The next morning at the cheetah headquarters...

The four cheetah elders were in the war room with Chase, and other important cheetahs were gathered around.

"We cannot withstand this war as long as the lions have the tigers and panthers as allies. There is no telling what other clans have also allied with them," Carvel said.

"Yes," Che'kar replied. "Maybe we can get other clans to ally with us. Then we would stand a chance."

Candra remarked, "Perhaps the lynx, leopard, and puma clans would join us in our fight. We have always been on good terms with them."

"It's worth a shot," Carvel proclaimed. "The three of us will go speak to their clan leaders. Chet, you stay here and monitor activity. Chase, prepare our warriors for another attack. We will meet back here this evening."

All the cheetahs stood up and saluted.

Meanwhile at the tiger headquarters...

"I have no doubt that she took the opportunity to attack us while Lord Lion-O is away."

Luther glanced at the other clan elders around him.

Pantharo stood up and said, "I was informed that my fellow comrade, who perished in the cheetah attack, was taken to our headquarters by the Thundercats Tygra and Talia." He turned to Tyland and asked, "Have you asked them to fight with us?"

The tiger elder shook his head. "No, I haven't."

"No matter," Luther interrupted. "If I can convince Lord Lion-O to lead us, then the other Thundercats will fight with us. Except for that wretched female cheetah," he sneered.

"If we have the Thundercats on our side, we can't lose!" Lanardi exclaimed.

"Even so, we need a little insurance," Lavarius remarked.

Luther nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, we do. How about we give those cheetahs a nasty surprise of their own?"

The elders all stood up and shouted their approval. They quieted as Luther continued. "We will attack their headquarter as soon as all our reinforcements are gathered. How soon can the tiger and panther soldiers be ready?"

"The other tiger elders and I can have our soldiers ready in two days," Tyland answered.

"My people can be ready in two days as well," Pantharo answered.

"Good. When our clans ally together, the cheetah clan will be no match for us."

Cat's Lair--The council room the next morning

Cheetara, Tygra, Talia, Snarf and Snarfer sat at the council table. Cheetara was looking very tired. She did not get any sleep last night, and it was obvious to the others as they noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

"War has broken out between the clans. This is all my fault. I should have told Luther that you were in command, Tygra," Cheetara blamed herself.

"Don't blame yourself, Cheetara. You didn't know that this would happen, or did you?" Tygra asked.

Cheetara looked at Tygra angrily. "Are you saying that I knew about the attack?"

"Well, not completely, but I have a feeling that you knew the cheetahs would attack."

Cheetara admitted what she knew. "Yes, I knew they were planning an attack, but I told them not to do anything until I said so."

"Do you mean to tell us that you would eventually give the cheetahs the go ahead to attack the lion clan?" Talia asked.

"No, I didn't mean it like that. I didn't want them to fight. I told them that this war was wrong, and I wouldn't be a part of the bloodshed." Cheetara explained.

"So, you knew that the cheetahs were planning an attack on the lion clan. Why didn't you tell us or Lion-O? We could've warn them," Talia said obviously upset with the cheetah.

Cheetara ran her hands through her hair, frustrated, confused, unsure of herself. "I don't know. I didn't think this would happen. I told Lion-O I wasn't fit to lead. Why didn't he listen to me?"

"Cheetara, you're blaming the wrong person. You should blame Chase. Speaking of him, what were you two talking about at the Lion Headquarters?" Tygra asked.

Cheetara thought for a brief moment about Chase's warning that Lion-O would lead the lion clan. Trying to forget that, Cheetara said, "Chase said that they did what they thought was best for the cheetah clan."

"And you believe Chase? I told you stay away from him!"

Cheetara, upset with Tygra responded, "I have a right to talk to anyone I want!"

"He's not good for you. He's corrupting you!" Tygra argued back.

"He is not corrupting me! He's a friend that is confused right now, and he is taking it out on the lion clan!"

Tygra raised from his seat. "And when were you planning to tell us this? Don't you see it right there? He's evil! He's turning you away from us! From Lion-O! I forbid you to see him again!"

