by Seawitch

K’s Choice, Not An Addict

Tygra walked wearily up the steps of Cat’s Lair. He guessed that he had walked almost a day to reach home again; he couldn’t be sure because of the gaps in his memory. With shaking legs, he inched his way up the ascent, pausing now and again to catch his breath.

Once inside the mighty fortress he collapsed, his stomach revolting for what seemed to be the hundredth time since he had lost the keystone. He wiped his lips with a trembling hand and got up again, staggering to the control room. The door opened and he stumbled to the chair at the controls. He closed his eyes and rested his head on the console.

BEEP

The communicator sounded, alerting him that someone was trying to call. He reached a painfully thin finger to press the button that would let him receive…and stopped.

BEEP

He stared dully at the comm-link. The red light blinked frantically, imploring him to open the channel.

BEEP

He wanted to receive. Honestly. But, he was so weak and tired that he probably wouldn’t make much sense, anyway.

BEEP

They would just be angry at him. They wouldn’t understand.

BEEP

He didn’t need this pressure! They didn’t know what it was like! How could he have done anything when the one thing that gave him purpose was stolen from him, ripped from his body like his own beating heart?

BEEP

It was so quiet. Besides the beeping console and his own ragged breath, there wasn’t another sound.

BEEP

Probably because there was no one else there to hear.

BEEP

He turned the chair away from the console and sunk down, weeping.

BEEP

"Well, Alluro, this is a surprise!" Luna gleefully clapped her hands as she looked at the Thunderstrike parked outside the doors of Skytomb and then at the two Thundercats who knelt before her, frozen in place by the glowing orb that hung above them. "And you did this all by yourself?"

Alluro grinned, rubbing the keystone that he kept in his pocket.. "Of course, dear Luna. It was easy. Their friend Tygra practically handed them over to me."

Luna looked around. "Where is Tygra?"

He laughed. "Who cares? He is such a waste that he probably couldn’t find his way out of an open box!"

Luna looked at him skeptically and then turned back to Lion-O and Lynx-O. "Well, Red Eye can take these two to the storage rooms." She bounced up and down on top of Amok, who grunted. "I want to take our new ship for a ride!"

"Not quite, Luna." He walked over to the Lion-O and put his hand under his chin, forcing his head up. "You can have the old man, but this one is already spoken for."

Lion-O’s eyes widened. "What?"

"Yes, Alluro," Luna snapped. "What do you mean?"

He raised his chin up higher. "What’s the matter, Lion-O? Have you forgotten about my plans for you?"

Lion-O shook his head. "I don’t know…what you’re talking about."

Alluro took his hand away, allowing Lion-O’s head to drop back down. "Tell Red Eye to bring Lynx-O to the storage room. I’m taking Lion-O to get cleaned up." A dark smile spread across his face. "I can’t give him to Chilla like this."

To say that the room was cold was an understatement.

The gray metal walls only seemed to emphasize the chill that permeated the air, giving the impression that one was standing in a giant freezer. Utilitarian furniture was arranged neatly throughout the chamber, and here and there small icicles dangled from the edges of the metal furnishings.

A quiet stream of curses broke the still air and the rustle of sheets followed soon afterwards. Chilla turned restlessly on the large bed that occupied one side of the room, and a small crackling was heard as the thin layer of ice that had formed on the sheets was crushed under her movements. She was bored, and, more to the point, she was lonely, which was not something that she advertised to the others whenever this feeling came upon her. She would rather satisfy herself than lower her standards to the ones left in Skytomb right now.

If Alluro had been there…well, he had been known to keep her company more than a few times in the past, but his constant egotistical babbling took most of the pleasure out of it for her. He certainly wasn’t the best she’d had, contrary to his boasting, and she had most definitely seen bigger. However, he did have his advantages, one of the biggest being that he was there when she needed him.

Where the hell was he, anyway? How dare he make her wait!

An annoyingly cheerful voice came through the door, followed by a jaunty knock. "Oh, Chilla…"

She huffed and the temperature in the room dropped twenty degrees. His absence had not put her in a good mood. "What do you want, Alluro?" she snapped.

"I brought you something, my sweet."

She grumbled and got out of her bed. "This had better be good," she muttered.

Alluro chuckled. "Oh, but it is, Chilla. It is."

Chilla rolled her eyes and opened her door. Alluro stood outside, casually leaning against the door frame. "Well? What is it?" she snapped.

"Patience, Chilla. Is that any way to treat someone bearing gifts?"

Chilla looked around. "I don’t see any gifts," she said, crossing her arms.

Alluro smiled and stepped back. "Come here, slave."

Her eyes widened in surprise as she heard somebody moan. Alluro looked angry and he pulled a green stone out of his pocket, gripping it tightly in his hand.

"I said NOW!"

Her jaw dropped as Lion-O crawled to her door. A big blue bow had been tied behind his neck and he silently glared at her. Chilla looked from him to Alluro, who laughed maniacally. "Well, Chilla? What do you think of your new pet?"

"He’s perfect." She smiled icily and ran her fingers up Lion-O’s cheek. "I’ll take such good care of him."

Cheetara paced around the campsite on New Thundera, hugging herself tightly. "There’s something not right, Panthro. Lion-O’s in trouble. I just know it."

Panthro shrugged helplessly. "Do you know for sure? Do you know what it is?"

Cheetara shook her head. "We’re so far apart, I can’t tell what it is. But I know he’s in trouble." She stopped pacing and stared at Panthro. "I always know."

Pumyra put a hand on Cheetara’s shoulder. "I know enough to trust your instincts, Cheetara. But it would be helpful if we knew what was wrong before we left." She walked over to the Feliner and sat down at the controls. "Let me try calling one more time."

Cheetara reluctantly nodded. "But if we don’t get an answer, we’re leaving regardless."

Pumyra nodded silently and called Third Earth again.

Lynx-O sat against a wall in the storage room, shackles pinning his arms to the wall. His keen ears listened for any sounds of others, but all he heard were the sharp pings and creaks of the monstrous fortress as it settled.

He sighed and leaned his head back, too weak to do much of anything else. The lunataks had yet to feed him, and he tried to keep his mind off of his growing hunger. He shifted his weight and winced; sitting too long in one position had started to cramp his muscles.

He was worried for Lion-O. While massive hands had circled his neck with the thundrainium collar and taken him deep into the bowels of Skytomb, Lion-O had been dragged off by Alluro, taken for some mysterious purpose that they had both had been clueless about. Lynx-O thought back, his methodical mind sorting through bits of dialogue as he tried to discern his friend’s fate.

After a while, he gasped. He remembered.

Lion-O sat in a corner of Chilla’s room, his strength sapped by a thundrainium collar. He watched Chilla warily as she twirled Alluro’s psyche club in her hand. "What should I do with you first?"

"Get away from me," he whispered.

She hissed angrily. "That is no way to talk to your mistress, pet!"

He stared defiantly at her. "I am not your pet."

Chilla smiled coldly and walked over to him. "Oh, yes you are. You’re too weak to run." She undid the collar and stepped back, holding it in her hand.

His hand went up to his neck, confused. "What are you doing?"

Chilla laughed slightly and swung the psyche club, sending the blue ball of light floating over Lion-O’s head. He winced, feeling its power take over his mind. "Who is your mistress, Lion-O?" Her words swirled in his brain, overriding any thoughts he had.

He fought to shake his head. "I don’t have a mistress," he grated.

The ball burned brighter, channeling more energy. "Who is your mistress?"

Lion-O groaned, his head feeling like it was caught in a vice.

