Thanks for the well wishes and the reviewing! I'm so glad everyone likes this so far…
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize from the musical is not my own, but belongs to the Everlasting Cats, T.S. Elliot and Andrew Loyd Webber.
Mild Swearing.
Chapter Seven: Oh, What A Night
"So how has he been doing lately?"
Tugger looked over at his brother, snapping himself out of his thoughts.
"What?"
Munkustrap sighed. "How has Mistoffelees been doing?"
"Oh, fine. He's been resting in that old blue car in the main clearing."
"Good. Are you still helping him?"
"Of course. He manages well, but I get most of his meals for him." Munkustrap was suddenly overcome with a look of pride, but before he could say anything Tugger shook his head. "He's my friend, Munk, and more importantly a fellow Jellicle."
"Still…"
"Yeah, yeah, you're proud of me," he grumbled.
"Of course I am," he smiled. They walked on as they did their patrol of the junkyard. Tugger insisted on helping Munkustrap, once again, but this time he really did want to catch up with what his brother was doing. It had been a while since he had a real chance to talk to him.
"So, you never really tell me what kind of progress the alley cats are making," Tugger commented.
"Well, they've been having good leads on Macavity. They know how many cats he has working for him and some of their names, but they fear the only way to know his next attacks is if we know where he's staying…and then send in spies."
"Risky business," Tugger said, shaking his head. "I'd hate to be the cat who does that." Munkustrap was silent, causing Tugger to quickly turn his head to him. "You're not thinking of spying?!"
"I did think about it, but it would be foolish. I would never be able to disguise my scent from him."
"Well, good." Now Munkustrap looked at him. "I don't even like that you're out all night trying to track him down, Munk. I wouldn't know what to do if I knew you were sneaking around his place. Plus we need you here. Deme especially."
"The poor kit," Munkustrap sighed. "She's been doing all right with my leaving at night, but I can tell it still worries her."
"That one night you didn't come back had her worried sick."
"I know, and I explained to her what happened. She tries to understand but still, it's not easy for her. That's why I only go about every other night now. Even then I try to make it home early."
"Well, don't forget to take it easy on yourself too." The silver tabby smiled.
"I don't have time to take care of another cat."
"Munk," he warned.
"I know, I know," he chuckled, looking surprised.
"Why the raised eyebrows?"
"You've just been acting different lately."
"Different like how?" This was starting to concern him. His brother hadn't been to only one to tell him this.
"You're not as laidback," he said thoughtfully. "I mean, you still are, but you're more responsible. I don't know, it seems ever since Mistoffelees came your maternal instincts started showing themselves."
"My maternal instincts?" Tugger asked, horrified.
"Well, that's not a bad thing," he chuckled. "It just means you're being more caring and helpful. I'm not calling you a queen."
"Better not be," he grumbled, to which his brother let out a clear laugh.
"Don't worry about it, Tug. It's a nice change." The maine coon was silent as he brooded. Of course he noticed a difference in himself, but he didn't think it was that noticeable. And was it since Mistoffelees came? He didn't think to put two and two together, but it almost made sense. Why, though? "Really," Munkustrap pressed, seeing his expression. "Don't dwell on it."
Tugger considered his words but before he could respond, a cold fear ran throughout him as a high-pitched cry could be heard coming from behind them. His hair stood on end as he exchanged a quick look with Munkustrap before running back to find the source of it.
"We'll take the upper layer," the older tom said, referring to the tops of the junk piles that allowed quick access to different parts of the junkyard.
What could it be? Tugger thought helplessly as he chased after his brother. A deep bark answered him, though it didn't make him feel any better. Munkustrap hissed as he picked up his pace.
"Pollicles!"
It was times like these that horrific images would fill Tugger's mind as it jumped to devastating conclusions. He couldn't help it, and he often wondered if Munkustrap saw and felt the same things. Dead cats lying in puddles of running blood, limbs that twisted at the wrong angles that made them look like broken marionettes…a shudder ran through him. It was always the same questions too; would they get there in time, how many would live, had any died already? He knew it wasn't healthy, but if he expected the worst he had reasons to believe that it wouldn't end up being anything near as bad as what his imagination could come up with.
"I can smell it now," Munkustrap called over his shoulder. "There's only one and guess who it is!" Tugger took a whiff of the air and immediately gagged.
