Nothing had gone right, starting with breakfast. He still wasn't sure what had actually happened or why his innocent statement had set Cheetara off the way it had. Her sharp words stung even now, hours later. Even Tygra and Panthro had been surprised at her outburst. If anything he wasn't an overstuffed egotistical male jerk! Then she had the audacity to stomp off. He could still see her retreating backside. The memory brought another wave of fresh anger and when WilyKit and WilyKat had giggle, as children will do, it had made him even angrier. Either way, he shouldn't have snapped at them.
Now, after spending practically all day searching for a new Thundrillium source, he'd come up empty-handed. The Mutants hadn't helped his search any either. The opportunist bastards never left them alone, always trying to trap and kill his kind. Their earlier attack was the setback of the day. But then it served him right, he thought. He'd wandered right into their trap. Thank Jaga, the Sword of Omens and a good set of wits had enabled him to blast his way out of the ambush. The anger he felt seemed to fuel his strength. but still he had to practice restraint; a restraint he almost forgot to practice.
"Rodents," he growled. He'd almost given them what they deserved. S-s-slithe's singed reptile hide was a pleasing sight. He should have squashed them right there. Put an end to their relentless, futile attacks…but then, that would put him on their level.
He came into a clearing and glanced at the sky. Streaks of sunset lavenders and pinks painted the clouds drifting through the graying blue sky. "Oh, great. It's later than I thought." He sighed. Now he'd have to listen to Snare's laments and reprimands. He loved the little guy, but he could be quite overbearing most of the time.
He picked up his pace, hurrying down the forest path. The incident with Cheetara came back to haunt him for the nth time. He could still hear her cutting words, see her eyes flash with anger at him. He was wise to keep his mouth shut at the point and not let his reaction compound the incident. The situation had made him mad, but the trouble was, he didn't want to be mad at her.
Being around Cheetara was different than being with the other Thundercats. Lately, he wasn't quite sure how to act around her, which was silly. He'd known her since he was a cub, but recently, he had begun to see her in a different kind of light. He'd find himself watching her, outwardly detached, but inwardly, very fascinated.
Many times his eyes had traced her slim, well-rounded physique. She was grace in motion. Her long amber, black-spotted mane flowed like the wind when she ran. When she laughed, her crimson eyes would sparkle against the darker butterfly mask markings of her face. She was beautiful--and aloof. His jaw set. He wanted to talk to her, tell her how he felt, but….
No, he couldn't do that. He was Lord of the Thundercats, leader of the small group. He…aw, who was he fooling. All he would do was wind up embarrassing himself. Better safety in silence. He decided to resolve the argument and say nothing more.
Suddenly his toes jammed, ankle twisting to the side, and he went down hard, splatting into the carpet of wet decaying leaves.
"Owwrr!" The only other injury was his pride. He grimaced, massaging the sore area as he glared at the broken root jutting out of the ground.
"Oh, ssst! That's what I get for not paying attention." The ache subsided and he tested his foot. It smarted, but it wasn't bad. "Chalk up one more for a perfect day."
Dirt and dead leaves stuck to his fur and clothes as he hauled himself up. He yanked out one of the many twigs snarled in his mane, angrily throwing it aside as he limped down the path.
The lush foliage of ancient trees drooped like a thick dark curtain held back with heavy vines. Gray shadows grew dense, indicating that twilight was settling over the forest. Already the tree greenbacks were croaking, calling for their mates to come join them for the evening to come. Soon, other nocturnal creatures would stir, hungry to begin their nightly hunt. Warily he looked from side to side, almost as if expecting something to jump out at him. His internal sense of danger seemed to seethe, more like an anticipation of...something.
He shook his head, clearing the sensations from his brain. "Now, I'll really get it from Snarf. All I need is some ungodly thing to invite me for dinner as dinner." The sore ankle made the going slower, but Cat's Lair was just over the next hill.
"Things used to be so simple. Blast it all, why did ThunDERa have to die? Why?" Memories of his home world, his mother and father--all that he knew and loved was gone forever. It was wiped out in one horrible brilliant explosion that lit the black heavens so long ago. The past was a dead as ThunDERa and the future looked just as bleak.
Lion-O's finger curled into a tight fist as he again thought about the Mutants of Plundarr. It wasn't enough the ThunDERians lost their world, when those wretched miscreants swooped in and destroyed the ThunDERian fleet. The precious lives aboard those ships were lost in minutes. He was only a boy-cub then, barely able to understand what was truly happening at that moment. But he understood it now. A deep sadness dampened the anger. Only his ship, the Royal Flagship had been spared, leaving him and his fellow Thundercat nobles homeless an alone.
His anger burned again, but it was useless anger, and all it accomplished was frustration. What was done couldn't be changed. They were stuck on Third Earth, like it or not.
"Life doesn't always deal kindly, Lion-O."
The echoing words startled him and he spun around. The night air sparkled, taking the spirit-shape of his beloved mentor.
"Jaga." Lion-O's hand rested on the hilt of the Sword of Omens as he looked up. "Reading my thoughts again, I see."
"No, I respect your privacy, lad. But I sense a turmoil within you. Disillusionment?"
"I guess." He sighed, his hand dropping to his side. "For three years, we've tried to cut an existence on Third Earth and I always find myself wondering why? Everyday it's the same thing. If it's not some invader, it's the Mutants or Mumm-Ra. And for what?" Lion-O turned away from Jaga, his gaze falling on the mulchy ground. "We're at an end. We are the last of the line. When we're gone, there will be no one left to carry on the code of ThunDERa. And Mumm-Ra and the Mutants will still be here."
"It seems you've already decided what the future holds."
"It's obvious, isn't it?"
"Things change, Lion-O. Where there is life, there is always hope. We learn to deal with misfortune the same way we deal with the good. Take care not to be trapped into self-pity--or self-prophecy."
"Self-prophecy?" Lion-O nearly roared. "We didn't ask for this!"
"Asking and receiving are two different things. Remember that, Lion-O." With a sweep of his gossamer cape, Jaga vanished.
"Jaga, wait! I didn't mean to--" Lion-O gazed at the empty air, shoulders slumping slightly. "I did it again. Why do I always say the wrong thing?" He continued down the path, all the time trying to put his thoughts in neutral. But there was a storm brewing within him, a tenseness that had been growing stronger and stronger for the past week, and it was getting harder to deal with each day.
At the crest of the hill, Cat's Lair came into sight. The great structure nestled into the mountainside seemed like a monument to ThunDERa, sitting in its eternal crouch like the ancient sphinx of Third Earth. The only difference was the angry black cougar head adorning the apex. Its forever-searching eyes glowed red in the dusk of the dying day. He was glad to see home. When he reached the moat bridge a familiar voice rang out, but it was like claws scraping against metal.
"Lion-0!" A small, fuzzy red cat-like creature came scampering down the long flight of front steps. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick about you."
"Snarf, I--"
"You know better than to stay out after dark." Snarf sat up, his tail twitching angrily s he jabbed a clawed finger in the air. "Lords of ThunDERa, it's dangerous out there. You could've gotten hurt. And just look at you. You're all dirty--"
"But--"
"And you're limping! Oh, snarrfff! I was right, you--"
"Snarf! Knock it off!" Lion-O hurried past the surprised creature. He just was not in the mood to listen, even if it was for his own good.
###
Then he had the audacity to tell her not to be so touchy. That made her even angrier. She still had yet to get an apology from Lion-O. He'd returned from prospecting hours ago and he certainly knew where she was. Evidently her absence from the dinner table wasn't message enough. "His male ego must still be bruised," she grumbled to no one.
She set up a row of test tubes. Gods, she had to get these plant tests done. Tygra had been asking and asking for the results, and she'd been putting it off for a week now. Her heart just wasn't in any task these days. Lethargy was alien to her, but right now is sat in the pit of her stomach like a rock.
She shoved the tray away, and glared at her reflection in the shiny tabletop. "Why do I have to do this? Why can't Tygra do his own experiments? After all, it IS his lab. She stopped short, actually listening to herself, tracking her actions throughout the day. Suddenly, she felt like such a fool for having acted so childish.
"It's got to be the moon," she said to herself. "The Wolos say it does strange things to people when it's full."
