Free Web Site - Free Web Space and Site Hosting - Web Hosting - Internet Store and Ecommerce Solution Provider - High Speed Internet
Search the Web

Part Three

        The next day, Cyra was out practicing a dance move Jemima had taught her the night before during starsong when someone came out of the bushes. It's just Misto, she thought not bothering to look who it was, Here to dance.

        " Hello Cyra," the cat greeted.

        " Tugger?" she asked.

        " Yeah," Rum Tum Tugger leaned casually against a tree," Nice dance maneuver. Looks like something from Jemima."

        " It is," Cyra said nodding," Jemima, Misto, and I were practicing last night."

        " What are you doing tonight?" Tugger asked.

        " I don't know," Cyra shrugged," I'll probably be with either Misto, or Victoria or my cousins. Either that or I'll be hunting on my own."

        " We could hunt together tonight if you want Cyra," Tugger put a hand on her shoulder and used the most charming voice he had," Or we could do something else together tonight."

        " You mean a date?" Cyra asked.

        " Yeah, exactly," Tugger nodded," So, you want to?"

        Cyra thought a while. Any of the kittens she hung out with would die to have a chance like this. But, she didn't like Tugger, at least not this way. And in any case, she might hurt Misto's feelings. Or one of her friends.

        " Sorry Tugger, but no," she said as nicely as she could hoping she wouldn't hurt his feelings," I don't think I should. I might hurt Misto's feelings."

        " What do you mean by that?" Tugger asked.

        Cyra paused. Ok, what do I mean? she asked herself. " I don't really know," Cyra told Tugger," I mean, maybe it's just a feeling but I have a feeling I'll hurt Misto's feelings if I do go out with you. Sorry Tugger."

        Tugger was surprised. No female had ever declined him before. And yet somehow, he felt as if it was to be expected and that he shouldn't worry about it. " It's ok Cyra," he told her," I understand. Misto's my friend too."

        " I know," Cyra nodded," Thanks for understanding."

        Tugger nodded and disappeared into the bushes to report to Misto. He hurried to his friend's nest and found Misto there batting a piece of string he had found.

        " Hey Misto," Tugger called," Guess what?"

        " Cyra and you are going someplace tonight?" Misto asked glumly still batting the string.

        " No!" Tugger laughed," She said no."     

        " What?" Misto looked up in disbelief at his friend," Tell me that again?"

        " I asked her out and she said no," Tugger told his friend," She said, now get this Misto, she said she was afraid she's hurt your feelings."

        " What?" Misto repeated," You're kidding."

        " No," Tugger shook his head vigorously," She said she didn't know how, but she was afraid she'd hurt your feelings."

        " Good Heaviside I don't believe it,"  Misto was still in a state of shock," She said that? She really did? You aren't making this up?"

        " Nope," Tugger smiled," Go get her lover boy. Just not today. She'll get suspicious."

        Misto bobbed his head up and down vigorously still thinking about. " Thanks a lot Tugger," he thanked Rum Tum Tugger enthusiastically.

        " Just doing my job," Tugger said cocking his head in his Rum Tum Tugger way," Well, this should count as my good deed for this month. Good luck lover boy."

        " Yeah," Misto said distractedly, he still had the big, happy smile on his face.

        " Oh yeah," Tugger turned around," The Jellicle moon is rising."

        " I forgot. When is it?" Misto asked. If he was lucky, he and Cyra could be an item by the time Jellicle Ball came.

        " In three days," Tugger smiled mischievously," I hope neither of you go into heat, you don't want to have to explain kittens."

        " Tugger!"

        " Ok, ok, I won't bring up kittens," Tugger held his hands up in defense," See you in three days."

        " You too Tugger," Misto nodded to him," Thanks again."

        " No problem," Tugger laughed and he disappeared into the bushes,

~

        The day right before the Jellicle Ball, Misto found himself dancing with Victoria, Jemima, Alonzo, Tugger, and of course, Cyra. Demeter came and went because she had business with her sister Bombalurina. They were all practicing for this year's moonsong which Deuteronomy predicts will be more complicated.

        " Put a little more energy in your high jumps Alonzo," Cyra suggested," It gives you more time to kick while your up there. Jemima, excellent but you just need to work on landing. You might lose your balance and the result is very painful trust me."

        " Victoria, your routine is wonderful, but when you shake your shoulders, don't hold your breath, breathe," Misto told his friend," Tugger, your just fine. Just stop trying to kick me."

        " Yes Misto," Tugger mocked.

        " Want to go at it again?" Cyra asked.

        " Sure," Victoria smiled," I'm having fun."

        " Me too," Jemima agreed.

