It was bitterly cold and even with her traveling cloak Ocelata was having difficulty staying warm. They had been searching for the pass for two days now and still hadn't found it. The Berbils' old maps were not up to date with the current terrain so it was difficult finding the right divide between the mountains. Lion-O was asking Tygra if they could take a rest, but his brother kept insisting he knew the pass was nearby and they needed to keep moving.
"Your stupid pride is going to get us all killed! You do realize not all our ancestors grew up in mountains right? My ancestors were more at home in a steamy jungle; happily living in the trees than trekking up a snowy mountain. Achoo! Ugh, I'm so over snow," Ocelata whined sniffling unhappily.
"Don't worry Ocelata; I'm sure that we can find a cave or something to rest until we get our bearings. Tygra, please be reasonable. This is her first time in snow and she's not doing that great."
"This is your first time in snow as well and you're not complaining as much. I know we've had some set backs, but I know that pass is nearby we just have to keep moving. Who needs maps, I never get lost."
"Where have I heard that before? Come on Tygra be evenhanded!"
"I'm being reasonable now pick up the pace. The pass should be nearby." Tygra commented. He only took two steps when he was hit in the back of the head by two snowballs. Growling he turned around and saw the teens gathering more snow. "What are you doing?"
"Having a bit of fun at your expense, you seem to like snow a lot!" Ocelata giggled.
"Would you two act your age and status? We don't have a time for this! Ooof!" Lion-O nailed his brother right in the face and was grinning.
"Come on Tygra live a little. Have some fun."
"We don't have time for fun your Highness. Come on let's go. Ugh would you two stop throwing snowballs at me!" Suddenly the tell tale rumbles of an avalanche was heard. All three of them took off running trying to get out of the way. They took refuge under some rocks at the avalanche passed over them. Ocelata was terrified clutching tightly to Lion-O who was trying to calm her down.
"This is worse then the dust storms during the desert crossing after the ship crashed!"
"It's going to be okay I promise you. It's almost over just stay strong," Lion-O told her. He was right because soon the snow had settled. Everything was blanketed in a white sheet of fresh show. The entire landscape had changed once again and now they were even more lost then before, not that they would admit it. "Well, looks like its going to take a bit longer to find that pass then we initially thought. Huh, look up there!"
"It's a cave; maybe we can find a shortcut to the pass up there. Let's go," Tygra commanded. He started climbing towards the cave, but didn't sense the others following him. He turned around glaring at the two slowpokes. "Come on you two, even if there isn't a shortcut we need to take shelter before nightfall. What's the hold up?"
"Something about that cave is giving me the heebie jeebies. I don't know what it is exactly, but something inside that cave is giving off strange vibes. Maybe we should look for shelter elsewhere?" Ocelata suggested.
"We don't have time for your supposed gifts. A storm in coming and we need to find shelters. So I suggest you listen to me and get a move on!"
"There's no need to yell at her Tygra! We'll all go," Lion-O said as they marched inside the cave entrance. He was on edge and so were the others. He'd never seen Ocelata as agitated as she was now. One clawed glove hand at the ready and her dagger in other. Her superior eye sight was searching the darkness for signs of life. Tygra was moving with complete confidence.
"See, there was nothing to worry about." That's when the three of them were surrounded with pointy spears pointing at their chest.
"Please, we mean no harm. My name is Lion-O, Lord of the Thundercats. My brother, my betrothed and I got lost during the avalanche. We're searching for a mountain pass and I'm hoping you can help us find our way."
"We're not lost! I don't get loss and we don't need help."
"Honestly, Tygra, you're more stubborn then any other tiger I knew save for Tygrus!" Ocelata snapped, but her words seemed to have an effect on the group. Their captives revealed themselves to be of the lost Tiger Clan. Caspian, the head guard escorted them deeper into the cave towards the village. As they passed through the village Ocelata kept sensing something was off about the tigers. She couldn't put her claws on it, but they felt weird.
"Hey, is something wrong Ocelata?"
"Ugh it's just hard for me to understand how this clan becomes lost. When I was inside WilyKit researching the history of the Thundercats I didn't come across a reason for the clan's disappearance. I thought it might be one of the secrets of the clerics."
"I don't know about that. Tygra has been the only tiger for so long I just assumed he came out of thin air. But were about to find out," Lion-O said told her. They entered the meeting room and came face to face with Javan. He seemed to have mix feelings about seeing his son.
