Chapter 3: Courage Under Fire
I awake with a start and have an odd feeling of inner peace. Strange, I haven't felt like this for a long time. I look out and see the kittens frolicking around the yard. Oh so young and carefree. Enjoy young ones. I never had the chance.
A large pillow suddenly appears and moves towards me. "Hello? What's this? I never knew pillows had legs!" I joke and give the pillow a push.
"They don't 'less we give 'em some!" the unforgettable voice of Rumpleteazer replies back. "It'll fit 'jerrie! Now push!" I would have been squashed if I hadn't teleported outside. 'teazer stops, "That's not fair! 'e wanted to 'ear you beg for freedom!"
"I DON'T beg." I say with an evil grin. "Besides, you would look terrible with puffed out hair." She gives me a questioning look. "Just ask Tugger." The duo gets the pillow into the cabinet and quickly dive down the pile. They tackle the first pair of kittens to come in range. I laugh. I haven't felt this good in weeks! I see Bombalurina walking into the yard. Boy is she going to hate me for this. I stealthily work my way down the pile to a place where I can easily pounce on her without her seeing me. "Yeargh!" I pounce. And get the wind knocked out of me. I look up at the cat standing over me, "Munkustrap!" He's smiling!
"Gotta watch your back around here!" He bolts off and tackles Tumblebrutus.
"Are you alright?" The red queen is sitting next to me.
"Never better." I pounce. Bombalurina squirms around.
"Pile!" I hear this and next thing I know. Wham! Every cat in the yard is jumping on top of us. Not that I mind, though, they do really look strange being piled like a bunch of leaves. Of course, sitting over on the car trunk watching this commotion is what's making me laugh.
"Where'd he go?" Someone mews out from under the pile.
"Are they having fun?" Tugger sits down next to me.
"I think so, they're supposed to be on top of me." He looks at me and scratches his head. I give him an evil smile. "Look, it's Tugger!" I yell. Tugger glares at me and whispers 'I'll get you'.
"Tuggy!" Etcetera comes out of nowhere.
I feel a paw on my tail. I turn and see Victoria holding it. "Now that you've got me, what are you going to do?"
"This!" she jumps my way but gets cut short by Jemima. The two tumble off of the car with a loud crash. I peer over the edge. They're shaking their heads and looking around wondering what happened.
"Crazyland is over there." I point and they take off into the fray.
"I've never seen such mischief!" Jenny, Jelly, and Skimble come walking over.
"Everyone needs to release tension every now and again, Jenny."
"Skimble, don't even think about -" Skimble pounces on Jenny.
What a sight! Cats all over the place, attacking and chasing each other. It's a regular zoo. I see Misto sitting on the other side watching the mass of chaos. Ready or not bro, I'm coming for ya'. Misto beats me to the punch.
"Incoming!" he shouts and lands where I just was. "Hey! You're not supposed to move!"
"But that takes all the fun out of it!" I get down into pouncing position. 'teazer, being pursued by 'jerrie, comes flying between us, knocking over Misto. 'jerrie bowls me over. Just then, we here a howl from the central pile. The cats scatter and reveal Bombalurina lying there nursing a wounded leg. I'm over there faster than lightning.
"Hold still, this will hurt a bit." I place my paws on her leg and she cringes. This' one ability I'll never forget. A bright radiance emits from my paws and Bomba's leg. Everyone has gathered around. "There, that should do it."
Bombalurina stands up, "It doesn't even hurt. How did you…?"
"It's all part of my power. Misto knows what I'm talking about. He's good but can do better with the right training." Misto nods in agreement.
"I think we've all had enough excitement for this morning," Jelly mentions and waves to her feet. Several of the kittens have fallen asleep in a giant ball of multicolored fur.
The group slowly dissipates, leaving Jenny and Jelly to watch over the kittens. Skimble heads off to the train station. 'teazer and 'jerrie disappear. Munkustrap and Alonzo head to their watch posts. The others head off to attend to their own affairs.
