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Chapter Text

Regina could hardly believe it – she had actually gotten tickets to the live performance of Cats, sitting in the very front row. Ever since she first saw the musical – fifteen years ago, in her mid-twenties – she had been enchanted. The music, the costumes, the energy on stage… Cats had touched something in her that she had never been able to fully let go of. And her heart had always belonged to one character: Munkustrap.
He had been more than just a character to her. There was a strange sense of familiarity she could never quite explain—as if she'd known him for a long time, long before she'd seen him on stage.
The hall darkened. The first notes of the overture filled the room, and Regina felt her heart skip a beat. Then came the flash of lightning.
A light, brighter than anything else, flashed across the stage—and no one else seemed to notice. Regina saw the outlines of the stage distort, the colors blur. The music suddenly sounded distorted, slower, as if from another world.
She felt the ground being pulled out from under her feet. Her body became light, almost weightless. A whirl of light, music, and warmth enveloped her—and then everything was silent.
When she opened her eyes, she was lying on a soft, dusty surface. Huge everyday objects loomed around her—empty cans, crumpled balls of paper, oversized scraps of fabric. Or... had she shrunk?
Before she could collect herself, she heard footsteps. Quick, smooth movements – then someone stepped in front of her.
A silver-gray tomcat with black stripes. Munkustrap.
"You're not from around here," he said calmly, looking at her with an expression that wavered between curiosity and recognition. "And yet... you seem strangely familiar."
Regina stared at him. Her eyes were wide open, her mouth hung open—but no sound came out. There he really was. Munkustrap. Not an actor in a costume, not on a stage, but alive. Real fur, real eyes, a voice that didn't come from speakers, but spoke directly to her.
“I… you… that can’t…” Her voice failed.
Munkustrap tilted his head slightly, his ears twitching as if listening to her heartbeat. "Don't worry. I won't hurt you."
Regina took a step back, her gaze sweeping over his figure. Every detail was just right. The stripes, the strong stance, even the gentle seriousness in his eyes—just like in her memories, in her dreams.
Was that a dream?
“Are you… Munkustrap?” she finally whispered.
A slight nod. "That's what they call me, yes."
A tremor ran through her body, her knees almost gave way. She laughed—short, brittle, almost like a sob. "I can't believe it... I've gone crazy. I'm completely crazy."
"You're not crazy," he said gently. "But you're very... far from home."
Regina tried to grasp the situation. Her gaze wandered again around the oversized environment, then back to him. "I don't know how I got here. I was sitting in the theater... And then... lights, music, and suddenly—that." She made a helpless gesture.
Munkustrap took a step closer. He was now only an arm's length away.
Regina held her breath. It was so close she could touch it. A dream come true, but it felt so real that it frightened her.
"I can't explain it," she whispered. "But I know you. I've known all of you. For years. You've become... a part of me."
He looked at her for a long time. "Then maybe you're here because you're meant to be."
Munkustrap stepped closer until only a hand's breadth separated them. Regina felt the warmth of his body, the soft sound of his breathing. She didn't know whether to run away or simply stay and absorb this moment forever.
He examined her curiously. His green eyes wandered over her face, lingering on hers. A hint of surprise flashed in them, barely perceptible—yet palpable.
“Blue like the clear morning sky…” he murmured, more to himself than to her.
Regina frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
He shook his head almost imperceptibly. "It's nothing. Just... you seem familiar. But I don't know why."
Regina exhaled slowly. She felt it, too. Something in his voice, in his presence, touched a spot inside her that she had long forgotten—or never fully understood. A gentle pull, like a reunion with a dream.
"I feel the same way," she finally admitted. "I know this sounds crazy—but it's like I've seen you before. Not on stage. Somewhere... deeper."
A faint, almost sad smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. "Perhaps each of us carries traces of another within us. Even if we no longer know where they came from."
For a moment, they simply stood there. The world around them was silent—as if space and time had briefly receded to make room for something beyond logic.

Chapter Text

The path through the labyrinth of deserted alleys, corrugated iron, and crushed cans was both confusing and fascinating. Regina followed Munkustrap closely as she tried to sort out her thoughts. Every step in this strange world felt simultaneously surreal and frighteningly real.
“Where are we going?” she finally asked as they passed an overturned barrel, behind which a narrow opening opened.
"To Old Deuteronomy," Munkustrap answered without turning around. "He's the oldest among us. If anyone knows why you're here, it's him."
Regina nodded, although she felt uneasy. What if she wasn't welcome?
When they finally entered a larger, open area, surrounded by cardboard castles, fairy lights, and soft fabric nests, she noticed the other cats. Some crouched in the shadows, others perched on raised perches. Their eyes immediately turned to her—large, curious, suspicious.
A quiet murmur went through the rows.
"A human?"
“What is she doing here?”
Regina felt the gaze like pinpricks on her skin. She instinctively hunched her shoulders, but stayed close to Munkustrap, who didn't hesitate for a moment and headed straight for the center of the room. There, on a soft, raised resting place, lay a tall, imposing figure: Old Deuteronomy.
His fur was silvery-gray, somewhat dulled by age, but his presence was undiminished. His green eyes—wiser, deeper than Munkustraps'—rested on her, long, searching, not unfriendly, but penetrating.
Munkustrap bowed respectfully. "Old Deuteronomy. I bring you someone you should see."
The old cat nodded slowly. "I can already feel it. She brings with her another time... and something that seemed lost."
He addressed Regina directly. "You're not from here—and yet you didn't come here by chance, child. Your soul bears traces of this world."
Regina swallowed hard. "I don't know how I got here. I... was sitting in a theater. Then there was this light, and... now I'm here. And everything is so big... or I'm so small..."
Old Deuteronomy closed his eyes as if listening to their innermost thoughts. Then he slowly opened them again and spoke in a low voice:
"Magic rarely follows a straight path. Sometimes it responds to longing. To love. Or to something deeper than time."
The other cats approached, curious but reserved. Regina could sense the tension—she wasn't just a visitor. She was something inexplicable.
And she suspected: her arrival was just the beginning.

Chapter Text

Old Deuteronomy's words faded away like a distant echo, lost among the shadows of the alley. Regina stood still, her shoulders slightly tensed, feeling the Jellicle Cats' gazes on her. Some just stared at her—others began to whisper.
It was Demeter who first broke the silence. She stepped out of the gloom, her black and gold fur shimmering in the light, her eyes sparkling suspiciously.
"Munkustrap," she began sharply, "have you lost your mind? You're bringing a human here? Into our territory?"
Munkustrap remained calm. "She's not an ordinary human. And she's not here voluntarily."
Demeter gasped quietly, as if holding back from contradicting him. "Maybe. But that doesn't change what she is."
Alonzo stepped beside her, his body tense like a coiled spring. "Humans are not our friends," he said in a dark tone. "Many of us could tell you a thing or two about that. How many of us have been hunted, cast out, hurt... by hands that look like hers."
His gaze met Regina's, hard, but not hateful—more like someone who had seen too much to have any hope left.
Regina instinctively took a step back. It wasn't hostility that hit her—it was sadness, anger, fear. All at once.
Old Deuteronomy slowly raised his paw. The murmuring immediately stopped.
"Enough," he said with calm authority. "She's here because time willed it. Not by her own choice. And we won't judge her for something she doesn't yet understand."
Demeter gave Munkustrap a meaningful look. "You seem to be very defensive of her. Perhaps too much."
Munkustrap's tail twitched slightly, but he didn't respond.
Regina raised her chin, her voice still uncertain, but honest. "I don't want to hurt you. I don't even understand how I got here. But I don't want to harm anyone."
Some cats looked at each other. Others, like Jemima and Victoria, gazed at them curiously, almost with compassion—but no one came closer.
Old Deuteronomy studied her again, his eyes unfathomable. "It will take time. For all of us. But I believe it has come because something old is awakening. Something we've long forgotten."
His words settled over the assembly like fog.
And Regina felt: In that moment, she had become part of something bigger – without knowing where it would lead her.

Chapter Text

After the Jellicles had gradually withdrawn, Regina remained standing alone near Old Deuteronomy. The weight of the suspicious glances still weighed heavily on her shoulders. Munkustrap was deep in quiet conversation a few feet away. The air was filled with the smell of dust, metal, and... something softer.
A figure stepped out of the shadows. Elegant, almost weightless—Victoria. Her white fur shimmered in the darkness like fresh snow, her eyes large and curious. It was Victoria.
Victoria sniffed gently. A slight twitch of her whiskers, a barely noticeable blink.
"You... you smell like something familiar," she said quietly. "Like home. Like... a hangover."
Regina frowned in surprise. "What do you mean?"
Victoria stepped a little closer, her face now only a few centimeters away. "You once lived with one of us. I can smell it. You weren't one of them hunting us. You loved."
A second shadow scurried over—smaller, livelier. Jemima. Her voice was brighter, more youthful, and full of genuine curiosity.
“You have a name, right?”
“Regina.”
“That sounds kind of… royal.”
Regina laughed softly. "If you only knew how un-royal I feel right now."
Jemima giggled. "You don't seem like someone evil. Just a little lost."
Regina nodded. "Very lost, to be honest."
Victoria stepped closer and gently touched Regina's hand with a paw. "Then maybe we can help you find yourself again."
Behind them, Munkustrap watched the scene. A barely visible relief lingered in his eyes when he saw that Regina was no longer completely alone.
Jemima approached with a curious twinkle in her eyes. She jumped lightly onto a pile of blankets and watched Regina from there.
"What was his name? Your cat?"
Regina hesitated for a moment, then answered quietly, "Kitty. I know it's not a particularly creative name. But it was... something very special."
Jemima smiled. "Some names mean more than you think."
Victoria tilted her head slightly. "Perhaps that was the reason you came to us."
Regina looked at her questioningly. "What do you mean?"
Victoria shrugged slightly. "Jellicle magic... it's strange. It hears what's spoken in hearts. Maybe it called you. Or... someone called you."
Her words hung in the air, so light and yet so heavy that Regina could hardly place them. But a thought crept up inside her—a thought that felt like a warm breath:
Was Kitty really just a tomcat?

