Tigress1

The Taming of the Tigress

by Tigress

Chapter 1: In Which We Meet Tigress

           All the cats knew about Tigress, the shrew of the Junkyard. They taught their kittens about her almost from birth, so even the youngest knew how she made her home in her own secret place beneath the floor and seldom ventured out. They all knew that, in her blindness, her other senses were so keen that she could supposedly hear the fist raindrop before it hit the ground. But there was one cat that she didnt see coming.            One pitch-black night, she poked her dull gray nose out of a hole to secure the place, then crept into the open. She knew her steps by heart; what was the blackness of night to her? Night, day, it was all the same to a blind queen.
           Suddenly, Tigress sensed someone nearby. Hissing and recoiling, she lashed out, in the hopes that her visitor would be scratched badly enough that they would decide to leave her alone. But her paw, instead of inflicting scratches, touched only a wisp of fur. She froze, momentarily overcome by longing, which quickly gave way to annoyance that she, of all cats, had fallen under the spell as if she were a kitten. Letting out a low growl, she turned away.
           Whats the matter? came the well-known voice. Dont you know who I am?            Of course I know who you are, Tigress spat. Everyone knows who you are. She felt a paw touch her back, but she pushed it away. Paws off! Im not one of your kittens!            Hey, hey, easy. It was amazing, he thought, how little effect he had on her. Do you always do this to people who like you?            Oh, SURE you like me. Her voice was scornful. Even if thats true, its worth nothing. You like all the queens.            Well, unless youve converted, I believe that includes you.            Just leave me alone. What are you here for anyway?            Ive got an assignment, and I intend to carry it out. I was asked to bring you before Old Deuteronomy. Dont ask me what he wants; Im not licensed to know.            Well, whyd he think you were responsible enough? I know for a fact...            Hey, I didnt come to chat, much as Id like to. If youre not coming willingly, Ill have to take you.            You wouldnt da- oof! Tigress found the breath knocked out of her lungs as she was hoisted over his shoulder. All right! she snapped, gasping. Ill come. I can walk. At least then Ill have some dignity.            He let her down, and in that instant, realized his mistake. Giving him a backward, triumphant glance with her silver-glazed eyes, she raced off...but in the wrong direction.            Considering his job done, he began to follow her slowly, knowing she would eventually end up right where he wanted her - at the feet of the Jellicle leader. As he followed, he contemplated the young queens attitude. Nobody is that way naturally, he thought. Something must have happened to her to turn her into a shrew. One could tell she had the capacity to be a nice girl, but she had it in for the world. All he really needed to do, he concluded, was find a friend for her, someone she could really trust. The question was...who?
Chapter 2: In Which Tigress Receives an Invitation

           Tigress had to admit it to herself, she was lost. In her mad dash to escape the tom, she had raced into unfamiliar territory. Now she no longer knew her steps by heart, and she kept stumbling over things. Finally, the strong, independent Tigress had to admit defeat. The longer she walked, the less chance there would be of her finding her way back. So she sat down and laid her back against what appeared to be a ledge, trying to decide what to do next. Suddenly she heard a voice from above her head.
           So youve decided to join the rest of us, have you? Weve been wondering... The young queen jumped, then, recognizing the deep, welcoming voice of the beloved Old Deuteronomy, she relaxed just a tad. But not much.            Dont you think for one second that I trust you cats, she growled warningly. What have you done with my mother?            What have you done with Tugger? the leader asked in way of reply. I sent him to bring you here, so where is he now?            So he was telling the truth! Tigress thought with surprise. Thats a first. Ever since Ive known him hes done nothing but lie, bluff, show off, and-.            She didnt have time to finish her thought because, as was typical, Tugger interrupted from where he had just entered from the left. I can answer that question, he said. She got away from me but ran the wrong way so I followed her, because I knew she would eventually end up here.   She sensed the smile aimed in her direction, and it puzzled her, for she had never known him as anything other than an arrogant, annoying tom with too much hair. This side of him she had never seen before, and she wasnt sure if she liked it or not.            So why did you want me here? she inquired of Old Deuteronomy. I didnt lose my mom for nothing. What do you want of me?            What I want, he said slowly, is for you to be happy.            What makes you think Im not happy now? But even as she spoke the words, her brain was telling her otherwise. Oh sure, Im perfectly happy. Im living as a self-proclaimed outcast, with no mother to speak of, no friends, and blind to boot. Everythings just peachy.            As if he were reading her mind, the elderly leader gave her a look as if to say, I told you so. Then he started speaking again. I wonder if it might be a good idea for you to stay in the main part of the junkyard for a while, meet some of the other cats. I know this is sudden, but think about it. You really have nothing to lose.            To her surprise, she heard herself say meekly, Okay. Again she sensed a warm smile coming from the toms direction. She felt a bit flustered, but she managed to stammer out, But where will I stay? What about my things from home?            If you can find your way from here, replied Old Deuteronomy, you may get your things and bring them back here. As to accommodations, Im sure I can work something out. And Tugger, dont even think about it.            What? Chapter 3 In which Tigress makes a friend

