One by one, the Jellicle cats crept into the yard of the ball site. It was a dark night, rather misty and cold. They bid each other welcome.

Victoria and Plato arrived together as always, side by side and holding paws.

Skimbleshanks arrived from the railway station always on time. Jennyanydots got up from the trunk of the car that was in the yard and started greeting the younger cats.

Mistoffelees appeared in a flash of light. He took Etcetera by surprise and she tumbled backwards and stayed on alert.

Cassandra crept out from the darkness, and started to prance among the cats hoping that SHE hadn’t had come.

Demeter and Bombalurina entered from the side and greeted Jennyanydots and Skimble. Mistoffelees joined them.

Rum Tug Tugger then made his grand entrance and all the female kittens ran to him and made him their idol as usual. Then Munkustrap, the gray, striped leader appeared. He was looking for something, or someone. He approached Demeter and asked,

"Do you think that she’ll come?"

"I sincerely don’t know Munkustrap. Remember, you said that Macavity had cat-napped her, and we can’t miss the Jellicle ball. But I have a feeling she’ll be here. I can sense it."

"How can you sense it?" He asked in a curious tone.

"I just can. I can feel it in my heart. Don’t worry." She then pulled him close and kissed him.

They withdrew and soon he was wondering around the scene again. Munkustrap couldn’t relax. He needed to see her, as quickly as possible. The past few months were murder to him, for they could find no traces of Macavity. He had kept quiet lately, which worried Munkustrap. That was usually a sign that something was to happen.

He knew that he shouldn’t get his hopes too high, for one rarely escaped Macavity, but Chryssie had. So there was that small hope.

Soon every cat except one had assembled and soon Munkustrap began.

"We can dive through the air, like a flying trapeze. We can turn double somersaults, bounce on a tire."

Macavity was in the shadows hiding. In his control, was the cat that had caused him so much trouble these past two years or so.

Chrychaesa stood straight and still, her eyes roaming around the site. She felt familiar to it and it was strange to her at the same time. But still, all she was aware of was that her master was Macavity and she was to do his will.

Gently, Macavity pulled her close and she cocked her ear to listen to his orders.

"Not now my pet. Do you see them?"

"Yes sir I do."

"Petty things they are, dancing the night away and waiting for the Old One to appear. You will do me the favor, and kill their primary leader. You will then help Arsenic bring Demeter to me."

"Yes sir. It shall be done tonight."

"Good. You will be rewarded well for your services. How would you like the position of Rawtawny?"

"Rawtawny, sir?"

"Oh, never mind. Arsenic! Arsenic! Stay with her."

"Yes sir." Arsenic then crept towards Chryssie.

"What a lucky little thing you are. Remember you owe it to me that you are here."

"Arsenic, shut that sore trap of yours. It’s giving me a headache."

"What did you say to my darling?" Nakcheem said suddenly appearing beside her.

"You must have heard right to be able to be sure I said something." Chryssie said coldly.

"Why I ought to end your nine lives right now you minx."

"No Nakcheem!" Arsenic said in a hushed whisper.

"Macavity will do you in."

"I am strong enough to handle Macavity. It’s a marvel I don’t kill him now."

"Are you two speaking of insurrection against Macavity?"

"Well, look who just caught up."

"Well why haven’t you done it yet?"

"Well I... Listen you darn Minx, stay out of our concern."

"Yes sir." Chryssie said and then turned to watch the Jellicles.

She felt a sense of familiarity with them, and they made her feel cold and known. She was confused but she stayed true to what Macavity taught her.

She put all the mixed feelings and instincts aside and focused on her aim. She saw through all of the cats and saw who she was to find and capture and the one that she was to terminate. She found them both and stared, and she felt evil around her, which she reached out and used.

She prayed to the power to help her in her task to please her master. What she didn’t know was Nakcheem was getting stronger.

Chryssie felt her targets voice and she watched from the darkness, and heard wherever the voice was. She felt darkness, which was fine, for she hated the light.

Macavity was asking her to do a big thing, go out there with all those lights. She really hoped the reward was big, but she couldn’t trust the Hidden Paw, she couldn’t trust anyone.

