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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
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.

CHAPTER 08. A VISIT TO THUNDERA.

The ship landed within Thundera’s sight. There was still some distance to cover, and Lion-O wondered if they were going to walk, or use the pods. He was surprised when the backside of the ship opened and the big birds were herded out. He understood then why they had taken one of the big ships for such a small delegation.
“We’re riding there?” He asked Baal. The jaguar king looked happy to mount the birds.
“Of course. We’re not so far, but why walk?” He answered. Lion-O looked towards the city.
“Why didn’t we land closer?”
Baal smiled and got comfortable on his mount.
“Well, we don’t want your father or any of Thundera’s citizens to have a heart attack, do we?”
Lion-O scowled and looked at the ship. It was big enough to be seen from the city, surely the guards had already spotted it? And Baal had been sending messengers and warriors to the city the entire year. Surely his father must know that technology was real by then.
He mounted, helped by Xiao, who had gone with them as his guard, and kept himself close to Jareid’s side. The jaguar prince didn’t look too happy on the bird. He’d prefer to ride a pod any day. A machine was a smoother ride than a bloody bird.
Once everyone was ready, Baal gave the signal to move. Lion-O then noticed that the air around them looked strange, like there was some kind of transparent fog. They advanced, and Lion-O could feel the exact moment he went trough an energy field. He looked back in surprise, and confirmed that the ship was no longer visible. He gaped and returned to look at a smirking king.
“Now, we wouldn’t want them to know everything, do we?”
Lion-O pouted. Of course that just meant that he wasn’t allowed to talk about technology. And he had been hoping to tell Jaga everything about how it worked! That wasn’t fair!
Well, screw it! He was going to tell anyway. His father should know what was going on. Besides, he knew that Baal had sent messages to the jaguars that had been left behind to be part of Thundera’s new council. It was impossible that no one had realized what the jaguars used to get messages so fast, and how they managed to come and go between the two cities in short lapses of time. Surely his father already knew everything about technology.
The thought had also occurred to Jareid, who was complaining loudly about their mounts.
“Really dad? Why do we have to hide the ship? We could have landed right in the palace’s front yard! It’s big enough!”
“Like I told the cub Jareid, I don’t want Claudus aware of certain things just yet.”
Jareid huffed derisively and rolled his eyes.
“Please! It’s been a year, and I seriously doubt Illiard and Xuan, or any of the others, have been avoiding using their gadgets. They can’t live without them! Besides, you really think Lion-O is not going to say anything? He’s absolutely marvelled with tech!”
“Don’t worry about that. Experience has shown me that the eyes only see what the mind wants them to see. We’d be gone before Claudus realizes the truth of his sons’ words.”
Jareid scowled at his father like he had suddenly grown another head. It made no sense to him. How could Claudus explain the jaguar’s firepower and their very evident more advanced weapons, or their instant communication with each other without technology? Magic was good, but it was not a talent your every day cat possessed. Besides, it was very different from technology, and no one was that good anyway. But he shrugged and let it drop, seeing that his father wasn’t going to change his mind.
They rode the fifteen minutes that separated them from the city, and were received by their own representatives and the city guard. People had congregated on the restored main avenue to watch them pass. There were several hostile faces, disquieting muttering, and other noises of displeasure, but the guard was doing its job and kept everyone at bay. Baal rode his way confidently, like the king he was, ignoring everything around him, as if the mob simply didn’t exist. Jareid was a younger mirror of his father; both of them were plainly telling the Thunderians that common cats were not worth noticing. Lion-O was nervous. There were many angry looks directed at him. Xiao had told him to simply ignore it. He was the royalty, not them, and he didn’t have to even look at them if he didn’t want to. Lion-O felt uncomfortable, but he ended up mimicking Jareid’s posture. He couldn’t help but notice that after a while people stopped their stares and focused on their guard, or in gossiping with each others.
The ride was very short, and they arrived at the palace’s gates unmolested. Lion-o breathed in relief once the gate closed behind them. He had never felt such hostility from so many people directed at him at once. How could Jareid not even bat an eye at it?
Their escort guided them through the entrance hall and into the Royal Throne Chamber. Lion-O smiled as he got reacquainted with the palace. Tygra was right, he had missed home.
The first thing the lion noticed upon entering the Throne Room was his father, with Jaga at his side. He smiled widely and would have run at Claudus’ side if not for Xiao’s hand on his shoulder, quietly restraining him.
“Decorum my prince. Do not forget your place.”
Lion-O sighed. This was a diplomatic meeting, there was protocol to be followed, and he wasn’t a little cub any longer. He had to show decency and be calm, and wait for the kings to exchange the forced pleasantries that neither feel, and not move or speak until he was acknowledged.
He hated protocol.
