For It May Come True

The battle continued. Both the Lunatacs and Mutants were fighting the Thundercats at Cat’s Lair. The attack came as a surprise for the Thundercats in the late morning; except for Cheetara who took the Feliner to take some prisoners who escaped the Prison Planet back there where Mandora would take care of them. Once the cheetah heard about the battle, she flew back to Third Earth at full speed. However, as soon as she came into 3rd Earth’s atmosphere, Vultureman in the Rat Star attacked her.

On land, Slythe in his nosedive was taking on WilyKit on her space board. Her brother was in the Thunderclaw fighting Monkian in the Sky Cutter. Tugmug and RedEye were in the Lunatank battling Tygra and Panthro in the Thundertank. Alluro and Chilla were fighting Bengali and Pumyra on the ground. Lion-O was in Cat’s Lair with Snarf and Snarfer while Lynx-O was flying the Thunderstrike as they took on Luna and Amok in Skytomb.

“Cheetara, how are you doing up there?” Lion-O asked on the comm-link.

“Not too good, Lion-O. The RatStar is hot on my trail and ---aah!”

“Cheetara, what happened?”

“I just got shot from behind. One of my engines is out and the missiles are jammed. If I take another hit like that, I’m through.” She said.

Cheetara continued to outmaneuver the RatStar. She knew the best way to fight him was a counterattack, but with one of her engines down and most of her missiles not functioning, she knew she wouldn’t be able to fight as best she could. Cheetara shot back with the lasers, missiles, and the others weapons that were working. The RatStar took some hits but not as bad as the Feliner.

In the RatStar, Vultureman dodged some hits but he took some major hits at the weapons area. Cheetara was able to knock out the missiles and most of the lasers. Vultureman’s laser power was almost depleted. He could only get two shots in before the laser power went out and the mutant was going to make it count. He focused his attention on the other engine on the Feliner. First he fired a laser to make Cheetara pull up as a diversion for his real target and to give him a good view of the other engine. When the engine was clear in his sights, he fired. It was a perfect hit.

“That’ll take care of her for good. Heh. Heh.” Vultureman laughs wickedly.

The lasers were a direct hit on the other engine. Power went out immediately in the second engine. The lights were going off and on in the ship. The Feliner begins spiraling out of control.

“Cheetara, to Cat’s Lair! Cheetara to Cat’s Lair! Come in! Lion-O! Snarf! Anybody!”

“This is Lion-O. What’s wrong, Cheetara?”

“My second engine got knocked out and I’m spiraling out of control. Most of the power is out! I’m going down!” Cheetara shouted in the com-link.

Lion-O switched monitors from the battle on land to the battle in the sky. He saw the Feliner going out of control. “Can you pull up?!”

“I’m trying, but it’s not working! Engines out! Systems out! Most of the power has depleted on the ship! I’m going to crash!”

The Feliner spins wildly; smoke was coming out of both engines, and inside the Feliner. Cheetara could barely see the controls with the smoke inside. With her altitude dropping rapidly, the ground was appearing larger as she approached it. She felt this was it for her and her life was flashing before her eyes. After the flashback, the approaching ground was the last thing she saw before everything went black.

*****

Cheetara lied in bed with a white bandage wrapped around her head. She groans in pain as she awakens. Her head was still hurting from the impact, but she was happy to be alive. Her vision was blurry at first, but as it cleared she saw Lion-O applying a wet towel to her head.

“You’re awake. Good. You gave us quite a scare. You hit your head pretty hard.”

Cheetara sat up with Lion-O’s assistance. “Yeah. I know. I was there when I crashed the Feliner. How is it, anyway?”

“Feliner?” Lion-O said confused.

“Yes, Feliner. Big, red and white ship with cat features. I was flying in it when I crashed.” Cheetara explained smartly.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, Cheetara. That is not how you hurt your head.” Lion-O said.

“Of course it was.”

“No, it wasn’t. We were working at the Thundrillium mines. You slipped in the caves and hit your head on a rock.” Lion-O explained. “You must’ve dreamt that crashed.”

“No, I didn’t, Lion-O. I know how I was knocked out.”

“Hasn’t she come to yet?!” Alluro bellowed impatiently as he burst in the room.

“Alluro?” Cheetara said confused.

“Yes, Master Alluro. Cheetara awakened moments ago.” Lion-O told him.

“Master Alluro?! Lion-O, why are you calling Alluro master and what’s he doing in Cat’s Lair?”

“How dare you talk about I, Alluro, your master that way.” Alluro and raised his club to strike the injured cheetah.

Lion-O stood over Cheetara in order to protect her. “No, Master Alluro. Cheetara just awakened. She’s still groggy and doesn’t know what she is saying.”

Alluro lowered his club. “All right. I’ll accept that…for now. If she gets out of line again…” The psych Lunatac warned.

“We understand.”

Alluro grunted and left the room.

“That was a close one,” Lion-O said once Alluro left.

“Close? Lion-O, why did you apologize to Alluro? Why did you call him master? Why is he here?”

Lion-O touched the bandage on Cheetara’s head. “You must have hit your head really hard. Alluro and the rest of the Lunatacs are our masters, the Mutants are our enemies and Mumm-Ra is Lord over all of us.”

Cheetara couldn’t believe what Lion-O just said. The Thundercats slaves to the Lunatacs? This wasn’t right. “How did the Thundercats become slaves to the Lunatacs?”

Lion-O sat down in his chair next to Cheetara’s bed. “The Lunatacs have always been superior to us. It’s been that way for generations, before I was born.”

“How?”

“When we were still living on Thundera, the Lunatacs and the Thundercats battled each other and six generations before we were born, the Lunatacs defeated us and have been controlling us ever since. However, when Thundera blew up, we took it as an opportunity to escape to freedom, but a small band of Lunatacs tracked us down to 3rd Earth. We were made slaves again and they also did the same for the Berbils, Bolkens and Wollos.”

Cheetara shook her head. “This doesn’t make any sense. What about the Sword of Omens? Why didn’t you fight them off with that?”

Lion-O looked at Cheetara as if she was crazy. “You really hit your head hard. The Sword of Omens was broken a long time ago, before my time by the Lunatacs.”

“I don’t understand this. We are Thundercats. Thundercats are slaves to no one. We must break away from their control.” She spoke defiantly

“Cheetara are you talking about a rebellion against the Lunatacs?” Lion-O asked.

“Yes. You are the Lord of the Thundercats. The Lord of the Thundercats doesn’t back down to any evil.”

“I’m the hereditary Lord yes, but I never went through the trials to prove to be the true Lord. If you keep talking rebellion, Cheetara, we both can get killed.”

Cheetara was about to respond when a knock came to the door.

“Come in,” Cheetara said.

Tygra, Panthro, WilyKit and WilyKat entered the room. Cheetara wondered where Bengali, Pumyra, Lynx-O and the Snarfs were.

“How are you feeling, Cheetara?” Tygra asked.

“Confused pretty much explains it.”

Lion-O elaborated on what Cheetara said. “Cheetara is having a memory lapse. She thinks she got knocked out after crashing in something called a Feliner. She also doesn’t remember us being slaves to the Lunatacs.”

“How can you forget that? You injuring your head is cause by them because we were mining Thundrillium for Skytomb, Lunatacs Lair and all their vehicles.” Panthro said.

