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Munkustrap watched with amusement at the playfulness of the kittens below him. Though sometimes their wild antics got the better of him, they really meant no harm. Two of the young male kits started playfully nipping on each other, and it soon turned into a tumbling and tugging fight.
Just then, the Tugger came waltzing out of the shadows, causing cries from the young girl kittens, particularly Jemima- who had a large crush on him. The Tugger brushed them off, discarding them with his usual cool and distant attitude. Bombalurina noticed him from the other side of the junkyard, and put on a disapproving frown. Bombalurina had been upset with him ever since the last Jellicle Ball, where the Tugger had rejected her. The Tugger's latest flame, Etcetera, followed close behind him, hissing off the young kits and glaring protectively at Bombalurina. Munkustrap couldn't help the smug grin that crept on his face. The way girls fought over Rum Tum Tugger was even more amusing then watching the playful kittens get into trouble. The Tugger and Etcetera wandered over to the old car, and Tugger settled down on it, Etcetera snuggling next to him. Munkustrap saw the heat boil in Bomba's face, and watched her glower silently.
Tearing his gaze away from the Tugger battle, the young leader noticed an energetic Mistoffelees bounce into view, followed by the newest member of the Jellicles, Jadadaye. Those two have been getting quite cozy... Munkustrap said, smiling, thinking about the couple's growing friendship. Mistoffelees went on to try to impress Jadadaye by trying to zap some of his magical lighting bolts. Unfortunately for the small Tom, it didn't work, and Jadadaye had to stifle her laughter while Mistoffelees examined his paw with bewilderment and frustration.
Old Deuteronomy was catnapping in his usual place, and Coricopat and Tantomile were sleeping, cuddled up next to each other, in the sun. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were undoubtedly off on another one of their adventures, and most of the Queens- including Demeter, Cassandra, Electra, and Exotica- were gathered round talking about the usual girl stuff. Skimbleshanks was off at the train station; Jennyanydots was off taking care of her many charges; and Tumblebrutus, Alonzo, Plato, and Asparagus were hanging about in yet another part of the junkyard. He figured the last was about the only conversation he could be part of, so the young Tom jumped off his perch on top of a junkpile. Striding past everyone, they gave a nod of hello and resumed their conversations. Munkustrap couldn't help thinking that this was the group that he was eventually going to lead. He couldn't wait to be in total control, and was enjoying his training from dear Old Deuteronomy. Munkustrap was always one to be practical and take charge, and he always felt responsible for any of the Jellicle cats, even though he was not the leader yet. Lucky for him, the other cats gave him the obedience he demanded when it came time to demand- which was often- or he would go nuts.
"Hey, Munk!" Plato cried out in greeting.
Munkustrap was snapped out of his dream world, and focused in on the group of Toms he had been walking towards.
"Hello," he responded, sitting down on the nearest junk pile.
The other Toms noticed his preoccupied state, and Tumblebrutus gave a weird look to Asparagus, who just shrugged.
"Where've you been off to??" Tumblebrutus demanded cheerily.
"Huh?" Munkustrap asked, startled.
The five cats laughed at Munkustrap's coincidental remark.
"What are you daydreaming about?" Asparagus inserted.
"Oh, I was just thinking that someday...someday I'll lead these cats" Munkustrap trailed, gesturing to the many Jellicle cats that lay about.
"Ohhhh..." Alonzo said. "Excited, huh?"
"Yeah," Munkustrap sighed, reluctant to say any more of what was on his mind.
The othe Toms continued their conversation, leaving Munkustrap to daydream again. No matter how hard he tried to concentrate, he just couldn't do it. He was feeling the pressure of someday becoming the leader, and it seemed as if no one could understand- or even would try to understand. As much as he had been ordering the group around already, the thought of doing it without any guidance from Deuteronomy was horrifying. Maybe he was getting all worried over nothing, as he had faired just fine in other experiences without his help, and he was never alone...there was always Alonzo and Tumblebrutus and Pouncival and Skimbleshanks and Asparagus to help- even Jadadaye. But, still...
Munkustrap tried to tune into the conversation, but found himself totally lost, he'd already missed too much- and the others didn't care to explain. Munkustrap frowned, and excused himself.
Alonzo watched as Munkustrap slowly wandered away, probably going to some secluded spot he couldn't see. Something's up...Munkustrap isn't his normal self. I wonder what's on his mind... Alonzo shook his head, and vowed he'd take it up with the young Tom. Right then.
