Part 23

It took two and half hours for Cheetara and Panthro to reach Way Outback. Captain Bragg was rebuilding the cage the mutants had escape from as the Feliner landed. Panthro and Cheetara immediately jumped out. Captain Bragg stopped what he was doing and met the two Thundercats.

"Mandora told me you were coming." The Captain said.

"How did it happen?" Panthro asked.

"It was like I told Mandora. A mutant ship landed, some mutants jumped out and tied Crownan and myself, freed the mutants and took off." He explained.

"But they didn't take the Lunataks? Why? I thought even evil would work together and save each other." Cheetara thought aloud.

Panthro looked at the cage holding the Lunataks and walk towards them. Cheetara wasn't far behind. "All right, Lunataks. You mind telling us why the mutants didn't take you with them?'

"We're not telling you anything." Luna screeched,

Cheetara and Panthro looked at each other and smiled. They knew what they had to do.

Rataro and the rest of the mutants were walking down the hall to the laboratory. "Vultureman, do you remember how to make the Telepathy Beam and the Voice Imitator?" Rataro asked.

"Yes, Rataro. Why?"

Rataro stopped at the next door and opened it. Inside seem to be mutants working on various gadgets. "I want you to work with these inventors and create those machines again with a few adjustments I want added."

"I'll get right on it." Vultureman said and walked in the room with the inventors.

"While Vultureman is busy with that, we are going to New Thundera and retrieve my Sword of Plundarr." Rataro said. "Now move it!" He ordered.

Cheetara paced back and forth with a smirk going unnoticed by the Lunataks. "It's obvious that the mutants didn't want to help the Lunataks."

"Yeah." Panthro agreed. "Who would want to work with that crazy bunch?"

"So you figured out why they wouldn't take us." Alluro said

Luna smacked Alluro on the back of his head with her riding stick. "Fool! Don't let them know that."

"Too late." Panthro and Cheetara said.

"I'm going to go warm up the Feliner." Panthro said and left quickly.

Cheetara shook her head at the Lunataks and started to walk back to the Feliner slowly until Luna's irritating voice stopped her.

"We might have been left here because we are thought of as uncontrollable, but at least we didn't get dumped at the altar like you, Cheetara." Luna said wickedly.

Cheetara stopped. Her whole body froze. She couldn't believe what she heard and what was worst the Lunataks knew. She turned around to face them. "What?"

"Yes, word gets around. We know all about your failed wedding to Lion-O." Luna laughed.

"Yeah, you got knocked off by some pretty redhead." Alluro taunted.

"I did not get dumped." Cheetara defended herself.

"Sure, you didn't." Chilla laughed.

"I bet they're doing it every night." RedEye added.

"No, they're not." Cheetara said holding back tears.

"Sure they're not." Tugmug laughed. "You're a pretty thing yourself, Cheetara, which is why Lion-O wanted to marry you-- to get you in bed over and over again."

The Lunataks were all enjoying making fun of Cheetara. They even started singing a song that they just made up called "Cheetara got Dumped" like school children. They all stop laughing when Cheetara growled lowly at them. Her body begin glowing a bright, yellow color. Her hair was rising and her breathing increase. Her whole body seemed to be in a trance. She opened her eyes and they were also glowing yellow. She raised her hands and aimed it at the Lunataks.

"I did not get DUMPED!" She screamed at her last words and fired her telekinetic powers at the Lunataks.

The Lunataks screamed at the shocking power Cheetara shot at them. She increased her power and look violently angry. Panthro saw the scene from the Feliner and jumped out immediately. "Cheetara, stop! Stop it Now!" Panthro shouted running to her.

Cheetara stopped shooting her power at the Lunataks. She was almost shaking when Panthro got beside her. She looked at her hands in shock and then at the Lunataks who were unconscious. "By Thundera, what have I done? How did I do that?"

"It must have been you telekinetic power. When did it come back?"

"This is the first time I've used it since the Telepathy Beam incident. It never came back until now." Cheetara said and closed her eyes trying to make it come back. "It won't come back."

"How did you come about using it?" Panthro asked.

