Note: Within this Chap, I will be using some of the actual dialog from Exodus inter mixed with some of the scenes I have written. This section will be marked with an "*" at the beginning and end of the dialog sections. I do not in any way intend to infringe on the show, but this chap made more sense with me using some of it.

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The day started as any other would. The sun rose. The birds began their songs. Thundarians awoke from their slumbers and went about morning tasks. Children laughed and played on their way to their studies. Within the Lair walls the noblesrose with the sun also, beginning their daily tasks. Throughout the land known as Thundera, life went on. Yet underneath the very fabric that held the lands together a battle had begun, a fight in the very heart of the planet, an onslaught that the planet was loosing. The darkness soon claimed the skies, blocking out all light but a deep blood red. The tremors began small…distant…gradually tearing through the skin of the planet. A silent feel…eerie…frightening. The day had come….

Thundera was dying……

The technician made his way into the depths of the Lair, whistling softly to himself as he passed through the still empty halls. His mind wandered over the other missions he had to accomplish that day. He came to the locked door and entered the code on to the touch pad. The door obediently swished open, allowing the lion to enter. He flipped on the light and a dim glow illuminated the room. He quickly made his way over to the computer terminal and typed in the command. He waited a few momentsfor the system to bring up the data he requested, the sound of his claws tapping upon the desk the only noise within the room as he watched the screen begin to fill with data. His eyes flashed over what the system presented before him, giving a nod as he absorbed the information into his own memory. He was about to hit the clear button, confident that everything was as it should be, when suddenly he froze. He rapidly typed in a command and brought up the correct window, his eyes quickly dashing over the data that pored forth. With a trembling hand the lion reached over to another control panel and flipped a switch.

Outside amid the buildings of Thundera City, alarms began to blare…

"I need status on those shuttles from the Northern providence now!" Barlo growled out as he clung to a control panel for support during another strong tremor.

"They are still 5 miles out Noble," a technician answered, "Shuttles from Southern, and Eastern arriving now."

The panther hissed under his breath, "Get those cats in their ships now, and order the captains to take off as soon as they reach capacity."

"Yes Noble." The technician quickly went about his task.

"Barlo," Jaga called out as he entered the room, "How goes the evacuation?"

"It could be better. Some of the Clans were caught unprepared." His fist struck the control panel, "we were supposed to have more time."

"We’ll do the best we can." The jaguar quickly glanced at the screens and cursed as he took in the information. "We don’t have much time." He turned and motioned to one of the technicians, "Give the order: All are to evacuate their posts at the next tremor." He turned back to the panther. "It is time."

Barlo nodded, "Panthro come with me." And with a bow the two panthers dashed out into the trembling halls to retrieve three very special pieces of cargo.

"My Lord," One of technicians called out, "We have massive structural damage to the lair."

"Where? Which area?!"

"East corridor levels 12-sublevel1. Including living quarters."

"Dear Gods!" His mind screamed, "Lion-O and the kittens are in there!" And without a second thought the jaguar dashed into the destruction.

"Now as you are aware by subtracting first and then adding you can…." The twins both sat up as their computer suddenly stopped in the middle of their lessons.

"Hey, what did it stop for?" She asked her brother as she smacked her hand against the side of the machine

"I don’t know Kit, maybe the file’s bad." Kat shrugged at his sister. "But I’m going to go work on my models." He rolled himself off the mattress he and his sister had been laying on and headed out into the playroom. "Hey Kit! Come look at this."

Kit rolled off the mattress with a sigh and made her way out into the larger room, "What Kat? I don’t see…." She stopped as her eyes looked out the window. "What’s happening Kat?" She asked her voice trembling slightly

"I don’t know, maybe we should go find Panthro or Tygra." He started walking towards the door when alarms suddenly started blaring through the room. Both kittens looked at each other, fear evident on their faces when they suddenly found themselves throne onto the floor as a massive tremor rocked the foundation of the lair itself.

"Kit?" Kat called out through coughs for his sister, glancing around the dark room. "Kitalee?" He felt her hand brush against his and quickly wrapped his fingers around hers. "Are you alright?’

"Yeah," She coughed, and glanced over towards the door. "Kat, were trapped!" He followed her glance and saw that between them and the only way out now lay a barrier of rock and steal.

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

"The reason Jaga wishedto 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. He had seen that look on her face before…the night Cain had raped her. 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; he would 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."

"I know," he kissed her tenderly. "But--" The tiger broke off as the alert claxons sounded through Thundera City.

The Lord Heir of Thundera wandered the halls alone, occasionally glancing behind to make sure he had still avoided being found by Snarf. He did not understand why they had forbidden him to speak with his father last night. All he wished to know was why Claudius would not be joining them. He had already visited their quarters and not finding him there was now on his way to the council hall.

"Father?" He called out into the room, his voice echoing off the walls. "Father?" With a heavy sigh the young lion turned and left the room, the doors swishing closed behind him. He continued his wandering down the halls when with a sudden thought of inspiration he turned and dashed in the direction of the gardens. He quietly entered the sweet smelling room and saw his Father sitting upon on of the many benches placed through out the large internal gardens.

