Misto was in a panic. He didn't want to talk to Tugger, but he was terrified of being alone. True, Pounce was there, but he was asleep. He felt the mark on his chest start to burn anew, as it had when he first received it. He let out a groan as it intensified in pain.

"Quiet, Mistoffelees, you might wake your friend."

Misto looked across the room to see Macavity looming over Pounce's sleeping form. He was watching the young Tom intently waiting to strike should he wake up.

"Macavity…leave him alone!" Misto protested quietly, careful not to wake him. "He isn't doing anything, just let him sleep. Why are you here?"

"I wanted to make sure you know what exactly my little mark means." He said, crossing the room to where Misto still sat, sitting next to him and putting an arm around Misto's shoulders, bringing him uncomfortable close to Macavity.

"What exactly does it mean?"

"It means you're mine." Macavity started a wicked smile forming on his lips. He whispered tauntingly into Misto's ear, his hot breath causing Misto's ear to twitch. "When it burn like it did a few minutes ago, that means I have need for you. It's my way of calling you…plus it has some of my magic infused with it…a little charm of mine that will be fully formed at the next Jellicle Ball, after that you'll have no choice but to stay with me." He explained, laughing as though it were all a joke.

"What are you doing to me?" Misto asked horrified.

"You'll see in about a year's time…" He chuckled, noting movement from the door. Misto wasn't quite sure what happened next, only that within the time span of a second Macavity and Tugger were fighting. Pounce was awake in an instant, running out the door at the sight of Macavity to alert Munk and the other Toms.

"Leave Mistoffelees alone!" Tugger hissed, bringing Misto's attention back to the fight. In the blink of an eye, Macavity had Tugger pinned to the wall, his hand choking the life out of Tugger.

"No!" Misto screamed, in his panic losing control of his magic and sent a blast of electricity through Macavity's body, coursing through him and into Tugger. By the time Misto regained enough control to stop it, Macavity has turned on him. Tugger slumped to the floor coughing as air rushed back into his lungs.

"You DARE attack me?" Macavity roared throwing Misto to the ground with a loud thud, a fire ball forming in his hand. "You will pay for that!"

"No…please, Macavity! I…I lost control again! I didn't mean to! Please have mercy!" Misto begged, cowering under him.

Before Macavity knew what was happening Tugger had him pinned to the floor, his entire body weight holding him in place. Tugger straddled his waist to keep him from escaping, glaring at him murderously. Macavity was stunned speechless. This was not at all normal for his youngest brother. Misto had gotten up and was cowering in the distant corner.

"You will NOT hurt my Mistoffelees." He growled, his eyes daring Macavity to even look at him.

At that time, Pounce had returned with Munk in tow. Munk was as stunned as Macavity. Pounce rushed to Misto wanting to make sure his friend was ok. Munk hurried to pull Tugger off Macavity as the other Toms entered the den. Macavity glared at them each in turn before locking his gaze on Misto and Tugger, who was being held back by Munk.

"You will pay!" He roared, before disappearing in a blaze of fire. Misto let out a whimper as he grabbed onto Tugger and buried his face in his mane, which stopped him from trying to get at Macavity to comfort Misto.

"Tugger! What were you thinking?" Munk yelled, turning on his younger brother. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Are you alright?" Tugger asked, gently holding Misto's shaking form. He was ignoring Munk for the time being. When Misto finally managed to nod in reply, Tugger picked him up careful not to hurt him. "Munk, let's have you lecture me another time. I think it would be best if Misto rested back in our den." He said, before leaving with Misto intent on looking after him. He was careful not to let anyone else slow his progress. "I'll keep my promise, Misto, I won't let him hurt you."