Disclaimer: I do not own CATS. I have never owned CATS. And I probably will never own CATS.

Note: The latter half of this chapter is a bit OC centric, so if you don't like that… Your call.

"And you're absolutely sure it's Macavity?"

"Positive. We saw him for a moment, while… while…" The cat broke off, eyes downcast and voice trembling.

"He only – he only took the toms?" Alonzo questioned from his position beside Munkustrap, brow furrowed. "Why? Don't answer that. How? You've got a pretty big tribe – how did he manage it?"

"You wouldn't believe it unless you were there. There were so many of them… I'd hazard a guess as to four of them for every tom of ours, maybe?"

Munkustrap couldn't quite believe what he had just heard. "Four times as many? And you don't know how that number occurred?"

The stranger shook his head. "I'm only here now because there were a few of us assigned to protect the queens and kits. A couple of my friends are trying to track him down, and the rest of us – well that's why I'm here, you see."

"What do you want?" Munkustrap asked, his voice sounding harsher than he had intended, but his mind racing in thought too quickly to care. If these were the numbers the Napoleon of Crime had accumulated…

"If we're going to get the rest of the toms back, we'll need help. And that's what I'm asking for. Could you – would you be able to send some of your toms to help us?" The tom was leaning forwards now. His words were remarkably calm, for one who had seemingly faced so much, but his eyes were conveying a different message entirely. They were eager, waiting, and Munkustrap was suddenly under the impression that this cat had other intentions in mind. And knowing that look, darker ones.

"Is that all you're asking for?"

The cat was thrown by the question, which he clearly hadn't expected. "I – I don't think –"

"I don't believe the answer you're allowed to give is 'no', so I would suggest answering quickly, else I'll deal with you myself, with my your leave, Munkus, and believe me," Tugger continued smoothly, turning back to the now trembling tom, "I do suspect you'd rather deal with him than experience what I'll happily put you through if it comes to that. Yes?"

"Alright! Alright. We were – we were also thinking that, well…"

"Hurry up, we haven't got all day."

"We were thinking that we could try to take down Macavity completely. He's a threat, and… We can't be the only ones who want him gone. Don't you?"

Munkustrap glanced at Tugger, who was looking lost in thought. As if by an invisible touch, his eyes flicked up to meet the younger tom's, and they stayed there for a moment, Munkustrap hoping that he could convey his thoughts to his brother. Were they ready? Would they be willing to take down their own sibling?

At length, Tugger closed his eyes, and gave an imperceptible nod, which was all the signal Munkustrap needed. He turned back to the stranger.

"How many toms are we talking?"

"As many as we can spare – you do realise how bloody vague that number is? As many as we can spare by tomorrow morning, isn't that just a bit much to ask?"

"He's only looking out for his tribe, Al, although I do wonder if it was wise to leave the queens and kits virtually unprotected."

Munkustrap had to hide a smirk at the incredulous expression that was growing on Alonzo's face. "Don't tell me –"

"They're a little more… traditional than we are. Queens have their place, as do toms." Munkustrap shrugged. "It's just a way of life."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it, though…"

"Business first, Al, then you can gripe." Munkustrap paused, gathering his thoughts. "You're going."

"You couldn't stop me. And you, of course."

Munkustrap shook his head. "No."

Alonzo fixed him with a very well-trained 'are you kidding me' face. "No? You're – you should be – Heaviside, Munk, you're our best fighter!"

"And, in case you had forgotten, I'm the leader of the tribe, and I'd rather not leave them. I can't leave them," Munkustrap said quietly. "Tugger's staying too, and he's actually the one that told me I should stay in the first place, so if you have an issue with that, take it up with him."

"I don't believe this. I can't lead them, Munkus!" Alonzo said agitatedly.

"If I didn't think you could, you wouldn't be the Protector. I think I may have told you this a hundred times, but I'll tell you again – you have been the Protector for a good two years, you're actually very good at it, and you will be fine," Munkustrap said patiently, rolling his eyes.

"You don't make it… never mind. Metus and Plato."

"Yes, definitely. Tumble and Pounce… Jerrie –"

"No," Alonzo said vehemently. Munkustrap sighed.

"Al, I realise you have something against him, and that you don't trust him –"

"Too right I don't."

"But I do, and he can hold his own better than anyone else in the tribe save you or I. He's going and that's final."

"Everlasting…" Alonzo growled under his breath. "Cori, and I get equal veto power over the rest of them."

"Fair enough," agreed Munkustrap. "Xenon." Alonzo looked surprised.

"Xen? Are you sure about that?"

"He can hold his own in a fight, I've seen him. If he doesn't go… asides from the numbers, he'll… I think he'll think he's not good enough, but he is. I know he is. Who else… Misto?"

"Um."

"Mm."

"He'll have to go, won't he?"

"Yes. Yes, he will."

"They can't wait until he's prepared to do magic again, can they?"

