Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

((The overture starts from a shot in the clouds of the full, bright moon, down to a view of London's downtown, and a view of the bright locations of the city that we'll be seeing. Here and there are close-up silhouettes of several cats running from different directions, onward toward a specific section. Glowing eyes would also on occasion be seen as numerous cats pass through the streets, in and out of hiding spaces, and between buildings and on rooftops. Some of them are pausing to dance along instead of run, stepping to the music.

As the overture dips, our protagonist, Demeter (a long-haired tortie with a spiked collar), comes rushing into view, darting in and out from beneath a few parked cars, panting as if she's been running for a little while. She pauses behind the tire of a truck as several shadows of cats pass by, and she waits for them to go before rushing off-screen herself. She stops about a block away from an alley with a junkyard and looks around nervously.

The overture swells as a loud horn sounds from a passing car and makes her run, the camera panning up to see several cats running along to this central, abandoned portion of the city that has a beautiful, desolate look. The shadows themselves seem to chase Demeter that way as well, maybe we even catch a glimpse of a pair of glowing, poisonous green eyes behind her within them...as if her fears are chasing her closer into the darkness, or something else. As the overture ends, she's finally ducked into the darkness of the junkyard.

Another car passes by, its headlights putting a shine to her eyes as she turns back inside. It's completely quiet as she emerges slowly into a central street light, panting lightly and looking around. She nearly trips on a tin can, making it roll and echo along, and she yelps in surprise before pressing on slowly.

As she steps further in, the scene lighting up, we see several sets of glittering eyes appearing and approaching, until she's in the central circle. She gasps as she notices she's surrounded by eyes and shadow. She then looks ahead and up, shrinking a little, as the music starts, and the silhouette of a large cat with a nicked ear strolls out into the light. This is Munkustrap, a black and silver tabby with a black collar and tag. He looks at her, neutral and calm, starting the song as if asking, "are you a cat" or "friend or foe"?))

((Note: any names and appearances of background ensemble characters can switch around.))

Munkustrap: ~Are you blind when you're born?~

((More cats emerge from the shadows as each line is sung.))

Bombalurina (A red ticked tabby queen with a spiked collar): ~Can you see in the dark?~

((Demeter's eyes widen a little at seeing her, but her attention is brought back to other cats singing.))

Coricopat (Or twin cat 1): ~Dare you look at a king?~

Tantomile (Or twin cat 2): ~Would you sit on his throne?~

Plato (From Munkustrap's left): ~Can you say of your bite, that it's worse than your bark?~

Alonzo (Leaping from Munkustrap's right): ~Are you cock of the walk...~ (Strides to the beat)

Victoria (A white youngster, suddenly next to Demeter, but happy and smiling to meet someone new): ~...When you're walking alone?~

((The song becomes a little more upbeat now, and Demeter is relaxing a little, intrigued. The cats are coming out and dancing around her in the light now as the chorus goes.))

Everyone: ~Because Jellicles are, and Jellicles do;

Jellicles do and Jellicles would.

Jellicles would, and Jellicles can;

Jellicles can and Jellicles do.~

Jellylorum (An older cream tabby): ~When you fall on your head, do you land on your feet?~

Cassandra (A brown burmese): ~Are you tense when you sense, there's a storm in the air?~

Electra (Or kitten sibling 1): ~Can you find your way blind...~

Etcetera (Or kitten sibling 2): ~...When you're lost in the street?~

Munkustrap (As everyone comes fully into the light): ~Do you know how to go to the Heaviside Layer?~

Everyone: ~Because Jellicles can, and Jellicles do,

Jellicles do and Jellicles can,

Jellicles can and Jellicles do, Jellicles do and Jellicles can,

Jellicles can, and Jellicles do...~

((Demeter is up and smiling by this point, enjoying the show as the others sing to her.))

Coricopat: ~Can you ride on a broomstick...~

Tantomile: ~...To places far distant?~

Kittens: ~Familiar with candle, with book and with bell...~

Alonzo (Circling on her left): ~Were you Whittington's friend?~

Mistofelees (Circling on her right): ~The Pied Piper's assistant?~

Munkustrap (In front of her): ~Have you been an alumnus of Heaven or Hell?~

Bombalurina (Making her turn and lifting her chin with a clawed finger): ~Are you mean like a minx?~

Electra: ~Are you lean like a lynx?~

Plato (Holding a mouse): ~Are you keen to be seen... (Sniffs it, sneers and tosses it) When you're smelling a rat?~

Cassandra (In the center spotlight, posing elegantly in front of a photo of a pyramid): ~Were you there when the Pharaohs commissioned the Sphinx?~

Everybody: ~If you were and you are, you're a Jellicle cat!~

((Demeter joins in the dancing, taking paws with everyone who offers and watching them do acrobatics and tricks.))

Everybody: ~Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats...~

~We can fly through the air! Like a flying trapeze! We can turn double-somersaults, bounce on a tire!~

~We can run up a wall, we can swing through the trees! We can balance on bars, we can walk on a wire!~

~Jellicles can and Jellicles do!

Jellicles can and Jellicles do!

Jellicles can and Jellicles do!

Jellicles can and Jellicles do!~

~Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!~

((Demeter watches as everyone forms a chorus in front of her, Munkustrap leading it))

Queens: ~Can you sing at the same time, in more than one key?

Duets by Rossini...~

Toms: ~And Waltzes by Strauss?

And can you as cats do, begin with a "C"...~

Jellylorum (suddenly, in a high C): ~Aaaaah!~

Everyone: ~That always triumphantly brings down the house?~

~Jellicle cats are queens of the night,

Singing at astronomical heights!

Handling pieces from the Messiah!

Hallelujiah, angelical choir...~

((Right after the word "angelical", a light turns on from a window of the next-door flat, and someone screams "quiet!" with a shoe thrown into the yard. Dead silence as the cats react with various expressions of insult, indignity or bemusement at the interruption.))

Munkustrap:...Right then, from the top.

((Demeter laughs behind her paw.))

Everyone: ~Jellicle cats are queens of the night,

Singing at astronomical heights!

Handling pieces from the Messiah!

Hallelujiah, angelical choir...!~

Human at the window: "Get outta 'ere, ya...!"

((Another shoe is thrown...the cats just laugh and run together out of the yard.

Demeter runs along and keeps up as they enter the main center of their own little side world during the song's pause. She looks up in awe as the Jellicles are all situated on the statue, Munkustrap at the top, all bathed in the light of the moon and the street lights, bright and hopeful.))

Everyone: ~The mystical divinity

Of unashamed felinity...

'Round the cathedral rang "vivat"!

Life to the Everlasting Cat!~

((The others slowly come down from the statue and form a tightening circle around Demeter, singing as they walk.))

Everyone: ~Feline, fearless, faithful and true

To others who do...what...~

((Song erupts again, Munkustrap takes her paw and leads her into another dance. She sings along this time.))

Everyone: ~Jellicles do and Jellicles can

Jellicles can and Jellicles do

Jellicle cats sing Jellicle chants

Jellicles old and Jellicles new!

Jellicle song and Jellicle dance!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

((Various Jellicles sing solos for these lines.))

~Practical cats, dramatical cats
Pragmatical cats, fanatical cats
Oratorical cats, Delphicoracle cats
Skeptical cats, Dispeptical cats
Romantical cats, Pedantical cats
Critical cats, parasitical cats
Allegorical cats, metaphorical cats
Statistical cats and mystical cats
Political cats, hypocritical cats
Clerical cats, hysterical cats
Cynical cats, rabbinical cats~

Everyone: ~Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!

((At a loud CRASH, everyone abruptly stops singing and look suddenly apprehensive in one direction, leaving Demeter singing the last line herself.))

Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats!~...Oh!

((To Demeter, the shadows in the far alley seem to shift into something menacing; and the other cats looking there only seems to confirm her fears. Her mood instantly turns to fearful again, and she turns and runs off toward another dark yard (perhaps a chapel graveyard like in the movie). Some of the others peer after her curiously, others are still watching across the street, muttering that they might have smelled or heard something. Munkustrap, concerned, follows after her.

We cut back to the graveyard and Demeter is catching her breath and clasping her upper arms behind a large stone. A shadow falls over her; and we see that it wasn't Munkustrap that got to her first, but Bombalurina.))

Bombalurina:...Well, well, dear. You've landed yourself in an interesting predicament, escaping from him.

Demeter (Hurriedly): Oh, Bomba, please, don't say his name out loud, he might hear...oh, what are you doing here anyway? I thought you were with...him.

Bombalurina: (Chuckles) I followed you, Deme. You're my friend; I wanted to make sure you weren't hurt. Luckily, I know this bunch of cats. They're...amusing.

Demeter: (Smiling, remembering the fun of the song) Yes... (Face falling) But...are they...dangerous?

Bombalurina: Well...

Munkustrap (Suddenly, off-screen): Only to foes. (He jumps down from on top of the headstone, next to them, nearly between them.) (To Bomba:) Do you know this young queen?

Bombalurina: (Her ears are back a little, but she nods) Yes...you can say she escaped the same treatment as I, poor thing.

Munkustrap: (Sneering)...Macavity. I see.

Demeter: (Shrinking) Please, please don't say his name, he'll find me...surely he was there in the square...I can't go back...

Munkustrap: Easy now, m'lady, you're safe now. Here. (He offers his paw to help her up, which she accepts) I knew that you must be new around here. Do you have a name?

Demeter: (Nodding, a bit more relaxed and shy) Er...yes. I go by Demeter.

Munkustrap: Lovely. I have a human name too, but I prefer to go by Munkustrap.

Demeter: (Head tilts) Interesting...do all Jellicle cats have strange names?

Bombalurina: You'll have to excuse her, Munk; she's never even heard of a Jellicle cat.

((The other cats are slowly sifting into the graveyard.))

Coricopat (From behind one side of the headstone): Never heard of a Jellicle? How sad!

Tantomile (From behind the other side): How strange!

Victoria: (Bounding up) That won't do at all! (She looks between the others) Shall we tell her?

Cassandra: (Looking her over, eyes narrowed) Can she be trusted, though...?

Munkustrap: "Faithful and true", Cass. We must always give a new cat a chance. (He bows his head a little to Demeter, again extending his paw and smiling.) If you permit us to tell you.

Demeter: Oh, uh, uhm...certainly, but...tell me what?

((As he leads her to the moonlit center of the graveyard, the other cats follow and encircle. Munkustrap starts "The Naming of Cats", with the others joining in the chant slowly.))

Munkustrap: The naming of cats is a difficult matter,

It isn't just one of your holiday games.

You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter,

When I tell you a cat must have three different names.

First of all, there's the name that the family use daily

Such as Peter, Augustus...

Alonzo: Alonzo!

Munkustrap:...Or James. Such as Victor or Jonathan...

George: George!

Bill: Or Bill Bailey!

Munkustrap:...All of them sensible, everyday names.

Cassandra: There are fancier names, if you think they sound sweeter.

Some for the gentleman...some for the dames.

Such as...

Plato: Plato!

Admetus: Admetus!

Electra: Electra!

Munkustrap: (He winks) And Demeter. (She smiles.) But all of them sensible, everyday names.

But I tell you a cat needs a name that's particular,

A name that's peculiar, and more dignified.

((The camera pans over the faces of the cats whose names are called.))

Everybody: Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,

Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?

Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum

Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat.

Such as Bombalurina, or else, Jellylorum.

Names that never belong to more than one cat.

But above and beyond, there is still one name left over

And that is the name that you never will guess

The name that no human research can discover

But the cat himself knows, and will never confess.

When you notice a cat in profound meditation,

The reason I tell you is always the same.

His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation

Of the thought...

Of the thought...

Of the thought...

Of his name.

His ineffable...effible...effanineffible...

Deep and inscrutable...

Singular...

Name.

((As the word "name" echoes, everyone seems to be enraptured by the moonlight. Victoria has climbed to a place in the center of the circle of bright white, and she starts a hypnotizing solo dance that brings everyone closer, and Demeter watches the talented youngster's performance, forgetting her own worries and fully calmed (seen also in the shot is a starry-eyed looking Plato, and seeing this, Mistofelees ducks out of the shot.)

Suddenly, a couple of tiny fireworks go off above Victoria, and the music kicks up into a little more energy as young Mistofelees also jumps on stage next to the giggling kitten, waving his paws as they crackle and his coat sparkles...he seemed to have done a magic trick. The black and white cats dance around each other.))

Mistofelees: ~Jellicle cats come out tonight!

Jellicle cats, come one, come all!

The Jellicle moon is shining bright!

Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball!

Jellicle cats come out tonight...!~

((One of the others, perhaps Mungojerrie or Rumpleteazer, trips the magician and he falls over. He dazedly sings the rest.))

Mistofelees: ~Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball...~

((The others chuckle or scoff a little, and Victoria pulls him back up.))

Munkustrap: (Stands up before Demeter) As for us...

Jellicle cats meet once a year

At the Jellicle Ball, where we all rejoice!

And the Jellicle Leader will soon appear

And make what is known as the Jellicle choice...

When Old Deuteronomy just before dawn

Through a silence you feel you can cut with a knife

Announces the cat who can now be reborn

And come back to a different Jellicle life.

For waiting up there is the Heaviside Layer

Full of wonders, one Jellicle only will see.

And Jellicles ask, because Jellicles dare...

"Who will it be?"

Everyone: (Echoing softly as they all exit the graveyard and back into the streets) "Who will it be?"

Demeter: Ooh...I believe I've heard legends about this Heaviside Layer...but what is the Jellicle Ball? It sounds exciting.

Munkustrap: Oh, it is...we gather to celebrate and have fun together...the full moon will give us her energy and mystic blessing to dance and sing, you've just seen that first-hand with our young talent...and at the end, our Leader chooses one deserving cat to see the wonders of that realm high in the sky, and to be reborn into a new and better life.

Bombalurina: Aren't you being a little theatrical, Munkustrap? It is barely more than a party. We can see you're just trying to charm this sweet little queen.

Munkustrap: (Keeps his patient composure as Demeter blushes slightly). Is it charming if I'm speaking the truth? You've never been to the Ball with us yet, if I recall. I guarantee your mind will change when you see it. It is much more than a party.

Demeter: (Clears her throat) Uhm, so, just how are cats chosen for the Heaviside Layer?

Munkustrap: They prepare a song for Old Deuteronomy, about themselves. Who they are, and what they do. There are a few contestants this year...in fact, one lives right down here. Come and meet her. I think you'll like her, she's quite nice.

Victoria (Jumping up next to Demeter and taking her arm like an excited child): Oh yes, it will be so much fun! At least I think so...this is the first time I'm seeing the Ball too...

((Bombalurina lingers behind the group, watching them go on barely acknowledging that she's not there with them. A voice criss-crosses around behind her as if teleporting, before its owner pops up next to the queen. It is Macavity, a messy, scarred ginger cat in a coat and hat.))

Macavity: I see you're keeping an eye on our little runaway, as agreed.

Bombalurina: Yes, but she's already been drawn into the Jellicles' fold, very easily. I doubt it'll be as easy to pull her back out again.

