One true king Part 4
“One True King” Part…. 2 Written by, Tara. The lioness just crooked one of her perfectly shaped eyebrows. “The question my dear, Tara is… how are you?” “Doing a smite better, thank you.” Tara gripped the side of her chair and slowly stood, her long night dress trailing as it brushed along the floor, the dainty black decorative lace swept behind her as she walked elegantly back to bed. “You know Tara, I do think that you have a admirer…” “Oh?” Tara said playing extremely coy, as she crawled back into the soft silken covers. “Does a male cheetah ring a bell?” Tara froze and gulped. “Wh.. what?” Leanna plopped her self down on the opposite side of the queens bed, inching closer to Tara, who was now just stunned into silence. “He is truly a charmer you know that?” Tara bit her lip, feeling that same queasy feeling that she had been plagued with for the last few days rise again in the pit of her stomach. “Funny thing though dear, he assumed that I… was married to Lion-o.” Leanna lay back on the pillow, her legs bent and crossed. On the edge of the night stand was a small glass jar full of butter mint candy. Taking a few pieces in her hand, and plopping one of the delicious treats in her mouth she continued. “What I find most odd about this whole situation Lady Tara, is that. If you spent the night at his home and you obviously told him you were a Thundercat, why… would you not tell him that you were his queen?” Leanna smirked, and set one of the pale yellow mints on her tongue, waiting for some type of response. Turning now, to see the blank almost worried look across Tara’s face, only now did it hit her, that this situation went just so much more deeper then a twitterpaited male. “Tara?” Leanna shot up, taking the hybrids trembling hand. “I love him Leanna, and I’m unable to let him go.” Tara said, in a quaking voice, no louder then a whisper. Large tears cascaded down her, pale cheeks, dropping into the bedding. “Tell me.” Leanna reached for a tissue to dry Tara’s tears, as both women sat there, talking. The two suns that lit Thundera by day, was slowly drifting across the scarlet colored horizon. Darkness was again upon them, as the brilliant rays of the suns diminished just off in the distance; lighting the sky with just a pink colored hue. Until nothing was left but the night, and the starred heavens. By day, Thundera was a very warm, dry climate. But at night, without the suns heat, it would get almost bitter cold. Especially now, that the seasons had changed, and the winter solstice was now upon them. The days were shorter, and unable to melt all the ice, that coated the planet, by eve. In the mountains of the moon, there was a savage tribe of trolls, that now resided in that area. Every once and a great while they would travel out of the safety of their homes, to come reach havoc upon the new settlement of Thundera’s main city. Because of winter, their food was scarce. And tonight was just one of those nights, where attacking the city, and plundering it, sounded like a good evenings work. Other then savaging for food, and the meat from the local wildlife. Trolls, despite all the childish fairy tails about them, were not a creature to trifle with. They were bloodthirsty, and vicious. Standing only half the size of a Thunderian male, but with arms like steal vices. They were made from pure muscle and sinew that was hidden by the most repulsive covering of green brown scales. Their flesh coated with some slime gooey substance. There elongated jaw’s was much like that of a snake, unable to unhinge and devour large animals whole. There mouths off set, by four inch fanged teeth, with a powerful venom inside. One bite, could paralyze its prey for hours. it was true they were more creature then human. But they were able to make enough, speech that you could understand a few words that came out of raspy dark voices. They moved through the grass land like shadows, over taking more shadows. Detecting them was almost impossible due to their unfortunate cold blood, they would not show up on the lairs heat sensors. They had eyes, bright and large, able too see great distance in the most pitch dark of nights. They were nocturnal, and evening was their best time for hunting. Unfortunately, for the Thundercats, tonight was one of those nights. Inside the mighty fortress all seemed normal. The usual guards stood at the doors, the Lairs’ operations was manned by its night crew. As the breath of evening drew nearer so did the Trolls, sweeping into the brush like vermin, like a plague washing over the lair, they slunk towards the foundation, and began to climb up its rock face, inching into any open window, any crack or ventilation shaft. A few Thunderians noticed, a slight flicker of lights, down a dark corridor another guard heard the sound of foot rushing footsteps, but when he turned the illumination on, there was nothing but wet prints on the marble floor. Drawing out his communicator, and pressing it to his nervous lips. “Therja, I think we have trouble.” Was the only sound of alarm that was even uttered, before his throat was cut, leaving not but a trail of blood stained flooring, as one of the Troll’s drug away his lifeless prey. Leaving a confused voice murmuring on the other end of the radio that was now splattered with blood. Therja’s voice echoing into emptiness. “Give me your twenty.. what’s your location? I repeat what’s your location!” But it went unanswered. Bounding from his bed, the Captain of the Guards no longer waited for explanations. He pounded his fist into the walls, alarm system. And