One of the female adults, Adrelene, came forward to congratulate the parents. She smiled at Seliana, her close friend. “They’re absolutely darling,” she gushed.
Seliana laughed. “Yes, well, looks can be deceiving,” she joked.
Adrelene took her seriously. “How do you mean?”
“I don’t know.” Seliana sighed. “Deuteronomy, Colittia, and Jorynamo have been so well behaved. Since Korven was the youngest, I expected him to be the most cooperative. But so far, he’s been nothing but trouble.”
Adrelene was silent. She stood there, observing the four kittens. Deuteronomy and Jorynamo started play-fighting with each other, and Colittia kept trying to interfere. But Korven stayed separate from them, occasionally letting out a hiss. When Seliana reached out to comfort him, he pulled away. “I can see what you mean,” Adrelene finally said.
Seliana shook her head. “I can tell you right now, he’s going to be the most difficult.” She paused. “Can I trust you with something?” she asked.
“Of course! I’m your best friend, you can trust me with anything,” Adrelene promised.
Seliana glanced around to make sure nobody was listening. The closest Jellicles to them were Mathian and two other adults talking a ways away. “Well, you know that with Mathian being second in command, he will be the next Jellicle leader after Bartholomew. And one of Mathian’s kittens will be the leader after him. Mathian was going to pick Korven to be the next leader,” she whispered. “But after a while, he decided that Korven wasn’t the leader type and chose Deuteronomy instead.”
Adrelene widened her eyes. “Wow. It must have been pretty serious for Mathian to change his mind like that. I’m sure Deuteronomy will be happy to find out when he’s old enough!”
“He might not like the fact that he was only second choice, though,” said Seliana. “And Korven wouldn’t like that he had been rejected as the next leader. So promise me: you tell this to no one… especially the kittens themselves.”
“You’re right,” agreed Adrelene. “Neither of them can find out.”
* * *
It was a beautiful summer afternoon, several months later. The kittens of the junkyard were playing tag while the adults watched and talked. Seliana, Mathian, Adrelene, and Hopewell, another female adult, sat together on the large tire. Bartholomew, whose fur was slowly graying, was seated close to Mathian and seemed to be deep in thought. All of the Jellicles knew that the time would come soon for Bartholomew to go to the Heaviside Layer, and Mathian take his place. The next Jellicle Ball would take place in just a few months, and everyone was wondering if Bartholomew would be the next chosen.
Seliana contentedly watched as the kittens played with each other. Their bedtime was very soon, and she dreaded telling them that it was time to stop their game; they seemed to be having such a great time.
Mathian nudged her. She looked up. “When should we tell them?” he whispered.
“Tell them what?”
Mathian laughed. Seliana loved his laugh. He always made it seem he was laughing with you, and not at you. “The only thing we’ve been talking about since they were born,” he said, still not telling Seliana the answer.
Seliana nodded, understanding. She and Mathian had been holding off on telling their kittens who was the next chosen leader. “Not tonight,” she answered. “I don’t think they’re old enough to appreciate the honor.”
“Oh, you never know,” replied Mathian. “Our young Deuteronomy seems like the mature type. I don’t know about Colittia, Jorynamo, and Korven, but Deuteronomy will understand.”
“Please, Mathian,” begged Seliana. “Can’t it wait until the next Jellicle Ball?”
Mathian cocked his head. “Why are you so hesitant, my love?”
“I… I don’t know…” Seliana looked away.
Mathian settled down next to his mate. “Look… they have to know sooner or later. And I’d rather it be sooner, so that Deuteronomy can start taking some of his responsibilities and getting used to his job-to-be.” He locked eyes with Seliana. “It’s the best way,” he promised.
Seliana sighed, then smiled. “I suppose you know what’s best for our young ones,” she said.
Mathian ruffled her fur playfully. “I knew you’d see it the same way. I’ll be right back, along with our four little ones.” He leaped off the tire and joined the kittens.
Adrelene scooted closer to Seliana on the tire. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Mathian,” she said.
