Beast Wars Anonymous:

Beast Wars and all related belong to Hasbro. The story, its original contents and ideas, and any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used or reprinted without the author's permission.

Times are Worth Forgiving, pt. 1
by Ashley Poteete (dodger123@mindspring.com)

Scene: Great White Plains (day)

It was a very cold day in a place called the Great White Plains. The Great White Plains were a very hazardous and dangerous area where snowstorms and blizzards reigned supreme. They were very far away from either the Axalon or the Soundwave, but still, it supported a wide variety of wildlife, including cave lions, snow leopards, and even huge mammoths.

In the sky above the Great White Plains, Cheetor and Airstriker were scouting the area for signs of Predacons or strange signals coming from underground. The air was pretty cold with the temperature at about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cheetor: I don't know why Optimus would want us to patrol this place. It's very cold here, and my circuits can't handle this kind of weather for very long!

Airstriker: I would have to agree with you, Cheetor, but Megatron may have planted a jamming station here.

All of a sudden, Inferno snuck up behind the two Maximals. It was starting to snow a little bit.

Inferno (yelling): For the Royalty!

Airstriker and Cheetor reacted, but they were not fast enough to avoid Inferno's fast missiles from hitting them both. Cheetor crashed into the ground while Airstriker recovered from the missile attack by Inferno. They both transformed and tried firing in on Inferno but missed every time. Inferno fired back.

Inferno: Take that, you Maximals! Ha, ha, ha!

Airstriker fired in on Inferno and hit him with a missile from his medium-sized cannon-like gun. The missile hit Inferno, but it didn't phase him. Inferno hit Airstriker with twice as much force with just 2 missiles. He watched in triumphant as Airstriker fell to the ground. (Bomb falls then crashes)

Inferno (laughs): You are no match for me, Maximal! (Laughs again)

Cheetor: You are mine, Ant-boy! Cheetor, Maximize!

Cheetor transformed and fired in on Inferno with multiple force. Inferno was hit by the blast with so much force that it sent him flying into a large tree. Cheetor was triumphant.

Cheetor: Take that, Bug-eyes! You can't take this cat on!

Quickstrike: Not if I have anything to do with it!

Waspinator was carrying Quickstrike as he hit Cheetor in the back with his cyber-venom blaster. However, the blast barely even phased Cheetor, and he ducked down behind a rock to avoid the Predacons' dangerous firepower. Waspinator put Quickstrike down and flew off to find Inferno. Quickstrike fired in on Cheetor while Cheetor fired on him and ducked behind the rock at the same time!

Cheetor: Cheetor to Optimus. Big-bot, do you read?

Optimus: I read you, Cheetor. What's up?

Cheetor: I'm under very heavy Pred firepower coming from Quickstrike, and Airstriker has been badly hurt. I need help quickly!

Optimus: Silverstreak and I are on our way, Cheetor. Just hang on!

Cheetor: Thanks, Optimus; Cheetor out. (Turns to Quickstrike) Come and get me, Quickstrike!

Cheetor kept on firing at Quickstrike; however, Quickstrike's cyber-venom was a little too strong for the transmetal cheetah, but Cheetor would never give up, not even if he was under heavy Predacon firepower.

Meanwhile, Waspinator was buzzing and flying toward a large mountain where Inferno was when he caught sight of a male snow leopard known as Spotted Heart (for his spotted chest). He thought it was Nightstalker. Spotted Heart tried swiping Waspinator with his paw.

Waspinator (buzzing): Leopard-bot!

Nightstalker: Nice try Bug-boy! Flight mode!

Nightstalker transformed to flight mode and took off flying. Waspinator transformed and tried firing on the fast and ferocious flying Nightstalker, but she was way too fast for him to even hit. Nightstalker took off flying all over the place with Waspinator on her tail. She ducked under a low hanging tree branch, and Waspinator did the same thing! Nightstalker flew straight ahead toward a large evergreen tree and flew up, but Waspinator was very stupid and crashed into the tree, dazed and hurt. Nightstalker was in triumphant.

Nightstalker: Talk about your lack of intelligence, Bug-eyes!

Waspinator: Waspinator has a headache...(groans)

Nightstalker flew off to see if there were any other Predacons in her area. Meanwhile, Cheetor was having a tough time with Quickstrike.

Quickstrike: You're mine, cat-bot!

Nightstalker: Guess again, fuzor! (Growls)

Nightstalker flew in onto Quickstrike and knocked him to the ground on with a single pounce from the air. Quickstrike was pinned like a pancake, only he wasn't flat. Cheetor was able to get up as Nightstalker landed beside him.

Cheetor: Nice pouncing, Nightstalker.

Then an energon surge went over Cheetor's transmetal body. The raw and unstable energon crystals were still active in the Great White Plains, and not even a transmetal form could withstand it for very long.

Cheetor: AHH! Energon surge! Beast mode! (Gears shift)

All of a sudden, Inferno started firing on the transmetal cats with his gun. Nightstalker and Cheetor ducked low to avoid his firepower. Then Inferno started waving fire from his gun over their heads.

Inferno: Burn, Maximals, burn! (Nightstalker and Cheetor scream)

Nightstalker: I'll stop the ant. Nightstalker, Maximize! (Growls while transforming; gears shift)

Inferno: You will never win, you dumb leopard!

Nightstalker: Give my advice to the pits, Inferno! (Roars)

Nightstalker fired on Inferno twice in which the impact sent him flying into a large mountain nearby.

(Rumbling)

Unfortunately with the force of the impact, an avalanche of snow, ice, and rocks was started. Nightstalker's friend, Spotted Heart, was trapped on the lower part of the mountain as the rumbling got louder. The snow, ice, and rocks came crashing down the mountain, burying Spotted Heart when it reached the bottom. Nightstalker reacted in terror as the avalanche came to a stop at the end of the mountain.

Nightstalker: Spotted Heart!

Nightstalker ran frantically to the area where Spotted Heart was buried by the avalanche of snow, ice, and rocks. Cheetor and Airstriker, who had just recovered from a deadly fall, followed her to the avalanche site.

Within a few minutes of the avalanche, Nightstalker reached the area where Spotted Heart was buried and started digging frantically to see if he was just still alive. When she uncovered him, she knew that it was too late. Spotted Heart had died from the force of the avalanche.

Nightstalker: No, no. No! (Crying)

Cheetor and Airstriker looked among Nightstalker as she cried for the sake of Spotted Heart.