Macavity: I can think of ways. Just do your job and keep near her, my dear. No cat from within my fold escapes from me.

Bombalurina: Yes, yes...consider it done.

((She leaves off-screen after the group. The shadowy cat disappears as easily as he came.))

Chapter Text

((Munkustrap is leading the way up a short flight of stairs to a window, while Demeter and Victoria are talking, and Mistofelees (who is mostly black with just a white muzzle) is listening in.))

Demeter: So, is anyone here hoping to try for another life?

Victoria: Oh, no, no...we're happy to watch...I've only just joined the Jellicles myself about a month ago. I was...sort of left here on the streets.

Demeter: Oh, you poor dear...

Victoria: It's quite alright now! I wasn't alone for long; Plato there found me, and he and Mistofelees have become such dear friends to me already!

Demeter: Mistofelees...he's the impressive young magician?

Mistofelees: (Shyly) Heh, I'm not that impressive...not yet.

((Munkustrap then gently hushes the cats as they gather around a window into a lovely little house.))

Munkustrap: This is her place. The first competitor for the Jellicle Choice.

Demeter: (Smiling) Who is it?

((Music starts as the window's opened.))

Munkustrap: ~I have a Gumbie Cat in mind

Her name is Jennyanydots...

Her coat is of the tabby kind

With tiger stripes, and leopard spots.~

((The cat in question is lounging with a throw blanket around her. She is an older, somewhat heavyset ginger spotted tabby queen. She yawns and gets down slowly and lazily.))

Munkustrap: ~All day she sits upon the stairs,

Or on the steps, or on the mat.

She sits, and sits, and sits, and sits...

And that's what makes a Gumbie Cat...

That's what makes a Gumbie Cat!~

((Jenny then stands up and straightens her blanket like a coat, smiling sidelong at her growing audience as she makes her way downstairs a level. Jellylorum and Bombalurina dance in behind her and sing.))

Queens: ~Buuuuut, when the day's hustle and bustle is done

Then the Gumbie Cat's work is but hardly begun...

When all the family's in bed and asleep

She tucks up her skirts to the basement to creep.

She is deeply concerned with the ways of the mice...~

Jennyanydots: (On the floor as a mouse tries to sneak by carrying a whole piece of bread)

~Their behavior's not good, and their manners not nice!~

(She picks picks up the bread, mouse and all, and sighs. The cats watch curiously as she brings it to a low cupboard.)

~So once I have got them lined up on the matting, I teach them music, crocheting and tatting!~

((The offending mouse is placed among several others, who are indeed doing little crafts and are playing some swing and do-wop music in a little band. The cats bob their heads, impressed, as she dances along with their little solo.))

Jennyanydots: (Giggling) Adorable little dears, aren't they? No eating them, now!

((The dancing winds down and she wipes her brow and goes to sit for a minute. Munkustrap starts up again with a smile, the kittens watching him like they're listening to a story, and her with interest.))

Munkustrap: ~I have a Gumbie Cat in mind

Her name is Jennyanydots

The curtain cord she likes to wind,

And tie it into sailor knots.

She sits upon the windowsill,

Or anything that's smooth and flat.

She sits, and sits, and sits, and sits...

And that's what makes a Gumbie Cat...

That's what makes a Gumbie cat!~

((Between the final two lines of the previous section, Jellylorum quickly invites Demeter to dance and sing with her and Bombalurina, which she happily does; even the red queen has a convincingly fun expression. The queens continue the segment.))

Queens: ~Buuuuut, when the day's hustle and bustle is done

Then the Gumbie Cat's work is but hardly begun!

She thinks that the cockroaches just need employment

To prevent them from idle and wanton destroyment!~

((Jennyanydots opens another cupboard, in which a bunch of little beetles are marching out and saluting her.))

Jennyanydots: ~So I've formed from this lot of disorderly louts

A troop of well-disciplined helpful boy scouts!

With a purpose in life and a good deed to do...

And I've even created a beetle's tattoo!~

((As the music swells for this dance segment, Jenny with the help of the queens discards her blanket and shows off a glittering outfit beneath, along with a baton like that of a marching band leader to direct the cockroaches and the cats joining in her elaborate tap dance. There's a shot of Demeter laughing as she easily performs the steps, and a shot of Munkustrap grinning, as he enjoys the fun of it and enjoys seeing the once-scared queen having fun as well, and letting go like the rest of the cats.))

Demeter: (Aside during the number to Munkustrap) Why exactly does she want to be reborn? She seems to enjoy her life now...

Jennyanydots: (Pops up between them to answer with a smile) I'm getting on in years, dear, and I have an unrealized dream to travel, perform, and teach. No harm in trying for the next life! (She gently pushes the two of them apart and back into the dancing) Now back in line, all of you! Squad salute!

((They do as told, dancing in rhythm and getting ready to end the number. Mistofelees is seen with a sudden look of concentration and a gleam of a scheme in his eyes as he raises his paws.))

Everyone (including the mice): ~So for all old Gumbie Cats let us give three cheers

On whom well-ordered households depends, it appears!

Three cheers, three cheers, three cheers!

For she's a jolly good fellow...!~

Jennyanydots: Thank you my dears!

((The song ends with an abrupt indoor fireworks display, which accidentally pops overhead and scares the cats out of the house and back into the alleys, Jenny scampering along with them with a bit of a shriek (her mice may be seen with her in various parts of the rest of the show, like in the movie).))

Jennyanydots: (Out of breath) Oh my word! What on earth was that?

Demeter: (Holding her ears as Bombalurina holds her by the shoulders) Too loud, too bright...!

Mistofelees: (Rushing in, paws up) Sorry, sorry, my fault, that was me!

Jennyanydots: (Paws on her hips) You set off fireworks in my house?

Victoria: (Jumps up to his defense) No, no! Those weren't real, they were magic!

Mistofelees: Yes, exactly! (He is wringing his tail and cringing) I-I was just trying to give your number a grand finale! I-I-I thought you'd like it, Miss Jenny, honest!

((Jenny's harsh, head-tilted look melts a little, and she sighs.))

Jennyanydots: Oh, I can't stay mad at youngsters; it was a kind gesture, Misto, but please don't do it again, not without permission.

Munkustrap: (His arms crossed, a more disciplinary look on his features with a brow raised) And I'll make sure of it.

Mistofelees: (With Victoria gently nudging him to calm him down) O-o-of course, yes, terribly sorry.

((Suddenly, from a part of the alley that faces the bright lights of the square, there comes an exuberant laugh. On a few tall crates, out saunters a large tom with long fur that's been shaved down to the skin, save for his head, the end of his tail, and a large brown tabby mane (silver chocolate specifically) making him look leonine. He's wearing a diamond-studded collar and a leather belt and jacket. This is the Rum Tum Tugger. He claps his paws.))

Tugger: Bravo, bra-vo Misto, my friend...that was actually quite a trick! And I agree, Miss Jenny's little number did need some livening up...a lot of livening up. Some more style and flair, a few explosions, just what it needs. (He rubs down his mane and flicks his jacket collar.) I should know, I practically invented style.

((The queens and kittens are noticeably smitten by this cat, grinning like children and giggling, while the young toms are watching avidly; he's clearly a bit of a role model.))

Jennyanydots: You invented tomfoolery is what you did. I never...

Tugger: Oh, you should! My apologies, but...it's not a party until The Rum Tum Tugger strolls in, you know.

Bombalurina: (Flirtatiously) Well if you're so inclined, handsome, tell us all about it.

Demeter: (Aside to Munk again; she's also a bit wide-eyed at the look of this new tom) Who is that?

Munkustrap: (Visibly annoyed, monotone) Wait for it.

((The music starts, and thus starts the Rum Tum Tugger's number.))

Tugger: Meow...sing it, kittens.

Everyone: ~The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat...~

Tugger: If you offer me pheasant, I'd rather have grouse.

((He leads the dancing back out into the streets. The tribe follows in earnest.))

Tugger: ~If you put me in a house, I would much prefer a flat

If you put me in a flat, then I'd rather have a house

If you set me on a mouse, then I'll only want a rat...

If you set me on a rat, then I'd rather chase a mouse!~

((He cheekily snags a mouse sitting on Jenny's shoulder; she slaps his paw away, and he just shrugs and keeps dancing, hips and tail swerving in a hypnotic manner. The song continues.))

Everyone: ~The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat!~

Tugger: And there isn't any need for me to shout it!

Everyone: ~For he will do as he do do...~

Tugger: ~And there's no doing anything abou-a-wowt it!~

((The kittens are dancing around and fawning over him, away from whom he playfully ducks and darts, before leaning his arm on Misto's head and grinning.))

Mistofelees: (Smirking, arms crossed) ~The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore.~

Tugger: (Shoving him off) When you let me in, then I wanna go out.

~I'm always on the wrong side of every door

As soon as I'm at home, then I like to get about

I like to lie in the bureau drawer

But I make such a fuss if I can't get out!~

(He playfully leans on both Alonzo and Plato's heads, but Alonzo scoffs and shoves him off, whereas Plato seems to be frozen there. Tugger laughs and twirls off again.)

Everyone: ~The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat!~

Tugger: And there isn't any use for you to doubt it!

Everyone: ~For he will do as he do do...~

Tugger: ~And there's no doing anything abou-a-wow-a-wowt it!~ (Twirls a few queens over by the paws with a crooked grin) Ladies.

Demeter: (Staying beside a bemused Munkustrap, watching the spectacle) He's a contrary one, isn't he?

Munkustrap: Aye, he's my brother. He seems to have inherited all the charm, despite rarely directing it at one cat for long.

Demeter: (Huffs and idly grooms her face) Ah, well, then he certainly isn't my type.

((At this, Munkustrap's brow rises as he glances at her, and he can't help a tiny, hopeful quirk of a smile on his lip.))

((Meanwhile, Bombalurina has sauntered her way into Tugger's crowd of admirers, idly bumping Cassandra away with her hip as she takes her place to rub her side against him. He quirks an eyebrow at her and smirks, letting her.))

Bombalurina: ~The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast...~

Tugger: My disobliging ways are a matter of habit. (He starts a flirtatious, playful dance with the red queen; there's clearly some chemistry with them.)

~If you offer me fish, then I always want a feast,

When there isn't any fish, then I won't eat rabbit!

If you offer me cream, then I sniff and sneer.~

(He and Bomba are nose-to-nose, he has his paw wrapped around her back, her paws are in his mane.)

For I only like...what I find...(His other paw runs down her arm) for myself...

...NOPE.

((He suddenly spins her off in another direction, and into Demeter, who catches her and snickers while Munkustrap shakes his head. Bomba huffs and walks off.))

~So you'll catch me in it right up to my ears

When you put it away on the larder shelf!~

Everyone: ~The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing! The Rum Tum Tugger...~

Tugger: ~Doesn't care for a cuddle...but I'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing

For there's nothing I enjoy like a horrible muddle!~

((The music and dancing keeps going as Tugger keeps goading everyone on, having a grand time, especially switching from one dance partner to flirting with another, young queens and toms alike. The older queens shake their heads at this debacle and share looks of disapproval that he ignores.))

Everyone: (Singing to encourage him to keep the energy up) ~The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat! The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle!~

((Munkustrap, meanwhile, is watching the queen beside him (thinking of something to talk about), while Demeter is still watching everything with a bemused grin. He clears his throat, but then suddenly, Tugger hops up between them and focuses his flirtatious grin on her, arm around her shoulders.))

Tugger: Oh, a new girl...were you hiding this one from me, brother?

((Demeter instantly hisses and swipes at him, just inches from his face, making him laugh and step back a little, raising his paws. Munkustrap steps between them and gives him a warning look as well.))

Tugger: My my my, you're a feisty one. I'm certain you'll come around though, m'dear, they all do.

((He slides off-screen while his tail slips along under her chin. She is glaring after him, baring her teeth a little. Munkustrap's brow is raised when he looks back at her, surprised at how much fire she just showed...she's braver than she seems.))

Munkustrap: (Placing his paw on her shoulder) Don't worry, he is harmless. Annoying, but harmless.

((Demeter relaxes and looks at him, coming back to herself as her fur smooths back down. She's embarrassed, holding on to her upper arms, but Munkustrap only smiles and keeps his paw on her shoulder, which she notices and smiles a little at too. She's easily come to trust him as they glance back to the fun.))

Everyone: ~The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat!~

Tugger: And there isn't any need for me to spout it. (He smirks and leaps up onto a tall fence, the lamp-light falling on him like a spotlight.)

Everyone: (Gathering around in various moods of excitement and annoyed acceptance at his presence. The song starts to slow for the finale.)

~For he will do as he do do...~

Tugger: (Draws out this final line in different ways to the cooing and giggling of the queens) ~And...there's no doing anything...aboooouut...abou-wow-wowt...AbooOOooOOooout...!~

((Mistofelees, having had about enough of this egotistical tom, bumps the fence to shake it. Tugger only leaps off with a flourish and a flip, landing in the middle of the crowd of queens and throwing his arms around them.))

Tugger:...About it! (He lets them go as the song ends, and they promptly faint at his feet; the young males chuckle and shake their heads.)

((He hops back up higher this time, to a roof parapet (or a fire escape) and bows as the cats cheer his performance; he flourishes like the ham he is and even prepares to sing something else...but then, his eyes lock on to something coming up behind the group. There is a moment of confusion as the others notice his change in demeanor...some even turning to look as well, eyes narrowing. He straightens up, and the music slowly quiets, following the souring mood. His brow furrows, and he speaks, sneering a little as he tugs his jacket tighter.))

Tugger: Party's over, my friends...we have some company.

Chapter Text

((We have a front view of the group of cats after Tugger makes his announcement. Slowly with furrowing brows and cautious movements they all turn to look behind them, a path clearing in the middle as the somber chords of the next song starts. A new cat is revealed, a disheveled and dirty old queen (definitely would use an older and more decrepit, and obviously-injured or sickly cat instead of the movie version) who steps up from the main thoroughfare. This is Grizabella, who is revealed with a hopeful look in her good eye, the other one squinty from a scar moving from the corner upward. She's wearing a raggety boa, herself clearly once a beauty, now fallen. Her coat is caked with gray dirt, but we can see she was once a long-haired dilute tortie.

Much of the crowd is instantly on alert, hackles raised. The elders are growling and the adults wary, but the youngsters are more curious than anything, trying to approach and being stopped by the adults closest to them when she comes up.))

Victoria: (Whispering to Mistofelees, eyes wide and concerned) Who is she? She looks so very poorly.

Mistofelees: I've...heard stories. Of the one who left.

Jellylorum: (Whispering to Jenny) I heard she got in a few fights in the streets. She looks like it.

Jennyanydots: (Whispering back) I heard she got hit by a truck...

Bombalurina: (Eyebrows furrowing a little, sneering and shuddering) What a ragged, mangy thing...

((Demeter, unlike the other adults, is overcome with a look of pity...one could even see a bit of sadness, or even recognition in her eyes. She walks forward a little, ahead of the group, but Munkustrap steps gently in front of her to bring her to a halt. He stands protectively in front of everyone, staring the old queen down with caution, but not outright hostility. He's asking her with his eyes and tilted head the group's unasked and muttered questions...who is she? What does she want?

