Chapter 1: The Cave

Author's Note: If you're not familiar with Cats (if you came here after reading my other works), you can look up "The Film Credits Cats the Musical" on YouTube (1kAsmVhV6YU) for a quick visual introduction to each of the characters (except Plato, who is performed by the same dancer as Macavity but with different costume and makeup). Please note that this story takes the characters from the 1998 version, NOT the 2019 version (very, VERY different characters).

If you'd like recommendations on other videos to watch, please ask. I will be making small changes to a few characters' personalities & quirks for my story, but I'm trying to keep them as close to in-character as possible.

Quick note: "queens" = female cats; "toms" = male cats. (Also, "pollicles" = dogs in this universe.)


Three tom cats rushed quickly through the pouring rain as they searched for any shelter in the forbidding forest. They were less than a half-day's journey from their tribe's home, but with night quickly approaching and the thunderstorm only getting worse above them, Munkustrap had taken almost no convincing to agree that they should find shelter for the night. Macavity growled in anger and frustration as he grew more and more drenched with the downpour. Tugger didn't mind being wet as much as did his brothers, but he hated to be cold, dirty, or uncomfortable, and right now he was all three at once. The thunder rumbled and the lightning flashed above them, but they found no tree hollows or clefts in the rocks large enough for the three of them.

"Let's split up," snapped Macavity. "We'll each find a place of our own."

"And if we can't find each other afterwards?" argued Munkustrap, raising his voice to be heard above the storm. "With this much rain, there could be a flash flood. There may be downed trees. We could be searching for each other for hours at best!"

"I just want out of this rain! Now!" snarled Macavity.

"Look!" exclaimed Tugger. While his brothers argued, Tugger had continued to scan their surroundings, and he was the first to see a flickering light in an opening in the rocks. "Come on!" Without waiting, he rushed towards it.

Macavity was the fastest of them, so he easily passed Tugger, while Munkustrap called for them to be careful. Neither Tugger nor Macavity paid any attention to his warning though. Flickering light usually meant fire. This also sometimes meant humans, which would be strange this deep in the woods, but not unheard-of. Tugger knew that most humans liked cats, even feral ones like the three brothers, which meant that they might even get food. Yes, they might be chased away with blows and stones instead, but it was a risk that he was more than willing to take.

Coming to the little opening, they all saw quickly that this couldn't be a human camp: it was far too small. The opening in the rock wall was only a few feet high and wide enough for three cats to walk shoulder-to-shoulder through it. There was indeed a fire inside though. Macavity bounded into the little cave with Tugger at his heels, and Munkustrap came in just behind the two of them.

As they entered, they saw four smaller cats huddled together on one side of the fire. Three of these quickly sat up, baring their teeth and hissing in warning at the intruders. Macavity just snarled back at them and proceeded to move to other side of the fire, well inside the cave, where he immediately began to lick the water from his thick fur. Tugger glanced from his brother to the other cats, gave a simple nod, then followed suit. Munkustrap alone stopped just inside, looking at the four there.

"Please excuse our intrusion," said Munkustrap calmly. "We were caught in the storm and just need a place to wait it out. Will you allow us to stay here until the rain stops? I assure you, we mean you no harm and won't bother you."

Tugger took the opportunity to observe the others (while continuing to dry his own fur and mane), as they considered Munkustrap's words. The four were young, looking like they had just reached adulthood. The smallest of the four might still be an adolescent, given his size. Two were similar in appearance, having black and brown markings over a cream coat. The largest one had red markings and looked like a fighter. He was thin and wiry, as of a tom recently come into adulthood. If Tugger had been alone, he would have been wary of this one, but with Macavity beside him, Tugger wasn't afraid of anything. His older brother could take on three wild pollicles without help. He had no doubt that Macavity could easily dominate all four of these young toms if necessary. That said, the fourth of the group wouldn't even be a problem. Tugger thought at first that the small tuxedo cat was asleep, but looking more closely at him, Tugger saw that he was unconscious. He lay in the arms of one of the brown cats, and the other two pressed against him protectively. His limbs and body were limp however, not curled in sleep but practically lifeless in appearance. Tugger didn't smell blood, so he wondered briefly if the tom was sick or possibly just famished. They were all thin, as if they'd been on their own in the woods for a long time.

