Chychaesa woke up and stretched. Today was another day. She sighed wearily for her body did not want to leave it's relaxed state. But she had work to do, hunting mice from the barn.
Come on Chryssie, it's time to get up. The sun has risen so must you, she thought. She looked over and saw her Mother and Father still asleep. She decided not to wake them, for they had a hard day yesterday, clearing the barn with as many mice and rats that they could find, while avoiding the pollicle. Since they were not up, then she could daydream for a little while. Her mind took her back to the night of her very first Jellicle ball. She missed her friends there, and often wondered what they were doing at that minute that she thought of them.
She thought of her wacky friends, Bombalurina and Rum Tug Tugger. She wondered if they were still the same.
She thought of the mysterious Demeter and wondered if her fear of Macavity had ever subsided.
She thought of Mr. Mistoffelees and his magic, Cassandra and her truly feline ways, and the beautiful graceful Victoria who thought of her as a dear cousin.
She thought of the brother and sister Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser and knew that they had not changed because her human master had read out loud about mysterious minor robberies that had no interest from such a theif as Macavity.
It made her smile to think that she and... she sighed a little thinking of him. She did not want to but something in her heart made her think about him. She then shook her head slightly to remind herself that he loved Demeter and had nothing to do with..... romantically anyways, her.
Then Uncle Skimble's happy face knocked itself into her mind, blocking the memories of him for the present. She smiled to see how cheerful he was, and it made her laugh to mentally remember his Scottish accent.
Then she thought of Jemima. She couldn't understand why Jemima had popped off at her like that. She was jealous, Chryssie knew but they could have talked it out like civilized cats. It made her hot under her fur to think that Jemima had seen through her carefully hidden emotions just by looking at her face. It also made her hot to think that Jemima would go the lengths just to tell him that she loved.... HIM. She was surprised that he nor Demeter hadn't noticed the tiny flinch of shock that she had exposed. Jemima had though, that's why she hadn't argued further. Jemima was satisfied and probably was planning to expose her emotions to Demeter. So in that case, she'd lose Demeter as a friend as well. That's why she had been trying not to think about him, the past year. Trying to foil Jemima in her plan to expose her and ruin her relationship with Demeter. When she lost Demeter, she'd probably lose him and Bombalurina too. Then one by one the cats would follow until she had few or no one left. She couldn't let that happen. So she would have to prepare herself and show nothing, except in private.
Now she could think of him. When matters of Jemima weigh too heavily in her mind, she thought of him to remove the strain. She thought of his smiling face, bold and gentle nature, and fierce leadership. He was so perfect.
Hold On Chryssie! she thought, remember he is Demeter's not mine. She couldn't let herself imagine how it could be between them if Demeter wasn't there. That would be unfair to Demeter. Besides, she liked Demeter and she wasn't going to let him tear their friendship apart. She just had to remember so many things. She then thought of him again. Munkustrap, her friend. Munkustrap would always be her friend no matter what the odds might be, if Demeter agreed. But Demeter was good to her and liked her enough.
Chryssie got to her paws and snuck out of the garage, where her soft pillow lay. They were lucky to get the garage. It was warm in the winter and cool in the summer and well she was thankful that her family was even there at all since the lady of the house was allergic to cats.
But her master, the lady's husband loved them so. He often told them and treated them with the kind of respect a cat should expect.
Once when the master's and lady's daughter had tied pink ribbon on her and her mother, and a blue one for her father, to make then look "Presentable" their master looked at them with such pity in his eyes that he took the ribbons off as soon as she had left. His daughter doesn't live there anymore. She took off for something called "college."
Chryssie stole away into the morning and trotted down to a lake where the sun was just bouncing of the mist that circled the lake. She thought of them, her friends and missed them deeply. Especially Bombalurina, Skimble, Tugger, Demeter and Munkustrap. She was also deeply fond of the other cats, but somehow they didn't have such an important feeling to her.
"Are you all right my dear?" Her father's voice came from behind. "You have been coming here ever since you returned from the Jellicle ball."
"Well you were right when you sent me off, saying that I would make friends as soon as I let it sink all in. I'm afraid I might have let it sink in too deeply for I made friends that already mean much to me. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder."