Even now her memories of her past was dim, and she wasn’t even sure if her name was Chrychaesa, or if her nickname was Chryssie. She learned who she was when Arsenic and Nakcheem teased her and put her down, when she was still reviving from her former accident.

She was told that she was all alone in the world and that she had no one but herself to care for and care for herself she did.

Once, one of the Cockney soldiers had called her "Love" and she had attacked and clawed him, which was a natural thing to do. All the Cockneys were then careful about what they said about her or to her.

She had certainly made an impression and she had always been ready for a fight, since she thought that Macavity had selected her to be his prime student in fighting.

When she fought, there was always an intense anger. She could feel it fight with her, she didn’t know if it was some force inside her or if Nakcheem was helping her, but it gave her strength, though she was never really sure if it was anger, because she always had the image of a feline in her head while she was fighting and she felt a will to be with him, whoever he was.

Where was that feeling now? She was watching her target, and every time she concentrated, she felt the anger drifting away.

How odd, she thought. How can I feel this way when I don’t even know him. I feel just so warm when in that presence, but I can’t figure what it is. How strange. But she put it behind her as she always did. She wouldn’t let it matter to her.

"Come, they are beginning the Gumbie Cat introduction. Watch, and learn the personality your victim possesses. Be wary of him and watch him carefully. Learn his every weakness. You can tell he is not himself. He is worried."

"Yes Nakcheem I can see that. I am not blind."

"Don’t you speak to Nakcheem that way you slimy little insignificant thing. Or you’ll have me to answer to."

"Come on then, question me. Come on Arsenic, don’t let those precious words go to waste, question me, come on, question me. I dare you! Question me!"

Chryssie felt her anger rise again and she prepared for a serious fight, which she knew she was going to win. Arsenic started clawing the surface of the ground and hissing.

"Not now, stop it you two. Arsenic, why do you listen to her?"

"Can you help it?"

"I can help it, but you need to learn how to ignore things. Come on we have to work here. How else will we accomplish all our objectives?"

"You’re right but, ooh that little one had better watch her tongue."

"Why? It’s not going anywhere is it?" Chryssie asked with a little mock.

"Shh, keep it down. If the Jellicles knew we were here then they’d have us taken care of, and the plan will be foiled."

Chryssie allowed her eyes to watch the Jellicles dance and sing and she felt an emotion that she wasn’t familiar with.

Could it be longing? Why do I want to go out there and let my voice ring high with them? Why do I feel so at home? Chryssie asked herself. No logical answer came to mind.

Suddenly rock and roll music surrounded her and she dropped to her knees and looked alert. Then she saw a cat whom she remembered as Rum Tum Tugger do his thing.

Chryssie didn’t remember much about him, she only remembered that he gave her her nickname and she gave him his, Tugger. He was hip swaying and radical, which didn’t fit into Macavity’s description of him.

Macavity portrayed Tugger as a mellow cat who thought of nothing. This Tugger seemed to be radical and crazy, with a very big thought of himself.

He seems arrogant, Chryssie thought. I probably should work with him. I can do arrogant fine.

A cat named Quilla appeared, and she sang a sad song with about how her only love had died and that she wished with all her might that she may see him.

When she spoke of him, her eyes seemed to glow and she looked like she could just jump off her feet and fly when she mentioned his name.

When she told them of her life without him, Quilla seemed to shrivel and die. She then collapsed at the end of her song and cried out agony and resentment that she hadn’t followed him to the haven of cats who didn’t wait to the Heaviside opportunity or those who couldn’t see the opportunity. She felt as if she wanted to die.

Chryssie watched from the shadows, cold and heartless, for she didn’t care. She only cared about herself or her missions. That was what she had been taught. So she lived by it and she did more and felt more then she had ever before, She felt as if she lived and that she could actually survive on her own and that she didn’t need any protection from anyone.

Soon she saw a fat cat by the name of Bustopher Jones. She also saw all the cats crowd around him as if he were mayor of their county. Nugatory and insignificant, she thought. This darkness in her heart had taken full control and she didn’t care.

