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...

13. Chapter 13

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

Embracing Dark Desires.

By

Dr Facer

Chapter 13

-0-

Third Earth…

Castle Plundarr, built by the Mutants in Third Earth, had been abandoned and completely avoided by every forest dweller for about a year and a half before Tygra and the Warrior Maidens set their sights on it. The only reason they had started this endeavor was due to a wildfire which had burnt most of the Treetop Kingdom down to the ground. There had been no casualties, but the Warrior Maidens had no place left to live and both Willa and Nayda, who in the past suffered terrible experiences in the horrible castle, decided to turn it into a place for their people to dwell as an attempt of not only healing that area of the forest, but also as a way of proving they could conquer a place their enemies had inhabited and make it better, transforming the bleak structure into a place of peace and hope.

Thanks to Tygra's designs and help from the Berbils, Willa and Nayda were more than successful in their quest to turn the dark stronghold into a symbol of harmony. The swamp surrounding the castle had reverted back to the pristine lake it used to be after the blockade placed by the mutants was removed, allowing the river to run its natural course once again. The mistreated land around the fortress had been tended to and grass, flowers, and young trees started to grow and form a large garden. The black rocks covering the figure of the winged beast that the Mutants had built their stronghold to resemble had been carefully removed and replaced with shiny, violet Iron-Amethyst crystals that the new King of the Crystal Kingdom sent as a gift to the Warrior Maidens after Willa agreed to let one of her warriors marry the sovereign, a gentle and fair man responsible for the rebuilding of his broken kingdom after the disaster the previous queen, the tyrant Tartara, had caused.

Iron Amethyst was as strong as steel, and as beautiful as its more common and frail counterpart. The material pleased Tygra, who was able to use it to create a night impenetrable structure. As for the external appearance of Castle Plundarr, which represented a Plundarrian monster, it had been completely remodeled to look like the legendary Sunset Dragon, a mythical creature featured in many legends of the Warrior Maidens as a protector of the forest.

The inside of the fortress saw an extensive change as well: torture halls, dungeons, armories and laboratories full of dangerous chemicals had all been removed and turned into well- illuminated, ventilated, and clean rooms covered with white slates which housed many of the Warrior Maidens. The palace was big enough to provide residence for about a third of the Amazon tribe, and the ones who did not desire to live in the structure had instead rebuilt their arboreal town on top of the trees surrounding the castle, connecting this new Treetop village to the palace with bridges and roads.

When work was completed after almost a year, the place had changed so much it was impossible to imagine that it once had been a hole where evil roamed unchecked. Tygra had shown Willa and Nayda the controls that allowed the Dragon to close its wings and offer superior defense, turning it into a fort which would protect her people from many attacks if it ever came to it. When the Tiger held Willa's hand and guided her to the balcony which oversaw the recently paved plaza below, where all the Warrior Maidens gathered and he asked her to tell her people the name of their new home, the flustered Queen had taken her time to retrieve her hand before finally addressing her people:

"Welcome to our new home, sisters! Welcome to Amatista Fortress!"

Willa's statement had been met with screams of joy and happiness signaling the beginning of a new golden age for the Warrior Maidens.

Happiness; Willa remembered that she had been very happy during those days; happy and… completely in love. The Queen, now over a decade older and ruling a kingdom which had achieved great influence, stopped with her memories of the days during which her new castle had been built and shifted her focus to the present, walked to the large open windows located behind her throne. She leaned on the windowsill and enjoyed the view outside, marveling at the extensive forests under the protection of her people. Her gaze, however, moved quickly from the trees to the training grounds located on the open area below.

She observed the girls who were practicing their archery skills down there with great interest. All of them were good, and would become great Warrior Maidens in the future but one of them stood out from the rest, one whose skills with the bow were beyond her young age.

The Queen's eyes shone tenderly and she continued to watch the training teenagers a little longer. When she had seen enough to feel pleased, she sat on the windowsill and gazed up at the sky. She straightened her knee-long dress and briefly missed the days when she could wear shorter skirts before she finally allowed her memories to fill her mind a second time that morning, welcoming with a pleased smile the remembrances of the days when she had been nothing more than a woman ready to do anything for love…

Willa stood, nervous as a hatchling before its first flight, at the entrance of the imposing White Pyramid. She had felt so confident when she left the Treetop Kingdom to come here, so sure that she could get what she wanted without a problem. Now, however, she doubted that the powerful sorceress who lived here would see her requests as anything more than the childish hopes of a foolish, love-struck girl. Perhaps she should have gone to see the Night Shaman instead.

"Why would the Queen of the Warrior Maidens look for such a twisted, evil mage?" A gentle voice resonated from inside the Pyramid. "Yes, Willa, I can sense some of your thoughts. They carry such emotion with them… how could I not?"

"I… I'm sorry to disturb you, Mumm-Rana but…" the Warrior Maiden made a pause. "I am in need of a great favor, and I think you are the only one who could help me without asking for something awful in return." (1)

"That is true, I would not ask for anything awful," the soft voice agreed. "But whether I help you or not, that is something for me to decide, young Queen."

"Mumm-Rana, all I need is that you listen to me… please?"

"I detect suffering in your heart, Willa," the voice of the avatar of goodness carried with it obvious concern. "Very well, come inside and talk to me. We shall see what can be done."

The entrance to the White Pyramid opened and Willa, hope rising in her chest, entered the holy tomb. The Queen walked the corridors until she reached the Cauldron Room where Mumm-Rana waited. The blue garbed mummy smiled softly at her visitor, and motioned her to approach and to sit beside her on a cushioned marble bench.

"Tell me, young one, what troubles you so much?"

Willa sat and doubted for a moment, fearing Mumm-Rana would laugh at her but the reassuring hands of the sorceress over her own helped her to regain her courage. She looked at the ancient woman next to her and spoke.

"The man I love will leave forever tomorrow," Willa said. "I understand he can't stay with us but I just can't let him go and do nothing about it!"

"You started the 'Pilgrimage of Maternity' queens of the Warrior Maidens embark on when they wish to find a man worthy of fathering their children. If you have already chosen, shouldn't you be with that person instead?"

"I can't… he has rejected my advances more than once," the ruler of the Amazons admitted. "He says we're not… genetically? Yes, that we're not genetically compatible, and that he doesn't want to break my heart."

"And Tygra is right. Your blood and his can't mix," the Priestess of light said, much to the surprise of the warrior woman. "Yes, I know your heart is crying for the Thunderian. Your feelings are so strong it is impossible for me not to."

"I can't let him leave like this!" Willa cried. "He is the only man worthy of my love, the only one worthy of giving me a daughter! I know I won't find someone else!"

"Child, he has to go back to his people," the avatar of goodness said. "You can't keep him in this world, no matter how much you love him."

"I… I understand that," the Queen dried her tears and shivered a little. "But… I… I wouldn't mind if he goes away as long as I…"

"As long as you bear his child?" Mumm-Rana guessed. "That is impossible."

"It isn't impossible!" Willa disputed. "The Night Shaman once helped a Snowman and a woman from the Crystal Kingdom to have children! They are from different species and he was able to do it!"

"His magic is dark and cursed and I assure you he asked a hefty price," the gentle sorceress corrected. "I know what you request is possible with magic, but the moral aspect of it worries me. How do I know you wouldn't try to bind the Thunderian with a child he did not ask for?"

"Because I would never do it," Willa assured, "look into my heart and see, Mumm-Rana!"

"I already did and I must admit that you do not lie," she replied her voice calm. "But mixing blood that shouldn't mix… even if I knew of ways to do what you request, what you want is something that goes beyond nature itself."

"You're refusing me the right to bring life to this world, life born from the man I love," the Queen insisted, not willing to give up. "Mumm-Rana, I know you can help me! Please, from one woman to another… help me become a mother…"

"It is a lost cause, your Highness," the gentle mummy sighed. "But I shall consult the Ancient Spirits of Good. If they allow it, I may be able to do something for you."

Not waiting for Willa's words of gratitude, the sorceress stood up and addressed her holy masters, explaining the situation to them. The ivory statues glistered and deliberated on the request; when the statues' glow faded, the entities gave their reply to their most trusted servant. Willa, unable to hear the communication between the sorceress and her masters, waited in silence, hoping against hope for a positive response.

"I have an answer for you, Queen of the Treetop Kingdom," the gentle priestess announced. "I have permission to help you. However, you will have to do something for the Ancient Spirits of Good in return for this favor."

Willa, drowning in happiness and overcome with emotion was unable to immediately reply.

"Are you alright, child?" asked the sorceress.

"I am. And I will do anything the Ancient Spirits of Good ask from me," Willa swore, "anything!"

"My Masters believe that, in time, your daughter will make them a great service. But she will need guidance before she is ready to face the challenge the Spirits of Good have seen in her future," Mumm-Rana explained. "I will teach her so she can be victorious, but you must promise me that when I come looking for your daughter, you will let her become my disciple and come live here until her training is done."

"I will be deeply honored if my daughter is able to fight for the light and help the Ancient Spirits of Good," Willa said. "You ask for nothing that we Warrior Maidens wouldn't do on our own."

"In that case I shall provide you with the means to make your wish a reality," Mumm-Rana said. The sorceress summoned then a ball of light and from it, an old bottle full of golden liquid materialized. "This wine is made of Marygold pollen and was blessed by the goddess Ipoctli. It will do what you need."

"How?"

"Have the man you love drink from it and he will grant you what you most desire," the sorceress stated. "You will need to drink from it after he does, otherwise you won't be able to conceive."

Willa reached for the bottle and looked at it with awe. "Is that all I have to do?"

"Yes. But you must know this: your Thunderian won't remember your encounter the following day," the ancient force of light warned. "I'm sorry but spells always have limitations."

"I… I can live with it," the queen said, not without certain sadness in her voice. She nodded once and pressed the bottle against her chest. "As long as I have a daughter to remember him, I will be fine even if he forgets."

"Willa, helping you gain a man by deception goes against everything I believe in," the avatar of good said her voice serious and slightly distant. "I do this only because my masters trusted you and because you've served justice without faltering all your life. This is a once in an eternity exception both my masters and I are willing to do for you. Do not squander it, my dear child."

"I swear I won't," the young queen promised again. "And I understand how difficult it is for you to help me and for that, I am forever grateful."

"Go with the man you love, Willa," Mumm-Rana said with a soft smile while she hovered into her coffin, she had spent her energy summoning Ipoctli's wine from the Goddess' realm, and needed rest. "Go and do what your heart tells you."

Willa bowed in respect and reverence and once Mumm-Rana had entered her holy sarcophagus, she left the White Pyramid. Willa arrived to Cat's Lair shortly after, where everything that Mumm-Rana had promised her came true…

The Queen sighed as her memory of the only night she spent with her beloved tiger came to a close and she once again focused on her daughter, training hard and with great devotion on the shooting range. Bow practice was over, and now she was giving her all during hand-to-hand combat practice. The young princess was full of energy and vitality and strength and agility that surpassed that of her peers, all traits she had inherited from her father. Physical prowess was not the only thing Tygra had given her daughter, as her sharp fingernails, the orange stripes adorning her hair and the fangs in her toothy grin demonstrated. She looked fully human otherwise but for those who knew it was fairly evident there was Thunderian blood running through the princess' veins, though no one ever mentioned it. Willa smiled and felt a wave of fierce love for her daughter fill her chest. Her girl was a miracle, and she would do everything in her power to keep her safe.

"You always sit here to watch when Fellia is practicing," Nayda noted, joining her older sister on the window. The second princess of the Warrior Maidens had entered the throne room and walked all the way to where her sister was. "The girl is good, I think she'll surpass me by the time she's sixteen!"

"Perhaps, she still has a lot to learn," Willa said her eyes not leaving the training grounds.

"I know," Nayda smiled as her niece earned second place in the combat training session, "her father would be proud of her."

"Yes, yes he would."

"Will he ever know?" the younger sister asked. "I know we Warrior Maidens only use men to give us daughters, but her father was a friend and ally."

"I have spent countless nights pondering that," Willa sighed. "I fear if he knew what I did, how our daughter was conceived… I'm sure he would hate me."

"I don't think so. He would be angry at you for a time but he is a good man, sister. He would forgive you," Nayda pointed then at the training grounds. "Fellia shouldn't live her life thinking her father was a warrior from the North kingdom who died years ago saving his village from the Red Vikings."

"I would love to tell her the truth, but…" the Queen lowered her head and walked back to her throne, pensive and meditating about the possibilities until she reached a conclusion, "as you know, sister, tradition dictates we only care that the men we choose are good and strong, not about their names. And Fellia's father was certainly that and much, much more, so telling her who he was may not be necessary."

"You should at least give her the whip," Nayda said from besides the window, not finding anything to argue with her older sister's reasoning. "It does belong to her by birthright."

Willa reached for a hidden drawer under her throne and opened it. She looked at what she kept there and picked it up: one of Tygra's whips. He had given it to her as a parting gift many years ago. "That can be done. And you are right, it does belong to her."

"And it should help her when Mumm-Rana takes her under her wing," Nayda said. "When will she come for Fellia?"

