BORN INTO
MARRAGE
By
LadyLea
CHAPTER 6
Leanna had woken up just before the ship landed; he had informed her that she had arrived at her new home. “If you behave and try not to escape, then you will be treated well, do I make myself clear,” Joseph asked. Leanna nodded, she was in no position to run anywhere, her leg was not broken but it had two deep gashes that had been stitched up. She sat in the seat and glared at the human, he was just a little taller than she was, with wavy brown hair and hazel eyes. If she where human she might have thought him handsome.
Joseph handed her a short white tunic “Cover yourself it gets chilly at night,’ he replied as he unshackled her hands long enough for her to put the garment on. Leanna saw from the window that it was just about dark but she could see that they had landed beside a large white house with a beautiful flower and vegetable garden that grew a backfield.
“Come on cat, I will show you your new home,” Joseph replied as Leanna followed him down the ramp. He lead her a large building that resembled barn. Inside the massive building was a row of cages and pens. Joseph opened one of the cages and gestured for her to go in. “I will be back with some food,” He replied before he locked the door and left.
Leanna looked around, her new home a 10x10 cell, consisted for a small window and against the wall was a small a cot, in a partitioned off section it contained a sink and a toilet. Leanna sat down on the small cot and tried to keep herself from crying. “Here eat this,” Joseph replied shoving a covered tray under the bars.
Leanna went over, picked up the tray, and returned to her cot. She placed the tray on her lap and lifted the cover. The plate was filled with steaming meat and vegetables; she was so hungry she just started stuffing the food into her. She needed to keep up her strength if she was to get out of this place. Joseph watched her eat, “My, we where hungry,” He laughed, Leanna just stared angrily at him.
“Here you will need these,” He said passing a small bundle through the bars. Leanna finished eating, pushed the tray back under the bars, and picked up the bundle.
The bundle consisted of a small towel, hairbrush, toothbrush, a bar of soap and another tunic.
“You may want to clean up, you’re quite a mess,” Joseph replied smiling at her.
Leanna remained quiet as she sat on the cot looking at him. “You know,” he chuckled as he ran his fingers through his hair, “If looks could kill I think I would drop dead”.
“Then why don’t you just go and do that,” Leanna growled.
Joseph laughed, ”Argon said you where high-strung”.
“I don’t like to be treated like an animal,” Leanna replied quietly fingering the collar that was still around her neck.
“Well my dear, if want that collar off then it’s all according on how well you conduct yourself,” Joseph said smiling at her, “now do you mind if I ask you a few questions”.
“Do I have a choice,” Leanna replied quietly. “If you want that collar off then no, you have no choice,” Joseph answered as he went and picked up a small stool and placed it in front of the cage door.
“Now first of all, do you have a name,” He asked as he sat down.
“Yes, She answered rolling her eyes, “my name is Leanna,”
“Leanna, pretty name,” Joseph smiled, ”Now, how old are you”.
“22,” Leanna answered. “Very good, now see that wasn’t so hard,” Joseph smiled at her.
“Now you go get cleaned up and get some rest, I will be back in the morning,” Joseph said as he stood.
“How am I suppose to clean up with these shackles on my wrists,” Leanna asked holding out her hands.
“You do have a point,” Joseph smiled, ”come over here and put your hands through the bars”.
“What’s the matter, don’t trust me,” Leanna smirked as she put her hands through the bars.
“Not after I seen what you did to Argon’s face,” Joseph said as he unlocked the shackles. “Now I will be back in the morning”.
Leanna watched him leave, once out of sight she went into the tiny bathroom and quickly clean herself up the best she could. Once done she came out and sat cross-legged on the cot. One way or another she was going to get out of here. She closed her eyes and concentrated, if Lion-o could summon their bond maybe she could too.
As she concentrated, she pictured his face, the sound of his voice. She let herself sink deeper into her subconscious until she felt a warm glow, it was Lion-o’s life force, and he was there. She held on to the feeling as it surrounded her like a warm blanket.
“Eye of Thundera help me, give me the strength to call to he who is my heart” Leanna pleaded as she concentrated harder but nothing happened, no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t call to him, He was just too far away.
She growled in frustration and threw the brush across the room.
She spent the rest of the night pacing the tiny cell trying to think of a way she could get herself out of this situation. If could gain Joseph’s trust he said he might consider removing her collar. She already tested the door lock and there was no way of opening it without the key. The bars on the window made it impossible to escape. So now, her only choice was to be nice to her captor. The sound of a door opening interrupted her train of thought.
“Good morning, I hope you slept well,” Joseph smiled at her.
“Yes I did, but I did find it a bit chilly in here last night,” Leanna smiled sweetly. Joseph was please with her change of behavior.
“I brought you some breakfast,” He said as he stood in front of the door the door.
“Hmm, smells wonderful, I am very hungry,” Leanna said softly as she sat on the side of the cot.
“I’m going to check on your leg,” Joseph said as he put the tray down. “Stand over here and turn around”.
Leanna nodded and stood, went to the door and turned around. Joseph put the shackles on her and motion for her to sit on the cot. He then retrieved to stool, opened the door and gestured for her to put her foot on it. Leanna tried not to show her utter disgust as he removed the bandage and ran his fingers over her leg. Inside she recoiled as his fingers encountered her flesh, “The stitches can come out in about a week, “he said running his fingers over them. “I have never seen a color like yours, it’s like a light caramel, almost golden”.
“I am of normal coloring for my clan, it makes it easier to hunt if you can blend in with your surrounding,” Leanna said quietly.
“So do you do a lot of hunting, “Joseph asked as he re-bandaged her leg.
“I have done my fair share,” Leanna said as she shrugged her shoulders.
“Now I will take the shackles off you so you can eat, come over to the door,” Joseph said as he stood and went to the door.
Leanna nodded and went to the door, he took off the shackles and sat down on the stool while she picked up the tray and started eating. “You know you can never go back to your old life, you belong to me now” Joseph replied looking at her.
“Who am I to argue, I am just a cat remember,” Leanna said looking at him.
“No, I think that there is more to you than meets the eye,” Joseph said eyeing her suspiciously.
