The Thundercats were waiting at attention as Nanda introduced them to the Vulture Elders. Everyone was very tired and exhausted after the long hours of battling, and with sunrise only a few hours away, Lion-O was getting anxious. He really wanted to find Ocelata and make sure that she was okay. Still, it was his duty as King to make peace and alliances with allies around Third Earth. "Greeting Elders, I'm Lion-O, Lord of the Thundercats. These are my trusted friends and subjects. We are honored to meet you."
"Not as honored as we are to greet you Lord Lion-O. Thank you, all of you, for helping to save our village from the Evil One's army. Your mastery of the Stones of Power is to be commended. Without your assistance, the damage done to our village would have been irreversible, but at least we have a chance to recover," Elder Vultaria commented.
"That's good to hear. We feared that you might not be able to continue with your way of life if you lost the ruins in the tunnel or crops that you trade," Cheetara commented.
"I don't mean to sound rude Elders, but we are on a bit of a time crunch here. We still have to track down that rogue spirit and more importantly, the Body Stone, which is not here. Why would the Weasel's send us here with their seal of approval, if the Stone was not here?" Tygra asked.
"Because it was here once, but it was lost years ago when we were moving it to safety. As you know our home is comprised of rare echongnite. This mineral is a great defense; keeping out those who would do us harm, but we also use to record the past and for communication, both internal and external. Sadly the dark magic cast by the imprisoned Evil One was also stored here unintentionally. During germinal stage, we managed to eradicate most of the pockets of magic, but as time went on more and more started appearing. Scavenging teams were forced out of their traditional haunts. Sometime they would bring back infected pieces of salvage. The contamination was drawn to the Body Stone and tried to corrupt it, but each time the Stone fought it off, but it powers were growing weaker," Elder Voltaire explained, a sad and darkened look crossed his graying features.
"Why didn't you give the Body Stone back to the Weasels if it was in danger? I'm sure they would have understood your reasons for giving it back early," Panthro pointed out.
"The Weasels, as you may have notice, are nomadic. They travel across their lands in different patterns in order to hunt for their food and recover their treasures. Without their treasures they have no metals to create items for trade or jewels used in adornment or protection. Finding them can be a bit of a challenge. We thought about leaving the Body Stone at one of their sacred sites, but the risk of it being found and misused was too great. We still recall what happened when the power of the Stone was misused by the Berbil Bears. No one should have to suffer their fate," Elder Cara replied.
"So what did you do then? How did you lose the Body Stone?" WilyKat asked.
"We decided to move the Stone to one of our sister bird tribes home. It was hoped that by feeding on the collective emotions of a different community, the Body Stone would rejuvenate itself and become strong enough to ward off the evil, possibly even remove its taint from our home if used. But that was to be a last resort, the Body Stone's power is very strong and overwhelming," Elder Vultaria said.
"What kind of powers does the Body Stone grant and what kinds of emotions fuel it? Do you know how to activate its full potential? Where did you lose it?"
"Lion-O, slow down and take a breath. I'm sure they'll answer all our questions, but you should try to be a bit more patient."
"Child, it's alright he's anxious that's understandable. To answer some of your questions no one in living memory has ever unlocked the full potential of the Body Stone. Records indicate it had to power to increase physical talent, create indestructible armor, some say it had the power to heal any wound or even create new body parts, but those are rumors. After the Berbils gave the Stone to the Weasels and us, we were too afraid to use it. During the transfer to one of the other bird villages a terrible storm struck. The Vultures charged with guarding the storm were struck down by a lightning bolt. Once the storm cleared we searched everywhere for them. We found their bodies, but the Stone was gone. Since then we've been searching for it, to ensure that the Evil One didn't get it," Elder Voltaire explicated.
"So the Book of Omens was picking up the energies of the Body Stone here because of the echongnite. If you could tell us were your people died, we can begin our search anew. We'd also appreciate it if you would join in our fight against Mumm-Ra and his army. After his attack on your village I'm sure that you could use new allies," Tygra said. He held out the sardonyx seal to the Elders. They took it and blessed the stone so now it showed all the animals allied with the cats.
