A/N: Yes, yes, I know it's been...months, since my last update. I've had a lot of stuff going on, yes, but it's still no excuse for me being lazy. Oh, and one last thing; in answer to the question you -will- ask by the end of this chapter: yes.

It took me a little bit to catch up with Munkustrap and Macavity. I had taken my time; not being out of breath would give me a slight advantage. Sighing, I started to plot my intervention between the two toms. They were locked in a close fight. Well, Macavity was clawing furiously and Munkustrap was doing his best to block his vital organs. Unfortunately for Munkustrap, he wasn't doing a very good job protecting himself.

Throwing Munkustrap, Macavity gave me my chance to intervene. Munkustrap hit a car with a thud, lifelessly sinking to the ground as he lost consciousness. I again placed myself between Macavity and Munkustrap, but this time I kept my expression blank.

"Move, Rose. This goes back farther than you've been alive." Macavity's voice was low, his growl a warning.

"Surely you of all cats understand that I have a reputation to protect, like you do with killing traitors. As much as Munkustrap gets on my nerves, I can't let him die. Besides," I risked a quick glance back at Munkustrap. He would be out cold for quite a while. "He can't scream if he's unconscious." Grinning maliciously, I took a few steps toward Macavity. He seemed unperturbed.

"Very well then. If you long so badly to die, then I will grant your wish." As he spoke, he crouched down low. His movements became lithe and quick, like a predator. I mirrored his tactics, and soon we were circling each other. Admittedly, I was nervous, but I didn't show it. I charged him, making the first move. He dodged to the side, then knocked me to the ground, winding me. Rolling out of the way, I stood, panting to regain my breath.

Macavity kicked dirt into my face, something I should have been able to easily foresee. I backed up quickly to get the grit out of my eyes, and was surprised that he didn't attack. Once I could see properly, Macavity charged. He had waited for me to get the dirt out of my eyes. That only meant one thing; he had been stalling for time and gathering up strength. Instinctively, I did the same thing I had always done when a cat charged. I rolled on my back and kicked him over me. He landed near, almost under, a car with his back to me. Only this time, Macavity didn't land on his paws. This was probably my only chance to kill him, as I was getting tired. Macavity must have been tired too, otherwise he would have landed properly.
As he turned around, he exposed his neck and I pounced. My claws were extended for an immediately lethal blow. And I was right on target. But there was one problem; Jemima was the one that my claws tore into. She must have been hiding under the car, and Macavity had grabbed her and used her as a shield. I had no doubt Macavity had 'fallen' on purpose so that he could have me kill Jemima; which meant that he had known I had a liking for the kit. Blood seeped from her neck and around my paw as she looked at me with her big eyes full of pain. Staring in shock, I could do nothing as the last bit of life left her. And that was just what Macavity wanted.
It took him only seconds for him to pin me on the ground, one paw strangling me. He extended one claw in his free paw and placed it in the center of my forehead. Then he slowly drew it down across my face, making sure it was deep. I couldn't help but cry out in pain, which only made him go slower and deeper. I could feel the hot blood spilling across my face, and the coolness of the air on the gash. Macavity decided to finish the slash by quickly clawing across my left eye. Damn him- I'd be blind in that eye if I survived.

Laughing, he retreated outside of my diminished vision, and I was left in the open. Shakily rising to my paws, I searched frantically for him with my remaining good eye. I had only a few minutes until I collapsed from blood loss. One thing I knew for sure was that he would be attacking my left side, but that didn't comfort me any. Or perhaps he would just wait for me to pass out, which seemed like it would be soon. My paws felt leaden, and I knew I couldn't last much longer.

"Macavity, are you going to hide in the shadows like a coward?" I called out, challenging him to come out and face me.

"No, my dear. I am not hiding," he said, right behind me, voice as smooth as silk. I spun around quickly, almost losing my balance in the process. Our faces were mere inches apart, and I wondered how he could've gotten so close to me without my knowing. He grinned maliciously, "You don't look well." His voice carried mock-concern, and I didn't hesitate to claw him across the face. Unfortunately, he dodged enough that I didn't get his eye, which was what I was aiming for. He caught my paw and pinned it behind my back painfully. Now I knew that he was drawing out the fight, waiting for me to pass out.

Growling, I grabbed his paw with my free one, digging my claws in and succeeding in getting him to let go. Now free, I tackled him. He crashed to the ground with me on top of him, my paws automatically wrapping themselves around his throat to strangle him. Despite the fact that my arms were shaking with the effort, he seemed unperturbed and the amusement in his eyes told me that he could still breathe. Adding to this, he made no move to escape. It was the loss of blood making me so weak. My entire body now felt heavy, and I was overwhelmingly exhausted. Trying to stave off my weariness, I extended my claws to dig into his neck. Now he grimaced, and pushed me off him- the ease with which he did so disgusting.

I fell to the ground, panting heavily; it was getting harder by the moment to stay conscious. Desperately, I tried to rise, my limbs shaking with the effort of supporting my weight. Finally, after what seemed like a disproportionately long time, I was on my feet. All the while, Macavity had been waiting patiently, that smug grin taunting me. I didn't trust myself to make the next move; my legs were shaking and I could hardly maintain my balance.

"You should've stayed out of this, Rose." Macavity was circling me as he spoke, mocking me. "You should've just stayed with me," I closed my eyes tiredly. I knew what he was going to say next. "You still can, Rose. Simply swear allegiance to me." Admittedly, the offer was tempting, very tempting. If I declined, Macavity would kill me, and I'd be unable to stop him. But if I accepted, I'd at least live. I would probably get another chance to kill him, eventually.

The effort was too much. My legs gave out and I sank to my knees, my arms limply hanging to the side. Everything was getting dark, my mouth wide open and gulping down air. I couldn't stay conscious anymore. The last thing I saw before passing out completely was Macavity, smirking.

I woke up, which surprised me. What surprised me more was that I was laying on soft cushions. Slowly opening my eyes, I was at first shocked to find that I could only see with one eye, before remembering all that had occurred. Sitting up, I growled softly at myself. Failure wasn't something I was used to. However, considering that I was alive right now, obviously Macavity would not be killing me. Not now, anyway. My paw rose to my face, touching the bandage around my eye. Macavity also had someone tend to my wounds, which was unexpected.

"You're awake." I turned, startled to hear Macavity's voice beside me. "You never did answer my proposition, Rose." He moved closer to me, placing one paw against my cheek, claws extended to remind me of how helpless I was at the moment.

"What happened to the Jellicles?" I asked, genuinely curious. He growled, claws painfully digging into my cheek. That was all the answer I needed; he had failed.

"That is not the question. Will you accept my offer?" His voice was low, threatening.

"I accept, Macavity. You have my complete loyalty." My answer came easily, and I managed to look him in the eye as I spoke. He smirked, more than a little lecherous.

"Prove it," he said in a smooth purr. Grinning, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him, allowing his tongue to enter my mouth. He gently lowered me down onto my back, positioning himself over me. I didn't mind the thought of working for Macavity; I could still accomplish my original goal. If I didn't end up killing him, time would. He couldn't stay young forever, and I'd be waiting.

Fin