Sunrise Phoenix: Whew. THis chapter took the longest time. I'd like to thank SuperSonic22 for helping me with the training part of this chapter. The songs are 'Deep Magic' from Narina the musical and little song I found while watching 'Jorgel and Jorquil'. The Snake Woman was Lamia. And the one in this will be a Mandicore. And now I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Part VII
Training and The Test of Will In
The Garden of Delights
Atem slowly awoke to the sound of clashing swords and the smell of cooked meat; his first thought was that they were being attacked…but then why was he smelling food. Opening his eyes, he found himself lying on a mat with a blanket covering him. He hissed when pain shot through his leg…and then he remembered what happened.
The dark pyramid, the Snake Woman, the vision, Lion-O awaking…
He looked up at the sound of metal on metal to see Lion-O sparring with Joey as Panthero tutored, correcting his mistakes.
Sun-Star was meditating with Lynx-O, and Tristan was playing with the Thunder Kittens.
Pumyra had been helping Cheetara cook, when she saw Atem trying to stand. Shaking her head, the healer walked over and caught the future pharaoh before he fell.
"You shouldn't walk just yet," She scolded, nurse-like. "Your leg is badly injured. If you use it to walk you can damage that leg, or worse."
"But-"
"No 'buts', Atem. Now lay back down, that's an order."
"Here I come, Lion Man!" Joey yelled as he ran at Lion-O.
The young lord simply stepped out of the way and let Joey get his sword stuck in a tree.
Panthero shook his head, laughing. "Alright, alright; that's enough for today. Go eat, Then the real training will begin."
Joey stopped trying to get his sword out, and looked at Panthero with a puzzled expression, "…Real Training?"
The panther just nodded before easily, and calmly, pulling the sword out of the tree's thick trunk and handing back to Joey whose mouth was hanging open.
Atem meanwhile, didn't like how Pumyra was fussing over him like a hen. It made him want to tear out his hair…but he couldn't do anything about it. He crossed his arms in anger and frustration, feeling useless.
Tygra seemed to read his mind and chuckled, "I know it's hard to watch people do things you can't. But Pumyra said that in a week you'll be up and running."
"I still hate being immobilized." The prince grumbled. "I want to practice with Joey and Tristan."
The orange tiger smiled, "And you will…just not yet. But while you're resting there, you can help me with something."
Atem's face brightened. "What would you need help with?"
Tygra came over and put a small pile of stones beside him. "You can help make arrow heads."
"…What?"
"You wanted something to do, right? And hey, you won't have to get up for it. Here, this is how you do it." He showed Atem how to make them by using another rock and then handed the prince the tool. "Good luck."
Atem stared at him as Tygra walked over to his brother Bengali who was sharpening the Sword of Omens. He looked at the stones in disbelief…this had to be a joke. But then again it was better than lying around all day. Taking a deep breath, he picked out a stone and began to try.
It was hard; the stones were difficult to shape, and his hands kept slipping which in turn cut him with their sharp edges. Soon it was almost lunch and he still hadn't made one arrow head. He bit his lip as the stone cut him again, deeper this time.
His hands…they were cut and scraped in many places. Some were bleeding horribly and a couple of drops fell onto his blanket. He jerked when a hand was laid on his shoulder, but relaxed when he saw it was only Pumyra. She 'tsked' at the state of his hands and spread some ointment onto them: the same ointment she had used on the mountain of 'Justice and Truth'. "You really need to be careful, Atem."
"I don't suppose you could put that ointment on my leg?" He asked.
The puma shook her head, "I'm afraid this is only for scrapes and cuts, not wounds. Jaguar-a might be able to if she was here."
"What do you mean?" He asked, his interest spiking a bit.
"She can heal wounds. But she rarely does it since it takes so much energy to do so."
Atem nodded in acknowledgement and then stared angrily at the stones beside him. Pumyra just smiled as she walked away, "Don't give up. Just keep trying."
Atem glared at the stones for a bit before picking one up and began again. This time…he wasn't going to quit. After for what seemed hours, Atem had made his first arrow head. He held it in his hand proudly before seeing Tygra in front of him. The tiger gave him a grin and nodded. "Good job, you learned well."
"Huh?"
"You didn't give up. I wanted to see if you had the ability to keep trying, so good work." He kneeled by Atem and picked up the stones. "A king must always be able to keep trying when things seem dark. That's what makes him strong." He then stood up. "I'll finish the others, you should rest or Pumyra will skin me alive."
Atem returned the smile and laid down. It felt nice, and soon he was asleep.
Over the next few days, Panthero would carry Atem on his back while they journeyed to where Jaguar-a lay. At first Atem didn't want to trouble Panthero, but the panther proved how strong he was and wasn't getting tired while carrying him. They passed rivers and ponds, going deeper into the thick jungle, which was becoming even more foreboding than usual. The sun couldn't quite penetrate through the leafy canopy above them and it cast eerie shapes on the ground. All around them, there were sounds of animals: birds, monkeys, frogs…but they couldn't see them.
Whenever they chose a spot to set up camp, Pumyra would check Atem's leg. The wound was healing slowly; he was able to walk but not too far.
But once it healed, he felt as if we could take on at least ten soilders.
