Thundercats: Return By Fire
Written by Jesse Morgan
-- Disclaimer: I do not
own any of the characters. The Thundercats are copywritten
to their respective owners. The characters have been altered or developed by
me, based on characters from the cartoon and comic book series. The plot and
story is based on the anime "Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture" and the
comic book "Thundercats: The Return." This story also contains
depictions of violence and adult language that should not be read by children
of a very young age. All comments regarding the story can be sent to
catsfan1@hotmail.com --
Thundera. It was a planet once
the home of millions of anthropomorphic felines. A planet
that was filled with peace, harmony among its inhabitants. It was
protected by a group of warriors known as the Thundercats. They were trained in
several arts of combats, with mystical weapons and powers only harbored by
them. They were strengthened by the Eye of Thundera and the Sword of Omens,
only wielded by the Lord of the Thundercats. They lived by a sacred code
uttered all across Thundera: Justice, truth, honor, and loyalty.
Decades of peace swept Thundera. The
only threat of the Mutants of the planet Plundarr. Years of combat
weakened their forces and they were not enough to get past the Royal Guard
anymore. The Thundercats purpose dwindled with time and they separated, only a
few remaining at the palace to protect the King of the Thundera from any severe
danger.
Decades of peace, safety throughout the land and seas
until the most dangerous threat fell upon Thundera. Years of wait before the
Mutants sought out a new help, a new aide in their quest to rule the planet of
Thundera. Their search took them across the galaxy, through a new land of Third
Earth. There they found the mystic, the ancient evil that was Mumm-Ra. They
called upon his help, swore undying allegiance to the mummified creature that
was created by the Ancient Spirits of Evil.
On Thundera, a war began. A war between
the people of Thundera and the Mutants of Plundarr. A
war that raged with fire and death when Mumm-Ra arrived on the planet of
Thundera. His transformed body a large summit of
muscle and destruction. His skin was the pale blue of a twilight moon.
Gold bracelets bound his wrists, his chest baring the emblem of a twin-headed
snake coiled around itself. His eyes were drenched in
red, the color of the blood he shed across Thundera with the one weapon that
gave him even more power than his decaying body was endowed with. He carried
the twin-bladed Sword of Plundarr, destroying what he could with the stains of
Thunderians and Thundercats alike on it.
He began to build an empire, taking over lands all over
Thundera. He constructed a city in his likeness, with the evil Onyx Pyramid
thriving in the center of it. He succeeded in defeating thousands before
attempting to take his fight to the heart of Thundera, the city home to the
King of Thundera.
Centuries of work and buildings crumbled into broken rock
again when Mumm-Ra struck. He enslaved thousands while taking apart the city
that was once a structure of beauty and prestige. He held the King of Thundera,
the youthful Claudus, in prison, left him there to slowly die away like that of
his people. But he had faith. Though his wife's blood was taken against the
blade of a Mutant's dagger, though he'd never seen the son she gave birth to
hours before the attack, he had faith. He knew the Thundercats still lived, the
very few that were the strongest of the group. He knew the
war would not be filled with not just disaster, but the bringing of something
greater.
When the war ended, the Thunderians stood triumphant with
the assistance of another ancient being. They sought out Mumm-Rana, a
supernatural woman also from the planet of Third Earth. She was bestowed power
that equaled that of Mumm-Ra, by the Ancient Spirits of Good. She pulled
together the remaining Thundercats and battled the forces of Mumm-Ra. The
Thundercat Jaga, an accomplished warrior that destroyed many Mutants in defense
of Thundera and the royal family, supported her. He passed on the Sword of
Omens to Mumm-Rana, battled by her side as she fought mercilessly against
Mumm-Ra.
Mumm-Rana defeated Mumm-Ra, in turn shattering the Sword
of Omens in her final battle against the immortal demon. She drove a final
shard of the Sword of Omens into the chest of Mumm-Ra. But it did not destroy
him, only disperse his powers. It drove his everliving
spirit into a stone statue that remains in an unknown area of Thundera.
Evil died that day across many regions of Thundera, as
did Mumm-Rana. Her days without returning to her sarcophaguses on Third Earth
diminished her power, left her weakened and unable to take the journey back to
her home world. Her spirit, along with the others that died in the war with
Mumm-Ra, passed from the world of Thundera, left it with peace to survive
through decades more of prosperity.
Those decades left Thundera without the Thundercats,
without a reason to fear a lethal enemy. Jaga remained loyal to the old King of
Thundera, Claudus. He, along with the Royal Army, fought any new breed of evil
until his death. His old age, years of fighting, took everything from hi
Good never exists without evil. And those decades only
brought hunger for revenge, for power, for a chance to be a God rather than a
King. Many sought with that hunger and failed. Still, it never ceased to exist.
It only harbored its energy and grew until it found its proper home. It waited
for its chance. It waited because Thundera now only existed with an army of
normal warriors, a government ruled by ancient laws and the myth that one day
the lost Lord of the Thundercats might return to power. But it was a myth and
evil did not believe in myths.
**
A desert, one of the few on Thundera, breezed with the
thick, dusty air of a blazing sun. The wind carried the sand across an airship
guarded by a few mutants of the planet Plundarr. Some still lived on Thundera,
scattered in the darkest areas of the planet, hiding in fear of being exposed
and killed.
Nearby, a deep shaft carried two mutants to their
destination. They searched with a lust to gain some form of power, control over
any area of Thundera. They were known pirates of evil, but they were never bold
enough to take their hunger for supremacy to battle. They knew they weren't
strong enough to handle any member of the army.
"Caw.. There it is. We've
found it."
The Vultureman, one of the few mutants
that carried a level of intelligence above normal regard. As smart as he
was treacherous, his cowardness was only exceeding by
few. But it didn't matter now. He'd located a treasure that was unknown to
many, but to those who did, it was power beyond mild imagination.
"Yes, we've found it and now power will be mine.
Now, I will rule the universe as my ancestor Ratilla
did so long ago."
Ratar-O's ears raised and his smile was heavy with that
of power. He was a Plunderrian mutant skilled in
combat that he rarely used. He was notorious across the galaxy, his long
mustache and twin
"You? I think that we were
going to rule," Vultureman squawked, squinting
his eyes at his supposed comrade.
"Yes, yes, we shall rule. But it is I who has the
warlike nature to truly give us control over this despicable planet,"
Ratar-O argued, pulling one of his
"Ah, but I am the one with the intelligence. Only I
will know how to use this new weapon," Vultureman countered, trying to
swallow back his obvious fear. He did not dare move. He knew he would risk
spilling his own blood by the weapon of his cohort.
Ratar-O lowered his jagged blade, narrowing an eye at
Vultureman before lifting a small golden box from the dirt. He sheathed his
blade again, eyes never wondering from Vultureman. He dusted it off, an
encrusted symbol of a twin-headed snake in the center of the box. "We shall
see Vultureman."
The wind outside of the shaft shifted in a new direction,
a jackal's eyes following it as it did. He watched the sand part slightly, a
lone figure approaching. His red eyes did not
recognize the large man as he approached, his steps light but full of purpose.
The jackal lifted his gun immediately, an accustom reaction to a new presence.
The steps grew heavier as the figure approached. The sun
settled against his figure as the sand slowed its movement in the air. A saber
tooth jutted from his mouth. His body was creation of muscle and obvious power.
His one long brown mane was a short-crop of hairs. His wrists were wrapped in
black armbands with spikes. His shoulders were covered in golden heads of a
saber-tooth tiger. His fists were clenched, tightening muscles that were hard
to see in the dark but were apparent by Thundera's
bright, hovering sun.
"Who... who goes there?"
The fear in the jackal's voice was evident when he spoke. But his response, a
deep laugh, quivered through his spine quicker than the fear. It burned against
his brain like acid and his once control of his weapon seemed to be wavering as
he tried to hold it steady, aiming for his target.
The laughter stopped and dark brown eyes full of
amusement settled into a blank stare, concentrating and drawing up energy. A
small glowing light, deep red in color, radiated from his muscular structure.
His fists grew tighter shut and a snarl curled his upper lip. He brought up his
arm, elbow bent, and brought it down quicker than the
change in the wind. His fist slammed into the ground and the land below quaked
violently.
