Mistoffelees took a deep breath and entered the tribe's clearing as casually as he could. He was almost immediately greeted by Jemima.
"You've been gone for ages!" she said. "Or at least for hours."
"Was it really that long?"
The queen nodded.
"What were you doing?"
"I was conjuring up a new trick for this year's ball."
Jemima squealed with delight.
"Really? Show me!"
The magical tom smiled but said nothing.
"Oh c'mon, please?"
Misto shook his head.
"Sorry."
The jellicle queen forced a frown.
"You're no fun."
Misto waved his paw in a circle and flicked his wrist. A lovely little daisy appeared in his paw which he gave to Jemima. She took it and hugged him.
"But I forgive you."
"Thank you," he answered.
Then, he changed the subject.
"I need to talk to Old Deuteronomy, is he here?"
Jemima shook her head.
"He was here, but he went to his human's house for lunch a while ago."
"What about Munkustrap?"
"Oh, he's here. He's over in the car."
Mistoffelees looked to where his mate was pointing.
"With Demeter?" he asked.
"No, I'm pretty sure he's alone. Why? Is there something wrong?"
Misto shook his head.
"Nothing at all."
He planted a kiss on her cheek, then started toward the car. Each step he took was harder than the one before. He really wanted to keep the guard cats' threat to himself. He should be able to handle it alone. He shouldn't have to go running for help like a scared kitten who needs his mama.
"C'mon Misto, be realistic," he thought to himself.
After all, this was not a simple scrape on the knee, or a teasing remark from a mean bully. This was life and death. Magical powers or none, he knew that he couldn't handle all five of the guard cats by himself. He had to tell someone. Munkustrap would soon be the leader of the tribe. Who better to tell than him?
Mistoffelees took a deep breath and entered the car. Just as Jemima had said, the gray tabby was alone. He was stretched out on an old blanket, but he rose when the magical tom entered and greeted him with a friendly smile.
"Hi Misto."
Mistoffelees tried to return his smile, but found that he couldn't.
"Hi Munk."
Munkustrap could tell that he was uncomfortable and decided that this was not a casual visit.
"Is something wrong?"
Misto nodded.
"Something happened. I need to tell you."
Aaargh! The tuxedo could not think of a time when he had been more nervous. Nothing was coming out right. The gray tabby motioned toward the blanket.
"Wanna sit down?"
Mistoffelees shook his head. Munkustrap shrugged.
"What do you want to tell me?"
Misto took a deep breath. He wasn't sure what to say and he did not want to sound stupid.
"It's about the guard cats."
The gray tabby smiled.
"Ah, the guard cats. They're cool aren't they? I was a little worried at first, but Heavyside they sure turned out friendly."
Misto bit his lip, but Munkustrap did not notice and continued.
"Especially Vor. He and I can relate to each other both being leaders and all. Jennyanydots is always telling me how polite they are. The kittens really love them."
"They threatened to kill me," the magical cat quietly broke in.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"They threatened to kill me."
The tabby stared at him for a few seconds, then he burst out laughing.
"Good one!" he said. "Now seriously. . ."
"I am serious! They threatened to kill me!"
Mistoffelees was getting desperate. Munkustrap's smile faded.
"Misto, it's not funny anymore."
"I never meant it to be!" the tuxedo insisted. "I really mean it!"
"When?"
"Today."
Munkustrap shook his head.
"I'm sorry Misto, but they left for a vacation today. You weren't even here when they came 'round to say goodbye."
"I know. They came to my clearing just before they left. They said that if I was still here when they got back, they'd kill me."
"Look Mistoffelees, I know you don't like them but. . ."
"ME not like THEM?" repeated Misto in shock.
"Don't interrupt! Yes, you not like them. You always leave right before they get here. They ask where you are. They tell us that they wish they could talk to you. I know you're a bit shy, but you don't have to be anti-social!"
Mistoffelees was lost for words. Munkustrap continued.
"If you'd stick around and actually get to know them you might change your point of view. But, since you insist on rudely avoiding them, don't start telling lies about them. Especially nothing serious like death threats!"
"But, I. . ."
"Enough! What reason do they have to kill you anyway?"
