Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie could sometimes be found sunning on the wall where Old Deuteronomy once lay. The Vicarage Wall was on their way from their Human home to the Yard, and was inviting during the late part of the Summer months. This afternoon, the Wall definitely held its appeal, and the two Tigers were camped out on the warm bricks.
A cooling sea breeze came in from the south, and Rumpleteazer breathed in the scents. The bakery down the street had just baked some new loaves. The florist had just cut some fresh flowers, and the greenery was musky. Then, … what was that?
The Tiger Queen sat up and took a deeper breath. “’Ey, Jerrie? Get a w’iff of dis scent, will ya.”
Her Mate stretched and sat up. His nostrils flared, and then his eyes opened wide. “I don’t know dat one. Could it be anot’er Jellicle?”
“Wear’s it comin’ from?”
“Down dis street somewear, Luv.”
“Wanna find out?”
“Cor’ Teazah! Ain’t dat wat we do?”
Jumping off the wall in their cat-forms, they carefully crossed the street and headed into the wind. Somewhere south of the Vicarage, another Jellicle had made an appearance. Here, the Village had some shops. A bakery and the florist, the two Tigers already knew about. There was also a general store, an antique store, a cobbler’s shop, a small bookstore of new and used books, and several artist studios. Rumpleteazer knew she had scented a Jellicle Tom somewhere in the vicinity of the cobbler’s shop and the little bookstore.
Being the “Village roustabouts” in Victoria Grove, the two Tigers knew a lot of the ins and outs in the various stores. Usually, these secret places were found in the back or in the alleyways and byways. Rumpleteazer was in the lead as they started down the one alley between the two shops. The Tom, her nose told her, was somewhere in the area. She looked for and found the one entry into the Cobbler shop, but she knew he was not in there. The moment she got inside, she lost his scent. Backtracking and almost running Mungojerrie down in the process, she found the entry into the bookstore.
“Blimey, Teazah! Slow down and watc wear ya going! Ya nearly maide claw marks on me tummy, ya did!”
“Sorry, ducks,” she replied over her shoulder.
As they investigated, they had reverted into their Jellicle form. Diving into the bookstore’s basement, she immediately ran right into someone coming out with a small load of human-sized books. There was an unpleasant “oof” followed by the pattering sound of books hitting the floor. When Rumpleteazer’s head came up and Mungojerrie came in, the other Jellicle stood and began dusting himself off.
“See here, my good lady,” the white tiger male began, and suddenly stopped. He looked at the two tigers completely dumbfounded.
The Tom appeared to be about eight years old, just slightly stouter than the average Jellicle. His facial fur was white, but he had an orange patch around his right eye that also bisected the bridge of his nose. A Pince-Nez set of glasses had been perched on his nose, and now dangled by its cord from a green vest he wore. He had white elbow length gloves and knee high boots of white. Everywhere else, he had orange and black tiger striping. His bright blue eyes blinked as he stared back at Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie.
“I beg your pardon, but what are you?”
His voice was a lower baritone, almost ranging into the bass range, and very articulated. There was just a trace of higher class in the tones of his voice, but his stance did not show aristocracy.
“Wat are we?” Rumpleteazer looked puzzled, and glanced back at her Mate.
“Yes,” the white tiger Tom replied, and then stopped. “I beg your pardon, but we have not been properly introduced. My name is Rumblepurr, and I live two blocks south and east of here. I was not aware that there were other cats in this area that can transmute into this form.”
“Say wat?” Now it was Mungojerrie’s turn to be puzzled.
“Look, luv, we ain’t raightly sure wat dat means, but we can taike ya to someone 'oo does. I’m Rumpletezah, and dis 'ere’s my Maite, Mungojerrie.”
“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Rumblepurr replied, extending a paw, and touching Teazer’s, and then Jerrie’s. “You mean to say that there are others who appear as we do?”
“Yeah. We’re called Jellicles.”
“Jellicles,” the white Tiger repeated, first in the same tonality that Jerrie used, and then reverting to his own voice. “I apologize. I did not mean to offend.”
“Oh, dat’s alraight, Guv’nor. Lots of sods maike fun of us, and 'ow we talk.”
“Yes, ducks,” giggled Rumpleteazer. “All da taime.”
“Still, it was not proper of me.”
“Oh, nevah mind, … Rumplepurr, was it?”
The white Tiger chuckled. “Rumblepurr, my dear.”
Teazer giggled. “Wat’s all dese?”
“Dese? Oh, the books? I have an account with the store. Of course, the account is in my Human’s name. I check them out and log them in. As long as I maintain my records properly, I can get books to read.”
“Ya read dese tings?” Mungojerrie picked one up. “Aster-nom-ical ….”
“’Astronomical Observations of the Northern Hemisphere,’ my good Jerrie. This book will give me particulars on locating various stars and constellations. There was a spectacular conjunction of three planets just recently. Did you observe it?”
“Ah, no.” Mungojerrie looked sideways at Rumpleteazer.
“Look, ducks,” Rumpleteazer eased in again. “Wy don’t ya just follow us, and we’ll taike ya to meet a few more of us Jellicles.”
“There are more of our kind?”
“Maiybe not laike ya, but we 'ave lots of friends, we do.”
“Of course. I will leave dese, ah, these books here for the time being. Is this place far from here?”
“Naw,” Mungojerrie said with a smile. “Raight propah 'op, skip and a jump it is, tho’. Ya know w’ere da Vicarage is?”
“The church? Yes.”
“Raight near dere, it is.”
Mungojerrie led the way out and into the alleyway, followed by the White Tiger, and trailed by Rumpleteazer. As the three got to the street, they instantly reverted to cat forms, which caused the new Jellicle to stop for a moment.
“Wat’s wrong, Guv?”
“I still cannot get used to the transformation, is all.”
“Transformaition?” Rumpleteazer tilted her head to one side.
“Yes. When I am alone, I take on a Human-like form. The moment I get anywhere near Humans, I seem to become a House Cat.”
