Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of the Thundercats. They belong to their perspective owners.
Author's Note: What up y'all! It's me once again with another chapter of My Version of Season 2 of Thundercats 2011 but this time, I'll be introducing 3 new characters: Bengali, Snarfer and the returning character who made a brief appearance on Season 1, Episode 2: Omens, Part. 2, Lynx-O.
The difference between my version of season 2 and their planned/cancelled version of season 2 is Bengali will not be the son of Tygra and Cheetara because I strongly find that ridiculous. Instead he'll be the son of his father, Tygris from the comic book and his mother from my version of season 2 will be a Kung Fu Mistress. Plus I'm planning on pairing Bengali with Pumyra after Pumyra will do a "face" turn down the line.
Snarfer will still be the nephew of Snarf and the rest of the Snarfs will appear in future chapters down the line as well. As for Lynx-O, unlike what they're planning to do with his character, he'll join the Thundercats full time along with Bengali and Snarfer.
And speaking of Pumyra, prepare to be shocked/surprised because what you read on Episode 3: Lion-O Snaps, Part. 3 will most definitely come to fruition. Nuff said. Now on to Episode 6! THUNDERCATS! HOOOOOOOOOO!
Old Friends Reunited
The ancient pyramid loomed in the darkness, its obsidian walls pulsing with an eerie, crimson glow. Inside, Mumm-Ra stood before his bubbling cauldron, his decaying flesh illuminated by the swirling, malevolent energy. His eyes, burning with an otherworldly fire, fixed upon the churning liquid as images of the Thundercats flickered across its surface.
"Ancient Spirits of Evil," Mumm-Ra intoned, his raspy voice echoing through the chamber, "grant me the power to crush these miserable felines once and for all!" The cauldron's contents surged, responding to his dark invocation.
As the undead sorcerer raised his arms, tendrils of shadow coalesced around him, whispering promises of untold power. Mumm-Ra's lips curled into a sinister grin. "Soon, Lion-O, you and your pathetic band will fall before me. And when you do, all of Third Earth will tremble at my feet!"
The cauldron's surface rippled, revealing an image of Lion-O. The young lord of the Thundercats stood tall, his blue eyes filled with determination, yet haunted by an inner turmoil that Mumm-Ra could almost taste.
"Your doubts betray you, Lion-O," Mumm-Ra hissed, his clawed fingers curling around the edge of the cauldron. "The darkness I planted within you grows stronger with each passing day. Soon, it will consume you entirely!"
As if in response to Mumm-Ra's words, the image in the cauldron shifted, showing Lion-O's face contorted in anguish. The young leader's inner struggle was evident, his noble features marred by the weight of his responsibilities and the creeping influence of Mumm-Ra's dark magic.
"Yes," Mumm-Ra cackled, his laughter echoing off the pyramid's walls. "Fight it all you want, Lion-O. But in the end, the darkness will claim you, just as it claimed your ancestors before you!"
The undead sorcerer's eyes narrowed as he considered his next move. "Perhaps it's time to test the limits of your resolve, young lord. Let's see how you fare when faced with a blast from your past!"
With a wave of his hand, Mumm-Ra conjured an image of Pumyra, her form twisted and corrupted by the demon possessing her. "My little pawn," he crooned, "you've served me well. But now, it's time to up the ante. Show Lion-O and his friends the true extent of your power!"
As Mumm-Ra's laughter filled the chamber, the cauldron's surface churned violently, the images of Lion-O and his team dissolving into a maelstrom of dark energy. The ancient evil's plan was set in motion, and the Thundercats would soon face their greatest challenge yet.
The scene shifted abruptly, cutting from Mumm-Ra's dark pyramid to the lush forests of Third Earth. The next day, Lion-O, Cheetara and Tessa left the Treetop Kingdom after Lion-O recovered from his physical injuries and gained new super powers. But Lion-O is still dealing with his inner demons that wanted to take over his body by feeding off his negative emotions and leave him in a mental and emotional state but thankfully Cheetara, Tessa and the Warrior Maiden reassured him that he have all the support he needed to try and overcome his demons.
Lion-O stood atop a rocky outcropping his ThunderCycle, his blue eyes scanning the horizon. The Sword of Omens, with the blade still broken in half, hung at his side, its surface gleaming in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy.
"Any sign of them, Lion-O?" Cheetara called from below, her lithe form tensed and ready for action.
Lion-O shook his head, his red mane catching the breeze. "Nothing yet," he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "But they can't be far. The Sword of Omens led us here for a reason since it showed us that two Thunderians are still alive but captured."
As he spoke, Lion-O's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. "We've been searching for over two hours since we heard rumors that they're still alive after all this time. What if we're too late? What if Mumm-Ra has already…" He pushed the doubt aside, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand.
"We'll find them," Tessa assured, her determined voice cutting through Lion-O's inner turmoil. "Bengali and Lynx-O are survivors. They wouldn't go down without a fight."
Lion-O nodded, grateful for his team's unwavering support. "You're right," he said, climbing down to join them. "We just need to keep pushing forward. The Thundercats don't give up, no matter the odds."
As they prepared to move out, Lion-O felt a familiar twinge in his chest. The darkness that Mumm-Ra had awakened within him stirred, threatening to cloud his judgment. He gritted his teeth, fighting against the insidious influence.
"Are you alright?" Cheetara asked, concern evident in her voice.
Lion-O forced a smile. "I'm fine," he lied, not wanting to burden his friends with his inner struggle. "Just anxious to find our friends and put an end to Mumm-Ra's schemes."
As they set off into the dense forest, Lion-O couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into something far more dangerous than they realized. The Sword of Omens hummed at his side, as if sensing the challenges that lay ahead.
"Whatever Mumm-Ra has planned," Lion-O thought, his resolve strengthening, "we'll face it together. As Thundercats, as a team, as a family."
The dense foliage parted, revealing a clearing that made Lion-O's heart skip a beat. There, nestled against a rocky outcropping, stood a heavily fortified lizard outpost. Watchtowers loomed overhead, while armed guards patrolled the perimeter with clockwork precision.
"By Thundera," Cheetara breathed, her green eyes widening. "Look there."
Lion-O followed her gaze, his stomach twisting as he spotted two familiar figures chained to a post in the center of the compound. Bengali's white fur was matted with dirt and blood, while Lynx-O's unseeing eyes stared blankly ahead.
"We have to get them out," Tessa hissed, her muscles coiling with barely contained fury.
