Harbinger

by TC 2014

ThunderCats 2014 Season One - See profile or author(s) note for details. "A group of cats is drawn together and one of them has a secret, and a blade of sacred power. The heart of the world palpitates. Terror is growing. And the Harbinger, consumer of galaxies, is stirring again."

14. Chapter 14

TC is the property of WB and its affiliates. Any concepts not originating from the TC universe are the property of these creator(s) unless otherwise noted.

Characters will not completely resemble the 1985 rendition, nor the 2011 rendition. This is a reimagining of the Thundercats series as a whole and not entirely based on either series. Nor is it based on any other fan work. The creator(s) of this work reserve the right not to answer any questions or respond to any reviews. This is meant to mimic a professional work and will be conducted as such.

Greetings to our readers. We hope you've had a pleasant hiatus. We appreciate your kind words and patience. It is for this reason we've decided to upload this just a smidge early. Enjoy.

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Episode 14

Sorcerer's Thrall, Part 1

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"I count over three hundred monkians. Most of them are thick-furred, so the temperature doesn't bother them. I have no idea if they're Mutants or not." Tygra shifted on the rock and exhaled. "Look at them. They're a real armed force. Think they're part of the Alliance?"

"Probably. They know formations." Panthro scanned the area once more, lip curling. He pointed further out, on a stony outcrop. "I don't see Thunderan soldiers, and there's the outpost they were supposed to be in. If they're holed up in the caverns, why aren't the monkians entering?"

Tygra detested the cold – the sole saving grace for the north was the fact that there were virtually zero spiders – but he could operate well in it due his thick tiger fur. The scraping feeling of the cold rock was worse. "They might have sealed the way. Not to mention cats can see better in the dark than simians, so they have an advantage. My question is how can we get them out, or at least communicate with them?"

Cheetara peered over the rocks. They had progressed down the path enough to get a better view of the warriors, and the road followed the line of a cliff. They were concealed well here, but dared not move much for fear of causing a rock slide. The kittens both sat in the passenger seat, whispering to each other. Snarf was poking around for something and Lion-O went over to help him. "Panthro, do Thunderan units carry communicators?"

"A few groups have been sent to various places by the king to observe what's going on and report about the trade, so they should have some kind of portable communicator. But that was almost a year ago now. The Luna have been jamming communications within their land, maybe for months in areas near drug hubs." Panthro looked up as Snarf grunted. "What're you looking for?" he asked.

"The messenger. It's in here, right?" Lion-O went to the trunk and removed it, taking it to Snarf with shivering fingers. He didn't seem accustomed to the chill either.

"Can we use it with the communication blocks?" Tygra asked. He turned to the Thundertank and dragged the tip of his finger over the surface. "This is of Luna design; maybe one of our baddies sent it to Hammerhand so he could communicate with the Luna for his job without worrying about the communication block. Bet it has a different frequency so it flies over the blockade."

Lion-O tapped his claws on the metal side of the vehicle. "Scan for T-LO-1985. If this is the group I think it is, trying to contact his messenger specifically would be less dangerous than a general scan."

Panthro gave him a surprised look. "But that's…"

Lion-O rubbed the back of his neck, like a child that knew a secret and had spilled. "I saw him in the vision. He's alive."

Panthro's claws dug into the metal and Tygra realized his face had paled around the lips in anger. "Stupid. He was supposed to retire." The look cast upon the monkians was livid and Tygra shifted away from the panther in alarm. Then he entered the code and held his breath.

The sound of static was soft but against the rocks and their silence it was difficult to tolerate. Cheetara gave them a thumbs up; the monkians didn't hear them. The screen was black but suddenly a voice came through, rasping and curling on the edges like a purr. "T-LO reporting. Identify yourself."

"Lynx-O? Lynx-O, it's me." Panthro ducked close to the messenger and Tygra handed it over in surprise.

"Panthro!? Creator Almighty…how are you contacting me!?"

"We picked this messenger up from an enemy. I'm with a group heading to Lune and we just entered the canyon. Where are you?" Panthro had never sounded quite so relieved. His eyes shut and Tygra blinked at Lion-O. Who was this? A friend from the military? Lion-O shook his head slightly to indicate he couldn't talk yet.

"You're coming from the south? Then look to the caverns on the west about a league in. I'm sealed inside. The monkians are stationed by the entrance. I can smell them from here." Lynx-O's voice came faintly for a moment and then the reception cleared. "We've been trying to send messages to other units and the Imperial City for months! This is the first we've heard anything back."

"There's a communication block between Lune and Thundera. We haven't been able to get messages to or from the north for almost three months now," Tygra interrupted. "I guess it's been going even longer than that."

"Who is this?"

"Tygra. Friend of Panthro's. What can you tell us about the monkian forces and the structure down here? And why is there ice in the pass already?" Tygra ignored Panthro's glare and Lion-O prodded Panthro's arm to get him to stop.

"Ice in the pass? There wasn't when we were driven in here." Another voice had spoken. "High Gen-"

Panthro snarled softly. "Panthro." The silence was heavy until the other voice cleared and continued.

"Ah…Panthro. We…we've been in these caverns for almost six months. We're about to run out of provisions and water, though we've been eating grubs and bugs that have been living in the rocks to stretch them. Did the king send you to help us?"

Tygra's stomach turned at the thought of eating slimy bugs. They hadn't been pushed to that yet, thank goodness. "I don't think he knew you were trapped. How did this happen?" Panthro asked.

Lynx-O coughed. "If I might have my com back?" A chorus of apologetic voices died away. "You received reports of Mutation being shipped from Lune and materials being sent to her? I'm afraid the trade has become much more diabolical."

"Mutation is being manufactured in Thundera as well and people are being mutated and sent to Lune." Snarf shifted his tail and began to groom it after speaking.

"…Yes. Along with being a hub for the black market, Lune has been trading heavily with Tropo. We scouted the area to discover who was behind the trade. The mastermind of this sector is a Luna named Alluro."

"Another Luna?" Tygra sighed. "Have they sided with the Alliance here as well?"

"So you know about the Mutant generals? The Alliance serves under the head of this trade, and this detachment has been here for months. We made our stand but were driven back into these caverns. I suppose I understand why our messages never received replies." Lynx-O coughed and Panthro's ears perked in alarm. "Excuse me. Panthro, do you have soldiers with you? Can you help us break loose? We can't last much longer in here, though I vouch that these are the bravest men you'd ever meet."

Lion-O looked over the three hundred simians, examining their weapons. Panthro eyed him and said, "We have seven."

"Seven hundred?"

"No. Seven. Well, four adults, two kids, and a Snarf if you know what that is." Lynx-O said nothing for a long moment.

"…In that case, I shall have to ask you to carry our messages to the king. There is no way you can take down such a large force, no matter how strong they are."

Cheetara crossed her arms. "I think we could give them some trouble," she murmured.

Snarf had climbed out of the tank and looked down at the monkians. "Maybe so. But they don't look like pushovers. We'd have to use a method other than brute strength to take them down. We'll have to play it smart."

Lion-O took the messenger. Tygra let him, still looking to the icy wall. Not only were Thunderan soldiers trapped here, but who knew what would be going on in Lune and Icla? What if they were trapping Thunderan immigrants there? Tygra's lip curled. No one touched his mother and lived. No one so much as breathed the wrong way the general vicinity of the direction of her home. Period.

"Captain Lynx-O. I'm one of the cats traveling with Panthro. Don't place your last report yet, we're not giving up on you. What can you tell us about this group? We meant to pass through to reach Lune, but we weren't aware of what appears to be a battalion of Alliance elite being anywhere near our route." Tygra cocked his head, hearing something of the Fangs in Lion-O's voice. But it wasn't coldness so much a rational, level-headed sense. He spoke with clarity and Tygra shook his head at the difference. Maybe Lion-O was bipolar…or perhaps he'd made himself another personality to cope with certain things? Psychology interested Tygra but he'd not studied near enough of it.

Then again, what did a person go through to form another personality?

"Panthro?" Lynx-O seemed doubtful, but the panther gave him a reassuring mutter that Tygra didn't catch. "If you're sure. Well, from what we've overheard and figured out through battle, these are one of the most powerful forces in the Alliance that our men have faced. There are ten battalions of lizards, six of jackals, eight of the birds, and four of the apes that are considered special tactics units. This is one of those four. They're better trained and supplied than most of the bands we run into. Not to mention they know the area well. They managed to drive us to the wall, and it was either take to the caverns or be pierced to the canyon as decorative pelts. We hoped there would be another route out of here, but we were disappointed."

Lion-O shut his eyes. "What else do you know of them? Where do they come from? Any leaders?"

"We don't know of any leaders. The infamous Nfumu was among them before he was promoted to an Alliance general but no one has seen him, thank the Creator." Lion-O's eyes flickered. "Most of these apes come from east of the bogs, in the lusher lands where Thundera has little control. A scarce few come from within Thundera itself."