Macavity had taught her everything, and she never felt like this before, but she didn’t want to put the effort into understanding herself as she had a feeling that she had before.

But how did she know so, and why? But what did it matter? Arsenic sat down and sighed.

I wish that I had never given Macavity the idea to bring that wretch into this, she thought miserably. It would have been far easier for at least we get along. With Chryssie we fight and fight, and she will never back off. I liked her better when she was the weakling that we transformed her from. But Oh well. Nothing can undo Nakcheem‘s spell on her. Not even Mistoffelees.

Arsenic knew things would go well for herself and for Nakcheem, once they got Chryssie and Macavity out of the way. Then they would conquer the Jellicles and rule it as their very own tribe.

The daydream of all that power gave her a chill of pleasure when she would be crowned queen. Then she could do whatever she wanted like kill Demeter and take Munkustrap or any other male for her own.

Then they would all overthrow Nakcheem and she would rule all and there would be no one to stop her. But she still remembered, that all that was in later years and she would be queen surely.

Nakcheem was daydreaming about his plan to overthrow Macavity and the Jellicles and become king and he could have Arsenic all he wanted. He couldn’t make her his queen because the fool Macavity forbid marriage until he could have Demeter. Oh Nakcheem hated that queen and Macavity.

Chryssie he liked well enough, she was a valuable soldier, but she had to learn to control that mouth of hers. She would be very useful in the dispersion of the Jellicles since they all trusted her. But he assumed that since the Jellicles would know that she killed the thorn, they would stop trusting her.

He would have to make her look like another Jellicle when She had done the job, then Chryssie could blame it on Mistoffelees for having the power to change the Jellicle into her so he could get away with it. Nakcheem loved all the conspiracies to this simple plot. He loved it. It would also leave the poor Jellicles in the dark until they knew that they were conquered. Then he would be king, Old Deuteronomy would be dead along with his grandson and The annoying females would all be annihilated or too scared or weak to even try to lift a claw to stop him and his queen.

Chryssie thought of other things and concepts other ideas, for she was not the cat to conquer anything. She could only conquer those she deemed not worthy of a second doubt.

So why did she not plan and conspire like Arsenic and Nakcheem? She felt she had a different heart and she didn’t want to be in to her throat in anything. She just felt like she wanted to be rescued but she didn’t know by what or by whom.

"Chrychaesa help me up." Arsenic said and stretched out her paws for hers.

"You have arms and legs. Get up yourself." Chryssie said coldly and backed up so Arsenic’s claws couldn’t find hers.

"Of all the lazy bums Chryssie." Arsenic groaned as she climbed to her feet.

"That’s right, you were so lazy, you couldn’t get up by yourself."

"That wasn’t entirely what I meant."

"Well then we both have a point then don’t we?" She asked sweetly and then concentrated on the Jellicles.

So much time had passed that they hadn’t noticed an old cat come in and sit on a tire that looked like a pedestal.

"That’s Old Deuteronomy." said Macavity as he entered from the shadows.

"I saw the excellent little scare you gave them sir, it was really quite masterful." Chryssie said as a good soldier should. Macavity stepped up to her and lifted her chin up with his hand.

"Thank you my dear." He whispered with a hint of admiration in his voice as he turned her face from side to side as he touched and stroked the soft fur under her chin. It was very light and cold, but she could feel it. He ceased his stroking and withdrew his hand.

"You’re a very pretty queen." He said then crept out into the darkness.

Chryssie exhaled in one long sigh. She had been nervous that entire time. She rubbed her throat and chin, trying to get rid of the cold that Macavity’s touch had left.

"I tell you, Nakcheem, Macavity has no taste in queens." Chryssie heard Arsenic’s voice in a mocking tone, and she said with a very dry wisp of dignity

"Well then that would explain why he has you here doesn’t it Arsenic?" Nakcheem hissed softly, warning her to watch her tongue.

She smiled deviously and turned back to the ball site where all the cats were surrounding Quilla. Quilla was once again singing of her lost love and what she’d give to see him again.