"I don't know. Mumm-Rana never told me," Willa answered.

"I hope it doesn't happen while I'm on Thundera," the second princess said once again standing at her older sister's side. "I wouldn't like to miss the day she starts studying with the sorceress."

"You and Fellia bicker so much I find it hard to believe you," Willa teased, hugging her sister on an impulse.

Nayda laughed and leaned on her sister's side. "Please, I love that noisy girl as much as you do. She's like a daughter to me, Willa."

"I know, Nayda. I know," the Queen smiled softly. "She's going to miss you while you're gone."

"And I her," the second princess said. "Didn't she ask for permission to come with me?"

"Yes, but of course she didn't get it. It's too dangerous."

"Exactly, too dangerous," Nayda said gravely. "We are on a mission to avenge our fallen sisters and I fear there will be a horrible battle. It won't be a place for a girl so young."

An Amazon guard entered the throne room then, interrupting the conversation between the sisters. "I apologize for the interruption, your highnesses. Doctor Dometone sent a message; he said he would be here very soon."

"Then it's time to gather our soldiers," the Queen said and dismissed the other Amazon. "Let's go, Nayda."

Later…

A large silver spaceship landed on the clearing outside Amatista Fortress, not an easy task since the forest had claimed back most of the ground it had lost when the Mutants took over this location and the Warrior Maidens were happy with keeping their home surrounded by as many trees as possible. Still, Doctor Dometone was able to maneuver perfectly and was now walking down the ramp of his ship, his hand up to greet Queen Willa and Princess Nayda.

The old scientist adjusted his glasses as he noticed the girl standing at the Queen's side. The professor found the cute girl a little odd, but decided not to ponder too much on the matter. He had more important things to do than to wonder if that girl was somehow half Thunderian or not. Behind the doctor walked two Berbils, who also greeted with a friendly wave of their metal paws.

"Welcome to Amatista Fortress, Professor," Willa greeted. "A shame the reason of your visit is so unfortunate but I hope when you return you'll have the time to enjoy our hospitality."

"You're going to make this old man blush, your Majesty," Doctor Dometone said as he slightly bowed. "But I accept your offer and will visit properly once we're back from New Thundera."

"It's nice seeing you again, Professor," Nayda greeted. "It's been years!"

"Indeed," the Doctor smiled as he looked at the Amazon. "I trust when this is all over I'll be able to drop by more often. And who may this lovely young lady be?"

"My name is Fellia. Nice to meet you, Doctor Dometone," the Third Princess proclaimed in a polite tone. "My mother, Queen Willa, has you in high regard." (2)

"You're certainly a well-mannered little lady; it's nice meeting you as well, Fellia," the old man said and then turned his attention back to the Queen and Nayda. "We are a few minutes ahead of schedule, so if you need more time to prepare…"

"Our people are ready and waiting in the fields behind our castle," Nayda assured. "I shall call them right now."

"Please do, sister. And while you do that, we will load the new armor we ordered for our soldiers onto the ship," the queen said. Willa moved her hand, a signal several Amazons obeyed and started carrying some boxes into the cargo area of the space vessel.

"It's a good thing the ship has room to spare," one of the Berbils muttered to the other.

"Yes, it is," the other whispered back.

"I was under the impression Lord Hachiman from the East Kingdom would be here," Willa observed after a moment of silence, wondering if something had kept the samurai from coming.

"I am here!" the swordsman announced from the ship's large entrance. "I was simply putting my armor on. It is not respectful to greet a fellow ruler without the proper attire."

"It is an honor to have the heir of the Land of the Red Sun with us," Willa smiled and greeted once the mighty samurai was before her.

"The honor is mine," Hachiman said. "We are set to depart as soon as your soldiers are here. Sixty of mine are already waiting inside the ship." (3)

"That sounds impressive," Willa conceded. "We are sending forty Warrior Maidens. I trust our people shall work together quite well."

"I just hope we can all return from this trip safely," Doctor Dometone interjected. "I think…"

Before the Professor could continue, a cool mist from the forest spread over the area, covering it completely except for the spaceship. The fog remained for a few seconds and then it dissipated leaving everyone strangely reinvigorated and wondering what had happened.

"Did you feel it?" Nayda asked, she had returned and behind her were the forty Warrior Maidens. The second princess held her bow and dagger in her hands; the knife and the bow had a slowly fading glow, the same with the weapons of the other Amazons. "Our weapons feel charged with power! But how… and why?"

"Consider it a gift from both the Ancient Spirits of Good and this old sorceress," a calm voice announced and as it did a frail, gentle form wrapped in a blue cloak materialized in front of her surprised audience.

"Mumm-Rana!" Willa gasped, instinctively reaching for her daughter as the sorceress of light approached her, a gesture which made Fellia look up at her mother with doubt-filled eyes.

"I am here for two things today, your Highness," Mumm-Rana said. "One was to bless the weapons of your soldiers to help them in the battle that is surely to come, and the other…"

"If I may interrupt," Hachiman said, "Was it only granted to the Warrior Maidens? My samurai have already done something similar."

"I'm aware, your warriors place their faith on the Ancient Spirits of War," the sorceress replied, amused at the concerns of the samurai. "And they have already granted their blessing to your blades. My masters and the ones your people trust when preparing for combat clash, noble one. Don't worry, for I did not interfere with the benediction your men's swords have already received." (4)

Hachiman, who knew better than to tangle with the designs of ancient and omnipotent beings nodded and took a step back. "I understand. I apologize for the interruption."

"It is fine," Mumm-Rana smiled at him and then addressed the Queen. "As for the other thing I came here for, I need your Warrior Maidens to do something for me."

"A favor?" Willa relaxed a little, but still didn't let go of her daughter's shoulders. "If we can, it will be a pleasure."

"I need you to deliver something to Pummyra on Thundera," the sorceress said as she produced a shiny silver Rondel, which she then offered the Warrior Queen. "She helped me once in the past and it is time I do something for her in return. Give her this dagger in my name. It will help her, I'm sure of it." (5)

"I'll do it," Nayda said, stepping forward and accepting the dagger. "Is it a magical weapon?"

"It is, yes. This blade is called the Morning Shine and while nowhere near as powerful as the Sword of Omens or the Thundercutter, it can pierce darkness and harm the creatures which thrive on it. Make sure to tell Pummyra this," the benevolent immortal instructed.

"I will, I promise," the second princess assured Mumm-Rana as she pocketed the rondel.

"And Nayda, I have this for you," the holy sorceress said, offering the Warrior Princess a jeweled brooch. "If you blow gently over the gem, it will blind Mumm-Ra's vision for a time and ward off any dark magic around you. It can only work once per day so use it wisely, because I feel you will need it."

The warrior princess accepted the ornament and attached it to the hem of her shirt. "Thank you, Mumm-Rana, I'll keep it in mind."

"Sorry to interrupt," Doctor Dometone said. "But it is time to go. I've calculated that we won't reach Thundera by the time we promised if we don't depart within the next five minutes."

"Just a minute, doctor," Nayda requested and turned to face her sister and niece. "Willa, I swear I'll come back victorious! Our fallen sisters will be avenged!"

"I trust you will," the older sister said and tightly hugged her sister. "Fight bravely and skillfully, Nayda, and please, come back safely to us."

"I will return, sister. I swear I'll bring back our warriors safe and triumphant, too," Nayda pledged. She broke the hug and then regarded her niece. "I want you to keep the forest safe while I'm gone, Fellia. You know the route I follow on my daily patrol, please do it for me?"

"Sure thing, aunt Nayda," the girl promised, her voice trembling a little at the idea of her aunt going to fight a battle so far away from her and her mother. Prey of an impulse, the teenager threw her arms around her aunt's waist and buried her face in her chest. "Don't die out there, ok? You still have to teach me lots of stuff!"

Both royal sisters felt their throats close at this scene. Nayda caressed her niece's head and made her look up. "We'll go raft fishing when I'm back. I'll show you that trick with the arrow net you're always bugging me about. Sounds good?"

"Yes… it sounds good," the girl agreed and released her aunt. She went back to her mother's side and smiled a sad smile. "Good luck."

"Thank you, squirt. We will all need it."

Willa faced her soldiers then and prepared to give them a proper farewell. "The time to avenge our fallen sisters has finally come, I can tell you are anxious and willing to battle… all I ask of you is that you fight with honor and as agents of justice, let our light push darkness back to the hole it should never have crawled from! Now go, sisters, go and be victorious!"

Willa's words were met with great enthusiasm, and the female warriors responded with a resounding roar of agreement. The Queen stood in place as her soldiers boarded the ship with a determined stride and once they were all inside, Nayda followed them in silence. At the top of the ramp, the second princess turned and gave a final smile to her sister and niece. She entered the ship then, followed by Hachiman, Doctor Dometone and the two Berbils.

The large spaceship took off then and it blasted out of the planet with amazing speed. Willa and Fellia, along with a few other Warrior Maidens remained there for a while until little by little the other women returned to their activities, leaving their Queen and Princess alone with the ancient sorceress of light.

"Are they going to be alright?" Fellia asked.

"I'm sure they will be," Willa said. "Isn't that right, Mumm-Rana?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer your question, your Highness." The sorceress replied. "I tried but I can't see what destiny has in store for them. I'm sorry."

"Then all we can do is pray for them," The Amazon Queen said.

"I will do that every day until aunt Nayda returns," Fellia promised. "I just wish I could go with her…"

"Your time to have your own adventure will come soon," Mumm-Rana offered. "In three… maybe five years, I believe."

"What type of adventure?" Fellia asked, curious about the words of the sorceress.

"That I cannot tell, young Princess," Mumm-Rana replied and smiled softly at the girl. "I just realized this the first time I have seen you since you were a baby. It pleases me to know you're growing up to be such a pretty and healthy girl."

"…Thanks, I guess," Fellia said, not knowing what to make of Mumm-Rana's apparent interest.

"I must depart now, your majesty," the immortal announced then. "We will meet again when the moment for you to help the Ancient Spirits of Good comes, until then."

"Until then," Willa nodded.

Mumm-Rana said no more and vanished with a gentle current of wind.

"Is she always that enigmatic?" Fellia wondered. "And what is going to happen in three years? What adventure was she talking about, do you know?"

"Mumm-Rana is always mysterious, but she's a good person," the Queen answered. "As for your question, I'm afraid I don't know but whatever it is, I will help you as much as I can."

"Thank you, mother" the girl sighed. "But right now I don't care about future adventures. Right now all I care about is aunt Nayda."

"Fellia…" Willa reached into the pouch hanging from her belt and showed her daughter what looked like a thin metal cylinder with three red, glowing orbs in one end, "Nayda said it was time you had this."

"What is this?" the girl accepted the item and looked closely at it.

"It's a Thunderian whip, but not everyone can use it," the Queen explained. "It was given to us by a Thundercat as a parting gift. Nayda thinks you can use it, and I agree with her."

"If you and aunt Nayda think so, then I'll train with it until I can," Fellia promised as she swung the whip a few times but when nothing happened she sighed and slid the dormant weapon under her belt. "It seems like it'll take a while, though."

"Don't worry, my dear. I know you will master that Thunderian whip eventually," Willa placed a hand over her daughter's shoulder. "I'm already looking forward to that day."

Meanwhile, on Thundera…

Cheetara hurried as she gathered the drugs and other things Pummyra had asked her to collect from the storeroom where medical supplies where kept. The Thundercat doctor had forced everybody else out of the room the moment Lion-O, beaten and bleeding, materialized in front of them and while Cheetara had argued for more medical staff helping, Pummyra insisted on working only with a nurse who had been present at the time, asserting that lots of hands would only complicate what she needed to do in order to save the young king's life.

The speedster trusted Pummyra's skills completely but in the back of her mind worried that the medic could be wrong this time. Cheetara reached for the last of the items she was here to retrieve and turned, ready to dash back to the room where Lion-O was but just as she took her first step, her brain did a somersault inside her skull and she couldn't help but to fall on her knees. She dropped everything she was carrying and brought her hands up to hold the sides of her head, which felt as if it was about to explode. A vision was coming to her, and she knew it would be powerful.

"No… not now…!" The woman hissed as she braced herself. The vision finally came, and it hit her so hard she doubled over, her forehead crowning with sweat as she bit on her lip to avoid screaming at the terrible images that poured into her mind like poison straight out of a snake's fangs.

The old doctor was not thrilled with Lady Pummyra's choice of asking all medical staff out of the room where the king had appeared, only keeping with her the one nurse who helped her operate on that giant of a man who had arrived with his sternum broken. Frustrated and truly concerned about the fate of King Lion-O, the alarmed doctor opened the door to the medical storeroom. What she did not expect was to find Cheetara there, struggling to stand back up.

"Are you alright?" she asked as she gently helped the cheetah back on her feet. She had deduced Cheetara had just experienced a vision, and was also aware of how much that drained members of the Cheetah clan. "Do you need something, milady?"

"…Wizz-Ra is dead," Cheetara answered with a shaky voice. "And Lion-O will be dead too if I don't tell Pummyra about the stone!"

"Who is dead?" the woman asked as Cheetara shook her head to clear it. "What about the king?"

