It was a beauticious day and two Thundercats were taking a little time off from their quest to have a mini date. In the three weeks since her return to life the she cat was trying to integrate herself with the group, as well as get to know her betrothed. While the rest of the group was with the Thundertank by the river, plotting the quickest course to the mountains, Ocelata and Lion-O were in a nearby field playing tag and wrestling.
"Come on Lion-O keep up! I thought lions were supposed to be fast, but your nothing, but a slowpoke!" Ocelata teased him. She darted back and spun around as Lion-O reached out to touch her. Her eyes twinkled and she let out a laugh as she pounced on him, pinning him to the ground. "Looks like you're in quite the predicament aren't you?"
"I'm not done yet," Lion-O laughed, flipping her off him and chasing after her again. This time he managed to tag her and now she was chasing him. He dove into a large clump of grass and zigzagged about avoiding her pursuits. "What's the matter? Your special eyes can't find where I am?"
"You tell me!" she purred as she tackled him from the side and drove him into the dirt. She gave him an affectionate lick and the two teens started laughing at how dusty the two of them were. As they brushed each other off they smiled, happy to be in each others presence.
"That was a lot of fun, I can't remember the last time I had that much fun. I think your mini date was one of your better ideas. In the old days fun was outlawed."
"Having Mumm-Ra control your every move must have been the worse. I can't imagine having to live or how you survived that."
"It was worse then anything you can imagine. He lied and manipulated all of our kind for generations, having us believe that his destruction of our home world was part of a bigger plan to bring order to chaos. The only order he was interested in was the Ancient Spirits of Evil."
"The Ancient Spirits of Evil, you mentioned them before. What do you know about them?"
"Very little, I just know that their power is great and as you know, they managed to follow Mumm-Ra here and stake a claim to the planet because of its ley lines. I fear that he'll call on him to help find the other two Stones of Power and the Sword of Plundar. I wish I knew how to use the powers of the Diadem of Prophecy. It could help us so much if I did."
"Hey, don't worry about it. Everything is going to be okay, I promise you that. We're going to find all the Stones and unite the animals. Mumm-Ra is going to be buried for life; even if I have to come back from the dead and beat him again!" Lion-O told her. He frowned puzzled as he saw her jerk away from him and start to walk away. "Where are you going? Ocelata, wait please!"
"You can be so insensitive you know that Lion-O? Ugh, sometimes I can't believe that your Leo's descendent!"
"Why just because I made a joke about coming back from the dead? I wasn't trying to make little of your time trapped in the Spirit Stone. After going through my trials I know how you feel," he said trying to touch her, but she snarled raking her clawed tips at him.
"You know nothing Lion-O! You think because you were granted a second chance of life you know how it feels to be dead? Your brief respite was nothing compared to my centuries of limbo, but then again its all about you isn't it?"
"Would you just tell me what's got your tail in a twist? I'm not a mind reader like you!"
"I don't read minds My King! How am I supposed to know what you're thinking? Just because I hope to be your queen doesn't mean I automatically am in synch with you! Maybe if I was I would have been there during your trials!"
"Is that what this was about? You're mad because during my trials I didn't encounter a version of you? How can you be upset about something like that? I was so thankful to not run into you. Knowing you were back in the living world using your powers to keep Slythe and his generals from the sword. Why would you want a representation of you in the afterlife?"
"Because I worry it means we won't be together. You don't know the troubles we went through after the Lizards ambushed us by the river and Kaynar and Atticus threw you into the rapids. We were captured, beaten and were almost taken to Mumm-Ra. If Tygra hadn't gotten us free and I hadn't tricked them with an illusion we would have been Mumm-Ra's prisoners. I don't want to think what he would have done to me if we met again or what he would try to do with the Diadem of Prophecy."
Lion-O didn't want to think about that either. When he had come back from the trials he found his people fighting for their lives on the riverbank after Mumm-Ra had uncovered the illusion of the sword. The kits had barely managed to use their mental gifts to stay alive after one of Panthro's arms came off. Only the combined power of the Eye and Spirit Stone had saved the day.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think about how you felt after that. I suggested this date to try to get your mind off your worries. I want you to feel safe and happy. You, no we, deserve that as much as Tygra and Cheetara."