"I don't kno. . ."
"I said enough!" shouted Munkustrap harshly.
Misto's heart leapt into his throat and he took a step backward.
"Now get out of here! And no more of this death threat stuff!"
"But. . ."
"I said get. . ."
The toms were interrupted when Old Deuteronomy entered the car.
"Hello Munkustrap, Mistoffelees."
As soon as he'd said this, the old cat knew that there was something wrong. He could sense the tension in the air.
"Hello Old Deuteronomy," answered Munkustrap.
The jellicle leader noted the tabby's hard expression and the wide eyes of the magical tom.
"Am I interrupting something?" he asked.
Misto was about to speak, but Munkustrap cut him off.
"Not at all. Mistoffelees was just leaving."
He pushed the magical tom toward the door. Misto desperately turned to the jellicle leader.
"Sir, I. . ."
"OUT!"
Munkustrap raised a paw ready to strike, but before he could, Misto dashed out of the car. Old Deuteronomy stared at the gray tabby in confusion.
"That was rather harsh don't you think?"
"I told him twice to leave. He didn't listen to me."
The toms sat down on the blanket.
"Do you know what he was going to say?" asked the old cat.
Munkustrap nodded.
"Probably the same rotten lie that he gave me."
"Lie? Misto has never lied before."
"That's what I thought."
"What did he say?"
Munkustrap shook his head.
"It's nonsense."
"Tell me anyway."
"It's not even worth repeating."
"Munkustrap."
"Okay," consented the gray tabby, not wanting to anger the old leader. "He tried to tell me that the guard cats had threatened to kill him."
Deuteronomy raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"I know, it's completely insane."
"Did he say why?"
Munkustrap shook his head.
"How about when?"
"Today."
"Didn't the guard cats leave today?" asked Deuteronomy.
"That's what I told him, but he kept insisting."
The jellicle leader was silent. Munkustrap continued.
"His exact words were, 'they said that if I was still here when they got back they'd kill me.' Sounds like something out of a bad mystery film doesn't it?"
Deuteronomy nodded.
"It is strange."
The tabby looked at him.
"Sir, you don't think Mistoffelees was telling the truth do you?"
"I don't know Munkustrap. But, I've always known him to be truthful. Do you think he'd lie about something as serious as a death threat?"
"But sir, the guard cats have never been anything but friendly to us." (Not to mention the wonderful respect they have for my authority) but Munkustrap did not say that out loud.
"Ask anyone, other than Misto of course, and they'll tell you."
The leader nodded.
"It's strange."
Mistoffelees did not want to attract attention to himself. After he exited the car, he took a deep breath and tried to look calm. Glad to see that no one had noticed him, he began to walk slowly along the edge of the clearing. He could not believe what had just happened. He tried to tell Munkustrap about the guard cats' threat and was rebuked for it. Why? He knew that the newcomers were well liked by the tribe, but he didn't think that they had become more trustworthy than himself. Was that his own fault? Was it the consequence of being vague and aloof? Mistoffelees never thought that it mattered to the tribe. He couldn't help how shy he was. He hated being with large groups of felines at one time. Four or five was okay, but any more than that. It made him uncomfortable. As if he was having a panic-attack or something like that. The only time that he did not mind being the center of attention was when he was either dancing or performing his magic. Then, he could almost forget that there was anyone watching him and simply have fun. Other than that, he couldn't stand being watched. He didn't think that the jellicles minded. They had never shown it before. He supposed that there was a limit as to how much one can trust someone who never says much and is barely around.
The thought crossed his mind that maybe the jellicles thought of him the same way the guard cats did. As a thing. A nuisance. A disease. Maybe Victoria really did hate being his sister. Maybe Jemima didn't like being his mate. Maybe Munkustrap regretted letting him join the tribe at all.
The magical cat wrapped his arms around himself and bit his lip. He never felt so down cast before in his life. Like he'd been reduced to the lowest member of the tribe. Maybe that's what he was.
He scanned the clearing. It seemed like all of the jellicles were talking about the guard cats. The kittens spoke of how much of how friendly they were. How they would play with them. How they hoped they would come back soon.
