A Fox Among Cats

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Naruto x Cheetara

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Story Start

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The large serpent used its tail to swat aside the cats. Using his gauntlet to grab to the ground and slow his descent Lion-O braced himself for another attack. Side stepping the attack he raised the Sword of Omens, calling upon its power. With a hiss the creature jerked back as its body was his by the powerful blast. The creature reacted, spitting acid to which the newly minted King had to jump out of the way to avoid.

Naruto charged forward, his blade gripped in both hands as he attempted to drive the blade into the body of the serpent only for it to raise its tail and attempted to crush the blond. Naruto twisted out of the way as the creature's tail impacted the other, creating a slight tremor and crater. Gathering his bearings Naruto jerked the blade forward only for it to bounce off the creature's body. ''What?''

''Foolisssh Fox. Mortal weapons are incapable of piercing my scales.'' the creature hissed as laser fire impacted his skin. The creature turned and hurled more acid, this time aiming at Tygra who was firing his pistol at the creature. The Tiger cat jumped backwards, avoiding the poisonous liquid. ''You all only delay the inevitable!''

''As long as there is breath in this body I won't give up. I won't run away, those are the birds I live by.'' Naruto spoke. "I'm not gonna run away, I never go back on my word! That's my nindo: my ninja way!" he thought as a faint green glow covered Naruto's blade. In a flash of yellow Naruto appeared on the other side of the creature, a large gash appearing on its body as blood began to seep and the creature hissed. ''That energy, it could pierce that shell. The fox is far too dangerous to be left alive.'' He suddenly turned his attention to Naruto and jerked his head forward, attempting to rip him apart with his fangs when suddenly Naruto was jerked out of the way by a blaze of gold. Suddenly the blaze revealed itself to be Cheetara.

''Thanks.'' Naruto said as he readied his sword.

''We can't win. That creature's shell is too tough to be pierced.''

''I'll distract it. You and the others run.'' he suggested as she looked at him in disbelief.

''Are you insane? I won't leave you to fight this thing alone.'' she argued.

''I was able to hurt it. If it can be hurt it can be killed and if it knows that it might not be so quick to go for a killing blow.''

''Aah, I thought you looked familiar. The offssspring of Chitti, I wonder if you'll be as delectable as your mother was.'' he remarked as he used his powerful tail to uproot a tree and fling it at Lion-O and Tygra, knocking the Sword of Omens out of the former's hands while the latter had a branch stab into the side of his leg.

It took a few seconds for the words to register before Cheetara's demeanor changed. ''You...'' a loathing filled Cheetara's voice as she trembled. That night, that stormy and rainy night a creature had attacked her village. She was only a child when it raided her village and killed her people. Killed her mother. ''...MONSTER!" For years she had buried away that turmoil. For years she had to live with the nightmares of what happened. Of that monster out there. And having to keep her emotions closed up for so long the damn broke.

''Cheetara don't!'' Naruto shouted.

Cheetara jumped forward and used her staff to pole vault up with amazing height. The creature opened his mouth and hurled poison, but the trained warrior used her magic and staff to rapidly twirl it fast enough to disperse the strikes. She then began to barrage his head with rapid thrusts and strikes.

The creature merely shook it off, twisted his head back and ramming his head into the Cheetah cat causing her to lose grip on her staff as she fell back. ''Time for you to join your mother.''

"Cheetara!" Naruto shouted, and he leaped for the cat. Sword ready Naruto let it fly right towards the creature's open gullet. It all happened like clockwork. Unmoving and unstopping the seconds ticked down as the blade pierced the flesh of the creature, causing it to be lodged in its throat as one of its fangs pierced the side of Naruto's body. Its fang tearing his shirt and nearly splitting open Naruto's stomach. The fox and cheetah landed to the ground with an oomph. The creature let out a hiss, its patience drawing thin. Right when he was about to attack a rock hit its snout.

''Leave them alone!'' Wilykat shouted as he threw another rock.

''Yeah!'' Kit agreed. Terrified as they were they couldn't just sit back and do anything while Naruto was in danger. He was the only person who didn't treat them like garbage.