"Well," Panthero said when Atem was healed. "You ready for training?"
"Yes. I'm ready, Panthero."
"Good. First I want you to show me how you use a sword, since you said you knew how to wield one."
Atem felt pride swell up inside him as he took up a practice sword and got into position…
"Stop."
Atem halted and raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Panthero shook his head. "You're not standing right."
"What are you talking about?"
Panthero calmly reached out and poked Atem in the chest…making the prince fall on to his back. "You weren't standing right. If you were, you wouldn't have fallen. Who taught you?"
Atem got up, "The best swordsmen of the guards. And I was there top student."
The panther Thundarian narrowed his eyes. "More like bottom student. They taught you nothing. Not only are you not standing right, you're not holding your sword correctly either." He stated, before standing on one leg. "Come at me."
"Wha-?"
"I said: Come at me. Are you deaf?"
Atem shrugged and ran at Panthero with all he had…only to miss and be kicked in the back, knocking the wind out of him. Atem was in shock! How could Panthero defeat him using only his leg? How could he lose? He was the best in the palace!
Panthero helped Atem up, "The guards are paid to teach you, yes, but they were also paid to let you win."
Atem's eyes widened. They…let him win? Did that mean he really wasn't a great swordsman? That it was a lie?
He hung his head in shame, his pride crushed. He looked up when Panthero put a large hand on his shoulder.
"However, it's never too late to learn. I'll teach you," He gestured to the other Thundercats. "We all will."
The prince looked at all the Thundercats one by one and slowly smiled. He then turned to Panthero and nodded. "I'm ready, Panthero. Teach me."
Panthero grinned and slapped Atem hard on the back, nearly sending him to the ground. "That's the spirit, kid! Now then, to start: you can do eighty sit-ups. And don't give me that look; my teaching includes training your body, not just your techniques. Now get started."
Sighing, Atem got on the ground and began. Panthero then turned to Joey and Tristan who were trying to tip-toe away. "And where do you think you two are going?" He asked.
They froze and then tried to make a run for it until something grabbed their legs. Both boys looked down, seeing Tygra's bolo whip wrapped around their ankles and the tiger reeling them in.
Panthero growled, "For trying to make a break for it, you both can do one hundred and twenty pull ups." He pointed to a low hanging thick branch. "Get going."
The two boys groaned but did as they were told. Panthero watched them sternly as they proceed with their tasks.
"I-Is this really necessary?"
"Trust me kid, everything I put you through is going to help. Now, stop talking and catch your breath. The next part of your training is gonna require you to really loosen up."
Atem's head cocked to one side in a questioning manner, but Panthero remained silent. The panther's gaze then went to where Joey and Tristan where sitting, learning on how to use some of the items in the Thunder Kittens' bag of tricks.
"Alright, I let you rest long enough. Let's get back to training."
"More?! But we've been training for hours!" Atem looked up at Panthero in disbelief.
Panthero whapped him up-side the head, making Atem yelp. "Don't talk back to your teacher. You're not a prince here…you're a student." He gestured to two logs that were evenly separated like balance beams with a metal clamp in the middle where they met. "Now then, get on those logs."
"Why?"
"Don't ask questions, just do it." Panthero shoved Atem forwards and watched as the future pharaoh began to sit down on the two logs, strapping the leather restraints on his ankles.
"So um…what is this thing exactly?"
Panthero had now made his way to the other side of the logs and sat behind Atem, connecting his leg restraints as well.
"Panthero…?" Atem was starting to get worried now. What in the world was this panther gonna do with him now?
Without another word, Panthero linked his massive arms with Atem's. "Alright, get ready kid."
"R-ready for what?"
And then Atem felt an immense pain shoot through his legs and thighs and he bit his tongue in pain. He let out scream through his teeth.
"You can scream, kid." Panthero said calmly, "Go ahead. Let it out."
Atem didn't need to be told twice and screamed with tears falling down his cheeks. He felt humiliated; a pharaoh was to never show emotion. But he couldn't help it; it hurt! His legs weren't used to doing a complete split.
"Now, you're probably wondering why I'm making you do this. And here's my reason: a warrior can only take as much pain as his body is used to. If you train yourself to withstand pain, then the amount you can take grows stronger."
The tension on his legs loosened slightly and Atem groaned. He held the panther's arms for support. The panther had to smile; most of his students would pass out by now. But Atem was still conscious…
"Just hang in there, kid."
Joey and Tristan were watching from afar and couldn't help but cringe from the scene. Their hearts went out to Atem as he had to endure the pain.
"Oh, man." Joey whispered. "That's brutal."
Tristan didn't say anything, but he was sweating bullets. Just looking at them made his legs ache horribly. Panthero looked at them with narrowed eyes, "That's enough rest for you boys. Give me eighty crunches, and then Cheetara will take you for a run."
Atem looked up when he heard something…it was as if someone was dragging a knife through the air. A second later, a flash of yellow ran around the camp site three times in five seconds. When it stopped, Cheetara was in its place.
Atem had heard about Cheetara's speed, but he never witnessed it firsthand. Now he had and he was in awe. Joey and Tristan however…
"NO WAY!"-"NUH-UH!"
