"...No...No...Let me see..There's got to be something...Mmmm.."
The merchant watches their customer browse through merchandise, looking for something they did not see. None of it seem to catch their eye.
"What about these?"The merchant suggest, holding up something. The customer gives it a quick glance. Turning away uninterested.
They continue to rummage through the items. None of it, none of it seem right. Their eyes have scanned every single thing, but, they still could not find anything. Worthy of purchasing as a gift. Sighing disappointed. They really wanted to get something too. Guess, that was to be expected when living in a desert city. Pickings where rather slim. Finding things new, was a rarity. If only they'd where allow outside the city. They'd be able to find the something worth giving.
But, they where forbidden. So, something here in the City would have to do."..."Tapping a finger on their chin, pondering and deciding. Tucking some of their platinum white hair behind their ear, their eyes stop upon something. Then shift something else. Then back.
Which one to get? Which one? Sighing in frustration, while thinking what would best suit. Eventually decide. Picking up the item, pay the merchant. More than what the item was actually worth. Delighting and surprising the merchant. This customer was known in the City for paying more than the fair share. Their way of being generous. Anyone who received was very thankful. Wrapping up it up, thank the seller and dart off. Heading straight for The Pit.
Upon reaching it, they greet the guards while keeping what they had hidden behind their backs. With a innocent smile, it was easy to not rise suspicions. Making their way down to the cells, carefully go over to their favorite cell. And call inside.
"Pumyra. Pumyra. Psst. I have something for you..."Take what they had behind their back and pass it through the bars.
Riding across the desert in the Thundertank, Wilykat sat silently by himself staring at what he held. It was the only thing they had left, of...of their older. Their sister. Zahra. To see her physically. The orb they had been given by the leader of the caravan, Naven. Grandfather to everyone.
The sphere.
That held what their family use to be. Their mother and father there, but most importantly. There in the center, between them.
Zahra.
She was young, but, still looked the same as had years later. When she was..when she was alive. This was all they had, the twins. WilyKat hadn't stopped looking at it, how could he? When it was what he could remember his sister. He wasn't shedding tears like he did months ago, they dried up. Now he just stared, with acceptance and grief. He choose to mask and push down. Reminding himself, to remain strong. He had to uphold her last words to them. Even if it burned.
The sphere stopped glowing, he touches it again. The picture comes back up. He smiles just a bit. Feeling someone sit by him, he quickly looks up. Finding WilyKit holding Amun, with Zahra's bow on her back. She'd come accustom to wearing it. Never had she tired to use it, he had a few times. But, it just wouldn't for him. How she mastered it? He didn't know.
Taking a seat next to her brother, gives him a smile. Which he returns quickly. Amun yawns and stretches. Nuzzling up to the twins, wanting some attention. Which was given from WilyKit. Stroking him gently.
"...Do you think..."WilyKat spoke."It's true...true that.."
Knowing what her brother was talking about, Kit wasn't sure. It was just words after all, he was knowing for being deceptive and conniving. Lies and torment came out his mouth and nothing more. It could all be a lie. Or could not. But, Kat was certain it was. He believe it, to his core. Hope smoldering in his eyes.
"...I...I..."She couldn't bring herself to say it. She didn't have too, he kept going.
Hope lacing his words."I believe it is. I know it is...It has to be. S-She wouldn't leave us like that. O-Our sister is way too strong."
True she was. A strong one indeed. Still, there was no way anyone could have survived that. They all watched with their eyes as dove into the Astral Plane. Sacrificing herself, taking Grune along. Denigrating before their very eyes. Not a single trace of her left. She was gone. And everyone had to accept it. They had to move on. It was the best way to honor her. Just, it seem like the right thing to do. Mourning and grief came. It hurt, but, it was needed. From there, moving on. With all that was left behind. Though some of could not. No refused too. After what that decaying sorcerer said. Those vague words to them. It was clearly meant to taunt and make them suffer.
Anger them too. As he laughed in cruelty. Mocking Zahra disrespectfully. Affecting Kat the most, who become the most enraged. If he had the strength would have torn apart Mumm-Ra for this words.
Looking at the sphere, the picture fades. Getting ready to touch it again, Amun jumps down and turns into his larger form. Taking it away."Amun! Give it back!"Kat demands, standing up, trying to reach it. But, Amun would not yield. Keeping it away from him, which lead to 'Keep Away'. Which ended quickly, as it begun.
"Hey."Cheetara stops it."Let's go."
Dogs. Dogs. Dogs everywhere. Made since, considering where they are. The City of Dogs.
"Let's hurry up and get what we came for and get out."Pathero urges, uneasy."I got some bad memories from this town."Walks into the city, the other following.
"You've been uneasy all morning."Lion-O points out."What exactly happened here Panthero?"