Deep down she knew it was something more than a moon myth. A depression gnawed at her, and a moodiness that swung from near tears to anger seemed to grip her like a claw-vine. Thoughts of this morning made her feel worse yet. She had over-reacted, and Lion-O had taken the brunt. As soon as she finished this, she would seek him out and apologize, then retreat to her room. Pensive, she thought about Lion-O. Lately, he seemed different to her. Her sixth sense seemed more tuned into him than the other Thundercats. He was so….
She shook her head. Stop it, she told herself. She had to be careful around him, not let her feeling get all tangled up.
She reached for a test tube, her hand brushing against a beaker. It tumbled, and smashed, sending shards of glass scattering across the tiled floor.
Rage shot forth in a snarl as she kicked the broken pieces aside. Instantly regretting the action, she bent and began to pick up the pieces. "Third one this week," she muttered to herself. "Can't seem to do anything right."
The mess cleaned up, she turned back to the plant analysis experiment. She threw some shiny carmine leaves into a mortar. Each hard thump of the pestle rattled the surrounding myriad of delicate apparatus.
A loud buzz made her jump. Fur still standing on end, she faced the wall unit. "YES!"
Snarf's white-bearded face appeared on the intercom screen. "Cheetara?"
Controlling her temper, she said, "What is it now, Snarf?"
"Mrrow. It's way past supper and you haven't eaten yet."
"I told you, I'm not hungry."
"But you haven't eaten all day and that's not healthy."
"I'll eat when I feel like it, thank you. Now stop bothering me!"
"But--but Cheetara…."
"You might baby Lion-O and get away with it, but it won't work on me. Now, leave me alone!" She slammed the comm off before a reply could even register. Another punch of the button put the device on 'do not disturb.'
"Bah!" she huffed, grabbing a beaker of pink fluid. "Pest. All I want is a little privacy," she growled, and picked up the first tube.
Suddenly her fur prickled up her back. Black fear flashed angry white. An invisible vise squeezed close on her chest and Cheetara cried out, the tube and beaker falling from her hands. She grabbed the edge of the lab table as the room exploded in psychic flashes of color and sound.
Male musk burned her nostrils, darkness blinding her sight. She screamed, fighting and kicking, her claws sinking into sinewy flesh. Spikes of terror tore her soul and animal need drown her senses, hot pain slicing through the smell of blood. Ten knives sunk deep into her flesh, pinning her mercilessly to wet, muddy floor of rocks. She could feel the beast's breath, hear his pounding heart. A deafening roar echoed off cavern walls as he bent close.
"NO!" she screamed, feeling herself fall. Strong hands grabbed her holding her close. Breath froze in her throat, that same male scent hitting her strong. Her vision cleared, the flame red mane and strong features registering first. Crimson eyes gazed down at her. Panic threatened to burst free as she stared at the Lord of the Thundercats.
"Cheetara, what's wrong?" His grip noticeably tightened. "Was it a vision? You're shaking like a leaf."
"N-no. Nothing." She broke free of his supportive hold. She wanted to run, but her legs wouldn't obey.
The doors slid apart and Panthro and Tygra came running into the lab, followed by a scampering Snarf.
"We heard a scream," Tygra said.
"What's wrong?" Panthro asked.
Males surrounded her, towering over her. Sudden angst shot up her backbone. She bolted past them, running like never before. The door slammed behind her and she kept going as fast as she could down the hall. All she knew was that she had to get away, get away from them all.
###
Jealously snapped green when his gaze settled on the other big cats nearby. Two other males. What were they doing here? The panther was stocky and well-muscled. He judged the maneless cat to be the strongest of the pair. The tiger was leaner, but could be just as deadly.
"Lion-O, are you all right?" the panther said.
He blinked, snapping from his trance. "Huh?" For a moment he'd forgotten these two were his friends. Rattled, he struggled to regain his composure. "I'm--sorry. What did you say?"
"I said--what did you say to her?"
"Nothing. I came here to apologize for this morning and found her clinging to the laboratory table." Tentacles of worry grew tighter as he gazed off in the direction Cheetara had gone. "I've never seen her so skittish."
"Snarf, n'yeah," Snarf said, balancing on his thick tail. "And cranky too. I called her a minute ago and she nearly bit my head off."
"You find anything," Panthro asked Tygra.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," he replied, sifting through the unfinished experiment. "She was testing a genja plant. It has no adverse affect on us. I ought to know. I tested it yesterday." He leaned on the cluttered table, his nose wrinkling. "Funny, I don't remember it having a scent like this." He picked a test tube that Cheetara had handled and sniffed. He hesitated, an odd look on his face as he handed it to Panthro.
Panthro frowned when he smelled the test tube. "Whoo! That's strong." He stopped, his gaze going to Tygra. "Uh-oh."
"What?" Lion-O asked, looking from one cat to the other. "What's wrong?"
"Oh, there's nothing wrong," Tygra, answered.
He frowned. "Yes, there is something wrong and both of you know what it is! You saw her. It's as plain as your stripes she was frightened out of her wits. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was frightened of me."
The two stared in surprise at Lion-O.
"Don't stand there looking at me like I have fleas! It's true, she was scared of me."
"Now, Lion-O," Panthro said. "It's nothing like that. Cheetara has--had a bad day, just as you have. All she needs is a little rest." Gingerly he set the tube down. "Um, say, do me a favor and check on the kittens. They could probably use a break from monitor duty about now."
Lion-O couldn't believe his ears. They were brushing the incident aside as if it were nothing. His hands clenched into fists. "You're hiding something. As Lord of the Thundercats I must know--no, I demand to know--"
"Hey, calm down." Panthro laid a gentle hand on the young lord's shoulder. "She's not ill, so don't worry. Okay?"
"But--"
"Look, you've had a rough day, too," Tygra said. "You're strung tighter than a harp string. Tell you what. Panthro and I will go spell the kittens. Why don't you go take a shower, relax. Don't worry. We'll take care of this."
And with that, they dropped the matter. Floored, Lion-O watched as the older Thundercats leave the lab. "Take a shower? Relax?" He stood staring at the empty doorway. "Don't worry? How can I not worry?"
"Well, they must know what's going on," Snarf said. "They are--"
"Older!" Lion-O spun clenching a fist. "Yes, they are older, but so am I. I'm not a cub anymore."
Snarf's pointy ears drooped, his eyes rolling ceiling-ward. "Oh, sheez, not again."
"I'm the leader of the Thundercats. It's vital I know about the well-being of those around me." Lion-O exited the room angrier than ever. Blast it all. These were his friends, and they shouldn't hide things from him. He was tired of being coddled, tired of being called 'cub.' Couldn't they see he was an adult?
It took several minutes and blindly traversing half of Cat's Lair to calm down. Finally he stopped, getting a bearing on where he was. It was the corridor that led to the sleeping quarters. He leaned against the wall and took a deep breath, trying to relax. But it was futile.
What in ThunDERa was wrong with him? He'd been tired and tense more times in his short life than he could count, but it had never affected him this way--irritable, quick to anger. He rubbed his aching head, and then his nose twitched.
He same faint spicy odor he'd smelled in the lab lingered in the hallway. Again the dark feelings stirred as he inhaled the pungent scent. Like a magnet, it drew him down the corridor.
Suddenly, shadows sharpened, sound magnifying, instinct shouting danger. He whirled, ready to fend off--nothing. Except for himself, the corridor was empty. He blinked, realizing he was standing outside Cheetara's chamber door.
"Everything's all right," he told himself, trying to rub a chill from his arms. "It's all right." He headed for the lookout atop Cat's Lair. Right now, he could use some fresh air.
###
"I smell trouble," Panthro said. "Did you see that look in his eyes?"
"I certainly did."
"You don't think it's that time do you?"
Tygra stopped short, looking back at his friend. "I hope not. If it is, we've got a big problem that starts with a capital 'L.'" Tygra thought a moment, then shook his head. "It can't be. According to our estimates Lion-O has at least two more years before reaching full maturity."
"But that's only a guess. We have no idea what Lion-O's actual metabolic age is. That sleep capsule malfunction during our space voyage loused that up royally."
"I know. That's why I've kept close watch on his bio-readings. Last physical reported no change. Inside, he's still a cub."
'In an adult body, Tygra." Panthro crossed his arms, giving his friend a stern look. "I think we should talk to Lion-O and do it now."