Cheetara smirked, "What's the matter boys? Afraid to be beat by a girl?"
Joey went red in the face, "No! There's no way we'd BE ABLE TO KEEP UP!"
The cheetah laughed, "That's not the point though. I'm only going to take you on a trail I made through the jungle. And I'll be with you…well ahead of you."
"We're gonna die." Joey moaned.
Tristan hung his head, "Yes we are."
"HEY! ENOUGH TALKIN' AND MORE TRAINING!" Panthero snarled. "EIGHTY CRUNCHES NOW OR I'LL DOUBLE IT!"
The two boys quickly did as they were told, not wanting to do a hundred and sixty crunches. Atem had to stifle a laugh from seeing their reaction to Panthero's order, but it quickly turned into a yelp when a jolt of pain went through his body.
"It's alright, Atem. Just some of your muscles getting used to the new movement you've acquired." Panthero explained. "It's natural."
"I wish it didn't hurt as much." The prince groaned.
"I thought the same thing when I first did this. But I was grateful for it later."
"How much longer? My legs hurt worse than they did when that Snake Woman injured me."
"Another hour or so."
"Another hour?!"
Panthero shrugged. "Like I said before, you'll be happy when this is over. Now, while we're here…I'm going to teach you a couple of breathing exercises. "
"Why?"
"When you're able to control your breathing, you become more focused. Now the-Hey! Stop slacking off you two!"
Atem looked over to see Joey and Tristan trying to rest their muscles until they heard the panther shout at them, standing at attention and sweating bullets under his gaze.
"Since you both appear to be done…get started on your run. Cheetara, they're all yours."
Cheetara smirked and had the boys follow her as she ran at a normal human speed. "We'll be back!"
Tygra laughed and turned back to the fire pit he had been making, "Lion-O and Bengali should be back soon with lunch. And Pumyra should be returning with more herbs and water as well."
Panthero looked around, "Where are the kids?"
"Getting firewood with Sun Star."
Atem gulped, "Um…Panthero? I can't feel my arms."
The big cat released the prince's arms and held on his shoulders. "There ya go, kid. Stretch 'em out for a while."
He gave Panthero a grateful smile and flexed his arms, hands, and fingers which had been turning numb.
An hour later, Panthero allowed Atem to unstrap himself from the logs. The future pharaoh did and shakily got down before collapsing on the ground. "By Ra…my legs hurt."
The blue panther chuckled, and got off as well as Lion-O and Bengali returned, carrying a nice big boar between them.
"Looks like we aren't the only successful ones today," Bengali noted as they stopped to lower their catch to the ground.
Lion-O helped Atem up and walked him over to a log to rest. "You survived," He joked. "A lot of people would've given up."
"I guess I'm not like other people." Atem replied, cringing in pain.
The Thunderkittens and Sun Star soon arrived with the wood and the boar was skinned shortly after, now being turned over the fire. Atem and Panthero were just about finished with the breathing exercises, when Pumyra returned with herbs.
"I think that's enough for now," Panthero said. "Since you won't be able to do anymore until you get the feeling back in your legs, you can relax for a while. Besides, Pumyra will kill me if I don't…and I'd rather tangle with an anaconda than her when she's mad."
Atem weakly laughed and laid on his back, sighing in comfort when his hot and sweaty back came in contact with the cool ground. It was comforting in a way and he felt himself about to drift off…
"Well look whose back." Bengali said, smirking.
Lion-O and Pumyra chuckled as Joey and Tristan stumbled into view, both swaying on their feet. Cheetara came into sight soon after, not even the slightest bit winded. "We're back, everyone."
Joey and Tristan fell in a heap beside Atem as Panthero shook his head, "All three of you are going to be the most difficult I've trained yet!"
"Oh man…my legs…" Tristan groaned.
"I hear ya…" Joey panted.
Pumyra went over to Atem and examined his legs for any injuries, making the pharaoh try to not squirm from her ticklish touch.
She had to smile, "I'm guessing you're a little ticklish?"
Atem blushed, "I haven't been tickled in a while."
The healer nodded in an understanding before getting up, "Well, your muscles are going to be sore come morning. But nothing's torn, so you'll live."
Lynx-O handed Atem a bit of the now cooked boar, to which he ate with extreme hunger. The blind Thundercat chuckled, "Hungry are you?"
The prince nodded, swallowing the bit of boar in his mouth. Lynx-O sat next to him and began to go into a deep state of meditation.
"Uh…what are you doing?" Atem raised an eyebrow
The blind lynx's ears twitched, before turning to Atem. "Meditating. It helps find balance in all things and also helps you hear things that others can't."
"Such as?"
"Such as the sound of your heart beat; I can hear it even through my hand or ear isn't on your chest."
Atem stared down at his chest, then back to Lynx-O with a look of amazement.
"Hey Lynx-O?" Tygra asked. "You wanna spar? I haven't had a work out all day."
"Very well."
Atem was about to have Tygra reconsider when Lion-O sat next to him. The young lion just grinned, "Don't worry," he said as he noted Atem's shocked expression. "Lynx-O maybe blind, but he can take care of himself."
