One true king Part 5
One True king. Part 3, Tara’s eyes fluttered, then closed. Her body jerked, as her clothing was ripped and shredded by hordes of claws. She could feel there, slime coated fingers, could hear them murmuring in there own indistinct language, but she was complete unable to move at this point. Her arm had been punctured by one of the savage creatures four inch fangs. There powerful venom running its course through the hybrids body. Effecting her with non mobilization. She could feel it quickly take effect, and in a few more moments, she would be completely comatose. That is, if they allowed her to live that long? Slowly being digested in the Trolls belly was so not on her to do list for today, however that is now was she was positive that is what was going to happen. “Taz….” Was the last thing that entered her head before she succumbed to the poison completely. Her eyes closing as she passed out on the cold marble floor. One Troll smirked down at the sleeping hybrid, grabbed her arm, and lifted her fingers to his mouth. ‘Let her go!” Before the Troll had time to react to the voice behind it, he was thwacked in the side of the jaw, so hard that it broke. The creature fell backwards screaming, letting loose of the beautiful hybrids hand. Her arm collapsed to the ground. The other five trolls which were clambering over the hybrid, pounced towards Taz, Spinning, kicking. His arms swung with such speed and such skill that there was no way for them, to even get a hand hold. “DON’T YOU EVER TOUCH HER!” he yelled protectively as he fought. The creatures fell snarled, got back up and tried to attack again. Their cries just brought more attention to the fight, more back up for the young male to vanquish. Soon it was almost overwhelming as the five turned into fifteen, however one by one they did fall. Two darted towards Taz in mid air, he dove beneath them, they crashed together smashing heads, and falling into a moaning pile. Taz, quickly rolled from another creature, pulled out one of his Sai’s from his boot. Its sharp point sliding into the creatures belly. The remaining two squealed and bolted, running from the fight retreating back into the shadows. Taz stopped for just a moment to catch his breath, then rolled off the floor. Slipping over goo and slime, he crawled towards Tara grabbing her tightly from the floor his arms his trembling as his fingers swept over her body. Taz sniffled, if he would have lingered back at the apartment, she would no longer be with him. The realization hit, and he pulled her just that much closer, kissing her pale lips. Taz’s eyes were wet with tears, and all he could do was just tug her almost naked body into his arms. “You will be ok baby…” More heartfelt salty streams cascaded down his golden colored cheeks, as he rocked her. From not far down the long hallway, a rumbling boom lit behind him, and a powerful roar followed. Then he heard the tremendous sound of panicked footsteps as they echoed growing in speed. Taz blinked, a light so brilliant and so bold lit the darkness. He turned his face from the light, wincing with how intense it was. “Taz?” Lord Lion-o’s voice bellowed?” A bit confused, As he recognized the body of his wife that the male was so, tenderly clinging on too. The other Thundercats and trainees were all horrified. And all for entirely different reasons. “Tara? Is she?” Lion-o dropped to the ground next to the male cheetah, the sword of omens, clambering to the floor. “Oh NO!” Lea said almost panicked, as her eyes bounced from the two males, and Tara’s lifeless body. “She’s ok.. I think?” Taz said still winded as he nodded towards the king, still trying to sniff back his own sense of pure raw emotions, “ I arrived just in time.” He lowered her down carefully to allow the king to see her bloody shoulder. “They did bite her, I don’t know how powerful the poison is?” Link, moved forwards inching his way through the crowd of on lookers. “Sir? I think I might be able to help.” Lion-o nodded, moving just slightly to give the blue tiger room, the palm of Links’ magical hand began to glow, almost red with power, as he kneeled over her, laying his long fingers against the wound. He shuddered, there venom was extremely potent, as his prevailing Magiks seamed to draw the poison from the woman’s body. Tara twitched just slightly, as the intense magic began to corrode what ever had been running through her veins. Gasping the hybrid’s eyes jolted open. “Nooo!” She let out a piercing scream, as she pushed wildly against all who touched her, still apparently fighting for her life. “Tara beloved!” Lion-o said quickly snagging her wrists in his larder then life hands, “You are fine love, its over.” Taz blinked, as his protective nature again overtook his own logic. “Your hurting her!” He hissed in warning. Tara’s leg kicked, and smite Link right in the chest, knocking him over with one of her extremely strong reflexes. “Would you prefer, that?” Lion-o growled, tugging Tara completely away from Taz, he swept her into his arms. “Tara, stop… the trolls are gone.” He repeated, holding her to steady her. Leanna bolted towards Taz, she noticed now the almost explosive gaze in his bright green eyes, he was ready to fight to take back what he assumed was his. Laying a strong hand at his shoulder. “Lion-o knows how to handle her, please Taz.” She whispered in his ear. Trying to get him to calm down, long enough to see reason. Taz was absolutely frenzied with rage when he spun grabbing Lea’s shoulder tugging her down to his level. “He called her beloved, WHY??” Az and the others stepped forwards “Bring her to the med bay, we can run some tests on her.” Lion-o nodded following the winged human, as he swept Tara away. Her muscles had calmed a bit now, but was hysterically crying. Therja nodded and turned, “Ok, lets all fan out, now that we have reinforcements, we can no longer leave any of this area, unexplored. Take lights, hunt through the lair, what ever remains of the Trolls must be collected, any one still alive, we need to help. Split up, in