Writer's note: This chapter is rated 'R' for sexual themes, nudity and violence. Again, there are a lot of flashbacks. On another note, there's also an Easter egg in this chapter for you all. I'll reveal it at the beginning of next chapter.
Thanks again for reading!
Chapter 9: Heritage
Roj grew. Under Jaga's influence a tutor, was bought for the young cub. She gave Roj the best education she could. Once a week she arrived to teach Roj his lessons in that dark little kitchen. She noted the speed at which he learned.
"Does he seem to learn faster than...the others?" the tutor asked Nev. "From what you've seen?"
Nev nodded.
The tutor reported her results to Jaga, who thought about them quietly. When asked for is thoughts by the other clerics, he said it was nothing of consequence.
Thirty five years before the fall of Thundera, Roj woke up screaming.
"Cub! What is it!" Nev asked, jerking herself out of her hay bed. She went to Roj's small bed in the opposite corner. He panted for air and large tears rolled down his face. He was shaking.
"What is it?" Nev asked, taking him in her arms.
"The cat in black..he showed me..showed me...some one is going to try to hurt me, Nana."
"No one is going to do that, cub." Nev said. "Jaga, said-"
"Some one is! Someone is! Someone Jaga doesn't know about!"
Roj started crying, and Nev wrapped her arms around her cub. She rocked him, trying to quiet his fears. She would send Jaga a letter first thing in the morning, by slipping it to the messenger when the regular post arrived.
But she never got that chance.
Bur SwiftTail left in his carriage at first light to finalize a trade deal outside Thundera. Nev frowned when she saw the carriage. A carriage meant a long journey. He left and within an hour, his brother arrived to take his place in Nev's mistress' arms.
The mistress set Nev to work cooking a huge welcoming feast. The lizard servant made to clean the entire place from top to bottom, to welcome the uncle. Nev dared not do anything too suspicious, so she could not send word. She noticed Roj shivered and hugged himself. He couldn't pay attention to his lessons. Nev felt dread in her stomach.
"Well send a message with the tutor when she comes, cub. Jaga will know. Everything will be alright."She said, but her own words felt hollow and false.
But the tutor was denied entry to the house, and the door was slammed in her face. She returned to the castle to report this to Jaga.
"Did you speak the Patriarch of the family?" Jaga asked.
"I asked for him, but I did not get a chance to see him. His brother came to the door instead and said..."
She blushed and looked down. "I cannot repeat what he said, sir. But it was clear I was not to come any more."
"I will attend to the matter tomorrow." Jaga frowned. He was attending a royal function, and could not get away, not without suspicion.
Back at the SwiftTail Household, Nev sent up the food she had been to preparing. Roj and her heard what sounded like the beginning of a party. It went on for hours, until it was very late. When the last guest seemed to leave, they heard a distinctly male voice above them.
"So where is he, my love?"
Nev knew from his words that her master's brother was very drunk.
"He's down with the kitchen slave." the mistress responded, her voice like ice. "Oh don't talk about it, I've had such a wonderful time tonight."
"Bring him up! Bring him up! I wanna see this brat that's caused so much damn trouble!"
"If you insist."
Nev felt the dread in her stomach rise up and consume her. She heard the foot fall of her mistress coming down the stairs. The door opened.
"Nev!" the skinny Thunderan hissed. "My guest wants to see it. Bring it upstairs!"
She slammed the door. Roj and Nev looked at each other, the fear clearly showing in the cub's eyes. Nev extended her hand, and he put his small paw in hers. They mounted the stairs together in what felt like going to their own doom.
At the head of the dining room table, the stranger sat. He was infinitely better looking than Nev's master, and her mistress stood at his side. Nev noticed the many empty bottles of liquor, wine and beer on the table.
Roj's uncle looked at the cub.
"Boy, you are one ugly runt, aren't you?"
Roj looked at the floor. Tears began to well up in his eyes.
"Answer me!" the cat fumed.
Nev heard her mistress giggle. She bit her tongue hard. She could taste the blood. She dare not speak.
"Yes,sir." Roj squeaked. Large tears coming down his face.
"And a crybaby on top of it! What do you hope to do with him when he gets older?"
"Bur is talking about having him enlist." the mistress said.
Nev's head shot up at these words.
"Enlist? The army won't take this weakling!" the drunk cat laughed.
"Bur says they will. They take any male at a certain age."
"I guess if they need cannon fodder!" The uncle laughed loudly at his own joke.
"Mistress." Nev said slowly, making sure her anger in her voice did not show. There could be no trace of a hiss in her words. "This cub..he is your son."
The mistress sniffed.
"He is a mistake." she said, her voice full of contempt.
Roj buried his face in his paws and began to sob. Nev pulled the kitten to her side. She stared at the floor. She dare not raise her eyes. She did not think she could hide her fury if she looked in her mistress's face.
"Bah, get out of here." Roj's uncle dismissed.
Nev led Roj out of the room. As soon as they were away from their eye sight, she picked up the cub and returned to her kitchen.
In the safety of the kitchen, Nev held Roj to her.
"Shh, cub." she whispered in Disipid.
"They hate me!" Roj whispered back in the reptilian tongue.
"Don't worry. They are nothing! Nana loves you!"
"I hate this place! I want to get out of here!" Roj cried, still speaking in the forbidden language. "All these cats know how to do is hurt and hurt and hurt!"
"WHAT IS THAT!" A voice bellowed down the stairs. Nev turned and her eyes widened in horror at her mistake.
She had forgotten to close the kitchen door. Roj's uncle stormed into their sanctuary.
"What was that!" he demanded again.
"No- nothing!" Nev said the common tongue.
The drunk cat was upon her before she could blink. He grabbed her arm and flung her against the stove.
"Nana!" Roj yelled in Disipid.
"You damn vile snake!" the cat swore. "My brother maybe to stupid to see what you're doing, but I'm not! I won't have this...this abomination making the cat I love any more miserable!"
Roj's uncle grabbed a poker from the fire, and charged at the kitten. Nev screamed at the top of her lungs. Suddenly a bright light appeared standing between the drunk cat and his intended victim. Roj's uncle brought the poker down with enough force to smash the kitten's skull wide open.
But it never reached him.
It was blocked by Jaga's staff as he appeared there. How he had run into the room was something Nev
understood. But he suddenly was there, where he had not been before.
