Here we go again. I don't wanna give it away so read on.

Things are getting bleaker by the hour as Misto displays no change.

Disclaimer: I do not own Cats so please have some respect for Misto and don't sue me.

Chapter 10

Death is a silent mistress

It wasn't clear if minutes had gone by or if they were hours. Tugger stayed clutching his fallen mate willing him silently to get better. He knew of no other way to help him and just hoped that Mistoffelees could feel him in his inanimate state. Tugger heard cats re-enter the den behind him but didn't look up, he just held his limp tom like he was the only thing in the world that mattered. Mistoffelees felt so delicate and vulnerable to the bigger cat, like a little rag doll in Tugger's arms. It pained the coon to feel his usually so full of energy sweetheart as lifeless as he was at that moment.

Jenny placed a paw on Tugger's shoulder as a sign that she needed to take a look at her patient and he felt awful to have to pull away from his mate. He stood feeling heavy and creaky and backed away not removing his eyes from Misto for a moment. Jenny set about inspecting her earlier worked and seemed to think it was holding up well. She would have to replace his bandages before long but for now he seemed to be okay – as much as you could call him okay that is. Munk entered the den at that moment and spoke quietly to Jenny to try and understand the situation. He watched his brother staring at his mate seemingly void of all expression. He went over and stood by his side before nuzzling him gently as a wordless attempt at comfort. Tugger moved his eyes over to Munk and nodded gently before looking back. Munk hated the sadness that was hanging in the air. He felt he should have been able to prevent all the heartache that had been caused to everyone and felt like a failure. The silver tabby silently made his way out of the den and began to walk back to his usual post thinking perhaps he could prevent anything more that might go wrong. He sat, gazing around the junkyard seeing many members of the tribe.

The cats weren't their normal selves. The grief of Misto's affliction had reached them all and they reflected it clearly in their expressions as cats so effectively can. It was nearing early afternoon now and their fatigue from being awake long into the day was showing. In dribs and drabs many of them began to slink away to their dens and deal with their misery on their own or with their respective mates and friends. Munk longed for Demeter but she was in their den probably exhausted from the commotion earlier. Munk stared with heavy eyes at his surroundings wanting nothing more than to join her and feel that maybe everything was going to be alright. He kept turning until he laid eyes on his father who was staring back at him. The old leader seemed to gaze with a look of deep understanding and sympathy. In his mind, he saw the silver kitten he had once held in his arms many years ago and understood that even the protector needed comforting once in a while, and this was one of those times despite the tabby's mask of bravery.

He slowly got up on his doddery, old legs and walked over to the foot of the junk pile his son was sitting on. He gave him a fatherly look that conveyed deeper understanding than can be put into words. Munk slowly rose and climbed down to stand before his father. Old Deuteronomy offered him a gentle smile and drew him into a hug. It took Munkustrap a moment but he slowly put his arms around his father. He didn't cry, the two just stood. It had been a long time since Munk had hugged his father and he remembered the warmth it filled him with; deep down, past the courage and the strength he was just as scared as the rest of the Jellicles, and for a brief moment, he let it show in the tightness of his grip on his father.

Their father-son moment was interrupted by a bellow from the entrance to the junkyard,

"Where is my son?" a very stout cat shouted being followed by Mungo and Rumple, "Where is Mistoffelees?" He had very similar markings to Misto only he was taller and incredibly fat. He didn't look at all sloppy though, he was perhaps the smartest of cats in all of London and walked quickly in his dandy style. He went by the name of Bustopher Jones.

"Bustopher" Old Deuteronomy said as he parted from his son. The fat, tuxedo-patterned tom turned to him and bowed slightly. The leader responded in kind and went over to him.

"I'm sorry we have to meet again under these circumstances" lamented the leader.

"Yes, yes, there will be time for pleasantries later!" said the pompous fellow in a flurry, "Old Deuteronomy, what has happened to my son?" he said with fatherly concern.

"I'm afraid I don't know the details" said the leader lowering his voice "all I know is Mistoffelees was injured badly by some glass and lost a lot of blood." Bustopher reacted with shock,

"Is he alive?" the cat said with a most unusual quiver to his voice.

"Yes, but barely" said the leader sadly.

"Where is he?"

"In Jennyanydots' den" said the leader before Bustopher began to waddle in that direction.

Inside the den, Tugger was sitting by Misto's side holding his paw and stroking his face hoping for any reaction whatsoever. He didn't receive one.

The calmness that had accumulated in the air was shattered as the huge tuxedo barged in through the doorway.

"Where is my Mistoffelees?" boomed the usually composed tom

Skimble was taken by surprise at the abrupt entry and motioned over to where the little tom was resting.

