Unknown Enemies

Part Fourteen

A large spaceship in the shape of an airplane landed at the docking port on the outskirts of Thundera’s capital. A woman looked out the window and smiled wistfully being back here. To her, it’s been an eternity since she last saw her home planet, but in actuality it’s been nearly three years.

The weather was cool as the woman stepped off the ship with her luggage. She set her two bags down and pulled the hood of her blue cloak over her head so the wind wouldn‘t get in her ears. Once she passed security, the female hailed a hover taxi. The taxi driver parked his car and put the woman’s bags in his trunk as the woman got in the backseat. Once the driver was on the road, he asked where the lady’s destination would be.

“I’ve been away for four years.” She had to lie about how long she was gone without bringing suspicions as to who she might really be. “I’ve been visiting family.”

“That’s a long time to be visiting family,” The driver commented.

“Yes, well I formed a life there and decided to stay there. I’ve come here on a vacation to visit some friends. Has anything changed in the past four years?”

“You missed a war.”

“A war?” She feigned surprised.

“Yeah, between the cheetahs and lions.”

“The cheetahs?” She continued to pretend she had no idea what the driver was talking about. “I’m a cheetah. What has happened?”

The driver explained the war to the passenger. As he finished he said, “After the war ended, an investigation was done to find out the cheetah’s cause for the war. It all started by some stupid prophecy that a cheetah born at the same time as Lord Lion-O would lead the cheetahs to freedom, respect and something like that. In any case, I think it made things worse for the cheetahs. They’re not trusted among other Thunderians anymore.” He looked in a rearview mirror, watching the cheetah. “But you’re a cutie and you weren’t here when it happened so I trust you. You’re seeing anyone?”

The cheetah smiled and raised her left hand so he could see the ring on her finger. “Taken.”

“Isn’t that always the case?” The cabbie smirked.

“What else happened?” the woman asked wanting to get back on topic about the aftermath of the war.

“Lord Lion-O said the ones responsible for the war were killed and the cheetahs fighting were only following orders by the Cheetah Elders and the Chosen One, who escaped. When he spoke at the press conference of the ThunderCats findings, I got the feeling he didn’t want to put all the blame on the Chosen One. Her name was Cheetara I think.”

“Why not? If she led them, she should be punished too, right?”

“That’s what I think, but Lord Lion-O said since this whole prophecy thing happened before Cheetara was born she had no choice but to follow. I say she should have chosen not to fight.”

“Lord Lion-O has a point,” the woman said.

“Yes, I suppose. Anyway, he ordered that a new group of Cheetah Elders be formed, and unlike the other elders of other cat group, a lion is an attendee to these meetings and he tells Lord Lion-O what they discuss. When they have Clan Gatherings each year at Cat’s Lair, the cheetahs have a junior position now. At these gatherings, clans listen to the other clan’s problems, protest about what’s going on and make request. As you know, majority wins in a vote for or against anything, but if the cheetahs have anything to say like making a request or a problem that needs to be dealt with, a unanimous decision has to be made among all clans. The Lord of the ThunderCats has the final word.”

“So, if all the clans agree on a matter, but Lord Lion-O doesn’t, then the cheetah’s requests are turned down?”

“You got it.”

“I see.” I guess Lord Lion-O still carries that grudge after finding out about Cheetara. “Speaking of Lord Lion-O, has he married?” the woman asked. “The last time I was here, he was engaged to a lioness name Leela.”

“No, they ended their engagement right after the war ended. No one knows why. Leela has married a Lion Elder’s son so I guess she’s happy. As for our Lord, he hasn’t married and it doesn’t seem like he wants to. He’s kind of recluse when it comes to dating women. That’s basically what’s been happening so where to?” the driver asked again realizing he never got the woman’s destination.

“Um, the nearest hotel will be fine.” The female said.

The driver drove the woman to the nearest hotel. After she paid him, she checked into a hotel room and wondered if she should go to the Cheetah Elder’s village. She then wondered if she would be in trouble for secretly returning to the planet. She wasn’t banished but she helped Cheetara escape. As she watched the sun set, she decided to stay in for the evening and go out in the morning. Talia opened her suitcase on the bed and took out an orange envelope and examine the contents.