“What ever do you mean, I am only a female,” Leanna smiled shyly.
“Ah, so is the black widow spider, I have the feeling you can be very deadly,” Joseph replied arching a brow at her.
“A what kind of spider,” Leanna asked. “ A black widow, it gets its name because after she mates, she then kills and eats him, they are very beautiful and very poisonous,” Joseph said looking at her.
“Well,” Leanna smiled “ we don’t kill our mates or eat them and we are not poisonous”.
“That’s good to know,” Joseph smirked. “I will remember that for future reference”.
She remembered what her father always told her, ”Desperate times call for desperate measures”. Of course, if her father were here Joseph would be running for his life.
Leanna stood and walked over to the door and gave him a wicked grin. “However,” Leanna said in a low sultry voice as she grabbed the bars and flexed her claws, “human males are much too fragile, you would never be able to survive a thunderian female, you do not possess the strength or stamina of a thunderian male, you would most likely die or be seriously maimed”.
Joseph’s eyes widened in surprise, “You’re joking right”. A low growled formed in Leanna’s throat. She
narrowed her eyes at him, bared her teeth showing him a set of short but sharp
fangs and roared, Joseph jumped back in fear.
“No.. I am not; “ She
smiled as she pressed herself against the bars and showed him the scar from the
bite mark on her heck, “If you had been a Thunderian male you would have known
what that growl meant”. Joseph just looked at her; he did not know what to say.
Leanna went back and sat down on the cot, ”So
I would remember that for future reference, “she smiled. “Hmm, maybe a
taste of isolation will change your mind, let us see how much you like being
alone,” Joseph said before he left the barn.
He did just that, for three
weeks, he would come in long enough to deliver her meals and leave without
saying anything to her. Leanna would not acknowledge his presents when he did
stay a few extra minutes. She would just sit with her back turned to him until
he left.
One morning she was changing her clothes when Joseph appeared at the
door. She did not hear him come in.
His eyes roamed over her body, he looked at her and smiled.” Hmm, seems
like you have been hiding something from me,” He said as he stared at her
swollen stomach.
She turned and quickly covered herself. Leanna cursed herself for being
careless, he now knew that she was pregnant and he may use that against her.
“Just remember one thing, you belong to me and that child you carry is
my property,“ Joseph grinned.
“My baby does not belong to you in any, way, shape or form,” Leanna
growled, “do what you will with me but you leave my child alone”.
“My, we are a cocky one,” Joseph
said laughing, ”Who do you think you are, Queen of the
Cats,” Joseph asked shaking his head
Leanna cocked her head and smiled, “As a matter of fact, officially I
hold the title of Lady and one day Queen, So yes I am”.
“Lady huh, and I suppose that child is a future Lord and King,” Joseph
laughed mocking her.
“Yes,” Leanna replied proudly.
“Well milady and one day Queen, I bid you good day,” Joseph laughed and
left. She could hear him laughing all the way to the door, “Lady and future
Queen, that’s rich” she heard him say laughing as he went out the door. Leanna
just shook her head and sat down.
#####################
“It’s taking too long to find her, she going to think we have abandoned her” Lion-o said frustrated as he paced the floor of the council chamber.
“Lion-o, I know you’re worried but we are doing the best we can” Tygra said calmly looking over the latest data sheets, “Mandora is keeping an eye out for the ship. She will let us know as soon as she find anything”.
“It’s been over four months, without her insignia, the sword is unable to find her. Every time we attempt to go out and search for her, the mutants always attacked us, we don’t know what that man could be doing to her,” Lion-o growled slamming his fist down onto the table making it shake and groan under the force.
“Lion-o, you’re letting your imagination runaway with you again, first of all you must calm down, ranting and raving will not help matters,” Tygra said trying to calm the Lion down.
“Second of all, we are doing everything we can to find her”.
“Well sitting here is not doing everything,” Lion-o said glaring at the tiger.
“Lion-o, now you know better than that, we have had searches going on since the day Joseph took her, we just haven’t had any solid leads as of yet and you know we have our allies out looking too, you just have to be patient, something is bound to turn up,” Tygra replied looking at Lion-o.
Telling Lion-o to be patient was like telling the sun not to rise and set; Tygra understood Lion-o’s frustration and worry. He was worried too; by his calculations, Leanna was due to deliver in about three weeks and Lion-o knew that, which just made him even more agitated.
“I know, I’m sorry, it’s just that this should of never of happened. If I had only stayed here instead of going mountain climbing she would be here right now,” Lion-o said turning to Tygra.
“Lion-o it’s no good blaming yourself, if Argon has been keeping his eye on Leanna then it would have happened at some point, it was just a matter of when and where,” Tygra said.
“Have Cheetara and Panthro reported back yet,” Lion-o asked as he turned and looked out the window.
“Not yet they are still testing out the tanks new scanners,” Tygra answered, “They had Wiley kit go out and hide so they could test them, if they work we will be able to find Kit by scanning for her bio-signature”.
“What if the new scanner doesn’t work,” Lion-o replied flatly.
“If Panthro built it, it doesn’t dare not work,” Tygra grinned, “just keep thinking positively”.
#####################
Leanna sat on the small cot looking up at the brightly lit moon. Her thoughts where of Lion-o and her family and how much she missed them. She missed the boisterous laugher of the twins as they chased each other around. She missed Cheetara and all the fun times they had just sitting and talking about anything and everything, Cheetara was like the older sister she never had.
Then there was Tygra, he was like an older brother, many times she went to him for advice and he was happy to help her any way he could. Then there was her parents, after so many years of being apart they finally where a family again. Even though the others where not blood relatives she considered them all family.
Then there was her beloved; her heart ached every time she thought of him, the way he smiled at her, the sound of his voice. She knew she had treated him badly, all he wanted to do was to love her and she just pushed him away. She thought that maybe that was why no one had come for her, he was still angry with her. Surely, he would not abandon his child; this baby was the future Lord. That is if he even knew about the baby.