"The Luantaks were taunting me about my relationship with Lion-O. I got angry and the next thing I know I was blasting at them with my power." Cheetara answered.

Panthro begin thinking back to Lion-O and Leela's wedding.

"How's Cheetara doing?" Lion-O asked as he and Panthro walked to the Snarfs table.

"Well, she's putting up a strong front, but she's doing terrible on the inside. I'm worried that the longer she bury her feelings the more powerful it will come out when she finally snaps. (17)

This is not good. Cheetara is close to snapping and her telekinetic power is coming out because of her anger. Panthro thought. "Let's go."

"Wait. What about the Lunataks? Are they alive?" Cheetara asked worriedly.

Captain Bragg opened the cage of the unconscious Lunataks and checked their pulses. He stepped out and closed the cage once he was finished. "They're alive. Probably going to have a headache, but they'll be all right."

"Good." The last thing she wanted was someone's death on her head. "We better get back to the lair and tell the others what we found out." Cheetara said and she and Panthro hopped in the Feliner.

"Or didn't find." Panthro finally spoke as the Feliner took off. "We still don't have any idea why the mutants have escaped and what their plans are. I'm pretty sure 'Revenge against the Thundercats' tops the list." Panthro said and Cheetara nodded in agreement.

Rataro, Slythe, Jackalman, and Monkian were now entering New Thundera's atmosphere. the sun has just set and it wouldn't be long before they reached Mumm-Ra's pyramid. There, Rataro hoped to find the Sword of Plundarr.

"How much longer?" Rataro asked.

"We'll be at the Black Pyramid in 20 minutes." Slythe answered.

"Lion-O, come quick!" WilyKit told him. He walked to her seat. "Look at the screen."

"It looks like the RatStar. What's in their direction?" Lion-O asked.

WilyKit punched in some keys. "Mumm-Ra's pyramid."

"What could they be looking for?" Lion-O thought aloud and then realized what it was. "Of course. That's it. Kit, Kat, go in the Thundertank--warm it up. I'm going to tell Snarf and Leela what's going on and to guard the lair. I'll met you in the Thundertank." Lion-O commanded and ran out.

The mutants looked uncertain as they entered the dark pyramid. The pyramid looked like it did in the final battle between Lion-O and Mumm-Ra in the Book of Omens. Slythe shakes his head in disgust. "Look at this place. It's a mess. We'll never find the Sword of Plundarr." Slythe complained.

"No complaining. Get to work." Rataro ordered.

"Hoo. Hoo. Where could it be? It could be anywhere in all this." Monkian said as he looked in the rubble.

"How about looking in Mumm-Ra's sarcophagus? That would be the obvious place." Rataro said sarcastically. "And hurry it up! Who knows how long it'll be before the Thundercats discover us!" Rataro shouted angrily.

Jackalman opened Mumm-Ra's sarcophagus. He jumped back when Ma-Mutt flew out. "Aah!" He yelled and jumped back. "No sword, but one mutt."

Ma-Mutt flew to Rataro and he pushed the mummy dog aside. "I thought for certain that Mumm-Ra kept it in his tomb. Where could it be?" Rataro asked.

"Nowhere where your evil hands can get to it." Lion-O said as he ran in with his mighty sword out, ready to fight. WilyKit and WilyKat joined Lion-O's side.

"Lion-O...I expected to see you. Thanks to these pitiful mutants for taking so long to find my Sword of Plundarr." Rataro said as he turned to face the lord.

"Leave this place and all the evil that is in it." Lion-O commanded.

"A child will not tell me what to do." Rataro said and looked at the mutants who were loading their weapons. "Fire!" He commanded.

The mutants begin shooting lasers at the Thundercats. The trio jumped and split apart to fight separate battles. Lion-O took on Monkian who fired from his advanced laser guns. The twins were busy fighting Slythe and Jackalman.

"HO!" Lion-O shouted and the Sword of Omens shot it powers at the Monkian's weapon. The Sword of Omens heated the weapon causing Monkian to drop it when it became too hot. "Give up, Monkian?" Lion-O asked aiming his sword at the defenseless monkey.

