Wow, okay, I wasn't expecting this one to take me nearly a year to write but damn, Uni is hard. Thankfully I'm in the final year now. There are literally two chapters of this one left then I'll likely be taking a break for a while before coming out with the next one in the trilogy. I hope that this chapter is good because it turns out that writing a chapter alongside a 5K word dissertation and multiple project development documents is actually super difficult

Chapter 48: Fourth of July

Song: Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens

"I'm proud of you…"

The first thing that greets me upon opening my eyes is the pain in my abdomen. Letting out a weak groan, I try to sit up but it only makes the pain worse and so I decide to give up on that plan. I know I'm in the infirmary but it's so uncomfortable.

"Mum?"

I call for my Mother but she mustn't be around. Is anyone here? I turn to look out of the window and see the faint red glow on the horizon; it's close to sunrise or just past sunset. I feel so tired but the pain is stopping me from getting comfortable.

"Mum!"

I feel the tears beginning to trickle down my cheeks as I cry out for the cheetah like a scared little boy. My chest is heaving as I feel myself beginning to hyperventilate, letting out a series of distressed squeaks and chirps like a cub, calling for her as loudly as I possibly can. Still, my mother doesn't appear. Fear takes over and I try to swing my legs out of the bed which I do successfully before unsteadily making my way to the door of the room. I open it slowly, still making the vocalisations of a cub in hopes of getting her attention.

"Mum!" I sob, the pain in my stomach reaching a searing inferno and I have to stop completely. I can't go any further and I've only made it to the middle of the corridor. That's when Pumyra rounds the corridor at a speed, almost running into me as she looks shocked.

"Katzeran! What in Jaga's name are you doing?"

She gently grasps hold of my arm as I try to regain my composure, still sobbing piteously at my pain caused by my attempt to find my mother. I voice this to her, knuckling my eyes as she walks me back to my room and settles me down into the bed again.

"Your mum is likely asle…"

She's interrupted by the sound of pounding footsteps accompanied by the sound of the door to the corridor being flung open and, seconds later, Mum bursts into the room.

"It's okay Katz, I'm here…"

She hurries over and wraps her arms around me, and that's when she breaks down into uncontrollable sobs as I hold her. Has she really been that worried about me?

"I'm surprised that you heard him, Cheetara. The Royal Suite is many floors above this one."

"A mother's instinct…always lets…you know when…when one of your kittens needs you…" she manages to say between sobs, wiping her eyes as she sits up and I see the relief on her face. She takes my hand in hers and gently starts to stroke my fur, calming me down as I turn back to Pumyra.

"How long has it been?"

"You came out of surgery two days ago and you've been asleep since. You are incredibly lucky though Katzeran, because whatever unholy creature attacked you, it injured you severely. But thanks to Jøhba, we have some of the salve that the Ferrals created that can have that wound fully healed by this time tomorrow."

Mum sits down beside me, never once letting go of me and I can tell that she has been extremely worried. But I don't blame her and totally understand because the last time that somebody was injured so severely, it was my Dad and his wounds ended up killing him. I try to sit up again but the pain completely stops me as I let out a soft whimper. I haven't known pain like this since I got appendicitis back when I was fifteen. I finally find myself able to get comfortable and relax, although I have no idea if that's to do with my mother being here now or if it's just the painkillers.

"Mum, it was so horrifying. There were so many poor, innocent souls incarcerated within that fortress but we freed them all. Dad is safe."

"That's good sweetheart, but you need to try and get some rest. You've just had major surgery on your abdomen and it needs to heal."

"I need you to do something for me…"

"What do you need me to do Katz?"

"I want you to send scouting parties out. The ThunderGuard need to locate Grune…"

"Katz…"

"I swore he'd pay for what he did. We must locate him."

"And we will but first, you need to let that wound heal."

"Then send the ThunderGuard after him like I said!"

"Katzeran, calm down!"

"I don't get why you don't want me to do this Mum."

"Because your Father wouldn't want it. That man killed people…when he was not that much older than you and I saw the way it affected him! I won't let you fall into the same state as he did! Revenge is not the way of the Thundercats."

"It can be…" I growl darkly, my claws coming forth fully as I glare out of the window, "Just this once, it can be…"

I hear my mother sigh in disapproval and immediately, I feel awful about myself and my attitude. I have to admit that she is right, vengeful behaviour will not get me anywhere. The bed dips as she sits beside me, and I feel her hand settle atop mine.

"I'm just really struggling, Mum. I can't believe that he's gone…"

She hugs me carefully, and I feel it when her tears soak through my hospital gown and into my fur.

"I know you are son. It isn't easy but it will get easier eventually…he would be so proud of you…Now you need to rest. And I don't want to have to get Pumyra to give you a sedative to do so."

I nod and lay myself back against the pillows, and sleep somehow comes easy because when I next open my eyes, the pain is completely gone and the golden sunlight is streaming in through the open curtains. I push myself up into a sitting position, knuckling the sleep from my eyes, looking around the room. My Mother is still in the seat by my side, peacefully sleeping as she purrs gently.

