Embracing dark desires

by Dr Facer

Set after Wildstorm's miniseries The Return. Mumm-Ra was defeated and now all seems to be well for the Thundercats, except for WilyKit and WilyKat who seem to be very disappointed with the current turn of events...

4. Chapter 4

Disclaimer: Thundercats and all related character don't belong to me.

Note:

This story takes place in an Alternate Universe set immediately after the end of 'The Return' miniseries published by Wildstorm comics.

Embracing dark desires.

By

Dr Facer

Chapter 4

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WilyKit sat in a corner of the still-under-repair council room, where she and the other Thundercats were currently listening to that girl's story about how her father was murdered the night before. Kit was paying close attention to what their guest said and her eyebrow knit anytime she heard her brother mentioned. So far, the only good thing was the confirmation that her twin lived, an assessment she didn't plan on sharing with her team-mates.

The girl's story, however, was upsetting her quite a bit. After listening to most of it, Kits was now sure of one thing: if the farmer was dead, it was his own damn fault. How dare he shoot her brother?!? It was not a surprise that Kat had reacted like that, in fact… Kit had to admit that she probably would have reacted violently as well if someone had shot her…maybe even more violently than her brother…

"And then he jumped out of the window and vanished," Aliona finished, wiping away a tear and trembling a little as she finished her sad tale; she still had trouble thinking of her father as dead, and reliving his murder was something she could hardly bear. "Please… find my dad's killer; I'll do anything, but please…!"

"Don't worry, dear…" Hushed Cheetara, embracing the young woman to offer her some comfort, "We will do all we can, that's what the Thundercats are here for."

"She lied to us," WilyKit said coldly, cutting short Cheetara's soothing words, "my brother couldn't have killed that farmer!"

"That farmer was my father!" Aliona sobbed, "Are you saying the man who lies cold in our home… waiting for his last rites… is not my-my dad?"

"You should pay attention to my words. I didn't say you father was not dead," Kit answered, an annoyed tone in her voice, "I said my brother is not the murderer."

"But…!" The auburn-haired girl looked at Kit and trembled when she met her ice cold stare, "I… I saw him, I'm sure it was him…"

"We know you don't lie, Aliona," Lion-O said, hoping he could stop both girls from starting an argument, "But WilyKit is also telling the truth. You see, her brother is dead. Mumm-Ra killed him right in front of her."

Aliona's eyes fixed on the lord of the Thundercats, "What?"

"Just what Lion-O said," Panthro added, "We all saw it, too. The one who killed your father couldn't have been WilyKat."

"But then who…?" Aliona whispered, "I don't understand…"

"You obviously didn't see the attacker well enough," WilyKit interrupted.

"Do you have something else we could use to find the killer?" Cheetara asked, still cradling Aliona as if she was a mere child, "Anything, no matter how insignificant it seems, could be of great help."

The young woman nodded and, leaving Cheetara's comforting embrace, went to pick up the bag she'd left by the door. "Yes, I do have something," she said, grabbing a gold bracelet from her purse, "The killer first tried to pay for what he stole with this."

"That thing is not enough for you to blame my brother for what happened!" Kit replied in a very angry tone of voice. She had recognized her brother's bracelet as soon as she saw it. It was the definitive proof that her twin lived, and it was also the evidence which could doom him, unless she said something to keep suspicion off Kat's back, "If anything…" Kit started, "it only hints that Mumm-Ra is your killer, not my dead twin! Or are you too obsessed on blaming him to understand that he is gone?"

"Despite her tone of voice, for which I must apologize… the fact is, WilyKit does have a point; we shouldn't forget that Mumm-Ra can take any form he desires," Tygra offered. "It is possible that he disguised himself as her twin, or even summoned a creature that resembled him in order to set a trap for us."

"I have to agree with Tygra on this," Panthro said while thoughtfully scratching his chin, "All this is probably that mummy's doing."

"But Mumm-Ra is defeated!" Aliona said, "Snarf told us that!"

"We did beat him," Cheetara assured, "but he's not gone, not yet."

"Now you see why accusing my brother is insulting?" WilyKit asked, not bothering on keeping her voice down anymore, "I really don't know what you little sla…!"

"Enough!" Lion-O interrupted, "Arguing like this will not get us anywhere. The first thing we have to do is to make sure we honour her father properly." He then looked at the girl and bowed his head slightly, "If it's acceptable Aliona, we would be honoured to be with your family during Pum-Ren's last rites."

