Jellicle Melodies Chapter 10: Like I'm Gonna Lose You, a cats fanfic

Hey Everyone!

So I got this chapter up sooner than I planned, and I'm really happy!
I'd like to give a shout-out to the people who have been super supportive: My Patronus is a Jellicle Cat (Go check out her story "Generation". It's awesome!), WaitingformyMunkustrap, and HaveYouBeenAnAlumnus!

I'd like to say that I owned CATS or the song "Like I'm Gonna Lose You," but I don't. Cats belongs to AWL and T. S. Eliot, and "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" belongs to Megan Trainer.

"Absolutely not!" Quaxo shouted, effectively jarring me out of my half-slumber. "I veto this one hundred percent! This is utter suicide and I'm not going to allow my songbird to do this!" Based on Quaxo's vehemence, I guessed that Coricopat and Tantomile just finished explaining my epiphany.

"I agree with Quaxo. What Melody proposes is absolutely insane! I'm the only one who has survived what she proposes and I barely did!" Demeter said with a shudder. "And the-tom-who-shall-not-be-named will stop at nothing to get what he wants!"

"Demeter, Quaxo, please," Deuteronomy soothed, "Let us hear why Melody has chosen to present this plan." I slowly stood and address the assembled cats.

"I was brought here for a reason. Macavity thought it was to take down the Jellicles. What better way to take him down than with his own weapon? I have been training ever since I showed up. I am armed with my magic and I can outsmart a fox. No one else can do it because Macavity will know that something's up. I'm the only one," I said and waited for the verdict. Tugger scratched his chin.

"She's fierce, I can give you that. And not easily swayed. First night here, she told me to buzz off. No queen has said that to me right off the bat," he grinned, causing Quaxo to hiss threateningly.

"And Melody is strong with her magic. We can continue to train in the few hours we have left," Tanto said and gently took her brother's paw. Both breathed in sharply and their eyes turned gold. Quaxo and I, as if by some instinct, took places behind the twins like some ancient ritual. Smoke billowed from around them. I glanced at Quaxo to see if he was making the smoke and this was just some big prank to test my resolve, but he shrugged at me and held up his paws: they were still snowy white.

"Melody must go," Cori and Tanto whispered as one, "We cannot see how, but she will save the Tribe." They turned to Quaxo. "The original conjuring cat will save the tribe as well. Song and Conjuring combine and no one will be left the same." Their eyes rolled back into their heads and collapsed into Quaxo's and my arms.

I laughed nervously. "No pressure. No pressure at all." I shifted Tanto onto the ground next to her brother. Old Deuteronomy raised his arms.

"This is a message from the Everlasting Cat. She has spoken. Vivat,"

"Life to the Everlasting Cat!" Everyone sang. Old Deuteronomy came to the four of us and gently lifted the twins in his arms. They shuddered and breathed heavily. Tanto groaned and put a paw to her head.

"Ugh. I feel as though I've run head first into a brick wall," she moaned and buried her head into Deuteronomy's fur. Cori groaned as well.

"Join the club, sis. I really don't like it when we get a glimpse of the future or the Everlasting Cat decides to send us a message. Hasn't she ever heard of E-mail, texting, or even snail-mail?" he climbed out of Deuteronomy's arms and proceeded to hurl into a convenient bucket Quaxo had conjured.

"Does this happen a lot?" I whispered to Quaxo.

"More than you'd think."

We waited patiently as the twins took turns hurling and groaning about their headaches. Finally, Cori gasped, "I think we're good now." He and Tanto wobbled to their feet. "Tanto and I received a glimpse and a message. We saw the Junkyard and Quaxo coming down from the sky on a rope. He spun the Conjuring Turn, and, over the rest of the Jellicles came one voice, a high soprano, singing a spell that we didn't know. That was when we got our message: Melody must go to Macavity's, and Song and Conjuring combine and no one will be left the same."

Bomba clapped her paws and stood. "Right then, That's settled. But how soon does Mel have to go to Macavity's? An hour? A day? A week? How much time do we have to get her ready?"

"Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser just got a message from Macavity that they need to bring me in or else. I'm guessing I only have a couple hours, one at the least, three or four at the most. I'd have to talk to them about it," I said and clasped Quaxo's paw. I squeezed it gently.

"I guess this means that we won't be going to the Ball together, huh," Quaxo sighed. He rubbed his face with his free paw. "I guess I should have known that the queen of my dreams would be busy occupied on the night of the Jellicle Ball."

I kissed his cheek. "Quax, Macavity can't keep us apart and I do love you. I'll write to you, okay? and I'll find some way to sneak out to meet you." Quaxo caught my face in his paws and gently pressed his lips against mine. My mind recoiled. The cat that I had had a crush on for most of my life and had just started dating, was kissing me like people did in those sappy romantic movies my mother liked to watch. I was only slightly less surprised that flowers didn't start raining down from the sky and wedding bells didn't start ringing. I slowly relaxed into the kiss. It suddenly became more passionate. I was vaguely aware that Bomba was cheering and Tugger was making obnoxious horn noises like a giant ship was leaving the dock. We broke apart and I giggled.

Munkustrap coughed loudly. "Quaxo, Melody, Congrats on becoming a thing, but we have a lot of serious work to do to get Mel ready for her time at Macavity's."

I nodded. "When do I start and with whom? And can my tom-friend help?"

"I'll help no matter what, Songbird," Quaxo grinned. "And, by the way, you're a pretty good kisser."

"Quax, let's not get ahead of ourselves. The fastest way for a relationship to die is to go too fast. Mel, you'll be working with Deme, Tugger and me first," Bomba came in between us and grinned. "Tugger and I are working on a ship name for you two. Something along the lines of Melo or Quaxomel. We haven't decided yet."

"What's a ship name?" Quaxo mouthed. I laughed and followed Bomba, Deme, and Tugger into a close clearing.

"Right. There are three rules for a lady to escape attackers: One: never underestimate the power of stomping on their toes." Demeter demonstrated this on Tugger. Tugger yelped and cradled his foot.

"What was that for, Deme? I didn't do anything. Not lately," he whined.

"Rule number Two: dodge and wheel," Bomba whirled around and dodged as Tugger chased after her.

"And three: if all else falls," Demeter stopped Tugger in his tracks and proceeded to kick him where the sun doesn't shine. He groaned and fell to the ground.

"Deme!" Bomba said, annoyed. "He and I were going to use those tonight!"

"There are kittens about, Bomba, behave yourself." Demeter scolded. "Now, Melody, you try."

Quaxo backed away. "I'd rather not, but you can practice on these." He spun around a couple times as his fur turned black and a host of black rats and cats appeared. They all ran toward me. I stomped on feet and wheeled and dodged and did rule number three until all were on the ground. They felt real enough, but when I touched one, my paw went straight through it. "They're just illusions, Songbird, but I certainly would not want to be in their place," Quaxo said, then laughed as he took my paw. The illusions disappeared and we ran back to the main clearing. Cori and Tanto took us next.

"One of Macavity's greatest strengths is his magic. Create a mental shield and we will see how well you have done," Cori said. I focused on one of the songs I had constantly in my head and used that as my shield: Pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows. Pretty soon I felt two consciences ram into my shield. They continued ramming into my shield when it started to worm its way into Cori's and Tanto's head. They retreated and I let down my shield.

"Why did you have to use that song? Now it's stuck in my head along with the other one from earlier," Tanto complained bitterly.

Melody, when we were searching your memories, we came across some that were very odd, to say the least. Could you tell us why you have those memories? Cori thought. I shook my head.

Not here, not now. I promise I'll explain them later. Right now, I just want to survive as long as I can at Macavity's.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. I dueled with Quaxo in magic, practiced with Munkustrap basic defense, and basically had a crash course in how not to die. Finally, I was able to take a small break and plopped down next to a creepy doll. Quaxo, who had been helping me with all of this, plopped down next to me and stared at the doll.

"That's totally creepy," he said and wiped his forehead.

