The air was thick with fear and the silence of anxious cats. I drew Etsy in close as we listened. In stead od hearing a ferocious roar or even a growl there was high pitched laughter. I cocked my head to the side. Either Macavity was a girl or that wasn't him. My brow furrowed as I cought two calico cats crawling out of the junk.
'Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer? Are you kidding me!' I thought to myself.
The two slid down the rusty car and Rumpleteazer laught again. Each one held a bag in their paw. No doubt that they had just gotten back from a recent heist. The two looked around to make sure the coast was clear and foolishly back up into each other. In surprise the pair threw the bags into the air. After realizing that they had only backed into each other the two turned and started singing. Their thick british accents coated every word.
"Mungojerrie."
"And Rumpleteazer."
"Were a notorious couple of cats. "
"Knockabout clowns, quick change comedians tightrope walkers and acrobats."
"We have an extensive reputation. We make our home in Victoria Grove. This is merely our center of operation for we are incurably given to rove."
As the two finished their line Mungojerrie lept over Rumpleteazer's shoulders. The music style stayed the same, but the tempo increased greatly.
"When the family assembles for sunday dinner, thier minds made up that they wont get thinner."
"On Argentine joint."
"Potatoes and greens. And the cook with appear from behind the scenes."
"And say in a voice that is broken with sorrow 'I'm afraid you must wait and have dinner tomorrow. The joint has gone from the oven like that!'"
"And the family would say 'It's that horrible cat!'"
"Was it Mungojerrie?"
"Or Rumpleteazer?"
"And most of the time they leave it at that!"
As we watched the criminal duo perform their musical number I could feel Etsy relax. I rubbed m cheek against hers and purred. The striped kit smiled and did the same, but I could tell she was still a little uneasy.
"Oh, when this is over I'm giving those two such a bump on the head!" I whispered.
Etsy had to cover her mouth ith her paws in order to stifle her laughter. I couldn't help but giggle a little too.
"And when you hear a dining room smash or up from the panty came a loud crash! Or down from the library came a loud ping from a vase that was commonly said to be Ming. The family would say 'Now which was which cat?'"
"It was...Mungojerrie!"
"And Rumpleteazer!"
After Teazer sang her line the two performed quite the acrobatic stunt. They started off with a cartwheel. Then the calico queen jumped into her brother's arms. With her paws around his legs and his paws around her waist they did no-handed cartwheels across the court. It was very impressive.
"And there's nothing at all to be done about that!" Sang the twins as they finished their stunt.
The tribe came out of hiding to confront the two criminals. They tried to escape, but each direction they turned cats would be blocking them. So the two retreated and ran up onto the car. Their bags of treasure were thrown far over their heads. With their loot gone a look a dissappointment passed over their faces. As things started to calm down a flute solo started to play. It was sweet, but almost sad.
"Old Deuteronomy?" Said the tuexdo cat questionably.
"I believe it is Old Deuteronomy." Sang the two psychic twins.
The whole trible chimed in on the song. I felt really compelled to sing with them. Plus I hadn't participated in any of the night's festivities yet so I took a chance and joined in.
"Well, of all things, can it be really? Yes. No. Ho. Hi. Oh, my eye! My mind may be wandering, but I confess. I believe it is Old Deuteronomy."
I was shocked. My voice was so pretty. When I was a human I wasn't really that great of a singer, but now? It was amazing. My soprano voice was as pretty as the twinkling of silver bells. Something about performing with these cats felt right. It was like this was what I was supposed to be doing. I hadn't practised any of this, but each lyric and movement came to me and I was able to do everything in perfect timing with everyone else. As the tribe of cats laid on the ground I obediantly followed. The only cat that remained standing was Deuteronomy's son, Munkustrao. His baritone voice rang out in the courtyard.
"Old Deuteronomy's live a long time. He's a cat who had lived many lives in succession. He was famous in proverb and famous in rhyme a long while before Queen Victoria's accession. "
A different male voice sand the next lines. I rolled over and lifted my head. It was Tugger. Heaven knows where he went while we were all hiding, but he had returned to see the Jellicle leader.
