20. Chapter 20

While Argo was being fed by the kitchen staff after his

hair-raising ordeal, Crys, not wanting to be left on her own doing nothing

invited Tygra to go skating with her.

“I would love to.” He

said putting the book he was reading aside.

“I don’t know where Ranger has disappeared to, but I don’t think she

would mind too much if I joined you.”

“Excellent!” The

Sh’iar queen beamed. “It will give us a

chance to continue our conversation from earlier.”

“What conversation was that?” Tygra inquired then he remembered. “Ah…yes…about that…are you sure you wouldn’t

rather speak to Argo and let him explain it all to you?”

“No…I’m more interested in hearing your version.” She replied with a twinkle in her eye.

“All right right…”

The logs in the large fireplace crackled as the tigress

crossed her ankles and allowed the warmth to radiate into her chilly feet. It

was a soothing and comforting sensation and she savoured the comfort the heat

provided. It had been a strange and emotionally charged day. Ranger leaned back

on her outstretched arms and laid her palms flat on the carpet. She stared into

the flames; they danced before her and thought about the events that had

transpired that day.

The tigress recalled breakfast, then fun at the polar

plunge... She thought back to their time in the hot tubs, then the awkward

lunch. Taking a deep breath in through

her nose, she closed her eyes savouring the aroma of the burning logs. Ranger thought back to the snowmobiling and

sledding down the mountain, and wondered why everyone seemed incredibly at odds

with their mates. Even Rangerkitty felt a sense of growing awkwardness with

Tygra since he was increasingly spending more and more time with Crystalandra.

She frowned and gave herself a self-scolding as she wondered

why everyone was suddenly harbouring so much jealousy. Don’t we all trust each other? Like Galina had decided to herself quite

some time ago, is there really any harm in enjoying the view as long as the

object of one’s desire is kept just a little farther than arm’s length? It

was then that her thoughts drifted to Tygra, and to how much Crystalandra had

seemed to have warmed up to him. Although he’d assured her earlier that day he

had absolutely no romantic interest in the woman, Rangerkitty could not help

but feel slightly uncomfortable about their recent closeness.

While she herself shared a close relationship with Argo, it

just felt different seeing his mate spending so much time together with hers. Sitting and brooding, Bengali happened by

noticing the tigress on the area rug in front of the fire. He saw the concerned

look on her face and wondered what was on her mind. Wordlessly Ben joined RK on

the carpet and leaned back in the very same manner she was, hoping she would

say something.

“Hey.” Rangerkitty finally said.

“Hey.”

It was a start.

“Is Gali still giving you the cold shoulder?”

“Yeah, it stinks. I’m going out of my mind.”

“It could be worse. She could be giving you the silent

treatment.”

“Ranger that would be like a vacation--what she is doing to

me is absolute torture.”

Rangerkitty laughed out loud without meaning to. She quickly

covered her mouth and tried to resume her calm, but grinned hearing Bengali

chuckle.

“Why is Galina so upset?” she asked her friend.

He shook his head. “I dunno... Crys’ bathing suit top came

undone. It had been tied in a slipknot, and I reached out to re-tie it before

her suit fell off. I never imagined anyone would think I was putting the moves

on her.” He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly and gazed at the glow of the

flames flickering before the both of them. “I suppose she is a little

uncomfortable in terms of competing with Crystalandra. I mean, yeah, Crys is

gorgeous, but all three of you are. Tygra, Argo and I are the luckiest three

guys on Third Earth.”

Bengali fell silent for Rangerkitty was watching him

intently letting that last comment sink in; the fire’s flames danced and

reflected in his pale blue eyes. An idea suddenly came to her, and she touched

his left hand with her right one. “I have an idea, Ben. Let’s you and me go to

the market. I want to buy ribbon and paper to wrap my solstice gifts in. Will you come with me?”

“Sure, a little drive might do me good; I need a change of

scenery. You get your things while I

request a snowmobile, okay?”

