Team Legacy Saga: Excerpts (Read 3,096 times)

[sevenna92]

Meryl was wondering around in the kitchen munching on some cheese nervously. She then took a gulp of water and swallowed. She then took a huge bite of a salty cracker and chewed on it thoughtfully.

Meryl then flipped open a magazine and began to read while continuing to eat the cheese and crackers.

“Momma! We need to talk!” Mona screamed as she marched into the kitchen with an angry scowl on her face.

Meryl spun around and looked at her daughter with a surprised look on her face.

“Mona? What’s the matter?”

“I saw you with Theresa earlier today!” Mona screamed shrilly as she gave her mother a withering glare, her eyes glowing with rage. She then swung her hands at her repeatedly, pounding at her. “I know that you were screwing her! You’re a tramp! You’re selling yourself out to her like a cheap tramp!”

“Mona, hold your tongue!” Meryl snapped with a livid and aghast expression as she slapped Mona in the face.

Mona then recoiled in horror as she held her face and balked. The swift slap silenced her momentarily before she gathered the strength to find her voice again. Mona’s eyes then flared up again as her voice pierced through the air like a banshee.

“I expected this behavior from Grandma but not from you. What’s happened to you, Momma? Why are you acting this way?”

“Mona, please calm down, sweetheart-“ Meryl tried to mollify her daughter’s anger but she didn’t heed her words as she continued to scream.

“How could you do this to me? To Desi? To Daddy? Don’t you love him anymore?” Mona kept on screaming and raving with her arms flailing as tears were coming down her eyes. “Are you planning to leave him for Theresa?”

“No, Mona, no!” Meryl exclaimed as she let out a big sigh and placed her hands on her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes.

“Listen to me, honey. I am not leaving your father for anybody. Do you understand me, darling?”

Mona then shook her head and cried. Her mother then wiped her tears and smiled as the younger Dumonde girl sniffled and gazed hard into her eyes. Meryl then grabbed a piece of hair from her face and petted it down on her head.

“Please just listen to me for a moment. Yes I do love your father and I always have loved him and I will never stop. He means the world to me and I will give everything I have for him. He was the first person I’ve loved and I haven’t been with anyone before or since him. But I don’t just love men; I love women too and now I’m starting to have feelings for Theresa also.”

“Momma, I don’t care if you like women too. I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with that. I just want you to stay with Daddy,” Mona whimpered, her voice cracking with sadness. “I want our family to remain together.”

“And it will remain together, I promise,” Meryl assured her as she pulled her into a hug and cradled her, rubbing her back as if she were a baby. “I’m going to tell Daddy all about it and we will work this out one way or another, I’m sure of it. But we’re going to make a compromise where I can still be with him and I can take on any female lover I please to be a part of our family. I want the both of us to be happy and fulfilled together in our marriage.”

“But Momma, I wouldn’t mind any other woman, but why Theresa? She’s Grandma’s girlfriend!” Mona exclaimed. “And she’s a psycho!”

“I know, little one. I didn’t ask or want this to happen to me and to us. If it were up to me I wouldn’t wish this to happen at all,” Meryl sighed deeply as she ran her hand through her hair and she pulled out a stool and sat down.

“But sometimes the heart has a will of its own when it comes to loving someone. I can’t explain it but I am very drawn to her and I want to be with her. She’s very passionate, exciting and thrilling as any woman or man. But she is still just as good as Daddy.”

“But Momma, I don’t understand why you feel you have to take on a female lover. You don’t have to act out on your feelings for other women just to have people accept you as you are,” Mona frowned.

“I know, darling, but this is what I want. This is what I feel I must do to come to terms with myself. I need this peace of mind,” Meryl replied softly. “My soul cannot be whole without that other person out there. I feel like I got only two pieces of my soul with me and I’m missing the last piece.”

“Oh, Momma. I hate to see you like this,” Mona sighed sadly, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t want you to cheat on Daddy and I want the two of you to work things out. I believe you two are meant to be together and I refuse to let anyone else come between you. And I don’t like the idea of Theresa being my new momma either in your intended open marriage. But still I want you to be happy and I don’t want to get in your way if I can help it. But please be careful with her. I fear she’s dangerous.”

“Don’t worry, Mona. I know exactly what I’m doing,” Meryl replied gently and kissed her on the cheek. “I am not afraid of Theresa and I will be okay. I know she cares for me deeply as I do her.” Mona then pulled away uncertainly, biting her lip.

“Daddy loves you and cares for you with all his heart. He has been nothing but faithful to you. I wish you would confess to him what you’ve done. It would be better for all of us. It’s not good to have you be so selfish, especially for a minister of God. You’re supposed to be my better and a good role model. You’re supposed to be the one to show me what it means to be a good woman.”

“In due time, my love. I will tell Daddy when I’m good and ready,” Meryl replied. “So I would appreciate it if you don’t say anything in front of him.”

“But Daddy…” Mona protested.

“Promise me, Mona,” Meryl pleaded as she grabbed her shoulders and tightened them, looking into her eyes. “Promise me you won’t say a word.”

Mona then blew out of her mouth and scowled. She then grunted and folded her arms for a few minutes. Finally she rolled her eyes.

“Okay, Momma. I promise,” she retorted reluctantly.

“Good,” Meryl smiled as she hugged her tightly. “Now you know that both your father and I love you and Desi very much, right?”

“Right,” Mona nodded as she breathed deeply and turned around. “Okay, Momma. I got to go run and find Kidda. See you later!”

“Bye, darling!” Meryl exclaimed as she saw Mona running out of the kitchen and then she turned back to her magazine.

Mona then inhaled deeply and narrowed her eyes as she walked through the living room with a grim look in her eyes.

“I’m not going to let that Theresa Donovan woman destroy my parents’ marriage. As much as I’d want my mother to be happy, I am going to do everything in my power to separate them even if it means that my parents stay together. I’ll make sure that Theresa will never have my mother!”

[sevenna92]

Author's Notes:

This scene is supposed to take place after Lee's talk with Malcolm but before Lee's talk with Meryl. Normally I would post a scene in chronological order but this came to mind just now and I had to write it down. Any future scene that comes to mind and I have to write it down will come with a brief description in the author's notes about which scene takes place. 

Rhonda was sitting in her bedroom with a black tablet in hand. She was busy playing a racing game as she was trying to steer the car properly in the middle of the road. However, the car steered rapidly to the left and Rhonda tried her best to get it back on the road.

“Aw, come on it, now!” Rhonda exclaimed with a scoff as she pressed on the pad and tried to make the car turn right.

Theresa then popped in the doorway and tapped on the door softly. “Hey.”

Rhonda then jumped as she looked over her shoulder and her eyes widened at the sight of Theresa.

“Theresa!” Rhonda cried in astonishment. “What are you doing here?”

“Hey, kiddo. Lee brought me here on a visit,” Theresa replied as she entered her room and made a sweeping gaze.

“Wow, I gotta say. You have a pretty swanky crib.”

“Yeah, Rod made it for us some time ago,” Rhonda answered. “I believe it was for our anniversary or something.”

“How sweet,” Theresa grinned. “I wish I had a spouse who spoiled me like that.”

“I think you will, when you get your act together and start taking responsibility for your life,” Rhonda retorted off-handedly.

Theresa then rolled her eyes with a groan. “Don’t go all self-righteous on me.”

“I’m not,” Rhonda interjected gently. “I’m just saying.”

“Yeah,” Theresa blew through her mouth and then she walked over to Rhonda’s bed and leaned over her. She then started to watch Rhonda playing her game.

