Chrychaesa lay on her back under her tree in thought. She remembered her first time with the Jellicles. She remembered who she was then and who she was now. She missed how things were and yet she was glad to be where she was now. Her memories weren't the blur they had been.
All she wanted to do now was relax and try to remember things the way they were. She felt sad. Then Demeter came behind her and whispered
"Chryssie?"
"Demeter, what is it? You're crying." Chryssie sat up instantly concerned.
"Chryssie, I am going to be separated from the Jellicle tribe. My family is leaving London. We are to live somewhere in America. Anyway I just want to ask you a favor. I want you to take care of Munkustrap for me."
"What?"
"Consider it this way. You can love him in my place."
"But Demeter I can't, you two mean so much to each other."
"I know, but I also know that he cares for you deeply, so I want you to take care of him, so he won't hurt so much."
"Well, what about me? I'll be there to ease Munkustrap's pain, but what will ease mine?"
"Bombalurina will."
"Well what about her?"
"Bombalurina is a survivor. I know that she'll be OK. That's why I want her to depend on you."
"Demeter, don't go away. Run away from the family, I mean, you'll always have a place here."
"I have to stay with the family. They are good to me and they protect me. I'll manage somehow."
"But who will you have?"
"Oh, I'll find some tom somewhere."
"Demeter, Munkustrap means so much to you."
"Yes he does. But if you will take care of him then it would be easier for me to leave."
"When do you have to go?"
"Two nights time."
"Oh, I see. Have you told Bombalurina and Munkustrap yet?"
"I've only told Bombalurina. I can't tell Munkustrap yet." Chryssie stood up quickly.
"Well come on then."
"Where are we going?"
"We're going to Munkustrap's cave and you can tell him."
"So soon? I'd rather tell him the day I leave."
"No, I want you two to spend as much time with each other as you can." Chryssie dragged Demeter to Munkustrap's cave and she called to him, her voice echoing off the cave walls.
"Munkustrap are you in there?"
"Yes Chryssie?" Munkustrap said coming to the mouth of the cave.
"Demeter has to tell you something." Chryssie said quickly then left Demeter.
She climbed to a lower spot where Demeter and Munkustrap could not see her, but she could see them. She couldn't hear them, but she could tell that Demeter was telling him the sad news because her head hang low and she wouldn't look at him.
Chryssie then studied Munkustrap's face. It had lost the sunny smile. He lifted Demeter's chin and asked her why. She answered and then he leaned and kissed her.
Demeter clung to Munkustrap and Chryssie turned away. She felt sad for Demeter and wished that she could stay. She felt her old beliefs returning to her.
She turned back and saw Munkustrap standing alone. She climbed up behind him and gently touched his shoulder.
"Munkustrap, I know it hurts. I suffer the same thing." He looked at her, and noticed the sadness in her eyes, there were tears and her eyes seemed to be dancing as the tears shimmered in the moonlight.
"Do you really?"
"Yes I do Munkustrap. I will miss her as much as you will." She then wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
"I'll be here for you just in case. Just call." She then walked back to her tree. She curled up and went to sleep and dreamt painful dreams about Demeter.
A shaking awakened her. It was gentle and it wasn't Munkustrap or any cat that was around her.
She woke and looked into the face of Rawtawny, or at least a crystalline figure of him. She backed up in surprise.
"Don't be afraid Chrychaesa. It is only I, Rawtawny, and I wont hurt you. I can't and wouldn't even if I wanted to I wouldn't. It's only me, your love Rawtawny."
"Rawtawny, why are you visiting me?"
"You have been so distressed I can't bear it."
"Can you still become solid, so you can touch?"
"I don't know. I am not familiar with all this. I've been asleep for so long." He then became Rawtawny.
"I can't stay like this for long, I'll just disappear. But tell me, what is troubling you?" He sat down by the base of the tree, and Chryssie leaned against him and told him everything.
He listened in silence. He then said
"Time will untangle this, not you. But I have the feeling that something will happen, a disaster that will tear Munkustrap's life apart. It involves you."
"Oh Great Everlasting Cat, what will I do to him next?"
"Something severe, that's all I can tell you."
"Do you know more?"
"Unfortunately no. I can't see anything else." Chryssie sighed and hoped that she wouldn't hurt Munkustrap, too badly.
Rawtawny rested his paw along her shoulders. She reached her paw to his and lifted it to her face. She just sat there in thought. She felt his paw turn her face towards his and she looked sadly at him.
He then brought his face close and kissed her gently. He then withdrew.
Chryssie wrapped her arms around him and was puzzled that he did not do the same with her. She looked into his eyes. Then drew close and kissed him again. Then she felt him hold her, with such a tender touch. She then rested her head against his shoulder. She wished that he were alive and she cursed Macavity over and over in her mind, for tearing Rawtawny away from her and leaving her having to battle an unwanted battle for Munkustrap.
