The cold darkness uncoiled as she gripped the arms even harder, her heart pounding like the rocks in the Great Beneath. Immediately she pulled him into the fiercest hug she could muster. "Lion-O!" She clung to him, her ragged breathing beginning to slow. His strong arms encircled her holding her close. He was talking, saying something, she wasn't sure what, she just buried her face on his furry shoulder and shivered.

"It's okay now," he said soothingly as he stroked her mane. "You're safe. You're here with me in Cat's Lair. Shhh."

She sobbed, "Dear...Jaga." Suddenly she felt like she was made of rubber, so she continued to cling to him.

Lion-O said softly, "I want you to see Pumyra, today." His grip eased some but not completely. "These nightmares have plagued you since L'eng M'rath."

Control slowly replaced the fright, though on the inside she still felt like mush. Slowly she released him and he let her sit back in their bed. "I know," she whispered, wiping the moisture from beneath her eyes. Echoes of the ordeal of the L'eng flashed in her mind's eye seeing Barthaz, Ah-Shadeen, and Leonnas battling in the cursed land of the M'rath. She remembered the feel of the cold steel of the hilt of the Sword of Omens in her hands. She could feel the rage; feel the blade plunge into living flesh. The sensations vibrated through her nerves as if it were yesterday. She could still smell the blood, Tygra's blood.

He grasped her hand and gave it squeeze. "Promise me you'll see her today."

She met his gaze as he spoke and nodded. "I'll try."

"There is no try."

"But today is Pumyra's hand fasting. I can't bother her today of all days."

His look grew stern. "She'll make the time."

"Maybe I should talk to Jagara. Maybe she can help."

He thought about it a minute and slowly nodded. "Okay. I'll go with you."

"After the ceremony."

"Good." He rose from their bed, releasing her hand. "It's almost time to get up anyway. Let's go get some breakfast. I'll make you a cup of hot tea mint."

She nodded and he disappeared into the adjoining dressing room. She took a deep breath, slowly letting it out. She frowned, rubbing her temples. The sound of laughter seemed to echo faintly, deep inside her head.

For so long she had fought the feelings she harbored for Bengali, but when she nearly lost him in the battle of the L'eng she knew her feelings weren't just a fancy notion and she learned he loved her just as deeply. Who would have thought all those years ago when Lynx-O had introduced them on Old ThunDERa, the blacksmith and the healer's daughter would wind up being life-mates? It was incredible enough they were now part of the elite of New ThunDERian society. Life was still a mystery, but she wasn't going to question it.

She glanced at the timepiece on her wall. In one half of an hour she would be standing before the High Priestess Jagara. Her life-mate-to-be would join her and they would be officially bonded. Not that they weren't already. She knew she and Bengali's heart were already one. That terrible ordeal in the L'eng had made it so.

A knock sounded at her door. "Yes?"

"It's me," came Cheetara's voice. "May I come in?"

She smiled and touched the sensor plate. "Of course," she said as the door slid open.

Cheetara returned the smile as she entered. "Wow! Look at you. All the men will certainly sit up and take notice."

Pumyra glanced down at her robes. "Thanks."

Cheetara adjusted the off-the-shoulder sleeves and then straightened the gold chain-link belt that encircled her waist. The dangling ends made a melodic tinkle as she worked with them.

"There!" Cheetara held Pumyra at arms length. "You're beautiful, my friend," she said. "I knew there was one piece missing, so I brought you this." From a fold in her gown she brought out a golden headband. "No bride should be with the traditional head-piece."

"Oh, Cheetara! A myl'te! It's gorgeous." She took the band seeing the golden jewel in the center begin to sparkle inside, showing many colors. "Where? How? I thought these disappeared when old ThunDERa died."

"It was my mother's," Cheetara said. "I couldn't leave it behind even though Arexus and I were together then."

"Say! Even though you and Lion-O are mates, you two should sign the official note!"

"We talked about it, but decided we didn't need the ceremony. We were bound together in a very unusual way."

"Hmmm, sounds like a lame excuse. "

Pointedly ignoring the remark Cheetara said, "Here, let me." She took the tiara and slipped the band over Pumyra's temples, pushing it so the jewel glistened from the middle of her forehead. An electric feeling warmed her, as the tiara seemed to connect to her. "There!" Cheetara said, "It's perfect."

Pumyra looked into the mirror, feeling the glow the jewel reflected. "It's so beautiful." She turned to her friend. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"My pleasure," she replied. Suddenly Cheetara's smile disappeared and she rubbed at her temples.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, just a nagging headache. I took some willow."

Something bothered Pumyra. Her intuition began to bother her terribly. "Are you sure? I mean the last month hasn't been easy for us. The tension between you and Tygra hasn't eased and Lion-O spoke to me about your nightmares."

Cheetara frowned. "I told him not say anything to you. Especially today."

"Well, I'm glad he did. We can sneak down to the infirmary--"

"No! Besides, your hand fasting is in less than 30 minutes. I've got to go. I'm sure 'Greia needs a hand getting Liana and Garthe settled. Kit will be here to bring you down to the main hall." She smiled again. "May the blessings of the Ancients be on you and Bengali."

Pumyra gripped her friend's hands. "And on you and Lion-O, my friend. You two really should consider taking formal vows." Cheetara gave a squeeze and then disappeared out the door. Pumyra turned, going to her window to look down at the courtyard. A warm breeze lifted the side tufts of her mane. Her intuition continued to nag at her even harder. Something was not right.

Panthro scrambled over to him. "What the hell happened?"

Kit grabbed his arm, tugging on it. "Lion-O? Are you all right? "

"Clear the room," he said tightly.

Kat looked up at him. "But..."

"Clear it! Now!"

Snarfer, Kit, Kat and Tor quickly ushered the guests back to the main reception area. Finally, silence filled the inner chamber.

"She's gone," he said softly. "I can't feel her."

"No," Panthro croaked. "She can't be..."

