Train of Thought

By Yuffie Valentine

For Triskell... an amazing person whose own talent will never cease to amaze me in all the years to come... and for all the dedication, support, and courage she's given me along the way. I doubt if I'd still be writing if it weren't for the confidence she bestowed upon me, and all the constructive criticism she was never afraid to give. Thanks for making everything perfect and all right for me on more than one occassion. *huggles forever*

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"All aboard!"

The hustle and the noisy chatter of the crowd only grew as the conducter called a last time for tickets to be handed over and luggage to be checked. People gathered in messy lines to board the over-night compartments of the train, too wrapped up in searching wallets and brief cases for passes and too busy keeping track of their children to pay any mind to the few cats scattered around the outdoor station.

"Is your train always this loud, daddy?" asked one of the younger Jellicles, perched on a crate with her father and mother. She turned her bright eyes to the noisy children hopping around and tagging each other nearby. Her father's gentle Scottish accent caressed her ears, along with her mother's tongue.

"Always, Jemima, dear. You get used to it, after a while."

"Hold still while I finish your bath," commanded the affectionate motherly-figure of Jennyanydots. Jemima waited, very impatiently at that, while doing as told. She wanted to go down there by the tracks and play with her friends. It wasn't everyday Skimbleshanks invited the Jellicles to come watch his train depart from home. The large monster of a machine had always fascinated them, especially the younger ones.

A hollow whistle echoed from the iron beast, and Skimbleshanks leapt to his feet. That was his signal to get ready to go. He nuzzled his mate sorrowfully, wishing she could join him for his over-night journey, but they both knew it was her responsibility to help keep watch over the other kittens at the junkyard. One night away from them and the other adults would most likely go ballistic.

However, for the first time ever, Jennyanydots was giving Jemima permission to accompany her father. She felt it would do the two of them some bonding good. Jemima had been looking forward to this all week, and not a day since the news passed when she had not talked it up to her friends, bragging about how important her father's job was and how she could help him out.

The other kittens, of course, had been very envious, constantly asking her questions about the famous Midnight Mail. "What exactly is a train?" "What do you do with it?" "Can you play with it?" "Can you eat it?" Jemima giggled to herself at that last question, one which Pouncival had asked her. The truth was, she wasn't a hundred percent sure herself about trains, but she would soon find out.

Jennyanydots sighed sadly, watching her mate and youngest child head toward the crowd and the tracks. It was always hard to let Skimbleshanks go for a night, but the junkyard was full of many others who needed her, so she wouldn't be too lonely.

A quiet thud and a small shake of the crate she was sitting on indicated the weight of another Jellicle landing next to her. She turned her large, motherly eyes upon her eldest son, Tumblebrutus, and smiled softly. "You better get ready to go, son. I'm not sure when this train departs, but your father and sister have already left to climb aboard."

"I know, mother, I just wanted to say goodbye."

Jennyanydots nuzzled him tearfully, thanking herself inwardly for sending him as well, just in case Jemima needed someone to play with or someone to look after her in case Skimbleshanks found himself too wrapped up in work. Tumblebrutus was one of the more responsible young cats of the tribe, despite his off-and-on friskiness, so she knew she could count on him.

"You promise to take good care of your sister and brother?"

"Don't I always?"

"Yes, you do, you're a good man."

"You have nothing to worry about, I promise."

"Speaking of worrying, where is your brother?" Jennyanydots huffed in annoyance, gazing around the bustling station, keeping her eyes and ears peeled for any signs of trouble. "He's going to miss the train if he doesn't show up soon! I tell you, he will never grow up!"

"Don't be too hard on him, mother, he's just a little more... what's the word I'm looking for... wild than the other guys." Tumblebrutus grinned to himself. His brother, only minutes younger, would definately need more looking out for than their little sister.

That's when they heard a loud hiss, followed by the sound of a slap and a yelp, from where they perched. Tumblebrutus laughed out loud as his brother came swaggering through the crowd with traces of fresh claw-marks on his face, and Jennyanydots only lowered her head to let out another annoyed sigh.

"Who let you have it this time, Tugger?"

"Shut up, Brutus." Rum Tum Tugger tried to wipe the stinging sensation away from his furry flesh as he spoke. "If you must know, it was Cassandra. Man, I tell ya, girls these days just don't like to be hassled for a good-bye kiss!"

"A kiss, huh? That's all you wanted?"

"Why, I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about."

"That's enough, you two," sighed their tired mother. "Be off with you, and take care."

"Yeah, yeah..."

"And you mind your brother!"

"Whatever, mom." Rum Tum Tugger slinked off, shortly followed by Tumblebrutus, who stayed for only a moment to tell Jennyanydots good-bye and good night. Tugger ignored his mama's boy of a brother as they walked silently around the fading crowd. Nearly all the passengers were checked into the compartments by now, leaving only a few train conducters and roaming strangers to wander the evening grounds.

"Goodbye, Tumblebrutus..." came a shy, but strong, little voice. He automatically knew who it was and smiled softly at the serious figure of Electra. Her eyes, for once, weren't sturdy, but rather downcast. Still smiling, he approached her, and threw her off guard with a nuzzle.

"I'll be back before you know it..."

She allowed her frown to adjust into what looked like a satisfactory smile.

"I know... I'll just miss you, is all..."

He nodded, silently, and watched her leave before heading off with his brother.

From the shadows, Cassandra glared at Tugger as he and Tumblebrutus passed by. He turned his furry head to her, grinning chauvinistically, and managed to dodge several of the rocks she hurled at him. "You just hate to see me go, don't you?" he called loudly over the next train whistle. The anger in her slitted eyes intensified, and he yelled again. "You're fuming more than the train, you know that?"

"Just leave her alone," mumbled Tumblebrutus, still scanning the area for either Skimbleshanks and Jemima or a way to board the train unnoticed by the several humans still hanging around. As luck would have it, a woman infront of him clumsily spilled the contents of her purse while looking for her ticket, and the conducter stepped down to help her pick everything up. A perfect diversion! It was now or never. "Come on," he whispered to Tugger, and they crept safely inside from the minor distraction.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Argh!"

"Pouncy!"

A clang of pots and pans and the swearing of a kitchen full of angry cooks arose. Etcetera rolled onto her side, unable to control her laughter as her clumsy brother burned his paws on the warm stove top and fell off the counter - not landing on his feet, by the way, for Pouncival isn't exactly the most graceful of cats.

"Where did these cats come from?!" cried the head chef, trying to nurture his ruined platters back to good condition. Unfortunately most of it had ended up on the floor, including the pan of boiling water, which Pouncival had managed to slide right into. He let out another sharp meow and ran all over the small kitchen in a painful panic. By pure coincidence, one of the waiters was entering the kitchen with a tray full of empty dishes, which had just been washed and dried by the staff, when Pouncival ran head-on into the door, causing the poor man to lose balance.

CRASH!!!!!!!!!

Etcetera leapt fearfully over the broken pieces of china and helped Pouncival to his burning paws. They made a messy getaway with three angry cooks in pursuit, chasing and swearing them clear out of the train's dining area.

The two young cats ran straight to the observing deck, Etcetera still giggling at her whining brother. Once they were sure they were out of harm's way, they curled up under one of the empty seats and gazed out the large window at the few scattered people still waiting to get aboard.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Etcetera asked, stifling a yawn.

"Since when is sneaking around not a good idea?"

"Yeah, you're right..."

"Besides, Tugger's probably on board somewhere."

Etcetera perked up considerably. "Yeah, you are right!"

Pouncival tucked his throbbing paws under his body and yawned as well. "Just as long as we stay hidden until this thing takes off, no one can squeal on us to mom.." Speaking of Jellylorum, they really didn't give her another thought for a while. They always snuck around, but this was going to be their first real adventure, not to mention their first night away from home.

They were quiet for a bit, until he began to complain again.

"I only wanted some fish!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"We've been searchin' 'igh and low, we can't foind 'im anywhe'!"

"That bloody cat always makes 'imself scarce just as we're about to pull out!"

" 'ave you tried asking the passengers?"

"No, but we 'ave to 'urry before the captain has a fit!"

