The sun was high above the young African's head, he himself couldn't believe what was happening to himself and the rest of his team. First he was cautioning Wheeler not to barge in without thinking about the situation that presented to him and the rest of the Planeteers, and then getting blasted top this strange world and then being separated form the others. Growing up in Africa, Kwami knew about all hardships for himself and his village, but that all soon changed when he met Gaia and decided to help all Countries try to say the trees and the rest of the Planet.
Kwami materialized within a very dense part of the jungle,not knowing how long he has been out, the young man started to get up to get his bearings. He immediality started to walk in the direction of some strange flowers that he had never seen before. Unaware that he was being follow by two females hidden within the trees.
The women were part of the Warrior Maiden family. They have learned a long time ago to become one with and share the trees with the planet and the citizens of Third Earth. Though being a warrior race they sometimes are a little curious about strangers that enter into the territory. They were not to keen on meeting the Thundercats when they first arrived, but after a while the two families became very good friends.
Now Willa, the Queen of the Warrior Maidens and her sister Nayda started to have concern when they first saw the stranger lying on the ground. They have never seen him before and decided it would be best if they just stayed hidden. But that didn't stop the two of them from talking about him, as long as the stranger didn't notice them.
"Hello sister, is something wrong?" Nayda said while she was joining her sister Willa in the trees. Nayda was wearing a light brownish pelt that covered her chest, her waist and the top of her legs. She was also carrying a bow and a few arrows which they use for capturing food for their people.
"Shhh Nayda, I don't want the stranger to hear us." Willa said trying to keep her voice down. Willa was the Queen and so she was wearing a darker orange pelt. Her hair was dark and long and she tied it up in that back so this way if she had to jump or run from her enemies she could see where she was going.
"Is everything all right?" Nayda asked now coming to Willa.
"Look down there." Willa said as she pointed to Kwami lying in the grass starting to move.
"Who is he?, I've never seen him before." Nayda asked while seeing the clothes that the young Planeteer was wearing.
"I don't know, I only noticed him there cause I stopped to rest a moment and then saw him materialize."
"Is he a friend of the Thundercats?" Nayda asked with concern in her voice.
"I honestly don't know." She said but then stopped when she saw him getting up and looking around.
To keep themselves safe, both Willa and Nayda completely hid themselves within the tree's branches and leaves. Once Kwami looked around he started to walk away.
"What are we gonna do now sister?" Nayda asked with concern looking at the stranger.
"We better follow him just to make sure he's safe." Willa said as both the women started to follow Kwami.
After a few moments, Willa grabbed her bow and took an arrow from her quiver, and raised it in the direction of the stranger. Then without any notice, she fired the arrow right at Kwami.
Kwami, noticing the strange bouquet of flowers was about to kneel down to sniff them when the arrow missed his head and stuck the flowers instead. Being in shock Kwami jumped away from the flowers at started to look up at the trees.
"HELLO… IS ANYBODY UP THERE…" Kwami started to shout to try and find out why he was almost shot with an arrow. "I MEAN YOU NO HARM. PLEASE COME OUT AND SHOWSELF."
The two female warriors looked at each other considering the stranger's request then decided to reveal themselves by jumping out of the trees and into the strangers' line of sight… Both women landed with grace as their bare feet hit the ground with no pain in either of them. Just then Willa and Nayda both took their Bows and arrows and aimed them at Kwami.
"Who are you, and why are you in my kingdom.?" Willa said with a stern and commanding voice.
Kwami, who never encounter females like them before decided to explain his situation, maybe they can help him find his friends.
"My name in Kwami." The young African replied still hoping that the two ladies won't shoot him. "I am sorry for trespassing in your kingdom."
Both ladies could hear the sincerity in the young man's voice and decided to put the arrows away and re-holster their bows. Then both ladies started to walk up to the young man to explain why they have saved his life.
"I'm sorry if we almost gave you the wrong idea about us." Nayda said hoping that Kwami would let them explain their actions.
"That is quite alright, but why were you shooting at me?" He wondered with confusion. He knew that he would be dead if the arrow came within an inch or two more towards his head or heart.
