Sunrise Phoenix: I'm sorry this took so long, and I thank you for putting up with me. This new chapter is in honor of my departed cat Bagheera; who passed away this summer on July 5th. She was my inspriation and I still miss her. *Sniff.* Anyways, I hope you enjoy this new chapter. I gave the villain from the 'Prymid of Light' movie a different name so it could make sense in this story. And now...on with the show!


Part VIII

New Lessons, and the Forbidden spell.

Lion-O and Jaguar-a embraced each other for a few more minutes, before parting. The Lord of the Thundercats helped his sister stand, and chuckled.

"What?" Jaguar-a asked.

"Nothing. I've just forgotten how short you are."

Jaguar-a scowled and punched his arm. "And I haven't forgotten how to knock out on your tail; so watch it."

Lion-O rubbed his arm, "I won't forget. You won't let me."

Atem felt a little awkward watching the two siblings bicker in front of him. "Um…I don't mean to interrupt but…uh…how did you find us Lion-O?"

"Once you found the Red Flower, I felt something pull my being into the garden. Somehow I knew Jaguar-a was waking up and I had to find her." He put his arm around his sister. "Thank you, Atem. I thought I would never see her again."

Jaguar-a smiled before shaking her head, then had the boys help her walk outside. Atem looked back and saw her coffin, the giant webs and the flowers disappear. The little blue bird flew back on to Atem's shoulder as they came out from behind the waterfall.

Ariel was sitting on a rock waiting for them. "I'm happy you're awake, highness."

The princess smiled, "As am I. Thank you for protecting me as I slept, Ariel. You may return to your home in the Northlands."

The nymph nodded, "Before I go, I have a gift for you princess." She reached down and drew out from the water the most beautiful instrument Atem had ever seen. It looked like one of the stringed instruments that the musicians used at the palace but he couldn't place it. This one was made of large piece of pink coral, small bits of Mother Of Pearl and Fire Opals were in laid as decoration, and the strings were made of such fine thread…it almost looked like gold.

Jaguar-a took the gift, and hugged Ariel. "I accept this wonderful gift; thank you."

Ariel bowed, "May the spirits guide you home and protect you, your highnesses." With that said, she disappeared under the water.

Lion-O lead his sister out of her garden while Atem followed, watching as the beautiful place began to fade into nothing more than a memory. The little blue bird sat on Atem's shoulder before flying ahead into the tunnel. Atem picked up his now dry shoes before pulling back the moss curtain and nodding to Jaguar-a, "Ladies first."

She gave a small smile, "Why thank you, kind sir." And then disappeared into the tunnel with the two boys behind her.

Lion-O smiled at the sight of his sister being hugged by the others when they came out of the cave. A rumbling made them turn to see the cave vanish like the onyx maze had.

"Well…that's that." Jaguar-a whispered. "The trials are over."

Lynx-O put a hand on Atem's shoulder. "You did it, Atem. You passed each of them."

Joey punched the air in excitement. "AW YEAH! This calls for a celebration!"

Wiley Kit giggled, "Joey's right! We should celebrate that we're all back together!"

Jaguar-a smiled, "Yes, I agree."

Tristan, who had been staring at Jaguar-a, came to his senses and began to drool of the thought of food. "Mmmm. Roast boar…fresh fish…"

Atem rolled his eyes, "You glutton."

The whole way down the mountain, Jaguar-a and Lion-O talked non-stop. This made Atem jealous to say the least. He never had any siblings,' just friends; but half the time he couldn't be with them.

"You seem jealous for some reason."

Atem looked at up to see Jaguar-a walking beside him, her hair blowing slightly in the mild wind. She cocked her head and gave him a perky smile. "What's wrong? You're not happy about fulfilling your destiny."

"It's not that." He whispered. "I'm just jealous that Lion-O has a great sister; I've never met anyone like you."

"Lion-O said the same thing when we first met. But you shouldn't feel that way; I see everyone as my family."

Atem looked at his feet as they continued walking, "So…you see me as a member of your family?"

"Yep."

"Why? I mean, why see me as part of your family? Sure you've protected me since I was a child; but I still know little about you."

Jaguar-a looked away from him and stared at the sky with a calm smile, "Well, then I purpose we get to know each other more on our way back to the tree kingdom. I'll tell you about myself…and you tell me about yourself." She then stared at him with those blue eyes, and gave him that perky smile again. "Deal?"

Atem sighed, he knew he couldn't win. So he held out his hand with a smile of his own. "Deal."

"Good." The princess said, shaking his hand. "Now, no more sad faces; let's see a smile, ok?" Jaguar-a asked.

The prince gave her a small smile, which made her give him a look.

"Come on, Atem. I know you have a much better smile than that."

He sighed, and then truly smiled for her. Which made her ruffle his hair, in a playful manner. "That's more like it. Come on, we're falling behind." With that she ran ahead to catch up with her brother and the others. Atem following close behind.

The future pharaoh kept thinking about what he would learn about her; she was playful as a child…yet fierce as a cobra if angered. He would have to be careful how he acted and talked around her…so he wouldn't be bedridden.

When they stopped for the night, Atem watched Jaguar-a rub some kind of oil on to her bow string. He supposed that it kept the arrows from sticking. He also noticed that the bow itself had a red sheen to the wood…he never saw that kind of wood before.

"You're staring, Atem." Jaguar-a's voice bringing him out of his thoughts. Heat rushed to his face and he rubbed the back of his neck; embarrassed.

"S-Sorry." He stuttered. "I've just never seen that kind of wood that your bow is made from before. What is it?"

She put the oil away, "It's Red Wood. The bow is made from a fallen Red Wood branch…it was a gift to me."

"Who gave it to you? Lion-O?"

