One True King, Part 1
I got permission from Tara by phone to go ahead and post this story for her since her internet connection is limited right now. As I understand it, this story stems from a bet that she lost to a certian cute Cheetah but it's still a good read. And now, without further ado, the One True King! One true king. By Drea November 3, 2007 It had been a fortnight since she last saw him, and yet those green hypnotic eyes still burned her with a desire that she thought she would never feel again. Tara spun in her bed chamber, her arms twisting like a love sick teenager as she fell dramatically across her large bed, kicking her legs up her floor length skirt hiked up to her waist as she rolled across the dark burgundy colored comforter, the palm of her hand brushing across its fine silken smoothness. Sighing to her self the hybrid closed her eyes, trying to remember everything about him that she found just so irresistible. For eight long months now the queen of Thundera had been dealing with an emotional upheaval with in her self. She for so long assumed that she was happy, presumed that all she wanted, she had. However, some times ignorance is indeed bliss. It was that same day when all her delusions came to a complete standstill, and the walls of her phony paradise crumbled out from under her. “He” was one of the new refugees that had made their way back to there homeland of New Thundera, once it had been reformed. He and a few others had arrived in a old junk-ridden space craft that was hardly worthy of space travel. It was and old space freighter back from the years of the Plundarian wars. Which indeed should have been decommissioned years ago. She had not been present the day that they arrived, she had been away on business with the king. Lord Lion-o himself, Therja was the one, with Panthro and Tygra who had welcomed the strangers and got them settled into one of the refugee camps not but a mile away from the lair itself. So for quiet a few months he had been lurking just under her nose, yet she never had the pleasure of meeting him face to face with the others. She had heard a few bits of information about the five who had disembarked from the craft. However time, never permitted her that first hand, greeting that should have occurred. Closing her eyes now, Tara almost purred allowed when she recalled, that day in the training field when she had gotten bored and came down to see what kind of talent the new requites had shown. She had been out for her usual run, through the forest. But instead of heading inside to clean up she found herself, in the training field itself. Un announced she had perched herself up in one of the large oak trees, stretching herself across one of its full limbs, as she rested and cooled. She was more then invisible as she hid in the large green foliage, interested in the goings on just below her. There was just something about the fascination of watching men sweat, and grunt, that always gave her a bit of pleasure, just the idea of it all, sent twinges of happiness into her, all ready sexually overdriven mind. But in all the time she had been doing her spying, no one had overtaken her, like he did when he stepped out into the felid carrying his black ebony staff with, its blue colored hand wrappings. His fur pelt was the color of the sun itself, sleek, soft, and alluring. His black spots which ran over his shoulders and back, made her fingers absolutely ache to touch them. The front of his well developed chest was a soft cream color, which reminded her of the temping taste of whip cream when spread over something delicious. Licking her lips absentmindedly, she crouched lower, and pulled her body closer along the long wooden branch just to get a better look. Indeed he was refreshing like cold lemonade on a hot summers day, she’d never seen anything quite like him. He was not huge, and bulky, like some of the other over beefed Thunderian men were. Her husband included. He was slender, not too terribly tall yet his muscles were so, firm and developed. He walked with a sense of honor, yet also a bit of humility as he approached his fighting partner, making sure to bow first before they began. Therja just smirked, he had been doing his job for a very long time. He had been appointed captain of the guard three years ago and was in charge of training all the so called newbie’s. Oh yes some of the refugees had skills, had a few abnormal powers, that made them stand out. But the truth was when Taz stepped forwards, Therja was the first to assume that he knew nothing, but some basic moves with that staff. Quickly tugging back his long waist length multi colored mane, he lifted his battleaxe. His muscles still stinging from the last assault by “Semapha” A very large bullox looking snow leopard. Tara knew by the overconfident cocky look in Therja’s face that, he thought Taz was going to be a easy win. However, Tara assumed different. Four of the others, sat watching and waiting their turn, as Semapha leaned back, trying still to stop the gushing blood from his freshly split lip. Therja was not one, to go lenient on the troupes when he assumed they were capable of so much more. Blade, Link, and Shay sat watching as well, hoping there friend Taz would do much better then the snow leopard. “When ever your ready!” Therja said with a laugh drawing his weapon into his great muscled arms. Taz just smiled and nodded, with movements so quick and so fast Therja barely seen them coming, let alone was able to deflect them, as Taz’s staff toppled over Therja like a axe to a great tree. Slamming him down so hard to the unforgiving ground that it almost took his breath away. Taz didn’t stop there though once his teacher was down gave him, just another opportunity to surprise. This time Therja was ready though and met staff to axe just above his face. Taz grinned pulled back spinning then attacked again before Therja had a chance to yet make it to his feet. The thwack sound of his ebony staff against the ground echoed with power. Therja had rolled away just in time before it cracked full force against his skull. “I am impressed!” Therja grinned, gaining his ground, this time determined that Taz would not make him look bad. Again and again the two warriors met, they fought masterfully both of them, nether giving or gaining ground. Again Tara inched forwards in the tree limb, this was more then good, it was so amazing that she was wishing for popcorn and a drink. The two men, fought and bantered playfully, giving and getting they slammed and smacked in turn. Therja would get in two or three, very impressive hits then, would be counteracted with an equally impressive move from Taz. “You’re not the only one Impressed.” Tara muttered to herself, as she tried to calm down her over excitement. Almost dangling from the tree branch; she now had to resort to bighting her own palm instead of screaming, and yelling at the match. It was that intense. And with her playful comments she knew that she would distract them from the fight which she didn’t’ need to happen. Finally Therja had managed, to knock the weapon from Taz’s palms, and for a fleeting moment she assumed it was all over. Therja tossed his own, and it moved to hand to hand combat. Which surprisingly didn’t last as long as she would have assumed, with Therja being Taz’s opponent. Therja had dove towards him, she had seen him do this move a hundred times, he’d pick up the other warrior and fling him like a rag