Bezzil's ears pricked as he slithered into the city. He could have sworn that he had heard Ponukka and the others, but he could be wrong. He continued on, still suspicious of the shadows that lurked behind him. He took cautious steps, his paws hitting softly upon the pavement.

"Why hello, kitten." Macavity stepped out from the next alley, Kaine dragging the unconscious kittens behind him.

Bezzil looked carefully at them, noticing that Coffee and Gummibean weren't there. They must still be looking for the fiend that stands right before me, he thought, taking a step back.

"I'm not afraid of you." Bezzil said; his voice hard as stone.

Macavity chuckled at this. "You aren't, aren't you? Then, why do you cower before me? I'm not looking for your fear....Bezzil, is it?" He walked towards the crouching kitten, circling behind him. Bezzil turned with him, keeping both eyes on his every move. "I'll make a deal with you, Bezzil. I'll release your friends, and you come with me."

"I'd rather take my chances with death, than work for you." The dark kitten hissed.

"So, you'd rather put your friends lives in danger as well, than just your own? Tsk Tsk. Very selfish." Macavity turned his red eyes to Bezzil. "So be it."

The red cat readied his claws to strike his friends, when Bezzil spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Alright."

"Pardon?" Macavity said with an evil glint in his eye. "I didn't quite catch that."

"I'll come. Just....just let them alone." The black and brown kit replied, raising his voice ever so slightly.

Macavity nodded to Kaine and the brown cat left the unconscious kittens by a trashcan. Bezzil followed obediently behind Macavity, head hung in shame, Kaine staying close behind as they headed into the shadows.



Coffee led the way through the dark alleys, keeping a close watch on Gummibean to make sure that she was still there. You could never be too careful when wandering into Macavity's territory. Gummibean trembled behind him.

"I'm not so sure this is a good idea anymore." She squeaked, staying close to the orange and brown calico.

Coffee stopped, turning to her. "We can't give up now. Your father needs rescuing and I'm guessing so does Munkustrap and Jing."

"I guess we can't. What kind of Jellicles would we be then?" she stooped in her tracks.

"What is it?" Coffee faced her.

"Shh! Listen!"

"I don't hear anything....Are you alright, Gummibean?" he approached her.

"That's just the thing. There is nothing to hear. It—It just went silent." She began to shiver. "Do you think Macavity's near?"

"Very good presumption, kitten." A cruel voice came from behind them. Macavity stepped out from the shadows. Kaine appeared on their other side, blocking the way.

"I can only assume you've come for the Jellicles?" Macavity smiled. "Well, you won't find them here. They're dead."

"You're lying, Macavity." Coffee said, looking the fiend in the eyes. Macavity laughed.

"And how would a kitten like you know if I'm lying or not?" the thieves started to circle the kittens.

"I was taught."

Macavity stopped. "By whom exactly? None of my henchcats ever talk to any Jellicle, especially one so small."

"He's known as one of the knock-about-clowns, or a notorious cat....recognize the phrase?" it was Coffee's turn to circle the cat.

"You're Mungojerrie's brat." The cat chuckled. "Yes...he taught you well, but do you know who taught him?"

"I know perfectly well of his past, Macavity." Coffee hissed.

"Then you should know that Mungojerrie wasn't your mother's first love." Coffee stopped. "Oh, yes. I know all about your mother. Before your father came into her life, she stood by my side."

"It's not true. I won't believe it!" Coffee shouted backing into the shadows. Finally, he turned on heel and sprinted off into the night. Macavity looked after him and nodded his head to Kaine. The brown cat took off after the kitten.

He turned to Gummibean. She quivered below his shadow. "There's no need to fear me, kitten. I won't harm you if you do everything I say." She didn't say anything, just nodded shakily. "Good. Come along." He put a paw on her shoulders and led her to his hideaway.

A small brown and black tabby watched above as the two stalked off into the darkness. Jumping down, Bezzil followed behind his new master. A plan for escape was forming in his mind.