Chapter 43: Get Out Alive

Song: Get Out Alive by Three Days Grace/Set Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol

"We have our answer and I'm afraid that it confirms the worst. Lion-O was taken captive by Mumm-Ra but that's not the worst part of it. Unfortunately, the Black Pyramid is now heavily guarded by not only a vast number of Mutants, but they've managed to construct an impenetrable fortress around the perimeter. We would have to have the luck from the Gods themselves if we were to have any hope of getting him out."

"Thank goodness we know where he is now but that's still going to be a huge problem for us. We can't go in with all guns blazing because there's literally nothing stopping Mumm-Ra from killing him."

The sound of the Thundertank approaching breaks the quiet and I look up as the hatch opens; Panthro, Pumyra, Snarf and Katzeran jump out and rush over to where we're sat, and the look on their faces tell me that the news isn't good.

"Mum, we need to get Dad out of there, they're torturing him!"

"I know son, and we will."

"We're going to try everything that we can Katzeran, but it's going to be dangerous. You heard what Snarf told us, and you know that if we manage to do this then your Father isn't likely to be the same as he was before."

"So why are we wasting time? We could crush those Mutants while they aren't expecting us!"

"Katz…"

My son turns to look at me, tears of frustration and anger streaming down his cheeks as he looks at me with eyes the same as his Father's. I gently take his hands in mine, grasping tightly as he struggles to control his gasping sobs.

"Like how Panthro just said, this mission is going to be fraught with danger and it's possible that some of us aren't going to make it back. The Mutants are expecting us to try to rescue Lion-O and so will retaliate against us if we just turn up. We need to plan for this accordingly because we need to take them by surprise."

"But Mum…What if we don't do it? What if…we can't save him?"

I sigh at his question then, not quite sure how to answer him.

"In an ideal world, this rescue operation would go flawlessly but, realistically, we need to be prepared for any outcome of what we're about to do. It's not the answer I want to give but you're practically an adult now and deserve to know the truth."

Moments later, I see Panthro when he returns from the Tank.

"I've radioed through to Tygra back at the Lair; he's going to start assembling a rescue party, and were going to try our hardest to get our King back alive. He's calling upon the best of the Guard and both Orion and Raphael are going to front the army."

"I'm going too Mum and there's no use trying to stop me. I've gotta help Dad because it's my fault he's gone there in the first place."

"No, you need to be kept safe. You're a prime target because of who you are and I don't know how I would cope if you were taken captive as well. Just having your Father in this situation is stressful enough but to risk your life?"

"But he-"

"I said No, Katz. Right now, you're the Lord of the Thundercats and you need to be protected by all means necessary. We will get him back safely, I promise."

"But Mum!"

"Katzeran K'al'iviryix, do as I ask, please. If you get hurt, who will look after the people? They are going to need a strong leader whilst we're away."

My son frowns deeply, his nose wrinkling as he contemplates his choices.

"You need me because I'm the one who can wield the Sword."

"Don't argue with me, son. This is going to be dangerous for us and you've never faced anything like this in your life. That battle where Bräiden was killed barely makes a scratch compared to what we're about to walk into. You aren't coming and my decision is final."

"Agh, fine! But be careful Mum, I can't lose both of my parents…"

With that, I watch as he climbs back into the Thundertank, relief washing over me as vehicle disappears from view with my son safely on board. At least I know that he's going to be safe this way and not at any risk of getting hurt.

"You do realise that he's just going to try to sneak out again, Snarf Snarf. He's just like his Father on that."

"I know Snarf, but this one time he really does need to listen to me. This is going to be the most dangerous mission that we've ever done, and I don't want him to be hurt."

"You're not going to be able to stop him if he does decide to come back. He's as stubborn as Lion-O is and there's also the fact that he's the one who wields the Sword of Omens now."

I sigh deeply, wrapping my arms around myself. I hate everything about what we have to do but I know that my friend is right. Katzeran isn't a kid anymore and I can't stop him if he wants to help, but I'd do anything to keep him safe.

"If we're going to be successful, we need numbers that will match the Mutants."

