Chapter 3
The weeks flew by quickly it was now early winter, the trees that where once full of abundant green leaves where now barren. Even the animals moved on to where their food supply was more plentiful. The frost that clung to the ground and the dark skies above foretold of an early snowfall. Those who ventured out had to dress warm; the air had a chilling bite to it.
Despite the chill in the air, two visitors arrived at the Lair late that afternoon.
“ We have come to see Leanna,” Willa said to Tygra who welcomed the two women.
“She’s in the sitting room, follow me,” Tygra said as he escorted Willa and Nayda to the lounge.
“ Thank-you,” Willa said nodding to the tiger. Tygra eyed her curiously, nodded, and walked off.
Leanna was sitting on the large sofa talking to Cheetara when the two warrior maidens came in. “Queen Willa, I’m glad you could make it,” Cheetara said.
“ It is good to see you Cheetara,” Willa smiled. “ Are we ready to go Leanna”.
“Go, go where” Leanna said in surprise.
“Tomorrow is your wedding day, so we have come to take you for a celebration, it is custom for the bride to be to have a party the day before she is married,” Willa smiled at Leanna.
“I don’t know, I have a lot to do this evening,” Leanna said giving Cheetara a nervous look.
” Come on Leanna, don’t worry everything has been taken care of lets go,” Cheetara replied taking Leanna by the shoulders and pushing her out in to the hallway.
“Excuse me Ladies but where are you going,” Lion-o asked as he came up behind them.
“We are stealing your bride for a little while, don’t worry we will bring her back later,” Cheetara smiled at him. He looked at Leanna who just shrugged her shoulders as she put on her warm cloak.
“ Make sure to keep out of trouble,” He smiled looking at the women.
“ We will,” Cheetara laughed as they swiftly ran out of the lair.
“You had better bring her back in one piece” Lion-o called after them.
“ Where are we going.”? Leanna asked as she pulled her cloak a little tighter around her.
“ You will find out soon enough,” replied Willa.
They walked for another half mile before they reached their destination, “ Where here,” Willa said as they entered the wollo village.
“You brought me to a bar,” Leanna laughed as they went inside. The four women entered the smoke filled bar and headed to the corner table that had been reserved for them.
“ We will make a woman of you yet,” Cheetara grinned, “ Now sit down, you have to learn to loosen up, you’re too up tight”.
“Bartender a round of whiskey and keep them coming,” Willa replied as they went and sat the table. The bartender brought over a large tray filled four small shot glasses a bottle of whiskey.” There you go ladies enjoy,” he said as he went back to the bar.
“ Are you sure this is safe for us to drink Cheetara, “ asked Leanna as she eyed the shot glass in front of her.
“Yes I am sure, now let me show you how this is done,” Cheetara said as she showed Leanna how to properly drink whiskey.
“Wow,” Leanna replied, “ That strong”.
“So you like it,” Willa asked after she downed her shot.
“Yes,” grinned Leanna reaching for another shot.
“You must be very excited about tomorrow,” Nayda asked the lioness.
“I guess,” Leanna said flatly as she downed her sixth shot.
“”What do you mean I guess,” Nayda gasped.
Leanna looked at her the drinks where starting to have a strange effect on her, ”Will you excuse me for a moment,” Leanna replied as she stood and headed to the bar.
“ What was that all about,” Willa said to Cheetara once Leanna was out of earshot.
“I have no idea, but I will find out before the night is over” Cheetara smiled shaking her head.
Cheetara said looking around for Leanna. “ I wonder what’s keeping her”.
“She’s over there,” Willa nodded towards the bar.
“Do you have anything chocolate,” Leanna asked the bartender as she sat down on a stool.
“I will go check in the kitchen,” the bartender replied as he headed to the back room.
Well what do we have here,” A male voice said from behind her. Leanna turned around and looked at him. He was a tall human male, he had dark blue eyes and light sandy color hair, he was dressed in a white shirt, black trousers and vest, his boots where well polished, he was very dressed up for being in a bar.
“Well hello, what manner of creature are you” The man said smiling as he sat down beside her.” My name is Argon, I have never seen you around before”.
Leanna narrowed her eyes at him and tried to take no notice of him, she knew this human was clearly intoxicated.
“Ah, a shy one,” Argon laughed as he reached out and touched her arm.
“Please remove your hand from my arm,” Leanna said calmly.
“She speaks,” Argon said as he ran his fingers up and down her arm. Leanna looked at him a warning growl form deep in her throat, but he took no notice. Leanna pulled her arm away.
“Now don’t be like that,” Argon said moving closer to her, he reached out and grabbed a handful of her mane. “ Hmm, soft I bet just like the rest of you, I wouldn’t mind taking you home with me”.
Leanna was trying very hard to keep her anger under control. “Don’t touch me,” Leanna growled. He leaned forward to get a closer look at her.
“ You look like those cat people that landed here a few years ago, ” Argon smiled at her.
Leanna just sat there shaking her head wishing he would just leave her alone.
“If you are talking about the Thundercats, then yes I am one of their kinsmen,” Leanna said dryly. “ I like you, so what’s your name,” Argon asked as he moved closer to her.
“Argon, I think you should leave the lady alone,” The bartender said as he finally returned from the kitchen.
“I’m only trying to be friendly, and beside she hasn’t told me her name yet” Argon smiled.
“Well the lady is engaged and her fiancée would not take kindly to you hitting on her, so I think you should leave her be,” The bartender replied giving him a warning look.
“He can’t be much of a man then to let this pretty kitty out of his sight,” Argon snorted at the bartender.
That is all it took, Leanna lost her temper and she let out a roar and grabbed the man by the collar. “That man you are speaking of, could snap you in two like a dry twig with just a flick of his hand”.
