Spirits of Egypt 2
The mummy’s eyes returned to normal way too soon, and from his belt he retrieved the dreaded Sword of Plundar, with its flaming blades. Slamming it down with such ferocity towards Wizz-Ra that the table broke in half, burring the Prince beneath the rubble, Wizz-Ra hissed, and vanished. Mumm-Ra spun, and twisted around. “It will do you no good to hide from me…. And leaving will only postpone the inevitable!” “I never said I was leaving!” Wizz-Ra shouted and speared the mummy’s’ arm severing it with his ancient Egyptian blade . “ But you are!” The curved blade again slid through the devil priests body, gutting him, that is if he truly had guts still left beneath his withered shell. “Be gone foul creature… back to your Pyramid!” Wizz-Ra ordered. “With another great spell the sorcerer was able to drive back the Mummy, sending him towards his tomb. Wizz-Ra gasped, and he crumpled to his knees. “That was too close.” He mumbled breathlessly. Spirits of Egypt Chapter 3. “The broken and beaten mend.” Lion-o was hard at work in the gym area of the Lair, the others had left, Cheetara was asleep. And what ever was in that potion that Wizz-Ra had given him, gave him more energy then a pack of Lion’s. Lion-o let out a frustrated roar and punched the dangling weighted bag with all his might. It shook and quivered, the deep blue colored plastic threatened to crack with the ferocity of his punch. Cheetara… Married… to a human. An ancient sorcerer! His big muscled bulged and strained as he pounded the warn material with all his might. Blow after blow, as hard as he could hammer it. Sweat coated his dark tan colored body, his hair and face dripping with perspiration, as he snarled. The more he thought, the more agitated he became. “Well someone’s in a mood... you must be feeling better.” A sultry woman’s voice echoed just behind the rampaging lion. He quickly spun. “Cheetara!” He gulped, hoping that he hadn’t been cursing out loud. The cheetah laughed softly and moved around the punching bag, placing herself just next to it. “So where is everyone?” “Gone.” He replied motioning for her to move away, his hands were itching to strike again “Where?” She questioned completely ignoring him. Lion-o sighed and began to unwrap his hands from the soft protection of his padded gloves, It was obvious she wasn’t going to leave him alone. “They went back to Snowman’s… the entire castle collapsed.” Cheetara’s beautiful amber eyes opened wide. “Oh Dear? Any one injured?” Lion-o shrugged. “Don’t know. So Wizz-ra’s medication made you feel better ha?” Lion-o said without looking up from the floor. He leaned down and picked up his soft white towel and wiped off his sweat coated brow. “Yes… I feel so much better.” The cheetah blushed a bit, remembering his bronzed hands smoothing that thick cream over her chest. The cheetah’s voice seamed to tremble a bit too much for Lion-o’s liking. He walked a few feet away and picked up one of the heavy iron weights and began to curl his arms, his biceps and triceps strained. The she cat watched him intently. “So what’s eating you?” “Nothing.” He said exhaling with a grunt. “Oh yes, obviously.” She teased The lion shot a look towards her from the corner of his eyes. “So how’s your stitches this morning, did they hold up?” The cheetah bit her lip and blushed. “Yes... you did a wonderful job thank you.” An uncomfortable silence followed, the woman inched around the punching bag. “Care to do a little sparing with me?” She asked. It seamed like the best way to get into these testosterone filled men’s heads was to challenge their physical strength. Lion-o snorted. “No…” Cheetara buffed her long claws on her chest.. “Oh I see you’re frightened of loosing to a women. Well then never mind.” Lion-o froze, cocked his head and lowered the dumbbells. “Get serious woman, your injured, and you might break a nail. Wouldn’t that be awful?” The cheetah scowled and walk towards the young lord, slapped him in the bare chest. “Who do you think taught you most of your moves whelp!” Lion-o cringed. He hated that word more then anything, for years that’s all anyone would call him, to him that word whelp was almost a challenge to prove that he wasn’t that young twelve year old boy full of mischief. Lion-o sneered and grabbed the cheetah’s arm, quickly spinning her and latching her other hand until both of her wrists were pinned behind her back. “You were saying?” He inched closer and whispered in her ear. “Oh yes that I was frightened of loosing to you… well missy you were not so quick this time were you?” Cheetara swiveled just enough to kick him in the knee, then stomped on his toes with the sharp part of her heal. “Ouch!” he moaned, and grabbed at his throbbing bare foot. When he bent over she socked him with a deadly punch in the jaw. He stammered back and growled. Relentlessly she attacked again with a swift kick to his head, but he was ready this time, and snatched her long leg in mid air and twisted her ankle until she fell. Lion-o lunged towards her, only to be caught with a knee in his groin. “You don’t play fair.” He squeaked, buckling over in pain. “Who ever said skirmishes were fair…. M’Lord.” The female stood over him, and placed her hands confidently on her hips. “You’re so right ... Woman!” Lion-o’s large hands swept towards her knocking her from her feet. He quickly crawled towards her pinning her to the floor mat with his looming size; before she had the chance to get her breath back from that fall. Stunned , she blinked, she hadn’t seen this one coming. “Do you admit defeat?” He hissed. “Never!” The cheetah spat back, and took another swipe towards him with her long claws. But he again pinned her hands. She moaned and squirmed beneath him. The lions body was still so wet, and his long hair hung in dark red strands from his face as he loomed just inches from her. Both of there bodies were pressed together tightly, she knew very well that with all his weight on top of her she would never be able to get free, but in truth she didn’t really wish for freedom. “So…. Now will you tell me what’s eating at you?” Lion-o’s eyebrow cocked, and he scowled. “That’s what this is all about?” He sighed. Trying to analyze what he should admit… he could say that he knew about Wizz-Ra, or he could say how he truly felt for this lovely woman who right now was in a most interesting position, being pressed just beneath him. He could tell her that nothing was going right, especially that her life was in danger, and he had to get her away from the Lair, and some where safe. But nothing came from his mouth. Instead the only thing he wanted to do was to lean into her further and touch those luscious lips with his own, to feel her tongue against his. Instead he climbed back , freeing her from his grasp. He’ sat up and crossed his legs, then ran his hand through his sweat drenched locks. “Will you marry him?” Lion-o’s back slumped. The cheetah pulled her body off the mat, her fingers nervously twisting around the ring that Wizz-Ra had given her. “I don’t know Lion-o… his offer came as a bit of a surprise.” The lion’s jaw tightened, “Well… he seams like a nice man. I think you ought to sincerely …. Um.. .Accept. After all its not ever day you are asked to wed a prince now is it. I mean it would be.” Lion-o cringed; He wasn’t making a lick of sense not even to himself. “Would be what?” The cheetah replied sharply. “Would be…a honor for some like you, being so alone and available to get such a great offer wouldn’t it.?” Crap, that didn’t come out right he whimpered inwardly. “Your calling me an old maid… that no one would want?!?” The cheetah huffed, and stood. “I do think that I will accept his offer, after all he appreciates me.” “He just wants a bit of……...” Oh for hells sake, what was wrong with his mouth, it was running away