His best friend, Alonzo, rushed up to him and skidded to a stop, nearly bowling into the tom in his kittenish excitement. “Come on, Munkustrap! Let’s go play! Tugger and Tumblebrutus challenged us to a wrestling match! Come play!”
“Play?” the gray tabby tom asked, annoyed at having his contemplation interrupted. “Why should I play?”
“Aw, come on,” Alonzo coaxed. “It’ll be fun! We can whoop ‘em!”
“No thanks.” Munkustrap stared past his friend, trying to regain his train of thought.
“You don’t ever play anymore,” Alonzo complained. “I can’t even remember the last time you played.”
“I don’t want to,” Munkustrap said, his tail twitching in irritation.
“You’re no fun,” Alonzo whined. “You never want to do anything anymore. Why don’t you play? We’re still kittens, aren’t we?”
Alonzo’s voice kept cutting into Munkustrap’s thoughts. He turned away. “You may still be a kitten, Alonzo,” he said. But I’m grown up.”
Alonzo’s face crumpled in hurt. He turned and dashed away from his best friend. Munkustrap felt a wave of guilt creep over him. He shouldn’t have been so mean to his friend, but he wanted to be alone. He sighed and returned to his contemplation.
An older tom sauntered by. Munkustrap felt himself tremble just a little bit. It was Deuteronomy, the second in command to Old Nathaniel. Deuteronomy stopped in front of Munkustrap, his gaze resting on the young tom. Munkustrap felt like he was shrinking under the older tom’s gaze.
“Alonzo said you got mad at him, Munkustrap,” Deuteronomy said, his voice gentle, but still chilling. “Is that true?”
“Y... yes sir,” Munkustrap whispered, dropping his eyes to the older tom’s feet.
“Why did you get mad?” Deuteronomy asked. His words gently lifted Munkustrap’s eyes to his own.
“I... I guess I wanted to... just be alone,” Munkustrap was able to hold Deuteronomy’s gaze this time.
“That does not mean you can avoid your friends,” Deuteronomy scolded gently. “I noticed you’ve been alone a lot recently. Your friends have noticed it too. You can’t just alienate yourself from the world.”
Munkustrap slunk down a bit. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled.
“Don’t tell me. Tell Alonzo.”
Munkustrap sighed a little. “Okay.”
Deuteronomy smiled a little. “It takes a real tom to apologize. I’m proud of you, son. Go find your friend.”
“Yes sir.” Munkustrap scrambled to his feet. Deuteronomy squeezed his shoulder. Munkustrap managed a smile. Deuteronomy gave him a push in Alonzo’s direction.
Munkustrap walked off to find his friend. He felt good that Deuteronomy had told him he was proud, but he felt ashamed Deuteronomy had to talk to him the first place. He wanted to be nice; he really did. But he wanted to be alone sometimes too. He was just at the age when contemplating came often, and he liked to sit and think.
A paw suddenly landed on his shoulder. He jumped and whirled around. Jellylorum and Jennyanydots were behind him. “Munkustrap!” Jenny said, her breath short and quick, a sure sign she had been running. “Please. Run to Old Nathaniel. Tell him Callie’s kittens are on their way.”
“You want me to tell Old Nathaniel?” Munkustrap asked.
Jellylorum jumped in. “Munkustrap, please,” she pleaded.
Munkustrap turned and ran off, leaving the two queens in the dust. He raced off to the magic tire where Old Nathaniel and Deuteronomy usually were. He found them deep in conversation, but this was too urgent to wait until a lapse. “Old Nathaniel, sir!” he cut in quickly. Both stopped talking and turned to face him.
“Yes, Munkustrap?” Old Nathaniel asked, his amber eyes giving a cheerful glow.
“Callie’s kittens are coming!” Munkustrap breathed, trying to catch his breath again. “Jelly and Jenny told me to come tell you!”
“New kittens!” Old Nathaniel said. He rose to his feet, Deuteronomy helping him along. “We must go and bless them.”
As Munkustrap watched, he felt a twinge in his heart. He wished for a moment that he was the one helping their beloved leader, sharing private conversations about the tribe, going along to bless new kittens and tribe members, having people come to you with problems. But that was Deuteronomy’s job now. He held back a sigh. He ran on ahead to tell Jenny and Jelly that Old Nathaniel was on his way.