"Mum?"

I gently shake the cheetah's arm until she wakes, and as she stretches, I notice her stomach is slightly swollen. Is she…? She can't be. Her and Dad tried for another cub for years after Lola had reached the age of three but they'd been told that Mum couldn't have another – they struggled tirelessly for years just to conceive Lola.

My mother sits up fully, pulling her shirt back down over her gold and cream coloured fur as she yawns.

"Good morning, Katz. I'm so glad to see that you're feeling…Katzeran? Why are you looking at me like that?"

I hadn't even realised it, but I immediately become aware of the fact that I am in fact staring at her belly, which she immediately covers with a cushion.

"Mum, are you pregnant?"

The colour seems to drain from her face as she bites her bottom lip, but she eventually sighs before looking at me.

"Yes, I am…I didn't intend on you finding out because I was going to tell you and your sister af…after…" her voice waivers and tears trickle down her cheeks, and she takes a deep breath to compose herself before continuing, "After your Father's funeral…A bit of…good news to…to help ease the pain, you know…"

Her voice trails off and she breaks down into heart-wrenching sobs, her chest heaving as she gasps for breath between cries. I instinctively wrap my arms around her, feeling my own tears because I refuse to believe that the day is approaching rapidly. Preparations have been underway for the past three days, and it's only been less than a week since he died.

"How's Lola?"

"She's…not coping exceptionally well…but she's coping nonetheless. She's taken to wearing one of your Father's old t-shirts to sleep in…I don't blame her…because his scent probably helps her sleep…It helps me…"

"Yeah…I can imagine that she isn't…"

(BORDER)

Elsewhere That Afternoon

"We should attack now while their guard is down and the wounds are still fresh! Lion-O is dead so our biggest threat has been disposed of!"

I look over at Monkian as the ape slams his fists into the table. While I admire his sheer determination to completely crush the enemy, I realise that he hasn't recognised and identified the flaws in his plan.

"The entire city will be on high alert after that pathetic whelp's demise. Whilst the planet is in fact in a state of mourning, I can almost certainly guarantee that a manhunt is going to be underway any day now."

"I thought you were a warrior, Grune. I wasn't aware of the fact that you are unwilling to wipe the rest of the enemy from the planet."

I growl deep down in my throat, enraged by the words uttered by the bird.

"Lion-O was easy prey because of his mental state. All of you saw firsthand how weak he was at the end, but even when he was so sick, he was still able to single-handedly wipe Slithe out."

The Mutants clam up and appear distressed at the mention of Slithe. I'm happy that damn reptile is now gone, having been strangled to death by the now-dead Lord of the Thundercats during the wretched feline's struggle for freedom, as I am now able to push myself into the agenda and claim my spot as the new leader of the Mutants.

And, as much as I hate myself for admitting it, Lion-O put up a valiant effort until the very end, but I still can't help the pride I feel in myself at being able to slaughter Jaga's favourite cub. I still relish in the knowledge that I was present to see the light of life draining away from the lion's eyes, and it was almost as if the atmosphere itself was changing. And, I have to admit, it still feels completely abnormal and uneasy. Surely that cub's death didn't cause such existential dread throughout all of existence?

I get to my feet and make my way over to the window, watching the droplets of rain that seem to race each other down the window. It's rained continuously for three days straight, almost as if the world itself is in mourning, which is completely impossible.

I cough weakly, alarmed at the red dots that speckle my hand. With a growl, I clench my fist before turning back to the Mutants. The sorry scumbags are definitely wasting valuable time by just moping around. That however changes thanks to a noise behind me, and I turn to see Mumm-Ra emerge from the shadows behind me. He takes in the sight of all of us just standing around and scowls deeply.

"When I gave the order to defeat Lion-O, I didn't say to give up after him."

"You have to be crazy, Mumm-Ra. You saw what technology those damn Cats have now. I'm not marching headfirst to my death because there's no doubt that Katzeran is absolutely enraged. Forget it."

Mumm-Ra growls with rage, his eyes glowing a disturbing shade of red but yet for some reason I just couldn't care less right now. He's threatened me in the past and I just couldn't give less of a shit anymore even if I tried.

"Mark my words, Thunderian. You owe me for your immortality. I gave you orders, and I expect to have Katzeran dead at my feet and the rest of the Thundercats enslaved before the week is out. I hope I make myself clear…"

With that, the miserable relic disappears and I can't help but growl. Such an unreasonable demand that I don't see how we are supposed to be able to fulfil. Katzeran is too much like his father and I still have the various bruises from his heavy punches on the day I slaughtered Lion-O. But I suppose we don't have a choice.

"You heard him," I say as I force myself to my feet, "That kitten isn't going to just fall into a trap. We'll have to ambush him and just pray that his mother isn't around when we do."

