Clan Wars
Epilogue: A New Beginning
Council Room: Cat's Lair
More than twelve hours had passed since Cheetara had surrendered. Chase was taken to the detention center of Cat's Lair. He was waiting for his trial that would start within the next couple of weeks.
The lion and cheetah elders were currently discussing plans with Lion-O to ensure peace continued between the two clans. It was only the two main clans who were meeting. Lion-O thought agreements would have never been made between all the clans involved. The Lord of the Thundercats had plans to meet with the other clans after some issues had been resolved.
At the moment, Carvel was speaking to the group. "As leader of the cheetah council, I extend my apologies to every member of the lion clan. It was never our intention to force ourselves into ruling New Thundera. Chase misled us, and we shall never let him do that again."
Lanardi nodded at Carvel. She spoke for the lion elders, since Luther had not come. "We accept your apology. Now, I'm afraid we must apologize too. We should have never assumed that Cheetara..."
"Lanardi, please let me finish speaking for the lion elders."
Everyone looked at Luther who had just been ushered into the council room by the guards. The lion glanced at Lion-O who expressed his approval. He offered Luther an empty chair.
Luther sat down and rubbed his goatee. "I've been doing a lot of thinking last night and this morning. I have been wondering why it is that I did not trust our Lord when he chose Cheetara as his bride."
He sighed and leaned back in the chair. "I realized just recently that it was because I had a deep hatred for the cheetahs."
"Now, just wait a minute..." Che'kar began.
Luther raised his hand and replied, "Let me finish. I said that I had a deep hatred. I find that I no longer feel that way. If anything, I now have a deep respect and fondness for the cheetahs. One of the ways we can be certain that fighting does not break out between clans again is to end all of the prejudice. The other lion representatives and I will be a living example of how we should all act toward our fellow Thunderians."
Carvel and the other clan elders smiled at Luther showing their delight.
Lion-O remarked, "That is a novel idea, Luther. Prejudice is not easily erased, but it must start somewhere. I would like to start meeting with one elder from each clan. These meetings will be monthly and take place here. Maybe this will stop any future misunderstandings between clans."
"Yes, I agree with Lord Lion-O," Candra replied.
"Good, then. Now, Carvel, what are you going to do with the tiger prisoners in your possession?"
The cheetah elder looked at Lion-O and said, "I already gave the orders last night that they were to be released immediately. Some cheetahs, lynxes, and pumas made sure they made it home safely."
"Now we can help each other with the rebuilding of our headquarters," Luther offered.
"And we will help the lions, panthers, and tigers rebuild their homes," Chet noted.
The talking among the leaders continued for several more hours. It was the beginning of a true friendship among the elders.
*****
Sickbay: Cat's Lair
"How is she doing?"
"Much better," Tygra answered. "She's more stable, but she still has not wakened. I've moved her into the room next door." The tiger pointed to the room.
Lion-O placed a hand on Tygra's shoulder as he walked by. "Thanks, Tygra."
"Don't thank me, Lion-O," Tygra sighed. "I only did what I could with the help of the medical staff here on Thundera. It is now up to Cheetara, whether she lives or dies. A good sign would be her waking up."
Lion-O nodded in understanding and headed to the room. Tygra watched as Lion-O entered the room. He smiled slightly, shook his head, and went back to his lab.
Lion-O walked up to the bed and saw Cheetara sleeping peacefully on the bed. White bandages were wrapped over the cheetah's shoulder and under her right arm so that her wound was protected from infection. A tube was taped under her nose supplying her body with oxygen, while she was still under the anesthesia.
Lion-O pulled a chair next to the bed and sat down. Taking one of her hands gently into his, he stroked her arm as he talked to her.
"Cheetara. It's me, Lion-O. We've got the elders talking. They are going to work together to rebuild the lion and cheetah clan headquarters, and their homes. Peace is slowly being restored here. All I need now is for you to wake up."
Cheetara remained asleep.
"Chase has been taken to the detention center here where a trial will be held. I wanted to pound him to a bloody pulp, but I can't do that. It wouldn't be right, but it would have felt good," he growled. He looked at his sleeping beauty and calmed down.
"Please, wake up, Cheetara. I need you. I love you. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you," he kissed her hand and stroked it.
