"You are certain of the calculations?" The lion asked.

"There is no mistake; I rechecked the data five times. The result is always the same."

"There is nothing that can be done Jaga?" The jaguar shook his head. "How long then?"

"No more then two seasons."

Claudius felt the weight of yet another tragedy set itself upon his shoulders. He had aged much in the last season and had turned more duties over to his friend and protector Jaga. "Do we have enough time to find a suitable place to evacuate to?"

"It will depend on how far we will have to search. We have already exhausted all options within our own system. Even if we are able to locate a new home, we do not have enough ships to evacuate the entire planet. Nor do we have the time to build them."

"How many must be left behind?"

"At this point it is unknown. If we find a suitable planet in the next few months we can start evacuating non-essential personal, children and elderly."

"I will remain if others must."

"Claudius…"

The lion held up his hand, stalling any comments. "It is what I wish for, my old friend. Thundera is my home and I will not leave others to die while I am rushed to safety. I will only leave if all Thundarians are evacuated." He placed a hand on Jaga’s shoulder. "I leave Lion-O in your care old friend. He and his protectors must leave if we are to survive and rise from this holocaust. I trust you to make arrangements for the continuation of the Royal line. And Jaga, do not inform them of this until it is absolutely necessary." He waved his hand dismissing the aging jaguar.

"As you wish Lord Claudius." He bowed and left the lion alone with his thoughts.

(One year six months later)
 
 
 
 

"Now Lion-O you need to pay attention," Panthro scolded the now 12 season-old-cub. " You’re not going to get any better at this if you don’t practice. Kat and Kit have even mastered these moves already."

"But its so boring Panthro. Why can’t I practice with one of the staffs?" The young lion pointed over to Cheetara who was practicing on the far side of the room.

"Because you don’t even have the basics down yet." The panther wore a firm scowl on his face. "Once you prove to me you have those mastered maybe then I’ll let you start with weapons, but until then you do not touch the weapons am I clear?"

"Yes Panthro." The cub muttered.

The panther gave Lion-O a critical eye before nodding, "That’s enough for today. Tygra is waiting for you in the lab."

"He’s quite the hand full, isn’t he Panthro." The cheetah commented as she came up behind him. "Makes you wonder how Barlo survived us." She watched the young lion walk out of the exercise room.

The panther turned to his friend and chuckled, "What do you mean us? I was the innocent bystander. You and

Tygra were the trouble makers."

She was about to reply to the panther comment when she was suddenly thrown off her feet as the Lair began to shake. "Is everyone alright?" She asked after the tremors quickly passed. She quickly glanced over and noted the kittens had dived under one of the tables at the side of the room. "Kat, Kit you can come out now."

The twins poked their heads out from under the table, "Is it me or are the tremors happing more often?" Kit asked as she dragged herself out from under the table’s protection.

"Yeah," Kat agreed, "that’s the third one today."

The cheetah took a moment to think about the cub’s observations, making a mental note to ask Tygra about it that night. "Alright you two, let’s go. Tygra is waiting for you." She said as she herded the to kittens into the hall.

"Gee, Cheetara, do you think Tygra will cancel lecture if the tremors keep up?"

She chuckled softly, "Only if the door seals shut and there is a ton of rock between here and there, Kat." She chuckled again at the moaning from both cubs.

"Well about time you two showed up." The tiger scolded as the two missing cubs entered the lab area and took their seats next to Lion-O. "You can start by solving the problems on the board."

"It’s my fault Tygra," she smiled at the tiger as she took a seat at the back of the room. "I should have called and let you know we were running late."

He returned her smile. The three cubs sighed and rolled their eyes at the adults. "Alright you three. Lion-O, I know you have had time to complete the problems. Would you please enlighten us with your answers?"

The cheetah smiled to herself and rose to leave the room, seeing that the three cubs were engrossed in their studies despite their earlier protests. She nodded to the tiger and gave him one last smile before leaving the room. She had other duties to perform yet that day before she could allow herself to relax and enjoy the evening with Tygra.

"Lord Jaga," Barlo bowed as the jaguar motioned him to enter. "I have the latest stress tests from the southern continent and the latest on the evacuation."

"And from the look on your face Barlo, neither is good."

"You’re right. Even with the evacuation proceeding as scheduled we are going to fall short of the timetable you set. And to make matters worse the rumors have started."

"And the southern continent?"

"Let’s just be glad we evacuated there first." Barlo wearily sat into one of the chairs in the room. "Most of the cities are in runes now and given the moons’ influence on the tides in that area they’ll be under water in a day or two." He rubbed his face in his hands, trying desperately to extend what little energy he had left to his tasks.

