Orion followed me in, looking worried. I could tell he was upset about something, but I couldn’t tell what. He down opposite of me, saying nothing. After a few minutes, his moping began to irritate me and I sighed.

“What?” I finally asked.

He shook his head. “Nothing. I was just wondering exactly what you had intended on doing to that Jellicle.”

I shrugged. “Me personally? Nothing. I’m just going to tell him to stay away from us and to go back and tell the rest of the Tribe the same thing. And this time I’m serious.”

He nodded. “Yes, I suppose you are.” He stood. I noticed that his white coat looked somewhat dingy in this light and it looked somewhat rumpled. Perhaps he had finally taken it upon himself to find a queen. “I don’t want to sit here and watch this.”

“Watch what?” I asked, raising my eyes to his. He scowled.

“Whatever you’re going to do to this Jellicle.”

“I told you already, I’m not-”

“Mac! You play mind games with them!” he interrupted. “It’s not right.”

I clenched my paws slightly. “Well, Ry, I’m sorry if you don’t like it. That’s the way I get any work done around here. Do you really think any of these strays would do anything except sit around if I didn’t pressure them a bit?”

He shook his head and lowered it. “I don’t know.”

“Ry, listen-”

“No, Macavity.” His head jerked up and his eyes darkened. “I really don’t want to stick around. You’re... different. I don’t know what happened to do that, but...” He hesitated. “I’m starting to wonder if this kind of power you have is good for you.” Another pause. “I’d really hate to be that Jellicle’s shoes right now.”

“Now, wait a minute,” I said, standing. “Why would you say something like that? I’m your best friend.” I frowned. “And I haven’t changed at all.”

Orion looked me over for a moment, then offered a small smile. “I’m sorry. I’ll talk with you later, then.”

I started to protest, but closed my mouth and sunk back down in my chair as he turned and left the room. I stared after him for a moment, then shrugged. Well, I couldn’t blame him. I knew that he wasn’t very big on violence, so it wasn’t much of a shock that he didn’t enjoy the way I had to get my way. But, he didn’t have to be so blunt about it, did he?

I started out of my thoughts when I heard several of my strays along with the sound of scuffling feet. I rolled my eyes, rubbing my temple. I’d only told them to rough the Jellicle up a bit, not to seriously injure him. Oh, well. That would show the Jellicle even more that I was serious about my threats.

I turned my chair so that the high back faced the doorway. This way the Jellicle wouldn’t be able to see me when my strays dragged him in. I smiled a bit when I realized I was acting like one of those human mob bosses. I rested my arms on the armrests as I heard a faint knocking on the door frame.

“Sir?”

“Yes, come in.”

“Get up, Jellicle,” I heard the stray growl.

There was a faint rustling noise as the Jellicle struggled to his feet.

Everlasting Cat, had they gone and beaten the Jellicle so bad that he could barely even stand? I flexed my claws, focusing on staying calm. They were stupid, yes, but they had it on my orders, didn’t they? Yes. So, I shouldn’t be so upset that they were blundering idiots. I sighed silently.

“Did you do as I asked?”

“Yes, sir. Pretty well, if I do say so myself.”

I heard a low growl. “Oh, stop takin’ all the credit, ya moron.”

“I’ll take all the damn credit I want to, fleabag. I was the one to find him, wasn’t I?”

“That don’t mean anything and you know it!”

I rolled my eyes. “Enough. Bring him to a little closer.” I heard scuffling behind me. “Is he even conscience?”

“Yes, sir,” the first stray replied. “No thanks to Marshale here. Stupid lout tried to beat the-”

“I asked a question. I don’t really want a monologue response.” I paused. “What has he told you so far?”

“He won’t talk to us, sir. I guess he thinks that he’s too good for us, huh?”

I decided to ignore him. “Well, Jellicle? What do you have to say for yourself? Would you mind explaining why you’re wandering around here?”

There was a long pause. “I wasn’t aware that this area was forbidden.”

I sniffed. “It is now. I’ve had quite enough of you meddling Jellicles. In case you didn’t notice, you don’t own this warehouse and have no control over it. I would’ve thought that you would’ve learned that by now.” I waited a moment, but he didn’t say anything. “Well?”

I heard a pained yelp as one of the strays kicked the Jellicle. I winced a little. And this is why you never do your own dirty work, I thought to myself.

“Answer him, Jellicle!”

“Boys, calm down. In fact, why don’t you two take a break? Go out and find some queen to harass for the rest of the day. I’ll talk to the Jellicle on my own.”