Chapter Text

Victoria and Jemima led Regina through the realm of the Jellicles, which seemed almost magical in the twilight. The world was made of a different fabric—the city wall, which she had just found so threatening, suddenly seemed far away. Instead, it was a world of broken boxes, soft fabrics, the scent of leather, and secret memories.
"This is our territory," Victoria said, slipping through a narrow passageway between high cardboard walls. "Some of us have made our home here. There's always a story behind every spot."
Jemima nimbly jumped onto a low wall and looked at Regina with a knowing glance. "It's not much, but it's our home. And, in case you were wondering, no one gets lost here easily. We look out for each other."
Regina nodded, grasping the feeling of security that was gradually spreading within her, but she couldn't shake it—the feeling that something deep inside her wasn't right. This world was foreign to her, but... somehow it also felt familiar.
As she continued to look around, she suddenly felt Munkustrap's gaze on her. He was standing a little way off, leaning against a stack of boxes, his posture relaxed, but his eyes—the green eyes—following her every move, as if he were trying to solve a riddle.
"Munkustrap's been watching us all the time," whispered Jemima, as she showed Regina a small side street. "He always makes sure everything's okay. He never lets us out of his sight. Even if he wouldn't always admit it."
Victoria shook her head slightly. "It's just because he cares. He cares about everyone—especially those he wants to protect."
Regina felt her heart skip a beat at these words. Why did it feel as if these words applied to her too?
"He's... special," Regina said quietly. "You know that?"
Victoria and Jemima exchanged a glance. "He's Munkustrap. He has many stories," said Jemima, then jumped onto a higher wall to look down at them from above. "But he carries a burden. The heaviest a Jellicle can carry."
Regina paused and slowly turned around. Her eyes met Munkustrap's again. He hadn't moved, but his posture was tense. It was almost as if he were wrestling with himself.
“I can’t stop thinking about him,” Regina murmured, more to herself than to the other two cats.
Victoria and Jemima were silent, but their eyes were knowing. "Perhaps this isn't a coincidence," Victoria said finally, her voice almost too gentle. "There are things between the worlds. Things we don't yet fully understand."
Regina nodded thoughtfully. But deep down, she knew that this encounter—this moment—was far more than just a coincidence. Something had brought her here. Something she had yet to discover.

Chapter Text

Regina, Victoria, and Jemima continued their way through the precinct. The secret corners and the labyrinth of boxes and fabrics seemed almost inviting, but Regina couldn't shake the feeling that she still didn't fully understand what was happening around her. Something was different here—and yet, a part of her felt almost... at home.
But suddenly, without warning, a loud, clanging noise was heard.
Regina jumped in alarm as an old bucket, which had fallen from a stack of boxes, crashed loudly to the floor. It seemed as if everything nearby vibrated briefly, and Regina jumped back a step, her eyes wide open.
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer stood a little way away, and as they looked at Regina, they couldn't help but smile. "Oh, that really wasn't planned," said Mungojerrie with an exaggerated, innocent expression as he stared at the overturned bucket.
"Oops," Rumpleteazer added, putting her paw to her forehead. "I hope we didn't scare you, Regina."
Regina still stood there motionless, the shock still clearly visible on her face. "What... What was that?!"
"Oh, just a little mishap," said Mungojerrie with a mischievous grin. "They happen to the best of us."
“And you had such a nice reaction!” added Rumpleteazer with a chuckle.
Regina took a deep breath and tried to gather her nerves. The shock was deep, but she shook herself as she tried to compose herself. But before she could respond, she heard a voice behind her.
"Enough!"
Munkustrap suddenly appeared, his green eyes flashing with anger. "Mungojerrie. Rumpleteazer. Enough!"
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer flinched when they heard Munkustrap's serious tone. Munkustrap approached them, never taking his eyes off the two. "It was fun, huh? But you should have known better that you can't just scare any cat like that."
"Come on, Munkustrap," said Mungojerrie with a grin. "It was just a little joke."
"A joke not everyone likes!" roared Munkustrap. "Be a little more careful how you treat the others."
He then slowly turned to Regina and looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry, Regina. They didn't consider how much they might scare you. But you don't have to worry. You're safe here."
Regina nodded hesitantly, still somewhat disturbed by the loud noise, but Munkustrap's words gave her a small comfort.
“Thank you,” she finally said quietly.
Munkustrap looked sternly at Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer once more before turning his back on them with one last sharp look and turning back to Regina.
"You shouldn't let them scare you. They're cheeky, but they don't mean any harm. It won't happen again."
Regina gave him a small smile. "I hope you're right."
With these words, she continued on her way, but this time with more trust in the Jellicles – and especially in Munkustrap.

Chapter Text

The group continued on their way, and Regina felt a little more at ease. Victoria and Jemima had guided her kindly through the precinct, and she felt a sense of trust developing between her and them. But when they reached a secluded part of the precinct, Victoria stopped and looked at Regina with a smile.
"Unfortunately, we have to move on now," Victoria said with a wink. "Jemima and I still have some work to do. But you can find us anytime, Regina."
"Yes," Jemima agreed. "See you later." She nimbly jumped onto a stack of boxes and waved to Regina one last time.
Regina nodded, a little disappointed that she was losing her new acquaintances again, but she knew they would meet again soon. When the two cats finally disappeared into the shadows, Regina remained behind with Munkustrap.
A moment of silence spread. Munkustrap watched Regina with his piercing green eyes as she looked around. She felt the familiar weight of his gaze, which no longer frightened her as much as it had at first. It felt more... protective.
"Munkustrap," Regina finally said, finding the courage to ask a question she'd been wanting to ask for a long time. "Do you have... a family?"
Munkustrap pulled his ears back slightly, and a faint expression of sadness crossed his face. "Unfortunately not," he replied calmly. "I've never really had a family. And I'm, well, past the cute kitten stage."
Regina looked at him with a mixture of compassion and curiosity. "Too bad," she said, glancing at him. "Well, I'd adopt you right away. You have such beautiful fur."
A shy smile crept onto Regina's lips as she unconsciously took a step toward him. Her hand rose slightly in the air, as if she were about to stroke his soft fur, but then she stopped. She remembered the many times she'd seen in the musical Cats that cats didn't like being touched without asking.
She slowly withdrew her hand and looked at Munkustrap apologetically. "I... I didn't mean to..." she began, but her voice trailed off as she tried to correct the misunderstanding.
Munkustrap noticed her uncertainty and looked into her eyes for a moment. Then, almost gently, he said, "You don't have to be afraid. I know you mean well."
Munkustrap looked at Regina for a while, his tail twitching slightly as if he too were struggling with himself. Then, quite calmly, he spoke:
“If you want… you may.”
Regina blinked in surprise. "What?"
"You may pet me," Munkustrap repeated, with a hint of a smile in his eyes. "I think... I might even like it."
Regina hesitantly raised her hand again. Her heart beat faster, not only because she was now so close to one of her favorite characters, but because this moment felt somehow sacred—like a familiar déjà vu emerging from the shadows of her memory.
Her fingertips gently touched the soft fur on his shoulder. Warm. Velvety. Gentle. And the moment she truly touched him, it was as if a knot inside her untied.
An image flashed before her mind's eye—her old room, the window tilted, the curtain gently stirred by the summer breeze. A familiar shadow crept into the room on silent paws, leaped gracefully onto the bed, snuggled up to her side, and let out a soft purr.
“Kitty…” Regina murmured, barely audibly.
Munkustrap looked at her. "What did you say?"
Regina blinked, confused. "I... I don't know. It was just... a memory."
She pulled her hand back, her fingers trembling slightly, as if she'd touched something much deeper than fur. "It was as if you were..."
She fell silent.
Munkustrap lowered his head slightly, as if he too had sensed something buried deep within him. A flicker passed through his eyes, and for a moment he looked at her not as a stranger, but as someone who had once been very close to him.
“I know that name… I think,” he said quietly.
Regina looked at him in shock. "What?"
But Munkustrap just shook his head slightly. "It was nothing. Maybe just a strange moment."
But the moment wasn't nothing. A warm, bittersweet feeling had settled in Regina's heart—a suspicion that Kitty might never have completely disappeared. And Munkustrap's look told her she wasn't alone in this feeling.

Chapter Text

They had settled down on an old, weathered wooden crate, beneath a broken streetlight whose light flickered dimly. It was quiet. The sounds of the other Jellicles had faded into the distance, and Regina sat there with Munkustrap resting beside her.
It was this moment of pause that stirred everything inside her. The touch earlier, his fur beneath her fingers, the smell, his gaze... Everything had opened a door that had been closed for a long time.
A single tear escaped from the corner of her eye and trickled down her cheek. Munkustrap noticed it immediately.
Slowly, without a word, he moved closer and snuggled gently against her side. His warm body was an anchor. And then—a soft, soothing purr came from deep within his chest, almost like a melody intended just for her.
“You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” he asked gently, without looking at her.
Regina nodded slowly. Her voice was barely more than a whisper. "He was my cat. My best friend. His name was... Kitty."
Munkustrap said nothing, but his purring intensified slightly. Regina continued hesitantly, her voice trembling:
"He was a stray, coming and going as he pleased. But he snuggled up to me, purring like you are now..." Her voice broke.
"And then... one morning..." She swallowed hard, the next tear not long in coming. "My mother found him. On the balcony. In his vomit... he must have poisoned himself. I... I wasn't there. I couldn't even say a proper goodbye."
Munkustrap laid his head on her shoulder. His fur was soft and warm, his purring a gentle comfort. He didn't say a word, but the way he stayed with her, the way he snuggled up to her, spoke volumes.
Regina turned her head slightly and placed a hand on his back, cautiously, almost reverently. "He was so special," she whispered. "He understood me when no one else could."
For a while they sat there, silent, connected by pain and memory. Finally, Munkustrap spoke softly, his voice barely above a whisper:
"Some souls find their way back. Even if it takes a long time."
Regina looked at him—his green eyes, in which lay something ancient and familiar. And although she didn't dare say it, there was something inside her that knew.
Maybe he had never really left.