Claudius heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching and knew that Lion-O had once again escaped the care of Snarf. The old Lord could not help but smile at the boy’s impishness, and had memories of when he himself plotted his escapades as a cub. "I see you have managed to sneak out of your studies again, Lion-O."

The cub winced at his father’s words, but quickly pulled himself into a proud stance. He was here for a reason and he would not leave until he had his answer. "Father, why will you not come with us?"

The old lion motioned the boy over to sit beside him, "There are things you are too young to understand yet, Lion-O. In time, as you grow and learn of the wonderful things that make our lives what they are, the answers will come."

He looked up at his father, a look of total determination on his face, "then I am staying too."

"No Lion-O" Claudius felt his heart break at the tone in the boys voice, his thoughts turning to his lost love. "He sounds so much like his mother when he talks like that. Soon, my Nydia, I will be with you." He could hear the boy’s breathing quicken and knew that his son was on the verge of losing his temper. "Look out the dome, Lion-O. Tell me what you see."

"The sky." He answered

"What else?"

"Nothing."

"Then you are not looking hard enough. Do not the stars also exist in our sky?"

"Yes, but I can’t see them." He turned back to his father. "I don’t understand, Father. What do the stars have to do with me?"

"You are the future of Thundera my son, and our future lies there," he waved his hands towards the dome, "among the stars. So you must go."

"But I want you to come too. Please Baba." He throw his arms around his father’s neck, crying into the older lion's thick blond mane.

Claudius clutched onto his one cub, taking in the feeling of holding theboy in his arms for the last time. Then he felt his heart shatter again when the cub used the name he once called him as a baby. "I know you want me to make the journey, but it is not my destiny. The time has come for you to stand alone, Lion-O, and to guide our people through the hard times ahead."

"No!" The boy pulled away from the embrace, "I won’t do it!"

"Lion-O wait!" Claudius called out to the footsteps that quickly disappeared out of the room. Around him alarms began to blare.

The two panthers fought to keep their balance as the halls about them shook and groaned under the stress from the tremors. "Damn!" Barlo cursed when they came to find the main hall to the kittens’ chambers had been sealed by a fallen wall. "We’ll have to go around to the side passage."

"We better hurry," Panthro pointed up to the stress cracks now forming on the walls behind them. "This place is going to come down."

"Let’s hope the kittens weren’t in the halls when this collapsed." Barlo yelled as the two panther dashed down the halls again.

"It’s no use Kit." Kat said as he struggled to move some of the debris from in front of the door. "It’s to heavy."

"We’ve got to get outta here Kat," She cringed as the lair began to shake again. "Maybe we can get someone’s attention if we bang on the walls or something."

Kat nodded at his sister and looking round the room saw a metal pipe lying on the ground. "Why don’t we use that?" He went over and picked it up and started beating it against thewall of the room. Kit followed suit and with another piece of piping and added her own shouts.

"Tygra?!" Cheetara called out in the now darkened room as she pulled herself up off the floor and tried to catch sight of the tiger.

"Over here," She felt his hand brush hers and then grip onto her fingers. "Are you alright?" He asked, his voice full of concern

She nodded and coughed as she accidentally inhaled some of the dust blowing about the room. "Just bruised I think. What about you?" She quickly pushed back the small bit of fear that was tingling at the back of her mind.

"The same." He helped her up to her feet only to almost be thrown back to the floor as a second tremor ripped through their quarters. 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!"

Cheetara followed close behind the tiger being careful to keep him in her sight. She couldn’t stop the images that suddenly found themselves into her mind. "This is not my dream!" She yelled at herself, "Nothing is going to happen to Tygra."

They ran for their lives, dodging falling masonry, choking on dust. Twice, they were forced to change their pathas corridors collapsed before they could go through them, and 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!" They turned to go down the final hall before reaching the exit to the ships, and she froze.

"Snarf?! What are you doing here?" Jaga demanded, "Where is Lion-O?"

"Snarf..snarf, I don’t know Jaga. I’ve looked everywhere for him." The small creature wrung his paws together in frustration and worry. "I left him with his studies to finish packing, when I went to check on him later he was gone."

Jaga silently cursed, "Get to the ship, Snarf. I will find him."

"But Jaga…"

"GO! Now Snarf!" The jaguar turned and continued his search for the boy, not stopping to see if the Snarf had obeyed him or not. "Lion-O! Where are you?! Lion-O!"

The young lion could hear the calls from Lord Jaga, but was still feeling too angry to answer them. "I am going to stay here no matter what they say." He spoke to himself. He ducked into one of the dark side halls as Jaga dashed by still calling out the cub’s name. He waited a moment to be sure that the jaguar had gone and then ran down the hall in the opposite direction. He ran until he came to one of the large windows that graced the front of the lair and the sight that presented itself before him made him freeze. "Thundera? What’s happening?"

The city lay before him, buildings in ruins. People running…fleeing for their very lives. Mothers clutching on to cubs. Fathers calling out names of lost loved ones. Chaos ruled the day now, all thought of order lost as the planet continued to fight its loosing battle. He grabbed onto the windowsill as a massive tremor ripped across the landscape below him, and with innocent eyes watched as his people…as Thundera died.

"Father!" Panthro shouted above the groaning of the building. "I thought I heard something."

