BORN INTO MARRAGE
By lady lea
Chapter 1
It was near
She kept dreaming
about the night they left their home, Leanna was asleep in her bed, her father
came running in grabbing her and telling her she must keep quiet, they ran to a
ship, the ground under their feet shook violently.
They made it safely to the ship where they
were met by another man that she did not know.
“ Quickly, Panthro
hide them before the others arrive” the man said. Panthro took them and hid her
and her mother away in a secret compartment.
Then next thing she knew she woke up on this
alien planet. Her father had secretly taken them to the spot where he had built
a shelter for them until he could build a more suitable place to live.
He warned her; “what ever you do, do not stray
away from home”. “ You are never to let anyone see you”.
Weeks would pass before he could get away in
order to come see them. Leanna always asked him the same questions, “where he
was and why she couldn’t go with him”.
He would always say
“it’s not safe yet kitten, but soon you can come with me but I need you here
with your mother.”
Leanna couldn’t get
back to sleep, she threw the covers off and got out of bed and went into the
living room. She sat and looked out the window as a bolt of lightening lit up
the sky.
There was something about the power of the
lightening that fascinated her, it was as if she seen something like it before
only more powerful.
Leanna turned at the sound of her mother’s
bedroom door opening. Her mother Maya came out hearing her daughter up, the
older lioness walked over to leanna and asked.” Did the storm wake you”?
“No, I just can’t
sleep tonight for some reason, I just have a feeling that I am suppose to go somewhere,
but I don’t know where” Leanna replied as she looked out the window.
Another bolt of
lightening lit up the sky, then a sharp pain pierced her temple. Leanna’ s hand
flew to the side of her head.
“Leanna are you
okay,” he mother asked rushing to her side.
“ A voice,” Leanna
said as she clutched her head “Mother”
she said “ it said come home”.
Maya smiled at
her,” so it is time”.
“ Time for what”
Leanna said as the sharp pain suddenly stopped.
“It is time to go
see your father”, Maya replied we will leave at day break, go back to bed you
will need your rest”.
Maya returned to her room, she walked over to
her dresser, and pulled out the communicator that Panthro had given her, that
would only contact him.
Back at Cat’s Lair
Panthro was on night watch, he was checking the monitors when a soft beep
caught his attention, he looked around to make sure that Tygra had not returned
yet before he answered it. He typed in a code that would allow the call to be
answered.
“ Maya, what is it”
he whispered.“ Panthro, it is time” Maya replied quietly.
“ I will meet you
at the village of the warrior maidens” Panthro replied. “Very, well, we will
leave at daybreak” Maya answered.
Just as he cut the
connection Tygra returned. “ Everything quiet” the tiger asked. “ Yes, but
things are about to get a little interesting around here” Panthro smiled, “ Go
get Lion-o, there is something he needs to know”. Tygra gave him a strange
look.
Panthro smiled ” we, got company coming”.
At first light, the
two women packed up a few things and headed to the village of the warrior
maidens. Leanna had so many questions but she knew it was no use asking because
her mother would not answer them.
Maya looked at her
daughter and smiled to her self, she knew her daughter was curious, but she
made a promise to Leanna’s father that she would not tell Leanna anything until
the right time.
If mumm-ra found
out that she and Leanna where alive, they would be both killed. She knew when
the eye of thundera called to Leanna it was safe to go.
Keeping her hidden was very hard, with the
help of Leanna’s father and the eye of thundera, she was kept hidden, not even
the other thundercats knew of their existence.
They arrived at the village just before dark.
They where greeted by willa.
“ Good-day Maya, we
where told to expect you, Panthro said that he would be arriving shortly” Willa
replied as she led them to one of the huts, “ Please sit and eat, you must be
tried after your long journey”.
”Leanna” Maya
replied as she led her daughter over to the chair. “There is something you
should know before the others arrive”.
“As you know we are not from this planet,
Leanna nodded. “ we where not the only ones who where on that ship,” Maya
continued.
” We knew that the
mutants followed the ships as we tried to escape, and many of our countrymen
where killed. We were hidden away on the
flag ship, only Jaga and your father knew we where there, they made me promise
to hide you until you where mature enough to join the others”.
“ There are others”
Leanna exclaimed
‘’ Yes, there are
five more besides your father,” Maya smiled.
“They are here,” Leanna, said as she jumped up
as the thunder tank approached she knew that sound anywhere.
Maya handed her a change of clothes. “Here” she said “put these on and stay
here until I call for you”.
“ All right mother”
she replied. Leanna looked at the clothing her mother gave her, there was a
sleeveless red top and a belt with a symbol of the cats head she seen her father
wear.
There was also a
pair of black boots and a short skirt, after changing her clothes, She walked
over, looked out the window, and watched as her mother went to greet the
others.
Six people jump out of the thunder tank.
There where four adults and two children.
They greeted Maya
with open arms. She could not hear what they where saying but she knew they
where happy to see her mother.
Leanna caught sight of her father.
Then one thundercat
caught her attention, he was taller than the others had bright red hair.
He looked familiar,
he reminded her of someone she had seen before along time ago when she was but
a child.
When he turned his
head and looked in her direction, a sharp breath caught in the throat, she saw
that he was of the lion clan.
