Tantomile shot awake when she heard her brother's cry.

"Cori?" She whispered into the darkness. Paws landed on her shoulder and rubbed her back.

"He isn't here, Tant," Bomba whispered.

"We'll find him, don't you worry," Demeter soothed. Tantomile had been staying with them since both Admetus and Coricopat were taken. They had both lost their mate and love as well.

"No, he called for me," Tantomile said, looking around at the two queens. Bomba and Demeter stared at her.

"He called for me to help him!" Tantomile began to cry. "He was scared, he was in pain!" Bombalurina and Demeter hugged her tightly as she cried her heart out.

"I need to help him!" She cried into Demeter's shoulder. "He was so terrified!"

"We'll get him back, Tanti," Bomba told her gently. "We'll get them all back,"

Tugger startled awake when the door opened. A loud thump was heard before they were encased in darkness once more. Tugger let his eyes adjust to the darkness before he sought out who had just been thrown into the room. He found it was Cori, curled up in a heap on the floor, his body heaving. He put a paw on Cori's back but jumped back when Cori flinched and recoiled away.

"Don't touch me, please!" Cori muttered. Tugger took Cori's paws and held them tightly.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Cori…you know I would never," Tugger told him gently. Cori looked up at him, his green eyes bloodshot and tear-stained.

"Aw, Cori, what did they do to you?" Tugger asked softly, noticing the collar around Cori's neck and the wounds around Cori's wrists. Cori fell forward and cried into Tugger's mane. Tugger comforted him as best as he could. The other Jellicles watched silently as Cori cried. It was when Cori shifted that Tugger noticed the blood between his legs.

"Oh, Everlasting Cat, no!" Tugger breathed. Cori nodded in Tugger's chest.

"I'm being sold to other cats," Cori muttered. Tugger held Cori closer and rubbed his back. Cori fell asleep in the comfort and safety of Tugger's arms. Tugger looked to Skimble, who was holding his sleeping kittens. Skimble's expression was one of pure shock and disgust; the same went for the others. Admetus moved closer to Cori and put a paw on his head. Tugger looked at Admetus, whose blue eyes were staring at Cori.

"I'm gonna get you out of this, Cori," Admetus murmured. "For Tantomile."

Griddlebone came for Cori again the next morning. Cori followed her, his tail limp and tears silently making their way down his cheeks. Tugger watched him go sadly.

Munkustrap was stretched out on the floor of his cell, his hazel eyes watching the door intently. Macavity had left a little while ago and Munkustrap was still sore from his torment. Munkustrap stretched out his limbs and yawned. How many days had it been since Macavity had taken them again? Munkustrap wondered. About a week maybe. Munkustrap rolled onto his side and sighed. He stayed like this for a little while before sitting up. He lowered his eyes when Macavity walked back into the room. He closed his eyes when he heard Macavity stop beside him.

"How are you, Munkus?" Macavity purred as he rubbed Munkustrap's ears. Munkustrap remained silent.

"Come, I have something for you to do," Macavity said. Munkustrap looked up at him, confused and somewhat worried. Macavity sighed and grabbed Munkustrap's arm and pulled him up. Munkustrap was led through the hallways until they came to a certain door. A hench-cat unlocked it and Munkustrap cautiously entered the room. He gave a choked cry when he saw Coricopat, sitting on a mattress; his back against the wall, with his wrists shackled together which was then attached to a short chain attached to a loop on the wall. Munkustrap went to help Cori when a paw grabbed his shoulder. Munkustrap stared at Cori in shock as Coricopat raised his bruised face to look at him.

"Talk to him…get him to co-operate with Griddle," Macavity hissed in Munkustrap's ear before letting him go. Munkustrap quickly went to Coricopat's side. Coricopat fell forward and leaned his head against Munkustrap's shoulder. Munkustrap looked around and saw that Macavity had left.

"Aw, Cori," Munkustrap murmured, lifting Cori's face to examine the wounds. Cori's eyes were partly swollen shut, his face was deeply bruised and there were several scratches across his face. A deep bite mark was bleeding on Cori's left shoulder. Munkustrap looked back at the door.

"Macavity," Munkustrap called. Macavity appeared in the doorway.

"The keys," Munkustrap said. Macavity left and quickly returned, tossing Munkustrap the keys. Munkustrap caught them and undid the shackles from Cori's wrists. Munkustrap winced when he saw that Cori's wrists were rubbed raw.

