Chapter 10: Macavity is there!
Misto and Jerrie looked at each other. "He's not far I'm afraid....this notice was left by one of his henchmen." said Jerrie, pointing to the paper. Kanon looked at the simble on it. It was a black heart with a dagger piercing it.
"I don't like the looks of that....." Kanon said.
"Nobody does...." said Kate "it's feared by all here. He often leaves it where he has been, or on letters, marks his territory.....he even leaves it on his victims."
As Kanon listened her eyes suddenly flashed bright red, then back to brown. Nobody noticed it, except Kate. Kate shuddered. "Oh....of all the times for him to be close....."
"What do we do?" Jerrie asked.
"Misto, you go back to your sister and make sure Plato knows, but don't go yelling down the road! This is not the time for a panic." Kate advised.
Misto nodded and left quickly before another word was spoken.
"This notice hasn't been here long, I can tell. Not many could have seen it." Kate continued. "We must make sure everyone knows to keep their children inside after dark."
"What do you suppose he's after, Kate?" asked Jerrie.
"I.....I don't know....." Kate felt her answer was very dishonest. She had an idea of what this creature wanted. "But one can be sure that he will come.....We best beware."
Inside the depths of Kanon's mind, she feared greatly for Kate's life. In her mind, her Yami had something to say about it.
"What should I do about this new threat? Why is he so dangerous?"
"They obviously don't want to talk about whatever left that note....."
"But if he's dangerous, I must know how to fight him...."
"Don't pry into it. When the time comes, they will tell you...."
"But what if they don't? What if they just ignore it until someone gets hurt? If Kate...."
"Then the mistake is hers....who cares if she or the others are killed?"
"I DO!!!!"
"No need to shout, Kanon...."
"Why are you like this?"
"How do you EXPECT a yami to act? I AM your dark side after all...."
All the while Kanon argued with herself, she seemed to be sleeping while standing. Kate was still talking to Jerrie ".....don't worry Jerrie, I have spare rooms I want you and Teazer to stay with me. We have to stay together....." Then Kate realized that Kanon hadn't moved from her position, let alone said a word. "Kanon?" Kate was worried when Kanon didn't answer. She quickly turned back to Jerrie "Just pack up the things you need and bring Teazer to my house. We'll meet you there. And hurry! We can't have you one the streets at night."
"Thank you, Kate."
Jerrie ran into the house and Kate went quickly to Kanon's side "Kanon?.....Kanon? Are you alright?.....We shouldn't stay here Kanon, it's almost sun-set."
Kanon snapped out of what seemed to Kate as a trance. "Huh? Oh, yes, of course....."
"Come.....we'll go to my home....." Kate took Kanon's hand and led her away. On their way, Kate had to stop at couple small houses of families she knew. She whispered her warnings and they silently thanked her. Finally they made it to a rather large house, one meant for a large family, or two. It was Kate's home.
"Nice place....." Kanon said in aw. "Why is it so big?"
"It belonged to my great grandfather. I've lived here since...." Kate paused. She looked up at the highest window, and her lower lips trembled. Kanon was ahead of her, looking at the house. When Kate stopped she turned around.
"Since when?" she asked.
"Since....I was small....It's truly a wonderful house. So many memories here....so many ghosts....." Kate trailed off, not quite realizing she was saying this out loud. Kanon had stopped short when she heard the word ghosts.
"Ghosts?"
"Oh...um yes...." Kate shook her head "Come let's go inside." Kate opened the door and stepped inside, Kanon following after her. It wasn't long before Jerrie arrived with Teazer. Misto and Templeton came soon after them.
Darkness fell over the country, and the village at rest. A candle burned beside every child's bed that night. In the house upon hill, six people sat by the fire in silence. Kanon and Kate sat together on the floor of the lounge. Misto sat near them n the footstool, Templeton on the floor next him. MungoJerrie and Rumpleteazer were together on the couch.