with out even consulting his brain. Lion-o slapped himself on the face making sure it was strong enough to sting. “I’m sorry.” Cheetara looked at the viral man, her lip puckering sourly “It’s ok …..I’m going out for a walk, if I’m needed I will take along the com-link.” Lion-o just shook his head, realizing how much he had goofed that moment. As he watched her wander out the open door. The afternoon sun beat relentless down, the closer Cheetara got to the Forbidden Desert. It was so hot, and dry, almost miserable. Wizz-Ra had mentioned that he had rebuilt his home, The cheetah blushed inwardly thinking of it. “His Palace. Wonder if the Archaic wizard would mind a visitor?” she purred. It was very true that she didn’t know a whole lot about him, and to make a logical decision about Marrying him would take getting to know him better now wouldn’t it? Soon as the cheetah made it over this very large sandy bank she gasped in utter amazement. What once was just a vast dry desert wasteland, was now a lush green oasis. And in the middle of big bristled palm trees, was a brilliant lime stone Palace, that had emerged between giant pillars, and ancient statues. A fresh river back swiftly made its way on the left side of the Egyptian paradise, and from her view point she was able to see that the water sweeping down. A thirty foot drop leads the crystal clear water, until it cascaded into a small lily pond covered lake. To her it almost felt like home, oddly enough. The woman stopped to examine some of the hieroglyphs that line the enormous pillars, they were so beautiful, but the meaning eluded her. She felt as if she had just escaped reality and ended up trapped thousands of years in the past, in some historical book. It was almost a un real feeling as she traipsed towards the large open door, she carefully made her way into the Palace, her hands were sweaty in feverish excitement. The inside of Wizz-Ra’s home was even more bedazzling then the outside; the entire floor shone, and glimmered. The deeper she got the more expensive and rich the ornate decorations became, her breath caught in her throat when she saw two fifty foot statues that were made of sparking gold, the eyes were large brilliant diamonds that almost appeared to watch her as she moved about the spacious room. Cheetara let out a squeal when she finally noticed the broken table and pools and pools of blood saturating the floor. “Wizz-Ra!” A frantic scream echoed through the alabaster halls. Her legs trembled as she plowed through the rubble of the recently crumbled table. Nothing, no body…she stood and glanced about confused. Arms grabbed her, at first she fought them with all her might then he spoke. “I’m fine Habee bee.” She spun. “What happened are you hurt?” she said brushing back her hair, and looked towards him. The usually immaculate Egyptian was a wreck, his kilt was dirty his flesh burnt, his face and arms bruised and battered. “By Jaga! Who did this to you?” The wizard sighed and rubbed his aching forehead. “Mumfa… Nucrnnu.” The cheetah shook her head confused. “Mumm-Ra.” He replied with a half smile. The woman’s eyes grew wide.. “He was here? Who’s blood?” she said pointing to the crimson floor. “His…” The wizard swayed a bit, “Hara…” he cursed. “ My Powers were drained in the battle, I am afraid I’m not quite myself beautiful one. Forgive me.” “Nothing to forgive wizard, I cant believe you wounded him so badly.” She looked about at the big mess. “We have never even been able to draw his blood. I cant imagine what you have been through.” She slid beneath Wizz-Ra’s arm. “Let me help you… lead you to your room to rest.” The female glanced towards his handsome face. “You do sleep don’t you?” The wizard smiled, he was amused by her. “Yes.. I sleep, and eat, and make love just like any other normal man.” His dark eyes transfixed on hers deepening when he said the word love. “My bed chamber is this way.” His tan hand closed tighter around her shoulder and rubbed carefully down her bare arm . As they walked together into one of the rooms just left of the one they had been standing in. Once they were in the Wizards bed chamber, the man let go and hobbled his way towards the edge of a deep fountain like bathing tub. “I’m much to old to be caught in battles, as I was today.” The gorgeous prince said as he plopped heavily down on a short black padded bench, which was just on the edge of the Gold and Ivory colored font. The Cheetah smiled softly, her eyes wandered his immaculate bed chamber, his bed was in the center of the room in a up lifted dais, the bed itself was surrounded by a silken shroud of fine material. That draped from a silver rod, and swathed the floor. There were four small statues on each corner of the bed, and a trail of antique floor lamps, basking the room with a soft romantic light. “Your were lucky Wizz-Ra.” The cheetah said her face turning back to the human. “Mumm-Ra’s powers have become exceptionally strong, the last few years.” The wizard shook his head. “So… I see.” He leaned back and pulled off his Egyptian necklace. “By Thundar... your really injured.” The cheetah moved closer and kneeled down besides him. Her hand resting on his well muscled leg, as she examined his scorched chest. Wizz-Ra looked down at the woman, his hands swept through her blonde spotted hair. “Looking at you, makes my heart writhe with two strong feelings. Pain, and unbidden lust. Do you know that?” After the woman took a few moment’s to compose herself she glanced up towards him. “Pain?” “I ache to have you…. Beautiful she cat.” His voice husky and aroused. The Egyptians hands grabbed her and tugged her into his lap, his lips planted the most seductive kiss on the cheetah’s. The feeling was almost overwhelming, like magic as their mouths collided. The Cheetah almost felt drugged as the sensation swept in powerful waves of pleasure over her, taking the very logic from her head. Her will power, and rational thought few right out the window, when his velvet tongue found its way into her mouth. And before she could complain he was inching her into the bathing tub. Wizz-ra’s eyes were aflame with deep fathomless passion. If only Cheetara could resolve her feelings for Lord Lion-o, then she would be completely free to love the Wizard , but still she fought within herself over the fixation that she had for the young lord, her heart is torn in twain. Indeed she deeply loves both men, the one offers her kindness, rapture … a life together. While the other, and his intentions seam to elude her. She has always seen Lion-o potential for an enduring love. In fact on more then one occasion she was positive that she had felt it, still it was an unspoken attraction at best. Wizz-Ra’s seduction was starting to wear away at her defenses, should she give in to him? All she would have to do is to remove the wet clothing that now adorned her body. The heat between the two was completely undeniable. But still she hesitated, even though every bit of her body was crying out for him to touch her. The foreboding darkness, of the now crumpled Castle was almost surreal. The ancient home of Snow man, and hundreds of his ancestors, destroyed. The Thundercats had managed to load up a few things that they had found burred, but all in all every thing was gone. Snow man and Snow meow. And the Five servants had managed to escape when the walls came crumbling down, but one older man had perished beneath the falling barrage of stones. Snow man wiped away loose tears as they took one last look before climbing into the Thundertank and heading back to the lair. A fierce barrage of snow pounded towards the Tank , “What the Hell?” Panthro snarled as it knocked him off his feet and flung him into the wheel mechanism. Tygra pulled him self up, to see what could only be a nightmare. Large clawed hands