"At least you don't let it interfere with your work. You have been working hard and the master is pleased with you and us for working so well for him."
"Yes. Papa, do you know when the next Jellicle ball is?"
"Well a Jellicle never knows for sure. It is to be on a night where a full moon is present. A Jellilcle can also feel when it is time. You start to feel a longing to go back to where you were, and you feel as if your heart can sing the stars to sleep, it's that high. You miss friends and loved ones and you start your way when you feel you will die with anticipation."
"Then I must have gone a long time ago for it is burning within me. I want to go back. I want to see my friends and I want to see the universe through the eyes of my song."
"Then we wait until the next full moon to shine. We can tell the minute we wake that the night is a full mooned night. Come Chrychaesa, there is work to be done."
"Yes Papa, I am coming." She followed him back to the garage.
"Aah good he found you." Her mother said as Chrychaesa had come in through the door their master had made for them.
"Yes Mother."
"Well, I have heard my dears that a rat outbreak has happened in this area so we have to be extra careful today, to remember to look over every nook and cranny in that barn."
"All right."
"OK!" and off the threesome went. They worked all day. The master called to them to stop and that they had done well. He then gave them their usual dinner mixed in with something special... Salmon Paste. They all then went into the garage for relaxation and sleep. As soon as her parents nodded off, then Chrychaesa slipped out into the darkness and started on her way.
She didn't care if it was wasn't a Jellicle ball or not, she has to go and at least see it. She traveled a while heading towards the east. She crept into a little passage and crawled to the other side. There was the site of the Jellicle ball. Empty and silent, with no living being aside from insects, arachnids or herself. But she was happy at last, finally within the site of her first happiest night of her life.
She stiffened because she heard a noise, soft at first and a little far away, but getting closer and a little louder, then silence. She could only hear her breath and her heartbeat now, and it's beating was irregular, in fact much faster. But despite it's pounding, she backed into the center of the site and did exactly what Munkustrap did when protecting Old Deuteronomy, positioning her body for ready attack and peering into the darkness to see what was causing her alarm. She heard a scuffle from behind her and saw a tail disappearing around a corner. She was then certain that someone was there. What if it was Macavity? Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't, fifty-fifty chance. She wasn't going to risk it. She stayed put, and watched keenly for a sign of movement.
Then she saw the thing dart in the shadows. She decided to go after it. She saw it dart into a dark corner. Taking a deep breath she paused because she lost the sight.
Then gasped as something pounced on her from behind. She struggled with the thing until it knocked her head. It managed to pin her while another figure came into view, then another and another until there were five cats all together. They all took hold of her and dragged her into the light.
"Well I'll be! If it isn't Chryssie!" A Scottish accent sounded. At once the cats gently put her down.
"Skimble?" She asked with disbelief. When lights flickered on, it was indeed Skimble. "Oh am I glad to see you. I thought you were Macavity."
"Yes that's what we thought you were too." Another voice sounded.
"Tugger!"
"Hey there Chryssie."
"My have you grown lass." Skimble complimented.
"Last I remember you were this high." he said and pointed to his shoulder.
"Now you are this high." He said and pointed to his cheekbone.
"Well I suppose I grew a little."
"A little my paw." Tugger argued.
"Come on Chryssie admit it. You grew a lot."
"All right, I grew a lot."
"See, now doesn't it feel good to take credit for yourself?"
"Chryssie? Chryssie! Wow, I never thought that you'd be the one we jumped."
"Nice to see you too Bombalurina. It's a pleasure to be jumped by you guys, though a little more gently would be nice."
"Well I believe that's my fault. When I first saw your figure I thought you were Macavity, so I told everyone to jump hard." Demeter said coming into the light.
"Oh Demeter I really don't mind. It was a sure good bump on the head though, and excellent pinning. It even held me. It was real tough."
"Well you'll have Munkustrap to thank for that."
"Munkustrap? Munkustrap jumped me!?"
"Yes. What's wrong with that?" he said coming out.
"Nothing really, I just didn't expect you to be here. That's all. Also by the way I landed you last year, I thought I could have smelt you coming, but it was too quick."