Suddenly a sharp pain ripped through her abdomen, she cried out, her hand flew to her belly
“Hey little one, it’s okay, settle down, “Leanna said softly as she rubbed her belly. The child within her was kicking up a storm. “You’re just like your father, so impatient,” Leanna chuckled as looked down at her stomach. “You do not know how badly I wish we where home, but I fear we may never see home again”.
##################
Cheetara was in the hanger talking to Panthro and Lion-o when Lion-o suddenly staggered.
“Lion-o are you alright,” Cheetara asked. “Leanna,“ Lion-o replied clutching his head, he reached out to steady himself.
“Cheetara help me,” Lion-o replied holding out his hand. Cheetara grasped his hand.
The second she touched him she felt the connection between him and Leanna, but there was something different, another life force was also present.
“Can you see where she is,“ Lion-o asked.
“I can’t tell, she’s in a building of some sort, she is very far away,” Cheetara said trying to focus.
“I can see a country side that is filled with fields of corn and other crops”.
Then the link started to weaken, ”No,” Lion-o half shouted as the link faded to just a weak spark once again.
“I’m sorry Lion-o,” Cheetara replied giving his hand a squeeze.” She just didn’t have the strength to continue”.
“Damn it,” Lion-o cursed in frustration, “I can’t stand this anymore, I don’t care what you have to do, I want the tank ready by morning”.
“Lion-o, Panthro needs a break, he’s been working on the tank for days without rest,” Cheetara said softly.
“Fine rest for a few hours then get back to work, let me know when your ready to start I will help you,” Lion-o said as he left the room.
“But Lion-o,” Cheetara shouted after him.
“Don’t worry about it Cheetara, I want my daughter back as much as he does,” Panthro replied rubbing his hands over his face. “Go tell Snarf to put on a strong pot of coffee, it’s going to be a long night”.
################
Joseph made his daily morning trip to the barn to deliver Leanna her breakfast. When he walked over to her cell he notice she was just sitting her staring out the window, he could tell she had been crying. “So has the loneliness gotten to you yet,” He asked slipping the tray under the door.
“No, I just need to go outside for some exercise, my leg is cramping up,” Leanna said quietly.
“Well you have been cooped up here for months and you do still have the collar, if you promise not to run I will let you out to walk around, “Joseph said.
“I swear on my child’s life I will not run,” Leanna replied softly.
“It’s a deal, you go ahead and eat and I will be back, I have to go and try to fix something on my ship before I let you out,” Joseph said.
“Oh, what is the problem with your ship, “Leanna asked as she started eating.
“It’s just my radio, I’ve been having trouble with it,” Joseph said.
Leanna smiled to herself this could be the opportunity she had been waiting for.
“You know,” She smiled, “I could help you with that”.
“You know how to fix a radio,” Joseph laughed.
“How hard can it be, you may just have a loose connection in one of your transponders, “Leanna replied shrugging her shoulders, “have you taken off the panel and checked all the connection”.
“That’s what I was going to do, “Joseph said arching a brow at her, “Tell me, how do know so much about radios”.
“My father, he can build just about anything, “Leanna smiled.
“Very well, come on then,” Joseph said as he unlocked the cage.
Leanna got to her feet and for the first time since she was brought here, she was free. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of fresh air. All her cat senses came alive; her ear caught all the different sounds that surrounded her, the wind blowing through the trees and the birds chirping to their neighbors, the sound of small animals running through the underbrush.
The smell of flowers and other vegetation filled her nostrils, she smiled as the sun fell upon her face, even the ground felt good under her bare feet. Every instinct told her to run but she knew she could not, where would she go. She had no idea where she was or how far away her home was. She could survive out in the woods on her own, but with her baby so close to being born, she would not take the chance of any harm coming to her child.
Leanna followed her captor inside the small ship. “Here, you start there,” Joseph replied pointing to the panel at the controls,” Just remember I still have the controller for your collar where I can reach it, so don’t try anything funny”. Leanna nodded and proceeded to remove the panel, she was glad she took the time to read her father’s Tec-manuals. All those hours in the library reading had finally paid off; And Lion-o just thought she was reading some kind of romance novel or a history book. She smiled to herself, she did read a few romance novels of Cheetara’s, Lion-o would come in and seen her reading one of Cheetara’s books, he would just roll his eyes and shake his head, “those things will rot your brain,” he would say to her. She would just look at him, shrug her shoulders, and go back to her reading. Nevertheless, she decided to read her fathers Tec-manuals too, she was glad she did.
Leanna spotted the problem right away, a wire had come loose from it’s housing. “Everything looks fine here, Maybe you should go outside and check the under panel, “Leanna said trying to get ride of Joseph.
“Okay,” Joseph said then he turned and looked back at her, ”just so you know, I’m the only one who can fly this ship, so don’t even think of trying to take off”. Leanna just shook her head and turned back to the panel. As soon as he was out side she rewired the panel, “Cats Lair, Come in Cats Lair,” Leanna said softly as her fingers flew across the panel.
“Cats Lair, Tygra here,” Came Tygra’s voice over the radio. ”Identify yourself”.
Leanna almost screamed for joy,” Tygra, it’s me Leanna,” she said as she pulled up the view screen. A very surprised Tygra came up on the view screen, “Leanna,” Tygra said shocked.
“Yes, Tygra it’s me, “Leanna smiled then she heard him shout something.
############
It was near
“What!” Lion-o exclaimed as he wiped his hands. He didn’t even give the tiger time to repeat himself before he and Panthro where half way to the control room.
Lion-o and Panthro came running into the control room. Lion-o stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of Leanna’s face on the large viewing screen. Her face was thin and pale, her eyes looked dull, it looked like she had not slept in days, this was not his wife. However, her voice told him other wise.
“Where are you, we can barely read you “Tygra asked. “I don’t know Tygra,” Leanna said softly.
“Can you boost your signal,” Tygra replied trying to pin point and triangulate her position.
“I will try,” Leanna said her voice barely above a whisper, ”I don’t have much time, tell Lion-o I love him”. Leanna looked around to make sure Joseph had not returned yet when she turned back to the screen Lion-o was there. “Lion-o “she smiled and placed her hand on the screen.
