And a homecoming victory scene!

Chapter 36: Army of Followers

Within minutes, Max, Saori, Tigress, Taiga, Akashi, Musaki, Miyo and Arizona returned back to the village alongside some of Min Wei's former cliques and it seems as though they like being around Max more because they've been where he's been; being manipulated and taken advantaged of by that panther and they were happy to say that the worst is over now and that they can go back to the lives they were living...back to normal.

And for Max, it also meant that he's finally got his burdens lifted off of his shoulders and he got his mate back...for good. He looks at Saori and both of them were holding hands together as they were close to the Heavenly Tower...but they were completely unaware of what's happening when they headed back to the village.

"Hey, there's Max!"

In a few short seconds, everyone around the village immediately cornered on Max in relief and happiness that he's okay and in some cases, the crowd grew larger, surrounding the teenage tiger and Akashi told them, "Give Max some room here."

Everyone gave him a little bit of space as he kept limping on and most of them were concerned for Max and he sat down on the steps of Miyo's bakery and Akashi knelt down and grabbed Max's ankle and used his aura to heal the injured spots from his ankle to his arm and leg and once it's healed, Max stood up and walked a little bit...which left him totally blown away that he's healed.

"Max...we were all so worried about you. Our flight crier told us about this predicament you were in with Min Wei." Max's mentor said.

"If that chick comes here...we're all ready." another resident spat out.

Max chuckled in response to that and he said, "That won't be possible...because Min Wei's dead."

All of them were surprised to hear that response coming out of Max after hearing that news, but they assumed that Max did it all by himself and Akashi explained everything to clear it up and after that, most of them completely cheered for Max and the rest of Min Wei's former cliques and followers swore that day that Max is the better friend and they'd be fortunate to have him as their leader.

"Now that Min Wei's gone...should we be your royal servants?" asked one of the cliques.

Max was very surprised by that question, but he lets out a smile and said, "You guys are my friends. And that's how it should be...however, you do need someone to help you in times of uncertainty...and will guide you in the right direction. Hopefully, you guys can see me not just your leader, but also your personal friend."

"In Max's terms...he'll undo everything Min Wei did to you guys." Akashi added.

Max agreed with that and he said to them, "You guys deserve to be treated fairly and be respected as equal instead of who's in their elite group or who's good enough."

They were more than willing to accept it and they bowed to him and said, "We would love to have you be our leader."

"Thanks...but for now, think of me as your friend." Max replied.

That was an even better position for Max and they're glad to accept it and go with it and Saori couldn't be any more happier for Max and as they were cheering for him, Max felt like he can actually take a stand for what's right and the worst is over now and he's finally back with his beloved Saori and he wouldn't have it any other way.

'I am so proud of you, Max. I know you'll make a great mate for Saori.' Akashi thought.

And I can hear the All-American Rejects song, 'Move Along' played through this scene! What about you guys? The final chapter is coming up!