doll over his shoulder, or cracking them against the ground almost breaking there spine. However Taz’s leg moved, behind and lifted over his own head, with his foot he smacked into Therja’s forehead; toppling him before he had a chance to use his famous maneuver. “That. Is called the scorpion kick.” Taz grinned triumphantly, reaching down to help up his slightly dazed teacher. Therja relinquished the fact that indeed he had been beaten. And grasped Taz by the hand, pulling himself up laughing. “That my friend, is the last time I underestimate you. Well done!” He chuckled deeply. “Well done!” Then smacked Taz on the back. “That’s enough training for today, come to the bar I’ll buy you all a drink!” Therja grinned as the others got up following. “If you don’t mind sir.. I’d like to remain here longer, and just practice a bit. It felt wonderful to do that again.” Taz said lifting up his staff one more time. “Of course Taz.. just don’t get too good now, or your going to make me loose my job.” Therja winked and picked up a few of his weapons, as the group all herded towards the lair and to the bar that the troupes used to relax when needed. It was some time, between then, and when Taz started whacking the tree trunk with that staff of his, practicing his swings when Lady Tara realized that she was in trouble. She had been too enthralled with the whole competition, to realize that she was not only in one hell of a precarious situation, but she had scrambled so far out on the limb that it was threatening to bend beneath her own weight. With the next thwack from Taz’s powerful wrists the branch snapped sending down a shower of leaves and one unexpected prize as she fell into a heap on the grassy noel. A very feminine sounding screech echoing as she was dumped on her royal arse in the middle of branches and twigs. Completely dumbfounded Taz spun on his heals, all he could see was leaves and long legs, with thigh high boots kicking out from under the branches. Carefully he approached not too sure of what, or who was beneath the vegetation. All he could hear was muffled cursing and a strange foreign accent grumbling. “Are you ok?” he said a bit leery as he started to rummage through the branches. “That is the very last time, I spy on any one!” Tara snarled as she thrust one of the branches off her, almost smacking Taz in the face. He ducked just in time. Shaking with anger, Tara looked up towards him, as she rubbed down the side of her pale face trying to stop the bleeding from a rather nasty cut on her cheek. All Taz could do at this point was blink. She was the most amazingly beautiful woman Taz had ever seen. With her dark ebony hair that swept down her shoulders, and the full curve of her luscious red lips, that looked completely kissable. And he was rather taken back wondering how an angel came to be perched up in the branches to begin with. “Well don’t just stand there with your mouth open, help me up!” Tara said sharply lifting one of her hands, towards him. Taz’s face lit scarlet, he hadn’t realized, that he had been gawking at her as hard as he had. She just had surprised him, caused him to go almost speechless; as she clambered out of the bushes, and into his arms. “Are you hurt badly?” He said quickly looking over her slightly torn, black body suit and leggings. “Only if you account for my pride.” Tara grinned, grabbing her plump arse and rubbing it. “Good thing I have lots of padding!” She teased, sticking out her rear towards him. At this, Taz’s internal organs seemed to be completely on fire, with thoughts that normally he well didn’t have, or haven’t had for a very long time. Tara smiled, tearing off a piece of her own body suit, she ripped just enough from her stomach so she could wipe it across her cheekbone. “Here let me.” Snatching it from her hand, Taz moved closer, sweeping his hand into her hair to steady her, he soothed some of the dark material across a rather nasty cut on her cheek. Tara’s eyes could do no more, then to be completely transfixed with his as he cleansed her face from the blood. She decide at that moment, she absolutely loved how his hair seemed to spike playfully around his short pointed ears, and matched his completely grope-able beard that just teased to be tugged. His hair, was the same, bright yellow color as his bare chest, but it also meshed with a bit of white around his temples. Stray spots intermingled with the yellow, making him look just so dashing as it off set his, strong nose, and powerful square jaw line. He was handsome, beyond every explanation of the word. “So… A… what were you doing up in that tree?” He finally questioned, finding his voice. “Watching you. What else?” Tara said almost painfully honest. “Me?” he said moving away, as he bit his lip nervously. “Well not Just you, I also loved watching Therja get his gludious maximus kicked all over the field. That was a wonderful surprise.” She laughed smacking him hard across his butt for emphasis. Taz’s face spoke volumes, No.. she didn’t…. yes she did!” He quickly sorted through his spinning head. As once again his jaw gaped wide open in shock. “The name is Tara.” She said now brushing up against him, her hand resting on his shoulder. “Ta.. Taz!” he sputtered out returning the greeting. She was something, and from that moment on, he knew that she was going to be a handful, looking at her now through the corner of his eye, as his muscles were being fondled by this unusually playful woman. He didn’t quite know what to make of her, of this situation, not more then a moment ago, she was buried in tree branches, now she was all over him like and octopus trapping its prey. Not that he minded the attention, but he was rather surprised at how quickly it occurred, moving from complete stranger, to…. “OHH! He gasped again as her hand once again found something that made him squirm. “Tara?” Taz spun moving just out of touching distance. “So.. you’re a Thundercat?” He questioned, looking at the broached silver insignia that adorned, her buxom chest. She nodded, and smirked. “Yep.. for quite some time.” She said purposefully vague, Not truly wanting him to know, that she was lord Lion-os’ wife. Some how she assumed, that might just put a damper on the moment, and right now, that is the last thing that she needed. “So why did you not want to join the others in the bar?” Tara questioned, fluffing out her long hair making it sweep more down her back. “Oh…Um, I don’t drink.” He said nervously kicking at the ground below his feet, so far he had been ridiculed quite a lot about this same subject, and he truly didn’t want to go into a long discussion again. “Oh good neither do I.” Tara smirked. “Well, except for a few times, when I have ended up in very precarious situations because of the spirits in the beverage, however, I’m trying to behave now, me and ….booze lets just say are not agreeable.” She gave him a playfully mischievous grin, that he assumed could mean anything, but he was unsure with what he was gathering from her, if he could handle the truth. Grabbing his arm in hers, she leaned against him. “How about you buy a lady some lunch, I know this particularly wonderful restaurant just a few miles from here, and well, I’d love to get to know you better.” “I.. a..” he tried quickly to come up with some sort of excuse as to why he couldn’t, but nothing truly came to mind, besides, he liked her, from what he saw, she completely intrigued him. “Yes, I’d like that.” He looked down noticing