A single torch outlined the man on the ramparts of Castle Nightcloak. The rain caused his midnight black hair stick to his brow. There was something foul in the kingdom of Darnesia, though he couldn't place his finger on it. It wasn't his kingdom per se, it was his brother's, but both Andrew Nightcloak and Jessica Dorval were away on diplomatic business leaving him in charge.

"M'lord. You really shouldn't be out in the rain," a soft delicate voice behind him said.

"I'll be fine. A little rain never hurt anyone," Prince Timothy replied, turning to meet the woman.
 

She was a strange one, to be sure. A country full of humans and one feline woman. As she was half Tiger and half Lion, she had trouble fitting in among the common folk, being viewed as either a freak of nature or a curiosity. Either way, Timothy was determined to solve this little problem.
 

The story of this strange feline began about three months ago. A small pod had crashed about a mile west of Castle Nightcloak, interrupting Timothy's walk. He had pried open the pod and found her inside. The crash had caused many injuries, including a broken arm and several lacerations across the length of her body. Ignoring his conscience he carried her back to the castle and summoned the finest doctors to treat her wounds. When she had finally wakened, she had called herself Mittens, a refuge from a long gone planet known as Thundera.
 

"I'm sorry," Mittens said, "there's so much I don't understand about you humans, but for my sake then, come inside. We need to talk. I don't know about you, but I hate being wet," Mittens said, remaining in the doorway.

"And we haven't gotten used to the smell of wet cat," Timothy chuckled.
 

* * *
 

Two goblets of wine were set before Timothy and his guest. He settled himself into a high backed chair dating several generations back. He motioned Mittens to speak her mind. "M'lord, I received a message from the Duke of Cynperia to the east. He has ordered me to surrender myself into his care, else he will destroy your castle," she said.
 

Timothy narrowed his eyes. Duke Daniel of Cynperia couldn't stand anyone possessing something he did not. It would be just like him to include people in that category, and no doubt his 'care' would be better defined as 'nefarious clutches.' "If you're concerned about our ability to protect you..." Timothy began.

"No, no. It's not that. I'm just concerned that one of the few friends I've made will be killed because of me," Mittens replied.
 

Timothy stood and walked closer to the shaking woman. "These are dangerous times in which we live. Any one of us could be struck dead at a moment's notice," he said, "Trust me. You are but a pawn in a grand game of chess. You serve merely as Daniel's excuse for war. Men like him will fight at the drop of a hat."

"That doesn't make me feel any better," Mittens said.

"It doesn't have that effect on me either, but I accept it, because it's part of life," Timothy said with a sigh.
 

* * *
 

The Hovercat slowly lowered itself to the ground. Its lone passenger was exhausted and feeling drained. But, his mood was brightened by the somewhat comforting visage of his old friend Hachiman.
 

Tygra had been travelling west by northwest for approximately sixty days. Once, he had been Lord of the Thundercats. His fall from grace had begun with his own reluctance to accept the passing of Lion-O. He had lashed out at his friends, even going so far as to injure Wily Kat and threaten Aqualor. Ultimately he had decided to resign.
 

"Ho, Hachiman!" Tygra said, saluting.

"Ho, Tygra!" Hachiman replied.

"What brings you to this distant corner of Third Earth?" Tygra asked.

"Many months ago, I began receiving a terrible vision . . . "
 

It always began the same way; Lion-O standing on a high precipice, and falling to his doom. Friend Snarf and yourself walking in a realm composed of inky black. Mumm-Ra holding the universe in the palm of his hand, triumphant. The Sword of Omens crying out for help from the darkness.
 

Tygra blanched and stepped back. Realm composed of inky black? Mumm-Ra? The Sword? How did they all tie together? However they were connected, nothing could be solved at this late hour and in this weather.
 

* * *
 

"Incoming message from Tygra," Wily Kit said, turning in her chair to meet Cheetara's eyes. "He says he's met Hachiman and will continue northwest in the morning." The new Lord of the Thundercats nodded her understanding, and resumed her work.
 

