It took Lion-O a few minutes to adjust to what he was seeing. The realm of the Spirits was very different then Third Earth. For one thing it was extremely cold here. His fur was standing on ends as it tried to keep him warm. The light in this world was also duller and the air felt heavy and thick. His surroundings were also wispy and blurry, probably because his eyes weren't made for this kind of environment. He could hear sounds of a battle nearing his presences and almost taste the decay that was outside the Ancient Spirits of Evil home.
It appeared that Mumm-Ra had designed his ship to be a replica of the Ancient Spirits of Evil dwelling place. He once again found himself in a dark, metallic looking pyramid with glowing orbs of manna strung across the walls. The floor was covered in hieroglyphic writing with a huge Viewing Portal in the center. Sitting on giant thrones on the far wall were the enraged Spirits of Evil. They were gigantic and radiated power. Mumm-Ra in his Ever Living form barely reached their knees. The five of them seem to be drawing strength from tendrils of darkness seeping into the room and into their bodies.
Lion-O used the Sword of Omens to cut the bars of his cage freeing himself. The Stones of Power; now back in the realm of their origin, recharged themselves feeding on the miniscule positive energy. He spotted Ocelata near the edge of the Viewing Portal next to the remains of the Book of Omens. His wife was crawling towards him; the strain on her face as she attempted to block the spreading evil from consuming her whole body was obvious. Mumm-Ra used his dark magic to lift her high into the air. She struggled lashing out.
"Don't think that because you brought me here, I'll be anymore cooperative! I refuse to use my knowledge and blood to break the barrier and allow the Spirits of Evil access to the lower planes!" Ocelata snarled. She gripped her dagger charging it with positive energy making a diagonal cut. The dark magic vanished and she landed on her feet. Ignoring the fact that her left half of her body resembled Sekhmet again she refused to become a recusant. "No matter how many tricks you pull, no matter how much you try to turn me I will never be your High Priestess or your lover! If anything it's you Mumm-Ra that should consider assoil for your past actions."
Mumm-Ra laughed at the absurdity of her request. As Oceta before her she believed wrongly that love and kindness far outweighed the power of might and maliciousness. No matter, soon she would be enlightened again and help him conquer the universe in the name of his masters. "You are foolish to believe that you can avoid your fate forever. Your prophecy clearly stated that dark army's power would be the winners of the day. Despite the aid from the Ancient Spirits of Good there is nothing you or the so called Champion can do to prevent the release of my masters."
"Our Champion of Evil speaks the truth. Without your precious Book of Omens or its protector the ritual to sealing us away is lost forever! The only one that remains is the one to free us!" The first Spirit chanted.
"Our counterparts are weak and spread to thin to come to your aid. Even now they imprudently attempt to not only save your pitiful Alliance members from extinction they use what little they have left to protect the nobodies of this world. In the end all they are doing is prolonging their own deaths! We will take what we need from our loyal servants and use it to become the masters of this realm!" The second Spirit chortled.
"With the Stones of Power in our grasp there is nothing to stop us from claiming the planet of Third Earth for ourselves. Just as we did to Animala we'll strip it of all its manna and resources to amplify our powers. With the boost of power and the Sword and Gauntlet channeling our nearly limitless powers the universe will belong to us once and for all!" the third Spirit proclaimed.
"All that is needed is our High Priestess to sacrifice you to the void and use the powers of the Stones and Items to lift the barrier once and for all. How do you intend to stop us by yourself?" sneered the forth to Lion-O. The Lord of the Thundercats, leader of the Alliance and Champion of Good held his ground. He whispered the words "Whiskers along with a prayer for help.
At that exact moment the doors to the ritual throne room burst open. A smoke bomb slid across the floor spewing its deadly cloud all over the place. The distraction worked giving Ocelata enough time to run over to her husband as he invoked the powers of the Stones. Instantly he was covered in the Armor of Omens, his Spirit Shield up and his mind enhanced as the elements formed a protective cloak around him. Ocelata's own Item gleamed with power as she took a warrior stance. Sounds of feet could be heard so when Mumm-Ra blasted away the smoke he sneered at the sight before him. One champion, a half evil queen, and one winged liaison hovering in the air while her strike team took their positions. "This is the resistance the Ancient Spirits of Good put their hopes and dreams with? Do they honestly think that the seven of you even with their blessing can match up to our power and might? It's a joke!"
