Chapter 49: Wake Up

Song: Wake Up by Coheed and Cabria

Ten days. I'm not even going to pretend to understand how that amount of time has passed already but somehow, it has. And every waking moment has been something straight out of my own personal hell. I just feel so empty inside and I'm drifting through the days now in immense emotional pain. As much as I am still in denial about it, I know that it wont last for too much longer and I will be forced to face the truth incredibly, if not distressingly quickly.

Lion-O has been dead for ten days now, and this evening is when he will be laid to rest.

I sit there on the hard surface, the words not sinking in as the last people come past us to offer their condolences and to pay respect to our King one final time. And I for one can't believe that my mate of going on near twenty years lays lifeless in the coffin not too far away from me. I only just manage to bring myself to look up, seeing the mahogany wood which is draped with the flag of our vast kingdom. Oh, how I long for the feeling of being wrapped up in his arms again. What I wouldn't do for just one more sunset by his side.

Katzeran is silent beside me, but I feel a gentle tug at my opposite side and look down as Lola leans into my side, sobbing brokenly.

"Oh sweetheart…"

I hold her close as she cries into my dress, feeling my own tears cutting paths down my cheeks as I try my absolute hardest to soothe the cub. A kind woman provides me with a box of tissues, and I use them to gently wipe the tears from my daughter's cheeks.

The vast hall of the cathedral is eerily quiet despite the presence of everyone who is attending and, as I look around, I'm brought to tears yet again. There is not one thing that I hate more than the tradition of both the royal weddings and royal funerals taking place in the same place. It only seems like yesterday that I was walking down the aisle in that beautiful white dress to officially become the mate to my Lord and King. It doesn't even seem that it was that long ago when we watched that same young lion be crowned King of New Thundera.

"Your Majesty?"

I can only just bring myself to look up at the priest.

"If you are ready, we may begin now."

I nod slightly, and watch through my tears as the priest approaches the Lectern. The ageing Barbary clears his throat gently before beginning.

"Ladies and gentlemen, nobles and royalty. We gather here today in this grand cathedral where royals are crowned on what is, undoubtedly, one of the saddest days for our nation. Today, may we play tribute to and remember the life of one of Thundera's greatest Kings to ever live – His Royal Highness, King L'ûencho Vaenaz T'savir K'al'iviryix. His legacy will continue to live on through his kittens and his heroic efforts towards rebuilding our wonderful civilisation will never be forgotten as long as we keep him in our hearts."

"You look absolutely gorgeous, sweetheart."

I smile deeply at Lion-O as my eyes meet him, gently clasping his hands in mine as my thumbs absentmindedly stroke the fur on the backs of his hands.

"You really think so? I mean, this dress is really not that impressive…"

"Come on, 'Tara. You know that you can make any outfit look good. You are the most beautiful woman whom I have ever laid my eyes upon."

I feel my cheeks burning at his words, and I snuggle into his chest and arms as we gently sway back and forth to the soft music coming from the small radio on the dresser. Such incredible technology brought to this planet by the humans, and to think that we Thunderians never had anything like it. I feel my husband's hands trail further down my body, eventually coming to rest upon my stomach as I give a purr of contentment.

"Only a few more days until we get to meet our little girl, my love."

"I know. And to think of what we went through just to get to this point…I'm just glad that Katzeran will finally get to experience being a big brother."

"We still haven't decided on a name for the little one yet."

"No we haven't, have we?" I say as I look up at my mate, "Seeing as how Katzeran is a traditional Cheetah Clan name, we should give her a traditional Barbary name."

"Yes…There are many options," Lion-O starts as we walk out onto the balcony, "But one that I think we should consider is Lylian. It's a very beautiful name that means 'Mountain Blossom' in Barbary and, she will of course need to have a name in Standard as well, and it just so happens that the Standard translation is Lola."

"Lylian? That is a beautiful name, I just don't understand why the Elders require a Barbary name for the children born into the Royal Family – we don't call you L'ûencho."

"It is strange but it's an ancient tradition and those names are used for formal ceremonies and events. However, that isn't really important right now anyway."

I look up at him again, being rewarded in a way when he nuzzles his chin and cheek into my mane with a gentle, loving purr.

