Adult-FanFiction.org : Cartoons

A Tale of Jaguars	By : Aline Category: +S through Z > Thundercats Views: 13095 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Thundercats, or any character or event associated to it, and I'm not making any money from this fiction.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
WARNINGS: This contains Slash, and abuse, as well as mpreg. It is dark and treats themes only for mature audience, such as rape and sex with a minor. Do not read if you don’t like it.
*Disclaimer: I don’t own Thundercats, or any character or event associated to it, and I’m not making any money from this fiction.

ScarletRibbons, thank you for the reviews! They make my day J, and yes, there’s going to be drama.

CHAPTER 07. TALES AND MEMORIES.

Claudus did ask for Lion-O.
Baal announced at diner that the lion was to go with them to their visit. He had been expecting a happy reaction on the lion’s part, and had suggested Jareid to be ready to contain any fit of jealousy his mate could display. What he got instead was two straight faces that looked at him with disbelief for a few seconds before horror, and fear appeared on Lion-O’s expressive face, while Tygra looked down, concentrating on his food without a word.
Yeana pouted at him, and declared that she didn’t want Lion-O and Tygra to go away. Xilara only smiled at their daughter and explained to her that only Lion-O would be going, and that it was an important visit to the lion’s father. The girl brightened then, and wished her friend a nice trip. Lion-O nodded absently. Neither brother touched their food. Tygra was obviously just playing with it, and Lion-O looked like he wanted to say something but didn’t dare.
When Xilara took Yeana to bed, the young lion finally found the courage to talk.
“Sir, why isn’t Tygra going?”
The tiger didn’t look up, but stopped all movement. Jareid scowled at the lion. Baal was curious enough to answer.
“Your father specifically asked to see you. We are supposed to review the treaty and renegotiate some of the terms if he can.”
Tygra’s ears dropped. Lion-O bit his lips and looked nervously at his brother. Suddenly Tygra stood up and excused himself from the table. Jareid went after him with only a cursory glance at his father. Lion-O waited a minute before speaking again.
“Could he have asked at any time to see either one of us? Why is he asking for me now?”
“Well, not at any time. Our pact specifies that he can check on your welfare every year.”
“So, he could have asked to see us both. Why only me?”
“You’re his blood son, it’s logical that he’d want to reassure his own court that you’re fine.” Lion-O scoffed derisively at that. Baal pretended that he didn’t notice. “Besides, if he attends the ceremony he’d see Tygra then.”
Lion-O scowled furiously.
“Why not wait ‘till the ceremony then? He’d see both of us at the same time.”
“Maybe he just wants to be sure that you’re unharmed. After all, you’re his youngest.”
For Baal’s surprise, the lion growled quietly. He excused himself and walked away from the table, grumbling something about Claudus just wanting to be sure that Tygra was doing his job.
&&&&&&&
Tygra went to Jareid’s bedroom because he didn’t have anywhere else to go. He didn’t know why he was so upset, but he was, and he wanted some comforting place to be in. Sadly, the closest thing to that was the training courtyard, or the newest addition to Jareid’s room. The jaguar had put a big puff sofa close to the window just for Tygra, and it quickly had become the tiger’s favourite spot.
Tygra climbed on the piece of furniture as soon as he entered the bedroom. He lied down and crossed his arms and legs, almost curling inwards. Jareid took an uneasy look at him and approached cautiously.
“Are you ok? What’s the matter?”
Tygra pouted. He didn’t have any reason to be mad. He should be happy that Lion-O was going to Thundera. Right?
“It’s nothing.”
Jareid however, believed that he had an idea of what was troubling Tygra. In the year they had spent together they had had plenty of opportunities to know each other better. So, he crouched in front of his tiger, and looked at him.
“He knows that he has more chance to see Lion-O. I wouldn’t let you go to Thundera anyway.”
There was a pause while Tygra mulled that in his mind.
“I know. You’re that much of a bastard.”
Jareid crocked a smile. He didn’t mind to be the bad cat. Tygra had no business in Thundera. Besides, Claudus would be there at the ceremony. It was tradition for the parents to witness the bonding of their children after all, more so in a political situation like theirs. He was about to comment on that, when Tygra finished his thought.
“But he could have asked.”
Jareid frowned, knowing instinctually that there was something deeper in Tygra’s heart that was bothering him. He didn’t know what he could do, so he only caressed Tygra’s cheek and made him look up.
“Maybe he did. Father can also say no if he considers it unnecessary. Who knows the dealings between them?”
Tygra bit his lip and sighed. He shouldn’t be upset. Lion-O was the youngest. It was sensible to be more worried about him.
“I suppose I’m just being childish.”
Jareid kissed his nose, and pulled him out of his comfortable puff.
“Come here. I’m going to make you forget everything about Claudus and Thundera.”
Tygra let himself be carried to the bed, but even Jareid’s skilled hands weren’t enough to make him stop thinking this time.
&&&&&&&
Early in the morning of the next day, Lion-O was at the door of Jareid’s set of rooms, asking for entrance. The jaguar didn’t look too happy to see him there, but Lion-O could care less.
“Can I talk to Tygra?”
Jareid grunted and pointed the lion to the couch in the sitting room. Then, he disappeared through the door to the study. After some moments, Tygra got out, and looked questioningly at his brother.