Rataro, who was behind Lion-O, took out his Rat's Eyes. He aimed the two daggers at Lion-O and shot Lion-O from behind. "Aah!" Lion-O yelled in pain. He turned around in order to project the Sword of Omens power at Rataro, but Rataro increased the Rat's Eyes power before Lion-O could use his sword. Overcome with Rat's Eyes power, Lion-O's fell to the ground unconscious.

The Feliner just entered New Thundera's atmosphere. Cheetara was flying when her sixth sense went off. "Aah!" She screamed and clamped her head with her hands.

Panthro put the Feliner on auto. "Cheetara, what is it?"

"Lion-O's in trouble. He, WilyKit and WilyKat are in Mumm-Ra's pyramid fighting the mutants." She told him.

"You want me to take over?" Panthro asked

"No. I'll do it."

Panthro reset the coordinates to Mumm-Ra's pyramid. "It's all coming together now, Cheetara."

Once WilyKit and WiyKat took care of Slythe and Jackalman, they ran to their fallen leader. Rataro shot the Rat's Eyes at the twins and dodged out of harm's way. WilyKat saw that the next blast would hit his sister so he pushed her out of the way. He screamed and fell to the ground unconscious. WilyKit grew angry and pounced on Rataro hitting him with all her strength. Monkian and Slythe pulled WilyKit off Rataro. Rataro got up and dust himself off.

"Feisty, isn't she? She reminds me of her mother." Rataro said.

WilyKit kicked her feet at Rataro in order to hit him but she missed. "You don't know anything about my mother?"

"Oh, but I do. I know her and your father. They were the best spies on Thundera."

WilyKit face grew pale and shocked. She couldn't believe what Rataro had just said but for some reason a part of her did.

Part 24

"You lie!" WilyKit screamed at Rataro, trying to kick him. Rataro just stood back. "My parents were good people. They didn't betray Thundera or anyone."

"Is that what you and your brother were told about your parents?" Rataro asked laughing. "Whoever told you that, was lying. I'll be the good guy this time and tell you about your parents. They were the finest spies a mutant could ever have. They stole weapons, secret attack plans, and murdered anybody who got in their way. They were the top spies for us mutants."

"No! You're lying!" WilyKit screamed.

"Don't you wish." Rataro said and continued. "No one knew or even suspected them because they pose as a good family raising twins. They were murdered on their final mission. It's ironic for you who murderer is, but I won't keep you in suspense on who did it. It was--"

Jackalman came running in from outside the pyramid, interrupting Rataro. While Rataro was talking to WilyKit earlier, he was putting unbreakable chains on Lion-O andWilyKat's wrist and ankles. "Rataro, the Feliner has landed. Panthro and Cheetara are coming."

"Perfect. Chain this child with the other two and gather your weapons. You know what to do." Rataro ordered.

The mutants did what they were told and Cheetara and Panthro ran in with their weapons out, ready to fight. Rataro stood proudly in front of the boiling cauldron as the two Thundercats enter. "Welcome, Thundercats."

"What have you done with the others?" Cheetara demanded twirling her staff.

"Put those weapons down. That is, if you want your friends to stay alive." He said pointing to an unconscious Lion-O and WilyKat and angry WilyKit.

Jackalman and Monkian had their laser guns aiming at captured Thundercats. Panthro and Cheetara knew they couldn't fight now, not when three Thundercat lives hanged in the balance.

Cheetara minimized her staff and threw it to the ground and Panthro cursed under his breath and toss his nunchuks to the floor. Slythe got behind them and pushed them to Lion-O, WilyKit, and WilyKat. He forced Cheetara next to Lion-O and Panthro beside her and chained their wrists and ankles.

Lion-O opened his eyes. The first person he saw was Cheetara. "Cheetara? Panthro? What-"

"So, the Lord of the Thundercats has finally awakened." Rataro said smugly.

"Rataro, you'll never get the Sword of Plundarr." Lion-O said bravely.

"Oh, I will. It rightfully belongs to the mutants."

"But you'll only use it for evil, plundering and attacking planets, trying to conquer them and adding them to your empire of evil."