"My boy!" he said with a startled breath, "My son!" He walked over quickly and batted Tugger away with his cane – a shiny silver spoon. Tugger didn't know whether to be offended and say something but stopped himself when he realised Bustopher didn't know the details of him and the fat cat's son's relationship. He just stood there watching the father examine his hurt progeny and come to terms with the sight.

"How did this happen?" he snapped not turning his head.

The other cats looked at each other hoping anyone but themselves would have to tell the pristine tom.

"Well?" he snapped again when no one said anything.

"Umm…well, it's like this…now, err, where to begin…" tittered Jenny.

"Jenny, if I may?" piped up Tugger

She nodded to him.

"Bustopher" he said addressing his mate's father "Misto…Mistoffelees and I were outside the junkyard earlier this morning and he fell from a tree onto a bottle at the base of the trunk. The glass broke as he fell on it and cut into him very deeply." He saw the tom wince as Tugger related the story. "He bled very heavily and blacked out a while ago now and hasn't woken up since, and…well…he might…I mean might not…well…"

Jenny took over as she saw tux struggle to produce the words, "as Tugger said, he bled heavily and was injured deep inside. We managed to close up many of the wounds but it's now up to his body to do the rest and – I'm sorry to say – it's touch and go at the moment."

Bustopher just stared in disbelief at his son. He bent down and smoothed the fur on the little tux's head before looking up at Tugger.

"You were outside the junkyard? What were you doing?" he asked much quieter than he had been a moment ago and with an obvious expression of lament.

Tugger tried to think quickly. He couldn't tell Bustopher what they had done before the accident, it wasn't the time. He did manage an answer however,

"We were watching the sunrise, sir. You know how he loves that time of day."

Bustopher smiled down at his son. "Yes. He does. Did you bring him back here?"

"Yes, sir" replied Tugger.

"Thank you, young man. He's lucky to have a friend like you. You may go now."

Tugger panicked for a second. He didn't want to leave his mate alone but didn't want to disrespect the tuxedo.

"If it's all the same, sir, I'd rather stay. I saw the whole mess happen and would much rather be here when he wakes up" said Tugger trying to hide his desperation.

"He is very lucky indeed" said the tom smiling up at Tugger. "Very well, please stay. I don't suppose, though, that you might find me a cup of tea?" asked the cat.

"I'll deal with that, Bustopher" chimed in Skimble. Tea was his area and he returned a minute later with enough of the steaming brew for everyone. He passed around cups as they gathered around the little tom, watching him breath slowly. Tugger didn't really care for tea but welcomed the gentle warming it provided within him. He needed something to alleviate the crushing coldness he felt in his heart and the tea seemed to help, if only for a short while.

In another den of the junkyard, two young queens sat holding each other. They had finished crying a while ago but still hugged needing to be with anyone right now. The news had been particularly hard on the small white cat as it was her brother that she had seen bloodied and lifeless. Jemima gently stroked her friend trying to help her with her unhappiness. She had no idea how Victoria might react if she lost her brother. The white queen had always looked up to him and admired his grace and intelligence, the former of which she shared and even surpassed him on at times. Different memories from their shared kittenhood popped in and out of her mind. She remembered how on one February morning they had been told it was a day for celebrating love and noticed how their mother and father became very doting upon each other. They learned the day was called St. Valentine's Day and that gifts denoting love were meant to be given. The two had thought it very funny and giggled at the concept. Misto was still discovering his magic and had – summoning all his strength and with a few odd results before he achieved the right one – produced for her a beautiful and exotic looking flower. She had thought it ever such a lovely gift from her slightly older brother and always remembered the gesture. Their mother had said it was lovely too, a queen she missed greatly since her death years ago. She realised that if Misto died then she would be rather alone since her father didn't live with the Jellicles. She began to feel the cold shadow of solitude slip over her and hated the emptiness it left her with. She knew Jemima was there for her and she loved her for that but it still wasn't quite the same as family.

"Do you think it's okay for us to go and see him?" she squeaked

"Maybe. Perhaps we should find out."

The two parted and slowly made their way to Jenny and Skimble's den.

Bombalurina watched the two queens scamper across the clearing. She saw them get close to the den where Misto was and hurried back into her own. She curled up on her bed but with eyes wide open. She felt as if the world was crashing down around her and that it was all her fault. She toyed with the idea of running away but knew a life out there on her own was comparable to dying. She simply didn't know what to do and buried her face into a blanket. She remained there for a while before drifting into a nightmarish sleep.

In the warm den belonging to Jenny and Skimble, the group of cats were still gathered around the tux. They had begun some polite conversation over their earlier tea and talked whilst monitoring the little Misto. Tugger didn't join in, he was too transfixed on his lover.