“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready for the trip?”
There was that cutting tone in the tiger’s words that Lion-O had been so familiar with in Thundera. The lion clenched his teeth in frustration. It had been long since the last time Tygra had talked to him with venom in his voice. Now it was back. Lion-O wanted it gone for good.
“I’m not going.” He declared decidedly. Tygra frowned at him.
“What?”
“I don’t want to go, and I don’t have to. Father will come to the ceremony shortly anyway. There’s no need for me to go.”
“What are you talking about? Father asked for you Lion-O! He wants to see you! And it’s your chance to see home!”
“Well, I don’t want to see him! Or Thundera!” Lion-O said petulantly.
Tygra growled lowly. How could his brother be so infuriatingly selfish? He knew the lion missed their father! Why was he pulling this scene now?
“Lion-O, you’re going on this trip, or so the Great Thunder help me, I’m dragging you into the ship myself! You’re going to see father, and reassure him that you’re fine! Maybe it’s the only chance he’d have to see one of us, and you’re not spoiling it!”
Lion-O bristled. He didn’t like been yelled at, and didn’t like that Tygra had returned overnight to be mean to him. Then his brain caught on the last sentence his brother had said.
“What do you mean ‘his only chance’? What about the ceremony?”
Tygra huffed and crossed his arms.
“Come on Lion-O. Why would Baal take the time to go to Thundera to review the treaty, if father would be coming shortly? He doesn’t want father to come! No Thunderian knows how to find Ix-Maal. I seriously doubt that Baal wants to give away the secret. He must have given father a choice, and he chose to see you. So you’re going!”
Lion-O frowned in concentration. Tygra was right, Baal was not going to simply give away his advantage over Thundera. But the treaty would have forced him to take both of them to see their father. Why only him? Had Claudus really only asked for him? Why? He didn’t need comfort or his father’s worry. He was fine. He even felt a bit guilty for been so fine in fact. He wasn’t the one about to mate against his will. Tygra needed their father’s support the most right now. Lion-O looked at his brother with a mixture of nervousness and anguish.
“Perhaps, if I don’t go in the trip, father would have to come. Don’t you want to see him too Tygra?”
The tiger bit his lip and sighed. He wanted to see his father, but he didn’t want Claudus to see what he was becoming. He didn’t want his father to realize that he had all but given up to Jareid. He scowled at his hands. Maybe Claudus knew that he’d have to surrender. The pact was written with the idea that Tygra would have to be the submissive partner. Maybe Claudus just didn’t want to see Tygra like that.
“Listen Lion-O, we’re in a complicated situation here. We don’t really know what’s the arrangement that Baal and father have. Maybe you were meant to stay here only a year. Maybe father has found something that’d allow him to negotiate your return.”
“But you…”
“I’m going to be fine. I’m starting to suspect that this is Baal’s way to tell us that I’m not going back home.”
Lion-O was aghast. He knew how much Tygra loved Thundera. He had been the favourite prince. The favourite son also. Lion-O had always envied him the close relation he had with their father. It was unfair that now, when Tygra needed that closeness, he was being left technically alone. Lion-O was going to state his position again, but Tygra chose that moment to sit beside him and put a hand on his shoulders.
“Look, it’s only a day. Father would see you and confirm that Baal is treating us well. You’d answer his questions and get to wander around the palace and pick up some news. You’d see Jaga and show him what you’ve learned. This is the only chance in a year that we have to get some news from home Lion-O. Maybe I’d get to go next year.”
Lion-O sighed. Tygra wanted to hear from home, and no one was going to make it easy for him. If his brother was not allowed to see Thundera, Lion-O supposed he could be his proxy. But he still felt uncomfortable about the entire situation.
“Fine. I’d go. But father better has a good excuse for not asking for you.”
Tygra bit his lip, but answered quietly.
“Maybe he did, and was denied.”
Lion-O looked very put out. He had not thought of that.
“Well, he better had.”
Tygra felt touched by his brother’s words. He had gotten closer to Lion-O, and he realized that he had been relying heavily on the lion’s confidence and enthusiasm. He caressed the red mane and allowed himself to be grateful for his brother’s presence. Without him he wouldn’t have survived Jareid’s first approach. He wouldn’t have even tried.
“You better go and get ready then. You’re leaving in a few minutes.”
Lion-O nodded and hurried to his own room. Tygra saw no need to go back to the bedroom, so he decided to go to the kitchens to see if he could eat something quickly before going to say goodbye to the delegation.
&&&&&&&&
Jareid was going too. Tygra had known that, but somehow it still surprised him to see the jaguar prince ready to board the ship.
The jaguar ostentatiously put Bengali in charge of Tygra’s well being while he was gone. The tiger bristled and growled at his mate that he didn’t need a caretaker. Jareid only smirked, and grabbed the back of Tygra’s neck, forcing him to expose the mark on his right side. Jareid licked at it and ordered his tiger to be good or he’d have to punish him. Tygra’s growl intensified and he glared daggers at Jareid when the jaguar finally let him go. The obnoxious prince blatantly ignored his mate’s discomfort and kissed him on the lips in goodbye.
Lion-O said farewell to Xilara and Yeana, and then hugged his brother, promising to give his greetings to their father.
