Chapter 2
Present
Enki had almost forgotten about it. He looked at this boy. "Are you Moon?" He asked. Moon's shoulder drooped from the tension and smiled. "Yes, I am. My father told me to come looking for you; he'd like to trade with you again if you don't mind." He said happily. While they were talking, Captain Cheetah burst in with worry in his eyes.
"Commander, come out quick! Claw is attacking traders." He saw Enki wasn't alone and that this rat looked just like Hunter. Enki summed up what happened and went outside with him. Claw was beating the poor things endlessly. Several solders tried to stop him but he brushed them away. Enki quickly grabbed a shield and blocked Claw's attack. In a flash, Moon and other rats grabbed their wounded comrades and took cover in the troop. The soldier grabbed their weapons out in case he went berserk on them.
Claw wondered who stopped his attack. His vision covered in red saw it was Enki. This made him even madder. "Get out of my way runt! Why are you protecting these trash?!" He swung his fist again, aiming for his stomach. But Enki jumped back and drew his staff out. The soldiers knew that their Commander fought better with the staff. When he was a Thunderkit, his grandfather taught him a different way of fighting. He held Enki's arms into an attack formation. "Enki, since you are afraid of blood I'm going to teach you how to defeat your opponent without putting holes in them. This will help you become a great fighter. But, you must also anticipate their attack; the way they fight and how you don't get a single scratch on yourself as well. If one small injury comes, it'll be your last." He explained to him. Now he needed to use this strategy more than before. He was known to be so good that it was told he killed his opponent without impaling them. He was still good with a sword yes; but if he was fighting with a staff it meant that you were a threat and must be stopped. Even in death. Enki scanned him. He could see that Claw was drunk; drunk or no, this was not acceptable. He glared at him. He was truly mad now. Worse than Grune and Panthro put together. "How dare you raise your hand at these gentlemen? Where did you get the alcohol?" He demanded.
Claw couldn't answer. He didn't see the Commander softie he knew; instead he saw a very powerful warrior who was skilled beyond his years. His eyes looked older than time could tell. He shivered but he still attacked. He swung more wildly than the last but Enki deflected them every time. Quickly, without warning he hit his leg, then the other. Claw's strength left them. He crumpled to the ground. Why can't I get up? What has he done? He thought panicky. The crowd stayed silent until Moon broke the spell.
"Is it over Enki?" He asked. He feared that if this monster got up, then it would be over. Enki didn't answer him.
Uneasy on how silent he was the young Captain took charge, pointing at Claw. "Clasp him in irons. He has attempted murder on the innocent and raised a hand against a Commanding officer. He must be punished." He barked. The cats did as they were told. Once this was done, the old powerful warrior melted away from Enki. He turned away and walked to his tent while the tyrant was put into custody. Moon went along with 3 other Captains after him. Cheetah, the young Captain and the female Captain. When they opened the tent flap, they saw he lay down on his back. I haven't done this in a while since I was with Grune. He thought warily.
The woman spoke. "Are you alright, Enki? Did he hurt you" Concern crossed her voice.
He shook his head.
Then Cheetah spoke. "Are you tired?"
Enki nodded.
Well that's obvious. Thought Moon.
Finally, the young Captain spoke. "What will you do with Claw?" He asked hesitantly. Moon could see that grief clouded Enki's eyes. He sighed deeply.
"He must not ever come back into the military or in any town of Thundera." He said in a low voice. Just then, the flap opened. In stepped in a tiger. Prince Tygra.
"What happened? Why is Claw under arrest?" Tygra looked 16 years of age but he was trained to be a soldier with great skills, thanks to the Generals and Enki. Tygra crouched down to him. Enki explained all that happened. While saying this to Tygra, he got mad. "He'll be in more trouble than that! He must be in prison." He barked.