She soon grew drowsy. She looked tired so Rawtawny laid her down. He kissed her one last time, then he disappeared. The next thing Chryssie remembered was Munkustrap shaking her. She woke up with a start and looked into his eyes.
"Hmm, I must have fallen asleep."
"Yes you were out cold."
"What is it Munkustrap?" He sat down and just looked at her.
"All right." She said and moved over, so he could have enough room on the soft grass to cuddle up to her.
They lay on their sides facing each other and just slept.
Chryssie woke again and sensed that he needed something more then just the feeling of knowing that she was there, so she moved closer to him, and soon was in his arms. She was so close as she had been several times before, but there was just the feeling of needing instead of wanting. Soon she realized that Munkustrap was awake and looking down at her.
"Munkustrap, it's really late, you should think about getting some sleep. It may do you good."
"I just can't tonight. Knowing that I may never see her again."
"Munkustrap, you will, I have a feeling you will." She then felt something warm and wet crawling down her fur. She saw it was a tear. She looked up at Munkustrap who was just staring into space with the tears running down his cheeks.
She felt so guilty and she wanted to just run to Demeter's new lodging and get her to come and take care of him. But she knew that Demeter had left that job to her. She moved up and gently kissed away his tears. She sat up and cradled his head against her chest. She rocked him back and forth and stroked his head, and let the beating of her heart calm him and let him remember that she cared for him, and that she always would. She stroked his cheek and rubbed his back and shoulders. All she wanted to do was make the tears stop from falling. She kissed his head and cradled him closer.
He wrapped his arms around her and just allowed her to cradle him as he cried out his grief for parting with Demeter.
She then heard voices, many voices, singing out in high pitches, and in perfect harmony. They seemed to be calling to her, but she wouldn't leave Munkustrap. A gold light surrounded her and she held Munkustrap as tightly as she could and lowered her eyes.
"Chryssie, what's the matter?"
"Don't you hear them? The voices?"
"What voices, and why are you covering your eyes?"
"It's so bright out Munkustrap, don't you see the light?"
"There is no light Chryssie."
"What?" She raised her eyes and it was dark. But she could still hear the voices, but soon they disappeared.
"What happened?"
"Maybe you shouldn't be doing this." Munkustrap said and sat up and gathered Chryssie up in his arms.
"Hold on, I heard voices and I saw gold light. You do believe me don't you?"
"I believe you. I just didn't see or hear anything." Chryssie then relaxed. She then faced Munkustrap and kissed him quickly. She then leaned her back against him, and soon fell asleep listening to the beating of his heart and the feel of his breathing.
The night was exceptionally chilly, but she felt safe and warm, despite of what she saw and heard. She felt safe and warm because Munkustrap was with her. She felt all these sensations and she stifled shivers of excitement as Munkustrap put his arms around her. But when the mid of night came, she felt she could sleep no longer. Turning back, she saw Munkustrap had fallen asleep. She detangled herself from him and stood down by the lakeside.
That was one of the reasons why she liked that area so much, there was a lakeside that helped calm and relax her when she was in a certain state. She tried to relax herself for it was Munkustrap who was causing her excitement. She just felt too vulnerable tonight. She felt ready to cave in at any touch.
She just stood gazing at the water and she saw the shapes of the dancing angels. They were white and had no eyes, just glowing white, and their wings were folded back behind them. She couldn't tell the difference between them whether they'd be female or male, and what she saw frightened her because she heard the singing again.
She tore her eyes from the water and looked straight ahead, trying to get the images from her head. She then felt the soft arms encircle her.
"Why did you get up?" Munkustrap asked softly.
"It just got to hot for me. That's all."
"That wouldn't explain why you are cold then."
"No I'm fine, really I am."
"Then come back with me." She let him lead her back to their place. Before he let her down, he wrapped her up in his arms. He then kissed her, gently but it reminded her about Demeter, which didn't make his kiss as sweet as it was.
"You feel guilty. I know how you feel."
"I do Munkustrap, I do. I just wish she didn't have to go. Without her here, it just doesn't seem to look good for us."
"Why?"
"I don't know, it just seemed like she was encouraging us, you know, to be together."
"Demeter works in mysterious ways, not even I know what she would be up to."
Sweetly, Chryssie kissed him then. They just held each other there, allowing their sadness to try to escape the happiness with each other. But it could not be done. Chryssie then lay down on the soft grass and she felt Munkustrap next to her.
She then slept the best she could.
It was dawn when she awoke to find Munkustrap gone.
"He's probably with Demeter." She told herself then awoke herself. She walked amongst the rest of the cats who were starting the day at dawn, mainly Skimble. He was usually up with the sun along with his sunny personality.
"Skimble? Good Morning."
"Yes indeed lass, and good morning to ye too. But why aren't you with young Munkustrap now?"
"He went traveling. Skimble I have to tell you something."
"Yes lass what is it?"
