A What If Chima Fic

“Heh, heh! Cragger! Come on!” Laval chuckled, attempting to worm around the crocodile.

Cragger stuck out his tongue. “Not today, fur boy. Between Li’Ella and I, we should be fine.”

“Actually, Li’Ella can’t come this time.”

The two turned to see Flinx, fiddling with a communicator in his hands.

“She has to help Tormak with… something. And wanted me to tell you guys. Those vulture guys messaged us too. Saying that the Hunters are in the junkyard looking for the next pair of firewings.”

The two looked at each other, then back at the phoenix.

“What kinda ‘something’?” Cragger asked, curious.

A nervous smile painted his face, as the firebird chuckled. “Well, it's sort of a surprise…”

“Huh. Well maybe you can help out Flinx!” Laval suggested.

“Wha- really?” Flinx shifted, clearly unsure of how to feel.

“Yeah! We can use a bird to rescue a bird! Come on!” Cragger said.

The little guy looked conflicted. Maybe he was scared of the Hunters. After all, if his father wasn’t here, it didn’t take a genius to figure out why.

But Flinx's eyes filled with rage and passion, grinning as he gave Cragger his answer. “Yeah! Let's get those frosted freaks!”

The three cheered, pumping their hands in the air.

“Alright then let's GO!” Laval ran out of the house when Cragger was distracted, much to his friends' surprise.

“Laval! Get back here and take a break!” Cragger yelled, chasing after the lion. Flinx followed after the two as the Laval maneuvered around people as they reached the lantern lit town square.

Squaks, roars, and yelps were heard as they ran through the streets. Many jumped out of the way of the running zombies, others almost dropping what they held in their hands.

Despite losing sight of him in the crowd, they heard Laval giggle the whole time as Cragger continued to yell at him to take a break.

“NEEEEVEERRRRR- AHH!”

Cragger thought the lion had tripped as he ran around the now annoyed town goers. When the two reached Laval however, they saw Spinlyn holding the lion, wrapped up in spider silk.

Like a little burrito.

The prince struggled in his restraints as the Spider Queen handed him off to Cragger.

“You're welcome.”

-

Cragger had placed Laval in his bed, still bound in spider silk but with the added weight of almost all the blankets and pillows in the house except the ones Gorzan was using. (The gorilla decided to stay the night as well, in a separate room. It really felt like Laval’s new home was turning into all their revived friends' new home.)

At first Laval had put on a pout that the croc had called cute (making him blush a little) and refused to sleep. He sat there in the dimly lit room, in the totally NOT cozy blankets, with the totally NOT cozy pillows, and waited for NOT sleep to come.

But as Laval snuggled deeper into the soft fabric of the plush pillows and blankets and as his eyelids grew heavier, he figured a small nap wouldn’t kill him. Again.

He wasn’t entirely sure how long he was asleep for. It was night time when he woke up so it wasn’t too long.

But it felt nice to just rest without having to worry about anything. He knew Cragger could handle getting Razar and Worriz back on his own. (Whether he had the patience to handle their attitudes was a different story.)

He sighed in contentment as he began drifting out of sleep after a while, simply enjoying the softness of the covers.

When he opened his eyes however, he was not expecting a certain bird to be staring at him. Or rather a certain raven-eagle hybrid to be exact.

Laval yelled as he struggled to get up, realizing a little too late that he was still bound in spider webs.

He fell off the bed in his panic, groaning in pain as he rolled on his back to look up at Reegull, who wore a black apron (covered in different colored goop), a dark green dress, and one high heel next to his peg leg.

The hybrid didn’t say hello. Rather he said, “Get up. I want to take you to my lab to study you before the eagles do.”

Ewald had asked Laval if he could come into the eagles' newly built lab for some test but understood that he still needed time to adjust to his new body on his own before he underwent any experiments.

Reegull apparently didn’t.

“How did you-”

“Pick your lock!”

At least he had the courtesy to cut Laval out of his spider silk bounds.

“Are the other two here?” He asked, looking around the room as if they were hidden away.

“Only Gorzan. Cragger went to get Razar and Worriz.” Laval got up off the floor.

“Alright then.” He took Laval’s wrist and walked over to the next room. Opening the door, they saw Gorzan sitting on the bed, flipping through a book about plants with his feet. (Good thing a gorilla’s feet are like a second pair of hands.)

Before he could say anything, Reegull said, “You are coming too.”

Gorzan looked at Laval’s unimpressed face then at Reegull’s eager one.

“Okay.” He spoke.

-

Reegull’s lab was quite similar to his old one. Just like all the other raven’s homes it was mostly made of scrap metal that was probably just stapled together.

But there were bits that didn't seem like something the alchemist would collect. Colorfully woven tapestries, comfy couches with blue and green color pallets, it all felt different… but familiar.

“So, you're not gonna cut us open, right dude?” Gorzan asked.

Reegull was pulling out some test tubes and needles, mumbling a distracted “Maybe.” Making Gorzan wince.

“He’s not gonna do anything we don’t want to Gorzan. Not on my watch.” Laval reassured him.

“Yes… but you must remember that in order for progress to be made, sacrifices are necessary. We all must give up something in order to get what we want…”

Laval couldn’t help but find truth in Reegull’s words. After all, he and his friends sacrificed themselves in order to save Chima! And they still failed. He couldn’t help but find the idea of trying it all over again extremely terrifying.

If they don’t succeed this time, will there be anything left of them to be revived? Will they all return to that cold, dreamless sleep?

And what if the Illumination succeeds, what will happen to them?

It felt like it didn’t matter. Win or lose, Laval and his friends are going to die either way.

“Alright then… First! A blood test…” Reegull said.

The hybrid would pull out many different contraptions and machinery, asking for samples and tests to do with the zombie-like warriors.

Some they would allow, like taking fur samples or letting Reegull look into their different colored eyes. But of course, they would draw the line at things such as cutting off limbs and seeing if they can be reattached or finding out if they can drink poison or acid.

“For the last time! You can’t CUT US OPEN TO SEE OUR BRAINS!”

“But surely it would have changed in the time you’ve been gone! Just let me make a small incision…”

“How can you make a small incision?! You're cutting open our heads?!” As Laval and Reegull argued, Gorzan sat on the couch and looked around the room.

I wonder if any of the gorilla dudes have tamed the pretty plants outside the village, they thought.

Catching up with his tribe after being revived felt like taking a breath of fresh air after drowning. They partied for quite a bit, chatting about how everyone was doing, and what Gorzan missed. It broke his heart to hear that they had lost a few members, but it felt pretty tubular to meet newer ones.

Maybe we can revive long gone dudes, but would they want to come back as chi zombies like us-

His train of thought was interrupted when his eyes locked with another pair. Another pair of eyes that didn’t belong to Laval or Reegull.

Hidden in the corner of the room there was a little raven girl with green eyes crouched behind a couple of boxes.

The two were locked in a silent staring contest, neither refusing to blink.

“Uh, dudes? Who's that?”

“Who?” Laval asked, as Reegull looked over to where Gorzan was gesturing to.

He groaned. “Ugh! Rubiz! I’ve told you! You must stay upstairs!” Reegull scooped up the raven child from her hiding place and began heading up stairs. Rubiz hanging from his hook by the hood of her vest.

Laval began to follow, and not wanting to be alone, Gorzan did the same.

“Is she your kid?” Laval questioned as they headed up the stairs.

“Nope.”

“Whose kid is that then?!”

“One of Dom’s” The hybrid said as he opened the door.

“IT'S THE WITCH!” A young eagle yelled as a young rhino threw a pillow at Reegull, nailing him right in the face. Laval and Gorzan chuckled.

“Oi! You kids better stop that!” Reegull scolded the two youngsters as they stuck their tongues at him.

“Boys please calm down.” A familiar voice said.

Laval gasped. “Is that-”

Don de la Woosh stood beside the door ushering the other children back to the play area in the center of the room.

Laval had to admit: the former speedor racer had seen better days.

Scars traced his face, many surrounding one of his eyes. Blinding it permanently. He wore a light blue silk robe, with yellow and red flower patterns stitched along the sleeves. As he walked, he had a slight limp, but he gave them a welcoming smile.

“The Whoosh?! What are you doing here?” Laval smiled back at the sight of his idol.

“Why, The Whoosh lives here!” He chuckled. “Someone has to look after all these little ones after all.”

