Ardua and Tyger talked and took turns piloting the Feliner back to New Thundera,  Tyger felt sort of like a coward for not asking Ardua to marry him while they were on Third Earth, but he thought he could wait a little longer for a more romantic setting for a proposal.  Ardua set the auto pilot and went in back to fix something for them to eat.
      As Ardua cooked, she thought of how irritated she had been with Tyger, while on Third Earth, but she thought she had better reign it in. Ardua felt she should feel lucky to have a man like Tyger, and she shouldn't be angry with him for being attracted to her. Something like that was supposed to be a good thing.  Ardua felt she should be doubly grateful that Tyger was excited at the prospect of marrying her, no one else was lining up at her door for the opportunity. Try as she may, Ardua couldn't stay mad at the big lug for long anyway, it didn't help that she was in love with him either.
       Soon the ship was filled with the aroma of meat fruit stew. As Ardua stirred, she looked at the neat stack of unused toilet paper, she couldn't even palm it off on the Third Earth Thundercats, it was the equivalent of sandpaper. Ardua had unloaded some of it before they left and Tyger put all of it back on the ship, and a few rolls besides.  "Smartass" Ardua thought as she stirred, she and Tyger entertained the notion of rolling Castle Plundarr, but they decided that the Claud-Us and the rest had enough to worry about without a small war with the Mutants over toilet paper on their house.
      Ardua dished out two plates of food and carried them to the front. Tyger ate quickly. "Gods, 'Tyg slow down, it's dead, it's not going to leave you. This stuff is great 'Dua!  Really great!" Ardua raised an eyebrow at Tyger and wondered if he were laying on the compliments just a little too thick.  Ardua looked out of the forward window and broke the silence. "It must have been hard for the Thundercats when they landed on Third Earth the first time. Yeah." Said Tyger as he ran to the back and got himself another helping of stew and two more pieces of breadfruit. Tyger sat down and began eating with relish again. "I can't imagine how horrible it must have felt to think that they were the last survivors of a planet." Tyger swallowed wiped his mouth and smiled. "That's not a problem now, is it?" Ardua blushed, Tyger noticed. "I made you blush." Tyger sung. "Oh, be quiet and watch where you are going.  You might hit a meteor, or a cow or something." Tyger smiled at his love with a raised brow. "We're on autopilot.  A cow?" Ardua laughed. "It could happen. Space going cows?" Tyger and Ardua giggled, and she held his hand.  Tyger laced his fingers with hers. "When we get back let's go to the Criterion, then the Point." Ardua looked at Tyger. "Tyger, we can't afford to go there, they probably won't even consider letting us in the door! Let's just go to the Cat's Tail.  Ardua, if we go to the Cat's Tail, Tygro, Kera, and their spouses will want to go, then they'll  tease us with "kissy kissy" noises, get drunk and throw up on us, AGAIN!" Ardua sighed. "That was just once, Tyger. Once was enough!" Tyger looked at Ardua slyly, "Besides, I certainly can afford a trip to the Criterion, and they will let us in the door because i'm wearing my symbol when we go." Ardua crossed her arms. "Well i'm paying my own way. Oh, no you aren't! I told you we were going somewhere nice when you got better, and I am not taking no at any time for an answer tonight!"  Ardua grinned. "You know, you shouldn't use your nobility for hook ups. I know, 'Dua, but I don't do it often." Ardua smiled wickedly, "Why do you want to go to the Point? Our bond promises dictate...." Tyger sighed. "Don't remind me."
      Ardua brought the subject of dinner back up.  "Do you want to ask Kera, Tygro and their spouses along? To the Point? I think they've already been." Ardua smiled. "Dinner, Tyger. I think they would behave at the Criterion."  Tyger looked at Ardua warmly and brushed her face with the back of his hand. "No, not tonight. I want to be with you alone."
       Ardua looked out of the window pondering what he might be up to as Tyger checked the ETA for Cat's Lair New Thundera. Ardua got up, stretched, and kissed Tyger on the cheek.  Tyger reached back and Ardua barely evaded his hungry hands. "Hey now, remember!" Tyger yawned and said,  "Maybe we should just slip off to Selacia and get married like Kera, Tygro and their bunch, Ardua. If we did that, Tyger, Panthro would be extremely upset with us both. You know, 'Dua, Panther traditions are odd. How so? Well, the father arranges the wedding, and the wedding takes place like two days later.  You don't even get to pick out what you are going to wear." Ardua thought. "I know, if we ever were to get married, I would prefer something simple." Tyger added, "And short."  Ardua playfully hit Tyger and continued.  "Panther clan weddings are usually lavish events." Ardua sighed. "If we ever tie hands, Panthro will arrange a circus!"
      Tyger leaned back smiled at Ardua, winked, and flexed his arms. "Are you trying to show off your muscles, 'Tyg?  Yes, you impressed?" Ardua studied Tyger for a moment. "No, not really. Do you at least think i'm cute? Achingly. How about handsome? Don't push it, i'm only going to stroke your ego so much."  Tyger grabbed Ardua's hand again.  "Do you love me, Ardua? Of course I do, do you think I would give just anybody keys to my bike and let them take it whenever they like?" Ardua touched his nose, Tyger grinned. "You must really like me then. Mmmmhmm." Tyger looked at his watch. "Ardua we're three hours from Thundera, you want to call them?" Ardua thought for a moment. "We're so close, let's not bother them, they should be picking us up on the scanners anyway." Ardua put her arms around Tyger and kissed his cheek again. "Besides, i'm rather enjoying our trip alone."  Tyger smiled.
