Training begins,pg 16.v
Training begins By Leanna * This picks up from the driving lesson * Leanna put the Kama’s back in the locker and her and Panthro left the gym and went up to the infirmary to check on Cheetara. “I hope she, alright,” Leanna said as they stepped off the elevator. “I’m sure she is,” Panthro nodded as they walked down the hall; “she’s a tough one”. “She was just trying to teach me to use my senses instead of my eyes,” Leanna replied as they neared the med bay door, “I was just doing as she told me, I caught her sent and used my staff to trip her. I guess maybe I should have used a different approach”. “It wasn’t your fault,” Panthro said, “accidents do happen, and you do get injured when you train…. now stop beating yourself woman,” The panther smirked as he held the med bay door open. “Sorry can’t help it,” She shrugged ducking under his arm and walked into the med bay. Leanna hung back a bit as Panthro walked over to Cheetara’s beside, “So spots,” Panthro said, “What’s the verdict”. “Nothing broken just bruised ribs,” Cheetara answered, “Tygra and Pumyra said I’ll be fine with a few days rest”. “Good,” Panthro nodded, “so has he calmed down yet,” the panther smirked. “I swear he’s worse then Snarf at times,” The cheetah chuckled, “yeah he’s fine now”. “Hot head,” Panthro snorted under his breath. “You’re a fine one to talk,” Cheetara chuckled then spotted Leanna standing off to the side, “there you are,” She smiled. “You okay,” Leanna asked feeling guilty. “Of course,” cheetara nodded, “you know how men are they make a mountain out of a mole hill,” she smirked. “Ha…very funny,” Panthro snorted. “Tygra said you can go,” Lion-O said walking through the door, “Oh…Hi guys,” he said seeing Panthro and Leanna. “Good, you know the med bay isn’t my favorite place,” Cheetara said as she slowly sat up. Leanna stepped back as Lion-O rushed to the cheetah’s side, “you just need a few days rest and your not to do anything strenuous,” He said helping the woman to her feet. “Okay Snarf,” Cheetara smiled and looked at Leanna and winked. Lion-O looked at her and blushed, “I’m doing it again aren’t I,” he said. “Yes,” cheetara smiled and patted the lion’s cheek, “you worry too much and I think you owe Leanna an apology”. “Yes, I do” Lion-O said and turned to the lioness, “Leanna…I’m sorry I lost my temper with you…I know you didn’t mean for this to happen”. Leanna smiled and nodded, “I understand,” she said,” you saw your mate hurt and you reacted,” she shrugged. Lion-O glanced at Panthro who just looked at him and smiled, “Thank-you Leanna,” Lion-O grinned. “Oh,” Panthro said, “Leanna has chosen a new weapon”. “Really now,” Cheetara smirked, “what one would that be”. “The Kama’s, I’m going to start her training later this evening,” Panthro nodded. Lion-O smiled, “Leanna, just don’t put him in the med bay” he said. Cheetara jabbed Lion-O in the ribs with her elbow, “What,” he said innocently, “I was kidding”. “You mister, just leave her be,” Cheetara said wrapping her hand around the lion’s arm, “She’ll be in good hands. Won’t she panther,” Cheetara grinned looking at Panthro. “She’ll be a pro in no time,” Panthro nodded. “You better be careful and watch him,” Lion-O winked at Leanna, “he’s a real taskmaster”. “You better be the one who’s careful,” Cheetara said, “or you’ll end up in the med bay”. “I like to see you try,” Lion-O grinned. Cheetara looked at him and smirked, in a flash her arm shot up and she had a firm grip on his ear and started to drag him towards the door, “ OW!” Lion-O complained, as he was dragged to the door in an undignified manner. “See you later,” Cheetara waved to Panthro and Leanna with her free hand. “About time a woman put him in his place,” Leanna snickered helplessly. “Bossy females,” Panthro snorted and shook his head. “You wouldn’t know a good woman if she came up and bit you on the butt. So HA,” Leanna said as she walked out the door. “If she bit me then it better be a damn good reason, then she’d get bitten back,” Panthro called out after her. A chill ran down the lioness’s spine at the thought, she shivered and stopped, a mysterious grin crept across her face, “Promise,” She whispered giving him a side ways glance