“I hope I know what I am doing.”

The next day, Talia with a small bag in tow, took a cab to Cat’s Lair. She hugged her purse tightly for she carried valuable information. The driver dropped her off at the front gates leading to Cat’s Lair. Talia paid her fare and stepped out of the car where two guards stood at the gates, eyeing her suspiciously.

“Who are you?” One of the guards asked.

“I wish to speak with Lord Lion-O,” Talia requested. “I have valuable information.”

“Concerning what?” The other guard asked.

“It’s information about the Cheetah Leader, Cheetara, in the war three years ago.”

“That war is in the past and Lord Lion-O doesn’t wish to discuss the matter anymore,” the first guard said.

“It’s very important that he listens to what I say. It concerns Thundera.”

The guards looked at each other, wondering if they should let this woman in. One of the guards type in the communicator. The ThunderCat Panthro answered.

“Panthro, we have a woman here who wishes to speak to Lord Lion-O. She says it concerns the Cheetah Leader who escaped and the matter concerns Thundera.”

There was silence for a moment and then. “All right. Send her in.”

The gates opened and one of the guards escorted Talia in. Panthro was at the doors waiting. The guard left Talia’s side and resumed his duty outside. “You have information about Cheetara? What kind?”

“I rather discuss with Lord Lion-O,” Talia said.

“Why?” Panthro asked curiously as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“It’s personal.”

“Personal? What’s so personal that you can’t discuss it with me?” Panthro asked. “I work alongside Lord Lion-O.”

“Please, it’s very important that I speak with Lord Lion-O. Only he will understand this matter.”

Before Panthro could speak, a new voice spoke at the top of the stairs. “I’ll handle this, Panthro.”

Panthro and Talia looked up to see Lion-O walking down the steps. Panthro agreed with his lord’s command and walked off resuming his monitor duties. Alone, Lion-O stared at Talia suspiciously. “Who are you?”

Talia bowed before her king. “I am Talia, Lord Lion-O.”

“What information do you have about Cheetara?”

“I think it will best if we talk in private, my Lord…away from unwanted ears.”

“Very well. Come with me.”

Talia followed Lion-O to the Council Room. Cat’s Lair was an incredible place to be at. Talia never thought in her life she would be here, let alone enter the Council Room where many of the ThunderCats decisions taken place. Though she never saw Lion-O up close, only on large monitors, even she had to admit, he was handsome.

“Have a seat, Talia.”

“Thank you,” Talia said taking a seat in the cushioned seat.

Lion-O sat down beside her and asked. “Is this suitable?”

“Very,” Talia said still in awe that she was in the Council Room.

“Why do you want to talk about Cheetara?” Lion-O asked curtly.

“She’s my best friend, my Lord.” Talia answered.

The only expression on Lion-O’s face was a suspicious eyebrow shooting up. “Go on.”

“I want to clear the record about Cheetara. She’s told me everything about your relationship with her.”

“I bet she did,” Lion-O growled upset that another person knows about him and Cheetara and how much a fool Cheetara made him out to be.

Talia shook her head. “No, it’s not like that. I’m the only she’s told and it was very hard to get her to open up about it. I want to start off by saying that Cheetara didn’t want this duty for her. She told me how she wanted to kill herself but at the last moment she decided not to. That’s when she met you.

“Cheetara had it rough ever since she could remember. All she was known to do was kill you. She’s been trained that way since she could walk, but even then she still didn’t want to do it. She didn’t understand why. Heck, she didn’t even know what you looked like until after she met you.”

“Oh, really?” Lion-O was still doubtful of her.

“She told me about your meetings. She tried to stop the war.”

“What about the time she knocked me off my vehicle?” Lion-O argued.

“She said she was angry with you because she found out you were engaged to Leela.”

“As if she’s one to talk. She was engaged!” Lion-O argued.

