The end of the Ball

Troubador stepped aside, letting Minstrel have his moment in the spotlight. He was happy for his uncle, and knowing the leadership would fall to him officially now he felt ready for it. He put one paw on Melody's and one on Treble. His kits would not have the benefit of Minstrel's leadership, for which he regreted. Family, that had once meant so much to him, was slipping away. His eyes caught Terossa, as she grieved for her Papa Min. He knew this was going to be hard on her, harder on her than most everyone else. One ear flicked around. He had hoped that Gabrielle would show before the end, and glanced once more to try to search for his cousin.

Terossa had run to Minstrel, and Minstrel had gently told her this was what he wanted. Troubador was happy for him, as one tear ran down the edge of his face. He lifted his head to watch Minstrel rise, himself rising on his own hind feet as if to help him to the Heaviside. Coming down on all four paws, Troubador re-oriented himself to what was going on. Terossa had slipped away. He had wanted to perhaps hold her and help her, but it was better this way. Too many things, mere emotions ...

Troubador did not know what made him turn towards Old Deuteronomy, but the moment he did the black tom knew the old leader was dead. He felt his heart stop, as he took one, then another, then another step over to the old tom. Standing over the tom Troubador just looked down at him. Everyone around him seemed to be saying things, to be wanting something, but Troubador could do nothing other than look down at his old mentor.

He truly was the last Alpha of the Jellicles.