Thundercats (2011)

A/N - Next chapter is up, and Cheetara gets to experience that wonderful time all deflowered females go through. Good thing Tygra's there to "assist" her. Have fun with that girl! Also, we learn a little something about the Grand Cleric and the healer. And just FYI, the word "estro" is Spanish for estrus, which is the more technical term for animals' heat periods. I really hope you guys like this! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! Thanks!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Thundercats or have any affiliation with the creators, producers, etc., nor do I receive any compensation for this work.

Chapter 13 – Estro

Cheetara tossed in her sleep, restless. She felt…funny, off, like it was too warm in the room, too stuffy. She wished someone would open a window. She finally used her feet to push the covers off. It was agitating, this inability to get comfortable when she wanted so badly to go back to sleep.

Her forehead was sweaty, and all she could focus on was the stifling temperature, the lumpiness of her mattress, and the ever-present, persistent throbbing in her loins. Muddled as her mind was, she was certain she had never felt this way before.

She was vaguely aware of someone knocking on her door. She finally sat up, jerked from sleep by the sound of her name.

"Ms. Cheetara," an airy, worried-sounding voice called. "Are you alright?"

She shook her head groggily. Why wouldn't I be alright? She looked toward her window, noting how bright it was…

Whiskers! How long have I been asleep?

She made to jump up from her bed, but was set upon by nausea, reminding her of the delicacy of her new condition. She remained seated until the feeling passed, rising to move carefully to the door.

Opening the door revealed the form of a young initiate named Bolin. The serval was standing a courteous distance back from her, a worried frown on his face. "Good morning, Mentor. I was told to come for you. Lord Jaga is requesting your presence."

Cheetara's eyes widened. Jaga… "What time is it?" she asked, nearly panicked by her tardiness in rising. She had never slept so late before.

"It is three hours before midday, Mentor," Bolin answered.

"9:00?!" Cheetara exclaimed. "Please tell Jaga I will be there very shortly." Bolin nodded as she shut the door.

Oh, no! She dressed herself as quickly as possible, careful not to trigger further nausea with her movements. Jaga would be so angry with her! She had to hurry. She was ready in record time, and headed out.

She found herself in the hall housing Jaga's office, where another Cleric, this one a lion, was waiting to see him as well. As Cheetara approached, he did not seem to take notice of her. But as she came closer, his nostrils flared, and his head moved around, eyes focusing squarely on her.

She saw him suck in another breath, and his brows floated down slightly, giving him a tortured expression as his eyes blackened with what could only be lust. Cheetara was shocked, but oddly attracted, at the same time.

She took a moment to get a closer look at her admirer.

He was a handsome specimen, his mane a dark brown color, like chocolate silk, his flashing eyes mossy green…beautiful. She began taking tentative steps toward him…

Jaga's door opened suddenly, making both cats jump in surprise, so focused on each other were they. Cheetara blushed, turning away from her compatriot, who was having trouble returning his breathing to normal.

Jaga was finishing his conversation with yet another of his male subordinates, who was speaking about some concern of his. As they came to the doorway, conversation ceased as both cats looked toward Cheetara, Jaga's face displaying surprise and awkward displeasure.

"I apologize, Drogo," he said quickly, addressing the lion. "But I think Cheetara needs to see me before you do." He grabbed her by the wrist, pinning his previous visitor, who had begun gravitating toward the cheetah, with an assertive stare as he steered her into his office.

When the two male Clerics lingered too long, he spoke in a commanding tone. "Return to your duties."

"Yes, Mentor," the two stammered, before lurching off, casting furtive glances back toward the Grand Cleric's office as the door closed firmly behind him.

Jaga ushered her to sit, and she noticed her chair was situated as far as possible from his desk. He promptly released her wrist, and she found herself oddly regretting the loss of his warmth. He quickly made his way back to his desk.

"Cheetara," he began, speaking loudly enough for her to hear. "How are you feeling today?" He wanted to approach the topic cautiously. She was reclining in the seat, looking at him with a confused look on her face.

"I am fine, Mentor," Cheetara said. She wondered at Jaga's behavior. She hated to see his face look so stern. Now that she thought about it, she had never noticed how handsome Jaga looked for his age.