Only one dared to break the silence. "So.....who is this person that everyone fears so?" Kanon asked.
Everyone else looked at each other. They didn't answer at first, but they all knew that one of them would have to tell the story. Kanon waited patiently. Kate thought maybe she should tell but she really didn't have the heart. She looked to Misto, and he nodded.
"He's.....a very mysterious cat. Some call him the "Hidden Paw".....he has committed many crimes, many awful crimes. But he can never be caught. Like a phantom, he seems to disappear out of thin air. At night he will search for victims and....many of them aren't noticed to be missing until dawn....and by that time...." Misto paused.
".....it's too late." Kanon finished. She looked at Kate, whom all this time stared at the flames. Kate's eyes seemed lifeless.
"He and his followers are merciless." Misto continued.
"I see...." Kanon stilled looked at Kate. What was she hiding?
A noise was suddenly heard outside the house. Kate jumped at the sound. Kanon was on her feet in an instant. It sounded like a rustling in the bushes. After that nothing was heard until there was a knocking on the door.
Kanon held on hand on her sword and the other reached for the doorknob. Jerrie held Teazer tight. Both Templeton and Misto kept their hands on her shoulders. Kanon slowly turned the knob and as quick as lightening she opened the door.....she saw nothing.
"Rebecca!" Kate shouted. Kanon looked back at her and then looked down in front of her. There lay the little girl shivering at her feet. Kanon slowly picked her up. At first Rebecca panicked and tried to fight back but soon calmed down when she recognized the scent.
Kate breathed deep "Oh my....." Kate ran over to the door and looked out. She wasn't sure if she saw it....but she thought she saw what looked like a figure moving in the dark. She shut the door quickly and leaned against it. She looked around, every eye in the room was on her.
"Did you see something, Kate?" Kanon asked as Kate went to the window. Kate looked out and saw nothing. All shadows have disappeared into the night.
"Nothing...." Kate said quietly. "All is still." She then went to Kanon and put her hand on Rebecca's face. "Ice cold.....quick bring her to the fire, Kanon."
Kanon did as she was told and Misto wrapped the little one in a blanket. "You gave us quite a scare, Becca." Templeton said.
"'Ow did she get 'ere?" Jerrie asked.
"That's what scares me....I don't know...." Kate said.
"Not by herself...." Said Kanon. "She's half frozen."
"Well we'll keep her here, she'll be safe." Kate said.
She went over to the window again and stared out into the darkness. Kanon went over to her and leaned over Kate's shoulder. "Don't worry, Kate." She whispered "I won't let anything happen to you, or your friends....that's a promise....and if they do...." Kanon's eyes turned blood red "I'll make them pay...." Kanon and Kate gasped at once. Kanon covered her face with her hand, not believing what had escaped her lips. Kate was shocked at Kanon's brutal words. She also noticed the frightening color of her friend's eyes. But the color quickly faded.
"I.....I think it's time we all got some sleep....come. The rooms are upstairs...." Kate led the way to the staircase.
"I'll stay down here" said Kanon "in case something happens."
"Are you sure? There is plenty of room....you should get a good night's rest...." Said Kate with much concern in her voice.
"No, I'll be fine."
"Oh...alright, if you insist." Kate embraced her "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Kate turned to the others. "Jerrie, you and Teazer take the first room the right, Templeton, the same on your left. Misto you take the second to the left." She then took the sleeping Rebecca in her arms "She will stay with me, goodnight everyone."
"Goodnight."
And Kate slowly walked up the stairs and through the dark corridors to her bedroom.
In the night everyone in the house slept, save one. Kanon stayed awake by the fire, her sword drawn. She thought of the previous events that evening. Kate seemed very withdrawn, like she was hiding something. But what? Kanon couldn't figure it out. As she sat wide awake downstairs, the object of her thoughts was asleep upstairs.
Kate was having no dreamless sleep....far from it in fact.....
