Disclaimer: Japanese and Hasbro have them. After amusement and abuse, and no money gained, they can have them back.
Author notes: Finally gathered the courage to write a multi-chapter fic again. Bear with me.
"A word is like a sparrow: let it loose and you'll never catch it again." (Old Russian proverb)
It started with a couple of captured lizardmen. The kittens, being high on something sugary again, teased one of the prisoners, while Lion-oh and Tigra argued about their fate. The lizards took the situation rather stoically, and responded to the quips and sharp comments of the youngsters with their own. All was well and even Cheetara started snickering on the banter, until Kit asked one of the reptiles:
"I mean, you're slower in battle than me. What do they keep you for?"
"The same reason your tiger keeps the lion around- for verbal abuse." Another reptile responded. And while the lizards laughed, the kittens looked up on the arguing princes, and saw the look of endless hurt spreading on Lion-ohs' face.
Chitara saw it too.
"You didn't take them seriously, didn't you? Stupid lizardmen…" She started.
"Of course not. If anything I should be grateful to them." The young kind approached the captives and cut the ropes on their hands. "After all, who else will tell me the truth, if not my enemies?"
The reptiles didn't have to be asked twice and started towards their home habitat. Lion-oh remained standing, trying to control his suddenly ragged breath.
"I'm sure they just say it to hurt you." Kat tried to comfort him.
"No, that's what, apparently, I have Tigra here for. After all, that's what he does all day long."
"Now listen here…" Tigra finally started to realize something bad was about to happen.
"Why? So you can challenge me verbally, say what a no-good I am or something of the sort? So I can be the laughing stock of those foot soldiers?" Lion-oh's tone remained low, but his shoulders started to shake.
"That's what I'm talking about. You make a fool out of yourself, letting some foolish words get to you."
Lion-oh turned and marched towards a nearby forest. It took all his control not to start running or break in tears… or do something really irreparable to his brother.
"Wrong thing to say." Kit said.
"I have a brother too, but you'd never see me treat him that way." Kat added.
Before Tigra could tell them off, a howl of pain came from the forest, causing a flock of birds to take off.
"Sounds like Lion-oh." Cheetara grabbed her staff. "Come on!"
The rest of the Thundercats followed, although not so fast. They found the cleric holding the empty sheath of the Sword of Omens. Neither the weapon, nor its' bearer were to be seen.
They searched the grounds for a while, finally meeting up with Panthro, who just returned with fresh supplies from the Berbills. Tigra gave him a short version of events, only to get a grim look from the older 'Cat.
"Saw Sly and several apes nearby. They were in a hurry to get away from this place. I strongly suspect they've got what they were here for." The unsaid part about what it was and who was at fault remained hanging in the air.
"Jaga help us all..." Cheetara whispered.
