Good evening, everyone! It's been a great day, hasn't it? So warm and bright, and now, as night falls, you can hear birds sing their final songs. You can see the sun falling over the horizon as the moon begins to take its place. What a beautif-
The radio clicked off.
"Ugh. I literally cannot stand that woman," my best friend, Tumblebrutus, complained.
Etcetera grinned. "Yeah, she's always like, super cheery and shit. It's super annoying." I nodded my head in agreement. "Electra, could you pass me the lighter? Thanks, doll," she added when I tossed her the cigarette lighter.
We were all talking about Grizabella's Glamour Show, the radio show that came on every morning. It was hosted by the town laughingstock, Grizabella. She was an old hag that everyone said used to be a beauty queen, but fell from glory when her scandal broke out all over the news. What kind of scandal? I'll let someone else tell you about it.
Tumble held his cigarette out for Etcetera to light. Once ignited, he took a long drag. "I can't believe she's actually allowed to host that stupid show," he drawled, offering me the cancer stick. I refused. I did smoke, but only when school got super stressful, or when we were with the tribe. Since school was still out and we were by ourselves, there was no need to punish my lungs.
I shook my head. "That crazy bitch can do whatever she likes, as long as she stays away from our territory," I huffed. "She's already caused enough trouble around here; we don't need any more from her."
Etcetera closed her eyes and hummed in agreement. Suddenly, my phone pinged. I reached into my pocket to check the notification. "Oh my gosh guys, Bomba wants us all over at her place. The big cats are gonna welcome the kittens into high school!" I jumped up in excitement. "That means us!"
My friends scrambled to their feet, eyes shining. Without wasting any time, we all hopped on our vehicles and rushed to the teen queen's joint. Etcetera rode on the handlebars of Tumble's bike while I pushed along on my skateboard.
In no time, we had reached the small house that our friend called home. There were already several people lounging around in the evening light. As we pulled up, some of them cheered, yelling out stuff like, "Here come the big cats!" and "Claws out, kitties!"
Bombalurina met us at the doorstep. "Well, well, well," she drawled, "if it isn't the last of the kittens. The rest are inside; come on in!" As per usual, I was stunned by the girl's getup. She was wearing a fishnet crop top that showed off her toned stomach (and neon yellow bra), as well as a pair of tattered jean shorts. Her makeup was simple red lip and dark eye with cat eye liner, making her seem even more cat-like. She was the epitome of sexy elegance, and I knew she knew it.
We followed the voluptuous teen inside where we were greeted by dim lights, soft jazz, and lots of people. "Damn, Bomba," Tumble said in wonder, "how'd you get the entire tribe here?"
Bomba laughed. "Everyone wants to support the kittens," she replied, then she called out to the people lying around, "The last of the kittens are here! Let's show 'em how the big cats rock!" Her words were met with cheers. Everyone stood and started surrounding us, offering high fives, fist bumps, and hugs. I locked eyes with Pouncival and Jemina. They laughed and waved, but couldn't move.
Arms wrapping themselves around my waist made me squeal. The Rum Tum Tugger, the biggest fuckboy in the tribe, lifted me up and swung me around. "This kitten right here has been claimed by me!" he announced. Etcetera gazed up at me with jealousy, making me laugh. She had had a crush on the senior ever since we had been given our tribe names. Even though he was joking, I couldn't help but give my friend a smug glace before the Coon tickled my sides, making me double over in laughter.
Besides, I mentally told her, I'm not even the worst competition for the guy. There's still Bomba-
Right on cue, the red-haired tabby girl called for everyone's attention. She glared at me, and I flushed. She was the other one who was obsessed with the tom, and did everything to get him to notice her. Unfortunately for her (and every other female), Tugger was as fickle as a pickle. Nothing she did ever pleased him enough to make him stay, and that frustrated her to no end.
"Alright, cool cats. You ready to rock and roll?" The tribe roared. "Then let's go fuck with the Pollicles!" she screamed. Everyone surged out the door. I saw Bomba talking to Jemina and Victoria, but I was too caught up in the noise that I couldn't hear what they were saying.
