Souls unite chapter 5 pg 16 ml. v
Souls unite Chapter 5 By Leanna. It was after midnight, all the Thundercats were asleep, resting up for the big hunt in the morning. With out having Leanna to help find them, they knew it would take at least all day and most of the remaining daylight hours to find the rest of the cats. Lion-O planned to split up into small groups that way they could cover more ground. Luckily the lioness had told Cheetara and Myra where they would most likely be found. Panthro volunteered to take over the night shift since he knew he wasn’t going to sleep anyway. He was sitting watching the monitors and scanning the area keeping himself busy when the doors behind him opened, he turned to see who had entered, “thought you were sleeping,” he said as Cheetara walked over and sat in the chair beside him. “I did for a bit,” she shrugged, “so …how are you holding up,” she asked noticing one of the monitors was fixed on the stasis chamber. “I’m fine,” Panthro said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “Riiight,” the cheetah smirked,” you forget my dear friend I know you too well”. Panthro let out a sigh, “the last time I spoke to her we had a slight argument”. “And you’re feeling guilty,” Cheetara nodded. “Why does she have to be so damn stubborn,” Panthro stated, “it should be me laying in there not her”. “Panthro….don’t go blaming yourself…..you know what your problem is….your letting your ego get in the way,” Cheetara nodded. Panthro just looked at her and scowled. “You can’t be in fifty places at once…you can’t always be there to protect her, Leanna is quite capable of taking care of herself,” Cheetara said. “That’s exactly what she said,” Panthro sighed. “Then stop blaming yourself…..she knows your there when she needs you,” Cheetara said putting her hand on his shoulder, “that woman put herself in the line of fire to save you…just like you done when you jumped off that cliff to save her and I have the feeling it won’t be the last time the two of you pull crazy stunts like that,” Cheetara smiled, “heck Lion-O would do the same thing if it was me….. Thunderian men are insane when it comes to the women they love,” she winked. A smirk crossed Panthro’s face, “you got a point there”. “Of course I do,” Cheetara smiled, “don’t worry….I know we got one heck of a mess to straighten out…but we will straighten it out, and Leanna will be ok and you’ll be back to your cranky ol self”. “Hey now…don’t push your luck spots,” Panthro frowned. “Aww come on…we wouldn’t want you any other way,” the Cheetah winked, “I’m going to go and get a cup of Snarf’s tea…want one”. “Sure,” Panthro nodded. Once she left Panthro smiled as his mind wander back to a more pleasant time. ************************* It was a beautiful afternoon it was early summer a few weeks after Lion-O’s birthday, many of the trees where already blooming, the berbil fruit fields were alive with fresh fruit just days away from ripening enough to be picked. The ThunderCats were enjoying the peace that had settled over the past few weeks, there had not been any reports of trouble for over two weeks, which was odd, but a welcomed break. Leanna sat on the front paw of the Thundertank watching the panther as he gave the tank its weekly tune up “I think I might go for a swim,” The lioness said from her perch, “want to join me”. “As tempting as that sounds, I really want to get this done while I can,” Panthro said giving her a sideways glance. “Your loss,” the lioness shrugged as she hopped down, “you, me, waterfall,” She smirked at him. The panther peaked out from under the engine hood and stood, “Leanna you’re making me feel guilty”. “Me…. never,” She smiled wrapping her arms around his neck,” Why don’t you join me when you get done,” She winked. “Maybe you should wait until I’m done, it’s not safe going off on your own, I won’t be that long,” Panthro said wrapping his large arms around her waist. “Not this again,” She said rolling her eyes. “What…I don’t want you out there on your own,” He said innocently. “No. You’re being too over protective again,” Leanna sighed resting her forehead against his chest. “I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself you know”. “I know you can, it’s just, well I don’t want to take any chances,” Panthro said quietly. Leanna looked up at him and pouted, “Woman, don’t give me that look,” The panther said shaking his head. “Would it make you feel better if I took someone with me,” The lioness said giving him an innocent look. “No not really,” The panther shrugged. “Well I’m going anyway,” Leanna smirked tapping the tip of his nose with her finger. “Stubborn woman,” the panther grumbled. “Yes I am, and your point is,” Leanna said as she let go of his neck, “I’ll be fine, you worry too much” “Yes I do and your point is,” the panther smirked. “What am I ever going to do with you,” Leanna chuckled, “On second thought…. Don’t answer that” “Okay go. But be careful,” the panther said giving her a playful swat on the butt. “As a cat,” She winked as she left the hanger. The lioness quickly ran up to her room and changed into a two-piece swimsuit, the last thing she needed was to be caught swimming in the nude by the locals. She put her clothes on over the swimsuit and headed to her favorite swimming spot, which was only a mile from the lair in the unicorn forest. Leanna could hear the roar of the small waterfall as she got closer, the waterfall was only around twenty feet up, just high enough