teams of two, and scour the Lair. The group nodded quickly making teams. Sean and Sheena, Link and Blade. Sephia and Shay. The last one to leave, was shay as her curious eyes downcast to her friend Taz. She reluctantly stepped over some of the bodies of the downed Trolls, shaking her head. “Lea?” Panthro, stood just behind his wife, waiting for her to join him in the hunt. “Panthro, you go with Therja, Taz and I need to have a talk.” She nodded. Panthro didn’t understand he only nodded his slight disapproval and acceptance, as he withdrew his nun chucks once more, and followed Therja back down the hall. Leaving Taz and Leanna, both on the ground locked in an intense gaze. The last thing that Leanna wanted to do was to, break the young mans heart. But there was nothing left that she could do, he disserved to know the truth. “Lea?” Taz begged again, feeling her reservations behind her dark green eyes. Lea’s head sunk. “Tara, is Lord Lion-o’s wife.” Taz’s jaw was not the only thing that dropped with that one sentence. His heart completely crumpled into a thousand shattered pieces. “No.” he shook his head, “Please Leanna, I’m begging you, its not so?... I .. I mean it cant be.” His shoulders sunk dejectedly, his hands moved to his stomach, everything was spinning, everything that he was positive was true, up until that point seemed so wonderful and now….. GONE?” ‘I’m so sorry sweetie.” Leanna’s hand moved to his head, resting on his spotted mane that was now covering most of his eyes. He jerked away as if her hand was engulfed in flames. “Sorry? SORRY?!” yelling now. “She lied to me! I have been making love to the Kings wife all this time!” Sobbing, his hand gritted into white clenched fists as he pounded the flooring wishing that this would ease some of this pain. “I … gave her my heart!” “Taz.. she loves you.” Lea tried to soothe him. “She doesn’t know what love is, apparently. Sleeping with him every night, then coming to me, when she had extra time? It makes sense all her mystery all her begging for me not to tell. She knew what she was doing, and I am the fool who believed.” “It’s not like that!” Lea continued but at this point he was no longer listening to logic. “All this time? Lion-o is my king, Tara? The hybrid queen?” Taz stood on very wobbling dizzy legs. His head completely reeling with pain, confusion. Trying to sort out that which just could not be sorted. The male quickly shifted into his Lynx form. “I can never forgive her, or myself.” Was the last word that he said before vanishing completely. Leaving Leanna sitting alone on that floor in a big pile of Troll goo, wincing and cringing at what was going to happen next. Two days had past, When Tara felt more up to talking, Leanna had pulled the hybrid aside and had told her what happened with Taz , that he now knew the truth. Tara, herself in those two days completely changed. No longer could she even fake a smile, no longer did her eyes spark with life. She felt dead in every sense of the word. Her heart was ripped in two, knowing that she hurt him. And although Lion-o was still completely oblivious to the situation, which was just under his nose. He was aware something truly was wrong, but. He assumed it was just because of the attack weighing heavily his wife’s mind. Why she had become so reserved, and depressed. The lair itself, had been through a huge renovation, just to fix and or sort out all that had been lost in the battle with the trolls. New paint, new doors, and new wiring sorted out the physical aspects that were associated with the assault. However the damage went just so much deeper then that. All the lives that were lost, all the people who had so needlessly died. The Morgue had been bustling with families in and out. Trying to identify if at all possible, the remains of there loved ones. It wasn’t until the day of the “Funeral” That Tara no longer could hide inwardly to what had happened, she was forced to sort herself out enough to even be able to make an appearance. This was the most devastating attack, that New Thundera had ever had to face, and Tara, The queen of Thundera was expected to be there, despite what ever inward battles were also plaguing her. Since so many souls were lost that day, at least fifty two guards were massacred in the halls of there very sanctuary, it was decided by the King. That a day of morning should be reserved. Tara leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes, and sighing deeply. The funeral was just moments away from starting. And she was less then ready to face all those people. When Lion-o again came to his wife’s door knocking on it softly then turning the handle. His long red mane peeping through the threshold. “Tara are you ready?” He questioned wondering what the delay was. Tara nodded and swept back her hair from her face, slowly standing. She couldn’t even muster a smile as she approached him, taking his arm in hers. The king and queen slowly made there way down the hall and out into the gardens where, they were holding the funeral. Both of them dressed in there most solemn black attire, fitting the occasion. *~*~* Another wrap at Taz’s bed room door, destroyed his dismal silence from within, as Link leaned towards the oak wood. “Taz you have not eaten or came out of there for two days brov… were all so worried.” Just inside Taz sighed, and rolled over in his bed, tugging his blankets stubbornly over his head. The dark stubble of his unshaved beard, scratching against his blue sheets. This was the only place that he wanted to be, he could no longer carry on a conversation, he was broken. Closing his blood shot eyes and again pretending that he couldn’t hear the tigers pleas. So many of his friends had tried to speak to him though the barred door but none of them got much more then “Go away.” This time was no different. But the more he lay there the more he realized that his sheets still smelt of the hybrid. Her perfume was so very strong, that it penetrated the very weave. “Taz….” Links accented voice again spoke. “The Funeral is starting in a few