Macavity appeared behind them again and whispered in a hushed tone

"Now when Old Deuteronomy sings, you must be ready. When the young kitten sings, be ready to sing with her and join them Chryssie. Remember that, and don’t fail. Remember all that I have taught you, You know what to do."

"Yes sir I do."

"Good, you are my best so far." Macavity said and glared at Arsenic.

"I have no doubts you will succeed where others have failed." He thoughtfully stroked her shoulder as he said his reminders.

His ice cold touch sent shivers down her spin and she wished that she could step away.

She remained still and allowed him to touch her fur. She just focused what attention she had on her target. Then Macavity’s touch withdrew and she was left alone.

Soon the young kitten stood up. Chryssie took a deep breath and began at the exact same moment as the kitten.

"Moonlight, turn your face to the moonlight, let your memory lead you, open up enter in. If you find there, the meaning of what happiness is, and a new life will begin." She walked out into a clearing at the site.

"Who is it?"

"Chryssie, It’s Chryssie!"

"She’s returned!" She was then surrounded by cats.

"Good heaven’s lass!"

"Where have you been?"

"How did you escape?"

"Where was he?"

"You’ve gotten so big!" All of the questions subsided, and the cats cleared to reveal Munkustrap. He looked so happy to see her.

Am I worth all this? What life have I been forgetting? Haven’t I always been with Macavity? This all seems familiar. Chryssie’s mind was in a blur as she smiled up at him. He approached her and put her paws in his.

"Chryssie, you’ve returned."

"Yes I have...." She said and looked into his eyes.

"Munkustrap."

"How did you escape?"

"Nothing could have kept me away from you, from all of you. I couldn’t stay away. You all mean so much to me. I want to forget Macavity, please don’t make me talk about it. I just want to be happy here and safe."

All the cats cheered and they pushed her forward. Munkustrap leaned to kiss her, and she panicked. She turned her face and he kissed her cheek.

She smiled at him quickly and then stayed with the other cats. He stared puzzled after her.

Why was there a look of fear in her eyes when he had wanted to kiss her? She usually wanted him to, and she wouldn’t have turned away.

Something is wrong, Munkustrap concluded then joined the group. Jellylorum introduced Gus the theatre cat, and when he had sang, the cats surprisingly started the segment of Growltiger’s Last Stand.

Chryssie remembered the stories that Macavity had told her of Growltiger and she put on an outfit of the Siamese. She made sure that no one could recognize her and she was one of the Siamese who had to batten down the hatches on the sailors.

She also made sure that she was directly above Munkustrap who was a sailor. She then tried to make the hatch come down especially hard on Munkustrap.

Munkustrap realized that one of the cats was trying to kill him, and he scampered to safety.

Chryssie concealed her frustration and then silently slid away since the cats were focusing on Jennyanydots who was portraying Griddlebone.

She sat down next to Pouncival who began to cuddle. Chryssie tolerated him and she began concentrating on the play or looking for another opportunity to kill Munkustrap.

Munkustrap noticed her cuddling with Pouncival and he stepped behind them.

Pouncival saw him, smiled nervously and waved.

Munkustrap smiled and folded his arms and looked at him expectantly.

Pouncival let go of Chryssie and then backed away.

Munkustrap whispered apologies to him and then sat down next to Chryssie and cuddled her.

Chryssie remained in deep thought and she was thinking so hard of a way to kill him.

She then noticed that Pouncival must have switched to his knees for she didn’t remember him being such a big cat. And since was the little paws so big and velvety? Then she saw Pouncival lying at Electra’s feet as they watched the rest of Growltiger.

Who was it? Chryssie looked over at Munkustrap and saw him holding her and staring right at her. She gasped and jumped a little.

"You-You gave me a scare Munkustrap."

"Well that’s odd, usually you scare me."

"Well I was just concentrating on Growltiger."

"Oh, all right."

He ran his paw up and down her arm. This was her enemy, though why was she enjoying his touch, she felt a sense of familiarity with it. She smiled at him and lost her desire to kill him, but replaced it with a heated desire, which she didn’t know.

