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.

" Yes Cyra?"

" I love you Misto."

" I love you too."