Act 117 - Date: 13 July 1993
Section 5: Q-niverse
Part 8: The New War, the Death, and THE END. . .
First and Only Division
Thirty-seventh Chapter
Characters: Thunder Cats, Silver Hawks, Mario-Team, N-Team Base, Remaining SuperFriends, People of the Enterprise, Mon*Star's Mob, Plundarrian-Team, Brain-Team Base
July 13.
Cat's Lair, on third-Earth.
W She knew that Beethoven had excelled mainly in music and composing and was widely regarded as the foremost composer who had ever lived. It was he who had redefined the symphony as a dramatic art form. She found his neverending struggle invigorating. His music seemed to relax and reenergise her.
Ludwig was great, too. . . a lot like Beethoven, but this was not Beethoven's music. It was Ludwig's. If only Ludwig followed the path of good rather than evil. . .
An hour. Ludwig's First Symphony lasted an hour. Enclosed with the compact disc had been a message of Ludwig asking her how she liked it, whether it would stand a première. She could just say no, but his musical spirit deserved more. Also, she could never consciously lie, not even to him. She got up and went over to the compact disc player on her desk and removed the disc as soon as it had stopped turning. She replaced it in the container in which Ludwig had sent it. "If only he weren't evil," she said silently to herself. She would not use her Q-powers unless absolutely necessary. God had endowed her with this power, she knew, and she had to use it only in accordance with his laws. Making Ludwig her friend might break the Code of Thundera as well as one of God's Commandments. It would create a lie. Still, she loved his music. How something that beautiful could. . . She shook her head. "Wait'll Steelheart hears this." She slapped her communicator. "What time is it?"
"It is 8.45," replied the N-Team computer. A quarter of an hour before Cheetara, Tygra, Pumyra, and Bengali were to go to the Borg ship to investigate. Wilykit left for the control room.
* * *
In the control room of Cat's Lair, Tygra, Cheetara, Bengali, and Pumyra were ready to leave. "So," said Gatito, "the Borg were created out of that nightmarish group of Wilykats?"
"That is our working theory," said Lion-O. "It seems valid."
"Yes, it does, I'm sorry to say," Gatito said. He crossed his arms. "Yeah, Wilykit's told me about that Ludwig character. I definitely don't think I like him."
Wilykat said, "Just wait 'til he commands his creeps to do something. The Cardassians don't realise what he's planning to do to them. Their military is too blindly aggressive for them to see Ludwig as he really is."
"True," said Panthro. "He's gonna turn around and conquer them after they've conquered everyone else."
"Not a pleasant guy, this reptile," Gatito said.
"Definitely not," Lion-O replied. "We must prevent him from taking over the galaxy."
"That's why you need the ship," concluded Gatito.
"Yes, Gatito."
"Well, you can have her. I'll sign it over free of charge." Something beeped at Panthro's console.
"It's the Enterprise hailing us," Panthro said. He tapped a button, and the second officer of the Enterprise appeared on the screen. "Good day, Lt.-Cmdr. Data."
"Good day, Panthro," stated Data. "Is Lion-O present?"
"Yes, I am," replied Lion-O. "Is there a problem, Data?"
"I am not certain," Data replied calmly. "I assume you are aware that the Romulans sent three unarmed Warbirds to Betazed for treaty negotiations."
"I'm aware of that, yes."
"The negotiations have begun, with Admiral Nechayev representing the Federation and Romulan Commander Reshal representing the Romulan Empire. The Klingons joined in shortly, represented by Captain Kurn. Shortly after the negotiations had begun, a Cardassian ship decloaked near Betazed, Gul Se Dek and Gul Ra Lett leading the ship. The Cardassians launched an attack and disabled the U.S.S. Cairo and the Klingon Bird of Prey Hek'ta, plus destroying one of the Romulan ships."
"Great God."