In reference to the train master - Skimbleshanks' owner - the handful of janitors and ushers were running about in search of the precious cat. They questioned the drivers and the guards, who in turn mentioned the fact that the last time Skimbleshanks was missing, they had found him busy in the luggage van. Tired, they resumed their search.

"C'mon, then, let's 'ead down thot woy!"

As the clicking of their shoes became distant, Tumblebrutus and Rum Tum Tugger came out of hiding from under two occupied lounge chairs and followed. The train was so large and unlike anything they had ever seen. Sleeping rooms and dining cars and observing decks everywhere. The quickest way to their father and sister would probably be to hound the employees, since it was obvious that tracking down Skimbleshanks had become a new part-time job for them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Do you 'ave any freakin' Aces?"

"Go bloody Fish!"

Nobody expected the bagmen to be doing their job at this hour, but then again, they hadn't really counted on them spending their ten-minute break playing something as juvenile as Go Fish. Of course, their last game of Old Maid had childishly resulted in bloody noses and black eyes, so...

"You want another ciga', mate?"

"All roight, then, and I'll roise the stoiks, huh?"

"A' you two fools sure we should be smokin' in 'ere?"

"And whoy not? Only one in 'ere is that cat ove' the' an' I don't expect 'im ta be squealin' on us anytime soon!" The three lazy workers found this quite humorous as they lit up a few fresh cigars and dealt another hand of cards.

"Let's get serious and ploy some poke', eh?"

The cat one of the men had spoken of walked silently to the table and sat on his haunches, gazing up at them. He studied the cards the man closest to him was holding, then smiled to himself in his own cunning cat-way. He listened as they each threw a few plastic chips to the center of the table, (anté up, the dealer had said, whatever meaning that could possibly hold for a cat), then closed his gentle blue eyes in a light trance.

The three smoking men tossed a few cards down and collected new ones from the dealer. Whot Oi could use is an Ace or somethin' roight about now, the man closest to the cat thought to himself. Once again, as he slowly picked up his new cards, the feline gazed up at him. The man grinned wide and jumped up shouting in excitement, pounding his fists on the table and creating quite a racket.

"Ha-ha! Oi got wha' I bloody well proyed fo'! Royal Flush, boys! Pay up!"

"A' you freakin' kiddin' me?"

"Lemme see those cards!"

"You probably 'ad this 'and rigged, you ol' nanny goat!"

"I 'ad no such thing!"

"Ah, don't tell me it was dumb luck! Nobody gets a 'and that good just loik thot!"

One of the arguing men eyed the smirking feline. "It was prob'ly that cat, wasn't it?!"

"Wha' a' you ramblin' on about? You think thot mangy critter 'elped me cheat?"

"Ah-ha! So you a' admitting to cheatin', a' you?"

"Oi am not!"

"Oi don't see whoy either of us should poy you anythin' if you're gonna cheat!"

"Oi did not cheat!"

Half-smoked cigars fell to the floor, the table was over-turned, and chips and cards were scattered as Mistoffelees left the trio of bagmen to duke it out themselves. He didn't understand much about human games or card tricks, but he enjoyed interfering whenever possible. In his usual smug and aloof manner, he headed out into one of the many narrow passageways of the train and went in search for something else to do. He took a few elegant strides before more fighting gained his attention, only this time he could make out the shouts and threats because it was coming from two fellow Jellicles in the following lounge.

"Plato, Victoria, are you two going at it again?"

"Yes/No!" they hollared at once, each saying something opposite of the other.

"What is the problem this time?"

"He/She is!"

Aren't you always? thought Mistoffelees, then shook his head at them. "There is no time for bickering now, we have to leave before the train takes off. We only came to wish Skimbleshanks and his children a safe journey, but since we can't find them, we'll just have to greet them when they return. Now, let us be off."

"Fine."

The two arguing cats were just about to follow Mistoffelees out one of the two possible entrances of the small hallway when another human employee opened the door and stepped in. He accidentally stepped on Plato's tail, causing him to shriek.

"Ahhhh!!" The man stumbled back in shock, then glared at the three roaming cats. "Not more cats! Where are you all comin from!? I've already chased a few out, and now here's a few more!" To add to his point, the three pairs of feline eyes set upon the cat in the man's arms. It was none other than...

"Cassandra?" they meowed.

She looked down at them and shrugged. "He caught me up front and he's been carrying me around ever since, knocking on every door in here to see if anyone's lost a beautiful Burmese." She smiled haughtily, and they only threw disgusted looks at her. Cassandra was one of the few pure-breds of the junkyard, and she enjoyed every minute of human-attention she received for this. Not that she was exactly egotistical, but cats are cats, and cats are proud creatures. Especially exotic ones.

The door opened once more to reveal the janitors and ushers who had been searching for Skimbleshanks earlier. The poor man holding Cassandra noticed the two cats following the workers. "Oh, no... Do these multiply like rabbits or something?!" He sighed heavily, gave up, and dropped the Burmese to the floor before leaving. Tumblebrutus continued to follow the other men to the luggage van at the back of the train as Rum Tum Tugger stayed behind with the remaining four cats. Cassandra stared coldly at him and turned her nose up.

"Well, it's nice to see you, too. Have you come to bid me a tearful farewell?"

"I'll give you something to cry about all right, Tugger," she hissed.

Mistoffelees interjected before this could be carried on any further. "That's enough, that's enough! Tugger, we all wish you a safe journey, but the four of us really must be off now! So long, my friend, and have fun!" He motioned his little head for the other three to follow.

"Whatever," yawned Tugger, running to catch up with Tumblebrutus again.

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "What a jerk."

Plato and Victoria exchanged another spiteful glance before follwing Mistoffelees into another passageway, and yet another. This led them through the lounge and to the very center of the train, where the very last person was just getting on. Mistoffelees' heart began to pound as he realized the guards, after having checked to make sure all passengers were aboard, were locking all the doors and windows. He made a run for the nearest open window, but a young woman shut it before he made it. His worried eyes tried to reassure his three companions, and he tried to calm down long enough to think of a spell to open a door or a window just the slightest bit, but these thoughts immediately left him as the whistle blew for a final time and the train pulled out slowly from the station.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A pair of glass-green eyes stared longingly out the window, watching the dull scenery roll by. Skimbleshanks enjoyed being up here with his owner, of course, but he also wished to be with his family. He'd just have to wait until the train master fell asleep, then he could begin roaming again without any fuss. It was very boring, actually, up at the front of the train. The crewe was silent as it navigated, and Skimbleshanks felt the sudden need to help them. He jumped onto the small table where they had a map unfolded and landed roughly on the thin sheet of paper, causing it to wrinkle.

" 'ey, cat, get off!"

"Get 'im outta 'ere, captain, will ya?"

"No, no, boys, he only wants to help!" The station master rubbed his cat's ears affectionately before turning back to the window. The crewe glared at the orange creature before returning to their previous duty. Skimbleshanks moved to the center of the charted-map and planted himself.

"All roight, we've 'ad enough o' this, si'!"

" 'ow a' we supposed ta work with 'im around?"

"Come, Skimble, why don't you go put yourself to some use?" suggested his owner, setting the cat to the floor and opening the door for him. Skimbleshanks left without hesitation and ran down all the narrow corridors filled with people coming and going from their bedrooms. He had no time to check up on them, although he did greet the few that called to him. Regular passengers knew very well just who Skimbleshanks was.

The striped cat moved swiftly on his feet through the lounging car and past the observing deck, where two stowaways remained unnoticed by him. When he was out of view, Pouncival and Etcetera came out of hiding, and for the first time, stood awkwardly on the shaking floor. It was a little too bumpy for Etcetera and she fell to her stomach, trying to keep her eyes away from the large windows in this particular car. The scenerey racing speedily by was almost enough to make her hurl.

"Don't tell me you're train-sick."

"I can't really help it!"

"Remember how sick you got when we snuck on that boat?"

"Don't remind me."

"That was so cool! You should have seen the look on that sailor's face when you threw up all over his shirt!" Pouncival laughed at the disgusting memory as Etcetera crawled slowly to the southern door of the room. Luckily the entrances were automatic, so whenever a figure approached, the doors would slide right open. This is something that comes in very handy for cats!