Tygra looked as Lion-O boarded the ship, followed by Jareid. He had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He watched with worry as the ship elevated and flew through the sky. His hands were clenched, and he couldn’t make himself to move away, even when the ship was no longer on sight.
Bengali’s hand on his shoulder brought him back to reality.
“Come Tygra. You still have a tutor to go to. Besides, we wouldn’t want Jareid to get angry because you spent too long in plain sight of everyone.” The white tiger joked. Tygra glared at him and growled.
“Ha, ha. Very funny Bengali. If that were the case, I’d be sure to tell him that it was your fault!”
“Hey!”
Both tigers walked back to the palace. Tygra still looked back one more time before crossing the threshold. He couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling that told him that he had seen his brother for the last time.
&&&&&&&
It was a long day for Tygra. After his morning lessons, and a rather uncomfortable lunch with the queen, he was told that training had been suspended for the day. So, he found himself without anything to do.
He debated for a moment if he should go to the study and read, but he was too anxious and was not going to be able to focus in the reading. He could go down to one of the training courtyards, but it was still early afternoon, and he was bound to find someone who’d want to speak with him, or offer to train together. He wasn’t in the mood to put on with any jaguar at the moment, so he decided to go and pester Bengali. Jareid had named him Tygra’s caretaker after all, so he could as well do his job.
The white tiger was surprised to see him in the Shamans’ wing, and chuckled when the teen admitted that he was bored, and starting to get nervous because the delegation wasn’t back already. Bengali reminded him that they weren’t expected until sometime around diner. Tygra pouted, and started to look around Bengali’s office while the white tiger put some papers in order.
“So, why did you decide to become a Shaman?”
“Oh well, my mother is one, and I always felt some kind of attraction for magic. I loved what she could do, I could almost see the energy surrounding her when she performed an incantation, or was healing someone. You know that our technology is very good, but some things are still treated with magic. One gets better faster if you combine the two.”
“Oh.”
Tygra fell silent and started to think. He didn’t know much about Bengali’s private life. He knew that he was an orphan, like himself, and that he had arrived to Ix-Maal by chance. He had two sisters, the older one was a pilot, and the youngest prepared ointments and other medicines for the people of the city, though she wasn’t a fully trained Shaman. Apparently, to practice shamanism required special abilities. Tygra didn’t know the special circumstances surrounding Bengali’s adoption, or how exactly he came to be in Ix-Maal in the first place. He had never dared to ask.
“Ben, do you know if there are more tigers around? I mean, our clan had to go somewhere. Did you ever know about them, or your…? You know… your real family?”
Bengali smiled at him, and leaned on the end of the desk, close to the younger tiger.
“I have a good idea of what happened to the clan. We lived somewhere in the forlorn mountains. The white tigers were a minor tribe that lived apart from the rest of the clan. Nevertheless, we also were affected when the illness hit. They said that it was an epidemic that had afflicted the entire population. We got contaminated because of our constant trading with the orange tigers that had fallen sick first. We cut off all contact with them, but by then the majority of our people were already very sick. Some started to leave the town, my father among them.
“I was just turning eleven when we left the mountains. My mother and brother had already died, and father wanted to save me by taking me away as far as he could. We crossed the mountains, and a good part of the plains of Teneba. In a month we arrived to the jungle. By then, my father was already sick, and it was evident that I’d get it too. He wanted to find a village or a city, some place where we could find a healer. But we got lost in the jungle, and soon father wasn’t able to walk anymore. I was also starting to show the symptoms and the fever knocked me down.
“A jaguar hunter found us. My father was already dying, and there was nothing anyone could do for him, save take his cub.
“I woke up in my new family’s home. Mother managed to control the disease, and the Shamans found a cure in no time. The king was curious and sent scouts to the mountains to see if they could find the clan, but they never found anything.
“The hunter who’d found me adopted me, and after a year I became a Shaman apprentice.”
Ben looked at Tygra with fondness. To be the only tiger in an entire city could get lonely. He knew better than anyone how hard was to try and forget one home to adopt a new one in order to survive. Tygra’s situation only made it harder. The young tiger had not been running away from a dying town. He had been given away, taken, like some kind of prize. It wasn’t a wonder the teen still felt like Jareid’s favourite toy. He caressed the young head, and Tygra smiled.
“I think it was almost at the same time that rumours were heard about Thundera finally having a prince. Only it wasn’t a lion.”
Tygra licked his lips and shrugged.
“I was told that I fell from the sky in a floating basket. The king and queen had no cubs, so they took me in. I don’t remember anything about that. I was not even a year old.”
Bengali got closer to his young charge and hugged him. He could feel the sadness in the teen’s voice when talking about the only parents he had ever met.
“I’m sure your family loves you, and they’d be here to offer you support. You won’t be alone.”
Tygra sighed, knowing that Bengali was talking about the ceremony. He focused on the thought that even if Claudus wasn’t allowed, at least Lion-O would be there. Tygra was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to go on with the ceremony if he was alone. Those thoughts immediately brought images of Jareid to the forefront of his mind and he scowled in mild annoyance. Was the cat’s personality so strong that he just had to be a constant presence in his head?
The thought of the jaguar prince, strangely made him analyze another thing Bengali had said.
