Part 76

Vasa was sitting on her sofa reading when the doorbell rang in her home. Strange that it would ring because she wasn't expecting anyone. She got up and opened the door. She nearly fainted at her guest.

"Ursula," she gasped fearfully.

"No, it's me. WilyKit, Aunt Vasa."

"Kit?" she said staring at her niece a little closely. "You look so much like your mother."

"I do? Thank you."

"That wasn't a complement, WilyKit."

"It was to me."

Her aunt threw her arms around her. "It's still good to see you. I was so worried about you, especially after what your brother told me. Does he know that you are here?"

"No, and I'm not planning on telling him. I don't expect you to tell him either or anyone else, especially Panthro."

"Why not?"

"I want to stay with you for a while before I reveal myself and you are not to tell anyone about me." Kit ordered.

Lion-O sat up in his bed and groaned at the pain shooting from his ribs and his head. Sylvia touched Lion-O's head as the bandage begins to unwrap a little.

"You must be careful when you move. Your head is still sensitive to the hit you got and four of your ribs are broken."

"I got hit on the head and my ribs?" Lion-O asked confused.

"Yes, the head injury is what caused your amnesia."

"Don't you remember anything at all?" Diana asked.

Lion-O shook his head. "No."

As Lion-O sat up, Diana noticed the Cat's Eye on his belt. That symbol seems familiar. Where have I seen it? "What about your belt? It has some kind of Cat symbol on it."

Lion-O looked at his belt. He stared at the symbol for a moment. "I don't know what this symbol means."

"Until you get your memory back, you're welcome to stay here, but we need to give you a name. How about Lionel?" Diana suggested.

Lion-O rolled the name off his tongue. "It doesn't sound right."

"Well, you look a little like a lion. Lion-A? Lion-O?"

"Lion-O? Lion-O. Yes, that sounds a little better. Thank you, Queen Diana, is it?"

"Yes, that's my name. I'll get my servants to get you some breakfast. Sylvia, may I see you outside?" Diana left her seat and exit the room followed by her sister.

"What is it?" Sylvia asked closing the door.

"If or whenever Lion-O gains his memory, I don't think it's best that he leave."

All the Thundercats tried to keep their cool as Tygra stepped in the room. Before them, stood a traitor to everything the Code of Thundera stood for and a traitor to the Lord of the Thundercats and his wife. Tygra noticed the irate glare he received from the Thundercats.

Coolly and confidently, he said, "Hello, everyone," he pinned his eyes on Cheetara, "Hello, Cheetara."

"What are you doing here?" Cheetara growled angrily at the tiger.

"I heard Lion-O was missing, so I got here as soon as I could. As second-in-command, it is my duty to take over since Lion-O is absent."

"The only people who know Lion-O is missing are in this room, and what do you mean second-in-command? You no longer have that rank. I'm in control in Lion-O's absence, and how do you know that Lion-O is missing?"

"I have my ways."

"You have your ways because you're the one who hurt him. Now tell me where he is!" Cheetara shouted.

"I haven't done a thing. I have no idea where Lion-O is." Except being with his maker. Tygra thought. "And incidentally, Cheetara, you are not in control. I am."

"And what makes you think that?" Cheetara asked hotly.

"Did Lion-O officially name you his second-in-command in front of everyone, in case something happens to him?" Tygra asked.

"Well, no, but I am his wife, Lady of the Thundercats and of Thundera. If something happens to him, I am in control."

"Not according to the Book of Omens, you're not. If you look in the Book of Omens, you'll see I am still in command," the wicked tiger was confident.

"I'll get the book," Panthro said leaving his seat to get the Book of Omens in the Treasure Room.

Cheetara placed a hand on her head. "This can't be happening," Cheetara said obvious worried.

"Oh, but it is, dear Cheetara," Tygra said soothingly.

Cheetara looked up at Tygra no longer as a loving friend, but as an evil, enemy to the Thundercats, especially her and Lion-O.

"Why don't you want me to tell anyone?" Vasa asked.

"I'm not ready to face them yet. Not until I do something else."

"Like what?"

"Nothing for you to worry about. Are you going to let me stay here or not?" Kit asked.

"Yes, of course you can, but where were you these past four months? Why are you dressed like your mother?'

"To keep her in memory."

"You didn't say where you were."

"I rather not say."

"You can tell me. I promise not to say anything."

WilyKit looked at her aunt. "I'll tell you when the time is right." If you knew, you'd never let me do it.

Sylvia looked at her older sister confused. "But you left the impression that he would return home as soon as he regain his memory. Why did you change your mind?"