"Afterwards, a powerful Romulan Warbird, the Cassius, decloaked and used the element of surprise to their advantage by attacking the Cardassians before the latter were ready. To use an old saying, the Cardassians went back to the Cardassian empire with their tails between their legs."
"How many people were aboard the destroyed ship?"
"Four hundred ninety-seven, sir. In essence, the first battle of the war between the Romulans and the Cardassians has been fought."
"How is the conference going so far?"
"Extremely smoothly. The delegates are not squabbling; quite the contrary is happening."
"Well," Lion-O said, "that is good."
"I agree," Data replied. "It is very good. One reason for which I called you is to ask whether I can accompany Tygra and the other three when they go to the Borg ship."
Tygra said, "Of course, Data. We will leave soon, though, so it will be necessary for you to arrive here quickly."
"Certainly, Tygra. Thank you."
"You're welcome." The screen became blank. Wilykit entered the room.
"Good day again, Wilykit," Lion-O greeted.
"Hello, sir," she replied.
Jokingly, Wilykat asked her, "Well, is Ludwig's music dangerous?"
"On the contrary, my brother," said Wilykit. "I think it's good."
"It is?"
"Yes."
"You must be delirious."
"You're quite wrong, bro. Ludwig's First Symphony is almost as good as Beethoven's Fifth."
"You believe so?" His sister nodded. "You have believed that Beethoven was the best composer who ever lived."
"Yes. I still do, but Ludwig has produced good music. Listen to it, if you'd like."
"No, thanks, my twin. I believe you."
"I bet Data will listen to it," Tygra said. "He's coming to accompany us to the Borg ship."
"Ah!" Wilykit said. "Then, could you give him the CD?"
"I'd be honoured." Wilykit gave him a compact disc container that contained the CD.
"Thank you, Tygra."
"You're welcome."
"Who speaks Thunderian?" asked Gatito. "I just thought about that."
"Not I," said Lion-O. "I believe all the other Thunder Cats speak it, though."
"Yes," said Tygra. "That's true."
"All the Thunder Cats speak Thunderian Portuguese," said Wilykit. "Correct?"
"True," Tygra said. Data arrived. "Ah, you're here!"
Data said, "Yes, Tygra. I am bringing my special tricorder."
"By all means," said Tygra. "Let's go." He tapped his communicator. "N-Team Transporter, transport Data, Cheetara, Bengali, Pumyra, and me to the Borg ship." The process began. Panthro was watching because the Borg ship was in the Neutral Zone within the Q-Gate.
* * *
Control Room, Metroid.
In MotherBrain's inner sanctum, she, Bowser, Ludwig, and Ridley were executing a wicked plot while listening to the first movement of Beethoven's Ninth. Again, they were playing with the N-Team's transporters. "Ah!" laughed Bowser. "Ha, ha! My dear MotherBrain, Tygra and his group have just begun transporting to the Borg ship!"
"Perfect!" said MotherBrain.
"Yes!" Ludwig said. "We are ready this time. Ridley?"
Ridley said, "Yes, sir!" He pulled a lever. "It will appear to the N-Team as though those Thunder Cats and that android have been killed in transport!"
"However, they won't be killed," said Ludwig. "They will be transported to our prison. Only we know that."
"Afterwards," King Bowser Koopa said, "I shall send Larry, Roy, the Terror-Twins, and Mumm-ra to attack Lion-O."
"Tell them to carry super-Thundrainium," Ludwig told him. "I want this to be a lethal assault. As long as Lion-O's spirit remains in the mortal land, my Q powers are not very useful." Bowser smiled.
"An excellent idea!"
"Thank you much." He turned to MotherBrain. "When the Thunder Cats and the android arrive, go to Cardassia. Cloak before going."
"Yes," MotherBrain said.
* * *
Cat's Lair, third-Earth.
"I'm losing them!" cried Panthro. Lion-O began helping him.
"Bring them back!" Lion-O ordered.