Kate looked up and turned around, she saw a little black furred ball rushing towards her and she breaks into a run. Misto was "It" again. They were all playing in the field near the forest. It was the only place they felt it was safe to play together. Mama and Papa told her to be very careful and try not to be seen by the townsfolk, if they did, it could be very dangerous for all of them. Little Victoria was playing in the daisies.
"You can't catch me Misty!!!" Kate laughed.
"Oh yes I will!! I'm faster than you are!!" Misto said. Both their voices seemed to echo in the wind.
Misto gained on Kate and caught her and together they rolled down the hill, laughing all the way. When they hit the bottom, Misto pinned her down. "Ha- ha, you won't EVER catch me!" Misto got up quickly and started back up the hill. Kate followed as fast as she could but her long skirt slowed her down. When she finally reached the top again, Misto and Vicky were nowhere to be seen.
"Misty?" Kate called. She received no answer, just the lonely echo of her own voice. Kate looked around and saw it was getting dark. Time to go home. It was getting dark fast and Kate started running, but stopped suddenly when she saw something moving through the trees.
"Mistoffelees?" Kate's voiced echoed. Kate slowly entered the shadows of the trees. She looked around and saw nothing. Suddenly someone gripped her from behind, a massive paw covered her mouth keeping her from screaming. All she could hear was a terrifying laugh....
Kate's eyes opened and she gasped. She sat straight up in her bed.
"No....." She breathed "Not again...." It was so long ago, Kate just wanted to forget it. She lied back again, breathing deeply and thought about her dream. That had been the first time she came face to face with the Hidden Paw.....and it wasn't the last.
Kanon was beginning to doze off. It wasn't until she first heard the footsteps, that she snapped awake. The sound was faint at first, but grew louder as they drew closer. Kanon took her sword and stood up, waiting, suddenly the door burst open, revealing.....
Kate couldn't sleep anymore she had too much on her mind. She thought she would make some tea and sit up with Kanon.
Now the house was so large, that if any noise had come from downstairs would only echo up the stairs into silence before it could even reach the bedrooms. So Kate never knew that Kanon was in peril, till she reached the top of the staircase. As Kate walked shakily down the stairs, she heard something break, and muffled voices.
"Kanon? Kanon, are you alright?"
"Ahh! Kate run!!!" She heard Kanon shout.
But Kate, continued downstairs, faster. It was dark and hard to see but Kate could make out Kanon struggling with a large Jellicle, and she knew very well who it was. Kanon sword had been knocked to the ground. Kate made it down the stairs in time to see Kanon pushed to the floor. "NO!!! GET AWAY!!!" Kanon shouted.
The Jellicle grabbed Kanon by her robe and threw her against the wall, knocking her unconscious.
"Kanon!!!" Kate screamed. At the sound of her voice, the Jellicle turned towards her and said in a low voice "So, little one.....we meet again....."
Kate was petrified, she couldn't feel her legs but she was sure they would soon give way under her wait. "You...you go away! Go and leave us be!" she said.
The Jellicle laughed "Oh you foolish. Still the same aren't you? Well we shall see how brave ye be!" He grabbed Kate. Kate screamed on the top of her lungs. But as the wind passed through the open door, they were both gone.
Kanon opened her eyes, in pain. "Oh.....Kate? KATE!!!" she shouted not seeing the red head anywhere. She tried to get up but failed, the pain was too great.
"No...oh God, no....MISTO!!! TEMPLETON, ANYBODY!!!"
Almost as she spoke, Misto, Templeton and Jerrie were rushing down the stairs.
"What happened?!"
"We thought we heard screaming!"
"Kate's not in her room!" They all were shouting at once.
Misto went quickly to Kanon "Are you alright, lass?"
"What happened, Kanon?" asked Templeton.
"Where is Kate?" Misto asked.
Tears filled Kanon's eyes "He.....he took her.....I couldn't stop him...." She collapsed into Misto arms and cried helplessly "I couldn't stop him....."
Misto held her tight and looked out the open door "Everlasting Cat, help us....." he whispered.