The two little approaching queens knocked gently on the doorframe and entered timidly.

"We were wondering if maybe we could see…" Victoria stammered before she saw her father. "Daddy!" she cried and ran over to him throwing her arms around his neck. Jemima followed behind her and stood waiting for her friend.

"Hello, Victoria. How are you, my dear?" Bustopher said, his heart warming at the sight of his daughter.

"I'm fine" she said, "How's Misto?" The mood returned to it's quiet reverence.

"We're not sure, dear" said Bustopher.

"He's gonna be okay, right?" asked Jemima from behind them all and making her way through the cats to look at her friend. She sniffled at the sight and Jenny drew her into a hug, feeling the pain of the young queen.

"We'll just have to wait and see" the mothering cat said softly.

"What happened in the end?" asked Victoria looking at Tugger. Eyes turned to him and he just looked back, not really wanting to have to tell the story again. He related the tale he had told Bustopher to them sparing some of the more graphic details. When he had finished the white queen looked at him, puzzled.

"So that's where Misto ran off to? Up a tree to watch the sunrise?"

"Yes" Tugger replied.

"I beg your pardon," announced Bustopher, "Mistoffelees run away?"

The other cats began to look at each other realising Victoria had dropped a detail they had managed to prevent the large cat from hearing up until now.

"It was just a silly misunderstanding, Dad, it's all forgotten now"

"Well, that may be, but I'd like to hear it if you don't mind"

"Well, uh…there was just some confusion and…well Old Deuteronomy fell down and…everyone thought Misto was…I mean that he had…"

"Try and sat it a clearly as you can" her father said not knowing what his daughter was trying to convey.

"Well, Misto and Tugger were dating and Bombalu-…"

"Mistoffelees and Tugger were what?" asked Bustopher firmly, shooting a glare at Tugger.

"Oops" said Victoria offering Tugger a 'sorry' look.

"Rum Tum Tugger, what does she mean?" asked Bustopher.

Tugger looked shocked that his mate's father had found out about their relationship this way. He bit his lip before looking down and telling him, not wanting to lie. "It's true" he said simply. "Your son and I, well, we're in love."

Bustopher couldn't seem to catch his breath for a moment. He eventually came back and shouted at Tugger, "So this is all down to you? You seduced my son to satisfy your lust and then you let him fall out of a tree when you were finished with him?" Bustopher rose and stared down at Tugger. A cat his size what quite intimidating when angry and Tugger felt a twinge of worry radiate from his core.

"Get out! Stay away you horrible cat!" yelled the cat raising his silver spoon threatening the Maine Coon. Tugger stood and tried to calm the tuxedo but it was little use.

"Dad, please!" screamed Victoria, "It's true! Tugger and Misto are in love. He told me so himself!"

"A likely story!" said Bustopher

"Please, sir!" begged Jemima. "Tugger may not have been the most upstanding of cats in the past but he's changed! Really he has!"

Bustopher looked around at them fuming. He knew what the Rum Tum Tugger was like and what his interests were and found it hard to believe that cat of Tugger's appetites would fall for one particular cat. Still, all of the cats around him seemed to echo the same plea. He gently calmed down and looked at Tugger.

"Rum Tum Tugger," he began, "how am I to believe that you, considering your history, can suggest you love my son and expect me to believe it?"

Tugger thought hard. He needed the cat before him to believe what he said. It was his only chance of staying with Misto. He eventually spoke in a way that was very uncharacteristic for him – incredibly dignified and not at all with half-heartedness,

"I don't suggest, sir, I tell you with certainty. I've known for a while now. I know my history doesn't gleam like you'd hope it would, but I swear to the Everlasting Cat with my whole heart that I completely love Mistoffelees. He has become my everything. He is the only cat I've ever felt right with and he's the only cat I ever want to see in my heart. I could never look at another cat now, tom or queen because I know, I know, sir, that I've found the other half of me. We are mates and because of his acceptance of me I know I've been gifted far beyond what I deserve. I'm eternally grateful to him for choosing me, and that, sir, is the most truthful thing I have ever said and ever hope to say again."

He stared at Bustopher with white-hot intensity. His love was being questioned and he needed to defend it. The larger cat saw his expression and seemed to soften slightly. The Rum Tum Tugger never said anything with conviction and yet here he was baring his heart and soul. Perhaps there was hope for him after all.

"Very well" said Bustopher after contemplating the tom's words. "I will believe you for now, Rum Tum Tugger. But know this: If you ever do anything to deceive, or to trick, or to otherwise hurt my son, I will deal with you personally." He said raising his spoon.