began to crawl up the snow bank and over, They rushed like a pack of snarling creatures towards the Thundercats. They were strong, zombie like creations, who’s twisted features looked like walking dead as they surrounded and quickly subdued the Thundercats. The nobles and Snow man did not go down with out a fight, but these animalistic humans were too powerful as they overtook and drug their prey back to the underground tunnels and towards Vallen who was waiting eagerly. In his gut Lord Lion-o.. had a terrible feeling come over him. Some thing was wrong. The Thundertank should have been back by now. And they hadn’t even bothered to check in with him once. “So unusual.” He said as he plopped down in the big metallic chair in the command center of the lair. His legs swiveling beneath the control panel. “Cats Lair to Panthro… do you read me?” He spoke aloud as he activated the console. The reply was nothing but static, which just confirmed the lions worries. He changed the frequency to the She cat’s com channel. “Cheetara… are you there?” The cheetah dove out the water and slid across the smooth floor falling, as she jumped towards the beeping communicator. Then wiped the droplets of water from her face, and quickly tried to compose herself. ‘Yes… I’m here.” “Why are you out of breath?” The lion questioned. “Oh… um.. Does it really matter? She said almost huffing at him. “What’s wrong?” “The Thundertank isn’t responding Tara… and I just have a awful feeling something has happened.” I tried the sword Earlier, but its nothing but blank.” Lion-o said. Worry was very prevalent in his voice. “Lion-o…. I know if something were amiss the sword would tell you…. But if you have a premonition, then perhaps you truly should listen.” Lion-o sighed. “Thank you Cheetara…. I think I will take the Feliner up to Hook Mt.. just to make sure. “Do you want me to join you?” The cheetah questioned, she turned to look at the naked wizard who was casually walking up the steps and out of the bathing font. He grinned softly and then swathed a towel around his waist. Lion-o’s deep voice brought the woman back from her fantasy, “No… not until I know… but thank you.” “Your welcome Lion-o.” The communicator went into a dead silence. Wizz-ra approached his bronzed body was still dripping beads of water on to the smooth floor. “Trouble I assume?” he questioned with a cock of his brow. The cheetah glanced upwards and nodded weakly. Looking at this noble man, and not running her hands up those well built legs and tugging that towel from his waist was more then she could bare. She gulped. “Yes… the Thundertank is missing, Lion-o is a bit worried.” The woman stood, “You know I really should go… perhaps he does need help.” “So do I….” Wizz-ra inched behind Cheetara pulling her tight to him, his lips nuzzled her neck and his hands tugging down on her orange body suit. Cheetara purred almost helpless in this mans spell. What am I doing, what the devil has come over me? I’m a noble, a Thundercat, my duty is to my friends, my loyalty is towards only my king. He touched her just right and the cheetahs knees weekend into a pile of dissolving jelly. Lion-o grabbed his coat and Thermal Thunderware, slung it over his broad arm and rushed toward the hanger. The big lion bounded determined into the Feliner, he rushed into the cockpit and planted himself down in the captain’s chair. The axillary’s jets heated up and the mighty cats paw rose, in a few moments the ship was taking off heading towards Hook Mountain. “Wow..” Was the only and only word that could describe the devastation. The entire land mark that once resembled a giant hook, had been broken, there was not much left but piles of rocks and a large snowy protrusion. Lion-o was able to see the Thundertank half way up the mountain side. But no sign of life. The scanner readings were saying nothing. NO heat readings, no human D.N.A. No Thundercat life force readings. Lion-o gulped and quickly landed the ship next to the vacated tank. The lion swathed his coat around him and began to follow some very strange sized foot prints, that had been left in the snow bank. They led towards a deep crevasse in the earth, it looked like a bottomless drop, with very sharp shards sticking out. A earth quake of the same magnitude that destroyed Snow Mans castle could cause a big fissure like this. But he was positive there was more to it. The foot prints proved it. Lion-o inched his way over the slippery edge and began to clime down towards the pit. “Ahhh!!” Squealed a tormented cheetah as she collapsed on the floor of the wizards palace. She hung her head rocking, grasping at the visions that now sent chills into her mind. Wizz-Ra jumped to her side easing his bare arms around her body. “Cheetara. What is it? Tell me.” “I see…” She mumbled. “I see, a deep chasm, pain, bones, death. Lion-o, and the others prisoners.” The cheetah screamed fitfully and hid in the bronzed sorcerers chest. His hands moved through her still wet hair, massaging her scalp. “Shuuuh…” He soothed softly. “We will get them back,” Tara looked up at him, tears streaking down her tangerine colored markings around her eyes. “Their going to parish, I have to do something!” She said determined and pushed away from the wizard. Standing on shaking legs, she swathed the big sheet around her chest tighter, and moved towards her still dripping clothes, that lay drying on the back of Wizz-Ra’s stool. The wizards eyes darkened, “You can not go to Hook Mountain, in that. You will freeze.” He sighed and stood. Drawing some of his energy, from deep inside him, he was able to conjure up enough power to change the cheetahs’ clothing. A bright light illumined the woman’s body, she looked down, as the blanket disappeared, and was replaced with tight fitting black leggings and a form fitting leather vest. Thigh length boots adorned her strong legs. “I have enough energy to send you to hook Mountain, but not enough to bring you back. My powers are still depleted, from Mumm-Ra’s battle.” The sorcerer said, he hated feeling so incompetent, so useless. Cheetara approached, and ran her fingers down the males face. “I understand, and I appreciate everything that you have done for me.” “Be very careful beautiful one, I only wished I was strong enough right now to join you, but I must stay at the palace and regenerate my powers.” The wizards head lowered. “I will not be far away if you need me though.” “I know.” She smiled at him softly. “However, can you transport me some where, besides Hook Mountain. I have an Idea’ and I might need back up.” *~**~* The ancient mummy staggered from his sarcophagus, cursing. His stomach and limbs fighting with his every step, revolting at the fact that he was moving. “Damn that wizard.” He grumbled, as he reminisced what had occurred. The only explanation that he could come up with, is Wizz-ra was able to change his body, into living flesh and bone. Usually a sword would have just run him through, piercing nothing but weathered carcass. Blood, he had actually lost blood. Mumm-Ra snorted. I have not had that scarlet colored liquid in my body, for Thousands of years. He mumbled and plopped down on the edge of the deep mucky waters of his cauldron. The mummy looked down at his blue colored rotting hands, and pealed off more of its tainted skin. His linen bandages were tattered and tarnished with age, once they had been fresh linen, pure and white, but now. Nothing but dirt strips, gathering moths. The mummy glared at the reflection of himself, in the dismal water, cringing. Although he no longer feared his own image, it wasn’t something he purposely wanted to see. Once again his demonic eyes fell towards his hands and the long, chipped, nails that were at least four inches long. Fossils, horrible aged spears of bone that protruded from his finger