“What kind of game is that?”

“Ridge Racer Type 4,” Rhonda answered. “It’s a Playstation 1 game. I have a demo CD with some of the PS1 games that were being promoted at the time.”

“Cool. So you have an emulator?” Theresa inquired as Rhonda scooted over slightly so Theresa would be able to sit next to her. Theresa then sat down next to her old friend and then patted her knee.

“Yeah. A PS1 emulator. I still have the actual game console from when I was seven but I decided to download this emulator so I can download some games that I never got to actually play back when they were still selling the systems.”

“Yeah, I remember when I used to play Crash Bandicoot and Spyro with my brother Andrew, along with Xena the Warrior Princess, Ape Escape and a couple of other games,” Theresa remarked crisply. “I also remember that we played Bloody Roar II and even X-men: Mutant Academy. Another game I used to really like was Golden-Eye and Tomorrow Never Dies.”

“Oh right. You liked those games because of your dad, right?” Rhonda chimed.

“Yeah,” Theresa smiled. “I am a die-hard James Bond fan. I used to watch the really older James Bond films with my brother and mom when I was little. But the ones with Pierce Brosnan are my particular favorites.”

“Oh yeah. I think I saw Tomorrow Never Dies a long while back. But I think there was this one time that we saw this one James Bond movie where there was this evil woman that would kill the men that she slept with. It might be the same movie I saw the other day; I don’t know,” Rhonda replied as she fingered her hair thoughtfully. “Actually, what I really liked when I was little was the Spy Kids movies. I remember when the 3rd one came out that they had this online game based on the movie. It was really fun.”

“Yeah, I remember that one too. It was definitely a lot of fun,” Theresa laughed.

“Yeah, where did all of that time go?” Rhonda sighed as she turned back to her tablet as Theresa ran her hand through her hair. “One minute we were kids and now… things are so different. Kids have such different lives nowadays and people live such different lives too. Everything used to be so carefree and innocent and now everybody’s so suspicious and distrustful of each other.”

“I don’t know, Rhonda,” Theresa shrugged. “I guess that’s just the way of the world nowadays. Maybe it could be because we’re adults now.”

“Yeah,” Rhonda mumbled softly as she glanced down sadly. “Does it really mean we have to hate each other?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Theresa whispered as she cupped her chin and looked into her eyes. Rhonda shivered as Theresa petted her hair with a soft smile.

Rhonda then gawked nervously as she pulled away slightly. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I like you very much,” Theresa purred. “I always thought you were a cute kid and now you’re a very beautiful and attractive woman. I find you very sexy.”

“Um, thanks, but I think I look a bit dorky and stupid,” Rhonda stammered.

“Are you kidding me? Look at you!” Theresa shouted with a gasp as she grabbed Rhonda and glared at her. “You have a very easygoing and laid back personality. You have such beautiful and luscious, gleaming red hair, and you have such a slender and petite body. I think any man or woman would want you to be theirs. And besides, even if you do look like a dork, you are a cute-looking dork.”

“Thanks, Theresa,” Rhonda smiled as Theresa nuzzled her. Rhonda then blushed as the older woman cupped her chin and lifted it. Theresa then smiled back as she leaned in to kiss her.

It was then that Melanie walked into the room and screamed upon seeing Theresa and Rhonda.

“Oh my God!”

Theresa then broke away from Rhonda and spun around to see Melanie with an incensed expression.

“Dang it, Melanie! What are you doing here?!”

“I came here to see Rhonda but I didn’t expect to see you here!” Melanie shot back angrily.

“Well I have every right to be here! Lee was the one that invited me!” Theresa growled.

“Well, I think she’s made a big mistake bringing you here to the headquarters! You’re nothing but trouble!” Melanie snarled. “And what were you going to do with Rhonda? I thought you were with Lee! Now you’re seriously running around with a bunch of other women and men? That’s really gross!”

“Well you can’t do anything about it. And besides, Meryl is the only person with the authority to throw me out. And so far she has no intention of doing so. Besides, she and I are getting along just fine,” Theresa remarked caustically with a wide smirk.

Melanie then shuddered in rage and groaned.

“Meryl has no idea what kind of person you are, Theresa. You are nothing but a gold-digging tramp! I don’t know why Meryl and Lee hang around you anyway! I’m going to find a way to prove to them that you’re nothing but bad news!”

“What are you going to do, blackmail me? You must be really stupid and deluded,” Theresa scoffed.

“Oh, I’m going to find a way, believe me. You’re not going to know when it’ll happen, but by God it’s gonna happen one way or another!” Melanie snapped fiercely. “And if I catch you with anyone other than Lee, I’ll personally photograph it and I’ll send it to Lee. Then she’ll dump you for sure!”

“You can’t do that!” Theresa screamed as she watched Melanie leave the room. “I’m in an open relationship with Lee! I can sleep with whomever I want and you’re not going to tell me who I can and can’t sleep with!”

She then rushed towards the door as it slammed in her face and she threw her fists down, banging hard on the surface.

Theresa then started cursing loudly as she spun around and slid down on the floor.

“God,” Theresa sighed as she turned towards Rhonda. “That girl is so annoying. I don’t know how you deal with her on your team.”

“She’s nice and friendly but sometimes she’s a bit cocky and arrogant,” Rhonda shrugged.

“Yeah, who needs her when I got you as a friend?” Theresa groaned as she turned towards her. “You’re really one of the nicest and friendliest people I’ve ever met. And after all these years I doubt you’ve changed a bit. You’re still very much the same person I have known as a little girl, except a bit braver… and sexier…”

“Did you ever think I was dumb too?” Rhonda scoffed.

“No, not really,” Theresa shrugged. “You were pretty smart for your age but I believe you just didn’t realize it at the time.”

“You’re right about that,” Rhonda nodded. “I didn’t even know that I was at a near genius level until I was ready to graduate high school. I found out that I tested at the gifted level just when I was ready to get my diploma.”

“Wow, that sucks,” Theresa sympathized. “I can’t believe your school was that bad.”

“You don’t even know the half of it,” Rhonda retorted while shaking her head sadly. “I’m not sure if you even want to know the whole story. It’s a bit depressing to be honest.”

“Well, I’d like to hear it if you want to tell me about it,” Theresa remarked as she squeezed Rhonda’s shoulder.

Rhonda then glanced over at her Xbox 360 and grinned. She then turned back to Theresa.

“I got an idea. How about we play Halo 4 together? There’s this co-op campaign section that we can participate in.”

“I’d love to, but I haven’t played Halo before, so perhaps you can teach me how to play,” Theresa answered as Rhonda tossed her a controller.

“Sure thing. Now come on; let’s go,” she said as she booted up the console. She then turned the monitor on and opened up the CD case. She then placed the CD into the console as the tray retreated into the machine. Finally after a couple of minutes, the menu display came up.

“Okay, let’s battle,” Rhonda announced as she grabbed her controller and sat down next to Theresa. The two women then began to play.

[unavitasegreta]

I like how you keep Theresa a troubled schemer, but show her vulnerable, caring side too.

[sevenna92]

Thanks! I really thought it was going to be kind of tough considering how much her character direction on the show is all over the place, but I really think I've managed to get into the inner workings of the character.

[sevenna92]

“Hey, Kidda!” Mona bellowed as she entered the living room and Kidda was sitting on the couch watching T.V. The light chestnut/honey brown furred experiment/human hybrid turned around to see her older friend and beamed proudly.

“Hey, you! Come sit up here!”