Scene: Great White Plains (sunset)

It was a time of terror for Nightstalker for she had caused the death of an innocent creature and bystander who had nothing to do with this dangerous war. Her promise as a peace keeper and to never kill had been broken all because of her.

Nightstalker sadly buried her one true wild friend near the beautiful mountain where he had died. Snow started falling in small flakes, but it got a little heavy. Then it fell in huge flakes.

Nightstalker: There, Spotted Heart. Let your home shelter you now.

Nightstalker transformed to beast mode, sad and devastated because of a single mistake she made. Cheetor tried to comfort her, as he was her best friend.

Cheetor: It's never easy to...bury a friend.

Nightstalker: But it is too easy to do all this.

Cheetor looked at the site of the destruction from the avalanche and reacted to what Nightstalker had just said.

Cheetor: But, Nightstalker, we had no choice! The Preds--

Nightstalker (with anger): Predacon or Maximal, what is the difference?! Because of this war, I caused the death of an innocent creature! I cannot let it happen again!

Airstriker: Nightstalker, this is war! You've got to learn that you sometimes have to make sacrifices, no matter what the pain or cost!

Nightstalker (angrily): You don't understand, Airstriker! My destiny as a peacemaker has been broken because of one single mistake that I made! We made this happen, and every time we do, this world and its inhabitants suffer! I will have no more of it happening. From this point on, I am no longer part of the Beast Wars.

Airstriker: You would just quit in the face of an enemy?

Cheetor: Nightstalker, y-you can't!

Nightstalker: My decision has been made, Cheetor. Farewell. Jets maximum burn.

Nightstalker took off flying one last time in front of her comrades.

Cheetor: Nightstalker! Oh, man!

Airstriker: There's just one question I have to ask you, Cheetor.

Cheetor: What's that, Airstriker?

Airstriker: How are we gonna explain this to Optimus?

A few minutes later, Optimus and Silverstreak arrived to see Cheetor and Airstriker hurt badly. They landed to examine them both. Cheetor had to break out the tragic news about Nightstalker's resignation from the Beast Wars.

Silverstreak: Let me take a look at your wounds, Airstriker.

Airstriker: Be careful, Silverstreak.

Optimus: What is the situation, Cheetor?

Cheetor: I'd hate to say it, Optimus, but Nightstalker has wished to no longer fight.

Optimus: What? Why?

Airstriker: Nightstalker accidentally caused the death of an innocent creature because of Inferno. She told us that every time we fight that this world suffers greatly. I thought she would never break her promise, which was never to kill another creature or weak enemy.

Optimus: Nor did I. It's a long story that I'll explain when we get back to the Axalon.

The four flyers took off for Maximal central to learn the secrets of Nightstalker's past.

Scene: Maximal base (night)

At the base, Rattrap went ballistic when Optimus told the others that Nightstalker had stopped and vowed never to fight again.

Rattrap: Oh, for bootin' up cold, Optimus! If you would think that old Leopard-bot would vow to never fight again, you are insane!

The others: Shut up, Rattrap!

Deathtrap: Don't you start with your gibberish, Rat-face.

Optimus: Deathtrap is right, Rattrap. Nightstalker hasn't always been a good peacemaker. During the Great War, she often refused to go into battle in fear that she would kill someone who was weaker or a bystander. Because of this, Nightstalker was suspended from many important battles and was forced to be a spy for the Autobots. When she started getting her act together, she was then allowed to fight in even the most dangerous battles. Still, Nightstalker didn't want to hurt others, so she started becoming a great healer, helping others with their terrible wounds.

Rhinox: This was why Nightstalker has always vowed to never kill, even in self-defense. Now, her worst fear has come true. She killed her friend to protect Cheetor and Airstriker, and it cost her to stop fighting for good. Nightstalker wanted everyone to have peaceful lives, but now because of one mistake, she has vowed to never fight again.

Silverbolt: Do you think she will ever be back, Optimus?

Optimus: Only time will give us the answer, Silverbolt. Only time will tell.

Then Cheetor walked off in a lot of pain because Nightstalker was his best friend, and there wasn't a thing he could do to change her mind. He walked down the main hallway to his quarters, crying in so much pain that time would probably never heal.

Scene: Cheetor's quarters

In his room, Cheetor was crying and in so much pain for Nightstalker's resignation from the war.

Cheetor (crying): Oh, Nightstalker. Please come back. We need you desperately. (Cries) This is all my fault. I knew I shouldn't have told her to fight. (Yelling) This is my fault! (Crying)

Just in the shadows, there was a voice that was familiar to Cheetor's ears. It was a voice that Cheetor had not heard for a very long time.

Tigatron's voice: It is not your fault, little cat.

Cheetor reacted to the strange voice he had just heard. He didn't know whose voice it was, so he responded at first angrily.

Cheetor (with anger): Hey, I am not a little cat whoever said that!

Tigatron: Is that a way to talk to a friend, Cheetor?

Cheetor (angrily): How do you know my name?! Any unfamiliar voice that I hear isn't my friend at all whoever you are!

Tigatron: Don't you remember me, little cat? It's me, Tigatron.

Cheetor: Tigatron?! It's impossible! You can't be alive after I saw the explosion of that strange alien ship months ago!

Tigatron: Anything is possible if you just believe in yourself.

With a flash of white light, Cheetor was blinded by its brightness. From that light, Tigatron's spirit walked into his quarters, all very beautiful as a great white tiger spirit. When the light died down, Cheetor was shocked to see his dead friend standing in front of him as a tiger spirit.

Cheetor: Tigatron? It can't be possible! You and Airazor were killed when the alien machine exploded.

Tigatron: That may be true, but my spirit lives on forever. Now I might ask this question: Why do you feel so sad?

Cheetor: It's my best friend, Nightstalker. She accidentally killed her beloved snow leopard friend, Spotted Heart, whom she named after the spots on his chest, to protect me and Airstriker from getting destroyed by that devious Pred, Inferno. And she felt that every time that we fought the Predacons that the Earth would suffer great wounds that would never heal. Then, she just resigned herself from the war and vowed never to fight again because of one mistake she made by causing the death of an innocent creature that had nothing to do with all this! It's all my fault! I shouldn't have told her to keep on fighting in these battles! Because of me, her friend Spotted Heart is dead!

Tigatron: It is not your fault, Cheetor! Calm down. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices for the sake of someone else, no matter what the pain or the cost. Like when I had to sacrifice Snowstalker just to save you and Dinobot a little over a year ago? Do you remember that?

