All the jellicles cat gathered in the junkyard. It was Munkustrap's birthday, he was turning four. It was not the Jellicle Ball, so only the neighboring jellicles were there. That meant there were only twenty jellicles altogether. Old Deuteronomy even came for the celabration. There was a wonderful spread of mice and birds. And all the milk you could drink.Old Deuteronomy then gathered all the cats together so that they could do the " Mystery Dance". This is when you seperate the males from the females and blindfold them. Then only one cat is left with his vision( Old Deuteronomy). He would line up the cats randomly, and then they would move forward to bump into their partner. Old Deuteronomy had lined up the cats. He made his way back to the tire.
"Jellicles, move forward!" said Old Deuteronomy.
The jellicles stepped forward. Once they bumped into a cat, they opened their eyes. Rum Tum Tugger jumped up and laughed when he found that his partner was Bombalurina. "Thank you destiny!" shouted Rum Tum Tugger as he lifted the female jellicle into the air.
The others had gotten equally lucky. The first part of the game was done. Now it was time for the second half. Three pairs were to go to the center and start dancing. The first three were Skimbleshanks and Jellylorum; Mistoffelees and Victoria and Alonzo and Cassandra. The three entered the center and took their partners by the paw. "Think you can keep up with me this time Skimble?" asked Jellylorum.
The orange cat grinned shyly. "I'll try and do my best," replied Skimble.
"Let's get down!" shouted Alonzo.
All the cats immedietely broke into a fast dance. Alonzo would constantely have to leap out of the way as Mistoffelees and Victoria sped by. All the observing jellicles cheered them on. "That's it Alonzo! Use those fancy feet of yours!" shouted Munkustrap.
Alonzo laughed as he leaped high into the air. Mistoffelees began spinning around when he stopped was face to face with a stray. Mistoffelees let out a yelp, grabbed Victoria and rashed back to the other jellicles. Cassandra and Jellylorum hid behind their partners. These strays were familiar with the jellicles, but not in a fond way. There was Mooch and Shiva; Leper and Grittlebone and Strike and Flare. Alonzo backed away being sure that Cassandra was behind him. Skimbleshanks stood his ground and Jellylorum kept close to the Railway Cat. The strays then entered. "See? What did I tell ya? I know where to go when you wanna dance," said Mooch as he gleamed at Shiva. The female stray let out a huff.
"But Moochie, there's housecats here," groaned Shiva.
"Ignore 'em," snapped Mooch.
Skimbleshanks stepped forward and Jellylorum stayed behind him. "Be careful Skimble," she whispered into the cat's ear.
Skimbleshanks glared at the strays hatefully. "And just what do you think you're doing here?" snarled the Railway Cat.
All of the strays gleamed at the orange feline. "You out of everyone here should know Shambles. It is exactely three days away from the annaversery of the Day of the Dread! A wonderful victory for strays everywhere!" explained Leper.
The Railway Cat shuddered as he remembered the tragic battle. Skimbleshanks then returned to the jellicles with Jellylorum by his side. "And where else could seven strays celebrate but on the very battleground," laughed Strike.
Munkustrap gleamed at the strays smuggly. "Tell me, did you ever learn how to count?" asked Munkustrap.
Mooch looked confused. He turned around and counted the strays. He let out a growl and all the other strays looked annoyed. "BRUTUS!" roared Mooch.
A small white cat with brown stripes and a large brown patch on his eye rushed over and slid over to the strays feet. Brutus looked up at them with a playful smile, they all glared at him. Brutus' smile faded and he crouched down. Shiva grabbed him by the scuff of his neck and lifted him up. "Get up!" she snarled.
All the jellicles stared at Brutus. He didn't look anything like a stray. His fur was neatly groomed and he looked more swift than strong. "That's a stray? He looks like a jellicle cat," Mistoffelees whispered to Alonzo.
"He couldn't be a jellicle," growled Alonzo.
A few of the female cats had wandered off to the side. Victoria, Jemima, Demeter and Etcetera watched on. "Look at that scrawny one. I can't believe that's a stray," whispered Demeter.
"But look at his neck, no collar," said Etcetera.
"And if he wasn't a stray, Mooch would have torn him up by now," added Victoria. Jemima smiled.
"I think he's cute," commented Jemima.
