Part 2: Tugger’s War
Tugger returned to the cats he left to watch the Pollicles. He noticed that Rumpus had returned and was showing Tumblebrutus something. He walked up and asked "What’s going on."
"I’m laying out a plan of attack," began Rumpus, "and telling the kitten what to do."
"Do," asked Tugger. "He’s going to do nothing but sit up here and raise the alarm if more dogs arrive. He’s just a kitten, he isn’t a fighter yet."
"Are you nuts," asked Alonzo. "He’s no more a kitten than I am. You had me attacking dogs when I was younger than him."
"That was then," began Tugger, "and this is now. I will not let him risk getting hurt in this attack. Munkustrap would kill me, not to mention what Jenny would do."
"Are you going soft," taunted Alonzo. "Boy, that kitten of Macavity’s has you all tore up doesn’t he."
Tugger was instantly in Alonzo’s face. "What did you say," growled Tugger.
He stared Alonzo down then stalked off to look at the dogs lair. Just then, Munkustrap came running up. "Don’t do this Tugger," said Munkustrap. "Its not going to make Macavity any better."
"What do you know," said Tugger. "You just worry about how you can keep everyone under control."
"You don’t need to abandon that kitten right now," said Munkustrap, "He’s still pretty scared, and Macavity can’t take care of him. Don’t you owe the poor little thing at least that?"
Tugger pounced on Munkustrap. "You wouldn’t know anything about what that kitten means to me," said Tugger. "He’ll be okay with the others. You don’t know what it’s like to watch helplessly as three little kittens die because they don’t have a mother. You don’t know what its like to watch the last of them start to drift away himself, only to be saved by a bit of stolen cream. You didn’t see the wild look in Macavity’s eyes when he thought all was lost. You don’t know how it feels to lose something dear to you, so don’t lecture me about where I need to be and what I need to be doing."
Tugger jumped off of Munkustrap and turned back to face him. "First, I’m going to teach these mutts a lesson," he said. "Then I’m going to come back and teach you a lesson Munkustrap. A very long, hard lesson in life."
"If you must do this," said Munkustrap, brushing himself off, "you can’t have Tumblebrutus. He’s too young. I’ll send Skimble to take his place."
"Alright, go," said Tugger looking at Tumblebrutus.
Just then, he heard some dogs just over the hill from where they were. Rumpus came bounding up and said "There’s some Peeks just over the hill. They are planning something."
"Oh no they don’t," said Tugger. "This is my fight, not theirs."
He ran over the hill and right into the middle of a party of Peeks. The others, including Munkustrap and Tumblebrutus, were on his heels. He let out a great hiss when he stopped and said, "Scram Peeks. This is my fight, and I won’t have you ruining it."
"Whoa," said the leader of the Peeks, a fairly ugly looking bulldog. In a sarcastic tone he continued, "Somebody hold that cat back before he tears me limb from limb."
The other Peeks snickered and looked around. One of them saw Rumpus and tapped the leader on the shoulder. "Look," he said, "its that vile Rumpus Cat."
The leader looked, and his smugness left him, replaced by a reserved constraint. "What are you doing here," asked the dog, in a more polite tone.
"I’m here helping Tugger with a couple of Pollicles," replied Rumpus.
"POLLICLES!," said the bulldog, in an angry tone. "What business do you have with Pollicles."
"They attacked one of us," answered Munkustrap. "Tugger here is going to retaliate."
"Count us in," said the bulldog. "We have a truce until this is over."
"NO!," said Tugger. "This is my fight. You can stay out of it."
Taken aback, the bulldog eyed Tugger. "Just who was this cat these dogs attacked," he asked, "your mate or something."
"No," said Tugger, "just a friend."
"It was Macavity," volunteered Tumblebrutus.
"Macavity," said the Peek with a touch of hate in his voice. "I’m not fighting for that cat. You can have your fight. Just leave a few pieces for us." With that, the Peeks ran off.
"You just had to say something didn’t you squirt," said Mungojerry.
"He did just fine," said Tugger. "This fight is ours, and will remain ours." "Tugger," began Munkustrap, "Macavity sent a message to you. He said drop it."
Tugger glared at Munkustrap. "Tell him it’s too late. I’m already committed."
* * *
Back at the meeting area, the kitten began to stir. He looked at his father, who was still grooming him and asked, "You okay daddy," in a soft voice.
Macavity looked at him and smiled. "I’ll be fine," he said. "I heard you put up a good fight last night to keep them away from me. Don’t you like them?"