to make a good diving platform and the lagoon it emptied into was a light shade of green. When the waterfall came into view two unicorns where drinking at the waters edge, a mare and her young foal. The female unicorn lifted her head and snorted softly in greeting at the she-cat. The lioness quickly climbed up to the top of the waterfall and removed her Kama’s and outer clothing, setting them beside her weapons. She stepped to the edge and dove into the water, which was warmed by the afternoon sun. Unknown to her she had been watched from the moment she stepped into the forest by two mutants. “That’s one of the new thunderians that arrived awhile back,” Jackleman whispered as he watched the lioness. “We can take her, she’s alone and weaponless,” Monkian said pointing to the top of the small cliff where she had placed her clothes and weapon. The two mutants watched as the lioness swam around the lagoon for a few laps then stop. Leanna had the strangest feeling of being watched, she stopped and treaded water as she looked around, her eyes scanned around the edge of the bushes, she never seen anything so she resumed her swim. “What are you two gawking at,” Slithe hissed as he spotted the other two mutants. Monkian turned and put his fingers to his lips,” We found our selves a Thundercat,” he whispered pointing to Leanna. “And she’s alone and unarmed,” Jackleman sneered. A devious smile curled on the reptilians lips, “What are you waiting for mutants, go and get that she cat, if she fights too much drown her yessss,” He hissed. The two mutants nodded and edged closer to the lagoon. Leanna dove under the water and swam around for a moment before she made her way to the surface. The second her head broke the surface a hand had seized her by her long mane, pulling her out of the water and onto the bank of the lagoon. “Let me go or by Jaga you’ll be sorry” Leanna growled and struggled with the two mutants as they grabbed her arms and legs. “Brave for someone one who is alone and unarmed,” Jackleman smirked grabbing her jaw hard, “Maybe we should just drown her”. “It seems such a waste, she would make a good slave and a pretty one too,” Monkin said in her ear. Leanna cringed as she felt his breath in her ear, “Let go of me banana brain,” The lioness hissed. “I suppose she would have her uses,” Jackleman smirked as his eyes roamed over her wet body. “Touch me and it will be the last thing you ever do fleabag,” Leanna growled ferociously. “I think we’ve just have been insulted,” Monkin hooted. Jackleman looked at the lioness as a deep rumbling sound started to form in her throat, “What is she doing,” he asked as Leanna made a few short high pitched chirping sounds. “Shut her up, it’s a type of distress call,” Slithe yelled as he came out from his hiding place. “A distress call… To who,” Monkian asked confused. “You don’t know much about she cats do you,” Slithe hissed clamping his hand over the lioness’s mouth. The panther was just finishing up with the tank when a strange sensation surged through his body, it felt as if he had gotten a mild electric shock, then a sound caught his ear; he cocked his head towards the sound. His eyes widened, he knew exactly what that sound was, he dropped the wrench he had in his hand bolted out of the hanger as fast as his legs could carry him. “She’s probably calling to that whelp Lion-O,” Slithe hissed as they started to drag Leanna off. “Even better, we can get the sword in exchange for her,” Monkian said. “That cub is too noble to do anything, he won’t fight us, he’ll give up easily,” Jackleman agreed. “Here he comes,” Slithe smirked as they heard someone rushing through the bush, Jackleman and Monkian readied themselves as Slithe grabbed the Lioness. “Let me go and you won’t get hurt,” Leanna warned. “Lion-O won’t do anything as long as we have you,” Slithe said. “Maybe not, but he will,” Leanna said as a very enraged Panthro leapt out from behind a tree. “Get your slimy hands off her…now,” The panther snarled as he withdrew his nun-chucks. Monkian and Jackleman looked at each other, they weren’t expecting Panthro. “Not one more step ThunderCat,” Slithe warned holding his axe against the Lioness throat, figuring the panther would back down. Panthro looked at the reptile, bared his teeth, and growled fiercely, his muscles twitching, ready to attack. Monkian and Jackleman started to back away from the infuriated panther, they wanted no part of it, if Slithe wanted to take on the Thundercat he was more then welcomed. “Last warning Mutant…Let her go or by Jaga you’ll find out why I’m known as the deadly one,” Panthro snarled moving towards him. Slithe eyed the big cat curiously; he had faced the panther before in battle, but he never seen the ThunderCat this agitated and then he realized why, it was the Lioness. She wasn’t calling to the cub; she was calling to her mate. Leanna whimpered as the axe blade bit into her tender skin, causing a small drop of blood to form and run down the blade. Panthro narrowed his eyes and growled, he began to swing the nun-chucks. Leanna knew what he was going to do and readied herself, waiting for a signal from the panther. As soon as he was ready the panther glanced at the lioness and nodded slightly, Leanna squeezed her eyes shut and held her breath as a cloud of gas came streaming out of the Panthro’s nun-chucks, the gas enveloped the two, Slithe yelled as the gas stung his eyes and lungs, he quickly let go of the lioness. Leanna dropped