"I just don’t get this. Where are Snarf and Snarfer, Bengali, Pumyra, and Lynx-O?”

“Snarf and Snarfer?” WilyKit said confused.

“Yes, the Snarfs.”

“Bengali, Pumyra and Lynx-O? Who are they?” asked WilyKat.

“The new Thundercats,” Cheetara said.

Everyone looked at each other at a lost as to what Cheetara was talking about.

“The Lunatacs killed off the whole Snarf race. They found them too annoying to put up with.” WilyKat said.

“Cheetara, we are the only Thundercats. There weren’t any new Thundercats made.” Tygra said.

A comment from Panthro’s words got her attention. “Wait a minute. Lunatacs Lair?! Do I dare ask where that is?”

“This is Lunatacs Lair.” WilyKat said.

Before Cheetara could respond to that, Chilla burst in the room and hissed. “What are you slaves doing in here?”

“We were just checking up on Cheetara, Mistress Chilla,” Panthro explained.

Chilla looked at Cheetara and back at the others in the room. “You’ve seen her now get back to your quarters. She’ll see you in the morning.”

“I’m not sure if Cheetara will be able to join us. She’s suffering a memory lapse,” Lion-O said.

“It’ll come to her when she’s out working with you tomorrow. Now get to bed.” She ordered and left the room.

The Thundercats did what they were told and left, leaving Cheetara alone. She got out of bed and walked to the window. She looked at the night sky. There was a full moon out. Maybe that was what causing this whole situation with the Lunatacs and ThunderCats to be wrong. It is known for strange acts.

“What’s going on here? These aren’t the Thundercats I know. How could the ThunderCats lose to the Lunatacs? How could we become their slaves? This is all wrong. There must be someway to set this right. There has to be.”

*****

At dawn, the Thundercats were up getting ready to do their slave duties. Lion-O knocked on Cheetara’s door, but there wasn’t an answer. Lion-O went in and saw Cheetara sleeping. He sat on her bed and gently shook her arm.

“Cheetara, wake up.”

Cheetara slowly opened her eyes. She smiled at Lion-O. “This is a nice wake up call.” She sits up, gave him a kiss on the cheek and a hug. “What did I do to deserve this?” She looks at Lion-O and noticed his bewildered look. “What’s wrong?”

“Why did you do that?”

“Can’t I….” She got the feeling something wasn’t right. “Wait. Why did you wake me up?”

“It’s time to get up. We have to do our work, and Chilla wants you up no matter how you are feeling.”

“Chilla?” Cheetara repeated and groaned. “Oh, no. It wasn’t a dream.”

“No, this isn’t a dream, but a reality. Let’s go before the Lunatacs really get mad.”

Cheetara groaned and got out of bed. “This isn’t right, Lion-O. It must be stopped.”

Chilla burst in the room upset. “You slaves are late. What’s taking you so long to get her up?”

“Cheetara this isn’t herself,” Lion-O said.

Chilla looks at Cheetara. “She looks fine to me. Now get to work, both of you.”

“Be that as it may, Cheetara is still suffering a memory lapse.”

Chilla snarled at Lion-O and looked Cheetara over. “I don’t care. Go take a shower. It’s bad enough I have to look at her without smelling her.” Chilla replied coldly.

Cheetara folded her arms. “I could say the same about you.”

“What?!” Chilla hissed.

“She didn’t mean it.” Lion-O got in front of Cheetara. “The memory lapse.” He reminded Chilla. “She doesn’t know what she is saying.”

“Get her showered, dress and show her around. If she doesn’t remember then, the work she has to do will make her remember.” Chilla said and left

Lion-O turned to Cheetara. “What are trying to do? Get yourself killed?”

“I rather be dead than be a slave to the Lunatacs.”

“Hurry up and get dress. I don’t want us to get in any more trouble than we already are.”

Cheetara sighed in disappointment of Lion-O. He was not the Lion-O she remembered. After her shower, Lion-O showed her around the lair. As she looked around, Cheetara noticed that the Lunatacs symbol-- a crescent moon, stood where the Eye of Thundera once was. In the Council Room, the crescent moon was on the table. In the hangar, there were vehicles that resembled the Thundertank, HoverCat and Thunderclaw but it had the Lunatac symbol on them instead of the Eye of Thundera. The biggest shock came for her when she saw Luna’s head where the lair’s cat head should be.

“I must be in another dimension.”

“You’re still not remembering?” Lion-O asked.

“I’m not remembering because it’s not right, Lion-O.”

“It may not be right, but that’s the way it is.”

“It doesn’t have to be. We can fight back. Form a rebellion.”

“No, we can’t Cheetara. It would be useless.”

Cheetara looked at Lion-O as if she didn’t know him. “What has happen to you? The Lion-O I know never thought anything was useless. There was always a way.” Cheetara told him.

Outside the Lunatacs Lair, at the top of the steps, Alluro and Chilla watch Lion-O and Cheetara talking but they couldn’t hear what the Thundercats were saying.

“I don’t like this, Alluro. Something’s not right here. Ever since Cheetara hit her head, she’s been on the defensive, smart aleck, not wanting to take orders from us.”

“I know, Chilla. She even insulted me.” Alluro added.

“Everybody insults you, Alluro.” Chilla drawl. “We’ll tell the others that from now on Cheetara must be watched carefully. She could start a rebellion, and we can’t have that.”

Cheetara looked at Lion-O disappointed. “You’re not the Lion-O I know. You’re not the brave, courageous man I know.” She was almost on the verge of tears. “You’re not the man I fell….”

“That’s enough talking from both of you. If she doesn’t remember now, she’ll remember when you get back to the mines and she better not fall again or I’ll hurt her myself.” Chilla threaten.

Cheetara was about to say something but Lion-O dragged her away. They took the Lunaclaw to Hook Mountain. Already there and mining were Tygra, Panthro, WilyKit and WilyKat. Cheetara knew she had to play her part and mine for Thundrillium even though she hated every bit of it. She helped Tygra mine some and threw a pile of Thundrillium in a mining cart. She was surprised that they weren’t wearing any chains on their ankles or wrists. Were they so frightened of the Lunatacs that they didn’t need to wear shackles because they feared the consequences coming from the Lunatacs?

“Why haven’t a rebellion been form to stop the Lunatacs, Tygra?”

“Cheetara, we don’t have the power to defeat them. We couldn’t even escape them when Thundera blew up.”

“We have our weapons. You have your bolo whip.”

“Bolo whip?”

“Right. We’re under their power which means you don’t have your whip and I don’t have my staff.”

“Look, Cheetara. You need to forget about a rebellion. It won’t work.”

“It will if we all work together. I can’t believe this or you, Panthro,” she said as Panthro dumped some Thundrillium in a cart. “Why haven’t you taken on the Lunatacs? You’re strong and an excellent fighter. You can take them.”

Panthro looked at Cheetara as if what she just said had hurt him. He walked away from her.

Confused, Cheetara turned to Tygra and said. “What did I say?”

“Your memory is definitely bad, Cheetara.”

“What? I don’t get it.”

“Panthro felt the same way you did. He was rebellious and it cost him dearly.”

“What do you mean?”

