Prologue

     The first thing the red kitten remembered in her life was the freezing, bitter wind. The cold bit at every part of her it touched, like so many pricking needles. Her four paws, her tail, and the tips of both ears were numb from the cold. Neither of her two sisters (one older, one younger) moved, nor did her younger brother. They lay still, unmoving, seemingly dead to the cold. The unending, bitter cold.

     She tried bravely to rise to her feet, but her unfeeling legs gave way beneath her, which probably saved her small life. She tumbled into a snowdrift, hiding herself unwittingly from the tribe that found - and ultimately adopted - her half dead siblings.

     In her hole in the snow, it was warm, cozy, and had plenty of water to drink. The only thing lacking was food to give her young body strength.

     She had no idea how long she laid there, cold, starving, and frightened, before she was rescued. Later in life, it amazed her that she was discovered at all.

    Truth was, Michiru, a bitter, yet lovely ginger queen tripped over the kitten while walking down a sidewalk. 'Chiru was a mother, herself, and realized through all her hostility that the small red kitten needed help desperately. 'Chiru quickly snatched the kitten up into her arms and ran the final stretch to the human slums inhabited by her people: the Strais.

     She easily entered a large, dark building, most likely a warehouse, via a feline sized hole in the door. "Darioso!" she yelled, calling for her mate, the ruler of the Strais.

     Darioso stepped from a shadowed corner upon hearing his mate's call. "What is it, 'Chiru, my love?" he asked. Later, it would amaze the red queen and her ginger friend that 'Rio' could love such a creature as 'Chiru, but nonetheless, 'Rio' cared deeply for "his 'Chiru".

     'Rio' approached cautiously, and concern flashed across his face when he was close enough to see the kitten in 'Chiru's arms. "She's not - "

    "Of course she's not," 'Chiru interrupted. "She's a full blooded Strai, if I do say so myself." The thought didn't seem to calm her concerned 'Rio' at all. If anything, he looked more worried.

     "Send her away," he ordered.

     "What?"

     "Send her away or kill her," 'Rio' growled angrily at 'Chiru. She looked taken aback at this. They loved each other, true, but they could never seem to get along. it was one of many sacrifices they had made for love, but would not be the last.

     "How can you say that, 'Rio'?"   "I don't want to hear it, 'Chiru. If that half breed, for that's what she is - and you know it! - dies, it has nothing to do with us or Macavity. I suggest you give her to 'Ruka and forget she was ever yours."

     'Chiru glared. "How dare you!"

     "Do as I say!" It was not said as her lover or her mate, but as her ruler. "That kitten is 'Ruka's whether you like it or not. Let it be."

     "She was never mine to keep," 'Chiru whispered to herself. To 'Rio' she pleaded: "Let me Name her, my darling 'Rio'. I found her, yet must give her up. Please, grant me this."

     "You may Name her, 'Chiru, but then she belongs to 'Ruka."

     "Bombalurina," the ginger queen cooed to the kitten in her arms. Louder she repeated: "Bombalurina."

     "Bombalurina she is, and shall be forever."

Pronunciation Notes:

• Strai is pronounced stray, like the regular word.

• Michiru is pronounced Mih-ki-roo (the "ki" rhyming with eye). Thus 'Chiru is pronounced Ki-roo(k-eye-roo)

• Haruka is pronounced Hah-roo-kah.

• Cailet is pronounced Kay-let.

• Talestra is pronounced Tah-lay-strah.

Chapter One: Survival

     "You keep forgetting," sneered Haruka, "'Chiru, that Bomba' is my kitten now." 'Ruka had never been the type of queen to be nice to anyone.

     'Chiru let the remark slip past her, and held her tongue. Amazing how restrained I can be, she reflected silently, angrily.

     Truly told, 'Chiru was jealous. Bomba's tail, ears, and paws had miraculously healed completely, and now the kitten was growing out of her adolescent awkwardness and into beauty. 'Chiru wasn't entirely jealous. She had her own son, Macavity, the joy of her life, to compensate, but she had never really gotten over wishing for a daughter, and giving Bomba' away to Haruka.

     'Cav' and Bomba' were good friends, as 'Chiru had hoped they would be. She hoped eventually 'Cav' would choose Bomba' to rule at his side. Unfortunately, she would not live to see that day. Her son would only gain the throne in the event of both his parents' deaths.

     Never mind that, 'Chiru told herself. Bomba' will be 'Cav's mate someday. I know it. Knowing this so surely made her keep going rather than wait idly for her inevitable death. She would have to teach her son how to win over Bomba'...

     "Now, kits, it's one, two, three, four...no, no, no...feel the beat of the music! One, two, three, four...like Bomba'," instructed Saalendra, a gorgeous golden queen. Tall and slender, as well as beautiful and clever, 'Lendra was everything Bomba' wanted to be, and in fact, was.

     Having grown out of her awkwardness and clumsiness at a young age, she possessed a grace and beauty unlike the other queens her age. Unlike most of the other "teenagers", Bomba' practically bubbled over with confidence. She was not afraid to try anything, so long as it was within the rules. She was an excellent dancer, as well; and to top it off, she could sing.