Lion-O nodded, his mind racing. "We need a plan. We can't just charge in—"
Before he could finish, a commotion erupted within the outpost. Bengali had somehow managed to work one hand free and was now grappling with a lizard guard. The blacksmith's movements were fluid and precise, a mesmerizing blend of martial arts and raw power.
"So much for planning," Cheetara quipped, already sprinting towards the fray.
Lion-O unsheathed the Sword of Omens, its familiar weight anchoring him against the darkness threatening to surface. "Thundercats, ho!" he roared, charging into battle.
The air filled with the clash of steel and the sizzle of energy weapons. Lion-O found himself back-to-back with Bengali, marveling at his old friend's prowess.
"Took you long enough," Bengali grunted, deflecting a lizard's spear with a makeshift hammer fashioned from a broken chain.
Lion-O couldn't help but grin. "It's a long story, really. How about we catch up after we get out of here?"
As they fought, Lion-O caught glimpses of his teammates in action. Cheetara was a blur of motion, her staff striking with pinpoint accuracy. Tessa moved with lethal grace despite her heavily muscular size, her fighting style a perfect complement to Cheetara's speed.
But it was Bengali who truly commanded attention. The blacksmith seamlessly wove between Kung Fu forms and improvised weapon techniques. A lizard's sword was caught between tongs and wrenched away, only to be met with a devastating roundhouse kick.
"When did you learn to fight like that?" Lion-O asked, momentarily awestruck.
Bengali smirked, using a pair of pliers to disarm another attacker. "A blacksmith is only as good as his ability to test his creations. I've had plenty of practice, thanks to my mom teaching me and my fellow bengals Kung Fu."
As the battle raged on, Lion-O felt a familiar darkness clawing at the edges of his consciousness. The thrill of combat threatened to awaken something primal within him, something he feared he couldn't control.
"Lion-O!" Cheetara's voice cut through the haze. "We need to move! More reinforcements are coming!"
Shaking off the encroaching shadows, Lion-O nodded. "Everyone, fall back! We've got what we came for!"
As they retreated into the forest, Bengali supporting the still-weakened Lynx-O, Lion-O cast one last glance at the lizard outpost. The victory felt hollow, overshadowed by the knowledge that greater challenges lay ahead.
"And the greatest challenge," he thought grimly, "might be the one within myself."
As they reached a small clearing, far enough from the lizard outpost to catch their breath, Lion-O's eyes locked onto Bengali's. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of years apart hanging between them. Then, as if a dam had broken, Lion-O surged forward, embracing his old friend fiercely.
"Bengali," Lion-O's voice cracked with emotion, "I thought... we feared the worst when Thundera fell."
Bengali returned the embrace, his own eyes glistening. "It's good to see you too, old friend. Though I wish the circumstances were better."
As they parted, Lion-O noticed a small, red-furred figure peeking out from behind Bengali's legs. "Is that... another Snarf?"
The diminutive nephew of Snarf stepped forward, his large eyes wide with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "That's right! Snarfer, snarfer! At your service, Lord Lion-O!"
Cheetara approached, her usual composure softened by the reunion. "It's a miracle you all survived. How did you manage it?"
Bengali's expression grew somber. "It wasn't easy. When the attacks began, I was in the royal forge. I grabbed what tools I could and fought my way out." He glanced at Lynx-O, who stood silently nearby. "I found Lynx-O in the chaos, and together we managed to escape with a handful of others, including young Snarfer here."
Lion-O listened intently, a mix of pride and guilt churning in his stomach. "If only I had been there," he thought, "maybe I could have saved more."
"Bengali," Lion-O said, his voice low, "I remember when we were cubs, you always talked about serving in the royal guard. But you became a blacksmith instead?"
Bengali nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I did. Turns out, I had a knack for metalwork. Your father... he saw potential in me. Said a skilled blacksmith could serve the throne just as well as any guard."
The mention of his father sent a pang through Lion-O's heart. "So much has changed," he mused, "and yet, here we are, still fighting the same battles."
"We have so much to catch up on," Cheetara interjected, her eyes scanning the perimeter. "But we should keep moving. It's not safe to linger here."
Lion-O nodded, pushing aside his turbulent emotions. "You're right. Bengali, Lynx-O, Snarfer... we have a lot to tell you about what's happened since Thundera's fall. And about the enemy we're facing now."
As they prepared to move out, Lion-O couldn't shake the feeling that this reunion, joyous as it was, marked the beginning of an even greater challenge. The war against Mumm-Ra loomed larger than ever, and now, with old friends returned, the stakes felt impossibly high.
"I can't let them down," Lion-O thought, his jaw set with determination. "Not again. Never again."
Lynx-O's clouded eyes seemed to search the horizon, unseeing yet somehow still perceptive. His weathered face creased with a mixture of sorrow and resolve as he began to speak, his voice carrying the weight of untold hardships.
"The fall of Thundera," he said, his words heavy with memory, "it was chaos and absolute hell, pure and simple. The air thick with smoke and screams. I was at the outer walls when the first bombs fell."
Bengali moved closer to Lynx-O, his presence a silent pillar of support. Lion-O watched, transfixed, as the older Thundercat continued his tale.
"I rushed to help evacuate the civilians, but the explosions... they were relentless. One blast hit too close. The flash was blinding, searing. When the light faded, so did my sight. Permanently."
Lion-O's fists clenched involuntarily. "How many more had suffered like this?" he wondered, a familiar surge of guilt threatening to overwhelm him.
"But you escaped," Cheetara prompted gently, her voice tinged with both awe and concern.
Lynx-O nodded, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. "Thanks to Bengali. He found me, disoriented and helpless, and guided me through the chaos. We barely made it out alive."
Bengali's eyes met Lion-O's, a silent understanding passing between them. "We look out for our own," the blacksmith said simply.
"Indeed we do," Lynx-O agreed, his unseeing gaze seeming to pierce Lion-O's very soul. "And now, young lord, I sense there is much you need to share about the truth of Thundera's fall. Things we couldn't have known in the midst of that terrible night."
Lion-O took a deep breath, steeling himself for the difficult conversation ahead. "How do I even begin to explain everything that's happened?" he thought, the weight of his experiences pressing down on him. "About Mumm-Ra, the Sword of Omens, the betrayals we've faced…"
"You're right, Lynx-O," Lion-O said aloud, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil. "There's so much you need to know. About why Thundera fell, about the enemy we're truly facing. It's a long story, and not an easy one to tell."
Cheetara placed a comforting hand on Lion-O's shoulder. "We'll tell it together," she assured him.
