"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.
^-^O~
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.
^-^O~
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.
^-^O~
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 saying's 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.
^-^O~
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, Mistoffelees 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.
Mistoffelees 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.
^-^O~
"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.
^-^O~
"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.
^-^O~
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.
^-^O~
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.
^-^O~
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.
^-^O~
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."
^-^O~
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!"
^-^O~
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