           The pipe contained a few more items than usual tonight: a crumpled photograph, a catnip mouse, and a thin, wadded-up blanket which had an indentation in it as if it had recently bee slept in. At the moment, however, it had been vacated, and its owner was out and about.
           Tigress had never before been aware of her ability to sleep under strange circumstances, as she had never before been more than a few minutes from her own home, and that was only to get food. So after trying for several hours to doze off and finding it impossible, she decided to walk around the area a bit to get her bearings and keep her mind off the nights events.            Unfortunately, it didnt work.There was so much on her mind, so many questions, so much puzzlement. Why did the considerate Jellicle leader wait so long to invite her here? What really had happened to her mother? Why did Old Deuteronomy send the headstrong Rum Tum Tugger to fetch her, as opposed to one of the more responsible cats? Did he have some special reason?
On that subject, she thought, what is going on with that tom? She had known him when they were kittens and she still lived with the other cats. That was before something had happened...Tigress couldnt even remember. Back then, Tugger had been the annoying, pesky kitten who was always teasing and chasing the girls. As if he doesnt still do that now, she mused. The loud-mouthed, immature, self-absorbed kitten had grown up to be a loud-mouthed, immature, self-absorbed tomor so she had thought. He now appeared to have blossomed into someone who actually appeared responsible and seemed to realize that there were other cats in the world besides him. What was up with that?Suddenly, Tigresss train of thought was knocked off track by a pile of junk that fell just a few feet from her tail. Along with the pile came a small calico kitten.            Hi, Im Jemima, whore you? the kitten asked, shaking dust off its fur as if to say, I meant to do that. Are you new? Do you have a tomfriend? Why are your eyes all funny? Wanna be my friend?            Tigress laughed. The kitten, Jemima, obviously had no idea who she was. You sure ask a lot of questions. In order: my name is Tigress; yes, Im new; no, I dont have a tomfriend, my eyes are silver because Im blind, and Ill think about it. What are you doing up so late?            You mean what am I doing up so early. Its morning, the suns up, and Im hungry. You hungry?            Starved. Tigress suddenly realized she had, in fact, had nothing to eat since the previous day. Why? Is there a breakfast bar or something?            Yeah. Mungo and Rumple the cat burglars always have roast beef and Misto the magician handles fish paste. I love fish paste.            Cat burglars? Magician? There was so much a bout the Junkyard society that Tigress had yet to learn. Well, I suppose Ill find out, she thought as she followed Jemima up to the tire.
Chapter 4 In which we learn Tigresss identity
           As the two cats drew closer to the big tire where breakfast was served, Tigress grew more and more nervous. She could feel the other cats eyes boring into her even if she couldnt see them; could sense the general uneasiness of the crowd. No one spoke. Finally, an unfamiliar voice broke the silence. Who are YOU? The scorn was palpable.            After the silence was broken, the other Jellicles decided to put in their two cents. Jemima, whered you find a mangy thing like THAT?            Look at her eyes!            She looks as bad as Grizabella!            Keep her away from the food. Shell contaminate it!            What a ragbag! What dog dragged HER in?            The last comment came from behind Tigress. She whirled around. Listen, cat. Just because I cant see doesnt mean I cant hear. And it also doesnt mean I cant fight. After living by myself, without a mother, for at least two years, Ive learned some good defensive moves. I can fend for myself. So shut up unless you want a split nose. At this comment, a murmur ran through the crowd as some of the older cats realized who the queen was. Just then, the welcome voice of Old Deuteronomy spoke up.            Whats this? I leave you cats alone for two minutes and youre already persecuting some unlucky cat? He took Tigress by the arm and took her off to one side. These cats have an unpleasant habit of not accepting the less fortunate. While Im here they wont bother you.            Why should I believe you? They were just as bad to Mom around you as they were when you werent there, so how do I know it wont be the same for me?            Another familiar voice chimed in. Because youve got a celebrity supporter, thats how.            Tigress jumped, then laughed a little. I must be losing my touch. Thats the second time youve snuck up on me, plus theres Jemima over there...she practically dropped a load of trash on me.            Tugger laughed, too. Well, anyway, he explained, I feel like I should have been better to your mom, but shes gone now, so Im making it up by being nice to you.            A chill ran through Tigresss body. Shes...gone? She had suspected as much all along, but to hear someone say it...            We didnt kill her or anything, chimed in the leader. She was...chosen.            Chosen? Tigress didnt know what he meant by that, but it somehow made her feel better.            Thats right, Id forgotten that youve never been to a Jellicle Ball before. As he started to explain the concept of the Jellicle Choice, there came a call from the tire.            Whats taking so long? Were starving out here! Old Deuteronomy led Tigress out into the open, and Tugger followed close behind.            Okay, all you cats, he said. This is a friend of mine, so you better be nice to her. Bombalurina then piped up. Gladly. One question, though. How do you know her?            You do too. He looked her straight in the eye. This is Tigress, the daughter of Grizabella.            The silence that followed was tangible.
Chapter 5: In which the Jellicles throw a party

