Chapter 12
Tyler ran from the ThunderStrike, as it landed not even waiting for everyone else to get out. The secret entrance they knew about had sunken into the sands a long time ago. The swirling sands caused by the ThunderCat vehicles had covered up any tracks that would have been evident.
"We have to work quickly!" Tyler was getting very frustrated.
"I have a better idea than digging in the sand." Panthro smirked and climbed back into the finally repaired Feliner.
"Everybody stand back!" He shouted. They all cleared away and the panther aimed the Feliner's mighty missiles at what remained of the pyramid sticking up.
"Box 2!" The panther crowed as he pressed the fire button. The pyramid shook and the portion that was hit exploded.
"Come on!" Lion-O yelled and the group quickly began clearing the mess until they found a hole to squeeze into.
"What in the name of Third Earth?" Mumm-Ra bellowed as the pyramid finished shaking. The Ancient Spirits of Evil looked worse for wear and if another quake hit, he was afraid to lose at least two of them.
"THUNDERCATS!" They warned him.
"Son of a bitch!" He crowed before immediately before transforming into the fierce mummy he could be. He flew off toward his prisoner hoping to get to her before her friends could arrive.
Sahara could feel the tremor and immediately searched for a psychic link with her mother. Her powers had been distorted earlier due to her proximity to the Ancient Spirits of Evil. Unfortunately she was still only getting bits and pieces. Whatever had happened above had not destroyed the Evil statues and they continued to block her powers. She only hoped that whatever had happened above would not leave her forgotten down in the cells. Tyler had vanished and Mumm-Ra had not given any information about what had happened to him. She feared the worst and since she couldn't mentally connect with him, dread began to pool in her mind. Suddenly shouts rang out and she recognized them as the ThunderCats. She tried to call out but her damaged throat would not allow it. She was stuck until someone could come and find her.
Not far from the cells Lion-O had been the first to encounter Mumm-Ra. Despite his early shock of seeing their long time enemy, the Lord of the ThunderCats quickly jumped into action.
"Where is my daughter?" He shouted at the mummy.
"For me to know and you to find out." Mumm-Ra smirked as he snapped his fingers. Down the in cells, Sahara vanished from view. Lion-O growled and lunged at the ever-living being. Cheetara, Panthro, Lea, Ben-Gali, Pumyra, and the ThunderKittens joined in. As they fought the mummy, Tyler, Leo, and Ma-Mutt took off looking for Sahara.
"You don't think they will need help do you?" Leo asked as they chased Ma-Mutt who knew all the places Mumm-Ra could have hidden his master.
"WilyKat's troops weren't far behind us. They'll help them. We have to find your sister and I hope we aren't too late." Tyler was very concerned that Mumm-Ra had had way too much time alone with the litah. Ma-Mutt had his nose to the ground sniffing for Sahara's scent when he picked something up. He howled and ran faster. Leo picked up speed and Tyler was on his heels as the two rounded the next corner to find Ma-Mutt stymied. He spun around in circles smelling the ground unable to understand why he could smell her but not visually locate her.
"Sahara? Are you here?" Tyler called out. The words, 'I'm here' echoed out from somewhere and the three friends looked at one another.
"We can barely hear you. Make some noise." Leo suggested. It was then that they heard clanking of metal and they traced it to the cells, which were directly in front of them.
"How can that be? We can't see her." Tyler asked. Ma-Mutt knew what Mumm-Ra had done and he grabbed the cell door with his powerful jowls. Ripping it from its hinges, he bounded into the space. Tyler and Leo followed.
"Make the sound again." Leo said. Again they heard the metal clanging and this time her voice was clearer.
"We must be right on top of her." Tyler was frustrated as Ma-Mutt flew up to the walls and began feeling for something. When he found what he was looking for, he bit down. The metal chain, which he found, snapped and revealed an arm.
"Ma-Mutt." Came the happy croak. The dog found the other that bound her and quickly bit it. Sahara's entire body now appeared and quickly Tyler was at her side on his knees. She looked at him with a mix of fear doubt. He did the only thing he could think of to convince her and planted his lips on hers. Leo made a gagging noise and they quickly pulled apart.
"It is you." She smiled.
"Come on, we'll get you out of here." Tyler gently scooped her up into his arms and the group made their way back to the main chamber.
To Be Continued…
