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"The Gingham
Dog and the Calico Cat" was written by Eugene Field.
* The idea
of disownership is the creation of the author. If you would like to use
it get in touch with the author. Thank you.
Chapter 5:
Jellicle Or Not?
" 'The
gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side
on the table sat;
'Twas half-past
twelve, and (what do you think?)
Nor
one nor t'other had slept a wink!
The old Dutch
clock and the Chinese plate
Appeared to
know as sure as fate
There was
going to be a terrible spat.
(I wasn't
there; I simply state
What was told
me by the Chinese plate!)
The gingham
dog went 'bow-wow-wow!'
The calico
cat replied 'mee-ow!"
The was air
was littered, an hour or so,
With bits
of gingham and calico,
While the
old Dutch clock in the chimney-place
Up with its
hands before its face,
For it was
always dreaded a family row!
(Now
mind: I'm only telling you
What the old
Dutch clock declares is true!)
The Chinese
plate looked very blue,
And wailed,
'Oh, dear! what shall we do?'
But the gingham
dog and the calico cat
Wallowed
this way and tumbled that,
Employing
every tooth and claw
In the awfullest
way you ever saw-
And,oh! how
the gingham and calico flew!
(Don't
fancy I exaggerate!
I got
my news from the Chinese plate!)
The next
morning, where the two had sat,
They found
no trace of dog or cat;
And some folks
think unto this day
That burglars
stole that pair away!
But the truth
about the cat and pup
Is this: They
ate each other up!
Now what do
you think of that!
(The
old Dutch clock it told me so,
And that is
how I came to know.)
The Jellicles
laughed and applauded Jezabel when she finished her tale. She had been
with them only two days and was already hounded by the kittens for her
stories. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer had taken her under their wing and
taught her everything about the Jellicles from the Jellicle Ball to Macavity,
as well as what they knew about life. Munkustrap always checked, though,
to make certain they didn't teach her to be notorious as well.
She
was quite popular among the other Jellicles, too, save for Demeter. And
probably a little too popular among the toms. Munkustrap kept a particularly
close eye on Tugger. He did think it was odd, however, that Bombalurina
didn't see Jezabel as a threat to her and yet Demeter did. Munkustrap shook
his head. He just didn't get it; Demeter always said there was something
she wanted to be to him and it wasn't his sister. She would never be specific
and Munkustrap didn't try to find out. Being a Jellicle leader was too
time- consuming. And he was concerned about Jezabel. Despite the friendliness
of the others, she tended to keep her distance from them. She didn't talk
much or let others get to know her. And she was always with either Mungojerrie,
Rumpleteazer, or himself. This made him worry about her being a Jellicle.
He hadn't seen any other Jellicle have this much trouble fitting in, not
even Grizabella who wasn't excepted by the others at first. Oh, well. That
was what the meeting with the other Jellicles was for and that was where
he was headed.
Munkustrap
stretched inside his crate and was just about to step outside when a streak
of gray and black bolted into the crate. Munkustrap turned around unsurprised.
This was an everyday occurrence.
"Who's
been getting too friendly this time, Jez?" he asked the shaking ball of
fur.
"T-t-tugger,"
she replied wide-eyed. Jezabel had taken to running to Munkustrap for protection
whenever the toms got too close.
Munkustrap
let out a low growl. Just wait 'til I get my paws on that cat! he thought.
"Come
on, Jez," he said motioning for her to follow him out. The cat shook her
head. He sighed and sat beside her.
"Look,
Jezabel. I'm starting to worry about you."
Jezabel
grimaced. She knew what was coming.
"You
haven't been making very many friends among the Jellicles," Munkustrap
cocked his head to the side.
"I know,"
she said, green eyes gazing at him pitifully. His heart melted.
"And
I know you're having trouble trusting anyone but Jerrie, Teazer and myself.
But give them a chance. They're good cats."
With
that Munkustrap got up and headed out to the meeting he was late for.
Jezabel
sighed and curled up tightly knowing that he was absolutely right.
All
of the Jellicles were gathered in the center of the Dumpster. In their
mist, on top of a garbage bin sat Munkustrap. He held up his paws for silence
and the chatter ceased.
"You're
all here, as you know, to discuss our newest arrival, Jezabel."
Someone
let out a wolf whistle.
Munkustrap
shot a warning glare in that general direction and continued, " She has
been with us for two days and despite everything I have not been able to
determine if she is a Jellicle or not-"
"Not
a Jellicle?" Alonzo cried. "Then what's she doing here?"