“Okay.” She smiled; he stood up and taking her hands, pulled

her to her feet. He turned and walked over to the main office where he had seen

the lodge owner enter a short time before. Rangerkitty hurried up the stairs

and down the second floor hallway to the suite that she shared with Tygra.

Entering, only mildly surprised he wasn’t there--probably with Crystalandra again.

RK stopped and chastised herself for being so controlling. He’s free to go wherever with whomever he

wants. She sighed and walked over to the wardrobe where she’d hidden her

gifts for her friends. Lifting up a few of the sweaters she’d placed in a

drawer, Ranger gaze softened admiring her gift for Tygra. She had agonized over

what to give him for months, until the idea had finally come to her in a chance

encounter. Ranger gently laid the sweaters back on top of it and figured she

would only need a few lengths of ribbon and a single roll of paper, regardless

her intent was to personalize the gifts as much as she could. Taking a few extra coins from her purse,

slipped them into her pocket but paused by the bed before leaving. A notepad

and pen were resting on the bedside table; she scribbled a quick note and

placed it under the sheets on the left side where Tygra liked to sleep so he

wouldn’t miss it. Grinning to herself,

the tigress exited and returned downstairs where he was waiting by the front

door.

He waved her on opening the front doors where a blast of

cold air met them both. “Oh wow! It’s pretty cold out there! Still want to go?”

“Definitely,” Rangerkitty answered and luckily found a

couple of scarves that were hanging on hooks just behind the door. Tossing one to Bengali, she wrapped the other

one around her neck. She chuckled for hers ironically had a tiger pattern

whereas Bengali’s own resembled a zebra.

“It’s a white tiger!”

He indignantly insisted. “Honest,

it is!”

“It’s a Zebra!” she yelled back teasingly. “You can’t convince me otherwise.”

“Oh, let’s just go!” Ben grumbled. “Before I change my mind and let you walk

into town.”

He pulled the doors open and braced himself against the

gusts, which seemingly wasn’t bad after all once they walked outside. A staff member had pulled up in a

fully-gassed snowmobile for them and had left it running. Bengali mounted it;

Rangerkitty sat behind wrapping her arms around his waist. “Shall we be off

then?”

“Let’s!” The white tiger exclaimed gunning the motor and

away they accelerated.

Unbeknownst to either of them, upstairs, a pair of curtains

fell together. Galina having observed

the pair stormed away from the window and set out on a mission to find Argo.

Out on the frozen ice skating rink, Crystalandra was doing

figure eight patterns around the tiger astounding him with her seemingly effortless

acrobatic performance and confident fluidity of movement.

“This is your second time skating and I can’t believe how

much you have improved in so little time.”

He raved to her in disbelief.

“What’s your secret?”

“Sh’iars are fast learners—we are sharp at adapting to

unusual situations…” Crys did a few more

twirls then skidded to a stop before the tiger.

“Enough stalling--tell me Tygra, how is it you are to blame for Argo’s

flirtatious behaviour?”

He stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets and grinned

rather coyly. “Well…I hate to admit this

but when I was younger I was quite the lady’s man.”

“You?” She

choked. “I’m sorry Tygra but you come

across anything but that…I find it quite difficult to believe.”

“Hey—you can always ask Argo!” He replied with mock insult to his ego.

Crys grinned. “Oh you

know I will…Go on…”

Tygra rolled his shoulders.

“As I have grown older I have settled down—matured…I’m not the brash

wild tiger I used to be. However, back

then when Argo was a cub, he idolized me…I was someone whom he could look up

to--he didn’t have much of a relationship with his father. Unfortunately that tiger was ashamed of

Argo’s mixed heritage.”

“Yes…I know his growing up years was difficult.” Crys commented. “Plus it didn’t’ help he was sickly and

asthmatic which his father thought was a burden on the family.”