"You will not lay a paw on a cub of royal blood!" Jaga yelled. Power shot from his staff, and the assailant fell backward. He readied himself for another attack and charged. The elder cleric stood his ground. The drunk charged a second, and then a third time. Each time Jaga pushed him back with a magical force. At last the drunk cat threw the poker aside in disgust, and fumed up the stairs.
Nev hugged Roj to her tightly. She heard her mistress and the other cat arguing on the landing above.
"What are you doing?" her mistress asked.
"I'm leaving here! Solve your own damn problems! If you weren't so free with your affections, this wouldn't have happened!"
"But" she wept. "My love-"
"Do not ever call me that again!"
The door slammed and the sound of her weeping filled the house.
Cheetara also began to weep.
"Cheetara?" Lion-o asked. "Are you alright?"
She wiped her eyes and nodded.
"To hear what he did... " she said quietly. "Jaga would not have done anything less."
Lion-o nodded. He put his left paw on hers.
She looked at him, and for a moment the candle flame she carried in her soul, went to her face. Neither of them spoke for a moment, as eyes met eyes and spoke what words could not.
Nev turned politely aside. She knew this look. Roj and Nagita shared it before she became his.
"No wonder Roj has so little loyalty to cats." Cheetara said.
Nev turned back to the pair, and she noticed Lion-O's paw was back on the table beside the other.
Nev nodded.
"That was the last bit of real trouble we had from the SwiftTail family." Nev explained. "Bur, my last master, came back. My mistress didn't tell him anything. I never saw Bur's brother again.
"When Roj was old enough to start thinking of a profession, I was glad to see my other master's cubs had turned out horribly. Their mother was dead by that time. One of her daughters followed in her foot steps at having many 'suitors'. The other female was too lazy to do very much of anything, and the only other male was far too stupid for the spice trade. And my master knew it. That left only Roj. But I remembered my last mistress' words. I did not want to see my cub killed for any war. So I had to make sure Roj was my Master's successor.
"I prayed to my gods of what to do. And they came to me in my dreams. I did as they said. For three days Roj stayed with me in the kitchen. I did not cut his hair. It grew very fast. We went together to ask my master if he could have a carriage and a starting allowance to see about opening trade in Talam. No one had ever gone that far from Thundera. My master looked at Roj's long hair and fumbled at his desk. He agreed hearty, hoping I'm sure my cub would die on the way there, and rid himself of his wife's mistake.
"Still we were happy. This was part of our plan from since he was a baby. We went down to the kitchen and found Jaga there waiting for us. He said he wanted Roj to come with him to the castle. It was important. I was afraid to send my cub alone to a place full of cats, so I demanded I come along. Jaga sighed with his long face, but said I could come.
"Roj and I left the house the next day like we were going to look for supplies for his journey. We met Jaga in a secret place. He had us get in a carriage without windows."
"Have you had any more dreams, Roj?" the cleric asked.
"No sir, I have not." Roj replied.
Jaga nodded, and said nothing.
"Where are we going?" Nev demanded.
"For nineteen years I have given you both aid, without asking for anything in return. Now I would ask something of you."
"Knew it." Nev sniffed. "Cats don't do nothing for free."
"Would you include your own charge in such a statement?" Jaga asked calmly.
"Of course not!" Nev said sharply. "Roj is different!"
Jaga said nothing, and this annoyed Nev more. A tense silence filled the air.
"What do you want me to do?" Roj asked.
"Not anything dangerous!" Nev hissed.
"Nana!" Roj retorted, embarrassed.
"No, nothing dangerous." Jaga replied. "I merely would like Roj to take a small test for me."
"Why didn't you ask earlier?" Roj asked, suspicious.
"You weren't of age. And quite frankly I must be discrete. Not all of my order would approve of my support of you. Today most of clerics are attending the blessing of the new construction on the Thunderan wall, or watching a an alignment that could foresee the birth of a new heir."
Nev gave a half grunt, half laugh at this. Jaga looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Do you find the predicament of the royal couple to be amusing?"
"I knew something was wrong when they adopted that Tiger. Most kings had at least three cubs by this time." Nev said. "So is the problem with him or her?"
"Nana!" Roj retorted again.
"Remember, lady." Jaga shot her a warning look. "I have loyalties you should consider, and I will allow no disrespect."
Nev shrugged.
"Gotta be her." she said in Disipid. "Never seen a king of that bloodline that couldn't make cubs. But then maybe it's him. After all, the way your sire catted around, I'm surprised you don't have any brothers or sisters. Too much inbreeding. Needs some good virile peasant stock."
"Nana!" Roj said in Disipid." By the Gods, you're embarrassing me."
"Oh, now you believe in the Gods!" Nev fussed. "If you'd say your morning prayers every now and then..."
"Not now!"
"I must inform both of you not to speak in that language where we are going." Jaga said. "It would make...the situation even more difficult."
"We can still think in it." Nev said in the reptilian speech.
"Fine we won't." Roj sighed. "Where are we going anyway?"
"As to where you are going, and what you are to do, you must swear to absolute secrecy. You will not speak of this, so long as Thundera stands."
Nev nodded. Roj did as well.
"We are going to the palace." Jaga stated. "More I cannot tell you, but we will be there within minutes."
In silence they finished the journey. Nev and Roj felt the carriage turn this way and that. Nev wondered if they were taking a purposefully longer route. Jaga then handed them two extremely long cloaks. Nev and Roj put them on as they were instructed. The length of the cloaks made it impossible not only to see who they were, but what they were. For it Covered all feet and tails. The carriage's door opened. Nev saw a simple door into the palace. A servant's entrance. She rolled her eyes. Jaga opened the door, saying nothing.
But the door did not lead to any type of servant quarters or kitchen. In fact it disappeared behind them, and the two found themselves standing in a dark hallway lit by floating lanterns.
"You can take those cloaks off now." Jaga said. "And leave them here by where we came in. Follow me, and do not lag behind. You will not be able to find your way out again if you do."
They followed Jaga's lead down the tunnels, which looked neglected and forgotten. If the carriage ride was bad, this twisted even worse. There was no chance of them finding their way back. They eventually were led to a small room.
There was someone sitting at a large chair and table, and his back was turned towards them. Jaga cleared his throat and made a bow.
"Sire, I have returned with the cub and servant I spoke of."
The figure rose and turned. It was King Claudius himself.
Nev felt herself starting to shake when she saw the stern expression of the lion. He was far larger than any drawing she saw of him, and he looked like he could break her spine without breaking a sweat.