His defiance finally snapped like a string pulled too tight and he bowed his head, defeated.

"You are."

"You are, what?"

"You are…mistress."

She nodded, satisfied. "Good, pet. Now, come to me."

He crawled slowly to her, his body commanded by a will greater that his own. Chilla smiled and took off her cape as he knelt before her. "Now, pet, we shall see how mighty the Lord of the Thundercats is."

================================================================

BEEP

Tygra looked at the communicator from the corner that he was crouched in. The irritating sound would not let him be; the noise had been ringing in his ears for what seemed like hours. He wished he hadn’t turned the audio back on.

BEEP

He hugged himself as he shook. Lying had been easier than he had thought. Snarf had come to him, concerned about Lion-O. He had made something up - he couldn’t remember exactly what tangled weave of half-truths he had spun. He guessed it really didn’t matter. He had finally gotten rid of him by telling him that the Berbils were harvesting and they could probably use his help. Snarf had reluctantly slunk off the village with the promise that everything was fine.

BEEP

What had he become?

BEEP

He could stand it no longer. Raising himself up with an effort, he made his way to the communicator and hit the button.

"Cat’s Lair receiving, Tygra here."

The view screen switched on, showing a worried Pumyra. "Tygra!" she exclaimed. "We’ve been - what happened to you? Are you sick?"

It took Tygra a minute to understand. His body, once so fit, was now a ruined tower of flesh and bone. He looked through hollow eyes at his friend. "I’m fine, Pumyra. Just came down with something."

Pumyra started to say something when Cheetara appeared next to her, pushing her way past her.

"Tygra!" she blurted, "where’s Lion-O? Have you seen him?"

Tygra stared at her image, mind racing.

"Tygra?" she asked again. "Where is he?"

"Ummm…" He shook his head slowly. "I…haven’t seen him today."

"Did he go somewhere?"

Tygra inwardly winced as he lied to her. But, it wasn’t a lie, not really. He hadn’t seen him that day. They just wouldn’t understand. Once he got better, he’d fix everything.

Honest.

"Tygra?" Her voice was becoming more irritated.

"He and Lynx-O…went to the Berbil village to…pick up some…supplies. They left…earlier. I wasn’t around when they left."

Cheetara seemed to lose some of her tension. "You haven’t heard anything from either of them? Nothing’s going on?"

He shook his head again, a little more confident this time. "Nothing’s wrong, Cheetara. If there was, I’m sure I’d know." He even smiled a little, just to perfect his performance.

"Well…okay, Tygra." Cheetara looked confused. "Just have him call me when he gets in. I still have a bad feeling and I won’t stop worrying until I hear from him."

"I’m sure he’s fine, Cheetara. But, I’ll tell him to call you when he gets back."

She smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Tygra. I appreciate it." She started to get up and then looked back at him. "You need to take care of yourself, too. I’ve never seen you look so tired."

"I will, Cheetara." He hit the link and the picture faded. The smiling mask on his face slipped off and he shivered, but this time from shame.

"There’s something going on." Cheetara looked at Pumyra and Panthro, worried. "Something’s terribly wrong."

Panthro shrugged in confusion. "You just talked to Tygra. He said that everything was fine."

"He must not know." She nervously pulled her hair back. "I have to trust my feelings, Panthro. If you want to stay here, fine, but I’m going."

"If you go, I go." Panthro started walking towards the ship "When do we leave?"

Cheetara sprinted past him. "Now."

"Wait!" Pumyra got up from the ground and caught up to them. "I’m going, too. If there’s trouble, we need all the help we can get."

Cheetara smiled and squeezed her friend’s hand. "Thanks."

"You’re such a good pet."

Lion-O shivered violently as he lay on Chilla’s bed. He had never felt so cold in his life. He reached for a blanket and wrapped it around himself, closing his eyes to try and block out the memories of what he just did. His body felt as numb as his heart, if for different reasons. He shuddered involuntarily as an icy finger traced his cheek.

"Did you like that, pet?"

He winced as the psyche club prodded his answer. "Y…yes, m-mistress…"

"Good." Chilla’s icy lips covered his and he pulled the blanket around him tighter. She sat up and he felt the cold metal of the collar circle his neck. "Go back to your corner, pet," she laughed softly. "But don’t get too comfortable. I’ll be back for you later."

He groaned as he fell to the floor, dragging himself back to where he was. The blanket trailed behind him as he clutched it to himself as if for dear life. He whimpered softly as he slumped down in his corner, trying to shake the chill that had violated his body and his soul.

The Feliner touched down outside of the Lair, its engines screaming in protest at its descent. The hatch opened and the three occupants jumped out, running for the front door before the ship had completely shut off.

Cheetara burst through the entrance. "Tygra? Lion-O?" She got no response. "Lynx-O?"

Panthro came up behind her. "TYGRA!"

"I’m here." The three turned to see Tygra come out from around a corner. "What are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you."

Cheetara raced to Tygra and grabbed his arms. "Is Lion-O here?" She shook him anxiously. "Where is he?"

"I…I don’t know, Cheetara. I…haven’t heard from him. They haven’t come back from the Berbil village yet."

Pumyra looked alarmed. "Tygra, that was two days ago. Haven’t you been worried?"

"Oh, yes, yes…" He forced a cough. "But, I’ve been so sick that I…haven’t been up much to…"

He was interrupted by a gasp from Cheetara. She sunk to the floor, cradling her head in her hands. "It’s…it’s Lion-O…" She rocked back and forth, groaning from the pain. "He’s cold…he’s so cold, and …UNNGH!"

Pumyra rushed to her side and knelt down, supporting her up on her shoulder. "Are you all right, Cheetara?"

"I’m fine," she gasped, holding Pumyra’s arm. "The image stopped before I could see anything else."

Panthro knelt in front of her, eyes filled with concern. "Did you find out where they are?"

She nodded. "Skytomb."

Pumyra jumped up. "Well, what are we waiting for?"

Cheetara shook her head. "Nothing. We have to go now."

Panthro stood up and helped Cheetara stand. "Coming, Tygra?"

He swallowed and shivered. "Uh…I don’t think that would be a good idea, Panthro. I don’t know if I would be strong enough to be able to stand up to it.

Panthro appraised him coolly and then nodded sharply. "You know best, Tygra." He turned and followed Cheetara and Pumyra out to the Feliner.

Tygra watched them go, no longer able to control his shaking. He would go, but he didn’t have the keystone. The keystone would have given him the power.

They just wouldn’t understand.

The Feliner touched down some distance away from Skytomb to avoid detection from their tracking equipment. Cheetara jumped out first, followed by Panthro and Pumyra. They quietly made their way over the boulders that surrounded the fortress, finally reaching the immense metal walls that imprisoned their friends.

"Stand back," Panthro whispered. Pumyra and Cheetara stepped back as Panthro reached for his nunchucks. The tops flipped open and a bright beam shot out, cutting a hole in the metal wall. After the doorway was complete, they stole inside, keeping a lookout for anyone that might have seen them.

It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the darkness; the only light in the enormous room was from the fire of the furnace. They walked softly, keeping out of the glow of the blaze.

Panthro touched Cheetara’s arm. "Any ideas on where they’re at?"

Cheetara stopped. "Let me try to see if I can pinpoint them. It would take forever to try to find them in here." She closed her eyes and raised her chin up a little, mentally scouring the citadel for Lynx-O and Lion-O.

A voice hissed out from the darkness. "Panthro!"

Cheetara snapped out of her trance. "Lynx-O?"

"Over here!"

They followed the voice to a row of sooty iron doors. "Where are you, Lynx-O?"