"No. It was a gift from the elves who lived in the forest; I helped them escape from a slave trader and they gave this as a token of gratitude." The princess touched it tenderly. "They placed magic with in the grain of the wood so it will never brake…and can withstand rain and wind. (1)"

Atem gazed at the princess with wonder and wide eyes. "Elves? Like the 'Mystical Elf'?"

Jaguar-a shook her head, "No. They're different; they live in the woods and use camouflage of leaves and other things to stay hidden. They're often captured because of their ability to be guards or work hard labor like being farm hands and the like."

"And you saved them?"

"She certainly did."

Both looked up at Panthero as he came over, and smirk on his lips. "I remember that day, she was with me while scouting and we saw the wagon full of elves in chains. A lot of them were beat up pretty bad, and slave dealing is forbidden in our kingdom. So, Jaguar-a here shot an arrow that causes an explosion to scare the horses, and I grabbed the owner by the collar so he couldn't get away. Then the princess unlocked the chains that were on the slaves and they ran into the trees. Once they were safely away, I gave that sneaky slave dealer was coming to him." Panthero gave a cunning smile while punching his hand. "We never saw him in our kingdom again."

Atem didn't realize his mouth had been hanging open, until Jaguar-a closed it for him. Lion-O came back from bathing in the stream and pulled Panthero to one side to talk.

"I'll go take a bath too." Jaguar-a said, getting up.

The prince saw Joey and Tristan grin like idiots, and were about to secretly follow when Tygra grabbed them by the collars. "You two are staying right here. If you have time to follow girls…then you have time to train." He dragged the two back to a tree and had them do sixty pull ups while he watched.

The future pharaoh shook his head with a small smile. He was about to roll out his blanket when-

SPLASH!

Atem coughed and sputtered as water dripped from his body. He turned to see Wiley Kit and Wiley Kat laughing and holding a pail. He wiped water from his eyes and slowly a sly grin formed on his face. Both of the kids stopped laughing when he launched at them. Atem chased the two around the campsite, laughing with them.

He finally managed to catch the kittens before tickling them to death; smirking as they begged him to stop.

"We…won't do it…again!" Wiley Kit said, between laughs.

"Do you swear?" Atem asked, smiling.

"We swear…by the Code of…Thundera…we swear!" Wiley Kat laughed.

Atem nodded in approval, before stopping. The kittens ran off before he changed his mind, and he began to ring out his shirt; which was soaked. "How they got the drop on me, I'll never know." He muttered.

Cheetara came up to him with a towel. "You might want to wash up after Jaguar-a. You deserve it after what you endured in the trial."

The thought of a cool, refreshing bath sounded wonderful so it was no wonder Atem agreed to it. He sat by the fire until Jaguar-a returned while watching Pumyra and Sun-Star cook some of the dried meat from last night's meal. His thoughts went to his people; were they alright? Was the kingdom still standing? What if an enemy had taken over the throne while he had been away?

The sound of humming made him look up and see Jaguar-a coming back with her hair slightly wet and her face flushed a rosy pink. Even in the fading sunlight, she looked…well…magical.

"You can go take a bath now if you want, Atem." Jaguar-a said, while sitting down next to Cheetara.

"I think I will." He said, getting up. The prince never thought he'd be happy to see a pool of clear water. Once his clothes were removed, Atem slipped into the water; while sighing in comfort as the cold temperature cooled off his skin and removed the stress of the day. Atem washed off the dirt and sweat that had gotten on him that day and washed his hair as well with the soap that he borrowed from Lion-O. It surprised him that his soap was liquid, since he was used to the soap being hard and in the shape of a brick.

However, it was still soap and he was happy to be able to use it. Once he was all soaped up, Atem dunked under the water to rinse off before coming back up for air. "Much better." He happily sighed. The prince had to admit that this life was better than living in the stuffy palace; surrounded by walls and people telling him what could and couldn't do, listening to boring lessons, and wearing clothes that the servants would fuss over saying that he couldn't get them torn or dirty.

This life…the simple life of hunting, playing with the kittens, learning new fighting skills, and how to follow the stars if he got lost; for the first time since he flew with Jaguar-a in her animal form all those years ago…he felt free.

Atem floated on his back for a while, staring up at the darkening sky. "It's so peaceful, here." He whispered.

"You seem relaxed."

The prince stood up and was alert with raised fists, only see that it was Lynx-O. Atem lowered his hands and rubbed the back of his neck. "You startled me, Lynx-O." He said.

The blind lynx chuckled, "I imagine so, you seemed lost in thought."

"Yeah, I've never felt so peaceful before." He said, getting out of the water. "I never felt that way in the palace."

Lynx-O smiled as he heard the rustle of Atem putting on his clothes, "I can imagine so. I came to tell you that supper should ready soon."

"Alright. Who caught what?" Atem asked, while walking with Lynx-O back to the camp site.

"I believe Tygra and Panthero caught a few hares and the Kittens found some eatable roots."

"'Roots'?" He asked, in surprise.

"Now don't turn your nose up at it, unless you try it." Lynx-O said, in a tone that made Atem think of Solomon.

"And Jaguar-a is fishing with Bengali." The wise cat continued.

Atem felt his mouth water, he hadn't had fish in a while. And the palace cooks always served it on special days like the Harvest Celebration. "I think I'll go help them."

"'Help them' or 'Distract them'?" Lynx-O chuckled. "No, they'll show you in the morning."

The prince fought the urge to pout; he at least wanted to help them bring the fish back to the camp. But then again, the smell of roasting rabbit overpowered that thought.

Sun Star was turning the rabbit meat on a stick over the fire, and the kittens were roasting the roots as Lion-O was drying out the rabbit pelt so they could use it later.

The lord looked up when he saw the two returning from the spring. "Had a good bath, Atem?

"Yes. Thank you for letting me use your soap, Lion-O." He replied while handing him back gourd which it was in.

