Part 38

After breakfast the next morning, everyone knew about Tygra and Cheetara's relationship, with many thanks to Tygra on that. He didn't waste anytime telling everyone that he and Cheetara were an item. Cheetara rather kept their relationship a secret at least for a little while, but she didn't get a chance to him that, not that it would have done any good. Panthro looked at Lion-O while Tygra made the announcement and saw that the lord was not surprisingly quiet and sad. He looked at Cheetara and saw the same expression although at times, she tried to hide it and put on a smile. One thing was for sure. Panthro didn't like what he was seeing and was determined to get to the bottom of this. He caught up with Cheetara before she went on her morning duties after breakfast.

"Cheetara! Cheetara!" Panthro called as he ran to her.

Cheetara stopped walking and turned to him. "Yes?"

"I need to talk to you. Is it true that you and Tygra are in love and are dating again?"

"You heard Tygra at breakfast." The cheetah responded.

"I heard what he said, but you didn't say anything. You just nodded. Now tell me as a friend. Do you love Tygra and are you really dating or is this a sham?"

Lion-O and Leela were alone in the Counsel Room. Lion-O went there to do some thinking, mainly about Cheetara and Tygra. Leela, who was enormously happy, played the sympathetic role and massage his tired and stressful shoulders.

"You're upset about this, aren't you, Lion-O?" Leela asked but Lion-O didn't answer.

"I guess I am." Lion-O finally responded. "Tygra and Cheetara? It's unbelievable. It doesn't even sound right."

"Oh, so you're saying Lion-O and Cheetara sounds better?" Leela asked getting upset.

"I didn't say that." Lion-O replied.

"But you were thinking it." Leela argued.

Lion-O took Leela's hand off his shoulders. "I have to talk to Tygra." He left annoyed with Leela accusations, although he had to admit, she was right.

Leela slammed her fist on the table. "Ooh, I let that come out wrong. I must let him think that I have no grudge against that tramp Cheetara. I must convince him." She left the room and went another way to find Tygra. She heard Panthro and Cheetara talking down the hall just outside the dining room. She hid around a corner so she wouldn't be seen. Hmm. I wonder what those two are talking about. They look pretty tense. I guess a little eavesdropping wouldn't hurt. It didn't hurt last night.

Tygra was in his lab mixing chemicals and humming happily about how he is finally with Cheetara. Lion-O entered without knocking. "Hello, Lion-O." Tygra said curtly about the young lord's abrupt entrance.

"Do you love Cheetara?" Lion-O asked.

Tygra stopped pouring some chemicals in a glass beaker and looked at Lion-O. "Why do you ask?"

"Do you?" He asked insistently and impatiently.

"Not that it's any of your business, but yes, I do love her."

"It is my business. She was my fiancée."

"Was is the correct word, Lion-O."

Lion-O growled lowly but he reminded himself to keep his cool in check. This is Tygra he's talking to, his second-in-command, his friend. Lion-O took a deep breath to calm down before asking his next question. "How long have you love her?"

"It's been a while." Tygra responded going back to his work.

"While Cheetara and I were dating?" Lion-O inquired. "Did you love her then? Were you waiting for a chance for Cheetara and I to break up so you could make your move on her?"

Vasa closed her door as her niece and nephew. She was surprised to see them and was hoping they wouldn't stay long. It's not like she doesn't appreciate their visit, but Panthro was going to see her later that day and they were still keeping thier relationship a secret. "I'm so glad you came. It's been a few days." She laid a hand on WilyKit's shoulder. "And WilyKit, I'm sorry about what I said a few days ago."

"Apology accepted." WilyKit said and added. "I should apologize too, I guess. I was angry at Panthro and some of the anger I have at you came out as well."

"Why do you hate me so much, Kit? Why can't you give me a chance? I have nothing else to hide from you. I promised Panthro that I wouldn't say anything and I won't."

"Well, we do appreciate you keeping Thundercat business a secret, even if my sister doesn't say it." WilyKat said looking at his sister upset.

Vasa sat on the sofa. "So, what do you want to know about your parents now. I have lots of pictures."

"Actually, we wanted to talk to you. We know some information about our parents, but nothing much about you now."

"Okay, what do you want to know?"

"Well, for starters, how was your childhood like?" WilyKat asked.

"Did you marry?" WilyKit asked.

"Do you have a boyfriend now?" WilyKat asked again.

"Of course I love Tygra and yes I am dating him." Cheetara answered folding her arms. It wasn't a complete lie. She is dating Tygra and she does love him, even though it's as a friend. However, Cheetara felt that she would love Tygra the way he love her over time.

"I don't believe you." Panthro said.

"Whether you believe it or not, Panthro, it's true. Now, if you'll excuse me.." she said a little angrily and began to leave.

Panthro grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop. Cheetara looked at her arm and then at Panthro angrily. "How can you love Tygra, Cheetara? Last night you said you wouldn't have a relationship with him again and now, the next day, you're his girlfriend. You what I think?"

"I don't want to hear what you think." Cheetara said irately.

"Well, you're going to hear it anyway. I think you're turning to Tygra for comfort because you don't have Lion-O."

Cheetara pull her arm from Panthro's grip. "You're wrong, Panthro. I am moving on, which is something I can't say the same about you." Cheetara shot back coldly.

"What's that crack suppose to mean?" Panthro asked getting angry himself.

Leela continued her eavesdropping. Her attention was definitely stirred at Cheetara's words. What did she mean about that?

"Aline." Cheetara said.

Who's Aline? Leela wondered.

"She died 15 years ago Panthro. It's time to move on." Cheetara, not knowing she answered Leela's question.

"That's low, Cheetara. How dare you mention, Aline?! You know what happened! It's completely different than what happened between you and Lion-O!" Panthro shouted angrily.

Leela edged closer to the corner. Come on, you two. Spill it. Say what happened.

"Maybe, but I moved on." Cheetara responded.

"Yeah, look who you moved on to: Tygra, the second-in-command, your ex. Last night you said you and Tygra are so different that you couldn't be together again. What happened between last night and now Cheetara?" Panthro asked. He knew something wasn't right and was determined to find the truth.

Cheetara was definitely feeling the pressure now. She was able to answer Panthro's questions, but this was a hard one. She didn't know what to tell him.