I heard them whisper to one another doubtfully for a moment, then move towards the door. They hesitated, probably fearing what the Jellicle might try to do, then left. I waited a full minute, wanting to make certain that they were indeed gone. I stretched my arms upwards, extending my claws. Well, let him wonder what I was going to do. That was half the fun.

“You know, I am somewhat of peacemaker,” I said softly as I stood. I was careful to keep myself in the shadows. I didn’t want him to see me too soon. “I really don’t enjoy this sort of thing, despite what you may think. I’d really actually prefer just to get along in harmony with you Jellicles. I really would, only... that doesn’t seem to be what you want.” I cleared my throat. “But just because I am not big on the whole fighting and killing thing, doesn’t mean I don’t know how. And it doesn’t mean I haven’t done it before or will never do it again. I hope I’m being clear here.”

I moved around my chair so that I could see the Jellicle. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see him too well since he was huddled back in the shadows. I moved forward, into the light, so that he could see me. The moment I did, I heard a sharp intake of breath. I hesitated, not realizing that I looked that imposing.

“Well? You’re not frightened of me, are you? That would be a stupid thing, after all. All I wish to do is talk right now.”

I saw the tom’s shape move forward, a noticeable limp in his step. “Everlasting Cat,” he murmured. A chill seemed to run up his spine for he shivered and shook his head.

Now I was uncomfortable. What was wrong with this Jellicle? Why didn’t he at least come into the light? Maybe I frightened him, but he didn’t need to hide from my sight. I knew where he was and we both knew he couldn’t escape.

Suddenly, I felt a chill run up my own back, but refused to let on to the Jellicle. I was nervous about being in the same room as this tom. What if he tried something and I wasn’t large enough or strong enough to stop him? And why was he acting so damn strangely? And most importantly:

Who was he?

“Get out here,” I snapped impatiently. “I’m tiring of this game. I want to see who you are.”

“I can’t believe this,” I heard him whisper as he stepped into the light.

~*~

I took a step backwards, shocked.

It was my brother. They had captured and beaten up my own brother. Immediately, I felt rage surge through my veins, but quickly managed to calm myself. On your orders, remember?

“Tugger?” I tilted my head and rubbed my eyes. I had to be seeing things. “Is that really you?”

He nodded, awestruck. His jaw was slightly agape. “Heavyside... Macavity, you’re alive! I thought you were dead. So did everyone else.” He looked away abruptly, biting down on his lower lip. “Why didn’t you ever come back? Why didn’t you ever let us know you were alive?”

“I did. Once,” I managed to whisper. He looked back at me, confused.

“When? Why didn’t you come and see me? Why didn’t you see Grandfather or Aunt Jenny or-”

“Tugger, that’s really not important. I... came back, but I couldn’t stay.” I shook my head at his pleading eyes. “I couldn’t tell you about it.”

“Why... why not?”

I only stared at him. I couldn’t believe this was my brother. He was so much bigger than I remembered him being. And so different from when we were kittens. Not to mention that he looked as though a train had hit him. Stupid strays had really bloodied him up. Trying to advert his attention from my sole visit, I extended an arm to him.

“Heavyside, Tugger. Look at you. You look like a mess. Why didn’t you try to fight back?”

He shook his head sadly. “There were too many of them, Mac. I was only just inside the gate and they jumped me.” He shrugged. “I didn’t dare fight back. They might’ve killed me if I did.”

He was probably right. “Well, someone should take a look at you. I mean, you’re still bleeding on your shoulder. You could be seriously hurt.”

He touched his right shoulder gingerly and winced. “Well, it’s not so bad. And I don’t think I was seriously hurt. I’d think I’d know if I were. Besides, I want to talk to you.” He laughed, then winced as though it had hurt. “I haven’t seen you in years. What have you been up to? What have you been doing?” I couldn’t resist a laugh of my own.

“Turning this into a social affair, are you? No wonder the girls always liked you.”

He only smiled. I realized, by the glint in his eyes, that the girls still did like him and were still throwing themselves at his feet.

I felt bad about the cuts and bruises on his body and I wanted to help heal him or make him feel better, but he didn’t seem all that worried about his injuries. In fact, it seemed as though he had basically forgot about them. So, instead of carrying about it like a busybody old queen, I sat down across from him.

“Well, look around, little brother,” I replied, gesturing. He glanced around the room, then looked back at me, curious. “This entire warehouse is mine. Belongs to me and me alone. The humans no longer keep track of it and they really seem to care what happens to it. And all the strays you’ve seen around here work for me.”

