One Last War to Fight Chapter Five: Setting the Stage
ThunderCats Bio-Booster Armor Guyver One Last War to Fight Episode Five -------------------------------------------------------- Mumm-Ra stood before his black couldron as he had countless times before, watching as the bright pinpricks of light moved against the backdrop of stars whose distance from Third Earth was too hideous to compute. Those Mutant ships would be ready to enter orbit in a matter of hours. Who knew how many weapons and vehicles each carried? It would be enough. "Ancient Spirits of Evil," he began, "transform this decayed form to Mumm-Ra, the Ever Living!" The pain was as fierce as ever as the magic took hold, creating powerful muscle and sinew where there was once dead and rotten flesh. The bandages shredded and were cast to the unnatural winds as his body grew to the powerful form he was once able to hold as long as he wished. The transformation complete, and unholy magic surging through his veins with incredible vigor, Mumm-Ra began the incantation which would hide the coming Mutant ships from all watchers. "Nee aaan deeru taaa..." he waved his hands about the cauldron, the black powers converging and twisting space about the landing site. "Croo man yoooonnnn, croo man yooooonnnn..." Mumm-Ra continued the chant, summoning his ancient powers to do what must be done. The spell had to be completed before the ships achieved orbit around Third Earth. --------------------------------------- "And that's it, Lynx-O," Cheetara said. "Hmmm... This is indeed troubling," he replied. "Did he give any indication of which may have emerged from the mountains?" "No, but from the way he looked, either would have been bad news." "Well, it's only a legend, right?" Lion-O asked from Cheetara's right. "I mean, there's no way to tell for sure? He also said all the legends might be false." "Every legend," the old lynx said, "no matter how outlandish it may seem, has at least a small grain of truth to it." "We must know more," Tygra added. "Where is that village, Cheetara?" "Salvador said it was to the north, past the Hills of Elfshima." "We'll go there in the morning," Panthro added. "I'll try to see who it is," Lion-O said, raising the Sword of Omens to his face. "Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight. Show me who came from the Korath Mountains." He peered through the ethereal haze of the Eye of Thundera's vision, finding only a wall of wild energy. "Something did come from those mountains," he said as he focused more on the wall of light. "I just can't see who it is." "What *do* you see?" he heard Tygra ask. "Just weird energy," he replied as the vision faded and the control room of Cat's Lair came back into view. "Well, this keeps getting better all the time," WilyKat remarked sourly. "It is possible that the energies of those mountains have held to him," Lynx-O mused. "Besides, whomever this is has caused no harm yet." "Yet being the operative term," said Tygra. "Did you get any clues as to where this man is?" "None. The Sword lost the vision before I could tell much of anything." "I will continue searching with the Braille Board. Thank you, ThunderCats. Tower of Omens out." "Well," Panthro said, "looks like we might have a new enemy." "Or an ally," Cheetara added. "The only way to know is to find him." "But, the Sword can't see him," Lion-O said. "Looks like that village is our only lead." "Guyver," Snarf pouted from atop one of the smaller consoles. "What kind of silly name is that?" "I don't know, but 'Alkanphel' gives me the creeps," WilyKit replied. "First thing in the morning, we'll go to the Village of Scholars and ask about Alkanphel and Guyver." Tygra stated as he took his seat for the evening watch. "For now, though, you should all get some sleep." ------------------------------------------------------------ "We should be sleeping now, hoo HOO!" Monkian griped as the wind stirred up gusts of sand around their bodies. The temperature in the arid Desert of Sinking Sands had already begun to plummet, and the crystal clear night promised that it would get even colder before the dawn. "Yes, Slythe," added Jackalman, "Care to tell us *why* we're freezing our asses off in Mumm-Ra's backyard?" "Look up, there," Slythe answered, pointing his finger to the night sky. His heart began to race with excitement when he saw the moving points of light in the heavens. This was it, they were really coming! "I don't see anything... wait!" Monkian cried out. "Those stars are moving!" "They're not stars, moron," Jackalman snapped. "They're ships!" "Yesss. Mutant ssships." "Reinforcements from Plun-Darr?" "That transmitter must have worked! When did you use it, Hoo!" "Earlier today. They should be landing within the hour." "But, what abou the ThunderCats?" Monkian asked nervously. "Surely they'll notice our ships landing on Third Earth, hoo hoo HOO!" "Mumm-Ra is dealing with that," Slythe replied tersely. "It looks like something of Vultureman's has finally turned out right!" "Posthumously, but there's nothing wrong with that," Jackalman said through a sneer. "I never liked that buzzard anyway. "Enough!" Slythe barked. "Set out the landing flares! We have much to do." As Monkian and Jackalman reached into the Nosediver's cargo compartments for the flares, the reptillian explained Mumm-Ra's plan. By sunrise, the four ships had landed, and the unloading was underway. --------------------------------------------------- "This is the edge of our territory," Willa said as they neared the treeline. Sho looked out at the plains of grass which billowed gently in the wind and squinted against the early morning sun. This was it, then. He felt nervous as he stared over the enormous expanse of open land and air that seemed to stretch into infinity. "To the north," he heard her say, "is the Berbil Village. You should reach it by late afternoon." "Thank you, Willa," Sho replied as he adjusted the small leather pack of supplies. A canteen of water hung under his shoulder on a bandolier along