"You're welcome. Now, I wonder what's keeping my sister and Bengali?"

Cheetara looked up from polishing her staff, "They have been gone a while. But I think they're alright; if they weren't the Sword of Omens would've warned us."

Atem stared at the sword which was still attached to Lion-O's left thigh in the Claw Shield. "It can do that? Amazing!"

Lion-O nodded, grinning. "Yes, I quite agree."

"What's 'amazing'?"

All looked up to see Jaguar-a and Bengali walk into the camp with woven baskets filled with enough fish for everyone. Both were soaked, but they were smiling.

Lion-O took the basket from his sister. "Just telling Atem about the Sword of Omens; that's all."

"'Telling' or 'Bragging'? I know how you can be sometimes." Jaguar-a said, while taking a seat beside Cheetara.

"I don't brag!" Lion-O stated, offended.

"Lion-O, you do." The princess calmly replied, while taking a knife from her boot.

"I do not!"

"Do too."

"I DO NOT!"

"Do too."

"DO NOT!"

"Then why are you yelling?"

Lion-O opened his mouth to reply but shut it with a growl; he knew she was right. "Fine! I do…satisfied?"

Jaguar-a nodded, before taking a fish from the basket he was holding and beginning to clean…or rather degut it.

Joey and Tristan were drooling over the rabbit meat while Wiley Kit claimed that the roots were done. Everybody took one and began to eat. Atem hesitated at first, before taking a small bite. His eyes widened with surprise. It was good; it tasted like cooked yams or something like that.

"You like it, I take it?" Pumyra asked.

"Yes." Atem answered, before taking another bite.

Sun-Star began to take the rabbit off the fire and cut it up into pieces before passing them to everyone. Joey took a bite and yelped because he burned his tongue….causing everyone to laugh. Atem had to admit that this meal wasn't too bad.

Jaguar-a got up after the fish were finished and washed her hands before eating her share. "Mmm. This brings back memories."

"Yes, it does." Tygra said, finishing his piece of rabbit.

Wiley Kat looked around thinking, before a thought struck him. "Hey, let's have some music."

"Great idea!" Tristan exclaimed.

Lion-O thought a minute before handing his sister her lap harp. "I think you should have the honor of going first."

Jaguar-a smiled before taking it and beginning to tune it. Then she played; a song that was slow at first then began to pick up speed. She hummed a few bars every so often, and each one was clear as a bell. Then she sang in a language he hadn't heard before. (2)

Atem couldn't help but close his eyes with a smile, Lion-O had been right again. She was not only good at dancing…but music as well. He himself become lost in his own mind; thoughts of the good times with his friends and how they had always been there for him.

Once the music stopped, he opened his eyes again. And for some reason he felt at peace.

Sun-Star put the fish on the fire, before taking out a flute and began to play. Tygra took out a water skin and began to pass it around before using an extra empty gourd as a drum. Jaguar-a got up and began to dance in time to the fast music; with the grace Atem had seen in from the puzzle.

He was surprised when Jaguar-a grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet.

"Come on."

"I-I-don't…"

Panthero laughed, "Go on, kid." He pushed Atem forward and he stumbled a bit before regaining his balance. He gave Panthero a glare, before Jaguar-a placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Just follow the music."

Atem thought Jaguar-a had lost her mind, but he did as she said. He let the music guide his body…but it still didn't feel right.

Jaguar-a stopped him and looked him in the eye. "Atem? Answer me truthfully; where do you feel rhythm?"

"Umm…in my legs?"

She shook her head, "No. That's not the way…" The princess placed his hand on his chest. "You feel it here."

He gave her a look, before she gave him a glare that rivaled his fathers. "Don't give me that look, just close your eyes…and listen."

"Listen to what?"

"Everything."

Atem closed his purple eyes; and strained his ears. He could hear Tygra still beating on the gourd, the crackle of the fire, the crickets singing…at first he couldn't make out what Jaguar-a was trying to teach him until it hit him. It was a melody! All the sounds were blending together.

He opened his eyes, and saw Jaguar-a give him a perky smile. "You got it?" She asked.

A nod was his reply.

"Well then, let's dance." She leaped away as Atem tried to follow her movements. At first they were jerky and forced but then they slowed and became more relaxed.

Then he realized that he was dancing. He threw all his boring dance moves that he memorized to the wind and danced as free as he felt.

Lion-O smirked, trust Jaguar-a to raise a spark in a soul without even trying. He took a swig from the water skin and clapped as they finished. Atem sat beside Panthero again as Jaguar-a continued to perform; her movements were slow and calm. He looked at Sun-star, who was passing out the fish; then back to the princess. As she danced, Lion-O got up to join her.

To Atem's surprise and delight, they began to dance the same way he had seen in the puzzles vision. They were a few inches off the ground and seemed to float; yet the embers and the light from the light of the dying sun made Lion-O's red mane seem as if it was a living fire. And made Jaguar-a's seem like melted copper.

Joey and Tristan were in awe, since this was the first time they had seen a dance like this. Joey and in shock while Tristan has hearts floating around his head.

The prince turned to Pumyra, "Is the dance a story? Or are they just dancing to the music?"

Pumyra smiled, "They're just dancing. And it is telling a story. I recognize this one; I could tell to you if you like?"

Atem grinned, "Oh, yes please!"

"It's about a princess and who finds a bird with feathers of pure fire. Her father had caught it years ago and put it into a golden cage in highest tower. The bird pleas with her to let him go, so he may return to his kingdom. The girl is afraid, for her father is not a good man and has a wicked temper. So she doesn't, but she returned the next day…and the next to the bird while bringing food to it and telling him tales her nurse maid had told her. And each time the bird begged her to let him out.

