Chrychaesa sighed deeply. She had been traveling for many days. She had been sent by her mother to something called the "Jellicle Ball." She didn't even want to go. It sounded boring. Her mother had tried to explain it to her many times. But it didn't sink in. Why would Cats gather at a junkyard every year just to see some real Old Cat whom they believed had the power to call down the Heaviside Layer? To make matters worse for their daughter, her parents had taught her to fight, and to fight well. She was a kitten but she had the ability to fight as well as any champion male cat fighter. There she had acquired an aggressive attitude, but her mother also had taught her well, to bury down her aggressions until needed. Since she was so good at fighting, her parents had made contact with this Old Cat and arranged to have him meet her somewhere so she could travel along with him as for a protection service. It seemed as though she would never reach the rendezvous point. She hurried along through brush and trees. She then broke through and came to a long meadow, with the sunset shining down on it's long burnt blades of grass.
"At last." She said and sat down to wait for the Old Cat to arrive.
"Good , you are in time." A kind Old voice came from behind her. She whirled around and came face to face with an enormously tall brown cat, with wrinkles and a shabby coat. "You are Chrychaesa correct?" "Yes I am. Are you the one to be escorted to the Ball?"
"Yes, I am Old Deuteronomy."
"Deu-ter-on-o-my" she said to help her keep the name right. "Listen sir, I wish to help you get there and get home again. So I suggest we be on our way."
"Ahh, but you are a Jellicle are you not?"
"Yes I am a Jellicle. Why would that be of a concern?"
"All Jellicles must attend the Jellicle ball."
"Well I don't want to."
"This is your first time attending the Jellicle Ball. Well don't fret. You'll make friends there, and who knows, you just might even enjoy yourself."
"All right sir I'll.."
"Old Deuteronomy."
"Old Deuteronomy, I'll stay a while, but if I don't enjoy myself I am going home."
"Oh You will enjoy yourself. There is singing.."
"I don't have a wonderful voice."
"You don't have to have one. There will be dancing.."
"I can't dance. My parents taught me a little, but we were so involved in my training, we didn't work hard on my dancing."
"A Jellicle never has to be taught to dance. He can feel it in himself and then finds the passage to express itself."
"Oh, so you really want me to stay with this Ball thing."
"Yes I do. Why do your parents not go?"
"My mother is sick and my father is too depressed. He can't leave her side. But she will get better. But they said that this was my first ball and if I didn't attend, they both would have nothing to do with me, and I love my parents."
"I see. You'll thank them for it. Now lets talk about my grandson."
"Grandson? You have a Grandson?"
"Yes that's right." Old Deuteronomy said with a little chuckle. "His name is Munkustrap. He is to be the one to take my place when I am gone. He is older then you. Oh yes quite a bit actually. He is a handsome lad. He is a gray tabby, rather tall...You'll know him when you see him. He is usually with his friends Rum Tum Tugger, Bombalurina, and Demeter."
"Old Deuteronomy? What exactly do you do? Why do all Jellicles meet once a year? What do they do there?"
"I am the one to chose the Jellicle to come to the Heaviside layer. The Jellicles meet to see who is the one. They dance and sing there and 'Audition,' lets say for the role."
Chrychasa imagined all this and most of all, she tried to picture Munkustrap.
"Old Deuteronomy, I hear voices." "Oh, do not fear. It is the other cats who are waiting for us. Now they may feel a little intimidated by you. Just relax yourself and don't appear too meek or too proud. They will counter you if you do."
She tried to put on the mildest expression and mood. Then Old Deuteronomy walked out into the junkyard. Chrychasa saw many cats hang on to him and pet his fur and rejoice at his sight. They then followed him to a tire. She followed, far behind, away from the other cats' notice. She then felt afraid because she had no chance to fight all these cats if she made a wrong move, and she had no idea what they wanted. Old Deuteronomy had seated himself and saw her standing far away. He smiled assuredly at her and motioned for his grandson. She then saw the tabby he was so proudly talking of. She saw him and felt her heart quicken. She had never seen such a perfect cat. Her pulse pounded. Even Rawtawny, the town where she came from's heartthrob was no match for him. Munkustrap had easily won the contest. She was staring, she realized, so she let her eyes roam somewhere else. She saw cats everywhere, surrounding Old Deuteronomy. She then felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned and saw a cat with the mane of a lion standing grinning behind her. She looked at him quizzically as if imploring him to tell her what he wanted.