Jellyorum and Jennyanydots shared the usual conversation about their politeness and helpful attitude.
On the tire, Demeter and her sister Bombalurina teased Victoria about Layf.
Victoria.
Layf's cold words echoed through Misto's mind.
*Poor Victoria, forced to have that for a relative.*
He bowed his head.
*That for a relative. Poor Victoria. Poor Victoria.*
He looked up to see that Jemima had joined the queens on the tire.
*Poor Jemima, having something like that for a mate. That for a mate. Poor Jemima. Poor Jemima.*
Mistoffelees shook his head trying to get the voices to leave, but they only grew louder.
*Your kind doesn't belong.*
*Infected by your disgusting existence.*
*Poor Jemima.*
*Poor Victoria.*
Misto gritted his teeth and covered his face with his paws.
*Munkustrap was insane to accept that.*
*A disease like that.*
*Stay and torture them.*
*Your fowl existence.*
*For good.*
*Hope to see ya when we get back! Hope to see ya when we get back! Hope to see ya when we get back!*
Misto started when he felt a paw on his shoulder. His head shot up and he frantically pushed it away.
"Misto?"
He suddenly realized that he was on the ground and Jemima was standing over him. A surprised and worried expression on her face. Misto did not know when he had fallen, but he quickly got to his feet.
"I'm sorry," he said.
Jemima gave him a gentle hug.
"What's wrong?"
The tuxedo hesitated. Did he really want to tell her what had happened? What if she reacted the same way Munkustrap did?
"Nothing," he said at last.
Jemima studied him carefully.
"I know there's something Misto. Please tell me."
"I was just thinking about. . ."
The magical tom's voice trailed off and he bowed his head. The queen hugged him again.
"It's okay," she said. "But, I think you need some rest."
"I'm all right, really."
"I insist."
Misto finally admitted that he was a little tired. The couple walked through a passageway of junk, until they reached hovel lined with soft rags. This was where they slept. Misto laid down on the rags. Jemima massaged his shoulders and purred soothingly. His mind was still troubled, but he convinced himself to forget about all that at the present time. He began to purr as he felt himself relax. And soon, he had slipped into a peaceful sleep.
"You've been gone for ages!" she said. "Or at least for hours."
"Was it really that long?"
The queen nodded.
"What were you doing?"
"I was conjuring up a new trick for this year's ball."
Jemima squealed with delight.
"Really? Show me!"
The magical tom smiled but said nothing.
"Oh c'mon, please?"
Misto shook his head.
"Sorry."
The jellicle queen forced a frown.
"You're no fun."
Misto waved his paw in a circle and flicked his wrist. A lovely little daisy appeared in his paw which he gave to Jemima. She took it and hugged him.
"But I forgive you."
"Thank you," he answered.
Then, he changed the subject.
"I need to talk to Old Deuteronomy, is he here?"
Jemima shook her head.
"He was here, but he went to his human's house for lunch a while ago."
"What about Munkustrap?"
"Oh, he's here. He's over in the car."
Mistoffelees looked to where his mate was pointing.
"With Demeter?" he asked.
"No, I'm pretty sure he's alone. Why? Is there something wrong?"
Misto shook his head.
"Nothing at all."
He planted a kiss on her cheek, then started toward the car. Each step he took was harder than the one before. He really wanted to keep the guard cats' threat to himself. He should be able to handle it alone. He shouldn't have to go running for help like a scared kitten who needs his mama.
"C'mon Misto, be realistic," he thought to himself.
After all, this was not a simple scrape on the knee, or a teasing remark from a mean bully. This was life and death. Magical powers or none, he knew that he couldn't handle all five of the guard cats by himself. He had to tell someone. Munkustrap would soon be the leader of the tribe. Who better to tell than him?
Mistoffelees took a deep breath and entered the car. Just as Jemima had said, the gray tabby was alone. He was stretched out on an old blanket, but he rose when the magical tom entered and greeted him with a friendly smile.
"Hi Misto."
Mistoffelees tried to return his smile, but found that he couldn't.
"Hi Munk."
Munkustrap could tell that he was uncomfortable and decided that this was not a casual visit.
"Is something wrong?"
Misto nodded.