Grizabella, her face having fallen as she approached and shied away from a few warning hisses and scratches, faces Munkustrap, and stands as tall as she can on a bad leg and hunched back, as she answers with the start of her song.))

Grizabella: ~Remark the cat...

Who hesitates towards you...

In the light of the door, which opens on her

Like a grin...~

((Her singing gets slightly aggressive, as if saying, "look at me now...look how sad I've become!"))

~You see the border of her coat is torn

And stained with sand...

And you see the corner of her eye twist

Like a crooked pin...~

((Demeter's brow rises, her sad eyes lighting up with recognition as again she slowly approaches, to the confused looks of the others. Munkustrap lets her go, curious as to her intent and knowing there is no threat from the decrepit queen...but still alert. Grizabella walks along through the group of cats, their stares bearing into her back.))

Demeter: ~She haunted many a low resort

Near the grimy road of Tottenham Court...

She flitted about the No Man's Land

From the Rising Sun to the Friend At Hand

And the postman sighed as he scratched his head...

You'd really have thought she'd ought to be dead...

And who'd have ever supposed that that...

Was Grizabella, the Glamour Cat...~

Bombalurina: (Coming up, protectively placing her paw on Demeter's shoulder, her echoing line with a mocking quality to it.) ~Grizabella the Glamour Cat...~

((The other adults join in, a rising chorus of intimidation and flexing claws, with shots of the kittens—or even just Victoria—looking sad and confused, wanting to go after her. Munkustrap gives some of the more threatening ones looks and touches on the nape of the neck, warning not to attack or start a fight...but again he looks at the intruding queen, obviously wordlessly saying that she isn't welcome. Grizabella takes the hint given to her, and with a sad face, turns slowly around and hobbles off. She stops and looks back once more, but the group is still advancing.))

Everyone: ~Grizabella the Glamour Cat...

And who'd have ever supposed that that...

Was Grizabella, the Glamour Cat...~

((The music slowly winds down, and she disappears back to the street. The cats follow along a little, watching and making sure she's far enough away, ending up at the front stoops of the shops.))

Victoria: (Bounding up to the front, looking timidly up at Munkustrap)...Why did we have to drive her away? She looked sad. I thought any cat had a chance to join the Jellicles.

Bombalurina: (Arms crossed, voice neutral) There are, sadly, exceptions to every rule, darling. She could have mange, for all we know. And fleas.

Victoria: But...can't we just...?

Plato: (Lightly touching her shoulder and whispering) The adults don't want to talk about it, Vickie...probably should just let it be. (The youngsters behind him nod.)

Jellylorum: (Huffing) All you really need to know is that once, she was one of us, very beautiful and extremely talented, a star on the local stage. She snubbed and abandoned her family and friends for fame and fortune, and now she's paying the price...seeing first-paw how cruel the world will be.

Demeter: (Ears go back on hearing this, her expression falling a bit)...She always did look like her dreams were shattered in many ways...

Munkustrap: (Gently regarding her)...You knew her at some point.

Demeter: Well...I never knew her really, but, I've seen her about, where...where I came from. I never knew her story, but I did feel bad for her.

Bombalurina: Abandonment is treason, treason is death. That's all there is. Best leave her be now, Deme.

Demeter:...Still so cold, even after the fun you've just had before, Bomba.

((The red queen's expression falls for a moment, before she huffs and raises her nose in the air, sauntering slowly away with the rest of the tribe. Demeter pauses, looks back, and then follows along too, Munkustrap letting her go before him with a light touch on her back. Briefly, we have a shot of Grizabella, tears falling down her cheeks as she watches them leave toward the theater. She breathes a sigh, and then moves back into the shadows, out of sight.

The other cats are about halfway to the theater, starting to mutter among themselves, when Jenny's voice is heard further up ahead.))

Jennyanydots: Oh, oh everyone, come quickly! Look who's made it!

((The music picks up a little to a slightly more jaunty tune as the rest of the cats run ahead, to see Jenny and Jelly chatting with another new face. This is Bustopher Jones, a very fat black-and-white tuxedo cat wearing a fancy, clean black coat and white spats on his bottom paws. He's carrying a spoon like one would a similarly fancy cane and has a monocle on his left eye. Some fur on his upper mouth is curled up like a mustache.))

Bustopher: (Grinning in a friendly manner and bowing with a flourish) Ah! Good evening, friends!

((The others are rushing forward with happy grins and cheerful expressions, some of the kittens even giving his side a playful rub. Demeter is standing back with her head tilted, and Bomba is going up to the other queens.))

Munkustrap: (Having gone to the front and inclining his head respectfully) Bustopher sir, glad you could make it!

Bustopher: Glad to be here as always, m'boy! I certainly could never miss the Ball, the festivities are always jolly good fun! And I see we even have some new faces, hm?

Mistofelees: Yessir! This is my new friend, Victoria...Plato found her abandoned near our yard.

Plato: (Snorting) Well, that makes her my friend too...

Victoria: (Smiling and doing a curtsy) A Pleasure!

Bustopher: Oh goodness, such a young little dear to be left all alone, and so skinny, must be starving! Well, can't have that before the Ball. The pleasure is all mine.

Munkustrap: And Demeter here just joined us today.

Demeter: (Uncertain, but polite) G-good to meet you...are you one of those hoping to be chosen at this Ball?

Bustopher: Hoho, me? Not quite yet, my dear, I am most happy as is. Nono, I am always just content to be present at such an opulent and important event for the Jellicles. Why, I even volunteer my influences to a nice meal beforehand.

Bombalurina: (Aloud, but looking at the queens) And just who is this clean and distinguished old fellow buying our affections?

Bustopher: (Chuckling as the start of his music plays. He twirls his spoon and gestures the others to follow.) An outspoken lady, I love that. Why not introduce me, dears?

((As the song goes, the shot flashes from the queens to the kittens following along in a little line behind him, dancing along.))

Jennyanydots: ~Bustopher Jones, is not skin and bones...~

Bombalulrina: (A bit snide) ~In fact, he's remarkably fat.~

Jellylorum: (Gives her a little push) ~He doesn't haunt pubs...~

Jennyanydots: ~He has eight nor nine clubs...~

Queens: ~For he's the St. James's Street cat!~

((The toms line up on either side and bow at the waist as they go along.))

Jennyanydots: ~He's the cat we all greet as he walks down the street,

In his coat of fastidious black.~

Bombalurina: (Again, making a bit of fun) ~No commonplace mousers have such well-cut trousers...~

Jellylorum: (Continuing as Jenny shoos her off) ~Or such an impeccable back!~

Bustopher: Ah, this eatery here would be lovely! Come now, keep in step; yes, you've got it!

((As the cats file into the side entrance of a fancy little restaurant and pub, Demeter and Bombalurina are lingering in the back.))

Bombalurina: (Huffs) They even have one of the rich in their ranks. Are you sure you feel comfortable joining these strangers? This isn't a place you're used to.

Demeter: Oh, but Bomba, they all seem so nice...I've never had this much fun...ever. It...it might be better.

Bombalurina: I'm just not so sure it's for you. It could still be unsafe.

((Before Demeter could argue, Victoria comes up and grabs her arm, excitedly pulling her along.))

Victoria: C'mon, Miss Demeter, I think we're about to have a feast!

Demeter: (Laughing) Alright, alright! C'mon, Bomba, just join in for a spell!

((The red queen watches them run along into the building, and she slowly follows; she sighs in frustration, but her expression seems a bit sad.))

Bombalurina: This is the happiest I've seen her...

((As she goes, the shadows shift behind her. Cut back to Bustopher and the others.))

Jennyanydots: ~In the whole of St. James's, the smartest of names

Is the name of this Brummel of cats!~

Everyone: ~And we're all of us proud to be nodded or bowed to by Bustopher Jones in white spats!~

((The cats take seats on the edges of various tables and some of the toms wear little waiter costumes as they serve up plates of leftover meats and drinks and as Bustopher walks along the bar and sings. Shots move between him and the others enjoying their foods and watching with smiles.))

Bustopher: ~My visits are occasional to the Senior Educational

And it is against the rules

For any one cat to belong both to that

And the Joint Superior Schools

For a similar reason, when game is in season

I'm found not at Fox's, but Blimp's

I am frequently seen at the gay Stage and Screen

Which is famous for winkles and shrimps

In the season of venison, I give my ben'son

To the Pothunter's succulent bones

And just before noon's, not a moment too soon

To stop in for a drink at the Drones

When I'm seen in a hurry, there's probably curry

At the Siamese or at the Glutton

If I look full of gloom, then I've lunched at the Tomb

On cabbage, rice pudding, and mutton...~

Everyone: ~In the whole of St. James's the smartest of names

Is the name of this Brummel of cats!

And we're all of us proud to be nodded or bowed to

by Bustopher Jones in white spats!~

Bustopher: ((Waving to the cat playing a barkeep)) Another round, and double for me!

Jennyanydots: (Strolling along the bar top as Bustopher jumps behind it, continuing to the others)

~So much in this way passes Bustopher's day

At one club or another he's found

And it can be no surprise, that under our eyes

He has grown unmistakably round!~

He's a twenty-five pounder!

Bustopher: (Popping up, waving his spoon) Or I am a bounder! (Dropping again)

Jennyanydots: ~And he's putting on weight every day!~

Bustopher: (Popping up again, this time jumping back up on the bar, bitten into a leg of meat)

~But I'm so well-preserved, because I've observed

All my life a routine, and I'd say

(Dances a little with Jenny and drops the leg of meat)

I am still in my prime, I shall last out my time!~

Jennyanydots: ~That's the word from the stoutest of cats!~

Everyone: (Raising their drinks) ~It must and it shall be spring in Pall Mall

While Bustopher Jones wears white

Bustopher Jones wears white

Bustopher Jones wears white spats.~

Bustopher: Toodle pip! (Ends the dance and bows. Jenny giggles and almost faints off the bar.)

((The cats erupt in applause and light cheering after the performance.))

Bombalurina: (Grinning) Alright, I'll perhaps admit that he isn't at all bad.

Demeter: There you go...you must like this tribe anyway, considering you also left for them.

Bombalurina: (Face falls a little, looks away from her) Well...actually...

((Suddenly, the lights flicker in the restaurant as loud crashes are heard outside, making the cats react fearfully and go on alert. Police sirens and lights are heard passing by. Demeter gets flashes in her sight of shadows and scary eyes.))

Demeter: (Urgently) Macavity!

((The others echo the name as she says it, as ripples of fear go through the crowd, some of the queens muttering "what'll we do?" and the kittens shouting "run!". Bustopher ducks behind the bar with a stuttery "Oh my!", and Munkustrap jumps up on a table to grab their attention.))

Munkustrap: Don't scatter! Stay together and get up high, everyone, to the roof of the next building. Hurry now! Alonzo, lead the way; Plato, watch the youngsters.

Mistofelees: I-I can provide a distraction, if...!

Munkustrap: No, it could be dangerous! Go with them! (He then gently helps Demeter up from where she'd bolted beneath a table.) C'mon, let's go.

((The cats rush out and up through the alleys and scaffolds and fire escapes, doing as Munkustrap says, and he stays behind to make sure that everyone goes before dashing up himself. For a couple of beats, the streets are still and silent again, save for a few pieces of paper swishing in the wind (perhaps a glimpse of a wanted poster?). Then, we hear a giggle.))

Chapter Text

((Some snickering is heard, followed by the silhouette of two cats leaping into frame atop a street lamp. They are revealed to be two boldly-colored tiger-like tabbies (though I won't argue also using the calico designs from the movie; I just like genetic accuracy in cat markings for once), Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, who are twin siblings. They are both already carrying little satchels of things they've nicked, and Rumpleteazer can be told apart by a string of pearls she has around her neck along with her shiny collar, identical to her brother's. They speak in a Cockney accent, though it isn't too deep. They look around at the empty shops street, grinning.))

Rumpleteazer: What a noise that was! Scared 'em off right good!

Mungojerrie: Yeh, we did it alright...now we can ransack the place. See what them Jellicles 'ave gathered 'round fer th' Ball.

((Their music starts.))

Rumpleteazer: Think they'll notice?

Mungojerrie: No' a chance. They don't know 'ho they're dealin' with.

((They start their number sliding off the pole, one after the other, and moving along nonchalantly, dancing and switching sides of the street as if perusing the shop windows.))

Mungojerrie: ~Mungojerrie...~

Rumpleteazer: ~And Rumpleteazer...~

Both: ~We're a notorious couple a' cats...~

Mungojerrie: ~As knockabout clowns...~

Rumpleteazer: ~Quick-change comedians...~

Both: ~Tightrope walkers, and acrobats...~

Rumpleteazer: ~We have an extensive reputation...

We make our home in Victoria Grove

This is merely our center of operation...~

Both: ~For we are incurably given to rove!~

Mungojerrie: ~We are very well known in Cornwall Gardens

In Launceston Place, and in Kensington Square

We have really a little more reputation...~

Both: ~Than a couple of cats can very well bear!~

((We cut briefly back to the roof where the Jellicles are hiding. Munkustrap, Demeter, and Alonzo and Plato respectively framing them. They are watching the duo of cat burglars operate.))

Alonzo: Oh, it was those troublemakers all along.

Demeter: Well, now I feel a tad silly for jumping to the noises...

Munkustrap: (Reassuring) No, it was right to do...we didn't know if it would have been Macavity. But now we have to deal with these ruffians.

Demeter: Humph...well, I happen to know those two. They're crafty, but they can be caught. (She grins, almost mischievously) Follow me.

Munkustrap: (Grinning, pleasantly surprised at her taking charge) Well, yes ma'am.

((He points in two directions, and the two other protectors go their respective ways, the cats moving to surround the area. Meanwhile, heedless of the glimpses of eyes and shadows in the background watching, Jerrie and Teazer move through the set and keep singing.))

Rumpleteazer: (Leaps on a second-story roof to inspect the window of a shop flat)

~If the area window is found ajar

And the basement looks like a field of war

If a tile or two comes loose on the roof

Which presently fails to be waterproof...~

Mungojerrie: (Opens another shop window and jumps in, ransacking the dark room as in the song)

~If the drawers are pulled out from the bedroom chests

And you can't find one of your winter vests

If after supper one of the girls

Suddenly misses her Woolworth pearls...~

Both: (As Rumpleteazer emerges from her window wearing various sets of shining jewels)

~Then the family will say, "it's that horrible cat!"

Mungojerrie: ~Was it Mungojerrie?~

Rumpleteazer: ~Or Rumpleteazer?~

Both: (Meeting each other back in a dance along the street, switching sides as they stuff more things in the sacks they carry)

~And most of the time, they leave it at that!~

((Instrument break, they're dancing along and breaking windows and flinging roof tiles, while the other cats are running along in the scene, but out of their sight.))

