At the Pits…
As the crowd roars on for the battle, gladiators brought forth from the prison cells battled one another, even against machines as is tradition that each gladiator would win their freedom if they survived one hundred matches. As the fighting went on, high in the match keeper's tower. Lion-O and Panthro were seated next to Dobo, Panthro's old friend from the pits, observing the fight.
Dobo: A fine day for match. eh Panthro?
Panthro: I suppose. Not many clouds that suggest rain.
Dobo: A rare sight to behold round this time of year. But still...you never know.
Lion-O gave off a look of impatience, one in which Dobo managed to catch a glimpse of before returning his gaze upon the match.
Dobo: But...I have this feeling that you didn't come to talk about the weather, by the looks of your ming there.
The mentioning of Lion-O snapped lion-O out of his thought.
Lion-O: Well...No, we didn't. We came to talk about the rumors we've been hearing.
Dobo: Rumors? They're so many rumors around here, I've lost count of. Remind of these "rumors" you're referring to.
Panthro: We're in no mood for your games, Dobo. You know very well why we're here.
Dobo: *sigh*...So you've heard about the recent attacks.
Lion-O: Yes, we have. We came to you…
Dobo: Thinking that I might be able to shed some more light on the subject. Well...I can, and I can't.
Lion-O: What do you mean?
Dobo: What I mean is there are some parts to this that I'm not even sure why it is. But what I do know is that the lizards have been sneaking into the city, for several nights, taking to the sewers. We've tried tracking them down. But the system's more of a labyrinth as it keeps going. The sewage throws off their scents, making it more difficult. But that's not the weird part.
Lion-O: There's something else?
Dobo: Yeah. whenever the lizards would strike one of the shops...some of them were caught.
Lion-O: And?
Dobo: And this is when it gets weird. the lizards that were caught claimed to have no recollection of the incident whatsoever. Some witness claimed to see them in some sort of trance like state.
Lion-O: Mind control?
Dobo: That's what we hope to find out.
Panthro: And you could use our help.
Dobo: They say that you have sight beyond sight, Lion-O. perhaps, that'll come in handy.
Lion-O looked to Panthro, for any sign or gesture that would indicate whether to agree to help or not. Right away, Panthro would give the all clear when lizards were involved. But since this was an old friend asking for assistance in possibly insuring his home's survival, Panthro regardless noded.
Lion-O: Alright. We'll see what we can do.
Panthro: Have your constables keep watch tonight. We'll see if we can pick anything up from there.
Later that evening…
Lion-O and Panthro were exiting the pits, heading back towards the Thundertank. s the two made their way through the city, Lion-O was both baffled about the reasoning behind the recent lizard raids, and annoyed that Tygra, Cheetara, and the twins weren't present at the time of the conversation.
Lion-O: Where are they? Those kids were suppose to tell them to meet us at the pits.
Just as the two arrived at the tank, who would be there waiting but the rest of the group. It was a few seconds until Tygra nudged cheetara, making her aware of Lion-O and Panthro's return. they also saw that Lion-O was somewhat displeased.
Lion-O: Where've you been?
Tygra: Waiting for you, of course.
Lion-O: I thought Kat and Kit mentioned to meet up at the pits.
The three of them then turned their heads towards the kittens who cringed embarrassed like.
WilyKat: Yeah…
WilyKit: Sorry?
WilyKat: We were looking for them when…
Lion-O: When what?
Wily Twins:...
Cheetara: These two are under the impression that there's a person dressed as a spider, roaming around the city.
Lion-O: ...You've got to be kidding. THAT'S why you didn't mention anything to them?
WilyKat: But, we really did see a guy in a spider costume. He was swinging on rope that came out of his hands, and chased down tookit.
WilyKit: Yeah! When the cops caught up to them, Tookit was all covered in webs from head to toe.
Lion-O: This is ridiculous.
WilyKat: You've got to believe us.
WilyKit: You believe us, don't you chee?
The twins could see it in her eyes. The look on her face gave them the impression of her most honest opinion. Their ears folded down, knowing very well that they were alone on this one.
WilyKat: I see…
Tygra: Guys.
WilyKit: No, no...We understand. We'll stop talking about it.
WilyKit: We'll...just be in the tank.
The two of the then walked away from the others, and entered the thundertank without another word. Lion-O , deep in thought, couldn't get over how the twins were unable to relay one simple message. But as he pondered, his anger began to gradually vanish, and he began to feel pretty bad about the way he had treated them. after all the struggling, and numerous emotions, they were with him then, and still with him now. He knew that he had to clear things up with the now completely distraught young ones.
Lion-O: *sigh*...Can you guys give me a...
There was a loud crash, the sounds of a struggle. However, the sound was closer to them, as if it were coming from inside the tank. This set Lion-O's alarm off. wasting no time, he bolted right for the tank's bay door. when it finally opened he could see the place looked like it was ransacked, as if a fight had broke out. Upon further inspection, Lion-O caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a reptile's tail, leaving the hatch doors above the tank.