Cheetara raise from seat "YOU forbid me! Who do you think you are?! I'll see anyone I want!"

"Oh, really?" Tygra raised an eyebrow. "When Lion-O gets back, I'm going to tell him exactly what type of person Chase is, and he will certainly forbid you from seeing him!"

"Stop it right now!" Snarf shouted silencing the two bickering Thundercats. "Can't you see what this war is doing to you two?"

Before either could respond the communication computers in the control room beeped, Cheetara angrily left the table and typed in the keys to receive the message. "Cat's Lair--Cheetara here." The monitors turned on. "Lion-O." Cheetara said surprised.

"You act like you're surprised to see me," Lion-O said innocently over the monitor.

"Uh, I am. I didn't expect to see you so soon, although I am glad," she lied. Lion-O was the last person she wanted to talk to now. Sounding cheerful, she asked, "What's up?"

"The Lunatacs are now arguing with each other. Panthro, Lynx-O and I are trying to get a cease-fire among them. I hope to get it done soon. I really hate leaving New Thundera the way it is...and you. We really need to talk."

As if he was right there with her, Cheetara stepped closer to the monitors and traced the features of his face on the screen with her finger. "I know," she said softly.

Lion-O noticed Tygra, Talia and the snarfs had entered the room, so he recompose himself into a more business tone. "How is everything on New Thundera?"

"Uh, oh, everything's fine. Nothing for you to worry about." Cheetara lied again.

Tygra, Talia and the snarfs looked at each other with confusing eyes unsure of why Cheetara was lying to Lion-O.

"How does it feel to have the world on your shoulders?" Lion-O asked teasingly.

Cheetara told the truth this time. "It's not easy, and I'm still not comfortable with you leaving me in charge."

"I wouldn't worry too much about it now. When you become queen, it'll soon become a normal thing for you."

Cheetara took her right hand and placed it over her left hand, gingerly rubbing her engagement ring. "I hope so."

Lion-O looked as if he was looking at something behind his monitor. "I wish I could talk more, but I have to go."

"Okay," Cheetara said quickly. "I'll see you soon." Too quickly she turned off the monitor.

Lion-O thought Cheetara ending their communication was too quick. He wondered for a second as to why and shrugged his shoulders, having no clue.

"Why did you lie to Lion-O like that?" Tygra asked.

"I didn't want him to worry about Thundera. He has enough to worry about when it comes to the Lunatacs."

"And when Lion-O returns, what are you going to tell him when he realizes that you lied to him and he wants to know why?" Talia asked.

"Lion-O won't know that the clans are at war. The way the Lunatacs are, it could take weeks before Lion-O could get a cease fire and return home. By then, I should have the war over."

"I think you're making a huge mistake about lying to Lion-O." Talia said.

"Who asked for your opinion? I sure didn't." Cheetara snapped and left the room.

"What has gotten into her?" Talia asked aloud. "She's not herself."

"I know. She's going through a crossroads in her life. I think she's confused on whether she should stay with us or lead the cheetahs," Tygra said.

"What do you think she'll do?"

"I don't know."

"Snarfer. You don't think Cheetara would leave us, do you?" Snarfer asked.

"I hope not, Snarfer. I certainly hope not," Tygra answered.

Panther Clan Headquarters

Cheetara stood in front of the Panther Headquarters, wondering if she should go in. She knew she had to because the cheetahs had killed a panther. As a representative of the cheetah clan and as a Thundercat, it was her responsibility to give them her condolences. Decision made, Cheetara knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened. A panther frowned at Cheetara.

"What do you want?" the panther asked.

"I wish to speak with the panther elders. May I come in? I promise not to be long."

Reluctantly, the panther step aside and Cheetara walked in. He escorted Cheetara to the panther clan board room. The panther stepped in first while Cheetara waited outside the door. She wondered if she should have brought Tygra and Talia with her. A moment later the door opened. Cheetara walked in and noticed the dark looks the panther elders were giving her.

Pantharo spoke, "You promised not to be too long, so speak."

"I want to apologize and say I'm sorry for the lost of the panther elder, Paylon."