"She's not dead." came Jagara's melodious voice. She drifted from the altar toward the group of Thundercats. Only Tygra remained at the altar, and he was staring down at the Book of Omens. He would not meet the lion's gaze. "She has been transformed and she has taken the power of the Sword with her."

"Sword of Omens . . . " He raised his hand above his head.

"It can not hear you, Lion-O." Jagara placed a hand on her shoulder. "She has deafened it for her master."

"I don't like the sounds of this," Pumyra said grasping Bengali's hand.

"Master?"

"Barthaz. I felt his presence," the mage replied.

Anger swelled within Lion-O as he stared at his empty hand, clenching it into a fist so tight his nails dug into his palm. He looked from the priestess to Tygra.

Tygra finally looked up. "I know. I felt him too."

Up ahead loomed the dark outline of an ancient, forgotten looking structure that at one time must have been a temple. This was more perfect than she thought. An eyeless stump lizard bolted under the rotting vegetation as she made her way up a path that would have been invisible to any other being.

She pushed against the large door and it fell off is rotten hinges to break into splintered pieces on a rough-hewn floor. She merely drifted over them, letting her fires burn enough to light the place and evaporate the musty dampness in the air. She made out the shape of a wall torch and directed her fire to it. It ignited burning as brightly as the day it was first lit.

She smiled as she gazed about her. The smooth gray granite walls were spider-webbed with cracks, no doubt caused by the explosion that ThunDERa apart. Cosmic dust covered torn and tattered tapestries that hung down haphazardly from the walls. No matter, it was home and it felt good to walk the hall once more.

She gripped the cold hilt of the Sword of Omens and gazed at the darkened Eye. "Soon, my husband," she whispered caressing the sword. "I shall release you, Barthaz, and we will rule New ThunDERa. But first, we must lure your host into position so we can release you from your prison. Your plan is a most excellent one and Third Earth is the perfect place."

She slid the inactive sword under her belt going to the abandoned altar. The sword trembled as she touched the black marble slab of rock. "It was the vestiges of Cheetara that allowed me to capture you, sword, but it is my power and that of Barthaz that keeps you here and here you shall stay." Power flowed from her into the dusty, dirt-laden altar. In seconds it changed into its former terrible beauty. She took the sword, raising it high, energy pulsing all around it. Down came the blade, its beautiful silver steel plunging into the black stone. Fire and steam hissed as it burned into the rock.

"How fitting the item of your curse, my husband, will be the item of your freedom. And a spirit-cub will be the power we need to free you and defeat the children of our enemies."

The altar glowed, going from a hellish red to a brilliant crimson aura. Ever so casually, she reached out and plucked the Eye of ThunDERa from the hilt as if it were a berry. Diardi smiled and walked into the light, her form melding with the brilliance. Third Earth was only a thought away and with the obvious trail she'd left, she knew the Thundercats would soon follow.

"The Braille Board's scope is limited," Lynx-O said. "I've tried every band of energy spectrum the board is programmed with and it cannot find any trace of Cheetara."

"That's just it," Tygra said. "That was not Cheetara that left here. We have no idea who or what Barthaz planted inside her." He shook his head and sat back. "This is all my fault. Everything stems from the L'eng. I--"

"Tygra, you aren't responsible for this," Bengali said.

Lion-O looked up, a flash of anger filling his heart. Oh, yes he is, he thought. "We need answers. Instead of placing blame, we need to find Cheetara and bring her back. All this talk gets us nowhere."

Pumyra and Wilykit came into the room. "We may have something," Kit said. She went to the computer console and placed a small cartridge into a slot. Pressing few button, in the middle of the council table she projected a holo-image of Cheetara as she was at the hand fasting. "Security scans show what happened in those few moments when all hell broke loose." She keyed the board and the events played, but at a frame-by-frame pace. Pain stabbed Lion-O's heart as he again watched his mate's transformation. He felt the empty ache inside his heart where she'd been for what seemed like forever.

Kit froze the image of the now changed cheetah. "We ran a cross-match with what we have in the recovered archives of ThunDERa. According to the Book of Omens, she has changed into Diardi, deity of stealth and deception." She looked at Lion-O. "Barthaz's mate."

Lion-O felt his expression harden. "And?"

Pumyra stepped forward. "Her physio-readings are completely changed."

"That's bad," Panthro said. "We have no idea what her patterns are now."

"Not so," Pumyra said. "Right before the ceremony, Cheetara gave me this to wear." She produced the myl'te, the golden jewel catching the light as she placed it on the conference table. I don't know why, but it captured some patterns and we've identified all but one. If you all will observe the monitor." She turned to the console Kit was at and in seconds, a colorful pattern of lights displayed. "This pattern is mine." She clicked to the next pattern. "Although faint, this one is Arexus." Another click produced another pattern. "This one is Cheetara's mother's." Another click. "This one is Cheetara's, but taking a closer look, you will see this." Pumyra and Kit keyed in a filter sequence and Cheetara's pattern dispersed, leaving a darker, reddish pattern. "We're sure this belongs to Diardi."

"Download the pattern into the Braille Board," Lynx-O said. "If this is the pattern, the board could search for aural traces."

"Do it," Lion-O said.

"It's been done," Wilykat said as he entered the conference room. "And, I've found a trace. The trail leads to the Jungles of Darkness."

"Definitive co-ordinates?" Panthro asked.

"Yes," Wilykat handed him read-out. "This should take you to Cheetara."

Lion-O stood. "Panthro, Wilykat, you'll accompany me to the Jungles of Darkness. Kit and Pumyra assemble our gear for that environment then assist Lynx-O and Tygra protecting the settlement until we get back. "

"Lion-O, take me with you!" Tygra said, rising from his chair.

He turned, his gaze meeting the tiger's. "You heard my orders."

"You need me on this one! You're dealing with Barthaz and I know him extremely well!"

"Perhaps Tygra is right about this one, Lion-O." Panthro turned to the Lord of Thundercats. "His exposure to Barthaz might give us a winning card we might need."

Lion-O let his breath out, and then nodded. "Very well, Wilykat, you'll assist Lynx-O and the others. Tygra, Panthro, let's get ready. We're heading for the Jungles of Darkness."