Tugger’s jaw dropped, his eyes filling with amazement. “You have people working for us, Macavity? Everlasting Cat! That’s amazing! I mean, not that people work for you, but...”

“I know what you’re trying to say,” I laughed.

“Well, I have to admit,” he continued with a grin, “this does seem like something you would do. You were always the leader when we were kittens.” He paused. “That was a long time ago, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

He rubbed at his eyes, suddenly seeming to lose all the energy he had had before. I noticed how red and bloodshot they were and frowned. I wondered if the stray I’d put in charge of him had even let him have any sleep at all. He noticed my expression and dropped him paws down into his lap. I smiled.

“Tired? I don’t suppose you had very much sleep last night.” He shrugged.

“No, not really. I tried, but it’s pretty hard to sleep when every time you shut your eyes, someone kicks you in the ribs.”

I groaned. “I’ll talk to them about that.”

He shrugged. “No need. It’s nothing that they wouldn’t have done to any other Jellicle in my position.

“But, you’re my brother!”

“So what? You didn’t know and neither did they. Let it go, Mac, or you’ll give yourself an ulcer.”

“Funny.”

“I try.”

I stood again, extending my paw to him. He looked at me curiously for a moment, then accepted it pulled himself to his feet.

The moment he was up, he wavered, grabbing onto my shoulder for support. I stumbled a little- he was bigger than I was- and we nearly tumbled onto the floor. Regaining my balance, I hooked my arm around his waist, steadying him. He smiled, looking a little embarrassed to have to be helped and leaned against me.

“Let me get you out of here and to some place where you can sleep. We can finish catching up in the morning.”

“All right. I suppose that’s a good idea.” He looked down at his body and laughed. “I don’t think I’d be up to much else right now.”

We had to walk slowly down the hall towards a room that I knew hadn’t been “loaned” to a stray yet. Tugger didn’t seem to want to talk anymore. He kept his mouth closed and head down. I wondered if he wasn’t ashamed about something, judging from his mannerisms, but I didn’t question him.

After a ways, he seemed to notice the warehouse and that changed his apparent reason for not talking. I supposed he was the first Jellicle to see the inside of the warehouse. Something to tell your grandchildren, I thought.

Almost as the thought occurred, I realized that it was true. I was no longer a Jellicle. Somehow, sometime, I had changed. I hadn’t felt any different, but standing next my brother made me realize I was. I could feel something was different now; very deep inside of me.

As we were walking, Tugger’s ear’s perked forward and his eyes widened a little. I turned to see him staring at Bombalurina. She was sprawled out near a window, taking in the sun.

I knew perfectly well why he was staring at her. The light was hitting her coat in such a way that it looked as though it were lit with embers. She was lying on her back in a somewhat suggestive position, although I’m certain it hadn’t been intentional. I’d seen her fall asleep in some strange positions before and this wasn’t that bad.

I guess she felt us staring at her because her eyes opened halfway. I could barely see the rich color of her eyes through her fur. Her lips parted a bit then she gave me a small smile.

“Hi, Macavity,” she purred, drawing herself into a halfway sitting position.

“Bombalurina.”

I jerked Tugger’s arm harshly, telling him to get moving. He gave me a startled glance then something akin to a light bulb seemed to flash in his head. He grinned and allowed himself to be led away.

“Your girlfriend?” he asked just outside the door.

I hissed angrily and shoved him through the doorway. Tugger stumbled and sprawled down on the ground, eyes kitten wide.

“You idiot! Never say anything like that again!”

He scrambled away. I didn’t make any move to go after him and he halted. Brow wrinkled, he watched me carefully for a few moments before daring to speak.

“Why did you do that?” he asked, unaware that his voice was shaking. I bent down in front of him.

“Because, brother dear, another comment like that could ruin my life as it is now.”

“What? How?”

“I have a mate, yes, that’s true. And I love her deeply. However, that wasn’t her. I also have kittens.”

He swallowed. “I don’t see how that has anything to do with what I said.”

“It has everything to do with it. You see, I fear that my mate suspects something more than an employer-employee relationship between Bombalurina and myself. Stupid comments like that might fire her doubts even more. She might go so far as to leave me because of some stupid thing someone said.”

“But, Macavity-”

“Enough talk about it. You’ve been warned.” I straightened my back. “I love you- you’re my brother, after all, and I have to- but I refuse to lose my mate because you don’t know when to keep your stupid mouth shut.”

I softened my expression. “Now, enough unpleasantness. You should go and sleep some. I’ll have one of the queens wake you in the morning so that we can talk more. Then I’ll have someone see you back to the junkyard. This part of the city is pretty tough.”

