Chapter 19

"I was pleasantly surprised you reached out. I thought things were in pretty good shape," Wizz-Ra said as he was greeted by Cheetara and Lion-O an hour later at the entrance to the Lair. The wizard was building his pyramid not far from where Mumm-Rana's pyramid was. The two forces of Good located close to one another would boost their powers and hopefully prevent Mumm-Ra from coming back. The Ancient Spirits of Evil had been known to bring back their ever-living servant despite the fact that his track record was not that great.

"Well things have kind of taken a turn, both professionally and personally. How goes the pyramid building? Are you enjoying the neighborhood?" She asked as they turned and headed for the cells in the basement.

"The pyramid is coming along quite nicely. The Berbils, Wollos, and Balkans are very helpful and I owe them a lot. As far as the neighborhood, Mumm-Rana isn't very chatty but she's been helpful. She seems glad to have me. Anyway, on your end, there seems to be good news and bad news. Where do you want to start?" He asked.

"That is good to hear. Mumm-Rana will warm up," Lion-O spoke up as they worked their way down the stairs.

"As for our news - good news first. Lion-O and I are to be married," the cheetah was all smiles.

"That is great news! I am so happy for you two," Wizz-Ra stopped on the stair landing and shook Lion-O's hand before giving Cheetara a hug.

"Thank you. Regrettably our big moment has been overshadowed by the arrival of some Mutants," Lion-O explained.

"Ah so that explains the ship outside. What can I do?" Wizz-Ra wanted to know.

"Well turns out that some of the crew is friends with Slythe and some mutinied. We need to know if the mutineers have more insight than they're willing to share," the lion said.

"The truth serum spell is certainly getting a workout. Let us see what we can do. First, I would suggest that we pick out the weakest minded one. They'll squeal as soon as I cast the spell. The more mentally tough characters will be hard to break," the wizard told them.

"Well we left the Warrior Maidens, Snowmeow, and Ma-Mutt down there to keep an eye on them so we'll probably have a good lead on that," Cheetara said.

"Talk about intimidation," Wizz-Ra chuckled.

"That's what we were hoping for," Lion-O smirked.

"Well all right then. Let us see what we can do," he winked as Lion-O opened the door to the cells.

"King Lion-O," the head Warrior Maiden, Astra, bowed her head. She was tall with dark hair that nearly matched her tanned skin. Willa trusted Astra as her third in command and the lion had quickly understood why during their previous meetings. Outside of the sisters, there was no one fiercer in the tribe. She was also loyal and that was something that Willa appreciated most of all.

"Astra, how goes it?" He asked.

"Well. So far the threat of Snowmeow using them as a snack seems to have done the trick. Ma-Mutt has had his fun as well," she said. On the floor, the former Horrible Hound was gnawing on a rather large bone, which must have come from something the Maidens had killed and eaten.

"Who's the weakest link?" he said in a low tone. Astra smirked and turned to her cohorts,

"Give me the vulture." Two Maidens headed over and Snowmeow quickly jumped off the desk. He waited next to the Maidens who opened the door to the cell. Once they pulled out the vulture out, they were instructed to take him to the interrogation room next door. He was forced to sit down and then chained to the table.

"Thank you ladies," Lion-O smiled and they left the room, only to stand outside in case they were needed.

"Let's get to it then," Wizz-Ra smirked.

To Be Continued…