(BORDER)

I groan as I walk along the corridor, my footsteps echoing as I wince every few steps. The healing salve that Jøhba bought to help me has worked miracles, but I'm still slightly sore. I know that my Mum would definitely prefer that I'd stayed in the Suite resting, but I'd much rather be outside enjoying the weather. Besides, my mother is in a meeting with the High Council to finalise the plans for my Father's funeral in a couple of days. I'm still in utter disbelief and shock at the fact that my Dad is dead and it breaks my heart if I think about it too much, but it also brings peace to my mind to know that he is safe now wherever he is from Mumm-Ra and all of those who harmed him.

My mane slips forward and I push it back with an enraged growl, annoyed at having it falling into my eyes, but that's when I notice the strange pattern on the wall. I stop in my tracks and look at it, recognising the marks to actually be written Ancient Barbary. Tying my waist-length golden mane back, I study the carvings closely as I try my hardest to make sense of them, but that's when they seem to almost rearrange themselves and give off a faint blue glow – an enchantment.

Tal'agdu tál'günin, og leyrn dar'málin inngvra munux opinberastva ne bvaxi L'ûencho

My brow furrows upon seeing my Father's name in the Ancient Barbary dialect carved into the stone. I place a hand on the stone, and to my surprise, it feels warm to the touch and when I lean in with an ear against the wall, I'm almost certain that I can hear voices whispering to me from within. Calling me. Telling me the words that I have to say. I stand back and call upon my pyrokinetic power, feeling the onslaught of raw power as a surge of warmth from deep within my chest as the flames slowly cover my hands and forearms. I place my hand upon the wall once again, and with my brow pressed to the stone, I utter a low whisper

"Bvelssa'djur sé og skilva dur leii'rva."

The stone begins to part itself in front of my very eyes and I'm not quite sure that I believe what I'm seeing. Beyond the wall is a passageway, and so after checking to make sure that the coast is clear, I enter and cautiously make my way down it as the stone seals itself once more behind me, swamping the passageway in darkness. I panic and let out a squeak of shock, especially when the many lanterns along the walls roar to life with vibrant blue flames, guiding me on where to go. Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, I force myself onward through the dust and cobwebs.

I can hear every step as I continue on, not exactly sure of what is going on until I reach a heavy wooden door. I reach for the handle, but it slowly creaks open by itself as I take a step back. What the hell? I step inside and take in the appearance of the room, noticing the fireplace in which a small blue flame is only just flickering – the final remnants of an enchanted pyrokinetic fire set by my late Father. Various types of books adorn the shelves around the room, but the one which catches my attention seems to be glowing slightly, and I can hear very faint whispers emanating from its direction. I carefully pick it up from its stand on the table beside the ornate armchair, wondering what could be so special for it to not be on the shelves. Running a claw down its spine, I realise that it is in fact incredibly old and appears to be bound in fur of some kind.

Sitting myself down in the armchair, I carefully open the book and that's when I realise exactly how old the book is, from the yellowed pages to the actual writing. I only recognise a small number of the words, which I recognise as being a dialect of Ancient Barbary. I gently open the artefact to the very first page, and just like the letters carved into the wall, the words rearrange themselves into Standard;

Almanac of Barbary Sorcerers

My eyes widen when I realise what I'm holding. I never knew that my Father was a sorcerer or that he was knowledgeable of the arcane. Neither he nor Mum ever mentioned anything about it, which to be honest doesn't really surprise me because I remember when my Father found out that the Village still existed. In awe, I carefully look through each individual page, seeing the extremely powerful spells about deadly fireballs, location warping and healing, and one in particular catches my attention as I study it meticulously.

Predecessor Transfiguration

The memory of my battle against Sorgarith resurfaces for the first time since it happened, and I remember the gigantic sabretoothed feline that I became. I know for a fact that I was not responsible for my transformation in that moment, but is it even possible that my father used the spell on me in order to save himself?

That's when a thought crosses my mind, and I can't help but smirk as I stash the book beneath my shirt. Almost as if in reaction, the blue fire burning in the grate roars to life before dying, followed by all of the lanterns, and before I know it, I'm swamped in darkness.

"Revenge is the thought of a selfish man, Katzeran."

I turn upon hearing that voice, almost screaming in shock at the sight of the astral form of a cloaked jaguar before me. I remember the stories that my Father told me, and I come to the quick realisation that the jaguar before me was my Father's mentor.

"I'm guessing that you must be Jaga?"

"Yes, young Prince. And I mean that what I said – two wrongs will not make a right and while Grune fully deserves to face some form of punishment for what he did to Lion-O, you have to realise that you are launching yourself into this fuelled purely by emotions of hatred and rage."

"I know that but I can't help it! I know that I'm fuelled purely by emotion right now but Grune needs to be punished for what he did to us and this book will help."

"Have you considered the fact that there could be a reason as to why your Father left that book somewhere so secluded that you have only just found it?"

