Unknown Enemies

Part Seven

 The next morning, Cheetara and Talia greeted Chase and the Cheetah Elders in the kitchen where they ate breakfast. They were all relieved that Cheetara made it out. Chase gave Cheetara a big hug and an even passionate kiss.

"I’m so glad you’re safe, my love,” Chase said as he hugged her closer to him.

“Cheetara?” Candra called getting her and everyone else’s attention. “We must strike and we must strike back with a vengeance! We mustn’t let the lions think that we will rollover after that sneak attack!”

“What are you proposing?” Cheetara asked.

“The first thing we should do is forbid any cheetahs to be in contact with lions outside the battlefield. If they are involved in any relationships, they end it now.”

Cheetara felt her heart dropped. “Why is that?”

“Because they are the enemy,” Candra argued. “One of our cheetahs could be slipping messages to the lions.”

“We shouldn’t let the common cheetahs know about our battle strategy,” Cheetara suggested. “It’s not as if they all know.”

Candra shook her head stubbornly. “No, that’s not good enough. Besides, it’s already been passed along to the other elders and all the cheetahs as we speak. We decided on this yesterday after we were attacked. Any one in contact with a lion will be severely punished.”

“You can’t do that!” Cheetara protested.

“Why not?” Candra glared at her leader icily. “They attacked us! They killed our people! They injured you! You could’ve died! I thought you more than anyone would be behind this!”

Cheetara could feel all eyes were on her and they were seemingly growing suspicious. “I know I could’ve died, Candra, but I survived. I don’t want this rule made because of what happened to me.”

Candra crossed her arms over her chest not pleased with Cheetara’s words. “It’s too late. It’s been passed along and there’s no turning back.”

“This is the right thing, Cheetara,” Chase supported Candra. “I don’t understand why you’re arguing against it.”

Cheetara could feel the suspicious eyes boring into her. Could they suspect her waning hatred for the lions? She had to divert them and fast. “I’m not turning against the idea. I’m just shock that’s all, especially with the sudden attack and now this.” That excuse was pathetic and Cheetara knew it.

Cheelon dismissed the tension brewing with a wave of his hand. “In either case, we must retaliate and the time is now.”

“Yes, we will,” Cheetara agreed. “Where have we decided to rendezvous?”

“At Jubatus, a large cheetah city,” Carvel said.

Cheetara nodded. Jubatus would be a very good city to relocate. It had many resources and supporters. “My special soldiers. Where are they?”

“I told them to stay at the base in Jubatus.”

“What’s the plan, Cheetara?” Cheelon asked feeling his leader was up to something.

“I’ve decided to attack all at once. I want my ten best fighters to lead attacks across the planet. No one will expect it. We’ll crumble them all at once. Then while the Thundercats are split up to help the people, we’ll take over Cat’s Lair. Lion-O’s fiancée isn’t a Thundercat, is she?” Cheetara asked.

Candra shook her head. “No, but she will be when she is married to Lord Lion-O.” Candra rolled her eyes. “Whenever that may be.”

Cheetara eyed Candra curiously. “What do you mean by that?”

“Lord Lion-O has been delaying the wedding for years. Anyone on this planet with half a brain knows he doesn’t want to marry her, but Lord Lion-O has no choice. They were betrothed as children.”

Cheetara took in that information and almost smiled. Talia glanced in Cheetara’s direction and could have sworn she saw a smile on her face. The cheetah shrugged it off thinking her mind was playing tricks on her.

“Your plan is a good one, Cheetara, but preparing our soldiers will take time,” Chase said.

“You have one week,” Cheetara ordered. I must get in contact with Lion-O this week. This will be our last chance.

****

“Where in Thundera were you last night?!” Leela screamed.

Lion-O couldn‘t believe they were in this fight again. Then again, he knew he had it coming. “Out driving.”

“You were out driving until three in the morning?!”

“Yes,” Lion-O lied. “Though I don’t see how that concerns you.”

“Let’s see--the cheetahs hate the lions and want them all dead. You’re Lord of the ThunderCats and you’re a lion. Gee, why wouldn’t I be concerned?! Of course it concerns me!”