"I'm trying." They both worked rapidly. Panthro called Hawkhaven. "Quicksilver, this is Panthro."
"I know of your problem," responded Quicksilver. "Was about to call you. I'm trying to put them back in Cat's Lair." The Silver Hawk and the Thunder Cats worked together.
* * *
Metroid.
"Something's happening!" said Ridley. "The Thunder Cats are trying to get them back!"
"Don't let them," ordered Ludwig. He began helping Ridley. His forming smile indicated a twisted idea. "One moment. Let them take all except Tygra and Data." Ridley understood the evil plot and smiled as well. It would appear to be an accident.
"With pleasure," said Ridley. Ludwig and he made the necessary adjustments.
"Return the designated ones to the Thunder Cats," Ludwig told Ridley, who nodded and pressed a button.
* * *
Cat's Lair, third-Earth.
"We have three," said Lion-O. "We can't get the other two. These are. . . Tygra and Data." The Wilytwins gasped.
"This is obviously Ludwig's doing!" cried Wilykat. "That stinking patakh!" "luDvIgh vImuS jIH! yIntagh ghaH! {Lúnd-vihg vih-mús jihç! Yihn-tahg gahç!} [Klingon] (I hate Ludwig! He is a yintag!)"
"You speak Klingon?" asked Wilykit, amazed.
"I picked up some from Lt. Worf."
"Ah." Cheetara, Bengali, and Pumyra rematerialised.
"What?" asked Cheetara.
"Something happened with this tahkehk of a transporter," Panthro said. "Or some tohzah - namely Prince L. - messed it up."
Wilykat said, "That bloody to'pah would do something like this." "Can't get Data and Tygra back," Lion-O said. "Quicksilver, could you check the transporter in person?"
"I'm going to do that now, Lion-O," replied Quicksilver. "I'm deeply sorry."
"It isn't your fault, Quick." Lion-O deactivated the radio.
Bengali offered, "I'll take over my brother's responsibility if you wish, Lion-O."
"Which? The one regarding the Wilykats?" Bengali nodded. "Cheetara?"
"He would be my next choice, Lion-O," Cheetara said. She was emotionally torn apart, but she stayed calm on the outside. Something deep inside her told her Tygra was not dead, but she did not hear it. "Please excuse me. I want to talk to Counsellor Troi."
Lion-O nodded. "I understand. I have to contact Wesley, though. Panthro, call 'im."
"Yes, Lion-O," said Panthro. He tapped a button. "Cat's Lair to Captain Crusher." Wesley appeared on the screen. He was on the Main Bridge of the Enterprise. He was also worried.
"I'm here," Wesley said. "We detected a transporter surge. In fact, we actually detected a transport disruption beam from Metroid that smacked your transporter beam, diverting the transportees to Metroid. Did you get the transportees back?"
This was news to those in Cat's Lair. "Three of the five," Lion-O told him. "Two, Data and Tygra, did not return."
"My God," said Wesley. "That means that they are on Metroid."
* * *
Metroid.
Ludwig entered the prison room. He was rather angry. Those cats had disrupted his plans. Still, he had Tygra and Data, who were in this room. He would not allow Tygra to live. Data, though, he could reprogram to perform evil deeds for him. Tygra cried, "Let us go!"
"Don't worry, tiger," Ludwig said. "You'll leave. . . in a nice pine box!" He took a phaser off the wall and set it to 'heavy kill.' "Until God, my friend! The next time we shall meet is when I rescue Satan from hell and destroy God himself!" He pulled the trigger and blasted Tygra, who fell backward onto the floor. Data stepped forward; Ludwig snapped his fingers and froze all aspects of the android except for his brain functions, his mouth, and his speech.
"You are a murderer," Data said.
"He isn't dead yet, Data. He will soon be, though. You have no idea what I have planned. MotherBrain! Send the cat back!" Tygra disappeared from the room.
"Done!" announced MotherBrain.
Data said, "So, she is not dead."