"That damn Doberman!" he hissed. Soon enough, they had reached the clearing where few of the dens resided, including where the kittens stayed with Jennyanydots, Jellylorum, and Gus. It was the two females who stood guard outside of the den while the likes of Admetus and Plato attempted to keep the Pollicle distracted. Tugger also saw Victoria wavering in the background, looking desperate to help but not knowing how. Munkustrap leapt gracefully down into the clearing, facing the Pollicle with his claws unsheathed and his face set.
"Plato, Admetus!" Tugger called, jumping down as well and running towards them. "Warn the junkyard. Tell them to stay in but to be alert." They nodded and set off. "You too, Vicki!" With a small whimper, she followed after them.
"Mrawr!" Tugger quickly turned back and saw Munkustrap swipe at the Pollicle. It howled in pain as the claws grazed its nose, its jaw snapping back out of irritation. Munkustrap circled it, scratching its flanks as he did so, and raced towards one of the pipes that led towards the outskirts of the junkyard. Tugger knew his brother was trying to lead him back out so he followed close behind the Pollicle as it chased after him. He swatted at its stubby tail but it took no notice. Its mind was set on Munkustrap and it wasn't going to be distracted.
Eventually they emerged from the pipe, Tugger following Munkustrap's lead by jumping up onto a nearby box. The silver tabby hissed at the Pollicle as it barked incessantly up at them.
"We have to lead him back to his home," he grumbled. Tugger looked out at the surrounding houses, trying to find the yellow one it belonged to. It took him a moment but he soon spotted it.
"It's not far, but how are we supposed to get him back in if he already broke out?"
"I don't know." Munkustrap's expression was murderous. "I knew this would happen. I should have had a plan."
"Look, Munk, you can't possibly blame yourself for this," Tugger said impatiently. "Let's just lead him back and we'll figure out what to do then." His brother stared at him for a moment before nodding.
"Okay," he said. "Be careful."
"You too." The two toms jumped from the box and over the Pollicle. It instantly whipped around, still letting out deep angry barks as it chased after them. When they led it out of the junkyard Tugger stole a glance over his shoulder, smirking as he saw that it was lagging behind. "Gettin' tired?" he taunted. It let out a deep growl and snapped its teeth at him. "Yikes."
"Come on, Tug," Munkustrap called. He grinned as he followed after him, picking up his pace. They raced down the stretch of the London road that ran perpendicular to the junkyard, their eyes on the
house as they advanced on it. Tugger tried to think of what to do once they got there, but nothing came to him. A small panic coursed through him.
"Any ideas, Munk?"
"One," he said. "It should work. Once we get it into the yard, we shoot up that tree and have it bark at us for a while. It should get the humans' attentions."
"Brilliant," he grinned, putting his mind to rest. They eventually came to the house and did just that; they led the Pollicle into the yard, making sure it saw them climb up the tree, and looked down at it with humor in their expressions.
"Though I still worry it'll get out again," Munkustrap admitted.
"If the humans care about it then they'll fix the fence," Tugger said logically.
"I doubt…" He trailed off, head cocked to one side as he looked at the house. Tugger followed his gaze, not able to see what caught his attention at first. Soon, however, he realized it must have been the smaller Pollicle that emerged from the house as it walked over to the Doberman. He stared down at it with confusion as it seemed to asses the situation. It looked between them and the Doberman, letting out a short yipe that made the latter stop barking.
"What the—"
"Ssh!" Munkustrap studied the two as they communicated through yipes and barks. After a few moments in which Tugger remained clueless, the two sauntered back to the house. The smaller one seemed to shoot them a look of apology, to which Munkustrap gave a slight nod and raised his paw.
"What," Tugger started as they leapt out of the tree, "was that about?"
"I don't know," Munkustrap chuckled. "From the looks of it, though, I think the Dachshund is on our side."
"It can do that?" Munkustrap shrugged. "Well…that was different."
"Yeah, it was. Well, I suppose some Pollicles can be friendly," Munkustrap said. "They're just very few and far in between.
"Yeah but it's funny," Tugger grinned. "You know, the smaller one telling off the big one."
"I can't say I expected that." They shared a chuckle as they left the yard, their exhilaration dying away and hearts beating regularly again.
"Well, one less thing to worry about, eh?" Tugger looked at his brother with a smile, but was surprised at the small frown he wore as he looked on ahead. Again Tugger looked around for the cause of his concern. His gaze fell on a cat with a coat as black as coal. He let out a hiss, but Munkustrap shook his head at him and walked towards the cat.
"Tugger," he said, "this is Rosalikins." As they stopped in front of her, the queen bowed to them.
