New Thundera

Soon after Lion-O’s proposal to Cheetara, political problems began to rise with the Lunatacs on the moons of Plun-Darr. He was needed on New Thundera to try to keep the peace between them.

Knowing that they would need to announce their engagement to the world, Lion-O called a meeting requiring two of the four elders of all the clans to attend. The press also showed up. The meeting took place at the entrance of Cat's Lair on New Thundera. No one except the Thundercats knew what the announcement was going to be, but the Thunderians knew it was serious for Lion-O to call the clans’ elders and the press.

Finally, Lord Lion-O stepped out with Cheetara at his side. Following their entrance outside to the podium, the other Thundercats that were on New Thundera: Tygra, Panthro, Lynx-O, and Talia (not to mention Snarf and Snarfer) stepped out after them. Once everyone was in attendance, Lion-O spoke through the microphone at the podium.

"Good morning, fellow Thunderians. I called this meeting and the press to make this important announcement. It is a decision that will help make New Thundera a planet of peace, prosperity...a planet it once was. Thundercat Noble, Cheetara, who is also my second-in-command has agreed to be my wife."

A loud cheer went out through the crowd of most of the clans, especially the cheetahs. The press soon bombarded the engaged couple with questions.

However, the lion clan, tiger clan, and even the panther clan members did not take the news as well. "This is an outrage! How can Lord Lion-O marry Cheetara? It's not right. It's not tradition. He is suppose to marry a lioness, not a cheetah," Luther, an elder lion said.

"What do you propose we do, Luther?" Lavarius, a fellow Lion elder asked.

"Call an emergency meeting of the lion elders and our top lion representatives tomorrow afternoon at two," Luther commanded.

The next afternoon

Immediately at two, the Lion clan elders met as well as other lions who heard about the meeting. Luther, the oldest and wisest of the lion elders sat in his throne chair similar to the other three elders, two men and a women: Lavarius, Lionel, and Lanardi. They all appeared to be in their mid-fifties. Although the clan elders' powers were equal, Luther was the most respected and whatever he said, the other elders never thought a reason to disagree with him. That was the main reason why he led the lion council.

In the room were a total of twenty-five lions, male and female. At two, the meeting began promptly with Luther picking up the remote on the table and pressing a button that opened the walls in front of him. In the wall was a large television screen about 40 inches wide. On top of the television was a VCR. Luther pressed the play button, and Lion-O and Cheetara appeared. It was a taping of when Lion-O announced his engagement to Cheetara.

"Thundercat Noble Cheetara, who is also my second-in-command, has agreed to be my wife," Lion-O said happily.

Luther fast forward through the cheers and replayed the tape when the press began to ask questions.

"Lord Lion-O, have you and Cheetara set a date?" a reporter in the crowd asked.

"Not yet, but we hope it will be soon," Lion-O answered.

"Why are you getting married so soon after Bengali and Pumyra's wedding?" another reporter shouted.

"We saw their happiness and we knew it was our time to get married and be happy as well," Lion-O said.

"Give us a kiss for the camera!" someone shouted.

Lion-O and Cheetara had no disagreements for that. Lion-O eagerly pulled Cheetara close to him and gave the cameras and reporters a display of their love for each other.

Luther stopped the tape and looked at the lions before him. "As you can see from yesterday's news," Luther pulled out the morning newspaper and tossed it on the table. It was a picture of Lion-O dipping Cheetara and kissing her before the cameras. The headline said: Engaged!

"...and this morning's paper, Lord Lion-O is engage to Thundercat Noble Cheetara. We cannot allow this to happen. This has never happen before--a Thundercat Lord marrying someone out of his clan. Sure the previous Lords have dated out of his clan, but when it came time to chose a wife, the Lord always chose a lioness. We must keep up with tradition."

"Why, Luther?" A Thunderian lion asked. "What's wrong with Lord Lion-O choosing Cheetara for his wife?"