     True to his mother's prediction, 'Cav' did indeed have feelings for Bomba'. Then again, most of the Strai toms did too. But unlike the rest of the toms, 'Cav' had the confidence to know he could win over any queen there.

     'Cav' wasn't a bad looking tom. Indeed, quite the opposite. Except for a few scars, from an encounter with a rather large Pollicle, he had no physical flaws. He was fluid and graceful, as any feline should be, but not nearly so much so as Bomba'. His voice was mature, as it should be, a deep baritone, but not meant for singing.

     He was meant to lead. He and his peers and even his elders knew it and understood it. And his enemies, the Jellicles, feared it.

Bomba's siblings met a different fate.

     Her younger sister, gold and black, was given the name Demeter, and adopted by a kind Jellicle named Jennyanydots. As a kit, Dema was very outgoing and enjoyed making mischief. She was strong-willed and perfectly healthy. From very early on, she feared but one thing: the Strais.

     The eldest was christened Jellylorum, but was not adopted, as she was already weaned. From an early age, she believed she was an orphan, made so by Strais.

     Jelly was strong, like both her sisters, but more mild, she lacked the fiery temper of the rest of her siblings. Instead, she helped the adults whenever possible, and began to look forward to having kittens of her own. She "kit-sat" for any adult that would let her, and constantly kept the kittens entertained. Jenny would one day remark: "Jelly's quite the little helper. I don't know how I managed without her!"

     The youngest of the four was the runt and only tom. He was quite small compared to his sisters, and for some time it was feared he would not survive his first brush with death. Nevertheless, he did survive; much more, he thrived in his new environment. Like Jelly, he too was told he was an orphan, and was raised by many of his elders. It was Jenny who named him in the end: Pouncival.

     They never even suspected they were related, because their appearance differed so widely. With Dema's black and gold, Jelly's tawny tiger, and Pounce's brown and white, no one could tell they were family. As Deuteronomy, the Jellicle Leader, had intended.

     Thus, the four littermates grew into adulthood: living contentedly apart.

     "'Cav'!" screamed Michiru in rage. "Where is my son?" she demanded of a servant Strai. The Cat just shook his head and ran off. 'Chiru fumed more. Where is Macavity? His father is dying, and of course, Macavity's not there!

     'Cav' came running, flanked by Bombalurina and another close friend, Cabral. "Father!" he cried, somewhat angrily. "What's wrong with him?"

     'Chiru shook her head in dismay. "He's dying, you idiot!" she snapped, much more harshly than she had intended. She did not take the angry words back, as she would have done in 'Cav's youth. What's said is said, there's no changing that, she told herself. Unconsciously, she realized her son was more concerned with his father's impending demise than with his mother's harsh words.

     A month before, Bomba' had watched her own "mother", Haruka, pass on. And before 'Ruka, there had been others. Bomba' knew something was killing her people, but had no idea what to do about it, so she accepted it.

     Unbeknownst to them, both 'Cav' and Bomba' would be the next inflicted with the disease. And likewise unknown to them was the fact that they would be the first and only survivors.

     "'Cav'! Wait!" Bomba' pleaded as she and Macavity ran down a hallway, away from the cook, from whom they had stolen some fish. Bomba' could not explain her sudden dizziness and lightheadedness. She could hardly stand up-right, and she felt faint. Worse, she was chilled, yet nearly soaked with perspiration. "'Cav'..."

     "Bomba', what?" he hissed impatiently, coming to a halt. He turned to look at her, and knew, in the manner of best friends, immediately that something was very wrong. Her fur was damp, and her eyes lacked their usual shine. More gently, he asked, "What's wrong? Are you sick?"

     The red queen nodded slowly, feeling more nauseous because of it. Her vision was now clouded, her mouth dry. "Oh, 'Cav', help me..."

     He ran to catch her before she lost consciousness completely. She was very hot and feverish, indeed. He lifted her up into his arms and started toward the sick quarters.

     Nearly halfway there, they ran into Saalendra. "Now you're queen-friend?" she laughed. "Damn. I'd hoped it would be you or your Pollicle of a mother." Noticing 'Cav's bewilderment, she, like all criminals convinced they've gotten away with their dastardly deed, decided to explain everything.

     "'Cav', 'Cav', 'Cav'," she said in the tone of voice an exasperated mother uses with her unruly children. "This is all my doing! I've been putting poisonous mold in the water for some time now, and I'm finally getting results! You see, Poor Innocent 'Cav', I aim to do away with the present hierarchy and replace it with a more civilized government."

    "I see," replied 'Cav', who understood only a tiny portion of what she had told him. True, he was well schooled, but he was practically blinded with Rage. He was biding his time, until he got close enough to attack 'Lendra.

    He let Bomba' slip to the floor, and growled. By the time 'Lendra realized his intent, it was too late. She was trapped. She was the first to experience Macavity's wrath, but she would not be the last.