Why did it feel like years since she last experience this? Why did it feel so right, but so wrong, not only on orders? She felt herself lean closer to him, and she felt his paw holding hers. He took her face in her paw and turned it toward him. She closed her eyes but then looked away.

"What is it? Why do you turn away?" Munkustrap asked her with a hurt and puzzled tone.

"I don’t know, I just feel so unfamiliar with this, it’s crazy I know, but, it’s just so.." she said and faced him again and melted under his touch. He came close again,

"Tempting." she whispered, and then closed her eyes as she prepared herself for a kiss from her enemy.

Nakcheem sensed something wrong with the magic around Chryssie and sent her a shock to remind her to stay on task.

Chryssie felt Munkustrap’s face close to hers and she just wanted to have him hold her forever. Then an image of Nakcheem’s angry snarling face appeared in her mind as she gasped in shock, surprise and pain. She jumped and then tore herself from Munkustrap’s arms saying,

"I’m sorry, I can’t do this, I’m sorry." Then she got up and disappeared into the shadows.

"What is the matter with her?" Munkustrap asked, confused. Skimbleshanks began his audition and all the cats danced and sang merrily.

"Has she done it yet?" Arsenic asked with a touch of impatience in her voice.

"No, I had to send her a "reminder."

"Well now that isn’t good."

"No it isn’t."

"Shh, where’s Macavity?"

"Who knows." Thunder struck and all the cats surrounded Old Deuteronomy. Macavity appeared and found himself in a muddle of cats.

Chryssie looked left and right to make sure no one was watching her. She quickly rigged the lighting so that they flashed on and off at a rapid pace. She then wrestled Macavity away from the cats that held him.

Unknown to her, Munkustrap was watching her. He realized that she was working for Macavity and that he wanted her to kill him. He got close enough to hear her whisper urgently to Macavity

"Get out of here! Now go!" He then escaped with ease and she pretended to go into a faint.

Munkustrap would not reveal her yet. The lights had stopped flashing and all was darkness. Chryssie slipped into the shadows and watch Mistoffelees use his magic. Chryssie was more and more confused as it was.

She took a seat next to Bombalurina and watched. She then began to think. When the choosing of the Everlasting cat she crept into the shadows where she just sat to sort herself out.

She couldn’t betray Macavity, the one who had rescued her from the Jellicle kind could she? Yet there was something untruthful about his story. She felt it when the mists inside her head parted a little so she could see. Soon she heard joyful voices and she realized she had missed the crowning of the Everlasting Cat.

She stepped into the yard and Munkustrap stepped up to her. He said in a knowing tone,

"You missed the end of the Jellicle ball."

"So I did. Fancy that." She said, growing cold.

"Planning. Aye Chryssie?" He said getting a little challenging.

"Yes, Munkustrap."

"The perfect death. Who are you going to start on?"

"I think I’ll start on you if you don’t mind." she said, and took a vicious swipe at him.

Then Arsenic and Nakcheem appeared. She then smiled smugly at him. They then started to trap him.

"Remember now, he’s mine." Chryssie said. Then all the Jellicle cats surrounded the three.

"You were saying?" Munkustrap said with the same smug smile that she had given him. Her smile had turned into an evil glare.

"We shall end this." She said. She raised her paw and soldiers of Macavity, equal to the number of Jellicles appeared then lined up for attack. She egotistically smiled at him.

"Don’t hurt any of them, we just want the leader." Chryssie ordered, then started attacking Munkustrap.

"What makes you think that killing is right?" He asked as they battled.

"It’s the only way to get things done." she answered and then said

"You have chosen a good place to die, in front of all your friends."

"What makes you so sure that I am going to die?" Munkustrap asked as he circled her.

"Because it’s me."

"The same one who I have come to love? The same one that has saved my life out of belief for love?"

"What are you talking about?" Chryssie asked lowering her guard.

Munkustrap came close to her and dropped his guard. She then backed up and raised hers again. He still came towards her with his guard down.

"Why are you lowering your guard?" She asked puzzled.

"Because I know you won’t hurt me."

"Want to bet?" She asked and raised her guard again.