"Pleasure," she said, her dark eyes meeting Tugger's. A shiver passed through him but before he could respond, she had looked back at Munkustrap. "Menka requests your presence, dear Munkustrap." He was silent, an odd look passing over him before he calmly responded.
"Why?"
"We have another lead," she said simply.
"Will it take all night?"
"I do not know." He cleared his throat.
"Are you quite sure you aren't able to pursue it without me?" She blinked once, her eyes becoming soft.
"We think we've found where he resides."
"You know I can't go," he said steadily. "I would give everyone away."
"I know, but Menka wishes to speak to you regardless. I do not know if he is having you come with us."
"Okay. Tugger," he sighed, looking back at him.
"Don't worry," Tugger said. "After all that, anyway, I think the yard's going to sleep easy."
"Tell Deme," he said softly.
"I will." He smiled supportively as he watched his brother walk away with the queen, a sinking feeling in his stomach. Why did Munkustrap feel like he had to be a part of this, that he had to take care of every cat in London? It was almost as if he was trying to make up for being Macavity's brother. As much as Tugger loved him, he couldn't help the frustration he felt towards him at times.
He picked his way back into the junkyard and made for the den his brother and Demeter shared. He hoped she would understand, though it was foolish to think she'd take it easy…
"Tugger?" Taken by surprise he looked around for the source of the voice, though he should have just trusted the scent to tell him who it was. Bombalurina leapt down beside him, her brown eyes troubled. "Where's Munk?"
"He went off with some alley cat," he said, his brow furrowed. "Why?" She heaved a great sigh.
"Plato and Admetus said you two ran after a Pollicle."
"Who else knows?" he sighed. "I told those two to keep everyone calm."
"Everyone is calm. They're just worried."
"Are they still in their dens?"
"Most of them are, but some are in the clearing with the tire."
"Okay. Could you do me a great favor?"
"Of course."
"Can you tell the ones in their dens that everything's all right? If you come across Alonzo then get him to help, or else I will if I see him." She looked at him for a moment before throwing her arms around his neck.
"I'm so glad you're okay," she said, nuzzling his chest.
"Thanks, kit," he mumbled.
"Please tell Deme Munk is too."
"I was planning on it." She looked back up at him as she pulled away. "Take care," he nodded. She smiled before setting off, leaping up onto a box and disappearing from his sight. He made his way back to where the other cats assembled, his mind muddled with many different things.
As he entered the clearing, the cats greeted him with questions and looks of terror.
"Please, it's all taken care of," he insisted. "Jelly, the Pollicle is not going to come back." She looked relieved. "And no, Tumble, we didn't kill it." The tom looked disappointed. "Munk is all right but he may be gone for a while. Really, though, there's nothing more to worry about so just go back to your dens." They didn't quite look convinced, but they obeyed and bid each other a good night as they sauntered off. Tugger's shoulders slumped as he looked around for Demeter. He thought she would have been among the other cats who wandered into the clearing…
"Tugger?"
He looked up at the old blue car and relief swept through him as he saw the queen sitting on top of it with Mistoffelees.
"You two all right?" he asked as he approached them.
"You gave us a fright," Mistoffelees admitted. "When we heard you chased after the Pollicle, I mean."
"It was easy to take care of," he shrugged.
"Where did Munk go?" Demeter asked softly. Sympathy pulled at his heart as she looked down at him with sad eyes.
"The alley cats think they've found where Macavity is staying."
"But he can't go there," she said nervously. "He said he wouldn't, anyway."
"I honestly don't know what he plans on doing tonight," he sighed. She was silent, looking away from him and wiping at her eyes. Mistoffelees caught Tugger's eye, his expression one of remorse.
"Where's Bombi?" she suddenly asked.
"I have her spreading the news that everything's all right." She leapt down from the car. "Where are you—"
"I need something to do," she explained. "I'm going to look for her."
"I can go with you if you want me to."
"No. You look exhausted anyway. I'll be fine." She looked up at Mistoffelees and smiled. "Thank you."
"Of course," he nodded. They watched as she walked away, her tail twitching nervously. "She's trying." Tugger leapt up beside the tom and gave him a questioning look. "She told me what happened to her, why she's so skittish, but she really is doing well."
"She is. Thanks for, you know, keeping her company. It's usually me or Bombi when Munk isn't around, but she seems taken to you."
"I'm glad she is. I really want to help her."
"Well, we can only do so much. She has to heal on her own as well."
"I know." He looked at him and smiled. "I'm glad you're okay. I was really worried about you."