"We should go to bed soon, my love. We need to rest while we can before the baby comes…"

"I definitely agree with you on that one, Lion-O. Who knows when we'll next get a full night's sleep?"

My husband merely sighs as he smiles down at me, tracing the curve of my cheek with his thumb.

"What's up?"

"Oh, nothing. I'm just memorising the beautiful face that I see before me so that I never forget it."

I sigh deeply as I look down at the book held in my hands, and yet no matter how hard I try, I can't read any of the traditional Barbary songs on the page through the barrage of tears that flow down my cheeks. I desperately wipe them away with my hands, choking on my own breath as I try my hardest to keep my composure.

Oh, how I had begged and pleaded with the Gods that night for even just one more day with him. Just one more sunset. Anything to have him back by my side. I was drowning in my grief and, even though I know that it's only been just under two weeks, the pure agony feels just as fresh as it had that night.

So many memories that we had made together, and now that's all they will ever be. There won't be any new ones. Instead, I'm now left to find peace in the sunset – seeing my husband in the glorious warmth of the colours of the sky. Everything, no matter how small, reminds me of him and brings me nothing but pain and sadness yet also joy at the memories of the times we shared together…

"Hey, if I tell you something, do you promise me that you won't overreact?"

"Okay, what is it?"

I look up at Lion-O as he sits in his spot on the sofa, grimacing at the pain in his knees and back. He's bare-chested and wearing shorts thanks to the intense heat, allowing me to see the full extent of the numerous scars that cover his chest, abdomen and legs through his fur.

"I've been noticing…things…that really aren't quite right at the moment…"

"You're not going to lecture me, are you?"

"Come on, let me finish, ok?"

The lion merely stretches and scratches the back of his head with a heavy sigh.

"I know where this is going…Cheetara, I'm fine, I promise. I'm just…I don't know…tired, I guess? I really don't know what to say to accurately describe how I feel."

"And that's okay. We're all here for you. To support you. You know that."

He smiles weakly and despite the fact that he's trying his hardest to hide it, I can see the extreme fatigue in his eyes.

"I know…"

"You do look exhausted though, babe. Why don't you go and lie down, huh? Get some well-deserved rest."

"Now that is something that I will not refuse."

~~ BORDER ~~

"Your Highness, I understand that you wish to make a speech?"

I look up at the priest as I feel the colour drain from my face. It takes a surprising amount of effort to even get myself to my feet, much less actually approach the podium. I feel sick at this point, the thought that my Father's body lays mere feet from me being enough to make me want to turn and walk away. I anxiously glance down at the paper, the corners crumpled from my grasp and writing completely illegible in places. I scan the sea of faces seated before me, seeing my mother's distant, vacant expression. I sigh deeply, willing the very ground beneath me to crumble away and drag me down. Alas, no such luck.

I clear my throat, feeling both the tears on my cheeks and the single bead of a nervous sweat trickling down my forehead.

"I…Uh…"

I swallow anxiously, feeling the eyes of many people regarding me only adding to my discomfort along with the knowledge that this ceremony is being broadcast across the planet. All I can hear is my own voice being echoed back at me through the microphone and it makes me wince, but I force my feelings down and steel myself. I can do this.

"It-It's difficult to stand before you today and attempt to honour my Father and the man who he was with a speech. To accurately convey someone's personality and character through words alone is something that is near most impossible, but I shall make a most valiant attempt."

Silence.

This isn't boding well.

"From my introduction there, it is clear to see that my Father's diplomatic skills as King haven't quite reached me yet but I'm working on it…"

This time, I do hear a few chuckles from the crowd, and it seems to serve to bolster my confidence somewhat.

"I know that this type of speech is usually a very somber one, but I would like to break from that tradition because I know that my Father would rather his life be remembered and celebrated with joy at his achievements and love for the person who he could be behind closed doors.

