The return home Part 4, pg 16. V, ML
The return home Part 4 By Leanna. As dawn broke the panther was awaken by the soft neighing of the unicorns as they came to the lagoon to drink. He opened his eyes and looked as a mare and her young foal drank from the waters edge. The mist that came from the water as the sun rose gave them an almost ghostly appearance. Panthro looked down at the mass of black hair nestled in the crook of her arm, the lioness’s forehead resting comfortably against his chest. Her arm over his waist, her long leg draped over his hip. He smiled and moved her hair away from her face with his fingers. “Five more minutes, “she mumbled nestling herself closer. The big panther smiled and planted a soft kiss on her closed eyelid, the lioness purred softly. “Lea… if you get any closer you’ll be inside my chest,” Panthro chuckled. “Mmmm, nice place to be,” she mumbled groggily, “I know I would be safe from the world then,” She smiled slightly. “You are now,” he smiled and ran his hand down her back and gently pinched her rump. The lioness squealed and playfully bit his chest. The panther chuckled as she opened her eyes and looked up at him, “Good morning beautiful,” he smiled. “Good morning my big handsome cat, “she smiled and softly kissed him. “Lea…. we have company,” he nodded towards the unicorns. The lioness turned her head and looked, “oooh look a foal, “she said and quickly pulled herself from the panthers embrace and got up. “Umm…. Lea baby…. your naked,” he chuckled as she went closer to mother and foal. “So… like they care,” she snorted and knelt down and held out her hand. Panthro smirked and reached for his clothes and watched as the mare walked over to the lioness and nuzzled her hand. The young foal cautiously came over and sniffed the lioness’s hand and whinnied softly. Leanna smiled and ran her hand softly down the foal nose. “They may not care if your naked but the unicorn keepers might when they come to check on them,” Panthro said walking over and passing over her clothes. The lioness rolled her eyes and took her clothes, “You just don’t want anyone to see me naked but you, “she teased as she dressed. “That’s right, “the panther scowled. “Come on grumpy…. Let’s head back and get some breakfast,” She said giving him a playfully swat on the rump. “I am not grumpy…you would know if I’m grumpy,” he said picking up the sleeping bag and making sure the camp fire had no ambers in it. “You get grumpy with me panther and I’ll kick your blue ass,” She smiled sweetly wagging her finger at him. “Somehow I actually believe that,” He smirked. She walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, “yes I would…. you may scare off the others but I know under the rough and gruff exterior is a big ol pussycat,” She grinned. He just looked at her and scowled, the lioness winked and kissed the tip of his nose, “Come on handsome… I’m hungry”. “Bossy woman,” Panthro grumbled and tossed the sleeping bag in the back and started up the tank and headed for home. ***** The sound of laughter echoing down the hall later that morning brought a smile to Lion-O’s face, “Well did you two enjoy your little impromptu camping trip,” He asked as Panthro and Leanna walked down the hall hand in hand. “Yes…. we did,” Leanna smiled shyly. “Scare off any unicorns with all the growling and roaring you two made,” The lion teased “Oh …ha...ha…cute,” Panthro snorted. Lion-O was going to say more but seen Cheetara coming his way,” Lion-O there’s a ship coming in for a landing”. Leanna smiled, “momma’s here,” She squealed happily turning and dragging the panther by the hand down the hall. “Someone’s happy,” Cheetara chuckled as her and Lion-O followed. The group made it outside just as the ship landed, the lioness bound happily down the step running towards the ship, just as she reached the ship the door opened. Leanna gasped and stopped dead in her tracks…it wasn’t her mother who stepped out it, was her intended mate Linus. The tall sandy haired lion looked at her, “Leanna,” he said as he walked down the short ramp. “Linus,” She said shocked as he walked up to her, “What are you doing here,” She asked finally finding her voice. “Your father called me and told me to get here right away,” he answered. “Well sorry but you’ve wasted a trip,” Panthro said coming up behind the lioness. “I’ve come to bring my mate home,” Linus growled, “and she will be coming home”. “I don’t think so,” The panther growled putting himself