"Well it's good to hear that from you. Sorry about the knock, you were chasing Demeter, so I assumed you were Macavity."
"Oh I thought you were Macavity."
"Nope not me."
"So what are you doing here?" Bombalurina asked.
"Well I couldn't stand to be away for much longer so I just felt I had to come to where my friends and I first met."
"Wow how weird. I came here for that reason too."
"We came too. Just for that very reason."
"Aye lass, I here too just for that."
"How strange." " Well at least we're all here."
"Yes. So tell me what you have been up to the past year?"
"Oh I have been busy working with the trains, making sure everything is on time and perfect. Just what Skimble usually does."
"I have been around the town, and looking out for myself. I got lucky enough to get a home. I live with this nice lady who treats me like a cat should be treated. It's really nice." Bombalurina concluded.
"I have been my own self. I have not changed, I still muddle people's sewing, I want the opposite of what I wanted before...Just the normal Tugger."
"Oh well I'm surprised that they still let you live with them." Chryssie said as bluntly as that.
"Oh they aren't going to be kicking me out anytime soon. I am quiet enough and as long as I'm happy they are happy."
"Well you got a lucky break Tugger." Bombalurina told him.
"Do they make you work?'' Chryssie asked. Demeter, Skimble, and Munkustrap looked at her.
"No should they?"
"Well, I suppose not. It seems that you are a live and let die kind of cat."
"Why Chryssie are you so concerned about work?"
"Aye lass, you are a kitten and shouldn't be burdened with that kind of thing. You have your kitten hood you understand."
"Well I am not going to get very much of it. Munkustrap said that I was wise for a kitten. That's because I have already been doing what kittens haven't even dreamed of doing. Working. I pay attention to people's and cats words alike. I know what's going on, most of the time. Right now we have had a recent rat outbreak in the area that I come from. So we have to pay attention. I learned that when Old Deuteronomy is speaking it is best to listen to him, for he gives the words of the wisest of all cats. What have you been up to Demeter?"
"Well I have roamed the city. I have stayed around here. But mostly I am still trying to get a home to live in. But that person hasn't taken pity on me yet. I mean, he or she can wait a while for I am happy right now. It seems that I am happiest here."
"I only roam around here. I help any cats that are Jellicle, and believe me there are many. I help kittens and cats. Chryssie, I sometimes get as far as your area, because I sometimes see you and your family working. Quite the ratcatchers if you ask me."
"Oh well thank you Munkustrap. Oh, I had probably better get home. I need a good start if I am still to get any sleep tomorrow and still be fresh and ready to work."
"All right Chryssie. I have to go that way myself." Tugger said.
"All right."
"Pleasure to see you and don't forget, there is a Jellicle ball the night of the full moon!" Demeter called and one by one the cats dispatched on their journeys to where they were familiar. Tugger and Chryssie trotted along until they reached her farm.
"Where is your place?"
"Oh just up the road a little ways. It's right close to the crossroads."
"All right. I'll see you in a few nights Tugger."
"You too Chryssie. Please don't work too hard. You have to save some of it for the Jellicle ball."
"I will Tugger. Try to at least do the people you live with some good."
"Hey you know me."
"I know, that's why I requested this."
"Good night Chryssie." Tugger said and gazed at her fondly.
She is such a good little friend, he thought. Aside from Bombalurina, she understands me well.
Chryssie woke up early again. Her mother though, was already up.
"Oh good. You're up. Our master wants to take us into town on request of his wife. She wants up washed and brushed. Lets be on our best behavior, no matter how bad it gets. Lets show our master how much we appreciate him, by letting the groomers do their worst. Hopefully, we won't have our dignity taken from us."
Then her father woke up and soon, their master had them walking to the streets of the groomers.
"Now I trust you my cats. I am going to have to go inside without you a minute. Pray cats, don't stray too far." Satisfied, the farmer went inside the office. He trusted his cats, and they seemingly understood him.
Chryssie walked around the corner and behind the ally. She wanted to get familiar with the area she was in. Then she saw Rawtawny and the Claw Cats surrounding her. She backed up.
