Knave Iespyk lay with his legs stretched across his crimson coloured couch. Lying in his arms, her head resting gently against his shoulder and her arm draped limply over his chest, was his wife Shade.
 

It had been just over two months since she had told him that she was pregnant, and things had changed very little on the spheroid known as Third Earth.
 

The Thundercats were still trying to cope without two of their members. Their Lord, Tygra, had retired and gone on some sort of pilgrimage to find himself. His one time rival amongst the Thundercats, Aqualor, had been lost to the team in a battle against the Lunataks. The half-squid had provided a most delicious meal, Knave reflected. Not a single person left the table unhappy. The Thundercats had made numerous attempts to invade the Skycruiser to exact their revenge and reclaim the Sword of Omens, but the Lunataks had managed to repel each of these attacks with ease.
 

Mumm-Ra and the Mutants had been quiet for some time. Mumm-Ra was busily searching for the three items he had been told it would take to destroy the Thundercats. The Mutants had managed a few small raids on the Berbils and Warrior Maidens. But they were easy targets, and couldn't fight back. And so the Thundercats would be called, and all hell would break loose.
 

The Lunataks themselves hadn't done very much. With two ships and only enough manpower to operate one of them, Skytomb had been the unanimous choice to be scrapped and used for spare parts as the Lunataks tried to find a way to get home. There had been the usual conflict. Alluro was generally being harassed by Knave and Shade, but managed to bother the happy couple almost equally.
 

And that brought Knave's mind to the more immediate concern. Shade. Or more precisely, Nightshade. Living within Shade's body was a creature known as a wraith. It was evil to the core and could kill Shade at a moment's notice. Despite having been pregnant for two months, it was nearly time for his wife to give birth. Red Eye had tried explaining what was happening once.
 

"The creatures known as wraiths are universally hated. Any creature with one of these inside them is killed almost instantly, no questions asked. Therefore, the wraiths had to build up some kind of defence against this, to preserve their species. They evolved and soon were able to manipulate the reproductive systems of the creatures they inhabit, reducing the gestation period by about seventy five percent. Since the average Lunatak pregnancy takes about eight to nine months, it is quite reasonable to assume that your son or daughter will be born in just over two months. If I recall, Shade came early. Maybe that's why your child is being born a little sooner than I'd anticipated."
 

Knave had nearly flipped out when he had learned that Red Eye had known about this part and hadn't thought to warn him. But, he was family, and one did not upset family. Knave snorted. He was a fine one to talk. His own family hated him. His father wanted him dead, and his step mother hadn't cared at all about him. That left only Chilla. She had loved him, raised him, given him everything he could possibly want.
 

Knave shifted Shade off of his lap, and onto the couch. He had work to do, and very little time left if he wanted to do it.
 

* * *
 

Cheetalia sat in the mess hall, eating another fine meal of stewed yoghurt and fried radishes, smothered in a mixture of glue and bubble bath solution. It was the closest Red Eye had come yet to something appetizing. She poked at one of the radishes with her fork and looked up at her brother. Half brother more accurately, through the same mother. "So, Knave. What did you want to talk to me about?" she asked.

"This is not going to be the easiest thing in the world for me to do, but it'll be easier than what I may have to do," Knave said cryptically.

"Oh?" Cheetalia said, "you've piqued my curiosity, I'll admit."

"You are more familiar with the Cheetah powers than I am. Would it be possible for you, or any other person to enter a mind? To do battle with an entity there and kill it?" Knave asked.

"You're grasping at straws, you know. Thunderian law prohibits such reckless use of our powers. It endangers the mind of not only the host, but also the lives of those making the assault. If we were vanquished," Cheetalia let her voice trail off.

"Damn Thunderian law. We're Lunataks. I need to get rid of Nightshade. It's either her or me. She's told me that herself. Her offspring will need to devour the husband in order to gain life energy and substance," Knave said, "I'll call on anyone you think would be able to enter Shade's mind."

"Theoretically, anyone with mind powers could do it. They would need one or two anchors on the outside to lead the way and help them get out, but it would be possible," Cheetalia said.