“Well, a ‘little one’ decided they wanted to look at my stuff, Jewel.” Reegull raised the little raven girl up towards the peacock.

“Jewel?” Gorzan and Laval remarked.

“Oh, little Rubiz is just curious. Isn’t that, right?” The young raven nodded her head as she was handed off into Whoosh’s arms.

“Come, come. Why don’t the Whoosh make you some tea?” He led them through the play area.

It was painted blue with a large green and yellow circular carpet in the middle, children's toys and mini playgrounds set up for children from all sorts of tribes to play with. Many played with dolls, board games, or simply napped on some mini beds.

“Dude, do you watch over all these little dudes by yourself?” Gorzan asked, as they headed down the hall to a kitchen.

“Yes. Someone must look after the children after all. You know how dangerous the Outlands could be…” Whoosh said sadly.

Reegull scoffed, leaning against the wall as Laval and Gorzan sat down. The Whoosh put Rubiz in a highchair and handed her a cup of fruit to munch on.

“Okay, this is eating me up. Why is Reegull living in your basement? And why did he call you Jewel?” Laval interrogated the star racer.

The old birds gave each other a look, before bursting out laughing, much to the two's confusion. Rubiz kept munching on her fruit.

“Oh, Laval. Reegull is my husband.”

There was a moment of silence as Laval processed what his idol had just said.

“Oh! Congrats, you two!” Gorzan said, supportively, not missing a beat.

…

“WHAT!?”

The Whoosh and Reegull. THE WHOOSH AND REEGULL? WHAT? What? What?

“You…” Laval pointed to the Whoosh, who patted Rubiz on the head.

“And… you…” Reegull was grinning like a super villain as he gave Laval a small wave.

“I… wha… who… you… just…”

He turned to the Whoosh. “How…” He whispered.

The Whoosh chuckled. “We met after the war. I was fleeing for my life, gaining a few scars along the way.” Gesturing to his face. But he recalled the tale like it was nothing more than a pleasant dream. “I was having a hard time finding anyone in the Outlands, when my knight in silver feathers rescued me from the jaws of a mighty beast. And took me to the village.”

The peacock brought Reegull into a hug as the alchemist rolled his eyes.

“You say it like I was some hero… I didn’t even-”

“Oh, HUSH! You came to my rescue.” The Whoosh cupped Reegulls face and for a moment, it was only the two of them. In the moment.

“That’s all that matters, mi amor. That’s all it took for me to be with such a handsome devil.” The two practically touched beaks and if it weren’t for the feathers, Reegull’s face would be completely red. He waved his hand aside.

“Oh! Stop! I’m not that handsome.”

“Yes, you are. You're beautiful.”

The two continued to stay in their own little world for a bit, with The Whoosh swaying his husband side to side as if they were about to slow dance.

Gorzan grinned at the sight, Rubiz was too focused on her fruit bowl to care, and Laval watched the whole thing like he was watching someone drink expired milk. Or like he was watching his idol kiss someone who tried to turn Chima into chickens. Oh, wait! He WAS!

When the two were done, The Whoosh cleared his throat. “How about that tea?”

-

“I don’t get it.” Laval mumbled as he saw the two old gay birds bump each other playfully with their hips as they prepared the kid’s snacks. The sight made most of him sick to his stomach. But a small part of him couldn’t help but be a little jealous. Gorzan took a sip of his tea from a helpful straw.

“Whatcha mean, dude?”

“How can someone sooooo messed up, date and marry someone so cool?!” The two walked out of the room, playfully teasing each other as the lion whispered. It reminded Laval of Eris and Rogon, with all dumb flirting they did. (Thinking of those two made him wonder how Cragger was doing.)

Gorzan smiled kindly.

“Well, maybe he needs this. It’s like you and Cragger. You were there for him when he needed you. And it helped the dude realize how much of a bummer he was being.”

The idea of Cragger and him being like Reegull and The Whoosh made Laval feel like he had a tummy full of butterflies. If only it could be that way…

“Hmm. Gorzan, do you think Cragger likes me?”

Gorzan chuckled. “Of course, Dude!”

“But… likes-LIKES me?”

“Oh.” The gorilla blinked. He hadn’t talked to anyone about his feelings towards Cragger. He wanted to say something to the croc but it felt the moment he realized how he felt there was always something going on. Whether it be a war on ice zombies, bugs, or with the very crocodile he loved the moment he met up with him at the Forever Rock, on the night before they left for the Outlands.

“Well… have you asked?” Gorzan asked.

“No. Should I?”

“Of course, you should.” Reegull butted into their conversation, with Rubiz sitting on his shoulders.

“Hmm. And what do you know?” Laval demanded.

Reegull rolled his eyes as he leaned towards the lion.

“I know that Dom makes me the happiest bird alive. Every day with him, I treasure more than any raven will treasure a well-earned trinket. I study everything he loves more than an eagle will study the stars, because I want to make him happy. Asking him out was the greatest thing to happen to me. So, if I knew I only had so much time with my precious Jewel, I would make every moment worth more than gold.”

Laval was speechless.

But, as much as he hated to admit it, Reegull was right.

If he was going to die all over again, the time to make a move on Cragger was now. Or never. Laval nodded. “Okay, I think I will. He should be back pretty soon anyway so we should get going.” Laval drank the rest of his tea and stood up from the table, and immediately felt dizzy.

“Whoa…” He mumbled. Maybe he got up too fast? But why did he continue to feel like the room was spinning.

“You alright, dude?” Gorzan’s voice sounded so distant. Why did he… sound… so distant… What… was… happening…

“Your chi-” He heard Reegull say from miles away. His vision was beginning to blur as he tried to balance himself.

He felt so… weak.

So… tired…

So… cold…

The last thing he saw was the worried face of his friends as he fell to the floor.

“Wha-” He almost screamed before Laval forced his snout shut. “What are you doing here?” His best friend asked for him.

“Saving Gorzan! What else? I heard your plan when I was heading to the bear’s blacksmithery and I wanted to tag along.”

Li’Ella pulled out a small blaster. “Well, do you know a good way to get up to Gorzan? We can keep you covered down here.”

The Gorilla Beast grinned.

“Let us know when you find him.”

G’Loona nodded, a playful smile tugged at her face as she headed off to a nearby tree.

She manovered up the tree easily. Remembering each and every branch she needed to take to get up to the top. It felt like freedom to simply climb up a tree from her home again. Sure, the Outlands had some good plants, aside from those that were both mean and green. But to actually return to her jungle and reach for each limb of one of her wonderful trees, climbing closer and closer to someone she considered family!

Why, it felt like freedom!

She practically flew to the top, almost a little sad the climb was over.

“Okay, how am I supposed to find Gorzan?” G’Loona asked out loud.

She received an answer through a rogue shot that barely missed her.

“Whoa!” She squealed in shock, as she looked over the trees to see Li’Ella firing her blasters, the Legend Beast easily taking them out, and Laval and Cragger activating their firewings. She watched in awe as pure fire escaped their hands but cringed when the two floppily flew around with their brand-new wings. These two were clearly not used to flying. (And was Cragger’s wings supposed to be green?)

But when they activated their power, something caught G’Loona’s eye. It shimmered among the pure white trees, glowing a soft… pink?

She headed towards it, swooping from tree to tree. Someone must have noticed her as a few shots were fired in her direction. Luckily, she avoided them all thanks to Cragger knocking down the Hunter’s with his reckless flying. She couldn’t help but let a small chuckle escape her lips at the sight.

But when she saw the one, she considered an older brother to her, the feeling of laughter and joy vanished. Hidden in what could have been a cozy nook of a tree was Gorzan, frozen in ice. A permanite scream on his face. It sent chills down her spin.

But it also made her wonder why no vultures or anyone else with a flying machine didn’t see him.

Maybe he was revealed to me because of those fire wings Cragger and Laval activated? The Gorilla girl thought to herself.

She tried to yank him out, but he was frozen to the tree itself and she had a feeling that breaking the ice itself wouldn’t do her any good.

“I found him!” She yelled to the others down below. Li’Ella nodded and threw an orb of Fire Chi at the Gorilla Beast, who ran up the tree closest to G’Loona. When he reached the top, she pointed towards the nook and the Legend Beast reached down, pulled out the frozen popsicle-like Gorilla, and gently placed the chi in his harness.