"Here, Pumyra." They heard a faint scratching and listened at each of the doors until they found the right one. Panthro pulled out his nunchucks again and fired, blowing the door open.

"Lynx-O!" Cheetara cried, running to him. "Are you all right?"

He nodded weakly. "Yes, I’ll be fine."

Panthro swirled his nunchucks. "Where’s Lion-O?"

Lynx-O shook his head. "He’s not here. They have him up above us."

"Go on ahead, Cheetara," said Panthro, helping Lynx-O to his feet. "We’ll catch up with you."

She nodded and ran out the door, followed by Pumyra. Panthro looked down at the aged Thundercat. "Will you be able to make it, Lynx-O?"

"I can keep up."

They made it outside the door when Lynx-O stopped Panthro.

"When we find Lion-O, I would think that it would be for the best if Cheetara did not see him."

Panthro’s eyes narrowed. "Why do you say that?"

He was silent for a moment. "Because, if what I think has happened to Lion-O is true, he would not want her there."

Cheetara held out her hand to Pumyra, signaling her to stop. They crouched down behind a wall, watching the three lunataks in front of them.

Luna swung the Sword of Omens in front of her, laughing. "I wish we had one of these!"

Alluro snorted. "We do - you’re holding it."

"No, I mean something that would work for us." She turned the sword around, catching the light off its blade. "Even so, one sword’s as good as another. At least if we have it, Lion-O doesn’t." She laughed again. "So, how is Lord Lion-O?"

Alluro burst out laughing. "Minding his lady, I assume!"

Cheetara dug her nails so hard into her hands that her palms bled.

He took out the keystone, rubbing it almost sensuously. "Last time I checked, he was well occupied. I don’t think we’ll have to worry about him."

"Good." Luna whacked her riding crop against Amok and the great beast lumbered to Alluro. "What are you playing with, Alluro?"

He hugged the stone to himself. "You have your toys, Luna. This one is mine."

"Fine," she snapped. "I didn’t want to see your stupid rock, anyway." She made a disgusted face and threw the Sword down on the floor, where it landed with a clatter. "It’s about as worthless as this piece of metal." She snorted and kicked Amok in the sides, guiding him out of the door.

"Then why do you still make us fight for it, you stupid bitch?" he muttered, picking up the Sword and slipping it under his belt. He shook his head and then brought the keystone up, letting the light from it fill his eyes. "Soon, we won’t need her," he crooned, rubbing its green surface. "Soon, we won’t need anyone."

Pumyra felt a nudge and turned to see Panthro and Lynx-O crouched beside them. She pointed to Alluro and Panthro nodded. He turned back to Cheetara and saw that she already had her staff out, gripping it so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. Panthro looked back out and motioned them to come forward.

They ran out from their hiding place, Cheetara knocking Alluro’s arm with her staff, making the keystone fly across the room.

"NO!" he cried, reaching for the stone as it skidded across the floor.

"Panthro!" Lynx-O cried. "Do not touch it! Wrap it with something!"

Panthro clamped his foot down on it and looked around. He spotted a bundled cloth and picked it up, rolling the stone up in it. "Looking for this?" he asked slyly, wiggling it in his right hand.

"Please, Panthro," he whimpered, clutching at Panthro’s boot. "I’ll do whatever you want, just give it back to me."

Cheetara’s staff pressed into his throat. "Take us to Lion-O," she hissed.

Pumyra pushed Alluro ahead of her as they made their way through the winding corridors of Skytomb. "Where’s your club, Alluro? Did you give it up for your rock?"

Alluro grunted as she shoved him hard in his back. "No. I loaned it to somebody."

"Where are we going?" Cheetara asked, watching behind her.

"We are going to where Lion-O is," Lynx-O interrupted. The Sword swung from his belt as he walked, reminding everyone of the absence of their leader.

They continued their way through the dimly-lit hallways. They walked quietly until Lynx-O stiffened. "We are close," he whispered. "Panthro and I will go the rest of the way. Pumyra, you and Cheetara should guard the passage to warn us if anyone approaches."

Cheetara stiffened. "No! We need to-"

"No, Cheetara." Panthro put a hand on her shoulder. "We’ll go get him. We need you to stand guard. If we’re caught by surprise, that could cost us too much time. I want to get out of here as quickly as possible."

Her shoulders slumped. "Fine. But hurry."

Panthro nodded and he and Lynx-O prodded Alluro ahead of them. The sounds of low laughter were now heard. "Which door, Alluro?" Panthro hissed.

Alluro pointed a shaky finger ahead of them. "That one," he said weakly.

"After you," he growled, pushing him roughly through the door. Alluro stumbled in, Panthro right behind him. "Now where’s…oh, gods…"

Lion-O lay on his back, a tangled sheet the only covering he had in the icy chamber. His lips were as blue as the orb that hovered above him, and he stared dully at the ceiling with frost-rimmed eyes, oblivious to what was going on around him.

Above him, the glow of the sphere illuminated Chilla’s white skin. She hissed at the sudden intrusion. "Alluro! What are you doing?"

"Gods damn it!" Panthro yelled. He held the stone up. "Make it stop, Alluro, or your rock bites it!"

"Chilla!" he cried. "Stop! Let him go!"

"No! He is mine!"

A voice called from the hallway. "Panthro? What’s going on?"

"Stay there, Cheetara!" He looked at Alluro. "Get her off of him!"

Alluro grabbed her arm. "Chilla! Let them have him!"

She started to fight him and Panthro made movements to throw the keystone down. Alluro cried out and grabbed the psyche club off of the floor. The orb moved to Chilla. "Let him go, Chilla," he commanded.

She hesitated and slowly moved off of Lion-O. "You will regret this, Alluro."

"We need to hurry, Panthro," Lynx-O warned him. "We have to get him out of here before the others find out what’s happening."

Panthro nodded and pushed Chilla out of the way. "Lion-O?" he asked, shaking his friend’s shoulder. "Lion-O? Are you all right?"

The control of the orb lifted, he slowly turned his eyes to his friend. "P-Panthro?" he whispered weakly, his breath curling into white plumes in the frigid air.

"Yeah, it’s me. Can you stand?"

Lion-O struggled to respond when he started shivering uncontrollably. Panthro grunted and lifted him from the bed, wrapping a blanket around him. He sucked in his breath when Lion-O’s cold body leaned against him. "We’re going to get the Thunderstrike and then we’re getting the hell out of here." He motioned to Alluro. "Get moving, lunatak. You can have your rock back when we’re on our way home."

Alluro whimpered and slunk out the door, Panthro and Lynx-O following closely behind.

"Lion-O!" Cheetara raced up to them and stopped, eyes wide in horror. "Oh, gods, Lion-O! What happened? Is he hurt?’

Panthro shifted the unconscious Lion-O in his arms, making his head slump forward. "He’s in pretty bad shape, Cheetara. We have to get him home now."

She snarled and grabbed Alluro. "What have you done to him?" she cried, shaking him furiously. Alluro whined pitifully and Panthro grabbed her shoulder, forcing her to stop.

"We don’t have time for this, Cheetara. You can do whatever you want to later. Right now, though, we need to concentrate on getting home fast." He looked briefly at Lion-O, unconscious in his arms. Cheetara followed his gaze and nodded, releasing Alluro.

Alluro cringed and stumbled forward with the help of Cheetara’s staff. The group quickly made their way to the hangar where the Thunderstrike stood silently. Lynx-O turned to the group. "Panthro and I will take Lion-O home in this. Pumyra - you and Cheetara need to retrieve the Feliner. We will meet you back at the Lair."