“Leanna” she hear
her mother call. Leanna made her way
down to the others. “This is Leanna our
daughter “she replied.
Leanna looked up the two younger ones ran up
to her “hello I am wily-Kit and this is my brother wily-Kat” the young girl
beamed.
” Hello” Lea
replied.
Leanna looked at
the others. “Leanna” her mother said, this is Tygra, Cheetara and Lord Lion-o.
The tall lion walked over to her.
“Hello, Leanna it
is good to see you again.” He said as he sized her up. She had grown since the
last time he had seen her, she was shorter then cheetara, she came to just
below his chin.
Long jet-black
hair, which came from the panther clan, hung in a long braid down her back to
her hips. Dark green eyes, he remembered the dark green eyes.
She bowed to him, and then a flash of memory
came to her, a young boy with bright red hair playing in the courtyard.
He was playing with a few other children, they
where playing Snarfball. The young boy threw the ball, Leanna got in the way,
and it hit her in the back of the head. She subconsciously rubbed the back of
her head.
“ I remember you”
Leanna replied looking at him,” Or should I say the back of my head remembers
you”.
Lion-o gave her a
sheepish grin,” It was an accident, and I remember, you got so mad you
flattened the ball”.
Leanna
laughed. “You were lucky it was only the
ball I flattened and not your head”.
Panthro walked over to leanna, she threw her
arms around him.
” So this is where
you where going all those time you said you where going out for a patrol on your
own” Lion-o said smiling at him.
“ Yea, but I did do my patrol” Panthro said as
he detached his daughter from him after he had given her a hearty hug.
”Come kitten lets
take you to your new home” he replied. Gesturing to the tank
When they rounded the
hill leanna, saw the great head of cat’s lair. Her eye grew big with wonder at
the sheer size of it. Lion-o turned to the two women and said, “Welcome home”.
“It looks as it
did, back on Thundera ” Maya said as she took in the view.
“My lord, this very
beautiful place” Leanna replied as she took in everything around her.
“Please, Leanna you don’t have to address me
that way just call me Lion-o” he replied as they walked down the hallway.
Leanna followed lion-o down the long hallway.” a person could get lost
in here” she thought to herself, it was much bigger than she was used to after
all she grew up in a small cottage that her father had build.
Lion-o stopped in front of a
door.
“This will be your room” he
replied as he opened the door.
It was larger than she expected.
There was a large bed under a window. There was also a large dresser and
bathroom with a large tub and shower.
“Call if you need anything” he said as he turned to her. Leanna nodded
and lion-o left.
Leanna was awake at first light; she got up and explored the lair. She
found herself standing on the outside steps. That is when she saw panthro
outside in the courtyard.
She stood in silence and watched
as Panthro finished his morning exercises.
He turned and saw his daughter. “Good morning” he replied. “Good
morning, father” she smiled at him.
“Did you sleep well,” he asked. “Yes, thank–you” leanna said.
“ Well we have sometime before breakfast, now seems like a good time to
start your training, I will go tell Tygra to expend the bridge” panthro
replied.
When Panthro returned he led her
across the bridge to a wooded area near the Lair. He turned and said, “I want
to test your speed and agility”.
Leanna looked at panthro “may I walk around the course first to get a
good look at it?”
“Sure go-ahead” panthro replied.
The course he had set up was very challenging leanna went over it in
her mind and walked back. Panthro said “anytime your ready.” Leanna nodded and
bolted. The first part of the course was a set of ropes that she had to swing
herself over to the end.
The second part of the course she had to do back flips off a beam.
The third part of the course was the most challenging there was another
narrow beam with large swinging sand bags and near the end panthro waited with
his weapon ready.
Leanna made it passed the sand
bags and now stood facing panthro. He took his nun-chucks and swung at leanna
who leapt in the air did a back flip, he made another swing, he caught the back
of her leg, her knee buckle and she went down.
She planted her hand behind her, flipped back wards and kicked the
weapon out of Panthro’s hand.
Panthro bowed. ‘Good, you are
getting the hang of it”.
“Thank-you,” Leanna replied. “ But I think you where being too easy on
me”.
Panthro smiled at her “ Have you been using the practice weapons I left
for you” Leanna nodded. “ Good, now come with me” Panthro replied as he lead
her over to another area of the course he had set up.
“Now, He said gesturing to the
stump,” choose your weapon”.
Leanna walked over and picked a wooden Daito training sword.
“ I have been practicing with this” Leanna replied as she weighted the
object in her hand. “ However, I never had a sparing partner”.
“ I think I know the perfect sparing partner for you, Panthro grinned
“our resident master swordsman, and as luck would have it here he comes.”
Leanna turned and saw Lion-o walking towards them. Lea turned to
Panthro, “ You had this planned, didn’t you” Leanna whispered.
The panther winked at her. “Good morning Lion-o, you are right on
time.”
“ Good morning Panthro, Leanna” Lion-o smiled as he looked at Leanna
“ I have been watching, you seem a little bit sluggish, but I am sure
they will improve in time”.
Lion-o walked over and picked another training sword. “ Do wish to wear
body Armour” Lion-o asked as her stood in front of her.
“ No, I do not need to”, Leanna replied as she positioned her self.
“ Okay, now show me what you can do with that” Lion-o replied as he
made himself ready.
