Author's note: The whole Grune thing confuses me. 1. The time. Grune said centuries when he was released, but that can't be since he fought Jaga. Jaga's old, but he's not that old. In my opinion, the writer goofed up, maybe on purpose, to add three things about Thundercats that we did not know about: 1.To show Thundercats can be bad. 2. To show Cheetara's psychic powers. 3. To show that Thundercats can transfer their powers. Another thing, to understand my series, I added ages to the Thundercats during Claudus and Jaga reign, and Lion-O's reign. It probably makes sense only to me, but I like to know these things. Claudus- 49, Jaga- 57, Grune- 53, Tygris- 55, Chetro- 51, Willow and Wanda- 50, Tygra- 15, Cheetara- 12, Panthro- 19, and WilyKit and WilyKat aren't born yet. I figure they were born a few months before Lion-O.
A Friend's Betrayal
By Salgal
It was a bright, beautiful day on Thundera. It was also a special day, too. So special that people from all over the planet cam to see this special occasion. It was special because the Lord of the Thundercats was getting married. Thundarians were happy to see Lord Claudus finally marry, but some people weren't happy to see Claudus marry such a young woman. Claudus was 49. He had a yellow mane, round brown eyes, and was 6'4. His wife-to-be was Katherine. Katherine 29 years old. She had long red curly hair, red almond shape exotic eyes.
They met at a battle four years ago. He saved her life and was taken in by her beauty. Katherine was also taken in by his looks, but his kindness and nobility as well. The courtship didn't begin immediately. They were separated for a year because the people didn't approve of him dating Katherine. Some people thought Katherine as a goldigger; using her youth and beauty to get the highest title of a Thunderian woman, Lady of the Thundercats. Others thought Claudus as man trying to rob the cradle. They thought is was best that Claudus marry someone his own age.
Only the Thundercats: Jaga, second-in-command;Grune, a saber tooth puma; Tygris, an orange-striped tiger; Chetro, a male cheetah, and twin Wildcats, Willow and Wanda knew that Claudus and Katherine were deeply in love with each other. they arranged secret meetings and realized that it's what they want not what the people want really mattered.
After the exchange of vows, rings, and one deeply passionate kiss in front of everybody, proving their love for each other, they were married and most of the crowd cheered happily. After the wedding reception, the newlyweds left Thunder's capital, Thundera City, to go on their private island just for the Lords and Ladies of the Thundercats.
Jaga has been appointed temporary Lord of the Thundercats until Claudus returns. He looks like he does on TV. Two weeks have passed and Claudus and Katherine were returning that day, and since it was a quiet day, Grune and Jaga were sword fighting in the gym.
"Tell the truth, Jaga. How does it feels to rule Thundera?" Grune asked as their swords clash.
"Its a tough job and I wouldn't want it unless I have to. 57 is too old to be anointed Lord of the Thundercats." Jaga answered and pushed Grune back.
"You mean you didn't enjoy ruling all you survey. The power." Grune said not believing Jaga.
"Power isn't suppose to be taken lightly, my friend. Nor should you let it go to your head. I can only mean distraction." Jaga advised his friend.
They clashed some more and Jaga disarmed Grune. Grune smiled and picked up his sword. "You needn't worry about me, Jaga. I'm not the type who thrives on greed and power. I'm a Thundercat who follows the Code of Thudera: Justice, Truth, Honor, and Loyalty," He assured Jaga.
Two months have passed. Nothing except battles with the mutants In a recent battle, Grune saved a sorceress life in battle. After the battle, she offered to reward him for saving her life. Normally, a Thundercat don't do things for thanks or payment, but Grune wanted compensations and thanks. She offered to teach him sorcery since part of him was magic, on his mother's side but she died before she could teach him. The Thundercats, especially Katherine advised against it, but
Grune said it would make him a better Thundercat. While the Thundercats battle the mutants, Katherine usually monitor the battles in the control room. As the battle dies, she noticed Grune using his power to aggressively. Grune shot his power at mutants as they flee back to the ship. When no one was looking, Grune shot his sorcery power on a tree and it was about to fall on a frightened mutant when another mutant pushed him out of the way. Katherine gasped in horror. Mutants were evil, but Thundercats don't kill and Grune almost killed that day.
That event troubled Katherine for the rest of the day. That night, Katherine looked out her bedroom window at Thundera. She was Lady of the Thundercats, and if their was something or someone who may pose a threat it was her duty to bring it up. So deep in thought, Katherine hadn't notice Claudus sneak up behind her and kissed her cheek.
