Together, they cuddled close as the thunder still rang in their ears and fell into a deep sleep and dreamt of nothing since they were together.
Chryssie awoke again and noticed it was still dark, and the rain was coming heavily. She stretched and felt Munkustrap close. He felt her stretch and knew she was awake. Munkustrap looked up and saw her just sitting there thoughtfully. He sat up also and leaned his back against the stone. She looked over at him and smiled slightly. He smiled back and asked,
"What are you thinking about?"
"Testra."
"Oh, her? Hm, well what is there to think about? She's Jellicle, and she doesn't seem to cause any threat to anyone."
"Yeah, I know but still, something about her doesn't seem right."
"Well," he said, draping his arm on her shoulders
"we'll take care of her if she causes any problems."
"Right. Rather stormy for morning don't you think?"
"Yes, it's miserable out."
"I hope Demeter beat the storm."
"She did. She mentioned what camp her family was going to and well, they beat the storm for three days."
"Lucky she-cat. I'm going to start going around and see if any cats need help or company. OK?"
"All right. I'll start around shortly, and Chryssie, be careful of thunder."
"Ha, ha, ha." She laughed sarcastically. She started with Skimble.
"Hello there Skimble, do you need or want anything?"
"Well no, Testra, your dear sister already took care of it lass. Now, why do you hate your sister so much?"
"Hate her? Since when have I hated someone I don't know?"
"Well she said that she looks up to you so much and that she tries to be friendly but you look at her like she wasn't feline."
"Trust me, she tries to be friendly, but to the wrong cat. Good day Skimble, if you need anything, I'll be around." She went from cat to cat asking if they needed or wanted anything, and they all said that Testra had taken care of it. Then they always asked her why she was mean to Testra. She said that she didn't know her repeatedly. She walked to Munkustrap's den downheartedly. She then saw him with Testra and she seemed to be upset.
"What's the matter? What's going on?"
"Etcetera reported her ball missing and Testra says she found it in your place."
"Well as you know, I was with you last night and you know that I made my rounds this morning."
"I don't know."
"Thank you Testra."
"Sure, just thought you might like to know about this, that's all. Chryssie, may I talk to Munkustrap in private please?"
"Fine, I'm going to go out for a little while anyway." She could not stop but hearing
"So, Munkustrap, can I see you later today, no wait, I promised Etcetera I'd play with her, tonight?"
"Yes, what for?"
"Maybe to talk about little sister and maybe to get to know each other better."
"Sure, I guess." He sounded cool as always. She marched out of his cave, growling as she went. She then left the Jellicle sight. She traveled a little way until she came to a great lake. There she just sat along the shores and just stared into the rippling waters as the wind blew over them. She thought about Rawtawny and wished she could see his face again. Then she thought angrily about Munkustrap and Testra. Was he starting to love Testra? The idea gave Chryssie's heartstrings a hard twang and an anger fiercer then she had known before bottled up in her.
Right now she didn't want to think and then just settled down for a little catnap. She awoke when she saw the sun falling and started racing to home. They would wonder where she was.
When she got home, however, all the cats looked at her with disbelief in their eyes. Some even took swipes at her.
"What happened? Why are you acting this way? Mistoffelees? Victoria? Plato? Asparagus?" They all looked at her but said nothing. "Jemima? Jennyanydots? Bombalurina?" They all looked sad and heartbroken.
"Alonzo!" She cried out as the cat took a swipe at her followed by Quaxo and Admetus. She fell over and Skimble rushed to catch her. The cats looked at him and then he turned away. Then she saw Munkustrap and Testra, with their eyes cold and doubting.
"What has happened? What's going on?"
"Chrychaesa," That was the first time Munkustrap had used her full name. She knew that whatever had happened involved her.
"You have been seen with Macavity and are assumed a traitor to the Jellicles for associating with such a villain. You have been seen. Look out Chrychaesa, this is a warning."