"I am Claudius, Lord of the Thundercats. I have agreed to come here at Jaga's request, and to meet the cub he has told me about."
"S..sire." Roj said, his voice wavered. Nev thought he sounded like he was a five year old cub again.
"I have been told that the some of blood that runs through your veins runs through mine as well." Claudius said. "I have come to see if that is the case."
At this the king took a sword out of his side scabbard. Roj and Nev jumped back. Nev gave a panicked look to Jaga.
"Do not fear." Jaga said. "I have not brought you here to be harmed."
The clerics words comforted the snake, but not much.
"The sword of omens has been carried by the royal family for eons." Claudius said. "If you are lion-born, as Jaga claims, then the sword will know and tell us."
"But sire." Roj spoke. Nev noticed he was struggling to hide the shaking of his voice. "I...I am no warrior."
"So I've heard." The king said. The disapproval was clear to Nev's ears, and she frowned. But she said nothing. "Despite that, it is necessary for the future of Thundera that I know exactly who you are."
Future of Thundera? Nev thought. And then she remembered the conversation in the carriage. The king's motives were clear now to her, and she suddenly did not like him at all.
Claudius leaned the sword of omens towards Roj. Roj looked at him perplexed, then at Jaga. The king seemed annoyed.
"Take the sword, Roj." Jaga said.
With trembling paws the son of a slave, took the sword from the powerful king. Nev bit her tongue when she saw how Roj could not keep it steady. Claudius frowned.
"Is this even necessary, Jaga?" Claudius said, the contempt in his voice clear. Nev felt blood start to fill her mouth, as she bit hard down on her own tongue to keep her silent.
"Sire, as I have said, it will react to him if the bloodline is genuine."
Roj looked at the jeweled center of the sword. It seemed to steady him.
"I know this." Roj said quietly.
"Explain." the King demanded.
"I know this stone. I've seen it before."
"Impossible." the king dismissed
"How, Roj?" Jaga urged. Nev was grateful to the old cat.
"In my dreams." Roj said to the Jaga. "Like I told you before. It..shows me pictures."
"Lift the sword's guard to your eyes."
Roj looked embarrassed. No, humiliated. Jaga and Claudius waited.
"My cub doesn't know what that is." Nev explained.
"Your cub?" Claudius demanded. "Who are you to oversee the care of a Thunderan?"
"Nev has been taking good care of Roj from his birth, sire." Jaga explained.
Claudius snorted in contempt.
"The sword's guard is that part." Jaga tapped the flat guard with his staff. "Lift it to your eyes."
Roj nodded. He lifted the blade upward, and sword's guard moved as if it were alive. Nev gasped in surprise. Roj's eyes glowed a bright red, and he appeared to be looking far off into the distance.
Claudius silent at the sword's reaction.
"Do you see anything, Roj?" the cleric asked.
Roj was very still and quiet. Nev felt like she could not breathe. She began to speak, but the king silenced her with a stern glance.
Roj's body began to shake as he brought the sword back down. There were tears shining in his eyes.
"Cub-" Nev began.
"Be silent!" Claudius commanded to her.
"What did you see?" Jaga asked.
"There looked like there was a battle...a war. I saw the city gates..they crumbled like old paper...There bodies falling apart in waves of fire...Thundera... it fell."
"Impossible!" Claudius snapped, his anger and impatience written all over his face. "You most likely saw a battle that is currently going on! The idea that Thundera could fall- ridiculous! With our army? But then you would know nothing of military matters, would you, cub?"
This blatant disrespect made Nev feel her stomach tie itself in a knot. But she dare not speak again.
"But...you asked me what I saw. That's what I saw" Roj said, and his voice sounded like a frightened cub.
"What did it feel like, when you saw it, Roj?" Jaga asked.
"I don't know." Roj replied. Nev knew he was lying, and she was glad of it. Jaga seemed to pause, but did not press the matter further. Instead, the cleric redirected the subject.
"Regardless of what this cub has seen, the fact that he did see something is irrefutable proof that he is of royal descent." Jaga said.
Claudius again snorted in contempt. He snatched the sword of omens away from Roj in one swipe. Nev was glad he did not take her cub's arm with it.
"It changes nothing." King Claudius said, sheathing the sword. "The queen is still young. Some of your clerics say the stars will soon be right for the conception of a son. And he will be a great powerful warrior- I feel it. I will not have the throne of Thundera disgraced by the blood of a bastard."
At those words, a silence fell upon the room. It seemed to last forever. Nev 's mind began to work frantically, trying to remember how to get out threw the tunnels in case she and her son had to make a run for it. Roj's eyes widened in shock at Claudius open insult, but he did not retort. He looked down. Nev could see the shame wash over him.
"In this matter the clerics once looked to the crown." Jaga said. "We will do so again in this matter."
Claudius gave a curt nod to Jaga.
"This matter is closed." Claudius said. "None of you are to speak of it again."
With that, the king left.
Stunned, Nev and Roj exchanged looks not knowing what to do or say. Gently Jaga showed them back down the tunnels. They followed without saying a word. They did not speak as they put on the cloaks, then rode once again in the mysterious carriage. Jaga dropped them off in the meeting place. Nev nodded to say good bye.
"Roj." Jaga said. "Do not judge the king to harshly. These are trying times, and the frustration of not being able to produce an heir has made things...difficult. Many eyes are upon him, and not all of them kind."
"They'll be even more thrilled if there isn't an heir." Roj said, his voice full of bitterness. "What will happen then? Will it be that tiger kid?"
"You know very well it will not." Jaga said gravely. "Though he may be of some assist to you should that come to pass. He is to receive warrior training. He should be more than enough to compensate for you, should the need arise."
"Should the need arise." Roj said, turning these words over in his mouth. "But there's just one thing, Jaga. What if I don't want it?"
Jaga looked at Roj and shook his head. There was almost a look of derision on the clerics face. "My dear Roj, very rarely are the ways of Royalty in a straight line. What makes you think, you will actually have a choice?"
With that the door magically shut and the carriage left Nev and Roj standing in the street.
"Come with me." Nev whispered in Disipid. "We need to speak, and talk in our tongue that no one here can understand."
Roj nodded and followed her. They found a place in an enormous hollowed out wine barrel to speak. Nev began.
"What did you see, cub?" she asked in Disipid.
"The future." Roj said. "Just like the time when it showed me uncle coming to kill me."
Nev shook her head.