"Barlo," the panther looked up. "Arrange a meeting with the Nobles tomorrow. It is time they know of Thundera’s fate. Then you, my friend, go and rest. Spend sometime with your son. You have earned it."

Barlo gave the jaguar a weary smile, "I think I will do that Jaga."

The tiger’s senses were assaulted by the tantalizing smells of food cooking and the soft humming of a familiar voice from the food preparation area. He made his way into the small room and smiled to himself at the sight before him. Cheetara was bustling about the room with such singled-mindedness that she didn’t even take notice of his return to the quarters. He silently tiptoed behind her and after another small smile to himself wrapped his arms around her slender waist.

She jumped at the sudden feeling of arms and with a scowl on her face turned "Tygra!" She hit him lightly on the shoulder. "You scared me to death."
 
 

"Sorry, didn’t mean to," His mischievous grin told her otherwise, "smells good."

She tried to keep the serious expression on her face, but failed miserably when he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "You are hopeless you know that." She smiled up at him.

"And you wouldn’t have me any other way." He teased back. "Did you get the message about the meeting tomorrow?"

"Yes," She watched him wander over to the cabinets and get out the dishes. "Any idea what it’s about?"

"Not really, but it may have something to do with all the tremors we’ve been having."

She paused from removing the food from the cooker, "That reminds me. Is it me or are the tremors becoming stronger and more frequent?"

The tiger glanced up from setting the table and gave her a thoughtful look, "I’d have to check the data, but from personal experience I would say yes. We had what? Four today?"

She nodded, "Something’s going on Tygra and I have a feeling that it is not going to be good."

He gave her a startled look, "Are the dreams back?"

"No, nothing like that. Something just doesn’t feel right, I really can’t explain what it is."

"Let’s not worry about it tonight." He grabbed one of the bowls of food and headed for the table. "I just want to eat and relax. I am beat."

Cheetara Dreamed.

Dreamed of fire, of destruction, of the end of her world. Forced to watch as her people...her countrymen died. As her beloved home burst into a million bits of rock. She tried to force her mind to ignore the images that played across it, to stop the screams that resounded through her psyche.

The Dream started mildly enough. She and Tygra were arguing about something, but then the earth began to quake beneath them, a tremor that did not fade but grew worse. The walls of the Lair shuddered, trembled, then began to crack. They heard the screams begin as the walls groaned and buckled, and dust rained down on them. The sturdy foundation actually began to move, visibly rippling like water. They looked at each other in terrified realization, and ran together toward the nearest exit. "We've got to get out of here!" Tygra shouted. "If the foundation gives way, anyone in here is dead!"

They ran for their lives, dodging falling masonry, choking on dust. Twice, they were forcedto change their path as corridors collapsed before they could go through them. Once they were nearly caught as a section of the main hall that bisected the Lair fell down just as they finished traversing it. "We're almost out!" Cheetara thought, "almost safe!"

The sudden sound of a support giving way caused both to look up. The cheetah felt herself shoved aside. The next thing she remembered was her heart’s frantic beat pounding in her ears, her lungs burned from the dust she had been forced to inhale.She coughed, trying to loosen the tightness she felt in her chest. She lay there keeping her eyes closed for fear of what she would see when she opened them. Then with a steadying breath She slowly opened her eyes and felt the fear instantly grip her mind. "I'm alone!" her mind screamed "Dark and alone!"

She could feel herself begin to hyperventilate and locked down on the panic attack she felt hovering at the edge of her mind. "Tygra?!" She cried out, not entirely hiding the terror from her voice. "Please answer me Tygra!"

Only the silence of the dark tomb answered her. "Alone! Close! So close!" she was slowly losing the battle with her panic. She began feeling around her, realizing that a section of the wall was lying above her. It had landed onsomething, keeping it from crushing her, but she wasn't inclined to count her blessings just yet. She started clawing her way back to where she thought Tygra had been, calling him in between choking coughs. "Keep moving. Don’t think about the walls... Close! So Close!" There was no answer, and that ratcheted her panic up higher. Finally, she squirmed her way out from under the wall section and saw it. A flash of red-orange mane. Above that, a massive support pillar. Below, a spreading pool of red....

"Blood. Tygra's blood..."

"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!" Cheetara woke with a bloodcurdling scream, howling grief and terror at the top of her lungs.