"I absolutely agree with you, my son." Said a low voice. Tygra turned to see his father was here; Claudus. The Captains bowed to him. Moon was stunned. Enki looked up and saw Claudus was just as angry as he was earlier. Only, he had a lion growl come into his throat. "This is not how I run my army. As Lord of the Thundercats: it is my duty to protect our people and allies; not slaughter them." His voice dripping with murder in it.
Enki knew how he felt. Before he was even Commander, he was a Captain who fought alongside with his friends.
Flashback
They were dealing with the lizards who took a small village hostage. Enki was with Claudus to free the villagers, while Grune and Panthro were with the rest of the army to distract their enemy. Enki felt proud that he would fight with him. When the signal was given, all chaos erupted. Enki got the villagers to leave quietly with him while the King made traps for the Lizards. He was surprised that it was going well; until a Lizard found out what was going on.
"The cats are escaping!" He hollered. Now the villagers started to run in fear. But it was too late to get the cats now, they lost them. But not Enki's friend. No! Claudus. He thought. Enki went back just in time to see that his King had things under control. But he helped him all the same. Round and round they went, fighting as if they were in a dance. Distracted by their teamwork, the lizards backed up. All but their leader. He jumped behind the king and hit him in the back. Enki quickly clobbered him away from Claudus and drew his sword.
"Enki, careful!" Yelled Claudus.
"I know!" Enki said in irritation. But he didn't see that the lizard cut him in the shoulder. He never felt it. Again, he attacked the lizard and when he blocked the attack, Claudus saw his chance, and killed the lizard. "Thanks." Said Enki with appreciation.
"Don't mention it." Claudus replied.
Suddenly, Enki saw another Lizard coming at his friend; only this time, this one had a large club. Out of instinct, Enki spread his arms out wide to protect him. Enki only remembered darkness when the club hit him.
When he came to, he felt Claudus carry him in his arms. Claudus looked down at him and Enki saw those eyes that chilled him to the bone. "What happened?" Enki whispered.
"You got hit in the head by that lizard. He tried to kill you but I snapped his neck before he had the chance." He said softly, not looking at him. His face filled with shame.
Enki found out that night that the lizard wasn't after his King; he wanted him. He made it look like he was after Claudus. Grune and Panthro found Enki in that state after he passed out again in Claudus's arms. They were mad that he got hurt but were glad that he was alright.
In the present though, it didn't change. Claudus wanted Claw out of his service. He heard too many ill rumors on what was happening. How did this happen? He used to be the best until Enki was nominated Commander and assigned to him he wasn't the same. Claudus faced his Captains. "I want him in prison as soon as possible. I don't want him anywhere Commander Enki or near the traders." He added. They nodded and went outside. Claudus wanted to tell Enki why he was here so early. "I came to give you better armor so you didn't have to wear the old ones." He explained. Tygra nodding his head, agreeing with his father. He liked Enki. He's so much like Grune and Father put together. He thought. "Enki, I wanted to tell you that Taiki misses you. He also wanted me to tell you that he's taking very good care of his mother while you're away." He said smiling. Enki grinned at this. On the day he was leaving, Enki was carrying Taiki on his shoulders. Giving his son a good view of the troop. Taiki laughed with pleasure. "Daddy, can I have a look at your medals again?" He asked in a quiet, husky voice. Taiki was in awe whenever he saw them. His father had 3 medals. One was big and the other two were small. His father told him that they were given to him by the King and the Generals. "Generals Grune and Panthro are your godfathers Taiki. When they return, I'm letting them teaching you how to fight alright?" Enki told him. Taiki nodded his head eagerly. He heard so much about them but never met them. He hoped he would. He looked down at his father's face and saw that he was thinking something very sad. "What's the matter?" He asked.
Enki put Taiki down and looked into his eyes. "I was just thinking that one day you won't get to see me anymore. If I don't come back then I'm putting you in charge. You must take care of your mother, friends, and home. But most of all; honor here in Thundera. Will you follow these rules Taiki?" Enki asked.