"We must leave this place." she said. "Before what you see comes about. Did it feel like it was going to be soon?"
"No. It felt like it was going to be a while. But it is coming, Nana. I feel it. But Claudius may ignore it, but its hard to dismiss a hurricane when comes."
"If the Gods have said it will be, then it will be. And none of their damn plotting will matter."
"What do we do? What if they won't let us leave?"
"I will pray to the Gods the queen conceives." Nev said. "But we should still go forward with our own plan, especially now."
"And if they try to make me be king?"
"My cub, Claudius made it clear as day he does not want that to happen. Trust to his pride and vanity. He will be glad to see us go."
Lion-o was silent for a long time. Nev went and got everyone another cup of tea. Cheetara didn't say anything, but she could see the lion's face was troubled.
The door to Roj and Nagita's cubicle opened and Nagita came out. She then turned and went back and inside. Roj's groggy voice drifted out of the door.
"Be careful, baby."
There was the sound of a kiss, and Nagita appeared again. She shut the door behind her. Nev handed her niece a mug, which she drunk down quickly. Cheetara noted how tired she looked.
"Take care of yourself," Nev said.
"Make sure he wakes up by noon." Nagita said. "Margus, lets go."
"Yes, Lady." the gravelly voice spoke from the shadows. He moved forward from his station by the front door.
"Send Margus to get some supplies after he drops you off."Nev noted. "We'll need them."
"Fish, I think." Nagita replied. "Easy and cheap."
"Good morning to both of you." Nagita said nodding to Cheetara and Lion-o.
"Morning." the cleric responded. She watched the naja and cybertroll as they left. Then a thought occurred to her.
"Has Margus been awake this whole time?" she asked.
Nev nodded. "Cybertrolls don't sleep."
"What..what is he?" Cheetara asked, thinking of the gruesome conflict outside the city gates.
"Cursed." Nev said directly. "Living but not living. Dead but not dead. I don't know more than that. Kai would, he brought him to us."
"Kai?" Cheetara asked.
"He's a part time junk dealer in town, and full time nuisance. But Roj loves him, so I tolerate him."
"Roj knew." Lion-o said quietly to himself. "About the fall of Thundera, before it happened. That's why he wrote what he did. He knew it was coming...And father didn't believe him...I can't believe that father would act like he did."
"Your father didn't want to see." Nev said. "No one is more blind than that. Why do you think I said you weren't like your father. I had the pleasure of meeting him."
Lion-o noticed the bitterness in her word on "pleasure". Lion-o felt some inner anger flare up within him, but it was dampened by what he had just heard. It must have been incredibly difficult to hear her cub humiliated by his father. Lion-o remembered his own father's harsh words towards him, and remembered how ruthless the king could be.
"Roj left Thundera unhindered." Nev said. "And I know he was glad to see it behind him. It had never been a place where he felt accepted, despite his bloodline. We were happier still when the news broke of your conception, Lion-o. But I am sorry your mother did not survive bringing you into the world."
"...Thank you." Lion-o said, his voice quiet."I wish I had at least some sort of memory of her."
"Look in the mirror next time you wish to see her." Nev said.
"How would you know?" the king asked, feeling his hair rise in defense.
Nev shrugged. "You don't have the spirit of your father in you, so it must be hers. You said you and your father disagreed on many things."
"That's true."
Nev was quiet. "Maybe he saw your mother in your face. I'm over 500 years old, cub. I have seen a few mothers die giving birth. It's never easy for those left behind...Still I wish he had spared my son the humiliation. He didn't seem to hold against your brother that he was a bastard."
Cheetara sat up at this. Lion-o frowned.
"That's my brother you're talking about." he said defensively.
"And it was my son." Nev responded, without blinking an eye. "I'm sorry if the word 'bastard' offends you, but we've heard it Roj's whole life. Really you cats are far to hung up on who sired who. You don't see any of the other animals worrying about it nearly as much."
"Other animals don't have the crown to consider." Cheetara pointed out.
Nev nodded."True, but the crown doesn't seem to bring anything but misery. I don't know why you cats fight over something that gives...nothing but grief. Some lizards have said you're kingdom is cursed because of the blood that has been spilled by your paws. I wonder now, if they were right."
"Do you know...who my brother's parents were?" Lion-o asked, eager to change the subject.
Nev shook her head. "Someone like me wouldn't know. Roj might have heard something. He was more about town than I was. It was hard for me to get away from the family. Ask him."
"I don't think he'll answer."
"He might not at first. But he will if you give him time. But your brother certainly must know."
"He'd never talk about it. Neither would father."
Nev shook her head. "See. See what I mean? The richer you cats get, the more secrets you keep."
"The clerics said nothing about Tygra." Cheetara said. "But I'm sure Jaga probably knew."
"He probably did." Lion-o said, he sighed. Panthro started snoring.
Lion-o was quiet again for a moment. The story stirred up feelings within him he didn't know how to deal with. He knew his father could be harsh, but he had not expected to hear just how harsh he was...and to his own nephew. And what of Tygra. Who were his parents? And why did Claudius turn a blind eye towards the circumstances of his birth, while chastising Roj for his.
"Some cats are more equal than others."Lion-o thought bitterly. The more truth he learned, the more unclear everything became.
"Should I have shut my mouth about it?" Nev asked.
"No." Lion-o said. "If I'm to be king, I need to know the whole truth. Even if it's ...difficult to hear sometimes."
"The truth usually is." Nev said. "Lies are easy. Do you want this old naja to stop, or do you care to hear about how Nagita came to us?"
"I would like to hear more, if you're not too tired." Cheetara said. Lion-o nodded.
"I'm used to having to stay up for long stretches." Nev shrugged. "Slaves don't get much of a chance to rest."
"Roj had settled in Talam for a year, when he sent his first letter to Bur SwiftTail. In it was a request to buy me at a very good price. And though my master hesitated to get rid of me, the money was more persuasive. I was placed on a carriage and sent to join my cub. When I got there, I came out and stood on the sands of Talam- free after 500 years in chains. I was so happy, I cried like a fool. We lived in a nice house in the fashionable part of town then. I had never imagined I would live in such a place, and not be a slave in it.
"Six months later, Roj got a letter from my former master. It was a statement that in addition to turning over 40% of all profits to the family vault, that he was to be married by proxy. The female in question was named Shenna, who you have heard about I'm sure. The marriage was more business than anything else; a way for two merchant families to unite and expand their fortune. Roj was told by his wife's family that because of his bastard heritage, that he was not to lie with her. Instead his future father-in-law gave him a dowry of 25,000 in gold.