Cheetara heard Leanna roar and turned to see what was going on. She saw Leanna grab the human male by the collar and she quickly ran over.
“Leanna no, let him go” Cheetara warned putting her hand on Leanna’s shoulder, Leanna looked at her and let go.
“Kitty likes to play rough, and look she brought a friend, two pretty kitties” Argon laughed.
“If he calls me kitty one more time,” Leanna growled.
“ Come on let’s go back to our table,” Cheetara said to Leanna.
As two women started back to their table, Argon stood and blocked their path.
“Where you going in such a hurry my pet, let me buy you two kitties a drink”.
“That’s it, Leanna growled at him. I am not your damn pet and I told you to stop calling me kitty,”
“No thank-you we have our own, and our friends are waiting” Cheetara replied holding Leanna back as they moved around him. “Your loss ladies,” Argon grinned as he watched them go and sit down.
“Are you okay,” Cheetara asked as they sat back down.
“Yes,” Leanna said as the bartender came over. “ I wish to apologize for my friend over there, he has had one to many to drink to night, he didn’t know who you ladies where,” the bartender replied looking back at Argon.
“That’s okay, no harm done,” Cheetara smiled at him.
“Our cook has made something special for you,” he said to Leanna as he pulled out a try from behind his back and set a bowl down in front of her. “Looks good what is it,” Leanna smiled. “It’s called a chocolate sundae, and if you want more he will be happy to make it for you,” the bartender smiled. The look of pure bliss crossed Leanna’s face as she took the first taste. “You want to be careful, to many of them will make you fat,” Willa warned her. Leanna just shrugged her shoulders and kept on eating.
“So how many children are you planning on having,” Nayda asked.
“Children,” Leanna replied almost choking on her sundae.
“Well yes,” Cheetara said flatly.
“I think it’s a little too soon to think about that right now,” Leanna said softly.
“You do know that he will want a son to carry on the Lordship,” Cheetara said looking at Leanna.
Leanna nodded and drank another shot. “So what’s the problem,” Cheetara said smiling at her. Leanna remained quiet not answering the cheetah, Cheetara looked at her.
”I told you before I don’t want to talk about,” Leanna said angrily.
“Why, because you gave in to your feelings for Lion-o,” Cheetara said.
“Why are you so scared to tell him that you love him, if it because your not sure how he feels then sweetheart you need to open your eyes and take a closer look,” Cheetara smiled at her.
“I know how he feels about me, I am not brainless, just call it bad timing” Leanna replied downing another shot.”
Cheetara eyed her curiously, she had never seen Leanna so on edge, and then it dawned on her. “Excuse us for a moment,” Cheetara replied taking Leanna by the arm and leading over to the other side of the room.
“You have been with us for over five months, how much time do you have left, a few weeks, “ cheetara asked.
The look on Leanna’s face confirmed the Cheetah suspicions. “Yes,” Leanna said quietly. “Ah, I understand completely now, you have already accepted him for the first time, Leanna the worst part is over, he will not harm you,” Cheetara said calmly.
“No it is not, the worst part has yet to begin, if this is not stopped we may harm each other, it’s my fault Cheetara I was careless and,” Leanna trailed off for a second. ”I gave him the mating bite, I didn’t mean too, instinct took over I wasn’t thinking until it was too late, I’m not ready for a child right now, it’s too soon, maybe the next time I come into season”.
“What did Lion-o say about it,” Cheetara asked. “His only concern was that he caused me pain, he should have been angry but he wasn’t,” Leanna said quietly shaking her head.
“Maybe you should talk to Tygra, he maybe able to help you if you explain that you’re not ready for a child yet,” Cheetara replied as she led her back to the table.
Leanna nodded and the party continued.
It was after
Leanna looked at her father and grinned, “They got me drunk”.
“ I can see that,” Panthro replied shaking his head. “ I think you had better go to bed and sleep it off ”.
“Heck no, I’m too coiled up to sleep, I had three of those,” Leanna replied trying to remember what she ate.” Hey Cheetara what were those things I ate called again”?
“Chocolate sundaes” Cheetara laughed
“That’s right, and god only know how many shots of tequila and what ever other dinks I had” Leanna said as she staggered towards her father. “Where is everyone, did they all go to bed” Leanna asked looking around. “No, I stayed up to make sure you could get in and Lion-o is around here somewhere, he wasn‘t going to bed until he made sure you made it home,” Panthro smiled at her. “ He’s such a worrywart,” Leanna laughed.
Just then Lion-o walked in. “Well someone had a good time,” Lion-o said eyeing the two women.
Leanna straighten herself up, and then she looked at Cheetara. The two women started laughing. “I think we’re in trouble now” Leanna laughed. “I won’t tell if you don’t” Cheetara winked at her. “Okay, my lips are sealed,” Leanna, whispered. Then she staggered over at Lion-o.
“Hello, did you miss me, ” She said looking up at him. “Yes,” Lion-o smiled at her.
“Do you know what,” Leanna asked him. “What,” Lion-o replied. “ I have found something wonderful, it’s the best thing ever, we must have here after every meal, well maybe not breakfast cause it would be early, and Snarf wouldn’t like it,” Leanna said thinking.
“Leanna you’re not making any sense,” Lion-o chuckled he was getting a real kick out her.
She looked at him confused for a moment then she remembered what she was going to say. “Right sorry, I was at the bar, this person kept hitting on me, he wanted to take me home with him, and do you know what he kept called me,” Leanna said looking up at him serious.
“He called me his pet, I’m no damn pet, do I look like someone’s damn pet, do you see a collar on my neck saying property of,” Leanna declared angrily showing her neck. Lion-o trying hard not to laugh shook his head no.
