Running from Family

By Actress of Broadway

Edited by Skimbleshanks the Railway CAT

I don't own "CATS." I just own the new cats.

Chapter 6: First Words and First Trouble

As the days went on, Veronica was getting more animated. After she touched Plato, she was a different queen. She, Victoria, and Quaxo grew very close. She always wanted to be near her friends. However Veronica still didn't get along with Etcetera, no matter what the younger kitten would do. Etcetera kept trying to get Veronica to like her but every attempt failed.

Another aspect that changed about Veronica was that she was getting involved with the other felines' play. She mainly liked to join Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer in making trouble. During that time, Rumpleteazer tried to make Veronica drop her act. Whenever she did that, Veronica would glare at her and Mungojerrie would give Rumpleteazer's ear a little tug.

Whenever Mungojerrie was over at Macavity's, which was every three days for three days at a time, Veronica would hang out with the other kittens. But she didn't always understand their play. She and Electra were starting to become good friends. However Veronica didn't agree with her and Etcetera's view of The Tugger. They thought he was great in actions and looks. Veronica did agree on his looks but thought that his actions were not appropriate. The friends could tell by the looks of either shock or disgust on her face. After a few times of the two kittens trying to convince Veronica of their views, they gave up. Afterwards, Veronica would roll her eyes and join the other kittens every time the two young queens talked of Tugger.

After she lost her patience with Electra and Etcetera, she moved onto to Jemima. She became like a protective big sister to the youngest kitten. Veronica didn't like to have Jemima out of her sight. Jemima didn't mind; she liked Veronica very much. But she didn't understand why the older queen was so protective of her. None of the other cats understood either but Veronica didn't make any motion as to why.

During the time that she attached to Jemima, Veronica tried to get along with the younger toms. However, she thought that Pouncival and Tumblebrutus were very immature with their jumping around. After a while, the only toms she could be patient with were Quaxo, Plato, and Admetus. But there was something that every kitten noticed that they couldn't understand. Quaxo and Admetus were able to get really close to her. But Plato was only able to get semi-close to her. Veronica allowed him to touch her but she still flinched every time he did. Nothing any of the kittens did could break her of that habit.

Over time, Veronica learned to trust Alonzo as well. In spite of this, she reacted the same way she reacted to Plato. Every time Alonzo gave her a head rub, she would slightly shudder. But Veronica was also protective of Jemima whenever the three of them were in the same area. She noticed that Alonzo was rather fond of Jemima. Veronica did not accept this for some reason. The other kittens guessed it was because Alonzo was fully grown and Jemima was the youngest of the tribe. Veronica noticed that Jemima enjoyed Alonzo's flirting ways and that made it worse. Even after Quaxo talked to her about it, Veronica still didn't approve.

Off of Jemima's requests, Quaxo tried to keep Veronica occupied whenever Alonzo came onto Jemima. He always took her out of the junkyard for a walk to work off her steam. During one of those walks, he noticed that there was one aspect that wouldn't change about Veronica even after all this time. She still didn't trust Skimbleshanks and Asparagus. Every time she saw them, she would hide behind her friend with her arms in her infamous "X" position in front of her face. Quaxo was curious about her actions but understood that she wouldn't explain them to anyone.

One day, Etcetera followed her brother when he took Veronica for a walk. During that time, she noticed Veronica's behavior toward Skimbleshanks and decided to approach her about her actions. That afternoon, Etcetera went to Veronica who was waking up from a nap in front of the kittens' bed and asked, "Why are you so afraid of Father and Skimbleshanks?"

Veronica stiffened and the younger kitten closed her eyes in fear, thinking that Veronica would pounce her again. But nothing happened. Opening her eyes, Etcetera saw that Veronica was holding her left shoulder and was looking away with a sad look on her face. Asparagus, who watched this exchange, went to them and said, "Etcetera, let me talk to Veronica alone."

Etcetera nodded and left the room. Veronica looked up and backed up a little with her arms in the "X" position in front of her chest. Asparagus sighed and said, "Still don't trust me, do you?"

Veronica gave him apologizing eyes and brought her arms to her sides. Asparagus got down to her eye level and for some reason, Veronica didn't back up. Asparagus paid no mind and said, "I think I understand why you don't trust me. It is quite obvious that you were abused by an older tom. But know this: Skimbleshanks and I are not like that. We would never even think of hurting you. Just know that."