His lips were firm and perfectly-shaped, crowned by his dignified mustache. His ears tapered to such cute points, making her wonder how it would feel to play her tongue along the tips…

Cheetara gasped at the lascivious route her thoughts were taking. This was her Mentor, a cat she looked on as a father! What was she thinking? She blushed furiously.

"I must admit, I don't feel like myself today, Jaga," she finally said. "In fact, I feel quite the opposite. It is so…uncomfortable. My clothes feel too hot, too tight. I can't relax, and my, my mind…" She looked at him, unsure how to describe it. "I'm having such weird, disturbing thoughts."

Despite her befuddled condition, Cheetara had the sense to feel ashamed. She had never thought such things about anybody, save one. And she had almost approached a fellow Cleric in that way. What of Tygra? She could not betray him. She would not.

Sure, they had their issues, but she loved him, belonged only to him.

Jaga watched the emotions play across the cheetah's face. This really was her first time experiencing this. He had scented her when he had come out of his office, and had known he needed to act quickly before her male counterparts had succumbed to their instincts and jumped on her.

He had seated her away from him, because despite his age, he was still male, and felt her pull as well, making him feel unclean. This was his daughter in every way save biologically. He could not let that happen.

But something had to be done before the whole Hall was thrown into an uproar. Most of his female Clerics would isolate themselves during this time, saving all from the drama the condition brought. But someone experiencing it for the first time, without help, did not know better.

My poor girl…

Jaga had wanted to speak to Cheetara about the many changes he had noticed since her return from her leave of absence, not the least important of which being the change in her relationship with Tessa. Were they not friends?

But that would have to wait. This was far too important. Cheetara needed help if she was to get through this smoothly, however long it lasted. He also needed his most dependable Cleric ready for the festival. They only had five days left!

Jaga knew who to call.

Rising from his seat, he addressed Cheetara, his voice direct. "Cheetara my dear, I need to leave for a moment. You will stay here. It is vital that you do as I say."

She nodded. "Yes, Mentor." Her eyes looked heavy, watching him as he walked past. Jaga was half afraid she would reach for him as he passed, but she stayed her place. He closed the door, locking it just to be safe.

Females could be irrational to begin with, but during this time…it went without saying. She could very well ignore his orders in favor of her body's needs, so he took every precaution.

Jaga moved quickly, leaving the Hall and utilizing his speed to reach his destination. She would be able to help. She always could, and now her knowledge and understanding were needed most urgently, for there was no doubt about it.

Cheetara was in heat.

Ona was tending her medicinal herbs in her private garden at her home when she heard the bell announcing that she had a visitor.

She glanced at the door. She wasn't expecting anyone. Who could it be?

She was taking a day off from the palace, getting some much needed time to herself. After the events of the last couple weeks, time off was a welcome relief.

Her nose revealed her visitor before she opened her door to him. Her heart raced. It had been too long.

"Jaga," she said in greeting. The old Cleric smiled as the two embraced, holding each other just a little longer than necessary.

Relinquishing their hold on each other, Jaga sighed. "Ona, I hate to drop in on you unannounced, but I have someone who needs your help. She's…well, she is experiencing her first heat cycle and so did not take appropriate measures."

"Where is she?" Ona asked, concerned. A female in heat and out in the open could create some real problems.

"At the moment, she is locked safely in my office, waiting for me to come back for her. But we both know she won't be helped by that situation for long. We have to get her somewhere she can meditate."

Ona was looking through her cupboards, putting together some ingredients. "I also have a draught I can mix to help put her to sleep for a few hours. That will help take the edge off things. It's a short-term fix though. Is it anyone I know?"

"Perhaps," he answered. "It's Cheetara."

Ona was thankful that she was turned away from Jaga. She knew the surprise would show on her face. But she's pregnant already! How..? She would have to figure it out later. Right now, her young friend needed assistance, and fast.

She had another idea that would also help her, and probably end her symptoms sooner. But she would suggest that once Jaga had gone, for Cheetara's sake.

After she gathered all she needed, Ona left with Jaga, heading back to Cleric Hall as quickly as possible. Once there, they were relieved to find Cheetara was still where she had been left.