The flames of the campfire danced, casting flickering shadows across the faces of the gathered Thundercats. Lion-O leaned forward, his blue eyes reflecting the firelight as he began to recount their harrowing journey.
"After Thundera fell," he started, his voice low and tinged with sorrow, "we discovered that Mumm-Ra was behind it all. He'd been manipulating events for centuries, playing the long game to destroy us and reclaim the Power Stones."
Cheetara interjected, her normally guarded expression softening as she addressed their old friends. "We've been on a quest to find these stones before Mumm-Ra can. Each one we've recovered has come at a great cost."
Lion-O nodded, a pained look crossing his face. "And then there was Pumyra," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We thought she was an ally, a survivor like us. But she..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
Cheetara picked up the thread, her tone sharp with lingering hurt. "She betrayed us. She'd been working for Mumm-Ra the entire time, playing on Lion-O's emotions to get close to us."
Bengali's eyes widened in shock. "Pumyra? But she was always so dedicated to Thundera. How could she turn against us like that?"
Lion-O shook his head, his shoulders slumping. "Hate can twist a person, Bengali. She blamed me for not saving her during Thundera's fall. Mumm-Ra used that anger, that pain, to turn her into a weapon against us."
As the story unfolded, detailing their battles, triumphs, and losses in the search for the Power Stones, Lion-O felt a familiar darkness stirring within him. His fists clenched involuntarily, a low growl escaping his throat as he remembered Pumyra's betrayal.
Lynx-O's unseeing eyes turned towards Lion-O, his brow furrowing in concern. "Lion-O," he said gently, "I sense a great turmoil within you. A darkness that threatens to consume you if left unchecked."
Lion-O's head snapped up, surprise and a hint of fear in his eyes. "How did you...?" he began, then sighed heavily. "Mumm-Ra cast a spell on me, brought out my dark side. I've been struggling to control it ever since."
Lynx-O nodded sagely. "The path of a leader is never easy, young lord. But remember, true strength comes not from suppressing our emotions, but from understanding and balancing them."
"But how?" Lion-O asked, frustration evident in his voice. "How do I balance this anger, this darkness, with everything we're facing?"
"By accepting it as part of yourself," Lynx-O replied, his voice calm and assured. "Acknowledge your anger, your pain. Understand it. Only then can you truly control it, rather than letting it control you."
As Lynx-O's words sank in, Lion-O felt a small measure of peace settle over him. The darkness was still there, but for the first time since Mumm-Ra's spell, he felt like he might have a chance at mastering it.
The first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the makeshift training ground. Lion-O stood at its center, his muscles tense with anticipation. He glanced around at his teammates - Cheetara, Bengali, Lynx-O, and Tessa - each poised and ready for the grueling day ahead.
"Alright, team," Lion-O called out, his voice carrying a mix of determination and uncertainty. "We've got a lot of ground to cover if we're going to stand a chance against Mumm-Ra and his forces."
Cheetara stepped forward, her green eyes glinting with resolve. "We're with you, Lion-O. Whatever it takes."
As they began their training, Lion-O couldn't help but marvel at the unity of his team.
Lion-O found himself grappling with his own limitations, his movements sometimes hindered by the darkness that still lurked within. "Focus, Lion-O," he muttered to himself, gritting his teeth as he pushed through a particularly challenging exercise.
"Remember, Lion-O," Tessa called out, her blue eyes fixed on him with an intensity that belied her calm tone. "Your strength comes not just from your body, but from your mind, heart and spirit as well. Find balance within yourself."
As the day wore on, Lion-O felt a change within himself. The darkness that had been a constant presence since Mumm-Ra's spell began to feel less like a burden and more like a part of him - a part he could control.
"You're doing well, Lion-O," Lynx-O commented during a brief respite. "I can see the improvement already."
Lion-O nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Lynx-O. I think I'm starting to understand what you and Tessa meant about balance."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the training ground, Lion-O called his team together. "We've made great progress today," he said, his voice filled with pride and determination. "But we can't stop here. Mumm-Ra and his forces are still out there, and we need to be ready for whatever comes next."
The team nodded in agreement, their faces etched with resolve. As they prepared for another round of training, Lion-O felt a surge of hope. The road ahead was still long and fraught with danger, but with his team by his side and a growing understanding of his own inner strength, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The sun rose over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the training grounds. Lion-O stood at the center, his muscles tense with anticipation as Lynx-O approached, his unseeing eyes somehow focused intently on the young lord.
"Today, we delve deeper into the realm of psychic combat," Lynx-O announced, his voice carrying a weight of ancient wisdom. "Lion-O, Cheetara, you must learn to sense your opponents before they strike. Open your minds."
Lion-O closed his eyes, trying to quiet the storm of thoughts in his head. He could feel Cheetara's presence nearby, her energy a steady pulse in the periphery of his consciousness.
"Focus," Tessa's voice cut through the silence. "Your body is your weapon, but your mind is your shield."
As Lion-O concentrated, he felt a sudden shift in the air. Without opening his eyes, he ducked, feeling the whoosh of Tessa's fist passing over his head.
"Good!" Lynx-O exclaimed. "Now, counterattack!"
Lion-O spun, his arm lashing out instinctively. His fist connected with something solid, and he heard Tessa grunt in surprise.
"Impressive," Tessa said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "But don't get cocky. Again!"
As the training intensified, Lion-O found himself lost in a whirlwind of motion and sensation. His body moved on instinct, guided by the newfound awareness Lynx-O was cultivating.
Meanwhile, in a nearby forge, Bengali hunched over his workbench, the damaged Sword of Omens laid out before him. His skilled hands moved with practiced precision, carefully reforging the ancient blade.
"This sword has seen countless battles," Bengali murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with reverence. "And it will see many more before our fight is done."
As he worked, Lion-O's thoughts drifted to the sword, feeling its absence keenly. "I hope Bengali can repair it," he said between sparring sessions with Cheetara. "I feel... incomplete without it."
Cheetara placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "The sword is a part of you, Lion-O, but it's not all that you are. Remember what Lynx-O said about balance."
Lion-O nodded, grateful for her support. "You're right. I need to trust in my own strength, not just the sword's power."
As the day wore on, Lion-O felt his senses sharpening, his movements becoming more fluid and instinctive. But with this newfound awareness came a heightened sense of the challenges that lay ahead.
"Mumm-Ra won't be caught off guard by our new skills," he thought, a flicker of doubt creeping into his mind. "We need to be prepared for anything."
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training ground, Lion-O called for a break. The group gathered around a small campfire, their bodies weary but their spirits high. Bengali joined them, wiping the soot from his hands with a rag, his blue eyes reflecting the dancing flames.
