AN: Again, such kind feedback for the last chapter! Plus a record number of reviews, YAY! I must say, I really enjoyed writing chapter nine, its been a tough act to follow, writing-wise, so I hope this reads just as well!
(I don't think any of that made sense. Just know that I'm very grateful to everyone, all my new reviewers, all my old reviewers--muah! Feel free to read, enjoy, drool, whatever you please, just keep up the reviewing, they make my day every time!)
I'm glad the "legendary" cat names I included went over well; I was thinking about it, I liked the idea of Tugger ticking off random names from past balls, I didn't want to use Growltiger or Griddlebone etc., and I didn't didn't didn't want to try to make up any Jellicle names of my own! So anyway, thanks everyone, and off with the TENTH chapter.
Disclaimer: At this point, now that I've gotten into recounting the events of the Jellicle Ball, I hardly even own my own ideas. Ah, well.
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Mr. Mistoffelees was considerably uncomfortable when he returned to the group. Tugger had left him standing alone and awkward, and he didn't dare follow the tom again, so he rejoined the tribe in time to find this Grizabella character limping away as everyone observed callously. Mistoffelees took a place with the others and gave her a look of contempt, mostly for unsettling the Rum Tum Tugger as she had.
It wasn't long, though, before Mistoffelees was thoroughly enjoying himself while everyone else sang about Bustopher Jones. He flitted about between Munkustrap, who look surprised and pleased at Misto's forwardness, the kittens, who fooled around less than usual, and Bustopher himself, who didn't pay much attention (this song was about him, after all, not his miniature look-alike).
Mistoffelees also liked to see how all the other cats treated each other. It made him think of several very old friends reunited after a long hiatus, friends who had once loved, helped, comforted, and respected one another--like that salute Munkus gave Bustopher Jones! Misto never would have guessed! Everyone had adored Jenny, too, and Tugger--in his own way. Speaking of whom, Mistoffelees hadn't seen him still since the appearance of Grizabella.
The tophat! Mistoffelees was undeniably pleased to see the very hat he'd procured seven of his friends from (thankfully, they'd never held it against him, having never fully understood how they came out of the hat in the first place and of course having never suspected Mistoffelees). Munkustrap would thank him later for keeping Bustopher up on his feet, but Misto was used to helping the rotund tom keep balanced after sharing several meals with him.
Suddenly, there was raucous crashing, lights flashed, and everyone was on the alert. A siren blared. Some cats assumed a defensive position (although no threat was in sight) and others scattered into hiding places across the yard. Mistoffelees felt himself yanked from behind and pulled into an upturned trashcan. He heard Demeter shout a name ("Calamity"?) and suddenly a face appeared in the opening of the trashcan, a sleek tortoiseshell tom who he didn't recognize. He twisted himself to get a look at who had brought him into the trashcan and saw the same face as was standing outside; he did a doubletake. Twins? The one inside with Misto was a queen; neither she nor her brother smiled. It was rather unsettling.
A car squeeled around a corner nearby. Was it the people everyone was afraid of?
Then he heard voices talking, laughing, singing, but the toirtoiseshell tomcat had barricaded the only exit from Misto's hiding place. He had a distinct feeling that this was one of those parts of the ball Tugger mentioned not being planned.
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Mr. Mistoffelees and his two temporary protectors recognized it first; Old Deuteronomy. He'd only met the patriach once since he'd begun living at the junkyard, and he didn't know if it was a scent or just a sensation, but there was no doubt in his mind that the Jellicle Leader was approaching.
Suddenly, Mistoffelees realized his legs were taking him to the elderly tomcat; he hadn't decided to do it, he just...went to him, to Old Deuteronomy himself, went to help him to the clearing they'd made in the junkyard. He moved so slow. Mistoffelees didn't stop to think whether this kind of thing was allowed or not--touching the Jellicle leader!--but rather his body seemed to move without permission while his timid conscience looked on.
Munkustrap began to sing. It was rather like a lullaby.
Mistoffelees could hear from behind him as he held out a paw for Deuteronomy. Munk mentioned how famous and long-lived Deuteronomy was, and Mistoffelees turned around with the leader in time to see the Rum Tum Tugger emerge from a wall of rubbish. He stood behind Munkustrap and thoroughly surprised everyone, including his own brother, and even Mistoffelees who knew he was there, by taking up the song.
Munkustrap stared, stunned, for a moment, before going to Tugger with wide eyes and a proud grin; it dawned upon Mistoffelees that Munkustrap had been missing his brother, had known he'd disappeared, and had probably known why.
They sang about Old Deuteronomy together while Mistoffelees helped the elderly cat forward,
Well, of all . . .
Things. . . Can it be . . . really! . . . No!. . . Yes!. . .
Ho! hi!
Oh, my eye!
My mind may be wandering, but I confess
I believe it is Old Deuteronomy!
Tugger caught Misto's eye as he let Deuteronomy toward the group. The tom looked so much more solemn than usual, and yet genuinely happy, especially to see Deuteronomy, and maybe to see Misto as well.
Munkustrap came forward. The kittens and, yes, even the adult cats, filed behind him in a kind of fearful awe or reverence, and allowed their protector to greet Old Deuteronomy first. Tugger held his place atop the pipe in the background.
Mistoffelees watched as the rest of the cats welcomed Deuteronomy gleefully, with hugs and happy faces. He could get used to this.
Their leader eyed Munkustrap knowingly, but Mistoffelees couldn't pinpoint why. Deuteronomy also saved a special look for the Rum Tum Tugger, who still had not moved, but gave the old tom an uncharacteristic bow. Mistoffelees was suddenly, inexplicably reminded of Tugger telling him that he and Munkustrap were brothers, and couldn't help but notice that Tugger's perch was a step away from Deuteronomy's place, and that Munkustrap had not yet left the old grey cat's side.
Mistoffelees did not participate in Munkustrap's "play" of sorts, but thoroughly enjoyed Tugger's part, whether it had been planned or not. Frankly, the story about the Great Rumpus Cat was forgettable for Misto because, before he knew it, he had been swept up in what felt like an elaborately rehearsed production; he'd thought the Jellicle Ball had already begun, but no, he'd been sorely mistaken on that part.
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AN: And that is all...let me know, I hope it doesn't feel rushed; in truth I'm just really excited to get to Misto's part :)