"Shut
up!" Mungojerrie hissed angrily at him, but the others had already been
stirred up.
"Munkustrap,
how could you let a non Jellicle stay among us?" someone asked.
"I don't
know that she's not a Jellicle," he responded as the noise grew louder.
"She
could be a spy for Macavity!" someone else cried.
Munkustrap
rolled his eyes. "She is not," he said irritably. "She never been out of
her house before."
Pouncival,
who liked Jezabel very much but wanted to create some trouble, stood up
on a soap box.
"She's
not a Jellicle! But a bloody purebred!" he cried, shaking his fist in the
air. The others began to get riled up, murmuring about evil purebreds.
"Hey!"
came an indignant cry from Cassandra. "I'm a purebred!"
"So
am I!" piped up Victoria.
"Me,
too!" a few others cried. The crowd began to turn on Pouncival.
"Oh."
was his sheepish reply.
"Idiot,"
Rumpleteazer snapped at him.
Munkustrap
waited until everyone had settled down again. "I have decided to let Jezabel
continue to stay here until Old Deuteronomy comes. Then it is his decision."
The
Jellicles murmured their approval except Pouncival, who felt it was better
to keep his mouth shut.
A flash
of light and a cloud of smoke appeared next to Munkustrap. Mistofelees
waved his paws in front of him trying to clear the smoke causing Munkustrap
a coughing fit.
"Hey,
everyone," he said cheerfully once the smoke had cleared. "What's going
on?"
Once
he was filled in on Jezabel, for he had been with his master for the last
few days, he clapped his black paws together gleefully. "Wonderful!" he
cried. "Finally, someone else my age."
"And
size," Munkustrap added.
The
magical cat just grinned.
When
Rumpleteazer returned home, she found Jezabel waiting for her. She liked
having the cat around, kept her company when Mungojerrie wasn't there.
But she did share Munkustrap's concern about Jezabel possibly not being
a Jellicle.
"Where's
your family?" Jezabel asked out of the blue.
"Me
three sisters are somewhere in England. So's me brother. I think ," she
said, busily straightening things up. Mungojerrie was coming over for lunch
"Don't know 'ere, though. Mum's been gone awhile and don't know about me
pop. Really, Jerrie's all I got." She paused thoughtfully. "And you now,
love."
Jezabel
smiled.
"Whot about
you?"
"Mom's
gone," she said with a sad distant look. "Dad was sold after I was born.
One of my brothers was sold and the other wandered off and I haven't seen
him since."
Rumpleteazer
had stopped her work to look at the young cat. Poor dear, she thought.
Been through so much.
"What
about Munkustrap?" Jezabel asked.
Rumpleteazer
was as much surprised by that question as by Jezabel's sudden interest
in family, but then she smiled slyly. "Got a thing for Munk, 'ave you,
dear?"
Jezabel's
brow wrinkled in confusion. "What?"
The
older cat shook her head. "Neva mind. 'As he got any family? Not really.
'is grandfather ez Old Deuteronomy, 'oo I was telling ya about. But no
one else. Now, 'at's a sad story, if I eva 'eard one. But for the truth,
ya 'ave to ask 'im yourself. Everything else is just rumors."
"No
family," Jezabel said quietly. "That's an awful feeling. Poor Munkustrap."
A plan
was formulating in Rumpleteazer's head. "'at 'ould all change now 'at you're
here, love."
And
Jezabel was too naive to understand what her friend was suggesting.
Chapter
6: The Past Revealed
Jezabel
found Munkustrap sitting alone atop a pile of trash looking troubled. Gingerly,
she approached him. Munkustrap sensed her presence but remained still.
"Tugger
been bothering you again?" he asked.
His
voice startled Jezabel. She hadn't realized he knew she was there.
"No,"
she said in her quiet voice somewhat ashamed that she let the cats frighten
her so much. "I've been talking to Teazer."
"Don't
you spend too much time with her?" he said. He had meant it in as a joke,
but it didn't come out that way and the little cat hung her head in disgrace.
Munkustrap
sighed. Why did I have to go and say something like that to Jezabel? he
thought. All she wants is to please me and I'm not making that very easy.
"I'm
sorry," he said. Jezabel came closer and sat beside him.
"I was
talking to Teazer," she said again. "About family. I don't have any. I-I,"
She
bit her lip. Unsure of how to broach the subject, she asked, "Do you have
any family?"