"Hi there, I am Rum Tum Tugger."
"Oh hi." she then let her eyes roam over the cats again.
"Hey I am not finished talking to you yet."
"Oh Sorry Rum Tum Tugger, now..?"
" I can see you're new here. I still need your name."
"Why? You don't like the one you have? If you don't I am sorry but there's no way you'd like mine."
"Hah hah now what is your name?"
"Chrychaesa."
"Oh, well, Hi there Chryssie. Can you stay here for a minute? I'd like to get some of my friends for you to meet." She looked nervous so he said as a comfort. "Don't worry, I'll bring them a few at a time." Rum Tum Tugger then walked off towards the group.
"Why is he being so nice to me?" Chrychaesa thought aloud.
"Because you're a Jellicle." A voice came from behind. Chrychaesa turned and saw a snow white cat standing behind her.
"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone was behind me."
"Well I am. You are new here. I am Victoria."
"Chrychaesa."
"Lovely to meet you, oh Munkustrap will be starting pretty soon, you'd better stay out of the way. He has been working hard to present this to Old Deuteronomy."
"Oh all right, where can I go?"
"Do you see that washer over there? You may lie in that to watch if you wish."
"Oh, thank you Victoria."
Victoria bowed her head slightly and skipped off merrily as if she had been talking to her own cousin.
"Good, you didn't move. This is Etcetera and this is Mr. Mistoffelees 'the original conjuring cat."
"Oh Mr. Mistoffelees! My mother has told me of your tricks! You are a wonderful magician!"
"Well thank your mother for me."
"Etcetera?"
" Yep, I am Etcetera! Nice to meet you."
"Pleasures all mine."
"Hold on Chryssie got to get more cats."
"I wish he'd stop calling me Chryssie."
"Chryssie! I can only bring out three more! The Narration is going to start soon."
"All right take your time!" But no. Rum Tug Tugger did the opposite. He brought with him Skimbleshanks and Cassandra.
"Here Cassandra, Skimble, You talk with her. Let the other one have more time to get here."
"Oh all right. I am Cassandra. This is Skimbleshanks.."
"Uncle to all cats!" Skimble cheerfully announced. "You are whom my dear?"
"Oh, I am Chrychaesa, but I guess Rum Tug Tugger chose my nick name for me, You can call me Chryssie because he already does. Might as well have everyone call me that."
"All right Chryssie." Skimble said with his Scottish accent.
"Since Rum Tug Tugger gave you a nickname, why not do the same to him?" Cassandra suggested. Rum Tug Tugger gave her an incredulous look.
"OK, well I'll call him Tugger I guess. I mean the name seems to suit him."
"All right CHRYSSIE!" He teased
"All right TUGGER" She teased back.
"What's going on here?" A kitten emerged.
"Oh, Hello Jemima."
"Hello Rum Tug. Oh we have another huh. What's her name?"
"Just call her Chryssie."
"All right. Oh Tugger.." Jemima motioned him close and whispered something in his ear. He gave a nod.
"OK come on guys, we have to get." Tugger announced.
"No we want to talk to the new cat more. Where are you sitting for the performance?"
"Well I am to sit in the washer."
"Ah so Victoria gave you her seat hmm?"
"She's helping out remember?"
"Oh Yes Silly Old Skimble. Well We'll try to join you there."
"OK thanks. Tugger, TUGGER come back here! Oh that dirty cat."
"Yeah he is but he's cute though."
"Rumpleteaser!"
"OOPS! sorry Mungojerrie."
"OH, Hello you two. I'm Chryssie."
"Hi! Wow she catches on to the friendly matter doesn't she?"
"Yep, she does 'Teaser. Well Just wait till she meets him, by the way she was staring at him, you'd think she'd 'ave fainted!"
"Yes but lucky Demeter didn't find out! Ooh Boy wo' she 'ave a casket or what?"