"I would never, Bustopher. On my life, I promise to care for him always"

Bustopher held out his paw. Tugger raised his and they took each other's. They bowed in mutual respect whilst connected over the tom that meant a great deal to both of them below.

They were distracted by Jenny bustling around Misto in a very frantic fashion. She dug her fingers into his neck looking for the powerful thumps of a pulse she would usually expect. She only felt faint murmurs of a heartbeat.

"Jelly! I need you, now!" she screamed, "Everyone, get back!" It appeared that during Tugger's declaration of love for his mate, that very same tom below them had stopped breathing. Tugger stared from a corner of the den in disbelief as Jenny and Jelly began the wild motions of CPR. It tore at him to see Jenny nearly crush his mate's chest with deep pumps and to see Jelly locking her mouth over his and forcing air into his spent lungs. Time seemed to slow down as he watched the commotion unfold before him. He looked at Mistoffelees' face which seemed lifeless, he stared at his arm which had fallen off the bed and was hanging down away from him, he stared as the bandages began to redden again as his healing wounds were disturbed by the actions inflicted by Jenny. After what seemed like an eternity of trying her hardest to get Misto to draw in air again she shouted for her mate,

"Skimble! Take over! Jelly, keep breathing into him!" She ran over to a pile of books, grabbed one and started frantically turning through page after page looking for anything else she could try before it became too late.

Tugger couldn't bear the sight anymore. He felt as though his world was slowly breaking apart and crashing down upon him in huge, heavy pieces. Was his mate only seconds away from crossing over to Heaviside? Was this happening literally the night after the morning they had admitted their love to each other? Was this allowed? Was this fair? He felt his devastation begin to boil inside him and within moments it became fury. He got up, flew past the working queens and out of the den. He frantically climbed up to the top of the highest pile of junk in the yard, turned his face to the moon and began to scream,

"This isn't right! You can't take him now! Damn you! Damn you! Damn you!"

He was yelling at the Everlasting Cat, filled with rage that the one to put them there in the first place was ripping them apart. The other Jellicles stared in confusion and sorrow at the maned tom's outburst. They watched as he collapsed on the junk in a distraught rage and began to tumble down the side. He landed with a sickening thud on the ground and just lay were he was, completely empty, completely alone. He bawled into the earth and the cats around him just looked on sadly, knowing without being told what was happening. Tugger felt his life was over, there was nothing to live for now his mate had passed on.

Bombalurina could see the situation becoming bleak. She began to breath quickly as she adopted the thought that Misto was dead. She had murdered him through her lies. What had she done?

Tugger tilted his head up when he saw a plethora of cats emerging from the den carrying a dark figure. Through his burning tears he saw them carry the ailing cat quickly up the junk pile to where Macavity had not long ago caused an electrical surge using a discarded car battery and plunging the junkyard into darkness. Knowing this, Jenny, having read something in her book, had one more trick left up her sleeve. It was a long shot, but it was all she had left. Tugger stared in disbelief as she grabbed the jump leads from where they rested and raised them over his mate. She told everyone to move away as she began to lower them. Tugger watched in horror as the contacts touched the little tom's skin and a huge burst of sparks flew from the tux. It seemed that electricity did not mix exceptionally well with magic. The wounded cat seemed to emit a bright light for a fraction of a second blinding the cats who looked on. As they regained their vision they stared to where the tom was.

There was a deathly silence as they waited to see what Jenny had done. Nobody moved as the seconds ticked by.

It seemed they had lost him when all of a sudden, Misto sucked in a huge gulp of air. Some of the cats cried out with joy as they saw their fallen Jellicle spring back to life, albeit still unconscious.

Tugger couldn't make sense of the situation. What had just happened? Had his mate died? Was he alive again? What on earth happened. His mind seemed to jam and he passed out from the emotional torment. Munk saw his brother collapse and rushed to his side, trying to bring him around.

Bomba fell down sobbing. She didn't understand. What did all this mean? Demeter saw her fall and rushed over to her. She squeezed her friend and tried to make her realise that everything was going to be okay. Bomba continued to wail through her relief over Misto's survival.

Jenny knelt next to her patient. She was crying with disbelief and joy that she'd managed to bring Misto back from the brink. Skimble soon pulled her into a passionate kiss as he marvelled at her medical prowess. Truly, she was a miracle worker.

Well, maybe nothing's impossible if you put your mind to it, and it seems I've managed to begin turning this story back in the right direction. I was toying with the idea of killing Misto but then slammed my head in a door as punishment for having such a horrible idea. I couldn't bare to kill the little tux, I love him too much and because among other things all of you would then kill me.

Thanks you all for your reviews, they're ever so sweet. As always, I love to hear your comments.