”Then he kept calling me kitty, he actually had the nerve to put his hand on me, then he had the nerve to insult you. That is when I almost broke his neck, but Cheetara stopped me. Anyway the bar tender brought me over a chocolate sundae, it was the most delicious thing I have ever ate, I had three of them, they where so good,” Leanna beamed.
“What did he say to get you so angry,” Lion-o said shaking his head.
“He said that you can’t be much of a man to let a pretty kitty like me out of your sight, I sure set him straight,” Leanna smiled as she ran her fingertips up his arm. “ Luckily for him I didn’t hurt him, not that I didn’t want to, believe me when I got done with him he would never hit on another woman for as long as he lived. There is only one man allowed to touch me”.
“That’s good to know,” Lion-o chuckled.
“I wanted to asked you something, Cheetara made a comment earlier about making a woman out of me, do you think I am a woman yet,” She whispered to him. Lion-o looked at her and blushed a little. ”You have no worries about that, you are woman enough for me,” he whispered in her ear. Leanna gave him a sheepish smile. He looked at her and winked.
“Do you know that you have a nice smile,” Leanna grinned as she ran her fingertip over his lower lip. “And such pretty eyes and you know what else”. Lion-o shook his head. “I love that little dimple in your chin, it just so cute, hope that our sons inherit it“.
“Our sons,” Lion-o replied grinning at her. ”Well you will want children eventually right, maybe about a dozen” Leanna smiled.
“A dozen,” Lion-o replied shaking his head.
“Do you think dozen is not enough “ Leanna said staring at him.
Lion-o chuckled,” Now I know your very drunk”.
“Yea, I’m not feeling so good,” Leanna whispered holding onto her stomach with one hand and her head with the other. “Come on, your going to bed,” Lion-o smirked as he picked her up and carried her up stairs to her room. “My handsome Leo,“ she said softly as she nuzzled her face against his neck.
He just made it her door when she looked at him,”Put me down,” Leanna replied. Lion- put her down; she ran inside and straight to the bathroom. When she came out, he was sitting on her bed. “ Feeling better,” he asked.
“Much, whiskey and sundaes don’t mix, Leanna said as she laid down on the bed
“ Can you help my take my clothes off, I mean boots,” Leanna replied correcting herself.
“Is it getting hot in here or is it just me” Leanna said as she looked up at Lion-o.
“I think it’s you, “ Lion-o said shaking his head. He helped Leanna take off her boots.
“ Is there anything else you need,” Lion-o asked as he sat down on the side of the bed.
Leanna propped herself up on her elbows and grabbed his wrist. “Can you please make to room stop spinning,” Leanna asked weakly.
“I hate to tell you this,” He said softly in her ear, ”but the room’s not spinning, your head is”.
“Oh,” Leanna said as she lay back down and closed her eyes. Lion-o shook his head and chuckled as he stood and headed for the door. “Lion-o,” Leanna whispered. He stopped and walked back over and knelt by the bed. “Yes,” he said softly. She opened her eyes, reached out, and touched his cheek. “ I love you,” she whispered before she closed her eyes and fell asleep. He smiled and kissed her forehead and left the room.
The next morning Maya came into the room with a tray of food,“ Good morning, it’s time to get up and get ready,” she said cheerfully.
Leanna groaned and pulled the covers over her head and tried to go back to sleep.
“Come on lazy bones, you have a big day ahead of you,” Maya replied as pulled the covers off.
“Can’t it wait until tomorrow, I’m tired,” Leanna said as she pulled the covers back over her head.
“No, it cannot, you’re not tired, you’re hung over, now get up and get a shower it will make you feel better,” Maya said as she pulled down the covers and dragged Leanna out of bed.
After Leanna had her shower, she sat down and started eating her breakfast as her mother brushed out her wet hair. A knock on the door broke the silence; Cheetara came in with a small case in her hand.
“ I am here to help get Lady Leanna ready,” Cheetara smiled as she set the case down on the bed.
“ What is that,” Leanna asked nodding her head towards the bed.
“ That is something to do your hair with,” Cheetara smiled” And you most certainly have a lot of it”. “ Maybe we should cut it off”.
Leanna’s eyes widened in horror,” Don’t you even think of it”.
“Now, my Lady make your self comfortable, this could take awhile,” Cheetara replied picking up the case and setting it on the table beside Leanna.
Leanna sat patiently for four and a half hours,” Are you done torturing me yet,” Leanna grumbled as the cheetah re-entered the room in a dark blue dress.
“That’s it no more whiskey for you, it makes you cranky, “ Cheetara smiled.
“It was your idea anyway, I don’t even remember what happened last night,” Leanna said trying to scratch her head.
“ Do you know how hard it was keeping you form beating the crap out of some guy at the bar, you get nasty when your drunk” Cheetara shook her head.
“Did I make a complete fool of myself last night?” Leanna whispered.
“No, you told Lion-o that you want sundaes after every meal but breakfast, so what happened after he carried you up stairs last night” Cheetara whispered.
“Nothing,” Leanna whispered shyly. Cheetara grinned at her. ”it’s not what you are thinking, we just talked”.
“What are you two whispering about,” Maya asked eyeing the two women.
“ Nothing,” Leanna chuckled. ” Just getting anxious that’s all”.
“ Well you will just have to wait a little while longer, we only have another hour to go,” Maya smiled.
“ It’s time to check on her hair,” Cheetara replied.
“Good, what ever those thing are called you put in there are itching like crazy,” Leanna replied trying to scratch her head
“ They are call hot rollers, they curl your hair,’ Cheetara said as she began to unroll Leanna’s hair.