between his mate and this stranger. “Back off panther,” The lion growled then looked at him,” you’re the one Rohon warned me about”. “Yes,” Panthro snarled, “that would be me”. Linus smirked and looked over the panther’s shoulder at Leanna, “you can’t be serious………..this is what you’ve sunk too”. “That’s it,” Panthro growled and drew back his fist and punched Linus in the mouth. “Oh boy,” Lion-o said running over to try to defuse the situation, “Panthro this is not the time or the place,” he said putting his hand on the panther’s shoulder. Linus got to his feet and sucker punched the panther slamming his fist in the side of his head while his attention was draw to Lion-O. Panthro staggered a bit by the blow, his head whipped around and looked at the lion and bared his teeth growling fiercely, “you have picked a fight with the wrong cat,” Panthro growled. “You started it you big eared freak,” Linus snarled back. “Ok guys that’s enough,” Lion said stepping between the two angry males. “Yes I agree that is quite enough,” Came a females voice behind them. “Mom,” Leanna smiled and ran to her mother and hugged her tightly. “Lea sweetie…. I’m so sorry I didn’t know he was aboard until we got ready to land or I would have called ahead to warn you,” Sahara said hugging her daughter tightly, then looked at Linus, “you should be ashamed of yourself,” she growled,” do you realize who these people are,” she chastised, “now conduct your self in a proper manner when you are in the presents of the Thundercats”. Lunis slightly bowed his head, “Yes Ma’am, He said quietly. “Please excuse him,” Sahara said bowing to Lion-O, “he is young and ill mannered,” She scowled looking back at the young man. “He’ll be more then that,” Panthro grumbled under his breath. Sahara smiled and walked over to the big panther, “you must be Lord Panthro,” she smiled and held out her hand. “Yes Ma’am,” Panthro nodded and took the elder lioness’s hand and shook it. “Well I’m glad to meet you in person,” Sahara smiled and looked at her daughter and whispered, “now I know why you picked this one. He’s even bigger in person,” she winked. Leanna just rolled her eyes, “ ok mother…you’ve had your fun…now don’t tease”. “She embarrasses so easily,” Sahara winked at the panther. Panthro couldn’t help but smile. “Ok so we have a big mess on our hands,” Sahara nodded, “and I must apologize that you folks got dragged in the middle of my families mess”. “Well that can be easily solved,” Linus said. “Leanna must come home”. “Sorry but I am not going anywhere with you,” Leanna hissed. “Then your family will loose everything,” Linus stated. “I would rather be poor then see my daughter miserable,” Sahara stated,” you cannot take her away from the man she loves”. “Sorry but the contract is legal and binding,” Linus said. “Then I declare in front of all the witness’s present… Ty-Khan,” Panthro nodded, “that will settle things once and for all, you want her…you’ll have to go through me to get her”. “That,” Linus said towering over the panther, “will be as easy as taking candy from a cub,” he snarled poking Panthro’s chest. “You think so…cub,” Panthro smirked. “Oh I know so ….old man,” Linus growled. Lion-O knew he had to do something and quickly before these two tore each other apart. “Ok gentlemen…save it for the battle,” he nodded, “Panthro why don’t you get to work on the tank while I show your guests to their rooms” “There’s nothing wrong with the…” he started to say when Leanna came over and took him by the arm. “Come on I’ll give you a hand,” She said dragging him off. “Actually I would like to speak with my daughter,” Sahara nodded, “we have a lot to catch up on”. “Of course,” Lion-o nodded and smiled, he stood and watched her walk away with Leanna and the panther, at that moment he envied the lioness; she still had her parents even as messed up as their situation was they were still a family. “Lion-O,” Cheetara said gently placing her hand on his arm. “Oh …yes,” he smiled and drew his attention back to Linus, “please come with me”. Linus nodded and followed the Thundercat lord inside. ****** “I can’t believe the audacity of that, that, that……….arrogant pompous ass,” Panthro growled picking up a nearby wrench and throwing it across the room. “Easy love…. calm down,” Leanna said. “No I will not calm down,” He scowled, “who the hell does he think he is trying to take MY mate from me…. I’ll rip his head off and shove it up his ass so far he’ll be able to see what