      Lion-O walked down the Grand Hallway of Cat's Lair.  Lion-O finally reached his destination. "Excuse me, gentlemen, the Feliner is almost here, Ardua will be here in approximately three hours or so." The leader of the group smiled. "Thank you, Lord Lion-O we appreciate the hospitality you and the other Thundercats have shown us the past few days, given our connection to Ardua." Lion-O turned to leave, then turned again. "I hope that you will forgive Panthro, he is rather unnerved at the prospect of your offer. Lord Lion-O, there is no need for recriminations, we understand fully what we have come here to beg favor for. I understand, from a parental point of view, what threat we pose." Lion-O smiled at his guests. "Thank you Yulir."
      Cheetara met Lion-O in the hall. "Perhaps she won't go, Lion-O." Lion-O looked at Cheetara. "She would be a fool not to accept. Jaga said that no one can escape their destiny, there is no instance more true than the one we see now." Cheetara grabbed Lion-O's hand. "What about Panthro?" Lion-O sighed. "The decision is up to Ardua ultimately, although I hope she accepts, she can make a difference where others could not."  Lion-O left Cheetara in the hallway alone, she went towards the workshop in the hopes of finding Panthro.
      As Cheetara neared the workshop, she heard foul swearing and the clatter of tools hitting the floor. Cheetara slightly poked her head in the doorway, to make sure Panthro was through throwing his fit, before she offered her body as an unintentional target.  "Panthro? WHAT?" Panthro's voice got less angry as he realized it was Cheetara. "Oh." Panthro said quietly. "What can I do for you? Nothing, Panthro. What can I do for you? Shoot me." Cheetara laughed. "I like you alive. I don't think everyone else in the Lair would agree with you. I've been an unbearable ass these past few days." Panthro looked at Cheetara. "I'm sorry." Cheetara put her arms around Panthro and hugged him close. "Panthro, we...we all understand. Do you?" Cheetara sat at the table. "No, Panthro, we really don't, but you must realize, this is important, she is..." Cheetara stopped and thought of her next words. Panthro knew what she was going to say and nodded. "Think of all the opportunities this presents, Panthro, and all of the heartache that has been caused through the years, it could end, all of it could be ended with a word." Panthro nodded again.  Cheetara kissed Panthro on the side of the head, and left him to think.
      Kera, Tygra, and Tygro sat in the kitchen, each drinking a tumbler of wine.  When Cheetara walked in, all three turned and looked at her. Looking guilty, the trio pushed their glasses away. Cheetara looked at them and said, "Pour me one, I want to crash your pity party."  Tygra and the others quickly complied, as Cheetara sat down. Cheetara looked at her children and tried to change the mood a little. "When is Jella and Terron getting back from maneuvers, kids? Next week." Cheetara nodded then smiled. "When are you both going to get off your butts and have us some grandchildren?"  Kera and Tygro giggled. "Gods, Mother," Said Kera. "put the pressure on!" All four then started talking about various sundry things, trying not to contemplate what was coming all too soon.
      "Ten minutes to breakfast, Ardua. It's not breakfast. Do you have to be so literal? It's just an expression." Ardua laughed strapped herself into her seat and readied for re-entry into New Thundera's atmosphere.  Once the danger passed, both un buckled their harnesses. "Tyger, drop me near the temple. Why? To make offerings for our safe return, and success. Okay, but why the urgency? Don't you think you should see Panthro first? Panthro would be more disappointed if I didn't make offering as soon as possible. Can't argue with that." Ardua tugged Tyger's ear tuft. "Besides, it will give you time to beg permission to take wonderful me out. Now who is stroking who's ego?" Ardua sat back down in her seat and closed her eyes as she smiled. Tyger shook his head.  "I think you just want to slide down the rappelling rope again, and make yet another flashy entrance!" Ardua looked to her side. "Alright, i'll admit it, it's a guilty pleasure." Tyger pushed Ardua playfully. "If I had your luck, i'd stay away from activities that entail height, gunplay, running, and fighting. Gods, Tyger, I gotta live a little," Ardua crossed her arms and grinned wickedly. "and nothing lets you know you're alive quite like pain! If that's the case, 'Dua you have got the gusto, woman!" Tyger slowed the Feliner and made it hover. "Heads up, 'Dua, here's your stop." Ardua pressed the button that made the side hatch open, put on a pair of gloves, Monkian battle helmet, and goggles. Ardua positioned herself at the ledge of the hatch and leaned back. Ardua yelled as loud as she could, "SEE YOU LATER AT THE LAIR, SUGAR STRIPES!" Ardua bent down and pushed herself away from the Feliner and slid down the rope to the ground. Ardua waved to Tyger as the Feliner flew off towards the Lair.
      Tyger turned on the winch, and as it wound the rope back onto the spool, he closed the hatch. Tyger thought for a few moments and said, "Sugar stripes? Euuckk! That's so un-Ardualike, she must have it bad."  Tyger turned on the afterburners and streaked towards Cat's Lair.