A half hour later Cheetara was done, she stood back and eyed her handy work
“ Hmm, what do you think Maya, think I should just pin the sides back and let the rest hang loose,”.
Maya nodded and handed her the two hair clips that the twins and given Leanna.
“ Now, let us put on your dress,” Maya replied helping Leanna in to her dress.
Maya and Cheetara smiled, as Leanna turned round in her wedding dress.
“You look beautiful,” her mother said. Lea’s dress was the same color as her eyes a dark emerald with gold trim with bell sleeves her hair was pinned back at the side and the rest hung loose in long soft ringlets.
“Your gown would not be complete with out this” Maya said as she opened the box and inside was the silver necklace that Lion-o had given her for her birthday.
“There now you are ready” Maya said as she stepped back and looked at her daughter.
“What do you think Cheetara,” Leanna asked.
“You’re going to have one very ecstatic groom,” Cheetara grinned.
Leanna left the room with her mother and Cheetara; she could see from the window that there was a large crowd starting to make their way inside the lair to witness the marriage of Lord Lion-o and Lady Leanna.
“Wow, look at you, you are a sight to behold,” came a gruff male voice from behind her Leanna turned to see her father coming.
“Thank-you,” Leanna smiled at the panther.
“ I come to let you know we are about to start,” Panthro said
Leanna stood at the top of the main staircase and closed her eyes took a deep breath as the music started.
“You ready,” Panthro winked at her. “Too late to change my mind right,” Leanna joked.
“Right, besides all the exits are locked,” Panthro grinned at her.
Panthro led Leanna down the staircase to a waiting Lion-o. Who indeed looked very handsome dressed in his finest dark blue dress uniform and red cape. He smiled at her as she took her place beside him
“Good people of third earth” Tygra began “we are here to witness the joining of Lord Lion-o and Lady Leanna”.
Tygra signaled the pair to face each other and join hands. Leanna took Lion-o’s hand he gave her hand a squeeze and winked at her.
“By the laws of thundera and all witnessed here do you Leanna swear to honor Lion-o as your husband to love and to cherish, for as long as you both shall live”?
“ Yes, I swear,” Leanna smiled as Lion-o slipped a sliver band on her finger.
“By the laws of thundera and all witnessed here do you Lion-o swear to honor Leanna as your wife to love and to cherish, for as long as you both shall live”?
“Yes, I swear,” Lion-o smiled as Lea placed a sliver band on his finger.
Lion-o turned to Tygra, and took a silver tiara from the pillow he was holding.
Leanna bent to one knee as Lion-o placed the tiara on her head. He took her hand and helped her stand.
I declare by our laws and those witnessed here, Lord Lion-o and Lady Leanna, husband and wife; Lion-o turn to Leanna pulled her into his arms and kissed her, “ My beautiful Queen,” He whispered in her ear. The crowd let loose a thunderous cheer as the couple headed in to the reception.
The reception that followed was held in the converted council chamber, by the amount of food that was laid out, the celebration would go on until the wee hour of the morning.
Leanna looked around at the large crowed of people a lot of them she did not know; she never seen so many people in one room she met people from all over third earth.
Lion-o walked up to his new wife who was talking to a few of the warrior women when the music started playing.
“Excuse me ladies, but I must steal my wife away for our first dance”. Lion-o took Leanna’s hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor.
He pulled her close to him, Leanna looked up at Lion-o he smiled down at her.
“Say that word again,” Leanna grinned. “What word would that be, dance,” Lion-o smiled down at her.” No, the other one,” Leanna chuckled.
“Wife,” Lion-o replied arching a brow at her. “That’s the one,” Leanna beamed.
“So do you still want a dozen babies,” Lion-o asked grinning at her.
“A dozen, who on third earth told you that,” Leanna gasped.
“You did. Last night when you came home, you told me you thought it over and you wanted a dozen babies,” Lion-o laughed.
“That’s it, no more whiskey for me, I must have been out of my mind, a dozen,” Leanna said shaking her head, “Please do me a favor, don’t ever let me drink again”.
“Why, your cute when your drunk,”’ Lion-o laughed.
“No, I must of been insane, what other embarrassing things did I say ” Leanna said seriously.
“I like it when you’re insane, you told me that I have a nice smile, pretty eyes and that you love the dimple in my chin, but most of all you finally told me that you loved me” Lion-o said as he leaned down and gently kissed her.
“I guess whiskey also works as a truth serum,” she said grinning at him.
“I guess so,” Lion-o laughed.
“Do you know what you called me last night,” Lion-o asked.
“ I hope it wasn’t anything bad. If I did I’m sorry,” Leanna said looking up at him.
“No it wasn’t bad, in fact I kind of like it,” Lion-o smiled, Leanna gave him a questioning look. “You called me Leo”.
Suddenly the sword growled a warning.
Leanna looked at him as he removed the sword from his side and held it to his face.
“ Sword of omens give me sight beyond sight”
“ What is it Lion-o “Tygra replied as he and the others ran over.
“ Mutants are attacking the wollo village, let’s go” Lion-o replied as he removed his crown and cape and handed them to Leanna.
“ I’m going to” Leanna replied.
“ No, you stay here, your not exactly dressed for a fight, I won’t be long” Lion-o replied as they ran out to the hanger.
“ Come on” Kit replied we have to get to the control room.
Leanna handed her mother Lion-o’s cape and crown, picked up the hem of her dress and took off running after kit.
“ Just as things where getting fun, those damn mutants had to go and spoil everything” Kit replied.
“ Kit, watch your tongue” Leanna replied.
“ Oops, sorry” kit blushed.
Leanna just shook her head trying not to laugh. She watched as kit brought up the scanner.
“ There they are” kit replied.
