Author's note: ok, this was my first fanfic epic. Hope you like it. It was painstakingly written in the style of the original Thundercats episodes, so if you think it has lame moments, please remember that Thundercats had A LOT of lame moments, and I wanted to be true to the original. So then, I own nothing but Tabbirra, and if you wanna see pics of her, email me. Enjoy! =^_^=
ThunderCats: The Lost Battles
The Last Thunderian
Since the Thundercats had arrived on Third Earth, all the rainstorms had
always been light and pleasant, save those on the Darkside or concocted
magically. But, the storm that rolled over Cat's Lair that one spring night was
both natural and fierce. Panthro and Cheetara were working in the control room,
monitoring the damages from the freak storm. Snarf huddled in the window of the
meeting room, watching the hail bounce off the left paw of the lair. WillyKit
and WillyKat, as always, roamed the lair, looking for something to do. Lion-O
was at the Tower of Omens with Tigra, Bengali, Pumyra, Lynx-O, and Snarfer,
attempting to track a meteorite through the thick clouds and frequent lightning.
"Lair to Tower: where's this one headed * buzz *, Lion-O," called to
Panthro over the communication link that was obviously effected by the storm.
Lynx-O typed at his Braille-board for a moment and an image of the ball of
fire appeared on the main screen.
"Looks like * buzz-zap * on Hook Mountain. Don't these things ever land
anywhere else," Lion-O yelled over a crash of thunder, "Have you figured out
what it is yet?"
"Can't tell 'cause of this blasted storm. We'll have to * buzz * for it
to pass to get a * zap * scan."
"Panthro," Cheetara called from her station, "we've got trouble at the
berbil village. There's a lightning fire in the village-square."
"Dang blast it," Panthro growled; then pushed the intercom button, "Kit,
Kat, Snarf: get up to the control room."
The three arrived, in a hurry.
"Snarf what's wrong, Panthro," Snarf asked, sitting high on his tail.
"There's a fire in the berbil village," Cheetara explained, "we need you
to continue monitoring the storm while go put it out."
Kit and Kat, happy for something to do, dove into the seats at monitoring
stations. Snarf trudged over to the communication board and called Rober-Bear,
telling him that help was on the way. The thunder tank rumbled along, Panthro
at the driver's seat and Cheetara in the back. As always, I didn't take them
long to get to the berbil village.
Rober-Bear met them on the muddy road just inside the village barriers.
"Thank goodness you've come," came his sad, robotic voice, "the fire has
almost reached the candy fruit crops."
Panthro drove to the center of the town. The blaze roared, unaffected by
the pouring rain. Cheetara raised the hatch gun and fired a stream of icy water
at one of the burning buildings. The flames went out slowly, still fighting to
devour the peaceful creatures' homes. It was nearly sunrise when the flames
were ashes and the storm had passed.
"Panthro," it was WillyKit on the communicator, "Lion-O's on the com. line
for you. I'll put him through."
Panthro, who was chewing a piece of candy fruit Rober-Belle had given him,
jumped into the tank and picked up the receiver, "Go ahead, Lion-o."
"The meteorite has touched down a mile south of Snowman's castle.
Tigra, Bengali, and Pumyra are on their way to check it out."
"On our way," Panthro said, excited for something easy to do (he never
much cared for fire).
Cheetara jumped into the passenger seat, "Let's swing by the lair and pick
up a few cloaks and see if the kittens and Snarf want to come along."
A half an hour later, all except Snarf were on their way to Snowman's
castle. First thing they saw when they arrived on Hook Mountain was the winter
forests buried in snow.
"Obviously this snow slide was caused by the meteorite," Cheetara said as
they crossed the snow.
"There's the Thunder-strike," Panthro announced, "we can talk to
Snowman about the territorial damage after we inspect the meteorite."
They pulled up next to the Thunder-strike. The other three were already
setting up a towing beam. Bengali ran to the tank as Panthro parked it.
"Did Lion-O tell you," he asked excitedly.
"Tell us what," Kat asked.
Pumyra stepped forward, "The meteorite in 95% thundrilium."
"Another piece of Thundera," Cheetara asked, shocked.
"Yes," Tigra stated, "we have a tow beam ready. We can take it back to
the Lair and analyze it."
"You might have to wait awhile," Snowman said, approaching on
Snowmeow, "the storm that hit you all yesterday is approaching. The snow and
hail will be coming down too heavy to see through."
"We'll have to go around it," Panthro said, "if we leave the meteorite
through the storm, it will be buried. Engage the tow line, Bengali."
Snow was already falling when the tow beam had pulled the rock past the
surface of the ground. The thunder-strike flew ahead, east of the way to the
lair. The storm clouds were dark and low, and the lightning that had almost
burned the berbil village continued. The thunder-tank followed the thunder-
strike, in case the tow beam should fail.
It took them twice as long to reach the lair, but, by the time they got
there, Lion-O was waiting.
"I have the lab ready," he said over the communicator as soon as the
thunder-strike was in view, "dock in the hanger and we can move it from there."
They did as they were told, loading the rock onto the rolling platform.
Panthro parked the tank and ran to the hanger. He loved this kind of work. He,
Bengali, and Tigra moved the thundrilium down to the workshop, where Panthro ran
a thorough scan. In doing so, he found something he never expected.
"Lion-O, everyone," he called over the intercom, "get down here. I found
something you might want to see."
"What is it, Panthro," Lion-O asked after everyone had arrived.
"I ran a deeper scan on the thundrilium; I discovered what the other 5%
is. Three percent is steel. The other two is organic."
Everyone's jaws dropped.
"Organic," Pumyra asked, "you mean something's alive in there."
"Not necessarily," Tigra stated, "organic only means that it was at one
time alive. It could be anything from a flower to a grave."
"Well, let's find out," Lion-O said as he took out his sword, "Sword of
Omens: give me sight beyond sight.
"There's a suspension pod in there! And, there's some one inside of it.
We have to get her out!"
"Is she alive," Cheetara asked.
"I don't know," Lion-O said as he placed the sword in the claw shield,
"but we will get that thing out."
"We'll start on it right away," Panthro announced.
Lion-O did not sleep that night; no one did. Panthro and Tigra worked
through the night, slowly melting down the thundrilium. Bengali and Pumyra
returned to the Tower but the kept in constant contact. Snarf paced outside the
workroom door.
"Two days without sleep," Panthro growled as the sun rose, "I'm gonna need
a vacation after this."
It was well past noon before Tigra called everyone to the workroom. They
were all outside the door.
"Is it out," Kit asked anxiously.
"Yes, but we can't get it open," Panthro said, rubbing his forehead,
"We've tried just about everything. The only thing we can think of to do at
this point is to try the Sword of Omens."
Lion-O nodded.
They moved the pod to the main hall. There was too much equipment in the
workroom to try, for risk of an explosion. Lion-O stepped around the pod to
where the hinges were welded together. Unlike the pod that had transported him,
there was no window in the lid; the only way to see the passenger was with the
sword.
He drew the sword, aimed at the hinges and called the power. Sparks flew
in all direction, dancing around in a downpour of fire. Everyone stepped back
to avoid being singed, except Lion-O. It seemed to all of them that it took
forever before the power of the sword forced the lid off and threw it to the
floor.
Tigra stepped forward with his medical scanner. No one breathed.
"She's alive! In sleeping stasis, but alive," he yelled joyously.
All the Thundercats let out a sigh of relief and a call of triumph at the
same time. They rushed forward to see the sleeping stranger. She looked to be
not much older than sixteen, and her main fur color was a light gray with black
stripes. Her long black hair hung past her waist, with a blue stripe that ran
down the middle, and blue, curly locks at the end. Her strange, torn, purple
gown was obviously not that of a Thundercat, or one in training. On her belt
was a strange circle of medal that appeared to be a blade. By her black leather
boots sat a small leather pouch that moved as though it was alive.
Lion-O reached in and lifted her, carrying her to the medical lab.
Everyone followed, but Tigra would not let them enter the room. Lion-O paced as
Tigra filled a needle and gently pierced the skin of the stranger. Her emerald
eyes flew open and she leapt from the bed, taking her weapon from her belt.
Tears poured from her eyes as she backed into a corner prepared to throw her
round blade.
"Calm down, calm down," Lion-O said quietly, "we're not going to hurt you.
I am Lion-O; Lord of the Thundercats. Who are you?"
The child was confused and frightened and she threw her weapon like a
Frisbee. It bounced around the room, leaving deep gouges in the stone where it
hit, and returned to her hand. Tigra put his hand on Lion-O shoulder when he
started to approach the girl.
"Let's let Cheetara try to talk to her," he whispered, "she might be able
to calm her."
They backed slowly to the door and called Cheetara in, leaving when she
entered. The door whispered shut behind her and she sat down on the bed. The
child did not move.
"Hello," Cheetara said softly.
The child quickly wiped her tears. Cheetara beckoned her with a wave.
"I won't hurt you. I just want to talk. What is your name?"
"What have you done with Dragon," the girl asked, reaching to her belt
with her free hand.
"Who's Dragon," Cheetara asked sweetly.
"He's my companion, a snarfion," the girl took a step forward.
"A snarfion," Cheetara pondered, "I thought they were all extinct."