to the ground on her hands and knees and started crawling to get out of Panthro’s way. The gas stung her eyes a bit making her vision blurry and some got into her lungs making her cough, she knew she had to get to the lagoon to wash it out of her eyes. “Ugh, my eyes,” Slithe screamed trying to see. “Be thankful it’s only your eyes,” Panthro snarled grabbing the reptilian,” If you ever touch her again I will break every bone in your body,” The Panther roared and drew back his fist, punching Slithe hard in the face laying the big reptile flat. “That goes for you too,” Panthro growled turning to the two remaining mutants, “Now get out of here”. They didn’t need to be told twice, the two mutants grabbed Slithe, dragging him off as fast as they could. Leanna almost made it to the lagoon when she felt someone grab her around the waist and lift her to her feet, she snarled and lashed out with her claws. “Whoa. Easy now, its just me,” Panthro said capturing her wrist. “Panthro,” Leanna said relieved. “You okay,” He asked looking her over for any injuries. “I’m okay,” She said coughing a few times, “My vision is just a bit blurred”. “Here,” He said leading her over to the bank and sitting her down, “Lean your head back”. Leanna leaned her head back as the panther scooped up a handful of lagoon water and gently cleansed her eyes. “Better,” He asked stroking her damp mane. Leanna sat up and blinked a few times, “Yes, much better,” She smiled, “ Do you always get that angry when you face the mutants”. “Well this was different,” Panthro said. “Ahh, I see,” Leanna smirked, “So are you going to say, I told you so,” she asked getting to her feet. “No,” The panther said shaking his head. “Well since your here, you going to go for a swim with me,” she asked. “I think we should head back,” Panthro said standing. Leanna’s eyes lit with mischief as the panther stood near the edge of the lagoon. “Are you sure..Really sure you won’t change your mind,” Leanna asked as she moved in front of him. “Yes, I’m sure. Now lets head back,” Panthro said looking at her. Leanna shrugged and turned her body a fraction of an inch and shoved the panther hard, knocking him backwards into the lagoon. When Panthro surfaced he looked at her, “I’ll get you for that,” He growled as he started to make his way out of the water. “You got to catch me first,” Leanna chuckled and bolted for the woods. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,” the lioness taunted as the panther got out of the water and took chase. “I’ll show you kitty, when I get a hold of you woman,” Panthro called as he chased her. Leanna knew she had to double back some how to retrieve her clothes and weapon without being caught by that panther. She knew her best bet was to go through the trees; she leapt up into a nearby tree and started to make her way back to the lagoon. She stopped and looked around. There was no sign of the panther anywhere, then she spotted him running her way, she froze as he stopped under the tree she was hiding in. Panthro stopped and looked around for the Lioness, he knew she was good at hiding. However, he also knew she would try to go back for her weapon and clothes too. A playful grin crossed his face; he hadn’t gone on a good hunt for a while, she wanted to play a little game he would too. He caught her scent as the breeze picked up. He knew exactly where she was, “let the game begin,” He though to himself as he walked off. Leanna couldn’t believe her eyes when she seen him walk off, she arched a brow there was no way he’d gave up that easily. She waited until he was out of sight before she started moving again. As she made it back to the clearing and jumped down out of the tree. She looked around, no panther; she slowly made her way towards the cliff. Just as she was about to pass a hedge a large arm shot out between the bushes and snaked around her waist pulling her in. The lioness found herself looking up at the panther who had a smug look on his face, “Got ya,” He smirked. Leanna’s eyes widened she knew she was in trouble, “Yeah you got me. The question is. What are you going to do with me now,” She smirked,” Cause after all you’re a big ol panther and I’m just a little innocent lioness”. Panthro looked at her, “Have you ever been innocent,” He chuckled. “I was once. Until I met you, then well, you know what happen to that,” She smirked. “Yeah, you snagged me on your dress on purpose,” Panthro chuckled. “Hey, that was not planned…you could have always said no,” Leanna shrugged. “Humm, well it seems the word no isn’t in my vocabulary when it comes to you,” The panther smirked. “I guess not,” Leanna said as ran her hand down the back of his neck; he smiled as she pulled him closer and brushed her soft lips against his. The sound of someone coughing got their attention. The pair looked up to see Lion-O standing there. “Oh…umm, hi,” Leanna giggled, “Umm, he thought I was drowning and was giving me mouth to mouth” “Yeah sure he was, considering the lagoon is over a hundred feet away,” The lion laughed, “What he do, drag you all the way over here into the bushes just for that”. “Umm, yep,” Leanna said trying to look innocent which wasn’t easy considering the string to her swimsuit top was untied. If the lion had of showed up a few minutes later he would have seen a lot more then that. “What are you doing here,” The lioness asked. “Well the sword warned me you where in danger,” Lion-O shrugged. “Well, You can go away now,” The panther