A lava-fueled fire raged up from the sands, racing toward
the jackal. His fear suspended him in motion and the flames devoured him. The
lone figure stood back, laughing again before taking slow steps toward the
others.
Screams raced through the area as the other mutants
dashed around, some thinking to attack while others trying to find the safety
of the rocks around the area. Only laughter managed to break through the
screams before explosions rocked the area.
The dark sabre pulled one
mutant up by his throat, holding him above his shoulders with a gleam in his
eyes. He held out his other hand with his palm up, a ball of energy slowly
building from the heat that swirled throughout the area. The mutant struggled
against him, as his fingers grew tighter around the mutant's larynx, preventing
him from squealing as his companions did.
The dark stranger watched as another mutant, a reptile
stepped up, holding his gun up fearlessly. He began to fire and as quick as the
lasers cut through the dry air of the desert, the sabre
yanked the mutant he was holding in front of him, using his body to take the
brute of the beams. He chuckled again, tossing the limp body away before
hurling the ball of pure fire energy at the mutant. The explosion ripped up
more of the sand while leaving more than one mutant lying in immobile and
lifeless in the sand.
"By the moons of Plundarr, what is going on out
here?" Ratar-O asked loudly as he emerged from the shadows of the shaft,
Vultureman following with a wary expression.
Ratar-O surveyed the area, observed the raging fires that
consumed the lands and the lone sabre walking slowly
toward them. He tried to concentrate on his next move as Vultureman cawed
frightfully behind him. He clutched the box to his chest and moved quickly,
dashing away from the shaft. He could hear the ramped footsteps of Vultureman
following him, calling for him, but he had no mind to turn back and wait for
the terrified mutant.
A flash stopped Ratar-O, blinding him momentarily. He dug
his feet into the sand and tried to regain his vision, blinking past pain to
watch an agile figure flip through the air before landing in front of him. She
was youthful; her short scarlet hair marked by a black stripe that ran down the
middle of it. Her eyes were a vision of ruby and orange with a smile laced with
intent. Ratar-O smiled back, undaunted by his new challenger.
"Stand back wench or taste the blade of my sai," he warned, his lip curling while his eyes
narrowed. She didn't move, only smiled harder. He watched as she adjusted the
sole strap on her blue and pink outfit, one that barely covered her soft flesh.
He tried to configure a pinpoint, an area to strike before quickly drawing one
of his
Ratar-O tried to keep his balance as he swung back, his
blade searching for flesh. Again, it only cut through air as the young feline
leapt into the air. Her body spun in circles and Ratar-O was unprepared when
she released several small marbles from her hands, each exploding once they
came near. He rolled away, avoiding the destruction while cutting his own arm
with his sai.
"By the moons of Plundarr!"
Ratar-O's voice echoed through the air as he squinted at
the feline, her body lean as she knelt in the sand, a cunning smile on her
lips. He tried to forget the pain, the sight of his own blood dying the sands
of the desert a deep red. His fingers could barely hold his sai
between them, but he managed to. He found the strength to stand when he heard
Vultureman squawking and felt the wind as he ran past him.
"Run, you idiot! Run!"
Ratar-O continued to watch his opponent,
her body still while her smile irremovable. He figured it safe to move,
detecting that her attack was complete. He dashed through the sands, clutching
the golden box tighter. He ran uninhibitedly, his fear now rising because of
this unknown threat.
Again, his steps were slowed when he got a clear view of
another figure standing on a pile of rocks a few feet away. He slowed his feet,
glared at the young male as he crossed his arms, his stance unmoved by the
swirling winds. Only his hair, a mixture of orange and white that was parted by
two black stripes, managed to shift with the current of the wind. He tilted his
head up, his eyes emerging from the shadows that played over his face. His
orange eyes squinted and he smiled a grin that was becoming familiar to
Ratar-O.
Ratar-O lifted his sai, using
his failing strength to emit laser blasts from the eye in the hilt of the
sword. The beams missed as the male leapt into the air, an
nimbleness that was similar to the female Ratar-O had encountered seconds
before. His body danced in the wind as he clenched his fist and then opened
them, strong currents of the wind forming blades that were not completely
visible to the bare eye. They cut the land before Ratar-O as he hopped back,
trying to avoid the attack. He rolled again when another small bomb was thrown
at him and tried to detour his route toward his ship. But he was too late. The
young feline had concentrated his energy again and threw another air blade toward
the ship, cutting it in half.
"No!"
Ratar-O stood in awe at the sight of his ship falling
into two uneven pieces in the sand. He tried to drowned out the sounds of
Vultureman's wailing while watching the curious male flip back onto his pile of
rocks, a grin pushing the corners of his mouth upward. He fixed his brown,
leather armbands before brushing fingers through his short hair, arching an
eyebrow with a dare fixed into his expression.
"You arrogant child. I will
not die at your hands," Vultureman squealed, dashing toward the undaunted
young feline.
Ratar-O watched with wide eyes, never calling back for
his cohort. He stared with fear at another figure appearing from the blaze, a
smile on his lips. He lifted his hand without a thought, small red flares
forming a circle, a ball of energy that he released freely at Vultureman. Those
shrieks bled through Ratar-O's ears as Vultureman's body was burned away in
seconds. He watched the ashes hover through the air, his eyes fixating on the
newcomer.
His skin was pale, almost white in the high sun. His hair
was the blue of the sky, long bangs swaying back and forth as the wind moved.
He too had a youth about him, his sharp eyes red with hollow black pupils. He
wore a long, sleeveless red coat that had tails that danced with the wind. A
sword was at his side, one that Ratar-O had seen only in paintings and drawings
on walls.
"Ratar-O, descendent of the great Ratilla, shall not meet his death by the hands of any of
you," Ratar-O hissed, gathering his bravery while drawing up his sai. He listened to a challenging laugh before leaping
forward, concentrating so that his sai might slice
through flesh and draw blood upon contact. He was met in mid-movement by a red
blast of energy shot from the hand of the newcomer, his eyes still bright with
the laughter he had emitted before. Ratar-O's body fell with a thud and a final
gasp of air; his eyes open as his death came over him.
The laughter drew through the air again as the female
stepped forward, opening the box and drawing out a golden armband. She slipped
it over the hand of the pale man, watching as it naturally fastened itself to
his wrist. It gleamed in the light of the sun and his smile grew larger.
"Stupid mutant. Did you
really think that you could stop me from getting a piece of the armor of
Mumm-Ra the Everliving?"
The pale man drew out his sword and watched flames engulf
it. He swirled it around, drawing up the heat from the area before releasing a
fiery blast that annihilated the remains of Ratar-O's airship. He snickered and
leapt into the air, floating for moments with the power of the sword and the
armband. His smirk never faded.
The young, female feline glanced at her companions while
stepping back. She formed a small smile on her lips before whispering, "Katil's even more powerful and he only has two pieces of
the armor."
**
Feet barely touched the ground, running on the air and
almost through time itself. Only small bursts of air were left behind each time
she passed. Feet were guided on a search that kept her running rather than
trying a more logical approach to finding what she was looking for. But she
kept moving.
It was hard for her to see the faces, but her eyes kept
moving. They were mostly a blur of adults, women, men, and children. Just her
fellow Thunderians passed in the blaze and if she only knew what she was
looking for, she'd take a moment to stop and memorize some of the faces. But
she didn't know what she who she was looking for, what would draw her to this
man that was hidden by shadows in her mind.
She stopped for a moment, trying to gather her strength.
She caught the looks she received from others, others that had not seen her
there just seconds before. How could they? Her race was a master of speed and
she was one of the rare ones that ran so fast that many only caught the blur or
something passing, if that.
Her head hung low, her body bent forward with her hands
on her knees. She swallowed hard, looking around. She glanced back over her
shoulder, caught them drawing closer. She knew they were following her, not as
quick as her, but a bit more knowledgeable of the quick access streets and
tunnels that got them around the city. They were cloaked, hiding themselves
from the Thunderians because if any, from the smallest to the oldest, spotted
this group of mutants, chaos would ensue.
She took in a few more breaths and tried to concentrate.
She refused to give in. She would willingly sacrifice her life in the middle of
the streets rather than be captured by them, taken back to a man that not only
haunted her visions, but her soul.