Tygra stopped mixing his chemicals and looked at Lion-O, insulted and angry, although it was true. Tygra was in love with Cheetara while she was dating Lion-O and even years before that. He was surprised that the young lord was so abrupt and right on target about his accusations. He cleared his throat before answering.

"Lion-O, I must say that I am insulted. How could you accuse me of such a preposterous lie? I am your friend, Lion-O. Don't become paranoid about this. The love Cheetara and I have for each other just happened and it was very much after your break up." He easily lied and deceive his lord. He sighed and leaned on his table. "Look, Lion-O, I understand how you feel, and if I were in your shoes, I would feel the same way."

"You're right, Tygra. I'm sorry. I didn't want to let her go, even though I know I must, and if she were to have another relationship, I didn't think it'll be this soon or with you, Tygra. No offense." Lion-O assured him.

"None taken." Tygra said. Plenty taken, little boy. Tygra thought. "To be accurate about it, Lion-O, you let Cheetara go the day you married Leela, and it has almost been a year since that happened. Take my advice and move on with Leela like Cheetara has with me. You'll feel a lot better." Tygra ensured Lion-O although Lion-O was looking very uncertain.

Vasa forced a laugh at the twins questions. "You two have really put me on the spot. I'll explain about my childhood later, but I have never married and as for a boyfriend.." she trailed off and thought about Panthro, "I don't know yet. I am talking with a man and that's as far as it gone. What about you two? Anybody I should be looking forward to see?" She shot the question back at them.

"We've been to busy looking for somebody, but can you tell us a little bit about your childhood?" WilyKat asked.

"I didn't have a glamorous childhood. As I said before, your grandmother favored one child over the other. She loved Ral and hated me. He was smarter, more active in school and had lots of friends, while I basically kept to myself and wasn't all that well in school, but I loved your brother a lot and did everything I could to try to save him."

"What did you do?" WilyKit asked.

"I tried talking to him about your mother. Please don't be mad at me for saying this, but I had a feeling that Ursula wasn't right for Ral. She always kept him away from and turned him against me...for a while." She said with regret. "When he married, they moved far away from us and rarely visited even when you two were born, the occasion was rare and joyful." She finished quietly. There's something else, but I can't tell you. It's too shameful.

Panthro folded his arms. "You're not answering my question, Cheetara."

Leela decided to interrupt the Thundercats heated discussion. "Panthro, I need to have a talk with you." She looked at Cheetara. "Alone."

Cheetara didn't say anything. She left immediately, very relieved. "That was close. I can't believe I have Leela to thank."

"What is it, Leela?" Panthro asked annoyed with her.

"First of all, you call me Lady Leela, second, lose the tone, and finally, mind your own business and leave Cheetara and Tygra alone." Leela ordered.

"Why? Were you eavesdropping on my conversation with Cheetara?" Panthro asked.

"Hey, I'm queen of this lair and I can listen to any conversation I want. Besides, it's not like you were behind closed doors. Anybody could have heard you two, and you should mind your own business because I said so. Cheetara and Tygra are happy now."

"After all the hell you put Cheetara through, it's good that's she's happy, even though she won't admit that she's not, and another thing, you should've mind your own business by never coming here and interrupting Lion-O and Cheetara's wedding. We all would've been much happy if you hadn't showed up and ruined everything." Panthro shot back angrily.

Lion-O ran his hand through his hair. "I should go. I have some errands to run."

"Like shopping for your one year wedding anniversary gift that's next week." Tygra implied.

"That's one. However, I don't know what to get her. Any suggestions?"

"Jewelry's nice."

"Jewelry also expresses love, but thanks for the advice." He started for the door and stopped. "Tygra, promise me you'll take care of Cheetara."

"I love her, too, Lion-O, so you know I will." Tygra told him sincerely. A lot better than you.

Lion-O nodded and opened the door. Cheetara stood in the doorway. Their eyes locked for a moment before Cheetara broke the connection. "Hello, Cheetara."

"Hello, Lion-O." Cheetara forced a smile. "Am I interrupting?"

"Uh, no. I was just leaving." Lion-O said and step aside, allowing Cheetara to step in.

"Cheetara." Tygra said giving Cheetara a hug and a deep kiss.

Lion-O eyes widen and he was beginning to feel sick to his stomach. "I think I'll leave you two some privacy." He quickly left the room.

Once Cheetara knew Lion-O had left, she pushed Tygra off her. "Why did you do that?"

"I can't give the woman I love a kiss hello."

"Why do I get the feeling that you kissed me like that because Lion-O was here?"

"Cheetara, you couldn't be more wrong."

"Am I? What would you say if I don't won't be with you anymore?" Cheetara said seriously.

During their afternoon with their aunt, WilyKit thought about Panthro. Maybe I should give Vasa a chance. Panthro said that she would keep our secrets and she has. Maybe I was being rough on her.

"You know who you are sounding like? Your mother. You look and act like her, so cold and cruel. She was evil and manipulative. She seduced my brother into her dark world and never again was he the kind, loving brother I knew. I can see it in your eyes that you are becoming just as sinister and wicked as she. Please, don't fall into that dark side, WilyKit, it would only hurt the people you love most." Vasa warned her placing her hands on her shoulder. WilyKit shoved her hands away. (34)

Maybe I should give her a chance. She seems nice and protective. She doesn't want me to be like my mother and I don't want to either. "Aunt Vasa, am I really like my mother?" WilyKit asked.

"Well, in parts you are. You have a mean streak, but that doesn't mean that you have to be like her. You don't have to fall to the dark side as she."

"I'll try not to, and I want to apologize for my behavior. I'm not good at trusting people." WilyKit admitted.

"Isn't that the truth." Her brother commented.

"Shut up, Kat. However, Panthro seems to trust you, and I do trust his judgment, so I'm willing to give you a chance, as long as there aren't anymore secrets."

Vasa smiled even though she knew she was going to lie again. "There are no more secrets." She got out of her seat. "Can a get a hug out of my niece to confirm it?"

WilyKit gave her a hug, hoping that there would be no more secrets, but a part of her told that it wasn't over.

Part 39

Leela looked very insulted at Panthro. She was furious at how Panthro was so abrupt with her and telling her that she wasn't wanted. This only fueled her anger in finding out his secret. "Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?! I am Leela, Lady of the Thundercats!"

"I don't give a d--n who you are. I'll talk to you anyway I want." Panthro snapped at her.

"Nobody talks to me that way without paying a price. I have the power to kick you out as a Thundercat." Leela shot back.