"Except Lion-O, they don't have to worry about the possibility of losing the one they love because of an ancient ritual, now do they? Jaga mentioned that the Queen of the Thundercats must prove herself worthy and pass a series of challenges remember? We don't know what the challenges are, but the consequences if I fail mean I must give back this diadem and break up with you."
"I don't care about some stupid challenges. You're already the girl I would choose no matter what."
"But the people of Thundera would care. If the rumors we've heard at the trading posts are true, then some of your people are out there still alive. Should you rebuild Thundera, they'll care that you followed protocol. I wish I knew what I was supposed to do, but with Jaga gone and Cheetara having an incomplete education as Head Cleric, we may never know what I'm supposed to do."
"Then we'll just have to find out won't we? Come on the others are waiting for us. Let's go see if we can read another chapter in the diary so we can use the Book of Omens. The sooner you complete your challenges the sooner we can be together forever."
Back at the camp the rest of the group was setting up for the night. The kids with Snarf's help had finished gathering firewood and were cooking dinner. Panthro was securing the tank for the night while Cheetara and Tygra were discussing which path would be the best one to take to get over the mountains. They had been talking to trading posts along the river who all said that if anything fell into the river it would eventually washout either in the sea or go down a side stream past the desert and mountains before heading to the sea. The Book of Omens was indicating that they had to continue to follow the river's course through the mountains so that's what they were doing.
"Those mountains are treacherous and there's no easy route through them. According to the Berbils maps there should be an old mountain pass that could lead us safely to the other side, but the trick is finding it," Cheetara commented.
"If anyone can find that pass it will be me. The cold doesn't really bother me much and I'm really good at reading rough terrain. Give me a few days and I'll be able to find the pass and lead us to other side safe and sound."
"Mountains are dangerous places; especially around this time of the year. Avalanches are prone to happening without warning. If your going up the mountain to look for a pass I suggest taking back up with you. Lion-O and his sword might be a big help if the pass has been blocked. Plus it would be a good bonding experience for you two," Panthro commented, as he finished running checks on the Thundertank.
"What's that suppose to mean? Lion-O and I have been getting along a lot better. I support him in every way."
"Not when it comes to Ocelata you haven't. You still view her as potential threat instead of an ally. She's potentially the next Queen of the Thundercats."
"Only if she passes a mysterious sets of challenges. I don't mean to sound negative Cheetara, but I'm struggling to accept that a cat that died centuries ago; is alive and capable of rebuilding our race. She nearly destroyed us."
"She's apologized for that. You know, I think your still not use to the fact that if she proves herself; we may never rule New Thundera. I'm flattered you think I would be a great Queen, but as the last remaining Cleric it's my job to find out all I can about that position so I can better protect the crown. I know, why don't you ask the two love birds to join you in searching for the pass? You can really learn more about the two of them and increase their bond."
"Sounds like a good plan. What do you say, Your Highness? You can ask them right now, they just got back."
"Snarf! Snarf!"
"Hey Snarf, how are you? Were you well behaved?"
"Snarf!"
"Ocelata!"
"Big Sister!"
"Ah, how are my little brother and sister? You two look like you've been working really hard on your mental gifts. WilyKat, you were able to sense our approach at a greater distance this time. And what's this I hear about WilyKit picking up emotions? That's so neat!"
"Yeah, these jaspers really help focus our potential, but it's the meditation that sis insist we do that really helps us out."
"Do you think we'll develop stronger powers like you soon?"
"I don't know, but I hope so. Cheetara, can I talk to you for a sec?"
"Sure, Tygra has something he needs to talk to Lion-O about. Panthro, why don't you help the kids finish getting dinner set up? This shouldn't take that long." The two females entered the Thundertank heading for the cockpit. "What did you want to talk about Ocelata?"