"I'm sorry, but I have to go," the speedster said, taking in a deep breath and sounding better than a second before. "Thank you for your concern."

The old doctor was about to reply, but closed her mouth when she noticed Cheetara was already gone in a flash of orange and gold.

Pummyra was starting to fear Lion-O would not survive this. She had not dared move Lion-O to a proper OR, and was in turn stuck with very limited resources to try and work on him. She and the nurse helping her had managed to somehow stop the bleeding with patches of Sanare fiber which they had used to close the wounds on Lion-O's back and front, but in itself did little good, considering the gravity of the king's condition. It worried her that Lion-O had lost consciousness minutes ago and if it weren't for his unsteady breathing she would have carried him herself to a room with proper medical instruments, even if that meant pulling his wound open and putting his life at even greater risk in the process.

"It's not looking good. I still don't know how bad the internal damage is, and I fear it's too much for the Sanare Fiber to fix on its own," Pummyra whispered, wiping the king's blood off her hands with a wet towel. "My last hope is that Lion-O reacts well to the coagulant agent Cheetara's bringing. If he does we can move him to an Operating Room and start working on the interior damage. At least he's not shaking as much now but… for Claudius' Sake, where is Cheetara?"

"I'm sure he will heal," the nurse, a young panther clan woman, offered. "The Sanare fiber is reacting well to the king's blood. It will stimulate his cells into healing faster than normal."

"Don't be so complacent, this is just a small victory," Pummyra admonished, though she did appreciate the nurse's attempts to help her calm down.

The door opened suddenly before the puma could say more, revealing an agitated Cheetara who, Pummyra noted, was not carrying the medicines she had requested.

"You didn't bring a thing? Cheetara, where is the medicine!" the Thundercat medic shouted but received no response. The cheetah ignored her and rushed to Lion-O's side, then cursed as she noticed his empty hands.

"We need to find the jewel!" Cheetara snapped. "It must be here somewhere, it's Lion-O's only chance!"

"What jewel?" Pummyra asked a little more placated once she heard about a possible alternative. She wanted to ask more, but instead started scanning the floor, finding nothing and then…

"I found it!" the nurse announced as she crouched and picked up a small shiny stone she had noticed under the adjacent bed. She placed it in Cheetara's expectant hand. "What does it do?"

"It will heal him!" the cheetah declared as she placed the stone on the floor, reached for a stool, upturned it, and used it to smash and grind the jewel into dust.

"Cheetara, are you sure this will work?" Pummyra wondered as she helped the cheetah scoop up the glistering powder. "How did you know about this stone?"

"I had a vision!" the cheetah said. "Nurse, remove the Sanare fiber so we can rub this on the wound!"

"As you wish, milady," the younger woman said and did as she was told.

"Pummyra, help me put it on his back," Cheetara ordered as she gave the medic a portion of the powder.

The nurse helped by moving Lion-O so the grind could be rubbed on his wounds and then watched in silence as both Thundercat women carefully applied the glittering dust to the king's skin. She was in awe as she witnessed how the powder hardened, forming a shiny covering over the wounds. Much to the surprise of the three females, the gleaming scab cracked and fell on the bed, revealing no wounds under it. Lion-O's breathing steadied and his features, strained by unspeakable pain until just a second ago, relaxed at last. The king was healed.

The nurse and Pummyra moved Lion-O's still sleeping form to a clean bed. The medic then thanked and dismissed the aid, promising to call her if anything happened with the king. Once they were alone, Pummyra turned to face Cheetara.

"Wizz-Ra's behind this, isn't he?" She guessed. "He gave Lion-O that magic stone before sending him here."

"Yes, he did."

"Where is he, then?" the puma asked. "We could have avoided all of this with him around!"

"He can't be here, Pummyra. He's dead," Cheetara whispered, not trying to hide the sadness filling her voice. "He sacrificed his life to save Lion-O's."

"And that is a favor I hope to repay by bringing peace back to our world," a sad voice promised behind the women, who then turned to find Lion-O awake and sitting on the bed, a hand over his temple as he looked at them.

"Lion-O you should rest," Pummyra instructed. "You were bleeding to death a minute ago!"

"I feel fine now," the lion disputed and stood to prove his point. "Better than I have felt in months. Wizz-Ra's magic fully healed me. Cheetara, are you completely sure Wizz-Ra is dead?"

The cheetah nodded, the ancient mage's demise was hurting her more than what she had expected, and not being able to properly grieve his death was filling her with anguish.

"It is a great loss," he said, grief settling in his heart. He went to the speedster and enveloped her in his arms, trying to offer her some comfort. "I couldn't save him from…"

"You don't have to hide it for my sake. I know who killed our friend," Cheetara answered as she separated from the king. "I saw it, Lion-O. I had a vision of your fight. I saw it all."

The king sighed and shook his head. "…I won't ask you how he killed Wizz-Ra, but you must understand that after this, he…"

"Is an enemy of the Thundercats," the cheetah completed, cold and composed as she stepped further away from the king. "And from what he told you, what he did to our people, to Snarf… he's beyond redemption. He has to be captured so he won't hurt our people anymore, isn't that what you mean?"

"You know it has to be done," Lion-O said with a serious tone in his voice. "I know you hope he can be turned back, but you did not face him in battle; you did not see him react to the presence of the Ancient Spirits of Good. Cheetara… there's only evil inside him now… I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too," she replied, still trying to understand how the twins could have been corrupted so badly.

"We must tell the other Thundercats about this," the young lion said. "I'll call them and…"

"No, Lion-O… let me do it. I'll tell Panthro and Tygra about this."

"Are you sure you want to do it? I could…"

"Talking about this will help me more than what you think, Lion-O," Cheetara interrupted. "I need to do this. Please let me."

Not waiting for a response, Cheetara quickly left the room. Lion-O made an attempt to follow the distressed cheetah, but Pummyra's hand on his shoulder stopped him where he stood.

"Don't follow her. You're not who she needs right now," Pummyra advised. "Let her talk to Tygra and Panthro."

"But…"

"They can help her deal with her pain better than you can," the puma insisted. "They're closer to this than you are and will offer her better comfort. I think they are the only ones who can help her right now, let her talk to them."

"I guess you're right," Lion-O conceded. "…How long was I unconscious?"

"Just a few minutes," she replied. "Can you tell me what the hell happened out there? Wizz-Ra told me closing that portal would be easy!"

"It wasn't… and you really don't want to hear about it," the king warned.

"I think I do," Pummyra insisted. "I know I only met Wizz-Ra tonight but he healed all the wounded we had here and his medicine gave everyone an amazing boost of energy, too! I owe him for that so I must know if there's something I can do to honor him. Now tell me, Lion-O. How did he die?"

"I… I don't really know. I was almost out of it at the time and Wizz-Ra sent me here before he died," the king recalled. "What Cheetara said simply confirmed my fears… I may not know how it happened but I do know who killed him: WilyKat."

"WilyKat?" Pummyra repeated, to which the king nodded. "No wonder this is hitting Cheetara so hard, she loves the twins as if they were her own children! We must tell everyone about this!"

"No, our people shouldn't learn Kat is alive yet. There's still unrest over WilyKit's betrayal, if they hear both twins are alive it would spread unnecessary fear," Lion-O said as he reached for his Claw-Shield and the Sword of Omens. "Besides, the capture of the twins is Thundercat business and we'll decide what to do with them when that's done. In the meantime, we still have to make sure every Thunderian here is safe, Pummyra."

"I could…" the medic left her words hanging and nodded. This was the first time Lion-O had truly sounded like a king to her, and it suddenly was obvious that he had grown much in the years he spent inside the Book of Omens; she simply had not realized it until now.

"Yes?"

"Nothing Lion-O, nothing," she said and offered him what she hoped would be a reassuring smile. "I'm with you, what do you need me to do?"

"Keep this shelter running," he told her as he opened the door. "I'll go check how the new defenses Tygra was working on are going, see if I can help. We'll have a meeting later to choose a course of action."

Pummyra watched as Lion-O left the room and then went to look at the notes she had left on a desk in the corner earlier. The doctor had transcribed Wizz-Ra's recipe to prepare the Elixir of Healing and after a brief consideration she concluded that having more of it available would be necessary. Her choice made, Pummyra went to look for two herbalists she had noticed before. They were familiar with the herbs she would need and was sure they could find them quickly.

Not too long after…

Both men felt slightly uncomfortable in each other's presence. They had been working on the Anti-Magic Field Generator all night and despite the circumstances had managed to cooperate well, even building a relaxed, friendly mood between them but now, sitting in the chairs at opposite ends of Cheetara's room, waiting in silence for the orange speedster to arrive, things were different because of the woman they awaited. They had received a call from her on their communicators just a few minutes before, and all she told them was that she needed to see them both in her chambers for something important. Her mysterious summoning was not making things less awkward between them, instead fueling their uneasiness.

"She didn't contact you again after her simultaneous call, did she?" Panthro asked suddenly. The engineer was tired of the silence and of the unseen schism that had opened between him and his best friend, and he was determined to fix that situation.

"No, she didn't," the tiger said, surprised that Panthro seemed eager to talk. Despite both of them working in peace, Tygra still feared his friend had yet to deal with what had happened earlier and it helped ease his mind to see this was not apparently the case. "But she should be here soon."

"And here I was hoping I could sleep for an hour or two, it's almost dawn…" Panthro said, looking out the window and wishing momentarily he'd stuck with the workers outside, since they did get to take turns sleeping. "It's a good thing Wizz-Ra's medicine reinvigorated everyone in the shelter so we wouldn't miss a night of sleep. Anyway… why do you think Cheetara wants to talk with us? I think this has to do with Lion-O."

"That's my guess as well, Panthro," the architect agreed. "Lion-O and Wizz-Ra should be back already. I really hope nothing has happened to them."

Panthro sighed. "The way things have been going, I wouldn't hold my breath."

"I wish I could disagree, but…"

The door opened then, and both men looked up to see Cheetara entering the room, the look of deep concern on her beautiful features doing nothing to appease their fears. The cheetah drew in a deep breath and held up her left hand to stop Tygra and Panthro from approaching her. "Not now. Just… just stay where you are and listen to what I have to say, it's important."

Tygra and Panthro nodded, sat down again and listened attentively to Cheetara as she related what she had seen in her vision. By the time she was done she had crumbled on a chair, her head low as she rubbed her temples with tired fingers.

"Lion-O is fully healed," she said as she looked at both men. "And Mumm-Ra's portal is closed for good so we could say that overall, things aren't that bad, but…"

"WilyKat killed Wizz-Ra and almost murdered Lion-O," Panthro completed, his voice low and cautious, as he did not want to anger Cheetara with what he was about to say. "And his sister is also out there. I can't see how things aren't that bad. Yes, Mumm-Ra can't throw more monsters at us at the moment, but you already know how incredibly strong WilyKit has become and with Kat being as powerful as you saw… I think that rotten blue corpse won't need to call any more of those creatures to finish the job. Kit and Kat alone could do a number on us!"

"We won't let them do that. We will stop the twins," Tygra cut in after noticing Cheetara didn't take Panthro's comment well. He approached her and kneeled at her side, holding her hands inside his to help her feel a little better. "They are our responsibility, Panthro. I promise you that when the time comes Cheetara and I will stop them."

"I'm sorry to say this but I really don't think you two could do it; at least not on your own," the panther stood up and ran a hand over his head, feeling bad for Tygra's and Cheetara's circumstances. He knew how much the two of them cared for the twins and feared his friends would let their love blind them in the middle of a fight. "I care for the twins too, but I can't say I understand how you two must be feeling right now… all I ask is you remember you don't have to do this alone. I can help you, Lion-O and Pummyra too. We're a team, don't forget it."

"We won't," Cheetara promised. "And I hope we won't have to fight them. Perhaps if we stop Mumm-Ra… perhaps then they will surrender peacefully."

"Perhaps," Panthro conceded, even if he did not believe that would happen. He was convinced the twins would fight, in fact, the panther was sure that taking down the ancient wizard first would do nothing but enrage WilyKat and WilyKit beyond the point of reason. He said nothing and simply looked out the window, seeing the early morning shift workers fortifying the outer walls and also helping install the laser guns they had salvaged from several ruined Skycutters in the turrets.

"I must go," the engineer announced. "I have to complete the Anti-Magic Field Generator Lion-O wants but call me if you need me. It's almost done and I can finish it myself so you can stay here if you want, Tygra."

"Thank you, Panthro" Cheetara said, a warm smile adoring her face as she did.

"There is nothing to thank me for, I'm your friend and I'll always help you," the panther assured as he left the room.

"I should go as well, they may need my help out there," Tygra said and stood up, but Cheetara grabbed his hand and wouldn't let go.

"Don't go, Tygra… can't you stay with me?" she pleaded, her eyes were filled with a mix of sorrow and loneliness so fierce the tiger had no chance of resisting it. "Please… don't leave me."

The architect leaned forward and kissed the cheetah's forehead. "I would never leave you."