"And Lion-O has the power, more power than you, to reinstate me back in. What's your point?" Panthro asked folding his arms.

A dark look cross Leela's face. "Don't get on my bad side, Panthro. I can be very dirty."

"You already are. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date."

"A date? With who?"

Panthro froze for a second. He almost slipped out his secret. He quickly thought of something. "My thundertank. I've been tuning it up, and I plan to take it on a test drive, so stay out of my business." He walked passed her in a hurry.

"He is lying. I know he is, and I'm going to find out what."

Tygra looked at Cheetara stunned. She couldn't break up with him. "Cheetara, you don't mean that."

"This is really difficult for me, Tygra. How could you tell everyone about our relationship without confirming that with me, making sure I was okay about going public about it?" Cheetara asked furiously.

Tygra laid his hand on her shoulders. "I thought you wanted that. Cheetara, I was so happy that you wanted to be with me, that I wanted to tell the whole world. I love you, Cheetara. Don't ruin this for me."

"Ruin for you? What are you talking about, Tygra?" Cheetara asked taking his hands off his shoulders.

"Nothing. I was saying that you wanted to move on and now that you have someone who will always love and be there for you, you don't want to throw it away."

"I don't know what I want." She walked away from him and looked at the chemicals in the beaker on the lab table. She picked up the beaker. "What are you doing?" She changed the subject.

Tygra took the beaker from her hands and put it back down. "Just experimenting." He said and turned her face to his. "What are you trying to say, Cheetara?"

WilyKit broke the hug from her aunt. "We have to get back to the lair. We still have some work to do."

"I understand. Say hello to the others for me." She said and receive a hug from WilyKat and they were soon gone. She watched them leave on their new hover cycles and went back in her house afterwards. She began cleaning up when a knock came to her door. A little curious as who that could be, she opened the door. "Panthro, hi. You're a little early, but--" She noticed the serious look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"It's Leela. Cheetara. Us. Everything." He said walking in.

Vasa closed the door when he came in. She lead him to the sofa. "Tell me everything."

Cheetara began pacing. "I don't know. Everything is happening so suddenly. I just need it to slow down."

"Is it Lion-O?" Tygra inquired. "Do you still linger feelings for him?"

"Tygra I already told you that I have sort my feelings for Lion-O. My long break helped me settled it. I have accept the fact that he is married and he and I will never be together. I just don't want to get hurt again, Tygra. That's why I didn't want to announce our relationship to everyone. I wanted to go slow, take our time with it...to make sure that this will work." Cheetara explained.

Tygra pulled Cheetara close to him, so they bodies would press together. Cheetara was feeling uncomfortable, but didn't say anything. "Don't worry, Cheetara this will work. I will never hurt you."

Cheetara smiled at Tygra. "You're right, Tygra. I know you would never hurt me. Just give me time and patience to open up, okay." She put her arms around his neck. She wanted this to work, at least that's what she thought. She almost cringe at saying the next words. "I promise I'll be worth the wait." She assured him but feeling guilty on the inside, but in spite of what she was feeling, she kissed him.

Vasa rested her back on the sofa while Panthro had his back on top of her on her sofa. Their legs tangle in a way that meant they were lovers. As Panthro explained his problems to her, she tried to soothe and comfort him by caressing the muscles on his chest and arms.

"It doesn't make sense for Cheetara to react like that, Panthro. I think she is still trying to sort everything out, and I agree with you on the fact that she hasn't gotten over Lion-O. Give her time and patience, something you lack of."

"What?!" Panthro said incredulously.

"It's true, Panthro, and you know it. Don't pressure her. Let her tell you that her relationship with Tygra is facade."

"You're right. What about Leela?"

"Ignore her. She can't do anything to you." She said and kissed his forehead. "Enough of that. I do want to talk about something else. Am I your girlfriend?"

"Of course you are."

"When can we go public and tell the twins about it?" She asked. "I'm beginning to earn her trust."

"That's good, but I don't think you've earn it enough to tell the twins. Who knows how they'll respond." Panthro told her.

"You're right. I should be patient, but I am growing impatient with you."

"With me? On what?" Panthro asked.

"On why you haven't made love to me. It's been a while. Do you know how long?"

"Too long."

"You wanna remedy that now."

Panthro rolled on top of her. "You bet I do." He said as he eagerly kissed her.

As they began to make love on the sofa, they went what they thought unnoticed. Someone with soft, red curls will was watching them. She had on a red scarf and a pair of dark glasses. The woman took off the shades to reveal her sparkling green. A wicked smile crept on Leela's face. "Gotcha."

About an hour after spending some time with Tygra, Cheetara walked to her rose garden behind Cat's Lair. Expecting to see a dead garden because of her absence, she was surprise to see that her garden was in beauty and full bloom as she left it. The fresh blooms brought out a sweet scent to her garden.

"I wonder who kept my garden up." Cheetara said sitting down in front if her garden.

"It was me." A voice said.

Cheetara whirled around and looked up to see Lion-O looking down at her. She looked at him in disbelief.

"Well, it was mainly Snarf. I don't know much about gardening and I didn't want to see yours die. You put a lot of work in it." Lion-O explained.

"I did." She said. "Thank you. Why don't sit down? We haven't had a chance to talk."

Lion-O sat down beside her. He let out a deep breath and smiled. "It's good to have peace, isn't it?"

"It depends on what kind of peace you're talking about." Cheetara said quietly.

"Ah, I think I know what you're talking about. You still feel bothered by Leela."

"Sometimes I feel like strangling her. She keeps accusing me of trying to take you from her. I'm getting tired of hearing it." Cheetara said frustrated.

"I tried talking to her and told her that there's nothing going on between us, but she refused to listen." Lion-O said.

Cheetara laughed. "It seems like someone's having trouble handling his woman."

Lion-O looked a little insulted. "I most certainly am not! I am--"

"The Lord of the Thundercats." Cheetara finished Lion-O's words. "Lion-O, just because you're the Lord of the Thundercats, it doesn't mean that you can't have trouble with your wife once in a while."

Lion-O decided to respond to that wickedly. "I believe I handled you pretty well."

"WHAT?!" Cheetara was shocked and laughed. "You wish you did." She playfully pushed him.

"You did everything I wanted." He replied and gently pushed her.

"Not everything." She said and pushed him a little too hard because Lion-O fell on his back. It didn't hurt him.