Both: ~Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

Have a very unusual gift of the gab~

Mungojerrie: ~We're highly efficient cat burglars as well,

And remarkably smart at a smash and grab...~

Rumpleteazer: ~We make our home in Victoria Grove

We have no regular occupation...~

Both: (Jumping out and bowing to each other in another dance, acting the socialites)

~We are plausible fellows who like to engage

A friendly policeman in conversation!~

Rumpleteazer: (Tips a hat she found) Officer.

Mungojerrie: (Does the same) Constable.

((They drop the hats and run off giggling, breaking into a nearby house on the bottom floor to ransack the food on the table.))

Rumpleteazer: ~When the family assembles for Sunday dinner

With their minds made up that they won't get thinner

On Argentine joint, potatoes and greens...~

Mungojerrie: ~Then the cook would appear from behind the scenes,

And say in a voice that is broken with sorrow,

"I'm afraid you must wait and have dinner tomorrow!

For the joint is gone from the oven, like that!"~

Both: ~Then the family will say, "It's that horrible cat!"~

Mungojerrie: ~Was it Mungojerrie?~

Rumpleteazer: ~Or Rumpleteazer?~

Both: ~And most of the time they leave it at that!~

((As this part of the song intensifies and speeds up, the cats go up floor by floor, taking or shoving anything in their path away, leaving a chaotic trail of destruction.))

Both: ~Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

Have a wonderful way of working together~

Mungojerrie: ~And some of the time you could say it was luck...~

Rumpleteazer: ~And some of the time you could say it was weather.~

Both: ~We'd go through the house like a hurricane

And no sober person could take his oath

"Was it Mungojerrie or Rumpleteazer?

Or could you have sworn that it might have been both?"~

((As they sing this part, the shot cuts to the rest of the cats outside climbing their way up the sides of the building to intersect the burglars on the roof.))

Both: ~And when you hear a dining room smash

Or up from the pantry there comes a loud crash...~

((Shot goes back in again to the cats among some fragile things.))

Mungojerrie: (Whispering) ~Or down from the library came a loud PING...~

Rumpleteazer: ~From a vase which was commonly said to be... (She bumps a vase off the table and lets it crash) Ming!~ Heh, oops.

Both: (Ascending the stairs to the roof with acrobatic dancing)

~Then the family will say "now which was which cat?"

It was Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer!

And there's nothing at all to be done about that!~

((At the last note, they break out of the rooftop door...then they notice with the last beats of the song that they are utterly surrounded by the Jellicles. They try to go back, but the door slams.))

Everyone (else): ~And there's nothing at all to be done about that!~

((Their satchels are snatched by Plato and Alonzo. Munkustrap and Demeter are in front of them, arms crossed. The burglars grin nervously.))

Munkustrap: (Brow raised) So, what do you ruffians have to say for yourselves?

Mungojerrie: (As he and his sister exchange glances) T'was all in good fun, Munk, honest an' true!

Rumpleteazer: Yeh, wha's a party withou' a bi' a noise, eh?

Mungojerrie: And a good chase, gotta be exhiliratin'...

Mistofelees: Even I know not to make that much noise.

Munkustrap: (Looks up, seems to see the moon, and sighs) Look, we'll deal with you two properly later. We have to get moving...it is about time for Old Deuteronomy's arrival. You're coming with us. Alonzo, keep an eye on them.

Alonzo: Roger.

Rumpleteazer: (As they're escorted off-screen) Oh, no worries, we was plannin' on goin' anyways!

Mungojerrie: Yeh, can't miss Ol' Deut, can we, eh? (Exchanges another defeated glance with Rumpleteazer as they head off.)

Munkustrap: (Moving along with Demeter) I must say, that was very clever, how you knew how to surround them.

Demeter: (Shrugs shyly) Well...it was easy enough to know how caught up they can get in their antics...plus...I just wanted to help.

Munkustrap: And your help is quite well-appreciated.

((They regard each other for a pause and soft smiles, before they clear their throats self-consciously.))

Munkustrap: Anyway, we'd better get down there.

Demeter: Y-yes...yes, let us do.

((Bombalurina, meanwhile, is standing and watching the others move off with her back to an alley. The shadows shift, and we see a pair of eyes forming behind her, followed by Macavity.))

Macavity: I am getting impatient, Bombalurina. What has happened?

Bombalurina: Well, your "best" spies were just captured by the Jellicles. It seems they couldn't help but go off on their own.

Macavity: Hmph...reckless cats, those two. No matter. By the end of the night, she will be mine again.

Bombalurina: Far be it for me to question you...but why so insistent on staking your well-being to get her back? Why not leave her be?

Macavity: (Calmly, but seething) She was my queen...she knows more secrets about me than most. That she could so easily slip from me means that she is unpredictable. I will have her back. (Gets closer, threatening) And don't you start having any ideas. I let you join these...cats...for information.

Bombalurina: And you shall have it. I've no reason to go back on my promise.

Macavity: (His claws are out as he carefully runs them across her cheek. She flinches only slightly.) See that you do not. Help bring her back to me...and you'll have your fondest wish granted.

((His voice echoes as he steps back into the shadows and out of sight. Bombalurina's eyes narrow with determination...but she hesitates, playing with her collar, before running to catch up.

((Cut back as Munkustrap and the other cats reach the front of the old theater, where a bunch of the others are sitting and waiting as well. Jellylorum is helping a very old and frail ginger cat (Gus) dressed in warm patchy rags stand and walk to the doors, the both of them smiling warmly. Another somewhat-older ginger cat with a mostly-brown tabby tail, dressed in a fine vest with a train conductor's hat (Skimbleshanks), tips it in greeting to Jennyanydots. The kittens are gathered around everyone, just taking in the atmosphere. Everyone can be seen interacting in the background, and even Bustopher has finally made it to the crowd.))

Tugger: (Lounging on top of a ruined column) Ah! Munk! Fancy finally seeing you here.

Munkustrap: Where on earth did you go? We were chasing these troublemakers around and ducking Macavity. (Alonzo escorts Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer to the side)

Tugger: (Idly grooming his ear) Is that what you were doing? Hum, you get into more trouble than I do, brother. I have been sitting here greeting our guests. And waiting for our beloved leader. (He jumps down and saunters over.) That should be everyone here but her, then.

((The soft chords of the next song start.))

Demeter: (Eyes wide) So many cats...

Victoria: (Equally surprised) Yes, there must be a dozen or more!

Tugger: Twice that, dear little lady.

Munkustrap: (Looking around) Good, good...she will be coming soon.

Demeter: (Looking up at Munkustrap) This Old Deuteronomy...what is she like?

((Tugger and Munk both raise their brows and look at each other, little smiles formed as the song starts. Tugger walks back to the front of the stairs as Munkustrap starts it, walking slowly among the tribe as they listen intently.))

Munkustrap: ~Old Deuteronomy's lived a long time

She's a cat who has lived many lives in succession

She was famous in proverb, and famous in rhyme

A long while before Queen Victoria's accession...~

(Victoria can be seen in the back raising her chin with a grin.)

Tugger: (Taking over, soft and reverent for once)

~Old Deuteronomy's lived many lives

And more...I am tempted to say 99!

And her numerous progeny prospers and thrives...

And the village is proud of her in her decline...~

Munkustrap: ~At the sight of that placid and bland physiognomy

When she sits in the sun, on the vicarage wall...

The oldest inhabitant croaks...

Both: ~"Well, of all things, can it be really?

Yes, no, ho, hi, oh my eye!

My mind maybe wandering, but I confess...

(Coricopat and Tantomile join in, staring as if having spotted something in the distance)

I believe it is Old Deuteronomy!"~

((The cats all sing the previous four lines again as they line up in the street, Munkustrap staying where he is in the center and Demeter timidly stepping to the side as well. Tugger still stays just a little closer to Munkustrap's right, but more behind him. Through the foggy street ahead of them materializes a large, fluffy old cat with a mostly gray face and solid smoky fawn coat. Her presence seems ancient and otherworldly, her half-lidded gaze high but warm and welcoming to everyone as they all bow when she passes.

They sing the stanza a few more times again, louder and more exuberant, as Old Deuteronomy is close enough for the kittens to rub against her legs and the adults to come close and nuzzle her paws and touch her coat. She leans down to touch foreheads with Munkustrap, whose eyes are closed in happiness; he's obviously close with her, perhaps one of her children. Then she looks up with an expectant grin and a raised brow to Tugger, who looks almost as aloof, before he too comes forward for a head-bump and a chin scratch with a soft (even for him) smile.

She then looks up to lock eyes with the tribe, the camera briefly focusing on the wide-eyed, amazed looks of the new faces...even Bombalurina looks reverent (and a little surprised at it), as if she's been touched and welcomed by a very spiritual presence; it's obvious that she's never seen the old cat before.))

Old Deuteronomy: ~My legs may be tottery...I must go slow...

And be careful of Old Deuteronomy...~

Munkustrap: (Smiling to the tribe as Old Deuteronomy passes to the door)

Jellicle cats meet once a year, on the night we make the Jellicle Choice

And now that the Jellicle Leader is here,

Jellicle cats can all rejoice!

((Cheers and murmuring ring through the crowd of cats as they prepare to follow her in...but then, there's a resounding CRASH, and the lights in the street flicker.))

Demeter: (Looking around, fur on end) Macavity!

((The other cats run either into the theater or on either side of the building and through the windows. Old Deuteronomy is unfazed, but she is looking all around and up. Munkustrap has stayed out with her and in front, his arms out protectively, teeth bared in warning. All is silent.

We cut to an angular top-down view from a rooftop, where we can see the two of them warily entering the theater. Pan around to Macavity, who is watching with narrowed, thoughtful eyes.))

Macavity: Hmmm.

((He vanishes.))

Chapter Text

((The inside of the old building is dark and dusty as the cats are heard quietly filing inside, naught but slinking shadows with glowing eyes. Demeter pokes her head up from behind an overturned chair, panting quietly as she calms down again and looks around. A white paw lightly pokes her shoulder, and she whirls around in surprise to see Victoria looking at her with a tilted head.))

Victoria: You really ran fast...is Macavity really that scary?

Demeter: (With a sigh, pats her paw) Let's just say you are quite lucky to have never met him on the streets, dear.

Mistofelees: (Pops in next to Victoria, looking around warily as well and whispering) I think we're safe...but Munk says stay in the dark until Old Deuteronomy gives word.

((The two of them frame Demeter as they all look up to see the lights from outside breaking the shadows, as the music from the next refrain starts. There's a large clearing in which Old Deuteronomy is centered, and after a moment, she raises her paws, and there's a silvery-white light shining through the top of the broken roof contrasting to the gold of the outside. It's the Jellicle Moon peeking through the clouds. She starts a chant to encourage the cats out.))

Deuteronomy: Jellicle cats, come out tonight

Jellicle cats, come one, come all.

The Jellicle Moon is shining bright...

Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball!

((Munkustrap circles her as the others come out, facing and seemingly counting each one as he sees them. They chant along as they come out slowly, spirits rising in anticipation of the festivities.))

Everyone: ~Jellicle cats are black and white

Jellicle cats are rather small,

Jellicle cats are merry and bright,

And pleasant to hear when we caterwaul...

Jellicle cats have cheerful faces,

Jellicle cats have bright black eyes

We like to practice our airs and graces

And wait for the Jellicle moon to rise...~

The Young Toms: ~Jellicle cats develop slowly...~

The Kittens: ~Jellicle cats are not too big!~

Bustopher: ~Jellicle cats are roly-poly!~

Toms: ~We know how to dance a gavotte and a jig!~

((The cats are dancing out now, and this is when Demeter comes out with a bit of a smile, approaching the crowd, and those she passes welcome her with outstretched paws. Mistofelees at this point is slowly using his magic to turn on the multi-colored strings of lights scattered around, making it look a little more welcoming as the song gets louder.))

Cassandra: (Dancing elegantly) ~Until the Jellicle Moon appears

We make our toilette and take our repose...~

Jennyanydots: (Following and reminding the kittens) ~Jellicles wash behind their ears,

Jellicles dry between their toes!~

((The camera pans over everybody as they come circling in around Old Deut, and she watches and appraises them all with a bright smile. Her gaze even catches briefly on Demeter, who smiles back shyly and skitters off a little faster.))

Everyone: ~Jellicle cats are white and black,

Jellicle cats are of moderate size,

Jellicles jump like a jumping jack,

Jellicle cats have moonlit eyes!~

Mistofelees and Victoria: ~We're quiet enough in the morning hours,

We're quiet enough in the afternoon...~

Munkustrap: Reserving our Terpsichorean powers...

(He takes Victoria's paw and twirls her around playfully, then begins to escort Deuteronomy to her seat.)

Everyone: ~To dance by the light of the Jellicle Moon!~

Jellicle cats are black and white

Jellicle cats as we said are small

If it happens to be a stormy night,

We'll practice a caper or two in the hall...

If it happens the sun is shining bright...~

Tugger: (Walking in, everyone halts, walking out) You could say we had nothing to do at all...

Everyone: We are resting and saving ourselves to be right

For the Jellicle Moon and the Jellicle Ball!

((All the cats are in the center now, twirling and singing. The moon's light is now strong, and as the shimmering dust motes fall, it looks as if it makes the cats' fur shine as well.))

Everyone: ~Jellicle cats come out tonight!

Jellicle cats come one, come all!

The Jellicle moon is shining bright!

Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball!~

((Slower now, as their eyes go up and catch the light, their arms out, embracing it. Old Deuteronomy is also singing now. There's a brief shot of Grizabella slinking in and hiding in a low rafter, only just out of reach of the moonlight, watching everyone.))

Everyone: ~Jellicle cats come out tonight!

Jellicle cats, come one, come all...

The Jellicle moon is shining bright...

Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball...~

((As always, there is almost no dialogue in this part as long as the dance goes on. The music turns mysterious and ethereal as the cats close their eyes and dance slowly together, drinking in the power of the moon's light...and everyone is participating, even Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer; any older cats that can't move as well are just taking in the light from the back (Grizabella too is trying to feel it). There is a short close-up of Demeter as her eyelids flutter closed and she too sinks into the mystifying aura, just letting herself go, only a little more slowly than the others. Tails quiver, paws shake, they are crouching in place and flexing the muscles in their bodies as the music slows as they do, as if in a trance.

Then the music suddenly strikes a chord, like the moon's effect has them in its hold, and they all start moving jerkily, obeying the will to want to dance, for a few beats...Grizabella tries to feel it, but she grimaces painfully. They've been about driven into a frenzy of energy...then they clear the floor and shake off their tingling, moving more fluidly. It's as if they know every step, and in synchrony and harmony, they move to the center and each show feats of their prowess to a watchful Old Deuteronomy.

The young kittens, male and female, go first, and it's as if they are in competition with each other. There's ever-increasing showmanship as they try to outdo each other, with Alonzo eventually coming in to lead them in with his own moves. Then Tugger shoves him off and takes over, earning him a few grimaces and silent laughs.

