Munkustrap's Tale Part 2

The Jellicles laughed and applauded Jezabel when she finished her tale. She had been with them only two days and was already hounded by the kittens for her stories. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer had taken her under their wing and taught her everything about the Jellicles from the Jellicle Ball to Macavity, as well as what they knew about life. Munkustrap always checked, though, to make certain they didn't teach her to be notorious as well.

She was quite popular among the other Jellicles, too, save for Demeter. And probably a little too popular among the toms. Munkustrap kept a particularly close eye on Tugger. He did think it was odd, however, that Bombalurina didn't see Jezabel as a threat to her and yet Demeter did. Munkustrap shook his head. He just didn't get it; Demeter always said there was something she wanted to be to him and it wasn't his sister. She would never be specific and Munkustrap didn't try to find out. Being a Jellicle leader was too time- consuming.

And he was concerned about Jezabel. Despite the friendliness of the others, she tended to keep her distance from them. She didn't talk much or let others get to know her. And she was always with either Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer, or himself. This made him worry about her being a Jellicle. He hadn't seen any other Jellicle have this much trouble fitting in, not even Grizabella who wasn't accepted by the others at first.

When Rumpleteazer returned home, she found Jezabel waiting for her. She liked having the cat around, kept her company when Mungojerrie wasn't there. But she did share Munkustrap's concern about Jezabel possibly not being a Jellicle.

The older cat shook her head. "Neva mind. 'As he got any family? Not really. 'is granddad ez Old Deuteronomy, 'oo I was telling ya about. But no one else. Now, 'at's a sad story, if I eva 'eard one. But for the truth, ya 'ave to ask 'im yourself. Everything else is just rumors."

As the tiger cat listened to the kitten's sad tale, something inside him was ignited and he felt an instant kindredship with her. Both of them were alone in the world; Deuteronomy was a father to so many cats that he really didn't have time for a grandson. Jezabel finished her story and stared at her paws. Munkustrap settled down closer to her. The sun had set and the night air was cool. He made a decision to tell her something no one else knew, except in rumors.

"My father," he began, "was the first born son to Deuteronomy. Arabah was his name and he was trained to take his father's place as leader of the Jellicles one day. The time came when he became the second-in-command of the tribe. He was a brave and wonderful leader; the Jellicles adored him.

If they reach a certain age and do not already have a mate, then one is chosen for them. My father waited until the very last Jellicle Ball possible before taking a wife and not every Jellicle was happy with his choice. Most thought it was a sin to mate someone from outside the tribe."

"Her name was Miranda and was the cat of a very wealthy businessman and his wife. She had never been to a Jellicle Ball before in her life and, like you, knew little of the world outside her home. She and my father met by chance at the park. Dad used to tell me about how they met. The first thing about her that caught his attention was her beauty. She was all silver except for a patch of white fur on her forehead. Then he noticed what was attached to her collar. He burst out laughing when he saw she was on a leash. Never in all his days had he seen a cat on leash. Dogs, yes. But not a cat. My mother overheard him and was infuriated! She broke loose and attacked him. Dad was still laughing so hard that they went tumbling into the lake. And the rest is history."

Then came my brothers and me. I had the birthright to become Jellicle leader after my father since I was his first-born. I had two brothers." Munkustrap's expression grew dark. "Mikalum got very sick not long after our eyes opened. We were born in the fall. He died that spring." There was silence. Then, "Menkinum and I were as close as brothers could be. The year following the Jellicle Ball we became adults at, Menkinum was killed at the hands of our master's cruel boy who took delight in torturing animals. I'll never forget how he laughed when my brother ceased to move." Munkustrap's voice was icy, his gaze was distant. Jezabel repressed a shudder at the hatred in his eyes.

This put more pressure on me; I now had to carry the weight of three sons, but it did bring me closer to my parents, especially my father. When our master's boy became more violent we ran away to live permanently at the Junkyard. My father and I could have weathered it, but we feared for my mother's life. This," he gave the collar around his neck a tug, "is a bitter reminder.

We lived in peace for a long while until one day there was a showdown between the Jellicles and Macavity's father. We had won the battle, but my father wished to end it all that night and pursued Tarameny."

Jezabel woke up in her own bed an hour before dawn. Yawning and stretching, she tried to remember what had happened the night before. She then remembered her talk with Munkustrap about family and her heart was saddened. While she enjoyed being free, she was terribly homesick, too. She missed her comfortable lifestyle, and everything was so new to her that it was frightening.

She also remembered that Old Deuteronomy was coming at dawn and that she was going to be presented to him soon. Stepping outside, she decided to find a quite place to think and groom herself and try to remember everything Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie had taught her.

She found what she was looking for under an old tree that grew twisted by a dirty brook. She had just about finished her grooming and was admiring the shine on her coat when she heard a voice behind her say,

Jezabel came down a ways and walked out onto a sturdy limb. But that was as far as she would go. She peered suspiciously at the black cat. Strange, he looked so very familiar and yet she was positive that she had never seen him before.