           The silence was broken by a torrent of whispers from those who were ashamed, regretful, sympathetic, or just plain angry.
           Poor thing. Why didnt we treat her better?            Theres no excuse. Can you imagine what she mustve gone through, just to be taunted by us?            The poor thing must be worried sick about her mother.            Well, whats she doing here anyway? Why didnt she stay where she belonged?            The cat who had spoken that last belligerent comment suddenly found himself confronted by eyes. Every cat in the place had turned and glared at him. He started squirming uncomfortably. Whaaaat? Am I the only one here who thinks this girl is a freak?            The only person who is freakish at the moment, Plato, spoke up one queen, is you.            Nice comment, Victoria, Old Deuteronomy said dryly. He then focused his attention on Tigress. The reason I have brought you here, other than my concern for your happiness, he started to explain, addressing not only Tigress but the crowd as well, is that I want to find out what happened to you and your mother. She went, in a years time, from a Glamour Cat to... He waved a hand as if to say, And the rest is history. And then theres you...you seem to hate everyone. He paused, then corrected himself. Well, not quite everyone. All the Jellicles laughed, which Tigress found confusing, because she had detected nothing funny in the statement. Perhaps they knew something she didnt? She suddenly realized that the cats were staring at her, waiting for a response.            Well, ah- she began. The truth is, I dont remember much of what happened...its like Ive got amnesia or something. I can only remember the past couple years, and a tad of my former life. But beyond that...I really cant say.            The leader seemed a bit disappointed. Well, no matter. Onto another subject: Does anyone here plan to be in the poetry session tonight? Several paws were raised. Old Deuteronomy turned and explained to Tigress, Every few weeks we have a poetry reading simply for entertainment. Would you like to come and watch?            Well...Ill think about it. She was a bit apprehensive about going to such a crowded place. But then again...
~

           A pair of silver eyes and a gray nose peeked out of the pipe. Yes, the coast was clear. The poetry hadnt started yet, so the stage was empty. Sneaking toward the back, she found refuge in an old crate, which enabled her to keep a good ear on the proceedings but would protect her from the crowds.            Soon the audience arrived and the poetry began. There were many classics, such as Poe, Frost, and of course, Eliot. But then Mr. Mistoffelees stepped onto the stage and started to recite The Tiger, by Blake.            Tiger, tiger, burning bright... Tigresss mind snapped. Burning... burning... tiger burning bright... burning.... Suddenly she dropped out of the crate and onto the floor in full view of all the spectators. At the sound of the crash, they all turned...to see Tigress, rolling on the floor, wailing.

