True Deceit

Part Five

Another week has passed. Cheetara kept herself busy with Thundercat duties. Lion-O was also busy with work. He wanted to put if off but it was so demanding, that he had no choice but to attend to it. There weren't much time for either of them to spend together to even work out their marriage. Cheetara understood of course. Lately, Lion-O had to make business trips to parts of Thundera, halfway across the world to settle disputes between certain clans that wanted war. These trips usually take three days or a full week to settle. Lion-O would call in to Cheetara every night to talk to her and see how things were going at Cat's Lair and just talk to her to see how she was doing. Cheetara could tell at times between their nightly talks, that Lion-O wanted to work things out, but she wasn't so sure. Tygra had made her doubt Lion-O so much that she didn't know. She wondered if Lion-O was trying to make up with her because she wanted a divorce and it will embarrass him if she did it or maybe it was because Lion-O actually wanted to work things out, but why she wondered? Why and how they lost their way? What happened in their fourth month of marriage that made Lion-O ignore her?

Lion-O, finished his business early and came home a day before the ball. The Lord of the Thundercats wanted to spend his free time with his wife, but she wasn't there to welcome him. He thought she would be home, but then again, he didn't tell her that he was coming home early. Pumyra, who had just arrived a little bit after Lion-O, was greeted by Lion-O, the Thunderkittens and Snarf. Pumyra came from 3rd Earth for the ball, but Lynx-O decided to stay on 3rd Earth with Panthro, Bengali and Snarfer.

After Lion-O talked to them, he went to the control room to checked in with Panthro to see how things were going at Cat's Lair and the Tower of Omens on 3rd Earth.

"We're almost through, Lion-O. The rewiring is atrocious. I've haven't a clue as to how it got this way, except that someone planned to do this," Panthro growled.

"Like who? A new enemy?" Lion-O asked.

"I don't know, but I'm looking into it. Also, another thing. The Feliner is surprisingly low on Thundrillium. I was certain it was full before I took off for 3rd Earth."

"Hmm, that is strange," Lion-O commented rubbing his chin. "Before you left, the Feliner hasn't been in use for days and I'm certain that when we did last use it, we filled it up." He looked back at Panthro. "How long will it be before you get back?"

"I say another day or two. How are things with you and Cheetara?"

"The same. We haven't had the time to talk since our duties as Thundercats have taken us away from each other. I was hoping to talk to her when I got back from some very important business trips, but she isn't here. Tygra isn't here either."

Tygra. Panthro immediately thought. I wonder if he has anything to do with me leaving. "Are you ready for the ball?"

"Yes, and I have something planned for Cheetara. I just hope she goes along with it," Lion-O said. "Hmm, I think I know where Cheetara maybe, Panthro. I've got to go."

In another part of Thundera, Tygra and Cheetara were in a designer store. The dress Cheetara would wear for the ball was ready and Cheetara wanted to pick it up instead of it being delivered to the lair. Tygra came with for protection since marrying to the Lord of Thundercats, the Lady of the Thundercats could not go out by herself.

She tried it on once more and modeled it for Tygra and the designer. Both agreed she looked beautiful in the dress. Tygra more than anyone. Although Cheetara was grateful for Tygra's praise, she wanted Lion-O to be telling her how she looked. She changed back into her uniform and carefully put the dress back in its black protective wrapping. She walked out of the changing room to greet Tygra and the saleswoman again.

"This dress will look lovely on you, my queen. Lord Lion-O will be on cloud nine when he sees you," the saleswoman said.

"Thank you. The design was lovely and it fits. I'm sure Lion-O would like it," Cheetara commented. She kind of hated talking about Lion-O like that. She wasn't sure if he would like it or her anymore.

Cheetara paid for the dress and left with Tygra. It was short distance to the Thundertank. While walking away, people were saying hello to the Lady of the Thundercats and the second-in-command. She greeted them with a smile and a wave.

"The people adore you, Cheetara. You are a beautiful queen and you will look stunning tomorrow," Tygra commented.

"I suppose," she said gloomily.

"You don't think so?" Tygra questioned.

"I'll guess I'll feel better if Lion-O says so."

When they reached the tank, Cheetara laid the dress carefully in the back seat so it wouldn't get damaged.

Afterwards, Tygra turned her to face him.

"He doesn't deserve you. You must see that he doesn't appreciate you which is why you should get a divorce."

Cheetara looked down and refused to answer. She hoped Tygra was wrong, but lately she didn't know.

"I thought I find you here."

Cheetara looked up and smiled. Lion-O landed the Thunderclaw. He got off and walked to her, causing Tygra to step aside. He bent down to kiss her deeply, causing others to stop and look at the two. Cheetara contemplated if he was kissing her like that because he missed her or if he was keeping up a public image. Either way, she wasn't caring. It's been a long time since he kissed her like that, like she was loved. Neither notice the angry glare Tygra was giving. Lion-O pulled apart and hugged her.

"I've missed you. I'm so glad to be back in your arms."

"What are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you until later tonight." Cheetara asked, keeping her arms around his neck.

"I was able to settle arguments between the lynxes and ocelots, so I came home. When I saw you weren't there, I figured you would be here, getting ready for the ball tomorrow night. You mention that you had to pick up your dress." He kissed her again. He saw something wrapped in the back seat of the Thundertank. "Is that the dress you're wearing tomorrow night?"

"Yes."

"Can I see it?"

Cheetara laughed. "No. You'll have to wait until tomorrow."

"I can't wait," he whispered and kissed her again.

Tygra had enough of the affection. It was making him sick to his stomach. He cleared his throat.

Lion-O pulled away from Cheetara and looked at Tygra. "Oh, sorry, Tygra. I didn't notice you there."

"That's all right, Lion-O," he lied. "I'm just wondering if you two should be like that."