Munkustrap was deep in thought. What if I screw things up? What if I'm a terrible leader without Old Deuteronomy? What if they hate me? What if I let someone die? I'll never forgive myself if a cat gets hurt because of me...what if I can't handle Macavity? Macavity hadn't been around in awhile, and the thought just first crossed his mind. It was all luck, whether he won or Macavity won...it was all chance. Mostly, Munkustrap was just afraid of letting the other cats down. He wanted to be the best leader he could be...and that would require a lot of work. The stress and unanswered questions began to eat at his mind, and he hadn't been doing a lot of his regular things lately, even forgetting to eat sometimes- he'd get so wrapped up in his worries.
Alonzo stopped in his tracks when he noticed the familiar back of the black and gray Tom, his chin resting in his hands. Stepping up behind him, he tapped Munkustrap lightly on the shoulder.
"Ahh!" he cried, leaping about a foot in the air.
Munkustrap's own reactions surprised Alonzo as well, and he jumped back.
"Hello to you too, Munk!" Alonzo joked.
Munkustrap turned around to face his black and white friend.
"Alonzo! Don't do that!" he declared.
"Sorry," Alonzo responded sheepishly.
Munkustrap regained his composure, and stood up to his full height, making even the tall Alonzo feel short.
"Ah...Munk...I know there's more to it than what you told us out there...what's on your mind?" Alonzo persisted.
Munkustrap looked down sheepishly, fully aware that if he told Alonzo, he would know that the apparently confident leader was really a wimp at heart.
"Um...nothing...really..."
Alonzo raised his eyes in disbelief.
"You don't think that will fool me, do you? I'm your best friend...you can't keep something from me."
Alonzo grinned coyly, knowing that he had got his friend there, because he knew it was true. As much as Munkustrap was a loner, Alonzo always seemed to make him fess up. He most certainly wasn't going to fall short of doing that this time. He was worried about his friend...
"You're right..." Munkustrap sighed, "I'm...I'm a little...nervous- about being the leader, ya know? When Deuteronomy dies, I..."
Alonzo put on a face of amusement.
"That's what's been bothering you?" he asked, humored.
Alonzo was surprised, to say the least. That would be the last thing to cross his mind. Munkustrap always seemed so confident. Munkustrap always kept things in line...heck, whether he knew it or not, he pretty much was already the leader!
"Yeah..." Munkustrap trailed, blushing and looking down at the ground.
Woah! Munkustrap is not one to be embarassed!
"Why, man? You're a great leader already. No other cat here could control the group like you do. Besides, you're not alone."
"I guess..." Munkustrap mumbled.
Alonzo snickered. He was trying to control his laughter, but the uptight Munkustrap is not one to be so...vulnerable.
"You think that's funny, don't you?" Munkustrap accused.
"I'm sorry..." Alonzo said, giggles creeping up in his throat.
"Listen...you won't tell anyone...will you?" Munkustrap said, voice filled with fear.
sight of Munkustrap acting like an inferior was almost too much to take.
"No-no, of cou-of course not!" Alonzo promised, giggles breaking his sentence.
Munkustrap realized he was only digging himself a deeper hole, and the usual strong Tom came back.
"Hey! This is not funny! You go- get!" Munkustrap exclaimed.
The sound of his voice was coarse and stern, but Alonzo could tell that Munk was not mad at him. Nevertheless, he left, and the black and gray Tom could hear him laugh all the way out the junkyard.
Munkustrap shook his head, but found he couldn't be mad at him. Boy, the things I let that guy get away with!
Janelera wandered into a dark alley, hoping with all her might that it would take her to the Jellicle junkyard. Janelera heard a rustling ahead, and froze. Listening, she heard nothing, and started to walk again. Again, she heard it, and listened. The sound continued, and grew closer and louder.
"Hello?" she asked quietly.
No answer. She slowly tiptoed forward, trying to convince herself there was nothing to be afraid of. She slowly started turning around, checking out all sides of her. She turned to the front, and ran into something...hard.
"Ooof!"
She looked up, only to see that in front of her stood a very tall, sturdy built Tom. Gulping, she realized she could be in very big trouble.
"Uh, sorry, I didn't see you!" she insisted, turning around and getting ready to speed off in the other direction.
But, as soon as she had a taken one step, a stong arm grabbed her shoulder and forced her to stop.
"Woah there, kitty! What's got you off in such a hurry?" he laughed.