"Well last night I heard angel voices and I saw a gold light. I also saw then dancing in the reflection of the lake behind my tree. I heard their voices again there too. Please don't think I'm crazy, Rawtawny also visited me. He just warned me that something terrible was going to happen and it would affect Munkustrap tremendously. I'm afraid that I may do something terrible to him."
The look on Skimble's face scared Chryssie. It was like horror. Quickly he said,
"Chryssie, lassie, I need to talk to the lad Mistoffelees real fast, I won't be long, but please stay behind."
OK and now I said something to make Skimble lose his mind. Chryssie thought miserably.
Soon Skimble returned with Mistoffelees, Victoria, Plato and Jennyanydots.
"What's going on?"
"Chryssie, I think that you are in grave danger here. Maybe you should leave."
"No, I can't leave, I promised Demeter that I would take care of Munkustrap, and he won't leave here. I have to stay. A promise is a promise, especially with a friend. I have to stay."
"All right Child. The Everlasting Cat bless ye." Chryssie then nodded her head.
Mistoffelees was standing by Tantomile and Coricopat when they suddenly hissed and began looking about them.
"What is it you two." "Tell him, Coricopat."
"We have been seeing a girl come to us, a girl in a vision. She can't speak to us and yet she tries to tell us what she wants by pointing and doing various things that we are not sure of."
"A girl? Well where is she, maybe I can help her the poor kit."
"Mistoffelees. She is a human girl."
"A Human? She was a human in a vision? Impossible!"
"You will know her when you see her, she is a girl with brown eyes."
"She is very tall about Five feet four inches."
"She always wears a pink shirt, covering blue jeans and her feet are only socked."
"She has long lashed eyes which seem to pierce through you if she looked at you hardly."
"She has long hair that reaches to mid back on a human, and she seems to have a crown of white beads surrounding her high forehead."
"Her hair covers her ears but when you see them, diamonds could be seen."
"She had the appearance of a goddess but the form of a child."
"There is something strange about this ghost, she appears to be solid, but she isn't."
"How do you she's not solid?"
"Tantomile tried to scratch her and fell right through her."
"She's around here somewhere."
"There she is!" Coricopat looked straight at the car. There was no one.
"Are you sure Coricopat?"
"Yes, I saw her in the reflection." They all approached a hubcap and peered into the shiny surface. There, Mistoffelees saw the girl at a distance.
Unfortunately she didn't see him and she stared into the faces of Tantomile and Coricopat. She was a beautiful human but Mistoffelees didn't like them.
He didn't like anyone except those who were dear to him. He saw her mouth something to them. They couldn't understand and they turned their backs and left her.
She then saw Mistoffelees and motioned him to come closer. He stepped closer and tapped the hubcap with his paw. At once the image of the human disappeared and he looked up and saw her sitting on the car trunk.
"Thank you Mr. Mistoffelees, I had been stuck in there for the longest time."
"Do I know you?"
"Oh you do know me, well at least you should."
"I don't remember you."
"Well of course you don't I'm not in existence yet."
"So how do I know you."
"Never mind. I'll be back Mistoffelees." She then vanished. Tantomile then returned with Coricopat to the hubcap.
"A strange mute thing isn't she?"
"She isn't mute. She just talked to me."
"What?"
"I let her out I guess."
"And she talked to you? What did she say?"
"She thanked me. I asked her if I knew her and she said yes, but I don't know any humans."
"How come she talked to you instead of us?"
"That's a mystery." Later that day Mistoffelees happened inside Munkustrap's cave.
"Hello Mistoffelees." Said a voice and then it crept out into the light. It was the human girl. Mistoffelees put on his vague and aloof attitude and said
"Oh, it's you again."
"Yes it is I. I wanted to thank you for setting me free again. That was very kind of you and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate it."
"What did I do?"
"You set me free of course."
"Why didn't you get free because of Tantomile and Coricopat?"
"They didn't have the magic touch."
"Anyway how do you know me? I don't know you."
"You don't know me because I am not in existence yet, But I will be."
"How will you be?"
"I can tell you don't like me very much."
"Yes and I would love to have you leave me alone now, how will you be in existence?"
"I can't tell you that. But I can tell you this, keep Demeter from leaving her new house. Don't let her leave alone."
"She already has, several times." The human sat down and looked down.
"Then Mistoffelees, my path to existence has already begun and no one can alter it now. I'm sorry."
Munkustrap walked in, and greeted Mistoffelees.
"Hello Mistoffelees. What do you need?"
"Oh I was just in here I guess. You can't see her?"
"See whom?"
"The human."
"There is no human in here."
"Oh, sorry just being silly, one of my magic tricks screwed me up today."
"Oh I see."
The human rolled her eyes as if it was a lame excuse.
"Well Mistoffelees, I have to get moving, Rumpleteaser and Mungojerrie want to see me about whatever it is they want to see me about. Good day Mistoffelees."
"Good day Munkustrap."
"Magic tricks gone wrong, my foot." The human girl said.