"Count again you monster. There are eight of us standing here ready to fight to end!" Pumyra yelled her crossbow sling aimed at his heart. Next to her the Spirit of Jaga materialized, his staff glowing with pure magical energy. Once the Book of Omens had been destroyed, his spirit had nearly ascended, but at the last possible moment Pumyra rescued him and brought him here to help in the final battle. "I have waited centuries for justice to be served. I vowed to make you pay for taking the life of my best friend, Oceta, whose only crime was to not love you Mufaska. She tried to save your soul and in turn you killed her and stalked her family line for centuries to come!"
"Today this conflict will be resolved once and for all. No matter the costs, no mater the risks or the lives that need to be sacrificed we vow to put an end to this today. Ready yourself monster for this is the beginning of the end for you," Jaga warned him.
His warning fell on deaf ears as the Ancient Spirits of Evil stood up from their thrones. "You're right protector this ends today! By the powers of Darkness and will of Destruction feed us the power of Evil. Let our rage build so great that we become unstoppable!" A cold wave of dark energy swept throughout the decay lands and from the battlefields on Third Earth taking with it the rage, arrogance, and hatred twisting it into a vortex that swirled around the five evil beings. They laughed in dark bliss as they powered up becoming larger, stronger, and more dangerous. Soon Mumm-Ra was double his size and the Ancient Spirits of Evil had grown so big that they shattered the ceiling to the pyramid.
Pumyra and her strike team were fearful, but not about to let the intimidation show. "The bigger they are the harder they fall. We have the blessings of Isis, Rhiannon, Hebe and Amaterasu. That will protect us from their evil magic. Attack!"
Norse and Aztec were the first both yelling their battle cries loudly. They threw their weapons, three sharp battle axes and two sharp knives taking on two of the Spirits of Evil, (the lizard and jackal). Native and Inca dodged attacks from the other two, (monkey and vulture) before using long range attacks against the. The four attacks bounced off the Spirits of Evil who fired beams of darkness at the strike team. The strike team dodged across the room still firing their weapons, but drawing no blood.
Meanwhile the four cats had their hands full with Mumm-Ra as he tried to decapitate them with his Sword of Plundar. His weapon's evil blade sang its song of death as he cut straight through the wall causing several columns to fall towards the group of four. Lion-O and Pumyra flew out of danger while Ocelata climbed the walls and Jaga sped away. Mumm-Ra cackled using his Gauntlet to block the attacks from Pumyra and Jaga.
"Foolish cats, do you really think you can defeat me with such weak attacks? You're end his here!" Mumm-Ra intoned as he flew across the room aiming for Lion-O. Jaga raced over hitting him in the side and sending him off course. Jaga twirled his staff gathering his magic before casting his spell. Ropes of golden energy wrapped around the evil one's limbs pulling him to the ground trying to anchor him. The more he struggled the deeper the gold ropes dug into his flesh, hurting him.
"Struggle all you want Mumm-Ra, these ropes are made of pure goodness, they will eat away at you until you are nothing, but a shadow of your former self!" Jaga warned him. He raced around casting more ropes around Mumm-Ra waist, neck, and his wings. The old cleric pulled with all his might dragging his prey down to the ground.
"You overestimate your abilities old man! You are nothing compared to me!" Mumm-Ra retorted grasping the ropes in his hands ignoring the burning sensation he sent a stream of pure evil down the ropes. Jaga tried to cancel the spell, but it was too late as his body was wracked with pain screaming as he was paralyzed.
Ocelata back flipped off the wall using her right glove tips to pierce the ropes freeing the cleric. He left side twitched wanting to cast a dark spell killing Jaga, but she rammed herself against the wall crushing her left half. With her right side still facing Mumm-Ra she used her telepathy sending a psychic bolt into his mind attempting to crush it.
"That tickled my dear, your going to have to do better then that if you wish to best me."
"Good advice lets see how you handle me!" Pumyra growled flying right into his face and raking her claws across leaving deep gashes. She twirled about avoiding the Sword's tip. The Gauntlet deflected her crossbow shots which were made up of pure spiritual energy. Pumyra stumbled backwards in the air as Mumm-Ra flew into the air reaching out to grab her with his hand. Pumyra wings flared shining a bright light blinding the Champion of Evil.
"Can't stand the light you monster? Then let me illuminate the world for you!"
"Liaison Pumyra, watch out!" Aztec shouted a warning. The Jackal Spirit of Evil opened his mouth sending a stream of dark fire at her. Pumyra tried to dodge, but was struck in the back her wings dissolving into nothingness. Aztec leapt into the air and caught the falling she cat. He rolled behind the altar flinging a scythe at the Jackal muzzle drawing blood and taking out a couple teeth.
