A/N: Sorry if this chapter's kinda short and not as good as the others, I guess next time I shouldn't try writing when I'm half asleep, but I just had too many ideas to go to waste :P Anyway, just wanted to say thanks to Chimalmaht, Krissy4, Mystitat and Jemima-Luvah for reviewing, your support has helped sooo much! :) Well, here's the next chapter, so enjoy! :)
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Tantomile hung tightly onto Plato's arm, listening to the cats around her as they said their goodbyes to their leader. Over in a corner, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer stood away from the group, reluctant to leave each other.
"Be careful, and promise me you'll get back in one piece, okay?" Rumpleteazer pleaded, hugging Mungojerrie tightly. The tom groaned, trying to wriggle free from her grasp.
"Rumple, I'll be fine," he laughed, trying to push her off him. "As long as you don't crush me like you're doing now, I'm gonna be okay!" Rumpleteazer let him go, embarrassed, and Mungojerrie smiled at her, returning her hug with one of his own.
"Just try not to get in too much trouble," she said quietly, smiling back. "If you did, I'd feel left out!" Mungojerrie laughed again, wrapping his arms tighter around her, then looked up as Munkustrap approached them.
"Are you ready yet?" he asked, finally tearing himself away from the crowd that surrounded him. Mungojerrie looked down, to see Rumpleteazer wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, tears staining her cheeks. Smiling sadly, he looked back up at Munkustrap, who nodded in understanding.
"I'll give you two a bit longer," he said, before walking over to Alonzo. Plato watched him walk away from the couple, before turning to Tantomile.
"I think we're going to leave pretty soon," he said, and Tantomile nodded silently, her mind overcome with thoughts of her brother. She was desperate to be with him again, but she knew that Plato would look after her until she could be with Coricopat again. She just wished she knew where he was, and if he was alright. Sighing, she gripped tighter onto Plato's arm, feeling slightly comforted as he nuzzled her gently.
"We'll find him, don't worry," he whispered, freeing his arm and wrapping it around her protectively. "I promise you, I'll make sure you two are together again, no matter what it takes." Tantomile smiled, and nuzzled him back. Munkustrap moved towards the two, and Plato straightened up, proving that he was much stronger and larger than he first appeared. The two toms shared a smile, then Munkustrap spoke up.
"It's time," he said simply, and Plato and Tantomile nodded, before walking away from the crowd with him. Tantomile shivered, feeling hope growing inside her at last.
Hang in there, she said in her head, reaching out to her twin. We're on our way, we'll bring you back home. Please hold on...
Coricopat crouched low on a trashcan in the alley, blending in perfectly with the shadows. He stayed frozen to the spot, his gaze fixed on something in the distance. Footsteps came from behind him, and the trashcan lid moved slightly, as a large ginger cat climbed up, and stood behind him, staring down at the male twin. Macavity snarled, glancing up at the horizon.
"She is coming for you," he growled, his dark eyes narrowing in contained anger. "You know what you must do. She listens to you alone, so you must bring her to me." Coricopat stayed frozen where he was, only his mouth moving as he replied to the orders.
"Yes, master." Macavity's lips peeled back into a sinister grin, as he stared at Coricopat, once again probing his mind, filling it with messages that flooded his senses, dragging him further down into the pit of darkness he seemed trapped in.
She is mine, and I will have her. Coricopat's mind struggled to be free from the voices, but he knew it was hopeless.
Please...no... he pleaded feebly, but then Macavity filled his mind once more, blacking out everything Coricopat ever knew and felt, replaced with a cold emptiness.
There is no escape, Coricopat, you know the deal. Her life, or yours. And as you know, one of you will die...now go! Coricopat nodded, turning his cold, emotionless gaze to the dark pavement, and sprinted off into the dawn.
Tantomile stirred in her sleep, reaching out constantly to her brother.
Tantomile...help... her eyes snapped open suddenly, and she sat up, now wide awake as she called out in her mind, listening out for her brother. After a few moments she lay back down, when the voice called her again, louder this time.
Tantomile...Tantomile, answer me! Where are you?...Tantomile, help... in an instant she was on her feet, ears twitching as she listened carefully, not daring to breathe. A rustling noise was heard coming from behind her, and she spun around, slowly creeping forwards.
"Coricopat?" She whispered, then jumped, as she bumped into a large figure. A hand clapped over her mouth before she could scream, and she tried to get away.
Relax, it's just me, a familiar voice said in her head, and she froze, then relaxed, letting herself be pulled into a strong embrace.
Coricopat...I thought I'd lost you, she said, feeling a wave of relief as the two connected psychically again, and she at last felt whole. Slowly she broke away from his embrace, now moving confidently, and frowned suddenly, sensing something different.
What's wrong? She asked, and he shook his head, taking her wrist.
I can't explain, he said quickly, and she froze, trying to free herself from his grasp. He stopped, taking her hands in his. Please, just trust me, he begged, and Tantomile sighed in defeat.
Alright, I trust you, she said to him in his mind, letting herself be led towards the dark alley.