"Thank you…" Cheetara hugged Tygra then, holding him close, searching for true comfort in his arms. She breathed his essence in and kissed his neck, his chin and finally his lips, feeling grateful and safe knowing he was close, knowing he was hers. "I need you. Help me forget that horrible vision. Help me forget it all, at least for a few moments. Stay and love me, Tygra, please…"

Unable to resist and also feeling a strong need for comfort, the tiger could do nothing but comply with the request of his beloved.

Somewhere else…

Panthro felt quite troubled now that he knew Kat was alive. He was familiar with betrayal as he had once dealt with a turncoat in Old Thundera during his time serving the Forest Guard. He'd been just a teen back then and he remembered how shocked he'd felt when one of his superiors, a well-respected ranger, had chosen to join with the marauders for profit. But that was nothing compared to what the twins were doing or what they had become. He just couldn't understand how Mumm-Ra turned them so completely.

Panthro shook his head and, taking a moment to calm down, finally understood brooding about the twins would not solve anything and so he instead concentrated on the task he needed to complete: the Anti-Magic Field Generator. He trusted his creation would keep Mumm-Ra contained permanently and without his guidance, the twins would hopefully be easier to handle… but those were thoughts for later; right then, all the engineer needed to do was finishing the Anti-Magic device. Panthro managed a small smile as he mentally went through the process of assembling the final piece, the power core.

Entering the garage to get the parts needed for the power core, Panthro was surprised to find the place was being used by another Thunderian, a woman close to his age who stood next to a hover bike. Her arms were covered in grease all the way up the elbows and she was wiping her face clean with a wet rag. Tools hung from her belt and her pants and sleeveless shirt were also oil stained. She looked completely different from the first time he had seen her during her husband's funeral. The panther couldn't immediately recall her name so he wrestled it from his memory. She was the mother of that girl who came to Cat's Lair claiming WilyKat had killed her father… Parda? No… Cougara! That was the name!

"Lord Panthro," the woman greeted, surprised that one of the Thundercat nobles would go to the garage. She straightened her clothes as best as she could and stood straight, her slim frame looking smaller than what it actually was compared to the tall, muscular panther in front of her. She wondered if he was going to ask for help, and hoped it wasn't something out of her reach of expertise.

"…Hello," the panther was silent for a moment, wondering if he should tell this woman that her husband's killer was out there but ended up deciding against it. Telling her would only cause her unneeded stress and considering the current situation, it would be best if she only saw WilyKat after he was arrested.

"Do… do you need assistance?" Cougara asked, interpreting the Thundercat's silence as a permission to talk. "I'm not sure if I can help you but I'll do my best if you need a hand with a machine."

"I only came here to pick up some tools I need. I hear you're a mechanic, by the way." Panthro answered. "Your daughter told me."

"Oh… that girl surely talks a lot… I hope she didn't bother you?"

"No, she didn't bother me," Panthro smiled. It was comforting to find someone still having the heart to be so calm in the middle of the mess they were in, as most other Thunderians were edgy and afraid. "I asked her about her hover bike once. She told me you fixed it."

The woman nodded, looked back at the bike she had been working on and ran a hand over the seat. "That I have. I've spent a lot of time fixing this girl here. Aliona's not as careful with her as she should be, you know? I pretty much replaced the engine just now. Most of it was fire damaged, it's a wonder they managed to bring it here!"

Panthro got closer and looked at the machine. Repairs were evident and he crouched to better look at Cougara's work. "Interesting… you adapted Skycutter parts to fix the connectors from the engine to the AG module. That's no easy feat."

"I've had a lot of practice," the woman said. "I've been adapting Plundarrian tech to Thunderian machines for about ten years, it's like second nature to me by now."

Panthro nodded as he examined the bike. "Where did you find this motherboard? It looks almost new and it's a fairly complex model; I don't recall ever seeing something like this."

"That's because I made it. I'm not a mechanic, I'm an engineer," she revealed, feeling a little bit offended by the words of the noble, and then feeling bad for it immediately after. "I… well, I did graduate third in my class at West Thunderian Academy, and…"

"You're a WTA graduate? That was a good school. No wonder you can do this," the panther complimented her as he continued assessing the woman's work, finding it very interesting how she had rewired the energy source to the main engine. She must have had very good teachers to complement her inventiveness. "I'm Royal Academy myself, Science branch; first in my engineering class."

"Not surprising, I once got a chance to look at one of the satellites you made before… what happened. Even if it was broken beyond repair, I could tell they were great machines," She praised him with an honest smile. Cougara had never mentioned this to anyone, but over the years she had spent picking apart old machines for usable parts she became a big fan of Panthro's work, and considered him a gifted inventor. "A shame the mutants took down most of them."

"I'll make more in time. And they'll be much better than the old model you saw," Panthro assured her as he got up. He had seen enough of the hover bike and was impressed by the woman's ingenuity when it came to repair it. The panther scratched his chin as an idea came to him: Tygra would no doubt be unavailable for the next few hours and while Panthro was not in real need of it, he could actually use some help to speed up the work and this woman here was clearly quite capable of assisting him better than Tygra ever would. "I'm building something important and I will need help with the power core. Are you interested?"

"If you think I can aid you, it would be my honor!" Cougara agreed. "Working with a man of your intellect is like a dream come true for any engineer!"

"You shouldn't hold me in such high esteem, I'm not that good," Panthro said but smiled at the comment nonetheless. "We have two hours to finish it, let's go to my workshop."

The rocky plains outside Castle Plundarr …

Jackalman was nervous; he and others of his kin had finished double, no make that triple, checking the engines of the large ship Vultureman had finally finished repairing and while everything seemed to be working in proper order, with all systems ready to go, the canine mutant just couldn't shake the feeling that something would go wrong at the last moment. Jittering as normal, he made his way through the narrow passages of the spaceship, reaching the cabin where his avian friend was working.

"Everything is in order and we're ready to launch," Jackalman announced, sitting next to Vultureman. "But… I don't like how well this whole thing is going."

"You fear Mumm-Ra is going to ruin our escape," the mutant scientist said, not looking away from the ship's computer screen.

"Don't you?"

"Yes, but I can't let fear stop me from trying, I want to go home!"

"We all do, Vultureman, but Mumm-Ra…"

Vultureman cawed in annoyance. "Just forget about that mummy for a second and concentrate! You were a competent soldier once, Jackalman, when did you turn into a fearful puppy? Even in Third Earth you showed some backbone, what happened to you here?"

"I was enslaved by a deranged immortal warlock with powers I can't understand," the jackal answered, his voice rising a little. "You were here when Mumm-Ra conquered this planet; did you forget what he did to us after the battle when we destroyed Cat's Lair?"

"Of course I didn't," Vultureman corrected. "And what about those creatures he can summon at will? They are the main reason why I want to leave this stupid planet! If that wizard turns those monsters on us, we're dead, Kaw!"

The avian mutant fell silent for a moment and then turned to look at Jackalman. Under the dim lights of the ship's monitors, Vultureman looked tired and drained. "Is everybody on board?"

"We're all on the ship, the thirty of us," the jackal said. "Hard to believe only thirty Plundarr warriors survived the Thunderian revolt…"

"We died by the hundreds, didn't we?" Vultureman recalled. "Last time a Plundarrian army lost so many men was sixty years ago during the Battle of Luna Five, those cursed Lunarians ambushed our militia and that battle was lost."

"I know my history, Vultureman. I know about that war," Jackalman said. "My grandfather was one of the survivors. He lost a hand and an eye in that battle."

"But that one was different. It was a simple territorial dispute," the vulture corrected. "What the cursed cats did here was a damned revolution! We're lucky they didn't kill us all!

The jackal nodded in understanding. "Yes, we're lucky indeed."

"Anyway, Slithe's gold?"

"It's on the ship, but I can't understand why you want to take it, it's too heavy. The ship's almost overloaded," the jackal stated. "And we're low on fuel; we only have enough to reach Thundera's moons. After that, unless you call for help, we'll have to drift until the nearest space station, that's almost a week away and we don't have enough food to last that long!"

"We have something that will help us cover two thirds of the trip," Vultureman assured. "I only need the fuel for takeoff; after we've cleared the moons, we'll use this."

The vulture showed his teammate a red stone he'd kept inside the pouch hanging from his belt. It was familiar to Jackalman, but he couldn't remember where or when he saw it before.

"What is that?"

"I have no idea what Thunderians call this," Vultureman started, "I got it from Bengali's workshop years ago. Now, what they call it isn't important, what matters is that this rock stores incredible amounts of energy, and we're going to use it to power our ship! I can even power the warp engines with it!"

"And what will we do with the last third of the journey?"

"Rataro will be waiting in the coordinates I sent him two days ago," the birdman assured. "Why else do you think I insisted on bringing all that gold with us?"

"That's… impressive. I never thought…"

"You never think, that's why I'm in charge of getting us out of here," Vultureman said and with a satisfied caw placed the red stone on a spherical container, which caused the ship's lights to come alive, as well as the rest of it. A welcoming buzz and hum from the machine telling both mutant generals this was actually working.

"I-I can't believe it! It's working! We're really escaping this planet!" Jackalman screamed in absolute joy.

"Yes we are, Kaw!" Vultureman seconded, "So long Thundera, so long Thundercats and so long Mumm-Ra! The Mutants are gone!"

Laughing and feeling better than he had in years, Vultureman pressed the necessary buttons and the ship's launching sequence started. Ten seconds later, the mutant ship blasted towards the sky and reached Thundera's moon almost instantly.

That's when it happened. The monitor went black for an instant and then showed a face Vultureman and Jackalman had hoped to never see again: Mumm-Ra.

"So, the vermin are leaving their hole," the mummy mocked. "I never thought you would gather the courage to even try!"

"We are leaving the planet, Mumm-Ra!" Vultureman challenged. "Your magic can't reach here!"

"Oh, it can't, now?" Mumm-Ra laughed and as he did, the ship started to shake and creak. "I could blow you up but with a gesture!"

"We're not coming back!" Jacklaman shouted in a strange display of defiance.

"I don't need you to come back, dog," the crimson wizard said, still laughing at the mutant's despair. "I will let you leave my planet unscratched, but only because I may need to bring more of your kind to my world and you will be a fine intermediary if that moment ever comes."

The ship stopped shaking then, and Mumm-Ra's face vanished from the screen. The sorcerer's laughter, however, remained for a few seconds more before it finally went silent.

"I knew that cursed corpse wouldn't let us go that easily," Vultureman lamented. "Well, he can try all he wants but there is no way I'll work for him again, never!"

Netiher of the mutant leaders spoke a word until several hours later, when in the distance, floating with its homing lights on they saw the RatStar, waiting for them in the arranged coordinates. And it was a good thing, too, as their ship's power was about to run out.

"Do you have my pay, Vultureman?" Rataro's voice demanded on the communicator. "If you don't I'll leave you here to rot."

"Is this enough?" Vultureman asked, sending the RatStar a picture of the cargo bay, which was full of gold and other riches. "Every single piece of treasure Slithe hoarded. It's yours as long as you do what we agreed. Refuse and I disintegrate it!"

"Spoken like a true mutant!" Rataro laughed. "Very well, my feathery friend, you've got a deal"

After a precise and quick maneuver, the RatStar's towing cable was attached to Vultureman's ship and the disgraced mutants finally started the last portion of their trip back to their own world.

"At last!" Jackalman said when Plundarr and its many moons appeared on the horizon. "Home at last!"

"Yes, home," Vultureman agreed with barely contained emotion. "We're finally back on Plundarr after so many years…"

Sometime earlier…

Treasure in untold amounts piled high against the walls and glistered orange as it reflected the light of the torches hanging from the corners of Mumm-Ra's enormous treasure room. The ancient wizard sat on the large stone throne he kept in the middle of this hall, petting his trusty undead dog Ma-Mutt. The evil sorcerer was deep in thought, considering many of the recent events and pondering on their implications for the future. Mumm-Ra was not concerned about the Thundercats' pathetic efforts to thwart his plans, as he was certain they would not be able to stop him. Lion-O and the others would come to fight him, of that he was certain, and when they were near his fortress, he would give the signal to his vampiric huntress to unleash his army of Gadruul on the unsuspecting city. The mummy grinned in dark pleasure as he imagined the despair Lion-O and the other cats would feel when he revealed what was happening in their Capital while they were wasting their time fighting him. His amusement passed soon however, as he recalled that more pests were on their way from Third Earth. He entertained the idea of using his magic to crash the ship those meddlers were traveling on the second they entered the atmosphere, but decided it was better to let his Demon Beasts slay them all. It would be more amusing that way.

What did not amuse him, however, was the game the Ancient Spirits of Evil were playing. The wizard was aware of most of their plan and how they intended to betray him, but that did not mean he expected them to omit important information like the awakening of Tatsoughee and the cursed Yigkin. Mumm-Ra did not dare think what would have happened if his benevolent counterpart hadn't closed the rift! Tatshoughee was incredibly powerful, so powerful in fact his mere presence on this plane of existence could easily lay waste to the complete surface of the planet the moment he set foot upon it.