how dirty and disheveled they both were. “Er, how about we make it dinner, tonight. That way I can shower first.” “Mm… you know I am quite a busy lady, I don’t know if I can squeeze you in later.” She winked and buffed her long nails across her chest. “However just this once I’m willing to make an exception.” She beamed up at him with the most alluring smile that he could remember. “ I’ll meet you at Albertoz. At seven pm. Do not keep me waiting cheetah.” With that she turned, and sundered off, cockily walking down the cobblestone pathway that led towards the mighty Cats Lair. “Wow….” Taz said stunned, still trying to take everything in, yet as soon as she was out of sight he plucked up his staff, and ran full speed towards his small apartment. With only having seven hours to get ready he had a lot of things to get sorted until that time. There was no way that he would be late, for that date. It was ten minutes after seven, his wrist slunk dejectedly down on the table. She was ether late or not coming, not coming seamed to be the more likely of the two. He slid depressed down into his soft plush chair, and took yet another sip of his water that was getting warm from the melting ice that he had been memorizing for the last little while. Looking up optimistic, when the door again chimed, his hopes again were dashed when and older Thunderian couple came in, dragging a cane through the threshold of the small restaurant. “Is this seat taken?” a soft elegantly feminine voice said rather quietly. Looking up quickly, and a bit startled he was face to face with Tara. Her face was almost shrouded with a dark colored cloak. “You’re late!” he smirked, and stood quickly moving the chair out from beneath the table so she could sit. “No, I’m not late, I’m perfectly on time.” Giving her a bit of a playful glare, he helped her remove her cloak and sit. She was dressed elegantly in a black chiffon gown that trailed the ground, her shoes a black gem stone sandals. Her long dangling earrings matching. This was the first time that he noticed her hair, it had a few long blond streaks intermingled in with the dark ebony, as it curled around her shoulders. Remarking now, that for a feline, she looked more human then cat. “You look lovely.” Taz said, now sitting down in his own seat. “Oh I know.” She winked, and then buried her face inside of a menu. “I find this place has just about every different kind of food imaginable. It goes from first earths quaint past. To well more, unusual items. What ever you do… don’t touch the Sumarian quixona… Trust me, you don’t want to know what’s in it.” Smirking and plunking his elbows on the table, he just watched her, as her long colored nails drifted across the menu. “So … have you two had a chance to decide?” questioned a very short and very plump waiter, who was dressed up like a penguin on parade. “Tara?” Taz said, nodding. “Oh yes, I’ll have the gyro plate with some of your wonderful rice pilaf, salad, and some baklava for desert. “For me, the lasagna, also with a salad, no onions, plenty of sauce, and…a pespi please.” Taking Taz and Tara’s menus the waiter smiled, “Any desert for you sir?” “Cheese cake.” Taz grinned, as he fuddled with his fork and spoon making sure they were resting straight against the napkin. He was the very organized type nothing belonged out of place, especially when he was trying to nervously impress some one. Tara cocked her brow and smirked. “No onion’s ha? What makes you think you need your breath that fresh, thinking of kissing me are you?” Taz was about to take a sip of his drink but he almost spit it with her new surprise comment. ‘No.. no, I .. Tara?” His cheeks lit beet red. “I’d not think of kissing you, I just don’t like onions.” Tara’s lips drooped into a full pout. “Oh I’m not good enough to kiss?” She retorted intentionally giving him a hard time. Taz just sat there blinking. It seamed no matter what he said, she would find away to twist it into something intentionally shocking. “Tara… yes you’re more then kissable however, I was only thinking about my stomach and the fact that I loathe onions.” He winked. Tara smirked back at him playfully, as she leaned back fussing over her bracelet that was chiming at her wrist. “At least you know what you like. That’s more impressive then most men.” Interrupting again the waiter brought over the first course of salads. Sliding them into place just in front of the two. He also pulled two silver colored candles from his pocket and put them on the table, lighting them. The lights dimmed just a few knots, leaving the most romantic candlelight that beamed in-between the two. “Your cheek is looking a lot better, I can hardly tell you hurt yourself.” Taz said trying to make light conversation as he lifted his fork. Tara had already taken a bite of her, green’s and just nodded, until she had a chance to swallow. “Make up, does wonders.” Taz and Tara managed to finish up their wonderful dinner, and the conversation was both nether too serious or too playful the whole time, in fact the night was perfect. Taz paid for dinner, and after helping Tara with her long cloak they walked out into the night air. It was slightly chillier and a storm had managed to move in. Fresh scented droplets of rain began to drizzle. Taz winced a bit pulling his own, knee length leather jacket tighter around himself. “Shall I call for transport?” Taz said lifting up his communication device towards his face. “No… NO.” Tara snatched it nervously from his hand, and leaned toward him. “I love the rain, perhaps a walk?” “You’re going to get wet my lady.” He said, his charming face lighting with a smile. “Oh don’t you worry about that love, I have been wet for hours.” She said mysteriously pulling away from him, and fixing her hood further down her face, too keep her makeup from running. Taz fought back a laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck and head. Oh yes his first impression of her was correct. She was trouble. Bounding quickly to her side, the two walked back through the main streets of Thundera’s bustling new city. The lights and the neon colors, reflecting on the damp rain coated sidewalks. The males arm wrapped around her waist a few times, as they clopped along in the darkness. Her perfumed sent just seemed to weft up into his nose, absolutely consuming him, she was not only incredibly beautiful, she was also cleaver, funny. Out spoken. And well just wonderful in every aspect. She was, in one short package, almost everything he had always dreamed about finding. He had to lift his hands just a few times to his own chest, to feel his own heart. There was just something going on, deeply buried beneath his flesh that overwhelmed him. For so long he had hidden his heart, afraid of being hurt again. The last time he was devastated, and promised himself that love was no longer a comfort that he could afford. Yet here he was, had barely met this woman, this amazing creature, and he felt just lost in a sea of emotions. Hopes and dreams that he thought he’d given up. Were now just completely tangible, and she; seemed to be his match in every way. Tara hid her face in the fullness of her long cloak making sure that she would not be recognized. Well hoping that she wouldn’t. In truth she was not hiding from being with Taz. The problem however, was she did belonged to Lion-o… and she was not free to do what she was desiring to do. So many times through dinner, she was wishing just to split herself in