Tygra and Lynx-O began to spar and the prince found that Lion-O was telling the truth. Lynx-O could fight as well as any of the other Thundercats; he thought the tables had turned when Tygra turned invisible…but Lynx-O somehow found him before pinning him to the ground.
"Good job, Tygra."
"Same to you Lynx-O," The tiger replied as he got up.
Atem just stared open mouthed before closing it quickly when Lynx-O came back over. "How did-?"
"I used my sense of hearing; Tygra maybe be able to turn invisible, but he can still make the slightest sound. If you like I can teach you how to fight without your sight, for there will come a time when you'll have to fight even when your eyes are wounded."
"Sure."
Panthero looked up from his meal, "But not tonight, you need your rest. Once you finish eating; go to sleep."
Atem couldn't argue with that, and soon finished as Wiley Kit and Wiley Kat shook out the extra pelts they used for blankets. In confusion; Atem looked up at the sky and saw it had become twilight. He hadn't noticed that it had gotten dark.
Lion-O suggested that each of Thundercats keep guard for two hours, and Bengali volunteered to go first. Atem gave Cheetara his plate before accepting a blanket from Wiley Kit, and covering himself with it. The pelt was that of a soft animal, and it was very warm. Once he laid his head down on an extra pelt for a pillow…he succumbed to sleep.
The next few weeks were hard for Atem and his friends. Panthero woke them up an hour before dawn to warm up and then start training; even when they were traveling. He had all three running ahead with him and Cheetara while the others followed slowly behind.
Atem only looked forward to 'Sword Lessons' that Panthero and Lynx-O taught him. He learned to fight better than any of his guards back at the palace, plus he was able to fight with his eyes closed. Which to him as incredible once he got the hang of it. Joey and Tristan were getting better at swords fighting as well…but they still hated the matches between Panthero. He was just too good.
Lion-O and Tygra taught the future pharaoh how to do a back flip without hurting himself. Atem had to admit it was fun.
He never realized that he was getting well-muscled until he went to bathe in a calm pool by their camp site one evening. Atem was shocked while he stared at his reflection, he had a build almost like a warrior; abs, strong arms, well-muscled chest…surely this couldn't be him. But it was true…gone was prince that was always considered frail behind his back...he looked as if he was a hunter.
Once he got over the shock, Atem washed away the dirt and sweat off his body with soap before doing his hair. When he was all clean, the prince dried off and redressed before joining the others at the camp site.
Sun Star was talking with Cheetara and the Thunder Kittens were sparing with Joey and Tristan. The others were resting or practicing with their weapons. Atem sat down by the fire and warmed his hands, his mind was elsewhere as he thought about his home. Were his people alright? Would he still have the confidence to rule after this was over?
He jumped when a hand was placed on his shoulder, but sighed in relief when he saw it was only Bengali. The White Tiger Thunderian chuckled before sitting down.
"Having some doubts?" He asked.
Atem sadly nodded. "Yeah, I'm just worried about my people. What if I don't make a good king?"
Bengali leaned back on his hands, "Well, it's not what you think…it's what you do. The way you help your people is what reflects your heart." He glanced side-ways at the prince with his piercing ice blue eyes. "Remember that, Atem."
Atem felt his insides turn to jelly before freezing up; sometimes he thought the ThunderCats were being intimidating on purpose.
Bengali then gave a smile, "I'm only teasing you." He said, while ruffling Atem's hair. "But seriously; you remember what I said."
"I will." The prince said. "Hey um…Bengali? Can you tell me about Jaguar-a?"
The white tiger shook his head, "I think you ought to talk to Lion-O. Being her brother and all; he'll be able to tell you more than I can."
Atem looked around the camp for the young lord, but was unable to find Lion-O. "Wh-where is he?"
"He's up there." Bengali replied, pointing up to a high tree branch. "He'll be back down later; just leave him be for now."
"Why is he up there?"
Bengali looked sad for a moment, but it quickly vanished. "Thinking. Mostly about his sister, they were very close."
Atem looked up to where Lion-O was; the lion lord looked so distant...and sad.
It was almost midnight when Lion-O finally came down; twigs and leaves entangled in his mane. He sat by the fire and sighed while staring at the embers, before saying, "Shouldn't you be asleep, Atem?"
The prince of Egypt mentally cursed before sitting up. "I've been wanting to ask you about your sister. I mean…what's she like? The visions can only show so much and I've only meet her a couple of times."
Lion-O smiled and shook his head. "Alright, I'll tell you." He put another log on the fire, before sitting with his legs crossed. "Jaguar-a…she's one of a kind. You'll never find another like her. She's strong…brave…kind hearted…skilled in magic…great with animals…and she's great with the lap harp."
"Lap harp?" Atem asked, tilting his head to the side.
"It's a harp that's small enough to fit in your lap." Lion-O said, while poking the fire. "She also has the most amazing voice. Jaguar-a loves to sing; she can calm a raging beast with just a few notes. My sister and I were skilled dancers…but she's not so bad by herself. When she dances, it's like seeing a fairy or spirit dancing in midair."
The prince saw a flash of joy in Lion-O's eyes; just talking about her made Lion-O so happy. But there was one question that kept evading him. "Lion-O? Is Jaguar-a…human?"