"It is," I agreed, "but it's necessary to keep the pile erect. If it's removed, then everything falls apart."

Quaxo blinked. "Did you just use a metaphor?"

"Most likely. I'm song personified. Metaphors are physically a part of me," I gently kissed his cheek. "If we're going to be together, you might as well expect very vague metaphors and similes, as well as randomly breaking out into song."

"By the way, you said that you had a 'musical vision' of how, where, and why Macavity is attacking. Do you mind sharing this with me? and did the Everlasting Cat send it to you?" Quaxo took my paw and squeezed it.

No, a guy named Andrew Lloyd Webber and T. S. Eliot sent it to me in the form of the musical CATS which you are a part of. I'm dating a fictional character from my Musical Obsession. And yes, I would love to completely ruin the suspense of the Jellicle Ball by telling you who goes to the Heaviside Layer. Because I'm that kind of person who spoils the entire thing for my friends.

"I'm afraid I can't, Quax. It's too complicated to tell in only a few words, and I'd have to delve into history I'd rather not explain," I purred and put my head on his shoulder. "It'll make your head spin. I'll tell you once I have this whole Macavity thing under my belt." Quaxo abruptly stood and grabbed my paw.

"I want to show you something, Songbird," he said and smoke started to billow from under his feet. He spun me into his arms and quickly pressed his lips against mine. I relaxed as the smoke created an effective curtain around us. We broke apart gasping as the smoke trickled to a stop. I looked up and sighed content.

Quaxo had transported us to the top of the tallest pile of Junk. A small pile of blankets with a small tray completed the romantic scene. The stars glittered brightly and seemed brighter than diamonds against their black velvet backdrop. I giggled and tapped Quaxo on the nose. "You really are a hopeless romantic, aren't you."

"Hopelessly in love with you, you mean," he grinned and put his arm around me. "Can you sing something for me, Songbird? I want to sing a duet with you."

"What do you want to sing, Houdini?" I giggled. "I know lots of duets, from show tunes to ballads. what are you in the mood for?"

"Maybe that duet you sang at the slumber party?" I shuddered. I would sing anything except Phantom of the Opera.

"Not that. It reminds me too much of our current situation," I said and Quaxo rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Can I at least add 'Angel of Music' to my nicknames?"

"Only on occasion," I purred. The Stars reminded me of an old song I used to hear on the radio. Something about loving like you're going to lose it.

"Quax, I think I have the perfect one," I said quietly. I gazed into his eyes and started to sing quietly.

"I found myself dreaming in silver and gold,
Like a scene from a movie that every broken heart knows.
We were walking on moonlight, you pulled me close,
Split second and you disappeared and then I was all alone.
Woke up in tears with you by my side.
Breath of relief and I realized,
No, we're not promised tomorrow!"

I glanced down at my paws and frantically tried to stop the shimmering. I didn't want anything freaky to happen. I just got a boyfriend and I was not going to ruin our first date just because I couldn't control my stupid magic. Quaxo took my paws and gently pulled me close. "Don't fight it," he whispered in my ear. "I love you in spite of it." I relaxed and allowed my magic to flow freely. Music notes fluttered out from beneath my paws and took flight, changing into fantastic beasts of every shape and kind. I moved to the chorus, my attention only on Quaxo. Nothing else matter except this moment.

"So, I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you.
I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye.
Forever will stay in, I won't take you for granted
'Cause we'll never know when we'll run out of time.
So, I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you,
I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you."

Quaxo started to sing quietly.

"in a blink of an eye,
Just a whisper of smoke,
You could lose everything:
The truth is you're never alone.
So, I'll kiss you longer baby,
Any chance that I get.
I'll make the most of the minutes,
So long with no regret.
Let's take our time to say what we want.
Here's what we've got,
Before it's all gone
'Cause no, we're not promised tomorrow."

He took my paws, spun me into his arms, and started to sway with me. Above, the very stars started to dance in time with our song. They came down and decked me in a sparkling dress and accessories. Quaxo started to glitter as his magic started to take effect. He started the chorus.