two. One to be with Lord Lion-o, and the other to stay with “Taz” There was something just so undeniably perfect between her and he. And not even she could put her finger on how closely they seemed to get, just in the few hours that they had been together. Usually people were shocked by her outlandish nature, but this man. Just seamed to understand her, although it was apparent that yes she stunned him on more then one occasion. He never, just stopped or drew himself back. To embarrassed to try… and that meant so much. She had felt as if she had know him for her entire existence. And truly with how old she was, that was some feat. The moon was now full and glowing a mysterious blue from beneath some of the dark rain field clouds. Stopping and lifting her face to the rain, Tara just froze and allowed the down poor to wash over her. Now that they were here only a few minutes walk and they would be at the lair. She didn’t want this night to end, and felt like postponing her return. Just a bit longer. Taz turned, grabbing her softly by the shoulders, “You ok?” He questioned as he looked into her pale moon drenched face. “Perfect.” She purred, slowly opening her eyes towards him. It was pure magic, that brought them together, as Taz swept her tighter into his arms and pressed his lips passionately against hers. Their bodies leaving no more room in-between them, as they crushed against each other. Just on the outskirts of the woodlands, what started as a small tender kiss, evolved into something uncontrollable, tongues, breath, heat, it was almost impossible in this frenzy of excitement that they were able to keep clothed. Tara’s hands were the first to break through his leather clad coat and into his shirt. The moment her cold hands, slid across his nipples, he knew that he was done for. All night long he had been fighting back urges, trying ever so hard to control what was unstoppable. It had moved passed the need to just caress her.. it was now so strong that he knew if he didn’t claim her now, that there would be no way that he could breathe another moment with out being inside her. “Taz………” Tara said weakly, almost breaking free to tell him the truth. But she couldn’t. There was no force, on earth or heaven that could separate them now. And nor did she wish to find such a cure. Her lips now nibbling on his more then sensitive ears, breathing warm air from her succulent mouth, drove him almost over the edge. He moaned and lifted her tighter in his arms, quickly sweeping her beneath the cover of one of the low hanging trees. Tugging her long dress up in bundles, as his trembling hand latched around its material. Tara grasped the side of her underwear, tearing it from her body then tossing it to the ground. Moaning as his hands gripped nothing but soft, warm, flesh, he moved slowly across her thighs, as his lips continued to suckle hers. Moving up her silky flesh until it found the sweeping of her hip, traveled across her shivering belly and downwards. “Oh gods!” She rasped out, her breathing irregular as he now found what he had been hunting for. It was well past eleven thirty when Tara finally snuck through the doors of her home. She was drenched, her clothes literally clinging to everyone of her curves. Her hair, and gown drizzling a great puddle on the marble floor as she hurried down the hall towards her bed chamber, hoping and praying that Lion-o was ether not home, or fast asleep. A two hour dinner she could explain, but her coming creeping in at almost midnight, smelling of sex, and Taz, she could not. Breathlessly entering her room, she was thankful that all was dark; and her bed empty. Quickly rushing into shower, then to climb into bed before she was caught. Taz made it through the door of his small apartment, shutting and latching the lock. Leaning against the frame, he couldn’t help but let out a content growling noise deep in his throat. From the kitchen his best friend Link came scurrying out. “Where you been Bruv?” he smiled. Taz’s eyes were absolutely glazed over with passion, so much in fact he was in some type of dream thinking only of the last few hours, and what had occurred so unexpectedly. “Uhh. Taz?” Link waved one of his blue colored palms across Taz’s face. “What’s wrong with you?” He said now a bit worried. The corner of Taz’s lip curled into a huge cat like grin. “I have met some one!” He said tossing his keys on the table and peeling off his leather coat, flinging on to the side of his coat hanger. “No… not just met… I’m in love!” He admitted, walking past Link. Link blinked, and rushed to catch up to his friend. “Wow, you wait a minute mate.. what do you mean?” The smile slowly peeled from off his lips as he remembered, the only thing Tara had asked of him. “Please Taz, what ever you do, don’t tell anyone about what happened, about me. I can’t have it get around just yet.” Thinking again about how happy he was, and how badly he wanted to tell his friend all about Tara, however he did promise, and he was the last one to ever go back on a deal when some one asked something of him. He just sighed, his head dropping. “I … can’t tell you Link... I want to, but I promised.” He lifted his hand to his friends shoulder. “I must not tell her name, but. She is amazing, and right now she has captured my heart.” “But… if she’ asked you not to tell, wouldn’t that mean that she’s hiding something?” Link said wincing hoping that he was wrong. His friend had been lonely for so long, he only hoped that he would find a girl that was worth while. However this was all sounding a bit too fishy for his liking. “I trust her. And she must have her reasons.” He said, now backing away, sniffing the collar of his shirt. He could still smell her, her perfume was all over him, her hands still roamed him in his memory. The last thing he wanted was to take a shower and wash the smell of her off. Tonight he could go to bed completely fulfilled. Two days after, he had not seen her once, she had sent no message, no note, nothing. Taz was beginning to feel a bit used, a bit foolish. He knew that she was a Thundercat, most likely one of the higher ranking ones, he knew her name, but. The last thing he could do was to go traipsing into the lair asking about her. Anonymity, she wanted no one to know. And doing something so foolish, would jeopardize what ever reason that she wanted to keep it quiet. Still, not having her around was almost breaking him with doubts. Sighing now, all he could do was stand out on his balcony and look towards the mighty Lair, which crouched so nobly in the distance. Just a few more tests, a few more months and he too would be anointed a Thundercat, and get to move into the lair, then he would be next to her. And for that, he could no longer wait. It was the next morning, when under the cover of darkness a note was silently passed through the crack in the door, sliding across the floor, there it sat waiting until it was found at first light. It was a pale cream colored envelope with a rose embellished on the left hand corner. All it said was “Taz” In fancy black penmanship. Biting his lip he slowly tour open the flap, and withdrew the note, that smelled of the woman he had been missing so badly. My beloved Darling, Please meet me tonight, in the same place we met. 10:pm Love, always. T. It gave no reason for her absence, gave no explanation, but some how it didn’t matter. Three words stood out above all others; beloved, darling, and love. And those made all the difference.