This… was a… bummer…

He should have… tried harder…

He should have… protected them…

But now…

But as the ice… took hold…

The moment the freeze… took hold…

Took… hold…

A welcoming warmth… returned…

“Gorzan!” G’Loona cried out, tears trailing down her eyes as she hugged her brother.

“G’Loona?” He mumbled. When did she get here? Wait, were they in the jungle? The Gorilla Beast patted his head.

“Good to have you back, dude.”

Back?

G’Loona hugged him tighter at the words. He would have hugged the little dudette back (though she didn’t look as little as he remembered), but there was one problem.

He didn’t have any arms!

He looked around and realized the jungle he loved with all his heart had been covered in pure white ice. He gasped. “G’Loona? What happened?” Panic filled his voice as the two gorillas gave him a sad look.

“Hey! Are you guys okay?” Laval!

Gorzan looked over the branches and saw Laval, Cragger, and Li’Ella. The lioness chasing off some mammoths with nothing but a few tiny blasters and-

WHY DID THESE DUDES LOOK LIKE THE HUNTERS? WHERE THEY ZOMBIES TO?!

“Are you dudes, okay?!” He yelled, as he tried to get down without his arms, G’Loona and the Legend Beats followed him down. It was a bit of a struggle but once he got down, he stared at Laval and Cragger in shock. They looked… so different…

“Dudes… we didn’t make it?” He asked, even though he knew the answer.

“I’m sorry, Gorzan.” Laval said, patting his back.

“On the bright side, you have a cool outfit.” Cragger said, gesturing to Gorzan’s new attire. He had on a sort of skirt (that actually felt quite soft) with a sort of pattern that could be described as leaking tree sap. The top layer was pink, leaking into a light neon green, and then leaking into purple.

Around his waist was a belt that held his fire chi.

“You know, I was wondering, why do your guy's chi all glow a different color? Even Cragger’s firewings glowed a sort of green.” G’Loona asked. Gorzan tilted his head and summoned his wings without even thinking about it. They glowed a bright pink.

“Huh! I’m not sure.” Laval scratched his head, perplexed at the question.

“Maybe it’s because you all died with them.”

A chill ran down his spine at Li’Ella’s words, but she kept going with her theory.

“These were the phoenix’s wings and they died with them. But you died with them as well. So perhaps in a way they sort of bonded with you and they show this by glowing in your own colors. And giving you clothes that you might deem more comfortable.” The lioness concluded.

The three revived warriors looked at each other, then at the outfits and harnesses they now dawned.

“I mean we can ask Foltrax about it too.” She added with a shrug.

“The Fire Chi outfits were a little uncomfortable…” Gorzan muttered as he continued to wrap his head around what was going on.

“I know, RIGHT?!” Cragger put his arm around the gorilla. “It was like walking in a prison of spandex! I much prefer these pants over that ugly thing.”

A small giggle escaped him. “Well, if I really died, I’m glad to be back with you dudes!” Gorzan said with pride.

The Gorilla Beast hooted with joy, G’Loona laughing along. “Then, come on! The rest of the tribe has to see you're okay!” As the gorillas walked ahead, catching Gorzan up on what he missed, Li’Ella turned to Laval and Cragger.

“You two okay?” She asked.

“We need flying lessons.” Cragger declared with defeat in his voice.

“Well, I have a feeling who we’ll find next will be a big help.”

Cragger looked at Laval, knowing exactly who he was talking about.

“You sure he won’t charge us for flying lessons?”

“It might be better to go save him next because someone else's light is pretty close by~.” The lion almost sang.

Cragger and Li’Ella looked at the lion with confusion, till the crocodile closed his eyes and focused on the light he was talking about.

A second later, Cragger jumped up in the air and yelled, “I knew they were dating!”

Li’Ella blinked. “What the fuck are you two talking about?”

Cragger stuck by Laval’s side the whole time as he gave him a tour of the town, heading closer and closer to the new croc castle. The Crocodile Beast doing the same, following the pair around and urging those who wanted to crowd them to give the revived some space.

Li’Ella went to inform Tormak of the situation, while Crooler ran ahead to tell their parents, Plovar following after his sister. (The little bird wanted to give the two princes some alone time. Giving Cragger a wink, and the croc fighting every urge to just jump in the nearby river and drift away from this conversation.)

Wait, his parents hadn’t seen him in ten years, while the last he saw them was technically a few hours ago? Since he didn’t remember anything when he died. Except for the pain that he didn’t like to think too hard about. Man, this was all intense!

“There’s where the ravens sell their stuff. That’s where the gorilla’s grow food. And there's where the wolves be their loner selves.”

“Does everyone just live together now?” Cragger asked.

A “huh” escaped Laval before he answered the question. “I… guess so. I hadn’t realized it. But yeah.”

“Hmm. This feels…”

“Like you blinked and then suddenly everything and everyone around you just decided to move on without you?” Laval suggested.

“Yeah… in a way.” Cragger mumbled. Laval took his hand, and a muffled squeak almost escaped him due to the lion’s actions. “I know this is all scary and stuff but… I’m glad you're here with me. It brings me some comfort to know that we’re in this together again.” His warm smile melted the Crocodile Prince’s heart.

“Oh, Laval. Why do you have to be so damn sappy, huh?” Cragger said, trying to cover up his embarrassment.

The lion chuckled. “Just trying to let you know how much I love you guys.”

Right. ‘You guys.’ Speaking of…

“So, you feel this thing too, right?” Cragger asked.

“All the time.” Laval practically breathed.

“Who should we find next then?” It felt like a question too cruel to ask. Which one of their friends would be brought back into the world of the living next?

Cragger guessed they chose him after Laval because of how close the swamp was to the Outlands. From there it was sort of open season for reviving buddies. Though he had a feeling finding Eris would be the hardest as she would probably be closest to the Lion Temple. Aka closest to that Saber-tooth freak and his subjects.

Well now he and Laval are freaks too…

Laval squeezed his hand in reassurance. But it seemed like he was still searching for that feeling himself.

“Well, maybe… uh… Gorzan? The trees will provide some coverage and we can use the strength.” Laval said.

The Crocodile Beast nodded.

“I shall inform the Gorilla Beast of your decision.”

Leaving the two to their own devices.

Cragger watched his beast go and realized something. Throughout the whole tour he had not seen a single lion among the mix of tribes. Which felt a little weird… and probably meant.

“Hey, Laval? Where is your tribe at?”

He might as well have declared war all over again because Laval had the same heartbroken face, he had the day the fight for chi began.

“Laval?”

While the lion hadn’t said a thing about what had happened, Cragger quickly put the pieces together. He may look dumb, but he’s not stupid.

Cragger brought him into a side hug as the lion felt like he would collapse to the floor if the crocodile didn’t anchor him. Laval leaned into him as he sighed softly.

The croc led the two to a bench near a blacksmithery as the lion wept. The sound of a hammer banging against metal drowning out his quiet crying. Cragger rubbed his back in reassurance as tears stained his brown pants. He could relate to how Laval felt, afterall his whole tribe got kidnapped by the Hunters at one point.

But they were able to be saved.

Whereas in Laval’s case, this wasn’t something that can be reversed. This was something that would have to be rebuilt overtime. And even then, it will never be the same.

“Sorry, I hope I don’t keep breaking out into tears every time someone asks me what happened.” Laval uttered.

“Don’t apologize for feeling sad.” Cragger began, as he brought the lion closer to his chest. Laval welcomed it, trying to listen to his best friend's heartbeat.

There was nothing.

“This is all just so messed up and crying about it is a perfectly okay thing to do. Because I know you're not just gonna curl up and bawl your eyes out. You're gonna fight! And keep being your wonderful self. But when you need to take a break from it all and rest, know that you will always have me. And I know the others will feel the same when they get back.”

Laval closed his eyes and focused on the pulling feeling. They should really give it a name. Perhaps lights? It felt fitting as to how each one of them made him feel.

Cragger’s light felt so cheery and warm, perhaps because he was awake and with him now. He was starting to tell who is who, though where exactly they were at was a bit hard to tell. The others still felt too distant and too deep in their sleep. Except one. It felt like it was trying to wake up, but it couldn't, as if it was stuck. Frozen.

That had to be Eris.

When the Hunters first attacked, she had been chosen because she had a “soul of a phoenix” or whatever Fluminox had said. So, it only made sense she would be… different? Yeah, that seemed like the right word for now.