      As Tyger neared the Lair, he noticed something odd, very odd, a spaceship in front of Cat's Lair, that in itself was not out of the ordinary, but the size of the craft was immense, it was almost the half the size of the Lair. Tyger thought little of it though, he rationalized that it was visiting dignitaries that had come to pay respect to Lion-O and the other Thundercats.  Soon Tyger landed, and all of his fellow Thundercats met him.
      Tyger jumped out of the ship and bowed to everyone holding the felt lined box that held the Totem of Dera.  Tyger knelt before Lion-O and in a deep noble sounding voice, said as he held the box up, "Lord Lion-O, the Totem of Dera." No one was amused. "Tough crowd." Tyger said as Lion-O half smiled. "Tyger where's Ardua?" Lion-O said in a serious voice. "At the temple of Thungardenon and Magala, why? What's wrong? Why is everyone unhappy?" Tyger stood, and looked at the floor, he saw Snarf and felt relieved, Snarf had been sick before he and Ardua left, Tyger feared the worst for a moment. Lion-O put his hand on Tyger's shoulder and explained. After a few minutes of explanation, Tyger laughed, he then looked at his mother and father hoping it really was a joke, then at Panthro to discover that it was not. Tyger looked up at the ceiling of the hangar and said, "I don't believe this!" There was a moment of silence.  "Tyger," Said Lion-O, "will you go get Ardua? Yes, Lion-O." Lion-O called after. "Don't tell her why, just bring her." Tyger nodded and solemnly got on Ardua's electra charger patched in the unlock code and streaked away.  Pumyra and Bengali looked at one another and knew trouble was yet again brewing.
       As Tyger drove, he thought about what he was going to do, what to say, and where the situation left him with Ardua. As Tyger thought, he was inadvertently driving slow, people were lying on their horns at him. Tyger soon lost his patience. "ROWWRR! BLOW IT OUT YOUR ASS!" Tyger stopped at an orange light, and a man got out of his car. The man angrily walked towards Tyger. When Tyger stood and faced him, the man saw the Hammer of Thundera and the Thundercat symbol on his bandolier strap, after seeing those symbols of authority,  his attitude changed completely. "RRROWWWRRR! You got a problem, buddy? No, sir. Get back in your car then!" The man sheepishly retreated to his car. Tyger overheard his mate screech at him, it made him feel better. Tyger resumed his drive to the temple.
      Ardua bought her offering fruit, juice, and incense in front of the temple.  As Ardua stepped inside the opening where shoes were to be deposited, along with other articles of unneeded clothing. Ardua would have taken the band off of her ponytail and let her hair flow free as custom also dictated, but now her hair was short, she felt odd at having this part of her ritual missing.  Ardua slipped off her boots and gave the temple priest and priestess an offering of money then went inside.
       Ardua walked down a long hallway lit by skylights, she looked up and saw beautiful potted plants and the blue sky with billowing white clouds.  At the end of the hallway, Ardua entered the gigantic arboretum, two temple cats, kittens scurried across the floor and gamboled with a fern frond that had fallen off of a plant from above.  Ardua's attention then turned to the majestic black panther that was lying on the floor in the corner of the room and sighed.
     The black panther was meant to represent D'Onyx, the favorite pet of Thundgardenon. D'Onyx is usually portrayed lying at the feet of his master, or crouching.  Once the temple panther had risen and taken a bite of candyfruit Ardua had offered to Thundgardenon, the action was considered an omen of good fortune.  The scads of housecats roaming around the temple were considered to be the pets of Magala.

      Thundgardenon is the Father of all the Thunderian Gods, Both fearsome and kind, he is the protector of Thundera, and creator of all.  Thundgardenon is the God Ardua prayed to in part when she was in her moments of pain on Plundarr.  Beneath the statue's feet were hundreds of intricately carved statues, Thundgardenon's sprite agents who carried out his will on the battlefield, and in the upper and underworlds, as well as D'Onyx. Ardua knelt and touched the feet of the statue of the father god, and prayed as she offered fruit, juice, and lit her incense. Ardua never prayed aloud, she felt it wasn't necessary, she knew she would be heard.
       Ardua rose, and then walked towards the other large statue, Magala Goddess of Thundera, protector of voyagers, and all the children of Thundera, she was also called the welcomer, for Magala was considered the mother of all who worshipped her.  Ardua offered her the fruit, and juice she had left, and thanked her for bringing she, and Tyger home safely.  An orange reddish colored cat with a ring tail silently padded towards Ardua and rubbed it's side on her leg, and meowed. Ardua roughly mashed a piece of meat fruit and tried to feed it to the cat but it looked at it and turned away.
      Ardua as did everyone else, knew not to pet the temple cats for they are considered the pets of the gods, but if one of the holy cats touched a worshipper, they are considered blessed by the Gods. It was common knowledge that the cats were trained to like people by the temple priests and to rub against them, but no one seemed to care. It was purely a matter of faith or opinion as to whether they felt like they were favored by the Gods, or if it was just a trained cat looking for a handout. Ardua preferred the first theory.
      Tyger neared the temple, he knew the way well. Tyger had burnt countless sticks of incense, and given several pounds of fruit to the Goddess begging her to change Ardua's heart, and now he had decided to do the very last thing that was in his heart to do. Tyger rationalized all of his doubts away however, with the idea that Ardua would have to make her decision unfettered, and sometimes much to Tyger's chagrin, you have to love someone enough to let them go.  It was going to be the hardest thing he ever had to do in his entire life.