"Now?" Tygra leaned against the banister, hand resting on the railing." Isn't that a bit hasty? This whole thing could be no more than a reaction to nervous tension."
"I don't think so."
"Why?"
"A gut feeling."
"Which has no factual basis. One day, my friend, that's going to get you into trouble."
"Maybe," Panthro shrugged. "But I have a pretty good record when it comes to my intuition."
"But the pattern isn't there. The sexual awakening is a gradual process. The questions, the curiosity about the opposite sex. Scent changes...."
"You're talking about normal circumstances. Lion-O hasn't got that. He went to sleep as a cub and woke up as an adult. His mind and body age have a large gap to bridge."
"Which he's done a phenomenal rate. He's not stupid."
"I'm not saying that. What I mean is he's naive. He knows of bonding, but nothing about it. We've been through the terror, the pain and the reward of taking a mate. But we were trained in how to control the negative force. If he'd going through changes, he won't know what's happening to him."
Tygra took in a deep breath. "I planned on starting his training at the beginning of summer." What Panthro was saying made him start to worry. Maybe the black panther was right. "Don't you think he'd say something?"
"Maybe, maybe not." Panthro started down the stairs again. "Either way, we have to deal with this before it becomes a problem. And since his scent is off, I think we should do it right now."
Tygra fell into step behind him. "You know as well as I do that scent changes with emotion. So he wasn't radiating harmony, but it certainly wasn't a pheromonal change." He paused a beat, trying to logically sort out the situation. "I don't know. I think we're being over-cautious."
"That's what we're supposed to be. We're his guardians and teachers," Panthro said pointedly. "For his sake and Cheetara's we can't let this get out of hand."
"That's another point. What about the pairing aspect? The mutual attraction that comes before hand. I haven't seen any evidence of that between Lion-O and Cheetara." They reached level two, heading down the last flight of stairs. Tygra continued. "If there were signs, she would certainly say something, especially since she's been through this once," he said, then softly added "and more."
Tygra remembered too well. Seeing the agony of breaking-bond was not a pleasant sight. Cheetara lost her mate, her family, her whole clan at the hands of the mutants. After the battle, she never spoke of her loss, as he never spoke of his. His gaze dropped. "At least her mate's fate is known."
"Yeah," Panthro answered sadly. "I think about mine too, and wonder what happened? If our clans had perished, we would have felt it. They should have been with the convoy, but they weren't. So, where were they? Where are they now?"
"Only Jaga knows and he won't say. All I know is that my bond is still there and very much alive." For Tygra, memories of the past rose like ghosts from an ancient tomb. He rarely allowed himself to think of life as it had been on ThunDERa. It hurt too much. Dwelling on the past never did any good. It just brought up a melancholy that had no cure. Quickly he banished the thoughts to concentrate on the present situation.
Tygra hated being unsure of anything. But the more he thought, the more it looked like Panthro could be right. Another worry sprang up. What if there was no mutual attraction between Lion-O and Cheetara? They had displayed nothing more than platonic friendship, and lately even that had been a strained relationship. A bond without the deep emotional commitment was not good.
They reached level one, heading for the control room. Before entering, Tygra stopped his friend. "Tell you what, let's see what tomorrow brings. I'll run another bio-scan on Lion-O, and either way we'll talk to him and Cheetara and go from there."
"Agreed."
The doubts subsides some, and Tygra relaxed a little. The nagging questions would have to wait until tomorrow, but then time was on their side. The doors parted and he and Panthro went into the control room.
###
Cheetara hung her head, shoulders slumping as she leaned on the sill with both hands. Meditation had brought the after-math of the psychic flash under control, but a dark terrifying demon still clawed at her heart. The psychic flash had been so real. She could still smell the power of the male; still feel his claws digging into her flesh. A shiver ran down her back, threatening her precarious hold on control.
But what had brought it forth? She wasn't mate-paired. The last time she had to deal with her beast was during her bonding on ThunDERa, a bonding that had ended tragically during the exodus to the stars. Lost in thought, her sight misted with unshed tears of grief. Quickly she shut that door in her mind and turned away from the window.
By rote, she shed the confining leotard that was her uniform and picked up her night wrap. Suddenly disgusted, she tossed it down. She stretched, savoring the feeling of freedom from the confining cloth. Arching, she massaged an ache in the small of her back. What she would do for a good back rub right now.
The room seemed hot and stuffy. She pushed the window open and took a deep breath of refreshingly cool air. The huge trees of the forest perimeter towered like black deformed giants just beyond the Lair's boundaries. The tree-top homes of the warrior maidens wasn't far away and she could hear faint music coming from the Berbil village.
A sad smile came to her. A Berbil's life was simple and carefree, and held the promise of future generations. "To have a real future again," she said to no one. "A mate, heirs to carry on the traditions…."
Her thoughts turned to Lion-O. He was so handsome-tall, and broad-shouldered. He'd inherited all the traits present in the Leo clan; the strength and muscular build, the temper and the gentleness. There was a chemistry whenever she was near him.
Long hidden desires kindled as she let her mind wander. Abruptly she shoved the thoughts back into the deepest recess of her being. She was tormenting herself. Lion-O was nothing more than a friend. The day of his bonding was a long way off. He had yet to-
He hand went to her mouth. "Great moons of Plundarr. Can it be?"
Faint tendrils of musky scent drew her attention, pulling her away from the window. The echoes of her psychic nightmare reverberated as she recognized the scent from the vision was the same as Lion-O's.
Scent change. All the incidents of the past few days now made sense. Lion-O was about to make the final step into adulthood, and she was in full season. An internal war raged, long-hidden feelings ramming into logic. "No. I can't let this happen. Not this way. No matter how much I want him-I can't."
In a quandary as to what to do, she looked about her room. On her bed was her uniform and cuff, which still held her staff. She grabbed the weapon and went for the window. A click of the switch and the staff shot downward, lengthening until it touched the ground.
Nimble and quick, she slid down it, landing softly on the concrete. A command and the weapon collapsed back into a wand. In fluid motion, she vaulted the moat, running so fast the sensor beams had no chance of hitting her. Thundercats rarely ran from anything, unless it was another Thundercat.
Like a wraith, she disappeared into the darkness.
###
He couldn't believe what he'd done in the lab-sizing up Tygra and Panthro as if they were a threat of some kind. Then there was Cheetara and the terrible urge to chase her. That bothered him. He cared to deeply for her to do something like that.
The sight of her abject fear stuck in his mind. And the fact that Panthro and Tygra had casually brushed it aside disturbed him even more. He sat up, pushing strands of his mane from his face. "She was afraid. She was afraid of me."
He threw the covers aside and quickly tugged on his clothes. He had to talk to her, apologize and tell her how he felt. Maybe that would exorcise this demon. In minutes he was down the corridor, standing at Cheetara's door. After a moment's hesitation, he lightly knocked. There was no answer. He knocked again. "Cheetara?"
Silence.
His cat senses tingled, warning of trouble-danger. He pushed the door open to see an empty bed and an open window. He ran to it, looking out and down. Nothing. She was gone. Bewildered, he looked back at her darkened bedroom. Cheetara's lingering scent reached out, invisible hands enveloping him, drawing him to the side of her bed.
He looked down at the nest of rumpled sheets and blankets. Her essence rose sharp, stinging his nostrils and brain like a swarm of wasps. He inhaled deeply, tasting the aroma's tantalizing spice. It was intoxicating, magnetic-narcotic.
A wave of dizziness made him grab the edge of the headboard. An elusive call echoed the sensations now creeping up his spine, growing stronger and stronger. He couldn't resist it anymore.
Blinding fever surged through nerves, muscles and bones. The monster burst free of its mental chains devouring his soul. A hungry aching need consumed him-a need only the she-cat could fill.
Heart racing, he picked up her discarded leotard, inhaling the scent from the garment now crumpled in his tightly clenched fist. A fuse ignited, burning shorter and shorter. She was out there-somewhere. His teeth bared in a feral snarl.
Black fire exploded through his veins. Lion-O ran from her room, moving through the darkened Lair with the skills and silence of his great cat ancestors. A palm on the sensor plate opened the main doors and then he was outside, running across the extending bridge.