“When we escape from Thundera, Panthro and his pregnant wife came too. When the Lunatacs tracked us down, Panthro fought back and they retreated. One day, Alluro, Tugmug and RedEye jumped him when he was scouting by himself. They beat him severely, left him for dead and then they came to our camp and captured his wife. We fought them off the best we could, but it wasn’t enough. Alluro put us under his power. We couldn’t do anything but watch.”

“What did they do to her?” Cheetara asked quietly.

“They beat her, cut her, cut the baby….” Tygra stopped to hold in his tears. “When Alluro took his power over us away, we tried to treat her but it wasn’t enough. She lost the baby and eventually died herself. It was horrible. When Panthro returned, he was heartbroken about it. He has never been the same ever since.”

“I didn’t know,” Cheetara said sadly taken in the heart wrenching news. “I see why he doesn’t want to fight, but maybe he could use his loss as a cause to fight. Make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

Tygra shook his head in disappointment of the cheetah. “You’re hopeless, Cheetara.” He walked away.

Cheetara stood there for a moment. A low growl was heard from a cave nearby. She looks towards the cave. She could’ve sworn, she heard a growl there. She begins walking towards the cave.

“Cheetara,” Lion-O called. Cheetara turned around. “Where are you going?”

“Down the cave. I thought I heard something.”

“Let it be, Cheetara.”

“It’s okay.” She said and walked down the dark cave. “Come on out, boy. I know it’s you.”

Snow Meow stepped out of the dark. Cheetara held out her hand. Snow Meow licks her hand. “That’s right. I’m your friend remember. It’s me, Cheetara.” Snow Meow licks her face and Cheetara laughs.

Lion-O stepped in the cave. “Cheetara, are you all right?”

“I’m fine, Lion-O. Do you remember Snow Meow?”

“I’ve never met him before. How can you be so friendly with him?”

“Because he’s a friend. You can communicate with him, too. As Lord of the Thundercats, you have the power to communicate with all animals in the Cat Family. Just look in his eyes and concentrate.” Cheetara told him.

Lion-O stared in Snow Meow’s eyes. He looks in them with confidence. His eyes glowed. “Come here.” Lion-O commanded.

Snow Meow walked to Lion-O.

“Sit.”

The big white cat sat down.

“Stand.”

He stood up.

“Good boy.” Lion-O said and rubbed the feline’s head. Lion-O looked at Cheetara in amazement. “I never knew I could do that.”

“There’s a lot of things you can do that you don’t know about, but I can tell you,” Cheetara said.

“When?” Lion-O asked.

“Lion-O. Cheetara. Tugmug is coming,” WilyKit said at the opening of the cave.

Lion-O stood up and pulled a reluctant Cheetara up and hurried out of the cave. When they stepped out, they saw an angry Tugmug.

“What have you two been doing?” Tugmug asked angrily.

“We were looking for more Thundrillium in the cave over there.”

Tugmug wasn’t buying it, but he didn’t have any proof otherwise. “If you two are up to something….”

“We’re not, sir.” Lion-O answered.

“That’s enough mining for now. There’s work to be done at the Lunatacs Lair and Skytomb. Now get moving.”

Cheetara watch the young Thunderkittens and saw how weak and tired they were. She became angry and started to do something but Lion-O took her hand. Cheetara looked at him and he shook his head. Tugmug sees this from the corner of his eye.

*****

Later that evening, the Lunatacs met in Skytomb. Luna sat on Amok as she entered the control room.

“What’s this I hear about a betrayal among the ThunderCats?” Luna screeched as she entered.

“Ever since her accident, she’s been aggressive and has a major attitude,” Alluro said.

“I think she’s going to form a rebellion. She may get to Lion-O first.” Chilla added.

“She’s never been that way before. Maybe she needs another hit on the noggin.” Luna thought.

“Or a beating. Earlier today when I was at the Thundrillium mine, I noticed something odd about them. We better keep a watch on them. The last thing we need from them is a surprise attack.” Tugmug said.

*****

After doing work for the Lunatacs, Cheetara returned to her quarters tired, but determined to break free from the Lunatacs. Sitting on her windowsill, she looks out at the night sky to ponder her situation. How was it that the Lunatacs allowed the Thundercats to stay in their lair in separate rooms? She was certain they would be in prison bars. Maybe it was because the ThunderCats wouldn’t do anything because they feared them. A knock comes to her door.

“Come in.”

Lion-O entered. “Cheetara, is this a bad time?”

“No. What is it?”

“I wanted to continue our conversation earlier. What other things can I do that I don’t know about?”

“First things first.” Cheetara said hopping off the windowsill. “Tell me where the Sword of Omens is.”

“Cheetara, it’s broken. It can’t do anything.”

“Just tell me where it is.”

Lion-O sighed. “After defeating us so many years ago, my ancestor, Lord Koran kept the broken sword and hidden it. Of course the Lunatacs killed him for hiding the sword. Before his death, Koran buried it and only told his son who was five at the time where it was. The Lunatacs questioned the other Thundercats and killed them off when they didn’t tell. They didn’t know where it was. Only the children of the ThunderCats survived and were put into slavery. Koran’s son told his son and so on. My father, Claudus told me and when Thundera was about to blow up, I went to get it, save it from the planet’s destruction. I wanted it to be reformed when we got here, but the Lunatacs found us and well you know the rest. So I hid it on Hook Mountain.”

“They don’t know we have it so that’s to our advantage. It will be difficult, but we can defeat them.” Cheetara sat down on her bed. “Earlier I was going to say that you’re a great fighter. A master wielder of the Sword of Omens. I don’t know if I can get Panthro to train you with the sword once we fix it, but I may be able to, though I won’t be as good. Once you’re at your best, we’ll take on the Lunatacs.”

“No, Cheetara,” Lion-O said walking towards the door.

“Lion-O, wait!” Cheetara called out and raced him to the door. “We have to do this. I and the other Thundercats can’t do it without you.”

Lion-O walked away from Cheetara to the window. “I don’t know.”

Cheetara joined him at the window. “Just think about it.”

Lion-O turned to look at Cheetara. “The Lion-O you know….he’s very brave?”

“And impulsive sometimes,” Cheetara said with a smile. “He has a very good heart, loyal to the Code of Thundera. He never gives up. His bravery, honor….he has this drive in him. He doesn’t let anything gets in his way. There is always a way out of a bad situation. It’s one of the many things I admire about him most.”

“I see.”

Cheetara caught a feeling of what was going on. “Don’t worry, you’ll be that way. After all, you are him.”

“You and this Lion-O are more than friends?” Lion-O guessed.

Cheetara was quiet for a moment before answering. “Yes, we are. In fact, it’s hard to look at you without thinking about him.”

The two stared at each other for endless moments. Cheetara was the one who broke the gaze.

“Well, um, I think you should go back to your room.”

“Right.” He said reluctantly. “Good night.” He said and left.

The Lunatacs had cameras all over the Luna Lair. One of the cameras saw Lion-O leaving Cheetara’s room. Redeye saw it.

“Something is going on.”

*****

The next day, Cheetara, WilyKit and some Berbils were in the kitchen at Skytomb. Part of their duties, include cooking for the Lunatacs. It was very hot outside as well as the kitchen. Cheetara hated working for the Lunatacs but knew she had to go with it before a rebellion was made, and she had to get Lion-O to agree with her to do it or else all hope was lost. Skytomb landed in front of Luna Lair and all the other vehicles from both homes of the Lunatacs were outside. The male ThunderCats were working on them. Cheetara noticed how tired they all were, especially WilyKat. He collapsed on the ground from overwork and heat exhaustion. Alluro kicked him and ordered him to continue working. Weary, WilyKat got back up and resume working. That was it for Cheetara. Cheetara went to the cupboard and took out some glasses. She placed them on the tray. She went to the refrigerator and took a pitcher of lemonade out.