he had for breakfast”. “Panthro Love… No one will take me away from you,” The lioness said caressing his cheek trying to settle him down. Panthro looked at her and sighed then pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, “I know, I know,” he said,” it’s just that I can’t loose you …I just got you back”. “Panthro…. sweetie I swear you won’t loose me,” Leanna said. “Is there something else going on here that you’re not telling me,” Sahara asked eyeing the two curiously. Leanna bit her lip and looked up at Panthro, “you didn’t tell her did you,” he said. The lioness shook her head, “Lea,” Sahara question. Leanna turned round and faced her mother, “there’s another reason Panthro is upset by this, “she said,” we are bonded and officially mated now…. and there is a chance I maybe carrying his cub”. “You mean you’ve gone into season and have mated,” Sahara asked. “Yes,” Leanna nodded. “Oh sweetie that’s wonderful,” Sahara smiled and hugged her tightly, “I understand now…so does your father know this”. “By the gods no,” Leanna snorted, “he’d have a fit”. “Well then dear let me break the news,” she smiled, “that man needs to be put in his place,” she nodded. “I don’t want to two arguing over me,” Leanna said. “Lea…. look at me,” her mother said, “Do you love him, “she asked nodding to the panther. “Yes…very much,” Leanna smiled. “Are you happy with him”. “Yes,” Leanna nodded. “Then you let me handle your father,” Sahara said patting Leanna’s cheek, “ If there’s one thing you’ll learn…it’s how to handle a grumpy male,” she winked. “Well she’s got that part already down perfectly,” Panthro smirked. “And I bet he’s a handful too,” Sahara whispered to her daughter. “You wana believe it,” Leanna winked. ******* Panthro had gone back to his room to get ready for the Ty-Khan.. Lion-o was waiting out in the hallway when the panther came out. “Wow,” Lion-O said seeing how the panther was dressed. The upper part of the panther’s body was bare accept the black painted tribal markings that decorated his arms and chest. ”You look like a truly fierce warrior my friend,” Lion-o winked. “Our future is on the line here, before the sun sets tonight I will claim what is rightly mine,” the panther nodded determined, “you just make sure you have the sword with you when this is over”. Lion-O cocked a brow, “you got something planned,” He asked curiously. “I sure do,” Panthro smiled and the two men headed down stairs and outside where the others stood waiting in the field just on the other side of the lair. “Whoa,” Myra said tapping the lioness on the shoulder and motioning for her to turn around. Cheetara looked up and a smiled appeared on her face,” looks like someone is very ready to fight”. Leanna turned at see what the two women were talking about, “by Jaga’s ghost,” she said seeing how the panther was dressed, her eyes roamed over his painted body. “Want a bib,” Myra teased poking the lioness in the ribs. “Get her one after she picks her jaw up off the floor,” Cheetara chuckled. “Tara don’t you start,” Leanna said waggling her finger at the cheetah. The cheetah winked, “oh boy I see someone else is ready too, “she nodded as Linus came out, his long sandy blonde hair was tied back out of his face and in a braid that hung down his back. “Wow …which one to choose,” Myra winked. “Watch it miss stripes,” Leanna said, “we know who will win, it’s hardly a fair fight if you ask me”. “I don’t know, “Cheetara said, “He looks very strong and he’s also taller and younger then Panthro”. “I have faith,” Leanna nodded and took her seat on the fallen log they had placed a few feet from the made up ring. Tygra nudge Lion-O and pointed behind them Lion-O turned and looked at Linus, “there’s a young man who’s about to get his ass handed to him on a platter,” Lion-O smirked. Tygra smirked and lead the two men to the middle of the ring, “alright you two know the rules of Ty-Kan, no weapons allowed, hand to hand only, the first one to submit or be rendered unconscious wins…understood”. “Understood,” Linus smiled cockily, “you ready…old man”. Tygra smirked and patting the panther on the shoulder,” just don’t hurt him too badly Panthro,” Tygra whispered and winked. The panther smirked then looked at the young lion, “Ready…….cub”. “Oh this isn’t gona be pretty,” Cheetara chuckled as Lion-O walked over and sat beside her. “Hey Tygra wants take side bets,” Lion-O grinned. “Like,” Tygra asked cocking a brow. “Like how fast that lion gets tossed to