The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Five

Tugger Fifth

Demeter’s day had arrived. Amanda was beginning to eat solid food, and that meant being able to leave the Nursery. And just in time, Demeter thought. Poor Jellylorum! Being the resident Matron of the Nursery and Infirmary, she needed the time off for a while. But, Demeter knew she would not get it. Anytime now, the First Queen thought, the next set of little ones would be coming through the door. 

      As a Seeress, Demeter dreamed often. Some, she could tell, were just her mind’s fantasies and problem-solvers. When one was important, she would find something special as a sign. Last night, she dreamed something about seeing too many Tuggers, and knew that Silvana was about due. 

      “Jelly?” 

      The Matron was sitting at her “desk,” a pillow arrangement in the very rear “corner” of the overturned bathtub. Her ongoing duty was to keep the Jellicle herb gardens, maintain their dietary and medicinal inventory, to care for any sick or injured, and to care for the Tribe’s Town kittens. Right now, Jellylorum had a “trainee” for that purpose. Pettipaws, Rumpleteazer’s daughter, loved to play with Jellylorum’s kittens, Althea and Jonathan. The only other Town kitten was Adonis, son of Mistoffelees and Victoria. Demeter felt saddened when she thought of the junior Conjurer - especially after hearing the story Rumblepurr had related last moon. 

      The Butter Calico Matron got up from her pillow and walked easily over to Demeter and her kitten. The bright-eyed gold and black toddler smiled at the Matron, a chirp of “Hi” bubbling from her lips. Jellylorum could not help but smile, and stroke the little female. 

      “I think it’s time I went home, Jelly,” Demeter said, hoisting Amanda up into Jellylorum’s arms. “Besides, someone else is going to need you - very soon.” 

      “Yes, I know,” Jellylorum replied, giving Amanda a hug, and handing her back to Demeter. “Silvana is about to unleash a pair of Tuggers on the Tribe.” 

      “Oh, Blessed Cat! I was hoping I was wrong.” 

      “Let me guess, Deme. You saw it in your dreams last night.” 

      “Nightmares, more like it! No matter where I went in the Yard, there was a Tugger. The colors may have changed, but I had no doubt it was a Tugger.” 

      “If the Master would only claim us now and save us,” Jellylorum giggled. 

      “Sometime today, Jelly,” Demeter said, patting the Healer on the shoulder. 

      “Have you dreamed anything more on Tailkinker?” 

      Demeter smiled. “I got a wonderful one before the Tuggers descended upon me. You know I have had a dream where I dance with my kitten and with Tailkinker’s. Last night, after the dance, she came to me, hugged me, and said 'I’m coming to see you at last!' 

      Nodding, Jellylorum began fluffing up a second pillow. “When you go back, I want you to march Tailkinker right back here. This time, I’m making sure that kitten is born proper! I’ll do it even if I have to tie her down and force feed her!” 

      The First Queen giggled. “You would, too.” 

      “You’re darn right, Deme. That little lady has had enough problems. If I ever go back into her mind, I want to see that garden growing green again.” 

      Demeter looked shocked. “You know about that?” 

      “I was there when Tailkinker tried to end it all, Deme. Brutus needed a Healer to go with him, and Cassandra put me in there.”