"I don’t trust them," said the kitten. "Specially the gray one who tried to fight you last night."
"Oh he’s all right," laughed Macavity. "Just a little uptight. You’ll get used to him in time."
"I don’t want to get used to him," said Skittleskat. "I want to stay with you and uncle Tugger."
"You’ll be safer here," said Macavity. "I can’t always be here to protect you, but Munkustrap and the others will."
"But they don’t like you," said the kitten. "They won’t like me either."
"Nonsense," said Old Deuteronomy, appearing from around the corner of the washer.
The kitten hissed. Then looked at his father for reassurance. "I am Old Deuteronomy," he said, "and I don’t believe I met you last night."
"I’m Skittleskat," said the kitten, noncommittally. Then an inquisitive look appeared on the kitten’s face. "Why were you mad at that old cat last night," he asked.
Macavity’s ears perked up. "What old cat," he asked.
"It was Brittlebane," replied Old Deuteronomy.
Macavity struggled to his feet, then collapsed back to the ground. "BRITTLEBANE!," he said looking around. "Oh, no. Keep him away from me..." and in a deeper more serious tone, "Keep him away from my kitten!"
"I will do all I can," said Deuteronomy, "but you can’t make any promises with Brittlebane."
"What is Brittlebane doing here," asked Macavity. "I thought he was banished."
"He is," replied Deuteronomy, "and I have no idea why he is here. He said something last night about your mate, though. He said he came here with her, and that they were sent by Minstrel."
"Minstrel is dead," said Macavity. "How could he have sent Liralu, she was from America."
"America," asked Deuteronomy, with surprise in his voice. "Then they very well could’ve come from Minstrel."
"But Minstrel is dead," said Macavity.
"No," began Deuteronomy, "he is very much alive. My father sent him to America years ago to look for a missing Jellicle. Neither of them were seen again until last night."
"You mean Brittlebane," asked Macavity. "I thought you said he was banished."
"He was," said Deuteronomy, "but not by my father. He was banished by Minstrel, who had the duties Munkustrap has now."
"He also mumbled something about her being his daughter as he was leaving last night," said Demeter, stalking up from where she had been eavesdropping.
"His daughter," said Macavity in a thoughtful tone. "Is he still around? I want to speak to him."
"That’s impossible," said Deuteronomy. "He cannot be allowed back. He is an outcast."
"You said it yourself," said Macavity, "it was your brother, and not your father who banished him. Your father was the Jellicle leader, not your brother. He is still a Jellicle in my book."
"Very well," said Deuteronomy. "If I see him again, I will tell him you want to speak to him. But be careful. The last time I saw him, he stole a kitten from the Jellicle Ball and didn’t return her for three days."
"Sounds like something I would do," said Macavity, giving Demeter a sidelong look.
Demeter hurumphed and backed up a little, with a frightened look in her eyes. "Don’t worry Demeter," said Macavity. "I am in no mood to play right now. Besides, you would know I’m coming. That takes all the fun out of it."
"Don’t you have any manners," announced Bombalurina, as she rounded the corner of the washer. "I swear you just do it to keep her jittery."
"Just doing my job," replied Macavity.
"And setting a bad example for that kitten in the process," said Bombalurina.
"You’re just jealous because I’m not giving you all the attention," taunted Macavity.
"Don’t flatter yourself," said Bombalurina. "Speaking of attention, where is Tugger?"
"On the warpath," said Munkustrap, as he and Tumblebrutus arrived. "He wouldn’t listen to me Macavity."
"He’ll get them all killed," said Macavity. "What is he thinking."
"He is doing it out of some debt to that kitten," answered Munkustrap.
"What’s that kitten done for him," asked Bombalurina.
"It’s not what Skittleskat did for him," began Macavity, "but what he did for Skittleskat. He was the one who stole the cream and milk that fed the kitten. I wasn’t in any shape to do anything."
"He did what," asked Bombalurina, shocked. "You have corrupted him too. First Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, and now Tugger. When will you stop. That kitten is staying with us."
"No I’m not," exclaimed Skittleskat, backing further under his father’s paws.
"Now look what you did," said Macavity. "Just when I had him liking you guys again. Skittle, this is Bombalurina, Uncle Tugger’s mate."
"Uncle Tugger," laughed Bombalurina. "I guess that makes me auntie Bomb. Ha, ha, ha!" Some of them smiled, others gave knowing looks. "I guess you’ll do okay then kit," said Bombalurina.