Angry tears appeared in his eyes. "It should be me lying there...not you. That bullet was meant for me. I was suppose to have gotten shot, not you..." he stared at her sleeping form, "..but you had to save me. You had to take the bullet for me...because you love me. I love you, too, and if the roles were switched, I would do the same." he paused at a lost for words. "I won't let you die on me. I won't accept it. You can't die on me, Cheetara. We have so much to do. We have to get married, start a family, grow old together. We have so many years ahead of us. I know it."
Lion-O buried his head on Cheetara's stomach. Cheetara slowly opened her eyes. She saw Lion-O's red hair on the bed.
"Lion-O?" she whispered weakly.
Lion-O looked up and saw a weary Cheetara looking at him. He smiled happily and relieved and kissed her.
"Ow." Cheetara said after the kiss.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm just sore all over. What happened after I passed out?"
"We took Chase into custody and the elders are working together to rebuild the lion and cheetah headquarters and all the homes that were ruined in the war," Lion-O explained.
"That's good." Cheetara's gaze fell as she said, "I'm sorry for the war. If I had known--"
"Shh." Lion-O pressed his fingers on Cheetara's lips. "It's not your fault. You didn't know. You were confused, mislead. It's all Chase's fault."
"I suppose you're right."
"Of course, I am," he said confidently and reached back in his pocket and pulled out her engagement ring. "And now you can put this back on. This ring has been very lonely without you."
Cheetara smiled looking at Lion-O and her engagement ring. Then a frown appeared on her face. "I'm sorry, but no."
Lion-O's face fell. "No? Why?"
She sighed and quietly replied, "I want to be your wife, Lion-O, but I don't deserve it. Look what I did. I know Chase is responsible for the war, but I should not have fought. I should've stayed by your side. I abandoned you when you needed me. A real queen wouldn't do that."
Before Lion-O could respond, Snarf entered.
"Lion-O...Cheetara, you're awake."
"Not to long ago," she said.
"The lion and cheetah elders are finished talking. They are outside. They wish to speak with both of you. Is that all right?"
"Sure, Snarf. Send them in," Cheetara said.
Snarf let the elders in and left. The elders circled Cheetara's bed.
"We just came to see how you were doing," Carvel said.
"I guess I'll be here for another few more days," Cheetara said.
"But you'll have good company," Candra commented looking at Lion-O.
"Cheetara, we owe you an apology," Luther said.
Cheetara looked at the new voice surprised. "Apology?"
"Yes, we judged you wrong. That is more on my fault than anyone else. I had a hatred for cheetahs because of what Cazar did. I don't have it anymore, and I know that the next Lord of the Thundercats you will bring into the world will be a powerful one. Thundera will be safe and protected in the future. You have proven yourself to be worthy of the title: Lady of the Thundercats."
"You forgive me after what I did?" Cheetara asked.
"Yes. You were confused, tricked, pressured by both our clans, and we are truly sorry. What you went through proves to me and all of us what a strong person you are. You are very valuable to the Thundercats and now Thundera. I now see what Lion-O sees in you. He sees your beauty, your strength, intelligence, courage, all the qualities that will make you a powerful queen," Luther explained.
"Thank you, Luther. I'm honored." Cheetara said.
Lanardi spoke, "I think we used up our time. Let's leave the happy couple alone."
The elders left Lion-O and Cheetara alone once more.
Lion-O looked back at Cheetara and stroked her hand. "You see, Cheetara? You are worthy for the position as Lady of the Thundercats."
"I see that. I can't believe they forgive me."
"They know you didn't mean it," Lion-O said. "Will you accept my offer?"
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Yes, I will marry you."
Lion-O put her ring back on her finger.
"Can I ask a favor of you, Lion-O?" Cheetara asked.
"Anything," Lion-O said.
"Could you stay with me, put your arms around me as I sleep? I want to feel safe and protected as I always do in your arms."
"You don't have to ask me that," Lion-O said. Cheetara moved over a little bit, and Lion-O got in the bed and put his arms around Cheetara. Within minutes they were asleep.
Katherine and Claudus appeared in their spirit forms. They held each other's hand as they watched Lion-O and Cheetara sleep.
"The war separated everything but their love." Katherine commented.
"Yes. The future is safe now. Peace will finally be restored to our planet," Claudus said.
They watched the engaged couple sleep a little more before finally disappearing.
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