“What are you doing, Cheetara?” Roberbelle asked.

“I’m going to give the guys some lemonade. It’s hot out there and they need to have something cool to drink.” Cheetara answered pouring the lemonade in the glasses.

“The Lunatacs aren’t going to let you do that,” Kit said.

“I don’t care what they think,” Cheetara said picking up the tray of glasses and left.

Lion-O worked on the LunaClaw, Tygra and Panthro worked on the Lunatanks from both Skytomb and Luna Lair and WilyKat was working on the HoverMoon.

“Hurry up you wretched Thundercats or I’ll put the fear of Alluro in you.” Alluro threaten waving his orb. Cheetara came outside with four glasses of lemonade. Alluro spotted her. “And just what do you think you’re doing?”

“I brought out some cold drinks.”

“Oh,” Alluro said and reach out for a glass but Cheetara slapped it.

“It’s not for you,” Cheetara said and gave each glass to the Thundercats.

“Who do you think you are?” Alluro asked with an attitude.

Cheetara turned to him, the tray still in her hands. “I’m Cheetara, Thundercat Noble,” Cheetara smacked Alluro with the tray. “And I’m not taking this anymore.”

RedEye hit Cheetara on the back of her head with his balled fist. Cheetara fell to the ground. Alluro got up and kicked Cheetara hard in the stomach. “Proud being a Thundercat Noble now?”

“Leave her alone!” Lion-O growled and begins beating up Alluro. RedEye and Tugmug grabbed Lion-O and pulled him off Alluro. Lion-O struggled to fight but RedEye and Tugmug held each of the lion’s arms. Alluro begin punching Lion-O in the face and stomach. Lion-O managed another kick Alluro’s chest. The Lunatac fell to the ground.

Alluro staggered up. “Put them in the box.” Alluro growled angrily. “Let the heat take care of them.”

Alluro grabbed the sore, wounded cheetah and dragged her on the dirty ground and shoved her in the box. RedEye and Tugmug put Lion-O in his box. The box was made of iron with only three small slots to allow air in. With the 100% humidity on the outside and the weather over ninety degrees, it felt like a 120 degrees inside the boxes. The heat made the two Thundercats sweat profusely in the hot boxes. They slowed their breathing to slow the intake of the hot air. Two hours have passed and the other Thundercats were either inside working in the lair or Skytomb.

“How are you, Cheetara?” Lion-O asked.

“My head is still sore from the hit from RedEye and my stomach hurts from Alluro. You?”

“A little sore, but I’m also hot, tired and weak.”

“I feel the same way. You surprised me out there, Lion-O, but deep down I knew you had a tough, caring spirit.”

“I wish I had the courage to do that when Panthro’s wife was murdered.”

“Tygra told me you all tried.”

“Yes, but I could’ve tried some more.” Lion-O said upset with himself and punches the wall.

“Don’t overexert yourself. Conserve your strength.” Cheetara told him. “How much longer do you think they’ll keep us in here?”

“I don’t know. None of us has ever been in here before.”

Three more hours have passed. The heat was dying as the sun began to set, much to the relief of Lion-O and Cheetara. They could barely move their muscles. Cheetara had collapsed on the floor of the box while Lion-O was still sitting up. Cheetara’s vision was going in and out. She was so tired. Through their slots, the two were able to see shadows in front of the box. The boxes opened. Tygra stood in front of Cheetara and Panthro stood in front of Lion-O. Both were unable to move so Tygra picked up Cheetara and Panthro carried Lion-O back to their rooms in the lair.

Cheetara laid on her bed for an hour before finally getting up. She peeled off her uniform and groaned a little because it was still sticky to her skin. Her hair was smelly and stinky and she knew it had to be wash. Her body was covered in dirt thanks to Alluro from dragging her body in the dirt. She went to her bathroom and turned the hot water on. She put some bath oils in the water that gave it a sweet, soothing smell. She stepped in the tub and let the warm water soothe her aching muscles. Cheetara stepped out of the tub an hour later a little refreshed. She wrapped a towel around her hair and put on her robe when she heard a knock at her door. She opened the door.

“Lion-O. Come in.” She said and he walked in. “What it is?”

“I wanted to know how you were doing.”

“I’m a little better. How about you?”

“I guess I’m better. Still a little sore. I’ve been thinking about what you said about rebelling.”

“And?” Cheetara asked hopeful.

“I think we should do it.”

Cheetara threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Lion-O. You won’t regret this. Now we have to talk to others about it.”

“I already did. They are with us.”

Cheetara pulled apart to look at Lion-O in the face. “Including Panthro?”

“He said he’ll help train me and reform the sword, but as for fighting…”

Cheetara nods understanding. “I see. That’s all right. Now, we have to train you. We could start tomorrow night.”

“Fine, but we must do something with the cameras. We are confine to our quarters at nine o’ clock.”

“I have an idea to fool them. Tomorrow, I want you to show me where exactly the Sword of Omens is.”

*****

The next day, Lion-O and Cheetara were working alone at Hook Mountain. They mined for Thundrillium for an hour while RedEye and Tugmug were there, but they left and ordered the two ThunderCats to keep working. As soon as they left, Lion-O and Cheetara walked deeper in the caves to find the Sword of Omens.

The cave was very treacherous. The ground was slippery and had cracks ever few steps. Cheetara knew the area was unsteady and she had to keep a low voice not to start any quakes.

“You certainly made sure to put it in a place where no one would find it.” Cheetara whispered.

“My father told me not to put it in an easy to find place.” Lion-O whispered back.

Cheetara step forward and the ground cracked. She screams as she fall. Lion-O catches her and quickly pulls her up. Cheetara’s scream causes the cave to shake. The pair holds each other close as the quake past. Lion-O had his arms wrapped around her protectively. When it was over, Cheetara looks up at Lion-O. He was looking at her intently. Cheetara slowly backed away from him.

“I think it’s safe for us to move now.” Cheetara said.

Lion-O nods. “It’s a little further. Come on.” He took her hand and led her further down the cave. They came upon a large boulder. Lion-O release Cheetara’s hand and moved the boulder out of the way. With his hands he begins to dig in the cold snow. His fingers begin to freeze in the snow but he continued. After digging a foot in the snow, Lion-O pulled out a black box. The ThunderCat symbol was embedded on the box. Cheetara kneeled next to Lion-O as he opened the box. Inside was the Sword of Omens broken in two pieces: the handle with part of the blade and the other was a large piece of the metal blade. Next to the broken Sword of Omens was the Claw Shield.

“The Sword of Omens and the Claw Shield.” Cheetara murmured. She reached out and touches them. “Panthro may not be a blacksmith like Bengali but I’m sure he can fix it.”

“Bengali?” Lion-O said confused.

Cheetara shook her head. “Never mind. We must get this back to Cat’s Lair. We’ll hide it under the Thundrillium when we take it back to the lair today.”

Lion-O closed the box and tucked it under his arm. “Right. Let’s go.”