sighed looking at the lion,” We’re just fine” “Yeah..I..Ah, can see that,” Lion-O snickered, “So now I know where you got all those scratches from…working on the tank..Yeah right,” Lion-O snorted. “I guess the gig is up,” Leanna said looking at Panthro, “We got busted”. “Oh yeah you two are sooo busted. I knew something was going on,” Lion-O winked, “that panther roaming the halls in the middle of the night…security checks…. Yeah we know now what he was checking”. Leanna rolled her eyes and tied her swim suit top back up, “Well I guess we better get home,” She said as the panther grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. She stuck out her tongue at the lion as she headed up to the cliff to retrieve her clothes and weapons. ************************ “Well someone’s in a better mood,” Cheetara said walking in seeing a smile on Panthro’s face. “Oh..I was just thinking about something,” he said as the cheetah passed over a cup of Snarf’s famous Thunderian tea. “Something…or someone,” Cheetara smiled then looked at the monitor that was watching the stasis chamber, “come on..Let’s go say hi hmm”. Panthro nodded and stood, the pair walked down to the med bay, where Pumyra was still on duty. “Why don’t you go get some rest Pumyra,” Cheetara said, “we’ll stay and keep an eye on her until Tygra comes in”. “Ok,” Pumyra nodded, “Call if you need me”. When Cheetara turned around Panthro was already standing beside the stasis chamber that held his wife. “She’s looking better,” cheetara said noticing the color had returned to the lioness’s cheeks, “That’s a good sign”. ”I noticed that an hour ago,” Panthro said, as soon as he spoke the lioness’s heart rate increased. “I think she knows your here,” Cheetara smiled and nodded towards the monitors. “I think she does too,” Panthro said feeling a familiar warm glow of their bond deep in the back of his mind. “Don’t worry Lea, you’ll be out of there soon,” Cheetara said. “Something’s wrong Cheetara,” Panthro said, “Lower the stasis field,” he nodded. “I can’t,” Cheetara answered, “She’s only been in there for 8 hours”. “Lower the damn field,” he barked noticing the lioness’s breathing and heart rate increasing. The lioness wasn’t trying to break free she was in a deep sleep; in her dream state she had a visitor with her, a woman with the head of a lioness and the body of a woman. “I sensed your power,” basset said. “What kind of creature are you”. “I am a thunderian,” Leanna answered, “Who are you”. “I am Basset cat goddess and you have destroyed my children,” the woman hissed. “What….what are you talking about,” Leanna asked confused, “what children”. “My beloved cats… You and your kind have destroyed them,” Basset growled, “so I have freed them so they can roam this earth once more”. “you…you did this to us,” Leanna said surprised,” but we are not from here, we are from a planet along way from here,” Leanna tried to explain. “Liar,” Basset growled,” Mumm-ra told me of what you have done”. “Mumm-ra…..he has lied to you,” Leanna said, “he is our enemy…he would do anything to destroy us...we are this planets protectors from his evilness…believe me Goddess. We would never destroy your cats…we protect them as we do all the creatures on this planet”. Basset looked at the lioness confused, “no you are lying,” she said stubbornly. “She speaks the truth,” Another female voice said, “Look into her heart”. “You will not interfere Isis,” Basset growled in warning. “You know we cannot interfere with the innocent and this woman and her companions have done nothing wrong,” the voice said. Leanna looked up as a soft glowing ball of light appeared; the light gave off a warm glow as it got closer, the ball of light formed into a woman with soft white wings, “don’t worry child, we will work this out, basset can be quite stubborn,” Isis smiled. “who…who are you,” Leanna asked. “I am the goddess Isis…mother of life, magic, fertility, nature, motherhood, “the woman smiled sweetly, “and dear Basset is the protector of cats, women and children and represents war and strength when in her full cat form….much like you lioness,” Isis smiled walking around Leanna eyeing her up, “you two are a lot a like, both fiercely protective”. “In fact my dear basset…you could say that they are the living, breathing, walking embodiment of you, protectors and warriors,” Isis continued, “something you should take pride in”. The Cat goddess just crossed her arms over her well ample breasts, “basset,” Isis said in a low caring voice “you know we said we would not interfere in the lives of mortals unless they beseeched our help…and besides. Since when do you listen to the likes of Mumm-ra,” she scowled. “Mumm-ra should know better then to try and invoke your wrath”. “I though old bone bags feared no one,” Leanna snorted. “Ah my dear….the undead do so very much fear Basset and for good reason too….in our culture cat’s are guardians of the dead,” Isis smiled,” perhaps that’s why Mumm-ra hates you so much”. “Oh …really now,” the lioness smirked, “that would explain a lot,” she nodded then suddenly her hand flew to her head, “Panthro……..he’s worried ….he thinks something is terribly wrong…he’s trying to wake me,” she said looking down at her wounds which started to bleed, “no Pan….Please…I’m ok,” she pleaded to her mate through their bond. The two goddess’s looked at each other, “he doesn’t realize he’s killing her,” Isis said as the lioness collapsed. To be continued. *thanks goes out to Myra who helped me get unstuck*
