A/N: One more chapter to go... Thanks everyone!

Chapter 39

Later that evening at dinner, Leo had made his announcement. No one second guessed his decision, they just reminded him that they would always be there for him and Panthro promised to make him a more awesome set of wheels to which Mari said that they should add a side car. Everyone had a good chuckle at that and Panthro promised to add something.

Now, a few days later, Lion-O paced anxiously in the control room, waiting for a video call from Lucius. The reptile had promised to get in touch thirty minutes ago and he had yet to hear from him.

"Nervous or pondering your next move as King?" Sahara smirked, as some things never changed.

"A little bit of both. When they are done searching the moons and everything is sort of back to normal, I will make the announcement of Leo's decision to everyone. Then you will step in and be Leader of the ThunderCats, of course, then eventually Queen," Lion-O smiled slightly.

"Leader of the ThunderCats, not as catchy; but certainly better than Lady of the ThunderCats. Who will be assigned my Protector?" She asked.

"Well you have no more siblings but you do have a husband. A bit old fashioned perhaps but I see no one better for the job," her father winked.

"It would be a great honor for him but I fear he may fight you. Losing his eye has really changed his outlook on things," there was worry laden in her voice.

"Oh but I am King. I can do anything I want and that includes getting him a new one. Lea will be getting something as well. Turns out Lucius has some good friends in the advancement of medicine on Plundarr and he intends to bring them back with him when he comes," the King explained.

"What about Leo? Can they help him?" Sahara asked.

"They need to see him first. I do not wish to get his hopes up, or anyone else's hopes up, as the doctors say that the first twenty-four hours after the injury is critical. By the time he sees them, that window will have long since closed. They can help Lea because when the swelling went down it revealed a few herniated disks and things were just squished. Leo had his spinal cord practically severed. That is unfortunately a completely different animal," Lion-O said.

"Not much of a Protector then was I?" The litah sagged into a nearby chair.

"Fate does what she wants to. You see just because you are a Protector does not mean that you are only supposed to protect Leo. You have shown, time and again, that you are the Protector of all of Thundera. No one, especially your brother, looks upon you as though you failed. You have pulled our asses from the fire again and somehow I figure you haven't used up all of your nine lives," he pulled her from the chair and into a hug.

"Sir, we have a call coming in," the radioman interrupted them.

"Put it through," Lion-O ordered, releasing Sahara.

"My King, Princess, I have wonderful news!" Lucius was beaming.

"Tell us all about it," Lion-O smiled.

"All the moons of Plundarr have been cleared. You can send those filthy bastards on New Thundera where they belong," the reptile said.

"Excellent! I will have Whizz-Ra and Sahara get right on that. How long until you reach us old friend?" The lion wanted to know.

"I will be to you in three days' time. I have some business to attend to on Plundarr," Lucius replied.

"Very good. We will see you then. Give my best to the Council," Lion-O told him.

"Of course," and with that the former leader of the Mutants faded out.

"Well I guess I had best get to work," Sahara said.

"Right away. I'll inform Mandora and we can go from there," her father smiled and the litah quickly left the room.

To Be Continued…