The Thundercats woke up the next morning to the sounds of Panthro puking in the bathroom. It didn't seem to matter if they were moving through the water or surrounded by it, Panthro got seasick.
"Panthro, maybe you should ask our hosts if they have anything to treat seasickness. It sounds like you lost a fracas and are dealing with the aftermath," Tygra told him through the door. Panthro started to say something only to end up puking again. "Um, Cheetara, Ocelata, either of you girls know a spell for curing sea sickness?"
"No and a basic healing spell wouldn't do much good. We should all prepare for our meeting later today. We don't know anything about how the government of this city works or if they'd be willing to help us in our fight. So far it seems that they are pretty well protected from Mumm-Ra and the Ancient Spirits of Evil down here," Cheetara remarked to the group.
"If those giant squids that attack us yesterday are any indication that's changed! If the Ancient Spirits of Evil can reach across the planes and deep beneath the waves, then they're might not be safe much longer. We could have brought their civilization to the attention of the enemy when we came searching for the Stone!" WilyKit exclaimed. She looked down at her breakfast, a mix of salty herring and juicy kelp. She fingered her jasper looked at her reflection. "Once again the Cats bring trouble with them."
"Don't be so pessimistic sis. We don't know that for sure. Even if it's true, I'm sure that the Artica City would have come to their attention eventually. The forces of vice are determined to get a hold of the last Stone of Power," WilyKat reassured his sister. He too was nervous and worried about the future of this beautiful city. "So what's the plan Lion-O?"
"We meet with the governing body and we present our case. It's important that we keep our emotions in check. I don't have to remind you that time is off the essences. We can't afford to stay here to long. Ocelata, have you heard anything from the surface?"
"Communication with the surface world has been disrupted while the Catfish is undergoing repairs. I've tried using the long distant hand held communicators the Berbils created, but all I get is interference. Something in the construction of the dome is blocking our signal. Before you ask we're too far out of range for me to attempt a telepathic connection. Right now we're on our own," Ocelata informed the group. "Hopefully if the meeting with the governing body goes well they'll allow us use of any communications systems they have."
"Let's hope that Chem and the others can hold the Alliance together a little while longer. Is everyone ready? Okay then let's go meet with the governing body," Lion-O told the group.
They stepped outside of their residence and were greeted by the delightful squeaks coming from a saltwater canal near their building. Trellia burst out of the water doing a triple back flip and gliding through the air back into the water. She was now sporting a lilac and bronze trimmed vest and crown of sea flowers on her head. "Greeting Thundercats, I hope that you slept well last night. Was the food to your liking?"
"It was a new experience. We've never eaten fresh salty fish before. Trellia, would there be time to tour your home before we meet with the governing body?"
"We have a little time before meeting the Seven Seas Assembly. I could show you a few places. I hope you brought your wet suits; some places can only be accessed through canals and water tubes. Follow me!" Trellia laughed diving deep into the canal and taking off like a torpedo.
The Thundercats did their best to keep up with Trellia as she explained about the history of the city as they toured. "The city of Artica predates the arrival of the animal immigrants. Long ago the city itself was partially submerged underwater with a majority of it on the surface. The original inhabitants included undines, selkies, neared, and quite a few merspecies. The original animals that lived here worked in harmony with the residences. We dolphins were used for travel and beasts of burden, the pinnipeds were used in defense of the city, creatures such as the whales helped in construction and musical entertainment while the sea otters tended to the kelp forests."
"How does that equal living in harmony? You guys were doing all the hard work. What was your reward?" Tygra questioned.
"We were friends not slaves young tiger. The people of Artica provide us with food, shelter, companionship. We worked together to create art; cultivate food, become more then what we were. The people of Artica used us for labor, but without us protect them and teaching them the seas would be an emptier and polluted place," Trellia responded.
The small group was walking through a plaza with fantastical statues made from coral and sea glass. Benches made from sea bed dotted the area and the floor was made of marble. Moving through the plaza towards stores were sea lions, walruses, and sea otters. Porpoises were giving lifts through the canal to sea green skinned humanoids while tiny ocean blue beings formed themselves from the water in the canals.