When she could hear their footsteps, she moved. She leapt
into the air, tucking her body as she flipped before closing her eyes. She
listened to the way the wind took her before unfolding her body, letting her
feet land against one of the poles erected on either side of the street. She
bounced off of the pole, using the leverage to hurl her body feet first into
one of the mutants' chest, knocking him down. She leapt up again, dodging a
jackal as he tried to grab her. She flipped over him, ducking a punch from the
mutant behind her. She sideswiped him with her foot, knocking him over and onto
the fallen mutant.
"Come here fast one," a monkey hooted, latching
his fingers into her hair. She growled, resisting. He dragged her back and she
could see the blade he was beginning to raise. She wasn't sure if she was
really willing to give up her life if it meant the end of the world she loved
so much.
The eyes of the street began to look, some screaming in
horror while others looked ready to help. She knew if anyone interfered, they
would be killed. None of the Thunderians there were ready for this group of
mutants. Not unless they were trained properly.
"It would really be a shame if you were to hurt any
hair on that young woman's head."
The voice came from the shadows and she struggled to look
and see who dared to make the first attempt to save her. She narrowed her eyes,
focusing as a man younger than her emerged from the splashes of black and gray that were brought upon the night's sky and the lights of the
street. His hair was a crimson red, a wild mane of scarlet. His muscles flexed
under fair skin, eyes deprived of intimidation. He clenched his fists, hands
wrapped in black gloves with shredded leather armbands running up to the middle
of his forearm. Black covered his body, his upper arms bare.
"It would be a shame if we left your head in the
middle of the street for these miserable Thunderians to mourn over,"
hissed one of the reptilians, pulling out his dagger.
An eyebrow arched with a stern expression before a smile
pulled at lips and drew out a snicker. "Now that wasn't very nice."
The cheetah tried to struggle against the forearm that
was pushing against her throat, holding her in place. She could do nothing but
watch. She glared as one of the monkeys dashed toward the young lion. His fleet
feet lifted him into the air, a foot landing against the monkey's jaw, sending
him to the ground. She awed at the way he ducked a blade and leapt over another
mutant, arms reaching down and grabbing the dark cloak that hid the mutant's
identity. He used his strength and flipped the reptilian, throwing the mutant
into a nearby wall while landing on his feet.
"Ooh, ooh; kill him," the monkey that held her
captivated grunted out. She closed her eyes as the lion tossed another mutant
into a nearby glass window. She took in a deep breath and jerked forward,
flipping the monkey off of her. She did not look to see whether he landed on
his feet. She turned quickly and began her dash again, leaving the scene before
a word could be uttered.
"Now what about all that talk
about my head being left in the street?" The lion ducked each swipe
of the blade from the reptile, smiling slightly. He leapt backward, his foot
catching the reptile in the chin. He landed one knee on the ground with a grin
as the mutant soared backward and onto the ground. The dagger fell from the
mutant's hand, a small drop of blood sliding from his lip down to the ground
below.
The young lion brushed the dust from his arm as the
mutants quickly regrouped and dashed from the streets, leaping into a nearby
tunnel. He sighed and glanced around, a few of the onlookers beginning to
gather. He wasn't looking for recognition or praise for his efforts. It wasn't
in his character.
"Where'd she..." He glanced around quickly,
looking for the cheetah he attempted to rescue. He did not make it an effort to
save anyone, but when he did, he did not know them to run away.
"Great job buddy."
He ignored the acclaim and focused. Since a child, he'd
been able to sense things, find those he was looking for with a familiar smell.
He could still taste the sweat from her brow against the tip of his tongue even
though he had never touched her. It was just a natural tracking ability he had
that aided him when sensing danger.
He sniffed around quickly, ignoring any stares he got
from the streetwalkers. He tried to follow her scent in the air. It was faint,
almost nonexistent. Most cheetahs of that speed were like that. Quick, leaving a small trace that most Thunderians could not follow
without some kind of mechanical device. But he didn't need any special
tool to find what he was looking for. He smiled to himself when he figured out
a direction and began to quick run toward his destination.
**
The Great Hall was a structure of a grand design. It was
an artistic sight for many to look at; one that was visited daily by the
inhabitants of Thundera. It housed a shrine to Jaga and the Thundercats made of
ivory and stone. A glass case in one corner of the long building held a replica
of the Book of Omens, one of the most prized articles belonging to the
Thundercats. It was lost sometime during the war with Mumm-Ra, never recovered.
The Great Hall was a place where diplomats met to discuss the growth of the
city and an educational front for the children to learn much of the history of
the world that was once nothing but serenity and peace.
The Great Hall housed a celebration this night. Generals,
warriors, noblemen, elder Thunderians, ambassadors from nearby planets,
dignitaries, and others all gathered to celebrate another decade of peace. They
gathered, laughed, conversed about the government and the culture that was
growing throughout the lands. All but one sole Siberian tiger who stood to the side. He observed, listened to their
conversations with a mindful eye and tentative ears.
He felt more than out of place in this gathering of greats. Who was he to any
of them? He could hear some of their whispers, women directing their mates to
the fact that he was but a blacksmith, a young tiger in the midst of higher
Thunderians. He was unclear why he'd agreed to attend the celebration?
He was Bengali, a tiger with a drea
Bengali sighed and held up his cup, swirling around the
contents inside. He thought to drink it but couldn't. He watched while a few Roberberbils passed by, carrying conversation in an
automated form that was sometimes hard for him to understand. He ran his
fingers over the azure stripes on his arm, exhaling lowly while trying to look
entertained by his surroundings.
"Lynx-O, it's good to see you here."
Bengali raised his head and turned, watching as a tiger
approached Lynx-O. He narrowed his eyes, trying to remember the face. Was he
not a warrior, or once was? A proud tiger that was the topic
of much discussion around the villages? His stature was boastful, his
smirk painting a picture of arrogance in its simplest form.
"That voice. Why, it could not belong to anyone
other than Tygra," Lynx-O grinned, speckled black ears raising
reaching a hand out. It was grabbed by Tygra, held proudly.
"None other than the great Tygra," Tygra
conceded with a healthy laugh. The two laughed together while Bengali looked on
unimpressed. He took a quick sip of his wine and kept his attention focused on
the words exchanged between Tygra and Lynx-O.
"I hear that you're training Thunderians to be
warriors now. Teaching them the art of combat at your age Lynx-O?" Tygra
inquired, still holding Lynx-O's hand. Lynx-O drew it back with a smile,
heading turning as if to look for something. Bengali stood attentive, ready to
help if Lynx-O called.
"Why, yes, I am. In fact," Lynx-O replied,
finally turning his head in Bengali's direction, "I'd like you to meet one
of my young pupils."
Bengali stepped forward quickly when Lynx-O's hand raised. He allowed Lynx-O to rest the hand on his shoulder,
trying to look proud yet humbled. He offered a smile for Tygra, one that was
returned with curiosity wrapped in it.
"Tygra, I would like you to meet Bengali,"
Lynx-O spoke up, his introduction met with a welcoming hand from Tygra. Bengali
shook it without question.
"It's good to meet a brethren
who is under the guidance of such a dignified warrior such as Lynx-O,"
Tygra said, shaking Bengali's hand. Bengali drew his hand back with a nod, unsure of what words would raise Tygra's approval for
him.
"I am honored to meet a warrior such as yourself, just as I am honored and humbled to be under the
tutelage of a wise teacher like Lynx-O," Bengali finally spoke, voice
carrying the winds of esteem. He again nodded in Tygra's direction as Tygra raised
his cup, tipping it toward Bengali. He knew it was a sign of appreciation and
hoped it would ease some of the barriers he already drew up.
"I don't know if I can still call myself a warrior
for I have not seen battle in years, but the gesture is appreciated,"
Tygra spoke before sipping his wine.
Bengali nodded, his eyes slipping from Tygra's face for a
moment. He glanced over the tiger's shoulder, toward an image that felt more
pleasing. He watched as a young puma took graceful steps behind Tygra. He held
his concentration on her as she lifted a pale hand, drawing it through brown
locks of hair before toying with the ivory ends, settling into a comfortable
stance. She brushed the back of her hand against her cheek before lowering it,
letting it drop against a brown dress.