with a razor sharp dagger. The hide pants and vest were now matched with a pair of boots halfway up his calves. "For everything." "You're welcome. However, to the east is the Cat's Lair." "Cat's Lair?" "It is home to the ThunderCats, allies of the Warrior Maidens." "That's a strange name..." "You wouldn't think so if you'd met them," Willia replied. "They're an alien race of cat-like people." "So, anything else I should know about?" "The ThunderCats have more or less taken care of most of the bandits that once haunted the trails," Willa explained, "and you won't have anything to fear from them." "Okay." "But, beware of the Mutants." "Mutants?" "They are enemies of the ThunderCats, of all that live on Third Earth," Willa said as if just thinking about them made her ill. "They are hideous monsters, and easily some of the worst villains you could ever meet here." "Monsters?" Sho felt something stir in his brain, some long distant memory. Why did Willa's account of those Mutants seem so familiar? "Be careful you steer very clear of them." "I will. Thank you again, Willa." Willa watched as Sho made his way out of her territory, an uncertain feeling gnawing at her brain. His reaction to her mention of the Mutants... it wasn't exactly fear, nor was it exactly anything else for that matter. It was as if the word had triggered something in his mind. A memory, perhaps? No matter, she thought as she leapt up to grasp a nearby branch and flip herself up. I aided him, gave him supplies, and sent him on his way. Whatever his fate may be, it no longer concerns the Warrior Maidens. Willa had no idea how wrong she was... ------------------------------------------ "So, Slythe," the Simian captain of the Ravager said as the sun rose steadily into the clear blue sky. "We meet again." The four ships: Ravager, Starsweeper, Bludgeoner, and Pillage, gleamed in the brilliant light of Third Earth's sun, pale green against the golden sand. Hordes of Mutants swarmed about, unloading crate after crate of weapons and supplies from each ship and stacking them on the sand. Already, there were a fleet of Skycutters and Nosedivers assembled at the western end of the makeshift encampment, two Jackals and a few of Slythes own Reptillians taking stock of the machines. A third group, headed by Monkian, was checking the supplies of handheld weapons. "Indeed we do, Primor," he replied. He had met the Simian once before, when the leading clans of Plun-Darr signed the treaty to rid the universe of the ThunderCats once and for all. "We ran a scan of this planet before landing, and you were right about the mineral resources and metals," Primor said. "As well as the ThunderCats being here." "Yesss. Their numbers are few..." "So, why haven't you bested them yet?" Primor asked with a savage grin. "We have suffered numerous setbacks," Sythe replied, choking on his own fierce dislike for the Simian. "Our numbers are few as well. Or, rather, they were, yesss?" "Hmph. Tell me, Slythe, what was that odd pyramid structure we saw in this desert?" "That, Primor, is the home of Mumm-Ra. He iss the one who iss keeping the ThunderCats from seeing this gathering of our forces." "How?" "He iss a mage of rather great power." "An enemy of the ThunderCats?" "Yesss." "If his power is so great..." "Lissten," Slythe snapped. "Hiss power iss not unlimited. He needsss us." "I see," the Simian replied. The two looked back to the unloading of equipment. "So, do you have a stronghold on this ridiculous planet?" "Yess. Caslte Plun-Darr." "Castle Plun-Darr, eh? I shall have to see it." "You will, Primor. You will. For now, I suggest we retire to the Ravager. There is much to discuss, yesss?" "Yes." "Arrogant reptile," Mumm-Ra snarled as he watched Slythe and the primate he called Primor strut off toward one of the ships. "I should sink the whole lot of them right now! But," he chuckled as he patted Ma-Mutt, "what's the fun in that?" Besides, he *did* need Slythe and the Mutants this time, if only as disposable targets. ---------------------------- "It's been a long time, Duncan," Agito Makashima said as he entered the dusty main chamber of the scholar's house. The sheep-like Bolkin spun about, eyes widening in fear before his face broke into a warm grin. "Hello, my friend!" Duncan exclaimed as he approached. Agito shook the hand he offered and returned the smile. The Bolkin - the only one in the entire Village of Scholars - was the only one in whom Agito had any faith. "What has it been, four years?" "Something like that." Time had lost most of its meaning to him. "Please, sit!" Duncan enthused. "You must tell me where you've been!" "I'm afraid I cannot stay long." "Oh, but you must! I haven't seen you in so long, old friend!" "Duncan, I would love to," Agito began, "but I'm afraid that some rather urgent matters have come up." "I see, The Bolkin said, somewhat dejected. "Still, we must talk for a bit." "This is not a social call, old friend. Do you still have the book?" "The book? Of course!" Duncan replied. "It is still hidden." "Good. I knew I could count on you," Agito said with a warm smile. He did not ask if Duncan had read it. Even if the Bolkin had looked into it, he would not have understood the writings. Japanese was a long-dead language, and no ciphers for it existed on Third Earth. Duncan's face took on a worried expression. In the twenty years since Agito had written and left that tome in his care, he had not once had he asked about it. "Do you remember the name of the one to whom you must give it?" "Sho Fukamachi," Duncan answered. "Of course I do. Agito, my friend, what is going on? You have never..." "He will come for it soon," Agito replied. "You must see that he gets it. Do you remember how I described him to you?" "Yes." "Good." Agito paused, looking about the darkened room. He had spent more than a few nights in this study over the past twenty years, guiding Duncan in the mythos of Second Earth. So far as the Bolkin knew, he was merely an enlightened scholar. He had no inkling of the truth. In