The reddish cat glared at the three of them warily, clearly not wanting them there but apparently recognizing that he couldn't fight them off either. The other two conscious cats looked concerned but uncertain. One swallowed and looked up at Munkustrap.

"You're asking permission to stay, but would you actually leave, if we said you couldn't stay?"

"No!" snapped Macavity with a short snarl before turning back to his fur.

Munkustrap glared at his younger brother darkly, but Macavity ignored it. With a sigh, Munkustrap turned back to the young tom.

"I would like to say that we would," he replied diplomatically, "but I'm afraid that my brother simply must have somewhere dry to stay the night, at least. If the rain hasn't stopped by morning, then if you want us gone, we will leave."

Macavity growled at this, but he didn't argue. The three younger toms huddled together a little more closely, whispering to each other. Tugger could catch a few words, but he didn't really pay attention. He knew that they were staying, regardless of what the younger ones said. He didn't like the idea of forcing themselves on these four, but he also didn't like the idea of being outside any longer. After all, it was just until morning, and it's not like there wasn't room. The cave would have been too small for a few humans to sleep comfortably, but it was more than large enough for seven cats, particularly when four of them seemed to be trying to merge into one. The little wood fire took up some space, and the small pile of sticks next to it took a little more, but none of them would mind that. The warmth of the flames was more than welcome. Tugger continued to clean himself as the whispering continued.

"...too big..."

"...just for tonight..."

"...no food..."

"...can't take them..."

"...no choice..."

"...Mistoffelees..."

"...stay together..."

At last, they turned back to Munkustrap who, all this time, had remained just inside the opening of the cave, still dripping wet. Even knowing that they were going to stay the night, if only because there was no way that Macavity would leave now, Munkustrap clearly wasn't going to make himself at home the way that his brothers had, until he knew that they had permission to stay, however grudgingly it might be given.

"Okay," said one of the young toms. "You can stay."

"Thank you," smiled Munkustrap, finally moving to the fire and sitting. "We appreciate your hospitality."

The red-marked tom gave an almost inaudible growl at that, still glaring at the three of them, but an answering growl from Macavity silenced him. Munkustrap again shot his brother a glare, but it did no good, as usual.

"My name is Munkustrap," continued Munk, turning back to the others. "These are my brothers, Macavity and the Rum Tum Tugger, or Tugger for short. May we know your names?"

"I'm Tumblebrutus," answered one of the brown ones, after a little hesitation. "This is my brother, Pouncival. That's Plato."

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," nodded Munkustrap. His eyes moved to the unconscious black and white tom. "And your friend? Is he alright?"

The other three pressed closer together, almost hiding the smallest one between them.

"Leave Mistoffelees alone," hissed Pouncival.

"He's fine," snipped Tumblebrutus. "Just tired."

Plato said nothing but glared darkly.

"Alright," nodded Munkustrap. "I meant no harm."

Now, with his brothers almost completely dry already, Munkustrap settled down and began to lick his own fur dry. Tugger considered helping him but decided against it. He was moderately comfortable now, but he was still hungry and tired, and helping his brother sounded like too much work. Munk could have been dry already, if he hadn't wasted so much time talking.

"We haven't seen any tribes in the area," said Pouncival after a bit. "But you three don't look like you're on your own either."

"We have a tribe," answered Tugger. He decided that he could at least give Munkustrap the opportunity to dry himself without having to talk more. His brother should be grateful for Tugger's effort, considering Tugger rarely put effort into anything other than looking good, but he didn't expect it. "We're on our way back now. It's not near here though."

"What about you?" asked Munkustrap between licks. "Do you have a tribe?"

"No," answered Plato simply.

"We're originally from three different tribes," said Pouncival. "But not anymore. Now it's just us."

"Pretty young to be all on your own," muttered Macavity. He was now fully dry and lounged beside the fire. With the water removed, his moderate mood had returned. Macavity was rarely in a good mood, and he was quick to fall into a bad mood, but he was also quick to return to his calm demeanor, after whatever had upset him was gone or dead.

"We manage," answered Tumblebrutus. "We have each other, and we make do."

"Not too well," scoffed Macavity. "You look like you haven't eaten in days."