"When he regains his memory and if he is evil, we'll lock him up, but if he is good, he'll want to return home, and if what you say is correct; that he might've been attacked by the mutants and Lunatacs, then we might have to encounter them when we help Lion-O home. They will learn about us if we do so, and would want to conquer our planet, like they tried to years ago. I see now that I can't do that. I cannot risk the lives of my people for one insignificant man," Diana explained.

"Nobody remembers our planet, Diana, because of the cloaking device, and if they do, they would say that the planet mysteriously vanished," Sylvia explained.

"Maybe, but I still think we should be cautious. Keep Lion-O under careful watch. I have to get the servants to give Lion-O his breakfast, and I have other errands to run."

Erica stepped out of the room, excited as Diana went on her errands. "Isn't this great, Sylvia? Lion-O doesn't remember who he is."

"I don't see how that is exciting," Sylvia said.

"Without his memory, we can push him towards Queen Diana."

"How you can take advantage of the sick is beyond me. You're also not thinking. What about when he remembers? He won't have feelings for her."

A wicked look came on Erica's face. "Then we have to make sure that he doesn't remember."

Lion-O stared at the Cat symbol on his belt. "Who am I? Is this symbol a representation of who I am? How did I get hurt? Who or what caused my amnesia, and am I really safe here?"

Panthro came back as quick as he could with the Book of Omens. He and Cheetara were standing up by the council table as they were looking in it, hoping Tygra was wrong. Cheetara put the book down on the table in disbelief.

"I don't believe this," she said walking to the window.

"What is it?" WilyKat asked.

Panthro picked the book up. "According to the Book of Omens, 'If the Lord of the Thundercats is missing or dead, the second-in-command should rule as Lord of the Thundercats unless the Lord of the Thundercats officially, meaning the Lord of the Thundercats calls a meeting and announce another person to take over in his absence,'" Panthro read.

"And Lion-O didn't call a meeting to say that I will be second-in-command," Cheetara stated staring out the window.

"Wasn't Tygra banished?" Lynx-O asked.

"No, I wasn't, Lynx-O. I left before Lion-O could do anything such as banish me."

"But you took the coward's way out," Pumyra said.

Tygra became upset with the puma's comment, but replied calmly, "I wouldn't say that, Pumyra."

"So, this means you are in control now, Tygra?" Bengali asked, making sure.

"It seems so, Bengali," Tygra answered.

"Until Lion-O returns, and he will return," Cheetara was firm.

Tygra smiled at the cheetah. "Of course. I want Lion-O to return safely too." Yeah, right. Lion-O is dead. He'll never return.

Sylvia looked at Erica a little worried for Lion-O's safety. "What do you mean by that?"

"You have that special medication you have been working on that makes people forget."

"Erica, that drug has not been tested. I don't even know why I made it, but I do know it's not for making people forget who they are so they can marry the queen."

"Just for now, try not to help him remember."

Sylvia didn't answer her requested. She shook her head. "I have to see my patient now."

Sylvia entered the room and saw Lion-O looking confused. "How are you feeling?"

"My head and ribs are still sore. Do you know when they will heal?"

"I can predict that you should have a full recovery in two months. With what you've been through it is expected that you will be sore."

"Do you know what happened?" Lion-O asked.

"No, but from your injuries, I can say that you were hit in the head with a large metal object. That same object was used to break four of your ribs. You should take it easy."

"Hmm, I guess someone wanted me dead, but I don't understand why someone would do that to me," Lion-O voiced. He looked back at Sylvia. "Thank you for finding and helping me. If it wasn't for you and Erica, I would be dead right now. I'll do my best to repay you."

Those words stunned Sylvia. This man isn't evil at all. He's good, and it's possible that he should return home. An enemy of his must have wanted him dead.

The servants entered the room with Lion-O's breakfast.

"I'll leave you to your breakfast," Sylvia said getting up and leaving the room. Sylvia went in her room. Her suitcase was by her bed. She put it on her bed and opened it. Inside were the Sword of Omens and the Clawshield. The doctor pulled out the Sword of Omens. Not impressed by it, she said, "Pretty small sword." The mystical sword growled. Sylvia gasped in shock by a sword growling and threw it on the bed. "What kind of sword is that?" she wrapped the sword in a cloth, put it back in the claw shield, and back in her suitcase. "What is that and what kind of person is Lion-O really?"

Diana sat in her throne chair in her throne room thinking about Lion-O. Who is that man in my palace and why is he here? It has to be a reason he's here. She thought about the Cat's Eye. And what kind of symbol is that on his belt. I've seen that symbol somewhere. I just can't remember it. I need to do some research on it. Maybe then, I'll know if he is good or not. If he is good, he might have to return home, but I can't risk my planet's safety because he will no doubt tell the others about my planet and that could lead to unwanted guests. For the safety of my planet, I must learn more about him.