Souls unite Chapter 5 By Leanna. It was after midnight, all the Thundercats were asleep, resting up for the big hunt in the morning. With out having Leanna to help find them, they knew it would take at least all day and most of the remaining daylight hours to find the rest of the cats. Lion-O planned to split up into small groups that way they could cover more ground. Luckily the lioness had told Cheetara and Myra where they would most likely be found. Panthro volunteered to take over the night shift since he knew he wasn’t going to sleep anyway. He was sitting watching the monitors and scanning the area keeping himself busy when the doors behind him opened, he turned to see who had entered, “thought you were sleeping,” he said as Cheetara walked over and sat in the chair beside him. “I did for a bit,” she shrugged, “so …how are you holding up,” she asked noticing one of the monitors was fixed on the stasis chamber. “I’m fine,” Panthro said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. “Riiight,” the cheetah smirked,” you forget my dear friend I know you too well”. Panthro let out a sigh, “the last time I spoke to her we had a slight argument”. “And you’re feeling guilty,” Cheetara nodded. “Why does she have to be so damn stubborn,” Panthro stated, “it should be me laying in there not her”. “Panthro….don’t go blaming yourself…..you know what your problem is….your letting your ego get in the way,” Cheetara nodded. Panthro just looked at her and scowled. “You can’t be in fifty places at once…you can’t always be there to protect her, Leanna is quite capable of taking care of herself,” Cheetara said. “That’s exactly what she said,” Panthro sighed. “Then stop blaming yourself…..she knows your there when she needs you,” Cheetara said putting her hand on his shoulder, “that woman put herself in the line of fire to save you…just like you done when you jumped off that cliff to save her and I have the feeling it won’t be the last time the two of you pull crazy stunts like that,” Cheetara smiled, “heck Lion-O would do the same thing if it was me….. Thunderian men are insane when it comes to the women they love,” she winked. A smirk crossed Panthro’s face, “you got a point there”. “Of course I do,” Cheetara smiled, “don’t worry….I know we got one heck of a mess to straighten out…but we will straighten it out, and Leanna will be ok and you’ll be back to your cranky ol self”. “Hey now…don’t push your luck spots,” Panthro frowned. “Aww come on…we wouldn’t want you any other way,” the Cheetah winked, “I’m going to go and get a cup of Snarf’s tea…want one”. “Sure,” Panthro nodded. Once she left Panthro smiled as his mind wander back to a more pleasant time. ************************* It was a beautiful afternoon it was early summer a few weeks after Lion-O’s birthday, many of the trees where already blooming, the berbil fruit fields were alive with fresh fruit just days away from ripening enough to be picked. The ThunderCats were enjoying the peace that had settled over the past few weeks, there had not been any reports of trouble for over two weeks, which was odd, but a welcomed break. Leanna sat on the front paw of the Thundertank watching the panther as he gave the tank its weekly tune up “I think I might go for a swim,” The lioness said from her perch, “want to join me”. “As tempting as that sounds, I really want to get this done while I can,” Panthro said giving her a sideways glance. “Your loss,” the lioness shrugged as she hopped down, “you, me, waterfall,” She smirked at him. The panther peaked out from under the engine hood and stood, “Leanna you’re making me feel guilty”. “Me…. never,” She smiled wrapping her arms around his neck,” Why don’t you join me when you get done,” She winked. “Maybe you should wait until I’m done, it’s not safe going off on your own, I won’t be that long,” Panthro said wrapping his large arms around her waist. “Not this again,” She said rolling her eyes. “What…I don’t want you out there on your own,” He said innocently. “No. You’re being too over protective again,” Leanna sighed resting her forehead against his chest. “I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself you know”. “I know you can, it’s just, well I don’t want to take any chances,” Panthro said quietly. Leanna looked up at him and pouted, “Woman, don’t give me that look,” The panther said shaking his head. “Would it make you feel better if I took someone with me,” The lioness said giving him an innocent look. “No not really,” The panther shrugged. “Well I’m going anyway,” Leanna smirked tapping the tip of his nose with her finger. “Stubborn woman,” the panther grumbled. “Yes I am, and your point is,” Leanna said as she let go of his neck, “I’ll be fine, you worry too much” “Yes I do and your point is,” the panther smirked. “What am I ever going to do with you,” Leanna chuckled, “On second thought…. Don’t answer that” “Okay go. But be careful,” the panther said giving her a playful swat on the butt. “As a cat,” She winked as she left the hanger. The lioness quickly ran up to her room and changed into a two-piece swimsuit, the last thing she needed was to be caught swimming in the nude by the locals. She put her clothes on over the swimsuit and headed to her favorite swimming spot, which was only a mile from the lair in the unicorn forest. Leanna could hear the roar of the small waterfall as she got closer, the waterfall was only around twenty feet up, just high enough to make a good