The three younger toms looked uncomfortable at this.

"Well ... we're still alive," replied Pouncival at last.

"Barely," sneered Macavity.

Plato again bared his teeth and gave a low growl. Macavity just looked at him for a long moment then rose to his feet.

"Macavity," said Munkustrap in a warning tone as his brother stalked slowly toward the younger tom.

To his credit, Plato didn't cower back as the larger, obviously dangerous cat approached him, but he did hold carefully still, not making any threatening moves himself. Tugger noticed that he had positioned himself to block Macavity's view of the unconscious tom. All three of them were clearly protecting their "tired" friend, and that made Tugger curious.

Macavity stopped a short distance from Plato and looked over the other tom closely. He sniffed lightly. Plato didn't move, didn't blink, and didn't lower his eyes. Finally, Macavity nodded.

"You're a fighter," he said approvingly. "And it looks like you'll be a good one, if you live and actually get some meat on your bones. I like you." With that, he turned and walked back to where he had been lying, flopping down again next to the fire.

Plato exhaled silently, and Tugger could see the not quite hidden relief in the young tom's eyes. For his own part, Tugger decided that all that needed to be said had now been said, and he was going to go to sleep. The storm continued to rage outside, but they were now dry (or mostly dry, in the case of Munkustrap), warm, and safe. He was tired, therefore it was time to sleep. More talk could wait until morning. Without a word, Tugger curled up and fell asleep.


Tugger awoke the next morning to the sound of steady, heavy rainfall. In his own den, on his soft bed, with a full stomach and a warm queen at his side, this sound would be comforting. In a dark cave, on a hard, dirt floor, with hunger pangs gnawing at him, and the cold ashes of a dead fire at his side, the sound was annoying at best. They were supposed to be traveling home today, but now they'd either have to do so in the rain, with Macavity hissing and complaining the whole way, or they'd have to sit in a dark cave, cold and hungry, until the stupid rain decided to stop.

Stretching a bit, Tugger rose to his feet to look around the cave. Most of the other inhabitants were still sleeping. The four young toms were in a tangled heap together. He did notice that the little black one was actually curled up in a normal sleeping posture now rather than sprawled limply, whichever way gravity took him. Tugger was momentarily jealous, looking at them. It had to be a lot warmer and more comfortable, sleeping against each other rather than sleeping alone. He certainly wasn't about to ask either of his brothers to sleep beside him though.

Tugger then noticed that Plato was also awake. He was curled up with the other three, but his eyes were open and alert, watching both Tugger and Macavity. It wasn't the least bit surprising for Tugger to see his middle brother pacing restlessly just inside the mouth of the little cave. Macavity had always hated to be confined. Normally, he wouldn't mind being inside a cave with an obvious opening right in front of him, but having the entrance blocked by a thick curtain of disgusting wet liquid falling from the sky was clearly setting the ginger cat on edge. Tugger padded over to his brother, looking outside.

"Do you think Munk'll want to stay until the rain stops? Or just head out anyway?" he asked.

Macavity just growled. "I hate rain," he grumbled.

Tugger smiled. It was harder to think of things that Macavity didn't hate than things that he did.

"At least the thunder and lightning have stopped," he observed. "Now it's just water."

Another longer growl was the only response he got.

Movement behind him caught Tugger's attention, and he turned to see more of the cave's inhabitants waking. The little tuxedo cat stirred and opened his eyes, stretching weakly as he looked around himself. He gave a rather violent start as his eyes met Tugger's. Immediately Plato pressed closer to him, licking the smaller cat's neck comfortingly, and the two brothers also started to move, disturbed by the light jostling.

"Plato?" whispered the black cat, turning to glance at his fellow youth while trying to also watch the two grown toms at the entrance way.

"They're ... safe," muttered Plato. "I think."

Tumblebrutus and Munkustrap both woke and rose about the same time, giving the smallest feline another apparent shock at seeing a third stranger in their temporary den.

"Mistoffelees!" exclaimed Tumblebrutus, startling all three of the other young cats. "You're awake!"

"Yes," replied the other, recovering somewhat. "I am." He glanced around at the intruders again. "And ... these are ...?"