The tiger nodded. “To

Liargo I was the older brother he never had…I recall him telling me one day

when he was much older, he would be just like me and have tons of attractive

she-cats falling at his feet…’I won’t always be weak and sickly Tygra…I’m going

to be strong, handsome, and a ThunderCat noble just like you.’ I never doubted him for a minute.”

“…And he is.”

“So answer this for me Crystalandra, why is it you and

Rangerkitty don’t get along? Why do you

dislike her?”

Tygra’s question took the Sh’iar queen by surprise. “It’s not that I don’t like her…It just

bothers me how close she and Argo have become.”

“What do you mean?”

Crys shrugged. “You

wouldn’t understand…”

“Try me…”

The she-cat suddenly skated backwards away from the tiger

while attempting to organize her chaotic thoughts. The tiger regarded her under the bright stars

and realized how exceptionally beautiful she actually was…If he had only met

her in another time and place…Tygra was certain he would have instantly fallen

for her. But it as it was, Crys belonged

to Argo and him to Ranger whom he dearly and truly loved. When Crys skated back to the tiger he noticed

her violet eyes were strangely luminescent in the dark.

“Argo is the only man whom I have ever been with... if you

understand my meaning…He is the only he-cat who has ever persistently pursued

me.”

Tygra was taken aback getting this admission from Crys and

wasn’t sure how to respond. “Oh…

okay.” Was all he was able to manage.

She rushed on. “I

can’t help but think perhaps he is disappointed with my lack of experience…”

“Stop right there Crys.” The tiger interrupted holding up

his hands. “He loves you and only

you…Argo has never complained so put the idea out of your head he is looking

elsewhere.” He took her hand in his and

skated around the lake pulling her along after him. “You have nothing to worry about…I have seen

how he watches you with those odd pale blue eyes of his; the possessive way in

which he zealously guards you. Now might

I suggest you and RK settle your differences peacefully so we can all get

along? After all, we are going to be

family.”

She sighed. “Since

you put it that way—all right, I shall speak to her when the opportunity

arises. Is that fair enough?

He grinned. “Yes,

fair enough.”

The snowmobile descended the mountain. Rangerkitty was surprised at just how remote

the lodge was, and gasped that they reached the market so quickly. Bengali

pulled the snowmobile to a slow speed so they could view the different types of

stores along the mile long street. There were specialty shops showcasing

jewellery, crystals, crafts, as well as several bars and restaurants.

Rangerkitty leaned forward and hugged Bengali, enjoying the view of how the

stores seemed decorated for the holiday. Many had white or colourful lights

adorning the storefronts, and there were several trees outside their front

doors with ornaments from their shops.

“Very clever,” She commented and pointed to Bengali a

convenient place to park. He coasted in

and parked.

“Okay, my dear, let’s find that ribbon you’re looking for.”

“First things first, Bengali.”

“Huh?”

“I want to have some hot chocolate.”

“Ooooh, no--no way.” He replied, holding his hands up.

She gasped and gave him her pouty face. “Why?”

“Because then we’ll never get what we came for. Come on.” He

replied, taking her hand and guided her into a nearby gift shop. A small bell

on the door jingled indicating their presence; a small but pleasant looking

wollo woman beamed at them. “May I help you?”

”We need ribbon and paper to wrap solstice gifts.”

“Well then you shall also need tape and scissors!” The older

lady declared hurrying into a nearby aisle. “Let me help you!”

The two ThunderCats followed her and were shown an array of

colourful paper, ribbons, bows, and other decorative adornments. Rangerkitty

inspected as Bengali felt his stomach rumble. Hot chocolate was sounding really

good right now. After a few minutes, he interrupted her search and asked what

the holdup was.

“I want to wrap Crystalandra’s gift in this pretty shiny

purple, but I want blue for Tygra.”

He wasn’t getting it. “Ok, so exactly what’s the problem?”

“Well, I can’t decide on which to buy.”

“Oh dear Gods, woman--buy both!”

“That’s too much paper!”