        " Me three," Alonzo joked," I am three. I never thought I'd get here."

        " I'm three too ," Misto said.

        " I can't wait for this year's Jellicle Ball," Cyra said excitedly," I have a feeling moonsong will call us. All six of us."

        " Cool!" Alonzo said. When they looked at him, he laughed and said," I probably got that from my owner's daughter."

        " Anyway," Misto said," We should rest now, we need all of our strength for tomorrow night. I can't believe it's already been a year."

        " Who cares?" Victoria asked," I love the Jellicle Ball! I wonder who we'll sing about."

        " We have to wait till tomorrow night to find out," Jemima told her," Until then, I'm going to get a bird."

        " I'll go with you," Tugger smiled his killer smile at Jemima and she almost melted.

        Victoria rolled her eyes and looked at Cyra who giggled. When the four were left alone, Alonzo put an arm around Cyra's shoulder and said," You know Cyra? If you don't have a partner for the slow dance, remember, I'm right here."

        Cyra laughed and pushed him away playfully. " I'm not going to dance in the slow dance Alonzo. I'm going to stay up with Deuteronomy."

        " Oh well," Alonzo shrugged," Well, if you ever need a tom for the dance, I'm always here for you."

        " I'm sure," Cyra giggled, then she looked at Misto. " Who are you going to dance with in the slow dance this year Misto? Last year you were busy taking me around."

        Misto shrugged. " I don't know," he said," I think I'll just stay up there with Deuteronomy too."

        " I'm dancing with Tumblebrutis this year," Victoria added in," He asked me and I promised him I would."

        " I'm considering Cassandra," Alonzo told them," But hey, I'm still available Cyra."

        " Hello again!" Jemima chirped carrying a mouse in her paw," The birds all got away. I settled for this."

        " I got a mouse too!" Tugger held up his," I'm sick of my owner's canned food."

        " I get table scraps," Alonzo said," And I hunt too. But table scraps are good."

        " Why are we talking about food?" Victoria asked looking at him.

        " We don't know what else to talk about," Alonzo told her.

        " I do," Cyra said suddenly," Who's Macavity?"

        That stopped everyone. " Why do you ask?" Tugger asked her.

        " All this time and I still don't understand who has was," Cyra said," I mean, you say his name a lot and I get the impression he's a bad guy. But who was he exactly?"

        " He's a criminal mastermind," Misto began," The Ball before you came, he came and took away Deuteronomy. Probably payback for Deuteronomy's expelling Macavity from the tribe. I brought him back with my magic and the last we heard of Macavity was right before I found you. And oh yes: Macavity is a conjurer like me."

        Cyra shuddered," No wonder you're all so cautious about him."

        " Can we talk about something else?" Jemima pleaded," Like debating whether or not we should look for Demeter?"

        " Ok," Cyra nodded.

        " Should we or should we not look for Demeter?" Victoria asked amused.

        " I don't mind bothering Bombalurina," Tugger's tail began to sway with excitement.

        " Let's go then," Alonzo said reaching out for Cyra's shoulder again. He missed and she giggled as he fell to the ground.

        " You people have a thing for putting an arm around my shoulders," she said amused as she joined Victoria. Jemima stayed with Rum Tum Tugger. Misto walked beside Alonzo. They set off looking for Demeter. They found her, practiced some more in a different clearing they found then went to their separate homes each dreaming of what would happen the next night.

~

        Ok Misto, Misto was saying to himself as he combed his fur so much that it shined, Remember, even if Cyra says no, you both are still friends, nothing will change that. Here's another tip Misto: stop talking to yourself!

        " Hey Misto," Cyra appeared suddenly at the edge of his nest," You ready?"

        " Yeah," Misto nodded climbing out.

        " Is Alonzo walking with us?" she asked.

        " Maybe," Misto shrugged," I don't know."

        Cyra looked him up and down and remarked," I didn't know your fur was so black."

        " It can be," Misto nodded," I just keep on the white on my tail and paws so that I don't attract too much attention. I like looking like an ordinary cat."

        " That's nice," Cyra giggled," Sorry, I'm in the giggle mood. I'm really excited about the Jellicle Ball. I love moonsong."

        " Then, come on," Misto put an arm around her shoulder, for the hundredth time that year.

        They walked to the Jellicle Junkyard and soon, the sounds of the cats reached their ears and they smiled. " It sounds like they're all there," Misto reported as they walked in.

        " Hey Cyra," Alonzo greeted running up to them," Hello Misto. What's new?"

        " It's my birthday," Cyra shrugged," Misto's fur looks so black it shines, your fur shines so much it's almost blinding."

        " What can I say? Alonzo said turning around jokingly," It's my curse and my blessing."