Part 77

Two weeks swiftly passed by. Lion-O was still recovering from his attack, but he wasn't one hundred percent. He was getting a little aware of his environment and was feeling a little comfortable with it. Most of the time, he spent trying to remember who he was, but those images come and go as quickly as it came. He has, however, has been having flashes of a sword.

Late one morning, Diana left her room in a rush. As queen of an entire planet, she was always busy, dealing with the peace, political duties, the economy, etc. She spots Lion-O walking down the hall.

"Lion-O, what are you doing out of bed?" Diana asked walking to him.

"Hello, Queen Diana," he bowed before her.

"You don't have to do that. Lion-O. Just call me Diana."

"I'm not in my room because I just had to get out of my room. I have been cooped up in my room for two weeks, doing nothing. I need to do something, exercise, get some air, anything."

Diana looked him over. "Well, you look like you are in great shape. Almost like a warrior or nobleman of some kind. Are you remembering anything?"

"It's very vague, but I do remember a sword."

"A sword? You wield one? I handle a sword pretty well myself. When you start to get better, I'll take you up for a friendly match."

"Could we do it now? I feel up to it," Lion-O said.

"Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you. Besides, your ribs have not healed yet."

Lion-O almost laughed. "I believe I can handle myself."

"Uh-huh," she didn't believe him. "Let me changed into something more suitable for fighting, and I'll show you what a tough fighter I am. Meet me in the gym in ten minutes. Go down the elevator to the second floor, take a right and there's a door at the end of the hall. That would be the gym."

"Okay, I'll be waiting," Lion-O said and went into the elevator.

Diana smiled at Lion-O as she watched him leave. Oh, no, I have tons of work to do. I have a meeting with the country leaders today. Why did I tell Lion-O I wanted to spar with him? Well, in the condition he's in, it'll be quick. I'll be light and not hurt him too much.

Cheetara looked out the window of the council room. The sun was setting again, ending another day, and Lion-O wasn't there. He has been gone for two weeks now, and all she could do is worry. She wanted to be with Panthro when he searched for Lion-O, but couldn't because of her pregnancy. Tygra, being the Lord of the Thundercats wasn't easy on her either. She hated how he looked at her, and the cheetah was certain that Tygra did something to Lion-O.

Tygra opened the doors to the council room. He noticed that Cheetara didn't look back. He stared at her lovingly as the glow from the setting sun shined on her. She wore her hair down, pulled back in a barrette. She was wearing a yellow maternity dress. What he hated most about being away for four months was that he was away from Cheetara. Even though, he knew she hated him, he loved her still and he deeply missed being away from her. It took all the wills of the intelligent and softhearted Tygra to restrain himself from putting his arms around and hugging the life out of Cheetara when he first saw her. He quietly stepped in the room. As he got closer to the blonde cheetah, he could smell the sweet scent of roses in her hair and a sensual perfume scent from her body. He was only inches from her now. He thought Cheetara would sense him and push him away, but he figured that she too busy thinking about Lion-O to sense him.

The striped tiger whispered in her ear. "Hello, Cheetara."

Cheetara jumped and turned around. She stepped back. "Tygra."

She tried to push pass him and get away, but he grabbed her by her shoulders.

"You're not going anywhere."

In the gym, on the large mat, Diana in a blue body suit handed Lion-O a long silver sword. In her hand, was her favorite gold sword.

"Now, Lion-O, I'm giving you one more chance to back down."

"I think I'll be just fine," Lion-O said confidently.

"Your loss. I tried to warn you, but I promised not to be too tough."

"Be as tough as you like," Lion-O said.

Diana and Lion-O circled each other. She gave him a nod and their swords clashed. Diana proved to be a challenged to Lion-O. She was a master of the sword as she forced Lion-O to a wall. Lion-O pushed her back and they were fighting in the center of the mat. Every blow she gave Lion-O, he blocked it. Their fighting continued for another hour.

"You're good. I admit that, but I'll defeat you. I never lose." Diana was confident, but breathing heavily whereas Lion-O looked as if he hadn't caught his second wind. She tried to hit his bruised rib, but Lion-O blocked her blow.

"You're cocky. That leads to defeat," Lion-O said and easily discard her sword. "You were overconfident and you lost."

Diana stared at her discard sword on the floor and looked up at Lion-O. "I can't believe it. I lost. I never lost to anyone. I'm the best sword wielder on this planet. Well, you may be a better swordsman than I, but I'm a better fighter." She put herself in a fighting stance. "Let's go."

"I don't fight women."

"So, you're a nobleman and an obvious excellent fighter."

"Taught by the best," Lion-O said sheathing the sword.