"She? Of course not, positron-brain! She and Ridley are, in fact, quite well.
"Tygra, the Invisible, second-oldest living Thunder Cat," Ludwig said. "Soon to be a memory, because of me! Ha, ha!"
* * *
Cat's Lair.
Everyone gasped. "The phaser must have been on level 13," said Panthro. " 'Heavy kill.' No time to get the special medical equipment unpacked."
"Worf," said Wesley, "beam Tygra and Cheetara to Sickbay, where Dr. Crusher will see what she can do."
"Aye, sir," came Worf's reply. Cheetara and Tygra were transported up. "They're there, sir."
"Thank you," said Lion-O. He was quite impressed with Wesley's quick thinking. He threw out all preconceptions he had had about humans. . . which he should have already done because of Kevin. "Can the Thunder Kittens and I come up?"
"Sure," Wesley said, getting up. "Riker?"
"I'll get to Transporter Room 1," Riker said, standing.
"Very well," said Wesley.
* * *
Sickbay, Enterprise.
Cheetara had put Tygra on a bio-bed at Beverly's request. For a millisecond, Beverly marvelled at how easily and quickly she had done that. She then examined Tygra with the bed's equipment and delivered orders to medical personnel. She placed a device above Tygra's chest and set it up to help Tygra's body restabilise the disrupted molecules. "If this had happened to a human," said Beverly, "he wouldn't be alive anymore. Even so, I got Tygra just in time to help his body regenerate itself. He's out of danger."
"Thank God and Jaga!" Cheetara said thankfully. When everyone else had returned to regular business and Beverly and Cheetara were alone together, Cheetara said, "You wouldn't know it, Doctor, but I'm pregnant. He is the father." Beverly smiled.
"Congratulations," said Beverly. "How long have you been pregnant?"
"Only a few hours."
"It would hard to be a single parent."
"You'd know. So'd Tygra."
"Oh, yes. Do the Thunder Kittens know?"
"Yes. The conceived are identical twin girls."
"I see." Beverly stared at the bio-bed's readouts, then nodded. "Yes, Cheetara. He'll live. He'll remain sleeping for two weeks. You should probably be here when he awakens."
"I'm sure Lion-O will let you keep Tygra here until then," Cheetara said. She was quite sure indeed.
Just then, Wesley, Riker, the Wilytwins, and Lion-O entered Sickbay. "How is he, Doctor?" asked Riker.
"Reasonably well, for receiving a blast from a phaser set to a high kill setting," said Beverly. "He's alive, thanks to Ludwig's overconfidence, thanks to his Thunderian metabolism, and thanks to my son's quick thinking. He'll remain unconscious for a couple of weeks; then he should be good as new."
"I'm glad he survived," Lion-O said. "Would you prefer he stay here, Doctor?"
"Yes, Lion-O. I believe that to be for the better."
"He'll stay, then."
"What of Data?" inquired Riker.
"I don't know, Commander. I'm sure Ludwig's more than capable of reprogramming him."
"Great."
"Doctor, will you let Bengali see Tygra?" asked Wilykit.
Beverly said, "Sure, Wilykit."
"Cheetara, Wilytwins, return to Cat's Lair whenever you wish," said Lion-O. "I'm leaving. I need some time alone."
* * *
Since a short time after the Thunder Cats had initially crashed on the planet, Lion-O learned that walking through the forest helped him to think and tranquillise his thoughts. He knew thinking was the best solution for problems; his strong, muscular (though not so muscular that it made him unattractive) body could not solve problems. Brute force solved little. The trouble was that Plundarrians did not know that.
He wished he had been in Tygra's place to take the blast for his friend. Just then, Jaga appeared. The person was Lion-O's most trusted advisor. He was the wisest Thunderian who had ever lived. "You are troubled, Lion-O," Jaga said.
"Yes," Lion-O said. "Tygra. . ."
"It was not your fault."