minutes, were all going. But I … Just want to make sure you ok?” ‘I’m fine” Taz grumbled, knowing that they would leave him alone, if they knew that he was still alive. He never liked funerals, and this time it was so much worse. Tara would be there, and there was just no possible way that he could even look at her again with out his stomach churning into a devastated mess. Link bit his lip, as he turned from the door. “He still wont talk?” Shay questioned tossing her hands on her full hips. “What the devil happened?” Link slightly smiled taking Shay by the arm. “I’m sure, in his own time he will tell us. But right now were going to be late.” Link, Shay, and Ben popped into the back of the very over crowded funeral. There was so many Thunderians in attendance, that it was unbelievable. Sean and Sheena had been saving them seats, so quietly they ducked and slunk further up towards the two twins, nodding Sheena scooted over, so the others could sit. “So he’s not coming is he?” Link shook his head and slunk into his seat right next to a fragrant smelling rose bush. “Nope, you know him , when his minds set on something.” Sheena just shook her head. The sound of slow music began to play and everyone seated quickly stood to pay respect to the King and Queen who had just entered. Tara’s head was still ducked, walking slowly, and but trying to catch up with her husbands long stride. They made there way up towards the pulpit area. Lion-o was expected to say a few words, before the funeral itself was to begin. Link was the first to gasp when he noticed the woman latched on to Lion-o arm. “Bloody HELL!” He mumbled now realizing just why his best friend was so distraught. The love of his life, was…. The kings wife. Everyone lowered back to there seats when Lion-o motioned for them too. Except for link, it took him a few moments, he was still staring at Tara, completely dumbfounded. Until Shay grabbed a hold of his jacket and tugged him back into place. “What’s wrong with you?” Shay questioned as she leaned into the tigers long blue ear. Link motioned towards the king. Shay blinked, rubbed her eyes. Blinked again. “Isn’t that??” Nodding.. all Link could answer back was “Yep.” “That’s it, I’m going to kill her, she’s officially a hybrid pillow case!” Shay snorted her fists ready, “Oh she’s so going down” “Now, is not the time.” Link grabbed her fists, stopping her from causing a scene. Biting her lip Shay nodded, trying to calm down as Lion-o began his speech. But she was fuming, hate and anger obvious as she glared towards Tara with a look of death. Tara was more nervous now then a cat stuck on a hot tin roof, as her eyes searched the audience. She had been less then discreet when it had came to Taz and flaunting her love affair with him. They had gone to restaurants, been at the hotel almost every night. Gone out for walks in the park. And who’s’ to say some one had not recognized her by now. I mean there had to be at least over 300 people in attendance, her beloved Taz, might be one of them. She couldn’t help but inwardly cringe right now, at how many mistakes she had made. Her fingers nervously wrung against her black dress, as she stepped back just a few feet, trying to hide behind anything. Once Lion-o’s heartfelt speech was over, he took Tara in hand and they both joined the rest of Thundera’s mourners for the rest of the funeral and the well disserved tribute that the guards had earned. Once it was about half over, Tara had spent most of the time worrying and now was so very queasy, her stomach feeling like at any moment she was going to loose what was left of her lunch. “Lion-o I have to go.” Tara whimpered in the kings ear. “I’m getting sick.” Lion-o glanced around nervously. “Tara you cant, not now I need you.” Lifting her hands to her lips, apparently fighting back the urge to loose it. “Would you rather me make a spectacle here at the funeral. Ruining your new shoes?” Lion-o smiled pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. “Go rest love, I’ll cover for you.” Tara nodded went to stand up and then turned back taking the great lions face tenderly in her palms. She kissed him, not passionately but indeed lovingly. Fought back a flood of new tears, she ducked and hurried out while the rest of the audience was interested in the goings on of the speakers. Myra noticed the hybrid sneaking out and leaned towards Lion-o who was now sitting alone. “Tara ok?” “She’s sick again.” He faked a worried smile. “She’s been ill a lot Lion-o.” Myra whispered. “I know.” Lion-o tapped her on the hand, telling her with that one movement, that yes he was worried, but he hoped that everything would be all right. Biting his lip and sighing he watched his wife, open the door and quickly go back into hiding in his home. Nothing was what it had been before, nothing was even close to the same. And that hurt him more then anything, realizing just how much was truly wrong. He barely even knew her any more, she just didn’t open any of her feelings to him the way she had for so long. There was a definite wall that now he was unable to penetrate. Tara didn’t stop though when she went inside, running to the cloak closet, she swept on a bright crimson robe, then right out the front door, the hood pulled down over her face. With everyone at the funeral she knew that she could sneak into his house, into his room, and leave him a message, any message. Some how she just had to let Taz know that non of what she did was out of anger, spite or the wrong intentions. She could not bare to have him loath her, not him. There has to be a way? She was the one who had put her entire life at stake just to be with him, and that had to be worth something. She mumbled under her breath as she hurried a crossed the long field in-between the troops training area and the apartments in which he lived. Tara licked her full dry red lips as she ascended the iron steps to his home, tugging out one of her boby-pins from her hair, she spread it open, and slid it into the key lock, fussing just a bit, as the door still refused to