"As glad as I am Wizz-Ra is gone, I must admit that baffling pest did do me a favor," the ancient wizard muttered. "But now that he has served his purpose nothing can get in my way, for Lion-O and his cats are nothing but insects, and soon I'll see them squirm under my heel!"

The evil sorcerer placed his undead dog on the floor and then walked to his Cauldron Room. Once there, Mumm-Ra lifted his hand and the eyes of the three remaining statues lit up. Good, the mummy thought, these wretched spirits knew their place.

"You failed to tell me about Tatsoughee's awakening!" Mumm-Ra accused. "Why?"

"Oh, yes, Tatsoughee," one of the spirits said.

"We did not think it was necessary," The second spirit indicated.

"You are, after all, more powerful than we are, lord Mumm-Ra," the third one completed.

"Perhaps you have yet to truly understand the power you got from our brother," the three spirits said with a hint of mockery in their tone. "Is gaining perception beyond this mortal realm eluding you still?"

"You would do well to watch your words," Mumm-Ra threatened. "Some things may still escape my vision, but I am more than powerful enough to end your miserable existence!"

A dark spiral formed above the statues and tendrils of black energy slithered out of it, descending over the physical forms of the Ancient Spirits of Evil, enveloping their stone avatars so they could not escape them. Mumm-Ra cackled in glee as he noticed the way the light in the eyes of the statues flickered and how the stone appeared to tremble with fear.

"Your pitiful lives are nothing to me!" the wizard stated. "You will obey me without hesitation from now on or your minds will be sent to the void as happened to your brother!"

"We understand!" One of the statues shouted. "We understand!"

"We will never again disrespect you!" the second added. "Never!"

"We apologize!" the third one offered. "Stop this, we beg you!"

"As long as you understand who the master is," Mumm-Ra grinned. "I will let you live."

The strands of dark energy released the Spirits and retreated inside the vortex, which then closed in a flash of crimson light. Silence fell over the room for a moment, in which the wizard stared at his former masters with a fierce glare.

"And if you have any other ideas to use against me…" the mummy started, "I suggest you abandon them, for they will fail and you will die!"

"There are no plans, we swear!" the first Spirit said. "We wouldn't dare!"

"I know you wouldn't," Mumm-Ra grinned in satisfaction as he heard that; he did know the Spirits definitely had something in mind and had a clear idea of what it was, but he believed he had scared them enough now to keep them from interrupting him for a while, at least until after he had dealt with his feline enemies. "Now go, I will call you when I need you."

"As you wish, Lord Mumm-Ra," the spirits replied and their presence abandoned the room.

The evil priest started contemplating if getting rid of the Spirits of Evil sooner than he wanted to would end up being necessary. Oh, of course he had planned on stealing their power and sending whatever was left to be destroyed in the void where he had already vanished one of them, but he wanted to do that when the Thundercats were crushed permanently so he could rub his victory on their arrogant, despicable, ethereal faces. And speaking of disgusting faces… Mumm-Ra turned to his cauldron and willed the waters to show him something that was happening somewhere else. He observed the development with a lack of interest and chose not to intervene. The would-be fugitives had already outlived their usefulness and their involvement in the upcoming battle was irrelevant. The mummy grinned and with a wave of his hand, spoke directly into the mutants' machines, enjoying the fear his mere voice caused them. He toyed with them for a bit until he felt satisfied.

The sun would rise soon, the mummy realized after he finished playing with the mutants and, while he did not need rest he decided to sleep for the day, if only to guarantee he would be at full power when Lion-O and his band of appalling felines attacked him. Mumm-Ra was certain they wouldn't come before dusk, as they would be too busy preparing the Capital's defenses and plotting, as if it would do them any good. But the Third Earth pests would be arriving during the day so in order to prepare for any eventuality the dark wizard sent an order to the mind of Calico. The vampire listened to his commands but as she was deep in her slumber, wouldn't obey until she awakened. Mumm-Ra was fine with that; he trusted her to carry out his orders effectively.

With this done, Mumm-Ra slid inside his coffin and before starting his sleep, expanded his mind to his children's quarters. As he expected, WilyKit and WilyKat still slept, unsurprising since both had been pushed to their limits before returning to the Pyramid. The wizard examined the twins' energy and estimated they would need to rest for most of the day before their full strength was restored. Mumm-Ra decided extra surveillance would be needed, so he willed five golem guards to rise from the sand and stone surrounding his dark fortress, ordering them to protect it until he said otherwise.

With these preparations in place, the ever living one allowed the sleep of the dead to claim him for the day.

Back in the Capital…

A girl walked out of the infirmary, feeling a little disappointed that neither her sister nor her mother had been there. The last thing she'd hear from them, Aliona was still in her room and her mother in the garage. But they weren't there… where was her family?

"I know they told me to stay in the shelter but if I can't find them here, I'll have to go downtown to look for them…" the girl mused as she walked down the hallways.

"Hey, can you give me a hand?"

Angora froze, straightened her white dress and turned immediately. She gulped and wished her unruly hair was combed but she couldn't do anything about it now. Feeling a little embarrassed about her appearance, the girl looked up at her idol.

"Y-yes, Doctor Pummyra! Can I help you?"

Pummyra smiled at the girl and crouched to be at her eye level. "Yes Angora, you can help me."

"You remember my name?" the girl was almost beside herself with happiness.

"Of course I do, you're quite the hard-working volunteer and I saw you helping out our nurses yesterday, doing errands all afternoon. I'm impressed and grateful!"

"It was my pleasure!" she said, "I'm gonna be a doctor so I have to start working at it now!"

Pummyra's smile widened and she patted the girl's head. "You'll be a good medic as long as you never lose that enthusiasm. Say, could you take this to the king? He's resting in his chambers now."

Angora reached for the bundle Pummyra was handing over to her and nodded. "Sure I can!"

"Good, please don't wander out of the shelter afterwards and if your mother allows it, help us with the other children," the Thundercat doctor requested, figuring out it would be safer to send this girl to where the cubs who had not left the city were. "Can you do it?"

"Yes, yes!" the girl affirmed with a wide and earnest smile. "I'll make sure the king gets this!"

"Great, I'm counting on you," Pummyra said and chuckled as she watched how the girl pranced down the hallway. Such innocence and honesty made her wish to have a child of her own sometime in the future, once peace had returned and she could retire from Thundercat duty and settle down in a small town with a good man by her side, a man like… O-Celot. The medic blinked as that name entered her mind. Flustered, she looked around expecting to see other Thunderians but no, she was alone. The puma sighed in relief and ran her fingers through her hair, a soft smile adorning her lips while she recalled the moment her Forge-Master received the Elixir of Healing and all his wounds healed. He had been so happy then.

"I should go see him, just to see how he's doing…" Pummyra whispered. Her choice made, she left the shelter and headed to the improvised armory down the street, where O-Celot had been working since dawn.

Back in the shelter…

Angora was humming a song she liked, feeling happy that she had gotten an errand from Pummyra herself. And the doctor had told her she worked hard and that she was counting on her! The girl was so cheerful she felt she could burst! It was then, just a few doors away from Lion-O's room that she found her older sister, who seemed to be having a lot of trouble deciding on what to do. Wondering what was going on Angora approached Aliona and poked her back.

"Something wrong, sister?"

Aliona straightened and turned around so quickly she almost lost her balance. "I… I'm fine, nothing is wrong! I'm not here trying to see the king or anything! I just want to get my boomerang from his room!"

"Hey, calm down!" Angora laughed, "I'm not the Royal Guard!"

"Yeah, I know. It's just that I…"

Angora's eyebrow rose as she noticed how flustered her sister was and then, just like any other children would have done, shot the question that went straight to the point. "Gosh… you like Lion-O, dontcha, sis?"

Aliona's eyes opened like saucers and she found her cheeks felt as hot as fire, more due to the question than her emotions on the matter, because she was honestly not sure if she liked the king or not. She certainly enjoyed being close to him but… like him?

"Of… of course I don't like him! Don't be silly!" The older sister chuckled nervously, trying to minimize her sister's conclusions. "I just think he's an admirable person, that's all! Why do you think I like him?"

"Well, your face is as red as a scarlet berry and… wait, maybe you're not sure about it?" Angora tapped her foot on the floor as she seemed to consider something. "I got it! I know how we can figure out if you wanna be kissy-kissy with Lion-O!"

"I don't want that! And whatever you're plotting, I don't want to be a part of it," Aliona said, even more flustered at her little sister's mention of kissing. "Your pranks always get me in trouble!"

"Hey, this is no prank!" the younger sister argued. "All you have to do is give the king this."

"And… what is this, exactly?" the crimson haired woman asked as she accepted the bundle from her sister's hands.

"I think they're clothes? I didn't look," Angora explained. "Pummyra wanted me to give it to Lion-O, but now I think you should do it. Besides, I have to help look after the younger children and that is a very important assignment Pummyra herself gave me which can't wait!"

"But…"

Aliona's words fell on empty ears as Angora marched the other way, obviously going to the large room the nurses had turned into crèche.

"Angora, you… you little rascal!" frustrated, Aliona rubbed her forehead and sighed. Her younger sister could be extremely aggravating sometimes… but still, she did provide Aliona with the perfect excuse to see the king and listening to his voice and… no! No, all she wanted was to ask him if he could return her Thunderang, nothing more.

And so she knocked on his door.

Lion-O stopped reading the report he'd received about the work being done in the city and got up from his chair, wondering who it could be. He hoped it wasn't a new emergency, but relaxed when he remembered the Eye would have warned him if danger was close. Opening the door, he found Aliona standing there, holding something close to her chest.

"Hello," the king greeted. "I see you're already fully recovered, that's good."

"It's all thanks to that medicine Pummyra gave us, it's a miracle!" Aliona said, noticing that she was feeling less shy, (or was it more accustomed?) to Lion-O's presence than before; whatever it was, it actually puzzled her a little.

"The Elixir of Healing is the legacy of a good friend and ally," the lord of the Thundercats said with a sad tone in his voice. "We are in debt to him for sharing it with us, Aliona. The only way we can repay him is to make sure Thundera is safe and prosperous."

"And it will be, my king," she assured. "I know it will."

"And we will all work to make it a reality," Lion-O agreed. Realizing he was being rude not inviting her in, he moved to the side and motioned her inside. "Sorry for keeping you at the door. Did you want something?"

"Yes, actually I do," the redhead said, walking into the king's chambers. "But first, Pummyra sends you this."

"Thank you," the lion unfolded the bundle to find it contained a two piece jumpsuit just like the black one he had on, the only difference being the new one was light blue. He grinned at the detail, recalling Pummyra telling him at some point the day before how she had heard rumors saying he looked very somber with his current black clothes. The king had to agree with that, and was aware that in order to inspire his people better, a less depressing color was a must.

Eager to try his new clothes, Lion-O started taking his shirt off but stopped the moment he heard a gasp at his left. "Is something wrong?"

Aliona, a fierce flush adorning her face, tried hard not to stare at the king's steel-hard chest and sculpted abs but found the task to be impossible. She knew Lion-O had a body to die for, but hadn't exactly paid attention to that fact until now. "You… I… ahem… it's… I'm sorry milord I think… I should really go!"

Lion-O recalled some Thunderians who had spent most of their childhood, like Aliona here, on different planets, were far less accustomed to nudity than he or other older members of their race and so, he pulled the top of his black jumpsuit down. "I'm sorry if I offended you, I understand that you grew up on a planet where this was less common."

"No! It's… it's no offense at all, my king…" the young puma managed to whisper, her head still down to avoid showing the king her flustered face. "I-It's just that…"

"I apologize for my lack of tact. Please wait outside, I don't want to make you even more uncomfortable," he requested. "And don't leave, I have something for you."

The young puma nodded and was out of the room before Lion-O could blink. The king found Aliona's little display to be somewhat fun and as he changed clothes, decided he liked to see her being this way instead of the barrel full of depression she had been not even two days before; he felt her being lively suited her better, and it was because of this that he decided not to tell her about WilyKat until after they captured him. There was no need to put more sorrow on her shoulders if it wasn't necessary.

"This is yours," Lion-O said as he stepped out of his chambers. "I'm sure you were wondering if I was going to give it back."

"Of course not, my King, I knew you would return it," Aliona reached for her Thunderang and smiled once she had the weapon back in her hands. "Thank you for keeping it safe."

"It was nothing and please, call me Lion-O," he requested. "Formalities are fine, but I'd rather you call me by my name when we're alone, please?"

"A-are you sure?" the woman blushed for the third time and swallowed, "I'll try if… if t-that is what you wish, my ki… Lion-O."

"Thank you. We're friends, so this is better, right?"

She just nodded though internally, the young puma was unsure if she wanted to run away in embarrassment or squeal like a happy little cub.

"I'm going out to check if this report is correct," the king announced. "It claims the power station is almost finished and that at least nine Skycutters are in good shape along with a few trucks that came from the nearby towns. I also need to see the progress on the fortifications of the city's walls."

Aliona nodded again and watched him go, her eyes drawn to his broad shoulders, his strong arms and then to his hands. She recalled how warm and gentle those hands were and how nice they'd felt on her face. With a sigh and despite her better efforts, she found herself wishing to feel his caress again.