Luther paused and turned to the lion. "She is a cheetah, Leo. Cheetahs aren't capable of leading. They are weaker than the lions. Mixing a lion blood with the cheetah blood will only give us a weak leader in the future. This Cheetara may have been using her beauty to persuade Lion-O. We all know about the sudden age jump, from 12 to 19, Lord Lion-O experienced in the time capsule on his way to Third Earth. He skipped important lessons in life that a normal person learns and carries into adulthood. So, we all must admit that Lord Lion-O has matured to rule New Thundera and is an excellent fighter and strategist in battle, with his encounter with enemies that the Thundercats have told us. But his mind might not be mature in handling women. Cheetara could be using this to her advantage to rule New Thundera. Cheetahs are fast as well as deceptive and are greatly underestimated among the lion, panther, and tiger clans, the stronger clans. Cheetahs are also the only clan with a profound sixth sense, telepathic, and telekinetic abilities. Remember the Great Cheetah War a thousand years ago?"

"Uh, none of us were around a thousand years ago, Luther," Leo said.

Annoyed with the smart but honest response Leo gave Luther, he continued. "Well, you learned it in your history books. A thousand years ago, Cazar, a ruthless cheetah Thundercat, who was second-in-command, tried to take over Thundera. He was a powerful and persuasive warrior. He felt that the cheetahs were the most superior of cats. He was almost as strong as the then Lord of the Thundercats, Koran. Cazar possessed a sixth sense, telepathic and telekinetic abilities, a rare thing to happen because cheetahs usually inherit one of the abilities, not all of them. He was underestimated by our clan and proved to be a worthy adversary. He and his army of cheetahs, lynxes, and pumas, attacked and conquered the clans that always stood with the lion clan: the panthers and tigers. Even the illusions the tigers are gifted with were no match for Cazar. He conquered them all, and then he struck the lion clan.

The Thundercats tried to intervene and couldn't stop him on the battlefield. When Cazar attacked their home base at Cat's Lair, Lord Koran battled him first but became injured. It took him a week for him to recover and during his period of recovery, the other Thundercats, a panther, tiger, a jaguar and ocelot fought Cazar alone. He took them all out. The tiger, Tygris was the last to fall. He was the most powerful illusionist on Thundera and fought him using his gift as well as his other skills. When Tygris was defeated Lord Koran recovered and fought Cazar once more. It took all the lord's strength and the Eye of Thundera's power to defeat him. Never before has the Lord of the Thundercats had to use so much power from the Sword of Omens to defeat a fellow Thunderian in battle. With Cazar defeated, a trial was held to determine his punishment. Most of the Thunderians wanted Cazar put to death and the cheetahs forever banished from any Thundercat trials. They didn't want the lynxes, and pumas banished because they pleaded that they were deceive and persuaded to fight with them. Like Lion-O, Lord Koran was a kind and just ruler, as well as young. He banished Cazar from Thundera to Wayoutback where he killed himself from the solitude. As for the cheetahs, Lord Koran said they were fooled and allowed the cheetah clan to continue to participate in the Thundercat trials.

This is the first time, since Cazar, that a cheetah has been allowed the position of second-in-command. Cheetara possess all the powers Cazar had. She could be his descendent trying to do what her ancestor fail to do so many years ago. We cannot allow it to happen again."

"I never thought about it like that, Luther. In that case, we cannot let Cheetara become queen," Leo agreed with Luther.

"However, I don't understand how Cheetara became second-in-command anyway," a new voice, Lanardi, an elder spoke. "Wasn't Tygra the second-in-command?"

"Cheetara obvious seduced the young lord. Tygra has no say in it, and must follow his lord orders," Luther said.

"Still, I think it will be best that we have a talk with Tygra or one of the tiger elders," Lanardi said.

Luther looked at her as if she was disobeying him. "Just to be sure," Lanardi said.

As if answering Lanardi's request, a knock came to the closed door meeting. One of the lions opened it. At the door were two males, a tiger and panther elder.

"Tyland, Pantharo, welcome," Luther said and offered them a chair.

"We heard about the special Lion Clan meeting, Luther. I assume you are discussing Lord Lion-O's wedding," Tyland announced as he sat down.

"Yes, we are, Tyland, and your timing couldn't be better. We were discussing the purpose why Tygra is no longer second-in-command."

“From what I understand, it was Tygra‘s idea to give up his role as second-in-command while he was stationed on Third Earth. He thought it was best for the Thundercats. I do believe that Tygra assumed it would be Panthro who would have taken over as second-in-command, not Cheetara. But this cheetah has earned the trust and respect of the others, perhaps foolishly. Nonetheless, Tygra did not disagree with Lord Lion-O for naming her as the temporary second-in-command. When he returned to New Thundera, Tygra was so busy helping rebuild our cities that he relinquished the role permanetly.”