“Ay!” Bengali groaned, grabbing a roll of each, he headed

after the Wollo proprietor who had already selected tape, scissors and two

different lengths of ribbon. “We’ll take both.” He informed her.

“Lovely and happy solstice to the both of you!”

Proud of himself, the white tiger waited outside the shop

for Rangerkitty. She joined him and he

made it a point to give her a loud and wet kiss on the cheek. “And back at

cha!” he grinned, sharing a smile with the Wollo lady who followed him outside

handing him his bag of supplies.

“Don’t forget your purchases.”

“Thanks!”

Benny turned and handed it to the tigress that was seeing

for the first time just what Galina saw in this devilish, handsome young hunk.

“Thanks. Shall we go now?”

“No way--I was promised hot chocolate!”

Ranger hesitated trying to remember exactly when she made

that promise, “You were promised?”

He gave her a sultry grin. “Oh yes, I very much was.”

“Well I imagine that I should probably satisfy that desire

of yours...”

Rangerkitty twisted at the waist trying to decide which of

the cafes they might choose. Being it was so cold out, Bengali hopped

impatiently back and forth for a moment until she announced, “How about that

one?”

He looked to where she was pointing and instantly agreed. It

was a quaint old-style brewery but appeared to have wine barrels as well. It

was lit with torches and glowed while many other shops seemed dim in

comparison. They walked over together and were immediately shown to a table.

Rangerkitty sat down and smiled at Bengali who took the bag of supplies and

tucked it under the bistro chair he was sitting in.

“This chair is cold! My bum is freezing!”

The waitress appeared and it was the first time Bengali had

ever been handed a warm fleece by a table server. She gave one to RK as well,

and they stood, wrapped the fleeces around their waists, and then sat back

down, very happy and warm.

Oh she is soooooo

getting a good tip. Rangerkitty sent to him.

He got it and simply nodded back. “Two hot chocolates,

please.”

“Would you like the chef’s special blend?”

“Sure.” Bengali grinned at the pretty girl. “Thanks.”

She scribbled the order down on a tablet and sauntered away;

he watched and Rangerkitty watched him. The tigress took the opportunity to

kick him under the table, “Dude--Really?”

“Ow! That hurt!”

“You deserved it!”

“No I didn’t!”

“Ben, what’s going on with you and Galina? She’s being MUCH

more insane than usual, and personally, it’s exhausting me. Crys is all into

Tygra and he’s all into her--I’m glad, but I’m starting to feel left out.”

“So, do you want to talk about Galina or do you want to talk

about you? Cuz it sounds like there’s more going on than just one thing.”

Part of her wanted to smack him, but currently he was her

only ally and she really needed to get this off her chest. Ranger bit her lip.

“Benny, I really don’t like—let me rephrase that, well, I

guess I’m a little freaked out...” She ran a hand through her hair, knowing

what she was trying to say wasn’t coming across right. A few moments went by,

and Bengali was about to speak when Rangerkitty abruptly cut him off.

“I don’t want Crys to take my tiger!” she blurted out,

surprising both herself as well as Bengali.

He frowned; Crystalandra usually did not play by the rules,

but to steal Tygra? Never-besides she had the tiglon tank.

He shook his head. “She won’t. Tygra loves you, and only

you.”

“He’s warming to her.”

Bengali reached forward and took Rangerkitty’s hands in his.

“Hun, I wouldn’t worry. That tiger is mad crazy about you. Have you any idea

how lost he was over that time you both weren’t together?”

“No...How lost was he?”

“Like totally—extremely…very. He practically couldn’t

function. Thank Jaga you both resumed things at that festival.”

“And I’m glad you met Galina there too.”

“I didn’t meet her; I fell for her... literally. I fell down

onto the ground when I first saw her for she took my breath away.”

“And the rest is history...” Rangerkitty smiled sipping her

cocoa. “That must have been hard on you both to have met then to have lost each

other for so long. I remember how depressed you were.”

