Part Four: The Temptress

Chapter Twenty-nine

I returned home in a lighthearted manner. It was just a kiss—merely a kiss! And yet, it had the power to transform me into a youthful kit once again.

"You look happy," Demeter commented dryly as I entered the house.

"I am," I replied in the perkiest of tones.

"So I take it that you and Tugger have finally danced?" She asked, her tone implying something a little more recreational than dancing.

"We just kissed," I sniffed haughtily, jumping up beside her on the couch. "Nothing more."

"Must have been one helluva kiss," she smiled. I arched my eyebrow playfully and we giggled.

"So…" Demeter took a deep breath. She smiled mischievously at me.

"So?" I looked at her, prompting her to continue. I could tell by her expression that she had some big news.

"So," her grin became full-blown. "I'm pregnant."

I cried out in joy and hugged her, both of us laughing crazily. I sat back up.

"Do you know who the father is?" I asked in mock seriousness. Demeter smiled at this. Everyone knew that she and Munku were mates now—even though they had never officially declared it. They had disappeared for a weekend, returning with bright eyes and happy faces. You could just look at them and tell.

"I'm due in a few weeks," she could not stop smiling—and glowing. I gave a breathless laugh, "Oh, Dem, that's wonderful! I knew you had been acting strange, but I never…"

"I know!" She giggled. "I wasn't sure at first either. So I waited…and waited. And finally, I was pretty sure, so I went to see Mother today and she confirmed it."

"How many kits?" I asked.

"Just one, I think," Dem replied. "I only feel one kicking—at least I think so. Which is fine—Munku and I both hoped our first litter would be small. You know, so we could get the hang of it."

I nodded, smiling in remembrance, "Oh, bast, I had four of them at once—what a handful! Don't get me wrong; I loved every minute of it, but it was still quite taxing."

Demeter's face softened as she remembered the rest of my sad tale. She gave a small smile, "I wanted to ask you something. A favor."

"What is it?"

"Well, you don't have to if you don't want to; I'll understand if you don't. But if you do—"

"For Bast's sake, Dem, just say it!" I laughed. She smiled sheepishly at me, "I wanted to ask you to be the bast-mother. You know, in case anything happens to me."

"Oh, Dem," I smiled. "I would love to."

"Really?"

"Really!"

"Oh, wonderful," Dem wrapped me up in a hug. "I was afraid it would be too painful for you, but I'm so glad you said yes!"

I smiled at her, "You're my best friend, Dem, of course I would have said yes."

"I just," she looked down at her paws, smiling softly. "I wanted to give you a chance to be a mother again."

I smiled sweetly at her—this wonderful, beautiful cat. I silently wrapped my paw around her. She truly was a good friend.

~*~

Misto came by the next morning, "Hey, Boms!"

He never called me mother. I think it would have been too strange for both of us. Besides, he was almost full-grown now—he often came over to get my advice on winning the affections of the little white queen Victoria. I didn't think she was good enough for my son, but I never said so. I didn't want to play the role of overbearing, jealous mother.

"Didja hear?" I leaned forward excitedly. "Dem's having a baby!"

Misto smiled at this, looking to Demeter, "Really? That's great. Who's the father?"

Like me, he asked this in jest. Demeter rolled her eyes, a good-natured smile on her face, "Very funny. You're mother's already cracked that joke."

Misto just laughed. He pointed a white-toed paw at a nearby pillow and caused it to levitate off the couch, "Look what I can do!"

"Wow," I watched with wide-eyed wonder. "Where'd you learn that?"

"Taught myself," he said simply. He always gave vague answers when referring to his magic. He looked at me quizzically, "Hey, where do I get these powers from? You don't have any."

"No, I don't." I smiled. "You get them from your father."

"Who is he?" Misto asked. He had been too young to remember. I felt Dem shift uneasily behind me. I shook my head with an odd smile, "I…don't know, darling. It was just one of those things."

Misto nodded somberly, his little kitten face filled with gravity. Then, he looked back up, forcing a smile, "Well, I'm off. Going to see Victoria!"