"He said he knew that Roj had needs, and he should find buy a concubine to keep him warm at night. But my cub put the money away for safe keeping, and it sat unused.. Shenna was given leave to take as many lovers as she wanted. Any cubs would be raised by her sister. Roj never met his wife by proxy, nor cared to.
"Now that I was free, I tried to find out what happened to my family. I found out I had one sister that survived. She and her husband had a daughter, named Nagita. Roj made arrangements to see if they could visit. My hopes rose. Imagined how I wept when I found out that they had been attacked by slavers. My niece alone survived the attack, and was kidnapped.
"I fell apart and wept many days. Roj scoured the advertisements of slave auctions, looking for my niece. I was sick with worry over how she must be suffering, as I had suffered. I prayed to my Gods for aid, and through my cub they answered me. He found an advertisement for a Naja slave, matching her description. She was to be sold by a slaver known as the Conquedor. We left immediately to rescue her.
"That scum." Lion-o growled.
"You know of that vermin?" Nev asked.
"Unfortunately."
"Hurry up cub!" Nev said, leaning out of the coach. She saw her cub walking to the carriage. It stood in front of their shop, and they were just about to leave Talam.
"By the Gods, what kept you!" Nev demanded.
"I had to tend to a sale." Roj said simply.
"A sale!" Nev fumed. "Have you forgotten what's at stake, cub!"
"No, Nana." He was carrying a bag and box under his arm. He placed both in the carriage's interior next to Nev.
"What's this?"
"A dress. For her." Roj said as he shut the door. He pulled on it, checking that it was locked. "Make sure you don't lose my bag."
Nev nodded. She had been so excited at finding lead on her niece, that she forgot about practical things, like clothes. Slaves- especially naja- were usually sold naked. This idea made it difficult for Nev to breathe for a moment. She thanked her Gods again for Roj, and his all enduring practicality.
"So you ready to go?" Kai asked as he arrived. He was carrying a large laser rifle over his shoulders. Roj nodded, and started climbing up to the driver's seat.
"You know I hope we see some action." Kai said. "I've been wanting to try this baby out."
"I hope you wont' get the chance." Roj said grimly.
"You sound like an old man!" Kai laughed. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"
Roj shot him a look. Kai dropped the subject.
"So did you make sure to bring enough to eat?" Kai said, as he sat down in the seat next to him. He put the laser rifle across his lap.
"Nev took care of that."
"Whatcha' got to drink up here?"
"Nothing. I'd rather have you sober so you can shoot straight."
Kai waved the criticism off with a laugh. "Drunk or sober, I can shoot straight. So, what's this girl like anyway?"
"Have no idea." Roj took the reins in his paws and gave them a hard snap. The beasts lurched forward, taking the carriage out of town.
"Hope she's worth all this trouble." Kai whispered.
"Humph."
For three days they traveled. Kai slept during the day, and kept watch at night. He fired his rifle twice- once at a bear, and once at a thief. They left the thief's body of the road for the crows. Nev worked on some sewing in the carriage to occupy her mind during the day. Roj was very quiet, Nev noticed.
At last they arrived at Valley of Tears: an empty canyon in the middle of the desert. Here the slave auction was going to take place, and an auction platform had already been set up. Roj parked the carriage at a safe distance from the gathering crowd. He picked up his bag from the seat next to Nev. He struggled with its weight as he put it over his shoulder. He put a protective paw over it, and covered himself with a heavy cloak. Nev and Kai followed him into the crowd who were waiting for the auction to begin. Kai marveled at the Conquedor's train for a moment.
"Look at the drivers on that baby." he said. "This train must go at least 100 miles a hour top speed."
"Who cares?" Nev snapped. "Roj pay attention. We don't want to miss her."
"I won't." Roj said. He looked around at the gigantors, trolldogs, and motley other mix. The Conquedor's auctions were legendary, and he always brought the best goods. And news of a female naja in the mix brought more than the usual crowd. Roj noticed a few other businessmen, and lower ranking men of property. There were two jackal brothers. He knew why they were there. For the same reason he was. they had to be. For other than Nev there was not one female to be seen.
The Conquedor made his appearance and the slave auction began. A pair of berbils were sold off to a gigantor brute. Slave after slave was sold, and Nev tried not to see who they were. The memories were too much for her. When a lizard was brought on the block, Kai hissed to his feline friend.
"Know him?" Roj asked.
"His name is Sslidal. A political."
Roj grunted.
"And this lizard comes to us directly from Major Slythe of the Lizard Tribes." the Conquedor said.
"He's sure to be a great help for any filing or clerical work you might have. Bidding starts at 3000. Can I hear 3000."
A businessman raised his hand.
"3500." the Conquedor repeated. "Can I hear 4000? 4000 for efficiency and reliability. You'll never have to check you're numbers again gentleman! He'll make your business grow."
"3700." a voice rang out.
"3700." the Conquedor said. "Come on gentleman! It's criminal at this rate!"
"4050." Kai said "and not a shelik more."
"4050." the Conquedor said. "Going once, going twice." He paused. "Sold to the lizard gentleman for 4050 sheliks!"
"You got enough for that?" Roj asked. "I can't spot you."
"Tsk!" Kai said. "I got this."
Kai walked away from Roj, to the front of the auction block. He paid his money, and lead the frightened Sslidal to the carriage. He tied him to the back bumper.
"Now I see in my audience a great deal of fine gentleman." the Conquedor began. "A great turn out of fine fine folk, more than I usually see. And I know just why you have come. Or rather, what you have come for."
"This is it!" Nev whispered. Roj nodded.
The Conquedor pulled on chain and brought Nagita out from behind the curtain. Roj smelled the male pheromones fill the air. Every eye traced out her naked form. Her blue skin and tail stood out against the red curtain and shabby stage, like a sapphire in the dust. There were several groans of approval, and murmured words of inspiration.
"Finally." one jackal man said. "What I came to get."
"Only if you can out bid me, brother." the other replied.
Nev tightened her hands to a fists of rage. She saw her niece tried to maneuver her arms as they were shackled in front of her, to give her some modesty. Nagita bent forward and tried to hide behind her long hair. But the Conquedor would have none of it. He grabbed the back of her hair and yanked her head back. The other hand at her lower back made her back and breasts arch. Nev felt every eye on every part of her niece. Even her female slit, modestly put among her intimate scales, was not above inspection. The patron at the front of the stage licked his lips, and stared at it.
