By: Jemima
Chapter One:
The setting sun's rays shone quietly down on London, giving the streets a soft glow. Purrsylja yawned and stretched as she got up from her cramped position in her lonely alley. She spread out her wings and whiskers, her bright blue eyes glancing out onto the main street. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw her mother walking past. Then Purrsylja began to sob. Only a little over a month old, this kitten's life was about as hard as it could get.
Born a stray Jellicle, the only kitten in the litter, both of Purrsylja's parents had died before she really even knew them. Her Da was killed in a fight with some nasty Pollicles, and just recently, her Mum was hit by a wicked car. Bringing her mind back to the present, Purrsylja chided herself for wallowing in misery and quickly wiped the tears away. You'll never accomplish anything that way, Purrsylja thought to herself. The Jellicle Ball was going to begin soon; she could just feel it. Purrsylja began to flap her silky white wings. She hadn't quite gotten the hang of being a flying Cat yet. Most other alley cats shunned her because of her extra appendages.
Purrsylja had been born with wings, though no one could really figure out why. Purrsylja began to squeal excitedly as she felt herself lift off the ground, but then fell back onto the hard cement with a thud. She would really have to practice more often. Stepping out onto the main street, Purrsylja spied a black and white Cat saunter along, creating little sparks with his paws. Wow, Purrsylja thought, could he be a Jellicle? She'd often heard of other Jellicles having different powers; perhaps her wings were hers. Unfortunately, Purrsylja knew of no other Jellicles -- except Old Deuteronomy and a bad kitty called Macavity. Before her Mum's demise, Purrsylja had been told that they were relatives of Old Deuteronomy, but that was all she would tell her. Sighing, Purrsylja padded along the sidewalk, searching for the Jellicle Junkyard. There, she knew, she'd be part of a family again.
Chapter Two:
Purrsylja pushed herself as hard as possible. The roads seemed to be getting longer and her paws felt like lead. She'd been walking nonstop for at least 3 hours but she couldn't stop now. She just had to be close to the Junkyard by now. Purrsylja hadn't eaten for two days. She'd repeatedly been beaten to the trashcans by the other alley cats. Even if she got there before them, they'd probably chase her away. Purrsylja's ears perked up as she heard a melodic voice sing out an invitation to the Jellicle Ball. Her energy somewhat restored, Purrsylja dragged her feet towards the voices and found herself at the entrance of the Jellicle Junkyard. Her blue eyes widened in amazement as she saw dozens of Cats just like herself (excluding the wings) prance around happily. This was home!
Purrsylja squeezed herself into a large crevice between some dilapidated tires and watched as the Jellicle Ball took place. She couldn't make herself known now; despite her playful nature, she suddenly felt extremely out of place in the presence of these confident Cats.
At the end of the Ball she'd find Old Deuteronomy, Purrsylja decided. Turning her gaze back onto the scene, Purrsylja pushed fatigue and hunger out of her mind as she got caught up in the magic of the Jellicle Ball. Suddenly, the Cats scattered at a loud crash of thunder. "Macavity!" one of them yelled. Purrsylja huddled in the crevice, frightened. But it wasn't the evil Cat who appeared. It turned out to be two identical orange-striped Cats carrying sacks. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer! Purrsylja had met them once or twice while on a food-stealing mission, but she never knew they were Jellicles.
Before long, a large elderly Cat emerged. Purrsylja felt the excitement in her rise. She'd found Old Deuteronomy at last! He would be her ticket to a new home.
Chapter Three:
The events of the Jellicle Ball continued and were absorbed by Purrsylja's watchful eyes. How exciting this all was! Finally, the Jellicle Ball came to an end. "So this is this and that is that, and there's how you ad-dress a Cat!" Old Deuteronomy sang with great flourish. One by one, the Cats began to disperse. The black and white Cat she'd seen before suddenly walked right into her line of sight. He was known as Mr Mistoffelees and he was a magical Cat. Purrsylja kept her eyes on his every movement, captivated by what seemed to be a magnetic air about him. She didn't notice as Old Deuteronomy quietly went on his way.
By now, all the Cats had left except Mistoffelees, Mungojerrie, and Rumpleteazer. They'd stayed behind to catch up with each other. Mistoffelees stopped talking abruptly as his eyes scanned the Junkyard and rested upon the crevice in which Purrsylja was hiding. Uh oh, Purrsylja thought. Here she was about to be found out and Old Deuteronomy had disappeared! Inevitably, Mistoffelees caught sight of Purrsylja's shining eyes and beckoned her out of the crevice. Rumpleteazer gasped as she barely recognised the white and gray Jellicle. In complete contrast to her limpid orbs, Purrsylja was dangerously thin and her previously beautiful white coat was now layered with dirt and grime. Suddenly giving way to exhaustion, the kitten let out a strained meow, and to the Cats' horror, she collapsed in a crumpled heap on the ground.