Cheetor: Yeah, I do. You said that this world has to pay the price for our devastating war, yet you realized that we Maximals have to protect it when the Predacons threatened it.

Tigatron: That is right.

Cheetor (angrily): But, Tigatron that is the past you are talking about! I am talking about the present, right now! Because of me, my friends and I will never see Nightstalker again!

Tigatron: Cheetor, you have got to stop blaming yourself for something you had nothing to do with! Nightstalker sacrificed her friend to protect you! Isn't that showing how much she cares about you?

Cheetor: I don't understand what you mean, Tigatron.

Tigatron: Cheetor, you have to listen to your heart for advice. Nobody can give that kind of advice to you but your heart. Nightstalker never wanted to hurt another living thing; no matter if it was in self-defense against a Predacon or a dangerous creature that lived on this unique planet we call Earth. After the death of her friend Spotted Heart, she thought that Earth and its inhabitants would suffer once more if she fought, so she vowed to stop fighting forever. She wanted to be a peacemaker like I wanted to be.

Cheetor: You're right, Tigatron, but you are dead, and now, you can't fulfill your destiny. It will never happen because of those aliens.

Tigatron: But my soul and spirit will always live on forever, little cat. Just remember that, and always listen to your heart when you are in a tight situation that you think is impossible to get out of. If you put your mind to something, all things are possible!

And with those final words, Tigatron disappeared into a beautiful white light. Then the light faded, and Cheetor was shocked.

Cheetor (quietly): Thank you, Tigatron.

Cheetor quietly drifted off to sleep, knowing that if he would just listen to his heart, anything would be possible.

Scene: White Peaks (night)

Meanwhile in the dark, cold, and snowy night, Nightstalker had arrived in a mysterious mountain range called the White Peaks. The White Peaks were a dangerous string of mountains that few creatures could live on because of the frequent snowstorms and blizzards that it often had. They, just like the Great White Plains, were far away from either the Axalon or the Soundwave.

Late in the evening, Nightstalker reached a large mountain, which had a small cave that she could rest in for the rest of the night. The snow was getting very heavy, and Nightstalker was very exhausted after flying for about 200 miles to find a new home. She went into the cave, cold and tired.

Nightstalker (shivering): Oh, I am so cold and exhausted. (Crying)

Nightstalker was crying as she lied down to try and go to sleep for the remainder of the cold and snowy night. She was so heartbroken over Spotted Heart's death that she did not want anyone to bother her anymore.

Nightstalker: (crying) Cheetor...I miss you. (Crying)

That night, Nightstalker dreamt of her friends, the Maximals. She dreamt of the good times that she had with them, especially the memories that she had with Airazor. Her dreams went back and forth with the memories that she had with Cheetor, Rattrap, Rhinox, and Optimus. Nightstalker dreamt of every single memory that she had with her dearest friends, the Maximals.

In the shadows, a sneaky spy flew away from where Nightstalker was sleeping. It flew off into the cold, snowy, and dark night. It flew all the way back to the Predacon base.

Scene: Predacon base (late night)

The spy that watched Nightstalker made its way to the Pred base. It was the shape of something very ominous and weird. The spy was a combination of a dragonfly and an iguana. It was Sky Shadow, one of Megatron's most loyal yet dumbest troops. Still, Sky Shadow was smart enough not to be noticed by anybody. He stood before Megatron with some good news.

Sky Shadow: Megatron, I bring you good news.

Megatron: Yes, Sky Shadow?

Sky Shadow: The Maximal known as Nightstalker has wished to no longer fight.

Megatron: Yes. Yes! I knew that one day that troublesome Nightstalker would no longer want to fight. This may be the break we have been looking and waiting for a long time, Predacons! The Beast Wars may end sooner or later! (Evil laughter)

(Predacons laughing sinisterly)

How do I get through one night without you?
If I had to live without you, what kind of life would that be?
I need you in my arms, need you to hold
You're my world, my heart, and my soul
If you ever leave, baby, you would take away everything
Good in my life, and tell me now

How do I live without you?
I want to know
How do I breathe without you?
If you ever go
How do I ever, ever so long
How do I, how do I
Oh, how do I live without you?

--Lean Rimes, "How Do I Live"

Beast Wars and all related belong to Hasbro. The story, its original contents and ideas, and any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used or reprinted without the author's permission.

Times are Worth Forgiving, pt. 2
by Ashley Poteete (dodger123@mindspring.com)

Scene: Maximal base (morning)

The sun had just risen over Maximal perimeters and was climbing into the sky. It had been only one day since Nightstalker left her friends to start a new life. The Maximals feared that she would be captured by the Predacons and held prisoner in their base. Still, they were confident she would make new friends as time went on.

Inside of the base, Cheetor was making his way down the main hallway toward the command center, feeling a bit better. He was whistling a funny tune that sounded like Turkey in the Straw, meaning that he was happy. When Cheetor reached the command center, his comrades greeted him happily.

Cheetor: (whistles Turkey in the Straw)

Optimus: Good morning, Cheetor!

Cheetor: Good morning, Big-bot!

Silverstreak: Are you feeling better today, Cheetor?

Cheetor: Much better. Thank you, Silverstreak. Thank you so much.

Rattrap: So, uh...what's on your mind, Fuzzy? Nightstalker... Oops!

When Rattrap just mentioned Nightstalker's name to Cheetor, Cheetor held his head low in disbelief and sadness. He didn't want anybody mentioning Nightstalker's name anymore in his presence as a result it made him feel so sad about her leaving his side forever. Because of this, the others reacted in dismay at Rattrap.

Silverbolt: Rattrap! Now, look at what you have done to Cheetor!

Optimus: Rattrap, what have I told you about mentioning Nightstalker's name in front of Cheetor?

Rattrap (dreadfully): Yeah, yeah, I know. You told me not to mention it in front of the fur ball. (Mutters) Sorry, Fuzzy.

Optimus: Cheetor, are you okay?

Cheetor (sadly): Yeah, I'm fine, Big-bot. I just want to spend some time outside of the base by myself.

Optimus: Sure, Cheetor. Go on ahead.

After the conversation, Cheetor went down the bottom hatch and walked away from the Axalon feeling very down. He went off to a special log in which he called his "thinking spot" in the northern Maximal perimeters and sat down on it sadly...

Inside the base, Optimus and the others were getting worried because Cheetor was not his usual cheery self anymore.