All of the females stared at her in shock. Mooch placed a paw over Shiva. "Yeah, you see, Brutus isn't a very popular stray, so none of the dames wanted to go with him," explained Mooch.
Leper laughed right in Brutus' face. "Tough luck!" laughed Leper.
"But, meybe we could twist the rules a little and one of your cats could dance with him." Mooch turned to the group of females." How about it broads? Any of you want to dance with a stray?"
Pouncivil and Alonzo got infront of the females and glared at the strays. Bombalurina looked at Rum Tum Tugger and winked at him. She then started over to the strays. "Hey Brutus! Don't look now!" shouted Strike.
Brutus turned around and saw Bombalurina coming towards him. The jellicles watched on in shock as she got closer. Mooch, Leper and Strike began to make catcalls. When the female jellicle was right infront of Brutus, the stray gulped and looked at her shyly. Bombalurina reached out her paw and stroaked the side of Brutus' head. Brutus purred and smiled at her. He then held out his paw so that they could dance. Bombalurina took his paw, then grabbed the stray and flipped him over her shoulder. Brutus landed with a yelp of pain. The female jellicle then rushed back to the maned cat. "Now that's how you dance with a stray!" exclaimed Bombalurina.
Rum Tum Tugger and a few of the other male cats began to laugh. Brutus got back to his feet with a look of embarrassment. Jemima looked at the stray sadly. Strike glared at Brutus and pointed to the side. "Brutus, go sit over there before you get in more trouble," growled Strike.
Brutus crawled over to the side and sat down. Munkustrap moved away from Old Deuteronomy's side for a moment. "It shocks me to know that Brutus was raised up by Macavity himself," hissed Mooch.
"Yeah, he's a failure as a stray," sneered Flare.
Alonzo advanced towards the strays. "Listen, I don't really want to have to hurt any of you, so do us all a favor and leave," snarled the black and white cat.
"Was that a threat?" laughed Leper.
Brutus looked around and then spotted Old Deuteronomy. The small brown-patched cat slowly made his way over to the elderly feline. When he was right infront of the Jellicle Leader, Brutus bowed his head in respect. Old Deuteronomy looked down at the stray in shock. Brutus then looked up at Old Deuteronomy and began to reach out with his paw. Old Deuteronomy began to do the same. Munkustrap turned around and saw Brutus. The gray feline rushed over and brought down his claws; snarling and hissing. Brutus rushed backwards and crashed right into Mooch, Leper and Strike. The four cats went down. Nearly all of the jellicles burst out laughing. Strike threw Brutus off of him. The small stray hurried back and helped Stike up. Once Strike was back on his feet he pounded his paw down upon Brutus' head. "You idiot!" snarled Strike.
Brutus stumbled back and fell down covering his head. Jemima rushed out over to the stray. She held out her paw to him. Brutus looked up at her and made a non-threatening bat at her. Jemima then took Brutus by the paws and helped him up. The female jellicle smiled at Brutus. The brown-patched cat smiled back. He leaned his head forward to rub up against her when he was thrown back by Pouncivil. He snarled at the small cat.
"Stick with your own kind, stray!" snarled Pouncivil.
Brutus cringed and back away from the enraged feline. Pouncivil then led Jemima back to the other jellicles. Mooch and the strays started for the exit. "I believe that we've spent enought time on the battlefround. Let's return home," said Mooch.
The six strays passed right by Brutus. The brown-patched cat was still staring at Jemima. Leper walked back, grabbed Brutus by his tail and dragged him out. When the strays were gone, the jellicles gathered infront of Old Deuteronomy. Munkustrap glared at Jemima. "What were you doing?" shouted Munkustrap. Jemima crouched back.
"Well, he looked hurt, and I thought..."
"That was a stray Jemima!" Alonzo snarled.
"Aye! The lowest form of cat you can find," grumbled Skimbleshanks.
"But he seemed harmless,so..."
"Jemima!" snapped Munkustrap. Jemima shut her mouth. "Never, ever..EVER! Trust a stray!" Jemima looked down. "Do you understand?"
She nodded her head. The Railway Cat walked over to her. "Jemima, many jellicles lost thier lives to those cut-throats. You can't just assume that they'll be friendly," explained the orange cat. " I should know." Old Deuteronomy rubbed his whiskers.