"You…want to go?" Aliona blinked, she'd been wishing to disappear when WilyKit yelled at her, but she forgot that as soon as she listened to Lion-O's words. She never expected the lord of the Thundercats to make that offer and she didn't know how to respond, "I mean… the honour will be ours my King… it's more than we deserve and I…I thank you and… my lord… would it be alright if we go now? I promised my mother I wouldn't take long and…"

"I understand." Lion-O then looked at Panthro, "Get our truck ready, Panthro. We're leaving as soon as you're done."

"Of course, there will be no problem," The panther said, "It'll be ready in a minute."

"Good. Can you all please take Aliona to the vehicle?" Lion-O asked, but stopped WilyKit when she passed by his side, "Wait, I have to talk to you."

The young woman didn't allow Lion-O's hand to touch her; as soon as she noticed he intended to grab her by the arm, she stopped and backed up a step. "What is it?" She asked, feeling a sudden burst of hate for him invade her heart. That emotion, however, was replaced by rage almost instantly, and she was glad. Rage she could suppress; hate was much more difficult to contain.

"This is difficult to say, Kit," The young lord started, using a grave, sad voice. "But I am very disappointed by the way you just behaved. That girl lost her father last night!"

"Are you saying I'm supposed to feel happy she's accusing my brother of killing a member of her family?" Kit shot back, "I know I am supposed to help her, but how do you think I feel, listening to what she told us?"

"You were in rage and about to insult her. A Thundercat doesn't do those things."

"So now you want me to tell her I'm sorry?"

"That's up to you to decide," Lion-O replied. "But that would be the right thing to do."

"Apologize..." Kit said, feeling irritated at Lion-O's request; how could he be expecting that someone of her caliber would apologize to one of those inferior slaves? It was insane! Mumm-Ra would never have made her do that, he would never allow such disrespect to her! But he… wasn't here. She didn't live in the Onyx Pyramid anymore. She didn't have her privileges anymore. She had joined the Thundercats again and she had to obey Lion-O. Even if what he was asking her to do was stupid. "I'll think about it during the farmer's funeral."

Lion-O took a deep breath and looked her straight in the eyes, "About that…"

"What?"

"I think…. it will be best if you stay here."

"You don't want me to go?"

"Aliona's family still believes that your brother…"

"I know," Kit cut him off, "That's fine. I didn't want to go anyway."

"You… you didn't?"

"No, I don't. You've already said why. Her family thinks my brother's a killer; if I show up, it will ruin the ceremony. " She explained, hiding the real reason she had for staying at Cat's lair: entering the forest and searching for her twin. "Go and do what you must, I'll be fine."

Lion-O looked at WilyKit for a moment, uncertain of what to say. Kit didn't seem upset about Aliona's story anymore, and that was a very drastic change, considering she'd seemed ready to start yelling her disagreement only minutes before.

"Besides…" Kit continued, "Someone has to stay behind to guard the Lair. I can do that."

"Very well; if you really want to, you can stay on guard duty until we're back.," Lion-O agreed, "But I still want you to apologize to Aliona when you have the chance."

The young woman just nodded and walked out of the room, "Whatever you say. I'm going to the control room."

"Kit…" He called.

"What now?"

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but if WilyKat is alive and he really is the killer… you know what we will have to do…"

"He is dead! Didn't you see what Mumm-Ra did to him?" Kit interrupted; her voice full of so much venom that even Lion-O found it intimidating, "And I don't recall you or the others ever holding a funeral for him, or giving me time to grieve his death!"

"Kit… we…"

"Forget it, Lion-O, there's nothing more to say about it… you should just go, that girl was in a hurry anyway!" She said and then stormed out of the room, not waiting for her lord's reply.

Once alone Lion-O wondered, not for the first time, if Tygra's fears of something being very wrong with WilyKit had some truth behind them. Somewhat worried, the young lord made his way to the garage; he would have to talk with Tygra about Kit later.

"This is a very well kept machine." Panthro told Aliona as he looked at the girl's hover bike, "You made it?"

"I found it in a junkyard. My mother fixed it, she's good with machines."

"She must be very good." The panther said, still looking at the hover bike, "And I can always use a good mechanic."

"What's this?" Cheetara asked, noticing a rather large steel boomerang attached to the side of the bike, "Is it yours?"

