(EDIT: This chapter was redone on- Actually, no…strike that, reverse it. This chapter was written on the 07/10/2014. Even though I have kept a few details in the storyline of the chapter, a lot of things have changed. To name a few: the flow, the start, the kiss scene and getting rid of unnecessary words which made it previously a terrible, lengthy filler chapter. If you have the time, could you please comment on this edited version?)

Good day all,

Ok, just to let you know before you start reading: This is going to be one of those long chapters. And it is filler/doesn't include a musical number. That seems like a very bad combination, but some of this information does impact on the storyline and is needed later on. In terms of what to expect…well, Jojo makes a return, a possible threat emerges, new OC character appears and a slight pairing is in the mix, along with a lot of havoc!

I would love to thank Yang Shadow, WyldClaw and Ninja-Chan42 for your comments. Please, I love reviews, favourites and follows- all comments help make this story the best it can be. Big, BIG thanks to Arixa23 for being my beta: this chapter would have been a downright mess without your guidance.

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Seussical, its characters or story. It belongs to Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and the Dr Seuss Enterprise. I only own Kirsty, the council members, my newest OC, the observatory and the cloak, which is important, so make sure you remember it, please!

Please enjoy,

~ Sophie

Chapter 11: A Birthday Worth Forgetting

"Morning, sleepyhead…"

Drowsy, Kirsty slowly woke up to the sight of her friend Horton, his hazel eyes the first thing she saw, calm and relaxed as always. She, unlike Horton, was far from that. Her head felt light, her hair was in knots and every part of her body ached, her overall mood extremely lethargic.

As she tried to sit up from her bed on the floor, Horton crouched down to her level. "Slept in, I see?"

At first, Kirsty was puzzled. It was only when Horton did tell her the time did she realised what he meant by 'slept it'. The time was about eight in the morning, quite late in comparison to her usual waking time, which was closer to six. "It must be those pills. Ever since I took them, I've had the worst time sleeping."

Horton laughed, before passing her some water. "Oh well, I'm sure you'll be okay. Dake does seem to know what he's doing most of the time." Suddenly, he gasped. "I almost forgot! I have something for you!" Quickly, the elephant disappeared to the rear of this hut, soon returning with a rectangular parcel, covered with straw and tropical leaves. "Go on. Open it!"

"Uhh…okay…" Not sure why she was receiving this, Kirsty began to open the box, cautiously. Her eyes went wide, as inside lay a handcrafted black, white and red hammock, made with reeds from the River Walloo, braided through it small gems, beads and feathers. There was also with it a cloak, with a red and white pattern strum across it. Beside the hammock lay a note. It read: 'Hope this gives you a better night sleep. You deserve it.'

"Happy Birthday, Kirsty."

Those words made Kirsty raise an eyebrow, extremely foreign in her mind. She had heard them before- not to her, but to various other children back at her orphanage- but she had never expected them to be said to her, ever. "What do you mean?"

"Well, a few weeks ago, you told me that you were born on the 24th of September," Horton explained, going down to a slightly confused Kirsty. "So, I decided that I would give you something special to celebrate. Haven't you ever had a birthday before?" Seeing the teenager shake her head, he too gained a look of shock, but soon moved on. "Gertrude helped me make it ages ago, but after you arrived, I decided to colour it to suit your style. AS for the cloak…I'm not really sure where I found that, but I thought you might like it all the same."

Kirsty gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Horton." Taking some of the clothes she had taken from her wardrobe in Whoville, she moved over to an enclosed area of the hut, beginning to get dressed. "I'd better get a move on, or else I'll be late for the meeting this morning."

"Why did you even agree to go to those meetings with the Mayor? Every time you come back after one, you always looked irked about something."

"That doesn't matter. The Mayor is happy that I am attending them with him, so I will keep on attending them. Anything to keep away from that military academy."

"Stop worrying, Kirsty. Your parents wouldn't send you to a military academy. They would never allow it."