“We’ll taike ya to some of our friends 'oo can tell ya all about dat, ducks.”
Starting off again, the threesome crossed the street again and made for the drainage ditch that ran across the vacant field. As they went, the White Tiger male looked constantly about him. Sometimes, he acted as though he wanted to investigate a spot for some reason, but did not want to hold them up. As they approached a drainage pipe, a scent stopped all three in their tracks.
“Cor’ wat’s that stenc’?”
The White Tiger, now in Jellicle form, moved off to their right. In a still verdant patch of weeds, something appeared to be lying in its center. As he approached and looked in, the White Tiger recoiled and held his throat. As Rumpleteazer came forward, he held out a paw.
“No, my dear. You do not want to see this.”
“Wat’s wrong now?”
“If you know how to get to a Veterinarian, I suggest you do so.”
“A wat?”
“An animal doctor, Mungojerrie,” the White Tiger said, his voice rising slightly.
“Alright, Guv’nor! Don’t get ya bloomin’ knickers in an uproar.”
As the Tiger male ducked into the pipe, the White Tiger male turned and adjusted his shoulders. Resolutely, he went back to the weeds. He was not aware, however, that Rumpleteazer was following him. Clenching his teeth, he knelt down and began to examine what he felt sure was a body.
Rumpleteazer gasped as she looked over his shoulder. The body of a white Queen lay sprawled, her body showing numerous signs of abuse. Both legs and arms were broken in the long bones. Her torso and face showed bruises and possible broken bones as well. There were also signs of violation to her body. Before the White Tiger could shield her, Rumpleteazer turned about and retched wetly into the dried grass.
“I told you not to look, Rumpleteazer,” the White Tiger male said through gritted teeth. His white facial fur showed that he was about to join her. “By the Blessed Cat! Who would do such a thing?”
“Ya’d be surpryised around 'ere, ducks,” she replied as soon as she could draw breath. She staggered a bit as she stood and walked slightly away.
Rumblepurr stood and did not know where to start. He did know some first aid, seeing that he had read about it somewhere. Reading about it and actually doing it was two different things. First, he reached down and touched the Queen’s throat. He could feel a weak pulse, so she was at least alive. All right, he breathed, that was a good sign. Now, any sign of active bleeding? Without moving her, he looked her over very carefully. One arm had a compound fracture, but the wound was not bleeding right now. Still, it was an ugly wound, and would require cleaning before the arm could be set.
The Tom turned away for a moment, his gorge starting to rise a bit. Rumpleteazer could only sit back and sympathize with him.
“Not a pretty saight, is she?”
“No, Rumpleteazer. She is not.”
“Ya can call me Teazah if ya want. Everyone else does.”
The Tom nodded, and smiled weakly. He took a couple of deep breaths, and turned back around. Both of the Queen’s eyes were swollen shut from the beating, and she might have lost a couple of teeth. Taking off his vest, the White Tiger folded it into a small pillow, and placed it carefully under the Queen’s head.
“I wish I had a blanket to cover her,” he said softly. “I do not dare do anything more until a physician arrives. I am loathe to attempt to straighten her limbs without help. I fear I may further injure her.”
“I tink we 'ave 'elp arraiving, Rumblepurr.”
The Tom turned back toward the drainage pipe, and saw four Jellicles coming out. Mungojerrie he recognized, but not the other three. The first was a large Jellicle with Black and White fur. Behind the first Tom, the second Tom was just as large, but almost completely coal black. The last one was a Butter Calico Queen. Mungojerrie stopped where Rumpleteazer stood, but Quaxo, Shadowdancer and Jellylorum came up to the White Tiger.
Rumblepurr stood as Quaxo towered over him. Shadowdancer and Jellylorum halted as soon as they saw the body. Both Shadowdancer and Jellylorum hissed, causing the White Tiger to start.
“Griddlebone!”
“Who?” The White Tiger backed slightly away from the huge male near him.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Rumblepurr, and you have the advantage of me.”
Quaxo raised an eyebrow. The Tiger male was shorter than him by nearly a head, and acted only skittish. “I am Quaxo, the Jellicle Tribe’s Sentinel. This is Shadowdancer, the Vicarage Guardian. And this is Jellylorum, our Infirmary Matron and a Healer.”
Rumblepurr looked directly to the Butter Calico. “Thank the Blessed Cat. This Queen needs your medical expertise.”
“And she will not get it!”
Rumblepurr appeared shocked. “What did you say, Madam?”
“She said,” Shadowdancer growled, getting between the Tiger male and the Matron, “that the Bitch can rot!”
Quaxo gave the smaller Tom some credit. The White Tiger took one step back and folded his ears over his skull. The striped tail with the black tip bushed, but his claws had not appeared yet.
“How dare you, sir!”
“Shadowdancer,” Quaxo said low, and held out a paw. “Rumblepurr. Do you know this Queen?”
“No, sir. I have not seen her until I arrived at this spot. Now. Is someone going to help her, or not?”
“This Queen,” Quaxo said, his voice rising slightly, and he nearly spat the word. “She has committed grievous crimes against our Tribe ….”
“I do not care if she is wanted by Scotland Yard,” Rumblepurr nearly shouted, removing his Pince-Nez glasses from his nose. “She needs medical attention.”
Quaxo’s head moved back and his chin settled over his throat. And, his black ears swiveled back and laid flat over his skull. Shadowdancer hissed and stepped forward, but Quaxo put out a paw once more. The smaller Tom was shivering visibly.
“Look. I do not know any of you very well, and I know I am probably imposing on you, too. I do not care if this Queen is your mortal enemy, but she deserves some common decency. Otherwise, you are no better than she is.”
“Why, you ….”
“Shadowdancer, peace!” Quaxo said, stepping in between the huge Black and the smaller White Tom. Seeing that the Guardian would obey, the Sentinel turned on Rumblepurr. “You are treading very thinly here, Rumblepurr.”