Lion-O tensed up, before looking at Atem with startled eyes. "How…how do you know that?"
"The puzzle. It showed me a vision of the party that was held in your honor; and I saw Jaguar-a's eyes. Her eyes are human like mine…while yours are that of a cat."
Lion-O ran a hand through his tangled mane, "Yes. She's human…Jaga, my father's advisor, choose her out of all the people on earth to be my sister. He said that she needed a place, a home, where she could be herself. When we first meet…she was terrified. She thought we were going to eat her, but then her eyes locked with mine and we clicked. From then on, we were inseparable. If she was in trouble, I'd know and rush to help her. The same with her too. She was the peacemaker in our councils and could sometimes get a little…well…rough."
Atem thought back to the vision he'd seen to where the perverted prince wanted Jaguar-a for his bride; she really gave it to him by wounding his pride. But could she had been holding back? What would she had done instead of pushing him into the pool?
"She would've scratched his face to pieces." Lion-O said, snapping Atem out of his trance.
"Huh?"
"You asked what she would have done instead of pushing him into the pond; and I just said that she would 've scratched his face."
Atem blushed. "Did I say my thoughts out loud?"
The Lord of the Thunder Cats smirked. "Yeah."
The future pharaoh buried his head in his pillow, embarrassed, and groaned. This just caused Lion-O to chuckle. "Don't beat yourself up. Some people won't even realize they speak out their thoughts when they think them mentally." He put on another log. "You should get some sleep, Atem. Tomorrow we'll be at the trial site and you need all the strength you can get."
"Fine, by me."
Meanwhile in Egypt…
Akhenaden stood in the middle of what had once been his chambers; pottery was smashed, mirrors were broken, paper and anything fabric was ripped to shreds. If anyone had walked into the room, they would've thought that a pack of hyena's had done it. Akhenaden himself was, by all means, ragged. All the spells he used to kill Atem had been destroyed by the Thunder Cats. Those flea bags were costing him more and more every day. Not only that, but the scars on his back that he had gotten form their princess would burn red hot whenever he sent a monster after his nephew.
The priest growled in furry, before walking to his caldron and waved his hands over the water. An image of Atem and his friends walking through the jungle; nearly to Jaguar-a's trial.
"He can't succeed." The old priest rasped. "I. Will. Not. Allow it! If that brat does awaken the princess…he'll have the power they foretold at his birth. That power should be Seto's! Not Atem's! It will be-ARUGH!" He fell to his knees in agony as the scars burned even more painfully. "When…I…kill…Atem…you my dear princess….will be next. Mark my words!"
He grabbed the nearest book of spells and flipped through until he stopped at a page that had a picture of a creature with a lion body, a tail that had spikes hidden, and the most startling thing about the creature was that it's face was human. A twisted smile appeared on Akhenaden's face, this was perfect. He grabbed what he needed from what remained of his shelves and began to cast the spell. In a second, the creature stood in front of him. Oh, yes…this would work.
Back with Atem…
The prince and his friends finally came to stop at a cave that was near a valley. Atem looked inside the cave and saw a faint light at the end of it.
Wiley Kit tugged on Atem's arm. "Before you go, you should know about the trial."
"You must not eat or drink anything." Cheetara said, locking her gaze with his. "I mean it, Atem. No matter how good it looks or appetizing."
Atem raised his eyebrows, "You're serious?"
Tygra nodded, "We are. This trial will test your will power, to do that you mustn't eat anything."
"But I haven't eaten all day and-"
"If you do eat or drink something, you'll forget why you're there." Cheetara stated, sternly. "So, NOT. A. THING."
He sighed, no use fighting a battle he couldn't win. "Alright, I get it. 'Don't eat anything', I swear I won't."
Without another word, he walked into the cave; moss covered the walls and roots hung from the ceiling like strange banners. The ground under his feet was moist, soaking through the fabric of his shoes. "Great." Atem thought. "Now I've got to dry these out after this." He finally came to the exit of the cave, which was covered by an ivy curtain.
"Alright, here we go." Atem whispered to himself, and drew back to curtain before shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight. Once his eyes were used to sunlight again, he let out a gasp. Before him was the most beautiful and extravagant garden he had ever seen.
Tall trees from around the world seem to reach the sky, flowers and fruit of every kind and color covered the ground and branches of some trees, a water fall fell into a giant clear pool of blue water, statues of different animals were in some places; in fact the whole place was more of a valley than a garden. No…a paradise. A place to forget everything that was wrong with the world, where people could live in harmony with each other.
At first Atem didn't want to walk into such a place, he didn't feel worthy. But his courage came back and was about to take a step when he thought of something. He took off his shoes and laid them in a patch of sun on a rock. They would be dry when he finished the trial. He smiled when the grass tickled his feet, by Ra it felt good. It was better than walking on sand! He walked through the garden and looked all around him, he felt like a child again; happy and care-free.
He soon came to a clearing and saw something that took his breath away; there in the middle was the most delicious looking pear tree he had ever seen. The pears themselves looked appetizing; each one had golden colored skin with drops of dew. At that moment Atem's stomach rumbled. He remembered his promise and walked past the tree and back onto the path. He came to another clearing and this one had a tree with amber colored oranges that glittered in the sun. And his stomach rumbled again, but just last time he walked past.