Ocelata listened patiently as Tygra told the others about becoming part of the Thundercat royalty. Then the brothers talked about their adventures so far and Lion-O mentioned they were trying stopping Mumm-Ra and bringing back the Unity among the animals that once existed, but Javan side stepped that saying there were other matters to attend to. He kept glancing nervously at Ocelata, as if he was sensing the strangeness coming from her.
"We never expected to see Thundercats again. Nor did I expect the betrothed of a lion to be to a clan as small as the ocelots. You must have impressed the royals with skills. Or perhaps there is something unique about you."
"Whatever is unique about me is something that I don't intend to share with Tygrus' descendents! There is something off about this place."
"Ocelata! That's enough! Don't you dare insult them!"
"Tygra, it's alright, your friend is tired and confused. If you know about Tygrus then I suppose you're a scholar."
"Not exactly Lord Javan, I was around back then and lets just say something extraordinary happened to bring me to this time. You mentioned that you clan was loyal to Mumm-Ra and you were exiled for that, but I know that didn't happen right away. When the ship crashed into Third Earth it was the tigers that helped us escaping the sinking sand and salvage most of our technology from being buried. Leo fought against Tygrus and beat him. In exchange for amnesty he asked the tiger clan to be the honor guard that protected the animals during the journey to find our new homes."
"You really were alive back then weren't you? Please we love to know your secret," Caspian exclaimed, his eyes were gleaming as he sized her up.
"I don't really feel comfortable talking about it tonight. You might not believe me anyways. After all, not everything is as it seems. Am I right?"
"Its true that Tiger Clan left Thundera and Animala City after Leo's death, but the circumstances will have to wait until another day. Night is nearly upon us and you need to find safety from our threat. We'll talk more in the morning that is if you survive the night." Javan told them as all the tigers left. As soon as they left Tygra exploded shocking the other two by his rage.
"That man is not my father! Abandoning me because of some stupid boogieman is cowardly! And what was with you two? Why were you attacking the history of my clan and what's with you Lion-O? Trying to be a diplomat now after they told us they didn't like the Thundercats? Am I the only Prince here thinking clearly?"
"I have had just about enough of your prideful statements! Whatever is scaring the people here is- did you hear that?" Ocelata asked. Her ears perked up as she listened to screeching coming from the main part of the village.
"Sounds like the boogieman may be real," Lion-O commented, extending the Sword of Omens to its full length. Tygra and Ocelata got their weapons ready just as the first horde of monsters appeared. Giving a battle cry worthy of a lion he attacked, striking hard and fast. Tygra cracked his bolo whip sending a score of them into a wall. Ocelata swiped at them with her dagger and grabbed two with her clawed gloves flinging them over her shoulder.
As more of the creatures came at them Ocelata jumped onto the wall and started climbing the walls trying to shake them off. The little demons leapt onto the wall and started biting her ankles. Growling she angrily kicked the little devils in the head. As more little devils came after her she focused her mind letting her precognitive abilities build. As more bared down her eyes lit up.
"Time to show you evil critters my true power!" Ocelata shouted as she dodged about the ceiling and wall. She could see their attacks a few seconds before they occurred so she managed to dig her glove claw tips deep into the flesh of her attackers. Dropping onto the ground between the boys fight she spun releasing her prey at high speeds and bowling them over. "That's what I call fun. Come on, we need to find shelter before they regroup! Can you two cover our retreat?"
"On it, get back to the meeting hall! We'll bar the door! Tygra, knock those icicles down now!" Lion-O commanded. He used the sword's energy attack to hold the creatures at bay as his brother brought a sheet of icicles down creating a barrier for the three cats. They rushed into the hall and Lion-O cut up large pieces of ice for them to use to block the door. "What are those things?"
"I have no idea, but they reek of dark magic. Hey Tygra, where's your father and the rest of your clan? Why didn't they help us? Are we that expendable?"
"He's not my father! I don't know, maybe they took shelter somewhere else. They did warn us about the danger coming. I guess we should have listened."
"Still is strange that they didn't come rushing to help us when the creatures arrived. Ocelata can you use your powers to find them?"
"I'm not a psychic you know. I guess I could try astral projection to scout out there. Hopefully someone's sleeping out there and I can enter their dreams to learn more from their memories. Watch my body and make sure nothing happens?" Lion-O nodded and caught her body as she released her astral spirit.
"Are we sure your girlfriend knows what she's doing?" Tygra asked.
"I trust her with my life, maybe you should too. If were going to survive this night we need to trust each other. I hope she's okay." Just as he finished speaking Ocelata's body started twitching and shaking up a storm. He rushed to her side trying to wake her up, but she only twitched harder. "Come on Ocelata wake up! Please wake up."