Bombalurina then rolls her eyes and straightens her collar with a determined look; and then the music's tone changes to something more jazzy as she takes over the dance floor, even making Tugger blink and move back with the others. The queens join her, and she has a wide grin on her features, showing that she's again having fun with these cats. She even beckons Demeter to join, and she does so without much hesitation, even briefly moving to the forefront as she lets herself be merry. There's a shot of Munkustrap watching the elegant tortie with raised brows and a soft little smile. Old Deuteronomy, next to him, notices, and gives him a little nudge forward, even jerking her head in that direction with a look that says, "go have fun." With a gulp, he does so, joining a few cats that are moving in to take dance partners.

The music turns softer as the cats are now paired, reminiscent of an old ballroom dance (The revival comes to mind with this part. Grizabella is briefly shown from her hiding place with a paw over her heart and a sad expression). Demeter is still caught in her own slow dance as Munkustrap takes a paw and twirls her around to face him gently. She's surprised and pulls back a bit, still shy; so he bows his head and offers her his paw again, properly asking to dance. A small smile on her end, and she accepts, and they join in with the other couples (Plato and Victoria are next to them in the shot, as are Tugger and Bombalurina, Alonzo and Cassandra and a few others), elegantly moving together as one.

There's a brief moment where the dancers switch partners; Demeter with Alonzo, Misto with Victoria, ect. But eventually towards the song's crescendo, they all find their original partners again, and Demeter is happiest to be accepting Munkustrap's paw again. The way they are looking at each other, they seem to have hit a spark of something more than friendship. There's a brief shot of Bombalurina noticing this, and she has a small smile at seeing her friend's happiness, only to have it fall in brief doubt...before Tugger grabs her back into the dance again, his grin echoed on her own face. Nobody has troubles under the moon's light for long.

The crescendo hits with the dancers lifting their partners high on their shoulders, everyone's faces tilted to the sky as the moon's rapture hits them in a new way. Munkustrap slowly lowers Demeter back down as everyone does so with their partners. Their faces in particular are close after their spin as the music trickles softly down in volume...she backs her head away with a soft smile and a spark in her eye, but she doesn't leave his loose hold on her back. He too has an inviting look.

Then, suddenly, the lights flare up again, and the cats are jolted out of whatever trance they were in (sorry, if this is to be a movie, the suggestive Pas de Deux scene is cut out here too). Tugger hops back into the center.))

Tugger: Alright, enough of that, let's liven things up, shall we? With your permission, your grace.

((Old Deuteronomy is taken aback, but nods happily, and the cats break into some more impressive dancing as the music swells again.

As they do, and the lights go up in the hidden parts, Grizabella is finally noticed by some of the other cats. Alonzo is the one to chase her out from where she came, hissing and swiping his claws threateningly. He stops once she's out of the theater completely.

Back inside, some of the kittens are showing off more acrobatics, while some of the elders are close by and spectating like judges. The twins move in complete synchrony like one cat, and Mistofelees even has his paws glittering as he performs a few great ballet leaps, which Plato follows, and then Victoria.

All eyes are on her now, as she takes over the floor and astounds everyone watching with her graceful leaps, the moonlight making her fur shine brightest. Demeter is impressed by this youngster, and she joins in the applause. Victoria leads everyone in on the last parts of the dance, which the entire tribe gets into with all of their energy.

Step after step after step, swerve, catch and spin...ever higher...fast crescendo and finale.

The music ends on a frantic, but fantastic note, with the tribe finally having exhausted the Jellicle Moon's energy and falling all together onto the floor of the stage. The music is quiet, they're all panting softly as they get up, and Old Deuteronomy is sitting at the head of the group back in the center, holding her paws up to the moon and looking exhausted herself (though she mostly watched), as if just living through the dances of the others is fun enough for her.

After a moment, Victoria looks up, smiling widely with her euphoria, only to have it fall at the sight of Grizabella looking into the front door. A few of the cats there immediately stand and hiss, hackles raised and claws out as they turn their backs on her. The old cat gets the message and backs away, moving back to the street. Victoria looks around, and then quickly sneaks towards the door after her.

Demeter and Munkustrap are getting up, and he's moved next to her, checking to see if she's alright. They smile shyly at each other for a moment, but then both notice Victoria hovering at the door, looking to go out. Munkustrap starts to get up, but Demeter has her paw on his arm; she seems to have figured out where she's going. He hums and helps her stand.))

Munkustrap: I'll...I'll see to the others. You should follow her.

Demeter: Of course. (She turns away for a moment, then glances back again with a smile) Thank you for the dance.

Munkustrap: (Has a bit of a lopsided grin, replies softly, almost shy himself) My pleasure.

((They go their separate ways, and she continues to follow Victoria to the door. Old Deuteronomy sees this movement and walks to the window to watch everything going on as the others congregate to nap a moment.

The kitten is just out there, heedless of eyes watching her, as she watches a forlorn Grizabella trying to dance on her own, many of the same steps from the Ball. But the few steps she makes fail as she succumbs to her frail and pained state. She ends up leaning on the lamplight for support. It is deeper into night now, and many of the shops have turned their lights off, making the areas around the street seem much more dismal. Her music starts, and her eyes turn upward to where the moon is still bright.))

Grizabella: ~Silence...not a sound from the pavement

Has the moon lost her memory?

She is smiling alone...

In the lamp-light, the withered leaves collect at my feet...

And the wind begins to moan...

(She pushes off lightly from the post and paces)

Every street lamp seems to beat

A fatalistic warning

Someone mutters, and the street lamp gutters,

And soon, it will be morning.

(The stars are twinkling as she sings)

Memory, all alone in the moonlight,

I can smile at the old days...

I was beautiful then.

(At this next line, the shot is on Old Deuteronomy, her brow furrowing)

I remember a time I knew what happiness was...

(Back to Grizabella, a tear rolling down her cheek)

Let the memory live again...~

((The old cat turns to leave into another alley then. Victoria, her eyes also teary, starts to go after her, but stops when she hears Demeter whisper-shout "Victoria!" behind her. Grizabella freezes, seemingly thinking she heard someone, even reaching her paws out to them...but there is no one, and she keeps going, her head down in sorrow.

Victoria, her ears back, crouches on the ground and watches after her.))

Victoria: (Quietly) But...you don't have to be lonely...I know there is nothing worse.

((The chord of her song starts.))

Victoria: ~Follow me home...if you dare to

I wouldn't know where to lead you

Should I take chances

When no-one took chances on me?

So I watch from the dark, wait for my life to start

With no beauty in my memory...~

((Demeter's face falls, and she watches the kitten sing. Despite her youthful optimism, she can see her sadness. It is similar to her own.))

~All that I wanted...was to be wanted

Too young to wander London streets alone and haunted

Born into nothing...at least you have something...

Something to cling to...

Visions of dazzling rooms I'll never get let into...

And the memories were lost long ago...

But at least you have beautiful ghosts.~

((In the window, Old Deuteronomy tilts her head. Shot returns to Demeter, as she stands in the door, and starts her own lyric of the song, as if empathizing, looking upward to the theater. Victoria turns and listens.))

Demeter: ~Perilous night...their voices calling...

A flicker of light, before the dawning...

Out here the wild ones, are taming the fear within me

Scared to call them my friends and be broken again,

Is this hope just a mystical dream?~

((Victoria picks her part up again, thoughtfully.))

Victoria: ~All that I wanted, was to be wanted...

Too young to wander London streets, alone and haunted...

Born into nothing, at least you have something,

Something to cling to...

Visions of dazzling rooms I'll never get let into...

And the memories were lost long ago...

But at least you have beautiful ghosts!~

((As her song rises, Old Deuteronomy watches with emotion; it's a duet with the queen and kitten now, the two of them having found a connection, in their own ways abandoned but finding hope in the tribe.))

Victoria: ~And so maybe my home, isn't what I had known

What I thought it would be...~

Demeter: ~But I feel so alive, with these phantoms of night

And I know that this life isn't safe

But it's wild and it's free!~

Victoria: ~All that we wanted...was to be wanted

We'll never wander London streets alone and haunted

Born into nothing...with them we have something

Something to cling to...

I never knew I'd love this world they've let us into!~

~And the memories were lost long ago...~

Demeter: ~So we'll dance with these beautiful ghosts!~

Both: ~And the memories were lost long ago...

So we'll dance with these beautiful ghosts...~

((The song dies down, and Victoria looks up at Demeter, grateful for helping lift her mood, and she touches her shoulder, returning it in kind...but they look up sadly at the empty street.))

Victoria:...I wish she could dance with us too. She's like us.

Demeter: Some cats have just lost that chance, I suppose. You have such hope in you, even for cats like that...and like me. But...the others won't see it, I do not think.

Victoria: Perhaps...perhaps they could see it. If they tried.

((Demeter looks thoughtful at that, but says nothing more as she gently turns the kitten back to the doors and inside. Mistofelees greets them at the door, and Demeter lets them go together.))

Chapter Text

((Old Deuteronomy's gaze, soft and sad, slowly turns from the window and to where the other cats are resting together. She sings a song to herself, lamenting on what it means to be happy, when she sees how cats that should be there are not.))

Deuteronomy: ~The moments of happiness...

We've had the experience, but missed the meaning...

And approach to the meaning restores the experience

In a different form.~

((During this next part, the camera pans along between the different happy and content faces of the others as they speak and interact silently.))

~Beyond any meaning we can assign to happiness,

The past experience revived in the meaning

Is not the experience of one life only

But of many generations...~

((The camera is on Demeter returning then as she hears Old Deuteronomy, and she stops to listen.))

~Not forgetting...something that is probably quite ineffable...~

((Demeter sees that the old cat seems lost in her thoughts, and she decides to leave her be a minute. As she turns away back to the group, Bombalurina is seen walking up to her.))

Bombalurina: That was quite a dance you had with that young leader. (Shot of Munkustrap interacting with the kittens; we can hear them asking "Are we doing the Pekes and Pollicles this year?" and him replying, "There's no time to fit it in, I'm afraid.") You're taken with him.

Demeter: (Chuckles shyly) Well...I'm quite taken with all of them. Such kindness and spirit. And young Victoria, I find myself wanting to protect her from the darkness of the world.

Bombalurina: (She nods, agreeing.) Yes...she is most precious. (Then she takes a deep breath.) You know...Macavity will not stop trying to get you back. He...may even try to go through them. I do not want to see harm come to them either, it is true...it is not ideal, but...wouldn't it be best if you went back?

((Demeter looks incensed, about to retort, but suddenly Old Deuteronomy has come up next to them.))

Deuteronomy: (Soft and matter-of-fact) Macavity won't come near us. He has learned long ago not to tangle with such special cats as the Jellicles. And I trust that we will be ready if he tries.

Bombalurina: (Bowing her head) Of course...my apologies for doubting. Might as well get back to the others.

((The red queen walks off, and Demeter watches after her with uncertainty and ears folded back. But her expression lifts again when Old Deut touches her shoulder.))

Deuteronomy: (Smiling) I knew I spotted a new face or two in with my tribe. I hope you are enjoying the festivities, my dear.

Demeter: (Respectfully inclining her head) Oh, yes ma'am, very much so. I...I just hope that I am allowed to be here...being new, and not really a Jellicle.

Deuteronomy: (Chuckling) Sweetie, if you weren't, you would not have even been touched...from what I've seen you've long been allowed. As for not being a Jellicle, well, I have a secret for you...

Munkustrap: (Interrupting) Deuteronomy? Beg your pardon...but everyone is ready to start.

Deuteronomy: Ah, wonderful, thank you, son. (To Demeter, softly grinning) Well, I'll tell you later. It is time for the prospective Jellicle Choices to sing their songs. Come now...let us get comfortable.

Munkustrap: (To Demeter) There is a seat there up front, next to me, if...if you'd like it, that is.

Demeter: (Giggles) I would love to take it, Munkustrap. Thank you.

((The shot moves over to where Victoria is sitting. Plato has moved up to her left (he comes in with a rub of the shoulder), and Mistofelees approaches from that direction as well, sitting to her right.))

Mistofelees: So, I think the first cat up is old Gus.

Victoria: Oh I can't wait...I've heard he's a legend in theater.

Plato: Quite. He's been at this theater for years...he was Growltiger, you know...and he could do it again.

Mistofelees: I know...I wish I could get the chance to speak with him, such a confident performer even still. I wish I were like that.

Tugger: (Suddenly next to him) Now what's this I hear about you putting yourself down? You're quite the performer. Can Gus shoot lightning from his paws? And look half as good?

Mistofelees: (Shoves him lightly, blushing, as his two other friend snicker) Tugger, c'mon, don't make fun.

Tugger: I'm not! Merely lending you some confidence, my young friend, I'd take it if I were you. (Hums and strolls off)

Mistofelees: Hah, right.

((The cats are now settled and focused on the next cat.))

Deuteronomy: Gus the Theater Cat!

((As they are walking up from the crowd, Jellylorum is dusting and straightening Gus's raggedy coat.))

Jellylorum: That's us...are you ready?

Gus: (Seemingly somewhere else mentally, but nodding after a beat) Mm.

((His music intro starts. The cats on the sides of the walkway gently whisper words of luck and some reverence, and even reach out to touch and paw his coat. He only seems to mildly register them as he sees the stage and takes a long breath, with Jellylorum leading him upward. Deuteronomy even nestles comfortably in her seat and gives a warm smile as they ascend and finally reach the center, where he sits on a little pedestal pulled out for him. Jelly signals for him to sing, but he doesn't seem to hear her. A silent beat, and then she starts. She dances around him, showing him off and singing his praises.))

Jellylorum: ~Gus is the cat at the theater door

His name as we ought to have told you before

Is really "Asparagus"...

But that's such a fuss to pronounce...

That we usually call him just "Gus."

His coat's very shabby...he's thin as a rake

And he suffers from palsy, which makes his paws shake...

Yet he was in his youth, quite the smartest of cats!

But, no longer a terror to mice...or to rats.

For he isn't the cat that he was in his prime,

Though his name was quite famous...

He says...in his time.

And whenever he joins his friends at their club

Which takes place at the back of the neighboring pub...

He loves to regale them (if someone else pays)...

With anecdotes drawn from his palmiest days.

For he once was a star of the highest degree!

He has acted with Irving...he as acted with Tree.

And he likes to relate his success on the halls

Where the gallery once gave him seven cat calls!

But his grandest creation...as he loves to tell...

Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.~

((During Jellylorum's song, the light seems to return to his eyes as he hears it, and so does his attention to the world around him. When she looks hopefully again at the old cat, he starts his refrain, weakly at first and gaining strength. We can probably see some of his memories dancing along behind him as he relays them, clearer and clearer. Jelly stops and sits to listen like an avid audience member.))

Gus: ~I have played...in my time...

Every possible part.

And I used to know seventy speeches, by heart.

I'd extemporize backchat...I knew how to gag...

And I knew how to let the cat out of the bag.

I knew how to act with my back and my tail...

With an hour of rehearsal I never could fail...

I'd a voice that would soften the hardest of hearts...

Whether I played the lead...or in character parts!

I have sat by the bedside of poor little Nell...

When the curfew was rung, then I swung on the bell!

In the pantomime season, I never fell flat...

And I once understudied Dick Whittington's cat!

((The background memories go from bright to dark and menacing, but there's a playful grin on old Gus's face, as he has fun remembering his most beloved part, a specter of it dancing behind him. His voice even goes lower, into a little growl.))