tips. Ma-Mutt. The mummies faithful dog, slowly made his way back into the tomb. After another escapade of chasing down defenseless Burbils for his own entertainment. The bluish colored pup, plopped beneath his masters feet. Mumm-Ra shook his head, and waved his hand across the waters. “Show me Vallan.” He said, once again pulling his mind back to the task at hand. The destruction of the Thundercats, yes that would put a smirk on his evil lips, when the vision appeared he gleefully clapped his hands. “This will be entertaining.” Lord Lion-o had been drugged, and stripped of his clothing. Three of Vallans creatures carried his wobbling sweat coated body towards the medical table. Everything seamed to be dancing, the lions eyes just couldn’t focus on what was happening to him, as he was thrust towards the iron table. He growled, trying to concentrate, however all that his vision would allow for was hypnotic educed lights, and sounds that resembled words, except in no language he could understand. Large leather bands tied down the massive lions arms, and tethered his feet. A iron hook clasped tightly around his waist hips and legs, trapping him. It was slammed shut and locked. On the left side of this table of torture, was two more of these cots, Panthro and Tygra had also been robbed of their dignity and latched in the same way that Lion-o had. The scientist ‘Vallan’ swung a long handed Tazer gun in his wrist. “Not so feisty now are you Thundercat!” He seethed. Rubbing his jaw, and the side of his face, which was beginning to bruise from the slam he received from Lion-o’s powerful punch. Lion-o moaned, his stomach churning from the strong drugs, wincing as the room continued to spin before him. “I only regret that you wont be able to see what I’m going to do to you.” Vallan laughed and jabbed the spiked gun in Lion-o’s ribs, sending another electric charge into his body. His head thrust back, chucking at the lions pain, “Oh I’m going to enjoy this, to much.” He spun, “Hook them up to the Doomsday Machine!” He yelled, as he watched the lions body twitch in pain. The Thunderstrike lowered in the soft snow. And Cheetara, Bengali and Pumyra bounded out. The white tiger growled. “There’s the Thundertank and the Feliner.” Cheetara nodded and ran to the edge of the crevasse. Leaning in the frosty Earth she touched Lion-o’s all too familiar boot print. Another vision forced its way into her head, she saw the exact path the lion had chosen, and how this so called army found him. Pumyra crouched down. “What is it ?” “There’s too many of these creatures to defeat in a straight head on battle, we would never win.” Bengalli’s bright blue eyes enlarged. “What do we do?” *~*~* Wizz-Ra had never felt so helpless in his life, or so useless for that matter. He balled up a nervous fist clenching it until his knuckles grew white with the strain. “Think!” He commanded himself, as he paced nervously through his beautiful new palace. “There has got to be something I’m over looking, something that would help.” His mind racing in all directions. Thinking of the past, of what would still have remained undisturbed until now. Some infinite small thing that could give himself and his new found friends; a bit of an advantage over this situation. Grabbing his red cloak he quickly swathed it over his broad shoulders. Lifted up the ancient helmet of Fanun and quickly bounded down the steps of his home. Determined as he trudged through the lush vines and palm trees of his Oasis, then towards the vast desert know’ as ‘The forbidden.’ The home of the temples, and shrines of his Ancient gods. Wizz-Ra knew that the last place he should be in his currant state was here. In his now diluted condition, one wrong move, one ancient trap. And all his waiting, planning and plotting could be over with one sweep of cursed magic. The power of curses is the one force that the wizard feared above all else. He had seen there effects one two man times, turning flesh to powder. Bones to nothing but ash. Spirits condemned for walking where they should not go. But for her…. For that golden haired woman, he would walk though fire. With a deep sigh and a silent prayer he entered the desert, inching over fallen statues, and crumbled down rocks. The desert swept up and behind him as he walked, he could almost sense eyes, following him, they were watching him, and perhaps even judging him. Oh yes this place was far from dead, he could feel the hairs on his arms rise. Dark magic still lingered, he had to be on his guard. Locking his jaw tightly he continued forwards, only hesitating when he entered “ The passage of the Gods.” In ancient times this was a grand lavishly decorated palace. It was home of all the temples of the ancients. They spent there day’s here in all there glorious splendor, mortals were forbidden. Hence the decaying corpses just on the outskirts of the desert., the gods were far from lenient; not wishing to be disturbed from their slumbers. The Passage itself. Was row after row of once immaculate lime stone abodes; now almost completely crumbled by time. If there was one god that could help him, it was Ra…. The sun god. Wizz-Ra’s hands slightly moved across the emblem of his belt. His lips muttering some of his ancient incantations, to keep his mind now off of the glowing rabid eyes that were illumining, from some of the dark entry ways. *~*~* Cheetara, Bengalli, and Pumyra carefully inched there way through the black utter darkness; only a small torch light to guide there way. Benni stopped to remark on the large cavern system that they were walking though it was just enormous. Planks and wood beams had been placed to keep the walls from caving in. However now he knew where the earth tremors had been coming from. It would have taken one powerful machine to dig such a long network of tunnels through the frozen earth. But why? Well that was the only question that still remained. Why hook mountain? It was unstable on a good day, let alone now. The snow pack was more then deadly, however with the resent earth quakes it had become a dead uninhabitable place. A rancid smell soon drifted into the three Thunderian travelers noises, as it wafted up stifling all there senses with a almost gagging reflex. Quickly flinging there hands to there faces they realized that this stench could only mean one thing. They must be heading in the right direction. Unfortunately. “By Thundera. What is that smell?” Pumyra questioned feeling almost sick to her stomach. She could barely choke out the words, to speak. Between convulsions of her now cringing stomach. Bengalli shook his head. “Some how Pumy… I think you’d be better off not knowing.” He replied swishing his torch lower, to see piles and piles of decaying corpses barricading the tunnel. They were dried husks of people, their faces frozen in the same terrified states as they were when they perished. Their skin looked almost leathery dried of all its essence, all its moisture. Piled chest deep in the cavern. Looking backwards. The cheetah once again tried to get some insight, if they had chosen a wrong path. But instead her sixth sense urged her on, desperately nagging at her that they not only must continue down this path. But time for there friends was soon running out. “No… I cant go through there.” Pumyra said trying to steady her now quivering knees. Cheetara pushed her aside softly and continued forwards. “We have no other choice…!” Cheetara said determinedly, as she carefully inched over the piles of bodies. Biting her lip and cringing as she wove her way over limbs, torso’s she tried to ignore the glazed over eyes, that were beginning to haunt her thoughts. She tried to be ever so careful to not disturb the dead, Bengalli took Pumyra by the hand. “We can make it together.” he tried to comfort her, through the sea of lost souls.