fact, Agito had let most of the incorrect myths of Second Earth's time stand. Some things were better off left unknown. Nuclear weapons, for example, still existed in hidden silos all around Third Earth. Should anyone find those... Agito pushed those thoughts aside. Now was not the time for that. Instead, he reached into his midnight cloak and produced a rolled-up map. "Duncan," he said. His eyes stung with tears that wanted to be shed. "Once you give Sho Fukamachi the book, I want you to follow this map." "To what does it lead?' "Another writing of the book I gave you, one in this world's common tongue." "Another..." "Don't look so surprised, Duncan," Agito chuckled. "I knew you would look at that book. The information within is written in a long dead tongue. What is inside is meant only for him. What is in this second book, however, is meant for you." "What is in it?" "All you need to know. I'm sorry I cannot tell you more, but time is short and the wrong people could overhear. Follow that map once you give Sho the book, and no sooner. That is imperative." "I understand, old friend." "I knew you would." Agito placed a thin hand on Duncan's shoulder. "What you do with the information contained within is up to you." "Agito, why are you telling me this?" "Because, my friend, this will very likely be the last time we see each other." "What?" "Before I go, let me say that knowing you has been an unparalelled pleasure. I wish I could have talked with you more, shared more of the things I know. That second book, Duncan, is how I will do that. It is a pity that I will not be able to tell you in person." "Agito, you talk as if you were a dying man." "Perhaps I am. I am old, Duncan, by far older than you know." "Agito..." "Enough. Do you understand my request?" "Yes." "And, will you follow it?" "Yes, of course I will." "I knew you would, my friend," Agito said as he clapped a friendly hand on the Bolkin's shoulder. "It was good to have known you, Duncan." "The feeling is mutual," he replied. No tears were shed, no lingering good-bye's shared. They both knew that neither would do any good, and they both knew that this day was coming. "Live well, Duncan, and I hope you use the knowledge I have left for you wisely." With that, Agito embraced the Bolkin and made his exit. ----------------------------------------------- "Let me say," Prime Scholar Arcturus said as he led Lion-O and Panthro into the heart of the village, "what an honor it is to have the ThunderCats pay a visit to our home." "The feeling is mutual," Lion-O replied, doing his best to hide his irritation. From the moment he and Panthro had entered the village, this Prime Scholar had done nothing but try to impress them with the village's simple archetecture and rich intellectual history. Matters of diplomacy were Tygra's main field of expertise, but the tiger was resting after having taken the night watch. "But, we really do have urgent business with Scholar Duncan." "Ah, yes, the myths concerning the War of the Guyver," Arcturus replied dismissively. "His house is just down this street, but I must say I don't know why you would be interested in such outlandish legends," the obese, bald human said. "Really, if those legends were true..." Lion-O tuned out the rest of the fat human's explanation of how they had to be false, of his rather racist views on scholarly knowledge. Who cared if Duncan was a Bolkin, how would that affect what he knew? Before he knew it, Arcturus was pointing out the small brick house which Duncan called home. "He is within," the human said just as the door opened and someone walked out. He was covered in a billowing black cloak, the lower half of his face all that was visible beneath the encompassing hood. The unknown human looked at the Lord of the ThunderCats briefly before bowing his head. "Pardon me," the hooded man said before making his leave. "Who was that?" Panthro asked. "That," Arcturus said, "is merely a pretend scholar who sometimes visits Duncan." The two ThunderCats could almost smell the disdain in his voice. "I don't know his name, but his visits are infrequent enough for me not to bother having him barred." "Really." There weren't many native people on Third Earth Lion-O had an actual dislike for, but Arcturus was definitely climbing toward the top of that short list. He was spared having to hear more of his drivel when the door to the squat brick structure opened and the Bolkin emerged. "ThunderCats?" he gasped in surprise. "To what do I owe the honor of such a visit?" "We're here for information regarding something called the Guyver," Panthro replied before Arcturus could. "We were told that you are the foremost expert on those legends." "Well, I have researched them extensively for some time," Duncan said with a blush, "but I would hardly call myself an expert. Please, come inside!" Lion-O was amazed at the sheer amount of old books which lined the walls of Duncan's home. Every inch of shelf space was occupied, with more books stacked in piles on the floor. The air smelled of musty pages and dust, and the urge to sneeze nearly overcame the ThunderCat Lord. Tygra would have a field day in here, Lion-O thought as Duncan directed them to a pair of simple chairs situated in front of a dormant fireplace. "Would you like some tea?" Duncan asked. "Or perhaps some biscuits? I have a few left..." "No, thanks," Panthro replied, taking a seat across from Lion-O. "We don't want to impose." "Oh, well, if you're certain." Duncan pulled up another chair - one meant for someone of his small stature - and sat directly in front of them. "I really must apologize for having to deal with the Prime Scholar." "Well, he's definitely not one of my favorite people," Lion-O said. "Arcturus is arrogant, true, but still a fine scholar. Besides, he's not what you came here to discuss." "Right. So, what are the legends about, anyway?" "First, may I ask a question, Sir Panthro?" "Sure. But, drop the whole "sir" thing. Just call me Panthro." "Very well," Duncan grinned. "Why