      Ardua put on her boots, picked up her helmet and began her lengthy walk home.  Ardua heard a familiar sound, her bike, she looked up and it was Tyger.  Tyger landed beside her and motioned for her to get on.  Ardua hugged him. "Isn't this nice of you, Tyger! You saved me a long walk. Did you make the reservations yet? No." Ardua observed Tyger's long expression. "'Tyg?" Tyger said nothing as he motioned for her to get on the bike.  "What's the matter, Tyger? Are you mad? I thought I was the one who was supposed to get pissy all the time." Tyger smiled slightly. "Come on, flygirl, let's go to the Lair." Ardua got on the bike and put on her helmet, as Tyger hit the hover unit Ardua slipped her arms around Tyger and held on, as they began to fly, Ardua put her head on his back. Tyger put his hand and arm on her's and enjoyed what he thought might be the last time he would ever be held by her again.  Ardua wondered what could have happened in under an hour to make his mood do a complete turn.
      After a few minutes of flight, Tyger and Ardua landed at Cat's Lair. Ardua dismounted and was heading inside when Tyger caught her arm. "Ardua, I.." Tyger stopped, he couldn't say what he had intended. "What Tyger?" Ardua watched with curiosity as Tyger removed the token from around his neck. "'Tyg, what are you doing?  Ardua when you go inside, you will understand why." Tyger looked away.  "Ardua, I break my bond with you. What?"  Tyger felt more ashamed in that moment than he had in his whole life.  It wasn't her eyes that broke his heart, but the tone of her one worded question that killed him.  "Why?  Ardua just go inside, and you'll find out." Ardua's eyes flashed. "Did Panthro say something to you? No. Are you mad at me? No, 'Dua." Ardua stopped thinking of ways to apologize and started to remove Tyger's token. "I don't understand you, Tyger. All this talk about us getting married was just a bunch of crap! You probably just wanted to....NO, ARDUA! YOU HAVE THIS ALL WRONG!" Tyger interrupted angrily as Ardua fought back her tears, found her pride, and began to get angry. "OH, NO! I think I have it all right!" Ardua struggled with the token, she never took it to Tyger to be loosened, Tyger stepped forward to prevent Ardua from hurting herself, but she flashed her eyes at him, and he saw pure rage hiding behind them. "Fine, once this token is off, that's it! I never want anything more to do with you ever again. I thought you were different, but I was wrong. I was stupid to EVER tell you I loved you!"  Ardua finally got the token off of her wrist and hand, it tore her flesh. "Ardua, you're bleeding. WHAT DO YOU CARE?"  Ardua shook, glared at Tyger, and made the killing blow.  "Why don't you go find what man Zia is on now, and reserve your turn!" Ardua tossed her token to Tyger and angrily stormed towards the Lair.
      Tyger looked down, and wished that he were dead, he had promised to keep her, and love her, and he betrayed that. Tyger's thoughts turned to Panthro, and his warning before his and Ardua's bonding. The funny thing was he didn't care, he deserved to get the Hell beat out of him.
      Ardua walked into Cat's Lair and wiped her eyes, Kera had been sent to get her and bring her to the council room. "Ardua? WHAT?" Asked Ardua angrily. Kera stepped back as she saw the emotional condition Ardua was in. "I'm sorry, Kera. What in the Hell is the deal with the ship outside? Ardua," Interrupted Kera. "Lion-O had commanded me to bring you to him. For what?" Kera said nothing as she lead Ardua into the elevator. Ardua sniffed and was on the verge of more tears, Kera wondered if Tyger told Ardua what was going on. "Kera," Ardua showed Kera Tyger's cast off token. "Tyger just broke our bond. What?"
      Ardua sat down in the elevator and hugged her legs to her chest. The elevator doors opened and all of the Thundercats were standing outside waiting for her. Lion-O stepped forward and helped Ardua up. "Ardua, there are some people here to see you." Ardua brushed her eyes and tried to compose herself. "Who?" Lion-O smiled gently. "I feel it's best to allow them to explain themselves to you." Panthro looked at Ardua and noticed that she was holding Tyger's token.  He was afraid something like that would happen.

      Ardua with great apprehension, walked into the council room. The sight that greeted her, both terrified, and enraged her.  Ardua instinctively backed up, Lion-O put his hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, Ardua they have come peacefully to speak to you." Ardua scoffed. "You know how well Mutants keep their word." The Plundarians stood and seemed offended by her comment, Ardua didn't care.