The two made it out of the cave without any problems. Trouble started when Cheetara saw Tugmug and RedEye.

“Lunatacs.” Cheetara whispered.

Behind her Lion-O was still in the shadows. He set the box down and quickly covered it with snow.

RedEye spotted Cheetara and then Lion-O. “Where were you, you pitiful slaves?”

“In the cave.” Cheetara answered.

“What were you doing in the cave?” Tugmug asked.

Lion-O and Cheetara knew they couldn’t tell them the real reason. Lion-O was about to make up something but Cheetara beat him to it.

“We were together.”

“Together?” RedEye repeated.

Cheetara grasp Lion-O’s hands. “It’s…..mating season for us.”

Tugmug and RedEye faces were even more disgusted.

“Couldn’t you do that at the lair?” Tugmug asked repulsively.

“We have. It’s just that when the moment happens, there’s nothing to do but go with it.” Cheetara hoped they were buying it. She wondered who was more uncomfortable her, Lion-O or the Lunatacs.

RedEye looked at Lion-O who looked embarrassed and perplexed.

“Uh, right,” RedEye said. “Well, finish mining and get back to the lair. No more mating until….just no more mating here. Let’s go Tugmug. I’m going to be sick.”

Tugmug and RedEye walked out of the cave.

“That could explain why Cheetara has been so hostile and disobedient to us.” Tugmug said.

“At least we’ll have more ThunderCat slaves.” RedEye added.

“Yeah, but the thought of ThunderCats mating,” Tugmug shudders. “That send shivers down my spine.”

*****

“Mating season?!” Luna shrieked.

“That explains their strange behavior: Lion-O leaving Cheetara’s room that night, Cheetara’s attitude, Lion-O coming to Cheetara’s rescue when Alluro kicked her. They’re not planning a rebellion. They’re mating.” Tugmug explained.

Luna grabbed her stomach. “Please. I just ate.” A thought came to Luna. “I don’t remember any mating season among the ThunderCats.”

“How would you know, no one hasn’t wanted to take you to bed in centuries.” Alluro remarked smartly.

Luna smacked Alluro on the back of his head with her riding crop. “All I’m saying is we can’t believe everything they tell us. A cold dark cave is not exactly a place a woman would want to mate in.”

“Does it really matter where?” RedEye retorted.

“Only a male would say that.” Chilla said folding her arms.

“Keep an eye on them, just in case. Remember, Lunatacs. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” Luna said. She slapped Amok with her crop and left the two bumbled out of the room.

*****

In the middle of the night, Lion-O and Cheetara watched and waited patiently as Panthro put the sword together. Panthro had already melted it down and reforge it. The last step was putting it in the cauldron of water so it would cool down. As the steam surfaces, Cheetara hoped that it had worked. Panthro pulled out the Sword of Omens and it was completely together.

“It will only work in your hands, Lion-O.” Cheetara told him.

Lion-O stepped forward to Panthro holding the Sword of Omens in his hands. Lion-O was nervous. He didn’t know if it would work or if the Sword of Omens would accept him. He hasn’t been much of a leader to the ThunderCats. They were slaves to the Lunatacs. Panthro held the sword out to him. Lion-O reaches out and grasps it. The Sword of Omens growls and stretches to its full length.

Cheetara let out a sigh of relief. Panthro nods in approval.

Lion-O swings the sword around getting the use of it. Panthro put his hands up.

“Whoa! Don’t try to cut me.” Panthro said.

Lion-O sheaths the Sword of Omens in the claw shield. “Sorry. When can we begin training?”

“As soon as possible. We have to make weapons for ourselves when we rebel against them.” Cheetara said.

“Cheetara told us about the staff, bolo whip, nunchuks and pellets. We’re making them right now.” Panthro added.

“Good. Our fighting skills may not be as good as the Lunatacs but with practice, planning and the Code of Thundera on our side, I know we will win.” Lion-O said.

Cheetara smiled proudly at him. Lion-O noticed her statement. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You remind me of the Lion-O I know.”

Lion-O smiled back. “We better get back to our rooms. There isn’t anything else to do tonight. We should begin my training tomorrow night.”

*****

For weeks, Lion-O began his training with the ThunderCats. In the middle of the night while the Lunatacs slept, he would train each night with a ThunderCat. Panthro would teach him fighting techniques and build his strength. Another night, Tygra would test his mind power on Lion-O, with mental skills and his illusions and encouraging the lion to resist. WilyKit and WilyKat taught Lion-O skills in cunning. They tested him with mazes and tricks along the way.

Cheetara spent more time with Lion-O than anyone else. They sparred behind Cat’s Lair. Lion-O was using the Sword of Omens and Cheetara used her staff. Lion-O blocked Cheetara’s energy blast from her staff with his sword. Cheetara would block his attacks with her staff or her cat reflexes. On some nights they would run for miles. Lion-O would tire easily at first, but the more he ran, the more he got used to it. He was able to keep up with the cheetah and finally he surpassed her.

Cheetara was so proud of him that she gave him a hug. She promised herself that she would not get in any close physical contact with him, but she was so happy and proud of him that she couldn’t help herself.

They took a break and resume fighting again. Lion-O and Cheetara spared together. Cheetara used her staff and Lion-O used his Sword of Omens. Cheetara attempts to trip Lion-O, but he jumps out of her way. Cheetara attacked Lion-O with the sword. Lion-O blocked each blow. Cheetara knocked the Sword of Omens out of Lion-O’s hand. It fell behind him. Cheetara quickly ran behind him blocking him from getting the sword. Wherever Lion-O would move to get it, Cheetara would always block him.

“Uh, I can’t get to the sword.”

“Sometimes, you can’t always use the sword.” Cheetara told him.

“Right.” Lion-O said. He grabbed her staff. Cheetara tried to pry it from Lion-O but he was too strong. Cheetara attempts to kick him in the chest so he would release the staff, but Lion-O pulled the staff out of her hands and trips her with it. Cheetara falls on her back. Cheetara jumps back and he trips her again with her staff.

“Okay….okay. That’s enough for the night.”

“Are you all right?” Lion-O asked holding his hand.

Cheetara took it and Lion-O pulled her up. “I’m fine. You’re learning fast. Wait.” She called out to him as he walked to pick up his sword. Lion-O looks at her. “Say ‘Sword of Omens, come to my hand.’”

Lion-O didn’t know why. He thought it was odd. He thought it was strange for him to talk to a sword but he was going to do it anyway. “Sword of Omens, come to my hand.”

The Sword of Omens rises and flew to Lion-O’s hand. Lion-O looks at Cheetara in amazement. “How is that possible? It responds to my command.”

“Yes, as Lord of the ThunderCats, you are its master. It obeys you….only when you’re good. It will not obey an evil command.”

“That’s good to know.” Lion-O said sheathing the sword in the Claw Shield. “Anything else it does?”

“Yes. It can summon the ThunderCats.”

“How?”

“All you have to say is Thunder, Thunder, Thunder, ThunderCats HO. The Eye of Thundera will open and a signal will shoot in the sky.”

Lion-O’s eyes widen in amazement. “Really? Could I try it now?”

“No,” Cheetara shook her head. “It may be too dangerous. The Lunatacs may see it. It’s best to do it when you really need the ThunderCats. Usually that happens when you’re in battle and you need help.”