would you come all the way out here just to discuss my research on one legend?" "We think it has something to do with some weird readings we've received from the Korath Mountains recently." "Ah. I see. So, what do you wish to know?" "Well," Lion-O began, "we know the basic gist of the legends, but we want to know if they could be true." "True? Legends? Lord Lion-O..." "Lion-O is fine." "Lion-O, do you know what a legend truly is?" "Fairy tales handed down amongst people?" "Very good! Yes, most legends are merely delusion wrapped around illusion wrapped about a lie, though there are always little nuggets of truth hidden within. Scholars who research those ancient legends, such as myself, merely sift through the untruths and myths to find what is actual fact. Or, at least, what is the most feasible." "So, you don't believe in them?" "Not as such, Panthro," Duncan said, "but, I do believe that most of the legends can tell us of the ancient times. The man who just left here, in fact, has been a great source of information to me." "But, not on the Guyver," Lion-O said. "No, but on the history of what is known as Second Earth, or the Reign of Man." "And how would he have this information?" Panthro asked. "Again, my friend, you misunderstand me. He helps me find the truths in the legends, to coroborrate them, to piece together at least a small fraction of the picture of life during Second Earth." "Okay, but what about the energy readings that come from those mountains?" "Alas, that is the one thing I cannot explain. I do wish that magic and the supernatural were not possible factors." "Why?" "Because, Lion-O, they are forces too random and too dangerous to do any research on. What few texts on magic I have come across are so apocryphal that no scholar can make heads or tails of them. Besides, I need not mention how damaging they can be. Mumm-Ra is a prime example of that." "How well we know it," Panthro grunted. "So, you think that Guyver never existed?" "I have no definte proof one way or the other," Duncan said at length, "but, no. I do not believe he ever did, nor Alkanphel. At least, not as the legends represent them." "More nuggets of truth among the lies," Lion-O said. "Precisely. I have found no concrete evidence to prove the myths about them, since no one can enter the Korath Mountains. Also, almost all of the history of Second Earth is gone. What little I have managed to find indicates that human civilization had been rather advanced. Unfortunately, I have no idea how sophisticated their sciences were." Lion-O and Panthro exchanged slightly disappointed glances. This had been a dead end. "I am sorry I could not help you more, ThunderCats, but..." "No need to apologize," Lion-O said with a smile. "You told us what you knew and for that, we're very grateful." "I am glad I could assist. Please, stop by again sometime! I would love to hear about the history of your world." "We'll make a point of it," Panthro replied kindly as the two ThunderCats took their leave. Duncan shut the door behind them, cutting off Arcturus' irritating voice. First Agito shows up, speaking cryptically about urgent matters that had come up and how they would likely never meet again, then the ThunderCats appear asking about his research on the myths concerning the Guyver. The Bolkin had never believed in coincidence, and saw no reason to start doing so now. So, what was the connection? It was true that Agito had been very helpful concerning some of the missing pieces of Second Earth's past and - though he insisted that no one else knew - the human had been a consummate master of Third Earth history, but even he had never bought into the legends about the Guyver. Nor even the one about... "Wait!" Duncan shouted as he flung the door open and darted into the noonday sun. Lion-O, Panthro, and Arcturus each stopped and stared as he ran up to them. "What is it?" "I just recalled, Panthro, a legend that may be of interest to you. It concerns the Guyver, and also another from Thundera!" "What?" Lion-O nearly did a double-take at the news. "Yes!" "Oh," Arcturus said with a dramatic roll of his eyes. "The Legend of the Destroyer's Fall again? Really..." "I, for one, would like to hear it," he said, more to the obese Prime Scholar than to Duncan. "Destroyer... Thunderian... Hey, are you talking about Grune?" Panthro asked, his eyes wide. "Exactly! Now, most of what we know of Grune the Destroyer is, unfortunately, true. Some facts have been blurred over time, however, which is likely where this legend comes in." "We know that, when Grune was banished from Thundera, he landed on Third Earth and began a rampage," Lion-O said. "Yes, and much of the history indicates - rather reliably - that one day he met a warrior who was his total superior. They fought, and Grune was utterly destroyed." "Let me guess," Panthro said, "the legends say it was the Guyver." "Yes, but a different one than in the legends of the Korath Mountains. I remember that many of those legends also spoke of a second Guyver. As a matter of fact, I have sketches of the two in my study, if you would like to take them?" "We appreciate it," Lion-O replied as he and Panthro went back into Duncan's small home. Agito turned and left, unnoticed by the two ThunderCats or the two scholars. He remembered Grune the Destroyer all too well. At first, Agito had been content to not interfere, yet on that fateful day Grune had stumbled across him, searching for some easy prey to warm up his spiked club on. It hadn't taken long before the Thunderian's threat to Third Earth's people was ended. Ten minutes? Five, maybe? Agito had forgotten over the centuries. Still, he was not worried. Duncan would not betray his trust. And, his reward for doing so would be the complete history of Second Earth. Most would call it lies, if not outright blasphemy, but the truth was never welcomed with open arms and open minds. Some things, at least, hadn't changed much from Second Earth's days. -------------------------------------------------- In the next episode: The war begins.