Then one day, her father went mad…he said that she was reminding him of her dead mother more and more. So he planned to kill her. The princess locked herself in the room with the bird and wept, 'Oh, what shall I do?' She sobbed. The bird looked at her and said, 'I can help you, princess. But you must let me out.' Without a second thought, the princess opened the cage door and the bird flew around the room stretching his wings. He landed and told her to get on his back, then they both flew away from the castle just as the king broke down the door…only to find both his daughter and his bird gone. The pair flew for miles until they came to a kingdom with a sliver castle. The bird landed and let the princess off his back; before turning into a young man with fiery red hair. 'I am the prince of this kingdom and your brother,' He told her. 'Long ago, I never helped anyone in need and, like father, my temper would always flare. So then I was cursed by witch to soar through the sky as a bird until someone would help me…and I helped then in return.' The princess couldn't believe it, and hugged her brother with all the love that she had wanted to give someone. Then the two ruled side by side until they passed on." Pumyra smiled as she finished the story. (3)

Atem remembered how Jaguar-a danced when she made her trial; all the pain and sadness she had expressed….and here she was dancing with joy and happiness. He kept watching them and for a moment; the fire almost made it look as if both royal siblings had wings of flame. After for what seemed a life time…Lion-O and Jaguar-a landed back on the ground before bowing to the applause the group was giving them.

Once everyone was full and happy, it was time to rest. Atem lay down and stared at the stars above him, they blanketed the sky like thousands of jewels. He never saw this many back home, let alone have time to see them. He put his arms behind his head, before closing his eyes and falling into a blissful sleep.

In Egypt…

Akhenaden was furious…no furious wasn't the right word….enraged, infuriated. Any of those words fit what he was feeling; in fact if someone had walked in they would say he had the position of tiger ready to attack. His plan to kill Atem had been thwarted…he wanted to kill him, to see his nephew slowly die. He wouldn't let Seto be in Atem's shadow as he was with his brother.

There was one incident of his past that he hated, no, loathed. The day his brother was crowned pharaoh….he was always father's favorite. He got everything…everything.

The priest gripped the rim of his cauldron until his knuckles turned white. As his blood boiled, he saw a book with a cover made from black sand stone; a very rare mineral to find. His hands grabbed the book and threw it open, to scan over the words that had been written in blood.

A Cheshire-cat smile…the smile of a mad man…formed on his face. And a new plan formed. However it would take some time to gather all of the ingredients.

Back in the Jungle…

The prince was gently shaken awake from his dreamless sleep. Groaning he opened his eyes to see Jaguar-a standing over him. Her hair was slightly messy but she looked like the goddess Iris herself in the light of the rising sun.

"Time to get up, my prince." She whispered.

"Ra hasn't even risen." He groaned, trying to pull the blanket over his head.

Jaguar-a pulled the blanket off him and grabbed his arm; hauling him to his feet. "You can sleep later, Atem. We're starting our lessons right now."

"You can't be serious…"

"I am. Now go splash some water on your face; I'll meet you there." The princess said, while pushing him towards the direction of the pond.

Atem staggered to the pool of cold water, and kneeled down to cup the water with his hands when he was pushed in!

He came up coughing and sputtering, before seeing who pushed him.

"What'd you do that for, Jaguar-a?"

She just gave him a coy smile, "You needed to wake up and also you need to change your clothes…they were starting to smell. Here." She threw a large bundle at Atem, who caught it. "Change and then meet me at the base of that tree over there."

The prince stared after her, not sure if she was testing him or not. But the cold morning wind made him get out of the pond and change quickly. He left his wet clothes on a rock to dry, then went over to the tree where Jaguar-a was waiting for him.

She was casually leaning against it with her Redwood bow and quiver full of arrows over her shoulder. "I thought you'd become an icicle."

"I might be after an hour." Atem hissed, clearly annoyed.

"Relax, Atem. You ready for your lessons?"

"What exactly will you teach me?"

Jaguar-a stood up and a her eyes glittered with a mysterious light. "Things you've only dreamed of. But first…we have to go up."

"Huh? 'Up' where?"

She patted the tree lovingly with one hand, and immediately Atem paled.

"Oh no, no! I'm not climbing that tree!"

"It's easy, Atem." The princess stated.

Atem shook his head, "But-"

"Up you go, Atem. And don't make me tell you twice." She said, and her eyes flickered again…but this time a slight purple.

Atem gulped before looking at the tree and asking, "Umm…which branch would you like me to climb to?"

Jaguar-a shook her head and climbed the tree as nimble as a squirrel and sat on a branch half-way up before looking down at Atem. "Well, come on. Up you go!"

He felt his face pale more, "You want me to climb way up there?"

"That's right. Hurry up."

Atem took a breath and tried to climb it the way he would climb the plum tree back home…but wasn't getting anywhere.

He looked at Jaguar-a with a growl as she giggled at him. "What's so funny?"

"Is that all the better you can climb?" She chuckled.

"This trunk is too big around!" He groaned, while trying to pull himself up as if he climbing a rope. "And besides…I'm used to climbing smaller ones."

He was half-way up the tree when he felt his fingers slipping, just when he thought he was going to fall; Jaguar-a grabbed his arm and pulled him up to the branch.

"You weren't scared of heights when you rode me and Lion-O in our animal forms. So, why now?"

Atem clung to the branch as if it was a life-line. "Th-That was different. I felt safe and knew that you guys wouldn't let me fall."

Jaguar-a got up and stood on the branch; as easily as an acrobat. "I'm going to teach you to face that fear…and show you a whole different world." She held out her hand and helped him stand on the branch beside her. After giving him a calming smile, she taught him how to walk on branches, and climb without fear.

Atem had to admit that the view and being in the trees was a whole different aspect to being in the sky or on the ground….and it felt good. It took him awhile to keep up with the princess…but he got the hang of it…after a few close calls.

