Please Enjoy. I only own Snow, her staff and her culture/home. I would like to thank my big sister for letting me use her character.
I would like to thank Heart of the Demons and Lion-OSnow Ship for the reviews. Also I thought I would inform you I am going to be doing a sequel to this story.
Chapter 21: - What Lies Above (I)
The sun beat down on the dusty scrap ridden ground as I leant against one of the huge metal panels that scattered the area. After the Thundertank was destroyed, Panthro had been working none stop on trying to complete another mode of transportation. Luckily Tygra and Lion-O did managed to find some form of flying machine…identified by Jaga-Rae. The thought crossed my mind how Jaga-Rae knew of such a vehicle but that Jaguar was so full of mysteries that I decided not to ask.
As I thought about the mysteries of the world, my mind turned back to the other day where we met the Soul Severer. Once a man turned machine, he longed to be with his family. So much so that he kept their souls from moving on. When I thought about those shining lights in the glass jars, looking for a way out, I shivered. They must have been scared not knowing what was happening for so long, not being able to be heard. I shook my head trying to dispel the image from my head. But it was only replaced by the rampaging metal monster Tygra and the fight that ensued. If I was honest it was nice to finally beat the Tiger without consequences and it was quiet funny watching Jaga-Rae groan and whine about how she had decided not to come with us and miss out on everything that happened.
"Damn it! Kits! Mind where you splat!" Jaga-Rae cried out. I glanced over to see Jaga-Rae holding a large pile of metal, glaring up at the kittens. Next to her was a large splat of red paint.
"Sorry Rae," Kat called down to the glaring Jaguar. Jaga-Rae simply huffed and continued over to Panthro shoving the metal into the old general's arms. The kittens were currently painting the Thundercats' symbol onto the pristine white metal of the flying machine.
"I'd say we've done a pretty good job of putting this hunk of junk back together," Tygra stated from his position at the top of the machine where he was working with Lion-O. It still amazed me how quickly most of the Thundercats had learnt to handle Tech.
"You two decide on a name yet?" Cheetara questioned the kittens who peaked over the edge of the vehicle. My ears perked as I was interested in hearing the name of our new mode of transportation.
"Sure did," Kit confirmed, a cheery note to her voice. Apparently the kittens had, had quite the adventure in Dog City most of it involving a Kleptovoyant Racoon called Tookit and a magic bottomless bag.
"Say hello to the Feliner," Kat proclaimed the name of the flying machine.
"Hard to believe it's going to take us up there. Passed the cloud to where the Book of Omens says the Third Stone is," Lion-O admitted still feeling a little nervous about removing his feet from the ground.
"Believe it. You're the one who got us here," The Puma said. Then Lion-O's head was introduced to a rather large rock. I followed the rock's flight path to see a glaring and growling Jaga-Rae. I wished I had joined her attack on the princeling.
"Ow! Jaga-Rae!" Lion-O yelled out as he clutched his head whilst glaring at the Jaguar.
"Sorry I was aiming for the Puma," Jaga-Rae replied. Jaga-Rae stalked off carrying more metal for Panthro. I could agree with Jaga-Rae on her desire to hit the Puma. Ever since Pumyra kissed him Lion-O had been acting like a love-struck cub, making my anger rise a bit more to the surface than I liked.
After some more tinkering and fiddling about the Feliner was finally ready. After we assembled in the cockpit, Panthro started up the engine causing the thrusters to activate, the energy humming through every inch of the machine as if it was a living being. Lion-O, Panthro and Tygra sat at the front, whilst Cheetara sat behind Tygra and Pumyra and the kittens sat behind Lion-O, Jaga-Rae was on the floor lead down whilst I stared out at the junkyard that surrounded us.
"I got her humming now. Who wants to take her for a spin?" Panthro questioned, glee coursing through him as if his birthday had come early.
"You sure you know how to fly this thing Panthro?" Cheetara asked, worried about whether or not the Panther could truly fly this machine.
"If she's anything like the Thundertank, you've got nothing to worry about," Panthro tried to calm our nerves. But that statement just made me even more nervous. Panthro began to move the flying machine into the air at a steady pace. However the machine then began to bank from side to side incredible hard and fast, barely giving us enough time to hold onto something. Jaga-Rae slammed her bladed staff into the floor and simply allowed herself to spin in one spot looking completely relaxed.
