Rum Tum Tugger

Drifting to sleep, Tugger's mind overflowed with memories of kittenhood. He recalled his earliest memory being batting at Munkustrap's tail and rolling in every direction as he pawed at him to leave him alone. Once he started reminiscing, his mind went into every mundane event that meant something to him. Sharing his toys with his brother, bringing home some of his first kills, being small lizards and mice, and their father praising him, calling him his 'little hunter.' Old Deuteronomy initially nicknamed him Tiger, but as Tugger's fur coat grew in, he realized he was no tiger, but a leopard. And a leopard indeed he was.

Rum Tum Tugger loved trees in his youth. Any time Old Deuteronomy took the boys out to learn some hunting techniques or to observe the humans, Tugger would sneak away to climb the highest tree he could. He strutted across the thinnest branches, jumped from one trunk to the other. Tugger thought of himself as adventurous, while Old Deuteronomy said his recklessness would bite his tail one of these days. "Pop! Munkustrap! Look how high I got!" He'd shout from atop a tree in Manchester Square.

"Tugger! Come down this instant! You could fall!"

"Cats always land on their feet!" The kitten rationalized.

Munkustrap tried to convince him; he was more likely to listen to his brother than father. "Not from that high up! Come down!" The kit sighed, but as he was ready to proceed down one branch at a time, he decided to take the more fun route. Tugger leapt down from where he stood and all Hell broke loose in both his father and brother. "NOT THAT WAY!" He vividly remembered Munkustrap shrieking. But Tugger landed safely into a bush, just as he'd planned. When he popped his head out and showed he was all right, Old Deuteronomy put his paw on his chest, panicked and relieved at once. Munkustrap could only shake his head. "We would've had a sad story to tell when we got back, huh, Dad?"

Tugger confidently trotted over, tail proudly in the air. "Your turn, Munkustrap! I dare you! I double dare you!"

"No way!" Munkustrap scolded, smiling. Tugger pulled the same stunt again a week later, but this time their father wasn't there to dissuade Munkustrap from following him. All the way up in the tree, Munkustrap kept curled up against the leaves while Tugger stood all the way out to the tip of the branch. "Tugger, I think I'm ready to go down now."

Tugger turned around and sneered. "Scaredy cat!"

"Am not!" He flushed.

"Then come over and look at the view." Tugger sat and made room for Munkustrap to approach. Keeping his body as close to the bark as possible, Munkustrap took long, careful steps over and clawed onto the surface with as much determination as possible. "Okay, I've seen enough. Let's go." Tugger bit his tail. "Hey!"

"Come on! You gotta do the jump!"

"Are you crazy?"

"Maybe." Tugger beamed widely. At least he was honest. "Here. You just gotta map out where you wanna land and make a leap for it!" Despite his ideas of 'fun' were absolutely foolish, Munkustrap more often than not found himself in awe of Rum Tum Tugger's fearlessness. He was born brave and daring, while Munkustrap felt he had to work himself up to having such traits. Of course, one of the brothers had to be sensible and keep them on planet earth, the other had the job of getting the other out of their shell.

"I'm all for having some fun, but I'm not ready to die today, Tugger."

"Psh. Your loss." Tugger reared back, "I've got... nine more liiiiiiiiives!" He yelled all the way down until he plunged into the shrubbery. Munkustrap craned his neck frantically until he saw his brother crawl out unscathed. He sat and looked up—as if he actually he actually expected Munkustrap to follow his lead.

"Uh-uh! No way am I gonna—" The branch beneath him snapped and he toppled over, screaming all the way down until he plummeted into the brush below. He shambled out, covered in leaves, looking like his life had flashed before his eyes.

"Hey, bro, you got something on your fur." Munkustrap swiped his paw at him and tackled him; this was back when he could still outmuscle his little brother. They were both able to laugh about the occasion the entire walk home. As fondly as Rum Tum Tugger could think of his kittenhood, it wasn't always that sugary and cavity-inducing.

Tugger's kittenhood ended even before the curse of puberty – he'd go from getting to play with his brother and be adored by their father every day to wandering around looking for someone to spend time with or amuse himself. He'd find a random item and make a toy out of it, but he'd get bored of it really quickly and find something else. Sometimes he'd get so desperate as to chase his own tail for thirty seconds. He was friendly with Alonzo and Plato, since Munkustrap had been friends with them for much longer, but they were his brother's age and interested in 'more mature' activities. What was his brother doing that was so important anyway?

Old Deuteronomy had come to them one day with significant news – more significant for Munkustrap than it was intriguing for Rum Tum Tugger. He was excited to learn that his brother would inherit the tribe... but he wondered that if he'd known it'd take up all his time and energy, would it have been easier to deal with? Perhaps he'd be more prepared to spend so much time by himself. He went from having a companion to delve into the mysteries of life with to having to grow up all alone. His brother had to grow up much more quickly, sure, but at least he had their father to guide him and explain all the changes he was going through... Tugger had to figure it out on his own. Sometimes when their father was giving Munkustrap a lesson on history, Tugger would paw on his back, nip on his tail, and without turning around, Old Deuteronomy would go to pat his head but get his face instead.