Atem was soon feeling weak from hunger, and his stomach kept gnawing at his insides. "I won't eat anything." He kept thinking. "I won't eat anything." But soon everything was looking so good to eat; which made Atem feel as if he was being tortured. He came to a third clearing and saw something that made his nerve fail him. There, in the middle, was a plum tree. They were ripe and round, the skin was a dark purple like his eyes, they were moist from the morning dew and plump. Atem hadn't had a plum in so long…and they were his favorite. He walked up to the branch that was the lowest and picked one with shaking fingers, it fell easily into his hand. His mouth watered…everything in body told him to take a bite, while his brain told not to. But he couldn't help it…he was so hungry. "Just…just one bite." He whispered, while bringing the plum near his mouth. "Just one." He was about to take a bite when a bird let out a sharp chirp, making him turn and drop the fruit.
A bird, the color of the Nile, was flying around his head. The chirps brought him out of his trance, and he realized what he had almost done. He put his head in his hands, he had almost failed. The bird flew up to his face and gently tugged one of his bangs to get his attention.
"What is it?" He asked, feeling silly.
The bird cocked its head before nodding toward the path that led away. Atem gave the bird a weak smile, but as he was about to move on the puzzle flashed again. Sending him into another vision of the past.
Atem found himself in the banquet hall; everyone was eating the finest dishes. Claudius was talking with some of the members of the court, and the rest of the guests were watching the dancers. Lion-O and his friends were eating but Jaguar-a hadn't shown up.
"She should've been here by now." Pumyra whispered to the others.
"don't worry about her." Lynx-O calmly replied. "She'll be down soon."
"Tell that to father." Lion-O hissed, seeing his fathers worried expression.
The dancers soon finished and then Jaguar-a finally came down and sneaked over to her seat. "Sorry I'm late."
Cheetara leaned over to her. "Where were you?"
"Avoiding a couple more suitors." She growled back. "They just don't take a hint."
Lion-O squeezed her hand, "Don't worry, I'll talk to father and the pharaoh. They'll put a stop to it."
A commotion made them look up and see that the next dancer had twisted her ankle, the healers came and took her away, making the guests sad because they were looking forward to her dance. Atem watched as Jaguar-a whispered something to her brother and they got up from their seats. Everyone stopped and watched them walk to the center of the room, before bowing.
"Pharaoh? With your permission, we would like to dance for you." Lion-O said, in a clear and loud voice.
The pharaoh looked to Claudius who nodded. "Proceed."
Lion-O got into position with his sister, and they began to dance the most beautiful dance he had ever seen. Jaguar-a and Lion-O danced with such flowing movement; making it seem that they were flying. Atem gasped when he realized that they were! They were hovering two feet off the ground…without wings. Jaguar-a was dancing on her toes, a type of dance that Atem had never seen before. (1) But the dance itself was something that touched every heart in the room. The prince realized that the dance told a story; but of what?
"Cheetara?" Wiley kit asked. "What's the story about?"
The cheetah woman smiled, "You have to decide, it can be about anything. But to me, it's about two hearts joined as one. How they can accomplish anything together, and how they will always find a way to be with each other."
Pumyra nodded, "Yes, but the true story is about a girl who is a princess and a spell that caused her to be a swan by day and a human by night. Her brother protects her from the hunters, who would hurt her. And they can only be together when the moon is out. This dance tells of their love for each other." (2)
Atem heard every word, and didn't feel a tear fall down his face. The dance was so beautiful and moving that even some of the guards were tearing up.
When the dance ended, the whole room burst into applause. Everyone truly loved the performance, but the pharaoh loved it even more.
"Well done, Lion-O and Jaguar-a. You both have given us the most beautiful gift."
Jaguar-a blushed, "Thank you, your highness."
The banquet soon ended and the Thunder Cats went to the gardens to talk about the day. While Atem followed, he saw a hooded servant bring over a tray with goblets of wine. "For you your highness's." The servant said, in a voice that sounded so familiar.
Tygra said 'thank you' and they all took a goblet. But no sooner had the wine touched their lips, they fell down on the ground; each of them jerking in different directions as if trying to get away from an attacker. Jaguar-a however seemed unaffected, but her eyes widened when she realized what was happening. She let out a scream, calling all the guard to her before going after the servant with break neck speed. The man was too slow, and cowered as the princess ripped off his hood to reveal that he was one of the pharaoh's council.
"YOU!? YOU ARE THE BETRAYER?!" She roared.
"You and you're kind aren't welcome here." He trembled, while shouting. "go back to where you felines belong!"
Atem shook as Jaguar-as eyes turned dark purple, and she dragged the priest by the hair to the throne room. He followed her, even though she terrified him. "Lion-O was right." He thought. "Jaguar-a can be rough if you push her too hard."
The air around her pulsed and crackled with magic and anger, as she walked down the hall to doors that lead to the throne room. They banged open and the council turned in shock as Jaguar-a stormed up and stopped in front of the pharaoh.
"Princess? What has happened?" He asked.
"Your adviser here, but Thundrainium in my family's wine! He poisoned them!" She yelled, while throwing the man in front of the pharaoh. "Thundrainium is substance that weakens us if in haled, but if we drink it it'll kill us!" She pointed at the pharaoh.