He skidded to a halt, night vision reading the moonlit surroundings. His nostrils flared, searching, homing in on her spore. In moments, he was off and running for the perimeter. Madness blinded him to one thought: must find the female.
###
"S-S-Slithe! Monkian! Come quickly!" Jackalman scratched his pointed muzzle, eyes intent on the action. "Most peculiar."
The huge, lizard-like S-S-Slithe lumbered into the room, followed by the ape mutant, Monkian. The reptile planted a webbed hand on the console. "Thisss better be good,' he hissed. "What isss it?
Jackalman aimed the sensor, catching the last vestige of the image of the lion. "I don't know. But something's up. Watch this."
Punching a sequence of buttons, the jackal replayed the scanner log. On the view screen, a picture of a visibly out-of-breath Lion-O stood outside Cats' Lair. In moments he raced off on a northerly direction.
Monkian was nearly jumping up and down. "Ooo! Hoo! He--he looked mad. Angry."
"Play the back scan!" S-S-Slithe ordered.
Jackalman set the computer and the recording played again. "Monkian's right. And look, he's without his accursed sword."
"Yessss!" The reptile's thick tail thumped the stone floor. "He iss!" A sharp-toothed leer lit S-S-Slithe's squat face. "This is perfect. We'll never have a better chance. To the sky-cutters. We're going on a night sssafari. Yesss!"
Hoots of jackal and monkey laughter filled the dank halls of Castle Plundarr, as the three headed for the equipment bay.
Jackalman mounted the winged scooter, starting the small propulsion unit and started to turn the vehicle around.
"Jackalman, wait!' Monkian called. The hairy white primate came running across the hangar floor. "Here. We can try our newest weapon."
Jackalman took the sleek, cone-barreled gun from the ape and turned it over in his paws. His ears went back. "Nyarr, you fool! These aren't new. These are our old weapons."
"No, they're not," the ape grated. "Vultureman modified them. They now use explosive projectiles made from Thundrainium!"
Teeth barred into a vicious smile, Jackalman looked up at his ally. "The only substance that can weaken and kill a Thundercat. When S-S-Slithe said safari, he wasn't kidding.
The thrum of a small jet rattled the cave-like hangar, sending dust drifting from the ceiling. S-S-Slithe approached on his nose-diver, gliding the ground-hugging vehicle to a stop. His cold alligator eyes narrowed as he looked up from his prone riding position, the bubble shield muffling his words. "Hurry up, you two. Our prey iss getting a head ssstart."
Monkian leapt on the other sky-cutter, revving the engine. The nose-diver sped off, and Monkian followed. Jackalman hurriedly clamped the gun to his belt. Kicking the throttle to high, he took off after his fellow Mutants. The thrill of the hunt was just beginning.
###
Nocturnal vision and a sharp sense of direction guided her. There was a cave somewhere near here. She had started to explore it one time but never got far with it. She had not told the others about it, so she knew she would be safe there. She could hold out there until she could face Lion-O again and explain her actions. She prayed she hadn't acted too late.
Keep moving, run-hide-like you hide your feelings, she thought. But in her mind there was no choice. He was Lord of the Thundercats, her leader and most of all her friend. She'd not trap him in an unwanted bonding.
A black wall of brush and vines ended the path. She stopped, looking about the dark jungle. A crash sounded in the distance. Breaking branches? She stood bolt straight as danger flashed in sixth sense mode. A predator!
She plunged into the undergrowth, pouring all strength and concentration into her legs, but the trees and vines were obstacles of all sizes. Doubling back, she headed toward the sound, criss-crossing her path as swiftly as possible. In seconds she veered to another course. Even though she was up-wind, this olfactory maze could fool even the most persistent hunter.
A growl rang under the dense canopy of branches.
Her heart nearly stopped. Her sixth sense screamed out as she stood rooted to the spot. "Lion-O," she whispered, fear knotted her gut. "I'm too late. He's hunting me-stripped of all reason."
She yanked down a loose vine, coiling it over her shoulder. Determination strengthened, she sped away again, heading deeper into the woods. It would be a match of wits and cunning to stay clear. If she were to catch his scent, the madness that now engulfed him would swallow her too. For his sake as well as hers, this must not happen. Their lives depended on it.
The shouts and racket coming from the hall were enough to wake all of
Third Earth. Tygra nearly leapt the distance from his bed to the chamber
door. At his touch the door slid open. Fighting the dregs of a sound sleep,
he looked down. "What in blazes? Snarf? Are we under attack?"
The panic-stricken creature was trying to catch his breath. "It's-"
he panted, pointing down the hall. I just checked- It's-"
Boots in hand, a half-dressed Panthro came running down the hall. "What's
all the noise?"
Kit and Kat came out of their rooms. "What's going on out here?"
Kit asked, all sleepy-eyed. "A party?"
"Prrrt! No, no, no!" Snarf yelled, waving his small fists in
the air.
"Wait a minute, all of you," Tygra said, then stooped down to
the snarf's level. "Now, from the top. What's the matter?"
"Snnnarrrf! Snnnarrrfff!" he said, his white- whiskered beard
bristling out. "It's Lion-O and Cheetara! They're gone!"
"Gone?" Panthro asked, deadly serious. "You're sure?"
"Yes!" Snarf snapped. "I've checked this place from top
to bottom and I can't find them anywhere."
The two children snickered and winked at each other.
"I knew it," WilyKat said, elbowing his sister.
"It's love," she giggled.
"This isn't a laughing matter, kittens," Tygra said, going back
into his room. He grabbed his pants, issuing orders as he dressed. "Snarf,
Kit, Kat. I want an all-out search. Scan the lair first, spreading out
to the surrounding area."
"I'll get the Thundertank ready," Panthro said. "Meet me
downstairs in five minutes." And he ran down the corridor.
"Make that two and a half," Tygra said.
"But why search?" WilyKit asked. "I'm sure Lion-O and Cheetara
are all right."
"I can't explain it right now, but this is more serious than it looks."
Tygra pulled on his tunic, snapping it into place. "Please, just
get on the scanners. If you see anything, let us know immediately."
"Sure," Kat said, as he and his sister scampered to the control
room.
Snarf rose up on his thick prehensile tail. "I'm going with you.
If Lion-O is in trouble-"
"You'll do more good here, Snarf." Tygra grabbed his bolo-whip.
"Please don't argue. I haven't the time to spare."
"You know what's going on," Snarf said.
"I'm afraid I do, my friend. It's called hormones."
"Hormones?" Snarf's eye's widened with surprise. "Oh-snarf."
Tygra tucked his bolo-whip inside his tunic and hurried past Snarf, breaking
into a run. He had one stop to make before meeting Panthro in the hangar
downstairs-the sword chamber.
###
Eyes blazing,
Lion-O pushed into a clearing. Crouching down, he was silent, searching
the darkness, listening for any tell-tale signs of the she-cat. Her musk
was heavily concentrated in this area. The smell of her pierced deep into
his mind, smothering all else. Emotions tangled in animal instinct and
bits and pieces of reason. She was here, he could sense it. Somewhere-nearby,
The calls of nocturnal creatures mixed in the cool night in a backdrop
of sound. Ear keen, he concentrated. An odd rustle whispered, sounding
out of place against the usual soft song-noise. A distant 'crack' echoed
through the jungle-a breaking branch. He homed in on it, starting forward.
He sucked at one of his many bloody scratches on his arm. First blood was drawn, his position given away. Fury blinded him. Panting, he stared into the darkness. The female was now putting as much distance between them as possible.
But her trail was still fresh. He'd find her and when he did there would be no mercy.
He scent was heavy, leading under the bushes and around trees. It lead everywhere. Precious minutes slipped by as he tried to untangle the maze. Frustration curled into an angry fist when he hit a dead-end of solid undergrowth.
Automatically awareness sharpened, instinct letting the hunter concentrate. He stood there, focusing on the scent. Following his nose, his gaze settled on a tree, following up the thick trunk to the branches. The neighboring tree's limbs meshed in a natural bridge over the wall of foliage.
Anger melted to determination, a dark smile turning the corner of his mouth. She was a crafty one.
He charged through the underbrush, the barbed vines doing more damage. He didn't care. The hunger, the need screamed to be sated. The she-cat-nothing would stop him from catching her. Anticipation fueled the drive as he pushed faster and faster following the spore that would lead him unerringly to his prey.