Sighing, she turned around, now dressed in a pencil skirt and blouse, necklace in hand. "Well, how do I look?"

Horton nodded. "Ready for a big day in politics. Just promise me you will enjoy yourself today. That's what birthdays are all about!" Giving her a small hug with his trunk, he urged her to smile. "Just relax. Today is going to be perfect, trust me."

Returning the smile, she disappeared to Whoville, where she landed in a side street just next to the city hall. In the past months, she had improved with her skills of using the necklace, now able to pinpoint her position to anywhere in either world where she had been before. While stepping into the hall, she silently wishing she had previously asked the Mayor where his office was, not at all sure where to go. For the next ten minutes, she went through corridor after corridor, looking for any signs or people who, unlike her, would know what they were doing.

Utterly and completely lost. Great work, Kirst…. Really nailing the role as daughter of the most important political figure in Whoville! You're such a-

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU LOST THEM?!"

Upon hearing the surprisingly gruff voice, Kirsty had the sudden curiosity to investigate, slowly and silently moving to where she believed the voice was coming from.

"I asked you to do one thing for me, which was to track the subjects and dispose of them. A SIMPLE TASK, RUBERT!" the voice yelled again, the static sounds indicating that it was obviously coming from some sort of communication devise. "We are already far enough behind schedule as it is, without the added Thinker problem you 'gentlemen' fail to keep a hold on. Only a few days ago did I find out that the source is supposedly in Seussia!"

A collective amount of gasps and arguments followed that remark, the gruff voice immediately silencing them. "Now we know the cause of the sudden flip in attitudes! The increase in colour, character development and those…musical numbers…" He spat out those last words, before his voice grew deeper. "This only means that our work needs to be pushed forward. If we are not careful, and make more stupid mistakes, our whole operation could be exposed!" Taking a breath in, he moved on. "Anything else to report? Jack?"

"Yes, your honour," a familiar voice responded, which shockingly, belonged to the lead council chairman. "There has been a development with the Mayor and his wife. You see, they have supposedly found their missing daughter." The gruff voice was just about to yell again, when the lead chairman bet him to the mark. "There is little of her to make sense of; especially her memorable entry to the public through the roof of this very hall. We keep tabs on her, just to make sure that the extremely unlikely will not happen. Though, if that falls through, then we have the Thinker boy to lean back on. It's not like they can turn against us, anyway."

Kirsty, who had been holding her breath for quite some time, unevenly stood up, trying to comprehend everything she had just heard. Her thoughts were broken however, when a voice called out her name.

"Kirsty! There you are!"

Mrs Mayor came rushing through the hallway, her eyes brightening when she saw her daughter. "I knew I should have let you know earlier! Your father's meeting is cancelled, so we thought that we would do something special for your birthday!"

"How did you-" Kirsty tried to ask, before she was whisked away by her mother.

In the short walk to their destination, the teenager managed to ask Mrs Mayor how on earth she knew that information. Mrs Mayor smiled and simply answered. "I'm your mother, Kirsty. What don't I know about you?"

That comment almost made Kirsty sick, a guilty feeling rising up in her stomach. Every single day she kept the truth from them, the more it would hurt them the day she finally told them. She couldn't help putting it off, but for some reason, it was hard for her even think about it.

Finally, they stopped walking, as Mrs Mayor took her into a small shop on one of the busier streets of Whoville. Kirsty couldn't help but gasp, the most extravagant outfits and dresses filling the space.

Meanwhile, a tall man donning a green and blue suit entered from a back room. "Ah! Mrs Mayor, how wonderful to see you again! Still as stunning as ever, I see."

"Same to you, Mr Francesco," she told him, as he lightly kissed her gloved hand. "I must express my condolences. I was so sad on hearing you would be losing your store. We tried everything we could to overpass it, you should know, William."