then continued on walking. **** “You sure your okay,” Lion-o asked putting his arm around the cheetah’s shoulder. “For the tenth time, yes,” Cheetara said shaking her head, “you really are starting to sound like Snarf,” she chuckled as they walked down the hall. “Aren’t I allowed to worry,” Lion-O asked as they neared the cheetah’s room. “Worry yes, obsess.. No,” she grinned, “It’s just a few bruised ribs, I’ve had worse and you know that” “Yeah, I know,” Lion-O sighed. “And your lucky to be in one piece,” Cheetara said as they entered her room, “yelling at Leanna like that, I seen the look in that panther’s eyes when you made a step towards her ...your lucky he didn’t rip you apart”. “I know, I didn’t mean to loose my temper like that,” he said running his fingers through his thick mane, he turned and sat down on Cheetara’s bed “Well your forgiven this time,” She winked,” I’m going to go take and shower and get ready for dinner”. “Want any help,” Lion-O grinned. “I would like to get to dinner on time for once,” she smirked, “maybe later,” she said as she disappeared into the bathroom. “Spoil sport,” He shouted over the sound of the running water. Lion-O sat and waited until Cheetara finished shower and dressing, “there what do you know we’re actually going to make to dinner early.” She said as she came out with a brush in her hand. “Early,” Lion-O grinned mischievously, “I can fix that”. “Oh no you don’t,” Cheetara said waving her hairbrush at him. “Okay, I’ll behave,” Lion-O said getting to his feet, “Besides I’m enjoying watching that panther get flustered,” he chuckled. “I know,” Cheetara giggled, “Him training her, this could get quite interesting”. “Yes, it should, he don’t know if he’s coming or going now,” Lion-O laughed, “I’ve never seen him so out of sorts”. “Maybe we should sit in on a few of the lessons, just to watch,” Cheetara grinned. “You sure that’s a good idea,” Lion-O asked. “You kidding I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I want to see their reactions,” Cheetara nodded, “I know and you know, heck half the lair can see what’s happening except those two”. “I’ll give it four months,” Lion-O grinned. “I wouldn’t even give it that long,” Cheetara chuckled,” Besides I think it would make Leanna feel better knowing we were there, she was a bit nervous about having Panthro as a teacher”. “Really,” Lion-O smiled, “oh this will be good”. “Come on then,” she said putting her arm round his waste,” Let go eat then go watch the fun”. *** The Thundercats sat around the big table talking about their day as they ate; Tygra and Snarf were talking about the up coming harvest of the burble fruit and how much they would need for their winter storage, the twins were excitedly talking about the small festival that the burbles held after the harvest. “What kind of festival is it,” Leanna asked curiously. “Oh it’s a lot of fun,” Kit smiled, “there’s food, games, music, dancing… the burbles like to celebrate a good years harvest”. “It does sound like fun,” Leanna nodded. “Oh you have to go,” Kit squealed with excitement, “you’ll enjoy it”. “I think I might,” the lioness nodded. “Oh, Leanna I hope you don’t mind if Lion-O and I sit and watch your new weapons training,” Cheetara asked. “No. Not at all,” Leanna smiled. “Oh. You’re training with a new weapon,” Tygra asked over hearing them talk. “Yes,” Leanna nodded, “Panthro has been kind enough to offer to teach me to use Kama’s”. “I bet he has,” Tygra smirked glancing over at the big panther, Panthro just looked at him and glared. Tygra held back a chuckled and cleared his throat, “it’s good you’ve picked a new weapon, it’s important to be able to defend yourself’. “Kama’s aren’t they farming tools,” Kat asked. “Well in ancient time yes, they were used for farming, but in the right hands they also can be deadly weapons. Much like your pellets, to look at them they seem harmless and useless, but in your hands you can do just about anything with them,” Panthro nodded. “Well Leanna if all else fails you can become a farmer,” Kit teased. “Kit,” Panthro snapped angrily. “Chill out Panthro, I was only joking,” Kit snorted as she stood up to leave the table. “Maybe a weeks grounding will make you think