"That's not going to help if her spirit is wandering about. See if you can use the Spirit Stone to call her back."
Lion-O activated the Spirit Stone and placed his gauntlet hand over his betrothed body willing her spirit back. It worked and her eyes snapped open, but she slapped him hard in the face. "Don't ever do that again Lion-O! You could have permanently damaged my ability to project my astral self!"
"I was worried about you! Your body was throwing fits, I thought maybe you had gotten hurt or worse."
"My astral self translates some of the pain I feel to my body. I entered an unconscious creature's mind. It wasn't a pleasant place. Its memories were fragmented and confusing. I didn't find any tiger thoughts. Maybe they're too far away for me to find. We're going to have to rest here for the night and ask question in the morning."
"I'll take first watch. You two get some rest."
They took turns making sure the door wasn't broken down. In the morning the boys woke to Ocelata cooking some of the rations over the fire. "I couldn't find any food or water so I made do with our supplies. The sun rose about ten minutes ago. I don't know where our little critters went, but I haven't heard them. In fact I'm starting to hear the sounds of the village getting up."
"We should go and see if they're okay. Something weird is going on with this place. I think we should investigate and try to find the truth."
"What is it with you two and being suspicious of everything? It's like you have something against my people."
"It's only because your father and the rest of your clan haven't been straight with us Tygra. What is it with tigers and being stealthy about the truth?" Ocelata snapped.
"What is with ocelots being so snarky?"
"No fighting you two! Look Tygra, this is your chance to get to know your people, see if they'll help us in our quest against Mumm-Ra. Why don't you talk with Javan and learn more about the village. Ocelata, I know you have problems with tigers, but I want you to get over them. If we're going to work with them in the future you need to learn to forgive them for one tiger's actions."
"You don't know what you're talking about. WilyKit only shared one memory with you! Ugh, alright I'll check out the village and learn about its people. I'm guessing you'll be investigating outside for clues to the creatures. I'll meet up with you later. I love you Lion-O."
"I love you too Ocelata."
For most of the day Ocelata explored the village observing the families and trying to get a sense of why they made her feel so strange. She knew it wasn't only her intolerance that was making her feel tingling inside. Something was off about these cats. It was almost as if they were repeating the same day over and over.
"I wish I knew what their secret was. Its almost on the tip of my tongue, I just can't put it all together. I need another clue!" she growled kicking an ice wall. Suddenly the ice shattered revealing a hidden door. Curious she pushed open the door, but even with her superior eye sight she couldn't really see.
After getting a lit torch she quietly entered the room and started exploring. Her heart was pounding, as she kept her senses sharp and one hand on her dagger just in case of trouble. Her footsteps echoed across the cavern as she made her way deeper into the room.
"What in the world is this place? Why was it hidden? Huh, why does the tiger clan have a relic belonging to the rats?" she questioned as she saw a small silver shield and sword under glass. She saw more pedestals filled with treasures belonging to other clans. A prayer statue for the elephants, prized fishing gear for the fish, even what looked like a collar for the dogs. Suddenly her attention was drawn to the far wall. There was a strange energy, something almost spiritual attached to the wall.
"See the truth, help us break our curse, undo our greatest sin with the virtue that is lacking," a soft female voice filtered into her mind. Ocelata twisted about, but didn't see anyone, but a blue spark out of the corner of her eye drew her to the back wall. The wall was divided down the middle with one wall covered under a dusty curtain. The other was a family tree showing the royal linage going all the way back to Animala. There was also a portrait of Javan, and beautiful white tigress and a baby Tygra. The date on the painting made her Ocelata's eyes widen. She took a step back from the solemn blue eyes of the female tracking her.
She stumbled into someone turning around to fight with her dagger only to be blocked by the whip. Javan stepped took a step closer and she growled a warning telling him to stay back. "I don't mean you any harm. I only wish to talk with you."
"Stay back! I finally figured out what your secret is. I refuse to let myself be dragged back to that half life, especially by the Tiger Clan."
"So you were able to figure it out on your own. I wondered if the fragmented memories you picked up would be enough to explain our story. Ocelata, I have no desire to hurt you. I'm asking for your help."
"Why should I believe that? Why should I trust a descendent of Tygrus? You don't know what that cat put me through, what that weapon you hold did to me and my friends."
"Actually I do, when you enter my mind last night you left behind a few of your memories. They are not pleasant to view. Lord Tygrus was a great fighter and loyal soldier, but he was wrong to torture and abuse your friends with this whip or kill other animals in front of your eyes. I can't imagine the fear you must have felt when he tried to force himself on you. I know it doesn't mean much, but I'm sorry for your pain, but that doesn't change the fact that you're the one Siberia prophesied would help break our curse."