"Cheetara!" Tygra shouted as he dashed into her room. He quickly grabbed hold of her shoulders and shook her, trying to release her from the grip of whatever terror now engulfed her mind. He watched as her eyes slowly focused on his face and a look of total and absolute relief washed over her.

"Tygra!" She through her arms around his neck, collapsing into his embrace while her body racked with terror-filled sobs. "You’re not dead….not dead." She kept repeating.

Though the tiger was confused by her ramblings, he did not stop in his comforting, "No, I’m right here. It was just a dream, nothing more."

"You were trapped, "She stammered, her breathing still bordering on hyperventilation and her body still shaking. "The Lair was falling down around us. I saw you…" She looked up at him, "blood everywhere. "Oh gods Tygra. You were dead I know you were dead!" Her voice was hysterical, her face drained of all color.

"Cheetara look at me!" He ordered, his hands quickly forcing her eyes to look at his face. "I am right here. Nothing happened." He watched some of the terror seep from her eyes as she slowly began to understand his words. "It was just a dream." He turned his voice into a more gentle tone.

"A dream?" She reached out tentatively, touching his face as if to make sure he was really there. "Not real?"

"No, I’m safe and you're safe," he tenderly lay beside her on the bed pulling the blankets around both of them as she huddled close to him and rested her head on his chest. "Try and go back to sleep." He could feel her forcing her muscles to relax from their trembling, and the sound of her breathing begin to slow as the panic began to loose its grip on her mind. After several minutes he gave a casual glance down at her face. With a sigh of relief, he saw that sleep had once again claimed her mind, and he allowed his own weary mind to begin to wander into the realm of sleep.

Cheetara dreamed.

The jaguar watched as the nobles entered the room, some in groups some by themselves, but all with looks of concern and worry on their faces. They knew that something was wrong, and that the time had finally come for the, excuse the pun, cat to come out of the bag. Jaga was actually glad that he could now inform his fellow Thundercats of the fate of their home. He was tired of the secrets, of the half told truths he had been forced to hidefrom his friends. He glanced up and caught site of Tygra and Cheetara entering the room. He] felt a twinge of pain at the sight of the two of them together and at knowing the burden he was going to ask the young cheetah to bear. He quickly pulled his thoughts back into the present when he head Claudius’s voice echo out into the room.

"My fellow Thunderians, a grave time has set upon us." He flipped a switch activating the holographic display. Gasps of surprise filled the chamber as those gathered bore witness to the demise of the Southern continent. "This was recorded three days ago. We were able to remove all those living on the affected area to safety. Lord Jaga if you will continue please?" The lion retook his seat, his voice and posture evidence of the great fatigue that plagued him.

The jaguar rose wearily to his feet. He quickly held up his hand, stalling the questions that had begun to resound through the chamber. "Nobles, I know you are confused by these happenings, but please allow me to explain before you bombard my tired mind with your questions." The room fell silent. "Thank you. It has now been nearly two seasons since the quakes began, and as most of you have noticed, in the last three months the frequency and strength of the tremors have increased. This is due to the fact that Thundera is dying." He was forced to pause again as the outcries began anew.

Pole of the Puma clan rose to his feet, "What exactly do you mean by ‘Thundera is dying,’ Lord Jaga?"

"Our latest data shows that within six months time or sooner, the tremors will increase to the point that Thundera will shake itself apart."

A shocked silence claimed the room. Pole was the first to find his voice again. "Why were we not told sooner? We have no time to evacuate our people. You have signed our death warrant by with holding this information!"

"Peace Noble." Claudius spoke softly from the head of the table. "We have not overlooked this fact. In fact the evacuation of Thundera began over a season ago. We have already removed a great number of our people to the safety of our new home."

"But my Lord, why did you not tell us?"

"Because Noble Pole, this would have been your reaction. The last thing we needed was a panic. The people have had enough pain and suffering as of late." The lion closed his eyes for a moment regaining control of his emotions. "By the end of this day all the clan leaders will receive a copy of the evacuation plan and ship assignments for those that have not been removed yet. I trust you," he indicated the nobles gathered, "to inform your Clan lords of the details in the plan, and to see that all are followed." He paused and locked each face into his memory as he glanced around the room. "My son, Lord Jaga, and Lion-O’s protectors will be aboard the Flag ship. They will lead the remaining ships to our new home."

"What of you, Lord Claudius?" Tygra’s voice spoke out from the back of the room.

"I will remain on Thundera until all have been evacuated." The room once again filled with an uproar of voices. "Silence! This is my decision. I will not leave while there is a single Thundarian left on this planet. My son’s safety has been seen to, and the Royal line will continue. And I will hear nothing more on the subject." The lion turned hisattention back to Jaga. "See that they understand the plan and are able to carry it out without question. My Lords," He bowed to the nobles gathered. "It has been an honor."