    As a parting "gift" to the tom who should have been her ruler, 'Lendra slashed her claws into his left shoulder all the way to the bone. Claws soaked in mold-poisoned water for just such an occasion...

    "Oi Bastet, not them too!" Bomba' heard Michiru say. Bomba' vaguely understood that she was very sick, but had no idea that 'Chiru was talking about herself and 'Cav'. She was too disoriented to care, either.

     It had been three days, and 'Chiru had only just found out what Saalendra had done to her son and Bomba'. And she was fuming. She'd ordered 'Lendra's remains burned, against the wishes of 'Lendra's family, whom she promptly banished.

     "Calm down, 'Chiru," insisted the Lady Griddlebone. The Angora seemed determined to restore and maintain order in 'Chiru's absence. At least Bomba' thought it did. Or Grid did. She couldn't quite remember.

    Maybe I should just go back to sleep, she thought, feeling too weak to talk. And she probably would have fallen asleep again, if Macavity had not at that moment woken up from his own coma.

     Amazingly, he was fine; he had not gotten the worst of it, unlike so many of his fellows, including Bomba'. Once again, he became a champion where all others had failed. And he immediately determined that Bomba' too would win.

     "Where's 'Lendra? I'm going to strangle her!"

     "'Cav', 'Cav', she's dead - you killed her. And I burned her body. What's more - her family shall produce no more monsters like her - I've banished them. Even Exotica."

     Macavity was about to glare at his mother, but instead, he strode past her to Bomba's bed. "Is she okay?" he demanded.

     "I'm fine," Bomba' muttered, and 'Cav' smiled. 'Chiru grimaced.

     Why doesn't he just tell her? The moron! He's got to tell her some time! A pained and annoyed look came over 'Chiru's face, against her will. She turned and fled the sick quarters angrily.

     She raced to her own room, in a fit of fury. She grabbed the ornate dagger from the vanity, and thrust the jeweled saber into her heart. 'Chiru welcomed death openly, Death is the last adventure we ever face... Some one once asked 'Who wants to live forever?' I say, 'Who waits forever, anyway?'

And so it came to pass that Macavity would lead the Strais.

Chapter Two: Leaving the Past Behind

     After Michiru's death, Bombalurina began to notice a steady decline in her relationship with Macavity. She began to be close friends with the Lady Griddlebone and Grid's gang instead of with him. Together, the group of queens would hang around a popular club, where they could dance and abandon their everyday worries and stress. Indeed, Bomba' thought it was a lot of fun. More fun than she'd had with 'Cav' in a long time.

     Unlike Bomba', 'Cav' now was more in love with Bomba' than he'd ever been in the past. He now had a particular feeling that he would never get the chance to tell her. He'd been a fool not to tell her a month ago, just before 'Chiru committed suicide.

     Truly told, he was both jealous and afraid. He worried mostly that Bomba' no longer liked him. He had been forced to change. No longer was he the kind, gentle, caring tom she had once known. Now he was cold, mysterious, and quiet, spending much of his time alone and absorbed in thought. His body was nowhere near as fine as it once had been. He'd fought bravely in many battles, leading the Strais to victory time and time again. But fighting had left its mark already. He was covered with many scars, and his fur was often neglected. But he was jealous, too. Jealous of Bomba's new-found friends. That they should have her and he should not.

     "Hey, Griddlebone! Who's ya new friend?" sneered a young tom. Bomba' new at first glance he was younger than her by at least a few months. She had no idea he was indeed her half brother.

     Grid growled angrily at the tom. "Shaddup, Mungowjerrie," she drawled in a heavy accent she only used at the bar. "'Er name's Bombalurina, by da way."

    Mungojerrie nodded. He seemed confused. "W'atchee do?" Now Bomba' was confused. She could barely understand his heavy - and real - accent. Grid seemed to have no problem understanding him, however.

     "Well, Bomba' 'ere dances, an' she sings a lot too. Why? Ya like 'er or somethin'?" Bomba couldn't help but turn red, though she knew Grid was teasing her. Mungo' turned brighter red than Bomba' did, to everyone's surprise. Grid burst out laughing, as did Cailet and Talestra, the other two queens in the "group".

     Bomba' decided to be spontaneous for the first time in her life. She grabbed Mungo's paw, and dragged him away from her friends and onto the dance floor. To her surprise, Mungo could dance. Very well. Almost better than she could. He seemed equally surprised with her talent for feeling the beat and making up moves to go with it. After the dance, she whispered, "I just thought I'd rescue you from Griddlebone, Cailet, and Talestra."

     "Thanks. Hey, come meet some of my friends. Met 'em once on a hoist." Oh, I'd almost forgotten. He's the resident Cat-Burglar for 'Cav', Bomba realized suddenly. Nevertheless, she went with him, shooting a silly look at her friends, who looked annoyed at their lack of luck.

    "Woill," Mungo' began, once they reached a table, "This is Rumpelteaza." Rumpelteazer was a calico queen, who seemed a bit young to be in a bar. She giggled, and waved at Bomba', who waved back out of courtesy. "This is Cassandra." (he pronounces it kah-sand-rah) Bomba' had to consciously suppress the widening of her eyes in shock. Cassandra was completely hairless. "She's oi spoinx."