"Forget it kid, I don't want to give you nightmares."
"He's probably just worried about catching fleas."Tygra quips at him."From the locals."
"Come on guys,"Kit speaks, in defense of the Dogs."Dogs aren't so bad."
Which Kat agrees."Yeah, we use to hangout with all the time in the slums of Thundera. They made the best bone stew."He salivates.
"Mmmm..bones stew! Let's find some while where here."Kat suggest to her brother. Who agrees while sniffing some out. The two of them begin to wonder off. With Amun following. He steps on their tails stopping them.
"Hey!?"They both protest.
"Maybe you two should stay close."Cheetara tells them.
"We can take care of ourselves."Kit tells her, taking his tail back from Amun."Besides, we have Amun and he's coming too."
Kat takes her tail back too."Yeah. Besides, he enjoyed it too. We use to have some with him and Zaha-"She stops herself, quickly looks to her brother and everyone. Watching them drop their heads."...Sorry."
Turning heel, she runs off with Amun and her brother. Before they where completely out of sight, Lion-O has Snarf follow them.
"Hey guys."Tygra calls their attention to a poster."Look at this."They come over and see what he discovered, to find on the poster a cat refugee. In the gladiator games, called The Pit.
"Cat? What's she doing here?"Lion-O surprised.
Cheetara clears it up."She must have survived the fall Thundera."
Tearing off the poster, Lion-O looks at closer."Now, all she has to do is survive The Pit."Pathero said.
It was starting, hearing the crowd roaring and barking. Perfect, that meant they where preoccupied. Meaning, sneaking in was going to be easy. Donning a cloak to cover themselves, slip out from their guardians. They had to be careful, if they get caught, then well...they'd have to face The Pit Master. Either way, actually, they would have to face him. At least, this way he could see how prepared they where. He'd see, they could handle themselves and where capable.
After all the training they went through, they would see. And maybe, just maybe allow them to be part of games. For fun of course and to venture outside the City of Dogs. Now, all they needed was a weapon. Not sure which one, they look at the armory trying to see. Most where quite bigger than themselves.
Hearing Puymara's taunting them teasingly, calling them small fry and they couldn't hold a weapon. Out of frustration they grab one, one bigger than themselves and topple over, causing it all to crash and fall. Drawing attention and alert. Hearing footsteps of the guards coming over, discover the pile of weapons and...them underneath.
Busted.
The Cats watched the fight of the Pit, a group of Dogs going up against, a humanoid green robot who could detach his head and use it as weapon. Quite an impressive fighter, strong too. Having enough, Lion-O demands to know who the leader was, with assistance from one of the attendees, points to the overlooking balcony. Taking their leave, they go to address them about releasing their fellow Cat.
"What do you know about this Cat?"Lion-O demands, presenting with the poster he'd torn down.
The Pit Master gives it a quick look."She's a fighter. Belongs to me."
"She doesn't belong to anyone."
"That so?"
"Yeah. She's a free cat now. So we'll be taking her with us."
Growling at the king, the Pit Master stands up, towering over him."You're welcome to try."
"Don't let him scare you, Lion-O."Pathero steps in.
"Ah, stay out of it Pathero."Cheetara warns him carefully.
But, he didn't. Walks right over to the tall, strong, lean dog."He might have been tough once. But now he's too old and scrawny."Insulting him.
"You flithy little furball!"
"You stupid ugly mutt!"
The two growl and stare each other down. To break and laugh. Greeting each other."Haha, been a long time Dobo."Pathero.
"A lifetime Pathero."Dobo returns, greeting.
"I can see that."He teases, patting him on the arm.
The rest where left rather confused, by the sudden flip. From hostile to friends. Dobo's attitude changed to a friendly and somewhat welcoming one. Informing them, their Cat was up next against Gormax, the robot in the arena. The size between the two was sufficient, she didn't have a chance. They watch the fight begin, it clearly seem like Gormax was taking control, having her on the run. She surprised them all, when she won. Taking victory. Dobo stood proudly watching the defeat.
"And Puymra wins again."Dobo praises."You Cats train your soldiers warrior is making me a fortune."
Lion-O makes an offer."Let us buy he-"
"Let me, GO! Let me, GO!"
All eyes turn around, just as two guard Dogs come into Dobo's balcony. Carrying a hooded figure, restraining them."Sorry sir, but, we caught them again."They tell Dobo.
Who sighs, growling. Walking over to the hooded figure, snatches it right off. Exposing them. His eyes look down at them with a furious scold on. Crossing his arms, tapping a finger. The others where shocked at who stood before them. Glaring up at Dobo, rather bold, slightly snarling back. While trying to wrestle out of their hold. Long, platinum white hair in a braid. It was longer than Cheetara's. Reaching down to their ankles almost. Pale skin, and...strange lavender eyes. They looked no older than either seventeen or eighteen, standing smaller than Dobo. Not really petite, a bit above it.