"What? I... Munkustrap, you know I wouldn't do this!" He only stared at her with the coldest eyes ever imagined. Realizing that he was serious, she ran off into the back of the tribe grounds. There she stayed in the shadows and wept. How could she get out of this, especially since no one had seen her and someone had seen "Her" with Macavity. That's it! She raced to Munkustrap.
"Munkustrap, don't forget I am not the only cat who looks the way I do, Testra... "
"That's impossible."
"Impossible! How is that impossi... "
"She was with me at the time." She gasped. Munkustrap noticed the sheer look of horror in her eyes. He wanted to say something kind to her, but the evidence against her was too strong. Before he could say one word, she was gone.
Chryssie lay crying in the woodpile over the trunk of the car.
How could this happen? I am a very loyal cat, she thought.
And what was Munkustrap doing with HER?
"Chryssie?"
"Rum Tug Tugger, what do you want? If you have charges against me then just hold your tongue I don't want to hear it."
"No, actually I wanted to be of some comfort." She looked up and saw his concerned face.
"Really? You mean out of the whole tribe, you are the only one who actually wants to talk with me?"
"Kind of looks that way doesn't it?" She motioned for him to take a seat.
"Tugger, I don't know what happened. I never even want to see Macavity. How could I associate with him if I wasn't even near him?"
"Lets not talk about it, lets just erase it from our minds. Like it didn't even happen."
"How can I not think about it when it happened and it happened to me?"
"Just let it go." He then moved close to her.
"Tugger, why do you believe me?"
"Just because I believe in you. I have seen you and I was the first one here, aside from Old Deuteronomy to meet you, so I have known you longest. I care deeply for my friends.. "
"This is too deep.."
"But mostly you." and he kissed her. It was nothing like Munkustrap, because with Munkustrap, she felt as if she was tossed in a cyclone. This was pretty mild.
Mild until Tugger was sure that she needed more of what was inside, then he poured out his passionate kisses on her. She felt his kisses grow more intense, but still she could think only of Munkustrap's kisses. Then she remembered the look of stone her Munkustrap had given her and how he allowed Testra to hang over him. She hated remembering, which made her try to forget Munkustrap's kisses and concentrate on Tuggers. They were warm and passionate and she could feel herself in his arms. Not caring she willed her arms around his shoulders. Soon their kisses died down and they only lay together in deep sleep.
All throughout her dreams she wondered if Munkustrap was as unfaithful as she to each other. She prayed not, and hoped that if he found out, he would forgive her. Tears of pain ran down her face because she was so devastated of Munkustrap's false judgement. Then her "sisters" face imaged into her mind.
Testra, why was she connected into all of this? Chryssie then felt angry. She got up and walked around. Tugger came from behind and kissed her good morning. She smiled and then went into deep thought. "Tell me what the matter is." Tugger urged.
"I'm still trying to see how Testra is framing me like this."
"What makes you so sure it's Testra?"
"Have you seen anyone else who looks like they hate me and wants me squashed like a little bug?"
"No but still, it could be a mistake, they probably have forgotten it by now." Chryssie turned and hugged Tugger. He would always be good to her but she and he knew that they couldn't have each other. She needed someone who could buckle down. He needed someone who was on again off again.
A screaming sounded through the silence and they whirled away from each other as Jennyanydots came to them. Not noticing Chryssie right away she screamed at Tugger
"He's sick He is just so sick! Oh, Tugger, Munkustrap is very sick, He may be dying! Oh, dear Munkustrap. Have you seen her?"
No! Chryssie thought and immediately began rushing towards the camp. Tugger came after her. Jennyanydots noticed her and hissed warningly. Chryssie paid no heed. They reached the camp and saw all the cats around Munkustraps den. They saw Chryssie and all started hissing at her. Jellylorum said
"There is the scoundrel now, returning to see if the work is done. You haven't killed him Yet Chryssie!"
"Jellylorum, she did nothing." Said Tugger coming to stand behind her.
"When did this happen?"
"Last night. She did it, I'm sure, being paid by Macavity Testra says."
