Night had fallen when Coffee and the other kittens had finally snuck out. They were all determined to find Mistoffelees and now Munkustrap and Jing. The group split three ways, going to different parts of town. Ponukka, Jellydrop and Lilypad took the neighborhood area, Bezzil took the city area, and Coffee and Gummibean went to the abandon area. They agreed to meet back at the fish market at midnight. That gave them two hours.

Ponukka, being the only guy in the neighborhood group, led the way, his fluffy white tail swishing behind him. Jellydrop and Lilypad followed closely behind, sniggering at the way Ponukka held himself. The three darted off down the street and out of sight.

Bezzil, being the only magical kitten, went by himself to the city. He didn't stand tall, but scurried low towards the lights and loudness of the city streets. His sleek brown and black fur hid him well as he slipped into the shadows and out of sight.

Coffee and Gummibean, being the ones who put this together, headed south to the darkest part of town. This was the area Macavity was most likely to be in. The pair ducked down low and hurried through an alleyway and out of sight.

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Munkustrap woke with a splitting headache. He rubbed his temples and opened his eyes. Just as expected, he was in a cell. It was fuzzy, but he could remember coming down the alley, fighting Jing, and then being knocked out. Running a paw over his forehead, he stood and walked to the bars of the cell. Across from him in another cell, lay Jing. Her back was to him and he saw a gash mark on her neck. Macavity, he thought. He looked to the next cell. His eyes grew wide with what he saw.

Mistoffelees lay near the bars, his face covered in cold sweat. He was shaking all over and every once in a while he'd twitch. Taking risky matters with the guard being there, Munkustrap called to the tom.

"Mistoffelees...." No answer. "Mistoffelees....."

The black cat opened his eyes. He blinked a couple times, and then sat up. He looked to the silver cat. "Munkustrap? No surprise here. I saw them bring you and Jing in last night. She still out cold?"

"Yeah. How'd you get caught in here?" Munkustrap asked.

"Ambushed. Macavity and his henchman, Kaine. No biggy, though. Made a new friend with the guard there. Her name's Kilia. She said she'd help get me out. She probably could get you out, too." Mistoffelees sighed. "She wants to find her family, if they're even alive. She told me so herself."

"And you believed her?"

"Do you really think I'm that dumb?" he walked to the small pile of rags in his cell and laid down. "She's telling the truth. I can sense it. Now can I get back to sleep?"

"What happened to you, Mistoffelees?" The silver tabby asked. "You just don't seem to care whether you get out or not."

"I do care, Munku." He yawned. "I've just given up on showing it. They torture you when they see it. Torment you with words and lies. Now, let me sleep. I haven't been able to for a while."

"Okay." Munkustrap went back to the corner and laid down. "Fine."

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Ponukka whistled as he walked down the street with his head held high and his tail swishy to the beat behind him. Jellydrop followed, whispering quietly to Lilypad.

"Do you really think Macavity got Gummi's dad? I mean, it could all be a lie and they just wanted to make us get lost while we 'search' for them." Jelly said, keeping her voice low.

"I don't know, Jelly." Lily replied as they turned the corner. "I trust Gummi. I'm not so sure about Coffee, but if he believes her, then so can I."

"What are you two talking about?" Ponukka said, practically shouting.

They all fell silent as the peaceful sounds of the neighborhood died down. An eerie silence drifted into the street.

Hahahahahaha, Mwhahahahahahaha!

Like an ear-shattering cry, Macavity's laughter rang throughout the town. The three huddle close, keeping their eyes peeled for the fiendish feline. His laughter echoed once more and the kittens saw what their families have feared for many years.

The orange and red tom stepped out from a trashcan about two houses away from where they stood. He smiled, his fangs glittering in the moonlight. No one could save them now. All the Jellicles were too far away. The kittens pressed themselves close together, letting their screams echo into the night.

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