The mummy’s eyes returned to normal way too soon, and from his belt he retrieved the dreaded Sword of Plundar, with its flaming blades. Slamming it down with such ferocity towards Wizz-Ra that the table broke in half, burring the Prince beneath the rubble, Wizz-Ra hissed, and vanished. Mumm-Ra spun, and twisted around. “It will do you no good to hide from me…. And leaving will only postpone the inevitable!” “I never said I was leaving!” Wizz-Ra shouted and speared the mummy’s’ arm severing it with his ancient Egyptian blade . “ But you are!” The curved blade again slid through the devil priests body, gutting him, that is if he truly had guts still left beneath his withered shell. “Be gone foul creature… back to your Pyramid!” Wizz-Ra ordered. “With another great spell the sorcerer was able to drive back the Mummy, sending him towards his tomb. Wizz-Ra gasped, and he crumpled to his knees. “That was too close.” He mumbled breathlessly. Spirits of Egypt Chapter 3. “The broken and beaten mend.” Lion-o was hard at work in the gym area of the Lair, the others had left, Cheetara was asleep. And what ever was in that potion that Wizz-Ra had given him, gave him more energy then a pack of Lion’s. Lion-o let out a frustrated roar and punched the dangling weighted bag with all his might. It shook and quivered, the deep blue colored plastic threatened to crack with the ferocity of his punch. Cheetara… Married… to a human. An ancient sorcerer! His big muscled bulged and strained as he pounded the warn material with all his might. Blow after blow, as hard as he could hammer it. Sweat coated his dark tan colored body, his hair and face dripping with perspiration, as he snarled. The more he thought, the more agitated he became. “Well someone’s in a mood... you must be feeling better.” A sultry woman’s voice echoed just behind the rampaging lion. He quickly spun. “Cheetara!” He gulped, hoping that he hadn’t been cursing out loud. The cheetah laughed softly and moved around the punching bag, placing herself just next to it. “So where is everyone?” “Gone.” He replied motioning for her to move away, his hands were itching to strike again “Where?” She questioned completely ignoring him. Lion-o sighed and began to unwrap his hands from the soft protection of his padded gloves, It was obvious she wasn’t going to leave him alone. “They went back to Snowman’s… the entire castle collapsed.” Cheetara’s beautiful amber eyes opened wide. “Oh Dear? Any one injured?” Lion-o shrugged. “Don’t know. So Wizz-ra’s medication made you feel better ha?” Lion-o said without looking up from the floor. He leaned down and picked up his soft white towel and wiped off his sweat coated brow. “Yes… I feel so much better.” The cheetah blushed a bit, remembering his bronzed hands smoothing that thick cream over her chest. The cheetah’s voice seamed to tremble a bit too much for Lion-o’s liking. He walked a few feet away and picked up one of the heavy iron weights and began to curl his arms, his biceps and triceps strained. The she cat watched him intently. “So what’s eating you?” “Nothing.” He said exhaling with a grunt. “Oh yes, obviously.” She teased The lion shot a look towards her from the corner of his eyes. “So how’s your stitches this morning, did they hold up?” The cheetah bit her lip and blushed. “Yes... you did a wonderful job thank you.” An uncomfortable silence followed, the woman inched around the punching bag. “Care to do a little sparing with me?” She asked. It seamed like the best way to get into these testosterone filled men’s heads was to challenge their physical strength. Lion-o snorted. “No…” Cheetara buffed her long claws on her chest.. “Oh I see you’re frightened of loosing to a women. Well then never mind.” Lion-o froze, cocked his head and lowered the dumbbells. “Get serious woman, your injured, and you might break a nail. Wouldn’t that be awful?” The cheetah scowled and walk towards the young lord, slapped him in the bare chest. “Who do you think taught you most of your moves whelp!” Lion-o cringed. He hated that word more then anything, for years that’s all anyone would call him, to him that word whelp was almost a challenge to prove that he wasn’t that young twelve year old boy full of mischief. Lion-o sneered and grabbed the cheetah’s arm, quickly spinning her and latching her other hand until both of her wrists were pinned behind her back. “You were saying?” He inched closer and whispered in her ear. “Oh yes that I was frightened of loosing to you… well missy you were not so quick this time were you?” Cheetara swiveled just enough to kick him in the knee, then stomped on his toes with the sharp part of her heal. “Ouch!” he moaned, and grabbed at his throbbing bare foot. When he bent over she socked him with a deadly punch in the jaw. He stammered back and growled. Relentlessly she attacked again with a swift kick to his head, but he was ready this time, and snatched her long leg in mid air and twisted her ankle until she fell. Lion-o lunged towards her, only to be caught with a knee in his groin. “You don’t play fair.” He squeaked, buckling over in pain. “Who ever said skirmishes were fair…. M’Lord.” The female stood over him, and placed her hands confidently on her hips. “You’re so right ... Woman!” Lion-o’s large hands swept towards her knocking her from her feet. He quickly crawled towards her pinning her to the floor mat with his looming size; before she had the chance to get her breath back from that fall. Stunned , she blinked, she hadn’t seen this one coming. “Do you admit defeat?” He hissed. “Never!” The cheetah spat back, and took another swipe towards him with her long claws. But he again pinned her hands. She moaned and squirmed beneath him. The lions body was still so wet, and his long hair hung in dark red strands from his face as he loomed just inches from her. Both of there bodies were pressed together tightly, she knew very well that with all his weight on top of her she would never be able to get free, but in truth she didn’t really wish for freedom. “So…. Now will you tell me what’s eating at you?” Lion-o’s eyebrow cocked, and he scowled. “That’s what this is all about?” He sighed. Trying to analyze what he should admit… he could say that he knew about Wizz-Ra, or he could say how he truly felt for this lovely woman who right now was in a most interesting position, being pressed just beneath him. He could tell her that nothing was going right, especially that her life was in danger, and he had to get her away from the Lair, and some where safe. But nothing came from his mouth. Instead the only thing he wanted to do was to lean into her further and touch those luscious lips with his own, to feel her tongue against his. Instead he climbed back , freeing her from his grasp. He’ sat up and crossed his legs, then ran his hand through his sweat drenched locks. “Will you marry him?” Lion-o’s back slumped. The cheetah pulled her body off the mat, her fingers nervously twisting around the ring that Wizz-Ra had given her. “I don’t know Lion-o… his offer came as a bit of a surprise.” The lion’s jaw tightened, “Well… he seams like a nice man. I think you ought to sincerely …. Um.. .Accept. After all its not ever day you are asked to wed a prince now is it. I mean it would be.” Lion-o cringed; He wasn’t making a lick of sense not even to himself. “Would be what?” The cheetah replied sharply. “Would be…a honor for some like you, being so alone and available to get such a great offer wouldn’t it.?” Crap, that didn’t come out right he whimpered inwardly. “Your calling me an old maid… that no one would want?!?” The cheetah huffed, and stood. “I do think that I will accept his offer, after all he appreciates me.” “He just wants a bit of……...” Oh for hells sake, what was wrong with his mouth, it was running away with out