“If you must resort to violence, then I do not suppose I will be able to stand very well against you. I still appeal to your moral side and ask for your assistance. This Queen is badly hurt, and could die from her injuries. Do you wish that on your conscience?”
Quaxo stared down at the smaller male, not speaking. Tails were swishing back and forth in agitation, and fur was raised in anticipation of combat. Rumblepurr glanced around, examining the faces of those arrayed against him, and then his mouth set.
“I see,” he said resolutely. “I am not going to receive help from any of you. Rumpleteazer? I thank you for your assistance, but I can see I am not welcome here.”
Carefully, the White Tiger crouched down next to the injured Queen. He did not like the thought of moving the Queen, but he could not leave her here. The Queen was nearly his size, but hopefully did not weigh as much that he could not carry her. Gingerly, he began to move one arm, and grimaced as he did.
“Don’t touch her,” he heard the Matron suddenly shout.
Rumblepurr sat back as the Butter Calico Matron came forward and knelt across the Queen from him. He could tell the Healer was angry, and she spared him a glance that could wound as well as any scalpel.
“You go and move her around without stabilizing her, you’ll cause more damage than what’s already there.”
“I know, Healer,” Rumblepurr said softer. “But I cannot leave her here.”
“Your concern is noted, sir. Now be quiet. In fact, leave me alone.”
A movement made the White Tiger turn. Rumpleteazer had suddenly dashed into the pipe and was gone. Mungojerrie was torn between staying where he was and going after Rumpleteazer. So, he stayed put.
Turning back, the White Tiger watched silently, but also in awe, as the Matron seemingly eased the limbs back into line. The one arm, with the protruding bone through a wound, bothered her. Still, Jellylorum eased the bone back inside, and the wound began to ooze blood. Satisfied, Jellylorum stood.
“Quaxie? Would you please gently pick … her … up and carry her to my Infirmary? I will finish treatment there.”
“May I remind you ….” Shadowdancer began.
“We all know, Shadowdancer,” Quaxo said sternly.
“Sentinel, you know the order!”
“Yes, and this supercedes that order. It is temporary and I take it on as my authority. If you wish, you can take this up with the Leader.”
“That Leader is here, Quaxo,” a new voice spoke up.
Munkustrap, Demeter, Bombalurina and Rumpleteazer had just come up out of the pipe and were approaching. The Silver Tabby glanced slightly at the stranger, but he centered his attention on the huge Sentinel. The two Queens, however, moved to confront the unknown Tom. Rumblepurr stood his ground, but did flatten his ears again.
“Now what is the … by the Everlasting Cat! What’s she doing here?”
“That is what this is all about, Leader. This is Rumblepurr. Rumpleteazer found him in the Village, and was bringing him here to meet with us. He must have found Griddlebone, and stopped to aide her. We were about to take her to the Infirmary when Shadowdancer brought up the order concerning the patient.”
“Deme?”
Rumblepurr looked at the Gold and Black Queen, who started at the name. She glanced nervously at him, down at the White Queen lying next to him, and then back at the Silver Tabby.
“If you’re asking me if I’ve had a dream about this, no. Griddlebone has not haunted my dreams. This Tom, however, seems familiar.”
That comment made the White Tiger male look puzzled. And that is when he noticed the other Queen. How he could miss her was even more baffling, seeing her colors. The taller Scarlet Queen hovered near the one called “Deme” and was making him nervous. Most of the Jellicles around him were not making eye contact. The Scarlet Queen was.
“So you don’t think Griddlebone is here to cause us trouble?”
“No, Munk.”
“What about him?”
“I don’t know,” the smaller Queen faltered. “He seems like someone I can see in the background of my dreams lately.”
The Silver Tabby seemed to weigh a few things. He looked down at the injured White Queen, up to the White Tiger male, and then back at Demeter. “For now, I’ll reserve judgment. Quaxo? Go ahead and take her to the Infirmary. I’ll rescind my order for the time being. Rumblepurr? You’re with me.”
The White Tiger male stepped aside as the huge Sentinel eased his large frame down to take the injured Queen in his arms. Seeing that the Queen was getting help now, Rumblepurr picked up his vest, and then drifted over to stand next to the Silver Tabby. As the Scarlet Queen came up beside him, Rumblepurr noted nervously that the Silver Tabby was taller by half a head, and the Queen was just a bit taller than he was. “Deme” was his size, and she brushed by him nervously.
The small party moved back toward the pipe, and Rumblepurr nervously ducked into his first encounter with the “Yard.” As they came out, the Leader turned left and Rumblepurr followed, still aware of the Scarlet Queen now alongside him. At first, the White Tiger stayed close behind the Leader. That did not, however, stop him from looking carefully around. There were signs of a fire inside the fence, but that quickly disappeared as they traveled down to a large collection of cast-off bedroom furniture. A tunnel slightly bigger than the tallest Jellicle allowed them to pass underneath the pile of odds-and-ends. Coming out of it, the Leader turned left and passed around a set of boxes, mostly empty, and headed toward a large overturned bathtub. The Butter Calico pulled the curtain aside and the huge Black and White Tom entered in with his burden.
Coming inside, the White Tiger looked around, now fascinated with the interior. Racks of drying herbs, pillows, rugs and blankets, a set of bowls of foodstuffs - all seemed too fantastic to believe. His revelry was cut short when the Scarlet Queen prodded him on the shoulder.
“Over there,” her husky voice ordered.
Rumblepurr adjusted the Pince-Nez on his nose, but still followed the Queen’s gesture. As Quaxo laid his burden on a pillow, a petite cream-point White Queen came off another pillow. As Rumblepurr watched her approach, the small Queen hissed.
“What’s SHE doing in here, Aunt Jelly?”
“I’m treating her, Tailkinker. Now go back and lay down.”
“I refuse to be here with Her.” The petite Queen started toward the curtain, passing by the new Tom without a glance. She got about halfway to her goal before the Matron got in her way.
“Now look, young lady! I’m in charge of the Infirmary, and you are now under my care! Now go back and lay down. That’s an order, Tailkinker!”