Claws tapping against a rock, Lion-O spoke slowly. "I've read of those lands. They're filled with legends and stories."

"Not to mention disease runs rampant and cats are driven out like rodents." Tygra had only been there once and didn't intend on ever going back. "It makes Rana Village look like a cute sandbox."

Lion-O's hair was caught in a breeze and his ponytail whipped halfheartedly. "I need more information to form a plan. The Thundertank is still damaged from dealing with Hammerhand, and if they have energy weapons even it might not be able to take them down. Lynx-O, are you sure there are no ways out of the caverns?"

"We've searched for months and have found nothing. I'm sorry I have nothing more to offer. The only other thing I can say for the Alliance is that their men are brutal and slay with enjoyment. If we come out we perish, but we would rather do that than die hiding here at the last." Lynx-O sounded tired, as if his hope had finally dwindled.

"No." Snarf jumped to Lion-O's shoulder. "We need information on this group? I'll get it."

The kittens' eyes widened. "Snarf?"

"Who is this? Panthro, I'm getting confused-"

"My name is Osbert, but call me Snarf. I am of the forest southeast of Rana Village, and I am a scout among my people. It was my job to gather information quietly, and I can do that here." He licked a paw and rubbed his face, breaking the dramatic statement. "If I can discover what sort of supplies they have and what tactics they use, perhaps we can formulate a plan."

"Snarf, you can't go down there alone," Tygra objected. "I know you schmoozed Hammerhand but at least he was a cat. These guys…they'd eat you. Literally."

Cheetara threw him a deadly look. Tygra jutted his chin out; she could fight him all she wanted, but certain acts were so barbarous that they featured only in non-feline entities. Hammerhand was foul, but he'd had at least a little decorum. Simians were among the most brutish creatures in the world, save for giantors.

Snarf's claws tightened on Lion-O's shoulder. "Only if they find me and catch me. None of you can go, you'd tip them off that cats are in the area. I'm small and sneaky, and I can pretend to be dumb."

Lion-O's coolness faded and his eyes were troubled. "Snarf, this is really dangerous."

"So is saving a tribe from two Luna and a Mutant bird, and battling a pirate, and shattering the southern leg of a global drug trade. But we've done all those things so far. Why not this now?" He pointed toward the rocks. "I'm going down there at night, and I'll return with whatever information I can scrounge up. If I don't come back…well, I'm counting on you to fix whatever's happening."

"Snarf," Kat began, ears drooping. Tygra's heart felt too hot for comfort at the stupid, brave little gesture. Snarf's fur was stiff but his stance was firm.

"You're not going in alone. I'm going in too." The warmth stopped when Cheetara spoke, defiant.

Lion-O's head jerked in her direction. "If they'd eat him, what do you think they'd do to you?" he asked. His nostrils were flared and Tygra realized he was just as angry at the suggestion as Tygra himself was. Good for him. "Cheetara, you're fast and strong, but I'm not putting you in that kind of situation."

"If anyone I should go," Tygra said. It was stupid but once he said it out loud it made perfect sense. Everyone shifted to stare at him. "I can turn invisible. If something happens I dart in, grab Snarf and run like Ghen. Few warriors have ever dealt with an invisible cat."

Cheetara's hands found her staff. "But what if they smell you? And if they did get you, Nfumu was bad enough. Ten of him would be-"

"I'll roll around on the ground and mask my scent." His neat mane stood up at the thought of getting dirty on purpose, but Tygra was nothing if not pragmatic. "This is only if Snarf gets caught. I'll stay a good distance away until I need to make a move." He gestured toward the monkians. "Unless you think we can take down a battalion on our own."

Cheetara's fur bristled.

"Captain Lynx-O, we'll contact you again soon," Lion-O said firmly. "Rest assured we're going to find a way to help. Just sit tight."

"I hope you're right." The signal shut off and Lion-O gave Cheetara and Tygra serious looks.

Tygra shrugged. "I should go. I'll take some antimutagen in case something happens and keep low to the ground."

"But if they find you what will you do?" Cheetara demanded. "Nfumu almost killed you in Tropo and if I hadn't been there-"

"Stop." Lion-O spoke sharply and Panthro – who had been about to step between the two – cocked his head. "We don't have time to fight. Those men are about to starve and this is very simple. Snarf, if you're sure you want to do this then you sneak down when night falls and spy on the group. Tygra will accompany you. The rest of us will wait further back."

Snarf nodded. "All right." Tygra too accepted this. Cheetara, on the other hand, looked ready to catch on fire.

"Lion-O, they could be killed. I'm better suited, I can run-"

"You are not better suited. And you are still recovering from being sick." His voice was even now. "Cheetara, I know you want to be there to back them up, and you will be. But Tygra's abilities are best for this particular mission."

Her eyes narrowed. "I'm not letting him go down there alone. Not after Tropo. I can't do it Lion-O, I can't."

Lion-O stared at her. Tygra touched the side of his neck in memory and wondered if she was still so worried because of his brush with death. "Cheetara, it's best for the group," Tygra said. "Seriously, I can do this. I know you were kind of freaked out about Nfumu, but-"

"Tygra, he nearly broke your neck. I won't let anyone come that close, not when I'm plenty strong enough to stop it."

"Come on, you two get in the Thundertank. I need help finding something," Panthro said. Tygra sighed with relief as the kids were distracted, for Cheetara and Lion-O seemed to have some kind of energy forming as they glared at each other. He couldn't remember them fighting and he scratched his head, wondering what to do.

"I'm aware of how strong you are Cheetara. This isn't a question of strength. This is a stealth mission, in and out quietly. We can't alert them to our presence. Tygra and Snarf have the best chance of doing this. You going along with increase their chances of being detected."

Cheetara crossed her arms. "I'm sorry but you're wrong." Lion-O's eyes widened and she continued, "Lion-O, I'm a better bet. I can get in and out faster than Tygra-"

"Not when there are this many soldiers." Lion-O had lowered his voice a little but Tygra could sense a baffled frustration. "Cheetara, we'll be close if something happens."

She tightened her stance, tail lashing. "Lion-O, I really, really want to be the one to go down there. You weren't there when Nfumu tried to kill Tygra." He looked at her hard. She shifted. "It's my fault he came along in the first place. And I can't tolerate the idea of him getting hurt."

"Careful Cheetara, people might actually think we care," Tygra muttered, secretly touched. Sure she could be bratty, but that maternal fondness had always won out. Even so, he continued, "I should go. Say whatever you want, you're still not feeling great."

She glared at him but Lion-O nodded. "He's right. Cheetara, you'll be nearby with the rest of us but Tygra will be Snarf's emergency backup. I don't want to put you out in the thick of things just yet, not when his abilities are better suited."

Tygra breathed a sigh of relief. Cheetara seemed disbelieving. "Lion-O!"

"That's my decision Cheetara. My order. I know exactly what could happen. Or are you forgetting who fought and killed Nfumu?" Lion-O looked out over the battalion and his tail switched and flared. "I know you want to go down there, but I'm thinking of the success of this mission and the safety of our group and the soldiers. The greatest chance we have is if Tygra does this. You know it."

Cheetara didn't say anything, hands balling into fists. She returned to the Tank and Tygra hesitated, standing near Lion-O. "She's mad."

"I know." Lion-O rubbed at his face, namely his temples. "She was really upset in Tropo when you nearly got killed." Tygra nodded and Lion-O seemed to be looking past him at something bright. "Is that what it's like to have a brother or sister? You fight with them all the time but you'd do anything to keep them safe?"

"Mostly, yeah. You're still right. She'll get over it." Tygra put his hands on his hips as he surveyed the muddy battalion. "Women. They get so darn protective, huh?"

Lion-O didn't answer. Tygra tried to think of something to say and nothing came to mind, so he just thumped Lion-O on the back and headed to the Tank. When they had started taking his orders Tygra couldn't recall, but he was relieved by it. They had a little while before night fell.

---

Snarf supposed he understood the argument, but Cheetara was not being honest when she said she was fully well; she had gone days without eating while ill, and had only now started to really get her energy back. Her youth and health made her return swift, but just the thought of her trying to run through the group and get him out, and all that could go wrong with all those weapons…no, Tygra was the better choice here. Her loyal nature was endearing but it made her stubborn.

And, if Snarf was honest with himself, darker things could be done more easily to women in war than men. He shuddered and forced the thought away. No, better to play to each person's strengths and be smart.

He took a deep breath and crept closer, slinking in the shadows of the boulders with his belly low. His great ears flicked at the popping of the dry, pitiful fires of the monkian battalion. Stopping often kept him from shivering, and eventually he could hear growled words. He could also smell their sweat, their burnt meat, their heavy hair.

