Alonzo dashed frantically around the Jellicle junk yard, searching for the youngest Jellicle of the tribe. While her parents went foraging, she was his responsibility, and his head would be on the block if she wasn't found soon.

"Timotei!" he called out, his harsh voice echoing throughout the yard, "Where are you?! Come out here, right now!"

A muffled giggle wafted over to the black and white toms ears. He pricked them up and listened carefully.

The pipe. It was coming from the pipe.

He smirked, and slowly lowered his entire body to the ground. Crawling slowly and silently, closer to the source of the bold laughter. He was certain that his 'niece' had an accomplice. He was also certain he knew who it was.

He peered into the damp pipe with narrowed eyes. There, laying side by side, were the two kitten queens he was sure he'd find.

"Ember! I might of known you'd have something to do with this!" he sighed tiredly.

The larger kitten stuck out her tongue and made an absurd noise. The smaller burst into tears with laughter.

"Timotei..." Alonzo growled, eyeing the small silver kitten with a cross expression, "...so there you are. Demeter would claw both my ears off  if she found out I lost you!" he then turned his attention to the fiery red kitten, "Ember, does YOUR mother know where YOU are?"

Ember shuffled one paw on the ground uncomfortably, "Well...."

The adult tom sighed, cutting her off, "Thought as much! And I thought my kits were trouble!"

"We were just playing hide and don't peek....."  Timotei piped up in a small voice, her bright eyes saddening and her ears flattening. She adored Alonzo like a second father, and she hated to see him cross, especially with her. It wasn't his nature.

Alonzo looked at her and smiled. It was impossible to stay mad with her for too long. "I know sweetheart, but you really shouldn't go off without telling me. We don't want to go upsetting your mum now, do we?"

"No sir," Came the timid reply. The silver kitten winced at the memory of the last time her parents couldn't find her. Terror was the only word her young mind could think of to describe the look in their eyes.

"Good girl. Both of you come with me now, lets get you cleaned up."

The kind tom led both kittens to his den where Cassandra was waiting. He nuzzled his mate before grabbing Timotei gently by her neck and giving her a bath. Cassandra did the same for Ember.

"Grrr..." the red kitten huffed as the dirt from her body was pulled away by a bristly tongue, "....I hate baths! I like being dirty!"

Cassandra laughed, ignoring her protests, "We can't very well send you back to Bomba and Rum Tum with fur like that Ember! Please, try to keep still."

"Grrrr...." the kitten growled again.

The two adults exchanged smiles.

Timotei remained unusually quiet throughout the whole process, only offering a tired sigh every now and again.

"Alonzo?" she finally spoke, in a curious manner.

"Hmm?"

"Why....why does Mummy get so worried about me?" she began hesitantly, "I thought the junk yard was safe...and nobody else's Mum worries like mine..."

Alonzo looked up to his mate for support, not knowing how to deal with the sensitive issue that was Macavity, whom, as far as he knew, Timotei had no knowledge of.

"Well, Timo, you see, er..."

Cassandra cut her mate off, sensing his discomfort with the subject, "Sweetheart, Demeter only worries about you because she loves you. All queens worry about their kittens, it's natural." She then glanced lovingly at the black and white tom opposite her, "I sure worry about ours."

"But I..."

"Timotei!" A musical voice rang out.

The young kitten's ears pricked at the smooth sound of her mothers voice.

"It's Mummy!" The tiny Jellicle smiled with glee, jumping out of the warmth of Alonzo's paws and dashing out of the den, Ember close behind.

Demeter's eyes flared with concern, "Where is she?!" she spat fearfully, wringing her paws together. The bright orbs softened however, when the distinct meow of her daughter reached her ears. She bounded over to her only kitten and scooped her up, making her happiness clear by releasing a purr that faintly resembled the noise of a human motorcycle.

"Hello yourself Mum!" Timotei smiled back, her voice muffled by Demeter's thick fur. Timotei could never understand why her mother acted this way. She came to the conclusion that it was because she was an only child, and had begun to accept the overprotective nature which surrounded her.