"Don't worry we'll protect you! Native, Inca back me up! The three of us, must keep these monsters back." Norse commanded. He took the brunt of the attack from Lizard, Monkey, and Vulture blasted him with their eyes. He brushed off their attack jumped onto Vulture's scaly legs and started hacking away. Vulture tried to shake him off, but he wasn't going to let go digging his teeth into the flesh and holding on with all his vigor.
Lizard and Monkey attempted to physically squash Native and Inca, but Lion-O used the Spirit Stone to protect them. He then channeled the power of both the Mind Stone and Eye of Thundera through the Sword of Omens punching holes into the pyramid walls letting positive energy spill into the room sucking away there power boost. With renewed confidence Inca and Native redoubled their efforts to defeat the Spirits of Evil.
"We won't let you destroy our world for your own selfish gains! Too many have remunerated the fee for your aspirations and superciliousness!" Native shouted. He dodged left and then right, running up the side of the wall shooting arrows at Monkey's head. The Evil Spirit let them graze his skull before ripping apart the wall Native was on. The strike team member crashed to the ground and curled into a ball as pieces of the wall fell on top of him.
"Native! Hold I'm coming ahhhhhhhhhh!" Inca was lifted into the air and squeezed in a crushing hand. He struggled in vain as the Lizard started draining his life force. Soon he was near death and his captive was laughing as he watched the light fade from his eyes.
"That's right, die you pathetic soul. Let those worthy of life use your essence for grander purposes. Give me all your ahhhhhhhhhhhh!" Lion-O struck hard and fast landing on Lizard's arm and burying the Sword of Omens deep into the creature's wrist. The Eye of Thundera channeled its great power through the blade into his body. The ruby red energy sizzled and crackled destroying the hand dropping Inca. Lion-O used the Mind Stone to gently lower Inca to the ground before turning his sights to the Spirit of Evil.
The Armor of Omens sparkled growing a new weapon out of the shoulder and shot blasts of nanobots all over his chest. The tiny little machines buried into the Spirits body causing internal damage. As the Lizard backed off the other three moved in to attack, but Lion-O activated the Spirit Stone forming a protective barrier protecting himself. He struggled to keep it up as they pounded on it pouring their dark magic into it.
"Your powers are nothing! You can't even draw out the full potential you weak minded Champion!" Vulture screeched. His large wings flapped creating a wind tunnel sending Lion-O tumbling to the ground. As he worked to free himself the Jackal Spirit was ready to chomp him in half when Jaga, who had recovered his strength zipped in and rescued him.
"Champion of Evil, finish off the cats at once so we may proceed with our plans!" he commanded. The Ancient Spirits of Evil had wasted enough time with these petty beings. They had a ritual to prepare for. As the moved into position around the Viewing Portal to prepare for their freedom Mumm-Ra channeled all his dark powers through the Sword of Plundar doing a wide sweep attempting to take out every single enemy in one stroke.
Aztec, Norse, and Pumyra linked hands combining their spiritual powers with the blessing of the Ancient Spirits of Good. The power was strong forming a protective sphere around them. Bolts of positive energy flew through the air attaching themselves to the Pyramid walls. Once they touched them they started to restore the decayed and evil imbued metal to its former glory.
"Restoring the realm to normal gives us a little advantage, but not much. They still are stronger then us in this forsaken place!" Norse warned the group. He could see his friend Inca frantically trying to free the trapped Inca so they could interrupt the ritual ceremony that was starting. "We need more help. What about the Ancient Spirits of Good? Can they not come here to assist?"
"They're already doing all they can to just keep our realm from collapsing. The energy they're donating to repel the Spirits of Evil from Third Earth is taking up all their reserves. They can't help us without risking the planet's safety. If Third Earth falls now, then the resulting quintessence and manna will only give them more power to conqueror this realm and the entire universe!" Aztec reminded him, he was straining to keep up the sphere, but soon it cracked and splintered. He and his fellow spirit sank to the floor in exhaustion.
"Aztec! Norse! You will not win!" Pumyra shouted. She may not have her wings, but she could still fight. Using every trick she learned while fighting in the Pit she raced forward and tried to flip over Mumm-Ra so she could aim for his head. Right before she could manage it she felt someone send a psychic bolt into her mind. Pumyra was so startled she didn't see the Gauntlet coming at her. When she touched the metal shackles formed holding her in mid air. She started thrashing about yelling swear words.