"Help!" A muffled cry followed by the sound of something beating against a wall caught in both panthers’ ears. "Anyone Help!"

"Sounds like they're right behind us." Bralo went over and placed an ear against the nearby wall wincing as he did so. "Yes they are right behind this wall." He took his fist and pounded, "Kat! Kit!"

The twins froze, "Did you hear that?" Kat asked his sister. She nodded. "Barlo?!" He shouted.

"Can you get out of the room?" Barlo’s muffled voice carried through the wall between them.

"No, the door is blocked." Kat answered, "The stuff’s too heavy to move."

Barlo turned and looked at his son a grim expression upon his face. "Is there another way into the rooms?"

"The side tunnels, but it’s suicide with these tremors."

"And it’s not if we leave them in there?" He turned back to the wall. "Ok you two. I want you to go and stand where you are away from anything that can fall on you and do not move until either Panthro or I get you." He nodded as a muffled ‘Yes Barlo,’ answered him through the wall. "Lead the way, Panthro. You know the side tunnels better then I do."

The younger panther quickly led his father to a small access panel in a wall half way down the hallway. "Lord Claudius had these installed before Lion-O was born incase we ever had to sneak him out of the Lair." He explained as he removed the cover. "This leads directly into the main room of the kittens’ chambers."

"I’ll go. You stay here." Barlo made his way into the tunnel before Panthro had a chance to argue with him. The passage was short and he soon found himself at the end of the tunnel and facing another door.

"When are they coming?" Kat asked as he looked around, he and Kit had crawled underneath one of the tables situated within the playroom so they would have some coverif things began to shake again. Both kittens turned when the sound of Barlo calling their names again, but this time he sounded close…very close. "Barlo?" Kat called out as he pocked his head out from under the table only to see the panther standing right in front of him.

"Come on you two," The panther reached his hands out for the two to take. "We need to get out of here now."

The twins grabbed onto the panther’s hands and quickly followed him to the tunnel. "Ok, now I want you two to run as fast as you can. Panthro is at the other end waiting for you. Can you do that for me?" As one the kittens looked into the tunnel, then at each other, and then turning to Barlo nodded. "Good. Kat you go first. Do not stop no matter what."

Panthro waited. He hated waiting. He was a cat of action. He would rather be off in the middle of the battle then sitting around waiting for the battle to come to him. He punched at the wall in his frustration and paused as he suddenly felt the shockwave of another tremor begin to rock the Lair. "Father! Hurry another tremor is starting!" He yelled into the dark passage way. His sharp eyes caught the sign of movement and he grabbed a hold of Kat as he came dashing into the hall. "Stand there and do not move."

"Ok Kit your turn." The second kitten soon joined her brother at the other end. Barlo turned and gave the room one last glance before heading into the passage.

"Father hurry!" The walls began their shaking again.

"GO! Get Kat and Kit out. I’ll catch up." Barlo shouted as he jumped back from some debris and found his path now blocked.

"Father…"

The elder panther locked his eyes onto those of his son’s. "Get them out, Panthro! Now!"

Panthro gave his father one last look before grabbing both kittens in his arms and dashing down the hall. The echoes of the collapsing walls following them. "May your journey be swift, Father." He ran faster.

Running down the hall. The sound of metal supports creaking and breaking. The giant pillars toppling down. Hands pushing her aside…throwing her to safety. Crawling out from the fallen wall. A flash of red-orange mane. Above that, a massive support pillar. Below, a spreading pool of red....Blood. Tygra's blood.

"No! Tygra!" She grabbed hold of his arm, pulling him out of the hall. "We have to find another way out."

He gave her a confused look, "We don’t have time for this…" He stopped as in front of his very eyes, in the spot where he would have been standing, the massive support pillar toppled over and the walls began to cave in. "Gods!" He stood there frozen in that place, looking at what would have been his death. "Cheetara?"

"Don’t ask, because I don’t know." She grabbed his hand, "Let’s get out of here."

"Go left," he directed her, "Let’s try the north hall. Maybe it’s still standing." The tiger and cheetah moved quickly through what was left of Cats lair and soon found themselves within sight of their ship. "I don’t see the others."

"Do you think…" She turned back to the crumbling Lair, her unspoken question hanging in the air.

"Get on board and get the start up cycle going. I’m going back to look for them."

She grabbed onto his hand before he could run back into the Lair. "Please, come back to me." And with a quick motion she pulled him to her and gave him a quick kiss.

The tiger nodded, and with one final look as she entered the lift, he dashed into the building.

He was terrified. He ran from hall to hall trying to find his way out, but each time found his way blocked by a collapsed wall or ceiling.

"Lion-O?!" Jaga’s voice rang through the halls again. "Lion-O, where are you?!"

"Here!" The young lion shouted, "Over here!" He started to run towards the voice, but tripped on a piece of debris and lay on the ground dazed from his fall.

"Lion-O!" Jaga’s voice was closer now.

The boy tried to crawl back to his feet and looked up when he felt some plaster fall onto his shoulder. He froze. One of the support pillars was falling, and he was directly under it. He tried to move…to jump clear but for some reason his legs wouldn’t work. He closed his eyes and prepared himself. Nothing happened. He opened his eyes and with a shock found himself still in one piece.

