Hey, guys. I didn't like how the last version of this chapter turned out, so here's the new one. Tata!
It was time for the celebration, now. I wore a pair of causal but classy pants that emphasised my absolutely adorable rear and a red short sleeved shirt with my golden armor, and my hair was pulled up in a high, flowing ponytail with rubies strewn through it.
Cloudia wore a simple brown pair of pants and a brown top with her silver armor on over it, her hair done in a simple bun and wearing an amber necklace. An amber necklace that reminded me a lot of Autumn...
Oh well. I'm NOT going back there. At least, not yet.
Panthilla wore an emerald-green shirt and black pants with her silver and bronze armor, the top of her hair pinned up and over her head.
Storm wore a black shirt and blue pants with her silver armor and had her hair down with gorgeous sapphires strewn throughout her mane.
Chalano wore a handsome outfit, blue breeches and a long sleeved black shirt with his silver armor over it, his hair slicked back.
Lynus was wearing a very similar outfit, his pants black, with a deep red shirt with his silver armor over it, his hair done back in an army styled wave.
Saboar wore a black short sleeved shirt that revealed his deliciously muscled arms and emphasized his gorgeous torso, black pants that had several leather stripes across his thighs, knees and calves with obsidian armor that just exaggerated his already beautiful body even more, and a sword strapped to his hip. We all had swords, as a matter of fact, but I didn't know what we'd even need them for, but Saboar always told us to be prepared for anything. His hair was spiked up beautifully, and he had the red jewel of Thundera strapped to his belt. He looked like a dark warrior; fierce, brave, guarded, broody, uncaring and yet handsome. He always had his brows lowered so that you couldn't see his eyes particularly well, I think because he was ashamed of his incredibly expressive eyes. They were beautiful, though, and I hated to see someone ashamed of something about them that was so gorgeous.
We hopped onto our Thunderian mounts and raced off to the festivities.
Arriving only a few minutes later, the first thing we smelled was food, the first thing we heard was music, and the first thing we saw was a crowd. A very big crowd. I groaned at that. I HATED crowds. I suppose I should've known there'dve been one but I didn't expect it to be so big.
"Hey, guys? I think I'm going to try and-" I tried to say, but got cut off by a clerical tom, a puma by the looks of it.
"Good! They're here!" he shouted over his shoulder to what looked to be a soldier standing behind him.
"Wonderful! We've been awaiting your arrival, general Saboar!" the soldier saluted him. "The king has requested your specific protection. You and two other men will be guarding the entrance to the balcony of which he and general Grune will be standing on," the young soldier said straining to look up at Saboar, a look of awe on his face because the massive sabre-tooth in front of him.
"Very well. I will see you around later, soldiers," he addressed us all in his deep guttural voice, nodding at the other two soldiers.
We all watched as he walked off before we turned to go towards the balcony outside of the palace. We were a little bit late, as King Claudus's speech had already begun.
"...sent out Generals Grune and Panthro to find the fabled Book of Omens. While it remains lost, General Grune has returned with the tales of adventure, great treasure, and new lands to conquer." the King's powerful voice echoed, as he gestured towards the hideous crystalline rock. "Today we show him our appreciation!" Claudus announced.
I finally caught a look at the fabled General Grune and nearly shrieked in awe. He was just massive! Bigger than the king, even, with tattered ears, one fang as long as a loaf of crunchy bread and his other fang having been broken off, probably in some previous battle. The fangs jutted out of his lips and onto his rather thick, impressive beard. His body was just massive, covered in nothing but thick muscle underneath his brown coat of fur. The crowd cheered and clapped for him and as he stood there he bowed slightly, with one fist acrossed his heart.
"Wow. He sure is big, isn't he?" Pan whispered in awe. "Even bigger than Saboar!"
All I could do was just nod my head. He was huge! I had never seen a cat so big as him!
I watched as King Claudus seemed to signal something, and it made sense when I heard the orchestra start up. Animals seemed to run to and fro, getting food, dancing to music, or playing games. Me and the other Rebels as well as some of the other guards stood back, shoulders squared and backs ram-rod straight, faces unreadable as the people passed by. I saw some of the clerics pass us as well. I observed as some of the toms pointed over to a specific section, devilish grins on there faces, and I had to avert my gaze from the rather crass belly-dancers, choosing to watch the crowd instead. And good thing, too. I watched as a tom walked up beside a lady, feigned accidentally knocking over her purse and then proceeding to help her pick it up, only he took some of her money with him. Quickly, I walked up to the tom, my sword on my hip but ready, should I need to use it. The tom was only a bobcat, and I was actually several inches taller than him, so I could try and use intimidation, if need be.
"Excuse me, sir? Would you mind handing the young lady here back her money?" I tried politely but aggressively, my browline and jaw set and arms crossed.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I don't know what you're taking about," he tried to deny my accusation, but I knew better.