Lion-O sat back up and looked at Cheetara. "So you want to be rough, huh?"

Cheetara knew that look in his eyes. He looked like an animal seeing his prey and was about to start the hunt and Cheetara knew that she was the one being hunted. She remembered him being like this before; he chased her around while they were dating. She slowly got up, trying to get a head start.

"Oh, boy." She said slowly backing away.

Lion-O only moved closer to her, like an animal preparing to hunt.

Cheetara knew he was going to start his run after her anytime now. She started first and ran from Lion-O. Lion-O chased after her. She ran around her garden and jumped into the trees. Lion-O was quickly on her tail. He came closer and closer to her. Cheetara climbed higher in the trees. She glanced down and saw Lion-O not to far from her. When she was close enough, she jumped on to another tree. She climbed back down on the ground and looked up, Lion-O was no where in sight.

"Now, where could he be?" Cheetara asked herself.

"Thought you were to quick for me, didn't you?" Lion-O asked as he surprised Cheetara by wrapping his arms around her in a strong but gentle hold.

"Let me go!" Cheetara screamed and laughed as Lion-O lifted her above the ground in a bear hug. Cheetara tried to kick Lion-O's leg so he'll release her but her leg tangle his, causing Lion-O to lose his balance, making them both fall on the ground. Cheetara fell on her back and Lion-O fell on top of her. Their breathing increased and their eyes locked. Both felt mesmerized by each other's eyes and looked deeper still. Cheetara wasn't completely sure what was happening. She did know that either Lion-O was moving his lips closer to hers or she was moving her lips closer to him.

"What's all this?" Leela asked in a jealous and furious tone.

WilyKit and WilyKat entered the Tygra's lab. "Hey, Tygra. What are you doing?" WilyKat asked.

"Just experimenting." Tygra answered as he continued to mix his chemicals.

"So you and Cheetara are an item now." WilyKit stated, even though she was having doubts herself.

"Yes, we are, Kit." He sighed. "Finally." He said relieved.

WilyKit and WilyKat looked at each other and were beginning to wonder.

"Don't act so surprise, Tygra, but WilyKit and I never thought you and Cheetara would be together. We always thought Cheetara and Lion-O would get back together somehow."

Tygra put his chemicals down and looked at the twins. "How could you think that? Lion-O and Leela are married now. There is no way in the world that they'll get back together." Tygra said a little harsh.

"Aren't you the pessimist?" WilyKit said.

"Well, you can't expect me to jump for joy, hearing you say something like that. I am, after all, Cheetara's boyfriend now." Tygra stated upset with the twins.

"You do have a point there. We're sorry, Tygra." WilyKat apologized, but still felt uncomfortable around Tygra. "We have to go. We'll see you at dinner."

The twins watched Tygra curiously as they left the lab. "Is it me, or did you get a bad vibe from Tygra?" WilyKit asked her brother.

"I felt it, too." WilyKat said and saw a very happy Panthro greeting them in the hall.

"Hey, twins. What have you been doing? Did you visit your aunt?"

"We did. You know, you're right, Panthro. She isn't that bad. I think we may get along after all." WilyKit said.

Panthro smiled back. "That's good. I'm proud of you. Have you seen Cheetara? We had an argument earlier and I wanted to apologize."

"I think I saw her going outside to her garden." WilyKat answered.

A cool breeze blew in the rose garden. Leela stood above Cheetara and Lion-O with folded arms. She let her red strands flow across her face, blinding her from everything except the scene in front of her. "Are you two going to answer my question or am I seeing the answer now?"

Lion-O rolled off Cheetara.

"Don't you realize that Lion-O is mine? You have Tygra. You can't have both men."

"I don't want both men." Cheetara said standing up. "What happened was a mistake? We kind of trip and fell on each other."

"It didn't look like you were anxious to get off each other. I can have you kicked out of here."

"On what charges? Nothing happened. Besides, Lion-O can reinstate me back in. His power is higher than yours." Cheetara remarked smartly.

That's the same thing that Panthro said. I have him now. I just need to get her. Leela thought. "You just watch yourself around me or you'll get hurt." Leela warned but Cheetara didn't look threatened by her words. In fact, she rolled her eyes at her and walked away.

On her way back inside the lair, Cheetara saw Panthro walking to her. She remembered her argument earlier that day with him. They stopped only a foot from each other. Both remained quiet for a minute before speaking.

"I'm sorry." They said together.

"No, I'm sorry, Panthro. I shouldn't have shouted at you like that or brought up Aline."

"I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't have been so forceful with you." Panthro apologized. He saw Leela walking to them. "Oh, boy. Here comes Leela."

"Well, in that case I should go. I really stuck it to her today." She smiled and entered the lair.''

Panthro saw Leela walking to him with a big grin on her face. He wondered why she was smiling like that.

"Panthro, Panthro, Panthro, have I got a surprise for you." Leela smiled at him even more brightly.

"What?" Panthro asked annoyed.

"I told you about that tone. It doesn't matter now. You will soon learn to respect me, starting today."

"And how do you figure that?" Panthro asked folding his arms.

"Well, catching you having sex with the twins aunt behind their backs is a starter."

Panthro eyes widen in shock.

Leela laughed. "Yes, I thought that would get you attention. I must say Panthro, you most certainly know how to please a woman. Yes, I saw all of it. Now unless you want me to tell WilyKit and WilyKat what you have been doing to their aunt, I suggest you tell me everything between you, Vasa, and Aline."

"You know about Aline?" Panthro asked in a low breath.

"Not everything, but you're going to fill me in. Otherwise..."

"I get the picture." Panthro understood.

"Good. Now start talking." She said darkly with an evil smile.

Part 40

When Cheetara entered the lair, she found the twins and three decided to go shopping at the mall. Their main purpose for being their was searching for an anniversary present for Lion-O and Leela. Their anniversary was next week and the three last minute shoppers were finding it difficult to find them a present. Once they arrived at the vast mall that was half a mile wide, they split up, the twins left together and Cheetara went shopping by herself. She had a few bags in her hand; things she purchased for herself, but she couldn't find anything for Lion-O and Leela. She walked passed the shopping windows, looking at nothing in particular until she saw wedding dress in the window. As she stared at the wedding gown, she thought about her own wedding dress and her wedding day. She shook her head quickly, erasing the memory, but begin thinking about what happened between her and Lion-O earlier that day.