tugged on his black leather breaches, armed with his axe now drawn tightly in his fist he bounded from his room. Panthro, Myra, Tygra, Leanna. Az, All of them hurrying from their chambers. Not far behind, as they rushed through the halls. Every few feet they would come across something, heinous and bloody pieces of gnawed on flesh, or just mangled bits of what was once one of the guards. “What the hell happened?” Myra squealed as, some ones head rolled unexpectedly across the floor. “Stay back!” Therja slowed, pressing his finger to his lips, his axe ready for anything as he inched towards the open door way where, it had came from. Creeping on bare feet, he carefully avoided the splatter of blood, moving through the door now, he couldn’t see much. The room was pitch dark…. Flicking on and off the light switch it didn’t doo any good, seemed that the light itself had been destroyed. Lion-o had been sleeping in a spare bed chamber, down one of the other halls, close by the nursery. When the mystic sword of omens had growled, warning him of danger, great danger. After its vision faded, he not only knew what he was up against but he knew that he had to protect the children first. When the lairs alarms went off, he jumped from his warm covers, and rushed towards the children’s room, quickly setting the lockdown code, this room was designed so that it was impenetrable once the code was given, nothing but air, could get in and out. Two snarfs were on duty, watching over the cubs. Now that his mind was at ease he rushed through the usually bustling corridors and up into the central control room of the Lair. His long trail of hair sweeping at his well muscled bare back as he sped upwards. The only logical thing he could do when those doors slid aside was gasp… at least four trolls went scrambling when the light was flicked on, running and crying from the pain of the light. “GREAAAAT JAGA!” Lion-o heart sunk into the pit of his stomach when he began to understand the extent of the carnage. There was no more time to waist, no more time even to think. This situation was worse then he could have possibly even imagined. With a pained roar, he crossed the scarlet splattered room, towards the telecom. Drawing out the sword of omens, his deep voice echoed. “Thunder, Thunder, Thundercats HOOOO!” Hoping above all hope that, some one, if any one had even survived this, could come to help. Cats lair was not only under siege, it had been, destroyed from the inside out, taking so many of there loyal guards in one devastating swoop. With every boom of his great voice, the sword grew in power, length, and life. The all too familiar vision of its black and red cat shot upwards, lighting the room in a bright red glow, as it exploded completely through the top of the cats head, and towards the sky. To the normal Thunderian commoner, the sight which now illuminated the black midnight sky over Thundera, was the same sight that had occurred on a regular basis, since the planet reformed. They were now used to small emergency’s, but the Nobles, would always take care of it.. So out side in the bustling city of new Thundera, did things remain the same. A few stopped to notice, pay heed to the brilliant red cat form, others just ignored and moved on as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. However it was Taz who first saw what could only mean huge trouble as he stood again lost in thoughts out on his balcony looking towards the home that he knew held his only true love. A cold chill ran through his body, as the Lair lit up with the scarlet color light. “Shay!! Link quick!” He rushed, not even waiting he bounded into his room grabbed his staff from off the wall, and garnishing his golden and black boots with his sai’s. Shay huffed into his room, waggling a fork. “What’s the devil is wrong with you?” Her apron barely covering her pillowed chest. “Cats Lair… Something’s wrong ” He half screamed, as he brushed past her. “We are needed! Link, Blade and Sepheia gather some of the other training teams. I’m going to teleport in the lair, assess the situation and then I’ll return with information. At least then we will know what were up against, before we rush in there head long.” Blade who was now franticly tugging on his large boots nodded, as he watched Taz,’s body morph so that no longer was it in the form of a cheetah but now he was a lynx, standing there, his brown fur, fluffing around his shoulders. With one more nod, he was gone. Disappeared from the location that he once stood. Inside the lair, the chaos continued, As Therja, and the group of Thudercats slowly made there way through so much destruction, fighting on the way up towards the control room. Lion-o must be in trouble they assumed, worrying now that something horrifying would destroy their leader. They managed to take out a few trolls, that crossed their paths, but things were looking very grim. It had taken all there team work just to get this far, and most of them now were coated in crimson themselves, their weapons caked with fresh blood. It was now a matter of survival, ether the Trolls or them. Az breathless and exhausted, sent yet another powerful energy burst of light down the flickering hall. More pained screeches echoed, as the creatures dove out of the bright light, diving back into the darkness and shadows. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.” She said, her hands slightly trembling with the amount of power she had used, just to keep illumination. “Your doing great!” Myra said as she swatted, at green slime coated hands as they reached from the darkness to grab a hold of her leg, with long clawed fingers. “Wholly Hell!” How many of these creatures are here?” Leanna spun on her high black heals spicing one of her Kama’s straight through the creatures cranium. Taz, re-materialized, just inside the front door of the Lair’s main doors. His eyes wide and in complete shock with what he came face to face with. Not more then three hours ago he stood in this very doorway. Remarking at how neat, clean and well organized it was. Now, was nothing more then a war zone, a few swinging and fizzing lights were the only radiance now. But from what his eyes could relay, things were even much worse then he could possibly ever imagined. Detecting movement, he leery tightened his grip on his long ebony staff. So far the strange critters that, were huddled by the steps, gnawing on what looked like a flesh torn bone, were completely unaware of his presents. But that certainly wouldn’t last. A deathly cold chill ran down the back of his spine, something…..had happened, or was going to happen. Her face, flashed through his head, her smile, the way she tilted her head and swept back her long hair. He could almost see her, beckoning him. The male’s attention was drawn to the top of the steps, where from the earlier tour he remembered was the way to the sleeping quarters. On the right was a separate set of stares, that led towards the cats head, and the control room. That was where Lion-o’s light had ascended from, however that was not the location that was drawing him. “Tara…..” Taz mumbled softly and then vanished again from where he stood. When Taz re-materialized back in his small apartment the group had gathered a small army, waiting for him to return. Sephia was the first to step forward, his bow and arrow slung across his bulky shoulder. ‘How bad is it?” The glum expression on Taz face, gave him all the answer he needed. ‘Trolls” Sean and Sheena, two lion twins both gasped I unison. “Not them!” Taz’s eyes hit again to the floor, “Time is of the essence, Link can you transport everyone to the cats head? That’s where the cat symbol originated from, that’s likely if there was a battle it would be held. From there stay in groups comb the areas, and save who ever you can. I’m going after Tara, I feel I’m needed.” “Your needed with us too” Shay said slipping hand over the males arm. “Shay, I’ll not be far, but I know she’s in trouble.” He pealed himself quickly from her grasp, closed his eyes and again disappeared. Tara groggily sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, when a feeling of death crept over her, washing away what ever dreamscape she had just emerged from. Looking to the left, there was a cool breeze blowing in from her door, which was slightly ajar. Highly unusual.” She mused, knowing that she had shut it herself not more then a few hours ago before she slept. Nervously moving her hand to her lamp post she flicked on the switch, it replied with a frizzing sprits of energy and then went black. Tara flinched when she heard the patter of small feet scrambling just below her bed, it sounded like long fingernails sliding to a halt and then the sound of panting, not human like, more animal in nature. Tara’s eyes darted through the darkness, “My dagger?” Her first thought, then she realized that it was under the bed, in the same location that she put it every night, in its oak box. Carefully Tara crawled across the bedding, trying to be ever so quiet. But yet silently praying it was just a lost snarf.. However she highly doubted it with the Goosebumps that were now overtaking her arm. The rustling beneath her continued, as if they now heard her. She could feel the bed rails being bumped from under, at irregular intervals. Hearing now almost the sound of talking with strange clicks and noises, which she assumed was some sort of communication. Her staff, was just across the room lying on her dressing table, locked in place by her arm sheath. Running to get it was an option, but her top speed would be useless at such a short distance. Gulping Tara leaned slightly off the edge of the bed trying to peer beneath it, however she couldn’t see anything but pitch blackness. Inching back and getting ready to jump as far from the bed as possible, she stood, her small feet sinking into the comforter as it rustled beneath her weight. Glancing around the room for the last time, Tara bounded as far as she could, flipping in mid air, and landing just a few feet from the dresser. Tara rushed frantically grabbed her armlet, slipped it onto her arm, and withdrew her staff. Extending it to its full height, and spinning it dramatically. “What are you waiting for?” The hybrid questioned. They had not moved from their protective hideout. Keeping her eyes locked on her bed she slowly backed towards the hall and the door. “Nothing personal. I like extra bed partners but something tells me, you’re not the ones I truly want to play with.” “Nothinpersonl.” Rasped back one of the dark demonic voices. A small creature who had been, perched inside Tara’s windowsill and until then had gone completely unnoticed, hissed as it pounced towards her. In mid air Tara’s weapon sliced through the air, smashing into the trolls chest. He hit, whimpered, and collapsed in a pile at her feet gagging and coughing. “Shit…….” Tara mumbled, and turned to run, when she realized what deadly creatures she was now up against. Her first thought, her children. If Trolls were in the lair? “No!” Tara half screamed, as she bolted from the door. Four small creatures emerged from under the hybrids bed, clawing just at her