“Leanna, are you okay, “Lion-o asked trying to keep his voice under control. Leanna shook her head no, because she could not speak. .”Don’t worry we will find you, just hang in there for just a little while longer,” Lion-o said as he too placed his hand on the smaller screen.
“Please hurry, “Leanna said as the tears rolled down her face. Then Lion-o heard a man’s voice in the background, “Who are you talking too”. He seen Leanna’s eyes widen in fear. Then last thing they saw and heard was Leanna screaming Lion-o’s name as she was being dragged away from the screen, then the screen went black. Lion-o closed his eyes and balled up his fists, renewed anger and sorrow flowed through him.
“I got it, I have pinpointed her location,” Cheetara replied putting it up on the screen.
“We have a problem, we know where it is but we will be able to go get her,” Tyrga replied looking at the map. “The place she is being held is here, would the tank make it there and back, I mean do we have the fuel capacity,” Tygra explained as he pointed to the location.
“I never put in consideration that we may have to make a long distance trip,” Panthro replied as he studied the map. “We only have two fuel modules, one that’s in the tank now and a back up cell, I could make another module but that would take a day or so”.
“What about the Feliner,” Lion-o asked.
“The Feliner Is far from finished, it would take another month to complete,” Panthro answered.
“We don’t have much of a choice, Panthro get started on the module,” Lion-o replied. “Once the module is complete how long will it take to get there,” Lion-o asked Tygra.
“Knowing Panthro, we will be traveling at full speed, I would have to say at least five days, that’s with rest stops,” Tygra answered.
Lion-o stood with his arms crossed thinking, “So if we take turns driving with fewer rest stops we will get there quicker,” Lion-o asked.
“Well yes, if we go non-stop at full speed, we can probably get there in three days maybe,” Tygra replied nodding his head.
“The question is, who stays behind, we all can’t go, someone has to stay here and keep an eye on things,” Panthro replied looking at the two men.
Lion-o arched his brow at Panthro, ”I would like to see you try and stop me from going”.
“I think with Leanna’s due date so close it would be wise if you and Tygra went,” Panthro replied putting his hand on Lion-o’s shoulder. “I will have the module ready by morning”.
##########
“You sneaky little bitch, “Joseph yelled as he dragged her by the hair back to the barn.
Once they reached her cage, he opened the door and shoved her violently inside and slammed the door shut. “I warned you about trying to trick me,” He said angrily, “You will stay in this cage, you will never see the outside again for as long as you live, which won’t be long because you need to be punished, we will see how long you and that cub of yours survive without food and water”.
“You can go square to hell, I will not be here long enough to starve to death, “Leanna hissed at him. Joseph looked at her and held up the controller to the collar, “Goodnight Milady,” he sneered as he pressed the button. A satisfying grin crossed his face as Leanna was choked to the point of unconsciousness.
###################
“True to his word the next morning at first light Panthro had a back up module complete, the tank was packed and ready to go.
“Go and bring my daughter home,” Maya replied giving Lion-o a hearty hug. “Don’t you worry Maya, we will bring her back,” Lion-o smiled at her, he didn’t realize until now how much Leanna looked like her mother.
“We will be back in a few days, “Tygra replied as he and Lion-o jumped into the tank and left.
The two men drove for a day and a half before stopping for their first rest stop.
“I can feel her as we get closer,” Lion-o replied as he sat down by the campfire.
“That is a good sign, maybe now you can use the sword,” Tygra asked passing Lion-o the food pack.
“No, there is no need, I know she is okay,” Lion-o replied quietly.
“We will rest for a few hours and head out again,” Tygra replied laying down on his sleeping bag.
################
Joseph had just come down stairs when they heard the roaring of an engine stop out side of his house. Joseph went over and peered out the window, ”What the hell,” He muttered as he saw the tank and two males jumping out.
Lion-o came crashing through the door, “Where is Leanna,” Lion-o roared as he jumped in front of Joseph with sword in hand.
“And just who in the hell do you think you are anyway, “Joseph replied angrily.
“Her Husband, ”Lion-o growled as he stepped closer to Joseph. ”Where is my wife”.
“Your wife!” Joseph exclaimed as the big lion towered over him.
“Yes, my wife, I would suggest you tell me where she is, NOW,” Lion-o growled as the sword let out a thunderous roar.
“She’s in the barn,” Joseph replied pointing to the large build.
“Tygra, make sure he does not go anywhere, I’m not done with him yet,” Lion-o said glaring at Joseph.
“You got it Lion-o,” Tygra replied as he tied him up.
Lion-o took off in a dead run towards the barn. Leanna had been resting; the baby had kept her up all night with its kicking and squirming it was as if the baby knew something she didn’t. She had not been feeling well all day and was laying down trying to rest. She was just about to fall asleep when suddenly her eyes flew open. She swore she heard the roar of the Thundertank.
Then she felt his presents he was close by. “Lion-o,” she exclaimed as she jumped up on the cot and looked out the window. Her heart leapt for joy when she saw the Thundertank sitting outside the house.
“Leanna “ Lion-o shouted as he opened the barn door and ran inside.
“I’m here,” Leanna called putting her arm through the bars. Lion-o saw her out stretched hand and ran over to the cage.
“Step back,” Lion-o ordered as he with drew the sword. With one swift motion, the sword easily sliced through the lock and the door swung open. She did not even give him time to sheath the sword before she ran and jumped into his awaiting arms. Lion-o caught her and wrapped his arms tightly around her. “Anna,” He whispered in her ear. ”Leo,” she cried as she hugged him fiercely. She looked into his eyes before she gave him the most passionate kiss she could muster.
“Are you okay,” Lion-o finally managed to say setting her back down on her feet.
“I am now,” she smiled, ”I can’t believe you’re here”.
“Now you didn’t think you could get rid of me that easily,” Lion-o replied hugging her to him.
He pulled away from her and looked down at her. He smiled as his gaze fell to her large stomach, ”Surprise,” Leanna smiled shyly.
“I would say a big surprise, “Lion-o chuckled as he place his hand on her stomach.