Deathtrap: This is really odd. Cheetor is not his cheery self.

Rattrap: It might have something to do with Night--

Before Rattrap could finish his sentence, Silverbolt covered his mouth with his hand to keep him from saying Nightstalker's name.

Silverbolt: Don't you even say it, vermin!

Rattrap (muffled): All right, all right! I won't say what's-her-name!

Optimus: The sad fact is that Cheetor doesn't want to talk to anybody since Nightstalker left, but he needs to know that he isn't alone. Hey, Silverstreak.

Silverstreak: Hmm? Yes, Optimus?

Optimus: Why don't you go see if Cheetor feels like he wants to talk to you.

Silverstreak: Why sure, Optimus. I'll be back in about an hour or two.

Silverstreak went down the bottom hatch, transformed to flight mode, and flew off to find Cheetor so he could try to talk to him about his feelings.

Scene: Northern Maximal perimeters (morning)

Meanwhile, Cheetor was sitting alone on a small rock near a small pond, thinking about his best friend in his life, Nightstalker. Somehow, Cheetor had developed feelings towards Nightstalker, but he had been too scared to tell her. Now, with her gone, he couldn't say anything that would make her extremely happy ever again. Cheetor just wanted to be alone and didn't want to talk to anybody. He was very heartbroken.

Cheetor (thinking): Nightstalker, please come back. We all want you to be a part of this world again. (Crying)

Cheetor shed a tear. The tear rolled down the right side of his face and splashed on the pond's surface. It rippled the water. Just then, Silverstreak walked up behind Cheetor without startling him.

Silverstreak: Need a friend, Cheetor?

Cheetor: It wouldn't hurt, Silverstreak.

Silverstreak sat down beside Cheetor with a bright smile on his face.

Silverstreak: What's troubling you, Cheetor? You've been down in the dumps since Nightstalker left.

Cheetor: You couldn't possibly understand what I am going through, Silverstreak. Nobody does, and no one even cares.

Silverstreak: Come on, Big cat. You know that Optimus, the others, and I care. You can tell me.

Cheetor: It's just that Nightstalker has been my best friend for a very long time. After Tigatron's death, she was the only one I could ever talk to. Nightstalker is bright, sweet, has a beautiful smile, and is never afraid to risk her life. She taught me many things before we all left Cybertron to hunt down the Predacons.

Silverstreak: What kind of things did she teach you?

Cheetor: On Cybertron, Nightstalker taught me not to be afraid of even the smallest things that I saw. She taught me how to aim correctly at a moving target without closing one of my eyes.

Silverstreak: What about here in the present?

Cheetor: When she arrived here on Earth, Nightstalker taught me how to control my jets when they got out of control while I was flying because she was a very skilled flyer.

Silverstreak: It sounds like that you and Nightstalker have been through a lot together.

Cheetor: Yes, but now, I have developed deep feelings for her. Since she is now gone, I won't be able to tell her how I feel about her.

Silverstreak: What do you want to tell her?

Cheetor: That I love her.

Silverstreak (shocked): You love Nightstalker? Why?

Cheetor: It's just that she has always been there for me as long as I have lived, no matter if I was hurting or if I was scared. Nightstalker has never deserted me, and she has always been by my side, no matter if it was for comfort or to make me happy.

Silverstreak: Sometimes, we don't have the courage to tell someone how you feel about her, Cheetor. It sounds like that you are too scared to tell Nightstalker about your feelings towards her. Let me give you one word of advice. Look inside your heart, Cheetor, and find the courage to tell Nightstalker that you love her. It may hurt, but at least, she will know how you feel about her.

Cheetor: Silverstreak, thank you so much for making me feel better.

Silverstreak: No problem, friend. Just remember, believe in yourself, and anything is possible.

With those last words, Silverstreak took off to go back to the Axalon. He knew that Cheetor felt a lot better after his conversation with him.

Scene: White Peaks (mid-morning)

Meanwhile, Nightstalker was sleeping peacefully and soundlessly in her cave. She had somehow gotten to sleep during the night. It was very quiet until...(snow splatters, rocks crumble) some noises startled her and shook the transmetal leopard from her peaceful sleep.

Nightstalker: What was that? Who's there?!

There was no sound coming from outside of the cave, but Nightstalker was suspicious that someone followed her to the White Peaks. She thought it was a Predacon who had followed her to the mountains, but she quickly dismissed herself from that thought.

To find the source of the strange noises, Nightstalker decided to investigate herself. She transformed to robot mode and quietly walked out of the cave. Nightstalker peered outside and saw nothing strange in particular to her eyes. There was nothing but snow on the mountainside she was standing on.

Nightstalker (thinking): Man! It must've snowed all night! There's a lot of snow on the mountainside that I am standing on.

(Snow splattering, rocks crumbling) Then the noises distracted Nightstalker again. She turned around to find nothing from the noise source that she just heard. Nightstalker was starting to get a little scared about the noises she was hearing and started backing up from the site where she first heard the sounds.

What she didn't was that there was an adolescent giant panda who was sniffing around for food in her area. The panda was at least 18 months old and was just getting used to being without his mother. He had a black face with white eye patches, a white underbelly, and a black back.

Nightstalker continued backing down, until all of a sudden, she bumped into the young panda that was behind her the whole time she was searching for the noise source. The panda turned, saw Nightstalker, and was scared half to death. He ran away from her, but Nightstalker just stood right where she was and wasn't afraid of the young panda.

(Young panda whimpers)

Nightstalker: Come on, little one. I'm not gonna hurt you.

The panda just merely watched Nightstalker. He wouldn't approach her because he was scared stiff of the Maximal. Then Nightstalker found a piece of fruit on the ground beside her, picked it up, and presented it to the adolescent panda.

Nightstalker: Are you hungry, young one? Here, I have something for you. Come on. I am not gonna hurt you.

At first, the panda wouldn't approach Nightstalker, even though she had a small piece of fruit in her hand. Then the young panda realized that Nightstalker wasn't going to hurt him at all and ran up to her side. He grabbed the fruit and started grinding his teeth into the left side of the small cantaloupe.

Nightstalker was overjoyed that she had made a new friend on the mountain she was living on now. Then at least 6 other pandas appeared; all were adolescents or sub-adults. For a moment, the pandas just merely stared at Nightstalker and didn't approach her at all. Then one by one, they approached Nightstalker with calmness and ease. Nightstalker was happy once again although she was still grieving a little over Spotted Heart's death.