Misto and Jerrie looked at each other. "He's not far I'm afraid....this notice was left by one of his henchmen." said Jerrie, pointing to the paper. Kanon looked at the simble on it. It was a black heart with a dagger piercing it.
"I don't like the looks of that....." Kanon said.
"Nobody does...." said Kate "it's feared by all here. He often leaves it where he has been, or on letters, marks his territory.....he even leaves it on his victims."
As Kanon listened her eyes suddenly flashed bright red, then back to brown. Nobody noticed it, except Kate. Kate shuddered. "Oh....of all the times for him to be close....."
"What do we do?" Jerrie asked.
"Misto, you go back to your sister and make sure Plato knows, but don't go yelling down the road! This is not the time for a panic." Kate advised.
Misto nodded and left quickly before another word was spoken.
"This notice hasn't been here long, I can tell. Not many could have seen it." Kate continued. "We must make sure everyone knows to keep their children inside after dark."
"What do you suppose he's after, Kate?" asked Jerrie.
"I.....I don't know....." Kate felt her answer was very dishonest. She had an idea of what this creature wanted. "But one can be sure that he will come.....We best beware."
Inside the depths of Kanon's mind, she feared greatly for Kate's life. In her mind, her Yami had something to say about it.
"What should I do about this new threat? Why is he so dangerous?"
"They obviously don't want to talk about whatever left that note....."
"But if he's dangerous, I must know how to fight him...."
"Don't pry into it. When the time comes, they will tell you...."
"But what if they don't? What if they just ignore it until someone gets hurt? If Kate...."
"Then the mistake is hers....who cares if she or the others are killed?"
"I DO!!!!"
"No need to shout, Kanon...."
"Why are you like this?"
"How do you EXPECT a yami to act? I AM your dark side after all...."
All the while Kanon argued with herself, she seemed to be sleeping while standing. Kate was still talking to Jerrie ".....don't worry Jerrie, I have spare rooms I want you and Teazer to stay with me. We have to stay together....." Then Kate realized that Kanon hadn't moved from her position, let alone said a word. "Kanon?" Kate was worried when Kanon didn't answer. She quickly turned back to Jerrie "Just pack up the things you need and bring Teazer to my house. We'll meet you there. And hurry! We can't have you one the streets at night."
"Thank you, Kate."
Jerrie ran into the house and Kate went quickly to Kanon's side "Kanon?.....Kanon? Are you alright?.....We shouldn't stay here Kanon, it's almost sun-set."
Kanon snapped out of what seemed to Kate as a trance. "Huh? Oh, yes, of course....."
"Come.....we'll go to my home....." Kate took Kanon's hand and led her away. On their way, Kate had to stop at couple small houses of families she knew. She whispered her warnings and they silently thanked her. Finally they made it to a rather large house, one meant for a large family, or two. It was Kate's home.
"Nice place....." Kanon said in aw. "Why is it so big?"
"It belonged to my great grandfather. I've lived here since...." Kate paused. She looked up at the highest window, and her lower lips trembled. Kanon was ahead of her, looking at the house. When Kate stopped she turned around.
"Since when?" she asked.
"Since....I was small....It's truly a wonderful house. So many memories here....so many ghosts....." Kate trailed off, not quite realizing she was saying this out loud. Kanon had stopped short when she heard the word ghosts.
"Ghosts?"
"Oh...um yes...." Kate shook her head "Come let's go inside." Kate opened the door and stepped inside, Kanon following after her. It wasn't long before Jerrie arrived with Teazer. Misto and Templeton came soon after them.
Darkness fell over the country, and the village at rest. A candle burned beside every child's bed that night. In the house upon hill, six people sat by the fire in silence. Kanon and Kate sat together on the floor of the lounge. Misto sat near them n the footstool, Templeton on the floor next him. MungoJerrie and Rumpleteazer were together on the couch.
Only one dared to break the silence. "So.....who is this person that everyone fears so?" Kanon asked.