"Really? Are you remembering?"

A flash of Panthro teaching Lion-O how to fight passed his mind.

"I think I am. I remembered a man teaching me how to fight. It came so quick. I don't remember when it happened."

"That's okay. At least you are remembering. Do you remember anything else, though? Not from today of course but before, like friends.... a girlfriend?" she asked hopeful.

Lion-O wondered why she asked that, but began thinking again. He faintly remembered the Sword of Omens, and the Cat's Signal. He also saw a woman. She had blonde spotted hair, but what was strange about it, he couldn't see her face. It was blurred. The image fades away.

"I think I am. This symbol on my belt means something important to me, to my life. I also saw a woman."

"A woman?" Diana asked.

"Yes, she is a part of my life. I can't see her face, but she's special to me."

Cheetara tried pushed Tygra away from her. "Get out of my way! Let me go!"

"No. I won't until I talk to you."

"I have nothing to say to you except bring my husband back from wherever you sent him. I know you are responsible for his disappearance."

"I don't know why you are accusing me of Lion-O's disappearance. I have nothing to do with it," Tygra lied.

"I don't believe you, now get out of my way," Cheetara ordered.

"We have to rule New Thundera together whether you like it or not. I have to take over Lion-O's responsibilities which includes you,"

Cheetara scoffed. "Never," she scowled and raised her hand to slap him but he caught it.

"You need to cool down. Your getting angry isn't good for your child."

"Don't you tell me what I can and cannot do," Cheetara said and pushed him out of her way.

Tygra watched as Cheetara stormed out.

"Whether she like it or not, she will be my wife."

Cheetara walked back to her bedroom. As she opened the door, a pain hit Cheetara's stomach.

"AAH!" she screamed. She entered her room and closed the door. She held onto the doorknob to keep her standing up. She whimpered. "Oh, no. Please don't let anything bother my baby and me now. I already have enough to worry about."

"A special woman in your life?" Diana sounded a little disappointed. "Do you know if she is a girlfriend, a wife, a sister maybe?"

"I don't know, but I don't think the connection we have is brother/sister bond. It's something else."

Diana and Lion-O sat on a nearby bench and continued to talk about his memories. They soon changed the subject to other things, like about Diana's life and how she became queen. She was enjoying Lion-O's company and was becoming aware of how attractive Lion-O is; from his youthful good looks, to his muscles and the sound of his voice. She tried to clear her thoughts and stop looking at Lion-O like a schoolgirl at her crush. It was obvious that he was taken. He mentioned a woman, and even though she knew this, she still looked at him in an adoring fashion.

Erica entered the gym looking for Diana. She had a hunch she would find her there. It was one of the queen's favorite rooms. She worked out in the gym to relieve stress. To her surprise and much to her delight, Erica found Lion-O talking with Diana. She saw the look Diana was giving Lion-O.

Good. Everything's going as planned.

"Diana!"

Diana jumped, flushed face. "Erica."

"I was looking for you, my queen. We have an important meeting with the country leaders. They are waiting for you."

"Oh, no. I forgot. Excuse me, Lion-O. I must go."

"I understand. We can talk later."

Diana turned back at him surprised. "Uh, yes we could." She said and exit with Erica.

"I saw the way you were looking at him, my queen."

"How long have the leaders been waiting?" Diana asked.

"Ten minutes. I see you have a crush."

"Oh, my goodness. They must think I'm an incompetent."

"Everyone's late to a meeting once in while, especially when they are talking to their future husband."

That comment caused Diana to stop dead in her tracks.

"What did you say, Erica?"

"You were talking to your future husband."

"Lion-O is not going to be my future husband, Erica."

"Don't sell yourself short, Diana. Lion-O would be a fool to resist you."

"For your information, Lion-O has someone else."

Before Erica could say anything, Diana continued.

"Lion-O told me that he is remembering. He remembered a woman, that is important to him, but he can't remember what she looks like."

"It could be a sister or cousin."

"Right," Diana said sarcastically. "I'm not getting my hopes up. The good thing is that he is regaining his memory. We'll soon know who he is. Now enough of this getting me to marry Lion-O. We have important matters to discuss."

"Of course," Erica nodded. He can't be remembering. It's not going according to my plan. Sylvia and I must stop him from remembering.

On New Thundera early that evening, WilyKat rode to his aunt's house in his hover cycle. Unknown to WilyKat, Vasa was expecting Panthro to come over so she was surprised to see her nephew at the door.

"WilyKat? What are you doing here? I was expecting Panthro."

"Can't a nephew see his aunt?"

"Of course you can," Vasa said welcoming WilyKat in with a hug.