The women nodded and sped off to the other ship, racing over the blackened rocks around Skytomb. Panthro hauled Lion-O into the Thunderstrike, followed by Lynx-O. The elder sat at the controls and started the engines, their whining sound amplified by the metal walls around it.

"Panthro!" Alluro screamed over the noise. "You promised!"

Panthro looked down at the lunatak, grunting. "So I did." The Thunderstrike rocketed into the air and the stone dropped down from the sky, hitting the ground with a cloud of dust. Alluro rushed over to it and cradled it gently, making sure it was still intact. Once satisfied, he turned his eyes to the escaping ship, a look of hatred burning in his eyes.

"Hopefully, we got to him in time."

Panthro nodded and switched on the communicator. "I’ll alert Tygra that we’re coming back. That will give him time to prepare the medlab."

Lynx-O turned his head sharply. "Tygra is at the Lair? He is all right?"

Panthro shrugged. "A little sick, but none the worse for wear."

"He contacted you?"

Panthro shook his head. "No. Cheetara was worried about Lion-O. We called the Lair, and Tygra said that you two were at the Berbil village."

"That Lion-O and I were at the Berbil village?"

Lion-O moaned softly and Panthro moved him a bit, trying to make him comfortable. "Yeah. He told her that you two had gone there for supplies and were supposed to be back soon, but Cheetara felt that something had happened that Tygra was unaware of, so we rushed back as quickly as he could." He paused. "When Cheetara says something’s wrong, something’s wrong."

Lynx-O grunted. "How long ago was this, Panthro?"

Panthro sat back with a sigh. "Two days." He looked curiously at him. "Why?"

"Because, Panthro, we were captured four days ago."

"Four days? Then why would Tygra not know?"

"That’s just it," he said quietly. "He did know."

"What?" he growled. "How?"

Lynx-O bowed his head. "Because he was there when it happened."

The doors of the Lair flew open and Panthro charged in, Lion-O cradled in his arms.

"TYGRA!"

Pumyra hovered anxiously beside him, rubbing Lion-O’s hands. "Let’s get him to bed. Once we warm him up, I can give him something to help him."

Panthro nodded once, carrying him up the stairs to his room. Cheetara pulled the blankets back and they settled him onto the bed. Pumyra sat on the edge and placed a hand on his forehead. "We need more blankets, Cheetara. Could you - "

"On my way," she called as she raced out the door.

Pumyra looked up at Panthro watching from the foot of the bed. "See if you can find something warm to put him in. He’s freezing." Panthro nodded and went to the closet. He grabbed what looked like the warmest thing in there; a heavy black robe that hung almost to the knees. Yanking it off the hangar, he brought it quickly to Pumyra. "Help me get him up," she mumbled. He put an arm around Lion-O’s shoulders and pulled him up into a sitting, if slumped, position. Pumyra came behind Lion-O and stopped, her eyes wide. "By the abyss…"

"What’s the matter?" Panthro asked, craning his head to get a better look.

Pumyra traced a finger over one of the gouges that ran down Lion-O’s back. "There’s a brown canister in my bag. Hand it over."

Panthro reached for the leather satchel that rested on the table next to him. The bag went everywhere Pumyra did, insuring that there would always be first-aid supplies wherever they were at. He found the canister easily enough and tossed it to Pumyra. She caught it with one hand and began to apply the salve to Lion-O’s welts. "Hopefully these will heal quickly," Pumyra spoke as she tended to her lord. "But these are the least of my worries right now." She capped the lid on the jar and turned her attention to the tunic Panthro had brought. With haste she pulled it over Lion-O’s head and got him dressed. Gently, she and Panthro lay Lion-O back down. "We should have listened to Cheetara," she said sadly, brushing the hair out of Lion-O’s face. "However, we’re lucky to have gotten to him when we did. A little longer and I might not have been able to help him."

Panthro growled. "We could have gotten to them a lot sooner." He crossed his arms and started for the door. "I’ll be back. Give a shout if anything happens."

"Where are you going?"

He scowled. "To find Tygra."

Tygra sat on his bed, listening to the sounds of the others as they came upstairs. He had hidden at the sound of Panthro’s voice, and now he rocked himself nervously, waiting for them to find him.

He heard the closet doors being flung open. Cheetara looking for blankets. Had someone gotten sick? He rocked himself harder. If someone had, they still didn’t feel as bad as he did. The shaking had slackened off somewhat, but his soul was still empty. His body kept crying out for its missing piece, the piece that would make him whole again. But they couldn’t understand his need; they couldn’t know his torment.

"TYGRA!"

Tygra’s head jerked up as Panthro burst into his room, his eyes dark with anger.

"What did you think you were doing lying to us?"

His eyes darted around nervously. "Why, Panthro, what…what do you mean?"

Panthro stormed over to him and jerked him up by his tunic. "You know exactly what I mean."

"I - I didn’t know what to do!"

"What you were supposed to have done," he hissed, "is helped your friends." He dropped him back on the bed. "Instead, you sat here like a coward, trying to cover your own ass, while Lynx-O sat locked in a room and Lion-O was some ice-bitch’s plaything!" He was screaming now. "You were going to let them die while you sat here and covered it up!"

Tears crept down Tygra’s face. "I didn’t know! I didn’t know it was going to turn out like this! I would have…"

"YOU WOULD HAVE WHAT?"

"I…I…"

Panthro roared and jerked him off the bed. "You wanna see what your cowardice cost us? What it cost Lion-O?" He dragged him out the door and down the hall, pulling him roughly into Lion-O’s room. "Take a good look, Tygra," he whispered, forcing him to the bed. "Take a good look at what you’ve done."

Tygra winced as he looked down at his lord. Lion-O’s face was haggard and drawn; the only color the shadowy circles that rung his eyes. He mumbled fitfully as he slept, whatever subconscious battle he was fighting made his body shake violently. Pumyra sat next to him, forcing down whatever medicine she had deemed necessary.

Tygra looked to Pumyra. "Is…is he going to be all right?"

She nodded, not taking her eyes from the spoon that she held to Lion-O’s lips. "I’ve given him a strong tincture that will knock him out for a few hours. Hopefully with what else I have, he should be better in a few days."

"We were lucky we got to him when we did." Tygra looked across the bed at Cheetara, who sat holding the young lord’s limp hand. "It could have been a lot worse."

Pumyra nodded solemnly. "Another few hours and we might not have been able to save him."

Lion-O moaned again and Cheetara stroked his hand softly. "It’s okay," she whispered. "You’re home now."

This seemed to pacify him as he quieted down and burrowed deeper into the blankets.

"Shhh…it’s okay…"

Panthro let him go and he backed up a few steps, guilt gnawing at him. "I…I’m sorry this happened."

"You couldn’t have known, Tygra," Cheetara said quietly. "You had no idea. There’s no need to feel sorry."

He felt the hot tears of shame well up in his eyes and he turned away, unwilling to let the others witness his disgrace. "I…I have to go," he whispered, pulling his sleeve up from his bony wrist. "I’ll check on him later."

Pumyra nodded without looking up and he turned to Panthro. "I’m sorry."

"Don’t apologize to me. I’m not the one you abandoned."

Tygra looked back one more time and left, not saying anything else.

Chilla paced the room furiously. "I can’t believe you let them leave, Alluro! You are a worse coward that I thought!"

Alluro looked at her coolly, rubbing the keystone. "That bastard Panthro threatened to destroy my stone. Saving this is more important than keeping your toy."