"My name is Munkustrap," answered the grey tabby politely. "Tugger and Macavity there are my brothers. We're grateful to you and your friends for giving us shelter for the night."

Mistoffelees looked at his friends as they all rose and stretched, still keeping very close together. He then nodded in acknowledgement to Munkustrap and rose himself. The other three nuzzled against him, and he seemed to calm a bit, though he still looked at the others warily.

Apparently fed up with his pacing, Macavity turned with a growl and stalked straight to Plato. The other didn't even have time to react before Macavity roughly shoved his shoulder and turned again toward the cave entrance.

"You," he snapped. "Come on. We're going hunting."

"W-w-what?" stuttered Plato, looking at the older cat in shock.

"Hunting!" snarled Macavity, baring his teeth. "Now! Come!"

Plato looked at Munkustrap in confusion, but the latter just smiled apologetically and nodded.

"He's not upset with you, and if you're as hungry as you look, you should go with him."

Plato hesitated only a moment, looking at his friends, then jumped forward to follow Macavity out into the rain.

"What are they going to hunt?" asked Pouncival, looking after them. "The mice will all be underground, and the birds will be in their nests. Nothing will be out."

"If there's food to be found, Macavity will find it," answered Munkustrap. "Despite his bad manners, he's not a bad cat. I expect that they'll be back soon with something edible, although it's anyone's guess what it'll be."

As the two cats disappeared from sight, Tugger sat silently, gazing out at the pouring rain. The thunder and lightning had stopped, and the wind had died down, but the heavy fall of rain showed no signs of slowing. A little light managed to force its way through the thick cloud covering, allowing a deep gloom to barely illuminate the now muddied landscape. The trees drooped, and small rivulets ran down the rocks, pooling here and there on the forest floor. Everywhere outside the cave looked wet, cold, and miserable.

Tugger felt and heard as his oldest brother came to sit next to him, looking out at the depressing sight with him.

"We'll give it until midday," murmured Munkustrap. "If the rain hasn't stopped by then, we'll just have to travel through it."

"Macavity won't like that," answered Tugger.

"Macavity will deal with it," smiled Munkustrap. "He wants to get home as much as we do."

"Not enough to spend half a day in the pouring rain."

"We'll see."

Tugger didn't answer. He wished he could be home right now, safe, dry, and warm, in his own den, but he wasn't sure that he wanted to run through the rain and mud to get there.

"You said you'd leave this morning, if we told you to," came Pouncival's voice.

Tugger and Munkustrap both turned to look at him in surprise.

"Are you telling us to leave?" asked Munkustrap.

Pouncival looked at his two companions, but they just looked back at him in curiosity, waiting likewise to hear his answer.

"Well, no," stammered Pouncival at last. "I just wanted to see if you were lying."

Munkustrap sighed softly at that. "I wasn't lying," he replied carefully. "We'll go, if you truly want us to go. But we would prefer to stay, if you'll allow it."

"It's up to Mistoffelees," put in Tumblebrutus. "It's his choice, really."

Tugger raised his eyebrows as he looked at the little tom to whom he still hadn't been properly introduced. The latter looked just as confused as his audience.

"Tumble..." he began, pausing to lick his lips and take a breath. "I'm not going to send anyone out in the rain. The choice shouldn't be up to me anyway."

"Yeah, Mistoffelees is too nice," added Pouncival. "Don't make him choose."

"Well, you already chose," retorted Tumblebrutus. "You said that they could stay without even asking the rest of us."

"Oh. Sorry," Pouncival replied contritely. "I guess I did."

"If this blasted rain would just stop, it wouldn't matter anymore," grumbled Tugger, turning again to look out at the rain.

"Yes, hopefully it'll stop soon, for all our sakes," agreed Munkustrap.

Again they all sat in silence for a time. Tugger heard the three young toms start to whisper amongst themselves again, but he again ignored it. They still weren't a threat. The more he observed of them, the less concerned he was about them. They seemed to just be a few young toms, separated from their tribes (either by choice or necessity), surviving together in the wilderness. It wasn't unheard of; it wasn't even that abnormal. It certainly wasn't a life that Tugger would ever want to experience, other than brief stints like this journey with his brothers, but he wasn't going to tell others that they shouldn't live it. If it was what they wanted, then it didn't matter to him.