But my grandest creation...as history will tell...

Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell...~

GROWR!

((The cats in the audience either fluff up or laugh at his little scare, and he himself has a grin filled with missing teeth; he's now standing from his podium. Jellylorum, very much amused, continues to help him keep up his old energy that he's summoned.))

Jellylorum: ~Then if someone will give him a tooth-full of gin,

He will tell how he once played a part in East Lynne,

At a Shakespeare performance, he once walked on pat,

When some actor suggested the need for a cat!~

Gus: ~And I say now, these kittens...they do not get trained

As we did in the days when Victoria reigned...

They never get drilled in a regular troupe

And they think they are smart just to jump through a hoop!~

((The kittens, at this, are seen hunching into themselves a bit. Victoria still giggles, though she does too.))

Jellylorum: ~And he says as he scratches himself with his claws...~

Gus: (Idly and unabashedly doing so) Well, the theater is certainly not what it was...

~These modern productions are all very well...

But there is nothing to equal from what I hear tell...

((The music swells dramatically, the stage goes dark, and the ghostly image of the Fiend of the Fell seems to parallel Gus's movements, though with more youthful vigor. He still summons a strong voice, strong even for an old cat, as if bringing his old self back from the past.))

That moment of mystery...when I made history...

As Firefrorefiddle...the Fiend of the Fell...!~

((The song ends dramatically, and he suddenly doubles over coughing. Jellylorum runs to his side, and the atmosphere settles back into the reality of the ruined theater, the music going softer. He raises his old, drooping eyes to the side of the stage, where only to him, a vision of himself playing Firefrorefiddle is bowing elegantly to the echoing cheers of the audience...a long-gone memory that fades into solemnity...but his head rises again when the cats in front of him cheer wildly, and a single tear rolls down his cheek.))

Jellylorum: (Whispering as she takes his arm and gently leads him off) That was brilliant. You've still got it.

Gus: (Wheezing, but lively) Hah...if only my performance as the Rumpus Cat was half so good...

((Cut to Bombalurina standing on a low balcony nearby and behind the group, also clapping her paws with a soft look on her face; she sincerely enjoyed the performance. The curtain behind her billows a little, and Macavity's voice seethes out.))

Macavity: I take it that you still haven't found much of an opening.

Bombalurina: (Her hackles rise a little, but she stays calm and huffs) I have been trying to coax her back...all that I could, short of actually just grabbing her. But, she's rather adamant on staying with the Jellicles. Look...I honestly think you should leave her be. It does not seem like she wants to spill any of your secrets to these cats, and what would they need it for? It is too risky for you.

((She is whirled around and he is suddenly in her face, his claws out, a fanged grimace showing through the shadows of his outfit.))

Macavity: Because then I would be letting them win. It is not just about her any longer...these cats have been a thorn in my side from the beginning. I'll have her back...and I will derail the Jellicle Ball in the process. That Old Deuteronomy is the key...and for abandoning the plan, I'll deal with you when I am done...forget about finding your family, you'll grovel to me for your life.

((She flinches as his claws rake the wall next to her, and he is again gone without a trace, into the shadows of the back of the auditorium. It takes just a breath for her to regain her composure, her brow furrowing, a sneer on her maw. She seems to have made a decision as she turns and hops down from the balcony to join the group.))

((Cut back to Demeter and Munkustrap chuckling.))

Demeter: So, the next contestant, he just wants to see the Heaviside Layer?

Munkustrap: Yes, he's a bit of an adventurer...but he's been everywhere and seen everything else that an old cat can, save that. A personal hero of mine, he is.

Demeter: Then this should be...oh!

((She's surprised as Bomba stops next to her, acting a bit hurried.))

Bombalurina: Deme, Munkustrap, there is something you should know...

Deuteronomy: (Calling suddenly) Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat! Oh, where is that boy...?

((Munkustrap grins and stands as the group gets excited for the number, the music starting up as he gets to the stage. Demeter sits up to watch.))

Demeter: Oh, it can wait a moment, Bomba.

((The red queen sighs and looks uncertain, but lets it go anyway for the next performance as the interested crowd gathers around Munkustrap.))

((Note: I'll be putting the scene my own way here too, and that consists of adapting parts of the scene from the movie. It was one of the few genuinely well-done parts.))

Munkustrap: ~Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat...!~

Everyone: ~The cat of the railway train!~

Munkustrap: ~There's a whisper down the line

At eleven-thirty-nine

When the Night Mail's ready to depart...

Saying "Skimble, where is Skimble

Has he gone to hunt the thimble?

We must find him or the train can't start!"~

Skimbleshanks: (Suddenly leaping in from an alcove above the stage; the cats' heads turn quickly when he appears and starts singing; he can have his voice from the movie or a slight Scottish accent a-la Geoffrey Garrat)

~All the guards and all the porters

And the station master's daughters

Would be searching high and low!

Saying "Skimble, where is Skimble?

For unless he's very nimble

Then the Night Mail just can't go!"

(He leaps down and Munk lets him take center stage)

At eleven-forty-two

With the signal overdue

And the passengers all frantic to a man...

That's when I would appear...and I'd saunter to the rear...

(He looks like he's speaking aside here with a wink)

I'd been busy in the luggage van!~

Everyone: ~Then he gives one flash of his glass green eyes

And the signal goes "all clear!"~

Skimbleshanks: ~They'd be off at last for the northern part

Of the Northern Hemisphere!~

((Skimble invites everyone on stage, and they excitedly join him, grabbing props from around the theater to create their make-believe scene of a train yard...which, like in the movie, transitions to a realistic scene, their footfalls echoing on the wood and steel of the tracks.))

Everyone: ~Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat

The cat of the railway train!~

((Skimble turns from leading a march along the tracks to singing to the group at large, all of them pretending to be on a sleeper car.))

Skimbleshanks: ~You could say that by and large

It was me who was in charge

of the Sleeping Car Express!

From the driver and the guards

To the bagmen playing cards

I'd supervise them all...!~ More or less.

Everybody: (As Skimble goes through and plays an inspector)

~Down the corridor he paces

And examines all the faces

Of the drivers in the First and the Third

He established his control

By a regular patrol

And he'd know at once if anything occurred!~

Skimbleshanks: (Turning around and spotting Victoria and the kittens being rambunctious; they stop at his raised-eyebrow stare)

~I would watch without winking

and I know what you are thinking

And it's certain that I didn't approve...

Of hilarity and riot

So the folk are very quiet...

(Turns and leads the group onward again)

When Skimble is about and on the move!~

Everyone: ~You could play no pranks with Skimbleshanks

He's a cat that cannot be ignored!

So nothing went wrong on the Northern Mail

When Skimbleshanks was aboard!~

((They continue marching along on the tracks...cut now to the group on the inside of the train, in the fancy sleeper cars. Skimble gives the tour as he sings, and the cats—especially with close-ups on the wide and amazed eyes of the newcomers—look around in awe.))

Skimbleshanks: ~Oh it was very pleasant when they'd found their little den

With their name written up on the door...

And the berth was very neat

With a newly-folded sheet

And not a speck of dust on the floor!

(Tugger and Bomba peek from the tops of the niches above the berths on either side of the sleeper car, yawning lazily as the other cats hop on the beds. They play with the buttons as Skimble points them out.)

There was every sort of light

You could make it dark or bright

And a button you could turn to make a breeze!

And a funny little basin you're supposed to wash your face in

And a crank to shut the window should you sneeze...~

Demeter: Achoo! (She covers her nose and giggles as Munk and the other cats smile at her.)

Skimbleshanks: ~Then the guard looked in politely

And would ask you, very brightly, "Do you like your morning tea..."~

Twins: (Popping up together) Weak or strong? (Popping down again)

Skimbleshanks: ~But I was just behind him

And was ready to remind him

For Skimble won't let anything go wrong!~

Everybody: ~When they crept into their cozy berths and pulled up the counterpane

They all could reflect it was very nice

To know that they wouldn't be bothered by mice...!

((One of Jenny's mice squeaks and gets back on her shoulder as Skimble playfully waggles his finger at her in passing))

They could leave all that to the Railway Cat

The cat of the railway train!

Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat!

The cat of the railway train!

((The cats all dance out after him once again, and once more the scene changes, now from the inside of the train to the outside, Skimble and the other cats leaning on the rails with the breeze whipping their fur on a clear, starry and moonlit night. He is climbing the ladders and hopping between cars quite expertly as the cats watch with interest.))

Skimbleshanks: ~In the watches of the night,

I was always fresh and bright!

Every now and then I'd have a cup of tea...

With perhaps a drop of scotch when I was keeping on the watch

Only stopping here and there to catch a flea!

(He hops atop the car, and we can see what he sees, past the engine to the starry horizon. We see he's quite proud of himself and his accomplishments that he sings about.)

They were fast asleep at Crewe

And so they never knew

That I was walking up and down the station...

They were sleeping all the while I was busy at Carlisle

Where I met the station master with elation!

(He jumps down again, and the train is stopped at a random station. He marches with the cats gathering behind him again in two straight lines.)

They might see me at Dumfries

If I summon the police

If there was anything they ought to know about...~

Everybody: ~When they got to Gallowgate

There they did not have to wait

For Skimbleshanks will help them to get out!~

((The note is drawn out, while Skimble turns and gives a bow. When he rises again, we are back at the old theater, the others having abandoned their props, with him dancing the final train-like beats on a drum, the camera panning around everybody in a circle.))

Everybody: ~And he gives you a wave

Of his long brown tail

Which says "I'll see you again!"

You will meet without fail

On the Midnight Mail

The cat of the railway train!~

((The music picks up and starts its winding down with the others following him through the auditorium and back to the stage, passing a grinning Deuteronomy, her paws drumming the edge of a chair to the beat as well, clearly having fun. Skimble ends up atop a stepladder of cats in the center of the stage.))

Everybody: ~The Cat of the Railway Train!~

((The song ends, and the cats are all cheering as the ginger tom makes his way back down with the help of the others, laughing and giving another bow.))

Deuteronomy: (With humor in her eyes) Well-done, Skimble...you outdo yourself every year.

Skimbleshanks: Always look forward to doing so, m'lady.

Deuteronomy: Alright then, everyone settle...it is time for the next contestant...

((As everyone is congregating, we see Jennyanydots in a brief shot on stage telling her mice to get ready; it seems they're the last planned act.))

((Suddenly, there's a loud BOOM, and with an accompanying surge, the entire theater goes dark.))

Chapter Text

((The cats are left in confusion and chaos, and we hear jumbled messes of "what was that?" and "what is going on?" and "are we safe?" The kittens huddle in the middle of the group of adults for safety as they look around, Old Deuteronomy standing up as well.))

Macavity: (Off-screen somewhere.) Hnnhnnhn....

((His chuckle seems to echo and travel around; the audience gets a sense of never knowing where he is at any given second.))

Demeter: (Quietly, shaking) Macavity...!

Munkustrap: (Whispering, in haste) Everyone, hurry, behind me.

Macavity: Hehehehahaha...(His laugh grows a little louder. The cats are still confused, looking in every direction, trying to spot him)

Munkustrap: (Growling shout) Show yourself! If you want to make trouble, then come down and face us!

((His voice, at first echo-like, gains substance as he appears on a beam high above. A solitary light flickers, bathing his coated form in red when he answers.))

Macavity: A fight? You already wound me with your accusations, Munkustrap. I just want to show off a trick of my own. I guarantee it will leave all of you frozen in terror.

((At that moment, the lights in the theater suddenly flare, and he raises his paws, his eyes glowing. The tribe suddenly looks as if they're under some kind of hypnosis, the lot of them frozen in states of shock. We hear a sudden yelp, and then the lights go out again.))

Macavity: (Echoing and fading) Demeter! I'll be back next for you!

((The lights slowly turn back on, the Jellicles all having fallen to the ground...and in their daze, they realize someone is missing.))

Munkustrap:...Old Deuteronomy...where is she?

((The others look around, murmuring loudly, while Munkustrap starts to slowly get frantic.))

Munkustrap: (Leaping to the stage, calling out, though his voice echoes in heightening desperation) Deuteronomy? Deuteronomy...! NO!

((Demeter leaps up next to him, her expression concerned as she lays her paws on his shoulder.))

Alonzo: (Suddenly from a window above the room) Munk! Their scents are up here, Macavity and several strange cats!

Munkustrap: (Detetermined) After them! Whomever will hunt with me, let's go! The rest of you, stay together, watch the young ones!

((Several cats rush off into the shadows and outside, while we can hear the muttering of those left behind in front of the stage. Demeter is sitting there, breathing. Bombalurina walks up next to her and, after a pause, puts a comforting paw on her shoulder.))

Demeter: (Looking up, somewhat accusing) Was this what you were going to tell us? Did you know Macavity would do this?

Bombalurina: (Looking guilty)...I didn't know that he would actually take the old queen, no. But I did hear him threaten to derail the Ball.

Victoria: (Jumping up on stage as well, looking between the two) Do you know where he might have taken Old Deuteronomy?

Electra: (Nearby) Who even is Macavity?

Etcetera: That was terrifying!

Cassandra: (Her eyes are neutrally set, but one can see accusation in her gaze) I'd say you two know more about him than we do.

Demeter: (As the music for the number starts, she stands up, and Bombalurina watches)...I know that he is not a cat to be underestimated.

((The lights go down a little again as Demeter takes center stage, and she moves along with the jazzy music, hypnotic and a little sensual. At intervals she seems to go into a little trance, her eyes fluttering shut, before she shakes her head violently, as if out of some memory, two sides of herself conflicting. She faces the audience with a dark expression.))

Demeter: ~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 you reach the scene of crime, Macavity's not there!~

((Again Demeter dances to the music, and she seems to lose herself in something, a memory that again entrances her, but she then shakes herself out of it. One can tell there's some mysterious history with her and Macavity, as has been hinted from the beginning.))

Demeter: ~Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity

He's broken every human law

He breaks the law of gravity

His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare...

And when you reach the scene of crime, Macavity's not there!

You may seek him in a basement, you may look up in the air...

But I tell you once and once again, Macavity's not there!~

((Bombalurina steps up to sing this time, surprising Demeter. She too is caught by the music, but seems to have more control.))

Bombalurina: ~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 in 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...

And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake!

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...~

Demeter: (Standing up, losing herself again) ~He's outwardly respectable...~

Bombalurina: (Walking past, playfully bumping her with her hip) ~I know...he cheats at cards.~

Demeter: (Huffs) ~And his footprints are not found in any files of Scotland Yard's...~

((The two get into the dancing together as the duet continues. The way they sing to the others watching and coming closer to listen, they seem to be warning them about him.))

Bombalurina: ~And when the larder's looted...~

Demeter: ~Or the jewel case is rifled...~

Bombalurina: ~Or when the milk is missing...~

Demeter: ~Or another Peke's been stifled!~

Bombalurina: ~Or the greenhouse glass is broken!~

Demeter: ~And the trellis past repair...~

Both: ~There's the wonder of the thing...Macavity's not there!~

((The music picks up, and the other queens and youngsters are now joining in the dance.))