"Silence healer, your life ended centuries ago. Allow me to send your soul to its final resting place. Your sacrifice will help us dissolve the barrier. Soon all the deaths around here will allow me to fulfill my role as High Priestess…. Noooooooooooooo! I won't let this happen!" Ocelata was fighting herself one minute aiding Mumm-Ra, the next going after him shooting her claw tips into his skin ripping downward causing more blood to spill.
"Why do you resist my love? Evil is taking over and soon you will be ours again. Take your place in the center of the Viewing Pool. Direct the energies and use their blood to finally rip open the barriers!" Mumm-Ra instructed. He used his link into her mind forcing her body to start walking towards the others. Ocelata was resisting him with everything she had not allowing him to control her.
"I have had just about enough of you torturing my wife!" Lion-O shouted. He attacked whirling his Sword of Omens in a deadly dance of blades. Soon Mumm-Ra and him were locked in air battle reminiscent of the one Leo had centuries ago. Mumm-Ra's powers compensated for his lack of Stones. No matter how many times he attempted to hack into his foe, Mumm-Ra's artificial armor protected him.
Mumm-Ra channeled his magic through the blade casting a spell of decay and death at Lion-O, who was unable to get out of the way. The Body Stone struggled to keep his body from falling apart. Ignoring the pain he connected with the Spirit Stone drawing on its wisdom. He could feel every Spirit in this realm, some dying and others fighting, trying to keep the world from falling apart. With a silent prayer he called out to them borrowing bits of their essences enhancing the Spirit Stone. When Mumm-Ra came at him again he held out the Claw Shield sending out ovals of spiritual energy.
Mumm-Ra spells froze some of the spiritual energy, but a few managed to hit their mark. His body shrunk each time one connected making him an easier target. Lion-O landed in front of him and used the Mind Stone to enter his foe's mindscape. It was so dark and black, he was nearly overwhelmed, but he found what he was looking for. A single red beating thread connecting Mumm-Ra to his wife. Using the Mind Stone's elemental abilities he formed a dam of different elements cutting off the connection. Unfortunately that left his real world body in danger and he found himself being tortured by the Sword of Plundar being impaled into his body missing his heart by inches.
"How does it feel Lion-O knowing that you've failed in your duty? That you couldn't protect the Stones or the Items let alone your people? That you are responsible for the end of the world?"
"He hasn't lost yet Mumm-Ra for his destiny is still being shaped!" Jaga informed him. The Cleric had come up from behind used his staff to punch holes in Mumm-Ra's wings. Ocelata jumped on top of Lion-O grasping the Sword of Plundar. Ignoring the pain and knowing she was putting herself at risk, manage to pull the blade out. With two swift kicks, Mumm-Ra the Evil Living stumbled backwards over Jaga as Pumyra moved into to heal Lion-O.
Lion-O wasn't looking good. The Stones of Power's light had faded greatly and their protection was gone. The Sword of Omens had shrunk back to its smaller size. Ocelata wasn't looking that great either. Though she was starting to regain control all, her left side and part of her right was turning dark. The Diadem was using its power to cleanse her repeatedly. She could feel the Ancient Spirits of Evil calling her. They had already gathered the necessary magic and created the tunnel to Third Earth. All that was needed was for her to do the ritual sacrifice and direct the energies and blood to dissolve the barrier.
"Pumyra, how he is? Will he live?" Ocelata asked anxiously.
"I'm doing the best I can, but he's very weak. He used up most of the power of the Stones already and we still aren't any closer to winning this fight. I refuse to let it end this way. They're must be something that were missing. Think, what about your prophecy hasn't come true yet? What were the exact words?"
"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. We've been over this a dozen times. Our marriage has been blissfully short. We rescued Artica from destruction and the tribes united. The dark one has brought us here were his powers are strong enough to bring about destruction, but I still have no idea what four becoming one could mean!"
"Think hard! Does it mean the four of us have to fight as one? That the Ancient Spirits of Good should become one entity, what? They're has to be a clue! My Mistresses told me before I came here that all the help I needed to get justice for what happened would be here."
"I think…cough… I know…what it means," Lion-O coughed. He struggled to sit up. Ocelata helped him giving him a questioning look. He showed her the four stones and suddenly she knew what he meant. "Of course, the clues were always right in front of us!"