He came to Coricopat and Tantomile’s tunnel, where at least a dozen cats crowded around the entrance, waiting for some news. He squeezed through them and made his way inside.
Coricopat and Tantomile were standing watch as Jenny and Jelly helped Callie through the birth. Callie moaned. Munkustrap stopped by Coricopat. “Old Nathaniel is on his way,” he said.
The twins smiled. “Thank you, Munkustrap,” they said in unison. They did that sometimes.
“Munkustrap!” Jelly called, her voice edged with worry. Coricopat and Tantomile moved aside to let him through. Munkustrap moved to Jelly’s side. “Munkustrap, would you please help us?” Jelly begged. “Callie is having trouble.”
“What do you want me to do?” Munkustrap asked, gulping a bit. “I don’t know how to birth kittens.”
“Just sit by Callie’s head and talk to her,” Jenny said, her face damp with sweat. “Could you do that? Please?”
“Sure.” Munkustrap moved to sit by Callie’s head. He touched her forehead gently. Her fur was sweaty to his touch. She gave moan. Munkustrap gently wiped her forehead with his paw. He murmured soothing words in her ear. He rubbed her shoulders gently. He wiped her forehead regularly with his paw, which was getting damp. From time to time, Jenny and Jelly would look up and smile softly at him.
Finally Callie gave a sharp moan, followed by the sound of two kittens crying. Munkustrap relaxed. It was over! But it wasn’t. “Keep talking, Munkustrap,” Jenny said.
Munkustrap went back to purring in Callie’s ear soothingly. “Come on, Callie,” he purred. “You can do it.”
Someone touched his shoulder. He jumped. It was Deuteronomy. “Keep it up, son,” Deuteronomy encouraged him. “You’re doing great.”
Munkustrap felt some strength come back as Deuteronomy rubbed his shoulders. He wiped Callie’s forehead again.
Jelly cuddled the final kitten to her chest. “Well done, Munkustrap. You can stop now.”
Munkustrap flopped back, nearly into Deuteronomy’s arms. He was sweaty himself, and he was exhausted. He didn’t know how Jenny and Jelly could do this every time there was new kittens. He sighed heavily.
“Nice job, Munkustrap,” Deuteronomy cheered him, massaging Munkustrap’s shoulders gently. “You look exhausted. Why don’t you go lie down?”
“Yeah.... Maybe I should.” Munkustrap struggled to his feet, Deuteronomy supporting him. He wanted to fall asleep on his feet.
Old Nathaniel stepped forward. He smiled at the small group. “A very fine job, everyone. You all should be very proud. All Callie’s kittens are safe and healthy. We should go report the news to the tribe.”
“Go ahead,” Munkustrap mumbled. “I’m gonna die.” He nearly collapsed in Deuteronomy’s arms.
“Come on, son. I’ll walk you to your box,” Deuteronomy offered, supporting Munkustrap firmly in his arms. Munkustrap nodded. He felt sick. He wanted to curl up and sleep.
Deuteronomy led Munkustrap out, past the assembled group outside, who all eyed him curiously. The two headed for Munkustrap’s box. Munkustrap sank on the cushion, too tired to move another step. The last thing he heard was Deuteronomy whispering in his ear, “Good job, Munkustrap. Very good job.”
Munkustrap slept through the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening. He woke up when a noisy herd of kittens rushed past him. Leading them was Mistoffelees, the tribe’s conjurer in training. Munkustrap stopped them. “Where are you all going?”
“To see Callie’s new kittens,” Misto said, his eyes lighting up. “Wanna come?”
“Okay,” Munkustrap agreed. He got to his feet and joined the group. Among them was Demeter, one of the youngest kittens in the junkyard, who also had a crush on him. She blushed. He grinned at her, and she smiled shyly back at him.
Misto lead them to Tantomile and Coricopat’s tunnel where Callie was with her kittens. Three of them. Callie smiled at them. Jellylorum and Jennyanydots emerged from the next tunnel. “You all want to see the kittens?” Jelly asked. The kitten group nodded, their eyes sparkling. Jelly and Jenny led them closer. Callie held her kittens out for them to hold. All three were white with different markings.