With that, Asparagus rose to leave but Veronica quickly moved in front of him. Asparagus was surprised at her actions as Veronica shook her head, telling him not to go. But when he took a step forward, she backed up a little. Asparagus just smiled a little. "At least I know that you are trying to trust me."

Asparagus started to reach out to pet Veronica but then thought better of it. Slightly shaking his head, he left the room. Veronica bowed her head in shame and sighed silently. Having accidentally overheard the conversation, Victoria entered the room and said, "You don't need to be afraid of Father. The only time Father ever harms another cat is when he protects us. He will never ever harm you. Think about that while I go find my brother."

With that, Victoria left Veronica to contemplate her relationships with the adult cats around her. Spying a calendar on the wall, Veronica remembered the kittens' excited gossip from the past few days and realized that the Jellicle Ball was a week away. She smiled but then peeked around the corner and saw Asparagus talking to Jellylorum. Veronica swallowed hard and started to formulate a plan in her mind.

When the night of Jellicle Ball finally arrived, Veronica started to put her plan into action. The family left their home and made their way to the junkyard. But instead of joining her friends, Veronica went to Asparagus' side. Etcetera noticed this.

"What are you doing?"

Veronica just smiled and motioned with her head to Asparagus. Quaxo asked, "You going with him?"

Veronica nodded. A little surprised but glad, Asparagus went to take Veronica's hand. However Veronica took her hand back before Asparagus could touch. Nodding, Asparagus said, "It's all right."

Veronica barely nodded as she continued to stay by his side. Everyone wondered why she was acting like a kitten away from home but they had arrived at the junkyard before they could ask her. When the family entered, Rumpleteazer approached Veronica and whispered in her ear, "Don't forget my challenge."

Veronica just nodded and followed Asparagus to his spot. She stayed by Asparagus' side almost the entire time. She didn't want to be away from him. Every cat noticed this about the red Jellicle and pondered it for quite a while. Yet they never got up the courage to approach her with the subject. As they watched her a little, they also noticed a few things that couldn't be ignored.

Being mute, Veronica mouthed all the lyrics, trying to at least look normal. Nevertheless she looked like she was having the time of her life. She never participated in the Ball that Asparagus wasn't participating in. She had the habit of moving her head to the music. She was able to be near Skimbleshanks but he still couldn't touch her. She shared the same view of Tugger as the adult cats. In fact, she was downright disgusted with some of his flirts. However she found it very amusing when he rejected Bombalurina, which was evident in her covering her smile. Veronica also didn't understand why every cat looked up to Bustopher Jones while she was just stunned by how big he was. Barely peeking over Asparagus' shoulder, she would raise her eyebrow and roll her eyes.

But there was one thing Veronica did that really stood out. Just as Bustopher Jones was leaving, she looked in terror to her left and fell on her knees, flinging her arms in the "X" position in front of her face and trembling. Asparagus was about to ask her what was wrong when Macavity's alert went off. Asparagus hid Veronica from sight with his body. Veronica was too scared to notice. Demeter alerted everyone that Macavity was near and Veronica took off for a hiding place much faster than any other cat. That made Munkustrap very suspicious. He wondered how she was able to know that Macavity was nearby before Demeter even knew. But he had a job to do before he could ask.

Just before Asparagus came out from hiding behind the pipe, he saw a cat shivering under a blanket. Lifting the blanket up, he saw that it was Veronica rolled up in a ball and covering her head. Seeing his feet, Veronica looked up at him, her eyes filled with fear.

"He's gone," Asparagus said gravely.

Veronica nodded as she got up and joined Asparagus back in the open area. As the Jellicle Ball went on, Veronica continued to act very strangely in the eyes of the other cats. She seemed half amazed, half scared of Old Deuteronomy. Because of that, she hid a little behind Asparagus when the Jellicle leader appeared. When the annual dance started, Veronica stayed with Asparagus, who didn't dance because of his age. She watched the other cats dance with great interest as Asparagus told her, "Go and join your friends."

Veronica shook her head as she looked at Asparagus. She opened her mouth to try to say something but couldn't find the words. When Asparagus and Veronica went out again, the mating dance began. This year, it was Electra's turn on the center stage. To everyone's surprise, Tumblebrutus approached her. Electra was surprised as well but she still gave herself to him. Sitting between Asparagus and Munkustrap, Veronica watched their mating dance with a mix of fascination and wonder.

The next time Macavity came, Veronica seemed to sense it for she immediately sprang into the trunk of the dilapidated car. Macavity appeared and his black henchmen once again committed an act of kidnapping. This time, they took Electra and Etcetera. Veronica could hear their screams but covered her ears and remained where she was until Macavity left after fighting with a couple of the toms. Once the fiend was gone, Asparagus opened the trunk a crack and said to her, "You can come out now. He's gone."

