The Awful Battle of the Pekes and What's Possible

The Rehearsal

Munkustrap had the night before the Jellicle Ball. While doing all the normal preparations for the ball, he also decided to put on a show this year. He put the old tale that his father always told to some music. "The Awful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles" was a story he grew up with living with Old Dueturonomy. Of course, Munk loved the great Rumpus cat and all of his heroics, but that was not the main attraction to him, he loved the story of the disorganized fighting and barking the most. The thought of the noise being interrupted by humans sounded amazing.

Munkustrap has spent the last month working with the other cats as they came and went to make sure this show for Old Duet came out purrfectly. He specifically assigned Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer the roles of the lead peke and pollicle since they're loud and disruptive. Admetus was cleverly casted as the great Rumpus cat because he's very silent, but his movement is great and dramatic!

"Alright everyone! Can we run this from the top one more time!" Munk called out with the rest of the cats groaning. Mungo chimed in, "You said that after the last 5 runs!" Munk sighed in exhaustion. "Yeah, I know, but we wouldn't have to do anymore runs if everyone came in on cue! And Mungo, you yourself need to get your lines down. All you do is repeat "bark!" after Teazer. Got it?" Mungo nodded, but Munk knew that meant nothing.

The number ran from the top, but by the time everyone got in the walking circle, some cat in the line tripped, which made the entire line tumble on top of each other like dominos. Luckily, Munkustrap was able to regain himself, taking a deep breath and put a smile on his face. "Despite the last part, that was the best run of it we've done! We're gonna wrap it up for tonight!" The cats rejoiced, letting out sighs and gathering their things. They weren't exactly ready for the ball, but these cats were talented. Munk hoped they'd have the sense to get it right in front of Old Duet.

Mr.Mistoffelees ran after Munk, very excited, but out of breath. "Hey, Sir Munkustrap?" Munk chuckled at his formality. "The sir is unnecessary, but, I'm listening, Misto." Misto was bouncing with eagerness, flapping his paws and occasionally hitting them together. "I've been really excited to present tomorrow and if I wait until later in the night, I might get too nervous to go. Can I go first, just to get it over with?" Munk took a second to respond. "I'm not sure what the order is going to be, so we'll see?" Mr.Mistoffelees bounced away, spinning and yipping.

Tugger skipped to catch up to Munk, "Hey bro! Mind if I add my bag pipes to the number? I think it'd get things pretty hype." Munk side-eyed his brother and lazily waved his hand. "I don't think it's that type of number, add it to your song to be picked for jellicle choice." Tugger groaned, "But that's not that type of song! Pekes and Pollicles could really do some good with some lively bagpipes." Munk heard, but he didn't stop or react. His silence was enough to get his tom brother to shut up and turn away.

Munk made sure everyone made it out safe, but didn't go back to his den. He stayed in the area, cleaning and rearranging some of the junk around the square to make it as perfect for the ball as it can be. He was pretty tired, but kept his brain buzzing from the excitement, or was it stress, of the ball. Munk was caught off guard when Demeter made her way through, looking for her mate.

"Munkus, there you are! You come back to the den later each night. I don't like not knowing where you are." Munk smiled softly at his amazing queen, "Just making sure things are ready for the ball. I'm sure you've heard of the rumored planned attacks by..." Munk looked down, not daring to say his name, especially knowing what his past with Demeter was like. Deme held herself a bit. "Of course, I know I've picked up his scent on the border. The ball would be the best time to pounce, not that any time is a good time for us." Demeter didn't give Munkustrap much of a choice, pulling him out of the square of the junkyard and towards their den, walking with a tension under the almost full moon.

Munk walked over to a hole in his den, staring out as if looking for something, dazed, but focused. "Munk, you should come with me to bed. It's going to be a long day tomorrow." Munk didn't untrain his eyes from the outside. "I'm not all that tired, it'll be fine." Demeter folded on herself taking slow steps toward Munkustrap. "Hun, I'd like you to sleep with me. If not for yourself, then for me. I've been having trouble with it since Macavity's scent reappeared. I really don't feel safe. Please?"

Munk didn't like sleeping even more than being awake. He was tired, he was tired a lot, but sleep was never the option. He'd just lay in bed with his eyes closed, exhausted, but restless, thinking of everything he regrets in his life or the dangers he could be in. If he ever got to sleep, he would have awful night terrors. He hasn't been a victim like Demeter, but he's seen the worst in his brother and the hate he carries with him. It keeps him exhausted, even in his sleep.

Although, if he was able to help, he always would, so he nodded, following his queen to their nest and holding her tight. His love for her kept his heart beating steady, even if his mind began to race. Demeter fell asleep quickly on his chest and Munkustrap held onto that feeling of her heart beat against his. Despite his yelling mind, Munk fell asleep after a couple hours, seeing the sun peak through the window before submitting to slumber.