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Comfort & Possession	By : Philliwolf52 Category: +S through Z > Thundercats Views: 2808 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Thundercats, nor do I receive payment or any other compensation for my work.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
Chapter 12 - Realization
Tygra laughed as Lion-O went on enthusiastically about the festival, now almost a week away. It was amusing to see the young lion so happy, eyes alight with excitement. It made Tygra remember their days as cubs.
Cheetara flashed through his mind, as she had been constantly, making his smile wane some. Things were so much easier back then, he thought. He missed his lady. His heart ached when he thought of how they had parted.
He had to speak with her soon, preferably before the festival so they could smooth out the kinks in their relationship. He couldn’t bear the thought of her hating him, or worse, thinking he wanted to be with Tessa. He missed her terribly.
Things had gotten more stressful and busy, and he’d scarcely had time to rest, let alone slip off to see his estranged lover. He hoped she was well, especially with Tessa skulking around.
His mind came back to attention as he heard Cheetara’s name on Lion-O’s lips.
“What’s that?” Tygra said, listening more intently to his brother.
“I was saying that I was hoping Cheetara would accompany me to the festivities. You know, after all the performances are over? I’m looking forward to the food and games, and I thought she’d want to come along with me.” His eyes were still excited.
“I was hoping to ask her if she would be…“ He stopped, his breath catching with his words. The tiger’s eyes had taken on such a cold, ferocious gleam as they stared at Lion-O, he was nearly unrecognizable.
Tygra tried to fix his face, inhaling deeply. “I’m afraid that is impossible, brother,” he stated calmly. “Cheetara is…otherwise attached. And if she is to be escorted by anyone, it will be by him.”
“Oh. I apologize, brother,” Lion-O said, understandably awkward. “I had no idea she was involved with, uh…someone. I mean, I kind of sensed her mind was on other things recently when I would speak with her, but…uh, I had no idea it was you. I mean, it is you, right?”
“Yes,” Tygra said firmly. “This is to stay between you and me, of course, but yes, she’s mine.” He was disturbed by the level of possessiveness that had seized him when Lion-O had even hinted at pursuing Cheetara. This was his brother, and he had just fought the urge to put his hands on him!
I think I do have a problem, he thought to himself. He’d never had such violent tendencies, or been so territorial over a female before, not even with Tessa. Cheetara was his by her own admission, and his jealousies had already caused them problems.
When he thought on it, he knew she was right to be upset with him. He needed to let go and trust that she would love him and him alone.
It would certainly help if they were on better terms right now.
Lion-O was still talking. “Well, that’s okay. I never really thought I had a chance anyway. But there is another Cleric that I have seen around. She’s quiet, a lot quieter than those girls at court, but seems a sweet. I think I heard someone call her…Talli? Maybe she’d come with me.”
“You never know,” Tygra responded haphazardly. “Clerics are an interesting lot. They can seem cold and stoic, but if they let you in, you can see just how down to Earth they really are. I have seen Talli before, and she seemed a decent type, very polite. Go for it.”
He encouraged the lion to set his sights elsewhere. After all, if Tygra had his way, Cheetara would be his for life…if he could get her to talk to him, that is.
                                                          ~~~o0o~~~
Cheetara practiced with Talli, schooling her on the routine they were working on. She always took the time to help the Initiate to refine her skills so that there were no wasted movements and everything was smooth and graceful. Talli was a natural, so it was not so difficult a task.
Efficiency and pin-point accuracy were imperative in the martial arts, and the Clerics utilized these religiously. It enabled them to better protect the crown and therefore Thundera.
Talli was sweating, but felt invigorated at spending time with her Mentor. She still wondered if anything had come of the incident with the letter though, and she finally asked for a break so that she could tactfully bring the matter up.
Cheetara would not admit it, but she was grateful for the break. In addition to the exhaustion that seemed to nag her increasingly, her stomach felt unsettled today. She thought maybe the vigorous movement was to blame. As they sat on the bench, the lynx took a couple swallows of water before turning to her teacher.