"Hey there Beautiful." Rawtawny purred. "This place is much to rough for a pretty she-cat like you. Still I am glad you happened my way." He said and tried to nuzzle her. She backed off just a bit. He came closer and started to get friendly. She backed away again, remembering that if he really got serious, she would have to act. But she was also outnumbered greatly. Still she would have to get violent if necessary to get out of this.
Once again Rawtawny tried to get friendly, a little too close. She struck her paw down hard on his nose. He backed up dazed. Then he got angry. He started to make ready his claws.
It's just another female in the street that could use a good punishing, He thought and attacked.
Quick as a flash she whirled out of the way. Once again he attacked her, but she landed a good scratch on him. Then one by one all the males attacked and she was brought down. The cats held her facing Rawtawny who was blinded by the fierce rage in his eyes. He lifted his massive paw.
One good blow, she thought, and I'm done for.
Suddenly a gray flash whipped by and knocked Rawtawny to the ground. She realized it was Munkustrap. The cats were indeed surprised and let go of her hold. Then they all at once attacked him. He fought desperately, but the cats were fierce. He was badly scratched.
Then Chryssie did the best thing she could think of. She tackled the males and then tried to get them to follow her. Remembering the she-cat who got a little violent with their leader, they all took off after her. She cleverly planned a ditch. The cats went one way while she went another. Then she returned to Munkustrap. There he was fighting it out with Rawtawny. He was struck down, being a smaller cat.
She jumped onto Rawtawny's back and gave a good scratch. He tried to get her off his back but no. She held on and scratched his back until he was forced to retreat. She jumped off and hurried back to Munkustrap.
"Are you all right?" he asked her weakly.
"Oh Munkustrap, you shouldn't have done that. There was no way you'd win this one. I am grateful that you saved my life."
"It's what I'd do for a friend. He winced as a pain wavered through him. She gently touched his face with her paw.
"You're going to be all right. It's only a few scratches."
"No it's not the scratches I am worried about. The scratches will heal in time. This is what I am worried about."
She saw to his side a large cut.
"Oh my. That looks bad Munkustrap." Her father came running down the ally where he saw Chrychaesa and a wounded cat. Since there was no one he assumed that the wounded cat had attacked his daughter and she had nailed him.
"Serves you right you scoundrel for picking on my daughter."
"No Papa, this cat didn't hurt me at all. He saved my life Papa. He took on a whole pack of cats who was going to annihilate me."
"So this cat saved you? Then we have to get some help. Who is it?"
"His name is Munkustrap."
"Munkustrap? It's a HE?! Oh Chrychaesa, how many times do I have to tell you that you aren't ready for male cats yet?"
"Papa this is no time for it now. He might die if we don't do something."
"Well it only looks like a few scratches."
"No Papa look." She pointed with her paw to the large cut on Munkustrap.
"Oh and we are nowhere near the vets either. The master just went to the bank to get the money for our grooming. I am afraid if we can't do something soon, your friend Will die."
"No Papa. You go run and get our master. I am going to stay with him. Make as loud a rucus as you can, just get him here." She watched as her father ran around the building.
"Oh Munkustrap I am so sorry that I caused you this. I really didn't mean all this to happen. It was my fault. I should have stayed where I was. I wasn't disobeying, I just didn't know of what a dangerous neighborhood this was."
"Don't fret, it's all right. I'll be fine." She gently cuddled him a little. Then she felt the tears running down her face. She tried not to let Munkustrap see them. She had tried in vain because she felt his paw on her face wiping away the tears.
"Oh how sentimental. I can't stand it." A raspy voice came from the darkness. She could see Rawtawny's form.
"Rawtawny! You did this to my friend." Chrychaesa felt the anger rise to incredible heights. If he gets near Munkustrap, I'll tear him or any other of his friends to pieces, she vowed.
"I figure that if that cat you are cradling are out of the way, you'd lose it so much you wouldn't care what happens to yourself. Which means another one of the Claw Cats."
"Not in any of your nine lives."
"Trust me, I have plenty to spare."