Lion-O: KAT! KIT!
The cat king then left the interior, only to get a glimpse of the fleeing reptiles ahead, carrying the twins off. Without hesitation, lion-O dashed after them, followed closely by Cheetara, and Tygra. The three continued their pursuit, doing their best to keep the lizards within their field of vision. The dark, moonless night though provided some difficulties as the chase continued for what felt like an eternity. As they passed corner after corner, Lion-O began to lose sight of the kidnappers. That was until he heard a familiar voice echo throughout a small alleyway. He recognized the scream belonged to WilyKit, making Lion-O panic even more. Now determined to ensure his friend's safety, Lion-O continued down the alley way up to the point in which he came up to a crossroad where there was only one shop around, and not a single soul to be found. As the others had finally caught up, Lion-o began to search the area frantically , hoping to find at least one sign of their friends whereabouts.
Lion-O: Kat? Kit?
The search continued for a few good minutes, hoping to find any sort of clue as to what happened to the twins. But as the search became more and more fruitless, discouragement brewed amongst them. That was until Cheetara the cleric was searching nearby a manhole when she stumbled upon a very familiar object. one she knew all too well to be anyone else's. She looks down to see that it was a round, metal loop. It was Kit's flupe, lying on the ground, with kit nowhere to be found. She then picks up the woodwind instrument, and examines it even further.
Cheetara: Guys…
The others then gathered around the cleric, seeing what her discovery was. To their relief, and horror, the flupe that belong to kit brought further concern to them all.
Lion-O: it's kit's!
Tygra: They couldn't have gotten far now.
It was in that moment, Lion-O glances down to see some imprints on the ground resembling footprints. Upon further inspection, he then sees a whole trail of tracks leading up to the point where it stops a the only manhole within the area.
Lion-O: the sewers...Of course!
Tygra: But...why?
Lion-O: It's a long story but…
There was a loud beeping noise not too far from the group. They looked around, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise. Upon further inspection, lion-o discovered that the noise was coming from within the store. Slowly but cautiously, he approached the store, knowing not was creating such a noise. But as he approached the closed shop, he could hear the noise begin to picking up in speed, growing louder and faster with each passing second. Right as he pressed his ear to the wall, he then realized that this was something to get clear of. Not taking any chances, Lion-O bolted away from the shop, in the hopes of warning the other not to approach.
Tygra: Lion-O, what is it?!
Lion-O: Take cover!
Not too far…
Ponzi and the now disguised Spider-man were wondering around Dog City, looking for anywhere that would provide shelter for them that night. However, their luck did not hold so well as they'd hoped. No inn or tavern would have any room or board that they required.
Ponzi: you'd think that in an entire city, they'd at least have some room for ya.
Spider-Man: In an overcrowded city, like where I come from, this is horrendous.
Ponzi: Well, I wouldn't know much about you "Manhattan", but I'll take your word on it though.
As the two continued their wondering, Spidey then stopped dead in his tracks. something was setting off his Spider senses. As he was coming out of it, a loud sudden explosion was heard coming from one of the nearby shops.
Ponzi: What in the world?!
Spider-Man: Sounded like like an explosion. Look!
Ponzi and Spider-man looked to see a large column of smoke building over the sky, leading straight to a large burning inferno, lighting the night sky like a beckon.
Ponzi: That can't be good!
Spider-Man: You might be right on this one! Come on!
Ponzi: What?!
Spider-Man: There may have been people there. They might need some help!
With that said, the arachnid hero began to charge off to the scene, tossing his disguise off to the side before leaping into the air. He then shoots out a line of webbing, and began to swing his way to the site of the explosion.
At the shop...
As the fires continued to burn, Lion-o and the cats were found unconscious from the force trauma that was implied upon them. Then Lion-O slowly, but surely began to come to. he checked Tygra who was lying motionless on the floor. Fortunately, there was still a pulse generated throughout his body. Lion-O sighed in relief that his brother was still alive. He looked to the others, who were still alive afterwards. As Lion-O recovered from the sudden force of the explosion, he could see several figures around the shop, even some coming out of the sewer hole. He could see several of them hauling what appeared to be some large crates of goods from the shop, and throwing them all down the manhole.
Lizard Commander: Hurry, you fools! The master needs this!
As the lizards continued hauling the crates down into the sewer, the commander continued to observe the progress. but then his nostrils caught wiff of a certain scent. the scent of cat. he looked to see Lion-o recovering , and pointed him out to his inferiors.
Lizard Commander: Witnesses!
Overhearing the commander, Lion-O turned to see that several lizards, armed with laser rifles were making their way towards Lion-o, and his unconscious counterparts. realizing the danger ahead, Lion-O readies the sword of omens, It was also at that time, a very familiar figure swung himself onto a nearby rooftop. He now sees the lizards surrounding Lion-o and the others.
Spider-Man: Whoa...Now this is getting interesting.