She must have caught Bengali's stare on her because her
eyes were now on him. Her lips formed a frown and she lowered her brow,
discouraged by his look. He quickly pulled his blue eyes from her, only
watching from the corner of them as she walked away. He groaned internally,
cursing the skies of Thundera for being so obvious in his adoration of her
beauty.
Bengali lost focus on the feline when his eyes caught
another flash behind Tygra, the wind that followed her unsettling the hairs on
the back of his neck. He watched as she bumped into a large lion, her body
bouncing back and off balance.
"Whoa, watch it," the lion growled, swiftly
turning around.
Bengali glanced upon the panting cheetah, her face a
mirror of confusion. She pushed back her spotted blonde mane and regained
composure. He cleared his throat quietly when Tygra turned also, Lynx-O's head
shifting slightly to follow the pattern of the noise.
"I'm sorry, I just..."
Her others words never made it above the sound of
shattering glass. The sound of a scream, a few gasps echoed through the hall as
a mutant, one known throughout Thundera as Monkian, stepped into the hall.
Gasps broke out through the area, fearful Thunderians taking steps backward
while others searched for an exit.
Monkian grinned, rolling a tongue over his lips while
twirling a bladed staff in his hand. His white fur moved slightly as he took
heavy steps toward the object of his mission. He eyed the cheetah trembling a
few feet away, red eyes glazed with accomplishment and fearlessness.
"If it's a fight he wants," Bengali growled
lowly, setting aside his cup before walking forward. A hand snatched his arm
and pulled hi
"No Bengali, please, let me," Tygra requested,
a face of wisdom and honesty.
Bengali did not want to back down. He wanted to prove
himself. But something in the way Lynx-O listened attentively with a face of
concern prevented him fro
"Ook, you challenge
me?" Monkian's question was dripped with sarcasm dressed in pride.
"Coming here was an unwise decision mutant,"
Tygra retorted, still walking valiantly toward Monkian. He followed the motion
of the staff in Monkian's hand, timing his meter and position.
"Challenging me is even unwise," Monkian
countered before raising his staff. He swung with might, the blade just barely
missing Tygra as he flipped to the side. He ran at Monkian, fist drawn back.
Monkian lifted the staff again, the wood catching Tygra's foot as he hurdled
into the air. Tygra came down to the ground with a crash, rolling away before
Monkian's blade could meet with his flesh.
The clatter of the metal against the stone of the ground
echoed as Tygra flipped to his feet, fist lunging and making contact with
Monkian's side. Monkian grunted but quickly countered with an elbow to Tygra's
jaw, sending the tiger back.
Tygra panted, thought of his
next move while Monkian stood erect again. He did not remember any of the
mutants being so quick or accurate. Something was definitely different about
Monkian, more advanced. He wiped away the blood from his mouth with the back of
his hand before running again, jumping upward and bringing his force down with
his feet.
Monkian backed away and yanked up his staff for another
attack. Tygra landed on his feet and rolled forward, dodging another swing of
Monkian's blade. He leapt backward into the air, trusting faith while using his
eyes to pinpoint Monkian's position on the ground. He managed to grab Monkian
by the shoulders and drive his knees into the mutant's back, causing Monkian to
scamper forward in pain. But Monkian's retreat didn't last long and his blade
came backward, Monkian's aim controlled by glancing over his shoulder. Tygra
was quick, the edge of the blade barely missing his ar
"What's the matter Thunderian? Can you not capture
me so easily?" Monkian questioned, turning to Tygra.
Tygra restrained his anger, sprinting forward. He ran
past Monkian's side, avoiding another swipe of the staff but Monkian's speed
countered the mistake and he slide the staff between
his fingers, the blunt end of it ramming into Tygra's ribs. Tygra rolled
forward on the ground until he was on bended knee, gripping his chest with one
arm while his other hand laid flat against the cold stone below him. He looked
up, Monkian but inches away with his staff raised,
ready to behead him without thought.
The sound of a crack unsettled Tygra. He watched as a
male lion kicked the staff from Monkian's hands, leaping past Tygra as the
staff slid across the ground. Tygra scuttled back with wide eyes as the lion
smiled proudly at Monkian.
"How dare you?!"
Monkian quickly ran for his staff as the lion roared,
flipping forward into the air and landed behind Monkian. Monkian yanked up the
staff and swung back. The staff made no contact with the lion as he jumped up,
coming down with his feet slamming into Monkian's hand; bones cracking like
thunder over the land. Monkian bellowed in pain but refused to drop the staff,
his other hand grabbing it and swinging again. Each swing missed as the lion
leapt back from the attack.
Monkian snarled with anger. He panted hard while eyeing
the lion jump once more, landing behind him. He pulled his strength together
and whirled his staff around once more. The lion watched the blade in the wind
and jumped, kicking the staff so that it revolved backward, the blade catching
Monkian in the chest.
Gasps fluttered through the room as Monkian fell slowly
backward, his eyes rolling back with his own weapon bringing him to death.
Cheers broke out as the young lion took a moment to regain his breath, dragging
his fingers through his red mane. He looked around as again Thunderians swarmed
him, congratulating him.
"How dare you enter the battle that was between myself and that wretched mutant," Tygra questioned,
pulling the lion around by his shoulder while still holding tightly to his
injured ribs. The lion glared at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Tygra, he saved your life," Bengali responded,
confused by Tygra's anger. Maybe his pride was too much to be thankful for
being spared an unnecessary death?
"I do not care Bengali," Tygra growled, eyes
still burning as they looked upon the lion. "Who are you?"
The lion ran a slow tongue over his bottom lip. He gave
an untrustworthy glare to Tygra, breathing heavy. "Not that I owe you any
explanation, but the name's Lion-O."
"Well, Lion-O..."
"It's you; it is you I am looking for."
Tygra turned his head with a scowl, his expression
softening when the cheetah fro
"You.. You’re the one I
helped out in the streets," Lion-O noted with a lowered brow. He had
tracked her to the Great Hall. He was only there to figure out the mystery of
this cheetah.
"Yes, I am Cheetara. I've come here in search of a
great fighter, of a fighter they talk about in villages and the cities. The one
that isn't looking for glory, just the good of defeating evil and helping
others," Cheetara gushed, laying a hand on Lion-O's shoulder with bright
eyes. It was as if she'd found the final ending to a dream she had for years.
But it almost was, for her.
"And I'm that fighter?" Lion-O inquired with a
doubtful glare. He felt uneasy with the stares of many of him while this
cheetah, Cheetara, boasted of his efforts to help others.
"Yes, you are. Please, I need your help to stop an
evil that could destroy all of Thundera," Cheetara pleaded, her hand
roaming down Lion-O's arm until she could grasp his glove-covered hand. She
squeezed it tightly, the desperation in her eyes more
than just a sentiment.
Lion-O stood in awe at her sudden need. He knew there
wasn't much to consider. Thundera was his home, the place he'd fought so hard
to keep safe. The planet he was born on, though he knew nothing of his past. He
only knew of being enslaved by mutants, being forced to help create structures
in the glory of Mumm-Ra. He could remember escaping, running for days in fear
of being captured again. He could still taste the tears against his cheek as he
swore to protect Thundera from the mutants and to fight until was he destroyed.
He would never be a slave again.
"All right, I will help you," Lion-O finally
agreed, his expression easing into a compassionate one.
"You will?" Cheetara gasped with glee.
"Hold on, if any fighter is going to be on this
mission to save Thundera, I should at least be included," Tygra
interjected with a grin. He stepped forward, eyes remaining on Cheetara rather
than Lion-O.
"And you shall not be alone," Bengali said,
walking forward with Lynx-O by his side.
"If there is a need for a fighter, then I'd be
willing to offer my assistance and knowledge of medicine."
Heads turned as the female puma from earlier strolled
forward, a look of seriousness jading any stares of disbelief. Bengali smiled,
tilting his head slightly to garnish a better view of the feline.
"And you are?" Tygra wondered, scratching at
his chin.
"Pumyra," she replied before turning her eyes
on Cheetara, "And I'd willingly help if it meant protecting this
world."
"All of you? All of you would be willing to
help?" Cheetara questioned with a raised voice of joy. She squeezed
Lion-O's hand harder and tried to control her emotions.