Soon he was running through the trees, as if he had been doing so for years. Heck, he was even swinging from the vines.

Jaguar-a ran beside him before hanging back a bit, letting him have his moment. But she gasped when she saw what was ahead.

"Atem, take it easy!"

He didn't hear her; he was too caught up in the moment.

"Atem, no!"

The prince jumped towards another branch.

"ATEM!"

The branch broke and Atem began to fall until Jaguar-a grabbed his hand while swinging on a vine. They both swung to another branch where they landed. "What did I tell you?! 'Always look before you leap'."

"I almost made it." He panted.

"You can't always trust your luck." Jaguar-a scolded. "Well, time to head back down. I have much to teach you." She grabbed another vine and slid down to the ground below, with Atem behind her.

Once they were on the ground, Jaguar-a gave him some water from her water skin. She had to surpass a chuckle as Atem drank large gulps before handing it back to her.

"Now, then I want you to show me how you summon your Ka monster." Jaguar-a said, while sitting on a rock.

"O…k." He mumbled. He concentrated and summoned his Dark Magician in front of Jaguar-a. The princess smiled as the Ka spirit bowed before her.

"Very well done, Atem." She complimented. "However you were straining while doing your summoning. I'm going to teach you how to conserve your energy. But first…" The princess took out a pouch and pulled out some dried meat. "Let's eat something."

Atem smiled and took two pieces before devouring them both. Jaguar-a had to chuckle at his antics, before eating hers. The Dark Magician grinned then bowed before returning to where he lived.

"Well, if you're done. Let's go for a walk, and I'll show you what and how to conserve your energy."

The prince nodded and followed Jaguar-a through the forest, being careful to look for snakes and other things. She explained how everything had energy; the trees, plants, even water. And that you could share that energy…but only in a dire emergency. If someone did it too often, they wouldn't be using their own power or energy.

"Tell me Atem, when you were child….did you ever want to be anything other than pharaoh?" She asked, suddenly.

Atem nearly fainted at the question, "How could you ask me that?"

"Just a question." She replied, calmly.

"Well…I…I guess a solider." He said, nervously.

Jaguar-a smiled, "I thought as much. You have the heart of one."

"Why are you asking me this?"

Jaguar-a just kept smiling as she walked. "When ones a child growing up; we often think about what we wish to be. Do you remember when Panthero said I could swim like a mermaid?"

Atem cocked his head. "Yeah, why?"

Her smile grew bigger as they stopped by the large deeper jungle pool. "He meant as a mermaid."

If the prince's eyes weren't wide with surprise before…they were bigger now. "You-You mean you can change into a mermaid?!"

She giggled. "Yep. After all, I am a sorceress."

"Can you change me?"

"Hm?"

"Can you make me a mermaid?"

"A male is called a merman, Atem. And…that depends."

"Depends on what?"

Jaguar-a crossed her arms, and cocked her head to the side. "Well, can you imagine yourself as a merman? If you can't then it won't work."

Atem laughed, "I daydream half the time I should be listening to Solomon's lectures. It's easy!"

The human princess gave that perky smile that made him think of Mana, before laying her bow and quiver under a rock with her shoes. "Well, then I believe my magic can do the rest. You might want to put your stuff under here so you don't lose them."

"Oh…right." He muttered. Once his things were safely hidden, he stood barefoot in front of Jaguar-a. "I'm ready."

"Then let's begin. Just stay still…"

Jaguar-a chanted in a language Atem had never heard of before, but his curiosity was thrown to the wind as a tunnel of water rose up from the pool and engulfed him. Atem began to thrash around inside when he felt a strange feeling in his legs. He looked down and saw them melting together; dark blue scales that faded to purple slowly slid from the waist down until it ended at the fin that now replaced his feet.

As suddenly as it happened, the tornado of water faded and placed Atem on a rock. He was breathing heavy and staring at his new feature in both shock and wonder. "I…I don't believe it." He panted. "I'm…I'm a merman."

Jaguar-a nodded, then pointed to the water. "You get in the water and I'll be with you in a minute."

Atem was still in shock, but pushed himself off the rock and fell into the water. The pool was very deep, and the princes first thought was to hold his breath; until he remembered that merfolk could breathe underwater. He cautiously took a breath, and let it out. Surprisingly it was as if he was breathing air. Once that had been settled, Atem decided to try his new tail. He flicked it once, and found it a little harder than he thought. He tried again, but then found himself tangled in the reeds that grew on the bottom of the pool.

"I leave you alone for a few minutes and you're already in a fix."

Atem looked up and his jaw nearly fell open in shock.

Jaguar-a floated in front of him, with a tail of her own. Hers was the color of the darkest red wine that was tinted a light pink, while the fin was long and graceful. Her hair waved behind her like seaweed, and she wore a plum colored seashell top.

She helped him out of the mess, and shook her head. "So, you thought you could take off like an arrow, did you?"

"I'm a merman now, right?" He asked, while trying not to sink.

Jaguar-a held his arm to keep him still. "Yes, but you have to use your brain for a change. Have you ever watched a fish swim?"

"Umm…no."

"A fish flicks its tail left to right. But with merpeople it's up and down. Watch me."

She demonstrated how to swim and preformed a couple of underwater flips in the process. Then swam back up to him with a smile. "Now you try."

"Alright." Atem replied as he let go of the big rock he was hanging onto. He started out fine, but then couldn't slow down when built up enough speed. Which resulted in him crashing into the water reeds again….and again.

"What's the point in all this?" He asked, angrily.

"I'm trying to teach you how not to use so much energy too fast." She explained, while untangling him from the mass of flora. "Just like when you summon a spirit; you use too much speed that you can't slow down when the time comes. You must learn control."

Atem wiped mud off his cheek. "How do I do that?"