diving platform and the lagoon it emptied into was a light shade of green. When the waterfall came into view two unicorns where drinking at the waters edge, a mare and her young foal. The female unicorn lifted her head and snorted softly in greeting at the she-cat. The lioness quickly climbed up to the top of the waterfall and removed her Kama’s and outer clothing, setting them beside her weapons. She stepped to the edge and dove into the water, which was warmed by the afternoon sun. Unknown to her she had been watched from the moment she stepped into the forest by two mutants. “That’s one of the new thunderians that arrived awhile back,” Jackleman whispered as he watched the lioness. “We can take her, she’s alone and weaponless,” Monkian said pointing to the top of the small cliff where she had placed her clothes and weapon. The two mutants watched as the lioness swam around the lagoon for a few laps then stop. Leanna had the strangest feeling of being watched, she stopped and treaded water as she looked around, her eyes scanned around the edge of the bushes, she never seen anything so she resumed her swim. “What are you two gawking at,” Slithe hissed as he spotted the other two mutants. Monkian turned and put his fingers to his lips,” We found our selves a Thundercat,” he whispered pointing to Leanna. “And she’s alone and unarmed,” Jackleman sneered. A devious smile curled on the reptilians lips, “What are you waiting for mutants, go and get that she cat, if she fights too much drown her yessss,” He hissed. The two mutants nodded and edged closer to the lagoon. Leanna dove under the water and swam around for a moment before she made her way to the surface. The second her head broke the surface a hand had seized her by her long mane, pulling her out of the water and onto the bank of the lagoon. “Let me go or by Jaga you’ll be sorry” Leanna growled and struggled with the two mutants as they grabbed her arms and legs. “Brave for someone one who is alone and unarmed,” Jackleman smirked grabbing her jaw hard, “Maybe we should just drown her”. “It seems such a waste, she would make a good slave and a pretty one too,” Monkin said in her ear. Leanna cringed as she felt his breath in her ear, “Let go of me banana brain,” The lioness hissed. “I suppose she would have her uses,” Jackleman smirked as his eyes roamed over her wet body. “Touch me and it will be the last thing you ever do fleabag,” Leanna growled ferociously. “I think we’ve just have been insulted,” Monkin hooted. Jackleman looked at the lioness as a deep rumbling sound started to form in her throat, “What is she doing,” he asked as Leanna made a few short high pitched chirping sounds. “Shut her up, it’s a type of distress call,” Slithe yelled as he came out from his hiding place. “A distress call… To who,” Monkian asked confused. “You don’t know much about she cats do you,” Slithe hissed clamping his hand over the lioness’s mouth. The panther was just finishing up with the tank when a strange sensation surged through his body, it felt as if he had gotten a mild electric shock, then a sound caught his ear; he cocked his head towards the sound. His eyes widened, he knew exactly what that sound was, he dropped the wrench he had in his hand bolted out of the hanger as fast as his legs could carry him. “She’s probably calling to that whelp Lion-O,” Slithe hissed as they started to drag Leanna off. “Even better, we can get the sword in exchange for her,” Monkian said. “That cub is too noble to do anything, he won’t fight us, he’ll give up easily,” Jackleman agreed. “Here he comes,” Slithe smirked as they heard someone rushing through the bush, Jackleman and Monkian readied themselves as Slithe grabbed the Lioness. “Let me go and you won’t get hurt,” Leanna warned. “Lion-O won’t do anything as long as we have you,” Slithe said. “Maybe not, but he will,” Leanna said as a very enraged Panthro leapt out from behind a tree. “Get your slimy hands off her…now,” The panther snarled as he withdrew his nun-chucks. Monkian and Jackleman looked at each other, they weren’t expecting Panthro. “Not one more step ThunderCat,” Slithe warned holding his axe against the Lioness throat, figuring the panther would back down. Panthro looked at the reptile, bared his teeth, and growled fiercely, his muscles twitching, ready to attack. Monkian and Jackleman started to back away from the infuriated panther, they wanted no part of it, if Slithe wanted to take on the Thundercat he was more then welcomed. “Last warning Mutant…Let her go or by Jaga you’ll find out why I’m known as the deadly one,” Panthro snarled moving towards him. Slithe eyed the big cat curiously; he had faced the panther before in battle, but he never seen the ThunderCat this agitated and then he realized why, it was the Lioness. She wasn’t calling to the cub; she was calling to her mate. Leanna whimpered as the axe blade bit into her tender skin, causing a small drop of blood to form and run down the blade. Panthro narrowed his eyes and growled, he began to swing the nun-chucks. Leanna knew what he was going to do and readied herself, waiting for a signal from the panther. As soon as he was ready the panther glanced at the lioness and nodded slightly, Leanna squeezed her eyes shut and held her breath as a cloud of gas came streaming out of the Panthro’s nun-chucks, the gas enveloped the two, Slithe yelled as the gas stung his eyes and lungs, he quickly let go of the lioness. Leanna dropped to the ground