The sunlight streamed through the curtains into the small chamber. Telling of a new day, it urged the huddled figure beneath the sheets to awaken and enjoy its blessings.

Unable to avoid its call much longer, Cheetara pushed back the blankets and opened her eyes. Another beautiful day on Third Earth, she thought and offered up a silent prayer that the Mutants would not spoil it. Still, it was warm in bed and she found that she was in no great hurry to get up. The feeling started to make her wonder, as she normally sprang from the bed ready for her usual morning run. Then another odd thing struck her. The bedside table had disappeared.

Pushing herself up, she glanced about the room, convinced she was mistaken. But no, her first impression had been correct. This was not her room. Her mind raced as she tried to think what possibly could have happened, when there was a low moan and the bedclothes started to move beside her. An arm reached from under the blankets and searched for her, but she moved out of its reach and leapt from the bed. Noticing her nakedness, she grabbed a towel and wrapped it round herself.

"Cheetara? Are you all right?" came a sleepy voice. The blankets moved again and Lion-O pushed himself out from under the covers. He blinked several times, then tried to focus on her. "Where did you go?" he asked.

"I…er, I'm…" She was struggling to find the words, as the enormity of the situation began to take shape in her mind. Surely it hadn't happened? Surely it couldn't be?

"Cheetara? What's wrong?" he said.

"Nothing. I'm fine, I think," she stammered. "But… what happened here last night?"

A mischievous smile curled the corners of his lips. "Don't you remember?"

"No, I don't. And I'm not sure why I'm here now, in your room." She had a nagging suspicion that she knew. Until he confirmed it one way or another, however, she was prepared to doubt herself and pray that she was wrong.

"Well, what can I say?" Lion-O said, pushing himself up in bed. "You practically jumped me last night and, might I say, took advantage of me, oh, four times, was it? I sort of lost count."

"Oh, great Jaga," she murmured, turning away from him to the window. Her head span, leaving her feeling sick to the pit of her stomach. How, how could this have happened, she wondered.

"Are you sure you're all right?"

The soft touch of his hand on her shoulder and the gentle lilt of his voice inches from her ear made her jump. She turned and he was standing behind her, concern showing on his face.

"Are you upset with me? Was it something I did?" he asked.

He was too close. She dodged around him and moved away. "I'm confused," she said. "I don't remember anything of what you say happened last night. No, I can't believe it."

"But, Cheetara, I thought it was what you wanted."

"No, how can it be what I wanted? I took a vow, a solemn oath years ago, to protect you, to keep you safe from harm."

"And so you did, all night long," he said, grinning. "You can protect me like that any time you want."

"Sleeping with you isn't looking after you, Lion-O. It's… it's…"

"A lot of fun is what it is. In fact, if you're feeling in the mood…"

"Stop it!" she yelled. "I've betrayed you, your father and everything I believe in. And you stand there and tell me that I jumped you. It can't be true. No, I don't, won't believe it!"

"But I swear that is exactly what happened," he said. "I'm sorry if I've hurt you. I'll never mention it again if that's what you want. I don't know what else to say, except that I will always treasure our night together."

She stared at him, searching his face for any trace of guile. But his surprise at her outburst and denial seemed genuine enough. It had happened. She could try to deny it to herself, but the facts were clear for all to see. There could be no hiding from the truth. She sank down onto the bed, feeling light-headed and more confused than ever. Why had she done it? More than that, what harm had she caused?

The bed moved slightly as he sat down beside her and soon she felt the weight of his stare.

"I love you, Cheetara," he said with deep affection when she looked up. "You mean so much to me." His hand strayed to hers and he held it tightly. "I couldn't bear to lose you. Not now, not after our wonderful night together. If I've done something wrong, tell me, so I can put it right."

There, she thought, looking into his honest eyes, there is the harm. There was little point blaming him. She couldn't deny that the feel of his hand enfolding hers was very pleasant indeed. Even so, something did not feel right about the situation. This is wrong, whispered the voice of her instinct. It had to be, but that hope was fast fading.