"That stray. The one whom Jemima fancied. He looked so familiar," muttered Old Deuteronomy. Munkustrap spun around.
"You knew him?" asked the gray cat. The old cat held up his paw.
"It may be my old age, but I could have sworn I saw that cat when he was just a newborn kitten. I knew his parents well. You remember that kitten, don't you Skimble?"
All the cats turned to the Railway Cat. "Aye, he was a fine lad too," said Skimble.
"What became of this kitten?" asked Mistoffelees. Old Deuteronomy let out a deep sigh.
"His parents were killed by Macavity on the Day of the Dread. We couldn't find the kitten. I assume the strays killed him as well."
"What was his name?" asked Alonzo. Old Deuteronomy shook his head.
"It doesn't matter now," said the elderly feline. He then turned to Munkustrap. " Well, happy birthday Munkustrap." Old Deuteronomy then turned to leave.
"Thank you," said Munkustrap.
The jellicles slowly began to scatter among the junkyard. Tantomile and Coricopat followed Jemima. "You and that stray Jemima," said Coricopat.
" Yes?"
"How was it?" asked Tantomile. Jemima smiled.
"It was wonderful. I love that cat," sighed Jemima.
The twins stopped and stared at each other as Jemima continued on her way. Jemima could only think about Brutus the next day. She loved him and needed to see him again. So that night, she made her way to the old fish industry and climbed to a window. This was Macavity's hideout and it was very dangerous for her to be so close, but she didn't think about the danger. She leaned through an open window and looked down. Right below her was Brutus. He was lying down on a matress and rolling around a ball of yarn. Jemima gleamed down at the small brown-patched cat. Then Snarl, one of Macavity's strays stalked in carrying a brown bag in his mouth. "Brutus! You won't believe the stock I got!" shouted Snarl.
He pulled out a large bag of catnip( LSD of Cats). "Look at this weed! You want some?" Brutus shook his head.
"No thanks," replied the small brown-striped cat. Snarl shrugged his shoulders.
"It's your loss," said Snarl. He opened the bag and sniffed a few leaves of the catnip. "Oh yeah! It's clearing now!"
Jemima then lost her balence. She fell out of the window and landed on Brutus' matress. She and him were face to face. They stared at each other. "Oh, hi," said Brutus with a sheepish grin.
"Hi," said Jemima.
Snarl made his way over to Jemima. "Well looky here Brutus! A jellicle!" laughed Snarl.
Brutus stared at the approaching stray. "You know, it's been a while since we had a jellicle snippy." Jemima gasped. "Your tail will look very nice on Macavity's wall my dear."
Brutus then leaped infront of Jemima and growled at Snarl. "Brutus? Is there something wrong?"
Brutus grabbed Jemima by her paw and began to run. "C'mon! C'mon!" shouted Brutus.
Jemima hurried along with Brutus. He led her up to a window. When Jemima looked down, she only saw water. She looked behind her. Snarl was making his way up. Brutus turned to her. "Do you know how to swim?"Jemima shook her head. "Then hold onto me and don't let go!"
Jemima got a firm grip on Brutus and the cat leaped out of the window and the two crashed into the water. Jemima began to gasp as Brutus surfaced. "I hate water!" she snarled. Brutus laughed.
"You get used to it after a while," stated Brutus.
The cat then swam to shore with Jemima still holding onto him. Once they were upon dry land, they began to dry themselves off. Brutus turned to Jemima. "What were you doing there anyway?"
Jemima looked embarrassed. "Well, since I first saw you...Well, I'm a little attracted," admitted Jemima.
Brutus smiled. "Really?" he asked.
She nodded. Brutus smiled at her fondly. " You're a very pretty pussycat yourself."
Brutus then walked over to her and started to walk ahead. "C'mon, I'll take you back to the jellicles."
Jemima hurried to Brutus' side and the two made their way together to the junkyard. As they entered the junkyard, Brutus looked up. "It's a beautiful night. The stars are out."
"So is the Jellicle Moon," said Jemima. Brutus looked at the moon.
"So it is." Jemima looked at Brutus.
"I was told about strays by Skimbleshanks. But you're nothing like a stray." Brutus looked down.