"Don't you want to come?" he asked suddenly. "You've been here recovering for a while, I'm sure you could use a walk outside, what do you say?"

"I… um… you know, Lion-O? It doesn't sound like a bad idea at all," Aliona said, her desire for going out and breathing fresh air and her craving for adventure trumping her shyness around him for once. "If you don't mind my company, I'd be glad to join you."

"I wouldn't mind at all, let's go," he invited with a smile.

Hours later…

"…And that's how we defeated the Berserkers," Lion-O concluded; after finishing talking to the people in the power station and the mechanics, he had gone to the top of the wall surrounding the capital to see how preparations were going. Since everything was on schedule and without anything else to do, he ended up sitting on the edge of the wall with Aliona and when she asked, he told her about his adventures back in Third Earth.

"That's amazing," she said, looking at him with admiration and awe. "You've seen a lot of things, Lion-O. Third Earth sounds like a very nice planet despite some of what you mentioned. All things considered, I wouldn't mind visiting it someday."

"I'm planning on starting trade with Third Earth soon," the king announced. "You could be a part of my company when I go and make the trade agreements with some of their kingdoms."

"I'd like that," she told him. "Thank you!"

Lion-O looked at the redhead sitting at his left and realized that he had enjoyed her company more than he had expected; she was a good listener, and now that she wasn't being extremely formal around him, her conversation and sharp wit made her a more interesting conversation partner than before. "How are your family's plans going? Did you manage to sell your farm?"

"Well, almost…" she started. "We have a buyer, but I guess the deal will have to wait until everything's fine again. We did get a place here in the city, though. It's decent: Three stories tall so we can live on the top floors and mom can have her workshop below. She's even thinking about hiring a couple of apprentices when business gets good."

"Sounds nice," he said.

"It is nice," she agreed.

A comfortable silence set between the two, the only sounds around them being the voices and sounds made by the Thunderians working around them, finishing the wall turrets or all the way down the streets and the far more pleasant and relaxing sound of the wind caressing the trees in the vast forest in front of them. The view, Lion-O though, was amongst the most beautiful Thundera could offer and he hoped that in the future he would be able to spend time enjoying it without worrying about evil wizards attacking his kingdom. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at the woman at his side and wondered what she thought about the forest view. He was about to ask when she spoke.

"Something's coming from above," she announced, "too big to be an in-planet transport… it's a spaceship!"

"You're right," Lion-O said, following her gaze and noticing the glimmering vessel descending from the sky. As it approached, the king recognized it as the spaceship belonging to someone he held in high regard: Doctor Dometone!

"I wonder if it's friendly…" Aliona speculated.

"Of course it's friendly, that's Doctor Dometone's ship!" Lion-O said with a broad smile, "Our allies from Third Earth have finally arrived!"

"We're getting help?"

"Indeed, Aliona, now everything will be alright!" the king exclaimed, getting back on his feet and rushing to the stairs, "I've got to gather the other Thundercats, come with me and I'll introduce you to our Third Earth friends!"

It took less than twenty minutes for the ship to land in the large clearing just outside the entrance to the Capital and now Lion-O and the rest of the Thundercats, along with a few other Thunderians, waited for the occupants of the ship to disembark. When Lion-O had gathered his friends, he found that Pummyra was already aware of it, since she had been the one who received the ship's call when its pilot asked permission for landing. She had of course granted it, and had then contacted Panthro, Tygra and Cheetara. When Lion-O got to the shelter, he found the four Thundercats already out waiting for him.

Now, all the Thunderctas stood behind their king and behind them, O-Celot, Cougara, Aliona and other Thunderians in charge of other things also waited. Lion-O had insisted on them being there, thinking it would be best for them to meet the arrivals from Third Earth so they could spread the word to the rest of the people in the shelter, though many other Thunderians were already watching from the top of the wall and from the massive doors.

The ship expelled a cloud of warm steam and finally, it opened. A ramp extended all the way to the ground and then five figures appeared and descended, stopping in front of Lion-O.

"My friends, it is wonderful to see you!" The king greeted them. "And I cannot ever repay you for coming so quickly! My people and I are forever in your debt."

"Lion-O, stop that!" Nayda scolded, slapping the lion's shoulder and grinning at his confused expression. "All of us are more than friends! You owe us nothing, you hear?"

"The princess speaks the truth," added Hachiman, "We are friends, allies, brothers in arms! It is our honor to help you, my friend."

"We Berbils would do anything for you, Lion-O!" Both Ro-Bear-Bill and Belle said in unison.

"I agree with my comrades here, young man," Doctor Dometone concluded as he lowered the anti-grav box he'd been pushing. "You did so much for us and for Third Earth, that doing this is nothing for us."

Moved by these words, Lion-O was left speechless for an instant, so Cheetara stepped in and greeted their old friends, her right hand rising after she did so. She wanted to introduce the new allies to the Thunderians behind them, but knew it was not her authority do so. She looked at Lion-O and nodded when she noticed he was ready to speak again.

"Hear me, Thunderians!" Lion-O called, addressing every person gathered behind him. "These are my friends, our allies from Third Earth who have come to help us in our time of need. This man here is Doctor Dometone, Third Earth's brightest mind. Next we have Ro-Bear-Bill and Ro-Bear-Belle; both loyal and crafty beyond belief. Then we have Nayda, the courageous Princess of the Treetop Kingdom and finally, one of the bravest men I've ever met: Hachiman, heir of the Land of the Red Sun's empire!

"That's nice and all, but five of them won't make a difference," one of the mechanics standing behind Panthro muttered. That whisper, however, did not fall on deaf ears as Nyada and other Thundercats managed to hear it.

"A valid concern," the Amazon princess conceded. "But an unfounded one, there are more than us. It is time, sisters, descend!"

As soon as Nayda said this, several Amazons disembarked the ship, organized in four groups of ten and stood at the ready behind their princess. "They are the Warrior Maiden's forty best, Lion-O, at your service."

"And they are not alone," Hachiman rejoined. "Come forth, my men!

Answering the samurai's call, sixty armed men marched out of the ship and stood in formation behind their leader. "The swords of my warriors are yours to command, Lion-O."

"And it may not be of much help, but my ship does have offensive capabilities in case you need aerial support," Doctor Dometone pointed out. "The Berbils and I will pilot it to the best of our abilities if it comes to that."

"Things are certainly looking better now," Panthro declared with a satisfied smile. "We're not so vulnerable anymore."

"Let's all go in," Tygra invited, "We'll show you the ways we're fortifying the Capital."

"Excellent," Hachiman agreed, as he was already planning how to defend the city in case of an attack.

"Wait Lion-O," Doctor Dometone called, stopping the young king. Around them, the recently arrived soldiers and Amazons were already moving into the city, following their leaders and the other Thundercats.

"Yes, Doctor, what is it?"

"Snowman sent this for you," the scientist announced as he opened the anti-grav box, revealing a white set of armor. "I did some testing on it on the way here, my young friend. It's the finest one I've ever seen! It resists temperatures below absolute zero and it can disperse electricity as well. I do recommend you wear it in battle."

Lion-O crouched and picked up the chest piece, admiring the detailed engraving representing Hook Mountain on the front. The young lion then looked at the helmet, a sturdy and elegant barbute and then looked at the pauldrons, the gauntlets and finally at the greaves and sabatons. It was a full set of body armor as white as the purest snow and as light as the mountain breeze. Awed by this magnificent gift, Lion-O understood that Snowman had meant to deliver when he promised he'd sent the best armor in his kingdom. "I'll have to thank Snowman for this as soon as I can." (6)

Ahead of them, already inside the Capital, Nayda caught up with Pummyra and started walking alongside her. "Hi," the princess greeted.

"Hello," the Thundercat medic said.

"Can we talk for a moment?" Nayda asked, eyeing the tall and imposing Thunderian Pummyra had been talking to.

"You can tell me anything in front of O-Celot," Pummyra said, unconsciously moving closer to the Forge-Master. "We don't keep secrets between us."

The man remained silent, not wanting to interrupt, but couldn't hold back a proud smile when he heard Pummyra's vote of confidence.

"Well, if you say so," the princess agreed as she reached for a long knife she kept under her belt. "I just wanted to give you this. Mumm-Rana wanted you to have it."

"Mumm-Rana?" Pummyra accepted the weapon and looked at it, "Must be a special type of blade if she's the one sending it."

"Yes, it is," Nayda started. "It's called the Morning Shine, and it's got the power to defeat creatures born of darkness. She said you'd need it."

"I hope I won't," the medic said. "But thank you for giving me this, Nayda."

"For what is worth, it is a very fine blade," O-Celot provided, "at first glance, at least."

"I'll let you look at it later," Pummyra promised. "Right now we have more pressing matters to attend."

"Well… I'll just let you two alone," Nayda said. She'd realized she was being a third wheel and didn't like the feeling, "I need to talk to Lion-O about where we'll stay so if you'd excuse me…"

"Go ahead, if you or your people need anything I can help you with, you can find me in the shelter's clinic," the medic offered.

"I'll remember that, thank you!" that said, Nayda walked faster to catch up with her soldiers and gave them some directions. That done, the princess rushed back to where she knew the Lord of the Thundercats was.

Back at the Capital's doors Hachiman stood with Panthro, Tygra and Cheeetara, the four of them waiting until Lion-O finished talking with doctor Dometone. The samurai had ordered his men to move to the shelter and wait for him, so all he had left to do was to discuss a few matters regarding the security of the city with his feline allies. Nayda joined them then, brushing the hair from his face as she approached them.

"What can I do for you, my friends?" Lion-O asked as he entered the city, the scientist and the Berbils walking at his side.

"Hachiman and the princess have some suggestions, Lion-O," Cheetara explained. "You should hear what they have to say."

The young king nodded and motioned for his allies to speak.

"The walls aren't as safe as you think," Nayda started. "Other than the clearing where the doctor's ship is, the trees are too close to them. Enemies could climb them and jump from them into the city. You need to do something about that."

"And you have to minimize the area of attack," Hachiman interjected. "You will need to make it harder for your adversaries in case they breach the walls. I suggest demolishing buildings adjacent to the walls without blocking a few of the streets that our forces can use to move in and out."

"That sounds doable," Lion-O opined and then looked at the other Thundercats. "I do need to know what you think, though."

"I believe clearing some trees is a good idea," conceded Cheetara. "I'm not so sure about the buildings and houses, however."

"We can rebuild those quickly," Tygra assured. "But I doubt bringing them down is necessary."

"I believe it is," Lion-O said after some thought. "If we do that, we could force any incoming enemy forces to focus their attack on this entrance, which could give us an advantage if we play it right."

"The street is wide enough to hold five or six trucks side to side," Panthro estimated. "Enough space for our soldiers to fight without getting in each other's way."

"And we can use the walls and the rubble to attack from above if it is needed," Nayda added.

"Very well," Lion-O said. "We'll do what you suggest. Panthro, Tygra, can it be done today?"

"It's early so yes, we can do it," the panther said. "If the good doctor can use his ship to help us with the trees, the job could be finished much earlier, even."

"Of course I'll help," the scientist assured, "anything to be of assistance."

"Good, then let's get to work," Lion-O said with a satisfied smile. With his friends here, the young king was starting to feel his confidence returning. For the first time in a long time, Lion-O once again felt that they could win.

Later, in the Black Pyramid…

WilyKit, leaning on her elbows over the edge of Mumm-Ra's Cauldron while her master and her brother stood in front of it, huffed in disdain at what the waters were showing them. She and her brother had woken up less than an hour ago and had received new sets of clothes so they now both wore scarlet-colored garments and, while she appreciated the new clothes, the events of the day were unnerving her greatly.

"Something bothers you, my dear?" The evil priest called, noticing his concubine's frustration.

"The stupid mutants are gone and we have a bunch of idiots from Third Earth to deal with!" she fumed. "I believe this could delay our goals."

"The mutants were too afraid and too few to be of use," WilyKat argued. "Who cares about them?"

"We could have sent them to cause a distraction," Kit contended. "And then, when the Thundercats were busy with those idiots, unleash the full force of the Gadruul!"

"That won't be necessary," Mumm-Ra said then. "The mutants had no more fight in them. Forcing them to battle would have been pointless, they would have given up immediately and reveal some information they shouldn't as well."

"But…"

"We have a thousand Gadruul ready to fight," the crimson warlock reminded his lover. "Even with the help of the Warrior Maidens and the Samurai, the Thunderians are vastly outnumbered and they will be leaderless when our demons attack the city, for Lion-O and the other Thundercats will be in our desert."

"Can you guarantee that, my lord?" Kit asked, feeling calmer and eager to have a second chance to physically crush Lion-O into a bloody pulp. "Can you guarantee that they will come?"

"They will come," the mummy promised. "They have prepared a machine to use against me, but the only way they have to set it up will force them to be here, all of them."

"That would be so wonderful…crushing them all at once," Kit purred, a hint of pleasure in her voice as she imagined getting her revenge on both Tygra and Cheetara for the way they had mistreated her.

"We should have some bait to make sure all of them come," WilyKat suggested. "Tygra or Cheetara could stay behind to lead the defense of the Capital."