"You can’t do anything without that thing anymore. You’re more dependent on it than a baby to its mother’s tit."

"Watch it, Chilla," he growled. "You don’t know the power this thing has."

She arched an eyebrow. "I have yet to see it."

"I have more power with the keystone than you could ever dream of! Watch your tongue before it gets you into more trouble than you can handle!"

Her eyes narrowed. "All that power does nothing if it is wielded by a spineless coward, Alluro!" She turned and walked away from him, letting the door slam shut behind her.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

Lion-O opened his eyes slowly, blinking a few times before his vision cleared. Pumyra sat on the bed next to him, smiling.

He blinked a few more times. "Pumyra?" he rasped.

Her smile widened in approval. "How are you feeling?"

He swallowed heavily and sighed. "Better, I guess." He stirred and started to sit up when he started coughing uncontrollably. Pumyra roughly pulled him the rest of the way up and pounded on his back, trying to help. Finally, the hacking ceased and he flopped back into the pillows, moaning. He barely had time to breathe in before Pumyra had stuffed a spoon in his mouth, filled with the most vile substance he had ever tasted. "Oh, gods!" he spluttered as he swallowed. "That’s awful!"

She chuckled and capped the bottle. "You think you’re not going to pay for making us baby you?"

"Us?"

"You don’t think she was the only one in here with you all night, do you?" He turned and saw a weary-looking Cheetara sitting on the other side of the bed. She patted his hand. "We were worried about you."

He stared at her as she smiled at him. Although it was tinged with worry and tiredness, it was still enough to warm his heart a little.

And right now, he needed all the warmth he could get.

The door to the bedroom slid open and a distraught-looking Snarf bounded in. "Lion-O! Are you okay? What happened?"

"Nothing to worry about, Snarf," he soothed, trying to calm Snarf down. "I just have a cold." He glanced over at Cheetara, who watched him with anxious eyes. "I’ll be fine."

"Prrr! I just knew that something was wrong! My little boy is sick!"

Lion-O rolled his eyes. "Aw, Snarf!"

Snarf shook his head and scowled. "I never should have listened to Tygra!"

"Tygra?" Lion-O was about to ask what he was talking about when he was interrupted by the sound of his door opening. Panthro was the first to enter, followed by Lynx-O. "You feeling better?"

He nodded. "Lots."

Lynx-O stood behind Pumyra. "I am glad to hear your voice. I was concerned for you."

"I’m better, Lynx-O. I…I…" A cold chill hit him and he shivered. Cheetara anxiously pulled the blankets higher.

"You’ll have to stay in bed for a little while," Pumyra stated. She pulled out another bottle and grinned wickedly. "And now, time for you to pay for your services."

Lion-O groaned and pulled the blankets over his head.

Tygra lay in bed, listening to the voices from down the hall.

He rolled over, squeezing his eyes shut against the pain of his headache.

He had not been able to go to sleep, his guilty conscience whispering his guilt. His body still craved, but his shame had overridden even that gnawing pain. He turned over again, twisting the sheets that covered him.

Laughter came from beyond his door; Lion-O must be awake. He sighed and curled into a ball. The sunlight streaming from his window hurt his eyes and he rolled away from it. But the light filled the room, there was no escaping it. He sat up slowly and sighed.

He knew what he had to do.

"Now that wasn’t bad, was it?"

Lion-O grimaced. "I swear, Pumyra, the next time I see one of those bottles…"

"You’re in no position to fight, Lion-O," Cheetara laughed.

He crossed his arms and sulked.

"Now don’t be like that!" Cheetara removed her staff and twirled it playfully. "If you don’t start behaving, I’ll tie you down and make you…"

"NO!"

Cheetara jumped as Lion-O jerked away from her, his wild eyes filled with terror. "Lion-O! What’s wrong?" She reached for him and he shook his head frantically, backing away.

"DON’T TOUCH ME!"

He crawled away from her, falling off of the side of the bed and taking the blankets with him. He cried out as he tried to free himself from the tangle of covers, thrashing about wildly.

"Snyaarf! Lion-O! What’s wrong?"

"Lion-O!" Panthro pushed his way past Pumyra and grabbed Lion-O’s wrists, forcing him to be still. "Lion-O," he said slowly, fighting to keep him in place. "It’s okay. She didn’t mean anything by it."

Cheetara blinked in bafflement. "What’s wrong? What’s going on?"

Panthro ignored her, grabbing Lion-O’s head and forcing him to look into his eyes. He spoke slowly, trying to get through to him. "It’s okay. We are inside of your room, safe at home. There is no one here who is going to hurt you. We are all in here with you, having a nice conversation." He turned to Cheetara and gestured sharply at her to come over to him. "Look, Lion-O," he said, making him look at her. "It’s just Cheetara. She isn’t going to do anything. She is only concerned about you." He turned Lion-O back to him. "There is nothing wrong. Do you understand?"

Lion-O looked nervously at Cheetara and then back to Panthro.

"Do you understand?" he repeated.

Lion-O stopped struggling and nodded slowly. "I’m fine," he said quietly. He took a deep breath and bowed his head "I’m sorry, Cheetara," he mumbled.

Cheetara reached for him and stopped, remembering what happened last time. "What is the matter?"

He shook his head and winced at the pain of the scratches on his back. "Nothing."

"Lion-O?"

All eyes turned to Tygra, who stood in the doorway. Pumyra helped Lion-O to his feet and guided him back into bed. "Tygra," he said hoarsely, "are you okay?"

Tygra nodded and walked to the foot of his bed. He turned his eyes to the floor. " I…I’m sorry, Lion-O."

Lion-O shook his head. "There’s nothing to be sorry about, Tygra," he said, a little stronger now. "I’m just glad you’re okay." He coughed. "I was worried about you."

"Worried about…me?"

"Well, yeah…of course I was worried about you. I didn’t know if they had done something to you, too."

Cheetara looked at Lion-O, puzzled. "If they had done something to him?"

He ran an irate hand through his hair. "Is everyone going to repeat everything I say?"

Tygra looked at Panthro, who watched him expectantly. "Ummm…Lion-O…I owe you an apology."

He looked at him curiously. "For?"

Tygra took a deep breath. "When I got back to the Lair, I…I didn’t feel…I was sick." He paused, glancing briefly at Lion-O. "I couldn’t…ummm…"

Lion-O sat up a little, his eyes focused on Tygra. "You couldn’t what?" he asked quietly.

Tygra hugged himself, pacing the room. "I was worried, Lion-O. You have to believe that."

"Okay…I’m with you so far."

"I didn’t know what to do! I couldn’t go back to get you! I’m nothing without…"

Lion-O sighed in aggravation. "We’ve been through this already, Tygra. I don’t blame you for anything that happened. You’re not well."

Pumyra looked at Tygra, a confused look on her face. "What are you talking about? Did you go with them to the Berbil village to get supplies?"

Lion-O’s eyes narrowed. "To get supplies?"

"I know, Lion-O." He started pacing faster. "I should have done something. I should have tried." The words came out faster and faster as he went. "I thought that I could come for you later. I thought I’d be better." He shook his head. "All I did was sit here. I didn’t do anything."

Lion-O stared at him. "But, you called the others, right? That’s why they’re here."

He shook his head, feeling the tears building in his eyes. "No. They called me. Cheetara was worried that something had happened to you." Panthro cleared his throat and Tygra dropped his gaze. "I lied to Snarf to get him out of here and then I ignored the communicator for two days. I didn’t want everyone to think that I was weak."