"You've all made impressive progress today," Lynx-O remarked, his unseeing eyes somehow seeming to take in the entire group. "But there's more to strength than physical prowess. Sometimes, it's the bonds we forge that give us our greatest power."
Lion-O leaned forward, intrigued. "What do you mean, Lynx-O?"
Bengali exchanged a glance with Lynx-O, a wealth of shared experience passing between them. "He means our story, Lion-O. The journey that brought us here."
"Will you tell us?" Cheetara asked, her voice soft with curiosity.
Bengali nodded, his gruff exterior softening slightly. "It all began the day Thundera fell. Lynx-O and I barely escaped with our lives. The chaos, the screams... I'll never forget it."
Lynx-O placed a comforting hand on Bengali's shoulder. "We were lost, at first. Two broken cats in a world that had suddenly turned hostile."
"But then we found Snarfer," Bengali continued, a rare smile crossing his face as the small, furry creature beamed up at him. "Or rather, he found us. Stumbled right into our camp one night, babbling about needing help."
Snarfer piped up, his high-pitched voice filled with excitement. "I remember! You were so grumpy, Bengali, but you shared your food with me anyway!"
Lion-O couldn't help but chuckle at the image. "So how did you go from refugees to freedom fighters?"
Lynx-O's expression grew serious. "We saw the suffering of others - not just Thundercats, but all the species oppressed by Mumm-Ra and his forces. We couldn't stand idly by."
Bengali nodded, his eyes distant with memory. "That's when we decided to build the ThunderClaw and ThunderStrike. We needed a way to cover more ground, to help more people."
"It wasn't easy," Lynx-O added. "We faced countless battles, narrow escapes. But with each cat we freed, each village we protected, our resolve grew stronger."
As Lion-O listened, he felt a swell of admiration for his old friends. Their story was one of resilience, of finding hope in the darkest of times. He couldn't help but wonder, "How did you keep going, when things seemed bleakest?"
Bengali's gaze met Lion-O's, and in that moment, the young king saw the depth of determination that burned within the blacksmith. "We had each other, Lion-O. When one of us faltered, the others were there to lift him up. That's the true strength of the Thundercats - not just our individual skills, but our unity."
Lion-O nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. As the fire crackled and the stars began to appear overhead, he realized that this shared history, this bond of friendship and struggle, was a power that Mumm-Ra could never truly understand or defeat.
Lion-O clenched his fists, a low growl rumbling in his throat as he paced the perimeter of their makeshift camp. The stories of his friends' bravery should have inspired him, but instead, he felt a creeping darkness gnawing at the edges of his mind.
"Lion-O," Tessa's measured voice cut through his brooding. She approached with careful steps, her violet eyes studying him intently. "Your energy... it's turbulent. What troubles you?"
He whirled to face her, his blue eyes flashing. "How can I lead when I can barely control myself? This darkness inside me, it's like a caged beast, always fighting to get out!"
Tessa's ears flattened slightly, but her voice remained calm. "The darkness you feel, it's not just yours. Mumm-Ra's spell brought it out, but it's feeding on your negative emotions. Every moment of anger, every doubt—it's like fuel to a fire."
Lion-O's shoulders slumped. "So what am I supposed to do? Pretend everything's fine when it's not?"
"No," Lynx-O's weathered voice joined the conversation as he approached, guided by his acute hearing. "You must learn to acknowledge your emotions without letting them control you. It's a discipline, Lion-O, one that takes time and practice."
"But we don't have time!" Lion-O snapped, immediately regretting his outburst. "I... I'm sorry. I just feel so powerless sometimes."
Tessa stepped closer, hesitantly placing a hand on Lion-O's arm. "You're not alone in this fight, Lion-O. We're all here, standing with you."
Lynx-O nodded sagely. "Remember, true strength comes from within. The Sword of Omens chose you for a reason. Trust in that, and in yourself."
As Lion-O absorbed their words, a chill wind swept through the camp, carrying with it the faintest whisper of malevolent laughter. The young king's fur stood on end, and he saw Tessa's ears prick up, her body tensing.
"Did you hear that?" Lion-O asked, scanning the shadows beyond their firelight.
Tessa nodded, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Something's not right. It feels like... like we're being watched."
Lynx-O tilted his head, his unseeing eyes narrowing. "I sense a dark presence, faint but growing stronger. Mumm-Ra's influence stretches far, my friends. We must be vigilant."
As the words left Lynx-O's lips, the fire flickered and dimmed, casting writhing shadows across their faces. Lion-O felt the darkness within him stir in response, and he gripped the Sword of Omens tightly, fighting to maintain control.
"Whatever Mumm-Ra's planning," Lion-O said, his voice low and determined, "we'll face it together. As Thundercats."
The others nodded in agreement, but as they huddled closer, each couldn't shake the feeling that their greatest challenges were yet to come.
As the group gathered their gear, preparing to move out, Lynx-O suddenly stiffened, his blind eyes widening. The old lynx's psychic abilities had always been strong, but now they seemed to overwhelm him. He stumbled, and Lion-O rushed to steady him.
"Lynx-O, what is it? What do you see?" Lion-O asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Lynx-O's unseeing gaze seemed to pierce through Lion-O, his voice trembling as he spoke. "I... I see darkness, Lion-O. A great evil that threatens to consume us all. And at its center... Pumyra."
Cheetara stepped forward, her brow furrowed. "Pumyra? But she's with Mumm-Ra. What about her?"
Lynx-O shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's not who we think she is. There's something... wrong. Something deeply, terribly wrong."
Lion-O felt a chill run down his spine, his inner darkness stirring at the mention of Pumyra's name. He fought to keep his voice steady as he asked, "What do you mean, Lynx-O? What's wrong with Pumyra?"
The old lynx turned his sightless eyes to Lion-O, his expression grave. "I sense a great deception, Lion-O. Pumyra... she's not herself. It's as if... as if she's been consumed by something else. Something ancient and malevolent."
Tessa's eyes widened in shock. "Are you saying Pumyra's been possessed?"
Lynx-O nodded slowly. "It's possible. Whatever it is, it's using her hatred, her anger... feeding off it. We must be cautious."
Lion-O's mind raced, memories of Pumyra's betrayal flooding back. He clenched his fists, struggling to contain the surge of emotions. "How... how the hell is this possible? What the hell has Mumm-Ra done to her?"
Cheetara placed a comforting hand on Lion-O's shoulder. "We'll find out, Lion-O. And we'll save her if we can."