        Cyra laughed and replied," Be careful with your fur though Alonzo. I might decided to push on the ground again."

        " Oh the pain of being insulted!" Alonzo clutched his chest mockingly.

        " I'll see you both later," Cyra told him and Misto," The girls are calling me. Bye!"

        " Bye Cyra," they chorused.

        " Isn't she perfect Misto?" Alonzo asked distractedly," Who cares if she's a little younger?"

        " Alonzo," Misto began," Maybe, just maybe it would be a good idea if we both leave her alone."

        Alonzo looked at his friend in disbelief. " You're kidding me right?"

        " No," Misto shook his head," Face it Alonzo: there's a situation here. A lot of males like her. You included."

        " So?"

        " I don't want to put us in a predicament," Misto looked down," But Cyra means a lot to me. And I don't think just in the friend way either. I really like her a lot Alonzo. But I want to consider you also. How about if we wait until she chooses her own boyfriend?"

        Alonzo looked at Cyra again who was busy chatting with her friends. Then he sighed," I like her a lot too Misto. And I guess I always knew that you did also. It's only slightly obvious because you're always hovering around her. And I respect your feelings but, could you give me a chance to ask her out? You let Tugger."

        " He told you?"

        " I weaseled it out of him after I saw him talking to you in the clearing," Alonzo smiled jokingly," She said no didn't she?"

        " Yeah," Misto nodded leaving out what else she had said," How about if we drop this conversation for now and take it up later?"

        " Good idea," Alonzo agreed," Until then, let's go bother Munkustrap!"

        " There's always Mungojerrie we can bother."

        " They're together right now, so lets bug them both."

        " No wonder your nickname is Flea."

        Alonzo laughed and slapped Misto's back. " Come on Black and White," Alonzo said pulling Misto along," I, the oh so brave Rumpus Cat, go now on a mission to conquer one of the hardest tasks: get Munkustrap to not be so serious!"

        " That's hard," Misto agreed laughing.

        " You know what?" Etcetera said looking off at Alonzo and Misto," I just noticed something. Alonzo's not all that bad."

        " Hey ladies," Tugger said appearing behind Etcetera," How are we all?"

        " Forget that thought," Etcetera said jumping up at Tugger.

        Demeter rolled her eyes and turned to Victoria. " I remember when you used to scream at Tugger also," she told Victoria," You were a kitten then but it was still so cute. I wonder when Etcetera will grow out of it."

        " In time," Cyra responded," Let her have her fun with Tugger. Soon, she'll be facing other things."

        " I know huh?" Victoria agreed. When they gave her a confused look, she smiled sheepishly and said," I probably got that from my owner."

        " Moonsong is starting," Jemima replied," The welcome dance."

        " Let's go!" Victoria chirped excitedly. 

        Someone, probably Skimble, dimmed the lights as Munkustrap began the opening song describing the Jellicle characteristic of being blind when born. Usually the beginning song was the same every year, only each verse is said by a different person than last year. This was the case and Cyra sung the part: Where you there when the pharaohs, commissioned the Sphinx?      

        They found out that she had a great singing voice too.

        The beginning song went well, then moonsong gave the music for the invitation to the Jellicle Ball. After resting, moonsong called out for the twins Coricopat and Tantomile who sang about themselves and things that they sensed and although it was a really cute song, Misto had a hard time understanding why moonsong called them.

        Then, moonsong called him. Not only him, but Tugger, Jemima, Victoria, Alonzo, and Cyra too. They had no clue what to sing about so they left it to Jemima to figure out what to sing.

        " Candle fire, moon bright beam, reflected in water, both lights gleam," Jemima's sweet voice rang out.

        " Bright stars above, cool wind singing, the songs of all, together bringing," Cyra added.

        " When all songs flow, when all songs meet, together they bind, into one beat," Misto put in. They each added their own bit to song. Victoria and Tugger had no idea what they were talking about but went along with it until Jemima and Cyra took over the song as they performed their routine that they had practiced in the clearing and Tugger followed Misto's advice on trying not to kick him.

        When they finished, they each went back into the crowd and were praised. It really was a good act even though no one had a clue what Cyra, Jemima, and Misto were talking about. No one except for Munkustrap and Alonzo.

        " Are you sure it was safe to sing about that?" Munkustrap asked them the minute he could get Jemima, Alonzo, Cyra, and Misto alone," For all we know…"

        " For all we know what?" Alonzo demanded," Not like Macavity is watching from the top of the junk pile." When he saw the look on Munkustrap's face, he laughed and said," What? He wouldn't be."