“Okay,” Mona replied as she bounced onto the couch and the two girls leaned back in their spots together.

“So whatcha watching?” Mona quipped as Kidda laughed. “Some stupid new reality show. Can you believe that you’re having people that are volunteering to go to jail for six months just so see what it’s like? It’s so hilarious. You have all of the female inmates slapping each other around and getting into catfights and not to mention that they pull all kinds of crazy stunts. It’s really interesting.”

“So what is it called?” Mona inquired.

“Let’s Go To Jail,” Kidda chuckled as she turned to see the credits roll and then she started to flip through the channels. “So what it is you want to talk about?”

“I have to tell you something,” Mona replied as she twirled her blue ribbon hanging from her hair.

“Ooh, you got a secret? Come on, tell me,” Kidda squealed as she clapped her hands.

Mona then inhaled deeply and exhaled sharply through her nose. She then turned to Kidda with an anxious expression.

“Kidda, whatever I have to say now doesn’t leave this room. Do you understand me?”

Kidda nodded as she raised up her hand. “Scout’s honor.”

“Okay,” Mona nodded as she glanced down, rubbing her hands. “My mother’s seeing someone.”

Kidda’s eyes nearly popped out as her mouth formed an O-shaped, her face befuddled and confused.

“Who? What kind of person could have possibly caught your mom’s eye? Aren’t your parents a sure item?”

“Yeah they are. And they still love each other. My momma will never leave my daddy, never,” Mona answered as she shook her head vehemently.

“But you don’t see so certain though,” Kidda pursued her lips quizzically, her ears raised slightly in suspicion.

“That’s because my mother’s enthralled with that seductress witch Theresa Donovan. That same woman my grandma’s been seeing,” Mona growled indignantly with her eyes narrowed darkly.

“Oh my God, are you serious?” Kidda gasped as her four paws flew to her mouth. “I mean, I know that your mom’s been worried about her attraction for other women but I didn’t think she would actually act on it.”

“My mom’s just been so preoccupied about it that apparently she’s forgotten about being a good wife and mother,” Mona grumbled, rolling her eyes. “I just don’t like the idea of my grandma and my momma sharing the same woman. It’s just so gross and… I don’t want to even think about it.”

“Yuck,” Kidda stuck out her tongue. “That just sounds so nasty, Mona. I didn’t think your mom was that wild.”

“I didn’t think so either,” Mona sighed sadly. “I guess maybe there’s just not a lot I know about my mom. I want my parents to stay together and I’m afraid that Theresa’s gonna steal my mom away from my daddy.”

“That’s not gonna happen, Mona,” Kidda reassured her firmly, placing a paw on her shoulder. “Not if your Grandma Lee has anything to say about it. And I know for a fact that she would do anything for your mom, believe me.”

“I know she will, Kid,” Mona remarked. “Grandma Lee may have her flaws, and I know she has plenty, but if there’s one thing she cares about more than anything, it’s her family.”

“Yeah,” Kidda grinned. “Don’t get so down. I know that your grandma and mom can deal with that mean lady Theresa Donovan. She’ll go down like the cockroach she is.”

“Yeah,” Mona grinned excitedly as she bounced slightly on the couch. “Hey, Kidda. You should ask Uncle Kixx if we can use his kickboxing/mixed martial arts studio to train and practice our skills. We can even challenge Ms. Donovan to a boxing match and beat the crud out of her. She would be no match for the two of us, that’s for sure.”

“Right back at you, sister,” Kidda laughed as she gave her best friend a high five.

Mona then turned off the T.V. and walked out of the living room with Kidda following her. “Come on. Let’s go get some soda from the fridge and then we can go to Uncle Kixx’s mixed martial arts studio.”

[sevenna92]

Mona and Kidda soon entered the mixed martial arts studio with their bottles of Coke Zero in hand as they approached the boxing area. The boxing area was covered in white carpet and was about 20 feet wide with a couple of punching bags all planted on both sides. In the middle of the studio there was a large area with a large circle in the middle with a line drawn through it. There was also an oval-shaped ring surrounding that part of the area.

On the other side of the studio was a small dressing room where the participants can get dressed into their costumes. There was also another area where the people can take seats in the audience in front of the boxing ring and also on the right side there was a counter with a Mac computer.

“Hey, Aunt Yuna,” Kidda hollered as she and Mona approached the counter with their duffel bags in hand.

“Hey, girls,” Yuna grinned as she waved over to the young women and leaned over the computer. “How’s everything?”

“Good,” Mona answered. “We’re gonna go practice.”

“Hey, Aunt Yuna. How’s the baby?” Kidda inquired.

“Oh, he’s doing just fine, thanks for asking,” Yuna chimed. “You know, I can’t wait to have this baby. It’s going to be so wonderful having a little boy running around playing in the mud and roughhousing with the other kids. I know that it’s going to be tough being a mother, but it’s gonna be worth it.”

“I can’t wait to have kids someday,” Kidda beamed as she turned to Mona. “You’re so lucky to have Roka and Blair to raise and nurture. And for Michael to be willing to be with you to care for them like a father should.”

“Yeah,” Mona smiled softly.

“Come on, Mo’. I’m going into the dressing room first and then you go in,” Kidda announced as she walked over to the dressing room and disappeared inside. Mona then sighed as she leaned against the door and glanced over at the mirror.

She then gasped in horror as she noticed Theresa walk right into the mixed martial arts studio through the reflection. She then watched intently as Yuna and Theresa struck up a conversation.

“Oh, hello there. You must be…” Yuna greeted Theresa smoothly as she peered at her quizzically. “Um… who are you again?”

“Theresa. Jeannie Theresa Donovan,” Theresa answered pithily.

“May I call you Jeannie or Theresa?” Yuna remarked crisply.

“Just call me Theresa,” Theresa retorted briskly as she spun around and gawked upon seeing Mona. “Oh my God.”

“What are you doing here?” Mona demanded as Kidda emerged from the room wearing a white robe, a red helmet, some blue retainers, and some leather red gloves. She also had some leather pads on her elbows and knees.

Kidda then swerved over to see Theresa and gawked.

“Oh my God, is that the tramp that has been sleeping with your mom?” she exclaimed.

“Watch your mouth, young lady!” Theresa snarled. She then turned to Mona.

“I wasn’t here to cause trouble. I actually was here to explore this studio and see what it’s all about,” she explained.

“Well, I suggest you take a hike,” Mona snapped. “Kidda and I are going to go train for a while.”

“Hey, can’t I watch?” Theresa growled. “Maybe I’d like to join in too.”

“Yeah, like you’d be able to beat the both of us,” Mona laughed. “Kidda and I are one of the best duos of the entire studio. We’re trying to train for the next U.S. Olympics.”

“Really?” Theresa smirked. “Well, if you think you’re so all that, then I’d like to challenge you to a duel.”

“Ooh,” Kidda whistled. “I think she wants to beat the champion.”

“Champion? What champion?” Theresa scoffed. “Don’t tell me you’re all full of hot air.”

“I’m not,” Mona insisted. “I’ve been able to beat many of my teammates in this ring, and some of them are half-experiments. The person that’s come closest to beat me is my own twin brother Desi, who’s a mercenary in training. He just spends all day locked up in his room playing with his swords and weapons and pretending that he’s a gun for hire.”

Theresa then cackled hysterically as she rolled her eyes. “You’re not being serious, right?”

“I can show you right now if you’d like,” Mona retorted. “Unless you’re a big baby coward.”

“You’re on,” Theresa snarled.