Nev knew this humiliation. She had lived through it once. It see her niece suffer through it was like living through it twice. She felt her throat tighten, and tears began to come.
"Roj-" she began to cry. "She-"
"Nev, not now!" Roj hissed. "I have to focus. Go back to the carriage or get a hold of yourself."
But Nev did not leave.
"Now gentlemen what stands before you is a naja of the best quality."the Conquedor began. "Young and nubile as you see, and ready to satisfy you're every desire. She'll make a fine concubine, and you never have to worry about trading her out in a few years. For everyone knows Naja keep their looks the longest. Think about it gentleman, the same body, the same tightness twenty years from now! But that is not all she brings. This beauty comes at a premium for she is untouched by any male of any species."
This information caused another approving groan from the audience.
"Bidding starts at 10,000." the Conquedor began. The bidding erupted in a flurry.
"12,000!"
"15,000!"
"20,000!"
"20,000!" the Conquedor said. "Gentlemen don't insult me! This fine girl is worth more than that! Think of the hours of pleasure she can give you! Free from disease and certified. You'll be the envy of your friends-"
"25,000"
"Let me hear 30,000." the Conquedor said. "30,000 for pleasure fit for the God's themselves!"
"60,000." Roj said."All in gold."
Nev turned to him in shock.
"Now that's a cat who appreciates quality, and isn't afraid to pay for it! Yes sir! 60,000! going once, going twice! Sold to the Thunderan for 60,000 in gold!"
The Conquedor pulled the whimpering naja forward to the stairs leading to the ground. Roj came forward.
"60,000 in gold!" the Conquedor marveled. "I so love it when people pay in gold! No conversion fees! You come by here again cat, any time! Anytime! Your gold is welcome here."
"That won't be necessary." Roj said. He took off his long cloak and gently wrapped around the slaves shoulders, covering her nakedness. Nagita looked at him with surprise and fear intermixed on her exquisite features. Roj looked in her eyes and for a moment couldn't speak, transfixed by the loveliness he saw there.
"Thank you." she said, her trembling hand grasping the cloak closed.
Roj nodded.
"Now to business." the Conquedor said. He looked at the heavy bag Roj took off his shoulder. "I hope you won't take offense if I count it before you leave. For a sum that large I can't take any chances."
"Do what you must." Roj said coldly. He handed the slaver the bag.
The Conquedor shrugged and opened the bag. He made a satisfied sound at the gold within. He began counting.
"Nagita." Nev said, her voice quivering with emotion.
Nagita looked up, surprised. "Who.. who are you?"
"I'm Nev. I am..I was your mother's sister."
Nagita looked at her, then her features screwed up as tears erupted on her face.
"Aunty!"
"Nagita!" Nev wept as she took her niece in her arms.
"Touching reunion." the Conquedor commented. "I should have charged for entertainment."
"Shut up and finish counting." Roj said, keeping his voice level.
The Conquedor shrugged. In silence he counted, the closed the flap to the bag, satisfied.
"All accounted for!" he said. "Make sure you get your money's worth out of her. She is fully..intact."
Roj sniffed and motioned for the naja to go to the carriage. The Conquedor handed the cat a set of large keys, before turning back to his auction. Roj followed the naja, who were slithering along, clinging to each other. Roj said nothing, but notice how the other customers eyed him with envy. His hair began to rise. When they reached the carriage, Roj motioned for Nagita to come to him. Hesitantly, she went to him. Roj motioned to her wrists. Keeping hold of her cloak, she extended her hands, one at a time. The shackles fell to the desert ground, and Roj tossed the keys away.
"Thank you, master." Nagita said, lowering her eyes.
"I'm not your master." Roj said quietly. "I just freed you."
Nagita's body shook with emotion, and she buried her face in her hands. Her shoulders rose and dropped in her sobs.
"Shush, hatchling." Nev said. "It's over. You're all right now. Roj, where did you get that kind of money, cub? Your dowry was only 25 thousand."
"I sold the house before we left."
"The house? But where will we live?"
"In the warehouse." the cat replied. "It won't be luxurious, but at least its paid for."
"It doesn't matter where we go, aunty. As long as its away from here." Nagita said.
As the naja huddled together, Roj walked over to the other side of the carriage. Kai and the lizard slave were talking in hushed whispers. When the slave saw Roj he froze in terror. Roj opened his mouth and spoke.
"*Do not fear me. I mean you no harm.*
The slaves eyes went wide with amazement.
*Dispid! A cat who speaks Disipid! I don't believe it! My name is Sslidal, and I am no slave!*"
"*I believe you.*" Roj replied. "*But we must pretend so, while we are still here. All eyes are upon us. Can you hold onto the bar here?*"
"*Yes.*
"*Good. Kai lets get out of here. I don't like the looks were getting."
Kai nodded grimly, and helped Sslidal step up to the rail and grab it with his hands.
Roj returned back to the naja. He opened the carriage door for Nagita and helped her mount the steps.
"Thank you." Nagita said quietly. The blue of her cheeks deepened to a soft purple. Roj nodded. Roj shut the door behind her, and pulled on the door to make sure it was locked. He stopped for one moment, and looked at her eyes. Then he turned and mounted into the driver's seat. He nodded to Kai, and the lizard returned the nod.
"Hya!" Roj growled, and gave the beasts a hard lash. They bolted forth and galloped away from the canyon.
"Look back, Make sure no one's following," Roj said.
Kai nodded and looked back.
"Clear for now. Sslidal is holding on. But he can't do it forever."
"As soon as were out of sight, I'll stop and you can put him inside. I'm going to take the long way back. We're going to stop for a few days at Midcross."
"A few days?"
"Give the beasts a chance to rest. Get some supplies. But above all, make sure we aren't being followed."
Nev pulled down the shades so Nagita could dress herself. Nev noticed the fine fabric of the dress. It was white with iridescent threads. Nev wondered how much her son spent on it, but kept it to herself. When the shades went up, the carriage stopped for a moment as Kai loaded the lizard political in the carriage. Roj gave out a sharp cry and snapped the reins. The carriage now raced along at triple the speed.
"My name is Sslidal,ladies." the lizard said in Disipid.
"I am Nev. This is my niece, Nagita."