"He is the last one. He sleeps in a pouch on my belt. Where is it?"
Cheetara thought for a moment, "there was a pouch in the pod. Would you
like me to retrieve it?"
The girl nodded. Cheetara opened the door and ordered the kittens to get
the pouch and any other items that might be in the pod.
As they waited, she asked again, "what is your name?"
The girl thought for a moment, "Tabbirra."
"I am Cheetara. What clan are you?"
"My father was of the bengals and my mother, of the tabbies. You are ...
of the cheetahs?"
Cheetara nodded. The door whispered open and Kit and Kat walked in.
Tabbirra placed her weapon on the hook on her belt and snatched the pouch and a
necklace from the kittens. She quickly put on the necklace, checking the
emerald pedant, and put the pouch on her belt.
"Can I see the snarfion," Cheetara asked shyly.
Tabbirra thought about this for a moment as the kittens reluctantly left.
She reached into the pouch and pulled out a bundle of course fur. She whistled
loudly and the creature's weasel-like head perked up. Then, seeing no immediate
danger, he stretched his long wings and yawned, jumping onto Tabbirra's
shoulder.
"He is my guardian. I saved him from a frozen river when he was a pup,"
she said proudly.
"Amazing," Cheetara breathed, then cleared her throat, "so, how were you
able to get a suspension pod?"
"My uncle was a retired blacksmith and scientist. When Thundera started
to shake, he built a pod for me and my two cousins," she walked around the bed
Cheetara was sitting on, looking her over, "You're a Thundercat, aren't you?"
Cheetara nodded, "You are in Cat's Lair, on Third Earth."
"How did I get here," Tabbirra asked as Dragon flew to her waist and
climbed into his pouch-bed.
"We're not sure," Cheetara said, standing slowly, "we found your
suspension pod encased in a thundrilium meteorite. Panthro thinks that when the
planet exploded, your pod was surrounded by molten thundrilium and it
eventually ended up here."
Tabbirra shook her head, "this is too much."
"That's just the effects of cryo-sleep," Cheetara said, "it will wear off
and your head will be clearer then."
"Everyone is dead, aren't they," Tabbirra said, struggling to hold back
tears.
Cheetara walked to the door, "We don't know, I just don't think about it.
I'm going to have our doctor return, okay?"
Tabbirra nodded slowly, reaching into the pouch and petting Dragon.
"Tigra," Cheetara called through the door, "you can come in now."
Tigra stepped warily, stopping anyone from joining him. He needed to
avoid crowding the visitor.
"Tigra," Cheetara said, "This is Tabbirra."
Tigra bowed formally and walked over to his equipment table.
"Would you like Cheetara to stay," he asked as he checked her eyes.
She looked past him at Cheetara and nodded. Cheetara looked meaningfully
at the pouch as if to say, "he'll need to be checked too." Tabbirra pulled
Dragon out, who grumbled at being disturbed again.
"So," Tigra said, checking Dragons eyes, "this is a snarfion. I haven't
seen one since I was a cub."
Tabbirra sat silently.
"Are you in any pain," he asked, testing her reflexes.
"My head is a little foggy. Dragon's must be too," Tabbirra whispered.
"Yes," Tigra said, pressing a hypo-spray against her arm, "that's called
'cryo-sickness'; it will pass, this will help."
He reloaded the hypo-spray and pressed it against Dragon, who lifted his
head and nipped at the stranger. Tabbirra stood and walked around the room.
Dragon flew ahead of her, as though making sure every inch were safe, and
returned to her shoulder, cooing.
"Who was that with the sword," she asked, her mind clear of cobwebs years
old.
"That was Lion-O," Tigra stated, "shall I call him in?"
She nodded. Tigra left and Lion-O entered, without his sword. He bowed
and re-introduced himself.
"I am Tabbirra, my lord. I'm sorry I attacked you, I was rather startled
when I woke suddenly among strangers."
"What is that round weapon," Lion-O asked.
Tabbirra unhooked it and handed it to him, "it is called a chacraam. My
uncle made it for me when my father was teaching me how to hunt."
Lion-O examined it closely before handing it back to her, "it's beautiful.
Who is your friend?"
"This is Dragon, my guardian," she pet the creature and it grunted, "hmm
... he's hungry. I don't suppose candy-fruit grows on this planet?"
Snarf heard her and hopped into the room, "how does he like it prepared
snarf snarf?"
Tabbirra couldn't help but laugh, "raw, if you have it."
"And, what about you," Lion-O asked, "is there anything you need?"
She thought for a moment, "I think I'm hungry."
After a large meal of assorted berbil foods, Kit and Kat accompanied
Tabbirra outside for a breath of fresh air. The other cats met in the control
room and hooked up a com. link to the Tower.
"She seems to be a Thunderian, medically speaking," Tigra said.
"But, Mumm-ra has done that before," Cheetara interjected, "remember
Pum-ra?"
All those at the table cringed slightly at the memory.
"Who was Pum-ra," Bengali asked.
"An evil spell of Mumm-ra's," Panthro growled, "he turned himself into a
Thunderian and made his way into the Lair. He showed his true colors, though."
"We've never known Mumm-ra to try the same trick twice," Lion-O suggested,
"and, I think the sword would have shown me if Tabbirra wasn't what she seemed."
"Tabbirra," Lynx-O asked.
"That's her name," Lion-O answered.
Lynx-O seemed lost in thought for the rest of the discussion, but the
decision was clear. She would be on probation for a time, until they were sure
she was Thunderian, then they'd decide where to go from there.
Outside, Tabbirra, Kit, and Kat sat on the edge of the retracted
suspension bridge. Dragon flew about, sniffing various corners of the Lair.
Tabbirra inhaled the fresh air, "Third Earth, huh? Sure smells a lot like
Thundera to me."
The kittens sniffed the air and shrugged. They didn't remember how
Thundera smelled.
Kit stretched and yawned, "so, how old are you?"
"I am . . . was seventeen," Tabbirra said, "I don't know how old I am now;
I don't know how long I was in the suspension pod."
"What were you on Thundera," Kat asked, throwing a pebble into the
bottomless chasm.
"I was training to be a high priestess," Tabbirra scoffed, "but, I wanted
to be a hunter like my father. He was the greatest hunter in the clan, until he
... he was killed."
The kittens were silent. Tabbirra whistled and Dragon returned to her.
She stood and walked slowly into the Lair. Cheetara met her at the door,
leaning on her staff.
"Are you alright," she asked, noticing the tear in Tabbirra's eye.
"Yes. I just miss my father," Tabbirra sighed, petting Dragon.
Cheetara nodded and took her arm, "Come on, I'll take you to your room."
The bedchamber was the same as most of the others, but Tabbirra was too
exhausted to notice the decor. She lay back on the bed and fell immediately to
sleep, though it was the middle of the afternoon. The others also went to bed
early, setting the security perimeter alarm because no one could stay awake long
enough to stand watch. It was late in the morning when they woke as well, all
except for Cheetara and Panthro, who hadn't slept in two days.
"So," Snarf said as he served Tabbirra breakfast, "what temple did you
train at snarf snarf?"
Tabbirra picked at her food, "my mother's clan owned the Great Southern
Temple. It had been in the family since long before lasers were invented.
That's why Mother was so upset when I told her I wanted to be a warrior or
hunter instead of a priestess," she sighed.
"Why couldn't you be a rowl warrior?"
Dragon climbed from his pouch and began eating Tabbirra's food, "Mother
said it was an ancient family tradition for the oldest daughter to run the
temple. My father said that the tradition of warrior priestesses went back
farther, but he never said it in front of Mother," she mused on this for a
moment, "she was so set upon making me a lady-cat that she never noticed Father
was teaching me how to hunt."
Snarf remembered the task Lion-O had given him, "Say, Tabbirra, snarf
how good a huntress do you think you are?"
Tabbirra smiled as she thought about it, "well, I could take down a razor-
boar with my bare hands. Um . . . at times, I could outrun a unicorn. I can
hit a flea with my chacraam, and I can throw it to cut or to bump. I guess
that's moderate skills for some one my age."
"Have ever been in any kind of combat," Snarf said, sitting next to her.
She shook her head, "only with wild animals."
"Snarf do you have any special skills?"
"Do you always interrogate strangers?"
"Don't you know it's rude to answer a question with a rowl question?"
"Isn't that what you just did?"
They both laughed. Dragon had finished what was on the plate and sniffed
around the table for more food.
"Snarf he sure does eat a lot," Snarf said.
"Flying takes a lot of energy," she cleared her throat, "what am I allowed
to do around here?"
Snarf got up and walked to the door, "I'll have to ask Lion-O. For now
snarf, stay to either your room, the dining room, or the kitchen."
Snarf ran down the hall as soon as the door slid shut behind him. Lion-O
was waiting in the control room for some answers.
"Well," Lion-O said as Snarf entered.
Snarf told him everything Tabbirra told him.
"A warrior priestess, huh," Lion-O thought out loud, "do you trust her,
Snarf?"
"She's nice," he said surely, "but it seems like she's rowl hiding
something."
"What do you think it is," Lion-O asked.
"I don't know, but maybe Cheetara can find out. Tabbirra seems to like
her."