"…Must be running out. We've been here too long. Our generals have failed and the entire trade is unraveling. Lune's the last stronghold." The black ape folded an arm over his knees. "The Alliance was only now becoming feared. How is it that all we've worked for is crumbling again?"

"Cats. This group is guided by their strange gods, led to enslave and conquer. Just as they did in the old days," an orangutan whispered darkly. Another grunted.

"I thought they believed in the Creator. Not at all like our gods."

"Bah. They say so, maybe. But they believe their ancestors rest in paradise and can be sent to aid them. The Spirit Pride runs in this world; how else do you explain their might? The pantheon help us with wild spirits serving Thundera." An ape whose chops were turning gray stirred the fire.

Snarf frowned. Snarfs believed in the Spirit Pride, the gathering of spirits that served the Creator in truth and light. They couldn't – shouldn't – be summoned willy-nilly into the world and Cheetara would certainly have said so. She had let him look through her copy of scriptures, and it was quite similar to the Snarf's beliefs. Theirs were an oral tradition, but they were alike. He remembered hearing the eastern folk had several polytheistic traditions, and some were particularly superstitious. The Alliance tended to detest anything of Thundera, including her religion, and it wasn't too shocking that they were ignorant of it. They had probably been fed horror stories since a young age about Thunderans.

Then again, the same had been done to Thunderan children.

Suddenly he grew rather sad. Lion-O had said Thundera was not always fair to nonfelines – or nonfels as Tygra said – but attacking innocent civilians and peoples as the Alliance did only served to fuel their rage, and rightly so. Someone would have to take a step of peace to ever make it stop. It sounded as if the Alliance's feet were firmly planted.

"Well, the cats can't summon spirits," dismissed another. His burly back was pressed to the rock Snarf was hiding behind, and he smelled of blood and dirty cloth. Snarf held his nose as he listened. "Otherwise these soldiers would have called up help. Grilla owes me three satches when I see him next. He said any cat with a drop of Imperial blood could summon a spirit on the spot."

"Don't talk of it. Never know when the spirits will hear you and grow angry," another warned. His fur was brown and he seemed to have longer arms than the others. "I hear the cats have a seer who rides on the winds. Her claws are lightning and she brings down armies. I've prayed thrice to the pantheon not to run into her."

"Well I'm more worried about the one they call the Fangs. His teeth are death and his blades bring it swiftly. He can fight like an ancient warrior of the kings. They were to be coming this way." A white monkian shivered, younger than the others.

"And the phantom. He appears as a tiger but he's really a ghost, and disappears into the night after he slits your throat. If you see him you're already dead, you just don't know it."

"What of the behemoth? The great cat as big as any monkian? He can break a neck with his fingers."

"Not to mention the two spirits. Imps that serve the gods with wicked tricks." Someone muttered. "I don't know if they're demons or imps, and I don't care. I hate kittens anyway. Too tricky."

Snarf stroked his chin. A plan was beginning to form and his lips curled. He listened a while longer, learning what the monkians feared and what they thought, wondering if Tygra was still as close as before. When some of them started bedding down he began to creep away, sliding along his belly in the shadows.

One of the primates shrieked and he yelped. "Beast! Little beast!" Claws scrabbling, Snarf tried to sprint – a rock, a burrow, anything would do – but a great fist closed on his tail and he was suddenly high in the air, blood rushing to his head as he dangled upside down. "Some strangeling come to our camp?"

The others sat up, moods sour from being disturbed. "Just kill it. It's a scavenger," said one of the older ones. "Might be good dried and honeyed."

Snarf's heart pounded hard enough that he felt it in his ears and tongue. It was so hard to talk but he managed to squeak, "Your…doom is night!"

The ape holding him shook him slightly like a ham being weighed. "What?"

Oh if only he didn't need to pee. Snarf swallowed and continued, mind spinning out a half-baked plan faster than a spindle turned out yarn. "You fear the spirits, as well you should. But they come to destroy you for taking the soldiers captive. The…the Spirit Pride's wrath is great. So great, they…"

He paused for breath and he realized everyone was being quiet, listening intently, even as the fingers crushed around his tail. Think of something, something that would scare the pants off of them…

It clicked. He licked his chops. "They have sent down their own. The cats from your stories that destroy your trade are agents from on high! They are coming for you, to drive you back to your heathen gods!"

The silence was incredible. Eyes flicked from side to side, tongues glistened behind teeth as the mouths opened slightly. Snarf, sensing this had alarmed them, heard the slightest tap of a quiet foot. He wriggled and said loudly, "Leave or you will be struck with terror! The Luna and Mutation cannot keep you safe from divine wrath!"

Then, as the fingers lost their grip, he bent, climbed up his own tail, and bit below the thumbnail as hard as he possibly could. The ape screamed in rage but Snarf fell to the ground, took three steps, and then vanished, feeling Tygra scooping him up. He couldn't see the cat but he felt warm hands around him, so he knew he'd been picked up and the whip was concealing him as the cat sprinted away.

The reaction was something he never forgot. Never had he heard so many primal calls and screams, and the sound of feet on the rocky ground was pandemonium. Snarf clutched Tygra's side and couldn't make out what the monkians were saying amid the noise.

When they reached the others he jumped to Lion-O's shoulder – this boulder was further back, safely distant – and he gasped, "Well, that might have worked."

Tygra appeared and tucked himself behind the boulder as well, smudged in dirt and panting with his eyes bright yellow. "Sheesh! Their senses are good. Thanks for the distraction."

"Listen to them go on! And when I vanished…getting these guys out will be easier than catching a sleeping beetle!" Snarf was shaking with excitement, and Cheetara took him from Lion-O's shoulder, looking him over.

"Did he hurt you? Are you all right? Tygra?" He rolled his eyes and nodded, and Snarf wiggled to be set down. Her mouth dipped and Cheetara crossed her arms. "How did you get out of there? They went crazy."

"Carefully and quietly. And fabulously, I might add." Tygra began dusting himself off. "I couldn't hear them. What were they talking about?"

"They think the Spirit Pride might get them! It's crazy how afraid they are! They think we have spirits helping us, and I just told them that you're all Spirit Pride agents that are after them!" Snarf was practically dancing.

Panthro blinked. "How does that help us?"

Snarf paused. "I…well, you could spook them. Somehow."

All the adults looked at each other. Cheetara's expression grew unhappy. "How? Jump out and yell 'boo' at them? I don't think I approve of using the spirits so lightly." Tygra scowled at her but Snarf's excitement was beginning to ebb.

"I…I don't know, it seemed like a good idea. That's all I heard about really."

His tail and ears lowered. But the kittens tugged Lion-O's arms. "He's right! It'll be like the shadow plays we used to see!"

Lion-O gave them a confused look. "The Imperial Theatre Shadow Plays?"

"Yeah, the traveling ones. They used to put on free shows to practice for the nobles and see what people liked. Our parents took us to see them!" Kit looked at each of them. "They made little things look super amazing with mirrors and lights. They think we're spirits? Well, let's be spirits. Play a trick."

Panthro grunted. "I'm lost."

"No…the kittens are right." Lion-O extended an arm so Snarf could climb up. "Cheetara, do you know what the spirits are supposed to look like?"

She seemed offended. "Their splendor is for the heavens. But some theologians have ideas about how they would translate in the mortal world."

"All right. Panthro, can you made the Thundertank shine lights in certain places?" The panther shrugged and nodded.

"Nothing fancy, but I could probably light up an area."

Lion-O nodded and Snarf could see his mind blazing through a plan. "Kids, I need you to find something to make bright color, preferably red. I don't care if we have to use berries or clay, just find something. Tygra? Ever played a ghost before?"

Tygra slowly started to smile. "I think this is going to be fun. If we don't get killed."

---

Fifteen minutes. It should not have taken so long for one of the Alliance's greatest battalions to calm itself. But it did, and the commander had to beat four of his own men senseless to make them stop.

The spirits may well be here but the monkians would not panic. Commander Pongo screamed and pounded his chest, and his men turned to him in silence. His breath came quickly, furiously. "Do we fear things that can disappear? If the spirits of the cats had power they would have done something before now. They frighten us because we let them."

He had caught his breath. His pride was great and his shaggy body stood straighter as his men murmured and nodded. Pongo had not been handpicked by Nfumu as a commander for nothing. He had eaten the gizzards of his opponents and used the blood to paint his war markings in the Battle of the Crushed Skulls five years ago. Wisps and wives' tales were nothing compared to that. "We will maintain our watch. If one disappearing imp is all the spirits will do, surely they have no power. Call on our gods if you wish more protection, but my mission is clear. The cats will not escape this cave."

He sat back down. "Send a message to Alluro," he continued. "Something is happening out here."

