares, and bowed his head to his master, "Forgive me sir, I will leave now."

The black cat quickly backed away, and Macavity turned to his daughter, also sensing the tension in her scent, as Barnabas had, "Calm yourself, Zelaphelia," he commanded sensitively, "Barnabas was following orders. We bring every stray cat here that is without a group of other cats, or without a collar. It is how we find more recruits…sometimes we even take-in Jellicles, if we have the chance."

The red tom chuckled to himself at his private joke that Zela didn't exactly understand, but didn't ask, "Now,"he continued, "We had better see what the queens want

Macavity nudged his daughter to follow him as they padded along-side each other to the other end of the main room of the Warehouse, where a white-framed doorway, with a half-torn-up door stood, partially closed.

"What are the queens like?" Zela asked her father, curiously.

Macavity groaned, "To tell you the truth, they're all a bunch of prissy suck-ups that don't seem pay mind to any of the rules. Let me tell you now: they aren't the brightest group of females, but don't worry; I'm sure they would have a good reason to request us both here."

"Exactly…how many females are in the group?"

"Not many," the red tom stated, "Only a few queens can be found on the streets. There's four or five currently staying in this den, but let us stop this stalling, and see what they want."

Macavity pushed open the crooked door gently, as it creaked with the light pouring onto his face. The Mystery Cat jerked his head, slightly, to signal his daughter to follow him into the den. Together, they entered through the door. The room had a charming quality to it; the white wooden floorboards were not polished, but the creamy taste to it was dramatic enough to set-off the peaceful mood. There were two large windows, both shaded by dark green drapes. Three new-looking couches were scattered in the room; all were covered with large pillows and comforters. Zela looked on these sofas to see five small queens glancing at their visitors.

All of them looked very curious to see the new-comer. Surprisingly none were glaring at her like all the henchcats did when they first saw her. Each one had an unusual beauty to them, especially one creamy colored tabby female, who was the only queen giving her a dirty look. Suddenly a large white Prussian cat jumped from her spot on a blood-red sofa, and came near her Master with a grin on her face.

"Hello Macavity," she welcomed in her a seductive voice.

The red tom bowed his head slightly as a sign of a greeting, "Griddlebone. So what is meaning of sending that moronic assistant of mine to tell me all the queens wish to have a conference with me?"

"Oh Macavity, we just wanted to meet your daughter." The white queen, called Griddlebone, pointed over to Zela, who was cowering behind her father, with anxiety building up in the pit of her stomach. Griddlebone came closer to the nervous female, and brushed next to her, "Don't be afraid, little one," she whispered, "We, of all the cats in the Warehouse, know where you stand. We have all come from the outside world; We have all seen its cruelty, and we want to help you."

"Is this all you brought me here for Griddlebone?" Macavity growled, "I have more important things at hand."

The white queen shrugged, "Go ahead and leave if you wish. We queens can take your daughter off your hands."

The red tom groaned at the queen, as if in a thoughtful pause, "Alright Griddlebone," he sighed with annoyance. He turned to Zelaphelia with still a small glimmer of mischievousness in his eye, "Will you be fine without me for awhile?" he asked.

Zela hesitated, still a bit nervous about being left alone with all these queens, He would probably think I'm weak if I don't, she thought. The golden-red queen quickly nodded, seeking approval in her father's eyes, which she reluctantly found.

"Alright then," he said with relief; then, with many a petty hesitation, the red tom jogged out of the room, without looking back, and vanished. Is he seriously that busy? Zela thought. What could he possibly be doing that was so important? Well…did it matter now? No…no it didn't. Griddlebone nudged the golden-red queen in the side as a gesture to follow her. The white queen jumped back to her spot on the red couch, and moved over to make room for the queens' guest, who had leaped onto the spot that was saved for her and quietly crouched in a seated position.

"Zelaphelia," purred Griddlebone, "I would like to introduce you to the queens." The Prussian cat looked over at the Siamese female with deep, intense, blue eyes, "This is Celestica; she has been here almost as long as I have."

"It is so nice to meet you." The Siamese queen purred in a high, screechy, yet soft and quiet, voice. Celestica was a pretty female. She almost looked like the queen, Cassandra from the Junkyard, except she had a pale cream coat and a brown face, ears, and paws. Cassandra was quite the opposite; she had a dark, (almost black) coat, and a white face. She was a most unusual queen; one Zela thought would be in a rivalry with Celestica.

Another queen, who had a thin grayish-blue coat and face, and the same colored eyes, came ahead of the Siamese queen, "My name is Cybil," said the nasally voiced queen said.

Griddlebone looked slightly annoyed, "Cybil is a very impatient kit."

The grey-blue queen glared at the white queen, as if she was insulted, "I'm no kit Griddlebone," she yelled, "and it simply takes you too long to introduce me when I'm right next to Celestica."

"I was just about to Cybil." The Prussian queen pointed out.

The impatient queen turned up her nose, "It took you long enough-"

"Okay," Griddlebone interrupted quickly, "let's keep going…um, that is Ladonna," she nodded toward a female with a black coat and distinct white chest, paws, and face, who was on the couch, opposite of the one the golden-red female was sitting on. She bowed her head in greeting, "hello Zela. If you need anything, just come to me; I know every room in the Warehouse, and every alley in the city." Surprisingly Ladonna seemed a bit more normal than any of the others; she had a soothing purr in her tone that was undeniably hypnotizing, also it was almost like Zela could detect a French accent in her voice.

"That's because she's swiped everything that was in those places." Cybil murmured in a snicker. The black and white queen glared at her, but said nothing.

"Alright then," Griddlebone continued, sensing the discomfort, "and the one sitting next to Ladonna, that is Jezabella." The cat that the Prussian female was pointing out was the same cream-colored queen that kept her narrowed eyes at Zela, "She's one of the newest queens in the Warehouse."

Jezabella stuck her nose in the air and turned her back to the two females without a comment. She acted like some sort of princess that was higher above every other queen in the room. "What's her problem?" The confused female whispered to Griddlebone.

"Ah, she gets easily jealous." The Prussian cat murmured, "New queens always make her nervous, thinking that she'll lose favor from Macavity."

Suddenly, Jezabella jumped back from her stance, and leaped off the couch and landed in front of Griddlebone and Zela. "That's not true!" The angry queen yelled, "I am just a little paranoid. We have come from the cruelties of the outside world, and you don't think any of us would be nervous about new cats in the Warehouse? Especially ones that are Jellicles…" She glared at Zelaphelia, "Don't we go through enough with her kind over-running the cities? Our entire family will be implicated in the Junkyard cats' suspicions, when really; only one female is to blame.

"Now wait a minute," The golden-red queen started, "I'm not trying to-"

But before she could finish, Zela felt a pause in her breath; her heart-rate sped faster, and darkness fell on her sight, and then a vision blurred-into the light:

Five shadows stood on a dirt ground by an old abandoned building. The figures separated throughout the shady area, calling out, 'Zela! Zela, where are you?' Two figures came into recognition, the two brothers, Munkustrap, and Rum Tum Tugger. Then several of the other shadows appeared: Cassandra, and the psychic twins, Coricopat and Tantomile.

Zela zoned out from her vision, realizing what she had seen, but woke-up to six queens staring at her with confusion and disbelief…