Once the initial greetings were interchanged, Lion-O could step forwards and extend his arms to his father. He had grown a bit in that year, but could still be considered small for his age. Claudus smiled at his lion cub, and he embraced Lion-O’s frame for some moments before patting his shoulder and return to business. Lion-O wasn’t sure where he should stand. He was technically a visitor in his own home. Fortunately, Claudus gave the indication for them to go to the dining Hall to have an early lunch.
The table service was arranged for a diplomatic meal. The kings sat at the middle of it, face to face, with Baal occupying the place of honour. Jareid sat at his father’s right while the First Counsellor sat at his left. Lion-O was instructed to sit at Claudus’ side, directly in front of Jareid, and with Xiao at his other side. Jaga of course sat at Claudus’ right.
Lion-O sighed and endured the formal meal in resignation. His brother was so much better for that kind of thing. The tiger should be the one sitting there, listening to boring talking about government and political standings. All of it seemed senseless to Lion-O. However, the young lion put enough attention to notice that Claudus hadn’t yet inquired about Tygra’s health, had in fact not even mentioned his big brother at all. Lion-O started to feel annoyed by his father’s omission. He thought that Tygra’s well being was more important than whether or not Thundera was being administrated along Baal’s requirements. He knew that Baal didn’t care anyway. All this diplomatic talk was a complete farce.
The young lion looked at Jareid and just knew that the jaguar prince was thinking the same. The cat had been expecting to be questioned about his treatment of his “future” mate, but so far he had not been bothered at all on the matter, and he didn’t know if that was a good or a bad thing. He thought that the lion king was taking this diplomacy shit way too seriously.
Lion-O was considering opening his mouth and bringing up the subject of Tygra’s mating, but just then Baal brought everyone’s attention to one particular servant. The one presently filling his glass of wine, or more appropriately, trying to, as Baal just put his glass out of the servant’s reach.
“Sorry, I’m not used to let a known traitor anywhere close to what I consume, much less serve me in any way.”
Lion-O looked at the servant and scowled. He was familiar. A brown lion, around thirties, that used to be part of the council, if Lion-O remembered well. The servant lion growled lowly and passed to Jareid, who growled louder and said something between clenched teeth that no one but the servant could hear. The brown lion paled, and took two steps back. Lion-O wanted to know what this was about. Baal granted him his wish, once a different cat served his wine.
“Really, that is one face I could have sworn I wouldn’t be seeing ever again. Do your other servants know what he did Claudus?”
“There was a trial. He was able to explain his actions.”
“Oh? And pray tell, how exactly do you explain treason?”
Lion-O’s ears stood in attention. This was interesting. More interesting at least than city’s administration.
“He was forced by others to act as he did. He has a family he wanted to protect. He wasn’t given any way out.”
Jareid snorted in derision, and Baal’s smile was the one he reserved for when he felt condescending. Lion-O scowled even more.
“My, my. Such a sob history. How convenient that the other two were already dead.”
“By your warriors’ hands if I recall correctly.”
Baal shrugged amusedly.
“They asked for it. Who in his right mind opens the back door to complete strangers? Especially when we had already blasted the front gates!”
Lion-O’s eyes went wide. He knew enough about the war between the clans to call it stupid, and also knew that some cats from the Thunderian council had been the ones to start it. He understood then that the brown lion was one of the culprits. The cat was a traitor! What was he doing in the palace? Baal continued talking.
“Besides, they irritated the hell out of my warriors, insisting that the show should be real enough. I think they should be satisfied.”
Jareid smirked and finished his meal. Lion-O didn’t know what to think. He had never know the exact reason behind the war, other than Baal had been mad enough to get into it, but he had the gist of the situation, and the fact that one of those that had been responsible for it was still free and breathing didn’t sit well within him. Perhaps he had spent too long among the jaguars after all. Claudus was serious.
“I function under the belief that every cat deserves a chance to defend themselves. He never wanted to betray his people. He tried to protect his family.”
“Beautiful.” Baal said in a patronizing manner. Lion-O couldn’t help but feel ashamed. If it had been Ix-Maal, the brown lion would have died a horrible death, no matter his reasons. “And so, his punishment for being an idiot, who couldn’t think about going to his king, is to mop floors. A bit harsh, don’t you think? After all, only half the city was destroyed.”
Jareid was having fun, Lion-O could see it as bright as day. He glared at his jaguar counterpart and wished he could erase the stupid smirk from his face. Claudus was getting annoyed, but admirably kept himself in check.
“He was punished accordingly. His family casted him out, and he lost all titles. He can’t leave the palace. He won’t survive the streets.”
Baal laughed.
“So, you’re protecting him from the good people of Thundera! A bit hilarious. Though I still wouldn’t let him anywhere near my person. But who am I to tell you how to treat your subjects?”
