Tradition's Full Circle

Tradition's Full Circle


By: Ravenly

"Munkustrap, I have something very important to tell you. At the next Jellicle Ball... Well, it will be your turn to make the choice. I shall retire then," Old Deuteronomy said to his grandson in a weary voice. All of the old cat’s years had finally caught up with him.

"But, how will I manage? What will I do when there’s a problem? What-" Munkustrap started asking.

"As the Jellicle leader, your leadership will be true. Now, this is a big responsibility, it isn’t just fun and games. But let me tell you this: Even though your job demands that you outlive almost everyone that you know and love, you will be re-united with them in the Heavyside Layer. Without that thought the job would be unbearable," advised the old cat.

"But-"

"I’m an old cat. I tire easily. I must rest now."

* * *


Many, many years later...

Old Munkustrap had been a very wise Jellicle ruler for a very long time. But his heart was sad. He missed the old days, the days of his youth when everyone was in there prime. Munkustrap wished that his job did not require him to live so long. It was hard for him. It was hard for him to see the stunning beauty that was Bombalurina wilt away, hard for him to see strong and vibrant Alonzo become weak and feeble, to see Mistoffelees loose his amazing memory, to see Victoria grow into a grandmother...and it was hard for him to send his mate, Demeter, away to the Heavyside Layer knowing it would be so long before they were reunited... But he couldn’t dwell on the past. It was time for him to make an important decision. It was time for him to make the Jellicle Choice... This would be his last time to make this choice. He would choose Sillabub, the last reminder of his youth... He still remembered when she was a vibrant, hopeful young kitten. He had seen her blossom into a beautiful queen with splendid kindness. It was that kindness that was able to help her keep her mask of youth.

But even Sillabub couldn’t stay young forever... Her fur dulled, her bones creaked in agony when she attempted to even do the simplest dance step. The only thing left in her to remember the kitten that she had once been were her eyes...they still had that same beautiful yet haunting shine... But now even that shine was beginning to dim, like everything Munkustrap had ever known and loved. He knew it was Sillabub’s time. He lead her towards that magical tire and saw the last figure from his childhood drift away. Soon the ball was over, and he called over his trusted grandson. Wanturn reminded Munkustrap so much of his former self, in more ways then just physical appearance. Then a speech given a very long time ago resurfaced in Munkustrap’s head.

"Wanturn, I have something very important to tell you. At the next Jellicle Ball... Well, it will be your turn to make the choice. I shall retire then. As the Jellicle leader, you.........."

THE END

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