      "What do you want? Have you come here to finish the job you started on Plundarr?"  Ardua looked at the men in an intimidating fashion, and to her surprise, it was having it's desired effect. Five well armored men, a Jackalman, Rodentian, Vultureman, Reptilian, and Monkian worked up their courage and bowed to Ardua then saluted her with a fist to the chest, an older man stepped forward, a Monkian, and spoke after he bowed in a gentle tone.  "Highness, I am Yulir, I was friend to your father, and assistant to Queen Tarmurda before her death." Ardua stood with her arms crossed. "What do you want?" The man smiled.  "You are Empress of Plundarr, Highness." Ardua stared at the men in an uncomfortable manner. "Huh? Yes, your Highness, you are the ruler of Plundarr now, I have come along with these men to escort you to your throne."  Ardua looked at the man curiously. "How can that be? Your Highness, when your grandfather, the Emperor ordered your death in the arena after you defeated his champion, he automatically gave up his rights to the throne, thus giving his title to you." Ardua stepped forwards and put her hands on her hips. "Well, surely the Emperor won't calmly sit by while I take his throne." Yulik shook his head. "The Emperor is dead, he was killed during the riot that ensued during your escape. We must get you to Plundarr as soon as possible and install you as Empress, before any of the tribal houses have a chance to contest your eligibility for the title."  Ardua seethed for a moment.  Panthro and Tyger stepped closer to restrain Ardua if they had to, for they knew what was coming next.
      "The Hell you are," Lion-O prayed Ardua didn't start an interplanetary incident, then he thought that since Ardua was the absolute ruler of Plundarr she was instigating an incident with only herself.  "Thundera is my home, go away and leave me alone! But, your Highness," Ardua interrupted. "You people kidnapped me, tried to kill the Thundercats and me, and you expect me to just pick up my life and follow you home? You're as crazy as the Emperor was! Forget it!" Yulir was going to open his mouth but Ardua interrupted him again. "LOOK, you people have already turned my life upside down once, you're not going to do it again!  Why don't you all load up on that cruising jalopy you came on," Ardua pointed shakily at the window. "blast off, and leave me alone, I have no interest in Plundarr, it's throne, OR it's people.  I'm really to the point to where I don't care about anything now!"
      Yulir stepped closer to Ardua. "Highness, I can full well understand why you hate Plundarr, and it's peoples, that you were raised in a different culture, and have been brought up to believe as the Thunderians do.  But, Highness, Plundarr needs you." Yulir stood and walked around the table. "The Queen and Crown Prince Daro wished for Plundarr to be different than it is now. They dreamed of a prosperous, free planet.
      Your father was going to wait until he assumed the throne through usual means, then gradually change the ways that Plundarr had fallen into.  Your father altered those plans however, and planned an attempt to overthrow the Emperor because his actions had become more erratic and violent, towards both his family and his own people.
      Spies discovered your father's plans, told the Emperor, and he and arranged for your father to be killed when he arrived back on Plundarr, all of this occurred during the attacks on the Thunderians during their exodus from their ruined home planet. Damchau, Come here please." A large skirted Vultureman stood before Ardua, he took her hand and kissed it.  "Empress, This is Damchau, he alerted your father to the spy leak that endangered his life." The Vultureman bowed. Ardua looked at the noble looking avian Plundarian.  The Vultureman bowed again and returned to his place. "Highness, please consider accepting your birthright, you can build a planet anew, and fulfill the dreams of your father and the Queen." Ardua growled. "Enough! I've had it! I just want to live a simple life of building and fixing things, that's it! I have no aspirations of being the savior of a planet populated by primitive idiots!" Ardua turned and ran past the Thundercats, down the long stairway to the hangar where her bike was, and roared away.
      Kera looked around at the others. "That went well. Kera!" Scolded Cheetara.  The Thundercats looked at the Plundarians and then at Panthro.  Lion-O spoke to Panthro. "Panthro you have any idea where she'll be going, you don't think she'll leave the planet do you?" Panthro shook his head. "No, she's gone to 'Kit's."  Lion-O looked at the others. "Come on, we'll go to 'Kit and Brod's and try to get her to come back and talk to them." Panthro stood in the doorway. "None of you are going to do any good with her. I'll go alone and try to get her to come back." Tyger followed Panthro. "I'm going with you. NO!" Panthro glared at Tyger and angrily pointed. "You will do no such thing! You've done enough!"
      Ardua turned her turbo boosters on high, as she flew, Ardua cried, her tears pushed into the fur of her face and chilled it.  Ardua after the Plundarians dropped their bombshell, realized why Tyger broke his bond with her.  Ardua felt like slime. Once again she let her anger get the better of her, she said all of those terrible things to Tyger, she also made a foolish ass of herself in front of the Thundercats and their mortal enemies.  Ardua wondered if she shouldn't just go to the forge, pack some clothes and leave for good.
      Ardua flew as fast as she could towards the one person she knew that could help her, tell her the right thing to do, and make everything better. The one person she in her heart came closest to calling mother.        Ardua was running to Wilykit.
        "Rowrr, son, how could you expect her to not to be upset by all of this?" Said Bengali. Tyger looked into his father's eyes with sadness and regret.  "But, Father, I just did what I thought would be best." Bengali sighed. "I understand why you did it, but you should have waited until she met with them, kept your bond with her, and told her that you would let her go if she wished it." Pumyra looked disapprovingly at her son. Tyger put his head in his hands he was getting a lot of that lately. Pumyra's expression lightened, she sat down next to her son and put her arm around his shoulders.  "Tyger, your father and I kept our mouths shut when you were seeing that Zia girl. Neither one of us felt it was any of our business, but I can't be silent for another moment." Tyger looked at his mother as she shook her finger at him.  "Your father and I didn't set out to raise a jackass, Tyger, but if you let Ardua go, no matter what her decision is, that is exactly what you are!" Tyger looked at Pumyra in surprise, then at his father. Bengali said nothing, but shook his head in a "yes" motion.