“You said that you were eleven when you arrived here. That means that you’re only a year older than Jareid?” He asked, hoping to not sound rude. Ben smiled.
“I know, I look older. We Shamans just seem to age faster. The magic we use takes its toll.”
“Oh.”
Tygra bit his lip. There was another thing he had been curious about.
“Something else in your mind prince?” Bengali chuckled. Tygra’s cheeks coloured a bit, but he nodded.
“I was wondering, how could you… mmm… get on with Jareid? I mean, he treats you different than the rest of the cats. He treats people like objects.”
“Ah, well that’s because in his mind no one deserves to even be in his presence. Baal allowed him far too much while growing up.”
“And how come it’s not the same with you?”
“You really think so?”
Tygra huffed and rolled his eyes.
“It’s somewhat obvious. When you’re talking to him you can tell that he’s actually listening. Even if he’s quick to dismiss your worries. Any other cat, well, in the year I’ve been here, I’ve actually never seen him give another cat the time of the day. Not outside meetings at least. Whenever he happens to make small talk with others, well, I don’t know. He has this tone that implies that he’s doing you a favour just noticing you. He looks everyone with such derision. Even Lion-O. I’ve seen him when my brother is with me. It’s like he’s looking a particularly cute, but annoying pet! I know the look. I’ve used it.”
Ben laughed at the notion of Lion-O as a cute pet. Jareid certainly did make others feel like so much dirt in his presence.
“You are very observant my prince.”
“So, what’s different with you? It’s sometimes weird the way that Jareid seems to trust no one but you. It’s like you’re the only one he’s capable to actually see.”
Ben sighed. Jareid was a very difficult cat to get along with, and he seemed to rebel in that fact. Bengali had always been hard pressured to sort him out.
“I honestly don’t know. We were young kits when we met, and he already was a bastard, I can tell you that. A spoiled kitten used to get away with anything. I think I was the first cat who told him that he couldn’t do something.”
Tygra chuckled and lifted his eyebrows.
“Really? You told Jareid ‘No’? I can’t imagine him taking that very well.”
“He didn’t. It was a disaster. I’m not sure what he was thinking, but I was very surprised that he asked to see me again.”
Tygra tried to imagine a young Jareid pouting, and smiled.
“Was it too difficult to make him behave?”
Ben huffed and smirked at the same time.
“He never behaved, and the adults never were any help when he was around. Let me tell you how it was…”
&&&&&&&
The palace was huge. Bengali had never seen anything like it, or the strange machines and gadgets that littered the place. He remained close to Eékatl for the entire meeting with the king. A king that was curious about Ben’s birth town, and wanted information about it, and the tigers’ clan. Bengali answered what he could, and sighed in relief when they were dismissed. He wasn’t used to be the centre of attention, and the king’s stare made him very nervous.
“Come on Bengali. Let’s go home.”
Eékatl herded his new son out of the meeting hall. He was glad that king Baal had not had any problems wit him adopting the tiger. He had promised the kit’s father that he’d give the boy a home, and he doubted that it was wise to return him to his hometown.
If there was still a town.
The illness that had ailed the tigers had been a deadly one. His wife had not been sure that they’d be able to cure the kit when Eékatl had first taken him home. Fortunately, Bengali’s body had reacted favourably to the treatment, and the Shamans had declared him healthy and free of the disease after a few weeks.
The hunter took one small hand in his larger one, and guided the tiger through the entrance hall and into the front courtyard. Ben was still very shy. He missed his deceased family and his home, but Eékatl was sure that it’d pass, and that Bengali will get used to his new family. Eékatl’s two daughters were fascinated with their new brother, and had been trying to show him everything they could. Ben was a good kit, calm and observant. He shouldn’t have any problems blending in their society.
Before father and son gave two steps towards the gates, a voice called to Eékatl. The hunter stopped and looked to his left to see his general calling. He nodded and released his son’s hand, turning to him.
“Ben, I have to speak with my superior. Wait for me by those trees, it’d be only a couple of minutes.”
Bengali nodded and Eékatl walked away. The young tiger looked around and spotted a bench near some trees at the far side of the yard. There was a path close by that Bengali thought would lead to one of the gardens. He ignored it for the moment. He didn’t want to wander away too far and get lost. He sat on the bench and watched the ample front yard.
There wasn’t much to see. The big gate was closed, and only a few guards were standing by it, and on the top of the walls. Ben liked the palace and the jungle, but it was too hot for him. Even under the tree shadow he felt like he was going to melt. He was a bit drowsy because of the heat, and so he was startled when a voice sounded right beside him.
“What are you?”
Ben jumped and turned around. A jaguar kit, about his age, was standing too close to him, and looking down at him like he was some strange bug. Ben didn’t like to be stared at, and apparently took too long to answer, because the jaguar kit reached out with his right hand and poked and pinched Ben’s bare arm. The tiger gave an indignant cry and stood up, so he could see the jaguar face to face.
“Hey! Hands off! What’s your problem?”
“Where are your spots?”
Ben was sidetracked for a second and nearly gaped at the other kit.
“Spots? I don’t have spots. I’m a white tiger. Tigers have stripes. And it’s no reason for you to go poking and pinching people! That’s rude!” He said as he rubbed the sore spot on his arm. The jaguar scowled at him.
