Disclaimer: I don't own thundercats except my O.C's.
Trials of Lion-O, Part 2
Aideen groan in pain as her side kept pulsing from the pain. That though didn't matter at the moment. None of her pain matter as she just felt numb from the inside. She didn't think someone could hurt her again. She had promise to not let Julie or anyone get to her, let them see her upset. Seemed like fate loved to prove her wrong.
The girl tried to stand and groan in pain as she tried to get comfortable. The witches words kept ringing in the ears as if she was close to them. She didn't want to believe her but at the sometime she couldn't help but doubt. Everyone seemed to be hiding things from her, her brothers, mother, why wouldn't Isha as well. She tighten her eyes as she curled to get some warmth, the room seemed so cold.
After arriving to the black pyramid, the girl was brought to Mumm-Ra and Alchy who were waiting at the main room. Aideen had been cuffed again and was held by Kaynar and Addicus, both making sure to grab her tight, real tight. She was sure her arm was going to bruise or at least have their hands make on her arms. She didn't resist as she would only waist her energy. Instead she looked around her trying to think of how to get out. She was very attentive of her surroundings and how many solders where around. It wasn't going to make a different knowing how many where there as there could be more but at least she got a good idea of how many could be there.
Once inside the main room, she looked with wide eyes at the statues of the ancient Egyptian gods. She felt as if they were looking at her, at her every move. A chill ran down her body as she was lead close to the mummy. This place was dark and cold she wanted desperately to get out.
"Hmm?" the mummy turn as the generals approach them. Both witch and Mummy smirked at seeing the girl. "Ah, if it isn't the human girl. Well, done generals," Mumm-Ra praised as the girl was brought closer to him. She tried to get a way as his hand reached to touch her. Both generals tighten their hold making her whines at the pain, and stop her movement. Her eyes looked at the mummy as he touched her cheek. She felt disgusted at his touch. "Yes, I finally have you and the sword."
Alchy turn to the lizard, "Well, done. Perhaps your not as useless as I thought." The lizard was shock by her praise. The black witch walked to the girl and got closer to her, "Do you know who I am?" he asked. Aideens eyes widen then narrowed as the mummy removed his hand from her face and the black witch walked closer. A smirk spread on her face at the girls reaction, "So you do. Good, we final get to see each other." She grabbed one of her lose hairs examining it. "Your mother was very rude at not letting me see you. I have a right you know, we are family after all. All I wanted was to give you a blessing but she didn't let me."
"W-What?!" Aideen exclaimed from the witch's words. Family? She thought the black hair woman was lying but something in her eyes told her it wasn't a lie.
"Oh, what did my dear daughter not tell you?" Alchy question.
Aideen looked at her in confusion at what she had said, "Daughter?"
Alchy frowned and put a hand on her chest looking offended. "Yes, my dear- what was it you call her? Oh yeah, my dear Isha," she said. She touched her cheek as she tried to mask sadness, "Well, I thought she would have talk to you about me. I am your aunt after all." She glanced at Aideen her the look in her face made her smile with pleased. She was having fun shocking the girl. "Well, then let me introduce myself. Alchy, your aunt and your mothers sister- no scratch that. Your mothers twin sister."
Aideens face grew pale as she hear every word the witch said. "M-my mothers twin sister? She- she never said anything about having a sister," she stutter. Now she knew why she though the witch wasn't lying. Her face, even though she had dark hair, she could still see it. It was the same structure as her mothers. Her eyes even if they looked dark they still looked similar to her mothers.
Alchy caressed her cheek as she looked at her. "Well I'm not surprise there are many things she never told you, my dear," she stated then stood straight. "Take her to the cells. Make sure shes... comfortable before we begin the process."
With that Aideen was grabbed and taken to her cell, where she was pushed in and left alone.
Aideen buried her face in her knees, tears fell as she tighten her grip on her knees. It didn't matter the pain she felt, the pain of being betrayed again and lied to was to much for her. Her head throbbed with all the information she was told. Confusion, lies, and betrayal, everything was to much for her.
Outside the pyramid, the thundercats along with Isha laid down in the sand as they looked at the black pyramid. The human girl was worried about the cousin, but knew the best thing was to have a plan. Just by looking at the outside of the pyramid, she could already remember the bad memories. "Mumm-Ra's temple," cheetara breathe out, "It's even scarier than I thought."
"I nearly died in that pit thanks to Grune," panthro commented then looked at the tiger and cheetah besides him. "Sure, you want me to help us get in?" he looked back ahead, "Getting out was hard enough."
Tygra knew this was a dangerous mission but... he couldn't and wouldn't leave both the sword and Aideen in the hands of Mumm-Ra or that evil witch. One looked at Isha told him how worried she was as well. It surprised him that she hadn't taken off to find the girl on her own. Something told him she was afraid of something within the pyramid. "I don't like it either, general, but we have to get the sword of Omens back. And rescue Aideen," he replied.
The general didn't like it but he was right. He let out a heavy sigh, "There's an air shaft on the north side. Dangerous, but it your call.. king."
Tygra could fell the weight of that word on his shoulder. He observed the side of the black pyramid with the telescope. On it was a carved pyramid with lines to the side."We need to take out the guards," he whispered to the panther.
Panthro nodded before getting up. Isha looked up at the cats sudden move, she watched as the panther ran towards the guards. Her eyes moved to the tiger as she saw him lower his head.
"You okay?" cheetara asked. Isha looked ahead but listen to their conversation.