Demeter watched him leave, "He knows you're lying."

I sighed, "I'd rather him be the son of a liar than the son of Macavity."

Demeter nodded in agreement, turning her attention to grooming herself. I noticed the little pudge of her belly that now stood out. I smiled at this. Demeter made for a cute pregnant cat.

Still, Misto's questioned weighed heavily on my mind. What if he decided to go looking for his father? Or worse, what if he found Macavity? I knew I could not let such a thing happen.

"Where are you going?" Dem called after me.

"The junkyard," I shot back over my shoulder. I had business to attend to.

~*~

I resumed my usual perch atop the old car, waiting for Munkustrap to make his morning rounds. I didn't have to wait long. I smiled when I saw him approach, "Good morning, Munku."

"Good morning, Bomba," he nodded back. I leaned forward, "How are you on this fine day?"

Munku took an uneasy step back. Oh, bast, he thought I was trying to put the moves on him again.

"How is your brother?"

"Fine," Munkustrap seemed visibly relieved. He knew why I was acting so strange—I was after Tugger, like every other queen in the yard. Suddenly, he realized whom he was talking to and looked at me suspiciously, "Why?"

"Oh, no reason," I said carelessly, taking the time to wash my paws. "It's just that when I saw him at the club last night—"

"Club? What club?"

"Oh, The Mouser's Palace," I replied nonchalantly. "It's the one down the street. I go there to play cards." I gave a small smile at this confession, "It's my one weakness."

Munkustrap nodded, still thrown off by the idea that I had seen Tugger at the club. I continued my story, "Anyways, when I saw him last night, he seemed rather…tense."

Munkustrap did not take the bait. I waited a moment, before breathlessly pursuing my next line. This was a highwire act—without the net, "I suppose it was because he saw Macavity."

"Macavity?" Munku's head snapped around at me, his dark eyes riveted to my face. Ah, there's the reaction I was looking for! Still, I had to deal with the manner as delicately as possible, "Yes, Macavity. He…owns the place."

Munkustrap looked at me in disbelief, "You still play cards with Macavity?"

I shook my head, swallowing nervously. I took a deep breath, "I know for a fact that he's going to be there tonight."

"And?"

"And he's going to be alone," I said slowly, allowing this to sink in. "No bodyguards."

Munkustrap suddenly realized what I was hinting at, "Oh, Bast, Bomba, I could never—"

"What?" I sat up defensively. "He is our enemy. Why should we let him continue to terrorize us? We should end this, once and for all."

I didn't dare tell Munku my real motives—I wanted Mac dead before he realized that Misto was his son. If Macavity found out that I had been hiding him, the Hidden Paw would surely kill me, and probably try to take Misto back. I couldn't let that happen. It wasn't the need for survival that drove my fear—it was the overpowering sense of protection that a mother feels toward her offspring. I could not allow Misto to fall into his father's blood-stained hands. I could not allow him to be mangled and manipulated by that creature.

Luckily, Munku did not realize this. He looked up at me, "I'm sorry, Bomba. I just can't."

I nodded and looked down at my paws. I forced a smile and changed the subject, "So, Dem told me the good news."

Munkustrap's face lit up, "She did? Isn't it great? Have you agreed to be the bast-parent?"

I nodded. Munku smiled again, "That's great, Bombalurina. You know, I just wanted to say how glad I am that you are with Demeter. I know that whenever I'm not around, you're there to protect her. It eases my worry to know she's in good paws."

I smiled at the compliment. "Thanks, Munku. That was very sweet of you."

He shrugged, heading off on his morning duties, "Tell her I'll be coming over later!"

I laughed and said that I would relay the message. I glanced across the yard. I saw Misto and Victoria sitting side by side, in the tender, tentative stages of first love. I smiled at this. Alonzo and Cassandra were lying side by side, sunning themselves. Cassandra was laughing at his joke. They apparently were on-again. I wondered how long it would last this time. Alonzo notice my glance and looked hesitantly back at me. His gaze seemed to say, If you've changed your mind…

I shook my head slightly. His face fell; he nodded that he understood. He returned his attention to Cassandra.