on her hands and knees and started crawling to get out of Panthro’s way. The gas stung her eyes a bit making her vision blurry and some got into her lungs making her cough, she knew she had to get to the lagoon to wash it out of her eyes. “Ugh, my eyes,” Slithe screamed trying to see. “Be thankful it’s only your eyes,” Panthro snarled grabbing the reptilian,” If you ever touch her again I will break every bone in your body,” The Panther roared and drew back his fist, punching Slithe hard in the face laying the big reptile flat. “That goes for you too,” Panthro growled turning to the two remaining mutants, “Now get out of here”. They didn’t need to be told twice, the two mutants grabbed Slithe, dragging him off as fast as they could. Leanna almost made it to the lagoon when she felt someone grab her around the waist and lift her to her feet, she snarled and lashed out with her claws. “Whoa. Easy now, its just me,” Panthro said capturing her wrist. “Panthro,” Leanna said relieved. “You okay,” He asked looking her over for any injuries. “I’m okay,” She said coughing a few times, “My vision is just a bit blurred”. “Here,” He said leading her over to the bank and sitting her down, “Lean your head back”. Leanna leaned her head back as the panther scooped up a handful of lagoon water and gently cleansed her eyes. “Better,” He asked stroking her damp mane. Leanna sat up and blinked a few times, “Yes, much better,” She smiled, “ Do you always get that angry when you face the mutants”. “Well this was different,” Panthro said. “Ahh, I see,” Leanna smirked, “So are you going to say, I told you so,” she asked getting to her feet. “No,” The panther said shaking his head. “Well since your here, you going to go for a swim with me,” she asked. “I think we should head back,” Panthro said standing. Leanna’s eyes lit with mischief as the panther stood near the edge of the lagoon. “Are you sure..Really sure you won’t change your mind,” Leanna asked as she moved in front of him. “Yes, I’m sure. Now lets head back,” Panthro said looking at her. Leanna shrugged and turned her body a fraction of an inch and shoved the panther hard, knocking him backwards into the lagoon. When Panthro surfaced he looked at her, “I’ll get you for that,” He growled as he started to make his way out of the water. “You got to catch me first,” Leanna chuckled and bolted for the woods. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,” the lioness taunted as the panther got out of the water and took chase. “I’ll show you kitty, when I get a hold of you woman,” Panthro called as he chased her. Leanna knew she had to double back some how to retrieve her clothes and weapon without being caught by that panther. She knew her best bet was to go through the trees; she leapt up into a nearby tree and started to make her way back to the lagoon. She stopped and looked around. There was no sign of the panther anywhere, then she spotted him running her way, she froze as he stopped under the tree she was hiding in. Panthro stopped and looked around for the Lioness, he knew she was good at hiding. However, he also knew she would try to go back for her weapon and clothes too. A playful grin crossed his face; he hadn’t gone on a good hunt for a while, she wanted to play a little game he would too. He caught her scent as the breeze picked up. He knew exactly where she was, “let the game begin,” He though to himself as he walked off. Leanna couldn’t believe her eyes when she seen him walk off, she arched a brow there was no way he’d gave up that easily. She waited until he was out of sight before she started moving again. As she made it back to the clearing and jumped down out of the tree. She looked around, no panther; she slowly made her way towards the cliff. Just as she was about to pass a hedge a large arm shot out between the bushes and snaked around her waist pulling her in. The lioness found herself looking up at the panther who had a smug look on his face, “Got ya,” He smirked. Leanna’s eyes widened she knew she was in trouble, “Yeah you got me. The question is. What are you going to do with me now,” She smirked,” Cause after all you’re a big ol panther and I’m just a little innocent lioness”. Panthro looked at her, “Have you ever been innocent,” He chuckled. “I was once. Until I met you, then well, you know what happen to that,” She smirked. “Yeah, you snagged me on your dress on purpose,” Panthro chuckled. “Hey, that was not planned…you could have always said no,” Leanna shrugged. “Humm, well it seems the word no isn’t in my vocabulary when it comes to you,” The panther smirked. “I guess not,” Leanna said as ran her hand down the back of his neck; he smiled as she pulled him closer and brushed her soft lips against his. The sound of someone coughing got their attention. The pair looked up to see Lion-O standing there. “Oh…umm, hi,” Leanna giggled, “Umm, he thought I was drowning and was giving me mouth to mouth” “Yeah sure he was, considering the lagoon is over a hundred feet away,” The lion laughed, “What he do, drag you all the way over here into the bushes just for that”. “Umm, yep,” Leanna said trying to look innocent which wasn’t easy considering the string to her swimsuit top was untied. If the lion had of showed up a few minutes later he would have seen a lot more then that. “What are you doing here,” The lioness asked. “Well the sword warned me you where in danger,” Lion-O shrugged. “Well, You can go away now,” The panther sighed looking at