"Perhaps the bird called for them." This made everyone stop dead and even Pongo's knuckles tightened; Alluro's collection of exotic creatures contained everything from a spider the size of a house to a flower that had petals brighter than starlight. The greatest of these was as mysterious as it was powerful, and lurked in legends. It might have the power to summon aid. "It's said to serve their Creator."

Pongo grunted. "It doesn't matter. If spirits come, we will see if they can be cut in two. The stories say not, but I will see for myself."

The men hunkered back into position, quiet with their eyes watching the dark outside their flickering fires. The stars were dim tonight behind clouds. Commander Pongo's soldiers slept in three great masses with several fires between them, with a dozen keeping watch for each.

Two hours passed and Commander Pongo felt his tension ease. Perhaps the beast had fled with some trick. It didn't really matter…all they were to do was assist Alluro, and keep the cats in the caverns so they couldn't report back. They would starve soon and the matter would be finished.

The wind suddenly seemed colder and he stood up; a low, growling noise had started and his men gripped their weapons. He raised one broad hand and they were still, coats bristling. They were all jumpy from the strange occurrence, but they were not one of the specialty Alliance forces for nothing.

And then a cat appeared before the fire, silently, from thin air.

No one made a sound as he straightened from his crouch. Some fumbled for their weapons but his eyes roved through the crowd, palest yellow. Perhaps he had once been a tiger, but his fur was white save for black stripes and red tribal markings after Thundera's most ancient sacraments. His clothes were torn as if from war and his lips parted in a growl. "Your gods will not save you from us."

Then he vanished and light exploded around them. From the north, from the south? Some of it was red, some was gold, and half of them were nearly blinded, holding their eyes and swinging with their free fists.

A bloodcurdling scream of rage made Pongo turn, eyes streaming, and what appeared to be a golden goddess of war sprinted through their number, lightning streaming from her and thunder following in her wake. She paused only once, streaked in white and red markings like the other, long hair billowing, and then she sprinted away again, howling her fury and burning the ground, hurling his men back with the power of her staff. At the same time the first appeared again, higher up the cliff.

Higher above him another appeared from the shadows, black as coal with long lines of red down his arms and chest, as if claws had raked at him a thousand times in a thousand battles. His gray eyes were livid, and the growling was coming from him. It rolled over the canyon and settled in the stones.

"Stand your ground!" Commander Pongo barked. His men obeyed, trembling, muttering the prayers of protection under their breath, bidding the spirits to be gone. The tiger leered, laughing at them.

When the wildcat screams and laughter began even Pongo shuddered. The lights continued flashing and in the echo of the canyon he couldn't tell if there were many screams or just one, coming closer and closer. The ground rumbled as if a massive force was approaching. The sound of a dozen men's feet retreating told him his battalion was faltering. "Stand…stand firm! We'll attack the tiger first…"

One more spirit appeared in a flash of red light jumping down from above, and this was the worst of all. A barbaric golden mask with two fangs piercing over the cheeks, a sharp blade in each hand, and the same red and white markings all over his body and armor shone in an unholy light. All around the mouth his fur was matted and soaked in red, as if he had torn into the throat of an enemy. Red ran down the blades and he bared his red teeth and sucked in a breath.

The roar was that of a lion, from the chest and loud enough to shatter Pongo's ears. The blade in his hands glowed with white fire and sang a note so harsh that the roar was drowned out. He covered his ears and suddenly knew that he was done.

They fled. Stumbling and screaming for their lives, the monkian battalion – one of the prides of the Alliance – ran like frightened children from the Spirit Pride. Lightning flew at their feet and the crack of a whip and the bite of steel followed their heels as they stampeded for the pass. There were villages to the south but none of the monkians intended to go anywhere near them. They would go east, east to the forests and bogs where they would be safe in their gods' thrall.

The sounds of screaming all around them sounded like an invisible army, bouncing from every wall. The tiger and panther had started roaring after them and their ears buzzed from the noise. And that war goddess hounded them all the way, smelling of burning hair and lightning as she cut at their backs.

Commander Pongo brought up the rear, aware that if the Luna ever found him or his men – or, gods forbid, General Slithe – they would be drawn and quartered for cowardice. But looking back at those bright lights, the screaming, and the bloody spirits that loomed against their dying fires, his fear was greater than ever before.

He would face Slithe if he had to. No monkian was fool enough to meddle with vengeful spirits.

---

The "spirits" waited a few minutes to make sure the monkians were well and truly gone. Then, the tiger wiped his face, smearing white dust as he shook his hair out. "I might look into the theater business if we ever get back."

The Thundertank, which had been placed on a careful ledge that branched off from the road, quieted its purr as Snarf climbed out of the driver's seat and bounded down the steep wall to the others. "You were all very convincing. The flash grenades really helped the headlight effect."

"I figured they'd be useful eventually." Panthro rubbed at the markings and sniffed, looking at Cheetara's staff. "That thing makes a stink."

"It's never been used with such a large charge," Cheetara replied. Her tone was cool; she had not approved of using the spirits to spook heathens, but had acquiesced to save the lives of the soldiers. Even so, she was apparently not happy. Her staff was smoking slightly, but as she blew on either bladed end the cloud faded. She quickly started braiding the end of her hair, dismayed at how wild it had gotten. Panthro went to remove the metal pieces from the tank that had made the sound of approaching feet. He'd lifted up the back wheels and attached flat pieces of metal and told Snarf to hit the gas. The result made a thumping, pattering sound when the wheels turned.

The kittens scrambled down from other walls, both rubbing their throats. "Ow. Does anyone have some water?" Kat asked.

"Screaming loud is hard," Kit added. Snarf went to fetch a canteen and Lion-O removed his mask, sweating under the metal. He licked his lips.

"Sweetshrub berries. Nice thinking guys." Now his fur was sticky, and the symbols were starting to smear as he dusted off the clay dust they'd used to lighten their fur. "Snarf, how's the tank?"

"Its bulbs need to cool down but rather well overall. It's rather like when bugs show bright colors to startle predators…fascinating." Snarf clutched the messenger in his paws and gave it to Lion-O. Panthro visibly clenched his fist, though whether it was because of the Thunderank or a desire to speak to Lynx-O, Lion-O couldn't say.

"Captain Lynx-O? Are you there?" Static churned in the machine but after a moment it cleared.

"Yes. What happened? We heard the noise from the cavern."

"We'll explain later. Suffice to say the monkians are gone and we'll need your help to find the cave you're trapped in." Lion-O felt Kit tap his arm and let her pour some water in his paw so he could clean his sticky facial fur, smiling his thanks.

"They're…? How?"

"Like I said, we'll explain. Help Panthro and me coordinate your location." Lion-O gave the messenger to Panthro and started toward one of the nearest slabs of stone. The Sword of Omens's glow had faded at last and it felt heavy and cool in his hand. He tucked it into the gauntlet; its light had helped them in their trick but it had taken energy. Lion-O glanced to the icy wall once and started following Panthro's directions.

---

Alluro rolled his eyes. "Will you stop already?"

The song didn't falter. The note lingered long and tremulous as a tear ready to fall and then pitched high, sweet as a broken heart. He drummed his long nails – shaped like curved icicles with a coating to strengthen them – before leisurely hitting the nearest button.

Electricity crackled into the base of the cage and the song broke in one slight shriek. When the charge cut off he examined the creature within.

It had been a shock that he'd been able to trap the bird even in his largest energy field. Bars were passable if one was ingenious, but this field could not be breached. He ran a long finger over the field and it felt smooth and hard as glass. Blue light rippled from his finger, reacting to physical presence. He smiled. The many wings were folded in on each other and the creature had to stoop its head to fit in spite of the field stretching to a globe six stories tall. It was a masterpiece of a catch.

"Don't worry. Given some time I'll have a habitat constructed for you. Then you can sing your heart out in Lune. It won't affect the climate after Mama hexes you."

One great eye gazed at him with contempt. "You would sacrifice the villages to the south to hold me and keep me from my song? What of when you leave this place and her spell no longer holds the cold? The glacier will melt far too quickly and flood the seas. You will drown them all." Her voice seemed to be many all at once, a choir speaking in unison.

"Necessary sacrifices."

"You sicken me." She shut her eyes. "This place has a delicate balance. I must gather water from their seas to keep this land frozen in the winter to keep them from flooding, and to refresh their seas with nutrients sealed within it-"

"I don't care. Maybe if they flood we can freeze that land over as well. Do you have any idea how hard it is for a Luna to travel where there isn't ice? It's torment." He trailed away on bare feet to his next sphere, listening to the hum of the machine beneath it. He had designed them all to look like crystal balls. Just like the scepter Mama had so generously crafted for him all those years ago and had sweetly upgraded. He smiled and looked it over – black steel for the handle and the setting with Luna characters inscribed around the base, and one opaque white orb at the end. So simple and nice.