"Well, uh…no…"

"That book contains magics that are far older than the Clan Treaty itself and has been passed down through generations of the Delmarak family for safekeeping, and seeing as how your Grandmother was an only child, it was given to your Father when he came of age to learn of his heritage. Many of those spells are far beyond your comprehension and skill, and some are even capable of killing you should you attempt them. It is not something to be taken lightly which is why it is written in the most Ancient language of the Barbaries."

"But I saw Dad writing in this language all the time when I was a cub?"

"Your Father was one of the few living lions to be fluent in this most sacred dialect of the Barbary lions. He became as powerful as he was because of who he was. You may have some of Satos' blood flowing through your veins, but heed my warning, Katzeran. That book is as incredibly dangerous as it is powerful and is capable of cataclysmic damage should it fall into the wrong hands. Should you decide to use it, you must keep it hidden here as your Father intended it to be."

With that, the ghostly jaguar disappears with a wave of his arm and, with his words echoing through my mind, I make my way back to the secret door and manage to get back into the corridor undetected, hurrying back towards the suite as fast as I possibly can. I have to get this book back to the suite before anybody sees what I have.

I throw the door of the suite open once I reach it, only to stop in shock and rush to hide the book beneath my shirt as my mother exits the kitchen with Lola in tow. The cheetah looks at me with confusion, before her expression changes upon seeing what I'm holding.

"Katzeran Vaenaz T'savir K'al'iviryix, that better hadn't be what I think it is."

She approaches and holds her hands out, and I begrudgingly hand my stolen prize over to her. Her brows furrow as she studies the cover before sighing.

"Where did you find it?"

"I don't know, I just did…"

"Do not lie to me, Katzeran. Your Father hid this book for a very important yet specific reason, and so I shall ask you again - only I want the truth this time. Where did you find this?"

I see the look in her eyes and in that instant, I know that I have less than a minute to get the truth out or face the brunt of the cheetah's fury. Despite this, I drag my feet in the way of giving her an answer, until I see her face.

"I asked you a question, Katzeran."

I sigh deeply, flopping down on the sofa.

"Mum, I honestly don't think you'd believe me if I told you."

"Try me. I have seen some very strange things courtesy of your Father."

I gulp nervously before explaining the strange circumstances surrounding my discovery of the spell book, and all my mother can do is sigh as she looks down at the leather-bound mystical item. She merely places a hand upon the skin, and I see the faintly glowing blue particles which flit around her hand for a moment before changing to a rich shade of golden yellow.

"While it is strange that you found this book at the age you currently are, I do feel that I can trust you. You see, this is an incredibly ancient item that dates back to the formation of the clans during the reign of Satos when he united the clans as one. This book was written for him by his uncle years before the Gods bestowed the incredible powers of pyrokinesis upon Satos and his clan for saving all of Thundera. The only thing is that that uncle in question? He was Jansh'r.

"Jansh'r became so incredibly jealous of his nephew's powerful status that he turned to the darkest, most evilest form of magic in order to usurp the throne, and it worked. He enslaved the people of Plun-Darr and used them to do his bidding – they were simple, primitive creatures who were corrupted by Jansh'r's magics and eventually became the raging beasts that are spoken of in Plun-Darrian legend.

"Upon defeating Jansh'r and his legions of brainwashed followers, the Barbary lions were blessed with powers to protect their fellow Thunderians and Satos became an incredibly powerful sorcerer to lead his people through the darkness into an age of prosperity, and yet the masses feared these new magics and the Barbary lions were forced into hiding away or face a terrible death at the hands of those who didn't understand.

"This book holds a heavy curse, Katzeran, and your Father intended to gift this to you upon your ascension to the throne. He was going to teach you all of the magics of the book and how to use them for good. But seeing as how you discovered it after his passing, the book has accepted you as its new guardian. Protect it well and keep it hidden, as your Father did before you. I trust you, Katz, because I know you will never mean any ill."

I can't even bring myself to look my Mother in the eyes as I retrieve the book from her, knowing exactly how I plan to use it. She would ground me for an exceedingly long time if she knew, and so I know exactly what I need to do in order to avoid it.

…

Later That Night

"Katzeran, are you sure about this? We've never fought these guys, they're dangerous. This feels stupid."

"Yes, I know they're dangerous - they killed my Father and I'm not about to let them get away with it."

"But what if they see us?"

"It's the middle of the night and I've used a cloaking spell to make us all practically invisible to any defence systems that they could have installed there."

"I can't believe that I let you talk me into this, Katz. But I've seen how upset my Dad has been since your father died, and I won't rest until justice is served."

I turn to look at Raphael with a nod, and we begin our advance on the Mutant stronghold. The rubble still litters the ground with deep scars cut throughout the very earth itself, a testament to the power we amassed while trying to rescue my Father.

"Now, remember the plan. Flush the Mutants out and keep them occupied long enough for me to capture Grune. He must be alive."

"Yes, your Majesty."