"Old Deuteronomy's buried nine wives. and more - I am temped to say ninety-nine. And his numerous progeny prospers and thrives and the village is proud of him in his decline. "
I had to admit that the two toms could be brother. They didn't exactly look alike, but Munku had his father's markings and color while Tugger had his father's crazy mane. There was no mistaking that the two had silmilar sounding voices. They blended together as the two sang.
Well, of all things, can it be really? Yes. No. Ho. Hi. Oh, my eye! My mind may be wandering, but I confess. I believe it is Old Deuteronomy."
We all crowded around the tribe's second in command. Each feline anxious to greet the leader. Our voices joined together as Old Deuteronomy finally appeared. The cats flooded around him. Their paws streached out to grasp his coat and many cats buried their faces in his fur. Even Tugger bows to the elderly tom. I, however, stayed back to avoid almost being trampled. After the wave of cats had parted I stood to greet him. For a moment our eyes met, but neither of us moved. When a smile passed over his maw I ran and jumped into his arms. He held me as I nuzzled his shoulder. I was completely overwhelmed with joy. Even though I had seen him only days ago it felt like I was seeing my father after he had been missing for years. He put me down and touched my face with his paw. My eyes welled with happy tears and I smiled up at his kind face.
I helped Munkustrap lead Old Deuteronomy up onto his seat, still singing the whole way. As the tribe silenced themselves the leader's deep voice carried out his part of the song.
"My legs may be tottery, I must go slow and be careful of Old Deuteronomy."
The song's almost sad tone changed as Munkustrap started speaking. His voice held some mystery as well as excitement.
"Jellicle cats meet once a year on the night we make the Jellicle choice. And now that the Jellicle leader is here Jellicle cats can all rejoice!"
The cats moved out of the center court to allow Munku some room to perform. It was joined by Jemima and Victoria and we all kept Old Deuteronomy company. As everyone was getting settled the old tom turned to me and spoke.
"My dear you have such a wonderful voice." He said as he ran his paw down the back of my head.
"Oh, well thank you." I said bashfully.
"Old Deuteronomy, this is Anastasia. She was a human, but due to some strange magic she turned into a Jellicle cat. Isn't that strange?" Explained Jemima.
"Indeed it is little one. Anastasia is such a pretty name." Replied the tom.
Our focus was redirected to Munkustrap who begam to narrate a story. He was the only one standing in the courtyard. All the others had repositioned themselves elsewhere.
"Of the awful battle of the Pekes and Pollicles," Began the tom. "Together with some account of the participation of the Pugs and the Poms and the intervention of The Great Rumpus Cat."
There was a breif pause where the song's stately ton changed. The tom started singing again, but this time the words were quick. Despite the hurried tempo not a single mistake was made.
"The Pekes and the Pollicles, everyone knows, are proud and implacable passionate foes. It's always the same where ever one goes. And the Pugs and the Poms, although most people say, that they did not like fighting, but once in a way will now and again join into the fray and they..."
I observed that all the queens were on one side of the court and all the toms on the other. The two groups took turns barking as Munkustrap finished his line.
"Until you could hear them all over the park. Now on the occasion of which I shall speak almost nothing had happened for nearly a week and that's a long time for a Pol or Peke. The big police dog was away from his beat. I don't know the reason, but most people think he slipped into the Wellington Arms for a drink. And no one at all was about on the street when a Peke and a Pollicle happened to meet."
I finally understood what was going on. They were putting on a play for Old Deuterononmy that was recalling the events of a battle between two packs of dogs. I snickered as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer jumped out dressed as dogs.
"They did not advance or exactly retreat, but they glared at each other and scraped their hind feet. And they started to,"
The two were supposed to take turns barking, but when Jerrie barked twice in a row you could see confusion settling over the two. The once confidant 'Bark!' had turned into more of a 'Bark?'
"Until you could hear them all over the park. And they," Continued Munku.
Again the two attemped to bark in turn. The silver tom even directed them when it was their turn, but they still utterly failed. The tom rolled his eyes and continued on with the play.
