Chapter 23
The two tracking animals led the group through the Hunting Plains and then to a rock outcropping that popped up out of the ground and separated the plains from the water, where the Berserkers usually lurked. Lion-O was thankful that they didn't have to deal with them as well. Ma-Mutt stopped and sniffed the air again, which allowed everyone to catch their breath.
"I'm getting too old for this," Slythe heaved, trying to get more oxygen in.
"We're all getting too old for this. Probably should have brought a vehicle," Mandora agreed.
"I'm surprised that they have tracked him this far. Though it does explain why we haven't seen it," Lion-O admitted. They noticed Ma-Mutt shaking his head. Snowmeow's nose was to the ground. The large cat's eyes went wide and he growled. Everyone pulled out their weapons and tried to follow Snowmeow's gaze.
Ahead of them, the tall grasses moved and if there had been a breeze, the average person would have thought nothing of it. Ma-Mutt barked but if the creature was there, it didn't leave its spot. Snowmeow looked to Snowman, as if to ask permission. The old friends had a code all their own, but Lion-O worried about the next move. Snowman gave him a nod and Snowmeow crouched down. Ma-Mutt got into position next to him.
The large cat roared and pounced. Ma-Mutt followed with barks of his own. The Manticore came flying out of the grass. Snowmeow opened fire with the tranquilizer darts and Mandora threw her Boomerang. The creature howled as the darts hit it and the Boomerang whacked it in the side of the head. Snowmeow set upon him, in an attempt to control him. Ma-Mutt joined the fray as the darts slowly took effect.
Snowman pumped two more darts into the Manticore and it slumped to the ground. Snowmeow did not move as Musa slapped chains on the legs of the mythical beast. It was only then that the large cat and Ma-Mutt relinquished their hold on the creature. Lion-O grabbed the Sword of Omens and raised it above his head.
"Thunder, thunder, thunder, ThunderCats Ho!" The blood red signal appeared in the sky. Help would soon be on the way along with a better way to confine the Manticore.
"Glad that's over," Mandora huffed as she put her Boomerang away.
"Glad you had that thing," Slythe chuckled. Mandora chuckled as well.
"You guys' call?" Wizz-Ra asked from above.
"You going to give us a ride?" Musa asked as he came in for a landing next to the lizard.
"Not quite. While we wait, I figured I'd check out our creature. See just how mythical or magical it is," the ancient sorcerer raised and lowered his eyebrows a few times.
"Have at it," Lion-O smiled. Wizz-Ra got to work investigating the Manticore.
"Fascinating and terrifying all at the same time," Slythe spoke up.
"Exactly so but upon further review, I have to say that he was indeed created by something and not a natural phenomenon," the ancient Egyptian said.
"You've only been looking at him for thirty seconds," Mandora raised an eyebrow.
"That's because I found what Mumm-Rana said to look for," Wizz-Ra motioned for them to come over and take a look for themselves.
"A tattoo?" Lion-O was confused. There were some curly looking letters on it or so it seemed.
"Well sort of. The ancient gods would put a mark on a creature that they had sent to do their bidding. The only way to defeat the beast would be to drive a sharp implement through the symbol. It's ancient Persian, a language that has been dead for a little less time than my people," Wizz-Ra explained.
"Wow. So, it somehow woke up?" Mandora wondered.
"I'm guessing whatever triggered the ship to wake up, somehow triggered our friend here. Now that we have him, we have bigger fish to fry. Mumm-Rana would have come here instead but she'd been called to the Lair. Lea and the baby are having medical issues, that's why it is taking the transport so long to get here," he pointed out. In the distance, the sound of engines could finally be heard.
"We have to hurry," Lion-O told them.
To Be Continued…