"I always told him that I should be king," Tygra began with a sorrowful voice. He turn to the side. "But I never wanted it like this."
"The only thing we can do now is finish the job he started," Cheetara replied. Standing up she followed the general.
Isha stood up ready to follow the others, the sooner they got Aideen out, the better. She was stop by her kind heart at seeing someone else down. "Don't worry about what happen but look forward and learn from your past," she advised then followed the others. Tygra looked at the girl leave before standing and following her.
As Wilykat got up and began to follow the others he turn, noticing his sister wasn't following. "Again?" he question, walking towards her. Snaff popped on top of the rock his sister was drawing on to see what the picture was. "This is, like, the tenth rock that you've drawn that on."
"If I don't leave him a trail, Lion-O will never be able to find us," Wilykit explained as she finished her drawing.
"Kit... Lion-O's gone" Wilykat said as he looked to the side.
Wilykit looked up from her drawing, "Didn't you learn anything from the elephants?" she question as she looked at him, her eyes full of hope. "Death is only the beginning. As long as Lion-O still has his soul, he has a chance. We have a chance." A smile appeared on her faces and her brother relaxes. Wilykit stood up and followed her brother as they ran to catch up with the others, Snarff right behind them. Perhaps she was right.
Back with the lion. Lion-O landed in the middle of the thundera throne room. He looked around wondering where he was. "Not the first time you've kept someone waiting in the throne room, your majesty," a familiar generals voice said. Lion-O look straight ahead where, the clone of panthro stood. His hand rested on an hourglass, "Stakes weren't so high when you were ditching sword lessons as a cub."
The lion made his way to him, "Back then I didn't want to be king, Panthro," he replied. "Guess I never thought I'd have to be." Truth be told he was regretting not having to attend all his lessons to be king, especially the important one's.
"No choice now, so let's see what you've picked up along the way," panthro said. He turn the hourglass around, the purple sand began to fall down. "This is a trial of strength. All you've got to do is get me out of this circle before the sand runs out." Both cats stood inside a circle that was marked at the center of the throne room.
"But you're three times my sizes!" Lion-O exclaimed. This was going to be a hard trial and he was beginning to dread it.
"Yeah, I noticed," panthro replied, he half turn and gestured to the running glass. "Better hurry, your majesty. I'm not getting any smaller."
Lion-O ran, jumped, and tried to kick him back but panthro grabbed his feet and push him back as if he weighted nothing. He hit the floor with a groan. The lion lifted his head, "These trials are going to kill me.. again." He stood up and tried to grab the panther by the waist, but the older cat hit him in the back with his hands. Lion-O kept on trying but when he got closer he was only hit or kicked away.
"Tick-tock, little king," panthro said.
Lion-O glanced at the hourglass as the sand almost ran out. He tried once more to push him back, but panthro stood straight and still not moving an inch. "This test is impossible. No one can get you out of this ring," he said.
"If that's what the king says, then it must be so," he replied then lifted him up and threw him on the ground.
"Wait a second," lion-O mutter as kneed down. He realize what the panther said, he stood up, "I am the king." He pointed to the panther, "And you're my subject, general. I order you to get out of this circle."
Panthro bowed, "As you wish, my king." He walked out of the circle just as the sand ran out.
"I thought this was gonna be a test of strength," the lion question with a smile at having won.
"It was," the general stated, "and your greatest strength is as a leader." He walked to him and handed him the key, "Try not to forget it."
Lion-O nodded understanding what the general said. He turn just as another door appeared, he inserted the key and the door expands. With one last glace at the general, the lion jumped into the portal.
The lizard soldier were all on guard making sure nothing got close to the pyramid. Letting anyone past was going to get them the wrath of the black witch and the new generals would sure punish them. Two lizards turn at a whoosh sound, a whip grappled itself around and tighten itself. A few other lizards turn only to be hit by cheetara who had used her speed.
Panthro grabbed the lizards and piled them on top of each other. "Nice work, general," Tygra praised. Panthro turned to the pyramid, he pressed his hand on a certain spot. A red light formed a circle, reveling the open button. The red light began to form a triangle shaped door. The door open reveling a dark hallway. Panthro appeared from the side to see if anyone was inside, the hall was empty.
"So far, so good," the general said.
"My plan may work after all," Tygra commented as they walked through the hallway. Just as he finish saying that the alarm was activated. Red light fill the room, the cats turn not knowing what to do.
A group of Lizards marched to them. "Whiskers," Tygra said.
Isha looked around then ran back to the corner, the others followed. If only she could remember this place she could show them around. Whenever she tried to remember this place it was full of unpleasant memories. Memories she wanted to forget.
Cheetara turn to the tiger, "Now what, king?" She asked.
Tygra looked down, not knowing what to do."Just...just let me think," he replied as he began to think of a plan to get rid of them.
"Don't worry, I've got them," wilykit said as she walked away from the wall. The lizards approached her their guns raised as they aimed at her. Wilykit took out her circle flute and began to play a peaceful melody. The lizards calmed down, their eyes and shoulder dropped. They were hypnotized by the music.
The cats took this time to ran past them. "Way to go, kit," Tygra praised as they walked past her. Kit followed, her melody ending as she rounded the corner.
The lizards head shot up, some blinked, other shook their heads not knowing what had happened. They kept on walking to the open door. There was nothing there, the first lizards turn to the others, "Just a false alarm," he informed, "Everyone return to your posts." The rest left as he turn to close the door and activate the alarm again.