"Apologies won't bring Paylon back." Pantharo said angrily.

Cheetara looked down. "I know, but I just want to say that I'm sorry for what the cheetah clan did."

"Like you're actually sorry about what the cheetah clan did. You wanted them to knock out the Lion Headquarters."

"No, I didn't. I didn't want this." Cheetara said.

"Don't insult us, Cheetara. You and your cheetah clan will pay for Paylon's death," Pantharo warned.

Knowing that it was time for her to exit, Cheetara said. "I'm sorry. I only wanted to apologize for what the cheetah clan did. I see I came at a bad time. I should go." Cheetara immediately left the board room and saw her way out the Panther Headquarters. She got in the Thunderclaw and flew to the Tiger Headquarters. She received the same greeting she got at the Panther Headquarters. In the tiger board room were the tiger and lion elders.

"What do you want?" Luther snarled at the cheetah.

"I want to apologize for what the cheetah's did to your headquarters."

"Like you didn't know. We have been told that you were involved in the attack. When Lord Lion-O learns this, he will certainly doubt marrying you."

"I wasn't involved. It's a lie." Cheetara defended herself.

"She lies as sure as she has spots." Lionel said.

Cheetara was about to get angry but frowned, realizing it was a mistake to apologize to the lion elders. She tried one more time. "I wanted to know if there was a way to end the war."

"End the war before Lord Lion-O returns? Never! The cheetahs attacked us, killed one of our allies, and they must pay for it." Lanardi hissed.

"I should go," Cheetara said as she began to exit.

"You should start packing," Lavarius called out as Cheetara began to leave. "Lord Lion-O will kick you out for betraying him."

Troubled and stressed, Cheetara left the building, boarded the Thunderclaw and flew back to Cat's Lair.

Cheetah Clan Headquarters--The following evening

All the clan elders and Chase met in the war room that evening. Chase had already set an attack for the east side of Claudus City where many lions are populated. Once the elders, Chase, and a few other cheetah warriors sat in their seats, Carvel began the meeting.

"Well, cheetahs, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the lynxes and pumas have agreed to fight with us. The bad news, I'm afraid to say is that their forces won't be ready for a week, and during that time, the lion clan may attack us." Carvel explained. "The Leopard clan wish to remain neutral. So they are not willing to ally with us."

"I see, well, we'll be on our guard," Chase said. "They may not attack as soon as you think. Since the lion clan knows that we want Cheetara as our leader and believe that she is secretly leading us, they will want Lion-O to lead them. I've heard from a half cheetah/half lion who works near the Tiger Headquarters that Lord Lion-O isn't on New Thundera, and Cheetara is ruling in his place."

Candra joined in. "So you think they would wait until Lord Lion-O returns?"

"Yes." Chase answered.

Che'kar thought for a moment. "I suppose they would, but we should still be on our guard."

Cat's Lair--The next afternoon

Talia sat at the main controls in the control room, bored out of her mind. Although war had broken out between the cheetah and lion clan, the two clans have been keeping quiet for the past two days. This brought the female tiger relief and tension. Relief that there wasn't any fighting and death, but tension that, when the clans started fighting again, more causality and death would result.

There was a beeping on the console.

Talia opened communications. "Cat's Lair. Talia here."

"Talia, this is Lion-O. Prepare for our entrance and have Cheetara wait for me in the council room." Lion-O commanded.

"Uh, okay, Lion-O." Talia said as she typed in commands to opened the landing area. "Oh, no, Lion-O's back! Why is he here so soon?"

Cat's Lair--Council Room

Cheetara paced backed and forth, worrying about what she was going to say to Lion-O, wondering why he was back so soon, wondering if he knew about the war already. Then the council doors opened. Cheetara stopped moving and looked at Lion-O in the door. She turned away. She could not look at him. She knew what she did was wrong and could not face it.

Lion-O walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head and leaned his head against hers. "Hi."

"Hello, yourself. Why are you back so soon?"

"We got the cease fire earlier than I expected," he answered. Sighing he asked, "Why didn't you tell me that war broke out between the cheetah and lion clans?"

Cheetara felt her heart pounding. "H-how did you know?"