"Ok so it isn't anything like the Thundertank," Panthro admitted as the machine even turn upside down. I swear if this continued any longer I was going to lose what little food I had.
"Are we really that high up?" Panthro questioned, fear laced his voice as he looked through the cockpit windows seeing the world soar past below us.
"Don't tell me you're scared of heights," Tygra pleaded with the Panther, annoyance evident in his voice. I had to agree first the Panther couldn't swim and now he was afraid of heights, I wondered if were there any other life threatening things he wanted to tell us about.
"I didn't know until just now," Panthro retorted burying his face into his hands.
"Oh Seraphina save me," I begged my ancestor wanting to escape from this tumbling nightmare. The plane then began to dive, twist and turn in a rapid and nauseating fashion. Everyone proclaimed that we were going to die even I was a bit nervous about our current predicament. Jaga-Rae on the other hand was as calm as the sea.
"So dramatic," Jaga-Rae stated as if she wasn't fazed by the nauseating movements of the machine. Suddenly we shot up into the air and actually steadied, lifting my head from my hand I saw that Tygra had taken the controls and was smoothly flying the plane as if he had done it all his life.
"There we go nothing to it," Tygra said confidently. I admit I was impressed that he had easily been able to control the machine that easily. Jaga-Rae raised her eyebrow at the tiger's ability whilst Cheetara questioned when he took flying lessons.
"Just feels natural," Tygra replied sounding confused yet relaxed at the same time. I remembered back to mine and Lion-O's trip into the past the Tiger's had been the pilots of Mumm-Ra's army. Lion-O openly stated this fact, I was simply glad that we had someone who could actually fly this contraction.
Gazing back out the window I saw the scenery below us… it was breath-taking. The vast expanse of all Third Earth's land could be seen as far as the eye could see. Barren deserts, lush forests, snow caped mountains and more decorated the area below us. It was like an artist had painted all these scenes into one portrait. I could hear the kittens calling out where we had been with excitement and wondering colouring their voices, I remained quite as I drank in the beauty of the world we were trying to save.
"Hey Jaga-Rae don't you want to look?" I questioned the Jaguar, who was stilled led on the floor holding her staff.
"Seen it once, seen it enough," Jaga-Rae responded, confusing me greatly. I wondered how she could have seen this sceptical before.
"Hey Jaga-Rae do you know what tall white peak is?" Kit asked. I looked over to see that she had pointed to a large, snow covered mountain range with one large peak reaching up high into the sky. Jaga-Rae stood up and walked over to the kittens and she looked out the window.
"That's the Ice Mountain range. Basically that's where Snow is from," Jaga-Rae stated and I could feel multiple eyes boring into me, making me rather uncomfortable.
"Jaga-Rae that's impossible the Ice Mountains are barren wastelands. Nothing can survive up there," Cheetara stated. Tygra voice his agreement whilst everyone else looked at her and me completely confused. Jaga-Rae glared at Cheetara.
"And how would you know that considering you have never been there yourself, your clericship," Jaga-Rae growled out at the cleric, causing her to visibly flinch.
"It's common knowledge. Anyone who goes up there dies," Tygra stated.
"Then I suppose I'm a ghost. I've been up there and lived," Jaga-Rae retorted silencing everyone else. I was glad that it was Jaga-Rae who defend her statement because I more than likely would have frozen the Cheetah's head.
"You lot forget that I've been exiled for many years. I've seen more of this place than any of you," Jaga-Rae stated before turning to look out the window again. Lion-O suggested for Tygra to take us above the clouds and so the machine began to ascend into the vast, seemingly endless skies. Everyone went to sit down except for me, Jaga-Rae and Pumyra.
"Jaga-Rae can I talk to you?" I heard the Puma question.
"There isn't really anywhere private for us to go Pumyra," Jaga-Rae stated. I could easily picture the Jaguar holding her arms.
"Well why don't we just talk quietly," Pumyra suggested. I was confused about her need to talk to Jaga-Rae.
"No promises," Jaga-Rae answered. I remained still curious as to what the Puma so desperately wanted to ask Jaga-Rae.