Chapter 6: In Which We Hear Tigress Story
           Nooooooooo!!!!!! she shrieked. Noooooooooo!            Whatd I do? asked Misto with anxiety. I swear I didnt do it on purpose! Was it the poem?            It must have been, replied Old Deuteronomy distractedly, but it wasnt your fault. Tigress? Tigress, please!            The queen had stopped moaning now and was crying silently. She appeared to be unconscious. Then, without warning, she sat up and began speaking, as if in a trance.            I am traveling with my mother, Grizabella. I cannot see her, but she is said to be the most beautiful of all cats, and I am willing to believe it. Every day she leaves me to go perform so she can bring back food. In the evenings she tells me marvelous stories of dragons, tigers, and monstrous snakes. She tells them so vividly that even I, in my blindness, can imagine what they must look like. I am very happy with my life. London is a wonderful city.            It is nighttime. Mother and I are both sleeping in an alleyway: I in my blanket, she in a pile of papers. Suddenly, I wake up. Something is happening, something horrible. My paw hurts terribly: I have thrust it into something red-hot. All around me is heat, heat...I can hear screams of pain, of fear. I try to run, but there are flames on every side; I keep burning my paws. Then, I feel someone grab me by the scruff of the neck; Mother has grabbed me like the kitten I am, to try and get me to safety. Slowly but surely, I feel the heat fade away. Finally, I am set down in a strange place. I have gotten through the fire with scorched paws and tail. Mother, however, is not so lucky.            As she pulls me closer to her, I can feel the scars, the burn scars that lacerate her body, and the patches of bare skin where the fur has been singed off. We are both filthy, covered in ashes and soot. It is time to return home, to the Junkyard.            When we come home, however, we find that our old dwelling has been taken over by a group of tom kittens. If we come close they hiss and scratch at us, as if they have been here since the beginning of time. The other cats eyes burn into us until it is as if we are living through the fire again, but the pain it inflicts is worse than that of the hottest flame. We are driven away, to live in the shadows.            Tigress eyes began to water and run over with tears, which seemed to break her trance, for in the next instant, she dropped to the floor, holding her head in her paws and weeping silently. At a signal from the leader, Munkustrap slipped in, helped her to her feet, and led her off, still sobbing uncontrollably.
Chapter 7: In Which Tigress Returns to the Tribe

           Now that the story of Tigress was out, all the cats were head over heels with concern for the young queens condition. Not and hour could go past without some group or another asking to visit her, to pay their respects. However, they were always sent away by Old Deuteronomy or whoever happened to be on watch during that shift. None were admitted.            Tigress lay prone, in shock, for almost three days, concealed inside the broken dormer window which had the curtains pulled. Then, one morning, unexpectedly, she opened her silver eyes and raised her head.
           Whats happened? she inquired of Jellylorum, who was temporarily on watch. Where am I? I cant remember what happened...            Oh, so youre awake. What happened was that you heard Mistoffelees poem, went into hysterics, and poured out your lifes story to the entire tribe.            Tigress slapped her forehead. Ooh, thats right... I didnt say anything embarrassing, did I?            No need to worry, nobodys been laughing at you. In fact, theyve been dropping by to sympathize, remarked the motherly queen, then added, somewhat sarcastically, Especially that one with all the fur...what was his name now?            Despite her attempts to control herself, Tigress snapped to attention. A small part of her was a bit annoyed that she had fallen for the Tuggers charms, but the majority of her was enjoying it. Did he say anything?            Nothing that everyone else didnt. Now, do you think youre up for a reintroduction to the public?            Well... I guess so.            Good. Mercy, you gave us all a scare at the party there. Theyll all be glad to know youre all right.            It was all true. That much I know. Its painful to remember, but its all true. Now you know what happened. Tigress tried to get up but bashed her head on the low ceiling. Ouch!!            Sorry. I should have warned you. Jellylorum helped her up and let her out of the opening in the window, to where it seemed every cat in the junkyard was awaiting her return. Tigress immediately turned to slink back inside, but Jellylorum held her back, then addressed the crowd. Please dont crowd her as we go through. She isnt used to large groups and we dont want to make her nervous.            Tigress found it slightly annoying that Jellylorum was talking about her as if she was not present. Still, she was grateful for the small amount of protection that the statement gave her. She was ready to face the crowds.            With Jellylorum on one side of her and her partner Jennyanydots on the other, Tigress made her way across the stage, the cats parting to make way for the trio. Though her eyes had no sight, the mental picture she saw of the scene that awaited her was the exact same that was seen by those who could see. As she approached Old Deuteronomy, he stood and held his arms out in a gesture of welcome. And there, standing beside him, was the symbol of all that is wonderful, the Rum Tum Tugger. He, too, was standing with open arms.