"And I know just who to ask…"

…

"Cheetara, Katzeran, forgive me if I'm being rude but what exactly made you come here? Where's Lion-O? Or is this about him?"

I look at Jøhba as he sits on the throne in the Lair, admiring the ornate gold patterns. The young lion is now the Chieftain of the Ferrals as is his birthright, and I know that he has the warriors that could help us gain the upper hand.

"That's the thing Jøhba. Your uncle has been captured by Mumm-Ra and is being tortured. We have no choice but to ask you for help because the army's numbers aren't enough by themselves."

He pulls a face then, and I can't tell if it's sympathetic or judgemental. That's something that I don't like about the men in the K'al'iviryix line is that you can never tell how they're feeling from expression alone. He glances down at the watch on his wrist before looking up to meet my gaze.

"If he was captured by Mumm-Ra then how can you be sure that he's still alive? I know what he's like, I know how he killed my Father. I don't want to say it but it's not very likely that you'll get him out alive, even with my help but I'll still try."

"How could you say that about my Father? Your own uncle!"

I put an arm out quickly to stop my son from flying at his older cousin then.

"Katz, calm down."

I turn to my nephew then as he sits up properly, arms on his knees.

"I'll do everything that I can to help you with this. I'll give you the best warriors from the army. Just please, please try not to get hurt. I've lost so many from my family already, I don't need to lose more."

"I understand your fears Jøhba and I promise you nothing will happen."

"I'm going to help you too. Give me an hour and we'll devise a plan. It's best that we strike at night because our chances of a successful ambush are higher in the dark."

"Just who do you think you are, telling my Mum what to do? She's your Queen, it's the other way around!"

"Katzeran, quiet!"

My son shrinks back at the tone of my voice, his hand hovering over the handle of the Sword as it rests in the Claw Shield. He's always been quick to voice his feelings and attempt to assert dominance whenever anybody questions the authority of myself or Lion-O, but I can't help thinking that he's far too quick to act.

"No, he's right Cheetara. Although I may be the Chieftain of the Ferrals, but you are still the Queen of New Thundera. It should be you who makes the decision because Lion-O is your mate."

I feel all eyes on me as I weigh out the possibilities of the situation. My nephew does have many valid points because during broad daylight, the Mutants guarding the stronghold would be able to see us coming which would ruin our chances of a surprise attack. Deliberating for a moment before making my response, I finally answer.

"He's right, we must do this during the night. Any time before then and we're just asking for death."

-(BORDER)-

I run as fast as my battered body will allow me to, my footsteps echoing through the vast stone corridors but the nagging pain from my various wounds is threatening to drop me where I stand. I've got no idea whatsoever how long it's been since I last had any kind of nourishment and I've lost track of exactly how long I've been running for. It's strange, but this place looked almost completely deserted. After stopping to rest for a couple of minutes, I walk for what seems like hours before eventually finding my way into the throne room. Have I seriously been walking in circles for the entire time? It took me ages to find this particular room but I'm almost out of here I think to myself. I catch sight of Mumm-ra's monstrous sarcophagus to my left and I cautiously approach it, lest the ancient devil priest be sleeping in it. It's open so I peer inside and, just as I'd suspected, it's empty.

"Not quite what you were expecting, cub?"

I practically jump out of my skin when I hear the voice from behind me, turning and seeing Mumm-Ra stood right behind me. Before I even get a chance to react, his fist slams into my face and sends me reeling backwards – I only just manage to stop my head from slamming into the floor.

"You were warned about the consequences of lying to me, Thundercat. The Sword of Omens was not where you said it was…"

"Did you seriously expect me to just leave it somewhere that it could be found like that?"

I call upon my Barbary powers and manage to create a tiny fireball in the palm of my hand but it backfires when I try to pelt it at Mumm-Ra; my fur lights up like a candle as I scream and plunge my hand into the water of the cauldron.

"I suppose that you probably forgot, didn't you?"

I feel those cold, undead hands curl around my throat, lifting me off the floor.

"Your firepower is gone. If you try anything, you're just going to set fire to yourself."

He slams me into the side of the cauldron, my ribs screaming in white-hot agony at the impact as I see the brackish purple waters clearing to show a vision of my friends making a plan - they're coming to rescue me!