open, She turned it carefully to the right, as the other side pushed in the mechanism that held the lock steady. Finally with enough patents and tries she was able to open it like a professional thief, sneaking into his home and looking around nervously. No one was there, just as she expected. Moving to his desk she plopped in his chair and took out some parchment, and a pen. Quickly jotting down a few scattered bits of begging. Pleading and all out, whimpering for him to forgive her. She sighed, it was only a half page of nothing but garbled spastic idea’s. Of why she had done what she had done, and even to her it didn’t seem to make that much sense. Leaning over the oak desk, sighing and sobbing she crumpled it tossing it in the waist basket. On the next small white parchment, all she managed to write was “I’m… So sorry.” It wasn’t all she wanted to say, but right now her brain was so unfocused, it was all that made sense. Standing tall and glancing at the clock, she slowly made her way to his bed room door. Her hand, grabbing the handle… It was locked. Gasping…wondering what that truly meant. Tara held the note in her now trembling hands, wondering what to do now. Just inside Taz uncovered his head, he heard the door, assuming it was just his friends, but yet there was no knock. Not like all the other times, there was nothing but quiet. Getting a very bad feeling he slid from the covers an inched from the bed, withdrawing one of his swords from off the wall, he moved inaudibly. Tara lowered herself to her knees kissed the note that she had written, and very carefully slid it just beneath his door. Only the sound, that was heard was the sound of paper as it scratched against the brownish carpet, until the door quickly came flinging open and a furious hand wrapped around her neck. And in his right hand a metallic silver blade rested against her stomach. “How dare you show your face here!” He snarled in a most dangerous tone. “Go ahead.” Tara taunted, “If doing this to me, would make you heal, then do it. Because I have nothing with out you.” “Liar!” Taz screamed pulling her and tugging by her throat until she was now tightly pinned against the wall. His well muscled body locking her in place, as his eyes glared with more hate then Tara could ever expected to come from him. Talking was almost impossible by the strength of his long fingers that were collapsing around her esophagus. But still she did not fight him. Taz studied her, how her eyes never darted from his, how her body was completely calm, never wavering even under these dire circumstances. Where with one slip of his hand, could indeed penetrate her pale flesh, with this most unforgiving metal that rested against it. There was nothing about her that he didn’t love, there was no small piece of her, that he hadn’t explored. It was her mind, and those lips that had told him false truths. Glancing down at her semi pouting full mouth, he remembered how wonderful she tasted, how much he had adored the lap of her tongue as it intermingled with his. He shuddered, drawing his attention back to her eyes. They were a glorious green gold color, outlined with the dark black of her long lashes, and her onyx eyeliner that she usually had just sweeping over her lids. By the look of her, he knew that she had been crying. The whites of her eyes were a bit red, and her eyes still effected with fresh tears. He could almost see, the smear of old streams as they had cascaded down her cheeks. Again his heart just crumpled as he studied her. “How could you lie to me?” his jaw semi locking trying ever so hard to remain strong. “I. Never lied. You assumed I was free, and I could never break your heart.” Tara rasped out. “Because of YOU! I have done the most abominable thing, I have been unfaithful to my King! We could be hung for treason Tara! Conspiring against him.” Tara’s eyes closed tight, he could almost feel her crumpling emotionally beneath his hand. Again her glorious eyes were full of heartache as another barrage of salty wetness, trickled down her cheeks. “He may be the king of Thundera, but you….” She sniffled. ‘You Taz. Are my one true King. You are my soul mate.” Taz blinked, his scowling suddenly faded, and was replaced with shock. His sword dropped from his strong hand, as it clambered against the flooring. Both of his palms reached up, one around the back of her neck the other against her cheek. He buckled, from his resolve grabbing her into a crushing kiss. His lips simply pummeled against hers in fiery passion. With incredible intenseness the two lovers mouths danced, with each others. “I love you.” Tara mumbled when they had to break for air. “I love you too.” Taz panted, his lips dove to her neck, biting and nibbling along it, back up to her ears, teasing his tongue between her earring and her cheek. He felt so good. So right, and she was back home where she belonged. Her hands moved around his waist slipping into the back of his gray sleeping pants. She tugged them just enough so her hands could roam free against his fine golden flesh. Kissing back up to her cheek, he consumed her with his mouth, kissing her tears, her forehead, her nose. Then back down to those luscious lips. Pushing her back towards his bed room, he began to peal her of her crimson robe. As he walked guiding her with his kisses, her cloak dropped when he unlatched it. Then his hands found the zipper in the back of her long gown, tugging it, with such need that he almost tore it. Once he was rid of her cumbersome clothing, he picked her in his arms, as her long legs swept around his waist, carrying her to his king sized bed, and gently lay her down in the sheets. Delightfully sliding into place in-between her thighs, his long slender body draped across hers. Taking more time just to examine her, his fingers moving some of her loose curls from her face, he sighed. “What am I going to do with you baby?” “Only love me, that’s all I am asking for.” She answered back, as she pulled his face down to meet hers, his lips matching in every way as they consumed each other. *~*~*