He once tried to listen to one of these lectures, but he found it way too boring and left the scene. That was when he was willing to try almost anything to spend some time with them. Whenever he'd see Munkustrap passing by during the day, Tugger would perk up and smile brightly, but he'd end up hustling right past him to complete an assignment their father had given them. At least they had the nights together. Munkustrap would keep his word when he promised to play with him once he was done with his practices, even if it was past midnight. He'd wind up burning out instantly and Tugger would curl up by his side – he'd take whatever he could get... But he didn't understand. Was Munkustrap better than him now? Did Tugger have any purpose to serve for their father? He had Munkustrap to take care of the tribe when he was gone, so what was he expected to do?

He supposed that was also something he'd have to discover by himself... and it wouldn't even be his choice. Despite Rum Tum Tugger's enormous love for his father, and Old Deuteronomy's utter devotion to him, he found himself becoming increasingly distant with the old cat. They seemed to have no use for one another, at least that's how Tugger would've put it in his more resentful years. And even though part of him wanted to despise his brother, that was an impossible feat. He was still the brother with whom he'd played in the park, stayed up late, and who protected him from bad dreams. When Munkustrap wasn't kept occupied, he'd make sure he got to have a pleasant word with his brother, ask him about life and discuss small things that were relevant at the time. But Tugger also thought he knew just what the future would be. Munkustrap would be superior to him in every way, and then he'd have no time for his useless little brother. He dreaded the occasion.

In the meantime, as Tugger reached peak adolescence and Munkustrap had only begun his twenties, his sexual urges were at an all-time high. He wasn't the tribe heartthrob yet, and he had no idea such a title awaited him, but the young queens had noticed what a figure Tugger had, as well as his brooding green eyes and intense stare. They noticed how often he was off on his own and how he separated himself quite a bit from the Jellicles, despite being a loyal one. He was a rebel in his own right. If Old Deuteronomy told him to be home by a certain time, they could count on him to be home by sunrise instead. If he was ordered not to interrupt an important meeting, he'd be stealing that spotlight. He always anticipated having a 'stern talking to' from his father after, and intended to never learn his lesson. Munkustrap wouldn't have anything to say, but it was still clear whose side he was on—he really was a fur carpet.

Tugger would give his brother credit for trying – during these lectures, Munkustrap would attempt to interrupt, but he was hushed every time. Once when they'd thought he'd left the junkyard (he in fact made sure that they assumed so), Tugger snuck around the corner and listened to them speak. That was when his respect for his brother was resurrected, and the pedestal he placed his father on was broken. "Dad, I think you're too hard on Tugger sometimes."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, talking down on him isn't gonna teach him how to behave. Maybe we should really try having a conversation together. All three of us." Already Tugger was convinced Munkustrap would make a perfect mediator when he was leader. He was a natural when it came to others' feelings – he could relate without needing to experience whatever they'd been through himself.

"We both know that Tugger just doesn't want to listen. He never listened as a kitten. He's always had to put himself on display and cry for attention."

"Dad." Munkustrap chided. "That's not fair. That's just who he is; he's... exuberant." That's one way to put it. "He's not afraid to be himself... he just has to learn when and where to do so." He muttered quietly.

"My boy, he's gotten into all kinds of trouble I couldn't even tell you about. I didn't want to upset you, so I never told you."

"What could he have possibly done that's so bad?"

"He vandalizes human property; scratches their cars, and windows... Much worse, he gets into fights with other strays. They claw each other up for scraps, sometimes they're left on the brink of death."

Munkustrap looked appalled. "Jesus."

"But don't you see?" He sat down on a pile of junk. "We have to keep an eye on him. He's stubborn. Most of all, he just goes looking for trouble. It's like he expects his life to not have any worth... I'll be honest with you... I always tell myself I could've done better with him... I'd hoped he'd turn out better."

Neither aware of his presence, Rum Tum Tugger, with tears sitting in his eyes, slipped away from the scene. No one saw him for days.

—

Regaining consciousness, Tugger slowly opened his eyes to a blurry image. The last thing he could remember was that it was night time, but from what he could tell, the sun was coming up. How long had he been out? He'd blacked out for a mere two seconds. Where was he? Was he still at King's Road? He tried to move his head to get a better look, but everything ached. His face contorted painfully and his muscles throbbed; an anguished moan escaped him as he tried to get a breath in.

"Try not to move." A voice caught his ear and a shadow cast over his blood-covered body. Tugger didn't need clear vision to identify whom it was.

"Pop...?" He rasped to the best of his ability. Indeed, Old Deuteronomy was at his side – he'd been waiting in agony for his son to show any signs of life. He laid an ear on his chest and heard a faint heartbeat. He was still fighting.