"You speak the truth about uniting the animals. It was only during the Golden Age of Unity that the tribes all flourished equally. We believe that the time of separation should end, that we recycle our friendships into something new. Nanda, Vlad, after this meeting you should take some of your teammates to renew ties with the Berbils and try to find the Weasels to let them know what has happened here."
"Of course Elders, it shall be done."
"You can count on us."
"Can we go now? We have to find Ocelata! Her time's running out Lion-O!" WilyKit insisted. The other cat had mixed emotions on their faces. They were also worried, but for different reasons. The adults had mixed feeling about the spirit, but the kids were on Lion-O's side hoping to find her before she passed into oblivion. No one deserved that fate.
"You are worried about the spirit of the legendary Cat who was kind to us aren't you? Her name was lost during the passage of time, but we know of who she is. During the time we were slaves aboard the Evil Ones ship, the Cats were charged with controlling us, forcing us to do the Evil Ones dirty work. Very few stood up against the Evil One's cruelty. Ocelata was one of them."
"Really? I find that difficult to believe. What did she do exactly to earn your tribes eternal gratitude?" Tygra wanted to know.
"According to legend, she was in charge of guarding and monitoring several different groups of slaves' activities. To make sure that our ancestors didn't rebel or become too strong to manage. Instead of treating them like beasts she would listen and learn from all she could. Protect them from harsher punishments and even secretly let the Cat doctors treat our ancestors. She truly believed that by unifying all our cultures together and creating new traditions the bad blood of the past would wash away," Elder Cara informed the group.
"That sounds like her. I think her sudden death and fighting to remove the dark magic from the Spirit Stone influenced her to make poor choices. I know she wanted revenge, but…"
"No buts Lion-O, that spirit girl tried to have us killed! How can you forgive her actions so easily?"
"Tygra, forgiveness is hard to give, but even harder when it's yourself you're trying to forgive. Ocelata knows she was wrong and is ashamed of her actions. That shame is driving her to risk her soul in oblivion, just as the shame drove the Berbils to isolate themselves and risk never asking for help. It has to stop at some time," Cheetara told her lover. It was very difficult for a tiger full of pride to forgive someone, but for Cheetara he would try to forgive Ocelata, that is if they found her.
"So are we going to track down this spirit girl to help her? Either way we need to determine her fate, we just can't leave any loose ends," Panthro pointed out.
"But how do we help her if she doesn't want help or think she deserves it?"
"Yeah its not like we can force her back into the Spirit Stone and she's not going to be willing to retake a host. Maybe we should try to convince her to enter Paradise instead?"
"Somehow I don't think that's going to work. Ugh, what kind of king am I if can't help Ocelata? I feel like I've failed her in some way."
"Your Majesty, all hope may not be lost. Though Body Stone is not here, the other Stones of Power are rumored to perform miracles when the situation calls for it. How this happens, we don't know, but maybe this ancient relic, an Item of Piece might help you. Nanda, fetch the box."
Nanda fluttered out of the room and returned carrying an embossed golden chest with the Cat Symbol on it. She handed it to Elder Voltaire who accepted graciously. "This item has been in the Vulture's possession shortly before the Great Divide. I believe you might familiar with this," Voltaire remarked opening the case.
"It can't be; how did you get my Mother's diadem? It was lost when Thundera was attacked by the Lizard army. They stole all our riches and that was one of the items never recovered? Did you steal it back?"
"Prince Tygra, you misunderstand. The diadem worn by your mother was not the original, a copy made by puma forgers. This is in the original Diadem of Prophecy. Our ancestors found and recycled the rare ore the Sword of Omens was made from, and gave it to Weasels to craft, based on the design imagined by the Berbils. The Elephants blessed it with high spiritual energy and the natives of the planet inscribed words of protection into it. The Fish people were the ones who presented the item to Queen Panthera; as a peace offering to end the strife and mistrust between the other animals and the Cats." The Elder explained to him.