Still a little rattled, Veronica stepped out. Everyone wondered what Macavity wanted with the two kittens and how they would rescue them. Just like last year, Tugger started to talk of Mistoffelees. As she heard Mistoffelees' name, Veronica smiled and started to straighten her fur quickly, trying to make it look perfect. Looking up, she saw Mistoffelees appear and couldn't keep her eyes off of him for a second. When he started to sing, she sighed and touched her chest where her heart was. Taking a brief look at her friend, Victoria saw that Veronica wasn't lip-syncing when every cat was singing and her eyes were dreamy.

At that moment, Mistoffelees looked for two assistants for his trick. The young females raised their hand but he chose Victoria and Veronica. Veronica's eyes glimmered at Mistoffelees as she and Victoria allowed him to put a drape over them.

They were somehow moved behind a wall of garbage as Electra and Etcetera took their place under the drape. As they made their way back, Victoria asked, "Veronica … do you like Mistoffelees?"

Veronica looked away and smiled embarrassedly. As Mistoffelees led them back into the open, Victoria thought about what she just learned. She knew Veronica's feelings would pose a problem because while Mistoffelees was Quaxo's phantom personality, it was Quaxo who cared for Veronica. As Quaxo regained possession of his body, Victoria wondered how he would react if he knew Veronica's feelings. But she decided to not say anything in order to avoid hurting Quaxo's feelings.

Finally the Jellicle Ball was coming to an end and Old Deuteronomy had made his choice as to who would be reborn. Asparagus made Veronica sit in front of the busted car.

"You shouldn't ask. You still have a life to live."

Veronica looked away and nodded as Asparagus went with the group in front of Old Deuteronomy. At the sound of the chant, she looked up and saw that Asparagus had been chosen. Her eyes grew wide and became teary as she shook her head. She quickly went to Asparagus and said silently, "Father, don't go … please."

Asparagus was surprised at what the first word was but said, "I was chosen, Veronica. I must."

Struggling with her tears, Veronica hugged Asparagus. He was surprised at her actions but hugged her back. Then he broke the hug and said, "Watch over Etcetera for me."

Veronica nodded as Asparagus and Old Deuteronomy picked their way to the tire. Veronica would have grabbed Asparagus again but Munkustrap held her back. She struggled to get free but Munkustrap held her tightly until the tire raised higher than she could reach. When that happened, Veronica broke free and tried to reach Asparagus but with no luck. As the stairway to the Heaviside Layer came down and Asparagus started to ascend, she broke down and cried. Asparagus looked down at Veronica and reached to her as he climbed. Looking up and straining for him, Veronica sang out with all her heart, "Life to the Everlasting Cat!"

She knew what she just did but no other cat realized because her voice was lost in the others. Unable to take it, she collapsed and cried her heart out.

Quaxo approached her tenderly and asked, "Veronica … are you all right?"

Looking up with teary eyes, Veronica barely nodded as Quaxo helped her up. But she cried a little more. Quaxo hugged her a little and Veronica accepted his touch. Etcetera and Victoria noticed Veronica's accepting demeanor and joined the two cats. Barely raising her head, Veronica saw Rumpleteazer looking at her with an eyebrow raised with attitude. Veronica smiled tearily and winked at her tiger-striped friend.

As the sun was starting to climb up in the sky, Jellylorum approached the four friends and said, "Let's go home."

From behind her, Mungojerrie said, "Jellylorum, I don't think they're ready. You go on home. I'll take them home when they're ready."

Jellylorum decided that he was right, nodded, and left. Rumpleteazer, Jemima, Electra, Pouncival, Tumblebrutus, and Plato joined the five cats. They all sat down as Mungojerrie went to tell the other cats that he would take them all home later that morning. Jemima asked Veronica, "Are you okay?"

Veronica sniffed and nodded as she wiped away her tears. Tumblebrutus said, "I don't blame her. It's going to be a rough time for the four of you."

Rumpleteazer smacked the back of his head. "Big help," she scoffed.

Plato agreed. "Tumblebrutus, you should keep such thoughts to yourself."

Tumblebrutus rolled his eyes as he rubbed the back of his head. Etcetera noticed that Pouncival's brow was creased in thought.

"What are you thinking of, Pouncival?"