"Indeed, my son," Mumm-Ra agreed as a scroll appeared in his dry, ancient hands. "And that is why I have already prepared the perfect lure."

"What is that?" his apprentice asked.

"A challenge, of course," the mummy explained. "Addressed only at Lion-O, daring him to come alone and face me. There is no way the rest of the Thundercats will let him do that. They will correctly think it is a trap and so, they will all come, ready to help their miserable king. And when they do, you two will make sure Lion-O regrets everything he's done!"

"I like how that sounds," WilyKit grinned, her eyes shining as red as her master's.

"And so do I," Kat agreed, his eyes also burning crimson. "The Thundercats will finally get what they deserve!"

Pleased as he saw that the conversion of his children was absolute, Mumm-Ra summoned his undead dog, Ma-Mutt, and placed the scroll on its strong jaws. The demon priest used his magic to transform his pet into his flying form and then sent it to the Thunderian Capital.

"The end is at hand!" Mumm-Ra announced. "Tonight, this planet will be ours again!"

And as the twins knelt in reverence in front of their master, all that could be heard in the halls of the Black Pyramid was the dark wizard's evil laughter.

Later still, at the city…

Lion-O was standing in the middle of the avenue that led from the large doors all the way to the Capital's plaza, and felt glad the shelter was not in that direction. Around him, rocks and debris covered the streets. Tygra and Panthro had done a very thorough job of demolishing three blocks worth of houses and edifices; here and there a building had been spared by request of the Warrior Maidens, who would use them and other strategic points in the walls as sniping points in case of battle. They had turrets and watchmen on the walls, too, who had at their disposal potent searchlights and laser guns rescued from some damaged Skycutters.

There were secret passages dug between the demolished constructions as well, and Hachiman had said they could use them to mount an effective ambush in case the enemy forced them to retreat. The rest of the recently healed Thunderians as well as some of those who came from nearby towns completed the defense force in charge of protecting the Capital. All in all, Lion-O had over four hundred men and women willing to fight at his side.

As for the forest outside, he still lamented that they had been forced to use Doctor Dometone's ship to burn down a large clearing all around the city but he understood it was necessary and besides, the trees would grow again. The lord of the Thundercats made a mental note to make sure the power generators, which had been moved the day before to a more secure location, remained protected. He also remembered he had to check with the mechanics to see if the Skycutters they had were operational now. They only had ten of those and two Nosedivers, and those mutant war machines, along with their ten trucks and Doctor Dometone's ship, were all the vehicles they had at hand in case of an all-out battle.

Lion-O felt something approach him then so he turned to find Nayda a few steps away. He nodded at her and she closed the distance between them. The king noticed then that the Amazon princess was wearing some light armor now which consisted of a chest piece, a shoulder pad, leggings over leather boots and vambraces, all made of some crystalline, violet material he did not recognize.

"First time I've seen you wear armor," he observed. "I noticed all your warriors are also wearing the same, any reason why?"

"The last time a group of Warrior Maidens were here, they were overwhelmed because they did not prepare for battle, and their defenses were not adequate," Nayda explained. "We won't make that mistake again, Lion-O. This time we all came here with armor made of Iron Amethyst. It's light as a feather and strong as steel, the perfect complement to our skills."

"Nayda… I'm sorry about what happened to your people here," the lion apologized. "I…"

"My cousin and her group knew coming here could be dangerous, Lion-O," Nayda said in a serious tone. "And in her last transmission to us she promised she would die with honor in battle. I am at peace with their demise, but we shall avenge their deaths by helping you defeat the forces of evil that cut their lives short."

"Had I been here…"

"But you were not, and the past cannot be changed," the princess said. "Lion-O, we don't blame you for what happened, so please don't blame yourself. You are here now, willing to fight evil and make amends and that is more than enough. More than what anyone else would do."

"I… thank you for your words," Lion-O said, too glad to say anything else.

The princess did not have a chance to reply, for a strange creature dove from the skies and let a scroll of paper fall at their feet. Before she or the rest of the guards could riddle the winged, canine monster with their arrows, it regained altitude and flew away.

"What was that thing?" Nayda asked, still slightly disgusted.

"Ma-Mutt," Lion-O said as he picked up the scroll. "Mumm-Ra's dog; he brought us this."

"I think you should show that to the others before reading it," Nayda suggested.

"Just what I was thinking on doing," the king agreed. "Let's go see them."

It didn't take long for all Thundercats and their allies from Third Earth to gather in Lion-O's chambers, surrounding the table there and staring in silence at the text in the old scroll placed on it. The letter was a challenge sent by Mumm-Ra, demanding a final battle with Lion-O to settle things once and for all, with the only condition being that the Lord of the Thundercats went alone to the Black Pyramid.

"You do know this is a trap, don't you?" Cheetara said, her index finger pointing at Mumm-Ra's signature. "He wants you alone so he can capture you or something worse."

"I know," Lion-O said. "He thinks I already forgot he did the same thing recently, only now he sends a letter instead of sending WilyKat."

"What are you going to do about it, Lion-O?" Hachiman asked. "Not go alone, I hope."

"I have a plan we could prepare since we have a couple of hours before sunset, and I would like to discuss it with all of you, but…" the king lowered his head, frustrated. "But I don't know if I should tell you about it."

"You fear Mumm-Ra is spying on us at this very moment, don't you?" Tygra guessed.

The lion nodded. "He's always watching."

"I can help with that," Nayda said, reaching for a brooch she kept attached to the hem of her skirt. "Mumm-Rana gave me this; she said I would need it, and now I understand why."

"What's that?" asked Panthro.

"A charm that is said can blind Mumm-Ra's vision and ward off black magic," the princess explained and blew gently over the jewel on the brooch, which caused it to glow green and then lose its glitter. For a moment Nayda thought it hadn't worked, but then a warm light filled the room enveloping her and everyone around her. "I… I think it is safe to talk now."

"Excellent," Lion-O smiled. "It's time to prepare our strategy for the last battle, my friends! And this time, we'll have the advantage of surprise on our side!"

Later, at dusk…

Calico woke from her slumber and got to her feet, stretching and dusting her clothes before turning to look at the still sleeping form of her new daughter, Caracalis. The Thunderian vampire considered waking her at once, but she changed her mind as she recalled the instructions Mumm-Ra had sent her while she slept. She knew about the ship from that planet called Third Earth and what she had to do with it. But as she considered her orders, she realized that following them exactly as her master had ordered would probably cause her trouble that she was not willing to go through. Fortunately, Calico had someone now who could help her get things done.

The last rays of sunlight were fading and soon night would reign, allowing her to use all of her power. That was good; she always enjoyed hunting at full strength, for it made the experience more enjoyable. A soft moan below her caught her ear, and she knew her girl was about to rise.

Caracalis woke up feeling different, more alive than ever before and stronger than she could ever remember being! She also felt hunger unlike anything she had previously experienced, and somehow knew regular food would not satisfy her. There was something else, too; a sense of belonging so strong that she knew the only way to honor that emotion was to please the person who had given her this new power. Opening her eyes, the teenager focused on the imposing female wearing black and grey standing in front of her.

"M-mother?" Caracalis whispered, not understanding why she knew that was what she was supposed to call the other woman but understanding that doing so was the proper way to address her.

"Hello, my dear," Calico said, crouching next to the girl so she could caress her face. "I'm glad to see you, young one, welcome to your first night as my daughter, as a child of the night."

"I'm… I'm happy," the younger female sighed, leaning on her mother's touch. "I feel nothing but the joy of being with you, mother."

"And you will help me, don't you?" the older vampire asked.

"Anything, I'll do anything for you," Caracalis promised. "But… I'm so hungry…"

"You will have the opportunity to feed soon, darling," Calico promised. "But first, our master has asked me to do something, and you will assist me with his request."

"We have a master?" she wondered. "How can there be someone above you?"

"The master is the strongest force in this planet, we must obey him so he continues to be fair to us," the vampiric hunter stated. "We serve his designs and your father, Lord WilyKat, also serves him. We belong to him, to the great mage Mumm-Ra."

"I… have a father?" Caracalis wondered for a moment why the idea of serving Mumm-Ra didn't repulse her, but she quickly forgot about it. If her mother and father were happy working for the dark priest then she was certain it was the right thing to do. "I understand, mother. What is it we must do?"

"There is a large spaceship outside of the Capital," Calico started. "You will go and make sure it can't fly again. After that…"

The new vampire leaned forward and paid attention to what her mother told her. When she got her instructions, the teenager climbed out of the tree and moved with supernatural grace and quickness all the way to the spaceship, ready to do what had to be done to the best of her abilities, all of it to please her maker.

As for Calico, she mentally went over the rest of the orders Mumm-Ra had sent her. When she felt satisfied with her plans on how to carry them out, she climbed to the top of her tree, finally noticing that part of the forest surrounding the Capital had been burned to cinders, creating an ample, ash filled ring around it. This wasn't bad as it allowed her a clear view of the city's walls and the large doors not too far from where she was. She admired this tactic, as it could have made it difficult for her army to approach undetected, but unfortunately for the Thunderians the other side of the walls, her Gadruul were able to tunnel their way around with incredible ease.

She sat in a thick branch and observed the city's gates attentively, waiting for the Thundercats to make their move because once they did, it would be her turn and, unlike them, she would not waste it.

Not too long after that…

Doctor Dometone thought it was strange that the guard who was supposed to be watching over his ship was nowhere to be found. He didn't think too much about it, however, believing that the young Thunderian had possibly gone to the bathroom or something of that nature. Had he paid more attention, he would have noticed the drops of blood leading to the forest behind his spaceship, and had he followed them, he would have found the corpse of the Thunderian guard, hidden under the large, exposed roots of a thick tree. But in the end, it was best that he did not, for the young vampire responsible of the murder was hiding near the body, feeding on her first victim's still warm liver.

Instead, the scientist lowered the ramp and entered his space vessel, trying to remember where he'd stored the set of tools he wanted to use. He made his way to the cabin and couldn't hold back a gasp of shock. The control panel was destroyed and a quick inspection revealed that the ship was not going to fly again anytime soon. The basic functions like lowering the ramp and turning the inner lights on still worked, but the damage to the main controls was so bad it would be a miracle if he could fix it in less than a day. This was sabotage of the highest order, but who could have done this?

"I must tell Lion-O at once!" Doctor Dometone muttered and rushed out of his ship.

The doctor ran as fast as he could, and arrived to the shelter in a matter of minutes. Panting, he made his way to Lion-O's chambers, now their war room, and found everybody was still gathering there. The old man asked for a chair and had to recover his breath before he could explain what had alarmed him so much.

"My ship!" he started, "Someone destroyed the control panel! It is ruined, it will be impossible to use it tonight!"

"Mumm-Ra," Lion-O growled, "probably as retaliation for blocking his vision earlier."

"Or one of the twins," Panthro said. "Without the doctor's ship, our defensive and offensive capabilities are back to what they were this afternoon."

"Perhaps one of us should stay to help in case…" Cheetara started.

"No, we must follow the plan," Lion-O interrupted. "There are no demon beasts in sight and Mumm-Ra can't summon anymore after Wizz-Ra closed his portal. We won't have another chance to attack! We have to do everything tonight!"

"Lion-O is right, it has to be done now," Pummyra said. "You four go. I'll stay here with Hachiman and Nayda. We'll protect the city if something happens."

"Are you sure?" Lion-O asked.

"Yes, I am," the Thundercat doctor assured. "Stopping Mumm-Ra is our main priority. Go now, take this chance. You owe Wizz-Ra that much."

"What do you all say?" the king asked Panthro, Tygra and Cheetara. "Do you agree with this?"

"Yes," Cheetara said.

"I agree," Tygra added.

"As do I," Panthro finished. "A truck is already loaded with everything we'll need, even."

"Very well, then let's get ready and end this conflict once and for all!" Lion-O said feeling confident of their success. "Tonight, this planet will be truly free again!"

Outside the Capital…

The full moon shone bright, bathing Thundera with its cold, pale light. The smell of burnt trees filled the air and ash was blown into the forest by a cold and biting wind creating a somber atmosphere which pleased the beautiful vampire, who had grown to appreciate moments like this and wished she could share the delightful mood with her beloved. Perhaps she would be able to do so later, once their duties were completed. For the time being, though, Calico focused on observing the activity on the city at the other side of the clearing, the large doors in particular.

The gates opened then and her attention centered on them. An old man and two furry robots rushed to the spaceship her daughter had sabotaged; they boarded it and quickly came out carrying something, tools it seemed. Her curiosity sated, the huntress relaxed, thinking nothing else would happen when, much to her surprise, a vehicle slowly rolled out of the city. It was a truck with a large, closed box but that was not important. What caught her attention were the people who walked out from behind the gates and climbed inside. Four Thundercats: the tiger, the cheetah, the panther and the lion.

"It seems Lord Mumm-Ra was right," Calico muttered. "The Thundercat nobles are going to him, just as he promised they would."