Gasps filled the room. Cheetara tore her gaze away from Tygra and looked at Lion-O, his expression tight with strain. She reached over and covered his hand with hers, and he grabbed it and held it tightly.

Snarf’s fur bristled in anger. "Prrr, you let Lion-O stay there when we could have saved him?"

Lion-O waved him into silence. "Go on, Tygra," he said dully.

"I…I didn’t want them to be angry with me." He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand. "I didn’t think that Alluro would go through with what he threatened." He fell silent for a moment and then looked at Lion-O with hollow eyes. "I didn’t know that he would really make you Chilla’s prisoner."

"Pet, Tygra. Chilla’s pet."

Tygra hugged himself tighter. "I didn’t think it would turn out like this. I’d do anything to fix it. But I can’t. If I hadn’t lost the keystone…"

"WOULD YOU SHUT UP ABOUT THAT DAMNED KEYSTONE?!"

Lion-O shook violently as he stared at Tygra, amber eyes blazing with fury. Tygra

bit his lip and backed up a few steps. "I’m sorry. I didn’t know what was happening to you."

"Would you have tried if you did know?" he snarled. "Would it have made that much difference?"

Tygra bowed his head. "I just couldn’t…"

Lion-O watched silently him for a little bit and then dropped his gaze. Nothing Chilla had done to him had left him this cold inside. "If you all don’t mind," he said shakily, "I’d like to be alone for a while."

Tygra glanced at him guiltily and slunk out the door, followed by the others. Lion-O brought his knees to his chin and hugged them, closing his eyes against the tears that were threatening to fall.

"So, you want me to go?"

The voice startled him and he turned to see Cheetara next to min, a half-hearted smile on her lips. "Because, if you do, you’ll have to give me my hand back, first."

He looked down in surprise and saw that he indeed still held hers tightly. Reluctantly, he drew his hand away. "Sorry."

"So, you want me to go?"

He sighed and looked away. "I don’t care." He started shivering again, and Cheetara climbed on the bed and sat behind him, wrapping her arms around him.

"I’m so sorry, Lion-O," she whispered.

The shivering didn’t stop. "I thought that Chilla was the worst part of it. It wasn’t. He left me there." Unbidden tears started to form and he rubbed his eyes roughly. "He knew what was happening and he left me." A coughing fit seized him and she held him tighter. "I’m so cold, ‘Tara," he murmured. "I don’t want to be cold anymore."

She didn’t say anything. She moved from behind him and gently pushed him down onto the bed, pulling the blankets back over him. She started to get up when he grabbed her arm, keeping her there. "Don’t leave," he whispered, his feverish eyes showing something she rarely saw in them. Fear.

She shook her head. "I’m not going to leave." She pulled the blankets back and crawled in with him, holding him tightly against her to keep the cold at bay. "I’ll never leave you, Lion-O," she whispered, and she smiled as she felt him put his arms around her.

"Never…"

He hates me. They all hate me.

Tygra stared at the Lair from the forest across from it. He had left the fortress after his confession; the angry glares he had received from the others had frightened him and so he had ran, trying to escape.

Unfortunately, he thought, no matter how fast you go, you can’t run from yourself.

He sighed and looked up and the waning moon in the sky. The heavenly orb seemed a reflection of himself; a whole body slowly being cut down until soon, very soon, he thought, there would be nothing of him left.

================================================================

"Why are we hiding?"

Chilla glared at Alluro as they crouched in the bushes across the ravine from the Lair. "I thought we were going to get him."

"We are, dear Chilla." He smiled smugly and tapped his club absent-mindedly against the palm of his hand. "Don’t worry, we’ll get your precious back."

She scowled. "But how long do we have to wait? I don’t want to sit here all night!"

"Impatient, aren’t we?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Well, since you insist…" He flipped on the power switch of the jetpack he word and gallantly held an arm out for her. "I wouldn’t want to keep my lady waiting."

She smiled as he grabbed her around the waist and flew her up above the fortress.

================================================================

A soft knock awoke him.

"Lion-O?"

Pumyra’s quiet voice came through the door. He stirred and blinked sleepily. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep - but his overworked mind had finally shut off after he had stared at the wall for what seemed like hours. Yawning, he opened his eyes fully and saw blonde hair next to him.

"Lion-O? Are you okay?"

Another voice, Panthro’s this time, came from the hallway. The blonde hair moved and Cheetara turned to face him. Her eyes were soft with concern. "Are you feeling better?"

He watched her silently, his mind working in two different directions: One, how beautiful she looked when she woke up, and two, how utterly terrifying to have her so close to him.

"Lion-O?"

He blinked, coming to his senses. "Come in," he called, sitting up. Cheetara stretched and sat beside him, rubbing her eyes. The door opened and Pumyra and Panthro walked in. They stopped when they saw Cheetara.

"Are we interrupting?" Pumyra asked, fighting a smile.

Lion-O’s eyes widened. "Oh…oh, no," he said quickly, shaking his head. "She was just keeping me company and we…fell asleep." His cheeks grew hot as he tried to explain.

Panthro grinned and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Just wanted to make sure you were all right." His eyes turned dark. "I’m sorry about Tygra. Lucky thing we have Cheetara." He grabbed a corner of the top blanket and twisted it in his fingers. "I just wish we could have been here sooner."

Lion-O shrugged slightly. "It really doesn’t matter, Panthro. What’s done is done. There’s nothing that can change what happened."

Cheetara lay a hand on his arm. "It will take time, Lion-O, but the hurt will ease." Her hand dropped down to lay on top of his and she squeezed it softly. "You’ll always have…UNGH!"

Lion-O grabbed her as she held her head in pain. "Cheetara?!" he cried. "Cheetara? What’s wrong?"

She shook her head. "Oh, gods…it’s…"

A blinding blue light blazed through the window, illuminating everything in the room. Lion-O cringed as Alluro’s voice rang through the Lair.

"Surrender, Thundercats! You don’t stand a chance!" A low chuckle made Lion-O’s skin crawl. "And, Lion-O…" He clicked his tongue. "Naughty, naughty…"

================================================================

A sudden light caught Tygra’s attention as he walked through the trees bordering the Lair. Cautiously, he made his way through the branches until he stood at the clearing in front of the forest. His eyes traveled to its source and his heart froze.

He stood frozen, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.

His weakened mind screamed with effort as he tried to think of something. Anything. Anything at all.

He turned his head away from the blue beams and closed his eyes. He was helpless; there wasn’t anything that he could do. He didn’t have the keystone…if he had that, he could help. Without it, he was nothing; less that a man.

He closed his eyes as the memories started to come; unbidden images that started slowly and then came faster and faster, retelling a story that had been started years ago.

Lion-O as a baby, eyes squeezed shut as he cried lustily in Snarf’s arms. The boy grew into a toddler, wobbling as he attempted to take his first steps unassisted. The toddler aged, becoming a mischievous boy with wild red hair that he refused to let Snarf brush. He then became twelve, running for his life as his home was destroyed, thrust into an adventure he didn’t want. Suddenly, the awkward boy became a confused man, growing out without growing up. Tygra patiently teaching his charge everything he knew, trying to catch him up on a lifetime’s worth of learning in the precious few moments between life-threatening battles. The man slowly maturing, until his eyes were not those of a curious child, but rather of a king, confident of his decisions. The form of the adult Lion-O smiled at him.

"I am what I am because of you, Tygra."

Tygra winced as the image changed again; Lion-O’s eyes dulled and his clothes became ragged. His skin paled and he drew into himself, afraid of everything and everyone around him.

"I am what I am because of you, Tygra."

