The Jellicle Chronicles - Year Six

Windows of the Soul

The closet had a houseguest, and the Triad adjusted. Bombalurina took Galatea immediately into the Family and could not get over how well her stepsister had grown. Munkustrap and Demeter sat back, and could only marvel at the two sisters. 

      “This is spooky, Deme,” Munkustrap said softly, his head nestled in Demeter’s lap. Amanda chose his lap to take her afternoon nap in, so he relaxed and let the day go. “We used to only have one Scarlet Queen, and now we have two of them.” 

      “Not really, Munk. Galatea is still a Princess, so don’t rush things.” 

      “Did you dream about this?” 

      “Actually, I don’t recall,” Demeter replied, her one paw scratching Munkustrap on the chest above his heart. “She seems familiar, but then she is very similar to Bomba. I wonder if I dreamed and thought it was Bomba, and just didn’t pay any attention to it.” 

      “I’m wondering if you should think about this, Deme.” 

      Demeter looked at him from the side. “Since when do you have the intuition, Munk? What bothers you about this?” 

      “It’s too convenient. All of this is. Stealth becomes Prometheus, and Melinshade comes in with him. Then Altaica comes in as my second cousin. And now we have Bomba’s baby Stepsister. This is really ominous, Deme.” 

      “Too many occurrences,” Demeter nodded. “I can see why you think that. Very well, Munk. I will watch my dreams more carefully. For now, let’s let Bomba enjoy herself for a change.” 

      “You mean to tell me Mother told you to look here for your Mate?” The new Princess smiled, an almost perfect mirror of Bombalurina’s smoky half-smile, and nodded. Bombalurina pouted slightly. “How come she didn’t do that for me? She would’ve saved me a mess of trouble, sis.” 

      “Maybe she knew how you’d turn out, Bomba,” Galatea replied. “Besides, it looks to me you did all right for yourself in the Tom department.” 

      Bombalurina noted that the half-smile went over toward the Silver Tabby. “Hey, sis, you stay away from him! Deme will tolerate me, but I don’t think…” 

      “Oh, lighten up, Bomba. He’s yours and I don’t want to fight for him. Although I’ll admit he’d be worth fighting for.” 

      “You’d combat two Queens for this one, Sister,” Demeter put in with just a touch of a growl. 

      “My point exactly, dear Deme,” replied Galatea with a grin now. “He is worth fighting for, and you two would. Bomba got real lucky that she found a friend willing to share him with her. I want one for myself, so relax. Munkus is all yours.” 

      Demeter did not relax just yet. “Then, whom would you go after?” 

      Bombalurina snorted. “Not many Toms unpaired right now. But let’s see. Rumble is only somewhat paired right now…” 

      “Bomba, don’t…” 

      “Deme, calm down. We could have a little fun and maybe get him kick-started to go after Altaica.” 

      “Who’s she?” 

      Bomba grinned. “Munkus’ second cousin. She worked for Macavity a while back and got somewhat booted out. She came in here, and nearly roughed up the Chronicler. And yet, Rumble helped her over to the Nursery, helped her bear her kitten and has all but become the kitten’s step-dad! Believe me, Rumble’s priceless. You gotta meet him.”