One had black boots and a black right ear. Her name was Artemis. One was white with a black ring around her neck like a collar. Her name was Diana. And one was pure white. Her name was Victoria. Misto immediately took a liking to Victoria. He cuddled the kitten to his beaded jacket and stroked her fondly. Munkustrap could tell a relationship was budding already.
Callie smiled at Munkustrap. “Thank you, Munkustrap, for all you did,” she said sweetly. Munkustrap blushed and ducked his head. He cuddled Artemis to his gray tabby fur, stroking her stomach gently. It was hard to believe he had helped these kittens be born. He smiled at the kitten, who mewed and waved a tiny paw in the air.
Jelly smiled and took the kitten. “You doing all right, Munkustrap?” she asked.
Munkustrap nodded. “I think so.” The three older cats smiled. Demeter smiled shyly at him.
“Did you help have the kittens, Munkustrap?” she asked, her eyes glowing.
Callie, Jenny, and Jelly smiled at this odd phrase. Munkustrap grinned. “Yeah, I guess I did.”
Demeter smiled and gave him a quick hug. Then, blushing, she backed away and admired Diana in Cassandra’s arms. Munkustrap smiled a little, then headed out the door. He passed Old Nathaniel again, who smiled at him.
“Munkustrap, you did a good job today.”
“Really, sir, I didn’t do that much,” Munkustrap said modestly.
Old Nathaniel smiled. “You did more than you think. We’re all proud of you. You did exactly as you were told, without question. And you helped deliver kittens. That’s a big accomplishment.”
Munkustrap blushed again and dipped his head in a bob. “Thank you, sir,” he said.
Munkustrap headed for his box again. He needed more sleep. As he curled up again, his last thought was how proud everyone was of him that day.
A few days later, Munkustrap was going for a walk. He was trying to find his friends. He hadn’t seen them for several days, and he wanted to do something. He passed a small alcove where spotted someone. He went to investigate. He found Mistoffelees inside, Victoria in his arms. He was making something with his magic, swirling it around in his free hand. He looked up when Munkustrap approached.
“Baby-sitting?” Munkustrap teased.
Misto blushed. “Callie said I could play with Victoria if I was careful,” he said. “I’m making a special present for her,” he said, a little sheepishly.
“Want me to hold her?” Munkustrap offered. Misto offered him the mewing bundle, which Munkustrap held gently. Misto used both hands to swirl his magic into a fluffy ball, which magically transformed into a pink collar with beautiful rhinestones on it. He held it up to examine it.
“You’re getting good,” Munkustrap said.
Misto beamed. “I’m getting better.”
A familiar giggle cut them off. Two furry, orange faces popped out from above them. It was Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer. Their faces held mischievous grins.
“Cute,” Teazer said, eyeing the collar critically.
“Don’t even think about taking it!” Misto said, gripping it tightly.
“Why’d we do tha’?” Jerrie asked innocently.
Misto held out the collar to Munkustrap. “Will you put it on her?”
Munkustrap obliged and placed the collar around the kitten’s neck. The kitten mewed.
All of a sudden, “We’re under attack!” came a shout from a sentry. “Mephisto and his gang at the South Entrance!”
Jerrie and Teazer let out identical yelps and disappeared. Munkustrap shoved Victoria into Misto’s arms. “Run!” he commanded. “Go find Jenny and Jelly. They’ll get you to safety!” Misto turned and fled. Munkustrap turned and raced for the South Entrance.
Deuteronomy grabbed Munkustrap by the shoulder. Munkustrap jumped. “Munkustrap, go to the tunnel with the others. You’ll be safe there!”
“No!” Munkustrap said, pushing the paw away. “I wanna fight!”
Deuteronomy’s eyes narrowed. “No. I’m not having you fight.”
“But I want to!” Munkustrap protested. “I’m not a kitten!”
Deuteronomy was obviously in a hurry to get to the fight and help out. “Fighting is not playing, Munkustrap,” he said.
“I know,” Munkustrap said softly.
“It’s life or death.”
“I know.”
“Well, if your determined, I can’t stop you. But I don’t want to have to pick up your corpse after the battle’s over, understand?”
