Comfort & Possession | By : Philliwolf52 Category: +S through Z > Thundercats Views: 2808 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
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Chapter 9 - Return
The mood was somber when Cheetara and Tygra reached the rendezvous site in the East woods. They knew they would have to part ways soon. It was unwise for them to be seen returning together. Though they wanted to shout their bond from the ramparts, both were aware that this matter would take some subtlety if they wanted it to work out. Even the weather seemed to reflect the general mood. Dark clouds, heavy with rain, were building in the distance. A storm was probably on its way, if the quickening winds and scent of rain were any indication. As they walked, Tygra noted a drag in Cheetara’s usually spry footsteps. Looking down, he saw her despondent expression and quivering lip. They stopped walking, and he grabbed her hand, trying to comfort her. So near to tears was she, Tygra hugged her to him, cradling her head to his chest. She let the tears flow as he rubbed her back, his heartbeat strong under her ear. She hoped to compose herself, to be fit to be seen among the Clerics again, but she would miss Tygra so much. Who knew when they’d see each other again? What if Jaga forbade her from seeing him at all? She didn’t know what she would do. Tygra gathered her closer, battling his own uncertainties. He began rubbing her shoulders, hoping to console them both. “Don’t cry, love. I will come see you as soon as I can, I promise. We will be together. We’ll find a way.” He laid his chin to the top of her head, unable to erase every doubt from his mind. It would be an uneasy thing, seeing Cheetara. But he would make it happen, somehow. And soon, they would not have to keep their love a secret from anyone. “I hope so,” she mumbled, drawing comfort from his words and the solid strength of his arms around her. “I have always felt at home around the Clerics, always loved them and what I do. But right now, I can’t think of anything I want to do less.” Tygra smiled, understanding completely. “We don’t know if things will be as grim as we’re making them. Let’s just go home and take it day by day. I will ask my father for permission to proclaim you as my mate before the kingdom, after the festival, once things have returned to normal.” “What about Jaga?” Cheetara asked. She was growing increasingly concerned about the reaction of her mentor, who still knew nothing of the nature of her trip. Her stomach sank at the thought of having to explain. “We will both speak to Jaga, if that would bring you comfort. I am still a prince of Thundera. That has to count for something, even among the Clerics.” He grabbed her hand, drawing her gaze to his. “I love you, Cheetara, and nothing is going to keep us apart. Rest assured in that.” He turned towards their destination, maintaining his grasp of her hand. Encouraged for the moment, Cheetara followed obediently, making small talk with Tygra as they went. They eventually arrived at the location where they would go their separate ways. Both hesitated, unsure of what to say. Finally, Tygra spoke up. “Cheetara, these last few days have been the best of my life. Being with you…” he lifted her hand to his mouth and planted a kiss on her palm. He then placed it against his face as he continued. “It’s long been a wish of mine. To have you feel the same for me is more than I could ever ask for. Though we separate here, we will be together. I promise you.” Cheetara smiled sadly at him. It was hard for her to feel as confident in this, with all the other factors that could ruin it for them. But the steely resolve in Tygra’s eyes gave her some confidence. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body up against him. “The time I have spent with you has made me so happy, Tygra. I never imagined I could feel so much for another. My heart is full to bursting.” She stood on the tips of her toes, bringing her mouth closer to his. “I’m going to hold you to that promise, because I want you more than anything. You’ve made me question my being in the Order, wondering if I should pursue a different path. My mind is conflicted; I’m not sure what I want to do, but if you are there I know all is well.” She pulled Tygra’s head down to her, finally joining their lips together in farewell. The kiss was unhurried and light, deepening into something more passionate and fervent. The moment he tasted Cheetara on his tongue, Tygra felt the familiar passion building in his body. He ended the kiss, looking around the area. “Maybe we have time—“ “No, love,” Cheetara interrupted, near panting. “You know we do not. I promised Jaga I would return by noon today. He has been so generous in all this. I cannot break my word to him.” She ran her hands down Tygra’s chest. “And besides, we will see each other again soon, remember?” He laughed, grabbing her around the waist and dragging her back for one last kiss. He dragged his lips along her neck, over his mark, his breath ragged. “I love you,” he growled, trying to calm himself. It still amazed him how quickly his body reacted to her. “And I love you,” Cheetara said, her own breaths betraying her excitement. “But we had best go before we never do.” She released her hold on him, picking up her abandoned bag. “See you soon.” With that, she departed. Tygra watched her go, his mind already forming scenarios for seeing her again. He watched until she was gone from view then turned on his heel to head to the palace. He was confident he would find a way. He had to find a way. Neither of the lovers realized that their moment, though tender, had not been private. ~~~o0o~~~ Cheetara arrived at the Hall of Clerics, heading to her room as quickly as possible. She would secure her things then report to Jaga. It was so odd, returning here after spending so much time with Tygra. She had lived here for so many years of her life, had found a home with Jaga and the other Clerics. Now, for the first day since her induction, she entertained the possibility that perhaps she was missing out on something, like maybe other joys resided outside of these walls. For the first time she asked herself, was being a Cleric really the right path for her life? She relented from that way of thinking. Of course this was where she belonged! Her relationship with Tygra may have changed some aspects of her life, but she would still uphold her sworn duty to the crown, laying down her life if she had to. As she shut the door to her room, she stood in silence for a moment, reflecting. What would she say to Jaga? Hopefully he would not ask for details on what had happened. She sighed. She didn’t know what to tell him, didn’t have the energy to think of a story convincing enough to conceal her relationship. She had never excelled at being deceptive, and one couldn’t simply lie to Jaga. It was often futile to try. The jaguar always seemed