Chapter Four:
"She's coming round!" Rumpleteazer yelled a while later from her vigil at Purrsylja's side. Purrsylja's eyes fluttered open to three concerned faces. Rumpleteazer quickly set a dish of cream in front of Purrsylja. In a split second, the hungry kitten lapped it all up. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible from weariness, "Is Old Deuteronomy here?" Rumpleteazer looked at the two other Cats worriedly. Purrsylja had been unconscious for nearly half an hour now. It wouldn't be easy to track Old Deuteronomy down now.
None of the Cats ever really saw him outside of the annual Jellicle balls and meetings. "Suppose you tell us why you need to find him and we'll see what we can do," Mungojerrie offered. Gradually regaining her strength, Purrsylja told the Cats her story. Mistoffelees was only half paying attention to her. Purrsylja's wings puzzled him. What was it that his mother had told him before about different Jellicle powers...? Mistoffelees shook his head briskly. He couldn't remember it now, but he was sure that Purrsylja was special in more ways than one. He turned his focus back to Purrsylja's story, which was now coming to a close. "... And I've been on my own ever since," Purrsylja ended.
Rumpleteazer felt sorry for the little kitten. She decided to take Purrsylja under her wing, figuratively speaking, of course. Volunteering to go in search of Old Deuteronomy, Mistoffelees quickly set off. Fully recovered from her ordeal, Purrsylja was now batting lackadaisically at a piece of loose cardboard hanging from a rubbish heap in the Junkyard. Mungojerrie watched her methodical movements absently while Rumpleteazer went digging through some of the Junkyard trash. Suddenly, Mungojerrie's eyes flew wide open and he leapt out of his silent reverie. Danger was near. Rumpleteazer surveyed the Junkyard cautiously. Was it just her, or did she see something move near Purrsylja's corner?
"Alright, Mistoffelees! That's not funny!" Rumpleteazer yelled unconvincingly as the streetlights began to flicker in a strange manner. "Stick close together," Mungojerrie warned as he made his way over to Rumpleteazer. But Purrsylja failed to heed his admonition. This could be the adventure of a lifetime! Purrsylja felt a frightening thrill engulf her as the Junkyard was plunged into sudden darkness. Almost in the same instance, there came a blinding flash of lightning as a large feline figure raced towards Purrsylja.
Chapter Five:
Purrsylja let out an ear-splitting shriek as the unfamiliar figure lifted her up onto his shoulders and carried her away from safety. "Macavity!" Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer hissed in unison. Just as quickly as he'd appeared, Macavity vanished into the night. He raced down the London streets with Purrsylja in tow. "Let me go, you scoundrel!" Purrsylja protested. Her vocal objections continued until she'd shouted herself hoarse. Finally, Macavity came to a halt at a deserted warehouse. He dropped Purrsylja onto the damp warehouse floor.
"Ow!" Purrsylja yelled as loudly as her rasping voice would allow her to. "Shut up or I'll de-claw you," Macavity growled unfeelingly. Purrsylja glared at him defiantly, more furious at her kidnapping than she was afraid of the Hidden Paw. "So, you're Macavity eh?" Purrsylja remarked, "I've heard about you. Kidnapping defenseless kittens; you ought to be ashamed of yourself, you... you... wretched old Cat!" Purrsylja was never one to know how to pick her fights. Despite this being the first time he was confronted in this way, Macavity was mildly amused by her smart mouth. "Just be quiet and you'll be fine," Macavity snarled.
"No! Why should I listen to you? You're the most despicable Cat in the world!" Purrsylja babbled. Not deigning to play along, Macavity turned his back towards her and began his ransom note to Old Deuteronomy and the rest of the Jellicles.
Chapter 6
Meanwhile, Mistoffelees had been making his way towards the vicarage in search of Old Deuteronomy when he'd heard an unearthly scream. He sped in the direction of the cry, recognising Purrsylja's voice, and soon found himself in the unfamiliar surroundings of Macavity's lair. Mistoffelees circled the warehouse cautiously, hoping he might find out what happened. Peering into the window, he saw Purrsylja chained to a broken chair. Macavity, too engrossed in his note, was not aware of the magical Cat's presence. Purrsylja, now feeling less angry and surprisingly more comfortable, began to ramble incoherently to keep herself occupied.