"Well you are aren't you?" The human girl paused and looked at him as if to say
"I don't believe he got me." He then turned and left.
"Mistoffelees, I'll see you in the future, and take care of yourself." She then vanished again.
Chryssie sighed as she turned and started to pace again. What did Skimble mean? Was she going to go on another crazy adventure? "Chryssie, my love you are troubled again."
"Rawtawny, even more so then I was last night. I just don't see where this is going to lead."
"It just involves you, Demeter and Munkustrap."
"I knew it! Another crazy adventure is coming. All I want is just to relax."
"With Munkustrap?"
"Well we never have time together. All we can get is a few kisses, and just holding. That's all. I mean, we are always interrupted by some natural, Macavity, physical or emotional disaster, we just never have time." Rawtawny looked at her and smiled gently at her.
"I know it's hard on your heart, but be strong, it will help you."
"Yes. I just get so tired risking my life time and time again for him. My risks get more and more risky, it's a risky relationship and we both play a major role in it. I mean, the only things that we can cling to of each other are those few special moments together, or when we just finished saving each other's lives. It puts a real strain on us."
"But what do you get out of it?"
"Our love, our trust, our faith in one another, I know he isn't going to let me down at any time. When we do get time together, it just impassions us, and binds us together."
"See? You get a lot from a lot."
"Rawtawny, we just get so tired sometimes. I believe we are the reason Demeter is leaving, she wants to get away from us, and our happiness. She knows I'm in the way with her and Munkustrap so she just backed down."
"Chryssie, my sweet. It wasn't you. Her family is moving and she doesn't want to leave them because they love her and she loves them."
"At least I have you to talk to."
"I will always be here. I have to pay for my crimes before I go to the Heaviside Heaven. That is a great many years, but I will manage. I will get to see you."
"Chryssie?"
"It's Munkustrap."
"Take this opportunity my sweet." Then Rawtawny faded away. "Munkustrap I'm in here."
"What are you doing back in this old dark place? Don't you want to be out in the light?"
"I was just thinking about things that's all and trying to receive council."
"What have you been thinking about?"
"About us." Munkustrap smiled a little.
"What about us?"
"It's just that we see each other everyday, and we never really had a true opportunity to really spend time with each other." Munkustrap slid a little closer.
"That's true, we haven't."
"Everything seems to happen." Chryssie said inching closer. "Nothing is happening now." Closer still.
"Now's as good as any." Chryssie said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"We will spend hours." Munkustrap said and she was in his arms. "Something may happen." Chryssie whispered tilting her head back.
"Nothing will." Munkustrap said and bowed his head.
"Munkustrap!" A voice called. It was Jemima. Munkustrap fell back and Chryssie rested her forehead on her palm.
"Dang." she said, keeping herself from murmuring dirty words. "Munkustrap, someone took Etcetera's ball if you don't know where it is."
"You girls hit it in here yesterday and forgot to get it." He then walked behind a stone and came out with the ball.
"Oh, sorry about that." She said and then Chryssie burst out laughing. Jemima looked at her as if she wasn't sure what was going on and then left with the ball.
"See Munkustrap. Something will always happen."
"Maybe it was coincidence."
"Or the Everlasting Cat has something against me."
Munkustrap then faced her and took her shoulders. She was surprised by the seriousness of his touch, and gasped.
"Do you trust me Chryssie?" He asked quietly.
"Like a child."
"We're going to see if the Everlasting Cat has something against us." He pulled her close and held her.
She pushed his face so he could kiss her. She was ready for him. He kissed her tenderly, and on the inside he felt like a boiling kettle all ready to overflow with all the hot desires and passions that burned inside him. She felt like a volcano ready to erupt in a swift violent explosion.
They heard the sound of a paper rustling and they saw a paper stuck to the jagged edges of stone.
Chryssie then sighed angrily and released her hold on Munkustrap.
"I knew it." She murmured frustratedly.
Munkustrap growled in a frustrated manner in his throat and took the paper and looked it over.
His face lost its angry expression and was replaced by worry, or even fear.
"Munkustrap, what is it?" Chryssie asked, coming over. He showed her the paper and she saw a message scrawled on it.
"Demeter is in our custody now. If you want her back, be at the enchanted island at sundown in the cave tomorrow night. Don't let Chrychaesa join you, but bring the other Jellicles. If you do not follow these instructions exactly then we will have no choice but to eliminate Demeter. I personally WILL do it. Be in the cave before midnight. There we will battle life and death for Demeter, Macavity. "
"Oh no, Munkustrap."
"Macavity's outdone himself."
"Can't I do something? Anything at all, follow behind, anything?"
"No, I can't risk Demeter's life in that way."
"I want to help her."
"Maybe the only thing you can do to keep this thing from going on is staying back."
"But I want to help you too." He fondly took her head in his hands.
"You'll always help me, as long as I can see you smile." He kissed her. Then he folded her up in his arms and she clung to him like a frightened child.