"When Panthro, Lynx-O, and I flew in New Thundera's atmosphere, we saw the Lion Headquarters destroyed. We flew to the Tiger Headquarters and found the lion elders there. They told me what happened. Now why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry, especially with what was going on with the Lunatacs."

"I talk to the elders. They said that you were involved in the attack. That's not true, is it?" Lion-O asked.

Cheetara broke from Lion-O and turned around to looked at him. "No, of course not."

"Did you know that the cheetah clan was going to attack the lion clan?"

Cheetara looked down. "Yes, I did but--"

"Why didn't you tell me this, Cheetara?"

"I didn't think they would attack. I told them not to do anything until I said so."

" 'Until you said so?' "Lion-O repeated Cheetara's words. "So you're saying that you would've allowed the cheetah clan to attack the lion clan?" Lion-O asked getting a little angry.

"No, I wouldn't."

"I don't know," Lion-O said rubbing his chin. He looked at her with glaring eyes. "All these secrets you're holding from me. It makes me think that you're subconsciously breaking your alliance with the Thundercats." Lion-O accused.

That comment from Lion-O made Cheetara angry. "How can you say that? I am true to everything the Thundercats stand for."

"Everything except 'truth,' "Lion-O retorted.

"What did you say?" Cheetara asked hotly.

"You lied to me, Cheetara. It makes me wonder what other lies you're keeping from me."

"I'm keeping nothing else from you!"

"Except your decision to lead the cheetah clan," Lion-O said folding his arms. "You haven't told me if you are going to lead the cheetah clan. Are you?"

"No, I'm not. I told the cheetah elders that before you left."

Lion-O felt relieved but he was still angry with the cheetah. "I have decided not to participate in the war either. However, if the lion clan begins to lose to the cheetah clan, then I will step in and lead them."

Cheetara stepped back, shocked, betrayed, angry at Lion-O. "How could you lead the lions? They want to destroy the cheetahs!"

"The cheetahs want to destroy the lions. I have to defend my people."

Cheetara folded her arms. "Right. The lions would be your top priority."

"That's not what I meant, Cheetara."

"Then what do you mean?!"

"The lions didn't do anything. The cheetahs attacked them. Therefore, they are the traitors. They are the enemies! They are threatening to take over New Thundera and as ruler of New Thundera, I will not allow it!" Lion-O shouted back.

"There's a good reason the cheetahs want to fight, Lion-O!"

"Besides trying to rule this planet, I see no other reason," Lion-O said and ran a hand through his hair. "I can't believe this, Cheetara. I can't believe you're betraying the Thundercats....me for the cheetah clan!"

"They are my people! They are my kind! I can't betray them!" Cheetara shouted.

"So, you'll betray me?! Your fiancé for a bunch of traitors?!"

"I'm not betraying you!" Cheetara shouted angry at the lion.

"You are if side with the cheetahs!" Lion-O argued angrily with the cheetah.

The council doors open and a Thunderian guard stepped in. "Lord Lion-O? Cheetara?"

"What is it?!" Both Thundercats shouted at the guard.

The guard jumped back in fear of the two angry Thundercats. Finally, he spoke. "The Cheetah Headquarters has been attacked."

Cheetara felt the wind had been knocked out of her. "What? When did this happen?"

"Not too long ago. A cheetah named Kayla..."

"Oh, no, Kayla," Cheetara cried in fear of the little girl's safety. She went to the controls in the room and opened communications with the Cheetah Headquarters. "Kayla! Come in! It's Cheetara!"

A picture of the inside of the headquarters appeared. The screen was fuzzy with the damage done to the area. Kayla appeared. "Cheetara, we're being attacked by the lion, tiger, and panther clan." Another crash occurred and the little girl maintain her balance. "Please hurry here, Cheetara. I'm scared." Another crash and Kayla's scream was the last voice Cheetara heard from Kayla before the screen went black. "Kayla?" Cheetara tried to get a screen or a voice but nothing. "Kayla!" No response. "Hang on, sweetie, I'm coming!" Cheetara said to the blank screen and ran out.