"What are you two lovebirds talking about? You better start talking I don't know how much longer Jaga can keep Mumm-Ra at bay!" Pumyra was looking at the aged cleric. He was doing his best to combat Mumm-Ra, but he wasn't doing much good. Her eyes also saw her recovered strike team making little progress at interrupting the ritual. She got to her feet and activated her Shine filling the dark room with light hoping to buy some time. "Well, if you two have a plan I would do something about it right now!"
"The original Champion used the powers of the Four Stones at once to seal off Animala from the Ancient Spirits of Evil for a time, Leo used their powers to defeat their Champion and land the ship safely, but always four separate Stones at once. Only by combining them into one can we truly win this fight, just as First Speaker Uli told us," Lion-O told her. He pried out he four Stones and held them in his hand. "Mumm-Ra may have destroyed the Book of Omens, but I'm sure any ritual into forming them into one exists in your mind. You have to try."
"Give me your Sword and Claw Shield now. Hold tightly to the Stones and focus your mind. I hope this works," Ocelata whispered. She placed her paws on the Sword and Shield, her Diadem glowing. She focused all her mind on the Items blocking out all distractions. The only thing that matter was the flow of energy coming from the Items. When they were finally all tuned in she began. "This trio of symbols represents all that is good. The Sword's gifts give us the might to fight for our dreams, the Shield defends against our threats and the Diadem cleanses us so that we may lead with unbiased values. These three symbols lend us your strength; merge what were once four into one gift. One gift that will restore the balance as it should be. Heart, Spirit, Body, Mind become one! Give us the power of the Champions of Good!"
The Sword of Omens, Claw Shield and Diadem of Prophecy shone bright silver as they formed a triangle. The Stones flew out of Lion-O's hand and hovered in the triangle. The Items of Power energy surged through them forming a circle. The square Heart Stone, the elongated Spirit Stone, the oval shaped Body Stone and diamond shape Mind Stone zipped inside. The circle flashed rainbow colors blinding all in the room. When it faded, the Items of Power had returned to their owners, but things had changed.
Both royals were garbed in flowing white robes with gold trim holding hands. Their Items of Power pulsated a silver light. In place of the Eye of Thundera a glittering white moonstone flecked with silver shone with such power and intensity. Everyone stared as the two royals opened their mouths speaking with the voices of ages.
"After nearly a millennium the Stones of Power have been restored to their original shape, the Animala Moonstone. The power of this Stone is greater then any of the Stones alone by combining their powers and magnifying them a hundred times. When channeled through the special ore dreams and desires become reality. Only the purest of heart could possibly control such a power and not be overwhelmed," Lion-O informed them.
"Then someone with the pure black heart of Evil shall have trouble taking the Animala Moonstone and using it to complete the plans of my Masters! At last we shall rule the universe!" Mumm-Ra bellowed. Behind him the Ancient Spirits of Evil were also smiling and pleased.
They reached out to take possession of the Item and Stone when Ocelata stepped in front of them blocking the way. Pure goodness radiated from her body, no traces of evil remained. When she spoke it shocked them that another voice had joined hers. One that all of them were very familiar with.
"Mufaska, no matter how you've changed, I can still see you true self underneath this demonic form you've chosen. You had so much promise and potential, yet you gave away the most important part of yourself for what? Unlimited power and immortality that can be taken away on the whim of beings who care nothing for you? Mufaska, I still pity you."
"No way, it can't be. You can't be here you died centuries ago, your soul must have ascended," Pumyra tried to rationalize. She looked at Ocelata and could see the ethereal form of her friend superimposed on top of the she cat. "It's really you, Oceta you've returned."
"What a pleasant surprise to see you again my dear. I have often thought about what could have been with you. Your descendent is just as lovely and charming as you are. I swore to you I would have you or you're descendent for myself and it looks like I get both for the fee of one," Mumm-Ra smirked. He looked at the girl before him with such desire that one could literally feel his lecherous thoughts. Finally after all these centuries what he wanted the most would be his.
Ocelata/Oceta gave him a sad look; one mixed of pity and unhappiness. She took a few steps closer, her radiance forcing him backwards while at the same time making him shrink. The power of his dark Items was slowly weakening. She looked over her shoulder at her beloved husband nodding at him. Angelic wings sprouted out of his back and he took to the air like an avenging angel. His duty was to stop the Ancient Spirits of Evil.