Lion-O nods. “I’ll use it when it is necessary. Let’s go. We got a long day ahead of us when that sun rises.”

Cheetara placed a hand on his left arm. “Listen. I want you to know that the Sword of Omens is a mighty blade, but it is nothing without its master. The power isn’t always in the Sword of Omens. It’s in you. There are things about the Sword of Omens that you instinctly know about because the power runs in your blood. Past generations of mighty and wise Lords flow through your veins. You have the power in you. Believe in yourself, Lion-O. Above all things, believe in yourself.”

Her face glistened in the moonlight. He placed two fingers on her chin. “Thank you.” He leaned forward to kiss her.

Cheetara stepped away from him. “We better get inside.”

Lion-O nods. He put his arm around Cheetara and the two walked back in the lair. Behind the bushes and trees of Cat’s Lair, RedEye hid in the shadows, spying on them. As Lion-O walked Cheetara back to her room he notices the camera at the end of the hall.

“I’m still surprised the Lunatacs doesn’t realize that there is a picture in front of the cameras.”

“Even the simplest technique can fool the evilest of enemies.” Cheetara said as they reached her door.

“Could we go in your room for a moment? I’m still not comfortable talking out here.”

“Sure,” Cheetara said and opened the door. She closed it after Lion-O entered. “What do you want to talk about?”

“First of all, I want to thank you for all that you have done.”

Cheetara smiled. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“Yes, I do. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be planning this rebellion. I wouldn’t know my full power and abilities. None of us wouldn’t know. At first, we thought we will forever be slaves to the Lunatacs and nothing else and now we feel different. We actually believe we can fight the Lunatacs and win and it’s all thanks to you.”

“I can’t take all the credit. You must take some too. You agreed to do it. That’s a big step to take.”

“Still, I’m not sure I can do this.”

“Lion-O, you can do this. I know you can. We all know you can, you have to believe in yourself more than anything.”

“I bet the other Lion-O doesn’t need any advice or pep talk from anybody. He knows what to do in every situation.”

Cheetara laughs. “Not all the time. Sometimes Jaga gave him guidance and even Snarf from time to time.”

“Jaga? My father’s best friend?”

“Yes. In spirit, he gives Lion-O advice.”

Lion-O shook his head. “I can’t see a Snarf giving a ThunderCat advice.”

“Don’t underestimate a Snarf. They prove to be quite useful. He has saved all of us a few times.”

“I suppose. We’re going to have a tough battle against the Lunatacs. They are quite formidable.”

“Yes, they are, but they have weaknesses. Alluro is a coward without his orb. Destroy it and you will defeat him. Amok likes sweets and Luna is nothing without him. Chill…” Cheetara noticed Lion-O looking at her intently. “Please don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?” Lion-O asked.

“Like him.”

“I am him.”

“Not exactly,” She walked away from him and towards her window. “But please don’t look at me like that. It brings up to many memories.”

“If we are able to defeat the Lunatacs, are you going to try to find the friends you remembered?”

“When we defeat the Lunatacs,” Cheetara turned to face him. “I am going to stay here. I don’t know if I can get back to the ThunderCats I know. I don’t even know how I got here. Maybe it’s fate that I got sent here to help you.” A thought came to her. “How do you remember the other Cheetara? Was she like me?”

“No.” Lion-O said approaching her. “The Cheetara I remember was quiet, shy. She just did her work and she wasn’t bothered by the Lunatacs.” Lion-O reaches for her hand. He brings it to his face and gently kisses it. “But I still care for her then as I do now.”

Cheetara saw Lion-O lean closer to her. She closed her eyes as his lips come closer to hers but at the last second she turns away so he kissed her cheek. Cheetara pulls away.

“No, we can’t.”

“Cheetara…”

“No. I think it’s best that you go.” She places a hand on his chest. “We must focus on the matter at hand: defeating the Lunatacs.”

Lion-O sighs and nods. “You’re right. Goodnight.” Lion-O said.

*****

“I knew it. I knew it. I knew it! The ThunderCats are planning a rebellion!” Luna screeched.

“And it’s all that wretched Cheetara’s fought.” Chilla spat.

“You see why you should listen to me. You all thought it was some mating ritual going on between Lion-O and Cheetara, but it was a rebellion they were planning. That’s why I’m the leader of this group. I am the smartest among you all.”

“I checked the cameras and it doesn’t show any activity in the halls during the time Lion-O and Cheetara were out.” Tugmug said.

“It’s probably because they put a still picture in front of the camera.”

“I could have sworn I saw the Sword of Omens. It was reformed.” RedEye commented.

“Sword of Omens?!” Luna screeched. “They must have brought it from Thundera when they escaped the planet. I’ve heard things about that sword from my grandparents. It was a mighty sword. We must capture that sword. Without it, the ThunderCats are useless.”

“How are we to capture it?” Alluro asked.

“Tomorrow. When the ThunderCats are doing their duties, you will go inside Lion-O’s room. It has to be there. Once you’ve done that, I want you and Chilla to go in the ThunderCats rooms and take their weapons. Then we’ll capture the leader of the rebellion when she’s alone and kill her.” Luna ordered.

*****

In the afternoon while the ThunderCats were doing slave labor, Alluro and Chilla searched for the ThunderCat weapons. Chilla found Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro and the ThunderKittens weapons in their room. It was either under their bed or hidden deep in the closet. Alluro searched everywhere in Lion-O’s room but he couldn’t find the Sword of Omens. Chilla entered.

“Haven’t you found that sword yet?” She hissed.

“No, I searched under his bed, in the closet, everywhere but I can’t find it. I’m not sure he keeps it in here.”

“Well, we’ll worry about that later. Let’s get these weapons back to Skytomb and then get Cheetara.”

When their work was over, the ThunderCats head back home in a single file line. Chilla yanks Cheetara from the line.

“Oh, no, Cheetara, you still got work to do for us.”

“Let her go!” Lion-O ordered.

Alluro waved his psyche club. “You’re in no position to order us.”

“Lion-O,” Cheetara warned. “Don’t. I’ll be back.”

Lion-O backed down. Cheetara was forced in the Lunatank. Chilla and Cheetara were in the backseat while Alluro drove.

“What is it that I didn’t do?”

“It’s what you did. We know about you planning a rebellion and for that, you must be punished.” Chilla blew her ice breath on Cheetara freezing her. “That’ll take care of Cheetara for good. Once we bury her in Hook Mountain, we’ll go after the other ThunderCats.”

*****

Two hours has passed and Cheetara hasn’t return. Lion-O was getting very concern. He went to each of the ThunderCats and asked them if Cheetara returned yet. They each said no. Lion-O returned to his room even more worried. He was certain the Lunatacs have done something to her. He sat down on his bed, thinking what could have happened. Suddenly he heard a growling noise coming from his floor. Lion-O got on the floor and lifts the board out of the floor. He pulls out a black box and opens it. The Sword of Omens growled. Lion-O picks it up. The crossbar curls.

“What am I to do? What is the sword saying?” He asked no one in particular.

“The Sword of Omens is a mighty blade, but it is nothing without its master. The power isn’t always in the Sword of Omens. It’s in you. There are things about the Sword of Omens that you instinctly know about because the power runs in your blood. Past generations of mighty and wise Lords flow through your veins. You have the power in you. Believe in yourself, Lion-O. Above all things, believe in yourself”

Lion-O put the Sword of Omens to his face and looks in the crossbars. “Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight.”