ThunderCats Bio-Booster Armor Guyver One Last War to Fight Episode Five -------------------------------------------------------- Mumm-Ra stood before his black couldron as he had countless times before, watching as the bright pinpricks of light moved against the backdrop of stars whose distance from Third Earth was too hideous to compute. Those Mutant ships would be ready to enter orbit in a matter of hours. Who knew how many weapons and vehicles each carried? It would be enough. "Ancient Spirits of Evil," he began, "transform this decayed form to Mumm-Ra, the Ever Living!" The pain was as fierce as ever as the magic took hold, creating powerful muscle and sinew where there was once dead and rotten flesh. The bandages shredded and were cast to the unnatural winds as his body grew to the powerful form he was once able to hold as long as he wished. The transformation complete, and unholy magic surging through his veins with incredible vigor, Mumm-Ra began the incantation which would hide the coming Mutant ships from all watchers. "Nee aaan deeru taaa..." he waved his hands about the cauldron, the black powers converging and twisting space about the landing site. "Croo man yoooonnnn, croo man yooooonnnn..." Mumm-Ra continued the chant, summoning his ancient powers to do what must be done. The spell had to be completed before the ships achieved orbit around Third Earth. --------------------------------------- "And that's it, Lynx-O," Cheetara said. "Hmmm... This is indeed troubling," he replied. "Did he give any indication of which may have emerged from the mountains?" "No, but from the way he looked, either would have been bad news." "Well, it's only a legend, right?" Lion-O asked from Cheetara's right. "I mean, there's no way to tell for sure? He also said all the legends might be false." "Every legend," the old lynx said, "no matter how outlandish it may seem, has at least a small grain of truth to it." "We must know more," Tygra added. "Where is that village, Cheetara?" "Salvador said it was to the north, past the Hills of Elfshima." "We'll go there in the morning," Panthro added. "I'll try to see who it is," Lion-O said, raising the Sword of Omens to his face. "Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight. Show me who came from the Korath Mountains." He peered through the ethereal haze of the Eye of Thundera's vision, finding only a wall of wild energy. "Something did come from those mountains," he said as he focused more on the wall of light. "I just can't see who it is." "What *do* you see?" he heard Tygra ask. "Just weird energy," he replied as the vision faded and the control room of Cat's Lair came back into view. "Well, this keeps getting better all the time," WilyKat remarked sourly. "It is possible that the energies of those mountains have held to him," Lynx-O mused. "Besides, whomever this is has caused no harm yet." "Yet being the operative term," said Tygra. "Did you get any clues as to where this man is?" "None. The Sword lost the vision before I could tell much of anything." "I will continue searching with the Braille Board. Thank you, ThunderCats. Tower of Omens out." "Well," Panthro said, "looks like we might have a new enemy." "Or an ally," Cheetara added. "The only way to know is to find him." "But, the Sword can't see him," Lion-O said. "Looks like that village is our only lead." "Guyver," Snarf pouted from atop one of the smaller consoles. "What kind of silly name is that?" "I don't know, but 'Alkanphel' gives me the creeps," WilyKit replied. "First thing in the morning, we'll go to the Village of Scholars and ask about Alkanphel and Guyver." Tygra stated as he took his seat for the evening watch. "For now, though, you should all get some sleep." ------------------------------------------------------------ "We should be sleeping now, hoo HOO!" Monkian griped as the wind stirred up gusts of sand around their bodies. The temperature in the arid Desert of Sinking Sands had already begun to plummet, and the crystal clear night promised that it would get even colder before the dawn. "Yes, Slythe," added Jackalman, "Care to tell us *why* we're freezing our asses off in Mumm-Ra's backyard?" "Look up, there," Slythe answered, pointing his finger to the night sky. His heart began to race with excitement when he saw the moving points of light in the heavens. This was it, they were really coming! "I don't see anything... wait!" Monkian cried out. "Those stars are moving!" "They're not stars, moron," Jackalman snapped. "They're ships!" "Yesss. Mutant ssships." "Reinforcements from Plun-Darr?" "That transmitter must have worked! When did you use it, Hoo!" "Earlier today. They should be landing within the hour." "But, what abou the ThunderCats?" Monkian asked nervously. "Surely they'll notice our ships landing on Third Earth, hoo hoo HOO!" "Mumm-Ra is dealing with that," Slythe replied tersely. "It looks like something of Vultureman's has finally turned out right!" "Posthumously, but there's nothing wrong with that," Jackalman said through a sneer. "I never liked that buzzard anyway. "Enough!" Slythe barked. "Set out the landing flares! We have much to do." As Monkian and Jackalman reached into the Nosediver's cargo compartments for the flares, the reptillian explained Mumm-Ra's plan. By sunrise, the four ships had landed, and the unloading was underway. --------------------------------------------------- "This is the edge of our territory," Willa said as they neared the treeline. Sho looked out at the plains of grass which billowed gently in the wind and squinted against the early morning sun. This was it, then. He felt nervous as he stared over the enormous expanse of open land and air that seemed to stretch into infinity. "To the north," he heard her say, "is the Berbil Village. You should reach it by late afternoon." "Thank you, Willa," Sho replied as he adjusted the small leather pack of supplies. A canteen of water hung under his shoulder on a bandolier along with a razor sharp dagger. The