"I wouldn't get your hopes up so soon, Lord of the Thundercats. Although your friends may be coming to attempt a rescue, they'll have to get through the fortress that has been built around the Pyramid. It was designed to keep them out. You see, this plan of mine has been thought up for years – longer than you have been the King of New Thundera."

I gasp for breath, coughing up thick, sticky blood as my heart pounds in my chest.

"You've always…underestimated the power of… the Thundercats. You won't…win this time. You'll never win."

"I've already won this one, cub. I won it the moment you became my prisoner. Your body is tired, isn't it? Only a couple more days and you will succumb to starvation, unless the dehydration takes you first. You are already a lot thinner than you were when you arrived…"

I look down at myself and find, to my horror, that he's right. My ribs are very visible now and my physique is weaker. How long have I been in this hellhole? Far too long already.

"When your friends eventually do manage to get here, if at all, then I hope they'll be prepared to bury you piece by piece because I know just how ravenous Ma-Mutt gets. They'll be lucky to even find bones once he is done with you."

"You…would seriously…feed me to the…damn dog…?"

"Alive and all. He only likes his food when it fights back, and cat happens to be his favourite meat…"

I'm almost sick in my mouth just then from the thought of meeting my demise at the jaws of the demon priest's undead dog. He's never threatened me quite that much before.

"But I'll tell you this. If your previous Thundercats get here by sunrise in two days time, then I may consider letting you go alive."

—-(BORDER)—-

The rich scent of incense is the first thing that hits me upon walking into Jøhba's command tent, being greeted by the Tribal Elders on the way in. Jøhba introduces us to each other before we sit down crossed legged on cushions surrounding a fire, on which a pot of aromatic tea sits. The hot, soothing beverage is passed around and I take a heavy sip from my cup; the taste of radiant spices and the subtle sweetness of honey taking the edge off my worries.

The talk in the tent soon turns to business as we discuss the rescue attempt and our plans for it, and that's when one of the elders, a strongly-built liger Ferral called Mackieth stands up and tells us in great detail of the secret passageway location and where about in the fortress it would lead to. We decide in that moment that we would gain access to the fortress that night, hopefully under the cover of darkness. Pumyra would cover us and take out any sentries while we made our entrance, and then she would join us after.

"It is decided, we leave for the Fortress two hours after nightfall so that the darkness will be at our advantage."

"I agree with this idea. The darkness is our friend when it comes to stealth attacks."

I watch Katzeran as he sits in the corner of the tent, sharpening the tips of his arrows as the Sword of Omens rests by his side. He's concentrating really hard on his weapons but I can still see the tears that trickle down his cheeks. He's worried and terrified, and I can't say that I don't blame him. This entire situation is hitting him really hard since the last thing that happened between him and his Father was a huge argument which, looking back on it, I'm glad that it never went any further than it did but it's still disheartening to know that it happened. I go to comfort him, but he just brushes me off and walks out of the tent; I move to go after him, stopping when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Cheetara, leave him. He's worried about Lion-O; we all are. He just needs time to process this properly."

I look at Panthro as he stands beside me, his expression sympathetic.

"I know, Panthro. But he's still a kitten, I don't want to risk him getting hurt during this but I know that he'll hate me if I don't let him join us for the rescue."

"He's growing up, Cheetara. Kids won't always listen to us as they get older, and even though he's telling you that he's ready to do this, he still needs your guidance. Being the Prince of any kingdom is a burden in itself but to be the heir to the throne of an entire planet? Couple that with the fact that his Father has basically been abducted and is being held hostage, he needs the support of all of us together. We Thundercats are like one giant family – nobody is left out and we lean on each other for guidance and support. He's just going through a rough time in his life, seeing as how he's only seventeen."

"I hope you're right…"

"I'm sure I am. I'm not a therapist but I can tell when somebody needs the support of another. Look, I'll go and talk to him. You just go and get some rest; we move at eleven tonight."