Pouncival followed his sister into one of many regular compartments filled with seats neatly placed in two rows. Only a few people were here at this time, some talking or some catching up on the latest events of the newspaper. It was late evening, and as the two departed to the next compartment, they figured a lot of people would be in the dining car at this hour.

They were more than right.

"Just look at this place!" whispered Etcetera, dodging waiters and bus boys. She swayed a bit before regaining her balance, then crawled under a table. Together they crawled under many tables, actually, avoiding kicking feet and eating anything someone might have dropped.

When they reached the counter, Etcetera squealed and hid behind her brother. Pouncival gaped at her, then turned his eyes back to see Rum Tum Tugger meowing pathetically at one of the waiters, most likely begging for scraps. Pouncival quickly turned back to Etcetera. "What's your problem? It's only Tugger."

"It's not only Tugger, it is Tugger!"

"And your point...?"

"I can't let him see me in this condition, I look like a mess!"

"You are a mess."

"Gr!" She bopped him playfully on the head before walking over bravely, trying her best to keep her cool and her balance at the same time. She flashed the furry mixed-bred a geeky smile, but when he cast those heart-melting eyes of his her way, she lost total control and squealed like a teenage girl. The waiter looked down at the trio of felines awkwardly, then slipped them some left-over chicken to silence them before exiting to the kitchen.

Tugger gripped the piece of poultry in his mouth and headed off, followed by a shouting Pouncival and a giggling Etcetera. He led them straight on through to the luggage van near the caboose of the train. Like the coal room, this one was restricted and protected, but luckily Jemima was still inside to let them in. Once in the safety of the mildly-lit room, Tugger dropped the meat and everyone gathered around.

"Jemi!"

"Etcy!"

"Hey, what are you two doing here?" damanded Tumblebrutus.

"Eating," replied Pouncival casually with a mouth full of chicken.

"Does your mother know you're here? Please don't tell me you snuck on-board!"

"All right, we won't."

"But we did."

Tumblebrutus was perched on one of the many tagged pieces of luggage tied to the racks and walls. Some of the duffle bags and suit cases were free on the floor, and those are what the other four stowaways made themselves comfortable on. That's when Pouncival and Etcetera finally noticed they were in the presense of Mistoffelees, Cassandra, Plato, and Victoria.

"You guys snuck on, too?"

"No, we did not sneak on, we just..." Victoria didn't know how to end her statement.

"Snuck on," finished Pouncival.

Tugger chewed and swallowed greedily, and grinned at Cassandra's lying form once more. "You just couldn't bear the thought of not seeing me for a night." He received her sarcastic smile and watched her elegant body shift on the soft bag she was resting on.

"I think someone missed you," she mumbled, pointing to Etcetera.

The young girl was lost in thought as she gazed up dreamily at Tugger, forgetting her motion sickness for a minute. He smiled awkwardly at her. "You, uh, have some..." He pointed to the side of his own mouth to indicate she had some food stuck to her fur.

"Ohhhh!" She broke from her trance in utter embarrassment and wiped her face clean. Cassandra suppressed a giggle at the poor girl, and Tugger shrugged as he went back to eating. Jemima was too busy laughing at her friend's expense to eat. Plato and Victoria remained somewhere in the back, not saying anything. Mistoffelees watched everyone for a few minutes, then sensed someone approaching.

It was Skimbleshanks, and Tumblebrutus let him in.

"Ah, and how are my..." His cheerfulness subsided when he saw the six extra cats. "...children?"

Jemima rubbed up against him. "Aw, daddy, can they stay?"

"I don't think they have much of a choice, now do they?" He blinked, long and slow, and took a deep breath. "All right, I'm not going to ask why the rest of you are here, but it's too late for you to turn back, so let's not turn this into a whole big scenerio." His accent lightened up once more. "Now, is everyone having fun? It's almost completely dark, which means most of the passengers will be turning in soon, and some of them will probably stay in the lounge to catch the nightly movie."

"Movie!" Etcetera hopped up quickly, then instantly regretted this sudden movement and stretched out on her upset stomach, moaning again. "Can... we... go... see...? Ohhhhh..." She placed a paw over her mouth as Pouncival rubbed her back.

Skimbleshanks smiled at her. "I see we've got some motion sickness with us tonight. You rest up, young lady, and then you may all go see what's playing." If there was one flaw Skimbleshanks had, it was being too friendly. This came from years of greeting people at the station, of course, and it's just how the optimistic feline was. No matter what problem presented itself, he always had some bright outlook on it, and although it annoyed the Jellicles at times, they were deeply grateful.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The nine young cats gathered under one of the lounge sofas an hour later. Only a few humans arrived to catch the evening show, so they didn't bother to be too quiet. Etcetera and Jemima were too busy grooming Tugger and trying to be cute to notice anything going on in the movie. Cassandra, who was stretched out next alongside him, glanced at him as well from time to time, but he seemed to be paying no one any attention. Tumblebrutus and Mistoffelees were more absorbed in the insults Plato and Victoria were throwing back and forth than they were in the movie.

"Chick flick," mumbled Tugger, rolling his eyes.

"I think it's very romantic," sighed Cassandra. She felt Tugger's eyes on her and unwillingly reddened. She did not want to be blushing for him, of all cats! Just try to ignore him, maybe he'll go away...

Jemima grinned widely and rubbed her face against her brother's as Etcetera squealed some more. It was rare to catch the two of them doing anything other than messing with Tugger, although Jemima's attitude was more of a playful sense. She knew how much Etcetera adored him. Everyone knew, though, because Etcetera wasn't especially good at hiding her feelings. But, then again, a lot of the younger cats took a fancy to the Tugger, and he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy all the attention.

"Oh, honestly, girls only care about two things in this world," sighed Pouncival.

"Oh, really?" asked Jemima, whose voice was underlined with sarcasm. "And what are they?"

"Themselves and mushy romance!"

"Well, what more is there to care about?" giggled Etcetera.

"Pouncival is beyond right," growled Plato.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" growled Victoria in return.

"You are so superficial, you know that?"

"Oh, I am not. You're just jealous!"

"Of what?"

"Uh!" Victoria turned away. "What is there not to be jealous of?"

"You think I actually care about the way you look?" Plato asked snidely.

"Well, why wouldn't you? I am beautiful!"

"So am I," huffed Cassandra, "but you don't see him looking at me, now do you?"

"You stay out of this!" they shouted in unison.

Mistoffelees offered a tense smile. "At least you two finally agreed on something!"

Tumblebrutus shook his head at Plato and Victoria. "If you two hate each other so much, why are you always hanging out? I mean, you've done nothing but argue since the ball, and you're so different from each other, so what's the point in bothering?"

"Opposites attract," muttered Plato to himself.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Victoria..."

"Maybe they're in love," screeched Etcetera, giggling once again. She beamed perkily at Tugger, who only rolled his eyes in the same bored demeanor and moved a few inches away from her and Jemima. The latter thought nothing of this, for she was too busy picking on Pouncival, but Etcetera immediately stopped smiling and shut up.

Watching everyone, Mistoffelees sighed to himself.

This should be fun...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The observing deck was empty later that night, save for two single souls sitting in chairs at opposite ends. Etcetera was staring up through the glass ceiling, concentrating hard on staying perfectly still. Watching the stars blossom was making her feel somewhat easier. And Plato, at the other end of the room, was staring at nothing at all.

"The stars are pretty, huh?" asked Etcetera quietly after a few minutes of total silence. The train bounced silently on the tracks, and she gripped her stomach again. But he didn't answer. "Um, Plato?" She paused, then went on. "I'm really sorry if I embarrassed you back there... I don't know if you and Victoria are actually in love or not, but it's none of my-"

"-we're not," he cut in.

"-business..."

"We're not," he repeated, sighing heavily.

"Then why-"

"-why what?"

"...nothing, nevermind..."

Plato shook his head sadly and jumped off his chair. He walked over to her, his head still hanging low. "I'm sorry, kid. The truth is... I love her. I always have! Well, I don't know why I keep trying to impress her. I should just leave her be so she can find someone she deserves, or someone she even wants."