     "He means Sphynx," Cass corrected in a smooth alto voice that reminded Bomba' of her own.

     "Whateva," Mungo' replied. "This ees Demeta." Bomba's eyes locked with Demeter's, and for some reason, she could not look away. She felt as if she was staring into her own eyes. But that's impossible!

     "Pleased to meet you," Demeter greeted her quietly, in a squeakish, soprano voice that hadn't quite matured yet. Bomba' nodded to return the greeting. She still hadn't found any words.

     Suddenly, someone grabbed her and lifted her into the air, swung her around, and set her back down on the floor. She whirled around angrily, and Mungo' proceeded to introduce her to the tom who was - in her mind - an attacker. "That'd be Rum Tum Tugga."

    Bomba' smiled briefly. She'd heard of Tugger, but she hadn't imagined him looking quite like that. Then, she changed her expression to a more serious one and glared at him. "What the hell did you do that for?" she snapped angrily, unable to dispel her anger for some reason.

     "If I see a pretty queen, I dance with her," was his nonchalant reply. She assumed he did things like that everyday. It sounded that way, from the way the others reacted.

     "Not this pretty queen," said a rough voice from behind Tugger. All whirled around - again - to see Macavity and his second in command...What's his name again? I can't think of it... And 'Cav' didn't look very happy. He grabbed Bomba', and dragged her all the way back to the warehouse.

    Bomba' twisted out of his grip, and backed up angrily. "What the hell - " she began angrily.

     He cut her off. "Those were Jellicles. If Griddlebone hadn't gotten me, they would've kitnapped you. Do you think they don't know who you are? They do, trust me. They know everything."

     "Did it ever occur to you that what tribe you belong to doesn't matter? I used to like, no, I used to love you 'Cav'! But now, now, you're different. You've changed. Nothing matters but destroying the Jellicles. You pushed me away. You're the reason I don't stay here anymore."

     It seemed to make 'Cav' think a moment. He remained silent. "Then go. Go to them. Get out of here!" he bellowed finally. "And never come back. Damn you, Bombalurina!" Truthfully, he'd never regretted something as much as he regretted saying that. But it was too late. She was gone, never to return.

     "Good Bastet! What happened to you?" Bombalurina had run into Demeter and Rum Tum Tugger in an alley. She was filthy now, not beautiful. The four days alone had taken their toll on her. But she would not give up. Demeter had recognized her.

     "If you must know, Macavity threw me out," she spat angrily. She did not want help. She was stronger than ever, and more sure of herself every day she survived.

     "Come with us," Dema' insisted. "Be a Jellicle. You can't be on the streets. There's a war going to happen. You can't - "

     "I can be who I want to be, where I want to be, and what I want to be," Bomba' declared icily.

     "Not in this life," Tugger stated dryly. He was really starting to get on her nerves.

     She hissed angrily, and realized she had no choice but to go with them. So she relented. Temporarily, she assured herself, although she was not at all sure it would be temporary.

     The two Jellicles lead her through a series of alleys and narrow streets until they came to the filthiest place Bomba' had ever been. It was full of trash. A Junkyard. At first glance, Bomba' thought she would hate her life there. Much to her surprise, she felt right at home.

     During her first exhausting day in the Jellicle Junkyard, Bomba' met most of the tribe and memorized their names. She met Jellylorum and Jennyanydots, the two motherish Cats; there was Munkustrap, the large grey tabby who couldn't seem to trust anyone; and there were Tantomile and Coricopat, the mystical twins. And Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer. Of course Cassandra was there too, and some kitten-toms, Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, Carbucketty, and Victor. Demeter showed Bomba' her kitten, Jemima, and Jema's friends, Etcetera, Electra, Victoria, and Syllabub. She also met Alonzo, a black and white warrior. Then came a big surprise. Exotica, one of her kittenhood friends was there.

     "Exi!" she exclaimed in surprise. Exi looked up, and yelped her joy at seeing Bomba' again. They hugged each other happily. "What're you doing here?"

     "'Chiru exiled me and my family. I'm the only one left. How's 'Chiru doing anyway?" Exi asked, her lovely voice turning sour at the mention of 'Chiru's name.

     "'Chiru killed herself about a month ago. Since then, 'Cav' threw me out for talking with the Jellicles."

     "That's so sad! Why doncha come stay with me and my humans for a while? My human has a sister who'd adopt you, I think. They're lookin' for a Cat, and they don't live far from here. C'mon!" Exi grabbed Bomba' by the wrist and dragged her away from the rest of the tribe, and out of the Junkyard. "We're gonna git you a home, Bomba'. Ya need one t'be a Jellicle."

     "I do?"

     "Absolutely. That's why we're enemies of the Strais. C'mon, this way," she replied bounding up to a door. She promptly began meowing, as if to tell the owner of the house she had arrived. The door opened, and a young human came out, laughing.