Through the crossbars, Lion-O saw Chilla freezing Cheetara, Chilla and Alluro burying the frozen cheetah deep in the snow of Hook Mountain, and the Lunatacs heading for the lair. The crossbars uncurled. The vision ended. Lion-O rushed out of the room. He went to the camera outside his room and destroys it with the Sword of Omens.

“ThunderCats!”

Panthro, Tygra, and Thunderkittens rushed out of their rooms to Lion-O’s. “The Lunatacs know about our rebellion and they are heading this way. You must fight them.”

“Where are you going?” WilyKit asked.

“I’m going to rescue Cheetara. Chilla and Alluro have captured her. There isn’t much time left for Cheetara. I must go. We’ll be back as soon as we can.” Lion-O said and rushed out. He flew in the Lunaclaw to Hook Mountain and prayed he would get there in time.

*****

The ThunderCats rushed to get their weapons, only to discover they were missing.

“The Lunatacs must have taken our weapons while we were working.” Tygra stated.

“What are we going to do?” WilyKat asked.

“Fight with our wits, the Lair and whatever weapons we can find.” Tygra said. “It’s time we fought for our freedom from those evil Lunatacs. We’re ThunderCats, defenders of good. We should not cower to any evil.”

“You’re right. Those Lunatacs are going to be sorry for putting us through all this torture.” WilyKit said.

“I’m not fighting.” Panthro said.

Tygra looked at the panther. “Panthro you have to fight with us. Fight for your freedom. I know you’re still mourning for the lost of your wife and unborn child. Do it for them. They don’t want you to be in perpetual enslavement.”

Panthro looked down. “I…I can’t.”

“I understand.” Tygra said. He looked at the Thunderkittens. “Come on.”

Panthro watched as Tygra and the Thunderkittens rush off to battle.

*****

Lion-O rush to Hook Mountain as fast as he could in the Lunaclaw. He didn’t know where to begin his search for Cheetara. He pulled out the Sword of Omens.

“Sword of Omens, help me find Cheetara.”

The Sword of Omens flew out of Lion-O’s hand. It lands near the base of Hook Mountain. Lion-O landed the Lunaclaw there. He begins digging in the snow. His fingers were getting numb, but he didn’t care. He had to find Cheetara. He dug two feet of snow and saw the top of Cheetara’s head in ice. Lion-O dug two more feet. He grabbed the Sword of Omens and used the base of the sword to crack the ice.

“Cheetara!” He cried out. Cheetara remain unconscious and cold. Her body was blue. Frosts were on her eyelids. Lion-O dug faster. When half of the ice was cracked, Lion-O pulled the cheetah’s frozen body out. He hugged her close to him and rubbed her body to warm up.

“Come on, Cheetara. You can’t leave us.” Lion-O put the Sword of Omens in Cheetara’s hand. He placed his hand over hers. “Please wake up.”

Cheetara still remained silent. Lion-O leaned over and kissed her. The Sword of Omens glowed and that energy generated all over Cheetara’s body, warming her up, melting the ice away, bringing her skin back to its natural color. Cheetara wiggles her left hand. She places it over Lion-O’s and squeezes it. Lion-O opens his eyes and slowly pulls away from Cheetara. Cheetara opens her eyes.

“Cheetara.”

“Lion-O…you found me. How?”

“The Sword of Omens. I used the sight beyond sight.”

“You found out about it.”

Lion-O smiles and kisses her again. “It was instinct.”

Lion-O help Cheetara stand up. “The Lunatacs knows about our rebellion.”

“I know, Cheetara. I also saw through the Sword of Omens. They are heading for the Lair. The others are waiting for them. Let’s go.”

*****

The battle rages on between the ThunderCats and Lunatacs. Inside the lair, WilyKit used the missiles and weapons in the lair to fight off the missiles from Skytomb. It was becoming a hard job to handle for just one person. Skytomb got more hits on Luna Lair than the lair on Skytomb. WilyKit got a good shot shooting the eye beams from Luna’s eyes at the lower part of Skytomb where the engines were. Half of the power was depleted so Skytomb was force to land.

Tygra challenge Alluro on land. Alluro wave his club threateningly. “Surrender, and I won’t use this on you.”

“I will never surrender.” Tygra said and pulled out a set of bolos. Not as good as his whip, but it will have to do.

“Very well.” Alluro threw the globe at Tygra. Tygra disappears. Alluro became wide eye. “What. Where did he go?”
A pair of bolos flew out of the sky and wraps itself around Alluro. Alluro fell to ground.

Tygra became visible again. “That takes care of one Lunatac.”

Behind him, Tygra didn’t see the Lunatank behind him. RedEye was in it. He marked Tygra with red circle on his back. RedEye was about to press the button so the laser would fire on him when something ram on him from the side.

“What the…” RedEye said change monitors to see what hit him. It was the other tank from the Luna Lair only the crescent moon wasn’t on there anymore but the Cat’s Eye. The ThunderTank pulled back and ram into the Lunatank again knocking it over and on its back.

Tygra turned around and saw the Lunatank on its back. RedEye coughs and crawls out. The top of the tank opens and Panthro jumps out. Tygra smiled. His comrade decided to fight after all.

In the air, WilyKat flew in the HoverMoon which he happily renamed HoverCat fought Chilla in the Ice Runner. Chilla chased WilyKat. Chilla shoots lasers out of her Ice Runner. WilyKat dodges Chilla fires. WilyKat pulls the HoverCat up in a circle and behind her. He fires on her.

“You think you can outwit me, child?!” Chilla hissed at him. Chilla turned her vehicle around and flew towards him head on.

“Is she crazy?” WilyKat asked himself.

As they came close, WilyKat pulled up, just as Chilla suspected. As soon as he did that, she blew her ice breath on the back of the vehicle, freezing the engines. The HoverCat begin to plunge to the ground. WilyKat tries to pull up but nothing would work. As he got closer, WilyKat had no choice but to jump out. He falls to the ground and lays there unconscious. The HoverCat crashes a few feet from him.

“WilyKat!” Tygra called out. The tiger ran to check on the youth. Tugmug rolls out of Skytomb and fires his carbines on Tygra. The tiger floats in the air.

“Gotcha, ThunderCat!” Tugmug grins wickedly.

Panthro gets back in the Thundertank and drives to help Tygra. As he drives past the fallen Skytomb, Amok with Luna on top runs towards Panthro. He rams against the Thundertank. Panthro was surprised.

“What in Thundera?”

“Do it again!” Luna screeched. “Smash that ThunderCat in that tank!”

Like a bull, Amok ran into the Thundertank again. This time it rolled on its side. Panthro climbed out of the Thundertank. He looked up and saw RedEye. RedEye just smiled. His eyes glowed and fired on the panther.

“What comes around goes around, Panthro. Heh. Heh.”

WilyKit look at the scene outside from the monitors. She saw her brother tied up by Chilla, Tygra stuck in Tugmug’s carbine and Panthro encased in flames by RedEye dangerous eyes.

“It’s all over. We tried and we still lost,” WilyKit cried.

Luna screams in victory. “You thought you could rebel against us! You thought you could defeat the all mighty Lunatacs! Well, we have proven you wrong! Once we get through punishing you for your betrayal, you’re going to wish you were never born!” She screeched and laughs maniacally.