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with you, Plate!"

"I know that, Etcetera. But I... I am me, and she..."

"...is Victoria."

"Yeah, that's basically it."

"I know she may seem a little spoiled and stuck up at times, but that's just how she was raised, so you can't really blame her. I mean, her owners probably give her everything she wants and doesn't want, you know? She's just like Cassandra when it comes to that... and I kind of feel sorry for them."

"Why?"

"Even though they live in these big fancy houses with all these servants running around everywhere, they're not really free to come and go like we are. I mean, um... well, take Cassandra for example. I don't think you realize just how hard it is for her to even step foot outside her house without being caught. She's a show cat, so naturally she's probably very well-guarded, you know?"

"I never really thought of that."

"I'm sure the same goes for Victoria. We used to play a lot together, but her humans have gradually been letting her roam less and less, so we don't get to hang out as often. She can't even escape to do the one thing she loves anymore without looking too suspicious."

"You mean dancing?"

"Yeah, and that's sad, 'cause she's such a great dancer!"

"Yes, she is..."

"Anyway, to get to the point I'm trying to make... Girls like that may seem to care only about themselves, but if they were really so wrapped up in material things, do you think they'd risk being caught nearly everyday to come see us? And in a junkyard of all places?"

Plato couldn't keep from smiling. "You know something, kid? You're right."

"Of course I am."

"And I really do feel a lot better, actually." He raised his head. "Thanks..."

"Sure..."

"You're a good friend, Etcetera. Sometimes I think you try too hard."

"...Try too hard for what...?"

"You have to admit that sometimes your crush on Tugger is a little... out of synch."

She curled back up in her chair, saying nothing more. Plato apologized, although he wasn't quite sure what for. He obviously said something wrong, and turned to leave. Her voice, unnaturally quiet, called him back, and she presented him with a straight-forward question. "Do you know what love is, Plato?"

"What...?"

"Love. Do you know what it is?"

"Uh, yeah, sure... doesn't everyone?"

"No."

He blinked in confusion. "What are you getting at?"

"The night of the ball, when I watched you and Victoria dance, she had this look in her eyes that I've never seen before. It was almost hypnotical... the way you came to her... like some dream. And this look she gave you... it was almost like she was saying... 'You came to me, Plato.' And you danced, and she didn't pull away, and your bodies intertwined perfectly like this unreal fantasy under the starlight, and she still had that far-away look, even after the music had ended."

Plato took a deep breath. What is she talking about?

"She loved you at that moment," Etcetera went on, keeping her body rigid and her eyes closed. "Because you came to her, and you weren't afraid. You were so wrapped up in the music and the moonlight that you didn't know what you were doing, and that's when she loved you."

"She... She loved me...?"

"You loved her dancing, and I think she was drawn to you, then."

"Wh... Why not now? Why not anymore?"

"Because romance is fictional, Plato. The ball eventually ended and the dancing died."

"I don't understand. Why are you telling me this? I've never heard you talk this way before."

"...and then the princess woke up..."

"All right, now I'm really confused. I think you better get some sleep, Etcetera."

"...and her hero faded..."

"Yeah... get some sleep, okay?"

He was about to leave once more, when again she spoke up. But her eyes were open this time, and she was staring up at the stars again. Her odd behavior was somehow fascinating to him, so he jumped up into the chair she was lying on and sat quietly to listen.

"It's this magic feeling when everything real vanishes, and all the little things are put to use."

"Little things? Like what?"

"Like, when you've been head-over-heels for so long that you think you know everything about... about him... and then he goes and does something little, but something so different and meaningful that you... you realize you're in love."

Plato watched her eyes stray from star to star, still listening in heartful silence.

"Do you remember when I was playing in those rain puddles a few days ago, and then I caught a chill that night?" She waited for him to nod before continuing, then laughed at herself because even though she was older, she hadn't matured much. Who goes splashing in rain puddles but little kittens? "Well, I... I had a fever, I guess, and the last cat I expected to see showed up where I was sleeping."

"Rum Tum Tugger," Plato murmered, and she nodded.

"He laid down right next to me, and I was so embarrassed because I couldn't stop coughing and my fur was such a mess! It was about the only time I didn't want him to see me, but you know what? He stayed with me for a little while. And... he was actually talking to me... And I'll never forget what he said."

"What?"

"He said... 'I was watching you play today, and you looked like you were having a lot of fun.'"

"What's the big deal about that?" asked Plato, sulking slightly.

"And then he said, 'I wish I could do that. Just do something out of the ordinary; something spontaneous, like splashing in rain puddles, and not care what anyone thinks.'" Etcetera paused and drew a short breath. "I told him... it was only something simple, something I enjoyed... not anything spontaneous. What's so daring about jumping into a puddle, you know?"

Plato shrugged at her question.

"And then he got up, and I thought I said something wrong, but he looked down at me, and he looked so beautiful that night... So young, and lost, the way he always looks... Just a little innocent boy who forced himself to grow up too fast... And before he left, he said, 'Etcetera, you have a lot more courage than I do, because I would never jump into a puddle, and I wish more than anything that I could.'"

Plato cocked his head to one side and stared long and hard at her.

"Good-night, Etcetera..."

"You, too, Plato..."

And then he left the observing deck, puzzled by the tale she told him, and wondering the whole time why what Rum Tum said meant so much to her. It wasn't really what she was talking about that enthralled him, but rather the way she was talking. The way she had droned on about Tugger, talking about him as though his feelings, if he even had any, were important. Rain puddles, hm... Who else but Etcetera would cling on to these unimportant trinkets?

She had this look in her eyes that I've never seen before. It was almost hypnotical...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"I don't understand what's so fun about this," pouted Jemima.

"It'll be a blast, you'll see!"

Pouncival poked his head around the corner. In the small kitchen, the one he had practically demolished earlier that evening, were only two men cleaning up and washing dishes. This'll be easier than I thought... His eyes fell upon his target - the pile of dirty dishes on the counter.

"I don't know how I let you talk me into this..."

"Believe me, Jemi," he whispered, creeping low to the ground, "sometimes I don't know how I let myself talk me into these things." He glanced behind him to make sure she was following, then crept behind one of the empty dish racks before the two men turned around.

"Did you hear something?"

"Eh, no. Maybe just a mouse or something."

"Where's that blasted cat when you need him?" - Skimbleshanks; who else? - "Ah, well, why don't we turn on the radio or something? It's too quiet in here and I don't like it." The man who was up to his elbows in dish-water reached for the radio with a soapy hand and turned the dial. Mellow rock notes drifted from the box, and Pouncival was glad for the noise.

Jemima avoided slipping in some loose grease on the floor and wrinkled her nose. "This place is disgusting after-hours! Why in Heaviside Layer's name do you want to eat anything from here? Eating from strange humans' plates isn't exactly sanitary!"

"Yeah, well, neither is starving."

Pouncival watched as the first man grabbed another handful of dirty dishes from the pile and handed them to the second man. Still keeping low to the ground, he eyed some un-eaten trout on a small saucer and attempted a stealthy jump up. But, as we all know, Pouncival is not a stealthy cat, and he didn't exactly land on the counter where he wanted...

"ARGH!!!"

"AHHH!!!"

The two men stumbled back into each other at the sudden yelp, dropping and breaking the few dishes in their hands. Pouncival hissed severely, immediately falling from the hot stove-top (which had been turned on to warm left-overs). Jemima ran to his aide, helped him to his throbbing paws, and the two of them made a run for it.

"It's him again!" shouted the first man.

"Looks like he's got a new friend with him..."

"Déjà vu!! Déjà vu!!" cried Pouncival, limping away as fast as he could. Jemima followed quickly, then jumped ahead and and led him back to the luggage van where Tumblebrutus let them in. The older cat took one look at the whimpering Pouncival and rolled his eyes. There was really no point in asking what he got himself into this time. Jemima helped her brother make up a bed for their pained comrade, then helped him to it.

"I'm going to go find some ice," sighed Tumblebrutus, leaving them be.