This one was much smaller. It contained a plant that, if approached, sent out stinging tendrils. However, on the night of a full moon, its leaves glowed milk white and produced a liquid of amazing medicinal value. He had a place in the base where it could drain out. It only grew in the north, and it reminded him of home. The petals were rapturously dark, a rich purple.

"Aren't you going to answer the message from the battalion?" He frowned at the creature that had spoken. She lurked in the darkest and second-largest field, four stories tall. Her many segmented legs were curled under her and she was weaving as always. The ceiling above her had no lights, but that wasn't enough for her sensitive eyes; there was a curtain draped over the brighter section to keep her quiet.

"Why? A bunch of superstitious ninnies hear a breeze and they start howling. It happens nearly every day. 'Special tactics,' bah." Alluro paused beside a particularly flawless piece of ice and checked his appearance. Short and spiked up in the front and long in the back, he always thought his white hair particularly dashing against his lavender skin. And those dark blue lines around his eyes only heightened the contrast. Narcissism was an ugly word for acknowledging one's own beauty.

"Hm. I can't sense them anymore. Not at all." She tapped one leg claw against the ground. "The rumbling they make, the smells, the sounds…I think they're gone."

Alluro scowled and left off grooming. "I collect you all to look at, not listen to."

The bird made a whistling, derisive noise as he lifted his messenger pad from his belt. "Oh, where is that little note…there."

His expression darkened. "There's another frequency in the area. And…what is this about?"

The one in the dark smiled. "Maybe assassins come to kill you."

Alluro left the room and shut off the lights, wrapping everything in darkness. The bird shut her eyes again. "I can sense them. Servants of the Creator. They will help."

"Or cut out my sinning heart," said the other wryly. "Ah well. Anything's better than a cage."

"I agree." The bird let out one more soft, tender note. "Don't give up, Spydera. I hear them the way I hear the plants and sea crying out for balance. They will come."

---

When Lynx-O finally emerged from the cave – the last of the men, covered in dirt and all of them pale and nervous – he put out his hands blindly. "Where are you Panthro?"

The great cat approached and Lion-O squinted at the old lynx. He was well into his sixties, gray and white streaks in his hair and beard, but flecks of black in the orange coat held something of handsome luster. His face was lined but he'd probably been a looker in his younger years. His hair was growing out, slightly wispy, but this wasn't what surprised him.

Captain Lynx-O was completely blind. His eyes did not focus or change and a film seemed to cover them as he fumbled. Panthro strode toward him and gruffly pulled the filthy old cat into his arms for an embrace.

The kittens' jaws dropped. Cheetara's eyes bugged out. Lion-O, who knew of Lynx-O – despite not knowing that he was blind – was not so surprised by this affectionate move. The older cat smiled and hugged Panthro back, a head and a half shorter. He seemed to inhale deeply. "You're really here. I prayed every day the Creator would send help and he sent the best he had."

"Crazy old coot. I thought you retired." Panthro released him and his face was lighter than they'd ever seen it.

"It was a special mission. We were a scout group only, and I was selected for my hearing and sense of smell." He turned his head in the direction of the group, sniffing. "So, what are a lion, a tiger, a cheetah, two wildcats, and…I'm sorry, I don't recognize your smell."

Snarf trotted forward. "I'm a Snarf. Call me Snarf."

"Very well. What are you all doing out here with Panthro?" He began to cough and Panthro quickly led him a place where he could sit down.

"We've been sent on a mission too. Classified by the king's order." Far from being offended, Lynx-O mildly nodded. "We don't have a lot of rations but we'll share what we have."

Lion-O had no issue with this offer and neither did the others; each of the soldiers looked weary and gaunt, and the color was bleaching from their hair. Some of them looked like skeletons with fur coats. Tygra, however, grinned. "Hey, the monkians left their supplies behind. I say we help ourselves."

Half an hour of searching and looting found them plenty of meat and bread, and even a few bottles of brandy. It was a burning, earthy liquor after the ape tradition – Lion-O thought it smelled of what might have been fermented bananas – and a few sips of this did a great deal to put the color back in the soldiers' faces. The wind made them shut their eyes and beam, relishing the free air and sky. Wilykit and Wilykat seemed delighted to be able to tell the story of how they'd gotten the men out with many dramatic motions.

"So we started screaming like crazy, and the echo made it sound like a bunch of cats. Panthro and Snarf had the lights come on, and it made it really hard for the monkians to see, and we just kept running around and screaming on the road, making a ruckus. It was fun!" Then men laughed as the kittens rollicked in the audience. The smoke of cooked meat brightened their eyes almost as much as the starlight.

As this went on, Panthro kept one ear cocked toward the pass – the monkians were long gone, but one couldn't be too careful – and spoke quietly with Lynx-O. "So what's going on here? There's ice in the canyon when the sea's been filled already."

Lynx-O pushed away his wooden plate; he'd eaten nearly a loaf of bread and a chunk of cooked meat, and drunk half a canteen of water. Chunks of ice from the wall had been melted to use for a quick clean-up, and his fur was starting to look like hair again instead of a muddy mass. "Alluro began building here shortly before we arrived and the battalion was here to support him. If the climate is wrong, I can only assume the Arietta bird has been either killed or captured."

Tygra cocked his head. "The what now?"

"The Arietta bird?" Cheetara sounded shocked and Lynx-O pricked his ears in her direction. They were longer than most cats', and more pointed than Lion-O's own. "The scriptures talk about it, but most scholars think it's merely symbolic of beauty and peace."

Lynx-O shook his head. "The Arietta bird is very real. The reason the land doesn't flood villages when the ice melts is because she controls the clime here. Her song can bring warmth or snow, and she can alter the flow of the water and the speed of it. The glacier water is full of nutrients, which is what has kept this land so rich. The Mutation traders are interfering with more than economies now."

"Wait, how in the world does a bird affect weather by singing?" Tygra interrupted. Lynx-O shifted, burly tail curling around his own wrist to keep it away from the fire.

"The Arietta's song is said to be the joy of the Creator. From what I've gathered, its melody affects the weather systems by being of a certain frequency. Sound waves can affect many things. Others say she's plain magic. Of course, no one's actually been able to ask her; she's a legend for a reason. Tends to avoid people." Lynx-O sighed. "From what we've gathered, this Luna Alluro is a collector of the strange. He's also intelligent and ruthless, and enjoys mocking his enemies. That might be why he seemed so pleased we were to rot for months. Perhaps he wanted to document our descent into madness."

"He thought we'd turn cannibal like common beasts," another cat muttered. Panthro glanced toward the great building with darker dislike.

"Did Alluro do this to the canyon?" Kit asked. Lynx-O shook his head.

"We believe that was his superior. Alluro is not that powerful, but he isn't to be taken lightly. We have heard many of the monkians speak of him in the night when we listened through the cracks." Lynx-O rubbed the back of his neck, clearing his throat. "He is a sorcerer, although not as powerful as the leader they call Mama. It's been said he has terrible powers."

"'Terrible powers'?" Snarf asked. "Like what?"

Lynx-O shrugged. "No one is sure. He never comes out. But if he's got the Arietta bird, he has control of the canyon. The ice is held in place by something unnatural, and I can only assume the Arietta bird would have the ability to break the wall. Hence why they captured her in the first place. It took all Alluro's power, some help from Mama, and the force of the monkian battalion if my suspicions are correct."

"This 'Mama Luna' sounds like a scary lady to cross," Tygra observed. "So what if the bird is dead?"

"I have no idea. If his reputation as a collector is accurate I don't think he would kill her. He would prefer to study her, keep her caged as a songbird. He's said to be very arrogant, and quite the bigot against all non-Luna."

Lynx-O sighed. "So much is rumor that I can't advise you. If you're heading north it might be safest to climb the mountains."

"We don't have time for that," Lion-O said softly. "That might take us an entire year. Who knows what will happen with the Mutation trade in that amount of time?" Panthro glanced at him as if to agree, and he seemed to be thinking of something else.

"So we need to free the Arietta bird," Kat said reasonably. "I don't care if this guy is a sorcerer, he's only one guy. If he doesn't have baddies to help him, we can take him down together."

Cheetara was looking at her claws. "Sorcerers are nothing to laugh at Kat. They're dangerous, like Red-Eye. They dabble in dark doings, and Creator only knows what kind of deals he's got going on with the other side. I don't want to know frankly. But we have to free the Arietta bird." She crossed her arms and rested her elbows on her knees. "I take it we can't spook him out?"

"Not so easily. He's unfortunately much more skeptical and bright than the monkian battalion was." Lynx-O leaned forward, trying to get up. "I would be honored to assist you on your trek, whichever way you choose to go."

Panthro glanced at Lion-O, lips parting in worry. But Lion-O reached out to Lynx-O and clasped his hands. "Captain, you and your men have done enough. Go west to report to the king and take some time to rest. You've gone beyond the call of duty already. It's our turn."

