By: Tiggertailz

A lowly cat stumbled down Smithfield Street. She ached from head to tail with each horrifying step. I only she had seen the mechanical monster on wheels before it was to late. But she hadn't. It took her completely by surprise. Every bone and muscle in her body was bruised by the monsters crushing blow. She knew her tail was broken and would never be straight again. Oh, to stop this pain!

The world around her was getting darker. A few moths flew by her, or were they angels? Deep down she knew the end must be soon.

So why did she keep walking? Why not just find a corner to die in? She didn't know. Something was telling her not to give up. Were the moths talking to her?! Was she that far gone?

She reached the city limits and saw the junkyard. She sat a moment and pondered, " Is this were I am meant to die?" No one answered her. Then she thought she remembered something about a yard, but the pain scared the thought away. So she painfully stood up, the world spun around her. All dignity lost, she crawled to the entrance of the yard and collapsed, unsure of what would happen next. Was she to live or die.

* * *

A young black kitten named Mistoline was at the center of the yard, practicing her magic. She stopped suddenly. Something was not right. Curious to discover what was wrong, she began to search the yard. When she neared the entrance, she heard a groan of the deepest pain. Then she saw the source. An orange and black cat lay crumpled on the ground. The cat opened her eyes and looked at Mistoline. Mistoline was taken aback by the pain and fear she saw in those eyes. "Please.." was all the cat could muster. Mistoline felt a horrible pity for this cat. She knew that this cat must be dying. She had to find Old Deuteronomy. Maybe he could help.

"Don't worry," said Mistoline, " I will get Old Deuteronomy." The cat gave Mistoline a confused look, but could not respond. She only closed her eyes and sighed.

With out a moment to lose, Mistoline darted off in search of Old Deuteronomy. She finally found him. He was entertaining a group of kittens with one of his stories. "Old Deuteronomy!" she cried. "What is it Mistoline?" he asked sensing her urgency. "There is a cat in great need at the entrance of the yard," she said in fear, "I'm afraid that she is dying!" "Then we must waste no time. Go and find Munkustrap and have him meet me at the entrance." With that said he turned and headed toward the entrance of the yard.

When he reached the entrance, he discovered that Mistoffelees was already with the new cat. He must have sensed her pain. Mistoffelees was comforting the poor creature by licking her face and purring softly. He looked up as he noticed

Deuteronomy's presence. "She is fading, but she is strong. I believe that we may be able to help her."

At that time, Mistoline had returned with Munkustrap in tow. Munkustrap gasped, "I know this cat. Her name is Tigger. I invited her here tonight in hopes that she might become a Jellicle." He went over to the new cat as Mistoffelees moved aside. Munkustrap began murmuring to Tigger in hopes of a response.

"You said that you may be able to help her," Deuteronomy asked of Mistoffelees. "Yes, I hope so," Mistoffelees responded. He turned to Mistoline, " I'll need your help." "Of course, anything I can do," Mistoline responded in agreement.

Munkustrap backed away so they could do their magic.

"Okay, Mistoline," Mistoffelees began, "put your paws next to mine and repeat what I say:

By the Jellicle Moon's magic light, bless this cat with renewed life!"

They continued to chant the phrase. The Munkustrap joined in. And then Old Deuteronomy joined.

All praying for a miracle.

The air around Tigger began to sparkle. She lifted her head opened her eyes. They were sparkling as well. She felt the pain falling away and light began to fill her heart. She was able to stand and started to purr with delight. Munkustrap took a deep breath and ran to her. The nose kissed and nuzzled each other. Mistoffelees and Mistoline had collapsed from the casting. Tigger ran over to them and began to lick them. "Thank you both so much! I shall never forget this! You will be in my heart forever." Mistoffelees gave her a tired smile, "My pleasure." He turned to Mistoline, but she could not respond. She was already fast asleep. Mistoffelees smiled again, " I think we both need to rest now." He nudged Mistoline and together they sought out a nice place for a long slumber.

Old Deuteronomy looked on at all this with happiness in his heart. "Welcome to the Jellicle layer, Tigger. I am Deuteronomy. I am so glad that we could help you." Tigger smiled brightly and purred, "You are so very gracious. I might have died. You have my most humble thanks." "I hope you will accept me into your ranks." She glanced at Munkustrap who gave her a confident smile.

"Come forth, my dear, so that I might see what sort of cat that you are," asked Deuteronomy. She stepped forward and sat before the great, wise cat. Tigger was truly a tiger. She was covered in orange and had black stripes from her ears to her tail. The only parts that were not striped were her muzzle and chest. Both were a creamy yellow. Her eyes were emerald jewels, which sparkled with her happiness.

"Tigger does indeed fit you, my dear," the Deuteronomy noticed her tail. "I'm afraid your tail is still crooked from being broken." Tigger looked at her tail, waved it a bit, and smiled, "At least it doesn't hurt anymore." Old Deuteronomy smiled at her bravery. "Well," he said, "Your tail seems to be in the shape of a 'z', so your Jellicle name will be Tiggertailz. It will end with a 'z' rather than an 's', for your tail. My dear now you are a Jellicle cat. Let it be known. All Jellicles shall welcome you as a sister and a friend."

Tiggertailz could not believe her ears. "I am a Jellicle, then?"

"Yes, you are," Old Deuteronomy smiled. "so go forth and learn the ways of the Jellicle ways. I trust Munkustrap will guide you." Munkustrap nodded, bursting with pride.

"Good Night to you both. And Tiggertailz, may your journeys be free of pain."

"Thank you!!" Tiggertailz, feeling like a new kitten, leapt up and kissed Deuteronomy's nose. He smiled and then left Munkustrap and Tiggertailz to begin their lessons on how to be a Jellicle cat.

-Rebecca Heebsh

(a.k.a. Tiggertailz)

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