Leanna took a deep breath before she made her first strike. “ I will
show you sluggish” she hissed and she made a swing for his head.
Lion-o blocked her and pushed her back. She brought the sword around
and tried to strike his body, her moves where fast, but with each attack,
Lion-o had a counter attack. He bent low, swung around and caught her on the
shin.
She winched but never cried out, she swung around and struck him on his
shoulder. He moved his sword twisting it with her and flipped it out of her
hand, it flew up in the air and he caught it with his other hand and tossed it
back to her
He made another swing at her; she just managed to back flip out of the
way.
As she tried to reposition her self, Lion-o bent low and kicked her
legs out from under her sending her hard to the ground.
Lion-o went in for the last strike, as he swung the sword, and caught
her on the wrist. Leanna rolled out of the way and got to her feet. “ So my
Lord am I still sluggish,” she replied dusting her self off and trying to catch
her breath.
“ You done well, you had better put some ice on that ” Lion-o replied
gesturing to her shin.
“ I think that will be enough for now Leanna, you had better head back
and get some breakfast before Snarf comes out here, I will never hear the end
of it if I work you on an empty stomach” Panthro replied as he took her sword.
“ Okay” she replied and ran
back to the lair.
Lion-o turned to Panthro. “ Cocky little thing isn’t she,” Lion-o
smirked.
“She only trying to impress you,
besides she reminds me of another cocky young cub,” Panthro replied laughing.
“You can’t mean me,” Lion-o said with mock surprise.
“ Give her time, she’s still young,” panthro said as he put the
training sword back in it’s place.
As Leanna entered the main foyer tygra was coming down the stairs.
“ Good morning Leanna” the tiger replied “ where are you headed”.
“ The dining room, but I don’t know where it is,” she said.
“ Come with me, I will show you, I was headed there myself” Tygra
replied as the started down the hall way.
As they walked down the hall he
showed her the library, “we managed to save quite a collection of books before
we left thundera” he said,
“You can come here anytime and read them, I also have my personal
collection, and you can read those anytime you like”.
“Thank-you, I will take you up on that some time,” Leanna said as they
entered the dinning room.
When they arrived, snarf was
waiting. Leanna smiled at the furry little creature.
“Good morning Leanna”, Snarf
replied.
“Good morning” She replied and sat at table. Snarf placed a plate of
food in front of her; she did not realize how hungry she was.
‘ This is very good Snarf”
Leanna replied between bites.
“ Why thank –you, it’s nice to
get a complement so early in the morning’ Snarf replied as he headed back to
the kitchen.
Tygra just snickered and shook
his head.
Leanna looked at him “What” she
said.
“ You better be careful, you will give him a swelled head”, Tygra
replied as he turned back to his food.
As she was eating, Lion-o walked in and took a seat across from her.
“Leanna, I was wondering if you where doing anything later” he said as
Snarf set a plate in front of him.
‘Actually, I am, tygra told me
about his collection of old books, I want to see them, now gentlemen if you
will excuse me,” she said as she stood.
Leanna spent the day in the
library curled up on the window seat reading the old books of thundera, she
noticed that one of the books that belonged to tygra had the cover missing.
It was the same book she had in
her room that her mother had given her when she was a child.
She could tell that tygra tried
to repair the book the best he could but it was in poor shape, she picked up
the book and went back to her room.
She laid tygra’s book on her bed
and walked over to her trunk, it was a small trunk but it held her few precious
mementos of her life. Among them was the same book that tygra has so lovingly
tried to repair.
She picked up the book; it was
just as if new being kept in the small trunk kept it in good shape even the
leather it was bound in was not even cracked.
She knew it was growing late and she should wait until morning but she
promised tygra she would have the books back to him tonight. She turned and
picked up both books and went to the tiger’s room. She softly knocked at his
door.
A few moments later, a sleepy tygra opened the door.
“Oh, tygra I am so sorry I did not mean to wake you; I will come back
in the morning” Leanna replied feeling a little embarrassed.
“No it’s ok” he said and opened
the door further to let her come in. she turned and looked at him.” I just
wanted to give you your books back. I noticed there was one that was in quite
bad shape, and here,” she said as she held out the book.
Tygra took it from her and looked at it opened the cover and looked up
at her. “Well thank-you leanna, where did you get this” He asked, as he looked
it over.
“ It is mine my mother gave it to me along time ago” Leanna smiled.
“Are you sure, you want to give it to me leanna” tygra replied.
“Yes I am sure. I know you will take great care of it” Leanna said.
“Well I thank-you again leanna this will be very special too me”, he
said as wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug.
“Your very welcome tygra” she
said as she returned his hug.
“ Now will let you go back to bed,” she said as she head for the door.
” Good night Leanna” tygra replied.
“Good night tygra” she said and
left.
When she left the tigers room her exit did not go unnoticed cheetara
saw her go in and out of tygras bedroom.
“I wonder if Lion-o knows about
this she thought to her self, if not he should”.
Cheetara kept an eye on the young lioness for the next two weeks. She
spotted Lion-o going down the steps outside. She ran after him.
She caught up to Lion-o and
said, “ We need to talk”.
“ Oh, is there something that is concerning you” he said stopping, he
knew Cheetara well enough to know that by the tone in her voice it was
important.