twice about cracking jokes like that,” Panthro growled. “You can’t be serious the burble festival is in two days,” Kit protested. “It’s okay Panthro,” Leanna said calmly, “It was only a joke, there’s no need to ground her”. “Thank-you, see even she knew I was only kidding,” Kit smiled at the lioness. “Yeah I’m a big girl, I can take a joke,” Leanna grinned. “Fine,” Panthro said putting up his hands, “I know when I’m out numbered”. Not another word was said as they finisher their meal in silence, after Leanna finished eating, she excused herself and went back to her room and changed. Panthro went down to the gym to prepare for the lioness first lesson, Lion-O and Cheetara followed. “Getting a bit touchy, isn’t he,” Cheetara whispered to Lion-O as they sat down a stack of mats that lined the wall. “Yep,” Lion-O grinned. “Oh boy,” Cheetara chuckled as Leanna walked in, she was dressed in a pair of tight black shorts and a grey crop top leaving her abdomen bare. The lioness removed her shoes and padded barefoot across the mat to where the panther stood waiting. Lion-O looked at Cheetara and winked, “Let the courtship begin,” he whispered to the cheetah as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall. “Now, before we begin, I know you’ve already had some self-defense training,” Panthro said, “You know a lot of defense moves, but for a short staff. Your right-handed aren’t you”. “Yes,” Leanna answered, “Does that matter, ‘she asked. “Well instead of one weapon you’ll be using two, so that means your left hand is weaker then your right,” Panthro nodded, “you need to be equally proficient with either hand. So you are to strengthen your left arm and hand,” He said as he took the end of the handle off one of the weapons and added a few large lead pellets. He replaced the handle and tested it’s weight in his hand,” there this should do,” he nodded handing them to the lioness. Leanna handle the weapons and noticed the weight difference. “Now you need to learn how to hold then and how to use them efficiently,” Panthro said picking up another set of Kama’s. “You need to learn how to use them and how to block an opponents strike,” He said turning to the lion, “Lion-O I need to borrow you for a moment”. “Sure,” Lion-O answered, he got up and walked over to the pair. “Grab that practice sword and attack,” Panthro nodded taking a defensive stance. Leanna stepped back out of the way as the two men started to spar, she watched the panther’s every move with intent concentration, she watched how he held the weapons and how he block Lion-O’s sword. “How about we give the ladies a real show,” Lion-O winked and backed up a few paces, in a sudden burst of power, the lion leapt into the air, bring the practice sword down with all his strength. Panthro flipped and brought one of the Kama’s down across the swords blade pinning it to the floor “I do believe they’re showing off,” Cheetara winked at Leanna as the two men’s sparring became more intense. With each swing of the practice sword, the panther used either one or both of the Kama’s to block it, “hey you’re pretty good with these,” Lion-O smirked swinging the sword again at the panther. “Should be,” Panthro said bringing his left arm up and catching the sword with the Kama’s curved blade, “This is one of the first weapons I learned to use”. Lion-O turned and looked at the lioness,” I believe it’s your turn now,” he grinned “Okay,” Leanna said looking at the panther. Panthro nodded,” okay first things first, take your stance”. Leanna did what she was told and took a defensive stance, “okay Lion-O take a couple swings,” Panthro nodded watching the lioness. “Don’t worry I’ll be gentle,” Lion-o smirked raising his sword. Leanna just rolled her eyes, “careful Lion-O she’s liable to knock you on your butt,” Cheetara chuckled. “Tell you what Leanna, if you can …I’ll win you the biggest prize at the burble festive,” Lion-o smiled cockily “And if I can’t,” she asked. “Then you owe me a dance,” Lion-o winked. “Well let’s hope I can knock you on your tawny backside then,” she smirked. Lion-O turned and looked back at Cheetara, “I think I’ve just been insulted”. “Nah, she’s just a woman who knows what she likes, and I hate to