"Looks like you've got a group of volunteers ready
and willing to help," Lion-O smiled, looking over the others. He didn't
know what to expect from this desperate cheetah. He worried about the proud
tiger, the young Siberian, the blind lynx, and the mysterious puma. He was
unsure of what the coming battle was and what role any of them would play.
**
A hand rested against glass while eyes looked out upon
the planet she never had a chance to cherish. She sighed, remembering little of
her past. She knew of her name, Wily Kit. She knew the ancient sorcerer Mumm-Ra
raised her. Stolen as a cub, she and her twin brother, Wily Kat, were forced
into suspension capsules whose technology had been altered to increase age
rather than still it.
In some ways, she still felt like a child. But her
physical maturity was there. So were the powers that the Ancient Spirits of
Evil ignited within her, her brother, and the ruthless sabre
tooth warrior Grune. It was something she just couldn't escape.
“Slithe, what news do you bring
me?”
Wily Kit turned her head, hiding the sadness as she
watched the reptilian approach. She followed him as he approached Katil, his lithe body sitting on a throne at the front of
the room. Next to him sat a large beast, one that could have been considered a
dog, a pet, but much more ruthless. She stepped away from the window and closer
to Katil, eyes quickly glancing at her brother leaned
up against one of the gold columns in the room and Grune smiling across from
Wily Kat.
"Master, I have been informed that Monkian hasss been killed in combat with a Thunderian while trying
to recapture Cheetara," Slithe hissed, bowing
his head when he finally stopped in front of Katil.
"We should have killed off those bumbling mutants
when we killed off the Lunatacs," Wily Kat remarked, adjusting the leather
band around his wrist.
"By the moons of Plundarr, how dare you?" Slithe hissed loudly.
"Oh, please, you mutants have been as useful to us
as a group of insects. I think destroying you mutants off would have been a lot
more fun rather than killing those groveling Lunatacs, Plundarr's so-called greatest
warriors," Wily Kat gushed, eyes round with pleasure as he looked upon Slithe. Grune chuckled from across him, shaking his head
while rubbing his knuckles.
"You dare," Slithe
grumbled, wild eyes glaring at the young feline.
"Enough already," Katil
sighed, waving his hand around. The attention quickly fell on him as he lowered
his hand, letting it rest on the creature sitting next to his throne. He pet
delicate fingers against the rough blue skin of his pet, eyes wandering around
the room as his followers.
"I am not concerned about Monkian or his demise. Our
concentration must be on getting the final three pieces of the armor of Mumm-Ra
and regaining Cheetara. Without her, it will be a foolish search for the final
piece. We must seek out the pieces and Cheetara and then prepare to take over
all of Thundera," Katil insisted, raising his
hand again before gripping his fingers shut into a fist. The others only
nodded.
**
Lion-O felt uncomfortable walking through the ruins of a
temple that once sent shivers through the vertebrae of thousands. He felt a
wind gush over the back of his neck, one that felt tainted with evil. He
glanced around, trying to peer down dark, shadowy corridors that probably led
to even more malevolence. He swallowed back with disgust and continued to
follow the small light Cheetara carried as she led them through the Onyx
Pyramid.
"This pyramid has been off limits to any Thunderian
or outsider since Mumm-Ra's demise. It was thought that the powers that Mumm-Ra
controlled were still buried alive within the walls, waiting to possess anyone
that dared walked through here," Cheetara spoke, running the light over
different inscriptions in the bricks of the walkway.
"But there isn't much to fear now? This pyramid was
practically destroyed by any Thunderian who could get close enough years
ago," Tygra remarked, keeping his arms close by his side.
"Foolish countrymen who thought they could destroy
the power of a demon by destroying the stone he dwelled behind," Lynx-O
chided, holding onto Bengali's arm as he guided them through the shadows.
"Unfortunately, Lynx-O is right. Mumm-Ra's true
power did not exist behind the walls of his pyramid. What we Thunderians did
not know is that the evil spirits that created Mumm-Ra put all of his real
power into the pieces of armor he wore and the Sword of Plundarr. With his two
golden bracelets, the twin blades of the Sword of Plundarr and his crown,
Mumm-Ra was almost invisible to everyone except Mumm-Rana," Cheetara
explained, stopping in the center of a dark room, holding up the light to the
others.
"But surely Mumm-Rana had to know about the power in
his armor. After all, wasn't she the same as he was?" Bengali inquired.
"Yes, and that is why she entrusted only a few to
spread his armor across Thundera before she died. She knew that if anyone else
was to wear that armor, he or she would control the evil power that Mumm-Ra
once held," Cheetara replied, carrying the light to a nearby wall. She ran
her fingers over the rough surface, searching for something. When she found it,
she pressed in, a light beaming down from the top of the ceiling, providing
proper glow for everyone to see with.
"You mean the myth about Mumm-Ra's armor is true? I
thought it was just an old tale from village to village used to scare the
children?" Pumyra questioned, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm surprised the three of you were even old enough
to remember anything concerning the war with Mumm-Ra," Tygra scoffed.
"I was old enough to remember my mother dying in
that war," Bengali growled, eyes narrowing at Tygra with conviction. Tygra
remained silent, leaning against one of the walls.
"So what does all of this have to do with us?"
Lion-O asked, eyes wandering around the room to look at the paintings and
inscriptions along the walls.
"Mumm-Ra was controlled by higher beings, ones that
had one goal. They wanted to destroy the goodness of the world, control planets
with their evil. That goal was disrupted by the defeat of Mumm-Ra, but the attempt
never died," Cheetara explained.
"So you're saying they are trying to use another
body to host that power?" Lynx-O questioned Cheetara, gripping Bengali's
arm a little tighter with concern.
"They've gone past trying, Lynx-O. A being by the
name of Katil has been waiting years to seek out the
power that was promised to him while Mumm-Ra was still in power here in
Thundera. But he was still young then and the Ancient Spirits of Evil felt he
was unready. Upon Mumm-Ra's death, the spirits knew they would need a more able
being to hunt for the armor," Cheetara clarified while running her fingers
over a few of the paintings.
"Enter Katil," Tygra
noted, leaning off the wall as a speckle of dust fell onto his shoulder. He
quickly brushed it off, turning his nose up with distaste written in his
expression.
"Katil is something that
is much more cunning, much more devious than I think any Thunderian has seen
since Mumm-Ra. And his youth and growing power only makes it seem more and more
impossible to stop him," Cheetara exclaimed, silencing tears that rested
against her eyelids. Her fear could not be more apparent to the others.
"Cheetara, how is it that you know all of this and
none one else does?" Lion-O curiously asked, staring at her as she
continued to trace the patterns on the wall.
"I... I was a prisoner of Katil's,"
Cheetara replied softly, eyes looking down at the floor with shame. "A
small portion of my race has the ability to see things, if you will. A sixth
sense that allows us to sometimes see visions of the past, the present, even
the future if our power is great enough. Katil
captured me because no one is sure where the final piece of Mumm-Ra's armor is.
He tried to use me to find it and I came close, but refused to dig deep enough
to give him the ultimate power and the ultimate doom for Thundera."
Lion-O laid his hand on her shoulder,
a comforting gesture that he hoped would ease her slight shivers. Cheetara
sighed and looked up again, striving to smile for Lion-O. It was difficult, but
his smoothing hand helped.
"So how do we find these pieces of the armor, get to
the
"Katil has already been
successful in finding two of the pieces. He has one half of the Sword of
Plundarr and one of the armbands. We can reach the other three pieces, but
finding them is not so easy," Cheetara explained, stepping into the middle
of the room.
"Searching an entire planet for three pieces of an
ancient armor of evil hardly sounds like anything resembling easy,"
Bengali insisted. He could sense Pumyra's judging brown eyes on him and he
tried to avoid them. He closed his own and tried to remember the patience
Lynx-O had taught him through his training.
"Not easy, but possible. The Ancient Spirits of Evil
might have given Katil and his followers the powers
they need to succeed in combat, but he did not give any of them the knowledge
they need to transcribe the writings on the walls in this room," Cheetara
smiled. She watched as the others glanced around, some trying to piece together
the images while others tried to formulate a plan.
"This is going to take work," Bengali sighed,
lightly punching one of the bricks.