It was a seemingly adequate punishment if the brown lion had been honest and had told the truth, but somehow Lion-O doubted it, and it was evident that Baal didn’t believe a word. The young lion sighed. He knew his father had always been merciful, but hell! That other lion had cost them lives and resources! He had cost them Tygra! Lion-O fumed as he glared at Jareid again. His brother was never returning to his beloved home, all because of a stupid, coward lion, that couldn’t go to his king for help? Even if it was truth, Claudus had been too lenient!
He wanted to scream, but he knew it wasn’t the moment to show his frustration. However, he couldn’t remain at the table anymore. He was too upset. He turned to his father and formally asked to be excused. Claudus widened his eyes in surprise and that made Lion-O even more upset. What? Couldn’t he be bothered to know etiquette? He almost growled. His father wouldn’t have batted an eye if it had been Tygra doing the exact same request!
Claudus sobered almost immediately and told Jaga to accompany Lion-O to his room. The old Cleric nodded, and with a smile invited the young lion to walk beside him. Xiao was about to stand and follow his charge, but a gesture from Baal indicated him to leave both cats alone. He scowled, but obeyed his king. The discussion turned back to less controversial matters.
Lion-O walked quietly beside Jaga, still fuming. The servants and courtesans they passed looked at him as they had ever done, disappointingly. His mood darkened considerably. They were disappointed that he was the one visiting and not Tygra. The lion clenched his fists. His brother should be the one there, that’d make everyone happy!
Well, almost everyone. Jareid would be fuming if Tygra had been the one chosen to go in the visit, but at the moment that fact counted as a bonus in Lion-O’s book.
He didn’t realize Jaga was talking until the old cat put a hand on his shoulder and called his attention.
“Are you listening Lion-O?”
The young teen blinked and looked up apologetically.
“I’m sorry Jaga. I just can’t believe that he’s letting that… that traitor go unpunished! Why isn’t he even in the cells? I mean, he caused a war!”
Jaga sighed and put a knee on the floor to be at the lion’s height.
“The trial showed us all the facts Lion-O. Darius was another victim, and he paid for his weakness. Claudus prides himself on being a merciful king, and that makes him a good leader for his people.”
Merciful? Merciful?! A traitor didn’t deserve any mercy!
“That’s not mercy! That’s…! I don’t know what it is, but it’s not mercy! He should be dead!”
He was seething. Jaga was astonished. He had never thought that the little lion would develop a taste for revenge.
“Lion-O, Thunderians doesn’t kill each other. A good king avoids condemning his subjects to dead for a moment of weakness, a mistake.”
“He didn’t have any problem sending two cities, full of cats with families, to kill each others!”
His sight fogged with unshed tears, and he growled. He had never cried in the entire year he had been in Ix-Maal! Why was he doing it now? A few tears escaped and he whipped them angrily. Jaga sighed and hugged him with one arm.
“You’re still too young Lion-O. Someday you’d understand that sometimes you have to make difficult decisions.”
The young blue eyes were still teary, but looked calmer. Jaga tried to smile.
“Never let anger fog your mind and rule your actions Lion-O. You’d only do things that’d cause you great regret and sorrow later.”
Lion-O pressed his lips. The image of Bali, the jaguar that had tried to murder Tygra, came to mind. He knew Jareid had been the one to execute that traitor. He didn’t know the particulars, but by the amount of blood that had been on the prince’s body when he had returned to collect Tygra, it hadn’t been pretty. Jareid had been not only angry. He had been feral with rage. Lion-O still trembled in remembered fear when he thought about it. Jareid had never shown any remorse for killing the cat, much less any kind of sorrow for that particular action. No one did, as far as Lion-O knew.
Still, Jaga had a different mind-set, and Lion-O knew that the old Cleric believed his king had done the right thing. He nodded his understanding of the situation, and Jaga seemed satisfied. The Cleric stood up again, and continued his walk.
“Come. Someone is waiting for you in your room.”
Lion-O lifted his brow intrigued, and followed his old mentor the rest of the way. As soon as he opened the door to his room, a furry creature was over him, almost making him fall.
“Snarf!”
The small critter mewled happily and licked his face. Lion-O hugged his pet, and rubbed its back. Jaga was smiling.
“He has missed you. He stayed in your room for long days.”
“You silly pet. If you hadn’t hid so well, you’d have come with me.”
“Well, I’d be going. They surely are on their way to the council room by now. Try to rest, and to reacquaint yourself with your room.”
Lion-O turned to Jaga, suddenly anxious.
“Wait! Maybe I should be present. I’m father’s heir after all.”
Jaga raised an eyebrow. Lion-O had never shown enthusiasm for political activities. He smiled and patted the youth’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry about it for now Lion-O. You’re still too young, and this visit is going to take most of the day. I think Baal is interested in seeing some places himself.”