Outside Lion-O’s bedroom, WilyKit and WilyKat listened at the conversation. They plastered their ears to the door listening to Leela scream at Lion-O.

“Leela is maaad,” WilyKat said.

“Can you blame her?” His sister asked. “If I were her, I would’ve throttled him.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’re not, Leela,” Kat told his sister. He snorted. “Women. You whine about everything.”

“What are you two doing?”

The twins pulled their ears from the door to see Panthro and Tygra looking down on them, disappointed in their behavior.

“Listening to the fight, Tygra. What else?” WilyKat said as if eavesdropping wasn‘t a big deal.

“That is none of our business. Go find Snarf. I’m sure he has some chores for you to do instead of snooping.” Tygra told the twins as a father punishing his children.

The twins whined at first but complied and left. When they were gone, Tygra looked at Panthro concerned. Lion-O and Leela’s fights were becoming more frequent and Lion-O’s behavior has been suspicious lately. “What do you make of it, Panthro?”

Panthro folded his arms and frown begrudgingly. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as the tiger--Lion-O‘s behavior. “Staying out late at night, arguing all the time. It sounds to me there’s another woman.”

Tygra’s mouth nearly dropped. He was hoping it would be anything but that. “You think Lion-O is cheating on Leela? He wouldn’t do that.”

“Why?” Panthro asked. “Because he’s Lord of the Thundercats? That has nothing to do with it.”

Tygra nodded. Maybe Panthro knew more about this situation than he cared to say. “You’re right. Lion-O’s not in love with Leela. He doesn’t even want to marry her… but we better talk to Lion-O before it really gets out of hand.”

“As if it hasn’t already.” Panthro said dryly and knocked on the door.

The screaming became an abrupt silence for a moment and then. “Yes?” They heard Lion-O.

“Lion-O, Tygra and I need to talk to you. It’s very important.”

The door opened and Lion-O stepped out of the room. Before he closed the door, Panthro and Tygra could see the fury on Leela‘s face. “What is it?”

“Let’s take a walk, Lion-O.” Tygra said offered and the three male Thundercats went into the Council Room.

“Have a seat, Lion-O.” Panthro suggested.

Lion-O sat down and wondered what Panthro and Tygra wanted to talk about. It didn’t matter to him. He was glad to get away from Leela. Anything Panthro and Tygra wanted to discuss with him was wonderful compared to having Leela argue at him. “What’s going on?”

“Quite frankly, Lion-O, Panthro and I were going to ask you that.” Tygra said taking his seat.

Lion-O was confused. “Ask me what?”

“Who is she?” Panthro asked.

Lion-O eyed them strangely. He didn‘t understand what the two ThunderCats were talking about. “Who’s who?”

Panthro stopped himself from rolling his eyes. He hoped Lion-O wouldn‘t play dumb, but he was. Panthro been around the block more than anyone and he could read Lion-O and his behavior like a book. “Lion-O, we know you’re seeing another woman. If you could tell us about it, then maybe we can help you.”

Not them too. Was it really that obvious? Lion-O rose from his seat and headed for the door. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“How long have you been seeing her?” Panthro persisted. Lion-O’s behavior to ignore the topic was a clear sign that it was another woman.

“We’re only trying to help.” Tygra added.

“We can talk you through this,” Panthro said. “Don’t walk on us.”

Lion-O refused to answer as he was about to step out the door.

Lion-O.

“Cheetara?” Lion-O whispered.

Panthro and Tygra looked at each other. They thought they heard Lion-O say a name.

“What did you say, Lion-O?” Tygra asked.

Lion-O stepped out of the room so the two wouldn‘t hear. “Where are you, Cheetara?”

Lion-O meet me at Swan Lake tonight after midnight. I have something important to tell you.

“Cheetara? What’s going on?”

Silence.

“She’s gone. Midnight.” He mentally put that in his head so he wouldn’t forget. He hurried down the hall to meet with Snarf. Hopefully, he will be the only one who won’t bother him with his personal affair.

Leela emerged from the corner. “Cheetara?”