"Well trust ME, I'll shorten every single one of them." He started hissing at her and started flanking an attack. She didn't fall for any of his false attacks so he started for the real thing. He got dangerously close to Munkustrap. She then swiped at him, and landed a scratch right across the nose.
"Chychaesa, don't stay you've done all you can. Don't put yourself in danger."
"I'm staying right here Munkustrap, I never desert my friends." At that moment he started a flying attack and there was no way Chryssie could save Munkustrap in time. Then out of a blue a cat came flying over then and landed dead on Rawtawny. He was fierce and radical and beat Rawtawny with flying colors. Defeated, Rawtawny slunk into the darkness.
"Tugger!" Chryssie joyously cried.
"Hey there Chryssie girl. I heard a sound of fighting down her and saw you and Munkustrap in danger so I butted in. We had better get him taken care of. Come on help me get him up." He took Munkustrap firmly and lifted him, with Chryssie's help onto his back. Then they both walked out of the ally. There they saw her Father and Mother trying to get their master to follow them. The farmer saw a very scratched Chrychaesa, with another cat, with a very badly wounded cat on his back. He got the message his cats were trying to tell him. he strode quickly to the injured cat. Chrychaesa whispered in Munkustrap ear.
"Don't worry. This is my master and he treats all cats with the respect they deserve. He is going to help you, not hurt you. Trust him." The farmer picked up Munkustrap.
"Hmm poor thing. He seems to be in critical condition. I'd better get him home right away. Come along everyone." With quick strides he walked home, with Chryssie, Her mother and father, and Tugger. They all got into the garage where the farmer laid Munkustrap on Chryssie's pillow. He then set to work, cleaning him, and dressing and bandaging his wounds. Then after an hour's work he said to the cats
"Don't wake him. He needs the sleep. The bandages will come off in a few days' time. But until then, be nice and careful with him. Come inside when he needs something. I believe I'll be able to guess. From right now Puss" (his term of endearment to Chryssie) "you are out of a bed." He then walked out. She didn't mind though.
"Thank you Tugger. I really appreciate what you did for us today."
"No problem here with it. I just hope my little buddy will be OK."
"He will. My master is good with treating animals. He's just not sure how to groom them, but he said that Munkustrap will be fine. This garage is a safe place for him. It's warm, comfortable, the pollicle can't get in, as a matter of fact only cats can. He is in good hands. Tugger, I need you to do something for me. I need you to find Demeter and bring her here. I have a feeling she might want to be with Munkustrap. Go quickly. Please?"
"I will. Let me get a something to eat and I'll be on my way."
"You may have my dinner when it comes. It should be coming around now." Sure enough, the door opened and the farmer came in with their dinner and something special, Straussburg pie. He also had a small dish of cream with him. Apparently Chryssie didn't have to give up her dinner, for the kind farmer fixed Tugger a meal as well.
"Don't turn up your nose at this Tugger. It would be very insulting. Not only to the farmer but to me too." Tugger shook his head saying that he wouldn't be insulting and that he was looking forward to the meal. The farmer also put down the dish of cream and said that it was for the injured cat. Then he bid them goodnight and closed the door. Tugger said "That was good. Don't worry Chryssie, I'll hurry." he passed by Chryssie's parents who looked distrustfully at him. He merely walked out the door. She heard him scamper to the lakeside and continue on. Oh good luck Tugger, I hope you find her, she thought.
Mother sat down and looked at the injured cat. "So tell me about him dear." She said and looked straight at Chryssie.
"Well he's a cat I met at the Jellicle Ball. He is in love with a cat who is not myself." At this her mother relaxed.
"Well as soon as he is well and strong he is on his way. For right now we'll have nothing to do with him. He's your friend and your responsibility. We'll have you know we'll keep an eye on you young lady."
"Yes mother." she said as her mother and father walked out the garage door into the warm summer air. Chryssie used her paws and slid the cream dish closer to Munkustrap.
Poor thing, she thought. To deserve all this because of me. She sighed a little and saw Munkustrap's eyes slowly open and look at her.
"Chryssie?"
"Yes Munkustrap?"
"Where am I?"
"You are in my home. Don't look alarmed, it's OK."
"Oh. Am I hungry."