      Bengali and Pumyra left Tyger to contemplate the rough wisdom that had been shoved between his ears.

       Wilykit opened the door to her house, Ardua wrapped her arms around her with tears in her eyes. "Ardua? Sweetie?" Wilykit held Ardua's face in her gentle hands. "What's wrong?" Ardua sniffed and bawled, "I'm Empress of Plundarr!" Wilykit looked at Ardua with surprise at her promotion in life and shock at the broken condition the girl was in and took her inside.  Brod walked up and Wilykit asked him to take the children upstairs.
      After an hour of tearful explanation of all the events leading  to Ardua's turning up at her doorstep, Wilykit poured Ardua another glass of brandy. By that time, they had made their way outside and the Plundarians living there had also tried to make her feel better. Vida groomed Ardua's hair, which mixed with the alcohol calmed Ardua down, and made her more receptive to reason. Panthro arrived, with the intention of talking her into going back to Cat's Lair with him.
      Ardua looked at her father and felt ashamed at her behavior.  "Father, i'm sorry I embarrassed you in front of the Plundarians, and for running away like a spoiled brat." Panthro petted Ardua's head. "You didn't embarrass me, I think I would have run too." Ardua laughed. "Panthro the Mighty doesn't run away from anything." Panthro thought for a moment. "I run from bats. Father, that's different, those disgusting things are airborne!" Panthro laughed and so did Ardua. Wilykit left and went inside the house, so that Panthro could talk to Ardua alone.
       Panthro sat down on the porch steps with Ardua and put his arm around her, as they watched the Plundarians walk away.  "They sure were lucky to land here weren't they?" Ardua quietly said, "Yeah." Panthro thought for a moment. "You were lucky to have landed here too, and so was I." Panthro held Ardua's hand. "'Dua, the decision is your's to make," Panthro paused. "and I don't want you to think i'm pushing you away, because i'm not, but think of the opportunity you have." Ardua looked at her father. "Think of all the people out there like them who aren't free." Panthro paused again. "Ardua, you can change all of that. You can end all this war and strife crap with Thundera for good."  Ardua looked at her kind father. "But I don't want to be a ruler." Panthro smiled and stroked her head. "Maybe that is why you should be."
      Panthro hugged Ardua close with one arm. "You are very stubborn, girl, just like your old man, and you also love a challenge like me too." Ardua held her father closer. "I can't think of a bigger, better, challenge than taking a turd planet like Plundarr, and polishing it up into a diamond." Ardua looked at her father, and laughed, feeling much better than she had mere moments before. "I know you can do it too!"   Panthro got up and brushed himself off. "Sugar, I want you to know right now that no matter what choice you make, I love you, and i'm behind you one hundred percent, okay?" Ardua nodded and smiled. Panthro turned to leave, he decided to not ask her to go back to Cat's Lair. "Father? Yes, sweetness? Tell the Thundercats, and the Plundarians i'll be back tomorrow morning, to tell them my decision, please. Will do, Ardua." Ardua was then led inside by Wilykit, and to bed.  As Ardua pondered with insomnia, Keena, Tark, and Thorn slept in bed with her. Ardua looked at the moons of Plundarr glowing through the window, and made her decision.
      Kera, Tygro, Lynxana and Tyger had taken boxes to the forge, and were putting Ardua's things into it.  Everyone involved except for Tyger had tried to keep the mood light.  "Maybe she won't go." Said Lynxana. "Are you kidding?" Said Kera, "If I could be absolute ruler of a whole planet, I couldn't get my spotted ass there fast enough!  Maybe Ardua will give us all titles." Added Tygro jokingly.  Tyger was in a foul mood, the last comments were the last straw. "She'll go alright! Can we just get this done?" The siblings quieted down, almost forgetting the world of hurt Tyger was in, and continued working.
     Tygro looked at Tyger. "You know, she won't be gone forever. She'll come to Thundera to visit."  Tyger was unimpressed with everyone's attempts to cheer him, and he left. Kera was going to chase after, but Lynxana stopped her. "He needs to be alone, Kera. No kind of humor is going to help this." Kera nodded, and continued working.
      Tyger walked to the park, and got into one of the swan boats, when he was in the middle of the lake, he looked up at the moons of Plundarr, and he cried.  Tyger was certain Ardua would go.  He had lost his best friend, and love of his life in one fell swoop.  The worst thing was, he had driven her there with his stupidity.

       The next morning after changing the sheets on the bed she slept on, and kissing the inhabitants of the farmhouse goodbye, except for Thorn, Ardua left the Valley of Snarfs in a hurry. When Ardua arrived at the Cat's Lair and went inside, she found that everyone was waiting in the hangar for her.  Ardua bowed to Lion-O and spoke to everyone in attendance.
        "I have decided to go to Plundarr." Yulir was ecstatic when he and the others dropped to one knee and shouted "Hail Ardua, Virgin Empress!" Ardua's face turned four shades of crimson, Kera and Tygro could barely contain themselves as they watched Ardua's face contort.  Tyger expected Ardua's departure, he tried not to look at her, but he did.   Ardua walked forward and spoke to the men. Yulir stood and bowed. "Highness, what is your first command?  For the love of the Gods, PLEASE, no more of that virgin stuff, that's private!"  The Thundercats tried not to laugh at Ardua's first royal edict. "Second, all Plundarians are all equal now, so please get up off your knees, I don't want any more obeisance, okay?" The Plundarians got up and nodded their agreement to her commands. Panthro crossed his arms and grinned widely, his girl was going to give planet Plundarr Hell.