“Okay then,” Mona replied as she walked towards the dressing room. “Go to Yuna and ask for a uniform. Then you go into the dressing room and change and then meet me in the ring.”

“Sure thing, darling,” Theresa chimed as she went over to Yuna. “May I have a uniform, please?”

“Okay, Theresa. Here’s the uniform. But it’s gonna cost you 200 bucks,” Yuna replied as she handed her the uniform. Theresa then rifled through her purse and handed the 200 bucks. Yuna then took the money and placed it in the cash register.

Theresa then walked over to the dressing room and went inside. She then emerged out wearing the helmet, gear and uniform and then walked over to the ring. Once she got there, she stepped inside and turned over to face Mona. Mona then got into a fighting stance and clenched her fists.

Theresa then copied her and inhaled deeply.

“You ready?” Mona hissed.

“Yeah,” Theresa growled. “Get ready to lose.”

Kidda then walked over to the middle of the ring and placed her open palm out. She then counted to three and then quickly lifted up her hand, signaling the start of the round.

Mona then charged with a scream as she began to throw several kicks at Theresa. She managed to land several of them on Theresa’s sides as Theresa dodged some of them. Theresa then yelped as one of the kicks landed on her chest and then she threw a sidekick. Mona then screamed as the sidekick landed squarely in her abdomen, nearly sucking the wind right out of her.

Mona then got back into her fighting stance as she threw a rolling kick at Theresa, whacking her in the arm. As she threw another sidekick at Theresa, Theresa then jumped to dodge it and then tossed a rolling kick at her right side. Mona then screamed as the blow struck her hard on the leg and she collapsed on her left knee. The young girl then hugged her right knee, wincing and whimpering.

“Oh my God. What did I do?” Theresa retorted in horror as Kidda rushed over to Mona. “Mona, are you okay?” Kidda gasped as she went over to examine her friend. She then grabbed her knee and stretched it out slowly to check its condition. Mona then scream and nearly collapsed on her belly in agony.

“Oh boy,” Kidda shook her head. “Mona, I think you sprained your knee. You might need to sit out for a while.”

“Okay, Kidda,” Mona sighed as Kidda ushered her gently out of the ring.

“Oh my God, is everything okay?” Yuna cried as she rushed over to the trio.

“It’s fine, Aunt Yuna,” Kidda reassured her old friend. “Mona sprained her knee, that’s all. No harm done.”

“Okay, Kidda,” Yuna replied. “Get Mona all changed out and have her sit in the bean bag. I’ll go run out to get some ice to put it on the knee.”

When the two teenage girls left, Yuna then turned to give Theresa the stink eye. Theresa then scowled with narrowed eyes.

“What? Do you think it’s my fault? That I did it on purpose? I didn’t even mean to hurt Mona on purpose! She probably didn’t stretch properly. That’s why her bum knee gave out!” Theresa retorted defensively.

“You better mind your own strength, Theresa. I really hope you don’t accidentally end up hurting any of the opponents here,” Yuna reprimanded her sternly.

“You’re not accusing me of injuring Mona on purpose, are you?” Theresa shot back.

“No, of course not,” Yuna shook her head calmly.

“Well, I’m sorry that Mona hurt herself. I hope she feels better. Anyways, I’ll go to the kitchen and get some soda. Send her my regards,” Theresa replied empathetically as she soon departed from the studio. Yuna then watched her suspiciously as she watched her leave and then blew out through her mouth with an eye roll.

[sevenna92]

Early the next morning, a huge pride of lionesses were sitting out in the hot sun in the open grasslands on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Many of them were roaming freely as they were stalking for prey that was hidden underground. Some of them were wrestling and fighting with each other for practice.

King Jeklani was lying on his stomach relaxing as he kept an eye on some of his other wives, including Rory. The young maroon-furred lioness walked over to her older husband as she nuzzled him.

“Jeklani darling, Queen Kiara and King Kovu are here to see you,” she said.

“Okay, Rory,” Jeklani said as he got up and shook his fur roughly. He then turned around and bowed the moment he saw Kiara and Kovu approaching him.

“Your Majesties,” he proclaimed in a deep, somber voice. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Good morning, King Jeklani,” Kiara smiled with a beaming face as she and Kovu bowed towards him and Rory.

“Good morning, Queen Kiara and King Kovu,” Rory smiled back at her old family friends. “How may we help you?”

“It’s about our daughter Karina,” said Kiara. “We came here to ask you a favor.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” Jeklani nodded respectively with his tail flickering to and fro. “And what is it you want?”

“We would like to betroth our daughter to one of your seven sons,” Kovu explained. “We feel it is time our daughter found a mate.”

“She’s getting a lot older and we’re very worried that if she doesn’t find someone soon, she may never bear cubs. And we can’t wait for our other offspring to grow up and find mates. Our line may die with us unless we do something,” Kovu added emphatically.

“We’re worried that she may have been waiting too long to find a husband to marry,” Kiara chimed.

Jeklani then paced around slowly as he listened to the royal couple’s concerns. After a few minutes of mulling the situation over, he turned back to face them as he sat down.

“This does seem pretty urgent. And I am kind of worried myself that for some reason Karina hardly shows any interest in a male. She is indeed a lioness and if she is to bear cubs naturally, she must find a male to mate with,” Jeklani remarked coolly.

“Humans have many technological advantages that allow them to have children way beyond their childbearing years. However, we lions cannot afford that, even with their assistance. And as much as I hate to infringe on her freedom, the preservation of your bloodline is definitely more important.”

“Yeah, I would also hate to do this to Karina,” Kiara sighed sadly while lowering her head. “I mean, my father never conducted this practice either. He pretty much did away with it when he became king. My parents were betrothed and they turned out okay.”

“Yeah, but honey, we’re talking about our daughter who’s part of the millennial generation! There’s no way Karina would ever agree to this!” Kovu exclaimed.

“I know, Kovu, but this is for her own good,” Kiara shot back sternly.

“May I suggest my eldest son Ortega from my first union? He’s a very smart, strong and competent lion. He is also an excellent hunter and fighter and he has been able to tackle down any prey he sees. He’s also been able to best his younger brothers and sisters in play fights since he was a cub,” Jeklani said.

“Ortega? Your eldest son? Are you sure about this, Your Majesty?” Kiara cocked her head confusedly.

“Yes, I’m sure, Your Highness,” Jeklani nodded. “My son is a good lion and will be an excellent provider for your daughter.”

“Great! When can we start?” Kovu exclaimed joyfully.

“Right now would be a great time to start the courtship,” Jeklani answered with a proud smile. “Therefore, I hereby formally betroth my eldest son Prince Ortega of the West Grasslands Pride to your eldest daughter Princess Karina of the Pridelands. Congratulations.”

“Oh, thank you so much, Your Majesties,” Kovu beamed as he bowed to the older lion along with his wife.

“This is really great, King Jeklani. I am so sure that Ortega and Karina will get along just fine. They really seem to like each other since they have hung around from time to time,” Kiara added.

“I hope so too, my Queen,” Jeklani sighed. “I want our children to be happy.”

“Come on, Kovu. We better go and tell our daughter the news of her betrothal,” Kiara said as she and Kovu left the West Grasslands.

[sevenna92]

“I’M WHAT?!” Karina shrieked angrily as she stormed around the living room of the Petrie house with her tail lashing out violently and erratically. “How could you do this to me? How could you?!”

“We only did this for your own good,” Kiara tried to explain to her daughter. “Let’s face it. You’re not getting any younger. If you don’t have any cubs within the next year or two, you’re going to reach a point where you may not have any at all.”