Aliona grabbed the weapon and handed it over to the female Thundercat. She felt somewhat uneasy about being the centre of attention, and also guilty for not being with her mother, "It's a family heirloom I got from my late grandfather. I've used it for hunting ever since I learned how to throw it."

Cheetara examined the weapon and one of her eyebrows rose. The boomerang was about a meter and a half of sharp steel, with handles on the inner face of both of its tips; the middle, though, was tightly wrapped with straps of brown leather, "Tygra, look at this weapon."

Tygra, who had been deep in thought a few steps away, approached and reached for the weapon; after one look he too became very interested in it.

"Is something wrong with it?" Aliona asked, "I hope owning weapons is not illegal…"

"It isn't," Tygra reassured her, still holding the boomerang, "Can I remove the leather wrapping?"

"No! I mean… my grandfather told me to never do that… I'm sorry."

"Oh. I see," Tygra said with a small smile, returning the boomerang to the young woman, "It is an interesting weapon. Are you any good with it?"

"I once took care of an Ice Trog all by myself," Aliona said as she strapped the weapon to her back, but soon added nervously, "Of course, I'll never be as good as all of you are… I mean, you're Thundercats and I…"

"I'm sorry to keep you. Are we ready to go?" Lion-O asked as he entered the hangar.

"Yes, we're ready," Panthro said, but then added, "…Where's Kit?"

"She's not coming," The young leader answered with a grave voice, "We will talk about that later. Right now we have other matters to attend."

The rest of the Thundercats nodded in silence, knowing by looking at Lion-O's concerned expression that it would be futile to talk to him right then.

From a window high on the Lair WilyKit watched as the truck faded into the distance. She was not pleased by what had happened, not at all. Who did Lion-O think he was, ordering her to apologize to that miserable farm-girl who came here with her stupid little problems? And what about her so-called friends and comrades? They had all sided with that Aliona bitch without even asking her any questions! They preferred a complete stranger to her! But that wasn't the worst of it. No, the worst was Lion-O, threatening WilyKat right to her face!

"If they chose that girl and if Lion-O threatened my twin… then it must be because they don't really care about me or Kat! Just like Mumm-Ra always said," She murmured, gritting her teeth and balling her hands into fists. "Could it be that lord… that Mumm-Ra knew this was going to happen all along and he wanted me to see it for myself? Could it be that he wanted me to see the Thundercats are still as traitorous as they were before, when they abandoned me and Kat?"

That thought made Kit feel an intense anger, directed at the other Thundercats but especially at Lion-O, who had had the nerve to blame Kat openly for what he did to that farmer. But then again, was it surprising? Ever since they had come back to Cat's Lair, Lion-O had been hesitating to mention her twin, even hinting that he disliked Wily-Kat. But whatever Kat did, she was sure he had his reasons. So what right did they have to judge him? What right did Lion-O think he had to threaten her with what 'they would have to do' to her brother? The answer was easy: He had no right!

"Curse him! How can he judge WilyKat like that? I hate it!" she shouted, slamming her fists on the windowsill so hard that she actually cracked it. Breathing heavily, the young woman managed to calm down and, after a few minutes, she left the lair.

A few hours later:

WilyKit entered the only area of the forest she had never visited before. It was reasonably close to the Lair, but it was covered by incredibly thick vegetation which always drove her off. She was convinced her twin wouldn't chose a place like that to live. This time, however, she felt an imperative need to search here. In a matter of minutes Kit, following only her instincts, arrived at a large tree. Between its roots she saw an opening, a cave of some sorts.

"Is this where you've been hiding, brother?" Kit whispered, as she slid between the long, hanging roots and inside the cave under them. The young woman felt overtaken by emotion once she stepped into the cave, a place which was entirely WilyKat. Once her eyes got used to the dark, she sat down on a bed made of hay and allowed herself to cry a little.

"You're really alive, Kat! But why did you hide from me, why didn't you try to see me or contact me?"

It didn't take long before WilyKit found the answer to her question, "Because I'm a Thundercat now." She muttered, touching the insignia she had attached to her belt days ago. "He probably fears I'll arrest him, but I would never…" It was useless, and she knew it. WilyKat probably considered her an enemy. Well, even if he thought of her that way, she was not going to let the Thundercats capture him if she could help it. Besides, she had the feeling her brother was never going to come back to this cave. He knew he would be a wanted man; and judging for what she saw in the cave: a miserable bed made of hay, some power cells tossed on the floor, and other things she could only call trash, it seemed her twin lived worse than a beggar. Something that, of course, she truly believed he didn't deserve.