“I know, looks like I swallowed an over sized Snarf ball, “Leanna smiled covering his hand with hers.
“Lets get out of here, “Lion-o said. Lion-o put his arm around her and led her back to the tank.
“Stay here, “Lion-o replied as he went inside the house. Leanna could hear shouting coming from inside the house, she ran in and saw Lion-o holding Joseph by the collar. “Lion-o, what are you doing, “Leann shouted and she ran to his side, “Please, let him go”. Lion-o turned and looked at her with surprise.
“See, I told you that you would give in, “Joseph smiled at her.
“You shut the hell up,” Leanna growled as she stepped in front of him. “You don’t know how long I have waited to say this, you have caged me like an animal and kept me from the people I love, I hope you spend the rest of your life rotting in a cage like the animal you are”.
She turned and looked at Lion-o, “Can we please go home now”.
“Yes love, we are taking you home now,” Lion-o said softly as he pulled her onto his arms.
##################
It was starting to grow dark, “This looks like a good place to camp for the night,” Tygra replied as he stopped the tank. “We will rest here and head out in the morning”.
The trio jumped out of the tank and started looking around for a good place to set up camp. They decide to set up under a large pine tree; the pile of soft needles on the ground would offer a soft place to put their sleeping bags. Tygra and Lion-o moved a fallen log over so they would have a place to sit. The two men gathered stones and wood for the fire. Tygra made a ring of stones while Lion-o placed twigs and small branches in the middle.
“How long before we reach home,” Leanna asked as she unpacked the sleeping bags.
“A few more days,” Lion-o said as he got the campfire going.
Leanna went over to the rear hatch and took out the food pack and cooking utensils.
“Will you please stop looking at me like that,” Leanna said turning back to Lion-o.
“Like what,” Lion-o replied smiling shyly and shrugging his shoulders.
“Like I am going to disappear any second, I am not going anywhere” Leanna said as she returned to the campfire and sat on the log.
“Sorry, I guess I’m just being over protective,” Lion-o said as he sat down beside her.
“You can’t protect me every second of the day, Tygra will even tell you that, “Leanna replied looking at the tiger.
“She is right Lion-o,” Tygra said.” Unless you are planning to put her into a cage too”.
“No of course not,” Lion-o said. “Although tying myself to her sounds like an idea, can I borrow your whip for awhile,” Lion-o chuckled.
“Hey,” Leanna replied giving him a playful slap on the arm. Lion-o reached around and put his arm around her shoulder; “I’m only teasing,” he smiled. She reached over; picked up the water canister, and found it almost empty she drank the contents. “I’ll go get water”. Leanna found a small river a few yards away. She bent and started filling the canisters with the cool water. She scooped up a handful of water and splashed it on her face. The sound of footsteps coming up behind her brought a smile to her face.
“Are you going to follow me everywhere I go, “Leanna asked turning around and looking at Lion-o.
“Just thought you might need a hand carrying the canisters back, you shouldn’t be carrying anything heavy,” Lion-o smiled shyly.
“That is the best excuse I’ve heard in a long time,” Leanna laughed as she put her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.
“You know, I was scared that you would not come for me and that I would never see you again, for a while I began to believe that I was going to live the rest of my life in that cage,” Leanna said softly looking up at Lion-o.
“Leanna, you should have known I would never abandon you,” Lion-o said looking at her.
“I know, it just that it felt like forever before you and Tygra showed up,” Leanna said as she hugged him once again. She suddenly flinched and let go of him, ”What’s wrong,” Lion-o asked concerned. “I’m okay, its not pleasant having a foot kicking you in the ribcage,” Leanna replied as she placed her hand on her side. “Here,” She said as she took Lion-o’s hand and placed it on her stomach. His eyes widened as he felt the new life within her move. “Not sure if that’s an elbow or a foot,” Leanna smiled, “but he seems to be very active, I think he knows his father is here”.
“He,” Lion-o grinned,” how do you know, he maybe a she”.
“Oh I know this little spitfire is a he, Leanna chuckled, “call it women intuition”
“I have been around Cheetara enough to know not to disagree with that,” Lion-o smiled.
“We better head back”. Lion-o replied as he picked up the water canisters.
When they got back to the campsite Tygra had set up a comfortable spot for Leanna to sit down.
“You know once I sit down I may never get back up,” Leanna laughed as Lion-o helped ease her down on the sleeping bag.
“I think there is a hoist in the tank,” Tygra joked as he walked over and knelt in front of her.
“Oh you’re real cute, “Leanna said rolling her eyes at him.
“Thanks, “Tygra smiled and winked at her, “now if you don’t mind I would like to have a look at this little one”. Before Tygra could touch her, a sharp pain ripped through her lower back. Leanna took a sharp breath. “What is it,” Tygra replied as he placed his hands on her stomach. He could feel her abdomen tighten, “How long have you been having pains”.
“For a few days, but they come and go,” Leanna replied as she took a deep breath.
“Well we better leave at first light just to be on the safe side,” Tygra said.
“You’re such a worrywart, it’s nothing,” Leanna smiled.
“I think you should listen to him, “Lion-o replied sitting down beside her.
“Yes I know, I’m just tired, “Leanna said leaning back and closing her eyes.
“We will be home soon,” Lion-o said putting his arm around her and drawing her close to him
“I will go gather more firewood,” Tygra replied leaving the couple alone. Leanna chuckled and shook her head.
“What’s so funny,” Lion-o said looking at her. “Tygra, now tell me how much firewood do we really need,” Leanna said gesturing to the pile of wood beside the log.
Lion-o looked at her, smiled, and shrugged his shoulders.
“Oh sure, you sit there and act all innocent, just what where you and Tygra talking about while I was getting the water,” Leanna asked eyeing him suspiciously.
“Nothing,” Lion-o smiled.
“Oh,” Leanna said quietly as she dug out an apple from the sack and began eating.
“Leanna can I ask you something,” Lion-o said as he ran his fingers through her hair.
“Yes,” Leanna answered without looking at him.
“Do you have any regrets,” Lion-o asked quietly.