"Yes, I know, Jaga. It's just so unfair. Tygra didn't deserve it."
"I know, and I understand, Lion-O. However, life is hardly ever fair. Ludwig presents an even greater threat than we realised. He is extremely powerful; his powers border upon omnipotence. However, your spirit being on the mortal plane is making it extremely difficult for him to use that astounding power. So, he's sending some of the Brain-Team, including Mumm-ra, to attempt an assassination upon you. Even with you mortally alive, Ludwig is. . ." He almost froze. ". . .ex - treme - ly . . . pow - er - ful!"
"Jaga! Are you all right?" Ludwig's hologram appeared. "Ludwig! Let him go!"
"I don't want to, kitty," Ludwig said. "I don't have to. Hope his warning was ample, Lion-O. O Leã vân Lion {ó láy-ahnh van lahy-uhn}." Lion-O did not know what to say to Ludwig's proper use of the extended name. "Not even Beethoven or Wagner {vahg-nehr} could have orchestrated a better masterpiece! I hope you go to heaven, Thunder Cat!" Cackling his most evil laugh, Ludwig's hologram disappeared, and Jaga with it.
Lion-O's temper had just been completely spent. "Ludwig {Luhd-wihg}!" He pronounced the name incorrectly. He accidentally used a W-sound rather than the correct V-sound for the W. Ludwig's given name - right down to the 'von' - was German, and the Germans pronounced W's as English-speakers pronounce V's.
"Now, you're in big trouble, vân Lion!" called Larry's voice. He, Roy, Lemmy and Iggy, and Mumm-ra flashed into existence next to a nearby tree. As usual, Lemmy was balancing on a turquoise ball that had a golden five-sided star on its front. "You pronounced our brother's name improperly."
"Well, it was unintentional, but I just might have done it intentionally! And Thunderians never use the family name by itself."
"Very well, Lion-O."
"What's Ludwig {luhd-vihg} done with Jaga?"
"Captured him, of course. Emperor-to-be Ludwig von(Bowser)Koopa is quite powerful, you know."
"He'll never control the galaxy as long as I draw air!!" Lion-O cried. Larry's evil grin made Lion-O quite nervous.
"Heh, heh!" laughed Mumm-ra. "We know! Because you will soon be playing harps, Lion-O!" Lion-O put his left hand into his Claw Shield and held the Sword of Omens out defensively.
"I don't play harps, ancient one," Lion-O said. He understood what Mumm-ra meant, though. Angels played harps.
Roy said, "Too bad, kitty. At least you'll never have to answer to Wilykit." That made Lion-O furious.
"I don't care to talk about that!" Lion-O snapped.
"So?" mocked Larry. "You are in love with her."
"THAT DOESN'T CONCERN YOU, LARRY!!!" A red music laser blew the Sword out of his hand. "Hey!"
"Don't move!" screeched Melodia's voice. He saw her out of the corner of his eye as she came to stand in front of him. "My Sound Smasher is set for 'heavy kill' now. Disruptor, not laser! Beethoven's Fifth should provide a respectable death. Don't make me use Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture!"
"Make peace with God," said Larry.
"He has already saved my soul," Lion-O said.
"Good," said Larry. Melodia played loudly the first eight notes of the first part of Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. The disruptor beam emitted was shiny red, with treble and bass clefs and notes. It was spiral-like. Though he attempted to jump, Lion-O was caught by the beam. The first two notes knocked him out. "Sayonara, kitty." Larry's evil laugh practically filled the whole galaxy for two seconds. After the first eight notes, evil Larry was then hit by a phaser blast. "Uf! What? Who?" Melodia stopped; Lion-O was in no danger of waking up. Larry saw his attacker. . . "Ludwig?"
"No longer, evil cousin." The Koopa who had just appeared showed the birthmark on the underside of his foot. He was of the good Spike Koopa family. "Now, it is Luis de(Spike)Koopa {lwés day-spahyk-kú-pah}, the Spanish equal of what I was named before."