"What are you two going on about?"
"Oh nothing! See you later!" they cried in unison and ran off.
"Geez, it seems like they're planning a surprise. Hey where did all the cats go?" She looked around and saw no one. She went to the washer to sit down and think.
"Maybe they don't want me here. I don't know." She then started humming a little ditty that her mother had tried to teach her. She then heard gasps. But then, Munkustrap had stepped to the side of Old Deuteronomy and started his tale of the Pekes and the Pollicles. She cowered at the sight of the Great Rumpus Cat, and then came out from hiding. She approached the place where Old Deuteronomy was sitting thoughtfully.
"Hey Chryssie! How did you like the Pekes and the Pollicles lass?" Skimble asked with such happiness in his voice that it made her smile.
"I liked it very much thank you. Who was the cat that The Tabby had to hold back with his hand. You know the one who dragged you off after he finished the Scottish segment."
"Oh Munkustrap? I don't know who the cat was. Probably Tumblebrutus, he's always a clown aside from 'Tugger. Shhh Old Deuteronomy's speaking!"
Then a loud thunder clapped and someone shouted "Macavity!"
Chryssie put all her senses on their full alert. All the other Cats started slinking off to hide. Then there was no one but Old Deuteronomy, Munkustrap and herself. She started to peer off into the darkness just beyond them. She then turned to stare at Old Deuteronomy's coat which was shaking. Old Deuteronomy looked behind him, and Chrychaesa relaxed a tad when she saw Mr. Mistoffelees stare up into Old Deuteronomy's eyes. Old Deuteronomy gestured for him to hide. He then scurried off, giving Chrychaesa a look as if to say "Why aren't you hiding?"
He then scurried into his hiding place. Chryssie then stared a long passage where Victoria was coming out. Then looked to another where Jemima came out as well. They both looked skittish. She couldn't blame them. It took all her courage just to stand there peering into the darkness waiting for one slight move. She heard Old Deuteronomy's voice ring out "Jellicle cats come out tonight, Jellicle cats come one come all." She then saw Victoria and Jemima dance with perfect formation in front of him and sing "The Jellicle Moon is Shining bright, Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball" Another and another crept out of hiding and sang a verse of the invitation. Chryssie merely crept to the back and sat on the pedestal of Old Deuteronomy and watched the cats. She then saw Victoria and a Cat she was unfamiliar with dance a strange and beautiful dance. Then all the cats surrounded in the middle of the floor and lay down to rest. Munkustrap took a seat next to his grandfather. She then felt another presence. Tantimile and Coricopat must have felt it too because they rolled to their knees and sniffed the air. Mr. Mistoffelees did the same. Then Skimble sniffed several times. Then Chryssie saw a strange cat on the balcony of things. She looked afraid. Munkustrap followed her gaze and saw the cat as did Alonzo because he leapt to the car trunk and scared her off. Then the cats danced a rhythmic dance so full of life Chryssie could hardly help herself. She felt herself lift to her feet and dance with the others. Deep in her she knew the steps. Old Deuteronomy smiled because he knew she had found her magic. She was a tad clumsy but she would get out of it in time. She was as much of a dancer as his grandson, not as good as Mr. Mistoffelees but still when the clumsiness wore off, she would dance as well as any Jellicle. Munkustrap, and Tugger noticed the light she gave off when she was dancing.
"Well she's got it at last." Tugger proclaimed.
"Yes she has."
"I don't know if she's sore or not since she hasn't met you. Too bad you didn't get off in time."
"Hey, don't forget, she still has the rest of the night."
"She's a little if-fy. I overheard her say that she'll go if she doesn't have fun."
"Aww, Rum Tug Tugger, is that the face of a cat who isn't having fun?"
"Now that you mention it.. no."
"I think she'll stay." The dance ended and she laughed. Then she crawled with the other cats toward Old Deuteronomy. She then felt that presence again and looked behind her. She saw the strange cat. The cat didn't look like a normal cat. Her coat was torn and dull. She looked old and tired. That didn't matter to Chryssie. She then saw all the cats staring at the old cat as if she wasn't feline and slink off. She saw Munkustrap look down at her and turn and flounce away. He passed by her. She caught his arm and asked "Why does everyone act like that? She is a Jellicle, isn't she?" He merely looked at her and then continued as if he weren't able to speak. She then heard some cats teasing her.