Wearing, light tight leggings under a beige off shoulder, fitted shirt. That slightly flared out, exposing their side in diamond shape cutout. With a light gray belt and long arm warms. And sandals. They looked nothing like a dog, not a female. They where female actually, just not a dog. Slender, lean and full. A gray choker around her neck, with a small design in it. It was hard not to stare. Feeling eyes on you, you turn to them.
"No!"Gasping, wriggle your way out of hold and rush over. Disappointed, the fight was over. You missed it. Upset slam a fist down, for it to back fire."OW! OW! OW! That hurt!"You rub it."I missed it. Dang it...that could have been me in there!"
"What?!"Cheetara in disbelief."She wants to be in the fights."
Hearing her, confirm so. Nodding your head."Yes. I've been dying to be part of it. Since I was little."Turning around to her."I've been dreaming for some sort of combat!"
"But, you know you're not allowed."Dobo growls. You turn your back to him, huffing. Upsetting him more, but you didn't care.
"My guard dog here won't let me."Having enough of, he Dobo grabs you by the collar of your clothing and lifts you up with one hand. Letting you dangle in the air."...L-Let me go!"
"I told you NO! A million times!"He snarls."You went for the weapons again!? Didn't you? You where going to sneak in to be part of the fights? Weren't you?"
"Yes! And?!"Swing yourself around to him."I'm ready! I can fight! Let me fight? Please?"Begging him.
The others just stand there watching the bickering unfold before them. The way Dobo talked to her, overbearing and upset. Similar like a parent. While she fired back, kind of like a bratty child. Both of them glaring at each other, Dobo's won."I mean it Lily. You're only allowed to train. That as it. No more of this! Do I make myself clear?"You roll your eyes."Lily!"His voice raises.
"Yes. You did..I'm sorry."You...apologize. Mumbling under your breath. Dobo shoots you a quick look. Warning you, before placing you back down. Straightening yourself up. And go back to the side.
"So.."Pathero looking at you."Who's that?"
"That's Lily. My pup."Dobo said. To everyone's shock. Hearing their gasp he quickly tells them."She was found not to far away from the City. Brought in and she's been here ever since. She's a feisty one."
"We can see that."Tygra said, his eyes still remained on you. Something strange about you. Feeling eyes on you, turn around locking eyes quickly. Annoyed, turn away.
Your eyes search the empty arena watching the crowd exiting, it was then you realized something."Wait!?"You turn around."Where is she? Did she win?!"Looking to Dobo, anxious.
He gives you a small smile."Don't worry. Puymra won."That was a relief. You smile happy to know.
"I'm so glad."Pushing off the wall, turn around."I'm going to go and congratulate her. Just a few more fights...and she'll be free. I know just the thing to celebrate."Excited, you dart off.
"Lily!"Dobo stops you."I have something else for you to do."
This was just unfair, you knew Dobo was punishing you. Giving you the job to 'tour' the Cats around the city. How mundane. It was just his way of making sure you wouldn't try anything and you'd be someone sight. For goodness sake, you where eighteen already and he still had you watched like a hawk. If you didn't do it, he'd wouldn't allow you to see any more matches. And stop your training for a few weeks.
What choice did you have. In a not so enthusiastic tone, show them around."And there is candy shop. Over there the market."
They follow you, well most of them. One was missing, that you didn't realize. To caught up in your brooding and sulking."Some one seems happy."Cheetara points. Taking notice.
"I still can't believe Dobo has a kid."Panthero still in shock."Never thought he would. Even if they're not his. Just the thought."
"You seem quiet, Tygra."Cheetara notices."Everything okay?"Looking to him. Seeing his eyes where upon you. As if studying. Trying to figure you out, there was something plaguing in his eyes.
Eyes that watched every movement made, gesture. Looks and facial expressions. Mannerisms. With your back to him, made it a bit difficult for him to fully see you. As you kept yourself adverted from him. Feeling eyes on you again, quickly glance back finding that same Cat, Tygra looking at you. Made you rather uncomfortable. Like his eyes where trying to see straight through you. No. Not straight through you, it was something else. Interests? Was he intrigued? It kind of felt he was undressing you, or maybe you where just assuming and overreacting. Either way, it was annoying.
He needed to stop. Not paying attention, caused you topple and trip. Quickly, the others go and help you."You okay?"Cheetara asked, dusting you off. While Panthero hosted you up.
"Yeah. I'm okay."Telling them, dusting yourself off. When you felt someone take something out of your hair. It was Tygra, this time he was able to get a full view of you completely. Before you turn away quickly and distance yourself. Moving behind Pathero, to hide your flustered cheeks. "L-Let's keep going."Clearing your voice hurry off.