Janelera noticed that he had a thick British accent, and that his voice was full of character. There was obviously no threat. When she turned around, she saw a smiling multicolored Tom with a bag over his shoulder.
"Oh! You scared me!" she exclaimed.
He laughed, and smiled brighter.
"Didn't know I could do that," he joked, "And you didn't answer my question. I don't recognize you, you can't be from around here."
"No, I'm from a tribe a long way from here...wherever here is. I'm looking for the Jellicle junkyard. You wouldn't happen to know where that is, would you?" she explained.
"Of course I do! I go there all the time, I'm part of the Jellicle tribe! This just must be your lucky day!" he laughed.
"Oh, thank you! I would love it so much if could show me the way."
"Hold it- you're no threat, right?" he asked, taking precautions.
"No," she giggled, "Just a cat who ran away from her tribe."
"Kay. Hey, by the way, I'm Mungojerrie...one of your soon to be new tribe members."
"Nice to meet you, Mungojerrie...I'm Janelera. My sister's around here somewhere, so you'd have to take her too, if you don't mind."
"No problem!" he exclaimed.
Janelera was filled with relief. She was so greatful.
"Mungojerrie!" she heard a Queen call from behind him, "That was great! The rest of the tribe members will never suspect we stole their sheets! We have done it again!"
The Queen giggled as she approached Mungojerrie, but then stopped when she noticed Janelera. After a reproachful glare from Mungojerrie, she put on an innocent look.
"Oops."
"Janelera, I'd like you to meet my "partner in crime", Rumpleteazer," Mungojerrie said icily, "Rumple, this is the girl we have to take to the Jellicle junkyard to become part of the tribe."
"Ohhh..." Rumpleteazer said, giggling again.
Janelera decided she should ease the scene.
"Don't worry, I won't tell any of the tribe members...if you take us there. I'm very grateful, you saved us a lot of hassle," she promised.
Mungojerrie eased up at that.
"Us?" Rumpleteazer asked.
"Yeah, my sister's coming too." she explained, "MAREYANA!"
As if on cue, Mareyana entered the scene.
"Yes?" she asked, after wincing from her sister's loud call.
"Hi. Hey, this is Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, they're part of the Jellicle tribe. Mungo and Rumple, this is my sister, Mareyana."
"Hi!" the two multicolored cats chorused brightly.
Well, those two are in good spirits! Mareyana thought.
Can you two take us to the junkyard?" she asked quietly.
"We're way ahead of you, it's already planned," Mungojerrie explained.
Mareyana smiled, relief filling her whole body. She had been just as lost as her younger sister.
"Shall we go?" Rumpleteazer cried, grabbing Mareyana 's arm without waiting for an answer and taking off. Mungojerrie and Janelera laughed, taking off at full speed behind them.
Munkustrap paced back and forth impatiently, jolting his head up at any sound. But none of them came from the culprits he was looking for.
"You should ease up, pal, before you drill a whole in the ground!" Tumblebrutus said, passing by the uptight Tom for the second time that night and noticing his ever constant pacing.
Munkustrap shot him a glare, and started to mumble something. Tumblebrutus didn't want to get into it, so he left him grumbling to himself. Tumblebrutus noticed Asparagus on his way out the junkyard, practically falling alseep on his guard. He giggled, and tapped the brown cat lightly.
Asparagus jolted up quickly and yelped in surprise, ready to pounce on whatever had disturbed him. Noticing the giggling Tom next to him, he relaxed.
"Aren't you supposed to be watching to see if our culprits come back?" Tumblebrutus asked.
"Uh, yeah...I sorta drifted off."
Tumblebrutus could understand why he would. Munkustrap had chosen the "lucky" few who would stand guard tonight to watch for Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer- they were suspected of stealing all of the sleeping comforts from the Jellicle cats'- and he was one. Tumblebrutus got out of it, and he was happy he did. It was already extremely late and the guards still had to be up.
"You should see the way Munkustrap is pacing around in there. He's acting like a caged tiger," he said conversationally.
"I wouldn't be surprised. Alonzo isn't being too patient either," Asparagus added.
Tumblebrutus shook his head, and waved as he walked off. Asparagus watched as Alonzo passed him, mind deep in thought. Alonzo stopped where Asparagus was.
"Anything happen?"
"Nope."
Alonzo nodded, and walked into the junkyard. As soon as Alonzo was out of sight, Asparagus could feel a small smile tug at his lips.