This gave Demeter enough courage to come up and say "If you like, I’ll take you to a place where you can have a little fun. Your father needs some rest, and you need to run around a little."
The kitten nuzzled under Macavity’s paws. "Run along," said Macavity. "She won’t hurt you."
Skittleskat stalked to the edge of the washer door, looked at Demeter, then Bombalurina nervously, darting past her with all his might and scurrying to a stop just behind Demeter, hiding under her belly. Startled, Demeter picked him up in her mouth and carried him away. "He’s not very trusting is he," asked Bombalurina, watching Demeter prance away with the kitten in her mouth.
"Consider the example you have given him," said Macavity. "Last night, Munkustrap challenged me when I arrived. Then this strange cat, Brittlebane, appears and terrorized everyone. And to top it all off, his father is dragged in by Skimble and the very cat that challenged him earlier. It would be enough proof for me to be wary of you guys."
"I’m sorry about that," said Munkustrap, looking down. "I should have just asked you what you wanted."
"Hey," said Macavity, "you were only doing your job. Don’t you think I know what I put you through every year. Don’t look so down. In fact, live a little. You’re always so uptight. Relax. I have kept several disasters from befalling the Jellicles in my time, without anyone being the wiser for it. I’ve foiled many a troop of Peeks or Pollicles determined to take the junkyard away from us, and only one other knew the danger existed. Rumpus and I have done more for this tribe than any of you give us credit for. You treat him like a fool, and run from me every time you see me. And as for my training Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer and Tugger; if someone doesn’t, when Rumpus and I are gone, no one else will know the haunts of those plotting Peeks and Pollicles. I make it a point to know their business before they do. I only hope Tugger doesn’t ruin it in his anger. There is a troop of Peeks around right now looking for a fight, and if they knew I was down, they wouldn’t think twice about attacking here."
Munkustrap’s face grew with horror as the reality of what Macavity just said sunk in. "They do know," he said. "Tumblebrutus told them earlier when Tugger confronted them."
Macavity snuck a disapproving glance at Tumblebrutus, then said, "Get all of the cats into a defensive position and send someone to get Tugger. He’ll get his battle all right, but it won’t be with those two Pollicles. Send someone out to them. Make sure they know to speak to Rumpus, and not Tugger. And hide the kittens! Things are going to get very dangerous tonight."
* * *
Twilight settled over the junkyard. Brittlebane had been watching all day as one Jellicle or another would check on Macavity. Then he saw Demeter carry that kitten of to the play area for the kittens. As she was arriving there, he saw a commotion back where Macavity was. Bombalurina was running as fast as she could in the direction Munkustrap and that other kitten had returned from. A few minutes later, she and the other cats returned and began making frantic preparations for something. He wasn’t sure what it was until a couple of police cars flew by, chasing a car. He heard the howls coming from the field on the other side of the junkyard and hissed. "Peeks," he said under his breath, almost as if it were a curse.
Down at the meeting area, Macavity was giving orders left in right, getting the tribe prepared for the battle. When he gave an order, the cat would look at Munkustrap, and when he nodded his approval, they would go. "And Mungo," began Macavity, "you and Rump need to go track down Sparks and Doodle. They will know who this pack is, and what they are about."
Mungojerrie nodded affirmation, motioned for Rumpleteazer to join him and ran off into the twilight. Munkustrap looked after them with a curious look in his eyes. Since when did they take their orders from Macavity. A puff of smoke appeared nearby, sending the remaining cats into a frenzy. They all made a defensive ring around the washer containing Macavity, and Munkustrap stood between them and the intruder. "I can help," said Brittlebane.
"Old Deuteronomy doesn’t want you around," said Munkustrap.
"As I see it we don’t have a choice," said Macavity. "Let him join."
"No!" snapped Munkustrap. "That is not your decision to make."
"Nor is it yours," said Old Deuteronomy, coming out of the shadows. "I warned you last night Brittlebane. However, you may help us if you will. But when this is gone, my brother’s decision still stands."
"Even if it was Minstrel who sent me," asked Brittlebane.
"Minstrel is dead!" said Macavity. "How many times do I have to say that."
"No Macavity," said Brittlebane, "he is very much alive. In fact, he is the leader of a Jellicle tribe in America. As I was saying last night, I was sent here with my daughter to make contact with you. She was sent because Minstrel knew you wouldn’t accept me Deuteronomy. But you would accept her. Unfortunately, she never made it to you." He said this glaring at Macavity.