"I couldn't get free," Cori murmured. Munkustrap sighed.

"How do you do it, Munkus?" Cori asked raggedly a little while later. "I have to fight, and they hurt me for it…but you don't look like me…" Munkustrap sighed and lowered his head.

"I don't fight anymore, Cori…I try to get away sometimes, I struggle but I don't fight…not anymore." Munkustrap said. Cori stared at him through half closed eyes.

"Just…don't let them break you, Cori," Munkustrap told him softly. "Don't become like me." Cori pressed his face into Munkustrap's shoulder. Munkustrap cautiously put his arm around Cori.

"Munkustrap," Munkustrap gave a sigh and lowered his head as Macavity called him.

"Stay strong, Cori," Munkustrap murmured to Cori before standing up and walking over to Macavity. Cori watched as Macavity wrapped his arm around Munkustrap's waist before they both walked off.

Tugger lay on his back, staring up at the mossy ceiling.

"Dad, I don't feel so great," Tugger turned his head to see Pouncival, looking up at his father, looking pale. Skimble looked to Tugger.

"Come here, buddy," Tugger said, sitting up. Pounce slowly made his way over and climbed onto Tugger's lap. Pouncival was pretty pale; he was warm and was covered in a fine sheen of sweat. Tugger rubbed the kitten's head. Pouncival gave a small whimper and moved closer to Tugger. Tugger held the kitten as he drifted in and out of consciousness.

"How is he, Tugger?" Skimble asked as he adjusted his hold on Tumblebrutus, who was staring at his brother in shock.

"He's burning up." Tugger answered. Alonzo shuffled over to Tugger and pressed his paw against Pounce's head.

"Poor kitten," Alonzo murmured. The door opened and the Jellicles stared at Macavity.

"What is it?" Macavity hissed.

"Pounce is sick," Alonzo spoke up. Macavity stalked over and took the small kitten from Tugger. Pounce shivered but his eyes remained closed. Macavity tucked the kitten under his arm and stalked out.

"Where are you taking him?" Skimble cried out in alarm. Macavity ignored him as he left the room.

"Da-ad," Admetus winced and turned his head away as the weak cry floated back into the room before the door was slammed shut.

Munkustrap didn't bother opening his eyes as the door opened, he was too tired…too weak. He startled when something landed on the mattress beside him and gave a small groan. Munkustrap opened his eyes and looked to his left.

"Pounce?" Munkustrap said, shocked as he gathered the small kitten in his arms. Munkustrap frowned when he noticed how warm Pouncival was.

"What did you do to him?" Munkustrap asked outraged as Pounce continued to float in and out of consciousness.

"I didn't do anything, the damn kitten is sick," Macavity growled. Munkustrap held the small kitten closer when he whimpered.

"Shh, it's alright, Pounce." Munkustrap soothed him as he woke up. Pouncival looked at Munkus, his blue-green eyes miserable.

"I want Mum," Pounce rasped. Munkustrap watched as Pouncival drifted out of consciousness once more before looking at Macavity.

"What are you going to do to help him?" Munkustrap asked. Macavity shrugged as he walked around the room.

"I can't help him…he needs his mother," Munkustrap said. Macavity turned and faced Munkustrap.

"You mean Jennyanydots, his adoptive mother." Munkustrap bit back a retort and looked at him.

"Yes, he needs Jenny." Macavity examined his claws.

"That would mean I'd either have to get Jenny here or let the brat go…you know I can't do either," Macavity said turning away.

"Mac, please, let him go home…" Munkustrap said, Munkustrap closed his eyes and turned his head away, he was going to regret doing this but it had to be done. "For me," Macavity turned around and looked back at Munkustrap. Macavity smirked.

"Fine," Macavity said and left the room. Munkustrap adjusted his hold on Pouncival.

"You're going home, buddy, you'll be with your mum soon," Munkustrap murmured to him. Macavity returned shortly after with Coricopat. Munkustrap stared at him.

"Coricopat will take him home before returning." Macavity said. Coricopat wordlessly walked over and took Pouncival from Munkustrap. Munkustrap looked at Cori, who offered a small smile. Munkustrap gave a small smile and nodded. Coricopat looked slightly better than he did a few days ago when Munkustrap had spoken to him. Macavity and Coricopat left the room, leaving Munkustrap alone once more.

Coricopat walked towards the yard, Macavity beside him.