Munkustrap nodded. He turned to run, but Deuteronomy touched his shoulder. “Hey. Good luck, kid.” Munkustrap smiled. Side by side, they raced to the entrance, lining up in ranks to fight. Deuteronomy moved to take his spot at the front of the group. Munkustrap joined the lines, his claws ready, his fangs bared, his eyes trained on the entrance for the first sign of strays.
They hit faster than he expected. In an instant, the area was filled with strays and Jellicles alike, fangs, claws, yowls, snarls, curses from the strays, and orders from both sides. For an instant Munkustrap panicked. The confusion, the noise, the violence, swirled around him for a second. He couldn’t move. But he snapped himself out of it. Panicking was losing. He lunged for the nearest stray and brought his claws down on the tom’s throat. The tom hit the ground, his throat slashed. Munkustrap felt sick. He had just killed his first stray. The feeling was overpowering, and it scared him. But he didn’t have time to think about it, because a searing pain ripped across his shoulders.
He whirled around to face the stray and clawed back. His claws raked long claw marks down the stray’s chest. The tom shrieked in pain and fell, writhing, to the ground. Munkustrap moved away.
It was almost impossible to discern Jellicle from stray in all the confusion. Munkustrap stood still for a second. Suddenly he noticed someone sneaking up behind Deuteronomy: someone familiar. A brown tom with a black cape and a black hat that reminded him of Robin Hood. There was no mistaking him: Mephisto, the gang leader! With a wild snarl, Munkustrap sprang onto Mephisto’s back, clawing and biting. Mephisto let out a yelp. Deuteronomy turned around and clawed Mephisto across his eyes. Mephisto yowled and pitched Munkustrap off his back.
Munkustrap landed hard, jarring his ribs painfully. He got to his feet, then felt claws on the back of his neck. He yelped and leaped away. He spun around to face his attacker. A ginger colored tom with golden eyes and an evil smile faced him, his claws poised for attack. Munkustrap hissed and tackled the tom. They were both knocked backwards. Munkustrap clawed the tom as best he could, but the other tom landed his hind paws on Munkustrap’s chest and flung him over his head. Munkustrap landed on his back with an ugly smack. He couldn’t move, and, for a second, he feared his back was broken. But in a few seconds he was okay enough to get up.
Suddenly he heard a scream above the din, a scream that sounded familiar. Munkustrap shot up and spotted Misto fleeing as fast as he could, Victoria in his arms and Mephisto at his heels. With an angry yowl, Munkustrap raced toward them and planted himself like a brick wall between them. Mephisto put on the brakes and halted sharply.
Misto raced over to Old Nathaniel, the queens, and the kittens. Unfortunately he had attracted attention. The ginger tom had spotted him and advanced the group. Queens screamed and pushed the kittens behind them. Old Nathaniel’s claws went out, though he was obviously too old to fight against the younger, stronger tom.
Munkustrap leaped in front of the ginger tom, but, in an instant, Mephisto had joined the ginger tom, facing Munkustrap like two Grim Reapers. He swallowed hard. I’m gonna die! he thought.
Suddenly, no doubt by some miracle from the Heavyside, Deuteronomy was at Munkustrap’s side to defend the group. The four toms squared off. Mephisto grinned evilly. “Well, well. Deuteronomy. Long time no see.”
Deuteronomy growled. “Back off, Mephisto!”
“Why should I?” Mephisto taunted. He motioned to the ginger tom at his side. “Macavity and I are just dying to try our hand at you.”
The ginger tom, Macavity, grinned. He eyed Munkustrap critically, as though sizing up how much of a fight he would put up. Munkustrap glared. Out of the corner of his eye, Munkustrap saw Deuteronomy’s eyes grow angry for several moments as he gazed at Macavity, but his look quickly faded and was replaced by one of determination.
“Come on, my apprentice. Let’s show these Jellicles what we can do,” Mephisto snickered.
Macavity grinned and advanced on Munkustrap. Munkustrap backed away a step. Surprised, Macavity advanced on him again. Munkustrap retreated again. Macavity moved to swing at him, but Deuteronomy’s clawed paw landed on Macavity’s side, sending him to the ground in front of his teacher. Mephisto helped him up, then charged Deuteronomy. Macavity lunged for Munkustrap. They tackled the Jellicles as one, and both Deuteronomy and Munkustrap hit the ground side by side.