“I’m not staying anywhere near her!”
“Then take my pillow. I don’t care where you stay, but go lay down!”
Tailkinker looked as if she was going to rebel against the Matron, but decided against it. As she started back toward the pillow on the other side of the room, she noticed the new Tom for the first time.
“What are you looking at, four-eyes?”
Rumblepurr’s ears went back and he adjusted his glasses. When he started to respond, the young Healer turned and continued on her way.
“I can see you’re a big heartthrob with the ladies,” the Scarlet Queen quipped sarcastically. “Come on. Munkus wants to talk with you.”
“I am getting to the point where I am not sure I wish to communicate with anyone here,” he retorted stiffly.
The Scarlet Queen raised an eyebrow. “Too bad Exotica is taken. You and her would get along famously. You play Scrabble?”
“As a matter of fact, I can ….”
“Fine,” she cut him off. “This way.”
His lips pursed, Rumblepurr followed slightly behind the sultry Scarlet Queen. The Silver Tabby was now sitting on a pillow with the Gold and Back Queen, “Deme,” resting next to him. Once she arrived, the Scarlet Queen pointed at the floor right in front of the Leader, and then took a place slightly behind the Silver Tabby. Since he had his vest on once more, Rumblepurr removed his Pince-Nez and slid it into a small pocket.
“I’m not really sure how to start here. My name is Munkustrap, and I’m the Leader of the Jellicle Tribe. My First is Demeter, and my Second is Bombalurina.”
The White Tiger bowed mostly from the shoulders up. “My name is Rumblepurr. May I ask why I am being treated so rudely?”
One black paw rose. “Please. I am sorry about the treatment, but your arrival here with … her is not very ….”
“Fortuitous?”
“He’s very good at words, Munkus. Watch him.”
“Bomba, you’re not helping. Rumblepurr, do you know that Queen over there?”
The White Tiger was beginning to show signs of agitation. “No. And I wish someone would start explaining what is going on here.”
“Hey, calm down, hot-shot!”
“Bomba, stop it!” Munkustrap said taking a deep breath. “Please. Sit down and let me try to explain.”
With a wary glance at the Scarlet Queen, the White Tiger sat down on the rug before the Leader. During the exchange, he did notice that the smaller Queen remained with her eyes cast down. As Rumblepurr sat back on his heels, the amber eyes came up and looked at him. He looked away first.
“The Queen’s name is Griddlebone. She came here two years ago in almost the same way. It looked like somebody beat her up, just like that but not as bad. We healed her and allowed her to stay with us. Later, she betrayed us and took something very important to us. Just three moons ago, she came in here with Macavity … Do you recognize that name?”
“No, sir. Should I?”
Munkustrap looked at him critically. “I almost wish we had Cassandra here.”
“Later, Munk,” Demeter said softly. Rumblepurr glanced at her again. Something about her was troubling, and he did not understand why.
“Macavity is a crime lord around here. He wants to take over the Tribe for some reason only he knows. Griddlebone is either his Mate or nearly so.”
“I would say ex-Mate,” Bombalurina said dryly, glancing over to where Jellylorum was at work.
Munkustrap sighed slightly. “Anyway, she came back here, and prevented me from recapturing an item that this Tribe needs. Although we don’t have any sign that this is another attempt, your being here with her is not very … fortuitous.”
Tight-lipped, Rumblepurr’s reply came out through clenched teeth. “Are you saying that if I had not insisted on having her treated by your Healers, you would have allowed her to die out there?”
“At the drop of a hat, buster!”
Munkustrap turned slightly, his ears going back. “Bomba, please.”
Rumblepurr stood, his face angry again. “I am not going to take this any further.”
Munkustrap whirled around. “You will sit down until I am finished with you!”
At that point, Demeter got up and stood between the two Toms and Bombalurina. “Will all of you calm down? Munk? Keep Bombalurina here. I’m going to try to explain this to our 'guest'!”
Taking the White Tiger’s arm by the elbow, Demeter directed the Tom toward the curtain and out into the afternoon light. The Tom stayed quiet, glancing at his escort as they walked. Demeter’s eyes were hooded, and gave him no clue as to what she was thinking. As she came around the other end of the bathtub, she stumbled. Rumblepurr caught her.
“Are you all right, Madam?”
“Deme,” she gasped. Then, she held up a paw.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Please call me Deme.”
“Very well, if you insist. Are you certain that you do not require assistance?”
Demeter smiled slightly, the first positive emotion he had seen since Rumpleteazer bumped into him. “Yes, I’m fine. Please.”
Now it was his paw that took her arm at the elbow, a gesture that the Gold and Black Queen noted with the same trace amusement. Now secure in his grasp, Demeter led the White Tiger over to a box near the large tire in the Square.
“Please sit, and I will try to answer your questions.”
“Thank you, Madam … ah, Deme.” The White Tiger’s blue eyes started covering as much of the Square as he could. “Do you … live here?”
“Yes. We live in a closet on the other side of the old oven.”
“How many others?”
“To tell the truth, I’m not sure anymore. I would say close to thirty adults and eleven kittens. Two of them are mine.”
“Kittens? Do they also appear as, ah, we do?”
“Being Jellicle confuses you?”
Rumblepurr looked uncomfortable. Blinking, he pulled out the Pince-Nez and began to clean it with a small piece of cloth from his vest. “Yes, as a matter of fact, Deme. It does indeed.”
“When did you discover that you could change form?”
“Let me see. About three, four years ago, I believe. I was home; alone in the house, and this piece of music came over the radio. I listened to it, and I suddenly found myself looking like this! To say the least, I was shocked. And my name! Suddenly, I knew my name was more than just 'Tigger'.”
“Tigger?”
“Yes. A character name from a children’s book. Apparently, I reminded my Mistress of that character, and the moniker was so placed upon me.”
“And you became Rumblepurr.”