Usually a queen would be afraid to go. This one was afraid to be left behind. He smiled, as he knew that she cared for his and the other's safety.
That's why she had leapt at every chance to save them all because she cared so deeply. He hadn't even have given her himself and already he felt owned. He also knew that he carried bands strong on her as well.
Neither of them would or could break those bands for they were to tightly bond together and they never wanted to escape.
"Jennyanydots will stay behind with you." He said gently.
"But you are a clever thing and I know that you will aid me in some way, be careful though, there probably are guards, thieves and spies at every turn."
"You're letting me go?"
"I probably couldn't tell you to do otherwise because I know you wouldn't listen to me."
"Munkustrap, I can't listen to you when you tell me to stay behind when you know I can't turn my back without being sure you or any other cat is OK." She looked up at him.
He pulled her closer and kissed her intimately.
She felt herself being enveloped in fire and she moved to him, and close.
Heat, that's all she felt. Just the heat of his kisses and she would have been boiling if it was at low temperatures. But she felt as if she were thrown into the volcano and was burning at its extreme heat.
His kisses were scorching her, burning and searing her. She felt the cold stone of the wall behind her, but she was still being burned by his passionate kisses, so hot, so fiery that she felt like she couldn't stand it. She felt Munkustrap all around and her mind was in frenzy, which was all she wanted.
Rum Tug Tugger paced outside.
Something was wrong, Chryssie was in Munkustrap's cave much too long, even for her. He worried that something was wrong, and he worried that nothing was wrong either. He couldn't stand not knowing, he needed to find out what was going on in there. She had been in there three hours.
No peep, nothing, no one going out or in. It was a chilly night and the other cats were with their loved ones or their friends.
So why wasn't she out with Bombalurina or anyone else. At least she could have bothered Skimble before she went to bed.
What if she was with Munkustrap? What if they...
No, he couldn't let himself think that.
Besides, she's still too young. Was she? All these worries were tearing Tugger apart and then he realized that he was acting like her parents, always worrying.
But still she was his friend and he wasn't about to let himself be called 'uncle Tugger' by any kitten. Chryssie and Munkustrap couldn't do that to him... could they?
"I'm going to go inside and see. Oh but what if they... Oh well, I'm The Rum Tug Tugger and there's no doing anything about it."
He stepped inside the cave and at first noticed how warm it was. It was moist in the air.
"This is not a good sign." Tugger said to himself. He continued deeper into the cave and saw Chryssie and Munkustrap.
Chryssie had her back to the wall, and Munkustrap was standing incredibly close to her. Their fur was drenched and they were both quivering and shaking. They both were also breathless.
"Munkustrap? What are you doing?"
"Dang. What did I tell you about disasters Munkustrap?"
"I don't believe this."
"Whoa, hey I would have been happy to have being told 'get out of here Tugger, we're busy."
"Oh Tugger, sorry didn't realize you were in here. Dang."
"What happened in here?"
"Munkustrap's cave has an underground spring that just decided to go off, that's why it's so warm in here."
"Why are you shaking then?"
"There's an updraft of cold air from outside and we're getting most of it."
"Why are you standing so close?"
"Tugger, you sound like my parents. But we were startled by the spring. Munkustrap just kept me here and wouldn't let anything hit me should anything explode. He didn't succeed with the water part though."
"Why didn't I hear an explosion?"
"Apparently the steam only wanted to give off, so it just crept up here. The steam was so much that it got us wet. So we didn't move." "Why were you like that in the first place?"
"Oh father dear, just let us out of this cave."
Chryssie said and started towards the exit. Tugger looked at Munkustrap with a look asking
"Were you?" Munkustrap nodded his head slightly then followed her out. Tugger caught up with them and asked
"How many can we be expecting?" Chryssie arched an eyebrow and asked,
"Excuse me? Tugger what are you going on about?"
"Well did you or didn't you?"
"We did."
"So how many will be expecting?"
"How many what's?"
"Kittens. I mean, you told me you did."
"Oh Tugger!" Chryssie said and doubled up laughing. Munkustrap looked at Tugger like
"Would you expect me to do that? She's so young." Tugger nodded slightly.
"Very funny Tugger." Munkustrap said and lifted up Chryssie's face.
"But she and I never really have any chance of that."
"Excuse me for my mistake."
"Now gather all the Jellicles around, I need to speak to them and it is urgent."
"All right all right. TUMBLEBRUTUS!! POUNCIVAL!!" Tumblebrutus crawled out of a nearby trashcan and yawned.
"What are you yelling for?" He asked groggily.
"Yeah, what's with the pipes, Tugger?" Pouncival yawned looking up from Chryssie's basket.
"So there's where it went." Chryssie said flatly. Pouncival looked sheepish.
"I want you two to alert all the Jellicles that we have a meeting."
"Tugger! He asked you to do it, not the kittens." Chryssie said disapprovingly.
"Hey, they can get the job done a whole lot faster then I can."