''Why you insignificant little...'' the blade trapped within the creature began to pierce its flesh and it let out a hiss. With that weapon lodged deep within its body he wouldn't be able to enjoy its meal let alone continue to attack without aggravating his injury anymore. ''Thiss isn't over.'' it silently hissed as it crawled away.

That night Naruto was laying on the bed, running a fever as his breathing became shallow. Tygra's injury was minor, in a few days his leg would heal and Cheetara and Lion-O both got away with scrapes. Guilt filled Cheetara's face as she got finished toweling off Naruto's face. 'You dummy.' she thought, racked with grief.

''Where are you going?'' Lion-O asked as Cheetara picked up her staff and got up.

''Its my fault he's like this. There's only one flower that can help him. The White Nightshade, it's about ten miles from here. It won't take me long to retrieve it and head back.''

''Then I'll come with you.'' Lion-o suggested.

''No, don't take this the wrong way Lion-o, but you'll only slow me down. This is something I have to do.'' Cheetara as she shot off ahead with that amazing speed of hers, giving no more chance more argument.

''What is she thinking? What if that serpent shows up again and attacks her?'' Lion-o grumbled.

''Have some fate in her Lion-o. Whatever the fox did our scaly friend didn't seem to like it.'' Tygra said as he looked at Naruto. He couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy course through him. There was a closeness between the fox and Cheetara, something Tygra desired for years. If he had wished it Tygra could have virtually have any she-cat in the entire kingdom, but the one he wanted. It was bad enough someone as scatter brained, immature, and hot-headed as Lion-o took the kingdom from him, but surely he wouldn't lose her as well to an outsider to the species. One that wouldn't be able to provide her a family and stability like he could.

Naruto's breathing became shallower as he continued to sweat. Groaned pains escape his mouth as he continued to convulse in pain from the poison. 'Cheetara.'

Lion-o looked at the fox that was getting worse. 'Come on Cheetara, you have to make in back in time.' he thought, as the new king couldn't bear the thought of another one of his friends dying.

Cheetara continued her sprint down through the terrain until she reached a meadow. She still had a few miles to go but she wasn't going to stop, not for anything. 'I'd promise nothing would happen to you again and I failed. Naruto, don't die on me. You better not die on me.' she thought as her mind drifted off to the past incident.

''C-Cheetara! Wait up!'' a voice cried out behind the acrobatic She-cat as she jumped from tree branch to tree branch. Nothing felt more amazing the sensation of wind through one's hair. It felt nothing short of amazing and free to travel through the forest at high speeds.

''Come on, what's taking you so long?'' she called back to her companion trailing far behind her. With a grin she shouted back at him. ''You're far too slow.''

''You're...too fast.'' he whined in between pants.

''Come on slow fox. Where's your sense of adventure?'' she asked as she leaped down to the tree and came a stop to a clearing. A few seconds later a panting Naruto joined her, hunched over, his hands resting on his knees. ''You need to train more.'' she playfully remarked.

''Well excuse me. Not everyone can do about a mile in half a minute.'' he said as he stood up, his breathing becoming relaxed.

''Well what can I say? I'm just that good.'' the fourteen year old she-cat boasted proudly.

''Yeah, good at getting us in trouble.'' he mumbled, his arms still sore from their last punishment of having to wash the palace by hand with no super speed the last time they were caught doing something they weren't supposed to. ''Why can't we go do things like spy on people or bull pranks? You know, the things that are least likely to get us caught?''

''Because where's the fun if is there's no danger in being caught?'' she argued. ''That's how you know what you're doing is really fun.'' she pointed out. ''Now, where do you think those fruits are at?'' Cheetara wondered. She had heard about a special kind of fruit used for drinks enjoyed by the nobles and she was curious.

The cries of ravenous looking birds drew Naruto's gaze upwards. ''If we die I'm never going to forgive you.'' he complained.

Cheetara sighed and rolled her eyes, placing her hands on her hips and turning to face Naruto. ''Why are you always complaining? I swear you're so uptight. Every time I always have fun you're such a downer. If you don't want to come along then just say so.'' she turned around with a harrumph. ''Go back to the city then. I'll find the fruit on my own.'' why was he so damned stubborn? Why didn't he realize why she was doing this? Couldn't he see she was trying to...