heals chasing her on small scrambling legs. Tara quickly blurred from there reach, gaining her top speed, she lit through the halls. Faster and faster, she hurried until she skidded to turn the corner, just a few feet from the nursery door. Another shriek expelled her dry trembling lips when she toppled over, now face to face with about ten more Trolls all sniffing and clawing at the apparently sealed iron cast door. The outside was coated with dents, scratches and long trails of claw marks. They wanted in, but thankfully were not able to breach the security system. Tara quickly pealed herself from off the floor, spinning her weapon over head, as she bolted towards them, slamming, thwacking. The sound of cracking bones was the next thing that echoed through the once dreadfully quiet hall. Tara panted, leaning against the door to get some breath back in her oxygen deprived lunges. She could hear the babies, inside crying. Giving her enough relief just knowing that, the door had worked, that her precious children were ok. Sweat dripped down the side of her temple, her hair was damp now ,coated with splattered blood and perspiration. Slipping through the darkness came a few more glowing yellow eyes. They crawled on all fours, inching towards the tired hybrid with stealth like movements. Their long tongues lapping across their yellowish teeth, wanting nothing more then to taste this females flesh. One pair of claws, dug into the bottom of Tara’s long night dress, making sure that if she were to get away again, he would have a hand hold. Hearing another scream of one of the remaining guards, drew Tara’s attention to the other end of the hall. Taking one more deep breath to muster her courage, she bolted,… or tried too. You know the feeling of starting a car, putting it in drive, and then realized to late that you were anchored to something. Tara’s body was swiftly jerked back, she lost all footing, and tumbled flat on the floor her head cracking on the unforgiving marble floor. One small brownish creature pounced on Tara’s heaving chest, as she fought to stay conscious, the whole room was spinning. Another Troll latched tightly to her hair, peering down into her eyes as a long trail of saliva dangled from his ravenous jaws. Back up in the control room, Lion-o himself was also in a bit of a mess. He had been able to draw a lot of the creatures out, and destroyed them. Leaving the control room, in complete devastation. His muscles aching he leaned over his fully extended sword just long enough to get a bit of a breather. His long red mane dripping the sides of his face, as it strung in long matted twists. A zapping and popping nose emerged and a wind like storm followed, when Link and the others re-materialized inside of the great cats head. Whirling and drawing his sword once again Lion-o spun, a smile appearing on his blood smeared face. “About time I got some reinforcements.” He winked. Sean and Sheena were the first to answer as they both quickly bowed towards the lion king. “Lord Lion-o. Are you hurt?” The lovely lioness questioned as she slid her sword into the sheath at her curvatious hip. Her light brown hair bouncing as she rushed towards him. “No. I’m well, it’s the rest of the Lair I’m worrying about.” He breathed deep sweeping his long fingers though his disheveled hair, “I .. don’t know who has survived.” “Don’t worry sir.” Sean said laying a sturdy hand at the kings shoulder. “You’re not alone now.” Link, Shay and Blade, moved towards the king. Link lifted his arms towards the door, as more scratching was heard against the sealed metallic door. “I’m glad you all are at my back.” Lion-o said, again bracing his sword into a fighting stance readying his already aching muscles, for yet another battle. A long clawed hand stung into the side of Tygra’s long muscled leg, “Ahhhh!” he moaned, flicking his whip as it lapped through the air, swishing it sliced and cracked the creature full force on the cranium. The tigers weapon, with its deadly end of its three flaming balls caused the Troll to burst into flames, on impact. Its torn and shredded clothing searing as it screamed, quickly let loose of Tygra and went rolling to put its self out of pain. “Tygra!” Myra screamed sinking to her knees just below her husband, tearing off some of her leggings to stop the deep penetrating gouges that marred his orange and black fur. “I’m fine.” He said quickly tugging her back up. “Don’t drop your guard love, not even for me.” He quickly glanced about ascertaining the situation. They had made it through most of the lair, however right now they were in the great central hall, the Trolls were so thick in this area they were like vermin, and the Lair was infested. They were dangling from the chandeliers, they were swinging from the tapestries, and running up and down the steps, tossing big random chunks of meat. Lea cringed and plucked some of the shredded flesh from her hair. “Oh this just gets better and better!” she snorted readying her Kamas. Therja was all ready in battle with a hand full of the monsters he and Panthro working side by side trying to clear a path, worry deepening. It had been so long, since Lion-o had called for help and as yet they had never made it. Refusing to believe that he was less then ok, and still determinedly pressing forwards. It was still so dark in there home, that it took much to see them in the shadows. Az had battled brilliantly against the gloom, however she was trembling from exhaustion. Just deepening the sense of realization of just how many of these things truly had over taken the Thundercats home.