the lion,” We’re just fine” “Yeah..I..Ah, can see that,” Lion-O snickered, “So now I know where you got all those scratches from…working on the tank..Yeah right,” Lion-O snorted. “I guess the gig is up,” Leanna said looking at Panthro, “We got busted”. “Oh yeah you two are sooo busted. I knew something was going on,” Lion-O winked, “that panther roaming the halls in the middle of the night…security checks…. Yeah we know now what he was checking”. Leanna rolled her eyes and tied her swim suit top back up, “Well I guess we better get home,” She said as the panther grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. She stuck out her tongue at the lion as she headed up to the cliff to retrieve her clothes and weapons. ************************ “Well someone’s in a better mood,” Cheetara said walking in seeing a smile on Panthro’s face. “Oh..I was just thinking about something,” he said as the cheetah passed over a cup of Snarf’s famous Thunderian tea. “Something…or someone,” Cheetara smiled then looked at the monitor that was watching the stasis chamber, “come on..Let’s go say hi hmm”. Panthro nodded and stood, the pair walked down to the med bay, where Pumyra was still on duty. “Why don’t you go get some rest Pumyra,” Cheetara said, “we’ll stay and keep an eye on her until Tygra comes in”. “Ok,” Pumyra nodded, “Call if you need me”. When Cheetara turned around Panthro was already standing beside the stasis chamber that held his wife. “She’s looking better,” cheetara said noticing the color had returned to the lioness’s cheeks, “That’s a good sign”. ”I noticed that an hour ago,” Panthro said, as soon as he spoke the lioness’s heart rate increased. “I think she knows your here,” Cheetara smiled and nodded towards the monitors. “I think she does too,” Panthro said feeling a familiar warm glow of their bond deep in the back of his mind. “Don’t worry Lea, you’ll be out of there soon,” Cheetara said. “Something’s wrong Cheetara,” Panthro said, “Lower the stasis field,” he nodded. “I can’t,” Cheetara answered, “She’s only been in there for 8 hours”. “Lower the damn field,” he barked noticing the lioness’s breathing and heart rate increasing. The lioness wasn’t trying to break free she was in a deep sleep; in her dream state she had a visitor with her, a woman with the head of a lioness and the body of a woman. “I sensed your power,” basset said. “What kind of creature are you”. “I am a thunderian,” Leanna answered, “Who are you”. “I am Basset cat goddess and you have destroyed my children,” the woman hissed. “What….what are you talking about,” Leanna asked confused, “what children”. “My beloved cats… You and your kind have destroyed them,” Basset growled, “so I have freed them so they can roam this earth once more”. “you…you did this to us,” Leanna said surprised,” but we are not from here, we are from a planet along way from here,” Leanna tried to explain. “Liar,” Basset growled,” Mumm-ra told me of what you have done”. “Mumm-ra…..he has lied to you,” Leanna said, “he is our enemy…he would do anything to destroy us...we are this planets protectors from his evilness…believe me Goddess. We would never destroy your cats…we protect them as we do all the creatures on this planet”. Basset looked at the lioness confused, “no you are lying,” she said stubbornly. “She speaks the truth,” Another female voice said, “Look into her heart”. “You will not interfere Isis,” Basset growled in warning. “You know we cannot interfere with the innocent and this woman and her companions have done nothing wrong,” the voice said. Leanna looked up as a soft glowing ball of light appeared; the light gave off a warm glow as it got closer, the ball of light formed into a woman with soft white wings, “don’t worry child, we will work this out, basset can be quite stubborn,” Isis smiled. “who…who are you,” Leanna asked. “I am the goddess Isis…mother of life, magic, fertility, nature, motherhood, “the woman smiled sweetly, “and dear Basset is the protector of cats, women and children and represents war and strength when in her full cat form….much like you lioness,” Isis smiled walking around Leanna eyeing her up, “you two are a lot a like, both fiercely protective”. “In fact my dear basset…you could say that they are the living, breathing, walking embodiment of you, protectors and warriors,” Isis continued, “something you should take pride in”. The Cat goddess just crossed her arms over her well ample breasts, “basset,” Isis said in a low caring voice “you know we said we would not interfere in the lives of mortals unless they beseeched our help…and besides. Since when do you listen to the likes of Mumm-ra,” she scowled. “Mumm-ra should know better then to try and invoke your wrath”. “I though old bone bags feared no one,” Leanna snorted. “Ah my dear….the undead do so very much fear Basset and for good reason too….in our culture cat’s are guardians of the dead,” Isis smiled,” perhaps that’s why Mumm-ra hates you so much”. “Oh …really now,” the lioness smirked, “that would explain a lot,” she nodded then suddenly her hand flew to her head, “Panthro……..he’s worried ….he thinks something is terribly wrong…he’s trying to wake me,” she said looking down at her wounds which started to bleed, “no Pan….Please…I’m ok,” she pleaded to her mate through their bond. The two goddess’s looked at each other, “he doesn’t realize he’s killing her,” Isis said as the lioness collapsed. To be continued. *thanks goes out to Myra who helped me get unstuck*