"Unfortunately not. I hope he doesn't get himself killed out there…"

"How many is that? I've lost count."

Munkustrap did a quick recap in his head. "Nine, I think."

Alonzo frowned. "Didn't that cat want more?"

"Ten'll be the maximum, I reckon, but I don't know who else to send."

Catching the look on Alonzo's face, Munkustrap frowned, and fixed his gaze on the other cat. "What are you thinking?"

"Dad, I'm not a kitten anymore."

"You're not an adult yet, you're not going."

"Munk?"

"Dad, I'll be an adult in two months. What's two months?"

"You're still not going."

"Munk, I do have –"

"Dad, I can do this. I know how to fight, I'm not –"

"Regardless of whether you think you can or not, you're still too young, and you won't be able to cope with it. You aren't going, and that's final."

"Actually, it's not."

"Lonz?"

"Two things. One, you did give me veto power on who's going or not for the last one, and two, you said, and I quote, "nine months of training absolute minimum". Vi's had nearly ten. He's technically allowed to do this…"

"So why don't – Vi, go."

"But Dad –"

"Now."

Alonzo breathed a sigh of relief as Munkustrap's youngest left, immediately regretting it as his closest friend's furious gaze turned to him. He opened his mouth to begin his argument, but Munkustrap beat him to it.

"Lonz, you could send Bajardo. He's older. Why are you so insistent on sending both of my sons on this suicide mission?"

"Because, Munkustrap, Vi happens to be damn good at fighting! Well, better than Bajardo at any rate. He can beat Misto –"

"Anyone can beat Misto, Alonzo, my daughter can beat Misto. Your daughter could probably take on Misto and come out on top. That proves nothing."

"And he can hold his own against some of the older cats. I'm serious. I wouldn't have suggested him if I didn't think he'd be going into it with a fighting chance." He paused. "There isn't room for sentimentality here. I wish there was."

"There is for everyone else." He did not need to say the words including you – they were as forefront in Alonzo's mind as if they had been seared onto his brain.

"I'm sorry."

"You aren't. But that's alright." Munkustrap fixed his gaze solidly on Alonzo's – no longer ferocious, but… almost pleading. "If things start getting really dangerous and you can get him out of there, do."

"What about Xenon?"

"Xen…" Munkustrap sighed, looking suddenly pensive. "He's independent. I can't control what he does anymore. But… Alonzo, promise me that you'll look out for him. Vivo. He doesn't know what he's getting himself into."

"I think he's ready – but if it eases your mind, I'll keep an eye on him as often as I can. I promise. And Xenon too."

Munkustrap nodded slowly, looking, if nothing else, the slightest bit reassured. "Thank you."

The junkyard seemed very small and close to Xenon at that moment, what with all the cats gathered in the clearing, saying their goodbyes. He was getting a faint sense of claustrophobia, but at the same time, he welcomed it. The tight, secure feeling that the junkyard emanated was something he had had his whole life, and though he was loathe to admit it, he was feeling quite scared of leaving it behind properly for the first time in his life. Properly in the sense that there was a chance – a very real chance – that he might not be coming back.

He could see his brother not far from him, talking with Athene and smiling at her words, and a pang of something he could not identify – longing? Jealousy? – built up inside him. How could Vivo take it all in his stride so easily? How could he leave home with no fears, no qualms?

Xenon sighed, sinking back a little on his perch at the edge of the clearing. He was expecting to simply sit there until Alonzo gave the order to head off, with perhaps a quick goodbye to his family. Or not. Watching his father grasping Admetus into a brief embrace, he was struck with a pang of longing. He didn't have anyone to say goodbye to, not really. There was his sister, yes, but apart from her there was no one else his age. Or at least, that he was close to. He had always felt keenly the repercussions of being just a little older than his peers, and never more so than today. And he certainly wasn't expecting much in the way of goodbyes from his family.

Which was why when his father came over to him, he could barely keep the surprise from showing on his face.

"Are you alright, Xen?" Munkustrap asked, kneeling down to eye level with his eldest son. About to answer the way he thought he should ("Yes, I'm fine, raring to go, etcetera…"), he was struck again by the thought that this could be the last he would see of his father. He certainly didn't want to seem weak. But he didn't want to lie. And so, against his better wishes, he shook his head. He was surprised, then, when his father pulled him into a tight hug.

"It's alright. A little fear keeps you alert," Munkustrap said quietly. "I'll be thinking of you the whole time you're gone, Xenon. Keep yourself safe."

He tried to fight the trembling feeling in his voice as he murmured back, "I will, Dad, you know I will."

And then, whispered into his headfur: "Keep an eye out for Vivo too. Please."

And, unable to bring himself to speak, he nodded, trying to convey things that he could not put into words to his father. And perhaps Munkustrap understood, because Xenon could have sworn that he felt his father's arms tighten a little around him before they released him to go to his mother.