Macavity ignored her disoriented babble while Mistoffelees waited in the cold outside for a chance to rescue the kitten. He didn't have a clue as to how he would do that, but he knew he had to do something. With dramatic embellishent, Macavity finished his ransom note and read it out loud. "What?!" Purrsylja yelped when he was done reading, "You can't take Jellicle leadership!" An evil grin spread across Macavity's scarred face. "Why, of course I can, my dear hostage. Old Deuteronomy would do anything to have his long-lost great-granddaughter back." Purrsylja's mouth gaped open. She knew she was related to the Jellicle leader, but she never thought it'd be such a close kinship.
"Y-you're lying," the kitten stammered numbly. Outside the warehouse Mistoffelees' eyes widened. This presented a whole new angle. He had to do something, and fast. He knew Macavity was right about Old Deuteronomy being willing to do anything for the kitten, as he did for all his progeny. The next Jellicle leaders' meeting was just a few days away. If Macavity got his note to Old Deuteronomy before then, it would probably mean the end of the London Jellicles, and eventually the entire Jellicle Tribe.
Chapter 7
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer scampered down the dark London streets and soon arrived exhausted at Macavity's cryptic lair. They could hear Purrsylja throwing out various names at Macavity. "That kitten is practically courting death!" Mungojerrie griped softly. The siblings turned a corner of the warehouse and almost ran right into Mistoffelees. In a hushed undertone, Mistoffelees quickly filled them in.
"Whoa..." Mungojerrie whispered, "This is much more serious than I thought." Mungojerrie hated being here. Life was more than difficult being an agent for Macavity, but he knew he couldn't get out, at least, not in one piece. His mind started to reel with the past events that placed him in his current situation. Back then, when he was slightly younger, Mungojerrie had inadvertently wandered into Macavity's place, discovering an evil conspiracy against some of the neighbourhood Pollicles. Pollicles though they were, Mungojerrie disapproved of any violence towards them.
Because he now knew of the wicked plan, Macavity forced Mungojerrie to become an agent for him, or else never see the light of day again. From then on, Mungojerrie proved an advantageous Cat to Macavity, skilled in theft and diversions. Being a Jellicle made him all the more valuable. Rumpleteazer was his partner in crime, but she'd never been made an agent for reasons he'd never know. Mungojerrie quickly shook the thoughts out of his mind. Purrsylja's life was at stake, and he knew he had to save a fellow Jellicle, no matter what it took.
Chapter 8:
Mistoffelees stood in silence, trying to estimate how much magic he had left in him tonight. Saving Old Deuteronomy from Macavity's clutches during the Jellicle Ball certainly took a lot of it away. Magic was not an option in this case. Even if he managed to gather enough of it to relocate Purrsylja back into the Junkyard, he'd put his and his friends' lives at risk, being right in Macavity's territory. A warning from Rumpleteazer interrupted his thoughts. "Quick! In here!" she whispered, pulling him and Mungojerrie into a dark hole under a pile of empty crates, narrowly missing Macavity's patrolling henchmen's inspections.
"Great," Mungojerrie muttered, "Now we have rats in our way." Now that the henchmen were making their rounds, the danger of the Cats being here was increased heavily. They watched helplessly as the armed rats took their stations at all possible entrances and exits of the warehouse. Macavity certainly took his role seriously. Not long after, a Cat unknown to any of them appeared at an entrance. "Password," one of the rat guards drawled. The Cat mumbled something illegible and was let in unharmed. Mistoffelees could barely contain a gasp as the moonlight hit the stranger Cat. He had wings like Purrsylja!
The winged Cat made his way into the warehouse. "You called for me, Sir?" he asked of Macavity. "I certainly did, Augustus. Look over there," Macavity indicated the corner in which Purrsylja was chained. Setting his gaze upon Purrsylja, the winged Cat stepped back in utter surprise. "You're... you're my...sister..."
Chapter 9:
Purrsylja stared up at the other winged Cat in shock. It wasn't possible! She'd been the only kitten in her litter...Yet, this Cat standing before her looked strangely like her. They had the same ocean blue eyes, not to mention the conspicuous wings. Purrsylja listened numbly as Augustus explained how they were related. He'd come from a litter before her, the only one of the kittens with wings. Later, when Purrsylja was just born, Augustus and his siblings were caught by the pound and he was almost put to sleep along with them. He would be dead by now if it weren't for Macavity. "That's right, my dear," Macavity affirmed smugly, placing his sunken eyes on Purrsylja, "And now, listen carefully. If Old Deuteronomy fails to obey my commands and give up Jellicle leadership in my favour, you'll stay here and be my agent. Forever." Purrsylja glared at Macavity with as much hatred as she could muster. If looks could kill, her problems would be solved.