"Well then you go help them." Chryssie looked like she was serious and he went around, grumbling as he went. Chryssie then put her arm around Munkustrap's waist and he put hers around her shoulders. Together they walked.
"You going to break the news?" Chryssie asked.
"Yes, I have to."
"That was mighty impressive back there."
"Really, was it I or the spring?"
"I think you were mightier than the spring. If the wall wasn't there, I wouldn't have been able to stand." He smiled dimly and then he approached alone to where all the Jellicles anxiously stood. He grew serious and spoke in a clear tone,
"Cats, I have terrible news. I have just received a letter from Macavity, and he has taken Demeter. We all are to go to the enchanted island where I am to fight a death match against Macavity. All but Chryssie and Jennyanydots must go. We must be there before midnight tomorrow night. We leave, now." He said and then started.
"When you two see we are out of sight on the horizon start following." He whispered to Chryssie and Jennyanydots.
He quickly kissed Jennyanydots on the cheek and then turned to Chryssie who nodded and kissed him goodbye.
Jennyanydots watched them like a proud mother. Then the cats all started out.
"Ahh my dear, he and you are a good match. Tell me, did you try to become one with him like most of us have been hoping?"
"We tried, twice even, but we have always been interrupted."
"I know of Etcetera's ball, Jemima told me about it. What happened on the second?"
"Oh, lets say Munkustrap's cave is rather steamy due to springs."
"It erupted?"
"Exactly."
"And you two were.."
"In each others arms creating the first step of Passionate kisses."
"Poor dears, we'll never get to expect anything."
"Do you think I'm old enough?"
"Dear, you know how the world works. You know what love is, and I'd say you are ready. They saw older knowledge, aids the body in aging."
"Jennyanydots, I can't see them, can we start?"
"Let's go." They started eagerly forward but using caution at the same time. They had a long way to go in a little amount of time. Munkustrap angrily lead the way, though no one could tell he was angry.
"Why does it always have to happen? Why can't Chryssie and me afford to love each other at no cost? Every time we have a romantic moment with each other, it always blows up in our faces. I know she loves me and she wants and needs me, or so she acts, and I love, want, and need her as well. Maybe twice of what she needs of me, and yet we always have a problem. Maybe next time."
They soon came to the shores of the island and they all transported themselves across. Jennyanydots and Chryssie followed as quickly as they could.
They saw the other Jellicles on the shore of the island and they saw two of Macavity's guards. They were counting them. As Munkustrap passed through, the larger of the two grabbed him and said
"There's one missing."
"She had to stay back, she broke her foot and the owners wont let her out of their sight. It would be too dangerous for her anyway."
Chryssie hissed at the guard from their shore. Jennyanydots calmed her down and they devised a plan to get by. Then they sprung it into action as the cats disappeared around the mountain.
The guards noticed there was a rowboat floating towards them. There were no passengers.
"One of the boats must have come loose, I'll tie it back up." The other guard rounded the corner. An oar thunked heavily up on the guard's head.
Chryssie pulled herself from underneath the water for she had been swimming, pushing the boat towards the shore. She then rounded the corner and soon she dragged the other guard away. They hurried into the uniforms and masks and they ran.
Soon other guards stopped them. Chryssie put her voice in a low pitch and said that another Jellicle had been sighted and that they had brought Pekes, Pollicles, Pugs, and Pums.
The guards ran towards the area, ordering Jennyanydots and Chryssie to run ahead to find the next troop. They did so and continued until they had reached the entrance to the cave.
Munkustrap and his party were inside the mountain all ready and in the colossal cave. There, Macavity and a hundred of his goons were waiting.
"You're on time. It's always good to be punctual."
"Let me see Demeter."
"She's right here, safe and sound. Even if that Chryssie were here, I wouldn't harm her, I would just hurt one of your other cats instead."
Two of the guards rushed into the crowd and pulled out Jemima.
Jellylorum was still holding on to her and a guard dragged her away.
"Jemima!" Jellylorum screamed. The guard threw her and she landed on her feet.
She then crumpled to her knees and all the kittens ran to her.
The guard's arms held Jemima and she looked frightened. Munkustrap glared at Macavity. He then approached Jemima and whispered
"Don't worry, everything will be all right." He gently patted her head and convinced her not to cry.
She then screamed and ripped her arm away from a guard and distressed, pointing behind him. He turned and just in time caught Macavity's hand. The battle had begun.
"Oh man, Jennyanydots, they have the tunnel guarded."
"Why did we get rid of the guard costumes?"
"We could be camouflaged better remember? Those guys we jumped were of high rank and they have bright markings. It also doesn't help that there are soldiers who are all ready alert to our presence."
"Oh, I see what you mean. By the way these guys are looking around, I think they are alert to us dear."
"What's that?" Chryssie said and pointed to something shiny on the ground. Jennyanydots bent and picked it up and said in a fascinated tone
"Why, it's Jemima's bell."