"You headstrong lion!" He sounded more thankful than angry. "Thank God!" He pat down the pillow on which he'd laid his son's limp body. He'd been on guard the whole night.

"Am I home?"

"Yes – I carried you all the way back. I don't even want to think of what might've happened if I hadn't found you in time." He pushed over a water bowl. "Drink." He commanded. He helped Tugger roll over so he could get a better angle; he could only force dainty sips into his weak body. "I want to know what you were thinking going into another tribe's territory." Of all the times he could lecture him, now was not it! But now Tugger would be forced to listen, and given how bent up he was, he'd have plenty of time to think about his actions. "Rum Tum Tugger. You answer me."

"I didn't think it'd go so far..." His chest heaved; just getting a whole sentence out was a struggle. "One got in my face and wouldn't let me explain."

"They don't expect you to. When a cat's in another's territory, they're to leave at once! A Jellicle should know that."

"You never teach me a damn thing about what Jellicles should know!" He forced out.

"What was that?" Old Deuteronomy replied with tranquil aggravation. Tugger didn't have it in him to take up arms... definitely not right now. "From what I saw, you wouldn't back down." Tugger said nothing. "If you'd submitted, they would've let you walk away... why, Tugger, why didn't you just stay down and not risk your life?" More silence. Tugger never questioned the why of his actions; neither before, nor after they were committed. Old Deuteronomy sighed quietly. "Where were you for the past few days?"

"Does it matter?"

"You're my son. Of course it matters. You weren't picking fights all around the city, were you?"

"Of course not, Pop." He wheezed with annoyance. "I was just... Just messing around." What on earth did that mean? Old Deuteronomy questioned him. "You know. Fooling around." It didn't take his father another second to figure out what he was implying. He let out an exasperated groan.

"Tugger—"

"—It was gonna happen eventually anyway."

"And that's why you were in... Oh for God's sake."

"How was I supposed to know she was taken already? Stupid wench acted like she was a victim when her mate came running over. When I wouldn't leave, he said the only way to win someone else's mate is to fight for them."

Old Deuteronomy shot him a look of disbelief. "And you were that in love with her?"

Tugger's cheeks burned with humiliation. "...No. I'd just met her." He mumbled.

"So why fight?" Tugger said nothing. "Answer me." Nothing. His silence was his answer. His throat was dry. His wounds ached. Old Deuteronomy knew he'd figure it out someday, but not today. What was he even doing interrogating him right now? He was home. He was alive. Nothing else mattered. He rubbed his paw on Tugger's cheek. "I never want to find you like this again... understood?"

"And what if you did?" Tugger spitefully replied. Old Deuteronomy didn't want to even imagine such a scenario.

"...How could I even want to live anymore if I lost one of my boys?"

His heart skipped a beat and Rum Tum Tugger managed to force his head to move so he could look into his father's eyes... at last, he recognized him again. Had he been wrong this whole time...?

"Tugger!" Another familiar voice cried. It was Munkustrap who came running over—he'd been told to keep away until morning, so he was awake all night until he saw the sun peeking over just now. That was morning enough in this situation. He'd only seen his brother being hauled back with portions of fur and skin laid bare and matted with blood. His blood. Three of his ribs were broken. Munkustrap was livid. "Are you okay? What were you thinking?"

Tickled by his rage born from worry, Tugger couldn't help but smirk. "Good to see you too, bro."

"I've already asked him the same thing... but in so many words." Munkustrap calmed down for the time being; he nuzzled his brother's cheek, and Tugger was too weak to protest. "I need you to help take care of him. I don't know when you'll be back on your feet again, my boy."

"I'm not leaving his side." Munkustrap declared without needing a moment to think. Tenderly, Munkustrap kept watch of his younger brother; making sure he had enough water and helping him manage some soft food down his throat. For days and nights he stood guard and cleansed the cruel wounds with his own tongue and kept the insects off of them. A lot of the time, Tugger would vomit the food back up; he'd contracted something nasty from his injuries and Munkustrap's heart would burn from the idea that his brother might not survive his illness. But he had to stay strong for him. Rum Tum Tugger was a natural warrior – no word of complaint passed his lips, though the pain of his wounds was excruciating. Not even when his fever reduced him to a delirious shadow of his usual self did he fuss, though he craved nothing but water and the devoted Munkustrap would ensure he always had enough.

Tugger's head would roll and toss in his sleep from strings of fever nightmares and Munkustrap felt he had no choice but to let him sleep through them so that his body could repair, but he lied closely beside him so that he knew he was nearby when he woke. Never had Tugger seen another brother show more unselfish and sacrificing loyalty than his own did. When his fever began to abate and he commenced to mend, he'd sometimes hear Munkustrap whisper, when he thought he'd already fallen asleep, "I love you, Tiger." Tugger would mouth a noiseless reply.

After what seemed an eternity to the suffering brothers, Rum Tum Tugger was able to walk once more, and from then on his recovery was so rapid that in another month, he was as strong and active as before.