"You like Lion-O don't you," The Puma stated rather than asked. I felt my blood turn to ice. I knew Jaga-Rae cared for Lion-O but what if her feelings where deeper than any of us realised.
"I… like him… yes," Jaga-Rae answered, but her answer was unsteady and it sounded like she was unsure of herself.
"No I mean you like him," Pumyra said, putting emphasis on the like part of her statement. I could feel the anger and annoyance radiate off of Jaga-Rae in thundering waves.
"What if I do?" Jaga-Rae questioned, annoyance seeped into her tone.
"I'm just making sure, you know, knowing my competition and everything," Pumyra stated. I gritted my teeth to prevent myself from snapping at that arrogant, lying puma.
"Um-hum," Jaga-Rae hummed. I could hear the rhythmic clicking of Jaga-Rae's nails against her armour as she tried to control her own rage.
"Just so I know who I need to cut in half if they get in my way," Pumyra said, a dark edge to her voice. On pure instinct my hand flew to my staff gripping its' head ready to draw it if necessary. A deadly growl emanated from Jaga-Rae's throat and the hackles on my neck and arms stood on end at the danger that rolled off of the Jaguar.
"I'd like to see you try, Puma," Jaga-Rae warned. I could hear the deadly seriousness lining Jaga-Rae's tone. I turned slightly to see the brave Jaguar, she had just be threatened with death and she wasn't even shaken.
"Just don't get in my way, Jaguar," Pumyra stated. I heard the string of Pumyra's launcher being tightened. I felt a strange wave of magic crash over me but it seemed to appear from nowhere. My first thought was Mum-Ra but it couldn't be this magic was strong and protective yet kind and caring.
"Don't underestimate me Puma. I care for Lion-O deeply, I'll do anything to protect him. Anything to defend him. And if you think I'll stand by and let you use him as a toy you have another thing coming," Jaga-Rae replied. She then walked up to the Puma so that they were side by side "If you hurt him, I will kill you. I promise," Jaga-Rae added and she walked off. I then realised the cheery, childish Jaga-Rae I had seen was a fake this Jaga-Rae was the true one, and it was dangerous. Pumyra growled out and when to walk off but deciding to add another layer to Jaga-Rae's threat I spun around and seized her arm almost crushing the bone beneath it.
"I just heard word of that conversation Puma. If you hurt Lion-O, if you hurt anyone on this plane. I will destroy you," I spoke in a hushed tone my voice void of all emotion as I stared into the Puma's eyes.
"Whatever are you talking about Snow? I was simply discussing what we should do when we arrive with Jaga-Rae," The Puma responded, a coy smile on her face. She had spoken loud enough so that everyone looked at us. I forced a strain smile onto my face before putting my arm around her back and making sure my lips were by her ear before digging my claws into her back.
"If you betray lion-O you'll die," I stated before pulling away retaining my forced smile as I sat beside Jaga-Rae who made no move except a simple smile. During the two conversations we had risen high into the sky passing through a storm layer on the way. Before us was a large floating city, I couldn't believe that such a place existed but then who would seeing as how most beings had never been this higher up before.
"A city in the sky," Kit exclaimed as everyone but Jaga-Rae stared at the structure in wonder and amazement. Jaga-Rae on the other hand was completely uninterested suddenly she perked up.
"Oh you might want to hold on tight," Jaga-Rae warned. But it came too late for mere seconds after it spilled from Jaga-Rae a bright white light and vicious shaking attacked the plane.
"We're under attack," The Puma cried out as she stood up still clutching the wound I gave her. I rolled my eyes at her pathetically obvious statement, as I flung myself upward to a standing position.
"No those were warning shots," Lion-O corrected his current girlfriend.
"Warning or not if we don't do something were going to be blasted out of the sky," I told them. It was true many cultures launched warning attacks against those that might be hostile.
"Unidentified craft we will escort you to a landing. Failure to comply would be unwise," A voice warned us over a communication system.
"I'd take it if I were you. Birds aren't too happy when other species can fly amongst them," Jaga-Rae warned and Tygra for once actually listen to her and allowed the other planes to guide us towards the floating city. We were forced to land on a platform within the city and we left the plane.