Munkustrap
seemed even sadder and Jezabel was immediately sorry she had said anything.
"No,"
he said softly. "Except for Old Deuteronomy I have no one."
"Oh."
was all she could say. Then she decided to tell Munkustrap about her family.
As the
tiger cat listened to the kitten's sad tale, something inside him was ignited
and he felt an instant kindredship with her. Both of them were alone in
the world; Deuteronomy was a father to so many cats that he really didn't
have time for a grandson. Jezabel finished her story and stared at her
paws. Munkustrap settled down closer to her. The sun had set and the night
air was cool. He made a decision to tell her something no one else knew,
except in rumors.
"My
father," he began, "was the first born son to Deuteronomy. Arabah was his
name and he was trained to take his father's place as leader of the Jellicles
one day. The time came when he became the second-in-command of the tribe.
He was a brave and wonderful leader; the Jellicles adored him.
Now,
there's a point in every Jellicle's life when they must mate and settle
down.
If they reach
a certain age and do not already have a mate, then one is chosen for them.
My father waited until the very last Jellicle Ball possible before taking
a wife and not every Jellicle was happy with his choice. Most thought it
was a sin to mate someone from outside the tribe."
Munkustrap
paused and looked down into eyes that looked like emerald saucers. Jezabel
was soaking in his tale of romance and adventure. He smiled slightly and
continued,
"Her
name was Miranda and was the cat of a very wealthy businessman and his
wife. She had never been to a Jellicle Ball before in her life and, like
you, knew little of the world outside her home. She and my father met by
chance at the park. Dad used to tell me about how they met. The first thing
about her that caught his attention was her beauty. She was all silver
except for a patch of white fur on her forehead. Then he noticed what was
attached to her collar. He burst out laughing when he saw she was on a
leash. Never in all his days had he seen a cat on leash. Dogs, yes. But
not a cat. My mother overheard him and was infuriated! She broke loose
and attacked him. Dad was still laughing so hard that they went tumbling
into the lake. And the rest is history."
Jezabel
looked up and smiled happily when saw the smile on his face.
"They
became mates at that Ball, despite the objections of the older Jellicles.
But Deuteronomy gave his blessing over them; he had to. His wife was a
house cat with wealthy owners as well.
Then
came my brothers and me. I had the birthright to become Jellicle leader
after my father since I was his first-born. I had two brothers." Munkustrap's
expression grew dark. "Mikalum got very sick not long after our eyes opened.
We were born in the fall. He died that spring." There was silence. Then,
"Menkinum and I were as close as brothers could be. The year following
the Jellicle Ball we became adults at, Menkinum was killed at the hands
of our master's cruel boy who took delight in torturing animals. I'll never
forget how he laughed when my brother ceased to move." Munkustrap's voice
was icy, his gaze was distant. Jezabel repressed a shudder at the hatred
in his eyes.
"Needless
to say, the loss of my brothers devastated my parents. After the period
of mourning they carried on their lives like a Jellicle leader and his
wife should. My brothers were not spoken of again.
This
put more pressure on me; I now had to carry the weight of three sons, but
it did bring me closer to my parents, especially my father. When our master's
boy became more violent we ran away to live permanently at the Junkyard.
My father and I could have weathered it, but we feared for my mother's
life. This," he gave the collar around his neck a tug, "is a bitter reminder.
We lived
in peace for a long while until one day there was a showdown between the
Jellicles and Macavity's father. We had won the battle, but my father wished
to end it all that night and pursued Tarameny."
Munkustrap
stopped and took a breath. Tears began to form in his eyes.
"He
never came back. We buried him the following day and a week later buried
my mother beside him. She died of a broken heart."
There
was complete silence as Munkustrap hung his head in sorrow. Jezabel snuggled
closer to him in effort to give him some comfort. Her heart broke for him.
"Then
I became the Jellicle commander after his death. What a reputation to live
up to. And being expected to be just like him didn't make it easier."
"I guess
the sayings true, then," Jezabel said.
"What
saying?"
"'Like
father, like son.'"
Munkustrap
smiled morosely.
Unsure
of what to say next she asked, "Is that what was bothering you earlier?"
"Huh?
Wha-? No,no," Munkustrap shook his head. "Old Deuteronomy is coming at
dawn."
"That's
good isn't it?"
"No,
not at all."
"Are
you worried about what he's going to think of me?" She didn't want to shame
him in front of his grandfather.
"Well, yes.
But it's more than that." And he proceeded to tell her of the events before
her arrival. They talked long into the night; a close friendship was being
forged.