###
She pushed onward, entering the mouth of the cave. Navigating the darkness with her cat senses, she edged along the wall. There was a beautiful place deeper in the cavern, much like an open geode. Dim light broke the cold gloom. Phosphorus veins glowed all a long the tunnel, and a mineral perfume, smelling like cloves and honey-cane carried on the gentle breeze. The precious odor might help mask her pheromone trail and she still had her staff. The catacomb maze within this mountain would provide plenty of hiding places.
The squeak and flutter of bats echoed off the cold and slippery magni-granite walls. Slow and cautious, she went down the natural corridor. Wet mossy ooze pushed between her toes, feeling good on her aching feet. Soon, she came to the mineral grotto of beauty.
The diamond dust that powdered the rock floor stuck to her damp feet. Glittering azure and rose quartz ferns nestled beside an emerald spring. Ruby jeweled vines of jade draped from the walls, reflecting, magnifying the mineral light. A soft chiming melody carried in the cool breeze soothing her ragged nerves, while warm crystalline light gently caressed the chill from her bones.
Feeling relatively safe, she paused to rest a moment beside the pool. Mentally and physically worn out, she slumped as the she sat on a flat-topped rock. Gods, she didn't realize how much she ached, inside as well as out.
"You don't understand, do you?" she said softly as if Lion-O could hear her. "Animal instinct has overtaken you. The time of taking a mate, and forging the bond of life. But a bond must be of the heart as well as the body. I know what I wish, but I don't know what you wish. And that's why I must run from you. I wish it could've been different. I wish-"
Head in her hands, she closed her eyes, fighting the tears. For so long she had fought her feelings, fought her memories and fears. Was this really happening? Oft times she'd watch the young Lord of the Thundercats, admiring the adult he'd become. And all because of the sleep-capsule malfunction, he'd retained the innocence of youth. Right now that innocence was threatening to shatter. The darkness that everything must possess to live was in control of him. And it was her fault.
She forced herself to rise. She'd dallied here too long. She must keep moving, go deeper into the catacombs. Not a sound was heard as she padded down one of the many cavern corridors.
###
Once inside the mouth, the night turned blacker, streaked with tiny ribbons of light. The female's enticing scent mingled with a peculiar odor making it more delectable. Cautiously, he went the only direction he could go-straight ahead.
The soft muddy floor squished with each step, echoing lightly off the rock walls. That wouldn't do, he could afford no sound. Off came his boots. He set them down, feeling the cold wet muck beneath his feet. It tingled, feeling good, cool.
Continuing, he journeyed deeper, the dim glow giving his cat eyes enough to navigate the tunnel. Soon, the passage widened, the soft light growing brighter as he passed into a glittering chamber. The she-cat's fiery scent diminished and he stood transfixed by a dazzling light.
Crystalline plants dangled, leaves chiming an unearthly melody in the cool breeze coming from deep within the mountain. The soft clinks and tinkles entwined, punctuated by the drip-drip of water falling into the bubbling spring in the chamber's center. Warmth conveyed a tranquility that seemed like an out-of-reach dream.
He eyed the pool. Thirst scratched like sand in his throat, and the water looked and smelled so good. He knelt, reaching down to the inviting liquid, when suddenly he stopped. His reflection wavered in and out with a motion all its own. It was distracting, bringing faint memories of an earlier time.
A ghost seemed to shadow him, haunt him. Someone-a red-maned cub-spoke inside his head, but he couldn't understand what the boy was saying. Fear sliced down as he fell back. He twisted trying to crawl away, but the voice followed, the words echoing, reverberating in his mind. Wildly, he clutched his head as if his skull was about to split apart. Confusion pained him as he tried to will away the throbbing ache in his soul. It felt like part of him was dying.
Suddenly, the air glittered in a star-studded gray. His fur bristled as he beheld a shadow forming in front of him. A male? Another male had come to steal his prize. Rage welled up as the jaguar spoke, his words meaningless gibberish to Lion-O's ears. He stifled an angry growl, leaping up, slashing at the cat.
Nothing but air zipped through his fingers. For a moment he stood like a statue, staring off in the empty darkness. The jaguar was gone. Confusion flooded him again and he collapsed beside the pool, listening to nothing but the sounds of the spring.
What purpose? What was this thing that was driving him insane? Whatever it was, it terrified him.
He leaned on a flat-topped rock, taking a deep breath and froze. Scent! Not of the spring. It was fresh and strong. The she-cat! She'd been here, passed this way. His hands smoothed over the rock, internal fires flared as the unnamed monster infected him once more. He pushed up, eyes searching the floor. A satisfied smile came forth: diamond-dust-speckled fresh footprints that tracked to one of the many tunnels leading away from this place.
He followed, entering the gloom of the narrow corridor. A glare made him look down. The black light reflected off his tattered uniform, turning him into a neon beacon. Visibility was the last thing he wanted and he stripped off the ragged blue garment, tossing it aside.
A sense of freedom washed over him as he felt the cool air wrap around him, ruffling his tawny coat. The white fur on his chest and belly, hands and feet still glowed, but not as bright as the body suit.
The trail led deeper into the catacombs. Awareness intensified all shadow and sound. The blood-scent grew stronger, carrying him deeper into the caves. His pulse raced, anticipation beating through his veins.
The tunnel widened, going into a darkness that sight could barely penetrate. He stopped, listening, waiting. She was here. He could feel her presence, almost as if he could reach out and touch her. But where?
Barely breathing, he concentrated, feeling the rhythmic beat of his own heart. Then he searched the darkness, listening for a second pulse-the heaving heart of the she-cat. He took one cautious step. Then another and another.
Eerie quiet saturated the black cavern. Air rushed in and out of the tunnel as if the cave were breathing. A down draft brought a new wave of scent-from above.
He spun as a shrieking solid black shadow slammed down on him, claws digging into his shoulders. Pain and rage roared as he twisted, trying to throw the powerful female off his back. He rammed her into a rock wall, pinning her between it and his weight. Snarling, she thrashed as he turned, gripping her by the arms. The smell of blood and sweat spurred the crazed animal spirit inside, the thrill of triumph peaking as he held her there.
Sharp teeth sank into his arm, bringing surprise and a roar of pain. He slashed out, the wild blow hitting the rock. She was gone. A vicious snarl pierced the catacombs. She was behind him, eyes burning scarlet, breath coming ragged, hard and furious.
Muscles tensed as he crouched, readying to pounce. Teeth bared, a low growl started deep in his throat, and he lunged.
She dodged, swinging something at him, hitting him smack across the shins. Lightning pain lanced up his legs as he fell. The clatter of a metal rod danced on the floor as the she-cat bolted down the tunnel. Fury ignited, and he tore after her. He'd tracked her this far, come this close, and he would not lose her now.
She ran the twisted maze with great agility. He could barely keep her back in sight. She was fast, but he had endurance. She couldn't run forever.
Phosphorus light grew brighter. He caught a glimpse of her turning a corner. Sound seemed trapped, the air stagnant. He skidded to an abrupt halt at the brink of another chamber. Chest heaving, he stared, then smiled wickedly at the cheetah, for she'd run into a dead end and the only way out was past him.
###
"You're sure of this?" S-S-Slithe asked, eyeing the black maw.
"Of course, I'm sure. I know the smell of a Thundercat." He frowned. At least, he thought he did. Something was not quite right with this smell. Instinct twinged a warning in his brain. Why would Lion-O come here?
"Oooh-hoo! You'd better be sure, Jackalman," Monkian said, pointing the Thundranium pistol in the jackal's face. "This is the Cave of Many Paths. If we get lost in here, we'll be having you for dinner."
"Shut up you stupid simian," Jackalman barked, pushing the weapon away. "I know what I'm doing. If you don't trust me, then stay here." On that note, he headed for the cave. "Weak-nosed imbeciles."
"Come on, Monkian." S-S-Slithe motioned with a webbed hand. "I've a feeling, the jackal may be right. And if he isss, we can bag a big cat tonight. Yesss?"
The damp darkness preyed on Jackalman's superstitions. The mineral lines formed faces of demons and monsters that howled with the low whisper of the wind.
"Well, are we going to stand here all night?" S-S-Slithe grated.