"Let me see it Jennyanydots." she handed the bell to Chryssie who rung it quietly. The oracle known as Angelina appeared.
"Ahh Chrychaesa. Why do you ring the bell? Wasn't it Jemima's gift?"
"It is, but this is an emergency. Do you see those guards?"
"Yes."
"We need to get by them without being seen."
"All right. This is the cloud of invisibility. It will work only if you remain silent. Now hear this: If one of you screams or talks or whispers, the magic in the cloud will wear off. You also do not have contact with any living object." Angelina said and sprinkled it on them.
"You may see each other, my darlings, but they cannot see you. I will help you if you have severe need. Keep the bell with you and good luck." She then vanished.
The two cats crept silently up to the guards and walked past. Chryssie then tapped Jennyanydots and started drawing in the dust on what she wanted her to do.
She drew Jennyanydots sneaking up behind some guards with a stone, then knocking them out. Jennyanydots nodded an affirmative and they crept into the room. They knocked out the guards who were holding Jemima.
Jellylorum looked up and saw stones flying invisibly to the guards and knocking the stones on their heads.
Jennyanydots saw Jemima scurry to Jellylorum at least she was safe. Then she rejoined Chryssie and together they knocked out the guards holding Demeter. She scurried away.
Jennyanydots tapped Chryssie on the shoulder and opened her mouth to say
"Good Job."
Chryssie quickly covered her mouth. She then drew a finger to her own lips and tapped them three times. Jennyanydots nodded and she then rejoined the cats.
Then all the rooting guards of Macavity grew silent and the lights began to flash and noises began clapping from all side of the room. The guards started to hoot and holler and the cave started to feel like it was spinning.
The lights came back on in a flash and Chryssie saw to her horror Macavity deliver a fatal scratch. She saw Munkustrap fall and land hard on his shoulder. She felt all her fears come alive.
"No!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.
She had been standing in the middle of the room and when she had screamed the cloud had instantly vanished.
All the guards gasped and they saw the cat screaming and running towards Macavity and Munkustrap.
She took a vicious swipe at Macavity and attacked him numerously. She felt her life falling apart and she rushed to Munkustrap's side. He wasn't moving but she could see him breathing.
She felt her breath get heavy and her claws slide out to her full extent. She then attacked Macavity, again and again. She had him on his back and she was clawing him
"First Rawtawny, then my parents, and now Munkustrap! What do you want from me?! What have I done to deserve this?!"
Angelina then appeared and frightened all of the cats away. In all the confusion someone lifted the hysterical Chryssie off Macavity. She then wrestled herself free from whoever it was.
She then crawled to Munkustrap and she felt the hot tears running down her cheeks. She lifted his head onto her lap and she sobbed. She kept shaking her head. She then looked away. She felt a gentle paw on her cheek and she looked into the face of Munkustrap who was smiling weakly up at her.
"Hold on Munkustrap, we'll help you, just hold on please."
"I'm afraid it's too late for me Chryssie."
"Please no, no please, don't. I can't let this happen, Munkustrap please, you are my world everything good in it, please, if I lose you, I'd be lost to love forever, I can't manage without you Munkustrap please."
"Chryssie, you can't save me all the time, please Understand me."
"Munkustrap." Her breath caught in her throat and she looked down. He was leaving.
"Please, Oh please!" Tears were running down her face faster then a waterfall. She looked down at him and she could see that he was leaving..
"Chryssie, I love you and I want you to know that in my heart I will always love you and we will always be one." Using the last bit of his strength he pulled her down and kissed her. Then he sank down and his beautiful soul left the earth.
"No! By the Everlasting Cat, no please no!" Chryssie then lay her head down and sobbed.
She then heard the angel voices and she saw the beautiful creatures. They were tall and they had white eyes and their wings were folded back, They were singing in complex chords.
"Chrychaesa," Angelina said.
"They will give you an offer. As you can see, the great Munkustrap now lies dead. But you have done so many wonderful things."
She then saw Munkustrap's soul floating above her.
"You have saved him and your tribe out of love, therefore the everlasting cat makes this offer. You can save him, and bring him back, but you must become human. You will have the senses of a cat, but you will be trapped in the human body. You will also have no memories of him, or your Jellicle life."
Chryssie stopped still. She froze. She then looked at all the Jellicles behind her.
Jemima, Tugger, Mistoffelees, Jennyanydots, Victoria, Plato, The Kittens, and Skimble. She looked at Bombalurina and Demeter and then she looked at Munkustrap and Demeter. "
Demeter, you have to promise not to leave, and take care of him for me."
"I will, and Chryssie, I am so sorry." Demeter said with tears running down her face.
She was then instantly surrounded with hugs and kisses, and she painfully said goodbye to them all. She then faced Angelina and the angels and nodded her head.
"May I say goodbye to him?"
"You may." She then saw the soul float back into Munkustrap and the red that had engulfed Munkustrap's beautiful fur disappeared. He sat up and saw Chryssie and the others.