As the group stood in stunned silence, processing Lynx-O's revelation, the air around them seemed to thicken with tension. The once-familiar landscape of Third Earth now felt alien and threatening, as if Mumm-Ra's influence was seeping into the very ground beneath their feet.
Lion-O took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. "We need to move. Whatever Mumm-Ra's planning, whatever's happened to Pumyra, we have to be ready to face it."
As they gathered their weapons and prepared to set out, Lion-O couldn't shake the feeling that they were stepping into a trap. The darkness within him churned, feeding off his anxiety and fear. He gripped the Sword of Omens tightly, its familiar weight offering little comfort in the face of the unknown horrors that awaited them.
"Stay alert, everyone," Lion-O commanded, his voice carrying the weight of leadership. "We're heading into the heart of darkness now. Whatever comes, we face it together."
With determined nods, the Thundercats set off into the gathering gloom, the revelation about Pumyra hanging over them like a storm cloud. As they marched forward, Lion-O couldn't help but wonder: was this the beginning of the end, or merely the start of their greatest challenge yet?
The dense forest canopy above suddenly erupted with a cacophony of screeching lizards as Slithe's ambush party descended upon them. Lion-O's instincts kicked in, his muscles tensing as he raised the Sword of Omens.
"Thundercats, ho!" he bellowed, his voice carrying over the chaos. The sword's eye glowed fiercely, responding to its master's call.
Bengali leapt to Lion-O's side, his hammer gleaming in the dappled sunlight. "Just like old times, eh?" he quipped, a grim smile on his face.
Lion-O nodded, a surge of camaraderie momentarily overshadowing his inner turmoil. "Let's show them what Thundercats can do!"
The air filled with the clash of metal and the hiss of laser fire as the Thundercats engaged their ambushers. Lion-O's blade sang as he parried a lizard's attack, his movements fluid and precise. Yet, with each swing, he felt the darkness within him pulse, eager for release.
"Watch your back!" Bengali shouted, his hammer connecting with a lizard soldier who'd been creeping up behind Lion-O.
"Thanks," Lion-O grunted, spinning to face a new threat. His eyes darted across the battlefield, searching for their true adversaries. "Where are Slithe and Pumyra?"
As if in answer, a familiar voice cut through the din. "Looking for me, Lion-O?" Pumyra emerged from the shadows, her eyes glinting with malice.
Lion-O's heart clenched. Even knowing what Lynx-O had sensed, seeing Pumyra like this - corrupted, twisted - was almost more than he could bear. "Pumyra, please," he pleaded, "we can help you. Whatever Mumm-Ra's done—"
"Silence!" she snarled, launching herself at him with deadly intent.
As Lion-O parried her attacks, his mind raced. How could he fight her, knowing the truth? The darkness inside him surged, whispering that it would be easier to give in, to strike her down. He gritted his teeth, forcing the thoughts away.
"Lion-O, focus!" Bengali's voice cut through his inner struggle. "Remember what Lynx-O said - that's not really Pumyra!"
Lion-O nodded grimly, renewing his efforts. "I know," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "But knowing doesn't make it any easier."
As the battle raged on, Pumyra suddenly disengaged from Lion-O, her eyes locking onto Bengali. With feline grace, she sauntered towards him, her hips swaying hypnotically. "Bengali," she purred, her voice dripping with honey, "why fight for them when you could have so much more?"
Bengali's muscles tensed, his grip on his hammer tightening. "What are you playing at, Pumyra?" he growled, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Pumyra's lips curled into a seductive smile as she circled him. "Think about it," she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. "With the Sword of Omens, we could rule Third Earth together. No more struggling, no more fighting. Just you and me."
Bengali's heart raced, but not from desire. Every instinct screamed danger. "You can't be serious," he scoffed, keeping his stance defensive.
"Oh, but I am," Pumyra insisted, trailing a claw along his arm. "Don't you want to be more than just another soldier? Give me the sword, and I'll show you power beyond your wildest dreams."
For a moment, Bengali hesitated, his eyes flicking to the Sword of Omens at his hip. Pumyra's smile widened, sensing victory. But then Bengali's jaw set, his eyes hardening. "Nice try," he snarled, swinging his hammer in a wide arc that forced Pumyra to leap back. "But I know where my loyalties lie."
Pumyra's facade cracked, her seductive mask twisting into a snarl of fury. "You fool!" she hissed, her voice taking on an otherworldly timbre. "You could have had everything!"
As she lunged at Bengali, claws extended, Lion-O's voice rang out. "Bengali, watch out!"
In that moment, as Pumyra's eyes blazed with an unnatural light, the truth became undeniable. This wasn't just Pumyra corrupted by Mumm-Ra's influence. This was something far more sinister, a revelation that sent chills down Bengali's spine.
Lynx-O's unseeing eyes suddenly widened, his psychic senses overwhelmed by a surge of malevolent energy. He stumbled backward, clutching his head. "Lion-O!" he cried out, his voice thick with horror. "It's not her! The Pumyra we face... it's not the real Pumyra!"
Lion-O's head snapped towards Lynx-O, his blue eyes wide with disbelief. "What? What do you mean?" he demanded, barely dodging a swipe from Pumyra's claws.
Lynx-O's face contorted in concentration. "I can sense it now. A demon... a powerful, ancient evil. It's taken control of Pumyra's body. Her soul... it's trapped elsewhere."
Lion-O felt as if the ground had fallen away beneath his feet. His mind reeled, struggling to process this revelation. "No," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of battle. "It can't be."
But as he looked at Pumyra - really looked at her - he could see it now. The unnatural gleam in her eyes, the twisted snarl that didn't belong on her face. How could he have been so blind?
"Where is she?" Lion-O demanded, his voice cracking. "Where's the real Pumyra?"
Lynx-O's unseeing gaze seemed to pierce right through Lion-O. "The Astral Plane. Her soul is trapped there, while this... this thing uses her body as a puppet for Mumm-Ra's will."
Lion-O's heart clenched painfully in his chest. All this time, he'd thought Pumyra had willingly betrayed them. But she'd been a victim all along, her body stolen, her soul imprisoned. The weight of his failure crashed down on him, threatening to crush him beneath its immensity.
"This is my fault," he murmured, his grip on the Sword of Omens tightening until his knuckles turned white. "I should have known. I should have saved her."
Cheetara's voice cut through his spiral of self-recrimination. "Lion-O, focus! We can still save her, but we need you here, now!"
Lion-O shook his head, forcing himself back to the present. The demon wearing Pumyra's face laughed, a chilling sound that echoed across the battlefield.