        Misto looked up at the top of the junk pile not too far from where the Ball was being held. There, he thought he saw a crouching figure but by the time he got his magic to scan it, whatever it was was gone. Misto looked at Alonzo and asked," Or would he?"

        The Ball went on and Deuteronomy came. " Hello Deuteronomy," Munkustrap greeted his father as the Jellicle leader sat down on his tire.

        " Hello Munkustrap," Deuteronomy returned," Hello Cyra." Cyra was beside Munkustrap. Misto was not too far away.

        " Hello sire," Cyra bowed her head a bit in respect.

        " Hello Deuteronomy," Misto bowed respectfully too.

        " Remember when I told you both to stop treating me like royalty?" Deuteronomy laughed.

        " Cyra!" Mungojerrie called," Get yourself over 'ere."

        " Coming," Cyra called back. To Deuteronomy, she replied," My greetings. I'll see you later."

        " You too Cyra," Deuteronomy smiled.

        Cyra nodded and rushed off to her cousin, leaving Misto. He looked on at her for a while before turning to Munkustrap and saying," Munkustrap, I think Macavity is here."

        " What?"

        " Remember when Alonzo joked that Macavity could be on the top of the junk pile?" Misto asked," I scanned the area with my magic and I think I sensed something. I'm not positive but it could be."

        Munkustrap looked at Deuteronomy and asked," What if he got a hint about Cyra's, um, ability?"

        " I heard one of the songs, too," Misto said," She taught me. Jemima was with us the night when there the night song from the stars."

        Deuteronomy looked at Misto and told him," Mistoffelees, we have a situation. I'd appreciate it if you didn't wander away from the Ball tonight. You are at stake now. Macavity may want to get revenge at you if you remember two years ago."

        " Yes Deuteronomy," Misto bowed," I think moonsong is calling the main dance now. It wants me up front. I'll see you all later."

        " Mind what I tell you Mistoffelees," Deuteronomy replied as Misto walked off, "Don't wander off."

        Moonsong began its main song, where the Jellicle Ball actually began. This dance is a very high paced dance in which all cats, with the exception of Deuteronomy, participate in. After the first round, they all lay down to rest. Usually, there was a slow couples dance where moonsong's soft resting tunes were used to dance slowly to. Those who didn't want to dance rested near Deuteronomy.

        Misto thought that it was very sweet to see Munkustrap finally dancing with a female, who incidentally was Demeter. Alonzo danced with Cassandra. Even the ones with mates let their mates dance with another cat. Cyra let Mungojerrie drag her onto the dance floor. But after a few minutes, she pushed him away and sat with Misto.

        " Cyra," Misto said quietly.

        " Yes Misto?" she asked.

        " I know this is a lot to ask," Misto began trying his best to look calm," But, do you want to dance?"

        Cyra looked surprised for a moment. Then, a slow smile crawled onto her face and said,

" Of course. I'd love to Misto."

        He held her hand gently and led her out to the dance floor and almost instantly, half the males' heads turned. For now, Misto told himself proudly, Cyra was his.

Part Four

Dancing with the female of his dreams was almost paradise for Misto. Cyra seemed to enjoy being his for the time being also. When that moonsong ended, the Ball continued with more singing, more dancing, and more talking.

        " Misto," Cyra replied.

        " Yes Cyra."

        " I'm going to talk to Victoria for a while ok?" Cyra said. She ruffled the hair on his head a bit before adding," Later."

        " Later," Misto agreed.

        The minute Cyra was away, Alonzo jumped in front of Misto and demanded," Whatever happened to us both leaving her alone?!"

        " I'm sorry Alonzo," Misto apologized genuinely," I honestly thought that she would refuse."

        " You know she's not like that!" Alonzo raged. When his voice got too loud, he lowered it and said," Misto, she's your friend. Of course she'll say yes!"

        " I honestly thought she would refuse," Misto stressed again," Alonzo…"

        " Misto," Alonzo gripped his friend's shoulders," She was the only female that I actually believe was the right one. And to think, my own friend was the one who took her away from me."

        " Alonzo," Misto called after his friend. But Alonzo stalked off, hurt and furious. Misto felt a paw on his shoulder and turned around to find Skimble there.

        " He's upset," Skimble told the conjurer," Give him time to cool off. Then explain your position."

        " I have no position worth explaining," Misto closed his eyes tightly trying not to cry," I… Skimble, I don't know what to do now. I feel so bad."

        " I know," Skimble comforted his friend," I know you do Misto. But remember: things need time. In time, you may grow to love Cyra, she may grow to love you. Alonzo will find another, and you will both be friends again."

        " And if he never forgives me?" Misto looked into Skimble's eyes hoping to find an answer there.