She was however, no longer in her chair. She was lying on the floor, folded into a fetal position.

Ona went to her, grasping her shoulder gently. Cheetara turned to her, her pupils dilated, making her eyes appear nearly black. She purred at Ona's touch, butting her head against her affectionately.

"Hello Ona," Cheetara all but moaned.

"Oh my," said Ona. "She's pretty far gone. I don't know if my potion will help her." She touched Cheetara's forehead, noting her elevated temperature. "Let's get her back to my house. There's a spare room there where she can be comfortable until this passes."

Jaga enlisted the help of another female to assist, unable to trust that he wouldn't be affected if he were to physically support his protégé himself. He did not want to leave anything to chance, disciplined as he was.

With that in mind, and after checking to make sure Ona would be alright, Jaga ushered the three females to a side exit, hoping to stay away from roving eyes, and more importantly, roving males.

Ona and the female Cleric made their way to her home with Cheetara, who was walking along well, but seemed unfocused. Fortunately, they were lucky not to run across any males, and so were able to make it without incident.

Before long, Cheetara was laying comfortably on a bed in Ona's guest room, having been given the sleeping ingredients in her water. The cheetah entered a restless sleep, making occasional movements. The effects of the potion only permitted rest, not respite from all the symptoms.

Soon, she would wake again, and go through the agony, and ecstasy, of what remained of her heat period. Ona needed to do what was necessary. So she left the female Cleric, a black leopard named Isis, to watch Cheetara while she went on this important errand.

She only hoped she could find him.

Tygra followed through with his thrust, angling his sword to catch the mannequin just under where the arm would have been, severing an imagined artery. It would have been a deadly blow for a flesh and blood opponent.

He was instructing some young Army recruits on proper swordsmanship. He kept it simple, as this was a basic skills lesson, and the group was still young in their training. It was best not to overwhelm or intimidate them.

He was showing someone proper form when he observed Ona moving rather frantically toward him. He excused himself to go and speak with the healer.

"Ona," he said. "Is everything alright?" He noticed how winded she was, her chest heaving with exertion.

"I'm afraid not, my prince," she huffed, trying to catch her breath. She should have sent the younger, and certainly more fit, Cleric to look for Tygra. She was getting too old for this!

"It's Cheetara," she finally said after her heart stopped pounding.

Tygra's eyes grew troubled. "What's wrong? Is she alright?" He was instantly worried. He knew he should have gone to speak with her sooner!

"She is fine," Ona assured him. "But she needs your help with…something." She looked around, noticing as more curious recruits' eyes leveled on the two. "I am not at liberty to get into detail here, but she is at my home. We need you to come there as soon as possible."

"Oh." Tygra was unsure what to think. On one hand, he was worried about what it could be, that something harmful had befallen Cheetara despite the healer's assurance. On the other, he battled guilt for not having spoken with his love before this.

Things were still not well between them. This was an opportunity to make it right.

"I will go immediately," he said. He waved over the lieutenant in charge of the group, informing him that he was taking his leave and that he would assist again another day.

Together, Ona and Tygra rushed back to her home. Before they entered the room housing Cheetara, the healer thought about telling him what was going on, but she knew he would understand as soon as he entered.

She opened the door.

Tygra was instantly made aware of Cheetara, who was sitting on the bed, having just awoken from her potion-induced sleep. Her head turned at the sound of her visitors, and she came to her feet. Her gaze focused on him, her lids heavy, eyes black and eager.

Her scent surrounded him, and Ona was forgotten as he watched the cheetah approach with slow, steady steps. His heart started speeding up, pounding in his chest. His lips parted, eyes watching her face, her breasts, and the sway of her hips.

Suddenly, nothing else mattered but her.

He was able to break eye contact with her momentarily, before his instincts took hold of him. He turned his head to Ona, his expression one of near pain.

"Ona..?" he moaned, uncertain. He didn't' want to take advantage of Cheetara, not when they hadn't talked about everything. He wanted to tell her he was sorry. But he couldn't think, didn't want to. He just wanted her, now.

"Just help her," Ona said. "Only you can." Soon, her words wouldn't register with him anymore.