Seliana laughed at her friend. “You can’t help but overhear anything, can you?”
Adrelene grinned sheepishly. “I have big ears. What can I say?” she giggled. “Well, anyway… why are you so hesitant to tell your kittens of the honor?”
“I don’t really know…” Seliana tried to avoid Adrelene’s gaze.
“Oh, yes you do,” insisted Adrelene. She inched a bit closer.
Seliana laughed again. “You have a way of seeing right through people as well!” After a while, she said, “You’re right, there is a reason. I’m afraid for them.”
“Afraid?” echoed Adrelene in surprise. “Now why in the Heaviside should you be afraid for them?”
“I’m afraid of how they’ll take it,” answer Seliana. “Jorynamo might be crushed he wasn’t chosen. The honor might go to Deuteronomy’s head. Colittia shouldn’t mind. She knew from the start that one of her brothers would be selected. But Korven… he might be angry he wasn’t chosen. And if he ever finds out about… about what I told you that one time… he’ll be even angrier. My three little boys are so excited and anxious to know it’s them. Korven especially. And that kitten is such a mystery… I have no idea how he’ll take it.”
Adrelene put a paw supportively on Seliana’s shoulder. “I suppose you’re right to have your worries. But Mathian knows best… he’s a smart tom, he knows what he’s doing.”
Seliana sighed. “I certainly hope so.”
* * *
“Tag! You’re it!” crowed Korven triumphantly as he pulled Colittia’s tail. He automatically turned and ran for the safety of a nearby tire.
Colittia rubbed her sore tail and stuck her tongue out at her brother. “You won’t get away so easy!” she called. But when she turned, Korven was nowhere to be found.
“Rats. Lost him,” she muttered.
“Ha ha! Betcha can’t get me!” taunted a voice behind her.
Colittia whirled around to see who the owner of the voice was. She came almost face-to-face with another grinning kitten, by the name of Tomi. “You’ll regret that!” she cried, grinning mischievously. She lunged at the tom in a desperate attempt to tag him. But Tomi expertly darted out of the way.
Out of the corner of her eye, Colittia saw Deuteronomy and another female kitten, Julianot, running past her. “You’re pretty fast. But not fast enough! Ha!” yelled Colittia. She took off after the two kittens.
Deuteronomy and Julianot kept on running. Every once in a while Julianot would look behind her, discover that Colittia was slowly advancing, and let out a shriek. Colittia grinned mischievously, knowing that she would have them cornered in a bit. Suddenly Julianot veered away, and ran in the opposite direction. Colittia was left chasing only her older brother. “You’ll never get away!” she called.
Deuteronomy laughed. “That’s what you think!” He started running faster, taking Colittia in circles around the junkyard.
Colittia was beginning to tire. She started to pant. “Deut… Deuteronomy, you’re going too fast!”
Deuteronomy turned around for only a second to say, “That’s the idea!” Then he continued full-speed ahead, colliding into an adult cat.
“Oof!” cried the other cat, startled. They fell to the ground, tangled up in each other.
Deuteronomy found his breath long enough to say, “Oh! I’m so sorry, so very sorry.” He tried to move his leg, which was trapped under the other cat’s body.
The adult cat coughed. “You better be sorry!” he said in a joking tone of voice.
Deuteronomy gasped. He recognized that voice…
“D-Dad?” he stammered. He squirmed around until he was finally free.
The adult tom shook himself, then stood up to full height, and peered down to reveal the proud face of Mathian. He grinned. “That’s me.”
Deuteronomy avoided his father’s gaze, thinking that he’d be angry. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
“Don’t worry about it,” assured Mathian. “Now, get your brothers and sister and meet your mother and me behind the tire.” He winked. “We have some important news for you.”
Deuteronomy grinned. He had a feeling what the news was about. “We’ll be right there,” he promised.
Mathian nodded his slow, knowing nod. Then he turned and walked back to the tire where Seliana was waiting for him.
Deuteronomy stood, transfixed, at his father. He knew that Mathian was someone of big importance, and Deuteronomy hoped that someday he would be looked up to in the same way.