"Hi Aunt D!" Ember cried, catching up with her best friend.

Demeter raised an eyebrow at the nickname. She didn't really appreciate it, but if it kept Ember quiet....

"Hello little one. Have you been keeping this fuzzball here out of trouble?" she smirked, pointing her paw at Timotei.

"Yup!"

"Hey!" The silver girl huffed disdainfully, glaring at her companion, "I'm no trouble!"

"Hmm. I think I'll ask your Uncle Alonzo about that." Demeter said sternly.

Timotei tried to hold back her guilty smile.

~*~*~*~*~

Meanwhile Tugger searched for the eldest of his litter. Ember, like her mother, was a loran to herself, and just as hard to keep up with. Luckily for him, she was the only queen of the litter, and her three brothers kept her in line....most of the time.

"Ember!" Rum Tum cried in a not so patient voice, "There's a pile full of scraps waiting, with your name on them!"

As he strode boldly towards the pipe, he spotted his young daughter, sitting at the side of her best friend Timotei. He smiled, and muttered words only he could hear, "Just like their mothers!"

"Hey!" he greeted cheerfully, "There's my girl, and her sidekick too!" he laughed heartily, ruffling Timotei's hair with a fuzzy paw.

She growled, and backed into the comfort of Demeter's fur, "I don't like you!"

Tugger's eyes widened to the size of fifty pence pieces as he gaped at the little grey kitten, who glared at him and stuck out her tongue in return.

Demeter placed a shaky paw over her mouth, to prevent her laughter from escaping.

Tugger frowned when he saw the attempt and threw his paws in the air dramatically, "Like mother, like daughter!"

That was it, she couldn't hold it back anymore.

The flirtatious tom cat grumbled, "Everyone's a critic! Come on kit! Let's go!" With a snort, The Rum Tum Tugger marched off, Ember trailing behind, also trying not to laugh at her father. His nose had obviously been put out of joint.

Demeter and her kitten watched them go, both with mischievous smiles on their faces.

"Good girl!" Demeter snickered, planting a kiss on her daughter's brow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Munkustrap burst into heartfelt laughter when he heard of Tugger's rejection.

"I guess she won't be joining your fan club?" he asked, trying to surpress more oncoming fits of laughter.

"Honestly Munk, it would have to be YOUR daughter that finds me unattractive! She's probably got a thing for Misto or something." The manned cat snorted.

"Actually..." An affectionate voice chuckled.

The two toms turned their heads to see a smitten looking Alonzo, cradling a small kitten close to his chest.

"YOU?!" Tugger exclaimed, sounding nothing less than horrified, "She's got the hots for YOU?!"

Timotei purred loudly, "Meow!"

"She's so cute!" The black and white tom smiled, handing over the sleepy kitten to her father. Munkustrap smiled broadly at his silver bundle and rubbed his head against hers, before she finally drifted off into silent slumber.

Demeter and Cassandra stepped into the scene, each queen joined their mate.

Demeter cuddled closer to her family and gave Cassandra a gentle smile, "You'll have your next bundles of trouble soon...." she sighed, running a slender finger across Timotei's facial features lovingly, caressing the black markings that stretched across her cheeks and into her metallic hair. Softly tickling her pale white tummy, making her smile in her sleep.

Tugger interrupted the tender scene, and turned towards the pregnant Cassandra,

"Want a few of mine instead?"

Demeter frowned, "You should be grateful!" she spat angrily, taking Timotei from her mate and marching off towards their den. Cassandra bounded gracefully after her, despite her belly full of kittens.

Tugger winced at his stupidity, and Alonzo hissed at him.

"Sorry," Tugger sighed solemnly, visibly flinching at the look Alonzo was giving him, "I forgot about..."

"Don't bother Tugger!" Munkustrap snapped, turning away from the two remaining cats. A familiar pain crept it's way from the tabby's heart to his throat, causing a lump to form there. He tried to swallow it, along with the memories that caused his heartache, but couldn't. With his ears flattened to his head, the leader slowly started out for his den, blinking back a few tears in the process.