I saw Tugger gyrating atop a crate, a crowd of females screaming below. He gave me a wink. I wagged a finger at him, making him grin even bigger, moving his hips suggestively in my direction. I laughed and looked away. I noticed Jenny and Jellyorum, busily planning for the Jellicle Ball, which was now only a few months away. Summer was coming; I could smell it on the wind. Oh, how I adored summer—the time of dancing and moonlight and sultry rhythms floating through the darkness like velvet.

"Wotcha doin?" My thoughts were interrupted by Teaser's thick cockney accent. I turned to see her, "Just thinking."

"Bout wot?"

"Summer," I said dreamily, my gaze drifting towards the blue spring sky.

"The boll," she surmised. I nodded, "The ball. I love dancing."

"Bet that ain't all yew love to do," she commented snippily, seating herself beside me. I looked over at her, "I beg your pardon?"

"Pah'don gran'ed," she gave a curt nod. I gave a small laugh of disbelief. "You are a strange cat, you know that?"

She smiled proudly at that. "Oi comes by it 'onest."

"I bet you do," I smirked. She changed the subject, "So, 'oo'd ya think'll be chosen for 'Eaviside?"

"I don't know," I shrugged, looking around the yard. "Probably Gus. He's so old; he gets weaker everyday." I cast a worried glance at Jellyorum, "Poor Jells. I don't know what she'll do without him."

"Oi think yore in for a suproise," Teaser replied cryptically. She looked at me. I looked back, not sure of how to read her expression, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Jus' wai' and see," she jumped down from the car, a wicked grin on her adorable face.

~*~

Weeks passed. Demeter gave birth to a little girl. She was named Jemima. Munkustrap was absolutely crazy about her; he visited everyday, bringing treats and trinkets. I would often smile at the carefree way that Munku acted around Dem and Jemima. He never acted that way around anyone else.

The night of the Jellicle Ball finally arrived. It was the first time Demeter had been out since giving birth to Jemima. Despite being much younger than the rest of the kits, Jemima quickly made friends with the other kittens—Victoria, Electra, and Dem's little sister, Etcetera. I saw the Misto had pressed his bow tie and was looking rather dapper. He kept making nervous eyes at Victoria. I just laughed.

This time, we did not post any guards. We did not think we had anything to worry about. We were wrong.

~*~

The Rum Tum Tugger jumped up, dancing about as he sang his theme song. He was not a candidate for Heaviside, but he sang anyways. Typical Tugger—he couldn't' stand for anyone else to be in the limelight. Even at her young age, Jemima was enthralled by Tugger. Foolish baby.

Ever since our kiss, our relationship had taken a volatile turn. I think he was angry because I had made him kiss me—making him the first to fold. Either way, he avoided me now, and I hated him for it. How can you enjoy the game if there aren't any other players?

I couldn't let Tugger have all the fun—I strutted out, my voice breaking into the music, "The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast!"

Tugger turned to me, his eyes gleaming. He began his next line, and I pranced over, swaying my hips to the music. He touched me—oh that glorious electricity pulsed through me again! I gave a high kick, letting my eyes do all the talking. He pulled me into him, caressing my body. I was too caught up in the moment to notice his wicked grin.

"No," he scoffed, promptly dropping me. I hit the ground, seeing red for a moment. Ooh, Tugger! How dare he drop me—in front of everyone!

Tugger wouldn't win so easily. I took center stage again, shaking my hips so that all the toms stared. Tugger angrily bumped me out of the way. I looked at him in shock. He just winked. Cetty giggled with glee, "Tugger loves me! He doesn't want you, Bombie!"

I shot her a look of disbelief. How could he not want this red hot queen? I looked at him again—how could I not want him? I had never heard him sing before; he was quite good. I took a step back, watching him move his hips. The tension in my body was almost painful. That's when I noticed Pouncival sitting in the wings, watching Tugger's every move. I shot another caustic look at Tugger. Two could play that game.

