The Smurfs had to help Gargamel place Azrael in a safe, tranquil place where the cat will rest in peace. Even the girl Smurfs had to help Gargamel against their will.

They decided the meadow, not far from the castle, would be best for Azrael.

But when Gargamel was ready to bury Azrael at a nearby tree, he broke down in tears again. Papa Smurf lead the other Smurfs away to give the wizard some time alone. But, Smurfette just stood there.

Smurf Willow and Smurf Lily noticed that Smurfette was not following them.

"Smurfette? Are you coming?" Smurf Lily asked.

"No, Smurf Lily" said Smurfette. "I have to help him."

"What? But he tried to steal our essence."

"I know. Gargamel might be a villain, but I have to try and help him."

Smurf Willow was concerned for Smurfette and her safety, but she couldn't fight with her.

"Just be careful" said Smurf Willow.

Smurfette nodded her head and started to walk towards Gargamel, who is still mourning for Azrael.

Papa Smurf raced to Smurf Willow.

"What is Smurfette doing?" he asked.

"She has something to take care of" Smurf Willow answered.

Smurfette carefully approached Gargamel.

"Gargamel" Smurfette said in a soft tone.

"Go away" Gargamel said, in an angry but very weak voice.

"I just want to help."

"I don't want your help, Smurfette. Just go away and leave me be."

Despite Gargamel's failed attempts to get her to go away, Smurfette wasn't giving up. She went to Gargamel's side and touched his arm.

"Just let it out, Gargamel" she said, comfortingly. "It's gonna be okay."

"No, it won't. Azrael was the only friend I ever had. And now, I blew it and took him for granted."

Smurfette could easily tell Gargamel can be upset when someone messes with Azrael, even if she rarely knew him.

"Well, look on the bright side" Smurfette said, almost in a cheery mood. "You have Monty. He can still chase food and Smurfs-"

"It's not the same!" Gargamel cried, bitterly. "I knew Azrael since he was a stray kitten and I took him in when no one else did! And now, he's gone."

Smurfette eventually gave up.

"I'm sorry, Gargamel" said Smurfette, sadly. "I just wish I could help you."

She walked away.

Gargamel was shattered. The only friend he ever was gone. He slowly stroked Azrael's fur.

"Oh, Azrael, I'm so sorry." he quivered. "I just don't believe the fact you're really gone. I can't- I can't live on my own. I know you can't hear me, but I should have listened to you. But now, I have gotten you killed. It's all my fault. I really can't do this on my own. I need you." His voice starts breaking. "If only I can hear you one last time. Azrael, please. Please, wake up. Don't leave me. Of all the times I abused you and threatened to hurt you... I love you."

He sobbed hard into the night. Tears ran down Gargamel's face and landed on Azrael's ginger colored fur.


The next morning, it was foggy and very cold.

Smurfette and the other Smurfs awoke up and rose from their sleeping bags. They camped out on the tree above Gargamel and Monty, who flew from the castle to sleep next to him.

The sun rose in the sky and the warm sunlight shined on Gargamel's face. He woke up with a sad moan. But he was too upset to complain about the fact he was awoken from his sleep. To him, life was kind of pointless without Azrael.

Getting up, Gargamel went to a small pond close to the tree and washed his face after all that crying from last night, but still holding Azrael's body. He knew he won't be the same evil, grumpy wizard with Azrael dead. He lowered his head.

"It's all my fault" he said sadly.

The sunlight shined on Azrael.

Suddenly, his eyes blinked open and he started to stretch around despite being in Gargamel's arm.

"Go away, Smurfs" Gargamel moaned with his new, sad voice. "It's worthless. You can't help me get over Azrael's death."

Then, he felt like something or someone was moving in his arms. And whoever it was, they were purring softly.

Monty woke up and screeched happily. He pulled on Gargamel's sleeve that's holding Azrael and started to screech for joy.

"Monty" Gargamel said. "Would you stop screeching? It's hard to mourn Azrael-" But he stopped to find Azrael alive in his arms. He gasped with a slight sob in his throat. "Azrael?"

Azrael looked up at his master. He meowed happily and jumped into Gargamel's arms.

"Azrael! You're all right!" Gargamel cried, hugging his cat tightly. Tears of joy ran down his face.

The Smurfs saw the reunion and sighed in relief. Papa Smurf and Smurf Willow are quite happy of the tearful reunion. Gargamel turned his attention to the Smurfs.

"I'm still evil, you know" he said. "But... thank you for saving our lives."

The small group of Smurfs just smiled, nodding their heads in gratitude.

They knew that Gargamel will never change his evil ways, but he will never forget how they saved his life and their kindness helped him see that Azrael is someone who he needs to listen and understand.

The End