tell you but it’s not you,” Cheetara grinned. “See now I’m hurt,” Lion-o pouted and made a swing with the practice sword at the lioness. Leanna brought the kama’s up like she seen the panther do, “Okay Leanna,” Panthro said, “that was good but you need to tuck your elbows in closer to your body, take your stance again”. Leanna nodded and took her stance, Panthro came up behind her, “tuck your elbows in just a bit more,” He said gently grabbing her arms and positioning them. Lion-O looked at the lioness and winked, Leanna’s face lit almost as red as the lion’s scarlet mane. “Okay go again,” Panthro nodded. This times when Lion-O swung the sword the defense move Leanna used was more effective “Thank you that was fun,” Lion-o smiled and nodded and walked back over to where Cheetara was and sat down to watch as Panthro began to show the lioness special defensive moves, after going through a few he stood and watched as she went through the sequence. “So what do you think now,” Cheetara whispered to Lion-o. “I’ll give it two weeks,” he smirked watching the two practice. The next afternoon, Lion-o finished his turn on watch up in the control room and headed down stairs for a late afternoon snack. When he walked into the kitchen he heard Snarf grumbling to himself. “What’s got you so riled up,” Lion-O asked patting the Snarf on the head. “I go out of my way to make a nice lunch and do I get a thank-you… no,” Snarf huffed, “All I get is… Get out of here Snarf I’m busy”. “Who said that,” Lion-O asked as he made a sandwich. “Panthro,” Snarf sulked, “he’s been down in his work shop since late last night”. “Hmm, he must be working on something, you know how he is, he don’t like to be bothered when he’s working on a new project unless he asks for help,” Lion-O shrugged. ”But this time is different. He wouldn’t tell me what he was working on, when I asked he kicked me out of his workshop,” Snarf pouted. “That is odd,” Lion-O said cocking a brow. Curiosity got the better of him, Lion-O finished his snack and headed down to the hanger, he knew if Panthro was working on something he didn’t want anyone to know about, it must be very important. As the lion got closer to the panther’s workshop he could hear the sound of a grinder, “So what ya working on,” Lion-O asked leaning on the doorframe. Panthro quickly turned off the grinder and raised the welding helmet from his face, “Nothing,” He said quickly trying to block the lion’s view. “So you’ve been here since late last night doing…nothing,” Lion-O smirked. “That’s right,” Panthro nodded, “so now you can go. I’m busy” “Hmm, busy doing nothing, “ Lion-O winked, “don’t believe it for a second. Come on you can show me…what has that brilliant mind of yours come up with this time”. Panthro sighed; he knew that Lion-O wouldn’t give up unless he showed him. He stepped aside and let him see the two pieces of Titanium he had cut out and was in the process of shaping. Lion-O looked at the two pieces of metal,” Is this a new weapon,” he asked picking up the lightweight but very strong metal. “They will be when I’m done,” Panthro nodded and picked up a piece of paper that he had drawn out ideas on and passed it to the lion. “Wow Panthro, these are spectacular,” He said looking at the design. “I hope they turn out as good as I want them too,” Panthro nodded. “You know, most men give women flowers,” Lion-O smirked, “Not you. You give them a weapon “. “Leanna needs a real weapon not wooden ones,” Panthro snorted. “Well these my friend are way beyond normal weapons,” Lion-O grinned, “ You plan on doing all these engraving details too”. “I’m going to try, I may have to get Bengali to help me,” Panthro nodded. “Well, I can honestly say these are amazing, how come you’ve never done this much detailing for anyone else,” Lion-O asked. Panthro replaced his welding helmet and shrugged,” now if you don’t mind, I’m a busy man”. “Busy,” Lion-O said, “Smitten more like it,” he chuckled. “What,” Panthro said turning his head. “Nothing,” Lion-O answered, “I’ll let you get back to work”. “Not one word about this to anyone,” Panthro said. “Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone,” Lion-O said holding up his hand. to be continued in festival hoooooo!!