"No, I won’t raise my guard because I trust you. I trust you like I always have and I always will. Touch me Chryssie." he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You are unwise." She said but she would not make a move. She stood there staring, and watching him. He noticed her breathing grew heavy, and there was something in it. He noticed that she also looked at him with a desire in her eyes, and it was all heat.

Arsenic threw herself at Munkustrap’s feet and knocked him over. Chryssie then hovered over him, and smiled.

"You are unwise." She said and then raised her claws. Munkustrap lay there. He didn’t try to get away, he trusted her. The smile that painted Chryssie’s face melted away and replaced was a menacing stare.

Expressionless, yet it was all in the eyes. She tensed herself and prepared to take the final swoop.

Then realization dawned on her. She was standing amidst her friends with her love at her death grasp.

"What am I doing?" She said and lowered her claw. She knocked a guard that was fighting behind her away snarling

"You’re distracting me you lowlife!" She then turned back to Munkustrap. She put down a paw for him and motioned for him to take it. He did and she helped him to his feet.

She felt Nakcheem’s magic breaking like glass around her.

"Munkustrap, you are in danger."

"I know, but nothing matters. I feel happy here, with you."

"Amidst chaos?" she asked.

"Anywhere, because you have returned."

"Munkustrap I missed you." She said and flung herself into his arms. They wrapped each other in a passionate embrace. They felt complete again, the both of them and they just stood there.

Arsenic amid battle looked up and saw Chryssie holding Munkustrap. She knelt on one knee and laughed.

So the little one was a traitor. Something must have went wrong in Nakcheem’s magic.

Suddenly worried, she looked to see where he was. She saw him, standing in a corner, zapping all the cats who came near him.

Maybe Munkustrap if by her hand died, then Macavity would reward her, and if she brought Chryssie back after killing Munkustrap, she could expose Chryssie’s treachery and Macavity would kill her himself. Then that would fit in with their plans.

Chryssie, Munkustrap and Macavity would be out of the way. It was wise of Nakcheem to get rid of Rawtawny. That also fit in nicely. They also promised the soldiers plenty of she-cats in return for revolting against Macavity. Another smart move. But she had to get rid of Munkustrap and Chryssie.

Munkustrap held Chryssie in his arms a little bit, and stroked the fur at the base of her neck. She looked up at him. True gladness was in her eyes and there was a desirable question of her eyes. It was a longing look, full of yearning. Her head was slightly cocked and her chin was already tilted up to look into his eyes. He knew what she wanted, he had wanted her to do this for so long. He bowed his head and kissed her.

Arsenic noticed that Munkustrap and Chryssie were kissing now, and each kiss grew more passionate and involved.

Arsenic once again laughed, knowing that Macavity would never spare Munkustrap for her very own, but what did she care?

"Let the traitor parish." she murmured then got ready for an attack.

Chryssie before she had time to realize it had instinctively gone to holding Munkustrap as she kissed him. She held him so close as he kissed her that she could feel their hearts beat together, in the same rapid rhythm. She felt herself give him what she had been hiding in herself for so long. She felt like she never wanted to leave his embrace, and that they could bury her in it.

They withdrew their kisses and just stood in each other’s arms amid fighting and battle.

She then felt Arsenic getting angry and charging. She saw Arsenic, crouched like a lioness and waiting for the attack instinct. Chryssie stiffened and waited.

Munkustrap felt something was wrong and he looked down at her. She was concentrating deeply on a sight. By her tension, he realized his life was in danger, so he waited with her.

Arsenic then began the run. Quicker and quicker she ran and soon she got to the leaping point. Quick as a flash Chryssie pushed Munkustrap down and held out her claws as a receiver.

Arsenic had no time to stop.

Nakcheem saw Arsenic fly through the air and land on Chryssie’s claws, deeply scratching her chest down to the soft fur of her stomach.

He screeched and then ran towards her, flinging cats out of the way and plowing right through battles until he reached her.

Chryssie looked at her stained paw and then used her clean one to help Munkustrap to his feet and hurry away with him.

"The cats, Nakcheem isn’t going to be happy about this. Did I murder her? Am I a killer?"