"What's wrong, Katherine?" He asked concerned.
"I'm not sure I should say it or how to say it for that matter." Katherine said confused
"Katherine." Claudus turned her around to face him. "You are my wife, Lady of the Thundercats. You have the right to do and say anything you please. However, if you don't want to say anything about it now, you don't have to."
"Thank you."
"In the mean time," He said escorting her to their bed " we have some important business to take care of." He said slyly
"Oh, and what might that be?" She eyed him wickedly
" I do recall us planning to make a baby." He picked her up and gently placed her on the bed.
"I'm ready if you are." She told him.
He responded by giving her a kiss that lasted into the night.
The next morning, the Thundercats met in the counsel room for their daily meetings. Katherine joined them from time to time, and this morning she made sure she would be there.
"If there's nothing else to discuss," Claudus started.
"Claudus." Katherine cut him off. "I have something to say to Grune. Yesterday, I observed your battle with the mutants, and I noticed you were a little aggressive with them. I know they are evil, but you needn't try to attack them while they are trying to escape nor try to kill them indirectly with a tree. What I'm saying is, instead of using your magic so much, which tends to bring out your hostile side, fight without them. You were still an excellent warrior without your magic." Katherine suggested.
Grune grew angry at what Katherine suggested. How dare she tell him how to fight? He's been a Thundercat for over 20 years. She has been there for two months. "Who are you to tell me how to fight?! I'll fight any way I want! I've been fighting the mutants for over 20 years! You have been here for two months." Grune shouted angrily at Katherine.
Claudus raised from his chair angrily. "How dare you insult the Lady of the Thundercats! You have no right to speak to her that way!"
"Grune, what's gotten in you?" Jaga asked his friend.
Grune looked at everyone around the counsel table, who had a shocked expression on his face except for Claudus, who was heated with anger. "I'm sorry, Katherine." He apologized and left.
Claudus sat back down next to his wife. "I'm sorry about what Grune said, Katherine" He said taking hold of her hand.
"It's all right. I guess I pushed the wrong button."
Later that evening, Twilla went to answer the door at her cottage. A cloaked figure stood at the door. Twilla invited the person in. "I received your call. What was it you wanted to discuss?" Twila asked.
The figure removed her cloak. It was Katherine. "I wanted to talk to you about Grune?"
"What about him?" Twilla asked.
"Well, he seems to be more aggressive now that he is meddling with his magical side. I was wondering if you could stop his training? Just for a little while." Katherine suggested
"Maybe he's becoming more aggressive because of the mutants constant attacks. I really doubt it's the use of his magic that's making him aggressive but the mutants." Twilla said with an attitude.
"I sorry if I offended you." Katherine apologized
"Forgive me if I seem rude, your highness, but yes you did. He doesn't need to stop his training because his magic is making him stronger, which is what he needs to fight the mutants" Twilla said hotly.
"I see. Well, please think about what I said." She said as she put the cloak back over her head. "Thank you for your time. Goodnight." She said and left.
An hour later, Grune arrived at Twilla's cottage. He was looking through Twilla's magic books and tossing them around.
"Looking for something?" She said smartly.
"I need you to teach me more sorcery!" He shouted.
"Grune, you know learning sorcery isn't easy. It takes time." Twilla tried telling him calmly.
"I'm tired of being patient! I want you teach me more sorcery! I want the power!" He demanded aggressively.
"She was right." Twilla mumble to herself and Grune heard her.
"What did you say? 'She was right.'" He grew angrier and grabbed her shoulders and began shaking her. "Have you been talking to Katherine?" he asked throwing her to the floor. "Have you?!" He demanded.
Twilla got back up and looked at Gruen angrily. "Yes, I have. She told me that using your new powers have been making you more aggressive. At first, I didn't believe her, but now I see it was true. Your power is making you hostile and greedy, and I refuse to teach you anymore. Now get out!"
Grune grabbed Twilla and slammed her into the wall. "You'll teach me or you die." He said in an icy voice.
A month has passed, Grune hasn't been around much and seem to be slowly withdrawing from the Thundercats. Secret raids have been occurring on Thundera, but the Thundercats power have been divided between that and the mutants attacking. Other than that, things have been routine. Katherine and Claudus were in the counseling room talking and waiting for the other Thundercats when Katherine decided to tell her husband some important news.