"Shortly before she passed, Queen Panthera began leaving Items of Peace with different tribes. These Items of Peace, she warned the tribes to protect them for she feared the return of the Evil One, believing that he would one day break free of his tomb. The Items had hidden powers or knowledge that if the Evil One got hold of, he'd be able to complete construction of the Sword of Plunder and rule this planet."
"Of course; the Elephant Tablet held clues to understanding the power of the Spirit Stone and why Ocelata was not a threat. The Berbils library archive methods help store vast amount of knowledge in a short amount of time. The Weasel's held the Diary, whose secrets are valuable in understanding the Stones of Power and how to unite the animals. What powers does the Diadem have?" Cheetara asked.
"Its secrets are mystery to us, but it is known that the Queen of Prophecy is the one who can unlock their full potential. Chose the wearer of this Item carefully Lord Lion-O, for only the combined power of your Sword and this Diadem can prevent the victory of the Evil One."
Lion-O gazed at the diadem, sensing its hidden power. He knew what he had to do. "Thank you Elders, you've been a big help. If you could help us resupply we'd be on our way by this afternoon, but first I need to collect the last of my subjects. Tell me, where's the highest point on this mountain?"
The night was starting to slowly fade away as the sun was peaking over the horizon. On the precipice, stood an ancient oak tree that was over looking the whole village. Ocelata was standing on the edge of the tree branch waiting for the end to come. She was slowly getting more transparent as time went by, but she refused to feed off the spiritual energy keeping her trapped. All those centuries in the Spirit Stone wanting revenge for her unjust death only to find out everything she believed was a lie. She nearly killed the last of her kind and let Mumm-Ra win because she couldn't let go of her mistrust. She didn't deserve to return to the Spirit Stone nor did she want to go back to that afterlife. She knew she wouldn't go to Paradise after her actions so she welcomed oblivion.
She sensed him landing behind her, but made no move to get away or knock him off the branch. "How did you know where to find me?"
"Because I know that the sunrise is your favorite time of the day that it reminds you how hopeful the next day can be. Ocelata, please I want to help you. I want you to come back with us. I'm sure that if you give us some time we can come up with a solution to help you."
She turned to look at him sadly. She could see the other Thundercats standing by the tank near the tree. They were waiting patiently to see what would happen next. "Why would you want to help me Lion-O? I'm a traitor to our tribe. I attacked the Cats and nearly cost WilyKit her life. A little girl nearly died because I was too stubborn to see the truth. As much as I want to be alive again I have to accept that's impossible. I have no right to try to steal someone else life and force my beliefs on others. I'm a bad Cat and I deserve oblivion."
"No, you don't. You just were confused. You're a good person and you've done a lot of good, both alive and as a spirit. You care greatly for others and have accepted that you made a mistake. Don't let your shame of making a mistake destroy your soul. Please, I love you Ocelata, I think you're my soul mate."
"Don't be foolish Lion-O, I know that you can be stubborn and hard headed, but foolish is not one of them. You don't really know me at all. All you saw were memories or few heartfelt conversations. How sure can you be its love when you've only known me after a month and half?"
"Your favorite color is rose pink, because it reminds you of the sun that was kept from you for so long. Your favorite memories are when you were a cub with your sister listening to your parents tell you stories. Amber, your best friend gave you that crystal earring after the two you survived planet side training. You don't like water much because you never learned to swim, but you were starting to overcome it. Besides a love of dancing, singing, and reading your favorite activity is exploring new places and playing tree tag. Dr. Bagehera was the one who taught you to treat field wounds. In this time you admire us for our tenacity to live, and think that we are wonderful Cats with open minds and heart. I know you love me too. Go on, tell me I'm wrong. Tell me what you think about me."