“ Well, I don’t want to cause trouble, but I think that Leanna maybe
developing a crush on Tygra, she’s a nice girl, a little impulsive at times, I
just don’t want to see her get hurt ” Cheetara said shyly.
“ I see,” Lion-o replied.
“ And you know Tygra, he a nice guy. However, I really don’t think he
realizes what’s going on. He’s only trying to help her learn, and she only
young and like may young women they can develop crushes on their teachers, I
know I did when I was her age,” Cheetara smiled at him.“ To save a lot
embarrassment, I can have a little, well you know, girl chat with her if you
like, maybe you can suggest she accompany you when you go out.”
“ Well, I was going to hook mountain to replace the power cells on the
sensors,” He said smiling at Cheetara. “ Where is Leanna now”.
“ She’s in the control room with Panthro,” Cheetara winked.
He went back inside and headed to the control room.
“ Hi Lion-o,” Panthro said turning around. “ I was just trying to talk
Leanna into trying to learn to drive the thundertank”.
“ I don’t think so, that darn thing scares me, it’s got to much power”
Leanna said shivering.
“ I don’t blame you Leanna, I took it out joyriding before Panthro gave
me my first lesson, it sort of got away form me,” Lion-o grinned.
“ As I remember you almost got your self killed,” Panthro said shaking
his head.
“ The reason I am here is to ask Leanna if she would like to help me
with the power cell replacements on the sensor on
“Okay,” Leanna smiled.
“ I will meet you down stairs,” Lion-o smiled back.
He waited until Leanna left the room before he turned back to Panthro “
Does she know “ Lion-o asked the panther.
“ No, not yet, we plan on telling her tonight” Panthro replied.
“ Good” Lion-o replied as he left the control room.
The night that Panthro told him that Lea was still alive. Lion-o was
surprised to say the least.
He knew about the arrangement, it was tradition. but that was years
ago, he thought that she and her mother died on the planet.
If they still been on Thundera,
He and Lea would have been married by now and had children, but this was not
Thundera this place was more dangerous.
Leanna was outside standing at the bottom of the steps waiting for him.
“ Ready” Lion-o replied gesturing to the thundertank.
“ It must have been a bit lonesome being just you and your mother,”
Lion-o replied as they headed to hook mountain.
“ Yes, a bit” Leanna said quietly. “ Tell me Lion-o what do you
remember of Thundera”.
“ Not much, but we do have a time capsule that we brought with us, I
will show it to you sometime,” Lion-o said smiling at her.
“I would like that, I really don’t remember much either, I was only ten
when we left, do you remember the large tree that was in the back court yard of
the lair,” Leanna asked.
“ Yes,” Lion-o laughed, “ I fell out of it once almost breaking my
arm”.
“ Here” He said handing her a map.” We should soon be coming up on the
first sensor, check the map”.
Leanna checked the map and the tanks readout.
” The first one is two clicks north” Leanna replied as she doubled
checked the map.
A small blip lit up on the screen,” there it is “ Leanna replied as
they came to a stop.
The pair jumped out and went to the back of the tank. Lion-o opened the
hatch and proceeded to remove two cloaks and a nap sac that held the power
cells. “ Put these on it will help to keep you warm, we walk from here” He said
as he handed Leanna a cloak and a pair of thin gloves. With supplies in hand,
they headed to the first sensor that lay ten yards away.
After replacing the cell, Leanna checked the map .
“ The next one is on that small ledge fifteen meters up, ”She said
pointing up.
“ Have you done any mountain climbing?” Lion-o asked grinning at her.
“ No, but there is a first time for everything,” Leanna shrugged.
They started to make their way up to the ledge, Lion-o kept an eye on
Leanna to make sure she was alright, she slipped a few times but managed to
keep up with him. He slipped on the claw shield to give him a better grip as
they came close to the top of the ledge, once he had a solid grip he offer
Leanna his other hand so he could help pull her up.
Leanna grabbed his hand and he pulled her up so she was beside him. She
grabbed the ledge with one hand and with the other she placed it on his
shoulder and pushed her self upon the ledge. She took the bag from him as he
pushed himself up on the ledge with her.
“Well, that was fun,” Leanna smiled as she stood up rubbing her hands
together.
“ The fun part will be getting back down,” Lion-o smiled at her as he
picked up the pack and headed to the sensor.
Leanna peaked over the edge her eyes widened. “Easier climbing up that
it will be going down” Lion-o replied.
Lion-o brushed away the snow that covered the sensor, Leanna passed him
the power cell, and he touched a metal plate and the cover slid back. The old
power cell popped up, he took the old one and replaced it with a fresh one,
closing the cover he stood and turned to Leanna, who was rubbing her hands
together trying to warm up her cold fingers.
He reached out, took her hands, slipped off the thin gloves and placed
them between his; he felt a sight tingling sensation run through him as he
touched her, the bond was there but it lay dormant waiting to emerge, all he
had to do was summon it, but now was not the right time.
” We are almost done, one more then we can head back,” He said smiling
down at her.
Despite the cold Leanna found her cheeks getting quite warm, she looked
up at him and nodded as she pulled her hands away from his.