“Mentor,” she began tentatively. “I wanted to apologize to you for what happened with your letter the other day.”
Cheetara was surprised, but stayed calm. “What about my letter?” she asked. She had assumed that Tygra had lied about Tessa’s delivery of it that day. Perhaps he had been truthful..?
“Well, M-Mentor…” Talli began haltingly.
“You may call me Cheetara when we are alone, Talli,” Cheetara reassured her. Formalities were unnecessary between them now. In truth, the cheetah saw her more as a friend than subordinate at this point. Other Clerics would expect decorum however.
“Ms. Cheetara, I tried to take your letter to the palace that day as you asked, but I bumped into Ms. Tessa on the way out of the Hall.” Talli looked at her hands, anxiously wringing her fingers. “I only hope the message made it. I had no choice! She was so overbearing, I felt intimidated.”
Talli was so distressed at disappointing her Mentor. Cheetara had trusted her, and she had failed her. She felt the sting of tears in the corners of her eyes.
“No worries, Talli,” Cheetara said, patting her on the shoulder. “The letter was delivered, and all is well.” At least, it will be soon. She could just imagine how fearful Talli must have been facing the tigress all alone.
She started to become angry. Tessa was an intimidating figure, which benefitted the Clerics as a whole to be sure. But to use such tactics against Initiates, who were under their care, was reprehensible. She thought this is a matter to bring up with Jaga. Or with Tessa herself.
Cheetara stood. “I think that is enough for day. You are improving significantly, and I am very proud of you. Soon, you may not even need me anymore,” she joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Of course, I will, Men--, I mean, Cheetara,” Talli stuttered, relieved that the cheetah was not angry with her. “One can always learn no matter how advanced they become.”
“That’s good to hear. It would seem you show promise in other areas than just combat,” Cheetara said with pride. “Now, I believe supper is approaching. Head to the kitchens, and I will see you there shortly.”
As Talli stood, Cheetara motioned for her to wait, momentarily serious. “And Talli, if you ever feel that Tessa, or any other Cleric, is attempting to intimidate or coerce you into doing anything you do not want, you are to inform me immediately. If I am not available, find Jaga.”
“Yes, Mentor,” Talli said, bowing slightly before running off. Cheetara smiled as she left, holding it until the lynx moved out of her sight.
Tessa! So she had intentionally interfered with her affairs, intimidating Talli into handing over private correspondence and throwing herself at Tygra. Unbelievable! Even more important was the fact that Tygra had not been lying after all about his relationship with the tigress.
In her heart, Cheetara had felt he had told her the truth. He had seemed so adamant. But doubt and pride had pulled at her as well. Thankfully, it was unfounded, at least in this.
Now, she was horrified. She had said so many things she shouldn’t have, even in anger. She owed Tygra an apology.
She moved to go to the palace, intent on finding Tygra and apologizing to him immediately. Of course, she was still displeased with him on account of his possessiveness, but she would at least make amends for falsely accusing him of consorting with Tessa.
Besides that, she missed him so much. Parting as they had had been no easy thing for her, and she just wanted to make things right between them. She just wanted him back!
Her path took her around the corner where the kitchens were situated. The windows had been opened to allow the fresh autumn breeze in, letting the scent of the meal Cook was preparing to escape.
As she passed, she caught the scent of peach pie, sautéed leeks, and, among other meats, what smelled like…liver. Immediately, Cheetara was seized by severe nausea. Her body seemed to rebel violently against the scent.
It was all she could do to step to the side of the walkway before the miniscule contents of her stomach were emptied at the side of a tree. Her body heaved painfully, trying to extract substances that weren’t there.
It was awful.
She was greatly relieved when her stomach finally stopped convulsing, allowing her to stand up straight and breathe deeply. Never really liked liver, she thought. She moved away from the kitchen windows quickly.