"Oh Lion-O, your favorite memory is when you were a tiny cub, just out of diapers and your dad took you and your brother fishing and you snagged the big one with your teeth. You never wanted to be king because you didn't think you measure up to the examples set before you, but your open mindedness has slowly been helping the Cats undo their reputation. You believe in all of your friends and have forgiven them for past conflicts. You think that each of them is special and that they'll be with you to the end. You're a wonderful king and great friend, and I love you more then anything in the world Lion-O, but we can't be together. I'm dead and about to pass into oblivion and your alive and with a quest to complete."
"There has to be a way! You don't deserve this, not after everything. Not after you forgiven yourself."
"Sometimes, even forgiveness isn't enough to overcome something like this. We need a miracle."
Upon hearing those words something amazing occurred. The Sword of Omens and Claw Shield along with the chakra gems started acting on their own startling everyone. The gems lined up along the chakra network and Shield and Sword took positions, one in front and one in back. Their insignias lit up and small bit of energy flew out of them and into the Eye of Thundera. The supercharged Stone glowed and unleashed its power on all the gems just as the Spirit Stone did the same thing. Ocelata let out a scream of pain and confusion.
No one knew what was happening, but they watched mesmerized by the sight of the transparent she cat getting solid. As the dawn's light struck her she cast a shadow for the first time in ages. Once finished the items returned to their proper places and Lion-O carefully brought her down the ground before looking at her breathing chest. Ocelata looked at her body unsure what had just happened. "I'm alive? But how and why?"
The Book of Omens glowed and suddenly Jaga's spirit was in the midst of the group. "The Stones of Power have determined that you are worthy of the life that was stolen from you. By using the chakra gems powers, combined with the life force of the Thundercats, your body has been reconstructed and your spirit placed inside."
"I'm not worthy of any second life! Not after what I did."
"It is because you feel guilt for what you have done and that you are willing to forgive yourself, but at the same time face the consequences of it, that the Eye of Thundera and Spirit Stone restored you to life. Your destiny is not yet complete. This is a barnburner opportunity to make your dreams come true. The Thundercats could use your knowledge of Mumm-Ra to save many lives. What do you say Ocelata of the Ocelot clan?"
Ocelata was torn and didn't know what to do. She looked at all the faces of the Thundercats trying to evaluate what they thought about this. A split second later she confused the heck out of Lion-O by kneeling in front of him, she held out her jewel insignia in one hand and her dagger handle out in the other. "I Ocelata, daughter of Argent the Ocelot Clan and Shadow of Panther Clan, Sister to Panthera, Lieutenant of the Thundercat Army, offer you my former life as Mumm-Ra's servant, and humbly ask for forgiveness for my crimes. Should you decide to forfeit my life I ask you make it quick and leave my body to rot as a reminder of my actions along with the destruction of my clan's symbol. I await your answer my Lord."
"What is she doing exactly?" WilyKit whispered.
"An ancient ritual known as the Rite of Joining, it's what Cats did when they want to join into other clans then their own. She's literally cutting ties to her old life and offering her new one to Lion-O. He can choose to accept her or strike her down where she stands. The choice is his alone to make," Cheetara explained. She had learned this ritual during her time as a cleric and was wondering what Lion-O would do.
Lion-O took Ocelata's precious tokens and stared at them for a long while. His heart and mind were conflicted as he thought over everything that had happened. Finally, he gave back the items to Ocelata and helped her stand. "You've made mistakes in the past, the same as all of us. We were all given a chance to make them right and who am I to take your life away from you? Welcome to the Thundercats Ocelata. We'd be honored to have you as one of us. Please accept this Diadem of Prophecy as my gift to you. For you are my soul mate and future queen," Lion-O said placing the diadem on her forehead, her insignia also changing to match the others. The two of them shared a deep, passionate kiss.
"This is so cool! Does this mean you two are married now?" WilyKat asked excitedly.
"No young one, as of now Lion-O and Ocelata are merely betrothed to one another. She must still face a series of challenges to prove her worth as queen before she can be officially married to Lion-O. It a time honored tradition. Still she holds tremendous power as second to the crown," Jaga explained.