to know what was going on, regardless. He still needed to know she had returned. With that in mind, Cheetara lit the lamps in her room, checked her appearance in the mirror, and made her way to Jaga’s study where she was sure she would find him. “Enter,” he called familiarly when she knocked on his door. She took a deep breath then did as he bade her. “Greetings, Mentor,” Cheetara said, bending a knee in salute. “I have returned.” Jaga removed his glasses, standing from his desk. “Indeed. And are you rested and less distracted now?” Hardly. “I am, Jaga, and I thank you for your generosity in allowing me time away.” She rose, approaching Jaga’s desk. “It was very replenishing. Has everything gone well in my absence?” Jaga set his glasses down on the desk. “All has been well. I have chosen the members who will be performing in the festival, and they have started working out what they will do. Other Clerics will escort the King and his party. Do you have a preference as to which purpose you will fulfill?” Cheetara mulled it over in her mind. Could she count on herself to stay professional if she accompanied the king’s party, along with Tygra, during the festival? Or would their new relationship be given away? A subtle gesture, pointed looks; all could expose them to anyone observant enough to notice. She thought it wise to perform with the other Clerics. She needed to concentrate on her position and duties anyway. Being away from Tygra would help her do just that. She would see him again of course, but she preferred a more private setting. She hated to hide what they had, but she could not be selfish and forget who she was and the vows she had taken so long ago. “I will perform, of course,” she said. “I think it will be exciting to show off just how skilled the Clerics are, and I haven’t done something like this in years.” She smiled despite herself. This could be fun. “Very well,” said Jaga. “They begin practicing every day at dawn near the garden. Meet them there in the morning.” “Yes Jaga. And thank you.” She turned to leave, ready to unpack and rest. “And Cheetara?” He called. She turned. “You are looking very well, a lot happier than I have seen you in a long time. Your face is practically glowing. I am glad you are yourself again.” Jaga smiled at her. Cheetara didn’t know what to say. “Thank you, Mentor.” She smiled back. “I’m glad too.” She turned and made her way to her room before her face turned too red. Jaga reseated himself, putting on his glasses once again and considered what he had seen. Interesting, he thought. Very interesting. ~~~o0o~~~ Tygra returned to the palace through the side entrance, nodding to the guard as he passed. Things seemed the same as always, routine and ordered. The palace staff went about their business, bowing to him as he continued down the hall. Boring, he thought, unlocking the door to his chambers. Entering, he locked the door behind him and perused his room, his eyes falling on the bed. He could still see her there, naked, laying in wait for him. He closed his eyes. He already craved her again, wanted her here now, writhing beneath him. I have to see her again soon, he thought. He knew he would go insane if he went too long without access to her. But for now, it was time to see his father. He set down his things and left as quickly as he had come. Making his way through the halls towards the throne room, he heard his name called and turned to find Lion-O running to catch up with him. “Tygra! You’re back!” Lion-O exclaimed, catching up. “How was your trip?” The two continued down the hall. “Very enjoyable,” Tygra answered with a smirk. “And what about you, brother? How were the committee meetings? Plan something entertaining for the festival?” Lion-O frowned at the reminder. “Those meetings were so boring! It was all I could do to stay awake during them. I hardly remember much of what occurred. But we did manage to get some things done. I can’t imagine sitting through a bunch of those with all those boring old committee members and counselors.” “You’d better start imagining,” Tygra said. “It’s a big part of what you will do when you’re king. I guess we’re lucky Father was there, otherwise we’d all be at the mercy of your memory.” Lion-O made a face, and Tygra ruffled his hair as they arrived at the throne room. The two brothers were laughing when they entered, alerting Claudus to their presence. He had just finished signing off on more arrangements, part of the mountain of paperwork festivals always brought. It was a good thing these shindigs were done only twice a year, he thought with a huff. He looked toward his adopted son. “Well, Tygra. Nice to see you’ve returned to us, and only a day late,” Claudus said, half-joking. “Did you accomplish anything noteworthy?” Tygra took his place in the throne on his father’s right hand. “Very noteworthy, father, though most likely only to myself. I’ll tell you all about it sometime real soon.” “Yes, it most likely will have to be later. Here comes more work for me,” Claudus grumbled, watching a steward bring over more paperwork. He never had much patience for the administrative side of ruling. Alas, it was a necessary evil. Tygra settled himself in the throne and made small talk while the king entertained other matters with the various advisors and committee members who filed into the throne room for an audience with him. He stayed for a courteous amount of time, but soon made his excuses and took his leave. He wanted seclusion and rest. He also found himself becoming increasingly irritated at the fact that none of the noble females keeping court were Cheetara. None were cheetahs in fact, and he wondered at that. Where were her parents and family? Tygra had always been curious about that, and made a point to remember to ask her the next time they met, hopefully soon. When he returned to his room, he was convinced he was right to act as normal as possible and mention his intentions with Cheetara to his father carefully. The conversation had to take place at the right time, or it could all be ruined. Tygra would put forth his desire to make her his mate after the stress of the festival passed. The king would be greatly relieved of all the pressure, and would therefore be more receptive to the matter. It would be perfect timing, if done wisely. For now, he would do his duty as prince, supporting his father and ensuring everything went smoothly, all the while formulating a way to see Cheetara in the interim.While AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. The AFF system includes a rigorous and complex abuse control system in order to prevent improper use of the AFF service, and we hope that its deployment indicates a good-faith effort to eliminate any illegal material on the site in a fair and unbiased manner. This abuse control system is run in accordance with the strict guidelines specified above.
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