"You were almost about to sniff the scent of the deadly forever sleep flowers." Willa explained as she pointed to the group of flowers that her arrow has struck.
The flowers have beautiful red and blue petals and their scent was so divine that if anyone came within contact with the beautiful aroma without protection then they would surly die. Kwami , now realizing that he owes his life to the Warriors accepted the reason for the arrow shot.
"My apologizes, I didn't know about those flowers." The young man said being releaved.
"May I ask you a question about those clothes you are wearing?" Nayda asked wondering if the explanation could shed some light of the subject.
"Of course, I am a Planeteer. I fight to protect the Earth from Pollution and destruction." Kwami said hoping to ease the tension around here.
"Planeters? I've never heard of you before." Willa stated not knowing what was going to happen next.
"It is a long story, I will try to explain it to you." Kwami stated as he told the two ladies about his adventures with the other Planeteers, their power rings, and the events that brought him here.
"Mumm-Ra, we should have known this was his handiwork." Nayda said with disgust.
"You know this creature?" Kwami said with concern.
"Yes, this creature as you stated as been in constant war with all the people of Third Earth. But when our allies the Thundercats came, they helped to stop his attacks. We haven't seen him in action." Willa stated as she was about to continue.
Just then a strange vehicel came running throught the trees destroying everything it touched. Kwami, not wanting his new friends to get hurt lunged into the two females and got them out of the way just in time. When Kwami recovered he saw that Dr. Blight and Sly Sludge was driving the vehicle.
The vehicle that came out of the forest was in Dr. Blights' pink and purple colors. It also had metal doors and shatter proof windows. In the back from the exhaust port from the van was leaking toxic pollution If those two were not stopped they could destroy the Warrior Maidens home forever.
"Well well well. Look who we got here Sludge, Mal. An Eco-Geek ready to be put out of his misery. Blight said after noticing Kwami.
"We should run him down and take his ring." Sludge said hoping Blight would agree.
"Dr. Blight, I might have a better idea." Blight's computer said from the monitor within the van's computer system.
"Go ahead Mal." Blight said with glee.
"My sensors are picking a mountain with a cave in its structure. It is giving off very strange energy readings."
"How strange?" Blight asked look curious.
"I believe that if we can get that Planet-pest to go into the cave, that it will destroy him forever." Mal said after re-analyzing his scans.
"Good idea Mal sweetems." Blight said with pride. "Sludge force that planet pest to that cave."
"Sure thing Blight." Sludge said as he pressed a button to pump out smog in the entire area.
After Kwami helped the two ladies back to their feet, he saw the van coming towards while pumping out smog from the smoke jets. "Get out of here!" Kwami started to yell, hoping to protect his new friends. "I'll lead them away from the both of you." He stated as he tried to get the van to follow him out of the forest.
Once Kwami and the van left the Warrior's sight the two women thought the worst was over. Just then they both realized where the van was forcing Kwami to go to. The van was forcing Kwami to head into the Cave Of Time. If Kwami steps into that horrible place he would be dead in moments. The warriors knew they had to save him but they weren't fast enough plus the leftover smog was slowing them down.
The women were just about to give up hope, when they heard the roar of the Thundertank coming towards the both of them. As soon as the Thundertank came within range the giant machine stopped so the Thundercats inside could find out what happen to their beautiful forest.
"THAN GOODNESS YOU SHOWED UP THUNDERCATS!" Nayda almost started to shout.
"Calm down Nayda." Tygra said while sitting in the Co-pilit's seat next to Panthro.
Willa and Nayda quickly explain what happened here, the Planeteer, the van and how it was forcing Kwami to go into the Cave of Time.
"Come on guys, we have to save my friend before it's to late." Wheeler said as he heard the conversation.
"Who said that?" Willa asked after hearing Wheeler's voice coming from inside the tank.
""We'll explain all of it on the way." Panthro said. "Quickly get in." Panthro finished while opening the back of the tank.