Anxious to meet her brother again and hoping against hope for Kat's return, WilyKit waited until the light that filtered trough the cave's entrance started to fade. The sun was setting, marking the time to go back to Cat's Lair. Fearing her team-mates were already at the base, ready to question her about the things she had been doing, the young woman rushed all the way back to her home. Unfortunately for her, she met Cheetara at the Lair's bridge.

"You went to the forest again," Cheetara said staring at the younger woman with curiosity, "It's almost sunset; what were you doing there, is it something we should know about?"

"I'm not doing anything wrong; I don't have any secrets." Kit lied, "I-I actually go there because… when Kat and I were kids… we used to play there. I go there when I want to remember him."

"And I guess you had to remember him today?" Cheetara observed, "I understand you miss him, but you can't leave the Lair unguarded. You were on watch duty."

"I'm really sorry." Kit apologized, "It's just that after what happened, I couldn't stop thinking about him."

"I see… don't worry, we'll find that killer."

"I know. Are the others back already?" Kit asked, hoping she could change the topic.

"Not yet. The others are still helping out at Aliona's farm." Cheetara explained, "I decided to come back early."

"They're still there? I thought you only went to the funeral." Kit said, intrigued.

"Well, that family needs all the help they can get right now. I think Lion-O is doing the right thing by helping them as much as he can."

For an instant, WilyKit thought it was unfair Lion-O could go anywhere without being questioned, while she was interrogated about her activities every single day. That angered her, but she managed to remain calm, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"We'll be having a full moon tonight." The cheetah announced, looking at the darkening sky and apparently finally deciding to drop the previous topic "It's been years since I've seen one."

WilyKit shook a little and felt a drop of hot sweat slide slowly down her neck, "Full moon?" She asked, cursing herself for forgetting about it, "T-t-tonight?"

"Of course, don't you like it?" Cheetara said, planning on spending some time watching it with Panthro, "I'm really looking forward to it."

"I see… good for you two." Kit said with a dry voice, "I'm tired, I'll be on my room."

"Fine, but I expect you to report early tomorrow; we're going to have a busy day."

"Yes, of course," WilyKit said, wiping away the hot sweat that was forming in her forehead, "I'm going now, I need to lie down." Saying no more, the young woman rushed to her room.

Somewhere else, Tygra focused on driving the truck. At his side, Lion-O sat in silence, his eyes closed and his mind lost in thought; in the back, Panthro was drowsing off and a very tired Snarf slept.

"Remember you told me something was wrong with WilyKit?" Lion-O asked suddenly.

"Yes, I remember," Tygra answered, "Why?"

"I think you're right," The young leader admitted, "And I would like to know what it is so we can help her. Do you have any idea what exactly is the matter with Kit?"

"I'm not sure myself, Lion-O." Tygra said, "But I believe it is related to whatever Mumm-Ra did to her when he had her."

"We could ask Cheetara to use her power, she could look into it."

"I don't think she would agree to do it," Tygra argued, "Not for something like that."

"…Yes, you're probably right." Lion-O closed his eyes again and remained silent for a few minutes, "Tygra?"

"What is it?"

"Since she won't openly talk to you or me… do you think there's any other way to find out what's happening to her?"

"Ask Cheetara to talk to her," Tygra advised, "She might not want to use her psychic powers to see the past, but she's the only one of us WilyKit still seems to respect."

WilyKit sat alone in her locked room, staring at the full moon through her open window. Now that she knew her brother lived, her concern for him had practically vanished, replaced by the hope of meeting him soon. Her brother, however, was not in her mind right then. What troubled her, what made her ignore the arrival of the other Thundercats hours ago and had her feeling completely miserable was the memory of someone else, someone she had tried to forget but apparently would never be able to.

"Amon-Ra… the Pharaoh…" She whispered the name and closed her eyes; she had tried to erase him from her mind, to forget what he had done to her, to convince herself that she could live without seeing him every full moon. She had tried in her mind. Her body, however, was not ready to forget and would probably never be.

"Damn it…why?" WilyKit whispered, unable to stop the tears. She wanted to feel unclean, to feel used, degraded. But she couldn't, thinking about him and the things they did only made her feel a burning desire all over her body, and she hated herself for it. Unable to stop the need, but not willing to give in, the tortured WilyKit closed the window and curled into a ball under her sheets, hoping that in her dreams she could escape the lust that threatened to consume her.