"Claudus, Tygris confirmed me this morning. I'm pregnant." She smiled.
'You're pregnant." He said and felt her stomach and kissed Katherine. "You don't know how happy you made me. You never look as beautiful as you do now." He kissed her more passionately.
Just then, the rest of the Thundercats came in, except Tygris who was wrapping up work in the control room. "Hey, lovebirds. Honeymoon's over." Willow joked.
"Katherine's pregnant." Claudus said proudly.
The group was expressing their congratulations to the happy when Tygris came in. "Claudus, the officers of Basura request the Thundercats assistant. There's been a homicide."
Claudus became serious. "A homicide? Who was the victim?"
Tygris looked a little nervous before answering. "Twilla." She said and looked at Grune. "I'm sorry Grune. I know she was your teacher." She looked at Grune with even more sorrow.
"How did it happen?" Jaga asked.
"The officers and investigators aren't sure yet, but they assume she's been there for some time. A friend came by to visit her when she didn't answered the phone. She went to her home and found the body."
"Is it possible that Twilla's death is connected with these strange raids that have been occurring on Thudera." Chetro asked aloud.
"I don't know about that, Chetro. Tygris just said Twilla had been their a while. These raids just started a couple of weeks ago." Willow said.
"But maybe she was the wrong victim." Chetro spoked back.
"You're both wrong" Wanda corrected them. "Twilla's death and the raids aren't connected. The raids are in small cities, and with the mutants constantly attacking, we are having trouble keeping up."
"Enough." Claudus ended the disagreement. "You three. Go to Basura and assist the officers."
The three nodded and left. Grune and Jaga told Katherine and Claudus they were working on the next possible sight the marauders may attack and left. Katherine eyed Grune and sighed as they left. "I don't know Claudus. Something's not right."
"What do you mean, Kat?" Claudus asked.
"I have a feeling Grune's apart of this some how. I wouldn't have caught it if it hadn't been for Chetro, Willow and Wanda."
"Caught what"?
"Twilla, the raids and Grune."
"You're saying Grune killed Twilla and is apart of the mauraders that have been attacking Thundera?" Cluadus said trying to put the pieces together.
"Yes. I never felt comfortable with him around. I know he's one of your best warriors and is a good friend of Jaga, but I can't help how I feel." She told Claudus and got out of her seat. "Think about it, Claudus. I have to tell the good news to Delana." She said walking to the door.
"Say hello to Delana's husband and daughter, Cheetara for me. She's what, 12 now?"
"By the end of this month." She told him and left.
Two months have now passed. Katherine was starting to show. Twilla's death was called an unsolved mystery. No fingerprints were found in the apartment. They couldn't figure out how a sorceress got kill when she has power to defend herself. The marauders have been attacking more now and the Thundercats were being spilt apart because two raids may happen at the same time or mutants may land a surprise attack. The leader have been seen wearing a cloak, but nobody could catch him. However, they did get some luck. Chetro and Willow captured one of the marauders who were trailing behind after an attack. He was brought to Cat's Lair for questioning. All the Thundercat and Katherine were in the main hall. The prisoner, a male cougar was in chains at the wrist and Chetro and Willow held the prisoner's arm. The rest of the Thundercats were standing in front of them.
"It's a good thing Willow and I decided to visit the Ocelots today. Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten so lucky; capturing a member of the marauders." Chetro said proudly.
"Who are you and who is the leader of these attacks?" Claudus questioned the captive.
The prisoner didn't respond.
"Answer Lord Claudus." Grune ordered the captive.
"I am Tai, and I speak for no one except my leader. He despise you all and your Thundercat ways. He proclaimed he will be the next Lord of the Thundercats." The cougar spoke
"Yeah, right." Willow said not believing him and laughed.
"You won't be laughing when he's through with you. He's threatened to go after all the Thundercats." Tai told Willow.
"Why?" Jaga asked.
"Thundercats are weak. We have the power to control anything with the Sword of Omens, and you won't do it."
"What does your leader look like?" Katherine asked.
The cougar looked at the Thundercats and his eyes rested on Grune. Grune gave him a threatening look, and he returned his eyes to Katherine. "I have not seen my leader. He wears a cloak to hide his face." Tai answered.
"He's probably got an ugly face to match his ugly mind." Wanda joked.
"Where does he plan to attack next?" Jaga asked.