Cheetara had reached Tygra, and her hands guided his head back towards her and down to her lips. Her purring vibrated from her mouth to his, entrancing him.

As he began to kiss her with rising passion, his hands grasped her hips, and he walked her backwards into the room as Ona quickly closed the door behind them.

Tygra heard the door shut, barely. All he cared about was the feel and touch of his love in his arms. She smelled so good, her mouth drinking from his eagerly. He broke the kiss to look down at her face, seeing the blush across her high cheekbones.

She made a sound protesting the loss of contact. He pulled her close, lifting her up so her legs wrapped around him as he supported her backside. "I know, babe," he whispered walking to the bed, his face in her neck while she clung to him. "I'll give you what you need."

They lay on the bed, the room darkened by the setting sun. Tygra stroked Cheetara's back as she dozed, sated for the moment. Her hand lay across his stomach as he held her close. It had been hours, the number of which he knew not.

He had never seen her so passionate before. Heat always carried females' inhibitions away. The sensations experienced were so much more intense and satisfying, and he was thankful that Ona had come to fetch him when she had.

He had missed Cheetara so much, and today had been wonderful. But he wanted her to return to herself so they could talk. He hoped it happened soon. Typically, most females' heat cycles lasted anywhere from 3 days to a week, sometimes longer.

He wanted to clear the air as soon as possible. He looked down at her sleeping form distracted by what he saw. So beautiful and…mine. He gave in to a small, private moment of possessiveness. She was sleeping after all, so there was no harm.

He ran a hand down her back, huddling her closer to him while he kissed her hair. She stirred, and her head tilted back so she could see him. Instantly her purring started back up again, and she leaned forward, running her tongue across his lips.

They began again, their cries and moans joining the sounds of the evening.

Ona sat at her desk in her study downstairs, trying to tune out Tygra and Cheetara's occasional cries. Maybe it hadn't been the best decision to bring her here, she thought, blushing at a particularly loud moan.

It reminded her too much of the past, when he was the one driving her to make such noises.

She pushed the thoughts from her mind, another one taking its place. Why had Cheetara gone into heat in the first place? She started internally debating what could have led to it.

She knew it wasn't impossible, and Cheetara had been young in her pregnancy. Not to mention, this was her first heat cycle. Anything could happen. Ona sighed, settling on those points as the reasoning for this anomaly.

She started writing some acquisition requests for more medical supplies. At least, she attempted to. Unfortunately the noises, most of them unmistakably suggestive, proved too much of a distraction.

She found herself almost becoming irritated. She finally slammed her pencil down after a particularly guttural-sounding groan from upstairs. Really, is it that good? she thought angrily, knowing that it probably was.

Sex during this time was incredible for both participants. It was like the nervous system became ultra sensitive, making every twinge of pleasure into a barrage of sensations. She left her desk, deciding to sit outside in her garden for some fresh air and near-quiet.

As she went out, she was nearly scared out of her skin when she saw Jaga seated at her patio table. "I thought you went back to the Hall," she said. He had had so much to take care of she had not expected to see him again today.

"I did. I tried to work, but I worried for Cheetara. She is like a daughter to me. I still did not trust myself with her today though. I felt like a dirty old man!"

"Of course you were affected. We both know how it works. But I know you took every precaution. You have always been so good to her," Ona said. She looked at him more pointedly. "…and to him. How is he?"

"He is quite well," Jaga answered, pride in his voice. "Jorel has become quite skilled indeed. He nearly pounced on Cheetara today though, not that I can blame him. I had to shoo him away along with one of his Brothers."

"Ah, females in heat are such a joy to be around. I am glad to hear he's happy and progressing in his skills. I hope he will be able to visit me soon," Ona said, staring at Jaga hopefully.

"I will bring him by as soon as I can. You know, I never noticed just how much he takes after you. You should see him sometimes. Your looks are manifesting in him more and more." Jaga laughed.

"He still has your mannerisms. He's so dignified and disciplined, just like his father." She came closer, standing next to Jaga. The Grand Cleric reached an arm out, winding it around her thigh affectionately. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and the two shared a quick, sweet kiss.