"Something happened. I need to tell you."
Aaargh! The tuxedo could not think of a time when he had been more nervous. Nothing was coming out right. The gray tabby motioned toward the blanket.
"Wanna sit down?"
Mistoffelees shook his head. Munkustrap shrugged.
"What do you want to tell me?"
Misto took a deep breath. He wasn't sure what to say and he did not want to sound stupid.
"It's about the guard cats."
The gray tabby smiled.
"Ah, the guard cats. They're cool aren't they? I was a little worried at first, but Heavyside they sure turned out friendly."
Misto bit his lip, but Munkustrap did not notice and continued.
"Especially Vor. He and I can relate to each other both being leaders and all. Jennyanydots is always telling me how polite they are. The kittens really love them."
"They threatened to kill me," the magical cat quietly broke in.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"They threatened to kill me."
The tabby stared at him for a few seconds, then he burst out laughing.
"Good one!" he said. "Now seriously. . ."
"I am serious! They threatened to kill me!"
Mistoffelees was getting desperate. Munkustrap's smile faded.
"Misto, it's not funny anymore."
"I never meant it to be!" the tuxedo insisted. "I really mean it!"
"When?"
"Today."
Munkustrap shook his head.
"I'm sorry Misto, but they left for a vacation today. You weren't even here when they came 'round to say goodbye."
"I know. They came to my clearing just before they left. They said that if I was still here when they got back, they'd kill me."
"Look Mistoffelees, I know you don't like them but. . ."
"ME not like THEM?" repeated Misto in shock.
"Don't interrupt! Yes, you not like them. You always leave right before they get here. They ask where you are. They tell us that they wish they could talk to you. I know you're a bit shy, but you don't have to be anti-social!"
Mistoffelees was lost for words. Munkustrap continued.
"If you'd stick around and actually get to know them you might change your point of view. But, since you insist on rudely avoiding them, don't start telling lies about them. Especially nothing serious like death threats!"
"But, I. . ."
"Enough! What reason do they have to kill you anyway?"
"I don't kno. . ."
"I said enough!" shouted Munkustrap harshly.
Misto's heart leapt into his throat and he took a step backward.
"Now get out of here! And no more of this death threat stuff!"
"But. . ."
"I said get. . ."
The toms were interrupted when Old Deuteronomy entered the car.
"Hello Munkustrap, Mistoffelees."
As soon as he'd said this, the old cat knew that there was something wrong. He could sense the tension in the air.
"Hello Old Deuteronomy," answered Munkustrap.
The jellicle leader noted the tabby's hard expression and the wide eyes of the magical tom.
"Am I interrupting something?" he asked.
Misto was about to speak, but Munkustrap cut him off.
"Not at all. Mistoffelees was just leaving."
He pushed the magical tom toward the door. Misto desperately turned to the jellicle leader.
"Sir, I. . ."
"OUT!"
Munkustrap raised a paw ready to strike, but before he could, Misto dashed out of the car. Old Deuteronomy stared at the gray tabby in confusion.
"That was rather harsh don't you think?"
"I told him twice to leave. He didn't listen to me."
The toms sat down on the blanket.
"Do you know what he was going to say?" asked the old cat.
Munkustrap nodded.
"Probably the same rotten lie that he gave me."
"Lie? Misto has never lied before."
"That's what I thought."
"What did he say?"
Munkustrap shook his head.
"It's nonsense."
"Tell me anyway."
"It's not even worth repeating."
"Munkustrap."
"Okay," consented the gray tabby, not wanting to anger the old leader. "He tried to tell me that the guard cats had threatened to kill him."
Deuteronomy raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"I know, it's completely insane."
"Did he say why?"
Munkustrap shook his head.
"How about when?"
"Today."
"Didn't the guard cats leave today?" asked Deuteronomy.
"That's what I told him, but he kept insisting."
The jellicle leader was silent. Munkustrap continued.
"His exact words were, 'they said that if I was still here when they got back they'd kill me.' Sounds like something out of a bad mystery film doesn't it?"
Deuteronomy nodded.
"It is strange."
The tabby looked at him.
"Sir, you don't think Mistoffelees was telling the truth do you?"