"I doubt if that information would be any good. Once his leader finds out he's missing, he's bound to change cities." Grune interrupted.
"You're probably right, Grune." Jaga agreed with his friend.
"Grune, take Tai to the prison cells." Claudus told Grune.
Grune took the prisoner and left. They were outside next to the Thundertank when Grune stopped him. He was looking at Tai very angrily.
"Sorry, boss." Tai apologized.
"You idiot! You almost exposed me for letting yourself get caught." Grune pushed him on the Thundertank.
"It won't happen again."
"You're right about that. You remember what I said about anyone getting caught." Grune said angrily.
"You can't mean that. I said it won't happen again." He said frightened.
"You should be lucky it's still daylight. That way you'll live until nightfall. Enjoy it." Grune said evilly and threw him in the car.
Claudus was in the counsel room reading the Book of Omens when Chetro entered. Claudus heard the door opened and looked up. "Chetro."
Chetro had a serious look on his face. "I have bad news, your highness. Last night, Tai was killed."
"What?" Claudus said surprised. "How?"
"Somebody got in his prison cell and broke his neck. Some officers, Jaga, and Tygris are investigating the prison cell right now."
"It's strange." Claudus thought rubbing his chin. He stopped and looked back at Chetro. "I believe it's possible that the leader of the gang got in and killed Tai to keep him quiet." Claudus told Chetro.
"More than anything, I say you are right. Have you seen Grune? I haven't seen him sense he returned after dropping Tai off at prison." Chetro asked Claudus.
Cluadus stared at Chetro as if he was onto something. "Could it be?" Claudus thought.
Katherine walked passes Grune's bedroom and heard some mumbled voices. She leaned on the door and listened. "He's out permanently." Grune said. Although Katherine couldn't see, she knew he was talking on the phone. "We'll do it tonight at Massar, and I'm telling you now; if you or anybody else screw up again, you'll be joining Tai." He said in a threatening voice. Katherine gasped, and Grune heard her. He slowly walked to the door, opened it, saw Katherine's frightened face, pulled her in the room and locked the door. "I'll have to get back to you, Tuve. It seems I have a cat problem." He said and cut his cell phone off and threw it on the bed. "Aren't we the noisy one? Didn't curiosity killed the cat?"
"You monster." She called him and kicked him in the face, knocking him down. She ran for the door but Grune immediately got up and grabbed Katherine. The blood from his nose fell on Katherine's white shirt, but Grune didn't noticed or couldn't notice since Katherine has long red hair. He put her in the headlock and place a hand over her mouth.
"You do that again, and I'll send you to Claudus in pieces." He said in an icy voice.
Katherine wouldn't listen to him. Not only was she smart and brave, but she was also a fighter and never really backed down. At 29, she still could be impulsive but caring. With her knee high boots, she stumped her heel on his right foot, hit him in the stomach with her elbow, and hit him on the back with her balled fists, knocking Grune to the floor once more. She made another run for the door, and Grune grabbed her leg, causing Katherine to fall and yelled, but Grune covered her mouth before she could scream for help.
"If you yell out, I'll permanently see that your child never be born" He warned Katherine and removed his hand from Katherine's mouth. Katherine didn't scream. "You have an impulsive, yet strong fighting spirit. I wonder if you child would inherit it." He said getting a napkin and wiping his bloody nose.
"You did it, didn't you? You killed Twilla and Tai. Why? And these raids? You're responsible for it." Katherine realized.
"Since you know some, you might as well know all. Claudus is weak, and so is Jaga. We should be the attackers not the defense. We are always getting attacked. We have the power to defeat the mutants once and for all, but we don't use it. As for Twilla and Tai, they got in the way and had to be eliminated."
"Claudus and Jaga aren't weak. You are. Lowering yourself to evil, that's weak." Katherine told Grune.
"I have my sorcery that has given me more power. Power that will allow me to rule Thundera with an iron fist, and maybe form an alliance with the mutants." Grune told Katherine easily.
"You'll never be stronger than them" Katherine protested.
"We shall see." Grune said smoothly.
"Why are you telling me this? What do you have plan for me?" Katherine asked not showing fear.
"You'll have to be kept quiet." Grune said sinisterly walking towards Katherine.