Continuing on her way, she was nearly to the front entrance to the Cleric grounds when she felt another twinge in her stomach, this time accompanied by slight lightheadedness.
Cheetara decided maybe she needed to go and see Ona. Things had been generally weird of late, but now her health issues were getting worse, and happening more often.
The nausea, exhaustion, soreness…now she was worried. Apologizing to Tygra, as important as it was, would have to wait. She couldn’t afford to be sick so close to the festival.
She left, heading to the palace grounds, and Ona. Knocking tentatively at the healer’s door, she let herself in, hoping to find her there.
Ona was humming to herself in the stock room, cataloging a new shipment of medicinal supplies. When Cheetara poked her head around the corner, it was a pleasant surprise.
“Hello, Cheetara,” she said happily in her soft, musical voice. “It’s always a pleasure to see you. I hope all is well.” As well as could be expected, anyway, considering the events that occurred the last time the Cleric had come. Ona genuinely hoped Cheetara’s spirits were a little better. It was never healthy to be so sad.
“Actually Ona, that’s why I’ve come today,” the cheetah began. “I think I’m getting sick.”
The snow leopard’s face became concerned, going straight into healer mode. “Oh? Please, have a seat. Let’s see what’s going on. And please, be as detailed as possible.”
The two sat down to have a conversation.
                                                                        ~~~o0o~~~
Claudus finished what was thankfully the last of the paperwork required for the festival. It was mostly authorization and waiver forms that would enable all of the lavish events to take place smoothly.
Spying Tygra walking past the throne room, he motioned to him, calling out. Tygra made his way to his father.
The king spoke with him about the last of the preparations, asking about the status. The tiger obediently answered, but evidently his heart was no longer into it when he had been so animated before. Now he was dull, mechanical even.
Concluding their conversation, Claudus watched, perplexed as Tygra finally made his way out of the throne room. He wondered what could be distracting him so much. Whereas before he had been enthusiastic, anticipatory, and engaging, now the tiger was deflated and disinterested. It was almost depressing to look at, watching him moping about like this. What a transformation.
Claudus shook his head, confused, before dismissing it for now. He would have to address his son’s depressive mood later. Too much was going on at the moment for familial issues to be properly dealt with.
                                                                        ~~~o0o~~~
Cheetara sat back, her mind reeling from what Ona had just told her. Her mind felt splintered, thought processes darting in every direction at once in a panic. She nearly stopped breathing. What am I going to do?!
The healer had told her many things, given her wisdom she had never thought to know. But only one word, one life-altering word, echoed in her head.
Pregnant.
“Are you alright, child?” the healer asked, almost tempted to tell the Cleric to put her head between her knees, so faint did she appear. She placed a hand on her patient’s back. “Take deep, even breaths.”
“A-are you sure that’s what it is?” Cheetara asked faintly. Her eyes were filling with tears as she pondered what this could mean for her. Oh no…
“From what you’ve told me, it would seem that is the only conclusion that comes to mind, and I have treated plenty of pregnant females to remember the similarities of their symptoms to yours. Of course, we can do further testing, if you like. There are ways to be absolutely sure.”
“Maybe later, Ona,” Cheetara said, shaking her head sadly. “I don’t think I’m up to it now. I feel so drained, so tired.” She could not deal with anything more today. All she wanted to do was go back to her room at Cleric Hall, her refuge from the outside world. She needed to be alone.
She just wanted to sleep, to lose consciousness in hopes of waking to a different reality, one where she had not been so foolish, so reckless. Everything was spinning that much more out of control…
“I understand, dear. Just keep in mind what I told you, and here.” Ona got up, going to one of the cupboards to retrieve a pouch, filling it with medicinal supplies. She came back, handing the pouch to Cheetara.
“Take the herbs I’ve included in here to settle your stomach. I have also put in vitamins for you, to provide some supplemental nutrition. With your busy schedule, you may not be getting all you need, and it’s especially important now.”