One True king. Part 3, Tara’s eyes fluttered, then closed. Her body jerked, as her clothing was ripped and shredded by hordes of claws. She could feel there, slime coated fingers, could hear them murmuring in there own indistinct language, but she was complete unable to move at this point. Her arm had been punctured by one of the savage creatures four inch fangs. There powerful venom running its course through the hybrids body. Effecting her with non mobilization. She could feel it quickly take effect, and in a few more moments, she would be completely comatose. That is, if they allowed her to live that long? Slowly being digested in the Trolls belly was so not on her to do list for today, however that is now was she was positive that is what was going to happen. “Taz….” Was the last thing that entered her head before she succumbed to the poison completely. Her eyes closing as she passed out on the cold marble floor. One Troll smirked down at the sleeping hybrid, grabbed her arm, and lifted her fingers to his mouth. ‘Let her go!” Before the Troll had time to react to the voice behind it, he was thwacked in the side of the jaw, so hard that it broke. The creature fell backwards screaming, letting loose of the beautiful hybrids hand. Her arm collapsed to the ground. The other five trolls which were clambering over the hybrid, pounced towards Taz, Spinning, kicking. His arms swung with such speed and such skill that there was no way for them, to even get a hand hold. “DON’T YOU EVER TOUCH HER!” he yelled protectively as he fought. The creatures fell snarled, got back up and tried to attack again. Their cries just brought more attention to the fight, more back up for the young male to vanquish. Soon it was almost overwhelming as the five turned into fifteen, however one by one they did fall. Two darted towards Taz in mid air, he dove beneath them, they crashed together smashing heads, and falling into a moaning pile. Taz, quickly rolled from another creature, pulled out one of his Sai’s from his boot. Its sharp point sliding into the creatures belly. The remaining two squealed and bolted, running from the fight retreating back into the shadows. Taz stopped for just a moment to catch his breath, then rolled off the floor. Slipping over goo and slime, he crawled towards Tara grabbing her tightly from the floor his arms his trembling as his fingers swept over her body. Taz sniffled, if he would have lingered back at the apartment, she would no longer be with him. The realization hit, and he pulled her just that much closer, kissing her pale lips. Taz’s eyes were wet with tears, and all he could do was just tug her almost naked body into his arms. “You will be ok baby…” More heartfelt salty streams cascaded down his golden colored cheeks, as he rocked her. From not far down the long hallway, a rumbling boom lit behind him, and a powerful roar followed. Then he heard the tremendous sound of panicked footsteps as they echoed growing in speed. Taz blinked, a light so brilliant and so bold lit the darkness. He turned his face from the light, wincing with how intense it was. “Taz?” Lord Lion-o’s voice bellowed?” A bit confused, As he recognized the body of his wife that the male was so, tenderly clinging on too. The other Thundercats and trainees were all horrified. And all for entirely different reasons. “Tara? Is she?” Lion-o dropped to the ground next to the male cheetah, the sword of omens, clambering to the floor. “Oh NO!” Lea said almost panicked, as her eyes bounced from the two males, and Tara’s lifeless body. “She’s ok.. I think?” Taz said still winded as he nodded towards the king, still trying to sniff back his own sense of pure raw emotions, “ I arrived just in time.” He lowered her down carefully to allow the king to see her bloody shoulder. “They did bite her, I don’t know how powerful the poison is?” Link, moved forwards inching his way through the crowd of on lookers. “Sir? I think I might be able to help.” Lion-o nodded, moving just slightly to give the blue tiger room, the palm of Links’ magical hand began to glow, almost red with power, as he kneeled over her, laying his long fingers against the wound. He shuddered, there venom was extremely potent, as his prevailing Magiks seamed to draw the poison from the woman’s body. Tara twitched just slightly, as the intense magic began to corrode what ever had been running through her veins. Gasping the hybrid’s eyes jolted open. “Nooo!” She let out a piercing scream, as she pushed wildly against all who touched her, still apparently fighting for her life. “Tara beloved!” Lion-o said quickly snagging her wrists in his larder then life hands, “You are fine love, its over.” Taz blinked, as his protective nature again overtook his own logic. “Your hurting her!” He hissed in warning. Tara’s leg kicked, and smite Link right in the chest, knocking him over with one of her extremely strong reflexes. “Would you prefer, that?” Lion-o growled, tugging Tara completely away from Taz, he swept her into his arms. “Tara, stop… the trolls are gone.” He repeated, holding her to steady her. Leanna bolted towards Taz, she noticed now the almost explosive gaze in his bright green eyes, he was ready to fight to take back what he assumed was his. Laying a strong hand at his shoulder. “Lion-o knows how to handle her, please Taz.” She whispered in his ear. Trying to get him to calm down, long enough to see reason. Taz was absolutely frenzied with rage when he spun grabbing Lea’s shoulder tugging her down to his level. “He called her beloved, WHY??” Az and the others stepped forwards “Bring her to the med bay, we can run some tests on her.” Lion-o nodded following the winged human, as he swept Tara away. Her muscles had calmed a bit now, but was hysterically crying. Therja nodded and turned, “Ok, lets all fan out, now that we have reinforcements, we can no longer leave any of this area, unexplored. Take lights, hunt through the lair, what ever remains of the Trolls must be collected, any one still alive, we need to help. Split up, in teams of