"You give him to Jenny and you get yourself back here or your sister's mate will take your place…got it?" Macavity threatened him. Cori nodded.

"Good, now go…" Cori headed into the yard gates. The yard was practically deserted; he made it to Jenny's den without being detected.

"Jenny," He said softly as he entered her den. Jenny turned around and stared at him in shock.

"Cori!" She cried out and hugged him tightly. Cori held out Pouncival.

"He's sick, Jenny…Tumble and Skimble are okay," Cori reassured her. "They're all okay."

"How did you escape?" Jenny asked as she cradled Pouncival in her arms. Cori raised his tortured eyes to meet hers for the first time.

"I didn't," He murmured. "Macavity is waiting for me outside…I just had to deliver Pounce to you…" Cori trailed off.

"Why did Macavity let him go?" Jenny asked, referring to Pounce.

"Munkustrap got him to, I don't know how." Cori looked back to the den exit.

"I need to go…tell Tant that Admetus is okay, please." Cori said softly as he headed towards the exit.

"Cori, what about you?" Jenny asked. Cori paused and looked at her. "Are you okay?" Cori gave a small shake of his head as he absently tugged at his collar. Jenny caught his arm.

"What are they doing to you?" She demanded to know.

"Don't tell Tant, I don't want her to worry," Cori said quietly. Jenny nodded. "I've been forced into Griddlebone's services…I'm being sold to other cats," Cori said quietly. "Well more specifically my body is being sold to other cats for a few hours." Jenny looked at Cori, horrified.

"I really need to go, Jenny…I'm sorry." Cori murmured before he disappeared. Jenny looked down at Pouncival as he stirred before looking back at the door.

"Oh, Cori," She murmured.

Macavity was leaning against the alley wall when Cori came back.

"I actually thought you weren't going to come back for a little while there," Macavity drawled. Cori glared at him.

"I got caught up," Coricopat said bluntly, rubbing his arms. Cori fell back as Macavity struck him. Cori gave a gasp and his paw flew to the right side of his face. Macavity crouched down in front of Cori and forced his face up. Cori was forced to meet those sunken gold eyes.

"Cori!" Cori watched as Macavity's eyes focused on a spot over Cori's left shoulder.

"Bombalurina, what a pleasant surprise," Macavity said, still holding onto Cori's face. Cori couldn't move. Macavity's paw slid down Cori's face and gripped onto his throat. Macavity stood up, taking Cori with him. Macavity turned Cori around and held him against his chest. Cori now stood with his back against Macavity's chest facing out into the alley. Bombalurina was staring at him, her amber eyes wide with surprise.

"Are you okay, Cori?" Bomba asked softly. Cori bit his lip as he nodded. Macavity started moving away, pulling Cori with him.

"We'd love to stay and chat but we have business to attend to," Macavity said. Bomba stood still as she watched Cori being dragged away.

"Hold on, Cori, okay?" Bombalurina called after him. Cori nodded. Macavity yanked Cori forward. Bomba watched Cori being pulled away before she turned and headed towards the yard.

Munkustrap woke when he felt Macavity lay beside him.

"Is he back at the yard?" Munkustrap asked, staring at the roof.

"Yes, Cori delivered him to Jenny." Macavity said. Munkustrap kept his eyes on the roof as Macavity ran his paws down Munkustrap's chest. Munkustrap turned his head away as Macavity began purring…he knew what was coming next. Macavity hovered above Munkustrap afterwards; he turned Munkustrap's head so that Munkustrap was looking at him.

"You don't cry anymore," Macavity said, running his paw down the side of Munkustrap's face. Macavity nuzzled Munkustrap's chest. Macavity lay beside Munkustrap once more. Macavity woke a few hours and sat up. Munkustrap was curled up on his side, sleeping peacefully. Munkustrap gave low murmur in his sleep and turned over onto his back. Macavity gently stroked Munkustrap's face as he continued to sleep. Munkustrap's hazel eyes flickered open briefly before he sighed and fell asleep again. Macavity gave a quiet chuckle and continued stroking Munkustrap's head. When Munkustrap woke up, Macavity was asleep beside him, his arm draped across Munkustrap's waist. Munkustrap turned his head away and watched the sun come through the window. He heard Macavity stir beside him.

"Morning, Munkus," Macavity yawned. Macavity nuzzled Munkustrap before he stood and left the room. Munkustrap sat up and stretched. Macavity was right, he didn't cry anymore.