But the idea of trying to get all of them felt exhausting. It had even been that long since he was revived and he already felt like he wanted to sleep for another ten years. (Though the idea of him needing to sleep did bring him comfort.) It made him feel horrible. He truly wanted to save them but… How can he help anyone when he needs help as well?

“You don’t mind if I sit out a few missions?” Laval asked, almost nervous as to what Cragger would say. The croc bright his hand from his back to his mane. As he softly played with his fur, a small purr escaped him, making Cragger chuckle.

“Of course. We have all the help we can get right here! If you need any time to yourself, or any help let us know. And we’ll be there for you.”

Laval smiled. “Thank you.”

-

After sitting in peaceful silence, Laval was finally ready to get up and lead Cragger to his parents. He brought him to what looked like a smaller version of the crocodile castle, complete with its own makeshift river that he had seen snake through the village earlier.

Cragger would be lying if he said he didn’t shed a few tears when he was reunited with parents even if for him it had only been a few hours. It was still a little heartbreaking to see how much his parents changed over the years, with new lines added to their faces and hunched shoulders. His father even needs a cane now!

When he saw his parents, he couldn’t help but wonder if he would continue to grow and change like them. Were Laval and him doomed to be fleshy zombies forever or would they grow old together?

“My son has returned and this calls for a celebration!”

“Uh- Dad maybe-”

But Cragger’s objections went unheard as many crocodiles gathered to celebrate the return of their prince.

It felt nice to see his tribe again, even meeting some new young members. While some were scared of Cragger, few little croclings were curious about his new look, some asking things like, can he still eat even with the hole in his gut? Laval stayed by his side almost the whole time, receiving his own questions and comments from curious crocodiles.

At one point during the party, Crooler pulled him aside.

“Cragger, I want to say I’m sorry.” The Crocodile Prince stumbled back at the words.

“Really?” His voice came out in a whisper. He didn’t think that Crooler was the apology type. Then again neither was he for a bit.

“Yes. I’m sorry for using that stupid plant, for making you attack the lions, and for taking advatnage of you when we thought our parents had died. I hope you can forgive me.”

…

Can he? After everything Crooler had done, was he even willing to give her his forgiveness?

“I… I don’t know if I can forgive you for everything. I appreciate your apology but after what happened it's hard to just forget about it, you know?”

Crooler nodded sadly.

“I understand.”

-

“So… you live here now?” Cragger stared in awe at the place. It felt a lot like Lavertus’s old home in the Outlands. And just like it the place felt way too big for one lion.

“Yeah… it’s big and quiet and sometimes a little creepy when you're just alone with your thoughts. But it’s home.” Laval chuckled nervously.

Cragger nodded. He could tell his best friend didn’t like being here on his own. So maybe…

“I can stay with you, if you want?”

Laval gave Cragger a face full of surprise, but it was quickly replaced with a grateful smile.

“I’d appreciate that.” Laval said, reaching out his hand.

Cragger took it. Happy he wasn’t alone.

~

I was listening to MBMBAM with the American Hero Horn and I was like, "wow this fic is kinda like that in a way :')"

The crocodile princess gave him one of her own before turning back to her former home. King Crominous and Queen Crunket had insisted that she’d help in their search so they could have someone who knew their swamp well. Why they didn’t just send a soldier with them like Crawly or Crug was beyond him. But it was too late to change that now as they walked across the frozen swamp.

“So, I’ve been through the Crocodile Castle a few times… and have not seen Cragger anywhere. But maybe we can start there anyway?” Li’Ella said, a bit unsure how to go about this.

“Hmm. Maybe I could…”

Laval took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He hadn’t slept whatsoever last night, instead he’d mostly spent it focusing on this pulling feeling he had. (Along with practicing summoning the Firewings and putting them away. There wasn’t really a point of keeping them out when he didn't even know how to fly. Maybe he can ask the eagles or ravens to teach him.)

If he focused on this pull enough, he could feel them close by. As if all he had to do was just reach out and pull them out of their own dreamless slumber.

…

Did he even need to sleep anymore? Or eat or drink, since he wasn’t really hungry or thirsty.

He should just keep focusing.

Focus on the feeling. Focus on the feeling. Focus-

“Any day, lion.” Crooler remarked.

“I’m trying my best Crool- Oh My Cavora, he’s in the lake.” Laval suddenly said, as he pointed down.

Below they could see different shapes of different colors, perhaps fish and plant life that had been frozen in the deep. But one reddish orange looking blob stood out amongst it all. That had to be Cragger.

“Hmm. Well, it’s a good thing I came along when neither of you fur bags can swim.” Crooler snapped.

“You can’t exactly swim in ice.” Li’Ella remarked.

The Crocodile Beast slapped its tail on the ice in annoyance.

“No bickering! We must save the young crocling. Laval and I shall melt the ice, and Crooler shall head down and grab him.”

“Oh, yeah I can do that.” Laval said with a smile. He kinda forgot that with the firewings he didn’t just get the wing part of the deal.

Li’Ella pulled out her ax. “I’ll keep watch.” she declared and ran off.

The Crocodile Beast turned towards Laval.

“Alright, cub. Point your hand towards the ice, and direct that fire you have inside of you towards it.”

“Okay, like this.” Laval directed the palm of his hand towards the lake. The Beast nodded.

The entire time, Crooler watched in silence as the lion took a deep breath and gasped in awe as pure fire flew from his hand. He backed up as it melted away the icy prison, the Crocodile Beast doing the same as she began to blast the spot with a fiery breath. Laval grinned at the sight, feeling great pride for this new power. He may be a walking zombie but at least he was a fire manipulating zombie. It would have been a great moment for him if the person who hurt his friends and family so badly wasn’t standing right next to him.

It took a while to thaw out a spot to swim, the Lion Prince and Crocodile Princess awkwardly standing in silence the whole time.

Till Laval asked, “Why did you do it?”

“Hmm?”

The lion growled, trying everything in his power to not direct his fire at her.

“Why did you manipulate Cragger into starting the war? Why did you want to control the chi? Why do you have to always just…” Laval softly roared at her, making Crooler jump a bit. “Be such a jerk.”

But she gave him a soft growl of her own.

“I was simply claiming my birthright-”

“With those stupid persuader plants!? Hmph! My Dad told me everything! I may not know how your parents treated you, but that doesn’t mean you should take it out on Cragger and CHIMA!”

“What do you know, Lion?!” Crooler spat in his face. Oh, did he want to just burn her alive, then and there. He heard the Crocodile Beast smack her tail on the ice to get his attention, but he just had to say it.

“I know a lot of things. Like how it's a good idea to NOT try to unbalance Chima because of a petty feud with someone who loves me!”

Crooler blinked as if he just slapped her in the face. She stared at him, then towards the reddish-orange blob below. Her eyes that were once full of hatred now looked scattered and broken, as if she was about to cry. Laval stared at her in surprise as she looked up with an expression of guilt.

“He loved me?” She whispered.

Something in Laval snapped when she said that.

He wanted to say something like, “Duh, you're his sister. But you’ve treated him so horribly that I’ll never understand how he could still care about you. You don’t deserve his love after everything you’ve done. And when he comes back to life, I want you to give him a meaningful apology. And then do a bunch of other stuff that I can’t think of right now but when this is over, I’m gonna give you a list”

That would have been fine. Like a nice little bow to wrap up this conversation.

What he actually did was throw his hands in the air and yelled, “NO SHIT!”

Sending a blast of fire up into the air, similar to that of a croc flare.

They stared up in shock at the sky then Laval turned towards Crooler.

“Maybe no one saw that?” He said with a shrug.

A blast of ice proved otherwise, nearly hitting him in the face as a small group of vultures descended down on them.

The Crocodile Beast bit him on the leg.

“Ow! I’m sorry! At least the ice has melted.” Laval said, pointing towards the only unfrozen part of the lake. “Crooler! Just grab your brother! We’ll take care of them!” He said, as the Crocodile Princess nodded, jumping headfirst into the lake.

“Alright! Let's see what else I can do!”

A vulture pointed their balster towards him, but he blasted a gust of fire before the Hunter even had a chance to freeze him. The vulture went down easily, feathers in flames.

One down four more to go.