The lizard bowed his head. "I am glad, young lady, that you did not fall into the hands of the curs bidding on you. I feared greatly for your safety."
"As did I." Nagita's timid voice replied. "Thank you."
"Did any one molest you?" Nev asked.
Nagita shook her head. "No. The Conquedor kept an eye on me. He wanted...to get the best price I guess."
Nagita buried her face in her hands and began crying softly. Nev hugged her.
"Now, now, turn such things from you're mind. That time is over."
Suddenly there was a rumbling sound, and Nagita looked up. Nev craned her neck out the window. She saw another carriage pulled by Markabeasts pulling up along side of them. Dread filled her stomach as she recognized the two jackal brothers on top of the black carriage.
"Pull over, and give us the girl!" One yelled.
"Not a chance!" Roj yelled back.
Nev, Nagita and Sslidal fell to the floor of the compartment as their carriage slammed. The sound of hooves and crushing wheels made it hard to hear anything, but a shot rang out. Something heavy fell downward and fell against the window. Nev saw the face of one the jackals. His dead eyes stared back at them. His brains were leaking from the laser shot in his forehead. Nagita screamed, covering her eyes. The body fell off the carriage with the next jolt, falling under the wheel.
The enemy's carriage slammed into them again, and this time Nev heard the sound of splintering wood. Their carriage reeled to it's side, and the occupants screamed as it fell over. The beasts also screamed, and Nev could not hear exactly what was going on. She heard her cub yell, and the snarling of their jackal attacker.
"Roj, GET BACK!"
It was Kai.
Nev heard the sound of scrambling, and could only suspect the jackal was upon her son. Why didn't Kai shoot? There was the sound of struggle that seemed to last forever, until finally there was another blaster shot and the sound of something large falling to the ground.
"Cub!" Nev cried. "Are you alright!"
"Yeah! Is everyone okay?"
"Yes, just shook up. Get us out of here!"
"Let me catch my breath first, Nana!" Roj panted.
Nev relaxed. She helped her niece and Sslidal stand up. They were standing on the the side of the carriage. The entire thing had tipped over in the struggle.
"Grab those beasts, Roj!" Kai yelled. "Were gonna need them!"
Nev heard the hard panting of Roj as he ran after the beasts. Kai's head appeared in the window above them.
"Sorry about the hard ride, folks." he smiled. "Sit tight and let me get a rope."
At least ten minutes passed. Nev could hear Kai looking for a rope, as Roj brought the enemy's Markabeasts back.
Kai reappeared in the window. He tossed a rope down.
"Tie it around your middle and we'll pull you out. Roj, help me out here."
"Yeah." Roj said. Nev could hear his panting voice was now right beside Kai. "Lets pull on three."
First the poltical went up, and Roj helped him climb out of the window. Then Nev followed. Nev slid down the roof of the upturned carriage to the ground. She saw Roj bend down and lift Nagita up in his arms. There was a moments pause as the two looked at each other.
"That's twice today you saved me." Nagita said.
Roj blushed and was at a loss for words.
"Hey! I'm the one who shot 'em." Kai complained.
"Shut up, Kai." Roj said without anger or annoyance.
Roj jumped down to the ground, still holding the younger naja in his arms. His eyes had not moved from her. Gently he lowered his paws and set her on the ground, as if she were made of glass. Again he looked at her transfixed.
"Let's unhitch their beasts and tie them to the body of the carriage."Kai said. "That way we can use them to pull it back right side up and- hello! Roj! "
"Oh, sorry." the cat said, seeming to come out of a daze. He broke away from Nagita's gaze.
Kai rolled his eyes. Wordless, the two set themselves on the task. Kai tied the beasts to the carriage. Roj lay the whip on their backs. They jerked forward and pulled the carriage upright. It lay lopsided. One of the wheels was damaged.
"Lets go to Midcross." Roj said. "It shouldn't be too far from here. We can get this fixed up there."
"Let's take their carriage too." Kai said. "Not like they are going to need it on their trip to the underworld."
Roj nodded. "You drive it behind me with Sslidal. Nev, why don't you and Nagita sit up here with me? You're going to get a ride bad enough to make you sick otherwise."
Nev nodded. This sounded logical, but she knew logic had little to do with Roj's suggestion.
Kai and Sslidal followed the jackal's carriage. Nev could hear them talking heatedly about lizard politics. Something called "The Reformation" and someone called Ssslythe was a considerably sore subject. Kai cursed in disgust, outraged. Nev shot him a disapproving glare, which he ignored much to her annoyance.
"So..."Roj said, to Nagita sitting next to him. "Where do you plan to go, when we get back home to Talam?"
Nev noticed Roj nervously playing with the reins as he asked this question.
"I don't know." Nagita said. "I...really don't have anywhere else to go."
"You can stay with us." Nev said. "I'm your aunt and it's only proper."
Roj flashed Nev a smile.
"I don't want to be any trouble." Nagita said. "As it is, I don't know how I can pay you back. I'm worth...more than I can ever afford."
" You don't have to pay me back." Roj said.
"But-" Nagita began. But Roj shook his head.
"Roj is my son, hatchling." Nev said. "And you know there are no debts with family."
"Yes...it is the Naja way." Nagita said.
"I might need some help around my shop." Roj said. "If you could help me that would be a great. Nev's been doing it a while, but I don't like seeing her work in her elder years."
"What kind of shop?" Nagita asked.
"Spices."
"I'll be glad to help you." she said. Roj turned and looked at her. He smiled again, and held her gaze.
"Cub! Watch out where you're driving!" Nev yelled.
Roj snapped his head around and steered the beasts back onto the road. Nev could heard Kai and the political roaring with laughter.
Midcross, was the last major town for miles in the barren landscape, Kai and Sslidal spoke at the inn as they waited to hear how long the carriages' repair would take. Nagita went to the general store under Nev and Roj's protective eye. She looked around at the food stuffs, maps, cheap toys and books. It was the last that really seemed to catch her nieces eye. She read one book for a long time. It was called: The Boy Who Lived.
Nev noticed how Roj's cat eyes never left Nagita's form as she scoured the pages. Finally a shop clerk asked the young naja if she was going to purchase what she was reading. She blushed and put the book back, excusing herself. She joined Nev and Roj at the front doors to the shop.
"Why don't you take Nagita across the street to the inn, Nev?" Roj suggested. "See if Kai's heard anything about when our repairs will be done. I need to get some supplies for our trip back."