"My parents were killed on the Day of the Dread. I'm sure you've heard of that battle." Jemima nodded. "Macavity says that my parents' dying wishes were for him to raise me up to be the best stray ever."
"I guess he failed," said Jemima. Brutus laughed.
"You're right! I guess he did!" laughed Brutus. The two continued to walk together further into the junkyard. Then Brutus stopped. "Well, I suppose you can walk the rest on your own. I was nice seeing you again."
The two cats looked at each other. Once again Brutus moved his head forward to rub against Jemima. He was struck aside and Jemima was pulled back. She recognized Alonzo and Munkustrap. They snarled at Brutus. "What are you doing here stray?!" roared Munkustrap.
Brutus backed away from the two jellicles. "And what were you doing with her?" snarled Alonzo.
Jemima rushed over to Alonzo. "Alonzo! He saved me from..." Alonzo swiped his claws at her.
"Get back to the others!" snarled Alonzo. Jemima ran off. Brutus glared and stepped forward.
"Hey! You can't talk to her like that Zebra!" snapped Brutus.
Alonzo leaped forward and Brutus stepped back again. "You're not welcome here stray!" hissed Alonzo.
"And you're not welcome to spend time with any of our jellicles!" growled Munkustrap. Brutus stood up firmly.
"I..." started Brutus.
"GET OUT!" roared Alonzo. Brutus just stood there shocked.
"Are you deaf? Get out!" snarled Munksutrap.
Brutus turned around and rushed off. Munkustrap and Alonzo returned to the others. Jemima was sitting next to Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer. "Jemima!" snarled Munkustrap. She turned to him. "Get over here!"
All the cats gathered around to see what had upset Munkustrap. Jemima slowly crawled over to Munkustrap. He glared at her furiously. "What did we just go throught last night?" he hissed.
"Not to trust strays," she answered softly.
"Exactely! Now what were you doing with that stray?" he growled.
"He was taking me here!" snapped Jemima.
Munkustrap waved away her answer. "Sounds to me like he was just getting ready to give you the Snippy!" hissed Pouncivil.
"Heaven forbid!" cried Skimbleshanks. Jemima shook her head.
"Brutus is different from the other strays!" cried Jemima.
"A stray is a stray!" snarled Munkustrap. "They're all cut-throats!" Alonzo turned to Skimbleshanks.
"Skimble! Have you ever come upon a friendly stray?" asked Alonzo.
"Never!" snarled Skimbleshanks. Alonzo glared at Jemima.
"There, you see? You can't trust strays!" snarled Alonzo.
"But he's different!" insisted Jemima.
"Jemima!" snarled Munkustrap. She shut her mouth. "If we catch you with that stray again, I'll have no choice but to banish you from the jellicles." All the cats gasped.
Munkustrap stared at her coldly.. "The strays are the enemy. You cannot bond with them."
"Why were you with that stray?" growled Mistoffelees. Jemima glared at him.
"Why? Why you ask?" she hissed. Mistoffelees glared at her.
"Yes, why?"
"Because I love him! That's why!" she snarled.
There was a large gasp from the cats. Jemima then rushed off. Alonzo spun around to Munkustrap. "She 'Loves' him?!" snarled Alonzo. Munkustrap growled.
"This is quite a sticky situation," grumbled Munkustrap.
"A jellicle and a stray? It will never happen!" snarled the Railway Cat. "Not while I'm still standing!"
"What more can we do now?" asked Jellylorum. "Let's put this incident behind us for right now." All the cats agreed.
Two days later, the jellicles once again assembled. Most of their activities consisted of tales of importance in the cats' past. Alonzo's were some of his fights. Old Deuteronomy suggested that Skimbleshanks tell of his involvment on the Day of the Dread. Electra was the first to rushed forward to hear his tale. She loved his war stories.All of the cats gathered in front of the Railway Cat. Skimble cleared his throat and began his tale. "When I was in the battle, I was just about three years old. Still in my youth. There were hundreds, literally hundreds of the filthy strays," began Skimbleshanks. The cats gasped. "Aye, these cats were even worse than great danes!"
"No!" cried Victoria.
"Aye!" exclaimed Skimble. "I was then surounded. Five strays were around me."
"What did you do?" asked Coricopat. The Railway Cat smiled.
"I rushed towards the closest one. Then brought my claws down on his face! Then across the cat's face, leaving a 'T' on the cat's forhead!"