Ocelata slowly relaxed looking at him puzzled. Who was Siberia and what did he mean by prophesied?
"I'm Siberia and you are the one who can save us from a curse brought upon by a sin. Only you can truly understand our pain and by overcoming your own sin will you show us the virtue we are lacking," the female voice said again. Ocelata yelped and looked around trying to find the source of it. Her eyes came to rest on the painting and she could have sworn the females eyes were twinkling with life. "It can't be, Javan what is going on? Who is she?"
"That painting is of my family and that is my beautiful wife. It's rare for a tiger to be born white, but when one does happen it's a sign of good luck. Most white tigers have unique gifts that have helped our clan grow strong. Siberia had the gift of premonition; she could see glimpses of the future. She was the first one to die of the sickness only days after Tygra was born, but before she died she warned me not to follow in the dark path of our ancestors for it would lead to our doom. She said if I ignored the warning only the she cat with gifts whose been apart of this millennium long conflict could save us. We should have listened to her then none of this would have happened."
"Millennium long conflict? I thought that Mumm-Ra had only been a threat for six hundred years. Javan, please if you can tell me anything about the origins of Mumm-Ra's threat or a way to defeat the Ancient Spirits of Evil, it would go a long way to defeating him for good. Please, I need to know what caused the Great Divide and why the tigers have all these relics belonging to other animal tribes. If you want my help I suggest you start explaining yourself."
Javan stood next to her and removed the curtain showing a beautiful mosaic that showed a story from the past. "This room holds the clan's greatest treasures as well secrets to our past. You're right in saying these relics are priceless cultural items to the other animal tribes. When Mumm-Ra conquered and enslaved them he took their treasures as trophies. They were rescued after the crash, but for how they got here you'll learn that in a few minutes. I don't know the truth about how the conflict started, only that one of these relics holds the key to origins of both Mumm-Ra and the Ancient Spirits of Evil. I spent a great deal of time after the curse was cast trying to find a solution, but I never did. Perhaps you will figure it out."
"Javan, the mosaic is beautiful. What is its story and why did you cover it up?"
"This is a story of our greatest shame. A reminder of what the sin of to much pride can do. We were content with being the honor guard of the Animal Unity. We were strong fighters and defended Animala, Thundera, and other cities with great pride. Lord Leo listened to our words of wisdom and we helped create a strong unity, but our pride was always hidden below the surface, waiting to spill over into all out conflict. Shortly after Lord Lionel and Queen Sarabie came to the throne, Mumm-Ra made his move."
"I know that even trapped, he could still use some of his magic and speak to the minds of those who were susceptible to darkness. At such a distance and to cast a spell on your whole clan would require enormous power and amplifier of some kind. Your whip! I forgot that Mumm-Ra gave it to Lord Tygrus as a gift for securing the Mind Stone. He had a connection with it didn't he?"
"Yes, trading some of his immortal life force he'd stolen from slaves, Mumm-Ra used his magic to send a cloud of dark magic to Animala City. When its raindrops hit the whip it started amplifying our barely contained pride, our darkest desires grew as we came into contact with other tigers until the whole clan was ready to commit treason. As mosaic shows we tried to stage a coup and overthrow the lions."
"Judging by the artwork it failed, but cost many innocent lives. With the Sword of Omens I'm sure that Lionel knew you had been infected with dark magic, but at same time he couldn't ignore the underlying problem. Like his father before him he showed great mercy and humbleness by just exiling you kind instead of killing you."
"Our clan didn't see it that way. We couldn't admit we did wrong or we'd been given a light sentence, so we stole the treasures from the Animala Vault and took them with us for spite. We settled here and heard about the Great Wars that began some months after our coup. Mumm-Ra used our pride to help start the Great Divide. He will do whatever it takes to bring about great evil. You must help Lion-O and Tygra stop him."
"But how? I'm only a betrothed and I'm supposed to be tested on the virtues of a queen. You keep saying that you wife said I'd help the tiger clan overcome their sin by displaying a virtue, but I'm not even sure what I'm suppose to be demonstrating. I'm not Panthera or Leo, they were great rulers. All I am is a reborn spirit who can't shake her past."
"Then let the past go and worry only about your future. We've both been hurt greatly in the past. That hurt has developed into a coat of pride to protect our hearts from pain. I may never be able to overcome my pride, but maybe you can. If only I was stronger none of this would have happened. Oh Siberia, why didn't I listen to you?'