* * *
 

The bulky samurai unrolled his small blanket outside of Tygra's tent, despite the Thunderian's claims that the tent would hold them both. "You are an integral part of my vision," Hachiman would argue, "I pledge myself to protect you or die trying. I cannot fulfil this purpose if I am not vigilant, and I cannot be vigilant from within your tent."
 

Tygra knew there was no point in arguing the point. Hachiman was a samurai known for his fierce code of honour, his swordsmanship, and his loyalty. If he wanted to sleep outside the tent, no force in the world could make him do otherwise. Shrugging, Tygra retreated into the tent.
 

* * *
 

Sunrise. Tygra arched his back, stretching, in the confined space of the tent. He exited the tent and went into the thicket to relieve himself. When he returned, he found that Hachiman had packed up the camp and was ready to go.
 

* * *
 

"An ill wind blows this day. The enemy is on the move no doubt," a sentinel remarked to his companion.

"Aye, Lord Daniel has his eyes set on the Darnesian throne. We'll be lucky not to see a war in the coming year," the other replied.

"Forsooth! What is that?" the first said. The second man turned to see what had caught his mate's attention. "We must tell Lord Timothy."
 

* * *
 

"Tell me, Tygra, is everything you have said true?" Hachiman asked, as the pair ate the lunch of cold lamb stew.

"I'm afraid so," Tygra replied.

"Lion-O dead. Truly the universe has lost one of its brightest stars. Surely this is part of what my vision meant," Hachiman said. The ancient samurai hung his head sadly and looked at the pommel of the Thundercutter. "The Lunatak Knave especially will pay for what has transpired to the Thundercats."
 

* * *
 

"Archers ready. Fire!" General Tyler shouted.
 

A volley of over a hundred arrows arced over the battlements and soared through the sky, only to bounce harmlessly off the scaly hide of a massive golden dragon. Its blood red eyes flashed with anger and malice. It opened its mouth, displaying long rows of razor sharp teeth. >From that mouth came a deafening roar and a fine gold mist. General Tyler looked up and found his hundred and twenty archers had been turned to gold. "Oh bugger," he muttered.
 

* * *
 

Timothy paced restlessly in the throne room. Daniel's army had pulled back, hoping for a quick surrender. Mittens sat in a small chair, seemingly comatose. Anyone who knew her well, also knew better. All Tigers were born with mental powers of a sort. Being half Lion hadn't disqualified her from this.
 

Her eyes jerked open. "I have entered his dreams and saw the events you wanted to know about. One of Daniel's prized treasures is an ancient tome. Long has he sought to decipher its secrets. Early last week, he discovered a dark rite to summon Golgoth, the gold dragon. He controls it through a coin with the image of a dragon on one face, and a clenched fist on the other. Destroy the coin and he will lose control of the dragon," she said.

"Great," Timothy sighed. "You make it sound so easy."

"My liege!" Tyler shouted, running into the room.

"What is it, General?" Timothy asked.

"A strange flying 'thing' approaches. One of the two passengers resembles the lady here," Tyler replied.
 

Mitts' ears perked slightly, and her eyes widened at Tyler's news. Creatures that were similar to her was a positive thing. "I guess we'd better go investigate," Timothy said at length.
 

* * *
 

Tygra and Hachiman looked up at the castle. They had seen an army massed nearby, but thanks to an illusion, had not been seen by the enemy. It was a traditional piece of architecture. Large stone bricks, iron wrought gates, arrow slits, and a massive drawbridge. It was this last thing that caught their attention as it slowly lowered to the ground. A single rider on horseback approached. He wore a deep shadowed hood and was clad in black. The mare he rode was likewise black. "Identify yourselves," the rider said.

"I am Tygra the invisible, of the Thundercats, and this is my comrade in arms Hachiman the Samurai warrior," Tygra said.

"Thundercat you said? Follow me," the rider said.
 