****

Half past eleven that night, Lion-O left his bedroom. Everyone was sleeping, so Lion-O thought this was a breeze. He quietly entered the hangar. Just to be certain, he looked back to see if he was being watched. He wasn’t. He got in the vehicle he drove last night and rode off. Leela emerge from the shadows. She had been waiting in the hanger for an hour for Lion-O to come and leave. While she waited, she made sure all the tracking devices were working before Lion-O entered.

“I’m going to find out what you’re up to, Lion-O.” Leela got in the Hovercat and followed a safe distance behind him.

Cheetara paced back and forth as she waited for Lion-O. She had to end this. She had to tell him she couldn’t see him again. It's bad that he was a lion, but it’s so much worse that he was the Lord of the Thundercats. She was born to kill him, not have any romantic or emotional ties to him. If they were caught together, it was imaginable at the trouble they would be in and how this would upset the balance of power on the planet for the cheetahs. The thought of never seeing Lion-O except in battle hurt Cheetara for reasons she still refused to acknowledge. Cheetara looked upwards as she heard the sound of a vehicle landing. It was Lion-O.

Lion-O got off his vehicle and approached Cheetara, looking concern. “What’s wrong? You sounded as if something bad has happened.”

“Something has.”

Before Cheetara could explain, Lion-O kissed her. She was immediately taken in by him, forgetting what she wanted to say to him or her feelings to keep her distance from him.

Unaware they were being watched, Leela’s eyes raged in jealousy. She had a good distance from them as she watched with special night binoculars attached with a microphone Panthro made. That way, she could hear the conversation. How dare he do this to her? Lion-O was to marry her and here he’s kissing another woman, and what was worse, it was a cheetah, an enemy to the lions now. How could he betray her, his clan and his world like this? There was going to be a heavy price to pay for this betrayal.

Cheetara pulled herself from Lion-O. Now was not the time to be doing this. “Lion-O, no. We can’t do this.” She stepped back from him, keeping a safe distance so he wouldn’t catch her off guard again. “I have to tell you something.”

“It’s something bad, isn’t it?” Lion-O guessed. “I can see it in your eyes.”

“We can't see each other anymore. I mean it this time. This war has gotten so far out of hand that if any cheetah is caught being seen with a lion, that cheetah will be killed.”

“I see,” Lion-O said quietly. This was bad, worst that he expected. “So, this could be our last night together.”

“It is our last night together.” There was doubt in her mind that it was, but if she had to beat it in Lion-O for him to get that then she would. This was going to be her last night with him.

“Come with me,” Lion-O requested with a hand out. “I want to show you something.”

Cheetara looked at Lion-O hesitantly but eventually took his hand. Lion-O led her to his vehicle. They flew across the night sky. For half an hour, Leela wasn’t sure where they were going, but once she saw the wilderness, Leela knew the person Lion-O was seeking but why he was going there was still a question.

Lion-O landed deep in the forest at a small cottage. Cheetara looked around wondering why Lion-O brought her here. It made her nervous. Lion-O had been quiet the whole evening when she told him they couldn’t see each other anymore. What was the purpose of bringing her here?

“This is where you wanted to take me?” Cheetara asked.

“Yes. We’re going to meet an old friend of my father’s. Come on.” Lion-O took her hand and led her to the door.

Cheetara pulled on Lion-O’s hand stopping their movements. “No, tell me why you brought me here first. I won‘t go any further unless you tell me.”

Lion-O winked at her. “Trust me.”

Leela kept her distance, watching and listening with her binoculars. Lion-O led Cheetara to the door and knocked. The door opened and elderly lynx man with a cane stood at the door. He smiled seeing the young Lord. “Lion-O, what brings you out here? Come in.”

Lion-O and Cheetara stepped in. “Thank you, Lynx-O. This is my friend, Cheetara.”

Lynx-O shook Cheetara’s hand. “Please to meet you, my dear.”

Lion-O and Cheetara sat on the sofa. Cheetara listened as Lion-O explained to Lynx-O about the war happening between the lions and cheetahs. Cheetara swallowed hard. Why was Lion-O telling this lynx this? What was he up to? Cheetara kicked herself for not questioning Lion-O any further and letting it go with Lion-O’s words of ‘Trust me.’ She felt foolish now.