Ocelata was still nervous and angry at learning the secrets of the Tigers, but as she saw Javan weep under his wife's portrait her heart melted a bit. She took a few hesitant steps and then helped him stand up. He looked at her confused as she gave him a slight bow. "I humbly ask for forgiveness from the Tiger Clan. I have let my anger of one individual fester for so long it's become a prejudice. I prided myself on being more humane then your clan, but I'm being as stubborn and mean hearted if let this continue. Leo was right when he demonstrated mercy and humbleness to your ancestor."
"I accept your forgiveness if you will accept mine on behalf of all Tigers. No cat or other animal should feel they need to fear for the lives from us." Both of them shook hands and Ocelata felt a tingle go throughout her diadem. Before she could check what had happened they heard sounds of struggle.
"Caspian! He's trying to kill Tygra to end the curse and nights nearly on us!"
"Let's move we have to stop this!" The two cats raced into battle where they saw the boys struggling for their life. With lightning speed Ocelata performed a split kick and double punch combo ironically that Tygrus had showed her. Using her smaller statue she swerved around the spears, snagging one and attacking the guards. Javan had just saved Tygra when the sun went down and tigers mutated into the little demons. "This isn't good."
The fire in the center of the village roared to life. The images of the Ancient Spirits of Evil appeared, their blood red eyes glimmering in the dark cave. "Kill the males. Bring us the female. Do as we say and your curse will be lifted."
"I think our problems just got ten times worse! Hey, let me go. No, I'm not, get off me!" Ocelata screeched clawing and kicking the little demons off her. They kept dragging her closer to the fire. She lashed out cutting off one's arm only for it regenerate. As she got closer to the fire Lion-O used the Claw Shield's claws to snag her cloak and pull her back while still fighting one handed.
"Lion-O let me go you need to focus to fight!"
"I won't lose you!"
"Do it!" Once free she back sprang over his head and rushed over to help Tygra, trying to pull Javan off him. "Please, Tygra I know it's hard to forgive, but if you let your pride stop you from saying it, then your letting it win. For once in your life try being humble! Ahhhhh"
"Ocelata, ugh Javan, Father please listen. What you did was an act of love and I didn't appreciate it. I know see you were trying to protect me from harm. I forgive you," Tygra said. Like magic the cursed tigers transformed back to normal and the Ancient Spirits of Evil were gone. Everyone was celebrating happy to be whole again.
"You did it Tygra. A curse born out of our own pride was undone by a simple act of humility. You are far stronger then any of us ever were."
"Were? Never mind, now we can be together again and help stop Mumm-Ra."
"If only it could be, but it is not what is meant to be."
"I don't understand."
"Its how they can survive without food or water, why Ocelata felt something strange from them. When you failed to live up to your end of the bargain the Spirits of Evil unleashed the sickness again killing everyone."
"You mean you're all dead?"
"No, Tygra, a death after suffering such a horrible sickness would have been a mercy. Their spirits were trapped between death and life. They couldn't leave the village; they couldn't change anything, only repeat the same day over and over and at night be punished by turning into monsters destroying their own home. Believe me it's a fate worse then death, but by setting them free we're one step closer to defeating Mumm-Ra and the Ancient Spirits of Evil for good."
"Your friend is right. Our time on Earth has passed, but our legacy and dreams live on in you. It's up to you to undo the mistake of ancestors and bring honor to our clan name. I know you can do this, and I will be watching with pride," Javan said hugging his son tightly. As moved to leave he took one last glance at the royal couple. "Lion-O, watch out for my son and heed his advice."
"I will Javan, you have my word."
"Ocelata, the contents of the treasure room are yours. Let us hope you can use them to bring about an everlasting piece. Always remember to never let your pride outweigh your humility."
"I will. Safe journey Javan and thank you again." Soon all the tigers were gone and purified white whip was left behind for Tygra. He picked it up and looked at the abandoned village. "Is it my fate to lose all those close to me?"
"You haven't lost us yet. You're my big brother and I wouldn't trade you for the world."
"Besides, what's a kingdom without its honored adviser? Come on, there are some sleds we can use to transport the relics while we look for the pass. I only wish we could take that mosaic with us, but it's attached to the wall. What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"The Diadem, a small section of it has changed from silver to light orange," Tygra pointed out.
"I think you passed your first test," Lion-O said in awe.
"Of course, its like Siberia said, pride is a sin and I overcame mine and did an act of humility. A queen must learn to keep her pride in check and be humble at all times! One down six to go!" The trio was excited and soon they were on their way with their precious cargo, including a smiling portrait of Javan and Siberia; happy to reunited once again.