the ground,” He chuckled. “He’ll be lucky to make it ten minutes,” Tygra winked. “You two hush,” Cheetara said. They watched at the two males squared off, Linus was the first to throw a punch, Panthro easily ducked out of the way, “is that the best you got cub,” He smirked. Linus growled and crouched and leapt at the panther using his body weight to knock him to the ground, “no you don’t,” Panthro scowled and planted his feet on the lion’s chest and pushed him off, Linus managed to flip and land on his feet, he quickly got up and threw another punch, Panthro blocked it with his forearm, the lion then out of the blue kneed the panther in the stomach, as Panthro hunched over from the blow, Linus gave him a sharp hard uppercut to the jaw, knocking Panthro to the ground. “No,” Leanna shouted jumping to her feet, Lion-O quickly grabbed her arm,” Leanna you cannot interfere”. Panthro raised his head and wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand, “Now I’m mad,” he snarled. Linus just looked at him and smirked, “come on old man”. Panthro growled and got to his feet, before Linus hand a chance to ready himself the panther leapt into the air and delivered a hard roundhouse kick to the lion’s jaw. As Linus staggered back Panthro once again leapt in the air and kicked the lion hard in the ribs. Linus landed backward with a hard thump. Linus growled and picked up a handful of dirt and threw it at the panther’s face. “Hey that’s not fair,” Leanna yelled. “Woman…sit down,” Lion-O said pulling her back down on the log, “Panthro can handle himself don’t worry”. “That’s it…. I’m done playing with you,” Panthro roared and went after Linus. The young lion felt as if he was hit by a log as the panther’s fist smashed into his face, the blow send the young lion reeling back a good twelve feet. Panthro stalked over and planted his foot on Linus’s cheat and grabbed him by his mane and drew back his fist, “Do you submit,” Panthro snarled ready to knock the lion out. “Never,” The young lion growled and kicked the panther in the back of the leg sending him backwards in the dirt. Linus quickly pinned the panther down and punched him in the face. Lion-O heard the lioness growl and kept a tight grip on her wrist to keep her from running over as Linus continued to pounded on the panther, “let me go I’ll kick his ass,” Leanna snarled. “Leanna calm down,” Cheetara said, “your going to distract Panthro”. The lioness bit her lip and sat down and cringed at every blow that Linus delivered. She wanted so badly to jump in and bash in his head. “I can’t watch, “she said burying her face in her hands. Lion-o looked over at Tygra worried, Tygra just shook his head. Suddenly A loud roar echoed through the air and the young lion went flying and landed against a nearby tree. Panthro slowly got to his feet and snarled and stocked over to the fallen lion and grabbed and dragged him to his feet and punched him hard in the face, Linus’s head snapped back against the tree hard and he slumped to the ground unconscious. Panthro threw back his head and let out a loud triumphant roar, Leanna raised her head and smiled, she quickly got to her feet and bolted towards the panther. Panthro turned and swept her up in his arms and kissed her fiercely, Leanna broke form the kiss, “you ok,” she asked gently touching the panther bruised and bloody face. “Never better,” he grinned broadly and set her down on her feet, he grabbed her hand and walked over to where the other sat. He stood in front of Rohon, “I have claimed Ty-Kan and won. The contract between Lea and that lion is no longer valid,” he nodded then turned to Lion-O, “may I borrow the sword for a moment”. Lion-O nodded and unsheathed the sword for the claw shield and handed it over to the panther. Panthro nodded then turned back to the lioness and reached for her long braid, “pan…wait,” she said she knew what he was about to do, “Are you sure this is what you want”. “Woman look at me,” he said, “ You seen what I just done to get you…. now it’s time to seal my claim……..for good,” he said and took the sword and cut a six inch section of her braid and held it up in the air and roared, “ in front of all that are present……… I now claim you, as my mate and wife,” he shouted then threw the cut braid at Leanna’s father,” never interfere with us again,” he growled and grabbed the lioness’s hand and headed back to the lair. “Umm what just happened,” Myra blinked. “Panthro just claimed Leanna as his wife,” Lion-O smiled.