Lion-O enter his next trial, the portal vanishing behind him. He turn to see tree roots at the center of water, "This looks familiar," he commented as he began to remember the arena.
"It should" his brother Tygra said from ahead of him. The tigers clone sat on a branch, "You lost to me enough times in this arena."
"I was a kid then," he stated as he looked up at him, "I'm stronger now."
"True," the tiger agreed, "but strength had nothing to do with it." He smirked down at him, "It was always the mental aspect of the game where I had the edge." Lion-O growled at him, his temper rising at his brothers explanation. "Let's see what you can do now. Beat me, and you'll get the final key and your life back," his hand extended were a lantern hand from the Tree branch. He then looked to the stands, "seems like someone's joining us as well." Lion-O turn to see Aideen sitting on the bleaches. After taking one look at her clothes he knew she was the one who have him his bevies test. Before he could say anything Tygra spoke, "came to see me win?"
Aideen rolled her eyes and smiled at him, "always have to do that, don't you? I just came here because I was bored."
Tygra smirked at her, "you know I'm right."
"Well see, " she replied before getting comfortable. Tygra looked down at the king who had his hand bowled into fists. He knew that was going to get to him.
The two cats stood at the bottom of the branches ready to start. Tygra glanced at his brother and lion-O did the same. He was surprised as the tiger smirk and began to climb the lion-O following soon after. Both cats stood side-by-side, the tiger vanish as lion-O tried to jump on him. Lion-O landed on a branch he turn, but not fast enough to see the tiger whip wraps around him. The lion fell lower and farther away from the tiger. Lion-O looked up to see the tiger smirking down at him. He vanish once again as lion-O began to climb once again faster to get to the top. He smiled as he got closer only to be hit on face and thrown down to the water. He emerged from the water, "You're gonna pay for that," he promised.
"There's the famous temper again," Tygra said.
Lion-O stood at the bottom of the branches and looked up, "I see where this is going," he said as he understood the trial. "This trial is about controlling my emotions. You always loved to make me mad."
"Because it was so easy," the tiger confessed.
"Because you wanted what I had," the lion-O said, his anger rising. "That's why you had to be better than me at everything," his words filled with anger as he scowl. "It was so everyone could see the crown was going to someone who didn't deserve it." He climb fasted, furious that everyone preferred Tygra over him. He jump ready to throw a punch only for the tiger to punch him instead.
"Maybe I thought I would be better king," the tiger admitted, "but I wasn't the only one."
"You think father believed it, too?" Lion-O shouted. He climbed again and attack the tiger but Tygra knew what was going to happen and vanish. Lion-O- missing the tiger- fell to the water once again.
"It wasn't father I was talking about," Tygra said as he stood next to the bell. "It was you. And it appears you still believe it." The lions eyes widen as the tiger ranged the bell.
He swam to the edge were Tygra was waiting for him. He climbed out, the tiger handed him a black key, "I'm sorry," he said. Lion-O glanced at Aideen who was looking at him with sad eyes. A portal open behind him, he walked towards it, inserted the key and watched it expand. He glanced one's more towards Aideen before jumping in.
Once lion-O was gone the tigers clone turn to Aideen, "what do you think?" he asked.
Aideen let out a deep breath, "not yet, but he is the best suited for it."
He gave her a smile, "Still did you have to appear as Aideen?" he asked but only received a smile from her.
Isha looked ahead as they walked through the pyramids air vent. The girl was beginning to doubt what they were going to do. They stop to look down from the air vents cover. Chanting was heard from down bellow. A circle of lizards with white robes surrounded the old mummy and his generals that stood at the center, the sword of Omens laid in front of them. "At long last, the king of the cats is dead, and the eye of Thundera will be mine once again," Mumm-Ra said with pleased. The human girl was no where in sight, making the older girl worry. "And this time, no spell will keep me from it. For within this walls, my power are immeasurable." He began to speak in an old tongue, the sword began to move in circles.
Wilykat moved to take a better look but couldn't see anything as he was to small. "I can't see anything. What's going on?" he asked the others.
"A thousand bad things, kids," panthro answer.
Cheetara turn to Tygra, "What do you want to do?" They all turn to him to wait for his orders.
"Drop in for a surprise attack," He replied with a serious tone.
The others looked at him in shock at his crazy idea, "And land in the middle of trouble?" panthro asked. Isha looked at him with a doubtful look. She had agreed to follow lion-O but not Tygra. And yet, she wasn't about to leave him. Even if she didn't like the tiger she wasn't about to abandon them.
"I think we should think of something better," Isha recommended with a soft voice. The tiger looked at her then turn back.
He stood up, "I know it's not a perfect plan," he replied then turn to the others, "but we owe it to Lion-O to try." With that he kicked the air vent cover and jumped down. "Thundercats, Ho!"
Isha looked down at him and let out a deep sigh. "Argh! Hes going to get us killed," she commented before standing and following after him. The rest of the thundercats jumped down.
Mumm-Ra looked up as the cats and human girl ran to them. "Keep them from the sword!" he order as the lizard circle disperse and began to fight against them. Isha tried to use her wind but the effect of the magic on the cuffs had not worn off. She growled and began to dodge the lizards, throwing kicks and punches at them. The thundercats defeated the rest of the lizards leaving the generals and Mumm-Ra.