…

The roof of the little tent sways slightly in the calm breeze and the crickets in the surrounding forests chirp, yet as I lie there on my back waiting for the appointed time for our assault on the Black Pyramid and the fortress walls surrounding it, I just can't get my mind to clear enough for me to fall asleep. I can't stop worrying about what the next few hours are going to bring, and those worries just grow when I look to my right and see Katzeran sleeping peacefully on his side, his long mane tied back with a leather strip. He looks so peaceful, despite the nature of our plan; Jøhba and a small team of his warriors were going to use the secret passage to gain access to the stronghold and then open the front gateway for us, and we would then swarm in and overwhelm the sentries after Pumyra had finished scouting the area.

I lie awake for another half-hour before finally deciding that I've had enough – I push myself up off the mat I was on and get myself dressed in my carbon Kevlar armour before unsheathing my staff. I press the power switch and it extends to its full seven feet with a hum, and I place it on the floor and admired my handy work. Its black finish glistened in the torch light of the tent, made just for this mission and I meticulously check it from end to end for signs of wear; I've done this a thousand times and I know deep down that it would be all fine, but I somewhat enjoy the feeling it gives me to just know that I had constructed it myself. Every part turns out to be working perfect so I power it down, the staff retracting to its small 1-foot length as I place it back in its sheath with a heavy sigh.

I rise to my feet then, stretching my arms, legs and back out like the gymnast I am before walking out of the tent. The camp is extremely quiet with only a couple of Ferral Warriors and Thunderguard troops sat around fires in small clusters. The moon looms above, bathing the area with an eerie light as I get myself seated on a log that overlooks the valley below. It's littered with twisted masses of metal and rock, and in the near distance I can see the ruins of the capital city of Old Thundera; somewhere among the ruins is the Black Pyramid and within it, my poor husband. He's been in Mumm-Ra's grasp before, but never for this long or in this much danger.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

I jump when I hear Pumyra's voice but move over so that she can sit too, and we both watch the stars for a moment.

"I have a feeling that this is going to go very badly, Pumyra. We've never had anything of this magnitude happen before and I dread to know just how long Mumm-Ra and his cronies have been planning this."

"We may never know that part Cheetara, but you should know that we all share your concerns. This rescue mission is going to be the most dangerous thing that we've ever done and while I do have my doubts about it, it shouldn't be a problem because we have some of the strongest warriors on all of New Thundera. Don't worry, we can do this."

…

The hour rolls around quickly, and before long, the other Thundercats are gathered outside of the main tent as Jøhba prepares his team for the initial assault. I notice Katz watching them get ready, his hand close to the handle of the Sword of Omens. He looks like he's itching to get gone so I turn to him and his next words shock me.

"Myself and the Twins are going in with the Ferrals, Mum. We need to break that first line of defence and I can't think of anybody more capable of that than myself and the Twins."

I look at Wilykit and Wilykat, seeing them both clad in protective armor with battle axes hanging from their belts along with their normal weapons. The Twins have grown very well and are now fully-grown cats, and both are very strong, capable warriors that I would trust with my son's life.

"Ok. But know that it makes no difference who you fight with because you are still going to be in a lot of danger. Just be careful."

I check over my son's armour then, making sure it's all interlinked correctly. Everything is good and it eases my nerves slightly, and I see that his bow and axe are sharp and strung, his arrows fitted with the signature explosive tips that he painstakingly crafted himself and I know that he's ready to go. I hug him, trying to fight back the tears as I look at the twins them all hoping that this would not be the last.

"I love you Katzeran. I always have done and I always will. Remember that…"

"I will, don't worry."

I look up at the Twins then as they watch, the tears streaming freely down my cheeks.

"I don't care what it takes, but please, promise me that you will protect him with your lives."

I watch my son and the twins gather with the ferrals and slowly leave the camp before joining with my team as we make our final preparations. The mood is determined but I can't help thinking that harm will come to my son. I'm annoyed at him for deciding against my wishes to o with the first wave of Ferrals but I keep telling myself that he's old enough to make his own decisions. Before I know it, we're packed and climbing into the Thundertank; the motors start up and we sit and buckle up, Pumyra and Bengali sat next to each and other talking quietly. The engine roars and we lurch forward into the unknown.