       Yulir looked at Ardua and his watch. "Highness, we must go soon in order to not miss the window of departure for Plundarr. Ardua looked around. "Do I have time to get some of my things?" Kera, and Tygro stepped forward. "We had a feeling that you would be going, so we along with Lynxana and 'Tyg, took the liberty of packing most of your stuff for you." Kera pointed at a bin of her belongings, they were on a tow unit ready to be put on the Plundarian vessel.  Kera looked at Ardua. "How many tool boxes do you own?" Ardua laughed and smiled then said, "A whole lot, Thank you." Ardua paused. "All of you."  Ardua walked over, trying not to look at Tyger, rifled through the bin and produced a rolled piece of paper.  Ardua took the roll and placed it in Panthro's hands.
      "Father, Tygra, I designed this. I wanted to build it, but I guess that I won't have time now." Ardua looked at the Plundarians and whispered. "Anyway, I don't think that the Plundarians are ready for this yet, so why don't you guys build it?" Ardua handed the roll to  the two men and they looked at it. "Great Jaga!" Said Panthro. All Tygra could muster was a whistle.  "We might not be ready for it either, Ardua!" Said Panthro. He continued.  "That damn thing is big! Well," Said Ardua, "What's the point of doing something...." Panthro finished. "if you can't do it big!" Ardua and Panthro laughed and hugged.
      Cheetara and Tygra embraced Ardua and each kissed a cheek.  Cheetara had misty eyes as she pointed down to her legs. Ardua smiled. "Cheetara, they're fixed? Yes." Cheetara held Ardua with a strength that surprised her and then Tygro grabbed her. "Take care of yourself, Highness." Ardua gently tugged his ear tuft and then hugged him tightly.
      The Plundarians loaded Ardua's belongings as she continued to say goodbye. Ardua knelt before Snarf and Snarfer. You take care now, Ardua, snarfer, snarfer. I'll try to. You take care of yourself too." Ardua's attention then turned to Snarf. "Snarf, you want to come with me and be an advisor?" Snarf smiled widely. "Brrrr, Lion-O needs to be looked after, he's a full time job!" Snarf pulled Ardua closer to him. "He's a good boy, but he never listens, snarf, snarf!" Lion-O walked up to Ardua and took her hand then looked at Snarf and smiled. "I heard that Snarf!" Snarf looked up.
       "Lord Lion-O? Yes, Empress?" Ardua took a deep breath. "May I call you from time to time to ask advice? " Ardua paused. "Just in case I don't know as much as I think I do? Of course you may." Ardua looked at Yulir. "If it pleases you, Lord Lion-O, may we consider the indemnity between Thundera and Plundarr unofficially at an end? It is long overdue, Empress. If it's alright with you, we'll meet and draw up a formal agreement, and make it official." Said Lion-O. Ardua smiled at Lion-O and nodded her head.
      Ardua hugged Lynxana and smiled. "I'm glad you're a 'Cat again Lynxana, they need you." Lynxana held Ardua's hand. "I am too. You take care of yourself." Lynxana looked at Lion-O, and Ardua giggled and whispered. "Let me know when the wedding is!" Ardua laughed when Lynxana's face reddened and she looked away with a grin on her face.
      Kera ran and flung her arms around Ardua, and laughed. Ardua said cheerfully, as Cheetara, Tygra, and Tygro, watched on,  "Kera, come see me on Plundarr and i'll make you a Lady." Kera looked at Ardua sideways and shook her head no. "I want to be a Princess." Ardua returned the look. "Duchess." Kera grinned, and said, "Deal!"
      Ardua turned to Pumyra and Bengali, none of the three said a word, they just embraced for a few moments.
       "Highness, it's almost time." Yulir said with a respectful tone. Ardua looked at him and nodded.  Ardua approached Panthro and held him. "Father, i'll miss you, i'll come back as soon as I can, okay? You better girl, or i'll come looking for you!" Panthro stood straighter and said with pride, "How many fathers can say their daughter is the absolute ruler of a planet?" Panthro held her for a long moment and they kissed each other's cheeks.
      The last person to say goodbye to was Tyger, Ardua almost started to cry as he hugged her. "Tyger, i'm sorry that I yelled at you and said those terrible things to you, I didn't mean it. I know that you just wanted to make my decision easier for me....now.  It's okay, 'Dua, I should have.... No, it's not, I.." Ardua looked down. There was no need to say any more.  Ardua looked back up at Tyger. "You still my best friend? Always."  Ardua put the keys to her electra charger into Tyger's hand. "It's your's now." Tyger looked at the keys. "'Dua I can't take this. I think you and father are the only ones who know how to fly it except for Lord Lion-O." Snarf huffed. "Lion-O has no business on that thing snarf, snarf!" All of the Thundercats laughed.
      Ardua hugged Tyger again, backed away from him, then slowly began to walk up the ramp towards the interior of the ship.  Ardua turned and waved to everyone, but she was looking at Tyger as she went inside the Plundarian ship.