The corridors of the castle are long and winding, and filled with the stench of fetid stagnant water and other undesirable scents. Much to our advantage, it appears that every Mutant living in the castle seems to be sleeping, making it far easier to creep back along the hallway and out of the door completely after placing the explosives.

"Raphael, light 'em up."

A deep rumble fills the air, seconds before both glass eyes of the wretched castle blow out with an inferno brighter than the morning sun, burning with the colours of my powers. Great plumes of smoke and fire seem to escape every possible exit, and I can't help but smirk smugly. Phase one complete, now to flush out the vermin.

(BORDER)

I awake suddenly from my sleep as my entire body is thrown from my bed and against the hard floor. The smell of harsh acrid smoke is unmistakable in the air, and as I force my way into the hall, I see the roaring flames along with the huge expanse of twisted metal, rubble and open air where the wall once stood. The evacuation alarm is blaring, and I only just manage to find my way to the end of the corridor through the hoards of burning, panicked Mutants who are scrabbling at each other in desperation. What the hell happened to cause such a devastating explosion? I cover my maw with my hand and struggle out into the vast expanse of the grand entryway which is rapidly beginning to fill with the black smoke, and I can only just see Jackalman, Monkian and Vultureman among the masses.

I hastily shove my way through, the smoke both choking and blinding me simultaneously until I eventually manage to get out into open air. I gasp and breathe deeply, filling my lungs with the untainted air before looking around in confusion. The entirety of Fortress Plun-Darr is alight with flames that burn an astonishing shade of yellow tinged with green, and it hits me that I recognise those colours.

But just when it seems that nothing else was going to happen, a somewhat familiar roar splits the air and I see multiple heavily-armed Thunderians approaching at a rapid pace. But I don't see him.

"Mutants! Defensive positions!" I roar, and my dazed followers almost stumble blindly about as they scramble to defend. I make my way through, but realise that I don't recognise any of the cats who are mounting the attack. For one, they all seem to merely be kittens, and none of the Thundercats are present.

I take a step forward, only to be knocked flying with bleeding grazes on my cheek. I hit the ground hard with a groan, seeing the yellow streak of pure energy before me twice from being struck so hard.

"Fight me, you son of a bitch."

I struggle to my feet, only just being able to focus on Katzeran as he stands before me. I shake my head to clear my vision, seeing that the kitten is surrounded by swathes of blazing flames that lick wildly at his feet.

I let out a growl as he assumes a challenger stance, before laughing gutturally. This only seems to make the kitten even madder, because he growls even deeper and his fur stands on end.

"My, Katzeran, you sure are keen to see your Father again aren't you?"

"Fávkkad þér, kvell'ing'in þín! I will wear your hide before this day is out, to hell with you!"

I'm taken aback by this comment, but I still tear my sword from its sheath and move to cleave the cocky little brat in half at the shoulder. He snarls as I come upon him, before throwing his hand out and letting loose such a powerful fireball that I feel the full force of it strike me in the chest and throw me back as I gasp for air. Still, I get up with an enraged growl, and that's when I see the kitten unsheathe the Sword of Omens – the blade is bathed in swirling yellow flames.

"Raaaaaagh!"

I charge towards the kitten, sword held aloft with murderous intent. Screw Mumm-Ra, this little shit stain dies right now!

"Ky'rykja þann ræfiky. Bvennka hvan l'fandīr."

Some unseen force stops me in my tracks, and it feels like that same invisible thing is trying to force itself into my throat. I gag on the acrid stench of scorched fur and flesh, tears streaming down my cheeks as it feels as if my chest is burning up like a wildfire. Struggling for air, I let loose a bellowing roar and my heart almost stops as I see intense flames spitting from my mouth, the exact same colour as the pyrokinetic flames that Katzeran produces.

"I should relinquish control and allow my powers to burn you alive, Grune. They've likely already scorched your throat and parts of your lungs. But I'm feeling generous. Do you yield?"

I nod blindly, just wanting the agony to end. The kitten begrudgingly mutters again in that language and I feel the force recede; I fall forward onto my hands and knees, gagging and bringing up bile and what seems to be blood before looking up again. With a growl deep in my chest, I watch as Katzeran levels the Sword of Omens with with me, the tip of the mystical blade pressing in against my throat. All that I can do is glare daggers at the young kitten, the heavy ropes and manacles being all that stands between me and the son of the now dead King. As I watch him carefully, it almost seems like flames of rage are burning in his eyes, much in the same manner as the inferno of varying hues of yellows and black that swirl across the blade and in the grass wherever he steps.

"I assume that you are fully aware of the reason why you are under arrest, Grune?"

Such ice in his voice…I've never heard a Thunderian sound so cold and uncaring. I try to get to my feet, only to be stopped when the kitten slams his fist into my face, sending me sprawling backwards into the dirt as my mouth fills with blood.

"I asked you a question, and I'll be damned if I don't get an answer! I am your King and I demand you answer me!" Katzeran rages, his knuckles white due to the absolute death-grip he has on the handle of the Sword.

