The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Four

Can You See Me Dancing?

“Dance as though no one is watching.” (Author unknown)

      Quaxo had a particular fondness for the setting sun. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he remembered Jellicle Cats had revered the sunset as the “start” of their day. In the summer, sunset also signaled a time of cooling from the day’s heat. The day had been a tad warm, and its heat radiated through the piece of rug he had finally dragged up onto the car hood. Now, an easterly breeze came in over the vacant field, and he could scent the grasses and herbs that grew there. 

      Not looking directly at the descending fiery orb, its rays did redden his eyes. In ancient times, such was the duty of the Temple cats in Egypt. They would capture the rays and life of the sun, and keep them safe until dawn. Then, they would aide the rebirth of the sun, and bring life back to the world. Quaxo meditated on this memory often, and chuckled at some of the paths he had mind-walked in its perusal. Humans made the myth, he knew, but Jellicle Cats gave credence to it. Long ago, they knew the sun was a star and not a “god.” But, they did know that the sun gave life through its light. 

      Movement just outside the fence drew his attention away from the sun. Squinting because of the sun’s glare, Quaxo did not see who or what they were, but at least two large shadows definitely were near the Railway pipe. As he started to climb over the top of the car’s roof, an ear swiveled slightly left. Faint scratching sounds indicated something he had never thought possible. Someone was climbing the wood perimeter fence! 

      Quaxo’s eyes adjusted as he strayed away from the sun’s direct light. He marked a light-colored form ease up onto the fence, and nodded. Whoever it was, they were Jellicle. Remarkable! He quickly ascertained where the Jellicle was, and then went quickly and effortlessly down the stack of cars. 

      His first stop was the Railway Pipe. “Brutus!” 

      The Gray-Brown Tom appeared at the sound of his name. “Yes, Sentinel?” 

      “We have activity outside the pipe. Make sure the block is secured for right now. Has Sir Skimble and Lady Victoria made it through?” 

      “Yes, they have, Sentinel.” 

      Quaxo noted silently that the big Tom’s head lowered slightly. Damn! He then chastised himself for the slip, and knew why. Brutus was still beating himself over 'Snowmane.' Some night, he was going to have to have a long talk with Brutus. 

      “Stand watch until I can see what the trouble is. I have an intruder between here and Munkustrap’s lair.” 

      Brutus nodded mutely while Quaxo turned and ran down the fence road. Fortunately for the Guardians, the Humans did not stack anything against the fence and kept a lane about ten Human feet wide completely free. Quaxo arrived at the spot he saw the figure, and stopped. Crouching into a defensive position, the Sentinel viewed the fence and the surrounding area. Nothing! Whoever was here was now gone. His eyes examined the fence top and finally spotted what he expected to find - claw marks. A scent lingered - female, young, frightened. Tracks in the dirt told him the intruder was going toward the Square. 

      “Wonderful,” he muttered. “Just about time for the Festival and we have a stranger in the Yard.” 

      Yards ahead of him, Munkustrap came out of the closet that was his Yard Home. His nose sampled the approaching night air, and he held up a paw to the opening. A slight scent marked the air, and it had passed by close. 

      “What’s wrong, Munkus?” 

      “Take a sniff, Bomba. Do you scent a stranger?”