Jaguar-a: I know what's due me and I seek only justice
You can't refuse me what is mine without question
The law is perfect and its claims are unchanging
Who could dare to defy...
The deep magic, deep magic
Deep magic from the dawn of time!
Pharaoh stood before her, although he didn't show it, he was frightened. " And what is it you claim under your law and deep magic?"
Jaguar-a: I claim the adviser as my legitimate victim
I have the right to take the life of a traitor
And that this man is the vilest of traitors,
You would dare to deny?
Deep magic, Deep magic
That punishes for ev'ry crime.
The deep magic, deep magic
Deep magic from the dawn of time!
A sound made Jaguar-a turn to see Lion-O enter, trying to stay awake as he's guided by a healer, he stopped and stood by his sister. Some strength remaining in his legs.
"We come into your house, we helped defeat your enemies…and this is how we're repaid?!" He growled.
"You knew that if you allowed us here you would have to obey our rules of punishing traitors, and now you have no power to stop it!" Jaguar-a growled.
Jaguar-a: You must yield to us
This liar's blood
Or your kingdom itself
Will perish in a
Holocaust of fire and flood!
Lion-O and Jaguar-a began to circle the pharaoh like hungry wolves.
Lion-O and Jaguar-a:
The deep magic, deep magic
Deep magic from the dawn of time!
Jaguar-a (As Lion-O sings in counterpoint):
You don't dispute us
Though you think we act cruelly
You can't refute us
For you know we speak truly
The law is bitter
But its dictates are duly
Tightly binding on you!
Deep magic, Deep magic
Lion-O: The magic that you and my father made.
Deep magic, Deep magic
Your every word must be obeyed!
The pharaoh tried to leave, but they blocked his way each time, not letting him leave the room. Until he lets go of his pride.
Jaguar-a (As Atem sings in counterpoint):
We know what's due us
And we seek only justice
We claim the advisor as our legitimate victim
We have the right to
Shed the blood of a traitor
Atem: Deep magic, Deep magic
The pact that my family made.
Deep magic, Deep magic
Its every word must be obeyed!
Jaguar-a: Truly vengeance is ours!
The pharaoh sighed, "Very well, you may punish him in the way you see fit."
"If you betray us…you will also be considered a traitor. And NO ONE, not even your priests will be able to free you from your sentence." Jaguar-a warned.
He nodded and the guards dragged the man away with the pharaoh following them. The healer caught Lion-O before he fell and took to the healing chambers. Jaguar-a stayed behind and unseen wind blew her hair and gown. Her power and anger filling the room. Atem walked beside her, even though she can't see him. He felt sick and sad for her, and there was nothing he could do.
Atem and Jaguar-a: At the start
Of time and history
The magic was established
By supreme decree
Created in his wisdom
And his justice by the
King-Of-Beyond-The-Stars- and-Sea!
Deep magic, Deep magic
Holds punishment for every crime
Deep magic, deep magic
Deep magic from the dawn of…. time!
Atem reached out to touch Jaguar-a's shoulder, but he only went through her. And the vision ended.
He shook his head to clear it, and took a breath to calm his nerves. "So, that's what happened. They didn't suffer wounds…they were betrayed." His hands curled into fists. "I swear, by the blood that flows in my veins, I will never hurt them! I will NEVER betray them."
Without another word, he ran down the path. He didn't look twice at the fruit or flowers, he just kept running. He came to the pool and stopped to catch his breath. He heard a splash and looked up to see a woman with green skin and wearing a dress made of water grass and shells in her hair. She had a little webbing between her fingers and eyes the color of blue water.
"Welcome, Atem." She said, in a musical voice.
"Um…hello." He replied, nervously.
"There's no need to be afraid of me, Atem. I'm the guardian of the garden; I'm called Ariel." She pulled herself up onto the bank and sat in front of him. "You have past the trial, but you are not done. You must find the key to wake the princess."
"What key?"
"The answer is a song. If you care hear it?"
Atem sighed. "Sure."
Ariel took a breath and sang in a clear voice.
"I am but a little bird and you can see me fly. Though I'm just
A little bird; my love for you can fill the sky.
At the appointed hour, remember love has power.
So never fear. Should I shed a tear; remember the red flower.
My love's magic lies in flower power.
So never fear. Should I shed a tear; remember the red flower.
Love's magic can be found… in flower power."
Atem ran the song through his head a few times, but couldn't figure it out. "What does it mean?" He asked Ariel.
"There is a flower that is like no other in this garden. You must find the flower in order to find the place the lady lies. That is all I can tell you. Once you find the flower, bring it back here." With that, Ariel disappeared back under the water.
Atem began to search for the flower; but there were so many red flowers that either one of them could be the flower. He punched a tree in anger, and bruised his hand. "All these flowers look the same!" He growled.
A twig snapping made his head jerk up, and saw something that froze his soul. There in the trees, was a large cat…with a human face! It slowly grinned revealing its sharp pointed teeth. Atem didn't have time reach for his sword, because it leaped at him at break neck speed.