        " Good friends always forgive each other," Skimble replied wisely," Would you believe that Asparagus and I once had a disagreement over Jennyanydots?"

        " No," Misto shook his head," I wouldn't believe it. You and Asparagus are such good friends."

        " I know," Skimble said," And that's my point. After Jennyanydots chose me, Asparagus was crushed of course but in the end, he found another but right now, she's in Heaviside. All you need Misto, is time. Wait for Alonzo to cool off."

        " Thanks Skimble," Misto smiled gratefully," I appreciate you being there for me."

        " Any time," Skimble patted Misto's back again before going off," That's what friends are for."

        Misto went to find Victoria to see if Cyra was with her and he also had hoped to be able to get some other things off his chest. Something was strange in the air, something was different but it was probably his being upset about Alonzo and his friendship problem.

        Meanwhile, Cyra was with Victoria watching Misto and Alonzo uneasily. " I hope they aren't fighting," she told Victoria worriedly.

        " Toms fight, it's their nature," Victoria shrugged," Misto usually finds a way to avoid one. Don't worry about them."

        " Alonzo looks really upset," Cyra said cringing a bit," Do you think I hurt his feelings by dancing with Misto? I mean, Alonzo did ask me first."

        " Mmmm," Victoria mused," You may have a point there."

        " I'm worried," Cyra said standing up," I should talk to them."

        " No, Skimble will take care of it," Victoria said pointing out Skimble who was making his way towards Alonzo and Misto," I know Misto. Us appearing there will only make it worse for him."

        " Yeah, I guess," Cyra sat down again," You know Victoria, I've been thinking."

        " About?"

        " Misto," Cyra said starting to get nervous," When I first came here, Munkustrap suggested I get a boyfriend quick so there aren't any disagreements or situations."

        " You like Misto a lot don't you?" Victoria asked knowingly.

        " I think I do," Cyra smiled half heartedly," But I'm afraid that if I do, I'll loose him. I seem to loose everyone I become too close to."

        " What do you mean?" Victoria asked.

        " My human family," Cyra began," It took me a long time to become very close to them. They were everything to me. And they were taken away from me. I had a sister once, her name was Charity. I loved her so much Victoria, she was taken away from me too. All of them, gone in the fire. I wanted to die so much." Cyra looked ready to cry at the memories she carried.

        Victoria's heart began to break. All this, all this in the heart of a three year old cat who almost always seemed to bring sunshine to everyone. Victoria pulled her friend close trying to comfort her. " You can cry in front of me Cyra," Victoria whispered," I won't mind."

        " Excuse me a while Victoria," Cyra's voice was starting to break," I need to go somewhere private."

        " Are you sure?"

        " Yes."

        " Ok then," Victoria patted her friend's back," You should tell what is in your heart more often."

        Cyra nodded, her eyes starting to glisten with tears, and she ran off away from the Ball to cry in the darkness. When she finally reached a spot where the cats wouldn't hear her, she fell to the ground and started to cry. Everything she had been holding in for so long spilled out with her tears. Memories of her sister who lived with her, her mistress Karen who was the daughter of two other humans, and Karen's sister Hannah. All of them, gone in the fire. Their cries echoed in her head as she stood frozen in terror, shock, and grief in front of the burning house, not being able to pull away until the fire truck's siren came to her ear and she ran off into the nearby woods.

        The sudden presence of another cat came to her attention and her head snapped up. This cat seemed familiar. " Who's there?" she called softly, still weak from crying so much.

        " Don't cry Rettania," a voice purred.

        " Kyliron?" she asked.

        " You remember," Kyliron said with satisfaction as he stepped out of the shadows.

        " Of course," Cyra said standing up," How could I forget someone like you?"

        " And I'd never forget you," Kyliron returned brushing one of her tears away," Don't worry about what happened in the past. Don't worry about the fire and the family you lost."

        " How did you know that?"

        " Like I said, I know a lot," Kyliron smiled strangely," Don't worry about your Mistoffelees either Rettania, he and his friend will be alright."

        " You know a lot more about me that I'm comfortable with," Cyra said flatly pulling away.

        " Don't you want to dance?" Kyliron asked," Tonight, moonsong, starsong, cloudsong, and windsong join as one. You hear it, as do I."

        " Who are you?" Cyra asked shaking her head.

        " I am someone who can help you forget your past Rettania," Kyliron went closer began to run his hand over her head," Someone who can help you forget all your pain."

        " No one can take away my pain," Cyra choked out," Except for Misto."

        " That kitten can't do more than lift a spoon off the floor," Kyliron sneered. Then he softened his voice and said," I can help you Rettania…"

        " Stop calling me that," Cyra whispered.