The Thundercats got in a glass elevator and rode side by side a water tube next to Trellia looking at the different levels of the dome. There were parks and lagoons were children played and relaxed. Totally immersed science centers and schools were near dry dock areas containing libraries, hospitals, and a thriving market area. They had to switch to their dive suits to swim through the next level watching mythical sea creatures and animals training in some sort of combat exercise. Trellia steered them towards an architectural wonder that was being protected by the Sharkmen from yesterday.
"Your city is wonderful, but how did it end up below the sea? When did your kind evolve it what you are now?" Cheetara asked as she grabbed a hold of Trellia's dorsal fin for fast travel. Trellia's winged pod swam up to them gesturing for the Cats to take a hold of their fins. Soon they were all screaming in delight as they soared through the water at incredible speed.
"This is so cool!" WilyKat purred in delight. Snarf was clinging to him in sheer terror not happy at all. His sister started singing and soon the other dolphins joined in. Only Trellia refused intent on answering Cheetara's question.
"When the planet was invaded by the evil space dweller's troops searching for the Heart Stone they attacked our city. We fought valiantly to protect our home, but the flying machines sank it. Several Sharkmen risked death by their collars to try and safe the air breathers who lived among us. After the ship crashed and the original Animal Alliance formed, the Seven Seas Assembly offered amnesty and a home to the Sharkmen. They accepted. We started constructing the dome and smaller outreaches. It was during this time that a team consisting of a dolphin and merperson found the lost Mind Stone. When the Black Pyramid crashed the Stone somehow ended up on direct trajectory into the ocean. The Alliance had said that whoever found the Stones was allowed to use their power as they saw fit as long as it wasn't for violence. The Seven Seas Assembly used its power over the elements to help rebuild the city using the twelve elements to run it. Overtime the exposure caused us to become more intelligent, allowing our languages to be understood by all through instant mind translation, some of us such as my pod used the powers of wind and gravity to become not just swimmer, but flyers as well. Since then we have kept the Stone safe from those who wish to use its power for evil."
"So Mumm-Ra and the Ancient Spirits of Evil have attacked you?" Panthro said. They had arrived at a giant sea shell and coral constructed Assembly Hall and were being escorted into the Main Assembly Hall. The hall was something out of a medieval fairy tale meets the Supreme Court. Banners hung on the walls, glittering chairs and high council rotundas stood out.
The Seven Seas Council was made up one undine, a female mermaid, a Nereid, a selkie, they were also joined by a whale Sharkmen, another winged dolphin (this one a common), and lastly a beluga whale. All of the members were drabbed in some sort of clothing consisting of blues, greens and light orange. Trellia bowed and headed to air bubble area to get so much needed air before settling down with the rest of her pod in the modified seats.
"Thank you for escorting the guests here Trellia. I am Uli (undine), First Speaker of this Assembly. May I introduce Secretary Marina (mermaid), Environmental Head Amphitrite (Nereid), Cultural Advisor Seala (selkie), Security General Whalor (whale Sharkman), Lead Scientist Cora (dolphin), and lastly Mage Representative Bella (beluga)? Together the seven of us oversee the running of not only Artica City, but the surrounding oceans and our interaction with the surface dwellers," Uli explained to the group.
"First Speaker Uli, I am Lord Lion-O of the Thundercats as well as the Head of the Animal Alliance and chosen Champion of the Spirits of Good. This is my Queen Ocelata and Second in Command of the Animal Alliance. May I introduce my advisor and brother Tygra, Cleric Cheetara, General Panthro and Pages WilyKit and WilyKat. This is Snarf my pet and friend."
"A pleasure to meet all of you I'm sure. Approach us Thundercats. We've been expecting your arrival for some time now. Ever since our scouts from the surface world reported the return of the evil space dweller and the increase of monster attacks we knew you'd come here eventually. This Assembly demands a full explanation of what recent events have transpired on land and what your purpose is for visiting our home. Explain to us why we shouldn't lock you up for endangering our home and destroying the oceans?" First Speaker Uli ordered.
"First Speaker Uli, My people and I have come seeking your help in our fight against the greatest evil to this world. The evil space dweller Mumm-Ra and his masters the Ancient Spirits of Evil have returned in force. Mumm-Ra has recovered not only the Sword of Plundar, but his dark magic power has increased by tenfold. He and his dark masters recently tried to turn my beloved into their High Priestess and use her to recreate the Stones of Power. By forming the new Alliance we managed to win the decisive battle and banish him for a time. Unfortunately, we don't know how long my banishment will hold. Our latest reports have indicated that Mumm-Ra and his masters have been up to their old tricks. They are recruiting the most malevolent people to join their monstrous army. As we speak members of our Alliance are preparing for war and sending envoy teams out to recruit new members to fight against the coming evil."