"I know it's hard, but as a Cleric, he must live in the Hall. That doesn't mean he can't visit his mother from time to time. He can even ask for time off to stay with you for a while. And you can also visit him, you know."

"I know. I just don't want Jorel to be embarrassed, thinking I'm coddling him too much." Ona had actually meant to go see him today, after putting together more poultices, but then this had come up.

Jaga and Ona had kept their relationship under wraps for quite some time. Both were very discreet, so as not to invite scandal, especially for Jaga. He had an Order to run, a kingdom to protect, and his romantic dealings could not interfere with that.

But the two had maintained their relationship all these years, and were still very much in love. Their union had borne Jorel, who followed in his father's footsteps as a Cleric. He was still young in the Order, but showed great promise under his father's tutelage.

It was certain that some cats knew of Jorel's lineage. It was not hard to see, especially when he was seen with either of his parents. But everyone knew that Jaga would protect Thundera with his life. No one seemed to mind.

"I just wanted to make sure she was alright," Jaga said. "And spend time with my favorite lady." Ona sat in the chair next to him, and the two started making small talk. Then something occurred to her.

"So, you already knew about..?" She tilted her head toward the house. Jaga smiled. "Please, I knew about Cheetara and Tygra before she even left on her trip. His scent was all over her, and when she came back, it was mingled with hers."

He shook his head derisively. "Not to mention the mark," he grumbled. That Tygra... "It wasn't difficult to put two and two together."

He sat back in his chair, trying to relax as much as a Grand Cleric could. "I wouldn't lead the Clerics if it was that easy to deceive me. I just hope she is ready for all this. She will most likely end up pregnant."

So, he doesn't know about that yet, Ona thought. Well, it was Cheetara's place to tell him, him and Tygra.

"Let me get us some tea," she said, getting up. She hoped things had calmed down in the house. It was getting awkward, to say the least.

"Thank you, love. I will take my leave soon, but you always make the best teas." He smiled at her pleasantly as she turned away, heading to the kitchen.

Tygra and Cheetara collapsed. He really was exhausted now, and it would appear she was too. She lay on her back, her chest heaving as she stared at the ceiling. He was on his stomach, and he could already feel his eyes getting heavier.

"Are you okay?" he asked her when her breathing slowed. He placed a hand on her stomach.

Her eyes were closed, and she finally breathed a sigh and opened them, turning to him. "I'm more than fine." She smiled. "That was wonderful."

He laughed to himself. Which time was she talking about? They'd been at it for hours and hours. He smiled at her. "Yes, it was."

He then became serious. "Cheetara, I want to apologize, for everything-for marking you, for the embarrassment that brought you, and for treating you like some object that belonged to me."

"But I do belong to you," she said. "Sure, I could have done without the mark being somewhere so obvious, but that is in the past. I owe you an apology, for accusing you of dallying with Tessa. I should have known you were telling the truth."

"I should have known what she was up to," he said. "I should not have enabled her to use me like that to get at you. We both know that's what it was about."

"Yes," Cheetara agreed, turning on her side to face Tygra. "She is jealous, it would seem. But if you two have been apart for so long, what is her angle? Does she still want you?"

Tygra sighed. "I don't know what goes through that female's mind. But she won't divide us. I love you, Cheetara. And we will be together. Do you feel…normal again?"

She was quiet for the moment, taking a few seconds to pay attention to herself. "I feel somewhat normal, though the need to jump you is still there." She smiled mischievously.

"Usually, heat is shortened when sex is actually achieved. Otherwise, you would have been looking at a week, sometimes more. You may have already been going through it, but early stages are usually more subtle. Maybe it's over." He didn't know if he was happy about that or not.

Tygra had dealt with females in heat before, but he had avoided sex with them at that time, since most of them were just temporary relationships. He hadn't wanted ties to them, and cubs would have been…problematic.

But if Cheetara fell pregnant… The thought caused a warm feeling to bloom in his chest. He wound an arm around her, bringing her close so he could touch his forehead to hers. He couldn't think of anything that would make him happier.

She was drifting off to sleep now. She vaguely remembered something important she was supposed to tell Tygra. What was it..? She just could not think past sleep right now. She would tell him when she woke…whatever it was.

They fell together, and quiet finally enveloped the house.