     "Eleyna!" exclaimed the human. "Who's this with ya?" Exi meowed, as if Eleyna was her name. That's certainly odd, Bomba thought. She was promptly scooped up into the humans arms. She meowed her complaint, but the human paid no attention.

     "They can't understand us," Exi said calmly from three feet below her.

     "Easy for you to say," huffed Bomba angrily. She wriggled out of the human's grip, and landed lightly next to Exi. She sat down and licked her left paw, the black one.

     Exi ignored her remark. "The humans are going to give you a human name. It's called the name that the family use daily. Pay no attention to it unless your humans address you with it. Purrsonally, I hate Eleyna. But I have to live with it. Now, be nice. They're going to take us inside. And then Marlene will adopt you."

     Bomba was about to ask who "Marlene" was, but she was ushered into the house by Exi and the human. Inside the house was dark, but Bomba could see clearly. She despised the closed spaces of the living room, but if she had to stay there to become a Jellicle, she supposed she would.

     I'll take anything to being a Strai again, she thought, to keep her mind off the humans who were handling her. If I'm a Jellicle, he can't take me back.

     A nice human female picked her up, and hugged her. Bomba instantly liked the human. "Hello kitty," the human purred. "I'm Marlene, and I'm going to take you home with me. What's your name?" The other humans and Exi laughed, but Bomba meowed in an attempt to say "Bombalurina."

     "Let's call you Aerin, okay? It's more unique than 'Mrow'." the other humans laughed again. This time, Marlene, Bomba and Exi joined them.

Chapter Three: The Jellicle Ball

     Marlene's house was huge to say the least. Bombalurina was thrilled at the chance to explore such a wonderful place. She went through it all in an hour. All fifteen rooms of it. And then she curled up on the sofa and fell asleep.

     She was jostled awake by her human about an hour later. Marlene placed a collar round her neck, and set her down on the porch. "Out ya go, Aerin," she said, and closed the door. Bomba meowed her protest, but Marlene didn't hear her.

     Exotica was waiting for her beneath the steps. "C'mon, unless you know the way to the Junkyard," the brown queen teased. Bomba remained silent. "I want to show you something," Exi whispered. "Trust me, you'll join in if you're meant to be a Jellicle."

     "What are you talking about?" Bomba asked her mysterious friend. Exi merely shrugged and motioned for her to hurry up.

     Soon, they reached the Junkyard. But none of the Jellicles were there. Demeter ventured into the centre, but a passing motorcycle sent her scurrying back into the shadows. Then Munkustrap popped out, and Tantomile and Coricopat, along with Skimbleshanks, Rum Tum Tugger, Pouncival, and Electra.

     They began to sing:

"Are you blind when you're born?" Munkustrap asked.

Demeter countered, "Can you see in the dark?"

"Dare you look at a king?" asked Asparagus.

"Would you sit on his throne?" continued Skimbleshanks.

Tugger asked his own question, "Can you say of your bite that it's worse than your bark?"

Alonzo came from nowhere, "Are you cock of the walk?"

Exi jumped in and added, "When you're walking alone?"

     All the Jellicles in the Junkyard sang in unison, each on a different pitch, "Because Jellicles are and Jellicles do, Jellicles do and Jellicles would, Jellicles would and Jellicles can, Jellicles can and Jellicles do."

     Bomba was enthralled. It was absolutely amazing. The Strais never did anything so wonderful and enchanting. They never even celebrated any more.

Jellylorum jumped onto a large tire, "When you fall on your head, do you land on your feet?"

Coricopat sang, "Are you tense when you sense there's a storm in the air?" Tantomile did the motions in unison with her brother.

Little Jemima came out of an oven, "Can you find your way blind when you're lost in the street?"

An old Cat sang, "Do you know how to go to the Heaviside Layer?"

Once again, all the Cats in the Junkyard sang together. And once more, the rest of the tribe started to come out of hiding and sing.

Tantomile sang, "Can you ride on a broomstick to places far distant?" and again, she and Corico did the movements together.

Jennyanydots and Victoria sang, "Familiar with candle?"

Electra continued, "With Book and with Bell?"

Then Bomba herself jumped in. "Were you Whittington's friend?"

None of the Jellicles seemed to notice. Mistoffelees continued, "The Pied Piper's assistant?"

Tumblebrutus sang, "Have you been an alumnus of Heaven and Hell?"

Mungojerrie sang his part, "Are you mean like a minx?"

Rumpelteazer continued, "Are you lean like a lynx?"

Etcetera sang from the oven top, "Are you keen to be seen when you're smelling a rat?"

Cassandra stood up and sang, "Were you there when the Pharaohs commissioned the Sphynx?"

     Bomba let the music carry her through the movements, like the Jellicles did. Somehow, she knew the words to the songs that the Jellicles sang. She knew all the movements, all the little facial expressions.

    Just after the song about Skimbleshanks' job as the railway Cat, the lights flashed and went out. An evil laughter filled the air, and Bomba knew instantly who was lurking nearby.