even consulting his brain. Lion-o slapped himself on the face making sure it was strong enough to sting. “I’m sorry.” Cheetara looked at the viral man, her lip puckering sourly “It’s ok …..I’m going out for a walk, if I’m needed I will take along the com-link.” Lion-o just shook his head, realizing how much he had goofed that moment. As he watched her wander out the open door. The afternoon sun beat relentless down, the closer Cheetara got to the Forbidden Desert. It was so hot, and dry, almost miserable. Wizz-Ra had mentioned that he had rebuilt his home, The cheetah blushed inwardly thinking of it. “His Palace. Wonder if the Archaic wizard would mind a visitor?” she purred. It was very true that she didn’t know a whole lot about him, and to make a logical decision about Marrying him would take getting to know him better now wouldn’t it? Soon as the cheetah made it over this very large sandy bank she gasped in utter amazement. What once was just a vast dry desert wasteland, was now a lush green oasis. And in the middle of big bristled palm trees, was a brilliant lime stone Palace, that had emerged between giant pillars, and ancient statues. A fresh river back swiftly made its way on the left side of the Egyptian paradise, and from her view point she was able to see that the water sweeping down. A thirty foot drop leads the crystal clear water, until it cascaded into a small lily pond covered lake. To her it almost felt like home, oddly enough. The woman stopped to examine some of the hieroglyphs that line the enormous pillars, they were so beautiful, but the meaning eluded her. She felt as if she had just escaped reality and ended up trapped thousands of years in the past, in some historical book. It was almost a un real feeling as she traipsed towards the large open door, she carefully made her way into the Palace, her hands were sweaty in feverish excitement. The inside of Wizz-Ra’s home was even more bedazzling then the outside; the entire floor shone, and glimmered. The deeper she got the more expensive and rich the ornate decorations became, her breath caught in her throat when she saw two fifty foot statues that were made of sparking gold, the eyes were large brilliant diamonds that almost appeared to watch her as she moved about the spacious room. Cheetara let out a squeal when she finally noticed the broken table and pools and pools of blood saturating the floor. “Wizz-Ra!” A frantic scream echoed through the alabaster halls. Her legs trembled as she plowed through the rubble of the recently crumbled table. Nothing, no body…she stood and glanced about confused. Arms grabbed her, at first she fought them with all her might then he spoke. “I’m fine Habee bee.” She spun. “What happened are you hurt?” she said brushing back her hair, and looked towards him. The usually immaculate Egyptian was a wreck, his kilt was dirty his flesh burnt, his face and arms bruised and battered. “By Jaga! Who did this to you?” The wizard sighed and rubbed his aching forehead. “Mumfa… Nucrnnu.” The cheetah shook her head confused. “Mumm-Ra.” He replied with a half smile. The woman’s eyes grew wide.. “He was here? Who’s blood?” she said pointing to the crimson floor. “His…” The wizard swayed a bit, “Hara…” he cursed. “ My Powers were drained in the battle, I am afraid I’m not quite myself beautiful one. Forgive me.” “Nothing to forgive wizard, I cant believe you wounded him so badly.” She looked about at the big mess. “We have never even been able to draw his blood. I cant imagine what you have been through.” She slid beneath Wizz-Ra’s arm. “Let me help you… lead you to your room to rest.” The female glanced towards his handsome face. “You do sleep don’t you?” The wizard smiled, he was amused by her. “Yes.. I sleep, and eat, and make love just like any other normal man.” His dark eyes transfixed on hers deepening when he said the word love. “My bed chamber is this way.” His tan hand closed tighter around her shoulder and rubbed carefully down her bare arm . As they walked together into one of the rooms just left of the one they had been standing in. Once they were in the Wizards bed chamber, the man let go and hobbled his way towards the edge of a deep fountain like bathing tub. “I’m much to old to be caught in battles, as I was today.” The gorgeous prince said as he plopped heavily down on a short black padded bench, which was just on the edge of the Gold and Ivory colored font. The Cheetah smiled softly, her eyes wandered his immaculate bed chamber, his bed was in the center of the room in a up lifted dais, the bed itself was surrounded by a silken shroud of fine material. That draped from a silver rod, and swathed the floor. There were four small statues on each corner of the bed, and a trail of antique floor lamps, basking the room with a soft romantic light. “Your were lucky Wizz-Ra.” The cheetah said her face turning back to the human. “Mumm-Ra’s powers have become exceptionally strong, the last few years.” The wizard shook his head. “So… I see.” He leaned back and pulled off his Egyptian necklace. “By Thundar... your really injured.” The cheetah moved closer and kneeled down besides him. Her hand resting on his well muscled leg, as she examined his scorched chest. Wizz-Ra looked down at the woman, his hands swept through her blonde spotted hair. “Looking at you, makes my heart writhe with two strong feelings. Pain, and unbidden lust. Do you know that?” After the woman took a few moment’s to compose herself she glanced up towards him. “Pain?” “I ache to have you…. Beautiful she cat.” His voice husky and aroused. The Egyptians hands grabbed her and tugged her into his lap, his lips planted the most seductive kiss on the cheetah’s. The feeling was almost overwhelming, like magic as their mouths collided. The Cheetah almost felt drugged as the sensation swept in powerful waves of pleasure over her, taking the very logic from her head. Her will power, and rational thought few right out the window, when his velvet tongue found its way into her mouth. And before she could complain he was inching her into the bathing tub. Wizz-ra’s eyes were aflame with deep fathomless passion. If only Cheetara could resolve her feelings for Lord Lion-o, then she would be completely free to love the Wizard , but still she fought within herself over the fixation that she had for the young lord, her heart is torn in twain. Indeed she deeply loves both men, the one offers her kindness, rapture … a life together. While the other, and his intentions seam to elude her. She has always seen Lion-o potential for an enduring love. In fact on more then one occasion she was positive that she had felt it, still it was an unspoken attraction at best. Wizz-Ra’s seduction was starting to wear away at her defenses, should she give in to him? All she would have to do is to remove the wet clothing that now adorned her body. The heat between the two was completely undeniable. But still she hesitated, even though every bit of her body was crying out for him to touch her. The foreboding darkness, of the now crumpled Castle was almost surreal. The ancient home of Snow man, and hundreds of his ancestors, destroyed. The Thundercats had managed to load up a few things that they had found burred, but all in all every thing was gone. Snow man and Snow meow. And the Five servants had managed to escape when the walls came crumbling down, but one older man had perished beneath the falling barrage of stones. Snow man wiped away loose tears as they took one last look before climbing into the Thundertank and heading back to the lair. A fierce barrage of snow pounded towards the Tank , “What the Hell?” Panthro snarled as it knocked him off his feet and flung him into the wheel mechanism. Tygra pulled him self up, to see what could only be a nightmare. Large clawed hands began to