Tygra shrugged, not knowing what else he could do. Instead, he moved the Hovercat into the courtyard and followed the soldier, now on foot, into a study. Two of the three chairs were already occupied, though one was turned so that neither Tygra nor Hachiman could see more than the legs. The soldier pushed his hood back and faced the pair. "What brings you to my brother's castle?" he demanded.

"Your brother's castle?" Tygra asked.

"Do you have wax in your ears? He asked you a question," snapped Tyler.

"Hush. I can take care of myself. Now, I repeat, what brings you to my castle?" Timothy asked.

"I don't know for sure," explained Tygra, "two months ago I felt the need to wander the realms of Third Earth. On a whim I travelled north west, and ended up here, wherever here is."

"And what are you?" Timothy asked, settling into a chair. "Your friend is clearly human, but you are not."

"I am a Thunderian. A Thundercat," Tygra replied.
 

"I've heard enough, Timothy. You can stop the facade now. I believe them. A true Thundercat cannot lie," Mittens said, turning her chair around, "and he certainly looks like a Thundercat. I even recognize the symbol."

"Could someone explain what's going on around here?" Tygra asked.
 

"With pleasure. My name is Mittens. These are my friends Tyler and Timothy," she said, before telling Tygra and Hachiman of the latest events up to and including Golgoth the gold dragon.
 

* * *
 

Tygra looked deep into the fireplace burning brightly to the side. Somewhere, there must be a viable solution to the problem at hand. His confidence had been shaken. Too much chaos had been wrecked with him as a leader. Perhaps it would be better if he let someone else take control here. "What am I thinking?" he thought to himself, "I am a Thundercat, and my first duty is to the innocent. I've always come up with plans, suggested them to Lion-O. I may not be Lord of the Thundercats anymore, but I sure can pass on my advice to others."
 

"Prince Timothy. I am able to turn myself and others invisible. I've never really tested the limits of this power, but it would be advisable if I only tried doing so on one additional person," Tygra said.

"I'll go with you. I know who we're looking for and what he'll be wearing," Mittens replied.

"Then it's agreed. The rest of us will gather on the battlements. When the enemy arrives, we'll be ready," Timothy said.
 

* * *
 

"Tell me about the Thundercats. Are there many of you?" Mittens asked, as the two gathered what few supplies they would need.

"Nothing much to tell, really. We're much the same as we were on Thundera. Just that there are fewer of us than before. There's just over a dozen of us left," Tygra said sadly, "now stand back to back." Mittens obeyed, pressing her back against Tygra's.

"Will it hurt?" Mittens asked.

"It never has," Tygra smiled, twirling his whip around the two. "Now you see us, now you don't."
 

* * *
 

"Here they come!" Tyler shouted, seeing the army of Daniel moving swiftly across the plain. They were led, as before, by the great golden dragon Golgoth. In long lines of men they marched forward, determined to win the war.
 

Timothy's mounted knights burst forth from the castle gates, plunging headlong into the spear men of Daniel's army. Hachiman led the foot soldiers in covering the flanks. From the battlements Timothy and Tyler observed and barked out orders to the trumpeters. Both men hoped that Tygra and Mittens could take care of Daniel before the dragon got involved.
 

* * *
 

"That must be him," Tygra whispered, holding Mitten's hand. A largish man had emerged from a sizable tent. He patted his breast affectionately and looked out at the mob of men fighting. "It is a good day for my enemies to die," he cackled, clasping the shoulder of a servant nearby. "Let the men fall back and allow Golgoth to take control of the field."
 

* * *
 

A trumpet blared and men disentangled themselves from their opponents, some stumbling and meeting their end, others taking final pot shots at a hated rival, but most made it out without suffering further harm.
 

Timothy's men weren't so lucky. Golgoth soared above them all, his massive wings flapping furiously in the wind, kicking up dust. The maw opened wide, sharp teeth glinting brightly, and golden mist spread outwards, turning Timothy's army from an army of flesh into an army of gold.
 

* * *
 

"We're too late," sobbed Mittens, hearing the orders.