Lynx-O seemed to frown. "You strike me as very familiar. Something about your smell."

Lion-O drew back slightly. Panthro interjected with a grunt. "He's right. You and your men should head back to the Imperial City. Tell the king and his advisor all you know about what's been happening. No offense Lynx-O, but I'd be fretting about you too much on the battlefield if you came along."

The aged lynx drew himself up straight. "There's some kick in these bones yet," he said airily. But his lips curved up and he felt for Panthro's shoulder. "Reporting to the king is our priority. But at the least let us help you storm the fortress."

Panthro seemed to want to say something but settled for another quick hug. "We'll see. Let us figure some things out and you rest with your men. "

When the soldiers were finally grouped back together and could be observed, it was a wary sight. "Think they'll be okay?" Cheetara asked. "Some of them are looking pretty sick."

Panthro shook his head. "They've made it through the night. Sunlight and freedom will put the life back in them. Trust me…they're good men. Strong men. They'll survive. But they'll need a long rest."

Snarf climbed to Cheetara's shoulder. "It sounds as if the only way we can get to Icla and Lune is by climbing the mountains, sailing the ocean, or finding this Arietta bird and stopping Alluro. Which is probably what we're going to do."

"Of course," Tygra said pleasantly. "He's only one Luna. We handled Red-Eye together didn't we?"

Cheetara shifted uneasily. "I think we should do a surprise attack. I don't like the sound of this guy."

"Me neither," Kit added. "What if he's got some of the merchants that were sent north? Maybe our parents are in there. He might be experimenting on them!"

Lion-O stood still in the cool breeze, unblinking as he looked at the great, forbidding structure. "We'll enter battle with him if we have to, but I'd prefer to free the bird and any other captives all before he knows we're there. I've had my share of crazy jerks on this trip. The kittens-"

"We know, we know," Kat said flippantly, "stay here as backup."

Tygra ruffled his hair. "It's worked well so far hasn't it?"

A little more searching gave them plenty of new supplies – containers and weapons and dried rations chiefly – but some were discarded on principle. Lion-O was horrified to discover cat meat in one of the bags, recognizable because of the obvious leopard pelt still stuck to it. Tygra discerned acceptable meats from abominations and they burned the latter somberly. Several messengers and communicators also littered the satchels. They took any they could find.

Snarf was the one who discovered a key card in what had probably been the commander's supplies. "Anyone want to bet it opens the door to Alluro's cozy castle?" he asked.

It was decided that they would enter in the dead of night, and the cats spent the day taking out cameras around the building. "We just need to get the bird out. If we can avoid Alluro that would be great," Panthro said.

Lion-O, who was looking over a set of grenades – just another couple of items they'd discovered in the supplies of the monkians – raised an eyebrow. "I'm glad these guys weren't too bright. They were armed to the nines." He rolled one over in his palm. "You know, I think Lynx-O's men can help. And they won't have to get in harm's way. We're going to need a distraction."

Tygra clapped gleefully. "I'm rubbing off on you!"

---

Night fell and Alluro blinked slowly. The screen had shown the cats wandering outside the fortress, but none of them had attacked so he was growing terribly bored after several hours in spite of losing the majority of his cameras. He'd tried to communicate with the battalion, but either the messengers had been abandoned or the primates refused to answer out of terror.

If the cats attacked, he would be ready. The turrets would fire energy blasts and fry anything in their path. And in the impossible chance that anyone got inside…well. He stroked the staff.

"Nervous? I would be." The shadowed creature shifted in her prison. "I don't think you're going to get any reinforcements."

"I don't need them."

"You've sent her three messages. What did she say in the last reply? 'Show some spine and kill a cat or two. Reinforcements will come.'" She laughed. "As long as you delay those cats I don't think she cares if you live or die."

Far from being upset, Alluro rubbed his nails over the orb. "That's Mama for you. And yet oddly enough, her children are all still alive." She flinched – a poisonous, cutting jerk – and he smirked at her.

"You're lucky I'm trapped. I'd have eaten you by now otherwise," she said lowly. The Arietta bird shifted and put her head under another wing. Alluro wanted to count them all but she kept moving. He'd gotten to ten before losing count last time.

He'd have time to examine them later. Right now he watched the screen, ready to fire on the cats if they came into range.

The building shook and he fell, floor rumbling under his feet. Alluro pushed himself to his hands and knees, scanning the screens. "How did they-?"

Another great tremor, and another. Alluro focused on one and bared his teeth. The cats had taken weapons from the monkians' supplies and were firing on the fortress. He couldn't fire on them at this distance. Worst of all was the smoke; grenades were being blasted into the western side and the smoke and snow mixed to blind the cameras. He scowled. "If that's how they want to play, fine. These walls are impenetrable."

He never noticed the light blinking to let him know a keycard had been used to open the main door.

---

"I like walking in the front door. You start to miss it after breaking in four times or so." Tygra shut the metal door and shuddered. "Man these Luna…do you think they can really melt in extreme heat?"

Panthro seemed least affected by the chill, his breath clouding in front of him. "We don't have long before he catches on. If we can free the bird quickly we can just get out of here, maybe smash the fortress with her help."

"Should we split up then?" Cheetara asked. Lion-O looked at her and Tygra frowned.

"Wouldn't it be safer to stick together?" Cheetara glanced at her staff.

"Well, if we need to find the bird quickly it would be easier if we covered more ground. Splitting up has been useful before." Her tone was pointed Lion-O cocked his head at her. She sighed, looking exasperated. "I'm worried about leaving the others to distract him for too long. We're running out of time, and I'm fastest on my own."

Tygra put his hands on his hips. "Girl, I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but it's really annoying. You're acting like you're dying to pull some crazy heroics."

He looked to Lion-O for support. Blue eyes quiet, Lion-O crossed his arms. Cheetara lifted her chin. "Tygra and Snarf used their abilities. I want to use mine." A tense challenge hung in the air.

"…Are you sure about this Cheetara? You're fast, but if anyone runs into Alluro on their own…"

Tygra's eyes widened. "Are you serious?" Lion-O sighed.

"She's right. She's much faster without us. But if you see Alluro – if any of us see him – we go for backup. Understood? This is not a mission where we seek out the enemy." Lion-O looked at each of them. "Priority is the bird and any hostages. Not revenge, not dealing with Alluro. We need to get out. You've each got a messenger from the monkian supplies?" They all nodded. "Report in five minute intervals. See anything weird, get out of there."

Cheetara seemed to relax. "Thank you. It's…I'll explain later." She took off in a yellow blur and Tygra resisted the urge to make a rude gesture.

Panthro took to the lower levels, the basements installed in the ground. Tygra paused. "You and I should stick together. Panthro wouldn't like you to go alone. Unless you think I'm too slow to keep up too," he said to Lion-O. The lion smiled faintly, sensing Tygra's stubborn dislike of Cheetara's idea.

"I'll watch your back." They took to the main level halls, Tygra leading the way. They checked door after door, most of them filled with machinery and cold vents. Lion-O's ears cocked and twitched as he listened, Tygra nosing through anything that looked interesting. Nothing caught his eye – mostly a bunch of Luna history and records about various creatures to be collected – and they kept going, Tygra noting which doors to stop at again. Once or twice they found strange devices with spikes and prods and needles. Some of them had blood on them. One contained a bird with all blue feathers, panicking in a tiny glass ball meant to contain it. Lion-O opened the orb and let it fly free, hopefully to a window. Tygra kicked the machine over, shattering it. He hoped it was valuable.

Most rooms held files, not experiments. "What in the world…? A non-sentient lizard with six legs and a rainbow crest? Weird." Tygra threw the file back into the room and Lion-O followed him to the next one. "Why do you think Cheetara's acting like this?"

Lion-O shrugged. "I don't know. She's been kind of quiet since she recovered from the Mutation. I feel like she's been upset but she hasn't said anything."

"Women. Aren't they supposed to talk too much about their feelings?" Lion-O didn't reply to this, checking in with the others on the messenger. "Ooh, a locked door. Exciting."

The metal was white and traced with chrome designs, and the doors were meant to slide apart. A keypad was beside the door and Tygra rolled his fingers. "Want to bet a bad code will set off an alarm?"

"You're probably right. Can you figure out which buttons he presses?"

Tygra exhaled on the buttons. "I think I see prints from his fingers. But I don't know what the order would be."

Lion-O examined the door. "Well, let's try a more direct approach then." He kept the Sword of Omens sheathed and took out one of his dual blades instead, as it was flatter. He had Tygra pull one door and he pulled the other, slipping the edge of the blade into the hairline opening. With some work – and Tygra wondering if the blade would snap – they prized the doors apart, a cool breeze blowing over them as the metal slid into the sides. The silence was a relief.