I look around and see Bomba and Demeter off talking to the twins. Tugger is cleaning his mane on the old car's trunk. I hop up next to him. "Tugger, I need some advice…" He looks surprised. "I've got a problem and I'm not sure how to handle it," I pause and sniff the air. "It's Vicki. She's got a fling for me but I don't share the same feelings for her. Don't get me wrong, she's very attractive but…How can I tell her without killing her?"
Tugger laughs, "Welcome to being the center of attention and a regular ladies cat! There's really no way of letting her down gently, believe me! Now if you'll excuse me, I want to disappear before Etcetera wakes up." Tugger jumps down and walks off.
I don't notice and keep talking, "The problem is how forward she is. I've seen the others when you're around, they behave themselves. Victoria has made her intentions all too well known to me. I guess I'll just have to sit her down and tell her."
"Tell Vicki what?"
"Munkustrap? Where's Tugger?" I look around frantically.
"He walked off a few minutes ago. Having female problems?" He adds with a smile.
"It's Victoria."
"I know. I've seen the way she chases you. But you, my friend, have your eye on someone else. I think it's either Rumpleteazer or Bombalurina."
"Rumpleteazer? She's nice but she's out of reach. I don't feel like competing against 'jerrie. Vicki's too young, of course. Now Bombalurina, she's got this…look about her. When we're together, it feels…right, my heart races, I can't think straight, and…" I see Munku glance over my shoulder, "And she's standing right behind me, right?" Munku nods.
"Come on, Munku." Demeter walks past me and leads the tom away.
Bombalurina waits until the couple is gone, "You really feel like that?" She moves rather uncomfortably close.
"Y-Yes, I do." I'm surprised at the way I answer. I'm usually so sure and confident, but now…
Bombalurina rubs her head under mine in that certain loving way, "I can't wait to tell Demeter!" She's off and running before I can get a word out.
I need to clear my head. I climb the junkpile to the top. The breeze is refreshing and lulls me to sleep.
"What's wrong?" They jump. I have got to stop doing that!
"We've been sent to find you. Bombalurina and Demeter are missing. We think Macavity's got them," Brutus reveals. "The others are waiting for us. Come on!" We race down the intersecting street and into the eastern neighborhood. We meet up with the rest of the tribe and a few others, some I never expected to see again.
"Hello Montalvo," a gray tabby, much like Munkustrap in looks, nods to me.
"It's been a while, Vaudeville."
"Too long if you ask our tribe."
"I don't plan on it. What's the situation Munkustrap?" I quickly change the subject.
"Macavity has Bombalurina and Demeter in his lair. Most of his rat henchmen are down there with him. That's all we know," Munkustrap sighs. "I only wish I knew more -"
"Munkustrap!" Rumpleteazer comes running up, "'jerrie's gone to talk with Macavity about Bomba and Dem. 'e intends to fight if necessary!" She starts crying. "I don't what to loose 'im."
"Neither do we. We need a plan…"
"We can't wait," I cut the tom off. "Get the others ready, I'm going to buy us some time." I disappear.
"Montalvo, wait!" Munkustrap belts out but it's too late. I'm gone.
"This isn't my home!" She struggles, trying to free herself. It only causes him to hold her tighter.
I've appeared in the shadows and already have a plan. Bombalurina is bound and lying motionless on the floor. 'jerrie's lying unconscious next to her with a bleeding wound across his face. The rats are busy watching their boss and Demeter. I make note of the windows, doors, and anything else of possible use.
"Nonsense! You once called this home and you'll call it that again!" Macavity is starting to become irate.
I make my move. Letting loose a torrent of bolts into the mob of rats, they scatter around the room in every direction. "Macavity! Release them!" I move out into the open.
Macavity snarls and throws Demeter to the floor. Demeter lands with a loud vocal opposition. She shakes it off and moves over to Bomba and ‘jerrie.
"So, you have finally decided to visit me. How nice for you!" He grins evilly.
"To bad it's personal business, Macavity. We won't have time for the pleasantries." The air is cracking from the static electricity running through my hair.