"I don't know Munkustrap. But, I've always known him to be truthful. Do you think he'd lie about something as serious as a death threat?"
"But sir, the guard cats have never been anything but friendly to us." (Not to mention the wonderful respect they have for my authority) but Munkustrap did not say that out loud.
"Ask anyone, other than Misto of course, and they'll tell you."
The leader nodded.
"It's strange."
Mistoffelees did not want to attract attention to himself. After he exited the car, he took a deep breath and tried to look calm. Glad to see that no one had noticed him, he began to walk slowly along the edge of the clearing. He could not believe what had just happened. He tried to tell Munkustrap about the guard cats' threat and was rebuked for it. Why? He knew that the newcomers were well liked by the tribe, but he didn't think that they had become more trustworthy than himself. Was that his own fault? Was it the consequence of being vague and aloof? Mistoffelees never thought that it mattered to the tribe. He couldn't help how shy he was. He hated being with large groups of felines at one time. Four or five was okay, but any more than that. It made him uncomfortable. As if he was having a panic-attack or something like that. The only time that he did not mind being the center of attention was when he was either dancing or performing his magic. Then, he could almost forget that there was anyone watching him and simply have fun. Other than that, he couldn't stand being watched. He didn't think that the jellicles minded. They had never shown it before. He supposed that there was a limit as to how much one can trust someone who never says much and is barely around.
The thought crossed his mind that maybe the jellicles thought of him the same way the guard cats did. As a thing. A nuisance. A disease. Maybe Victoria really did hate being his sister. Maybe Jemima didn't like being his mate. Maybe Munkustrap regretted letting him join the tribe at all.
The magical cat wrapped his arms around himself and bit his lip. He never felt so down cast before in his life. Like he'd been reduced to the lowest member of the tribe. Maybe that's what he was.
He scanned the clearing. It seemed like all of the jellicles were talking about the guard cats. The kittens spoke of how much of how friendly they were. How they would play with them. How they hoped they would come back soon.
Jellyorum and Jennyanydots shared the usual conversation about their politeness and helpful attitude.
On the tire, Demeter and her sister Bombalurina teased Victoria about Layf.
Victoria.
Layf's cold words echoed through Misto's mind.
*Poor Victoria, forced to have that for a relative.*
He bowed his head.
*That for a relative. Poor Victoria. Poor Victoria.*
He looked up to see that Jemima had joined the queens on the tire.
*Poor Jemima, having something like that for a mate. That for a mate. Poor Jemima. Poor Jemima.*
Mistoffelees shook his head trying to get the voices to leave, but they only grew louder.
*Your kind doesn't belong.*
*Infected by your disgusting existence.*
*Poor Jemima.*
*Poor Victoria.*
Misto gritted his teeth and covered his face with his paws.
*Munkustrap was insane to accept that.*
*A disease like that.*
*Stay and torture them.*
*Your fowl existence.*
*For good.*
*Hope to see ya when we get back! Hope to see ya when we get back! Hope to see ya when we get back!*
Misto started when he felt a paw on his shoulder. His head shot up and he frantically pushed it away.
"Misto?"
He suddenly realized that he was on the ground and Jemima was standing over him. A surprised and worried expression on her face. Misto did not know when he had fallen, but he quickly got to his feet.
"I'm sorry," he said.
Jemima gave him a gentle hug.
"What's wrong?"
The tuxedo hesitated. Did he really want to tell her what had happened? What if she reacted the same way Munkustrap did?
"Nothing," he said at last.
Jemima studied him carefully.
"I know there's something Misto. Please tell me."
"I was just thinking about. . ."
The magical tom's voice trailed off and he bowed his head. The queen hugged him again.
"It's okay," she said. "But, I think you need some rest."
"I'm all right, really."
"I insist."
Misto finally admitted that he was a little tired. The couple walked through a passageway of junk, until they reached hovel lined with soft rags. This was where they slept. Misto laid down on the rags. Jemima massaged his shoulders and purred soothingly. His mind was still troubled, but he convinced himself to forget about all that at the present time. He began to purr as he felt himself relax. And soon, he had slipped into a peaceful sleep.