Pouncival was whining worse than a beaten puppy as he bit his sore paws, which had yet to recover from his first incident. Jemima felt sorry for his foolishness at that moment and sprawled out next to him. She nuzzled him to assure him he would be fine, then removed one of his paws from his mouth.

"You shouldn't do that..." She held it gently in her own hands and began a tender rub, messaging in slow circular forms. After several long minutes he eased up and quieted down, watching the theraputic action in a trance. She smiled softly at him. "How does that feel?"

"Nice..."

"I don't know why you and Etcetera even bother to do these things..."

"I guess we just like the challenge. The thrill of not getting caught, you know."

"You're not too good at it, then, are you?"

"Hey..." He grinned at her as she giggled, then offered a gentle smile in return. Jemima felt her face reddening, although she wasn't quite sure why. Then she yawned, and he smiled broadly. "Too much excitement, huh? You wanna rest for a while?"

"Hm, yeah..." She released his hand and moved a little closer before laying her head down, and closed her eyes. Pouncival watched her for a bit, then draped an arm over her and laid his head over hers. The two young cats curled up together in the dark and fell into a silent sleep, and this was the position Tumblebrutus found them in when he returned.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"No, no, it's more like this!" The young white queen twirled once gracefully and came to a breathless stop, watching her friend clumsily copy. "Ugh, you're doing it all wrong! I don't know why you want to dance, because you shouldn't and you can't."

Cassandra's blue Burmese eyes narrowed in hatred. "Well, excuse me if we can't all be as perfect as you, princess." She drew a spiteful breath and folded her sleek arms across her chest, standing royally poised. She may have had enough charm and slenderness to drive any female into a jealous rage, but she lacked the glowing grace and radiance Victoria never managed to lose. The snow-queen was probably born in ballet shoes!

"Just slink back to your castle, hussy!"

"Watch your mouth! It's not like you were invited, you know!"

"It's not like you were, either, and now I'm stuck with you all night."

"Ugh, such a painful reminder."

Starlight spilled through the window and highlighted the small train car they were in. Other than their two breathing souls, there was nothing else in here but a few rows of hard seats. Victoria's figure sparkled from where she stood under the window, and Cassandra's darker body stayed hidden in the shadows, although her blue eyes were icy enough to pierce the darkness. She was staring the slightly younger girl down with daggers.

"What's so great about dancing, anyway?"

"I'm under no obligation to answer that," snipped Victoria, turning her pink nose away. The tiny crystals in her collar shimmered fiercely against her neck and chin, and this was the only movement that came from the room for a while. Then she sighed heavily and lowered her head. "It's all I have."

"What is?"

"Dancing."

"What are you talking about? Your family is just as rich as mine, aren't they?"

"Yes, if not more."

"Hmph, I resent that."

Victoria sighed again and shook her head delicately. "It's not that."

"Then what is it?" asked Cassandra, only mildly curious.

"I have too much, but I have nothing."

"I don't understand."

"The dances are all mine, not anyone else's. I have to share the wealth and the riches, but I don't have to share my dances. They define who I am. I can lose myself when I dance. I can... get away..." She sighed once more, only this time dreamily. "I can escape to my own world where there's no more servants primping me or family fussing over me. No more talent shows, no more competitions, no more spoiled beauty... Only me... Just flying."

Cassandra felt herself flutter inside. She knew perfectly well what Victoria was talking about, only... she didn't have a clue. She knew how it felt to be a prisoner; to be captive in your own world and to waste your time being perfect because everyone expects you to be perfect. But she had no way to escape to her own world the way Victoria did. Victoria could dance, and she couldn't. She couldn't do anything except sit and look pretty for the judges, and that's all she ever did. To Cassandra, everyone was a judge, and she was in a constant paegant.

But Victoria was, too.

Only Victoria could free herself.

And Cassandra watched, envious for the first time, as Victoria waltzed to music no one else could hear.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tumblebrutus chatted quietly with Mistoffelees as they made their way clear from the back of the train to the front. It was a very long walk for the two friends, but they enjoyed the solitude and the darkness, and only a few humans were still coming and going at this late hour.

"All right, Jemima and Pouncival are asleep in the luggage van, and Plato and Etcetera were both at the observing deck." Tumblebrutus made a quick mental-note. If there was one thing he hated it was not knowing where everyone was, especially the ones he was responsible for looking after.

Mistoffelees jogged alongside him through the next door. "I'm sure Tugger's straying somewhere, and Victoria and Cassandra are probably off fighting again." He chuckled to himself. "That's all they ever do, right? It seems like that's all anyone ever does."

"No kidding!"

Mistoffelees smirked, turning his head toward his splotchy-friend. "You miss Electra, don't you?" The question had come out of nowhere, and obviously sent Tumblebrutus off track, for he only replied with a hint of a blush. Mistoffelees chuckled again as they picked up their pace.

At last they arrived to the small engine room where Tumblebrutus' father and brother had been waiting patiently. Well, almost patiently. Tugger was draped lazily over one of the hot furnaces, swishing his tail around. Skimbleshanks, on the other hand, was his usual perky self.

"Ah, you're finally here! Ready for the grand tour, everyone?"

"We sure are," replied Mistoffelees, looking around the incredibly warm room. Large stoves were burning endlessly with coal. It wouldn't last forever, exactly, for Skimbleshanks informed them that a few humans came every half hour to check the gauges and shovel more in. Mistoffelees' bright eyes sparkled in wonderment. "Imagine, something as small as this..." - here he picked up a piece of coal - "...is really powerful enough to run something like a train!"

Skimbleshanks beamed with pride. The Midnight Mail was not only his life's work, but his obsession. Anyone could see how important it was to him to keep things in an orderly fashion. Tumblebrutus smiled widely as they all prepared for the tour, and Tugger only yawned again, jumping down to join them.

"All aboard for take-off?"

"Aye-Aye, captain!"

"Whatever, dad."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Please come back!"

"No! I already told you I don't want to talk to you!"

Plato leapt infront of her and cut her off at the nearest door. She hissed, but she didn't show her claws. Victoria never showed her claws. The way she found it to be unattractive had always fascinated him. What if she were to be attacked by a dog or something?

"What is your problem!"

"What is yours!"

The two were engaged in another pointless argument when Cassandra emerged from the room and slipped unnoticed passed them. Her sleek body moved quickly through train car after train car, and if someone were to notice her, they may have thought she herself didn't have a clue as to where she was going.

But she was running, and she seemed so desperate. It was as if some incredible force had taken over her legs and some invisible voice was beckoning her somewhere she didn't even want to be. She made her way to the front of the train, and inevibly made unwanted contact with the tour group.

"Oof!" Tumblebrutus was knocked clean off his feet, but he immediately regained posture and sprinted over to where Cassandra lay sprawled out. As polite as he ever was, he extended a hand. "Hey, are you all right?"

And as impolite as she always was, she backed off, startled somewhat, and ran off again in the general direction she was headed before. Skimbleshanks scratched his head, and Mistoffelees glanced at Tugger, whose eyes were trailing after her. The Maine Coon turned his head to stare at the small black and white cat, and somehow without using actual words, he seemed to understand what Mistoffelees was asking him to do.

He post-poned the tour and ran after Cassandra.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A loose latch. A cracked window. Anything... The Burmese was pleading silently to herself, searching every little nook of each hall and every little cranny of each car. Please, please, please... Her breathing increased considerably. Just let me out of here...

A sliver of moonlight tickled her cheek. She whipped her head around to find more than a miracle. One of the passengers must have left a window open. She leapt onto one of the hard benches and inched her way up to the small circular window. A gust of wind ridged her fur, and she stayed there for a few minutes, allowing herself to catch a breath of fresh air.

And then she climbed out.

Rum Tum ran into the room just in time to see her tail disappear. What the... But where... He bounded the same bench to reach the window's level, and stuck his head out. The fierce wind blew his long hair wildly about, but he pulled it out of his face and continued to look. She didn't jump, she just kind of... climbed out or something.

But to where?