"Our team was assigned with ensuring the safety of the final Stone of Power. The Book of Omens combined with my prophesy foretold that the Mind Stone would be found in an underwater city crying for help. I understand that you have misgivings about helping outsiders, but surely you didn't save us to lock us up for good," Ocelata added.
"We've heard of the powers of the Book of Omens. A vast repository of great power that was hidden away because of the danger it represented. I have to wonder if using it and the fabled powers of the Diadem of Prophecy are a good idea. What exactly was your prophecy child?" Secretary Marina questioned. Her tail flicked back and forth slowly as she got ready to record the answers for future archivist.
"The bliss of marriage is short lived as the underwater city sings for help. The tribes' unity grows stronger, yet the dark one still holds the power of destruction. Four shall become one. I'm uncertain what it all means. My marriage with Lion-O is young and our happiness was short lived because we had to plan for the final assault. Your people communicate through song and from what I can sense with my mental gifts you are on edge about something. Perhaps you are in trouble?"
"That is needed to know information. The second half of your prophecy intrigues me. From your own words you speak of united front, an alliance that is strong enough to withstand the storm to come, but will it be enough to fight Mumm-Ra? Your own words state that his power is too great to overcome. Do you even know what the final line means?" Secretary Marina demanded.
"No, we don't at least not yet. We came hoping to find friends to fight with us. We would be more then willing to designated resources and aid to your people. Surely we can learn to work together towards a common goal?" Tygra asked. He strained to listen to the musical exchange going on between Amphitrite and Seala. Both ladies looked at the cats with great misgivings.
"You claim that you want to aid us, that you'd be willing to give us assistance, but the past is not so easily forgotten. Ever year more of the oceans are polluted and destroyed by careless actions of the surface dwellers. The Bird People's prison which floats in the sky dumps garbage into sea. It collects into huge flowing masses chocking the life out of the ocean killing miles of water. The beaches are strewn with litter and chemicals from ruined tech. Overfishing and careless habits have endangered our friends and our city," Environmentalist Head Amphitrite reported. She held out sea paper with records dating back centuries showing the damage that had been done and what the projections shown.
"The people of the sea have very little in common with those of land and air. It took us years just to ensure that beings who call Artica home didn't run amok trying to eat one another. It's impossible to change the nature of a species. Why do you think the Sharkmen were assigned duties involving hunting and protection? That is what they do naturally. You carry the seal showing those who have pledged themselves to this Alliance, but if we enter into this there is no guarantee that it won't fall apart. We have to protect our own people from unnecessary risk. It's the way of the sea," Cultural Adviser Seala explained.
"Are you people cowards? You're giving up without even trying! Every member of the Alliance and even those who haven't joined are threatened by this evil. If we don't stand together it won't matter if your living under the water you're city will be gone!" Panthro demanded to the Assembly.
"You've been trying to hide it from us, but we've noticed that the citizens seem frightened and that your animal friends are near panic. If Trellia's pod is any indication your city has already been attack hasn't it? Those giant squids weren't the first monsters to do something out of character am I right?" Cheetara questioned. "Please if we're to work together honesty between our cultures is a must."
"Don't forget your place Cleric! You don't have any power here!" Security General Whalor barked his mouth gulping in huge strains of plankton as his anger got the best of them. "I'll admit that we've been dealing with an increase in deadly sea attacks, but it's nothing we can't handle."
"Security General Whalor, hiding the truth isn't helping anyone. I command you to tell them the true stats now," First Speaker Uli commanded. Security General Whalor bristled, but in the end nodded. "For the past several months, including a month before the fall of Thundera, there have been increased attacks of monstrous creatures on Artica and our outpost. Those harvesting food from the reefs have been attacked by Portuguese Man a War, many of our whale friends have been attacked by monster sea serpents on their migration trips. Dark magic has been attempting to crack our dome and steal the Elemental Mind Stone. Those squid normally leave us alone, but as you've seen the Ancient Spirits of Evil have been trying to kill us. We've held the off for now, but for how much longer is a mystery."