Training begins By Leanna * This picks up from the driving lesson * Leanna put the Kama’s back in the locker and her and Panthro left the gym and went up to the infirmary to check on Cheetara. “I hope she, alright,” Leanna said as they stepped off the elevator. “I’m sure she is,” Panthro nodded as they walked down the hall; “she’s a tough one”. “She was just trying to teach me to use my senses instead of my eyes,” Leanna replied as they neared the med bay door, “I was just doing as she told me, I caught her sent and used my staff to trip her. I guess maybe I should have used a different approach”. “It wasn’t your fault,” Panthro said, “accidents do happen, and you do get injured when you train…. now stop beating yourself woman,” The panther smirked as he held the med bay door open. “Sorry can’t help it,” She shrugged ducking under his arm and walked into the med bay. Leanna hung back a bit as Panthro walked over to Cheetara’s beside, “So spots,” Panthro said, “What’s the verdict”. “Nothing broken just bruised ribs,” Cheetara answered, “Tygra and Pumyra said I’ll be fine with a few days rest”. “Good,” Panthro nodded, “so has he calmed down yet,” the panther smirked. “I swear he’s worse then Snarf at times,” The cheetah chuckled, “yeah he’s fine now”. “Hot head,” Panthro snorted under his breath. “You’re a fine one to talk,” Cheetara chuckled then spotted Leanna standing off to the side, “there you are,” She smiled. “You okay,” Leanna asked feeling guilty. “Of course,” cheetara nodded, “you know how men are they make a mountain out of a mole hill,” she smirked. “Ha…very funny,” Panthro snorted. “Tygra said you can go,” Lion-O said walking through the door, “Oh…Hi guys,” he said seeing Panthro and Leanna. “Good, you know the med bay isn’t my favorite place,” Cheetara said as she slowly sat up. Leanna stepped back as Lion-O rushed to the cheetah’s side, “you just need a few days rest and your not to do anything strenuous,” He said helping the woman to her feet. “Okay Snarf,” Cheetara smiled and looked at Leanna and winked. Lion-O looked at her and blushed, “I’m doing it again aren’t I,” he said. “Yes,” cheetara smiled and patted the lion’s cheek, “you worry too much and I think you owe Leanna an apology”. “Yes, I do” Lion-O said and turned to the lioness, “Leanna…I’m sorry I lost my temper with you…I know you didn’t mean for this to happen”. Leanna smiled and nodded, “I understand,” she said,” you saw your mate hurt and you reacted,” she shrugged. Lion-O glanced at Panthro who just looked at him and smiled, “Thank-you Leanna,” Lion-O grinned. “Oh,” Panthro said, “Leanna has chosen a new weapon”. “Really now,” Cheetara smirked, “what one would that be”. “The Kama’s, I’m going to start her training later this evening,” Panthro nodded. Lion-O smiled, “Leanna, just don’t put him in the med bay” he said. Cheetara jabbed Lion-O in the ribs with her elbow, “What,” he said innocently, “I was kidding”. “You mister, just leave her be,” Cheetara said wrapping her hand around the lion’s arm, “She’ll be in good hands. Won’t she panther,” Cheetara grinned looking at Panthro. “She’ll be a pro in no time,” Panthro nodded. “You better be careful and watch him,” Lion-O winked at Leanna, “he’s a real taskmaster”. “You better be the one who’s careful,” Cheetara said, “or you’ll end up in the med bay”. “I like to see you try,” Lion-O grinned. Cheetara looked at him and smirked, in a flash her arm shot up and she had a firm grip on his ear and started to drag him towards the door, “ OW!” Lion-O complained, as he was dragged to the door in an undignified manner. “See you later,” Cheetara waved to Panthro and Leanna with her free hand. “About time a woman put him in his place,” Leanna snickered helplessly. “Bossy females,” Panthro snorted and shook his head. “You wouldn’t know a good woman if she came up and bit you on the butt. So HA,” Leanna said as she walked out the door. “If she bit me then it better be a damn good reason, then she’d get bitten back,” Panthro called out after her. A chill ran down the lioness’s spine at the thought, she shivered and stopped, a mysterious grin crept across her face, “Promise,” She whispered giving him a side ways glance then continued