"Finally figured it out, have you?" it sneered, its voice a horrific blend of Pumyra's and something utterly inhuman. "Poor little Pumyra, so filled with hate and betrayal. The perfect vessel for Mumm-Ra's will."
Lion-O's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint appearing in their blue depths. "Let her go," he growled, raising the Sword of Omens. "Now."
The demon merely laughed again. "Or what, little king? You couldn't save her before. What makes you think you can now?"
Lion-O felt the darkness inside him surge, feeding on his guilt and anger. For a moment, he teetered on the edge of giving in to it. But then he remembered Lynx-O's words about balance, about controlling his emotions.
Taking a deep breath, Lion-O steadied himself. "I may have failed her once," he said, his voice gaining strength with each word, "but I won't fail her again. We're going to free Pumyra, and then we're coming for Mumm-Ra. This ends now."
The demon's eyes flashed with malevolent amusement. "Such bravado," it hissed through Pumyra's lips, twisting her face into a cruel smirk. "But Mumm-Ra's power grows with every passing moment. Your pitiful attempts to save this worthless soul will only lead to your own destruction."
Lion-O felt his teammates tensing around him, ready for battle. He raised a hand, silently commanding them to hold. His mind raced, searching for a way to reach Pumyra, to give her the strength to fight back against the demon's control.
"Pumyra," he called out, his voice filled with determination and a hint of regret, "if you can hear me, fight! Remember who you are, a proud Thunderian. Remember your strength, your resilience. We haven't given up on you!"
For a brief moment, something flickered in the demon's eyes - a flash of recognition, perhaps even a glimmer of the real Pumyra. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a look of pure hatred.
"Your words mean nothing," the demon snarled. "Pumyra's soul will remain trapped, feeding Mumm-Ra's power until there's nothing left of her. And I will personally ensure that you suffer for every moment of pain you've caused her."
Lion-O's heart sank, but he refused to let his despair show. "We'll see about that," he said, gripping the Sword of Omens tighter. "Thundercats, prepare yourselves. We have a battle ahead of us - not just against Mumm-Ra, but for Pumyra's very soul."
As the demon retreated, cackling ominously, Lion-O turned to his team. Their faces reflected his own mixture of determination and uncertainty. "I don't know how," he admitted, "but we're going to find a way to save her. And then we'll put an end to Mumm-Ra's schemes once and for all."
The episode faded to black, leaving the Thundercats poised on the brink of their greatest challenge yet, with the fate of their former comrade hanging in the balance.
The scene shifts to the dark, cavernous interior of Mumm-Ra's pyramid. Shadows dance on the ancient stone walls as the ever-burning flames flicker in their braziers. At the center of the chamber, Mumm-Ra stands before his bubbling cauldron, his red eyes gleaming with malevolent satisfaction.
"Ah, my pawns dance so beautifully to my tune," Mumm-Ra croons, his raspy voice echoing through the chamber. He waves a decrepit hand over the roiling surface of the cauldron, and an image of Lion-O and his team materializes in the murky liquid.
Mumm-Ra's lips curl into a sinister grin, revealing pointed teeth. "Look at them, Ancient Spirits of Evil. The mighty Thundercats, scrambling like insects in the face of true power."
He leans closer to the cauldron, his reflection distorting in the swirling waters. "Little do they know, their precious Pumyra is merely the first step in my grand design. Soon, they will all fall, one by one, until Lion-O stands alone."
Mumm-Ra's eyes narrow as he focuses on Lion-O's image. "And then, when he is at his weakest, when despair has consumed his heart, I will strike. The Sword of Omens will be mine, and with it, the power to reshape Third Earth in my image!"
His laughter, cold and triumphant, reverberates through the pyramid. "Watch closely, Lion-O," he sneers at the oblivious image in the cauldron. "Your downfall approaches, and there is nothing you can do to stop it."
As Mumm-Ra's cackling fades, the image in the cauldron shifts, showing the conflicted faces of the Thundercats as they grapple with their recent revelation. Mumm-Ra's eyes gleam with anticipation, his confidence in his imminent victory palpable in the oppressive air of his lair.
To Be Continued…
Next time on Thundercats 2011 Season 2: Enter the Lunataks - Mumm-Ra unleashes the Lunataks, ancient enemies of the Thundercats, to bolster his army. The Thundercats encounter these formidable foes and must come up with a strategy to defeat them while dealing with personal tensions, especially in the resumed love triangle involving Lion-O, Tygra, and Cheetara.
Author's Note: Before I go, I would like to pay tribute to the passing of Celebrities, Actors, Actresses, Singers, Rappers, Artists and my Childhood Heroes that passed away last and this year, may they all Rest in Peace, Rest in Paradise and Rest in Power.