Lion-O scowled. He was thirteen already! Tygra had been following Claudus on diplomatic visits since he had been twelve! And Bengali had told him that Jareid had attended council meetings at ten years old! True, the jaguar prince had slept through most of the meetings, but Baal hadn’t relented, and had dragged his offspring to every single one of them until Jareid had learned to at least keep his eyes open for the entire thing. Lion-O was not too young! And he already knew where they were going anyway!
“The Thundrilium mines. He wants to see for himself if they’re been exploited efficiently.”
Jaga was surprised that Lion-O knew that piece of information. Maybe the year away from a sheltered home had been good for the lion.
“Yes, though I don’t know why he’s interested in those ancient mines. Thundrilium is not very useful.”
“They use it for the ships and the weapons.” Lion-O pepped up helpfully. Jaga scowled.
“Ships?”
“Yes! The big ships need energy to function, and Thundrilium makes a huge reaction when combined with…”
“Wait Lion-O. Ships? Like in the fairy tales?”
“Yes!” The lion scowled again. Was it really too difficult to understand? “Their technology is fuelled by many types of energy. Thundrilium is one of the elements that provide most of it. Household implements run on electricity.”
He was getting exited, but Jaga interrupted him again.
“Lion-O, I know that some things that the jaguars do may seem marvellous, but don’t let your eyes deceive you. Technology is a myth. The Shamans have strong black magic, they are known for that. You have to remember the difference between real facts and old folk tales.”
The lion was baffled. Black magic? Ben sure knew how to use black magic, but that didn’t transport an army through the air!
“But Jaga, it does exist! Surely you’ve seen them receiving messages. There’s no messenger running back and forth between both cities!”
“Mirrors are very useful for long distance communication Lion-O, if you know the correct way to use them.”
Mirrors? Mirrors?! That was what Jaga thought a communicator was? A fancy mirror?
“They’re not mirrors! And the city is days from here Jaga! And we cover the distance in just two hours! We came in a ship! You can’t see it because there’s an invisible field around it, but it’s just minutes away from the city!”
Now the old Cleric frowned and started to look worried.
“We have seen the jaguars disappear some distance away from the city when they head for Ix-Maal. But invisibility can be achieved in many ways Lion-O. Tygra’s whip, for example, would have granted him invisibility if he had been allowed to master it.” He looked intently at the young lion, and sighed. “Perhaps we should check you up. You could have been given something that’s making your mind wander too much.”
Lion-O blinked a few times, and then his eyes widened in comprehension.
“You think I’m being drugged? Whiskers Jaga! Can any of you just listen to me just once?! I didn’t imagine it! Do you seriously think that the jaguars would use whatever type of magic for every single thing in their every day lives? It’d be exhausting!”
“When you’re addict to it…” Jaga started, but Lion-O interrupted him.
“No! Please don’t tell me that you’ve spent this year believing that the weapons they have work with magic. You’ve seen them Jaga! I’ve seen them too! You know it’s not magic!”
Jaga sighed again. It was impossible. Had Baal really managed to bring a myth into reality? How could he do that? To make a dream come true. Perhaps they really had been too self-complacent.
“We’d talk about it later.” He said. Lion-O was disappointed.
“But…”
“Later Lion-O. When your father is present, and they had gone. You can show both of us then what exactly the jaguars call ‘technology’. I really have to join your father now.”
Jaga exited the room, leaving a very unhappy lion behind. Lion-O huffed and let Snarf go from his arms. It wasn’t fair. Why no one ever listened to him? If Tygra was there he’d tell them. They’d listen to his big brother!
Lion-O let himself fall on his bed with a dejected sigh. It seemed that Thundera had not really changed. He was still the childish prince that no one took seriously.
Something poked his side, just above his hip, and he groaned. He sat up and took off his belt. His eyes fell to the communicator attached to it, and he swore.
“Whiskers! How could I forget? I could have shown him!”
He sighed and started to think that it’d be the first thing he’d do later. But wait. Later? When? Baal was going to storm out of Thundera as soon as the visit was finished. When was Lion-O supposed to talk with Jaga and his father? But Jaga had said that they’d talk with Claudus present. Something was going on.
He had to listen to the meeting. It was important, and he wanted to be able to tell Tygra everything that happened. An idea occurred to him, and he turned the communicator on, pressing a combination of buttons.
“Come on Xiao. Answer me.”
The small screen turned bright, and Xiao’s face greeted the teen.
“Prince Lion-O, is everything in order?”
“Well, yes. In a way. But they are not allowing me into the meeting Xiao! I want to listen to it. I want to know what’s going on! Can you leave the communication open? That way I could hear the negotiation.”