Taiki thought for a moment. Then he looked up and gave him a boyish grin. "Yeah, I'll do it. You can count on me daddy!" He cried happily.
Enki laughed. "Good. Now let's see if we can find Lion-o."
Back in the present, Enki got up from the ground and head out with his friends. Moon made a quick trade with him and then they just talked. The troop was near the front gate. It's early to be near home but I can't wait. Enki shook with anticipation. Claudus and Tygra came near him. "I assume you had a rough time out there Enki." His King said.
Tygra laughed. "Well, I say he deserves a long break."
Enki smiled at them; thinking that feeling of never returning home was just him being paranoid. But then Enki's eyes saw someone charging at Moon. It was Claw, he managed to get loose!
Claudus saw. "Stop right there!" He drew the Sword of Omens out of his claw shield and blocked Claw's attack from hitting Moon. Tygra quickly dashed to Moon's side to save him from the insane cat. But at the same time, Claw forced his weight against Tygra's father; making him lose his balance. "Ugh!" He grunted. He fell to his side, expecting him to finish him off. Claw didn't; instead, he headed straight for his son. "No! Tygra, look out!" He shouted with panic. Tygra blocked him with his hands; using all his strength to keep him away from Moon. Claw stumbled back a bit and grabbed a dagger out of his pocket. Before he could try to use it, Enki moved in between them. He drew his staff out once more with pure anger pouring out of him. "I won't tolerate this any longer!" He shouted. Enki roared and lunged at Claw, making him forget his true target and circle around him. They began attacking one other, nonstop. Moon and Tygra looked at them in awe. Tygra glanced at Moon "It's like the Heavens are in flames with these two." He spoke. Moon agreed with him. Enki hit Claw harder than he had ever done before. His staff hit him in the center of the chest and fell onto his back. Claw couldn't get up; he had lost. Enki never broke a sweat but his opponent breathed in gasps of air. Claw looked at him with his beady eyes. "Go ahead, finish it." His Commander shook his head. "I was making sure you didn't harm the Prince. I will not kill you in this manner." He turned around and began to walk away. Claw struggled to get up in a sitting position. "Come back and fight me, you coward! I'm not through with you!" He shouted with hatred.
Enki stopped in his tracks. He looked back with disappointment. "But I'm through with you. You're not worth it Claw; you never were."
Claudus and the troop looked at him with high praise. When Enki got close to his King, the worst happened. Enki felt a cold piece of metal go into his back. "Ah!" Was all he could manage to say. Claudus caught the fallen cat in his arms. Tygra looked and saw Claw had thrown the dagger at him. He was filled with rage. He roared and attacked Claw, punching him in the face. He was going to do it again until he heard fear in his father's voice.
"Enki, are you okay? Someone get a healer; hurry!"
Tygra stopped and looked back at Enki, his face was filled with pain and he began to shiver. He grinded his teeth. "I'll be back, you disgrace of a cat!" He spat. He went to his mentor's side and held him.
Moon quickly put his oversized cloak over the cat that saved his father's life and his. "Hang in there , help is on the way." He said gently.