"You're right, Lion-O." Rataro agreed. "But if I don't get it back, I see a worthy compromise." He said looking at the Thundercats. "Finally, the Thundercats are in the palm of my hand. All I have to do is capture Tygra and the three on 3rd Earth and I'll have a full set." He said laughed evilly.

Lion-O looked at his Claw Shield and saw that his Sword of Omens was missing. He was about to call for it when Rataro stopped him.

"I wouldn't call that sword, Lion-O. Otherwise," He snatches a laser weapon from Jackalman and aims it at Cheetara, "Cheetara will have a missing head." He laughs as he saw Lion-O concern for Cheetara flash across his face. "I know all about you two."

"If you try anything-" Lion-O warned.

"You're in no position to threaten me, Lord Lion-O."

Snarf was pacing back and forth with worry. It has been over an hour and nobody has contacted Cat's Lair. Leela came in.

"Any word, Snarf?" Leela asked worried.

"Sorry Leela-"

"Ahem." Leela interrupted.

"Snarf. Sorry Lady Leela, but Lion-O, Kit and Kat haven't called back and I can't reach the Feliner."

"Have you contacted Tygra?" Leela asked.

"I tried, but I couldn't get him. His communicator could be off, but Tygra wouldn't do that or he could be in one of those deep underground tunnels they are building in the new city which can cut off communication." Snarf explained.

"You're probably right, Snarf." I know you turned your communicator off, Tygra. Just who does he think he is. If Lion-O is hurt, I'll show Tygra who's boss. Leela thought.

Another hour passed, Monkian was falling asleep watching the Thundercats while Jackalman and Slythe were being monitored by Rataro as they look for the Sword of Plundarr.

"How are we going to get out?" Cheetara whispered.

"I'm not sure, yet, but they must realized that the Sword of Plundarr isn't here." Lion-O whispered back.

Rataro smacked Monkian on the back of his head, waking him up. "Wake up, idiot." He takes the gun away from Monkian and aimed the gun at Lion-O. "Tell me where the Sword of Plundarr is or die." Rataro threatened.

"Never." Lion-O challenged him.

Rataro cocks his gun and aims it at Lion-O. Cheetara who was calm all night was becoming angry as well as the others as they struggled to free themselves from the chains to help their leader.

"Don't do it, Rataro. I'm warning you." Cheetara warned.

"Ooh, I must stop. Otherwise Cheetara will hurt me." He said with sarcasm and prepared to fire.

Panthro looked at Cheetara and saw that she was closing her eyes and began to glow a bright yellowish color. Her hair was flowing. She opened her eyes and they weren't brown, but yellow and angry. "Leave him ALONE!" She screamed and a burst of yellow energy shot from Cheetara and hit Rataro, sending him flying to the other side of the pyramid, knocking him out. Cheetara broke through her chains and stood. She turned to the Thundercats and shined her powers on them, breaking them from their metal bonds. Slythe, Monkian, and Jackalman grabbed their weapons and fired at Cheetara. Cheetara protected the others by shooting her telekinetic powers back at the mutants.

"Sword of Omens, come to my hand." Lion-O commanded. The mighty blade, which was in the RatStar glowed and flew to its master. "Looks like you're out powered and out numbered mutants. Do you wish to continue?"

Knowing Lion-O was right, the mutants grabbed the unconscious Rataro and ran to the RatStar. The Thundercats ran after them. When they got outside the pyramid, the RatStar was taking off.

"We should go after them, Lion-O." Panthro said.

"Forget it. We'll get them next time." Lion-O said confidently and looked at Cheetara. "Where did that come from?"

"I don't know. It just came out. I seem to have a better hold of my telekinetic powers because I can control it now, I think." Cheetara said and a ball of telekinetic power formed in her hand and disintegrated.

"It looks like it took Lion-O's life to be threatened in order for it to come out." WilyKat said.

Cheetara looked up at Lion-O who was staring at her fondly. She immediately looked away. "I guess so." She replied nervously. "We better get back home. The others may get worried."

At the lair, Lion-O explained to Leela, Tygra, and Snarf what had happened in the control room. "...and that was what happened." Lion-O concluded.