     "Macavity!" she screamed, and the laughter grew louder. Suddenly, 'Cav' showed himself. He jumped out from behind an old car, and froze the Jellicles to their places. So, she thought bitterly, He's learned magic. I wondered what he was doing all the time I was away. Now I know...And I hate him all the more for it.

     He had brought his henchrats, who always did the dirty work instead of Cats. They seized the Jellicle Leader and ran off, leaving the Jellicles afraid and in the dark. The toms ran after 'Cav', leaving the queens alone. <>Demeter found words and sang all that she knew about 'Cav'. Mostly it came from myths about the evil tom. "Macavity's a mystery Cat, he's called the hidden paw. For he's a master criminal who can defy the law. He's the bafflement of Scotland yard, the flying squad's despair. For when they reach the scene of crime, Macavity's not there!

"Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity! He's broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity. His pow'rs of levitation would make a fakir stare. And when you reach the scene of crime, Macavity's not there!

"You may seek him in the basement, you may look up in the air, but I tell you once, and once again, Macavity's not there!"

     At this point, Bomba intervened, knowing the song would completely corrupt the tom before its end. "Macavity's a ginger cat, he's very tall and thin. You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in. His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed. His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed. He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake!" Just to scare the kittens who were listening eagerly, she added, "And when you think he's half asleep, he's always WIDE AWAKE!" The lie was worth it to see them jump back in alarm.

"Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity! For he's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity. You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in the square, but when a crime's discovered then Macavity's not there!"

The song continued, and they told of many of his evil deeds. "Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity! There never was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity! He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare. Whatever time the deed took place, Macavity wasn't there!

"And they say that all the Cats whose wicked deeds are widely known - I might mention, Mungojerrie! I might mention, Griddlebone! - are nothing more than agents for the Cat who all the time just controls their operations, the Napoleon of Crime!

"Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity! For he's a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity. You may meet him in a by-street, you may see him in the square, but when a crime's discovered then Macavity, Macavity, Macavity! Macavity!

"When a crime's discovered then MACAVITY'S NOT THERE!" Now the kittens and some of the adults were thoroughly frightened. Bomba wanted to laugh, but Munkustrap's glare made her think twice.

     And then, Old Deuteronomy was back. He walked slowly toward his people, who raced to greet him. But Bomba and Dema were cautious. Dema made sure everyone was away from Deut. Then she ran forward, and pounced on him! He whirled her around as no elderly tom possibly could, and when she fell off his back, she pulled his costume with her.

     "Macavity!" screamed Etcetera, Electra, and Victoria.

     'Cav' threw Munk out of the way, and grabbed Dema. It was clear he intended to take her. Munk and Lonzo fought him, and Lonzo took Dema to safety. Bomba couldn't bear to watch the fight, until 'Cav' threw Lonzo out of the fight, and no one stepped forward to protect the tribe.

     Bomba jumped in front of the Hidden Paw, growling menacingly. She clawed him in several places, and suddenly, Exi was beside her. Then the rest of the tribe put up a stand, and together, they forced 'Cav' out of the Junkyard.

     The Jellicles were still distraught. Their leader was still in Macavity's clutches. Until Tugger stepped in. He told them to ask Magical Mister Mistoffelees. And he sang about the small black tom, and about Misto's magical abilities.

     Misto himself appeared in the centre of the Junkyard, and, after yelling "Presto!" the lights came back on. He threw lighting bolts around as the tribe sang his praise, and performed many other tricks, like making Victoria appear out of nowhere, and freezing Lectra and Cetra and then unfreezing them.

     The climax of his tricks was when he picked Cass out of the audience, and put her under a red blanket. When he removed the blanket, Old Deuteronomy stood in her place. The Jellicles sang triumphantly, and Misto pulled Cass out of a corner. They took a bow, and the magic show was over.

     "Daylight! See the dew on a sun flow'r, like a rose that is fading, roses wither away. Like the sunflow'r, I yearn to turn my face to the dawn. I am waiting for the day," sang the queen known as Sillabub.

    She had noticed the faint glow of light on the horizon. So had Grizabella, an aged Glamour Cat. She came forth and pleaded for acceptance into the tribe once more. All the Jellicles turned away and would not listen. Until Jema felt too much compassion to remain silent.

     "Sunlight through the trees in summer, endless masquerading. Like a flow'r as the dawn is breaking..."

     When the sad song was finished, Victoria stood up slowly and gracefully, and placed her paws in Griza's. She walked Griza over to Misto, and Griza was passed on, touching each of the Jellicles' paws in turn. She seemed confused.

"Up, up, up, past the Russell hotel. Up, up, up, up, to the Heaviside Layer," they sang over and over, all the while walking toward the tire. Old Deuteronomy pulled Griza onto the tire, and it started to rise. Up, up, up, through the still morning air, up, up, up, up to the Heaviside Layer. It was the most fantastic thing Bomba had seen in her entire life.

     Then Deut turned and told them what Bomba had known all along. How to address a non-Jellicle Cat. After that, the Jellicles went their own separate ways until the next morning.

     "Not bad," Tugger commented to Bomba and Exi.