When Mumm-Ra moved to intercept him Ocelata summoned wind and gravity giving her the ability to fly unaided. She brought up her little dagger blocking the Sword of Plundar. With her other hand she grabbed the Gauntlet channeling the newly awakened power into it. The evil Item let out a shriek of pain as it was burned and scarred. The souls of those who died for its formation set free. Mumm-Ra was so startled he flew backwards to avoid having the same thing happen to his Sword
"Why are you doing this? Can't you see that evil is going to win? The only way your going to survive is by my side? I can offer you so much more then that pathetic Champion Lion-O ever could!" he shouted. Bringing the Items together he channeled their dark powers sending a stream of dark energy at her only for Pumyra to intercept it with her crossbow/sling. Her shot dissolved the attack. Her wings snapped back into existence once more as the positive energy from Ocelata/Oceta healed her.
Flying up to hover next to the ocelot she glared hatefully at the Champion of Evil. "You murdered my best friend in cold blood and have stalked her bloodline for ages. Because of your evil aspirations our home world is barren rock hovering in a near dead system! You stole all of the planet's manna and resources as offering to the Ancient Spirits of Evil. Their reward for blessing you on a journey to track down the Stones of Power and the ore needed to construct the Items of Power. I won't let you kill my friends a second time!"
"Do you recall my last words to you my friend? Let me repeat them for you. "In a distant time and planet, the blood of the chosen cats, forged in undying friendship with the tribes of old and new, will show the path to victory with omen and prophecy blessings. Through love's unwavering spirit, the twice born of virtue and peace will unbolt the gates to higher planes where the final battle of spirits takes place. Through courage and hope the evil shall die and the champion of evil shall meet his fate. Your end will come for you my former friend, but know that hope still shines for you for I foresee my descendent curing you."" My prophecy has come to head and now my beloved descendent shall fulfill her duty. Prepare for the end Mufaska."
Lion-O was to preoccupied with his own duty to wonder about the safety of his wife and Pumyra. Joined by Jaga and the rest of the strike team Lion-O flew above the heads of the Spirits of Evil. The Animala Moonstone came to life as he focused its power. When his foes attempted to erase him from existence he held the Sword of Omens in front of his body; absorbing their energies with the Moonstone.
"Your Moonstone shakes and shivers under our power. Stronger then the originals it may be, but you are not one of us! You will never be able to use our relics to their fullest potential! You should give up!" Lizard shouted. He dipped his hand into the Viewing Portal scooping up the water and transforming it to acid. He flung the vile substance across the room hoping to dissolve the threat.
Lion-O flapped his wings creating a windstorm combining it with ice and water freezing the globes. He grew in size until he was twice as big as before. The Animala Moonstone glowed and soon he was surrounded by a legion of spirits. Those who had been killed by the Ancient Spirits over the millennium stood proudly next to the Champion's advisor Jaga. One spirit in particular looked at Lion-O with pride in his eyes. For the first time ever Lion-O's father, Claudius, saw his son as the hero he was always meant to be.
"You think we're afraid of some ghost army? We can wipe them out with a thought! Be gone you specters!" Vulture shouted. He waved his hand intending to dismiss them, but nothing happened. He couldn't make them vanish. "What is the meaning of this?"
"The power of the Animala Moonstone makes dreams a reality. These specters as you called them are no longer tied to the realm of the dead. I restore to them their flesh and blood!" Lion-O commanded. A shower of sparkling gray crystals covered the legion restoring them to life. Not stopping there he summoned his power which burst forth dissolving the Dark Pyramid once and for all. They were now outside in the decayed landscape that was slowly returning to life.
"What have you done to our home?! What are you doing to our realm? It should be reflecting our vision, our power, and our might! This is what it looked like before we altered it!" Monkey howled in anger and disbelief.
"What's happening is I'm restoring this realm to what it's supposed to be. Your vision has led two worlds to the brink of extinction. No longer will I be afraid of you. I am the spirit of unwavering courage; my beloved is the shining symbol of hope. Together we will end this conflict once and for all. In the name of the Ancient Spirits of Good, justice will be served!"
"Do your best Champion it still won't matter in the end!" Jackal laughed. The Four Spirits of Evil started merging together their laughter echoing across the land. They had become a monster with different parts of their animal forms sticking out. They had the long legs of the jackal, but the tail of the lizard. The monkey's chest and shoulders were connected to the Vultures head with his wings on the back. "This is your destruction Champion of Good!"
"I beg to differ! Animala Moonstone lend me your power. Give me the fortitude and courage to see this to the end! Everyone, we unite or die in this final bout. Attack!"