“I’ll get into that later, but after meeting you again, she knew you didn’t care for her, but she couldn‘t avoid her feelings for you as much as she tried. She said marrying you and spending that day with you was the happiest moment of her life. She even celebrates your wedding anniversary. Cheetara goes out to her favorite spot at our new home--a lake at sunset. She said the colors at the lake at that time of day reminded her of your red hair. She places two yellow daffodils in the lake together. She said you put one in her hair the night of your first kiss.”

Lion-O recalled the moment. “Yes, I did.”

“She does love you, Lord Lion-O.”

“Ha!” Lion-O said mockingly.

“I know you’re brokenhearted and I can understand that. She is, too. She hasn’t seen anyone else. Cheetara says you’re her one and only love.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Lion-O asked bitter and confused. This was the last thing he wanted to hear. He wanted to hate her, not pity her.

“I’m trying to help. Do you…still have feelings for her?” Talia asked carefully.

“What business is it of yours?”

Talia opened her mouth to speak but closed her mouth. It wasn’t her place to interfere in Lord Lion-O’s relationship with her best friend. What happened between them, should stay between them. Still, because of certain circumstances, she couldn’t keep quiet.

“It’s very important. I promise it won’t leave this room.”

There was a moment of silence and then. “Whatever feelings I have for her, it doesn’t matter. I don’t trust her… not after all that has happened. After the investigation, I know she was forced into it, but she should’ve tried to escape if she knew it was wrong.”

“Of course she knew it was wrong. In fact…. in fact that night when you two were suppose to meet, she was running away from the cheetahs to be with you. She packed her luggage.”

A thought came to Lion-O that lead him to believe Talia. After he talked to WilyKit and WilyKat about what happened that night, he recalled the twins mentioning that her luggage was packed as she if was going somewhere, but Lion-O didn’t bother to ask where.

“The twins did mention she was going somewhere, but I didn’t give it a second thought…”

“Cheetara was going to meet you,” Talia cut in. “Not only was she going to leave that night and not go back to the cheetahs, but she was going to tell you something. It was suppose to be a surprise.”

“What would that be?” Lion-O asked curiously.

Talia pulled out an orange envelope from her bag and gave it to Lion-O. “I think these items speak for themselves.”

Lion-O eyed Talia curiously before opening the envelope. She was giving him pictures? Why? When Lion-O saw what was in the pictures, his eyes widen in shock. He looked to Talia for confirmation and the female cheetah only nodded her head. In Lion-O’s hands, were pictures of children. The first one was two newborn cubs: a boy and girl sleeping. They were mixed of lion and cheetah genes. The second one was the twins crawling, smiling at their accomplishments. There was another picture of them at the beach playing in the sands smiling at the camera and another one where tried to build a sandcastle. There were more pictures of them walking, playing on a jungle gym and lastly, Cheetara in the center of the children holding their hands.

Lion-O looked at Talia demanding an explanation as his blood began to boil. “Are you saying…?”

“Yes, Lord Lion-O. Those are your children. There’s more in the envelope.”

Lion-O looked back in the envelope and pulled out a black tape. He waited for Talia to explain. “Video of Cheetara and the children. I made a tape of the best moments.”

“Did she send you?” he asked icily.

“No, I came on my own. She thinks I’m here to see what’s going on here. I feel that you need to know about your children.”

“And she doesn’t want them to know me?” Lion-O asked to be sure.

Talia could tell Lion-O was angry and she couldn‘t blame him. “She feels that you hate her so you would hate the children. She wants to shield them from any harm.”

“I see.” Lion-O said quietly.

Lion-O took the tape and placed it in a wide screen monitor on the other side of the room and watched the images of the tape play on the screen. Cheetara was sweating, screaming in pain. Her hair was matted to her body and she was wearing hospital guards. It was obvious she was in labor. She soon gave birth. The first child to come out was a boy and next a girl. The nurse handed Cheetara her son wrapped in a blue blanket and then her daughter wrapped in a pink blanket. Though terribly tired and looking a mess, Cheetara smiled as she held her babies.

Cheetara tiredly smiled into the camera. “Aren’t these the most beautiful babies you have ever seen?” Cheetara planted a kiss on each of their foreheads.