She strode to the broken sarcophagus and turned to look up at the chamber's roof. Her eyes glowed as she gripped the Eye of ThunDERa in her hand and levitated. Dark magic radiated from her, the energy filling the room. The cauldron shivered, the stone basin lifting, rising until the pieces fit, and knitting back together as if it had never been apart. The light around it swirled, washing up and then flowing back down until it became fluid, the old magicks igniting once more sending bubbles to the surface.

She floated back to the floor. This feat had taken more energy from her than she had wanted to expend, but it was necessary. She needed to see what was outside and what direction she needed to get to the Crystal Grotto. She also needed something to signal her once the game players had arrived. To get to the grotto too soon could cause her problems. As of now, she was shielded as obviously everyone thought this pyramid to be abandoned. She strode over to the basin and peered into the pinkish liquid.

Images formed that were obviously from this place called Third Earth. The robot bear colony; the Robears worked their little farms. The race that called themselves Wolos kept at their practice of textiles and merchandise. The Balkans were still tending the domestic animals and raising fowls. The warrior maidens remained in their treetop kingdom, providing game and tools for the other groups. A most self-sufficient system, almost idyllic, she thought.

She smiled a wicked smile to herself. "Good. There will be no interference. Now to the business at hand." From what the cauldron could show her, the sun was maybe an hour from setting. The cycle of the moon was at the point when it was fullest in the sky. "Good. The timing couldn't be better." Her expression relaxed and she swirled a finger in the thick fluid sending ripples across the gooey surface. "Show me New ThunDERa."

The images rippled, the magical tendrils reaching across space and time. The Feliner was gliding toward the Jungles of Darkness. Once they found the gateway she'd left, they would follow and she would have to be ready. Once night fell, she would head to the Crystal Grotto. Quickly she implanted a command into the cauldron. Once the Thundercats appeared and Tygra looked into the magic waters, he would know Diardi's location. Then it was only a matter of time before Barthaz was back at her side.

"At least it wasn't a trap as we feared it might be," Panthro said. He looked around. "If I didn't know better...."

"You'd say we're in Mumm-Ra's old pyramid." Lion-O scowled, also taking in the dismal surroundings. "We are. It's like we left it after our last battle with the old bag of bones."

"Thank Jaga he's imprisoned in the Book of Omens or this would definitely be a trap." Tygra reached for his bolo whip flicking the control switch on the side. The tri-headed weapon emitted a yellowish glow, enough to enhance their cat-sight. Even with night vision, the pyramid was very dark.

"Why would Cheetara come here?' Panthro asked aloud.

"That isn't Cheetara," Lion-O replied flatly. "As we found out in the Jungles of Darkness it calls itself Diardi, consort of Barthaz. Her ultimate goal is to free him from the Eye. So where would she go to get enough power and magic to do so?"

Tygra thought of the many strange places on Third Earth that might fit that requirement. The Unicorn Forest, the Cave of Time, the Valley of the Old Wizard, Darkside... His back straightened, eyes narrowing as swung the light source around. Black footprints trailed from the portal toward the central chamber. Tygra's eyes widened at what his bolo revealed. "Guys! Look!" The light shone on the cauldron, whole again and bubbling and hot.

"Impossible! I destroyed this dang blasted thing right before we left Third Earth."

"She's reconstructed it." Tygra looked at it, a compelling feeling taking hold of him. Slowly he made his way to it. He had to look inside it.

"Tygra?" Panthro asked. "What is it?"

He stepped up to the cauldron, holding the light up and over the viscous fluid. The magic waters shimmered, his reflection refracting, then coalescing. His breath froze in throat as a familiar voice echoed inside his head, his image changing to sickening familiar face.

"You'll find her in the Crystal Grotto," Barthaz said to him. "You know exactly where that is!" Maniacal laughter thundered inside his skull and he fell back as if punched in the jaw. He nearly dropped the whip if it weren't for Panthro and Lion-O catching him.

"Tygra?" The black panther asked.

"I know where she is," he breathed. "The Crystal Grotto." He looked at Panthro whose expression mirrored his own fears.

"The Crystal Grotto?" Lion-O asked, obviously bewildered. "I can think of stronger focal points of magic on this planet." He shook his head. "No matter. That's where she went and that's where were going. " He turned on his heel and headed for the pyramid's exit ramp.

"Dear Jaga," Panthro whispered. "We can't let him go there."

"What choice do we have? He won't stop until he frees Cheetara and restores the Sword." Tygra released his grip on Panthro. He didn't dare tell the panther what he saw in the cauldron. At this point he hoped all he saw in the old pot was a telepathic message and not a premonition.

She smiled a wicked smile to herself, as the energy of the crystal plants flowed through and around her dispelling the vague memory. The Eye of ThunDERa flashed faintly in her palm and she knew that her lover Barthaz felt it too. This place harbored enough power to free him. All that was needed was his host body to appear and she could set the plan in motion and that would be very soon. First she needed to recreate the energy pyramid and the Eye would be the focal point.

She placed the ThunDERian jewel on a natural pedestal by the far wall of the cave. The heat inside the cavern was building and she looked around. When she had first appeared it had been cool and serene, but now she felt something...someone else was nearby and it wasn't a Thundercat. She spun on her heels as cloud of white steam rose from the emerald pool, rainbow colors shining out from it. In the center a humanoid form coalesced and it had a woman's head and torso and the tail of fish. And she carried a nasty looking trident.

"Who dares despoil the Crystal Grotto with evil intentions? Who are you, woman?" she demanded, pointing the barb-tipped weapon at Diardi.

At first Diardi felt she knew this entity, but it had to be the cheetah's memories playing in her mind. Cheetara was locked away where no one would find her, not even her precious Lion-O. A name did come to her...the Neiride, the water spirit who guarded the power of the Grotto. She hadn't counted on this turn of events.

"Who I am doesn't matter. What I'll do does. I have no quarrel with you fish-woman. Leave and you will see a new day." She turned her back toward the entity, continuing her task by choosing a ruby red crystal rose off the green glass quartz bushes climbing the walls of the silver grotto.