"Ah! Why the change?"
"Distinguishing between Ludwig and me."
"Good reason. Good-bye, cousin!" The evil ones left. Luis de(Spike)Koopa, formerly Ludwig von(Spike)Koopa, turned his attention to Lion-O.
* * *
Commander Steelheart's Office, Hawkhaven.
It was at exactly 30.125 seconds past 9.40 that Commander Steelheart jumped up and shouted, "LION-O IS DEAD?!?"
"Yes," replied Quicksilver, still dressed medically. "At the hands of Melodia, according to Luis."
"Ludwig van Beethoven's Fifth Symphony," Luis said. "Beethoven would abhor this wicked use of his work."
"Beethoven is 'Kit's favourite composer," Steelheart said. "And mine, for that bloody matter. Stargazer, go to Cat's Lair and ask 'Kit to come over here with her brother."
"Yes, ma'am," said Stargazer solemnly. He left for the hangar to go via warp zone to third-Earth.
Quicksilver asked, "Commander, may we speak privately for a moment?" Such a request was commonplace, from first officer to commanding or vice-versa.
"Certainly," said Steelheart.
Luis said, "I was going to depart, anyway."
"Dismissed." Luis nodded, then left. "What's on your mind?" Quicksilver was nervous about this subject.
"Steelheart, there's something that I've been putting off for months."
"What exactly?" She was patient once more. Her patience was normally powerful, though she did not nearly have the control of a Vulcan.
"I feel attracted to you. I guess I was afraid to tell you."
"That's all right." Steelheart stood up, joined her hands behind her back, and walked over to Quicksilver. "I'm attracted to you, too."
"So, now, what to do about it?"
"I wish I knew. I believe it unwise to pursue such a relationship improperly."
"I agree." They heard quiet footsteps approaching the regular door. They then heard someone tapping on the door thrice.
"Enter," Steelheart said, returning to her position behind the desk but remaining standing. The door was opened by Wilykit, who entered with Wilykat. "Hello, Wilytwins. Have a seat." Wilykit sat in the chair across from Steelheart, who also sat down. Wilykat lay on the sofa.
"Something's wrong, isn't it?" Wilykit asked.
"Incredibly perceptive you are. Luis de(Spike)Koopa ambushed the evil Larry, Roy, and Lemmy and Iggy (Bowser)Koopa, whom Mumm-ra and Melodia had accompanied, as they were attacking Lion-O. Melodia fatally harmonised Lion-O with her rendition of Beethoven's Fifth."
"You mean. . ."
". . .Lion-O's with God now?" completed Wilykat.
"Yes," said Quicksilver.
"When did he die?"
"Just as Luis brought him to VideoLand Hospital, 'Kat. Minutes ago. Luis brought the Sword of Omens along with him." Wilykit was horrified. There was more meaning to Lion-O's death than any could realise. At the moment of his death, she felt a restraining force leave an evil body. Ludwig was now omnipotent. Of course, she needed proof.
"You may perform an autopsy if you wish," said Wilykit. "Just be careful. Also, wait until after I've performed a Thunderian ceremony. It's like last rites. For some reason, I inherit Lion-O's position. Let's go, 'Kat."
* * *
Ludwig's Warbird.
"Lion-O is dead," said Larry. He enjoyed saying those three words in conjunction. Ludwig loved the sound.
"Good," said Ludwig. "MotherBrain's headed for Cardassia. Morton, how be our guests?"
"They're fine," replied Morton.
"Thank you. All Brain-Team members are in the safe zones, Wendy?"
"Yes, sir, Emperor Ludwig!" Wendy replied.
"We should be informal around one another. Nonetheless, I appreciate that title. Now, to display my powers, now that that infernal Lion-O's out of my hair!"
"What will you do?" asked Roy.
"Wipe out Hawkhaven?" asked Larry.