Tabbirra sat on the front steps of the Lair, throwing her chacraam so that
it bounced around and returned to her. Cheetara sat down next to her and took
out her staff. She twirled it around, for no reason other than there was
nothing better to do.
"What is classified as 'special skills'," Tabbirra asked, hooking the
round weapon to her belt.
"Well," Cheetara started, "I have a sixth sense. I can tell when some
one's in trouble or when something strange is going on. Tigra can create images
with his mind. Um . . . Lynx-O can navigate where . . . "
"Lynx-O," Tabbirra asked, surprised, "ol' Lynx-O's here?"
"You know him," Cheetara asked.
"He saved my family back on Thundera, when I was just a kitten. Our
temple had been burned down by the first Plundarian attack and we needed some
place to stay. Lynx-O let us stay with him and he helped rebuild the temple.
Then, when I began my . . . my training, he was one of my teachers," she
explained, "can I see him?"
Cheetara smiled, "I don't see why not. I'll get on the com. link and call
him over."
It wasn't very long before the Thunder-strike docked outside the Lair and
Lynx-O crossed the suspension bridge. Tabbirra ran to him and threw her arms
around him.
"Tabbirra," Lynx-O cried, "I can't believe it is you. How did you
survive?"
"Well, you know Father always called me the survivor of the family," she
said laughing, "come on in and I'll explain every . . . Lynx-O, what happened to
your eyes?"
Lynx-O smiled sweetly at her; he knew she was the real Tabbirra, "I lost
my sight in a fire the day Thundera exploded."
"And they've made you a Thundercat, too," she sighed, "and you always said
you were not a fighter."
"Will wonders never cease," Lynx-O said, making his way up the steps to
the Lair, "have you told the others about your practice?"
"No," she said, almost ashamed, "but, they seem to suspect something.
They keep asking me questions about my skills."
"They only want to know if you would make a good warrior."
Tabbirra shook her head, "what do they need another warrior for, it's not
like there are Plundarians here. Besides, I'm just a hunter, my skills wouldn't
even hold a flame to a Thundercat's."
Lynx-O smiled at the irony as they walked to the meeting room, where all
the other Thundercats (except Bengali and Snarfer, who were at the tower)
waited.
"What's going on, here," Tabbirra said, reaching for her chacraam.
Dragon stuck his head out of his pouch and growled.
"Calm down, Tabbirra," Lynx-O said, "they only want to talk to you."
She pet Dragon, calming him, but she remained on guard. Lion-O offered
her a chair and she reluctantly accepted.
"Lynx-O, is she who she says she is," Tigra asked.
"Yes," was all he said.
"Well then," Lion-O said, "welcome to Third Earth, Tabbirra. Sorry about
all the deception but we had to be sure you weren't a trick created by Mumm-ra,
the Lunatacs, or the Mutants."
Tabbirra sighed, "Oh man, there are Mutants here? No wonder you need
warriors. I still don't think that I have the skill for combat, though."
"Don't worry," Kit said.
"Yeah, we can train you," Kat finished.
"Yes," Tigra said, "we all can teach you something."
Snarf stood on his tail, "but first snarf, let's see what you can do."
She had no choice. They took her to a meadow in the middle of the unicorn
forest.
"What do they want me to do, Lynx-O," she whispered when they reached the
meadow.
"Just do your daily exercise," he said with a smile.
"Including my 'special skill' exercises? I don't think they'll be too
happy having a priestess-witch among them," she sighed.
"Never judge until you know," Lynx-O said, walking to the edge of the
field with the other Thundercats.
Tabbirra took a deep breath, "well, at least I get to have some fun."
She whistled loudly and Dragon flew from his pouch, as he always had on
Thundera, and landed on Lynx-O's shoulder. Tabbirra walked slowly over to the
trees at the side of the field and quickly climbed a vine. Once she reached
half its height, she unhooked her chacraam and threw it at the base of the vine,
then caught the weapon as it bounced back and the vine swung towards the field.
Just as it reached the highest she could swing it, she jumped from the vine and
landed in the tall grasses of a field.
A large unicorn raced through the field. Tabbirra was happy for a real
challenge. She ran ahead of the unicorn until it caught up with her. Then, she
grabbed its mane and jumped onto its back. The creature bucked and reared,
trying to throw her off, but she held tight. The unicorn raced again toward the
far end of the field. Tabbirra stood on the unicorn's back and back-flipped to
the ground just as it reached the trees.
She was sweating and out of breath from the race. She didn't think that
cryo-sleep would effect her endurance, but it did and she was slowing down.
She ran around doing various sharp turns and flips, to show off her agility. A
sharp breeze suddenly blew across the field. She turned to see a huge black
cloud soaring above the forest.
"A storm," Lion-O announced.
"The same one that hit two days ago," Tigra speculated, "the winds must
have reversed when the storm could not pass Fire Rock Mountain."
"I don't need this now," Tabbirra said out loud, "not in the middle of my
exercises. "
She stood still and raised one hand to the sky, "clouds of darkness,
sleet, and rain; upon this field you would cause pain. Winds of the north, heed
my words: cause this storm to disperse."
Tabbirra's feet left the ground and she soared on a warm wind as the
storm suddenly split and divided into many smaller, gray clouds. All except
Lynx-O stood amazed as Tabbirra landed in front of them.
"Amazing," Cheetara gasped.
"What . . . how did you do that," Lion-O stuttered.
"Like I said, I was born to be a priestess," Tabbirra panted, "and, like
most born-priestesses, I can control certain elements. I was learning to
command the weather when we lost Thundera."
"You did well, my child," Lynx-O said, placing a purring Dragon on
Tabbirra's shoulder.
She was too tired to respond. The exercise after so many years of
inactivity took more out of her than she had ever thought it would. Lynx-O,
with his acute senses, noticed this and carried her back to the Lair. To him,
she was the closest thing to a daughter he had ever had. Pumyra noticed this
and smiled. After spending so many years with him, she never knew him to have
any family. She felt that he needed a daughter.
The sun cast a golden glow on the Lair as they walked back inside, no one
speaking. Lynx-O took Tabbirra (sleeping by then) to her room and put her in
her bed. Dragon flew around Lynx-O's head until he pet him, and then the little
beast settled down on the bed next to his companion.
"Sleep well, little priestess," he said as he stepped out.
Cheetara stood at the door, "Lion-O's waiting for you. We'd all like to
know who she is."
"She is as she said," Lynx-O announced to the group as he entered the
conference room, "but, I fear the cryo-sleep has weakened her skills. It may
take time for her to redevelop them. Still, she would make an ideal
Thundercat."
"What exactly are her skills," Pumyra asked.
"Like any born-priestess," Lynx-O said, taking a sip from the goblet in
front of him, "she spent most of her life training to be just that. When her
mother found out that she had the natural power, she dedicated Tabbirra's life
to training in the magical arts. I was her trainer in discipline throughout it.
But, like most children, Tabbirra didn't want to be just what her mother wanted
her to be. So she began training with her father. She combined her magic
skills with her hunting skills and she became the best warrior of her clan
without ever going into battle."
"I recall hearing something about the priests of the Great Southern
Temple having magic powers," Panthro speculated, "I never believed it, though."
"All the priests and priestesses that are direct descendants of the four
great priests of Thundera inherit some of their magic," Lynx-O announced.
"But, can we trust her snarf snarf," Snarf asked from his window seat.
"I would," Lynx-O said, standing, "with my life."
"Well, then, are we all agreed," Lion-O asked.
Everyone agreed. Lynx-O was a good, smart man; so they all trust him with
their lives.
"So, then, it's official," Lion-O stated, raising the Sword of Omens, "we
will make Tabbirra a Thundercat as soon as she proves herself in battle."
"Do not be so presumptuous," Jaga said, appearing behind Lion-O.
"Jaga, what do you mean?"
"Have you asked the girl if she wants to be a Thundercat?"
Lion-O grimaced, "well, no. But, we . . ."
"Ask her, Lion-O, for if you do not, she will feel forced," Jaga said,
wrapping in his cloak and disappearing.
"Jaga wait," Lion-O cried.
"What did Jaga say," Pumyra asked.
Lion-O hung his head, "he said that we should ask Tabbirra if she wants to
be a Thundercat before we all decide for her."
"I shall ask her in the morning," Lynx-O announced.
Everyone knew better than to contradict him. So, the next morning, Lynx-
O and Tabbirra walked down the dirt road toward the forest of the warrior women.
Tabbirra had asked during breakfast what kind of people live on Third
Earth and the warrior women intrigued her. They had set out to meet Willa and
Naida.
"What am I to do here, Lynx-O," Tabbirra asked as they approached the
forest, "these Thundercats seem to expect something of me, but no one will tell
me what it is."
"You will be given a choice, child," Lynx-O said solemnly, "to be as you
are or the become a high warrior, a Thundercat."
Tabbirra stopped and sat on a stone, "that's not much of a choice,
teacher. Shall I be without purpose or have one ordered of me?"
Lynx-O settled down next her, as she pondered her few options, "what do
you suppose your father would do, Tabbirra?"
She sighed deeply, "he would do what was right, fight for it."
"Yes, as you know you must do, "Lynx-O stated, standing, "now, come on. I
am sure Willa is waiting for us."