"You were fools to come here," The mummy said before using magic to shock them. They shouted in pain before the thundercats fell to the ground unconscious. Isha fell to her knees breathing heavily. She looked at them before falling into darkness. "No more delays. Take them to the cells," he order as the lizard began to pick them up. "I'll deal with them once I destroy the sword." He pointed to one of the lizards, "tell the dark witch her daughter is here and to get the girl ready."
Wilykit open her eyes, "We bought him sometime," she mutter.
"Bought who sometime?" her brother asked as he felt weak. "There's no one coming to save us." The lizards move to grab the kitts and take them to their cell.
After a while the the human girl had no more tears left. She stayed curled up until voices reached her cell. Lifting her head up she looked ahead. Her eyes widen at seeing the rest of the thundercats. Using all her forces she stood up and walked closer to the forcefield door. She could already figure out what had happen and seeing them their meant their plans had fail.
"Look what we have here, princess," Adicus said as he walked the cats and human to their cell. Theirs heads turn to see Aideen glancing at them from her cell. The cats were glad to see her but at seeing her face pale they got worried especially the tiger.
"Aideen!" Isha exclaimed with a smile. One look from the younger girl made her frown, "Aideen?" The younger girl turn away, she whines as her side began to throb. Something was wrong Isha could tell, and so could the others.
Kaynar laughed at seeing the older girls depress expression. "Looks like she's not to please with you. Then again no one would be after you kept things from her."
Isha looked back at the girl and knew what had happen. Alchy told her everything- or at least the things she wanted her to know. "Well, then move it," Addicus said as he pushed the cats to the cell next to her. Aideen looked up to see them get pushed inside, talking her cousins cuffs off. The forcefield was activated soon after.
Aideen looked down she wasn't mad at Isha but rather confused. Why did they kept lying to her? Why couldn't anyone just say the truth? Her head shot up as she hear the clicking sound. Alchy stood a few feet from them. Her head turn from Aideens cell to Isha's.
The older girl looked back at her but not fearless as she usually looked at others. No, her eyes were full of fear that made Alchy smirk. The witch turn her head to the younger girls cell. She gestured to her, "Take her out. It's time."
Both Addicus and Kaynar did as told, they had learn not to disobey the witch or doubt her order. If their was someone who was as dangerous as Mumm-Ra it was her. Aideen didn't struggled as her arm was held tight and now was in more pain than before. They brought her close to the witch. She took her face in her hands and looked into her eyes, then looked at her headband. There were more cracks. She smiled with satisfaction. They turn to leave until..
"Wait!" Isha yelled making them turn to her. Alchy walked to the cell and stood a few inches from it. The cats watched at Isha took a step back, her eyes cast down not wanting to look at the witch. She clenched her hands and lifted her eyes to her cousin, then turn to see the witch. It had been a long time and she was still the same, if not, her gaze was far colder than before. "What do you want with her?"
Alchy smirked, "You know very well what," she replied, then let out a sigh, "although you did help. You know you shouldn't have kept secret from those you love. Then again you haven't change. You're just like me."
Isha clenched her dust tighter, her eyes narrowed and for a second she forgot her fear. She took a set closer to her, "I am not like you. Never were, never will be," she snarl, "I rather die than become like you."
The moment those words left her lips something in Alchy snapped. Her eyes narrowed and her lips curls up in a snarl. "You are my daughter whether you like it or not you have my blood running threw your veins. One way or another you still going to come me. That's why you were made."
The thundercats all looked at Isha then back at the witch. All of them now doubting the girl as she didn't deny being cold Alchys daughter. Before any of the could say anything Isha laughed, making them look at her in surprise.
It wasn't the usual happy laugh, it was a laugh without emotion. In that moment the happy cheerful girl was gone. Now ing from of Aideen and the thunders stood a girl they didn't recognised a girl whose eyes didn't reflect its usual cheerfulness and mischief. Her eyes were empty with nothing but sorrow. "Daughter? You're not my mother! You never were and never will be," she stated with hateful eyes. Achy clinched her fist tighter and stared down at her. She hates the look Isha wore.
In one second a forcefield separated the two, then Isha felt a sting in her cheek as her face turn the other way. "Isha!" Aideen yelled as she looked at her cousin. Achy had made an open in the forcefield and slap her. Her eyes becoming darker as her anger rise.
Isha turn back to look at her in surprise. It had been a long time sense she had gotten hit by her mother. Her small hand touched her cheek as she felt a sharp sting and liquid running down her cheek. Her hand touched warm blood as two scratches marked her cheek.
Alchy looked down at her hands, her sharp nails had small blood on them. She sigh and crossed her hands. "It seems you have change. You've become more rebellious. Before you used to do what I told you. You listen and didn't argue, if only it wasn't for her." Alchy uncrossed her arms and turn away from her, "Well that doesn't matter now. You're of no use. I'll deal with you later."
Isha looked at her then at Aideen who was still held by the two general's. She remembered the promise she made alone time. She couldn't let anything happen to Aideen, not after everything she had done to her. Her kindness and the bright smile she showed her when everyone else gave disgusting glares at her. When they mutter about her behind her back. When everyone called her a curse child one that should be dead. She had made a promise to Aideens father one she wanted to keep. That man showed her kindness and took care of her after she ran away from her mother. Both he and Aideen had cared for her even when no one else. When everyone else was afraid of her because of her mother, they weren't.
