Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. I only make money working; my fiction is purely non-profit.

My beta: Signora Auditore, who earned my heartfelt gratitude through her endless patience while unravelling the makings of a foreign universe.

Prologue

The sounds of the victory celebration under the early stars mocked the lone figure standing in the edge of the elephant village. His gaze remained unfocused, directed anywhere but where the delighted cheers and enjoyment came from. The merry clinking of mugs toast after toast to some event the elephants could probably not remember anymore was almost a personal affront. The tiger had no will to celebrate, for whatever victory had been achieved during the dying hours of that day, meant only heartbreak for himself. Not even Wilykit's melodious tune could penetrate the dark recess of his despair.

It was the way it was supposed to be, wasn't it? He was the perpetual underdog, undeserving of the crown, the sword, and her. Of course she would feel attracted to the cat that held the title, the power, the future... His hand leaned against the vine-covered pillar by his side, and he finally focused his attention on the dilapidated stone wall corner, mindless of what that place had been, long before Grune and Mumm-Ra's minions laid waste on the village, too busy clenching his teeth, feeling sorry for himself.

That was why he did not hear her soft steps as she ambled his way, and that was hopefully why the sound of her sultry voice shook his very core. She caught him distracted. That had to be it.

"I heard about what you and Lion-O went through in there."

His face remained impassive as he turned to face her.

"I feel I've contributed to it by not being clearer with my feelings."

So here it was. She was determined to let him down gently. Well, he still had a good amount of pride left before his little brother started gloating.

"No. It's pretty clear you made your choice."

"You're right," she answered, her purple eyes holding just a hint of sweet mischief. "I did choose, years ago. During those days when I was tested by Jaga," she reminisced, "I came close to giving up. And then, I found your gift. Of all the flowers, you picked the Day Astrid. Each petal is said to have trapped a day of life within it. It gave me the strength to endure, to make it one more day."

She delicately inserted her fingers inside one of her armbands and retrieved an object that looked like nothing he could easily identify at first glance.

"This is the heart of that very same flower. I've kept it all these years in memory of your kindness."

He couldn't believe it. What was she saying? Was he the object of her affections? His gaze had softened as her words as hope crept back in. Sure she wouldn't be making this up. Sure this... had to mean...

His train of thought was interrupted by her step forward that shortened the distance between them, a more than welcome invasion to his personal space.

"Which reminds me," she continued towards him, swiftly and comfortably placing her arms around his waist, "I never had a chance to thank you."

His eyes widened in shock before instinct took over and he allowed himself to react to the warm, soft body pressed against his, the closed eyes and puckered lips. His movements mimicked hers as if they had rehearsed this dance, his arms enveloped her lithe frame, his head tilted to a side and his lips claimed hers in an almost chaste, reverent first kiss.

Who cared what that flower story was about and how a Day Astrid had found its way to her hands all those years ago. Cheetara was there, and she had feelings for him. Tygra was victorious.

The evening bell rung, twice.