''Cheetara look out!'' he exclaimed.

''Wha...'' she remarked as Naruto jolted forward and pushed her out of the way. Something jumped out of the bushes and tackled Naruto. It was some large black thing with a lot of fur and quills. Naruto let out a roar as the thing scratched? Bit him? It quickly jutted away as Naruto clutched his shoulder and hissed in pain.

''Naruto!'' Cheetara was by his side in an instant. ''Are you okay? Why did you do that?'' You dummy.

''Didn't...want you to get hurt. Sorry, guess I ruined the whole day huh?'' he replied as he started to cough. His chest began to tighten.

''Hold on, just, hold on.'' she said as she ran off to get help. Some time had passed and Cheetara found herself waiting out in a hall as the medics tended to Naruto. She looked up when one of the medics, a Puma medic walked out. ''He's okay right? Please tell me he's going to be okay?'' she pleaded with the dark haired she-cat. Pumra was a rather stern and serious Cleric. She wasn't fond of nonsense and did not mix words.

''I'm afraid this isn't good young Cheetara. He was poisoned by a black Muskian, and it doesn't look good. The only thing that can cure a poison of this complexity is a White Nighstade, in the same forest you two had no business messing around in.'' she sternly remarked. She watched as Cheetara bowed her head in shame. Pumra would have continued the tongue lashing but held her tongue. She knew the girl felt guilty, but this kind of behavior was unbecoming of a cleric. And even if Pumra never said anything she held some fondness for the outcast. ''If he isn't given some by the next moon rise might not make it.''

''Then we have to get some.'' Cheetara exclaimed, her head shooting up.

''The location of the White Nightshade is deep within the forest and grows at the mouth of a cave. Even Lord Jaga would be pressed to make it there in time in back, and he is away on business. I'm sorry young Cheetah.'' the puma said, placing a comforting hand on Cheetara's shoulder. ''He acted admirable in saving your life. An act befitting a true cleric.''

''No!'' Cheetara exclaimed, furiously shaking her head as tears threatened to fall. ''I won't...I won't let him die.'' she couldn't give up on him. She wouldn't accept his death. She tore away and began running towards the forest. Pushing herself to the very limit she reached over 100 miles per hour. She was able to make two miles in a minute before she began slowing down to half her limit. She was only able to sustain that speed for two hours before she began to run out of energy and risk collapsing from exhaustion. By the time she got back to the forest it was nearly dawn. She couldn't afford to be exhausted. Not now. With her staff ready she continued on deeper within the forest.

The sound of something clamping drew her attention. She let out a cry and jumped back as six foot claw Klausian attacked. The green creature with its many tiny claws clatter and clacked as it moved towards her, its beety little eyes following every moment. Moving her hands to the end of the staff she drew it back and swung as hard as she can on one of its eyes causing the creature to screech and stumble back. Klausians were very powerful, their bodies covered in a thick heavy shell but they were neither quick nor none too bright. Also there eyes were rather sensitive. The creature hurriedly scurried away, its usual prey lacking the ability to reach its sensitive eyes.

She continued forward, jogging down a field, careful not to overexert herself. She continued forward, her staff ready in case anymore creatures threatened to attack. She moved from flower to flower, hoping to find the right one. White Nightshade was a very distinctive flower, with a white core and purple petals. Finally she came to a stop at a cave. That's when she saw it, a single untouched flower by the mouth of the cave. ''Found you...hold on Naruto I'm coming.'' she whispered when suddenly something conked her on the back of her head resulting in her losing consciousness.

Cheetara held her knees to her chin and trembled. As another clap of thunder echoed she let out a whimper. She hated storms. They always brought out terrible memories. The memory of when she lost everything. She was in one of the towers, alone; it was her turn for guard duty. It was part of Cleric training. One had to train themselves to be sharp and vigilant at all times.

''Uugh, I got soaked.'' a voice suddenly grumbled, causing her to look up. Entering the tower was Naruto, soaked to the brim. ''I...uugh, hello.'' Naruto awkwardly greeted.