"As you know, both you and I are in unique positions. You are suppose to be next Head Cleric, and I, hopefully the next Queen, but we are at a serious disadvantage because the one person who can tell us how to achieve these positions, is currently the Keeper of the Book of Omens. I've been reading the Elder's Diary. The Book of Omens has several different modes, not just tracking and viewing. You can actually write in it and read entries from past clerics."
"I suspected as much. Jaga was more then a mentor to me, he was like my father. He would tell me stories and secrets that the other clerics didn't know. He was grooming me to take over for him before he died. I want to fulfill my honor duty to him, but I'm unsure how to proceed without guidance. I've tried on my own to discover what the next step is, but…"
"You've hit an impasse, same as I have. The Berbils library is extensive, but neither it nor any of the other animal tribes' gifts we've received have knowledge about the challenges Jaga mentioned to me. If we are to get the answers we need to talk with him. According to the diary, you have the potential to use your magic to call force the Keeper. Make him tell us what we want to know. I don't know about you, but being the dark a second longer is not something I can handle."
"Alright, show me the page in the diary. I want to make sure I'm doing this right." After a few minutes of studying the page and making sure she understood the spell Cheetara was ready to give it a try. Putting on the remains of her cleric outfit she kneeled in front of the Book of Omens chanting an ancient spell. Her staff and the Book started glowing in time with one another as their mystical energies synchronized with one another. At the height of her ritual she tapped the four corners of the Book with her staff before pressing the gem center with her staff whispering one last word.
The Book of Omens glittered and sprang open. The pages flew before coming to a stop closer to the end of the Book. Writing began to appear on the blank pages and there was a humming. Suddenly Jaga appeared hovering between the two girls. "Cheetara, I'm impressed that you were able to perform the ritual necessary to access the Book's reading mode. Why have you summoned me?"
"Jaga, I can't tell you how much it means to see you again. I have summoned you because I believe that its time for me to take the next step in my cleric duties. As the only remaining one I believe that I should take on the role of Head Cleric and find other cats to continue our role, but I'm not sure how to do that. I need your guidance my mentor."
"Cheetara, you have always been like a daughter to me and I can sense that you want to rebuild the order as it once was. I would be proud to help you become Head Cleric. Before the Book was hidden I inscribed in its pages all of Thundera's secrets and hidden truths that were not ready to see the Light. I had hoped to one day pass on the truth to you myself, but I knew the importance of having a contingency plan, which is why I wrote about it in the Book of Omens, just incase."
"You foresaw the fall of Thundera?"
"No, but I do believe in being prepared for anything. The Book's reading mode will allow you to learn all you need to know, but first you must purify your body and soul, so that that hidden truths don't taint you."
"I understand Jaga, what must I do in order to purify myself?"
"You must enter seclusion for three days. You will not eat or drink anything, only meditate and focus on building up your magic reserves. After the three days, dressed in a simple white frock, you will take the Book and open it using the same ritual before reciting the Oath of the Clerics. It is important that you denote all past Head Clerics before adding your name. Only then will the first chapter on our secrets be available to you. One chapter per day Cheetara and no more understood?"
"Yes, I shall go prepare myself now. I promise to do my best and honor all your teachings. Thank you Jaga, I hope to see you again soon," Cheetara told Jaga. Bowing her head she hurried off to find a place to begin her seclusion. Jaga remained looking at Ocelata was trembling with fear.
"You have questions child and my time grows short. What is it that you wish to ask me about?"
"You mentioned when I was reborn that I would have to face challenges to become Queen of the Thundercats, but you neglected to tell me exactly what those challenges were. Please, I need to know what to prepare myself for. What must I prove to earn the right to stay with Lion-O? I have already proven my fighting prowess and I'm brilliant strategist"
"You have proven to be a tough and powerful cat. Your love for Lion-O and the people of Thundera is true, but a Queen is much more than that. She is a symbol of guiding light for the people of Thundera, the second to King's own council and chief diplomat with other cultures. In order to unlock the full powers of the Diadem of Prophecy, you must pass seven tests of virtue. In the coming weeks you will be placed in situations that will test your ability to embody the virtues that make a Queen by overcoming a deadly sin. Should you pass the tests, the Diadem of Prophecy will unlock its power for you to use. "
"How will I know if I passed a test of virtue? My knowledge on virtues and sins is sketchy at best."