"You see the border of her coat is torn, and stained with sand." Victoria reached out to touch her. A cat flung the arm away. Then she saw Jemima with an intrigued look on her face as she eased forward to touch the strange cat while she sang "and you see the corner of her eye twist like a crooked pin." Then the cat Jennyanydots flung Jemima's arm away. Soon the floor was bare. The strange old cat stood alone in the moonlight. The cat then tried to do some dance movements with a small flicker of light, the same light that Chryssie had given off when she was dancing. It quickly died. The strange cat then sang with a beautiful voice, the same ditty that Chryssie was singing Just earlier. Chryssie sang the words to herself along with the strange cat. The cat reached out behind her as if to feel for a hand. Chryssie started forward but rough arms grabbed her and dragged her back. She turned and looked into the eyes of Rum Tug Tugger, Skimble, Mistoffelees, Victoria, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser, Cassandra, Jemima, and Munkustrap. She looked at Tugger who had dragged her back.
"Why did you bring me back?"
"She isn't one of us."
"I perceive nothing wrong about her. She's Jellicle. Why are you so aloof and cold to her?" Rum Tum Tugger released her and Munkustrap came forward, took her arm and led her off.
"The reason why we do this is simple. She did not obey the laws of the tribe. She went exploring on her own and associated with cats other then our kind. She stopped coming to Jellicle balls. So it is forbidden for us to associate with her. The kittens do not know this."
"What is her name?"
"Grisabella, the glamour cat."
"Grisabella? That's her! Oh my goodness gracious! This won't do at all." She sat down looking distressed.
"Why what? What happened?"
"She's family. She is my Great Aunt. My grandmother's sister. My Mother had loved her dearly and she's trying to find her. I need to bring Grisabella back home."
"Grisabella is not one of us now."
"I was afraid you would say that. Come, lets rejoin the Jellicles Munkustrap."
"I need to ask you questions though. Why were you the only cat out there aside from me and my grandfather when thunder struck?"
"Well I was sent here to protect Old Deuteronomy on his journey here, as long as he took me to the Jellicle ball. So he took me and I feel that I still have a responsibility to help protect him. My parents taught me how to fight when I was young so I grew into fighting and how to control aggressions and all that."
"OK so how do you know my name and I don't know yours?"
"Your grandfather told me your name and said that I'd know you when I saw you. So I escorted him there, stayed in the back and sure enough he was right. He probably has said nothing about me so it shows how much you mean to him. He talked about you to me."
"OK but your mistaken. He has talked about you, though he hasn't said your name, probably too hard to pronounce or something. But he has said that this is your first Jellicle ball and that everyone should stay nice and friendly to new and Old Jellicles."
"So is that why Tugger is so nice? Along with Victoria and Skimble and everyone?"
"Oh no, they like you. They think that you're a mystery just waiting to be unfolded. So quiet, so smooth, and so brave to be the only girl fighting with the boys."
"So will they still like me after the mystery has been unfolded?"
"I'm sure they will......."
"Chrychaesa.." She noticed the puzzled look in his face.
"Cats just call me Chryssie with thanks from Tugger. You said to be kind to new and old Jellicles. Doesn't that include Grisabella?"
"No."
"Oh, well shall we go?"
"Lets" and she followed him back to the Ball site. There Old Deuteronomy was saying "We miss the meaning.. and approach to the meaning."
"AHH looks like we missed a bunch." she said to herself and sat down with Jemima, Tantomile and Coricopat. Munkustrap and Chryssie both noticed an old cat which Jellylorum was escorting to a seat. Munkustrap crawled up to him and nuzzled the old cats hand with his head. He then looked up at him and then looked at his paws. Munkustrap then crawled around Jemima and Chryssie and lay down in the front away from everyone.
"Hey Chryssie, sing with me...I'm scared." Jemima pleaded.
"OK but sing what?"
"The ditty."
