Deuteronomy walked apprehensively across the Junkyard. He could hear Zelaphelia padding only a foot away from him. The grey tom hadn't really spoken to her since she returned to the Junkyard, unknowingly as a spy. At least now, Coricopat and Tantomile had confirmed her innocence, and he knew from their words, that he could trust her. Still, during his absence, the golden-red queen had caused much trouble for the tribe. First she was a spy for Macavity, even though she said that she was brainwashed into thinking he was good, then there was killing Admetus, but Coricopat, and Tantomile had explained already that it was Macavity that was controlling Zelaphelia, and wasn't by her own actions, and after all that she had almost killed the ginger tom. Was it that that made Deuteronomy feel like she was so trustworthy? His kitten's words were known for their truths, why not one of his grandkits? Deuteronomy let in a deep sigh, and then silently exhaled. He looked back at the young female a few times. She seemed undoubtedly nervous. The old dusty-grey tom wished he could give her a sense of relief, but he knew he couldn't do that until he spoke to her in private.

They came across his small den, which was only feet away from the large tire of which he would always stand to look out upon his beloved Junkyard and tribe. He walked quickly through a wooden wheel that served as an entry way. It lost several of its spokes, which oddly enough made it easier for Deuteronomy to walk into. The dusty-grey tom looked into his den, it was small with a few crates and large broken appliances, but it was comfortable. It was why he didn't want to take any of the bigger dens, like Munkustrap had insisted. His son honored him too much. The dusty-grey tom saw himself as just an old cat, as it were.

Deuteronomy rushed to the old empty oven that had been hollowed of its racks and most of its removable metal. He jumped on top of it, and sat down. His pale eyes gazed upon the young queen who was radiating anxiety. The dust-grey tom didn't question her nervousness. She obviously was thinking the worst, but perhaps what he was going to ask her would change her mood. Despite the betrayals, the killing, and deceit, Deuteronomy still thought she would be a good candidate for being the next Jellicle leader, but during his travels, he remembered Munkustrap. He had trained his entire life to be the next leader, and if Zelaphelia agreed to this, he would remain the protector. Deuteronomy couldn't do that to his son, but Zela had proved herself worthy of such a responsibility. Out of all the evils, she sprouted goodness. It couldn't hurt to try.

The Jellicle Leader gave a leisurely smiled to his grandkit. She returned it, which made the awkwardness loosen a little. He sighed and spoke softly to the golden-red female, "Well Zelaphelia, you certainly have come a long way."

"I know." She murmured quietly, "Deuteronomy, I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused."

"You haven't caused trouble. You were deceived. We all were, and it wasn't your fault for all that has happened. It was Macavity's. You've been brave young one; confronting your father, battling him. You may not realize it, but you saved the tribe. We would've faced extinction if it weren't for you."

Zelaphelia shook her head, "I can't take credit for it."

"Well, I give you all credit, and you should too. I'll admit I've been a bit iffy about your loyalties, but…through it all, you truly did belong here."

The golden-red queen shook her head more. "Deuteronomy, I have to tell you-"

Not really listening to her, the Jellicle leader interrupted, "And I know it seems a bit much, but I have a proposition for you. The tribe needs a leader, always. Zelaphelia, I've been searching for the right cat for this position for years, and I think that that cat is you. You can come with me, learn the ways of the tribe leader, and years to come, you could be the Jellicle Leader."

Zela gazed at Deuteronomy, looking befuddled and in frozen in her position. He knew this must be from shock of such a request. After a few moments paused, the golden-red female blinked a few times, and then looked down at the ground. She sighed once, "Deuteronomy, I'm honored by the offer,"-the dusty-grey tom smiled, thinking the best-"But I must decline."

Deuteronomy raised his eyebrows, in both surprise and disappointment. Zelaphelia continued, "There's something that I haven't told the tribe. When I let Macavity go, before he left…he said I would be his, and he'd do whatever it took to make that happen. I'm afraid that might result to him attacking again. Deuteronomy, if I stay here, the tribe will constantly be imperiled by Macavity. I can't do that. Not to my family. I can't stay in the Junkyard, or the tribe will face extinction."