Cheetara and Patharo look at Tygra."What did you do?"She accuses him. Which he didn't even know.
Continuing with the tour around the city, making sure to keep distance from the other. Finally come back to The Pit."And that's everything."Heaving, resting your back on the wall.
"Thank you, for the tour."Cheetara to you."It was umm...very nice. You have a nice city."
She was trying, you could tell. But you appreciated."Thank you. This is my city, hard to believe you."Looking at Pathero."You and dad both fought here. You must be a great warrior. Not many come out there, alive really."
"I know. What?"He sees the adoring look in your eyes.
Kind of freaking him out."Tell me...what's it like? Is there a rush? What's it like to actually battle? To fight? What is the thrill like?"
He steps back, feeling pressured and smothered by the questions and the way you looked at him."...Why do you want to know so badly? You see the fights."
"I do. But, they're not the same. I want to be a warrior like, like my dad. It sounds amazing."
"Battle sounds amazing? To you?"He scoffs at your naivety."It's not something to be happy about. Trying to fight for your life every second. Didn't Dobo tell you the stories?"
"Most. Not all. He did tell me, you left him. Alone."Your words affect him, he looks down regretfully."He never told me why, but, that's okay. He did tell me, how good of a warrior you are. Cats are really good warriors actually. So great, Pyumra has been training me."
"Training you?"Cheetara looks at you."She's your trainer and a prisoner?"
"Well, I wouldn't call it that. I don't see her as that. She's more my teacher, than anything. My dad has allowed her to-"
"Lily!"Dobo cuts in, walking over holding Lion-O's gantlet and sword. Presents it to you and the others."I told you to watch all the Cats."
Looking around, you count and see you only had three not four."I-I thought...I didn't know."You try to defend yourself.
"Well, he slipped by. So he's locked up."
To which Panthero protest."That's our king you got locked up in there."
"He tired to steal from me, Pathero. Would you rather me hand him over to the authorities? With the Pit at least he's got a chance of getting out."
Seeing where this was going and not wanting to be apart of it any longer. Slip out unnoticed and make your way down the cells, where you hear an angry Pyumra hissing at the other Cat. The king of the Thundercats, who was locked in the cell next to her. Stopping before you reach, hear Pyumra rage and pain words lashing out. About her suffering, about her people's suffering. You didn't realize...realize how much pain she was in. Though you might have had a slight idea, just not this much.
Sympathize with her. The torment in her voice for her people. The hope that died with everything. You saw something more, within her. And all this time...you had been so selfish...How dreadful...you where. A prisoner in her own suffering. Peering around the wall, hear the words that scared you. Her desire to end Lion-O herself.
"No!"You gasp, quickly put your back up against the wall. Lion-O looks over, seeing no one. He was sure he heard someone, looking closer sees something white leave.
Reaching your barracks, your room. Shut the door quickly, your heart pounding in a rush. Mind racing on thoughts what to do, to come to the most proper conclusion.
"A king would not allow his people to suffer!"Pyumra hisses.
Her words, her anguish. After she had done for you, if this would make her smile...then you'd do it. Carefully you make sure no one was around, open a secret area in the room. Grabbing what was in there, attach them around your belt. Make sure they're secured. Switch out your footwear to something acceptable. Trade out your arm warmers too. Add a pouch, done another cloak. You where ready. Giving yourself one last glance in the mirror, exit from the window. It was night now, everyone was pretty much at The Pit. This was perfect, it was going to be easy for you...hopefully.
Landing on a ledge, you remain still. For a few Dogs to pass by, sighing carefully jump to the next one and then the next. Before settling on the ground, concealing yourself in the shadows of night, keep your senses aware and alert. Just a few more and you'll be out. Freedom was just up ahead. You could smell it. Your heart pounded upon your chest, you could feel your blood rushing through. Was this really the right thing to do?
Closing your eyes, calm your rising nerves. Thinking of Pyumra, it was settled. This was the right thing. If it would make her happy. And, even if was against Dobo's wishes. You had to do this, something was calling you to. Slipping into the shadows make your way pass quite a few, this had to be a one quick dash. Focusing on open desert before you, tense up. Get down in position. Counting down...and push off like the wind. Closing your eyes, to open them...you where out. Running across the desert. You hope he'd understand, after you did this...then you'd come back.
You'd return back. Turn your back to the City, look across the vast desert...the world it was so big. So wide...so endless. Your legs began to tremble from either nerves or excitement. Taking a step forward turned into a sprint...all fears behind you. This was your time, your decision. Your mission.
A thrilled smile spread across your face...as you ran into the unknown. Unaware of what loomed ahead.