on walking. **** “You sure your okay,” Lion-o asked putting his arm around the cheetah’s shoulder. “For the tenth time, yes,” Cheetara said shaking her head, “you really are starting to sound like Snarf,” she chuckled as they walked down the hall. “Aren’t I allowed to worry,” Lion-O asked as they neared the cheetah’s room. “Worry yes, obsess.. No,” she grinned, “It’s just a few bruised ribs, I’ve had worse and you know that” “Yeah, I know,” Lion-O sighed. “And your lucky to be in one piece,” Cheetara said as they entered her room, “yelling at Leanna like that, I seen the look in that panther’s eyes when you made a step towards her ...your lucky he didn’t rip you apart”. “I know, I didn’t mean to loose my temper like that,” he said running his fingers through his thick mane, he turned and sat down on Cheetara’s bed “Well your forgiven this time,” She winked,” I’m going to go take and shower and get ready for dinner”. “Want any help,” Lion-O grinned. “I would like to get to dinner on time for once,” she smirked, “maybe later,” she said as she disappeared into the bathroom. “Spoil sport,” He shouted over the sound of the running water. Lion-O sat and waited until Cheetara finished shower and dressing, “there what do you know we’re actually going to make to dinner early.” She said as she came out with a brush in her hand. “Early,” Lion-O grinned mischievously, “I can fix that”. “Oh no you don’t,” Cheetara said waving her hairbrush at him. “Okay, I’ll behave,” Lion-O said getting to his feet, “Besides I’m enjoying watching that panther get flustered,” he chuckled. “I know,” Cheetara giggled, “Him training her, this could get quite interesting”. “Yes, it should, he don’t know if he’s coming or going now,” Lion-O laughed, “I’ve never seen him so out of sorts”. “Maybe we should sit in on a few of the lessons, just to watch,” Cheetara grinned. “You sure that’s a good idea,” Lion-O asked. “You kidding I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I want to see their reactions,” Cheetara nodded, “I know and you know, heck half the lair can see what’s happening except those two”. “I’ll give it four months,” Lion-O grinned. “I wouldn’t even give it that long,” Cheetara chuckled,” Besides I think it would make Leanna feel better knowing we were there, she was a bit nervous about having Panthro as a teacher”. “Really,” Lion-O smiled, “oh this will be good”. “Come on then,” she said putting her arm round his waste,” Let go eat then go watch the fun”. *** The Thundercats sat around the big table talking about their day as they ate; Tygra and Snarf were talking about the up coming harvest of the burble fruit and how much they would need for their winter storage, the twins were excitedly talking about the small festival that the burbles held after the harvest. “What kind of festival is it,” Leanna asked curiously. “Oh it’s a lot of fun,” Kit smiled, “there’s food, games, music, dancing… the burbles like to celebrate a good years harvest”. “It does sound like fun,” Leanna nodded. “Oh you have to go,” Kit squealed with excitement, “you’ll enjoy it”. “I think I might,” the lioness nodded. “Oh, Leanna I hope you don’t mind if Lion-O and I sit and watch your new weapons training,” Cheetara asked. “No. Not at all,” Leanna smiled. “Oh. You’re training with a new weapon,” Tygra asked over hearing them talk. “Yes,” Leanna nodded, “Panthro has been kind enough to offer to teach me to use Kama’s”. “I bet he has,” Tygra smirked glancing over at the big panther, Panthro just looked at him and glared. Tygra held back a chuckled and cleared his throat, “it’s good you’ve picked a new weapon, it’s important to be able to defend yourself’. “Kama’s aren’t they farming tools,” Kat asked. “Well in ancient time yes, they were used for farming, but in the right hands they also can be deadly weapons. Much like your pellets, to look at them they seem harmless and useless, but in your hands you can do just about anything with them,” Panthro nodded. “Well Leanna if all else fails you can become a farmer,” Kit teased. “Kit,” Panthro snapped angrily. “Chill out Panthro, I was only joking,” Kit snorted as she stood up to leave the table. “Maybe a weeks grounding will make you think twice about