"We have to go back." Chryssie took a deep breath and nodded.

They turned back and hurried to the site.

There they saw Nakcheem bent over the drooping form of Arsenic.

Tears filled Chryssie’s eyes for she felt responsible for it, and she was sorry that she did it. Even out of defense for another.

Nakcheem’s eyes then blazed as he laid down Arsenic. He then roared and angrily sought out Chryssie. He saw her standing with Munkustrap, looking at him. He then started throwing magic at her.

Chryssie pushed Munkustrap into safety then started to desperately dodge the flying bolts.

Mistoffelees saw the sparks and saw they were aimed at Chryssie. He assumed that she was under attack and then flung a ball of Magic right into Nakcheem. He then cringed.

"Hear me yet, you murderous queen. I will take revenge for myself and for Arsenic! This is not the last time you have heard from me!" He then vanished in a mist of smoke.

When it finally cleared, Chryssie ran back to the hiding place of Munkustrap. She entered and found him pacing.

"Chryssie! Thank the everlasting cat you’re safe." He shouted, and then rushed to her, to hold her, and comfort her.

She nearly fainted in his arms, so many things had happened and they all happened to her.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Munkustrap just stay with me, please I beg you, I need to know you’re here with me. I want you to stay with me, please Munkustrap stay. I want you to stay with me."

He cradled her and allowed her to hang onto him. Her breathing was fast and violent. They came out in small raspy gasps. Soon she fell into a doze.

"Munkustrap, are you still with me?"

"I’m here."

"I missed you, even when I couldn’t remember you. I missed all the feelings you give me and all the sensations. I could remember, it felt like nothing and everything at the same time."

"Oh I know, I missed you, and everything you gave me to hold onto."

"Munkustrap, I want you to know, that throughout anything, and everything I will always love you. You will be special to me always."

"You are special to me too, and I am always here." She leaned her back against a slanted stone and just sat with an expression of gratefulness.

He then leaned against her, put his arms around her shoulders and kissed her. He hoped he wasn’t trapping her against the stone, but if he was, she’d certainly let him know. But right now, she was too hard to resist.

Chryssie felt like she was set on fire, and soon she felt like she was drowning in it. She couldn’t move, for her back was against the stone, and Munkustrap was leaning against her, on it. She had no desire to move or to be moved. She wanted to stay right there, with him, every hour of everyday, and she wished that she was completely paralyzed. Why was he always this intoxicating? He just did it to spite her, to make her want him when he had Demeter. But she then remember that he had her too, and she had better savor what he gave her while she can. He made her heart pound and her breath when she had time to collect it, quicken. All she wanted to feel was him now, and she couldn’t have it by any other means. She wanted all that he wanted to give her.

Soon his kisses ceased and he just lay there with her. They were trying to regain their composure, and their breath, which came out in heaves. When they regained themselves, Chryssie remembered the others.

"We might want to go around and check for injuries." She said and then stood up.

"We might." And he stood up and followed her out of the hiding place.

"Well. Pouncival, was there anyone hurt?"

"No sir, I don’t think so. Everyone seems to be fine."

"Run and double check will you?"

"Right chief." And he scampered off. It was a while.

"Chryssie, do you feel like we can never make this work and yet it does?"

"All the time Munkustrap. Tell me now honestly. Do you still feel safe with me? This could be the second time I’ve tried to kill you."

"Chryssie, I will always feel safe with you because when you try to hurt me, you are usually against your will. I see it in that way."

Chryssie sighed in relief. He still loved and trusted her.

Soon Pouncival returned, barely managing to keep the grin off his face.

"One casualty reporting sir, Cassandra broke a nail." Then he collapsed into laughter.

"Is that all, All the kittens are OK, the adults are all OK?"

"Well Mistoffelees is tired, and Plato just is lying down for a little. He said that he was tired. Mostly everyone is tired sir."

"Thank you Pouncival."

"No problem chief, now should I go and get some nail glue for Cassandra to glue her nail back on?" And he exploded into laughter again.

Chryssie smiled and shook her head. She then took Munkustrap’s arm as she walked beside him through the site.

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