Tabbirra buried her face in her hands, the white clouds in the blue sky
turning gray, mimicking her feelings. She was confused more than upset, and she
longed for some one to tell her what the answer was. The clouds above grew
darker and a light drizzle fell. Lynx-O knew how the weather responded to
Tabbirra's emotions and he returned to her.
"What is the matter, child," he asked, kneeling on the grass before her.
She sighed and a cool breezed passed, "I . . . I want to go home. I miss
Mother and Uncle Sabro and Kya and . . . and everyone. I feel so alone here.
Even the wind doesn't speak to me as it did on Thundera."
"You have me, Tabbirra," Lynx-O said, reaching for her hand, "and the
other Thundercats. They wish to welcome you into their home and hearts with
open arms. Let them."
She stood and a crack of thunder sounded through the air. She stood at
attention, for the thunder was a warning of danger for her. Lynx-O opened his
light shield and listened intently to the world around him.
Suddenly, Slithe leapt out of the bushes and tackled Lynx-O.
"You Thundercats don't need any more in your ranks, yessssss," he spat.
Tabbirra reached for her chacraam but Jackleman jumped her before she
could throw it.
"Looks like we'll get two birds with one stone, Slithe," he laughed.
Tabbirra kicked him off of her and quickly called upon the winds that
enabled her to fly to carry Jackleman away from her, which they did with great
ferocity.
She stood and threw her chacraam at a tree beside her; it bounced off and
slashed across Slithe's scaly back, distracting him as Lynx-O gently tapped a
particular spot on his back and the reptile fell limp.
Tabbirra help Lynx-O to his feet, "how'd I do," she panted.
"Very well, for some one who's never been in combat before," he said,
aiming his light shield at the sky as a signal to the other Thundercats.
Tabbirra stared at Slithe; there was something very familiar about him.
"It will take more than that to get rid of me," Jackelman said, running at
them again.
Tabbirra tossed him to the winds again without even turning around. The
storm in the sky was raging, without any rain, as she dug through her memory to
find where she knew the creature from.
Lynx-O took her arm, "unless you plan on dispersing this storm, we must
take shelter."
"Lynx-O, where do I know him from," she said, not moving.
"It does not matter now," he hollered over the raging winds, "now, come,
we must find shelter until the Thundercats arrive."
"' . . . until the Thundercats arrive,'" she repeated to herself; some one
else had said that to her, but not over raging wind, over raging flames.
Suddenly, the memory was there, crystal clear. Her mother's Temple was
burning down, she was helping put out the fire; she was only seven. A small
group of mutants sacked the burning building, taking everything valuable. But,
when they went for the solid thundrilium altar, Tabbirra had attacked their
reptilian leader. He had tried to kill her, but she had miraculously survived.
Her father tried to go after the reptile, but her mother had told him to wait
until the Thundercats arrived, that they would take care of everything.
"He's the one who burned the Temple and tried to kill me," she shouted to
Lynx-O as the memory surfaced.
Slithe woke up then and ran for the woods. Tabbirra raised her arms to
the black clouds and the wind lifted her high into the storm.
"Fire and lightning: strike with pain. Let my vengeance be thy name," she
screamed to the storm as Slithe fled.
A single bolt of lightning struck the ground just behind his tail as Lynx-
O tried desperately to attract her attention.
"Ball of lightning: follow my foe. Make him know the pain I know," she
called, and lightning struck the ground and rolled in a black, glowing ball
after Slithe.
The Thunderclaw landed behind Lynx-O and Pumyra and Cheetara got out.
"What's going on," Cheetara asked.
Lynx-O climbed into the ship, "I'll explain later. First, I must get to
Tabbirra."
Pumyra jumped into the driver's seat and began to ascend to the eye of the
storm where Tabbirra floated. The Hovercat landed by Cheetara and Lion-O got
out. He stared amazed at Tabbirra soaring in the storm, Slithe fleeing around
in circles with the ball lightning not far behind, and the Thunderclaw
attempting to fight the fierce winds to reach the girl.
"Tabbirra," Lynx-O called when they were as close as they were going to
get, "Tabbirra, stop this. Vengeance is not the answer. You know you must not
use your powers this way. Remember what I have taught you, child. Remember
what your father has taught you."
Tabbirra closed her eyes and the ball lightning exploded, throwing Slithe
unhurt into the forest. Tears streaked down her face as she and the Thunderclaw
landed by the others. She threw an uncaring hand to the sky and the harsh storm
disappeared.
Dragon, who had remained at the Lair when Tabbirra and Lynx-O had left,
jumped from Cheetara's shoulder where he had been sitting and flew to his
mistress, cuddling her neck.
"I'm sorry," she said when she could finally control her sobs, "I ... I
just ... I'm sorry."
"It's okay Tabbirra," Cheetara said, hugging the girl.
"We've all been there," Pumyra added, "we've all wanted revenge for a
crime committed."
"What did Slithe do to you to make you so angry," Lion-O asked.
Tabbirra stepped away from Cheetara and lowered the collar of her dress
slightly. Just below where the collar normally lay was a deep, long scar across
half of her chest.
"He burned down my family's temple, stole everything we had. And, when I
tried to stop him, he tried to kill me," she took a deep breath, "He and another
of his kind attacked us just now and I recognized him and lost control."
Lynx-O put his hand on her shoulder, "she did very well in combat up until
that point, Lion-O. Though I could not see her, I could sense her movements.
She never hesitated, never panicked."
"Well, Tabbirra," Lion-O said, "let's get you back to the Lair. We have
things to discuss."
He offered her a seat in the Hovercat but she refused.
"I think I'll fly back," she said, leaving the ground, "I have some
thinking to do."
By the time she landed at the Lair, all of the others were already waiting
for her in the conference room. She washed all the dust and tears off her face
before she joined them. Lion-O greeted her at the door and offered her a chair.
She preferred to sit on a small wind next to Lynx-O.
"Well, Tabbirra," he said, taking his seat, "have you decided if you would
like to join us, to join the Thundercats."
She closed her eyes for a moment, as if double-checking her decision,
"yes. I want to be a Thundercat. I want to fight for the right and defend the
weak. Besides, I've nothing better to do on this planet, do I?"
Everyone agreed heartily.
"Good," Lion-O said, then it's settled. You will be anointed tomorrow."
That night, Tabbirra sat on Cheetara's bed as they sewed her uniform.
"I don't see why I can't just wear my priestess robe and shorts like I
always do," Tabbirra complained as she pricked her finger with the needle
(again).
"If you're going to be part of the team, you should look like it.
Besides, the only difference between your usual clothes and this is the skirt
and the shorts."
Tabbirra yawned, "it's just so weird."
"What is?"
"I grew up thinking that it was impossible for a novice huntress to be
anything more than that. Now, here I an getting ready for my anointment as a
Thundercat," Tabbirra laughed, "if Mother could see me now ... "
"I'm sure she'd be very proud of you," Cheetara said, "now, you go on to
bed, I can finish this."
"Thank you, Cheetara," Tabbirra said from the doorway, "for everything."
Cheetara smiled in response. Tabbirra went on to her room. As soon as
she was there, Pumyra knocked on Cheetara's door.
"Come in," Cheetara said without looking up.
"So, what do you think about her," Pumyra asked after the door shut.
"She reminds me of me, when I was seventeen," Cheetara sighed, "scared of
her power and potential, but happy to be different. I think she'd make a
wonderful Thundercat. Why, what do you think about her?"
Pumyra shook her head, "I don't know. It's not that I don't like her,
because I do. But, still, there's ... something strange about Lynx-O whenever
she's around him. He suddenly acts less like a teacher (which is how I've
always known him to act), and more like a father. I guess I'm just not used to
it, that's all."
Cheetara smiled, "from what I sensed from him, she is like family to him.
He seems to love her like a daughter."
"Let's hope, for his sake, that she is still the sweet child he remembers
her to be," Pumyra said leaving, "good night, Cheetara."
"Good night," Cheetara responded.
Finally alone in silence, Cheetara thought about Pumyra, Lynx-O, and
Tabbirra.
"Could it be possible that Pumyra is jealous of Tabbirra's relationship
with Lynx-O," she thought to herself, "or is it truly genuine concern that she
is feeling and nothing else? Maybe some one she knows was hurt or betrayed by
some one they loved and she is just trying to protect Lynx-O. Oh well. If
Tabbirra is truly who we believe her to be, Pumyra will trust her, in time."
The next morning, everyone stood around the table when Tabbirra enter the
conference room in her uniform. The top of it was the same as the top of the
priestess robe, but it ended at the waist at a leather belt with an empty patch
on it. Beyond that were black leggings that looked of the same material as her
old shorts, and on her feet she wore purple leather boots. Around her neck, she
still wore her emerald pendent and, on her belt, hung the chacraam.
Lion-O walked over to her and drew the Sword of Omens.
"Tabbirra: do you swear to uphold the code of Thundera: justice, truth,
honor, loyalty? Do you swear to live your life by the code, and to obey the
code as long as you live?"
Tabbirra bowed, "I do so swear."
Lion-O aimed the sword at the empty patch on her belt and the Thundercat
insignia appeared.
"Welcome to Third Earth, Thundercat Tabbirra."
She let out a deep sigh and Dragon, who had been sleeping in the window,
flew over to her and perched on her shoulder.