Then a sneaky spy emerged from a spot under the snow and flew off. Again, it was Sky Shadow, one of Megatron's most loyal yet dumbest troops. Sky Shadow flew back to the Pred base.

Scene: Predacon base (day)

At the Predacon base, it was rotten business as usual. The Predacons were almost always up to something, but right now, they were having problems with their base's main computer!

Inside the Soundwave (Predacon base), Waspinator and Aquasting were trying to find what problems the main computer was having. Megatron was nagging at them to hurry up.

Megatron: Have you idiots found the source of the computer's problem yet?!

Waspinator: Waspinator says we're working on it!

Aquasting: Hold on! I think I've found the source of the problem! I got it! (Explosion!)

Sparks were flying everywhere from the main computer as it completely shut itself off. Megatron looked at both of his troops with dismay.

Aquasting: Oops!

Megatron: What do you mean "Oops"?!

Waspinator: It still needs a bit of work.

(Beep, beep!)

Computer voice: Unit Sky Shadow is approaching base.

Megatron: Let the fuzor in.

Computer voice: Acknowledged. (Beep, beep)

Within a few minutes, Sky Shadow arrived in front of Megatron to give him some news.

Sky Shadow: Greetings, Megatron. I bring you news. Nightstalker is living alone up in the White Peak Mountains.

Megatron: Good. You have done well, Sky Shadow.

Sky Shadow: Yes, Megatron.

Sky Shadow flew off. Now, Megatron had something devious up his sleeve. He had some kind of plan to destroy the Maximals without Nightstalker's interference, but it would take a least few weeks to plan it. Whatever Megatron had in mind was not good.

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believe

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

--Celine Deon, "Because You Loved Me"

Beast Wars and all related belong to Hasbro. The story, its original contents and ideas, and any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used or reprinted without the author's permission.

Times are Worth Forgiving, pt. 3
by Ashley Poteete (dodger123@mindspring.com)

Scene: White Peaks (day)

Within 2 weeks of her arrival in the White Peak Mountains, Nightstalker had quite made herself at home there. She had given names to the pandas she met during the 2-week-period she made her home in the White Peaks. Also, Nightstalker had taken care of several orphaned pandas that had obviously lost their mothers due to the adverse weather conditions 2 weeks ago.

Her favorite pandas were 2 young 18-month-old female pandas named Snowheart (for her white chest and belly) and Snow White (for her very snowy white fur). Tripod (as he had only 3 feet) was a young male panda Nightstalker loved a lot. 3 other pandas that Nightstalker just adored were males named White Patch (for his white eye patches), Black Patch (for his black eye patches), and Gizmo (for his yellow-white fur around his neck and on his belly). One panda that Nightstalker also loved was a female named Snowy (for her incredibly white fur all over her body).

On one cold, snowy day up in the White Peak Mountains, Nightstalker was gathering food for her pets that were obviously very hungry. Food was obviously very scarce up in the White Peaks, and Nightstalker was searching high and low for fruit and plants. It was quiet until (snow splatters, rocks crumble) a small noise caught her off-guard from food gathering. Nightstalker spun around to see nothing.

Nightstalker: Who's there?

There was no sound coming from the place she heard the noise the first time. Nightstalker, this time, didn't suspect that the noise came from a Predacon, but she transformed to robot mode to be ready to defend herself if she was wrong.

Nightstalker quietly peered over a small rock to see if she could find the source of the noise. At first, there was no sound. Then...(rocks crumble, snow splattering) the sounds were heard by Nightstalker again. She turned around and saw nothing. Nightstalker started getting really concerned that someone had followed her to her home range up in the White Peaks.

Nightstalker (thinking): Someone has followed me to these mountains. But who would want to spy on me from up here on this cold mountainside?

(Small whimpering)

Then there was a small whimper coming from nearby Nightstalker. Nightstalker turned around and saw nothing, but (whimpering) she heard the whimpers again and followed them to their source. About 3 minutes later, Nightstalker found the source of the whimpering. It was coming from under the snow.

Without wasting any time, Nightstalker started digging like mad to find out what was making those whimpering sounds she heard. She continued digging until she came to something furry and soft. Nightstalker was very shocked, as she had just discovered a baby panda buried alive in the snow. She wasn't sure where the cub's mother was, but she had a pretty good idea that its mother may have buried her own cub alive and left it to die.

Nightstalker (thinking): Oh, my goodness! I can't believe that this little panda's mother buried her own cub alive and left it to die.

After a moment, Nightstalker snapped out of that thought and picked up the tiny panda cub. The baby panda was only about 3 months old, and she was very dehydrated, sick, and malnourished. Nightstalker had no option except to take the tiny panda cub with her to her cave with the food items that she had collected for her other pets. She carried the tiny panda in her loving arms with her bag of food items for her other pets.

Scene: Nightstalker's cave (day)

Inside her cave, Nightstalker examined the little panda cub. She found some very horrifying results of the alive burial. The tiny panda cub had a lot of snow in its mouth and eyes. Her nose was full of snow; so were her ears. Despite this case of neglect, Nightstalker took some cotton swabs and cleaned out the panda's ears, nose, and eyes. She used a special tube to clean out her mouth full of snow.

Nightstalker then used another special tube to give the baby panda special fluids to hydrate her. The baby panda was very sick, but it looked she was going to pull through the near death experience of being buried alive. Then Nightstalker thought of a name for the little panda.

Nightstalker: Little one, I am going to call you Sweetheart. (Sweetheart squeaks) Yes, you are beautiful, Sweetheart. Here, drink from this bottle.

Yes, Sweetheart was a beautiful name for such a young panda that survived neglect from her mother. Nightstalker gave Sweetheart a bottle full of a special formula to cure her dehydration. Sweetheart drank the fluid heartily from the bottle Nightstalker gave her. Within about 3 hours, Sweetheart was asleep from the fluid she drank. Nightstalker was relieved and went back to feeding her other pets with the food items she collected while she was on her mountainside.

Scene: Maximal perimeters (afternoon)

Meanwhile, Cheetor, Rattrap, and Silverbolt were scouting Maximal perimeters for signs of Predacons lurking about in the shadows. Of course as usual, Rattrap hated perimeter patrol.

Rattrap: Oh, man! Sometimes I ask myself: Why am I the one that has to get stuck with you two numbskulls?

Silverbolt: Rattrap, please stop complaining. It is only perimeter patrol.

