Citrus Tiberius Junior The Third was from a long line of fine ancestry. He once traced his family tree back to the wild cats of Africa. He had a fine coat of white and honey markings that denoted that regal lineage. That made him proud and gave him good bearing and strength. It helped him knowing he was descended from ancient stock, the wild cats of Africa were noble beasts. He too felt noble on the inside, but there was also something lacking. Something not quite right in his eyes, as who would know of his DNA links to such great personages? No, it wasn't enough for him to know it himself, he wanted others to know it too.VFor Citrus had many faults as all living creatures do making their way in the world, and chief of his was vanity.
So after telling anyone who would listen about his findings, he soon understood others weren't really interested. To him they still saw the same small but sleek and powerful frame. The same white muzzle with unusual face markings admittedly, but others had those too. He didn't stand out enough as he wanted to, and he wasn't cutting the dashing figure he'd really aspired to. So Citrus did his research and decided he needed more. It wasn't enough just to be himself. Not if he had to go around declaring at every turn how he had the genes from the King Of Beasts in his veins. Others were amused or bored, even on very odd occasions Intrigued by his pronouncements, but seldom did they stay around long. He needed to be noticed for what and who he was. He needed some cosmetic help. It would be costly, but it would be an investment, one he felt would be worth having. So he researched further, delved deeper and sought answers. Meanwhile, he saved up. He was even willing to forego the pouched cat food he liked for the cheaper tinned stuff. He gave up his cat biscuits and treats. He was so determined to be something better than who he was now, that he stayed indoors and didn't spend any of his allowance.
It was some time before Citrus could persuade his owner that his choices were made based on sound judgement. He was determined that he wanted this. In fact, so determined was he that he made himself miserable in believing just how much he wanted it. In doing nothing, and Eating poorly, he just became more miserable still. And this misery he then attributed to his dissatisfaction, and his need just got greater. He didn't seek advice from others, it was his life and therefore his choice. And as humans, as We all know, are manipulated and played for sentimental pussies by all felines, especially the ones they've chosen to adopt... Citrus got his way. His owner relented and used all his savings to buy him a majestic looking mane. The advert said it was made from real life lion's fur, and was not only waterproof but fade resistant too. And Citrus was very happy once they won their bid and the item was dispatched from none other than Africa though the seller and manufacturers were based in China apparently).
The day Citrus Tiberius Junior was fitted for his mane was the proudest day of his life. He felt he was coming into his own. He felt as his favourite film's tagline said, On top of the world!". He didn't have to hang oft a ships rail with his paws soaring in the wind pretending he was flying He just had to follow his nose to the nearby beach and sit on the great wooden posts letting the breeze tussle his fantastic new mane. Flying was for birds, and that was way too far beneath him. He was a King's progeny. He had regal bearing, royal blood... and with his new mane it was obvious. He wouldn't have to explain why he was as he was, it would be obvious. He Would be charismatic, exciting and majestic. His mane was the lifeblood of what made him different and important. It made him who he was. Who he wanted to be and how he wished to show himself to the world. Once on, he was never going to be caught out in public without it ever again. It fit him like a glove. Citrus was purring with satisfaction and glee.
It was claimed by some jealous felines that he looked like Beyonce meets the Lion King He didn't mind, as in fact he was in his head a Lion King indeed. So he let them have their fun, he still felt good and proud. He drew attention and all eyes turned on him when. Went out in public. Humans didn't understand o course, but they made a huge fuss of him. He liked the attention. Other cats, who are curious as a species by nature, asked him further about his peculiar penchant for wearing such a bold and daring hair extension. They didn't really understand the purpose of it, and Citrus started too get frustrated as he was explaining himself just as much as before. He wasn't getting the respect and idolatry that said mane should have garnished. He felt a bit cheated in truth. It looked real enough, and he wondered why they sniggered and still avoided him. It hadn't been the magical solution he had hoped it would be. And weeks later he prowled the floors of home in the dumps feeling blue. It hadn't worked to impress them. He was deflated.
He wore it every day at home. It became a part of him. When he looked in the mirror he saw himself and purred. It made his whiskers tremble. It gave him strength and resilience. And one fine morning, when the sun poured through the window, his mane lit up all golden and magnificent. And Citrus felt great. He felt like he should, regal and himself. Not for them, not for showing off, but because his mane was who he was. It was a part of him, just as much as his tail or his fine white paws. He thought about it and damn did he feel fine and better than he ever had before. He jumped out the catflap, climbed the nearest tree sunbathed a little and then went to walk off his lethargy. And as he paced he was taller, he was graceful and when asked about his mane he didn't say why he was wearing it. He didn't go into chapter and verse on his ancient lineage and why they should show him respect. Instead he just said to them, " because it's part of who I am, I'm me and unique and I feel good wearing it. I feel right in this mane" To which he got a lot of respect and many more genuine friends who liked the Happier confident cat they saw. And Citrus Tiberius Junior The Third glowed inside as bright as his mane, because he found happiness within for pleasing himself not others.
The end.