They
were unaware, however, of a pair of moonlit eyes watching them. And the
cat they belonged to was burning with jealousy.
Chapter 7:
More Of The Past Revealed
Jezabel
woke up in her own bed an hour before dawn. Yawning and stretching, she
tried to remember what had happened the night before. She then remembered
her talk with Munkustrap about family and her heart was saddened. While
she enjoyed being free, she was terribly homesick, too. She missed her
comfortable lifestyle, and everything was so new to her that it was frightening.
She
also remembered that Old Deuteronomy was coming at dawn and that she was
going to be presented to him soon. Stepping outside, she decided to find
a quite place to think and groom herself and try to remember everything
Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie had taught her.
She
found what she was looking for under an old tree that grew twisted by a
dirty brook. She had just about finished her grooming and was admiring
the shine on her coat when she heard a voice behind her say,
"You're
Jezabel, right?"
Heart
thumping in panic, Jezabel whirled around on the voice to find no one there.
"Cat
got you're tongue?" the voice asked with a chuckle as a black cat materialized
before her.
This
was too much for Jezabel and she was up the tree in a flash.
Mistofelees
craned his neck trying to see up through the leaves. "I guess they forgot
to tell you about me, huh?" he called.
No answer.
"Uh,
look, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
No answer.
"Um,
I'm Mistofelees."
Still no answer.
""Could
you come down, please. I don't bite. Honest."
Jezabel
came down a ways and walked out onto a sturdy limb. But that was as far
as she would go. She peered suspiciously at the black cat. Strange, he
looked so very familiar and yet she was positive that she had never seen
him before.
Mistofelees
was getting the same feeling. He cocked his head to the side.
"Have
we ever met before?" he asked wishing she'd come down. His neck was beginning
to hurt.
"No,"
she said shortly.
"Oh.
I see. Um, look, Munkustrap sent me to get you. There's something he wants
to go over with you before Old Deuteronomy gets here."
Jezabel
scooted back up the tree.
Sheesh,
Mistofelees thought, I'd have better luck talking to the tree! Munkustrap
said she was a little high-strung. He wasn't kidding.
"Come
on," he tried again. "I'll walk you back."
She
shook her head no.
And
he let out an exasperated sigh.
Think
of something to say, Mist, he willed himself. Come on, what did Munk say
to tell her about?
He thought
hard, his face strained in earnest concentration. Then it came to him.
Tell her about your family. That was it. When Mistofelees had asked him
to explain, he wouldn't.
There was
nothing to lose...
"Um,
I can tell no one told you anything about me, so I guess it's up to me."
He sat down and leaned against the tree. "First off, I'm an orphan."
He glanced
up and saw Jezabel sliding down the tree trunk, stopping just above his
head.
That
certainly got her attention.
"When
I was little, my eyes had just been opened two days, the house we lived
in caught on fire. My mom saved my sister and me. But I fell into a sewer.
I never saw my sister again and don't know if my mom and brother ever made
it out."
Jezabel
came all the way down the tree this time and ran off in front of him.
So much
for that, Mistofelees thought. Wonder what scared her off this time?
But
Jezabel wasn't running away; she was just putting distance between them.
She stopped six feet away from him and looked at him intently, waiting
for him to go on.
Mistofelees
looked at her in shock. He swallowed.
"You,
um, y-you, look like what my sister would have looked liked if she were
here now," he said struggling to maintain his composure. If I cry in front
of her, Munkustrap, it's your fault!
It was
those eyes of hers, those haunted eyes that must have witnessed something
terrible.
"My
mother was killed by a car while she was saving me and my brothers from
our burning house."
Jezabel
spoke clear and strong, making the other start a bit.
Mistofelees
hung his head in grief.
"Mama
was the prettiest black cat there was. I can still remember sleeping between
her white stocking paws."
"Daniel?!"
He jerked
his head up to find that the silver cat was now three feet away.
"H-how,
how did you know?"
Daniel
was the name he had been given by his first human owners. His first human
name. No one could possibly know that unless...
"It's
not possible," he breathed.
The
two cats, who were approximately the same age, stared wide-eyed at each
other.
"My
brother was a black cat just like you. He wandered off and I never saw
him again," Jezabel said her chin quivering, and her eyes growing wet.
"My other brother, Jimmy, was a tan kitten and sold to a different family
than me."
"Jezzy?"
"Danny!"
With
that they collapsed into each others arms sobbing in happiness and grief.