He continued blasting fire towards the birds as the Legend Beast guarded the hole in the ice, making sure it stayed unfrozen.

He was beginning to wonder where Li’Ella had run off till he heard her screaming a battle cry. As she had JUMPED OFF A TREE AND THREW HER AX INTO ONE OF THE VULTURES BACKS! Laval jaw practically hit the floor as he stared in amazement at the lioness's sudden attack. He was so distracted he almost got blasted in the back by another vulture before he took care of it at the last second.

The vulture crashed to the ground with a sickening crunch, Li’Ella landing on top of it.

Only two left.

Laval prepared another fire attack while Li’Ella yanked her ax from the vultures back as they stood side by side at the ready.

“Wait! WAIT! We surrender!” The one with white feathers cried out, dropping his weapon on the ground. His friend did the same.

Li’Ella immediately grabbed both blasters, stuffing them in her bag as they descended down.

“Don’t want to become roasted chickens like your friends, huh?” Pride filled Laval’s voice as he eyed the two.

The one with white feather’s left leg was made of ice while the one with pink feathers had a left arm and right leg made of ice. He recognized these two as the ones who delivered that message on the first day, he was king.

That thought instantly took the wind out of his sails as he remembered the events that led up to that moment.

“We want to help you!” The white feathered one practically yelled.

“What!?” Li’Ella and Laval practically roared, making them jump.

The pink one nodded. “Life here is… lifeless. While you may fail all over again, I would rather side with you.”

“Gee, thanks.” Laval uttered in a deadpanned voice.

“Come on, Vornon. Don’t be such a party pooper.” Vornon’s companion nudged his shoulder playfully, bringing a small smile to the downer’s face. “I’m Voom Voom by the way.”

“So… why do you want to help?” Li’Ella asked.

“Ugh! Fangar is the worst. I don’t know why we thought the ice stuff was a good idea. We just want to be alive again, you know? Maybe the Illumination can help with that!” Voom Voom stated.

“Or it can kill us all over again, but I’d be better than this.” Vornon said, gesturing to their gruesome appearance.

Laval scratched his head nervously. “Okay…”

“Here!” Voom Voom handed Li’Ella a communicator. “We’ll let you know all about Fangar’s plans. And if you need us, let us know!”

“All right. Sorry about your friends by the way.” Laval said.

“Eh, they’ll be fine. See ya!” Voom Voom said.

The two began to fly off, Voom Voom fluttering away happily, as Vornon waved sadly.

The two lions looked at each other, then turned towards the Crocodile Beast. She was sitting beside Crooler, who held her long dead brother in her arms.

Man did Cragger get it bad.

The top part of his whole face was missing revealing his skull to the open air, there was a giant hole on the left side of his gut and his wrist was revealing some bone as well. His fire suit had practically been torn to shreds, kinda reminding Laval of the outfit he wore before this whole mess. Minus the fish bones. And his tail had been chopped off, that was pretty messed up.

Li’Ella pulled out an orb of fire chi.

“Let's get off the lake.”

The welcoming embrace of water… felt so far away…

Replaced by a cold prison…

It hurt so much to know…

Something he loved… had been turned against him…

Wait…

What is this…

Warmth…

Burning…

Cragger woke up with a gasp. He leaped to his feet, ready to attack, only to see Crooler, Li’Ella, (who both looked much older than he remembered and also what were they wearing?), the Crocodile Beast, and-

“Laval!” He ran up to the lion, engulfing him in a hug.

Laval hugged him back, his voice coming out broken. As if he was on the brink of tears. “It’s good to see you, Cragger…”

“See you? We were just…” Cragger trailed off when he saw what Laval really looked like. “What?! Your arm? Your eyes! What-”

Then he looked at himself. Long gone was the (honestly uncomfortable) outfit the fire chi had given him, now replaced with some pretty comfortable brown pants. He wasn’t wearing the fire wings anymore, but a necklace with teeth hanging on sting, a medallion for chi in the middle.

It wasn’t something the phoenix would wear, but it was something he would.

That thought brought him comfort.

There was an orb of chi glowing inside the medallion, but it glowed green! Not blue or red like the fire chi or regular chi.

Then he saw all his definitely fatal wounds in the reflection of the frozen swamp. Like the hole in his gut and the lack of flesh on his face. He turned towards Laval, horror engulfing hims very being.

“What… happened to us?”

-

Plovar’s head shot up like a rocket as he turned towards something…?

“What’s up, Plovar?” Skinnet’s partner, Furty asked as they left the market.

His voice came out in a serious whisper, “I smell something.”

The little bird began sniffing the air, flying towards whatever he was smelling as the fox followed, not sure how to react but curious as to what was going to happen next.

After a few paces and more sniffing, Plovar flew like a bullet, Furty running after him with a playful smile. They heard chatting up ahead as they continued to chase after Skinnet’s little buddy. It sounded like Laval and Li’Ella. Which meant they must have succeeded in getting the next firewings. And that crocodile!

“Craggy-Wag!” Plovar shouted with glee confirmed this. And Furty smiled when he saw that little rescue team with the young Crocodile Prince. The little bird plunged into Cragger’s mouth in excitement, much to the Croc Prince’s displeasure. “It’s so good to see you! And your teeth! A little old but they still need a small dental appointment~” Plovar said, in a sing-song voice.

The lions chuckled, even Crooler grinned a bit. While the little bird chatted away in the croc’s mouth, Cragger attempted to say something.

Something that sounded like, “It’s good to see you too, Plovar.”

-

Before they left for the swamp to find the first of the Firewings, before they left to find the others, before they went out on another adventure, Laval wanted to see his grave.

Li’Ella and Flinx guided him to the middle of town where the eight headstones dedicated to him and his friends were, offerings still placed around the area. Petals danced in the wind as the flower places began to wilt. The smell of freshly baked treats beginning to go sour. Candle wax was now leaking at the base, upon the concrete.

Laval walked up to his tombstone and read it out loud:

Time and time again, evil he foiled

Here we dedicate this rest to,

Laval the Loyal

So, unlike the plaque Sir Bucky had put up for him outside the temple. He turned to the other ones, reading each one out loud.

Never useless, though he may seem reckless

Howls in the heavens

Worriz the Ruthless

His kindness, his sweetness

Was infectious

Now rests

Gorzan the Generous

Rogon the Eager

Now breaks rocks among the stars

May they fire like comets and go far

Awoken from a peaceful dream

He returns to another

Now sleeps eternal

Bladvic the Dreamer

Trinkets and treasure

Would never rust

Just like his legacy

Razar the Opportunist

A future she knew, brought forth the bold

With fire she flew

Now her story shall forever be told,

Eris the Oracle.

Family lost and found

He rests now with friends

Amongst the clouds

Cragger the Determined.

When he finished, he stood up and turned towards Li’Ella and Flinx with a skeptical face. The two looked at each other with worry, then at their revived friend.

Li’Ella wasn’t sure what reaction to expect from Laval. Perhaps sadness at seeing how each and every one of them was seen. Feeling the weight of expectations crushing him all over again. Maybe he’d want to put an offering for the others just in case…

No!

Don’t think about it!

They’ll be fine. They will all be fine!

“This suck.”

Li’Ella blinked as she was snapped out of her train of thought.

“Wha?” Flinx said, with a slight chuckle in his voice.

Laval began to laugh. “Yeah, I don’t know. What's with all the titles and stuff? It’s so serious. Ha, ha! I mean, “Laval the Loyal.” Ooooh. Better take him seriously. Ha, ha, ha!” His laughter was contagious as the lioness and the young phoenix broke out laughing as well.

It was a little ridiculous, but at least the thought-to-be long gone lion could get a chuckle out of it. When the laughter died down, Laval gave them a smile as bright as the sun. He turned towards Li’Ella.

“Now let's go save our friends!”

Music stopped.

People turned towards the lioness.

She stood up on a nearby bench, the cloak stranger standing beside it.

All eyes were on them.

She cleared her throat.

“As you all know, I constantly return to our old home to retrieve things that were lost. Things that many thought they would never see again. I do this because I want those memories to stay alive. I want people to know what they had and who we lost. But today, I bring something that will not just to remind people of the past-”

A nervous looking Flinx walked up beside Tormak, as the panther stared in confusion.

“- but inspire hope for a brand new future. Today, upon the tenth anniversary of the loss of our loved ones, I bring you home one of our own. I bring you the FireWings-”

The stranger began removing the cloak.