“One True King” Part…. 2 Written by, Tara. The lioness just crooked one of her perfectly shaped eyebrows. “The question my dear, Tara is… how are you?” “Doing a smite better, thank you.” Tara gripped the side of her chair and slowly stood, her long night dress trailing as it brushed along the floor, the dainty black decorative lace swept behind her as she walked elegantly back to bed. “You know Tara, I do think that you have a admirer…” “Oh?” Tara said playing extremely coy, as she crawled back into the soft silken covers. “Does a male cheetah ring a bell?” Tara froze and gulped. “Wh.. what?” Leanna plopped her self down on the opposite side of the queens bed, inching closer to Tara, who was now just stunned into silence. “He is truly a charmer you know that?” Tara bit her lip, feeling that same queasy feeling that she had been plagued with for the last few days rise again in the pit of her stomach. “Funny thing though dear, he assumed that I… was married to Lion-o.” Leanna lay back on the pillow, her legs bent and crossed. On the edge of the night stand was a small glass jar full of butter mint candy. Taking a few pieces in her hand, and plopping one of the delicious treats in her mouth she continued. “What I find most odd about this whole situation Lady Tara, is that. If you spent the night at his home and you obviously told him you were a Thundercat, why… would you not tell him that you were his queen?” Leanna smirked, and set one of the pale yellow mints on her tongue, waiting for some type of response. Turning now, to see the blank almost worried look across Tara’s face, only now did it hit her, that this situation went just so much more deeper then a twitterpaited male. “Tara?” Leanna shot up, taking the hybrids trembling hand. “I love him Leanna, and I’m unable to let him go.” Tara said, in a quaking voice, no louder then a whisper. Large tears cascaded down her, pale cheeks, dropping into the bedding. “Tell me.” Leanna reached for a tissue to dry Tara’s tears, as both women sat there, talking. The two suns that lit Thundera by day, was slowly drifting across the scarlet colored horizon. Darkness was again upon them, as the brilliant rays of the suns diminished just off in the distance; lighting the sky with just a pink colored hue. Until nothing was left but the night, and the starred heavens. By day, Thundera was a very warm, dry climate. But at night, without the suns heat, it would get almost bitter cold. Especially now, that the seasons had changed, and the winter solstice was now upon them. The days were shorter, and unable to melt all the ice, that coated the planet, by eve. In the mountains of the moon, there was a savage tribe of trolls, that now resided in that area. Every once and a great while they would travel out of the safety of their homes, to come reach havoc upon the new settlement of Thundera’s main city. Because of winter, their food was scarce. And tonight was just one of those nights, where attacking the city, and plundering it, sounded like a good evenings work. Other then savaging for food, and the meat from the local wildlife. Trolls, despite all the childish fairy tails about them, were not a creature to trifle with. They were bloodthirsty, and vicious. Standing only half the size of a Thunderian male, but with arms like steal vices. They were made from pure muscle and sinew that was hidden by the most repulsive covering of green brown scales. Their flesh coated with some slime gooey substance. There elongated jaw’s was much like that of a snake, unable to unhinge and devour large animals whole. There mouths off set, by four inch fanged teeth, with a powerful venom inside. One bite, could paralyze its prey for hours. it was true they were more creature then human. But they were able to make enough, speech that you could understand a few words that came out of raspy dark voices. They moved through the grass land like shadows, over taking more shadows. Detecting them was almost impossible due to their unfortunate cold blood, they would not show up on the lairs heat sensors. They had eyes, bright and large, able too see great distance in the most pitch dark of nights. They were nocturnal, and evening was their best time for hunting. Unfortunately, for the Thundercats, tonight was one of those nights. Inside the mighty fortress all seemed normal. The usual guards stood at the doors, the Lairs’ operations was manned by its night crew. As the breath of evening drew nearer so did the Trolls, sweeping into the brush like vermin, like a plague washing over the lair, they slunk towards the foundation, and began to climb up its rock face, inching into any open window, any crack or ventilation shaft. A few Thunderians noticed, a slight flicker of lights, down a dark corridor another guard heard the sound of foot rushing footsteps, but when he turned the illumination on, there was nothing but wet prints on the marble floor. Drawing out his communicator, and pressing it to his nervous lips. “Therja, I think we have trouble.” Was the only sound of alarm that was even uttered, before his throat was cut, leaving not but a trail of blood stained flooring, as one of the Troll’s drug away his lifeless prey. Leaving a confused voice murmuring on the other end of the radio that was now splattered with blood. Therja’s voice echoing into emptiness. “Give me your twenty.. what’s your location? I repeat what’s your location!” But it went unanswered. Bounding from his bed, the Captain of the Guards no longer waited for explanations. He pounded his fist into the walls, alarm system. And tugged on