The truck started moving then and it passed by her tree, gaining speed as it went. The vampire kept it in her sight until it vanished over the horizon. She calculated it would take the Thundercats at least half an hour to get to the cliffs surrounding the desert where her master's Pyramid was, so she leaned back on her back and relaxed. She could spare a few minutes more before putting Mumm-Ra's plan into motion. And waiting would give Caracalis extra time to experiment with her new abilities as she infiltrated the city at her own pace. Calico, feeling the hunger rising inside her, grinned wickedly as she enjoyed the way the soft wind rocked her back and forth, anticipating the feast of blood waiting for her. Several minutes later her daughter returned, and climbed all the way to where she was with surprising ease.

"Do you have anything to report?" Calico asked.

"Yes, Mother. The city's streets are covered with debris and the only path left is the large avenue behind the gates," The young vampire informed. "They have a working power generator in a small warehouse, guarded by many soldiers and they also have men and women from another planet ready for war amongst them."

"Just as I expected," the huntress said as she caressed her daughter's hair. "You did a good job, my dear; thank you."

"What will we do now?"

"I can't tell my Gadruul to dig under the walls if there's rocks and rubble covering the streets on the other side, it would take them too long to reach the surface. We'll have to do a frontal assault," the vampire decided. "We take down the gates and then we crush them."

"Will you need me to fight at your side?" Caracalis asked, concerned for her mother's safety.

"No, I don't want you in the battlefield, my dear. You're too young and inexperienced," Calico said with a tender tone. "But I do need you to do something else for me…"

Once again, the young vampire leaned forward and listened attentively to Calico's commands. Caracalis did not for an instant doubt her obedience to her maker; a full vampire by now, the girl's loyalty had completely shifted from light to darkness, and was delighted by the ideas her mother shared with her.

Later…

A young Thunderian member of the Wildcat clan yawned as he walked over the large walls protecting the city. He had gone to check on the nearest post and was now walking back to his own, on the turret above the Capital's gates where another soldier waited. So far he had not seen anything suspicious and the people in the other steeple had nothing interesting to report. But that was fantastic, because as far as the young Wildcat was concerned, no news was good news, and he hoped the night would continue to be as uneventful and boring as possible. His thoughts wandered towards the nobles, and he wished that their mission was successful. He had survived slavery in the mines, had been working there since he was a teenager and now, as an adult, had no intention of ever going back there.

"Something's not right," the other Thunderian in the turret, an older Lynx clan, claimed. The man had his eyes closed and the frown on his face indicated great concern. "The air smells… strange, and I could swear I've been hearing these noises coming from the woods, but…"

"But what?" the younger one asked. "Don't play games on me, old man. All I smell is burned wood and all I hear is the animals still trying to find new places to sleep in that forest."

"If that's all your senses tell you then I bet you've never had to hunt in your life, kid," the Lynx lamented. "Do me a favor and turn on the light, we better check if there's something moving under those trees."

"Fine, fine," the kid groaned. "I'll humor you."

The moment the potent searchlights were on and aiming at the forest, both Thunderians regretted their curiosity. What they saw moving between the trees was nothing but a legion of dead in the form of hundreds of the monsters that had destroyed the power plant not too long ago. They would be out of the woods in minutes. Fear gripping at their hearts, all they could do was to sound the alarm, causing the lights from the other turrets to turn on and be aimed at the forest and in an instant, the alarm was made general.

The ones defending the city, Thunderians, Warrior Maidens and Samurai, all of them had stayed close the gates, and were at the ready almost immediately. Pummyra, Nayda and Hachiman were front and center, and had already climbed the turret that first sounded the alarm.

The Gadruul were starting to pour out of the forest, line after line of the creatures coming with no signs of ever stopping until a large contingent was formed. There were hundreds of monsters but they were not moving at all, clearly waiting for something.

"By Jaga…" Pummyra gasped, not believing what she was seeing, "an army of Demon Beasts… there are so many… must be at least a thousand! There is no way we can stop them from entering the city… it's… impossible!"

"It has been centuries since I fought in a battle this uneven," Hachiman said, his hand on Pummyra's shoulder. "But if I learned something then, it is that you never give up."

"I didn't come here to give up," Nayda said, arms crossed as she frowned at the scene in front of her. "I must get my people ready to fight. Whatever you decide to do, we'll back you up from above for as long as we can."

"I need to do the same," Hachiman agreed. "My men must know the time has come."

"And mine as well," Pummyra agreed, he resolve restored thanks to the example set by Hachiman and Nayda. She turned to the watchmen who first sounded the alarm. "Call the other turrets. The moment those things move, you shoot them with the laser canons. Take down as many of them as you can."

The two men nodded, and that done, the three generals left the small tower.

The warrior princess was the first one on the ground. She dashed to where her sisters in arms waited and jumped on top of a large piece of debris that once had been part of a building.

"The enemies we are here to defeat have arrived," she announced. "We face beasts so horrible they would send Spidera and her evil spawn running in terror but it is now when we show our courage, when we avenge our sisters deaths! It is time to do our part to pierce darkness with light! Take positions as we agreed my sisters and may every arrow find a target! Go Warrior Maidens, to victory!"

Nayda's speech was met with roaring enthusiasm, and the forty Amazons responded to it by raising their bows in agreement and then moving with surprising agility, reaching positions in the buildings spared around the ruins. While this was happening, Hachiman was doing the same thing with his men.

"We face a challenge now unlike anything our people have faced in centuries," the samurai said to his expectant soldiers. "But you must all remember that no matter the odds, we are men of honor! Tonight, the enemy will meet our blades of justice and we shall prove our worth in battle, the enemy shall not triumph!"

"So say we all!" shouted the samurai, swords high as they took that oath and followed the lead of their lord, taking their place as the first line of defense at the right side of the gates.

At the same time, Pummyra stood in front of her Thunderians; most of them were afraid, and no doubt wondering if Lion-O or the other nobles would return. The men in front of her were not warriors and lacked combat training. But they had spirit, conviction and weapons, and she hoped with all her heart that these things would be enough for them to survive the night. Her eyes settled on O-Celot, who had taken his place at the lead of their improvised defenses and a sense of relief spread all over her. Seeing him there made her feel safe and, more important, not alone. Offering him a reassuring nod, which he returned, the Thundercat medic spoke:

"I can't ask you to fight for me or for the king tonight," Pummyra started. "I can only ask that you fight for your lives, for your children, for everything that you hold dear! Our king won back our freedom; it is now our turn to defend it! It is time to make a stand for us, for our kin in the towns and villages, for our future, for Thundera!"

"For Thundera!" shouted the male and female Thunderians, filled with renewed courage and pride, ready to stand their ground and protect their hard won freedom.

Satisfied by this response, Pummyra called O-Celot and both of them climbed the turret as she wanted to see what the creatures were doing.

Outside the Capital's walls the Demon Beasts still waited, anticipating the moment their appointed leader would give the command which would allow them to begin the destruction they so craved. Not beings of a simple mind, but unable to communicate in ways the majority of creatures of this realm could understand, these soldiers of the underground had only one mission now, to spread darkness and death in the name of the evil wizard who had earned the right to be called their master. And they were growing impatient which is why they snarled in pleasure when their general made her move. The demons moved to the side, opening a path for the woman who had led them to the city, letting her reach the front of their formation.

Above, Pumyra and O-Celot gasped in horror. They both recognized the woman in the black cloak who had walked into the light as a former member of their rebel group; she had been the head of their spies and their best hunter.

"It can't be…" O-Celot stated in shock. "I was told she died years ago!"

"But she lives…" Pummyra muttered, grief-stricken disbelief filling her voice. "Calico has betrayed us too."

Below, the vampire looked up at the turrets and found her former rebel comrades staring back at her. The vampire's lips formed a satisfied, evil smile. She had just received the order from her master; it was time to end it all!

Calico lifted her right hand and pointed at the tall gates protecting the Capital City. "The master has spoken… attack, Gadruul!… TO WAR!"

And with a maddening, ferocious roar the Demon Beasts rushed towards the city.

Somewhere else…

The tall cliffs were behind them, having traversed the serpentine corridors between the ravines faster than they had anticipated thanks to Panthro's notorious driving skills. Their vehicle, a modified cargo truck, was holding up better than any of the Thundercat nobles had imagined, and if things went right, they would be able to complete their mission quickly.

"Mumm-Ra will be trapped forever," Lion-O predicted once the Black Pyramid appeared in the distance. "And the twins will be in our custody, too."

"I hope it goes as smoothly as you make it sound," Panthro said from the driver's seat. "We're still at least a couple of minutes away from that cursed Pyramid. I hope we're lucky enough that nothing happens before we get there."

Lion-O was about to reply, but the Eye of Thundera growled indicating danger and he hurried to unsheathe his sword to use Sight beyond sight and see what danger approached, but he never got the chance. Ice columns started rising from under the sand, forcing Panthro to swerve to the left but to no avail, for the sand froze under the truck's wheels and a pillar of ice smashed the vehicle, sending them tumbling to the bottom of a depression between four tall dunes.

"I shouldn't have said a thing," Panthro muttered, "Are you alright?

"I'm ok," Lion-O answered.

"I'm fine," Cheetara said from the back.

"Yeah, me too," Tygra added. "What was that, ice?"

"As strange as it sounds, yes, it was," the cheetah confirmed.

"Well, the truck seems to still be working," the panther announced, starting the engine again. "Now we just need to get it out of this ditch! Shouldn't be difficult, this girl here is a four-wheel drive and this sand pit is nothing to it!"

Before Panthro could do as he intended, however, four thick walls of ice rose from the ground, encasing the truck in a cold prison which prevented them from moving. As if knowing the Thundercats would try to escape through the roof of the vehicle, the ice above them grew and curved so the truck was encased without any visible exit. They were trapped.

A moment passed and it seemed as if the Thundercats had given up when suddenly a burst of power melted the ice with a flash. When the light faded, Lion-O, Sword of Omens in hand and wearing the full armor Snowman had sent him, stood tall on top of the truck. He looked around and was pleased to see the energy he had released had not only freed them, but had also collapsed one of the sandbanks, creating an easy path for their vehicle.

"Good job getting out of there," a voice said from atop of one of the three remaining dunes.

"But the time for games is through," a second announced.

"You…" Lion-O muttered, looking with weary eyes at the two dark figures to his right.

"Surprised to see us?" WilyKit asked as she held a glowing white sword at the ready and pointed it at the young king. "I'm sure you knew we would meet here."

"And this time you won't get away from us," WilyKat finished, twirling his magical scythe and smirking at his former king. "All of you will die here."

"Panthro…" Lion-O called as he jumped down the truck. "Go to the Pyramid and finish the plan!"

"Are you out of your mind?" Cheetara argued, "You can't…"

"I am not asking!" Lion-O growled. "This is an order from your king! Go and do as we agreed, come back and help me when you're done! Now go! I'll handle the twins!"

"Don't die, Lion-O," Panthro said and before Tygra or Cheetara could jump out of the truck, he stepped on the pedal and sped away in the direction of Mumm-Ra's pyramid.

"You will handle us?" WilyKat mocked, not caring about what the other Thundercats planned to do, as he was sure his master would be able to destroy them with ease.

"If that was a joke, I am not laughing," Kit grinned and then looked at her twin. "Shall we, brother?"

"Of course, dear sister," Kat said. "We have a lion to slay!"

And saying no more, WilyKit and WilyKat, eyes burning red, charged at their former king, fully embracing the dark desires their master had taught them to enjoy while Lion-O, unaware of the doom that loomed over his people in the Capital, tightened his grip on the Sword of Omens and rushed at the incoming demons that once, not long ago, had been like a brother and sister to him…

To be continued.

Notes:

First of all, apologies for taking more than a full year between updates; I had some complications in real life that prevented me from writing. All I hope is that you enjoyed this new chapter.

As usual, extra thanks to Adam for beta reading this chapter.

1) Mumm-Rana is a mummified sorceress who serves the Ancient Spirits of Good/Goodness, she is the opposite of Mumm-Ra and lives in a white pyramid. She is very powerful and wise.

2) Doctor Dometone is possibly Third Earth's greatest scientist. He is in charge of the Great Oceanic Plug, an underwater facility that blocks a fissure at the bottom of the sea and prevents the seas of Third Earth from draining into the planet's core.

3) Hachiman, in the cartoon, is originally from the "planet of the Red Sun". It seems that origin was retconned even as far back as the cartoon itself. In the comics, Hachiman's father rules over a "Samurai Empire" located in Third Earth, and since this story takes elements from both the cartoon and the continuity established by the Wildstorm comics, I decided to merge the two, thus the "Land of the Red Sun" Willa mentions takes the place of the "Planet of the Red Sun" as it makes it easier for the story that all the allies present here come from Third Earth.

4) The Ancient Spirits of War were once summoned by Mumm-Ra, he asked them to give him mechanical weapons to help him defeat the Thundercats. These spirits appear to be neutral in nature, which is why Hachiman's clan of samurai can call upon their favor and still fight on the side of good.

5) A Rondel is a type of dagger.

6) Barbutes are helmets similar to those worn by ancient greeks; pauldrons are armored shoulder pads, greaves are metallic coverings which protect the lower parts of the leg and the sabatons are feet covers made of metal.