Eventually there was movement outside, and Munkustrap and Tugger moved back as Macavity and Plato returned, dragging a large duck between them. Tugger felt his mouth water at the sight of the fat fowl.

"Nice job, Mac!" he exclaimed.

Macavity growled in annoyance at that, shaking himself violently once he was fully inside to remove as much water from his fur as possible.

"Your turn now," he snapped. "Go find some dry wood to make another fire."

"Macavity, there's not going to be anything dry out there," put in Munkustrap.

A frustrated hiss was the immediate response.

"Fine," grumbled Macavity. "Just eat. But you owe me!"

Tugger and Munkustrap both agreed silently with that but wisely said nothing as they joined their brother in the meal. The four younger toms hesitated, until Macavity snapped at them also with an angry-sounding, "Eat!" They then jumped forward as one and ravenously helped to devour the dead bird.

It took almost no time at all for the carcass to be stripped to the bones. To Tugger's surprise, he saw that Plato, Tumblebrutus, and Pouncival ripped the last bites available to each of them, turned, and placed the three bits of meat at the feet of Mistoffelees. The little tuxedo cat seemed likewise surprised by this.

"No," he said, shaking his head. "You all need to eat too!"

"We have," answered Tumblebrutus.

"You need it more than we do," said Pouncival, nuzzling his friend.

Mistoffelees looked around at them uncertainly, but Plato likewise just nuzzled the smaller cat with a brief, almost imperceptible purr.

"Please eat," he whispered.

Mistoffelees said nothing. He glanced at the three older toms, all of whom were watching the exchange curiously, then lowered his head and quickly swallowed the last three bites.

"So," said Tugger, as the younger toms helped Plato dry his fur and Macavity worked on drying his own. "Which of you four can make fire?"

"Just Mistoffelees," replied Pouncival, earning an immediate blow from Tumblebrutus. "Ow! What?"

"Our father can make fire also," said Munkustrap, seeking to calm the concerned looks that three of the younger group now bore. "It is a rare skill but very useful."

"How does he do it?" asked Mistoffelees cautiously.

"He has a human device that he was given many years ago," replied Munkustrap. "It's not easy to use; no one else in the tribe has ever been able to make it work consistently. I suppose I'll have to learn it one day though." He smiled.

"How do you make fire?" asked Macavity.

Mistoffelees hesitated. "It's not with a human device," he answered slowly. "I can show you."

He stepped carefully forward to stand in front of the pile of ashes, but Tumblebrutus and Pouncival immediately came to his side.

"You don't have to!" exclaimed Tumblebrutus. "You're still tired."

"Yeah, it's not so cold now," nodded Pouncival. "We'll be okay until nighttime, at least."

Mistoffelees shook his head. "They provided food for all of us; the least I can do is provide warmth in return." He gave his companions a smile, then turned back and took a deep breath.

Stretching out his arms, he crossed his hands, palms downward, and closed his eyes. A bright light began to glow from his outstretched hands. Macavity sprang back with a hiss, and Tugger and Munkustrap watched wide-eyed, as the clearly magical cat conjured a pile of sticks into existence on top of the ash pile. Separating his hands to either side, the pile of sticks likewise split, leaving a small stack on the ashes and a larger stack to one side. The light then faded.

For a moment, Mistoffelees stood, looking down at the sticks in front him, panting slightly. He then swallowed, straightened himself, and aimed two fingers of one hand at the small stack of wood. Instantly, lightning shot out from his fingers, igniting the sticks. The flames leapt upward, crackling cheerfully as the wood burned.

The other three young toms came forward and gently took hold of Mistoffelees as the latter slumped a bit. They led him back a few steps and helped him to sit, leaning on Pouncival. Plato nuzzled him gently, as Pouncival wrapped his arms around him.

"You're magical," murmured Munkustrap in awe.

Tugger and Macavity hadn't moved, just watching everything warily. Neither was quite sure what to make of this.

"Yes," replied Mistoffelees, sounding slightly breathless. "It takes a lot out of me though, if I'm not well rested."

"Or well-fed," added Tumblebrutus.

"So your friends take care of you," nodded Munkustrap in understanding. "I see now."