"Until you could hear them all over the park. Now the Peke, although people say what they please, is no British dog, but a heathen Chinese. And so all the Pekes, when they heard the uproar, some came to the balcony some came to the door. There was surely a dozen ,more likely a score, and together they started to grumble and wheeze in their huffery snuffery heathen Chinese, but a terrible din is what Pollicles like for your Pollicle dog is a dour Yorkshire type."
Lined up on one side of the court was a train of toms with young Pouncival at the lead. Each one was dressed as a dog. They marched around the court singing, "There are dogs of every nation: The Irish, The Welsh and The Dane, The Russian, The Dutch, The Dalmation, and even from China and Spain. The Poodle, The Pom and The Alsatian, and the Mastiff who walks on a chain."
The line of cats wound their way around the courtyard and back up to Munkustrap. As they reached the silver tom he extended his arm and held the line leader an arms length away. The kitten batted at the tom who ignored the beatings to sing his part.
"And to those who are frisky and frollicle that my meaning be perfectly plain."
"That my name is Little Tom Pollicle and you better not do it again." Finished the parade of toms.
As Munku began the next part of the song Skimbleshanks and the tuxedo cat came out with shoes on their heads and plaid cloth tied around their paws. I was almost overcome with laughter and I could see the others were too. Even Old Deuteronmy couldn't hide the huge smile on his face.
"And is braw Scottish cousins are snappers and bitters and every dog-jack of them notable fighters. And so they stepped out with their pipers in order playing "When the Blue Bonnets Came Over the Border."
It was clear that poor Munkustrap was becoming quite frustrated with the production. He had to push the two cats standing next to him to their places while Rum Tum Tugger pranced around the court playing the bagpipes and knocking cats over. Nevertheless the tabby tom continued.
"Then the Pugs and the Poms held no longer aloof, but some from the balcony, some from the roof joined into the din with a,"
Again the chorus cats started to bark. I noticed something was missing. As I looked around the once occupied spaces were empty. Victoria and Jemima had joined into the skit leaving Old Deuteronomy and I alone.
"Have you made your decision?" Asked the old tom with his eyes still on the play.
I frowned and in an exasperated whisper replied, "No..."
Old Deuteronomy turned to me and smiled. His I dared to look up at his compassion filled eyes. Gently he took my paws.
"When the tim comes, my dear, I trust that you will make the right decision."
Just then, a loud eruption of barking came from the collection of cats. The angry Munkustrap ran to the back of the pack and screamed 'No!' at the top of his lungs. When the barking had ceased and all was quiet, he continued.
"Now when these bold heroes together assembled the traffic all stopped and the underground trembled. And some of the neighbors were so much afraid that they started to ring up the Fire Brigade. When suddenly up from a small basment flat why who should stalk out, but The Great Rumpus Cat!"
The Rumpus Cat lept out of the dark and crashed into a pile of garbage. Munkustrap rolled his eyes and raced to help the hero to his place.
"His eyes were like fireballs fearfully blazing," He began. "He gave a great yawn and his jaws were amazing. And when he looked through the bars of the area you'd never say anything feircer..."
The Rumpus Cat turned to face the silver male. A huge tuft of hair puffed up on his head.
"Or harrier..." Finished the tom nonchalantly. There was a breif pause before he proceeded with the tale."And what with the glare of his eyes and yawning the Pekes and the Pollicles quickly took warning He looked at the sky and he gave a great leap and every last one of them scattered like sheep.
The cats quickly ran and hid as Munku instructed. While in the shadows each feline took of their costume.
"And when the police dog returned to his beat there wasn't a single one left on the street."
"All hail and bow to The Great Rumpus Cat!" Sang the choir of cats as they rejoined Munku in the court.
With the play coming to a close the tribe drew in close to Old Deuteronomy. I felt the old tom's side and joined them on the ground as he started to sing.
"Jellicle cats and dogs all must. Pollicle dogs and cats all must. Like undertakers come to dusk..."
The Jellicle leader was cut off by a flash of light and the sound of thunder. The felines looked around. Each one had panic spread over their faces. Over the noise I could hear Demeter shout, "Macavity!"