“Yes. I did not know what to do at first. After the shock wore off, I found out I was able to do many things I only wished I could have done before. I could handle things, open doors; even work my Mistress’ new computer. I used to envy her sitting at the computer, and typing words onto the screen. I thought to myself then that I wanted to try it. So, I did. I went over and turned it on. I had seen her do this so many times that I knew what I was supposed to do. After that, I began experimenting. I could actually write things onto the screen. The only time I really panicked was when I heard my Mistress come home. I wondered what she would think when she came in and I looked like this! Well, when she did, I was a cat again!”
“What about the computer?”
“That was still on! She noticed it and looked at my work. She looked at me and shook her head. She said something like 'Silly me. The cat couldn’t possibly do something like this. You must’ve done it before you left and forgot to shut the computer down.' She even saved the file!”
Demeter leaned back, resting her paws on her belly fur. “What you experienced is normal for a Jellicle. Around Humans, we appear as a House Cat. When we want to, we appear as we are now.”
“I know that now, but it was a different story then. But I certainly did not know there were others like me.”
“You’ve never seen another Jellicle before now?”
“No. I am afraid to say I have not.”
“Rumblepurr, I want apologize for what they put you through in there. You were being used very badly, and you were only doing what you thought was proper. That was very gallant of you to stand up for someone you hadn’t even met.”
“Was she, that Queen in there, was she really as bad as they were saying?”
Demeter looked down at her paws. “Yes. She came here deceitfully, and then used the sanctuary of the Yard to further her goals and Macavity’s.”
“This Macavity, is he indeed a criminal?” Demeter winced, and Rumblepurr caught the movement. “I am sorry, Deme. Did I say something wrong?”
“No. Nothing wrong. It’s just hard remembering this. Yes, Macavity is a crime lord, the 'Napoleon of Crime' and the 'Hidden Paw.' He especially hates the Jellicle Tribe and everyone in it.”
“And the Queen in there?”
“Griddlebone. She was one of his best agents.”
“And may I inquire as to the nature of her crime with this Tribe of yours?”
“My Mate, Munkustrap, was given a particular item called the Aegis of Bastet. Do you know what that is?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. It was in the Post a few years back. Found in an archeological dig outside of Cairo on the east bank of the Nile. The site seemed to indicate a temple ruin, but it was heavily damaged. Recent Posts seemed to indicate that it was missing. Did Munkustrap have this item?”
“Macavity had the item at one point until someone took it away and brought it here,” Demeter said, her voice uneasy, and Rumblepurr caught the tone. “Munk had it and was able to use its Power.”
“Power? What sort of Power?”
“We’re still not exactly sure what all it could do. Munk and a select few could touch it. All others would get burned.”
“How did this Griddlebone get a hold of it?”
“She came in as you were told. Somebody made her look as though she were hurt worse than she was. We healed her, and she stayed here for a short time. One night, she seduced one of our Guardians, and then escaped with the Aegis rolled in a blanket.”
“I see,” Rumblepurr said, nodding. He stood up and seemed to look around for a while before turning back. “What I do not understand is why I was treated so harshly.”
The look Demeter gave him was frank. “You defended her.”
His mouth tightened. “Why should that cause such animosity?”
“Please, I don’t wish to anger you. Please? Sit down.”
Facing Demeter, Rumblepurr saw her expression change, and saw her look past his left shoulder. Steeling himself, the White Tiger turned slowly. Standing close, but at more than arm’s length, the large Black and White Sentinel waited.
“This is Quaxo.”
“I know, Deme. We have met.”
“Rumblepurr? Would you please follow me?”
Demeter rose gracefully to her feet and was now facing Quaxo directly. “Sentinel? May I know the reason for this?”
His ears flattened to the side, which meant he was embarrassed. “The Leader wishes to speak with him, Queen Demeter.”
Rumblepurr noticed the Queen’s lips tightened into a straight line. “Rumblepurr? Would you please escort me?”
The White Tiger raised the eyebrow on the white side of his face. Not truly understanding what was going on, he did understand her tone of voice. If Her Royal Majesty of the Humans had just spoken, “She” would have said so in that same tone. Seeing he had no other recourse, he stepped over to her and gave her his arm. Being proper, she laid her paw on top on his forearm, and nodded. His ears still flat to the side, Quaxo led them back to the Infirmary.
When they entered back inside the overturned bathtub, Rumblepurr noted a few more Jellicles had assembled during his absence. The most notable of the new arrivals was the Burmese near Munkustrap. Rumblepurr winced slightly as Demeter’s claws momentarily nicked his arm. That was not a good sign. The other two drew the White Tiger’s curiosity. Both had a mane in a vest-like pattern. The male of the two was dark with leopard spotting on the chest, lower arms and calves. The female was silver with scarlet rosettes in the same locations as the male’s leopard markings.
Demeter did not release Rumblepurr’s arm, and, in fact, made a show of it when they stood before Munkustrap. The Silver Tabby noticed it, and seemed troubled. Rumblepurr noted that his right paw came up and touched a silver heart on his collar. Then, the Leader came off the pillow and stood in front of his First Queen.
“Deme?”
“Munk. May I know what you are going to say here?”
The Silver Tabby glanced first at the White Tiger, then back at his Mate. “Deme. I mean no harm to him.”
“Then what is Cassie doing here? And Tugger, for that matters?”
“Hey, Deme?” The Queen’s eyes went to the Tugger. “Remember? We’re a matched set. You get one, the other two aren’t far behind.”
“As for Cassandra,” Munkustrap went on, “she’s here to make sure what I need to say is necessary.”
“For your sake, I hope that it is,” Demeter said evenly. “Until we find out one way or the other, I stay here.”
“Girl-friend!”
“Bomba! What I have said, goes.”
As Munkustrap went back to his place, Rumblepurr shifted slightly, feeling uneasy. He leaned over and whispered. “Deme, I do not wish to cause a rift between you and the others.”
Demeter turned to gaze at him, those amber eyes very strong and determined. “They know why I am doing this, Rumblepurr. While I stand here, you have one friend.”