Lion-O raised the sword, " Thunder . . . Thunder . . . Thunder . . ."
Everyone, including Tabbirra, finished the cry, "Thundercats Ho!"
ThunderCats: The Lost Battles
The Last Thunderian
Since the Thundercats had arrived on Third Earth, all the rainstorms had
always been light and pleasant, save those on the Darkside or concocted
magically. But, the storm that rolled over Cat's Lair that one spring night was
both natural and fierce. Panthro and Cheetara were working in the control room,
monitoring the damages from the freak storm. Snarf huddled in the window of the
meeting room, watching the hail bounce off the left paw of the lair. WillyKit
and WillyKat, as always, roamed the lair, looking for something to do. Lion-O
was at the Tower of Omens with Tigra, Bengali, Pumyra, Lynx-O, and Snarfer,
attempting to track a meteorite through the thick clouds and frequent lightning.
"Lair to Tower: where's this one headed * buzz *, Lion-O," called to
Panthro over the communication link that was obviously effected by the storm.
Lynx-O typed at his Braille-board for a moment and an image of the ball of
fire appeared on the main screen.
"Looks like * buzz-zap * on Hook Mountain. Don't these things ever land
anywhere else," Lion-O yelled over a crash of thunder, "Have you figured out
what it is yet?"
"Can't tell 'cause of this blasted storm. We'll have to * buzz * for it
to pass to get a * zap * scan."
"Panthro," Cheetara called from her station, "we've got trouble at the
berbil village. There's a lightning fire in the village-square."
"Dang blast it," Panthro growled; then pushed the intercom button, "Kit,
Kat, Snarf: get up to the control room."
The three arrived, in a hurry.
"Snarf what's wrong, Panthro," Snarf asked, sitting high on his tail.
"There's a fire in the berbil village," Cheetara explained, "we need you
to continue monitoring the storm while go put it out."
Kit and Kat, happy for something to do, dove into the seats at monitoring
stations. Snarf trudged over to the communication board and called Rober-Bear,
telling him that help was on the way. The thunder tank rumbled along, Panthro
at the driver's seat and Cheetara in the back. As always, I didn't take them
long to get to the berbil village.
Rober-Bear met them on the muddy road just inside the village barriers.
"Thank goodness you've come," came his sad, robotic voice, "the fire has
almost reached the candy fruit crops."
Panthro drove to the center of the town. The blaze roared, unaffected by
the pouring rain. Cheetara raised the hatch gun and fired a stream of icy water
at one of the burning buildings. The flames went out slowly, still fighting to
devour the peaceful creatures' homes. It was nearly sunrise when the flames
were ashes and the storm had passed.
"Panthro," it was WillyKit on the communicator, "Lion-O's on the com. line
for you. I'll put him through."
Panthro, who was chewing a piece of candy fruit Rober-Belle had given him,
jumped into the tank and picked up the receiver, "Go ahead, Lion-o."
"The meteorite has touched down a mile south of Snowman's castle.
Tigra, Bengali, and Pumyra are on their way to check it out."
"On our way," Panthro said, excited for something easy to do (he never
much cared for fire).
Cheetara jumped into the passenger seat, "Let's swing by the lair and pick
up a few cloaks and see if the kittens and Snarf want to come along."
A half an hour later, all except Snarf were on their way to Snowman's
castle. First thing they saw when they arrived on Hook Mountain was the winter
forests buried in snow.
"Obviously this snow slide was caused by the meteorite," Cheetara said as
they crossed the snow.
"There's the Thunder-strike," Panthro announced, "we can talk to
Snowman about the territorial damage after we inspect the meteorite."
They pulled up next to the Thunder-strike. The other three were already
setting up a towing beam. Bengali ran to the tank as Panthro parked it.
"Did Lion-O tell you," he asked excitedly.
"Tell us what," Kat asked.
Pumyra stepped forward, "The meteorite in 95% thundrilium."
"Another piece of Thundera," Cheetara asked, shocked.
"Yes," Tigra stated, "we have a tow beam ready. We can take it back to
the Lair and analyze it."
"You might have to wait awhile," Snowman said, approaching on
Snowmeow, "the storm that hit you all yesterday is approaching. The snow and
hail will be coming down too heavy to see through."
"We'll have to go around it," Panthro said, "if we leave the meteorite
through the storm, it will be buried. Engage the tow line, Bengali."
Snow was already falling when the tow beam had pulled the rock past the
surface of the ground. The thunder-strike flew ahead, east of the way to the
lair. The storm clouds were dark and low, and the lightning that had almost
burned the berbil village continued. The thunder-tank followed the thunder-
strike, in case the tow beam should fail.
It took them twice as long to reach the lair, but, by the time they got
there, Lion-O was waiting.
"I have the lab ready," he said over the communicator as soon as the
thunder-strike was in view, "dock in the hanger and we can move it from there."
They did as they were told, loading the rock onto the rolling platform.
Panthro parked the tank and ran to the hanger. He loved this kind of work. He,
Bengali, and Tigra moved the thundrilium down to the workshop, where Panthro ran
a thorough scan. In doing so, he found something he never expected.
"Lion-O, everyone," he called over the intercom, "get down here. I found
something you might want to see."
"What is it, Panthro," Lion-O asked after everyone had arrived.
"I ran a deeper scan on the thundrilium; I discovered what the other 5%
is. Three percent is steel. The other two is organic."
Everyone's jaws dropped.
"Organic," Pumyra asked, "you mean something's alive in there."
"Not necessarily," Tigra stated, "organic only means that it was at one
time alive. It could be anything from a flower to a grave."
"Well, let's find out," Lion-O said as he took out his sword, "Sword of
Omens: give me sight beyond sight.
"There's a suspension pod in there! And, there's some one inside of it.
We have to get her out!"
"Is she alive," Cheetara asked.
"I don't know," Lion-O said as he placed the sword in the claw shield,
"but we will get that thing out."
"We'll start on it right away," Panthro announced.
Lion-O did not sleep that night; no one did. Panthro and Tigra worked
through the night, slowly melting down the thundrilium. Bengali and Pumyra
returned to the Tower but the kept in constant contact. Snarf paced outside the
workroom door.
"Two days without sleep," Panthro growled as the sun rose, "I'm gonna need
a vacation after this."
It was well past noon before Tigra called everyone to the workroom. They
were all outside the door.
"Is it out," Kit asked anxiously.
"Yes, but we can't get it open," Panthro said, rubbing his forehead,
"We've tried just about everything. The only thing we can think of to do at
this point is to try the Sword of Omens."
Lion-O nodded.
They moved the pod to the main hall. There was too much equipment in the
workroom to try, for risk of an explosion. Lion-O stepped around the pod to
where the hinges were welded together. Unlike the pod that had transported him,
there was no window in the lid; the only way to see the passenger was with the
sword.
He drew the sword, aimed at the hinges and called the power. Sparks flew
in all direction, dancing around in a downpour of fire. Everyone stepped back
to avoid being singed, except Lion-O. It seemed to all of them that it took
forever before the power of the sword forced the lid off and threw it to the
floor.
Tigra stepped forward with his medical scanner. No one breathed.
"She's alive! In sleeping stasis, but alive," he yelled joyously.
All the Thundercats let out a sigh of relief and a call of triumph at the
same time. They rushed forward to see the sleeping stranger. She looked to be
not much older than sixteen, and her main fur color was a light gray with black
stripes. Her long black hair hung past her waist, with a blue stripe that ran
down the middle, and blue, curly locks at the end. Her strange, torn, purple
gown was obviously not that of a Thundercat, or one in training. On her belt
was a strange circle of medal that appeared to be a blade. By her black leather
boots sat a small leather pouch that moved as though it was alive.
Lion-O reached in and lifted her, carrying her to the medical lab.
Everyone followed, but Tigra would not let them enter the room. Lion-O paced as
Tigra filled a needle and gently pierced the skin of the stranger. Her emerald
eyes flew open and she leapt from the bed, taking her weapon from her belt.
Tears poured from her eyes as she backed into a corner prepared to throw her
round blade.
"Calm down, calm down," Lion-O said quietly, "we're not going to hurt you.
I am Lion-O; Lord of the Thundercats. Who are you?"
The child was confused and frightened and she threw her weapon like a
Frisbee. It bounced around the room, leaving deep gouges in the stone where it
hit, and returned to her hand. Tigra put his hand on Lion-O shoulder when he
started to approach the girl.
"Let's let Cheetara try to talk to her," he whispered, "she might be able
to calm her."
They backed slowly to the door and called Cheetara in, leaving when she
entered. The door whispered shut behind her and she sat down on the bed. The
child did not move.
"Hello," Cheetara said softly.
The child quickly wiped her tears. Cheetara beckoned her with a wave.
"I won't hurt you. I just want to talk. What is your name?"
"What have you done with Dragon," the girl asked, reaching to her belt
with her free hand.
"Who's Dragon," Cheetara asked sweetly.
"He's my companion, a snarfion," the girl took a step forward.
"A snarfion," Cheetara pondered, "I thought they were all extinct."
"He is the last one. He sleeps in a pouch on my belt. Where is it?"
Cheetara thought for a moment, "there was a pouch in the pod. Would you
like me to retrieve it?"