More fur fell into his face, but it wasn't his own. It belonged to Cassandra's long elegant tail. He glanced up and saw her perched on the edge of the roof of this car. Her eyes were closed and she seemed a little tipsy. It looked as though she were scarcely trying to hang on, like she didn't even care if she fell.

In fact, at appeared to him that she wanted to take a plunge.

He saw her grip loosening...

He would have yelled something to her, but he feared his voice might startled her and cause her to sway forward. Instead, he carefully climbed onto the edge of the window, and keeping a good balance, he hopped onto the roof. Cassandra's eyes flew open at the sound of him landing. He gripped her wrist and pulled her to him before she slipped, and then laid a hand over her mouth before she screamed.

"Cassy..." he began, but he couldn't even hear himself over the rumbling train and blaring wind. He could feel her shaking, though, as their bodies were being haplessly bounced around. Still keeping a hand firmly over her mouth, he wrapped his free arm tight around her waist and pulled her back tight against him. She was trembling out of control, her eyes still wide with some unknown fear.

Rum Tum shielded her from the wind with his own body, but he wasn't enough protection up here. Slowly and carefully, he descended back to the window, dragging her with him, and made his way to the safety of the train's interior. Once Cassandra was with him on the bench, he released her and watched her fall, in a somewhat lifeless manner, to the floor.

"Cassy," he said again, jumping down to join her.

She stared straight ahead at the wall, her eyes hallow.

"Cassy?" Very slight panic crept into his voice as he looked at her in her shaking condition. She was hugging herself tightly, her blue eyes still wide and tearful. He tried to lay a paw on her shoulder, but she jumped a little and he backed off. He had never seen her so frightened before.

"Cassandra, please..." He knealt down infront of her and broke her absent train of thought. She whimpered quietly when he laid his hands on her arms, but she didn't object this time. Her eyes were still glazed, but she was finally regaining consciousness of what was going on. Had she been in some kind of trance this entire time?

"T-T-Tugger...?" she questioned in disbelief.

Rum Tum nodded and pulled her close to him again. She collapsed against his chest and broke into a fit of free sobs. He said nothing, but swallowed the lump that was clogging his throat and attempted to comfort her. Anyone who knew Tugger knew he wasn't especially good at these things, but rubbing her back softly seemed to calm her somewhat.

"Cassandra..." he spoke up quietly after a while, and paused, almost afraid to finish his question. "...what happened?"

"I... I don't know," she admitted, her tears drenching his shoulder. He continued to rub her back, listening as she strained to talk. "I j-just know I w... wanted t-to get... away..." Her sobbing ceased as her voice trailed off, and she closed her eyes gently.

"Get away? From what?"

Her voice was hardly audible now, and he felt her lips murmering something against his neck.

"Cassandra, I can't hear what you're saying."

"I only wanted to be free..."

"...Cassandra?..." He still had no idea what she was talking about, but he finally concluded something horrible: She had unconsciously tried to kill herself, hadn't she? This thought nauseated and hurt him so much he couldn't say anything more. Too many questions were racing through his mind, and he felt guilty about having something to do with it, but he had no idea why. What if I hadn't ran after her? What if I wasn't there to pull her away from the edge? What if she would have... have... He swallowed hard again, releasing her. ...let go?

She was asleep right now.

And the train sped on through the night.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Daddy...?" came the soft voice of Jemima, whose hair was ruffled from sleeping so long. She yawned, blinking a few times, and sat down with the quiet group. They were all gathered in the luggage van once more, and the faces of everyone but Rum Tum and Cassandra were present.

"What's going on?" yawned a sleepy Pouncival.

Mistoffelees and Tumblebrutus sat quietly in the background, and Victoria and Plato had surprisingly not said a word to each other for a while now. Skimbleshanks sighed heavily. It was so unlike him to be downcast, and they knew something bad must've been wrong.

"Where's Tugger?" asked Etcetera, looking around bitterly.

"He's... not here," the gentle Scottish voice replied.

"I know!" Panic rose in the young girl's voice. "Wh-Where is he? Is he hurt?"

"No..." Skimbleshanks forced a grim smile onto his face. "Let's all get some sleep, eh?"

"I'm not tired," pouted Jemima.

"Then... go play."

"...Fine." She departed the room with Pouncival at her heels.

"Wait for me," shouted Etcetera. "I wanna find Tugger!"

"So what else is new?"

"Shut up, lover-boy!"

The three young felines fought playfully all the way to the dining area, through the observing deck, and right on by a few sleeping cars. Jemima giggled as Pouncival nuzzled her once or twice, and Etcetera pretended to gag.

"Whatever."

"Shh, people are trying to sleep!"

"So?"

They lowered their voices and ventured forth in search of something to do.

"I wonder what's in here..."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cassandra's eyes parted slowly. They automatically adjusted to the darkness that surrounded her, but the moonlight that bathed her caused them to tear up from the brightness. Her throat was dry and she swallowed to regain some spit. That's when the memory of what happened nearly three hours ago came to her, but she had been practically unconscious during the time that she could scarcely recall the details. Window... I climbed out the window... I... She blinked slowly. I... jumped? ...No... He... He...

She felt a slight movement, and something slid down her back.

"T-Tugger...?"

He saved...

"Rum Tum...?" she whispered.

... my life...

He was laying against the wall, fast asleep, and she was secured in his strong ebony arms. Had he stayed with her this whole time? What if it had all only been some kind of hypnotical nightmare? She prayed it was, but something deep inside her told her it had all been too real to be a mere figment of her imagination.

He stayed with me...

Her eyes lingered on his gently rugged face. Soft snoring noises protruded his lips, and she felt her heart fluttering all over again. He looked so innocent... so calm... so unlike The Rum Tum Tugger everyone knew so well. So like... the cat they knew he was somewhere inside.

He saved my life.

No matter how hard she tried, Cassandra just couldn't shake the disturbing scenerio from her mind, nor could she fight the way she found him beyond sensual right now... She had to reach over and brush that annoying whisp of hair that swept over his forehead in a soft curl... something every girl had wanted to do. She had to ignore the force drawing her body closer to his: her lips closer to his...

He's waking up...

His breath was so delightfully warm and shallow against her mouth...

"...Mmm, Cassandra...?"

"...Tugger..."

But she could never take back the kiss that caught him by surprise - the one that ripped a young girl's heart into miniscule pieces upon entering the room, only to find one of her friends and the tom she loved more than anything passionately embraced.

Etcetera turned and ran.

And Rum Tum Tugger pushed Cassandra away.

And he broke her heart, too, for he felt nothing despite the countless flirtations.

And the dawn broke quietly for everyone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was raining when the train pulled back into the station that morning. The Midnight Mail had made a full round-trip, picking up and discarding passengers, towing people to and fro, helping them get from here to there. Skimbleshanks had been the perfect watch-cat, as usual, and saw to it that every human had an enjoyable night, but the regular passengers saw that he hadn't been his usual loving, chatty-self. And these same passengers thanked the Station Master, and departed the train from where they once came.

The station was just as busy as it had been yesterday when everyone was in a hurry to board, if not more. Humans were hustling and bustling all over the place in their raincoats and umbrellas, some boarding and some departing the ramps from the cars.

In the safety of the shadows and the crates scattered about the pavement, cats and kittens alike waited for their fellow Jellicles to exit the train. The rain was bleeding heavily from the dense gray clouds, and they did their best to stay under any type of shelter they could find. They were all very anxious, especially the younger ones, and very eager to find out how the ride had been.

Jellylorum, however, was beside herself with hysterics. She had been worrying all night long over the absense of her two children. No, she wasn't sad, she was angry. Very angry. She knew exactly what had happened to them. If only they knew what she had coming to them!

Jennanydots hadn't been too perky all night, either. She missed her mate, of course, but lacking most of her litter made her feel very alone. She was beyond thankful that she'd see them again any minute now, and then she would be all over them with questions and baths and anything else a mother is good for.

So these Jellicles waited, and waited, and watched the humans scatter.

And then finally Electra caught site of a familiar face. They all turned and saw the bagmen unloading luggage, but one was carrying something other than a suit case. In his arms was a small black cat with a creamy face and chest. The man was talking kindly to him, and then set him down.