Enki shook his head. "It won't make it in time." He said sadly. He felt Claudus's hands dig into his shoulders. "Don't talk like that. It's just a shallow wound; you'll be alright." He said hopefully. Tygra saw that his father was wrong. The wound was deep and blood was seeping out from the dagger. Enki bowed his head "It's in the center of my spine. I feel it Claudus. I won't make it." His voice trembled. Tygra's eyes grew moist. "You have to make it! Taiki is waiting for you." His eyes were pleading to him. Captain Cheetah slowly crouched down and gently took the dagger out. He's not flinching. That's not good. He thought grimly. Enki looked at Claudus. "I'm scared of dying before I get to see my son's future and never to see my Emerald again until she dies too. I was hoping that Grune and Panthro would come today and we'd talk of old times and challenge each other." He laughed shortly. He looked at his King with sad eyes. "Promise me, that you'll watch over them and care for them? I want Taiki to be a Thundercat with courage, truth, honor, and loyalty. Will you do this for me?" Claudus nodded his head in a grave way. He's my best friend who did everything he was asked to do and this is his reward? He didn't see it as fair but that's how life is. "I will." He promised. Enki looked at Tygra next. "Will you and Lion-o be like his big brothers and be nice to him? I know how close you guys are." Tygra cried, nodding his head. "With our lives Enki." He couldn't believe this was happening. Both father and son held him; desperate to keep him warm. Enki felt nothing but cold even though he knew it was hot. But at this point, his mind was looking at Thundera where his little hut was at. A young boy came out of his home holding a wooden sword on his hip. He must be heading out for training. He thought. But when he saw his face, he saw it was his own. This boy had very short cropped hair. Taiki!? This fine young, looking 1o year old is my kit? A black female Thundercat with bright green eyes came behind him. "Be respectful to Mater Jaga, you hear?"
Taiki smiled back at his mother. "Don't worry, I will. Besides, father told me to, so I won't let him down."
Emerald looked at her son sadly. "I'm sorry; I couldn't tell you more about him since you took this burden. I hardly have time to tell you when you leave."
He grinned. "That's okay. At least I can read what he did and look at his possessions. That's like getting to know him right?" Enki realized that he was looking ahead in the next 5 years. Taiki will be exactly as I hoped. He thought happily. I love you both so much. He said to them but knew that they couldn't hear him. Claudus and Tygra did though. His King looked at Enki sadly. "He's seeing the future while dying." He said quietly.
Enki's mind came back and began to feel sleepy. "Remember what I said. Tell Grune and Panthro my wish when you see them." He said. They were a team, yet also like brothers. Enki started to cry; not caring now if they heard him talking to himself. "Grune, Panthro. I'm sorry for breaking my promise. Please protect my son as if he were yours!" He said weakly. The image of them walking side by side came to him, laughing. All 4 of them.
Tygra shook him. "Stay awake! You have to stay awake!" He shouted. Tygra felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Jaga.
"He can't hear you anymore, Prince Tygra." He said gravely. Tygra saw that the old cat too, had tears in his eyes. He shares the same burden like his grandfather. Jaga thought sadly. Enki smiled. His sight grew faint, then dark. He closed his eyes. Claudus felt his pulse; Enki was already gone. He roared with bloody murder. "I WANT HIM EXECUTED IN SUNRISE!" The others felt the same. Moon, Tygra, Claudus, Jaga, Captain Cheetah and the troop cried.
Moon sniffled. "He-he died with a smile on his face." He stuttered.
Claudus carried his poor friend in his arms. Looking with tears streaming down his face, he turned to Jaga. "We must begin making a tomb for him." He choked.
Tygra looked as if a thought just struck him. "What about Taiki? We have to tell them, father." He said with horror.
Moon looked at Claw who was put in bigger chains and now under the hateful glares of his comrades. The 3 Captains who stayed by Enki's side, cried into each other's arms. The female Captain sobbed. "He was one of the best. Why did this happen?" The young Captain held her in his arms. "Because he was jealous of him. I never thought it possible too." He answered.
Captain Cheetah glared at Claw with hatred. "I hope you feel the same pain as he did! What will your wife and son think?"
Moon froze. He has a family and he'll die in front of them. He shook with terror.
Claudus forgot that this murderer had a family. Enki would tell me to spare his family from such a gruesome sight. He thought. "Make sure they don't come. They won't be blamed for this." He said caringly. Jaga understood his meaning. The magician turned to Moon.
"I think you will still be needed for this alliance." He spoke. Moon felt honor in his chest growing. had us feel acceptable here. He had a special power on how to change animals. Thought Moon. In a few hours they got into the entrance. Word soon spread like wild fire about Enki saving the traders and the crown from Claw but dying in the process from treason. Claw was put in a special cell where he couldn't get out at all with the Clerics watching him like hawks.