“We’re very concerned that you have shown barely any interest in any guy you have come across with,” Kovu replied crisply.

“None of the guys just interest me because I was waiting for the right guy to come along! I’m not one of those girls who jumps at the first guy that looks at them. And now your solution was to hook me up with the first guy you could think of?!” Karina roared as she threw a furious glare at her parents. “Really, Mom and Dad? I thought Grandpa Simba got ride of the whole betrothal thing years ago!”

“He did, actually,” Kovu acquiesced. “But you need to understand that we’re doing this only because we love you and we’re also preparing you for life in the throne since you might have to take over in case anything happens to your uncle and cousin.”

“There’s a reason why there’s an heir and a spare,” Kiara elucidated. “Your Uncle Kopa is the king of Pride Rock now but the way things are going in the war against Gideon and his thugs, he most likely could get killed. And you know that Gideon may not show any mercy towards him or any of his offspring. This is largely the reason why Tanabi and Chaka are living with Vitani and the team here in L.A.”

“And the other reason is that Uncle Kopa and Aunt Vitani had an affair and you don’t want Aunt Mal to find out?” Karina narrowed her eyes with a sneer.

“Don’t change the subject!” Kovu roared. “Anyways, you’re going to meet with Ortega first thing in the morning and you’re going to be nice with him. After a time you should be developing feelings for him and therefor you will mate with him. Hopefully you will be able to have cubs.”

“If you don’t fulfill your part of the bargain, Karina, you will have contributed to the extinction of our entire bloodline,” Kiara admonished her threateningly.

“No,” Karina whispered softly as she shrunk back in horror, her ears flattened.

“Well, see you later, honey,” Kovu replied as he and Kiara walked away. “Have fun.”

“They can’t do this to me, can they?” Karina mumbled to herself. “I’m just a grown lioness myself. They can’t just make me marry whomever they want just because I don’t want to perpetuate the bloodline. I really need to ask Grandpa Simba and Grandma Nala. Perhaps they can help me.”

She then ran out of the living room in search of her grandparents, hoping to explain the situation.

[sevenna92]

Some time later, Karina climbs onto the balcony and turns left towards the left side of the area. She then approaches her grandparents, who were sunbathing on lounge beach chairs. Nala then rolls on her belly and opens her eyes to look up at her granddaughter.

“Oh, hello Karina,” Nala greeted her warmly as Simba yawned deeply with a loud roar and swerved over to see the vermillion-furred lioness.

“Grandma, Grandpa, I need to talk to you,” Karina informed the two older lions crisply as Simba and Nala jumped off the chairs and sauntered over to her.

“Okay, honey. What do you need?” Nala inquired.

Karina then looked down at her paws nervously before she glanced up directly at her elders again.

“This may come as a complete shock, but Mom and Dad are planning to have me betrothed to one of King Jeklani’s seven sons named Ortega. I don’t want to marry him. I don’t even like him.”

“We understand, kiddo. We know how afraid you are. You know, your grandma and I reacted pretty much the same way when Zazu told us that we were betrothed to marry as cubs,” Simba replied to Karina sympathetically.

“But as I’m sure your parents already told you, it worked out just fine. Besides, we were best friends for a long time before we fell in love and married,” Nala added.

“But Ortega and I only see each other every once in a full moon. We don’t even hang out too often. I know that Ortega can be a pretty good guy and he is kind, smart and charming, but sometimes he can be so arrogant and conceited and so full of himself. I don’t know how I can possibly deal with him as a mate.”

“Well, you never know. You might be able to get more comfortable with him as time goes on and then you won’t mind him being your mate by that point,” Nala assured her granddaughter.

“But what really bothers me is that Mom and Dad are taking my choice away from me. I just want to make sure that I don’t make a stupid choice and marry the wrong person. I don’t want to have to get a divorce. I want to meet Mr. Right when I’m ready and good,” Karina groaned with an eye roll and looks down at her feet petulantly.

Nala then walks over to Karina and nuzzles her comfortingly. “I’m sure you will make the right decision. I know you are a very smart lioness and you know exactly what you want and how you’re going to get it. But at the same time your grandfather and I have to side with your parents with this one. We do have the right to choose but in some situations we don’t have that option like humans do.”

“Humans are much more advanced than lions and our very survival depends on us finding mates and continuing the next generation of our bloodline. Unless by the grace of the kings of the past for whatever reason the humans decide to allow us to evolve to the point where we’re similar to humans, we’re going to have to go the way nature intended for us to do. And this means that your parents must choose your mate for you, even if you’re an adult.”

“You must know that your parents are not doing this to be mean towards you, but only because they love you and they want what is best for you, Karina,” Simba added gently. “You are their firstborn daughter and the heir to your mother’s throne. You deserve to have the best of everything, even the best possible mate they can find.”

“I know, Grandpa,” Karina sighed while hanging her head in defeat. “But I’m scared.”

“I know, darling,” Nala cooed. “Love is always scary the first time around. But always know you have your parents and us for support if you have any problems. You can always talk to us about anything that bothers you.”

“Thanks, Grandma,” Karina smiled. “I do feel a lot better, although now I’m a bit nervous.”

“I know. But it will be okay, I promise,” Nala smiled back as she and Simba nuzzle Karina.

“Okay, Grandma and Grandpa,” Karina whispered softly as she turned around and glanced over her shoulder with another smile. She then walked towards the stairs and disappears from sight.

“She is so grownup,” Nala beamed proudly as she turned to her mate. “She seems a lot more mature than Kiara was at that age.”

“She has a lot more self-awareness than young people usually do,” Simba said to Nala.

“I do hope everything works out for Karina. I want her to have the happiest life she can have,” Nala replied with a worried frown.

“I know, but I’m sure Kiara and Kovu can handle it,” Simba reassured his wife.

“I just hope you’re right, Simba. I’d hate for anything to go wrong,” Nala sighed sadly.

“Come on, Nala. Let’s go enjoy the sun. It’s a beautiful day,” Simba urged his wife as Simba and Nala walked back towards the chairs to enjoy the sunlight.

[sevenna92]

Meanwhile, Type 5 2003 pulled up in the driveway in front of an affluent looking house. The front door opened up and a young dark-haired woman stepped out of the vehicle dressed in a black and blue power suit. It was none other than Buddy. She then approached the front door as she admired how lovely and sophisticated the house was. Buddy then pushed on the doorbell and waited for somebody to answer.

Just then, Cliff glided over to where his stepsister was and transformed into his human form.

“Cliff? What are you doing here?” Buddy squawked in astonishment.

“I decided I wanna come and see Theresa’s parents,” Cliff answered. “Besides, you’re the one that always showed up here.”

“Good point,” Buddy nodded. “Speaking of which, they’d be happy to see you.”

The door then opened and a middle-aged red haired woman with a thin yet slender build appeared dressed in a blue turtleneck blouse with jeans. She had a very pronounced yet angular face with slight dimples.

“Hey, Kim,” Buddy squawked as she waved her hand, or wing, whatever the case may be.

“Oh my God, Buddy!” Kimberly gasped as her hands flew open in surprise. “I haven’t seen you in human form in a while. Usually you come here in your fingerbird form. And you…”

She turned to see Cliff and grinned. “Hello, Clifford. I am so glad you dropped by. Shane and I hardly ever get to see you.”

“Dude, just call me Cliff,” Cliff grumbled with an eye roll.

“Oh my God, you’re such a handsome guy. Sasha is so lucky to have you,” Kimberly squealed.

“You don’t even know the half of it,” Cliff snickered as he and Buddy winked at each other.