At one point, Macavity has me down and standing over me. I see a gray flash and two cats tumble across the floor. Macavity simply launches Vaudeville across the room. Thanks Vaudeville. He bought me the few seconds I need. I stand up and, looking like a major league pitcher, summon all my strength. A lightning bolt, the largest and brightest by far, shoots across the room hitting Macavity full on. He's sent sprawling into the corner behind some boxes. I approach cautiously, knowing that he is capable of anything. The other jellicles have gotten the wounded out and are fighting off the rats.
Macavity rises up into the air and charges headlong towards me. I drop down and release another bolt into him. He screams in agony and crashes into his 'throne.' He stumbles towards me and falls, convulsing. He disappears in a bright flash and loud scream, causing a shower of exploding glass and flying debris around the room. It's over…for now.
"Do you think Macavity's gone for good?" Demeter's question stops all of us.
Deuteronomy sighs, "Only time will tell." He gazes off in the sky.
I walk over to Vaudeville, "You alright? You took quite a spill."
"I've had worse," he chuckles. "It never gets easier, does it?"
I shake my head. "I've been fighting for too long to know it doesn't…Vaudeville…Thanks for your help back there." Why it's so hard to say it is a question I'll never know the answer to.
"What are friends for…I'll be heading back to New York in a couple days. Will you be coming with us?"
"I don't think so," I look over at Bombalurina and Demeter. "It just feels right, being here."
Vaudeville laughs again, "I never thought I'd see you settle down. You always toyed with the queens back home but never got serious. I can see it in your eyes, my friend."
I walk over to the red queen. She's sitting there with Demeter and Munkustrap. "Feeling better?"
She purrs, rather loudly, "I'm fine…"
The others disperse, leaving the two of us alone.
Chapter 4: Paradise Lost
Time passes. Several pure black kittens join the tribe. Others come and go. 'jerrie and 'teazer have a little one running around. Victoria gets over loosing me but turns to Mistoffelees. Tugger is, well, Tugger. Demeter and Munkustrap make it official. As for myself, Bombalurina has made me a happy tom. She walks around like a true queen. I keep hearing rumors of possible kittens. I wonder…
One chilly morning, I join Munkustrap up in the watchtower. "Winter's coming. It's going to be harsh too."
I look at him, "Any prep work to be done around here?"
He shakes his head, "Several of the jellicles will stay at home instead of here. The rest know what to do."
"How so, Jenny?" I ask.
"You need to talk to her, Montalvo."
I bound off, leaping over the snowdrifts. I find her curled up in our cabinet. "Hey Bomba, Jenny says we need to talk?"
The red queen smiles, "I wondered when she'd say something. We're going to have kittens."
I almost fall out of the cabinet. "K-k-kittens? That's wonderful!"
"It will be if the weather doesn't get too bad…" she trails off, a sorrowful and worried look upon her face.
I can sense her concern. I start to say something when I get nailed with a snowball. I turn and see several of the kittens down below playing in the snow. I turn back and see Bomba curl up even tighter in the back corner.
"I'm going to see about getting you moved. This is no place for you to stay."
"I'll be fine," she smiles.
I work my way down the pile. I know all too well how harsh a winter can be on jellicles, especially pregnant ones. I head off to find Munkustrap.
While we were in the meeting a heavy storm moves in. Skimble barges in, "Everybody better head home! This storm has to be the worst one we've ever had! The trains have been stopped and everybody's closed." He shakes the snow off.
"Montalvo, get Bombalurina moved tonight." Munkustrap orders. I nod and head out the door. I stop and laugh. The worst storm ever? This is a light snowfall in New York, far from the worst. Unfortunately, these jellicles aren't accustomed to it.
I walk outside and into the snow. It's bad. Already two inches are on the ground. This isn't a storm, it's a blizzard. I rush to our home to find Bombalurina wrapped up in an old blanket.
"Bombalurina?"
"Hmm?" I notice she's shivering slightly.
"Come on, it's time we got you moved." She sighs but doesn't fight or protest.
We slowly work our way down the pile and head off into the blizzard.
I find her huddled down shivering and getting covered by the snow. "Come on." I gently but forcibly nudge her and she moves.