"I should have beheaded your wretched Father when I had the chance!" I spit, my fur standing on end. But, for the first time in my life, my blood runs cold in my veins as Katzeran's eyes darken to absolute pitch black, so dark in fact that I can now see my own reflection.

The litah utters what I believe to be an incantation in a strange foreign language, and the flames that roar to life along the length of his arms and the blade of the Sword actually seem to strike fear into my heart.

The kitten brings his face so close to mine that out noses almost touch, and what he says is so deeply laced with such intense malice, hatred and venom that it shocks me.

"And I should have cut you down where you stood, but we can't always get what we want, you vile piece of shit…you're obviously fully aware of the powers of my people, so this won't be that much of a shock to you…"

Burning pain explodes throughout my entire body as the blade of the Sword of Omens plunges deep into my flesh, and I can't help but cry out in agony at the sensation of the flesh sizzles.

The weapon is torn from my body, and the pain is so severe that I can feel the nausea rising rapidly, and what only makes it worse is when Katzeran digs a fiery claw into the wound, slicing deeper as he just stares at me, eyes completely devoid of any kind of emotion.

I collapse in an undignified heap, tears streaming down my cheeks as I pant desperately for air. Why did that hurt me so much? I used to be completely invincible but now my enemies are able to inflict severe damage upon me.

I watch as Katzeran steps back, shaking the blood from his hand as he lets out a snarl of rage.

"Get him ready to transfer back to the Lair. I'm done with him for now…"

As he walks away, I hear his conversation with his personal guard.

"What are you intending to do to him?"

"I'm not letting karma deal with this. I can't trust it'll be enough of a punishment, nor can I say it'd be fast enough. I'd prefer public execution but that's a little too far. I'm going to do it behind closed doors. He's going to be dead before midday tomorrow."

(Border)

"Mum? Mum, wake up. Katzeran's missing and I don't know where he is. Mum!"

I blink awake with a groan, seeing Lola stood beside me with an anxious look on her face. Her tail thrashes wildly and she appears to be worried sick. The room is still dark which tells me that it's still the middle of the night.

"Are you sure he isn't just in bed?"

"No Mum, he isn't in bed."

I sit up, cursing the tightness in my chest and shoulders as I move to get dressed. I pull my dressing robe on and put my slippers on before making my way out of the suite and toward the main entrance accompanied by Orion, I become all too aware of a series of voices from below.

"Are you sure you dealt with this accordingly, Katz?"

"There was no greater punishment for his crimes."

"But you could have severely harmed yourself or him."

"Grune is to die anyway so what difference does it make for him to sustain injuries?"

"Katzeran K'al'iviryix, just what the hell do you think you are doing?"

My son stops in his tracks and turns to look at me, clutching the spell book to his chest with a wild expression plastered across his face.

"I've done what nobody else would, Mum."

"Get back to the suite now. Orion, you go with him. Katzeran, where is he?"

"He…for Jaga's sake…he's in the dungeon."

"I can't believe that you've done this, Katzeran. Give me the book. I never should have let you have it back, you broke my trust and went against everything that we stand for."

My son merely groans before begrudgingly shoving the book into my hands and storming off towards the suite with Orion in tow. I never would have given the book to my kitten had I known he would abuse the magics within, and I make a mental note to check him once I return to the suite.

…

Grune doesn't even react as I enter the dungeon – he just sits huddled up in the corner of the holding cell with his head in his uninjured hand. The smell of burned fur and flesh lingers in the air, becoming stronger as I approach the cell.

"You should be proud of him, Thundercat, for doing what you were all too cowardly to carry out…"

The sabre-toothed tiger looks up at me, and I see the pain in his eyes; the way that whispers of smoke escape his mouth with each hacking cough, the scars of fire upon his chest. His eyes are sunken in and tired, and I can't help but feel like a weight has lifted off my chest upon seeing my husband's killer behind bars.

"He wouldn't have done it if you hadn't have murdered Lion-O…"

"Pathetic feline…He had it coming…But you were all supposed to crumble when I killed him."

"Be thankful that I too am not a Barbary lioness or I would have burned you right there for those words…" I rage quietly, venom literally permeating from my tone as my fur stands on end along my shoulders, but Grune just grunts and sits back against the wall.

"Your empty threats make little difference to me, Cheetara. I know what's happening tomorrow - I'll soon be free of this wretched place and I for one can't wait for it to happen."

"You don't fear your inevitable death?"

"I don't for what is death but the one thing that we are promised in life?"

The change in his tone shocks me, but as I turn to leave, his words stop me in my tracks.

"I wasn't always a force of evil, Cheetara. I once had a family – a mate. Cubs. Everything but I lost it all. I just hope that they are waiting for me in the Astral."

I feel the tears stinging my cheeks as my breath catches in my throat, thinking about my beloved husband whose life was cut disgracefully short at the hands of the turncoat Thunderian. The knife plunged into his chest that ruptured his lungs and made him slowly drown in his own blood all while steadily bleeding to death. The way Grune ripped the knife out that tore a gaping wound in his chest. The way that I saw the light drain from Lion-O's eyes as he died in my arms, scared and in absolute agony.