Atem dogged out of the way, and quickly did a back flip to put some distance between them. "Wh-what is this thing?" He thought.
The creature thrust its tail to one side; sending out quill-like spikes towards Atem who ducked. He drew out his sword and swung at the beast, only to miss. This creature was too quick, and Atem was getting tired. The beast went into the branches and disappeared into the green leaves above. The prince panted and then closed his eyes, focusing on the one target.
It was time to put all the training Lynx-O taught him to good use. He cleared his head, and listened; there was the sound of the waterfall, the wind, the birds…then there was one sound that made him grin. Heavy growling so faint that couldn't hear it with his eyes open. And it was coming from the…left!
The beast pounced, Atem swung and this time his aim hit home. It cut off the beast's ear, and sent it backing away a few steps. But then it pounced on Atem and pinned him down with a roar. Just when Atem thought that creature was going to rip out his throat; the same little blue bird came flying down and began to peck the creature on the head, causing it to release the prince.
Atem rolled away to one side, and picked his sword up again. The creature hissed at the little bird and shot out the quills from its tail, hitting the bird. Atem ran up and stabbed the beast from behind; it roared in pain before falling dead at his feet.
Panting, Atem ran over to the bird and cupped it in his hands. "You saved me twice, little one." He whispered, while petting the birds head. It gave a weak chirp before trying to move its limp wing that had a quill sticking out of it. Atem gently pulled it out and bandaged the wing with a strip of cloth he tore from his shirt.
The bird chirped gratefully and a hopped onto his shoulder, while rubbing its beak against his cheek. Atem laughed before asking, "Do you know where I can find the Red Flower?"
It chirped and sang out a song that caused a dozen birds to fly out of the trees and fly around Atem before pulling him in a direction. He took the hint and followed them to a grove hidden between two oak trees. He walked in and saw it; the Red Flower. It looked like a rose, but had the heart shaped petals. It glowed with warm light. Atem reached out and picked it, feeling warmth spread through his fingers and into his body. And another vision flashed in his mind.
He saw Jaguar-a standing by her brothers bed, her face was streaked with tears.
"There's nothing we can do." A healer said. "We've tried everything."
Jaguar-a sobbed, she couldn't lose her family. She just couldn't. Her father had left to deal with the traitor and she stayed behind. She then remembered something, "There is a way…it's the only way…" She turned to the healer, "Put all of them in a half-circle. Do it now!"
The healers did as she ordered, not wanting to engulf her wrath. She then stood before them as closed her eyes. Red mist rose from their bodies and flew into hers, in seconds she coughed and fell to her knees in pain.
Her father ran in and helped her up, "Jaguar-a! What have you done?!"
"What I had to father. Please, let me do this."
She closed her eyes and crystal incased her friends. She walked over to Lion-O and put the sword in his hands before he too was incased in crystal. Then she sent them to different parts of the Cat's Eye Jungle, she made it so only one would be able to awaken them. "When we wake we will be well again." She whispered, she turned to the pharaoh. "The one who will wake us will be the 'Light in the Darkness'. He will be of royal blood." She stumbled and was caught by her father. "Father, our people need you home…please let us return to you when we wake…let me rest now."
With tears in his blind eyes, Claudius nodded. Jaguar-a kissed her father, then teleported to a valley. With the last of her strength she made the garden; her trial. She put all her heart into it and danced with the sorrow of never being able to dance with her brother again. To never feel a warm hug, or hear his laughter. Atem watched in both awe and sorrow; Lion-O was right...she was an amazing dancer. A tear fell from the princess's eye and from it bloomed the Red Flower.
Atem had tears running down his face as the vision ended. He clutched the flower in his hand and ran back to Ariel. She came up to the surface and smiled. "You've done it."
"I still don't know what the song meant." He admitted.
"The little bird cared for you, and it's love saved you. In return, you cared for it and it showed you to where Jaguar-a put all her emotion into a flower." She pointed to the waterfall. "The princess is behind there."
Atem nodded. "Thank you."
He ran to the waterfall and ducked under it to get to the other side. The little bird shook it's feathers before hopping onto a branch, as Atem stared forward.
Giant spider webs, glistening with dew drops, hung like curtains around a crystal coffin. Roses lay scattered around the ground. And in the crystal coffin lay Jaguar-a.
Her hair lay around her like brown silk, her lips red as roses, her clothes unwrinkled and deep burgundy, brown boots covered her feet, and her bow and arrows lay by her side. Atem numbly walked up and removed the cover of the coffin. He laid the flower in her hands, and the warm light spread through her body.
Jaguar-a's eyes opened slowly and then she smiled. "Hello, Atem."
"H-Hello, Jaguar-a." He stammered.
"Help me up?"
"Uh…sure." He replied.
He took her hand and helped her sit up, she looked behind him and gasped. Atem turned and saw Lion-O through a tunnel that had not been there before. Lion-O stared at his sister, before running towards her and hugging her hard.
"You're alright!" She sobbed. "You're alright! Oh, my darling brother!"
"I missed you so much Jaguar-a!" He said, tears in his eyes. "So much."
Atem took a couple steps back. His questions would have to wait…for now he'll let the siblings have their moment.
(1) On point.
(2) Swan Lake. (Kinder verison.)