I could see the junkyard as I got closer. I became nervous because I didn't know what to expect. Suddenly, I felt like I wasn't alone, and that started to scare me. My mother used to tell me stories about Macavity, or as some call him "The Napoleon of Crime, or The Hidden Paw." I froze as I felt a warm breath on the back of my neck. I turned around cautiously, and found myself staring at a Pollicle.
"Well, look what I have here!" The dog sneered. "Breakfast!"
I gulped. Adrenaline took over my body as I started running away. I could hear his paws getting closer. I looked around for something for me to hide in. I reached the junkyard by then, so there were a few choices. I scrambled up to an oven a few feet up high. I hid in the corner and heard the Pollicle swearing and trying to reach me.
I'm not sure how long I stayed in that oven for, but the dog finally gave up and walked away. I waited a few minutes to make sure he was gone, and then I leaped out. I ran, keeping a sharp eye out for any more danger. I rounded the corner when –
"Oof!" I smacked into someone's chest. I rubbed my nose and peered up at a black and silver Tabby. "Oh, I'm sorry!"
"It's ok," the Tabby replied. "Where are you going in such a rush?"
"Well, I was being chased by a Pollicle. I'm looking for the Jellicles and Old Deuteronomy." The Tabby smiled.
"You're in luck today: Old Deuteronomy is visiting the tribe. I'm sure he'll let you live here."
I grinned. "Perfect!"
"I'm Munkustrap, by the way."
"I'm Aliyah."
Munkustrap smiled led me through a gate. I gaped in awe. Lots of cats were either playing, dancing, or talking with one another. A group of kittens were giggling and following a Maine Coon with a mane. I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked at Munkustrap.
"Let's go speak to Old Deuteronomy. Then I'll have Jellylorum look over you." I nodded even though I wasn't sure what this 'Jellylorum' thing was.
We walked over to a tire and I saw an old fat cat chatting with another cat with a strange tuxedo pattern. The tuxedo glanced at us and smiled.
"Mistoffelees, Old Deuteronomy, I'd like you to meet Aliyah."
The tuxedo, Mistoffelees, smiled and produced a rose in his paw out of thin air. "The pleasure is mine. You can call me Misto."
I giggled and took the rose.
"So Aliyah," Old Deuteronomy said. "What brings you here?"
"Um…" I looked at Munkustrap, who nodded in encouragement. "Well…my mother died today, but before she did, she told me about this place."
"I see. Would you like to become a Jellicle?"
Mistoffelees and Munkustrap smiled and nodded. "Yes."
"Alright," Munkustrap announced. "Now that's taken care of, let's get you to Jellylorum."
"Will it hurt?"
"What? Oh. No. Jellylorum is a cat here who is basically a nurse. There's another nurse, and her name is Jennyanydots."
I nodded and we headed to a den. On the way to Jellylorum's, Munkustrap told me about himself and his family. He was the tribe's Protector. His father was Old Deuteronomy and his brothers were Rum Tum Tugger and Macavity (I practically fainted at hearing that). There was no way they could be brothers! He asked about my life, so I told him. By the time I finished we had reached the den. Munkustrap knocked on the door and a cheery face opened the door.
"Good morning, Jenny. We have a new Jellicle, and I just want you to check her over for anything."
"Certainly!" The cat took my hand and led me inside. I sat down at a table and saw Munkustrap leaving.
"Where are you going?" The Tabby stopped.
"I have to go watch over the junkyard. Being the Protector, I have to make sure everyone is safe. Don't worry, you'll be in good hands." He left.
A little while later after being tested, Jenny announced, "You're perfectly healthy! Why don't you go outside and play?"
I bit my lip and shrunk back a little.
"Don't worry," Jenny reassured. "There are plenty of kittens for you to play with."
"Really?"
"Yep, follow me."
We walked outside to find the group of kittens. They were still crowding around the maned Maine Coon. Their attention left the Maine Coon to look at Aliyah, and they came running over.
"Hey, who's that?" A pure white kitten asked me.
