Warning: there will be swearing, drinking, smoking (etc.) in this story. But nothing more than that :)

*I don't own Cats.*


Rum Tum Tugger paced inside his den. Lines of worry and distraught have etched onto his forehead. His best friend, Mistoffelees, watched him from the couch. Tugger was mumbling angrily to himself and he fluffed his mane – something he did when her was nervous, upset, or in a flirtatious mood.

Nothing was the same anymore. Ever since Macavity had come into the junkyard and killed off Old Deuteronomy, everything changed. Munk had disappeared during the night, not leaving one single note or clue as to where he could have gone. After about a week of no luck in finding the next Jellicle leader heir, Tugger was officially declared the new Jellicle leader, but it was his older brother Munk who was to become the leader. Alonzo had volunteered to be the leader (since he was Munk's second – in – command), but was shot down since Tugger was next in line after Munk.

"I can't take this anymore!" Tugger yelled. Misto jumped, startled by his friend's outburst.

"What do you mean?" Misto asked calmly.

"I mean I can't take any more responsibility!" Tugger said. "Look, I may be next in line after Munk, but I'm nothing like him! We're complete opposites! Why couldn't he be here to take over being the leader?!"

Misto stood up and laid a paw on Tugger's arm. "Tugger, I know how you feel. But Munk is – "

" – Missing, I know," Tugger finished. He sighed and closed his eyes. "I just wish he was here. And Dad, too."

"So do we," Misto added.

"It's that d**m Macavity," Tugger seethed. "He's the one who started this misery. I'm gonna kill him."

"Tugger, do I have to remind you that he's already dead?" Misto asked. Tugger managed a weak half – smile. Macavity had come back to the junkyard to kill off everyone, but he and Misto had a magic fight. Misto, even as the amateur, won the battle.

"Still, I'd like to show him what pain and misery he's caused us," Tugger replied. He flopped down onto the couch. The sound of tiny footsteps came from outside the den and a small head peeked through the door.

"Uncle Tugger?" Tugger's niece, Jemima, was staring at him and Misto with her big brown eyes.

"Come here," Tugger said softly. Jemima slowly walked up to Tugger and he pulled her into his lap. Jemima buried her face into Tugger's chest fur and he wrapped his arms around her small frame. Misto smiled softly at the scene.

"When's Daddy coming home?" Jemima asked. Tugger froze and glanced at Misto.

"I – I don't know, Jem," Tugger finally said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "We've been searching for him."

"Can you search harder?" Jemima asked hopefully. "Mommy still cries at night with me." Tugger sighed, thinking of his sister – in – law Demeter all alone at night with Jemima, wishing her mate and Jemima's father would come back home soon.

"We'll try," Tugger replied. Misto pulled the small kitten off Tugger's lap.

"Why don't you go find Victoria?" Misto said. "I know she's been wanting to see you." Giving one last sniffle, Jemima nodded and ran out of the den. Tugger stood up and stretched out his body. He walked over to his 'kitchen' and grabbed two beers out of the cooler.

"Here." Tugger tossed a can at Misto, who caught it with a distasteful look.

"You know I don't drink," Misto said, tossing him back the can.

Tugger shrugged. "Suit yourself."

Misto shook his head and exited Tugger's den. He sat on top of the TSE – 1 car and observed the junkyard. Everything had changed. Even the most hyper kitten, Etcetera, had grown quiet ever since Macavity's attack on the junkyard. The elder cats sat in silence every day, not sure of what to think now. There was talk amongst the Jellicles that Alonzo wanted to take Tugger's place, but it was against the rules. He noticed Jemima and Victoria were sitting together, but not really doing anything. Jemima missed her Daddy very much, and she didn't sing anymore. Her eyes were no longer bright, just filled with dullness.

Misto turned his face to the moon. "Everlasting Cat, give us strength."


Alright. What do you think so far?