"Jellylorum, she couldn't have done it last night. I was with her." Jellylorum looked confused, as did the other cats.
"I stayed with him last night having no where else to go. Please, can I see him." Jellylorum saw the truth in her eyes.
"Yes, yes, my dear, take Tugger with you, they have Alonzo with him and he is very defensive now with you. Please forgive me."
"Jellylorum, I am not angry, I just want to see him now." The cats cleared away for her and she and Tugger entered the room. There Alonzo looked up and started taking swipes and lunges at her. Then he pushed her roughly to the ground and pinned her. Tugger called,
"It's all right, Alonzo, she was with me last night, she didn't do anything." Alonzo let her up then backed down, though he still tried to intimidate her. She knelt beside Munkustrap who was sleeping. He looked as if he were having a nightmare. As many times before, she took his head in her lap and stroked his fur. Tears fell from her eyes. What could she do? Munkustrap's eyes opened. He thought he saw a cat gazing at him, but his vision swirled, and made him dizzy.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
"Chryssie, I thought you had run away."
"No, I was on the outskirts." He winced in pain.
"Shh, it's all right, relax. Tell me what went on last night."
"Nothing, I just had some water and fell asleep."
"Was anyone with you?"
"Testra only accompanied me to the water, but aside from that no one was with me." A small wave of guilt washed over her.
"You needn't worry that I did it, because I was staying with Tugger last night."
"What?"
".. Never mind. How does it hurt?"
"A burning throughout my body, it's so hot and painful."
"Mistoffelees, do we have some of the flower left?" Mistoffelees who had crept into the room stammered
"Y-yes, we do."
"Bring it here."
"Oh but Chryssie do you know how to use it?"
"Just bring me the flower. Alonzo and Tugger, go with him." They realized she wanted to be alone with him. Alonzo was quite unwilling to go, but Tugger assured him if she could stay the night with him and he was still alive, she could be trusted.
"Why did you stay with Tugger?" Munkustrap asked when they had gone.
"Well, you wouldn't let me see you, and I got jealous of Testra so I had to stay away."
"You freely admit that you were jealous?"
"Well I did didn't I?"
"Did you.. DO.. anything?"
"Well no, not REALLY special."
"Something went on." Chryssie knew she had to tell him the truth, but even so she knew it might hurt him even more.
"I only kissed him, that's all." Munkustrap sighed.
"I'm sorry, I think I'd better leave, I've destroyed you enough all ready."
"Well what about the thing you were going to do, with the flower."
"After I did that." She sent for Pouncival who came in as if he were expecting to be hit, slowly and ears down.
"Pouncival, I need you to run to my farm and gather water in this dish for me. Run quickly and pray you do not drop the water." He took the dish from her and backed off slowly as if expecting to be hit again then dashed off.
"I'm guilty I know. But now you know how it feels to be looking at you and Demeter from afar."
"I know."
"Please Munkustrap, don't hurt. I'll leave as soon as I'm finished here." Munkustrap looked off into space. Pouncival returned with the water. Then Mistoffelees, Tugger and Alonzo returned. Alonzo immediately checked to see if Munkustrap was still alive.
He was, just incredibly irritated. Then he started to doze off. Chryssie took the amulet in which the flower dust was in. She sprinkled a little on her paw. She then whispered a special little prayer to it.
"Flower, you have done good and evil, I ask you to do good again. Please heal him, and make him well and strong. This cat I owe my life and heart to, though believes me he not. Give him guidance strength and wisdom for ever." She then dipped her paw into the cool water and stirred it gently.
The ripples in the dish started to glow yellow and soon was shining brightly. Then she lifted the dish to Munkustrap's lips. He refused to drink it. She called for Jennyanydots and asked her to help him drink. When she offered it to him, he drank willfully. He then smiled and Jennyanydots asked
"How do you feel Munkustrap?"
"Cooler, better and stronger."
"I'm glad. Where is Chryssie?"
