A/N: Sorry this took so long. I had to work a lot of overtime last week and couldn't write. Anyway, Enjoy! :)
Chapter 10
A flash of amazement was immediately followed by death as the first wave of Mutant ships exploded. Panthro's enhancement of hidden rocket launchers on the Feliner worked all too well and unfortunately it ruined the surprise. The second wave directly behind them opened up and shot at the Feliner trying to disable it. Lion-O quickly tried to maneuver the big vehicle. He had to get back to Cat's Lair to reload.
"All fighters protect the Feliner!" Tygra ordered over the radio. Ships and firing crews from the ground below aimed and fired. Explosions occurred left and right of the Feliner as the Lord of the ThunderCats brought it back to the Lair. Without so much as a word being spoken, the ThunderGuard members inside the Lair's hanger were reloading the ship's massive rocket chambers.
"Where is Hachiman?" Lion-O asked over the radio.
"He's preparing the ground troops in front of the Lair. We're running out of ships and an invasion is all too likely." Tygra replied.
"What is the status of our forces?" The Lord of the ThunderCats radioed the control room where Colonel Cougara was running the Lair's weapons.
"We have forty ships remaining in the skies, Lord Lion-O. We've lost thirty-five." The cougar responded.
"Shit." The lion cursed under his breath.
"The Evil Chasers are en route. They should be here within an hour." Mandora told him.
"If we have any Air Force left by then. This is my fault. I should have built up a large military force during peace time." Again Lion-O cursed himself.
"Feliner you are go for takeoff!" Came the shout from the floor. Quickly, Lion-O revved the engines and headed back out into the fray.
Sahara now sat next to her beloved pooch on Space Base six. He wasn't fairing much better and she looked like she was about to join him. For that Tyler was glad they were in the medical quarters.
"I'm worried about her." Leo whispered.
"Me too." Tyler sighed. The two sat only a few feet away from her but she hadn't even noticed they were there. The litah hadn't spoken much since they left the planet and he wondered what else was on her mind.
"Listen, we need to talk." The pumiger said, standing up and heading out into the hallway where Leo followed.
"You will be the next Lord of the ThunderCats and I need you to promise me something." Tyler him.
"Anything." Leo nodded.
"I need you to let me take care of Sahara. If duty calls, go. Don't worry about her. I'll take things from here." The pumiger had a determined look on his face.
"But she's my sister…" the young litah argued.
"One Thunderian is not as important as the entire race. You have to think big picture." Tyler pointed out. Leo knew he was right. They were slowly becoming the best of friends and the litah knew that despite being only one year older Tyler had already become an adult in the eyes of his father.
"I swear if anything happens to her…" the threat was issued and both knew what it meant.
"You have my word. Death before dishonor." Tyler didn't completely understand that but he'd heard Hachiman say it and it sounded cool. With a nod, Leo turned and left to find Pumyra. He needed an update on the battle for New Thundera.
To Be Continued…