Chapter 8: In Which Tigress Receives Some Unforgettable Presents

           It had been several months since the truth about Tigress had been unveiled. Life in the Junkyard had basically settled back to normal...except, of course, for the tribes new member. Every cat was preparing for a Jellicle version of Christmas. Tigress had sensed much whispering between a couple of the toms, but it aroused no suspicion, considering the season.            As was the tradition, the small lights that surrounded the stage had been upgraded to a gaudy display, which made Tigress feel somewhat wistful. I wish I could see the lights, she remarked one evening. I can imagine them in my head, of course, but that is no substitute for the full visual effect, I suppose. She did not sense the wink that passed between Mistoffelees and Tugger.            Finally, it was Christmas Eve, a celebrated and precious time among the cats. They did not know the material holiday that is celebrated by the humans; rather, they presented to each other gifts that were priceless but not tangible.
           The ceremony customarily began with a gift from Old Deuteronomy. Imagine the surprise, therefore, when it was not the Jellicle leader but Tugger and Mistoffelees who stepped onto the stage.
           On behalf of our new member, Tugger started, Ive been granted special permission by Old Deuteronomy to start the evening with my own special gift. Magical Mr. Mistoffelees here is going to help me out because I wouldnt be able to do it myself. He paused and scanned the crowd. Spotting her, he called, Tigress, will you come up here, please?            Mystified, Tigress attempted to feel her way to the stage, stumbling over the other cats and making it only with great difficulty. To her relief she felt a supporting paw on either arm; that of Tugger on the right and Misto on the left. She was turned with her back to the onlookers, with Mistoffelees standing in front of her.            Suddenly, she felt a cloth soaked in some ice-cold fluid being placed over her closed eyelids. She yelped, but the cloth stayed. What are you cats trying to do? she demanded.            Tigress, please be patient. This will only be for a couple more seconds...there! With a flourish, the magician yanked the cloth off her face. You can open your eyes now. Tigress did so...and was completely overwhelmed by the lights. She turned to face the audience of cats, and they all gasped, because they could now see the true color of Tigress eyes beneath the silver veil...the brightest, most vivid green on the planet.            Turning her head, she spotted the two toms who had arranged this miracle. The Tugger shot her another one of his killer smiles, but this time, she could see it, and the effect was too much. Her mind turned to mush as he took her by both her paws and whispered, I wanted to make sure your wish came true. Then, a cheer arose form the onlooking cats, starting low at first, then escalating, growing into a mighty roar which illustrated their unanimous approval for the new miracle.            The rest of the evening - the gifts, the dancing and singing, the food - was all a blur to Tigress. She could remember nothing the next morning except for the rush she had gotten when Tugger had hold of her paws. She was hooked.
           It was an unforgettable Christmas Eve. And there was still Christmas to come.