In Loving Memory of:
M. Emmet Smith (An American actor who appeared in over 200 films and television series, including supporting roles as Earl Frank in Straight Time (1978), the Madman in The Jerk (1979), Captain Bryant in Blade Runner (1982), Harv in Critters (1986), and Walt Scheel in Christmas with the Kranks (2004). He starred as private detective Loren Visser in Blood Simple (1984), the Coen brothers' first film, for which he won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.) (aged 88)
(March 22, 1935 – March 19, 2024)
❤️
Abdul Kareem "Duke" Fakir (An American singer. He co-founded the Motown quartet the Four Tops and performed in an ensemble under that name from 1953 until shortly before his death. He was the group's last surviving original member.) (aged 88)
(December 26, 1935 – July 22, 2024)
❤️
DJ Polo (An American DJ known for the seminal work he did with the revered MC Kool G Rap starting in the mid-1980s. As Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, they released three studio albums, including 1989's "Road to the Riches" and 1990's "Wanted: Dead or Alive," and one compilation project. Kool G Rap gave Rolling Stone his memories of his fallen friend. (aged 63)
(April 5, 1961 - July 27, 2024)
❤️
Erica Ash (An American actress, comedian, singer, and model. She was a cast member on the sketch comedy programs MADtv and The Big Gay Sketch Show, and she later starred in the Starz sitcom Survivor's Remorse.) (aged 46)
(September 19, 1977 – July 28, 2024)
❤️
Chino XL (An American rapper and actor. He released four solo studio albums. His album Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary (2012) won the 2012 HHUG Album of the Year Award. In addition to his music career, Barbosa acted in numerous films and on television, signing with Hollywood talent manager Stacey Castro and subsequently appearing as a guest star on the Comedy Central series Reno 911!, and CBS series CSI: Miami. His feature film credits include a co-starring role opposite Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson in director Rob Reiner's Alex & Emma (Warner Bros. Pictures) and several indie films, including Brandon Sonnier's The Beat, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Barbosa was the nephew of Bernie Worrell of the music group Parliament/Funkadelic, [3] and was also a member of Mensa International.) (aged 50)
(April 8, 1974 – July 28, 2024)
❤️
Maurice Williams (An American (aged 86)
(April 26, 1938 - August 5, 2024)
❤️
Enchanting (An American rapper from Fort Worth, Texas.[2] She was signed to Gucci Mane's record label, 1017 Records,[3] and gained initial recognition for her 2022 single, "Track & Field", featuring fellow rapper Kaliii, which gained over six million YouTube views as of the time of her death. She frequently collaborated with Gucci Mane, alongside Big Scarr, Coi Leray, Foogiano, and Kaliii.) (aged 26)
(October 9, 1997 – June 11, 2024)
❤️
Rachael Lillis (An American voice actress. She was best known for her performances as Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff in the first eight seasons of the English dub of the TV series Pokémon. In addition to voice roles in other animation works, she also provided voices for many video games.) (aged 55)
(July 8, 1969 – August 10, 2024)
❤️
Gataivasā Afa Amituanaʻi Anoaʻi a.k.a. Afa (A Samoan-American professional wrestler and professional wrestling manager. He is best known for performing with his brother Sika as The Wild Samoans. He operated the World Xtreme Wrestling promotion after he retired from pro wrestling in 1995, and trained wrestlers at the Wild Samoan Training Center in Minneola, Florida.) (aged 80)
(November 21, 1943 – August 16, 2024)
❤️
Ángel Salazar (A Cuban-American comedian and actor. He was known for saying "Sheck it out" ("check it out") before, during, and after jokes. As an actor, he was best known for his role as Chi-Chi in the 1983 film Scarface.) (aged 68)
(March 2, 1956 – August 11, 2024)
❤️
Richard Simmons (An American fitness instructor and television personality. He was a promoter of weight-loss programs, most prominently through his Sweatin' to the Oldies line of aerobics videos.) (aged 76)
(July 12, 1948 – July 13, 2024)
❤️
Seth Binzer (aka Shifty Shellshock) (An American rapper and singer-songwriter who cofounded the rap rock band Crazy Town, known for their hit song "Butterfly". He later had a solo career as well. Binzer struggled with addiction throughout his career and appeared on the reality television series Celebrity Rehab and Sober House.) (aged 49)
(August 23, 1974 – June 24, 2024)
❤️
Bill Cobbs (An American actor, known for such film roles as Louisiana Slim in The Hitter (1979), Walter in The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Reginald in Night at the Museum (2006) and Master Tinker on Oz the Great and Powerful (2013). He also played Lewis Coleman on I'll Fly Away (1991–1993), Jack on The Michael Richards Show (2000), and had guest appearances on Walker, Texas Ranger and The Sopranos. In 2012, he had a reoccurring role as George in the sitcom, Go On. In 2020, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for the series Dino Dana.) (aged 90)
(June 16, 1934 – June 25, 2024)
❤️
David Soul (An American-British actor and singer. With a career spanning five decades, he rose to prominence for portraying Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the American television series Starsky & Hutch from 1975 to 1979. His other notable roles included Joshua Bolt on Here Come the Brides from 1968 to 1970 and as the lead actor in the 1979 American TV movie Salem's Lot. Soul also had moderate success as a film actor when he portrayed Officer John Davis in Magnum Force in 1973. During his career he also found success as a singer, achieving a number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1977 with "Don't Give Up on Us", which also peaked at number one in the UK and Canada. Soul achieved a further four top 10 entries and an additional number one single on the UK Singles Chart with "Silver Lady". In the 1990s he moved to the United Kingdom and found renewed success on the West End stage. He also made cameo appearances in British TV shows, including Little Britain, Holby City, and Lewis.) (aged 80)
(August 28, 1943 – January 4, 2024)
❤️
Dabney Coleman (An American actor. He was recognized for his roles portraying egomaniacal and unlikeable characters in comedic performances. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 175 films and television programs and he was awarded for both comedic and dramatic performances. Coleman's notable films include 9 to 5 (1980), On Golden Pond (1981), Tootsie (1982), WarGames (1983), Cloak & Dagger (1984), and You've Got Mail (1998). His significant television roles included Merle Jeeter on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976–1977), the title characters in Buffalo Bill (1983–1984) and The Slap Maxwell Story (1987–1988), and Burton Fallin on The Guardian (2001–2004). More recently, he portrayed Louis "The Commodore" Kaestner on Boardwalk Empire (2010–2011) and made a memorable appearance on Yellowstone (2019) in his final role. As a voice actor, he provided the voice of Principal Peter Prickly on Recess (1997–2001) and in several movies based on the series. He won one Primetime Emmy Award from six nominations and one Golden Globe Award from three nominations.) (aged 92)
(January 3, 1932 – May 16, 2024)
❤️
Shannen Doherty (An American actress. During her career in film and television, Doherty played a number of notable characters, including Jenny Wilder in Little House on the Prairie (1982–1983); Maggie Malene in Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985); Kris Witherspoon in Our House (1986–1988); Heather Duke in Heathers (1989); Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–1994), 90210 (2008–2009), and BH90210 (2019); Rene Mosier in Mallrats (1995); and Prue Halliwell in Charmed (1998–2001).) (aged 53)
(April 12, 1971 – July 13, 2024)
❤️
Shelley Duvall (An American actress and producer. Known for her collaborations with Robert Altman and for playing eccentric characters, she won a Cannes Film Festival Award and was nominated for a British Academy Film Award and two Emmy Awards. Four of her films are preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. Duvall gained further prominence for her leading roles as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's horror film The Shining and Olive Oyl in Altman's adventure film Popeye, both in 1980.) (aged 75)
(July 7, 1949 – July 11, 2024)
❤️
Toby Keith (An American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman.) (aged 62)
(July 8, 1961 – February 5, 2024)
❤️