“-And with them: Laval!”

Many gasped at the sight of the long dead lion. A few fainted. One screamed. Tormak stared in awe at the sight, eying the fire chi in his harness.

Laval waved. “Hey, everyone. I’m back. Heh, heh.”

-

A meeting with each leader of each tribe wasn’t something Laval wanted to do at the moment but it's not like he could say no.

Each Legend Beast had also come along with their respective tribal leader, but not before giving Laval their respective greeting by hugging him, playing with his mane with beaks, and even getting a playful nibble from the Crocodile Beast.

They all stood in an exact replica of phoenix’s old temple, right down to the flowing lava, fire chi glowing in something that looked kinda like a bowl.

Almost all the leaders he knew were still alive and well, just old and wearing warmer clothing. He couldn’t help but cast a glance at Crominus and Crunket, who stared at the lion in disbelief. Maybe they’re thinking the same thing Li’Ella did. If I can come back, so can Cragger.

The thought made him wonder what his sister, Crooler, must be up to, as she was not present during the meeting (nor was Lavertus).

He did, however, see the new Wolf and Raven leaders: Windra (who had a master poker face), Razcal (who looked super worried), and Flinx. But no Fluminox. Which meant-

Oh.

Oh no.

He instantly felt bad for the little guy as he could relate, since he literally just found out that his own Dad died about an hour ago. Has it only been a few hours, it felt like it's been weeks!

Crominus broke the silence when Tormak and Li’Ella shut the doors.

“How can we find the others?!” Straight to point, huh? Not that Laval mind.

Li’Ella stepped up. “I’m not sure. Honestly, it was pure luck that I even came across Laval. Perhaps they’re hidden behind puzzles and traps like before, that's why I hadn’t seen them on my trips.”

Ewald nodded. “Perhaps our resident Panther can summon the map again. It could be of help.”

But Tormak shook his head. “Ever since the collapse of Cavora I haven’t been able to. Even if I could, I doubt they’ll be in the same place as before.”

“Well… I was at the Lion Temple. So maybe the others will be where they called home to.” Laval suggested.

Windra grunted in agreement.

“But we gots to keep it on the down low. We don’t want those bummer dudes to figure out our plan.” Grumlo reminded the group.

Razcal thought for a second before saying, “What if the Hunters discover our plan and head out to destroy the Fire wings or even…” He trailed off but the lion knew what he was going to say and shook at the thought.

“They won't be able to destroy the firewings and perhaps they will protect their users.” Tormak mentioned.

Always a skeptic, Ewald couldn’t help but ask, “And what if they aren’t at their respective homeland? Where will we look then?”

He’s right. They could very well be in a trophy room of their own. Laval was only there because Sir Bucky had intentionally put him up on display for the world to see. But he couldn’t help but have this gut feeling…

“I don’t know why but I feel this… pull… towards them… I bet they’d feel it if they… were awake.” He didn’t want to say dead , he can’t bring himself to say it.

Rhigor and Bezar nodded in agreement.

“Well, if that's all we got I’ll take it. But a physical map would be nice.” Ewald said in a tired voice.

“Uh… I’ll figure it out. But for now I was wondering what the Crawl-”

“Sorry we’re late!”

The group turned to see the very leaders of the Crawlers: Spinlyn (who donned a spider spun robe and a gold tooth), Braptor (who flew around in an oversized gray sweater that was kinda cute), and Scorm (who wore a brown skirt, sweater, scarf, and gold helmet and whose face was covered by a clipboard.)

Spinlyn and Braptor stopped in their place, eyes wide as they stared at someone they assumed was a corpse for years. While Scorm continued walking forward, clipboard in hand. “I don’t know what you all want but we’re busy trying to figure out this mysterious fog stuff and also something to do with speedors getting stuck in…” He finally looked up from his clipboard as he walked right up to Laval.

Then he screamed.

“Hey, Scorm.” Laval said, as the scorpion continued screaming.

“You!”

“Me.”

“Dead!?”

“Was.”

“How?!”

“Chi.”

“Whaaaaaaaaa!” Scorm the Scorpion King, the one who crippled Cavora and kidnapped all the Legend Beasts, ran out of the room screaming.

Laval watched the little guy go, then turned towards the Spider and Bat tribe leaders.

“So how have you guys been?”

-

“Good thing the beavers make a ton of empty houses for fun.” Li’Ella said as he opened the door to Laval’s new home. It was quite big, the architecture quite similar to something the lion’s would build which gave Laval a lot of conflicted feelings.

“Soooooooo… Where’s Lavertus?” Laval couldn’t help but ask since he hadn’t seen him at the festival or during the meeting.

“He’s out collecting some stuff. I’ll message him. Though maybe I’ll say, ‘hey you should come back there's something you should see’ and not ‘your dead nephews back,’ you know?”

Laval chuckled despite himself. “Well, I’ll leave you to… uh… or do you want to talk about anything? I know today has been a lot.” Li’Ella asked.

The lion sighed. “Well… it’s hard to start where to… start… I guess. I just think I need to… think? UGH! I just don’t know. I don’t know!” He threw up his hands, as he gave Li’Ella a bewildered look.

The lioness sympathized with her fellow tribemate. “Well, do you want to talk about it?” She asked again.

The two stared at each other for a bit, Laval studying the whites of Li’Ella’s eyes. Something he doesn’t have anymore.

“I guess I just feel… helpless… after everything I failed. I failed to save my friends, my family, my tribe, Chima, Cavora, and…”

His Uncle, his best friend, his Dad…

“So many people… gone… because of me…”

Li’Ella cupped Laval’s face as he gave him a sad smile.

“I know it’s hard. We all felt like we had a role in its downfall but we now all get a chance to be a part of its rise.”

Laval touched her right hand as a tear fell from his eye.

“And what if I fail again?” He mumbled, as Li’Ella whipped his tears away.

“It’s better you fail after you’ve tried again, then to just give up.”

-

Laval looked out the window facing towards Chima. It felt so weird to not see Cavora floating up in the air like it always does. It was apparently still alive so that was good. But it still felt off to see it wasn’t the same as before.

Kinda like him in a way. Still alive, but not the same as before. He ran his hand through his mane and-

His crown.

It was gone! Was it destroyed or lost on the way here?

He ran to a nearby mirror in a bathroom to see and… woah. He really didn’t get a good look of himself until now. It was hard to believe he was still alive, still a functioning person with how he looks. Black eyes, deep gashes, a missing arm. Maybe this is how the Hunters felt when they were revived. The thought almost makes him feel bad for them.

Almost.

He steps away from the mirror and plops on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

“...”

…

“Dad…”

…

“I’m sorry I failed…”

…

“You’d probably say something smart or whatever just to give me hope.”

…

“But I’m scared Dad. The whole tribe is gone, you're gone! Everything is different. I’m different!”

…

“Was I with you? When I died? Maybe I was and when Li’Ella woke me up I just forgot all about it…”

…

“I don’t know exactly what to do.”

…

“But I do know everyone can’t keep living like this. And that me and my friends are their only hope!”

...

"I may fail again but I have to try."

…

“I just hope you're doing okay and all…with the tribe. With mom.”

…

“Goodnight, Dad.”

…

“I’ll miss you.”

-

10 years.

10 YEARS! He and his best friends had been dead for TEN YEARS!

It was a very hard thing to comprehend as he and Li’Ella rode on the Lion Beast back to Santuario.

He held on tightly to the lioness out of fear that she’d suddenly disappear, and he’d fall back into that dreamless sleep once again. The warmth of the two living lions was a stark contrast to his lack of body heat. Even with the Firewings and the fire chi he still felt freezing cold. Like no matter what fire burned inside of him, he’d never escape their freeze. It made him shiver as he softly sobbed into Li’Ella’s fluffy cloak, wrapping the lioness in a hug. She patted his hands in reassurance.

10 years.

For ten years Confident Cragger, Clever Eris, Sweet Rogon, Generous Gorzan, Sleepy Bladvic, Sneaky Razar, and Moody Worriz… have been dead.

In a dreamless sleep just like the Hunters.

But just like the Hunters they can come back! They were out there! Just like Li’Ella, said if he can be brought back then so can the others!

Soon they reached the Outlands, just as the sound of blasters faded away. But they didn't stop till they reached a clearing, for the Legend Beast to catch his breath.