When they pulled apart neither could speak. Finally, after so long, brother
and sister were reunited.
Daylight
broke through the tree leaves. Neither had seen a more glorious morning.
"Old
Deuteronomy will be here," Mistofelees cried. He broke into a happy grin.
"Oh, I can't wait for him to meet my sister." He was tickled by the way
the word sister sounded. "Sister," he said again. He loved the sound of
it.
They
began to run for home when Jezabel stopped abruptly. "We have to tell Munkustrap
first."
"He'll
find out soon, Jezzy," he said, giving her a funny glance.
"No,
Dann- I mean, Mistofelees," she smiled shyly, "I owe him that much. He
should know first."
"Whatever,"
he replied joyfully. Together they took off for the Dumpster.
"That's
wonderful!" Munkustrap exclaimed when he heard the news from an ecstatic
Jezabel.
Just
wonderful, he thought. His heart sunk. He knew he should have been happy
from them. Poor Mistofelees had always felt out of place among the Jellicles
with no family. That was why he and the young cat were so close. But something
inside him died as the brother and sister hugged. Jezabel would no longer
need him; she had Mistofelees. And Mistofelees wouldn't need him either;
he had Jezabel.
As the
two kittens before him talked, he tried to keep his countenance cheerful.
They could never know how he felt. A dark cloud of gloom settled over him.
Now it was official; everyone had someone, but him.
After
he had sent the two off to prepare for Deuteronomy's arrival, he slumped
over and allowed himself a good sob. Not only had he lost both members
his adopted family at once, he was about to face the Jellicle Leader's
wrath. Life began to very bleak for poor Munkustrap.
"You're
kidding, right, Dem?" Bombalurina asked her sister with a frown marring
her face.
Jellylorum
shook her head in disbelief. "I would never have thought she'd do that."
"Me
neither," said Cassandra quietly. She looked pained as though she were
torn between something.
"I'm
not kidding," Demeter said with firm conviction. She was pacing around
the drain pipe her eyes blazing. "That's why she doesn't associate with
any of us and thinks she's too good for our toms."
Demeter
looked about her to make sure she had everyone's attention. "Further more,"
she continued, "She's a rich house-cat. Munkustrap told her about his family.
He's never told anyone but ME that!" She replaced the sob that was rising
up with anger. "She knew his grandmother was a rich house-cat and his mother,
too. Now she's after him!"
Jennyanydots
studied the furious feline. True, Jezabel didn't associate with the cats
much. But Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer had absolute faith in her and spoke
about Jezabel as proud parents would their kitten. And despite the cats'
notorious reputations, their opinions were valued and respected. Jennyanydots
was afraid that Demeter was reading too much into things. She had never
seen Jezabel do anything like Demeter was suggesting. She sighed and shook
her head as Bombalurina said,
"The
poor cat is afraid of the toms. And that's all Tugger's fault!"
Demeter
glared at her sister.
"Why
are you defending her?!" she hissed crouching low, ready to pounce. "Soon
she'll go for Tugger!"
The
other cat rolled her eyes. "Did you forget who we're talking about here?
The Rum Tum Tugger, Dem. Come on."
Demeter
stomped her foot angrily. "She's trying to steal my mate and you all are
making excuses for her!" With that she broke down in tears.
Her
sister ran to her. "Oh, Demi, don't cry! Whatever you want me to do I will!"
"He's
not you're mate yet, Demeter," Jennyanydots spoke up. "Don't forget that."
Demeter
bristled and hissed at her. Cassandra and the queens crowded around Demeter
all promising to do whatever she wanted.
Demeter
smiled slyly. "This is what I want you to do."
Jennyanydots
didn't wait to find out what the cat wanted. She left to go find Skimbleshanks.
A while
later the others left to get ready for Old Deuteronomy's arrival. As Demeter
stepped out of the drain pipe with a smug look on her face, Victoria stopped
her.
"Are
you sure about this, Dem?" she gazed at the other with wide innocent eyes.
The
tabby's eyes flashed. "Of course, I am!" she snapped. "And if you're wise
you'll keep Mistofelees away from her!"
Victoria
watched sadly as Demeter left. She had started to get to know Jezabel and
liked the cat. what she didn't like was being caught between a rock and
a hard place.
Chapter 8:
Facing the Music
The
old Jellicle Leader was still a good distance from the Dumpster when he
exclaimed,
"Oh,
I can't wait to see that grandson of mine! I can't wait to hear how he
won the battle!"