The screen switches to another scene. Cheetara was up holding her son who was being very fussy and crying loudly like a stubborn baby. Cheetara was trying to get him to quiet down, but nothing worked.

“You better quiet him down before Christina wakes up crying,” Talia’s voice was heard. “You know how twins love to do things together.”

“Christina.” Lion-O whispered as he stares intently at the screen.

Another cry was heard off camera.

“See?”

“Why don’t you put the camera down and help me?” Cheetara said.

The camera angle shifted and was placed on the table but Lion-O could still see Cheetara holding their son and Talia walking into the camera’s view to pick up Christina from her bassinet.

“I did everything, Talia and he continues to cry. I’m getting worried.”

“Maybe he wants to be held by someone like his father.”

“Talia, please. It’s bad enough Lyle looks so much like his father, but Lion-O wouldn’t want them.”

“You don’t know that. You didn’t even get the chance to tell him you were pregnant before you were captured.”

“That’s in the past and I can’t think about that.” Cheetara looked in the direction of the camera. “Is that camera still on?”

The screen switched once more to the two babies crawling. It was a race between them. Lyle was ahead at first but Christina crawled faster and surpassed her brother. Cheetara was at the finish line which was the sofa. Cheetara smiled proudly, picked up her daughter and kissed her cheek.

“Christina, you beat Lyle. I’m so proud of you,” Cheetara cooed.

The little girl laughed with joy. Lyle reached his mother and touched her knee to get her attention but she was too focused on Christina to notice. He sat up and raised his arms as she started to cry, not getting any attention. Cheetara placed Christina down, picked up Lyle and showered him with kisses.

“Oh, you know Mommy loves you.”

“Mommy! Mommy!” Lyle said happily.

“Mommy! Mommy!” Christina copied her brother.

The camera stops and another scene appeared on the screen of Lyle and Christina sitting in a high chair with party hats on their heads. The camera moved up and there was a sign above them saying ‘Happy 1^st Birthday Lyle and Christina.’

Cheetara sang happy birthday to them and the children laughed and smiled as their mother brought out a cake with their names on it. After Cheetara cuts them a piece, the children made playful attempts to eat their cake and ice cream but end up getting most of them on their face and clothes instead of inside their mouths. After eating their birthday cake, the children were in the living room opening their gifts with their mother’s help.

“Oh, look at this: a stuff lion.” Cheetara said after helping Christina with her gift. Christina took the stuff animal and hugged it. Cheetara read the card. “From Talia and Jamil.” Cheetara turns to the camera. “So, I take it you two are back together.”

“Yes, I took him back. I tell you that man drives me crazy.”

“Don’t all men?” Cheetara joked. She turned to Lyle who was having trouble opening his box. “I’ll help you Lyle.”

“No, Mommy.” Lyle said waving his hand at his mother. He put his small fingers back on the box and began ripping the box open. “I did it, Mommy. I did it!” He said proudly.

“Yes, you did.” Cheetara said as Lyle pulled his gift out. It was also a plush toy.

“Boy, he seems determine to do it on his own.” Talia remarked off camera.

“Yes.” Cheetara said softly. “I think he gets it from his father.”

The camera cuts to nighttime where Cheetara was in the rocking chair with Lyle and Christina, both sleeping on their mother. “What a day.” Cheetara said.

“The twins certainly enjoyed themselves today,” Talia’s voice was heard off screen.

Cheetara looks down at them. “They most certainly did. You know, Talia, as I think about that night we escape Thundera, I think of it as the best day of my life. If I didn’t, who knows where my precious children will be now. They are my life.”

“Yes, I see that, but what about Lord Lion-O? Don’t you think he would want to know about them?”

Cheetara sighed. “Part of me wishes so, but another part isn’t sure how he would react. When we were together, I would say yes, but now that we are apart….no.”

“It’s been over a year. Times might have changed.”

“If I ever set foot on Thundera again, I’m dead and who knows what will happen to my children. I’m not going to put them in any danger,” Cheetara said looking at her children sleeping on her.

