Nothing very eventful happened until early November, when the Tribe acquired 2 new members. Firstly, I got another cousin - Jelly, by Asparagus, gave birth to a single kitten, a pale tabby, like her mum. She was called Etcetera. Sensing my aunt's lack of enthusiasm when she spoke of her daughter (compared to when she spoke of Victoria), I decided that I would make it my job, when Etcetera was weaned, to take her (& Electra, who was also getting a minimal amount of attention), 'under my wing', as the saying goes.

Also, a few days after Etcetera was born, Mungo & Rumpel stumbled across an abandoned kit, not much older than Etcy & not quite weaned, while on one of their 'night-time strolls' in the city (nicking stuff, most likely!). Wisely, they brought him to Old D, who gave him to Jelly to nurse. But there was still the prospect of naming him. That was quickly solved, for as soon as the kit could speak, which happened surprisingly fast, he told us that his name was Pouncival. However, he had no idea of who his mum or dad were, & quite frankly, he said, he didn't care. Personally, I didn't care either. I had much bigger things to think about - such as Bombalurina!

I had already made up my mind to 'get to her' before the other young toms could lay their paws on her, for she was very beautiful, & a bit of a flirt, which made the race to get to her fast & furious. I was always on the lookout for a chance to ask her out. Then, 1 day, I thought I got my chance. I entered the 'Yard with Rumpel (Mungo had been taken to the Vets, because of a cut over his eye!), & found that it was practically deserted, save for Misto, Pounce - & Bomba! & what was more, she was alone. I sighed a huge sigh of relief - then gasped silently, when that little squirt, Pouncival, went & rubbed up against her! I shook my head in disbelief. Surely it was just kitten play, just innocent affection, right? Wrong! My hopes were dashed bitterly, when she returned the gesture by nuzzling him - face to face! I watched, transfixed, as she gave his face a quick wash, then nuzzled him once more.

I stared at them for another second or so, then my face fell; my shoulders sagged, & I turned away. I couldn't believe it. Pouncival had got to her first, before me! He was only just weaned, he was still a squirt, why should she prefer him to me? I was so lost in my thoughts, that I barely noticed where I was going. It was only when a dark shadow leapt across my path, preventing me from going any further, that I realised my mistake. I stopped abruptly, & stared for a moment or 2 into the piercing blue eyes, then let out a gasp, followed by a low moan, as I realised that my path was being blocked by my worst nightmare - Macavity! On any other occasion, I would've been well up for a fight with the bastard who'd terrorized my kittenhood, & taken Demeter's innocence, but he had caught me unawares, & I wasn't prepared.

Maintaining his evil stare, Macavity stepped forward, & pushed me backwards, so that I fell roughly against a brick wall - & that's when I realised 2 things; Macavity had me cornered down a dark alleyway, & we weren't alone. Suddenly, I was surrounded by about half a dozen, 'masked' cats (by 'masked', I mean I couldn't tell any of them apart, & they were so black, I could barely distinguish them from the shadows!). I caught 1 glimpse of Macavity sneering down at me, before the thugs set on me. For about 5 minutes, the blows rained down on me from all sides, & it was all I could do to stop my head getting a huge dent in it!

Then, just as my paws were torn away, & I was about to get a double-black eye, there was a flash of bright light, & the next second, it seemed like a dozen & a half cats were flooding into the alley. A few moments later, there was silence. Then -

"Tugger? Tugger!"

With a groan, I looked up, to see Munkustrap, Mistoffelees, Alonzo, Tumblebrutus, Tumblepatch & Thyroxine standing over me, all with a concerned look on their faces. On seeing that I was at least conscious, Tumble P gave me a swift grin, & Misto said, again "Tugger, you alright?"

"Uh…" was all I could answer, as I slowly sat up. The 2 'Tumbles' went behind me & supported me. I made to stand up, but Roxi & Munk immediately put out their hands & stopped me from going anywhere. I tried to say that I was fine, but then, the image of Pounce & Bomba came back into my head, &, groaning deeply, I put a hand to my head, as if I could shut out the images. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Munk exchange a glance with Roxi, who frowned, then turned to me, & said "Where does it hurt, Tugger? Tell us!"

I told them that my whole body ached, & my head was pounding. Roxi gave me a quick check over, then told Munkustrap to run ahead & alert Old Deuteronomy. Nodding curtly, he gave me a weak, wavering smile, then disappeared. I watched him go, then, with the 2 'Tumbles' still supporting me, I got slowly to my feet, & realised that my side was aching.

Seeing my discomfort, Mistoffelees magically healed some of my smaller wounds. I gave him a swift, weak smile. Then, I saw Roxi give me a very worried look, &, afraid that she would tell me to wait in that alley any longer, I gave her as strong a smile as I possibly could, then took a few steps forward, & decided I would make it back to the Junkyard, even if it took forever.