“Yeah,” Bengali smirked memories of his reunion with the

blue eyed beauty after she and Rangerkitty had become ThunderCats on New

Thundera. “I’m really happy with her... she makes me laugh every day.”

“Except today...”

He didn’t respond, and instead looked absently at the warm

mug he was holding in both hands while it rested on the table. “Yeah... today I

miss her.”

Rangerkitty heard the sound of a snowmobile approaching. She

was surprised to see who was on it and gasped slightly as Bengali continued to

brood not noticing. Touching his hand,

he raised a questioning eyebrow; his eyes widened noticing the vehicle was

being steered by Argo with Galina sitting in the rear. She hopped off; Argo

pulled up next to the bistro and glanced from Bengali to Rangerkitty.

“May we join you?”

There were only two chairs at the bistro table and Argo was

already rubbing his gloved hands together.

It was obvious he had no desire to sit out in the cold voluntarily.

Rangerkitty could see Galina wanted to talk to Bengali, so she collected the

shopping bag and stood up. She offered Galina the fleece, which the white

tigress refused. “Keep it.”

Rangerkitty looked at the Tiglon who obviously wanted to get

back to the warmth of the lodge. She walked over to him and smiled, despite the

awkwardness of the present situation. “Can I ride back with you?”

“Absolutely.” He turned and brushed snow off of the rear

seat and patted it for her. She rewrapped the fleece around her waist and

climbed on behind him. Looping her hand through the handles of the shopping

bag, the tigress and held onto Argo’s jacket at the waist. A fleeting glance back at Bengali, she gave

him a hopeful smile; Argo turned the handle and turned in the direction out of

town.

Bengali watched his friends leave, then crossly at the

tigress. “Out for a pleasure ride?”

“No, I came to find you. Then I find you with Ranger--how

nice for you both.”

He rolled his eyes at her comment. “Oh come off it Galina.

We’re friends--she needed to buy some things at the store.”

“Things like hot chocolate at a romantic little hideaway?”

“Hideaway? We’re out in the open! What’s with you? Why are

you being unreasonable?”

“I’m not--I saw you two leave the lodge together. What was I

supposed to think?”

Bengali shook his head, “Maybe you could think we were

running errands! I’m surprised especially with this coming from you! You’ve

been drooling over Argo all day! How do you think that made me feel?

She shrugged. “You were drooling over Crys. How do you think

I felt?’

“You were in the hot tub with Argo! And I wasn’t drooling

over her! I was fixing her swimsuit, just as I would have done if it had been

you or Ranger!”

She folded her arms and looked away refusing to meet his

stare. Bengali watched her, waiting for a response. After a short time, it was

apparent he wouldn’t be getting one. He stood and walked in front of her so he

was in Galina’s direct line of sight. “I missed you today, babe. I missed your

smile…I loved how happy we were at the polar plunge this morning.”

Flashes of how he’d stayed with her in the water filtered

into here mind and how they’d played.

Galina’s blue eyes glistened gazing at her handsome tiger. “I’m sorry I

was being so flirtatious.”

“It’s okay, Gali... but be flirtatious with me. Argo is handsome

and a great guy, but I’m the one who’s in love with you, not him.”

She smiled reached forward taking his face in her hands and

reined him close for a passionate kiss.

Bengali’s stomach felt like it was suddenly filled with butterflies and

he wrapped his arms around her returning the affection. Patrons inside the

restaurant stared from inside at the ThunderCat couple that were making out

right in front of the picture window of the establishment. A waitress dropped

her tray walking right into a waiter that had also stopped to watch. The sound

of the dishes falling and breaking on the ground startled the couple who

stopped what they were doing and turned in the direction of the commotion. They

blinked, surprised that everyone in the restaurant were openly gawking at them.

Galina giggled and Bengali blushed. “They’re probably

thinking we should get a room.”

“Well then... we should do exactly just that.”