"He takes care of us!" exclaimed Pouncival. "We'd all have died, if not for him."

"We help each other," said Mistoffelees. "They help me to regain my strength, and I do what I can."

"You just need food?" asked Tugger.

"And sleep," answered Tumblebrutus.

"And touch," added Mistoffelees. He nuzzled against Pouncival. "Physical touch also restores my strength, but very slowly."

Tugger's eyebrows rose in understanding. It made sense now why the other three were always rubbing against Mistoffelees, even when the other was unconscious. He realized now that he hadn't seen any of them nuzzle or cuddle with each other, only with the little tuxedo cat. Now he understood why.

Macavity seemed to have recovered from his own surprise, and he came forward to lie down next to the fire. Munkustrap opened his mouth, but Macavity glared and bared his teeth at him. Munkustrap just sighed and shook his head. Tugger smiled, watching them. Being brothers, they understood each other quite well. Tugger knew that Munkustrap had been about to suggest that Macavity thank Mistoffelees for making the fire, seeing that it had been at Macavity's request, and the ginger cat had basically responded with a "Shut up, or I'll shut you up!" Munkustrap, knowing that it wasn't going to do any good to scold his irascible brother, had surrendered but had indicated that he was displeased and disappointed. Macavity, as usual, just didn't care.

Not really thinking about his actions (which was normal for him), Tugger strolled forward to the group of young toms, crouching down in front of Mistoffelees. The others drew back a little in surprise, but Tugger just leaned forward, nuzzling the little tuxedo tom gently.

"Thanks for the fire," he grinned.

Mistoffelees just blinked at him at first, then leaned forward himself, rubbing his face in Tugger's mane. Tugger looked down at him as Mistoffelees tangled his hands in the thick fur, pressing himself against the larger tom with a sigh. After a long moment, he looked up at Tugger blearily.

"You're so full of life," he breathed.

Tugger swallowed. "Um," he began, "I'm not sure what that means."

Mistoffelees just rubbed against him a little longer, then seemed gradually to realize that Tugger was uncomfortable. He drew back again.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

"No problem," murmured Tugger uncertainly. He drew back to sit again on the other side of the fire with his brothers. If it weren't for the other five cats staring at him, he wouldn't so much have minded having the little tom cuddling against him, knowing that it was just to restore his energy. But even though Tugger loved to be the center of attention at home, this wasn't the sort of attention he really wanted.

He settled down and licked his paws nonchalantly, relieved when the others stopped staring at him.


Time that day seemed to pass very slowly for everyone. The rain never lessened, and the only thing that interrupted the monotony was when a few sticks needed to be added to the fire. Macavity growled and grumbled; Munkustrap twice suggested that they just travel on through the rain (which Macavity vehemently opposed); Tugger ignored both of them, lounging between the fire and the mouth of little cave, gazing outside in annoyance. The four young toms chatted a bit together quietly.

It must have been early afternoon that a rumbling was heard that quickly grew to a roar. Tugger sat up quickly, leaning forward to look outside, and Munkustrap moved to see also. Both froze in horror as they saw a wall of dark water, laced with trees and debris, rushing across the dim landscape toward them.

"Flash flood!" exclaimed Munkustrap.

The other cats in the cave all jumped to their feet, but there was nowhere they could go. Tugger felt his blood freeze in his veins as he watched certain death racing toward them. They had mere seconds to choose either to run out of the cave and be quickly battered to death by the debris when the waters caught them or to stay in the cave and drown as the angry waters filled it. He was going to die. He and his brothers were going to die here together.

Macavity gave a loud roar and at least two of the younger toms screamed in terror as the wall of water crashed against the cave opening, but a white light suddenly stopped it. Branches beat against the invisible barrier; the light from outside was completely obscured. The loud roar of the rushing water continued around them as the flood swept onward, tearing apart the landscape outside of the little cave.

Tugger watched as the three young toms pressed against their friend as Mistoffelees strained under the weight of holding the water back. He trembled, arms outstretched, teeth grit tightly, as sweat covered his face. He gasped for breath, clearly exerting all of the strength in his body and more.

"Mistoffelees," whimpered Pouncival, clinging fearfully to his friend.

"Please," whispered Tumblebrutus. "You can do this."