The girl nodded. Cheetara opened the door and ordered the kittens to get
the pouch and any other items that might be in the pod.
As they waited, she asked again, "what is your name?"
The girl thought for a moment, "Tabbirra."
"I am Cheetara. What clan are you?"
"My father was of the bengals and my mother, of the tabbies. You are ...
of the cheetahs?"
Cheetara nodded. The door whispered open and Kit and Kat walked in.
Tabbirra placed her weapon on the hook on her belt and snatched the pouch and a
necklace from the kittens. She quickly put on the necklace, checking the
emerald pedant, and put the pouch on her belt.
"Can I see the snarfion," Cheetara asked shyly.
Tabbirra thought about this for a moment as the kittens reluctantly left.
She reached into the pouch and pulled out a bundle of course fur. She whistled
loudly and the creature's weasel-like head perked up. Then, seeing no immediate
danger, he stretched his long wings and yawned, jumping onto Tabbirra's
shoulder.
"He is my guardian. I saved him from a frozen river when he was a pup,"
she said proudly.
"Amazing," Cheetara breathed, then cleared her throat, "so, how were you
able to get a suspension pod?"
"My uncle was a retired blacksmith and scientist. When Thundera started
to shake, he built a pod for me and my two cousins," she walked around the bed
Cheetara was sitting on, looking her over, "You're a Thundercat, aren't you?"
Cheetara nodded, "You are in Cat's Lair, on Third Earth."
"How did I get here," Tabbirra asked as Dragon flew to her waist and
climbed into his pouch-bed.
"We're not sure," Cheetara said, standing slowly, "we found your
suspension pod encased in a thundrilium meteorite. Panthro thinks that when the
planet exploded, your pod was surrounded by molten thundrilium and it
eventually ended up here."
Tabbirra shook her head, "this is too much."
"That's just the effects of cryo-sleep," Cheetara said, "it will wear off
and your head will be clearer then."
"Everyone is dead, aren't they," Tabbirra said, struggling to hold back
tears.
Cheetara walked to the door, "We don't know, I just don't think about it.
I'm going to have our doctor return, okay?"
Tabbirra nodded slowly, reaching into the pouch and petting Dragon.
"Tigra," Cheetara called through the door, "you can come in now."
Tigra stepped warily, stopping anyone from joining him. He needed to
avoid crowding the visitor.
"Tigra," Cheetara said, "This is Tabbirra."
Tigra bowed formally and walked over to his equipment table.
"Would you like Cheetara to stay," he asked as he checked her eyes.
She looked past him at Cheetara and nodded. Cheetara looked meaningfully
at the pouch as if to say, "he'll need to be checked too." Tabbirra pulled
Dragon out, who grumbled at being disturbed again.
"So," Tigra said, checking Dragons eyes, "this is a snarfion. I haven't
seen one since I was a cub."
Tabbirra sat silently.
"Are you in any pain," he asked, testing her reflexes.
"My head is a little foggy. Dragon's must be too," Tabbirra whispered.
"Yes," Tigra said, pressing a hypo-spray against her arm, "that's called
'cryo-sickness'; it will pass, this will help."
He reloaded the hypo-spray and pressed it against Dragon, who lifted his
head and nipped at the stranger. Tabbirra stood and walked around the room.
Dragon flew ahead of her, as though making sure every inch were safe, and
returned to her shoulder, cooing.
"Who was that with the sword," she asked, her mind clear of cobwebs years
old.
"That was Lion-O," Tigra stated, "shall I call him in?"
She nodded. Tigra left and Lion-O entered, without his sword. He bowed
and re-introduced himself.
"I am Tabbirra, my lord. I'm sorry I attacked you, I was rather startled
when I woke suddenly among strangers."
"What is that round weapon," Lion-O asked.
Tabbirra unhooked it and handed it to him, "it is called a chacraam. My
uncle made it for me when my father was teaching me how to hunt."
Lion-O examined it closely before handing it back to her, "it's beautiful.
Who is your friend?"
"This is Dragon, my guardian," she pet the creature and it grunted, "hmm
... he's hungry. I don't suppose candy-fruit grows on this planet?"
Snarf heard her and hopped into the room, "how does he like it prepared
snarf snarf?"
Tabbirra couldn't help but laugh, "raw, if you have it."
"And, what about you," Lion-O asked, "is there anything you need?"
She thought for a moment, "I think I'm hungry."
After a large meal of assorted berbil foods, Kit and Kat accompanied
Tabbirra outside for a breath of fresh air. The other cats met in the control
room and hooked up a com. link to the Tower.
"She seems to be a Thunderian, medically speaking," Tigra said.
"But, Mumm-ra has done that before," Cheetara interjected, "remember
Pum-ra?"
All those at the table cringed slightly at the memory.
"Who was Pum-ra," Bengali asked.
"An evil spell of Mumm-ra's," Panthro growled, "he turned himself into a
Thunderian and made his way into the Lair. He showed his true colors, though."
"We've never known Mumm-ra to try the same trick twice," Lion-O suggested,
"and, I think the sword would have shown me if Tabbirra wasn't what she seemed."
"Tabbirra," Lynx-O asked.
"That's her name," Lion-O answered.
Lynx-O seemed lost in thought for the rest of the discussion, but the
decision was clear. She would be on probation for a time, until they were sure
she was Thunderian, then they'd decide where to go from there.
Outside, Tabbirra, Kit, and Kat sat on the edge of the retracted
suspension bridge. Dragon flew about, sniffing various corners of the Lair.
Tabbirra inhaled the fresh air, "Third Earth, huh? Sure smells a lot like
Thundera to me."
The kittens sniffed the air and shrugged. They didn't remember how
Thundera smelled.
Kit stretched and yawned, "so, how old are you?"
"I am . . . was seventeen," Tabbirra said, "I don't know how old I am now;
I don't know how long I was in the suspension pod."
"What were you on Thundera," Kat asked, throwing a pebble into the
bottomless chasm.
"I was training to be a high priestess," Tabbirra scoffed, "but, I wanted
to be a hunter like my father. He was the greatest hunter in the clan, until he
... he was killed."
The kittens were silent. Tabbirra whistled and Dragon returned to her.
She stood and walked slowly into the Lair. Cheetara met her at the door,
leaning on her staff.
"Are you alright," she asked, noticing the tear in Tabbirra's eye.
"Yes. I just miss my father," Tabbirra sighed, petting Dragon.
Cheetara nodded and took her arm, "Come on, I'll take you to your room."
The bedchamber was the same as most of the others, but Tabbirra was too
exhausted to notice the decor. She lay back on the bed and fell immediately to
sleep, though it was the middle of the afternoon. The others also went to bed
early, setting the security perimeter alarm because no one could stay awake long
enough to stand watch. It was late in the morning when they woke as well, all
except for Cheetara and Panthro, who hadn't slept in two days.
"So," Snarf said as he served Tabbirra breakfast, "what temple did you
train at snarf snarf?"
Tabbirra picked at her food, "my mother's clan owned the Great Southern
Temple. It had been in the family since long before lasers were invented.
That's why Mother was so upset when I told her I wanted to be a warrior or
hunter instead of a priestess," she sighed.
"Why couldn't you be a rowl warrior?"
Dragon climbed from his pouch and began eating Tabbirra's food, "Mother
said it was an ancient family tradition for the oldest daughter to run the
temple. My father said that the tradition of warrior priestesses went back
farther, but he never said it in front of Mother," she mused on this for a
moment, "she was so set upon making me a lady-cat that she never noticed Father
was teaching me how to hunt."
Snarf remembered the task Lion-O had given him, "Say, Tabbirra, snarf
how good a huntress do you think you are?"
Tabbirra smiled as she thought about it, "well, I could take down a razor-
boar with my bare hands. Um . . . at times, I could outrun a unicorn. I can
hit a flea with my chacraam, and I can throw it to cut or to bump. I guess
that's moderate skills for some one my age."
"Have ever been in any kind of combat," Snarf said, sitting next to her.
She shook her head, "only with wild animals."
"Snarf do you have any special skills?"
"Do you always interrogate strangers?"
"Don't you know it's rude to answer a question with a rowl question?"
"Isn't that what you just did?"
They both laughed. Dragon had finished what was on the plate and sniffed
around the table for more food.
"Snarf he sure does eat a lot," Snarf said.
"Flying takes a lot of energy," she cleared her throat, "what am I allowed
to do around here?"
Snarf got up and walked to the door, "I'll have to ask Lion-O. For now
snarf, stay to either your room, the dining room, or the kitchen."
Snarf ran down the hall as soon as the door slid shut behind him. Lion-O
was waiting in the control room for some answers.
"Well," Lion-O said as Snarf entered.
Snarf told him everything Tabbirra told him.
"A warrior priestess, huh," Lion-O thought out loud, "do you trust her,
Snarf?"
"She's nice," he said surely, "but it seems like she's rowl hiding
something."
"What do you think it is," Lion-O asked.
"I don't know, but maybe Cheetara can find out. Tabbirra seems to like
her."
Tabbirra sat on the front steps of the Lair, throwing her chacraam so that
it bounced around and returned to her. Cheetara sat down next to her and took
out her staff. She twirled it around, for no reason other than there was
nothing better to do.