his black leather breaches, armed with his axe now drawn tightly in his fist he bounded from his room. Panthro, Myra, Tygra, Leanna. Az, All of them hurrying from their chambers. Not far behind, as they rushed through the halls. Every few feet they would come across something, heinous and bloody pieces of gnawed on flesh, or just mangled bits of what was once one of the guards. “What the hell happened?” Myra squealed as, some ones head rolled unexpectedly across the floor. “Stay back!” Therja slowed, pressing his finger to his lips, his axe ready for anything as he inched towards the open door way where, it had came from. Creeping on bare feet, he carefully avoided the splatter of blood, moving through the door now, he couldn’t see much. The room was pitch dark…. Flicking on and off the light switch it didn’t doo any good, seemed that the light itself had been destroyed. Lion-o had been sleeping in a spare bed chamber, down one of the other halls, close by the nursery. When the mystic sword of omens had growled, warning him of danger, great danger. After its vision faded, he not only knew what he was up against but he knew that he had to protect the children first. When the lairs alarms went off, he jumped from his warm covers, and rushed towards the children’s room, quickly setting the lockdown code, this room was designed so that it was impenetrable once the code was given, nothing but air, could get in and out. Two snarfs were on duty, watching over the cubs. Now that his mind was at ease he rushed through the usually bustling corridors and up into the central control room of the Lair. His long trail of hair sweeping at his well muscled bare back as he sped upwards. The only logical thing he could do when those doors slid aside was gasp… at least four trolls went scrambling when the light was flicked on, running and crying from the pain of the light. “GREAAAAT JAGA!” Lion-o heart sunk into the pit of his stomach when he began to understand the extent of the carnage. There was no more time to waist, no more time even to think. This situation was worse then he could have possibly even imagined. With a pained roar, he crossed the scarlet splattered room, towards the telecom. Drawing out the sword of omens, his deep voice echoed. “Thunder, Thunder, Thundercats HOOOO!” Hoping above all hope that, some one, if any one had even survived this, could come to help. Cats lair was not only under siege, it had been, destroyed from the inside out, taking so many of there loyal guards in one devastating swoop. With every boom of his great voice, the sword grew in power, length, and life. The all too familiar vision of its black and red cat shot upwards, lighting the room in a bright red glow, as it exploded completely through the top of the cats head, and towards the sky. To the normal Thunderian commoner, the sight which now illuminated the black midnight sky over Thundera, was the same sight that had occurred on a regular basis, since the planet reformed. They were now used to small emergency’s, but the Nobles, would always take care of it.. So out side in the bustling city of new Thundera, did things remain the same. A few stopped to notice, pay heed to the brilliant red cat form, others just ignored and moved on as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. However it was Taz who first saw what could only mean huge trouble as he stood again lost in thoughts out on his balcony looking towards the home that he knew held his only true love. A cold chill ran through his body, as the Lair lit up with the scarlet color light. “Shay!! Link quick!” He rushed, not even waiting he bounded into his room grabbed his staff from off the wall, and garnishing his golden and black boots with his sai’s. Shay huffed into his room, waggling a fork. “What’s the devil is wrong with you?” Her apron barely covering her pillowed chest. “Cats Lair… Something’s wrong ” He half screamed, as he brushed past her. “We are needed! Link, Blade and Sepheia gather some of the other training teams. I’m going to teleport in the lair, assess the situation and then I’ll return with information. At least then we will know what were up against, before we rush in there head long.” Blade who was now franticly tugging on his large boots nodded, as he watched Taz,’s body morph so that no longer was it in the form of a cheetah but now he was a lynx, standing there, his brown fur, fluffing around his shoulders. With one more nod, he was gone. Disappeared from the location that he once stood. Inside the lair, the chaos continued, As Therja, and the group of Thudercats slowly made there way through so much destruction, fighting on the way up towards the control room. Lion-o must be in trouble they assumed, worrying now that something horrifying would destroy their leader. They managed to take out a few trolls, that crossed their paths, but things were looking very grim. It had taken all there team work just to get this far, and most of them now were coated in crimson themselves, their weapons caked with fresh blood. It was now a matter of survival, ether the Trolls or them. Az breathless and exhausted, sent yet another powerful energy burst of light down the flickering hall. More pained screeches echoed, as the creatures dove out of the bright light, diving back into the darkness and shadows. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.” She said, her hands slightly trembling with the amount of power she had used, just to keep illumination. “Your doing great!” Myra said as she swatted, at green slime coated hands as they reached from the darkness to grab a hold of her leg, with long clawed fingers. “Wholly Hell!” How many of these creatures are here?” Leanna spun on her high black heals spicing one of her Kama’s straight through the creatures cranium. Taz, re-materialized, just inside the front door of the Lair’s main doors. His eyes wide and in complete shock with what he came face to face with. Not more then three hours ago he stood in this very doorway. Remarking at how neat, clean and well organized it was. Now, was nothing more then a war zone, a few swinging and fizzing lights were the only radiance now. But from what his eyes could relay, things were even much worse then he could possibly ever imagined. Detecting movement, he leery tightened his grip on his long ebony staff. So far the strange critters that, were huddled by the steps, gnawing on what looked like a flesh torn bone, were completely unaware of his presents. But that certainly wouldn’t last. A deathly cold chill ran down the back of his spine, something…..had happened, or was going to happen. Her face, flashed through his head, her smile, the way she tilted her head and swept back her long hair. He could almost see her, beckoning him. The male’s attention was drawn to the top of the steps, where from the earlier tour he remembered was the way to the sleeping quarters. On the right was a separate set of stares, that led towards the cats head, and the control room. That was where Lion-o’s light had ascended from, however that was not the location that was drawing him. “Tara…..” Taz mumbled softly and then vanished again from where he stood. When Taz re-materialized back in his small apartment the group had gathered a small army, waiting for him to return. Sephia was the first to step forward, his bow and arrow slung across his bulky shoulder. ‘How bad is it?” The glum expression on Taz face, gave him all the answer he needed. ‘Trolls” Sean and Sheena, two lion twins both gasped I unison. “Not them!” Taz’s eyes hit again to the floor, “Time is of the essence, Link can you transport everyone to the cats head? That’s where the cat symbol originated from, that’s likely if there was a battle it would be held. From there stay in groups comb the areas, and save who ever you can. I’m going after Tara, I feel I’m needed.” “Your needed with us too” Shay said slipping hand over the males arm. “Shay, I’ll not be far, but I know she’s in trouble.” He pealed himself quickly from her grasp, closed his eyes and again disappeared. Tara groggily sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, when a feeling of death crept over her, washing away what ever dreamscape she had just emerged from. Looking to the left, there was a cool breeze blowing in from her door, which was slightly ajar. Highly unusual.” She mused, knowing that she had shut it herself not more then a few hours ago before she slept. Nervously moving her hand to her lamp post she flicked on the switch, it replied with a frizzing sprits of energy and then went black. Tara flinched when she heard the patter of small feet scrambling just below her bed, it sounded like long fingernails sliding to a halt and then the sound of panting, not human like, more animal in nature. Tara’s eyes darted through the darkness, “My dagger?” Her first thought, then she realized that it was under the bed, in the same location that she put it every night, in its oak box. Carefully Tara crawled across the bedding, trying to be ever so quiet. But yet silently praying it was just a lost snarf.. However she highly doubted it with the Goosebumps that were now overtaking her arm. The rustling beneath her continued, as if they now heard her. She could feel the bed rails being bumped from under, at irregular intervals. Hearing now almost the sound of talking with strange clicks and noises, which she assumed was some sort of communication. Her staff, was just across the room lying on her dressing table, locked in place by her arm sheath. Running to get it was an option, but her top speed would be useless at such a short distance. Gulping Tara leaned slightly off the edge of the bed trying to peer beneath it, however she couldn’t see anything but pitch blackness. Inching back and getting ready to jump as far from the bed as possible, she stood, her small feet sinking into the comforter as it rustled beneath her weight. Glancing around the room for the last time, Tara bounded as far as she could, flipping in mid air, and landing just a few feet from the dresser. Tara rushed frantically grabbed her armlet, slipped it onto her arm, and withdrew her staff. Extending it to its full height, and spinning it dramatically. “What are you waiting for?” The hybrid questioned. They had not moved from their protective hideout. Keeping her eyes locked on her bed she slowly backed towards the hall and the door. “Nothing personal. I like extra bed partners but something tells me, you’re not the ones I truly want to play with.” “Nothinpersonl.” Rasped back one of the dark demonic voices. A small creature who had been, perched inside Tara’s windowsill and until then had gone completely unnoticed, hissed as it pounced towards her. In mid air Tara’s weapon sliced through the air, smashing into the trolls chest. He hit, whimpered, and collapsed in a pile at her feet gagging and coughing. “Shit…….” Tara mumbled, and turned to run, when she realized what deadly creatures she was now up against. Her first thought, her children. If Trolls were in the lair? “No!” Tara half screamed, as she bolted from the door. Four small creatures emerged from under the hybrids bed, clawing just at her heals