Xiao sighed and looked around. He was not supposed to be using any technology in there, but everyone was busy finding their place in the big table, and no one was paying attention to him.
“Fine. But you have to be quiet, no one can hear you.”
“Done!”
Xiao put the communicator back on his belt without turning it off, and positioned himself as close to the table as he was allowed. The miniature screen on Lion-O’s communicator was not useful any longer. It didn’t show anything. But the sound was all the lion wanted.
He got comfortable on his bed, and listened as Jaga finally entered the room and excused himself for being late. Moments later, everyone seemed to be in place, there was another formal greeting, and the statement of the motives for the meeting. Lion-O sighed quietly. Politics were so boring! He didn’t know what Tygra saw in them that was so appealing.
Fortunately for the lion, Claudus was impatient enough to rush the proceedings. As soon as the initial protocol finished, the lion king spoke decidedly.
“Let’s do this quick and to the point Baal. You already know my intentions, so what is it going to take for Lion-O to stay in Thundera?”
Lion-O’s eyes went wide. He almost didn’t listen to Baal’s answer. The jaguar king seemed amused.
“My. I was expecting you to beat around the bush for sometime. But if you want to go to the point let’s just do it. What exactly do you want Claudus?”
“I want Lion-O in Thundera, and a statement declaring that he doesn’t have to return to Ix-Maal under any circumstances.”
Lion-O stopped breathing. He couldn’t be serious. Surely Baal would not accept. The jaguar king was not going to risk someone trying to reclaim the Sword of Omens later. Right?
There was silence in the communicator, and Lion-O remembered painfully that Baal didn’t really care about the sword one way or the other. The war had been a matter of pride, not of power.
“I see. And what would you have to offer Claudus, in exchange of your son? The Sword of Omens is already mine, and frankly I’m not interested in anything else in your kingdom.”
“Something relatively simple Baal. I’m willing to leave the rest of the treaty intact, permanently. I’d renounce the right to review it, and the right to further meetings in the foreseeable future. Of course, in the knowledge that every clause is going to remain intact.”
Lion-O’s mouth went dry. He didn’t know the particulars of the treaty. There was only one clause that he had wanted to hear. The only one he had hoped his father could renegotiate. The one concerning his brother.
“Is that so Claudus? That’s saying a bit much. Are you sure you wouldn’t change your mind about anything else?”
He stressed the last part of the question. Lion-O could picture his amused face perfectly. The bastard.
“I know you can’t use the Sword of Omens. Given time, it’d return to its rightful owner. Even if I not live to see it.”
Lion-O could feel his mouth gaping in incredulity. The sword? Was that really the next pressing issue for Claudus? Baal’s amused laugh indicated that the jaguar king had not entirely been surprised by the lion’s words.
“Ah, yes. Your pretty sword. A good point, however that’s not what I’m referring to.”
Lion-O wanted to bang his head on the wall. Was his father being obtuse on purpose? It was painfully obvious that Baal wanted Tygra’s position to be clear and accepted by everyone. His father’s next words were like a blow for him.
“If the treaty stays as it is, in every single detail, then there’s no reason to push for more negotiations.”
What in the nine cursed hells was Claudus talking about? How could there be no need for further negotiations? Was he really renouncing Tygra? No, that couldn’t be true! He heard Baal’s amused chuckle and growled quietly.
“Very well. However, it’d be a shame to just leave the little lion behind. He had been having so much fun. Surely he’d want to visit once in a while.”
“No. My son doesn’t have any real need for whatever ‘fun’ you can provide. I want it to be clear that he has no obligation to you or your kingdom, and that no one can force him to go back under any circumstances.”
“Well, if that’s your wish. You realize that once we sign this accord, there’d be no need for you to put a foot in Ix-Maal either. You’re technically vouching your consent for me to follow our agreement as I see fit. Therefore, you witnessing the mating ceremony that’d close this alliance will become redundant.”
That was the last chance. Lion-O knew it. Tygra had been right, Baal didn’t want Claudus to visit the Jaguar city. What the jaguar king had said was clearly a warning of what was going to happen should Claudus persist with his demand. There was a heavy silence. The Thunderian king may have been expecting to at least get to see his other son after all. Lion-O hoped that Baal’s ultimatum made his father reconsider, but it was not to be.
“My presence at the ceremony would be politically irrelevant, I understand. However, there has to be at least a Thunderian representative to prove the alliance true for both kingdoms.”
“Very true. Who’d you propose, since you’d made it clear that you don’t want your youngest son to leave home again?”
“One of the clerics if you don’t mind. Not Jaga of course, I’m thinking about one of the youngest ones…”
Lion-O turned the communicator off and started to pace his room. He couldn’t listen any more, he was very angry as it was. How could he? He was leaving Tygra alone! His brother was already anguished enough; he needed their support! Claudus couldn’t abandon him now!