And she did have a dream, a dream of the first time she met Amon-Ra.

WilyKit, now a young adult, entered the cauldron room and stood very still until Mumm-Ra, who was gazing at the ever-bubbling waters decided to address her. She didn't know what the wizard wanted, but she wasn't expecting anything pleasant.

"Welcome, my dear," the mummy said, motioning for Kit to come closer to the cauldron, "Here, look at this."

What Kit saw in the waters was nothing new: a group of Thunderian slaves working under the orders of a squad of mutants. Still, there was one difference: the slaves were busy decorating and carrying supplies into the largest temple of the Capital City.

"What is going on, my lord?" The young woman asked.

"We will be having visitors tonight." Mumm-Ra announced, "They are very special guests, the king and queen of the planet Narcissus. I'm interested in starting trade with them. That is why the slaves are preparing my temple for the dinner I will be offering in the honour of our guests. Unfortunately, there is one problem…"

Kit waited in silence, knowing very well that was what the ever living wizard expected.

"…Our guests would never agree to negotiate with someone of my… appearance; they also expect this planet to be ruled by a royal couple as well."

WilyKit didn't move, but she really didn't like what Mumm-Ra was hinting at.

"Because of that, you will have to act as the queen for tonight. And since you've become quite the beautiful woman, I'm sure our guests will be very pleased with you. I won't be able to go like this, but I believe Amon-Ra will be a suitable partner for you. The negotiations shouldn't take too long, so don't worry, it will all end soon."

"My lord… I don't think I can…"

"I've taught you how to fight and how to act as a woman of noble blood; you shouldn't have any trouble with this," The mummy assured her. "Now go and get ready: take a bath, choose your best nightdress and jewellery and come back here by sunset."

The girl bowed slightly and prepared to go and get ready, but her master's hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"Don't go thinking anything stupid, little slave." The ever living being warned, "You will not drop subtle hints about the Thundrainium mines or anything else; remember your brother will stay here and it would be a shame if something bad happened to him."

WilyKit nodded and, swallowing her fear, returned to her room.

"What's the big occasion?" WilyKat asked, leaning on the door frame, watching as her sister, gorgeous in her finest white dress, finished choosing a necklace and earrings.

"I'm supposed to play queen tonight in front of Mumm-Ra's guests," She answered, "A man called Amon-Ra will be acting as king."

Kat frowned, "I've read about him. It is strange that the master is calling for him."

"Tell me all you know, is he a crazy warrior or something?"

"No. According to the ancient scrolls I've read, Amon-Ra was one of Mumm-Ra's rivals. He was a Pharaoh, and is believed to be one of the most handsome men to ever live in Third Earth." WilyKat explained. "He was also a wizard, and he perfected a spell called the Sun Glare. He tried to gain the favour of the Ancient Spirits of Evil, but Mumm-Ra killed him and stole his soul."

"At least he should be good looking." WilyKit said unenthusiastically, "What is that Sun Glare thing, what does it do?"

"Remember Tashi and her Doom Gaze spell?" Kat asked, "Well, the Sun Glare is similar, but a lot stronger. It can influence and completely control anyone regardless of gender."

"If that stupid trick is all he had, it's no surprise our master destroyed him," Kit said, finally deciding on a set of gold and emerald necklace and studs, "Do you think this looks good? I don't want to have to change if Mumm-Ra dislikes it."

"You look marvellous, Kit; I'm sure the master will approve."

"Thank you," she answered, "Well, let's do this… and Kat? Don't worry, I'll do my best, lord Mumm-Ra won't be angry at us."

Offering her a small smile as his answer, the young Thunderian watched in silence as his sister walked away. WilyKat didn't say it, but he was worried for her sister, like he always felt when she was sent on missions for the master.

Mumm-Ra was speechless when he saw her enter the cauldron room. Dressed in white, with her fiery red hair picked up in an elegant style and her beautiful features brought out with only the slightest touch of makeup, the slave he had always ordered around had turned into a woman of a brilliant, exotic beauty.

"Is this fine, my lord?" She asked, avoiding eye contact with the wizard.

"My dear girl, you are a vision!" Mumm-Ra replied, "I am pleased indeed. You look like a queen and if you behave like one, you will make a fine escort tonight."

"Where is this Amon-Ra person, sire?" WilyKit asked, she knew it was madness, but she had enjoyed hearing Mumm-Ra's praise and that scared her.