        " Ok then Cyra," Kyliron let go of her and walked around behind her so he could whisper in her ear," All the burden in your heart, everything inside of you that gives you pain, I can take away."

        " How?" Cyra whimpered.

        " Join your power with mine," Kyliron said quietly gripping her hand," Together we could be unstoppable."

        That woke her up. " Wait," Cyra said pulling her hand back," What did you say?"

        " Join your power with mine Cyra," Kyliron purred again.

        " I think your mistaken," Cyra began to back away," I have no power Kyliron."

        " That's what you think Rettania," Kyliron replied walking closer causing Cyra to back away even more," I could teach you the full extent of your powers."

        " No!" she said cringing as he crept faster towards her," Kyliron, no! Go, now! I'm under the protection of Deuteronomy and the Jellicle Tribe."

        " That senile old fool is nothing but words," Kyliron hissed," Don't be foolish Cyra, if you go back there, you'll just loose them all like you lost your family."

        " You think you know me so much don't you?" Cyra demanded starting to grow defiant,

" But you know what? I know you too." She stopped trying to back away and held her ground. Her eye's became fierce as she said," I know you Macavity. You blew your cover the minute you starting with the power bit. And you know what I say to you about that?"

        " Don't be foolish Cyra," Kyliron, now known as Macavity, suddenly got a look of concern in his eyes," Don't move." He started towards her.

        " Don't come any closer Macavity, " Cyra hissed," Don't come any closer. Let me be and I'll keep this quiet."

        " I don't care what you do just don't move," Macavity took small steps towards her, cautious now.

        " You come any closer or I'll call Misto," Cyra threatened taking a step back.

        " Don't move!" Macavity cried coming closer.

        " Misto!" Cyra screamed at the top of her lungs," Misto! Help! Macavity's here!"

        Back at the Jellicle Ball right after Misto left Skimble, he saw Alonzo pouring his heart out to Munkustrap and Demeter. Misto decided that Alonzo needed more time so he went to Victoria who was talking with Etcetera. Electra was bothering Rum Tum Tugger and Jemima was drinking water out of a bowl not too far away.

        " Etcetera, give me a minute or two with Misto alright?" Victoria told her sister.

        " Sure Victoria."

        Victoria rushed to Misto, a worried look etched onto her face. " Misto, were you fighting with Alonzo over Cyra?" she asked.

        " Yeah," Misto looked at the ground miserably," I feel awful Victoria."

        " Cyra thought you two were and she's worried too," Victoria nodded," I won't tell you details but while she was talking to me, talking about her interest in you… opps."

        " She said what?" Misto demanded.

        " Never mind that," Victoria said hurriedly," Pretend I never said that. Anyway, the topic we were talking about suddenly made her get a flashback on her family. The human one. She lost everyone she loved in that fire. She didn't want to cry in front of me to she went off away from the Ball to cry."

        " Oh no," Misto slapped his head.

        " What?"

        " Macavity could try to go after her!" Misto began to pace," I would go out to look for her but Deuteronomy told me not to wander from the Ball. She'll come back. I'm sure she will."

        " Misto," Victoria grabbed his shoulders," I know I should have kept this quiet but you have to know. Cyra really likes you."

        " She what?"

        " She really likes you," Victoria repeated," But she's afraid to get too close to anyone, especially you, because she's afraid she'll loose even more of the people she likes or holds dear."

        Misto sat down very suddenly digesting this. " Good Heaviside," he whispered still in shock," Are you sure she said that about me? Not Alonzo, or anyone else?"

        " I'm sure," Victoria said smiling. She gave her friend a hug and said," Go find her. She's probably back by now but just didn't want to see me yet. Ask her out, and I wish you both the best of luck."

        " Thank you Victoria," Misto hugged her tightly back," I appreciate this so much." He let go of the white cat and ran off to find Cyra.

        When he failed to find her in the Ball, he risked getting punished by Deuteronomy and slipped into the darkness. He walked around a while when someone attacked him from behind! He gave a slight cry and using his magic, he tossed his attacker off.

        Misto heard a muffled groan and someone complained," Nice greeting. You'd think it would have been gift baskets rather than being thrown into a basket."

        " Alonzo!" Misto cried helping his friend out a basket he had thrown him in," Are you alright?"

        " I landed on my feet," Alonzo shrugged," Listen Misto, I'm sorry about the way I acted towards you. It wasn't right."

        " No Alonzo, I'm sorry," Misto shook his head," I'm the one acted selfish and asked her to dance when it was me to told us both to let her choose her own boyfriend."

        " You apology was long," Alonzo laughed," You don't need to be formal all the time Misto. Hey listen, I need to tell you something."