chasing her on small scrambling legs. Tara quickly blurred from there reach, gaining her top speed, she lit through the halls. Faster and faster, she hurried until she skidded to turn the corner, just a few feet from the nursery door. Another shriek expelled her dry trembling lips when she toppled over, now face to face with about ten more Trolls all sniffing and clawing at the apparently sealed iron cast door. The outside was coated with dents, scratches and long trails of claw marks. They wanted in, but thankfully were not able to breach the security system. Tara quickly pealed herself from off the floor, spinning her weapon over head, as she bolted towards them, slamming, thwacking. The sound of cracking bones was the next thing that echoed through the once dreadfully quiet hall. Tara panted, leaning against the door to get some breath back in her oxygen deprived lunges. She could hear the babies, inside crying. Giving her enough relief just knowing that, the door had worked, that her precious children were ok. Sweat dripped down the side of her temple, her hair was damp now ,coated with splattered blood and perspiration. Slipping through the darkness came a few more glowing yellow eyes. They crawled on all fours, inching towards the tired hybrid with stealth like movements. Their long tongues lapping across their yellowish teeth, wanting nothing more then to taste this females flesh. One pair of claws, dug into the bottom of Tara’s long night dress, making sure that if she were to get away again, he would have a hand hold. Hearing another scream of one of the remaining guards, drew Tara’s attention to the other end of the hall. Taking one more deep breath to muster her courage, she bolted,… or tried too. You know the feeling of starting a car, putting it in drive, and then realized to late that you were anchored to something. Tara’s body was swiftly jerked back, she lost all footing, and tumbled flat on the floor her head cracking on the unforgiving marble floor. One small brownish creature pounced on Tara’s heaving chest, as she fought to stay conscious, the whole room was spinning. Another Troll latched tightly to her hair, peering down into her eyes as a long trail of saliva dangled from his ravenous jaws. Back up in the control room, Lion-o himself was also in a bit of a mess. He had been able to draw a lot of the creatures out, and destroyed them. Leaving the control room, in complete devastation. His muscles aching he leaned over his fully extended sword just long enough to get a bit of a breather. His long red mane dripping the sides of his face, as it strung in long matted twists. A zapping and popping nose emerged and a wind like storm followed, when Link and the others re-materialized inside of the great cats head. Whirling and drawing his sword once again Lion-o spun, a smile appearing on his blood smeared face. “About time I got some reinforcements.” He winked. Sean and Sheena were the first to answer as they both quickly bowed towards the lion king. “Lord Lion-o. Are you hurt?” The lovely lioness questioned as she slid her sword into the sheath at her curvatious hip. Her light brown hair bouncing as she rushed towards him. “No. I’m well, it’s the rest of the Lair I’m worrying about.” He breathed deep sweeping his long fingers though his disheveled hair, “I .. don’t know who has survived.” “Don’t worry sir.” Sean said laying a sturdy hand at the kings shoulder. “You’re not alone now.” Link, Shay and Blade, moved towards the king. Link lifted his arms towards the door, as more scratching was heard against the sealed metallic door. “I’m glad you all are at my back.” Lion-o said, again bracing his sword into a fighting stance readying his already aching muscles, for yet another battle. A long clawed hand stung into the side of Tygra’s long muscled leg, “Ahhhh!” he moaned, flicking his whip as it lapped through the air, swishing it sliced and cracked the creature full force on the cranium. The tigers weapon, with its deadly end of its three flaming balls caused the Troll to burst into flames, on impact. Its torn and shredded clothing searing as it screamed, quickly let loose of Tygra and went rolling to put its self out of pain. “Tygra!” Myra screamed sinking to her knees just below her husband, tearing off some of her leggings to stop the deep penetrating gouges that marred his orange and black fur. “I’m fine.” He said quickly tugging her back up. “Don’t drop your guard love, not even for me.” He quickly glanced about ascertaining the situation. They had made it through most of the lair, however right now they were in the great central hall, the Trolls were so thick in this area they were like vermin, and the Lair was infested. They were dangling from the chandeliers, they were swinging from the tapestries, and running up and down the steps, tossing big random chunks of meat. Lea cringed and plucked some of the shredded flesh from her hair. “Oh this just gets better and better!” she snorted readying her Kamas. Therja was all ready in battle with a hand full of the monsters he and Panthro working side by side trying to clear a path, worry deepening. It had been so long, since Lion-o had called for help and as yet they had never made it. Refusing to believe that he was less then ok, and still determinedly pressing forwards. It was still so dark in there home, that it took much to see them in the shadows. Az had battled brilliantly against the gloom, however she was trembling from exhaustion. Just deepening the sense of realization of just how many of these things truly had over taken the Thundercats home.