"So, I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you,
I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye!
Forever will stay in, I won't take you for granted
'Cause we'll never know when we'll run out of time!
So, I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you,
I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you!"

I joined him as we started to dance together. I barely noticed that we were starting to dance in the air. All I was focused on was the music, the warmth coming from my love, the stars that swirled around us tinkling like a chorus of bells, the words pouring from our mouths in harmony. Somewhere I heard the music accompanying us, alerting others to magic use, but none of that mattered.

"I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you,
I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye!
Forever will stay in, I won't take you for granted
'Cause we'll never know when we'll run out of time!
So, I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you!
I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you!"

Quaxo carefully set us back down on the pile of blankets. the stars took their rightful places in the sky, and everything was back to normal. I giggled and kissed Quaxo. "You sure know how to have a good time, Houdini."

we spent the rest of our time together counting the stars, kissing each other gently, and just spending time together because we didn't know when or if I was coming back from his father's.

"Sing and Conjuring combine and no one will be left the same," two voices chanted softly. We turned around and blushed as Cori and Tanto padded up behind us.

"We heard the music and felt the magic, so we decided to investigate," Cori chuckled softly. "We should have guessed it was the two lovebirds."

"That was an absolutely amazing display of magic, Mistoffelees. I don't think I've seen such emotion in any of your lessons with my brother," Tanto said gently. The twins stared at me.

Melody, we shall leave you two to yourselves, but you must explain yourself before you leave. The twins thought. I nodded and leaned closer to Quax. He gently put his arms around me and whispered, "I really wish I was psychic now. Then I would know everything that goes on in that pretty little head of yours."

"But where's the fun in that? A queen has to have some secrets about herself," I laughed. Quaxo laughed as he put his arm around my shoulders. Quaxo and I carried on a quiet conversation right next to each other. No matter what anyone else said, prophecy or not, Macavity or not, we were in love and staying that way. we spent the rest of our time together counting the stars, kissing each other gently, and just spending time together because we didn't know when or if I was coming back from his father's.

We must have fallen asleep at some point because I opened my eyes to a pink and orange sky. Quaxo was leaning back and eating something. He smiled when I lifted my head.

"Good morning, beautiful," He purred and stroked my ears, "Ready for today?" I shook my head. If anything, I was ready to get this over with.

"No."

"Good, 'cause neither am I." Quaxo rubbed his eyes and yawned. "I got a message from Cori and Tanto. They think it's time for Teaser and Jerrie to, you know. Why they think any cat would be up at stupid o'clock is beyond me."

I pointed to the sunrise, just now bathing the sky in brilliant hues. "If we weren't up at stupid o'clock, then we wouldn't see the gorgeous sunrise, Houdini," I giggled. Quaxo put an arm around me and pulled me close to him.

"It's not as gorgeous as you, my Angel of Music," he grinned. "May I have the honor of escorting my lady down?" He held out his arm. I giggled and took it. A puff of smoke appeared at our feet as Quax muttered a spell under his breath. The world vanished and reorganized itself in the form of the main clearing. Munkustrap, Old Deuteronomy, both sets of twins, Demeter and Bomba were waiting for us. Bomba grinned when she saw us.

"Looks like E. C. S. Quaxody has finally pulled into the docks," she laughed. Quaxo glanced at me confused.

"But there's no ship called the - wait. Is that what a ship name is? our names mashed together?"

I nodded and giggled. "Ladies and gentle-toms, we have a winner."

"Shut up, Songbird," Quaxo joked as he spun me around and kissed me. "Otherwise I may have to get a role of duct tape and tape your mouth shut."

"But then who'd sing duets with you and exchange witty remarks?" I giggled in between kisses. A small cough broke the moment.

"Um, sis? 'Ow long 'ave ya been a thing wiv the magician?" Jerrie asked. He looked about ready to explode.

"Why is Jerrie calling you his sister? Last time I checked, you weren't Jenny's and Skimble's kitten," Quaxo whispered in my ear.