        " You want to kill me?"

        " No!" Alonzo laughed again," I just wanted to tell you that, I respect that you like her. And if she likes you, and not me, in return, I respect that to. And if that's the case, then I wish you both the best of luck."

        " I also want to tell you something Alonzo," Misto replied," Victoria told me that Cyra liked me a lot it's just that she's afraid that if she gets close to me, she'll loose me and end up more hurt than she already is. I'm considering asking her out, but for your sake, I'll refrain from it and let you have a go for her first."  

        " Gee Misto, you really are a nice guy," Alonzo smiled patting Misto's back," But don't do that. I want you to be happy with Cyra. I think what I had on her was a crush anyway. Go and be happy with her. And name one of your kittens after me ok?"

        " Hey!"

        " Ok, ok, just kidding," Alonzo held his hands up in self defense," Let's go find her now shall we?"

        Misto nodded and was about to tell Alonzo how relieved he was, a piercing scream cut through the night. " Cyra!" Misto cried.

        " Misto!" Cyra screamed," Misto! Help! Macavity's here!"

        " Macavity," Alonzo hissed.

        " Come on," Misto pulled at his friend," It'll take both of us to fend him off."

        The two ran in the direction where they had heard Cyra's scream.

        " Don't move!" Macavity kept on stressing to Cyra as he inched closer.

        " Macavity get away!" Cyra cried backing up more.

        " Freeze Cyra!" Macavity yelled," There's a rattlesnake behind you!"

        Cyra's head spun down and seeing the snake there, alive, sent shivers down her spine. If she had moved any further back, she shuddered even more. " Oh my god," she choked. The rattle snake saw her towering above him and began to rattle its tail. Cyra froze in her place and began to breathe in deep breaths.

        " Don't move," Macavity cautioned her," I'll get it."

        " Alright," Cyra whispered afraid that the snake would bite her.

        Macavity made a lunge for the snake but missed. He shook his head and said," You're going to have to run."

        " If you say so," Cyra blinked nervously temporarily forgetting that Macavity was supposed to be an evil cat.

        " When I say go, run towards me very quickly," Macavity instructed," I can't use my magic on it. I might miss and hit you instead."

        " Ok," Cyra's eyes darted to the snake and back to Macavity.

        " On the count of three," Macavity told her," One… Two… Three! Run!"

        Cyra leaped away from the rattle snake right into Macavity's outstretched arms. Behind her, she could hear the snake's rattle hissing. She started to tremble knowing how close she had come to dying again.

        Macavity twitched his hand and the snake burst into flames. His ginger fur glistened in the fire light. It was right then Cyra remembers she was clutching to an enemy and she quickly backed away. He let her.

        " Cyra! Cyra!" Alonzo's voice called. The black and white cat appeared suddenly not too far from Macavity, Misto right beside him.

        " Cyra, are you alright?" Misto called too. His gaze fell on Macavity and he hissed,

" What did you do to her?"

        " I'm right here Misto," Cyra said quietly," He didn't do anything to me." She turned to Macavity and asked," May I go to my friends?"

        " Go ahead Rettania," Macavity looked at the ground.

        " What?" Alonzo and Misto asked at the same time amazed.

        Cyra walked right past Macavity into Misto's arms. She turned back and replied," Thank you. Thank you very much Macavity from saving me from that rattlesnake."

        " He what?" Alonzo asked in disbelief looking at the ginger cat.

        " I did," Macavity smirked at Alonzo.

        " I don't believe it," Alonzo shook his head," I don't know why I'm even talking to you Macavity."

        " If it is true," Misto said slowly," I guess I have to thank you also."

        " Your welcome Quaxo," Macavity sneered.

        They three Jellicles started off leaving Macavity when Cyra stopped and turned around.

" Why didn't you take this power that you think is inside of me?" she asked confused.

        " Come here Rettania," Macavity said gently.

        " Cyra," Alonzo said, his voice filled with caution.

        " Don't worry," Cyra smiled for him," It's alright." She walked towards Macavity.

He walked closer to her and ran his hand through her hair again. " Even Kyliron has a soft side," Macavity said quietly," A soft side capable of feelings like concern, understanding, and love Rettania. You just touched Kyliron's soft side."

Cyra looked into his dark eyes and said," My soft side belongs to another."

" I know," Macavity let go of her," Remember Rettania, next time you see Macavity, Kyliron might not be around."

" I'll remember," Cyra backed away and joined Misto and Alonzo. When she turned around again, Macavity was gone.

" What did he say?" Misto asked putting an arm around her shoulder,

" Maybe I'll tell you when your older," Cyra smiled and then laughed," Thanks you two for being there."