Even Munkustrap and Macavity watched in fear and awe, not knowing what to do, but hoping desperately that this little magical cat could do something to keep them all alive. Not knowing what else to do, Tugger moved forward as Mistoffelees fell to his knees, tears in his eyes, as he fought to maintain his magical barrier against the angry waters. Slipping between Plato and Pouncival, Tugger nuzzled the little tuxedo tom's neck, forcing himself to sound calm, even though he was himself terrified.

"You've got this," he purred. "You can do it."

Mistoffelees gave a strangled cry, clenching his eyes shut, and forced another wave of magic through his palms. A dark wall of rock, illuminated only by the fire inside, began to form over the cave opening. Tugger reached forward to rub the little tom's back as he watched the magic in wonder.

"That's it," he breathed. "You're doing it."

Slowly the wall solidified, completely covering the entrance. Mistoffelees gasped for breath, his chest heaving, as he poured every last bit of strength he had into the rock he had conjured into being. Then, as suddenly as it had started, the magic died, and the little magician collapsed.

He was caught by multiple arms, including Tugger's, and drawn back to again lay limply across Pouncival. Everyone still conscious gave a collective sigh of relief, looking at the rock wall now blocking the raging waters outside. Even Munkustrap put a hand to his chest, breathing heavily, as if he had been holding his breath for the whole time (which he may have been doing).

For a time, no one said anything. The fear was too deep and too present to get over quickly. The three young toms pressed against their unconscious friend, holding him tightly, seemingly not only for his benefit but for their own as well. They had all nearly died.

Tugger backed away. He found that he too wanted to embrace the little tom, but he also wanted to calm down himself. Never in his life had he been so scared. Staring at that wall of water, all that he could think about was what it would feel like to be swept away by it, pulled into the cold, cruel depths, his lungs filling with the dirty water, burning, aching, killing him slowly, as his body screamed for oxygen and his brain slowly died, unable to do anything. He imagined his bloated body, possibly beaten into pieces by the heavy logs and branches that the water swept up and threw about. It was horrible. The images and imagined feelings had seared themselves on his mind, and it wasn't easy to make them now go away. He was safe, yes, but he had been so very close to death.

A loud crack outside startled him, and he thought at first that the water had broken through the rock, but he found quickly that it wasn't so.

"A tree," came Munkustrap's quiet voice. "That was a tree, being torn in two."

Tugger just nodded. He looked at his two brothers and saw that they were likewise shaken. Macavity hid it best, crouching on one side of the cave and just glaring at the former opening. Tugger who knew him well, however, could see the haunted look in his eyes, not quite hidden by the glare, as he too seemed to relive the fear that they had all just experienced. Munkustrap said nothing, staring at the floor and breathing deeply and slowly.

Taking a deep breath himself, Tugger turned back to the younger three.

"Are you guys okay?" he asked.

Pouncival had his eyes pressed tightly closed, but tears slipped from them, as he hugged Mistoffelees tightly, as a kitten would hug a toy. Tugger knew that the young tom was likely traumatized and would need time to calm himself. Tumblebrutus looked a little better, hugging both Mistoffelees and his brother. He looked up at Tugger and nodded silently. Plato didn't look at him or speak. He just sat still, leaning against Mistoffelees, and staring blankly ahead of himself.

Tugger leaned forward and nuzzled the unconscious tom, unsure if it would do any more good than the touch of his friends but wanting to do something, somehow, to show his gratitude.

"Thanks," he whispered, knowing that the little tom couldn't hear him, but wanting to say it anyway. He hesitated, then walked back to sit beside Munkustrap, a bit closer than he normally would.

Munkustrap said nothing, then moved a little closer and nuzzled Tugger gently. Tugger laid his head on his big brother's shoulder, and Munkustrap wrapped an arm around him. They hadn't sat like this since they were young kittens, but both seemed to understand that they needed comfort now. Tugger glanced at Macavity, but the other gave him a warning look, clearly indicating that he'd scratch either of them if they tried to hug him. A wry smile touched Tugger's lips. It was times like this that he realized how much his brothers meant to him. Even if Macavity didn't want to be close, just the familiar looks and reactions were enough to help calm Tugger, assuring him that yes, it was going to be fine.

They were all going to be fine.