"We've attempt to use science to increase the dome thickness and create a natural chemical repellant to strewn among our outposts. The repellant hasn't worked and trying to restructure the dome has led to micro fractures that we had to repair hastily least it flood," Lead Scientist Cora explained.
"Not even using the power of the Stone with our own unique magics has helped. We even ventured on land hoping to find some relic or borrow manna to help us with little to show for it," Mage Representative Bella sung unhappily.
"Then let us show you we can be trusted. Your city is the most beautiful place on Third Earth. We understand that you're fearful of change, but if you don't take a chance what you have maybe lost," WilyKat replied excitedly.
"Your knowledge and abilities we can finally put an end to Mumm-Ra and the Ancient Spirits of Evil. I want to live in a world where we all get along in harmony. That none of us especially my friend Ocelata has to fear she'll be turned into something she's not," WilyKit said. Snarf mewed in agreement.
The Seven Seas Assembly talked among them for awhile. The Thundercats were nervous and swimming in circles in baited anticipation. Finally the Assembly agreed to join the Alliance if the two Royals proved themselves in battle against the Giant Flying Medusa. If they managed to hold their own and even kill it, then they would not only give them the Elemental Mind Stone, they would stand by them in the final fight. Lion-O and Ocelata agreed knowing it was the only way.
A few hours later the Thundercats were being restrained by Sharkmen as they watched the deadly combat between their royals and a giant orange twelve hooked tentacle poisonous monster attempted to capture and kill their leaders. The monster was one of the deadly beasts that had been attacking Artica in the last few months. It had taken half of the Sharkmen security force and two pods of whales to wrangle this creature into the detainment arena. The science and magic division had been attempting to study the creature hoping to learn ways to keep its kind from returning. All efforts had yielded little results.
In the watery caged arena Ocelata and Lion-O fought valiantly against the monstrosity to prove themselves to the Seven Seas Assembly. Lion-O was armored up in the Armor of Omens, the Spirit Shield active and was blasting away with the Eye of Thundera's energy beam desperate to keep the Medusa at bay. The monster shrieked and flailed about its tentacles taking out much of the arena.
Ocelata swam in and out of the mess trying to get close to its fleshy underside to kill it. Her claw tipped gloves shot out piercing the flesh of an incoming tentacle. Blue blood droplets spilled into the water as she was flung about. "No, you don't!" she gritted her teeth and released herself grabbing a hold of the metal cage top. Even underwater and in a dive suit she still was the queen of climbing as she maneuvered her way across the metallic web. Her precognitive sense was screaming in her mind as jumped to avoid being impaled by three hooked claws coming at her.
The Medusa twisted about creating a whirlpool underwater sucking the she cat towards its gaping jaws ready to crush her. Charging her dagger with magical energy she threw the blade at the beast. The Medusa deflected the weapon, but was deeply grazed by the enchanted item spilling more blood into the churning waters. Ocelata had no chance to celebrate her victory. The whirlpool current pulled her straight down to the arena floor pinning her there. She couldn't move at all and her oxygen tank was starting to crush under the intense pressure.
Lion-O saw his beloved in trouble and knew he had to end this fight quickly. "You have terrorized these people for the last time! I join together the powers of heart, body, and spirit to repel you once and for all!" The three Stones glowed with an inner fire forming a triangle of energy in front of Lion-O. "Thunder, thunder, Thundercats HO!" The Sword of Omens extends to its full length slicing through the triangle and imbuing itself with the powers of the Stones. With a downward slash the powers sliced the Medusa in half, fourths, sixths, eighths until it was nothing, but free floating jelly.
"Yeah Lion-O! He did it! He defeated the Medusa!" WilyKit shouted in joy. Her brother was also cheering for Ocelata, who was being tended to by some porpoises who brought her much needed oxygen.
"Seems my little brother has grown into his role as champion quite well. I think he might just be able to pull off this victory against Mumm-Ra," Tygra told his mate.
"Agreed and look at what his bravery has gained us. These new allies and their science will turn the tides in our favor. Still I'm concerned about the prophecy. Even with us united it states that the power of darkness will be stronger then us. How are we supposed to defeat him?" Cheetara asked.
"We'll figure that out once we get that final blasted Stone of Power. The sooner we're back on land the better. I'm not sure how much longer my stomach can stand being submerged."