"Oh that ditty." Jemima then stood up followed by Chryssie and they let their voices ring sweetly
"Moonlight.. turn your face to the moonlight, let your memory lead you, open up enter in. If you find there.. the meaning of what happiness is, then a new life...will begin." They then both fell down to their knees. The other cats continued to sing. Old Deuteronomy stood up and walked towards an old shaking cat. He looked at him and then Jellylorum took care of him. Munkustrap assisted his grandfather up the pedestal at which Chryssie was sitting and then sat down himself. They both were joined by Jemima.
"Gus is the cat at the theater door. His name as I ought to have told you before, is really Asparagus, but that's such a fuss to pronounce so we usually call him just Gus." Jemima leaned her head close to Chryssie's who cocked her head toward Jemima. Jemima then whispered "He's Asparagus. He used to work in the theater and he wishes he can do it again."
"Oh I see."
"Hey can I tell you a secret?"
"You may if you wish."
"Do you promise not to tell?"
"We are standing by the wishing well." Chryssie threw in. She had seen Snow White with her human family. Jemima giggled slightly. Munkustrap looked up at them to see Jemima giggling and Chryssie fighting a smile.. and losing. He just assumed it was female talk.
"OK, I'm better now, just don't try to do that again, I almost exploded."
"OK what is this secret you're talking about?"
"Well, here it is. I love Munkustrap."
"Oh really? Wow cool congratulations."
"Well he doesn't know it yet. I think he also has a thing for me because he has been really nice to me and he even defended me when I got into an argument with Etcetera."
"Oh, well he might."
"Do you think you could find out for me?"
"Woah! Think of what you're asking here. You want me? To go over there? To find out if he likes you? He'd think I'm butting into his business, or that I am nosy. Who knows he may even think I like him! No way!"
"Please! I'll never ask you to do a thing until my life is over please!?"
"You know it's amazing we're still doing this is whispers."
"Please?"
"Oh fine. Just if I ask you to find out if a cat loves me you had better do it in a heartbeat."
"I will, now go!"
Chryssie then slid over closer to where Munkustrap was sitting. She had to wait to talk to him though because he was in such a deep concentration of Gus, and when he looked focused on something, she noticed he was really quite handsome. She slid down beside him and looked at him expectantly to be acknowledged. She had to wait a while. She then got fed up with waiting and tapped him on the shoulder. Still no response. She put her face close to his ear and whispered "Munkustrap?" He jumped, startling her so much that she fell backwards.
"Ouch" she said.
"I'm sorry, I was concentrating on Gus."
"Yeah, no kidding." she said and then sat down again.
"So.. is there something you want to talk to me about?"
"Yeah actually. Jemima was just telling me about her fight with Etcetera. I was actually surprised that you stood up against Etcetera, so it lead me to thinking.. if you loved her or not."
"Jemima? OH no, she is just a kitten like you. That's all. I mean I like her, she's really fun to be with. But romantically well, lets just say I'm light on that subject. Besides I have a cat."
"Oh? What's her name? OOPS! I'm sorry, I'm getting to far into your business. Excuse me." "Oh no, it's O.K. mean I like to talk with you. I mean, we still have to get to know each other to become friends. So You were saying who is that cat. Well her name is Demeter. She was abducted by Macavity when she was your age. She and I are really a couple. We have been through, it feels like everything together. She is my best friend. Are you with anyone?"
"Unfortunately no. My parents are protective of me. They don't like me seeing anyone yet. They think I need to be older. They also watch me like madcats. I mean, if my best friend was male they wouldn't let me hang with him. If I wanted to wander around town, they wouldn't let me go. I am not surprised they let me go here. They knew that the males here are already linked or too old to take an interest in a kitten."
"You seem to be wise for a kitten."
"I have been taught well. My parents taught me to think for myself and to use my head in anything. They even preached lessons to me, given to them by Old Deuteronomy. So I have him to thank."
"Oh I see."
"Yep. So that's it. Nothing special between anything. Just a kitten with no guy friends, except when Tugger, Mistoffelees, Skimble, and you came along." They both smiled a little.
"Munkustrap, look! It's Gus! He's.. crying."
"He's too sad to finish his sentence. He missed what he does." Just then, a tall sleek red cat approached them.