“Hey, graceful, what was that all about?” called one of the kittens.
Deuteronomy turned around to be faced with all the kittens of the junkyard. “Uh… I…”
Jorynamo jumped up with his arms up in a “field goal” position. “And the judges give it a 10!” he yelled.
“Good going, running smack-dab into the second most important Jellicle in the tribe,” said Korven sarcastically.
“I didn’t see him!” protested Deuteronomy.
Tomi laughed. “Suuuure, you didn’t.”
“Hey you guys, lay off him,” warned Colittia. “It’s not his fault, really. I was chasing him.”
“Whatever.” Tomi waved his paw in the air with a ‘who cares?’ attitude. “Let’s just finish up our game of tag.”
Deuteronomy shook his head. “We can’t. Korven, Jorynamo, Colittia, and I have to go meet up with our parents. Mathian said they had some important news.”
Korven’s eyes sparkled. “Maybe he’s going to announce the next Jellicle leader after him!”
“I have a feeling that’s exactly what it is.” Deuteronomy smiled.
“You guys are so lucky,” said Tomi with a hint of jealousy. “You’re the kittens of Mathian, ‘Great Jellicle Leader’. You at least have a shot at being the next leader.”
“I don’t,” said Colittia quietly. “They don’t choose girls.” She looked at the ground.
Tomi put an arm around her. “It’s okay, Colli. I guess we’re in the same situation then. I know how you feel.”
Colittia smiled at Tomi. “Thanks.” Tomi could really be a jerk sometimes, but he sure was nice to her.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” asked Korven. “Let’s go find out what this is all about!” He started running in the direction of the tire. Jorynamo shrugged, then took off after him. The kittens that weren’t Mathian’s left silently, except for Tomi.
Only Deuteronomy, Colittia, and Tomi stayed behind. Deuteronomy smiled at Colittia. “Thanks for standing up for me.”
Colittia grinned. “Hey, no problem Deut. I’m your sister. Never forget that in your glory.”
“What do you mean?” asked Deuteronomy, surprised.
“You know exactly what I mean,” insisted Colittia. “I’m sure that you will be the next one chosen.”
Deuteronomy smiled. “Wow, thanks. That really means a lot to me. You’re probably wrong, but thanks.” He started to turn and walk away.
“Hey, Deut,” called Tomi after him.,
Deuteronomy turned around. “Yeah?”
Tomi grinned. “Hey, no hard feelings, okay? Good luck.”
Deuteronomy laughed. “All right. And thanks.” He continued walking towards the tire.
Colittia gave Tomi one last, knowing glance. “I’ll let you know how it goes,” she promised him. Then she took off after her brother.
* * *
The entire junkyard was silent. Everyone was hushed, knowing that the leader of the third generation was being chosen at that very moment. Even Adrelene wasn’t her usual talkative self. She had shepherded her three kittens, Julianot, Tomi, and Marinsta into their lair. Her mate, Dimeon, was watching over them. Adrelene stayed outside, eyes transfixed on the tire where Mathian and his family were.
Inside the tire, Mathian and Seliana’s four kittens sat across from their parents. All was quiet, until Mathian broke the silence. “Now, I suppose you’re all wondering why you’re here,” he said.
Jorynamo grinned. “Skip the dramatics, dad. Just get to it!”
Mathian raised his eyebrows. “Get to what, son?” he asked. Jorynamo was silent. “Okay,” continued Mathian, “do you mind telling me why you are here, Jory?”
“Um…” Jorynamo felt uncomfortable, being put on the spot. “I guess so… We all think that we’re here because you’re going to tell us who the next leader will be?”
Mathian folded his arms and smiled mysteriously. “Oh, you think that’s the reason?”
“I suppose…”
Seliana laughed. “Just tell them, dear! You’re confusing the poor things out of their wits!”
“You said it, mom,” muttered Joryamo. The other kittens gave murmured agreements.
“I shouldn’t even need to be here,” said Colittia suddenly. “A girl has never been chosen to lead the Jellicle tribe… it’s just not done!”