All the cats leaned forward as the Railway Cat continued. "Then I rushed to another stray! And brought down my claws upon the cat's eyes!" All the cats oohed.
"I bet the other strays were scared!" laughed Electra. Skimble smiled at her.
"Aye! The other strays scattered like sheep!" Skimble then jumped over to the side. "I turned around and then saw Gus. He was in the battle too. Fighting off two strays with a knife! He had brilliant swordsmanship! From behind the Theater Cat, came another stray. I rushed over to Gus and scratched the cat all the way down its side!" The cats gasped.
Mistoffelees pulled on the orange cat's tail. He looked down at him. "Then what happened?" asked Mistoffelees.
Skimbleshanks spun around so that he was facing the other direction. "I spun around and then saw him!" started the Railway Cat.
The cats gathered close to each other. "Macavity!"
The cats gasped and held one another. "Weren't you scared?" asked Etcetera.
"Of course I was, but still I advanced." The cat began to slowly move forward. "Step by step, I got closer to the monstorous cat." A few of the jellicles began to follow Skimbleshanks. The orange cat then stopped. "Soon, we were so close, our whiskers were practically touching."Pouncivil stared at the cat.
"What did you do?" asked Pouncivil.
"We simply glared at each other. My green to his red. And then..." All the cats leaned forward. Skimbleshanks hissed and slashed his claws in the air. "I made a 'T' on his forhead!" The Railway Cat hissed and scratched the air again. "Then an 'X' on his face!" All the cats began to shout and meow with excitment. "Then Macavity rushed off snarling in pain. And so ended that horrible battle," finished Skimble.
All the cats applauded him. The orange cat bowed. Then Skimble held up his paws for silence. A solemn look came upon the feline's face. "It gives me a heavy heart to remember that day. One hundred and fifty jellicles went into battle. Only fifteen survived. Among those cats who didn't make it were some of my best friends. King-Falla, Peter, Jonathan and many others." Skimble lowered his head. "I think we should have a moment of silence to remember those brave jellicles that went into battle."
All the cats shut their eyes and were silent. The moment was broken when cackeling was heard. All the cats spun around. Leper, Mooch and Strike were standing in the entrance; and with them was Macavity. All the cats got behind Munkustrap, Alonzo and Skimbleshanks. "Wonderful story Shambles. We strays love tales with happy endings," sneered Macavity.
Electra started forward growling. Rum Tum Tugger held her back. Macavity and the strays then approached the jellicles. "As you well know, today is the date of the Day of the Dread. A battle where I led my followers to victory!"
"That was no victory Macavity!" snarled Skimbleshanks. " That was a massacre!"
All the strays laughed. Shouting and grunting was then heard. Everyone turned to the side. Brutus was tumbling down the pile of junk. The brown-patched cat landing on his back. "Brutus!" shouted Jemima.
She started forward. Jennyanydots and Jellylorum blocked her path. When Brutus got up, he saw Macavity and all the strays staring at him. "Oops," muttered Brutus. The small cat then gulped. " There was a window up there. My paws slipped on the glass and..."
"Quiet!" snapped Macavity. Brutus crouched back in fear. Macavity then turned back to the jellicles. "How about if we reinact a part of that battle?" jeered Macavity. The hairy cat then grabbed Skimble by his collar and tossed the cat to the side. "The battle between me and Shambles!"
A few jellicles rushed forward but they were struck back by the strays. The Railway Cat cowered as Macavity raised his claws over him. "NO!" screamed Brutus.
The small brown-patched cat rushed forward and swiped his claws across Macavity's eyes. The Mystery Cat leaped back screaming in agony. Brutus then helped the orange cat back up. "Through the exit!" shouted Munkustrap.
All the jellicles and Old Deuteronomy hurried through a pipe. The Railway Cat took a hold of Brutus' paw and pulled the cat into the pipe. The cats then brought own a board that sealed off the pipe. Skimbleshanks led the cats through the pipe. It led them right to the railway station. Skimble saw a bowl of cream waiting for him. The orange cat hurried over and began lapping it up. The jellicles formed a circle around Brutus. The cat stared at them nervously. "I don't understand," said Mistoffelees. "You're a stray. Why did you help us?" Brutus looked down.