"You will know and remember these tests will come unexpectedly, so always be ready to act right. Also, you will know if you fail for you must return the Diadem to Lion-O and never get involved with him again. The stakes are high, but I have every confidence that you will pass the challenges and become the Queen you were meant to be. Enjoy your night of rest for tomorrow the challenges can or will begin," Jaga warned the girl. He gave her a comforting smile before disappearing back into the book.
Ocelata couldn't believe that this was her test. Seven test of virtue to prove she had the qualities of a Queen? She didn't know what those qualities were or how she was supposed to overcome deadly sins. If tonight was the last night before her challenges started she wanted to be with Lion-O. As she hurried to find him she couldn't get over the feeling that something or someone was watching her.
Someone was watching her from the viewing portal in his pyramid. Mumm-Ra was tracing the outline of the she cat with creepy tenderness before making the image vanish. "So the Thundercats hope to make Ocelata their Queen, but they will fail. They have no comprehension of her true power. Her mental gifts are only in their infancy stage and will grow stronger with time, but her greatest power lies in the blood of her ancestors. Only I know the secrets of unlocking it and plunging Third Earth into a perpetual state of evil and darkness. Under my leadership the universe will once more be restored to its glorious order!"
"If we allow you to live that long Mumm-Ra. We are going to undo the bargain that you created with us for you have failed to live up to your end of the bargain you struck with us centuries ago!" The Ancient Spirits of Evil growled. Their eyes were smoldering and they fired beams of darkness at Mumm-Ra, trapping him in a shroud of darkness, slowly disintegrating him.
"Stop I beg of you! Please give me another chance! Have I not been loyal to you all these centuries? Have I not spread your glorious might across the cosmos? Destroyed insignificant races who wouldn't obey your laws? I have stopped at nothing to reclaim the Stones of Power so I may carry out your orders?"
"You have failed in your primary duties to us. Long ago you entered into a binding and powerful bargain with us. You gave us your soul and everlasting loyalty in exchange for unlimited power and life. All that was required of you was to spread our evil reign across the cosmos by using the Stones of Power and the Sword of Plundar, made from the special ore hidden in its star, to subject all life under our order. You only kept part of your bargain! You captured three Stones of Power, create the Sword of Plundar, and brought about terror and fear among those you conquered in our name, but have failed to completely eradicate the champion for the Ancient Spirits of Good! It was their power that inspired their Champion Leo and his army to seal us away on this planet for centuries!" The Ancient Spirits of Evil spruiked angrily.
"I was indisposed, but the slaves and their cat champions suffered all the same. I may have been trapped in my sarcophagi, but I still used my dark magic in your service. The animals are still divided and I know the location of two Stones of Power. I'm working on uncovering the other two and the Sword of Plundar. I have reason to suspect a third item, the Diadem of Prophecy, has unique powers we can use to our advantage. In fact, I was putting into motion a plan that could help me bring you to full power on this planet." Mumm-Ra pleaded. His legs and part of his arms had vanished, but they reappeared as the Ancient Spirits of Evil gave him a reprieve.
"We have read your mind and understand. You are correct that the girl is key to unleashing our full might on this physical plane of this world. We also sense the remaining two Stones and Sword will soon be uncovered so we will not destroy you for now. Instead you have a short reprieve to prove why we should renew your bargain with us. As you know there are many ways to give us our freedom. You have until all three moons are full and reach their perigee to corrupt this soul and use her to bring about our reign; otherwise we'll take back our gifts to you. Understood?"
"Understood, I promise to not only do what you've asked, but to finally achieve victory over the Ancient Spirits of Good's champions," Mumm-Ra said as the Spirits of Evil once again became silent. He grimaced knowing he only had a few short weeks to fulfill his end of the bargain otherwise it was light's out for him. No matter what, the Stones of Power and girl with her precious relic would be his!