"Be ready for anything," Lion-O warned us obviously still tense about the warning we had been sent. Suddenly we were surrounded by black feather birds wielding electrically charged spears. I had to literally grip my arm to restrain myself from lashing out at them but it didn't stop my hackles from rising up. However everyone else except for Jaga-Rae drew their weapons. Two birds walked up to us one was a short and stout pigeon Birdman wearing refined green robes. His companion was greatly different to him, he was a tall vulture Birdman wearing only a refined-looking purple kilt and a gold eye-like medallion with a red gem for its pupil around his neck and four gold bands on his arms. He was quite muscular in appearance, and he was mostly bald with a crooked beak.
"Look Horus flying Cats how quaint," The Vulture spoke obviously insulting us. Jaga-Rae stepped forward obviously unafraid of the armed Birdmen.
"Look everyone ugly bird," Jaga-Rae responded in a cheery insulting tone. The cocky smirk on the Vulture's face dropped the instant he saw Jaga-Rae.
"Well if it isn't the annoying Jaguar. I thought we got rid of you by throwing you out the garbage shoot," the Vulture bluntly stated not caring about the angry growl that rose in Panthro's throat.
"Yeah I'm like that I just keep coming back Vultaire," Jaga-Rae replied to the annoying Birdman. I had to admit Jaga-Rae was very brave insulting the Birdman whilst being surrounded by armed soldiers.
"I am Vultaire prefect of Avista City," The Vulture introduced himself crossing an arm across his chest so that it was parallel to the ground.
"And I am Lion-O Lord of the Thundercats," Lion-O responded to Vultaire introduction.
"It is our pleasure to welcome you to our home. Any Cats who manage to make it up here despite their limitations are to be our guests at dinner," Vultiare stated. Although I suspected that he wasn't really all that glad about having Cats on his city.
"We'd be honoured," Lion-O responded. I glanced at Jaga-Rae wanting to know what the Jaguar thought of this.
"Don't eat any of the food," Jaga-Rae advised me clearly having had experience with this situation before hand. We were lead through a city of wonder and technology and it was so open, it was quite different to my own home which was filled with rocks and hidden in a series of caverns. Flying machines glided through the air seemingly undeterred by the racing winds. The dining area was quite a way across from the platform we had landed on.
"This is truly a city of wonder Vultaire," Lion-O told the Birdman. His beautiful teal eyes gleamed in the bright sunlight that bounced off the metal and glass that was ever present in this floating city.
"As you can see in Avista technology provides for our every need. Now enjoy a sampling of our finest cuisine," Vultaire said. I thought about what he said, in my home technology was used for heating, sowing and growing crops whist here it was practically squandered. Looking down I glad that Jaga-Rae had warned me beforehand because all the food was… insects. I held down the bile that rose in my throat at the mere thought eating those crawling creatures. Now I know why Jaga-Rae told me not to eat the food.
Suddenly the kittens popped back up each holding a candy fruit. Jaga-Rae cleared her throat silent demanding candy fruit. The kittens glanced at each other before sneaky passing her one from under the table. Panthro attempted to ask for something but it didn't work.
"Everything looks so… fresh," Lion-O said sounding unsure of how to phrase his sentence without insulting the Birdmen.
"Enough with formalities Lion-O. We came here for a reason," Pumyra stated obviously having grown tired of us trying to diplomatic.
"Oh yes just jump in head first. Stupid Puma," I muttered under my breath so that she wouldn't hear me. Jaga-Rae was munching on her candy fruit a look of annoyance on her face.
"A Cat dispensing with manners. Shocking," Vultaire spoke flatly almost as if he had expected it.
"Pumyra if you haven't guessed the Birds take manners and politeness serious so please shut your trap," Jaga-Rae flatly informed the Puma who simply glared at her.
"Says the slouching child of a Cat," Vultaire threw back into Jaga-Rae's face. Jaga-Rae simply smiled and informed him they wouldn't get any manners from her. "Please illuminate me. What do you seek in our rarefied air? Wisdom? Culture? Elegance?" Vultaire questioned us. What he didn't know was that he was slowly annoying everyone due to the controlled expressions on my companions faces
"We know that you possess a Power Stone. We would be truly honoured if you would lend it to us," I spoke being the only one to remain calm in this situation with these aggravatingly annoying creatures. Silence descend on the dining table and I noticed that Jaga-Rae had covered her ears. Then instead of replying the Birds simply burst out laughing. I grit my teeth in bunch up my dress in my hand but otherwise my face was an impassive mask.