Leanna sat and watched as the thundertank pulled up to the wollo village. There where six mutants again four Thundercats.
.
Leanna and watched as the four ThunderCats quickly drove off the mutants.
Cheetara ran in a blur around one of them and took her staff and knocked him to the ground, the mutant ran off.
Tygra used his whip to turn himself invisible; he came up behind one of the mutant, appeared and with a crack of his whip sent the mutant flying.
Panthro used his nun-chucks to dispose to two of them that came at him.
Lion-o fired a blot of energy from the sword at the last mutant.
Leanna smiled, “I just wish I could of gone with them to help”.
“Better get down stairs, they will be returning soon” kit replied.
By the time she made it down stairs the large crowd had thinned out, only a few dozen reminded.
She met up with her mother, “ they are on their way back” Leanna replied as they entered the large dining hall.
Leanna was talking to willa when they came back.
Lion-o walked over to her “sorry about that, but when duty calls” he smiled.
Lion-o heard Panthro call to him; “ I will be back” Lion-o replied and went over to Panthro.
“My lady,” Tygra said as he bowed to her and held out his hand ”may I have this dance”.
“How can I refuse such a charming dance partner,” Leanna smiled as she took his hand.
“Tygra I need to speak to you about something personal,” Leanna replied as they danced.
“Oh,” he said surprised. “Not now, tomorrow if your no too busy,” Leanna replied shyly.
“Sure, but why me,” He asked. “Because you are the only one who can help me,” Leanna whispered. “ Okay, we will talk in the morning,” Tygra smiled at her.
Several hours passed and still no sign of Lion-o. Leanna was starting to get tired. It was near two in the morning, the last of the guest had left hours ago. Leanna tried to stay awake, she could feel herself nodding off, and finally she stood up, bid Cheetara and Tygra goodnight, and went up to her room.
She got undressed and went to bed; she soon fell asleep, sometime during the night she was vaguely aware of someone coming into the room, and then leaving.
It was morning when Leanna woke she stretched; rolled over on her back, she didn’t realize how tired she really was, she feel asleep before her head hit the pillow. She turned over and saw a bright red rose on the pillow with a note under it. She sat up and picked up the rose and the note. It was from Lion-o, a smile crept across her face as she read the note.
Leanna,
Sorry about last night, something urgent came up
and Panthro and I have to go out for a while, I promise to make it up to you
later.
Love Leo.
she got out of bed and put the rose in a glass of water and set it on her night stand.
She dressed and went down to the kitchen; Tygra was sitting at the table.
“Good-morning,” Leanna smiled at the tiger
“Good-morning, Did you sleep well?” he asked smiling at her.
“Yes,” Leanna said, “it’s so quietly where is everyone,”
Tygra said, “Still sleeping I guess, I have not seen no one beside you this morning, are you hungry”.
“ No “she replied as she poured herself a cup of tea. “We didn’t even get the chance to cut the wedding cake, what did Snarf do with it,” She asked as she went over and sat down and quietly drank her tea.
“He took it and put it down stairs in cold storage, did you look out the window this morning,” Tygra replied nodding to the window.
“ No,” Leanna said setting down the cup” Why”
“It snowed last night, and it’s still snowing” Tygra replied gesturing to the window.
Leanna got up and went to the window,” Oh my, a lot has come down,” Leanna said looking out.
“There’s already a foot and a half on the ground now, and it’s not showing any signs of stopping to soon,” Tygra said as he stood beside her and looked out the window.
“You wanted my help with something,” He asked. “Yes, this is embarrassing. Cheetara already knows about it, she is the one who suggested that I come talk to you,” Leanna said quietly still looking out the window.
“Leanna, what ever you tell me I will hold in the strictest confidence, I will help you if I can, there is no need to be embarrassed ” Tygra said calmly. Leanna stood in silence for a moment trying to find the right word. “Does this have anything to do with Lion-o,” Tygra asked her.
“Well he is a big part of it, you do know how long I have been here right,” Leanna asked hoping the tiger would get the hint without her having to come out and say it. Tygra nodded “Yes, a little over five months”.
“Which means I only have a few weeks left, and I don’t wish to conceive a child so soon, I want to wait awhile,” Leanna said shyly as blushed. “I must find a way to keep from conceiving a child or leave the Lair for five days”.
“Ah, I see, does Lion-o know about this,” Tygra asked.
“No, it’s better if he doesn’t,” Leanna said quietly finally looking at him.
“Well Leanna, he is your husband and I think this is a decision that you both should make together,” Tygra said as he put his hand on her shoulder.
“But he may get angry with me,” Leanna replied with a hint of fear in her voice.
“Lion-o will not be angry with you if you sit down and talk to him about it first, if you go behind his back without letting him know, then yes he may be upset,” Tygra said giving her a reassuring smile. “But can you help me, if we decide not to,” Leanna asked concerned.
“Yes, I will help you, I will work on an injection for you, but do not wait too long to talk to him, I will need time to get it ready”.
“ I won’t, thank-you Tygra,” Leanna said finally smiling
Cheetara entered the kitchen looking a little annoyed,” Well, no morning run for me today,” She said as she poured a cup of tea and sat at the table.
“Has Lion-o come back yet?” Leanna asked as she went over and sat back at the table.
“ No, He and Panthro went out late last night when it started snowing to try and help clean up” Cheetara replied.
“So my father is responsible for stealing my husband, you wait until I see him,” Leanna said shaking her head.
“ Cheer up he will be back soon,” Cheetara replied as she sipped her tea.
Suddenly Cheetara eyes grew wide and she started to shiver.” What is it,” Tygra asked.