The reptiles then cocked their weapons and prepared to open fire. Lion-O takes his defensive stance, with sword in hand, waiting for the line of fire to commence. The lizards then open fired upon the ctas. however, Lion-o's reflexes kicked in, forcing him to throw up his gauntlet arm. The spirit stone began to shine and glow, creating an aura around Lion-O, creating a shield, reflecting the rounds from the cats. Now it was Lion-O's turn to attack, and without delay, the cat king began his attack by blocking a lizard axe. he then socked said lizard in the jaw. Another lizard then tries to shoot Lion-O point blank. However the sword sliced the weapon in half like butter. He then kicks the lizard to the side. But as Lion-O continued to fight of the reptilian foes, he did not notice some beginning to drag off his unconscious comrades. The battle wages on as the lizards continue to begin to overwhelm him. As the lizards begin to pin Lion-O down, he can see the bodies of Tygra, Cheetara, and Panthro being slide down the manhole into who knows where.
Lion-O: NO!
Lizard Commander: There can be no witnesses…
The leader then grasps hold of a battle axe from one of the lizards, and readies it to come down on Lion-o's neck. But just as the axe reached it's highest point, and was about to come down on Lion-O, a line of web like had latched itself onto the axe handle, and was pulled right from the hands of the commander. The lizards looked up to see where it came from. To their surprise, the figure descended upon them. Upon landing, the masked figure power kicked the commander off to the side, sending him on his back. The wall crawler the proceeds to sock another lizard off Lion-O, allowing him to overthrow a third lizard. As Lion-o looked back he saw a lizard aiming a rifle right at him. Just as the lizard was about to pull the trigger, a spray of web fluid was fired right into the lizard's face. Blinding the enemy long enough for spider man to leap at him, and tackle him to the ground, and flipping back onto his feet. As the conflict subsided, the lizards who weren't neutralized fell back , retreating into the sewer systems. Though Lion-O didn't notice them leaving, due to the fact that the very figure his younger companions was standing right infront of him.
Lion-O: Well, I'll be…
Spider-Man: Okay, Dogs, lizards...Cats, what next, Godzilla?
Lion-O:...
Spider-Man: Eh..mind telling me what exactly happened here?
Just then, who should show up but Ponzi, breathing heavily from all the running. Once he had reached the two, the little wolo fell to his knees trying to catch his breath.
Ponzi: *breathing heavily*...I'm...here...anyone...hurt?
Lion-O: Ponzi?
Ponzi: *breathing heavily* ...Lion-O...nice to...see you again.
Spider-Man: You two know each other?
Lion-O: A while back, ponzi helped us with a really big problem.
Ponzi: Well...Lucy made the most difference. Fought off a giant lizard giving my feline friend here quite some trouble.
Spider-Man: …*in thought* Me and my big mouth… *to ponzi* Luciel? That little guy?..or girl?
Ponzi: No no..Lucy was Luciel's mother. Though Lucy's…
Spider-man: Oh...I'm sorry.
Ponzi: It's life...nothing you can do…
Lion-O's attention turned back to the manhole. Coming back to reality, Lion-o then dashes for the open manhole, preparing to give chase. But not before his masked rescuer follows closely behind.
Spider-Man: I hope you realize I can't let you go down there alone.
Lion-O: My friends lives are at stake. They're my family, and my responsibility.
Spider-Man: Look Lion-O, I understand, and I've seen what you're capable of. But, that doesn't mean you have to do this on your own.
Lion-O: The last thing I need is to have a complete stranger's life depending on my decisions.
Spider-Man: I can handle myself.
Ponzi: it's true. I've seen Spider-man in action. He may be more helpful for you, than me.
Spider-Man: Then I guess this is farewell.
Ponzi: Good luck to you both. I hope they're alright.
Lion-O: I guess we'll find out.
With that said, Lion-o plunged into the dark moist depths of the sewage system, followed by his arachnid counterpart. when the two of them were inside, Lion-O and Spider-Man looked around, seeing which direction to go. Not knowing where to start, Lion-O then draws the sword of omens and holds it out in front of him.
Lion-O: Sword of omens...give me sight beyond sight.
The hilt of the blade began to extend, as the eye of thundera began to glow.
Spider-Man: Whoa...to think I've seen everything.
Suddenly, Lion-O is bombarded with images of various turns tunnels varying from left to right, and so on, up to the point in which he could see the massive underground chamber where his friends were seen held captive. When the glow fade, Lion-O retracted the sword, and housed it back into it's gauntlet.
Lion-O: It's this way.
Spider-Man: You sure?
Lion-O: Absolutely.
Spidey then pulls up his shirt to reveal a metallic belt around his waist, and pulls out a small flashlight, , and ignites it through the dark passageway.
Spider-Man: Then by all means. lead the way.
With that said, the two of them began their trek through the slimy, dark, odorous passageways of the sewage system. Hoping to find out what has happened to Lion-O's friends, and the cause for the recent attacks. But for the mean time, it seemed only natural for Lion-O to get further acquainted with his new companion.
Lion-O: So...Spider-Man, Huh?