"Well, since Panthro is coming, I won't stay long. How are you two doing anyway?"

"We're fine. Any word on your sister?"

WilyKat frowned, "No. I was hoping that she would be back when Tygra returned."

In her room, WilyKit heard voices. She quietly left the room and heard WilyKat talking to his aunt. She hid behind a wall so she could hear them.

"I know my sister can be annoying and bossy at times, but I really do miss her."

I miss you too, Kat, but I have to do this. I have to kill Panthro. It's the only way. I'll see you again, WilyKat. Kit thought.

"Well, I think your sister will be home soon."

"How do you know that? Has she tried contacting you?" WilyKat asked.

On Minerva after Erica and Diana's meeting with the country leaders, Erica found Sylvia and pulled her to her room.

"What is it? What's the emergency?" Sylvia asked.

"Lion-O's regaining his memory," Erica said.

"He is? That's good."

"That's bad, Sylvia. Remember our plan. Lion-O is to marry Diana. You have to make Lion-O forget."

"I don't know about this, Erica. It doesn't feel right."

"Don't you want your sister be happy, Sylvia?"

"Of course, Erica, but at this expense...."

"Don't you want her to finally marry?"

"Yes, but--"

"Then you will do it. Drug Lion-O, to help your sister." Erica ordered.

Sighing, Sylvia said, "All right. I'll do it. I'll slip the drug in his drink." The princess looked at Erica's dresser and saw Lion-O's wedding ring. "Where did you get that ring?"

"Oh, that. I bought it," Erica lied.

"Why?" Erica asked picking it up and looking at it. "This is a man's ring. Why did you buy a man's ring? It looks familiar. This isn't Lion-O's ring, is it?"

"No! Lion-O doesn't have a ring. I got this for Diana when she marries," Erica lied again.

Sylvia shrugged her shoulders and put the ring back down.

"If we're going to drug Lion-O, I think a few drops of the drug will do."

"I'll put the drug in, Sylvia. You're too suspicious."

Startled by WilyKat's question, Vasa nervously asked, "Why would you ask that, WilyKat?"

"I just wondered since you said that I would see her again."

To protect her niece, Vasa lied, "She hasn't been here, WilyKat. I just thought that soon she might return." With a pause, she changed the subject. "How's Cheetara? I know she isn't doing well with Lord Lion-O being missing."

Lion-O's missing? Kit thought. Hmm, I wonder.

Hearing noises outside her room, WilyKit steps out to see what was happening. She saw Tygra and a couple of mutants, a possum and a rat, both looking strong and intimidating as they walk with Tygra.

"Tygra, what's going on?"

"Nothing for you to worry about. Now go back to your room," Tygra ordered.

WilyKit frowned and stepped back in. However, she caught a glimpse of Tygra holding a crowbar in his hand. "Now, what was that all about? What is Tygra going to do? Well, as long as it doesn't disrupt my plans against Panthro, I don't care. He's going to suffer before I let him die."(74)

Oh, no. Did Tygra kill Lion-O? How could he do that? He was going to be a father. He was the leader of Thundera. Lion-O didn't do anything to Tygra and he kills him. I should tell Cheetara this, but I must deal with Panthro. After I get rid of Panthro, I'll return and tell the others what Tygra has done. As for now, Panthro's payback will begin.

Lion-O rests in his room, still recovering and trying to remember who he is. The only good thing about his condition was that his broken rib bones were healing nicely. It barely hurt when he fought Diana earlier that day. Erica and Sylvia knocked on his door before entering. Sylvia entered carrying a tray of three glasses and a bottle of orange juice.

"Hello, Lion-O. How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing well."

Sylvia put the tray down and checked on Lion-O while Erica poured the juice in the glasses.

"Diana told me that you are remembering."

"I am, Sylvia. It's a little fuzzy but I am remembering pieces of my past."

Erica pulled out a small vial of the drug Sylvia given her earlier from her pocket and poured the whole vial into Lion-O's glass. She put the glasses on the tray and Erica handed Lion-O his glass and she and Sylvia took one herself.

"Here. Drink it, Lion-O. To celebrate."

They clinked glasses and drunk the orange juice.

Lion-O drunk the whole drink nearly in one gulp. "Oh, this orange juice is awful!"

Sylvia looked at Lion-O curiously. "The juice taste fine."

Erica nodded in agreement.

"Maybe you people have different taste buds, but this is terrible juice." He put the glass down and grabbed his head. "Ooh, I suddenly feel strange." Lion-O's eyes rolled back and he passed out.

Sylvia rushed to Lion-O and checked him. "How much of the drug did you put in Lion-O's drink?"

"A few drops like you said."

"Liar! You put the whole vial in there. The few drops were to make him forget any memories. Who knows how much damage you did to Lion-O."