The Jellicle Leader's face went into total shock. At first, he could not believe the words of the young Jellicle queen, but as he thought, it made sense. The tribe would be in danger as long as Zelaphelia remained in the Junkyard. Deuteronomy let in a long and painful sigh. It was always a trifle when he knew there was only one choice, and it seemed Zela had already made hers.

"I understand Zela." He said sorrowfully, "It will be quite a thing to let go such a valuable member of our tribe."

She shrugged and smiled, "I'll be around. I'll just be nomadic, like you. Besides, I would miss the Junkyard far too much not to come back by the by. And Deuteronomy, if you must choose the next Jellicle Leader, it should be Munkustrap. He's being waiting for it all of his life. I don't think there's anyone better for the position when you pass."

The dust-grey tom nodded and grinned, "Yes, I believe you're right. When will you you're your leave?"

"As soon as possible…By sunset, as I see it best."

"I will miss you young one, as will the whole tribe, but your reasoning is logical. You're making a good choice. Do you know where you will go?"

Zela laughed, "I have absolutely no idea, but do you ever know where you're going when you leave?"

The Jellicle leader spoke through a chuckle, "No, I suppose I don't. You best go to the tribe and tell them of your choice. Say your goodbyes."

The golden-red queen smiled and nodded to the old tom, "I will. Thank you Deuteronomy."

With that, Zelaphelia left the Jellicle Leader's den hurriedly. Deuteronomy sighed once in exhaustion. He was true to his word. He would miss the young queen. She was, after all, his grandkit, not just a mystical cat, but a blood relation. Exhaling, the dusty-grey tom slowly made his way to the ground, and to the tire, where he would watch the golden-red female tell of her news, and say her final words to them. For now, she would remain but a distant nomadic queen, but a Jellicle cat, nonetheless…

~^..^~

Zelaphelia had just come to Tugger and told him of what she intended to do at sunset. The Curious Cat was beyond sorrow. The only thing he felt was pain. They were in the toms' den when she announced to them all of this news. Most of the toms had left to tell the queens, but the Rum Tum Tugger needed to stay with her. It was their last moments together as it seemed. He would miss her.

The leopard-spotted tom stared in Zelaphelia's eyes. He loved that they had changed. The color of its gold and violet made her even more beautiful, if that was even possible. "So…you're …really leaving…" he said. It wasn't like him to point out the obvious, but it was now.

"Yes," she whispered in a raspy voice. Zela gripped Tugger's paws as she spoke, "I'm sorry I have to leave you like this."

The curious cat shrugged, trying to look nonchalant, "It doesn't hurt too much," he lied, "I'll miss you though. You've been fun to have around."

Zela laughed, "Thank you. You always were a good friend Tugger."

"Friend?" he whispered in a puzzled voice. The leopard-spotted tom chuckled, "I think we've been more than that..."

"More than a fankit?" she asked with her eyebrow raised.

Tugger laughed as he gazed at her, "I think it is I who has become the fankit for you."

The golden-red queen returned the smile, "I'll think of you every day, if you do me one favor."

The Curious Cat chuckled, "What's that?" he asked gently.

"You'll do the same for me."

Tugger blinked a few times, but smiled pleasantly. "I will." He said without hesitance.

"Thanks Tugger." She whispered. Without warning, Zela pressed her lips onto his. He jumped back first in surprise, but then she had stepped back, and they separated before he could enjoy it. "I…I just wanted to see what it was like." She explained.

Tugger chuckled as he spoke, "And how was it?" he asked.

"I liked it." She whispered with a wry smile.

"I did too." He replied with satisfaction, and returning her smile with a sly grin.

With that, Zela turned around and headed for the exit, but not before looking at him once and saying one final thing to him, "Good bye Tugger."

"Good bye Zelaphelia. I hope to see you again soon."