“About what,” Leanna asked as she threw her apple core into the fire and turned to look at him.
“Me,” He said quietly.
“No, of course not, why would you ask me such a thing,” Leanna asked facing him.
“Then why would you hide the fact that you are carrying my child from me,” Lion-o asked.
“I didn’t know how you would feel about it,” Leanna answered quietly not looking at him. ”We did agree to wait awhile”.
“Only because that’s what you wanted to do,” Lion-o replied putting his finger under her chin so she would look at him.
“Well at the time I didn’t know I was already pregnant,” Leanna said.
“And you had kept it from me for over a month and a half,” Lion-o said calmly.
“Well too many thing where happening all at once,” Leanna replied staring into the fire.
“Still that’s no excuse for not telling me Leanna,” Lion-o said.
“I know, but I wasn’t trying to hide it from you, I was just trying to find the right time to tell you, “Leanna said as she got to her feet and walked over to the tank.
“And when exactly were you planning on telling me,” Lion-o asked as he followed her. ”Or where you going to wait until you couldn’t hide it anymore”. Leanna was in no mood for this, she turned and looked at him. “Maybe if you didn’t act so damn selfish and left me alone, maybe I would have told you sooner,” Leanna growled.
“You’re calling me selfish,” Lion-o shouted, “I have done everything I can for you and all you’ve done is push me away”
“You have no idea what I have been going through the past few months, is it my fault that we are out here….No. Is it my fault that I was taken…No …gods, your such a… Man,” Leanna growled as she went back to the campfire.
“So you do blame me,” Lion-o replied following her.
“Will you leave me alone, “Leanna shouted as she walked past him and picked up her sleeping bag.
“Where are you going,” Lion-o asked as he watched Leanna grab her sleeping bag.
“I’m sleeping down by the river, goodnight,” Leanna said as she stomped through the woods towards the brook.
Lion-o just stood there stunned beyond words, this is not exactly how he wanted this to go. When Tygra returned he saw Lion-o sitting by the fire alone and not looking too happy.
“Ah, Lion-o, where’s Leanna,” Tygra asked carefully. “Sleeping down by the river,” Lion-o said,” All I did was ask her a simple question and she gets angry and calls me selfish, says I have no idea what she has been going through and storms off”.
“What exactly did you ask her,” Tygra asked sitting down by him.
“I asked her why she was hiding the fact that she was pregnant from me,” Lion-o replied as he threw a log onto the fire. “Then it turned into an argument and now she’s down there,” Lion-o said gesturing toward the river.” She blames me for all of this”.
Tygra just sat there shaking his head, ”I should have warned you that pregnant women can get quite grumpy, I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it, she is getting close to having the baby and right now she is a little moody”.
“Is it going to get any better,” Lion-o asked staring into the fire.
“Not for awhile, just don’t take it to heart, just ride it out and just think soon your baby will be born. Tygra smiled then started laughing, “that’s of course after we all spoil the child half to death, do you think poor Snarf can handle another one of you running around”.
Lion-o couldn’t help but smile then he too started laughing,” I think he will be delighted, I can hear him now”.
“Lion-o that child of yours is just like you, always getting in to trouble, “Lion-o laughed imitating Snarf’s voice.
“Ah, but at least he will be prepared this time,” Tygra smiled.
Lion-o sat with his chin resting on his fist as he gazed fell to the fire. “ I know one thing, I don’t like arguing with my wife,” Lion-o said quietly.
“Well it happens, you can’t expect everything to be perfect, couples do argue sometimes, don’t worry about it, everything has a way of working its self out,” Tygra smiled at him, “well it’s getting late we better get some sleep. I think that maybe you should go check on your wife” Tygra said as he unzipped his sleeping bag and settled down for the night.
Lion-o looked over in the direction of the river, he grabbed his sleeping bag and left. Leanna had finally started to drift off to sleep when the sound of quiet footsteps coming her way caught her ear. She knew exactly who it was; she opened his eyes and looked at Lion-o who had just knelt down in front of her, she propped herself up on one elbow and looked at him, her face only inches from his. She went to speak but Lion-o put his hands on the sides of her face and kissed her passionately. When he pulled away she smiled at him.
Tygra woke at first light, looked over, and saw that Lion-o’s sleeping bag was gone he knew where Lion-o had spent the night. The campfire had all but gone out only a few ambers remained. Tygra got up, stirred the ambers, and threw small pieces of wood on the burning ambers. With in a few minutes the fire was going again and set to work cooking breakfast.
The smell of food brought the Lion out of his peaceful slumber. He tried to move but found himself still trapped by sleeping mate’s limbs.
“Leanna,” He whispered as he ran his hand down her bareback. Leanna moved slightly, ”Please don’t tell me it’s time to get up,” She moaned.
“Yes, it is,” Lion-o chuckled. “But we just went to sleep, “Leanna complained.
“Sorry, but if you want to go home we do have to get up,” Lion-o smiled.
“Just a few more minutes,” Leanna said quietly as she snuggled her self closer.
He just laid there quietly for a moment looking up at he morning sky, then suddenly he felt something move against his side. “I see we are not the only ones awake,” Lion-o said quietly
“That’s just his way of telling me to get up,” Leanna replied drowsily as she lifted her head to look at him. ”He’s been doing that a lot lately, he so impatient just like his father”.
“Tygra’s up and smells like he making something good for breakfast,” Lion-o grinned at her.
“I’m not really that hungry, “Leanna said as she rolled over onto her back and stared up at the clouds.
“Are you alright,” Lion-o asked as he leaned over her.
“I think you had better get dressed and go get Tygra, “Leanna said quietly.
“I’m not leaving you here alone, “Lion-o replied as he got up and quickly dressed.
He passed Leanna her clothes and helped her sit up. Once she was dressed, he helped her to her feet and grabbed the sleeping bags. As they made their way back, Leanna doubled over in pain, “Leo, the baby, “She said breathless as another contraction hit her.
“Come on. It’s just a little bit further, “Lion-o replied as she hung on to him,” TYGRA”, Lion-o shouted. Tygra heard Lion-o shout for him and he knew it wasn’t good and he took off running.