crawl up the snow bank and over, They rushed like a pack of snarling creatures towards the Thundercats. They were strong, zombie like creations, who’s twisted features looked like walking dead as they surrounded and quickly subdued the Thundercats. The nobles and Snow man did not go down with out a fight, but these animalistic humans were too powerful as they overtook and drug their prey back to the underground tunnels and towards Vallen who was waiting eagerly. In his gut Lord Lion-o.. had a terrible feeling come over him. Some thing was wrong. The Thundertank should have been back by now. And they hadn’t even bothered to check in with him once. “So unusual.” He said as he plopped down in the big metallic chair in the command center of the lair. His legs swiveling beneath the control panel. “Cats Lair to Panthro… do you read me?” He spoke aloud as he activated the console. The reply was nothing but static, which just confirmed the lions worries. He changed the frequency to the She cat’s com channel. “Cheetara… are you there?” The cheetah dove out the water and slid across the smooth floor falling, as she jumped towards the beeping communicator. Then wiped the droplets of water from her face, and quickly tried to compose herself. ‘Yes… I’m here.” “Why are you out of breath?” The lion questioned. “Oh… um.. Does it really matter? She said almost huffing at him. “What’s wrong?” “The Thundertank isn’t responding Tara… and I just have a awful feeling something has happened.” I tried the sword Earlier, but its nothing but blank.” Lion-o said. Worry was very prevalent in his voice. “Lion-o…. I know if something were amiss the sword would tell you…. But if you have a premonition, then perhaps you truly should listen.” Lion-o sighed. “Thank you Cheetara…. I think I will take the Feliner up to Hook Mt.. just to make sure. “Do you want me to join you?” The cheetah questioned, she turned to look at the naked wizard who was casually walking up the steps and out of the bathing font. He grinned softly and then swathed a towel around his waist. Lion-o’s deep voice brought the woman back from her fantasy, “No… not until I know… but thank you.” “Your welcome Lion-o.” The communicator went into a dead silence. Wizz-ra approached his bronzed body was still dripping beads of water on to the smooth floor. “Trouble I assume?” he questioned with a cock of his brow. The cheetah glanced upwards and nodded weakly. Looking at this noble man, and not running her hands up those well built legs and tugging that towel from his waist was more then she could bare. She gulped. “Yes… the Thundertank is missing, Lion-o is a bit worried.” The woman stood, “You know I really should go… perhaps he does need help.” “So do I….” Wizz-ra inched behind Cheetara pulling her tight to him, his lips nuzzled her neck and his hands tugging down on her orange body suit. Cheetara purred almost helpless in this mans spell. What am I doing, what the devil has come over me? I’m a noble, a Thundercat, my duty is to my friends, my loyalty is towards only my king. He touched her just right and the cheetahs knees weekend into a pile of dissolving jelly. Lion-o grabbed his coat and Thermal Thunderware, slung it over his broad arm and rushed toward the hanger. The big lion bounded determined into the Feliner, he rushed into the cockpit and planted himself down in the captain’s chair. The axillary’s jets heated up and the mighty cats paw rose, in a few moments the ship was taking off heading towards Hook Mountain. “Wow..” Was the only and only word that could describe the devastation. The entire land mark that once resembled a giant hook, had been broken, there was not much left but piles of rocks and a large snowy protrusion. Lion-o was able to see the Thundertank half way up the mountain side. But no sign of life. The scanner readings were saying nothing. NO heat readings, no human D.N.A. No Thundercat life force readings. Lion-o gulped and quickly landed the ship next to the vacated tank. The lion swathed his coat around him and began to follow some very strange sized foot prints, that had been left in the snow bank. They led towards a deep crevasse in the earth, it looked like a bottomless drop, with very sharp shards sticking out. A earth quake of the same magnitude that destroyed Snow Mans castle could cause a big fissure like this. But he was positive there was more to it. The foot prints proved it. Lion-o inched his way over the slippery edge and began to clime down towards the pit. “Ahhh!!” Squealed a tormented cheetah as she collapsed on the floor of the wizards palace. She hung her head rocking, grasping at the visions that now sent chills into her mind. Wizz-Ra jumped to her side easing his bare arms around her body. “Cheetara. What is it? Tell me.” “I see…” She mumbled. “I see, a deep chasm, pain, bones, death. Lion-o, and the others prisoners.” The cheetah screamed fitfully and hid in the bronzed sorcerers chest. His hands moved through her still wet hair, massaging her scalp. “Shuuuh…” He soothed softly. “We will get them back,” Tara looked up at him, tears streaking down her tangerine colored markings around her eyes. “Their going to parish, I have to do something!” She said determined and pushed away from the wizard. Standing on shaking legs, she swathed the big sheet around her chest tighter, and moved towards her still dripping clothes, that lay drying on the back of Wizz-Ra’s stool. The wizards eyes darkened, “You can not go to Hook Mountain, in that. You will freeze.” He sighed and stood. Drawing some of his energy, from deep inside him, he was able to conjure up enough power to change the cheetahs’ clothing. A bright light illumined the woman’s body, she looked down, as the blanket disappeared, and was replaced with tight fitting black leggings and a form fitting leather vest. Thigh length boots adorned her strong legs. “I have enough energy to send you to hook Mountain, but not enough to bring you back. My powers are still depleted, from Mumm-Ra’s battle.” The sorcerer said, he hated feeling so incompetent, so useless. Cheetara approached, and ran her fingers down the males face. “I understand, and I appreciate everything that you have done for me.” “Be very careful beautiful one, I only wished I was strong enough right now to join you, but I must stay at the palace and regenerate my powers.” The wizards head lowered. “I will not be far away if you need me though.” “I know.” She smiled at him softly. “However, can you transport me some where, besides Hook Mountain. I have an Idea’ and I might need back up.” *~**~* The ancient mummy staggered from his sarcophagus, cursing. His stomach and limbs fighting with his every step, revolting at the fact that he was moving. “Damn that wizard.” He grumbled, as he reminisced what had occurred. The only explanation that he could come up with, is Wizz-ra was able to change his body, into living flesh and bone. Usually a sword would have just run him through, piercing nothing but weathered carcass. Blood, he had actually lost blood. Mumm-Ra snorted. I have not had that scarlet colored liquid in my body, for Thousands of years. He mumbled and plopped down on the edge of the deep mucky waters of his cauldron. The mummy looked down at his blue colored rotting hands, and pealed off more of its tainted skin. His linen bandages were tattered and tarnished with age, once they had been fresh linen, pure and white, but now. Nothing but dirt strips, gathering moths. The mummy glared at the reflection of himself, in the dismal water, cringing. Although he no longer feared his own image, it wasn’t something he purposely wanted to see. Once again his demonic eyes fell towards his hands and the long, chipped, nails that were at least four inches long. Fossils, horrible aged spears of bone that protruded from his finger tips. Ma-Mutt. The