"I don't know. I just had a feeling that if I allowed Macavity kill Shamb...I mean Skimbleshanks, I would be letting myself down. I don't understand why. I'm a stray."
Old Deuteronomy slowly made his way over to the cat. "What were your parents' names?" asked the old cat.
Brutus shook his head. "They're dead. They died when I was just a kitten."
"But what were their names?" Brutus looked up at the cat.
"Rashona and Rumplepound," answered the cat.
Skimbleshanks spat out his cream and stared at the cat. Old Deuteronomy gasped and then smiled warmly. "Tumblebrutus," said Old Deuteronomy.
All the jellicles stared at the elderly cat. "What?" asked Munkustrap. Old Deuteronomy turned to the jellicles.
"This is Tumblebrutus. The kitten I was telling you about." Skimble dashed over to Tumblebrutus.
"I'll be! He does resemble Rumplepound!" exclaimed Skimble.
"You mean he's a jellicle cat?" snapped Alonzo. Tumblebrutus shook his head.
"My parents were strays. That's what Macavity told me," said Tumblebrutus.
"Did it ever occur to you that Macavity might have been lying?" sneered Electra. Skimbleshanks rubbed the back of his neck.
"I'd hate to break the news to you lad. But your parents were two of the finest jellicles. And Macavity was the one who killed them," said Skimbleshanks. Tumblebrutus stared at the Railway Cat.
"WHAT?!" snarled Tumblebrutus. "All those years of training and teaching and it was done by my parents' assassin?!" Skimble backed away from the cat.
"Aye," said the Railway Cat calmly. "You're one of us lad." Tumblebrutus' head dropped.
Jemima moved over to Tumblebrutus and rubbed up against him. The brown-patched feline stared at the cats to see if any of them were going to pull her away from him. No one did. Alonzo stepped forward. "Well, we're supposed to be faithful to other jellicles. I suppose I could get my owner to let Tumblebrutus live with us," said Alonzo.
Tumblebrutus hopped over to Alonzo and rubbed up against him purring. Alonzo nudged the cat away from him. " Yeah, your welcome."
All the cats then got up to leave the station. Skimble made his way to the conductor's room. "See you tommorow then!" Skimble called after them.
"Goodnight Skimble," Munkustrap called back to him.
Alonzo began to lead Tumblebrutus to his home. "Okay Tumble, I live with an old lady, so you're going to have to be gentle with her. She loves my company, so I'm sure she'll appreciate it if you purr alot and lie in her lap." Tumblebrutus smiled.
"I can live with that!" chirped Tumblebrutus. Alonzo then leaped onto the windowsill. Tumblebrutus hopped up next to him. Alonzo began to meow. Soon an old woman appeared at the window and opened it. "Come on in Alonzo," she said. Alozno hopped down into the house. The woman then saw Tumblebrutus. "Is this a friend of yours Alonzo?" she asked.
The woman picked up Tumblebrutus and made her way to her armchair. Once she sat down, she placed Tumblebrutus in her lap. The small cat began to purr and rubbed his head against the woman's hand. "Well Alonzo, it looks like we're going to have a new member in our family."
The next night, all of the jellicles gathered together. Alonzo then appeared. Next to him was Tumblebrutus who now had a collar on. Munkustrap grinned at Alonzo. "I take it that your owner accepted Tumblebrutus," Munkustrap. Alonzo laughed.
"Heck! I couldn't get him away from her!" laughed Alonzo.
Tumblebrutus held his head up high so that all the cats could see his collar. Mistoffelees and Skimble hurried over. Skimble sniffed the collar. "Hmm, freash leather!" commented Skimbleshanks.
"You know, at the beginning I said that he looked like a jellicle," said Mistofflees. The black cat then gleamed at Alonzo. "And guess who was wrong?" Alonzo rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," growled Alonzo.
Tumblebrutus then saw Jemima. He hurried over to the female jellicle. "I never did get your name," said Tumblebrutus. Jemima smiled at him.
"Jemima," she answered.
"Jemima? That's...uh..That's a lovely name," stuttered Tumblebrutus. Cassandra walked over to Alonzo.
"Reminds me of you when you first set eyes upon me," purred Cassandra. Alonzo stared at her.
"What are you talking about? I was much more cool than that," explained Alonzo.
"Y