…

In no time we stop, and Panthro and Tygra enter from the cockpit.

"This is it. It's time to go and rescue our King."

We leave the tanks and walk into the forest as Pumyra says her goodbyes to Bengali and jogs off into the distance. After this, we separate into pairs and move into our positions - I'm paired with Bengali and as we stay crouched in the semi darkness, I turn to to him. "Don't try to be a hero Ben, I've promised Pumyra I'll look out for you."

"Hey, I can handle myself. I've got my hammer by me side."

I smile and clasp his forearm in the warrior handshake. He's only three years older than Lion-O and I'd hate for anything to happen to him, because it's likely that Pumyra and their cubs wouldn't recover from losing him. We crouch there waiting for the signal to rush forward, the breeze rustling the leaves on the branches as I feel my fur bristle with anticipation while placing my helmet on. I press the button on the side of my head and the bleak darkness of the night turns to a vivid green as the night vision activates as the intercom crackles.

"Get ready guys, the signal could go up any moment now. Pumyra, are you set?"

"I am, but we do have a slight problem though. There are human mercenaries on the walls, and I can't see any Mutants anywhere. We've never fought against humans before, and I can't tell how well they are armed at this distance…"

A distant chilling roar echoes through the air and the signal goes up, standing out against the night sky as I feel the insignia on my chest warm up and I can't help but beam with pride; Katz is safe, the signal is his.

"Thundercats HO!"

I can hear shots being fired as the opposing forces start their attack on us, and we're mere yards away from the front gate when I hear Katz on the intercom, his voice a mixture of emotions, mainly panic and fear.

"Mum, we can't get to the gate to open it! You'll have to go over the walls but be careful, those humans are armed to the back teeth!"

Shit…

"Did everyone get that?"

"Loud and clear."

"Ok," I hiss, my thumb running over the button on my wrist, "Activate cloaking devices now!"

Light bends around me and I disappear as I activate the cloak, running to the wall and starting the perilous climb up the horribly tall stone walls. Although humans can be irritating when they turn against the Code, the technology that we have been able to develop with their help along with the aid from Plun-Darr is incredible. I can hear the screams and sounds of battle coming from all directions, narrowly being missed by the odd bullet every so often. Relief comes as I near the top, launching myself over the wall and onto the walkway. As I try to recover from the climb, I notice a human approaching at speed out of the corner of my eyes to intercept me, his own weapon raised. As I ready myself, I notice that I tower over him by at least two feet, and I realise that I never knew they were so small. He swings his blade wide, a vital mistake as I grab his wrist and, using his own momentum, catapult him over the wall. His scream echoes as I glance behind me, saw humans thrown around like rag dolls and being beaten. They never would have been a match for us; they never stood a chance, but if Mumm-Ra knew that then why would he use them to guard the stronghold? I force my questions out of my mind then, concentrating on the battle in front of me although it isn't long before the humans start running in retreat.

Seizing my opportunity, I leap off the wall into the courtyard below and effortlessly land with my staff in my hand, extending it as I ready myself for more. However, I tense when out of the corner of my eye I catch movement; the brickwork seems to shimmer as whatever it is comes towards me and then, out of know where, Katzeran is standing in front of me. He's white as a sheet and swaying on his feet, his armour streaked with blood as I feel my heart drop in my chest. I immediately check him over but find no wounds whatsoever, but he is very warm to the touch so I give him my water bottle which he eagerly drinks from.

"We know where Dad is!"

"Oh my God…Where is-?"

"He's in the Pyramid, in the Throne Room."

I just nod; that's all the info that I need.

I turn my attention to the Pyramid again, the foreboding black structure looming above us. This is it; you've gone too far this time Mumm-Ra. I notice Bengali quickly dispatching a couple of Mutants, knocking the wretched creatures unconscious as Pumyra runs over, her bow slung over her shoulder.

"Here we go, it's time…" I say to my friends with a growl in my throat, and we charge over the courtyard to aid the battle as I grab my staff from the cuff on my wrist, extending it as I run into the first Mutant blocking the path towards freeing my mate; a frog-like creature which croaks in shock as my body slams into his, winding him. I bring my knee up into his stomach, making it gasp for breath and swing down with my staff, striking him hard enough to knock the amphibian out as it drops to the ground.