Cheetor: Silverbolt is right, Rat-face. You have got to stop complaining about what patrol Optimus puts you on! It is nothing serious, usually.

Rattrap: Not like the incident where Nightstalker--

Silverbolt and Cheetor: Shut up, Rattrap!

Rattrap: Okay, okay! Fine, I'm shuttin' up! (Muttering) Sheesh! If it isn't the leopards up your nose, it's the cheetahs and winged wolves!

Silverbolt: My scanners indicate that there are no odd signatures around here.

Cheetor: And by the way, Rattrap, Nightstalker's incident occurred 2 weeks ago, and I am now totally over that, thanks to Silverstreak's helpful advice!

Rattrap: Listen, fur ball, I didn't get my butt kicked like you did 2 weeks ago, and another thing--

Silverbolt: Shut up, Rattrap! Your big mouth isn't gonna wreck this important patrol, understand?!

Rattrap: All right! I won't say another word, Bird Dog!

What the three Maximals didn't know was that something strange was spying on them. It emerged from a nearby bush and flittered off and away from Maximal perimeters.

Scene: Predacon base (afternoon)

Inside the Soundwave, the Predacons were conducting a plan to attack the Maximals without Nightstalker's interference during the battle. It had taken at least 2 weeks of planning to set it up. That was what explained why it had been so peaceful during that time period.

The spy approached the base with ease. Again as before, it was Sky Shadow. Sky Shadow flew into the Predacon base and stood before Megatron with some news.

Sky Shadow: Agent Sky Shadow reporting, Megatron!

Megatron: Yes, Sky Shadow? What have you found out of the Maximals?

Sky Shadow: 3 Maximals, Cheetor, Rattrap, and Silverbolt are patrolling their perimeters for signs of odd signatures.

Megatron: Good, Sky Shadow. You have done well. You are dismissed. (Snickering)

Sky Shadow: Yes, Megatron.

Sky Shadow flew off after being dismissed. Then Megatron turned his attention to his troops.

Megatron (barking): Computer! Summon Quickstrike and Deathstrike! We have a mission today. Some search and destroy! (Laughs evilly)

Scene: Maximal perimeters (late afternoon)

In Maximal perimeters, the air was starting to get very cold. Clouds were moving in from all directions, blocking the sun, and the winds were picking up. It was almost time for Rattrap, Cheetor, and Silverbolt to head back to the Axalon when a brief snowstorm started falling.

Rattrap: Oh, man! The sky's pissing on us!

Silverbolt: It's just snow, Rattrap, so stop complaining!

Rattrap: But I hate snow falling on top of my head! Plus, it's getting very cold and windy out here!

Cheetor: You'll have to get used to the harsh winters, Rattrap. But still, I agree with you. We better get back home before it gets real bad, and we get stuck.

Before the trio could turn around to head back to the Axalon, a large beam of purple ray energy came flying at them and exploded from behind, knocking them all to the ground. Cheetor, Rattrap, and Silverbolt crashed into the ground as the snow kept on falling. Then Megatron, Quickstrike, and Deathstrike appeared in front of their rivals who were unconscious on the ground. They were in triumphant and ready to wipe out their victims.

Megatron (laughs): Today, one big cat dies!

Quickstrike: That cat is mine!

Silverstreak: Not on your life, Mega-dump!

All of a sudden, Silverstreak came flying in and knocked Megatron away from Silverbolt, Rattrap, and Cheetor. He was on patrol in another area when he detected Predacons not too far away from where he was. Cheetor and his buddies regained consciousness just in time before Quickstrike blasted them all to pieces.

Silverstreak faced Megatron eye to eye. The big tyrannosaurus looked at the winged cheetah with a lot of hatred in his heart, if he had one.

Megatron: You should have never betrayed me, Silverstreak!

Silverstreak: I did what was right, Megatron! You will never understand the meaning of trust. All you will ever know is evil! Taste some lead!

Silverstreak shot 2 of his wing shooters at Megatron; however, Megatron was faster and shot at Silverstreak twice with his tail weapon, knocking him to the ground. He snickered and was triumphant over the fuzor.

Megatron: That is one Maximal down and 3 to go!

Cheetor: Not on your life, Mega-dork! Cheetor, Maximize! (Growls) (Gears shift)

Cheetor transformed to robot mode and fired in on Megatron with his weapon. Still, Megatron had an advantage over the little cat and blasted him with his weapon. Cheetor was barely phased by the blast and continued firing at his arch nemesis. Megatron continued firing at Cheetor!

Meanwhile, Rattrap was in his racing cart mode, speeding all over the place like a driving maniac spinning out of control to avoid Quickstrike and Deathstrike's deadly venom blasts. Quickstrike and Deathstrike continued firing in on the vermin who was just too fast for them to hit.

Quickstrike: Hit 'im hard, you idiot!

Deathstrike: I'm tryin', cobra-breath! He is too fast!

Rattrap: Which is somethin' you two dummies will have to learn! Maximize! (Gears shift)

Rattrap transformed and blasted Deathstrike and Quickstrike off their feet in a flash. Quickstrike ducked to get out of the way of the vermin's deadly blasts. Deathstrike was taking cover behind a rock and shooting at Rattrap at the same time! Still, Rattrap was faster and smarter than the two fuzors and continued blasting the wits out of them.

Then Silverbolt came flying in and grabbed Deathstrike by the nape of his shoulders. He flew up really high above the ground. Deathstrike had a fear of heights and yelled at Silverbolt to put him down.

Deathstrike: Hey, put me down, you miserable wolf!

Silverbolt: Oh, you want me to drop you off? Okay, here's your stop!

Silverbolt let go of Deathstrike. Deathstrike fell straight to the ground and hit it hard with a sickening thud. Silverbolt flew off while Rattrap and Silverstreak continued handling Quickstrike with no problem.

However, Cheetor was having a no-go with Megatron. He fired in on the big transmetallic T-rex but he missed by a mile. Megatron blasted him off his feet and pursued him. Cheetor rolled out of the way and pulled out his sword. He tried striking Megatron with it. Megatron again knocked his sword out of his hand and blasted him to the ground. Still, Cheetor had the guts to get up again.

Megatron: Well, well, Cheetor, you are braver and stronger than I thought! Where's your little friend, Nightstalker? The one bot that you liked so much and then you abandoned her?

Cheetor: You don't know what bravery, strength, or friendship is, Megatron! All you know is evil, hatred, jealousy, and vengeance. You will never have a real friend, Megatron! Ever!