''W-Why are you here?'' she asked. She was curious, not that she would turn the fox away. He was always so distant and away from everyone.

''I...I couldn't sleep so I thought I...well, maybe you like some company?'' he mumbled, looking away as his head flush in embarrassment.

''O-Okay.'' she mumbled as she patted the spot next to her. Naruto joined her, fidgeting as an awkward silence fell between them. ''So, what's it like being a fox?''

''I donna.'' Naruto replied. ''Can't imagine its much different than being cat. Need to eat, drink water, and sleep. I, I don't know much else. I know my name is Naruto. T-That's the only thing I do know.'' he sadly replied.

Cheetara giggled her mind completely off the storm. ''You dummy, you forgot something else.'' she stated as he looked up with a raised eyebrow.

''And what's that?'' he asked.

''That you're my friend.'' she said, flicking his nose. ''And don't you forget.''

''I won't,'' he replied with a chuckle. Suddenly the loud clap of thunder caused Cheetara to shriek and clutch onto the fox who was now blushing furiously once more.

''You tell anyone about this and I'll skin you alive.'' she playfully threatened.

Naruto gulped and replied, 'yes mam.'

Cheetara came to with a groan. She suddenly jolted up when her thoughts had gathered. 'Naruto!' she looked up and notices the flower was gone. ''NO!''

''My, my, I didn't think I run across a Cheetah. You're kind is like that of the Tigers. Nearly extinct.'' a haughty voice said from above.

Cheetara looked up and notice it was none other than none other than Terradon, the fastest flier of his kind. The Spine-tailed swift was like the rest of his kind, short legs, white-throat feathers, and the rest of him black throat feathers. He was well known for being the only member of his species to break past the 105 mph speed cap and reach speeds of over 150 miles per hours. Even the fastest of Cheetara's kind was rumored to once reach only 140 mph. And in his beak was the White Nightshade. ''That flower. I need that flower.''

''This?'' Terradon asked as his eyes glanced down at the flower in his beak. ''I'm afraid my dear someone is going to pay me a nice price for this flower. Some rice noble from your city, says it goes well with tea. Quite frankly you cats have weird tastes. I'll tell you what; it has been years since I had a challenge. A race to your city. If you beat me there in less than forty minutes time I'll give you the flower. Sounds like a deal?'' he prompted.

''But my friend will die if I don't get him that flower.'' Cheetara argued.

''Well then my dear, you better hurry then.'' he said as he began taking off in the direction of the home of the cats.

''Get back here!'' Cheetara shouted as she chased after him.

(Sonic Rush Adventure- Deep Core)

Having rest from being unconscious Cheetara was back to full speed. Her footsteps trailed along the heavy ground of the forest. She leaped from rock to rock as she followed after the bird. Cheetara began gaining elevation with each jump as she continued picking up speed. All creatures of shape and sizes stirred and watched as something fast blazed past their senses. Predators a like spared a mere glance in curiosity before relenting on trying to catch prey too quick for its hunter's speed.

65 mph.

Leaping up she grabbed on a tree branch and swung herself forward. She could not and would not give up. Managing to swing herself on top one of the branches she leaped from branch to branch. By applying the right amount of pressure in each jump she was able to avoid slipping off the branches.

75 mph.

She continued on, avoiding tripping over falling logs as her impressive footwork left water splattering everywhere as she crossed and moved a float a thin river. She managed to keep up with the speedy bird and after a few minutes they had cleared the forest. They were now out in the open, animals scattering and moving out of the way to avoid being rammed into by the speedster.

110 mph.

Terradon looked down, flapping his wings as Cheetara continued after him. Taking the flower from his mouth he spoke, gliding through the air. ''Marvelous, absolutely marvelous Cheetah cat. But you'll have to be much faster if you wish to keep up with me.'' he remarked as he began picking up speed.

Cheetara though stayed determined. She was not going to lose and steady pushed herself. The second mile of her peek sprint hit and she was starting to slow down. ''No...I can't...'' she was starting to fall behind the Spine-tailed Swift. "I have to keep going!"

''I...my name is Naruto.''

''Then let's both do our best to be Clerics.''