mummies faithful dog, slowly made his way back into the tomb. After another escapade of chasing down defenseless Burbils for his own entertainment. The bluish colored pup, plopped beneath his masters feet. Mumm-Ra shook his head, and waved his hand across the waters. “Show me Vallan.” He said, once again pulling his mind back to the task at hand. The destruction of the Thundercats, yes that would put a smirk on his evil lips, when the vision appeared he gleefully clapped his hands. “This will be entertaining.” Lord Lion-o had been drugged, and stripped of his clothing. Three of Vallans creatures carried his wobbling sweat coated body towards the medical table. Everything seamed to be dancing, the lions eyes just couldn’t focus on what was happening to him, as he was thrust towards the iron table. He growled, trying to concentrate, however all that his vision would allow for was hypnotic educed lights, and sounds that resembled words, except in no language he could understand. Large leather bands tied down the massive lions arms, and tethered his feet. A iron hook clasped tightly around his waist hips and legs, trapping him. It was slammed shut and locked. On the left side of this table of torture, was two more of these cots, Panthro and Tygra had also been robbed of their dignity and latched in the same way that Lion-o had. The scientist ‘Vallan’ swung a long handed Tazer gun in his wrist. “Not so feisty now are you Thundercat!” He seethed. Rubbing his jaw, and the side of his face, which was beginning to bruise from the slam he received from Lion-o’s powerful punch. Lion-o moaned, his stomach churning from the strong drugs, wincing as the room continued to spin before him. “I only regret that you wont be able to see what I’m going to do to you.” Vallan laughed and jabbed the spiked gun in Lion-o’s ribs, sending another electric charge into his body. His head thrust back, chucking at the lions pain, “Oh I’m going to enjoy this, to much.” He spun, “Hook them up to the Doomsday Machine!” He yelled, as he watched the lions body twitch in pain. The Thunderstrike lowered in the soft snow. And Cheetara, Bengali and Pumyra bounded out. The white tiger growled. “There’s the Thundertank and the Feliner.” Cheetara nodded and ran to the edge of the crevasse. Leaning in the frosty Earth she touched Lion-o’s all too familiar boot print. Another vision forced its way into her head, she saw the exact path the lion had chosen, and how this so called army found him. Pumyra crouched down. “What is it ?” “There’s too many of these creatures to defeat in a straight head on battle, we would never win.” Bengalli’s bright blue eyes enlarged. “What do we do?” *~*~* Wizz-Ra had never felt so helpless in his life, or so useless for that matter. He balled up a nervous fist clenching it until his knuckles grew white with the strain. “Think!” He commanded himself, as he paced nervously through his beautiful new palace. “There has got to be something I’m over looking, something that would help.” His mind racing in all directions. Thinking of the past, of what would still have remained undisturbed until now. Some infinite small thing that could give himself and his new found friends; a bit of an advantage over this situation. Grabbing his red cloak he quickly swathed it over his broad shoulders. Lifted up the ancient helmet of Fanun and quickly bounded down the steps of his home. Determined as he trudged through the lush vines and palm trees of his Oasis, then towards the vast desert know’ as ‘The forbidden.’ The home of the temples, and shrines of his Ancient gods. Wizz-Ra knew that the last place he should be in his currant state was here. In his now diluted condition, one wrong move, one ancient trap. And all his waiting, planning and plotting could be over with one sweep of cursed magic. The power of curses is the one force that the wizard feared above all else. He had seen there effects one two man times, turning flesh to powder. Bones to nothing but ash. Spirits condemned for walking where they should not go. But for her…. For that golden haired woman, he would walk though fire. With a deep sigh and a silent prayer he entered the desert, inching over fallen statues, and crumbled down rocks. The desert swept up and behind him as he walked, he could almost sense eyes, following him, they were watching him, and perhaps even judging him. Oh yes this place was far from dead, he could feel the hairs on his arms rise. Dark magic still lingered, he had to be on his guard. Locking his jaw tightly he continued forwards, only hesitating when he entered “ The passage of the Gods.” In ancient times this was a grand lavishly decorated palace. It was home of all the temples of the ancients. They spent there day’s here in all there glorious splendor, mortals were forbidden. Hence the decaying corpses just on the outskirts of the desert., the gods were far from lenient; not wishing to be disturbed from their slumbers. The Passage itself. Was row after row of once immaculate lime stone abodes; now almost completely crumbled by time. If there was one god that could help him, it was Ra…. The sun god. Wizz-Ra’s hands slightly moved across the emblem of his belt. His lips muttering some of his ancient incantations, to keep his mind now off of the glowing rabid eyes that were illumining, from some of the dark entry ways. *~*~* Cheetara, Bengalli, and Pumyra carefully inched there way through the black utter darkness; only a small torch light to guide there way. Benni stopped to remark on the large cavern system that they were walking though it was just enormous. Planks and wood beams had been placed to keep the walls from caving in. However now he knew where the earth tremors had been coming from. It would have taken one powerful machine to dig such a long network of tunnels through the frozen earth. But why? Well that was the only question that still remained. Why hook mountain? It was unstable on a good day, let alone now. The snow pack was more then deadly, however with the resent earth quakes it had become a dead uninhabitable place. A rancid smell soon drifted into the three Thunderian travelers noises, as it wafted up stifling all there senses with a almost gagging reflex. Quickly flinging there hands to there faces they realized that this stench could only mean one thing. They must be heading in the right direction. Unfortunately. “By Thundera. What is that smell?” Pumyra questioned feeling almost sick to her stomach. She could barely choke out the words, to speak. Between convulsions of her now cringing stomach. Bengalli shook his head. “Some how Pumy… I think you’d be better off not knowing.” He replied swishing his torch lower, to see piles and piles of decaying corpses barricading the tunnel. They were dried husks of people, their faces frozen in the same terrified states as they were when they perished. Their skin looked almost leathery dried of all its essence, all its moisture. Piled chest deep in the cavern. Looking backwards. The cheetah once again tried to get some insight, if they had chosen a wrong path. But instead her sixth sense urged her on, desperately nagging at her that they not only must continue down this path. But time for there friends was soon running out. “No… I cant go through there.” Pumyra said trying to steady her now quivering knees. Cheetara pushed her aside softly and continued forwards. “We have no other choice…!” Cheetara said determinedly, as she carefully inched over the piles of bodies. Biting her lip and cringing as she wove her way over limbs, torso’s she tried to ignore the glazed over eyes, that were beginning to haunt her thoughts. She tried to be ever so careful to not disturb the dead, Bengalli took Pumyra by the hand. “We can make it together.” he tried to comfort her, through the sea of lost souls.