It was the day of Old Deuteronomy's Birthday. The teens and kittens had been rehearsing hard, finally nailing the dances the day before. Even Erik had gotten the hang of it, though not without much effort, strain and threats from Jemima. The little queen could be extremely bossy when she wanted to be. After he had chased off Macavity, Erik had been so high that he had asked Jemima to the dace before he realised what he was doing. Fortunately the queen had been delighted, having been trying to work up the courage to ask him herself. The pair now crouched just off of the performance area where some of the pairings were already dancing. Erik squeezed the nervous young queen's paw affectionately. "This is going to go fine," he whispered. She smiled. "I'm going to be the luckiest cat out there," she giggled. Erik kissed her lightly, silencing her. "Not quite. Not while I'm here," he whispered. "That's our cue," he said as the dancing cats moved to the side. Jemima grinned at him, before swooping out onto the dance floor.
All of the teen cats were now dancing. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer grinned broadly as Mungojerrie lifted his mate over his head, her landing behind him so that he could flip over her. Tumblebrutus and Electra made a strange pair, the reserved kitten evidently being led by the teen. Jemima had known that Tumblebrutus had had a thing for her sister since they were kittens. Plato and Exotica moved as if made for each other, as if they were meant to dance together. Erik spun Jemima, allowing her to come to a graceful halt facing their grandfather. Old Deuteronomy smiled happily at the sight. Bill Baily and Electra giggled like kittens as the danced together, while Admetus and Etcetera were being careful to be on their best behaviour. The centre of attention however was Quaxo and Victoria. The two cats seemed to flow like water, out dancing every other feline present. The older and younger cats, who weren't taking part at this point, clapped loudly as the dancers bowed to them.
Old Deuteronomy cleared his throat for silence, a silence enforced by Munkustrap holding up a paw. Once the cats had fallen silent, the leader began. "We are gathered here today to celebrate many things. The maturing of our children," he declared, focusing on the teens and kittens becoming adults and teens. "As well as the returning to us of those who had been lost for so long." Erik felt the elderly leader's eyes on him, as Syrie and Rusty cuddled up to him on one side and Jemima did the same on the other. "But we can never forget that we do not live completely free lives," Old Deuteronomy said. "We are threatened by those who would destroy us completely. Only by staying strong can we resist these attackers. There is no stronger bond than those between mates, something I hope you younglings will remember," he smiled. Exotica draped herself around Plato while Mungojerrie planted a kiss on Rumpleteazer's nose. "And with that, I believe that we can continue with the festivities," Old Deuteronomy finished, to a resounding cheer from the other cats.
Mungojerrie lounged at the edge of the performance clearing. His muscles ached from over exertion. Rumpleteazer alighted next to him. "Falling asleep?" she laughed, poking him in the stomach. "Get off," Mungojerrie muttered, his eyes closed. Rumpleteazer instead leapt onto him, sending the dozing cat flying. Laughter from nearby attracted the young cats collective attention. A tall, black and white tom was padding towards them, an elegant Abyssinian Queen on his arm. Cassandra laughed along with her mate as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer got up. "You're not dancing?" Rumpleteazer asked Cassandra. "Or…" "No, not at the moment Cassandra replied, shaking her head and patting her stomach. The pair's first litter was under development, causing much excitement amongst the kittens that were, as ever, eager for new play mates. "Have any of you seen Plato?" Alonzo asked the new adults. "Off with Exotica somewhere," Mungojerrie responded. "Why?" "We need to get him ready for his induction as a protector," Alonzo replied, gesturing to a trio of toms waiting by Old Deuteronomy. As well as Munkustrap and Alonzo, their brothers Victor and George also held positions as tribe protectors, as did Cassandra's brother Coricopat. Victor stalked over to his bi coloured older brother, a serious look on his face. "Any sign of him?" the cat asked. "He's off with Exotica," Alonzo responded. Victor swore under his breath. "Are you sure about this?" he asked. "Absolutely," the larger tom replied. "Me and Munkustrap agree, he's perfect protector material." "Well unless we can find him to get ready for the investiture, he's not going to be a protector," Victor muttered, turning away and heading back towards his companions.
Before he could reach his fellow protectors, he was swept up by a cream queen and dragged out onto the dance floor. "Now come on," he pretended to scowl, before splitting into a broad grin as he saw George being dragged onto the dance floor as well, by a smoky grey queen. "I missed this last time," he whispered to his partner. She entwined her tail with his. "I'm so sorry. Like I said, my family selfishly decided to take us on holiday to Scotland with them." "I know, I know," the protector whispered as the spun slowly. "I love you Mariana." His mate looked down at him, emerald eyes twinkling. George and Giulietta twirled next to them, locked in a lover's embrace. Nearby his nephew Augustus was dancing as well, his mate Bernadette in his strong arms.
Erik was enjoying dancing with Jemima, the little red kitten leading him through some of the more complex moves. "So you've really never danced?" she asked. "Never," Erik replied as they glided past Skimbleshanks and Jennyanydots slow dancing. "You have to remember me, Syrie and Rusty didn't grow up in a tribe like this. We grew up on the street," Erik explained as they sat down for a rest. Most of the dancing pairs had now broken up as the cats took a rest before the big group number. Eventually the remaining couples left the dance floor, but before the final performance took place Old Deuteronomy rose. All the cats respectfully silenced themselves. "Before we conclude the festivities, I have two or more words to say," the leader began. "As we know, it is only by the tireless efforts of our protectors that we are able to live in the safety and tranquillity that we all treasure. With that in mind, I would like to request that we put our paws together for our protectors and remember all they do and sacrifice for us." As the cats clapped and cheered, the five protectors emerged from the shadows behind Old Deuteronomy where they had been waiting. Munkustrap, Alonzo, George, Victor and Coricopat all stood to attention, smartly saluting Old Deuteronomy. "On that note, I believe that you have a tom you wish to induct into your brotherhood of comrades in arms?" Old Deuteronomy asked. At a command from Munkustrap, Plato emerged from the same alcove that the others had been concealed in. "Do you take this oath of your own free will?" Old Deuteronomy intoned. "I do," Plato replied, standing to attention. Munkustrap continued with the oath all Protectors had to swear. "Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that Bast may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong – this is your oath. Do you so swear?" "I swear," Plato replied, kneeling before the commander of the protectors. "Then I hereby induct you into the most honourable order of the Jellicle Protectors," Munkustrap finished, laying his paws on Plato's bowed head. The other protectors all moved closer, laying their paws on their new brother. "Arise a Protector," they declared. Plato rose slowly to his feet. The assembled cats burst into cheers as Plato's immediate family gathered around him.
More names. Like Erik and his siblings, these are from Andrew Lloyd Webber Musicals. Mariana is from "The Woman in White," Bernadette is from "The Beautiful Game," and Giulietta is one of the female leads from "Seasons of Love."
On a separate note, what do you think of my idea of having the Protectors being more than just Munkustrap and Alonzo patrolling, and more like a military?