hide pants and vest were now matched with a pair of boots halfway up his calves. "For everything." "You're welcome. However, to the east is the Cat's Lair." "Cat's Lair?" "It is home to the ThunderCats, allies of the Warrior Maidens." "That's a strange name..." "You wouldn't think so if you'd met them," Willia replied. "They're an alien race of cat-like people." "So, anything else I should know about?" "The ThunderCats have more or less taken care of most of the bandits that once haunted the trails," Willa explained, "and you won't have anything to fear from them." "Okay." "But, beware of the Mutants." "Mutants?" "They are enemies of the ThunderCats, of all that live on Third Earth," Willa said as if just thinking about them made her ill. "They are hideous monsters, and easily some of the worst villains you could ever meet here." "Monsters?" Sho felt something stir in his brain, some long distant memory. Why did Willa's account of those Mutants seem so familiar? "Be careful you steer very clear of them." "I will. Thank you again, Willa." Willa watched as Sho made his way out of her territory, an uncertain feeling gnawing at her brain. His reaction to her mention of the Mutants... it wasn't exactly fear, nor was it exactly anything else for that matter. It was as if the word had triggered something in his mind. A memory, perhaps? No matter, she thought as she leapt up to grasp a nearby branch and flip herself up. I aided him, gave him supplies, and sent him on his way. Whatever his fate may be, it no longer concerns the Warrior Maidens. Willa had no idea how wrong she was... ------------------------------------------ "So, Slythe," the Simian captain of the Ravager said as the sun rose steadily into the clear blue sky. "We meet again." The four ships: Ravager, Starsweeper, Bludgeoner, and Pillage, gleamed in the brilliant light of Third Earth's sun, pale green against the golden sand. Hordes of Mutants swarmed about, unloading crate after crate of weapons and supplies from each ship and stacking them on the sand. Already, there were a fleet of Skycutters and Nosedivers assembled at the western end of the makeshift encampment, two Jackals and a few of Slythes own Reptillians taking stock of the machines. A third group, headed by Monkian, was checking the supplies of handheld weapons. "Indeed we do, Primor," he replied. He had met the Simian once before, when the leading clans of Plun-Darr signed the treaty to rid the universe of the ThunderCats once and for all. "We ran a scan of this planet before landing, and you were right about the mineral resources and metals," Primor said. "As well as the ThunderCats being here." "Yesss. Their numbers are few..." "So, why haven't you bested them yet?" Primor asked with a savage grin. "We have suffered numerous setbacks," Sythe replied, choking on his own fierce dislike for the Simian. "Our numbers are few as well. Or, rather, they were, yesss?" "Hmph. Tell me, Slythe, what was that odd pyramid structure we saw in this desert?" "That, Primor, is the home of Mumm-Ra. He iss the one who iss keeping the ThunderCats from seeing this gathering of our forces." "How?" "He iss a mage of rather great power." "An enemy of the ThunderCats?" "Yesss." "If his power is so great..." "Lissten," Slythe snapped. "Hiss power iss not unlimited. He needsss us." "I see," the Simian replied. The two looked back to the unloading of equipment. "So, do you have a stronghold on this ridiculous planet?" "Yess. Caslte Plun-Darr." "Castle Plun-Darr, eh? I shall have to see it." "You will, Primor. You will. For now, I suggest we retire to the Ravager. There is much to discuss, yesss?" "Yes." "Arrogant reptile," Mumm-Ra snarled as he watched Slythe and the primate he called Primor strut off toward one of the ships. "I should sink the whole lot of them right now! But," he chuckled as he patted Ma-Mutt, "what's the fun in that?" Besides, he *did* need Slythe and the Mutants this time, if only as disposable targets. ---------------------------- "It's been a long time, Duncan," Agito Makashima said as he entered the dusty main chamber of the scholar's house. The sheep-like Bolkin spun about, eyes widening in fear before his face broke into a warm grin. "Hello, my friend!" Duncan exclaimed as he approached. Agito shook the hand he offered and returned the smile. The Bolkin - the only one in the entire Village of Scholars - was the only one in whom Agito had any faith. "What has it been, four years?" "Something like that." Time had lost most of its meaning to him. "Please, sit!" Duncan enthused. "You must tell me where you've been!" "I'm afraid I cannot stay long." "Oh, but you must! I haven't seen you in so long, old friend!" "Duncan, I would love to," Agito began, "but I'm afraid that some rather urgent matters have come up." "I see, The Bolkin said, somewhat dejected. "Still, we must talk for a bit." "This is not a social call, old friend. Do you still have the book?" "The book? Of course!" Duncan replied. "It is still hidden." "Good. I knew I could count on you," Agito said with a warm smile. He did not ask if Duncan had read it. Even if the Bolkin had looked into it, he would not have understood the writings. Japanese was a long-dead language, and no ciphers for it existed on Third Earth. Duncan's face took on a worried expression. In the twenty years since Agito had written and left that tome in his care, he had not once had he asked about it. "Do you remember the name of the one to whom you must give it?" "Sho Fukamachi," Duncan answered. "Of course I do. Agito, my friend, what is going on? You have never..." "He will come for it soon," Agito replied. "You must see that he gets it. Do you remember how I described him to you?" "Yes." "Good." Agito paused, looking about the darkened room. He had spent more than a few nights in this study over the past twenty years, guiding Duncan in the mythos of Second Earth. So far as the Bolkin knew, he was merely an enlightened scholar. He had no inkling of the truth. In fact, Agito had let most