The two dismounted and Laval looked Li’Ella up and down.

She had bags under her eyes, a clear sign she wasn’t sleeping well. At all. She wore a giant brown cloak that covered her whole body and was soft to the touch, a chi harness peeking out from the inside.

Then he looked at himself.

New outfit.

Purple colored gashes.

One arm.

They both had clearly changed a lot over the years.

Li’Ella remained silent as Laval looked around. The Lion Beast nudged his check like a parent would.

“It is good to see you again, cub.”

Laval hugged the Lion Beast back, snuggling deeper into his mane. Li’Ella joined them and the three simply stood amongst the stars that shone in the Outlands in silence. Letting their friend get a grip on everything.

Laval sighed as he pulled away from the two.

“I’m glad to be… back. Heh. But what about everybody else? Everyone who survived?”

Li’Ella thought for a bit. “Well, Windra and Razcal have taken over as the leaders of their tribes since Worriz’s and Rawzome’s deaths. And we have been on good terms with the Crawlers.”

Laval smiled sadly, “How “good” are these terms?”

“We’ve actually been getting along pretty well. Scorm has even gotten off his high horse a few times and helped deal with things like clearing deadly plants or rebuilding houses after earthquakes.”

“Huh.” Laval couldn’t exactly imagine a Scorm acting mature in any manner, shape, or form. He’d have to see this to believe it.

“What about… my Dad?”

Li’Ella’s face said it all as a look of utter sorrow blanketed her face. The Lion Beast gained one of his own. Laval thought he knew what was coming. It was obvious it had to happen at some point. No one lives forever, but the thought of it terrified him. Still he braised himself for the truth.

He wasn’t prepared.

“Lagravis, as well as all the other lions, were killed. There are only two of us left. Me and Lavertus.”

The weight of the world might as well have collapsed onto Laval’s shoulders as he fell to his knees. He saw nothing as he screamed and cried, his vision turning white as he let it all out. His whole family. HIS WHOLE TRIBE! Gone…

No! This isn’t real. Maybe it was just an illusion. Or maybe he suddenly gained the ability to have visions. And this was just a bad ending.

He’ll wake up and all his friends and his tribe and his Dad will be alive all well. Right? Right…

But as he felt some of the only two lions left hold him tight as he screeched his lungs out, he knew the truth.

This was real.

They had lost.

His tribe was dead.

And his Dad was gone…

-

Flinx wanted to be alone. Unfortunately for him, Skinnet and Plovar have no idea what that means. He had been wandering through the forest just to clear his head, occasionally mumbling to himself.

“Maybe I should just go…” he contemplated out loud.

“Go? Go where? You’ll miss out on all this great sap!” The young phoenix jumped as Skinnet approached him, holding a basket with jars of the green sap. The very thing he collects has stained his purple jacket and pants beyond repair, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

The little crocodile cleaning bird sitting on top of his head, simply happy to be here.

“Ugh. I just want to be alone right now, guys.” Flinx said, already turning his back to the two.

“Great! We can be alone together!” Skinnet said.

“Perhaps it could give me the opportunity to spruce up that beak of yours. Dear, you desperately need a cleaning.” Plovar suggested, flapping towards Flinx.

“I’ll be finnnneeee. I just-”

Then there was screaming. But not from any of them. The three began running towards the source, fearing it was one of their own in trouble.

When they reached a clear, they saw Li’Ella and the Lion Beast huddled next to a weeping-

…

“Wha- Laval!” Flinx shouted. Plovar and Skinnet gasped.

The one who should be a ghost looked up at the call of his name, eyes brimming with tears. Skinnet did not hesitate, shouting Laval’s name as he barreled in for a hug. The lion made a small “oof” sound when he jumped towards him, but embraced the skunk nonetheless.

“Hey… *sniff* Skinnet…” He said between sniffles. Plovar landed on the lion’s shoulder, hugging his check. But Flinx still stared in shock. Examining Laval’s zombie-like appearance. (So much like the Hunters, it almost scared him.)

“But how?” As Flinx walked closer, hesitating with each and every step.

Li’Ella stood up and chuckled nervously. The Lion Beast gave Flinx a cheeky grin.

You did say to safely bring back your friend.

Laval stood up, as Skinnet reluctantly let go. “It’s been a long time. Sorry about… everything.”

Flinx suddenly rushed up to Laval, hugging him as tight as he could.

“I missed you…” He whispered softly as tears began to form. Laval patted the young phoenix’s head softly. “I missed you too, bud. But we’ve got a lot of work to do. We gotta go get the others and start over this whole Illumination again.” Laval explained, as Flinx pulled away. A soft “what” escaping from his beak.

“Okay, but first we gotta show you around the place.” Li’Ella said with a smile.

“Oh, yeah! I can show you all the good spots for sap. And take you on a tour around the new village. The bears opened a blacksmith dealing with weapons and wolves have been good hunters while the-” Skinnet took Laval’s hand as he chatted on and on about what it’s been like living in Santuario.

As everyone followed along, Li’Ella whispered to Laval, “Are you okay?”

Laval gave her a conflicted look. “We can talk about it later. Right now, let's go see how everyone's doing.”

They knew Li’Ella struggled with visiting the Lion Temple, witnessing the slaying of your entire tribe for a second time was no easy burden to bear. She hadn’t even really gone anywhere near the place. Not like she could. It was crawling with Hunters ever since that sabertooth ass took it over and declared it as his own castle. No doubt exploiting the chi that the collapsed mountain somehow still produced.

But today felt different.

It's been ten years since it all happened. Ten years since she lost them but she wanted to see it again. Maybe even take a memento from the Temple.

It’s not like anyone else will claim it in the village.

She patted the Legend Beast on the head. “Let's go.”

-

The two crouched in the forest near the Temple, watching as Mammoths, Vultures, and Ice Bears headed up the stairs of what they now dubbed The Saber Tooth City. Lights shined bright inside as music played for their own celebration. No doubt celebrating the anniversary of their victory.

Rage boiled in the lioness as she watched those who oppressed her people get all dolled up and enjoy some damn party. She wanted to burn each and everyone of them alive. Just like what they did to her tribe.

She softly growled in rage, eyes shooting daggers. She was so distracted with her emotions that she didn’t even notice the centerpiece that stood at the top of the steps as everyone cleared away.

Until the Lion Beast whined and nudged her side.

“Wha- what is…”

Li’Ella’s eyes now filled with shock when she saw it.

When she saw him.

Frozen like a statue.

Put up like nothing but a decoration.

Still wearing the fire wings.

His red mane is still as bright as ever, despite the burning blue that caged it.

“Laval…” she practically sobbed.

Was his body really here this whole time? And she was too full of grief and guilt to even bother finding it?

Perhaps the Legend Beast read her mind as he leaned closer to her, Li’Ella patting his mane.

“I… I… we have to bring him back…” She stood up. “He can’t be here… he should be with his people. His… family.” At least to be given a proper burial.

The Lion nodded. He didn’t need to be told twice.

The two scaled the Temple, seeing if there were any guards they had to avoid.

Aside from the two at the front of the stairs, none of the others should be two much trouble.

Li’Ella digs through her bag and pulls out some sleeping darts the gorilla tribe had developed. Pulling her hood over her head she quickly walked over two of the guards to get a closer shot.

“Hey! You-” They don’t even have the time to finish their sentence, as each guard gains one dart in their neck. As Li’Ella heads up the stairs, they pass out. The Lion Beast catches up to her as she reaches the top.

Beasts, it was worse up close.

The Lioness could barely look at her fellow tribemate. His face seemed to have been frozen in a permanent scream, as a lot of flesh and bones had been eaten away over time. He was even missing a whole arm! At the base of the Laval's stand, was a plaque:

Here Lies One of the Many Fools who dared to stand up against Sir Fangar of the Hunters.

Learn from his mistakes.

Li’Ella rolled her eyes.

She wanted to say a few words to him. Maybe an “I’m sorry” or something.

But they were currently standing in enemy territory and if they didn't act fast, they could end up dead.

“Okay… How are we…” She mumbled out loud, trying to think of a plan, while also quickly realized that this might be a bad idea. She dug through her bag trying to find more tools and pulled out the fire chi.

Maybe I can plug the chi and break him off of the floor, then we can carry him home. It would probably be better to carry a block of ice that they can melt later than a body with limbs that can fly around and stuff.