“Queen Deme,” Cassandra said, now approaching the two. She looked at the resolute stance of the Gold and Black Queen and bowed her head. “I only wish to confirm that this Tom means the Tribe no harm. You have witnessed this before.”
“I know, Cassie. This time, we observe the protocol.”
“Very well.” The Burmese turned to the White Tiger male. “Rumblepurr. What the Leader wishes to have done is for me to touch your mind. By doing so, I can see what your intentions are, and who you are. I will not harm you or any portion of your mind. The procedure is pretty much like reading a book.”
“I see,” Rumblepurr said, removing his glasses and sliding them back into its pocket. “I understand reading a book. As long as you return it to its rightful shelf, I see no reason to refuse this.”
Cassandra smiled gently. “I assure you I will. This will be slightly uncomfortable, and you may feel disorientated. That is normal. I will attempt to be as quick as I can. Now just relax and try not to fight me.”
The White Tiger’s blue eyes closed. Taking a deep breath, he slowly let it out. Cassandra nodded, silently thanking the male, and stretched a slender arm. Her index finger came out, and then touched the male above and between his closed eyes. The Male groaned slightly and his mouth opened. Demeter kept her paw on his arm, and added her other one as he swayed a bit. A few heartbeats later, Cassandra gently removed her finger from his forehead. He blinked his eyes a few times, and his free paw rubbed the spot.
Cassandra nodded, smiling slightly at Demeter, and then she turned to face Munkustrap. “Rumblepurr is no threat to the Tribe, Leader. He is, as he stated, here at the invitation of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer to learn more about being a Jellicle. His wish to help Griddlebone was an honest one. He did not know of her before, and was not aware of us until this day. Munkus? Deme is right to stand by him.”
The Silver Tabby bowed his head. Seeing this, Cassandra reached out a paw to the White Tiger. “I apologize for any discomfort I gave you.”
Rumblepurr touched her paw and nodded. “I do not hold anything against you.”
Bowing her head once more, Cassandra went over to stand with the Tugger and Silvana. Waiting until the Burmese was with her Family, Munkustrap stood and came off the pillow. His eyes were down, and one paw came up to touch the heart at his collar once again. Taller than the White Tiger male, Munkustrap felt the lesser of the two right now. Finally, he looked up and fastened emerald green eyes upon the bright blue ones.
“Rumblepurr, before I say anything, I must apologize for my treatment of you. What I allowed was not called for, and I personally must say I am sorry for it.”
One black glove came up and was extended toward him. Rumblepurr nodded, and extended his white glove to touch paws. “Apology accepted.”
“Thank you. Now, I have a more pleasant thing to say. As Jellicle Leader, I wish to grant you the right to join us, if we haven’t alienated you already.”
Now it was Rumblepurr’s time to look uneasy. Demeter pulled slightly at his arm, causing him to look at her.
“I would like for you to take that invitation. As I said, you have one friend.”
Rumblepurr noted another movement. The Twin Tigers of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer came up behind Demeter, and nodded.
“If it pleases ya, Guv’nor. I don’t raightly know iffen it means anyting, but ya were a raight propah gentleman with me laidy and me. Ya got two friends.”
Rumpleteazer looked over her shoulder with a pout, and then smiled at the White Tiger. “’Ere now, Jerrie? I’d saiy 'e 'as three friends, 'e does!”
Cassandra left Tugger and Silvana to join the group. She touched the White Tiger male’s other arm. “Make that four. Between Deme and I, we will help you understand what being a Jellicle means.”
A little later, Tugger and Silvana joined the group. “If this Classy Lady says she’s your friend, then you got the Tugger on your side. I like her taste.”
Silvana got a hip bump against the Tugger. “That’s only because she’s your First. I’m Silvana, and I’ll apologize if he causes you any trouble.”
Rumblepurr looked around, now slightly bewildered. “From one friend to many. I do not know what to say?”
“Say you’ll accept,” Demeter prodded gently.
Rumblepurr smiled. “Very well, I do accept. Do I address you as Leader?”
“Only if you need to be formal about things,” Munkustrap said gently. “If I am to be one of your friends, you may call me Munkus or Munk.”
“I would like that very much,” Rumblepurr nodded. “I hope you do not mind, I think I would like to respect your position here and address you as Leader.”
“As I said, Munkus, a raight propah gentleman, 'e is,” Mungojerrie chuckled.
“We’re having a Festival tonight if you wish to join us,” Munkustrap said after touching Jerrie’s paw. “Did I understand that you are a Home Jellicle?”
“Yes, I live in the Village south of the Vicarage by about four blocks. I was just coming out of the bookstore … by the Blessed Cat, my books! I will need to go get them home. Do I require some sort of password to get in and out of here?”
“No. The Guardians will know you as one of us. Shadowdancer is the Guardian at the Pipe that leads to and from the Village.”
Rumblepurr’s ears fell to the sides slightly. “How awkward. I am afraid I did not make a favorable impression on him when I came in.”
“That’s changed now,” Demeter said gently. “We’ll just have to make him aware of your status now.”
“My status?”
“As official Chronicler of the Jellicle Tribe.”
“The what?”
Demeter blinked and shook her head. She looked around at some of the blank stares and questions. “What did I just say?”
“You said I was a Chronicler, Deme,” Rumblepurr said gently. “You seemed like you were far away when you said it.”
“She was,” Cassandra put in. “Queen Demeter is a Seeress. Her dreams can see into our future, and apparently she discovered something by touching you.”
Rumpleteazer looked at the White Tiger, and then back to Demeter. “Wat’s dat mean, Deme?”
“I saw him in the background of my dreams lately,” Demeter said, suddenly realizing the link. “He was writing down something as an event occurred.”
“And to do that, I must remember to bring my notebook with me,” Rumblepurr said, mostly to himself. “I will require that fountain pen I use, a few small pencils and that eraser I found. I believe I can get a proper case to carry that here. Of course, I will have to transport them all when there are very few Humans about.”
