Susan was surrounded by rats, but now, she realized, instead of attacking, they were running, trying to get back out through the closed Gate. They piled up on top of each other, climbing her legs. She shook them off with a cry of disgust and pushed her way to the guardhouse.
It wasn't until she looked up that she discovered why.
Hundreds of cats, led by the unmistakable Vinnie, attacked the rats, driving them back. She felt a rush of relief. They won! Now that the Gate was closed, and the tunnel too, the cats were more than a match for the rats that were left.
Susan looked around for Tucker. And her heart froze as she saw he was still in terrible danger.
Tucker fought Khai. Both were hurt and she was sure she saw a ball of pink light rise from Khai before she reached them. Vinnie made