"It can't be that bad, can it, Sylvia?"

"I don't know. This is the first time its been tested. Who knows how much he forgot now."

Erica began thinking. Rats. I didn't think it would do too much damage. He can't be seriously injured. My plan has to work. Otherwise, I don't know how I will be queen.

Part 78

The next day, Cheetara awakened and managed to sit up. Her stomach was getting bigger which was making it more difficult for Cheetara to get out of bed all by herself. She wished desperately that Lion-O was there with her. He always helped Cheetara out of bed, but now he wasn't there. She was all by herself. It was Tygra's fault. The cheetah knew that Tygra did something to Lion-O. Just thinking about it, made a slight pain in the cheetah's stomach.

Cheetara begin rubbing her stomach, calming her child and her pain. She hasn't told anyone about her pains. Not even her doctor. It didn't matter that much to her. Her appointment was coming up, so she figured she'd tell her then and about Lion-O's absence and Tygra ruling. She acknowledge whomever it was at her door to come in.

Panthro came in with a tray of food.

"Morning, Cheetara or should I say good afternoon."

"Afternoon?" Cheetara repeated.

"Yes. Three to be exact. We were concern when you didn't get up this morning, but we thought that since you are pregnant, we should let you get as much sleep as you could." Panthro saw Cheetara rubbing her stomach and became concern. "Are you okay, Cheetara? Is everything all right?"

"I'm fine, Panthro. Just communicating with the baby. I was up late last night. Couldn't sleep. Is that for me?" she asked hopeful noticing the food.

"Yes." he sat it down before her.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. I saw Snarf bringing it, so I offer to do it since I was on my way here."

"How was your visit with Vasa last night? You didn't get back till late."
 

The panther smiled holding back a blush. "What made you think that?"

"I was having trouble sleeping last night as I told you, so I took a walk around the lair. I heard you come in. That was about two in the morning."

He couldn't hide what he was feeling or what he was doing last night. Cheetara knew. "We had a good time last night."

"I bet," Cheetara laughed.

The panther studied the Lady of Thundera carefully. Something wasn't right with Cheetara. Sure she was laughing, meaning she was in a positive mood, but there was something wrong with her, and he knew she was hiding something. "You're looking kind of pale, Cheetara. Are you sure you all right?"

"It's probably affects of the pregnancy. That and I'm worrying over Lion-O."

Panthro had a feeling that something else was wrong with Cheetara, but he didn't push her. "I know this is hard, but let us do the worrying, Cheetara. Your baby is what you should be looking after now. We don't want anything to happen to the next leader of Thundera."

"I know," Cheetara said rubbing her stomach again. "I can't sense Lion-O now. I'm not sure why, but I hope he is all right. I just wish I knew what happened to him."

"I know, Cheetara. We all do. Everyone, except that wretched Tygra. That traitor. I know he has something to do with Lion-O's disappearance."

"We all know that, Panthro, but unfortunately he is temporarily Lord of the Thundercats. I wish Lion-O officially made me second-in-command. We don't have proof to prove that Tygra did something to Lion-O, even though we know he did do something. If he's able to, why hasn't Lion-O try contacting us? Why isn't he using the sword? Does he have it with him? Oh, I don't know." Cheetara looked down at her swollen belly. She placed her hands on her stomach. "You've got to come back, Lion-O."

"Have faith, Cheetara. He will. Listen, I'm going to see how the new city is doing. I'll be back in a few hours. Are you going to be all right here with Tygra?"

"I'll be fine, Panthro. Go. I'll see you later."

Panthro nodded and left the room.

WilyKit was up early that morning in her room. She was busy setting up the equipment she brought from Plundarr. It was all apart of her plan for Panthro that afternoon. She was around when Panthro came over last night and that was her opportunity to get her revenge and do some work to the Thundertank. In her room, was a monitor hooked up to a smaller duplicate front seat of the Thundertank. It included the steering wheel and weapons in the front part of the tank. She put on a set of headphones. WilyKit turned on the monitor and saw Panthro getting in the Thundertank. She waited for Panthro to be in a remote area to begin her revenge. Panthro tried to turn right in the Thundertank, but WilyKit turned left in her smaller model. The Thundertank turned left.

"What the...."

"Trouble handling your Thundertank?" Kit asked through the headphones in a disguised voice.

Panthro heard the voice come through the communicator. "Who are you? Where are you?" Panthro demanded.

"Who am I? Wouldn't you like to know? Where am I? Where you least expect it. I control the Thundertank now."

"Not as long as I'm around."