I made my way back to the pipe to hide, but this time I was alone. I watched Munkustrap guard his father until everything was all clear. Victoria and Jemima crept out of the dark and began to dance.
"Jellicle cats come out tonight. Jellicle cats come one come all." Sang Old Deuteronomy. He beckoned for the cats to come out of hiding.
"The Jellicle moon is shining bright. Jellicles come to the Jellicle ball." Resumed the tom. This time both of the kits joined him.
"Jellicle cats are black and white. Jellicle cats are rather small." Purred Alanzo as he danced out of the shadows. "Jellicle cats are black,"
"And white." Added Pouncival.
"And pleasnant to hear when we caterwaul." Trilled the two kits.
"Jellicle cats have cheerful faces." Sang Skimbleshanks.
"Jellicle cats have bright black eyes." Added Tumblebrutus.
Out of the night danced the tuxedo cat as he sang, "We like to practise our airs and graces."
"And wait for the Jellicle moon to rise." Chanted the tribe.
I crawled out of the pipe and watched as each cat performed a part of the number in either solos, duets, or trios. Things were happening so rapidly it was hard to keep up. All I knew was that I didn't want to be left out. As soon as they started on a part that I already knew I jumped right in.
"Jellicle cats come out tonight. Jellicle cats come one, come all. The Jellicle moon is shining bright. Jellicles come to the Jellicle ball."
I'm still convinced that some of the things that happened that night were no short of a miracle. I think about the way I danced and still to this day I have no idea how I knew what to do and there is no explination, save that of an act of the Everlasting Cat. As we finished the group portion of the number we moved aside so that a few of the toms could dance their solos. The tuxedo cat, Pouncival, and Alanzo performed such graceful movemts. It was stunning to see toms dance like that. Out of the shadows came Tumblebrutus who did several incredible backflips in a row. He was followed by Cassandra who cartwheeled across the court. They all made what for Bomballurina who did a very seductive solo. She was joined by Etcetera and Cassandra. The dance eventually became a battle of the sexes as all the queens, including myself, went onto the dance floor followed shortly by the toms. Each gender tried to show up the other. A devilish grin spread across my face as Mungojerrie joined in the battle as my partner. I gave it my best shot to impress him and I didn't do a half bad job. I felt the tom slide his paws around my waist and flip me over his shoulder. We were back to back only I was upside down. The only thing keeping my from falling was his strength. I arched my back a little and grabbed his waist for more support. Being thrown upside down over someone's shoulders is not the most comfortable position. I took a quick glance around to see all the queens being put in a lift by their partners. Mungojerrie carried me to the back and gently placed me on the ground as Tumblebrutus and the tuxedo tom took the stage.
"You're quite the talented dancer." The tom said with a smile.
"Why, thank you my dear." I replied while fluttering my eyelashes. There was something about this guy that I really liked. Maybe it was that he was a bad boy criminal. Or the fact that he was secretly sweet. I couldn't put a finger on it, but what ever it was I liked it.
I flirtaciously trailed my paw down his arm just before dissappearing back into the crowd of dancing cats. The remaining sanity of my old self was screaming for me to run, to get out while I still could. The person I was becoming was already too lost in the music and toms to care what Rebecca was saying.
The dance was growing wildly out of control. Poor Deuteronomy had to get up and walk among us in an attempt to calm everyone down. Seeing as no one wanted to hurt the leader the dancing mellowed and the music died with it. We all positioned ourselves on the ground. Everyone except Victoria. She started to dance and was quickly joined by Plato. It was a very sentual and intimated duet which could only mean one thing. They were becoming a pair. As I looked around I noticed all the cats were pairing up. Both sets of twins were in brother/sister pairs, but everyone else was curled up with their significant other or love intrest. I was a little jelous of Teaser. She and Jerrie were so close and I couldn't go over there and butt in. A part of me, the sane part that is, felt utterly alone. To shake the feeling I made my way over to Etcetera who rubbed her face on my shoulder. We snuggled up together as the trible became a giant snuggle pile.