Both: ~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...

Demeter: I might mention Mungojerrie...Rumpleteazer...

Bombalurina: Griddlebone.

(Demeter snickers, and they keep dancing in synchrony)

Both: ~...Are nothing more than agents for the cat who all the time

Just controls the operations...

The Napoleon of Crime!~

((The music is more intense as every cat joins in the dancing, and Demeter and Bombalurina smile at one another, having as much fun performing together as they had done before.))

Everyone: ~Macavity, Macavity, there's no one like Macavity

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!~

((The music ends, and the remaining cats gather together on the stage. Demeter and Bombalurina sit in the center.))

Victoria: So, he's very powerful...a magician of sorts.

Bombalurina: The worst sort. It can't be told how far away he's gotten by now with Old Deut.

Mungojerrie: Worst of all, y'were right...

Rumpleteazer: We two was also workin' for 'im. Bu' no' anymore.

Mungojerrie: Yeh...we's thieves, not monsters.

Bombalurina: (Stands up again, her face determined) We can't let this stand. We should be out there helping Munkustrap look.

Munkustrap: (Suddenly from the windows again as the cats who'd gone to chase file in) No need...

Plato: (Nudging Victoria's forehead as she comes running up, and as Demeter also runs up to Munkustrap and takes his paws) We followed the scent until it just vanished. They're nowhere to be found.

Alonzo: (Growling, tail whipping in frustration as he raises a clawed paw) The next time I see that mangy son of a...

Deuteronomy: No need for that kind of language here.

((Suddenly, it's as if Old Deut has reappeared from thin air. She strides in through the doors and back into the throng of cats, who are all ecstatic and surprised to see her back, asking question after question.))

Munkustrap: Thank the Everlasting Cat, you've escaped...were you hurt?

Deuteronomy: No, no, dear, I'm unharmed...he was actually gracious enough to let me go. He isn't quite as bad as anyone makes him out to be.

((However, as the other cats are greeting their leader in relief, Demeter is standing back with wide eyes. In her vision, we see what she's always seen, a shadowy figure with poisonous glowing eyes, wrapped in a cloak with a similar color as Deuteronomy's coat. Her nostrils are flaring as her hackles rise, she is shaking with terror. No...he isn't...we hear her think.))

Demeter: (Quietly)...That isn't Deuteronomy.

Bombalurina: (Hears her first, glances her way with a tilted head)...What was that?

Demeter: (Louder) That isn't Deuteronomy! Get away from that impostor!

((Most of the other cats back up a bit upon seeing her like this, but some of the kittens still stay at the seemingly-leader's feet. Munkustrap turns and walks to her, paws out gently.))

Munkustrap: Demeter, what...?

Demeter: (Hackles raised, shaking) Munk, I can smell him! I can see him! That isn't Deuteronomy, that is Macavity! Can't you feel something's wrong with her?

((The silver cat's brow rises, and he seems to believe her, casting a suspicious glance back at the cat in a fawn coat (as do many of the others now).))

Deuteronomy: Oh, oh now dear, you must be shaken up from his appearance earlier. Why don't you come closer, with us, and...

Demeter: NO! I'm...I'm not going to let you do this! I'm not going to let you deceive them! (Her brows furrow and eyes burn with laser intensity, the brave side that we've seen shades of before now at the forefront) I won't let you ruin anyone AGAIN!

((Suddenly, she rushes forward, claws and teeth bared as she leaps on the back of the impostor Deuteronomy. At first a surprised, feminine yelp is let out, but it turns into a deeper, masculine howl of frustration as the coat is torn away, indeed revealing the ginger cat with intense, scary green eyes, no longer even covered by his old coat and hat. He is fluffy and messy, but indeed tall, and sports a wiry frame.

The other cats react with shock and back away instantly when Macavity is revealed; he shakes his fur and looks around with his bared teeth, before spotting a very incensed Demeter who tosses his false coat to the side.))

Macavity: (Moving towards her) Right, enough of this foolishness...you are coming back with me!

Bombalurina: No she is not! (She moves in front of Macavity, surprising both him and Demeter)

Macavity: You...you have one last chance to redeem yourself. I am ordering you to get out of my way and let me take her.

Bombalurina: No. (She reaches back and clicks off her collar) I am done taking orders from you, you fiend. My friend's happiness, and the love of this tribe, is worth more than anything you could offer to take it from us. I quit, Macavity. (The collar is tossed) Take her from my dead claws if you can.

Macavity:...Then it will be your funeral.

((He smacks her hard enough to make her fall to the side, making the nearest cats gasp.))

Demeter: (Diving after her) Bomba!

((He snatches her back, wrapping one arm around her waist and the other covering her mouth as she struggles in his grasp. She has a terrified look in her eyes as he starts to turn away, though he's clearly finding it hard to control Demeter.))

Munkustrap: (Rushing in past the fallen Bombalurina as other cats are coming to her aid) Drop her, you monster!

((The silver tom collides with the ginger beast, and Demeter is loosened in the process. She is frozen on the floor, watching as the two cats circle for a fight, until Alonzo and Bombalurina gently pull her back.

The music is intense as Munkustrap and Macavity face off.))

Munkustrap: This is your last chance. Return Deuteronomy, leave us, and never return.

Macavity: I will not leave so easily, Munkustrap. I will have what is mine.

((Macavity tries to use hypnosis tricks on the silver tom to gain an edge...but Munk easily shakes it off. Without that edge, it turns into a no-holds-barred duel with claws and teeth, and the scenery has dark red tones that flash with every strike.

Eventually though, Munkustrap is slapped across the face and thrown off to the side, too stunned to move. But as a wounded Macavity advances for another blow, Alonzo rushes in for a few scratches (while the kittens and the old queens take Munkustrap to the side and tend to his wounds), followed by Plato, then Bombalurina, then Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer...

Eventually, the tribe finds their collective bravery over the monster, and he is quickly outnumbered. He rushes off and barely makes it to a high beam that leads to a broken opening outside. He turns down to the snarling crowd.))

Macavity: It does not matter if you win this time! I still have your leader, and never will you see her again!

((With that, he raises his paws for one more spell. There's a flash of electricity as the lights in the theater pulse and flash blindingly with a loud, cacophonous crackle.

In an instant, once again, it is dark and silent. The ginger cat seems to have vanished, and for good. The lights try to come back on, but they seem to want to stay dimmed, some even burning out, and the space is lit up where Macavity stood not a few seconds ago.))

Bombalurina:...(Aloud to the tribe, but also seemingly reassuring Demeter, who is crouched next to her, breathing hard) Macavity's not there.

((The solemn strains of Old Deuteronomy's theme begins to play in the background as the cats gather again. Munkustrap gets up on four wobbly limbs, his wounds having been cleaned, but he's clearly still a little battered. He looks around, nodding softly at any questions asked to his health. Cut to Demeter, who is making sure Bombalurina wasn't scratched.))

Munkustrap: (Softly callling) Demeter...?

((Demeter perks her head up, and when she looks at Bomba again, the red queen nods over as if to say "go to him". There is a pause, before the tortie does so.

The two meet in the auditorium's center light, the only brightly-lit part of it, coming down like a spotlight in the otherwise suffocating dark. There are no words spoken, just their expressions. She hastily looks over his wounds, and when their eyes meet, hers are filled with a thousand words of worry and appreciation, and his are gentle and assuring, as of to say "no harm done". With her overwhelming emotions, she leans in and nuzzles him tenderly. He pauses with surprise, then he returns it in kind and with a warm, tight embrace.

When they part after a second, his expression is downcast and saddened, as are the cats around them by the severity of the situation. Demeter lifts Munkustrap's chin.))

Demeter:...We have to find Old Deuteronomy.

Munkustrap: Yes...but where would we even begin to look? We can't scour all of London before dawn.

Alonzo: We can surely try, there is no other option, they can't have gotten far!

Bombalurina: You don't know Macavity. He can move for miles in a night if he must. His magic is too powerful.

Tugger: (Suddenly from on stage) Well, my dear, if magic is what we are dealing with, then certainly magic is what we need. And need I remind you all, we happen to have a magician?

Victoria: (With a gasp, jumping in her seat) That's right! Mistofelees! He could do it!

Plato:...It's crazy enough to work.

((The cats are muttering with interest and looking slowly towards the black youngster with a white muzzle.))

Mistofelees: (Suddenly nervous) Oh, come now, my magic is a nuisance, I was told not to use it earlier in fact!

Jennyanydots: For mischief, dear. But this could actually help!

Victoria: You're a very good conjurer...please, you could at least try to summon Old Deuteronomy back! I know you can do it.

Bombalurina: (Chuckles) This kitten's hope is infectious. Even I now think he might do it.

Munkustrap: I would allow a try.

Tugger: What say you, my young friend?

Mistofelees: I-I dunno...I've never tried anything this big!

Tugger: Oh, but you've done plenty of impressive things! Trust me, you have the potential to be a phenomenon. Please, listen to me and don't scoff, my friends...listen to the tale of a true feline wizard.

((Tugger then hops closer on stage, taking it upon himself to sing Misto's praises and raise his confidence.))

Tugger: There's no such cat in the metropolis...he holds all the patent monopolies for performing surprising illusions...and creating eccentric confusions.

~The greatest magicians have something to learn...

From Mister Mistofelees' Conjuring Turn...!

And we all say...

"Oh, well, I never! Was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?"~

((The cats gather around in the darkness to listen.))

~He is quiet, he is small, he is black

From his ears to the tip of his tail

He can creep through the tiniest crack

He can walk on the narrowest rail

He can pick any card from a pack

He is equally cunning with dice

He is always deceiving you into believing

That he's only hunting for mice

He can play any trick with a cork

Or a spoon and a bit of fish paste

If you look for a knife or a fork

And you think it is merely misplaced

You have seen it one moment, and then it is gone

You'll find it next week laying out on the lawn!~

((Mistofelees is coaxed on stage by Victoria and Plato. He gets a look of concentration on his face and creeps up onto the dark stage.))

~And we all say

"Oh, well, I never, was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?"~

Mistofelees: Presto!

((Immediately, the lights in the theater snap back on to their old, comforting brightness. The magic cat looks around and at his paws, seemingly amazed that it worked.))

Everybody: (Encouraging, smiling)

~Oh, well, I never, was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?~

((He is dancing around the stage as the song goes on, trying out various spells...note that in this movie, as on stage, Mistofelees has perhaps the most demanding dance break.))

Tugger: ~His manner is vague and aloof...

You would think that there's nobody shyer

But his voice can be heard on a roof

While he was curled up by the fire...~

Mistofelees: (Sliding in with a grin) ~And I've sometimes been heard by the fire

While I was about on the roof...~ (Disappears left-stage)

Tugger: ~At least we all heard that somebody purred

Which is incontestable proof

Of his singular magical powers...

And I've know the family to call

Him in from the garden for hours...~

Mistofelees: (Reappears right-stage) ~While I was asleep in the hall!~

Tugger: (His brow raised as if even he was amazed at this next part)

~And not long ago, this phenomenal cat

Produced seven kittens right out of a hat!~

((As if in demonstration, Misto tips over a small hat next to the stage, shows it's empty, and then pats the top...at which point, seven mice rush out to the gasps of the audience and back to a delighted Jennyanydots, who didn't notice they were missing.))

Tugger: (Encouraging the audience) And we all say?

Everybody: ~Oh, well, I never, was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?

Oh, well, I never was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?~

((As the cast watches, Mistofelees does his solo dance along the stage, performing lots of different tricks, from making a dove appear from thin air, to making several bouncing balls dance around him. Then, he takes on a look of concentration as he takes a large blanket and tosses it over Deuteronomy's seat. He waves his paws over it, pulls the blanket, and...nothing happened. His face falls.))

Victoria: C'mon, try again, I know you can do it!

((The other cats agree, launching into a repeat of the line.))

Everybody: ~Oh, well, I never, was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?~

((He does several acrobatic tricks that rise in intensity as the chorus repeats, finishing off with the famous Conjuring Turn (or 24 fouettes en tournant), making his black fur gleam and glitter on the edges. He takes a breath as the cats closely watch. He grabs his blanket, which grows into a massive one that seems to ripple by itself. The drums roll in the background as Tugger, Victoria, Plato, Munkustrap, Demeter, Bombalurina, and the kittens come in to help him hold it steady.

He waves his paws, tosses glitter in the air over it (brief cut to Tugger as he clasps his paws together in hopeful anticipation)...

And then, he pulls the blanket back, and to everyone's gasping surprise, Old Deuteronomy is there. She looks around in shock as Mistofelees falls to his knees with his back turned, clearly having spent his energy.))

Tugger: (Softly, taking her paw and making sure she's real)

~And we all say...

Oh, well, I never, was there ever

(He turns her towards the magic cat)

A cat so clever as...Mister Mistofelees?~

((The black-and-white cat turns with a happy smile, disbelieving that he's actually done it, as he jumps and runs into Old Deuteronomy's arms. The other cats rise and cheer, singing the lines joyously.))

Everybody: ~Oh, well, I never, was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?~

Tugger: Magical!

((They're running up and tearfully hugging and nuzzling their leader's coat as she has a sweet smile of her own. Mistofelees dances with Victoria in celebration. Even Gus is clapping with a little more exuberance than he usually could show, shaking his head with amazement and grinning. Jenny can be heard yelling "Three cheers!" as her little entourage of mice applaud too.))

Everybody: ~Oh, well, I never, was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?~

Tugger: Astounding!

((The other cats dance with each other as well, Munkustrap even lifting Demeter and spinning her around happily, the two of them laughing. They look at each other again, smile, and nuzzle.))

Everybody: ~Oh, well, I never was there ever

A cat so clever as Magical Mister Mistofelees?~

((The others return to the auditorium as they sing the final refrain, and Mistofelees bows with a proud smile.))

Tugger: (Still next to him on stage, playing announcer) I give you, the magical, the marvelous, Mister Mistofelees!

((And with that, the young cat has one more trick up his sleeve, he takes the blanket with a twirl and seems to vanish into it, the fabric falling to the floor...and he reappears on a high beam with a flash. The music ends to applause as he hops down to the others' congratulatory pats and nudges.))

Tugger: ((Ruffles the top of his head)) I told you that you shouldn't underestimate yourself.

Mistofelees: Heh...thanks, Tugger.

Tugger: Anytime. It was fun hyping up someone other than myself for a little change of pace.

Mistofelees: Pff.

((Cut to a darker and much dingier place, probably further away. Macavity is sitting on a board of wood looking out over the Thames, breathing hard and holding a wound on his side.))

Macavity: Bloody Jellicles...well...they can have Demeter, no matter...I still have...

Strange cat: Boss! Th' ol' cat, she's...!

Macavity: (Hissing, annoyed) What is it?

Strange cat: (Shrinking) She's gone, boss!

((He turns to see a cage, empty of anything in it, where Deuteronomy supposedly was kept. His eyes widen, and then he hisses with rage and slams the ground with his paws.))

Macavity: (Echoing, as the camera pans out of the scene...this is the last we see of him. What happens to him later can be left up to the audience.) NO!