“Yes, this is a terrible time for Thundera indeed. I’ve heard sparingly of the wars. I guess that comes of being a recluse here in the woods,” Lynx-O mildly joked. “But I don’t know why you two have come here.”

Lion-O grasped Cheetara’s hand tightly. “It’s been ordered among the cheetah’s that any cheetah who comes in contact with a lion will suffer grave consequences.”

“I see,” Lynx-O said but he was still confused. “That doesn’t explain why you two are here. Do you want me to hide her here for a particular reason?”

“Cheetara and I want to be together but we cannot because of this. We want you to marry us.”

At that, both Cheetara and Lynx-O’s mouth drop. Leela who was watching gritted her teeth in anger and took all the will power she had to not go in there and beat Lion-O to a bloody pulp.

“Lion-O, you know I can do that.” Lynx-O said.

“Lion-O, we can’t get married!” Cheetara argued. She pulled her hand from his and got out of her seat as fast as she could from him. “Are you out of your mind?!”

Lion-O walked to Cheetara. “We both want to be together. I know you’re in denial and don’t want to admit it because of who we are, but I know you want to be with me. The cheetahs and lions can separate us physically, but they can’t separate our hearts. I want to be with your forever no matter what anyone else says.”

Cheetara looked reluctant to agree. Before Cheetara could say anything, Lynx-O jumped in. “No, I cannot allow this. What would your father think?”

Lion-O left Cheetara’s side and walked Lynx-O to the other end of the room where Cheetara couldn’t hear. However with her special binoculars, Leela could.

“Lynx-O, you must do this.”

“I cannot. Aren’t you promised to Leela? I know I haven’t been in public since your father’s funeral, but last I heard you were still engaged to her.”

“Above everything, my father wanted me to be happy. Cheetara is the person who makes me happy. You know I don’t love Leela. Everyone knows that. Why else would I constantly put off the wedding?”

“What are you going to do?” Lynx-O asked incredulously. “Not marry her? Because you can’t if I marry you and Cheetara, who doesn‘t want to do this either, it’ll be null and void.”

“I know.”

“If you marry tonight, you won’t be able to keep this marriage a secret forever. Don‘t do this, Lion-O,” Lynx-O advised.

Lion-O shook his head tenaciously. He was as stubborn as his wild red mane. “Not forever, Lynx-O. When this war is over, I plan to end my engagement to Leela and reveal to the public my relationship with Cheetara.”

“Leela will not sit idly by and let it happen,” Lynx-O warned. “She’s going to fight this and drag your name in the mud.”

“I know Leela won’t like, but it’s time I do things for myself. I am Lord of Thundera. I should be ruling my life not others. I’ll give Leela money so she’ll be well off. She’s young and would find someone better suited for her.” Lion-O looked at his old friend pleadingly. “Please Lynx-O. You’re the only person I trust to do this.”

Lynx-O sighed heavily. “I can’t believe I’m going to do this. All right. I’ll marry you and Cheetara, but you need to convince her. I sense she is most reluctant.”

“Right,” Lion-O agreed. He made his Cheetara and led her outside so they could talk.

She knew he was going to try to convince her and Cheetara was ready. “No, Lion-O. I don’t care what you say; I’m not going to marry you.”

“Cheetara, listen to me.” He gripped her shoulders delicately. “We can do this. I don‘t want to be with anyone else. I love you.”

Why did he have to say the words she didn’t want him to say? She couldn’t say that to him. She didn’t love him. She was sure of that and if she was, she wasn’t going to tell him. If she admitted that she loved him, then…Cheetara didn’t know what she was going to do.

“Lion-O…I… can’t. I just can’t! We live two different lives. We come from different backgrounds. We--”

“You’re the only person who truly understands me,” Lion-O joined in. “I know you feel the same with me, but you’re too scared to admit it.”

“Scared?!” Cheetara felt insulted. “I’m not scared of anything!”

“Just only of your feelings for me,” Lion-O pointed out.

“What feelings? I don’t feel anything.”

“Your kissing tells me otherwise.” Lion-O smiled as he reached for Cheetara. “He’s going to marry us.”

“Not if I refused,” Cheetara argued.