"She never told me why she was here," said Macavity. "All I know is that we loved each other from the moment we met."
"Enough," said Deuteronomy. "I will let you help as long as you stay away from the kittens. Especially the new one."
"That is for Macavity to decide is it not," asked Brittlebane.
"No it is not," replied Deuteronomy. "Skittleskat is part of the tribe now, and his wellbeing is my responsibility."
"Not so fast," said Macavity. "He is my kitten, and I decide who can and can’t see him."
"You were ready to give him up entirely to us last night," said Munkustrap. "You even said so this morning."
"That was a mistake," said Macavity. "He is my kitten, and I decide who sees him, and who doesn’t."
"We’re not going to argue over this," said Deuteronomy. "Skittleskat is Macavity’s kitten. But in Macavity’s absence, it is our duty to raise and protect the kitten. However, I don’t think we should let Brittlebane near any of the kittens. We just don’t have time for one of them to turn up missing for a few days."
"They would be treated well if they did," said Gus, licking his lips with the touch of some memory clear on his face.
"You see," said Brittlebane. "I have one vote already."
"No sir," began Gus, "You do not. I was just remembering the pleasant meal you gave me when you catnapped me."
Just then, barking could be heard outside the junkyard. A hiss was heard in the shadows, then Rumpleteazer came in with two strange cats, looking winded. "Where’s Mungojerrie," asked Munkustrap with a worried look on his face.
"Oh ‘e’s just confusin’ the Peeks for a while," said Rumpleteazer with her Cockney accent. "E’ll be okay."
As if to support what she just said, a yelp was heard in the distance. Rumpleteazer rushed off toward the sound to aid her brother in his antics. "Don’t worry about them Munk," said Macavity. "They know how to handle the Peeks. I taught them well. Sparks, Dootle, what do you know about this troop of Peeks outside."
"They’s Brutus’ bunch, Gov’na," said Sparks. "They’s organized too."
"Good," began Macavity, "who’s thier leader."
"Brutus’ lieutenant, Butch," replied Sparks. "An ‘e’s mad about some cat challengin em this mornin."
Macavity shot a glance at Tugger. "What did you say to him Tugger," he asked.
"Just that the fight was ours, and not his," replied Tugger.
"They were ready to join us too," began Munkustrap, "until your name was mentioned."
"I’m not exactly the toast of the Peeks," said Macavity.
"You’re not exactly the toast of the Jellicles either," quipped Bombalurina.
"They’ll be coming soon," said Macavity. "We need to get ready. Everybody to your places. Munkustrap, Deuteronomy, Brittlebane. I need to speak to the three of you."
The cats scattered all over the junkyard. Only one lingered uninvited. "What do you want Mistofolees," asked Macavity. "You need to get to your position."
"I would like to speak to Brittlebane," said Mistoffelees.
"Later," said Munkustrap.
"There may not be a later," said Mistoffelees.
"Make it quick," said Munkustrap.
While the three others plotted their plans, Brittlebane and Mistoffelees withdrew a small distance from them. "We can end this right here," said Mistoffelees. "With the two of us, we could have those dogs scattered in no time."
"That’s not why I am here," said Brittlebane. "I’m here to heal old wounds within the tribe."
"If we don’t succeed tonight," began Mistoffelees, "there will be no tribe left."
"So what would you have me do," asked Brittlebane.
While they were talking, Macavity was explaining some last minute details to Munkustrap. "You’ll have to lead them once it starts," he was saying. "I’m in no condition to fight. Besides, that is you job anyway. To protect the tribe."
"I’m glad you see it that way," said Munkustrap. "I was beginning to think you didn’t think much of my talents as a leader."
"Oh, well as leaders go," began Macavity, "you do your job better than others I have seen. The only flaw I see in you is your overprotective. But maybe that’s good too. It may just save this tribe tonight."
"We’ve got to get you to shelter," said Old Deuteronomy. "Mistoffelees and I will help you get to the kitten’s shelter. You will be their last line of defense if it comes to that."
"Very well," said Macavity. "If you trust me with the kittens that is."
Deuteronomy shot a glance at Macavity that said don’t even threaten that. Macavity put his paws in the air and said, "Just being feciscious."
Mistofolees and Brittlebane approached and Deuteronomy told them to help him with Macavity. Munkustrap left to join the others in their positions. As Deuteronomy, Mistoffelees, Brittlebane, and Macavity made it to the kitten’s lair, there came a hiss from inside. "Who’s there," said Jellylorum, as they approached.