Lion-O growled under his breath. Claudus didn’t know what Tygra was going through. Physically, the tiger was fine. Their first month non-counting, there had been no visible signs of any kind of abuse on Jareid’s part. But mentally, that was another story. Lion-O was sure that Tygra was going to break if he was left without his family. Over the last year the two siblings had gotten close enough, that Lion-O knew that Tygra’s mental health had suffered the worst. He couldn’t leave his brother like that. He was not going to. He didn’t care about what his father’s reasoning could be to do what he was doing. Whatever it was, it was wrong! Claudus didn’t have enough information, and he wasn’t getting the big picture. Lion-O had promised his brother that he’d be there to witness his mating ceremony, and he planned to do just that!
Making up his mind, he turned the communicator on again. He needed to keep track of the jaguar’s delegation movements. He was sure that his father had told the guards to not let him wander away from his room, but that wasn’t a problem. He had scurried away from the palace before without being noticed. He only needed to do a couple of things, and he still had plenty of time.
&&&&&&&
Jareid was dying of boredom. Diplomatic visits were tedious and uneventful. And he didn’t like Thundera, it was too dry and exposed. Sure, they had big rich plains that provided the city with cattle and crops, but the food could never compare to what you could obtain from the jungle. The city was bigger than Ix-Maal, he’d give them that. Thundera was known for being the richest city of Third Earth. That was the reason of the constant conflict between the Thunderians and the rest of the species, especially the lizards.
Jareid had decided that the difference between the lions and the jaguars was the way they saw the world. While the Thunderians had isolated themselves and crouched behind the walls of their rich and prosperous city, the jaguars had established some relations with the rest of the planet. They had had their fair share of war and had proven to be the best. They had rediscovered not only technology, but other arts and practices too. They had allowed change into their lives, and it had made them superior. Now, they were the ones on the top, higher than the lions.
The prince looked around him, and scoffed at the big extension of land that housed the cattle. They were in their way to the Thundrilium mines, and had already seen a little of what the reconstructed city had to offer. It was flourishing once more, but it still lacked tech.
They arrived to the mines in short time. They were also unimpressive. They lacked the automation that Jareid was used to, and were primitive to his eyes. The kings and their counsellors went about the management of the Thundrilium and how much the mine was producing. Baal offered to send someone to improve the method of extraction and increase the production, but Claudus was not fond of the idea. Jareid didn’t know why, he thought that a few machines would make wonders for the place. They’d make the work easier.
Jareid was still conflicted over many of the points of the treaty. They didn’t need Thundera’s resources; their city was pretty much self-sufficient. But he understood that it was more a power display. The treaty existed to make clear who was subservient to whom, and to establish that the alliance between both kingdoms was not on equal footing. Now that a year had passed and the jaguars had made their point, there’d be no more need of an Ix-Maal representative stationed in Thundera. The city would keep sending Thundrilium and other things, and one of the nobles would be present every two months at council meetings. But the jaguar’s presence in Thundera would go back to be technically null. At least the Ix-Maalish jaguars.
He was surprised that his father was offering help to renovate the mines. He knew that that would mean introducing technology in Thundera, and he had been under the impression that Baal didn’t want to help the lions in that aspect. But Claudus refused anything that would require more intervention on the jaguar’s part. Jareid even eavesdropped some muttered comments among the Thunderians that were with them. They were talking nonsense about black magic and evil in what the jaguars did. The jaguar prince had been baffled. He realized that his father had been right to say that the eyes only saw what the mind wanted.
Of course, once Claudus talked with his heir he’d have to realize his mistake. Jareid was positive that Lion-O was going to make sure that his father understood just what kind of “magic” the jaguars possessed. However, by then they’d be in their home again, away from prying eyes, and Claudus wouldn’t have the opportunity to use his new knowledge against them.
The thought of home, made Jareid think of Tygra. He wondered why his little tiger was still so attached to Thundera. He would have hated to grow up in that place. Besides, the fact that Claudus hadn’t even asked about Tygra’s well-being, made Jareid think that the lion king didn’t consider his adopted son important. That, or he simply thought that Tygra must be all right and was useless to ask about him. Jareid shrugged reflexively. It didn’t matter. In a couple of days the ceremony would take place, and Tygra would officially cease to be a Thunderian prince.
Jareid watched as both kings discussed trading arrangements and looked away. He was tempted to leave the group and explore the mine himself. The kings would be arguing about boring thinks for a long time yet. No one would notice his absence.
He had already decided to stay behind and look for an opportunity to slip away, but, surprisingly, Jaga approached him the moment he was finally apart from the main group.
“Prince Jareid. I was hopping to have a word with you.”