He nodded. “All right.”

~*~

I sat down in my chair, feeling refreshed. Griddlebone had been more than happy to learn of my daring rescue mission and had felt the need to reward me for every night since. Not that I objected. She was very persuasive.

When my brother walked in that morning, I noticed that his limp was gone and he looked steady enough to me. He smiled distractedly at me as the young queen I’d sent, a pretty little thing with black and brown stripes, showed him a chair to sit in. When she smiled at him and he returned it, she giggled and pranced away. I raised an eyebrow.

“My, my, Tugger. You do know that I only sent her in there to wake you up, don’t you?”

He buffed his claws on his coat. “And wake me up, she did.”

My jaw dropped. “My God, Tugger! Did you sleep with her?”

“No.” He glanced at me and smiled. “Maybe. I guess you’ll never know.”

“That’s the last time- and I mean the last time!- I ever leave you alone with a queen! Heavyside, you’ll sleep with anything female, wouldn’t you?”
“What can I say? The ladies love me.”

“Oh, gag me.”

“Ah, what pleasant talk,” I heard Griddlebone say from behind me. “It’s like living with a sailor. It really is.”

“Oh, believe me, Grid, we haven’t even gotten started yet.” I turned my head to face and smiled winningly. “We’re just getting warmed up.”

“Well, you’d better not continue,” she murmured, planting a light kiss on my lips. “Little ears are around.”

“We are not little!”

Pippen and Skeet, followed by a sleepy faced Giselle, skidded into the room. Pippen skidded to a halt, causing Skeet to crash into him. The latter punched the former and I’m sure there would’ve been an all out growling free-for-all had their mother not grabbed them by the scruffs of their necks and yanked them away from each other.

“Now, you two stop that! Can’t you be civil for five minutes? We have company, you know.”

Pippen shook himself free of Griddlebone and sat down in his chair. His twin gave their mother a bitter look before huffing towards his own chair. Griddlebone lightly slapped his bottom before he did. I could see Tugger trying to hold back a smile as Skeet’s ears drooped and he plopped down with a resigned sigh.

“Reminds you of Aunt Jenny, doesn’t it,” I asked in a whisper. He nodded with a snicker. Griddlebone cast a playfully dirty look our way and set about trying to settle the twins down.

“Daddee! Aren’t you going to say good morning to me?”

“Baby! Of course I am!”

I swung Giselle up onto my lap, much to the little kitten’s delight. She planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek and wrapped her arms around my neck. Only then did she notice Tugger at the table and gave him a suspicious look, tightening her hug.

“Who’s he?”

“Giselle, that’s not polite,” Griddlebone said half heartedly. She snatched Skeet’s paw away from Pippen. Pippen stuck out his tongue at his twin and returned his attention to Tugger.

“This is your uncle, Giselle.” I ruffled the fur on the top of her head and she turned her face up to mine. “You don’t need to look so scared of him.”

“All right,” she agreed reluctantly, still giving him a cautious look. “What’s for breakfast, Momma?”

“Leftovers,” Griddlebone replied. “I woke up late this morning.” A smile in my direction.

“Gross!” Pippen scowled, glaring at his brother. Skeet stuffed another piece of food into his mouth, chewed it, then gleefully displayed the contents to Pippen. The other rust colored kitten hissed and covered his eyes.

“Skeet! Stop that right now!”

“But, Mom, he-”

“I told you to stop.”

“Ha ha, Skeet. You got in trouble.”

“You’re next, young man.”

“Ma-oooom!”

Breakfast continued on in this fashion for quite a period of time until Griddlebone finally grabbed the twins by their ears and practically dragged them from the room. I could hear them shrieking as their mother administering the daily spankings they almost always deserved.

After my brother and I finished our meals, I escorted him to the main entrance. One of the toms from the warehouse had agreed to help see him home. I could tell Tugger was a bit uneasy about that, but there was nothing he could do about it. I smiled and shrugged towards the building.

“I’m sorry that my kittens are so... so...”

“Like you?”

I laughed. “Exactly.” I hesitated, watching him carefully. “You know, as much as I enjoyed your visit, I’m going to have to ask you never to return.”

Tugger shook his head. “But-”

“Just go now. And when you get back to the junkyard, tell Old Deuteronomy that I will not tolerate any more intrusions.”

He nodded sadly. “I understand. OK, Macavity. If that’s really what you want.”

“It is.”

I didn’t say anything more; I couldn’t or else I’d take back my warning not to return. Tugger’s tail drooped a bit, then he turned and walked away, the stray following close behind him.