"I am the protector of this domain! It is you who will leave. Now!" Energy rippled the humid air, bright light filling the chamber.

Anger and the thrill of a fight filled Diardi, and she stood stock still letting her power build. "No, fish-woman, you do not understand. I warned you. It is you who will leave." The fragile flower fell from her hand as she spun, her hands coming up. Unholy light flared, dark forces shooting at the Neiride. The Mer-goddess screamed as too late she responded, a faint glimmer of a force field trying to form around her. The energy pierced it like it was sponge fog striking the Neiride dead center. Her cries echoed off the glass walls, shattering the delicate crystal-form flowers of the Emerald Pool. The sounds of glass falling echoing in the death cries of the Neiride.

Piercing tendrils of energy sank into the entity and Diardi smiled when she found the being's core. "Your power is mine, fish-woman." She licked her lips and sucked the energy back to her, siphoning away the power of the Keeper of Grotto. The Neiride twisted in mid-air, her body electrifying, and her essence growing transparent. Diardi drew closer, her strength and power growing with each second.

The Trident fell from the Neiride's hand and she tumbled into the waters, her tail thrashing in the green waters. Diardi did not let up, her onslaught growing more intense. The Mer-goddess faded, and before the woman completely dissolved, Diardi saw her lips move as if she were calling a name over and over. The body dissolved, disappearing as merging with the emerald pool. It was boiling hot and steam hung in the cavern like a smothering blanket.

Diardi finally let go. The power and energy she had absorbed filled her with delicious delight. It was too bad Barthaz was not there physically. He knew how she was after a kill. She forced the lustful thoughts and feelings aside. She had work to do. Cold wind once again began to fill the cave, taking away the steamy hot air. She surveyed the devastated Grotto and methodically began to search through the crystal plants. She had to prepare, and fast, for soon the host would arrive.

Suddenly he stopped at a fork in the tunnels, an idea coming to him. "I can't remember, Panthro. Is it right or left to the Grotto?" He asked, giving a furtive glance to the panther.

"Er…I…" He looked left then right, and then met the tiger's gaze. "I, um, think it's the left path."

"Lion-O, can you sense Cheetara?"

The lion shook his head. "No, not since that thing kidnapped her." Impatience showed in the lion's face. "We can't afford to lose time!"

"I agree," Tygra said. "We should split up. Lion-O, you take the right path. Panthro and I will take the left. When we find the Grotto, we regroup."

"And then what?" Lion-O asked flatly. "You know we're dealing with a super-natural being. Who knows what her powers are. She may have already detected us."

Tygra ignored the hidden anger, but definitely felt it. "That's true. But, I don't think she'll do anything yet. She needs us…alive."

Lion-O's gaze stayed on Tygra. "How do you know this?"

"You were Leonnas. What do you recall of that time?"

Lion-O thought for a moment then said, "Okay. I take your point. We split up. Once we find the Grotto or the hellcat we try to regroup." Lion-O started down the right tunnel. "I can't promise you that I'll wait." And he disappeared into the dark opening.

Tygra and Panthro started down the left tube with the cool breeze passing around them.

"That was fast thinking, sending him on the wrong path," Panthro said in a low voice. "You know he'll figure it out and he won't be happy."

"He's not happy with me anyway and this will buy us some time."

"I get the feeling you have some idea of what's in store for us."

"It's not hard to figure. Diardi is the mate of Barthaz and Barthaz is trapped in the Eye. I was Barthaz's vessel in the L'eng so we know I can host him. She wants me so she can restore her lover. I think you know what will follow."

"I'm afraid so. So, what do you plan?"

"I'm the bait. We can hope for help from the Neiride. If she can't help us we know can't defeat Diardi alone, but we can trap her in the Grotto."

"But that means trapping you, Cheetara and the Eye with that hellcat!"

"For me and Cheetara, I'm afraid I don't have any plan on how to escape. But I will have to hold the Eye. We'll use my bolo to render you invisible and hopefully you'll be invisible to Diardi too. You'll need to position yourself by the Grotto opening. I will have a few moments before the magic takes hold so I can throw the Eye to you. You will need to then seal the Grotto. Once the Sword is restored you and Lion-O may have a chance in rescuing us. If not…then, so be it."

"No, there's got to be another way!"

"If you have a better idea, I'd love to hear it. If not, we can't afford to let Barthaz and Diardi loose, especially with New ThunDERa so fragile right now."

"I know."

The familiar chamber came into view and they approached it. Tygra could feel the breeze grow warmer, could hear the sounds of crystal chiming in the gentle wind. He and Panthro stopped. Tygra took his whip and coiled it about Panthro, throwing the control switch. The great panther disappeared. Tygra nodded and proceeded toward the Grotto.

He stepped through the entrance and his jaw dropped. The devastation of the beautiful crystalline flowers was shocking. Shattered greens and reds, mixed with amethyst and quarts shards. The steaming pool remained quiet and undisturbed like the eye of a storm. He looked about and saw the Eye of ThunDERa resting on a pedestal of rocks. And he knew the trap was set. "Okay Diardi, you know I'm here. Show yourself!"

"I knew Barthaz chose well," came a soft voice. From the shadows the leopard/cheetah materialized. "Then you realize why you are here."

"I do. I know what you want."

"And you willingly do this? Without a fight?"

"Why fight the power? I know I can't win against you or Barthaz." Tygra went to the makeshift dais. The Eye glittered in the somber light. He glanced around. "You know a deity lives here."

"The fish-woman? She is no more. Her power is mine."

"I see." Inwardly Tygra grimaced. There would be no help unless Panthro could get the Eye to Lion-O.

Diardi slowly moved to stand beside him, her hand caressing his arm. "You tasted the power and you can have it again. All you need to do is take the power of the Eye, let Barthaz into your mind."

He looked into her eyes. They were Cheetara's eyes, but the soul reflected there wasn't hers. "And cease to exist. Is that what happened to Cheetara?"

