The rest of the day passed in a blissful oblivion to Victoria

The rest of the day passed in a blissful oblivion to Victoria. However it passed rather differently to others.

"Where's my Gumbie suit?" demanded Jennyanydots to no-one in particular.

"Who's got my sparkly jacket?" cried Mistoffelees.

"Someone's taken my belt!" yelled Tugger.

Plato stayed resolutely on the tyre most of the day, happy to watch the other cats go about their business, only moving when Jennyanydots shooed him off the tyre as the sun started to go down, doing her last minute clean of the tyre for Old Deuteronomy to sit on. Plato climbed down the steps and trotted next to Etcetera, who was wearing a very familiar belt around her neck.

"Won't Tugger be angry?" inquired Plato, indicating the belt.

Etcetera gave him a wide smile "Yes. But it means that he'll speak to me!" she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Anyway," she continued "How are things with you and Victoria? We didn't mean to upset her yesterday."

Plato shook his head. "I know. But I haven't spoken to her today. You know the rules: 'No seeing the queen before the Ball', it's bad luck!"

They carried on chatting as the sky darkened, and moths fluttered low in the warm summer evening air. Plato marvelled at the beauty of the Junkyard; of the kittens chasing the moths and the way that the moonlight gleamed off the old car. He sighed contentedly, happy to be surrounded by his friends, his family, and the queen he loved.

Meanwhile, Victoria (much to her disgust) had been rolling in the smelliest dirt patch she could find, in the hope that her human would give her a bath in that nice smelling shampoo. She returned to the Junkyard positively glowing in the moonlight. She glanced around and saw the other cats getting into their positions for the opening to the evening. Victoria hurried over to the old car next to Jennyanydots and waited for Munkustrap to start the festivities.

After they had all paid homage to the great Everlasting Cat everyone got into the small group so that they could contemplate their Names. As Victoria recited the ancient speech she prepared herself for the complicated dance ahead. When the time was right, she crept off to the back of the group, ready to begin. As Mistoffelees entered the pipe she began to perform the sacred 'Coming of Age' dance that every kitten queen must dance at some point. As she pivoted, the words recited themselves clearly in her mind.

Jellicle Cats come out tonight, Jellicle Cats come one, come all. The Jellicle moon is shining bright, Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball.

Victoria breathed deeply as she neared the end of her dance, balancing on her hindquarters. She heard Mistoffelees run out to her and she ended her solo, having performed it perfectly. Her part was over for now.

Plato had watched Victoria dance from the shadows of the Junkyard. His eyes filled with tears at her grace and beauty as she performed. He considered himself very lucky to have someone as beautiful as Victoria.

However Plato was not the only tom watching Victoria from the shadows. Mungojerrie had escaped his sister and was observing the white queen before him. He had not bothered with chasing Victoria, it was true, but something in the pit of his heart stirred as he watched her dance, and he felt sad. A feeling that did not occur to him very often. He regretted having not tried to pursue Victoria. Sighing, Mungojerrie shook himself back to reality.

She's too good for you.

First to be honoured was Jennyanydots. Victoria and the kittens performed their 'mouse' parts joyfully. Everyone loved Jennyanydots, true, she could be pedantic at times but her heart was there. Jennyanydots' well mannered frivolity was then interrupted by a tom. A tom that sent Etcetera (and many other queens) into fits of hysterics.

Tugger.

Victoria danced for Tugger as best she could, feeling only slightly ashamed that she had a very good looking tom of her own. But Plato was taking it well; he seemed to be flirting a little with Tugger himself! However, Tuggers self appreciation did not last very long. It was interrupted by an old, dirty queen that Victoria did not recognise, but the older cats were regarding her with dislike and even aggression. When she and Etcetera went to investigate, they were pulled back by Jellylorum, who seemed wary of the queen. Eventually the queen that Demeter had named 'Grizabella' left, leaving her and the younger cats in a state of wonder and confusion.

Plato felt rather ashamed of himself. He was nearly an adult male, and shouldn't be pushing his friends into attacking unknown visitors (even if they did smell pretty bad). He hoped that Pouncival hadn't scratched her too badly. But as this thought passed through his mind he heard a definite thumping of heavy, feline pawsteps. He turned to see the bulking body of Bustopher Jones entering the Junkyard. Jennyanydots looked about ready to burst with delight.

Victoria groaned when she saw Bustopher. She did not care for him, he gave the toms far too much attention and the queens often got shunned to the side. This, predictably was the case, while the toms surrounded Bustopher as he discussed his favourite food Victoria was deep in discussion with Cassandra, who had danced the mating ritual with Alonzo only two balls ago. As Cassandra delved into the more interesting details of her and Alonzo's relationship Bustopher came out of his food reverie. Cassandra and Victoria exchanged grins as Alonzo and Plato lined up to be inspected by Bustopher, a little tradition of his. When the inspection had finished, Bustopher gave Jennyanydots his flower, possibly the first bit of attention Victoria had ever seen him give a queen.

Suddenly there was a loud smashing sound, and ever watchful Demeter gave a warning cry of 'Macavity!' a vicious cat that Victoria had only heard of (and she hoped to keep it that way). The cats all scattered, leaving Munkustrap and Alonzo to keep an eye on things.

Behind one of the junk piles, Plato watched Victoria anxiously pacing the ground. He longed to go and comfort her, but he was stopped by the superstition and by Skimbleshanks, who gave him a warning look of "Don't even think about it."

Plato nodded. He knew the rules.