"It’s me," said Deuteronomy. "We’re putting Macavity with the kittens for safety."
They helped Macivity into the small lair and stalked back out into the night. "Daddy," came the cry from Skittleskat. "You’re okay. What’s happening outside."
Instantly, all the kittens took up the cry. "What’s happening outside."
"It’s okay kittens. Everything is going to be okay... I hope," he said glancing at Jellylorum with concern.
She returned his look and went to the entrance to look out. Mistoffelees and Brittlebane made their way to the outskirts of the junkyard. They could see Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer playing tricks on the Peeks from where they stood. Just then, a dog caught Rumpleteazer’s leg in his mouth and shook her. Filled with fury, Mistoffelees shot a bolt of lightening at the dog. The dog let out a yelp and ran away. Mungojerrie gathered up Rumpleteazer and helped her into the junkyard. "Things are going to get a lot more serious now," said Brittlebane. "Unless I do something about it right now. Come, lets go."
They made their way to the edge of the junkyard. They were seen by a dozen cats, and many more dogs. The dogs rushed them in one body, determined to cut any capers off before the cats could get started again. Brittlebane put his paws together and formed a ball of fire between them, letting it grow, and grow until it was bigger than him. He then released threw it at the oncoming dogs, who scattered in all directions. Mistoffelees shot lightening bolts, hitting dogs left and right, as Brittlebane threw more fireballs into the ranks of the dogs. Then, there was some movement behind the dogs. All at once, a group of alleycats attacked the dogs from all directions. "Macavity must have called in some favors," said Munkustrap, looking on from his hiding place. With that he yelled, "attack!"
Cats came from everywhere and attacked the dogs. They made an infernal din that made the lights in the neighborhood come on in every house. Dogs could be heard yelping and cats could be heard screaming. Down the way, the old police dog was running up to see what was afoot. Tugger threw himself into the fray. He saw the leader of the Peeks just ahead, and a growl of rage escaped his throat. He already had Coricopat and Tantomile attacking him, but it looked like they weren’t doing much good. Tugger jumped in, claws swinging, growling the whole time. He felt flesh rip underneath his claws, as rage filled his whole spirit. He had never felt like this before, and it scared him a little, but he wasn’t about to let up now. The dog went yelping away, calling all the dogs to follow him.
Munkustrap rushed in and swatted at dogs the whole way in. He saw Tantomile take a swat from the leader of the dogs, causing Coricopat to attack instantly. Then he saw Tugger approach and tear into the dog with all four claws and biting several times. He had never seen Tugger act that savage in his life. Just then, the dog began yelping away, calling his commrades to follow. Munk took a swipe at a dog that was running past him, just for good measure, but kept his eyes focused on Tugger. Coricopat and Mungojerrie had to wrestle with him to keep him from chasing the dogs into the night. "Come on," said Mungojerrie. "The police dog is on ‘is way. We gotta get outta ere."
They nearly dragged Tugger back to the Junkyard. Only when he saw Demeter and Bombalurina huddling near the kitten’s lair did he calm down. With a new frenzy, he rushed to the doorway and looked in. There he saw Macavity and all the kittens safe. He let out a sigh of relief and collapsed. In all the excitement, he must not have noticed the bite-marks on his shoulder and side. Munkustrap was there to catch his fall. His eyes filled with grief as he saw the wounds on Tugger. "That’s two," he said with a growl. "How many more will it take before they will leave us alone?"
He ran to the perimeter and cried "Come back cowards. You can attack us one at a time, but don’t have the stomach for it when we fight back do you. COWARDS!"
He felt a touch on his arm, and looking, he saw Demeter standing there gazing at him with a comforting look. "Let them go," she said quietly. "We’ve had enough fighting for tonight."
"Perhaps your right," said Munkustrap. "Why should I care about Tugger’s little war."
Yet still, he was filled with rage that these dogs would attack them without provocation. They were a peaceful lot, what business did these dogs have attacking them. He pondered on this the rest of the night, missing out what else happened. In the attack, a dog had gotten to Brittlebane and attacked him from behind. He had grabbed him in his jaws and shook profusely. It took a bolt of lightening from Mistoffelees to send the dog running, but the damage was done. Mistoffelees cradled Brittlebane in his arms and looked at him. "I did it," said Brittlebane as he passed out.
"Yes you did," said Mistofolees. "You sure did."