Leela placed her hand in Lion-O. "I was so worried about you." She said and gave him an innocent kiss on the cheek.

Lion-O tried to break away. "It's no big deal. I'm fine."

WilyKit, who was thinking about her incident with Rataro, changed the subject. "Cheetara, I need to ask a favor of you."

"Sure, what?" She asked.

"I need you to use your psychic powers to tell me who my parents were."

Before Cheetara could answer, Panthro immediately responded. "No, she can't do that."

Part 25

Cheetara and WilyKit looked at each other confused and then at Panthro. "Why not?" The females asked.

"Be-Because they have Vasa. Why go to Cheetara where she can hurt herself using her powers when they could go talk to someone who knows?" Panthro asked.

"I don't think WilyKat and I should trust Vasa or believe anything she says about our parents." WilyKit said simply.

"Why not, sis?" asked Kat.

"Because I was told they were traitors--spies."

"By who?" Kat asked.

"Rataro." WilyKit said quietly, knowing what the reaction was going to be.

"Rataro?!" Everyone shouted confused and surprised that WilyKit would believe mutant.

Rataro was awake now in his throne room and looked very upset. His servant brought him a glass of wine as ordered. Rataro only took a sip of it before throw the wine glass to nearby wall. "D--n those, Thundercats! Especially Cheetara. Everything was perfect until she used that blinding yellow power of hers. Where did it come from anyway?" Rataro asked angrily.

"From what the mutants told me earlier, it came out because you threatened to kill Lion-O. From the description, it seems to be here telekinetic powers." Vultureman answered.

"Well, that's just great." Rataro said sarcastically. "Have you made the adjustments to the Telepathy Beam and Voice Imitator?"

"Yes, Rataro, but I don't understand why making those things again were important."

"You'll see, Vultureman. You'll see."

"Rataro?" Panthro said still not believing. "You believe Rataro, a mutant instead of Vasa, a Thunderian?" D--n. I forgot about him. Of course he would remember.

"Can't you see that Rataro was lying, Kit? When did he tell you this anyway?" Lion-O asked.

"When you and WilyKat were unconscious. I know it sounds stupid to believe Rataro, but a part of me does."

"Why?" Tygra asked.

"Because of some of the things he said." WilyKit answered and thought about her conversation with Rataro a few hours ago.

"Feisty, isn't she? She reminds me of her mother." Rataro said. (23)

"Is that what you and your brother were told about your parents?" Rataro asked laughing. "Whoever told you that, was lying. They were the finest spies a mutant could ever have. They stole weapons, secret attack plans, and murdered anybody who got in their way. They were the top spies for us mutants." (24)

"He said all that?" WilyKat asked.

"Yes." WilyKit answered and Panthro became tense.

"Now, WilyKit, I admit that we had spies on Thundera who were working for the mutants, but Rataro could be making this story up about your parents. Mutants are evil, deceitful, and can make anything sound like the truth." Cheetara told.

"I know, and that is why I need you to use your psychic power to find out the truth about them. Please tell me you'd do it."

Panthro was tensing up even more. Kit and Kat mustn't know the truth about their parents. It could be a threat to the Thundercats or more than likely me if my part in it is discovered. Rataro was right about everything, especially about Kit being like her mother. Who knows she could be just as evil. I can't let that happen. I made a promise that I wouldn't let it happen. Panthro thought more determined than ever to prevent the truth from coming out.

"All right. I'll do it." Cheetara said.

"No, you can't." Panthro interrupted.

Rataro had finished explaining his next attack plan against the Thundercats. The mutants were in agreement of this plan and had a feeling it would work. However, Slythe was doubting it a little. "Do you think this plan will work?" Slythe asked.

"I know it will. I devised it." Rataro boasted.

"You devised the last one, too." Slythe muttered under his breath.

"What was that?" Rataro asked getting angry.

"Nothing. I was thinking aloud."

"Too loud if you ask me. This plan will work and we'll attack tomorrow."

Cheetara and WilyKit looked at Panthro confused again. "Why not?" They asked again.

"Because it could be dangerous. You know how using your psychic power weakens you." Panthro said.