Chapter Text

The soft purring slowly faded as Munkustrap rose. His ears twitched, his posture alert. He turned his gaze into the darkness, where faint movements could be discerned.
"Old Deuteronomy is calling me," he said calmly, turning to her. "I think he wants to speak with you as well. Come with me, Regina."
She looked up at him, quickly wiped the tears from her face, and tried to regain her composure. The memory still lingered in her bones, heavy and warm at the same time, but she nodded. "Yes... of course."
She stood up, wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, and took a deep breath. Then she mechanically brushed off her jeans—a gesture that served more to maintain composure than any actual purpose. Her eyes were still red, but steady.
Silently, she followed Munkustrap through the labyrinth of dark alleys. The world of Jellicles around her was strange, but at his side, she didn't feel lost.
And yet…
One thought kept bothering her.
When she had touched Victoria and Jemima, nothing had happened. No memory, no warm image from her past, no flash of emotion. Only with him—with him—had it happened. Only his touch had triggered this echo in her, this bittersweet storm, this flood of images and feelings.
Why him?
Why did it feel like she had rediscovered something she thought she had long since lost?
Munkustrap said nothing, remaining entirely the guardian, the reliable guide. But Regina saw him occasionally glance at her, as if to reassure himself that she was still there. And every time their eyes met, she felt it again—that faint vibration somewhere deep within her.
This meant something. She just didn't know what exactly.

They continued on in silence, their footsteps muffled on the soft, dusty ground of the deserted courtyards. A pale glow of light fell through a broken window onto the narrow alley ahead—and there, suddenly, a figure appeared.
Grizabella.
Regina recognized her immediately. Her heart skipped a beat.
The old Glamour Cat moved slowly, with a heavy gait, her fur ragged, her shoulders hunched. She seemed like a shadow from another time, a memory no one wanted to see. Her tired eyes flickered as she noticed Munkustrap and Regina.
Regina instinctively stopped, almost taking a step toward her.
But Munkustrap continued walking without slowing down. His ears twitched slightly, but he didn't look at her.
Grizabella lowered her gaze and hobbled quietly along the wall toward the shadow.
“You really don’t see her…” Regina murmured, more to herself than to him.
Munkustrap answered briefly, without stopping: “She has chosen her path.”
Regina gave him a sideways look. "Looks aren't everything. She looks like she needs help."
He remained silent. His posture remained erect, focused, but Regina saw the brief twitch of his cock. Her words had reached him—perhaps not consciously, but somewhere deep beneath the protective armor of duty and pride.
She cast one last glance back. Grizabella was gone.
But the image remained – and an unpleasant feeling in Regina’s stomach that what had been seen could not be unseen again.
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Chapter Text

The path led them back through winding alleys, past flickering lamps and slumbering shadows, until finally an open space opened before them. There, Old Deuteronomy sat in his usual place—calm, dignified, as if he had already been expecting them.
Regina felt her heart rate quicken. The venerable cat radiated an ancient calm, but today there was something heavy in his gaze.
"Come closer," he said in a deep voice, pointing with a paw to the spot in front of him. Munkustrap stepped to his side, while Regina stayed a step back.
Old Deuteronomy sighed softly, his gaze wandering back and forth between them.
"I've been thinking. And I've been talking to the others."
Regina swallowed; something in his tone made her instinctively expect the worst.
"Most of my children... view you with suspicion, Regina," he continued. "Not out of malice. Out of fear. Many of them don't have good memories of humans."
Regina felt her chest tighten, as if someone had punched her. She said nothing. Her throat felt tight.
"They think it's better if you return to your world."
The words hit her harder than she expected. Back? Already? She felt like she'd only just arrived. She was still full of questions... full of longing.
“I understand,” she murmured, even though she didn’t.
Old Deuteronomy looked at her for a long moment, then gently placed a paw on Munkustrap's shoulder.
"But before a decision can be made, we need to know how you got here—and whether it's even possible to bring you back."
He turned slightly to the side. "That's why I want you to go to Mistoffelees. He's the keeper of magic among the Jellicles. If anyone can find the answers... it's him."
Munkustrap nodded silently.
Regina managed a weak "thank you," even though she wasn't feeling particularly grateful. Disappointment weighed on her chest like lead.
Old Deuteronomy looked at her intently once more. "Whatever happens, Regina—you're here. And that means something. Sometimes even magic needs time to reveal its truth."

They set off in silence, their eyes fixed on the ground, as the sky above them slowly darkened. A cool breeze blew through the alleys, playing with loose scraps of paper and the fine dust on the ground.
Regina hugged herself, even though she wasn't cold at all. The lump in her throat felt bigger with every step.
“I should have known…” she finally said quietly.
Munkustrap turned his head toward her. "What do you mean?"
She hesitated briefly. Then it burst out, subdued but honest: "That I'm not welcome here. I mean... I guess I secretly thought it would be like a dream. I land in this world, and the Jellicles immediately recognize that I belong." She snorted quietly, without humor. "But that's not how life works, is it?"
Munkustrap said nothing at first. His face was calm, almost motionless—but the tip of his tail twitched slightly.
"It's not that you're not welcome," he said cautiously. "Most are just... afraid. Some have been hurt. Some have a hard time forgetting."
Regina nodded slowly. "I know that."
Silence fell between them again, but this time it felt less oppressive.
"I wish they would see you the way I see you," Munkustrap said after a while. His voice was calm, but the undertone betrayed something like... restlessness? Anger? Or perhaps disappointment.
Regina looked at him. "And how do you see me?"
He stopped and turned to her, his green eyes almost luminous in the twilight. For a moment, he said nothing—as if searching for the right words.
"Familiar," he finally said. "Like a piece I've lost. And now I suddenly find it again... without knowing where it belongs."
Regina swallowed. Her eyes burned, but she forced herself to smile.
"You have a talent for saying things in a way that simultaneously comforts and confuses you."
Munkustrap didn't smile—but something in his gaze softened. Then he turned back around.
"Come on. Mistoffelees doesn't live far."
She followed him, her heart a little lighter—but the thoughts in her head raced. A lost part… maybe that's really what she was. For him. And he for her.

Chapter Text

The world around them grew quieter the closer they got to the place Munkustrap had called "the tent." Between old crates and dilapidated curtains rose a black cloth structure, barely visible in the dim light, but with a presence that practically clung to the back of Regina's neck.
It smelled of smoke, old fabric, and a hint of lavender.
"He's in there," murmured Munkustrap, raising a paw. "But don't be alarmed. He's... special."
Regina nodded, even though her heart was beating a little faster.
They entered – and suddenly it was as if the world had changed. The interior of the tent was larger than it had appeared from the outside. In the center sat Mr. Mistoffelees on a round cushion decorated with strange symbols. His black ears twitched as he quietly murmured an incantation with his eyes closed. The air shimmered slightly, as if magic were present in every pore of the room.
Munkustrap briefly scratched the ground with his claw to make himself known.
Mistoffelees' eyes opened wide—deep blue and surprisingly large—and immediately his gaze fixed on Regina.
"You..." He slowly rose. "You're real?"
Regina took a step back, uncertain. "Um... yes?"
Mistoffelees stepped closer, his pupils dilated. "I dreamed of you. Night after night. Your form. Your voice. I thought it was an echo from another time. A mistake. But..." He closed his eyes briefly. "I called you here."
Regina's mouth opened. "What... you deliberately—?"
"Not intentionally," Mistoffelees interrupted quickly. "It was an impulse. A spell that took on a life of its own. Something... wanted you here."
Munkustrap growled softly. "Then you can send them back."
A shadow fell over Mistoffelees's face. "It's not that simple. I cast white magic. The way back requires... black magic."
Silence. Regina's stomach clenched.
"Black magic," Munkustrap repeated darkly. "You mean—?"
"Macavity." Mistoffelees nodded, his expression serious. "He's the only one with enough control over such powers. But... you know what he's like."
Munkustrap snarled. "He'll never help. Not without a price."
Regina felt as if her heart sank a meter. "So... I can't go back?"
"Not now. Not without him." Mistoffelees looked at her sadly. "But maybe... maybe you're not meant to go back."
They both looked at him.
“What do you mean?” Munkustrap asked sharply.
The magician stepped back, sat back down on his pillow, and looked at Regina thoughtfully. "I see things when I cast magic. Images. Connections. And with you two… I see a common thread. Fine. Delicate. But real. In Japan, they call it that—a symbolic connection between two souls. Sometimes love. Sometimes fate."
Regina felt her breath catch.
"So I ask you: Do you even want to go back? And... do you want her to leave, Munkustrap?"
The question hung heavy in the air. And no answer came immediately.

Chapter Text

Mistoffelees hadn't even finished his question when Regina suddenly raised her voice. "If you can cast magic... can you show us what once was?"
He raised his eyebrows slightly. "What exactly do you mean?"
Regina looked at Munkustrap. "I know it sounds crazy... but I have the feeling we already knew each other. Before this life. Before this world."
Munkustrap's ears twitched. His green eyes wandered to her. For a moment, he said nothing—then he nodded slowly. "If it's possible... I want to know."
Mistoffelees closed his eyes. "Then trust me. Sit down."
Regina sank down onto the soft carpet, Munkustrap beside her. Mistoffelees clasped her paws together and murmured words that drifted through the tent like a gentle breeze. Suddenly, the room darkened—but not threateningly. A warm glow surrounded them, flickering like candlelight.