Cheetara knew he was going to go start his run after her anytime now. She started first and ran from Lion-O. Lion-O chased after her. She ran around her garden and jumped into the trees. Lion-O was quickly on her tail. He was getting closer and closer to her. Cheetara climbed higher in the trees. She glanced down and saw Lion-O not to far from her. When she was close enough, she jumped on to another tree. She climbed back down on the ground and looked up, Lion-O was no where in sight.

"Let me go!" Cheetara screamed and laughed as Lion-O lifted her above the ground in a bear hug. Cheetara tried to kick Lion-O's leg so he'll release her but her leg tangle his, causing Lion-O to lose his balance, making them both fall on the ground. Cheetara fell on her back and Lion-O fell on top of her. Their breathing increased and their eyes locked. Both felt mesmerized by each other's eyes and looked deeper still. Cheetara wasn't completely sure what happened. She did know that either Lion-O was moving his lips closer to hers or she was moving her lips closer to him.

"What's all this?" Leela asked in a jealous and furious tone. (39)

Cheetara begin thinking. Why did I let Lion-O chase me like that or hold me so close? He was too close. If Leela didn't interrupt us, we could have-

"Cheetara?" WilyKit snapped Cheetara out of her thoughts. The cheetah looked at WilyKit and noticed the young woman's concerned look. "Are you all right?"

Panthro and Leela were in the counsel room, where Panthro had finished explaining everything to Leela about his darkest secrets.

"I know you're not going to believe me when I say this, but I am sorry for your loss." Leela said with sympathy.

Panthro looked at her as if she was lying.

"I'm telling the truth. I should also tell you that it's not right that you're sleeping with their aunt behind their backs. If they should happen to find out..."

"They won't find out. You promised." Panthro said.

"I know what I said and I'll keep my promise, but keeping secrets like this will only backfire on you. You said that you loved their aunt and you believe that she feels the same for you but.." She trailed off again.

"I know. I'm thinking of a way to tell them."

"So I'm the only one who knows about you and Vasa and both Cheetara and I know about Aline. I could frame her with this information, but I need something bigger for her." Leela thought wickedly.

"Leave Cheetara alone. She hasn't done anything to you. You're the one who's hurt her."

"Oh, yeah. Well, she stuck it to me today." Leela said and thought earlier in the day when she saw Lion-O holding Cheetara close in his arms, the way she wanted him to hold her. The look in his eyes as he was about to kiss her. Leela wanted that, but Cheetara was the one who got it, and probably always will unless she does something about it. "She's going to pay dearly when I find something on her." She said darkly.

Panthro saw the serious look in Leela's eyes and knew she was determined to get Cheetara, and he was becoming worried for Cheetara. He knew Leela hates Cheetara and dislikes him. He knew what she 's capable of and wonder what would she do to Cheetara if she found something on her.

"What did you say, Kit? I didn't hear you. I was distracted."

WilyKit looked at the wedding dress and knew why Cheetara was looking distracted. "I can see why. A year ago, you and Lion-O were suppose to be married. That reminds me, I owe Kat 50 Thunderdollars."

"Kit, that's in the past. Let's forget about that. I--why do you owe your brother 50 Thunderdollars?"

"WilyKat and I made a bet. I said Lion-O and Leela's marriage wouldn't last a year. He said it would, but not much longer after that."

"You made a bet on how long Lion-O's marriage to Leela would last?" Cheetara couldn't believe it.

"We all did, except for you, Lynx-O, and Tygra. Panthro said two months, Bengali and Pumyra said six months, Snarf and Snarfer said two years, and Kat said a year and I--"

"I can't believe you all did this. How--oh, forget it. Have you and....where's your brother anyway?" Cheetara asked looking around.

"He's at the video arcade. Don't worry. He got his gift and so do I, regretfully." She opened her bag and showed her a gift. "Did you find a gift?"

"Um, no, not yet. I got a few more days. Maybe I'll come back out here with Tygra."

WilyKit kind of cringe hearing Tygra's name. "Are you and Tygra really--"

"Yes, we are. Why do you find that hard to believe?" Cheetara asked with an attitude.

WilyKit put her hand up in defense. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"Good. Go tell WilyKat that I'm ready to go. I'll meet you at the thundertank." Cheetara said a harshly and walked off.

"Yeesh, I was only...oh, forget, WilyKit, she's not going to say anything." WilyKit said and left to find her brother.

Panthro went to his bedroom after his confession to Leela. He laid on his bed thinking. He couldn't believe that she found out about him and Vasa and she now knows who murdered the twins parents. The proud panther was now scared, scared that his secret would be revealed. Leela could tell the twins at any time. She has everything on him and he has nothing on her. He also begin to worry about Cheetara. Cheetara isn't hiding a big secret from Leela, but if Cheetara does do anything wrong and Leela found out, it would be over for her. Panthro knew Leela wasn't a good person, but he didn't know she was this deceptive, wicked, evil. How in the world could someone as she be Lion-O's wife, the Lady of the Thundercats? The Lady of the Thundercats was suppose to be a woman of kindness, nobility, courageous, a role model to other woman on Thundera, but Leela was the exact opposite of what a Lady of the Thundercats was suppose to be.

"There must be some way out of this nightmare." Panthro said aloud.

A knock came to his door. "Panthro, it's Cheetara."

"It's open, Cheetara."

Cheetara entered. "Panthro, I--" she saw the distress look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"I need to talk to you about Leela, Cheetara. She's dangerous and you shouldn't take her lightly." Panthro cautioned her.

"I know she's dangerous, Panthro. I'm not afraid or threatened by her." Cheetara told him.

"Just don't underestimate her." Panthro said with more of a warning than concern.

Cheetara laughed. "Panthro, you say that as if she has something on you." She saw his grim look and became serious. "Does Leela has something on you?"

"No, of course not." Panthro lied. "I just want you to be careful. You mentioned to me that you really stuck it to her, and she may want to get back at you."

"She can't do anything to me, Panthro. Believe me, you have nothing to worry about." Cheetara assured him.

The next week, the Thundercats had a special dinner for Lion-O and Leela celebrating their wedding anniversary, even though most of the Thundercats weren't really into celebrating. Tygra and Cheetara were the only ones who seem interested in getting it over without complaining. Everyone had already given them their gifts for the evening, except for Cheetara.