“But you won’t,” Lion-O was sure of it.

Cheetara could see that as well. She shook her head. “I….can’t,” she cried. “I just can’t…” she turned away and added in a whisper, “no matter how much I want to.”

Lion-O rested his hands on Cheetara’s shoulders. “Don’t think about others anymore. Don’t let them control you anymore.”

“So many lives will be destroyed by our union.” Cheetara thought of all the cheetahs that were depending on her.

“No one has to know. It will be between us. If we never be together again, let us have this moment.”

Somehow it gotten through to Cheetara that this was right. Cheetara turned to face Lion-O. “No one has to know.”

“No one has to know,” Lion-O repeated.

Cheetara smiled. She knew what she wanted. She knew her feelings and they were telling her this was right. It would be between them. No one could take this from them because they wouldn’t know. “Yes.”

Lion-O embraced Cheetara. “I promise you this is the right thing.”

****

Leela watched in disgust and anger as Lion-O and Cheetara stood across from each other, holding hands declaring their love for each other as they say their vows: To have and hold for richer and poorer to death do you part. Leela couldn’t believe Lion-O was doing this. He was to say that to her not to that cheetah! Leela watched them leave Lynx-O’s place. Leela got on the HoverCat and followed them. She scowled realizing where he was taking her to his other home. Lion-O was going to pay for this.

Cheetara looked around the quaint romantic getaway. There wasn’t a home in miles of this place. Lion-O picked Cheetara up and she laughed. “What are you doing?”

“You’re my bride. I am suppose to carry you over the threshold.” Cheetara couldn’t believe this was happening. She had actually got married. Like Lion-O said, this was their last night and no one could take away that from them. Once they entered the house, Cheetara knew where they were going and she wasn’t feeling any doubts, despite her inexperience. The bedroom door opened. Lion-O placed Cheetara on the bed and sat beside her.

“I didn’t plan this…us getting married. Otherwise, I would’ve gotten you a ring.”

Cheetara nodded understanding. “I know, Lion-O, but aren’t the best things that happen unexpected?”

“Not always, but I don’t have any regret about this. Do you?” He asked hoping she didn’t.

“No.”

“I don’t want to stop seeing you, Cheetara.”

“We have to, Lion-O.” Cheetara said sadly.

“Stay here then. That way we can be together. You don’t have to go back to your home. Only I know about this place. You won’t be found. You said yourself you only have one friend. Just tell her. I’m sure she’ll understand,” Lion-O pleaded.

Cheetara shook her head. “No, Lion-O. I can’t. My place is with them.”

“Yes. I understand.” He of all people should understand. He rests a warm hand on her thigh. Cheetara looked at him nervous and unexpected. “We should make the best of tonight.”

Cheetara felt a blush on her cheeks and the fat beating of her heart as Lion-O stared at her. “Since this might be our last night together, I want it to be special. I want to be with you. I love you, Cheetara.”

Cheetara felt tears in her eyes. That was the first time Lion-O ever told her that and from his voice, it sounded genuine unlike the way Chase said it.

“However, if you're not ready, Cheetara, I understand. Everything was kind of quick.”

Cheetara moved closer so their bodies were pressing against each other. “I’ve never been more ready than anything else. I....I....I..” Love you. It was there. She gad known it for a while but refused to accept it until now, yet she couldn’t openly say it.

Lion-O put two fingers on her lips. “It's okay. You don't have to say it. I know. You can say it when you're ready.”

Cheetara smiled and slowly nodded in fear of what she might say.

Lion-O kissed his bride, sealing their promise that they will always be so close and yet so far away. The kiss deepened as they wrapped their arms around each other. Cheetara couldn’t believe this was happening. She thought that when she saw Lion-O tonight, that it would be the last time, now she was his wife. Even though it is in secret, Cheetara knew it would be special as this night was turning out to be. For the first time in her life, she knew she was loved.

Leela eyes boiled with fury and jealousy as angry tears fell from her eyes. She turned away from the scene. “How Lion-O? How could you do this to me?” she shook her head, clearing the thoughts of her anger towards him. “No, it's not your fault. It's that cheetah's fault. I'll make her pay for this. All the cheetahs will pay.”

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