“I can poke and pinch all I want!”
“Yeah, well, I don’t like it, and you’re not poking or pinching me!”
The kit pushed him, and Ben pushed back. The jaguar wasn’t expecting it, and he fell on his butt. Wide blue eyes stared up at the tiger in disbelief. Ben was scowling.
“Get away from me!”
He turned around huffing in annoyance, and looking for the place his father had gone to. He gave two steps, and then yelped in surprise as he was tackled from behind and taken to the ground.
“What the fuck…!”
He turned around as quickly as he could, and tried to stop the barrage of fists that were hitting him. He soon started to hit back and struggled to grab any part of the other kit that he could use for leverage. He thought that he could hear someone yelling, but he was busy trying to get the kit off him. He managed to grab the neck and lock a thigh with his leg. Both kittens rolled around on the ground, fists and kicks flying about, and struggling to get the upper hand.
Finally, Ben managed to pin the jaguar down and sat on him, baring teeth and growling. The other kit was growling too, but he looked a bit shocked. Bengali was going to demand to be left alone, when an arm surrounded his waist and lifted him. He mewled and was put standing on the floor, facing Eékatl.
“Bengali! What happened? You can’t be fighting here!”
“But he started it!” Ben said indignantly. “He pinched me, and wouldn’t leave me alone. He tackled me!”
Eékatl growled. He was a fool, he should have told Ben to stay away from the prince. He had no doubt that Jareid had been the one to hit first, but that wouldn’t matter to Baal. The hunter looked behind him to where Jareid still was sitting on the ground, surrounded by the few guards that had been on duty, and growling to whoever dared to get too close to him. Both kits had several bruises and cuts. That was no good at all. His general walked towards him.
“Eékatl, take the kit out of here before the prince starts calling for his father. You know how Baal is.”
The hunter nodded and picked Bengali up to carry him home. The tiger grunted and put his chin on Eékatl’s shoulder. The last thing he saw was a pair of blue eyes scowling at him, before a female shaman obstructed his view.
*****
Jareid only had superficial bruises and a swollen lip, nothing to worry about. Still, his mother fussed over him and reprimanded him calmly about being fighting like a peasant. She then proceeded to kiss and groom his short mane, and gave him a piece of candy fruit to forget the incident.
However, he couldn’t stop wondering about the new kit. It had been the first time someone had actually fought with him. Training didn’t count. He wasn’t allowed to roll on the floor in the training, and even there every other kit was so damned careful to not hit him with real force. It was stupid. He knew they were trying to not anger him, but they were doing it anyway. Only the older teens and his trainer fought with him like it was supposed to be, but never outside training.
Also, he was curious about the tiger. The noble kits bored him and he preferred to be away from them. Maybe the white cat would be more interesting? At the very least he could talk about another place, different to the jungle. Shaila, his healer, had said that he came from the mountains!
His father asked him at diner if he wasn’t hurt, and he stated proudly that he wasn’t. Baal left it at that, somewhat surprised that Jareid hadn’t complained about the tiger making him angry, and willing to just for once forget the incident. But when they finished diner, Jareid suddenly asked.
“What’s the tiger’s name?”

Both Xilara and Baal looked at him in wonder, and the queen smiled.
“His name’s Bengali. I think he’s a year older than you dear.”
Jareid looked pensive. A year older. That wasn’t so much. He could still grow taller.
“Is he coming again tomorrow?”
Baal scowled. It was odd that Jareid showed interest in another cub. Maybe it was because Ben was not a jaguar.
“I think he’d have duties in his own home. Besides, didn’t you fight with him today? I wouldn’t have thought you’d want to see him again.”
“But it was fun! I want to do it again! The next time I’m going to win!”
Baal didn’t think that the tiger had been having fun. He didn’t even know what the fight had been about, but he had enough experience to know that the little tiger was probably wondering what exactly had happened too. But Jareid was smiling, and he looked truly interested. Xilara however was not so sure.
“Jareid, I don’t think that fighting is a good way to have fun. You could get hurt.”
“But mom, we have healers!” Jareid whined. “And he actually fought back, no one ever does! I want to really win!”
Xilara was about to protest, but Baal put his hand over hers and crocked a half-smile.
“Some bruises are not going to kill him. Besides, he needs someone he can play with.”
“So, he’s coming tomorrow?”
“We’ll see if Eékatl can bring him over.”
Jareid knew that that was as good as a yes. He brightened and jumped from his seat.
“Thank you dad!”
He kissed good night to his parents and ran away happily. Xilara was still worried about him.
“Baal, fighting is not the same as playing. It’s not the way to make friends.”
“Xila, you know that Jareid is not like other kittens. He never socializes with anyone his own age. If fighting is the only way he can get close to someone, we should let him.”
“Bengali’s parents aren’t going to be happy if the kit gets hurt. Jareid doesn’t control his own force when he’s truly mad.”
“There’s no reason for him to get to that point. Besides, it seems to me that the tiger was perfectly capable of subduing Jareid. They have the same strength, they won’t end up seriously injured.”
Xilara made an unhappy face and Baal smiled at her.
“He’s going to be fine Xila. He’s a boy. Boys fight with each other from time to time. You can’t prevent him form interact with the world, and we can’t just let him isolate himself from his peers. It’s not good for him.”