He felt the warm trickle of tears as the image faded. He wiped his eyes and looked back at the Lair; the blue light was gone. He stood for a moment, listening to the night’s silence.

He took a couple of tentative steps forward. The Lair crouched on the other side of the ravine, looking ready to pounce upon him and devour him whole. He drew a deep breath and took another step. The giggling voice of a two-year-old boy whispered in his ear.

His eyes hardened and he strode across the bridge to the Lair, determined not to fail his charge again.

================================================================

"You’ve been a bad, bad boy, Lion-O." Chilla smiled as the light of the orb danced above the bed. The other Thundercats watched in horror, unable to act due to the thundrainium collars clamped around their necks. Lion-O sat in bed, eyes closed against the tears that were forming. "You will pay dearly for your little rebellion."

"Prrr, Lion-O! Fight her!" Snarf cried, tugging at his heavy iron chains the lunataks had found in the Lair. "Don’t let her win!"

"Shut up, furball!" Alluro snapped.

"Stay away from him!" Cheetara struggled to get up and fell back to the floor, not having the strength.

"Or what?" she sneered. "I really don’t think you’re in a position to argue." She walked over to where Cheetara sat against the wall and glared down at her.

Lion-O grunted, fighting against the power of the sphere above him. "Leave…her…alone!"

She turned around to face him. "Isn’t that sweet? My little pet, defending his little whore." A sly smile played on her lips. "I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen such chivalry."

"Whore?!" Cheetara hissed, struggling to get up.

Chilla arched an eyebrow. "I found you in his bed, didn’t I?"

"You icy…"

"Pet, I think your little girlfriend is jealous."

Lion-O hissed with exertion. "She is not my girlfriend! Leave her alone!"

The smile faded from Chilla’s face. "That’s right, pet. You already belong to someone else." She traced a finger down his neck, making him flinch. "But, just to make sure everyone understands…" Her eyes narrowed. "Who do you belong to?"

A deathly hush fell over the room as all eyes turned to Lion-O, who shook his head. "No," he choked. "Don’t do this."

The orb grew brighter as Alluro grasped the keystone tighter. Chilla smirked. "Who do you belong to, pet?"

Lion-O lowered his head, too sick and too tired to fight it anymore. "You."

"I didn’t hear you, pet."

He looked up at her, tears starting to creep down his cheeks. "You, Chilla. I belong to you."

"Lion-O! No!" Cheetara looked at him with pleading eyes. "Fight it!"

Chilla turned to her and smirked. "There’s nothing to fight. He’s mine." She brushed a hand through his hair and smiled maliciously at her. "You know, once you’ve had a king, you’re spoiled for anything else."

"BITCH!" Cheetara snarled. Her hands went up to the collar and pulled weakly on it. She finally dropped her arms in exhaustion. "When I get out of this, I’ll…"

"You’ll what?" Chilla laughed. She snapped her fingers. "Pet, come to me." Lion-O slowly got up from the bed and stood next to her. "Now, pet, prove to me how sorry you are for leaving me" He hesitated and Chilla pressed against him. "Come on, now…don’t be afraid. You know what I like."

Lion-O groaned as he sunk to his knees in front of her, pressing his lips to her white boot. "Tell me you’re sorry, Lion-O."

"I - I’m sorry," he whispered.

"You’re sorry, what?"

"I’m sorry…mistress."

Chilla looked smugly at Cheetara. "That’s a good pet, Lion-O."

================================================================

The ventilation shafts were dusty and dark. Tygra crawled through the seemingly endless maze above the rooms of the Lair, making his way to his destination. The ducts were small and cramped, and while Tygra had never suffered from claustrophobia, he was beginning to understand the panic of those who did.

He cringed at the scraping sound of his nails on the vent floor; the metallic squeal echoed through the tunnels, making it seem as loud as cannon fire to his acute ears.

He ducked into a side corridor, crawling quickly up the steep incline. If his calculations were correct, he should be on the floor where the bed chambers were. The blueprint flashed again in his mind and he turned around, heading towards his own chambers.

His head jerked up as the sound of a low voice filtered through the shafts. He paused, listening to the sound. He crawled cautiously forward, trying to locate its source.

He inched forward cautiously into the little alcove, his breath caught in his throat. The vent lay before him, the light from the room below it shining through the cracks. The voice came again, followed by a low chuckle. The sound of it made his hair stand on end.

He stared at the vent for what seemed like hours before finally forcing himself to crawl to it. He looked down through the grate, the light illuminating his face.

Don’t feel. Just look and see where everybody is. Don’t feel. Gods, please, don’t feel.

He turned shakily around and crawled back to the main vent, going as quickly as he could without making noise.

He turned off again and pulled himself into another niche, feeling with his fingers until he found the grate. Applying light pressure, he popped one side of it out and caught it with his hand. He removed it the rest of the way carefully and pulled it into the shaft with him, laying it down next to him. Grabbing the hole with both hands, he slid soundlessly through it, landing quietly on his bed. He looked around his darkened chambers, absently noting the disarray. Picking his way over the cluttered floor, he crept to the workbench at the far side of his room. His eyes darted over the objects on it until they came to rest on the short handle that once felt so natural in his hand. A satisfied smile crept over his face as he picked it up; the smooth surface reminded him of the power he once had.

And could have again.

He unfurled the whip, watching it snake across the floor as he snapped his wrist. His eyes narrowed as he followed the three balls at the end, sparkling with power.

It was time to finish what he had started.

The whip coiled around him, its length embracing him like an old lover. "Now you see me," he hissed, "now you don’t."

================================================================

"Lion-O…please…don’t give in…"

He closed his eyes at the sound of Cheetara’s crying voice; shame had filled him at what he was being forced to do.

"Chilla, please," Lynx-O’s quiet voice broke in. "It is not necessary to do this. You have proven your point."

"Yes, Chilla," Alluro smiled, "I think your little puppet show has shown them exactly who’s in control." He waved the keystone around, the light mesmerizing him. "If they come after him, they will share his fate." A slow smile crept across his lips. "Hopefully, Cheetara will try to save him. My, what pleasures I can think of for her."

Lion-O made a choking sound and Alluro laughed. "Come on, Chilla. I know you can’t wait to get home!"

Chilla smiled at Lion-O. "That’s right, pet. To make sure that you learn your lesson, I have a special treat for you." She grabbed him by the hair and jerked his head up. "You won’t even think of disobeying me again by the time I get done with you."

"Leave him alone, lunatak!"

All heads turned to the sound of Tygra’s voice. A loud crack filled the air as three fiery spheres collided with the psyche club’s orb, causing it to shatter into a million fragments.

Chilla hissed and backed up a couple of steps as its hypnotic blue light vanished, freeing Lion-O from its spell. He stood up shakily and tried to find Tygra.

"Lion-O! Here!"

A slivery streak flew through the air; Lion-O reached for it and the Sword slapped into the palm of his hand. He whirled around to Snarf and fired at him.

"SNYAARF!" The furry nursemaid flung his hands over his eyes as the beam shot toward him. The clang of metal on the floor was heard and he peeked through his fingers, the iron shackles once holding him now lay broken on the floor.

"Snarf!" Lion-O cried. "Help the others! Get those collars off of them!" Snarf nodded and scampered over to Panthro, his tiny hands working furiously on the lock.

"Alluro!" Chilla yelled. "Do something!"

Alluro spun around, trying to find his attacker. "Where are you, you miserable wretch? You cannot defeat me, not while I hold your precious keystone!" Alluro held the shimmering stone in front of him like a talisman. "If you do not stop, I’ll smash it into a hundred pieces!"