"Alluro, the bastard, will probably insist on me begging him for help, but would it be possible for you to talk to Mystan about this. There's one person who I think we may need for this," Knave said.
 

* * *
 

Cat's Lair. The home of the Thundercats. It was a tranquil place on this day. The lord, Cheetara, had certainly left her mark on the team. She had redesigned the logo for their uniforms and built several smaller outposts scattered around key areas on Third Earth to allow their allies to get in touch more easily. Everyone had been asked to work a little harder to keep the Lair in perfect working order. So it was that Panthro noticed a small Crescent Fighter sooner than they ordinarily would have.
 

"I come in peace," a gravelly voice, Knave, said. "I come seeking the aid of Cheetara the quick."
 

* * *
 

Cheetara stood uneasily on the drawbridge to Cat's Lair and watched the small Crescent Fighter land. Behind her, out of hearing range were the Thunderkittens and Black Claw. Slowly the hatch opened and Knave Iespyk stepped out. He was not in a rush, but he clearly was desperate. "I'm so pleased to see that you trust me," he remarked, indicating the other Thundercats. He nearly added that he could flash freeze her and shatter her before the other Cats could move, but he needed her help. And that meant playing nice.
 

"Lady Cheetara. I come here seeking a favour for the common good of both our peoples," Knave said, "As you may or may not know, my wife is pregnant. Furthermore, she is possessed by a creature known as a wraith. When Shade gives birth, about two dozen wraithlings will also be born. Surely even you can realize that such an event must not occur. I have been assured that if these creatures are not protected by their mother and provided with food they will die within an hour. Where I need your help is entering the mind of Shade, and destroying Nightshade."
 

Cheetara rocked back on her heels, stunned by the news. "Why me?" she stammered.

"Because you can help. You can enter her mind with any others with psi powers. The more people we bring, the more assured we are of the success. You could even do it from the safety of Cat's Lair," Knave replied.
 

"You know. It's almost funny. Two months ago you killed one of my friends, nearly killed all of us. Now you're asking me to protect your people? Don't fool yourself. You Lunataks would be the first to fall. The wraiths would use you as hosts and then kill you. Sweeping in afterwards to kill the wraiths wouldn't be much of a problem. Panthro's been working on something to defeat them. He's close. By the time the weapon is needed, it should be ready. Just think about that. One entire threat neutralized," Cheetara remarked.
 

"You wouldn't do that. You're not entirely sure of yourself. You can't guarantee that we Lunataks wouldn't beat Nightshade on our own," Knave said, stalking closer, "and then we would remember this slight. We defeated you once already. There's no reason we couldn't do it again. Annihilate the Tower of Omens, pick the rest of you pathetic Cats off one by one. It wouldn't be hard. You're too predictable. Capture one Cat, kill them, wait for you to split up searching for the lost, hunt you all down and kill you. But save you for last. Let you listen to the death toll, maybe enjoy that very attractive body of yours, make you beg us to kill you. Then, when you've begged yourself hoarse, we'd gut you, throw you to whatever creatures happen to come across your rotting corpse." He felt weak hands grabbing his wrists and laughed. "Pathetic cubs. Unhand me or . . . "

"You'll do nothing," Black Claw warned, the tips of his glove nails pressing lightly into his back.
 

"Stop this. All of you. Knave, I will help you however I can. On one condition. I won't ask you to change your ways. You'd never do that. All I ask is that you at least try to cause less mayhem," Cheetara said. "Send a message to the Lair when you are prepared and I will be with you." That said, Cheetara turned around and, flanked by the Thunderkittens and Black Claw, returned to the Lair.
 

* * *
 

The Darter jolted sideways. Darius didn't even bother looking back. Psychro had things under control, and if he didn't there would be loads of cursing. Sure enough, the ship stabilized and levelled off. "What happened this time?" he asked, not looking up from his instruments.

"A small meteor hit the starboard thruster, problem was easily solved," Psychro said smugly.

"We're almost there, sir," Cameo said.

"Excellent. Take us in. Psikaris can direct you the rest of the way," Darius replied.
 

* * *
 

"No, no, no. I didn't quite hear you. And, I believe you should be on your knees with your head bowed, but maintaining eye contact," Alluro snickered.