of the incorrect myths of Second Earth's time stand. Some things were better off left unknown. Nuclear weapons, for example, still existed in hidden silos all around Third Earth. Should anyone find those... Agito pushed those thoughts aside. Now was not the time for that. Instead, he reached into his midnight cloak and produced a rolled-up map. "Duncan," he said. His eyes stung with tears that wanted to be shed. "Once you give Sho Fukamachi the book, I want you to follow this map." "To what does it lead?' "Another writing of the book I gave you, one in this world's common tongue." "Another..." "Don't look so surprised, Duncan," Agito chuckled. "I knew you would look at that book. The information within is written in a long dead tongue. What is inside is meant only for him. What is in this second book, however, is meant for you." "What is in it?" "All you need to know. I'm sorry I cannot tell you more, but time is short and the wrong people could overhear. Follow that map once you give Sho the book, and no sooner. That is imperative." "I understand, old friend." "I knew you would." Agito placed a thin hand on Duncan's shoulder. "What you do with the information contained within is up to you." "Agito, why are you telling me this?" "Because, my friend, this will very likely be the last time we see each other." "What?" "Before I go, let me say that knowing you has been an unparalelled pleasure. I wish I could have talked with you more, shared more of the things I know. That second book, Duncan, is how I will do that. It is a pity that I will not be able to tell you in person." "Agito, you talk as if you were a dying man." "Perhaps I am. I am old, Duncan, by far older than you know." "Agito..." "Enough. Do you understand my request?" "Yes." "And, will you follow it?" "Yes, of course I will." "I knew you would, my friend," Agito said as he clapped a friendly hand on the Bolkin's shoulder. "It was good to have known you, Duncan." "The feeling is mutual," he replied. No tears were shed, no lingering good-bye's shared. They both knew that neither would do any good, and they both knew that this day was coming. "Live well, Duncan, and I hope you use the knowledge I have left for you wisely." With that, Agito embraced the Bolkin and made his exit. ----------------------------------------------- "Let me say," Prime Scholar Arcturus said as he led Lion-O and Panthro into the heart of the village, "what an honor it is to have the ThunderCats pay a visit to our home." "The feeling is mutual," Lion-O replied, doing his best to hide his irritation. From the moment he and Panthro had entered the village, this Prime Scholar had done nothing but try to impress them with the village's simple archetecture and rich intellectual history. Matters of diplomacy were Tygra's main field of expertise, but the tiger was resting after having taken the night watch. "But, we really do have urgent business with Scholar Duncan." "Ah, yes, the myths concerning the War of the Guyver," Arcturus replied dismissively. "His house is just down this street, but I must say I don't know why you would be interested in such outlandish legends," the obese, bald human said. "Really, if those legends were true..." Lion-O tuned out the rest of the fat human's explanation of how they had to be false, of his rather racist views on scholarly knowledge. Who cared if Duncan was a Bolkin, how would that affect what he knew? Before he knew it, Arcturus was pointing out the small brick house which Duncan called home. "He is within," the human said just as the door opened and someone walked out. He was covered in a billowing black cloak, the lower half of his face all that was visible beneath the encompassing hood. The unknown human looked at the Lord of the ThunderCats briefly before bowing his head. "Pardon me," the hooded man said before making his leave. "Who was that?" Panthro asked. "That," Arcturus said, "is merely a pretend scholar who sometimes visits Duncan." The two ThunderCats could almost smell the disdain in his voice. "I don't know his name, but his visits are infrequent enough for me not to bother having him barred." "Really." There weren't many native people on Third Earth Lion-O had an actual dislike for, but Arcturus was definitely climbing toward the top of that short list. He was spared having to hear more of his drivel when the door to the squat brick structure opened and the Bolkin emerged. "ThunderCats?" he gasped in surprise. "To what do I owe the honor of such a visit?" "We're here for information regarding something called the Guyver," Panthro replied before Arcturus could. "We were told that you are the foremost expert on those legends." "Well, I have researched them extensively for some time," Duncan said with a blush, "but I would hardly call myself an expert. Please, come inside!" Lion-O was amazed at the sheer amount of old books which lined the walls of Duncan's home. Every inch of shelf space was occupied, with more books stacked in piles on the floor. The air smelled of musty pages and dust, and the urge to sneeze nearly overcame the ThunderCat Lord. Tygra would have a field day in here, Lion-O thought as Duncan directed them to a pair of simple chairs situated in front of a dormant fireplace. "Would you like some tea?" Duncan asked. "Or perhaps some biscuits? I have a few left..." "No, thanks," Panthro replied, taking a seat across from Lion-O. "We don't want to impose." "Oh, well, if you're certain." Duncan pulled up another chair - one meant for someone of his small stature - and sat directly in front of them. "I really must apologize for having to deal with the Prime Scholar." "Well, he's definitely not one of my favorite people," Lion-O said. "Arcturus is arrogant, true, but still a fine scholar. Besides, he's not what you came here to discuss." "Right. So, what are the legends about, anyway?" "First, may I ask a question, Sir Panthro?" "Sure. But, drop the whole "sir" thing. Just call me Panthro." "Very well," Duncan grinned. "Why would you come all the way out