Well here it is, the last chapter. I'm going to be honest, I enjoyed writing "Ghosts from the Past" more, and was more satisfied with it. But I got into this in the end (especially Tugger and Pouncival helping Rumpleteazer give birth :P). Anyways, I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.

(And if anyone has ideas of characters or pairings they want me to write about next, let me know. I need ideas.)

Enjoy the final chapter!

Munkustrap had rolled his eyes when Misto had suggested they throw a party for the birth of Victoria and Plato's kitten.

"Is this going to become a habit? I mean, we already had one for you and Rumpleteazer!"

Misto grinned. "Would it be such a bad routine?"

Munkustrap smiled weakly. "Only if you help with the planning."

Misto nodded. "Victoria hasn't had a chance to dance for so long. I think it would be wonderful for her."

"I can't argue with that. And you will be performing!"

"If you say so.

"This is a special kitten, Munkustrap."

Munkustrap's eyes twinkled. "They all are, Misto."

Tugger's voice rang out to the crowd of Jellicles, "I give you the marvellous, the magical Mr. Mistoffelees!"

Everyone cheered as Misto spun down on a rope that lowered down from thin air, his coat alive with sparkles. He leaped down with ease, and danced about, shooting fireworks from his fingertips while everyone clapped, singing along with Tugger. Victoria, who held her daughter in her lap, sang the loudest of all.

Finally, with Misto's performance drawing to a close, Tugger announced, "And not long ago, this phenomenal cat produced seven kittens right out of a hat!"

Misto caught a large, golden cup that flew into his paws upon his summoning, then setting it down, he reached in with both paws and pulled out a pair of giggling and kicking kittens, Lyriko and Billyann. Everyone cheered loud and Misto, with each kitten in arm, took a deep bow.

"That wos wonderful, Mistoffelees!" Rumpleteazer grinned, taking the kittens from him. She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Misto beamed.

Then a slow, haunting tune began to play. Jennyanydots promptly relieved Victoria of her kitten, and without warning the white queen was scooped up by her mate for a repeat of their memorable pas de deux.

Misto watched happily, swaying his head to the melody. Victoria and Plato no longer had the hesitant shyness that he remembered seeing on their faces over year ago on the Jellicle Ball when they first became mates. Their expression and movements were calm in their slow grace, and they held each other close in familiar, passionate affection.

"Mistoffelees."

He turned to Rumpleteazer. She nodded over his shoulder, and he turned around to see what she gestured to.

He didn't see her at first, she fit in so well with the shadows, but her white face soon gave her away. Hippolyta watched him, unsmiling, almost timid.

He looked back at Rumpleteazer.

"Go on, Mistoffelees. Or you'll regret it."

He nodded, and made his approach towards his mother.

She looked at him sadly. "Mistoffelees…my son."

He nodded. "Mother."

They were both silent. Finally, she spoke, "Some days ago, a tom who owns a nightclub quite a distance from here approached me, and seemed to know me. I was confused, until he explained that he met my son, who had been looking for me."

"Rufus?"

"He told me," she continued, "that you have been on quite a journey. But…he advised me that I shouldn't seek you out until I felt I was ready."

"And?"

"Mistoffelees." She squeezed her eyes shut. "Can…can you forgive me for leaving?"

Misto rubbed his cheek against hers. "I forgave you a long time ago."

"But…I've never been there for you."

"You've always doen what you had to. You knew what was best for me.

"So why have you come back?"

She smiled. "I thought I should come visit my grandkitten."

Misto grinned. He could wait to tell her she had two. It would be a nice surprise.

But then he turned thoughtful. "But…Rufus said you should come when you were 'ready'?"

She nodded. "I…I am now."

"What changed?"

She shifted. "Can you wait a moment?"

He nodded, mystified. She disappeared into the shadows. Misto glanced back at the Jellicles, all enthralled by Plato and Victoria's dance. Rumpleteazer was the only one who watched him.

He turned upon hearing his mother return. To his surprise, she was followed by a large, tabby tom ochre in colour. The tom nodded at him.

"This is my mate," said Hippolyta. "Sorrelon."

Misto gave a polite nod, but glanced back at his mother questioningly. She explained.

"I lost myself in all my years of captivity. I had to find myself, to discover what I was besides the mother of my wonderful, brilliant son." Misto blushed. "I've been living in the alley, like I used to, sad though that existence had been. But I found something of a family in the time I've been absent. Not like what I share with you, but…something similar to what you share with the Jellicles." Misto nodded, understanding. "And now," she went on, "that I have met Sorrelon, I…I finally understand and love myself better, as I understand and love him. I was able to forgive myself." She looked at her mate. "I found somewhere I belong."

"Mother…" said Misto, gazing at the couple before him. "I'm so happy for you."

She reached over and held him. He could sense her silent tears.

When she finally let him go, Sorrelon approached him. "I'm very glad to meet you, Mistoffelees. Hippolyta has told me much of you."

Misto smiled. "And I am glad to meet you too." He nuzzled the tom in a friendly manner.

The three stood silent, contemplating each other. Then Hippolyta said, "Mistoffelees, I…I don't want to disrupt your celebration. Sorrelon and I will go find somewhere to stay for the night. But we'll be back soon. You and I have some catching up to do, before we return to our alley."

Misto nodded. "Goodnight, Mother. I'll see you again soon."

Reluctantly, but happily, the two left him. Step by step. And he knew that they would return, just in the same way.

"Wos that your mother's new mate?"

He turned to Rumpleteazer and nodded.

She looked thoughtful. "It's funny…all that's 'appened. To all of us. To think, that this…story, Oi mean, that's wot it feels like. That it's all…our life."

"It ends only when you do," he muttered to himself.

Rumpleteazer's ears pricked, catching the sentence. She was about to ask what he meant, when Jemima's ethereal voice rang out in song.

"Angel, my dear,

"Please don't afear

"To be slow and steady,

"Uncertain, not ready…"

Misto looked at Rumpleteazer, surprised. She gave him a mischievous grin.

"Oi requested it specially."

Jellylorum appeared seemingly out of nowhere at their side, and eagerly held her arms out for the kittens. Grateful, Rumpleteazer handed them to her. She turned to Mistoffelees. Unexpectedly, he gave her a deep bow, then softly took her paw, placing a gentle kiss on it. Rumpleteazer couldn't help but blush, like an adolescent kitten, newly in love.

"Do…d'you wont to start dancing'?" she asked.

He looked deep into her eyes, and while he thought to himself It will always end with her, he replied,

"I never stopped."