"Well, we just have to fix that, won't we?" Kit said and took control of the wheel. Panthro tried to turn the steering wheel but it wouldn't budge. WilyKit turned the Thundertank right and had it heading for a nearby cliff.

After Lion-O passed out last night, Erica and Sylvia put Lion-O back in his bed and let him sleep. It was all they could do. Sylvia wasn't sure how badly affected Lion-O was to the drug. When he awakened that morning, he saw that he was in a strange room. He had never seen it before to his recollection. Diana knocked softly before entering.

"Good morning, Lion-O. How are you feeling?"

"Lion-O? Is that my name?"

Diana looked at Lion-O confused. "Yes, but we're not sure what your real name is since you lost your memory."

"I lost my memory?" Lion-O asked rubbing his head.

Diana really became concerned. "Oh, no. Don't tell me you're losing your memory again." Diana went to the doorway. "Sylvia!" she called. "Don't worry, Lion-O. Sylvia will find out why you're having a memory lapse.

Sylvia rushes in the room. "What is it, Diana?"

"I think something is wrong with Lion-O. He's forgetting again."

"What's the last thing you remember?" Sylvia asked.

"I don't remember how I got here or my name," Lion-O answered confused.

"What could have made him forget like that, Sylvia?" Diana asked.

"I'm not sure. Maybe another hit in the head or something."

"I don't think that happened....unless my friendly fight cause it, but I didn't hit his head." Diana looked back at Lion-O. "I'm so sorry Lion-O. Don't worry I'll bring you up to date, Lion-O."

"Is that necessary, sister?" Sylvia asked.

"Of course it is! You're a doctor. You know that. I'll explain everything to Lion-O. Why don't you get something to eat? Maybe a good breakfast will get your mind functioning."

Sylvia lowered her head at her sister's harsh comment and nodded quietly before leaving.

After showering and dressing, Cheetara went into the baby's room. The room was similar to Lion-O's as a child on Thundera before it exploded. It also had a private bathroom and two arches. In the baby's room, were a crib, a full-length mirror, a changing table, a small three-drawer chest, an armoire, and a rocking chair. The walls were painted sunny yellow while the two arches in the room were painted a pastel aqua color. Baby pictures of bunnies, teddy bears, kittens, a lion and cheetah were on the walls. The mother-to-be opens the armoire and took out a musical mobile she was working on off the top shelf yesterday. Working in the baby's room, took her mind off Lion-O a little. She placed the mobile with baby animals on it on the crib. It played a soft melody.

Cheetara leaned on the crib as she listened to the melody. She then looked around the room. Now in her eighth month, almost everything was completed. Lion-O had completed painting the room the way Cheetara had wanted before he left. He also put together the crib and armoire in his spare time. After Lion-O left, Bengali, Panthro and WilyKat helped out with the rest of the furniture in the room. She walked to the chest and opened the drawers. Baby clothes were in there. She opened the walk-in closet and saw diapers on one end. She looked back at the changing table and remembered it was filled with more diapers, baby powder, baby oil, wipes, etc. Looking in the middle of the closet and on the top shelf, she saw some toys, and on the other end was a stroller, a swing, an unopened box of the booster seat, and even a car seat for the Thundertank. Cheetara smiled fondly remembering when she and Lion-O first went shopping for baby paraphernalia. Lion-O practically bought out the store of baby things. They had to load baby materials in the Thundertank and Thunderstrike. They didn't buy anything that was just for boys or girls because they decided to wait until the birth of the baby to find out the sex.

As the melody continue to play on the mobile, Cheetara sat in the rocking chair. As she rocked the chair back and forth, she felt the baby kicked. By instinct, she put her hands on her stomach and rubbed it.

"I can't wait for you to be born, little one. I wish to hold you and see what you look like right now, but I want your father to be here for that too. Don't worry, my child. I promise you that you will see your father. Lion-O, your father, is not dead."

Putting her mind off where Lion-O could be, Cheetara got up and walked to the armoire. She took out a stool and a cotton throw designed with baby animals. She put the stool by the crib and got on it. She reaches over and tries to hang the cotton throw on the wall over the crib. It was too far off and her bulging stomach wasn't helping any. Cheetara knew that she couldn't push the crib because she had to be careful not to strain herself. The crib was over a hundred pounds since it could convert from a crib to a toddler daybed and a regular bed.

Knowing that she couldn't do anything, she got upset with herself. "I wish I didn't let Panthro leave without doing this for me. Well, I'll ask Bengali or WilyKat to do this for me if I can find them."

"I could do it for you," Tygra said standing in one of the arches.

She had not heard him come in. She figured the carpeted floor had something to do with it and that Tygra was a light walker.

"Who said I wanted your help?" she responded to his offer.