Leela saw how nervous Panthro was. In fact, she saw how nervous Panthro has been looking all night ever since WilyKit brought the topic up for discussion. He's hiding something. It's almost as if he knows the truth. Hmm. Panthro and I haven't gotten on easy terms. If I'm able to figure out what he's hiding, then I'll have that hothead at my mercy.

"I'll just have to take that risk, Panthro." Cheetara said and continued. "Besides, I'm doing what I always wanted with these powers, helping others." She walked to the center of the room, giving herself room. She closed her eyes, focusing on WilyKit and WilyKat's parents. She did a 360, spinning, concentrating, until she suddenly stopped. She opened her eyes again, looking like she was in a trance. "I see..two adults. They both look like WilyKit and WilyKat, but older. They appear to be very happy together and are deeply in love. I see them holding twins. Kit and Kat as babies. They were considered good people by the community."

WilyKit let out a sigh of relief.

Panthro did the same thing too. Good. Cheetara powers didn't go far.

"Wait. I'm seeing something else now. It's dark. The parents are in black clothes and are breaking in buildings, including Cat's Lair and are stealing secret files and attack plans."

"No, it can't be." WilyKit said.

"Quiet, Kit. You could harm, Cheetara." Her brother warned her.

Cheetara voice seem to weaken. " I see murders being committed by them. Anyone who got in their way was murdered."

"No, they didn't do it!" Kit screamed with tears falling.

WilyKat put his arm around his sister to calm her down. "Don't forget about, Cheetara."

Cheetara began to weaken even more but she continued to tell what she saw. "And-and..I see something else. They..they" She struggled to speak and saw an image of the twins mother shooting at Panthro but Aline jumped in front of him, taking the shot and dying in his arms. "Great Jaga!" Cheetara shouted and passed out. She was going to fall on the ground but Lion-O caught her.

Tygra checked her condition. "She's not breathing, and I am getting a weak pulse. We need to perform CPR." Tygra said.

Lion-O laid Cheetara on the floor and positioned himself at her head. Tygra wanted to be the one to give her mouth-to-mouth but he couldn't complain now. Cheetara life needed to be saved. He placed both hands on Cheetara's sternum and pressed down. "1...2...3. Okay, Lion-O."

Lion-O blew air in her mouth. Tygra counted again and Lion-O blew air in her mouth again and checked her again. "Her pulse seems stronger but she's still not breathing."

"Come on, Cheetara. You've got to pull through." Panthro said.

The twins look on with worry and hope for Cheetara to awaken.

Die, you witch. Leela thought evilly.

Lion-O blew air in her mouth again and Cheetara begin coughing. Lion-O pulled back and Cheetara opened her eyes. "Wh-What happened?" She asked weakly trying to get up.

Tygra and Lion-O both grabbed Cheetara's arm, one on each side, and helped her up. "Careful, Cheetara. Take it easy." Tygra said.

"Are you all right?" Lion-O asked concern.

Cheetara looked at Lion-O weakly. "I'm fine. I'm fine. I-" Her eyes rolled back and Cheetara passed out again. Lion-O picked her up in his strong arms, without noticing the angry look Tygra shot quickly at him, but Panthro saw it but that didn't concern him now.

"We better take Cheetara to her room." Tygra said and Lion-O nodded in agreement and carried Cheetara out.

"Vasa lied to us. Everything she said was a lie." WilyKit said quietly. "We gotta see her, Kat. Right now." Kit said angrily.

"No, Kit. Not right now. You're too angry, and if you do see her, I think you'd try to attack her instead of questioning her. It's late now. We'll go first thing in the morning." Kat said and walked with his sister out of the room, leaving Leela and Panthro alone.

"I better go see Vasa now." Panthro said and ran out quickly.

Leela looked at him curiously as he left. "Why do I get the feeling that you know more than what Cheetara saw, Panthro?"

Parts 26-28: Lion-O and Cheetara have a relaxing morning together until Leela puts a stop to it. Vasa and Panthro get closer. WilyKit and WilyKat learn another shocking secret when they visit Vasa. Tygra tricks Lion-O once again.