"All roight, then, cat... Oi still think you used some kind o' special powe' o' somethin' when we was all ployin' cards, but then again, whot do Oi know?" He patted the feline's head once, and sent him on his way. "It's not loik cats can use magic, roight?"

The group greeted the original conjuring cat as he scampered over. Electra, though, broke away from everyone and ran straight toward the train. Even Mistoffelees stopped trying to answer the over-whelming questions the kits were throwing at him to see what she was up to. Then they all began laughing.

She had tackled Tumblebrutus to the ground.

"Whoa, whoa!" He laughed himself, rolling over. "Electra! That was so... unlike you!"

"Hey, I told you I was going to miss you."

He smiled broadly, enfolding her in his arms.

"Out of the way, love-cats!" cried a second couple, stepping over the first. Jemima was screeching with excitement for some reason or other. Probably because she and Pouncival were acting a little more than frisky right now and were tackling each other all over the place.

"Aww..." said everyone in sarcastic unison.

"Aww my foot!" Everyone, that is, except Jellylorum. "Young man, I demand a reason and explanation from you! You had no right to sneak on-board that train yesterday!"

"But mom," he whined, trying to think of a quick excuse, "I just wanted to... to, uh... you know... um..." Jemima cast her shining youthful eyes on him, and he found himself melting. "I wanted to be with Jemima!"

"Aww..."

"That gives you no right to worry me sick!"

"Oy, cat! Ove' 'ere!" shouted a human. Pouncival glanced at the open doorway of the dining car, where one of those pesky chefs was standing. He waved, then tossed something straight at the young tom. "There's for all your trouble, you persistent thing!"

A fish collided with Pouncival's face and smacked him clear off his feet.

"Hey! You finally got your fish!" said Jemima brightly.

Pouncival shrugged it off. "Eh, I don't even like fish."

"...What...? But then... why..."

"The challenge, baby!"

He was psyched!

Nobody even bothered to ask.

A sleek snowy cat gracefully descended a ramp, followed by a persistent spotted tabby. The sites and sounds of Victoria and Plato hissing at each other was nothing new to anyone. But it was different now. Plato wasn't sneering, the way she was. He seemed desperate. He wanted to talk to her. He wanted to talk to her.

"I just want out of the rain," she sighed, leaving him again.

He, of course, followed.

And if this wasn't curious enough, there was no way they could understand why Etcetera emerged from the train looking very glum and sullen, or why Rum Tum Tugger remainded very quiet and distant as he followed several feet behind.

"Etcetera!" shouted a very upset mother. "Get over here, now! And Pouncival, you better eat that fish because it's the last decent meal you'll be having for a very long time!" She was fuming so much that she didn't quite catch his plan.

"I'll just have Jerr and Teaz bring me something, like always."

Jemima giggled.

"Uh, Jellylorum?" inquisited a quiet Mistoffelees. "Maybe now isn't the best time..."

"Why, what's wrong?"

He bowed his head, unsure of what to say. He wasn't particularly good when it came to dealing with the sensitive feelings of teeny-boppers such as Etcetera. Luckily he didn't have to say anything, for the group was interrupted with the departing of the final two cats. Skimbleshanks ran to greet his mate, while the same guard who had found Cassandra before was kind enough to gingerly carry her down the ramp.

"I still have no idea how all you kitties got on-board!" he said gently, and she turned those blue Burmese eyes to him. He stroked her fur, sensing her sorrow. "If you were my cat, I wouldn't let you out of my sight. You're much too beautiful to be roaming around a joint like this! You're lucky no one snagged you."

If only they had, she thought bitterly.

"And if you were my cat, I'd... Well, never mind. I could never afford to keep something as exotic as you." He set her on her feet, and the rain cascaded around her elegant body and drenched her perfect fur, but she was still staring up at him.

Exotic? I'm a show-cat. That's the only reason I'm treated differently. I just have to be special because I look a little different than everyone else. Why don't you take me home with you, please? You seem like a nice guy. You wouldn't get caught up in all that fancy stuff.

"I hope you find your way home, kitty," he said pleasantly enough, and left to help the crewe.

Yeah? Well, I wish I didn't have a home to find.

"Cassandra...?"

"Misto?"

"Hey..." He sat next to her, in the wide of the crowd, becoming just as wet as she was. For a while they said nothing, but only listened to the occassional human swear and the constant splashing of human feet. "Cassandra..." he repeated with a sigh, this time as less of a question. "I don't know what happened back there, and I don't think you do, either."

"I didn't want to kiss him..."

"I got that feeling." Mistoffelees gazed upward at the thick clouds, then offered her an easy smile. "You care about him, Cassandra. You love him. But you..."

"...don't love him," she finished with a mournful sigh. "Yeah, I know."

"What you have with Tugger is something... unique. Special, I guess you could call it."

Aren't I always special, her mind interjected.

"He flirts with you because he loves you, you know."

"Yeah, I know. He loves everyone, Misto."

"You know that's not true. I think he loves himself more than anyone."

Cassandra couldn't help but laugh. Pitifully, but still.

"It's good to see you smile, Cassandra..."

"I don't have much to smile for."

"Now that is simply not true! You have a lot to show for your accomplishments!"

"Yeah, I do. I have a whole room of meaningless trophies and... and ribbons and plaques! What good are they going to do me, Misto? Huh?"

"Please calm down..."

Mistoffelees moved closer to her, and laid his head on her shoulder. She forced another bad smile, but eased up after a bit. "Oh, Misto... I just wish I could... could find something I'm good at. I'm not good as a show-cat. My owners are for me. But if I could just... just... I don't know..." She bit her lip, watching her reflection full of ripples on the pavement. "I mean... You have your gift, and... and Victoria can dance... What am I supposed to do? I can't do magic, and I'm certainly not certified to dance!"

"That's because you're neither a magician nor a dancer, Cassandra."

"Then what am I?"

"What you are does not define who you are. You are Cassandra, and nobody but you has ever had a problem with that. One of these days you're going to realize how special you are, and all the incredible talent you possess. Most likely not today, but soon. And maybe it won't be just one thing you're good at. Who knows? Maybe you won't be perfect at one thing, but good at a lot of things! Exploring your options and getting to know yourself is what life is all about. It just takes some of us longer than others."

She smiled, more heartfully, and cocked her head to the side. He glanced at her reflection with her, and listened to what she had to ask. "And what about you, Misto? Do you... know yourself?"

He had been prepared for this question. "For years I lived trying to figure out why I was different. I put myself through much unecssary torture, and then one fateful day I finally came up with a simple answer. It had been right there all along, and finally I figured out who I was and what I was meant for."

"Which was...?"

His smile widened. "I can't tell you that, Cassandra. It's something we all learn for ourselves. Something different for each of us. Right now you are going to continue on with your life, and you're going to win more medals, but I don't want you putting yourself down over them. You're beautiful, and you deserve them. And even though they're not important, the time you spend trying to earn them can be used to figure out just what it is you were meant to do."

"But what if I never find out?"

"You will. You have an entire lifetime to learn."

She lowered her head at his words and closed her eyes, feeling raindrops mingling with the tears that rolled off her face. She couldn't decide if she was insanely happy or miserably depressed. He laid a paw on her back and rubbed gently for a minute, then turned to leave.

"M-Misto?" she asked tearfully.

He paused long enough to look back at her. "Yes?"

"I'm scared..."

"We all are, Cassandra. That's why we're all here. That's why we'll always be here." He continued on his way, then paused again, and quickly asked, "Cassandra?"

"Y-Yeah...?"

"You've always been free. Don't lock yourself up anymore."

He left on that dramatic note, feeling he helped somewhat considerably, and strolled on by another crying queen and tom. He didn't bother to interfere with them. There were some things that needed to be settled amongst themselves, and he wasn't part of this particular duo.

"Victoria, please... Why won't you listen to me?"

"Because you never listen to me!"

"I don't understand that! I always listen!"

"Yeah, you hear what I have to say, but you... you never hear what I say."

"Of course I do!"

"No, Plato... Don't you get it?" She swiveled on her fragile white paws, pacing slightly. "It's never been about... about our backgrounds, or the fact that we're so different. It's... It's not even about you, Plato. It's... It's me... It's my fault..."