"I'm volunteering. Panthro, Bengali, and WilyKat aren't here. And incidentally, you shouldn't be trying to do that in your condition anyway," Tygra pointed out.

Cheetara stepped off the stool and laid the cotton throw over the crib. "I wouldn't have to if you hadn't taken Lion-O away."

Tygra sighed as he lied, "How many times do I have to tell you, Cheetara? I do not have anything to do with Lion-O being missing." Tygra walked to where Cheetara was standing. She took a few steps away from him. Tygra took the cotton throw in his hands and got on the stool. "How high do you want me to put this?"

Cheetara didn't say anything.

"You know you need my help, Cheetara."

"I don't need anything from you. Panthro, Bengali or WilyKat can do it later," Cheetara pointed put upset.

Tygra stepped down and put the cotton throw over the crib. "If you say so. I'm going to see how my cities are doing. It's been a while since I've supervised them." He begins walking out.

"No! Don't leave." Cheetara said.

Panthro was now nearing the cliff. Panthro only choice now was jumping out. He'll have to build another Thundertank. He didn't want to abandon his baby, but he knew it was the only way. As he was about to jump, WilyKit put the protective cover on the Thundertank. Panthro tried to open the top with his fist, but it was impenetrable.

"You won't get away that easy," Kit said over the communicator.

Panthro tried to open communications to Cat's Lair. "Cat's Lair! Cheetara! Bengali! Kat! Anyone, come in!"

All he got was static.

"Nice try, Panthro, but it won't work. I cut the radio off to Cat's Lair."

"Why don't you tell me who you are so we can handle this man to man?" Panthro challenged.

"Isn't that the typical male response: settling his problems with fights instead of wits? Well, it's not going to work."

The tank reached the cliff's edge and suddenly stopped. Panthro let out a sigh of relief.

"Don't count your blessings, yet. I did that to show you that I am serious for making you pay for what you've done, but this isn't it. I want you to suffer first. And when you die, you won't see it coming," Kit threatened and shut off the radio.

On Minerva in Erica's room, Sylvia explained to Erica what happened that morning.

"This isn't going to work, Erica. Diana is in there right now, telling Lion-O everything since he arrived."

"We'll give him another dose," Erica suggested.

"No, Erica. It won't work, and I will not cause more damage to the man. He suffered enough already. It's wrong. I think we should give Lion-O his sword and claw shield back. He doesn't seem like a bad person."

"No, we're not going to give him his weapon back. Let see what happens. Diana is already smitten by him. It's only a matter of time before he is smitten by her."

Sylvia shook her head. "Why don't you give up?" Frustrated the dark haired woman left the room. She entered her room and locked her door so no one would enter and see what she was doing. She opened the bottom drawer of her dresser. Under her clothes, was the Sword of Omens in the claw shield. Sylvia pulled out the sword and it didn't growl. Maybe this would convince Erica. I don't see why she's in rush to marry Diana off.

Diana just finished explaining to Lion-O what had happened since his arrival and how he got there. "Now do you remember?"

"It's a little fuzzy, but I think I am. I don't understand what could've made me forget."

"I don't know either, but I'll help you regain your memory. I'm your friend, and I'll help you remember and get you home. Speaking of home, do you have any idea where it could be?"

"No, but I wonder if anyone at home is looking for me," Lion-O thought.

Tygra stepped closer to Cheetara. "You don't want me to leave. You want me to stay....with you?"

"No! I don't want you to leave Cat's Lair. I don't want the public to know that Lion-O's missing and you're in control."

"Cheetara, they're going to figure that out when they don't see him again," Tygra said nonchalantly.

"And how would you know that? How would you know that...unless you arranged it? That's it, isn't it? You killed Lion-O?" Cheetara became violently angry and begin beating on Tygra in the chest with her fists. He was able to take the beaten. "You killed my husband! That's why I lost contact with him! He's dead!" She shouted and a sharp pain hit Cheetara in her stomach. "AAH!" she screamed and fell to her knees clutching her stomach.

"Cheetara." A concerned Tygra said helping her up. "What's wrong, my love?"

"Take your hands off me!" Cheetara shouted pulling herself away from Tygra.

"What's wrong?"

"None of your business," she growled and left. On her way to her room, Cheetara talked to herself. "Lion-O's dead. No, he can't be. He's not dead. No, he's not. I don't feel it in my heart. My connection to him is lost, but I know he's not dead." Cheetara groaned again, trying to hang on as she made her way to her room.

Parts 79-81: Panthro suspects WilyKit is behind his attack. WilyKat suspects his sister is on Thundera. Sylvia learns the truth about Lion-O. Lion-O remembers how he lost his memory. Cheetara pains worsen. Cheetara and Tygra kiss.