“Anyways, come on in,” Kimberly replied as she beckoned them to come inside.

“Kimberly, who is it?” a thick male British-accented voice bellowed from a distance as Cliff and Buddy entered the house.

“Oh, Shane, it’s Cliff and Buddy Foster-Martin. You know, Buddy, Roman’s wife? And Cliff is Sasha Schmidt’s husband?” Kimberly bellowed as a lanky and thin man with dark greyish-black hair entered the room.

“Yes I remember them,” Shane answered as he approached the trio and kissed his wife. “It’s been a long time Bernadette. And nice to see you, Clifford.”

“Nice to see you too, Shane,” Buddy crowed.

“Yeah, Shane. You hear that Lee is planning to ask the president to create a national alien task force to help find aliens that may be hidden in this country, including Atlanteans? She’s also planning to launch a major project known as Operation Atlantean Excursion,” Cliff replied.

“Yes, I have. And it appears that Roman sent me an email on Lee’s behalf asking me to be the head of that task force. He also said that perhaps she along with her half-sisters could testify on the raid on their village and the disappearance of so many Atlantean children. I haven’t decided anything yet. I still need to discuss it with my wife. However, I can’t say it’s not intriguing,” Shane answered as he sat down and took a sip of a coke.

“Anyways, we have a serious problem,” Cliff sighed.

“Yeah, a serious, major, major league problem,” Buddy added.

The two siblings then looked at each other briefly yet intently before they turned to the couple.

“It’s Theresa and she’s having an affair with Lee!”

Kimberly then gasped as she dropped a cup of coffee and it shattered to the ground. “Oh God… our Theresa? Our Jeannie?”

“Da one and da same,” Buddy nodded.

“We’re kinda sorry to hafta break it to ya, but it’s true. We wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t,” Cliff apologized remorsefully as he lowered his head.

“We appreciate you telling us, Cliff,” Kimberly sighed as she sank into her couch and held her chin despondently. “I just can’t believe our Jeannie would ever get involved with an older married woman.”

“Especially one that is old enough to be her own mother,” Shane growled angrily as his body shook with rage.

“Or grandma,” Kimberly added.

“Yeah, Lee’s always had some kind of fondness towards men and women. It’s the way she is,” Buddy shrugged.

“Yeah, when she went after Joshua, he was much younger than she was,” Cliff chuckled deeply as Buddy directed an ugly look at him, causing him to stop laughing. Kimberly and Shane directed angry, sullen glares at him too as Cliff hid his mouth in shame. “Sorry.”

“So what’s our plan now?” Buddy queried.

“I don’t know,” Kimberly sighed. “It appears everything we’ve done with Jeannie hasn’t worked out too well. We thought she’d fare better if we sent her to Salem. Apparently that hadn’t worked since she was sleeping around with just about every man in town.”

“And now she’s having an affair with that woman who is now the state senator of this entire state! The nerve of that-“ Shane snarled with gritted teeth as he clutched his coke in fury. "GAH!"

He then smashed it to the ground as he stormed off and left the room.

Kimberly then shook her head and groaned. “You know that Jeannie has always been something of a troubled child. I did all the raising of her while her father was away on missions.”

“Even though I was often preoccupied with my job, I always tried to make time for my kids. But when I have to rush off to work for an important session or meeting or when I am buried in paperwork or even when I have to fly for a conference, I would leave Philip in charge of Andrew and Jeannie.”

“I’ve also done some thinking for a long while and I am beginning to think that perhaps she’s inherited some of my unstable emotions, especially since I’ve spent so many years dealing with multiple personality disorder. Lord knows how much my illness must have affected my children. I mean, I tried my best to keep my alters under control but I think there’s a possibility that perhaps Andrew or Jeannie could have been subjected to my wrath. Maybe I might have done some serious harm to my little ones while I was under duress and I feel I may be to blame for how they’ve turned out.”

Kim rubbed her face and let out a big sigh. She hid her face in shame and sniffled as Shane put his hand on her back and rubbed it comfortingly.

“Shane and I have loved her the very best we’ve could and we always made sure we never let money have control over us but now it seems she can’t get enough of it. And now I’m worried that Jeannie might try to take advantage of Lee just so she can have her riches.”

“If it makes ya feel any better, we’ll look after her,” Buddy volunteered.

“Yeah, we’ll make sure that Theresa won’t hurt Lee in any way,” Cliff remarked crisply.

“Oh, thank you so much, Cliff & Buddy!” Kimberly beamed. “I am so grateful towards you two. You are very kind and responsible and sensible young people. Rhonda is lucky to have two older siblings like you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Buddy grinned.

[sevenna92]

It was later that evening when Lee was napping on the sofa that the phone began to ring. Lee then sat up groggily as she let out a big yawn. She then leaned over to grab the phone and answered.

“Hello?” she mumbled.

“Hello, Madame Senator,” a female voice responded. “This is Kimberly Brady. Cliff and Buddy dropped by to see us earlier today.”

“Oh, did they?” Lee muttered in a sleepy voice as she rubbed her eye.

“Yeah. They also informed me that you are seeing my daughter Jeannie.”

“Jeannie? Who's…” Lee growled confusedly as she stretched out her arms and her bones cracked and popped loudly. She then craned her neck as her eyes widened in realization and she straightened up.

“Oh, that’s right. You’re talking about Theresa, right?”

“Yes, I’m referring to her, Madame Senator. I was actually wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner tomorrow evening. My husband and I would love to get to know you better. All we ever want is our daughter to be safe and happy and we would like to know what kind of woman she is associating with.”

“Sounds fair enough. I’ll let Theresa know when I see her,” Lee remarked as she lit up a cigarette and she smoked it.

“That’s perfect. I’ll let Shane know and we will be happily awaiting your arrival. I look forward to us getting together,” Kim beamed with delight.

“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow, Mrs. Brady,” Lee chimed.

“Wonderful… Say around, 8 p.m.?” Kim remarked wistfully.

“8 is fine, ma’am. We should be there within an hour,” Lee answered earnestly.

“Good. I hope you like clam chowder and crab cakes,” Kim replied politely. “Bye.”

She then hung up as Lee put down her space cell and fell back asleep.

Kim then sighed as she ran her dark red hair over with her fingers and turned to Shane, wearing a blue flannel pajama.

“What are we going to do, Shane? Our daughter is a lesbian! A LESBIAN! And… s-she’s dating some floozy tramp who was associated with the DiMeras? She was one of Stefano’s many mistresses for God’s sake! How could our own Jeannie even want to be with her?”

“I know that you’re worried, Kimberly, and I’m not saying that you don’t have the right to be. But as much as I’m well aware of Lee’s sordid and checkered past, I am confident that she is a good and decent woman,” Shane tried to reassure his wife.

“I also believe that she is a good role model for our daughter and she is proof that she can indeed change her life for the better.”

“Shane, I really don’t mind Lee being a mentor for Jeannie, but I’m just not that comfortable with them dating,” Kim frowned tersely as she let out a loud sigh and turned away from him. She then fidgeted with her fingers and paced around.

“I’ve always thought that someday Jeannie was going to find a nice boy to fall in love with. And then maybe somewhere down the road they were going to get married, have lots of kids, and then we were going to spend the rest of our days looking after our precious grandchildren.”

“But now she has no prospects. She’s in her mid-30s, already has one failed marriage and she has one child that she’s given up for adoption. We’ve missed out on the chance to see Brady Junior grow up. We don’t know where he is, how he’s doing or who’s even looking after him. Who knows if Brady even knows whether or not his son’s even alive?”