      Pumyra took Tyger's hand and squeezed it. The other Thundercats watched Tyger as Pumyra and Bengali looked at their son and smiled.

      Pumyra finally had to push Tyger saying, "Go get her, jackass!"

      Tyger stumbled and yelled, "ARDUA, TAKE ME WITH YOU!" Ardua turned at hearing Tyger's plea ran back down the ramp as fast as she could, and leapt smiling into Tyger's arms. After a lengthy hug Ardua released him and looked into his eyes.  "Tyger, you sure? It won't be easy living with me!" Ardua looked hopefully into Tyger's eyes as he pulled her close to him. "What else is new?" Tyger grinned wickedly.  "Besides, you'll need an heir!"  Ardua smiled widely and put his token back on his neck. "Well, come on!" Ardua grabbed Tyger's hand and grinned at him.  "I want my bracelet back too!"
      As Ardua and Tyger Held hands and turned to leave,  Panthro stepped forward and yelled,  "STOP!"  Ardua and Tyger froze at the authority of Panthro's voice. "If you are going off to a strange planet ALONE for an extended period, and talking about making heirs," Ardua and Tyger blushed and looked upwards, and tried to not give the other Thundercats any eye contact. "you're not going without getting married first!" Panthro crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow. Tyger and Ardua nodded. Panthro looked at Lion-O. "Could you?"  Yulir looked at Ardua. "Your Highness." Ardua looked at Yulir. "Time."
      Lion-O looked at the couple, and hastily removed his belt and wrapped the couple's hands with it. "Tyger, do you? Yes. Ardua, do you? Yes. Well, by the power vested to me by the Eye of Thundera, and my title Lord of the Thundercats, I declare you married! Tyger, if you have time, you may now kiss the bride." Lion-O was too late because he already was.
      Tyger took a ring out of his pouch and slipped it onto her finger. Without a word, both ran up the ramp as it raised inside of the ship, the newlyweds waved goodbye from a window as it blasted off.
      Tygro looked at Cheetara. "Damndest thing I ever saw in my life! Tygro!" Cheetara scolded. Kera looked at Lion-O. "That marriage was quicker than mine and Tygro's!" Lion-O laughed and put his belt back on.  Bengali and Pumyra looked at each other smiled, sighed and went into the Lair arm in arm. Panthro wiped his eyes and sniffed. The other Thundercats looked at him and smiled. Panthro said with great distain, "I have something in my eyes!" and walked away.
       After a few moments Panthro turned to Tygra. "Come on, Tygra, let's go build that big honking vehicle MY baby designed!" Tygra put his arm around Panthro. "What should we call it, Panthro? Ardua just wrote down here in the corner that it's a bad mother.." Cheetara interrupted. "Shut your mouth!"
      Snarf and Snarfer walked into the Lair headed for the kitchen. "All of this excitement, has made me have an appetite, snarf, snarf!" Lion-O rolled his eyes, picked up Snarf, and carried him as Snarfer walked after.  Everyone went inside feeling relieved.

      During the trip to Plundarr, Ardua and Tyger sat and listened for hours to the state of Plundarian finances, and the steps that she would have to take to garner trust with and loyalty from the Plundarian tribal houses, while slowly changing the ways that Plundarr and the tribes had gained it's riches, mostly through the slave trade. Yulir went through a list of potential resources that could be marketed to wean the economy off of slave trade.  Ardua also talked to Yulir about the feasibility of tracking already purchased slaves and bringing them back to Plundarr.  Ardua had plenty of time to listen to the other woes of her new home.  Due to Ardua's and Tyger's holdup, the ship missed it's optimum window for departure, it would be a day and a half before the royal ship reached it's destination.
      After an entire day of briefing, Yulir decided to call the meeting to a halt for the evening. Ardua appointed the title "Crown Prince" to Tyger and named him her immediate heir during a small ceremony.  After dinner, one of the Plundarian soldiers escorted Ardua and Tyger to their chambers, they went inside the bedroom and locked the door.
        Tyger stretched and Ardua removed the red cape that had been placed on his shoulders.  "Ardua, I don't know about the cape." Ardua smiled and removed his torso armor. "Tyger, you have to accessorize!"  Ardua made a hand gesture against the cape and Tyger laughed.  Ardua's tone changed to one more serious.  "I'm glad you came, Tyger. I am too," Tyger brushed her face.  "but why didn't you ask me to come with you? I wanted to, but I couldn't have asked you to leave Thundera, I didn't want to leave it myself." Tyger grinned. "Crown Prince?" Ardua smiled. "It was either that or "Empress Consort" Crown Prince sounds better."
        Ardua crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. "Oh, Tyger, this is not going to be easy." Tyger put his arm around her and smiled.  "Well, 'Dua, at least you have everything you need." Ardua sat down on the bed, Tyger followed and kissed her. "Really? Like what?" Said Ardua with mischief as Tyger's hands gently roamed.  "Well, you are an Empress, and you have me. What else could you possibly need?" Ardua kissed Tyger and thoughtfully said, "A convertible?"
      Tyger smiled, grabbed Ardua, and turned off the lights.

      Later, as the couple slept in a tight embrace, Ardua dreamt about the future, comforted by the gentle purr of her mate.
                               The End