Magical

One.

"Okay Tugger, what the hell?"

Mistoffelees was on his way home after a long night at the Jellicle Ball, when he suddenly turned to his best friend, the
Rum Tum Tugger. Near the end of the Ball, the tribe leader, Old Deuteronomy, was kidnapped by Macavity. In an unexpected move, Tugger suggested that Misto help fix the problem using his magic powers. Misto, being the shy cat he was, didn't really want to, but if he didn't come down from the tiny, high up box he was hidden in, the entire tribe would kill them both. So Misto used the little logic he had at the moment to use his magic to add some sparkles and lights to his fur, because apparently he thought that would cause the cats to not recognize him. What made him think that, now they'll be all over him tomorrow. At least he never told most cats his name, thank Everlasting that he was so socially awkward. As for the cats that did know, he would probably have to stay away from them for a while. Misto certainly didn't want to be complimented and called a hero!

As for Tugger, he rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure I did you and the tribe a favor."

Misto stared at Tugger like they were both crazy. "How?"

"You were the only one powerful enough to fix the problem, and you got over whatever social problem you got."

"What about Cassandra? I wouldn't even be able to use my powers without her."

"True, but you're, like, ten times more powerful than her. She couldn't have done what you did. Stop denying it, Misto. You're great! You sung up there! And you danced amazingly, without Victoria's help."

Misto left, without a word, for his house was right across the street. Perhaps today would be a quiet day, and he could just relax after the night's events.

Tugger continued walking to his house as Misto climbed up the wall, through the window. Victoria, his housemate, was waiting for him.

"Misto!"

"What?"

"Oh," Victoria smiled. "Did you see what you did last night? I just knew you could do that by yourself! You're the tribe's hero! Everlasting Cat knows what sort of plans Old Deuteronomy has for you!"

"No, no please Vicky. I'm a socially awkward mess!"

"No, you are the Magical Mister Mistoffelees, the original conjuring cat!"

"Lies." Misto left to his cat tree. He just wanted to take a nap now.

Why did he come down? Why didn't he just let the tribe believe that Tugger's story was bullshit? Why does he even need to be magical at all? Misto fell asleep to these thoughts. He had a horrible headache. For now, he chose to pretend none of this stress existed. Instead, he took a nice long nap.

By the time Misto woke up, it was at least 6 o'clock in the evening. He had completely forgotten about what had him so stressed before. He decided to walk around the house, where the human was at work redecorating her room and Victoria was dancing, like she always did to pass time. Misto joined her, not to any surprise on either end. He did that a lot.

After an impromptu dance routine, the two lay on the floor, silent.

Vicky broke the silence "Misto, have you changed your mind while you were asleep?"

Oh right. He remembered exactly what had him so angry before.

"No..." Misto sighed. "And I don't plan on doing so."

"You really should. You could be a great help to the tribe in the future." Victoria sat up, a small smile on her face.

"Maybe." Misto said that, but he really meant a solid no. He then left to one of the ye litter boxes in the house, and the only clean one at that, where he could just think. What was he doing here? What about his power? Couldn't he just teleport himself somewhere, like he always did? Misto really didn't want to use his powers right now, not after what happened at the ball.

A half hour or so later and Misto was fast asleep in the litter box. He rubbed his back against the bottom of the box, trying to make himself believe he was at peace, like he did with his previous nap. It didn't work. He couldn't stop thinking about what could happen at the junkyard tonight. Misto could do many things with his magic, but one of the few things he unfortunately couldn't do was change the markings on his fur.

Imagine what was going to happen! They would all ask him so much questions about last night, he knew it. All he did was sing and dance a little bit, eventually figure out the problem, and bring Old Deuteronomy back. No big deal. The socially awkward tom tried to convince himself to forget it, but it didn't work at all.

Victoria was going to be mad. Tugger was going to be mad. The entire tribe was going to be mad if this Magical Mister Mistoffelees never showed up again, and it was always just Misto for the rest of their lives.

Stop thinking negatively, Misto thought to himself. There was no reason for this. Misto told himself to get out of the damn litter box and live his life without letting this fraction of one night to get in his way. After a deep breath, Misto walked out of the litter box. Thank Everlasting he did, because when he opened the bathroom door, Victoria was right there, needing to go.

"Were you there for the whole time, or just now?" She asked, seeming angry. "I've been looking all over for you!"

Misto didn't like to lie, so he told her, "I've been here the past hour and a half. Do what you will."

"Misto!" Vicky seemed upset. "I told you hundreds of times already! You can't hide your problems by hiding in the litter box." She said in a motherly tone, even though she was the younger of the two.