When he was well out of earshot, Alonzo gave Tugger a cuff with his paw.

"How can you be so insensitive?! Next time think before you open that big mouth of yours!"

"Look! I'm sorry!" The curious cat yelled, holding up his paws in defence, "I didn't know it still hurt them..."

"OF COURSE it still hurts them! Macavity killed their son! How would you feel if somebody took Ember away from you?!"

Tugger thought about that for a second. The idea of losing Ember, or any of his kittens frightened the hell out of him. Guilt flooded his entire being. He should have known not to make a joke like that, especially not infront of Demeter.

"I didn't mean to upset anyone..." he sighed regretfully.

Alonzo's cold stare softened. Despite his sometimes, 'couldn't care less' attitude, The Rum Tum Tugger had a heart. A big one. He just had a hard time showing it.

"I know..." Alonzo finally replied in a softer tone. Reading the inner feelings of his companion by looking deep into his eyes, "but I worry about them, they're not as strong as they seem."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Thunder roared though the sky, signalling the oncoming rain. Thick, heavy clouds consumed the heavens, and began pelting harsh droplets of rain to the concrete jungle below. Big Ben chimed faintly in the distance, it's hypnotic dongs telling anyone who cared to listen, it was 12am.

Munkustrap stared into a small puddle which was forming before his eyes, seemingly unaware he was getting soaked through. He didn't care. All the water in the world couldn't have felt half as bad as this pain, even to a cat. He shuddered as a violent chill erupted throughout his body, and still he didn't care.

"Demi..." he sighed softly to himself, "...God, I'm so sorry..."

An orange figure dashed by in the background, the figure of Jennyanydots.

"Come Kittens! Inside quickly!" she bellowed, pointing to the entrance of her den and counting each fuzzy head as the kittens pranced into the warmth and comfort, out of the cold and wet. She counted, and immediately noticed someone was missing.

"Jemima!" The Gumbie spat crossly, scanning the area with well trained eyes, "Jemi- oh," she stopped in mid cry, her eyes landing on the kitten in question. Who sat neatly on the old car bonnet, her head cocked curiously to one side and her tail wrapped around her front paws.

The kind mother cat smiled at the cute pose of the kitten, and went to her side.

"Really Jemmie! What are you doing?!" she said, trying to sound exasperated.

The kitten said nothing, but got up on all fours and slid gracefully from the car, making her way to the middle of the yard.

It was then Jenny noticed Munkustrap, sitting alone at it's centre, looking more miserable than a pollicle on a chain. Jemima slowly approached her protector, giving him a gentle rub on the arm and purring softly.

The silver tabby jumped slightly. He had become so lost in his own thoughts he hadn't detected the young queen's presence.

"Jemima!" He cried in surprise, snapping out of his trance and pulling the young queen close, in an attempt to shield her, "Look at you! You're getting all wet!"

"So are you," She replied honestly, "I don't want you to get sick. Who will look after us all then?"

Munkustrap had to stop himself from releasing a bitter laugh, but placed the much thought words into a sigh instead.

"Perhaps someone who can do a better job of it than me."

The small kitten didn't hesitate with her reply.

"If there was such a cat, I'm sure we'd be looking for him a long, long time." She smiled sweetly, giving the tabby one more nudge before rejoining the tribe's head mother. Jennyanydots smiled down at the beautiful queen, and wordlessly ordered her to bed.

Jenny stayed where she was, her eyes full of sympathy. She had lost many kittens in her time, and knew perfectly well the sense of overwhelming emptiness it created.

~*~*~*~*~

Pistopics had been a beautiful kitten. With Demeter's golden streaks and tan blotches, with fur as black as ebony in-between, and the same white middle as his sister. He was still blind when the Napoleon of Crime came for him. Demeter had sensed an unwelcome presence and was halfway though moving her young from one spot to another, when the ginger villain appeared from nowhere and snatched the first pound of flesh he could set his claws into. Alonzo and the rest of the adult toms quickly gave chase, but returned only with a small body, still warm from his mother's cuddles, yet now limp in Mungojerrie's arms.