As they reached the final sensor, Leanna had the strange feeling that
they where being watched. She withdrew her crossbow and looked around as Lion-o
knelt to replace the last power cell. Leanna spotted movement a few yards away.
She tapped Lion-o on the shoulder.
“ We have company,” Leanna replied as she raised her bow.
Lion-o stood and looked to where she was aiming. He placed his hand on
her shoulder,
”Lower your bow,” “Lion-o replied he then walked over to greet snow
meow.
The large white cat ran over to Lion-o and rubbed his head against his
leg.
Lion-o bent and rubbed the cats head.” Hello friend, I see your master
has let you out for your morning hunt ”.
Leanna walked cautiously over to the big cat. “ A friend of yours”
“Leanna say hello to my friend
snow meow,” Lion-o said as he rubbed the big cat under the chin. “Don’t worry
he won’t hurt you”.
Leanna knelt down and held out her hand palm down to show she meant no
harm.
Snowmeow sniffed her hand and rubbed his head against her palm
“ He’s beautiful,” Leanna replied as she rubbed the big cats head.
The big cat licked her cheek and began to purr.
“I think he likes you,” Lion-o
laughed. Then he looked over head the sky began to turn dark.” We better be
heading back, there’s a storm coming”.
They gave snow meow one last pat before they head to the ledge, once
they reached the ledge Leanna peeked over the side. “ I should of brought
climbing gear, “ She said looking at Lion-o who once again put on the claw
shield.
“You can climb down with me, your only small climb on my back, I will
lower us both down,” He said as he secured a line.
Leanna jumped on his back and held on tightly as they made their way
back down. She could feel the heat of his body coming through the cloak he
wore, She was grateful that he couldn’t see her blush. Once they reached bottom
Lion-o pulled the line free, as the line retracted he was hit with a face full
of snow, Leanna giggled.
“ You think that’s funny, “He said turning to look at her. Leanna
stopped laughing and shook her head trying to hide a smile.
The next thing she knew she was hit in the chest with a snowball. “ I
know you just didn’t do that,” She said in surprise. She bent, picked up a hand
full of snow, she packed the snow in her hand Lion-o grinned at her.’ you
wouldn’t dare”.
She gave him a sheepish grin as she threw it hitting him in the
shoulder then she took off running towards the thundertank. By the time they
reached the tank, it had begun to snow. “Okay I give,” Leanna laughed, as
Lion-o was about to throw another snowball at her.
“ Truce then, “Lion-o smiled at her as they jumped into the tank. He
reached under the seat, pulled out a silver cylinder, and proceeded to remove
the cover. He poured a cup full of hot steaming liquid and offered it to
Leanna. “This will warm you up, it’s hot cider” Lion-o said as he poured
another cup full for himself.
“ This is very good,” She said as she sipped the cider that quickly
warmed her cold body. “ It’s Snarf special recipe, but only drink one cup,” He
said as he finished and took her now empty cup and started up the tank.
“ What’s the special part,” Leanna asked as they headed back.
“ Berbil wine”.
As soon as Panthro finished his shift, he and Maya went to find Leanna,
who had returned a few hours ago.
They found her in the library sitting in her favorite spot.
“ Leanna “ Panthro said as they
walked over to the window seat,
“Your mother and I need to speak with you”.
Lea put down the book she was
reading and sat up.
“ Tell me, what do you think of Lion-o”? Maya asked sitting down beside
her.
Leanna shrugged her shoulders,
“ He seems nice, why” Leanna asked.
“ Do you like him,” Panthro asked. Leanna gave him a strange look.
“ Why are you asking me this, ” Leanna replied. “ It’s just a simple
question kitten,” the panther replied.
“ Yes,” Leanna said eyeing her parents.
“ Well, you should spend some
time with him, get to know him better,”
Maya said.
“ I have know Lion-o for many years, he can be a little impulsive and
hot headed but he will treat you well,” Panthro added.
“ Wait a minute,” Leanna replied standing up. “ What are you two
talking about”?
“You are to be his wife” her
mother replied.
“What” Leanna exclaimed, “ But
I’m not ready to be a wife, you cannot make me do this”.
“LEANNA”, Her father growled.
“From the day you where born, you where promised to Lion-o, he is to be
your husband,” Panthro said gently. “ Why do you think you where kept hidden
until now”.
Leanna just sat there for a moment, trying to absorb what she had just
been told. Now it all made sense. That’s why he was being so nice to her and
she seen the way he would look at her.
“ He knows doesn’t he” Leanna asked quietly.
“ Yes, he has always known about the arrangement, he thought you had
died back on Thundera, until I told him the night before you came here, that
you where still alive.” Panthro answered.
“ You don’t remember do you,” Panthro asked.
“ Remember what” Leanna replied.
He took her left hand, turned it over and touched the faint scar on her palm.
“ You and Lion-o are bonded by blood, he has the same scar on his left
hand, when you where six. Both of your
palms where cut in the same place. Together you and he place your hands upon
the blade of the sword of omens bonding you forever, you are a part of him and
he a part of you,” Panthro replied. “ You understand now”
“Yes, “ Leanna whispered. She stood and left the room
“We are in for a tough time with that one,” panthro replied.
“Yes” Maya replied “she has your temper”.
“Me have a temper, go on with you woman I am as gentle as a pussycat”
Panthro smiled.