"Is that all?" Vultaire asked in a mocking tone "You may speak much prettier than the other Cats but still you are a Cat," Vultaire added on to his sentence. I remained still refusing to rise to his bait and lash out at the arrogant bird
"An evil has fallen over Third Earth, Mumm-Ra the Ever Living," Lion-O informed the prefect who seemed unconcerned with the danger that had presented itself.
"That is hardly our concern up here. We are quite literally above it all," Vultaire responded. Poring my thoughts correct he didn't care at all about the threat that Mumm-Ra posed even to his city.
"We already have the War and Spirit Stones. But only the four stones untied will stop Mumm-Ra," Lion-O attempted to persuade the Vulture. He rose to his feet and headed over to the window that looked out onto Avista.
"For centuries we've looked down and watched Cats rule through your War Stone. Seeing you pit nations against each other so that they might so that they may never rise against you. And now you tell me giving you our stone is the key to peace. I think we'll hold on to it. Thank you very much," Vultaire ranted. I leant my head in my hand only half listening to the stupid Vulture. It wasn't like I expected them to know of the Tribe we rarely left the mountains.
"And if Mumm-Ra attacks you," Lion-O argued with the prefect.
"While I'm sure he poses a grave threat to you Cats, remember we are superior to you in every way. And that is why the Birds will always own the skies," Vultaire boasted. I rolled my eyes at his statement. I knew that Liberty could probably talk circles around them if it came wisdom.
"And there's the Birds' Ego," Jaga-Rae stated in a bored tone, as she munched on the last of her candy fruit.
"That's it I've had enough of your condescending attitude. I bet you that stone that I could fly circles around you," Tygra challenged. I wanted slam my head against the table if only so that I would not see the mess we would get into next.
"I'd like to see this," Jaga-Rae said, obviously interested about the challenged that had been issued. Tygra's statement caused the Birds to begin laughing again. Cheetara attempted to get rid of the challenge and Vultaire agreed until he found out he would receive our two stone – well one stone and a half seeing as how they would have to kill me to get my staff – if he won. Lion-O attempted to stop the deal but Vultaire agreed.
"Tygra what are you doing, offering both our stones," I snapped at the Tiger once the Birds had cleared out.
"Snow Vultaire is greedy. If anything this deal couldn't have come at a better time. Tygra just has to learnt to fly circles," Jaga-Rae explained. I place my head in my hands and muttered a prayer to every god I knew of. "Either that or we could do the bet I usually do with him," Jaga-Rae added on.
"No Rae. I started this so I'll end it," Tygra said refusing to let Jaga-Rae do his work.
"Just don't crash and burn. We kind of need the only pilot we've got," Jaga-Rae told him, before walking out the room.
"If you lose I'm turning you into a toad," I told the tiger before following the Jaguar's lead and leaving the room.
*Thundercats*
After the race, I wanted to hit the Vulture. Tygra had won the race and yet we were still thrown into a room that was now our prison…I was not happy. Upon arrival, most of our weapons had been locked up. Mainly the Sword of Omens, which Vultaire was now claiming to be his since he (cheated) won the race. But Tygra's whip and gun along with Cheetara's staff and Pumyra's bolas had been taken. I managed to hide my staff under my cloak giving me a sense of hope that we might be able to do something. Panthro's arms were the only weapon he now held and the Bird's didn't think to disable them, so much for superiority. The only other Cat who held a weapon was Jaga-Rae, since the Birds could neither lift or drag the heavy bladed staff it remained on her back…only now it was bound with rope round her waist and her wrists were tied with cuffs so far advanced with technology I wondered how she would be able to break out of them. Both Kits were trying every tool they had trying to unlock the cuffs while Jaga-Rae merely sat on the stool.
The thought crossed my mind of how many times Jaga-Rae had been here for the birds to take such measures with just one Cat.