Images of fog and light formed in the air.
The room seemed to expand as the magical images from Mistoffelees' spell unfolded before them. At first, Regina saw herself as a child—the girl she had been, sitting in her room with the little cat. The memory was as vivid as if it were standing right in front of her.
Kitty cautiously jumped onto the bed, as if he knew it wasn't allowed. Regina laughed softly as she stroked him. The images changed. She saw Kitty, still a small tomcat, leaping through the window and darting out into freedom. Regina watched him, shaking her head as he moved back and forth on the balcony, curious and eager for adventure.
"Kitty, you're impossible," Regina whispered as she watched the cat leave the room as if he'd never wanted anything else. Her heart sank.
Then another scene: A dreary morning. Regina's mother, with horrified eyes, stepped onto the balcony and found Kitty lying in his own vomit. An image Regina never wanted to see again. Her mother bent down and placed a blanket over him. Regina could hear the tremor in her own voice as she uttered the words, "He's gone," in the background.
The images disappeared, but the pain remained. Regina could barely swallow the lump in her throat as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"You... it's you..." she gasped, her voice trembling. "Kitty..." She raised her hand to Munkustrap's face, sobbing.
The words trailed off as Regina burst into tears. Her shoulders shook, the pain of the memory too great. It felt as if all the lost years were now catching up with her.
Munkustrap, who had silently observed all this, never took his eyes off her. He felt her pain, knew that this moment was as healing as it was destructive for her. He slowly approached, his gentle green eyes full of compassion.
“Regina…” His voice was calm but firm as he sat down next to her and laid his head on her arm.
Regina swallowed and tried to calm herself, but her tears wouldn't stop. And then, almost automatically, she pulled him to her. She wrapped her arms around him, pressed her head against his fur, and breathed deeply. It was as if, in that moment, she could soothe all the pain inside him, as if she were giving herself comfort in this gesture.
"You... are here," she whispered between tears. "It hurts so much that you left me, and now... now all I have are memories tearing me apart."
Munkustrap snuggled up to her, his fur warm and comforting beneath her hands. The tomcat purred softly as he pulled her closer, as if he wanted to hold her in that moment, to take away the pain buried so deep within her.
"It's not your fault," he murmured gently, his voice almost a hiss. "You didn't lose him, Regina. You only lost the picture. But you found me again. And maybe... maybe there's something else we can find together."
Regina hugged him even tighter, as if she never wanted to let go. "I found you again."
For a long moment, there was silence. Only Munkustrap's soothing purr could be heard as he wrapped her around her, as if he wanted to protect her with his warmth. Regina felt as if, for a moment, she could truly feel the closeness and connection she had missed for so long in that embrace. It was as if everything that had gone wrong was forgotten in that moment.
When she finally pulled away from him, she looked into his green eyes - and for a split second, she couldn't deny the feeling that there was more between them than just the pain and the memories.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice ragged and shaken by tears. "Thank you for being here."
“I will always be here,” said Munkustrap, his voice calm but determined.

Chapter Text

Munkustrap watched Regina cling to him, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her body trembled, her hands dug into his fur, as if she wanted to lose herself in him—or perhaps find herself again.
He purred, not only to soothe her, but also to remind himself that he was here, with her, even though he didn't understand why her pain felt like his own.
And then it stung. A sudden pain shot through his skull, dull and throbbing. A memory—fleeting, blurred—emerged. Warmth. A soft bed. Fingertips.
on his neck. A gentle voice calling his name—not "Munkustrap," but Kitty.
He blinked and shook his head slightly, but the image remained. Not complete, but strong enough to make him pause. Her voice, her laughter—it was there. Buried deep, like a dream you almost forget upon waking, but which nevertheless echoes in your chest all day long.
He didn't understand. Cats remembered differently. Not as clearly, not as sharply as humans. Their feelings were more direct, more instinctive. But this… this was more. Munkustrap looked down at Regina, who was still clinging to him, tears welling up.
her face, and something inside it shrank. Not because of her weakness—but because of her strength. She could show it. Her grief. Her love. Her fear. Her hope.
He envied her.
He could never have shown himself like this. Not even to the other Jellicles. Not even to Old Deuteronomy, to whom he confided everything. Munkustrap was the shield, the spokesman, the guardian—he wasn't the one who broke.
But now—in her arms, in her pain—he felt his insides tremble. A tiny tremor ran through his shoulders, barely noticeable, but there.
She had loved him before she knew who he was. And he... he had trusted her before he knew it was trust.
His gaze was lost in her blue eyes as she looked up. So human. So honest.
If he could speak as she did, would he tell her that her pain burned within him? That he shared her loss, even though he didn't understand it? That her presence was not only comforting to him, but also confusing?
But he couldn't. He was Munkustrap. And Munkustrap didn't talk about such things.
So he stayed. By her side. As a shield. As a friend. As what she needed now.
And maybe... maybe as what she once lost.

Chapter Text

Regina's face was still streaming with tears as she slowly pulled away from Munkustrap. Her hands were shaking, but her eyes shone with gratitude that words could barely express.
"Thank you..." she whispered hoarsely, turning to Mr. Mistoffelees. "Thank you for showing me this. I don't know... how I can ever..." Her voice broke. "...make it up to you."
The black magic cat just nodded silently, his green eyes full of understanding. "It was necessary," he said gently. "But such magic comes at a price."
As soon as he said this, Munkustrap flinched. A hoarse gasp escaped his throat. His eyes glazed over, his shoulders tensed. He staggered slightly to the side, as if struck by an invisible blow.
“Munkustrap!” Regina held him tight, tears welling up again—this time from worry.
"What's wrong with him?!" she asked frantically, supporting him. His head sank heavily onto her shoulder, and she felt his heart racing beneath his fur.
Mr. Mistoffelees approached, his voice calm but serious: "The memory you saw was locked inside him. Deep. Buried. Cats don't forget such things... but they lock them away."
"I didn't mean to do this..." Regina breathed, the guilt in her voice heavy as lead. "I didn't mean to hurt him."
"You didn't do it on purpose," Mistoffelees said quietly. "But it happened. And now he's struggling with it—with what he was... and what he is."
Munkustrap laboriously raised his head. His breathing was shallow, his eyes squeezed shut in pain. "It's... like my head is going to explode..." he murmured hoarsely. "But I see her. I see her... Regina. Back then."
Regina placed a hand on his cheek, as gently as one might soothe a wounded animal. "You don't have to say anything... I'm here." Her voice was shaky but firm. "You were never really gone..."
He leaned into her touch, exhausted, torn between his duties as a guardian of his family—and the shreds of a life he had never consciously lived. Loyalty to Old Deuteronomy pulsed in his mind—but so did the warmth of a hand that had once loved him.
And so he remained silent for a moment, supported by Regina, watched by Mistoffelees, who furrowed his brow in concern.
There was no easy answer. Only a common thread that connected them—through time, pain, and memory.
Munkustrap's breathing gradually calmed, but the pain in his eyes hadn't yet disappeared. His body trembled slightly as he slowly pulled away from Regina. Her gaze was fixed on him, full of concern, but also of deep respect for the strength with which he fought against the chaos within.
Slowly but resolutely, he stood up. His voice was hoarse but composed as he said:
“As much as it upsets me… we must not forget why we came here.”
Regina knew what was coming next – and she wished she didn’t have to hear it.
"If..." Munkustrap swallowed hard, "if you really want to go back to your world, then... there's no way around Macavity."
His eyes met hers, and she saw in them all the revulsion that name aroused in him. The mere mention of the cat made the air in the tent feel cooler.
Regina felt a painful stab in her heart. As if someone had stretched a string to the point of breaking. She had known it—deep down, she had sensed it would happen. And yet it hit her like a blow.
"Macavity..." she whispered. "The Napoleon of Crime."
Mr. Mistoffelees nodded slowly. "He's the only one who can handle dark magic. If anyone can bring you back, it's him. But that comes at a price."
"I know." Regina's voice was quiet but firm. Her hands were clenched into fists, even though she wanted to collapse back into herself. "Despite everything... I don't want to put you in danger. If it's too much—"
"It's not your decision alone," Munkustrap interrupted calmly. "You're here. And there's a reason. Maybe... it wasn't just a coincidence."
A faint whisper of magic crackled through the tent as Mistoffelees closed his eyes. "The thread of fate has bound you together. But which direction it will lead you... that is not yet certain."
Regina nodded, even though her throat tightened. Then she looked at Munkustrap. "Then we'll find Macavity."
And inwardly she added: Even if it's the last thing I want.

Chapter Text

The path stretched like a dark ribbon through the heart of the city—deeper and deeper into areas where no Jellicle cat would ever voluntarily linger. The streets became narrower, darker, the fog thicker. It was as if the night held its breath here.
Finally, they stood before a dilapidated building that seemed to have fallen out of the world. The windows were shattered, ivy grew through cracks in the masonry, and even the wind seemed to whisper to itself.
Munkustrap stepped forward, giving Regina a quick glance, asking if she was ready.
She nodded silently.
With a scratching sound, Munkustrap knocked against the rusted sheet metal that served as a door. At first, nothing happened. Then – a creak. The door swung open.
Inside there was an oppressive darkness, broken only by a few candles whose light flickered across the floor.
And then he stepped out of the shadows.
Macavity.
His orange fur seemed like fire in the gloom, his posture elegant like a predator poised to pounce. His yellow-green eyes sparkled slyly as he scrutinized the visitors—a grin spread across his face, dangerous and knowing.
"Well, well..." he purred in a honey-sweet voice. "Who do we have here? If that isn't my old favorite foe... Munkustrap, how... brave of you."
Then his eyes slid to Regina – and his grin froze for a moment.