"I just wanted to chose my own future," Isha said as she looked down. Alchy stop walking her back to the girl. Even if she wanted to move her, her body wouldn't listen. "I didn't want to follow future you already had plans for mere. I didn't want to be like you or hurt Aideen." Words kept forming as she let her emotions take over her. Even if that would be the end of them. She wanted at least for Aideen to hear some of the truth so she could fight whatever her mother had in-store for her. "I promised to protect her from you. I promised my aunt and her father. Because unlike you they cared about me. I wasn't some stupid experiment to them!" She knew if she kept talking she would anger her mother. To her it didn't matter at that moment, "They were more of a family than you ever were. My aunt Valerie care for me as her own daughter. I may have your blood running threw my veins but you are not my mother. I had a mother and her name was Valerie."
Aideen looked at Isha as her word just confirmed her relationship with Alchy. The difference was that her world were fill with anger and sadness. She didn't understand what was going on but she did began to feel sad for her cousin. She had never seen that expression on her face. From the look in her face and the way her mother had hurt her, there was no doubt that Alchy didn't love Isha.
"You mean that mother that gave up on life?" Alchy asked as she turn around with a smirk on her face. "That mother that gave up on you and her children? You mean her. Oh my little Zamora. You never learn. I told you one, didn't I?" Apart of the forcefield expanded away as Alchy reached for Isha. The older girl tried to move away but was held down by a strap of metal that curled around her legs. Her mother must have made the metal bend underneath her rethought her noticing. Isha looked up as her mother grabbed her face, tightening her grip around her cheek. She whines as her cheek bleed from the nails that touch the wound. Her mother's eyes were darker than before but not to it's complete black. "You will always bring death to does around you. You were born from darkness. Made by dark magic. Both your blood father and I have darkness in our hearts. Wether you want to be good or not, darkness will always follow you."
With that she pushed her away. Isha fell to the ground as her mother looked down at her. Taking a deep breath she said the last thing she had in mind, "I'm sorry," she began making everyone look at her. Gathering all her courage she looked up and straight into her mother's eyes, " I'm sorry that Aideens father could never love you." Aideen eyes widen as she heard her father being mention. Alchy on the other hand was losing control of her anger. "But I don't blame him either, he knew just who you were. I'm happy, he never loved you and instead chose my aunt Irene."
Alchy raised her hand and shot a beam of lightning at her. Isha was thrown to the back metal wall. Her hand sting from the lighting. "Ahh!" Her whole hand hurt as she felt small electricity shot from the spot where the beam hit to her whole arm. Even with her jacket the lighting had stricken hard. And yet even when she was in pain, she just looked up and continue, "your not going to get what you want. You already fail one and you will fail again."
Alchys eyes turn black, her anger taking over her. "It seems you will need to be punished, again. Even with those scared on your back can you still not remember not to speak time like that. You still need to be punish for running away all those years." She waved her hand and a black whip appeared. Isha looked at it and remember her mother punishments. She clenched her fist not wanting to show any fear even though she was terrified at the moment. The other cats tried to move to help Isha but were frozen to the spot.
Before Alchy could get close to her she stop. She stayedstill and narrowed her eyes. Letting out a growl she made the whip vanish before turning around and walking towards the generals.
"Aw come on! It was just getting to the good part," kaynar whine. He was having fun watching the girl get hit.
Alchy turn to hem then glance at Isha. "You can have her after where done," she said before walking away.
Kaynar become excited at the knew, "oh the possibilities. What can u do first."
Aideen looked back at Alchy as they walked away from the cell room. "How can you sure that?! She's your daughter!" She exclaimed.
The black witch turn to her, "didn't you hear? She's nothing but an experiment. I didn't even go e birth to her. She was made to take the stone within you and turn it dark. She's nothing but a vessel. And now she's not needed anymore." She smirked at the girl, "but you shouldn't worry after all she did lie to you. Keeping the information of your father, who you are, and about your father hidden from you."
Aideen looked down debating whether she should be mad at her cousin or still have faith in her.
Lion-O fell out of the portal, landing in the same place he had appeared in after he had died. "You were deemed worthy of another chance, Lion-O," Jaga commented as he was standing by the feet of the cat statue. "That chance was given to you and you fail."
Lion-O got up looking up at him, "It can't end this way, Jaga. My mission. The other cats. They need me!" he protested.
"Mumm-Ra has taken them prisoner," he bowed his head down then looked up at him again. "He is going to use the eye of thundera to bring darkness down upon the entire world. Not to mention what the black witch, the one who killed Aideens mother, will do to Aideen how that she has gotten her hands on her. She plans on using the stone within her to rule the galaxy and give more power to the dark forces."
"Why are you telling me this if I can't do anything about it?" the lion growled in frustration. The thought of Aideen being used for the black witch purpose irritated him more. At the same time it worried him what would happen if she get what she wanted. "Jaga please. There must me a way to send me back. I'd give anything," desperation was heard on his voice.
"What do you have to give?" Jaga asked, "You've already lost your life."
"Then what about my soul?" the lion asked.
"Don't be foolish," Jaga replied with a calm voice, "Your soul is your most precious gift."
Lion-O looked down in thought then looked up at him again with determination. "If a king should be willing to sacrifice his life for his people, then why not his soul?" he stated.
Jagas eyes widen as seeing the determination in the lion eyes. "The spirit stone can return you to your body, but only until sunrise," he informed. He lifted his head high, "If you spend that time wisely, you may be able to save your friends."
"What happens at sunrise?"
"Your soul will depart this world and enter limbo, where it shall remain for all eternity" the wise cat answer.