"Dammit. We can't crack these cuffs!" Kat exclaimed throwing a toll to the ground. I sighed wishing that the kits had managed to free her.
"Don't worry Kat. You just don't know Vultaire as well as I do," Jaga-Rae said before magically producing a small lock pick that was hidden inside her glove. The Jaguar unlocked her cuffs surprising all of us.
"How many times have you been here?" Tygra asked in astonishment whilst everyone silently stared at the Jaguar.
"Five or Six. How else do you think I knew how to fix that flier," Jaga-Rae stated as she cut the ropes biding her weapon. No one bothered to ask any more questions as we focused on our objective.
"We're so close," Lion-O mourned as he stared at the Book of Omens that pointed across from us. I was sad as well, if we couldn't get out, then Mumm-Ra would take the stone and rule over Third Earth with an iron fist.
"I say that if they won't give it to us then we take it," Pumyra yelled from her position beside Lion-O. I desperately wanted to throw the Puma off of the floating city at her cry.
"May be the Puma has a point. Vultaire won't give it to us as I said he's greedy," Jaga-Rae agreed. Everyone stared the Jaguar as if she had grown a second head "It's not that surprising that I'll agree with a good idea," Jaga-Rae snapped at us.
"Jaga-Rae, we're outnumber and most of us disarmed. How do you propose we take the stone," Cheetara pointed out.
"Simple, two of us aren't disarmed," Jaga-Rae replied confidence rolling off of her "Me and Snow will go and get the rest of the weapons whilst the rest of you head for the Tech Stone," Jaga-Rae explained. I blinked in confusion how she knew the name of the stone.
"How do you know which stone it is?" Lion-O asked also confused at her statement.
"They say that their knowledge came from the stone. Look at what they've accomplished, Technology. I'd have to say out of the three stones you've mentioned it's the Tech Stone," Jaga-Rae explained. I had to agree with her reasoning looking at the other races that held the stones. The Elephants who held the Spirit Stone were spiritually advanced whilst the Cats who held the War Stone were military advanced. The Birds who were technologically advanced mostly likely had a stone related to Tech.
After discussing how we were going to break out the Puma suggested that we leave via a window … Panthro vehemently refused. Pumyra seductively asked for orders. Then a nearby flower pot collided with Pumyra's head. I looked over at an innocent looking Jaga-Rae who explained she was simply admiring it when it 'slipped'. I silently thanked the Jaguar for stopping that damned Puma.
After finally persuading Panthro to come with us we all climbed out on to a ledge just under the window the Puma had broken with her launcher which she had discreetly hidden.
"If I remember where we are correctly. Where everyone's weapons should be is right over… there. You coming Snow?" Jaga-Rae glanced around before pointing out our destination. After placing a simply spell over the Book so that I could track it we sped off to the vault.
"Does this happen often when you're up here?" I questioned the Jaguar. Our speed allowed us to avoid being spotted by any of the Birdmen that were out and in our path.
"From time to time when they catch me," Jaga-Rae replied. I decided not to ask any more questions lest someone overheard us. We continued to run until yelling from high up broke out.
"The Cats have escaped! The Cats have escaped!" A Bird yelled out to others. I and Jaga-Rae stopped in an alleyway as many Birds had assembled right in our path.
"Where's the Jaguar?" Another Bird demanded an answer from the messenger Bird.
"She's not here either," The messenger replied, he looked flustered and ready to faint.
"I thought she was meant to be tied up," The other Bird snapped at the birds surrounding him.
"She broke out again," The messenger glumly stated. I looked at Jaga-Rae who flashed a cheeky grin before turning back to the conversation before us.
"I thought we improved them," The other Bird groaned almost as if he had been through this exact situation before. "Inform Horus! Inform Vultaire! The Jaguar is loose," He barked orders at the Birds who swiftly took off into the sky.
"Let's hope she doesn't take another flier," A Bird headed over to the one that barked orders.
"Let's hope she doesn't break into the armoury or the vaults," The other one said. Suddenly their faces paled as if they had seen death itself "Head to the vaults!" The Bird yelled out as they also scattered to the winds.