"You seriously think that you'll get into the Astral after what you did? No. No, there's a special place for people like you…Cheetahs don't really care much for religious affairs but I know enough from the religion of the Barbaries that you are going to rot for all eternity…I hope he misses the mark tomorrow…"

All is silent aside from the slam of the door as I make my way back towards the suite. It's now four in the morning and I want nothing more than to get back into bed and cry thanks to raw emotions resurfaced, but there's something even more important that I must deal with first.

I throw open the door to the suite, seeing Katzeran sat defiantly on the sofa with his legs crossed. The kitten has such an aura of pure arrogance and hatred around him that it almost seems like a physical presence in the room with us. The litah merely scowls at me as I stand before him with the spell book held in one hand, the other on my hip.

"Explain yourself, Katzeran."

"I really couldn't give less of a shit right now Mum. I have to get up early in the morning to get ready for the execution."

I grab hold of him as he goes to walk past him, and that's when I notice how hot he feels. His skin is radiating heat unlike I've ever felt before – the only time I've ever seen anything like this was when Lion-O overused his pyrokinetic powers.

"You could have gotten yourself killed."

"The book was protecting me…"

I look my son in the eyes, and see the painfully wild energy of what could only be described as a caged animal.

"Katz, sweetheart, I'm worried about you because of how you've reacted to using the book. I think it's trying to control you. You were supposed to study it under the guidance of your tutor…"

The kitten brushes me off and heads up the stairs towards his room, and I gaze down at the spellbook with contempt. Such a powerful item to have began to corrupt my son after less than twelve hours of ownership. Katz has always been incredibly strong-willed. Still. I sigh deeply, gazing intensely at the book until it feels like my eyes are dried out to oblivion.

"Lion-O…By Thundera, do I wish you were here right now," I whisper to myself, "You'd know exactly what to do right now…"

"Mum, what's up with Katz? He seems…different…"

I turn my attention to Lola who is stood on the mezzanine outside of her room, her arms folded and resting on the railing.

"Don't worry about that right now Lola, you just go and get yourself back into bed, okay?"

She hesitates as I walk up the stairs, and that's when I see the tears forming in her golden orange eyes.

"Sweetheart? What's wrong?"

She nuzzles into me as I hug her, and that's when she finally breaks down into gut-wrenching sobs as we walk into her bedroom.

"I want my Daddy…"

I sigh deeply as we sit down on her luxurious queen-sized bed, holding her to my chest as she cries. I gently stroke her mane, grateful for the fact that she feels comfortable enough to talk to me about her emotions.

"I know you miss your Daddy, sweetheart. Not a moment goes by where I wouldn't give my everything to have him back with us…"

She looks up at me with her bright orange eyes, brimming with fresh tears that trickle down her cheeks as I gently wipe them away with my thumb.

"Daddy might not be here anymore, but as long as you remember him and how much he loves you, he'll always live on in here…" I say gently as I place my hand above her heart.

"Mum?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Will you stay here with me until I fall asleep? I don't think I want to be alone right now…"

"Of course, Lola."

I gently hug my grieving cub, rocking us back and forth as I let my tears flow freely before beginning to hum the lullaby that Lion-O taught me to sing when our cubs were newborns.

Lola yawns as we snuggle up beneath her covers, the wind blowing the rain against the windows outside.

"Will I ever see him again Mum?"

"I'm sure you will someday, sweetheart. But for now, just try and get back to sleep…"

It doesn't take long before the cub is asleep again, and before I even realise it, I find myself slipping back into a deep sleep…

I open my eyes to the soft strains of birdsong and, looking around, I find myself in a beautiful little pergola with many fragrant flowers blooming around me, entwined around the wood. From where I'm standing, I can see that this overlooks a picturesque valley that surrounded by dense, sweet smelling pine trees and vast meadows of wildflowers.

The sun is low in the sky, bathing the surroundings with her beauty as I take in the wonderful sights and scents. I haven't quite seen anything like this for a very long time, as the last meadow we had like this was on Third Earth. Turning yet again, I notice a beautiful waterfall in the near distance which tumbles endlessly into crystal clear waters.

I venture over to the river, noticing that I am dressed in a beautiful light blue sundress and brown sandals – one of my favourite outfits of the summer months. However, the question remains at the back of my mind and I just can't help but wonder. Where am I? This place is alien to me and yet it also has a sense of aching familiarity from the mingled scents, and one in particular catches my attention. But it can't be-

I remove the sandals and dip my feet into the water, which is so incredibly cool and refreshing. I slip the dress off and wade in deeper, deciding to take the opportunity to relax and get some well-deserved rest. I let my worries float away like whispers on the breeze, that is, until I sense that I'm not alone in this place. I raise my head, seeing nobody. Just as I'm about to lay back again, I feel a body lean in against mine and arms close around my body. The shock elicits a scream as I begin to struggle, taken by surprise by my sudden capture.