Jareid blinked in astonishment at the sudden apparition of the High Cleric. He composed himself quickly, all his senses in alert. It won’t do to be caught with his guard down by one of the clerics, specially this one.
“Sure, what is it?”
Jaga made a small bow with his head and started to talk, while still trailing behind the rest of the group.
“I understand that in just two days Tygra is going to become your mate. I just wanted to put his father’s concerns to rest. Tygra is still young and has never lain with anyone up to this moment. It’s understandable that he’s going to be nervous. My most pressing worry is that he won’t be hurt.”
Jareid smirked inwardly. So, the lion king was not cat enough to confront his son-in-law directly. He had to send a servant to do what was a parent’s work. Very well. It was adequate, after all. He wasn’t going to see Tygra ever again, so why bother?
For a moment Jareid was very tempted to brag, and inform the High Cleric that he had cheated, and taken Tygra before time. That, even if there had not been a ceremony yet, Tygra was already his mate. He imagined that the old cleric’s and the king’s reactions would be priceless. He did a great effort to contain himself, because those news would cause a big, royal, mess. Certainly they’d sort it out, and Claudus would have to conform in the end, but it’d consume a ridiculous amount of time, and what Jareid wanted at the moment was to get out of Thundera as soon as possible. Besides, his father won’t be happy with him. So, he put on as serious an expression as he was capable of, and answered proudly.
“There’s no reason to worry. Tygra is going to be well taken care of.”
Jaga nodded.
“Please, have his age in mind. He’d need time to cope.”
Jezz! Did the clerics and the shamans share a mind? Jareid couldn’t help his smirk this time.
“I’m sure he’d eventually manage. He’s not a delicate flower.”
“Of course not. But he is still a boy.”
‘My boy’ Jareid thought possessively. He nodded, and that seemed to appease the High Cleric. The tour ended shortly after.
&&&&&&
As soon as the delegation returned to the palace, Baal gave the order to prepare the mounts and load the supplies they were taking back to the jungle. He wanted to go before sunset, so he told every jaguar to hurry up.
Jaga introduced the cleric that was going to act as the Thunderian witness in the ceremony. It was a young puma that had taken his initiation recently. Baal apparently didn’t mind who got to go in Claudus place, but he made a sign to his Shaman to take care of the Cleric. It was important that the foreign cat didn’t have the opportunity to precise Ix-Maal location. The Shaman took charge of the cleric, and guided him to the rest of the caravan. Baal promised that the puma would return in two months with their council representative for the scheduled meeting.
The mounting birds were soon ready to go, and both kings gave their farewells. None of them whished to see the other ever again, but both knew that in a year they’d have to. For the last time.
The front gates opened and the jaguars’ delegation parted with a few more members than they had arrived with. No one noticed the small, cloaked figure that jumped from the shadows and nested among the bags and packages that one of the birds was carrying.
&&&&&&&&
Claudus waited until the jaguars were disappearing a fair distance from the city’s walls to relax. He didn’t want to admit that Baal’s presence put him so nervous. The cat still had something precious to him in his power, and Claudus had not wanted to show just how much it pained him to not be able to see Tygra. He had understood that it had been part of the price to have his lion back. The jaguar king had known that Claudus would try to have his youngest son back first, and had been playing with him. Claudus hadn’t wanted to give Baal more power over him than the jaguar already had. Hadn’t wanted to give any reason for them to use Tygra against him in any way.
Claudus knew that his son would understand. The cleric they had sent had been instructed on what to say to the prince. Tygra just had to endure one more year, and then Baal would have to follow the letter of the treaty. The jaguar king was too proud to not to honour his own word, and the treaty was binding on both parts. Just one more year, and Tygra would be back home too.
Jaga sighed at Claudus’ side, contemplating the disappearing mounts.
“You know, Lion-O insists that there’s an invisible ship. That the jaguars have in fact achieved technology to the point of using it in their everyday lives.”
Claudus frowned. He had tried to keep contact with the invading jaguars at a minimum for the entire year. He could not wait to see them all gone for good.
“That’s preposterous. Technology is a myth.”
He repeated the phrase he had been telling himself since the first time he had reflected on that first and last battle, and had tried to analyse the strange weapons the jaguars had used. He had been trying to explain them in any other way than the obvious. Jaga was pensive.
“Perhaps. Maybe that’s the reason behind the jaguars’ power. Their capacity to create something impossible.”
Claudus growled. He didn’t want to acknowledge the truth that had been shoved to the deep recesses of his mind long ago.
“Baal was dangerous enough as it was! How was he able to obtain such a power!”
‘Why it wasn’t us?’ His mind provided.