     "Not bad?" Bomba sneered, "That was fantastic!"

     "I meant how well you did at the dances," Tugger said. "You did very well for your first Jellicle Ball."

     "How do you do that? I mean, how do you send the Cats up into the sky like that?" Bomba felt like a kitten, she was asking so many questions.

     Tugger laughed. "Well, we really have no idea. It's the Jellicle Leader. He's the only one with the power to send a Cat to the Heaviside," Exi told her. "I have to get home. Celina'll be worried if I'm not home when she gets up," Exi said, and ran off down the street.

     "I've got to get going, too. I don't know if I'll be able to find my house," Bomba said. She was not looking forward to getting lost.

     "You live with Marlene, right?" Tugger said. She nodded. "I'll show you the way. I live down the road from her house. C'mon."

     Little did she know, but Bomba was now officially a Jellicle. She had taken part in their largest celebration, and had found an owner. No longer could Macavity legally claim her for his own, for she was no longer a Strai, and never would be.

Chapter Four : The Storm

     "Tugger," growled Munkustrap when Tugger finally got back to their shared home. "Where in the Name of the Heaviside Layer have you been?" Tugger ignored him and stalked up to the 'Cat Room' in the attic. Munk followed. "Tell me."

     "I had to show Bomba where Marlene's house was. I swear that's all," Tugger replied nonchalantly. He licked his tail, as if to show his half-brother that he was too busy to talk.

     "You're lying," Munk growled.

     Damn. "So? What business of yours is it what I do at night?" Tugger growled back tiredly. He was sick of being annoyed by the second in command of the tribe.

     "It's my business because I will be your leader some day, and because it's dangerous out there. Macavity's planning something, I can sense it. I need to know where all the Jellicles are at all times."

     "You're just jealous that I got to walk an absolutely gorgeous queen home and you didn't. Besides, you don't even know where Exotica lives," Tugger pointed out. Munk glared, but was obviously embarrassed at his mistake.

     "I am not!" he insisted. He left the 'Cat Room', and stalked down the stairs and outside. From there he ran to find Angel's house. To find Demeter and Jemima, his family.

     Jemima, his kitten, greeted him jubilantly, as always. "Munkey!" she cried, and leapt into his arms, purring. He was about to say, 'Stop calling me 'Munkey', but remained silent. He would have to learn to be more tolerant to be the Jellicle Leader.

     Demeter, his mate, approached. "What's wrong, Love? It's Tugger again, isn't it?" she asked in her always calm, soothing voice. He nodded his agreement. "I see. And I sympathize, but keep in mind, you have something he will never have. You have me, and you have a kitten."

     Munk had to laugh. He couldn't imagine Tugger having kittens with anyone at all. Then again, Dema always found something to make him laugh.

     Bomba fell asleep on the sofa again, but only after she sat up for an hour thinking about what she was now. I wonder if they count me as one of them now?

     The next morning, Bomba awoke to the sun streaming through a large picture window. Marlene was no where to be seen, but there was some delicious-smelling stuff in a bowl in the kitchen. Bomba devoured it and set out to find a way out of the house.

     She soon discovered the 'Cat-Door', a panel in the front door just the right size for a Cat, that could move, letting a Cat out or in. Very convenient. Of course, convenient only to Cats, like Bomba. Humans found it to be a big nuisance; except Marlene, who'd had the door installed.

     Once outside again, and free to roam at her own will, Bomba ran to the Junkyard happily. But she didn't know what chaos and turmoil waited at the Junkyard, for a Jellicle was missing...

     The moment she sauntered in, all eyes were on her. Angry, unforgiving eyes. Blaming her for some unknown crime she had not committed. Even Mungojerrie was glaring at her, daring her to confess. She felt horrible.

     She lowered her head, "What now?" None of the Jellicles answered her, as if she knew the answer already. How very wrong they were. "What?" she demanded, getting angry. "What do you think I have done?" She didn't bother trying to control her temper.

     "Demeter's missing," someone said, after what seemed to be an eternity. "What have you done with her?" demanded another. Once more she noticed their eyes. The evil, piercing, killing eyes...

     And...Then she woke up, panting, drenched with the sweat of her own fear. Don't think that, Bomba, she assured herself, trying to calm down. It was only a dream, after all. Dreams don't mean anything. I don't think they do, anyway...

     Her thoughts were interrupted by the large grandfather clock chiming midnight. She'd slept a long time. She didn't bother getting up. They won't miss me, she told herself bitterly. No one misses me.

     Before she could think any further, a ginger blur flew past the picture window. She raced out the Cat Door, and after the blur she knew was Macavity. "What do you think you're doing, Macavity?" she hissed when he came to a halt.

     "So, you can't let sleeping Cats lie, can you, Bomba? What I do and don't do is my business, not yours," sneered the Mystery Cat, enjoying it. He gave her a look that said, Come closer, Bomba, closer. Come further into the den of the wolves...

     She shuddered visibly. "What you do on the Jellicle's land is my business, 'Cav'." She couldn't help but use her kittenhood nickname for him. He noticed her mistake, and anger flared in his eyes.