"Why repair that other carriage anyway?" Nev asked. "One is good enough for us."
"Nev," Roj asked, a gentle warning coming into his voice. The elder naja sighed, and motioned for her niece to follow her.
Nev was annoyed to find out the repairs would take three days. The blacksmith told Kai they could stay at the inn for three days at a cheaper rate, given that the owner of the inn was his friend. Nev smelt a swindle, but was at a loss of how to avoid it. She did not like being away from home, and especially in an inn where girls from the love trade worked at the bar. But there was no choice in the matter.
Still she was grateful to Kai and Roj. They never left her or Nagita unattended. All the travelers ate a modest dinner in a far corner of the bar, and then the innkeeper showed them to their rooms. The doors to their rooms faced each other across the hall.
"Nana," Roj asked. He hesitated a moment. "I think it would be best if I stay in your room tonight with you and Nagita."
"You're a little old for that cub." Nev frowned. "And you don't know my niece nearly well enough."
"No, no no!" Roj said, waving his paws. "I'll sit in a chair by the door. You two can share the bed."
Nev snorted. She was uneasy at the idea of sleeping in this of all places. So she agreed.
And so Roj sat in a chair, propped against the door for two nights. Nev heard Kai and the political talking. Eventually they were joined by a female voice. Nev scowled when she heard this. The disgrace of bringing someone from the love trade to their room! But they seemed to do nothing but talk about this thing called 'the brotherhood.' Nev shook her head. Kai rarely made any sense.
When the carriages were repaired, to Nev's surprise they gave the Jackal's carriage to the polical.
"This should see you on your way." Kai asked. He handed Sslidal a blaster pistol. "Don't be afraid to use it if you have to."
The Sslidal nodded. "Remember Brother Kai, what we have discussed. I'll waiting for your reply."
Kai nodded, businesslike. "And you'll have it in a fortnight."
Nev and Nagita climbed inside the body of the carriage. A package tied with a silk ribbon was sitting on the seat. It was addressed to Nagita.
She opened it to find a copy of The Boy Who Lived inside. She opened the cover to read:
'It's a long way to Talam. I thought this might make the trip more enjoyable- Roj.'
Nev watched her niece smile as warmth lit her features. It was the most beautiful thing the old naja had seen in months.
"It didn't take too long for Roj and Nagita to fall in love. They were married according to my customs within two months of their first meeting."
"Wow," Lion-o said. "That was fast."
Nev shrugged. "When you know, you know. They didn't bother to tell Roj's family, or have anything official done. Who in Thundera would have recognized them any way? I don't think it ever crossed their minds. Imagine the shock we got when Roj's Thunderan wife showed up."
"Why'd she come?" Cheetara asked.
"Who knows." Nev said. "Maybe she was feeling romantic. Or more likely she was between lovers and was lonely. I do know that she was furious at finding out Roj had sold the house. She came in here, seething. She demanded to see him. I tried to buy my cub some time. It was early afternoon and he and my niece had closed the shop early so they could be alone together. For the record, I tried to be civil to Shenna. But she wouldn't have it. She kept on calling me "slave" and said that Talam had made me too uppity. Finally she spat in my face and told me to do as I was told."
Nev took a big puff of her hooka. She scowled at the memory.
"So I decided to let her have her way, and told her were Roj was. And she walked right on them in the middle of it." Nev said, she sighed and shook her head.
"I didn't expect that damn shrew to flip like she did." Nev said. "Scream at the top of her lungs, fine. I knew that was coming. But she went crazy. She grabbed a knife from the table where I was cutting stuff for lunch, and tried to stab my niece. Roj grabbed hold of Shenna's arm and took the knife from her. You know I think that was the only time I've ever seen my gentle cub strike anyone. Shenna came at Nagita again, this time with her bare claws. Roj bared his and they fought like two cats.. like the way only Thunderans can. It was hard to watch. It frightened my poor niece, and I felt bad about that. I did. But I did not feel bad when Roj grabbed that haughty Shenna by the tail and scruff of the neck and threw her out the door.
"She yelled all sorts of obscenities at him. She called my niece a trollop. Roj slapped her hard and said that my niece was more a wife than she had ever been. That got to her. She was livid. She screamed horrible things at my cub. Roj yelled them right back at her before slamming the door in her face. She swore she would make him pay for her humiliation. A few weeks after she left to go back to Thundera, we got a letter from my former master, demanding an explanation. It was one thing to have a concubine, he said, but to marry one of the lesser races? My former master said Roj was shaming the family and called his marriage to Nagita a bad joke. Roj wrote back saying they could think what they wanted, he didn't care. That was when Shenna went to the papers and told them her lies."
"That's it." Nev said. She stood up and stretched. She went back to a cubicle and leaned over Tygra.
"How's he looking?" Lion-o asked.
"Better. I think he has more color. I'm going to get started on that broth." Nev returned to the cauldron.
Lion-o nodded. He looked at Cheetara.
"Thanks..for staying up with me." Lion-o said. The words fumbled in his mouth.
"It's been my greatest honor to serve the crown."
Lion-o nodded, but inside he felt disappointment bloom.
"Of course." He looked down at the table.
There was a moment's pause.
"But that's not why I'm here." she confessed.
Lion-o looked up and caught her eyes. They were as if they were flooded with warm
candlelight. There was a softness in her face that touched his heart as it had not
before. He leaned in, and he could feel her breath on his face.
Tygra's eyes opened.
It took Tygra a moment to figure out he was no longer in his nightmare. He blinked.
He didn't know where he was. He was surrounded in darkness and the whole place had an earthy smell. He smelled the strong scent of hay. Tygra didn't like it. He saw two fuzzy figures by a bright light and they were leaning in towards each other. Tygra shut his eyes tightly, then reopened them. He did this three times, feeling his eyes flush with tears until he could finally focus.
And then what he saw drove all other thoughts from his mind.
Lion-o and Cheetara were kissing. It was a hesitant, fragile first kiss. But there could be no mistake.
Tygra closed his eyes from the sight. It was as if the sword of omens passed through him for real.
To be continued...
Next chapter: The Black Pyramid
Note: At the moment this story was conceived, Thundercats 2011 was playing episode 11. I had to make some creative decisions about unanswered questions. I had to decide early on about Lion-o's mother, Tygra's parents and who was going to end up with who. I don't know if my guesses will prove correct, or far off in left field, but I cannot rework canon into my story if I am proven wrong.
Have a great holiday!