"Thank you for the gifts. I guess now that leaves three more to go. Me, which I'll give to Lion-O tonight." Leela eyed Lion-O seductively. Lion-O had on a mask so no one could tell what his expression was. "Lion-O would probably give me mine later on. Cheetara, you're next."

Cheetara held the gift in her lap all night from the moment the Thundercats begin giving their gifts. She got it yesterday when she and Tygra went out together in the mall. It was wrapped in a square, white box with a red ribbon on top. She took special care in wrapping the gift, for reasons that she couldn't explain. She left her seat next to Tygra and walked to the head of the table where Lion-O and Leela sat. She placed the gift in front of them and smiled.

"Happy Anniversary." She said and walked back to her seat next to Tygra.

Leela unwrapped the gift and looked surprised that Cheetara would give her and Lion-O a gift like that. "It's beautiful." She commented.

It was a music box. A man and woman were on top holding each other in a hug that symbolized that they were in love with each other. Leela wind the the music box and it played a soft melody. Tygra listened to it and realized he had heard it played before. It was yesterday. Tygra and Cheetara were walking in the mall, holding each other's hand.

"Let's go in here, Tygra. Maybe I can find a gift in here." Cheetara indicated the music store in front of them. Tygra agreed and Cheetara saw various music boxes, instruments, and other music paraphernalia. Cheetara picked up a box of man and woman holding each other close. She like the couple on the music box and wind it so it could play. It played a soft melody. "It's lovely, isn't it, Tygra?"

"It sounds nice. Do you want to get it?" Tygra asked.

" 'The Return of Lost Love.' That is a very popular music box." A worker said walking to them.

Cheetara stopped looking at the box and at the worker. "What?"

"The music box. It's called 'The Return of Lost Love.' It's about two people who were in love with each other, who somehow lost their way, but made a promise that they'll be together again, more in love than ever." She explained. "Do you want to buy it?"

"No." Tygra said abruptly. He took the music box out of Cheetara's hands and put it back on the table.

"Tygra, why did you do that?" Cheetara asked.

"It's not what we're looking for. We're looking for a wedding anniversary gift."

"Oh. Well, in that case, we have a wonderful selections of wedding musical boxes over here." She said and escorted Tygra to them.

A few minutes later, Tygra and Cheetara left the shop. Cheetara held a bag in her hand. They walked silently for a few minutes before Tygra said anything.

"I don't see why you had to get that 'Return of Lost Love,' Cheetara. The wedding music box is perfect for them."

"I know, but I like this one. I like the melody, and it's doesn't make me think of Lion-O, if that's what you're thinking."

"I don't think you should have gotten it." Tygra said.

"It's nothing, Tygra. I won't give it to them." Cheetara said.

How could she lie to me like that? What is she trying to do? Tygra thought as he heard the melody continue to play.

Cheetara watched Leela happily listen to the music. She sadly thought how that gift was suppose to be hers.

Cheetara walked to her room by herself after she and Tygra came back from the mall. Snarf had been waxing the floors while she was gone, so she wasn't aware that the floors may be slippery. She didn't see a spot that Snarf had missed on her way to her room and so she slipped and fell on the floor. Her bag fell out of her hand and hit the floor with Cheetara. She heard something break from her bag. She got up and went into her room and took out the music boxes. The music box she had for Lion-O and Leela was broken.

"Oh, no, and it was perfect for them." She groaned and looked at her music box. It wasn't broken. "It's too late to go get another one. I guess I'll have to give them mine."

Leela put the music box back in its gift box. "That is a lovely gift, Cheetara. Maybe next year we'll be celebrating you and Tygra getting married.

Cheetara smiled and looked at her hand joined with Tygra's. "Who knows what the future holds, Leela."

"True, but I know one thing. It doesn't have you and Lion-O together." Leela laughed. "I bet you all didn't think this marriage would last, but it did. HA!"

"Leela, you shouldn't gloat. It could ruin your charming personality." Cheetara said sardonically.

"Jealous? I bet you're pretending to be in love with Tygra, so you can have someone to lean on now that you don't have my Lion-O."

"That's enough, Leela!" Lion-O and Tygra roared angrily.

"B--ch." Cheetara responded.

Everyone turned to Cheetara in shock. They couldn't believe that she said that. Sure that describes Leela in one word, but no one thought that Cheetara would say it. Leela was caught off guard too. She growled lowly, fiery sparks were shooting out of her green eyes.

"What did you call me?" She asked with clenched teeth.

Cheetara got up from the table. "I should go before I say something offensive. Excuse me."

"Wait, Cheetara." Tygra started to go after her.

"No, Tygra. I'll go." Lion-O said and left. "Cheetara, wait." He called after her in the hall, but Cheetara continued to run from him. He finally caught up with her in the hangar. He saw her getting on the Thunderclaw. "Cheetara, stop. We have to talk."

"Sorry, Lion-O, but I need some time by myself." She said and flew away.

Lion-O cursed himself as he punched a nearby wall in the hangar. He was angry, not for stopping Cheetara leave, but at Leela. He was going to make sure that this grudge Leela had against Cheetara ends tonight.

Tygra was angry at himself for not going after Cheetara but Lion-O wanted to talk to her. He didn't want to start something with Lion-O now, but he was going to take his anger out at Leela. "How dare you say something like that? Cheetara and I love each other. She's not faking at all." Tygra stated but didn't see the looks Panthro and the twins were giving each other.

Leela looked as if she didn't say anything wrong. Lion-O came in looking angrier than he has ever been. The Thundercats have seen Lion-O angry before, especially in battle but it wasn't anything like this. "I like to have a word with Leela alone." He sounded enraged. The Thundercats never heard Lion-O sound like that. To the twins, it was almost a little scary. Even with Mumm-Ra, the Mutants and Lunataks attacks he didn't sound like this. Lion-O looked at the Thundercats still furious. "Why are you still here? I gave you an order." He voice growled wrathfully.

The Thundercats immediately got up and scrambled out as fast as they could to avoid the anger of their lord.

"What are you doing, WilyKat?" WilyKit asked once outside the dining room. WilyKat was listening at the door.

"Quiet, sis. I want to hear this. This is going to be good. Hey!" WilyKat objected as WilyKit and Panthro pulled him from the door.

"Leela, I have been patient with you for a long time, but this time you pushed it too far." Lion-O said indignantly.

"I don't think I've done anything wrong."