The jackal's ears laid back as he sniffed the damp air again. Lion-O's scent laced the mineral-tainted wind. There was something foreboding about the aroma that made fear tremble in the bottom of his gut. Bravery wasn't one of his strong points, but somehow the Mutant managed to swallow his fright.
"Something the matter, Jackalman?" Monkian asked gruffly. "Afraid of the dark, are you?"
"No, no." Jackalman tried to remain nonchalant. "He definitely went this way." He pointed to the left, toward a burning glow ahead of them.
"Then move!" S-S-Slithe jabbed his rifle in the dog's back, prodding him forward.
As the jackal led his fellow Mutants down the corridor, he finally recognized the tinge in the odor. It was blood, and another Thundercat-the female, Cheetara. Why would Lion-O and Cheetara--? Understanding dawned and the mutant fought a sudden urge to turn back.
Should he tell the others? No. They'd just mock him and call him the coward he was. Taking a deep breath, he remained silent, leading them past the emerald pool.
###
His eyes burned with crimson light as he emerged from the shadows. The weak phosphor glow highlighted his magnificent body, sending an avalanche of mixed emotion down on her.
Blood-Scent drove a throbbing pulse through her. She knew him from somewhere, a different time, a different place. Deep inside she wanted this cat. A sense of wrongness ticked inside her head, but the fleeting memories vanished in a sea of sensation.
His scent was so strong, so magnetic. This-this male. All she could focus on was the male. To her, that one moment seemed like an eternity as they glared at each other.
Fire and rage ignited inside. She must drive him off. Send him away. Claws extended as the internal coil tightened, tensing muscles as she crouched. This beautiful, arrogant male wanted her, an alpha female of the Cheetah Families. He dare to pursue her! Anger flooded forth in a vicious hiss.
His answering snarl echoed off the walls, as he took a fighting stance, squaring off with her.
The challenge was accepted. The eerie mineral light cast a dance of macabre silhouettes on the rocks as he circled her, edging closer and closer. A magnetic crackle saturated the air as she judged him, knowing he was doing the same to her. Finally, she could stand no more.
Howling fury exploded as the two collided like flaming meteors. He was strong, turning advantage away from her. They rolled over the mossy floor, tufts of fur flying. Nails sank deep in her arms, pain shooting up between her shoulder blades. Insanity screamed, twisting her demon in blinding rage. With a blood-curdling shriek, he back claws dug into his stomach as she kicked with all her might. Ten sharp knives tore across her upper arms as he went flying backward, slamming against the craggy stone wall.
She was up, leaping through the air, claws aimed for the kill. Sense tilted in slow motion, a bolt of reason slashing her blinded mind. The word 'no' rang within her as she realized what she was doing. She twisted in mid-air, sailing backside first into the rock wall. Stunned, she fell to the soft muddy floor.
Five razors dug into the unprotected scruff of her neck, piercing the numbing haze. Agony sliced up and down her back as her adversary pinned her, pushing her down into the mud. Denial flared, but she couldn't move, his claw grip immobilized her body. The visions were now reality. Her life-or death-was now in his power.
###
Victory sang through Lion-O as he held the she-cat prisoner.
Fire shot up his middle, the hungry void crying out in fever pitch-take
her. Her closeness inflamed his mind. He wanted this female and she dare
not refuse. His iron grip tightened and she cried out.
Exhilaration chilled to horror. Again, the voice of the cub sounded inside his head as he looked down on her bloodied back. Pangs of memory speared the angry beast, driving it back. No, he couldn't do this. This female meant more than life to him. To destroy her would be destroying himself. He shoved her away. For what seemed like eons, he knelt there, just staring at the she-cat.
Exhilaration chilled to horror. Again, the voice of the cub sounded inside his head as he looked down on her bloodied back. Pangs of memory speared the angry beast, driving it back. No, he couldn't do this. This female meant more than life to him. To destroy her would be destroying himself. He shoved her away. For what seemed like eons, he knelt there, just staring at the she-cat.
Her eyes glowed like red embers as she quietly sat back. The rapid rise and fall of her bosom gradually slowed. The urge to touch her came strong. Fear flashed in her eyes as he slowly reached out. She tensed as his fingers stroked down the sodden fur of her neck. He could feel her pulse pounding with fright.
He didn't want to hurt her, but he had. He'd attacked and she had defended herself. Finally, he understood what the phantom cub was saying. Maybe she didn't want him. His hand dropped, and he looked away. If she wished to leave, he wouldn't stop her. After what he'd put her through, he wouldn't blame her.
Instead of running away, the she-cat eyed him curiously. Then, almost timidly, she reached out, resting her palm on his chest.
Her touch tingled. Bewilderment melted into a magical feeling that grew brighter and brighter, banishing the aching hunger. He looked into her glowing eyes. Dare he even hope?
Gently he placed his hand on her bosom, feeling her pulsing heartbeat as it matched the rhythm of his own. Her emotions flowed, blending into his, meshing like puzzle pieces. The void inside suddenly filled with light.
Long suppressed emotion had no place to hide. A wall of fear crumbled. She did want him, more than he'd ever dreamed. "Cheetara," he breathed. His joy tangled in horrible thoughts of what he'd almost done. He had almost killed her.
Her hand rested on top of his. "Lion-O," she said softly. He looked back down at her. She was smiling at him. How could she smile-still care for him after what he'd done? She was forgiving him. Shame made him want to run and hide, but an invisible chain held him there.
Her fingers gently brushed the dirt off the soggy fur of his cheeks. Slowly tracing under his chin, she made him look at her. He stared into her eyes, the pale light of the phosphors casting a fiery glow about her. She was so beautiful. He reached out, his hand gingerly caressing the fur beneath the curve of her breasts, his fingers tracing up in between them.
She pulled him close, and he could feel the beat of her heart as she drew him against her body, her arms encircling his chest. Her breasts were so soft as they pressed against him, her touch like velvet as her hands smoothed down his back. Fire coursed through his middle to his groin, feelings and sensations almost drowning him as she touched her lips to his. He drank her in, his arms encircling her as he pushed her down into the spongy mosses. He wanted to touch all of her, feel all of her, taste all of her. She opened up to him, letting him rest on top of her.
Carefully she guided him into her, the sensations of her touch easing the ache inside his soul. The sight of her beneath him inflamed the pulse now beat between them. He moved, instinct taking control as he basked in her warmth, feeling her softness. Gently she arched her back pressing against him, her claws flexing as she ran her fingers through the wet fur on his shoulders.
Never had he felt this way. She moved with him, her motions blending with his. Her moans excited him, urging him faster and faster. The pleasure built like a fire in a volcano, rising higher and higher until he could no longer contain himself. Blessed release flowed from him, his claws digging into her arms, his head rearing back, his roar echoing in the shadowy caverns.
Spent he lay like a rag-doll in her arms, his heaving breath finally beginning to slow. Her soft purr was like balm to his tortured soul and she gently nuzzled his ear. He felt so secure…so complete.
Torchlight flooded the cavern, the noise and ruckus of intruders bouncing through the catacombs. A chill gripped him as he recognized the nerve-grating voices of the Mutants. They moved and kneeling side-by-side, Lion-O and Cheetara turned, squinting into the blinding light.
A huge, bulky lizard-form eclipsed the glare. "Well, well, well," S-S-Slithe sneered. "Look what we have here. Two Thundercatsss."
"This will be like shooting fish in a tidal pool," Monkian laughed, aiming his pellet gun. "So-hoo! hoo! So easy!"
Only Jackalman lagged behind. Lion-O saw his silhouette behind the others. The dog-like Mutant remained silent. He knew the jackal could smell what had transpired here-the dog knew, and his fear was tangible in the air.
New anger stiffened Lion-O's back, a low growl starting deep in his throat. Dirty and bleeding, he rose to his full height, glaring at the aliens, daring them to move. Teeth bared, Cheetara stood beside him, her claws poised, ready to strike.
In shock, S-S-Slithe and Monkian stumbled back as the two advanced.
"Jackalman," S-S-Slithe called. "What-what's wrong with them?"
Outrage exploded as Lion-O launched into Monkian. The Mutant shrieked, dropping the weapon as he vainly tried to escape. Rabid vengeance drove Lion-O as he pounded at the Simian, venting a rage that had mounted ever since leaving ThunDERa. After all the pain and sorrow these parasites had caused, they dared come here, dared to threaten them. Never! Never again! The ape twisted beneath him, vainly punching, and clawing back.