Macavity approached slowly, his gaze fixed on Regina, who involuntarily retreated a little behind Munkustrap. The ginger tom sniffed in her direction, as if the scent of something rare and forbidden lingered in the air.
"Interesting…" he murmured, more to himself than to the others. "I smell magic on you, human. Old, wild magic."
Regina felt her stomach tighten. Munkustrap stepped protectively in front of her.
"She came to our world through a spell. Mr. Mistoffelees says only you can bring her back."
A snort. Macavity tilted her head.
"Mr. Mistoffelees... Of course. The prodigy. So talented, so virtuous. But it's true. Only black magic can heal such rifts between worlds. My magic."
He stepped closer, the grin on his lips growing sharper.
"And why would I do that? Hmm?" He turned directly to Munkustrap, his voice suddenly honey-drenched and dangerous.
"What do I get in return? What are you offering me... loyal little watch cat?"
Munkustrap's muscles tensed, his tail twitched. You could see how difficult it was for him to say the next words.
"What do you want?"
Macavity laughed softly, almost purring.
“Oh, I’m sure we can think of something…”

Macavity now stepped very close to Munkustrap, his breath warm and smelling of smoke. His voice lowered to a dangerous whisper.
"I just want a little something, Munkustrap... Nothing impossible. You use your influence—your place at Deuteronomy's side—and make sure I'm the next to ascend to the Heaviside Layer."
Silence fell over the room like a leaden veil.
Regina held her breath.
Munkustrap's pupils narrowed, his ears twitched. Then he slowly shook his head, his voice firm, even though the tension was audible in every note.
"I can't. It's not my decision. The Heaviside Layer... doesn't choose based on influence, but on salvation. And you know that."
Macavity's eyes flashed dangerously.
"Oh, come on. You know perfectly well that your voice counts at Deuteronomy. You're his shadow. He listens to you."
He took another step back, his teeth flashing in a half-hearted grin.
"Or are you telling me you're willing to lose your little human friend... just to uphold your principles?"
Munkustrap's expression darkened, but he said nothing.
Regina felt a bitter lump forming in her throat. This wasn't a simple deal—it involved the very heart of the Jellicles.

A sudden gasp escaped Munkustrap, and he staggered back slightly, a paw pressed to his temple. His eyes widened as another stabbing pain shot through his head—sharper, deeper than before. Regina darted to him in alarm, but before she could touch him, Macavity spoke softly, in a piercing voice:
“Ah… I see, it really has got you.”
His gaze was suddenly no longer just sly, but almost... knowing. He stepped closer, the tip of his tail twitching with slow malice.
"A memory buried too deep to ever be awakened—but now it's here. Now it's too late. You've become one of us."
Munkustrap looked up, sweating and out of breath. "What... do you mean?"
Macavity's eyes glittered in the gloom. "Cats aren't supposed to remember their past lives. That's one of the ancient laws, don't you remember that? Our souls are cleansed when we return—without baggage, without pain. But you... you've dug too deep."
His gaze slid to Regina. "Or rather, she did it."
Macavity slowly turned away and began to pace around the two of them like a predator.
"Old Deuteronomy won't recognize you. Not for who you were. You're... changed. And when you return, he'll know what you've done. Just like he knew me. Just like he knew Grizabella."
A sharp sound pierced the silence – Munkustrap's claws dug into the ground.
"So... what will you do, Munkustrap?" Macavity stopped, his grin cold. "Go back and be cast out? Or break with the old ways... and take your destiny into your own hands?"

Chapter Text

Regina slumped to the ground, her knees giving way under the weight of the words. Tears dripped onto the dusty floor of the hideout, while a strangled sob escaped her throat.
"I didn't mean any of this..." she whispered desperately. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone... I just wanted to... know the truth..."
Her voice trailed off as Munkustrap stepped protectively in front of her. His gaze blazed as he stared at Macavity, his muscles tensing beneath his fur.
"You're lying," he growled softly, dangerously. "You just want to divide, like you always have. You want to unsettle me. But I'm not like you."
Macavity turned around with a bitter laugh, his silhouette a mere shadow in the gloom. "Believe what you want, Munkustrap. Keep dreaming your Jellicle dream." He shook his head. "But I'll tell you one thing—if you want to bring her back... you'll need me. And this—" he pointed to Regina, who was still sobbing quietly, "the way it is now... it won't get you anywhere."
He turned away for good, the shadows almost swallowing him. "Come back when you're ready to live with the price."
One last cold glance over his shoulder, then Macavity disappeared silently into the darkness.

The return journey was accompanied by oppressive silence. Munkustrap walked beside Regina, but his steps were heavy, his gaze fixed forward, as if he wanted to drown the painful thoughts within him. Regina herself swallowed repeatedly, the lump in her throat seeming to grow larger and larger. Her tears had long since dried, but shame and confusion still burned deep within her.
After a while, she stopped abruptly, her hands clenched into fists, throwing her head back and exhaling loudly. The frustrated sound she let out echoed through the alleys.
"Why?" Her voice was ragged as she slowly turned to Munkustrap. "Why doesn't any of this bother you? Why are you still helping me? I ruined your life, Munkustrap! You're not who you were. And yet... you're still helping me. Why?"
Her eyes met his, desperate and full of questions she couldn't even explain to herself. The pain she found in her own words made her take a step back, but she couldn't stop looking at him. It was as if all her questions revolved around him, about the reason he didn't give up.
"I... I just don't understand." Her voice broke once more, but she fought to suppress it. "Why are you doing this? Why are you helping me?"

Munkustrap stopped and stared at Regina for a moment, as if weighing her words, as if searching for an answer that could accurately reflect all the pent-up feelings and thoughts within him. The turmoil tearing him apart was evident in his every expression. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if trying to free himself from the pain gnawing at him.
"I don't know why, Regina," he began quietly, his voice more a whisper than words. "I... I'm just as confused as you are. You're right, my life has changed. You changed my life. But it's not like you did it on purpose. It's not your fault you're here. I..." He paused, stroking his face with a paw as if trying to clear his thoughts.
"Do you know how I feel, Regina?" Munkustrap looked directly at her, his green eyes flashing with a mixture of pain and affection. "It feels like something buried deep inside me has been ripped out. Memories buried for too long. And it... hurts. It hurts, more than I'd ever admit."
He pinned his ears back for a moment, then looked down at the ground. "But no matter how much I wish it were different, no matter how angry I am about everything that's happened, there's this... bond. This feeling that I have to protect you. That I can't just walk away."
He took a step closer, his voice growing firmer as he spoke. "Perhaps I'm the one who doesn't yet fully understand the meaning of everything that's happening between us. But I know you can't be alone. And maybe, Regina, that's why I'm here. Maybe... I need to help, because you can't bring yourself to go back. Maybe... I'm here to show you that there's a way without giving up what you and I were."
He lowered his gaze, as if ashamed to express his own feelings. "Perhaps that's the answer you're looking for. I don't know. But I... will do it anyway."

Chapter Text

Jellicle Place lay behind them, but the shadow of what had happened haunted them. Not a single glance, not a single gesture, not a single word was spared them as they left the place that had once been their home. It was as if they had become invisible, as if they had never belonged, and the silence that accompanied them was almost oppressive.
Victoria and Jemima stood on the sidelines, their gazes fixed on Munkustrap and Regina, but it was a look of sadness, not reproach. Regina could see they were disappointed, but also sad that something so important had been shattered. She had never wanted her presence to cause such ripples in Munkustrap's life. But now, as they stood together before the ruins of their decision, she didn't know how to make amends for that guilt.
Munkustrap didn't say a word as he walked down the street, but his shoulders hung lower than usual, and his gait was slower. Each step seemed to exhaust him more than the last, and Regina could feel the weight of his inner turmoil in every movement. He was not only physically exhausted, but emotionally worn down as well.
Finally, they reached a remote pipe, almost invisible in the darkness. Munkustrap sat down with a soft sigh, as if every fiber of his being yearned for a rest. Regina carefully sat down next to him, her thoughts a whirlwind of guilt and worry. It was as if she had destroyed everything that mattered to him.
"I'm so sorry, Munkustrap," she whispered, looking away from him. "I didn't mean for this to happen. I never thought I'd mess up your life like this..."
Munkustrap raised his head and looked at her, his eyes unfocused, as if he were fighting an internal battle. He was calm, but there was something in his eyes that Regina couldn't quite place—a mixture of exhaustion and a deep, almost inexplicable determination.
"You didn't destroy anything," he said quietly, his voice rough with the grief that lingered in his words. "It's... it's not your fault. I decided what to do. And I would do it again, even though I know what it means."
Regina couldn't understand it. How could he speak so calmly about everything he'd lost? He'd left the Jellicle clan for her, the only family he'd ever known. And yet he sounded as if he felt no remorse.
"But what now?" Regina asked, looking at him with tearful eyes. "What should we do now, Munkustrap?"
Munkustrap lowered his gaze when he heard the question. The pain was deep, but he knew there was no easy way back. They had both gotten into this situation, and now they had to find a way to live with it.
"I don't know," he finally murmured. "I only know that I can't go on without you. But I... I don't know what awaits us. We have to get away from here, create a new future for ourselves."