The kitten's neck had been snapped.

Macavity had had his revenge.

At first Demeter refused to let him go, refused to believe that he was truly gone. She cradled Pisto's lifeless form for days, threatening to kill any cat who dared to try take him away from her. It took both Alonzo and Munkustrap to restrain her, while Jennyanydots and Jellylorum whisked the small body away.

Bombalurina tried to comfort her friend, but what could she possibly say that would make a difference? That would ease her pain? Truth was, there was nothing. This was one wound that would only begin to heal with time, something no amount of softly spoken words or poetic lines could make all better.

Months passed. As Timotei grew bigger and bolder, the tribe found themselves growing ever more concerned for her safety. Determined that the old saying would not apply to her.

'Curiosity killed the cat'

The silver kitten knew nothing of Pistopics, she was far too young at the time to have stored any memory of him. Some thought perhaps it was better that way. She had a brother-like relationship with many of the tribe's tom kittens, and a special affection for Alonzo's youngest, Dandistreak. They were about the same age. And of course there was Ember, so she never was short of playmates.

Alonzo, Tugger, and some of the rest of the toms screamed out for revenge against The Hidden Paw.

Munkustrap spat. There was nothing he'd like more than to see that murderous scum suffer like Demeter had done. First he stole her away from her home, then killed her son....THEIR son...bringing his short life to a tragic end. But what would be the price of revenge? Another kitten? Maybe two? Where did this all stop? No, revenge was not an option, no matter how tempting and desirable it seemed.

Mungojerrie hated to admit defeat, but it made sense. They couldn't risk anymore lives Two minutes of bloody fighting wasn't worth the heartache of losing anymore kittens. Alonzo was torn between respecting the decision made by the majority of the tribe, and his fearless attitude.

Tugger was horrified beyond belief.

"You can't be serious! How many more of us is it going to take before you start to see sense?!" He hissed at Munkustrap.

"Steady on Tugger!" Alonzo warned with a glare.

"Take it easy!" Added Mistoffelees, noticing Munkustrap was not handling all this as well as he made out to be. He needed no magic to see that.

But yet, Tugger went on. Blinded by anger, and the fear of the safety of his own litter.

"I'm serious! You might as well gift wrap all the kittens and hand them over to that son of a bitch right now!" He cried, looking at each of the gathered toms in turn, wanting some support.

"Maybe The Tugger's got a point," Gus began, "why, back in my day...."

Tugger managed to interrupt the old cat before he got too into his story, "See?!" He screeched, "If you weren't so damn cowardly you'd let us get him now before he comes back to finish the job!"

Munkustrap's eyes widened and filled with bitter emotion and built up anger, before he could surpress the urge, he swiped the quick tempered tom clear across the nose.

Tugger let out a small gasp of surprise, placing a paw gingerly on the wound. Warm blood oozed from the deepest cut, staining the paw covering it. He was wise enough however, to not utter another word.

~*~*~*~*~

Jenny approached the brooding leader softly, and sat down beside him.

"You can't keep doing this you know," She whispered gently, "you can't keep blaming yourself."

"Why not? It was my fault, Jenny. I should have been there, I should have been more alert, I should have known..."

"That something like this would happen? You weren't to know...nobody was. Sometimes bad things just happen."

"I let Demi down, I ALWAYS let her down...first at last years ball, then Pisto..."

The Gumbie sighed. Why did he feel the need to be strong for everybody? Being leader was taking it's toll on the tabby. She observed his body language and he was about as tense as a cat could get.

"Munku...The queen sighed sadly, "he was your kitten too..." She placed a comforting paw on the grey tabby's shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze. He couldn't keep holding it in like that, it was bound to drive him mad.

The tom shuddered and closed his eyes. Resting his chin on the top of clenched fists. After a pause, he opened the shimmering eyes which were full with unshed tears. He then turned to the cat who had known him nearly all his life, and poured out a shaky line of admission that rang true to his heart.

"And it was he I let down most of all."