“I take it that you would take such a position with us?”
“My dear Munkus, I would be honored! I am sure all of you can help me with your history.”
Munkustrap laughed good-naturedly and touched paws with the White Tiger male. He glanced to his left and sobered very quickly, though, where Quaxo stood, respectfully waiting.
“Griddlebone would like to see Rumblepurr.”
The group around the White Tiger suddenly quieted. Munkustrap nodded to Rumblepurr and the group parted. Demeter patted his arm, and then released him. Straightening his vest, and putting his Pince-Nez back on, Rumblepurr went over to the pillow where the Snow Queen lay. Although the bruises were still evident, the other injuries were not as noticeable. Rumblepurr was, at least, thankful for that. The Matron stood at his approach, and held up a paw before he could draw near to the pillow.
“Yes, Madam?”
“Jellylorum, dear.” She composed herself with her paws held crossed at the wrists in front of her. “I wish to apologize for being harsh with you. I treated her before, and did not relish being used again. I wanted you to know that you humbled me, and that I took exception to it. That was wrong of me, and that is why I wish to apologize.”
“Apology accepted, Madam … ah, Jellylorum.”
The Matron nodded, and allowed a small smile to lighten her face. “She’s okay, but I would not want her to move too much. I healed the broken bones, but she’s not ready to get up. She’s weak, but I don’t think it will hurt to talk. I might warn you that she may not be very pleasant, and she may be a bit conscious about her … looks. Do not be surprised if she falls asleep on you, though. If you need me, I will be nearby.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
That comment made her stop from moving. “Another one. Quaxie? Treat him nice from now on, you hear me?”
“Yes, Lady Jelly,” rumbled the large Tom.
As the Matron moved off toward the petite cream-point Queen on the other side of the room, Rumblepurr lifted a brow at the Sentinel. “Sentinel? What was that about?”
“Lady Jelly is both amused and honored to be so addressed by me in the past. You have apparently been accepted by her.”
“And what about you, sir?”
“You have attempted to act with honor, even when the situation was not in your favor. While your actions are commendable, they are somewhat foolish to commit to when you face insurmountable odds. Still, I must admire your willingness to sacrifice yourself to such standards. I would be honored if you would accept my friendship. My name is Quaxo.”
“Rumblepurr, and the honor is mine.” Rumblepurr bowed slightly at the waist, and received the same from the Sentinel.
“Rumpus, another one,” Bombalurina said.
Quaxo eyed the Scarlet Queen for a moment. “I believe I will leave you two to discuss things alone.”
“Thanks, Quaxie,” she said with a smile. Turning back, she regarded the White Tiger with a touch of chagrin. “Look, Rumble, I’m not very good at this, so please excuse me if I screw this up really good. I unloaded on you a while ago, and, well, I guess I was wrong to do that. I mean, when Deme takes your side, I must be on the wrong side of the tracks here. Do you understand any of this?”
“Yes, apology accepted.”
Bombalurina studied the White Tiger’s face and she gave him that famous half-smile of hers. “You know something? You actually do know how to talk to a girl.”
“I understand it when it is difficult to admit being wrong,” Rumblepurr said gently. “I also apologize for losing my temper with you. It was not proper of me to raise my voice to a lady.”
Reaching out, Bombalurina touched Rumblepurr lightly on the cheek. “You even know how to apologize nice. I really was wrong about you, Rumble.” When she turned, however, the smile left her. “But this … Bitch. I know I’m not wrong about her. Check your vest pockets before you leave her, and maybe make sure you’re not bleeding from various parts of your anatomy. I’ll leave you with her. If she gives you any lip, just tell Quaxo to take her out and dump her where she belongs.”
Rumblepurr looked bewildered again as Bombalurina went back to talk with Munkustrap and Demeter. Glancing back at the Snow Queen, the White Tiger went to her and sat where she did not have to turn her head much.
“Are you the one who brought me here?”
The voice was still amiable, but there were two things that bothered him. The missing teeth caused an unpleasant slip of certain vowels and consonants. Then, the voice had literal ice behind the façade, and Rumblepurr did not miss that tone.
“Yes.”
“Do you realize what you did?”
“I rescued you from death, Madam.”
She gave a short laugh, and winced. “And put me right back into it.”
“I do not understand.”
“No, I do not suppose you do.” She regarded him with ice-blue eyes, and Rumblepurr felt as though he should shiver. “You live in a comfortable home and get your meals served by a Human, do you not?”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Upper-class?”
“Not precisely. My Humans are well-off to a certain point.”
“It shows.” Again, those ice-blue eyes assayed him, and he nearly did shiver. “Well, my dear, you have saved me from dying from my injuries. I suppose I should thank you for that. But, such appreciation pales when I will probably die at the hands of one of these friends of yours some night.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You would to,” her voice replied, tinged with disdain. “Have you met Brutus yet, my dear?”
“No, Madam.”
“He said if he ever sees me again, he would gladly snap my neck, slit my throat, or gently squeeze my trachea until my life has departed from my body. See that little one over with our dear Matron? She is his Mate, and she would gladly do the same. But, since she is a Healer, she would use her Gift rather than brute strength.”
Rumblepurr looked back toward the two Healers, and noted that the one called Jellylorum was doing some serious talking to the younger one. He took off the Pince-Nez and began to clean it with a cloth again before he turned, and replaced it on his nose.
“From what I have been informed, I would say you probably deserve their animosity, Madam.”
“My, you are cultured, are you not, my dear? If I were to guess, you and Macavity might have had the same tutor. The only difference I have observed so far is your preference to remain civil. Macavity tends to forget that trait periodically.” Griddlebone moved restlessly and grimaced. “My dear? May I trouble you for some water?”
Rumblepurr looked about, and then noticed Quaxo move toward the back. The large Sentinel soon came back with a Human shotglass. He handed the glass to the White Tiger, who misjudged its weight and nearly dropped it. Only spilling a little, he managed to gain control of it while Quaxo carefully raised Griddlebone into a sitting position. Taking the glass back, Quaxo managed to help the Snow Queen drink until she was satisfied. Nodding, the Sentinel went back to his post.