"You sorry excuse for a Cat! You'll never get away with this!" Purrsylja hollered in defiance. Mistoffelees and his friends were unable to see any of the goings on inside the warehouse, but they could hear everything. "What are we going to do now?" Rumpleteazer asked worriedly. Neither of the Cats had an answer. For a brief moment, a flash of remorse appeared in Augustus' eyes. However, they soon became steely and cold once more as Macavity turned back toward him. "Stay here with her and keep watch on the place, Augustus. I have to be somewhere," Macavity instructed. "Yes Sir," Augustus obeyed. Macavity stalked out of the warehouse with his henchmen following close behind. Augustus turned to face a fuming Purrsylja.
"Well, I guess it's just you and me, Sis." Purrsylja looked evenly at him, her voice laced with icy scorn. "You're not fit to be my brother." Augustus was shocked. He'd longed for the day to be reunited with his family, but now his only sister despised him. "That's right, you're not fit to be my brother," Purrsylja reiterated, "Jellicles should always stick together, not submit to evil Cats like Macavity!" "You think I don't know that?" Augustus rebuked. "Well, then, let's get out of here!" Purrsylja insisted. "No! Cant' you see, Purrs? Macavity saved my life!" Augustus snapped. He paused, and then continued almost violently, "Once you're Macavity's agent, you die Macavity's agent."
Chapter 10:
An awkward silence filled the air. "Purrs, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled," Augustus murmured softly, "But can't you at least try to understand the position I'm in?" Purrsylja, though still upset, spoke in an indifferent tone. "Oh, I understand, all right. I understand that you're not much of a brother." She knew her words stung, and they hurt her, too. Despite this being the first time she'd ever seen Augustus, she felt a deep closeness to him. But she was much too proud to admit it. "I'm sorry, Purrs. That's all I can say. I know it's not much, but that's all I can give you. I'm sorry you can't accept me, but you're my sister and the only family I know. You're all that I have..."Augustus' voice trailed off.
To his surprise, Purrsylja suddenly began to sob. Everything had happened so quickly and it was all just hitting her now. Why didn't she listen to Mungojerrie's warning? She knew it was entirely her own fault that she was in this predicament now. The sudden appearance of a brother she never knew didn't help either. Augustus made his way over to Purrsylja and gave her a hesitant hug. Purrsylja cried harder as she clung to the only comfort this circumstance offered. Soon, Purrsylja's tears ran dry, and Augustus got up. He took Macavity's crude note and tore it up into tiny pieces. Purrsylja smiled happily. Her brother was finally seeing the light!
Meanwhile, a frigid late autumn breeze began to blow outside. Mistoffelees glanced at his friends concernedly. He had his magic to keep him warm, but they obviously didn't. "Cold, cold, cold..." Rumpleteazer muttered to herself. "Both of you go look for Munkustrap," Mistoffelees suggested, "There's something about Purrsylja I just can't place, but I'm sure Munkustrap will know." Glad to be able to move to keep warm, the siblings scampered off to Munkustrap's home, deftly escaping the roaming eyes of the remaining few henchmen.
Chapter 11:
Augustus threw his paws up in the air in exasperation. The chains Macavity had put around Purrsylja were much too tight, and he couldn't get them off. Mistoffelees decided there and then to make his grand entrance. He climbed stealthily through an open window. "Hi Purrsylja," Mistoffelees greeted the kitten as he came in. "Hullo Mistoffelees!" Purrsylja grinned ecstatically. Mistoffelees put his paws out and zapped the chains apart. Being a magical Cat certainly came in handy. Augustus watched in awe as Purrsylja's previously bound paws became free once more. Mistoffelees hastily introduced himself to Augustus and explained that Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were off looking for help.
"Good," Purrsylja exclaimed, "The sooner we get out of here the better. Augustus, you'll finally be able to meet the rest of the Jellicles!" Augustus hung his head down in shame. "No, I can't. I have to stay with Macavity. I owe him my life." Tears sprang to Purrsylja's eyes. Here she had a long-lost brother and she might never see him again! But she now knew better than to quarrel with him on that subject. He was a loyal Cat and would always stay that way, even if his faithfulness went to the wrong individual. A patter of feet broke the uncomfortable silence that hung in the air. Mistoffelees glanced out the window cautiously.