"Yes, actually you know exactly what she's talking about, and she's not the only one who saw the occurrence. Now hand the lady the money and be on your way," I heard an eerily familiar voice command.
I just barely turned my neck and I felt my stomach drop. I had one hell of a fight to keep my features and posture composed as I turned around to see none other than Dargo standing a few inches away from me, Autumn just behind him, and the other brothers and my sis- the princesses behind her.
"Thank you for your help, sir, but I had the situation handled. You may go along and enjoy the festivities with the rest of the crowd, if you would like," I fought to keep the venom from my voice.
Dargo just raised an eyebrow, and turned around to face Autumn, but not before Autumn walked up to me.
"Excuse me, but you look very familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?" she questioned.
I saw the pick-pocket attempt a getaway, but my hand shot out and gripped his arm before he could go any further.
"I don't think so, ma'am. I'm usually stationed in different areas around Thundera, though. Perhaps you've just seen me at one of those locations?" I lied through my teeth.
"Yes, perhaps," she mumbled, eying me up and down.
"If you'll excuse me, I have an amateur thief to deal with," I stated, turning away from the horrible reminders of my past life.
"Of course. Have a nice evening!" Autumn stated cheekily, but still eying me.
"Good day, Madame," I bid them farewell and turned to the thief still squirming in my arms.
"Give me the money, fool," I spat impatiently. "I am in no mood for games!"
"I-I don't have a clue what money y-you're talking about," he insisted, but I saw his nervous tell, he was chewing the inside of his cheek.
"As I stated before, I am in no mood for your games, thief, and I WILL have you apprehended for lying to an officer of the crown," I growled, venomously. "Now, I'll speak slowly, and in small words so that your miniscule, pathetic little brain can comprehend; Give. Me. The. Money!"
He was shaking, now, practically wetting his britches. He produced the money from behind his back, as I released him from the death-grip I had just realized I had around his throat. I was actually lifting him off of the ground!
"Thank you so much, for your cooperation," I stated, and then nearly winced when I realized who had stated that once, before me.
I turned around to hopefully find the lady that had lost her money, and spotted her at a jewelry stand, engaged in what looked to be an argument with the owner.
I walked right over, and caught the tail-end of the conversion.
"...it was just here a minute ago! I swear!" she sounded distressed.
"Is this what you're looking for, ma'am?" I caught her by surprise. "I found some idiot trying to make off with it after he bumped into you."
"Oh! Thank you, so much! I had no idea where it was and if I'd ever get it back," the lynx woman breathed out in relief.
"No problem, young lady. Just be careful who you let help you next time," I said, even though she was probably two years my senior.
I walked off, after that, only to find the other soldiers and rebels gone as well as half of the crowd gone. I felt a wave of almost panic surge through me, but that calmed almost as soon as I saw the broad back of Saboar... walking with General Grune, King Claudus, Prince Lion-O and Prince Tygra, as well as two other soldiers whom I didn't recognize. I was tempted to walk up to him and ask what was going on, but decided against it. I would be stalling the King himself, and that would be humiliating. However, I didn't even need to walk up to him because Saboar actually GESTURED for me to come over to him. I tried taking a deep breath and steeling my nerves, but it was hard to remain calm with the King, his best General, the Princes' and you're crush's eyes on you the entire time, scrutinizing your every move. It was nerve-racking, to put it mildly.
I stepped strong, though, like a soldier should, and stood before them, face steely and gaze straight ahead, my arms held behind my back and my feet apart.
"Lieutenant Mondalï, the King has requested your assistance in guarding the gateway to the arena. You will be stationed with Lieutenant Cadrïd, Sergeant Shandala, General Arvind and Colonel Fadrïd. There will be field soldiers outside of the doors, should anyone try to break through and get passed them. You are there to guard the competitors, if need be. I know you will do your job well," Saboar states sternly.
"Yes sir, General Garthono," I saluted him. "Is there any other task you require of me, sir?" I had to fight go keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
"No, Lieutenant. You are released to your duties," he said, not amused in the least.
"Wait a minute there, girl," I heard the voice of none other than King Claudus, himself.
"Yes, your Majesty?" I inquired.
"He claimed your name was Mondalï, correct?" it was more a statement than a question.
"Yes, Milord," I answered.
"Why does your name sound so familiar? Who was your father, child?" he asked.
"I... don't usually answer such questions, but I suppose I must now. My father WAS known as... Chieftain Cairid Mondalï..." I stated, my voice low in shame.
I saw Saboar's eyes widen a fraction, obviously because I had never told him of my heritage, while the King looked stunned.
"Your father was Cairid?" he sounded surprised. "I heard he was the leader of the tiger rebels against Mumm-Ra..." King Claudus stated in awe.
"Yes, he was, Sire..." I mumbled.
"Then why do you speak of him as though you're ashamed? And more importantly, why are you here instead of with him?" it was Prince Lion-O to speak up this time.