“ So cold “ She said through chattering teeth. She dropped the cup on the floor,” Lion-o, he so cold, something has happened, He has fallen through ice, Panthro is trying to pull him out,” Cheetara replied. “ We have to go help” Leanna said as she got to her feet. “ No Leanna, you stay here and get the infirmary ready, Cheetara and I will go, have warm towels on hand and find all the blankets you can,” Tygra said as he and Cheetara headed out the door. Tygra knew there was more that Cheetara didn’t want to say in front of Leanna.
“ My god Tygra, he’s drowning,” Cheetara cried as the headed to the hanger.
Leanna ran into the twin’s room, “guys gather all the blankets you can and meet me in the infirmary”, the three of them ran into each bedroom gathering all the blankets they could find and headed to the infirmary.
Mean while Tygra and Cheetara took the thundertank and headed to where Panthro and Lion-o where.
“Lion-o you have to try and grab my hand,” Panthro shouted as he lay on his belly trying to get a grip on Lion-o, who kept slipping under the Ice. “Can’t…. Fingers…Numb,” Lion-o replied as he once again slipped under the ice.
Panthro made a grab for him before he went down. He caught his wrist and started pulling, as he pulled the ice began to crack more threatening to send him in too. He dug in his shoulder spikes into the ice and with one mighty yank; he pulled the half frozen Lion-o out of the water. He turned as he heard the roar of the approaching tank; he picked Lion-o up and headed to the tank. Cheetara and Tygra jumped out, Tygra ran over and check on Lion-o. “ We need to get him home now,” Tygra replied as they placed Lion-o in the back of the tank. “Cheetara grab the emergency kit, there should be a blanket in there,” Tygra said as he checked Lion-o’s vitals.
“How is he,” Cheetara asked as she handed Tygra the kit.
“He’s alive, but very cold, we need to get him back home and warm him up”.
“What’s going on,” Kat asked unloading an arm full of blankets.
“ It’s Lion-o he fell through some ice, we need to have everything ready when they bring him back,” Leanna replied trying not to panic. Leanna called Snarf and told him to get any hot water bottles he had ready.
Leanna was about to go down to see if they made it back when the doors slid open and they rushed in with Lion-o they laid him on the bed. “ We need to get these wet clothes off him now,” Tygra ordered. They very quickly stripped him of the wet clothing and wrapped him in blankets. ”We have to get his body temperature back to normal, but we have to do it slowly so he won’t go into shock. Snarf came in with cart full of thermo-pads; we need to warm up his core temperature first, Leanna pack these around his chest and neck, ” Tygra said as he stuck an I.V in to Lion-o’s arm.
Leanna quickly retrieved the thermo-pads, reached under the blankets, and started to pack them around his body. “Tygra,” Leanna replied, ”he’s hardly breathing”
“His core temperature is too low, I will have to insert a breathing tube, Leanna you may want to look away while I do this,” Tygra said as he picked up the tube. Leanna shook her head and continued to wrap Lion-o’s hand.
As Tygra inserted the tube Lion-o gagged and started to vomit. “Quickly and gently turn him on his side,” He said, once he stopped vomiting Tygra carefully inserted the tube, he was now breathing a lot better.
“Lion-o,” Leanna whispered in his ear,” I’m here, you’re okay now, your home safe and warm”.
Tygra came in every ten minutes to check on Lion-o and replace the thermo-pads as they cooled. He notice that Lion-o wasn’t shivering as bad as he was a few hours ago, which meant his body temperature was going back to normal. Leanna was asleep in the chair beside the bed.
“Leanna,” Tygra whisper shaking her shoulder, it’s getting very late, go get some rest, there is nothing to do but wait until he wakes up”.
“No, I will not leave him,” replied Leanna as she stood and walked over to her husbands beside. She touched his cheek,” He seems to be a lot warmer, the thermo-pads seem to be doing the trick”.
“Yes, his body temperature is almost back to normal, his breathing is starting got get a lot better, I will take the breathing tube out tomorrow afternoon to see how he does without it,” Tygra said looking down at Lion-o. “He is going to be very irritable if he wakes up with the tube down his throat,” Leanna said as she caressed the sleeping lion’s cheek.
It was early the next morning when Lion-o started to wake up, he reached up trying to pull out the breathing tube.
“ No, you must keep that in for a little while longer,” Tygra said as he grabbed the Lion’s hand. “Don’t try to talk, I know it’s uncomfortable but it is helping you breathe”.
Lion-o slowly opened his eyes and looked at him.
“You my friend had a close call this time, you should know better than to try and go swimming in the middle of winter,” Tygra chuckled. Lion-o rolled his eyes and gave him a (ha ha very funny) look. “You better behave yourself or I will get Panthro in here to give you a sponge bath,” Tygra smiled shyly. Lion-o shook his head no, ”that’s what I thought,” Tygra laughed.
Lion-o raised his head and looked down; Leanna was in the chair at his bedside leaning over the bed with her head resting on her arm, her hand holding his other one. He looked back at Tygra. “ She’s a stubborn one, she hasn’t left your side since we brought you home,” Tygra said smiling. Lion-o moved his thumb across the back of her hand. Leanna quickly woke up and looked at him. “Your awake,” she beamed as she moved closer to him. “How do you feel,” she asked touching his cheek, he motion to Tygra to get him something to write with, Tygra handed him a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote a note had gave it to Leanna she read the note. “With my hands,” Leanna chuckled. “Oh, very cute,” Leanna said dryly looking at him,” he almost dies and he’s a smart-aleck about it”.
“Now I told you to behave yourself did I, now you go back to sleep, you need your rest.” Tygra grinned at him.
Lion-o wrote another note and handed it to Tygra,” he said to tell you to go to bed, that it is an order”.