two, and scour the Lair. The group nodded quickly making teams. Sean and Sheena, Link and Blade. Sephia and Shay. The last one to leave, was shay as her curious eyes downcast to her friend Taz. She reluctantly stepped over some of the bodies of the downed Trolls, shaking her head. “Lea?” Panthro, stood just behind his wife, waiting for her to join him in the hunt. “Panthro, you go with Therja, Taz and I need to have a talk.” She nodded. Panthro didn’t understand he only nodded his slight disapproval and acceptance, as he withdrew his nun chucks once more, and followed Therja back down the hall. Leaving Taz and Leanna, both on the ground locked in an intense gaze. The last thing that Leanna wanted to do was to, break the young mans heart. But there was nothing left that she could do, he disserved to know the truth. “Lea?” Taz begged again, feeling her reservations behind her dark green eyes. Lea’s head sunk. “Tara, is Lord Lion-o’s wife.” Taz’s jaw was not the only thing that dropped with that one sentence. His heart completely crumpled into a thousand shattered pieces. “No.” he shook his head, “Please Leanna, I’m begging you, its not so?... I .. I mean it cant be.” His shoulders sunk dejectedly, his hands moved to his stomach, everything was spinning, everything that he was positive was true, up until that point seemed so wonderful and now….. GONE?” ‘I’m so sorry sweetie.” Leanna’s hand moved to his head, resting on his spotted mane that was now covering most of his eyes. He jerked away as if her hand was engulfed in flames. “Sorry? SORRY?!” yelling now. “She lied to me! I have been making love to the Kings wife all this time!” Sobbing, his hand gritted into white clenched fists as he pounded the flooring wishing that this would ease some of this pain. “I … gave her my heart!” “Taz.. she loves you.” Lea tried to soothe him. “She doesn’t know what love is, apparently. Sleeping with him every night, then coming to me, when she had extra time? It makes sense all her mystery all her begging for me not to tell. She knew what she was doing, and I am the fool who believed.” “It’s not like that!” Lea continued but at this point he was no longer listening to logic. “All this time? Lion-o is my king, Tara? The hybrid queen?” Taz stood on very wobbling dizzy legs. His head completely reeling with pain, confusion. Trying to sort out that which just could not be sorted. The male quickly shifted into his Lynx form. “I can never forgive her, or myself.” Was the last word that he said before vanishing completely. Leaving Leanna sitting alone on that floor in a big pile of Troll goo, wincing and cringing at what was going to happen next. Two days had past, When Tara felt more up to talking, Leanna had pulled the hybrid aside and had told her what happened with Taz , that he now knew the truth. Tara, herself in those two days completely changed. No longer could she even fake a smile, no longer did her eyes spark with life. She felt dead in every sense of the word. Her heart was ripped in two, knowing that she hurt him. And although Lion-o was still completely oblivious to the situation, which was just under his nose. He was aware something truly was wrong, but. He assumed it was just because of the attack weighing heavily his wife’s mind. Why she had become so reserved, and depressed. The lair itself, had been through a huge renovation, just to fix and or sort out all that had been lost in the battle with the trolls. New paint, new doors, and new wiring sorted out the physical aspects that were associated with the assault. However the damage went just so much deeper then that. All the lives that were lost, all the people who had so needlessly died. The Morgue had been bustling with families in and out. Trying to identify if at all possible, the remains of there loved ones. It wasn’t until the day of the “Funeral” That Tara no longer could hide inwardly to what had happened, she was forced to sort herself out enough to even be able to make an appearance. This was the most devastating attack, that New Thundera had ever had to face, and Tara, The queen of Thundera was expected to be there, despite what ever inward battles were also plaguing her. Since so many souls were lost that day, at least fifty two guards were massacred in the halls of there very sanctuary, it was decided by the King. That a day of morning should be reserved. Tara leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes, and sighing deeply. The funeral was just moments away from starting. And she was less then ready to face all those people. When Lion-o again came to his wife’s door knocking on it softly then turning the handle. His long red mane peeping through the threshold. “Tara are you ready?” He questioned wondering what the delay was. Tara nodded and swept back her hair from her face, slowly standing. She couldn’t even muster a smile as she approached him, taking his arm in hers. The king and queen slowly made there way down the hall and out into the gardens where, they were holding the funeral. Both of them dressed in there most solemn black attire, fitting the occasion. *~*~* Another wrap at Taz’s bed room door, destroyed his dismal silence from within, as Link leaned towards the oak wood. “Taz you have not eaten or came out of there for two days brov… were all so worried.” Just inside Taz sighed, and rolled over in his bed, tugging his blankets stubbornly over his head. The dark stubble of his unshaved beard, scratching against his blue sheets. This was the only place that he wanted to be, he could no longer carry on a conversation, he was broken. Closing his blood shot eyes and again pretending that he couldn’t hear the tigers pleas. So many of his friends had tried to speak to him though the barred door but none of them got much more then “Go away.” This time was no different. But the more he lay there the more he realized that his sheets still smelt of the hybrid. Her perfume was so very strong, that it penetrated the very weave. “Taz….” Links accented voice again spoke. “The Funeral is starting in a few minutes, were