A cheetah's scream and reptilian hiss filled the chamber. Explosive retort cracked through the air, echoing, mixing with a strangled cry. Pain shot through the newly formed bond. Lion-O spun, the pain mixing with horror as he cried out. Face down, Cheetara lay still at the feet of the sprawled and bleeding reptile. Dark red blood spread from a wound on her back, running down her side.
He pivoted, seeing the jackal swing the gun sights and fire.
Loin-O leapt backwards, a spray of pellets exploding under his feet. A dusty brown-pink cloud rose, engulfing him, smothering him.
Thundranium. What strength Lion-O had left evaporated. Cold fingers of numbness entwined about his legs, his arms, his body. His vision blurred, going double. Weak and dizzy, he staggered and fell to his knees, fighting the effects of the deadly energy and losing.
S-S-Slithe and Monkian grabbed him, almost tearing his arms from their sockets.
"A little Thundranium goes a long way. Yesss?"
"Let me have him," shouted the enraged Monkian. "He'll pay for attacking me. "I'll kill him for this!" The simian raised his spiked mace high above Lion-O's head.
Lion-O's head dropped, eyes closing. His thoughts centered on Cheetara. With each heartbeat, he could feel her life slipping away.
"No, you idiot ape," S-S-Slithe growled, stopping the simian. "That's too messy. I want his mane for all the trouble and humiliation he's put me through. Jackalman, get in here!"
"Nyarr! Why?"
"Just get in here!" S-S-Slithe ordered. The dog complied, toting the pellet weapon.
S-S-Slithe grabbed a handful of Lion-O's hair, yanking his head up. "Put it right between the eyes, Jackalman. A dose of Thundranium directly into the brain.
The jackal's arm trembled slightly as Lion-O looked down the weapon's muzzle. The only fear he felt was for Cheetara, and the friends he'd leave behind. He prayed Jaga would greet him as he entered the astral plane.
"Fire that weapon and all of you are history," came a stern growl.
"But if you move," S-S-Slithe hissed back, "we won't hesitate to kill him. Looks like we have a stalemate, yesss?"
Silence ticked by with the drip-drop-drip of water falling from the stalactites. Lion-O looked from one to the other, Thundercat to Mutant, then to Cheetara's still form on the cave floor. The Thundranium was wearing off.
An explosion of flame and pain knocked Lion-O backward. Blood ran freely down the side of his face, mixing with sweat and mud. Retort echoed in his ears. Salt stung his sightless eyes. Webs of grayness crept into consciousness, and he fought by concentrating on his pain. He couldn't pass out. Not now! The Sword of Omens-where was the sword? He twisted, trying to get up. Cheetara needed him. Panthro and Tygra needed him.
Dizzying shadow forms of light cut the blackness. Faint sounds of battle pierced the ringing in his ears. He collapsed, unable to move. Panthro and Tygra-Thundranium-no chance, he thought.
A jackal's screams echoed from far away. Lion-O tried to peer up from the spongy carpet of mud, moss and lichens. Safe-Panthro and Tygra were safe. The Mutants were disarmed, trapped by a ring of fire. Again, he searched for Cheetara. The bond quivered faintly and his blurring vision finally focused on the silent limp figure not five feet away. Slowly, he pulled himself toward her, his muscles screaming with each move.
"Blood's been spilled, S-S-Slithe," Panthro said darkly. "We don't want any more shed."
"I suggest you three leave. Right now!" Tygra said in a deadly tone. "Before we forget our goodwill." The bolo-whip snapped, electricity zapping the air. The ring of fire dissolved, and slowly the weaponless Mutants rose, shuffling for the exit.
S-S-Slithe paused at the brink of darkness. "You should've killed us while you could, Thundercat." His webbed fingers clenched into a fist. "This is all-out war."
The whip cracked again, striking the ground at the lizard's feet. "Has it ever been anything less?" Tygra growled. "Get out or my next strike will not miss."
Lion-O finally reached Cheetara. His hand touched her back, and anguish welled up. She was alive, but she was so still, so cold. Tears stung his eyes. Vainly he tried to will her to fight for her life.
This was his fault. His fault…. All his fault. His eyes closed, as his head dropped down into the muck and he knew no more.
###
"Damp and dark in here," Panthro muttered, kneeling beside Lion-O. He rolled the young lord over. "He's alive, but in shock. We've got to get them into some warmth and light."
"Yes, we do," Tygra said tonelessly. Tenderly, he turned Cheetara on her back, his fingers pressing against her neck. She was bloody, wet and ice cold to the touch. Even though a faint pulse was present, his throat constricted. She wouldn't survive the ride back to Cat's Lair. He scooped her up, cradling her limp form as if she were a newborn cub. Panthro hoisted Lion-O over his shoulder and headed for the tunnel.
The route back seemed longer to Tygra. With each step he took he could feel Cheetara grow weaker. He trembled, trying to protect her from the endless cold wind. IT whipped around, reaching out as if trying to take them all.
Finally they came to the emerald pool. Soft gold and silver light glowed in the crystalline chamber like a small sun.
Tygra motioned to stop. "It's warm here. Let's see what we can do." Gently he set Cheetara beside the pool.
The emergency pack is locked in the Thundertank," Panthro said as he carefully put Lion-O beside her.
"We'll do what we can without it." Tygra nearly gasped as he looked at his fallen comrades. It was the first good look he'd gotten of the damage done on both of them. Clawed and bloody, it was a wonder they were still alive. The Thundranium pellet had grazed the side of Lion-O's head, the wound looking worse that it was. But Cheetara had taken a direct hit.
"Moons of ThunDERa!" A horrified Panthro pointed at Tygra.
Dark red blood covered the front of his uniform. Before Tygra could say anything, Panthro reached, touching Cheetara's claw-torn shoulder.
"Tygra-"
He swallowed hard. "I know. She won't make it."
Panthro's head bowed, his shoulders slumping.
Tygra pulled off his blood soaked tunic, and ripped it, handing half to Panthro. They soaked the cloth in the viscous emerald liquid of the pool.
The water was glycerin smooth, tingling as it touched the skin. Tenderly, Tygra sponged off the dirt and debris from Cheetara's face and then started in on her shoulders. She looked so frail, and each breath was like a rasping purr.
He glanced at Panthro, who was working silently on his charge. Lion-O looked as fragile as Cheetara. New fear struck like a blow. If Lion-O bonded with Cheetara, the agony of loss at this point could kill him. Tygra tried to smother that thought. He wiped some loose fur from his hands, getting ready to submerge the cloth again. Odd, it was getting more than warm in this cavern. It was down right hot.
"Tygra," Panthro called, "look at this!" The panther pointed at Lion-O. The head wound was rapidly healing. Tygra turned to Cheetara. Where he'd cleaned, her wounds were healing too. Hope fired high as he grabbed her wrist, and it plummeted just as fast. Her life signs showed no improvement. She was still cold, pulse faint, respirations shallow. He eyed the green water.
"Panthro, let's get them into the pool."
"The pool? They'll drown."
"I don't think so. Whatever this is, it heals. Full immersion might do the trick. It's the only chance they've got."
That is true, Thundercats, came a shimmering feminine voice.
Startled, Tygra looked around the quartz grotto. "What?"
Panthro's eyes darkened. "Who said that?"
Crystal white energy flared, crackling through the cavern. The two cats froze, watching as it coalesced into a radiant jade globe.
T'was I, the Nereide of the Pool of Life. For since this world was born, I have guarded this sacred water. This is the place of all beginnings.
Incredulous, Tygra watched a colorful rainbow of rays pour over the blood-stained, mudcovered bodies near the pool.
The Nereide's voice vibrated from the crystal-leafed plants. I sense darkness encroaching on your female, and the male balances in her shadow. I will grant you the use of the power of the pool, but I must have something in return.
Misgivings seeped into Tygra. "And that is?"
With her life renewed, a second smaller light will soon shine within the female. It must be mine.
Shock hit him like a bucket of water. Open-mouthed, he looked at Panthro. "Light?"
"Does she mean what I think she means?"
After a beat, Tygra nodded. "I'm afraid so, old friend." He looked at Lion-O and Cheetara. Bathed in the bright light, it was if they were sleeping, not dying.