Maya laughed, “Yea right and I have a tail.
Lion-o found Leanna in the gym
working out. He sat a watched her as she worked out on the punching bag, she
gave it a few round house kicks, then did a back flip.
She then took off running towards the padded wall, using her momentum
she jumped planted her feet on the wall and did a high back flip, spun in
midair, landing on all fours.
He was trying to judge her mood
she did not look angry, she looked discouraged as
she walked up to him and stood in front of him.
” May I” She asked as she reached for his left hand. Lion-o nodded and
wondered what she was going to do.
She took his left hand and turned it over, she looked and traced the
faint scar that ran across his palm. Then she looked at hers, they where the
same.
She placed her palm against his, her hand looked so small in contrast
to his. “ I hope I can live up to your expectations,” she said quietly as she
removed her hand and stood silent.
“I want to see how you are
coming along in your training, Lion-o said breaking the silence.
Leanna nodded and readied
herself. Lion-o made a lunge for her; she did a back flip and managed to avoid
him.
Leanna positioned her body and
lunged at Lion-o but instead of moving, he let her jump him he wrapped his arms
around her and let his body fall to the mat and quickly turned over and had her
pinned under him. Her face just inches above his,
He drank in her scent she smelled of wild flowers, he wanted so badly
to kiss her. Her body was soft, warm and very inviting, he gazed into her dark
eyes, there was something about her scent, then something in the back of his
mind told him, she was soon to come into season.
She shuddered as his breath tickled her ear; she unknowingly turned her
head offering him the soft skin of her neck.
Lion-o closed his eyes and
concentrated, the bond between them that lay dormant was now awakened.
Her breath caught in her throat as a warm tingle ran from her toes up
through her body to the top of her head. Her eyes flashed gold when she met his
gaze. Her eyes widened at the new sensation. It was like suddenly being
submerged in a warm bath.
“ Leanna” He whispered.
“Please let me up Lion-o,” she
half begged. He looked into her eyes before he helped her to her feet.
“ Leanna, I am sorry” Lion-o
said as he watched her leave.
Leanna went back to her room to take a shower, the hot water felt so
good running down her body, She was trying to understand the feelings that
started to stir within her when Lion-o summoned their bond. Her heart nearly jumped out of her throat
when he whispered in her ear. She wasn’t angry with him. She was angry with her
parents for not allowing her to have a choice. What she did not understand is
why Lion-o was angry. Shouldn’t he be allowed to have the choice of whom he
wants to marry?
After she showered, she dried herself off, put on her nightclothes and
went to bed.
Leanna lay in bed for hours; no matter what she did, she could not
sleep. She got up, put on her robe, and headed to the library.
She stood in front of the tall bookshelf trying to decide on what book
she wanted to read. She noticed a book she had not read yet on the top shelf in
the corner. She moved the small stepladder and climbed up. The book was out of
her reach.
” You need any help,” Tygra asked as he came into the room.
“ I think I can get it if I just stretch,” Leanna said as she stood on
her toes. She reached for the book and with her other hand she reached out for
something to hold on too. The next thing she knew she lost her footing and
started to fall. Tygra seen her starting to fall and quickly ran over and
caught her.
That is when lion-o walked in and saw Leanna in Tygras arms.
“ What in thundera is going on here”? Lion-o demanded
“Nothing”, Tygra replied, “She slipped”.
Lion-o looked at tygra and said
“you will remove your hands from her now”,
“But lion-o” tygra said
“NOW “Lion-o roared.
“ YOU ” he said to Leanna, “What are you doing in here so late half
naked, go get dressed now”. Lion-o growled.
Leanna’s eyes widened, his commanding voice sent shivers down her
spine, she never said anything as she ran out of the room.
“You know jealousy does not suit you” Tygra replied.“ I think you where
a little harsh with Leanna, she was only trying to reach for a book and
slipped, or would you rather I let her fall and break her neck”.
“I am sorry Tygra, I don’t know what has come over me” Lion-o replied
rubbing his hand through his hair feeling like a fool.
“ Do you want Leanna to love you,” Tygra replied taking on a serious
tone.
“ Yes, of course I do,” Lion-o said quietly.
“ Then you my friend need to learn a lot more about women, that little
show you just put on isn’t going to help, it’s only going to make her feel
bitter towards you. Away to a woman’s heart is to show her kindness and
affection, not through yelling and barking orders at her. Women are sensitive
beings, do you see any of us yelling at Cheetara like that,” Tygra replied
looking at Lion-o.
“ Well, no, “ Lion-o said quietly.
“ I understand that the two of you missed out on the past twelve years,
but you can’t rush things. Lion-o you are my friend and I am here to help you.
You know you can talk to me about anything that is bothering you. We are all
here to help both you and Leanna. Just remember two weeks will not make up for
the years the two of you have missed getting to know each other. Now I think
you better go to bed, get some sleep, and in the morning apologize to Leanna,
because the love a woman can offer you is more rewarding than anything you will
ever encounter.” Tygra said as he left the room.
The next morning Leanna went down for breakfast. She sat quietly beside
Cheetara and ate without saying a word. Cheetara looked at the young Lioness
she knew what had happen last night, Tygra told her this morning when she came
down for breakfast when no one else was around. That would explain why Lion-o
was already up and gone before Leanna came down.
