Work Text:
The small pride of ThunderCats had gone as far as they could from the Black Pyramid of Mumm-Ra. Finally, they'd return to the beautiful woodland. They'd discovered a pleasant glen with a pretty stream running through it.
They were sitting down for a rest after being dog-tired from the trials in the spirit world and their risky venture to Mumm-Ra's stronghold. They needed a breather.
Surrounding the glean were bushes bursting with colorful fruit. With their mouths watering, the pride quickly gathered as much as they could hold. Then, as they sat down to savor the meal, Wilykit began to play her woodwind instrument to lull everyone into a peaceful mind.
"If only we could fish," grumbled Panthro as he didn't particularly enjoy the fruit. He was a carnivore through and through.
"Be thankful, General, we found anything to eat. We almost had the last meal a few hours ago. So be thankful we are enjoying any food," Tygra chastised the war-torn Cat.
"Let's not fight again. If we unearth those Stones and thwart Mumm-Ra, we need to have a stronger bond. After all, Jaga once told me that we rise and fall together. So we need to ensure we don't fall again," Cheetara reminded everyone of their old mentor's wisdom.
"Jaga was indeed full of wisdom, and he's right in this case. The trials I just endured pushed me to my limits. But, he said he wanted me to take what I learned and be a better leader.
So it's time we all bettered ourselves if we are going to save Third Earth," Lion-o said as he turned his sword over and over in his hands.
They'd come close to losing the Sword of Omens and the power stone inside it. All because of his foolishness. If he was ever going to be a proper king, he needed to learn from his mistakes.
Dusk had fallen by now, so they made a small campfire. The flames cast a magic spell over the group as they curled around the fire. Each Cat started to think back on its memories as it sparked and crackled.
The Wily twins slowly thought back to their home and family. How carefree and straightforward life had been in those days. Before, their reality had been changed so harshly.
The twins may be only kittens, but their lives on the streets of Thundara truly changed them. Their eyes had been opened to the harsh reality of life. While the other Cats had lived in the upper class, they'd seen the slums, poverty, and unforgiving side.
But did that make them stronger? Was suffering the underbelly of the fallen kingdom proof they're stronger? Or was it their determination and drive to survive that made them more reliable?
Could they take all they learned and become genuinely worthy of the ThunderCats? That was the question that lingered in their minds.
Panthro wondered about his ex-friend Gruel and what had changed him so much. Why had he sided with Mumm-Ra? Why the betrayal? Would his other old friends betray his trust again? How could he trust anyone again?
Cheetara thought how messy the love triangle had been between herself, Lion-O and Tygra. Maybe if she had been more honest and straightforward from the beginning, things wouldn't have been so messy later.
Tygra thought he had a chance to be king, and now he could see how hard it was. And finding out what his little brother had gone through. Hell and back again to return to them? Would he have been able to sacrifice his soul? Would he ever be able to make that kind of choice? Was he fit to be a leader? Was he even a good brother?
Lion-O's thoughts were over everything he learned about himself and his friends in the spirit world. He was more determined then ever to prove himself. He would avenge his fallen father, and one way or another, he'd bring peace to the world Mumm-Ra had thrown into chaos.
There were many unforeseen challenges ahead. Trials they all would face that would test their hearts and souls. Would they be loyal, brave, and trustworthy? Would they see who they were on the inside when they looked in the mirror? Would this war ever end? Would Third Earth ever be at peace and all life living in harmony? Those questions and answers would be the next step in their journey.
One thing would always be accurate, though. Together they're more muscular, and their forged bonds couldn't be broken. So as long as their family stayed together and were true, then there was nothing they couldn't do!