"Lion-O, may I be honest with you?" she said. "I really do not remember what happened last night. Something here is very wrong."

"Like what?"

"If I knew that…" She trailed off, uncertain now. "I don't know. Perhaps I just need to clear my head." She pulled her hand from his and got to her feet, turning her back on him so that she did not have to see the distressed look on his face.

"Well, where do we go from here?" he asked. "Will I see you tonight?"

She did not know what to say. Instead, she gave him a half-hearted smile and slipped hurriedly from the room. Outside, the corridor was empty. But as she crept along, she felt as though the Lair was watching her and glowering down disapprovingly. She could bear it no longer and made a dash for her room. Once inside, she went to the wash basin and splashed cold water on her face.

"Now, pull yourself together, girl," she said out loud. "You know this is a mistake. It has to be."

"No mistake, Cheetara-mya."

She lifted her head slowly and her eyes fixed on the mirror in front of her, dreading what she might see. And he was there, behind her, regarding her with disappointment and disapproval. Cheetarn, her father, looking the same as he had when she had last seen him all those years ago.

"Have you forgotten what I told you, Cheetara-mya?" His pet name for her, but he had always had a way of saying it that turned it into the sternest of reproofs.

She turned to face him. "Father, I don't know what to say."

"Whore!" he spat, his eyes blazing with fury. "That you should betray the trust placed in you. You are no child of mine!"

"No, please, I--"

The spectre glared at her. "You were always a disappointment. I should have had sons. You are a disgrace to my name, to my honour. Oath-breaker!"

"Father, please, hear me out."

"What is there to say, when you have disgraced us all with your ungovernable lust?"

With that parting shot, he vanished in a violent flash of light, leaving her alone. She sank to the floor and wept bitter tears. He had denounced her, accused her of letting him down. All these years, she had tried so hard to make him proud, to be the son the gods had denied him when they called his wife to them. He had never sought the arms of another and had piled his hopes on his only child. It had been difficult living up to his expectations, but the day she had been made a Thundercat he had been finally able to say that he had an heir worthy of his name. And now she had failed him.

Having washed and dressed, she wandered downstairs, feeling deeply depressed. It was her shame, she decided. She had made the mistake. There was no need for the others to know yet. Unless Lion-O had told them, which would make things difficult. They would find out sooner or later, but she hoped that she would get the chance to put her side of it first. She could try to explain, even if she did not quite understand it herself.

At the bottom of the stairs, she paused, not knowing what to do next. Her grumbling stomach, alerted by the familiar smells of freshly-baked bread and muffins, persuaded her to seek out the comforts of one of Snarf's delicious breakfasts. Outside the Council Room, she paused, took a deep breath and forced herself to smile. Concern as to why she looked so unhappy was not needed right now.

Her best efforts were wasted, however, for when the door opened, silence fell over the room. Lion-O was not there yet, but all the others were and it seemed as though they knew. But how could they, she thought, chiding herself for her paranoia. Trying to act unconcerned, she went to her seat and sat down. Snarf slopped a bowl of something messy in front of her and stalked away before she could thank him. The murmur of conversation started up again, although she felt their eyes continually darting in her direction until she could stand it no longer.

"Is there a problem?" she said. No one answered. The twins turned their attention back to the mess they were pushing around their plates, while their elders exchanged glances. A moment passed in silence before she slapped down her spoon on the table and got their attention. "Well, what is it?"

"We were just wondering," Tygra said at last, "what is the punishment for oath-breakers?"

"What?"

"I only ask because possibly I'm out of touch these days. I didn't realise how much things have changed since we left Thundera. Or rather how much you have changed."

She glared at him, feeling an impossible swell of anger rising within. "How dare you!" she said. "How dare you judge me with your petty suspicions!"

"Am I wrong then? Or wasn't that you I heard moaning and groaning last night?"

"WilyKit, WilyKat, leave the room," said Panthro. They slid out of their seats and scurried away.

"Well?" said Tygra.

"I don't have to explain anything to you," she retorted.