Everyone piled into the cars parked outside. There were so many of us, some had to hang in the truck beds or out the windows. I felt so cool as we rolled down the street, wind tangling my short black hair. I turned to Tumble and grinned, not needing to say anything to express my elation. Tumble returned the sentiments; I could tell by the excited gleam in his eyes. Pouncival, who hopped in the back of the truck with us, tapped me on the elbow.
"This isn't Pollicle territory," he pointed out, confused, as we started to slow. I looked around and, sure enough, we were still quite far away from the rival gang's part of town. I bit my lip in confusion, glancing at Pouncival questioningly.
After a few more minutes, the mob of cars pulled up to the train station. We hopped out of the truck bed, stumbling a bit before finding our balance. Jemina ran up to me and gave me a hug.
"I'm so excited!" she exclaimed. "Bomba told Victoria and I that we could sit out and get our collars later since we live so close to the Pollicles, but I told her that I ain't afraid 'a no dog!" She puffed out her chest. "Vicky stayed behind with Exotica and Demeter, though. Don't blame her either. Her parents would go nuts if they found out she runs with the tribe."
I listened to my friend ramble on. She was the youngest in the tribe, two years younger than the rest of the kittens. She had skipped a couple of grades, which is why she could join us now in the festivities. There was another reason though, I was sure, something that had to do with her wide-eyed innocence, the way she could make someone on their worst day, her ability to charm anyone into doing what she asked. All of the older members looked at her with a type of fondness that made her the unofficial-official "forever kitten."
Suddenly, I realized what she said. "Collars?" I asked, cocking my head. Her eyes widened. "Oops," she muttered sheepishly. "I gave away the surprise."
I started jumping up and down excitedly. Jemina had to shush me and hold me down until I was calm enough to walk. You see, all of the high school members had collars. They were worn during patrols and afterschool fights to show our dominance and loyalty to the tribe. Adults had them as well, but preferred to wear bracelets to show where they came from.
Walking inside the station, I was met with a cool blast of air and a rush of activity. Several adults were there: Jellylorum, Jennyanydots, Skimbleshanks, Asparagus, Bustopher Jones, even Admetus and the twins Tantomile and Coricopat, who graduated just last year. And, of course, there was Old Deuteronomy, our old leader. Munkustrap stood next to his grandfather, proud and regal as always.
The high schoolers were rushing around, pulling on gloves and their own collars. I looked on in wonder until Old D cleared his throat.
"Kittens, please step forward," he called us. I nervously wrung my hands as I moved to the front of the room. Etcetera clung to my arm while Tumble and Jemina stuck close behind. The rest of the kittens huddled together. Old D smiled warmly at our hesitance. He cleared his throat again, and started speaking.
"Tonight is a wonderful night," he began. "While some have left us in favor of pursuing their dreams, we have the privilege to give their places to the bright young children standing before us now. These kittens have chosen their tribe names, proven their loyalty, and shown what it means to be a Junkyard Jellicle. Now, I am honored to present them with their collars and gloves. These are the symbols of our tribe; wear them proudly."
Each of the adults came forward and placed a collar around our necks. Bustopher tightened the spiked choker until he was certain it wouldn't slip. Satisfied, he stepped back and winked at me. "Congratulations," he murmured, handing me a pair of black and white gloves. I couldn't stop the mile-wide grin that stretched across my face.
Tantomile was fixing Etcetera's collar, a white one with a small bell. The psychic girl gave my friend a pair of plain white gloves and stepped back. Etcetera turned to me, buzzing with excitement. I knew how she felt. We're big cats now!
Old D clapped his hands. "Go on," he said, "your rite of passage has been completed; it is time to celebrate! Happy Jellicle Ball!"
Tugger raised his head. "JELLICLE BAAAAAALLLL!" he screamed. The rest of us followed suit, yowling at the top of our lungs. We rushed for the door, once again piling into the vehicles. This time, however, I noticed the twins and Admetus following us. The latter winked at me. "The graduates have been tasked with keeping you crazy cats in check. You know, so you don't do anything too crazy," he explained, hopping in the front of the truck us former kittens were piled in.
A rumble was the only warning we got before the truck launched forward. We all laughed and joked around, showing off our new collars. Tumble had a gray studded one, while Jemina got a spiked one similar to mine. Pouncival had a simple leather strip, which we all agreed suited him.