An hour later First Speaker and Secretary Marina accompanied by Mage Representative Bella entered the central tower directly in the middle of the domed city. They're in a secure chamber protected by wards of magic and traps were the Elemental Mind Stone. It was so beautiful and twinkled in the light. They could feel its consciousness brushing their using their intelligence to power it up. Different color sparks tumbled off the facets being collected into different tubes before sent to different parts of the city.
"As you can see we've been using the different elemental abilities to aid us for centuries in different parts of the city. Most of these can be synthesis through scientific methods now. We still use the Stone's powers to increase mental capacities and link the city together in times of crisis. The mages have been working for months now to create ways spells to help us keep our connection to the elements should the Stone ever be destroyed," Bella informed them as she swam near the box. She let out a series of clicks to disable the wards. Once they were gone and the traps turned off, she gently removed the cover exposing the Mind Stone.
Marina darted in and gently took the precious treasure from its resting place. As she maneuvered close to the Thundercats the Mind Stone started pulsating in synch with the other three Stones. Marina smiled at this knowing what it signified. "These Stones were once used together to protect your kind from the destruction wrought by the Ancient Spirit of Evil. Though scattered through the cosmos and briefly brought back together by the Champion Leo they never had time to unify. Now, centuries later you are the Champion Lion-O. It is up to you to unify the Stones unique powers to help save Third Earth."
"What do you mean by that? I thought that bringing them together and using their powers as the champion would be enough to defeat the forces of darkness. I've read the detailed Diary entries about each Stones unique abilities and used the Book of Omens to help me tune their powers together. Are you suggesting I've missed something?" Lion-O asked, hesitant to take the Stone from Marina.
First Speaker Uli took the Mind Stone and placed it on the Claw Shield. The enchanted metal formed a space underneath the Stone and Lion-O felt a rush of power throughout his body. Ocelata tentatively touched the Stone her Diadem reacting to its power as well, increasing the range and power of her mental talents. Suddenly being able to communicate with the worried Berbils and Vultures she didn't hear what the speaker said to the rest of the group.
"The powers of the Stones are vast and mighty. Each keeps the others in check and their consciousness prevents them from being abused unless a pure evil heart dictates their actions. After years of talking with the Mind Stone I strongly suspect that there is more to these gifts from the Ancient Spirits of Good then we realize. Call it a hunch, but I truly believe that what we've seen is only a fraction of their true power."
As the Thundercats contemplated those words a massive undersea earthquake struck the city. Everyone screamed as they were tossed about and alarms were going off. The dome above began to crack and water started rising in areas as tubes started to fall apart. More quakes followed by strange sounds were heard as they quickly exited the collapsing tower. What they saw beyond the dome walls when they got out frightened them greatly.
The giant squids had return in force and were doing their best to destroy the spiral arms of the city. Joining them were multiple sea serpents attacking the Sharkmen. Pods of cetaceans were locked in combat with two Krakens while the pinnipeds and slow moving dugongs helped protect trapped citizens on the outside. The mythical beings were using elemental abilities to defend Artica from the Giant Leviathan who circled about as it looked for an opening to crush the dome.
"It's a full scale attack! There's no way this is a coincidence! Mumm-Ra is finally making his move!" Panthro shouted.
"In more ways then one! I can feel it and hear it! The perimeter team around the Dark Pyramid is under assault right now by the Generals and their troops. The troops are being aided by the Duelist, Conquistador, and bands of savage trolls. Ugh, ahh no get out of my mind! Mumm-Ra's trying to break the seal keeping him inside. If it should fall then the entire perimeter team could die!"
"We need to focus on what we can do here right now! Panthro, Tygra, Cheetara get to the Catfish and help stop the monsters out there. Kit, Kat, take Snarf and evacuate as many people as you can. Ocelata and I will try to repair the dome and if anything gets inside destroy it. We have to hurry there's not much time!" Lion-O commanded.
"I'll contact the Feliner see if they can help us out. Let's hope the perimeter team can keep that mummy contained. Spirits of Good protect us all!" Panthro prayed as the entire team and the Assembly rushed to protect their beloved home from certain doom.