The return home Part 4 By Leanna. As dawn broke the panther was awaken by the soft neighing of the unicorns as they came to the lagoon to drink. He opened his eyes and looked as a mare and her young foal drank from the waters edge. The mist that came from the water as the sun rose gave them an almost ghostly appearance. Panthro looked down at the mass of black hair nestled in the crook of her arm, the lioness’s forehead resting comfortably against his chest. Her arm over his waist, her long leg draped over his hip. He smiled and moved her hair away from her face with his fingers. “Five more minutes, “she mumbled nestling herself closer. The big panther smiled and planted a soft kiss on her closed eyelid, the lioness purred softly. “Lea… if you get any closer you’ll be inside my chest,” Panthro chuckled. “Mmmm, nice place to be,” she mumbled groggily, “I know I would be safe from the world then,” She smiled slightly. “You are now,” he smiled and ran his hand down her back and gently pinched her rump. The lioness squealed and playfully bit his chest. The panther chuckled as she opened her eyes and looked up at him, “Good morning beautiful,” he smiled. “Good morning my big handsome cat, “she smiled and softly kissed him. “Lea…. we have company,” he nodded towards the unicorns. The lioness turned her head and looked, “oooh look a foal, “she said and quickly pulled herself from the panthers embrace and got up. “Umm…. Lea baby…. your naked,” he chuckled as she went closer to mother and foal. “So… like they care,” she snorted and knelt down and held out her hand. Panthro smirked and reached for his clothes and watched as the mare walked over to the lioness and nuzzled her hand. The young foal cautiously came over and sniffed the lioness’s hand and whinnied softly. Leanna smiled and ran her hand softly down the foal nose. “They may not care if your naked but the unicorn keepers might when they come to check on them,” Panthro said walking over and passing over her clothes. The lioness rolled her eyes and took her clothes, “You just don’t want anyone to see me naked but you, “she teased as she dressed. “That’s right, “the panther scowled. “Come on grumpy…. Let’s head back and get some breakfast,” She said giving him a playfully swat on the rump. “I am not grumpy…you would know if I’m grumpy,” he said picking up the sleeping bag and making sure the camp fire had no ambers in it. “You get grumpy with me panther and I’ll kick your blue ass,” She smiled sweetly wagging her finger at him. “Somehow I actually believe that,” He smirked. She walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, “yes I would…. you may scare off the others but I know under the rough and gruff exterior is a big ol pussycat,” She grinned. He just looked at her and scowled, the lioness winked and kissed the tip of his nose, “Come on handsome… I’m hungry”. “Bossy woman,” Panthro grumbled and tossed the sleeping bag in the back and started up the tank and headed for home. ***** The sound of laughter echoing down the hall later that morning brought a smile to Lion-O’s face, “Well did you two enjoy your little impromptu camping trip,” He asked as Panthro and Leanna walked down the hall hand in hand. “Yes…. we did,” Leanna smiled shyly. “Scare off any unicorns with all the growling and roaring you two made,” The lion teased “Oh …ha...ha…cute,” Panthro snorted. Lion-O was going to say more but seen Cheetara coming his way,” Lion-O there’s a ship coming in for a landing”. Leanna smiled, “momma’s here,” She squealed happily turning and dragging the panther by the hand down the hall. “Someone’s happy,” Cheetara chuckled as her and Lion-O followed. The group made it outside just as the ship landed, the lioness bound happily down the step running towards the ship, just as she reached the ship the door opened. Leanna gasped and stopped dead in her tracks…it wasn’t her mother who stepped out it, was her intended mate Linus. The tall sandy haired lion looked at her, “Leanna,” he said as he walked down the short ramp. “Linus,” She said shocked as he walked up to her, “What are you doing here,” She asked finally finding her voice. “Your father called me and told me to get here right away,” he answered. “Well sorry but you’ve wasted a trip,” Panthro said coming up behind the lioness. “I’ve come to bring my mate home,” Linus growled, “and she will be coming home”. “I don’t think so,” The panther growled putting himself between his mate