"And to think that just three years ago, I was the most requested dressmaker in all of Who! I don't entirely understand how my creations could be dangerous, but nevertheless, I will respect the government's decision." As he was looking around the room, reflecting upon the years, his eyes caught sight of Kirsty, who was admiring a purple velvet suit jacket on one of the racks. "Now, don't tell me…you must be Kathleen! I still can't believe that you found her, after all these years!"

Surprised, Kirsty turned around, to when Mr Francesco lightly kissed her hand. "A pleasure to meet you, sir. Though, my name is actually Kirst-"

She was cut off, as Mr Francesco spun her around, quickly measuring the teenager, writing down notes as he went. When he finally finished, he observed her, pondering to himself. "So, what is the formality? Any requests on styling? Colour?"

Mrs Mayor stood next to him, also observing. "I'm not sure. This is the precise reason I came to you, William. No one makes outfits like you can! "

"I have a few ideas, but none seem to pop out at me," Mr Francesco muttered, as he scattered through various racks and books. After more observation, an idea popped into his head, causing the man to begin jumping around like a maniac. "I know! How about we try them all?"

Like a small child in a lolly shop, he violently pulled Kirsty through the door which he had come from earlier, revealing a large dressing room. With a click of his fingers and a clap of his hands, she found herself surrounded by a group of assistants, who busily started to work on her hair and makeup, before another group took over, fitting and modifying her outfits. Mr Francesco was never far away, ordering people around and judging various combinations of fabrics. At the side of the room sat Mrs Mayor, and soon Mr Mayor as well. With each dress they were shown, you could hardly tell their opinions, unusual expressions adoring their faces each time.

Four hours later, Kirsty was now standing straight up- due to the fact of an added corset-in a large and puffy shell pink coloured dress, which was interesting to say the very least. With her face covered with heavy makeup, her hair lighting up like a Christmas tree and her feet about ready to collapse from the high glass heels she current sported, her usually patience spirit could hardly take any more of this.

"So, what do you think of this? A true masterpiece, I assure you! Isn't it something?"

Mr Mayor's mouth hanged fully open, words not being able to come out, while his wife just sat beside him, slightly worried. "It is certainly something, Mr Francesco…I'm just not sure what…" the Mayor mumbled, just before Mr Francesco lead the parents out the room to speak with them privately.

Well, wasn't this an interesting development…Kirsty, just breathe! Just ignore the painful corset and breathe…don't worry, you will find a way out of this.

Knowing she had to 'face the music' sooner or later, she went back into the main entrance of the shop, her parent glancing to her as if pleading her to make a suitable response. She had no idea what to say, or what direction to even go, making her begin to shake from the anxiety. Suddenly, a thunderous rev broke the eerie silence, as a shiny orange motor scooter with a black sidecar pulled out in front of the store.

"Quick! You wanna get out of here or what?" the rider yelled, his identity hidden by the big goggles over his eyes. Running out of time-and completely scared of the alternative- she ran to the door, and swiftly got into the side car as it drove away, before Mr and Mrs Mayor could say a word. The wind blowing through her hair, various amounts of the ribbon attached flying into the distance, Kirsty stayed silence the whole five minute journey, her eyes constantly looking up at the driver, who was also not speaking.

I have really been lacking my sense of judgement lately. I bet that someday, I am going to get into so much trouble because of that…

Soon, they arrived at the town's old abandoned observatory, which was on the far side of Whoville. No one went near there anymore, mainly because a newer facility had been built years ago, which made it the perfect place to escape. Stepping out of the side car, she nearly fell over in surprise, the driver pulling off his helmet.

"Jojo?! " Lost for words, the two friends exchanged a hug, excited and thankful that each was alive and well. "I… Where- Why-…How?-"

"It's good to see you too," Jojo told her, smiling. "Don't worry, I'll explain everything shortly. For now, I think it's best if we get you out of this meringue!" He couldn't help but giggle at that last part, before he sneaked her inside.

