A/N: Well, first of all, this story is told in Munkustrap's point of view. Also, at the end of this chapter, there is a vote that will help me progress the plot. So, the more people that vote, the sooner the second installment will be added. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Cats :)
A JELLICLE ROAD TRIP
I peered beyond the concealment of my eyelids as the warm, July sunshine peeked through a hole in the wall of my den. It was the day, and I was prepared. Just the week before, Old Deuteronomy and I had thought up a brilliant idea.
Most of the Jellicles just spent their lives wandering around the junkyard. Day in and day out, they lived with the goals of making sure they were healthy and had friends. But, we thought, 'Well, doesn't that get boring?' So, our minds bonded together to create the idea. It was a new idea, an idea that has never registered in our minds before.
A road trip. A Jellicle road trip.
None of the kittens knew, but their parents did. I was the one who had to announce it. To tell you the truth, it brought be great pleasure to see the smiles on the kits' faces. It was one of the many joys of being the tribe's protector. But, my job is no walk in the park, as well.
After I groomed myself until presentable, I strolled out to the junkyard's center, the gathering spot of Jellicles. Old Deuteronomy was there, just relaxing, so the cats knew something special was about to happen. Was someone in trouble? Was there a new addition to the tribe? I could tell that all of these things were running through the kittens' heads.
I proudly stood up on the biggest tire in the junkyard, a podium for Jellicle speakers. It was a spot I was rather used to. Old Deuteronomy gave nodded at me, so I cleared my throat and said, "Attention, attention."
All of the felines became silent rather quickly, for they were excited to hear what I had to say. "Good morning, queens, toms, and kits. I have a very special announcement to make. Our tribe leaders have decided to treat you all to a sort of vacation."
I noticed the sparkle in Victoria's eyes, Jemima's smile widen, and Etcetera's lively tail flick back and forth. Their happiness was all so rewarding. I continued, "We will be taking the very first Jellicle road trip. To where, you ask? We are letting the kittens decided. So, if all the little ones would please follow me into the clearing.."
'Oohs' and 'ahs' were heard throughout the crowd as the smaller cats raced towards me. As I lead them to the clearing, I could her the chatter of the gossiping parents behind me. When we reached the open field, I asked the kittens to gather around me in a circle.
"Now, Jennyanydots told me that all of you are pretty well behaved, so I expect you to act for me as you do her. I know you are all very excited, but we must do this in an orderly fashion. You all will vote for only one location. You all must listen to the choices you're given for the vacation spot. Are you ready?"
"Yes, Munkustrap," was said in unison by most of the cats. I was honestly impressed.
I began, "Before I list the locations, you must take into consideration the travel time. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Munkustrap," was heard again.
"Alright. First, we have a cleared spot in the forest-covered mountain," I explained, "If you choose to go here, the travel will be a bit harsh. You must hike up hills stacked upon more hills. However, when we reach our vacation destination, you will have many activities to do. All the adventurous kits can go rock climbing, swimming, and with adult supervision, hunting! And for the more relaxed children, you can sit around the campfire and count a thousand stars."
Oh, to see the amazed expressions on their faces. It was purely priceless. I added, "Now, don't make your decision too soon. Listen to all the options. Next, we have a city vacation. The travel is fairly easy, and I assure you, the stay in the big town will be safe. Here, you will be able to meet a bunch of new friends and enjoy the night life. There will be a lot of live entertainment and human interaction. However, it may not be the most relaxing vacation due to the hustle and bustle of city life."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Victoria pout. I knew she was much more laid back than some of the other kittens, so I knew the city would not have her vote. I finished, "And finally, we have a beach vacation, packed with all the sand and waves you could imagine. It is quite a long way away, though. But, when we get there, you can experience swimming in the ocean, eating fish, and laying in the sun. The leaders will try to find a spot of shore where there aren't too many humans. I will warn you though, it may be very hot."
Pouncival raised his paw. I called on him and he asked, "How long will our trip last?"
"Good question. We will probably vacation for about a week. Any more questions?" No one responded. "Well, with that, let the voting begin."
I handed out blank sheets of scrap paper I found laying around the junkyard and a few pens to pass around, and I instructed the kits to write down one word, either 'mountains', 'city', or 'beach'. I waited patiently as the younger ones wrote down their answers. They all handed them in, and I cleared my throat once again.
"Alright, boys and girls, it looks like the answers are in. The final decision on the Jellicle road trip vacation spot is…"
A/N: Thank you for reading! Like I said, it would be a great help if you did as the Jellicle kittens would do and vote for a vacation spot! Just leave your pick in a review and I would appreciate it so, so much. Again, thanks for reading!