And here it is- The promised sequel to "Gold and Scarlet"! However, anyone who hasn't read it by no means would need to in order to understand this one. It works just fine as a stand alone.

Also, you'll notice the prologue is very short. I apologize; that's just how it happened. All the other chapters are long.

Anyway, enjoy!

The tom groaned as he slowly came to his senses, wishing he could return to the blissful state of unconsciousness. His wrists, bloody and chaffed, were bound high above his head, forcing him to stand in the middle of whatever hellhole he was in. Even with the keen eyesight of a cat, it was still almost too dark to make out any details.

A crack of light appeared and the room lit up as a door creaked open and several large toms entered the cell. The imprisoned tom failed in holding back a snarl as their tall, ginger-colored leader appeared. "I hope you're enjoying your stay," the newcomer said.

"Cut the crap Macavity- what do you want with me?"

Macavity sneered. "Impertinent as always, aren't you brother?" He slid over to where the bound tom stood. "Actually, I don't want anything with you."

"Then why-"

"Because wherever you go, your little magician is certain to follow. And you're much easier to kidnap than he is."

The captured tom glared. "If you touch one hair on his head-"

Macavity chuckled. "You'll do... what? You're all talk Tugger, and you're insane if you think you can protect him. He has quite the destiny to fulfill." The Mystery Cat smirked. "If he's not dead before he can claim it."

The Rum Tum Tugger's foot shot out as he attempted to kick his older brother, but Macavity caught it, his paws crackling with lightning. The maned tom cried out in pain as the bolt shot into him. "I was going to treat you civilly," Macavity said menacingly. "But if this is what you want so be it." He turned to his henchcats. "Do what you will with him. Just make sure there's something left." He walked away as his minions surrounded Tugger, their claws bared.

And elsewhere, a small black tom sensed the pain of the maine coon, and cried out.