When they were both inside the observatory, the sight before them was a feast for all the senses, all around the room inventions, instruments and creations of all shape, size and job imaginable. Each of the multiple levels had a different style, but each had pieces of paper and blueprint strum everywhere the eye could see.

After putting away his jacket and helmet, Jojo got out a bag. "Before we do anything, change into these. I'm sorry if they aren't your size; I got them in a hurry. There's a room over there which you can use. Just don't touch anything, you got that?"

"I swear," Kirsty answered, desperate to get out of her claustrophobic dress. "Though, you might have to help me with the corset." Seeing Jojo's face, a smile crept onto her face. "Don't even ask. I'd like to forget about the whole incident, if you don't mind." With the two working together to get the outfit unassembled, and some light humour in-between, Kirsty was soon dressed in a much more conformable skirt and shirt.

"So, how about I get to the explaining?" Sitting down on a chair over to the side of the space, Jojo shuffled his feet, while Kirsty struggled to remove her makeup and modify her hair. A small nod confirmed his suspicion, which began the story. "First thing…this place here is yes, my home. I've been here since I was five and your presence here automatically swears you to ultimate secrecy. Secondly, to let you know, I am still in the academy. Reason I am here is because I was licenced to a day off for good behaviour. Next, that scooter is mine, and it's my invention…long story. Lastly, the reason I knew where you were is simple; Horton told me."

Lifting her head from the sink, Kirsty raised an eyebrow. "How would he-" Suddenly, a light flicked on in her brain, a slight groan slipping out in annoyance. "Someone's been chatty with the Politian's lately…"

Jojo jumped up from his seat, holding out his hand to his friend. "Come with me, I've got something I want to show you," he whispered playfully to her. As she grasped his hand, he ran out of the room into the main space, where he pulled a hanging rope above them, the two rising up to the highest floor. Pressing a button beside them, he opened up the rooftop, light swirly clouds only lightly filling the crystal blue sky.

Clearing his throat, Jojo took both of Kirsty's hands. "Now, I know that you may think you don't deserve this. Any of this. Even if that is true, I don't care in the slightest, because I believe you do. I trust you, Kirsty, and that isn't an easy thing for me to do. As a symbol of our friendship, our eternal, everlasting friendship, I would like to ask you if you would have the honour of helping me to plant this." With that, he pulled out a small drawstring bag, and after putting on a pair of silk gloved, carefully took out a seed.

"This is, from my knowledge, the last Truffula seed," Jojo explained. "I found it when I first discovered this place. For years, I have waited for the perfect time to plant it, and now I've finally found it."

The room fell into a natural silence, the two young teenagers beginning the delicate task of planting the seed. It almost was a moment of mourning, it being so long since the trees had been destroyed in unknown- and not to mention sceptical – circumstances. However, as drops of water began to sink into fresh earth that was enclosed by the terra cotta pot, it also felt like a time of renewal, and the possible beginning of hope and reconciliation, which was what Kirsty and Jojo both wished would reflect into their own societies.

Twirling around the room, an unfamiliar smile formed on Kirsty's face, one not seen since Jojo and herself had Thinked up McElligot's pool. Jojo laughed, causing the girl to do the same, before they began to dance around freely in the spirit of their reunion. Unexpectedly, with one wrong step, Kirsty tripped and fell backwards, bringing Jojo down with her.

As if perfectly planned, they landed on top of each other, lips distance between them.

Kirsty, who now felt slightly awkward and embarrass by her clumsy actions, tried to stand up, but was stopped, as Jojo suddenly planted a kiss against her lips. She was completely speechless for the seconds that followed after that, even more when he let her go. Before she could even think about a reaction, a large bang could be heard from downstairs. They broke away from each other and tried to rush to an exit, fearing the worse. However, the worse happened, one of the walls crashing inwards, General Schmitz, the lead council chairman, the Mayor and his wife now in view. Their eyes flickered between the two teenagers, none able to express words for all that they could see.