He jumped to his feet. "Yes, you do, Cheetara. It was our sworn duty to protect Lion-O. I don't remember anything about it including bed-sports. Just how far do you intend to broaden his horizons?"

She let out a roar of anger and struck the table with her fist, sending her bowl clattering to the floor. "What do you know about anything?" she raged.

"I know how embarrassed we all were by the spectacle you made of yourself at the Wollo village last night. The next time you get carried away, have the decency not to do it in front of the Thunderkittens!" Giving her a final glare, he strode from the table and out of the room.

She fell back into her chair and groaned. "It's true, is it?" she said, not looking up.

"'Fraid so," said Panthro. "Still, what will be, will be."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Frankly, Cheetara, I always wondered what Jaga was playing at when he chose you to come with us on the flagship. Now, I guess we all know." He rose to his feet and, giving her a look of utter contempt, went on his way.

She sat there, head in hands, for a long time, his words ringing in her ears. She had always tried to believe that Jaga had chosen her for the important mission of protecting young Lion-O because of her skill. But what use was speed in the depths of space? Had he really chosen her just for her amusement value? Worse was the realisation that the other Thundercats had been humouring her all this time. How they must have laughed at her behind her back, the token female along for the ride. Despair welled up inside her and found release in the tears that sprang readily from her eyes.

"No use crying over spilt milk," came Snarf's voice from beside her. "Speaking of which, I'm not clearing that up," he said, pointing to the broken bowl on the floor.

Cheetara sniffed and wiped her eyes. "No, I'll do it, Snarf."

"If you aren't too tired, that is." He started clearing away the breakfast things. She could tell he was fuming from the way he smashed the plates together. Finally came the inevitable explosion.

"You know he's still only a boy at heart, Cheetara," he said at last. "Brrr, he isn't mature enough for you to be fooling around with his emotions. Why did you have to latch onto him?"

"I don't know," she replied, avoiding his angry glare by bending down to retrieve her bowl.

"Don't know indeed," retorted the little creature, stomping around the table to confront her. "You couldn't keep your hands off him last night. Poor mite. He doesn't need you complicating his life!"

"I don't mind a little complication, Snarf," said Lion-O, catching the end of the conversation as he came wandering into the room.

"Weeow, my poor boy," Snarf fretted. "Let me get you some breakfast."

Lion-O smiled tolerantly. "Yes, that would be nice, thank you. Oh, and Snarf? I'm not a boy any more. Isn't that right, Cheetara?"

Snarf huffed and marched out of the room. Lion-O chuckled to himself and then came over to where she was still gathering up the fragments of the broken bowl.

"Are you still angry with me?" he asked, helping to pick up the scattered pieces.

"I don't know what to say, Lion-O," she said carefully, all the while keeping her eyes averted.

"Say that you love me, like you did last night," he whispered, moving close enough so that his lips gently brushed her ear.

She turned away from him. "Don't. It can't work. Everyone despises me as it is."

"I don't care what the others think. You've awoken in me a fire that won't go out, Cheetara. More than anything now, I want us to be together. I'll do anything for you. I'll even step down as Lord of the Thundercats if that's what you want."

She looked into his eyes and saw the earnest intent burning there. "But I don't want that," she said.

"Then what?"

"Lion-O, please, I never meant to hurt you, but what happened between us was a mistake."

He rose to his feet, hurt and anger showing on his face. "You used me and now I'm not good enough, is that it? Be honest for once in your life and admit it, or does truth mean nothing to you?" He strode to the door, his whole body quivering with rage. On the threshold, he paused and looked back. "You've got to ask yourself, Cheetara, are you fit to be a Thundercat? I know that I'm not fit to be our leader, when I can't even see through your shallow motives!" He left the room, angrily banging his hand up against the doorframe as he went.

The harm had been done. That phrase kept coming back to haunt her. She had lost the respect of her friends and hurt the one person she had always tried to protect. Are you fit to be a Thundercat? The words echoed around her, swamping her in guilt and shame. She had to get away.