Macavity's henchmen were asleep on the job. Soon, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer appeared, with Munkustrap following close behind. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer entered the warehouse, and having already explained some of the situation to Munkustrap, nodded in Purrsylja's direction. Munkustrap turned his gaze towards the kitten. His customary stoic expression was replaced by one of astonishment. Not saying a word, Munkustrap beckoned to Mistoffelees and the two went outside.
Chapter 12:
"Anything wrong?" Mistoffelees asked his friend. "Oh, definitely not," Munkustrap replied, a smile slowly spreading across his face, "I just thought that you'd like to be the first one to know that when she grows up, Purrsylja will be a Jellicle Leader." Mistoffelees beamed joyfully. That's what it was that his mother had told him about different Jellicle powers! Some Cats had wings, and some Cats had magic, among other things. The winged Cats were the Chosen Ones to be Jellicle Leaders. However, Mistoffelees soon turned glum again. It was obvious that Macavity trusted Augustus enough to leave him alone with his long-lost sister, but what would happen to him when Macavity came back to find Purrsylja gone?
Munkustrap was usually the walking answer key, but this time he didn't have a solution. The two Cats went back into the warehouse, where Mistoffelees uneasily brought up the question to the rest of them. "Don't worry about me," Augustus reassured them, "I can handle it." Purrsylja nodded sadly; she believed him. Macavity was mean, but she had a gut feeling that Augustus would be alright. Augustus looked all around him at the Cats. "I think you all better get going soon. Macavity might come back anytime." Munkustrap agreed solemnly and led the rest of the Jellicles out of the warehouse as they each said their farewells to the Cat who'd be left behind. Purrsylja was the last one out of the warehouse. Not deigning to let this be a sorrowful episode, Purrsylja put a smile on her face and rubbed her head against Augustus' shoulder affectionately. "Goodbye brother."
Chapter 13:
A new day dawned upon the Junkyard, and Purrsylja rubbed her eyes sleepily. Was it morning already? She couldn't remember what had happened after they got back to the Junkyard. Presumably, they all fell asleep from exhaustion. Purrsylja glanced around the Junkyard. The rest of the Cats were up and about, already well into the day. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer bounded over to Purrsylja happily. "Look what we've brought for you, Purrs!" Rumpleteazer exclaimed cheerfully, pointing towards the big Junkyard tire.
Old Deuteronomy! Purrsylja squealed in elation as she raced over to give the Jellicle leader a warm hug. "So I hear you've had quite an exciting night, Purrsylja," Old Deuteronomy smiled. "Yes sir, I did!" Purrsylja returned the grin, her smile faltering a little as she recalled to mind her brother. She gave a little sigh and turned her attention back to Old Deuteronomy. Mistoffelees took Purrsylja's paw and led her off Old Deuteronomy's lap. "Well, Purrsylja, it's time," he said. "Time for what?" she looked at him confusedly.
"Training!" Rumpleteazer interjected excitedly, "You're next in line for leadership after Munkustrap!" Purrsylja's eyes grew large; she was at a loss for words. "Come on Purrsylja, follow me and Mistoffelees," Munkustrap offered a reassuring paw. He led her to a large parking lot filled with rusty old cars near the Junkyard. These were the training grounds? Purrsylja looked around her warily. "It's just a buncha cars --" Purrsylja started, then realised why these were the training grounds. The cars could either be traps or stepping stones, depending on the movements one made. Munkustrap gave the first instructions and Purrsylja began her practice.
Never one to give up, Purrsylja determinedly started over and over again, despite the many failures before. Finally, her hard work was rewarded as she passed the first test. Elated, Purrsylja flapped her wings excitedly and stayed in the air for almost a full minute. Munkustrap and Mistoffelees congratulated her on both successes, but strangely, her mind was turned to something else. How she wished Augustus could have seen her little victories. Staring off into the distance, Purrsylja caught sight of a shadowy movement in a nearby alley. Her ears perked up, and then relaxed again as a bittersweet smile spread over her face. She realised he'd been there all along, and would always be there in the shadows, silently cheering her on.
Epilogue:
Macavity returned to find Augustus sitting alone in a corner. "Where is she?" Macavity demanded. Augustus looked Macavity straight in the eye. "I'm sorry, sir. I had to let her go. She's my sister and I love her." Macavity cringed slightly at his words, but unexpectedly, he waved Augustus away without harming a hair on his head. Augustus left quickly, lest Macavity should change his mind. Alone once more, Macavity emitted a bitter chuckle. Love. He understood it well, for he too, had once loved and been loved...
Author's note: Special thanks to Silabub for her continuous inspiration and encouragement throughout the composing of this fanfic.