and this stranger. “Back off panther,” The lion growled then looked at him,” you’re the one Rohon warned me about”. “Yes,” Panthro snarled, “that would be me”. Linus smirked and looked over the panther’s shoulder at Leanna, “you can’t be serious………..this is what you’ve sunk too”. “That’s it,” Panthro growled and drew back his fist and punched Linus in the mouth. “Oh boy,” Lion-o said running over to try to defuse the situation, “Panthro this is not the time or the place,” he said putting his hand on the panther’s shoulder. Linus got to his feet and sucker punched the panther slamming his fist in the side of his head while his attention was draw to Lion-O. Panthro staggered a bit by the blow, his head whipped around and looked at the lion and bared his teeth growling fiercely, “you have picked a fight with the wrong cat,” Panthro growled. “You started it you big eared freak,” Linus snarled back. “Ok guys that’s enough,” Lion said stepping between the two angry males. “Yes I agree that is quite enough,” Came a females voice behind them. “Mom,” Leanna smiled and ran to her mother and hugged her tightly. “Lea sweetie…. I’m so sorry I didn’t know he was aboard until we got ready to land or I would have called ahead to warn you,” Sahara said hugging her daughter tightly, then looked at Linus, “you should be ashamed of yourself,” she growled,” do you realize who these people are,” she chastised, “now conduct your self in a proper manner when you are in the presents of the Thundercats”. Lunis slightly bowed his head, “Yes Ma’am, He said quietly. “Please excuse him,” Sahara said bowing to Lion-O, “he is young and ill mannered,” She scowled looking back at the young man. “He’ll be more then that,” Panthro grumbled under his breath. Sahara smiled and walked over to the big panther, “you must be Lord Panthro,” she smiled and held out her hand. “Yes Ma’am,” Panthro nodded and took the elder lioness’s hand and shook it. “Well I’m glad to meet you in person,” Sahara smiled and looked at her daughter and whispered, “now I know why you picked this one. He’s even bigger in person,” she winked. Leanna just rolled her eyes, “ ok mother…you’ve had your fun…now don’t tease”. “She embarrasses so easily,” Sahara winked at the panther. Panthro couldn’t help but smile. “Ok so we have a big mess on our hands,” Sahara nodded, “and I must apologize that you folks got dragged in the middle of my families mess”. “Well that can be easily solved,” Linus said. “Leanna must come home”. “Sorry but I am not going anywhere with you,” Leanna hissed. “Then your family will loose everything,” Linus stated. “I would rather be poor then see my daughter miserable,” Sahara stated,” you cannot take her away from the man she loves”. “Sorry but the contract is legal and binding,” Linus said. “Then I declare in front of all the witness’s present… Ty-Khan,” Panthro nodded, “that will settle things once and for all, you want her…you’ll have to go through me to get her”. “That,” Linus said towering over the panther, “will be as easy as taking candy from a cub,” he snarled poking Panthro’s chest. “You think so…cub,” Panthro smirked. “Oh I know so ….old man,” Linus growled. Lion-O knew he had to do something and quickly before these two tore each other apart. “Ok gentlemen…save it for the battle,” he nodded, “Panthro why don’t you get to work on the tank while I show your guests to their rooms” “There’s nothing wrong with the…” he started to say when Leanna came over and took him by the arm. “Come on I’ll give you a hand,” She said dragging him off. “Actually I would like to speak with my daughter,” Sahara nodded, “we have a lot to catch up on”. “Of course,” Lion-o nodded and smiled, he stood and watched her walk away with Leanna and the panther, at that moment he envied the lioness; she still had her parents even as messed up as their situation was they were still a family. “Lion-O,” Cheetara said gently placing her hand on his arm. “Oh …yes,” he smiled and drew his attention back to Linus, “please come with me”. Linus nodded and followed the Thundercat lord inside. ****** “I can’t believe the audacity of that, that, that……….arrogant pompous ass,” Panthro growled picking up a nearby wrench and throwing it across the room. “Easy love…. calm down,” Leanna said. “No I will not calm down,” He scowled, “who the hell does he think he is trying to take MY mate from me…. I’ll rip his head off and shove it up his ass so far he’ll be able to see what he had for