Lion-O looked down in thought. His soul.. if he gave it up he would never return. He would never see them again. Was he willing to do that? His thought then wonder to Isha and Aideen. Both girl had faith in him as a king and as a friend. He wasn't about to let anyone of his friends die. That was the only thing that made him more sure of his decision. He had promise to protect Aideen and to not let anything happen to her. Looking up he said the word that closed his fate, "Deal."
"Are you sure you understand the consequence of returning to your earthly body?" Jaga asked. Lion-O nodded, he was going to save his friends even if it const him his soul. "Very well," the old cat waved his staff and lion-O disappeared in a bright light.
Back in the bottom of the lake, Lion-O return to his earthly body. He open his eyes and let out a breath. Looking down at the rocks, he turn to look at his gauntlet as the spirit stone began to glow. Light came out of it and lifted the rocks throwing them to the side. He got up and began to swim up to the surface, once out he took a deep breath. His attention turn to moon that had already rise on the sky. He turn to the cliff in front of him were holes from the blast had been imprinted. He let out a breath.
"Up again," he mutter, "Why is everything always up?" He turn at hearing an animals cry. A large dark color bird drooped down in the water and resurface with a fish in his mouth. The lion smirked as an idea form in his head. Lion-O lured another bird then grabbed onto one of his legs. The bird began to fly up not paying attention to the lion. "Maybe I'm finally learning my lessons." Once close enough to the path along the cliff, he let go of the bird. Landing safely he walked ahead trying to find any close to where the were taken. A black drawing caught his eyes, he crouch down to take a better look running his hand over the rock and across the picture. He stood up and began to run fallowing her other drawings. He was going to save his friends.
Isha had her head behind her legs, silent tears kept falling. The blood from her cheek had dried and the stinging in her arm stop leaving a numb sensation. Not that it matter. She couldn't keep her promise and Aideen was in danger. Her mother would get what she wanted and the whole galaxy would be in darkness. Aideen may even hate her for having kept all that information from her. Her grip tighten as more tears fell. She hates feeling helpless.
Wilykit stood in front of the forcefield her brother next to her as the rest of the thundercats looked out to the cell room. Cheetara turn to Tygra, after casting a glance at Isha. "If Mumm-Ra gets the eye of thundera, we won't be able to stop him. Not to mention that Aideen is in danger. Whatever that witch wants is not good."
Tygra walked to stand next to her. His mind was in conflict, "I don't know what to do Cheetara!" he exclaimed feeling frustrated. He turn his head away, his eyes landing on the older girl. He felt worried for her after seeing what she had gone threw. He turn back to the cheetah, "I questioned Lion-O's decisions, but in the end they always work out. Suddenly I'm charge, and we end up in here." Even if it was hard to accepted it, it was the truth.
Wilykit turn to the other, "Will you all stop worrying?" she said then turn back with her hand on her hips. "Lion-O will be here soon. He'll find a way to get the sword back and rescue Aideen."
Cheetara looked at kit with a sad expression, "Kit, Lion-O is-"
"He'll be here, Cheetara," she stated as she glanced back.
"Kit-" Tygra began then stop.
"He'll be here!" she repeated once more.
Isha looked up at the girl. Her eyes cast down as she hoped the girl was right and the lion had survived. If he did,then Aideen would be save.
Lion walked quietly past the lizards guarding the entrances, he climb the side wall and enter the open door. Coming to the corner he hid before checking for guards. Once clear her walked towards the cell room. He looked both ways before heading toward the cats, until he heard Kaynar's voice, "How much longer, Slithe? They smell so good."
The generals walked down a flight of stairs, neither one noticing Lion-O as he hid behind the wall of one of the open cells.
"Lord Mumm-Ra has pans for them," Slithe hissed as the other generals walked along him. "Do you want to tell him that you ate his playthings?"
"He's right, you know," Addicus agreed. They passed the cell lion-O was hiding behind but didn't notice him and kept on walking. "They do smell delicious."
"Ah, everything for Mumm-Ra," Kaynar complained then looked at the two as he got an idea, "Oh, I bet he wouldn't miss one of the kittens."
Addicus turn to him, " I should get the kittens you already have the girl."
Kaynar looked up in thought, "that's right. But what to do with her."
Lion-O walked out of the cell, right behind the generals, "Hello, generals," he said.
They turn and their eyes widen as the lion stood in front of them. "Lion-O?"
"We-we saw you die," Addicus said.
"Then your eyes must be as bad as your breath," Lion-O taunted as he walked backwards inside the open cell. The others followed after him, none noticing were they were walking into.
"Brave talk," Slithe began as the cat was almost touching the metal wall, "But without your sword, you're no match for any one of us."
"So, you want to do this the hard way?" the lion asked as his back touched the wall and the others surrounded him.
Addicus smirked as the cat was trapped, "Absolutely."
Once the generals were close enough, Lion-O jumped over the lizards and kicked both Jackal and Monkey in the face. As the generals fell on the floor, he ran out of the cell then activated the forcefeild. "To bad. I prefer the easy way," the lion stated as Addicus hit the forcefield only to get shock. They all glared at him as he turn and left.
Lion-O stood in front of the cats cell. He shut down the forcefield making the cats turn his way. "It can't be," Tygra said as he looked at his brother. Isha lifted her head up and was surprise to see the cat.
"Lion-O?" Asked wilykat as he stood up happy to see the young king.
"I told you he would come," Wilykit shouted as she got up and ran towards him.