"When I was little, my eyes had just been opened two days, the house we lived in caught on fire. My mom saved my sister and me. But I fell into a sewer. I never saw my sister again and don't know if my mom and brother ever made it out."

"My brother was a black cat just like you. He wandered off and I never saw him again," Jezabel said her chin quivering, and her eyes growing wet. "My other brother, Jimmy, was a tan kitten and sold to a different family than me."

"Old Deuteronomy will be here," Mistofelees cried. He broke into a happy grin. "Oh, I can't wait for him to meet my sister." He was tickled by the way the word sister sounded. "Sister," he said again. He loved the sound of it.

He knew he should have been happy from them. Poor Mistofelees had always felt out of place among the Jellicles with no family. That was why he and the young cat were so close. But something inside him died as the brother and sister hugged. Jezabel would no longer need him; she had Mistofelees. And Mistofelees wouldn't need him either; he had Jezabel.

As the two kittens before him talked, he tried to keep his countenance cheerful. They could never know how he felt. A dark cloud of gloom settled over him. Now it was official; everyone had someone, but him.

After he had sent the two off to prepare for Deuteronomy's arrival, he slumped over and allowed himself a good sob. Not only had he lost both members his adopted family at once, he was about to face the Jellicle Leader's wrath. Life began to very bleak for poor Munkustrap.

Demeter looked about her to make sure she had everyone's attention. "Further more," she continued, "She's a rich house-cat. Munkustrap told her about his family. He's never told anyone but ME that!" She replaced the sob that was rising up with anger. "She knew his grandmother was a rich house-cat and his mother, too. Now she's after him!"

Jennyanydots studied the furious feline. True, Jezabel didn't associate with the cats much. But Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer had absolute faith in her and spoke about Jezabel as proud parents would their kitten. And despite the cats' notorious reputations, their opinions were valued and respected. Jennyanydots was afraid that Demeter was reading too much into things. She had never seen Jezabel do anything like Demeter was suggesting. She sighed and shook her head as Bombalurina said,

While Old Deuteronomy was talking about Munkustrap, the young leader was in knots over his grandfather's arrival. He was, however, no longer concerned about Jezabel's not being a Jellicle. If she was Mistofelees' sister then she was most definitely a Jellicle. While he was apparently attempting to walk a hole the ground, he walked into Skimbleshanks who was so excited he could hardly contain himself.

"Congratulations," he muttered. "Why even bother to tell me?" He sighed feeling more depressed than ever. He was absolutely dreading Old Deuteronomy's coming. Scenes of the battles were once again plaguing his dreams. He was exhausted from lack of sleep and weak from lack of food. He couldn't even eat, he was so anxious. For Munkustrap was positive that Deuteronomy would not only strip him of his leadership position, but would also *disown him, a fate worse than death. With no family, there was no identity. With no identity, there was no tribe. With no tribe, one was vulnerable and defenseless. He was prey to any other cat he came across. For the mark of disownership was the declawing of the front paws.* Munkustrap looked down at his paws as a wave of sadness washed over him. He curled his nails in towards his palm and slowly lowered his fist to his side and hung his head. He stood there until he heard the horn blow signaling Old Deuteronomy's arrival. The moment of truth had arrived and there was no place to hide.

Jezabel swayed nervously beside Mistofelees who had been chattering on about the last Jellicle Ball. The more excited the magical cat was the more he talked. And he was very excited. Not only was his beloved Deuteronomy coming shortly, but he was going to introduce his sister to him. Nothing could ruin the moment.

His sister shared his excitement, still shocked at her unbelievable good luck of finding a link to her past, but was worried as well. Though Mistofelees assured her that she would love Deuteronomy and he her, Jezabel couldn't help but worry that she would make a mistake and cause Munkustrap to look bad.

At that moment Bombalurina walked by the two and hissed at Jezabel. Taken aback, she stared after the other cat, trembling. What could she have possibly done to bring that around? One glance at Mistofelees told her that he had missed the whole thing. He was too busy trying to control his enthusiasm.

Munkustrap entered the Dumpster and proceeded to the large trash bin in the center. He looked cool and collected as usual. Demeter took her place at his side and bared her teeth at Jezabel as they passed. However, this time it was Mistofelees who noticed the gesture, not Jezabel. He cocked his head to the side in a most adorable manner and gave her a puzzled look. He glance at Jezabel who was gazing intently at Munkustrap with a slight frown on her face. Mistofelees looked at his friend and picked up on what Jezabel saw.

Despite his manner, Jezabel noticed that he seemed tired, his coat had lost a bit of its sheen. But it was his eyes that grabbed her. At first glance and if you didn't look too close, they appeared tranquil but vague to display emotion. Then, if you looked closer, you could see depression and.... fear. Jezabel forgot her problems for the moment and became extremely worried. Never before had she seen fear in those eyes. Hate and anger, yes. But not fear like that. It was a fear that a kitten had when it knew it was about to be reprimanded in front of its siblings by a strict father.