"Don't worry, my dear; he will be here in an instant." The wizard replied and, stretching out his arms, he began his transformation chant.

"Oh crap," Kit whispered. She had thought Mumm-Ra would summon a ghost to go with her; instead, her master was taking the form of the dead Pharaoh Amon-Ra. Just the thought of having Mumm-Ra at her side during the event and pretending to be her wife was making her feel sick; but, when the wizard's transformation ended with a bolt of light and she saw the form of Amon-Ra, all of her fears evaporated.

In front of her stood a man with body and features so perfect all of him appeared to have been chiselled out of raw stone. His tanned skin glistered under the dim lights and his elegant robes left no doubt that this man was indeed a king. When he looked at her with his deep black eyes, WilyKit couldn't help but feel immediately attracted to him in a way she had never been to any other man, ready to do anything he asked of her. Only the knowledge that this was actually Mumm-Ra in disguise helped her break free of the charming influence that seemed to radiate out of him.

"Good evening." Amon-Ra greeted, walking up to her, his voice an alluring song that almost managed to make WilyKit swoon in his arms, "I was unaware such a lovely lady would be escorting me tonight."

"I-I know you're really Mumm-Ra…" WilyKit answered, "Shouldn't we…be leaving?"

"Yes, of course," Amon-Ra laughed, his eyes glowing red for an instant, "I just wanted to make this easier for you, little slave… shall we?" he asked, offering her his arm.

Trying to feel hatred and loathing, WilyKit accepted the arm he offered and found she could only feel a growing, primal desire. What the hell was Mumm-Ra doing to her?

"Don't worry; I won't do anything you don't ask me for." The wizard assured, "So be very mindful of what you say."

"I will," She promised.

WilyKit had to admit that the dinner had been… enjoyable. The queen of Narcissus had been incredibly friendly, and the luxury, the fine food, the several Thunderian maidens and Mutant servants willing to follow her orders without a question… all of those were things she could definitely have every day.

"I must say I had my reservations," Queen Narciss, a beautiful middle-aged woman, admitted once the dinner was over. She and WilyKit had been left alone while Amon-Ra and the Narcissus King negotiated the trade agreement.

"Excuse me?" Kit asked.

"Well, considering you and your king are fairly young, I expected you would have trouble keeping your subjects in line. But I'm glad to see I was mistaken. Seeing the ugly mutants serve outside, while only the pretty girls work here in the temple is most pleasing," Queen Narciss explained, "In my world, only those who are intelligent, strong and beautiful have the right to rule, while the ugly should be in charge of the lesser works that would otherwise ruin the beauty of our more fortunate subjects. I find it wonderful to see you and your husband have a similar way of thinking."

"I respect your point of view, your majesty. But apparently, what it is law in your world, happened by chance in ours." Kit said, wondering what the queen would do if she ever saw Mumm-Ra's true form, "I believe that above beauty, power and knowledge are what should determine who deserves to be the ruler."

"Is that so?" The queen asked, suddenly turning sour.

"But if that person is also beautiful, then even better!" Kit quickly added, trying to lighten up the conversation; it was her duty to keep the queen in a good mood, and for her brother's sake, she couldn't fail, "Don't you agree?"

"Of course I do!" The queen smiled.

After that, WilyKit continued chatting with the queen for what seemed to be hours until finally, both King Narciss and Amon-Ra entered the large room their women were at. Their meeting proved to be successful, and Mumm-Ra managed to get what he wanted.

Later that night, not too long after the King and Queen of Narcissus left for their planet, WilyKit stood alone in the balcony of the great temple's uppermost chamber. She was gazing at the full moon, trying to convince herself that the growing attraction she felt for Amon-Ra was nothing but her imagination. So far she had not been very successful and that angered her. Being attracted to Mumm-Ra only because he took the form of a handsome young boy was bad, but not being able to do anything about it was much, much worse.

"WilyKit…" A female voice called.

"What do you want?" Kit demanded, annoyed by the interruption.

"Mumm-Ra is asking for you." The maid said with a timid and scared whisper, "He… he wants to see you at once."

"Thank you," Kit said and entered the temple again, but stopped once she was at the maid's side, "You'd better remember to address me correctly next time we meet." She warned, "You and I are not the same. You are a slave and I am a Lady, don't you ever forget that."