"Hopefully it's not a silent alarm or something," Tygra muttered.

"It isn't. He's not so clever as he thinks he is."

The two cats looked at each other. Neither of them had spoken, and the voice was undeniably female. More like many females speaking in unison. "It's safe. Perhaps you can help us?"

Lion-O checked the Sword of Omens. No sign of caution, if Tygra was any judge. He entered the room and Tygra followed, eyes shifting quickly around. It was dark blue inside, no sign of a lightbulb anywhere on the ceiling. However, there was no want for light; what appeared to be cells made of energy spheres filled the room like marbles placed evenly along a floor. Some were the size of fruits; others were larger than houses. Tygra looked at the nearest one and saw, to his alarm, a young white cat sitting inside, watching them with pink eyes. The irises were faintly blue, and the boy's hair was long and shaggy. "What the heck?"

"Alluro wanted to study albinism in felines. He was rare enough to be considered part of the collection." The voice came again, disgusted, and Lion-O glanced around again, stooping by the base of the bauble-shaped prison. The boy – about the kittens' age – sniffled and Tygra whispered a few curses for Alluro. "Try the back. There seem to be switches there. They should disrupt the power flow."

"Where are you?" Lion-O called. Tygra followed the being's advice warily, finding several plugs and wires. A little experimenting – and a spark that made his fur stand on end – and the energy field died with a sputter. Lion-O helped the boy stand up and Tygra scoured the room for the speaker.

"I'm over here. In the largest sphere." Tygra set his eyes on the prison and didn't understand what he was seeing for a second. It looked like a big mass of feathers, and maybe some kind of clawed bird talons. Then he looked up and his mind wrapped disbelievingly around the creature.

She was a bird in the same way the ocean was water. She was so big, so strange, that he couldn't connect the concepts. Rather than two wings she seemed to have many pairs, starting where a normal bird's would and proceeding down nearly to her legs. As tall as the massive ceiling, the bird had a graceful neck, curled in with the curve of the prison, and iridescent feathers shimmered along her head and face like prisms dripping off rain. And several long, thin tail feathers curled around the bottom part of the bubble. The upper sides were light gold, and the under sides were the same prism hues as the bottoms of her wings and face.

Tygra shut his mouth. "…Are you the Arietta bird?"

The dark eyes shut once. "I am. Tell me; what havoc has been wrought outside? What of the oceans and villages? Are the people alive?"

Lion-O was a little slower in approaching, for the boy had apparently decided to fix his arms around the lion's waist. "The ocean is at normal levels for summer, and the canyon is full of ice. If it melts the rivers and oceans will flood, but that hasn't happened yet."

The bird's eyes widened. "Thank the Creator. I can still restore this place." She shifted restlessly. "Please, release me and everyone in here. We have been held captive for months, even years."

"Are you part of Alluro's collection? He keeps you crammed in these tiny cages?" Tygra looked around in revulsion. "What kind of monster does this?"

"One that does not care for any but his own power and kind. Alluro has long believed himself a great learner and has a taste for the exotic. I stood in the way of his superior and he decided to keep me as a pet instead of killing and plucking me." How anyone could capture such a large creature was beyond Tygra. She seemed to notice his look. "He has long had the ability to control other creatures. His superior gave him a staff brimming with wicked magic, and it gave him the power to overcome me with his army."

Tygra didn't want to comment on dark magic. Actually, he didn't catch the latter part of her words.

Because sitting in one of the nearest bubbles, in a shadowy place with a darker-purple glow forming the cell, was a spider creature sitting and listening to their every word.

And it. Was freaking. Huge.

---

Cheetara whirled down the halls, kicking open doors and listening intently for the sound of feet, or a voice. Lion-O had called twice already; he would be due to contact them again in four minutes.

He had been upset when she took off. Cheetara shrugged off the memory of his face and paused long enough to catch her breath. Oh, maybe she was being stupid after all. It had been such a vivid dream though, even for being under the influence of a terrible fever. Had it been a vision? A warning? A hallucination?

Could it have been the demon of all demons? Could she have really seen the Harbinger? Red-Eye had claimed she had, but a witch was hardly the most credible source. But the dream from when they first set out needled at her heart. And now that she'd seen a vision with the others facing the monster, and what might happen to them-

Cheetara stopped. Her fingers folded over the staff coolly.

Then she turned around and barreled into a Luna, nearly impaling him with the blades. Electricity arced from the ends, caught by his metal staff, and he grunted.

He kicked her hard, in the stomach, and she jumped back feeling her abdomen burn. "Very good. You nearly got me. I see why you've been such a bother so far." The Luna could only be Alluro; he had a smug, intellectual glint to his eyes and a crafty crook in his mouth. Surprisingly handsome in the Luna way, his white hair was slicked back neatly, short in front and longer in the back, smooth as silk. His lavender skin contrasted with it well, and the ice-colored horns on his head matched his teeth.

She went in for another attack which he just managed to block. Cheetara got the feeling that if he couldn't stop and focus, he wouldn't be able to try any tricks. Alluro grunted under the force of her blow and pushed her back, swinging the handled of the staff out to knock her grip on her weapon loose. She scratched at his face with her nails, unwilling to relent, but he had been around more than once; he feinted low but jerked to club her in the head with the butt of his staff.

Cheetara wasn't sure if she passed out or if she just hit the ground. But when she opened her eyes and saw her staff beside her, she couldn't lift her arm. In fact, she couldn't move at all.

Alluro's staff was glowing and he had his arms crossed. Two blue lines across his cheek marked where her claws had struck. "Very nice attempt. Probably the best I've seen. But it's over now."

The light pulsed and Cheetara slowly sat up. Surprised, she tried to lift her arm. Her muscles strained but as if she were weighted down, her arm wouldn't move. "Stand up," Alluro said genially. She obeyed, knees locking. Strings seemed to pull her limbs and Cheetara's heart began to race.

"What did you do to me?" she asked.

"You've done well to oust Red-Eye, Tug-Mug, and Amok. But their powers were paltry party favors compared to mine." He smirked. "I can control the bodies of those around me. It makes no difference if it's one or twenty, I can control all."

Cheetara stared at him, still trying to move. That light was inexorable, obedience given form. She couldn't disobey as long as it glowed. "But you can't…no. I won't."

He crooked a finger at her and – after nearly tripping over unwilling feet – she followed him. "Pick up your weapon. Control is an old school of magic, I grant you. Probably not one Thundera has ever heard of. Censorship will do that. You got rid of the old black magic. And you wonder why Mama is the only one who can stem the coming tide?"

He clucked his tongue. "Come to my office dear. I have a few questions for you. And I'll need that stolen messenger back."

She handed it over, fingers twitching as it left them. Then Cheetara followed him in silence, unable to protest and clutching her staff uselessly to her side.

0

"Does he do that often?" The Arietta bird watched as Lion-O helped Tygra sit up, only half-conscious.

"No. He has a bad case of arachnophobia is all." Lion-O had to force his tail not to tuck between his legs; the creature was massive, black-haired and streaked with scarlet. Where a great, bulbous head should have been there was a black feline torso, resting like a centaur's top. It fused into a swollen abdomen, much like Araknay's form but many times bigger. This one's face was different though; it looked vaguely more catlike but had no hair save for the black spider fuzz on her head. Smaller eyes dotted her cheeks and around her thin lips were a pair of mandibles that opened as she smiled.

"Well well. You were right, Arietta bird. Handsome heroes have come to loose the slaves it would seem." The woman cocked her head. "How bold, considering Alluro's power."

Lion-O released Tygra, who migrated to the opposite side of the room to examine other cages. The boy followed him. "Who are you?"

She batted her lashes at him. "I am Spydera. Once a witch, now a captive in more ways than one. Shall you deliver a beast like myself as well as a beauty like the bird?"

Lion-O gazed up at her. "If you pose no harm to innocent people, then yes."

"She has a cutting tongue but she is certainly not so cruel as she would have you believe," the bird said patiently. "She has been here as long as I. She lived in the higher caverns of the canyon. We're friends."

Spydera's eyes glittered. "More like amiable neighbors. I prey on beasts that skulk in the canyon, if you wonder about my diet. I'm no demon boy, in spite of my form." Her segmented legs shifted. "It must seem terrible. My ugliness has scarred the pretty faces of many youths such as yourselves." He got the idea she was half mocking him and half…not.

"Actually, I've seen another like you." In retrospect this was a foolish thing to say. Spydera lifted her head sharply, legs coiling as she pushed a little nearer to the bubble's wall. The dour smile vanished.

"What? Where?"

Lion-O paused, aware of how big she was looming over him even in her cell. "…She was near the Fel Sea, living in the caves that flooded. She used to climb up to higher places when the water rose." It took a long, dry moment to continue, "Her name was Araknay."