The collar around Jezabel's neck suddenly felt tight, until she looked away. Absent- mindedly she played with the new collar Tumblebrutus had made for her while he was recovering. It was a wide leather collar with a silver buckle in the back decorated with the diamonds from her old one.

The last two cats to entered the center of the Dumpster were Skimbleshanks and Jennyanydots. Jennyanydots was also showing off a new collar, Skimbleshanks' collar. And he was displaying hers. The exchanging of collars was equal to an engagement ring. The females all gathered around the pair ooing and ahhing, until Deuteronomy's guard's entered. Then all the cats scrambled to take their places.

She gazed disdainfully at the little gray cat next to Mistofelees. Her eyes smoldered with anger when she saw Victoria greet Jezabel with an embrace before taking a place next to Mistofelees. The black cat said something to the white one as the gray one smiled shyly. She gnashed her teeth together as Victoria clapped her paws together and hopped excitedly on one foot. Demeter raised an eyebrow as Victoria seemed beside herself in joy. Whatever Mistofelees had said had something to do with Jezabel.

Demeter returned her attention to the center of the yard as Old Deuteronomy entered. A loud cheer went up from the tribe. Munkustrap welcomed his grandfather and told him of their situation. Deuteronomy listened solemnly until he had finished. Then a joyous Skimbleshanks came forward to give the Jellicle Leader the battle report. Of course, there was nothing but praise for their brave commander, Munkustrap, and Deuteronomy did not bother to hide his pride. The older toms of the tribe took turns giving their account of the battle and Demeter only half listened. Her mind was occupied with how to get Munkustrap to propose by the next Jellicle Ball. It would make her look bad if a kitten like Victoria ended up married before her. Especially, since at present, Demeter was the main queen of the Jellicles. Once again Demeter returned her attention back to Deuteronomy as Mistofelees came forward with Jezabel in tow and Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer close behind.

Old Deuteronomy had always known that Munkustrap was the hero of the battle with the Pollicles. He just like hearing it from the others since Munkustrap was too modest to tell what had happened himself. It was hard for the old cat to drag his attention from his grandson in order to listen to Mistofelees, who was so excited he was talking a mile a minute.

"During the time after the battle when I went to scout the Junkyard, I came across four dogs attacking a cat. I brought her back here to wait for you. At that time I was unsure if she was a Jellicle or not, but since then I have been given reason to believe that she is, indeed, a Jellicle. Old Deuteronomy, I would like to present to you, Jezabel of the house of Stratherin."

Deuteronomy studied the kitten with several thoughts running through his head. First of all, he was nearly bursting with pride for his grandson. Not only had he saved the tribe from the Pollicles, he had also saved the life of a beautiful house-cat. Second, it hurt slightly that Munkustrap always called him "Old Deuteronomy". Just once it would be nice if that boy would call me "Grandpa." It wouldn't kill him.

Deuteronomy listened to Jezabel speak slowly and carefully on why she felt she was a Jellicle and then to Mistofelees' confirmation of their relation. A plan began to form in Deuteronomy's head. He looked at the young queen, then at his grandson, then to the queen again. He smiled to himself. He wouldn't breathe a word to anyone about what he was thinking.

He stretched his paws to Jezabel who looked at Munkustrap. He motioned for her to go up and she did so, taking the Leader's paws. He embraced her and presented her to the others. Then Munkustrap took her paws and rubbed them against his face. Then he handed her paws to the next in line and all the others followed suite. It was now official. Jezabel was one of them.

Before the dinner, Old Deuteronomy had wanted to talk about the battle and such. All he did was praise him for a job well done. But Munkustrap didn't feel any better about what had happened. In fact, the more Deuteronomy talked the worse he felt.

Old Deuteronomy called for a toast and, of course, it was to exhort Munkustrap. He felt guilt try to swallow him and he was helpless to stop it. The only good thing about the evening was that Jezabel was mingling with the others. In a way, he wished that she had wanted to stay with him. But, Demeter was with him anyway. She had been clinging possessively to him since the Jellicle Leader had arrived.

"It's a lie. I didn't do anything to save the tribe. If anything, it was my fault we were attacked in the first place. I didn't listen to the rumors or see if they had any basis. And when the dogs attacked, I sent cats that were too young out to fight. Tumblebrutus almost died because of me. I can't listen to anymore of this. I didn't even go to see those who were wounded until a week later because I was too much of a coward."

"I do not deserve to remain guardian of the Jellicles. I failed in a way that proved to be costly. For the good of the tribe I am resigning as commander of the Jellicles. I ask you to accept this, sir, and allow me to remain as the lowest member of the tribe."

The mood in the Dumpster the next day was dismal and the weather matched it. It was raining once again. Deuteronomy was sitting in his box brooding when Alonzo, Quaxo, and the Rum Tum Tugger came rushing up, out of breath and scared.