Sid Eudy (An American professional wrestler, best known for his tenures in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), wrestling under the ring names Sid Justice, Sid Vicious, and Sycho Sid. Eudy was a six-time world champion, having won the WWF Championship twice, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice, and the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship twice. He held the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship once and headlined pay-per-views for both promotions, including the main events of WrestleMania VIII and WrestleMania 13 in 1992 and 1997, and Starrcade in 2000.) (aged 63)
(December 16, 1960 – August 26, 2024)
❤️
Fatman Scoop (An American rapper, hype man, and radio personality. Noted for his booming, raw vocal presence on various hip hop songs, he was best known for his guest performances on the 2005 singles "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and "It's Like That" by Mariah Carey, as well as his 1999 sleeper hit single, "Be Faithful" (featuring the Crooklyn Clan), which topped the UK Singles Chart in 2003.) (aged 56)
(August 6, 1968 – August 30, 2024)
❤️
Rich Homie Quan (An American rapper. My favorite songs from him are "My N***a" and "My N***a (Remix)" by YG, "Like a Man" by Boosie Badazz, "I Know" by Yo Gotti and "Ride Out" from the Furious 7 soundtrack along with Kid Ink, Tyga, Wale and YG.) (aged 34)
(October 4, 1989 – September 5, 2024)
❤️
Peter Renaday (An American character actor and voice artist, during a career spanning some six decades he appeared in 200 TV and film roles, as well as worked in radio and stage, and voicing numerous animated films and video games and making appearances at several theme parks. He is best known for providing the voice of Splinter (often referred to as Master Splinter or Sensei) in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated television series, as well as voicing Abraham Lincoln in The Hall of Presidents, Henry and Max in Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and Easy Pete in Fallout: New Vegas.) (aged 89)
(June 9, 1935 – September 8, 2024)
❤️
James Earl Jones (An American actor. A pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry, he was known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen. Jones was one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).[1][2][3][4] He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985, and was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009, and the Academy Honorary Award in 2011. He gained international fame for his voice role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, beginning with the original 1977 film. Jones's other notable films include The Man (1972), Conan the Barbarian (1982), Matewan (1987), Coming to America (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Sneakers (1992), The Sandlot (1993), The Lion King (1994), and Cry, the Beloved Country (1995). On television, he received eight Primetime Emmy Awards nominations winning twice for his roles in thriller film Heat Wave (1990) and the crime series Gabriel's Fire (1991). He also acted in Roots (1977), Jesus of Nazareth (1977), Picket Fences (1994), Homicide: Life on the Street (1997), and Everwood (2004).) (aged 93)
(January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024)
❤️
Frankie Beverly (An American singer, songwriter, and producer known primarily for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze. Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly are known for their songs include "Happy Feelings," "While I'm Alone," "Golden Time of Day," "Southern Girl," "The Look in Your Eyes," "Joy and Pain," "Before I Let Go," "We Are One," "Back in Stride," "Can't Get Over You" and "The Morning After.") (aged 77)
(December 6, 1946 – September 10, 2024)
❤️
Tito Jackson (An American musician. He was a founding member of the Jackson 5 (later known as the Jacksons), a group who rose to fame in the late 1960s and 1970s with the Motown label and had continued success on the Epic label in the late 1970s and 1980s. Jackson began a solo career in 2003 performing as a blues musician. He was nominated for a Grammy Award three times,[1] and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5.) (aged 70)
(October 15, 1953 – September 15, 2024)
❤️
Maggie Smith (A British actress known for her wit in both comedic and dramatic roles. She had an extensive career on stage and screen for over seven decades and was one of Britain's most recognisable and prolific actresses.[1] She received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, four Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for six Olivier Awards. Smith is one of the few performers to earn the Triple Crown of Acting. She was known for her roles as Reverend Mother in Sister Act (1992) and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series (2001–2011). (aged 89)
(28 December 1934 – 27 September 2024)
❤️
Kris Kristofferson (An American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He was a pioneering figure in the outlaw country movement of the 1970s, moving away from the polished Nashville sound and toward a more raw, introspective style. During the 1970s, he also embarked on a successful career as a Hollywood actor. He was known for his role as Blade's mentor Abraham Whistler in the Blade film trilogy (1998–2004). (aged 88)
(June 22, 1936 – September 28, 2024)
❤️
Dikembe Mutombo (A Congolese-American professional basketball player. He played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "Mount Mutombo" for his defensive prowess, he is commonly regarded as one of the greatest shot-blockers and defensive players of all time. Outside of basketball, he is known for his humanitarian work. A 7-foot-2-inch (2.18 m) center, Mutombo moved to the United States from the Democratic Republic of the Congo at age 21 to play college basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas. In 1991, the Denver Nuggets chose him with the fourth overall pick of the NBA draft. During his NBA career, he played for six teams, in the NBA Finals for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 and for the New Jersey Nets in 2003. He received the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award four times, tied with Ben Wallace and Rudy Gobert for the most awards. He led the NBA in blocked shots three times, led the league in rebounds twice, and was named to eight All-Star teams. On January 10, 2007, he ranks second among NBA career leaders in blocked shots. At the conclusion of the 2009 NBA playoffs, Mutombo retired and his number 55 jersey was retired by the Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.) (aged 58)
(June 25, 1966 – September 30, 2024)
❤️
John Ashton (An American actor, known for his roles in the Beverly Hills Cop films, Some Kind of Wonderful, and Midnight Run.) (aged 76)
(February 22, 1948 – September 26, 2024)
❤️
Pete Rose (An American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1963 to 1986, most prominently as a member of the Cincinnati Reds lineup known as the Big Red Machine for their dominance of the National League in the 1970s. He also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he won his third World Series championship in 1980, and had a brief stint with the Montreal Expos. He managed the Reds from 1984 to 1989. And he's known for his rivalry with WWE Legend Kane between 1998 and 2000 when he appeared at World Wrestling Federation's (now WWE) annual WrestleMania pay-per-view event, in what became a running gag.) (aged 83)
(April 14, 1941 – September 30, 2024)
❤️
John Amos (An American actor. He was best known for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries Roots and for portraying James Evans Sr. on the CBS television series Good Times.[2] His other television work includes The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on The West Wing, and the role of Washington, DC Mayor Ethan Baker in the series The District. Amos appeared on Broadway and in numerous films in his five-decade career. Amos was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. On film, he played numerous supporting roles in movies such as The Beastmaster (1982), Coming to America (1988), Lock Up (1989), Die Hard 2 (1990) and Coming 2 America (2021). Prior to his acting career, he played college football at Colorado State University. He also had a brief professional football career including signing with the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs.) (aged 84)
(December 27, 1939 – August 21, 2024)
❤️
Ken Page (An American actor and cabaret singer who created the part of Ken in the original Broadway production of Ain't Misbehavin' and played Old Deuteronomy in the original Broadway and filmed stage adaptation of Cats. He voiced Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas franchise and played in the original Broadway production of The Wiz as The Lion and the first Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls as Nicely-Nicely Johnson.) (aged 70)
(January 20, 1954 – September 30, 2024)
❤️