breakfast”. “Panthro Love… No one will take me away from you,” The lioness said caressing his cheek trying to settle him down. Panthro looked at her and sighed then pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, “I know, I know,” he said,” it’s just that I can’t loose you …I just got you back”. “Panthro…. sweetie I swear you won’t loose me,” Leanna said. “Is there something else going on here that you’re not telling me,” Sahara asked eyeing the two curiously. Leanna bit her lip and looked up at Panthro, “you didn’t tell her did you,” he said. The lioness shook her head, “Lea,” Sahara question. Leanna turned round and faced her mother, “there’s another reason Panthro is upset by this, “she said,” we are bonded and officially mated now…. and there is a chance I maybe carrying his cub”. “You mean you’ve gone into season and have mated,” Sahara asked. “Yes,” Leanna nodded. “Oh sweetie that’s wonderful,” Sahara smiled and hugged her tightly, “I understand now…so does your father know this”. “By the gods no,” Leanna snorted, “he’d have a fit”. “Well then dear let me break the news,” she smiled, “that man needs to be put in his place,” she nodded. “I don’t want to two arguing over me,” Leanna said. “Lea…. look at me,” her mother said, “Do you love him, “she asked nodding to the panther. “Yes…very much,” Leanna smiled. “Are you happy with him”. “Yes,” Leanna nodded. “Then you let me handle your father,” Sahara said patting Leanna’s cheek, “ If there’s one thing you’ll learn…it’s how to handle a grumpy male,” she winked. “Well she’s got that part already down perfectly,” Panthro smirked. “And I bet he’s a handful too,” Sahara whispered to her daughter. “You wana believe it,” Leanna winked. ******* Panthro had gone back to his room to get ready for the Ty-Khan.. Lion-o was waiting out in the hallway when the panther came out. “Wow,” Lion-O said seeing how the panther was dressed. The upper part of the panther’s body was bare accept the black painted tribal markings that decorated his arms and chest. ”You look like a truly fierce warrior my friend,” Lion-o winked. “Our future is on the line here, before the sun sets tonight I will claim what is rightly mine,” the panther nodded determined, “you just make sure you have the sword with you when this is over”. Lion-O cocked a brow, “you got something planned,” He asked curiously. “I sure do,” Panthro smiled and the two men headed down stairs and outside where the others stood waiting in the field just on the other side of the lair. “Whoa,” Myra said tapping the lioness on the shoulder and motioning for her to turn around. Cheetara looked up and a smiled appeared on her face,” looks like someone is very ready to fight”. Leanna turned at see what the two women were talking about, “by Jaga’s ghost,” she said seeing how the panther was dressed, her eyes roamed over his painted body. “Want a bib,” Myra teased poking the lioness in the ribs. “Get her one after she picks her jaw up off the floor,” Cheetara chuckled. “Tara don’t you start,” Leanna said waggling her finger at the cheetah. The cheetah winked, “oh boy I see someone else is ready too, “she nodded as Linus came out, his long sandy blonde hair was tied back out of his face and in a braid that hung down his back. “Wow …which one to choose,” Myra winked. “Watch it miss stripes,” Leanna said, “we know who will win, it’s hardly a fair fight if you ask me”. “I don’t know, “Cheetara said, “He looks very strong and he’s also taller and younger then Panthro”. “I have faith,” Leanna nodded and took her seat on the fallen log they had placed a few feet from the made up ring. Tygra nudge Lion-O and pointed behind them Lion-O turned and looked at Linus, “there’s a young man who’s about to get his ass handed to him on a platter,” Lion-O smirked. Tygra smirked and lead the two men to the middle of the ring, “alright you two know the rules of Ty-Kan, no weapons allowed, hand to hand only, the first one to submit or be rendered unconscious wins…understood”. “Understood,” Linus smiled cockily, “you ready…old man”. Tygra smirked and patting the panther on the shoulder,” just don’t hurt him too badly Panthro,” Tygra whispered and winked. The panther smirked then looked at the young lion, “Ready…….cub”. “Oh this isn’t gona be pretty,” Cheetara chuckled as Lion-O walked over and sat beside her. “Hey Tygra wants take side bets,” Lion-O grinned. “Like,” Tygra asked cocking a brow. “Like how fast that lion gets tossed to the ground,” He