Everyone else looked at each other. They didn't answer at first, but they all knew that one of them would have to tell the story. Kanon waited patiently. Kate thought maybe she should tell but she really didn't have the heart. She looked to Misto, and he nodded.
"He's.....a very mysterious cat. Some call him the "Hidden Paw".....he has committed many crimes, many awful crimes. But he can never be caught. Like a phantom, he seems to disappear out of thin air. At night he will search for victims and....many of them aren't noticed to be missing until dawn....and by that time...." Misto paused.
".....it's too late." Kanon finished. She looked at Kate, whom all this time stared at the flames. Kate's eyes seemed lifeless.
"He and his followers are merciless." Misto continued.
"I see...." Kanon stilled looked at Kate. What was she hiding?
A noise was suddenly heard outside the house. Kate jumped at the sound. Kanon was on her feet in an instant. It sounded like a rustling in the bushes. After that nothing was heard until there was a knocking on the door.
Kanon held on hand on her sword and the other reached for the doorknob. Jerrie held Teazer tight. Both Templeton and Misto kept their hands on her shoulders. Kanon slowly turned the knob and as quick as lightening she opened the door.....she saw nothing.
"Rebecca!" Kate shouted. Kanon looked back at her and then looked down in front of her. There lay the little girl shivering at her feet. Kanon slowly picked her up. At first Rebecca panicked and tried to fight back but soon calmed down when she recognized the scent.
Kate breathed deep "Oh my....." Kate ran over to the door and looked out. She wasn't sure if she saw it....but she thought she saw what looked like a figure moving in the dark. She shut the door quickly and leaned against it. She looked around, every eye in the room was on her.
"Did you see something, Kate?" Kanon asked as Kate went to the window. Kate looked out and saw nothing. All shadows have disappeared into the night.
"Nothing...." Kate said quietly. "All is still." She then went to Kanon and put her hand on Rebecca's face. "Ice cold.....quick bring her to the fire, Kanon."
Kanon did as she was told and Misto wrapped the little one in a blanket. "You gave us quite a scare, Becca." Templeton said.
"'Ow did she get 'ere?" Jerrie asked.
"That's what scares me....I don't know...." Kate said.
"Not by herself...." Said Kanon. "She's half frozen."
"Well we'll keep her here, she'll be safe." Kate said.
She went over to the window again and stared out into the darkness. Kanon went over to her and leaned over Kate's shoulder. "Don't worry, Kate." She whispered "I won't let anything happen to you, or your friends....that's a promise....and if they do...." Kanon's eyes turned blood red "I'll make them pay...." Kanon and Kate gasped at once. Kanon covered her face with her hand, not believing what had escaped her lips. Kate was shocked at Kanon's brutal words. She also noticed the frightening color of her friend's eyes. But the color quickly faded.
"I.....I think it's time we all got some sleep....come. The rooms are upstairs...." Kate led the way to the staircase.
"I'll stay down here" said Kanon "in case something happens."
"Are you sure? There is plenty of room....you should get a good night's rest...." Said Kate with much concern in her voice.
"No, I'll be fine."
"Oh...alright, if you insist." Kate embraced her "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Kate turned to the others. "Jerrie, you and Teazer take the first room the right, Templeton, the same on your left. Misto you take the second to the left." She then took the sleeping Rebecca in her arms "She will stay with me, goodnight everyone."
"Goodnight."
And Kate slowly walked up the stairs and through the dark corridors to her bedroom.
In the night everyone in the house slept, save one. Kanon stayed awake by the fire, her sword drawn. She thought of the previous events that evening. Kate seemed very withdrawn, like she was hiding something. But what? Kanon couldn't figure it out. As she sat wide awake downstairs, the object of her thoughts was asleep upstairs.
Kate was having no dreamless sleep....far from it in fact.....