Chapter Text

Munkustrap sat down. His limbs ached from the long journey and the emotional strain it bore. Regina looked at him, sensing the palpable exhaustion within him. It wasn't just the physical pain, but also the weight of his thoughts that seemed to crush him. Responsibility, duty, love—everything tangled within him into a knot he could no longer unravel.
"I'm tired," Munkustrap murmured after a long pause, his voice rough and brittle. "Too tired to think anymore. Everything feels so heavy..."
Regina nodded gently, but she didn't know what to say to him. Words didn't seem enough to ease the pain that hung in the air between them and in Munkustrap's heart. She carefully sat down next to him, feeling the chill creeping into her limbs from the night. But it wasn't the cold that made her shiver.
Munkustrap slowly leaned against the pipe, his eyes closing almost automatically. It was as if the physical and mental stress had left him in a state where he no longer had control. A look of exhaustion shimmered in his eyes, as if he simply wanted to let go, as if the burden be lifted from his shoulders, even if only for a moment.
“Munkustrap?” Regina asked cautiously, her voice as soft as a whisper.
He slowly raised his head, looking at her with half-closed eyes that seemed to be heavy with tiredness. "Sleep," he said quietly. "I can't go on... it's too much. But... you're here, that helps."
And then, almost like a child drifting into a safe sleep, he let his head sink onto her shoulder. It was a moment of fragility, one that caught Regina completely off guard. She had never imagined that Munkustrap, such a strong and determined cat, would feel so helpless and vulnerable in that moment.
"Munkustrap," she whispered as he fell gently into her arms, his breathing steady and calm. "You don't have to be alone."
But he no longer listened to her words. He had already fallen asleep, tiredness overcoming him. Regina could feel the pain in his body, the turmoil that would stay with him for a long time, but in this moment he simply lay in her arms, completely exposed and safe near the only person he had left.
She slowly closed her own eyes, laid her head on his, and sighed. It was the first moment of peace since her arrival in this world. Perhaps it wasn't a solution to everything that had happened, but for this moment, it was enough. She couldn't give him everything he had lost, but she could offer him her closeness, to help him recover—from the tiredness, from the pain, from the world that kept turning, even if he could no longer keep pace with it.
They both knew the journey continued, and although they had no answers, at least one thing was certain: they would walk the path together.

Chapter Text

A faint rustling roused Munkustrap from a deep, exhausted sleep. The chill of the night had slowly crept through the thin blanket of fog and darkness, but at this moment, Munkustrap's head was clearer than ever. The confused thoughts that had tormented him just hours before began to sort themselves out.
He slowly sat up, feeling his aching limbs and the pain in his head, but the pain was different now—he had a plan, a spark of hope in an otherwise seemingly hopeless situation. He looked at Regina, who was sitting quietly beside him, also awake, her eyes fixed on him, sensing something in the air.
"Regina," he began, his voice a little firmer than before. "I know what I have to do. But I won't be able to do it alone. We need Mistoffelees."
Regina looked at him questioningly. "Mistoffelees?"
"Yes," Munkustrap replied, straightening up. "He lives outside the Jellicle rules. As a wizard, he has privileges unavailable to the rest of us. If anyone can find a way to outsmart Macavity and bring Regina back, it's him."
Regina nodded, even though she still didn't fully understand how Mistoffelees could help them. But she trusted Munkustrap—if he said it, it had to be true.
"But Macavity..." she began, but Munkustrap interrupted her with a determined look.
"Macavity has us cornered. But he's not invincible. I know we can outsmart him. Mistoffelees can help us circumvent the magical laws he's established."
He pulled himself to his paws, his muscles tensing as he formed a clear plan in his mind. It wasn't an easy task, but there was a way to outsmart Macavity without giving in to his terms.
"Come," he said, standing up. "It's time to find Mistoffelees. There's still much to do."
Regina also stood up and followed him, her heart filled with mixed emotions—fear, but also a spark of hope. She felt like she was at a turning point in her life. But she knew she had to follow this path with Munkustrap, no matter where it led.
“And what happens if Mistoffelees can’t help us?” she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"Then we'll find another way," Munkustrap replied firmly. "But we won't give up. I won't give up."
Regina nodded, though she wondered inwardly if Munkustrap truly knew what he was doing. But when she looked into his eyes, she saw a determination she'd never seen before at such a depth. She sensed he was dedicated to a higher purpose, and that made her brave.
Together they set out to find Mistoffelees' secret tent. It was a journey that led them even further into darkness—but also one that might be Regina's and Munkustrap's last chance to find a way out of the web that trapped them in this strange world.

Chapter Text

The cool night air blew through the deserted grounds as Regina, Munkustrap, and Old Deuteronomy once again reached the gloomy spot where Macavity waited for them. The wily tom stood with his arms crossed outside his hiding place when he noticed the three's arrival. His face was a mask of wonder and calculation—he would never have believed they would return with Old Deuteronomy. The old, wise tom, who had always been considered the one who held the Jellicle people together, was the last person he thought would stand against him.
"Old Deuteronomy..." Macavity growled with a crooked smile. "What brings you here? The last thing I expected was to see you together. Didn't you disown him?" He pointed at Munkustrap.
Old Deuteronomy, his silver eyes cold and relentless, stepped forward. "It's not about Munkustrap, it's about Regina," he explained calmly. "And you were wrong, Macavity. Munkustrap will not be cast out; he will stay where he belongs."
Macavity's expression darkened, but he laughed when he heard the words. "Oh, so there's a point in Munkustrap giving up his place? You're truly astonishing in your ignorance, aren't you?"
He laughed loudly and triumphantly, but then his gaze narrowed and sharpened. "But as for me, Old Deuteronomy, the case is now clear: I get what is mine, and with me, the darkness can no longer be defeated. You brought yourselves into this situation."
Munkustrap took a step forward, his shoulders tense. "I know what you're asking, Macavity. But we don't have time for games. Regina must return, and you will clear her way, or there will be consequences."
Macavity seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then he just grinned wider, as if he'd stumbled upon a plan he'd long harbored. "What consequences, Munkustrap? Do you think you could stop me?"
Old Deuteronomy now approached, his voice calm but firm. "You will leave the darkness and the light of the Heaviside Layer will be yours, Macavity. There is only one thing you must do: send Regina back. Then you will receive what is yours."
Macavity's eyes sparkled when he heard that. "What's mine? You speak as if you have the final say, Deuteronomy. But even you know that nothing here is in your hands anymore."
He then nodded slowly and eerily, as if he had decided something. "Very well," he finally said with a wry expression, "then it is the path of magic we will take. And if I send them back, there will be no turning back for you. For you, Munkustrap, and for you, Regina."
Munkustrap could practically feel the air thicken as Macavity pulled his magic tools from a shadowy pouch. He could vaguely make out the shapes of the objects: a small, black crystal, an inconspicuous silver ring, some old objects wrapped in cloth that seemed like relics from times long past.
"Prepare yourself, Regina," Macavity said, his voice booming and filled with dark anticipation. "In a moment, you will return to the place from which you came. And you will no longer have any influence on this world."
Regina swallowed as she positioned herself at the center of the magical circle that began to form around her. Munkustrap's gaze was steady, but deep within him, fear grew. What if Macavity really did it? What if Regina disappeared from this world forever? What would that mean for him?
"Trust me," he whispered softly as he stepped beside her. "We started this together, and we'll finish it together."
Macavity muttered words in a strange, unintelligible language, and the darkness seemed to thicken around her. An icy wind gripped the air, and the stars in the sky began to shimmer, as if nudging the spell. The ground beneath Regina began to vibrate, as if the earth itself were resisting what was about to happen.
"Let's see if you've truly understood something, Munkustrap," Macavity cried with an evil grin. "Because once the spell is cast, there's no going back. We'll see if your false hope really helps you."
The circle of magical relics sparkled in the moonlight, enveloping Regina in a dazzling glow. But before Macavity could cast the final spell, Regina felt a strange sensation deep in her chest. She knew this was the moment when everything would be put to the test.
Munkustrap took a step closer to her and placed his paw on her arm. "I won't lose you," he whispered, so quietly that only she could hear. "We'll get through this together, no matter what."
Macavity seemed to realize that something unexpected was brewing in the air, but he was too late. The spell began to turn against him, and for a moment everything seemed to stand still.

Chapter Text

The night was filled with an eerie silence as Macavity's final spell words vanished into the air. Regina stood at the center of the circle, the magical energy pulsing around her, but her thoughts were on Munkustrap. Her voice trembled as she looked at him and spoke with a quiet command: "Go away, Munkustrap. Or... or I'll take you to my world."
Munkustrap stared at her, a look of determination in his eyes, but also of deep pain. "You don't understand," he replied in a voice almost inaudible. "In this world, I have nothing left to keep me here. Only you."
Regina felt her chest tighten. It wasn't what she wanted. But she knew her return was inevitable. "You don't know what you're saying," she whispered, as the magic around her grew stronger.
At the same time, in an unexpected moment of change, something happened that no one expected. Old Deuteronomy, who had been silently observing since the spell began, was suddenly no longer the same cat. Without warning, his fur fell to the ground, and a shimmering light enveloped him. In his form appeared the master of the magic arts: Mistoffelees.
"You were wrong, Macavity," Mistoffelees said with a cold smile, turning in mid-air. "You felt too confident. And you underestimated us."
Macavity's eyes widened as he realized he'd been betrayed. "You!" he snorted, his voice almost loud with anger and confusion. "What have you done?!"
But it was too late. The spell was already in motion, and the powers Macavity had unleashed were slipping from his grasp. In a last desperate attempt, he tried to stop what was happening, but Mistoffelees, the Jellicle Wizard, was unstoppable.
"You will learn a lesson, Macavity," said Mistoffelees, and with an elegant hand gesture, he seized darkness itself. Dark clouds and flashes of light enveloped Macavity, and he staggered back, unable to defend himself. His power collapsed, and the spell he had cast began to unravel.
Regina and Munkustrap, still caught in the magic, suddenly felt a jolt. The ground beneath their paws and feet seemed to dissolve, and in a blind flash, they were ripped through the dimensions. They were no longer held by the Jellicle world—they were catapulted into the human world.
It was a jarring feeling as they landed with a dull thud in an unfamiliar, cold environment. Regina shook herself, dazed, her eyes wide open as she looked around.
"What... what happened?" Munkustrap asked, confused, as he turned around and surveyed his surroundings. The familiar world he had grown up in was gone. Nothing here reminded him of what he knew. He looked at the streets, the houses, the trees, and felt lost. The buildings were in a state that was completely alien to him.
"This…" Regina began, her voice trembling with excitement and a strange melancholy, "this is my home. But… it's not what it used to be. A few years ago, everything here was changed," Regina explained, leaning against one of the streetlights, which reminded her of the remodeling. "The house I used to live in used to be orange. Now it's green. Everything here is different."
Munkustrap, walking through the streets, surveyed the new, redesigned houses. What he had known before seemed to no longer exist. Where was he?
"This... this is really the human world?" he asked again, standing against a wall of the house Regina had claimed as hers.
“Yes,” Regina said, nodding, her thoughts swirling.
"And now what?" she asked, looking back at Munkustrap. "What do we do now?"
Munkustrap stood motionless, staring at the house, which was so different from anything he could have imagined. It was a strange, almost frightening moment of silence in which he began to realize how much everything had changed.
"I don't know," he finally murmured. "But we survived, Regina. That's all that matters. We're here, in this world, and we have to figure out what to do next."