"But we can do it. I say we spend awhile in here
trying to put together what we can and then begin our hunt. We can search out Katil and his forces while still trying to find the missing
pieces," Tygra boasted, stepping into the center of the room where
Cheetara stood. He smiled at her with a glint in his eye.
"No, I'm sorry Tygra, but that won't work. I escaped
Katil in search of one man and that was Lion-O. He
should lead us," Cheetara countered, unimpressed by Tygra's approach. She
stepped back while he scowled. She turned her eyes to Lion-O, losing some of
her distain to look upon the young, quiet lion.
"I agree. I sense great power in Lion-O and believe
that he is deservedly the one that should lead us through this endeavor,"
Lynx-O concurred. Bengali and Pumyra remained silent, merely listening with
patience.
"Well, I think we should split up. Bengali, Pumyra,
Lynx-O... you three should try to figure out some of these inscriptions and
head from there. We can handle the rest. It would be easier for two teams to
find the two known pieces before we try to take on Katil
or look for the final piece of the armor," Lion-O advised, his voice
exerting a small fragment of confidence in his own words. He watched the nods
slowly, waiting for accord from each of his companions. He eyed Tygra, the
proud tiger staring at the ground with clenched fists. He waited while Tygra
lifted his head, eyes still filled with discouragement. He finally nodded,
exhaling heavily.
"Good, we'll take just a little while in here before
heading our separate ways," Cheetara chimed, turning to Lion-O. "And
there is someone I think you should see. Someone who I think could help us
figure out a few things about your past, Lion-O."
Lion-O raised his brow, curious. Even he knew nothing of
his heritage, his bloodline. He earliest memory was
that of being a slave and nothing else. Never knowing his
mother or his father. He could feel that this crusade was becoming more
than just an effort to save Thundera. Maybe it was a chance to save himself?
**
The sun was falling, leaving streaks of orange and pink
across pieces Thundera's sky. Lion-O stared up with
steady eyes, gathering his thoughts. He was seated on a fallen obelisk,
patiently waiting outside of the Onyx Pyramid. He ran a quick hand through his
crimson hair and sighed.
The flashes still ran through his mind. He could
sometimes still feel the sting against his back, old scars from a whip still
visible to him. He could feel the callus of his hands when he ran them over his
face, years of lifting rocks and moving dirt and sand. The battles he had
fought, mutants he had defeated still were just blurs in his mind. Too many for
him to remember every detail, but just enough to remind him that his life would
be nothing more than fighting to achieve something.
"It must be difficult to deal with all of
this," Cheetara spoke up fro
"No more difficult than anything else that has
happened in my life," Lion-O replied, glancing over his shoulder to view
her. He watched the wind lift strands of her spotted hair. She was calm in her
sway and he wondered how she could suffer for so long to become so gentle?
"I mean, I know it is hard to take it all in. I'm
not expecting any of you to just eagerly run into a battle you know little of,
but I have faith that this is a fight we can win," Cheetara said with a zeal in her voice. She stood in front of Lion-O and smiled, hope dancing in her quiet eyes.
Lion-O managed to smile back at her, his doubts hiding
somewhere between his need to help and his courage to face any battle. His eyes
darkened a little when Cheetara cringed, her hand quickly holding her head
while her eyes shut tightly. He quickly rose from the obelisk with fear as she
wobbled backward. He took in a sharp breath and grabbed her arm, holding her
steady as her body bowed forward.
"Cheetara," he called, his other arm slipping
behind her back.
"It's... it's okay. I just
had a vision, that's all," Cheetara breathed out, her head hung low as she
took quick breaths.
"About what?"
"Lion-O? Cheetara?"
Lion-O turned his head briskly when he saw Tygra
approaching, mystery in his expression. He looked back at Cheetara as she began
to stand erect again, still holding her head in her hand. He kept his arm
around her back while his other cupped her elbow trying to help her stand. She
lowered her hand and smiled at Lion-O, a few strands of hair falling over her
eye.
"I'm all right," she whispered, patting his
arm.
"We've found out that one of the pieces is being
guarded the samurai warrior Hachiman in a distant land here on Thundera,"
Tygra said, ceasing his walk once he reached Cheetara and Lion-O. He watched
them slowly drift apart with veiled expressions. His eyes peered at Lion-O for
a moment, unsure of his thoughts.
"Good. Katil has not found
that piece yet," Cheetara said with a soft grin on her ruby lips. She
pushed back those loose strands of hair and glanced from Lion-O to Tygra. She
could feel the tension in the stare Tygra was unconsciously giving Lion-O. He
was almost projecting thoughts that she could read somewhere in the haze
between them.
"How can you be so sure?" Tygra wondered,
drawing his gaze from Lion-O to her.
"Because my sixth sense, as of late, has been able
to let me see more than just visions. Since being around Katil
and that first piece that he attained, I've been able to sense every time he
gets another piece. It's as if his power is projected into the atmosphere and I
am drawn right to the feeling," Cheetara explained, sliding her left hand
up her right arm. She flinched slightly, eyes looking down again. It was
nothing she felt proud of. Her connection with Katil
frightened her, made her efforts more valued because she wanted to escape that
bond.
"Is that what your vision was what about?"
Lion-O asked with an eagerness.
"Oh... no," Cheetara replied quickly, turning
her head and leaving Lion-O to wonder about her mystery.
"Well, I think I know of someone who might be able
to help us in this coming battle," Tygra spoke up, again interrupting the
tension he felt between Lion-O and Cheetara. He quirked an
eyebrow while watching Lion-O slowly turn his head to him, still lost in
some thoughts.
"Right. Cheetara and me
will head out in search of the piece that is guarded by Hachiman then,"
Lion-O concurred, trying to find focus in his mission. He received nods from
Tygra and Cheetara, his solemnest fading as he found favor with his thoughts of
defending Thundera.
**
A new day was the coming of purpose. Bengali felt that as
he walked next to Lynx-O. The sun was sitting at its highest point, beaming
down feathered rays of light through the branches of the trees that stood tall
over them. He took in a quick breath, inhaling the fresh scent of the river
that flowed nearby. His blue eyes settled on the sight of Pumyra balancing
herself masterfully on a fallen tree nearby.
"I'm not quite familiar with the teachings of your
race. I've only heard the stories of pumas being more of traveling mystics
rather than warriors," Bengali stated, still watching Pumyra as she
carefully moved one foot in front of the other on the large tree.
"You should not listen to stories," Pumyra warned, her tone less than friendly. She held her arms out
to either side and concentrated as she moved.
"But I have never seen any one puma stay in one
place long," Bengali countered, discouraged by her unwelcoming demeanor.
"Why should we? All of Thundera cannot be helped if
we are sitting one place that does not need us as much as another," Pumyra
responded, keeping her eyes forward. She did not look down, letting her body
focus without fearing of making a mistake.
"And your race finds solace in that? How are
families raised? How do you find love?" Bengali inquired, his mind
drifting more to her beauty rather than her art form. Her agile body bent
forward and she did a handstand across the tree, feet landing in perfect
position when she stood straight again. She returned immediately to her former
stance and continued her walk, Bengali's eyes finding it impossible to focus on
the calling birds or the sun that was breaking through and shining into his
eyes.
"I am not here to search for love, Bengali. My
people are here to assist others when we can," Pumyra replied, breaking
her concentration to turn her head to him. She scowled, catching him off guard.
"As for family, I have made it through this life only seeing my parents
and siblings once in awhile and it has not hurt my
spirit."
"And that's the warrior ways you've been
taught," Bengali grumbled, quickening his pace.
"It has nothing to do with my combat training,"
Pumyra hissed back, returning her head to its previous position. She was losing
focus and her steps were beginning to wobble. She gripped her fists together
and sighed, trying to find her concentration again.
"Your race would rather train a female than a male
in the ways of fighting so that she might not ever find that meaning of love
and family," Bengali growled lowly, taking his eyes from her.
Pumyra jumped from the tree, her body twisting and
turning like a falling bird in the air. She landed in front of Bengali, halting
his walk. He stepped back with surprise while she held a finger up to him in
anger. She wrinkled her brow before hissing, "Do not tell me I do not know
the definition of love or family. I may be a skilled fighter, but I am not
deprived of that need to be with someone or find peace within my soul, Bengali.
I do not need a lonely blacksmith trying to assume the ways of my race or my
own beliefs."