“And she doesn’t even have a steady job and she’s been in and out of prison. Not to mention that she has a serious drinking problem and is addicted to drugs. What kind of man would ever want her?”

She then shook her head bitterly as she walked over to the couch and buried her face in her hands in defeat.

“I want my daughter to have a happy, stable and normal life, and this is not what I’ve envisioned for her. I never wanted her to fall into bed with a much older woman more than half her age and who was a prostitute and a gold-digger.”

“I just can’t imagine what people might think if they were to learn who our daughter is involved with. The last thing I want for my Jeannie is to be ridiculed and teased just for being with someone who is old enough to be her mother!”

“Kimberly, this is also the last thing I would want for our daughter too. As much as I’d hate for Theresa to be mixed up with someone who is as powerful and cunning as Lee and who could easily take advantage of her, I also believe that she deserves to be happy. If she really wants to be with Lee, we should let her be. She has suffered enough in her life and she deserves a bit of happiness,” Shane replied empathetically.

“I hate to break it to you, darling, but we’re talking about a woman who schemed her way into her brother-in-law’s life and married him just so she can gain access to a fortune that her late husband had denied her,” Kim shot back with a withering glare.

“Then imagine all of the affairs she must have had while she was in that marriage. Not to mention that she hired someone to murder her husband’s ex-wife and she almost had her killed. And she also meddled in her teenage daughter’s love life.”

“Do you think that’s different from anything that Theresa has done?” Shane exploded in anger. “Theresa has schemed, lied, manipulated and terrorized anybody that she met in her path. She even tricked John’s own son into marrying her in an impromptu Vegas wedding and she tried to extort money out of his father! Not to mention that she put him in the hospital for nearly 5 months!”

“You don’t think I know that? You don’t think I am fully aware of what kind of vile, sick and twisted person she is! Why do you think we never bothered to have any contact with her for all these years until now? She brings nothing but shame and disgrace into our family! And now she’s shaming us even more by bringing that Jezebel into our lives!”

“Dang it, Kim…” Shane sighed deeply as he sat down next to his wife and hung his head sadly. “Where did we go wrong? What else could we have done that perhaps things might have turned out better? I sometimes wonder that if I’ve made a better effort to be a father, then maybe Theresa wouldn’t have gone down such a dark path. I feel like it’s my fault she is like this.”

“Shane, stop right there,” Kim interjected firmly as she placed an arm around his neck and looked at him directly. “I think maybe it’s time we stopped constantly blaming ourselves for what we may or may not have done.”

“What really matters is that we’ve done our best as parents and now our children must face the consequences of their actions. Let’s just hope that Theresa sees the error of her ways before it’s too late.”

“Me too,” Shane sighed sadly. “And I think we better hold off on judging Lee until we really get to know her better over dinner. We’ll see for ourselves whether or not the Senator is worthy of dating our daughter.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Kim grinned as Shane pulled her into his arms and gave her a soft kiss. He then got up as he walked upstairs to their bedroom. “Good night, Kim.”

Kim then sighed as she lay down on the couch and flipped on the remote to watch some T.V.

[sevenna92]

Meanwhile back in the Petrie residence, Lee walked right into her penthouse-styled room and knocked on the bathroom door. The door opened as Theresa appeared with a towel wrapped around her head and a white robe.

“Hello, sexy,” Lee purred as she kissed her tenderly and Theresa shivered at the tender touch. They soon pulled apart after a couple of minutes as they looked directly at each other. Lee then caressed her lover’s face as she cupped her chin.

“What do you need, darling?” Theresa whispered.

“I just got a call from your mother,” Lee replied as Theresa’s face paled in horror and she pulled away. “What does she want now?”

“She wants the two of us to go to dinner with them,” Lee explained as Theresa scowled and ripped the towel off her head. She threw it down on the ground and stormed back into the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

Lee then groaned exasperatedly as she approached the door, crossing her arms.

“She wants to see what kind of person I am. Your parents want to make sure that I am the right person to be going out with you.”

“Screw my parents!” Theresa screamed as she swung the door open, her hair dripping soggy wet and dressed in red flannel pajamas. “I am so sick of them constantly telling me what to do and how to run my life. I’ve had it!”

“Theresa, it’s just one dinner for a couple of hours. And besides, I want to make a good impression on your parents. I want to do everything in my power to make them see that I’m worthy enough to be your mate,” Lee wheedled empathetically as Theresa sighed with an eye roll.

“Look, Lee. You don’t need my parents’ approval. I don’t know how my mom convinced you to go over to my parents’ place for dinner, but I’d rather we not go,” she retorted.

“It’s not like they will be exactly thrilled at the prospect of me going out with a much older woman anyway. To them I can only do wrong in their eyes. Why am I going to go back in there and give them even more ammunition to judge me for my choices in life?”

“Oh, for God’s sakes, Terry,” Lee exhaled heavily as she grabbed Theresa’s shoulders and peered deeply into her eyes. “Look, I know you and your parents are not exactly in the best place right now in your relationship but can’t you at least ponder for a minute that maybe your mother and father wouldn’t care so much about you if they haven’t bothered to at least call me and invite me to have dinner with them so they can get to know me better?”

Theresa’s face grew sullen and dark as she glanced down bitterly and scoffed. She then groaned exasperatedly as she wiped her face down with her hand. After a minute, she embraced her paramour and leaned her face closer to hers. A smile grew on her face as she inched closer to her ear.

“You are such a romantic, Lee. It’s so adorable how you’re willing to go out of your way just for me,” Theresa cooed softly.

“I will do everything possible to protect you, Theresa. I will not let your parents attack and berate you no matter what,” Lee remarked resolutely. “I am not afraid of your parents and I am no stranger to criticism. I will defend you with every fiber of my being.”

Theresa’s grin grew even wider and bigger as she shoved Lee onto the bed and climbed up next to her, laughing wildly. She then leaned closer to her face as she flicked her chin and traced her shoulder.

“Oh, darling. You are so gorgeous and sexy. I need to be with you. I want to have your babies. You are mine. You will always be mine. No one else can and shall have you. No one other than Rhonda and Rod. I will allow no one but them to have you. You are mine… mine – mine – mine – mine…”

Theresa then clutched Lee’s head tightly as she kissed her roughly and passionately.

Lee then kissed her back tenderly yet deeply as she nuzzled her face and nipped her nose, pressing her forehead against hers. “You want to have my babies?”

“Of course,” Theresa whispered. “I would want them to have my eyes, your hair and your beautiful skin color. And my nose too and my body build. They would be so beautiful and it would mean the world to me to have a wonderful family with you and the rest of your offspring.”

“How touching of you to say that, my love,” Lee cooed as she caressed her paramour’s face. “I think we should wait a little bit while longer to have children but I would love to have a family with you.”

“You really mean it?” Theresa gasped in astonishment.

“Yes,” Lee nodded as she kissed her hard in the mouth and wrapped her arms around her. “Let’s make love and then we’ll talk more about children.”

“Sounds good,” Theresa grinned as the two women nuzzled.

Theresa then smirked at Lee as she peered into her dark brown eyes. “I love you, darling.”

“I love you too,” Lee whispered.

“I was thinking that maybe we can name our daughter Esther. Or maybe Josie Faye. Or maybe if we have a son we can name him Blake. It could also apply if we have a girl too. Or maybe Sadie would be even better,” Theresa proposed.

“I don’t see why not. I like those names very much,” Lee chimed tenderly as she kissed her.