He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Victoria, nothing at all is your fault, do you hear me?" He grabbed her shaking shoulders and pulled her close to him. "You don't deserve this, Victoria... You don't deserve me. You're such a... a beautiful dancer, and I'm just a blind fool."

"What...?" she sniffled, stepping back to look at him.

"I'm a fool. An idiot, to be more precise."

"No, not that..." She dabbed at her moist eyes, and stared intently at him. "You think I'm a beautiful dancer?"

"Of course you're beautiful."

"No, forget that. You think I'm a beautiful dancer?"

"Well, yeah... You always have been. I've always thought you were." Plato was awkward, trying to comprehend. It all began to sink in slowly now. Her endless solo dances... The chat he had with Etcetera... It was all adding up. "You mean that is what this has all been about? God... Victoria! I... I love you!"

"But do you love my dancing? It's who I really am, Plato!"

"No, it's not... Listen, you are an incredible ballerina, Victoria, but you've forced yourself to believe that dancing is all what makes you you. It isn't! You can be good for so many things if you'll just give yourself a chance!"

Mistoffelees smiled a few feet away, listening. V

ictoria's calm expression wasn't that of shock, but wonderment. And to his speech she only had one thing to demand of him: "Plato, I want you to dance with me." She'd been expecting him to reject, like always, or to make up some excuse about the rain and the crowd.

But he didn't.

"I will."

That was it.

No hesitation.

And he danced with her, the way he did at the ball, and his look of longing was over.

And her days of longing were over.

She would always dance, but if she could always feel the way she felt in his arms at this moment, she would no longer have to fear losing herself to herself forever, and she would no longer have to escape to some dream world when a real fantasy had been unfolding before her all along.

Mistoffelees shook his head, still smiling, and watched them peculiarly waltz right on over to the final train-bound queen who was laying sadly in the middle of a talkative crowd of humans who were too caught up to notice her. Like anyone ever did. Victoria nearly tripped over her, but Plato caught her and looked to the young queen. He then caught site of Rum Tum, told Victoria to stay put, and ran over to the wet furry feline.

"Tugger!" he shouted harshly, turning the large tom around to face him. "God, Tugger! What are you doing?!"

"Whoa, what's your problem? I'm standing here! What does it look like?"

"It looks like you're just standing here when you could be over there."

"What, you mean by Etcetera?" He wiped the long strands of mane from his damp face, and tried his best to grin, but it wasn't working. "I have no need to."

"How can you... be like this? I always knew you were nothing more than a coniving flirt, but I never expected you to go and do something this mean!"

"I didn't do anything."

"That's the point!"

"I don't get you, so just go away."

"I'm not going to until you fix what you messed up." Yesterday, before Plato had found himself stuck on a train, he would have never even wanted to take part in The Rum Tum Tugger's life, but everyone's life had been turned upside-down, and now he had to get involved.

"I didn't mess up anything."

"You did! I know you didn't mean to, but you messed up the sensitive feelings of a young girl who claims to be hopelessly in love with you, and although I have no idea why she's hung up on a jerk like you, I believe her!"

"Everyone's in love with me, I can't help it."

"Yes, you can. It's always your fault!"

"I can't do anything about it."

"Rum Tum, listen to me!! Etcetera told me some stuff last night that held absolutely no value whatsoever to me! But now I understand! You probably don't care, much less remember, but one night, when she wasn't feeling well, you stayed with her and you told her she was brave. That meant so much to her, and you can't even find it in that small hallow heart of yours to give a damn!"

"...She remembers that?"

"...Yeah... you do, too?"

"...I'm not stupid like everyone thinks I am."

"Nobody thinks you're stupid. Only arrogant, which you are."

"...So what do you want me to do about it...?"

"Tugger, I'm not asking you to change your ways and settle down. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. But you have to undo what you've done. It's going to take a long time, but you're going to do it! You've made Etcetera feel this way over and over again, and I think she's finally starting to lose it." Plato huffed, out of breath. "God!! Tugger!! I'm not asking you to fall in love with her or anything! Just... do something! Just make a little girl feel better!"

"You're asking for the impossible..."

"No, you're just denying it."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jennyanydots embraced her mate. "Oh, Skimbleshanks, do you have to go so soon? You just got back... I don't even know what happened... I know this is your last night of the week on duty, but can't you just skip work this one night?"

"I love you, Jenny... You know I can't do that."

"Skimbleshanks, I think... I think something is wrong with your children, and I don't know what it is, but something happened last night and they need you here."

"My master needs me, too, Jenny..."

"You're not like this... please don't get addicted to your job!"

The final whistle blew cold smoke into the rainy air.

The bagmen and guards were on their usual patrol for Skimbleshanks.

"I have to go, Jenny."

"Please, don't..."

The rain fell into silent puddles. He looked at her once more, his glass green eyes shining in self-debate, and regretfully turned away from her.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The rain fell into silent puddles.

Etcetera refused to listen to anyone, especially the angry mother who was trying to get her up and under some shelter. "Etcetera, you're going to make yourself sick again! Come over here with the rest of us, all right?"

"...Maybe I'll get lucky and die..."

"Etcetera! Sweety, come on..."

"Jellylorum, excuse me," came a third voice to the conversation. Etcetera caught whiff of Rum Tum Tugger's familiar huskiness and thought she might evaporate right into the puddle she was laying in. No matter how many times he hurt her or used her, she could never get over the way he always smelled so good and looked so nice. Had she fallen in love with these trivial things and not really him?

No, because then I wouldn't turn to mush at every thought of who he could be.

Jellylorum gave him the benefit of the doubt and let them be. She wasn't too fond of the wild tom cat always hanging around and pestering her daughter, but she knew how Etcetera felt, and, therefore, was always giving him more chances. But she was almost at the end of her rope.

"Hey... what's up?" he asked half-heartedly, trying and failing to keep his cool demeanor. Her reply was nothing more than a series of stifled sniveling. What was he supposed to do now? She obviously wanted him to leave. Or maybe she wanted him to stay and didn't know how to ask. He sat on his haunches, thinking of something to say or do.

It was still silent for a few minutes, and for a while he forgot that there were people around him, and water splashing around him, and even the fact that it was raining. Until her sad little paw reached up to stroke his mess of bangs, and he couldn't resist that sorrowful face in that sorrowful position.

"I'm so sorry, Etcetera."

Her eyes were wide, like they always were when she was happy, but they were dim now, like she couldn't see anything beyond her own sad thoughts. Here he was, apologizing to her when he didn't really feel anything, or mean anything. A mercy apology. A pity apology. Anything but from the heart. Anything to get her to smile again, no matter how false, so he could go on with his life and not feel guilty.

Did he ever feel anything?

"I really am, Etcetera."

"No, you're not." Yes, she was so very sad, but she didn't cry, and she never pulled her hand away, nor could she bring herself to break eye-contact. But she offered him half a smile, and it made him feel worse. "You're not sorry. The Rum Tum Tugger never regrets anything he does. But I love you, and you know that, and... I don't know why."

Could he say anything to that?

No, he couldn't.

So he didn't.

He didn't disappoint her, because she expected just the same.

But when the rain stopped, and the people grew scarce and the train left the station, the Jellicles waited. And when his damp hair went limp and his fur dried up and the clouds were clearing to leave a striving land, Jellylorum waited. And when Rum Tum Tugger declared himself to be imperfect from that day forward because he broke the spirit of a little girl that he would have to fix with the tools of time, he jumped.

Into a puddle.

And like always, she squealed and giggled, as though nothing were wrong. And maybe it eventually wasn't. And that's what that night on the train had been all about.

When Victoria danced with Plato and they flew.

When Electra hassled Tumblebrutus for a kiss.

When Cassandra was no longer scared.

When Mistoffelees made the day of a lowly British bagman.

When Skimbleshanks came running back to his love on the hill after having purposely missed the train, and together they watched it speed off with the crewe less the wiser.

Just for tonight.

And Rum Tum Tugger splashed in the rain puddles with Etcetera.

Just for tonight.

The End