"No, the cheetah is alive and safely locked away."

He reached out, his hand hovering over the ruby Eye of ThunDERa. His palm felt clammy and wet. He knew what it meant to touch the jewel, but the chance had to be taken.

"You hesitate. What's wrong? Are you afraid?"

"Now!" Tygra yelled grabbing the jewel. Lightning crackled, bouncing like laser beams off the smooth crystal walls. Power surged through him, the power of Barthaz invading his mind and changing his body. He fought for control spinning around and throwing the Eye at the opening of the Grotto.

"What are you doing?" Diardi shouted, but the jewel had disappeared.

The miniature storm exploded in swirling black clouds and light. Heat burst from the center clearing the Grotto and Barthaz stood where Tygra was once. "He's clever!" He raised his hand and energy burst from it, striking the crouching form of Panthro. The great panther screamed in pain and collapsed, the bolo whip falling away as he came visible. "But you should have known the plan would not work. As soon as I took the tiger, I would know what you were up to."

"And you figured me into the plan too?" came a deep voice.

Barthaz and Diardi turned as one. There in the Grotto opening stood Lion-O, the Sword of Omens in his hand, the jewel sparkling in its hilt once more.

"On the contrary, Thundercat lord, it is you who learned nothing." Barthaz reached for Diardi, bringing her close. "It appears you do not know your council as well as you think you do. You remember all those years ago when you chased the cheetah into this cavern? Do you remember that you and the she-cat nearly died?"

"What?"

"The panther and the tiger found you two dying. They struck a deal with the fish-woman for a hefty price." Barthaz took on a look of mock-amazement. "You mean they never told you? "

Lion-O glanced at Panthro who started to sit up. He had to set his emotion aside for the moment. Defensively he held the Sword, moving to protect Panthro. He gauged the distance. If he could stall and give Panthro enough time to recover, they may be able to take on the duo. While they were in the Grotto they had a chance. Once outside they would be free and all would be lost.

Barthaz laughed. "In order for you to live they gave her your first born."

"That's a lie. My first-born is safe on New ThunDERa.

"Let me rephrase, they gave her what would have been your first-born. Let me show you."

Suddenly images of the past flash rapidly in Lion-O's mind: him and Cheetara, their soul lights merging, the Neiride healing them in the pool, the small light remaining after their separation and the ruby cat-tail with amber spotted leaves appearing beside the emerald waters.

"Liar!" Lion-O swung the sword, unleashing all his fury and anger at the beings. Fire and lightning exploded from within, as he pounded against their energy bolts. Panthro joined in, his num chucks blazing at the two.

"Enough!" Barthaz shouted, flicking the two back with the wave of his hand. Lion-O smashed against the Grotto wall, remnants of crystal flowers and vines crashing down with him. Panthro landed beside him, blood oozing from the cuts on his arms. "I grow tired of this game." The demigod held out an open palm. "Sword of Omens, come to your rightful owner! NOW!"

The sword quivered in Lion-O's hand and gripped it tightly, trying to keep hold of the ancient weapon. No, he couldn't let this happen. This sword was source of the Thundercats power and if he let fall into Barthaz hands, all would be lost.

"Come to me! Now!" the dark one shouted.

It tore from Lion-O's hand, flying into the air but not going to Barthaz. It hovered at the top of the cavern, spinning, growing long in blade, white star fire bursting from its enchanted steel.

"It is with its rightful owner, evil one!" came the voice of a youth.

"What is this trickery?" Barthaz bellowed.

Lion-O looked up and at the top of the cavern was the spirit form of what could only be a Thundercat and he recognized it as the boy-cub he'd seen on the siren island. In the crystalline light he could see the lion mask of his face, the crimson mane and amber fur covering his body. Faint dark spots seemed to shimmer through out his coat. The cub resembled him and eyes were like his mother's and he held the Sword. "Oh, dear Jaga," he murmured. "It is true."

"Father, you must command the Sword now!"

Energy surged through Lion-O. "Sword of Omens…."

"No!" Diardi shrieked, vaulting upward and at Lion-O, claws unsheathed, teeth bared in a horrible hiss. "We must win! We must!"

"No, you won't!" The cub-spirit recoiled, unleashing a burst of red energy so hot, striking the she-leopard mid-air, pinning her against the wall. The energy kept coming like a volcano blast. "You dare steal my true mother's form to do your evil," he growled "You will be cleansed from her and banished to oblivion!" Jewel-like tears slid down the cub's cheeks. "You will not take her like you did my guardian-mother, the Neiride!"

Diardi screamed, writhing against the crystal walled cavern.

Lion-O held up his hand, "Take Barthaz back into your fiery heart and lock him there…FOREVER!" he commanded the Sword.

Blue energy shot out like a spider's web over the demigod, engulfing him. "NO!" Barthaz screamed. "Diardi!" Blue flames wrapped around him and Diardi and they screamed. Spirit forms rose from Cheetara and from Tygra, writhing in the air as the energy surrounded them completely.

Lion-O focused on Barthaz, clamping down harder and harder, willing the malevolent ghost back into his prison within the Eye of ThunDERa. "You sought the Sword, now you shall have it. But it is you who will serve it, not it you!" Lion-O closed his fist and the Eye sucked the phantom inside.

"Diardi, you will be no more! The power you took from the earth-mother now returns!" the cub shouted. His energies flamed, and Diardi's spirit incinerated, the ashes falling to the sodden cavern floor.

As if as one, Lion-O, Cheetara and Tygra collapsed to the ground. The Sword of Omen retracted, clattering on the rocks near the emerald pool. Dazed and drained, he sat there. "Cheetara," he croaked, weakly reaching toward her limp body. While Diardi was gone, he still could not feel the sparkle of the bond to his life-mate.

It must be a dream, he thought. The images Barthaz had shown him were real and he knew it. Panthro and Tygra had paid a price for his and Cheetara's life, but it was price they had no right…no say in giving. Mixed emotions filled him and weakly he reached out to Cheetara. He grasped her hand. It did not close. She was alive yet not alive.