''Cheeetarraaaaaaa! I swear you always want to do something crazy.''

''My dream is to find out who I am and where I came from.''

''You're my best friend.''

''I...I didn't want to see you get hurt.''

''Sorry girlie. I'm impressed you managed to keep up this long, but you're slowing down and I have a schedule to keep.'' the bird replied as he began picking up speed. The distance between the two of them began growing.

''No!'' Cheetara shouted. Because she wasn't fast enough. 'I lost one person I cared about because I wasn't fast enough. Not again. Not this time.'

(Sonic Rush Adventure-Deep Core-Allegro)

A new power began to surge through her. Her body began to glow as an aura formed around her and the tired feeling from her body melted away. Everything around her began to slow down as she sped up.

120

125

140

Terradon looked back, mystified that the Cheetah was catching up with him so he put everything he had into it. Though she was still gaining on him. 'Could she be...that cat's daughter?' he thought in disbelief.

145

150

160

He watched as she not only caught up with him but she soon began to surpass him. Never had any ground bound creature moved so fast.

232

450

590

761

She soon left his visibly sight as the sound of a deep double boom filled his ears. His beak nearly drop at seeing the deep grooves, the long stretching half cylinder crater left in the girl's wake. By the time he had arrived the Cheetah was waiting at the gate. Her hair a heaving mess and her body covered in sweat. Her legs having long given out from the strain. There were other cats trying to get her inside, but she remained stubborn. ''I...win. Flo...'' she passed out in mid-sentence and was caught by a cleric.

Terradon spotted one of the few Thunderians he was familiar with. ''Tell the young Cheetah she's won this round and I pray her friend gets well soon.'' he remarked, handing Pumra the White Nightshade. Terradon took one last look at Cheetara. 'I heard the Tiger boy arrived, but now the Cheetah as well and if the prince is found worthy by the Sword of Omens...yes, we might have a chance yet. The other Sages must be informed at once.' he thought as he took to the sky.

(Song End and along with the flashbacks)

Cheetara arrived and was able to find the flower. Without much incident she soon returned. Using the medical training she had learned she was able to make a healing salve with the flowers leaves while using its liquids for a potion. Naruto's breathing eased but he still remained unconscious.

''H-He's going to wake up soon right?'' Kit asked. With Tygra fishing, Kat looking for firewood, and Lion-o patrolling the perimeter that left the two of them.

''Of course he is.'' Cheetara assured her. For the next twenty-four hours Cheetara stayed by his side. So much that she began neglecting sleep and soon nodded off.

''Hey Troublemaker. Wake up!''

Cheetara's eyes slowly opened as she was soon met with the grinning form of Naruto. ''Man, being poisoned sucked. Thanks for saving meeh!'' Naruto let out a cry when Cheetara threw her arms around him and began sniffling. She ignored the fact that Naruto had entered her room, which she threatened to skin him alive if he ever entered.

''You dummy! Don't ever do something like that again.''

Naruto merely chuckled. ''I promise to do my best not to find myself on the verge of death again.''

''Uum Cheetara. I'd like to sit up now. Been laying here for about three hours hoping you'd wake up. Its not as easy to entertain myself as I thought it would be.'' the voice stirred her out of her dreams. Naruto was awake, though he looked rather pale. Then again while most would have been down for a week after being poisoned by such a creature leave it to Naruto to be up in a day or two.

A small smile cracked Cheetara's face. ''Idiot. You broke your promise.''

''Not really, I promised that I'd try.'' he argued. ''And does that mean I'm no longer a dummy?'' he added a bit playfully.

''Get some rest.'' she said as she kissed his forehead. As she began walking away Cheetara decided to make another vow. That day she had vowed to be serious. Her stubbornness, her desire for thrill had put them both in danger and Naruto got hurt for it. This time her emotions got the better of her and he was hurt again. As such it was decided that it was for the best to focus on their duty and everything else had to be placed second.

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Chapter End

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If you're a fan of old school Thundercats and saw the trials of Lion-o you got the shout outs I was going for. And no, Cheetara cannot go at the speed of sound at any time. Just no that her old limit is no longer 120 but at best less than somewhere around 300, I like to be ambiguous.