Unless the body was so frozen stiff it-

Stop thinking about it!

As Li’Ella was about to plug the chi into her harness, she caught a glimpse of the fire wings in the ice.

And that's when it happened.

Was it a stupid idea? Maybe.

Should she have thought it out? Perhaps. But she was running on anger, guilt, and grief. Besides, if the hunters can be revived with normal chi, who says fire chi can’t do the same…

So before even the Lion Beast can stop her, Li’Ella plugged the chi into Laval’s fire wings.

-

Cold…

Warm…

Bright…

Burning…

-

When she plugs in the chi, bright light explodes from where Laval stood frozen. Li’Ella closes her eyes, as she feels the Legend Beast move in front to protect her.

The light is so bright it almost burns her very fur as she attempts to shield herself. Then she hears it.

A roar.

His roar!

It worked!

When the light begins to die down, she hears rough coughing. Then a rasping voice (one she has not heard in forever) says, “Li’Ella…”

The sound brings tears to her eyes as she looks up, smiling as bright as the light that almost blinded her. The Lion Beast displays a grin of his own as they stare at him.

Laval of the Lions is standing in an outfit similar to the one she had seen him wear in pictures, before the fire chi gifted him a new one.

But instead of blue this one is more crimson with gold accents. His eyes burn bright orange, but the sclera of the eye is no longer white but pitch black. His scratches and wounds are all a deep dark purple and Laval is still missing an arm. The fire wing harness glows bright as if it had just been polished and not frozen for 10 years.

The three stared at each other in silence for what felt like hours.

Till Laval says, “Uh… did we win?”

The sound of approaching hunters answers his question, as Li’Ella takes his hand and they hop on the Lion Beast, who dashes down the stairs as fast as his four legs can.

“Uh. I’ll fill you in later.”

“Yeah. I think I missed a lot because- WHERE DID MY ARM GO?!”

Laval turned towards the crowd of Hunter’s, many entering their vehicles to chase after them.

“Did we really lose that bad? How long was I out? Where are the others? Are they okay?”

Shots fired as the Lion Beast ran deeper into the woods.

“Well… you all died.” Li’Ella began.

“WHAT!”

“But I brought you back! So, we can do the same for everyone else. Look, I'll explain when we get to the Outlands. It’s a lot. But you're here! And that's what matters.”

Li’Ella turned to see Laval’s face full of horror and confusion.

“What… Did you do?” He whispered.

Despite the situation, Li’Ella let out a small chuckle. She felt bad the moment it came out but she couldn’t help.

“Heh. Necormany I guess.”

Last chapter <- ⭐️-> Next Chapter

-

Fun fact! This whole series (especially this scene) was inspired by the book Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson, about a girl who revives her dead best friend and some popular girls to solve their murder.

The Outlands was the only place not touched by the Hunter’s icy claws which meant it was the only refuge left.

Over the next few days after the war had been lost, the survivors of Chima would come to make it their home.

The eagles, ravens, and phoenix made it here first, easily avoiding the danger below as they flew.

Next came the wolves, whose vehicles were easily able to tread through foreign territory.

Then the crocodiles, who knew a lost battle when they saw one and helped the beavers along the way.

The Gorillas, Rhinos, and Bears came in a small group, all three of their tribes on the brink of extinction all thanks to one battle.

Occasionally those without a tribe would scurry into their makeshift campsite, with many phoenix going out to find any survivors.

Many didn’t come back.

Then lastly came the lion tribe: Lavertus and Li’Ella.

The only ones left.

And so began their new life. In a place they had dubbed Santuario.

Adjusting to the Outlands had been difficult. There were of course the plants that would try to eat people, but thanks to the Phoenix’s fire (and certain skunk) they were easy to deal with.

But of course it can’t be TOO easy. As there were also the Crawlers, who while not enthused to have new guests, seemed to have a change of heart after getting their butts handed to them by the Hunters, and “allowed” everyone to stay. It took some time to get used to their… neighbors but some of them were pretty nice.

As Flinx walked through town he gazed at all the usual spots it had to offer. There was the crocodile's makeshift lake, the ravens mini flea market in town square, and a spot just for Gelsi the Gorilla to teach meditation. Something G’Loona had been insisting Flinx visit to calm his vibe.

“Hey, Firestarter!”

Speak of the devil.

Flinx gave the approaching G’Loona and Wonald a mischievous grin.

The two had changed much over the years since he first met them.

The young gorilla girl had gained a love for mechanics after helping Windra and the beavers fix up everyone's vehicles and mechs. Often wearing a pair of overalls that were stained with oil, along with a pink shirt, and two giant gothlets that she designed herself. (They were practically glued to her hands with how often she wears them!)

While she dealt in mechanics, Wonald enjoyed gardening, often helping the gorillas cultivate the land to grow their own food. He would usually have dirt on his brown pants and fur, but would also dawn the occasional flower crown or bracelet. Clearly enjoying his job (even if some wolves didn’t approve.)

“I told you a thousand times, that plant was giving me a mean look, Mech Maiden.” Flinx teased.

“And I’ll tell you a thousand more, they don’t have eyes.” G’Loona raised an eyebrow as Flinx shrugged.

“Will you be joining us in picking out followers for the ceremony? I was thinking of getting another bunch of marigolds.” Wonald said dreamily, picturing all the pretty petals of the flower.

“Right… the ceremony…”

Every year, everyone in the village (including some crawlers) would come together to honor the lives of the eight heroes of Chima, along with those they lost along the way.

It was a bit like a party, with stories being told of those no longer with them (often by Lundor), food prepared, and lots of dancing.

While the celebration was full of life and remembrance, it would be a time of nothing but guilt for the young phoenix.

“I… think I’ll pass… Besides I gotta give Li’Ella an orb of chi! She’ll need it on another one of her trips. See you guys later!” Flinx called out as he left.

The two gave each other worried looks, with G’Loona shaking her head. “I don’t think he’s ready to forgive himself yet…”

Wonald sighed. “If not now, when?”

The gorilla shrugged, playing with her necklace as she spoke. “I’m not sure. But we’ll be there for him. No matter what.”

-

“Got your axe.”

“Yep.”

“Communicator.”

“Yep.”

“Got-”

“Fire chi delivery service!” Flinx yelled as he barged into the small home of Tormak and Li’Ella, startling said owners along with the Lion Beast inside.

Li’Ella sighed. “Flinx, how was practice?” She said, as Tormak gave him a nod of greeting. The Lion Beast licked his check the way a cat would lick its kitten, Flinx chuckling as he gently pushed the lion aside.

“Ah, pfff. It’s fine. I think I’m getting there.” Lying through his beak, Flinx threw Li’Ella the fire chi for her “trip.”

Every so often, the lioness would take the Lion Legend Beast out into the frozen lands of Chima for a small joyride. She claims it’s to find supplies, but everyone knows the real reason.

The need to see a world that could have been her own was powerful. Even if it meant getting frozen by the tribe that had killed it. Occasionally she would bring back some food or an orb of chi (proof that the falls were still flowing somehow, despite the fact that the mountain no longer hung in the sky). But Li’Ella would also bring momentos.

Things that had belonged to people such as old books, toys, their own weapons, whatever she would find she would return to their original owners. While Li’Ella asked for nothing in return, that didn’t stop the townsfolk from granting her a token of their gratitude. Whether it be through a small solid or a delicious meal.

They would not take no for an answer.

“Hmm. Well, do you need anything?” Li’Ella asked, even though she always knew the answer.

Flinx didn’t want any reminders from what happened. Of what he did.

“Just come back safe.”

Li’Ella nodded as the Legend Beast nudged her side.

“Bring my friend home safe, okay.” Flinx said as he hugged the Legend Beast. The Lion Beast purred.

Of course. They will be safe with me.

Tormak silently nodded, arms crossed as Li’Ella and The Lion headed outside.

“Flinx, I know it must be hard for you.”

Flinx groaned in frustration, “This again…”

Tormak turned to the young phoenix. “You know how important it is for you to learn. Maybe you-”

“I TOLD you! I’m not a hero after what happened. We have plenty of other phoenixes in this place! You don’t need me!” Flinx stormed out, leaving Tormak alone with his thoughts.

The Fire-born Panther sighed.

“Flinx, you must learn you are not to blame.”