We finally get her tucked away in a warm corner of the twins' lair. She falls asleep, exhausted. I sigh one of those 'I'm glad it's over, but the work's just begun' sighs and collapse beside her. I quickly drop off to sleep.
"I can't let you go in yet." He looks at me sternly. A new look for him. I smile to myself. I start to go around him when Misto stops me.
"You can go in when the 'all clear's' been given."
I start pacing. I can sense the tension and fear. I realize that I've never been so nervous and scared. The teen queens keep coming and going. Soon, the rest of the tribe has gathered, all wondering what is happening.
After about an hour, Jelly appears, a strange look upon her face. She whispers something into Munku's ear and his expression turns grave. He nods to Tugger who in turn nods to me. I walk slowly to the entrance. My heart is pounding as I enter. It gets harder to breathe as I move down the corridor. I finally reach the main room and see Jenny comforting Demeter. The twins are standing close to Bombalurina. I walk slowly towards them, my heart in my throat. My eyes meet Tantomile's and no words are spoken or need to be. I gently nuzzle Bomba, knowing she won't respond. I feel a tear run down my face. Fare thee well, beloved.
"The weather --" 'teazer starts but chokes. The twins move over to her.
"I hear a small squeak come from Demeter's direction. My curiosity peaked, I gently move over to her. I pear over her shoulder and see a small kitten sleeping.
"Meet your daughter," She whispers.
I look back to Bomba's lifeless body, turn, and head down the pipe -- my head hanging and my tail dragging. I just can't handle this…not now, not again.
The others move apart as I pass by them, the news having already been revealed. Not a word is said as I make my way to our -- my home and close the doors.
Chapter 5: A New Hope
"It's been almost a week. Do you think he's going to come out?" A worried Demeter asks her mate.
"I don't know. He won't answer anyone. At least he's been eating the food that's been left for him." Munkustrap sighs. "What can we do for him?"
"Give him time, my dear." Jenny and Skimble walk up, carefully avoiding several kittens that rush by.
"I'm getting tired of this! He's been hiding up there for long enough!"
"Tugger, don't start something --"
"I'm going up there!" Tugger climbs the pile, slipping once on some ice. He reaches the cabinet and starts banging on the door. "Hey Monty! Open up! You've been in there long enough!" He bangs some more. Receiving no answer, he begins kicking one of the doors and attempts to pry it open. "Come out of there!" He takes a step back and scratches his mane. The door falls open. His jaw drops.
"Well?" I ask in a low tone.
"I, er…are you alright? Everybody's missed you and --"
"Leave me be." I start to close the door. He blocks it with his body and then squeezes himself through the tight opening. Next thing I know, Tugger's pushing me out the door.
"You ARE coming with me!" I don't fight back. We sit on the top of the pile, watching the others. Tugger stares at me. "Have you thought of a name for your daughter?"
I hop down the junk pile and walk off towards the twins' home. It feels good to be up and about.
"Monty!" Etcetera exclaims as she turns a corner. She and Victoria run over to me.
"I take it you missed me?" I can't help but smile.
"Yes!" they sing in chorus.
I continue my walk and they join me, Etcetera on one side and Victoria on the other. We reach the twins' home I go in alone. The scene from the last time I walked the pipe replays in my mind.
I emerge from the pipe into the twins' main room. The two of them are sitting there waiting for me, a little kitten sleeping between them. I approach and they leave the room. I gently nudge the kitten. She mews her displeasure of having her sleep disrupted. She slowly opens her eyes and yawns.
"Hello little one." Her eyes get big as she sees me and she mews loudly. Demeter rushes in and stops when she sees me.
"I see you have come to your senses." Demeter walks over to us. The kitten rushes over to her and hides between her legs. "Don't worry, he's not going to hurt you. You might want to say hello." The kitten looks up at her and sneezes.
I laugh. "I see she's got my stubbornness."
Demeter looks down and gently pats the kitten on the behind sending her rolling out over to me. "Go say hello to your father."
She looks up at me with awe and wonder in her little eyes.