"Chryssie, why?"
"Munkustrap, you'll have Demeter in my place. I will have the love in this life knowing that somewhere in my heart you are alive and well. I love you so much."
She then rushed to him and held him. She felt his tears. She then kissed him goodbye and that last kiss was as special between them and it has remained so.
She then stood up and the angels took a circle around her and the Jellicles. Mistoffelees remembered it in his dream.
The angels then sang the two notes F then G in soprano and alto voices in perfect tight harmony.
Then they opened their wings and dim gold light flooded the cave. The cats saw everything in it.
Chryssie was floating now and she looked down at Munkustrap and she was still crying.
The light surrounded everything and continued to grow brighter.
Munkustrap still looked into the face of Chryssie and held her eyes. He then saw her start to change. She looked skittishly to her left and right and focused on Munkustrap.
The light got too bright and the cats had to shield their eyes. The light then died down.
They saw a girl in a pink shirt and blue jeans, with long brown hair, and diamond earrings. Surrounding her high forehead was a headband of white beads. She was tall or so she seemed, about five feet four inches. She was only wearing socks. The angels set her down and then vanished. Munkustrap crawled over to the human and realized that they all had grown to human size with the exception of the kittens that were the size of teenagers, though they still held their cat forms.
Munkustrap saw the sleeping human child, the one who once was his sweet beloved Chryssie. He stroked her cheek with his paw and whispered to her
"Chryssie, don't forget us and I vow on my grave, one day, we'll have you back with us."
"She's the human I saw in my vision, when I asked you about the human. I thought it was a magic trick gone wrong, but apparently I was seeing a future Chryssie form. I'm sorry Munkustrap."
All the cats left the cave and Munkustrap stayed back with Demeter to watch over the teenager.
That night Mistoffelees lay on the soft grass and he watched the stars.
"Hello Mistoffelees." He shot up at the voice and saw the human girl.
"Chryssie, what are you doing still a ghost."
"I'm fighting, they knew I would, so I am to give you a gift Mistoffelees. Here is this little vile. It contains the memories of Chrychaesa. When if any time at all, you can find me somewhere in the world then find me and have me drink it somehow, then I would remember everything and you cats would be man size. But until then you must remain small. They thought me worthy of this, so all you cats need to do is find me and I'll be with you once more, though never as a Jellicle." He tool the vile from her. She then turned to go.
"Chryssie?"
"Yes Mistoffelees."
"We'll find you as soon as we can."
"I hope so Mistoffelees, I can't stay away too long." She then gasped.
"They are calling me, telling me there's not much time left. I am depending on you to tell all the Jellicles about it. Give the potion to Old Deuteronomy for safe keeping if necessary, but try and find me soon." She then vanished.
Mistoffelees gripped the bottle in one hand and said through clenched teeth,
"I swear Chryssie, we'll find you and get Macavity at the same time or I am not the Original Conjuring Cat."
"Munkustrap, Demeter?"
"Who's there?" Demeter said in surprise for Munkustrap was too devastated to answer.
"It's me, Chryssie." Munkustrap lifted his head in a hurry and he looked at the teenage body before him.
"No, I'm not in there yet, I just have a little trouble getting Memories to settle down, I'm fighting so hard to stay alive in there."
"Come out, let us see you."
"No, I'm not in Cat form, I can't ever be in cat form again."
"Come out into the light anyway." She stepped timidly so where they could see her.
"Oh Chryssie!" Demeter said and ran to hug her.
"No, no, no, you can't, I'm not materialized or touchable anyway, you'd just go right through me. My friends, I have given Mistoffelees a special vile that contains my memories. The most important thing I need you to do is find me. I believe they are only letting my name be said. I will be known as Chrysta Chaseman. That's all I can tell you. But try to find me. It is a hard task but they are my memories. Please my friends."
"Chryssie, we would go all the way to Third Earth to find you."
"My time grows short. They are calling me and I must go." She then moved and stepped in front of her form.
"Chryssie, how did you manage to come to us?"
"By existing and not existing. I'll try to explain as quickly as I can. I exist because I am the person you see on the floor now. I don't exist because I used to be a cat that risked all for a love and she is now dead. So I am alive and dead."
"You did that just for me?"
"Munkustrap, I will do anything. I will remember all of you because although this new heart may try anything to fill up a missing piece, there will still be something missing and that missing piece is here." She then vanished. They saw the person stir and sit up.
"Where am I? Who am I? Well, I'm alive, that's a good thing." She then stretched and turned around and stared into Munkustrap's face.
"Do I need my eyes checked or am I looking at a giant cat man?" She then turned around again and said to herself
"I have to lay off the soda. OK when I turn around, It's going to be gone." She turned back around and stared into Demeter's face. She then fell into a faint. The room spun and she disappeared.
"She doesn't remember us and now we have no idea where she is."
"We'll find her, Demeter. We'll find her quickly." They then ran out of the cave to tell the others of their mission.


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