"I want to thank you for trying to help me. You were right that my anger was holding me back and I promise to listen more often to the wisdom of others," Ocelata said approaching the spirit. She bowed to him in gratitude and he returned it. She walked over to each of the cats one by one.
She kneeled in front of the twins smiling. "I'm sorry for the trouble I caused the two you. I envied you for your carefree happiness, but I know deep inside how brave and heroic you are. I've never had younger siblings before, but if you let me I like to help you develop your mental talents, even be part of your quest to find El Dara. The city of treasure sounds like a wonderful place to visit."
"We've never had a big sister before! It will be nice to have someone to look up to for a change," WilyKat exclaimed hugging her with his sister.
"Yeah and we can teach you a few things to! I knew you weren't evil Ocelata!"
"Thank you little ones and thank you Snarf, for accepting me. You're more then a pet, you're a good friend and hope to earn your respect."
"Meow Snarf!"
"Thanks, Panthro, I apologize for any damage I might have caused the Thundertank or you when I was fighting against you. You remind me of my friend, Dr. Bagehera, not because your both panthers, but because of your patience and determination to learn new skills and teach others. You are great mentor and wonderful friend. I only hope I can prove worthy to be your student."
"Can't say I'm happy about the damage to the Thundertank, but you are quite handy when it comes to the technological upgrades and maintaining the computer. Tell you what if you help me with that, and then I'll teach you some new fighting moves to use against the Lizards? Deal?"
"Deal! Cheetara, I apologize to you as well. I was trying to replace Amber with you and I judged you unfairly. I'm sorry about that. I just wanted my friend and rival back so badly I guess I pushed to hard."
"I understand your desire to rekindle a friendship that meant so much to you. I'm not Amber Ocelata, but I would like to be your friend and rival. Maybe even help you deal with the problems still in your heart. It's actually going to be nice to have another girl around."
"Definitely Cheetara. Tygra, I owe you the biggest apologize. I hurt you badly because of mix of both my memories of Lord Tygrus and stray emotions from Lion-O's memories. I want to give you a fair chance to continue to prove me wrong about the tiger legacy. If you'll let me I promise to make it up to you and show you I'm not your enemy. Will you?"
Tygra didn't say anything at first just giving her a dark look. She was nervous; wondering what he would say to her. Finally he extended his paw and they both shook putting an end to bad blood between them. They were going to work for a better future.
"Now that the Thundercats are whole once again I must return to the Book. Lion-O, your quest has become far more difficult then originally intended. Not only must you reunite the Stones of Power and the animals to fight Mumm-Ra, but you must uncover the secrets of the past in order to save the future all Third Earth."
"Don't worry Jaga, I'm up to the task, all of us our. We're stronger then we were and nothing going to stop us from completing our quest. I promise you I will live up to my destiny."
"Of that my boy I have no doubt. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Good luck Thundercats. May the gods watch over you," Jaga intoned before vanishing.
"So what are our orders your Majesty?"
"Same as before, we're going to resupply and set out to find the remaining two Stones of Power all while uniting the animals along the way. I know we can do it. Who's with me?" They all cheered in joy and agreement. A few hours later they left the Vultures home and were heading out to find the missing Stones. Ocelata sat besides Lion-O cradling his paw, content to be alive, but she knew that there were still dangers out there.
In the Heavens above; Panthera and Leo smiled and cuddled at the sight of Ocelata, finally happy and free of her past. She would make a great Queen for these new Cats and that she was going to hopefully lead a long life. Yet in their hearts they knew that trouble was brewing.
Far away in his temple Mumm-Ra studied the image of newly reborn Thundercat. He remembered this particular Cat, oh yes he did. "So, the Lord of the Thundercats has selected a queen has he? He has good taste, but even he isn't aware of the full potential she offers him. Enjoy you new life for now Ocelata, for soon you will be serving me and granting me the ultimate power!" Mumm-Ra cackled evilly along with his friends, the Ancient Spirits of Evil. The battle for Third Earth had just begun.