"Hey, hey…it's only me…"

"Lion-O..."

The lion merely smiles at me, and when I manage to turn myself to face him, I see that he looks the way he did back in his late 20's and doesn't have the slightest indication of his horrible death on his body.

"It can't be…It can't possibly be you."

"It is me, 'Tara, I promise."

"What am I doing here? Where are we?"

He doesn't answer at first as we leave the water, only holding me against his chest as he sits down against a tree with my back against his chest. His hands come to rest atop my belly, which is definitely beginning to show that I am with cub again. I lay mine atop his and hear his contented purr, and the sound almost brings me to tears.

"This is Himn'ahliðir, the gateway to the Astral. Jaga gave me permission to reside here in these beautiful gardens until I'm ready to pass through the gateway."

I look up at my mate then, and I can't stop my tears from falling this time. He gently helps me to my feet and hugs me again, but I still struggle to bring myself to the realisation – once Lion-O passes through the gateway, I will never see him again until I eventually pass on myself.

I wordlessly pull the dress on again before following him as he leads me away from the river. We pass through the meadows of wildflowers, their intermingled scents reminding me of the times we spent frolicking on Third Earth. Back before the crushing weight of responsibility hit us all. Before I lost one of the things I hold dearest to me.

"Where are we going now?"

The lion turns to look at me, a youthful smile on his face. His red mane flows in the breeze and his fur still has that warm, musky, earthy scent that I have yearned for.

"You just wait and see. You'll love this!"

We eventually crest a hill, and I gasp in awe at the sight of the valley below me. I can see it all so much clearer now sprawling below me – the faraway mountains with snow capped peaks, the endless fields and trees, the rivers that meet and run to what appears to be an ocean on the distant horizon.

"It's…beautiful…" I whisper, turning yet again to see that my mate has a blanket laid out on the grass.

"I thought that we could maybe spend whatever time we have left together watching the sun set…" the lion begins nervously, sitting on the blanket, "There's so much I need to say but I didn't get enough time."

I take my spot beside him, and his lips brush my cheek in a light kiss before he nuzzles me into him, and only then do I let my emotions go and I end up sobbing brokenly into my husband's chest as he tries his hardest to comfort me. That musky scent of his fur is the only thing that I can smell and it makes me feel so much calmer, and yet it also hurts more than words can explain.

"I know that you hold yourself accountable for what happened to me and while it won't be easy, you need to try and stop pinning blame onto yourself. I've said the exact same thing to Katz and you need to hear it too."

"I know…but if only we'd have gotten to you quicker…If we'd have gotten you away from Mumm-Ra and Grune during that rescue mission. Maybe…Just maybe you'd still be here."

He sighs.

"You need to promise me that you will try your hardest to stay strong for our children. They need you to support them now that I'm no longer around. I know that you and the others miss me so dearly and it can't be helped. But know this – I will always be there for you all even if you can't see me."

"Lion-O, I can't leave you again. Every day is my own personal hell without you and I don't think I can do it anymore…I need you."

Lion-O sighs deeply yet again, his shoulders drooping as he stares off into the setting sun on the horizon.

"There will come a day, and whilst it certainly doesn't feel like it right now, you will find it easier to go on throughout the remainder of your life without me at your side. My death was merely an act of the Prophecy falling into place and some day, we will all be able to see the bigger picture…"

His hands rest atop my belly again, his thumbs gently caressing my fur as he purrs.

"I'm ten weeks along now…I don't know if I have the strength to raise a new cub without you."

He doesn't respond at first, but then he nuzzles the top of my head with his chin.

"Well, I can certainly tell you one thing, my love. You will be an incredible mother to our new little boy…"

"Wait, you can tell…?"

"Yes…now," he starts, laying us both down and pulling another blanket over the both of us, "I love you so much and I always will forever. Please try your hardest to remember that, 'Tara. And I will always be there with you…"

"I know…"

"Darìonae t'yull ca'rrn, og m'vessu lofa ég - alltavf og að eilífu."

I sigh, comforted beyond words at hearing my husband utter those words in his native tongue and before I know it, I'm curled up in his arms and I'm starting to drift away into sleep…

My eyes slowly open to the brightness of the early morning sun, and when I look at the time, I see that it's 8am. I yawn and stretch, seeing my daughter laying curled up beside me. I'd honestly completely forgotten that I had fallen asleep in her bed. I get to my feet as carefully as I can as to not wake my daughter before going out into the hallway where I notice that Katzeran's door is wide open, allowing me to see that he's nowhere in his room. Thankfully, the spellbook is right where I left it in my room four hours prior, which is a small mercy. I know exactly what my son is doing in this moment, and I am definitely not proud of it. But still, it likely would have happened either way. I just pray for Grune's sake that when it happens, it's swift.

To Be Continued.