The queen sighed and nodded. She knew they had spoiled their son too much but he was a good kit. He needed friends, real friends, not only future allies and courtesans. She wished she could have had more cubs. That way Jareid wouldn’t be alone.
*****
Bengali was somewhat nervous as Eékatl walked with him to the royal wing. The hunter hadn’t been happy to be told that Jareid had asked for his son. He didn’t want Bengali to get hurt, and he didn’t want to have any reason to get into a conflict with his king either. He hoped that Bengali would be able to sort the prince out. Apparently none of the noble kits had been able to get along with Jareid yet. Eékatl knew that the prince was just curious. Bengali was a novelty right then, but soon he’d grow bored and leave the tiger alone. Ben just had to keep himself on line until then.
The stripped kit was silent. He had been embarrassed to be fighting in such a way, but no one had told him that there was a prince his own age in the palace. Besides, the jaguar had started it!
They arrived to an ample hall, and a servant informed them that Ben was expected alone. Eékatl didn’t like that. He wanted to be close by to be able to stop any activity that could get out of control. But alas, orders were orders, and he wasn’t going to disobey his prince. He crouched in front of Bengali to be face to face with him, and give him some instructions.
“Ok Ben, remember, don’t let him drag you into a fight again. He’s the prince, so you have to be more patient with him, and don’t get him angry.”
“What if he hits first?”
“Then just try to stop him. I’d really prefer that you avoid hitting him at all, but if there’s no other choice try at least to not do much damage.”
Ben pressed his lips together. He had never interacted with nobility, and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to act the way Eékatl wanted him to.
“Why does he want to see me? I don’t think he was too happy with me yesterday.”
Eékatl sighed. He wished he knew what the prince wanted.
“I honestly don’t know. But don’t worry, if he had wanted you punished, Baal would have done it already.”
Bengali pouted. It was unfair.
“It still was his fault.”
Eékatl chuckled and messed his son’s short mane.
“I don’t doubt it. But he’s the prince, and he has the advantage.”
He stood up and gave Bengali an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
“Just be good. If you have troubles you know how to radio me. Your mother will be here to pick you up and go home.”
“Ok.”
Bengali walked towards the door the servant had pointed out and knocked. An impatient “enter” was heard and Ben sighed, opening the door, and crossing the threshold.
The room was big. There were shelves on the walls, full of toys and some books. A cabinet that apparently stored art materials was to the left. In front of him was a large window, and close to it a contraption that Bengali had seen in his house and knew that reproduced music. There was a musical instrument close by. To his right were some beanbags, and a screen that was connected to other equipment that Bengali was not familiar with. Jareid looked at him from his spot at one couch that was near the window. He had apparently been playing with some strange gadget that the white tiger had never seen before.
“Hey! You’re here.”
“Um. Hi.”
Jareid almost ran towards him and pulled his arm to take him to the empty space in the middle of the room.
“Come! This is not as spacious as the yard, but mom insisted that I try to not get all dirty.”
Bengali paused and looked at the other kit questioningly.
“Wait. What exactly do you want to do?”
“Fight with you of course! It was great yesterday, I want another go! You won yesterday and I didn’t have a chance to beat you because everyone interrupted!”
Bengali gaped at the prince. The young jaguar was talking as if their impromptu fight had been a game.
“But… father said I was not to fight anymore, and that I should not hit… mph!”
One of Jareid’s hands was over his mouth, and two blue eyes were staring angrily at him. Bengali lifted an eyebrow at the jaguar, who hissed back.
“Do not dare tell me that someone told you to just let me hit you and not fight back. We are going to do this like yesterday! And you’re not holding back! Understood?”
Bengali was completely baffled. Who had unleashed this kit into the world? His father had said to not fight unless it was unavoidable, but he also had said to not make the prince angry. He supposed he should go along with what the jaguar wanted to do, and he nodded. Jareid took his hand away, slightly mollified.
“Good! I want to win this time! But don’t just go and let me do it easily!”
“Fine, if you really want to. Just wait a sec.”
Bengali unfastened the communicator that Eékatl had given him from his belt, and put it away on a shelf. He was turning around again, not yet sure of Jareid’s demand, when the jaguar just pulled him and sent him to the floor. Bengali yelped and was barely able to avoid been crushed by the jaguar falling on him. The white tiger didn’t know how everything happened, but in a few seconds both kits were rolling around the carpeted floor, entangled together.
It was a while before both pre-teens were lying exhausted on the floor. There had been more pulling and struggling than actual hits, but they still had ended up with several bruises. Bengali was not sure of who had won, but he’d give it to the prince; the jaguar had good stamina, and was pretty strong for his age. Jareid was smiling widely and very satisfied. He turned his head around to see towards the tiger.
“Tomorrow we can try in the garden, or with the training weapons!”
“I’m not good with weapons, I’d never had any training. Besides, tomorrow I have to go to school.”
Jareid frowned. He had forgotten that Bengali wasn’t a noble, and thus didn’t have a tutor in the palace.
“Um, well you’d come after school then.”
“I’m not sure I can. I’m supposed to help in the house.”
“But I want to continue our fight! I’m having fun with this!”
