What Would Life Be Like?
By 18lzytwner
Chapter 1
Panthro sat in the command chair in Cat's Lair on New Thundera. The sun began to crest over the mountains in the distance. The sky's dark black became lighter shades of navy blue until finally the sun let it become its usual light pale blue. Clouds dotted the skyline and it would prove to be another wonderful day.
"Beautiful isn't it?" A voice alerted the panther to their presence.
"Indeed it is. I never tire of it but I'm guessing that's not why you're up three hours before your shift." Panthro smiled.
"You're right. I need your advice on something." The visitor sat down in the chair next to him.
"Uh huh and it wouldn't have anything to do with a certain ThunderCat female would it?" Panthro smirked as Lion-O turned as red as his mane.
"I thought so." The panther chuckled.
"That obvious huh?" Lion-O wondered.
"So what's up?" Panthro continued to smile and avoided the question.
"As Lord of the ThunderCats, I can't afford to be with someone. Our enemies would use that against me. I could jeopardize everyone's safety all because of my feelings for one. As a group, we can't afford it. My needs and wants can never overshadow the needs of the ThunderCats or the people we're sworn to protect. I guess my only option is to be alone but that is the last thing I want. My heart says one thing and my head says another and I'm very confused." Lion-O confessed. It wasn't like the lion to open up like this but Panthro understood. He had loved once before.
"You have matured very much since the burden and privilege of becoming the Lord of the ThunderCats those few years ago and I suppose that Tygra and I should have seen this coming. All the training in the world doesn't prepare you for women. They are a complicated creatures." The panther told him.
"So what do I do?" The lion wondered.
"You have a few options. We all know that you would do anything to protect New Thundera and Third Earth and you've become a great leader. We would follow you into Hell and back without question and so I understand your hesitance. But you can't go your whole life without admitting to the person you care the most about, how you feel. You must tell her. You never know what's going to happen in our line of work. She could be here one day and gone the next. You can't live your life without knowing what it was like to be together. Trust me on this." Panthro said.
"But what about the possible consequences?" Lion-O asked.
"You have to deal with them when they come. Don't live your life in fear. Your enemies will use that fear." The panther warned.
"But what if I make the wrong decision?" His friend was still unsure.
"I can't help you make decisions but I have no doubt that you'll make the right ones." Panthro said. Lion-O exhaled slowly and tried to sort out what the panther had said.
"All right, I'll give it a shot." He nodded.
"Atta boy. Now why don't you go bug Snarf for some breakfast? You still have two hours before your shift." Panthro suggested. Lion-O thanked the engineer and walked down to the kitchen. There was a lot to absorb but somehow he would figure out what to do.
Cheetara made her bed and then walked over to her window. The sun was bright and it would be a warm day. However, her thoughts weren't about the sun or the weather, they focused on her inability to act. She had the chance to tell Lion-O a few months ago how she felt and she squandered the opportunity. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the comm beeping near her door.
"Cheetara, Pumyra is on the vid-link. Can you get down here in a few minutes?" Panthro asked.
"Be right there." The cheetah answered. In a flash, she was out of her room and racing down the hall.
To Be Continued…