Bengali was astonished by the anger in her voice, the way
it dropped a little with pain. He thought to apologize, seek understanding in
her now hardened brown eyes. But he couldn't. His pride was not standing in the
way, but hers was.
"Both of you, end this
now," Lynx-O demanded. Bengali and Pumyra quickly turned their heads to
the elder lynx. "We Thunderians are not here to make war with each other.
We are a planet of people who follow one law, a law that was upheld by the
Thundercats. Without unity, we will be nothing to Katil
and his minion."
Pumyra quietly took a step back from Bengali, her head
down. Her shame had taken the focus from her anger and she merely sighed and
turned away from Bengali. She waited for Bengali and Lynx-O to move before
finding a position next to Lynx-O, walking silently through the forest.
The shadows of the forest hid much, including a pair of
red eyes that stared at the three Thunderians as they walked. A soft growl came
from the beast hiding in the protection of large emerald-green bushes. The
beast took quiet steps in the opposite direction, spying them as he moved away.
He was sent on another mission and attacking the Thunderians would only anger
his master.
**
“So Cheetara and this Lion-O are headed to find the
Hachiman and one of the pieces while the three Thunderians are headed toward
one of the cities in search of the other piece?” Katil's
voice was thick with intrigue as he looked upon Wily Kit, her head bowed as she
listened.
"Yes Master Katil. Grune
is en route to the direction Cheetara and Lion-O are headed in while Wily Kat
is following the path Ma-Mutt has given him to find the three traveling
Thunderians," Wily Kit responded without restraint.
Katil laughed lowly, running
his fingers over the golden armband on his wrist. He admired its shine with
lidded eyes while speaking. "Then I will go to where Grune is so that I
can meet the Thunderian that killed Monkian."
Wily Kit looked up with astonishment. She had not known Katil to willingly head into a confrontation he knew his
other warriors could handle. She took a quick step forward.
"Master Katil, Grune is
already heading to take care of Lion-O, capture Cheetara and get the next piece
of armor. There is no need for you to go," she insisted.
"I know, but I am intrigued by this Lion-O. The
Monkian might have only been endowed with a speckle of the power that you, your
brother, and Grune have been given, but to defeat him in such a manner has me
curious to see this Thunderian's true power," Katil
replied, keeping his eyes on the armband. It was hard for him to look away, the
sheer power enrapturing him. "Besides, I can sense Cheetara's trust in
this Thunderian goes past the fact that he saved her. I can feel her affection
for him."
Wily Kit raised her brow, her surprise growing. She did
not know how he could feel it, how he knew the things he did. It had to be the
armor and the power it was releasing. His strength was growing, but Wily Kit
could feel that his attachment to the power and the supremacy the armor was
giving him was more dangerous.
**
The night settled into a war
"Do you think we should stop for the night,"
Lion-O inquired, turning his head to the quiet cheetah. She turned her head
with a smile, shaking her head.
"We don't have to if you think it's best we
not," she smiled out, brushing fingers through her soft hair. She found it
difficult to be concerned about their exhaustion when walking near Lion-O.
"Okay, but..."
Lion-O's words were only a backdrop to he scream that
rang through Cheetara and Lion-O as they walked. They both turned their
attention to the direction of the shriek, not hesitating to run toward the
noise. Cheetara reached their destination first, stopping immediately with a
quick gasp. She threw her hand over her mouth and felt everything inside of her
shift.
In the midst of the street stood Grune,
the broken lights of the street shining on his muscular form. Cheetara
quivered, watching him hold up a young, struggling Intergalactic Control Force
officer by the throat. Near his feet laid two more officers. Cheetara sensed no
life left in them, but she had no time to mourn them as Thunderians scattered
in utter panic.
Grune smiled at Cheetara, squeezing a little harder
against the IFC officer's throat. She struggled and tried to scream, kicking
legs becoming slower with little life left in them. Grune's grip did not become
any looser as he lowered her, waiting for Cheetara to react.
Cheetara felt her body tremble in fear, unsure of how to
save Grune's victim. She had seen the power Grune possessed, knew it was
something she might not be able to battle alone. She could taste her own fear
on her tongue, even when Lion-O emerged from the side street.
"Is this one of Katil's
warriors?" Lion-O questioned, panting for breath while still standing
battle ready. He gripped his fists shut and eyed Grune with rage burning in his
eyes.
"Grune." It was all
that Cheetara could muster up. She was still paralyzed with fear as Grune
walked closer, dragging the IFC officer's shivering
body with him.
Lion-O did not wait for a further explanation from
Cheetara. He quickly jumped forward, pulling together his strength. He caught
sight of Grune releasing his victim, the officer struggling for breath as she
crumpled on the ground. He kept his focus on Grune while drawing his fist back.
A burst of blue light illuminated from his fist and he swung it forward, the
energy released in his punch and sending Grune back a few feet. Lion-O pulled
up the officer and moved back, shocked at the way his attack only caused
Grune's feet to drag and pull up the ground fro
"Be careful Lion-O," Cheetara called out,
moving forward as Lion-O moved backward.
Lion-O laid the officer to the side, her voice still gone
as she continued to reach for air. He flipped backward and eyed Grune as he
walked forward again, unfazed by Lion-O's previous strike. His arm was held out
and Lion-O watched as a ball of red energy began to form in the palm of his
hand.
"By Jaga, what is this?" Lion-O whispered,
preparing to move again. He was prepared when Grune released the ball, Grune's
movement looking effortless to Lion-O. Lion-O leapt out of the way of the
blast, watching as it shattered through a nearby shop and exploded. He rolled
forward and out of the way of flying debris. He regained his composure and felt
Cheetara aiding him in standing.
"Lion-O, he's very strong," Cheetara warned.
Lion-O nodded, standing straight while still eyeing Grune. His approach was
slow, taunting, and Lion-O wasn't sure how to strike.
"Get ready to run," he whispered before
charging forward, ignoring Cheetara's call for him. He watched the grin on
Grune's lips grow. Lion-O hurled forward, his first kick blocked by Grune's
arm. His second kick connected with Grune's thigh just as his other leg came
back down. His attack brought Grune to one knee and Lion-O reacted quickly. He
spun around from his position, allowing the back of his fist to crash into
Grune's jaw. Grune fell slightly and Lion-O took it as a sign. He dashed back
and grabbed Cheetara's hand, fleetly moving from the area.
It wasn't hard for Cheetara to keep up with Lion-O. She
followed him into an abandoned structure, the shadowy building discouraging her
footsteps. She glanced around as Lion-O slowed, listening to his deep breaths
and the stillness of the structure. She released Lion-O's hand and tried to
ignore instinct inside of her telling her to keep moving, to keep Lion-O
running from Grune. But she sensed greater danger.
"So this is the great Lion-O that defeated Monkian
and the mutants."
Cheetara gasped at the voice, watching a figure emerge
from the shadows of a corner of the room. She stepped back in horror, watching
as a familiar large beast followed the figure, growling deeply.
"Katil," Cheetara
stuttered out, backing into Lion-O. She watched a grin curl across Katil's lips. She looked down to the beat, Ma-Mutt, and watched
him remain by his master's side. She swallowed back some of her fear, but it
was impossible for her not to shiver at the mere sight of her once kidnapper.
"Cheetara, I expected you to at least seek out the
help of someone who could at least defeat Grune. After all, you know of my
limitless power," Katil chuckled, taking another
step forward and sending another quake across Cheetara's spine.
Lion-O carefully moved Cheetara aside and then behind his
own body. He held his fists shut and narrowed his eyes, sensing something more
than evil in Katil. He waited to see if Katil would move.
"Lion-O, be a good boy, and surrender what is
mine," Katil requested with his painted smile.
He held his arms crossed over his chest, unfazed by Lion-O's appearance.
"That is not going to happen
Katil," Lion-O replied fleetly, still standing
ready for any attack.
"Is that so?" Katil
asked with another chuckle. He moved quicker than the wind itself, catching
Lion-O off guard. His first punch slammed into Lion-O's jaw, the second landing
against his chest. He flipped upward, his foot catching Lion-O in the chin. He
landed in the same area he had stood before with Ma-Mutt by his side, Katil laughing with pleasure as Lion-O fell to his knees.