"I never did trust you." Katherine said as she defended herself against Grune. Yet she wasn't as strong as he. He some how got in a position to break Katherine's neck. His intention was to put her the sleeper hold and then break her neck so she wouldn't feel any pain. She was feeling weak and she knew she had to do something to stop Grune so she fell limp. Grune removed his hold and was about to check and see if she really was unconscious when the door knocked. He put her body in his closet and open the door.
"What is it?" Grune asked annoyed.
Chetro was standing at the door. He looked at Grune confusingly. "Claudus wanted us to meet Willow at Trisek. We calculated that will marauders attack next."
"Fine." He said and left the room with Chetro.
The closet door opened and Katherine collapsed on the floor. Grune apparently cut her oxygen off. Katherine, gasping for air, left Grune's room and stumbled down the hall for help. She turned the corner and saw Claudus walking down the hall. "Cl-Claudus." She strained, but he didn't hear her. "Clau-Claudus." She said a little louder and turned around.
"Katherine." He said rushing to her.
"Massar." She said and passed out.
Claudus checked for her breathing and performed CPR to get her breathing again. He called for his servants and they call the hospital while Cluadus took Katherine to their bedroom. The medical team arrived in a hurry. Jaga showed up and Claudus explained what happened.
"There are two lives at stake here, Jaga. If I lose Katherine and my unborn child, I don't know what I'll do."
"Have faith, Claudus. Katherine will pull through." Jaga tried to cheer his leader.
The head doctor came out. "Lord Claudus, your wife is in a deep sleep. From examining her, we concluded that their was a struggle between Lady Katherine and her attacker. It almost seems as though the attacker tried to break her neck, but we are not totally sure about this." The doctor explained.
"Will she pull through?" Claudus asked.
"Yes, your highness. We just aren't sure when, but it will be soon." The doctor told him.
"Thank you, doctor."
"We also saw some blood on Lady Katherine's shirt; she wasn't bleeding, Lord Claudus." The doctor sounded uncertain about what to make on that situation.
"Maybe it's the attacker's blood." Jaga thought aloud.
""Kat's a fighter. She'd never go down with without a fight. That's one of the many things I love about her." Claudus said admiring his wife and then he became serious. "Check the blood, doctor."
"One of my nurses have already left to check the blood and by doing so she will be able to find out who the attacker was." The doctor assured Claudus.
"May I see her." Claudus asked.
"Yes."
"Good give Jaga and myself a few moments out here alone." Claudus told the doctor.
The doctor nodded and left.
"How could this have happened, Claudus? We have sensors and alarms to detect if someone got in. It doesn't makes sense."
"An inside job."
"An inside job." Jaga said surprised. "No could have been here when it happened except the servants, you, Chetro and-" He stopped when he saw Claudus nodded his head. "Grune? That's impossible. He's a Thundercat and my closest friend. He wouldn't." Jaga defended Grune.
"Even the closest friends keeps secrets." Claudus told Jaga and then continued. "He doesn't like Katherine that much, and before Katherine passes out she mentioned Massar. That city is 50 miles from her, and it is probably the next attack site. This changes our other plan. I want you, Tygris, Willow and Wanda to look out for the marauders. Chetro will say here with me at Cat's Lair."
"What about Grune?" Jaga asked.
"I have a feeling he will already be there."
"For your and the Thundercats sake, I hope you are wrong." Jaga said and left.
"I hope so too. but I feel I am right.
It was nighttime at Massar. The Thundercats have been in hiding for three hours now. Willow and Wanda were becoming bore and restless while Jaga and Tygris kept watch.
"How much longer?" Willow whined.
"Yeah. I thought the marauders would have attacked by now." Wanda added.
Tygris turn to look at them. "I can't believe you two. Here you are, Thundercats, the best of Thundera, and you're whining like kittens." Tygris scolded them motherly.
"Aren't we acting like a mother?" Wanda joked and laughed with her brother.
"Even at your age, you still act like kids." Tygris sounded disappointed.
Just then, there was a loud cry. Thunderians of all kind were attacking and plundering homes. "There's our cue." Jaga said leading the Thundercats to battle and Tygris followed.
"Time for action." Wanda said as she and her brother left to fight the marauders.
Jaga was fighting a Thuderian when he took noticed of a Thunderian in a cloak. His face was hidden with the black mask he wore. Jaga immediately knew that was the leader. The leader of the marauders saw Jaga watching him. He raised his hand in the air. "Fall back!" The leader commanded in a deep voice.
Jaga knocked the Thunderian down and ran to the leader. His sword was out and ready to fight. "Surrender." Jaga ordered.