The room remained silent as the Lord of Thundera proudly walked out of the doors for the last time.

"Cheetara may I speak with you for a moment?" The jaguar asked after the assembly began to disband

"Of course Lord Jaga." She turned to her companion, "I’ll meet you later Tygra."

The jaguar once again felt the grip of guilt on his heart as he watched the interaction between the two young nobles. "Perhaps we should speak somewhere more private." He motioned the cheetah to proceed him into a small office off the council chamber and softly closed the door once they had both entered. "Lord Claudius has asked me to make a request of you Cheetara."

The cheetah stared at Jaga, a confused look on her face at the guilty note in his voice. "What is this request my Lord?"

"First I must inform you that this task well not be an easy one, and will change who and what you are forever." The girl… no, he corrected his thoughts, the women nodded but the confused look remained on her face. "Now that you know of the fate of Thundera, I must tell you of the fate of the nobles and the Royal line of Thundera."

"Lord Jaga, I don’t understand."

"Allow me to finish and you will Cheetara. As a protector of Lion-O you will be aboard the Royal cruiser along with the others. But you will be the only female aside from Kit to accompany the nobles."

He watched as a sudden look of understanding came over her pale face. "My Lord, if you are asking me…"

"There is no choice Cheetara. There was no time to arrange a match for Lion-0, but the Royal line must survive no matter what. And you are the key to its survival."

"My…my Lord," the cheetah stammered, "this is an honor, but I do not desire to become the Lady of Thundera."

He gently placed a hand on the cheetah’s shoulder, "I know of your attachment to Tygra." He watched as a flare of red crossed her face. "But the time for choices has passed. You must do this for your people. For Thundera."

She pulled away from his grip, "How can you ask me to choose between my heart and my duty?" Her eyes flashed in anger. "In order for an heir to be legitimate I must take Lion-O as life mate. I can not promise myself when I love another."

"Cheetara, please listen to me." He spoke in a fatherly voice, "I only ask this of you as a last resort. If he has not taken a mate by his 25th season, then you will be bound to perform this duty."

"And if he does take a mate?"

"Then your promise is absolved and you will be free to follow your heart." He once again placed a hand upon her shoulder. "I only ask this of you, because I have no other choice. The line of Symia must live on."

Cheetara looked up at the man she considered to be a second father and with a heavy sigh nodded her head. "I will do as you ask Lord Jaga, but only because I have no other choice." She turned and made to leave the room only to have his voice stop her.

"You understand what accepting this promise means?"

She turned, the jaguar felt his heart break at the look in her eyes. "Yes," she said simply, "and I will begin to honor my promise at sunrise." She held up her hand, forestalling Jaga’s comment. "Sunrise, no sooner." She turned and left him standing in the now silent room.

The Lord of the Thundercats watched the cheetah leave and with a weary sigh, walked out of the silent room and back into the chaos that had become his life.

He heard the door open and close and knew that the cheetah had finally returned from her meeting with Jaga. He waited in the common room for several minutes, but she did not grace the room with her presence. He decided to go in search of her and discovered her standing in her old room staring out the window, completely lost within her own thoughts. "Was the meeting that bad?" he asked, his voice resounding in the stillness of the room.

"No," her voice was bland, empty of emotion as she continued to look out into the fast approaching night. "I just have a lot on my mind."

"Then I shall leave you with your thoughts."

"Tygra," her voice stopped him, "Don’t leave." She turned and looked at him for the first time, and he noted the signs of recent tears on her cheeks. "I want to talk." The tiger walked over and sat upon the bed, waiting for the cheetah to speak. "I lied when I said the nightmares had stopped. I still remember everything like it happened today." She shuddered, "I can feel his hands on me. Hear his voice in my mind."

Tygra rose from the bed and walked over to the cheetah wrapping his arms around her shuddering form. "He can’t hurt you anymore Cheetara."

"A part of me knows that Tygra. But there is still a small portion that holds onto that night." She turned in his arms her honey-amber eyes flashing in the moonlight as she glanced up into his own eyes. "I don’t want these memories anymore. I want to forget…I want you to help me forget."

His breathing stilled for a moment as he regarded her. "Cheetara, I…"

She placed a hand upon his lips, "Please, give me this one night. It is all I ask."