“I have to stop, “Leanna whimpered. She cried out as another contraction came this time a lot stronger. Then she felt something warm and wet run down the inside of her leg, she looked up just in time to see Tygra running towards them. “Tygra, there is something wrong,” Lion-o replied looking down at Leanna. Tygra took one look at Leanna and knew that baby was on its way, “Her water just broke, we have to get her back to camp,” Tygra replied as he grabbed the sleeping bags from Lion-o. While Lion-o picked up Leanna and carried her back to camp, Tygra ran ahead, set up the sleeping bags, and grabbed the med kit.
“Set her down over here, “Tygra said. Lion-o carefully set Leanna down on the sleeping bags.
“So I guess those pains where something after all, “Tygra smiled at Leanna.
“Is she going to be okay, “Lion-o asked as he held Leanna’s hand.
“Yes” Tygra smiled, “Everything is going to be just fine, now Lion-o I need you to sit behind her so she can brace her back against you”. Another contraction over came Leanna, she cried out and dug her claws into Lion-o’s arm.
“There getting closer,” Tygra said as he grabbed the med kit.
“I want to go home, “Leanna cried. Her pains where growing closer and increasing in strength.
“We will soon, but right now we can’t move you,” Lion-o said hugging her closer to him.
“Here, take this and wipe her forehead,” Tygra said handing Lion-o a cool wet cloth.
Lion-o wiped her sweat soaked face, her body trembled as another contraction came crashing over her. She threw back her head and snarled. “Leo,” she said gasping for breath, “I’m frightened, it hurts so much”.
“I know, it will be over soon, “He whispered in her ear.
“Leanna listen to me, “Tygra said in a soothing voice,” When you feel the urge to push, take a deep breath and push down as hard as you can okay”. She barely had time to take a breath before another contraction hit. Lion-o could feel her stiffen as she pushed against him. She dug in her heels and let out a long horse cry as she pushed with all her strength.
“Good Leanna, now again, “Tygra replied urging her on. This time she took a good long deep breath and started pushing.
“That’s it , keep going, I can see the head, “Tygra replied.
Then Leanna went limp, “I can’t, “She whispered.
“You can’t give up now, “Lion-o said softly in her ear. “I’m so tired,” she whimpered.
“Don’t you dare give up, “ Tygra growled at her, “Come on, one more good push and it will be over”.
Lion-o was surprised to see Tygra talk to Leanna like that, but it worked, with renewed strength she gave on final hard push, her claws digging deeply into his arm. Then she went limp again, the sound of her ragged breathing was replaced by the cry of a newborn cub. The sword growled and roared, the eye opened sending the signal high into the morning sky, a new heir had just been born.
“Congratulations, you have a fine healthily
son,” The tiger beamed as he cleaned up the newborn cub. Lion-o watch as Tygra
cleaned up the infant , wrapped him in a blanket and
carefully handed him to Leanna.
“He’s so
small,” Lion-o said looking at his son.
Leanna looked down at her son,
“he’s so beautiful and perfect,” she said
stroking the infants face. The
baby looked just like his mother, accept for the full
head of bright red hair.
“Would you like to hold him?”
Leanna asked. The look that Lion-o gave her made her laugh.
“Don’t worry he won’t break,” Tygra replied as he took
the newborn from Leanna and placed him in his father’s arms.
Pride over whelmed him as he looked down at his son, the infant looked small in his large hands. He held the baby against his cheek drinking in his scent, he smelled so good.
Lion-o looked into his son’s tiny face, “your mother and I
have waited so long to meet you,” he whispered.
“We will let Leanna rest awhile before we head home,” Tygra
said as he finished attending to Leanna.
“No, I have been away from home too long, I want to go now,
“Leanna replied looking at Tygra.
“Okay, if you feel up to it,” Tygra said shrugging his
shoulders.
Tygra held the
newborn as Lion-o carried Leanna to the tank, once she was settled and
comfortable Lion-o handed her their son.
“He looks like you,” Lion-o replied, but he
has my red hair I was hoping he wouldn’t”.
“Why,” Leanna replied “I love
your red hair, don’t you know that red is my favorite color.
Lion-o smiled at her as
he sat down on the seat beside her “looks as if you have two red heads to
love,” he said as he put his arm around her and pulled her against him.
Leanna looked up at him, “I
would not have it any other way”.
“Do you think we should radio
ahead and let the others know, “Lion-o asked as he looked down at the newborn.
“No, let’s surprise them,
“Leanna smiled. Lion-o just chuckled and shook his head, ”Okay
if that’s what you want”. Leanna smiled
and nodded, Lion-o kissed her and said, “I love you Anna”. “I love you too
Leo,” Leanna smiled. Lion-o kissed his son on the forehead before going up to
the front of the tank with Tygra. “We are ready to go home, “Lion-o said to the
tiger.
###############
When they finally arrived back
at the lair two days later, everyone was out side waiting for them.
Tygra was the first to emerge.
“Where’s Leanna,” Maya asked looking behind Tygra.
“I’m right here,” Leanna said.
Maya and the others turned and saw Lion-o and Leanna standing at the back of
the tank with the baby in Leanna’s arms. “Sorry where late getting back but we
sort of got side tracked by this little one, “Lion-o smiled proudly. Leanna
handed the newborn to Tygra while Lion-o helped her down.
“Leanna,” Maya cried hugging
her daughter, “Thank Jaga you’re okay”.
“I’m okay now that I am home,”
Leanna smiled as her mother let her go,” I have
someone I would like for you to meet”.
Lion-o walked over with the
newborn in his arms,” I would like for you to meet your new grandson,” Lion-o
grinned placing the baby in Maya’s arms.
“Oh, look at him, he is a
beautiful baby,” Maya replied.
“ He sure is,” Panthro beamed.
“It’s good to have you home,
“Cheetara said giving Leanna a hug.
“It’s good to finally be home,”
Leanna smiled as they made there way inside. “Right now all I want to do is go
soak in a tub and get some sleep”.
“How long ago was his last feeding, “Maya asked.