"Never." The leader said and took out his club and Jaga gasped. Only Grune fought with a club, but Jaga shook his head. He refuse to believe that his friend was a traitor. "I never go down without a fight."
They begin to fight, and one of the marauders shot a laser beam at Jaga from behind. Jaga fell down unconscious. Willow and Tygris were to busy fighting to notice but Wanda saw it.
"I'm going to help Jaga." Wanda said and left her brother.
"Wanda, wait." Willow called.
The marauders scattered apart and the leader started to run when Wanda caught his cloak, which connected with the mask, and pulled it off so she would know what the leader looked like. "Grune." Wanda said shocked. Jaga was now gaining conscious.
"Does my ugly face match my ugly mind?" He asked and smashed her face with his club.
Willow and Jaga watched in horror. "No!!" they shouted.
Jaga ran towards Wanda and held her in his arms. He looked up at Grune who was looking down at them. "Farewell, Jaga." He said and left.
Jaga looked down at Wanda who had blood pouring from her face. Jaga stopped the bleeding by applying pressure to her head with his cape. Willow and Tygris ran up.
"Sis. Hang on." Willow told her crying.
"It was Grune." Wanda spoke weakly.
"Don't talk. We have to get her to a hospital, Jaga." Tygis told him even though she felt it was too late but she didn't say anything.
"No. I won't make it. Never forget the code like Grune did. Never." She closed her eyes and died.
Three Thundercats mourned to lost of their friend as they drove her dead body to the hospital. At the hospital, Jaga contacted Claudus and Chetro and informed them of the bad news. Claudus informed Jaga that the blood found on Katherine's shirt belongs to Grune. He also told him that Katherine had awaked and told them that Grune attacked her. Jaga was upset about the news of his friend going to the wrong side, but he couldn't do anything about it. He was quiet on the way home and was trying to think of a way to tell Tygris and Willow about what conspired earlier that day.
"Grune. I still can't believe it." Tygris said still in shock.
"I can't believe it either. He was my best friend. Claudus was right." Jaga said.
Willow became even more angry and what Jaga had said. He was already said and upset that his sister was killed by Grune, but to know that Jaga and Claudus of his behavior blew him over. "Wait a minute! Claudus knew! You knew! You knew he was the leader of the marauders! You knew he was a murder!" Willow shouted angrily.
Jaga stopped the Thunder tank. "No we didn't, Willow. Claudus had suspicions about it after Katherine was attacked today and told me." Jaga tried to explain.
"Katherine was attacked?! Is she and the baby all right." Tygris asked concerned.
"Yes. She's fine. She was awake when I called Claudus earlier tonight at the hospital. I wasn't going to tell you this until after the mission, but then Wanda died, and I didn't know how to tell you. I didn't want you all thinking Grune was a traitor. I'm sorry." He apologized to them.
"Suspicions or not, Jaga, you should have told us." Tygris told him.
"Yes, I know. I guess I didn't want to believe what Claudus was saying, but it won't happen again. I promise" Jaga assured the Thundercats.
Wanda's funeral was held in private although the public did become aware of it. However, they didn't know Grune killed her. They only knew she died bravely in battle. Only the Thundercats knew it was Grune. Two months passed and Grune was still in hiding in his secret lair. His men was telling him that he should leave Thundera, but Grune refused to leave. He said only cowards run, and he wanted to rule Thundera and form an alliance with the mutants. The best way to win, he thought, was to go to Thundera City, the capital of the Planet Thundera, and take out the Thundercats. He believed he could do it with his club and sorcery.
Grune was in his room putting on his battle armor when one of his men came in. "We're going to attack?" He asked
"Yes. Tell the others we will attack Thundera City in one hour." Grune ordered.
"Thundera City? The Thundercats live there. We won't have a chance against them. Especially Lord Claudus and the Sword of Omens."
"Do as I say or die." Grune warned.
The soldier left to tell the others of the next attack.
The Lair Alarm went off and the Thundercats went to the control room. Katherine, at five months, walks in the room. "What's going on?"
"Grune's attacking Thundera City." Claudus told his wife. "You shouldn't be in here. Go to the secret passages."
"Not until I find out what you're going to do." She told her husband.
"He's doing it to bring us out. Like Tai said, he wants to be the Lord of the Thundercats. And to do that, he needs to take out the Lord, his second-in-command, and whoever else is in line for the title." Tygris explained.
