Chapter 12
In an instant, Mumm-Ra and the Mutants were in the forest. They could hear the underbrush being crushed not far away. Slythe signaled for the Mutants to fan out. The four moved along the bushes as silently as possible, hoping to catch the ThunderCats off guard.
Panthro suddenly stopped in his tracks causing the three cats behind him to collide into the panther. WilyKat started to speak but Panthro stopped him. Cheetara looked around them and immediately sensed the presence of others in the underbrush just outside the clearing they stood in.
"Jackal." She hissed. Panthro nodded and jerked his head slightly to the side.
"Reptile." He kept his voice low as he put the portable radio down. The panther then signaled for the ThunderCats to pull out their weapons. Just as they did, the Mutants came charging from their hiding places.
"So that was pond scum I smelled." Panthro smirked as he was confronted with Slythe.
"Hold your tongue, panther. It might be the last time you use it." The reptile challenged.
"So you want to try dog versus cat again Jackalman? It went so well for you the first two times." Cheetara twirled her bo-staff in her hand.
"Best three out of five." The jackal snarled.
"I think we can take this ape." WilyKit and Kat smiled.
"In your dreams Kittens." Monkian beat the front of his shield with his fist. At that moment, a now regular size Vultureman stepped closer to the group.
"I do believe you forgot someone ThunderCats." The Mutant grabbed the jewel from around his neck and barked out a command.
"Amulet of Seti, take hold of these ThunderCats!" Bright green light shot forth from the ancient talisman and it encircled the four cats. They tried to fight the strange light but to no avail.
"Fall in ThunderCats!" Vultureman squawked. Panthro, Cheetara, and the ThunderKittens stood up straight and put their weapons back where they were normally stored.
"Child's play." The bird smirked.
"Now why don't we get everyone back to kitty Cat's Lair. No doubt they've tried to contact the others with that radio." Mumm-Ra said. Vultureman issued the order and then used the Amulet of Seti to call all the Thunder Guard members back to the ThunderCats' fortress.
The small ship that was heading for Third Earth was about thirty minutes away from its destination when Lord Lion-O heard the Sword of Omens growl. Quickly he pulled the mighty weapon from the Claw Shield and put the hilt to his face.
"Sword of Omens, give me Sight-Beyond-Sight." A troubling scene was played before his eyes.
"Great Jaga!" The lion exclaimed.
"That can't be good." Ben-Gali said as he continued to check the ship's navigational system.
"What is it Lion-O?" Tygra asked.
"I can feel a disturbance. Something is fighting for control." Lynx-O told them. The others looked at him confused until their leader finally spoke.
"Cheetara, Panthro, and the ThunderKittens have been taken control of by some ancient magic. Vultureman called it the Amulet of Seti."
"Now with the others under his control, no doubt those Mutants will try to take over the planet." Pumyra scowled.
"It would seem that this is their plan but they also intended to bring us to Third Earth and we have played right into their trap." Tygra said.
"So it would seem. But perhaps there is a way to beat them at their own game." Lion-O told them.
To Be Continued…