"I can’t hold this forever, Lion-O." He looked up and saw Panthro there holding up the pillar that had threatened to crush him and quickly jumped clear. As soon as he was clear Panthro dropped the pillar.

Jaga came running up and grabbed to boy by both shoulders. "Are you alright Lion-O?"

"Yes, Jaga." He didn’t quite hide all his fear from his voice.

"Lord Jaga!" The group turned and saw Tygra running towards them. "This way!" The tiger motioned them to hurry.

"Come, Lion-O. We haven’t much time."

They followed the tiger down the halls and out into the open courtyard. "Cheetara’s started the cycle." The tiger informed the other nobles as they dashed to their ship. He glanced over at the Panther. "Barlo?" All Panthro could do was shake his head.

"Hurry!" The cheetah stood with the lift waiting.

"Wait, my Father." Lion-O looked to Jaga as they entered the safety of the lift and Cheetara moved to begin their ascent. "We have to wait for my Father."

"Take us up Cheetara." Jaga ordered.

Lion-O looked up at Jaga in horror. "What... what do you mean? We can't leave him behind. We *can't!*" He made an abortive dash for the airlock door, only to be caught by Jaga's strong arms.

"Lion-O," Jaga said quietly. "We have no choice. Your father swore that as long as therewas a single Thunderian left on the planet, he would not leave. He made me swear that I would see you safe." He led the boy across the bridge and into the ship. "Snarf. Escort Lord Lion-O to his quarters and see to it that he stays there until we are safely off-world."

"Burrr, come on Lion-O. You come with old Snarf." Lion-O, still in shock from Jaga’s answer, followed his nanny without protest.

"How long until we can lift, Panthro?" Jaga asked as he entered the command center.

"Give me five minutes to finish warming the engines and we can get out of here." The panther answered as his fingers flew over the controls. "Ok everyone buckle in. We’re going full power."

The Thundercats felt their bodies pushed into their seats as the panther increased the power and began lift-off. Each had their eyes locked onto the planet they had called home. Each saying the prayer of the first ones. Each struggling with the knowledge that they could never go home again.

A lone figure stood and listened, as he was unable to watch, as the ship sped its way from the planet. "They are safe now." He spoke to the loyal guard that still sat beside him. "My son is safe. The nobles are safe. Thundera will continue through them." He reached over and scratched the ears of his companion. "Come, Kano. It is time for us to make our own journey." The Lord of Thundera turned and walked over to a small structure, the loyal saber tooth following close to his heels. Claudius reached out and turned a small knob causing the doors to open. He slowly entered the building and sat within the center of the floor, Kano lying beside him. "Soon my loyal friend, we will be among the first ones." They sat in silence.

<Claudius…My love. It is time to come home.>

The Lord glanced up and before his eyes stood a face he thought he would never see again. "Nydia? " He reached out for her. "My love."

<Take my hand and come with me. Come home My love.> She took his hand in hers, pulling him to her. <We shall be one…now and forever.>

Within a small building, the beating of a heart stopped. The breathing of a pair of lungs ceased. The soul of a Lord returned to his love.

Among the stars, the ships speed away from the world known as Thundera. Not knowing what awaited them upon the planet that would become there new home. Not knowing that soon the destiny of their entire race was about to be changed forever.

*

"It's finished." Panthro told the others, his voice empty of emotion as he watched the planet on their view screen.

"Yes Panthro... any moment now." Jaga said quietly.

"Shall I awaken Lion-O now?" The tiger asked.

The cheetah looked over at the tiger and disagreed in a gentle voice. "No need to upset the child needlessly Tygra."

"Wake him Cheetara." Jaga turned and regarded tiger and cheetah, his voice forceful. "If he is to rule then he must learn to learn to deal with the bad as well as the good."

The cheetah gave Jaga a bow and with a glance at the tiger exited the command center and made her way to her new Lord’s chambers. She quietly entered the dark room and smiled as she looked down at the sleeping cub. "I hate to wake him, he looks so peaceful." She thought to herself, but she knew that he must be present when Thundera met itsend. With a soft sigh she leaned down and gently shook the boys shoulder. "Lion-O..." she whispered.

The young lord slowly opened his eyes and turned to see who was disturbing his dreams, though they were already disturbing. "What? Oh, Cheetara..." he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, but his voice still held a hint of sleepiness.

"I am so sorry to wake you Lion-O, but Jaga bids me bring you to him." Cheetara told him with a warm smile.

"Uh, ok, sure Cheetara." His eyes still held onto the tiredness that must have gripped his very soul, and Cheetara wondered if the boy would have the strength to survive what awaited them. She stepped back as the boy threw off his blankets and crawled out of his bed.

At the foot of the cub’s bed the small lump of red-yellow fur stirred and opened his eyes "Snarf snarf..." he mumbled sleepily. "Hey where are you going?" he called his voice, tinged with irritation when he saw his young charge awake. "Lion-O needs his sleep!"

The cheetah turned and regarded the old nursemaid with a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "He will have ample opportunity for sleep on this voyage. For now it is imperative he join Jaga on the bridge.