As we drew closer and closer to the Pollicle territory, our jovial conversations ceased. A hum of quiet excitement filled the air around us.
The cars parked at the edge of the Jellicle/Pollicle divide. We stepped out of our vehicles, tense, crossing the border. The older cats spoke in whispers, handing out eggs to everyone. I followed the group, clutching Tumble's hand. Finally, after what seemed like hours, we stopped in front of a big house.
Bomba, Tugger, and Munku quietly pushed us and the rest of the kittens to the front. "This is the top dog's house," Tugger explained quietly. "Every year, we have the newly collared kittens start caterwauling before we egg 'em." He looked at us. Even in the poorly lit street, I could see the feral gleam in his eyes. It both frightened and excited me. "Are you ready?"
At first, no one moved. The silence was so thick, it felt like I could cut it with a knife. The moon peeked out from behind a cloud, and that's when I strengthened my resolve.
I took a deep breath, but Tumble beat me to it. He let out the loudest screech I had ever heard. I joined in, screaming at the top of my lungs. Soon, the rest of them were yowling, making such a racket that lights were flicked on inside the house. I rushed to the front of the group and threw my egg as hard as I could. A satisfying splat resonated. More and more threw their eggs after me, all while screaming. Dogs were barking all over the neighborhood by that time, and other households were waking up to see what the fuss was about.
Laughing, the older cats started running down the street, yowling and egging every house, car, and person unfortunate enough to catch their eye. Cassandra started cartwheeling, Bomba pirouetted, Munku leaped, and Alonzo flipped. We all started dancing, the strains of a song coming out through the obnoxious noise:
Jellicle cats come out tonight
Jellicle cats come one, come all
The Jellicle Moon is shining bright
Jellicles, come to the Jellicle Ball!
I laughed and sang along, dancing my way through the street. Suddenly, we heard a loud growl coming from behind us. I froze. Pollicles were chasing after us!
A collective scream sounded from the cats, but it was more thrill than fear. I started running, desperate to escape the angry gang that chased us. The ground, however, seemed to have other ideas.
My feet hit a section of uneven pavement on the sidewalk, and I fell painfully to the concrete. I winced as I clambered back to my feet. Rushing to catch up to the others, I fell again. You've got to be kidding me, I groaned inwardly. Why am I so clumsy right now?
A low voice chuckled behind me. "I got one!" the Pollicle called, stepping on my back to keep me down. I screamed. This was the worst situation to be in, and I had somehow managed to get in it.
The Pollicle suddenly yelped, taking its foot off my back and falling backwards. I scrabbled to my feet, where Admetus and the twins were holding back the fearsome dogs. Admetus offered me his hand, which I took, and pulled me along at a faster pace than I could have managed on my own.
After a minute or two, we caught up with the rest of the group waiting at the cars. Still holding my hand, Admetus brought me to the truck we came in, where he offered me shotgun. Numbly, I climbed in. He shut the door quickly and hopping in the back. The horde of cars started up, and we rushed out of there, many yelling perverse phrases and sounds at the howling Pollicles.
The danger behind us, my composure quickly unraveled, and I started sobbing. Plato, who was driving, grasped my leg.
"Hey now, kit," he said, quickly glancing over at me, "nuthin' to be scared of. Y'did jus' fine." This did nothing to help ease me as I continued to bawl. Admetus tapped on the back window to get our attention before sliding it open.
He smiled at me through the review mirror. "Ya know, Plato here got caught by the Pollicles his first Ball, too," he said with a grin. "They would have beat the shit out of him had I not saved his crazy ass." His gaze softened. "You weren't the only one struggling. Little Pouncie took a tumble too, and even Cassandra tripped over her own feet. This is her third year doing it!" he chuckled. "My point is, don't be ashamed. We've all had close calls, but we made it out. Why?" He punched my shoulder lightly. "Because we've got each other's backs," he emphasized. "I won't abandon you, and you won't abandon anyone else. Got it?" I nodded, wiping my face.
Plato grumbled. "You did NOT need to save me then," he told the older cat. "I woulda been fine on mah own."
I giggled. Yeah, I did almost get captured by our rival gang. That wasn't the most pleasant experience. But watching the two toms bicker over the past, I felt...good. Alive. I fingered the spikes on my new collar. It's good to be a Jellicle.