“Just before we arrived, he’s
full for a couple of hours, “Leanna said trying not to yawn.
“Then you go have a bath and
get a couple of hours sleep, I will look after the baby, “Maya smiled.
“Thank-you,” Leanna smiled and
headed to her room. Leanna enjoyed a nice long bubble bath before she fell
asleep on the bed totally exhausted. When she awoke a couple of hours later she
felt someone staring at her, “I’m still not going to disappear, “She smiled as
she opened her eyes and looked at Lion-o.
Lion-o smiled at her, “I hope
not, did you have a good sleep”.
“Yes, it feels good to be back in my own bed again, “She said as she propped herself up on her elbow and look at him, ”You remember when you asked me back in the pyramid what else Argon did to me”.
“Yes, I remember,” Lion-o replied.
“You have to know it wasn’t my fault, “She said as she reached out and took his hand.
Leanna took a deep breath before she continued, ”When Argon was posing as you, he drugged me, I thought he was you, he looked like you, talked like you, smelled like you,” Leanna said softly as the tears began to roll down her cheeks. “But something told me it wasn’t you, in my heart I knew it wasn’t you, the drugs he slipped into my tea made me so confused I didn’t know what I was doing, then I blacked out at one point”.
“Leanna, are you trying to tell me that you slept with him,” Lion-o replied cupping her chin making her look at him. Leanna nodded and started to cry. “Please forgive me, if you want to end our marriage I will understand, I know I haven’t been a good wife,” Leanna said in between sobs.
“Stop talking nonsense, ” Lion-o replied as he pulled her into his arms and held her as she cried.
”Leanna, Look at me,” He said softly, “I know it wasn’t your fault, you are a very good wife, yes we have had a few problems but I wouldn’t replace you for anything in the universe, besides who else can put up with me, I can be very high strung and stubborn,” He said smiling at her. Leanna grinned,” That is true you can be very stubborn and hotheaded and impetuous and ”.
“I think you have proven your point,” Lion-o laughed.” We will agree that we are both very stubborn people, that’s why we make a good pair,”
“Maybe, just as long as we don’t kill each other,” Leanna chuckled.
“But that may make it more exciting, can you imagine us seventy years down the road, you trying to beat me over the head with a cane, while I’m trying to hobble away half blind, with my luck our children and grandchildren would take your side and help you,” Lion-o laughed.
Leanna burst into laughter as she tried to imagine what that would look like.
”You know hearing you laugh is music to my ears, I have not heard you laugh like that for a long time,” Lion-o smiled at her.
“If anyone is to blame for this, it’s me, I shouldn’t have gone mountain climbing ”.
“No, I am the cause of that,” Leanna said looking at him, “Lion-o I am so sorry about avoiding you and I am also sorry for blaming you, none of this was your fault”.
Lion-o took her into his arms and kissed her, “All is forgiven’.
“Where is our son,” she asked.
“With his grandparents, I
will go and get him,” he said as he headed out the door.
“Good luck trying to take him
away from his grandparent’s,” Leanna laughed.
“ I am the lord of the thundercats, I will command it,” Lion-o
replied laughing.
Leanna just laughed and
shook her head.
The trio returned with the
baby, Leanna noticed that her father was carrying him. She looked at her
husband.
“Told you so” she
whispered to him.
“Father” Leanna said.
Panthro looked up, “what” he
replied.
“ May I have my son please, he’s too little for you to teach him
how to build and repair things,” Leanna smiled.
“ But he will someday,” Panthro beamed and handed the baby to his
daughter.
“Were going to have to keep an
eye on him, he will have our son down in that hanger with him as soon as he can
crawl,” Leanna laughed.
“Come on Panthro,” Maya
said “let’s leave them alone,”
“ But Maya,” Panthro protested.
“ Now” Maya growled, “you will have plenty of time to spoil him,
they need time as a family”. She took the panther by the arm and dragged him
out.
Lion-o had to laugh that was the first time he saw anyone get the last word in with the panther and drag him out of a room.
#############
That evening Lion-o was in his study. While Leanna was
resting he had brought his son in with him, he heard him starting to fuss.
He went over and
looked down at the infant who was now fully awake.
Lion-o bent down and
picked him up.
“What are you doing awake little one, you cannot be hungry
already your mother just fed you a little while ago,” he said as he carried him
back to the chair and sat down.
“You just wanted some attention, didn’t you,” He smiled.
The infant looked at him, blinked and yawned,
he tried to put his fist in his mouth.
“ Well if
your hungry, I afraid I can’t help you in that department, your food is in the
other room sleeping.”
“But I can promise
that I will never let any harm come to you as long as I can draw a breath,”
Lion-o said as he gazed down at his son.
“You are very special you know, you
and I are part of something that is bigger than the both of us, we where both
born with our destiny planned for us and one day it will be your turn to be
Lord of the thundercats and that my son is your destiny”.
Leanna walked into the study and went over to her husband
and son.
“I thought I heard him wake up,” Leanna replied trying not
to yawn.
“He did just a few
minutes ago, He pulled Leanna onto his lap, “You know,” he said, “We have to
give him a name”.
Leanna took her son,
held him up, and looked at him.
“Well good evening
little Lionel, what are you doing awake, are you hungry,” She looked at her
husband, “what do you think”.
“Lionel, I like” he said and he kissed her.
Lionel started to cry.
“Hey how, you have to share your mother you know, she was mine first,” He replied.
“You know something, I think we are going to have our hands
full with this little one,” Leanna replied as she started to nurse her son.
“Yes, you wait until he
is mobile, he will drive poor Snarf crazy, I know I did when I was little,”
Lion-o laughed
“ Well, it
seems you turned out okay, and Poor Snarf hasn’t pulled out all his fur yet,”
Leanna smiled.
“Come on little Lionel, you will finish your feeding and
then it’s off to bed, if you want to grow up big and strong like your dad ” Leanna said to her son as she stood.
She turned to Lion-o “ don’t stay up to late,” Leanna said as she walked to the
door.
“ I will
be along in a few minutes,” he smiled.
THE END….
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