"What is classified as 'special skills'," Tabbirra asked, hooking the
round weapon to her belt.
"Well," Cheetara started, "I have a sixth sense. I can tell when some
one's in trouble or when something strange is going on. Tigra can create images
with his mind. Um . . . Lynx-O can navigate where . . . "
"Lynx-O," Tabbirra asked, surprised, "ol' Lynx-O's here?"
"You know him," Cheetara asked.
"He saved my family back on Thundera, when I was just a kitten. Our
temple had been burned down by the first Plundarian attack and we needed some
place to stay. Lynx-O let us stay with him and he helped rebuild the temple.
Then, when I began my . . . my training, he was one of my teachers," she
explained, "can I see him?"
Cheetara smiled, "I don't see why not. I'll get on the com. link and call
him over."
It wasn't very long before the Thunder-strike docked outside the Lair and
Lynx-O crossed the suspension bridge. Tabbirra ran to him and threw her arms
around him.
"Tabbirra," Lynx-O cried, "I can't believe it is you. How did you
survive?"
"Well, you know Father always called me the survivor of the family," she
said laughing, "come on in and I'll explain every . . . Lynx-O, what happened to
your eyes?"
Lynx-O smiled sweetly at her; he knew she was the real Tabbirra, "I lost
my sight in a fire the day Thundera exploded."
"And they've made you a Thundercat, too," she sighed, "and you always said
you were not a fighter."
"Will wonders never cease," Lynx-O said, making his way up the steps to
the Lair, "have you told the others about your practice?"
"No," she said, almost ashamed, "but, they seem to suspect something.
They keep asking me questions about my skills."
"They only want to know if you would make a good warrior."
Tabbirra shook her head, "what do they need another warrior for, it's not
like there are Plundarians here. Besides, I'm just a hunter, my skills wouldn't
even hold a flame to a Thundercat's."
Lynx-O smiled at the irony as they walked to the meeting room, where all
the other Thundercats (except Bengali and Snarfer, who were at the tower)
waited.
"What's going on, here," Tabbirra said, reaching for her chacraam.
Dragon stuck his head out of his pouch and growled.
"Calm down, Tabbirra," Lynx-O said, "they only want to talk to you."
She pet Dragon, calming him, but she remained on guard. Lion-O offered
her a chair and she reluctantly accepted.
"Lynx-O, is she who she says she is," Tigra asked.
"Yes," was all he said.
"Well then," Lion-O said, "welcome to Third Earth, Tabbirra. Sorry about
all the deception but we had to be sure you weren't a trick created by Mumm-ra,
the Lunatacs, or the Mutants."
Tabbirra sighed, "Oh man, there are Mutants here? No wonder you need
warriors. I still don't think that I have the skill for combat, though."
"Don't worry," Kit said.
"Yeah, we can train you," Kat finished.
"Yes," Tigra said, "we all can teach you something."
Snarf stood on his tail, "but first snarf, let's see what you can do."
She had no choice. They took her to a meadow in the middle of the unicorn
forest.
"What do they want me to do, Lynx-O," she whispered when they reached the
meadow.
"Just do your daily exercise," he said with a smile.
"Including my 'special skill' exercises? I don't think they'll be too
happy having a priestess-witch among them," she sighed.
"Never judge until you know," Lynx-O said, walking to the edge of the
field with the other Thundercats.
Tabbirra took a deep breath, "well, at least I get to have some fun."
She whistled loudly and Dragon flew from his pouch, as he always had on
Thundera, and landed on Lynx-O's shoulder. Tabbirra walked slowly over to the
trees at the side of the field and quickly climbed a vine. Once she reached
half its height, she unhooked her chacraam and threw it at the base of the vine,
then caught the weapon as it bounced back and the vine swung towards the field.
Just as it reached the highest she could swing it, she jumped from the vine and
landed in the tall grasses of a field.
A large unicorn raced through the field. Tabbirra was happy for a real
challenge. She ran ahead of the unicorn until it caught up with her. Then, she
grabbed its mane and jumped onto its back. The creature bucked and reared,
trying to throw her off, but she held tight. The unicorn raced again toward the
far end of the field. Tabbirra stood on the unicorn's back and back-flipped to
the ground just as it reached the trees.
She was sweating and out of breath from the race. She didn't think that
cryo-sleep would effect her endurance, but it did and she was slowing down.
She ran around doing various sharp turns and flips, to show off her agility. A
sharp breeze suddenly blew across the field. She turned to see a huge black
cloud soaring above the forest.
"A storm," Lion-O announced.
"The same one that hit two days ago," Tigra speculated, "the winds must
have reversed when the storm could not pass Fire Rock Mountain."
"I don't need this now," Tabbirra said out loud, "not in the middle of my
exercises. "
She stood still and raised one hand to the sky, "clouds of darkness,
sleet, and rain; upon this field you would cause pain. Winds of the north, heed
my words: cause this storm to disperse."
Tabbirra's feet left the ground and she soared on a warm wind as the
storm suddenly split and divided into many smaller, gray clouds. All except
Lynx-O stood amazed as Tabbirra landed in front of them.
"Amazing," Cheetara gasped.
"What . . . how did you do that," Lion-O stuttered.
"Like I said, I was born to be a priestess," Tabbirra panted, "and, like
most born-priestesses, I can control certain elements. I was learning to
command the weather when we lost Thundera."
"You did well, my child," Lynx-O said, placing a purring Dragon on
Tabbirra's shoulder.
She was too tired to respond. The exercise after so many years of
inactivity took more out of her than she had ever thought it would. Lynx-O,
with his acute senses, noticed this and carried her back to the Lair. To him,
she was the closest thing to a daughter he had ever had. Pumyra noticed this
and smiled. After spending so many years with him, she never knew him to have
any family. She felt that he needed a daughter.
The sun cast a golden glow on the Lair as they walked back inside, no one
speaking. Lynx-O took Tabbirra (sleeping by then) to her room and put her in
her bed. Dragon flew around Lynx-O's head until he pet him, and then the little
beast settled down on the bed next to his companion.
"Sleep well, little priestess," he said as he stepped out.
Cheetara stood at the door, "Lion-O's waiting for you. We'd all like to
know who she is."
"She is as she said," Lynx-O announced to the group as he entered the
conference room, "but, I fear the cryo-sleep has weakened her skills. It may
take time for her to redevelop them. Still, she would make an ideal
Thundercat."
"What exactly are her skills," Pumyra asked.
"Like any born-priestess," Lynx-O said, taking a sip from the goblet in
front of him, "she spent most of her life training to be just that. When her
mother found out that she had the natural power, she dedicated Tabbirra's life
to training in the magical arts. I was her trainer in discipline throughout it.
But, like most children, Tabbirra didn't want to be just what her mother wanted
her to be. So she began training with her father. She combined her magic
skills with her hunting skills and she became the best warrior of her clan
without ever going into battle."
"I recall hearing something about the priests of the Great Southern
Temple having magic powers," Panthro speculated, "I never believed it, though."
"All the priests and priestesses that are direct descendants of the four
great priests of Thundera inherit some of their magic," Lynx-O announced.
"But, can we trust her snarf snarf," Snarf asked from his window seat.
"I would," Lynx-O said, standing, "with my life."
"Well, then, are we all agreed," Lion-O asked.
Everyone agreed. Lynx-O was a good, smart man; so they all trust him with
their lives.
"So, then, it's official," Lion-O stated, raising the Sword of Omens, "we
will make Tabbirra a Thundercat as soon as she proves herself in battle."
"Do not be so presumptuous," Jaga said, appearing behind Lion-O.
"Jaga, what do you mean?"
"Have you asked the girl if she wants to be a Thundercat?"
Lion-O grimaced, "well, no. But, we . . ."
"Ask her, Lion-O, for if you do not, she will feel forced," Jaga said,
wrapping in his cloak and disappearing.
"Jaga wait," Lion-O cried.
"What did Jaga say," Pumyra asked.
Lion-O hung his head, "he said that we should ask Tabbirra if she wants to
be a Thundercat before we all decide for her."
"I shall ask her in the morning," Lynx-O announced.
Everyone knew better than to contradict him. So, the next morning, Lynx-
O and Tabbirra walked down the dirt road toward the forest of the warrior women.
Tabbirra had asked during breakfast what kind of people live on Third
Earth and the warrior women intrigued her. They had set out to meet Willa and
Naida.
"What am I to do here, Lynx-O," Tabbirra asked as they approached the
forest, "these Thundercats seem to expect something of me, but no one will tell
me what it is."
"You will be given a choice, child," Lynx-O said solemnly, "to be as you
are or the become a high warrior, a Thundercat."
Tabbirra stopped and sat on a stone, "that's not much of a choice,
teacher. Shall I be without purpose or have one ordered of me?"
Lynx-O settled down next her, as she pondered her few options, "what do
you suppose your father would do, Tabbirra?"
She sighed deeply, "he would do what was right, fight for it."
"Yes, as you know you must do, "Lynx-O stated, standing, "now, come on. I
am sure Willa is waiting for us."
Tabbirra buried her face in her hands, the white clouds in the blue sky
turning gray, mimicking her feelings. She was confused more than upset, and she
longed for some one to tell her what the answer was. The clouds above grew
darker and a light drizzle fell. Lynx-O knew how the weather responded to
Tabbirra's emotions and he returned to her.