"The Sword," he whispered. It could possibly heal her.

"I'm sorry, father," the cub said as he picked up the expanded Sword. "The Star's fire is weak and must rest. Even if it were at full strength it would not be able to free my mother. Without her spirit restored, she will die."

Panthro stood, leaning against the wall. "The pool…we could heal her in the pool like before…" He staggered over to Cheetara, feeling her neck for a pulse.

"Then what Barthaz showed me is true," Lion-O choked.

"Yes father, I am the spirit of your first born. I was chosen to serve the Earth Mother in order to save you. Do not be angry with Panthro and Tygra. They did what they were supposed to do."

"Take matters into their own hands! Matters they had no say in."

"We would have lost you and Cheetara," Tygra retorted. He was sitting up now, rubbing the back of his head. "We had to make a choice." Slowly, he stood then made his way to the panther and knelt down beside him. "And now we'll lose Cheetara," he said softly.

"No. There must be something we can do," Lion-O said. He looked at the spirit cub. "You said 'without her spirit restored.' Then her spirit is still intact. How do we reach her?"

"I know of no way. It is as I feared. She is locked inside her mind and cannot find her way out of Diardi's darkness," the cub said.

"You can't just give up on her!" Tygra growled. "There's always a solution, always an answer. We can't just let her die! I can go inside her mind."

"That is too dangerous, Seth-Benzhal of the Tygra clan," the spirit-cub said using his real name. "Even for one as powerful as you. Do not attempt it as it will only make matters worse."

"Enough has been done to Cheetara." Lion-O fought the tears, not wanting to let the thoughts of what was being said take root. "She will NOT be violated again." An empty aching feeling filled his heart and smothered any emotions that tried to surface. "Let's get her home." His lower lip trembled. "Home where she may join the Ancients' realm and not die on this god-forsaken planet called Third Earth."

Gently he lifted her limp body off the cold floor and cradled her against him. Saying nothing, he turned and left the shattered Crystal Grotto. His tears fell on her face as he walked through the darkness of the caves.

Damn it! A bonding celebration had taken place in this room, and now a death vigil. This was supposed to be a happy time; one of rejoicing and celebration for her and Bengali's joining. Now, it would be marred by the death of her friend and Thundercat mentor, Cheetara.

She stopped the thoughts, but a tear escaped the corner of her eye. "I promise you, I will watch over Lia and I will make sure no harm comes to those you love, my friend. By the Book of Omens, I promise you this."

Movement at the top of the sanctum caught her eye, movement of a small light as big as a diamond-fly. It moved slowly as if floating on a gentle breeze and then it began to descend toward the still form of the cheetah. Pumyra watched it, sensing it was more than just a light and it was definitely not an illusion.

"Who are you?" she whispered watching it hover above Cheetara.

The light spread, taking form and before Pumyra appeared the spirit form of a cub. Instinctively she reached for her sling, thinking better of it. How do you fight a spirit, a spirit that looked so hauntingly familiar?

"You would not know me," the spirit-cub said. "I was created before you knew your new life as a Thundercat. You are the healer Pumyra of the Mountain clan. You knew hardship and grief before meeting your mate." He smiled a smile that reminded her of Cheetara. "I am my spirit-mother's only hope. I am made of her spirit fire and will be able to help her if she wants it. All I ask is that you stay by her side as what I am about to do will either unlock her mind or take us both to the realm of no return."

"Wait! What are you talking about?"

The cub didn't answer. Instead he rose above Cheetara and, like a wisp of smoke, he swirled downward and melded into Cheetara's body.

Pumyra stood momentarily stunned. Then she hit the alarm.

How drastically stark this terrain of the mind, he thought. This was not what the Neiride had shown him of his mother. The Neiride had told and thought him everything there was of his spirit parents. Whatever Diardi did to drive her into complete withdrawal must have been horrendous.

He followed the stream of sadness. His barefooted pads sinking into the soft earth, feeling cold and dry despite being near what looked like water. But then again this was a place inside his mother's mind. He could search forever and not find her and he knew he did not have a lot of time on his side. This place within her was getting colder.

He stopped and closed his eyes and let his heart "see" what was surrounding him. His mother was psychic and telekinetic so this would be a beacon to her, a familiar light she might acknowledge and search out. He felt through the entire region, but did not, could not detect any other presence in her barren world.

He opened his eyes and turned, nearly gasping in surprise. Before him was a woman who was shimmering as quicksilver. Her face held no features though, no eyes, nose or mouth yet her mane flowed as if the wind were constantly in it, although there was no wind in this psychic world. Sadly there was a hole where her heart would be. All he could see was an empty place.

What is it you want, cub? Her strong voice rang inside his mind.

I seek my mother. She is called Cheetara the Quick.

I am her protector. Her defensive stance relaxed as if she knew the cub meant no harm. She has suffered much pain and needed to rest so I placed her in a realm of warmth and safety. Now go away, little one. You cannot stay.

She will rest forever if you do not set her free, my lady. Her body is dying without the nourishment from her soul.

Her soul was in pain. She has suffered too much from loss and heartache. This last assault was too much for her to bear. I have placed her where nothing can ever harm her again.

Please, my lady, let me see my mother. I am her son and she has no knowledge I exist. If she is to sleep forever, then I beg you, please let me gaze at her one last time. Let me know how she lived before I know how she dies.

The quicksilver ghost paused as if considering the request. Very well. But for you to know her, you must BE her! And she grasped the cub's shoulders.

Lightning shot from the connection between the silver ghost and the cub as an all-consuming light reduced both spirits to pure energy, making those energies combine in a spiral of silver and gold light. Like a bright bolt from the dark clouds reality slammed down and he was no longer the spirit cub.

"You're newborn daughter, Queen Sirita," the midwife said and handed the girl-cub to her mother's waiting arms. It was her mother, Sirita, queen of the Chee'ta clan of the Savannahs. Her father King Jubat smiled down at her too. The rulers of the grasslands of the ThunDERa were proud of their new daughter, their firstborn.