The
cats who were with him as bodyguards smiled and nodded. They had been hearing
all about the wonderful Munkustrap since they started out.
"Just
like his father. Just like him," Deuteronomy went on beaming with pride.
"My Munkustrap. Did I ever tell you boys about the time my grandson fought
single-handedly a pack of wild dogs?"
"No,
sir," piped up one of the younger cats who was new to the job. The others
said nothing. They had only heard this story, oh, about a hundred times
and counting.
While
Old Deuteronomy was talking about Munkustrap, the young leader was in knots
over his grandfather's arrival. He was, however, no longer concerned about
Jezabel's not being a Jellicle. If she was Mistofelees' sister then she
was most definitely a Jellicle. While he was apparently attempting to walk
a hole the ground, he walked into Skimbleshanks who was so excited he could
hardly contain himself.
"Munkustrap!"
he cried. "I'm going to do it! I'm going to ask Jenny to marry me!" Then
he was off again before Munkustrap could say anything.
"Congratulations,"
he muttered. "Why even bother to tell me?" He sighed feeling more depressed
than ever. He was absolutely dreading Old Deuteronomy's coming. Scenes
of the battles were once again plaguing his dreams. He was exhausted from
lack of sleep and weak from lack of food. He couldn't even eat, he was
so anxious. For Munkustrap was positive that Deuteronomy would not only
strip him of his leadership position, but would also *disown him, a fate
worse than death. With no family, there was no identity. With no identity,
there was no tribe. With no tribe, one was vulnerable and defenseless.
He was prey to any other cat he came across. For the mark of disownership
was the declawing of the front paws.* Munkustrap looked down at his paws
as a wave of sadness washed over him. He curled his nails in towards his
palm and slowly lowered his fist to his side and hung his head. He stood
there until he heard the horn blow signaling Old Deuteronomy's arrival.
The moment of truth had arrived and there was no place to hide.
Jezabel
swayed nervously beside Mistofelees who had been chattering on about the
last Jellicle Ball. The more excited the magical cat was the more he talked.
And he was very excited. Not only was his beloved Deuteronomy coming shortly,
but he was going to introduce his sister to him. Nothing could ruin the
moment.
His
sister shared his excitement, still shocked at her unbelievable good luck
of finding a link to her past, but was worried as well. Though Mistofelees
assured her that she would love Deuteronomy and he her, Jezabel couldn't
help but worry that she would make a mistake and cause Munkustrap to look
bad.
At that
moment Bombalurina walked by the two and hissed at Jezabel. Taken aback,
she stared after the other cat, trembling. What could she have possibly
done to bring that around? One glance at Mistofelees told her that he had
missed the whole thing. He was too busy trying to control his enthusiasm.
Munkustrap
entered the Dumpster and proceeded to the large trash bin in the center.
He looked cool and collected as usual. Demeter took her place at his side
and bared her teeth at Jezabel as they passed. However, this time it was
Mistofelees who noticed the gesture, not Jezabel. He cocked his head to
the side in a most adorable manner and gave her a puzzled look. He glance
at Jezabel who was gazing intently at Munkustrap with a slight frown on
her face. Mistofelees looked at his friend and picked up on what Jezabel
saw.
Despite
his manner, Jezabel noticed that he seemed tired, his coat had lost a bit
of its sheen. But it was his eyes that grabbed her. At first glance and
if you didn't look too close, they appeared tranquil but vague to display
emotion. Then, if you looked closer, you could see depression and.... fear.
Jezabel forgot her problems for the moment and became extremely worried.
Never before had she seen fear in those eyes. Hate and anger, yes. But
not fear like that. It was a fear that a kitten had when it knew it was
about to be reprimanded in front of its siblings by a strict father.
The
collar around Jezabel's neck suddenly felt tight, until she looked away.
Absent- mindedly she played with the new collar Tumblebrutus had made for
her while he was recovering. It was a wide leather collar with a silver
buckle in the back decorated with the diamonds from her old one.
"Ready
ta meet Ol' Deute'onomy?" Mungojerrie asked from behind her.
Jezabel
flashed him a smile and shook her head.
"Don't
worry about et, love. We'll be 'right there with ya."
Rumpleteazer
stood next to her friend, her new collar sparkled in the morning light.
There had been so many of the diamonds left over from her old collar that
Jezabel had them strung into a new one and given them to Rumpleteazer.
"Tanks
a lot for the new colla, Jez," Mungojerrie whispered in her ear. "I'll
look betta in diamonds than in pearls!"