I got permission from Tara by phone to go ahead and post this story for her since her internet connection is limited right now. As I understand it, this story stems from a bet that she lost to a certian cute Cheetah but it's still a good read. And now, without further ado, the One True King! One true king. By Drea November 3, 2007 It had been a fortnight since she last saw him, and yet those green hypnotic eyes still burned her with a desire that she thought she would never feel again. Tara spun in her bed chamber, her arms twisting like a love sick teenager as she fell dramatically across her large bed, kicking her legs up her floor length skirt hiked up to her waist as she rolled across the dark burgundy colored comforter, the palm of her hand brushing across its fine silken smoothness. Sighing to her self the hybrid closed her eyes, trying to remember everything about him that she found just so irresistible. For eight long months now the queen of Thundera had been dealing with an emotional upheaval with in her self. She for so long assumed that she was happy, presumed that all she wanted, she had. However, some times ignorance is indeed bliss. It was that same day when all her delusions came to a complete standstill, and the walls of her phony paradise crumbled out from under her. “He” was one of the new refugees that had made their way back to there homeland of New Thundera, once it had been reformed. He and a few others had arrived in a old junk-ridden space craft that was hardly worthy of space travel. It was and old space freighter back from the years of the Plundarian wars. Which indeed should have been decommissioned years ago. She had not been present the day that they arrived, she had been away on business with the king. Lord Lion-o himself, Therja was the one, with Panthro and Tygra who had welcomed the strangers and got them settled into one of the refugee camps not but a mile away from the lair itself. So for quiet a few months he had been lurking just under her nose, yet she never had the pleasure of meeting him face to face with the others. She had heard a few bits of information about the five who had disembarked from the craft. However time, never permitted her that first hand, greeting that should have occurred. Closing her eyes now, Tara almost purred allowed when she recalled, that day in the training field when she had gotten bored and came down to see what kind of talent the new requites had shown. She had been out for her usual run, through the forest. But instead of heading inside to clean up she found herself, in the training field itself. Un announced she had perched herself up in one of the large oak trees, stretching herself across one of its full limbs, as she rested and cooled. She was more then invisible as she hid in the large green foliage, interested in the goings on just below her. There was just something about the fascination of watching men sweat, and grunt, that always gave her a bit of pleasure, just the idea of it all, sent twinges of happiness into her, all ready sexually overdriven mind. But in all the time she had been doing her spying, no one had overtaken her, like he did when he stepped out into the felid carrying his black ebony staff with, its blue colored hand wrappings. His fur pelt was the color of the sun itself, sleek, soft, and alluring. His black spots which ran over his shoulders and back, made her fingers absolutely ache to touch them. The front of his well developed chest was a soft cream color, which reminded her of the temping taste of whip cream when spread over something delicious. Licking her lips absentmindedly, she crouched lower, and pulled her body closer along the long wooden branch just to get a better look. Indeed he was refreshing like cold lemonade on a hot summers day, she’d never seen anything quite like him. He was not huge, and bulky, like some of the other over beefed Thunderian men were. Her husband included. He was slender, not too terribly tall yet his muscles were so, firm and developed. He walked with a sense of honor, yet also a bit of humility as he approached his fighting partner, making sure to bow first before they began. Therja just smirked, he had been doing his job for a very long time. He had been appointed captain of the guard three years ago and was in charge of training all the so called newbie’s. Oh yes some of the refugees had skills, had a few abnormal powers, that made them stand out. But the truth was when Taz stepped forwards, Therja was the first to assume that he knew nothing, but some basic moves with that staff. Quickly tugging back his long waist length multi colored mane, he lifted his battleaxe. His muscles still stinging from the last assault by “Semapha” A very large bullox looking snow leopard. Tara knew by the overconfident cocky look in Therja’s face that, he thought Taz was going to be a easy win. However, Tara assumed different. Four of the others, sat watching and waiting their turn, as Semapha leaned back, trying still to stop the gushing blood from his freshly split lip. Therja was not one, to go lenient on the troupes when he assumed they were capable of so much more. Blade, Link, and Shay sat watching as well, hoping there friend Taz would do much better then the snow leopard. “When ever your ready!” Therja said with a laugh drawing his weapon into his great muscled arms. Taz just smiled and nodded, with movements so quick and so fast Therja barely seen them coming, let alone was able to deflect them, as Taz’s staff toppled over Therja like a axe to a great tree. Slamming him down so hard to the unforgiving ground that it almost took his breath away. Taz didn’t stop there though once his teacher was down gave him, just another opportunity to surprise. This time Therja was ready though and met staff to axe just above his face. Taz grinned pulled back spinning then attacked again before Therja had a chance to yet make it to his feet. The thwack sound of his ebony staff against the ground echoed with power. Therja had rolled away just in time before it cracked full force against his skull. “I am impressed!” Therja grinned, gaining his ground, this time determined that Taz would not make him look bad. Again and again the two warriors met, they fought masterfully both of them, nether giving or gaining ground. Again Tara inched forwards in the tree limb, this was more then good, it was so amazing that she was wishing for popcorn and a drink. The two men, fought and bantered playfully, giving and getting they slammed and smacked in turn. Therja would get in two or three, very impressive hits then, would be counteracted with an equally impressive move from Taz. “You’re not the only one Impressed.” Tara muttered to herself, as she tried to calm down her over excitement. Almost dangling from the tree branch; she now had to resort to bighting her own palm instead of screaming, and yelling at the match. It was that intense. And with her playful comments she knew that she would distract them from the fight which she didn’t’ need to happen. Finally Therja had managed, to knock the weapon from Taz’s palms, and for a fleeting moment she assumed it was all over. Therja tossed his own, and it moved to hand to hand combat. Which surprisingly didn’t last as long as she would have assumed, with Therja being Taz’s opponent. Therja had dove towards him, she had seen him do this move a hundred times, he’d pick up the other warrior and fling him like a rag doll over