"She's heading out of here." Chryssie said and walked towards the mouth of the cave.
"You are just going to walk out on him like that? You don't even want to stay and make sure he recovers nicely? Chryssie!"
"He doesn't want me here, so I am going. I'm sorry Jennyanydots, but I have to do what he wants." Jennyanydots watched her leave then turned back to Munkustrap.
"Why don't you want her to stay?"
"She loves another, so I want her to be free to stay with him."
"Do you really think I believe that? After all the sacrifices she has made to Demeter, to you and to herself, just so she could see you happy?"
"Jennyanydots, she stayed the night with Tugger last night and kissed him and everything."
"Still, don't you think that she had reason for doing that?"
"Yes... because she loves him." Jennyanydots tried to ask him more questions but he rolled around to sleep. Jennyanydots took off after Chryssie. She caught up to her walking slowly homeward.
"Chryssie dear?"
"Oh Hi Jennyanydots."
"Dear, will you come back to us."
"Why does it matter? He doesn't trust me anymore. He doesn't love me as he did if you can call it love. The bond between us just broke and it's all my fault."
"Tell me something Chryssie. Do you love Tugger?"
"So he told you did he?"
"Yes he did. He told me everything."
"Well I don't Jennyanydots. Not in that way, I never have. He's afraid of being tied down. He doesn't like it. I like someone who wants to stay with me and stay by my side. He just doesn't have everything that I need in a male cat."
"Oh dear, you do love him. He just doesn't see it. Please, come back with me. Dear, don't forget Testra is still there."
At the name of Testra Chryssie stiffened.
"Do you believe I did those things. The ball, the rumor of working with Macavity and the sickness? The sickness wasn't caused by something gone wrong inside him, that I know."
"How did you find that?"
"I found this by the pool he drank from." She held up a bag labeled "Rat Poison". Jennyanydots gasped,
"So he had been poisoned!"
"That's right."
"But by whom?"
"One thing is for sure it wasn't me. I could never do that to him."
"Right, you couldn't have."
"But what would that matter anyway. He doesn't want to see me anymore." Chryssie then turned her back to the road to the Jellicle site and started once more towards home.
"Now wait a minute! I've seen you two, and your kisses in the darkness, I have seen all the passion he puts into those kisses. I have seen him enjoy yours, so why wont you try to go back and see if you can have another chance at those kisses. Besides, if your premonitions are correct, then you have to be there to protect Munkustrap because everyone there doesn't realize he's in trouble."
"All right Jennyanydots you win. Come on we had better get moving." They both hurried back to the site. None of the other cats were awake. They both silently crept into Munkustraps cave. Munkustrap was snoozing when he felt someone standing over him. He opened his eyes and saw Testra smiling and grinning over him. She had her claws held high in the air.
One well placed swipe with those things and I'm done for, he thought.
"So you are awake. Ha, ha, ha. Nice way of fooling you too. Your friend Chryssie won't be surviving long either. We have some of us waiting for her at the end of the forest."
"You don't know how well Chryssie can fight."
"Yes, I don't but Macavity does. That's why he has posted fifteen of our greatest fighters. There is no way she could escape. Your friend was innocent, It is I who stole the ball, and I who started the rumors about Chryssie using some of Nakcheem's magic. So it made an image that looked like Chryssie. Pretty clever wasn't it? And It was me who poisoned you. See now the mighty Munkustrap killed by Chryssie. Once you are dead we can make it look like your friend Chryssie had done it and then made it look like she ran away. Now cat-napping Old Deuteronomy will be so much easier and Demeter will be so depressed that she wouldn't care that Macavity took her or not!" She let out an evil laugh. An image appeared and Nacheem's guard spoke,
"Captain, in the woods we found a female two year old, who has the exact same description of Chrychaesa. She appears to have committed suicide."
"Excellent." The image faded.