“ Leanna, I am going hunting after breakfast would you like to come
with me,” Cheetara smiled.
Leanna’s face brightened a little as she nodded as she quietly said
yes. The two women finished their meal, gathered their things, and headed to
the hunting plains.
Leanna remained quiet until Cheetara spoke up. “Is there anything you
would like to talk about,” The cheetah said looking at Leanna.
“ No” Leanna said quietly as the entered the hunting grounds.
“ Are you sure because I am a very good listener,” Cheetara smiled.
Leanna took a deep breath and turned to her. “ You really didn’t bring me out
here to go hunting did you”.
“ I just though you could use some time away from the Lair, you know to
clear your head,” Cheetara smiled shyly as she led her over to a fallen log and
they sat down.
“ It’s not me who needs to clear their head,” Leanna frowned.” You know
what happened last night don’t you”.
“ Yes, Tygra told me this morning, I am sure Lion-o did not mean it,”
Cheetara replied putting her hand on Leanna’s shoulder. Cheetara sensed
something different about her, and then she realized what was different. “ You
can feel him can’t you “?
“ Once in a while, it feels like a warm tingling sensation running
through my body, it’s not unpleasant, but I know it’s there, it’s hard to
explain,” Leanna replied shaking her head.
“ It’s like having a warm blanket wrapped around you.” Cheetara added.
“ Yes, it just unsettling,” Leanna said quietly.
“ It will be until you get use to it, then you will find it comforting,
“Cheetara said.
“ I just don’t know what to do,” Leanna replied looking away.
“ Well, just let nature take it course and everything will work out in
the end,” Cheetara grinned.
“ What, are we a fortuneteller now,” Leanna smiled.
“ I just have a good feeling about you two, how much time have the two of
you actually spent alone together.” Cheetara asked.
“ A few hours,” Leanna shrugged.
“ Oh, I see,” Cheetara replied as an idea popped in her head. “ Well
I’m heading back, you know there is a pond not to far from here, it’s a really
nice place to relax, why don’t you head over there,” Cheetara grinned.
“ Okay, sounds like a good idea,” Leanna replied getting to her feet.
Cheetara headed back to the Lair as Leanna walked to the pond.
It was a beautiful afternoon, the sun was shining and there was a
slight breeze in the air, a perfect day for a walk it felt so good the get out
into the fresh air Leanna soon found her self at the pond.
The water looked so inviting as she sat down on the bank and pulled off
her boots and stuck her feet in, she could feel tiny fish nibble on her toes as
she moved them around she had to laugh because it tickled. She leaned her head
back closed her eyes soaking in the sun.
Meanwhile back at the lair Lion-o went looking for leanna. He felt bad
about the way he reacted to seeing her with tygra last night. He wanted to
apologize to her.
If only he had of kept his temper under control he wouldn’t be in this
mess he thought to himself.
No wonder she ran off like a
scared rabbit. He wasn’t paying attention to where he was going and almost ran
into poor snarf.
“Oh gees snarf I am sorry” Lion-o said as he stopped short of knocking
the furry creature down.
“ It’s ok Lion-o no harm done, where you off to in such a hurry anyway”
snarf replied.
“ I was looking for Leanna have you seen her” Lion-o asked.
“I have” Cheetara replied, she went down to the pond”.
“ Good, thanks Cheetara” Lion-o turned to leave.
“Wait “Cheetara shouted after him,” here take this with you” he handed
him a basket “since you both missed lunch I thought you might be hungry”
Lion-o took the basket and laughed “you had this planned didn’t you”.
“Well “Cheetara replied, “When opportunity knocks, you must answer the
door”.
Lion-o made his way to the pond
the whole way he was thinking of a way to make leanna more comfortable around
him, he thought if he could get he alone out here in the open where she
wouldn’t feel trapped she would relax and open up and talk to him.
Lion-o spotted her sitting at the ponds edge she had taken off her
boots and had her feet in the water the was a smile on her face something he
hadn’t seen in awhile.
She had loosened her long hair from it’s braid and it was gently
blowing in the breeze she looked totally relaxed.
Leanna heard someone approach
and quickly turned her head her smile faded when she seen who it was.
Lion-o walked over to her, “may
I join you”,
Leanna nodded. Lion-o set the basket down beside him and sat down.
“The water looks warm,” he said.
“It is” Leanna replied. She had her feet in the water up to her calves;
his eyes followed her long legs up her body until he was looking at her face.
He decided to do the same; he
removed his boots and put his feet in the water too.
“Humm” he said “that feels good”.
He looked over at Leanna, “I brought some lunch with me incase you
where hungry” he reached over and placed the basket between them and opened it
up.
He handed her a sandwich, which she quietly ate.
“Thank-you” she said, “so you decided to me nice to me,” she replied.
Lion-o knew she was hurt.
He turned to her and said in a
low voice. “I want to apologize to you for last night, I really did not mean to
yell at you, it’s just that went I walked in and saw you and Tygra jealousy got
the better of me”.
“I hope you apologized to Tygra too,” she added.
“Yes, I did and he set me straight on a few things too”. He reached
down, picked a blade of grass, and held it between his fingers.