Jenny's face wrinkled and she pulled the tom into a much needed hug. She wanted to cry for him, she knew how much it hurt. She and Skimbleshanks once lost an entire litter due to some sort of birth defect. It broke her heart. But to lose a kitten to murder? The thought made her sick to the stomach. NO cat deserved that, not even the likes of Macavity.

She nearly allowed one lone drop fall from her eyes, but she held it in. Somebody had to be strong for Munku now, if she cried, he'd sense it straightaway and start to worry about her.

"It's all right," She whispered brokenly as his body began to wrack with sobs, "it's okay to cry, it's okay..." She held the grown cat like she would hold one of the kittens, like she had held him when he was a kitten.

Why?

The Gumbie cat often asked herself this question. Why did the worst things happen to the best of cats? It was one of the things she was sure she'd ask the keeper of the heavyside layer if she ever got to go. But for now she was here, offering whatever comfort she could to a tom who was practically her son.

The emotionally exhausted protector silently cried himself to sleep.

The storm calmed, but did not stop. Sleet made an appearance, thin drizzles of ice fell into England's capital, making the area even more anti-cat than it already was. The place was covered with water, most of it made puddles, the rest thankfully washed down the gutters.

The gentle purr of Jennyanydots was suddenly interrupted by a different purr. The sunset colored cat looked up to see Demeter sitting on the other side of her mate, rubbing her head against his lovingly, and wrapping her delicate arms around his waist.

The two queens greeted each other with a half-hearted smile.

"Timotei?" Jenny asked over the back of Munkustrap's shoulder.

"Alonzo." Demeter answered her, confirming whom she had asked to baby-sit.

Jenny nodded, satisfied.

"I can't bare to see him this way..." Demeter sighed, running a finger down one silver cheek, her eyes following the trail of her finger tips.

"He'll be all right. You've accepted you weren't to blame for Pistopic's death, he's just got to do the same for himself." The Gumbie said sleepily.

Demeter sighed again.

"You're worried about tomorrow aren't you?" Jenny continued.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't." She admitted.

"Phhpt!" The elder queen snorted, "Macavity would be a fool if he dared to show up!"

The calico's eyes softened, "I wouldn't put anything past him anymore..." She mumbled sadly, eyes full of bitterness.

Jenny put on a brave face once more, "Try not to worry Demeter, everything will be fine! Timmy excited?"

Despite herself, Demeter couldn't help but chuckle at that question. Raising one eyebrow she smirked and answered, "Isn't she always?"

Jenny chuckled.

It was an old Jellicle tradition.

When a kitten queen reached three months old, she was to be taught a dance by her mother. A unique performance that was to forever be their bond. Each move, synchronised into perfect rhythm. With no two dances being the same, all mothers, had a special link with each of their daughters that way. No matter what.

The sun crept up from behind the Houses Of Parliament, hidden by a mass of dull grey clouds, the rain wasn't quite ready to leave the south of the country yet. They cracked a little, allowing a stream of golden sunlight to shine down onto the city bellow. Black cabs started their regular routes, picking up passengers and charging them a fortune. The double decker buses groaned to life, taking bus loads of tourists to places like Covent Garden, or Oxford Street. Roads packed with miles of traffic...just your average morning in London, if you were human that is.

Demeter yawned and stretched her arms up, giving her mate an affectionate lick on the cheek. The grey tabby's eyes shot open and he nuzzled the queen in return.

"Have you been here all night?" He asked her.

"I took over from Jenny a while ago." She whispered back, not wanting to wake anyone.

That was all that needed to be said. The two basked in the morning sunshine, enjoying the feeling of just being close. Although Demeter would never admit it, Tugger had probably done them both a favour. They had been bottling things up for far too long, they had both needed a release. Now maybe they could move on.

"Mum! Daaad!" Timotei squealed, leaping into the air and landing on her stomach in a not so graceful way, smack dab infront of her parents.

"Timmy! You were supposed to stay with Alonzo until I got back! Remember?!" Demeter spat, picking her up with both paws.

"Sorry Mum, but Dandistreak was blowing raspberries in my ear!" She huffed, getting up on all fours.