"This is Aliyah." Jenny replied. "She's new, so I hope you make her feel at home."
"We will!" A queen with huge eyes said. Jenny nodded and left. "I'm Jemima."
"Hi."
She began introducing the kittens. "Electra, Etcetera, Pouncival, Tumblebrutus, and Victoria."
"Hi!" They all chorused.
"Wanna play with us?" Etcetera asked. The toms ran off to finish their own game, leaving the queens by themselves.
"Sure, what are we doing?"
"You'll see." She winked.
The kittens led me to a den where a red queen and the maned tom were talking.
"EEE!" The queens squealed when the Maine Coon spotted them and walked over. "Tuggy!"
I watched them droll over this supposedly hunky tom. He was all black but had leopard prints on his wrists, ankles, and chest. He had a mane, unlike the other cats in the tribe, and wore a leopard-print bandana over his left leg, along with a sparkly belt and leather gloves. The tom noticed me looking him over and swaggered over to me.
"Why hello," he purred. "I don't believe we've met."
"This is Aliyah. She's new!" Jemima said.
"I don't see what the big deal is about him," I thought. "I mean, he's cute, but I don't see what makes him so special."
As if on cue, the tom winked, turned around to the other kittens, and gave a quick pelvic-thrust.
"Ah. That's why." I watched the kittens nearly faint in happiness.
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat!" The kittens burst out suddenly.
"If you offer me a pheasant, I'd rather have grouse."
I watched as the tom danced and pelvic-thrusted around while the kittens practically drooled. Even though we haven't really talked to each other, I thought he was full of himself. The song finally ended and the tom walked off, giving on last wink at me.
"Who was that?" I asked as the queens came back all dreamy.
"Who was THAT?" Etcetera shrieked. "He is the Rum Tum Tugger!" Just then, Munkustrap walked around the corner towards me.
"Hello everyone. How are you doing, Aliyah?"
"Good."
"Let me show you to your den, and then I'll introduce you to everyone. Is that ok?"
"Yep."
"Oh, and you can call me Munk." I smiled.
Munkustrap showed me my den, which was actually near his. My den was an old bookcase, and my 'wall' for privacy was a pillowcase. We then began walking around the tribe and he pointed out everyone's den. I met all the fellow Jellicles. Misto put on a magic show for me. I had a feeling we would be great friends.
Munkustrap invited me over to his house for dinner later that night. I hesitanty knocked on his den door. As I stood outside waiting to be let in, I felt like I was being watched. I spun around and peered into the darkness, but saw nothing.
"Hi Aliyah!" Demeter, Munk's mate, said warmly as she opened the door.
"Hi!" I had met Demeter, and I really liked her. I warmed up to her instantly and we really hit it off. It reminded me of how my mother and I used to be. Then we sat down for dinner (Mouse soup. Yum!).
"So…I met your brother today."
"Tugger?"
I pretended to look confused. "No, Macavity."
Munk nearly choked on his food, then turned to me. "What?"
Demeter looked at me, and I glanced at her. Big mistake. I burst out giggling. "Munk! I'm kidding! Yes, I met Tugger."
He seemed to calm down a bit. "Whew. You scared me there for a second, kitten. What do you think of Tugger?"
"Tugger is…well…I'm not sure. He seems to be the total opposite of you."
Just then, Tugger burst through Munk's door, singing a high note and striking a pose. "The Rum Tum Tugger is in the house!" He noticed me sitting at the table and returned to his normal posture. "Oh, hi."
"Hi." I inclined my head. I turned away feeling self-conscious as he kept looking at me.
Munk sighed. "Tugger, what do you need?"
"What? Can't I see my brother without being questioned on why I'm here?"
"Fine." I let a small giggle escape my mouth.
"Um…" Tugger turned to me again. "You know? I actually forgot why I was here." He turned and left.
"Wow!" Tugger thought. "She's adorable!"
***Whew! Aliyah was accepted into the tribe! But wait...did Tugger just think what I think he thought?***