He reached up and removed her fingers, his hand caressing hers. She ran her fingers through his flame-red mane coming to rest on the nape of his neck. She watched as he closed his eyes and pulled her close, his lips tenderly brushing against hers. She wrapped her other arm around his neck, deepening the kiss and felt his own arms wrap around her slim waist. They were left breathless when the kiss ended, and Cheetara felt as if her legs would fall out from under her. Tygra gently lifted her up into his arms and carried her over to the bed.

"Are you certain this is what you want?" He asked, his eyes holding a mixed emotion of worry and passion.

She gave him a tender loving smile that sent shivers down his spine. "More then anything." She pulled him down for another kiss and allowed her hands to begin wandering the tiger’s body. She could feel him shudder under her touch and soft kisses. She purred as he’s own hands and lips began to wander the contours of her body. She felt him pull away from her and watched as he removed the light robe he had been wearing, her amber eyes taking inthe form of his body against the moonlight. He then, in turn, helped her out of her own clothing. His hands and lips begin their wanderings again and Cheetara felt as if her heart would burst with every feather light touch on her tawny fur. She glanced up when he suddenly halted his ministrations of her body and found herself looking into his dark amber eyes.

"What’s wrong?" She asked her fingers playfully running through his mane.

"Nothing, I just want to remember this moment forever."

She felt her heart skip a beat at his words and tears well up in her eyes. "Then come, my tiger and let us live in the moment." She pulled his lips back to hers and gave herself to him body and soul.

She awoke, her sleep fogged mind confused ather surroundings. Then the memory came back. His gentle tender hands on her body, his loving kisses caressing her to the very core of her existence. Their outcries of joy as they both came unto fulfillment at the same moment. She felt his legs still intertwined with her own and could feel his soft breathing on her neck the beating of his heart against her own chest. She glanced up at her tiger…"Yes," She thought, "my tiger. My love." She reached up and lovingly stroked a finger across his soft cheek. "And now I must deny everything my heart wants." She felt him stir under her touches and offered him a small smile as he opened his eyes.

"Morning love," he purred kissing her forehead.

"Morning," She cuddled closer, not wanting this moment to end but knowing that she had to tell him of her duty…of her promise to Jaga. "Just tell him. It will only make it worse the longer you wait" She told herself, then taking a deep breath and stealing herself she spoke. "Tygra, I need to tell you something."

He glanced down at her and took note of the worried expression on her face. "What’s wrong?"

"The reason Jaga wished to speak to me yesterday. He had a request from Lord Claudius, one that I am now honor bound to commit." The tiger gave her a confused look and waited for her to continue. "You know we are to be aboard the Flag ship?" He nodded, "and that I am going to be the only female of breeding age on board." She felt him stiffen and suddenly pull away. "Tygra I…" She stopped, seeing a look in his eyes and knew that he had figured out her promise.

"Do not say another word." He stood up from the bed and grabbed his robe from the floor.

The tone of his voice caused her to jump slightly. He was angry and even worse it was directed at her. In all their seasons together, she could only remember one other time he had used that voice, and she had been but ten seasons old. "Please Tygra let me explain." She reached out and grabbed his arm. He shook off her hand.

"Explain what?" he demanded, "That Jaga has you promised to another? And you knew this when you asked me to join you last night?" His eyes flashed, full of betrayal, his voice full of pain as he snapped, "Who? Who did he promise you to Cheetara?"

"I…I didn’t mean to hurt you." Her voice cracked. Tears rolled down her pale cheeks. "Please…"

"Who!" His anger snapped, he roughly grabbed her and pulled her to her feet. "Tell me or I’ll…" He stopped suddenly, all anger draining from his eyes and face. She was pale, all color had drained from her face. She had seen that look before…in Cain’s eyes that night. She trembled under his touch and he could feel the pounding of her heart. "I…I’m sorry ‘Tara," his voice was calmer now. He took another calming breath.

"No," her voice cracked slightly, but her color was returning. "I should be sorry. I should have told you last night, but I wanted to give you something special before…"

"Shhh," he placed a finger to her soft lips. "Please tell me who."

"If Lion-O does not produce an heir by his 25th season I am honor bound to take him as life mate to assure the continuation of the royal line." She felt a weight lift off her at the admission of her promise. Tygra knew now; hewould help her find the strength to survive this. "I had no choice, Tygra. The Line of Symia must live on, no matter what my heart feels."
 
 

In a dark room within the depth of the palace, a small needle began its frantic dance. Colorful lines cut across the once white paper. Those in the lair went about their day; the needles dance unseen… it’s warning unheeded. For on the 68th day of the calendar year 3088 the sun rose on Thundera for the last time.