"That may be, but as Thundercats we have a job to do," Tygra replied, snapping his whip at Daniel. This caused both Thunderians to become visible.
 

Daniel turned, enraged at the audacity of the intruders. "How dare you abominations of nature. Cats were meant to be crushed underfoot, and so you shall!" he bellowed, drawing his sword.
 

Tygra had no time to pussyfoot around, to feel his way through this combat. With an army at his back and Mitten's life in danger, he had to win now. Fast. Three fireballs spread from the whip, alighting Daniel's jacket. A second snap caught around Daniel's legs, forcing him to the ground. "I'll turn you to gold for that!" Daniel sneered, reaching for his pocket, but the coin was gone, it had been in his jacket when it had been burned away.
 

Mittens flipped the coin in her hand once, in a show of triumph. She had seen the coin fall in the midst of the combat and decided that the best thing to do would be to secure it, lest Daniel get his hands on it once more.
 

* * *
 

The enemy army gave ragged shouts of fear as Golgoth became freed. Without anyone giving it orders, he was free to kill any he pleased, except the coin bearer. He liked such freedom and struck randomly at anyone he saw, transmuting most of Daniel's army into gold. Then he heard a voice. "Cease your violent ways. Return from whence you came," it said. The coin bearer. The voice was powerful, too powerful to resist. Reluctantly, Golgoth fled to his dark dimension, vowing to return some day.
 

* * *
 

Timothy welcomed the heroes home, glaring wickedly at Daniel. A victory had been won this day, but at the cost of several thousand men. Turned to gold forever, and there was nothing he could do about it.
 

"If the Sword of Omens were here," Tygra said, "we could free all these people. But it will only come to its rightful owner. A human, if what Aker said was true."

"Then we should all try. If the Sword of Omens will belong to a human, and we indeed are human, then perhaps it will come to one of us," Hachiman suggested.
 

"Sword of Omens," began Timothy, Tyler and Hachiman in unison, "come to my hand!"
 

* * *
 

Alluro swung his legs off the desk as he looked Knave in the eye. "You know. This talisman is more powerful than Mumm-Ra?" he said, tapping a long finger at an image in a book.

"So?" Knave asked.

"So, if we could get our hands on it we could finally do away with the bag of bones," Alluro said.

"Why are you telling me?" Knave asked.

"Because getting it is perilous. The person getting it might die if . . . What's happening to your Sword?" Alluro asked.
 

Knave had claimed the Sword of Omens when he had turned its prior owner, Aqualor, into supper for the Lunataks. Now, the mystical weapon was shaking in its sheath.
 

"I don't know. It's moving!" Knave said, as the sword leapt into the air and went through the wall. "We'd better go tell Luna the bad news."
 

* * *
 

The Sword of Omens flew strong and fast over Third Earth's terrain, through Darkside and the Forest of Mists, past the Tower of Omens, around the Berbil village, across the ocean and into the waiting hands of Timothy. He gazed down at it for a moment in awe and wonder. Then, remembering his duty, he held it over the frozen armies. "Sword of Omens, revert these golden statues into the people they once were. Ho!"
 

* * *
 

Much feasting and dancing had been done for an entire week. Hachiman and Tygra were eagerly packing their bags, getting ready for the journey home, when Mittens and Timothy approached. "I have decided to go with you, Tygra. The Sword of Omens belongs amongst the Thundercats, and I yearn for the adventure that such a posting will bring me," the prince said. "My brother, newly returned, has granted me that much."

"I, on the other hand, will not. I am needed here. I have a few friends whom I cannot bear to leave. Though I desire to learn more about my past and my brethren, I shall content myself with the knowledge that I am no longer alone," Mittens added.

"Well then. We will miss your company, Mittens, but the decision is yours to make. I wish you well," Tygra said, clasping her hand. "I name you Thundercat friend. If you ever need us, contact us at once."

"I will," she replied, brushing away a tear.

"Thundercats, ho!" Tygra shouted, as the Hovercat and its three passengers took off.