“Are you pulling rank on me,” Leanna asked. Lion-o nodded, Leanna sighed, “well I guess I’ve been told, okay, I will go what choice do I have, none right”. Lion-o nodded in agreement. Leanna leaned over and whispered.” I will go but there is one thing I have to do before I leave,” She said. She nuzzled her face against his heck and wrapped her arms around him the best she could and hugged him.
When she sat up and looked at him tears rolled down her cheek, ”I am just relieved your okay,” Leanna smiled at him. Lion-o wrapped his arms around her and held her in a tight hug. “I love you Leo,” She whispered in his ear. She sat up and he smiled at her and wiped the tears from her cheek. “See you in a little while,” she replied as she left the room.
Lion-o waited until after she left and wrote another note and handed it to Tygra. “ Yes, I will make sure she goes to her room and sleeps, now my friend you do the same”.
Leanna did go to her room but she didn’t go to sleep, instead she took the opportunity to take a shower and put on a clean uniform. She decided to go down to the kitchen and grab a snack; she had not eaten since yesterday. It was still early and the others where still sleeping accept who ever was on duty in the control room. The light coming from the kitchen told her that someone was already up.
The smell of food wavered down the hall as she got closer. “Good-morning Leanna,” Snarf replied as he set a plate of food down on the table. “Good-morning Snarf,” she said as she sat down. “You will be happy to know that Lion-o was awake earlier and he is doing much better,” Leanna replied as she starting eating.
“Yes I know, Tygra called down a little while ago, he said to ask you if you could go to Lion-o’s room and bring him some of his things, and to wait a couple of hours before you bring them,” Snarf said handing her a list. Leanna chuckled; Tygra knew she would not go to her room to sleep. She also wondered why he would send her not Snarf to collect his belongings. She tucked the list into her belt and finished her breakfast.
Leanna walked down the hallway that would take her Lion-o’s bedchamber, she remembered the last time she took this particular path. She took a deep breath, as she stood in front of the door. She reached for the panel the door slid silently open. She stood in the middle of the room for a moment looking around. The room looked much larger in the daytime than it did that night she was here, of course that night the only thing she was focused on was the lone occupant that was in the bed.
She quickly dug out the list and set to work.
Leanna felt like a intruder in Lion-o’s private quarters as she went through the dresser to find what she was looking for. His scent hung strongly in the air, Leanna tried to ignore it but her mind would not let her, she could almost feel him touching her body, hear him groan in her ear. Leanna shook her head she had to keep her mind on the task at hand
The last items on the list were the bathroom she went through the cabinet. The last item on the list was his thick bathrobe, she and found it hanging on the back of the door. She picked up the black robe and went back to the bedroom. She neatly folded the items in a stack, when she picked up the robe to fold it she couldn’t help but to feel how soft it was. She held it against her cheek feeling the softness. His scent was strong on the thick fabric as she drank it in. “I have got to stop this,” she thought to herself as she folded the robe and added it to the small pile. Once everything on the list was found, she gathered up the clothing and headed to the infirmary.
Tygra had just finished putting away equipment when Leanna walked in. “Did you have a good sleep,” Tygra asked knowing full well she never slept. Leanna just gave him a shy smile,” He are the things Lion-o requested,” she said looking over towards the now empty bed. “Where is he? “ she asked.
“He’s in the bathroom, he still felt a little chilled so I told him to go have a hot bath,” Tygra replied nodding towards the bathroom door.
“So I take it he is a lot better,” Leanna asked putting the clothing on the bed. “Much, he was happy to get that breathing tube out,” Tygra chuckled.
“I bet he was,” Leanna said shaking her head. She went over and sat in the chair. “He will want those,’ Tygra said pointing to the clothing on the bed.
“That’s why I brought them,” Leanna replied giving him a perplexing look.
“Well, take them in to him,” Tygra replied as he turned to leave the room. “Snarf should be doing that,” Leanna said trying to catch him before he got to the door. Tygra turned and looked at her, ”He didn’t ask Snarf to go and get them now did he”.
“No,” Leanna said softly she wondered if anyone could die from embarrassment.
“Well then, take them in to him,” Tygra grinned as the door slid shut behind him.
Maybe she could leave them by the bathroom door and let him know that they where there and leave. She picked up the pile, went over, and knocked softly on the door.
”Lion-o I brought the things you asked for,” Leanna called out.
“Good, bring them in please,” Lion-o called out with a gravelly voice form behind the closed door. He wanted her to come in there; Leanna felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she stood in front of the closed door. She thought if she could just go in place the clothing on the counter by the sink and leave without looking at him she would be okay. She took a deep breath and walked in, the bathroom was thick with steam for which she was grateful. Without looking in his direction, she placed the clothing on the counter beside the sink and turned to leave.
“Where you going in such a hurry,” he said his throat was sore from the breathing tube which made his voice sound hoarse.
“I will wait for you out side,” Leanna said quietly not looking in his direction.
“Wait a minute, could you pass me a towel,” he croaked. Leanna sighed and reached for one of the big bath towels, she turned and looked at the floor as she walked over to the side of the large tub and passed him the towel. Instead of taking the towel, Lion-o took her hand and pulled her down beside the tub.
“Why are you blushing,” he said softly, “ you have seen me without my clothes on before, am I that unpleasant to look at”.
“No, of course not” Leanna replied shocked as she finally looked him in the face.
“There that’s better, I don’t like talking to the back of your head,” He smiled at her,
“I am really sorry about this, here we have been married for two days and I have only seen you for about ten minutes the whole time”.
‘It is not your fault accidents happen, I am just happy you are okay,” She smiled at him.