Munkustrap felt Macavity’s paw on his throat, and, with all the energy he had, he kicked him over his head. Macavity cursed loudly as he hit the ground. Munkustrap rubbed his throat. Macavity’s claws had left painful, red slashes across his throat. They weren’t fatal, but they hurt like Heavyside. He glared at the tom, who staggered to his feet.
In an instant, Macavity and Munkustrap were locked in combat. Macavity’s claws raked across Munkustrap’s shoulders as Munkustrap’s claws landed on Macavity’s side. Both gave yelps of pain. There came similar yelps from both Mephisto and Deuteronomy.
Macavity’s claws swiped Munkustrap’s nose. Munkustrap cried out sharply and rubbed his bleeding wounds. Macavity took his chance and kicked Munkustrap’s feet out from under him. Munkustrap landed hard, right on his shoulder, sending a burst of fire through his body. Macavity stood over Munkustrap for a second, relishing the moment. Mephisto would reward him well for defeating this tom. He gave an evil grin. Time to finish him off.
Macavity placed one foot on Munkustrap’s chest, pinning him down. With one paw he raised his claws to slash Munkustrap’s throat. Munkustrap squeezed his eyes shut.
SMACK! Out of nowhere, Mephisto was slammed into Macavity, and both tumbled to the ground with screeches of pain. Munkustrap’s eyes flew open. He stared, wide-eyed, as Deuteronomy moved to his side and helped him up, never taking his eyes from the evil pair.
Mephisto got painfully to his feet, bloody, beaten, and defeated. His eyes showed defeat as he helped his young apprentice to his feet. Both glared. “You’re beaten, Mephisto,” Deuteronomy said, his eyes flashing. “I suggest you and your gang retreat.”
Mephisto glared. His eyes showed fire, but he was too beaten to fight back. He spat at Deuteronomy’s feet, then called a retreat to his gang. Macavity gave Munkustrap a dirty look, then followed his leader. Munkustrap glared after them, then felt his legs buckle. He hit the ground with a meow of pain. He felt Deuteronomy touch his shoulder, then the world went black....
Munkustrap awoke in Tantomile and Coricopat’s tunnel, his body wrapped in bandages. He hurt everywhere, and he couldn’t move. He looked around and spotted Deuteronomy nearby, leaning over the body of a young tom. Munkustrap saw a single tear roll down his face before he covered the tom’s body with a white cloth. Munkustrap felt a lump in his throat. Several cats nearby were deathly still as well. Were they dead too? He couldn’t tell. He sighed.
The noise seemed to grab Deuteronomy’s attention. He moved to Munkustrap’s side. “How are you feeling, son?” he asked gently.
Munkustrap smiled a bit. “Like I was attacked by another tom.”
Deuteronomy smiled a little. “Glad to see you’re okay. I was worried for a while.”
“I’m not ready for the Heavyside yet,” Munkustrap teased lightly, trying to summon enough strength to sit up, but he was too weak. Deuteronomy pushed him down gently.
“Save your strength. You’re pretty beat up.”
Munkustrap nodded. “Is the tribe okay?”
“Shaken, but no major problems.” Deuteronomy’s face grew sad. “We lost several very good friends.” Munkustrap felt tears in his eyes.
“I... I’m sorry,” he whispered. Deuteronomy nodded. He patted Munkustrap’s shoulder.
“Say, Deuteronomy, I got a question,” Munkustrap said softly.
“Shoot.”
“You looked like you recognized Macavity, but I know I’ve never seen him before. Who is he?”
Deuteronomy sighed heavily. His eyes took on a faraway look. “Macavity was a Jellicle,” he said softly. “Several years ago, probably before you were old enough to remember. Actually, you two were friends for a while.”
Munkustrap crammed his brain, but he could recall no such memories. He looked at Deuteronomy to continue.
“Well, Macavity was really a troublemaker. He would cause trouble everywhere for everyone, including his masters. I spoke to him quite often, but he never listened. He would only cause more trouble. And I sometimes think he did it to spite us sometimes. One day, he went too far. He bit one of his masters.”
Munkustrap gasped. How could anyone bite their master?