"Long story short, I masqueraded as their sister that night and now I'm part of the family,"'I whispered back. I raised my voice back to normal. "Don't worry, Jerr, we've only been a thing for about 24 hours." Jerrie nodded. Teaser crept toward me and hissed in my ear, "did ya tell 'em wheh we ah goin'? Cause Mac's gonna be fumin' when we ge' 'ome as i' is." I shook my head.

"I just told Quaxo. Everyone else is in the dark," I hissed back. Teaser seemed satisfied and winked at Quaxo. Jerrie stalked over to Quaxo and growled, "if ya break moi li'le sistah 'eart, Oi'll break you. An' tha's a promise."

"If you or anybody there so much as touches a hair on her pelt, you can be sure that I'll obliterate every offender off the face of the Earth. And THAT'S a promise" Quaxo growled back. He unsheathed his claws and sparks danced in between his claws. I kissed Quaxo before he could lose his temper.

"Boys, boys, it's okay. You can kill each other on the 23rd of never, Okay?" I laughed nervously. the two toms relaxed slightly, but I felt I could cut the tension with a knife. Quaxo put his arm around me and continued to glare threatening at Mungojerrie.

"Ready, sis?" Jerrie growled. I nodded and followed the calico twins out of the clearing. I glanced back at Quaxo and the rest of the Jellicles. They nodded encouragingly. I quickly ran back and hugged everyone, just to remind myself that I would be back to touch them again. Each one either whispered a couple encouraging words or just licked my head fur comfortingly. The last two I said farewell to were Old Deuteronomy and Quaxo. I buried my head in Old Deuteronomy's fur and tears began to fall like rain. I tried hard to keep them from spilling over, but I was waging a futile battle. Deuteronomy whispered in my ear, "Everlasting Cat be with you." I nodded and wiped my eyes on my tail. I turned to Quaxo and quickly removed my collar. "You better have this," I whispered and practically shoved it into his paws. "I love you." With that, I turned and ran to catch up with my siblings.

Jerrie and Teaser were waiting semi-patiently in another clearing.

"Whoi didn' ya follow us, sis?" Jerrie hissed as he filled a syringe. "We go' a schedule ta keep."

"I had to say good-bye," I whispered, trying and failing to dam the stream of tears that kept spilling over. Teaser gave me a rough hug.

"'S'alroight, sis. Oi undahstahnd 'ow 'ard i' is ta leave ya significant othah. Jerr's still ge'in' ovah his crush on a cehtain Jemima 'e can' puhsue 'cause of the 'ole Mac thin'," she said, then grinned cheekily. "A' leas' now Oi can tease ya abou' ya tom-friend."

"Shut up, Tease," grumbled Jerrie, "i's ya faul' we'h in this mess."

"no, i's ya faul'." Teaser snapped.

"I's no'."

"I's too!"

"I's no'!"

"Guys, please just knock me out now," I hiccupped and curled up into a tiny ball. I didn't realize just how hard it would be to leave the Junkyard. Technically I was being kidnapped, but I was agreeing to the kidnapping, so that excuse flew out the window. The look on Quaxo's face when I took off my collar he had given me just about tore my heart in two. I had told him I had to go, I had a duty to do, but right then and there I wanted to scream, "screw duty," and hold onto Quaxo as hard as I could. I started to sob harder.

"I hate Macavity," I screamed. I couldn't hold it in any longer. When I was younger and human, I had had a strange fascination with the Napoleon of Crime: why was he the way he was? Nobody is born evil, so how did he become evil? I now understood why Bomba and Demeter sang their Macavity duet: they were warning the queens and princesses how dangerous it was to catch Macavity's eye because once he started, he would not stop until whatever he wanted was his. I felt a small prick in my back and a gag tighten around my mouth. I squeezed my eyes shut. Far away, I thought I heard Teaser whispering something to her brother, but between her thick accent and the sedative, I could barely hear her, even with my enhanced hearing.

I slowly stepped into unconsiousness's cold embrace with nothing but Quaxo's heartbroken face in my mind's eye.