"It's no secret that all bar a few people who are gathered here today will have known my Father as the great King Lion-O K'al'iviryix, Ruler of New Thundera and her colonies. He was both that and so very much more. I am honoured to be able to stand before you today and to be able to tell you about the life we lived as a family behind closed doors, as I have many a story to tell…"

…

The glass loosely grasped in my hand feels almost like a lead weight as I sit atop the head of the Lair, silently looking out at the sky as the sun slowly makes her descent towards the horizon. The golden light shines brightly on the clouds, giving the illusion that they are aflame with such beautiful colours. Great, another storm.

I glance down at the glass which is half-empty, the amber drink almost seeming like liquid gold in the light of the setting sun. This had always been my Father's favourite to unwind after a busy day, but I find that I don't really care for it much myself. The taste and smell only serves to bring back memories of the time in which he fled to Third Earth after a heated argument with my mother, not long before the Great War for New Thundera. I don't even understand why I'm drinking it now.

When I was younger, Dad would always bring me up here to show me the vast expanse of the Kingdom and to teach me everything I needed to know about the history of the ThunderCats, although the memory now brings me to last thing I ever told that man was that I wished he wasn't my Dad. He died thinking I hated him - I never got to say goodbye.

I furiously wipe the tears from my cheeks. No, I can't cry. I'm the Lord of the Thundercats now. I have to be strong for my family and friends. But I'm still just a kid. All my life, I've had my family preparing me for the duty, but why is it that only now do I realise that I'm not ready?

How can I live up to my father's reputation? How do I follow in the footsteps of the great King L'ûencho K'al'iviryix? I've been dreading the day that dad dies ever since I was a very young boy. Now that it's happened with my being merely eighteen years old, I've never felt so alone in this world...

"I thought I'd find you up here, Katzeran..."

I don't even turn to look at Sebastian as the Wolfman stands beside me. He grunts, his knees popping as he sits down, and yet I still pay him no attention. I sigh deeply, not being able to find the right words to be able to form a reply.

"Losing a loved one who you looked up to is always one of the worst pains that a person could ever go through. It hurts but, within time, it will get easier..."

I turn away.

"How could you say that you understand what I'm going through?"

The Wolfman sighs sympathetically, laying a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"I bet it's scary. Having your father torn from you and then being told that you have to take his place when you don't yet feel ready to."

"Like you wouldn't believe. I've been trained for this role ever since I could speak, but now that it's actually time for me to take the crown, I just feel so alone without him here to guide me..."

"He's still here, Katzeran. You're familiar with the religion of the Barbaries? Your Father taught me everything during my time here before I returned home to Plun-Darr. He may be gone but his spirit is within everything which surrounds us."

I sigh again. "I've never believed in any of it."

"Why not?"

"There are no Gods; what sort of 'holy being' could knowingly steal a father and husband away from a family? That's why I don't believe."

"Even though your Father's distant great grandfather became a God when he died?"

"Those are just childish fairy tales. Stories to entertain the cubs and rally hope when the Clan was facing persecution. All I know is that my Dad was murdered in cold blood and I'll never be able to see him again."

"He may have passed on to the next life, Katz, but his memory and soul will forever live on within your heart and of those who love him. Remember him, and he'll live on in you."

~~(BORDER)~~

That Night

I look up as the door opens, but no-one's there that I can physically see. How can it open by itself? I question myself and that's when, out of the corners of my eyes, I see the flash of blue, red and tawny as the apparition of my husband disappears around the door.

"Lion-O?" I say as I quickly rise from my bed, my heart pounding with joy. I pull on my boots where they lay discarded by the door before snatching my coat then running out into the corridor.

I see Lion-O's ghost again and quickly hurry after him. Where is he leading me?

He leads me through the Lair, and then down the steps into the courtyard but he still doesn't stop. I follow him through trees, past bushes and ruins of the Barbary Village in the forest before, eventually, I have to stop when we come to painfully familiar scenery; I find myself on the hill overlooking the city.

Why of all places did he have to lead me here? I see the x-frame standing on the hill, still covered with dried blood. The pain of my mate's violent death hits me like a freight train and I turn round and prepare myself to go home until I hear his voice.

"Cheetara, it's okay."

I force myself to a stop before turning around and looking up, and I have to shield my eyes against the light of the setting sun, and I can clearly see Lion-O's ghostly form standing near the edge of the cliff. I run up to him, and he warmly smiles at me. He's glowing a pale blue like in my dream, his body covered in stars like the night sky and Jaga is standing next to him.