The Thunderian stared at Kit with a shocked expression in her face, "I thought you only acted like this when that horrible wizard was around… You're a Thundercat, what is happening to you?"

Kit frowned, remembering the Thundercats really exasperated her, "I'm not one of them anymore, you stupid slave! And if you know what's good for you, you'll shut the hell up and go back to your little house before something bad happens. Understand?"

Terrified by the warning, the maid nodded and hastily left the chamber.

It didn't take long for Kit to enter the room she knew Mumm-Ra was waiting in and once she closed the door behind her, she finally saw her master: he was standing by the open window, still in his Amon-Ra form, looking at her in a very appreciative manner. As soon as she felt his eyes on her, WilyKit felt the irrational, burning attraction return; she focused on fighting it, but it only grew stronger as she approached her master's side.

"Welcome, my dear," The beautiful young man greeted, "Or should I call you queen? You seemed to enjoy being called that earlier."

"Why did you request me, my lord?" she asked, stopping a mere step away from him and avoiding looking him in the eye.

"I wanted to congratulate you for a job well done." The wizard said, placing a hand on WilyKit's nude shoulder and smiling discreetly when he noticed her shudder. "What would you like in return? A new dress, more jewels, a statue in your honour?"

The young woman felt a wave of delicious cold that mitigated the heat which had invaded her the moment her master's hand touched her. She couldn't help but shiver at the sensation, and wasn't surprised when she realized she wanted to feel more of it.

"No… I don't want that," She whispered, "I… really don't know what I… want…"

"Perhaps this will help you." The ever living being said as he caressed both of Kit's arms with just his fingertips, "do you like it?"

WilyKit wanted to shout no, but her mouth remained shut and all she could do was to emit a pleasure filled moan. This only encouraged the wizard to be bolder. He slid his hands from her arms to her hips. Trembling, both in fear and in pleasure as the coolness of her master's hands kept her burning desire at bay, the young woman could not offer any more resistance and allowed herself to be pulled into a cold, pleasing embrace, "I… I like it."

"Then stop holding back!" The wizard ordered once he had WilyKit in his arms, "You will feel better if you do; you will feel free, don't you want to feel free?"

"Yes… I want to feel free…" She said in a low distant voice, her eyes closed as she leaned into Amon-Ra's slim, muscular body and abandoning herself to instinct. WilyKit began to shamelessly run her hands all over his chest, seeking to increase the skin to skin contact with that cold body which extinguished the flames consuming her.

"Are you afraid?" The ever living being asked, sinking his fingers in the soft hair of the Thunderian female, "Do you want me to stop?"

WilyKit's eyes turned glassy and she smiled a docile smile; she didn't have the will to fight it anymore, all she wanted was more of that delicious cold, "No… I'm not afraid and I… don't want to stop… I want you to… stop the heat inside me…"

Mumm-Ra grinned at his triumph, the girl's resolve was broken; she would finally be his to do as he pleased both physically and mentally. Interesting that all he had to do was to take on the form of one of his dead rivals and use the Sun Glare, a spell he had deemed worthless. Still smiling, the handsome wizard brought his lips forward, kissing the young woman in his arms with a passion unfitting a living dead.

WilyKit felt tears rolling down her face; she knew this was wrong and a small part of her hated herself for not stopping. Unfortunately, she could not stop, because she just felt too good to even try. And, when she allowed Amon-Ra's hands to undo the strings of her dress, when she allowed him to see her as the dress pooled at her feet, when she allowed him to embrace her nude body and finally allowed him to enter her and drag her into a world of lust and pleasure she had never imagined existed…she realized that redemption was beyond her, that redemption was something she would never, ever have. But right then, as her pleasure peaked and she swore her body and soul to him for all eternity, redemption was something she didn't care about.

This was the dream WilyKit had, a dream so vivid she could see his handsome face, feel his cool breath, and feel his cold hands carve memories against her burning skin. And by the end of the dream, she woke up drenched in sweat, trembling and missing him desperately. She had her face buried in a tear soaked pillow, drawn up with her knees beneath her in fetal position. Her right hand was clenched between her thighs and it pressed hard against her most special place. As she reached her climax she called his name in a broken whisper.

"Amon-Ra…"

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

To be continued…

Notes: I'm pretty sure all of you know this, but for those who don't remember, Tashi appeared in the Thundercats episode 'Doom Gaze', way back in season one.

Once again, special thanks to Adam for beta-reading this chapter.