And before she knew it, she was racing out of Cat's Lair. The ground vanished beneath her flying feet as she pushed herself harder than ever before. Passing the Berbils, away from the Wollos, through the Forest of Unicorns, into the territory of the Warrior Maidens and on, where they would never find her, from where she might never find her way home again. Finally, with her chest on fire and legs quivering, she came to a halt beside a river where the waters churned as fiercely as the turmoil in her soul. She dipped her hand into the water and splashed a little onto her burning skin. Here, where no one knew her, she was safe. She was free.

But then, she thought she heard an accusation on the gentle breeze. Oath-breaker! Deceiver! And then the swirling waters picked up the words. Dissembler! Unfit Thundercat! Even here, it had followed her.

She put her hands over her ears. "No! No, it can't be true!" she wailed. "Leave me alone!"

She tried pushing herself to her feet, but her legs buckled and she fell back to the ground. Her gift, her speed, had deserted her. All that was left was despair. All she could do was to cry.

"Where will you run to next, Cheetara?"

She raised tear-filled eyes to see the ghost of Jaga staring down at her. The mentor who had encouraged her through Thundercat training, who had placed his trust in her. Except now, his expression was stern and his words bitter.

"He was not intended for you," he said. "But because of you, this day you no longer have a Lord of the Thundercats!"

"No, no, I never wanted that!"

"Liar! You wanted everything and now you have brought the Thundercats to their knees. What now will become of our people?"

The accusations were stinging. She rose unsteadily to her feet and forced herself to move away from the angry spirit.

"Yes, run, Cheetara, run. It's all you were ever good at!"

Blinded by tears, she pushed on through the bracken and into the dense cover of the trees. All the time, those words followed her. Because of you… And it was taken up by the towering trees and passed along their branches, so that the birds sang a chorus of run, Cheetara, run -- it's all you were ever good at! Then the grasses at her feet whispered amongst themselves, you have brought the Thundercats to their knees… So she kept running, not knowing where she was going, racing through the bleak forest until suddenly the ground gave way beneath her and she was falling down into the river. The waters enfolded her in their icy embrace and pulled her down into the depths.

The whispering stopped. Instead, it was the gentle lilt of the waters around her, promising peace and freedom from pain. She was losing her will to fight. Water filled her mouth, choking her lungs. The river pulled her down deeper, until all she could see was its murky heart. Vainly she kicked and struggled against its deadly embrace, but the battle was unequal and she fought no more.

Then air forced its way into her strangled chest and she took a deep, shuddering breath. Strong arms held her and carried her upwards to where the light danced on the rippling waters. She broke through the shimmering surface and drew in deep lungfuls of sweet air. Around her, a soft voice echoed.

"Come on, Cheetara, keeping breathing. Don't give up on us yet."

She opened her eyes and found herself looking up into Tygra's concerned face.

"Welcome back," he said with obvious relief. "Thought we'd lost you there for a minute."

"How is she?" asked another voice, sounding so familiar somehow, like…

"Lion-O!" she yelled. Sitting up now, she saw that he was sitting on the end of the bed, looking at her with alarm. Her bed, in her room, in the Lair. It took a moment to register, then her relief turned to anxiety. She had sought escape, yet here she was again.

"Are you all right?" he asked. "After what happened last night, I--"

"No, no, it can't be!" she sobbed, covering her face with her hands. "Why did you save me? Why? Why?"

Tygra took her by the arms and forced her to look at him. "Whoa, steady there. Cheetara, it's all right. Nothing has happened. It was an illusion, that's all. You're safe now."

"No, you all hate me! You despise me and I despise myself!"

"Hate you? How could we ever hate you? Cheetara, calm down. None of what you believed to be true has happened. It was all caused by food poisoning."

She stopped shaking and regarded him warily. "Food poisoning?"

"Yes, or rather I should say poisonous food." He turned to Lion-O and nodded. "She'll be all right now. Why don't you see how the twins are doing?" Lion-O took the hint and left.