     "You can't sweet-talk me, Bombalurina!" he yelled. The lights flew on inside the house, and the door opened noisily. "I threw you out, and I'm not taking you back. This is your fate, not mine."

     "You want me to beg, don't you? I'm happy here, 'Cav'. No matter what you may say, this is my home." Unfortunately, she had been too busy arguing with him to notice his cronies sneaking up around her. Two of them seized her before she could leap to safety. "NO!" she screamed in defeat.

     She slashed out at the two Strais holding her captive, throwing them to the floor. Indeed, they hadn't anticipated that she was stronger than she appeared. A third Strai leapt in, claws unsheathed, ready for battle. Bomba yelped in surprise, but did not give up. She glared at the black tom, growling menacingly. He did the same. They leapt into battle at the same second, but Bomba, being the smaller and more agile of the two, dodged out of his path at the last possible second, and hit a full blow to his stomach.

     She rolled into a standing position and whirled around to see the damage she had inflicted. The Strai hit the ground hard, and did not move. She didn't have time to relish in her victory, for the other two Strais were just coming at her again.

     She did a straddle jump, kicking both toms in the chin, and landed in time to dodge when they fell senseless to the ground. A paw seized her by the shoulder, and pulled her next to someone in the darkness, she couldn't see who.

     "Damn you fools, you let her get away!" Macavity ranted angrily, not seeing Bomba and her rescuer in the darkness of the shadowy wall. The Strais ran off, back to the slums.

     "Who are you?" Bomba asked.

     "Munkustrap," a voice whispered. A female voice, from atop the wall. "Where are you, Munk? Tell me, Munk, tell me!"

     From behind Bomba, Munkustrap answered, "I'm right here, Dema. I just had to save Bomba here from being kitnapped by Macavity." There was a thud, and Dema stood beside them. Then, a slightly smaller thud, and Jemima stood beside her mother.

     "Thank you," Bomba said, and disappeared.

     "I am never going to figure out what's wrong with that queen," Munk said. Dema nodded, and the three Jellicles walked to the Junkyard. Their house had no Cat Door, so they were out for the night, and would have to sleep in the Junkyard.

     "You know, you could come with me," Bomba offered from somewhere in the shadows. "I'm sure Marlene wouldn't mind, and," lightning flashed on the horizon, "I'm sure you don't want to be outside when that storm hits."

     The four Jellicles set off at a run toward Marlene's, but they didn't seem to be able to go fast enough. A third of the way to the house, they met up with Rum Tum Tugger.

     "I was just wondering where my brother ran off to," he explained as they ran back to their homes. They didn't run fast enough. The storm broke after a few more yards. And it broke wildly. The rain was blinding, and lightning flashed every few seconds, followed by deafening thunder. Jema was terrified.

     The Cats dove under a hedge, to keep dry and safe, but it wasn't much dryer than in the rain.

     "Oh isn't this fun," Bomba yawned. "Oh, yuck. This ground has turned to mush," she stated angrily. "I hope Macavity gets washed down a storm gutter."

     "Wait a minute," Tugger interrupted. "You met up with Macavity?"

     The other four Cats nodded, and Tugger rolled his eyes. "Why do I never get to see any action here?" he asked sarcastically. Bomba and Jema giggled. Munk didn't think it was that funny. Dema just ignored them all, and buried her face in Munk's fur.

     Lightning flashed, and suddenly, a siren blared nearby. It had struck the storm siren pole (wowie, I saw that happen once during science class, and it was right outside the window, too!). Jema screamed, "What in the name of the Heaviside Layer is that noise?"

     "Stay calm, Jema," Dema soothed her daughter. "It's just a bit of electricity. It won't harm us." She nuzzled the kitten to reassure her.

     "It's getting gross under here. I'm going home," Bomba stated, looking at her now brown paws. The mud was indeed getting thick, and sticking to their paws.

     "Don't say that again," hissed Tugger in Dema's direction. The siren pole was leaning over from the wind. Leaning in their direction, its fiery tip nearing the ground. "I suggest moving."

     "I agree!" Bomba agreed, leaping out from under the sheltering hedge, and out into the raging storm. Tugger followed, and then Munk, Jema, and Dema. They escaped just in time, for the second they were out, the siren hit the hedge, and it burst into flames.

     "I'm just glad that we weren't still in there," Dema breathed. She hadn't noticed she'd been holding her breath. "Tonight's certainly been eventful. Let's go home and try to get some rest."

     "I don't think we can," Tugger said. "The humans are probably in the cellar, and that means we're locked out." Munk groaned, and Dema looked upset.

     "Marlene has a Cat door," Bomba said. Noticing the odd looks from the others, she explained, "It's a door the size of a Cat. We can get in that way, and I know she wouldn't mind four extra Cats for the night. She might even give us some tuna!"

     That convinced the others. They bolted to Marlene's home, and through the Cat door to safety. They spent the night curled up on the sofa. And even though they were ruining the leather with their wet fur, Marlene let them sleep.