"I have the answer to both of your questions, my Prince. He renounced me as his heir, and gave it to my younger sister because he thought she'd make a better queen," I stated bitterly. "I kind of figured he didn't really need me after that, so he sent me away," I twisted the truth.
"That's... depressing... I mean, you must've been devastated. Losing your father like that, and maybe even your sister too. You must feel awful," Lion-O prattled on.
"Thank you, for summing that up," I restrained from absolutely snapping at him. If I did, it could be considered disrespect of the crown. I already just said more than I should have.
"Oh... um, sorry..." Lion-O scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, Saboar looking almost appalled at what I'd said, Grune chuckling and King Claudus just laughing outright.
"I'm sorry about that. What my brother MEANT was 'sorry for all that's happened'," Prince Tygra interceded.
"It's fine, I do not need such things as pity. I'm... fine..." I state.
Tygra just glances at me, unconvinced.
"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I really need to get to the arena. Good day, your Majesties, Generals," I nodded my head to them politely, now on my way.
The inside of the arena, it was incredible. I'd never cared much for the games, but the arena itself was massive! I had to stay in the entrance, though, and I had just made it to the hallway past the entrance, seeing the others.
Alana Cadrïd was a Cheetah female of twenty five summers with black tear markings around her big blue eyes and down her button nose, with long golden blonde hair and a thin frame. She was beautiful, appearing almost delicate which was the real deception. She was anything but delicate, she was a true warrior maiden.
Then there was Jeried Shandala, a handsome male Jaguar of twenty three summers who was well-renowned for his incredible sword fighting skills and skull-shattering punches.
Next was Tyler Fadrïd, a good-looking Tiger male of twenty nine summers who was known for his insanely good aim with the bow and arrows, and incredible with a Three Point Staff, as well as an insanely good hand-to-hand combatant who was known for knocking people clean out with a single punch, as well as an incredible leader.
Then, last but not least, there was Scillo Arvind, a Snow Leopard of thirty summers who was an incredible leader, known for leading his team through the battle of the Pantherian River. He was shorter than the other males, but he had a good head on his shoulders, and incredible muscle. He was known for perfect form during his fighting, always loose and comfortable, being able to judge what your next actions would be by simply observing a certain twitch of the ear or tail, or any other appendages and/or body parts. He was shorter, but it kept him more well-grounded so he wasn't knocked out of a fight, easily and could perform the moves better. The only soldier known to beat him was General Saboar Garthono. General Arvind was renowned for his unnaturally good stamina, agility and reflexes. Scillo was amazing, to put it mildly.
"Oh. You must be Lieutenant Mondalï. You know, when I first heard there was a Lieutenant of only seventeen summers, I honestly didn't believe it, but from what I've heard you are a remarkably accomplished fighter and leader. Congratulations," Alana commented as I walked up to them.
"It's an honor to meet you, Lieutenant," Colonel Fadrïd nodded his head to me.
"Yes, you are remarkably accomplished for one of such a young age," General Arvind acknowledged.
"Yes, I was quite impressed by your accomplishments, myself," Sergeant Shandala acknowledged.
"Um, thank you... I'm just doing my duty, though, and I did train under one if the best," I stated awkwardly.
"Yes, General Garthono is an incredibly well-renowned General," Cadrïd stated, and the others nodded their agreement.
After that, we all just went to standing rigid, guarding the hall to the entrance of the arena.
We saw many different competitors, but the two that surprised us all most were Lion-O and Tygra. Yes, Lion-O and Tygra. All of us in the hall shared looks of stunned confusion, but didn't stop them. It was... strange...
We couldn't see the competition from where we were, but judging by the sound of the crowd, one of the brothers was losing, terribly. Me and Cadrïd secretly made a bet. I said that Lion-O was the one losing, she bet it was Tygra. And when the brothers came back into the hall one of them looking especially pissed off, I ended up with a sack full of money in my hand, and a smirk on my lips.
This had been a good night.
As a guard, I was one of the last to leave, waiting for our orders to do so from General Grune.
When he finally showed up, it was half past midnight, judging by where the moons currently were in the sky. Cheshire and Leo were shining brightly, and Panthera was finally showing her face.
General Grune approached us, followed by King Claudus behind him, and Tygra after him. I just assumed Lion-O was attempting to clean himself of the dirt that was caked in his fur after the games.
"You all did wonderful tonight, soldiers, and I would love to personally thank you for braving the long night of celebrations that was tonight. I hope you all sleep well tonight, but be sure not to make it back to the castle for training, because of it!" King Claudus' thanks sent a few scattered chuckles through the crowd of soldiers.
"Alright, men. At ease. You are released from your duties for the rest of the night. Now go, all of you!" Grune ordered us.
"Yes sir!" we all chorused and saluted in unison.
Little did I know what was awaiting me very shortly.
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TTFN!
~Medusa~