here just to discuss my research on one legend?" "We think it has something to do with some weird readings we've received from the Korath Mountains recently." "Ah. I see. So, what do you wish to know?" "Well," Lion-O began, "we know the basic gist of the legends, but we want to know if they could be true." "True? Legends? Lord Lion-O..." "Lion-O is fine." "Lion-O, do you know what a legend truly is?" "Fairy tales handed down amongst people?" "Very good! Yes, most legends are merely delusion wrapped around illusion wrapped about a lie, though there are always little nuggets of truth hidden within. Scholars who research those ancient legends, such as myself, merely sift through the untruths and myths to find what is actual fact. Or, at least, what is the most feasible." "So, you don't believe in them?" "Not as such, Panthro," Duncan said, "but, I do believe that most of the legends can tell us of the ancient times. The man who just left here, in fact, has been a great source of information to me." "But, not on the Guyver," Lion-O said. "No, but on the history of what is known as Second Earth, or the Reign of Man." "And how would he have this information?" Panthro asked. "Again, my friend, you misunderstand me. He helps me find the truths in the legends, to coroborrate them, to piece together at least a small fraction of the picture of life during Second Earth." "Okay, but what about the energy readings that come from those mountains?" "Alas, that is the one thing I cannot explain. I do wish that magic and the supernatural were not possible factors." "Why?" "Because, Lion-O, they are forces too random and too dangerous to do any research on. What few texts on magic I have come across are so apocryphal that no scholar can make heads or tails of them. Besides, I need not mention how damaging they can be. Mumm-Ra is a prime example of that." "How well we know it," Panthro grunted. "So, you think that Guyver never existed?" "I have no definte proof one way or the other," Duncan said at length, "but, no. I do not believe he ever did, nor Alkanphel. At least, not as the legends represent them." "More nuggets of truth among the lies," Lion-O said. "Precisely. I have found no concrete evidence to prove the myths about them, since no one can enter the Korath Mountains. Also, almost all of the history of Second Earth is gone. What little I have managed to find indicates that human civilization had been rather advanced. Unfortunately, I have no idea how sophisticated their sciences were." Lion-O and Panthro exchanged slightly disappointed glances. This had been a dead end. "I am sorry I could not help you more, ThunderCats, but..." "No need to apologize," Lion-O said with a smile. "You told us what you knew and for that, we're very grateful." "I am glad I could assist. Please, stop by again sometime! I would love to hear about the history of your world." "We'll make a point of it," Panthro replied kindly as the two ThunderCats took their leave. Duncan shut the door behind them, cutting off Arcturus' irritating voice. First Agito shows up, speaking cryptically about urgent matters that had come up and how they would likely never meet again, then the ThunderCats appear asking about his research on the myths concerning the Guyver. The Bolkin had never believed in coincidence, and saw no reason to start doing so now. So, what was the connection? It was true that Agito had been very helpful concerning some of the missing pieces of Second Earth's past and - though he insisted that no one else knew - the human had been a consummate master of Third Earth history, but even he had never bought into the legends about the Guyver. Nor even the one about... "Wait!" Duncan shouted as he flung the door open and darted into the noonday sun. Lion-O, Panthro, and Arcturus each stopped and stared as he ran up to them. "What is it?" "I just recalled, Panthro, a legend that may be of interest to you. It concerns the Guyver, and also another from Thundera!" "What?" Lion-O nearly did a double-take at the news. "Yes!" "Oh," Arcturus said with a dramatic roll of his eyes. "The Legend of the Destroyer's Fall again? Really..." "I, for one, would like to hear it," he said, more to the obese Prime Scholar than to Duncan. "Destroyer... Thunderian... Hey, are you talking about Grune?" Panthro asked, his eyes wide. "Exactly! Now, most of what we know of Grune the Destroyer is, unfortunately, true. Some facts have been blurred over time, however, which is likely where this legend comes in." "We know that, when Grune was banished from Thundera, he landed on Third Earth and began a rampage," Lion-O said. "Yes, and much of the history indicates - rather reliably - that one day he met a warrior who was his total superior. They fought, and Grune was utterly destroyed." "Let me guess," Panthro said, "the legends say it was the Guyver." "Yes, but a different one than in the legends of the Korath Mountains. I remember that many of those legends also spoke of a second Guyver. As a matter of fact, I have sketches of the two in my study, if you would like to take them?" "We appreciate it," Lion-O replied as he and Panthro went back into Duncan's small home. Agito turned and left, unnoticed by the two ThunderCats or the two scholars. He remembered Grune the Destroyer all too well. At first, Agito had been content to not interfere, yet on that fateful day Grune had stumbled across him, searching for some easy prey to warm up his spiked club on. It hadn't taken long before the Thunderian's threat to Third Earth's people was ended. Ten minutes? Five, maybe? Agito had forgotten over the centuries. Still, he was not worried. Duncan would not betray his trust. And, his reward for doing so would be the complete history of Second Earth. Most would call it lies, if not outright blasphemy, but the truth was never welcomed with open arms and open minds. Some things, at least, hadn't changed much from Second Earth's days. -------------------------------------------------- In the next episode: The war begins.