She nodded once, and then padded out of the den, with just a bit of hesitance in her step. Tugger wanted to follow her, and beg her to stay with him, but he didn't want to seem desperate. After all, there wasn't much of a chance that he'd see her again, or maybe there was. He didn't know, but slowly, the leopard-spotted tom walked to the exit, knowing that it would be the last he'd see of his golden-red queen. Perhaps she would come again, maybe not, but he knew one thing for sure, he wouldn't find another female like that again…

~^..^~

Alonzo sat in the farthest corner of his den. It was shared by Cassandra, but he had asked her to leave so he could seclude himself for awhile to think. Zelaphelia was now, again, pardoned unfairly. The black and white tom glared at a wall. He didn't know what to feel. He wasn't sure if he was upset at Zela, Deuteronomy, or just himself. Alonzo was ashamed of making a fool out of himself, he was angry at Old Deuteronomy for not listening to him, but most of all, he felt the deepest and most insidious of hatreds for Zelaphelia. It was the type of hate that would make any living thing want to be dead, if anything knew of its existence. It would make darkness itself shutter in disgust. That was how powerful Alonzo's hatred was. He wasn't sure why he felt this. Maybe it was because Zela had betrayed the Jellicles once, and may do it again, or perhaps he was still sad because of Admetus's death. All possibilities seemed to siege Alonzo's mind and keep hold of it. It was a dreadful burden to feel this kind of anger and pain, but for some reason, the black-and-white tom couldn't let any of it go.

Suddenly, his Siamese brown and white mate walked in their den. Her light blue eyes were bright, but her mouth held a dull frown. She slowly slinked over to the black-and-white tom. He grimaced, "I told you I wanted to be alone."

"I'm sorry Lonz." She said coldly, "But I just found out something that I think you might like to hear."

"What?" he asked flatly. He didn't really care what hot gossip Cassandra had to tell him, but he might as well suffer through it so she'd leave.

The brown Siamese frowned at her mate but continued with a sigh, "Zelaphelia just announced that she's leaving the Junkyard, and becoming a nomadic cat. That should brighten your day a little. So if you have any last minute insults for her, or anyone else for accepting her back in the tribe, or dare I say it, Deuteronomy himself, I suggest you do it now before she leaves at sunset."

Alonzo stared at his mate, as she made her way towards the exit. He was in a state of shock. He didn't know whether he should smile, or feel bad. He had just convinced himself that he hated Zela with every inch of his physical heart, body, mind, and soul. Now, the black-and-white tom didn't know what to feel. Was this really what he wanted? Did he really want her to leave? Was she leaving because of him? That would be heavy burden to bear on his conscience.

Alonzo looked at Cassandra and got up, "Wait, Cass…Wait a second…"

The brown Siamese turned around with a sour look on her face, "What Alonzo?"

The black-and-white tom just sat there with wide eyes, "I…I'm not happy she's leaving. I don't….don't know why I've been like this…I…."

Cassandra sighed once. He knew she sensed his tentativeness, "Alonzo, I think we both know why you've been like this. It's your brother isn't it?"

Alonzo sighed, and sat on the ground, "I think so…."

His mate gave a sympathetic look, and sat next to him, "You remember…Grizabella, right?" –She continued without his answer- "Well, you know perfectly well we were friends before her banishment. She was my mentor and almost like a mother to me. I loved her like she was my own blood, but then…when she was banished…I was angry at her. I didn't want to stop hating her for leaving me. When she came back, I was so bitter and angry that I wouldn't let that hate go. Then, after she was accepted to the Heavyside Layer…I remembered how much she meant to me, and even though she left me, she still did so much to change my life, and I was sad that I didn't get to say goodbye. My point being, if you constantly keep that hate buried at the center of your heart, where no one can get to it, not even yourself, than you lose everything that was really important to you. Because you hold one grudge and never let it go, you remain bitter and hateful, and basically worse than Macavity."

Alonzo contemplated this tale. In a way it related to his own trials. He turned to his mate, "Cass…how did you let go of your hate?"

Cassandra shrugged, "I forgave Grizabella, and I forgave myself. The hate just…went away after that. I had a new respect for her and me."

Alonzo nodded. She was right, and what his mate just describe, was what he wanted for himself. Zelaphelia…he didn't completely know how he could forgive her, but it could help anything if he didn't try. The black-and-white tom got up from his mate's side, smiled at her once, than headed toward the exit of their den…

~^..^~

Zelaphelia was near the queens' den. A few of the kittens were grouping around her. Victoria and Electra were holding the golden-red female closely while a few meager tears were shed from their sorrowful watery eyes. However their smiles would not cease to disappear from their faces. Etcetera was bouncing up and down excitedly as she embraced the three sisters and Jemima stood nearby, and gladly joined the group hug. After a few moments the five tightened their grips once, but then dispersed, sharing an exchange of few words that Alonzo could not catch. Jemima, Etcetera, and Electra started heading into the queens' den. They looked back at Zelaphelia quizzically. She held up her arm, and waved them away, "Go, I'll catch up!" she exclaimed.