Suddenly an explosion rips through their ranks, and I turn to see Katz and some of the Ferrals firing exploding arrows into them, allowing for
an opening to appear in the middle of the battle - the route to the Pyramid's entrance was clear, and I had to act or I'd lose my chance.

"Now!"

I make a run for it, joined on either side by Bengali and Katzeran with Pumyra behind us. We eventually reach the opening to the Pyramid, entering the long corridor without hesitation as I push myself to a fast run, slow enough for the others to keep up and soon, I come to a corner and whenI round it, I see Mumm-Ra holding Lion-O by the throat with such a tight grasp that the lion's face is pale and starting to turn blue. I'm overwhelmed with the pure rage, but before I can act, my son rushes forward with a deafening roar, tearing the Sword from the Shield.

"Katzeran, no!" I scream, but he either doesn't hear me or is completely ignoring me and I'm forced to I watch helplessly as my son attacks the Mummy with rage that I didn't even know he was capable of. In retaliation, Mumm-Ra throws Lion-O against the stone wall with a sickening crunch, and my husband slumps to the ground. I rush over to him as the sound of metal clashing against metal and the grunts of exertion from both my son and Bengali fill the room. I can see my husband is in bad shape, and I can't stop the tears at how severe a condition he's in - he's been carved like a piece of wood, covered in runes and gashes and many huge bruises which makes him growl deliriously with pain whenever I touch them.

"C-Cheetara…?"

I gaze down at him as he looks at me, seeing how much pain he's in from the look in his eyes.

"It's okay, you're safe now…"

-(BORDER)-

I come to in the Thundertank after what seems like hours, and the first thing that makes itself known is the agonizing pain as I groan – everything hurts, it hurts so much. The reassuring hand that closes around mine brings some relief, which is furthered by the injection of what I'd assume to be morphine into my arm.

I can hear Tygra talking across the hold, and what he says makes me anxious.

"I know that we've rescued Lion-O and that he's going to get the treatment he needs, but I don't know if he's going to make it - he's taken quite a beating and from the looks of it, some of his wounds have already got a nasty infection. He's stronger than he looks, but our care might not be enough for him, in which case we will have to take him to the hospital in the Capital. Regardless, we've got to get him back to the Lair quickly. Panthro, step on it!"

The jolting movement speeds up as I realise that I'm going home; I will see my daughter, alive and well. I promised her that I'd be back, and I am. The relief is instant when we eventually reach the Lair but as Pumyra and Tygra rush me into the infirmary, everything goes black as the past few days' worth of shock finally hits me.

…

When I finally wake up, I feel better. I look down at my bare body and see that my wounded body is healing. "Ah," a familiar voice that I recognise as Tygra's says from in the darkness "You're back with us. We didn't think you were going to pull through. You've taken a considerable battering, more than anyone should've survived through."

He steps into the light with Pumyra by his side. "Boy, am I glad to be back," I say as I rub my aching head. Tygra smiles at me as he places a hand on my shoulder. "There's someone here to see you." he says, then he beckons to someone standing in the doorway.

I look up and see her.

Lola, my daughter.

I try to get up, but Tygra holds me down gently and says "Take it easy Lion-O. You're not ready yet. You don't want to accidentally tear out your stitches."

Lola walks up to us, followed by Cheetara and Katzeran, and the little kitten hugs me fiercely.

"Daddy," she says "I thought you were going to die."

"I'm alright, princess. That's not gonna happen for a very long time." I say as I ruffle her red mane.

"I know what happened to you," my daughter says "You spoke in your sleep...about...about the things that were done to you..."

She starts to cry desperately, and I realise she knows about her false death.

"It wasn't real, Daddy!" she says as she looks into my eyes.

"I know, Lola," I say "But it felt like it was."

She smiles as the rest of the Thundercats enter the infirmary. By Jaga, it feels good to be back where I belong – the safety of my home with my friends and family. I guess that everything works out in the end…

Or does it?

To Be Continued…