cracking jokes like that,” Panthro growled. “You can’t be serious the burble festival is in two days,” Kit protested. “It’s okay Panthro,” Leanna said calmly, “It was only a joke, there’s no need to ground her”. “Thank-you, see even she knew I was only kidding,” Kit smiled at the lioness. “Yeah I’m a big girl, I can take a joke,” Leanna grinned. “Fine,” Panthro said putting up his hands, “I know when I’m out numbered”. Not another word was said as they finisher their meal in silence, after Leanna finished eating, she excused herself and went back to her room and changed. Panthro went down to the gym to prepare for the lioness first lesson, Lion-O and Cheetara followed. “Getting a bit touchy, isn’t he,” Cheetara whispered to Lion-O as they sat down a stack of mats that lined the wall. “Yep,” Lion-O grinned. “Oh boy,” Cheetara chuckled as Leanna walked in, she was dressed in a pair of tight black shorts and a grey crop top leaving her abdomen bare. The lioness removed her shoes and padded barefoot across the mat to where the panther stood waiting. Lion-O looked at Cheetara and winked, “Let the courtship begin,” he whispered to the cheetah as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall. “Now, before we begin, I know you’ve already had some self-defense training,” Panthro said, “You know a lot of defense moves, but for a short staff. Your right-handed aren’t you”. “Yes,” Leanna answered, “Does that matter, ‘she asked. “Well instead of one weapon you’ll be using two, so that means your left hand is weaker then your right,” Panthro nodded, “you need to be equally proficient with either hand. So you are to strengthen your left arm and hand,” He said as he took the end of the handle off one of the weapons and added a few large lead pellets. He replaced the handle and tested it’s weight in his hand,” there this should do,” he nodded handing them to the lioness. Leanna handle the weapons and noticed the weight difference. “Now you need to learn how to hold then and how to use them efficiently,” Panthro said picking up another set of Kama’s. “You need to learn how to use them and how to block an opponents strike,” He said turning to the lion, “Lion-O I need to borrow you for a moment”. “Sure,” Lion-O answered, he got up and walked over to the pair. “Grab that practice sword and attack,” Panthro nodded taking a defensive stance. Leanna stepped back out of the way as the two men started to spar, she watched the panther’s every move with intent concentration, she watched how he held the weapons and how he block Lion-O’s sword. “How about we give the ladies a real show,” Lion-O winked and backed up a few paces, in a sudden burst of power, the lion leapt into the air, bring the practice sword down with all his strength. Panthro flipped and brought one of the Kama’s down across the swords blade pinning it to the floor “I do believe they’re showing off,” Cheetara winked at Leanna as the two men’s sparring became more intense. With each swing of the practice sword, the panther used either one or both of the Kama’s to block it, “hey you’re pretty good with these,” Lion-O smirked swinging the sword again at the panther. “Should be,” Panthro said bringing his left arm up and catching the sword with the Kama’s curved blade, “This is one of the first weapons I learned to use”. Lion-O turned and looked at the lioness,” I believe it’s your turn now,” he grinned “Okay,” Leanna said looking at the panther. Panthro nodded,” okay first things first, take your stance”. Leanna did what she was told and took a defensive stance, “okay Lion-O take a couple swings,” Panthro nodded watching the lioness. “Don’t worry I’ll be gentle,” Lion-o smirked raising his sword. Leanna just rolled her eyes, “careful Lion-O she’s liable to knock you on your butt,” Cheetara chuckled. “Tell you what Leanna, if you can …I’ll win you the biggest prize at the burble festive,” Lion-o smiled cockily “And if I can’t,” she asked. “Then you owe me a dance,” Lion-o winked. “Well let’s hope I can knock you on your tawny backside then,” she smirked. Lion-O turned and looked back at Cheetara, “I think I’ve just been insulted”. “Nah, she’s just a woman who knows what she likes, and I hate to tell you but