And to him, that made all the difference.

Xenon sank down on the path, barely aware of the light snow crunching beneath his weight. It was almost the first time since the company had arrived back at the junkyard that he had been alone, and he was thankful for the space and the comfort it offered him. Though it had been but a few days since his brother and Tumblebrutus had been laid to rest beside the latter's elder brother – or so he had heard the older grave contained – he had had little respite from concerned friends, family, and various others. He closed his eyes, relishing the quiet, but snapped them open when he heard footsteps moving quickly towards him. He got to his feet slowly, but had hardly risen from his seat when a cold paw slapped him in the face.

"Athene!" he cried, facing his attacker, too shocked to get more words out at first. "What – what was that for?"

"What do you think you're doing, running off like that?" his sister demanded, her face hard. "Don't you care about how the rest of us feel?"

"Care – Athene, I needed some space. Of course I care, but I – I –" Athene broke in, however, before he had a chance to sort through his thoughts.

"Do you even realise what our parents are going through?" she snarled, eyes snapping. Xenon was helpless to answer. "Mum can't stop crying – you know how close she and Vi were! Dad – do you realise how much he's suffering? He has to lead this tribe – he has to fucking lead this tribe no matter what happens, and he's just lost his son!

"And me. Xenon, Vivo was my twin. He's the closest friend I've ever had, and now he's gone! He's gone." She turned away for a moment, but her head whipped up again, and the fury and grief in her eyes was greater than Xenon had ever seen it before. "Why didn't you do something? You were there – you should have kept him safe!"

"Thene, I –"

"Dad told you to keep him safe! He told you to watch out for him, and what did you do? You left him, and he died. He was killed, and you didn't do anything to stop it!"

"Athene, that's – that's not how it is," Xenon replied, fighting to prevent the sick feeling in his stomach making its way into his voice. "We were separated, and I knew that – Athene, you don't know what it was like. There were so many of them, it was all we could do to try to keep ourselves alive! I –"

"He's your little brother," Athene interrupted, her voice cold. "Surely you could have at least made an attempt to reach him and get him to –"

"It was bloody warfare out there!" Xenon screamed, reaching the end of his patience. "I couldn't have reached him, there were five of them to every one of us – we were separated, and I couldn't find him again! Even if I'd wanted to –" He stopped abruptly, realising what he had just said. But it was too late.

"Even if you'd wanted to save him?"

He couldn't talk. His stomach was churning, and his eyes were stinging with every word she spoke.

"You didn't care." She spoke as if she had just reached a realisation, light and breathless, and it seemed to strike something up in her. She turned her gaze back to him, and he flinched at the cold malice he could see in her expression. "You don't care," she snarled. "You're that low, putting yourself before someone who needed life just as much." She began to walk away, and Xenon could hear her as she muttered under her breath.

"Pathetic."

"No, Athene."

She turned back, her eyes burning. "No, what?"

"I'm not pathetic, and I wish you wouldn't call me that. I know – I know what Dad said to me. I know what he said, but I don't think he'd have wanted me to go out and get killed as well! I – I'm sorry that I couldn't do anything else, and… and… Athene, you're –"

"You know what?" Athene's voice was gentler now. Gentle and colder than the air they were standing in.

"You can say you're sorry. You can say you would have done something else. You can make as many excuses for yourself as you want, but you know what?" She leaned in closer.

"Nothing you say – nothing you do – none of that matters now. You can beg on your knees forever, but it isn't going to do anything. You can say that you'll do better next time, but there isn't going to be a next time. Because Vivo's dead. He isn't coming back." She paused, letting the words sink in before delivering her final blow.

"And it's all. Your. Fault."

She straightened up, lifting her eyes from her older brother kneeling in the light snow that was beginning to settle on the ground, and walked away, head held high. She was trembling, whether from the cold or her anger it was hard to tell, but Xenon could tell instinctively that there would be no tears in her eyes. His gaze wavered as he stared after her, trying not to do everything he had assumed he mustn't do in times like these, and failing, to his utter shame.

There would never be tears from Athene, so long as he was the one shedding them in her stead.

Author's Note

…This is late. I know. And I apologise profusely, whilst offering a small army of feeble excuses:

I've had exams; I've been studying for exams; I was doing NaNoWriMo; I completely lost my inspiration for writing fanfiction; I couldn't figure out where to go with this story; real life. Did I mention that I lost my inspiration?

And then, all of a sudden, about five days ago, I got it back again! So I decided, among other things, to get cracking with this story. So here is Chapter Three. I do apologise for the OCs, but that's just how this turned out. Trust me, the next chapter will be pretty much all canon characters. And I do hope that you're able to follow the whole switching timeline thing well enough – it should be fairly obvious which bits take place when, or so I hope.

Anyway, here it is. Some reviews might be nice as well – they don't even have to be lengthy. But they make my day – any author's day.

~JV