"What is the matter, child," he asked, kneeling on the grass before her.
She sighed and a cool breezed passed, "I . . . I want to go home. I miss
Mother and Uncle Sabro and Kya and . . . and everyone. I feel so alone here.
Even the wind doesn't speak to me as it did on Thundera."
"You have me, Tabbirra," Lynx-O said, reaching for her hand, "and the
other Thundercats. They wish to welcome you into their home and hearts with
open arms. Let them."
She stood and a crack of thunder sounded through the air. She stood at
attention, for the thunder was a warning of danger for her. Lynx-O opened his
light shield and listened intently to the world around him.
Suddenly, Slithe leapt out of the bushes and tackled Lynx-O.
"You Thundercats don't need any more in your ranks, yessssss," he spat.
Tabbirra reached for her chacraam but Jackleman jumped her before she
could throw it.
"Looks like we'll get two birds with one stone, Slithe," he laughed.
Tabbirra kicked him off of her and quickly called upon the winds that
enabled her to fly to carry Jackleman away from her, which they did with great
ferocity.
She stood and threw her chacraam at a tree beside her; it bounced off and
slashed across Slithe's scaly back, distracting him as Lynx-O gently tapped a
particular spot on his back and the reptile fell limp.
Tabbirra help Lynx-O to his feet, "how'd I do," she panted.
"Very well, for some one who's never been in combat before," he said,
aiming his light shield at the sky as a signal to the other Thundercats.
Tabbirra stared at Slithe; there was something very familiar about him.
"It will take more than that to get rid of me," Jackelman said, running at
them again.
Tabbirra tossed him to the winds again without even turning around. The
storm in the sky was raging, without any rain, as she dug through her memory to
find where she knew the creature from.
Lynx-O took her arm, "unless you plan on dispersing this storm, we must
take shelter."
"Lynx-O, where do I know him from," she said, not moving.
"It does not matter now," he hollered over the raging winds, "now, come,
we must find shelter until the Thundercats arrive."
"' . . . until the Thundercats arrive,'" she repeated to herself; some one
else had said that to her, but not over raging wind, over raging flames.
Suddenly, the memory was there, crystal clear. Her mother's Temple was
burning down, she was helping put out the fire; she was only seven. A small
group of mutants sacked the burning building, taking everything valuable. But,
when they went for the solid thundrilium altar, Tabbirra had attacked their
reptilian leader. He had tried to kill her, but she had miraculously survived.
Her father tried to go after the reptile, but her mother had told him to wait
until the Thundercats arrived, that they would take care of everything.
"He's the one who burned the Temple and tried to kill me," she shouted to
Lynx-O as the memory surfaced.
Slithe woke up then and ran for the woods. Tabbirra raised her arms to
the black clouds and the wind lifted her high into the storm.
"Fire and lightning: strike with pain. Let my vengeance be thy name," she
screamed to the storm as Slithe fled.
A single bolt of lightning struck the ground just behind his tail as Lynx-
O tried desperately to attract her attention.
"Ball of lightning: follow my foe. Make him know the pain I know," she
called, and lightning struck the ground and rolled in a black, glowing ball
after Slithe.
The Thunderclaw landed behind Lynx-O and Pumyra and Cheetara got out.
"What's going on," Cheetara asked.
Lynx-O climbed into the ship, "I'll explain later. First, I must get to
Tabbirra."
Pumyra jumped into the driver's seat and began to ascend to the eye of the
storm where Tabbirra floated. The Hovercat landed by Cheetara and Lion-O got
out. He stared amazed at Tabbirra soaring in the storm, Slithe fleeing around
in circles with the ball lightning not far behind, and the Thunderclaw
attempting to fight the fierce winds to reach the girl.
"Tabbirra," Lynx-O called when they were as close as they were going to
get, "Tabbirra, stop this. Vengeance is not the answer. You know you must not
use your powers this way. Remember what I have taught you, child. Remember
what your father has taught you."
Tabbirra closed her eyes and the ball lightning exploded, throwing Slithe
unhurt into the forest. Tears streaked down her face as she and the Thunderclaw
landed by the others. She threw an uncaring hand to the sky and the harsh storm
disappeared.
Dragon, who had remained at the Lair when Tabbirra and Lynx-O had left,
jumped from Cheetara's shoulder where he had been sitting and flew to his
mistress, cuddling her neck.
"I'm sorry," she said when she could finally control her sobs, "I ... I
just ... I'm sorry."
"It's okay Tabbirra," Cheetara said, hugging the girl.
"We've all been there," Pumyra added, "we've all wanted revenge for a
crime committed."
"What did Slithe do to you to make you so angry," Lion-O asked.
Tabbirra stepped away from Cheetara and lowered the collar of her dress
slightly. Just below where the collar normally lay was a deep, long scar across
half of her chest.
"He burned down my family's temple, stole everything we had. And, when I
tried to stop him, he tried to kill me," she took a deep breath, "He and another
of his kind attacked us just now and I recognized him and lost control."
Lynx-O put his hand on her shoulder, "she did very well in combat up until
that point, Lion-O. Though I could not see her, I could sense her movements.
She never hesitated, never panicked."
"Well, Tabbirra," Lion-O said, "let's get you back to the Lair. We have
things to discuss."
He offered her a seat in the Hovercat but she refused.
"I think I'll fly back," she said, leaving the ground, "I have some
thinking to do."
By the time she landed at the Lair, all of the others were already waiting
for her in the conference room. She washed all the dust and tears off her face
before she joined them. Lion-O greeted her at the door and offered her a chair.
She preferred to sit on a small wind next to Lynx-O.
"Well, Tabbirra," he said, taking his seat, "have you decided if you would
like to join us, to join the Thundercats."
She closed her eyes for a moment, as if double-checking her decision,
"yes. I want to be a Thundercat. I want to fight for the right and defend the
weak. Besides, I've nothing better to do on this planet, do I?"
Everyone agreed heartily.
"Good," Lion-O said, then it's settled. You will be anointed tomorrow."
That night, Tabbirra sat on Cheetara's bed as they sewed her uniform.
"I don't see why I can't just wear my priestess robe and shorts like I
always do," Tabbirra complained as she pricked her finger with the needle
(again).
"If you're going to be part of the team, you should look like it.
Besides, the only difference between your usual clothes and this is the skirt
and the shorts."
Tabbirra yawned, "it's just so weird."
"What is?"
"I grew up thinking that it was impossible for a novice huntress to be
anything more than that. Now, here I an getting ready for my anointment as a
Thundercat," Tabbirra laughed, "if Mother could see me now ... "
"I'm sure she'd be very proud of you," Cheetara said, "now, you go on to
bed, I can finish this."
"Thank you, Cheetara," Tabbirra said from the doorway, "for everything."
Cheetara smiled in response. Tabbirra went on to her room. As soon as
she was there, Pumyra knocked on Cheetara's door.
"Come in," Cheetara said without looking up.
"So, what do you think about her," Pumyra asked after the door shut.
"She reminds me of me, when I was seventeen," Cheetara sighed, "scared of
her power and potential, but happy to be different. I think she'd make a
wonderful Thundercat. Why, what do you think about her?"
Pumyra shook her head, "I don't know. It's not that I don't like her,
because I do. But, still, there's ... something strange about Lynx-O whenever
she's around him. He suddenly acts less like a teacher (which is how I've
always known him to act), and more like a father. I guess I'm just not used to
it, that's all."
Cheetara smiled, "from what I sensed from him, she is like family to him.
He seems to love her like a daughter."
"Let's hope, for his sake, that she is still the sweet child he remembers
her to be," Pumyra said leaving, "good night, Cheetara."
"Good night," Cheetara responded.
Finally alone in silence, Cheetara thought about Pumyra, Lynx-O, and
Tabbirra.
"Could it be possible that Pumyra is jealous of Tabbirra's relationship
with Lynx-O," she thought to herself, "or is it truly genuine concern that she
is feeling and nothing else? Maybe some one she knows was hurt or betrayed by
some one they loved and she is just trying to protect Lynx-O. Oh well. If
Tabbirra is truly who we believe her to be, Pumyra will trust her, in time."
The next morning, everyone stood around the table when Tabbirra enter the
conference room in her uniform. The top of it was the same as the top of the
priestess robe, but it ended at the waist at a leather belt with an empty patch
on it. Beyond that were black leggings that looked of the same material as her
old shorts, and on her feet she wore purple leather boots. Around her neck, she
still wore her emerald pendent and, on her belt, hung the chacraam.
Lion-O walked over to her and drew the Sword of Omens.
"Tabbirra: do you swear to uphold the code of Thundera: justice, truth,
honor, loyalty? Do you swear to live your life by the code, and to obey the
code as long as you live?"
Tabbirra bowed, "I do so swear."
Lion-O aimed the sword at the empty patch on her belt and the Thundercat
insignia appeared.
"Welcome to Third Earth, Thundercat Tabbirra."
She let out a deep sigh and Dragon, who had been sleeping in the window,
flew over to her and perched on her shoulder.
Lion-O raised the sword, " Thunder . . . Thunder . . . Thunder . . ."
Everyone, including Tabbirra, finished the cry, "Thundercats Ho!"