"Destroy the Q-Continuum?" asked Lemmy.
"Throw the Federation into the 42nd dimension's bottomless abyss to oblivion?" asked Iggy. "Hoo, that would be fun!"
"Completely mutilate the United Galactic Nations?" asked Morton.
"Or will you entirely obliterate this entire excuse for a galaxy?" asked Bowser.
"I shall do neither, my despicable kin," Ludwig said. "Oh, no. I'm going to do something no one else can do for an extended period of time! I now freeze time everywhere in this universe except in the safe zones!!" He snapped his fingers, and so it happened. Even the Q-Continuum was frozen in time, even the Borg, even the Cardassians, even every single particle in every single atom in every single element or compound in every single substance in every single nanometre in the Q-niverse, which was Wesley's Universe. Ludwig even froze the representative from Cardassia and the ones from the Borg ship. No members of the Brain-Team were stopped, though. What Ludwig did not realise was that there were a handful of good people whom he could not freeze.
* * *
Ready-Room, Enterprise.
Wesley had come here to collect his thoughts. Data captured, Tygra wounded, Lion-O killed. At Lion-O's point of departure, Wesley had thought he felt a restraint leave some evil energy. He dismissed it as a slight bit of paranoia at that time. Now, though, something felt very wrong. The air felt just enough cooler to send a chill down through his skeleton. The lionfish appeared immobile. He decided to go out onto the Bridge to see what was happening. Surprisingly, the door did not open. He snapped his fingers, and the door slid open. The Bridge was a frozen frame. . . no movement. Activity was apparent. Data was obviously reporting something to Riker, and Picard was there listening intently. Wesley went to see what the readout on Ops said. A temporal anomaly had just occurred. Ludwig! Wesley knew Ludwig was quite powerful, but the thought of someone freezing all of time! Wesley called, "Q! Answer me, Q!" Q appeared. He was rather sluggish.
"Ludwig's frozen your universe," said Q. "Temporally. He couldn't freeze you or any other Q-cubeds, though. On purpose, he didn't freeze the Brain-Team. He's even frozen the rest of the Contin-. . ." He froze completely in time. Wesley knew Q was being honest. He knew also that Ludwig had not even displayed a small bit of his power. Unless someone could stop him, Ludwig could control the Q-niverse.
* * *
Palace of Power, VideoLand.
The Thunder Kittens were strolling down the corridor to the VideoLand Hospital. They were going to perform the ceremony with Lion-O. Now, though, something felt very wrong. It was just a feeling. Also, people along the halls seemed 'stuck' somehow. "Talk about stuck-up people," Wilykat joked mildly.
Great, thought Wilykit. "This is no joking matter, 'Kat."
"Lighten up, would you! Being too stiff is probably not healthy."
"I know, but neither is being joyful, jocular, or hyperactive all the time."
"You think I'm stupid."
"No! Never! You're just. . . a tad overactive, maybe. Or something. You want to know what I sincerely think about you?"
"That'd be nice for a change."
"I think you're sweet, gentle, considerate, intelligent, and - sigh - very cute."
This surprised him. "Really?"
"I don't think it, actually; I know it. When we were in school on Thundera, many of my pals were attracted to you. A few had a crush - unnatural - on you. Not unnatural; unusual. Uncommon for that age."
"Were any jealous of Tygrana?"
"Oh, yes." They entered the hospital area. There, they made their way to Lion-O's room. The door did not open.
"The doors announce security locks," said Wilykat. Wilykit nodded. "Computer, is this door locked for security?" No response. "What the blip is happening?"
"I don't know, bro." A sudden thought hit her. "Ludwig!"
"Great. I knew I felt some restraint leave him as Lion-O died."
"Wesley!" she called. Wesley flashed onto the scene.
"Ludwig did this, as you probably think," said Wesley without preamble. "He couldn't freeze the Wondertwins or us three. He froze the entire universe, even the rest of the Q-Continuum. Intentionally, he left the Brain-Team active. He wants to conquer my universe."