"Well, now," Tygra said. "Didn't we get ourselves in a state?" He brushed her tousled mane away from her face and regarded her kindly.

"It was all so real," she said. "This isn't an illusion, is it?"

He shook his head. "But you can pinch me if you like, just to be sure."

"I'll take your word for it. So, what did happen?"

"Oh, that," he said, drawing in a deep breath. "You remember last night we went to that festival at the Wollo village?"

"Where I made a spectacle of myself with--" She stopped herself just in time. "Although I guess that didn't happen."

"Sounds as though the parties you go to are more interesting than the ones I get invited to," he teased. "Anyway, it seems that someone made a slip up in the cookery department and prepared dishes made from Ember berries."

"What are they?"

"Their juice contains a powerful hallucinogen. Taken to excess, it can cause vivid nightmares and paranoia. It takes the sum of your fears and uses them to destroy your self worth. Eventually, the mind buckles under the strain and willingly gives up. Tell me if this sounds familiar -- worse case scenario?"

Cheetara nodded, the memories still raw in her mind. "It was terrible. You all hated me, and Jaga was there, and my father…"

"Yes, that sounds about right." She noticed how he glanced down at his hands and shuddered. "We were all affected. Lion-O was shaking like a leaf earlier and Panthro has that wide-eyed look about him that tells me something has gone on, although he won't say what. Needless to say, the Thunderkittens are very tearful this morning. No one had a good night it seems, except Snarf. Well, you know how suspicious he is about trying new things, and it's a lucky thing for us. The Wollos contacted him this morning, told him what had happened and gave him the antidote. He gave some to me and woke me up, thank Jaga, and I've been doing the rounds ever since. Sorry I didn't get to you sooner."

She looked away from him and sighed. "It doesn't matter. I just thought…" Tears brimmed in her eyes again. "I thought I was drowning, but it was all so terrible I wanted to die. Can you believe that?"

"Yes," he said, taking her in his arms and holding her close. "You had me worried, you silly little cheetah. You weren't breathing at one point."

"I thought I'd broken my vow, Tygra. I didn't protect him. I hurt him."

A moment passed while her meaning sunk in. "Oh. I see. You know, I think I'm jealous."

She sniffed heavily. "You weren't happy. You called me an oath-breaker."

Tygra laughed out loud. "Me? Are you joking? I only ever get that steamed up when Snarf puts my whip in with the dirty laundry."

She pulled away from his embrace and looked him in the eye.

"What else?" he asked.

"That Jaga only had me along to… well, because I'm a female."

He held her gaze for a long minute, a look of disbelief on his face. "You don't really believe that, do you?" he said gently. "What would we do without you, Cheetara? We would never be able to cope, I'm sure of it. You're the best of us, the most capable, our greatest asset." A mischievous look came into his eye. "And frankly if that's what you believe, then I'm most offended and I might never forgive you."

Cheetara smiled gratefully. "Whatever must you think of me?"

"I think you had a very nasty experience. If it's any consolation, you aren't alone in that. Remind me to steer well clear of Ember berries in the future." His eyes had dulled slightly while he had been speaking. Visibly pulling himself together, he sighed and got to his feet. "Well, I should just go and check on the kittens. Will you be all right now?"

She nodded. Satisfied, he began to leave. Before he made it to the door, she called to him.

"I just wanted to say thanks, for everything you've done for me."

He nodded. "That's what I'm here for."

"And you've no need to be jealous."

To that, he said nothing. He didn't have to. The smile that had come to his face said it all.

After he had gone, she eased herself out of bed and, pulling on a dressing gown, wandered over to the window where glistening sunbeams danced in the still air. Throwing open the casement, she looked out. Below, Panthro had the Thundertank out with its hood up while he tinkered with the engine. Snarf was sitting on one of the Lair's giant Paws, peeling potatoes and singing. And beyond the Lair stretched the wide grasslands, beckoning to her to come out and enjoy the freedom of a new day. She smiled to herself and heeded their call. Despite the night before, the world had not changed. Everything was as it should be, now that morning had come.

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