it’s not you,” Cheetara grinned. “See now I’m hurt,” Lion-o pouted and made a swing with the practice sword at the lioness. Leanna brought the kama’s up like she seen the panther do, “Okay Leanna,” Panthro said, “that was good but you need to tuck your elbows in closer to your body, take your stance again”. Leanna nodded and took her stance, Panthro came up behind her, “tuck your elbows in just a bit more,” He said gently grabbing her arms and positioning them. Lion-O looked at the lioness and winked, Leanna’s face lit almost as red as the lion’s scarlet mane. “Okay go again,” Panthro nodded. This times when Lion-O swung the sword the defense move Leanna used was more effective “Thank you that was fun,” Lion-o smiled and nodded and walked back over to where Cheetara was and sat down to watch as Panthro began to show the lioness special defensive moves, after going through a few he stood and watched as she went through the sequence. “So what do you think now,” Cheetara whispered to Lion-o. “I’ll give it two weeks,” he smirked watching the two practice. The next afternoon, Lion-o finished his turn on watch up in the control room and headed down stairs for a late afternoon snack. When he walked into the kitchen he heard Snarf grumbling to himself. “What’s got you so riled up,” Lion-O asked patting the Snarf on the head. “I go out of my way to make a nice lunch and do I get a thank-you… no,” Snarf huffed, “All I get is… Get out of here Snarf I’m busy”. “Who said that,” Lion-O asked as he made a sandwich. “Panthro,” Snarf sulked, “he’s been down in his work shop since late last night”. “Hmm, he must be working on something, you know how he is, he don’t like to be bothered when he’s working on a new project unless he asks for help,” Lion-O shrugged. ”But this time is different. He wouldn’t tell me what he was working on, when I asked he kicked me out of his workshop,” Snarf pouted. “That is odd,” Lion-O said cocking a brow. Curiosity got the better of him, Lion-O finished his snack and headed down to the hanger, he knew if Panthro was working on something he didn’t want anyone to know about, it must be very important. As the lion got closer to the panther’s workshop he could hear the sound of a grinder, “So what ya working on,” Lion-O asked leaning on the doorframe. Panthro quickly turned off the grinder and raised the welding helmet from his face, “Nothing,” He said quickly trying to block the lion’s view. “So you’ve been here since late last night doing…nothing,” Lion-O smirked. “That’s right,” Panthro nodded, “so now you can go. I’m busy” “Hmm, busy doing nothing, “ Lion-O winked, “don’t believe it for a second. Come on you can show me…what has that brilliant mind of yours come up with this time”. Panthro sighed; he knew that Lion-O wouldn’t give up unless he showed him. He stepped aside and let him see the two pieces of Titanium he had cut out and was in the process of shaping. Lion-O looked at the two pieces of metal,” Is this a new weapon,” he asked picking up the lightweight but very strong metal. “They will be when I’m done,” Panthro nodded and picked up a piece of paper that he had drawn out ideas on and passed it to the lion. “Wow Panthro, these are spectacular,” He said looking at the design. “I hope they turn out as good as I want them too,” Panthro nodded. “You know, most men give women flowers,” Lion-O smirked, “Not you. You give them a weapon “. “Leanna needs a real weapon not wooden ones,” Panthro snorted. “Well these my friend are way beyond normal weapons,” Lion-O grinned, “ You plan on doing all these engraving details too”. “I’m going to try, I may have to get Bengali to help me,” Panthro nodded. “Well, I can honestly say these are amazing, how come you’ve never done this much detailing for anyone else,” Lion-O asked. Panthro replaced his welding helmet and shrugged,” now if you don’t mind, I’m a busy man”. “Busy,” Lion-O said, “Smitten more like it,” he chuckled. “What,” Panthro said turning his head. “Nothing,” Lion-O answered, “I’ll let you get back to work”. “Not one word about this to anyone,” Panthro said. “Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone,” Lion-O said holding up his hand. to be continued in festival hoooooo!!