Chapter 3: Unseen Wounds

The next day was business as usual, and to the Laval's discomfort, that meant more war strategy meetings. While they were only slightly more entertaining than negotiations like the ones that had happened on that fateful Chi Day a year ago, they were more grueling on as this shell-shocked, reluctant general, stood with the same strength of the living dead, as the Leaders of the tribes discussed the recent developments. As with most wars, the fighting was mostly done over territories around Chima so as to gain a strategic advantage over the other side. So the map room quickly became a cramped war room whenever strategy was to be discussed.

Laval was trying to act alive, but a closer look from anyone would reveal that he was barely mentally present. Then again, why would he be? He didn't want to keep fighting, he just wanted things to go back to as normal as possible. Something his friends and even his father understood, but sadly felt like they couldn't do anything for him.

Not that they could really do anything at the moment anyways, as they were too busy discussing how to continue the fight as the other side seemed to grow stronger.

"The Ice Bears are continuing to try and take Sanctuary Forest with the assistance of the Rhinos." Lagravis said.

"Leave the Ice Bears to us, we'll make sure they'll never disturb our naps again."

Worriz just shook his head at the Bear's rage blind antics, Crominus addressed the Wolf leader, "Any luck in rescuing my daughter?"

"We're trying your majesty, but can you try and make sure she doesn't get captured again this time?"

"I assure you we are doing our best Worriz, as the deaths of all my soldiers who have tried to guard her proves."

Cragger spoke up, "May I recommend Crawley and Crug?"

"Cragger, you and I both know that they are needed in the army, we need to have them there as our enemies have just about killed every guard we have set up."

Cragger could pick up that he wasn't being exactly truthful, and he kind of understood why, as while the two were very loyal and dutiful in practice, but the two often acted like they were comedy act.

"My concern is what we're going to do about the Raven's," Ewald said, "Last time they attacked, we were barely able to push them back as they had the Vulture's help."

"I am aware of the latest attack on Eagle spire Ewald," Lagravis said, "You and I both know that our numbers are actually larger though, is that not enough?"

"Numbers are one thing, but our air force might not be enough anymore."

"So what? We build more jets, train more pilots?" Eris said.

"Or we can essentially teach the other tribes to fly." Ewald said.

Worriz facepalmed, "You do know how hard it is to actually build a flying machine right?"

"Yes, but now you have us to help you." Ewald said.

"And what good does that do? We still have to build more machines and train the troops to fly to even get close to the vultures or the Ravens", Worriz snarled, "We would run out of the time, money, and Chi before we got half of the forces that we needed to even come close to the forces that we need! So unless another tribe that can fly falls from the sky and somehow manages to join our side, we're out of luck with our air force!"

"How could we going to find another tribe that can fly? The Illumination reverted the Bats back to what they were before they came in contact with the Chi and the Phoenix flew back into their Mother Sun. Not to mention that even if the bats were still around, there is no guarantee that they would join our side anyways.", Cragger said.

Laval suddenly smiled as an idea came to his mind,

"But what about the Phoenix?"

"Uh… What exactly do you mean?" Cragger said, obviously confused.

"What if we somehow recruited the Phoenix, that would do more than solve the Air Support Problem, it could end the war entirely, as whichever side they join is most likely the right one and the other one will surrender."

"And what if we actually find them and they decide to join the Tiger's side Laval?" Lagravis said.

"Then I guess we are truly in the wrong then," Laval said.

Lagravis shook his head, "That being said Laval, contacting the Phoenix again, it will be really difficult."

"Try impossible," Worriz snarled, "The Phoenix have been gone ever since the Illumination, they're as good as dead."

"Actually Worriz, Phoenix don't technically die that easily.", Eris said.

"Nobody asked you!", Worriz said.

That comment made the already peeved Lion Prince even more upset.

"They're still out there, I know they are.", Laval said.

"And what if you're wrong?"

"What if you're wrong!?"

Worriz growled in annoyance at the Young Lion's persistence.

"Ok, I'll bite,", he said.

Everyone else in the room could tell he was getting very close to another type of biting as everyone in the room save it be the two that were arguing slowly prepared to draw their weapons.

"So how exactly do you intend to get in contact with the Phoenix?", he finished.

"Well… What about the ruins? We were able to find the fire wings there the first time, maybe we can find more artifacts and with them clues to find a way to contact the Phoenix.", Laval said.

"So let me get this straight, you think that our best chance of actually standing a chance in ending the war is to poke around in some piles of rocks? Grr… Accept reality Laval! There are no Legend Beasts or Phoenix coming to save us this time! We have to fight for our land!"

"So that's our plan!? Squabble with the other tribes until one side just gives up?"

"And yours is a lot better?"

"Yes! Because my first solution to a problem is not always war, Un…! Like…! YOU!"

As Laval said this last word, he gave Worriz a hard shove, causing him to fall for the ground as Laval ran out of the room as fast as he could.

"Laval! Laval wait!" Lagravis cried.

He was too late as Laval was already halfway to his Speedor as Lagravis ran after him.

"Laval!"

Laval rode out on his Speedor without a single glance back, as Lagravis ran through the Chi fall to try and stop him.

"LAVAL!"

It was too late, Laval was already too far to catch on foot and he wasn't slowing down. He was about to turn back when he heard two more Speedorz approach. Before he could turn around a white Speedor and a green Speedor zoomed past him.

Cragger called out as his vehicle roared into the distance, "Don't worry you're Majesty, we'll bring him back, I promise!"

Eris called out from her Speedor, "Laval slow down! We just want to talk."

Laval didn't say anything as he sped up more. Groaning in frustration, the two friends followed suit, desperate not to lose their friend. Noticing this Laval turned to a different route, Cragger gasped as he realized exactly where he was taking them.

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