Just as everyone had settled down the psychic twins suddently sat up. Following them was the tuxedo cat. We all sat up as the tom pointed to Grizabella was a watching from afar. The cats paid no attention to her and started dancing again. With the upbeat music and my mind on the moves I quickly forgot the lonely and awkward feeling I had only seconds ago.
Different groups danced in and out of the center of the court. I ended up in a group with Bomballurina, Demeter and a few other queens. We dissappeared momentarily and then reappeared when all the females were out on the dance floor. Eventually we were joined by the toms who had their own group dance. The musc slowed and then sped up rapidly as the ball came to a close. With the last note everyone struck a pose.
As Grizabella limped out on the court we all retreated. Everyone's attitude of her hadn't changed since the last time she tried to crash the ball. Most ignored her, a few sneered and even fewer still tried to touch her. She was almost along in the courtyard when Jelly started to sing. Behind her was Jelly and Jemima. Next to her crouched Victoria.
"You see the border of her coat is torn and stained with sand..."
As she was singing the white queen crept along to try and touch Grizabella. Just before their fingers touched, Jelly tore her away.
"You see the corner of her eye twist like a crooked pin." Sang Jemima who was also riped from the old queen's sight. Just before turning away Jenny let out a vicious hiss.
Grizabella was finally alone. She tried to dance as we had moments ago, but each move was awkward or painful. Not a single cat moved to join her, but she continued to dance even though it was in vain. She finally abandoned the idea and started to sing instead.
"Midnight. Not a sound from the pavement. Has the moon lost her memory? She is smiling alone. In the lamplight the withered leaves collect at my feet and the wind begins to moan. Every street lamp seems to beat a fatalistic warning. Someone mutters at the street lamp gutters and soon it will be morning. Memory. All alone in the moonlight. I can smile at the old days. I was beautiful then. I remember a time I knew what happiness was. Let the memory live again."
As her haunting voice faded she limped back into the shadows. What could she of done to be so deserted? As soon as her shape dissappeared into the shadows the cats came crawling out again. Jelly came walking out with a seriously old cat who clung to her arm. I assumed it was Gus who was Jelly's mate. He was the only one I had never met and I could recall Jelly saying that he hardly left the den. They dragged out an empty paint can for him to sit on. As the elderly tom was seated and the tribe's attention was redirected, Old Deuterononmy started singing.
"The moments of happiness. We had the experience, but missed the meaning and approach to the meaning restored the experience in a different form. Beyond all meaning we can assign to happiness the past experience revived in the meaning. It is not the experience of one life only, but of many generations. Not forgetting something that is probably quite ineffable."
I looked around. Was no one else getting this? I saw an awful lot of blank stares. I want to stand up and expain, but that would of been rude. I was amost astonished at how this went over everyone's heads. It was clear that Old Deuteronomy was trying to explain that true happiness isn't something you can label or assign one specific memory to.
My eyes darted over to Coricopat and Tantomile who were doing something both weird and unexplainable. What ever it was it must of been something to do with their psychic abilities. Cori touched Tanto's paw who then linked paws with Jemima. The beautiful kit stood and began to sing. Her beautiful soprano voice carried out over the silent courtyard.
"Moonlight. Turn your face to the moonlight. Let your memory lead you. Open up, enter in. If you find there the meaning of what happiness is then a new life will begin."
As she finished her song everyone joined in to sing. We stood and stated into the face of the moon. The trance was broken by Gus who wanted to be with Deuteronomy. The old tom wandered over to the Jellicle leader who wrapped his arm around the frail cat's shoulders. Jelly scurried over to take her mate back to his seat. Everyone else went about their merry way, but I remained transfixed witht the moon's bluish glow. Everything seemed so clear now. I was given a chance at a new life and the ability to experience true happiness that I couldn't achieve with my old life. It was evident now more than ever that perhaps I really should stay.
Author's Note: Sorry this took me so long. I'm even more sorry that the next chapter will take me even longer. Yes, I am indeed breaking the musical portion of the story into three parts. It would take me a million years to write it originally and then a million more to edit it and post it on here. Anyways, enjoy and I'll try to get the next part up as soon as I can.