Theresa then giggled as she snuggled even closer to Lee and purred. She then cuddled against her shoulder and neck and lay in her arms peacefully. “You would make a great momma, Lee. I want you to take care of my little ones if anything were to happen to me. I need you to be there for them to be the great mother I know you can be. It’s the least I can do.”

“I would be more than happy to do so, my love,” Lee replied. “I still would like to go meet your parents. I know that you’re not happy about going but just know that I will be there with you to meet them.”

“I know, and you’re right,” Theresa sighed sadly while hanging her head. “I don’t want anything to do with my parents. But if I had no other choice, and you’re there to protect me, then I think it will be worth all of the criticism of the world.”

“I couldn’t agree more, darling,” Lee beamed as she cradled Theresa in her arms and kissed her. “Let’s say why don’t we hit the hay and get some sleep?”

“Sure thing, Lee,” Theresa replied with a yawn. “Besides, I’m kind of tired anyway and I’d really love to cuddle with you.”

Lee then lay down and then closed her eyes, petting her lover’s hair. “Good night, Theresa.”

“Good night, Lee,” Theresa yawned and she fell asleep.

Lee then yawned and closed her eyes as she drifted off into sleep.

[sevenna92]

Later on that afternoon, Cliff and Buddy were perched under the scorching hot sun on the rooftop scavenging for earthworms. Cliff was pecking aimlessly on the ground as he picked off several ants and sucked on them. Buddy then chewed on one particular ant in her mouth as she swallowed it whole and hopped with a flutter of her wings.

Cliff then noticed one earthworm crawling past him and caught it in his beak. He then shook it vigorously and struggled to gobble it up whole in his mouth. He was halfway in devouring the tasty morsel when he sensed a huge feline silhouette looming over him. He then slurped the rest of the worm into his mouth and gulped it completely.

Cliff’s body tensed up as his wings folded anxiously and he craned up to see who it was. To his horror, there was a female orange tigress-like creature with a dark red mane, glistening dark brown eyes and dark black stripes running across her spine. Her hackles were raised slightly as her face contorted into a scowl and she let out a low hiss. The young male fingerbird peered into her eyes and a chill ran down his spine. It was none other than Theresa.

“Hello, bird brain,” the young woman hissed as Cliff let out a blood-curling scream.

“Buddy, run!” he hollered as he pushed Buddy ahead and the two alien birds took off into the skies with Theresa in hot pursuit. Theresa then let out a snarl as she galloped quickly after them and she skittered across the roof. Cliff and Buddy then ascended higher and higher just so she couldn’t reach them.

“She’ll never catch up with us at this rate,” Cliff crowed heartily.

“Yeah!” Buddy chimed.

But then a gray blur flew by them as Cliff and Buddy stepped back in surprise and they spun around to see a dark gray peregrine falcon with glowing green eyes gliding menacingly towards them. She then let out a shrill screech as she lunged at Cliff. Cliff then screamed as he flew over towards a sea of cars with Buddy right behind him.

“Oh my God, run!”

Buddy then screamed at the very top of her lungs as Theresa snapped at her feet repeatedly and tried unsuccessfully to grab her. She then pounced on Buddy and wrestled with her as she attempted to grab her with her talons. Buddy then smacked her in the face with her wing and escaped. She and Cliff then dove down towards a series of cars as they flittered around them in an effort to lose their pursuer.

Cliff then looked sideways towards the car mirrors and noticed that Theresa was advancing much closer to them and gaining much more speed than anticipated. She then lunged at the Foster-Martin siblings as she outstretched her talons and dove right for them.

Cliff and Buddy then split up just as Theresa was about to catch them and went in opposite directions. Theresa then stopped for a minute as she looked around irritably and scanned the area for any sign of them. She then turned to see Cliff disappear around the corner and flew after him.

Cliff then screamed as he took a left turn into an alleyway and was heading straight towards the wall. Theresa then lunged at him as she snapped her talons at him in an attempt to grab him. She then snatched him as she flew out of the alleyway and Cliff started to shriek loudly.

“Buddy, help! Help! She’s got me! Help!”

“Get your hands off him!” Buddy howled as she hurtled right at Theresa and slashed her with her talons. Theresa then rolled back with a hiss and turned to see Buddy hovering in front of her. Buddy then growled softly as she charged at her and began to peck and jab at her repeatedly. Theresa then tried to dodge her attacks rapidly as she responded by delivering several stabs to the shoulder, chest and head.

Buddy then screamed as she was struck on the shoulder and then she smacked her with a backhand. Theresa then flinched briefly as she was stunned by the blow. However, she stepped back and then rammed right into her.

Buddy then took a harrowing plummet towards the ground as she tumbled down rapidly and smashed right into the rooftop of a local building. A huge crater formed where Buddy had crashed and was releasing huge fumes of smoke.

Theresa then smirked evilly as she hovered down to the ground and landed near the crater. She then grabbed Cliff by the tail and walked over to the crater, peering down to see if anyone was still alive. Just as she did so, Buddy emerged from the crater and slammed right into her older foe, knocking Cliff right off her clutches. Cliff then skidded onto the ground while Theresa landed on her back, dazed.

Buddy then flew over to where Cliff was and grabbed him by the tail. “Come on, buddy. We’re gonna get out of here,” she whispered as she spun around to see Theresa glide over to them with a shriek.

Cliff then departed quickly from the building as he ducked over a pair of electric wires and then flew over to the intersection. Theresa then opened her mouth as she charged up a dark green psionic beam in her mouth and released it. Cliff then whizzed over it as the energy beam narrowly missed them and crashed right into a building, causing a massive explosion.

Theresa then started firing several more green energy beams as many of them flew around Cliff and Buddy. The two fingerbirds were able to dodge most of them but one of them hit Buddy on the right side. Another energy beam struck Cliff as he squawked in agony while being burned. Buddy then screamed in pain as the intensity nearly caused her to drop down to the ground.

Then as she rolled over to avoid another incoming green psionic energy beam, the beam then converted into a lightning stream as it transferred over to the exterior of a metal building and it was released as a long-range missile. The building then exploded into a flash of dark green light as it collapsed immediately. The explosion then released huge energy waves that knocked over several cars and caused a couple of buildings within range to buckle unsteadily from the impact and collapse.

Theresa then seized and convulsed violently as a light green lightning bolt generated from her body. She then charged it up for several minutes before she fired it right at Cliff and Buddy. This time the fingerbirds were unable to dodge it as it electrified them and cooked them to a crisp. Buddy could barely move her wings as she was completely singed and her body ached all over.

Theresa then swooped down and captured the alien birds in her talons before she flew over to another building. She then hovered over a huge garbage truck as she was prepared to drop the siblings into the back. Cliff and Buddy then groaned as they glanced up at her.

“What are you doing?” Buddy demanded.

“Getting rid of you two pea brains like the trash you are,” Theresa declared proudly. “As soon as I dump you into this garbage truck, you two will be heading to the junkyard. No one would even know you are gone. Now with you out of the way I can proceed uninterrupted with my big date with Lee. She’s planning to take me out clubbing and dining and we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

“You won’t get away with this!” Buddy screamed as Theresa released her talons and Buddy and Cliff fell rapidly into the back of the garbage truck with a loud scream. As soon as Buddy and Cliff disappeared into the sea of smelly trash, the garbage truck drove away and Theresa watched with a gleeful, malicious smirk.

“This will teach you to blab to my parents.”

She then laughed evilly as she swooped up into the skies and glided quickly back towards the direction of the Petrie residence, excited with anticipation on her big night out with Lee.