“Apology accepted” Leanna said
as she turned to him. “ You should be
angry that you did not have a choice of choosing your own wife,” Leanna replied
looking him straight in the eye.
“ No, not really,” He said smiling shyly, “ I thought I would be spend
the rest of my life alone because I thought you had died on Thundera”.
“ Oh, I didn’t know that this meant that much to you,” Leanna said quietly
looking away.
“Leanna,” Lion-o said softly as he reached over and cupped her chin
turning her head so she was facing him. “ You mean that much to me”. He said as
he caressed her cheek with his thumb. He leaned closer to kiss her when the
sword let out a growl. Lion-o groaned in frustration. However, before he could
reach for the sword four mutants jumped out at them. The couple quickly jumped
to their feet.
“ Look slithe, the cub got himself a little playmate,” Jackleman
sneered.
“ Not for long, lets drown these two kitties” Slithe replied as he and
the other attacked the couple.
Leanna grabbed her bow and
rolled out of the way as monkian made a swing her with his mace. He managed to
nick her outer thigh; Leanna brought up her bow and shot a laser bolt at him
knocking the mace out of his hand. Lion-o jumped out of the way of slithe’s axe
and drew the sword. Before he could call the others slithe, jackelman and
vultureman jumped him “ Grab the sword” Slithe commanded.
Leanna shot at slithe, the shot hit the ground by his feet, and it was
enough to make him loose his grip on Lion-o, which gave Lion-o the opportunity
to shake off the others.
Lion-o raised the sword and called the others.
”Leanna,” Lion-o shouted as he ran over to her. She looked up and seen Lion-o
running to her, she ducked and rolled landing at his feet. With one swing of
the sword a force field was created, surrounding the pair. As soon as the
others arrived, the mutants turned and ran.
“Are you okay,” Lion-o asked Leanna as he replaced the sword and knelt
down.
“Yes, it’s only a scratch,” Leanna replied as she looked at her leg.
“You better let me take a look at that,” Tygra said as he came over. “
We better get you back home so I can clean that up before infection sets in”.
Leanna started to stand, but before she got to her feet Lion-o scooped
her up in his arms.
“ What are you doing, I can walk,” Leanna protested.
“ Don’t argue, I’m making sure it doesn’t start bleeding more, besides
I am responsible for your safety,” Lion-o said smiling at her.
Leanna looked to the others for help. No one said a word, Cheetara
winked at her.
“ Okay, looks like I’m in no position to argue, thanks for the help you
guys,” Leanna grumbled.
“ Our young Lord learns quickly, watch out when they fall in love, it’s
going to be fireworks” Tygra whispered to Cheetara. Cheetara giggled and Leanna
looked back over Lion-o’s shoulder at her. Cheetara smiled at her. Leanna gave
her a (I will get you for this) look.
Leanna looked up at Lion-o, “ Are you enjoying this,” She asked. He
looked at her and winked. “ I have the feeling this will not be the last time
you will be in my arms”. Leanna blushed; she never spoke for the rest of the
way back.
Once they reached the Liar, Under Leanna’s protest, he carried her the
whole way up stairs to the infirmary. He stayed by her side as Tygra cleaned
the wound, once he was done she looked up at Lion-o.” See I told you it was
only a scratch,” She said as she stood up.
“ I think we have some unfinished business,” he said softly as he cupped
her face and pulled her to him gently kissing her.
Kit came bursting into the room, she seen the couple locked in an
embrace,” Oops, sorry,” She said blushing.
“ What is it kit,” Lion-o said as he pulled a way from Leanna, he was a
little annoyed at the interruption.
“Tygra wants to see you Lion-o,” Kit replied shyly. “ He said he needed
your help with something”.
“Right now,” Lion-o asked. “ Yes, right now, he’s in the council
chamber“ Kit answered.
“ Tell him I will be right
there,” Lion-o replied. He turned to Leanna, “ sorry, I have to go”.
“That’s okay, I have to change anyway,” She said smiling at him.
They left the infirmary and started walking down the hall.“ I will see
you later Leanna,” Lion-o whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek before he
left.
Tygra was working on something Lion-o finally walked in with a big grin
on his face
“ Well, someone is in a really good mood,” Tygra joked.
“ I don’t know what you are talking about,” Lion-o said trying to keep
a straight face.
“ Oh really,” Tygra said. “ Hmm, this is in kit’s own words, Lion-o
will be down as soon as he is finished smooching Leanna”.
Lion-o cleared his throat, “ So what did you want to see me about” He
said changing the subject.
Tygra laughed, “ So I take it my advice worked”.
“I never felt this way before, it is a very nice feeling, is it
possible to fall in love with someone so quickly.” Lion-o smiled.
“Not only is it possible it happens all the time, but remember don’t
rush her, she will let you know when she is ready for the next step, ” Tygra
said. “ Now the reason you are here is,
Leanna’s 22nd birthday is in two days and I think we should give her
a birthday party”,
“ That sounds like a good idea, I think she would like that, lets make
it a surprise party,” Lion-o replied.
“ Okay, do you think that you can find someone can keep her busy so we
can get everything ready,” Tygra said trying not to grin.
“Oh I think I can find a volunteer to keep her busy,” Lion-o winked.
Tygra just laughed and shook his head.