"Just as I predicted," General Schmitz said, marching slowing towards the pair. "I did try to warn you, Mr Mayor, about the risk. You wished to see proof and here it is." He stood right over Kirsty at this point, soon lifting her own head up and looked deep into her eyes. "Your daughter has been dragged into this dangerous world in her own accord. She is a danger to all who surround her, and if something is not done about her excessive imagination…I do fear the worst for her."

Through his long and suspenseful speech, Kirsty had been shaking like a leaf, not from only nerves. Her vision disorientated and a tingle going throughout her spine, just at a point when she thought she would have to let out a yell of pain, it all stopped. When the General finally stepped away from her, and as she tried to back up against a wall, Jojo let out a small cough, uncertainly eying a tiny mirror above where her parent were standing. Eyes squinting, the teenager nearly had a heart attack when she saw her reflection.

She had just grown a tail. A black and white CAT tail.

At this point inside her mind, Kirsty was screaming her head off. A cat's tail? Why in the world did I have to get one of those? At this very moment?! I guarantee it…someone here really must have it in for me…. Immediately, she grabbed hold of it, and struggled to keep a straight hold of the thing, her new tail having a mind of its own. She knew she couldn't hold onto it for much longer, neither did she have enough time to conjure up a suitable plain quick enough to get out of the situation.

Out of the blue, Jojo ran to one side of the room, and pressed a small button at his feet. Just before he did, he signalled subtly to a machine which lay close by her. Understanding what he meant, she ran straight for it, and as the button was pressed, small fireworks exploded everywhere, and a cloud of smoke blew up, just enough cover for a quick via-necklace retreat.

"Take that boy into custody," the lead chairman yelled, the General managing to cuff Jojo, before leading him away, his own escape plan failing. Mrs Mayor now in tears, her husband led his distressed wife out of the observatory, leaving only the lead council chairman in the empty building.

"All units report to location 36. Conduct a full scale search, and then begin protocol. Stage 1 is complete…"

Dake took a step back, having a moment to review his latest patient, who at that very moment had her head in her hands, shaking uncontrollably due to shock. Never in his years of medical research had he experienced something like this before, both the result of the medication and the client themselves baffling him.

"How fascinating…this is even more remarkable than I thought…"

As Dake continued to inspect Kirsty's newly 'sprouted' tail, the girl herself was almost at her limit. The moment she had returned to Nool, she had confined to Horton, not able to utter more than two or three words. Now, she sat rigid on Horton's bed, her friend rushing to Dake to ask for an examination. "…W-what's happening t-to me, Dake?"

"Nothing too extreme, at this point." Pulling a thermometer out of the teenager's mouth, the doctor quickly scribbled down some notes. "These pills only result in relatively minor changes, at least from what I know. I won't know for sure with your particular case without further tests."

"You must be able to get rid of it, doctor," Horton said, getting a wet cloth and brushing it against Kirsty's forehead with his trunk, trying to calm her down. "Surely there must be some sort of pill to overturn-"

Dake raised an eyebrow at the elephant, scoffing. "Get rid of it? I'll be doing nothing of the sort!" Frustrated, Kirsty fell down onto the bed, not able to take any more. The doctor simply ignored her, still talking to Horton. "I am in the mists of one of the most ground-breaking medical discoveries of the last century! Think of the research I could perform, the data I could collect, the mysteries I could uncover!"

"Who care about the research? What I care about is why on earth you would give a creature, which is clearly NOT a bird, these 'pills'! She is not some tester you can just trial all your little experiments on, you know?"

Taken aback by Horton's sudden and unfamiliar flare-up, Dake decided there was no point in arguing. "I see your point. Even so, the tail stays, until a safe extraction method can be determined. Now, if you don't mind, I have many other patients to see before the day is out, so I will leave. If there is any change in her condition within the next twenty seven hours, do not hesitate to come and find me." And with that, doctor Dake quickly left, the tension of the room sinking into each of the two friends.