his shoulder, or cracking them against the ground almost breaking there spine. However Taz’s leg moved, behind and lifted over his own head, with his foot he smacked into Therja’s forehead; toppling him before he had a chance to use his famous maneuver. “That. Is called the scorpion kick.” Taz grinned triumphantly, reaching down to help up his slightly dazed teacher. Therja relinquished the fact that indeed he had been beaten. And grasped Taz by the hand, pulling himself up laughing. “That my friend, is the last time I underestimate you. Well done!” He chuckled deeply. “Well done!” Then smacked Taz on the back. “That’s enough training for today, come to the bar I’ll buy you all a drink!” Therja grinned as the others got up following. “If you don’t mind sir.. I’d like to remain here longer, and just practice a bit. It felt wonderful to do that again.” Taz said lifting up his staff one more time. “Of course Taz.. just don’t get too good now, or your going to make me loose my job.” Therja winked and picked up a few of his weapons, as the group all herded towards the lair and to the bar that the troupes used to relax when needed. It was some time, between then, and when Taz started whacking the tree trunk with that staff of his, practicing his swings when Lady Tara realized that she was in trouble. She had been too enthralled with the whole competition, to realize that she was not only in one hell of a precarious situation, but she had scrambled so far out on the limb that it was threatening to bend beneath her own weight. With the next thwack from Taz’s powerful wrists the branch snapped sending down a shower of leaves and one unexpected prize as she fell into a heap on the grassy noel. A very feminine sounding screech echoing as she was dumped on her royal arse in the middle of branches and twigs. Completely dumbfounded Taz spun on his heals, all he could see was leaves and long legs, with thigh high boots kicking out from under the branches. Carefully he approached not too sure of what, or who was beneath the vegetation. All he could hear was muffled cursing and a strange foreign accent grumbling. “Are you ok?” he said a bit leery as he started to rummage through the branches. “That is the very last time, I spy on any one!” Tara snarled as she thrust one of the branches off her, almost smacking Taz in the face. He ducked just in time. Shaking with anger, Tara looked up towards him, as she rubbed down the side of her pale face trying to stop the bleeding from a rather nasty cut on her cheek. All Taz could do at this point was blink. She was the most amazingly beautiful woman Taz had ever seen. With her dark ebony hair that swept down her shoulders, and the full curve of her luscious red lips, that looked completely kissable. And he was rather taken back wondering how an angel came to be perched up in the branches to begin with. “Well don’t just stand there with your mouth open, help me up!” Tara said sharply lifting one of her hands, towards him. Taz’s face lit scarlet, he hadn’t realized, that he had been gawking at her as hard as he had. She just had surprised him, caused him to go almost speechless; as she clambered out of the bushes, and into his arms. “Are you hurt badly?” He said quickly looking over her slightly torn, black body suit and leggings. “Only if you account for my pride.” Tara grinned, grabbing her plump arse and rubbing it. “Good thing I have lots of padding!” She teased, sticking out her rear towards him. At this, Taz’s internal organs seemed to be completely on fire, with thoughts that normally he well didn’t have, or haven’t had for a very long time. Tara smiled, tearing off a piece of her own body suit, she ripped just enough from her stomach so she could wipe it across her cheekbone. “Here let me.” Snatching it from her hand, Taz moved closer, sweeping his hand into her hair to steady her, he soothed some of the dark material across a rather nasty cut on her cheek. Tara’s eyes could do no more, then to be completely transfixed with his as he cleansed her face from the blood. She decide at that moment, she absolutely loved how his hair seemed to spike playfully around his short pointed ears, and matched his completely grope-able beard that just teased to be tugged. His hair, was the same, bright yellow color as his bare chest, but it also meshed with a bit of white around his temples. Stray spots intermingled with the yellow, making him look just so dashing as it off set his, strong nose, and powerful square jaw line. He was handsome, beyond every explanation of the word. “So… A… what were you doing up in that tree?” He finally questioned, finding his voice. “Watching you. What else?” Tara said almost painfully honest. “Me?” he said moving away, as he bit his lip nervously. “Well not Just you, I also loved watching Therja get his gludious maximus kicked all over the field. That was a wonderful surprise.” She laughed smacking him hard across his butt for emphasis. Taz’s face spoke volumes, No.. she didn’t…. yes she did!” He quickly sorted through his spinning head. As once again his jaw gaped wide open in shock. “The name is Tara.” She said now brushing up against him, her hand resting on his shoulder. “Ta.. Taz!” he sputtered out returning the greeting. She was something, and from that moment on, he knew that she was going to be a handful, looking at her now through the corner of his eye, as his muscles were being fondled by this unusually playful woman. He didn’t quite know what to make of her, of this situation, not more then a moment ago, she was buried in tree branches, now she was all over him like and octopus trapping its prey. Not that he minded the attention, but he was rather surprised at how quickly it occurred, moving from complete stranger, to…. “OHH! He gasped again as her hand once again found something that made him squirm. “Tara?” Taz spun moving just out of touching distance. “So.. you’re a Thundercat?” He questioned, looking at the broached silver insignia that adorned, her buxom chest. She nodded, and smirked. “Yep.. for quite some time.” She said purposefully vague, Not truly wanting him to know, that she was lord Lion-os’ wife. Some how she assumed, that might just put a damper on the moment, and right now, that is the last thing that she needed. “So why did you not want to join the others in the bar?” Tara questioned, fluffing out her long hair making it sweep more down her back. “Oh…Um, I don’t drink.” He said nervously kicking at the ground below his feet, so far he had been ridiculed quite a lot about this same subject, and he truly didn’t want to go into a long discussion again. “Oh good neither do I.” Tara smirked. “Well, except for a few times, when I have ended up in very precarious situations because of the spirits in the beverage, however, I’m trying to behave now, me and ….booze lets just say are not agreeable.” She gave him a playfully mischievous grin, that he assumed could mean anything, but he was unsure with what he was gathering from her, if he could handle the truth. Grabbing his arm in hers, she leaned against him. “How about you buy a lady some lunch, I know this particularly wonderful restaurant just a few miles from here, and well, I’d love to get to know you better.” “I.. a..” he tried quickly to come up with some sort of excuse as to why he couldn’t, but nothing truly came to mind, besides, he liked her, from what he saw, she completely intrigued him. “Yes, I’d like that.” He looked down noticing how dirty and