The tape stopped and Lion-O, whose eyes never left the screen since the tape started looked at Talia. “That’s it?”

“Yes. They are two years old now.”

“All this time…my children.” It took all the will in him not to show his anger to Talia. If he did, she might now tell him where they are. “I have to see them. Where are they?”

“They’re on a planet called Athena. I can give you the coordinates, but Lord Lion-O you can’t just go there for the children. You have to go there for Cheetara, too.”

Lion-O couldn’t hold back his anger now. “Why? She lied to me about being the Cheetah Leader. She lied that she loved me and took my children from me! I bet she wishes Chase was the father of her children.”

“Why would she after what that monster did to her?” Talia asked and then realized that Lion-O didn’t know. “You don’t know, do you?”

“Know what?” Lion-O asked bitterly.

“Lord Lion-O, whether you want to believe it or not, but Cheetara loves you. She fell in love with you. Yes, she was promised to Chase but like everything else, it was forced on her. Chase abused her ever since they were kids. He called her names, literally kicked her around but she could do nothing because no matter what, they were forced to be together. When Chase learned Cheetara was pregnant, he was furious because he knew it wasn’t his.” Lion-O looked at Talia questioningly. “They never slept together, my Lord. Chase was so angry with Cheetara that he forced himself on her.”

Lion-O was surprised. “Are you saying Chase raped Cheetara?”

“Yes,” Talia admitted.

“Why didn’t she tell me?”

“Because she knew you wouldn’t believe her, especially with all that was happening. This was around the time you found out about her.”

Lion-O didn’t want to admit Talia was right even though she was. He wouldn’t believe Cheetara. He was too angry with her. As this came to light, so did Lion-O’s battle with Chase. Chase’s words that he knew two things that Lion-O didn’t know, the anger he displayed at Lion-O, claiming he stole Cheetara from him. It was Lion-O’s children, Chase was referring too and how angry Chase was at Lion-O, it was possible that he did force himself on Cheetara.

“I need to talk to Cheetara and I need to see my children. Now.”

From the look on Lion-O’s face, Talia knew he meant business and nothing was going to stop him. “I’ll give you the coordinates and then I must go. I’m only here for a short time.”

“We’re leaving now,” Lion-O ordered.

Talia immediately rose from her seat. “Uh, yes, sir, but I have to get my things from the hotel. I’ll be as fast as I can and meet you back here.”

Lion-O got up from his seat and pressed a button at the door. Moments later a Thunderian guard arrive. “Toro, escort Talia back to her hotel and bring her back as soon as possible after she packs.”

“Yes, sir.” Toro said.

Once Talia and Toro had left, Lion-O had Snarf packs his bags for a week trip while he talked to WilyKit and WilyKat. Snarf tried to get Lion-O to tell him where he was going, but Lion-O refused to say. After Lion-O talked to the twins about the night they captured Cheetara, he got in contact with Leela at her home via the monitor in the Control Room.

“How could you not tell me she was pregnant with my children?!” Lion-O shouted at his former fiancée.

Leela on the other end could care less. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Lion-O.”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. The twins told me you had them spy on Cheetara at Talia’s home. They told me they showed you the footage of the tape where Cheetara was going to tell me everything, that she was the Cheetah Leader and that she was pregnant with my children. You’ve robbed me of the early years of their lives!”

“Lion-O, we’re not together anymore and I could care less about you missing out on your children lives. After all, you did cheat on me with that traitorous Cheetah Leader. You have a lot or nerve being upset with me after what you did. Yell all you want but I don’t care anymore after you kicked me to the curb.” She smiled wickedly at him. “There’s nothing you can do to me now unless you want your dirty secret to come to light.” Leela laughed wicked and turned off her monitor, ending the conversation.

Lion-O growled angrily at Leela as she turned her monitor off on him. She was right. There was nothing he could do to her, but a lot to him if she blabbed her mouth. Lion-O had to live with the fact that he couldn’t get back the early moments of his children lives but he could get their present and future. That he was sure of. When Talia returned to the lair, the two left immediately for Athena.

Go to Part Fifteen

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