Luther rubbed his goatee. "I see. I still believe Cheetara tricked Lion-O into this engagement. Having Cheetara so close to high power is a danger to us all, especially, the lion, tiger and panther clans."

"You think she will be another Cazar?" Tyland asked.

"I know so," Luther said.

"In that case, we all must be on our guard. If the cheetahs raise trouble on any of our clans, it's a possibility that they would want war. If Cheetara does lead them into war, then this war could be more violent than Cazar's," Pantharo said.

Chase's Home

Chase looked at the front page of the newspaper at his kitchen table. He stared at Cheetara as she was being kissed by her fiancée. The display of her being dipped and kissed by Lion-O disgusted him a little. Ignoring the picture, he read the article about their engagement. "Yesterday morning in front of Cats Lair, Lord Lion-O announced his engagement to his second-in-command and fellow Thundercat, Cheetara."

Chase put the papers down after reading the first sentence and begin thinking. "Finally, it's the cheetahs time to come to power. My ancestor Cazar failed to take over Thundera, but my Cheetara will succeed. She's closer to the power than my ancestor was. She will win. She will be the Queen of New Thundera, and I will be King."

He quickly gathered his things and left his home as a plan began forming in his head. A very wicked, but intelligent plan...

Several days later

"Concentrate, Cheetara. You can do it."

Cheetara and Lynx-O sat at opposite ends of the council table. A small drinking glass was in the center. The female Thundercat had her eyes closed and her hand out toward the glass. She finally opened her eyes and sighed in exasperation. "It's no use, Lynx-O. I'll never get the glass to move towards me."

Although blind, Lynx-O looked towards Cheetara. "It is important that you learn to control your telekinetic powers. You've only been able to conjure your powers during moments of emotional outbursts. This isn't safe for you or anyone around you."

Cheetara nodded in agreement. "I know, but it doesn't seem to be working for me."

"You're trying to force the glass to move. You can't do that. All you simply need to do is to ask it to move for you. Watch . . ."

Lynx-O became very still. He stretched out his hands toward the glass. His ears began to glow. Slowly, the glass on the table began to shake. It then quickly slid across the table at the lynx. He grabbed it then let out a breath. "You see, Cheetara. My telekinetic abilities are small. This is all I'm able to do. It weakens me. However, your powers are much greater. You should be able to do this with ease. You must concentrate all of your thoughts on moving the glass. If you let one idle thought invade your mind, the glass will not move."

The cheetah listened to his advice carefully. With a renewed determination, she closed her eyes again. She centered all of her thoughts on the drinking glass. After a moment, the glass flew off the table at her. She caught it with her quick reflexes and opened her eyes. "I did it, Lynx-O!" Cheetara stared in amazement at the glass.

Lynx-O smiled at her. "I knew you could. Now all you need is practice. You can't imagine how great an asset your powers will be to the Thundercat organization. Now, try it again, but this time, keep your eyes open. And move the glass more slowly."

Cheetara placed the glass back on the table. She stared at it and cleared her head. Then, as she lifted her hand up, the glass came up off the table. It stayed in mid-air for a moment until Lion-O walked into the room. He went up behind Cheetara and laid his hands on her shoulders. The feel of his hands broke her concentration. The drinking glass fell to the table and shattered into pieces. "Oh no," she groaned.

"It's my fault. I should have waited to talk to you after you were through," Lion-O replied.

Lynx-O stood up and made his way to the exit. "I'll go get Snarf to clean it up."

The couple watched as the lynx left the room. Then Lion-O bent down and kissed Cheetara. "You make me crazy," he growled playfully.

Cheetara laughed and threw her arms around him. "And don't you forget it."

"Trust me. I won't," he replied and kissed her again.

Snarf entered the room and cleared his throat loudly to announce his presence. Lion-O tore himself away from Cheetara and looked at Snarf.

"Snarf, snarf. I never thought you two would ever get together, and now that you are, you two are never apart." The creature meowed and wobbled to the table.

"But, Snarf, now that I have someone else to take care of me, you'll have an easier job," Lion-O remarked.

"Looking after you will never be an easy job." Snarf began to sweep the glass fragments off the table. He glanced at Cheetara and said, "You just remember that Cheetara," except it sounded more like "Sheetara".

"I will, Snarf." Cheetara grinned at them. "I will." She looked at Lion-O. “How did the meeting go with the Lunatacs?”