"Snarf, snarf! Well I think it's imperative that a young boy have his rest!"

"Aw let up, Snarf." The cub groaned at the nanny, "I'm practically grown up."

"You really are turning into an old nanny, Snarf." Cheetara said with amusement as she led her young lord out of the room.

"Easy for you to say." Snarf protested again to the now empty room. "You're not responsible for Lion-O's welfare. Snarf is! Just let the boy come down with a fever or the pip or something. Who gets the blame? Poor old Snarf, that's who! Snarf, snarf!" He looked round and noticed that the room was empty of everyone but him, and quickly dashed out the door and followed the two Thundarians.

"What dose Jaga want to see me for?" The young lion asked Cheetara.

"There is something he wishes you to see."

"What?" His curiosity perked up at the cheetah’s words.

She smiled motherly down at the cub, "It is best if you wait until you can see for yourself Lion-O." The doors to the bridge slid open and she gave the cub a gentle shove towards Jaga, while she resumed her station. Snarf took up position onto of the group of suspension capsules in the center of the large command area.

"What's up Jaga?" the lion asked as he came up beside his teacher.

"Come closer, Lion-O. Watch the telescreen." Jaga instructed him.

"What's on the screen?" Lion-O asked. The image of a planet appeared on the monitor. "That planet? What's happening to it?" he asked.

All those on the bridge turned to the screen and watched, each muttering the prayer of the journey for those that had not escaped the death of their beloved home. "May your Journey be swift. Among the Stars. May you find new worlds. Yet remember ours. May you remain forever. A part of our lives. May the memory of you. Never die. May your Journey be swift." The sound of six voices resounded in the bridge as eyes locked onto the screen.

The planet before them seemed to heave with an effort as if it was trying to still hold itself together for just a moment longer. Then with a final shutter and bright light, burst into nothingness. The battle was over.

Thundera had lost….

The cub stepped back at the sight his eyes had witnessed, his voice shaking. "What was that?"

The jaguar placed a hand on the cubs shoulder. "That was Thundera, Lion-O." Jaga said sadly. "The planet we called home."

Lion-O’s eyes were drawn back to the screen, but all that was left were the burning rocks that bounced harmlessly off the shields. He then turned to Jaga a horrified look on his young face. "Thundera? But… but…"

"Yes, Lion-O. Thundera is gone, but the Code of Thundera will live as long as you, as the Lord of the Thundercats, carry it in your heart." He glanced down at the boy. "You have a sacred duty to honor it in our new home, wherever that may be... truth, justice, honor, and loyalty."

The lion suddenly pulled himself up into a proud stance and in a voice that reminded Jaga of a young Claudius replied. "I will Jaga, I swear it!" Then after a moment added in an unsure voice. "I mean, I'll try..."

Jaga nodded. "Yes, I know. It is an enormous responsibility for one who is not yet a man. But you are not alone." He turned the cub’s attention to the others on the bridge. "The nobles you see gathered here... Panthro... Cheetara...Tygra... even," The jaguar paused and let the silence hang for a moment as if considering even including the last two, "WilyKit and WilyKat will teach you the skills to rule wisely and well." The twins smirked at the use of their nicknames.

From his perch on the capsules Snarf looked up. "No mention of old Snarf, I notice, snarf snarf." He muttered in annoyance. "Go on, just take all the glory, and leave old Snarf to clean up after you. I don't mind, snarf snarf!"

Jaga ignored the old nursemaid and led Lion-O toward a door. "There is something else you must see, Lion-O. The most important part of your heritage." Jaga tapped a code into the keypad and the doors to the chamber silently slid open. He led the boy into the room, followed quickly by Snarf. Inside the chamber there was only a single object. A sword. It was bathed in thesoft glow of a dim light and sat upon an ornamental holder. "This is the mystic Sword of Omens, and the source of our powers, the Eye of Thundera." Jaga’s voice echoed in the chamber.

The cub slowly walked over to the sword and cautiously reached his hand out, only to pull it back quickly as the sword emitted a growl. He looked back over to Jaga, who simply gave a nod of his head. The young lion turned back to the sword and with a quick swallow to quench his fear he picked up the sword. He felt the jolt of power flow through his body and found that the small sword was too heavy for him to hold up. "Jaga! The sword is alive!" He exclaimed.

"Yes." Jaga answered simply.

He looked down at the sword and after an examination glanced back to his teacher. "But there are holes in the hilt, Jaga, and I don't see any eye." Lion-O said, confused.

"The eye sleeps until needed, Lion-O." Jaga told him. "And those are not merely holes you see in the hilt. Looking through those magic apertures will give you sight beyond sight."

"But if I do need the eye, how can I wake it up and let it know?"

"There will be no need. The eye will know it is needed before you do."

Lion-O grunted and struggled to lift the heavy sword. "I can't even lift it, Jaga."

Jaga nodded and walking over, easily lifted the sword out of the hands of the struggling cub. "No, you haven't the strength yet. But..." He turned to the silent Snarf sitting off to the side. "Snarf, will you ask the other Thundercats to join us?"

"But I want to hear what--" Snarf whined.

"It's important, Snarf." Jaga said forcefully.