Chapter Text

Regina and Munkustrap stood in front of the house, which now seemed completely different from the world they had left behind. The silence hung heavy between them, and Munkustrap still seemed disoriented, his surroundings completely foreign. Regina, however, was caught up in her own thoughts when a glittering piece of paper suddenly flew down from the sky and landed in her hand. She stared at it and carefully unfolded it.
"What is this?" asked Munkustrap when he saw Regina pick up the note.
“Look here,” said Regina, her eyes widening as she read the words:
"Only you can see Munkustrap's Jellicle form. To everyone else in this world, he's an ordinary cat."
Munkustrap blinked. He knew his Jellicle form all too well. "What does that mean? I'm still the same, right?"
Regina sighed and nodded. "This may be normal to you. But... to the humans here, you'll be an ordinary cat. Only I can see you as you truly are." She pointed at him as he returned to his Jellicle form, standing on his hind legs, effortlessly rising to tower over her.
"But that's not new information," said Munkustrap with a slight smile. "I've met you in that form, too. So what's so special about it?"
Regina looked at him, confused. "But you don't understand, they don't see you that way here. To humans, you're just a cat. Only I see you for who you really are—you're much bigger and... yes, you're like a furry. A concept people here sometimes use to describe themselves when they take on that form."
"Furry?" Munkustrap frowned. "What's that?"
Regina chuckled. "Oh, it's hard to explain. It's about people who dress up as animals, usually in a form like yours. In this world, you're like a 'furry,' so to speak, who walks on two legs and looks almost like a human, but still remains a cat."
"Hmm," said Munkustrap, "I don't know if I like this. I'm Munkustrap, and this is just like me. It just feels weird because everyone sees me as a normal cat."
"Yes, but you have to remember, if everyone saw you in this form, people might be scared, because they know cats in a different form. Humans fear the unknown, which could put you in danger."
"Well, the main thing is that I can get around somehow," said Munkustrap with a slightly grim smile. "Maybe it will help if I make friends with the people here. Or maybe not."
Regina laughed softly, even though the uncertainty of the situation still hung in the air. "I like your Jellicle form."
"Thanks. And since we're here, we'll have to adapt," said Munkustrap. "I'll manage somehow, no matter how strange everything is."

Chapter Text

Regina entered the house with Munkustrap at her side and could practically sense the stressful moment approaching. Her mother was busy in the kitchen, and Regina held her breath as she prepared for the inevitable moment when she would have to explain why she suddenly came home with a cat in tow.
“Mom?” Regina cautiously stepped into the kitchen, hoping her mother wouldn’t ask questions right away.
Her mother turned around with a frown when she noticed Regina and the cat behind her. "What do you have there, Regina?"
"Um, this is... a stray cat I found," Regina explained quickly, trying to keep her voice calm. "He was pretty hungry and weak, so I offered him a home."
Her mother snorted and stared critically at Munkustrap. "A stray cat?" She came closer and examined the cat more closely, her eyes narrowing. "Regina, you know what that means, right? The cat is probably covered in fleas and dirt. How could you just bring home such a... such a cat?"
"I'm sorry, but he really needs help," Regina said, her words sounding almost apologetic, but her mother didn't seem impressed.
"Help? You're not a vet, and I don't have the time to care for such a neglected animal," her mother replied with an annoyed look. "And why, why are you bringing such a cat here anyway? You know how much work it is. Cats aren't just pets; you have to care for them. And they need constant care!"
Regina felt her shoulders slump. She hadn't expected so much resistance. "I'll take care of it, Mom. Really."
"Oh, you'll take care of it?" Her mother shook her head. "Fine, but first he'll get a bath so he doesn't bring any more vermin home with him. And then you'll have to set up a place for him. But you know that's work, Regina. You'll have to feed him every day, keep the litter box clean, and..." Her mother took another close look at Munkustrap. "And what's the point of all this? Why a tomcat now?"
"It just happened," Regina said, unable to offer a better explanation. "I couldn't just leave him on the street."
Her mother sighed deeply and then looked at Munkustrap. "Well, I assume you're right and he really does need help. But you really have to make sure he's properly cared for. And you'll take care of him, understand?"
"Yes, I promise," Regina replied, trying to suppress the guilt in her voice.
"Good," her mother said, then sighed again. "Well, he'll have to get a bath first. This won't work. And you, Regina, will have to think about how to give him a permanent place in the house. I can't expect this cat to just lie around here as if he were a natural part of the house."
"I understand," said Regina, feeling more than uncomfortable at this moment. Her mother was pragmatic, but she also knew she wasn't thrilled about what she now had with this cat in her home. Munkustrap was still standing there, his expression confused and slightly uncertain as he heard the whole discussion.

Chapter Text

Regina led Munkustrap into the bathroom and turned on the tap. The room filled with the soothing sound of running water. Munkustrap stood by the door, staring at the bathroom with clear skepticism. It was obvious he felt uncomfortable.
"Come on, it won't be so bad," Regina tried to reassure him as she ran the bath. "You just have to stay still, and it will be over quickly."
Munkustrap immediately pricked up his ears and his tail twitched nervously. "Water? In my fur? You're not planning on putting me in that... thing, are you?" His voice already sounded slightly panicked, and he stood on his hind legs as if trying to dissuade himself from ever getting into that tub.
"You're just like any other cat when it comes to water," Regina murmured with a smile, even though she knew it wouldn't be easy. "You just have to go through it, it'll be over faster than you think."
But Munkustrap began to squirm like a real cat. With a low growl, he jumped backward and tried to sneak out of the bathroom, but Regina was faster. "Hey! You're coming with me, Munkustrap!"
"I refuse!" meowed Munkustrap, his tail flicking excitedly. He hissed at the bathtub as if it were an enemy about to drown him. "I'm a Jellicle, not a fish!"
Regina tried to explain to him that the bath was necessary. "It's just water, you'll survive!"
But Munkustrap was now in full "cat form": He suddenly jumped to the side and tried to hide behind the sink, as if he could save himself from the bathtub that way. He meowed loudly and scratched nervously at the tiled floor, as if he were in a desperate escape.
“I’m sorry, but you have to go through with it,” said Regina, a little amused but also somewhat worried. “Come on, you’ll feel much better afterwards.”
"I'm never going in here!" Munkustrap snorted and tried to jump away from the washing machine and towards the door. But Regina, who was now almost as panicked as he was, blocked his way.
"I know you don't like it," Regina said, placing her hand reassuringly on his head. "But you have to get clean, okay?"
"I'm clean enough!" protested Munkustrap, throwing his head back dramatically. "I'm a handsome tomcat, but this? This is not for me!"
Regina couldn't help but smile when she saw the look of panic in his eyes. "It won't be as bad as you think," she tried again. "Come on, let's just try to get this over with quickly."
A real scuffle broke out, because overcoming Munkustrap in his Jellicle form was quite a challenge, as he was taller than her. Finally, he made one last desperate leap backward, almost landing on the shower screen as he recoiled from the water. "I'm not going to do that!" he exclaimed, staring at Regina with an innocent, almost horrified look.
“I’m sorry, but you’re the one making the biggest fuss here,” Regina said with a sigh, then tried to gently push him into the tub. Finally, he gave up when he saw no other way to escape.
With a fluffy plop, Munkustrap landed in the tub and immediately shook himself vigorously, splashing water everywhere. Regina landed in the tub with him and, in addition to the water, received a few swipes from Munkustrap. It was typical feline reflex: the tub instantly became a place of endless commotion. Munkustrap pulled a face as if he were under some kind of evil spell.
"There, that wasn't so bad after all," said Regina, gently patting him dry with a washcloth so as not to frighten him unnecessarily. "Look, you're almost finished."
"Have you ever seen a cat with water that didn't think it was going to die?" Munkustrap growled angrily and tried to fight the water fiercely. But when he realized he couldn't escape, he finally sat down in the water and glared at Regina with a reproachful look. "I'll never look at you again if you do that to me again."
Regina couldn't suppress a smile. "Everything will be alright," she assured him as she gently flushed him further. "You'll see, you'll feel better afterward."
"Feel better?" Munkustrap sounded like he never wanted to befriend water again. "I'm never going in here again. I swear!"
“Hey, no offense, but I’m soaking wet because of you too, and I didn’t actually want to take a bath,” said Regina, pointing to her drenched clothes.