Jaguar-a swam around him in a circle. "It's easy, really. Just close your eyes."

"Close my eyes-?"

"Do it, Atem." She said, with a hint of sternness.

He gulped in nervousness, before doing as she said. He tensed up when she put her hands on his shoulders.

"Relax, Atem." She said softly. "When you summon your Ka spirits you use up so much energy that it leaves you exuasghted. Now, I want you relax; feel your body become weightless, let it float and sway like the reeds….like the water flowing through your hands."

Atem focused on what she said, he thought of being like the reeds…just swaying in the currents and not being weighed down. He felt something lift from his inner being; making him feel lighter.

"Now," He heard Jaguar-a say. "Try summoning something small."

"Something small…" He thought. The prince took a breath, and called a creature forth.

"Kurii."

Atem's eyes snapped open and he saw a brown furry creature with big purple eyes and large green paws and feet. It bounced over to him and nuzzled his face. He remembered Mana calling this creature Kuriboh.

"You did very well Atem." Jaguar-a praised. "This is what happens when you can control your power…and not use it all in one summon."

Atem smiled, as Kuriboh bounced over to Jaguar-a and nuzzled her next. "What else will you teach me?"

"Mostly how to survive if you're stranded in the desert or in the woods." She replied while petting Kuriboh. "But first, let's explore a little."

All morning and late into the afternoon, Jaguar-a and Atem swam around the pool. She taught him a couple of tricks and he would sometimes race the princess around. Though he was disappointed that they soon had to get out…he smiled at the thought of hunting lunch.

Jaguar-a cast her spell again; making water surround Atem once again and giving him back his legs. He was soaked to the bone, yet smiling as he sloshed out of the pool of water. He went to the rock and removed his jewelry before putting it back on.

The princess came up beside him and wrung out her long hair. "I hope you'll remember this lesson, Atem."

"I don't worry; I won't." He replied while putting his shoes on.

Jaguar-a bit her lip as she braided her hair, she had that feeling again. The same feeling that she had those years ago when they helped Egypt win the war. Something was wrong….but she kept it locked up inside her as she picked up her bow and quiver. "Come on, prince of Egypt. I'm going to take you hunting."

The young prince was about to reply when his stomach growled…loudly. He blushed as red as Jaguar-a's uniform, and looked away embarrassed as she giggled.

"Don't be embarrassed, Atem." She said. "It's natural. Now, come on. Let's find something to eat."

Both walked side by side; looking for tracks of animals and the princess taught him which roots and berries were safe to eat and which plant could help cure aliments, also which were deadly. The two soon found tracks that belonged to boar or wild pig, as well as a rabbit or possibly a goat. Jaguar-a touched each animal track with her fingers, "The goats are warm, must have gone past here a few minutes ago." She confirmed.

Atem felt his mouth water; he hadn't had lamb or goat for a while. "Which way?"

Jaguar-a pointed to the west. "That way. Try and keep up, ok?"

The prince didn't have time to respond as Jaguar-a took off with speed through the jungle. Atem ran as fast as he could to keep with her, and nearly tripped over a root. He followed as fast as his legs would allow until she held up her hand for him to stop. She turned her head to see him and put a finger to her lips.

Atem nodded as he looked ahead of her; there was their prey…a wild goat. It was pawing at the ground in order to dig up some roots or grass. Jaguar-a slowly took an arrow out of her quiver and aimed while pulling the arrow to her cheek. Just as she was about to release it, she stopped and put it back in her quiver.

"What are you doing?" Atem asked.

"She's a mother." Jaguar-a said. "Look."

The Prince looked back at the goat and saw two babies, or kids, come out from under the goat's belly. The hair, or coat, had been so long that he hadn't noticed them. He then understood why the princess spared the goat, Jaguar-a didn't kill any animal that was a mother or had a family.

"Let's go find that boar instead." Jaguar-a said, as they left the goat family alone.

It look them a while to find the boar, but it was worth the wait. The boar was huge! And it had large tusks that curled upward.

Jaguar-a once again took an arrow out, but gasped when the boar spotted them.

"Run!" Atem shouted. He grabbed her arm and they ran up into a tree.

The boar began to head butt the trunk…trying to make them fall out. Atem clung to the branch he was sitting on as the tree shook, while Jaguar-a loaded her bow again. She pulled the arrow to her cheek and fired it as the boar charged the tree once more…the arrow hit its mark. The boar gave one last squeal before falling dead at the trunk of the tree; an arrow sticking out of its head.

Atem breathed in relief, and slid down a vine after Jaguar-a to the ground. He watched her kneel by the boar and say, "Forgive me, friend. But know that your spirit will live on and be with the Great Spirit." She then drew her arrow out of the boar before cleaning it with cloth soaked with a strange substance. (4)

Once they had tied the boar's feet together and slid a long fallen branch between them, they carried the boar back to camp. "I think Joey and Tristan are going to stuff themselves silly when they see this catch." Atem said, while trying to shift the weight to his other shoulder.

"Yes, I assume so." Jaguar-a chuckled. A long silence followed after and the pair arrived back at camp, to find Joey and Tristan coming back from a run with Cheetara. Both were red-faced and panting with sweat soaked clothes.

Panthero looked up from the conversation he was having with Tygra when the princess and Atem came into view.

"You two took your time." He said, grumpily. "But I see that you're hunting went well. And your lessons as well I hope?"

Atem nodded as he laid the boar down so Jaguar-a could skin it. "Yes. I've had magic lessons before, but not like the ones Jaguar-a gives."

Panthero gave him a rare smile, and then pointed to the kittens. "Watch the kids, Atem. I'm going to give Jaguar-a hand with this beast."

The prince knew better than to argue with the master of combat; so he went over to Wiley Kit and Kat where they were hunch over something.