"Come on. Is that your power?" Katil inquired with a mocking grin.
Lion-O panted hard, the back of his hand wiping his
mouth. He looked down at his knuckles, saw the blood
that was smeared there. He did not know how great Katil's
power was before. He had yet to meet an enemy like this. He looked up when he
felt a shadow casting over him. He eyed Grune smirking at him, standing over
him.
"Grune, he is no match for me. Rid this planet of
him," Katil scoffed, walking toward Cheetara.
Lion-O was quick about his actions, pulling his energy together
before hopping to his feet and kicking Grune hard in the temple. It knocked
Grune off balance and he rushed to Cheetara, standing in front of her as Katil stopped his motion. He was still weakened by Katil's attack, but not defeated.
"Since you won't just go away, I suppose I will have
to destroy you," Katil sighed, holding up his
hand. Lion-O eyed the red energy ball that began to form in front of Katil's palm. He took deep breaths, preparing for the
assault.
"No," Cheetara called out, her body moving
quicker than Lion-O's eyes could. She stood in front of Lion-O, surprised him
as she offered her own body as a sacrifice.
"Dear Cheetara, why must you be so
heroic?" Katil asked, closing his fist
and dropping his hand. Lion-O questioned Katil's choice
to stop his attack. He could not kill Cheetara. Lion-O knew she was the one Katil needed to locate the last piece of armor. Without
her, he'd never have the full power of Mumm-Ra.
"Get ready," Lion-O whispered to Cheetara,
pulling what energy he had left together. A di
Lion-O's eyes reopened and he drew his ar
"What a fool," Katil
laughed when the debris ceased to fall. He lowered the force field he had drawn
up around himself, Grune, and Ma-Mutt once Lion-O threw his blast. He glanced
around, still sensing Cheetara's existence amongst the fallen bricks and rock.
"They live to see another moon."
**
Music echoed through the night's sky, cheers from around
carrying the notes of instruments into the memories of many. Lights of various
colors danced off of homes and shops while a group marched down the streets of
a village. A parade entertained the inhabitants of the village and the visitors
that occupied the sides of the streets.
Bengali watched with a stern appearance, still
questioning why he, Pumyra, and Lynx-O had stopped to watch the parade. They
were in the village because they had received word that there could be a clue
as to where one of the pieces of Mumm-Ra's armor might be. Yet, he was
convinced by Pumyra's desire to view the spectacle, convinced by Lynx-O's need
for rest for a moment. And he wasn't quite sure where Lynx-O was in the crowd
anymore. He had allowed the older Thunderian to walk alone as he watched
Pumyra, watched something resembling a smile cross her lips as she watched
children dance and colors flash.
Bengali sighed as Thunderians ran about, some covering
their faces in painted masks that resembled creatures he'd only seen in books.
He caught a glimpse of a child being thrown into the air with glee, probably by
her father. It was something he was not well connected with. His own memories
of his father were about proving himself. A constant quest to
be a strong tiger. It wasn't his goal, but if it meant finding some kind
of joy in his father, he was willing.
He watched with admiring eyes when he saw Pumyra dancing
with a few of the children. Even her dance steps were graceful, something he'd
never truly viewed before. Her hair danced in the opposite direction her body
moved, white tips occasionally falling over her face like painted swipes of
snow. Her hands were in the air, her eyes filled with peace. He caught her
looking his way and hoped that he was seeing forgiveness in her expression
rather than just the beauty that encompassed her. He hoped that smile she shed
was just for hi
Lynx-O walked with his sense guiding him. He could taste
the happiness in the air, a taste and sensation he rarely experienced. He felt
gusts of wind when Thunderians past him, helping his mind to guide in the
direction he needed to walk. He needed to find an area clear of joyful
Thunderians so that he could rest, give his body a moment of relaxation.
He was unprepared when he bumped into something, a noise
come from it. He was surprised, his senses failing him for the first time in years.
He reached out and down, feeling fur when his hand came level with his thigh.
"I apologize," Lynx-O said quickly, still
feeling around. "You're a snarf?"
"Yep, snarfer
snarfer. Are you blind?"
The voice was pitchy, something Lynx-O had come to know
from the race of snarfs he had met in his lifetime. "Yes kind friend, I
am."
"I'm Snarfer. I've never seen you around here
before, snarfer snarfer.
New?" Snarfer questioned, a proud smile on his
lips.
"I am Lynx-O and me and my
friends are here in search of something," Lynx-O replied, sensing the good
spirit in the snarf's voice. He smiled and let his
hands rest at his side.
"You bumped into the right snarf then, snarfer snarfer," Snarfer
cheered.
Lynx-O raised an eyebrow curiously. "Then you've
heard of the armor of Mumm-Ra?"
"You bet," Snarfer replied happily.
Bengali felt a shift in the air, his eyes quickly looking
around. Something inside of him reacted and he felt the hair of his head
tingle. It was a cool breeze, one that ran down his back and left everything
inside of him unsettled.
Then he saw it. He saw a lone figure flip into the air,
his body spiraling before landing in the midst of the children and Pumyra, the
gusts of wind following him in strong currents. He clenched his fist tightly shut,
untrusting of this new stranger. He watched the way the crowd dispersed, the
parade halting and moving aside while Pumyra stood straight.
"What a beautiful sight you are. You can call me
Wily Kat," Wily Kat gleamed, offering his hand to Pumyra without
inhibition. She merely stared back at him with narrowed eyes.
Bengali found it impossible to hold his anger. He stepped
forward quickly, not close enough to Pumyra and Wily Kat, but close enough to
be seen. "Pumyra, move away."
"Pumyra? So beauty comes
with a name," Wily Kat purred, running a slow finger over Pumyra's arm.
She jerked back quickly, her upper lip curling. She swallowed a growl as Wily
Kat laughed deeply, still smiling with that haunting look.
"I assume that you are with Katil's
forces," Pumyra hissed, one hand resting on the tan belt that was wrapped
twice around her waist.
Wily Kat watched her hand, aware of his full surroundings
while staring at Pumyra. He did not let his smirk diminish, eyeing Bengali from
the corner of his eye. "I'm just here to warn you, the blind lynx, and
your little boyfriend that you should avoid getting in Katil's
way. He will get the armor of Mumm-Ra and Thundera will be his."
"What makes you so sure?" Pumyra asked through
gritted teeth.
Wily Kat merely laughed at her response, swiping his hand
over her bare shoulder before leaping back into the air, his form disappearing
as quick as the winds that raced through the streets
upon his jump. Pumyra placed a hand over her eyes, shielding them from the
flying dirt as pieces of the parade were whisked into the air by Wily Kat's
action. She turned her head to Bengali, his eyes still peering with fists still
clenched.
"I know where one of the pieces is," Lynx-O
called out, interrupting the stare that Pumyra and Bengali shared. Pumyra
looked away from Bengali first, still contemplating Wily Kat's words. She
didn't want to admit to the truth in them or the thoughts that they encouraged
inside of her.
**
Tygra held a steady hand on a door, questioning whether
or not to open it. He glanced around the street he stood on, a street deserted
with almost no signs of life. He was in a town that almost devoid of existence.
Shadows traced over everything as the sun slowly faded across the buildings and
dwellings that ran down the street. Tygra felt a tingling on the back of his
neck, an honest reaction to being in such a desolate place. But he was there
for a reason.
He pushed opened the door, eyes glancing around the small
shop. He glanced at different metal objects, some resembling weapons while
others resembling creations. He ran his fingers over glass, a case holding what
looked to be designs for some sort of vehicle. Tygra took a closer look,
admiring the penciling that made him yearn for his days of doing architecture.
"Sorry, shop's closed. Bring back what you have in
the morning."
Tygra grinned, listening to the deep voice fro
"Sorry old friend, I didn't know that the rules
applied to former partners," Tygra grinned. The panther stayed quiet and
Tygra took a few quiet steps forward. "What's wrong Panthro? No words for
me?"
"That would require me to ignore the fact that I
know you are here for more than just small talk and faded memories,"
Panthro replied, stepping from around the wooden table he stood behind. He
dropped the metal object into a pile of metal on the floor, the stuttering
clank resounding through the shop.
"How you know me still so well," Tygra grinned,
crossing his arms while eyeing Panthro.
"Who could possibly for