Demeter's Unfinished Business
By: jelliclesoul635
Summary: Demeter dies, but is she truly gone forever?
Disclaimer: I do not own CATS.
Warning: Not only character death, but this also may or may not be the only chapter of the story.
Two weeks to the Jellicle Ball.
A group of felines had gathered in the center of the Junkyard to rehearse one of the biggest performances in Jellicle Ball history. Every member of the tribe was included, some with solos, others divided into smaller groups which were provided a specific slot of time to show off and seize center stage. After all, everyone deserves their fifteen minutes of fame, no? Even if it was only for a minute or two...
Demeter was rehearsing with her small group of cats consisting of herself, Bombalurina, Cassandra, and Tantomile. The four of them practiced their elegant dance moves and experimented with their voices to achieve the best sound for their number. The number was slow, but emotionally intoxicating; particularly in the way they utilized their magnificent talents.
Demeter had called upon Munkustrap earlier that morning to watch the rehearsal and provide suggestions and criticism for the group. They wanted to be perfect.
As the music faded and the felines, in amazing synchronization, halted their movement, Munkustrap clapped furiously.
"That was wonderful!" he bellowed with glee. "It was delightful, enchanting, just completely and utterly awesome! I'm so proud of you! I wouldn't change anything about the number; I would leave it exactly as it is. I love it!"
Demeter was ecstatic. She knew the number was good, but she didn't think it had achieved the perfection all four felines had set out to claim... at least not yet.
Demeter approached him, leaving the other three behind. "Seriously? You think it's perfect?"
"I know it is! You're going to blow them away at the ball." Munkustrap closed the gap between himself and Demeter as he embraced her in a spinning hug that lifted her off the ground and positioned her solidly against his sturdy frame. As he held her up, her waist aligned with his chest, she smiled at him, and he could only return the gesture just as brightly. Something about that smile made him believe that everything would be alright so long as they were together. It was raining sunshine whenever Demeter was around.
"Let's go get something to eat. I'm starving and after a performance like that on an empty stomach I know you've got to be, too." Munkustrap ever so gently let Demeter down, not letting go until he could feel her weight shift with her paws reaching ground once more.
Reluctantly, Demeter separated herself from Munkustrap and began walking backwards, away from her cherished silver tabby. "That sounds fantastic, but I've got to rehearse just a bit longer. I promise Munk, just a couple more run-through's and we'll both kiss hunger good-bye as we stuff our mouths full of London's finest!" she replied energetically while running back to her friends to continue practicing.
Before Demeter could reach her group, a scent invaded Munkustrap's nostrils. The passing breeze was tainted with the stench of the Napoleon of Crime and all too soon, hell had broken loose. Life, as the tabby knew it, was about to crumble.
Munkustrap turned his head in time to see the red maniac letting go of the elastic band of a sling-shot. His eyes followed its route and to his horror, his gaze fell upon the smiling and waving golden-ebony Jellicle who was still retreating towards the center of the yard.
Everything seemed to function in slow motion now for Munkustrap. Before he could react, before he could have a sliver of a chance to stop the events from unfolding before him, it had happened.
The object, whatever it was that was launched from Macavity's sling-shot, had grazed the side of Demeter's neck. It hadn't protruded her neck completely, but it had cut deeply enough in her flesh to cause a tear in the jugular vein of the delicate calico's throat. A small fountain of blood began to spew from the injury rapidly. Her face contorted in an expression that cannot be adaquately described. With a paw pressing on the wound, Demeter found herself coming closer and closer to the ground, with the threat of death lingering near by.
As her legs gave out, Munkustrap had already begun running towards his beloved queen. She was on the ground, quivering and writhing about by the time he reached her. Blood pooled beneath.
He crashed down on the ground beside her, fumbling, but eventually composing himself enough to cradle the increasingly limp form of his mate. He held onto her, looking into her abnormally wide emerald eyes – filled with terror and confusion. Her mouth, struggling to form words.
The only thing Munkustrap could do was comfort her.
"Demi, it's alright. Everything's going to be okay, now. I promise. Just hang in there." he couldn't restrain himself. The tears spilled over the brim of his eyes as the sinking feeling settled in that this would be the last time he ever spoke to the one he loved.
"Demeter darling, I'm here now. I won't let anything happen to you. Everything's gonna be okay. Just don't leave me. You promised me lunch, remember? You can't go now. I need you."
Demeter's eyes fluttered… then closed.
"Please don't leave me! Demeter, please! I can't live without you! I love you." Munkustrap begged, pleaded, sobbed. But it was too late, fate had taken the wheel and had driven Munkustrap's life straight into a wall.
There was nothing he could do.
She was gone.
A/N: I have a few ideas for this story. I'm not sure if I'll carry any of them out or just leave this as a one-shot. We'll have to see. Review, please! If you have ideas, let me know! It could be a while before there is any more of this, just so you know.
And I know, I have a couple of other current stories I should be focusing my attention on, so please don't get on me for those! I haven't forgotten! I promise I will get to them soon! Just a bit of patience is all I ask for! Thanks in advance!