"We've been doing things like this for a while now, me and Munk I mean. I've learned from him for the most part…it's kind of second nature now to help protect the tribe." Mistoffelees looked at him with a kind of respect that made pride sneak up on him. "All in a night's work," he added with a dramatic sigh.
"You must be tired."
"Just a little," he shrugged.
"Oh." Mistoffelees carefully laid down on the car, his good paw curled under him while the one that was still trying to heal draped over the edge. "I guess I'll stay up with you." Slightly touched, Tugger smiled down at him.
"You don't have to."
"I'm not that tired either," he shrugged. "And I'd feel better if I knew you weren't running around the junkyard again getting into some kind of trouble." Tugger laughed.
"Okay, mum." Mistoffelees's shoulders shook from his chuckling.
"I'm just saying." Shaking his head Tugger stretched himself out beside him, laying as he did on the car only with his head resting on his paws.
They engaged in conversation, laughing and occasionally poking fun at each other to keep the mood light. Tugger thoroughly enjoyed the company, reflecting back to times not too long ago when the two would sit in his tree house and spend hours talking about nothing. He realized he had missed the cat more than he thought…and he found he liked the cat more than he thought.
He looked down at Mistoffelees as they grew silent, their laughter dying away, and was filled with what he thought must be affection for him. No one else made him laugh like he did, or made him feel as lighthearted. Yet when he hadn't been around for some time Tugger felt the significant difference. Maybe this was what Victoria had been talking about before. Maybe it just was that something he had about him.
As if sensing that something was on his mind, Mistoffelees looked at him and smiled.
"Are you sure you aren't tired?"
"Nah," he said. "Just…thinking."
"About what?"
You.
"Not much." He shrugged, returning the precious tom's smile. Precious? He shook his head. What was wrong with him?
"You okay?" Mistoffelees chuckled.
"Great," he grinned, trying to play it off. "So, uh, how's that paw of yours?"
"All right, I guess. Jenny said it should heal completely in a week or two."
"Back to magic, then."
"Well, yeah." He grinned sheepishly. "But I can't say I've stopped completely."
"Misto," Tugger lightly chided.
"It's was only a few small things with my good paw. Trust me, it isn't anything remotely taxing."
"Fine," he sighed dramatically. "I won't tell Jenny." Mistoffelees grinned as he gently nuzzled him.
"Thanks, Tug." A warm feeling burst in Tugger's chest but he fought to keep his composure.
"Yeah, well, you're just too damn cute to be told on." He winced as soon as he said it, cursing his tongue. A slight blush crept across Mistoffelees's cheeks but he only smiled.
"I know," he shrugged. Tugger shook his head, letting out the breath he held as subtle as he could. He needed to get a hold of himself. Placing his head on his paws, he looked out at the moonlit clearing and tried ignoring the nagging feeling in the back of his head and how warm Mistoffelees's body felt next to his.
"You aren't hungry, are you?" he asked him.
"No." Out of the corner of his eye, Tugger saw him lick delicately at his paw.
"Does it still hurt?"
"No, mum," he chuckled. "It just itches something dreadful." Tugger watched helplessly, annoyed at his discomfort. Why did such terrible things have to happen to him? The poor kit had to pay such a high price for being a magician. It was almost like a curse…but he knew Mistoffelees didn't see it like that. He accepted that it was a part of him and worked with it. Tugger wouldn't have been able to take such a thing, but that was probably why the young tom was so remarkable.
Yes, he was remarkable. Despite what went on in Tugger's confused mind, there was no denying that fact. He found himself in awe of him. Curious of course, as always, but it was also deeper than that. Did he fancy him? Perhaps…it wasn't a terrible notion, it would actually put his mind to rest if he could say that he certainly did, but he didn't want to jump to that conclusion just yet. He felt he owed the cat a bit more thought, or else more time.
"You're nodding off," Mistoffelees observed. Tugger was grateful to be pulled from his thoughts. He smiled at the tom.
"Okay, you caught me. I guess I'll head off to bed then."
"You can sleep here if you want."
"In the trunk?"
"Yeah. There's plenty of room." Tugger's stomach squirmed but he ignored it.
"Sounds cool." He leapt down from the car and watched as Mistoffelees lifted the trunk up with one magical paw.
"I'll be in later," he said. "Just make yourself comfortable."
"Thanks, buddy." Tugger winked at him before jumping in.
"Good night, Tugger." The lid closed again and Tugger was shrouded in darkness.
Time, he reminded himself as he was intoxicated with the scent of the magic cat. He frowned slightly as he nestled in one of the blankets Mistoffelees used to sleep on. Just how long was it going to take, though?