In had been two weeks since Kareala's memory returned and WilyKit nearly had to tie her down. She was ready to confront her attempted murderer. He finally convinced her that she was in no condition for battle. Her cubs safety must come first. The news of Lion-O and Amnextria's heir broke her heart. She said little but Kit could see the pain in her eyes.
He watched her practiced her sword fighting just outside their tree. She was amazing to watch. Her skill with the sword was both beautiful and terrifying. Her body even after giving birth recently was graceful. She would stir the passions of any male on this planet, except me he thought. Mumm-Ra not only robbed him of his innocence but also his future. Every attempt to touch another female brought memories which led shame. He would see his sister's pained faced on every female. The things that vile creature forced them to do...he held his head in his hands trying to block the memories. Then the image of the huntress returned. The beautiful ocelot. She must be done with her service to queen now. Huntresses only served one year in the court.
"You are thinking of her again," Kareala said. She walked inside their hollow, her body was aglow. The perspiration made her skin look more alluring. Kit could see why Lion-O fell in love with this female. One of his many conquests, Kit thought with disgust. His expression darkened. He did not deserve her love or any other in Kit's mind. If only he had not abandoned us, things would have been so different.
"It is no one, Kareala," he answered.
"I am returning to the Royal Court," she stated, waiting for his protests.
"I understand. Do you think you are ready? This female almost killed you once."
"She ambushed me. A coward!," Kareala said. Your day of reckoning is at hand Oona, she thought.
"Will you keep watch over my cubs?" she asked.
"I am going with you. I will not let you face this threat alone," he said. "The elder will watch over the cubs for us."
"Very well, I trust her with their safe-keeping. She must not know of their parentage," she said full of concern. If the news of other royal heirs was leaked out, the powerful lion houses, Amnextria's in particular would see to their destruction.
Kit nodded at they packed for their trip into the Royal Court.
Cheetara and Tygra looked down on Lion-O's son and the future lord of the Thundercats smiling, though Cheetara's was half-hearted. Since viewing this cub she had said little.
"What is it, my love," Tygra said nuzzling her.
"This is not the cub I saw in my vision," she said. Tygra looked at her.
"That could only mean that Lion-O and Amnextria will have more children," he said. But Lion-o swore to me that he would never couple with Amnextria again, the tiger thought as he picked up the child and rocked him softly. He smiled knowingly at Cheetara.
"Don't even think about it. You will have to find a concubine as well. My cub-bearing days are over," she teased. She was reaching middle age but her body was still that of a woman half her age. Tygra was satisfied with their two children and besides, that glorious body belonged to him alone. Cheetara playfully smacked him upside the head.
"Such thoughts in front of the cub. You will be a terrible influence on the young prince," she chuckled.
Taramis made her way through a dense part of the jungle just outside the city. She had all but given up hope on finding Lady Kareala but this was one place she had yet to search. Her huntress duties were over. She could now concentrate on finding Lady Kareala, if she lived. She gracefully leaped among the branches. True freedom at last! Aware from the palace and Amnextria and her arrogant lion attendants. Mumm-Ra take the lot of them! she silently cursed.
She saw two figures moving quickly through the jungle. She eased down closer. Lady Kareala! She lives, she thought and this must be the cat who has held her hostage all this time. Kareala was a formidable warrior. This cat must have some skill. She eased in closer. Capt. WilyKit of the Thundercats. Why has he held her all this time? She knew Mumm-Ra held he and his sister captive for some time. Kat was pleasant but Kit was always moody, distancing himself from the others. The darkness of Mumm-Ra must have crept into his soul.
Taramis jumped down from the trees. A series of acrobatic maneuvers and she landed a solid kick in WilyKit's chest.
"Run Lady Kareala! I am here to help you," she said tossing her bow from her shoulders. She drew a katana from her back and sliced at WilyKit. He easily dodged the blow.
"Young huntress let me explain," he said as he side-stepped her attacks. She was good, if he wasn't careful he would be in the afterlife.
Kareala held Taramis from behind. The startled ocelot stopped struggling.
"Lady Taramis, I am in no need of saving. Kit has helped me. There is much I need to tell you," she said, letting go of the young female.
Taramis turned around and faced them both. Kareala told her the whole story of her affair with Lion-O to Oona and Amnextria's attacks. She purposefully left out the giving birth to Lion-O's cubs. WilyKit stood there almost mesmerized by the ocelot female who had lived in his dreams for the past several months. She noticed his stares and blushed slightly. She had just left the Huntresses and was still a maiden.
"You will need my help," the young ocelot stated.
"I cannot ask you to do that," Kareala said.
"You are not asking and besides...I owe you a favor," she said lowering her head. She told them of her part in Kareala's disappearance.
Kareala lifted her head, "You only did your duty, young one. I hold no ill will towards you."
"Good, let's go! I would love to see that smug look wiped off Oona's face," Taramis said smiling. Kareala accepted her offer of help as the three made their way to the city.