Snarf grumbled. "Ok, snarf, snarf."

Jaga walked over and replaced the sword on its resting place. "But it will not be long before it feels natural in your hand." He smiled down at the cub and glancing up saw the other enter the chamber.

"You wish to see us Jaga?" Tygra asked.

"Yes." Jaga reached over and picked up what looked to them like a glowing light. "You will all have to learn new ways as well. On our own planet, you needed no protective clothing or special weaponry. And the Eye of Thundera rested peacefully in the mystic Sword of Omens guarded and known only to me. We don't know what awaits the Thundercats in our new home, but these arraignments will protect you. Cheetara…" Jaga tossed a magical beam her way, encasing her in a leotard and putting a bo staff in her hands "Tygra…" Jaga tossed him a beam putting him in a silvery blue jumpsuit and a whip in his hands "Panthro…" Jaga's beam put a blue outfit with spiked suspenders on, and nunchuks in his hands. He then turned and gave the kittens and Lion-O their ‘gifts’.

Suddenly a shudder raced throughout the ship and alarms began to blare.

"Jaga!" Tygra shouted over the alarms, "We're being attacked!"

. Jaga motioned for them to take their battle stations, but held Lion-O back as he made to follow. "Remain in the sword chamber!"

"No!" Lion-O protested. "If there's to be fighting then I should…"

"Please do not argue!" The jaguar snapped. "Snarf, look after him!" He gave the cub one last glance before dashing out of the chamber.

"Old Snarf'll look after you!" the old nursemaid clung to the cub’s legs stopping the boys attempt to follow Jaga.

"Aww I don't want to be safe. Safe is boring."

Jaga ran onto the flight deck and was pleased to see that the others had taken the stations assigned and that the ship was prepared to defend itself. "Have you identified the enemy?"

"Yes, they're from the planet Plundarr." Tygra answered as he tapped on his keyboard.

"Always those blasted mutants." The panther cursed as he quickly changed course.

"They bear the markings of Jacklemen…Monkean…and Reptilian." Cheetara announced from her station.

Panthro looked up in shock. "They're working together?!" He grabbed onto his station to keep his balance as the ship once again shuddered. "Great Thundera!"

Outside, within the depths of space the Thundercats found themselves surrounded by a fleet of mutants. Outnumbered and outgunned, they increased their speed, hoping to outrun the enemy.

"Nyah ha ha, direct hit, Slythe!" Jackalman announced, watching the battle from a window.

"Sssssuperb." the reptilian commander replied.

The sounds of a panther’s curses cut through the bridge of the flagship as the view screen lit up with the death of a ship. "We just lost one, Jaga."

Jaga grabbed a communicator. "Flagship to convoy! Assume defensive formation!"

The ships maneuvered and flocked around the flagship, hoping that perhaps a concentration of fire would be able to destroy the smaller scout ships of the mutant fleet. On the flagship the nobles watched as one by one their countrymen’s ships disappeared from the scanners.

"We're losing them, Jaga, we're losing all our ships!" Panthro cursed.

"Except for ours." Cheetara observed. "We haven't taken a single hit."

"No." Jaga replied. "They know the flagship would be carrying the Eye of Thundera. They won't risk losing it."

"Then..." WilyKat started.

"Yes." Tygra answered. "We can expect visitors at any moment."

The cheetah quickly checked her scanners and found only one mutant ship near them, but it was not is an attack position. "What's that?" She asked as the ship shuddered.

In the sword chamber Lion-O found himself tossed to the floor as the ship buckled and rolled.

"Easy Lion-O, easy." The old snarf helped the boy sit up. "Old Snarf won't let anyone harm you, you bet I won't."

"I'm not *gulp* afraid."
 
 
 
 

"Tractor beam rays!" Panthro shouted. He put the image upon the monitor. They watched as their ship was drawn towards one of the large mutant carriers. An airlock moved from the mutant ship against the side of the flagship, anda reptile mutant came through, and fired a laser. The screen went black and the alarms began to blare anew.

"We've been breached!" The panther jumped up from his controls and ran into the corridors of the ship.

"Prepare to repel boarders!" Tygra ordered he felt Cheetara come running up beside him and caught her eyes as she passed. "Be careful." He mouthed to her.

She nodded and winked at him before speeding past, kicking in her cheetah speed. "Right in front of you, Tygra."

As the battle raged on, in a different part of the ship, mutants were searching, tearing through boxes. Jackalman walked through a door and met up with Slythe. "Nothing there. Any luck at your end, Slythe?" he asked.

"No," The reptile answered and turning saw a closed door they had not yet opened. "What's in there?"

"It would help if I knew what the Eye of Thundera looks like. Have you ever seen it?" The jackal asked

"Yesssss, yesssss." he replied as they entered the room and froze. Before him stood a lion cub and a fuzzy creature he could not identify. But it was what the boy was struggling to hold that had the reptiles attention. "And there it is, embedded in the Sword of Omens!" Slythe said.

Snarf hissed and the hair upon his back stood out with is anger as he moved between the mutants and his charge. "You'd better get out of here right now or you'll have Snarf the fierce to deal with!"

The mutants cackled "And what manner of laughable creature is this?"