Coricopat sat huddled in the corner. His eyes were hot and dry, he had cried non-stop before, now he had no tears left. He didn't look up when the door opened again.

"You have a visitor," Griddlebone snapped. Cori kept his eyes on his knees, tears slowly beginning to drip from his eyes again.

"Cori," Cori looked up and saw Admetus kneeling beside him. Cori's bottom lip trembled and he started crying. Admetus cautiously hugged him. Cori cried onto his shoulder. Admetus rubbed his back.

"It's going to be okay, Cori, it's going to be okay," Admetus said softly.

"J-Jenny is going to tell Tantomile that you're okay," Cori stammered. Admetus was taken aback.

"Jenny?" He asked. "When did you see Jenny?" Cori pulled away from the hug and rubbed at his wrists, where the fur had thinned out because of the shackles.

"I had to take Pounce back to the yard. I gave him to Jenny." Cori said quietly.

"Pounce is safe?" Admetus breathed. Cori nodded. Admetus gave a sigh of relief.

"Skimble will be relieved," Admetus said softly. Cori nodded again, his green eyes on the ground.

"Times up, Admetus," Griddle called. Admetus rested his paw on Cori's shoulder.

"You'll be okay, Cori, stay strong," Admetus murmured to him. Cori nodded and watched him go. Cori lay out on the floor and waited miserably.

Tugger looked up when Admetus walked back in. Tugger turned his attention back to picking at the dead mouse in his paws absently.

"Where'd you go?" Tugger asked.

"To see Cori," Admetus answered, sitting down and grabbing a mouse from the bowl. Selena, Skimble, Alonzo and Tugger stared at him in shock.

"Is he okay?" Alonzo asked worriedly. Admetus gave a small shrug.

"He's pretty upset, but I think he's holding on," Admetus said quietly. Admetus looked at Skimble.

"Pounce is back at the yard with Jenny…Cori took him the other day," Admetus told him. Tumblebrutus looked up from where he was eating his mouse.

"Pounce is okay?" He asked. Admetus nodded.

"He's back home." Tumble nodded and continued eating his mouse.

"Hey, Tumble, don't you become a fully fledged Tom tomorrow?" Alonzo asked. Tumble gave a small nod.

"I was supposed to," Tumble murmured. Alonzo grabbed the kitten and pulled him into a hug.

"You'll be alright, kitten." Alonzo told him as he knuckled the fur in between his ears. Tumble pulled away from Alonzo and tried to flatten out the stuck up fur on his head.

Pouncival absently played with the toy mouse in his paws. Pounce looked up as Misto walked in.

"How are you?" Misto asked, sitting down beside Pounce. Pounce shrugged.

"Tumble was meant to become a Tom tomorrow…" Pounce trailed off. Misto patted Pounce's back.

"He'll be okay, Pounce…the others will make sure of that," Misto said. Pounce looked at him.

"Yeah, but it's only Tugger, Alonzo, Admetus and Dad lookin' after him…Cori and Munkus aren't with them," Pounce said. Misto frowned.

"Why isn't Cori with them?" Misto asked, confused. Pounce gave a shrug.

"Selena said something about Griddlebone taking him," Pounce murmured.

"Oh, hello, Misto," Jenny said lightly as she walked into the den.

"Hi, Jenny," Misto said. Misto got to his feet.

"I've got to go, I'm supposed to be helping Demeter and Bomba out with something," Misto said.

"I'll talk to you soon, Pounce," Misto said before he left. Pounce nodded and went back to playing with the mouse. Jenny looked at him.

"Why don't you go play with Joshy?" Jenny asked. Pounce paused and looked at his mother. "You haven't played with him for a while," Pounce shrugged and started playing with the mouse again.

"Why don't you go terrorise the queens or something?" Pouncival stopped and stared at his mother, his blue-green eyes confused.

"You want me to terrorise the queens?" He asked slowly. Jenny sighed and put her paws on her hips.

"At least you're doing something." She said. Pounce looked back down at the mouse.

"It isn't the same without Tumbles," Pounce murmured. Jenny sat beside her son. Pounce leaned against her side, crying quietly.

"I want Tumble back!" Pounce cried. Jenny rubbed his back, tears threatening to spill.

"I know, dear, I want him back too," She told him gently.

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Thanks for those who reviewed- Misses Jellicle and FantabulousMe…

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