Macavity's patience was running thin. He was not frantic; he was never frantic. But it seemed that his number one priority was no longer the Jellicles, as it had been for so many years. Currently, more important things were happening. He needed his elite team and he did not have the time to let Teazer call a meeting. He knew pulling his best henchcats out of their mission now would make all their years of work worthless, but he was also sure that the blow of losing so many "loyal" cats would make the Tribe crumple in on itself. He needed his team now, and suddenly the whole concept of spying on the Jellicles seemed much less appealing. They were a weak tribe, and he would lose nothing from pulling his team out. And so his decision was made.
He strode into the Jellicle Junkyard. As this visit was not planned in any form or fashion, there was no scream of his name, no sudden assembly of toms ready to heroically defend their friends and family. Whatever cat was patroling had not passed him, but Alonzo was guarding from his place on the Tyre. His head tilted slightly and Macavity nodded at him, giving him permission to sound the alarm. Macavity waited as screams echoed the Junkyard, rolling his eyes. Searching for each member of his team individually would have saved him the inevitable headache that the dramatics the Jellicles always insisted on performing caused, but calling them out in front of the entire tribe would be quicker. It would also cause more pain for everyone to see it happen, so it was the best option.
Almost immediately, the main clearing filled up, kits wanting a peek at the battle they (secretly) hoped would come, Queens attempting to corral the kits, and toms ready to fight if necessary. A quick scan told him that each team member was there, they all had slight looks of concern and confusion on their faces.
"Macavity, leave." Munkustrap commanded in his usual demanding voice. Macavity rolled his eyes.
"I will soon, brother, don't worry." The ginger tom replied. "I'm afraid I need my team to come with me. Gather what you need at meet me here immediately."
No one moved for a moment or two, then Demeter straightened from her place behind Munkustrap, curling her paw around Jemima's hand and saying, "Come, darling, it's time to leave." Before anyone could react, she strode into the den she shared with Munkustrap.
Next was Alonzo, who jumped down from his place on the Tyre. The sea of Jellicles before him parted to let him through. He stood beside Macavity, and shrugged.
"Most of my things are at your hideout. Whatever is here can stay." The black and white tom looked more energetic than ever. Macavity knew he had been ready to leave the Jellicle Tribe for a long while. Coricopat had slipped into his and Tantomile's den without anyone noticed, but it drew everyone's attention when Tantomile called his name as he stepped out.
"Careful, brother." She cautioned quietly, her paw squeezed his before she retreated into the den which was now solely hers. Cori walked to Macavity, the few Jellicles which seemed to have overcome their shock reached out to stop him, but he brushed them away.
"Admetus? Are you coming?" Teazer's voice coloured with her accent drifted out across the clearing as she stepped out of her den, turning back to look at the tom still inside.
"Yes, dear, hold on." The grey tom responded, stepping out of the den moments later. The fact that the two were on speaking terms was news to the other Jellicles.
"Teaze?" Mungojerrie's confused voice called out.
"Yeah, Jer?" She raised an eyebrow at her brother.
"What...?" He did not seem able to complete his question.
"Well, I've been working for Macavity since he left the Tribe. In fact, all of the cats you see up here-" Demeter and Jemima joined Macavity, "Have been. Sorry, Jer, but the suspicion against you? That was a set up. Macavity's kidnapping Demeter? A set up. His attacks? All set ups." She told him, not sounding remorseful in the slightest bit. She turned doing a quick headcount and frowning. "We're missing two, but Gus is already at the hideout, right? So we're just missing one."
"It's me. Pounce, let go!" Tumblebrutus was stumbling out of the kitten's den, Pouncival clinging desperately to him.
"Tumbles, it's Macavity!" The younger of the two responded fearfully, clinging tighter.
"Yeah, I know, that's why I'm going!" Brutus responded, attempting to pry his younger brother's claws from his fur. Jemima walked over, placing her paw over Pounce's.
"Pouncival, you need to let go. Brutus is leaving now, but you might see him again soon. I'm sure he'd love to visit if you'd let him." She gently detatched Pounce's paws from Tumblebrutus, ushering the taller tom over to their small group. The rage building in the Jellicles was filling the air, the tension palpable. Before any of the Jellicles could say anything, Coricopat and Macavity reached out with their magic and teleported the team directly to the hideout.
The air was filled with greetings from the other henchcats, and sounds of pleasure from his elite team. They were thrilled to finally be rid of the charade they had entertained for so long. He would let them enjoy their break while he could, but he needed them to be prepared for what was going to come.
A/N: So this was a one-shot written for the marvelous HumanGuineaPig who was the first to guess the meaning behind the title. They requested the aftermath of the Jellicles finding out the betrayal. This technically isn't the aftermath, but it is their reactions to what's happening... I tried... I hope you like it! Even if it is nearly a year late...
Anyways, I hope everyone enjoyed the follow up chapter! If anyone wants to read about any individual reactions or conversations that go deeper than this little drabble, I'd love to do that too! I'm always open for requests.
Reviews are always appreciated!