“Thunder!”

The Lunatacs look behind them at the voice. Alluro wrapped in bolo whips looks up.

“Thunder!”

WilyKat, Panthro, and Tygra look up in the sky. They couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

“Thunder!”

WilyKit looks at the monitors. A big smile crossed her face. She saw Lion-O and Cheetara in the ThunderClaw. Lion-O was using the Sword of Omens. She never thought this day would come. Freedom was in their grasp.

“ThunderCats HO!” Lion-O yelled

The Eye of Thundera opened and the ThunderCat signal shot in the sky. The ThunderCats looked at the Cat’s Signal in the sky. Their eyes glowed. Suddenly, they had power and strength running through their veins. Panthro was able to break free of RedEye’s flames. WilyKat broke from his ropes Chilla had him bound in.

“HO!” Lion-O hollered. He aimed the Sword of Omens at Tugmug’s carbine. The energy from the Sword of Omens fires on the carbine, destroying it and freeing Tygra.

Lion-O jumps off the ThunderClaw. WilyKit runs out with a bag of rock salt and throws it on Chilla. Chilla hags and coughs.

“Rock salt.” Chilla gags as she melts.

“That’s for hurting my brother.”

Cheetara presses a button in the ThunderClaw shoots out metallic nets that captures RedEye and Tugmug.

“That’ll take care of them.”

The ThunderCats surrounds Luna. “It’s over, Luna. We’ve won our freedom from you as well as the Berbils, Wollos and Bolkans. Surrender. We’ve beaten you this time and we’ll do it again. We no longer fear you or your evil.” Lion-O told her.

Luna was surrounded. Her Lunatacs were captured. Even with Amok, Luna knew she couldn’t defeat the ThunderCats now.

“All right, ThunderCats, but this isn’t over.”

Panthro raced to the Thundertank and came back with some chains. WilyKit took Luna off Amok. Panthro chained Amok and WilyKit tied Luna up with her riding crop.

“It is.” Lion-O told her firmly. Lion-O looks at the ThunderCats. “Victory and freedom belongs to us, ThunderCats!”

The ThunderCats cheered. Lion-O pulls Cheetara in a hug.

“We did it, Cheetara and it’s all thanks to you.”

Cheetara looks in his warm eyes. “No, you did it, Lord of the ThunderCats.” Cheetara said and kissed him. The kiss deepens between them as Lion-O wraps his arms around the cheetah.

Tygra cleared his throat. “We’ll just put the Lunatacs in the dungeons in Skytomb. A suiting place for them I think.”

Lion-O just waved a hand at Tygra telling him to go and wrapped it back around Cheetara. Luna watches in disgust. She turns the top of her riding crop open. She removes the top and in it was a sharp pointy piece of metal. Panthro dragged Amok in Skytomb while Tygra followed pushing a melting Chilla and Alluro still wrapped in bolos followed and behind him, WilyKit and WilyKat dragged RedEye and Tugmug in the nets, leaving Luna by herself. They were to get her after they put the other Lunatacs in the dungeons. They assume she didn’t pose a threat since she didn’t have Amok anymore. While this was going on, no one saw Luna free herself. She aims her metal piece at Lion-O and Cheetara and threw it. The Eye of Thundera glowed. Lion-O and Cheetara broke from their kiss but Cheetara screams in pain as a long piece of metal shoots in her back.

“NO!” Lion-O screams.

Luna laughs wickedly. “Even though I lost, I haven’t in vain! I’ve got your leader in this rebellion! NYHAHAHAHA!”

Lion-O wanted to strangle Luna at that moment but he held on to Cheetara. He slowly and gently lowered her to the ground in a sitting up position. Lion-O felt the stick in her back. He looks at his hand. It was covered with her blood.

“Cheetara…”

“Lion-O,” Cheetara whispered. “You must listen to me. I haven’t much time.”

“No, Cheetara, you have plenty of time. You’re going to be all right.” Lion-O told her. “Tygra!” Lion-O yelled.

Cheetara shook her head in spite of the pain. “No…I don’t. You’re…all the ThunderCats…have now. You must lead them and the planet to ….victory from the Mutants…and Mumm-Ra, the ever-living.”

“Mumm-Ra. But he hasn’t bothered us.”

“He will…now that….the Lunatacs have been defeated.” Cheetara coughs. “He will try to kill you.”

“I can’t fight him without you.”

“You must, Lion-O. Third Earth needs you…to lead them to freedom from the evil here. That’s what…ThunderCats do. You are…Lord of the ThunderCats. Not just… the hereditary Lord… but the true Lord.” Cheetara gasp in pain. She reaches out to stroke Lion-O’s face. “I love you, Lion-O. I’ll cherish the short time we had.”

“No, Cheetara don’t talk like that.” Lion-O said. Cheetara’s eyes close. “Cheetara? Cheetara! No! Come back! Don’t leave us. Come back, Cheetara. Come back.”

“Come back, Cheetara. Come back. Come back to us.”

Cheetara opens her eyes. She was in her room. It looks like it was early morning. She looks to her right and saw Lion-O sitting in a chair smiling.

“How are you?”

“Where am I?” Cheetara asked.

“You’re in your room.”

Cheetara still wasn’t sure where she was. This was the place where her nightmare began. She had to find out if she was still in it. “Are we slaves to the Lunatacs?”

Lion-O laughs. “No.” He reaches out and touches her head that had a bandage wrapped around it. “You really hit your head hard when you crashed the Feliner. Where did you get a crazy idea like that?”

Cheetara sat up and hugged Lion-O. “Oh, Lion-O, you won’t believe the strange dream I had. It’s so good to be home.”

Lion-O listened for the next half hour as Cheetara told him about her strange dream.

“I can’t believe it. We were slaves to the Lunatacs. Good thing we rebel and it is all thanks to you.” Lion-O said and kissed Cheetara’s hand.

“I can’t take all the credit. You help too. You rallied the other ThunderCats.”

“I’m surprised we were still living in Cat’s Lair. I thought we would be in prisons.”

“I know. It just goes to show how strange dreams can be.” Cheetara stated.

“How many of Snarf’s candy fruit pie did you eat the night before last?”

Cheetara laughs and playfully hits him. “Just one. I think it has to do with the battle. Speaking of which, how did that battle go? How did I get here?”

“After you crashed, I ran out to rescue you. The other ThunderCats defeated the Mutants and Lunatacs. Skytomb turned their sites on me. I had to knock out one of the engines to get Skytomb to retreat so I can get to you. You did look pretty bad but the bleeding on your arm and head has stopped. You’ve been out a whole day.”

“How’s the Feliner?”

“It’s going to be a while before its back up in the air, but that’s not important. Your health is what matters to me.” Lion-O said and kissed her. The kiss deepens between them. Slowly Lion-O pulls apart.

“Why did you resist having a relationship with the other Lion-O? It was still me.”

“No, he wasn’t. He looked like you yes, but his mindset, his behavior it wasn’t yours. I guess if he wasn’t like the Lion-O I knew, then I couldn’t be with him, but in the end he proven to be just like you.” Cheetara leans back on the bed. “You know, it got me thinking. We always have to be careful with our enemies. We can’t let our guard down for a second because they could come up with a plan to wipe us all out. If we’re not vigilant, then the dream I had could come true.”

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