The two ladies jumped into the tank to see Lion-O and another stranger sitting besides him wearing Thuindercat clothing. "Panthro, full speed to the cave we have to save Kwami." Lion-O stated as the room sealed up again.
"You got it Lion-O". Panthro said as he kicked in the afterburners to make up for lost time.
Kwami had just cleared the forest and was about to take a short rest, until the van jumped out and tried to kill him yet again. "I can't keep this up forever. I've got to find someplace to loose them." Just then Kwami saw the huge rock formation with a cave inside it. "If that cave goes all the way through the mountain then maybe I can loose them in there" He thought as he ran towards the cave.
Dr. Blight was in static, her plan was working to a tee. Kwami was just about to enter the cave when an air vehicle of some kind went right in front of the truck's path. Sludge not wanting to hit the strange vehicle stopped the van. But by then Kwami was well hidden within the cave.
The Thunderclaw landed right in front of the van, and Cheetara thought she had made it in time time to save the Planeteer. But she was too late. Kwami had already entered the cave. Cheetara knew that she only had a short time to rescue the young man before it is too late. As she got off the Thunderclaw and prepared to run into the cave, she was struck by a powerful laser beam that hit both of her legs.
Dr. Blight ever being good for bad timing opened the door of the van, took some sort of laser weapon from her belt, and fired it at Cheetara. "Hmhmhmhm." She started to laugh in an evil way."You're not going anywhere my feline friend."
"What did you do to my legs?" Cheetara questioned not knowing what was happening.
"I have disabled your super speed for a brief moment my dear." She responded in kind.
"By the time your speed returns, it will be do late to save the Eco-Geek." She started to laugh again.
Thinking that Blight and Sludge have won, they were unaware that the Thundertank was coming up fast behind them hoping to get there in time. Meanwhile inside the cave Kwami was starting to feel the effects almost immediality.
"What is going on here?" Kwami said while starting to walk much slower. "I don't know why but I am feeling so tired all of a sudden." He stopped to look in a pool of water, but was in shock to see his reflection in the pool. "No this can't be happening!" Kwami said in shock. "I'm getting older." Kwami already aged 10 years in the last 10 minutes and will continue to age unless he gets out of there. "I've got to start heading back towards the entrance before It's too late." But just as he started to move his legs failed him. He was getting to old to walk anymore. He just stayed there hoping that someone would get him out before it was too late.
Meanwhile outside the cave the Thundertank busted out of the forest and was heading straight towards the van and Cheetara. When Cheetara saw that the Thundertank was showing she started to show relief in her face as the two villains got back into the van and started heading for the tank.
"Tygra, lets disable that thing by taking out its tires with the laser cannons." Panthro said as he brought the weapons online.
"Locking on target." Tygra said as he shot the laser at the van.
The laser blew out the both front tires causing the van to turn over and land on its side. Both Blight and Sludge crawled of the van trying to get themselves together. As they picked themselves up the Thundertank Stopped right in front of them and all of the Thundercats Climbed out to confront the enemies.
"Your too late Thundercats." She said with a smile. "The Eco-Geek is as good as dead."
After hearing that the Thundercats all looked over at Cheetara wondering why she didn't run into the cave to save Kwami. "Cheetara what happened?" Panthro asked seeing pain in Cheetara's face.
"That woman zapped me with some sort of laser beam disabling my super speed for a while." Cheetara replied.
"That's right, and by the time her speed returns he will be dead. HAHAHAHEHEHE" Dr. Blight started to laugh until she saw a different face still inside the tank holding the main laser canon at their van. "You!?" She shouted with surprise. "Your supposed to be dead." She stated at the Fire Planeteer.
Wheeler now targeting the van after making sure that there was no toxic radiation within the vehicle, targeted the van." This is for Linka, Kawmi, Gi and myself you witch." Wheeler said as he fired the cannon.
'The beam struck the van and it started to spin around until it finally stopped and blew up.. With no radiation or toxic chemicals in the van the explosion will cause no real threat to the planet. As Wheeler locked the laser canon on both Blight and Sludge, they both disappeared in a flash. Wheeler now happy that those two weren't around any more climbed out of the tank and went to join the others, hoping there still might be a way to save Kwami.