        " Anytime," Alonzo waved his hand," All in a days work for I, the oh so great Rumpus Cat, and his sidekick Black and White."

        " Sidekick?" Misto demanded," Me? Yeah right. And you the Rumpus Cat? Did you forget your nickname is Flea?"

        " Flea," Cyra giggled," That's cute."

        " Oh yeah, Cyra, before I chicken out," Misto let out a deep breath," Alonzo, could you walk ahead?"

        " Sure Flea Junior," Alonzo said trotting ahead of them.

        " Yes Misto?" Cyra asked eagerly.

        " First of all, I want to say," Misto began stopping in his tracks," that ever since I first saw you I've taken instant liking to you. As we grew closer, I grew to like you even more. Seeing you with Macavity, almost loosing you, well, my point is… Cyra… oh what the heck, Cyra, I'd be honored if you would go out on a date with me."

        Cyra stopped suddenly and almost stopped breathing too. Her heart definitely skipped a few beats. Then she let out a breath and a shocked laugh. " Misto," she said her eyes shining,

" I'd love to."

        Misto, relieved beyond belief, smiled back and pulled her closer as they started walking again. Alonzo came back and they announced the news. Alonzo shared their happiness as they walked into the Jellicle ball again. Victoria ran over and they all went up to Deuteronomy and Munkustrap.

        " What happened to Macavity?" Munkustrap demanded tense and ready for a fight.

        Misto, Cyra, and Alonzo traded looks and each came to the same conclusion. " He ran off," Cyra explained, " Macavity saw that I had one of the best Jellicle fighters and a strong conjurer on my side and he left."

        " That's good," Deuteronomy nodded," Don't wander off anymore Cyra. He might try to get at you again."

        " I doubt that sire but I will do as you say," Cyra bowed her head in respect.

        " What are you three hiding?" Rum Tum Tugger, who had joined his father and brother, asked," From the smiles on all of your faces, it's a good secret."

        " Cyra and I are going together," Misto announced looking at Tugger.

        " And they're going to name a kitten after me!" Alonzo joked.

        " Hey!" Cyra exclaimed pushing him onto the ground," Kittens is not on the list." In Misto's ear, she whispered," At least not yet."

        Misto nodded in agreement. They stayed a while to chat with Tugger and Munkustrap then Misto, Alonzo, and Cyra joined the crowd again. Moonsong went on until it was time for Deuteronomy to choose a cat to go up to Heaviside. Asparagus, Gus's son, was chosen and went up to Heaviside.

        When the cats went their separate ways, Alonzo didn't walk with Misto and Cyra, Victoria made sure to stop by and give them both the best of luck. She couldn't have looked happier for both of them. She left with Plato, a cat that had his eye on Victoria for a long time.

        Half way between their nests and the junkyard, Misto stopped and asked," Cyra, would you please tell me what Macavity said to you."

        " He told me that for Kyliron's sake, is why he didn't kill me on the spot,"

Cyra explained.

        " Who's Kyliron?"

        " A close friend of his," Cyra replied," Enough about Macavity."

        " Yes," Misto agreed. He looked up at the fading Jellicle Moon and said," I thought I heard a bit of starsong back there at the end of the ball. Was tonight a night when all songs came together?"

        " Yes," Cyra nodded," Remember when Deuteronomy told us another cat could hear all the songs? It was Macavity. He wanted to dance."

        " Did you?"

        " No," Cyra shook her head.

        " Good," Misto said turning her face up to him," May I wish you Happy Birthday?"

        " You remembered after all this?" Cyra laughed.

        " Yes," Misto said kissing her gently. He let her go feeling a bit embarrassed. But then, seeing that she didn't mind, they kissed again.

As they walked more in silence, Misto reflected on the year. He had met Cyra, he had gotten to know her, they became best friends, him and Alonzo became closer, he became better friends with Tugger, Victoria, Jemima, Mungojerrie, and Skimble, he had heard starsong, and most importantly, he had found someone he that solved his love problem.

        Then, very faint, a sweet melody reached his mind. And faint sound of all songs.

        That was another good thing to add to his list of good things.

        " Hey Misto," Cyra stopped in her tracks.

        " What?" Misto asked.

        " I want to try something," Cyra looked at her hand and twitched her fingers a bit. A slight tingle went through her and when she closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were at Misto's nest. " I guess Macavity was right about one thing," she smiled looking at her hands," I do have powers."

        " If we ever get kittens, one of them will probably be very powerful," Misto pointed out.

        " Don't start with the kitten bit!" Cyra laughed.

        They reached Cyra's nest and she gave him another hug. " Mistoffelees?" she whispered in his ear.