~*~

Suddenly, a strange cat appeared. Although I had never seen her before, I knew instantly who it was.

Grizabella the Glamour Cat.

I stepped forward boldly, wishing to see this cat who had been the bane of my existence since I was a kit. I circled her, my nose wrinkled in disdain. I stepped back and gave a low hiss. How on earth could anyone compare me to her? But when I looked around, I saw the shock on everyone's faces. It was as if I were the ghost of Grizabella past, standing beside her. I shuddered and turned away. Never would I end up like her.

Dem reached out to her, desperate to touch, but her overriding fear of Jellicle law prevailed. Demeter stepped back, shaking her head sadly. I moved to comfort her, shooting Grizabella a dark look.

~*~

Demeter broke away from me, calling after Grizabella, "She haunted many a low resort, near the grimy road of Tottenham Court…"

Demeter was repeating what her mother had told her. The Cautionary Tale of Grizabella the Glamour Cat.

"And who would ever suppose that that…" Demeter's face was filled with compassion. "Was Grizabella the Glamour Cat?"

"Grizabella the Glamour Cat," I joined the song, hissing the last word. As if she could even be considered a cat anymore! She had lost all dignity, all sense of felinity. She nothing more than a haggard, worn out creature. Demeter looked at me sorrowfully, as if she wished that I hadn't been so mean. Everyone chimed in, repeating the line as Grizabella disappeared into the shadows, her head bowed in shame.

I turned back to see Teaser eying me suspiciously. She cocked one eyebrow, "Tol' ya it was gonna be big."

I looked at her. How on earth did she know Grizabella?

~*~

I quickly got back to the business of driving all the toms wild, pushing all thought of Grizabella from my mind. The night was still young, and so was I. I had better things to do that worry about that cat.

"Hiya, Pounce," I stepped towards him, my eyes flashing with desire. Pouncival sat up, "Hi, Bombie."

I sat beside him, sliding closer and closer until there was only a whisker between us. "Are you having a good time tonight?"

"I am now," he smiled. I smiled back seductively. He leaned forward—what a brave little boy!—and asked, "Are you having a good time tonight, Bombalurina?"

"I am now," I echoed. He grinned. I nuzzled his nose, "My, you are a handsome thing. Perhaps you and I could—"

"Isn't he a little young for you?" Tugger's voice caused me to whirl around. He was standing over me and Pounce as we sat curled up in our secluded little corner.

"I don't know," I said innocently. I turned to Pounce, my eyes wide with innocence, "Are you too young for me, Pounce?"

"Not at all," he said passionately. I turned back to Tugger with a wicked grin, "See? He can handle a big girl like me."

I stood up, slipping next to Tugger's strong stance. I couldn't help but trace the outline of his belt, "The question is, can you?"

Tugger made his pretty mouth pout, although his eyes still twinkled mischievously, "I wish you wouldn't tease me so."

"Do you know what I wish?" I asked, my voice dropping into my trademark breathy whisper.

"What?" Tugger leaned forward, a knowing smile playing on his smug features.

"I wish…," I took step in, gently running my fingers through the thick fur on his mane. "That, just for once, you would live up to your hype."

With that, I gave him a light and playful tap on the nose—the way a mother would play with her kit—and sauntered off.

I could hear Tugger's low chuckle of disbelief fading behind me.

Perhaps the Rum Tum Tugger really was a terrible bore.

~*~

"Bombie, wait!" Pouncival ran after me. I turned around, surprised by his boldness, "Yes?"

"You were just gonna leave—like that?" He seemed incredulous.

"Like what?" I was genuinely confused. He suddenly panicked, "I, uh, I just…"

I looked at him skeptically, waiting for him to find his tongue. He did—but now how I expected him to.

He grabbed me, taking my face in his paws, and kissed me.

He stepped back, shocked at himself. I too was thrown off by his audacity. Still, I liked it.

"Now you can leave," he said, hurriedly turning around and walking away. I watched him go, a wry smile on my face.

"Oh, Pounce," I whispered to myself. "What a bold little thing you are."

Things could get very interesting.