all going. But I … Just want to make sure you ok?” ‘I’m fine” Taz grumbled, knowing that they would leave him alone, if they knew that he was still alive. He never liked funerals, and this time it was so much worse. Tara would be there, and there was just no possible way that he could even look at her again with out his stomach churning into a devastated mess. Link bit his lip, as he turned from the door. “He still wont talk?” Shay questioned tossing her hands on her full hips. “What the devil happened?” Link slightly smiled taking Shay by the arm. “I’m sure, in his own time he will tell us. But right now were going to be late.” Link, Shay, and Ben popped into the back of the very over crowded funeral. There was so many Thunderians in attendance, that it was unbelievable. Sean and Sheena had been saving them seats, so quietly they ducked and slunk further up towards the two twins, nodding Sheena scooted over, so the others could sit. “So he’s not coming is he?” Link shook his head and slunk into his seat right next to a fragrant smelling rose bush. “Nope, you know him , when his minds set on something.” Sheena just shook her head. The sound of slow music began to play and everyone seated quickly stood to pay respect to the King and Queen who had just entered. Tara’s head was still ducked, walking slowly, and but trying to catch up with her husbands long stride. They made there way up towards the pulpit area. Lion-o was expected to say a few words, before the funeral itself was to begin. Link was the first to gasp when he noticed the woman latched on to Lion-o arm. “Bloody HELL!” He mumbled now realizing just why his best friend was so distraught. The love of his life, was…. The kings wife. Everyone lowered back to there seats when Lion-o motioned for them too. Except for link, it took him a few moments, he was still staring at Tara, completely dumbfounded. Until Shay grabbed a hold of his jacket and tugged him back into place. “What’s wrong with you?” Shay questioned as she leaned into the tigers long blue ear. Link motioned towards the king. Shay blinked, rubbed her eyes. Blinked again. “Isn’t that??” Nodding.. all Link could answer back was “Yep.” “That’s it, I’m going to kill her, she’s officially a hybrid pillow case!” Shay snorted her fists ready, “Oh she’s so going down” “Now, is not the time.” Link grabbed her fists, stopping her from causing a scene. Biting her lip Shay nodded, trying to calm down as Lion-o began his speech. But she was fuming, hate and anger obvious as she glared towards Tara with a look of death. Tara was more nervous now then a cat stuck on a hot tin roof, as her eyes searched the audience. She had been less then discreet when it had came to Taz and flaunting her love affair with him. They had gone to restaurants, been at the hotel almost every night. Gone out for walks in the park. And who’s’ to say some one had not recognized her by now. I mean there had to be at least over 300 people in attendance, her beloved Taz, might be one of them. She couldn’t help but inwardly cringe right now, at how many mistakes she had made. Her fingers nervously wrung against her black dress, as she stepped back just a few feet, trying to hide behind anything. Once Lion-o’s heartfelt speech was over, he took Tara in hand and they both joined the rest of Thundera’s mourners for the rest of the funeral and the well disserved tribute that the guards had earned. Once it was about half over, Tara had spent most of the time worrying and now was so very queasy, her stomach feeling like at any moment she was going to loose what was left of her lunch. “Lion-o I have to go.” Tara whimpered in the kings ear. “I’m getting sick.” Lion-o glanced around nervously. “Tara you cant, not now I need you.” Lifting her hands to her lips, apparently fighting back the urge to loose it. “Would you rather me make a spectacle here at the funeral. Ruining your new shoes?” Lion-o smiled pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. “Go rest love, I’ll cover for you.” Tara nodded went to stand up and then turned back taking the great lions face tenderly in her palms. She kissed him, not passionately but indeed lovingly. Fought back a flood of new tears, she ducked and hurried out while the rest of the audience was interested in the goings on of the speakers. Myra noticed the hybrid sneaking out and leaned towards Lion-o who was now sitting alone. “Tara ok?” “She’s sick again.” He faked a worried smile. “She’s been ill a lot Lion-o.” Myra whispered. “I know.” Lion-o tapped her on the hand, telling her with that one movement, that yes he was worried, but he hoped that everything would be all right. Biting his lip and sighing he watched his wife, open the door and quickly go back into hiding in his home. Nothing was what it had been before, nothing was even close to the same. And that hurt him more then anything, realizing just how much was truly wrong. He barely even knew her any more, she just didn’t open any of her feelings to him the way she had for so long. There was a definite wall that now he was unable to penetrate. Tara didn’t stop though when she went inside, running to the cloak closet, she swept on a bright crimson robe, then right out the front door, the hood pulled down over her face. With everyone at the funeral she knew that she could sneak into his house, into his room, and leave him a message, any message. Some how she just had to let Taz know that non of what she did was out of anger, spite or the wrong intentions. She could not bare to have him loath her, not him. There has to be a way? She was the one who had put her entire life at stake just to be with him, and that had to be worth something. She mumbled under her breath as she hurried a crossed the long field in-between the troops training area and the apartments in which he lived. Tara licked her full dry red lips as she ascended the iron steps to his home, tugging out one of her boby-pins from her hair, she spread it open, and slid it into the key lock, fussing just a bit, as the door still refused to open, She