chuckled. “He’ll be lucky to make it ten minutes,” Tygra winked. “You two hush,” Cheetara said. They watched at the two males squared off, Linus was the first to throw a punch, Panthro easily ducked out of the way, “is that the best you got cub,” He smirked. Linus growled and crouched and leapt at the panther using his body weight to knock him to the ground, “no you don’t,” Panthro scowled and planted his feet on the lion’s chest and pushed him off, Linus managed to flip and land on his feet, he quickly got up and threw another punch, Panthro blocked it with his forearm, the lion then out of the blue kneed the panther in the stomach, as Panthro hunched over from the blow, Linus gave him a sharp hard uppercut to the jaw, knocking Panthro to the ground. “No,” Leanna shouted jumping to her feet, Lion-O quickly grabbed her arm,” Leanna you cannot interfere”. Panthro raised his head and wiped the blood from his lip with the back of his hand, “Now I’m mad,” he snarled. Linus just looked at him and smirked, “come on old man”. Panthro growled and got to his feet, before Linus hand a chance to ready himself the panther leapt into the air and delivered a hard roundhouse kick to the lion’s jaw. As Linus staggered back Panthro once again leapt in the air and kicked the lion hard in the ribs. Linus landed backward with a hard thump. Linus growled and picked up a handful of dirt and threw it at the panther’s face. “Hey that’s not fair,” Leanna yelled. “Woman…sit down,” Lion-O said pulling her back down on the log, “Panthro can handle himself don’t worry”. “That’s it…. I’m done playing with you,” Panthro roared and went after Linus. The young lion felt as if he was hit by a log as the panther’s fist smashed into his face, the blow send the young lion reeling back a good twelve feet. Panthro stalked over and planted his foot on Linus’s cheat and grabbed him by his mane and drew back his fist, “Do you submit,” Panthro snarled ready to knock the lion out. “Never,” The young lion growled and kicked the panther in the back of the leg sending him backwards in the dirt. Linus quickly pinned the panther down and punched him in the face. Lion-O heard the lioness growl and kept a tight grip on her wrist to keep her from running over as Linus continued to pounded on the panther, “let me go I’ll kick his ass,” Leanna snarled. “Leanna calm down,” Cheetara said, “your going to distract Panthro”. The lioness bit her lip and sat down and cringed at every blow that Linus delivered. She wanted so badly to jump in and bash in his head. “I can’t watch, “she said burying her face in her hands. Lion-o looked over at Tygra worried, Tygra just shook his head. Suddenly A loud roar echoed through the air and the young lion went flying and landed against a nearby tree. Panthro slowly got to his feet and snarled and stocked over to the fallen lion and grabbed and dragged him to his feet and punched him hard in the face, Linus’s head snapped back against the tree hard and he slumped to the ground unconscious. Panthro threw back his head and let out a loud triumphant roar, Leanna raised her head and smiled, she quickly got to her feet and bolted towards the panther. Panthro turned and swept her up in his arms and kissed her fiercely, Leanna broke form the kiss, “you ok,” she asked gently touching the panther bruised and bloody face. “Never better,” he grinned broadly and set her down on her feet, he grabbed her hand and walked over to where the other sat. He stood in front of Rohon, “I have claimed Ty-Kan and won. The contract between Lea and that lion is no longer valid,” he nodded then turned to Lion-O, “may I borrow the sword for a moment”. Lion-O nodded and unsheathed the sword for the claw shield and handed it over to the panther. Panthro nodded then turned back to the lioness and reached for her long braid, “pan…wait,” she said she knew what he was about to do, “Are you sure this is what you want”. “Woman look at me,” he said, “ You seen what I just done to get you…. now it’s time to seal my claim……..for good,” he said and took the sword and cut a six inch section of her braid and held it up in the air and roared, “ in front of all that are present……… I now claim you, as my mate and wife,” he shouted then threw the cut braid at Leanna’s father,” never interfere with us again,” he growled and grabbed the lioness’s hand and headed back to the lair. “Umm what just happened,” Myra blinked. “Panthro just claimed Leanna as his wife,” Lion-O smiled.