Claudus made an effort to rein in his increasing anger and frustration. It had been a mistake. This whole ordeal had been the result of just a little mistake on his part. They had learned the hard way that Baal was the type of cat to hit first and ask later. Not one to look for a peaceful solution once he was angered. Claudus had spent the entire year fearing for his sons’ safety. He still was worried about Tygra. He didn’t want to imagine what his son had to endure in a kingdom obviously led by a heartless king. But Tygra was stronger than Lion-O. Without the burden of his little brother to worry about, Claudus was sure that Tygra would have an easier time taking care of himself. Jaga’s words took him back to the present moment.
“If he indeed has it, little it matter how he obtained it. I want to be sure first of what exactly is Lion-O talking about. We need all the facts to consider what to do. If we decide to do something at all with this new information.”
Claudus huffed. Not likely, since Tygra still was a war prisoner. Perhaps it had been a mistake to deny Baal’s offer of help with the mines. If they really had mastered technology, it would have been a great opportunity to assess just how far they have gone. But alas, the truth was that he didn’t want Baal to have anything to do with Thundera any more. He only wanted his two cubs back home.
“We’ll see. Like you said, we shall take everything in consideration.”
Jaga took in his king’s worried face and nodded.
“You’re worrying about Tygra.”
“I know he’s strong. But what he has to do is not a fight with an opponent. I wish we could have found a way to make this ‘alliance’ unnecessary.”
“He’d be fine. He’d see it as a duty, and that’d make things easier for him.”
“I just despise the idea of him to have to be touched in such a way. His first time Jaga! It should have been with a loved partner, preferably a female partner. Now he’s forced to give that away to fulfil a duty. And to a male that’s ten years his senior! Who knows what he’d want to do to Tygra? I wish there was a way to make sure that he’s not going to hurt my son!”
“Calm down. I know the situation is far from ideal. But perhaps the age difference would work as an advantage. I seriously doubt that prince Jareid would be satisfied with a young, inexperienced partner like Tygra. He seems the type that can have many suitors to choose from. He’d do his duty one night, and then leave Tygra alone. In a normal situation he’d never look Tygra’s way twice.”
“I hope you’re right. I sincerely hope that my son wouldn’t have to endure the jaguar prince’s touch more than once. This year could not be over fast enough.”
A sound at their back distracted both cats from their argument. A young cleric apprentice was waiting a few steps behind them.
“You called for me, master Jaga.”
“Yes Cheetara. Come, it’s time for you to meet your charge.”
“Is this the guard you have chosen for Lion-O?”
“Yes. Do not let her youth to deceive you. She’s the most advanced of the apprentices. In fact, only her age is preventing her from doing the initiation already.”
Claudus nodded his consent. The trio walked towards the prince’s rooms. Lion-O should be anxious. The king wanted to have a long talk with his son, and give him the greeting he could not earlier.
They entered the room. There was light coming through the window, as the sun was low in the sky but still not setting. Claudus looked everywhere, but his son was not on sight. Furrowing his eyebrows, he called for him without answer. Cheetara found a folded paper on the prince’s bed, and presented it to the king.
Claudus was starting to worry. The contents of the paper did nothing to set his fears down.
‘A good parent is always there when his children need him. Tygra needed you!’
“Find him. Search the entire palace, find him!”
The royal guard was on alert in seconds. The palace was a blur of activity as everyone looked for the missing prince. No one was able to find him.
&&&&&&&
Lion-O held a tight grip on the bird he was hiding on top of. The bags the animal was carrying were voluminous and hide his crouched form well. He only hoped that no one checked his room and discovered his absence before the ship took off. A distressed mew from under his cloak made him tighten his hold.
“Shh, Snarf. Be quiet! No one can know we’re here.”
He held his breath until he was certain that they were boarding the ship. Even then, he didn’t get out from his hiding place among the packages until he felt the movement of the ship getting off. He got down from the bird, which was already sitting and waiting for someone to free it from its burden.
The cargo area was big. Lion-O looked for the compartments that were meant as storage space. He found one just in time, as some of the warriors entered the cargo to relieve the birds of the packages. The lion hid and waited as the jaguars store the supplies away. His hiding place was soon occupied, but fortunately no one noticed him. If he was found, Baal could order to turn back, and Lion-O was not willing to be left behind in Thundera. He was going to be at his brother’s side, even if he had to oppose his own father.
The warriors finished, and the door of the compartment was closed. Lion-O moved over the packages to push it. It was sealed, and there was no way to open it from the inside. He was stuck.
“Well, we’d have to wait ‘till they get all of this out.”
He got comfortable with Snarf, and covered them both with the cloak. He was asleep half way towards their destination.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Author's note: Sorry for taking so long. Real life is demanding. Unfortunately, it's possible that new chapters would take longer, as I have so many things to do.
Thanks for reading, hope you're enjoying this :)
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A Tale of Jaguars