Megatron: Pathetic, weakling. Take this!

Megatron blasted Cheetor multiple times before knocking him to the ground with his tail weapon. Cheetor fell to the ground, damaged and weak. He was helpless and couldn't get up.

Megatron: Today, one Maximal dies! (Sinister laughter)

Then Cheetor started getting images in his mind of what Silverstreak told him to do a few weeks ago.

Silverstreak's voice: Remember, just believe in yourself, Cheetor, and anything is possible!

Cheetor closed his eyes and looked deep into his heart to search for the one true friend that he had ever had to help him.

Cheetor: Please, Nightstalker, hear me. Nightstalker!

Scene: White Peaks (night)

Alone in her cave, Nightstalker was asleep in peace, but then she heard something thump in the back of her mind. In her mind, she could very easily hear Cheetor's voice crying for help.

Cheetor's voice: Hear me, Nightstalker. Nightstalker!

The voice was loud enough to shake Nightstalker awake. Nightstalker knew that her friends were in trouble and needed help.

Nightstalker (gasps): Cheetor! I've got to go back. I must stand up for my friends and fight one more time! Flight mode!

Nightstalker turned on her jets and took off for Maximal central, hoping that she could arrive before it was too late to save her friends. Even though she had vowed to no longer fight, Nightstalker wanted to help her friends one last time.

Scene: Maximal perimeters (night)

Back in Maximal perimeters, the battle continued to rage as the snow was falling very heavily. Silverbolt and Silverstreak were now having a difficult time with Deathstrike and Quickstrike. Silverstreak and Silverbolt fired on Deathstrike and Quickstrike at the same time, but the scorpions blocked their shots and fired in on the flyers themselves. Silverbolt and Silverstreak were knocked to the ground in a flash. Deathstrike and Quickstrike were in triumphant.

Deathstrike: You two are mine!

Quickstrike: And mine, too!

Nightstalker: Not on your life, fuzor!

All of a sudden, Nightstalker came flying in and blasted Deathstrike to bits. However, Deathstrike collected himself up and scurried off. Nightstalker landed and looked at Quickstrike right into the eye of her nemesis.

Quickstrike: Your turn to burn, Nightstalker!

Nightstalker faced Quickstrike western style. Quickstrike looked mean with his cobra-head. Nightstalker started bringing her weapon together. Quickstrike pulled out his cobra-head, but Nightstalker was faster, smarter, and quicker to fire. She blasted him to pieces.

Nightstalker: You know what they say, Quickstrike, "Three strikes and you're out!"

Silverbolt: Nice shootin', Nightstalker!

Silverstreak: I'll say. You have a pretty good aim!

Nightstalker: Thanks, Silverstreak.

Cheetor: AHHHHHH!!!

Just then, Nightstalker reacted to Cheetor's loud screams. She realized that he needed help.

Nightstalker: Cheetor's in trouble, you guys! I've got to help him. Flight mode!

Nightstalker transformed to flight mode and took off in a flash to find Cheetor who was obviously and unfortunately having an extremely difficult time with Megatron. He had used every last ounce of his strength to defeat the big T-rex and was now badly damaged to the point where he couldn't even move.

Megatron looked at Cheetor with an evil and sinister looking grin on his face. Cheetor was backed up against a rock and could not move. Megatron drew back his tail weapon to get ready for the last finishing touch on the transmetal cheetah. He didn't know that Nightstalker was up above him.

Nightstalker transformed and landed on a small rock above Megatron and looked down below to see Cheetor helpless lying on the ground. She had one last moment of freedom to look at the sky. Nightstalker saw Megatron about to ram his tail weapon into Cheetor for the deathblow. She jumped down and landed in front of her best friend to protect him.

Then Megatron rammed his tail weapon into Nightstalker without mercy. The pointy end of the tail shredded through Nightstalker's armor and inner wires, but fortunately, it did not go all the way through her. Nightstalker felt an agonized pain go through her. She seized the tail's pointy end and pushed it back slowly and weakly. Megatron pulled the tail back, twisted his eyes in irony, and roared with sinister laughter.

Megatron (laughing sinisterly): Well, it looks like that the leopard will die! (Laughs again)

Megatron knocked the badly injured Nightstalker to the ground without dismay. Nightstalker fell down, damaged almost permanently. Cheetor looked in horror as his best friend in the world lied helplessly on the ground.

Cheetor: NOOOO!

Cheetor fell to his knees and held Nightstalker in his loving arms, not letting her go. Megatron looked at both of them with hatred in his eyes.

Megatron: Juliet and Romeo together! (Laughs) You two will be a fine prize for me!

Silverbolt, Silverstreak, and Rattrap: No way, Megatron!

All of a sudden, Silverbolt, Silverstreak, and Rattrap came flying in and blasted Megatron away from Cheetor and Nightstalker. Megatron had no choice except to retreat back to his base!

Megatron: Predacons! Retreat! Retreat!

Megatron transformed to flight mode and flew on out of Maximal territory while his other two troops; Quickstrike and Deathstrike scurried off into the snowy night. The Maximals had won this battle.

In a perfect world
One we've never known
We would never need to face the world alone
They have their world
We'll create our own
I may not be brave or strong or smart
But somewhere in my secret heart

I know love will find a way
Anywhere I go I'm home
If you are there beside of me
Like dark turning into day
Somehow we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way

--"Love Will Find a Way," Lion King II

Beast Wars and all related belong to Hasbro. The story, its original contents and ideas, and any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used or reprinted without the author's permission.

Times are Worth Forgiving, pt. 4
by Ashley Poteete (dodger123@mindspring.com)

Scene: Maximal perimeters (night)

Silverstreak and Rattrap were celebrating their victory over the Preds.

Silverstreak: Man, we were good today! (Laughs)

Rattrap: Right down the alley, Bird Cheetah! Yeah!

Then Silverbolt had to break off the fun for there was a serious situation with Cheetor.

Silverbolt: I'd hate to rain on your little victory celebration, you two, but I think we have a serious situation with Cheetor.

Silverbolt was not kidding at all. Silverstreak and Rattrap looked at Cheetor who was still holding the badly hurt Nightstalker in his arms.

Cheetor: Nightstalker, please don't leave me. You are my best friend. We've been through a lot together.

Nightstalker (weakly): I don't know if I can hang on, Cheetor. I'm damaged beyond recovery. It's probably too late for me. (Groans loudly)

Cheetor: But, Nightstalker, you came back to us. You helped us win the battle with the Predacons, and you did that because you knew that you had to make a sacrifice that you didn't want to make. You found the strength in your heart to fight.