"Alluro, I need your help," Knave snarled.

"Is that how you ask for help? More politely, and call me 'master,'" Alluro said.

"Master, please, I'm begging you. I implore you to help me," Knave said, as nicely as he could muster.

"Ah, that will have to suffice. For now. Come along. We shouldn't keep the others waiting," Alluro sighed, leading the shorter Lunatak out of the room.
 

* * *
 

Red Eye was among those gathered outside the specially prepared room. There were no other entrances or exits to it, beyond the door in front of which he now stood. It was empty save for a single light bulb. Shade didn't realize it yet, but this would be her holding cell while the others tried to kill Nightshade. The catch was that Knave would be in there with her. It was the only way to minimize the potential damage Nightshade could do. Sealed in that room she could kill Knave and Shade, but would eventually die. He moved around the corner to stand beside Mystan, Alluro and Cheetalia at the sound of voices approaching.
 

* * *
 

"Who's een charge here?" Tug Mug demanded, as the surveillance alarms were going off.

"Pheh! I am," Chilla hissed. "What of it?"

"Eencomeeng sheep!" Tug Mug replied.

"Blast it. I'll have to go outside to meet it. With everyone else down in the basement I'll have to have only Luna as back up," Chilla replied tartly.
 

* * *
 

The Darter settled to the ground. Psikaris had correctly identified the wreckage of Skytomb and determined that something must have happened. The next logical thing to do had been to track down the Skycruiser. Admittedly, Psikaris wasn't overly surprised to see Luna standing side by side with Chilla. Something had to give with only Tug Mug and Luna left to guard the Skytomb. Surrendering to Mystan had been the logical choice. Soon, though, those roles would change. Darius was the first down the ramp, disguised as Tycho.

"Luna! There you are," he shouted, running forward.

"Ingrate! Where did you go? Do you have any idea what kind of trouble I've been through at the mercy of Mystan?" Luna snapped, thwacking Darius/Tycho with her riding crop.

"You were right, Psikaris. She's got that same nasty streak that all of Royal blood possess. Why, I remember this one time Tycho and I were merrily travelling along the yellow brick . . . " began Darius, before Luna cut him off.

"You and Tycho? You are Tycho, aren't you?" Luna asked.

"Oh, how silly of me to forget. No. Tycho is back on the Royal moon, awaiting your return," Darius replied, changing into the more comfortable shape of a generic Ice Lunatak.

"The Royal moon?" Chilla asked, "and who are you?"

"This is Darius. He is Tycho's guardian, much like Amok is yours. He's a shape changer. We've returned to bring you, and the rest of the Lunataks, back to the Moons of Plundarr," replied Psychro.

"And where does he fit into this?" Luna asked, aiming her crop at Cameo.

"He's the pilot of our ship. He's also one Tycho's guard," Psikaris said, face flaming purple.

"I see. Well, Knave will probably be happy to see the two of you," Chilla said, pointing at Psychro and Psikaris. "He needs all those with Psi powers he can get."

"Maybe I can help there. I'm able to borrow other people's powers," Cameo said. Chilla shrugged and led the way down to the basement.
 

* * *
 

Shade turned suddenly as the door slammed shut. Her lover, Knave, kissed her lightly and pressed a small syringe into her arm, causing her to black out. "I'm sorry, my love," he whispered, and then entered into a trance.
 

* * *
 

"Call coming through from Skycruiser," Wily Kit announced. "They say they're ready."

"Good luck, Cheetara," Wily Kat added, from another monitor.
 

* * *
 

The scene shifted. No longer was Mystan looking at the cold grey walls of Skycruiser, Cheetalia's hand on his, than he was on a large piece of level ground. Tendrils of smoke swirled around his knees, blurring the soft earth. As he looked around further, he realized that he was on a small island in a never-ending void. Several similar platforms stood scattered around. His friends and allies stood on some of these. He was a little startled to see Psikaris, Psychro and a stranger appear, but thought little of it because at the very 'top' of these islands was Shade's ulterior persona.
 