"Well Munkustrap, you have driven your friends sorrow into insanity, She is now dead because of you. You should have let her stay and take care of you because it would have saved her life and yours. Oh and another thing, Munk, before I kill you, I work for Macavity, not Chryssie and I never was her sister. My real name is Arsenic."
She then prepared to strike. Munkustrap was in so much grief that he didn't even attempt to save himself. He was just pounded by guilt.
"No!" Chryssie lunged out of the shadows and attacked Arsenic head on. She then started to struggle furiously to keep her from Munkustrap.
All Munkustrap could see were different colored fur entangled and rages of fury.
Jennyanydots stayed with him in case Chryssie lost control.
Chryssie attacked Arsenic again and again, scratching and clawing and biting, trying to hit the weak spot.
All the commotion attracted the cats from outside in to see what was going on. They saw a cat fight and proceeded to break it up. Both Arsenic and Chryssie were bleeding, Chryssie being the smaller cat a tad more.
Alonzo started to reprimand Chryssie for attacking her sister when Jennyanydots shouted,
"No, Testra attacked Munkustrap! Testra really works for Macavity! She stole the ball! The Cat we saw talking to Macavity was one of Nakcheem's illusions, and it was Testra who poisoned Munkustrap, in fact Testra's real name is Arsenic! She isn't even related to Chryssie!" Then Testra's sleek beautiful form started to melt away revealing an old shabby coat and rib-cage.
"Arsenic, abandon the plan!" Nakcheem said appearing behind her.
"You did well for your first run, now come."
"Don't worry Jellicles, this won't be the last time we meet. The Hidden Paw does anything!"
Arsenic threatened. Nakcheem then billowed up a smoke. When it cleared, Nakcheem and Arsenic weren't there. Munkustrap got to his feet and walked slowly over to Chryssie.
"Why did you come back?"
"Jennyanydots asked me too." He nodded and then walked out into the moonlight.
"Well, don't just stand there, go get him!" Jennyanydots, Jellylorum and Etcetera ordered.
Chryssie gave them a smile. Tugger gave her a push to get her started. She then took off after him. She found him sitting on a wall in a clear open space in the moonlight. Being the Jellicle that she was she walked up the wall and sat behind him. She tapped him on the shoulder. He looked at her and jumped down the other side. She jumped after him. He proceeded to run across the small grassy area. She ran right after him.
There he stopped at a lake. He looked and didn't see her. Then he sat down again. He then felt her presence. He looked around and just saw her there at the other end of the lake. She was staring at him. He was sitting in the shade of the tree so he was in darkness. She was under no tree and the moonlight bounced off her shiny coat making her seem to glimmer.
She then got up and started walking around to him. She stopped just outside the shade of the tree and looked at him. There was plea in her eyes. She didn't want to be left alone. That look she gave him seemed to tear his heart in two. He thought she loved Tugger. Doesn't she? He called to her.
"Do you love Tugger?"
"No." Her voice was soft, barely audible and it was so mournful and dispirited.
"Then why did you..?"
"Munkustrap you caused me anguish that day. You were so cold and unfeeling. I needed love then, but you wouldn't have anything to do with me. Tugger acted as if he really cared though we could never be together. What you are feeling now is what I go through everyday when you are with Demeter."
She stopped herself, she had let too much of what was going on inside her out, and to the wrong cat. She looked down. She had said too much. Munkustrap realized what she was saying, that she still loved him and that she hurt when she saw Demeter receiving what she deserved, but she still bore it in silence.
"I have said too much, I have to go back."
"Stay right there Chryssie." She still turned.
"Chrychaesa." She turned back to him and looked at him as if to say,
"Well?" He stepped into the moonlight and walked straight up to her.
"Stay here. With me, with us. We need to save each other Chryssie, from this guilt. Only together we can do that." He was forgiving her.
"Please Munkustrap." She whispered. He took her in his arms and only kissed her. It wasn't a passionate kiss, but it wasn't a cold and unfeeling kiss either. It would take them a long time to regain full trust in each other, but Chryssie and Munkustrap both knew, they would make it.