"How would you feel if you were in Cheetara's position. You have been tormenting her before she left and after she returned. You even said that you're starting to like her, but I see that as a lie. You never did like her or ever will. You'd prefer it if she was dead. I never thought I had to use my power on you, but I am ordering you to end this grudge now. You and I are married now. There's nothing going on between us. When she returns, you will apologize to her." Lion-O ordered.

"I will not. She deserves every bit of insults I give her, especially after last week. She flaunts around you, flirts with you, letting her chase her, hold her. She wants you, but she must learn the hard way that you will never be hers." Leela argued back.

"Cheetara doesn't flirt, flaunts or want me. She is with Tygra now and nothing happened between us last week. Nothing wasn't going to happen. When Cheetara comes back, I'm personally going to make sure you apologize and it will be sincere. I'll make sure of that and that's an order." He stormed out angrily.

Leela sat in her chair pondering. Maybe she did go to far. If she wants to get close with Lion-O, she know she'll have to end this feud with Cheetara and it will have to be sincere, even though she's going to hate it.

Cheetara sat on a bar stool at Cat Hall. It was a relatively quiet night to a bar that was usually full of people. The ones that were there were playing pool or sitting around drinking. She had to get out of the lair and strangely the first place she thought of was Cat Hall. She's not a regular drinker, but she felt a need to drink something, so she had a light alcoholic drink, even though she knew she could handle stronger drinks. Devon watched Cheetara as she drunk her drink. She look vulnerable to him. He knew that Cheetara would come back some time. Tonight was the night. He reached down in his pocket and made sure he had the stuff he need to make Cheetara his tonight. He walked to her and eyed her seductively. He took a seat next to her.

"Buy you a drink?" He asked.

Cheetara looked at Devon. She had a feeling he would bother her. Strange as she looked at him, she kind of thought of Lion-O. It didn't sees odd that she would since Devon is a lion too and has red hair like Lion-O. "As you can see, I have one."

"You look like you need another one."

"I'll be fine." She told him.

"The boss lady giving you trouble?" He asked. Cheetara didn't say anything. "She is, isn't she?"

Cheetara didn't say anything. Devon looked at the pool table across behind them. Two male panthers were looking at him. Devon nodded his head. The two men begin arguing and then fighting.

Cheetara turned around to see what the noise was and saw the men fighting. Another man, a tiger broke up the staged fight. While she took her eyes off her drink, Devon took a small dropper out of his pocket. There were liquid resembling the color of Cheetara's drink in it. He only got a few drops in Cheetara's drink before she turned back around on her stool. Devon quickly put the dropper in his pocket without Cheetara knowing. He watched her finish the last of her drink.

"Since I can't buy you a drink, how about--Cheetara are you all right?" He asked noticing Cheetara looking a little drowsy.

"I'm fine. I have to go." She stumbled out of the stool and Devon caught her.

"Come on. I'll walk you to your vehicle." He said and escorted Cheetara out. When they got outside, he walked Cheetara to his vehicle since she was drowsy and wouldn't be able to tell. It was a big hover van similar to the popular sports utilty vehicles that many Thunderians were fascinated about. He laid Cheetara on the back seat. Cheetara opened her eyes.

"Oh, where am I?" She looked around and saw what she thought was Lion-O. "You. How did you--"

"Does it really matter?" He said and kissed her. He moved forcefully on Cheetara. Cheetara kissed him eagerly as well. She rubbed her hands all over him and put one of her legs over his. Devon congratulated himself on the inside. He knew this would work.

Part 41

A couple of hours has passed since Cheetara left Cat's Lair. With it being a quiet night after Lion-O and Leela's argument, the Thundercats went to bed early. Lion-O was somewhere else in the lair away from Leela. Leela sat in her and Lion-O's bedroom, combing her hair in front of the mirror. She tried to get the argument she had with Lion-O out of her mind. She heard a knock at the door and ran to open it.

"Lion-O? Oh, it's you." Leela said and walked away.

Tygra stepped in and closed the door. "What possessed you to say something like that tonight; Insulting Cheetara and saying that she's only using me for comfort?"

"I have a right to speak my mind."

"To a certain extent. And another thing, I am tired of you tormenting Cheetara. You will do it no more." Tygra ordered.

"That woman deserve everything she had coming to her tonight and then some, especially after what happened last week."

"And what happened last week?"

"Cheetara tried to kiss Lion-O." Leela said and smiled seeing the angry look on his face.

Cheetara quietly entered Cat's Lair. Most of the lights were out so Cheetara figured everyone was sleeping. She stared at her bedroom door as she thought about what happened between her and Devon. "I can't believe he did that to me. He paid for it, and I know for sure he won't bother me again." She said to herself and walked in her room. She turned on her lights and gasped.

"You startled me. What are you doing in her, Lion-O?"

"I wanted to apologize to you about tonight." Lion-O said getting out of her chair that was near the window.

"Fine, go ahead, but you're not the one who needs to apologize to me."

"Don't worry. Leela won't annoy you again. I made sure of that. She's going to apologize to you tomorrow."

"Great. Now goodnight." She said as she was about to open the door, but Lion-O grabbed her arm.

"I want to talk you about something else."

"Like what?" Cheetara asked.

"Us." Lion-O said simply.

"She kissed him? I don't believe that. Cheetara wouldn't fool around with a married man." Tygra said positive.

"Okay, maybe she didn't kiss him, but it sure look like she was going to. I saw them outside by the rose garden. All I saw was them falling with Lion-O on top of her and they looked like they were going to kiss." Leela explained.

"Lion-O's to blame, I'm sure."

"No, his B--ch is to blame."

Leela's last comment and insult about Cheetara made something snap in Tygra's head. Tygra grabbed Leela and shook her violently. His eyes were flaming mad. "Don't you ever call Cheetara that name again? Do you hear me?!" He shouted but Leela didn't respond. His grip on Leela tightened and he shook her even harder. "DO YOU HEAR ME?!"

Cheetara looked at Lion-O confused. "Us? There is no us. There's you and Leela." Cheetara nearly shouted at Lion-O and pulled her arm from his hand.

Lion-O continue to talk as Cheetara walked to her closet, opened it, looking through the clothes in her closet. "But that does not change how I feel. It's not what I want."

Cheetara marched to him. "No, Lion-O, don't you go there. You promised."