Jezabel
looked at him quizzically then broke into a big grin. Mungojerrie pressed
a finger to his lips.
"Et's our
secret for now."
The
last two cats to entered the center of the Dumpster were Skimbleshanks
and Jennyanydots. Jennyanydots was also showing off a new collar, Skimbleshanks'
collar. And he was displaying hers. The exchanging of collars was equal
to an engagement ring. The females all gathered around the pair ooing and
ahhing, until Deuteronomy's guard's entered. Then all the cats scrambled
to take their places.
Demeter
stood as close to Munkustrap as possible, yet he did not seem to realize
she was there; he was off in his own little world. She gazed disdainfully
at the little gray cat next to Mistofelees. Her eyes smoldered with anger
when she saw Victoria greet Jezabel with an embrace before taking a place
next to Mistofelees. The black cat said something to the white one as the
gray one smiled shyly. She gnashed her teeth together as Victoria clapped
her paws together and hopped excitedly on one foot. Demeter raised an eyebrow
as Victoria seemed beside herself in joy. Whatever Mistofelees had said
had something to do with Jezabel.
Fine,
she thought huffily. If you wish to be friends with that cat, then, Vicki,
you are no longer a friend of mine.
Demeter
returned her attention to the center of the yard as Old Deuteronomy entered.
A loud cheer went up from the tribe. Munkustrap welcomed his grandfather
and told him of their situation. Deuteronomy listened solemnly until he
had finished. Then a joyous Skimbleshanks came forward to give the Jellicle
Leader the battle report. Of course, there was nothing but praise for their
brave commander, Munkustrap, and Deuteronomy did not bother to hide his
pride. The older toms of the tribe took turns giving their account of the
battle and Demeter only half listened. Her mind was occupied with how to
get Munkustrap to propose by the next Jellicle Ball. It would make her
look bad if a kitten like Victoria ended up married before her. Especially,
since at present, Demeter was the main queen of the Jellicles. Once again
Demeter returned her attention back to Deuteronomy as Mistofelees came
forward with Jezabel in tow and Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer close behind.
Old Deuteronomy
had always known that Munkustrap was the hero of the battle with the Pollicles.
He just like hearing it from the others since Munkustrap was too modest
to tell what had happened himself. It was hard for the old cat to drag
his attention from his grandson in order to listen to Mistofelees, who
was so excited he was talking a mile a minute.
Munkustrap
at that point stepped in to make sense of what Mistofelees was trying to
say.
Forcing
himself to look the leader in the eyes, he said,
"During
the time after the battle when I went to scout the Junkyard, I came across
four dogs attacking a cat. I brought her back here to wait for you. At
that time I was unsure if she was a Jellicle or not, but since then I have
been given reason to believe that she is, indeed, a Jellicle. Old Deuteronomy,
I would like to present to you, Jezabel of the house of Stratherin."
Munkustrap
extended his paw to Jezabel, which she took, and guided her up to the old
leader.
Deuteronomy
studied the kitten with several thoughts running through his head. First
of all, he was nearly bursting with pride for his grandson. Not only had
he saved the tribe from the Pollicles, he had also saved the life of a
beautiful house-cat. Second, it hurt slightly that Munkustrap always called
him "Old Deuteronomy". Just once it would be nice if that boy would call
me "Grandpa." It wouldn't kill him.
Deuteronomy
listened to Jezabel speak slowly and carefully on why she felt she was
a Jellicle and then to Mistofelees' confirmation of their relation. A plan
began to form in Deuteronomy's head. He looked at the young queen, then
at his grandson, then to the queen again. He smiled to himself. He wouldn't
breathe a word to anyone about what he was thinking.
When
the notorious cats finished listing all of Jezabel's quality's, he stood
up and said in a loud voice,
"Well,
Jezabel of the house of Stratherin, as the Leader of the Jellicles I have
the honor of the welcoming you to the Jellicle tribe. As the sister of
our beloved Mistofelees you are accepted without reservation. All things
Jellicle are opened to you. Welcome."
He stretched
his paws to Jezabel who looked at Munkustrap. He motioned for her to go
up and she did so, taking the Leader's paws. He embraced her and presented
her to the others. Then Munkustrap took her paws and rubbed them against
his face. Then he handed her paws to the next in line and all the others
followed suite. It was now official. Jezabel was one of them.