Chapter Text

After Munkustrap had finally managed to free himself from the bath, despite all his resistance, he now stood there steaming and with completely disheveled fur. He shook himself vigorously as he looked at Regina with a grim expression and an exasperated expression.
“I should have thought twice about coming along,” he muttered, his face as hard as stone, as he rummaged in a towel as if trying to regain at least a spark of dignity.
Regina, who was in the process of changing her clothes because they were completely soaked from Munkustrap's constant splashing water show, couldn't help but smile. She had expected a dramatic reaction from him, but seeing him deal with the results of his feline aversion to water was simply too delicious.
"Oh, come on," she said, quickly changing her clothes. "It wasn't so bad after all. You'll feel like a new cat, I promise."
Munkustrap folded his arms, looked suspiciously at his wet, still somewhat shaggy fur, and snorted. "I'm not a bath-loving cat, Regina," he muttered, running a hand through his wet fur. "And it feels like it could take me forever to get even remotely dry again. You could have at least talked to me about it beforehand."
Regina sighed and turned to him. "I told you, it wouldn't be that bad. And now, look how much better you look." She regarded him with a look that was half amused, half apologetic, as she continued getting dressed and trying to tame the chaos in her room.
Munkustrap, still eyeing his wet appearance with displeasure, finally shrugged. "Yes, and I'll never trust you like that again when it comes to this... water issue."
"Oh, you'll get used to it," Regina said with a smile as she put on a fresh T-shirt and continued tidying the room. "Cats can be so adaptable."
“I’m a Jellicle, not an ordinary cat,” he retorted, turning away from the door and glancing at the wreckage of towels and water basins. “You’re a tough nut to crack when it comes to persuasion. It was almost as if I’d been cast a spell on me instead of just taking a bath.”
Regina laughed as she pulled off her wet socks. "You'll get used to it. And besides – no cat goes into the water willingly. Believe me, it's nothing personal."
“It does feel like you’ve started a conspiracy against me,” Munkustrap replied with one last sniffly look, ending in a soft, almost pained purr. But a hint of a smile crept onto his lips as he noticed the relief that the new situation at least brought. The wet fur was no longer so unpleasant and sticky, at least.
Regina finally put on her shoes and stood up to go to him. "Now that you're dry, what are you going to do next?" she asked, resuming her efforts to return to normalcy.
“I’m thinking of just lying down somewhere until I recover from this… extremely unpleasant experience,” he said, dramatically collapsing onto the sofa. “I thought you’d have more sympathy for me.”
“Oh, Munkustrap, you’re much tougher than you let on,” Regina replied, smiling as she watched him out of the corner of her eye. “But I have to admit, you do have your principles. Maybe not quite so much drama next time?” She winked at him.
“I’ll take that to heart,” Munkustrap replied with a thoughtful look. “But really… I need a long break before I’m ready for any kind of challenge again.”
Regina shook her head, laughing, as she sat down on the sofa. "You're not the only one who deserves a break right now. I'll never again make the mistake of suggesting a bath without giving you a detailed explanation first."
“You said so,” he replied with a hint of humor in his voice. “And next time, remind me to let you get in the tub.”

Chapter Text

Regina sat cross-legged on the bed, a freshly brewed tea in her hand, while Munkustrap stretched out on the windowsill, basking in the sun. The sun's rays cast a golden glow on his freshly dried fur, which now looked softer and fluffier again. His eyes were half-closed, but Regina knew he wasn't asleep. He was listening. He was watching.
Her thoughts drifted back to that moment in the bathroom—the mess, the water, his hissing, his theatrical fidgeting…and how she'd had to change her clothes. She hadn't been able to completely shake that memory. There had been that tiny, uncomfortable twitch inside her as she'd pulled her wet shirt over her head. Of course, Munkustrap was a cat—she kept telling herself that. And yet, there was something about this Jellicle form, something almost human, that had made her pause for a moment. The way he stood, the way he spoke, his expressions—none of it was what you'd expect from an ordinary pet. And even if she wouldn't admit it, a blush had crept up her cheeks.
She took a deep breath and remembered: It's just a cat. A Jellicle, maybe, but still… a cat.
When she had finally gotten over these thoughts and everything felt a little more normal again – or at least what could be called normal in her situation – she put down her cup and gave Munkustrap a sideways glance.
“You…” she began, somewhat hesitantly. “Tell me… can I give you a nickname?”
Munkustrap slightly raised an eyebrow and blinked at her. "A nickname?"
“Yes,” Regina replied, trying to sound casual. “Your name is quite long. And… sometimes when I call it, it sounds like I’m summoning an old English nobleman.”
He laughed softly. "And what do you have in mind?"
She shrugged. "Munkus. Just as an abbreviation. It sounds kind of cute."
His gaze sharpened. "Cute?"
"Well, not in the sense of being cute like a plush toy," she said quickly, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "More like... familiar. Personal. I mean, you're kind of... stranded here now. With me."
Munkustrap seemed to be considering it. The tip of his tail twitched slightly, then he slowly straightened up.
"Munkus, then..." he murmured. "Hmmm. That has something to it. It sounds... peculiar, but also familiar. If you like – and it helps you avoid addressing me like a lord – then... so be it."
"Really?" Regina smiled. "So no wounded Jellicle pride?"
“Perhaps just a touch of wounded pride,” he replied, settling back down with a soft, playful purr. “But I’ll survive.”
"Thank you, Munkus," she said gently.
He didn't answer immediately, but when she glanced at him one last time, she saw that for a second he was looking at her with an expression that wasn't quite so feline – but thoughtful, almost a little moved. Then he slowly closed his eyes.
The nickname lingered between them like a small, delicate thread in the air. A new bond in a world that suddenly felt so foreign and yet so full of possibilities.

Chapter Text

It was late. The sky outside was overcast, shimmering faintly in the pale light of the streetlamps. Regina yawned as she pulled the blanket up to her chin, her eyelids growing heavy. All was quiet—until a soft scraping sound came from the balcony door. A second, slightly louder scratching noise followed.
She opened her eyes with difficulty.
“Munkus…?” she murmured sleepily.
In the darkness, she recognized an upright figure at the door. Munkustrap – or rather, Munkus – stood there in his Jellicle form with folded arms, staring intently at her.
"What is it now?" asked Regina, half sighing, half irritated.
Munkus nodded towards the balcony door.
"I need to get out. The air in here is... stuffy."
"It's the middle of the night!" she complained. "And it might even start raining any minute!"
Munkus looked at her intently, her ears slightly lowered.
"I need this. Just for a moment."
Regina rolled her eyes, threw back the blanket, and padded barefoot to the window. "Don't you dare cause any trouble," she muttered as she opened the balcony door. The moment the gap was wide enough, Munkus slipped through, quietly and smoothly like any other cat. Outside, he transformed almost silently back into the form only Regina could see: the upright, furry tomcat with watchful eyes.
"Stay close!" Regina called after him, but he had already disappeared into the shadows of the rooftops.
With a sigh, she pulled the door halfway shut again, leaving it slightly ajar. "I really should have had him microchipped," she muttered as she flopped back down onto the bed.

Chapter Text

The rain had begun, light, barely perceptible, more like a fine mist that settled on Munkustrap's fur as he swung silently over the balcony railing and landed on the damp lawn. The night was cool, but lively. Sounds rustled through bushes, a distant cat meowed somewhere, and yet there was… something else.
A strange tingling in the air.
Munkustrap's ears twitched. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end.
Someone was there.
He ducked into the shadows and crept to the garden fence, from where he could glimpse the street. A figure stood between two lampposts. Tall. Slender. Wrapped in a dark cloak that seemed barely stirred by the wind.
Munkustrap's golden eyes narrowed. The scent emanating from this person was alien. Not simply human. There was iron… no, blood. But not fresh. It was old. Sweetish. Acrid.
Munkustrap couldn't recall ever encountering a person who carried that scent. Something about this figure's aura made his skin stand on end—a tingling like black magic, like a shadow from another world.
The figure turned its head – directly in his direction. Two bright red eyes flashed from under the hood.
Munkustrap flinched involuntarily.
Had she seen him?
But the figure said nothing, didn't move. Only that gaze – piercing and uncanny.
Then, as if by magic, she faded away. The fog took her with it, as if she had never been there.
Munkustrap remained motionless. Even for him, a cat with two lives and many memories, this was not normal. He stood like that for a long time, his senses on high alert, until the rain slowly intensified and drove him back out onto the balcony.
His gaze wandered once more in the direction where the figure had stood.
The street was empty.

Chapter Text

A rhythmic scratching startled Regina awake. She sat bolt upright, the blanket half-covering her face, and it took her a few seconds to realize where the noise was coming from. Munkus. Of course.
“Oh my God… really?” she murmured, dragging herself with heavy steps to the balcony door. As she opened it, the gray cat slipped into the room with an elegant leap—as if nothing had happened. Regina stared at him, her eyes still trying to adjust to the dim light.
"You do realize you're not a normal cat, right? Normal cats go outside, come in – that's it. You're making a show out of this."
Before she could lie down again, she heard a mattress creak and her mother's grumpy voice from the living room:
"Regina!" she grumbled. "This drama doesn't start every night, understand? I need my sleep. If the cat keeps wanting to go in and out, then you'll have to find a solution. I sleep right by the window, I can hear everything!"
Regina grimaced and rubbed her forehead. "Yes, Mom... it only happened once, honestly."
"That's what you say. I don't want any scratching terror at midnight. Otherwise, he's getting kicked out and will stay out!"

Munkustrap was now sitting calmly on the carpet, licking his paw – as if he had nothing to do with any of it. Regina gave him a stern look and whispered, "Because of you, I'm going to get in trouble with my mother."
Munkustrap looked at her innocently, tilted his head slightly – but the tip of his tail twitched.
He knew exactly what he had done.