turned it carefully to the right, as the other side pushed in the mechanism that held the lock steady. Finally with enough patents and tries she was able to open it like a professional thief, sneaking into his home and looking around nervously. No one was there, just as she expected. Moving to his desk she plopped in his chair and took out some parchment, and a pen. Quickly jotting down a few scattered bits of begging. Pleading and all out, whimpering for him to forgive her. She sighed, it was only a half page of nothing but garbled spastic idea’s. Of why she had done what she had done, and even to her it didn’t seem to make that much sense. Leaning over the oak desk, sighing and sobbing she crumpled it tossing it in the waist basket. On the next small white parchment, all she managed to write was “I’m… So sorry.” It wasn’t all she wanted to say, but right now her brain was so unfocused, it was all that made sense. Standing tall and glancing at the clock, she slowly made her way to his bed room door. Her hand, grabbing the handle… It was locked. Gasping…wondering what that truly meant. Tara held the note in her now trembling hands, wondering what to do now. Just inside Taz uncovered his head, he heard the door, assuming it was just his friends, but yet there was no knock. Not like all the other times, there was nothing but quiet. Getting a very bad feeling he slid from the covers an inched from the bed, withdrawing one of his swords from off the wall, he moved inaudibly. Tara lowered herself to her knees kissed the note that she had written, and very carefully slid it just beneath his door. Only the sound, that was heard was the sound of paper as it scratched against the brownish carpet, until the door quickly came flinging open and a furious hand wrapped around her neck. And in his right hand a metallic silver blade rested against her stomach. “How dare you show your face here!” He snarled in a most dangerous tone. “Go ahead.” Tara taunted, “If doing this to me, would make you heal, then do it. Because I have nothing with out you.” “Liar!” Taz screamed pulling her and tugging by her throat until she was now tightly pinned against the wall. His well muscled body locking her in place, as his eyes glared with more hate then Tara could ever expected to come from him. Talking was almost impossible by the strength of his long fingers that were collapsing around her esophagus. But still she did not fight him. Taz studied her, how her eyes never darted from his, how her body was completely calm, never wavering even under these dire circumstances. Where with one slip of his hand, could indeed penetrate her pale flesh, with this most unforgiving metal that rested against it. There was nothing about her that he didn’t love, there was no small piece of her, that he hadn’t explored. It was her mind, and those lips that had told him false truths. Glancing down at her semi pouting full mouth, he remembered how wonderful she tasted, how much he had adored the lap of her tongue as it intermingled with his. He shuddered, drawing his attention back to her eyes. They were a glorious green gold color, outlined with the dark black of her long lashes, and her onyx eyeliner that she usually had just sweeping over her lids. By the look of her, he knew that she had been crying. The whites of her eyes were a bit red, and her eyes still effected with fresh tears. He could almost see, the smear of old streams as they had cascaded down her cheeks. Again his heart just crumpled as he studied her. “How could you lie to me?” his jaw semi locking trying ever so hard to remain strong. “I. Never lied. You assumed I was free, and I could never break your heart.” Tara rasped out. “Because of YOU! I have done the most abominable thing, I have been unfaithful to my King! We could be hung for treason Tara! Conspiring against him.” Tara’s eyes closed tight, he could almost feel her crumpling emotionally beneath his hand. Again her glorious eyes were full of heartache as another barrage of salty wetness, trickled down her cheeks. “He may be the king of Thundera, but you….” She sniffled. ‘You Taz. Are my one true King. You are my soul mate.” Taz blinked, his scowling suddenly faded, and was replaced with shock. His sword dropped from his strong hand, as it clambered against the flooring. Both of his palms reached up, one around the back of her neck the other against her cheek. He buckled, from his resolve grabbing her into a crushing kiss. His lips simply pummeled against hers in fiery passion. With incredible intenseness the two lovers mouths danced, with each others. “I love you.” Tara mumbled when they had to break for air. “I love you too.” Taz panted, his lips dove to her neck, biting and nibbling along it, back up to her ears, teasing his tongue between her earring and her cheek. He felt so good. So right, and she was back home where she belonged. Her hands moved around his waist slipping into the back of his gray sleeping pants. She tugged them just enough so her hands could roam free against his fine golden flesh. Kissing back up to her cheek, he consumed her with his mouth, kissing her tears, her forehead, her nose. Then back down to those luscious lips. Pushing her back towards his bed room, he began to peal her of her crimson robe. As he walked guiding her with his kisses, her cloak dropped when he unlatched it. Then his hands found the zipper in the back of her long gown, tugging it, with such need that he almost tore it. Once he was rid of her cumbersome clothing, he picked her in his arms, as her long legs swept around his waist, carrying her to his king sized bed, and gently lay her down in the sheets. Delightfully sliding into place in-between her thighs, his long slender body draped across hers. Taking more time just to examine her, his fingers moving some of her loose curls from her face, he sighed. “What am I going to do with you baby?” “Only love me, that’s all I am asking for.” She answered back, as she pulled his face down to meet hers, his lips matching in every way as they consumed each other. *~*~*