Disclaimer

I do not own characters from this musical/play/poems.

All characters from "Cats" are owned by

T. S. Eliot and Andrew Lloyd Webber

Chapter One

Rum Tum Tugger knew that he was always going to be welcomed as he entered the junkyard. He knew his fan club will not let him down; especially that perpetually screaming kitten was its leader. As he walked into the junkyard, he was surprised that there was no one who was running up to him, screaming his name. No one was fighting for his attention. No one noticed that he was in their presence. This was definitely a start of a bad day, he thought to himself.

He found all the queens and some of the toms gathered in a corner, looking at something or someone, Rum Tum Tugger thought who was, which was impossible, more interesting than him.

He saw Cassandra walk away from the crowd, caressing her neck at the same time. As she saw Rum Tum Tugger, she went to him and said

"You should go over there. Etcetera's collar is to die for. I want to have my own. "

He did go there, pretending to be not as curious he really is. In the middle of the circle was Etcetera, who was showing off her brand new collar and as Rum Tum Tugger moved in closer to see, had diamonds on it.

"You shouldn't let Mungo and Rumpleteezer see that or you know it's bye bye." Sillabub said.

"Do you think your human can use another cat?" Victoria asked.

"Diamonds have a lot of magical powers." Mistofelees said, as he tried to touch the collar and Etcetera pushed his paw away.

"It is not safe for a kitten to travel with a collar like that. " Jemima commented.

"Jemima's right. You should swap with something less conspicuous." Jennyanydots added.

Etcetera sighed. All the attention made her blush. No wonder Rum Tum Tugger loves this. Having your own fan club, having other cats fawn over you, she never had this before. It was better than having a plate of cat food all for yourself.

"I am not going to let Mungojerry and Rumpleteezer get 10 miles near this collar. I doubt if they need more cats since there are 3 of us in the house. I think diamonds are better off displayed then used for experiments. I don't like simple. Plain collars bore me. " Etcetera said to her staring friends.

In the corner of her eye, she saw Rum Tum Tugger eyeing the collar. She knew he wanted it for himself. It was over the top and it was just perfect for someone like him. She also knew that he was pissed that no one was going crazy for him right now.

"You know, kittens are not supposed to wear collars that. It belongs to someone who has personality." Rum Tum Tugger finally said, approaching her as the other cats moved about to make a space for him.

"What am I? Dead? I have personality. "Etcetera said, trying to control her feelings that her obsession was finally talking to her.

"But not enough. Something like that demands attention and the one that carries it, should know how to handle all the pressure."

"Oh please. You are just jealous." Etcetera said, rolling her eyes. She looked at Electra and Victoria, "Right? Come on guys, let us do something fun."

-888-

Bombalurina went over to Rum Tum Tugger who was watching Etcetera walk away. She was surprised that he held his attention for someone else for more than 1 minute.

"Do you know her name?" She asked.

"Who? The screamer?" Bombalurina nodded. Rum Tum Tugger thought deeply. He always called her "Screamer" but he never cared for her real name. He shook his head.

Bombalurina laughed, "Etcetera. Her name is Etcetera. Gosh, Rum, you'd think she's a Jellicle cat so she'd be worthy enough to be remembered for her real name but no."

Rum Tum Tugger groaned, "Rock stars don't know all the names of their fans. Why should I?"

"Amazing. I never thought your ego would be that big. "someone replied.

Rum Tum Tugger looked around and saw Jemima.

"I couldn't help but overhear you guys talk," Jemima continued with a frown, "Hey rock star, you only have four female fans. You heard that right. Four. And you can't remember our names. "

"Four?" Rum Tum Tugger repeated. As if. Not only was this cat an eavesdropper, she was also a liar.

"Yeah, four. Go ahead and pretend you're the best thing that ever happened to this world. But really, you are just an insecure, inept and-"Jemima yelled.

"Jemima, stop it!" Bombalurina ordered. "You shouldn't talk to Rum Tum Tugger like that. He is older than you. Show him some respect."

"I only show respect to those I feel that deserve it." Jemima shot back, sticking out her tongue at Rum Tum Tugger.

"Your father would hear about this." Rum Tum Tugger warned. He walked out and went to look for Munkustrap.

-888-

Etcetera saw Jemima yelling at Rum Tum Tugger from a distance. She can't believe that her friend actually did what she asked. It was beyond amazing. As Rum Tum Tugger went to look for Munkustrap and Bombalurina to get Jennyanydots, Jemima ran to her friend and said,

"You owe big time."

Etcetera smiled, "Relax. Your father won't make a big thing out of this. He knows what Rum Tum Tugger is like when his ego is damaged."

"But still, Dad's gonna ground me for sure."

"Wanna bet?"

Jemima looked at Etcetera suspiciously. Her friend was up to something but she can't tell what. First she asked her to scream at Rum Tum Tugger. Now, she acts like she can read other cat's minds that she can tell what her Dad will do to her.

What the heck is going on?