"You wouldn’t do that, Alluro," Tygra’s disembodied voice called. "You are as much a slave to it as I once was."

Alluro laughed. "Me? Slave? I think not, Thundercat!"

Tygra suddenly appeared behind him. "Well, then, let’s put it to the test." His whip unfurled once again, this time wrapping around the keystone. With a snap, the stone flew from his hand and was hurled behind him.

"NO!" he screamed, fighting Tygra to get to it. "I must have it! CHILLA!"

Chilla spared a glance at Alluro while trying to fight off the newly-released captives. They advanced toward her, weapons now in hand. She took in a breath and released an icy blast at Cheetara. She brought her staff up in front of her and spun it, stopping the freezing wisps before it hit her. Chilla prepared to fire again, and Cheetara’s staff cannoned into her stomach, knocking her over. Cheetara pounced on top of her and dug her claws into her throat, cutting off her air. "What’s the matter, Chilla?" she growled, tightening her grip. "Can’t stand up to Lion-O’s little whore?"

Chilla writhed wildly under her grasp. Her eyes grew wide as she tried to breathe and, in desperation, kicked Cheetara in the stomach. She gasped and let Chilla go. The lunatak crawled backwards from her, heart racing in panic as the others came toward her.

"CHILLA! HELP ME!"

Alluro screamed in panic as Tygra’s whip finally found him, coiling around him like a snake. Tygra smiled and pulled the whip sharply, and Alluro fell to the floor. He let out a yelp as the tiger landed on top of him, his glittering eyes hard as stone. "You will pay for what you have done, Alluro. I will see to it."

"Alluro!" Chilla hissed, trying unsuccessfully to freeze her assailants. "Get us out of here!" She continued to inch her way back, not daring to look away from the advancing Thundercats. She suddenly stopped as she bumped into something behind her. She looked up and her heart froze.

Lion-O stood menacingly above her, his eyes as black as the robe he wore. He smiled grimly, casually twirling the sword in his hand. She looked frantically between him and the others who were advancing toward her. "Oh, mistress," he hissed, the sword now pointed at her. "You think I spoiled you before?" His eyes narrowed. "That’s nothing compared to what I’m going to do to you now."

She screamed and darted around him, running to Alluro. She pushed Tygra off of him and pulled him up roughly. "Get us out of here!" she cried.

Alluro grabbed her arm. "But, Chilla! The keystone!"

Chilla fired another icy assault at Lion-O, who stopped it with the sword. "Why did you do that, mistress? Haven’t I been a good little pet?"

Panthro motioned for everyone to stay back as Lion-O grabbed her around her neck and dragged her to the door. With his other hand, he reached down and seized Alluro. The others followed behind him as he pulled them roughly down the hall and down the stairs to the entrance. The massive doors slid open and he lifted Chilla a little. "I never hurt a lady, Chilla." Chilla let out a sigh of relief and then a cry of alarm as he threw her down the steps. "But I’ll kick a bitch’s ass with a smile."

Alluro watched as she tumbled down the concrete staircase, the sharp edges bruising her ivory skin. He slowly turned to look at Lion-O, whose eyes burned as bright as coals. "As for you," he whispered fiercely, "if you ever threaten Cheetara again, I will hunt you down like the dog that you are and kill you."

"P-please!" he begged. "I won’t! I swear! Just let me go!"

Lion-O let him grovel for a moment and then tossed him out, letting him follow Chilla’s descent. The two lunataks huddled miserably at the bottom of the stairs and then flew off shakily, the glow of Alluro’s pack disappearing in the distance.

================================================================

The room was silent for a moment as everyone looked at each other. Lion-O rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and breathed a sigh of relief. "Is everyone all right?" he asked, looking at the others.

"Oh, Lion-O!" Snarf cried, running over to him. "I was so worried! Are you okay?"

He smiled. "Yeah, Snarf, I’m okay." He bent down and hugged him. "You’re not hurt, are you?"

"Of course not! Ol’ Snarf can take care of himself!" He swung his fists in a parody of fighting.

"Sure, Snarf." He stood up and was almost knocked over by Cheetara, who threw her arms around him.

"Thank Jaga you’re safe," she whispered.

He smiled and held her to him. "You weren’t worried about me, were you?" She hugged him tighter and he winced silently at the pain.

"I don’t think you have to worry about them coming back anytime soon," Panthro laughed. "You showed them you still had some fight left in you!" A heartfelt smile curved his mouth. "You did good, Lion-O."

Lion-O returned the grin. "Learned from the best."

The sound of a throat clearing made everyone turn. Tygra stood by the stairs at the back of the room, looking at Lion-O. "Are you…all right, Lion-O?"

Lion-O nodded and pulled himself out of Cheetara’s arms. "Yes. And you?" he asked, taking a few steps toward him. "Are you injured?"

"No. I’m okay." Tygra ran a shaky hand around his neck. "I…I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry. If it wasn’t for me and my weakness, none of this would have ever happened." He looked at the floor. "My addictions have cost us a lot, and this time, the price for my foolishness was too high."

"It’s over with now, Tygra. There’s no sense in blaming yourself." Lion-O stood in front of him. "If you want to place blame, then you’ll have to blame me, too. I didn’t help you."

"No, Lion-O! You tried, and I just pushed you away." He closed his eyes. "You did what you thought was right."

"That wasn’t enough." Lion-O turned and started up the stairs. "Stay there. I’ll be right back."

Everyone watched as he made his way up the stairs and disappeared into the hallway. A moment later he was back, carrying a small bundle. He walked over to Tygra and held it in front of him. "I can’t make your decisions for you, Tygra."

Tygra reached out with a shaky hand and took it, unwrapping the cloth. He gasped as the keystone glimmered before him, its emerald facets sparkling in the light. Lion-O stepped away. "You saved me, Tygra. For that I thank you." He gestured down to the keystone. "In return, I give you what is most important to you." Tygra stared at him in shock. Lion-O took another step back and coughed. "Go ahead. Take it. It’s yours."

Tygra looked back down at the keystone. It shone enticingly from its wrappings, beckoning for him to touch it. He tore his gaze from it to Lion-O’s haggard face, and then to the others behind him.

Lion-O coughed again and Cheetara came up behind him, putting a hand on his arm. He reached up with his own hand without looking and brought it back down, keeping it in his. "Go on, Tygra," he whispered. "Take it."

The power of the stone was calling to him and he stared into it, the sparkling light filling his senses. Filling him.

"No."

With a tremendous roar he hurled it down. It burst on impact, sending green fragments skittering across the floor. "I won’t do it, Lion-O. I will not let myself become its prisoner again." He looked up at his lord, realization dawning in his eyes. "You knew I wouldn’t. That’s why you did this."

Lion-O shook his head. "No. I didn’t know. Like I said, I can’t make your decisions for you. This was something you did on your own."

Tygra covered his eyes and choked back a sob. "I’m so sorry. I know you must hate me."

"I don’t hate you, Tygra." He came over to him and put a hand on his bony shoulder. "I could never hate you. You taught me everything I know." He smiled a little as Tygra looked up at him. "Everything I am, I am because of you."

Tygra gasped as he heard the words. But the eyes before him were not those of fear. They were the eyes of a king.

"Thank you, Lion-O."

"No thanks necessary," he shrugged. He started to turn and then stopped, looking back at Tygra. "But, if you really want to do something for me…"

Tygra perked up. "Anything! Name it!"

Lion-O cast a sly glance at Pumyra and smiled. "Make me a cough syrup that doesn’t taste like hell."

Back to Fanfic Archive