Cheetara took the pouch numbly, her face pursed with unshed emotions. “Chin up, child,” Ona said. “I know it seems dire now, but things will work out.” She saw the Cleric’s doubtful expression. “They will. I am sure of it.”
“I am glad you are so confident,” Cheetara huffed, the tears she had been holding back finally sliding down her cheeks. “I however cannot stop thinking that this may have ruined everything for me as a Cleric. I don’t know what to do, Ona.”
“You go home, rest, and take everything as it comes, one day at a time,” the leopard said. “You can’t make things better by worrying. Give it a while for the idea to settle in your mind, and you’ll see that things will be fine.”
With that, she ushered Cheetara to the door. “Take care, Cheetara. And try to calm your spirit, will you? Being so depressed is not good for either of you. Come and see me whenever you have need.”
She turned to leave but then remembered something. “Ona, I beg of you, please keep this just between us. Do not tell anyone, especially Tygra.”
“Of course not, my dear,” she said. “Anything we speak of here will stay between you and me as your healer. But are you sure it is wise to keep this from him? He is the father, after all, and has a right to know.”
“Yes, it is his right. I know this,” Cheetara agreed. “But I want to tell him at the best time, and it’s still early. I have to think, to figure this all out. I will tell him, I promise.”
She had no intention of withholding this from Tygra. Part of her was hesitantly ecstatic to have a cub sired by him, but it had to be handled carefully. He was still a prince and she a Cleric.
Reassured, Ona instructed her to go home and rest herself. She told her to take the herbs in a tea which would soothe her stomach and relax her muscles. She thanked the healer and finally took her leave.
As she left, Cheetara cast a longing glance at the castle while she made her way in the opposite direction, away from the one who could potentially comfort, or hurt her, the most. If only I could go to him, she thought hopelessly.
She just couldn’t tell Tygra, not yet. Maybe she would after the festival, when things quieted down. Then they could have a long talk and make things right, and she could tell him their secret.
She didn’t know anything about what she would do, didn’t want to think about it. Today’s discovery had been a major blow to her, and her body was willing her to sleep. So she trudged home, heading straight to her room without delay, thankful that no one stopped her.
Her return to the Hall did not go unnoticed though. Tessa watched Cheetara enter and walk directly towards the senior Cleric rooms with both curiosity and jaded malevolence. The cheetah looked disheartened. Perhaps she and her little prince had argued.
Her mind was haunted by the unfairness of the situation. She couldn’t let it go, scorned as she was. Why did one such as Cheetara, a former urchin with no clan, deserve such happiness? Even more so, how did she deserve Tygra, when Tessa herself, a cat of ample beauty and strength, did not?
Why does he care for her so?
It was at that moment that Tessa hated Cheetara even more, partially because she envied her at the same time. She had to turn away, lest her face crack with the force of her ire.
She resumed her current task -- that of polishing her staff, one built heavier than Cheetara’s, with a hidden blade at each end ready to be unsheathed with a touch. It was Tessa’s personal preference, as was the right of each Cleric when they chose their weapon upon induction.
She had to focus her energies on the days ahead, not lower herself to jealousy over an extremely lucky cheetah of all things. If Tygra could not see the disgrace of his choice, who was she to try and sway him? He was more a fool than she thought and not worth the effort.
                                                            ~~~o0o~~~
Cheetara lay down with a sigh, thankful to be within the four walls in which she felt most secure. She finally got a moment to lay in the dark silence of her room and just think.
She considered Ona’s words, remembered all she had been told.
**********
Ona had listened patiently as she had gone over all of her symptoms, nodding and humming in response.
Once finished, Cheetara had waited, hoping to be given some medicine to take and sent on her way, to be told she had a stomach virus or something to that effect. But it had not been that simple, not at all.
The healer took off her glasses, giving them a cleaning before replacing them. She then turned to Cheetara, a thoughtful look on her face.
“Well,” she began. “Based on what you have told me, it’s pretty simple. You, my friend, are pregnant.”