Wilykat asked, "Why'd he wait 'til now to freeze time? Or is it because of Lion-O?"
"Yes," said Wesley. "Something about his presence on the mortal plane was restraining Ludwig's evil powers. Since Lion-O's soul and consequently life is gone from the mortal body, Ludwig can now use his powers to their full extent."
"What do we do?" Wilykit asked.
"Get Lion-O's soul back. Until we do that, we keep Ludwig in line."
"What must we do to get Lion-O's soul back?" Wesley just had to let some of his anger out, and unfortunately, there was only one direction in which to channel it.
"I don't know, 'Kit! Since when am I supposed to figure everything out?"
"Hey, sorry, Wes. Cool down." She felt his anger. "And don't channel your anger to me," she said firmly. "I didn't cause it."
"I'm sorry, 'Kit. I couldn't help it." The two kissed for but a moment. "I wish I knew what to say to do, my friends. All I know to do is talk to the Wondertwins."
* * *
The Wondertwins were at a balcony connected to the throne room. The clouds were beautiful that morning, but somehow, a cumulus had formed a symbol of caution. Also, there was this weird feeling that something was wrong. Neither Zan nor Jayna could put their finger on it. "The clouds are very still," said Jayna. "No wind."
"Unusual for this time of day," Zan agreed. "Something feels extraordinarily wrong." He put his left arm across his twin's back. She did not refuse.
"Yeah," she said. She looked down at the road. "I've seen no vehicles moving since we came, and the speed limit is 120 kilometres per hour."
"Me, neither," said Zan. He gently led her to the throne room. She gave little resistance. In the throne room, nothing was in the process of occurring. However, it appeared that people were in the middle of doing things. MegaMan and X were at a computer, and a file was on the screen. Lana sat on her throne, looking up at Kevin, whose mouth was open. "Kevin seems to say something to Lana. Kid Icarus appears to press a button on his console."
"Yeah. But they aren't actually doing these things. No movement." The elevator doors opened. Wesley and the Thunder Kittens came out. "Hey, everyone. What's happening?"
"Ludwig," replied Wilykat. "Heard about Lion-O?"
"Yeah," Zan said. "Kevin was reporting it."
"Now, he's standing with his mouth open," said Jayna.
"Apparently," Wesley said, "Ludwig is omnipotent like us. However, Lion-O's mortal existence kept a restraint on Ludwig's omnipotence. Ludwig obviously sent a few of his partners to bump off Lion-O, and now, Ludwig's frozen my universe. He could not possibly freeze us, however, and he did not freeze his comrades."
"Quite a pickle we're in," remarked Jayna.
"Yes," Wilykit said. "We must keep him in line until we manage to get Lion-O's soul back into his body."
"I've also just made another discovery," Wesley said. "We need Captain Picard's help."
"How?" asked Wilykit. "He's frozen."
"Not that Picard. The one from my original universe." Everyone took a moment to consider this.
"All right," said Wilykat. "Why exactly?"
"I don't know. I just know we need his help."
"Let's determine what we have to do," said Wilykit. "Get Lion-O's soul back."
"Impair Ludwig's power," Wesley said. "We should unfreeze his time."
"I will!" said Wilykat. "We all get back to our previous positions, though." Everyone nodded.
"I'll take care of it," said Wilykit. She snapped her fingers, and all five were back to where they were before and what they were doing before Ludwig froze time. "Now, bro!" Wilykat snapped his fingers. Time unfroze. The Kittens got to the room in the hospital where Lion-O's corpus was. Upon entering, they saw the Sword on the chair. Wilykit felt Lion-O's forehead; cool. "Poor Lion-O." Her brother thought.
"You know, I don't think it was meant for Lion-O to be killed now," said the male Thunder Kitten. "Check that. I know it wasn't meant for him to be killed now."