disheveled they both were. “Er, how about we make it dinner, tonight. That way I can shower first.” “Mm… you know I am quite a busy lady, I don’t know if I can squeeze you in later.” She winked and buffed her long nails across her chest. “However just this once I’m willing to make an exception.” She beamed up at him with the most alluring smile that he could remember. “ I’ll meet you at Albertoz. At seven pm. Do not keep me waiting cheetah.” With that she turned, and sundered off, cockily walking down the cobblestone pathway that led towards the mighty Cats Lair. “Wow….” Taz said stunned, still trying to take everything in, yet as soon as she was out of sight he plucked up his staff, and ran full speed towards his small apartment. With only having seven hours to get ready he had a lot of things to get sorted until that time. There was no way that he would be late, for that date. It was ten minutes after seven, his wrist slunk dejectedly down on the table. She was ether late or not coming, not coming seamed to be the more likely of the two. He slid depressed down into his soft plush chair, and took yet another sip of his water that was getting warm from the melting ice that he had been memorizing for the last little while. Looking up optimistic, when the door again chimed, his hopes again were dashed when and older Thunderian couple came in, dragging a cane through the threshold of the small restaurant. “Is this seat taken?” a soft elegantly feminine voice said rather quietly. Looking up quickly, and a bit startled he was face to face with Tara. Her face was almost shrouded with a dark colored cloak. “You’re late!” he smirked, and stood quickly moving the chair out from beneath the table so she could sit. “No, I’m not late, I’m perfectly on time.” Giving her a bit of a playful glare, he helped her remove her cloak and sit. She was dressed elegantly in a black chiffon gown that trailed the ground, her shoes a black gem stone sandals. Her long dangling earrings matching. This was the first time that he noticed her hair, it had a few long blond streaks intermingled in with the dark ebony, as it curled around her shoulders. Remarking now, that for a feline, she looked more human then cat. “You look lovely.” Taz said, now sitting down in his own seat. “Oh I know.” She winked, and then buried her face inside of a menu. “I find this place has just about every different kind of food imaginable. It goes from first earths quaint past. To well more, unusual items. What ever you do… don’t touch the Sumarian quixona… Trust me, you don’t want to know what’s in it.” Smirking and plunking his elbows on the table, he just watched her, as her long colored nails drifted across the menu. “So … have you two had a chance to decide?” questioned a very short and very plump waiter, who was dressed up like a penguin on parade. “Tara?” Taz said, nodding. “Oh yes, I’ll have the gyro plate with some of your wonderful rice pilaf, salad, and some baklava for desert. “For me, the lasagna, also with a salad, no onions, plenty of sauce, and…a pespi please.” Taking Taz and Tara’s menus the waiter smiled, “Any desert for you sir?” “Cheese cake.” Taz grinned, as he fuddled with his fork and spoon making sure they were resting straight against the napkin. He was the very organized type nothing belonged out of place, especially when he was trying to nervously impress some one. Tara cocked her brow and smirked. “No onion’s ha? What makes you think you need your breath that fresh, thinking of kissing me are you?” Taz was about to take a sip of his drink but he almost spit it with her new surprise comment. ‘No.. no, I .. Tara?” His cheeks lit beet red. “I’d not think of kissing you, I just don’t like onions.” Tara’s lips drooped into a full pout. “Oh I’m not good enough to kiss?” She retorted intentionally giving him a hard time. Taz just sat there blinking. It seamed no matter what he said, she would find away to twist it into something intentionally shocking. “Tara… yes you’re more then kissable however, I was only thinking about my stomach and the fact that I loathe onions.” He winked. Tara smirked back at him playfully, as she leaned back fussing over her bracelet that was chiming at her wrist. “At least you know what you like. That’s more impressive then most men.” Interrupting again the waiter brought over the first course of salads. Sliding them into place just in front of the two. He also pulled two silver colored candles from his pocket and put them on the table, lighting them. The lights dimmed just a few knots, leaving the most romantic candlelight that beamed in-between the two. “Your cheek is looking a lot better, I can hardly tell you hurt yourself.” Taz said trying to make light conversation as he lifted his fork. Tara had already taken a bite of her, green’s and just nodded, until she had a chance to swallow. “Make up, does wonders.” Taz and Tara managed to finish up their wonderful dinner, and the conversation was both nether too serious or too playful the whole time, in fact the night was perfect. Taz paid for dinner, and after helping Tara with her long cloak they walked out into the night air. It was slightly chillier and a storm had managed to move in. Fresh scented droplets of rain began to drizzle. Taz winced a bit pulling his own, knee length leather jacket tighter around himself. “Shall I call for transport?” Taz said lifting up his communication device towards his face. “No… NO.” Tara snatched it nervously from his hand, and leaned toward him. “I love the rain, perhaps a walk?” “You’re going to get wet my lady.” He said, his charming face lighting with a smile. “Oh don’t you worry about that love, I have been wet for hours.” She said mysteriously pulling away from him, and fixing her hood further down her face, too keep her makeup from running. Taz fought back a laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck and head. Oh yes his first impression of her was correct. She was trouble. Bounding quickly to her side, the two walked back through the main streets of Thundera’s bustling new city. The lights and the neon colors, reflecting on the damp rain coated sidewalks. The males arm wrapped around her waist a few times, as they clopped along in the darkness. Her perfumed sent just seemed to weft up into his nose, absolutely consuming him, she was not only incredibly beautiful, she was also cleaver, funny. Out spoken. And well just wonderful in every aspect. She was, in one short package, almost everything he had always dreamed about finding. He had to lift his hands just a few times to his own chest, to feel his own heart. There was just something going on, deeply buried beneath his flesh that overwhelmed him. For so long he had hidden his heart, afraid of being hurt again. The last time he was devastated, and promised himself that love was no longer a comfort that he could afford. Yet here he was, had barely met this woman, this amazing creature, and he felt just lost in a sea of emotions. Hopes and dreams that he thought he’d given up. Were now just completely tangible, and she; seemed to be his match in every way. Tara hid her face in the fullness of her long cloak making sure that she would not be recognized. Well hoping that she wouldn’t. In truth she was not hiding from being with Taz. The problem however, was she did belonged to Lion-o… and she was not free to do what she was desiring to do. So many times through dinner, she was wishing just to split herself in two. One to be