The tom kitten in question bounded onto the scene, knocking her back over again and smiling triumphantly.

"Dandistreak, you big bully!" The silver queen cried, scraping her hind feet and taking aim.

"Can't catch me!" The white and brown tom declared, with a cool air of confidence about him.

"Hi-ya!" Timotei yelled, lunging at him. The two indulged in a play-fight of small bites and scuffles.

"It's no use squirt! Give up!" Dandi laughed boisterously, dodging the female's every move.

"Hate you, hate you, hate you!" The smaller of the two wailed, swinging half-hearted punches.

"Woah!" The little boy gasped as he felt his entire body being elevated into the air, "Oh," He smiled innocently, "Hi Dad!"

Alonzo held his smallest kitten in his jaws gently and spoke as best he could, "That's hardly the way to treat a young lady..." He sighed.

Timotei smirked, and stuck out her tongue gleefully.

Dandistreak noticed the gesture and frowned, "She's not a lady! She's a squirt!"

"Oh be quiet, Chocolate!" Timotei frowned, using her friend's family name.

"Shut up yourself, Smokey!"

The three parents sighed as they watched their young bicker. Alonzo gave up with the struggle and set Dandistreak back down.

"You hocked up hairball!"

"You puffed up peke!"

Then in unison, "I CAN'T STAND YOU!"

The two ached their backs and hissed at each other, before the elder kitten, Dandistreak, gave chase. They began to aimlessly run around Demeter, in endless circles.

Alonzo placed a paw to his brow, and shook his head, knowing a headache was sure to follow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The scene was set.

Old Deuteronomy sat like a king on the old jeep tyre, looking down on all the new faces of the tribe. Jennyanydots and Jellylorum sat on his right side. Although they had no new kittens of their own, they had one of the most important roles in the ritual.

Cassandra, Demeter and Bombalurina were chatting in one corner, their young daughters doing likewise at their feet.

Rumpleteazer sat next to her mate, with their three daughters, Olympia, Tattletame, and Liplatty beside them, who had learned their dances quite a few months ago. They all had their eyes on the Rum Tum Tugger, who from where he sat, blew them a kiss.

"Ooooh! He's so cute aint he?!" Liplatty asked her elder sisters.

Tattletame rolled her eyes and placed a hand to her tummy, "He gives me butterflies he does!" She giggled.

Olympia pouted, "Too late girls! Bomba's got 'im now!"

The triplets sighed together. Cruel reality setting in.

Mistoffelees placed a soft paw onto Victoria's slightly swollen belly and nuzzled her neck, helping her to get comfortable before the event began. She purred when he whispered secret words of love into her ear, blushing brightly.

Old D turned his head towards the tribe's eldest queens and gave them a nod

Jellylorum smiled respectfully at her superior and stood up.

Each cat in the yard seemed to sense this. Tugger's three sons stopped flirting with Jemima, Alonzo gathered his pack of kittens and pulled them to one side, Pouncival and the other kittens turned towards their tribe mother, waiting to hear the haunting song she sang. The mothers ushered their daughters to place.

The anticipation could be cut with the bluntest of knives at that moment.

Drawing in a deep breath, Jellylorum began the powerful ballad, joined by Jenny, while the mothers and daughters danced, affirming their bond.

I don't need eyes to see
The love you bring to me
No matter where I go
I know that you will be there
Forever more a part of me
You're everywhere
I'll always care

I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way

And I'll be right behind your shoulder
watching you
I'll be standing by your side
in all you do
And I won't ever leave
As long as you believe
You just believe

I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way.....

Mungojerrie smiled, and planted a kiss on Rumpleteazer's head, remembering the day when it had been their kittens dancing.

Little did they all know, they were being watched......

It was the calm before the storm.

To Be Continued.

"Remember Me This Way" is owned by Jordan Hill and her record company. Don't sue. It would hardly be worth it, I have little to no £'s at the moment anyway!

So? Whatcha think so far? If you like, pweeze review, if not, let me know why (gently please ;.;) at SilverTimotei@aol.com.

Well! Gotta go get started on part two!

Later!

Becky
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