Morning brought little resolve to the twins' dilemma. If anything, it only proceeded to inform them how little they understood their own emotions. The whole of the night had been spent dissecting every feeling, every thought, every fear but so far all they'd narrowed down was that it was related to people not place.

A rather depressing result from hours of inner turmoil.

So, when they made their way into the dining hall come breakfast, the twins just knew they were tired, frustrated, and cranky.

Never a good way to start a day and even less so when one was expected to give some insight into the previous night.

WilyKit had decided that even if her brother would, she wasn't saying anything. Not because she wanted to be difficult but because she had nothing to report. Besides, she knew from experience that she liable to be all vinegar and sour lemons right now.

So, when Bengali decided to break the ice with a "How are two doing this morning?" She was rather distressed she didn't just bite her tongue.

"How do you think we're doing?" The poison in her tone stung. "We're as clueless as the rest of you about last night."

The table went quiet in surprise but Tygra, as per usual, was quick to jump to action. "WilyKit. That attitude is uncalled for."

"Especially when someone is inquiring as to your well-being." Cheetara carried disappointment in her voice, which was a thousand times worse than anger.

But the gentle reproach had its desired affect. Head down, Kit rubbed her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry." Go back to original plan, she coached herself. No talking.

WilyKat thankfully chose to step in. "We didn't sleep much last night. We were trying to figure out…well, why we got upset." He sighed, played with his spoon a bit. "But no luck."

Lion-o nodded, understanding painted on his face. "Maybe you two should take it easy today then."

Pumyra seemed to agree. "Sleep loss isn't a minor thing."

WilyKit, breaking her word to herself yet again, shook her head, waving a hand in dismissal. "We're okay. We just have a few more places to go to finish those maps and journals."

WilyKat added, "Besides, maybe not thinking about last night will help us figure it out."

His sister gave him an incredulous look.

"What?"

Tygra and Lynx-o chuckled a bit and the older cat said, "There may be wisdom to that. Often, we are so absorbed in the thoughts that we drown."

Kit frowned. It wasn't untrue, she supposed. "You think so?"

"I definitely think so." Cheetara smiled. "Some time outside is good for all of us."

"Where else do you two have to chart?" Tygra said and just like that, the meal resumed. Bengali gave her a grin and clap on the shoulder even.

It brightened her sour mood. "Out by Rocks' End."

Panthro chuckled. "Plan to stop by Kudi on your way?"

WilyKat grinned. "Of course! We haven't seen her in a while—"

"We've got lots to catch her up on." Kit finished. "We'll miss her."

"I think we all have friends here that we'll miss." Snarf collected sone empty plates. "But, mrr, still got time to make good memories!"

Perked up, WilyKit said, "That's right! Lion-o, we should have a farewell feast with our friends before we have to leave!"

Smarter stood on his tail with a squeal. "Ooo! Good idea, snarfer, snarfer! A final get together!"

WilyKat joined his sister's enthusiasm, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "Yeah! Couldn't we do that?"

Lion-o looked around the room. "I'd say we'd all like that, what say you, Thundercats?"

"Absolutely!"

"An excellent idea!"

"Sounds good to me!"

Kit beamed. "WilyKat and I can tell them when we go out today!"

Snarf meowed, twirling on his tail. "And I'll work up a menu!"

Panthro smiled. The excitement was tangible. "Might be nice to get everyone together again. It's been a long time for some of them!"

The twins stood. "We'll go right now!"

Cheetara caught them by the shoulder. "Ah! Eat first! Especially since you didn't get decent sleep. Your body has to run on something."

Tygra laughed as the children's faces fell. "She's right. Besides, there's still some lovely looking muffins here they Snarf sure worked hard on."

Caught, the two capitulated, taking a muffin each, saying "Then, we're off."

Lion-o gave a light chuckle. "Thunderkittens, take your time. It's not like our friends are going to vanish."

OOO

The crackly voice cut the silence of the tomb.

"Ancient Ones, the spell is ready."

A drop of dark black entered the cauldron pool. At one point, long ago, it might have been blood but time had long since stolen any resemblance.

"One, for those unshielded."

"Twice, where safety is yielded."

"Thrice, thrice, I say

"From this world, I damn my prey."

"Into oblivion, yet not to death."

"When my body spent, no more breath."

"Away. Away. My enemies flee."

"Where none are heard and none can see."