"She is strong and will be the best of our kind one day," he said. "My little Cheetara."

Time flashed forward in a whirlwind of images. Her sister and brother were born, and soon she and her siblings were growing and learning and constantly training. Her first foremother, Shelana, was their teacher. She meant more to Cheetara than anyone in the world for she was kind and wise and her words gave strength and courage. "To be the best, we must work harder and that title everyday. And most of all we must remember, and believe that we are the best of our kind." She took it to heart and when her grandmother died, her heart broke in two but she never forgot those words.

Time shifted again. The contest area was crowded with all the citizens of the Savannahs. Cheetara stood battle ready, as the trials were about to begin. It was the contest to see who would earn the right to represent the nobility at the ThunDERian capital. Whoever was the fastest, smartest and most cunning would get that privilege. She had dreamed of going to the green continent to represent the best of her kind because she knew she was the best.

The games began, the grueling competition ripped through her physical being, but still she fought. It came down to her and her brother, Gepard. Sweat matted her fur; each breath seared her lungs but she fought as she never fought before. A final blow with her staff brought her brother down to his knees and he fell, not getting up. She had won, but the victory soon soured. Her sister Ka'shtan, and her brother never spoke to her again. The sibling jealousy burned because she had been the best. The pain in her heart deepened to an ache that never quite went away.

Time swirled again in flash-forward images She walked the Great Hall of the Nobles having just left an audience with Claudus, ruler and Lord of ThunDERa. She would learn her duties at the palace and later she would be trainer and mentor to his newborn son, Lion-O. She was so excited, wanting to see as much of the city as possible. She rounded a corner and smack into another of the Chee'ta clan.

"I'm so sorry," she said, grabbing his arms to keep from falling. "I'm usually not so--" She looked up into the face of another from the Savannahs, and she stopped talking.

"…Not so forward," he said with a wicked smile.

Arexus was his name. He was so handsome and lanky. It was a friendship that she sensed was more. She knew she had found her life partner and soon they were bonded. But happiness was fleeting once more as the news came to light that ThunDERa's core was dying, and plans changed. An exodus had to be coordinated and carried out in order for the ThunDERian races to survive.

Pain shot through her core as she watched from her post on the royal flagship and saw the ship carrying her clan, her family and her husband explode into a fiery ball. The Plundarian ships then focused on the flagship. She shoved the pain of the broken bond aside as she had no time for herself. She and her fellow Thundercats had to protect the young prince of ThunDERa and get him to safety. There would be time for tears…later.

Time flashed forward like a strobe and even though the years of Third Earth were hard, time did heal some wounds. A malfunction in the Lion-O's sleep capsule had caused him to age some and when they arrived on Third Earth he had grown into a man, but was still a boy inside. She had noticed how handsome he had become and she, Tygra and Panthro worked hard to teach him and train him. Soon, she knew she felt more than friendship to the young lord, but didn't dare say it.

Suddenly she was in a cave dark and wet, and she met the full glare of the Lord of the Thundercats fiery eyes. Fright pounded through every nerve. No, she dare not let her self love this big cat, as surely something would yank that love away from her. She could not let it happen, but happen it did. The fight, her defeat, he could have just taken her. But he paused, the fire in his eyes changing as did his scent. He loved her and there was no stopping their union.

Time switched again. The face of Alle-Ma looked down at her on fighting field light years from Third Earth. She glared up at her hated enemy and would defy her to the end. Images changed, labor pains shot through her as Lion-O cradled her against him, and Tygra prepared for the birth of Lia. The L'eng M'rath flashed into being and she watched as the demon-god that possessed Tygra prepared to kill her husband and another of ThunDERian nobility. The Sword of Omens in her hands she saw Tygra's still form on the ground blood gushing onto the dismal ground of that place of shadows. Barthaz loomed over her, the pain of Diardi's claws sinking into her mind made her world explode.

She screamed, becoming the swirling silver and gold ghost once again in that cold, dark place of the mind. She screamed in agony and pain, the hole in her heart glowing, filling with the light of the spirit cub and tears coursed down the fur on her cheeks. Voices echoed in the distance and she felt strong hands grip her arms and hold her like she was a child. She gripped those strong arms and held on for dear life.

The darkness faded from her vision and she was in the inner sanctum. Lion-O held her, his face creased with worry. He was saying something, but her ears felt like they were filled with mush and everything was fuzzy to her eyes. Panthro, Tygra, Bengali and Pumyra crowded around her. Kat and Kit came through the doors, their faces equaling Lion-O's.

Her senses sharpened, and his deep voice finally could be heard.

"Cheetara, can you speak? Can you hear us?" Lion-O said.

All she could do was gaze up at him. She knew she had bonded with this cat, but she could not feel that bond anymore. It was like it had been erased. She gripped his arms tighter, her heart still felt the same but the empathic bond was gone, destroyed by Diardi.

"Yes," she said weakly, the tears beginning to flow freely. He pulled her back into his arms and held her and she let him, burying her face into his chest and she cried and cried. She knew what the hole in her heart had been, what the hole in her defenses that Diardi had used to get to her. The spirit cub of long ago was now home inside her and the pain of the years poured out in a flood of tears.

Today was day of her and Lion-O's bonding ceremony. Today they would renew their pledge to each other and re-establish that empathic connection. After all that had happened to her, to them, they had survived. Now this day had come. What they had thought unnecessary was actually very important and this was the time to affirm their feelings.

She gathered the skirt of the beautiful red and gold brocade gown she wore and stepped over to her vanity. The golden chain clasped around her waist tinkled musically as she sat down and brushed her mane one more time. In a few minutes, Pumyra would arrive with the myl'te and place it on her head and then soon the ceremony would begin. There was a knock at the door, but Cheetara knew it wasn't the puma.

"Come in, Tygra."

"I could never fool you," he said as he stepped inside. He was wearing his traveling clothes. "I just want to talk to you before I leave."

"I wish you would stay. We…the Thundercats need you."