“His masters got mad and sent him off to a horrible place called a lab. He escaped and tried to attack his masters again, but I led the Jellicles to stop him. We told him he could come back if he would stop acting as he did. He only threatened to attack us as well. We banished him. It’s obvious he was found by Mephisto’s gang and was brought up there. Now he’s become Mephisto’s apprentice and successor. When Mephisto dies, Macavity will become the leader of the strays.”
Munkustrap gasped. “He’ll be our arch-enemy?”
Deuteronomy nodded slowly. He sighed and brushed Munkustrap’s fur out of his eyes. “Yes, he will. I tried all I could to turn him back. He... he wouldn’t listen. I... I should have tried harder.”
“You did all you could,” Munkustrap comforted his friend. “It was his choice.”
Deuteronomy nodded and wiped his eyes. “I... I feel like it’s my fault. I tried. I tried.”
Munkustrap rubbed Deuteronomy’s arm comfortingly. Suddenly a familiar face appeared in the entrance. It was Alonzo. He looked a little wary, as though he was scared to be here. Munkustrap smiled. “Hey, Alonzo!” he said softly.
Alonzo smiled a bit and approached him. “How ya doin’?” he asked.
“I’ve been better,” Munkustrap said softly. “I’ll live, though.”
Alonzo smiled. Munkustrap suddenly thought of something he needed to say. “Say, Alonzo, a few days ago, when I got mad at you, I’m real sorry about that. I shouldn’t have gotten mad like I did. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course,” Alonzo said, his face lighting up. “I’ll forgive you.”
The two friends smiled at each other. “Oh, Tugger said to tell you the wrestling match offer still stands. You think we should take it?”
“As soon as I’m better!” Munkustrap said happily. “We’ll kick his butt!”
Deuteronomy looked a little surprised, but he just grinned and got up to go. “Oh, Munkustrap, Old Nathaniel wants to talk with you when you’re up and around.”
“Okay,” Munkustrap said as his friend left. He smiled at Alonzo. “Tell everybody I’ll be ready to play when I get out of here.” He emphasized play. Alonzo grinned. He waved and left Munkustrap alone.
Munkustrap curled up and fell asleep. He didn’t think he ever slept so well.
A few days later, Munkustrap went to see Deuteronomy and Old Nathaniel. They both smiled at him. “Munkustrap, Old Nathaniel and I have an offer for you,” Deuteronomy said.
“Okay,” Munkustrap said.
“I’m not as young as I used to be,” Old Nathaniel said slowly. “I’m quite old, and I know the Heavyside is drawing near for me. Deuteronomy is my successor, but, once he becomes leader, he needs to have a second in command. In short, Munkustrap, we are offering that you become Deuteronomy’s successor.”
“Y... you want me to be second in command?” Munkustrap squeaked. Both nodded. Munkustrap looked at Deuteronomy, who’s hazel eyes twinkled, but seemed to urge him on.
“I... I...” Munkustrap hesitated. Then with a wild grin he burst out. “Yes! I’ll do it!” Instantly he blushed. “I mean, I would be honored, sir.”
Both smiled at him. “It won’t be easy, Munkustrap,” Deuteronomy cautioned. “It’s not just fun and games. You have to work hard. It’s never easy.”
“I... I understand,” Munkustrap said softly. He grinned. “Thank you Old Nathaniel, sir.” He moved closer to them.
Old Nathaniel smiled. “I think the tribe will be well pleased with the new second.”
“Do I get to call you Old Deuteronomy now?” Munkustrap teased his friend.
“Not yet, you don’t!” Deuteronomy growled playfully, roughing up Munkustrap’s fur. Munkustrap grinned and lifted his eyes to the sky, thanking the Heavyside.
A few months later, Old Nathaniel passed on and went to the Heavyside Layer. Deuteronomy became the new leader of the Jellicles. Munkustrap was now second in command. The tribe mourned the loss of their beloved leader, but Old Deuteronomy was a wise and good leader. Many, many years later, Munkustrap would become the leader, but, for now, he was content in his spot, keeping the Jellicles at peace, battling Macavity, who eventually took over for Mephisto, and mating Demeter. So goes the story of Munkustrap the valiant.
Back to Fanfiction
Back to Taline's Jellicle Hangout