Spydera hissed. "My daughter! One of the youngest! She lives?"

Lion-O's jaw didn't quite work for a second. He lowered his head. "…I'm sorry."

As suddenly as the energy came it went. Spydera – all her legs, all the great, swollen body – seemed to crumple into a pile. "Then…my last daughter is dead. Alluro spoke truly."

"You're her mother? She mentioned becoming a witch to drive away enemies, and then being cursed…"

Spydera lifted her head weirdly, eying him from a strange angle. "Oh yes. After what they did to us, to the girls of the village, we burned with rage. I led the way into power…and darkness. When I attempted to rectify my mistake, the demons played in accordance with their nature and turned our powers against us. If it had been me alone, it would be all right. But my daughters…"

She sighed. "They are gone. All gone. Drowned in the curse I brought down."

Lion-O felt such sorrow for her that he reached for the bubble's edge. It was smooth and cold, impenetrable. "She didn't die cursed. It was lifted from her at the last."

Spydera gave him a hard look. "How?"

Lion-O realized what he would have to say and wondered if it was the best decision. This creature would undoubtedly hate him. But at the same time, how could he deny the truth from a grieving mother, monster though she'd become?

Lion-O slowly took out the Sword of Omens. It extended quietly and he held it so she could see. "This is the Sword of Omens. I'm trying to see to its full restoration to power. It…I didn't want it to, but it…it stabbed her. I didn't mean it to happen. She turned into a cat and then she died. She was buried in the village."

Spydera's face was unreadable. He could not tell if she wanted to eat him or just ignore him. She looked over the blade. "This is the Sword. It slays evil and pierces darkness."

Lion-O put it away. "She wanted to see her family again. I don't know why it killed her. But I'm sorry it happened this way. The curse was lifted, and I…I don't think she suffered. But I'm still so sorry."

The Arietta bird was quiet. Spydera dragged one shorter leg against the field. "You know, I actually believe you," she said at last. Lion-O lifted his head to meet her eyes. "The curse was lifted…if it saw her as purely wicked, it would not have bothered, would it? It tore the dark away and sent her home. That is a picture I could tolerate."

Lion-O looked to the Arietta bird and then to Spydera. "Are you…I mean, you won't…?"

"What? Eat you? Hardly. You did not place this curse on me or mine, and if what you say is true then you tried to do what you could to help. It is not your fault she died. Far more mine than anyone's." Spydera drew herself up. "Set me loose. Set all the creatures here loose. My sorrow needs an outlet, and Alluro will receive it."

"How? We can't enter the main base. You and I are far too large for any room save this one," the Arietta bird replied. "Perhaps you could fit in the cells below…"

"There are cells downstairs? Are there mutated people in there?" Tygra had finally regained his speech, and Lion-O felt something slinky run across his foot. Three unfamiliar creatures were sitting on Tygra's shoulders and a tiny beast with a tail as long as his leg was coiled on his belt. Another one was on Lion-O's leg, poking its nose into his pocket.

"Yes. The last of the prisoners from the south outside of Lune. The others would be in the city already. Alluro performs many experiments here; he was one who helped discover the different forms Mutation could take." The Arietta bird followed Tygra with her eyes and when he finally undid the force field she opened her wings, stretching. They spread out over the room like clouds, four pairs at a time. Lion-O counted sixteen that lined the lithe, long body. She tucked them to her sides again.

Lion-O jumped when he felt the messenger buzz against his side. "Cheetara? Panthro? What's up?"

"Ah, so I was right. You're messing about with my collection."

Lion-O's blood froze. From the messenger he'd given to Cheetara, the signal was displaying an unfamiliar Luna's face. "I wouldn't try to open the door to the outside. It's reinforced inside and out, and only I know the combination. Besides, a friend of yours was hoping you'd join us."

The messenger shifted to display an image that made Lion-O want to immediately be wherever Alluro was with a blade at his throat. Because Cheetara was standing stock still in the middle of a cold, glittering room, eyes wide. "He controls people. Their bodies. Guys, it's a trap."

"Really. Whatever gave you that idea?" Alluro turned the image to himself. "As your pretty little cat observed, I can control people physically. Why, I could order her to throw herself out a window if I want. If you want to stop me, you'll have to come talk it over with me, face to face. And quickly. Let's say three minutes."

Lion-O was aware of Tygra staring at the screen over his shoulder. "If you hurt her," Lion-O said softly, "I'll cut your head off like I did to Nfumu."

"If I don't get to you first," Panthro snarled. His voice was tinny through the connection.

"You don't want us for enemies," Tygra said, eyes dark.

The messenger shut off and Lion-O whirled to the Arietta bird. "He controls people? How?"

"His staff. It allows him to manipulate their bodies. It is nearly impossible to resist. He'll control you all and kill you if you attack him directly." The bird started picking at the wires of the cells around her.

"We have to go. If he puts one hand on Cheetara," Tygra began.

"We'll rip him to pieces." Lion-O did not have time to be surprised at how low his voice had become. "I had no idea he would have a power like that. Most of them just control ice, and Cheetara's always been able to fight them…"

"I will assist you." Spydera climbed down from the base of what had been the field that held her and stretched her legs. "Doubtless you want to free the hostages below, and I want to wreak havoc on Alluro's fortress. I will release the beasts from their cages and herd them to a safer location after Alluro is dealt with. Destroy Alluro's staff; he would have you believe otherwise, but such powers do not belong to him alone. The forces require a conduit save for the most powerful of witches, and if you take the staff, he will have no way to control you."

"Let's go then. Bet he's never dealt with an invisible tiger before." Tygra and Lion-O took off immediately and the Arietta bird continued freeing the others, a low, tremulous note starting in her throat. The pale boy stayed beside her, tucked safely beneath her feathers. The fortress had held them long enough; a song could not be caged forever.

Lion-O deferred to the Sword of Omens. If he was going up against a sorcerer, he wanted a blade that hated evil. There was no way he would hesitate this time.

Alluro would be stopped. Lion-O would not risk losing another innocent.

---

Snarf did not like this.

His species had fairly good hearing due to their large, sensitive ears, and he could vaguely make out the sound something heavy approaching the canyon. The ground vibrated lightly under his toes, like the feet of a bug on a log. He'd alerted the others and Lynx-O – to his approval – had reacted immediately.

"It could be reinforcements for Alluro. The others are in, so stay the cannons and gather to the perches above. We'll have the advantage if we take the high ground. We won't take to a cavern." The old cat was blind but his ears twitched and flicked, and Snarf got the idea that he knew exactly where every single one of his men were and could call each by name.

The kittens followed orders, and watched like hawks as one of the lieutenants nervously drove the Thundertank up the slopes to conceal it near their location. If he got a single ding in it, they were not taking the fall for it.

"You've good eyes, Snarf. Tell me what you see." Lynx-O sat beside the rocky canyon wall, listening to the wind, and Snarf climbed onto a chunk of stone to look toward the entrance. "I've a sneaking suspicion the apes are not as foolish as we might have hoped."

"Well, to be fair the plan was just to help you escape. We didn't care how long it worked." Snarf cupped his paws around his eyes. After a few long minutes he licked his lips. "Good news or bad news first?"

"Whichever order you prefer."

"Well, the good news is that, although it is the Monkian force-"

One of the men went absolutely white.

"It appears to be less than one quarter of the original group. I see about seventy, give or take."

The cats murmured, slightly heartened. Lynx-O asked, very softly, "The bad news?"

"…They look ready for murder. And if they get into the fortress, I have no doubt they'll kill the others."

Lynx-O reached out to his side, feeling for one of the weapons they'd dragged up to the slopes. "We won't let them."

"They have more weapons. They might have shielding. Our weapons aren't going to be enough with just twenty cats or so." Snarf looked at the men, only now starting to regain their strength after months of captivity. They would need much more food, rest, and conditioning before they would be able to fight again. Their wasted bodies looked like old trees.

Lynx-O shook his head. "You and the kittens take the Thundertank and get out of the area. We'll stay them as long as we can, and kill all we can. If they've returned, we owe them retribution for our imprisonment."

Snarf stared at him as he stood up, holding one of the smoke grenades. "Private Leop?"

"Sir." He was a taller leopard, tail thick and voice low.

"I'm trusting you with getting the kittens and Snarf to a safe location. You can drive a tank?"

"I received basic training and an operator license."

"Good. You have your orders. Protect the children and if at all possible, help Panthro and his fellows complete their mission; the safety of these is your utmost priority." Lynx-O found each kitten's shoulders and shooed them toward the private.

Leop nodded. "Understood sir."

Kat turned around, alarmed. "But you guys-!"

"We'll be all right. We've a few tricks planned." Lynx-O smiled strangely. "I have a message to send to those that would torment my men and harm Thundera's families. It will be a bitter one."

---

End of Episode 14