The legion needed no further commands. With Jaga and Claudius leading the charge and joined by the strike team the final assault began. The first pulsation of evil knocked out several soldiers, but more pressed on. A tail sweep sent several troops soaring across the battlefield while others were stomped to death. Many in the legion aimed for the bare chest, but their attacks seemed to bounce off the monster chest. Only Jaga's magic seemed to have an effect. He used it to create a cavernous injury on its chest from the inside out. At the sight of black blood oozing out cheers were head as they pressed on aiming for vital targets such as the eyes and beak, even the wings and joints. Claudius was especially good at using his physical strength to tear chunks of skin and bone off his target.
The monster screamed and flailed about dislodging the former king of the Thundercats. With an inhuman screech the monster opened his beak and spewed out dark magic disintegrating more of the legion. The creature pounded the ground with his giant hands causing the ground to shatter and splinter open. He bellowed and charged forward radiating evil kicking and waving his limbs trying to take down the army.
Lion-O would have none of that dive bombing the creature and slashing the Sword of Omen slicing open the sides. The Claw Shield deflected the attacks sending them back as positive magic which the creature dodged. Whenever the magic missed it exploded on the ground transforming more of the realm back to the way it was. The healing energy spread out from the epicenter reinforcing the barrier and giving the Ancient Spirits of Good a much needed power boost.
The merged monster was not pleased at all. Opening its wings wide it soared into the air with incredible speed. Lion-O darted away flipping over its back side using the Animala Moonstone once more. The silvery energy danced over the creature as it attempted to shrink and depower the beast, but it was over powered. As it turned for another run at him Lion-O made multiple holographic copies of himself to confuse the creature. Each one had a fraction of his power. Each of them assaulted the creature causing minimum damage before being wiped out with a fierce tail swipe.
Lion-O recalled his holographic creations and used the Animala Moonstone to form a giant cage around the monster, but it dissolved into smoke slipping through the bars. As it came back together it copied Lion-O's trick creating chibi copies of itself to send at the champion. It met fierce resistance as Jaga used a powerful spell to create flying platforms of earth for the remaining legion that shot up into the sky. The members intercepted the chibis dragging them down to the platforms and wrestling about them.
Lion-O surveyed the battle before him. His army was dwindling, getting weaker by the minute. The merged creature was losing power, but not as quickly as he wished despite his attacks. He had hoped that by cutting it off from renewing itself from the environment he could even the playing field. It had worked, but not as well as he hoped. He could feel the Ancient Spirits of Good in the distance. They were coming as quickly as they could, but would reach him too late for any real help.
Bringing the Sword of Omens up to his eyes he activated Sight beyond Sight calling forth the image of his wife. She and Pumyra were locked in hand to hand combat against Mumm-Ra. Though greatly weakened he was far from being defeated. Both Pumyra and Ocelata were full of fear as they struggled on using their gifts to counter the overwhelming power of their foe. Lion-O lowered his weapon as self doubt started to fill him up. "This battle is never ending and so many have already lost their lives. Even with the unimaginable power of the Animala Moonstone I can't win against the Ancient Spirits of Evil. Is this truly the end?"
"It is only the end if you believe it to be," an old yet powerful voice vibrated in his mind startling the Champion. He looked around wondering who spoke when his gaze fell on the Stone. The flecks were swirling as it blinked at him. The consciousness in the Stone addressed him again. "Remember Champion, the power of imagination and dreams are far greater then the chaos and violence you're surrounded by. Recall your trials, how you learned their lessons and how when you were at your lowest with self doubt you rose higher then before because of your unwavering confidence in yourself and the people who believed in you. You have all you need to win this war. Don't give up when you are so close to averring triumph from the monster's dark heart."
"You're right, I can't let self doubt destroy my confidence. I can still win this if I believe in myself. Think Lion-O, the Spirits of Evil have merged together creating a nearly indestructible form. They are weakening, but slowly. Jaga managed to hurt it with a spell from the inside hmm that's it! Animala Moonstone, I ask you to give me the power I need to win this war and protect all I love. Thundercat Ho!" Lion-O didn't hesitate as he dove down to meet his foe who had been climbing to meet him in the sky. It opened its beak wide ready to snap him in half. With precision timing Lion-O allowed himself to be swallowed by the beast in one gulp!