"You've arrived just in time, Cheetara." the ancient jaguar says as he lays an arm around Lion-O's shoulders. This statement confuses me, and as much as I hate it, I think I know what is coming.

"Jaga, what do you mean?" I ask as I step forwards, making Lion-O look at me as he gently says "It's my time."

"Your time? Time for what?" I ask anxiously, my heart in my throat as the feeling of dread washes over me.

Lion-O steps forwards as he says "It's my time to finally cross over into the Astral Plane. I've spent the last two weeks stuck in limbo. The reason why I visited you last night is because..." he sighs sadly before continuing with what he was saying "Is because once I cross over, you will never be able to see me again. Once I'm in the Astral Plane, I can't visit you. I'm so sorry. I wish that I'd told you earlier, but it's just too hard for me to say goodbye to you forever..."

He starts crying, and I try to comfort him, only for my arms to phase straight through him as I look at him; I can see the extreme pain in his eyes as he somehow manages to hold me close to him. He feels so warm and he doesn't smell the way that I was expecting; he smells like the savannah and the earth, but his distinct, musky scent also shines through, and that is a great comfort to me as he gently nuzzles my mane with his chin as I sob.

"You have no idea how I've longed to be held by you…The nights are so lonely without you…" I whisper brokenly, and he desperately attempts to stifle his sobs as Jaga puts his right arm around his shoulders again, but he completely breaks down as the jaguar speaks to him.

"Lion-O, it's time to go, my boy. You need to come with me."

The lion looks at me as he cries.

"I'm so sorry. I have to go, now."

My breath catches in my throat, coming as nothing but a strangled sob as I beg "Please, don't leave me! I can't lose you again…"

He sighs deeply and I see the tears streaming like a river.

The look he gives me crushes me, and fresh tears burn my cheeks as he takes my hands in his.

"Saying goodbye is easy, but walking away knowing that you're never going to see that person again is the hardest part of all. I know how you feel, 'Tara. I felt the same way when I lost my father. I understand. But I will always be with you and the kids, even if you can't see me."

Jaga looks at Lion-O again as he says "Come now, Lion-O. Time is short; we need to hurry. Your Father is waiting for you. And, so are your Mother and Leo..."

Lion-O looks at me before saying "Well, I guess this is goodbye, then." Tears in my eyes, I step towards him as I say "I love you. Lion-O; I love you, and you need to remember that. Don't forget about those who love you dearly."

He smiles softly then.

"I won't. I promise. Goodbye, my love."

Tears cascade down my cheeks as he turns around and walks away with Jaga, slowly fading away. I'm just left staring into space as the sun sluggishly sets over the horizon, bathing the city in shades of gold, orange and red.

Lion-O looks at me and smiles at for the last time, then they disappear into nothing, gone as quickly as they came. I look up, and as I see the shooting star that rushes through the sky accompanied by the faint roar of a lion, I heave a deep yet shaky sigh before saying

"Farewell, Lord of the Thundercats."

And with that, this story has reached its premature conclusion, and I must apologise for the nature of it bc this chapter is two word documents stitched together to save the fact that this chapter has been sat untouched gathering dust since late January 2023. It's been an extremely long time coming and unfortunately, it also comes with the announcement that this is the last chapter of any fanfiction that I will ever be writing for the Thundercats fandom.

I am almost 23 years old and have loved the 'cats with my entire heart since before I can even remember and have been working on this "epic" story for a whopping ten years (when you factor in the fact that it stared out in a physical notebook in 2013.) But times change and people grow up, and now it is time for me to leave Lion-O and the gang behind in the loving arms of the loyal fans.

Thank you to all of my readers for the comments and for putting up with my god-awful writing throughout the years. I have learned many things about writing which is being put to good use as I have migrated exclusively to Archive of Our Own, where I am writing for the hit anime and my now favourite series, Attack on Titan.

Again, thank you for the support and love throughout the years and giving me a great place to upload the choppy products of my somewhat tainted creativity. Now it's time for me to go on to greater things :)

~ Spencer