Nightstalker (weakly): I know, but look at what happened. Because of our war, so many innocents have suffered. This has caused some scars to form on this world that will never heal, but I knew that I had to come back and keep Megatron from hurting you all.

Cheetor (starts to cry): Please, Nightstalker, hang on. You can come back to the base and stay with us. We will be with you all the way.

Nightstalker (weakly): I know you will. Just remember that I will always be with you all forever until the end of time. Good-bye, Cheetor...(sighs deeply)

With her last breath, Nightstalker passed on peacefully and went limp in Cheetor's arms. Cheetor looked at her in horror.

Cheetor (crying): No, Nightstalker! NO! Nightstalker, please don't leave me! Please, you can't leave me! (Cries) (Whispers quietly) I love you. (Cries softly)

Just then, Optimus arrived to see his little buddy, Cheetor crying over his lost friend. A few hours ago, Silverstreak had contacted Optimus to tell him of the attacking Predacons in Maximal perimeters. Optimus hoped to arrive before any damage was done, but now, it was too late. It had already been done.

Optimus: Oh, Cheetor, I am so sorry.

Cheetor: Don't be, Big-bot. Nightstalker was all that I had left after Tigatron died. Now, because of me, she is gone. Not only that, I...I love her.

Silverstreak: It isn't your fault, Cheetor. You know that. Nightstalker wanted a better life for everybody, including you. She didn't want you to die because she loved you too, but now, it is time to let go. Let her cross over peacefully.

Cheetor: No, I can't let her go. She can't leave me!

Rattrap: Kid, you have got to face the facts! Nightstalker is dead! She died to let you live! She is in a better place. Let her go!

Cheetor: No! Don't listen to them, Nightstalker. I know you are there. Show yourself!

Silverbolt: Cheetor! You have to stop! Nightstalker is dead, and she will not come back! Let it go! She will always be with you!

Cheetor: I will never let her go! Come on, Nightstalker, you never ran from anything in your entire life. Come on, Nightstalker, please! You taught me so many things before we ever parted! Don't leave me!

Optimus: Cheetor, let her go. It's time to stop.

Cheetor: I can't let her leave me, Optimus! I can't!

Rattrap: Kid, let her cross over peacefully! She is in a much better place now!

Cheetor: I will not let her leave me! Nightstalker, don't leave me! Don't you leave me! Don't leave me! Don't leave me! Wake up! Wake up! (Crying) Wake up!

Then against all nature, Nightstalker took a big gasp and woke up. (Nightstalker gasps)

Cheetor (gasps): Nightstalker!

Optimus: Nightstalker! You're all right!

Nightstalker: I'd never leave this world without my friends.

Cheetor: Nightstalker, why did you come back?

Nightstalker: It was the power of our friendship, Cheetor. Our friendship could never be broken. Not even Megatron could destroy that.

Then Cheetor hugged Nightstalker with all his might. Nightstalker wrapped her arms around Cheetor and hugged him. Rattrap looked at them both with a disgusting face!

Rattrap: Yuck!

Optimus: Come on, guys. Let's get Nightstalker back to the Axalon so she can be repaired.

Cheetor got up while still holding Nightstalker in his arms. Everybody was laughing and cheering while they were making the trip back to the Maximal base.

Scene: Maximal base (morning)

By the next morning, Nightstalker's repairs were complete. She was now in enough shape to fight and protect innocent creatures for the sake of the planet she was a part of just like everyone else was.

Outside of the Axalon around mid-morning, the Maximals were praising Nightstalker for returning to help them win the battle that was fought viciously last night. Nightstalker was happy to be a part of the team again although she still had to think of her deceased friend, Spotted Heart.

Silverstreak: Thank you, Nightstalker, for helping us fight Megatron and his Predacons.

Nightstalker: I know. I have a duty to protect all innocents that are threatened. When the Predacons threaten this beautiful world, we Maximals must struggle to protect it at all costs. Still, I must remember my deceased friend, Spotted Heart.

Rattrap: That's nice, Leopard lady. So, uh what are ya gonna do now?

Nightstalker: Right now, I think we better fight as one to beat the Predacons and save our future. All as...

All: Maximals! (Cheering)

The Maximals all were happy that Nightstalker had rejoined their ranks.

Optimus: Well, Nightstalker, I think we better leave you and Cheetor alone so you two can talk. Come on, everyone. Let's leave them alone for a while. You too, Rattrap!

Rattrap: Oh, man! (Mutters) I can never get on any conversations!

The other Maximals went into the base to leave Cheetor and Nightstalker alone to talk. Cheetor was a little nervous, but he wanted to talk to Nightstalker.

Cheetor: So, Nightstalker, do you want to stay here with us at the base?

Nightstalker: Oh, Cheetor, I'd love to stay here and look at the waterfalls that feed the Axalon, but I have a home up in the White Peaks with my little pandas that I took care of while I was away for those 2 weeks. They need me now just as much as I need you.

Cheetor: So, I guess this is goodbye, huh?

Nightstalker: Cheetor, I'll be back for brief visits and to help with the battles and all. We will never be apart from each other as long as we love one another. That is something that no one, not even Megatron, can take away from us.

Cheetor: I'll miss you.

Nightstalker: As I will too.

Cheetor and Nightstalker looked at each other for a moment, and then as if by magic, they shared an innocent kiss. Then, Nightstalker hugged Cheetor tightly and let go of him.

Nightstalker: Goodbye, Cheetor. We will always be together. Flight mode!

Nightstalker transformed to flight and took off for her home in the White Peak Mountains. Cheetor happily watched her go home.

Cheetor: Bye, Nightstalker. I will always be with you.

Cheetor turned and walked back into the Axalon with hope in his heart that he would see Nightstalker again someday.

Scene: White Peaks (day)

Around noon, Nightstalker arrived in her home in the mountains, feeling happy and overjoyed. She didn't have to face the world alone as her friends would always be right by her side.

When Nightstalker landed on her mountainside, her pets ran in and greeted her by continuously licking her in the face. She hugged them all, including her favorite panda, Sweetheart.

Nightstalker: We will always be together, my friends.

From there, there would be no hatred, jealousy, vengeance, and evil. Only friendship, trust, and love would prevail.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb up on every rung
May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

--Bob Dylan's "Forever Young"