In the skies above Artica the Feliner was in trouble. After pinpointing the location of the Catfish, the Berbils had flown the air ship close to the surface ready to blast the monsters when they were attacked from above by shadow birds, each armed to the beak with razor sharp feathers and crushing talons. As they struck the air ship from all sides the crew was thrown about.
"We can't take many more hits! The engine is two minutes away from catching on fire at this rate!" Nanda shouted over the wailing alarms.
"Berbils are attempting repairs, but are unable to access the outside motors with creatures flying around!" Robobear Bill yelled back. All around him the others were trying to stabilize the systems and shoot their lasers at the right targets.
"You bears continue to aid the Thundercats. My people and I will take care of the shadow birds. Vultures ascend!" The Vultures flew out of the Feliner and with their scavenging tools started aggressively engaging the shadow beasts in attempt to clip their wings. The shadow birds shrieked in warning dematerializing when struck only to rematerialize to rake their talons in the backside of the birds. Ignoring the loose feathers the Vultures continued their aerial barrage buying the Berbils as much time as they could.
In the Sand Sea Desert next to the Black Pyramid another battle was taking place. The Fishmen were on their sand skimmers firing harpoons and spears into the Lizards flyers. Several lizards had boarded the skimmers firing their blasters at the two legged fish. Not concerned at all for their safety they struck back with knives, axes, and the occasional frying pan attempting to beat back the Lizards.
Crysta and her Amazonians were in their aspect as they fought hand to hand against the trolls, Duelist and Conquistador. The Duelist was taken on eight swordswomen at once. Several were bleeding profusely and one had her left arm cut off just below her elbow. Smirking at his victory; the Duelist claimed her fallen sword for his own and impaled her through the stomach killing her.
"A pity, women shouldn't take up arms unless they know what they're doing!"
"You'll pay for killing our sister! Amazonians fight on!"
Crysta was running over to help when the Conquistador started shooting at her with his armored tank. She rolled out the way and hurled her bolo at the cannon bending the cannon upward clogging it. More popped out of the tanks side shooting madly only for Glen and Forrest to jump onboard shattering it to pieces with their maces. Seeing they had it under control the Amazonian leader charged into fray, her broadsword and shield held high as she stormed through the trolls' intent on giving aid to the Spellbinders.
The Spellbinders had encircled the Black Pyramid attempting to cast a containment spell to reinforce the banishment. Mano and Mayi rode their flying discs high into the sky towards the pyramid's point where massive amounts of dark red magic was pouring out. The brother and sister team dove underneath a blast narrowly avoided being obliterated by killing spells.
"Mano, watch out! Via Paralysis! Via Containmentus! Via Torturous!" Mayi shouted, spell after spell failed to contain the over pour of dark magic. The air was charged with energy as more bolts of dark magic lashed out obliterating the battlefield. Mayi threw up a shield as a spell disintegrated her flying disk. She fell threw the air on a path to being impaled. "Via Levitus! Mano, nothing's working! I fear our powers aren't enough to keep this evil contained!"
"We have to keep trying little sister! If we don't reinforce the banishment Mumm-Ra will be free to roam Third Earth again. He'll take the final Stone of Power and become unstoppable! To end we must fight!"
Inside his chambers Mumm-Ra the Ever Living watched the battle with delight and sadistic pleasure. His armies were making short work of the perimeter team. Soon their blood would permanently stain the desert sands. The Dark Pyramid was gathering much needed fuel to fly and as soon as the cursed banishment was lifted he and the Ancient Spirits of Evil would be free to finish what they started.
"All our careful planning has come to this glorious moment my Masters. Observe, the underwater city of Artica is crying out in fear knowing that their demise is near. Look at how they struggle for their pitiful lives," Mumm-Ra chortled as he watched the images in his Viewing Portal.
The Ancient Spirits of Evil were also paying close attention to the battles going on. They saw the kittens and Snarf guiding people to safety. Whenever they ran into poisonous jellies or eels along the way they used fought back with their flail and flute disabling the beasts. It still took precious time as the waters continued to rise and hopefully soon they would drown.
Another image flickered showing Panthro piloting the Catfish blasting away with the torpedoes at the Kraken. Using the robotic arms he caused a rock slide taking out wall crushing the squid. In the open sea Tygra and Cheetara used their weapons in a desperate attempt to defeat the Leviathan. The monster took little notice as it rushed the dome hoping to crack it open, but more whales came rushing up from the depths flipping it over. The battle continued with no clear winner in sight.