"Hey, Kit and Kat. What 'cha doing?"

"We're trying to get this puzzle solved." Wiley Kat replied while gestured to a puzzle ring he had. "We got them apart now we have to put them back together."

"But we can't figure it out." Wiley Kit said, sadly. Atem looked at the puzzle ring in Kit's hands then back to the kittens. "Can I try?"

"Sure." Wiley Kit answered, with a bright smile.

Atem took the pieces and began to try different ways to fit them together. After what seemed a half hour, Atem completed the puzzle.

Wiley Kat and Kit just stared with wide eyes, both were shocked. "Whoa! How'd you do that?!" Kat asked.

The prince shrugged. "I've loved games since I can remember…and I guess I have a knack for them."

Kit hugged Atem. "That was so cool! You're awesome!"

Atem blushed, "It was really easy. Where did you guys get this anyway?"

"From home. It was in our bag when we came here." Wiley Kat answered.

Atem thought about that answer; where was their home? What was Thundera like? He wished he could see it one day.

"Hey, Atem! Kittens!"

Tygra's voice snapped him back to reality. He looked over his shoulder, to see the tiger thunderian standing next to the fire pit with the pelt of the boar in his hands. "Come help me dry this."

Atem went over to where Tygra had hung a strong vine, and helped him heave the pelt over it so it could hang and dry out. He looked over at Jaguar-a when he heard something snap; his face paled when he realized she and Panthero had snapped the boars tusks off, or rather sawed. Jaguar-a was examining the tusks before taking some to the side and working on them.

Bengali came into the camp with Pumyra, both carrying a bottles of something with Lion-O behind them.

"Look whose back!" Joey said, waving at them.

"Where were you?" Panthero said, without looking up.

"I needed to get some honey for some medicine that I need to make more of." Pumyra replied. "Lion-O and Bengali helped me carry it."

"And keep the bees away." Bengali added.

Lion-O grinned at the catch for dinner. "And you guys fared well, too."

Wiley Kat grinned, "Yeah, we'll we like kings tonight!"

Atem chuckled, "Two of us are kings, Wiley Kat."

"Oh, right."

Panthero hoisted Joey to his feet with one arm and pointed to the boar. "You and Tristan start turning that hog over the fire. Don't stop turning that spit or it won't cook evenly."

Both boys ran over to the fire and started turning the spit while Panthero watched. Atem saw Jaguar-a comeback with the tusks in one hand, she placed one in Atem's hand.

"I turned these into horns." She explained. "If we're ever separated or if you're ever in trouble…just blow and we'll hear it."

Atem nodded in thanks, before tying it to his belt. Both of his friends were drooling from the smell of the roasted boar; and he had bite his lip to keep himself from joining them. After two and a half hours, the animal was ready to eat.

Sun-Star used her knife to cut off pieces of meat for every one and the whole group began to talk. Jaguar-a finished two helpings before picking up her lap harp and began to tune it; each note was lovely to hear.

"Will you sing for us, your highness?" Sun-Star asked. "The song you sang before?"

"If you like." Jaguar-a answered. She cleared her throat and sang it in the language everyone knew while playing the lap harp.

"Far beyond the deep blue Earth, you and I shall meet…

As a gentle breeze goes by.

A snow white feather will come fluttering down, swaying gently in the air.

Without holding back, I want to envelope you, my one and only love.

I know I have the power to protect the one I love, right here in my hands.

Open your mind. Just as I always dreamed.

Let the wind carry off your hopes, faraway.

I have wings nobody else can see.

Look, you have them too.

They'll take us to where we can be free.

Anyone can be free….

Free as the wind." (5.)

Atem felt the weight of doubt be lifted from his heart. Lion-O's sister was amazing! She bowed after they finished clapping, she put her harp next to her and began to finish her meal.

Lion-O and Tygra got into a heated dissuasion of what trail they should take in the morning, and Joey and Tristan were fighting over the last piece of pork. Finally, Cheetara said that they should turn in and rest up.

Sun-Star volunteered to take first watch so the others could sleep.

Once everything was put away and the pelt was folded up, everyone rolled out their blankets and began to settle in. Atem curled up under the blanket and looked up at the sky; there were only a few stars this night…so he couldn't find the North Star. He turned on his side and saw Jaguar-a getting up to cover her sleeping brother again with the blanket. Then do the same with the Thunder Kittens who were curled up together.

The princess then sat down and removed her circlet before taking out a comb from her bag and began to comb out her long hair. She hummed as she did this task, her voice like the soothing coo of a dove.

Atem felt his grow heavy and slowly close…sending him into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.

Jaguar-a gave a small smirk; she knew that she shouldn't have used her magic to help Atem sleep. But he needed it. The princess looked up at the stars before braiding her hair, then going to sleep.

In Egypt…

Akhenaden stood before the large ritual circle he had drawn in the middle of his room. He had finally gathered all the ingredients he needed to cast the one spell he knew was forbidden…but he didn't care. The priest picked up a bottle of chicken blood mixed with tar and poured it in the middle of the circle; it glowed a deep red before he began to chant in a language that hadn't been used since the beginning of Egypt.

Wind blew hard into the room and a sand tornado spun into the middle of the ritual circle; spinning faster and faster until suddenly stopped.

Akhenaden lowered his arm that used to shield himself from the sand, and saw a man with sandy blonde long hair, at least twice the size of Seth, and dressed in a black robe of a priest. His dark eyes flicked to Akhenaden, and he asked in deep voice, "Who are you, to summon me?"

"Lord Anu." The priest said, bowing. "I have summoned because I need your help and power. Please help me rid this world of my nephew and his guardians."

"Why should I help you? What do I get in return?"

The priest looked up, "When I claim the throne, you may have all the souls who stand in my way and part of the kingdom."

Lord Anu wasn't impressed.