“I promise I will make it up to you,” Lion-o said as he placed his wet hand at the nape of her neck and pulled her close and kissed her. “I thought Tygra told you to take a bath, not try and cook yourself,” Leanna said quietly as she pulled away from him.
“I like my bath water hot, beside the steam is good to help clear up the congestion in my lungs,” he grinned as he started coughing.
Leanna’s hand went automatically on his bare back,” You okay,” She asked rubbing his back. “ Yes, I just wish I could get rid of this cough,” Lion-o replied smiling weakly at her. “You finish your bath, I will be outside,” Leanna replied as she stood and left.
As Leanna left the bathroom, Tygra came back in to the infirmary with a tray in his hand. “ So how is he feeling,” Tygra asked.
“Better, but he as a bad cough,” Leanna said with concern, ”Is there anything you can give him”.
“Yes,” Tygra smiled putting down the tray and holding up a small jar and a bottle, “I have something to help sooth his throat,” He said holding up the bottle. “And this will break up the congestion,” he replied holding up the small jar.
“Now” He said picking up a tea cup and putting a few drops of the liquid in it, ”get him to drink this”. “And you rub this on his chest and back, because he’s not going to let me do it” Tygra smiled as he handed her the small jar. “Who would if I wasn’t here,” Leanna replied. “We would probably have to hold him down to do it,” Tygra laughed.
“He cannot be that bad,” Leanna chuckled.
“Are you kidding, I would rather tackle all the mutants and Mumm-ra unarmed, while tied to a tree, than Lion-o when he is sick,” Tygra laughed.
“Gee, thanks a lot, what am I the sacrificial lamb,” Leanna replied rolling her eyes.
“At least he won’t bite your head off if you go near him,” Tygra said as he headed back out the door.
“This is some way to start a honeymoon, with a sick grumpy Lion on my hands,” Leanna said to her self as she sat on the bed and waited for her husband to come out. She didn’t have to wait long. Lion-o came out dressed in his sleep pants and robe.
“Feeling warmer now,” Leanna asked as she stood so he could get back in to bed.
“Yes,” He said softly as Leanna pulled the covers over him.
“I have been elected to be your nurse, I have something bad and something good” Leanna smiled handing him the teacup. “ You are to drink this, it will help your sore throat”.
Lion-o sniff the strange liquid,” What is in this, it smells awful,” he said grimacing.
“You’re suppose to drink it, not smell it,” Leanna said giving him a sympathetic look.
He drank the tea, but he wasn’t very happy about it.” I hope that was the something bad,” he said looking at her with a frown.
Leanna couldn’t help but laugh, he narrowed his eyes at her. “Sorry, I can’t help it, you look like a little boy who couldn’t get his own way, when you gave me that look,” Leanna chuckled. “I could always go get Snarf to take over if you want”.
“ No, he would drive me crazy,” Lion-o groaned as he handed her back the teacup.
“So are you ready for the something good,” Leanna asked with a shy smile.
“What is it, “Lion-o asked unsure of what to expect.
Leanna held up a small jar, ”I am suppose to rub this on your chest and back, it will help with the congestion”. She opened the lid and sniffed it. ”See it doesn’t stink, it smells like mint,” She grinned and moved on the other side of the bed so she was behind him. Lion-o untied his robe and sat up as Leann pulled it down off his shoulders so he could take his arms out. She scooped out a small hand full and put it on his bare back, Lion-o took a sharp breath.
“Sorry I should have warned you it was cold,” Leanna replied as she started rubbing it in. she used both hands to gently massage the ointment on to his well muscled back that was the easy part. ”Hmm, that’s feels good, you have magic hands,” Lion-o replied clearly enjoying the massage.
Once she as done with his back she help him put his robe back on, she went around to the other side so she was facing him and sat on the side of the bed. She took another small hand full, this time she rubbed it between her hands to warm it up a little before she touched him. He lay back as she placed her hand on the middle of his chest and started to move them around. Leanna bit her lower lip as she slowly moved her hands around, the feel of his broadly muscled chest on the palms of her hands, making her way around his rib cage to his sides.
Lion-o laughed,” Don’t do that it tickles”. Leanna smiled at him and went back to what she was doing, moving her hands slowly over his chest, rib cage and collarbone. Suddenly he grabbed her hands, she looked at him confused.
“Leanna, you must stop now,” He said breathless. “Sorry,” She said softly.
“It’s okay,” Lion-o smiled at her.
She smiled and nodded then her face took on a more serious look, ” we need to talk about something very important,” Leanna replied as she wiped off her hands.
“Oh,” He said sitting up tying his robe closed.
“I don’t want you to be angry with me when I say this,” Leanna said looking at him. “At this point and time I don’t think we are ready for a child”.
“Go on,” Lion-o said as he looked at her. ”As you must know by now, I will soon be coming into my ovulation cycle, and under the circumstances it would be wise to either fine a way to stop it or I leave for the five days,” Leanna said softly waiting for his response.
“I have noticed the slight change in your scent, if this is what you want then do what you must,” Lion-o replied calmly.
Leanna looked at him in surprise, ”your not angry,” She asked.
“Now why would I be angry, I am not some brute that would demand you give me a cub right away, beside right now I don’t have the energy to keep up with you,” Lion-o smiled sheepishly at her. “Thank-you for understanding,” She smiled at him.
“Come here,” He said holding out his arms. She went to him, he held her tight as she curled up beside him. The lack of sleep finally caught up to Leanna, she was warm and contented and the sound of his heartbeat lulled her into a peaceful sleep. Now Lion-o knew what had been bothering her for the past few weeks, he agreed with her that this was the not the right time to have a child, “perhaps next time” he thought to himself, he looked down at his sleeping wife and smiled, he to closed his eyes and fell asleep.
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