Chapter Text

((There is a fade-out-fade-in transition to a shot of the outside, where it's still dark, but there's a visible band of light on the horizon. Grizabella is on the street, slowly hobbling toward the imposing front door of the old theater, looking up at it. Her expression is sullen.))

Grizabella:...Why should I even try...I know they will not listen. They haven't yet...but still, if there is a chance...I must let them know how much I...(she places her paw on the street lamp next to her for support) how very much I've missed them.

((Suddenly, a soft voice breaks through the silence of the dark pre-dawn city. Victoria is seen leaning on her arms through the window, singing thoughtfully as her wide, young eyes sight the lightening sky and the still glowing moon, the clouds half-covering it now.))

Victoria: ~Daylight...see the dew on a sunflower...

And a rose that is fading...roses wither away.

Like the sunflower, I yearn to turn my face to the dawn...

I am waiting, for the day...~

((Grizabella ducks behind the lamp, but the kitten hasn't seen her.))

Demeter: (Coming up behind Victoria) Come along now...everyone is settling in. Munkustrap says it is going to start.

Victoria: (Turning back and smiling) Coming! Oh, this is so exciting...I can't wait to see who it is.

((From Grizabella's view, Victoria disappears from the window. She pauses and looks down at her feet, before ordering herself slowly forward, toward the door with a determined—but so very tired—expression in her eyes, where the light is still going strong.

Inside, the cats are gathered in a circle as Old Deuteronomy is sitting at the edge of the stage, and we pan over each of them as they settle in. The lights have been turned down, solemnly, to let in the Jellicle Moon's silvery beams. Munkustrap lifts his head from a tired, downcast position next to the old cat, smiling upon seeing the last ones joining the group: Demeter and Victoria, with Bombalurina nestling in beside the tortie as well. Deuteronomy places a paw on his shoulder.))

Deuteronomy: (Concerned) The night is nearly over, my young master of ceremonies...are you sure you aren't too bruised up?

Munkustrap: (Whispering with a nod) I'll be fine. We should get started...we're a tad behind.

((The old cat nods, and Munkustrap gets to his feet and raises his paws, and the cats' chatter winds down, all eyes on him.))

Munkustrap: (Raised voice, slightly shaky from the events of the night, but nonetheless as strong as ever, and smiling as he is bathed in the last of the moon's light) Now...Old Deuteronomy, just before dawn...through a silence you feel you could cut with a knife...announces the cat who can now be reborn...and come back to a different Jellicle life.

((The cats raise their heads with expectant smiles, and Deuteronomy's kind visage looks over all of them, but she seems to be looking for someone in particular. Then we hear the door creaking open, and the somber chords of Grizabella's theme plays. The Jellicles all perk their ears, Deuteronomy spotting her first, then the others turn slowly to see.

The disheveled queen hobbles slowly inside, standing straight and with purpose. She seems to see the others only briefly as they stand and back away from her, again baring their teeth and claws. Victoria gasps softly and tries to stand, but Plato holds her back, and Jenny does the same with the other kittens. Demeter looks pained, like she wants to say something to her, but Bombalurina has her paw on her shoulder with a furrowed brow, also keeping her back.

After passing Tugger (who gives a mock bow before stepping away), Grizabella stands in the middle of the group with a pleading look, and they are all giving her venomous stares before turning their heads away in disgust. Munkustrap steps in front of Deuteronomy, a warning look on his face, while Alonzo looks like he's bound to attack.

But then, Deuteronomy places her paws on their respective shoulders, and to their surprise, she shakes her head and urges them to step back as she gets down from the stage.

Wordlessly, the old matriarch extends her paw palm-up, as if giving Grizabella permission to say what she so clearly wants to. The softer chords of her song start.))

Grizabella: ~Memory...turn your face to the moonlight...let your memory lead you

Open up, enter in...

If you find there the meaning of what happiness is...

Then a new life will begin...

(Deuteronomy sits down again, already listening intently with emotion in her calm eyes. Munkustrap glances at her, then back at Grizabella to listen as well.)

Memory, all alone in the moonlight...

I can smile at the old days...I was beautiful then...

I remember a time I knew what happiness was.

Let the memory live again...

(Pan through the crowd of cats, some of them quirk their ears to her, even turning their heads slowly as the song hits them. Her voice is reminiscent, struggling, somewhat pleading.)

Burnt out ends of smoky days...

The stale cold smell of morning...

The street lamp dies, another night is over...

Another day is dawning!

(The camera pans over more cats who are feeling her words. Demeter and Bombalurina in particular seem struck by them, having only just known true happiness themselves.)

Daylight...I must wait for the sunrise...

I must think of a new life...

And I mustn't give in...

(They all turn to watch her now. Her words end in a soft sob.)

When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too...

And a new day will begin...

((The music swells as suddenly she falls to her knees, her weakened body now seeming to give up on her. She doesn't seem to want to get up again, tears streaming down quietly. She doesn't see the other cats get up and move closer, only still out of reach.

Victoria is the one to push closer, her eyes bright and wide with hope, wanting to encourage and lift the old cat back up again. She is bathed in some light on this part, exuding her hopeful strength.))

Victoria: ~Sunlight through the trees in summer...

(Grizabella lifts her head again slowly, hearing the youngster)

Endless masquerading...~

Both: (Grizabella is shaky, but gains strength again)

~Like a flower as the dawn is breaking...~

Grizabella: ~The memory is fading...!~

(Music climbs to the crescendo as Grizabella rises as well, paws out, pleading, belting her song, filled with new strength. The camera slowly pans around her front, viewer's right to left.)

Grizabella: ~Touch me!

It's so easy to leave me

All alone with the memory

Of my days in the sun...

If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is...

(She looks up for a pause, and her voice seems wispy)

Look...a new day...has begun.~

((The music winds down, and she looks at the whole tribe as if for the first time, and they are all regarding her with soft, sad expressions and looking among each other. The ones who had the most animosity are now glancing to the side guiltily. Munkustrap is nearly in tears, and he looks to Deuteronomy, whose expression is the most distraught, that someone she would have still thought as part of the tribe had fallen on such hard times.

Grizabella, now a little more shaky and feeling her age, starts to turn away, her eyes closed, tears flowing...she seems to have accepted that she's still not returning to the tribe.

Victoria, with a pained little gasp, breaks from the crowd and goes after her...and this time, nobody stops her, though Demeter and Bombalurina stand a little.

Suddenly, Grizabella looks up in shock, and down to her paw. Inside it is a white one, belonging to Victoria, who she looks up to see smiling gently.))

Victoria: Please stay.

((Grizabella's face breaks into a wide smile, barely holding back her sobs of joy as tears roll down her cheeks. She turns to the youngster, who is holding both paws. The cats in the background are coming up to them now.))

Grizabella: (Softly) I...did not think that anyone would...after so long, I...

Jellylorum:...It seems we were a bit hasty to...jump to keeping you out.

Grizabella: (Shamefully lowers her ears)...You may have been right to. I am truly sorry...

Jellylorum: (Lightly sighs, her ears folding back a little)...The past can be a painful thing. But that was long ago...and it took a desperate song, and the eternal hopefulness and compassion from this young lady, to make us see things a little differently. (She takes her paws and lightly squeezes them)...Welcome back.

Jennyanydots: (Also takes her paws) Yes...I'd say you've had enough hardship.

((The cats all line up to touch her paws as she walks through the group, a blissful and happy smile on her face, something that seems to have not been there for a long time. The kittens are happy to be introduced to a new cat, the elders bow their heads in apology, and the young adults bow their heads as they would respectfully to any of the elders. Then Demeter takes her paws in greeting as well.))

Grizabella:...I've seen you before, child...living in the darkest places, much like me...you always looked so scared.

Demeter: (Slightly surprised that she'd been noticed as well before, now smiling shyly.) You could say I did come from a dark place. No longer though. Now...here with them, I could never forget the meaning of happiness.

Bombalurina: (Also softly smiling) Well said.

((Demeter then passes Grizabella's paws to Munkustrap, who bows his head against them respectfully. Then, he turns, and they are now standing in front of an approaching Deuteronomy. Grizabella now bows to her.))

Deuteronomy: Truthfully...I do not come to every Jellicle Ball. I come when I know there is a cat that truly deserves, and needs, a new chance. A new life. Such is the reason I came again...I knew there would be one here tonight. And I was correct. (She grins lightly) It is you, dear.

Munkustrap: (Raises his brow as the cats gasp a little) You mean...?

Deuteronomy: Without a doubt.

Tugger: (Huffs a laugh) Well, how about that. I can dig it.

((As the others murmur happily, Deuteronomy is the one bowing to an overwhelmed Grizabella. She takes her paw, and takes her back through the group as they sing quietly.))

Everybody: ~Up, up, up, past the Russel Hotel...

Up up up up, to the Heaviside Layer...~

((As the cats sing these lines three more times, each time a little louder and happier, Grizabella is being led by Deuteronomy across the lightened auditorium and towards a fallen chandelier, wholly a forgettable part of the set until now. The other cats are following in two lines, smiling brightly as the old queen looks back at each of them in disbelief, her smile spreading until it is just as joyous as those of the others. Mistofelees lights the chandelier with a grand flourish as Grizabella steps into the middle of it, looking up and around.))

Everybody: ~Up, up, up, past the Jellicle Moon!

Up up up up, to the Heaviside Layer!

((The moon's bright light filters through the roof, cast in bright silver beams and sparkling motes of dust that settle on Grizabella as she's blinking up with teary eyes. The cats raise their arms, and the chandelier lifts, taking her with it.))

Up, up, up, past the Jellicle Moon!

Up up up up, to the Heaviside Layer!~

((The strong chords of the Jellicle Ball theme plays as the tribe raises their arms, the newcomers even mirroring the actions of the others and feeling the energy all through them as well, working together to help raise her to the sky. The roof is as bright as if the sun were shining, and the floor is covered in a shining mist at the cats' feet...even the theater around them is hazy, as if they are briefly out of the real world. Grizabella is smiling brightly as she's waving goodbye, the camera panning to the faces of Deuteronomy and some of the other cats.

Once the chandelier disappears through the roof, the tribe together runs out of the theater to watch it rise further. As the next lines are sung, the shot is of Grizabella's final moments as she is enveloped by a swath of bright clouds, like the sky has come to meet her. On her face is unimaginable joy.))

Everybody: ~The mystical divinity

Of unashamed felinity...

(Shot comes back to the crowd as they each raise a paw to the sky.)

'Round the cathedral rang "vivat!

Life to the Everlasting Cat!"~

((The music ends as the mist disappears, and the sky clears slowly, Grizabella nowhere to be seen. The shot goes to Bombalurina in the crowd of awed cats looking up, and she audibly huffs, obvious emotion clear on her face; she even brushes a forming tear. This really was more than just a party. Demeter next to her playfully nudges her shoulder as the red queen recomposes herself (as if she hadn't just been nearly about to cry), and then Victoria comes up to bump her head against Demeter, giggling as she sits in front of the queens. Munkustrap sits closely next to the tortie as well, giving them all a half-lidded grin that says "I told you so."

Mistofelees is the last to sit with them as a soft piano tune picks up. The group, gathered on the steps of the theater, now has their eyes on Old Deuteronomy as she walks out. In this next song, she breaks the fourth wall and speaks to the audience (as it should be), but she strolls through the crowd as she does so (with intermittent shots of individual smiling faces), towards the foot of the square's statue as the sun slowly shines.))

Deuteronomy: ~You've heard of several kinds of cat

And my opinion now is that

You should need no interpreter

To understand our character...

You've learned enough to take the view

That cats are very much like you!

You've seen us both at work and games

And learned about our proper names

Our habits and our habitat...

But how would you address a cat?

(She sits on the statue above the others)

So first your memory I'll jog

And say a cat is not a dog...~

Everybody: (To the audience) ~So first your memory I'll jog

And say a cat is not a dog.~

Deuteronomy: ~With cats, some say one rule is true

Don't speak 'til you are spoken to.

Myself, I do not hold with that

I say you should address a cat

But always bear in mind that he

Resents familiarity.

You bow, and taking off your hat

Address him in this form: O Cat...~

Everybody: ~O Cat...~

Deuteronomy: ~Before a cat will condescend

To treat you as a trusted friend

Some little token of esteem

Is needed...like, a dish of cream!

And you might now and then supply some caviar

Or Strasbourg Pie!

Some potted grouse or salmon paste!

He's sure to have his personal taste...

And so in time you'll reach your aim

And call him by his name!~

Everybody: (Facing the audience, presenting themselves)

~A cat's entitled to expect

These evidences of respect!

So, this is this, and that is that...

And that's how you address a cat!

(Deuteronomy joins in this time, again smiling to the audience as the camera pans back out to the tribe, flicking between the newcomers in their more confident faces and voices)

A cat's entitled to expect

These evidences of respect!

So, this is this, and that is that...

And that's how you address...

(The camera flies up, encasing the entire cast in one shot with the finale crescendo)

A caaaaaaaaaat!~

((As the music drops, the cats all bow at the waist to the audience. Then, they look back at Old Deuteronomy, who waves them all off, signaling the official end of the celebrations. As they slowly move away, we hear some chatter: "That was wonderful, wasn't it?" "I think I'll sleep for a week..." Bustopher can be heard chiming in, "I worked up an appetite, I did..." and Jenny could even be heard saying, "Oh well, maybe next year..."

The shot settles back on Demeter, who is still sitting at the feet of the statue, observing the sky curiously for any last sign of Grizabella. Bombalurina touches her shoulder with a smile, before she turns back toward the theater with a yawn, probably seeking a nap. Munkustrap, on her other side, gives her a playful head-bump which turns into a warm nuzzle, and she returns it. Victoria gives them both a playful nudge with her head, settling with Demeter, who now seems to have been adopted as an older sister or mother figure. Deuteronomy walks back down slowly.))

Deuteronomy: (Chuckling) I hope, my young ones, you'll consider staying with us.

Victoria: Oh, most definitely!

Demeter: (Trading a look with Munkustrap) Oh, I have no reason to leave. But...you do have me curious as to what you were going to tell me earlier. A secret about Jellicles.

Deuteronomy: Aha, yes, in all the commotion I almost forgot. Well, it is really no secret. You see...any cat, and every cat, can be a Jellicle Cat...that is, a dear little cat. (Leans in to bump her head gently, a motherly look in her sparkling eyes) And so...you are very much one too.

((Demeter's smile slowly grows, her eyes full of emotion as she looks to Munkustrap, who nods in agreement and stands, offering his paw.))

Munkustrap: Might I be the first to welcome you home?

((Demeter looks at it for a moment, before she nods with a content smile and takes it.))

Demeter: You were the first before. And I thank you, eternally, for everything.

Munkustrap: It is only my pleasure, and ours.

((A happy Victoria giggles as she runs past them back into the theater, while the pair turns that way as well. Deuteronomy watches them leave, smiling as she looks to the sky, the camera panning back up to where it was in the beginning. To the clouds, now dawn-lit, framing the eyes of a cat in their shapes.

Roll credits, with pictures beside the cast names and characters.))

FIN