"And you may have the prince's guardians for slaves."

"No." Lord Anu growled. "That's not enough. If I help you…you give me your soul."

"Yes! I swear, you shall have my soul!" Akhenaden shouted, without thinking.

Lord Anu smiled, revealing sharp canines. "Very well. Tell me the name of your nephew."

"Prince Atem."

Lord Anu went rigid, "'Atem'? The descendent of the pharaoh who sent me to oblivion?! That means you're a descendent as well!"

"I descendent who has been in his brother's shadow!" Akhenaden roared. "I hated him since he ascended the throne and I want to destroy his heir and rule this kingdom! But…these protectors he has have ruined every plan I thrown at him."

The dark being cocked and eyebrow. "And who are these 'guardians'?"

"The Thundercats."

Lord Anu's smile widened. "THE Thundercats? Well now, that's interesting…tell me what do you know of the 'Eternal Darkness' spell?"

Atem's uncle shivered. "I only know that it's the supreme power of chaos."

"Yes. It is…but it requires a soul with much magical power. I gave up my soul for this power…and now I'm powerful. But I can even more powerful once the curse is completed."

"What curse, milord?"

"I once had been a priest like yourself, I kept the House of The Dead in order and was the advisor to the pharaoh. However, the pharaoh began to realize I was no longer needed. He dismissed me! After everything I did for him! So, I went to the ruined temple of Set. I used the only spell that would grant me power…I stole power from Anubis, the god of Death! Set was pleased with me and gave me more of it!

Once I had that power I went to the palace and attacked with an army of the undead. However…I had not thought of how the priests of Ra would fight. They used a binding spell on me with the pharaoh's magic…sending me into the darkness. But I had a backup plan…" Lord Anu paused before looking out the window. "I placed a curse on the pharaoh; he would never have an heir. Never be able to have a son…only a daughter. They realize it until it was too late. My curse should have been prevented Atem from being born…so why?"

"If I may speak, milord?" Akhenaden asked, looking up.

Lord Anu gave a curt nod.

"It was foretold that Atem was chosen to wake the Thundercats from their eternal sleep. He has been protected ever since…as I said before, they are quite powerful. Especially their princess." The last part he growled, and showed Lord Anu the scar that covered his back.

The dark priest's eyes slightly widened. "Interesting….yes…I see now…they knew that my curse would affect Atem's mother. They did shield him from it." A Cheshire cat smile formed on his face. "All the more reason that I'll take great pleasure in destroying them." He then pointed to Akhenaden. "Go lock up the priests that stand by Atem…I have an army to rise."

Akhenaden rushed from the room and Lord Anu began to laugh with a voice that shook the whole room. He then looked at the dawning sun and frowned, sunlight wouldn't do for him. He narrowed his eyes and dark clouds hid the sun, covering the whole land in darkness.

"At last," He said. "After all these years…I'm free!"

Lighting flashed as if to confirm what he said. He stepped out of the circle and began to walk to the throne room. Leaving darkness in his wake; turning everything dark, cold and decayed or ruined. He entered the throne room and his shadow made it turn from gold and white to black obsidian and stone.

"It's finally mine! And now I'll see that the last of the betrayer Pharaoh's bloodline….DIE!"

Another flash of lighting lit the whole room, and bug like creatures along with golem servants rose from the ground.

In the dark of the night I was tossing and turning

And the nightmare I had was as bad as can be -

It scared me out of my mind -

A man melting to brine!

Then I opened my eyes,

And the nightmare was...me!

I was once the most mystical man in all Egypt.

When the royals betrayed me they made a mistake!

My curse made each of them pay…

But one little boy got away!

Little Atem, beware,

Lord Anu's awake!

Creatures: In the dark of the night evil will find him

In the dark of the night just before dawn!

Lord Anu: Revenge will be sweet

Lord Anu and Creatures: When the curse is complete!

ALL: In the dark of the night,

Lord Anu: He'll be gone!

I can feel that my powers are slowly returning!

Tie my sash and a dash of incense for that smell!

The golem servants had brought out a large piece of polished obsidian that was used as a mirror. Lord Anu took a comb and began to run it through his hair. However, instead of his own reflection…it was Atem's! It was as if it was Atem combing his hair instead of Lord Anu.

Lord Anu: As the pieces fall into place

I'll see him crawl into place!

Farewell, Atem, your grace, farewell!

He ranked his nails across the image of Atem's face, making the image disappear and leaving deep claw marks in the stone. Then he turned from the mirror and began to walk to the balcony that led outside. Before looking at the pitiful people below.

Creatures: In the dark of the night terror will strike him!

Lord Anu: Terror's the least I can do!

Creatures: In the dark of the night evil will brew.

Ooh!

Lord Anu: Soon he will feel that his nightmares are real.

ALL: In the dark of the night

Lord Anu: He'll be through!

Creatures: In the dark of the night

Evil will find him.

Find him!

Ooh!

In the dark of the night terror comes true.

Doom him!

Lord Anu: My boy, here's a sign -

Lord Anu and Creatures: It's the end of the line!

Creatures: In the dark of the night...

In the dark of the night...

In the dark of the night...

Lord Anu: Come my minions,

Rise for your master,

Let your evil shine!

Mummies of fallen soldiers rise up from the earth and begin to march/run to the gates while others terrorized the people of Egypt.

Find him now,

Yes, go ever faster!

ALL: In the dark of the night...

In the dark of the night...

In the dark of the night...

Lord Anu: HE'LL BE MINE!


(1.) Elven Bow.

(2.) Celitic or Anicent Irish.

(3.) The Fire Bird Ballet.

(4.) Rubbing Alcohol

(5.) The opening theme to 'Oh! My Goddess' season 1.

Author's note: I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Leave a review and please...NO FLAMERS!