Kate looked up and turned around, she saw a little black furred ball rushing towards her and she breaks into a run. Misto was "It" again. They were all playing in the field near the forest. It was the only place they felt it was safe to play together. Mama and Papa told her to be very careful and try not to be seen by the townsfolk, if they did, it could be very dangerous for all of them. Little Victoria was playing in the daisies.
"You can't catch me Misty!!!" Kate laughed.
"Oh yes I will!! I'm faster than you are!!" Misto said. Both their voices seemed to echo in the wind.
Misto gained on Kate and caught her and together they rolled down the hill, laughing all the way. When they hit the bottom, Misto pinned her down. "Ha- ha, you won't EVER catch me!" Misto got up quickly and started back up the hill. Kate followed as fast as she could but her long skirt slowed her down. When she finally reached the top again, Misto and Vicky were nowhere to be seen.
"Misty?" Kate called. She received no answer, just the lonely echo of her own voice. Kate looked around and saw it was getting dark. Time to go home. It was getting dark fast and Kate started running, but stopped suddenly when she saw something moving through the trees.
"Mistoffelees?" Kate's voiced echoed. Kate slowly entered the shadows of the trees. She looked around and saw nothing. Suddenly someone gripped her from behind, a massive paw covered her mouth keeping her from screaming. All she could hear was a terrifying laugh....
Kate's eyes opened and she gasped. She sat straight up in her bed.
"No....." She breathed "Not again...." It was so long ago, Kate just wanted to forget it. She lied back again, breathing deeply and thought about her dream. That had been the first time she came face to face with the Hidden Paw.....and it wasn't the last.
Kanon was beginning to doze off. It wasn't until she first heard the footsteps, that she snapped awake. The sound was faint at first, but grew louder as they drew closer. Kanon took her sword and stood up, waiting, suddenly the door burst open, revealing.....
Kate couldn't sleep anymore she had too much on her mind. She thought she would make some tea and sit up with Kanon.
Now the house was so large, that if any noise had come from downstairs would only echo up the stairs into silence before it could even reach the bedrooms. So Kate never knew that Kanon was in peril, till she reached the top of the staircase. As Kate walked shakily down the stairs, she heard something break, and muffled voices.
"Kanon? Kanon, are you alright?"
"Ahh! Kate run!!!" She heard Kanon shout.
But Kate, continued downstairs, faster. It was dark and hard to see but Kate could make out Kanon struggling with a large Jellicle, and she knew very well who it was. Kanon sword had been knocked to the ground. Kate made it down the stairs in time to see Kanon pushed to the floor. "NO!!! GET AWAY!!!" Kanon shouted.
The Jellicle grabbed Kanon by her robe and threw her against the wall, knocking her unconscious.
"Kanon!!!" Kate screamed. At the sound of her voice, the Jellicle turned towards her and said in a low voice "So, little one.....we meet again....."
Kate was petrified, she couldn't feel her legs but she was sure they would soon give way under her wait. "You...you go away! Go and leave us be!" she said.
The Jellicle laughed "Oh you foolish. Still the same aren't you? Well we shall see how brave ye be!" He grabbed Kate. Kate screamed on the top of her lungs. But as the wind passed through the open door, they were both gone.
Kanon opened her eyes, in pain. "Oh.....Kate? KATE!!!" she shouted not seeing the red head anywhere. She tried to get up but failed, the pain was too great.
"No...oh God, no....MISTO!!! TEMPLETON, ANYBODY!!!"
Almost as she spoke, Misto, Templeton and Jerrie were rushing down the stairs.
"What happened?!"
"We thought we heard screaming!"
"Kate's not in her room!" They all were shouting at once.
Misto went quickly to Kanon "Are you alright, lass?"
"What happened, Kanon?" asked Templeton.
"Where is Kate?" Misto asked.
Tears filled Kanon's eyes "He.....he took her.....I couldn't stop him...." She collapsed into Misto arms and cried helplessly "I couldn't stop him....."
Misto held her tight and looked out the open door "Everlasting Cat, help us....." he whispered.