Lion-O looked confused at Tygra's words. "I don't understand what you mean. We are married. Anyway, I was wondering if you would take the Thunderclaw back, Tygra. I want to drive Cheetara home and talk to her."

"It's no problem, Lion-O. I understand," the tiger hated this. This wasn't his plan at all. He left the couple, got in the Thunderclaw and flew back to Cat's Lair.

Lion-O and Cheetara got in the Thundertank and drove off. They were quiet for a few minutes before Lion-O spoke again.

"How are you?"

"I'm fine." Cheetara answered. Her palms began to sweat about the question she wanted to ask. "Lion-O, were you kissing me like that for the public's sake or were you happy to see me?"

"Of course I was glad to see you. I wasn't doing it for the public's sake."

"You can admit it to me, Lion-O. You never kiss me like that when we're in the lair," Cheetara said.

"That's because you would never let me get close to you to do so."

"You're only doing it to try to save this marriage for your image and nothing else, aren't you?"

"I don't care about my image only you."

"Ha!" Cheetara mock. "The only reason you are affectionate to me is because I want a divorce. You don't want me to embarrass you by wanting a divorce, and even if I drop the divorce, you'll go back to treating me like you have been. That's the reason this is all happening!" Cheetara shouted.

Lion-O kept his cool. "Cheetara, I know I made a mistake by avoiding you, but I promise not to do it again."

"How can I be so sure you will keep your word?"

"Because I love you. That should be enough."

"If you love me, you wouldn't have treated me the way you have been, ignoring me, shunning me!"

"I didn't mean to do that. There's a reason for it."

"Then tell me! I demand to know!" Cheetara shouted.

"I can't. You have to understand that."

"How can I when our marriage is on the line?!" Cheetara shouted back.

Lion-O drove the Thunder tank to the front of the lair and stopped. Before he could say anything, Cheetara got her dress and jumped out.

"Cheetara, wait!" Lion-O shouted.

"Don't talk to me, Lion-O! I don't want to have anything to do with you!" Cheetara shouted and stormed in the lair.

Frustrated Lion-O kicked the Thundertank. "This is going to be harder than I thought. What am I going to do?"

"The first thing you should do is tell her why you are distancing yourself from her."

Lion-O turned around and gasped. "Father?"

A light blue color surrounded the Lord of the Thundercats as he answered his son. "Yes, Lion-O."

"Father, I don't know what to do."

"Tell her why you are keeping yourself from her. It's the only way."

"I don't know if I can."

"If you cannot tell her, then tell me. I maybe be able to help you. I am your father."

"Yes, father. I know."

Cheetara entered her room, hung her dress on a mannequin and put the protective covering on it. She stared at it, thinking. How was she going to get through tomorrow night?

"I can't do it. I can't go. It'll be too much to pretend. If only Lion-O loved me, then everything would be different."

Knock. Knock.

"Cheetara, it's Pumyra. May I come in?"

"The door's open," the cheetah said and sat on her bed.

"Hi, Cheetara. I heard about you and Lion-O and I wanted to know if you want to talk about it."

"When did you get here?" Cheetara asked.

"Not too long ago. I flew here in the Thunderstrike II. Lynx-O wanted to stay behind and help the guys with the wiring. I wanted to know how you are doing. This separation from Lion-O isn't good on you, I know."

The queen of Thundera let herself fall back on her bed. With a sigh, she spoke, "I just don't want to do, Pumyra. He won't tell me why he avoided me. Ever since I said I wanted a divorce, he's been all nice and closer to me. How am I to know that he won't change his ways and be distance to me once I drop the divorce?"

"You just have to trust him," Pumyra advised.

"I don't think I can."

"You love him, don't you?"

Cheetara sat up on her bed. "Of course I do, Pumyra, but I don't think that's enough."

"Then you have to trust in him that he does love you. If you love him, trust him. You did it when you fell in love with him long ago and risk your heart to be broken when you secretly loved him and you didn't think he loved you back."

Cheetara smiled a little and shook her head, thinking of the times she secretly loved him and Lion-O didn't have a clue. "I did, didn't I?"

"Yes, and it turned out for the...." she saw Cheetara's sudden sad look and stopped. "Well, I think it will turn out right if you give Lion-O a chance and let him explain. I know he doesn't want a divorce. Give him time. He'll tell you."

"I guess you're right. I'll try to be more tolerant and trusting."

"You do have good instinct, you know? And good taste. Lion-O is a very handsome man. If you don't want him, I'll be happy to take him off your hands," Pumyra commented in a joking manner.

Cheetara laughed at that. "He's mine and no one else's." She shook her head the puma. "You're silly sometimes, Pumyra, but thanks, I needed a good laugh."

"Always there to help," Pumyra smile. Her tone then became serious. "Panthro told me that Tygra suggested that you get the divorce. Why do you think he said that?"

"Just being a concern friend that's all."

"I suppose, but being a concern friend, don't you think he would want you to save your marriage and not ask for a divorce?" Pumyra asked.

"Tygra saw things in Lion-O that I didn't see, so he thought the best thing I should do is get a divorce. Why?" Cheetara was now becoming curious with the puma.

Pumyra shrugged her shoulders, pretending she didn't know or suspect. "Just asking. Personally, I thought a friend would want you to try to save the marriage not end it."

"Yes, but sometimes, the friend sees that nothing will save the marriage no matter what, and he or she must tell the married friend that nothing will work. That is what Tygra was doing." Cheetara defended Tygra and was getting upset with Pumyra.

Pumyra felt she hit a nerve and decided to swerve from it. "You're right, but I think you and Lion-O can save your marriage. Don't give up without trying everything." She quickly got up and left.

"Now what was that about," Cheetara wondered.

Go to Part Six

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