“Sorry, I can’t be playing all day. Maybe I could come for an hour or so? I’d have to return home when my mother does though.”
Jareid pouted. He wanted to continue playing with his new friend. But he had duties too, and they were going to have little time if Bengali’s mother picked him up early.
“I say that you can come and do your school work here. You’d help me with mine too.”
Ben shook his head, smiling.
“You know? For a prince, you’re very weird.”
“Yeah? How many princes do you know?”
Just the one, thought Bengali, but he didn’t let that small detail deter him.
“Not many. But I’m sure you’re the weird one.”
Jareid actually chuckled at that.
*****
“I want Bengali to live here in the palace.”
Jareid announced to his father at diner. Baal stared at him oddly. That was an unusual request.
“Why is that? Has he insinuated something to you?”
Jareid scowled, but shook his head vehemently.
“No. The idea is mine.”
Baal sighed and reclined back on his chair.
“Well, why do you want him to live here? You know he has his own family and his house. He can come and go everyday if you want him to.”
“Yes, but he takes too long, and the time he’s here is very little. If he lived here, he wouldn’t have to go before sunset. We’d have more time to play, and he could help me with homework, and I could go and look for him at any time I want and not only at an specific hour.”
Xilara smiled at her son’s reasoning. Baal raised his eyebrows and continued speaking.
“You seem to have thought this trough. But Jareid, you know that only the nobility and the councillors can live in the palace grounds. The servants also have rooms here, but they are not allowed their families to live with them.”
“Ben’s father is a hunter, and his mother one of the Shamans.”
“Yes, but none of them have a high rank in their respective forces, and are not required to stay 24/7. You know that living close to royalty is a privilege, and there must be certain aspects to fulfil to be granted such privilege.”
Jareid crossed his arms and scowled more.
“Bengali is my friend, and my playmate. Surely that is like having a high-ranking position. There’s no reason why he couldn’t have the privilege to live close to me!”
Xilara covered her mouth to hide her amusement. Baal was speechless for several seconds, until Jareid changed his scowl for wide puppy eyes, and looked vehemently at his father.
“Please dad? I have no one else to play with.”
Baal rolled his eyes. There were plenty of kits around, at least five about Jareid’s age, but of course his son had to choose the one that was not a noble to be his friend!
“Fine, we’d see what can be done.”
Jareid raised his hands in triumph.
“Yes! Thank you dad!”
He practically ran to his room after kissing his mother good night. Baal sighed at his mate’s amused look.
“Now you have to find a good enough reason for Eékatl’s family to move in here.”
“Oh, I plan to take Jareid to the council and let him do the explanation. Fortunately, Eékatl is a good element. He just needs a little encouragement to ask for a promotion.”
They finished diner wondering how could it be possible for their son to be so interested in the white tiger.
****
Eékatl could not believe it. At first he thought it was a joke. It had to be a joke. No one was granted accommodations in the Palace grounds just out of the blue like this. It was necessary a meeting with Head Hunter Silao, and the king himself, to convince him that no, it was not a joke. He had to move with his family to his new quarters in the palace. When he was told the reason behind granting him such privilege, he couldn’t help himself. He gaped in disbelief at his king. Silao hadn’t been much better, but the old cat had recovered quickly and laughed and congratulated him on his good fortune.
His mate, Misha, was as befuddled as him. The hunter wanted to bang his head on the wall. He’d have to answer a barrage of questions at training. Of course this meant that he had to enter the competition for a promotion, and he was sure that it was practically his. Baal would need an excuse to give a hunter living quarters in the palace, and it had to be something better than the prince wanting said hunter’s son close by to play with.
Misha comforted him, telling him that they shouldn’t complain about good fortune. They should make the most of it instead. He had both the experience and ability required for the promotion. He just had to show his fellow hunters that he deserved it for his own merits. Eékatl was more at ease after talking with her. He had planned to go for the promotion after all, only at a later time. A bit of help from the spirits was not a bad thing.
So, they went to live in the palace. In the east wing. The apartments reserved for those that were not nobility, but held a place in the council, or were the king’s closer advisors. It was also the closest building to the Royal apartments. Eékatl sighed. He better made an exceptional job in his tests for the promotion, and an even better role when he’d get the position. He’d have to be the best for him to be able to explain this kind of privilege to the rest of his fellow hunters.
&&&&&&&
Tygra was amused when Bengali ended his tale. He could picture Jareid running about the palace with a morose white tiger following after him.
“Wow. He was spoiled.”
“He still is. And he still thinks that the world revolves around him. But he’s a good enough friend once you get used to his antics.”
“And he never got tired of you.”
“No, and I really don’t know why. I complained a lot about his weirdness.”
Tygra chuckled. Bengali had a gift for making him feel better. Maybe it was because they both were tigers.
“I’m surprised that he didn’t ask for you to be his mate.”
“I was careful to erase that notion from his head years ago. Neither one of us see the other like that.”
“How do you know that Jareid doesn’t want you in that way? He could be in love with you.” Tygra joked. Bengali stuck out his tongue at him.
“Jareid has never been in love with anyone. He just lusts after half the city’s population.”
Tygra chuckled, but an uneasy feeling that he couldn’t explain crept over him. As much as he loathed his mating, he had accepted Jareid as an unavoidable part of his life.