Chapter 9: In Which a Snowfall Brings Some Surprises

On Christmas morning, Tigress sat up with a start. Something had awakened her...but what? Pricking her ears, she listened carefully for the slightest sound, then realized that it was not any one sound, but rather the complete lack of it, that had woken her. She had grown accustomed to the various sounds of the Junkyard, and the silence was unthinkable. It was almost as if all sound had been completely muffled...and when she peeked between the curtains on the broken dormer, she understood why.
           Tigress had seen snow before, but, having had no heart or love for life years past, she had never before been able to milk it for all it was worth. She had never run through the snow in ecstasy, had never romped and cavorted as if she were a kitten again. Now, she realized, she would be able to make up for lost time. Now she had a reason to live life to its fullest.
           Poking her nose cautiously out of the opening, she spotted several kittens gathered near the mouth to the pipe. Tigress smiled inwardly. She had really come to like the kittens; their exuberant nature rubbed off on her and had made her first few weeks with the tribe a lot easier. Plus, she had become good friends with the one called Jemima.
           At some invisible signal, the three kittens raced off, leaving their minuscule tracks in a ring around the open floor. When they made it back to the pipe, the one who had touched it first yelled, I won! I won! In your face yall!            Good job, Etcetera! shouted Tigress from above. The kittens looked a bit startled; they had not been aware of her presence. Then, when they noticed where she was, they waved and one of them, Electra, shouted up to her, Hi Tigress! Hey, tell Etcetera to stop cheating!            Im not even going to get into that! laughed the young queen. She knew better than to get in the middle of a kitten argument. As she stepped outside, she winced at the cold. It was as if the whole world had been put in a deep freeze since last night. Or was it this cold last night? She couldnt remember...            Snap out of it, Tigress, she told herself. Itll probably never happen again so get over it. She still found it somewhat hard to trust others.            The snow was soft and loose under her paws, unlike the hard, sleety snow she had seen in the past. It was a welcome change. On impulse, she scooped up a pawful and flung it playfully at Jemima. Heres your Christmas present, ya nut! Then she ducked the snow that flew over her head.            In seconds, the pawful of snow had escalated into a huge snowball fight with the kittens. And it was contagious. Every cat that came out to complain about the noise ended up joining in, even the elders. Tigress could not remember the last time she had enjoyed herself this much.
           One of those who was woken up by the ruckus was (who else?) the Rum Tum Tugger; however, he didnt mind as much as he might. Hearing Tigress laugh was something he had been striving for ever since she came. If he had to give up a few hours of sleep, then so be it.            What was it, he asked himself, that he saw in her? What made him like her so much? True, she was an attractive girl, but that wasnt what attracted his attention. Was it her timid charm? Her innocent questions about Junkyard life? He couldnt quite pinpoint it.            Sauntering onto the scene, Tugger took in the chaos: snow flying everywhere, cats tripping over their own tails, and- he noticed with a chuckle- Munkustrap frantically trying to restore order. But eventually, he knew, even Munkustrap would join in the fun. He was never known for being a stick-in-the-mud.
           Spotting the dauntless Tigress preparing to bombard Mistoffelees with a snowball, he scooped up his own and tossed it at her.
           Surprised at having been hit from behind, Tigress dropped her snowbomb and turned to see who had seen her as a target. However, when she saw the culprit, her eyes widened in surprise.
           Well, arent you going to get me back? Tugger asked somewhat playfully. I thought you never took a blow without giving one back.            Tigress was quickly regaining her senses. Well, its no fun to throw a snowball at someone when theyre EXPECTING it! Ill get you back sooner or later, though. Youll see. I always do.            That sounds downright scary. Tigress could tell he wasnt taking her completely seriously, so she grabbed her snowbomb and hurled it...but missed her target. Instead, it hit Bombalurina, who was standing right behind him.              Oops! giggled the young queen, a little embarrassed. Sorry, Bomby. Bomby shrugged nonchalantly, then sent her own snowball whistling toward Etceteras fuzzy head.            Both Tugger and Tigress burst out laughing. The mere thought, let alone the sight, of the sleek and dignified Bombalurina throwing snowballs like a kitten was too much. After they had calmed down and caught their breath, Tugger commented, You must be getting used to us. Ive never heard you laugh like that before.            Well, Ive never had the opportunity before. Plus, theres so much to see in this world. She winked symbolically. I never really thanked you for that, and I never will be able to say enough. What happened last night... I never thought it was possible. I never thought Id be able to see. Thank you so much; you and Mistoffelees.            Hey, I just wanted to make sure my best girl got what she wanted for Christmas. He almost laughed at the look of surprise on her face. What was that for?            Oh...nothing.            Suddenly, there was a shout from one of the corners. Hey Tugger! Pouncivals stuck in a snowbank! Can you help us dig him out?            Gotta split. You go and have fun, okay? He gave her a quick kiss before he walked away. Tigress froze, the way she had that night so many months ago, when he had first come to fetch her.            I am never, she decided, gonna wash my face again.

Note: LTeazer wanted me to continue this story but I have refrained from doing so, for her sake and the sake of all the other Tugger fans in this world. Lets just say I would have had to withstand great temptation not to put anything in it that she wouldnt like. She says Im insane. I say shes insane. But anyway, if you think you have a good idea of an ending to this story, by all means send it in.