The four queens shrugged and walked away. The golden-red female sighed once, and then started wandering around the Junkyard slowly. She looked up in the air and around the junk piles. It was as if she was looking for a memory to keep. She sighed once, and started padding away. Alonzo didn't want to miss his opportunity. He quickly jumped out of his hiding place, and shouted to her, "Zela!"

The golden-red queen looked back. At first she looked completely in horror, but after awhile, that expression faded into a glare. She continued forward with her chin in the air. Alonzo didn't hesitate to run after her. "Zela….please will let me talk?"

She turned her heels sharply, and gazed at him, "Why? So you can just contradict me more? Throw more accusations into my face? No. I'm done with you Alonzo."

The black-and-white tom sighed as he continued, "Zela, please, I came over so I could….So I could-."

Her glare only intensified, "What? So you could just put me down more than you have? I'm done being mocked by you, and by now, I guess you've heard I'm leaving, and I'll just tell you now, I don't care what you think of me, or how you've viewed me for the past few weeks! I do love the tribe, and I am not a traitor! So please, just leave me alone!"

Alonzo nodded solemnly. He could understand her hostility. He was just like it only an hour ago, "Zela…" the black-and white tom started, "I understand and…I'm sorry that I've treated you so horribly. A true Jellicle deserves more than that. I've been a jerk…and disloyal, and selfish. I was only thinking about myself, and my feelings, when I should've considered yours. I know you didn't mean to kill Admetus. I understand that now, but I couldn't let go of that hate I felt….and…I'm just so sorry for doing that to you…"

The golden-red queen paused, as if she hadn't expected that at all. She then just shook her head and sighed deeply, "Do you really expect me to believe that? Why…?" she hissed.

"Because…" Alonzo let in a breath. "…I…well… hm… Zela, do you remember the day you lost your mother, when you were just a kit?"

"Yes…" she said nervously.

"You hated losing her. You wondered why fate left you alone with no one.…I was very close to Admetus, and when I lost him…well…I couldn't stand it. I wanted to blame someone, and…well, I had no one else to blame except you. I'm sorry for that. I should've been blaming myself. When you were young, didn't you feel that desperation? That sadness that slowly turned to bitterness, and that turned into permanent hate…that's what I felt for you. That's what you felt for your mother when you found out-"

Zelaphelia abruptly slapped him in the face. It didn't hurt too much. Alonzo didn't react. "Don't you dare talk about my mother? You have no idea what I went through!"

The black-and-white tom sighed, and stepped back a ways, "You're right…" he whispered, "I don't, and I'm not expecting you to forgive me…I just think you deserved that from me. I know you did what you could for Admetus…So…that's what I wanted to tell you…"

Alonzo nodded a few times and started walking away. Perhaps she wouldn't forgive him, but at least she now knew how he felt, and that he wanted to apologized. Suddenly, Zela's voice called out to him, "Alonzo," she shouted. The black-and-white tom turned around curiously at the young queen. She hesitated, but then spoke quickly, "I…I forgive you. I didn't think you were going to do this. I'm very glad you did, and…you're right. It did take me awhile to forgive, but somehow, it's always possible for me, and I'm happy to see you're like that too."

Alonzo smiled, and nodded to the young queen, "Safe travels Zelaphelia, and may Everlasting Cat go with you. He knows all too well that you'll be missed."

The black-and-white tom turned around, with a grin on his face, and his hazel eyes watering with pride. The golden-red female was brave for doing this, and he would always hope that she would be safe, and guided by archangels of Heavyside. She had a good spirit, and no amount of dark blood would overflow her bright heart of goodness…

~^..^~

The daylight had come, but was passing all too quickly. The sun was brightening the western sky with a dark orange and pale yellow. Its intense white light glared out in the city. Munkustrap looked out at the lovely sunset, but only seeing a depressing ending to a once great chapter in his life. Demeter was curled up next to him. She didn't take Zelaphelia's decision on leaving lightly. It took her awhile to cope, and unfortunately she only had a few hours since the afternoon to do so. The two of them talk a long time, and at some point, the golden queen was able to let Zela go. Several tears were shed, and Demeter held her daughter tight for almost as long as their talk.