"Yay!" her brother cheered as she followed her.
"I knew it! I knew it!" Wilykit repeated as both kits hugged the lion. Isha stood up while grabbing her arm, she walked to the cat her arm beginning to hurt again but less than nefore.
"If it wasn't for your markers, I never would have made it," the lion said as he looked down at the kits happy to see them. He looked up and smiled at Isha then looked at her in worry as he sow the wound on her cheek. She shook her head understanding the look of worry he had, she gave a smile assuring him she was okay. He turn back to the older general as he walked to him.
"It's good to see you, kid," Panthro said as he stood in front of him with a smile on his face.
Cheetara walked towards him with Tygra next to her, "How- how are you-"
"Long story, but we don't have much time," the lion replied. He looked around wondering where the girl is, but knew she would be with Alchy if she wasn't with the rest. "We have to get the sword back and rescue Aideen before its to late."
"It's a suicide mission," Panthro commented. "And we don't know where Aideen is. That witch came in and took her, who knows where."
He gave a nod of understanding, "You're telling me." He gave them a small smile, "I'd understand if you don't want to follow me in there."
Tygra looked at his brother and spoke, "We'd follow you anywhere... your majesty." Cheetara looked at him and gave a small smile. Both kits looked at one another before looking down at Snarf, they smiled.
Isha looked out, then thought about where she could have taken her cousin. She wasn't about to let her mother take the only person who ever cared for her. "Lion-O," she called as she turn to him, "I think I know where Aideen is but... the sword and her are in different places. I will go for my cousin and you guys can go get the sword. Well meet outside the pyramid."
Just as she turn to leave, Tygra grabbed her arm, "You can't go on your own! Look what she did to you."
Isha looked at him as she pulled her hand away. She knew he was right, her mother was more powerful than her and she couldn't kill her. Even if she was bad and had done horrible things she knew killing her mother was something she couldn't do. "Your right, but... you have your duty as thundercats. I have mine as a Shannen and.. as both Aideens cousin and that persons daughter." With that she turn and ran a different way. Even if she had to give her life up she was going to make sure Aideen was safe and away from the black witch. 'Besides, I have a feeling hes here. That guy always knows when something is wrong with Aideen."
"You just have to believe in yourself. I believe in you, I always will," a gentle voice repeated as darkness surround the young girl. She didn't know where she was, one second she was brought into a room and left alone with the black witch. Dark water was at the center of the room. In second a the girl was pushed into the water. She knew she was able to breath so she didn't worry about. Unfortunately after a few moments she felt as if the water was burning her trying to enter her body. It was the same feeling she had back when mumm-ran had attack Thundera. When he tried to turn her heart dark. Had tried to swim up but her body wouldn't move and within time she fell into darkness.
Now she stood surrounded by darkness dark deep voice kept reporting all the lies that she was told. They were knew unlike the other voices she hear, wanting to help her. This voices, kept telling her not to trust. That she would be betrayed and lie again and again. They kept trying to anger her at other. And it was working, until she heard that one voice. That gentle kind voice. The one that always assured her everything would be alright. That voice that calmed her down.
Aideen curled as she clenched her head wanting to make the voice leave and for that gentle voice to keep talking to her.
"Ah!" Isha yelled as she was thrown to the wall. After finding the place she didn't waste anytime to march in. She knew the risk of going in so sudden without a plan but she couldn't take it slow and wait. If Lion-O and the others got to mumm-ra she would only have a few minute to get Aideen before the other lizards walked in.
Now both daughter and mother fought. Or more like Isha tried to avoids all of her mother's blast of magic. Her magic had to still come back as the potion that was used on the cuffs had yet to wear off. She was surprise Julie wasn't with her or hadn't seen her.
Isha tried to get closer to the water and get Aideen out but Alchy was far stronger than she was. She dodged to the side and jumped up, avoiding another blast.
"You should just give up! You can't win. You can't even us your element," alchy stated with a sneer before sending another blast at her. This time Isha couldn't dodge and was sent to the wall again. With a groan she tried to stand only to be pinned on the ground by Alchys boot. She yell in pain as she was hit on the back.
Opening her eyes she looked up at her mother. Hate and frustration cleared in her eyes. Even if she could use her power, she would never be able to kill her.
"I've have enough of you! I made you and I will end you, now," she lifted her hand ready to strike the girl. Until she was pushed off the girl and send to the metal wall, far away from her. Isha looked to the side, a man cover in black with a helmet looked down a her.
"Are you okay?" The man asked. He helped her up before letting go once she was standing straight.
Isha's eyes widen, "you're-"
Lizar guards the metal door to the main room, where mumm-ra was doing his ritual. The cat looked from around the corner, lion-O turn to the general, "General the door, please."
"With pleasure, my king," the panther replied before extending his hand above the lizards and placing a bomb at the door. He activated it then move his hand away as the bomb began to count.
From the inside, Mumm-ra began to speak ancient words, a circle of lizards was form once again. He kept chanting until an explosion interrupted them. The lizards and old mummy turn as smoke clouded the entrance.
Lion-O ran out of the clouds and headed towards Mumm-Ra, "Thundercats, Ho!" The rest of the thundercats ran towards the lizards.
"No!" shouted the old mummy, "They must not break the circle!" But it was to late the other cats had already began to battle the lizards. Cheetara used her staff to hit them while Panthro punched them away. Tygra used his whip to knocked the other lizards. Lion-O walked to stand in front of the mummy.