Pouncival said, "Well … it seems silly but … I was just wondering where Asparagus got his name from."

Quaxo said, "Who knows? Who knows where any of our names come from?"

Electra nodded. "That's true. The only exception is that we know where Veronica's name came from. Victoria named her off the top of her white head."

"Ringmenka," sounded an unfamiliar female voice.

Rumpleteazer smirked and nodded at Veronica. "It's about time."

The other kittens swiveled to look dumbfoundedly at Veronica, who smiled and said in a first-class English cat accent, "My name is Ringmenka."

Her friends didn't expect their "mute" friend to start talking. They started and backed up a little. Mungojerrie, having just returned to the circle, said, "So … you've finally told everyone your true name. Now we can stop calling you by that 'replacement' name."

Veronica, or rather Ringmenka, chuckled. "Come now, Mungojerrie. I happened to like that name. But I do prefer to be called by my true name."

Ringmenka saw that her kitten friends were stunned. She asked innocently, "What?"

Electra pointed at the red Jellicle and said, "Y-Y-Y-You can talk! When did that happen?"

Ringmenka smiled. "I've always been able to talk."

Jemima drew a little nearer and asked, "Then why didn't you?"

Ringmenka looked away. "An older tom taught me to never speak without his permission. I was just obeying his rule."

Pouncival asked, "Who was this tom?"

Ringmenka just shuddered for the answer. Acknowledging it was none of their business, Victoria asked, "Um … Ringmenka … why were you crying just now?"

Ringmenka sighed and looked up into the lightening sky. "Asparagus … Father … is gone. Over this past year, I had come to see him as my father. I trusted him. But … because I was obeying that tom's rule … and because I was haunted by old memories … I never got to tell him."

Plato shook his head. "I think you did tell him. You hugged him and let him hug you back. You also stayed with him this whole night when before you couldn't be in the same room with him. Why did you do that, anyway?"

Ringmenka laughed softly. "It was a non-forward but comfortable way of telling him that I trusted him. But I never got to tell him properly."

Mungojerrie shook his head. "That's not true. I was nearby when you called him Father. He knows."

Ringmenka dipped her head just a little in reply. As no other cats remained in the junkyard, Mungojerrie said, "Come. Rumpleteazer and I will take you kittens home."

Plato stepped behind Victoria and said, "I'll take this one home, if you don't mind."

Victoria was now a fully grown cat and, therefore, could move in with Plato. The mates left, their fingers intertwined. Ringmenka shook her head. "I can't wait until that happens to me."

Seeing Etcetera and Quaxo's startled looks, Ringmenka grinned. "It's not that I want to move out. I just want to get a mate."

With that, Tumblebrutus said, "I'll take Electra and Pouncival home."

The three Jellicles left the junkyard. Looking at the red Jellicle, Etcetera asked, "So who was this tom?"

Ringmenka didn't answer and left the junkyard with her friends trailing behind her. When they arrived home, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer left with Jemima as the three other cats squeezed in through the window. Once inside, Quaxo went in search of Jellylorum. When the two young queens were alone again, Etcetera asked again, "Who was this tom?"

Ringmenka pretended that she didn't hear the younger cat as she started to clean herself. Etcetera kept asking and that annoyed Ringmenka greatly. By the time Jellylorum entered with Quaxo, Ringmenka had had it with Etcetera's questions. To shut the younger queen up, Ringmenka scratched her across the face. Jellylorum was shocked as Etcetera ran to her.

"Veronica, what is the matter with you? You had no right to scratch Etcetera like that!"

Ringmenka just crossed her arms and glared. Jellylorum pushed opened the window and said to Ringmenka, "Get out … and never come back."

Ringmenka calmly stood up and sauntered up to Jellylorum. Staring at the older queen with defiance, Ringmenka said, "Gladly," and somersaulted down to the ground.

Jellylorum was surprised that "Veronica" could talk but had to see to Etcetera, who was holding her face in pain. As she attended to her daughter, Quaxo asked, "What happened? What made her react like that?"

Jellylorum led Etcetera to her bed and she said, "I don't know. But I want you two to make me a promise. Never go looking for Veronica."

Etcetera nodded and murmured, "I promise."

But Quaxo was not happy. "What? Not go looking for my friend?"

Jellylorum looked at him. "That's what I said. Don't go looking for Veronica. She's dangerous."

Quaxo hissed, "Ringmenka is not! How dare you tell me to say away from my best friend!"

With that, he ran out of the room, leaving Jellylorum and Etcetera to wonder what had possessed him so.