She was still crying now, and what was even more upsetting was that she was too plaintive to say good bye yet. Now it was going to be her last chance, however, Munkustrap didn't want to mention it to her. He just wanted to let time pass as slowly as it possibly could. The silver tabby tom shook his head, and let the silence of the fading daylight run its course. The night was coming quickly, but Munk sighed deeply. Demeter looked up at him. Her lovely forest-green eyes were glossy, but she still bared a smile to keep from a break-down. He wanted to comfort her, but then, suddenly, Tugger popped from over the fence and leaped down next to the two. Before the silver tabby knew it, the entire tribe poured from over and under the same as exit as his brother. The Curious Cat smiled at the two, "Ready or not, here she comes." He said with a grin.

They both chuckled as they turned their heads. All of the tribe stood in the empty roads and sidewalks of the city. All with a huge smile on their faces, some with tears streaming from their sorrowful eyes. Soon, from over the gate, Deuteronomy crawled out from the bottom, with Zelaphelia behind him. Her face was bright with happiness, but like everyone else, her eyes were heavy hearted and as wet as Demeter's. The golden-red queen walked over to the two mates. She smiled widely at them both, and headed towards the middle of the road.

Demeter immediately sat up, "Zela," she called in a raspy voice. Zelaphelia turned her head at her mother, "It would be my honor to escort my daughter to the border of the city."

They both smiled at each other and Zela nodded delightedly. Together, the mother and daughter looked forward to the sun that set largely before the tribe. At a slow pace, the two queens walked out of sight that seemed to last only moments at a time. At the last sight of their shadows, Tugger suddenly stood onto his feet with his eyes wide, "Ah shit." He said in a frustrated tone.

Munkustrap looked at his brother with a raised eyebrow, "What is it?"

"I think I love her…" the Curious Cat admitted.

There was a long pause between the two toms, knowing exactly who Tugger was talking about, but a large grin formed on both of their faces. The silver tabby tom burst into laughter, as the leopard-spotted tom copied. "Well what do you know?" Munk chuckled, "Miracles do happen."

Munkustrap let his laughter die out as he watched the last of Zelaphelia and Demeter's silhouettes vanish from sight…

~^..^~

Demeter had walked apprehensively with her daughter. She cried small tears now, and was glad that they had almost run out. The golden queen couldn't believe this would be the last she would see of her daughter for a long time. Maybe it was fate, or perhaps it was just another sign, another moral lesson. This entire ordeal had proven once and for all that it was tough to let go of things, and loyalties were as twisted as the city's river, but love, of all things, could overcome hate and anger in its true form. It always would.

They two queens had reached the borders of the city. At the other side was a beautiful countryside, but no doubt had as many perils as the Warehouse. Demeter would admit it to herself, she was scared of leaving Zelaphelia, but she knew this was a part of a parent's life. At some point, they have to let go of their children, no matter what age or species. Zela smiled at her mother. She had the most gorgeous smile to ever gleam. The young queen's eyes sparkled. Demeter knew she'd never get used to the gold and violet swirling together in the mixed irises. They were the most beautiful things.

The golden queen smiled once, "Well…this is it."

"Yes, I suppose so." Zela answered. The two queens, with no hesitance, joined together in an embrace.

"I hate that I have to say goodbye…" Demeter whispered, choking back tears.

Zela looked at her face, "Don't worry Mother…goodbye doesn't mean the end…I love you so much."

"Oh, I love you too!" The two queens squeezed each other tightly.

Demeter stared at her daughter, barely able to speak, "Be safe, and come back soon…"

"Don't worry, I will. Keep Vicky and Lectra safe for me…. Goodbye Mother…" she whispered finally.

"…Goodbye my darling…"

Slowly letting go of each other's paws, Demeter watched her Zelaphelia cross the borderline, and walk steadily into the night, and not looking back. She knew too well that her daughter was right though; Goodbye wasn't the end, in fact, goodbye was only the beginning…