"Cheetara, can you still make it into the cave?" Wheeler asked as he ran over to the cheetah.
"Not without my super speed, the cave would effect me as well." She replied feeling helpless.
"IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP HER!?" Wheeler shouting with panic in his voice.
"There may be a way." Lion-O thought for a moment. "Everybody stand away from Cheetara." He commanded as everyone backed away. He drew his sword and started to talk. "Sword of Omens, please restore Cheetara's super speed so she might be able to save our friend trapped in the cave." With that said he started saying another chant." THUNDER..THUNDER..THUNDER…THUNDERCATS…HO!" He hollered as the middle of the sword changed once again into the Thundercats's symbol and the beam returned once again with the roar.
The Beam was only a few feet abovet Cheetara, when a second beam came down from the system and engulfed Cheetara. She started to feel strange, her eyes started to glow orange as well as the symbol of her chest started to glow red. Then a white lighting bolt came down and struck her legs reversing whatever Blight's beam did to them. At that moment the beams subsided and Cheetara knew her speed had returned. Without a second to loose, she started to run at super speed. She ran right into the cave of time and started to shout Kwami's name hoping to get a response.
Kwami was still aging but now he was starting to look like a 65 year old man. His hair was starting to turn white, and his face has gotten many wrinkles. If something wasn't done and soon he would die. Just when hope all seems lost, he started to hear his name being called. With the last of his strength he started to reply hoping to get out.
"I am hear please help me?" Kwami shouted as loud as his aging body will allow it to. Suddenly Cheetara stopped right in front of him trying to carry him out. "Who are you?" He asked his rescuer.
"I'm Cheetara, now hold on tight." With that she grabbed Kwami and the both headed back towards the entrance.
Outside the cave Wheeler was getting worried about his friend. "Do you think she'll make it in time?"
"I'm sure of it." Tygra answered him." Cheetara should be out of the cave in just a few seconds." Tygra said as a big gust of wind went right through everybody.
After a moment they all saw Cheetara holding an old man on her shoulder. They knew they couldn't stop Kwami from entering the cave, but they are glad that he is out. Wheeler then walked over to his friend and tried to help Cheetara.
"Hey there buddy." wheeler spoke to Kwami relieved that he is out. "How are you feeling?
"I feel like and old man of 75 my friend." Kwami stated, trying to sound a little positive.
The other Thundercats finally showed up to help Wheeler with Kwami.
"Is there anything we can do to save his life?" Wheeler asked in concern for his friend.
Just then Lion-O turned to Willa."Do you still remember the way to the Geiser of Life Willa?" Lion-O asked with hope.
"Yes, that just might do it, but we have to hurry." Willa stated know full well that the geiser can restore Kwami's youth but only if he can hold out long enough to get there.
"Its settled then, Cheetara, take the Thunderclaw back to the Lair and let the others know about the situation. The rest of use will take Kwami to the geiser." Lion-O stated as the others climbed back into the tank.
"Come on Kwami my man, well get you fixed up in no time." Wheeler said while helping Kwami into the tank.
"Wheeler, if we do get my youth restored, then I want you to explain those strange clothes you are wearing." Kwami said trying to perk himself up.
"Once we get your youth back, then I will tell you everything." Wheeler said as he got Kwami secured in the tanks' chair. "All ready to move out!" Wheeler said as he waited for the others.
Cheetara, looking very upset that she couldn't get to Kwami before all this happened almost didn't notice Tygra standing right behind her. "I should have gotten him out sooner." Cheetara whaled.
"It was not your fault Cheetara." Tygra said trying to make her relax. "Listen go back to lair, contact Lynx-O explain the situation and then try to keep our guests there calm. We'll be back with Kwami and his youth before you know it." As Tygra spoke those words, Cheetara headed for the Thunderclaw and started the engines.
As the Thunderclaw started to lift off from the ground, the Thundertank started to head in the direction of the Geiser of life. Once the Thundertank was out of site, Cheetara plotted a course back to Cat's Lair.