Tygra's nails dug into his palms. This being spoke of a new soul, one that would be firstborn of the Lord of the Thundercats. It wasn't Tygra's place to bargain with another life, no matter if that life had yet to exist. But Lion-O and Cheetara would certainly perish. Slowly, he met Panthro's worried gaze, hating the decision this dilemma was forcing on him. "We've got to do it," he said softly. "If we don't-"
"But can we trust this-this Nereide?"
The choice is yours as well.
"One life for two," Panthro said. "Nereide, I'd rather you take me and save all three lives."
"Or mine," Tygra added.
What you offer is noble, Thundercats, but my price has been stated. It will not change. Quickly, what is your decision? Or they will all be mine.
Grimly, Tygra and Panthro nodded to each other.
Then immerse them at the same time in the life-giving waters of the all-mother.
Tygra lifted Cheetara, poising her at the waters edge. At the same time, Panthro maneuvered Lion-O close to the pool. Together, the older Thundercats released their comrades into the shallow emerald waters.
Like the glory of a rising sun, the globe ignited, raining sparkling rays into the pool. An image formed in the light's center, the radiant energy changing, taking shape.
Tygra didn't know where to watch, the pool or the Nereide.
She was beautiful. Long flowing hair as green as the pool framed her heart shaped face. The soft furless skin of her torso glistened ivory, accentuating her bare breasts. Her graceful body ended in a jade-scaled fish tail. Amethyst eyes smiled down, as her arms came up. Gaea, we who come from the warmth of thy womb, grant renewal to these mortals. Aeolus, give breath to their souls. In the spirit of all that is good, let the healing begin.
Fiery light burst from the jeweled plants, beams dancing wildly, coloring the crystal cavern in unearthly electric hues. The two cats fell back, shielding their faces from the brilliance.
Awed, Tygra squinted into the light, his breath catching in his throat. Two columns of pure gold energy struck the bodies in the shimmering green waters. Intense heat filled the cavern, turning into an oven. The sparkling beams lifted two silver wraiths from the water, suspending them in mid-air. The definite shape of Lion-O burned white, reaching for Cheetara's fading shadow.
"Dear Jaga, what have we done?" Tygra whispered.
"We did what we had to do," Panthro answered.
Tygra's heart twisted as he stared fully into the light. The life-shadows writhed, reaching for each other as the beams moved closer and closer, merging into a single column. Lion-O and Cheetara embraced, becoming one.
Creation is the sharing of two souls. Creation is the renewal of life, which is the gift of Gaea, the earth-mother. As it would be then, let it be as now.
Light pulsed within the column. That which was Cheetara's took on a radiant silver hue, glowing as strong and vibrant as Lion-O's. The column swirled, the two embracing lovers slowly, reluctantly pulling away from one another. As they separated a spark as small as a firefly remained in between them. It flickered, growing larger, changing into the unmistakable image of a cub.
Sadness touched Tygra as he watched it. To glimpse the child that would never exist…. Why did the Neiride demand such a steep price?
Gently the water spirit placed it beside the spring, where it transformed into a ruby cat-tail, its amber-spotted leaves chiming in the now cool breeze. The gold column receded, taking the spirit forms back to their physical shells, the glowing colors gradually fading into nothing.
A heartbeat passed, and then the two Thundercats scrambled for the pool. The cave was steaming hot. Condensed water slicked the walls, covering the crystal plants. Moisture fell from the cave ceiling in huge droplets.
Tygra stepped into the water, and to his surprise, instead of being boiling, it was luke-warm, caressing, like silk. He pulled Cheetara up, as Panthro rescued Lion-O.
As he set Cheetara down, he couldn't believe his eyes. Joy and disbelief welled up. She was soggy, but she was warm, and breathing, and not a scratch could be found.
Panthro hugged Lion-O's limp form. The big cat was grinning like a fool, for Lion-O was healed as well. No blood, no wounds, just one big wet cat.
I sense the questions in your souls.
Tygra and Panthro looked up at the water entity.
She motioned to the glittering cat-tail. Part of your magic now belongs to me, to use for the greater good as the all-mother commands. Her mermaid shape reverted to the glowing jade ball. Take heart, Thundercats, for these two mortals share a strong bond. There will be other offspring. I give you warning though-you must never tell what transpired here lest they come looking. I would then claim them forever. Go now, for they will awaken soon. Be at peace."
"Thank you," Tygra said, but the green globe had broken up, dissipating in the chilling winds that now invaded the jeweled chamber.
Wasting no time, the two carried their charges from the crystal cave. As Tygra looked back on last time, he wondered who else had entered this cavern throughout the eons. The crystal plants were too many to count.
###
Sunrise was always beautiful when viewed from the top
of Cat's Lair. Lion-O stood in the mouth of the great cat's head, looking
out over the treetops at the bright orange orb peeking over the horizon.
He took a deep breath of cool, crisp air. He felt great. The corny old
adage 'this is the first day of the rest of your nine lives' popped into
his head. Odd but it was true. The shadowy nightmare of yesterday didn't
matter anymore. Today was what was important.
"Dear Jaga," he murmured, "the things I almost did…." If he and Cheetara had been more open with each other, last night would have been drastically different.
Waking up in his room, then finding Cheetara next to him was a surprise at first. He couldn't figure out what Panthro or Tygra had done to save her, but at this point he wasn't about to ask. She was alive. He smiled, thinking back to an hour ago. Oh yes, she was very much alive.
He sensed someone approaching. Light footfalls sounded in the stairwell leading to the look-out. He smiled as a warm feeling filled his heart. He didn't turn. He didn't have to. He already knew who it was. "Good morning, Cheetara."
"Good morning, Lion-O," she replied.
Blast it! After all that had happened, that stupid awkward feeling stuck to him. She stood next to him, her closeness bringing forth a wave of pleasing sensations. "How did you know where I was?"
She too, was looking at the rising sun. "I sensed it. The same way you sensed me coming up the stairs."
"Is that part of being-bonded?"
A smile of amusement came with her answer. "Yes, sensing your partner's mood is part of it."
Warmth flooded his cheeks and he quickly looked away, thankful that his tawny fur covered most of his face.
"Lion-O, it's nothing to be embarrassed about," Cheetara said softly. "It happens to everyone. If it didn't we wouldn't be standing here."
"I know that. It's just-well, it's the way it happened." He looked her straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry about this whole mess." Cheetara lightly stroked his arm. He looked at her and gently captured his hand. "I should have-"
"Shh!" She placed a finger to his lips. "We talked this out earlier, remember? You didn't know what was happening. You were unprepared, yet you defeated your beast without any help." She smiled. "That says a lot about the true you."
He gazed down into her topaz eyes, the silence growing heavier by the
second. Impulse overtook him and he drew her into his arms, his lips lightly
brushing hers. His hands smoothed up his back and faintly she nipped at
his lower lip. Neither had to speak to confirm what they felt.
Lion-O drew back a little. "One thing puzzles me-why was I the only
one affected? What about Tygra and Panthro?"
"Because they are already bonded." She looked up at the brightening
sky. "And somewhere out there, their mates are alive. Maybe one day,
we'll be able find them or they us."
"Then there is hope for ThunDERa to live again."
"As long as we are alive, there's always hope."
Just then, the Thundertank came roaring over the hilltop heading for Cat's
Lair. From so high up, Panthro and Tygra looked like dolls in a toy vehicle.
"Speak of the devil, where have those two been so early in the morning?
Cheetara asked.
"Tygra said something about sealing that cave."
"Why on Third Earth would they do that?"
"I don't know. Do you really want to find out right now?" he
asked innocently, and carefully reached behind her.
With a yelp, she jumped to the side. "Lion-O!" She scowled,
rubbing her backside. "You learn very quickly."
He smiled wickedly. "You know I've always been a fast learner."
"So I've noticed." Cheetara laughed, and headed toward the stairs.
"But the next lesson will have to wait 'til later, Lord of the Thundercats."
She half-turned, giving him a sly wink. "Breakfast is ready. If you
don't join us downstairs in five minutes, I'll let Snarf loose on you."
It was his turn to laugh. "All right. All right. Tell him I'm on
my way." As she left, Lion-O took another look at the crystal clear
morning. He felt good. The best he'd felt in a long, long time.