"Mumm-Ra, you have something of mine," he stated.
"And without it, you will never defeat me," the mummy replied. Lion-O growled at his responses, anger by his words. "Ancient spirits of evil," lightning surrounds him as he began to transform, black wings spread behind him, "transform this decay form into Mumm-Ra the ever-living!" Once transformed Mumm-Ra shot a beam of lightning at him. Lion-O avoided them all as he moved back, avoiding the others who were fighting then did a back flip. He looked up and held his arm in front of him.
"You may have the sword of omens," he began as the stone began to glow, "but I still have the spirit stone, and I'm king of the thundercats!" He once again shot a beam of lightning at him, but the spirit stone protected him from getting strike. Lion-O held on as the force of the energy was pushing him back. He got up and ran to the side protecting himself from the attacks. He ran up the wall avoiding all the blast, then jumped and grabbed the sword that was floating on the small platform.
Mumm-ra saw him grab the sword, "No!" He yelled before marching towards him. As he got closer, Lion-O held the sword in front of him, the stone glowed and a beam of red lightning shot at him. The mummy tried to cover himself from the red light as it pushed him back. Then lion-O held his sword to the side and ran toward him, but Mumm-ra knew it he would be beaten. He turn and ran, then jumped in a whole that was underground. An alarm began to sound threw the pyramid alerting the other soldiers.
Panthro ran to lion-O and put a hand on his shoulder. "Forget him, Lion-O. We've gotta get out of here," he said as the others where already heading for the exit. Lizards began to march into the room, shooting at them.
Both Isha and the man took Aideen out of the water as Alchy was beginning regain conscious after being pushed to the wall. Red light lighted the room as the alarm began to ring. Both looked down at Aideen who hadn't woken up.
Isha stood up ready to fight If her mother got closer to them. The man stop her as he grabbed her wrist, "we don't have time. We need to get her out of here before the rest of the soldier come here." With that he grab the girl and left. Isha looked between the door and her mother, with a frustrated growl she ran after the man.
Alchy grabbed her head before looking up. She watched her daughter ran out. "No!" She yelled realizing Aideen must have been taken out of the water. She stood ready to follow after them before she was pulled back. She turn to look at her hand, her wrist had a cuff that kept her looked to the wall. She tried to pull her hand away but the cuff was well attached to the wall. "Damn it!"
The thunder cats looked at the pyramid. Both Isha and the mysteries man looked down at Aideen who had still to wake. They all had meet not far from the pyramid, once they saw the masked man Isha assured them he was on their side. They didn't question but decided to trust her. Now Aideen was fine but hadn't woken up . Cheetara turn to look at lion-O who stood in front of them. "Okay, Lion-O, I think it's time you told us what happen to you," she said.
Lion-O looked down with a sad expression. His eyes turn to Aideen who was now in the mans arms, standing next to him. "I'm sorry," he apologized as he turn to the other cats, "but I have to leave."
"Leave?" asked Wilykit confused from his words, "Why?" The spirit stone began to glow making the cats look at it and one another. Jaga's spirit appear in front of them.
"Because he has paid the ultimate price," Jaga responded
The cats watched as the sun began to rise from the horizon, "Sunrise," the lion mutter. His eyes narrow from the brightness, "I guess it time."
Jaga looked at him, "Time to use what you've learn to lead your people to victory as the reborn king of the thundercats."
Lion-O's eyes widen in surprise, "I can stay?" he asked then became confused, "How? The trials?"
"The trials were design to test more than your skill," Jaga began to explain. "They were design to test your heart," lion-O listen as he began to understand what was happening. "When you made the ultimate price to save your friends, you showed what it means to truly be a king." Jagas spirit vanish and the others looked at him as he turn to them.
"What trials?" asked Wilykit.
"Yeah, what trials?" Wilykat repeated.
Panthro looked at him with his arm cross, "Where have you been?"
"What did he mean by "ultimate sacrifice?" asked Cheetara.
Lion-O looked at him with his hands slightly raised, "I guess all start at the beginning. When I died," he said.
The man looked at the lion, "sorry, not to interrupt your reunion but we have to get away from here. I'm more than sure Alchy is not going to be quite happy at being interrupted especially when she was very close to get what she wanted." He looked down at Aideen, "we also need to make sure she's alright. We may have stop her but... That doesn't mean there wasn't some effect."
Lion-O looked down at her in worry. He already knew what Alchy wanted to with her. "Well be heading back to the tank and move to a different place. I'll tell you all what happen on the way there." The rest agreed with him.
Isha looked down with a sad expression. She turn to the man with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry." The cats looked at her with worry. Lion-O didn't know what happen but was worried as he hadn't seen her that upset.
The man looked at her, "why are you sorry? You didn't do anything." Isha looked up at him her eyes getting watery as tears feel down her cheek.
"She knows about your dad. I don't know what... Alchy told her. I'm sorry I promised you I would take care of her and yet.." She explained before looking down again.
The man looked down at her he could feel her frustration at letting her cousin get hurt. He didn't like it. Looking between the pyramid and the girl. Adjusting the girl in his arms, he moved one of his hands and touch the girls forehead with his fingers. Isha looked up at him as she touched her forehead. "You didn't do anything wrong. Some or later she was going to learn the truth. None of this is your fault. You rescued her and that's all that matters. For now we better leave before she gets here. We also need to treat your wounds before it get infected."
The girl gave a node as she whipped her eyes, "Thanks, Zane."
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