“And why shouldn’t I be the first one to select a queen?” questioned Mathian. “What’s wrong with having a girl leader?”
“That’s what I’d like to know!”
Mathian smiled his mysterious smile; the kind that says, ‘I know something you don’t know’. “You have all been wonderful candidates for the next Jellicle leader,” he started. “Even you, Colittia.” At this, Colittia blushed.
“You all have qualities that this tribe could use in a leaader,” continued Mathian. “Jorynamo, you have great debate skills. You have that way of talking, like you’re always completely sure of yourself. We need a leader who always seems to have the right answer.” Jorynamo grinned, pleased.
“And Korven,” said Mathian. “You have remarkable perseverance. Once you have an idea or a goal, you do everything you can to pursue it. That’s an important leadership quality.” Korven smiled.
“And Colittia.” Mathian grinned down at his only daughter. “My dear, sweet Colittia. You are exactly the kind of leader this tribe needs. You are honest, trustworthy, not quick to judge others, and possess amazing listening skills. You’re always someone this tribe can turn to if they need someone to listen to. If I were allowed to pick a female leader, you would be the one I would choose.” Colitia blushed again, and grinned.
“But Deuteronomy,” said Mathian. He smiled at his oldest. “Deuteronomy is perfect leadership material. He is also honest and trustworthy, a good speaker, the kind that Jellicles will want to listen to, and he has an aura around him that demands respect. Although that does not stop him from respecting others as well. He never stops coming up with good ideas, and is not afraid to carry them out.” He paused dramatically. “So, my beloved kittens, may I present the Jellicles’ third generation leader… Deuteronomy!”
Deuteronomy’s mouth fell open. He was speechless.
Colittia laughed and squeezed her brother in a tight hug. “I knew it!” she cried happily. “Congrats, big bro!”
“Wow… wow,” Deuteronomy finally managed to say. He grinned up at Mathian. “Thank you, this really means a lot to me.”
Mathian patted his son’s shoulder. “I know you’ll do a wonderful job,” he assured him.
“Way to go Deut!” Jorynamo crowed as he pounced on Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy laughed as he shoved his brother off.
“Yeah, congratulations,” mumbled Korven.
“Now, now Korven,” said Mathian in a warning tone. “Your brother just got awarded the highest honor in the whole tribe. Is that all you have to say?”
“I guess so.” Korven turned and slunk out of the tire.
Deuteronomy sighed. “He really wanted this honor, probably more than I did.”
There was an awkward silence. Then Seliana smiled and said, “Come now. We’ll announce this to the rest of the Jellicles. Then we will celebrate!”
* * *
Korven was in a daze. He didn’t know why he hadn’t been chosen. I’d make just as good a leader as stupid Deuteronomy… probably even better! Why, why, why, why…? He kicked a pebble with his foot as he wandered aimlessly around the edges of the junkyard.
It was beyond him why Mathian had selected Deuteronomy. Dumb old Deuteronomy wouldn’t know leadership if it came up and hissed in his face. But Korven… as far as he could see, he was a natural born leader.
“Why him? Why not ME??” Korven shouted. His cry was lost in the wind.
He had wanted that honor more than anybody… and Deuteronomy and Mathian knew it! They knew it all along, but Mathian had to go on and pick his dumb brother! Deuteronomy probably didn’t even care that he was the new leader. He probably didn’t care that Korven had wanted it more. Nobody loved him, nobody cared…
Korven finally came face to face with the very exit of the junkyard. He had never dared to venture outside of his beloved home. But now… he was wondering if it would be better outside rather than in. He pressed his paws to the metal on the fence. He hesitated for a moment, and turned his head to look back.
Deuteronomy was surrounded by every single Jellicle, being congratulated for a job well done. And he looked like he was loving every moment of it.
“They won’t even miss me if I leave,” Korven told himself. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he knew they must be true. A tear slowly trickled down his cheek, and landed at his feet.
Without further hesitation, Korven shoved the rusty gate open, and ran out into the great unknown.
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