The Jellicle Chronicles - Year One

The Jellicle Choice

Munkustrap could not lay still. Try as he might, even at his favorite place by the hearth, he could not stay any one spot in the entire house. No pillow was soft enough, no blanket was comfortable enough, and no one location anywhere could keep him for any length of time. His Human, a bachelor in his mid-20s in Human years, could not help but notice. Finally, the Human picked him up in passing, cuddled him for a while, and then briefly scratched him behind the ears. 
      “Got the Spring itches, eh?” The Human took him over to the door and set him down. “Out you go, and be careful about it.” 
      Munkustrap took a brief look back at the tall lanky Human who cared for him. If he were not sure, the Human could be a Jellicle. Lately, he thought, anyone could, especially if they kept a cat. Giving the feline equivalent of a shrug, he knew where he wanted to be and bounded off into the waning sunlight. Down the drainage ditch and under the rails in the Rail Pipe, Munkustrap went at a dead run. 
      Brutus did not even bother to challenge the Silver Tabby as he entered the Yard, nor did he even comment on the breach of protocol. The big cat just smiled. As if he had to guess where the Sentinel was going! If he, Brutus, had a mate just about to birth kittens, well, he would be there for her, too. Brutus went back into his post and curled back into the blanket, leaving him capable to seeing his charge, yet comfortable enough to enjoy the duty. The Jellicle Ball was tonight, and as soon as everyone arrived, he would shut the pipe down and join the rest of the Jellicles. This time, however, he did not relish joining the rest. Right now, he wanted to just be alone.

      On the Town side of the Yard, Victoria lay on her Human’s bed. She had readied herself long ago in preparation for the Jellicle Ball tonight. A fine diamond collar adorned her throat, and one paw stroked the fine leather. The other was spread on her abdomen. Since mating herself to the Conjurer, something was happening to her. If she concentrated, she could feel a subtle change taking place. Could it be? 
      As she got up to leave, she did not feel any actual difference. After all, it has only been a month since that wonderful night! If she were to produce kittens from that night, it would still be another four months. She tried her dance steps on the floor, and found nothing out of the ordinary. She just “felt” different, was all. 
      She again stole out of the house and made her way down to the train tracks pipe. As usual, it seemed now, Mistoffelees waited with Brutus at the opening. 
      “If I may, Brutus and I agree that you look positively beautiful tonight,” the Conjurer said as she drew near. 
      She smiled up at the Guardian, who smiled shyly. Gesturing to him, he leaned over. Chastely, she kissed him on the cheek. 
      “Thank you, Brutus.” 
      She linked arms with Mistoffelees, and, as they walked down the pipe, she wondered if he could feel the change in her. 
      “I love thee,” he whispered in her ear, which sent shivers throughout her body. 
      “And I love thee,” she replied, and then stopped him in the darkness. For a while, everything went away, and it was just them. It seemed like hours must have passed when she finally released him. 
      “The others will talk if we do not show,” he finally managed to say. 
      “Let them talk,” she answered. She took one of his paws, and hesitantly brought it to her stomach. “Tell me?” Mistoffelees nearly brought his paw back, but she held it in place with more strength than he thought she had. “Please?” 
      Gently, he called the magic to him, and slowly let it go. The red sparkles mixed with silver white, and gathered around his paw. Victoria felt the energy enter her, but noticed only a tingling sensation in the bowl of her pelvis. The sensation was only temporary, and was soon gone. Mistoffelees was slightly nervous now. 
      “Well?” 
      He looked carefully into her eyes and drifted in their blueness. He felt both elated and lost at the same time. Was he ready? Were they both ready? 
      “My dearest, speak to me.” 
      “Vicki?” He did not really have the words. “Yes, you are.” 
      Her paw touched his mouth. “Don’t tell me anything more. I want to find that out myself. For now, thank you for giving me life.” 
      Her kiss was tender, but his return strengthened it. 
      “Now, I think it best if we went to the Ball.” 
      “Do you really feel up to dancing tonight?” 
      Victoria smiled. “I feel like I’m dancing now. Besides, I have you near me.” 
      “Then dance we shall.”