“Do you think that, maybe someday, he would really care for me? Perhaps consider me some kind of friend?” He asked quietly. Bengali frowned and lifted his chin to see him in the eyes.
“Tygra, he already cares about you.”
The orange tiger snorted. The hurt that Jareid had caused him was still buried deep in his heart and mind.
“Only as he cares about a favourite doll. I’m his property, he has said so.”
Bengali sighed. Jareid had never been good to express his feelings. Not with words anyway. It was outrageous really. How come the prince had no problems broadcasting his foul moods? Every one was perfectly aware of the situation when Jareid was angry. Ben hugged the younger tiger, and did his best to comfort him.
“I know it doesn’t look like it, but believe me, he adores you. I’ve never seen him treat anyone like he treats you. And, the most important thing; he hasn’t laid anyone else for an entire year! That is really telling something!”
Tygra chuckled again. He was not really convinced, but somehow he felt better. Deep down he was still waiting for Jareid to get tired of him. To set him aside and move over to someone better. He tried to hide his personal insecurities. The official ceremony was in two days. It’d be the final nail for some cats that still believed that Jareid was going to change his mind at the last minute. Tygra knew there was no chance of him doing that, but still, the gossip at his back made him nervous.
Both tigers spent what was left of the day exchanging tales about their own childhoods.
&&&&&&&
The ship arrived just after sunset. Tygra stood in the courtyard at the queen’s side and watched with a sense of dread as the doors opened, and the royal guards descended from the machine. Baal and his councillors followed, and among them was Jareid.
The prince lost no time going to his mate’s side and kissing him soundly. Tygra pushed him away, deeply embarrassed by the display, and his eyes scanned the people before him, looking for the red mane of his brother.
Baal greeted his queen and started towards the inside of the palace. Bengali frowned and attracted Jareid’s attention.
“Where’s Lion-O?”
Tygra was about to go into the ship himself, but the doors closed, and Jareid’s arm was around his waist. He heard as the jaguar answered Bengali’s question happily.
“He stayed in Thundera. Claudus wanted him back, and he made a deal with father. The treaty remains intact, and there’d be no further negotiations. He sent a cleric to take his place in the ceremony. He technically renounced all rights to see Tygra for another year.”
Bengali’s eyes widened, and he looked worriedly towards Tygra. The young tiger was pale, and was staring at Jareid in disbelief. The jaguar prince was about to ask what was wrong, when Tygra shook his head and turned around, running away. Jareid was baffled.
“What’s the matter? Auch!”
Bengali hit him on the head, and glared at him.
“You’re a fool Jareid! Don’t be so insensitive; don’t you remember that Tygra has no family here? He still has emotional issues, and his brother was like a lifeline for him! There’d be no one of his relatives in what is meant to be an important day in his life. It’s like they had abandoned him! He’s truly alone now!”
Jareid growled and rubbed his head.
“You don’t have to hit me! And I am his new family, he’s not going to be alone!”
Bengali groaned. He didn’t want to engage in long explanations with Jareid.
“You don’t understand. Look, he’s feeling terrible right now, just go after him. I’d explain later, he needs someone to be with him right now, and you’re right in one thing; you’re his family from now on.”
Jareid wanted to protest, but he could see that Bengali was serious, and he felt worried for his mate. So, he left his friend and went to his rooms in search for Tygra. Bengali looked him go with sadness in his eyes. He hoped that Jareid would not loose his patience, and offered some comfort to Tygra.
&&&&&&
Tygra entered the room and looked desperately around him. He didn’t know how he had managed to get to the bedroom, he felt in a daze. Jareid’s words kept repeating in his head. Lion-O had stayed in Thundera in exchange of no further negotiations. That meant that Claudus was not going to try to get Tygra back. Not even try to see him. Of course, he already had his heir back, why would he need to fight for the adopted son?
Tygra’s eyes fell on the top of the chest of drawers. There were several pictures on it. Bengali had taken one of him and Lion-O on his brother’s birthday with something called a camera. It was the only thing of his family that he had left.
Something broke inside of him then. He was alone. He had been left behind. He felt like he had been cast away. He fell heavily to his knees and hugged himself. Tears started to run down his cheeks and he just let go all of the fear and desperation of the entire year.
He didn’t listen the steps behind him. Didn’t feel the hand on his shoulder. Didn’t even see the jaguar in front of him. He was completely lost.
&&&&&&
Jareid found Tygra in a heap on the floor. His smaller frame shivering as sobs could be heard. He sighed and approached his young mate. Bengali was right, he had not considered how much the news would hurt Tygra. It had not been real deal for him, but he should have remembered how close Tygra had been to his brother.
He moved Tygra’s shoulder, expecting the tiger to scream and rant, like he himself did when he was truly upset. However, he was unprepared for the cry of pure desolation that escaped the teen’s mouth, as soon as Jareid pushed his shoulders to look better at him. The jaguar almost panicked. He called Tygra by his name, but he got no more response than heart wrenching sobs.
He managed to pull Tygra into his arms and carry him to the bed. The young cat curled as much as he could and continued crying inconsolably. Jareid didn’t know what he could do, so he opted for continue holding Tygra, until the tiger cried himself asleep.
- 6
- 7
- 8
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

A Tale of Jaguars