“Now there is an honorable Tom,” Griddlebone said, glancing at the Sentinel. “You know what he did for me? After these friends of yours threatened me, and told me they would kill me if I ever returned, that gallant Tom dragged me out of the Yard and tossed me in the dirt. Then, he allowed a Pollicle to kick dirt all over me.”
“That is inappropriate behavior, granted, Madam,” Rumblepurr nodded. “However, I will point out that your actions may have provoked theirs.”
“In other words, you believe them and have already sided with them.”
“Madam, I am saying no such thing. Munkustrap has rescinded the order to harm you for the time being. It is my understanding that you are to be made well, and then released unharmed.”
“To go where I please?”
“Yes.”
“And you would vouchsafe this?”
“On my honor.”
“I will hold you to that, my dear. Now leave me. I wish to sleep.”
Rumblepurr nodded as the Snow Queen turned her head away from him. Rising, he bowed to her, and then nodded to the Sentinel. Quaxo led him to the curtain, and then out into the late afternoon.
“I will accompany you to the Vicarage Pipe. When we arrive, I will inform Shadowdancer of your being in the Tribe.”
“Thank you.”
Quaxo escorted the White Tiger to the Square where a few of the others were beginning to gather. Rumblepurr saw a small Family that caught his fancy. The parents were almost identical, and they were playing with a nearly white kitten.
“Who are they?”
“That is Alcestis and Admetus. Her kitten is Celestine.”
“They are a very lovely couple.”
“Would you wish to meet them?”
“Maybe later on. Your Leader mentioned a Festival?”
“Yes. Every full moon, the Tribe meets to celebrate, sing, dance or tell stories. Perhaps you have such an entertainment for this evening?”
Just then, a striking Brown Tabby Queen came up and over the earthen ramp. When she spotted Quaxo, she quickened her step. Passing by Rumblepurr as if he were not there, she jumped into Quaxo’s arms and warmly kissed him. The White Tiger promptly turned and took off his glasses, and started to clean them.
“My dear, I have a guest for you to meet. Rumblepurr?” Quaxo waited until the White Tiger turned around again. “May I present my Mate, Scatterburr.”
“Charmed, Madam.”
“Scatty or Scatterburr, please.”
“Very well. You are very beautiful, if I may say so. Sentinel? You are blessed.”
“I would like to believe so,” Quaxo replied with a slight bow.
Scatterburr smiled demurely, and kissed the huge Tom on the cheek. “He had better say so.”
“I am escorting our guest to the Vicarage Pipe. Would you please accompany me, my Love?”
“To be with two gentle-cats? My pleasure.”
She took Quaxo’s arm, and then offered her paw to Rumblepurr. He bowed slightly, and allowed her to take his arm as well. They had to dodge a kitten game in progress going through the tunnel, but nothing else prevented them from reaching the Vicarage Pipe. In the month since the devastating fire, a temporary chainlink fence took the place of the wooden one. The Vicarage Post was gone, so Shadowdancer waited a bit further off near the ironmongery pile. Three other Jellicles waited with him. The other male had a striking face of white and black patches and mostly white body fur. A Havana Brown Queen sat next to him, obviously his Mate or intended. Sitting next to the standing Guardian, a black Queen had been telling a story to the other three when Quaxo came out with Scatterburr and Rumblepurr. Quaxo made the introductions.
“Rumblepurr? May I present Alonzo, his Mate Exotica, and Sundancer, who is Shadowdancer’s Mate. This is Rumblepurr, our newest member.”
Scatterburr let go of the White Tiger’s arm so he could meet the others. He touched paws with Alonzo, bowed to both Exotica and Sundancer, and then approached the large Black Guardian. As the White Tiger did, Quaxo stood easy, but he watched carefully as the two regarded each other. One sign seemed promising to the Sentinel. The White Tiger had not removed his glasses, nor was he cleaning them.
“I am willing to be on friendly terms, if you are, Guardian.”
Shadowdancer looked down at the extended white glove with a neutral expression on his face. “You’re not afraid of me?”
Rumblepurr smiled. “As a matter of fact, I am somewhat terrified.”
The white glove remained held out. Finally, Shadowdancer smiled slightly. “Yet you stood up to me. Not very smart, but you have guts. Did you pass Quaxo’s test?”
“I am not sure what you mean by that, Shadowdancer.”
The Guardian looked up to Quaxo, who nodded his head. “According to the Top, you did. If Quaxo accepts you, I can also. Sure.” The black paw came out and touched the white one. “I’d be more careful about who you defend around here, though.”
“Guardian, I am sorry you feel that way. If we could show compassion to everyone, this world would be much better off.”
“That may be so in the storybooks, friend, but not here,” Shadowdancer said softly. “Sometimes, it’s best to know who to defend and who to let be.”
Rumblepurr nodded slowly. “I see. Thank you. I will consider your advice in the future, should the need arise.”
Scatterburr came up to the White Tiger. “You’re coming back around sunset, aren’t you?”
“Lady Scatty, I would not miss this for the world.” He took both her paws, and squeezed them gently. “Until then, I must bid you good-bye.”
As the White Tiger went down the Pipe, Shadowdancer stood at the opening. Sundancer stood and padded over to stand by him, her paw touching his arm. Both of them looked out, and watched the white cat disappear around the far corner.
“He seemed nice enough,” Sundancer said, stroking the Guardian’s fur.
“Yeah. I just hope Brutus doesn’t find out about Griddlebone being here. He was pretty constrained last time. When I thought he was going to kill her, he surprised me. I wouldn’t have just dropped her. I would have booted her through the gate.”
“I hope you never do that to me.”
“You’re not Griddlebone, so I wouldn’t have to.”
Her arm went around his waist and his arm went about her shoulders.
***** Finis *****