3. What Destiny Wants
"Well I never, so what they're saying is true. The Rum Tum Tugger has gone and lost his sparkle" came a voice. Tugger knew that voice so well, recognised the note of playful teasing immediately. He spun round and there stood Mistoffelees, his fur just as gleaming and glittering as if he was still alive. One of those trademark kittenish smiles playing on his lips.
"Misto…….but…"
"I know, I know, I should have moved on. But it's hard to move on when someone is holding you back by your tail (be it short or not)" Misto grinned, looking Tugger in the eye with such sparkling kindness that Tugger couldn't help but smile.
"I'm sorry Tux" he sighed at last.
"I shouldn't worry Tugs. I'd rather be here with you anyhow, you know that. Now, talk to me" the kit replied, sitting down next to Tugger. Tugger felt the coolness of Misto's aura, which despite the comfort he got from the tux being by his side once more also confirmed his theory that his best friend was just a spirit. No more permanent than a ripple in a pond. He remembered with fondness how warm the kit always was, something he had often taken such comfort in.
"Misto, you already know it all, the whole story. Because you always know how I'm feeling, it's one of the reasons we became friends; we understood each other. Before you, no one knew what was going on behind the façade. You were my outlet. And now you've gone I'm back to square one. But I'm not strong enough anymore. I'm falling to pieces without you and I'm even beginning to wonder if anyone would notice if I just slipped away one night."
The Tux stayed silent for a long time, looking up at the night sky with deep intensity in his eyes. Yet still his eyes sparkled a little, perhaps from tears or perhaps from the way the moonlight caught them.
"Tugger, I can't force you not to give up. I can't even pick up the pieces this time…because I know to do that I would have to be alive. But I can promise you I will always be listening if you need me Tugger. I'll always be your friend, and I'll always keep
my promises to you. My promise to be here, my promise to listen. And my promise to come back one day. I'll come home, I'll dance here again. Just let me dance on the stars first, let me find whatever it is destiny wants me to look for. You have everything to live for Tugger. This tribe is on the verge of its golden age, and it's not just Munkustrap it'll need to hold it strong. Trust yourself Tugger, and maybe eventually you'll forget about me."
"Never Tux. Never…that can't be what destiny wants" Tugger said, part of him hoping Misto would agree but knowing the Tux would not give away a thing.
It was true what Misto had said. But Tugger would never forget him, not ever.
"You do have a choice, memories which bring smiles could bring you more than you think. Could help you more than you think…but whatever you decide Tugger, I'm here for you."
"Thank you Tux."
"My pleasure Tugs, always."