Snarf growled deep in his chest, his anger giving way to offence. "Think I'm funny do ya, snarf snarf?" He hissed and with his claws outstretched pounced towards the mutants.

"Snarf! Stop!" Lion-O cried.

Jackalman just stood his ground and at the last minute, aimed and fired a gun, trapping the creature in a net.

"Where are they? Let me at 'em, snarf, snarf!" He threatened as he struggled within his prison.

Slythe turned to Lion-O. "Now boy, give me the sword!"

The cub growled "You shall not have it while I live." He felt his pride burn as both the mutants just laughed at him.

"The cub threatens us?" The jackal laughed, "He can hardly hold onto that sword, much less lift it!"

Lion-O felt his anger burn and with a growl of pure rage tried to life the sword. The mutants just laughed as he struggled with the unmoving weapon. Suddenly something happened. A growl filled the chamber. The mutants watched in horror as the cub’s eyes turned from amber to a flashing yellow gold. The eye opened and the symbol of Thundera flashed out alighting the chamber with its light and its roar resounding throughout the ship.

"What's happening?" Jackalman wondered fearfully.

"Back, get back!" Slythe ordered.

Lion-O suddenly found the strength to lift the sword and with only the smallest grunt of struggle he swung the glowing sword slowly above his head.

"Back to the ship, and move it!" Slythe yelled.
 
 

"That’s odd." Panthro commented as the mutants suddenly disengaged and began to retreat. "Wonder what made them turn tail like that."

Cheetara came up beside her friend. "No idea, but I’m not questioning it." She glanced round and caught sight of Tygra and the kittens nearby. "We better get back to the bridge."

"Is everyone all right?" Jaga asked as he entered the command area and saw all the nobles present. Panthro already working on damage control, the kittens manning the scanners, and Tygra and Cheetara off to the side, one of them receiving medical attention from the looks of it.

Tygra flexed his arm wincing slightly as he did so. "Just bruised Jaga. Nothing serious." He gave the cheetah a quick smile to reassure her.

Cheetara turned and glanced around the bridge for a sign of a head of unruly red mane. "Wait? Where’s Lion-O?"

Lion-O knelt down by his nanny and quickly cut away the net that had entrapped him. "Snarf, are you all right? Come on Snarf, say something!" He held his breath until he saw Snarf’s eyes slowly open

"Snarf..." he moaned groggily

"Good old Snarf." Lion-O hugged the old nursemaid to him. "Why'd you wanna scare me like that?"

"How many of 'em did I get?" Snarf asked. Lion-O answer was stopped when Jaga and the other suddenly rushed into the room, relief obvious on all their faces.

"Lion-O! You're not hurt!" Jaga knelt before the cub eyes quickly checking for any sign of injury.

"Yeah, Snarf took a few lumps," He pointed to the nanny still sitting on the floor, "but I managed to hold 'em off.".

Jaga rose back to his feet and glanced at the sword as it emitted a growl. "You did it with the sword?"

Lion-O smiled sheepishly and ran a hand through his unruly mane. "Well the sword kind of did it for me..."

"I see." Jaga answered as he motioned for the laughing behind him to cease. "Let us return to the bridge. We need to repair the damage and get moving. They mutants will be back."

Tygra felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to face the cheetah. "Are you certain you’re alright?" She glanced down at his arm.

He turned and saw the other had already left the room, leaving the tiger and cheetah alone. "Yes," He tenderly caressed her cheek. "As I said it is only a bruise, nothing to worry about. Come. We best join the others."

"How bad is it, Panthro?" Jaga asked, his attention turning for a moment to the tiger and cheetah now entering the bridge.

The panther turned his chair and faced the others. "Well I patched up the hole and I guess it's ok. The navigational system's pretty well shot. We can maneuver some but not well enough to get to the galaxy we were headed for. The best we can do is this." He turned back to his station and brought an image up to the monitor. "Not much as galaxies go."

"It's dinky is what it is." Kit retorted.

"See this puny little sun?" Panthro asked ignoring the kittens comment. "I've run a galactic scan for atmospheric compatibility and this blue planet," he pointed to a planet labeled "3P" on the monitor "the third planet in, gives me a readout of 96%."

"Atmosperic com... com.." Lion-O stumbled over the unfamiliar word.

The tiger gave him an understanding smile. "That means we can breathe the air, Lion-O."

"Even so, it's light years away." Cheetara said as she hid a shudder that passed through her body. She knew what that meant.

"Oh yeah." WilyKat agreed, voicing the cheetah’s silent thoughts. "We'd have to make the trip in the suspension capsules."

Jaga’s voice stopped all discussion of the subject. "You will all get in the suspension capsules now." Then to the shock of he others added. "I will pilot the ship to the blue planet."

"No Jaga." Panthro broke the silence. "Without suspension you'll die. We can set the ship on robot pilot."

"In its damaged condition the ship must be piloted manually as long as possible. It is the only way we can be sure of reaching our destination." Jaga argued.

"We cannot be sure anyway." Tygra tried to reason with the old jaguar. "We'll take our chances together. You must join us in the capsules, Jaga."

"Yes Jaga, please!" Lion-O pleaded.