The Lord of the Thundercats sighed. “Not too well, I’m afraid. But I think that I’ve convinced them not to attack us. I hope they really do realize that the Sword of Omens is better left with me than anyone of them. I told them that if they agreed to an alliance, I would use the sword to defend them in case of an attack. I guess time will tell...”

At the cheetah headquarters...

A long rectangular table sat in the middle of an immense room. At the head of the table sat four older cheetahs and a younger male who were in the middle of a conversation.

"I'm telling you that the lion clan will attack us."

Carvel, the oldest cheetah, rubbed his chin and leaned back in his chair. "How can you be so sure, Chase? I have telepathic abilities too, but I haven't sensed anything like that."

"Chase's powers are the greatest in our clan," Che'kar remarked.

Candra folded her hands and laid them on the table in front of her. "And we have noticed a little hostility coming from the tiger and panther clans. For example, two cheetahs were talking about Lord Lion-O and Cheetara's upcoming wedding at a news stand when a tiger said it would never happen. He said he would never allow a cheetah to become queen. Also rumors have been going around about tigers, panthers, and possibly some lions who are planning to break up the wedding."

"My powers are not the greatest," Chase murmured. "There is another who has greater telekinetic powers than me."

"I'm assuming you are talking about Cheetara," Chet responded. "She left the clan years ago."

Chase nodded then replied, "Yes, but once a cheetah, always a cheetah."

Carvel said, "Let's get back to your premonition, Chase. Why would the lion clan attack us? We've done nothing to them."

"It's got to be because a cheetah will permanently hold the role of second-in-command of New Thundera," Che'kar wisely answered.

Chase shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know exactly why, Carvel. But I think Che'kar is on to something."

"That's ridiculous," Candra complained. "It's time for a cheetah to have a leadership role on Thundera. The lions can't hold all the power all the time."

"We are a clan of outcasts though," Che'kar remarked. "All the other clans fear us because of our special powers. They don't trust us because they don't understand it. Except the few lynxes who have the slight capabilities of telepathic and telekinetic powers. Still, their powers are nowhere near as strong as ours."

Chet spoke up then. "I say we be on our guard. If the lions attack, it won't be a surprise one. Agreed?"

"Agreed," they all said in unison. Chase grinned to himself as his plan was beginning to work.

Two nights later . . .

Leonel sighed heavily as he stared at the account books. Things were not looking very good for the lion and his store. If he could not sell anymore of his goods, the lion would be forced to close down his beloved store.

He sighed again and closed the ledger. Leonel glanced out the back window. All the other stores had closed hours ago. There was nothing but a blanket of darkness in the cold, night air.

The lion stood up and put his jacket on. He then walked to the back door, turned off the lights, and exited his building. While turning the key in the lock, Leonel felt something hard being pushed against his back. Someone whispered in his ear, "Give me your wallet, and I won't kill you."

"Okay, okay," Leonel stammered. He reached in his back pocket and took out the leather wallet. The stranger grabbed it then commented, "You've got money in the store?"

"You've already taken my wallet. Just leave," the lion pleaded. The last thing he needed was someone taking the money from his store.

"In the store. NOW!"

Leonel nodded in the darkness and turned his key the other way. The door clicked open. The two of them walked into the back room. The lion pointed to the safe and commented, "It's in there."

"Hurry up!" the guy hissed and pushed him down to the floor.

With nervous fingers, Leonel turned the dial several times then opened the safe. He took the money and turned around to give it to the robber.

The man snatched it up. "Stay on the floor and count to a hundred."

He then spun around to leave the store. When he tried to open the door, it would not budge. "Hey, what the . . ." he started to say as he turned back around to the shop owner. He found Leonel standing pointing a gun at him. His eyes widened one last time as the lion pulled the trigger.

The next morning

Chase awakened to an incessant ringing of his doorbell. He got out of bed. Not bothering to put on a robe, he stumbled over his shoes as he made his way to the door. Chase mumbled, "What did I do to deserve a wake up call at five am?"

Chase opened the door. He saw an older male cheetah. He was looking deeply saddened and he has obviously been crying.

"Uncle Kalar? What are you doing here? What's wrong?"

"Cata's been murdered."

"Murdered? By who?"

"A lion."

Chase's face grew dark knowing the death of his cousin was done by a lion. "Come in, uncle and tell me everything."