"Why would they go to the vault?" I questioned Jaga-Rae from our hiding position. Jaga-Rae smiled as she looked over a bush to check the surroundings, all seemed to be clear as the distant sounds of bird squawking grew ever fainter.
"Because I usually come up here to steal tech when I need it. How else do you think I dress so well?" Jaga-Rae offered. I couldn't help but to roll my eyes and smile. Jaga-Rae pulled me up before we both headed off in the direction of one of the…now well guarded areas.
We arrived at the armoury doors only to find that the door had a coded lock on it.
"Great I don't have any magic that can break a coded lock," I muttered before turning to Jaga-Rae. Only to see the Jaguar already hacking into the room "I can believe you half of the time. The other half I question your sanity," I told the Jaguar. She looked back at me whilst still typing away.
"What's wrong with being insane?" Jaga-Rae innocently question but I decided not to answer. The doors then hissed open as air was released. Inside the room was filled to the brim with advanced weaponry from spears and shields to guns of every shape and size.
"I'm guessing we're looking for the non-technological ones," I bluntly stated, realising that our companion's weapons bar Tygra's gun would stand out in this Tech-ridden room.
"Yeah. They're normally right at the back," Jaga-Rae informed me and she sped straight over there. Easily finding our weapons even the Sword of Omens and Tygra's gun, only to discover that they were behind an electrically charged, energy field. "Ah ha. I picked up something for this the last time I was here," Jaga-Rae announced once she had thought for a while about what to do. I simply gave her a flat look.
"You mean stole something," I stated crossing my arms at the Jaguar. She simply smiled at me.
"Exactly," Jaga-Rae said in a cheery tone. Then she began to… do something to the cage that held the weapons. I turned around waiting for someone to come into the room and discover our… illegal activities. Jaga-Rae made a sound of triumph and we swiftly loaded the weapons on. Jaga-Rae grabbed the Sword of Omens and the gun whilst I took, the whip, bolas and staff. After ensuring everything was strapped on I activated the spell and I saw that the others were standing outside a locked door but Pumyra was missing.
"Looks like the others are stuck, a locked door blocks their way," I told Jaga-Rae.
"Do I need to hack it?" Jaga-Rae questioned. I could feel the glee rolling off of her at the mere thought.
"Most likely," I replied. We then sped off as I used the spell to hunt the others down. We arrived outside the door causing everyone to jump since to them we simply appeared out of nowhere.
"Don't do that!" Tygra yelled clutching his hand to his heart.
"Considering I use to do it all the time to you when I was little. I'm still going to do it," Jaga-Rae retorted as we passed out the weapons "Where's trouble?" Jaga-Rae asked upon noticing that the Puma wasn't among the Thundercats. Her answer came where the Puma arrived dragging Vultaire with her by the neck.
"Well that's what I all being dragged by the neck," Jaga-Rae stated as we all stared at the duo in shock.
"At least the Jaguar has some manners," Vultaire complained to the rest of us. I didn't really feel any pity for him given what he had done to us.
"Pumyra what are you doing?" Lion-O questioned finally able to find his voice. I wanted to smash the Puma's head to pieces. Why are Third Earth did she think she could do things like this, treating other animals like dirt.
"We need passcodes, well this is our passcode," Pumyra replied as if it was obivious.
"And we're going to die," Jaga-Rae muttered from beside me and I had to agree with her. Vultaire would probably kill us the minute he got the opportunity.
"You're all a bunch of savages," Vultaire stated. Pumyra in response raise her claw in a menacing fashion.
"Now you being so refined and all, you do know how to open the door for a lady," Pumyra threatened. I snorted at her comment causing everyone to look at me.
"You're no lady," I told the Puma. Jaga-Rae seized Pumyra's wrist preventing her from making any more stupid moves.
"He's greedy not stupid. Vultaire just do what the Puma wants," Jaga-Rae told the prefect. Once the Puma released him, he went over to the door and entered the passcode… not noticing the Jaguar staring at it from behind his back. The door hissed open revealing a circular room, with a platform in the middle. A large console was off to one side whilst in the centre a pedestal held the circular green stone, with a circuit design on it. It seemed that Jaga-Rae was right it was the Tech Stone.