Enough!" Jaga said forcefully stopping all arguments. "I am by far the oldest of you. Even though the capsules slow down the aging process tremendously, some aging does take place. Even in suspension, I could not live long enough to complete the journey. Enter the capsules!" he ordered.

"But Jaga..." Cheetara argued, not entirely hiding the slight shaking to her voice.

Tygra turned and laid an arm on her shoulder, taking note of her palenessand her slight trembling. "Come Cheetara. What Jaga says is true. Don't make it tougher for him." he placed his arm around her and led her over to the capsules, knowing the true reason for her delay.

*

She could hear the others still talking as Tygra pulled her in behind the capsules and out of the view of Jaga. He quickly pulled her into his embrace and comforted her as she regained her control. "Take a deep breath ‘Tara." He rubbed her back, helping the muscles relax. "Just relax."

"I don’t know if I can do this." Her voice was still shaky, but she was slowly regaining her color.

He smiled down at her and with a loving gesture tilted her chin up. "You can do it. Just think of something else. You’ve done it before." He chuckled softly, "remember when we went exploring and got lost in the lower part of the Lair?"

She fought back a smile, "yes. I think Barlo and Tyben…" She paused, the mentioning of the names sending a stab of pain through her heart.

"Shhh…" The tiger pulled her close again. "But you made it through that and lots of other tight spots." He received a glare for his choice of words. "What did you think about when you were scared?"

She smiled shyly up at him and in a soft voice said, "You."

"Cheetara…" His face turned to a sad expression.

"I know Tygra. I am quite aware of what that promise entails." She looked down at the floor. "But that can’t stop what my heart feels."

The tiger feel silent; the only sound between them became the breathing of their lungs. He could still hear Jaga talking with the others and wished that there was a way out of that promise the jaguar had placed on Cheetara. His mind turned as he considered all the options that were left. In the end he had to acknowledge that therewas nothing he could do but stand back and watch. He looked down at the one who had shared his life for over 14 seasons now. She was his best friend, his biggest adversary, and his greatest love. His mind told him there was nothing he could do to stop thefuture Jaga had designed for her, but his heart reached out and grasped onto the one small piece of hope that existed in the infinity of hopelessness. He tenderly ran his fingers through her silky mane and smiled as the night they had spent together flashed back to his mind.

"Cheetara." She glanced back up into his eyes. "I make you this vow: As long as there is a breath of life in me, as long as my heart beats within my chest, as long as I still stand, their will always be a ray of hope for us."

"Tygra please…"he placed a finger on her lips

"If in the end all we have is a dream, then I will clutch onto the dream until the end of time. I will always be here waiting…hoping…praying for the day you can come back to me. I will always love you, my ‘Tara."

She wiped away the tears that ran down her pale face. "And I you."

He pulled her to him and with the gentlest of touches placed his lips to hers. He could feel her deepen the kiss and while they both longed for more, the couple reluctantly pulled apart. "We had better go back before Jaga notices we’re gone." He caressed her cheek on last time and then with a loving smile they moved to their capsules.

*

Kat walked over to his capsule and gave a final glance over to Jaga. "He's just being practical..."

Panthro stood silent for a moment, then with a deep breath pulled himself out of his thoughts. "All right, if we're going to do it, let's do it!" and picked up Snarf. "In you go, Snarf. Quit stalling."

"I'm going, I'm going, snarf snarf!" He waved to the others as the panther carried him to his capsule. "See you later-- I hope. Snarf, snarf."

The young Lord wrapped his arms around the man he considered his second father "Goodbye, Jaga." he said, trying not to cry.

"You must be brave," Jaga spoke in a fatherly tone, "Lion-O, it is your duty."

"Yes, Jaga." The cub said through his sobs.

Jaga watched as his companions all entered their capsules. Then he took the Sword of Omens and with a powerful downward thrust imbedded it in the floor of the ship. He gave each of them one finial look while speaking. "The Eye of Thundera will be waiting for you when you reach your new home." The jaguar watched as the capsules activated and those he considered his own ‘children’ were frozen within the moment. He wearily made his way to the pilot’s chair and set course for the planet they would soon call home. "I wish I were as sure of their chances as I pretended to be. Still there is a chance." He reached over and turned a switch on, reading the data that came up on his screen. "He must be ready to take on the responsibility." The jaguar made some adjustments with the keyboard. "Gods forgive me." He glanced over at the capsules one last time.

Within the ship itself all but one slept, he was tired…so tired and weary. He sat slumped weakly in the chair at the control panel. "I cannot go on any longer. I pray the robot pilot can take it from here." He gave the capsules one last glance his eyes falling to the one that contained Lion-O’s sleeping from. "Lead them well my Lord." His fingers grouped for the switch to activate the robot pilot then activating the program, the old jaguar leaned back, closed his eyes, and disappeared in a flash of light.

*

Slowly,steady the lone ship made its way towards the blue light that faintly glowed in the vast distance. Nothing moved within the ship now. It was clutched in the grip of silence yet within its steel belly it carried the future of Thundera onto their new home…onto their destinies. Slowly…steadily…silently…the ship approached the light. It approached the planet.

The planet called 3rd Earth.
 
 
 
 

Coming Soon Interlude: Shards of Destiny