"I'm not fit to be the leader of my clan anymore. Tygreia has earned that right now." He gazed at her a moment. "Too many things have happened, that I feel I need to go to my homeland--"

"And heal?" She rose, going over to her long-time friend. "I certainly understand, and you know I will miss you."

"Come with me," he whispered.

"Tygra, you know the answer to that."

Looking dejected, he sighed, "All too well. You know my feelings toward you now, and that would be awkward for others...and me. Just know how much I love you and I hope you will be happy." He grasped her hand.

His hand felt hot in hers. "I will be happy and I wish the same for you and Garthe."

There was a knock at the door. It creaked open and Pumyra peeked inside. "It's almost time."

"I'll try," Tygra said. "I've said my farewells and we'll be leaving before the ceremony."

"I wish you'd stay for it."

He just smiled that enigmatic smile and kissed her on the cheek. "Good-bye, my friend." And he turned and left the room.

Pumyra stepped inside immediately. "That had to be tough."

"Yes and no. I understand him well. He has suffered so much, as have all of us. He needs to find himself again. He will. He'll be a great leader in his land of Indra and a great ally to us here."

Pumyra motioned for her to sit down. "We need to get you ready." Cheetara complied and the puma proceeded to place the golden-jeweled headband on cheetah's forehead. As she began to brush her mane into place, she said, "I wanted you to know, a refugee ship has made contact. You might like to know there are two passengers on it who want to see you as soon as they land."

Cheetara's heart jumped. "Two?" She half turned in her seat. "My siblings? Alive?"

Pumyra nodded.

"Dear Jaga. How?" she asked in a whisper.

"They said they will fill us in when they arrive." The chanting of cubs sounded from downstairs. "There!" Pumyra said. "Just in time. Let's go. Your mate awaits you."

Cheetara stood and beheld her friend. She looked so regal in her blue and silver gown. She gripped her arms and smiled. "This is a time of new beginnings, for all of us."

"Of great beginnings, my Lady," Pumyra replied.

Both cats heard the drumbeats begin and the time was now. The puma quickly exited and Cheetara took her place at the darkened top of the stairway. The inner sanctum was dark, the only light concentrated on the center. From her vantage point she could see Jagara at the center of the room, behind the altar where the Book of Omens lay open. Her lilac colored robes flowed in the energy fields that radiated from her. A white veil draped down from her ram's horned headdress. She smiled as saw her friends assembled in front of High Priestess only one friend was missing.

A hush fell over the room as the drum sounded, taking on a slow steady beat. The lights dimmed and a group of six cubs began the traditional chant. She looked to the right. At the base of the stairwell stood Kat decked in a green and gold uniform. He was so handsome, just like another cat she remembered so long ago. He began to move toward Jagara in pace with drum. She then looked to the left. Pumyra started toward her at the same deliberate pace, her robes of blue and silver gown reflecting the lights of the many candles that burned brightly in the dark sanctum.

"... Adi adi-ahmos raah! Adia diaamos rapuahr!" The cubs sang, their young voices rising clear and beautiful. Wilykat stood at the right of the altar and Pumyra at the left, both turning to face the audience at the same time as the chant ended.

"In the beginning of time there was nothing but darkness," Jagara said, her voice soft yet strong. "The Ancients saw this empty place and decided to bring light and beauty into this void." Slowly the lights came up until their gentle glow highlighted the right side of the room's dual staircase. At the top stood Lion-O. Cheetara glowed with love and pride. The Lord of the Thundercats stood tall and proud, his blue and gold robes showing him to be the king he was. A gold chain encircled his waist. The drumbeat started again and the dangling ends of the belt-chain clinked lightly as he began to descend the staircase.

"The Ancients created an ever expanding universe, filling it with many creatures," Jagara continued. "But they needed someone to watch over their creatures so they created one in their own image. And for a time, all was well."

Lion-O reached the bottom of the stairs and stopped, as did the drum.

Jagara smiled at Lion-O. "But this one knew there was no other like him and he said to the Ancients..."

"Why is there no other like me? Why am I alone?"

"The Ancients realized their oversight and answered his question."

The lights on the left set of stairs began to burn, and Cheetara felt the warmth of their beams. Her heart quickened as a low whisper rose from the guests and she saw Lion-O's eyes sparkle. The drumbeat started again. The crimson of her gown sparkled and the golden chain tinkled as she descended the staircase. The golden headband she wore vibrated, warming her even more as if it were part of her.

"With the Ancients' answer the one knew he was no longer alone." Jagara motioned them to come forward. They met at the center, Kat and Pumyra taking their places beside the two. "The Ancients knew this was good and told them to care for one another, for them not to walk one in front of the other but side by side and to remain true to one another."

Lion-O took the ends of his chain-belt, as did Cheetara. Each encircled the others wrists with their chains and then grasped hands. Cheetara looked up into Lion-O's eyes and she glowed. She knew and understood that everything that had happened to her in her life had been for a reason, to put her on a path that brought her to this point in her life. She was the mate of the Lord of the ThunDERa and she was ThunDERa's Lady.

"Lord Lion-O and Lady Cheetara, are you prepared to forsake all others?" Jagara solemnly asked.

"We are," they answered in unison.

Panthro stepped forward and presented the Sword of Omens to Jagara then stepped back. Sparkling and vibrant, the Eye flared open, red energy crackling all around the beautiful blade.

"Then prepare yourselves as the Sword binds you to one another, two separate people, yet one!" Jagara touched the blazing Sword to their bound hands.

Cheetara felt herself rise as if she were a feather on the wind, her aura of silver floating above her body. She reached to the golden aura of Lion-O and he grasped her hands, their energies swirling, drawing into each other. They merged and at that moment their new bond was forged, that sweet wonderful feeling of her mate was back. Her heart was now more complete that ever.

Jagara said, "These cats are now one and may the Ancients bless and keep them. In accordance of the ThunDERian laws, I pronounce you mates until death do you part."

Their essences separated merging back into their physical shells. Cheetara opened her eyes, her gaze not leaving Lion-O nor his leaving her. A cheer went up from the small gathering and she knew it was truly a time of new beginnings.