Thundercats Fanfiction Project (Ch 2, Episode 1)

In this episode, the Hall of Omens becomes a battlefield. Commands are spoken, and destinies are sealed…

Claudus’ Command

Book 1 – Exile and Vigil – Chapter 2, Episode 1

The Hall of Omens shook—not from visions, but from the bombardment of Mutant warships outside. Stone trembled. Lamps shattered. Dust drifted from the carved obsidian ceiling as another blast struck the palace.

Claudus, blind yet unyielding, steadied himself. He did not speak of covenants or judgment. He did not know what to believe. He only knew that the relics had to be carried to safety, and that his family must be found.

Guards burst into the chamber, crossbows raised. “The Mutants are coming!” they shouted as bolts flew into the smoke‑filled corridors.

Claudus turned toward Jagara. “Guard the Book of Omens and the Key of Thundera. Take them to the royal ship. And take WilyKat and WilyKit with you—it is time they board.”

Jagara nodded sharply. She gathered the twins with a sweep of her arm. “You two—come.” With WilyKit and WilyKat at her side, Jagara fled into the smoke—the Key of Thundera hidden within her robes, while WilyKat carried the Book of Omens.

Claudus then reached for Jaga. “I have a more dangerous mission for you. Bring the Sword of Omens and the Claw Shield. Help me find Leona and Lion‑O. We must get them to safety.”

Jaga moved to obey—but the doors exploded inward.

Mutants stormed the Hall of Omens, wielding axes, flame‑launchers, and grenades that burst in blinding flashes. Guards fell. Priests cried out. The blast tore Claudus from Jaga’s side, throwing the elder jaguar to the floor. For a moment he saw nothing but white fire.

As his sight returned, Jaga staggered up, instinctively gripping his sword. The Claw Shield—belted at his hip—held the Sword of Omens sheathed within it. He fought toward Claudus, blade flashing through smoke and screams, but the Mutants pressed in too thickly, driving him back.

Claudus’ voice rose above the chaos—raw, desperate.

“Jaga!”

Axes struck him.

“Save Leona…”

Another blow.

“Save Lion‑O…”

His final cry tore through the chamber as Mutant weapons fell. The blind king collapsed upon the obsidian floor, his crown shattered, its gems scattered across the stone. Blood pooled beneath him, dark and spreading.

Jaga froze—grief burning like fire in his chest. He wished he had reached the king. He wished he had been as certain as Claudus, who had entrusted him with his household and the sword.

But duty surged through the grief.

He meant to fulfill the king’s command. He was determined to find Leona and Lion‑O.

More Thunderan guards rushed into the Hall, clashing with the Mutants. Their cries rang out:

“The king has fallen!” “King Claudus is dead!”

The words struck Jaga like a blow.

With the guards holding the line, he turned away, forced to flee into the smoke‑choked corridors.

In his heart, he whispered a swift prayer to the Great Spirit—that he might yet save the queen and the heir. But he wondered if the Spirit still listened, or if silence also followed His judgment.

***

“So fell Claudus, the blind king of Thundera, who at the end of his days beheld its ruin. Yet even in death his voice endured, commissioning Jaga to save the heir of the fallen kingdom.”

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Disclaimer

This work is a piece of fan fiction inspired by the ThunderCats franchise. All characters, settings, and original concepts from ThunderCats are the property of their respective rights holders. I do not own the rights to ThunderCats, nor do I claim any affiliation with its owners. This story is a transformative retelling created for creative expression and audience engagement, not as a commercial product.

AI Collaboration Statement

In creating this work, I made use of Microsoft Copilot, a tool that helped inscribe my vision into narrative form. I remain the visionary and architect of this saga, shaping its mythic framework, themes, and direction. Copilot served as the writer, giving voice to my design. I then revised and refined its drafts, making further changes to ensure the saga reflects my vision in full. This stands as a creative collaboration in honor of the original ThunderCats universe.