"Incredible," Cheetara whispered in awe, as we all stared at the device. However I felt that something was wrong almost as if there was a card that Vultaire had yet to play on us.
"You call us snobs yet the Cats have always looked down on others. Taking whatever they wished," Vultaire ranted as he also looked at the stone.
"That's how Cats were. But I've been working to change that," Lion-O retorted. I knew he was trying to change things but it would take a whole for some races to overcome their animosity towards the Thundercats.
"By stealing our stone," Vultaire stated. I wanted to rip his throat out, I had already explained that it was a temporary agreement.
"We're borrowing it. Once the stones are untied we'll be able to take down Mumm-Ra," Cheetara stated, an attempt to settle the Vulture's ruffled feathers.
"Did your feral minds ever stop to ask why the stone were scattered in the first place?" Vultaire questioned us. I gritted my teeth before stepping forward.
"Because the stones were too powerful for one race to have them all," I snapped at the Vulture seemingly surprising him "My people have not forgotten all of the old tales," I answered their unasked question.
"The Snow Leopard is right," Vultaire told them before pointing at the stone "Thousands of years ago after Mumm-Ra's ship crashed, his animal servants were free to inhabit Third Earth. The questioned remained what to do with the four stone of power. As the Snow Leopard said, it was agreed that one race having all was far too dangerous and so they were separated. Each stone was given to an animal race which would protect it, meaning that the strong would get stronger and the weak well we know what became of them. The Thundercats of course choose to keep the War Stone," Vultaire explained to the others who didn't know about this.
"And the birds took the Tech Stone," Lion-O stated, annoyance underlined his voice.
"Whilst the other animals feared and shunned Mumm-Ra's technology, we Avistans embraced the Tech Stone's powers and built all that you see here," Vultaire boasted to us. This only served to anger the hotheaded princeling even more.
"Let's unhook this thing and get out!" Lion-O ordered. However before anyone could move, Jaga-Rae was in front of the stone wielding her weapon blocking it.
"What are you doing?" The Puma demanded an answer from the Jaguar. I noticed that even Vultaire seemed surprised at Jaga-Rae's actions.
"The Tech Stone generates anti-gravity which keeps this city afloat," Jaga-Rae answered in an annoyed tone, everyone even Vultaire were surprised. But given that I knew she had stolen the Birdmen's Tech I knew she knew more about Tech than anyone did. "Isn't it obvious?" Jaga-Rae noticing the confused looks that were being sent her way.
"Meaning if we take…" Cheetara said leaving room for someone to answer her unasked question.
"Meaning it will only be moments before this places crashes to the ground like a rock," Vultaire answered. Everyone looked at each other, I placed a hand on Lion-O's shoulder and we both nodded. I was glad that despite the Puma's interference our connection had not weakened. As the Puma began to walk forward Lion-O grabbed her wrist.
"We can't," Lion-O told her. Jaga-Rae remained frozen to her guarding position not intending to move any time soon.
"But we have to," The Puma responded and she turned to face him "For our people," The Puma said. I knew it was an attempt to manipulate him, I just hoped he wouldn't fall for it.
"Mumm-Ra sacrificed a whole galaxy to get want he wanted. I won't do the same," Lion-O answered, leaving no room for argument from the Puma. I smiled glad that Lion-O was easily manipulated when it came to other people's lives. However Pumyra was not happy with that answer as she shoved Lion-O away from her
"If you won't make the tough choices I will," Pumyra declared and she charged for the Tech Stone. However she didn't get very close because her stomach was met with the back of Jaga-Rae's blade effectively knocking the Puma down. Jaga-Rae held the blade to her neck and stood over her growling.
"That wasn't necessary Jaguar. I had forgotten to turn off the electric shield that protects the Tech Stone. But thank you anyway," Vultaire explained. I rolled my eyes realising that my suspicions about the Vulture were true. Then alarms began to blare out and black Birds flew into the room surrounding us, on the ground and in the air, Horus also joined them.
"Now Horus take this trash including the Jaguar and throw them off this city," Vultaire said, as he shoved Jaga-Rae into Panthro. Jaga-Rae whipped around and growled at the backstabbing Vulture. Thanks to Jaga-Rae pushing the Puma to the ground, Pumyra had fallen unconscious.