"I'll go. He killed my sister." Willow said angrily.
"No." Claudus commanded. "You are still angry with Grune, and will not be a match for him. I'll go. I'm the Lord of the Thundercats. I've beaten him before and I can do it again." Claudus said and pulled out his Sword of Omens.
"No, Claudus. I'll go. He's my closest friend. We have been friends even before we were Thundercats. I have beaten him before and I can do it again. You should stay here with your wife and unborn child." Jaga advised Claudus.
"Very well. Jaga." Claudus agreed. "You will fight Grune, but the rest of us will fight his maurauders. Let the Code of Thundera: Justice, Truth, Honor, and Loyalty be with you." Claudus wished him luck.
"Thundercats, HO!!" They Thundercats said left to do battle.
Jaga runs through the city fighting marauders and looking for Grune. He finds him smashing a building. "Grune!" Jaga called out.
Grune stopped and turned to Jaga. "So Claudus sent his second-in-command to fight me instead of himself."
"No. I told him I will fight you, but I want to convince you to come back to us. Grune, we have been friends for over thirty years; what happened."
"Things changed. People changed. I changed; for the better. I've come to realize that the Code of Thundera was weak; I always known it. It's just that the discovery of my powers made it even more clear to me." He explained to Jaga and held out his hand. "Join me Jaga. We are great warriors. It's only fitting that warriors like us should fight together not against each other but for a worthy cause."
"Never, Grune. You are completely evil. You are a liar, thief, but worse of all, you are a murderer. You have brought shame to the Code of the Thundercats."
"If you say so, Jaga. Since you won't join me, you shall die." He said and his clashed his club with Jaga's sword; starting the fight.
They fought for hours, and the Thundercats returned to the lair after defeating the marauders and putting them in jail. The Thundercats viewed the battle form the control room monitors. After fighting a day, the Thundercats thought the battle was over when Jaga knocked Grune's right saber tooth out of his mouth and Grune fell on one knee.
"Grune, I'm sorry." Jaga apologized.
Grune shot a blast of sorcery magic at Jaga, and he fell back. Jaga immediately straightened up and resume battle with Grune. Another day passes and another until Jaga knew the battle was coming to an end. "Give up, Jaga." Grune told him.
"Never." He said.
"I'm younger, stronger, and wiser than you. This battle is mine." Grune said.
"Maybe, but I have patience, goodness, and the Code of Thundera on my side." He said and finally disarmed Grune and knocking him to the ground. Grune tried to get up, but Jaga had the sword's tip to Grune's neck. The battle was over and Grune laid on the ground in defeat.
A few hours later, Grune stood before the Thundercats and Katherine in a glass chamber in Cat's Lair. Everybody was seated except for Claudus and Jaga who were standing in front of them. Claudus was to read his crimes and sentence him.
"Grune, you are guilty for the murders of Tai and fellow Thundercat Wanda, and attempted murder of Katherine, Lady of the Thundercats.You have betrayed the Code of Thundera, committed raids and trying to usurp my throne. For these heinous acts, you will be banished from Thundera forever in a glass cases where you will forever drift in space. Do you have any last words?" Claudus asked.
"Yes, Claudus. It goes to Jaga." He said and looked at Jaga. "We will fight again, and next time, I will be victorious."
Jaga didn't say anything. His face was expressionless. Claudus took the Cat's symbol off Grune's chest, turned to Willow and nodded his head. Willow pressed a red button and Grune was lowered into the floor that open beneath him. Within minutes their was a cry, and the floor risen with Grune encased in an impenetrable glass case. Willow pulled the handle next to the red button and Grune dematerialized into space.
Katherine walked to Claudus. "I hope that's the last we have to see of that evil."
"I hope so too." Claudus said.
"Are you all right, Jaga? I know he was you and Grune were good friends." Katherine sounded concerned for Jaga.
"I'll be fine, Katherine." He assured her.
"And we'll all be fine." Chetro said as he, Tygris, and Willow joined them on the floor.
"As long as we keep the Code of Thundera in our hearts." Tygris.
"Justice." Willow had his hand out.
"Truth." Chetro placed his hand on top of Willow's.
"Honor." Tygris placed her hand on top of Tygris.
Jaga and Claudus placed their hands on top of everybody else's hand. "And especially, Loyalty." They said together.
"Thundercats, Ho!" They all said together.
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