with Lord Lion-o, and the other to stay with “Taz” There was something just so undeniably perfect between her and he. And not even she could put her finger on how closely they seemed to get, just in the few hours that they had been together. Usually people were shocked by her outlandish nature, but this man. Just seamed to understand her, although it was apparent that yes she stunned him on more then one occasion. He never, just stopped or drew himself back. To embarrassed to try… and that meant so much. She had felt as if she had know him for her entire existence. And truly with how old she was, that was some feat. The moon was now full and glowing a mysterious blue from beneath some of the dark rain field clouds. Stopping and lifting her face to the rain, Tara just froze and allowed the down poor to wash over her. Now that they were here only a few minutes walk and they would be at the lair. She didn’t want this night to end, and felt like postponing her return. Just a bit longer. Taz turned, grabbing her softly by the shoulders, “You ok?” He questioned as he looked into her pale moon drenched face. “Perfect.” She purred, slowly opening her eyes towards him. It was pure magic, that brought them together, as Taz swept her tighter into his arms and pressed his lips passionately against hers. Their bodies leaving no more room in-between them, as they crushed against each other. Just on the outskirts of the woodlands, what started as a small tender kiss, evolved into something uncontrollable, tongues, breath, heat, it was almost impossible in this frenzy of excitement that they were able to keep clothed. Tara’s hands were the first to break through his leather clad coat and into his shirt. The moment her cold hands, slid across his nipples, he knew that he was done for. All night long he had been fighting back urges, trying ever so hard to control what was unstoppable. It had moved passed the need to just caress her.. it was now so strong that he knew if he didn’t claim her now, that there would be no way that he could breathe another moment with out being inside her. “Taz………” Tara said weakly, almost breaking free to tell him the truth. But she couldn’t. There was no force, on earth or heaven that could separate them now. And nor did she wish to find such a cure. Her lips now nibbling on his more then sensitive ears, breathing warm air from her succulent mouth, drove him almost over the edge. He moaned and lifted her tighter in his arms, quickly sweeping her beneath the cover of one of the low hanging trees. Tugging her long dress up in bundles, as his trembling hand latched around its material. Tara grasped the side of her underwear, tearing it from her body then tossing it to the ground. Moaning as his hands gripped nothing but soft, warm, flesh, he moved slowly across her thighs, as his lips continued to suckle hers. Moving up her silky flesh until it found the sweeping of her hip, traveled across her shivering belly and downwards. “Oh gods!” She rasped out, her breathing irregular as he now found what he had been hunting for. It was well past eleven thirty when Tara finally snuck through the doors of her home. She was drenched, her clothes literally clinging to everyone of her curves. Her hair, and gown drizzling a great puddle on the marble floor as she hurried down the hall towards her bed chamber, hoping and praying that Lion-o was ether not home, or fast asleep. A two hour dinner she could explain, but her coming creeping in at almost midnight, smelling of sex, and Taz, she could not. Breathlessly entering her room, she was thankful that all was dark; and her bed empty. Quickly rushing into shower, then to climb into bed before she was caught. Taz made it through the door of his small apartment, shutting and latching the lock. Leaning against the frame, he couldn’t help but let out a content growling noise deep in his throat. From the kitchen his best friend Link came scurrying out. “Where you been Bruv?” he smiled. Taz’s eyes were absolutely glazed over with passion, so much in fact he was in some type of dream thinking only of the last few hours, and what had occurred so unexpectedly. “Uhh. Taz?” Link waved one of his blue colored palms across Taz’s face. “What’s wrong with you?” He said now a bit worried. The corner of Taz’s lip curled into a huge cat like grin. “I have met some one!” He said tossing his keys on the table and peeling off his leather coat, flinging on to the side of his coat hanger. “No… not just met… I’m in love!” He admitted, walking past Link. Link blinked, and rushed to catch up to his friend. “Wow, you wait a minute mate.. what do you mean?” The smile slowly peeled from off his lips as he remembered, the only thing Tara had asked of him. “Please Taz, what ever you do, don’t tell anyone about what happened, about me. I can’t have it get around just yet.” Thinking again about how happy he was, and how badly he wanted to tell his friend all about Tara, however he did promise, and he was the last one to ever go back on a deal when some one asked something of him. He just sighed, his head dropping. “I … can’t tell you Link... I want to, but I promised.” He lifted his hand to his friends shoulder. “I must not tell her name, but. She is amazing, and right now she has captured my heart.” “But… if she’ asked you not to tell, wouldn’t that mean that she’s hiding something?” Link said wincing hoping that he was wrong. His friend had been lonely for so long, he only hoped that he would find a girl that was worth while. However this was all sounding a bit too fishy for his liking. “I trust her. And she must have her reasons.” He said, now backing away, sniffing the collar of his shirt. He could still smell her, her perfume was all over him, her hands still roamed him in his memory. The last thing he wanted was to take a shower and wash the smell of her off. Tonight he could go to bed completely fulfilled. Two days after, he had not seen her once, she had sent no message, no note, nothing. Taz was beginning to feel a bit used, a bit foolish. He knew that she was a Thundercat, most likely one of the higher ranking ones, he knew her name, but. The last thing he could do was to go traipsing into the lair asking about her. Anonymity, she wanted no one to know. And doing something so foolish, would jeopardize what ever reason that she wanted to keep it quiet. Still, not having her around was almost breaking him with doubts. Sighing now, all he could do was stand out on his balcony and look towards the mighty Lair, which crouched so nobly in the distance. Just a few more tests, a few more months and he too would be anointed a Thundercat, and get to move into the lair, then he would be next to her. And for that, he could no longer wait. It was the next morning, when under the cover of darkness a note was silently passed through the crack in the door, sliding across the floor, there it sat waiting until it was found at first light. It was a pale cream colored envelope with a rose embellished on the left hand corner. All it said was “Taz” In fancy black penmanship. Biting his lip he slowly tour open the flap, and withdrew the note, that smelled of the woman he had been missing so badly. My beloved Darling, Please meet me tonight, in the same place we met. 10:pm Love, always. T. It gave no reason for her absence, gave no explanation, but some how it didn’t matter. Three words stood out above all others; beloved, darling, and love. And those made all the difference.