The final image is was the most important. Lion-O and Ocelata were half running, half swimming using their Items of Power to work furiously at repairing the damage. Lion-O was still adjusting to commanding the elements which was slowing them down. Ocelata's magic was doing a patch job, her mind to focus on the task at hand to keep the evil inside her from growing out of control. That was the opening he needed.
"Masters, if you would finish killing the interlopers I'll secure the final Stone of Power and our High Priestess. The remaining Alliance will crumble under our might and the Third Earth and realm of Spirits will belong to us!" Mumm-Ra exclaimed. The statues eyes lit up and bathed him in their darkness. Raising his arms he cast his spell. "By the powers of darkness and the cunning of night, transport my spirit through thy connection. Open the portal and make spirit flesh for a time so evil may reign eternal!"
Ocelata had just finished casting a protective spell when she clutched her stomach in pain. She sank into the rising waters twisting and contorting as the mark on her stomach grew. In a panic she tried to seal it with the manna around her, but it was too late. The mark grew large enough to cover her lower abdomen springing to life as something evil passed through her body and into the city plaza. Struggling to dry land her jaw dropped in disbelief as the Mumm-Ra the Ever Living's spirit became flesh holding the Sword of Plundar and looking at her with dark passion. "No, it's impossible. You can't be here, the banishment is still holding. The perimeter team hasn't failed yet," she whispered.
"Your friends are fighting a losing battle my precious. My army will dispose of them and then I will be free to roam in my physical body instead of my spiritual one. Why don't you just take a nap for now? I'll be back to collect you once I've aver my Stones," Mumm-Ra suggested. Ocelata succumbed to his sleeping spell, sending out a brief telepathic warning to Lion-O about what was going on. Hopefully he could defeat the astral body and save the city.
Lion-O was trying to use the Mind Stone to repair the damage to the dome when he was hit in the side by a wave of pure malice energy. He went flying through the air, the Armor of Omens vanished and the glow of the Spirit Stone dimmed. The Eye of Thundera blinked in and out of focus. Lion-O pushed himself up clawing his way to surface of the water and hauling himself onto a dry platform. Panting hard he looked dead center at his arch enemy. "So, you stole Ocelata's astral projection and thanks to your masters you're flesh for now."
"Borrowed my precious powers not stole Lion-O. Why don't you just surrender the Stones of Powers now and I will make your end quick. You have no idea how to tap into the full powers of the Stones. Even now, you struggle to channel their amazing powers; you the Ancient Spirits of Good's hand picked champion fail to control their abilities. What hope do you have to win this war if you can't even do that" Mumm-Ra ridiculed his opposite. Not giving him time to answer he flew at him striking down with the full force of his sword. Lion-O blocked with the Sword of Omens, pushing him back.
The two of them began a deadly tango of blades slashing and cutting. Lion-O brought up the Claw Shield forming a fist doing a fast punch to the face only to be deflected by the Plundar Gauntlet. Mumm-Ra flew into the air coming at him from different angles cutting and shaving Lion-O causing him to bleed. The Lord of the Thundercats twirled his sword in a fanlike motion, the Eye of Thundera glowing intensely before it released its twisting swirl of pure energy at his opponent. Mumm-Ra let out a scream of agony as it hit him dead in the chest. A beam of purplish red struck his black heart as the Spirit Stone stole his spiritual energy causing him to lose cohesion for a few seconds.
"I will not be defeated by a whelp of a child!" Mumm-Ra litotes loudly, his dark voice echoing all over the flooded city giving many of the citizens a blood chilled moment. The chilled blood was followed by moments of pure distress as many of them were pierced in their hearts by tendrils of black magic. The Kittens, Snarf and Trellia watched in shock as the people they had been evacuating withered into dust as their souls were stolen to power up Mumm-Ra.
Mumm-Ra grew gigantic the more souls he stole. His laughter filled the air as bathed his monsters with his dark power merging them into a petrifying sea dragon. The warriors outside were frozen in fear as the creature let out thunderous roar that killed several and left many broken and bleeding. Another roar bellowed towards the surface aimed for the Feliner. No one knew for certain if it had been hit or not.