This
naturally put all the cats in a festive mood. Old Deuteronomy raised his
paws for silence. Grinning broadly, he announced, "Tonight there will be
a special feast in honor of my grandson, Munkustrap!"
All
the Jellicles cheered as the color drained from Munkustrap's face.
Chapter 9:
The Truth Will Set You Free
The party
was in full swing complete with singing and dancing. But the guest of honor
was off to the side trying to stay out of the spotlight. Before the dinner,
Old Deuteronomy had wanted to talk about the battle and such. All he did
was praise him for a job well done. But Munkustrap didn't feel any better
about what had happened. In fact, the more Deuteronomy talked the worse
he felt.
Old
Deuteronomy called for a toast and, of course, it was to exhort Munkustrap.
He felt guilt try to swallow him and he was helpless to stop it. The only
good thing about the evening was that Jezabel was mingling with the others.
In a way, he wished that she had wanted to stay with him. But, Demeter
was with him anyway. She had been clinging possessively to him since the
Jellicle Leader had arrived. Half-heartedly he had his arm around her waist,
wishing that the night would end.
The
straw that broke the camel's back came when Old Deuteronomy insisted that
Skimbleshanks recount the events of that awful day. The railway cat was
barely half into his story when Munkustrap could stand it no longer. Jumping
onto a crate, he cried out,
"This
has to stop!"
Deuteronomy
gave him a puzzled look. "Munkustrap! What has got into you! Sit down and
let Skimble finish his story."
"I can't,"
he said fiercely, "Because it's a lie!"
The
old cat looked strickened. "What?"
"It's
a lie. I didn't do anything to save the tribe. If anything, it was my fault
we were attacked in the first place. I didn't listen to the rumors or see
if they had any basis. And when the dogs attacked, I sent cats that were
too young out to fight. Tumblebrutus almost died because of me. I can't
listen to anymore of this. I didn't even go to see those who were wounded
until a week later because I was too much of a coward."
His
outburst was met by silence and stares. No one could believe their ears.
Jezabel gripped Mistofelees shoulder and Victoria's hand.
Raising
his head and attempting to salvage whatever dignity he had left, Munkstrap
stepped up to his grandfather but was unable to look him in the eyes.
"I do
not deserve to remain guardian of the Jellicles. I failed in a way that
proved to be costly. For the good of the tribe I am resigning as commander
of the Jellicles. I ask you to accept this, sir, and allow me to remain
as the lowest member of the tribe."
There
was a long, painful silence. Munkustrap was positive that every cat could
hear the fast thumping of his heart against his ribcage. He felt Demeter
move away from him. She was probably embarrassed to be associated with
him.
Finally,
Deuteronomy spoke in a grim voice,
"You
have given me much to think about, Munkustrap. I will give you my decision
in time."
The
mood in the Dumpster the next day was dismal and the weather matched it.
It was raining once again. Deuteronomy was sitting in his box brooding
when Alonzo, Quaxo, and the Rum Tum Tugger came rushing up, out of breath
and scared.
"W-w-we
saw, we saw dogs!" Quaxo panted.
"There
were two scouts Pollicles near the Dumpster," said Tugger.
"They
know we're here," added Alonzo. "It's only a matter of time before they
attack."
Deuteronomy
leaped up. The old cat could move when he needed to. "Gather everyone up.
We must have an emergency meeting. Hurry, off you go!"
Once
the cats had been gathered in the Dumpster's center, Old Deuteronomy shushed
them.
"All
right, now, Jellicles, the trouble begins. The Pollicles their defenses
are gathering. We must be prepared to fight to the end."
He looked
at the frightened and serious faces. There was one face he did not see.
Munkustrap's. Whatever had happened before this point could be forgiven.
They needed their warrior and they needed him now.
Deuteronomy
barked orders at them and the cats scattered to prepare except Jezabel,
who was inching close to him with wide eyes.
"I want
to help," she said quietly.
The
Leader smiled softly at her. He wasn't sure what she could do. She was
so young-. Then it came to him.
"Jezabel,
do you think you could find Munkustrap? We need him right now. Tell him
that it doesn't matter what happened before. He can redeem himself by coming
now."
The
little cat nodded fervently. "I won't come back without him." And she started
off.
"Jezabel,"
Deuteronomy called. She stopped. "Tell him I love him."
She
nodded and was gone in a flash.
The
old cat sighed. Even if Munkustrap did come back, they were going to need
help. Or else there wouldn't be much of a Jellicle tribe left.
To be
continued....
Next:
#3 Cat Morgan Introduces Himself