Clad all in black, eyes gleaming red, and raw power emanating from her, Nightshade was imposing. She let out a feral snarl and lunged at the nearest target, Alluro. Deftly Mystan hurled the stranger over from his island to Alluro's. There was no actual point in getting physically involved. Telekinetically moving companions would suffice.
 

* * *
 

Alluro danced backwards and pointed his psyche club at Nightshade. "You will stop where you stand!" he ordered.

"Come on, Alluro. That's never worked on me," Nightshade replied, snapping the psyche club in two.
 

Alluro? This was the hated Alluro? Cameo paused as he landed on the island. He was half tempted to allow the creature to eat him, or whatever wraiths did. But then he realized. This thing apparently needed destroying, and there was no time like the present to dispose of it. Twin blades emerged from his wrists, locking neatly into place. His knee blades could be employed if he so desired. Quickly Cameo dove at the wraith, startled only to find that he was going through it. The fact that he collided with Alluro didn't help.
 

"Foolish creature. I am only substantial when I so choose," Nightshade hissed.

"Well then, that causes a little bit of a problem," Cameo replied.

"Maybe you can resist physical matter, but my powers go behind the physical and include the psychic," Cheetara intoned, calling on vast amounts of energy. A solid blast of energy crashed into Nightshade, forcing her back a few steps, her smoky flesh beginning to sizzle.

"You forget. This is my realm, and what I say goes," Nightshade replied.
 

Cheetara fell to her hands and feet as the island she was on moved. More accurately, it turned upside down. Luckily a hand caught her as she fell. Psychro. "Can't have a beauty like you die in a place like this, can we?" he snickered.
 

* * *
 

Psikaris observed the fight, for the most part. She had an idea of what she wanted to do, but wasn't sure about the range of her attack. Mystan would move her closer at his discretion, still, she grew restless. They had nearly lost Cheetara. Alluro and Cameo were teetering on the edge of the void. The ground started fading away from her. Finally. When she was plunked down next to Knave, she was prepared. "Give me ten seconds," she said, "then attack. You'll know. Trust me."
 

Part of her powers was the ability to readjust molecules. She had never tried turning mist solid, but it might work. Only one way to find out. Gently she grabbed a telekinetic hold of Nightshade and began wrenching at her body. The others stood back, waiting for the process to be complete. When Nightshade hit the ground and began cursing Psikaris' name, they knew it was time.
 

Appropriately, Knave was the first to attack. His icepick sliding through the stomach of Nightshade, though she tossed him around like a rag doll. Cheetalia was next, connecting with four solid punches before being hurled aside. Cameo and Alluro regained their footing, and soon they too were involved, punching and slashing at Nightshade's thick hide. But ultimately, their attempts did little more than cause bleeding.
 

"Better get us over there, toots," Psychro remarked. Cheetara glowered, but extended her bow staff until the two were on Nightshade's island. The wraith smiled and snatched the staff from Cheetara's hands, breaking it across the head of Psychro.
 

* * *
 

Mystan snarled. He hated losing, and he hated getting involved even more. But it appeared that he would have to do so. If only to ultimately save his own hide. He didn't know how to get out, that would take Cheetalia's skill. In a fit of anger and frustration he grabbed Nightshade's limbs with powerful telekinesis and began tearing her apart.
 

Groggily Knave raised his head. He hurt from head to toe, but he would survive. He took in Nightshade's face, contorted with pain. But he knew that she might be able to fight that, and so he did the one thing he could do. Flash froze Nightshade, making her easier to tear apart.
 

* * *
 

The world snapped back into focus. Knave knelt on the ground in front of Shade's prostrate body, sweat pouring from his brow, and a tiny infant lay in a pool next to Shade. A tiny blue child, a shade darker than Knave. Pale yellow hair with a long black strip down the middle decked her head. Knave smiled broadly. The activity in her mind must have caused Shade to go into labour. He cradled the child in his arms.
 

* * *
 

The door opened a few hours later. No one had heard anything from Knave or Shade since the battle had ended. The door was to be locked on both sides, and there was no way of seeing inside. Shade emerged first, seeming exhausted and wan. Knave emerged second, a broad grin on his face. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present . . . Eclipse Dawn Iespyk-Twilight."