Lion-O rolled out of the way as Mumm-Ra tried to squash him. Buildings, pipe lines and coral came crashing down nearly trapping him. His oxygen tank ruptured as it snagged on a broken slab of metal forcing the champion to rip it off. Mumm-Ra stirred the water creating a giant whirlpool smashing him all over the place. Lion-O struggled to reactivate the Stones only to hit the bottom of the city and be embedded in the seabed foundation.
"The Lord of the Thundercats, Leader of the Alliance, Champion of the Spirits of Good, what help are those titles to you know Lion-O? Prepare to be sentenced to oblivion!" Mumm-Ra bellowed the Sword of Plundar arched over his head ready to bring all its evil magic down on him. Lion-O closed his eyes preying for a miracle.
The millisecond before the Sword of Plundar reached him Mumm-Ra was thrown off balance by a barrage of echolocation attacks. Trellia's pod flew around him hitting him with their blasts. Their crown of stars on their melons flashed different colors as different elements sprang from their heads attacking the evil space dweller. Toothed and baleen whales used their girth to crush his legs, while the Kittens and Snarf riding on the backs of dugongs aided in the attack. WilyKit's merged her mental abilities with her flute producing a savage melody that caused Mumm-Ra to shrink small enough for her brother to tangle him up in his fling. Snarf let out a yowl, his star sapphire flashing as it set free the souls that had been stolen.
Trellia swam over to Lion-O carrying Ocelata on her back. The Queen had managed to finally fight off the sleeping spell as was awake. She was focusing all her mental powers trying recalling Mumm-Ra's spirit into her body and cutting off his connection to her. "Lion-O, we have to stop him now before it's too late! The perimeter team had to flee for their lives, but we can still remove Mumm-Ra from Artica in a weakened state. You must use the powers of the Mind Stone to defeat him and save Artica!"
"I've been trying to do that, but no matter what I can't get the Mind Stone to work for me! I don't know what I'm doing wrong!"
"You're attempting to control it instead of letting listening to what the Stone has to say. The Mind Stone has the most active conscious of all the Stones of Power. Even if you're not sure what to do trust that it knows," Trellia told him. Lion-O gazed at the glittering blue Stone sensing Trellia was right. He had to trust in the Stones and have faith they would keep him safe. Climbing on Trellia's back they thrust themselves through the water until they were level with Mumm-Ra who had shrunk almost back to normal size.
Activating the mental link Lion-O spoke with telepathically to all the citizens of Artica and his friends. "Everyone listen to me. We can still win this fight and save Artica City, but you must have faith in me. Lend me your mental strength; believe that I can defeat Mumm-Ra and his sea dragon. We must stand united. I believe in our united power do you believe in me?"
"WE BELIEVE IN YOUR POWER LION-O! TAKE OUR POWER AND SAVE US ALL. THUNDERCAT'S AND FRIENDS HO!" In an instant the mental strengths of everyone there charged Lion-O up and he unleashed a powerful telepathic attack that crippled Mumm-Ra. The other Stones' powers were boosted s the Eye of Thundera forced Mumm-Ra into his decayed mummy form and the Body Stone removed his flesh. The Spirit Stone severed his astral connection as he was forced back into Ocelata's body and she clamped down on the connection preventing his escape from the Black Pyramid.
Lion-O raised the Claw Shield aiming the Mind Stone at the sea dragon. With great focus he blasted it with a controlled direct lightning bolt. Thick kelpie plants and drift wood formed chains around the dragon as he was incased in ice. The power of gravity sank him to the bottom of the trench. The glittering power of quintessence restored life to those on deaths doors.
Turning his focus inward to the city Lion-O halted the flooding waters, stabilized the foundation, purified the air and warmed the city up before using the power over metal to fix the dome. Then with the powers over light and dark he restored the machinery making the city operational again. Once down he lowered his arm and collapsed on top of Trellia next to his weakened wife. They had done it, they had save Artica City!
While victory had been earned, it was short lived as news from the perimeter team came in once the Thundercats and their new allies had reached the surface. According to Nanda and Robobear Bill half the perimeter team had been killed and the rest force to retreat to save their lives. Mumm-Ra's banishment was over and he now had scores of monsters, criminals, and evil animals at his command. Combined with his own dark magic and power backed by the Ancient Spirits of Evil, the Thundercats knew that the final battle was approaching. The question was who would win.