Mumm-Ra watched Lion-O being eaten by his masters and let out a mighty bellow. The pathetic child king had given into despair and chose a quick death to a long drawn out torture. "You see my dears; your Champion has given up! My masters will soon finish digesting him and when he's gone the Stone of Power will merge with them. We will become unstoppable. You have no hope left. Your only chance for survival is to surrender to us."
"I wouldn't be so cock you bastard! A Thundercat never gives up! I don't know what Lion-O was thinking, but I believe in him! I won't give up until my last breath!" Pumyra snarled doing an axel kick and cross punch. Reaching into her pouch she pulled out a vial of poison throwing it at Mumm-Ra. The vial shattered against his skin slowly dissolving his flesh.
Mumm-Ra was not happy about that. Ignoring the pain he grabbed the puma in his right hand and was about to snap her neck when Ocelata/Oceta came up out of nowhere and touched his wrist. The Diadem glowed white Mumm-Ra started feeling weird. His mind was rattled as he felt her unwavering courage take hold. In shock he dropped the puma and stumbled backwards.
"What did you do to me? Answer me right now!" He screamed in wraith and his hand reached out for her. She caught it in glowing red paw watching patiently as it became a shriveled bandaged limb. "What is happening?"
"What I/we foretold would happen Mufaska. You gave into evil embrace, committing sin after sin in your quest for power and immortality. In your time as the Champion of Evil you have caused much pain and hurt, but now thanks to me/us you will come undone by the virtues you discarded. You installed fear in others, which is counter by unwavering courage. You attack with wraith, but patience endures longer." Ocelata/Oceta explained.
Mumm-Ra looked at her in disbelief. He couldn't no wouldn't be defeated by the she cat that was destined to be his! She wasn't suppose to win he was! His Gauntlet came to life powered by his lust full thoughts. Its magic sprang out cocooning the ocelot only to vanish by a yellow glow of chastity that trailed back to his Gauntlet destroying it. As he sloth liked moved towards her she kicked his legs encased in indigo energy with great diligence. They to reverted back to his mummy form.
"You can't lust for something you'll never have my old friend remember? Don't you understand that's why thoughts of chastity rendered your Gauntlet inert and my diligence undid your sloth like movements. It's not too late to repent. You can still be saved."
"Silence! I will not be mocked by the likes of you! If you think I need to be saved, then you are wrong just as the two of you were long ago! Only I know what is right not you! All I need is this weapon to prove it!" Mumm-Ra shouted with greed and envy. The duo side stepped his strike gripping the weapon and arm tightly. They channeled purple and green energies into his body dissolving the Sword of Plundar and restoring him to his mummy like state.
"A charitable act of kindness has made you powerless. What will it take for you to realize that you were wrong? You can still do the right thing to save your soul from eternal damnation."
"You're words are wasted on a being like him! He has no soul remember? He sold it to feed his glutton for dark magic and to inflate his pride as the most powerful being on Animala. You can't save him!" Pumyra growled.
"She's right you know and I do it again! Evil is always the stronger power. I may be decayed again, but I am still powerful and immortal!" Mumm-Ra roared. He was about to cast a powerful spell when Ocelata/Oceta froze him with one of her own. She turned her hand intangible and reached inside his chest. Mumm-Ra tried to move away, but couldn't. His entire body flashed blue as his dark magic left him after he was filled with temperance. As the she-cat removed her hand he fell sprawled out on the floor in his true humbled cat form outlined in orange.
"What…have you… done to… me? Why am…I… so…weak?" he whispered looking up at her in confusion. She had a dark ball of spinning energy in her paw. With a gentle squeeze she crushed it revealing a tiny fragment of silver and white.
"This is all that's left of your soul after all this time. You thought it was gone for good, but a fragment remained trying to get you to do the right thing. Since you won't repent then there is only one thing left to do. I'm sorry Mufaska; I hope you can live with your choices." Ocelata/Oceta said as she used her rays of hope to send his soul to the afterlife knowing he wouldn't be ascending. Mumm-Ra vanished never to be seen again.
In the sky above the merged beast was laughing have thought it finally won this war. Nothing could stop it now! The Champion was dead and soon the universe would belong to it! That was their last thought as there heart was impaled from the inside. They shrieked as dark blood spilled out from all parts of their body. A white light formed on their abdomen growing bigger and bigger until they vanished from the inside out leaving only a smiling Lion-O.
The war was finally over! As everyone cheered the Ancient Spirits of Good arrived on the scene. It was time for a little clean up work before sending the Champion and his wife home again.