"Yes, I promised not to bring up our past, but how can you face the future without accepting the past?" Lion-O asked her.

"I have accepted the past." She said and return looking for something in her closet.

"Have you now?" Lion-O asked uncertain of her words. "If you have, then why don't you want to talk about it?"

"Turn around." Cheetara said.

Lion-O looked bewildered. "Huh?"

Cheetara pulled out her nightgown. "I have to change."

"Oh." Lion-O understood and turned around.

"Why should I talk about something that I don't want to talk about? It's stupid. Now since you said what you had to say, you can go." Cheetara told him as she changed clothes.

"I haven't finished, and I'm not leaving until we talk, and we haven't done that since we dated." Lion-O said sternly.

"Fine." Cheetara said giving up. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Are you really in love with Tygra?"

"What do you think?" She asked smartly. "You can turn around now."

Lion-O turned around. Cheetara was wearing a white, silk robe over her white silk gown. He stood there mesmerized by her as she comb her hair and pinned it back with a black twisted hair piece.

"Aren't you going to answer my question?" Cheetara's angry voice brought Lion-O to reality.

"Why do you have this attitude against me? I have never done anything to hurt you."

Cheetara stopped looking at herself in the mirror and looked at Lion-O furiously. "Never hurt me? You said you never hurt me? Just where were you this past year? You married Leela!"

"I never wanted too. You know that. You're the one who pushed me to marry her. You kept saying it was in the Code and that we were forbidden to marry each other." Lion-O argued back.

"How dare you blame this on me? How dare you sleep with Leela and have her gloat how a great lover you are? How dare you send me on missions away from Thundera; looking for refugees; camping out far away from Cat's Lair on ridiculous missions and sending me away for four months so you can show your true feelings to Leela?" Cheetara argued.

"I never slept with Leela. She lied to you, Cheetara. I sent you away on missions to search for Thunderian refugees because I thought that was what you needed; to get away from the wedding and Leela, and the only reason I sent you to 3rd Earth for four months so you can recover from your depression. I hated to send you away, but I knew it was the only way you'll get better." Lion-O explained.

"You didn't even say good-bye." Cheetara said quiet and disappointed.

"I thought I was the last person you wanted to see."

"Ironically, you were."

"When you stop to think about it, you didn't love me as much as I thought you did, if you love me at all." Lion-o sounded a little calmer than before.

"How can you say that? I loved you with all my heart and soul." Cheetara told him.

"And to think a few months ago, you said you never loved me, you never had, and you never will. It's amazing what a person can say when they speak with their heart instead of their mind where they can think of a lie. I used to think it was pain after a battle with Mumm-Ra, the Mutants, and Lunataks, that my muscles would be sore and I'd have bruises on my arms, legs, and back. I thought I suffered horrible pain when the mutants ambushed me and stabbed me with a dagger in my back, only an inch from my spine. I could have been paralyzed for life, but I had to fight because our enemies were attacking us at full force for a painful eight weeks before it healed. But what you did, Cheetara was a hundred times painful, a hundred times worse. You lied to me Cheetara. You lied that you didn't love me. You hurt me in a way that Mumm-Ra, the Mutants or Lunataks could never hurt me. I was almost seduced by Leela in my vulnerability because of it." Lion-O expressed his pain and feelings that he was holding back to Cheetara.

Cheetara stood in front of him, quiet and as brave as she could. I know what I did was wrong, but I had no real choice in the matter. Tygra. Leela.

"If you were looking for closure, you just got it." Leela smiled evilly. (28)

"Cheetara, Lion-O is still in love with you. You know it and I know it. If he sees us together, then he'll know that's it's over between the two of you and finally move on with Leela." Tygra told Cheetara. (37)

I'm so confused, Lion-O, and I'm so sorry. I wish you could forgive me. She thought, wishing she could tell Lion-O her thoughts. A single tear fell from her left eye.

Tygra continued to hold Leela in a tight grip. He wasn't shaking her, which she was grateful for. Leela decided to use the only defense she could to get Tygra to release her. "If you take me out, Lion-O will most definitely do everything in his power to get back with Cheetara, and you'll lose her again."

Realizing that Leela may have a point, Tygra released her, knocking her down on her bed. "Where is your husband anyway?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him since our argument. He's ordering me to apologize to Cheetara."

"And you will." Tygra decreed. "Or I'll make you wish you were dead." Tygra threatened her and walked to the door. He opened the door slightly and looked at Leela. "Take my advice and don't go looking for him. More than likely, he doesn't want to go bed with you tonight." He said with his final words of the night and left.

Leela watched him with evil eyes as he left. "If Lion-O spent the night looking for Cheetara, she will pay, even if it means I have to kill her myself."

Lion-O brushed the tear off Cheetara's face and let his hand stay there. His hand was soft and warm on her face. No. No warm thoughts would come to her now. Cheetara pushed Lion-O hand's off her face.

"Go. You said what you had to say now go. Go back to Leela. Go back to your wife." She turned her back from him, waiting for him to leave and wiping the small stream of tears that were appearing on her face.

Lion-O looked at his wedding band, something that was suppose to be symbol of his wife's love for him. But his love didn't give it to him. His wife didn't give it to him. He took the ring off and laid it atop her dresser.

Cheetara turned back around. "Didn't you hear me? I said go back to your wife."

"But I did. My wife is standing in front of me." Lion-O said.

Cheetara shook her head. "No. Leela is your wife."

"Leela is not my wife. She's Thundera's wife. The wife they wanted me to marry. You are my wife. A wife is a woman in which a man bonds with in mind, body, and soul; a spiritual, unbreakable bond, a soul mate. That's what you are to me." He told her sincerely and with his heart.

Lion-O then did something that Cheetara didn't expect. He kissed her. She was reluctant to kiss him back, but finally gave in and kissed him, something she had been wanting to do ever since her erotic dream with Lion-O months ago. They kissed as if they have been apart for a hundred years and were now reunited again. Lion-O pulled out the hair piece in Cheetara's hair so her hair would flow freely as he ran his fingers through it and she ran her fingers through his read hair, pressing her body closer to his, so each would feel the other's heat and energy. As they continue to kiss, they, for the first time in a long time, allowed hearts to say how they really felt for each other.

Parts 42-43: Cheetara wakes up with regrets. Leela apologizes to Cheetara. Panthro and Vasa gets into an argument that could end their relationship. Lion-O seduces Cheetara.