Cheetara’s eyes widened slowly. “But…but how can that be?” Realizing the foolishness of her question, given her relationship with Tygra, she blushed and looked at her hands.
“Obviously you have never had a sexual relationship prior to Tygra, am I correct?” Ona asked, just to be sure.
“No, ma’am,” Cheetara answered.
“Then I will explain to you what many females fail to learn before they engage in such activities.” She settled back into her seat, getting more comfortable.
“First, we cats are sexually different from other mammals. Our bodies do not prepare for breeding in the same way that they do. Most higher-mammals have a breeding cycle that is regular, usually spanning a certain amount of days or months, etc.”
Cheetara tried to understand as much as possible. Having grown up without family and no mother to explain these things to her, all of this was new.
Ona continued. “For us, it is the act of mating that brings on our ovulation cycle. Without having sex, we have no need to produce eggs to be fertilized. It’s our body’s way of conserving energy that could be put to better use elsewhere.
“Mating starts the process, causing the release of eggs, increasing the chance of pregnancy. It’s simply a natural reaction to increased sexual activity.
“Now, we come to the subject of the ‘mating mark.’ I will ask you, if you can recall…um, during, did Tygra ever grip you?” She looked at Cheetara expectantly.
“Grip me..?” She thought a moment then remembered him doing so all those times, marking her in the heat of the moment. She placed her fingers to the newly-healed wound.
“I see,” Ona said. “I noticed the wound, but did not want to assume. Usually when a male grips a female, he is either communicating his desire to make her his mate or acknowledging her as so if a bond already exists. He will eventually seek to produce cubs with her, of course.
“It would seem your body naturally responded to your new relationship with Tygra. And now, here you are. Losing your virginity has changed many things for you, Cheetara. You probably triggered ovulation with that first time.
“Had Tygra not already impregnated you, your body would have started the process by causing you to come into heat.”
“Heat?!” Cheetara asked, confused.
“Yes,” Ona said. “When you are in that state, you become more sexually receptive to your partner, or anyone you fancy. It’s a rough time for some females, who have to resist urges they have never experienced or would typically have. Simply put, your body tries to get you pregnant by making you want sex more often.”
The healer shook her head. “Sometimes, it’s very…awkward being around females in heat. Some of them choose to go into seclusion until it passes, depending on the severity of their…symptoms. During that time, males are also irresistibly drawn to them, so seclusion can be a refuge as well.”
She took Cheetara’s hand. “That should be one less thing for you to worry about for now, dear. Since you are already pregnant, you have skipped the process. I can’t rule it out completely now, but most females do not enter heat when they are already pregnant.
“Now, if everything goes well, in about 7 months, you will be the first-time mother of a beautiful, healthy little cub.”
Cheetara digested all of the information. She had never known of this! She felt so stupid. Being a Cleric was a more sheltered life than she thought.
Had she been aware, she could have prevented it somehow…maybe. Though to her, it sounded like any amount of sex would have led to this point. She sighed.
Ona looked at her face sympathetically. “My child, you could not have known. You had no one to explain this to you. Your time with Tygra has been like many a romance, quick and without restraint or thought of the consequences.”
Ona took her hands, squeezing them reassuringly. “I wish you had seen me before. Then I could have instructed you on ways to avoid pregnancy. It is possible to do so, believe it or not. I know all of this is overwhelming to you, but the more you are informed about yourself, about your own body, the better decisions you will be able to make. For now we’ll just keep a close watch on you, and prepare for the little one when the time comes.”
**********
Better decisions. Cheetara scoffed at herself. Would that she had known all of this information before, then she would have made a better decision. But that was a moot point now.
She felt herself getting depressed...again. Thankfully sleep was beckoning, so she snuggled her weary self under the covers, curving a hand to her still-flat abdomen.
It’s just you and me…for now, she thought, drifting into unconsciousness.
- 11
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Comfort & Possession